THE CAGE

31 Dragon

60 days prior to the final battle

A lifetime ago, with frozen eyes they closed the door.
Suddenly I realized what locks are for. No trusting them anymore.
Empty the stare, innocent and unaware, dragged out from my home ,my lair.
Earmarked me, hurt me, burned me.
The walls around me, eyes surround me, feed my fear again.
The dream is alive, I can run up the hills every night,
go around and see another side of the tree.

Fiery the vengeance, hate will drain me.

As I bite into the rasperry, a drop of sparkling red juyce skids down my chin. The Brecilian Forest, my forest, is teeming with strawberries this summer. I know mommy is looking for me. She must be worried. But it's the first day of summer, and once I surprise her with the most delicious raspberries of the forest she'll tell me how good I am. My hands are little enough to reach even the most inner section of the bush. When I look at them, they're red with raspberry juice. I decide I'll get my first Vallaslin, and I start painting my face. Then, a big hand covers my eyes and my mouth. Everything turns black. Have I gone blind?

The light hurts me. I cover my face, and I see they're still stained with raspberry juice. Whispers reach my elven ears, and I slowly lower my hands, baring my eyes. I'm surrounded by bars, the air stinks of death and a big man is staring at me contemplating me like I'm a piece of meat. Another even bigger man appears from the corner and tells me that Lord Vaughan will pay well for me. I shout, I demand to be let out, but they just laugh. The little wolf wants to sting us, they say. I look at my dirty hands again: the hands of a grown woman now. I don't have to be afraid anymore, they'll get a taste of my power! I cut my palm and I wait for my blood to boil, for my power to be released, for those slavers to fear me. Nothing happens. My blood keeps flowing, and the men get closer, closer, closer. I scream, but no one hears my cry.

"Stop, Neria! Shh, it's just me, Zev!"

Panting, Neria opened her eyes. Zevran was sitting on her stomach, holding her wrists. There were no slavers and she wasn't in a cage, that's her tent.

"Zev" she panted "I... can't breathe".

Letting go of her, Zevran slid back beside her, delicately holding her into his arms. Still trembling, Neria drew a deep breath and rested her head on his chest.

"It's allright, my Warden. It's all right, I'm here" he softly whispered into her ear. His touch was exciting when he meant it to be, but now he was just stroking her hair tenderly. Not the kind of behaviour she would have bet on: after all, when she accepted his 'massage' she had had a bed partner in mind. Zevran had never stroke her as the cuddling type.

"The Archdemon again?" he asked. "All that's left is the final battle. If I was him, I'd at least try to scare you away". Neria offered no answer.

For a couple of minutes, neither of them talked. Then, Zevran chuckled softly. "My dear Warden, you're by far the most adorable, mysterious and puzzling target I've ever met. Any woman would have spilled every single bean by now, and yet I'm unable to guess what could have terrified a mighty mage Warden like you".

"It wasn't the Archdemon" Neria blurted out.

Once again, Zevran remained silent and she silently thanked him. Somehow, the assassin seemed to know when to talk and when not. He never pressed her into personal talks. And yet, until that moment he never had cuddled her either.

"You said your mother was Dalish" she started, cautiously.

"I did" Zevran simply confirmed.

Neria took a deep breath. The words came out before she could plan what to say and how to say it. "I wasn't born in Denerim, Zev. My parents were Dalish, and I was supposed to grow up surrounded by my kin."

The elven assassin did nothing but listen. Once again, the mage was surprised by his tact.

"When I was seven, I was kidnapped by slavr hunters. They thought our young Lord Vaughan would have enjoyed the company of a Dalish child". Her voice filled with rage, becoming almost a growl. "I showed them. I didn't allow them to lay their filthy hands on me. I thought I earned my freedom and I would have gone back home."

"My dear Grey Warden, I'd be happy to kill those men for you. I'd even do it out of charged" joked Zevran. Except than he seemed dead serious.

"And then the Templars came. Of course, they couldn't offer their precious Lord an harmful plaything" she continued, dryly. "They had no use for me. You know, I asked the Templars if I could go home. Then I asked them why they were keeping me apart from my family. If I was of anything and therefore I was being punished."

Neria paused for a moment. "A child is never guilty, but you should not run free. That's what they replied."

In time, she managed to relax and even falling back to sleep became a concrete chance. Zevran never stopped caressing her hair and skin, a touch that acted on her like it was a lullaby. Dozing and half asleep, she heard a voice whispering "For you, I'd slaughter every single templar." She wasn't sure whether it was the echo of a dream or not, neither whose voice it was. She got trapped in the land of dreams before another thought could cross her mind.

§§

31 Dragon

45 days prior to the final battle.

Circle mages are bound to live their lifes inside their Tower. Enchanters could ask for a permission to leave for brief periods of time, of course, but the outer world remained some strange, weird animal only occasionally spotted. Even though she had earned her freedom almost a year ago and since then had fought for the Grey Wardens, drafting a war strategy was an entirely different matter. Neria was well aware that she needed help. Her legs crossed, the elf was sitting into the tent she had made ready for her small war council. Nothing more than a couple of fabric remainders sewn together, to be fair. In front of her, a Ferelden map. Perhaps, once she would have felt uneasy at the thought of not resting on a matters, or to be deprived of an actual room, but now it didn't matter anymore.

Rays of sunshine gilded her hands and the map for a couple of seconds.

"Kadan" said Sten, taking place beside her. That was his only greeting: the Qunari never wasted anything, words included.

"Sten. I thought you were still training, you're early. Something wrong?" Neria considered, observing her friend's face. She had come to understand the Qunari warrior enough to know that he never neglected his training, unless there was a good reason.

Sten replied immediately, withouy any hesitation. "I wanted to talk to you. Are you sure you want him to take part in this meeting? We can't trust his advice, as seasoned as he is. He may offer bad suggestions to get us killed."

The mage nodded in agreement. "I know, Sten. That's why you're here. You are experienced enough in terms of military strategy to tell apart deceit and sincere help." Sten simply nodded in agreement. There was no need for him to affirm his commitment towards their mission.

Neria had contemplated the possibility, of course. She had been backstabbed enough times to try preventing every negative outcome when it came to trusting people. Nevertheless, she considered that specific change far from likely: after all, without defeating the Blight Ferelden would have crumbled. And if Ferelden wasn't the issue, the man surely cared for his own life. She couldn't be sure how Loghain had taken his defeat: she had no idea whether he was festering a grudge or not. All in all, she had to be cautious, as much as her guts could tell her to be optimistic.

"Warden. I'm at your command."

Loghain announced himself and immediately entered the tent.

Neria nodded at him, then studied the former Teyrn. He was wearing his armor, and his longsword was resting by his right side, into its scabbard: his facial expression revealed absolutely nothing, but a man who feels amongst friends didn't feel the need to protect himself with an uncomfortable piece of armor during a strategy meeting.

"Have you received any news from Arl Eamon?" Loghain asked, interrupting her train of thoughts. His gaze fell on the map, where it stopped: he seemed to be examining it with an intent interest.

"We still have no idea where the horde will strike. However, once an Archdemon guides them we know they plan on destroying human population. A fact that makes Redcliffe and Denerim the most probable targets" Neria explained. Then, she looked up at both men, waiting for their feedback,

"It makes sense, Kadan" Sten commented.

Loghain didn't answer immediately. He seemed to be searching for something on the map. Finally, he knitted his brows and asked "Yes, it does. But where are the troops?"

Neria and Sten exchanged a puzzled look. "Actually, that's what I meant to discuss with you both" she explained.

In response, Loghain shook his head. "I'm referring to the scale models. It may seem an unnecessary luxury, but I assure you that physically putting the troops in order will help us a lot"

"I'm not accustomed to, but I've seen some of the Beresaad use the same device" Sten stepped in.

"If you agree, Warden, I could carve some" Loghain offered. "Meanwhile, we'll just do without."

"Go ahead" the mage agreed. "So, we have the templars, the werevolves, Arl Eamon's men, the dwarves and their golems. As much as ranged fighters can become a pain in the ass, knowing that none of our troops will be vulnerable if brought into melee is... comforting. Templars can take care of emissarries." A slight hint of scorn stained her tone for a moment. "They'll be more than happy to contribute in such a way."

"I say we shouldn't wait for the attack to come knocking at our doors. Let's send werewolves into the Brecilian Forest to flush darkspawns out. Let's have the Arl's soldiers patrolling Denerim's boundaries. The dwarves can patrol mountain's passes and the Deep Roads. Meanwhile, the Templars could guard the streets leading to Denerim. This way, we could be alerted if too many darkspawn round up somewhere near both cities" proposed Sten. Neria wasn't surprised. Sten was never one for sitting and waiting for the battle. Instead, he considered it equal to run from it.

"I hope our werewolves, King Bhelen and the Arl got started on it already, Qunari. Or else, it means our allies lack of any tactical virtue and we're practically doomes" Loghain wryly retorted. His tone softened almost immediately though, before Sten could snarl at him. Of which, Loghain didn't seem much scared judging from his calm expression. "If we have enough man, it's a good plan. A bit risky though: Ferelden is a big country, and if, say, the wolf-beasts or the wandering Templars bump into the horde they might get butchered in a matter of minutes." Loghain turned to Neria. "How many men do we have at our disposal?"

The mage twisted her mouth. "This kind of information is still unavailable. They're training every living recruit in order to optimize their numbers. Even the weres."

Loghain hissed some vulgar curse, then stared at the map for several seconds before pointing at the Bannorn area. "We are forgetting the Banns. They're our key for an almost flawless vigilance". He cast a quick glance to Sten. "There's a way to put your plan into practice without risking too many man."

To Neria's surprise, Sten quietly replied "I'm listening".

Loghain pointed a finger on the green colours of the Brecilian Forest, the Hinterlands and the Circle Tower. "All these areas are to be constantly patrolled. And in doing so, Templars, weres and the Arl's soldiers will guard the streets to Denerim and simultaneously wear the horde thin by crushing the small groups of darlspawn they inevitably will iencounter. This way, we give battle without putting them to unnecessary danger and we protect Denerim as well. Plus, as I said, the Banns' soldiers will surely keep an eye on their lands and provide further protection". Finally, he indicated Orzammar. "The dwarves will be able to tells us if the horde is moving through some mountain pass. As the Qunari already pointed out."

"The Brecilian Forest is the weakest spot" Sten mumbled. "If I was the Archdemon and I wanted to take the battle to Denerim, I'd try to slip through the Korcari Wilds and strike down the werewoles."

Until then, the elf had kept listening in silent. She was conscious of her weakness in the matter. This time, though, she knew she could somehow contribute. "You weren't with us when we battled the werewolves, Sten. They might be fewer than the our other armies, and yes, the Brecilian Forest is huge, but it's their home. They know every corner, every hiding and they're not afraid to ambush their enemies. I can assure you, we can trust their competence."

Both men intently listened to her, then nodded in agreement.

"I trust your judgement, Kadan. So, if you trust those beasts, I do too" Sten declared.

For a moment, Loghain looked at the Qunari almost amazed, then turned his gaze to her. "If that's so, I'm convinced we came up with the best tactical scheme. Just keep in mind that if we choose to not gather the army, it will take days to before everyone reaches the battlefield so it's necessary that every contingent keeps a strict vigilance. On the other hand, we can't afford to strip Orzammar or Redcliffe to its army, Which makes our choice the only actual choice".

Neria fell silent again. As she was listening to them, she had started collecting some ideas to herself. "It leaves us with the manner in which we can use the troops when the horde finally strikes, I guess" she started.

"True enough. Warden?" asked Loghain. In fact, he handed over the floor to her.

Before speaking, the mage silently summarized the idea she had come up with. Then, she started explaining, carefully weighing every single word. "We still don't know whether the stage for the battle will be Denerim or Redcliffe. Whatever the case, we can't let them go beyond the walls". She pointed her finger on Redcliffe, "Here, we can build a... defensive belt using the Frostback Mountain's lower elevations, the southern border of the city and the boundary of the Hinterlands. I'd say regular soldiers on the southern border, dwarves on the elevations and weres on the Hinterlands' boundary. At least one golem for each group. The templars should be divided between the three, 'cause an emissary can appear everywhere". She then proceeded in indicating Denerim. "There, three contingents, again. Weres on river Drakon's southern shore, the dwarves on the western border of the city and regular soldiers along the Coastland's borders. A handful of templars for each contingent, again". Her finger moved on to the blue of the sea. "It's possible that the Archdemon attacks us from the sea. We should be ready for that too, and place some catapults along the shore". She quietly eyed both Sten and Loghain. "What do you think?"

"We may need to rethink the contingent's subdivision, but all in all it might work" Sten nodded. "We have to discuss the placement of the siege machines in general, and the possible use of some other kind of sapper defences, but I say we have built a good skeleton". To Neria's surprise, he eyed Loghain: obviously asking for his opinion.

"Let's just pray the horde is not too much for us to take on. If the Makes watches over us, it will work" Loghain whispered, a troubled look fixed on the map. Finally, when he raised his gaze he directed it on Neria. His expression was neutral once again. "I'd like to have a word with you, Warden. If you allow me" he asked.

Upon hearing that request, Sten briefly looked at her. By know, she knew him well enough to identify that look as a reassurance: if she wanted him to stay, he would have. "Agreed. Thank you for your assistance, Sten" she said instead.

"It's my duty" Sten replied. The Qunari moved towards the exit, not without casting Loghain a warning look. Upon his exit, the sunset light crept in for a moment.

§§

You aim for a common goal,

you are one with your foe.

Still sitting, Neria carefully began rolling up the map. She waited for Loghain to talk, whatever it was he needed to discuss with her. She heard him take some steps, but never lifted her gaze.

"I can't help wonder why I'm here, Warden" he finally asked. Upon meeting his gaze, the mage could see both detachment and indiffference in it. The map into her hand, she stood up to confront him, her back upright and her chin raised. She met his coolness with pride and self confidence.

"Please elaborate" she simply asked in return. She was no fool: she perfectly knew what he meant. He was, after all, the one who had hunted her for months, had tried blame her for King Cailan's and had attempted to discredit her at the Landsmeet. She knew it all too well. In acting like the oblivious one, she had decided to try him. To examine his reactions, to come to know the man: she had to know the people who slept in the same camp as hers.

Loghain neither burst in anger nor seemed annoyed. "Cut the act. We're both smart enough to speak clearly. You perfectly know what I mean, Warden, and you're free to answer me or not. If you don't, I'll keep following my duties nonetheless. However, I'd rather you did"

Neria listened closely. No, the man was no brute: his vocabulary was the one of a man who went through a proper upbringing, which only meant that if he was festering resentment he was cunning enough to come up with a good plan. He was able to disagree with her without disrespecting her, too. As she pondered her answer, Neria never moved. She meant to prove him that she wasn't nor accomodating, nor daunted. "The more the merrier?" she replied, tainting the conversation with unnecessary humor.

Once again, he didn't flinch. "If that's the best joke you can come up with, I suggest you refrain. You're better at bossing people, Warden".

The mage shook her head. "No jokes here. You are here" she finally offered him his answer "because Riordan said we need as more Wardens as possible. Unfortunately, Alistair chose to hung up his boots so we're back to three, including Riordan. Which is still better than just Riordan and me". She then shook the map. "Besides, I think you can figure out by yourself how useful you're tactical experience has been. It's not like we are taught military arts at the Circle". A slight hint of scorn stained her tone for a moment.

Loghain stared at her in silence, then nodded briefly. "Thank you" he just responded.

Despite her determination in not reacting in any visible way, Neria found herself frowing. That, she didn't expect.

"Allow me to state something before I leave, Warden" continued the former Teyrn. He waited a couple of seconds, in order to give her the opportunity to stop him. She didn't: his words could shed some light on that weird thanksgiving. "I am no more a Teyrn. I'm a Grey Warden, and though you extol my tactical knowledge you should know it will be me at your service and not the other way around, I will offer you my counsel when you deem it needed or when I feel like you need it". For the first time, the mage could see an emotion vibrating into his eyes: deep commitment. "I'll do so because I'm convinced it will serve for saving my country. You are no general armed with a ten-years long experience, but during our meeting with the Qunari you proved how quicky you learn. You managed to earn your mens' submission and respect, even if some of you may not approve of your... methods. The Qunari, the assassin, the dwarf and the witch would follow you into the Archdemon's jaws, while Ser Roland and the bard seem a bit more cautios, but every single one of them is at your command."

Neris kept silent, careful in keeping her amazement under a neutral mask. Apparently, she had not been wrong. Loghain MacTir was a man ready to tell the facts as they were: he was as willing to recognize her leadership as well as her weak spots, just like he had been ready to accept both his crimes and death, would it have come to that.

"You put a sword into the Banns' hands and you put an army together. You fight your own battles as you fought me by yourself. You, in short, earned the right kind of authorithy to guide us out of this nightmare." He briefly paused "You are a warrior, and as such I'm inclined to believe you will earn my respect too."

Strangely enough, she didn't feel praised. Loghain was simply stating undeniable facts. And even more strangely, she wasn't sure how to respond to that. No man had ever approached her that way: Knight Commander Gregoir had treated her like a sly animal, Alistair had always seemed ready to deny any actual advantage derived from the choices of hers he didn't approve, Zevran had tried to hit on her from the start, and Cullen... She suppressed her own thought, She wasn't ready to go there yet. Certainly, not in front of the man who had approved of elven slavery. "Then we will work together, Loghain" she ended up stating. No other thought left her mouth.

I know, I know.

Both chapter 2 and 3 are a bit short: still, they have been a necessary step to get towards the heart of the story.

Please, readers: don't refrain from disclosing your thoughts and letting me know your opinions! I'd really like to know what you like and what you don't, in other words how I'm faring :)

I also wish to thank my beta reader, Lady Urquentha, for her continuous help in revising my chapter.