NOTE: I do not own the rights to any of the characters or locations associated with Dragon Age: Origins, Dragon Age Awakening, or (the soon to be released [^_^]) DA2, BioWare does.
I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry for not posting this sooner. I have just been busy, with, things. *Coughs to clear throat.* Alright! I was playing Assassin's Creed 1&2 back to back and then I started…Batman. SORRY! Also, I had to catch up on Naruto. But I'm caught up now! So I can spend all my time with you. I also had to reedit the other chapters so if you have a chance see what I fixed. They're subtle, but there.
Anyway, let's get started shall we?
The Warden Commander and his two recruits were on their way, down a long narrow passageway that would lead them straight into the heart of Ostagar.
"Who," Lyna asked in astonishment as she started falling behind the men to pass a hand over the architecture, "or what built this place? I've never seen anything so tall. It looks like it's touching the sky," she noted to herself as she stretched her neck to look up. "Can you imagine what she would have looked like in her youth, Darrian?" she asked turning to her left only to realize she was further behind than anticipated. Lyna stopped her architecture gazing to catch up to the two men. "Duncan," she asked when she was closer. "Who built this place and why?"
"The Tevinter Imperium built Ostagar long ago, to prevent the Wilders form invading the northern lowlands," Duncan informed the excited girl as he continued to walk.
"Humans built this?" Darrian asked doubting the statement.
"Oh, don't start that again," Lyna glared. "She's beautiful regardless who built her," she said gazing upon Ostagar's fallen beauty once more.
Darrian groaned at Lyna's enthrallment. "Why are we here? You never told us," he asked looking at the back of Duncan's head.
The Warden nodded in agreement. "I did not wish to disturb the others, but I believe we are facing another Blight."
"A real Blight?" Lyna asked with more joy and excitement on the topic than Darrian felt. "Like the ones the bards sing of? Complete with an over abundance of darkspawn on the surface and an Archdemon? A real live Archdemon!"
"Does nothing faze you?" Darrian asked wanting to slap some since into the female.
"Of course," Lyna said, confused that he would even ask. "But think of it! We get to be actual Grey Wardens, and join in the fight against a real Blight! There is no greater or higher honor in all of Thedas!" Lyna squealed hugging her mother's armor to her chest as she imagined slaying the grand demon with a smile on her face.
"Duncan," Darrian said hopping that the older Warden would listen. "There's still time. Can we throw her back to her parents?"
Duncan just sighed at the boy's comment. "No, there are few Grey Wardens here in Ferelden. Even with the King's army here, we still need more willing to fight if we are to defeat the horde. So, both of you are needed."
Lyna looked over at Darrian. Sticking her tongue out, she blew him a raspberry.
"Can we gag her at least?" Darrian asked hoping Duncan would say yes.
The only reply the Commander of the Grey gave, was a very heavy sigh.
Lyna was so engulfed with thoughts of slaying darkspawn and the Archdemon, she didn't notice that they had passed the last arch. As soon as the well build road gave way to uneven ground, Lyna slipped and fell flat on her face.
"Oww. Oww. Oww. Oww," Lyna said as she pushed herself up.
"You okay?" Darrian asked trying not to laugh.
"I'm fine. I'm, oww, fine," Lyna said sitting on her knees. "Could you, lend me a hand?" she smiled.
Darrian sighed but helped her up. "You should pay more attention where you're walking."
"You're right," she laughed when she was up. Lyna reached down and gathered her mother's old armor from the ground and followed Duncan again. But, he had stopped next to a tall blond man in golden armor.
"I take it these are them," the man dressed in golden armor asked.
"Allow me to introduce you, your Majesty," Duncan said gesturing toward his two recruits.
"No need to be so formal, Duncan. We'll be shedding blood together, after all," King Cailan said as he moved closer to the recruits. "Ho there friends. Might I know your names?"
AHHH! Lyna thought in excitement. It's the king! King Cailan! "I am Lyna, your Majesty," she bowed.
"Pleased to meet you," King Cailan said smiling at the girl. "And you friend?"
"Darrian."
"Pleased to meet you," Cailan smiled. "I see that you are both elves. From where do you hail?"
"Denerim," Darrian said. Lyna nodded in agreement to the statement for it was a far easier answer than the long winded one she thought of.
"As do I," King Cailan said in glee. "Do you come from the Alienage? Tell me, how is it there? My guards all but forbid me going there."
Um, Lyna thought. I know they have forgotten most of the old ways. That's about it. Looking to Darrian for the right response, he sighed sadly and said, "I'd, rather not speak of it."
"One day I'll see those walls taken down," King Cailan vowed. "Your people have suffered enough."
Darrian and Lyna were astounded by the King's vow. Lyna looked to her friend and gave him with a huge "I told you so" grin while Darrian scoffed at her.
"Let me be the first to welcome you both to Ostagar," Cailan said to the silent battering elves. "The Wardens will benefit greatly with you in their ranks."
Lyna beamed up at the king, "You are too kind, your Majesty."
"I'm sorry to cut this short, but I should return to my tent. Loghain waits eagerly to boar me with his strategies."
Lyna was so busy watching King Cailan move, that nothing anyone said registered. So pretty. AND he wants to help elves! Awww. I want to keep him.
"Farewell, Grey Wardens," King Cailan said interrupting Lyna's thoughts.
NO! Stay! PLEASE! Ohhhh. Lyna wined as she watched him leave. Awww. I didn't even get to ask if the stories about his father were true.
"Lyna," Duncan shouted, snapping the girl out of her thoughts again.
"Huh?" she asked looking to where Duncan used to be.
"Over here," Darrian complained far from her right.
"Right," Lyna nodded and ran to catch up with the two men who had made their way to yet another bridge.
Darrian and Duncan held almost the same pose as they waited for her; each standing with their arms crossed, but on opposite legs. "Sorry," Lyna said bowing her head. "But that was the king! The King of Ferelden! King Cailan! The son of King Maric Theirin! The man who freed us from Orlais! A direct descendant of King Calenhad. The first man to join all of Ferelden! And we got to speak with him! He actually spoke to us!"
"If you are quite done hero worshiping," Duncan interrupted as he put his arms back down to his sides, "We should proceed with the Joining ritual without delay."
"What do you mean?" Lyna asked.
"Every recruit must go through a secret ritual we call the Joining in order to become a Grey Warden. The ritual is brief, but some preparation is required. We must begin soon," Duncan informed the recruits.
"Why is it so secret?" Darrian asked before Lyna could open her mouth.
"The Joining is dangerous. I cannot speak more of it, except to say, that you will learn all in good time. Until then, you must trust that what's done is necessary."
"What do you need us to do?" Darrian asked as if what the older Warden just said didn't faze him at all.
"I would suggest you head to the Grey Warden tent on the other side of this bridge," he said pointing to a bridge leading to a camp, "and change out of those clothes. You may explore the camp if you wish. All I ask is that you do not leave it," Duncan said looking more at Lyna than Darrian. "I have business I must attend to and will send word when we are ready to begin."
Lyna and Darrian stood there as Duncan walked off across the bridge. "You remember when you asked if there was something that scared me?" Lyna asked Darrian while watching Duncan leave.
"Vaguely. Why? You going to tell me you're scared of heights?" Darrian asked looking over at her.
"No," she admitted shaking her head. "He said that the Joining was dangerous. Brief and dangerous," Lyna said as a chill ran down her spine.
Darrian continued to watch Lyna struggle with her thoughts. "Don't worry about it so much," he said smiling. "As you would say, 'You'll go grey.'"
When Lyna looked over at Darrian she couldn't help herself. "Creators be praised!" she shouted pointing at him. "You can smile AND tell jokes!"
"Shut up," Darrian stated flatly as he frowned.
"Awwww," Lyna pouted. Turning away, she saw a familiar plant off to the side of a collapsing wall. Walking over to the plant she recognized it immediately.
"Now what are you doing?" Darrian asked frustrated while he followed her.
Bending over to inspect the plant, Lyna smiled. "It's canavaris," she said picking off a couple leaves.
"So, it's elfroot. That stuff runs wild in Thedas," Darrian stated.
"I know," Lyna said looking around. "I wonder if there's any more?" she pondered more to herself as she started to walk around.
Darrian grunted as he followed.
"You don't have to follow me, you know? I'm a big girl. Can take care of myself and all that," Lyna said after spotting another healing plant.
"Tell that to your father," Darrian mumbled under his breath.
Lyna walked around the area for a while plucking leaves off various plants, picking chest locks she came across, and exploring sacks people left behind.
"Are you done yet?" Darrian asked as his anger began to climb higher.
"Fine, fine," Lyna outwardly complained. Really, she wanted to see how long he would follow her about.
With a few more supplies to trade with, the pair of them headed in the direction Duncan had taken. While Darrian kept his eyes ahead of him, Lyna lingered here and there to better inspect Ostagar's fading beauty.
"Look! Look!" Darrian kept hearing Lyna shout. "Would you look at that!" she exclaimed looking over the edge of the bridge to see the men on the field. "There have to be hundreds of thousands of men down there. Darrian come look!"
"Can we get to camp then go site seeing?" Darrian pleaded.
"Hail!" called a guard at the entrance to the camp. "You must be the recruits Duncan brought."
"Yes," Darrian nodded.
"Do you need any help getting around?" the guard asked.
"Could you tell me how to get to the Warden's tent?" Darrian asked.
"Sure. Through this gate, take a left, when you get to the king's tent, keep going past Tern Loghain's tent and you'll see a big blue and grey tent. You can't miss it. It's off to the side of a big pyre."
"Thank you," Darrian nodded. "Lyna," he said looking to his left expecting her to be there. "Lyna?" Turning all the way around, he saw her standing at the end of the ramp gazing up at one of the huge Tevinter statues. "Uhh," Darrian grunted as he went to collect her. "Come on," he said grabbing her arm and practically dragging her.
Darrian dragged the complaining female all the way to the Grey Warden's tent. When they entered, Lyna was surprised to find it so neat and tidy. There were two columns and three rows of cots set up. The ones in the far back were the only ones that looked like they were new additions. Every other cot either had supplies on top, or sheets. Making their way to the back of the tent, Darrian and Lyna unloaded their supplies.
Placing her pack on the floor beside the empty cot on the far left, Lyna began to prepare her armor. Placing the armor in the order it was to be put on, she was overjoyed at how it looked. Removing her clothes and harnesses quickly, Lyna caught Darrian looking confused as he stared at her father's armor. "You, do know how to put that on, right?" she asked pointing to the pile of chainmail.
"Of course I do," Darrian said as if she had asked a preposterous question. "This," he said picking up a greave, "goes...here," he said putting it on his wrist.
Lyna laughed at the man's ignorance. "That, goes on your legs," she said pointing to it's true location.
"I knew that. I was just testing you," he said tossing the greave back on the cot.
Lyna giggled again as she walked over to help him. "Strip," she said.
"I can dress myself," Darrian stated as he crossed his arms over his chest.
"Suuuure you can," Lyna teased. "In regular clothes. In armor, you're clueless. Now strip."
Darrian groaned as he removed his shirt, trousers, and boots.
Lyna set out the whole suit in the correct order that it was to be put on, just as she had done for her own armor. "First, socks," she instructed handing him a pair of thick woolen socks. Once they were on, she handed him a pair of thick trousers. "Then the under armor," she said. Once he had them on, Lyna handed him a blouse as thick as the pants.
As Lyna continued to assist Darrian, he couldn't help but watch her. Seeing her mostly nude again, was…Darrian had to shake his head to get the thoughts to leave. At least her bruises healed nicely.
"The party is in here, I see," came a male voice from the entry way.
Surprised, Darrian and Lyna looked over to the man. He was human with dark brown hair and days old growth covering his chin, dressed in studded leather armor, and a bow at his back.
The man smiled as he walked forward. "Mind if I join in?"
"Yes," Darrian growled as shoved Lyna behind him.
"Hay," the man said backing up and raising his hands in surrender. "I was joking. They said you two finally showed up. The names Daveth," he said reaching out a hand.
Darrian just looked at him and didn't move. Lyna did however. "It's nice to meet you Daveth. I'm Lyna. This here's Darrian," she introduced moving to clasp the offered hand.
"Well, you're not what I thought you'd be," Daveth said in surprise as he looked the female over.
"What'd you think we would be? Dwarfs?" Lyna joked.
"No," Daveth laughed. "Thought you'd both be men. Seams I owe Ser Knight a round of drinks."
"Ser Knight?" Lyna asked. "He thought we would be women?"
"No. He said one of you would be an elf, though. Neither of us thought Duncan would bring a woman. Yet, here you are," Daveth said looking the mostly naked elf up and down with a mischievous grin.
Darrian stepped in between the two, cutting off Daveth's exquisite view.
"I was beginning to think they cooked this ritual up just for our benefit," Daveth said smiling at the male elf.
"Maybe they did," Darrian said wanting to gut the man.
"Isn't that just a little paranoid?" Lyna asked coming out from behind Darrian again.
"Ha!" Daveth laughed. "That depends on what kind of life you've led. Me, I'm willing to accept that this Joining ritual is some kind of punishment," he said looking at the female. "I happened to be sneaking around camp, see, and I heard a couple of the Grey Wardens talking. So, I listen in for a bit. I'm thinking they plan to send us into the Wilds."
"I doubt they would send us into pointless danger," Darrian stated.
"I don't know. I guess we'll just have to wait and see. Anyway, I expect it's time to get back. Come find me if you need anything," he said as he turned to exited the tent. "It was good to finally meet you by the way."
As soon as Daveth left, Darrian turned toward Lyna furiously. "What were you thinking!" he shouted.
"What are you talking about?" Lyna asked confused.
"You were talking to him! Practically nude! You didn't even think to cover yourself!"
"I'm talking to you, without clothes on," Lyna said calmly trying to figure out why he was mad, again.
"That's different!" Darrian shouted. "What if he had been another guard and taken you again Shianni! What if he had taken you and I couldn't get to you this time!"
"What are you talking about?" Lyna asked. "And who's Shianni? You've called me that before. Who is she?"
Darrian opened his mouth to yell at who he thought was his cousin, only to realize that the girl before him was slightly taller, had black hair, and green eyes. "Just, put some clothes on," he finally managed to say returning to his own armor.
"Who's," Lyna tried to ask again.
"Drop it," Darrian growled.
"Fine," Lyna huffed as she turned from Darrian and walked over to her own armor.
The both of them dressed in silence. Since Lyna had set the armor in order from bottom to top, it made it easy for him to figure out what went where. When he was fully dresses, he realized Farrell's comment. The armor was a little too large. Thankfully, the leather straps would tighten further. "I just realized something," Darrian said turning toward Lyna, "I don't have a sword."
"I was wondering how long that would take you," Lyna smirked as she reached over the cot to grab her clothes and fold them. After folding her clothing into tight wads to better fit in her pack, she looked over at Darrian. "Come on. Let's go and find someone who sells weapons here."
"How are we supposed to buy anything without money?" Darrian asked.
"Right. Good point." Lyna picked up her bag off the floor and started to sort through it for spare supplies. "Alright," she said looking over her inventory of you-can-goes. "That might get us…about, ten silver. Give or take. What's in your pack?" she asked looking over at Darrian.
"I, haven't looked," he admitted.
Lyna smiled up at him. "You're hopeless. You know that right?"
"It's not like I have much experience outside of the Alienage," Darrian mumbled to himself as he got his bag and put it on the cot. As Darrian dumped all it's contents upon the cot, there came a jingling sound as the last item fell out. "What's," Darrian asked as he picked up the little purse and inspected it's contents. Surprised, he held it out to Lyna. "There's more than ten silver in here!"
"Really? Let me see," Lyna said as she snatched the purse. Counting it out she found there to be at least fifty silver in the pouch. "Awwww," she complained. "Why did they put this in your pack and not mine?"
"I, don't know. Is it enough you think?" Darrian asked as he watched her put all the money back in.
"It's enough for a poorly made sword and shield, yes," Lyna said handing it back to Darrian. "You take that, and I'll see what else I can scavenge up."
"You're not coming with me?" Darrian asked confused.
"Not unless you want a babysitter," Lyna smiled as she started for the door. "Oh, a word of caution. I would put that," she said pointing to his cot, "back in your pack. And tie the purse to your person. Else, sticky fingers might find it," she said as if she was telling a ghost story.
Darrian watched as Lyna left the tent armed to the teeth with blades and knives. Her mother's armor doing little, to no good, in shielding her features, while her harnesses just added to them. She had pulled her hair back into a long and winding braid that fell past the middle of her back. Shaking the thoughts away again, he started to repack the items he was given. Lyna's parents had thought of everything. There was a poncho that could double as a single tent, rope, a canteen, a bedroll, a clothing bag that doubled as a pillow, a wooden spoon, bowl and cup, flint, two extra pairs of woolen socks, a spare blouse and trousers, a comb, and bathing oils to name a few. Inside another bag, there were healing supplies. "Protecting Lyna is not enough to repay for this," Darrian commented aloud to himself after his bag was repacked.
Lyna came across the tent of Teyrn Loghain first and became curious if the stories of him were true. Overjoyed to talk to another legend, she asked the guard if she could speak with him. As the tall, dark haired, Teyrn exited the tent, Lyna beamed in delight.
"Yes what is it?" Loghain asked. "Oh, you're Duncan's new Grey Warden I assume."
Trying to contain herself, all Lyna could do was nod her head up and down.
"Cailan's fascination with the Wardens goes beyond the ordinary. Are you aware his father brought your order back to Ferelden?" Loghain asked.
Lyna nodded her head again.
"Can you speak?"
Up and down her head went.
"Then why do you not?"
"What words are there to say to one as you? You, who are the Hero of River Dane. The voice of truth and reason amongst the nobles. The only reason we are here now. The…" Lyna sung.
"That's enough," Loghain interrupted holding his hand up to stop her. "I am surprised that a Dalish would know of me."
"Um," Lyna said knowing she had blown it. "Some do, yes."
"You're pretty for a Grey Warden," Teryn Loghain complimented after finally looking at her. "Don't let anyone tell you that you don't belong. The first Warden Maric brought to Ferelden was a woman, best warrior I've ever seen."
"Really?" Lyna asked surprised. "I didn't know that!"
Teryn Loghain quickly smiled at the girl before him. So quick was the smile, Lyna wasn't sure she had seen it. "I don't suppose you'll be ridding into the thick of battle with the rest of your fellows, will you?"
"I don't know," Lyna replied honestly. "I hope so."
"If Cailan has his way you will. Now, I must return to my task. Pray that our king proves amenable to wisdom, if you're the praying sort."
"I will," Lyna bowed in glee. As she watched Teryn Loghain return into his tent, all she could think of was that she had to tell her father about actually meeting both brains of Ferelden. He is never going to believe me! Lyna thought as she headed up a ramp on her left with a skip in her step.
Seeing a group of people standing about, Lyna headed that way to see what was going on. There was a, thing, on the ground in front of a man in split mail. "This wretched thing is a darkspawn," the man said.
Ewwww. Lyna thought. And here I thought it was another man with a bad skin condition.
"Their blood is black as sin and poisonous. Don't even touch it," the man instructed. "You get tainted with that blood, and you may as well slit your throat. We've lost many dogs already. Had to muzzle them to keep them from biting. It's a long and painful way to die."
Now, Lyna was scared for what she had agreed to do. She had willingly thrown her life away to battle things that, if they touched her with an open wound, could kill her. And for what? Because she had always fantasized about being a Grey Warden? Now she understood why Duncan refused to answer some of their questions.
Mythal protect me. What have I done? Lyna thought as she backed up out of the semicircle of people. Fighting normal people is fine. I won't die from their blood! I should run. I need to run! I need to get out of here! I…
"Lethallan," a voice in her mind whispered. "What would happen to Artan? To Cadmon? Mamae? Ada?" the voice in the back of her mind asked as it showed Lyna images of them sitting around camp, sharing one of her mother's delectable venison stews. Everyone was smiling and happy like they always were.
I don't care. I have to… she tried to tell the voice.
"You would willingly condemn your family to their poison? To be slain by warped creatures?" the voice echoed morphing the image to show her family and Betsy slaughtered and their wagon burned. Her little brother crawling along the blood stained ground and trying to yell out her name.
NEVER! Lyna shouted to herself shaking her head in denial. I would never allow that to happen!
"Vir Tanadahl!" the voice shouted at her. "Vir Assan," her mother's voice instructed. "To fly straight and never waver. Vir Bor'Assan, to bend, but not break. Vir Adahlen to be as the forest, together and strong."
We are the last of the Elvhenan, and never again shall we submit. Lyna recited the Oath of the Dales with her mother's voice.
With some directions from the guards around camp, Darrian was able to find the Quartermaster quite easily.
"You there! Elf!" The fat, balding Quartermaster called when Darrian walked up to him. "Where's my armor? And why are you dressed so preposterously?"
"Because I am here to become a Grey Warden," Darrian growled at the man.
"You're," the Quartermaster asked, "Oh. Yes. Of course. Please forgive my rudeness. There are so many elves running about. I've been waiting for…It's simply been so hectic. I never thought…P-Please. Pardon my terrible manners. I, I am just the Quartermaster. Just a simple man. No one special."
Darrian tried to cool down, but listening to the man ramble was just adding to his problems. "Perhaps you should treat your servants with a little more respect," he growled as he walked to a weapon stand.
"Y-yes, of course. You're very right," the Quartermaster said backing up to give the man room. "Did you come here for supplies, perhaps?"
"Yes," Darrian growled again as he picked up a long sword. "How much for this blade?" he asked after observing the weapon and seeing how it felt in his hand.
"Seventeen-twenty-five."
"And that shield?" Darrian asked pointing to a small wooden shield with the long sword.
"Thirteen-eighty," the Quartermaster replied.
"I'll take them," Darrian said reaching into a pocket to pay the man.
"Thank you Ser," the Quartermaster said handing the elf back 95 bronze pieces. "Is there anything else I can get you?"
"Where can I get some food?" Darrian asked right as he was about to leave.
"There's a big red and yellow tent over by the infirmary," the Quartermaster instructed as he pointed the way.
"Thanks," Darrian nodded and headed for the food. Making his way up the ramp, Darrian's temper flared. Smartass human! Darrian shouted. There are two red and yellow tents up here! Spotting a semicircle of people gathered around a Sister, he figured one of them should know where to get some grub. "Excuse me," Darrian asked a short red haired man in splitmail with a great sword at his back.
"Greetings," the man said. "Can I help you?"
"Yes, the Quartermaster said that there was food up here?"
"Certainly. The tavern is in that tent over there," the man said pointing to a tent right in front of him. "Is there anything else I may assist you with?"
"Not unless you can tell me about darkspawn," Darrian said looking at the red and yellow tent containing food with a passion.
"You must be the new recruit we heard about," the man in splitmail said interrupting Darrian's thoughts of food.
"Yes, I'm Darrian," he said finally looking at the man. "And you are?"
"Ser Jory is my name. I hail from Redcliff, where I served as knight under the command of Arl Eamon."
Good for you. Darrian thought. "So, what do you know about the Joining?"
"I've never heard of such a ritual. I had no idea there were more tests after getting recruited," Ser Jory said.
Which means, nothing. "Alright, well I'll see you around then. But for now, I need food," Darrian said excusing himself.
"Do you mind if I join you?" Ser Jory asked. "I have not eaten either, and it would be nice to talk. The only other recruit here is Daveth. New company would be most appreciative."
No, you can't come. "Sure," Darrian shrugged heading toward his target.
There were three tables, four chairs to every table, and not a soul in the place except one. There were two large casks off to the left side of a counter with stools, a table with cooking supplies and a large pot near a fire on the floor to the right of the counter, and a lovely young woman with sandy blond hair behind the counter. "What can I get for you?" she asked.
"What do you have?" Darrian asked.
"We have rabbit, venison, and crow stew today, which comes with a roll. Your only real choice is ale, whisky or water," the woman beamed.
"Um, the stew with an ale, then. Please," Darrian said feeling a little out of place.
"Coming right up," the woman smiled. "Take a seat and I'll bring it right to you."
"Thanks," Darrian smiled as he went over to one of the empty tables.
After Ser Jory placed his order, he sat across from Darrian and began to talk. As the man proceeded to talk, Darrian did all he could to ignore him. There was just something about him that made you want to drown him out. He went on and on about his wife in Highever, about how they were expecting a child, and about how he had won a tournament to be qualified for joining the Wardens. About this and that, and all of it seeped into Darrian's consciousness. He was going to need a lobotomy soon if the man didn't shut up.
"DARRIAN!" he heard Lyna shout just inside the tent as she began to run for him.
Thank the Maker and every Creator known and unknown to elves. Darrian almost cried as Lyna hugged him.
"I've been looking everywhere for you," Lyna informed her partner in crime. "Duncan said he's almost ready. All we need to do it find the other Warden here in camp. Someone named…Oh what was his name?" she said letting go of Darrian to remember the man's name.
"Alistair?" Ser Jory asked.
"Yes! That's it! All-my-star," Lyna beamed.
"That's not what he said, Lyna," Darrian pointed out.
"I know. But when Duncan said his name, that's what I thought he said," Lyna informed the men. "All-my-stairs. Kind of pretty, no?" she asked Darrian.
"So, you are the other recruit?" Ser Jory asked.
Lyna shook her head in agreement. "I'm Lyna," she said extending her arm out to the man. "And you are?"
"Ser Jory is my name," he said smiling as they clasp hands.
"It's nice to meet you, Ser Jory," Lyna beamed a smile. "Do you mind if I steal Darrian from you for a while as we look for the star man?"
"Not at all," Ser Jory laughed.
"Thank you. Come on Darri," she said grabbing on to his chainmail.
"I'll be out in a minute. I need to pay for the meal," Darrian informed Lyna.
"Alright. I'll be outside waiting then," Lyna smiled. "It was nice to meet you again, Ser Jory. I look forward to fighting by your side in the coming battle."
"As do I, my lady," Jory bowed.
Lyna bowed to the man and left the tent. As she waited for Darrian to join her, she tried her hardest to hear the Sister recite the Chant of Light. Out of nowhere Lyna was being squeezed by strong arms.
"Thank you!" Darrian exclaimed as he squeezed harder lifting Lyna off the ground.
"Can't, breath," Lyna said to the excited male.
"Sorry," Darrian said as he put her back on the ground. "Whatever you do, stay away from Ser Jory," he quietly pleaded.
"Why? He seems nice enough," Lyna pointed out.
"You haven't been stuck with him for the past three hours," Darrian shivered. "I would rather be imprisoned and tortured for years then be forced to listen to him another minuet."
"Ookay," Lyna said confused. "I figured you would have gone evil-elf, and yelled at him to go away by now."
"I tried. He just ignored me and continued on with his story," Darrian almost wined.
"You didn't pull a weapon on him?" Lyna asked in amazement.
"No."
"Huh. That's unlike you."
"I kept hearing your parents yell at me. 'Don't be mean to the human. Learn to coexist,'" he said mocking what her parents would have said.
Lyna smiled. "Awww. You're learning. It's so cute."
"Shut up," Darrian growled.
"Alright, alright. Come on," Lyna said taking Darrian's arm to lead him. "I heard someone say they saw Alistair over by the Quartermaster's booth."
"So, what have you been doing this whole time?" Darrian asked once they were further away from the make shift tavern.
"Well, let's see. When I left you, I talked with the King's guard and Teryn Loghain. He's a lot shorter in person than I thought he would be. Then, I went and sat in on a discussion about darkspawn. Looted a couple of unoccupied chests. Talked with the Kennel Master. Oh. Did you know that there are Ash Warriors here? After one of them got over me being an elf, he told me the story of how they came to be. Want to hear it?" Lyna asked beaming in delight of learning something new.
"Maybe later," Darrian confessed. "What else?"
"Um, after I talked with the Ash Warriors, I followed another elf that's here in camp. He was really nice. Weird name though. Pick. Who names their child Pick? Anyway. Then I went back to the tent, traded some supplies with the Quartermaster, and talked to a really nice old lady. She was a mage too! Oh, what was her name? Wine? No…"
"You meet a mage? One from the Circle?" Darrian asked in surprise.
"Yeah. She was really nice, as I said. She told me about the connection between the Fade and darkspawn. It was a fascinating tale," Lyna said smiling as she remembered the grey haired woman.
"There's a connection?"
"Don't you ever listen to the Chant of Light?"
"Not when I can help it," Darrian confessed as they proceeded up another ramp where two men were talking.
"Yes, I was harassing you by delivering a message," a tall, blond, human male, in split mail sarcastically said to a male mage.
"Your glibness does you no credit," came the reply from a very angry mage.
"Is that him?" Darrian leaned over to whisper and point to the blond male.
"I think so," Lyna whispered back. "Duncan said he was a human male, had sandy blond hair, and a bad since of humor," Lyna said as they came closer to the pair.
"Get out of my way fools," the mage growled as he pushed himself past the pair of elves in front of him.
"You know," the supposed Alistair said walking up to the elves smiling. "One good thing about the Blight, is how it brings people together."
Darrian was shocked to hear someone say that, while Lyna busted up laughing. "I like him," Lyna boasted. "Can we keep him?" she asked Darrian, who just grunted at her.
"Wait. We haven't met have we? I don't suppose you happen to be another mage?"
"No," Lyna said as she tried to stop laughing.
"Less being yelled at for me then. Thought the day is still young," Alistair commented more to himself. "Waite, I do know who you are," he exclaimed in excitement. "You're the new recruits. The elves from Denerim. I should have recognized you right away, I apologize."
"Did Duncan tell everyone we were coming?" Darrian asked.
"No, just the Wardens and King Cailan, who told everyone else," he commented under his breath. "He spoke quite highly of the both of you. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Alistair, the new Grey Warden. Though I guess you knew that. As the junior member of the Order, I will be accompanying you when you prepare for the Joining."
"Nice to meet you. I am Lyna," she beamed.
"Darrian," he groaned.
"Right! Those were the names. You know, it just occurred to me. There have never been many elves in the Grey Wardens. I wonder why that is?"
"Because," Darrian growled at the man only to have Lyna quickly finish for him.
"We hide too well," she said looking at Darrian with a pleading smile.
Darrian huffed. "I'll tell Duncan you found him," he said as he walked off.
"What? Did I say something wrong?" Alistair asked.
Lyna shook her head. "No. He's just trying to learn the whole 'play nice' thing. If I were you though, I wouldn't bring up the whole 'elf' thing, again. He gets a little, touchy, on that subject."
"You don't seem to mind," Alistair pointed out.
Lyna just shrugged. "I'm used to it."
"Maybe if they let in fewer humans," Darrian mumbled to himself as he walked toward the Warden's tent, "he wouldn't have noticed so much."
"Darrian," Duncan called out as the boy came closer. "Did Lyna find you?"
"Yes," Darrian said as he came closer to the elder man. "She also found the other Warden. They should be here in a few moments."
"Good," Duncan nodded. "Could I ask you to find the other recruits before they get here?"
Uhh. Darrian moaned. "Yes, Duncan," Darrian bowed.
On to Chapter 4. -_^ The Wilds.