Another Silly Question: If the chance of dying during the Joining is such a big secret, why does it seem that everyone knows of it by the time of the Landsmeet in DA:O? Even in DA:I its brought up by non-Wardens? This is what I get for replaying the games for story ideas and actually paying attention to what is being said.
Chapter 3: Duncan
(Ostagar)
Shepard took a good swallow of tea as the elves worked around her. She started hanging around them whenever she had the free time after she interrupted two of soldiers trying to get a little too 'friendly' with one girl barely in her teens. So long as she was there, the elves were left alone accept for the occasional verbal threat. Cailan and Loghain were once again in a strategy meeting and the King seemed to have noticed the rather large increase in hostility between the Teyrn and his bodyguard. Wisely he decided to keep her out of the meetings stating that both the normal and the Teyrn's guards would suffice. She was to stay close by so that she could be summoned once the meeting was over.
"Mi' Lady, please help, "said a young Elvan man running towards her, "He's gonna kill Varen! I just know it!"
Shepard stood up and asked, "Who, Soran and where?"
"The quarter-master, "said the Elf wringing his hands as Shepard walked hurriedly past him.
"You bloody, worthless piece of SHIT!"the quarter-master yelled as the sounds of a fist hitting flesh could be heard, "You think I wouldn't notice!? I'll have…"
Shepard eyes narrowed as she saw the soldier woman and a flirting archer just ignoring the Elf on the ground holding the side of his face. Shepard speeded up when she saw the quarter-master pull out the infamous 'Switch' which looked more to be a hardened riding crop with rusty metal bands. The Elf begged not to be beaten and kept saying 'please' as the 'switch' landed with a loud 'twap'. The quarter-master raised his arm again only to be blocked by that strange woman who preferred hanging around the Elves.
The woman crossed her arms and sent a steely look towards the man, "What has Varen done?"
"That stupid knife-ear went and dropped a crate of healing potions, "growled the quarter-master, "What difference does it make to you…are you some-sort of elf-lover."
"She shor is, "said one of the guards who she had prevented from harassing an Elvan woman previously. Then his buddy added, "Spends all her time with them. Greedy bitch, won't let us even near them."
"Hey, just let the pretty lady be, "said the archer, finally stepping in, "She's just trying to stand up for the little guy and all. I might have done the same if I wasn't so distracted."
Shepard didn't even bother rolling her eyes, but did appreciate his attempt on defusing the situation. "Varen, let's go, "she said as she turned to help the Elf up.
"You'll do nothing of the kind, "growled the quarter-master pointing at them with the Switch, "He follows my orders, my rules. And don't think you can bring this up to the king, he has more important matters than his newest bed warmer's Elf fetish. Guards do your duty and take her away for interfering in…"
The first guard was already reaching for her arm, when she moved so fast that no one really saw how she was able to get the first guards arm twisted around its back and the second guard was already on the ground holding on to a private and now very painful part of his anatomy.
"Know this, "Shepard hissed, "I'm here because the King knows I can fight and not to warm anyone's bed. You insult not only me but him as well with such talk. Understand?"
The guard nodded nervously as the now pale faced quarter-master looked on, frozen in place. Shepard then added as she released and push the guard away, "Get yourself and your friend some better armor. What he has on now, won't protect him worth shit come the next battle."
"And you better take care on how you treat the King's servants or he'll need to find a new quarter-master. Do I make myself clear, "said Shepard in her cold, husky voice. She ignored his nod as he turned towards the archer, "Next time you might want to 'help the little guy' yourself."
"Thank you mi'lady, "said the Elf as a bit of blood dripped from his broken lip.
"Let's go get that looked at, "she said softly as they started to walk away, "And you might want to stay out of sight for a while."
"One moment, please, "came a strong, male voice. Shepard turned to see a dark skinned, bearded man wearing grey leather armor walking towards them followed by a Mabari war hound. Shepard gave the man her full attention as he said, "I'm Warden Commander Duncan and would it be alright if I spoke with you in a bit after you have taken care of your friend's injuries, of course?"
(Later that afternoon)
"Would you re-consider, "asked Duncan sitting down next to Shepard on one of the stone beaches near the bonfire, "You would make a fine Grey Warden."
Shepard rubbed her eyes to try to get some of the smoke out of them as she carefully chose her next words to prevent possible conscription. Until she figured out how to get back home, which the only option so far seems to be to wait fifteen years, she had to decide what to do with what she knew. Sadly, this man in front of her would be dead by morning due to betrayal. Betrayal she knew will happen but she wasn't sure if there was anything she could or should do about it. Stubborn, Angry…great now she was starting to think like Cole.
"No offense, Duncan, but I know more about the Grey Wardens than anyone outside the order should, "she decided to be at least partly honest, "I know the price you pay and the risk that even going though the Joining is. Even with that knowing that, I am honored you consider me worthy of the order but I do have some concerns beyond the norm. Give me a few days and I'll have your answer. If I agree I'll already have the darkspawn blood that I'll need."
"Very well, "said Duncan combing his beard with his finger, "If you don't mind me asking, how do you know so much about the order?"
"Let's just say that's a long story that can wait until later, "said Shepard who thankfully saw the teenage Elissa followed by a young Alistair, "I believe you have an appointment to keep."
To be continued…
