AN: I don't own Dragon Age, or World of Warcraft.

Chapter 4: Chosen by Fate

Dragon 9:30, 23rd of Harvestmere, Somewhere in the Bannorn

Roth grit his teeth, leaning against a tree as he attempted to catch his breath. Hours of nonstop running. Hours of running from the Templars. He glanced to Dar'U and his two passengers, he let out an exasperated sigh when he saw Lily thrashing in the demon's grip, having forsaken shouting at him to release her some while ago. With a quick nod the demon released the two, dropping them rather unceremoniously. The initiate squawked at the sudden action before scrambling to her feet, attempting to gain as much distance as she could from the mage.

"You're welcome." The Halfling drawled out, giving the woman an annoyed look.

"Keep from me blood mage!" the initiate hissed, her eyes darting to Jowan as he pushed himself upright. "T'was you all along. You were the one who the Templars wanted!" Roth shrugged, paying the initiate no mind.

"Why?" Jowan asked, confused. "Why would you do this?" The new found apostate shook, his hands clenched. "I was prepared to do what I must, prepared to live with the consequences." Roth shook his head, scowling as he did.

"Because you're my friend." He stated, black eyes hard, "You were about to make a choice of which you would have regretted." Jowan flinched, directing he gaze downward.

"Stay your tongue maleficar!" Lily cried, "All of this is your fault! Had you not turned to so dark and corrupted magic…" he turned to Dar'U with a sneer, "Had you not consorted with demons, none of this would have happened." Coal black eyes cut to the woman, causing her to flinch at the intensity in them.

"Corrupted you say?" Roth questioned, taking a step forward. Jowan blanched, just then realizing his loves words.

"Wait Roth she-"he began only to be silenced with a look.

"I despise people like you." The Halfling hissed. "You and so many like you. When you look at the world all you see is black and white, deeming all that you don't understand evil." He took another step forward, Lily retreated one back. "I despise the Chantry and all its fear mongering, how they paint mages and magic as monsters to be feared and hated. How they say we are nothing but a danger." He raised a hand, flexing it as lightning danced across his fingers. "Then there are the Qunari." Lily paled slightly at the word, having heard of the horned giants, "They cage my kind, trap us. Cut our tongues off, sew our mouths shut, chain us like slaves." The lighting arced, lancing to a nearby tree, causing Lily to yelp.

"Do you know what a mage's name is under the Qun?" Roth asked, continuing his advance. "Saarebas, meaning 'dangerous thing' To them mages aren't even people, they are things! Weapons that must be locked away forever lest they do harm, and what's worse that we're forced to accept it!" Jowan opened his mouth only of Dar'U to take a rather firm grasp of his shoulder, dissuading him. "And all I hear are the same arguments, the same Fenedhis! Always 'Magic is dangerous as fire is dangerous.' Or 'We must forever safeguard from the dangers of magic.' All excuses!" Lighting arced up Roth's side, taking on a dangerous red light. "Magic is neither evil nor good, black nor white. Magic is a medium, an extension of the mages will. Even the most 'good' of magic may be used for evil! As the most 'evil' magic may be used for good! What matters is intent!" Roth suddenly stopped his face set in a scowl, he glared at the woman for the longest time before he threw his arms up, belting out a yell as he did so.

"But why do I say this to you? You are naught but a Chantry initiate, a fool who has long since shown her lack of reason and traded it for blind stupidity!" Jowan stepped forward, breaking from Dar'U's grip.

"That's enough!" the apprentice roared, "You've long since made your point, now leave her be!" Roth turned, a shadow bolt cradled in each hand, his eyes flashing with power.

"Or you'll do what?" He dared, not noticing the dark magic beginning to crawl up his arms.

"Enough Roth!" Danamacil sudden commanded, her ethereal form appearing next to the Halfling, "I will not have you use your powers like this!" Roth flinched feeling his control over the shadow magic waver slightly as she exerted her will over his magic. Roth blinked, glancing down at his shadow bolts before banishing them, shaking his hands as he did so.

"We make camp here." He announced, turning from his friend. "Dar'U," The demon turned, focusing on his master. "You keen on finding some game?" The demon flashed with light, the closest thing to a smile he could give.

"Of course, any preferences?" Roth shook his head, turning to one of the many trees. With his orders Dar'U disappeared, fading from sight. With a wave of his hand he cast several glyphs of warding and repulsion, insurance to keep the wildlife away. It wasn't long before night fell, covering the land in shadow. Roth had set up a small campfire, using it to cook the sloppily skinned dear that Dar'U had managed to catch. Roth would have been annoyed but he had to give the demon credit, it had to be hard to skin anything with claws meant for stabbing and not cutting. The warlock shook his head; glancing at the stone tent he had assisted Jowan in making.

"You are quite impatient aren't you young one?" Roth turned to the voice, smiling as he took in the sight of Eleni, former prophet of the Tevinter Imperium. She appeared in dark robes lined with silver, her face was that of a woman on her thirtieth year or so, her hair red like blood. She smiled knowingly at the boy, aged hazel eyes twinkling with amusement. "I can feel the unrest within you." She assured him, turning in the direction of the Circle Tower. "The Templars will not find you this night." Roth chuckled, regarding the spirit with a look.

"I suppose that's the best I can hope for from someone who peers into the future." He allowed, before turning back to his still cooking meal. "Took you long enough to reform though." He paused, suddenly thoughtful, "Although I suppose it was rather quick given how long you were bound to that statue. All in all I guess this is the best thing that could have happened." The Halfling smirked, directing his words inwards. "I suppose this means you'll have someone other than Dar'U and myself to speak to now right?" Danamacil materialized with a huff, her face set in a pout.

"That is assuming you talk to me at all." She accused with mock hurt, "Some days you don't even speak to me lest it be for training. How unfortunate am I that my bonded one would ignore me so." She moaned dramatically slumping slightly as she did so. Eleni smiled, chuckling as she did so.

"Tis most unfortunate." She agreed, patting the elder warlock on the back. "Fear not Danamacil The Undying, Bane of the Fallen King. For I will keep you company." Danamacil straightened, her golden eyes focused.

"It has been a long time since I've been called that." She shifted, "All who know it have either left this plane of existance or are long dead. How did you come to know it?" Eleni's smile didn't falter as she nodded.

"The future was once all that was open to me." She admitted, "But now that I am connected to Roth, and by extension to you the magic the two of you wield has allowed me to see back into the past." Eleni's smile twitched as she placed a hand to her head. "It is strange though, I can see so much, Roth's past, your own." Eleni sighed, "Although, things can become clouded at times. I was able to glimpse back at your past." Roth arched a single eyebrow, curious.

"You can view past and the future? A useful skill." Roth turned, pulling his dinner from the fire. "How about an example?" he asked, taking a bite out of the meat. Eleni's eyes flashed once before she spoke.

"You were conceived on a hot summers day, born to Pearls." Roth gagged, spitting out the chunk as he did. Danamacil let out an thundering laugh, he sides shaking as she did.

"Pearls?" Roth echoed, coughing lightly as he did. "The only Pearl I know is 'The Pearl'. The Denerim brothel." Roth winced, coughing once to clear his throat. "Are you telling me my mother was-"

"Of course not." Eleni denied, "T'was your father." Roth blinked once. Twice. Three times before his brain finally registered what it was the prophet had said.

"Ah." Was all he could muster before turning, suddenly wanting nothing to end that particular conversation.

"All this aside you need to go south." Roth blinked for the fourth time, confused.

"What lies to the south?" He asked.

"Ostagar. And the Wardens."

Roth gave the spirit a look. "Why there though?"

"It is where your fate lies. For it is there the world shall change." The spirit's eyes glazed over, "Black blood stains his lips his path chosen, Grey shall be his path. The beast raises its hand, a body clenched within, his arm burns as he accepts the golden outsider's offer, the brand forming. Eyes set forward on the horizon; he shall redeem his honor and conquer the madness and power that once consumed him." She shook her head.

"A premonition." Danamacil stated, her arms crossed, "A glimpse of the future to come."

"Correct." The prophet confirmed.

Roth glanced downward, thinking. "You're sure my path lies to the south, in the Wilds?" Eleni gave a quick nod. With a quick sigh Roth nodded. He might as well follow the visions of a prophet, the last who didn't head her word did cause the entirety of his house to crumble. "Then to the south we go."

Dragon 9:30, First day of Firstfall, Somewhere in the Bannorn

Roth groaned as he heard Lily gasp sharply, shying away from Eleni as she appeared suddenly. Something that Roth had learned was that Eleni wasn't invisible like Danamacil, her ghostly form served only to further convince the Chantry Initiate that he was a blood mage having not only bound a demon but also a Tevinter spirit to himself. She had stayed as far from him and as close to Jowan as she could over the past week, Roth found it irritating but dealt with it. At least she didn't scream anymore. Roth glanced back at his friend, watching as he nursed fire in his palm, heating his shivering love. Despite Lily's protest Jowan insisted that they follow Roth to the south, he firmly believed that as long as they traveled with him they would have a chance at evading the Templars, even though Roth's phylactery was still intact Jowan had faith in his friend that no matter what, the Templars would never catch him. A small smile found its way to the Halflings lips. It was touching for someone to have that much faith in him, and he knew that going against a loved one, especially for Jowan, was a tough thing to do. It was also nice that he didn't give him much trouble over the half truth he had told them about Eleni being released, it was true, just not the whole picture. His slightly good mood was stolen as a shiver ran up his spine, reminding him of the cold weather. A scowl replaced his smile as he turned, briefly igniting fire between his hands to warm them. He hated the cold, ever since that night all those years ago, he absolutely hate the cold. He'd rather deal with scorching sun over a mild chill any day. He tensed suddenly turning slightly, coal black eyes searching the forest.

"Roth?" Jowan questioned, noticing his friend's focused gaze. "Is something-"he didn't finish as Roth whipped out Starlight, twisting the staff just in time to deflect a dagger.

"Templars!" The Halfling roared, summoning magic into being. He was too slow as a vial filled with some liquid sailed through the air, shattering as it struck the ground. A gust of black smoke erupted from the ruined vial, encircling the trio.

"Da-" Roth began only for something to crash into his throat, causing the warlock to gag. On reflex he threw his arms out, a concussive force following, launching his assailant, and the smoke, backwards. Roth coughed roughly as his wind pipe expanded, his throat sore from the attack. He blinked as the attacker came forward with surprising speed only to get blindsided by Jowan's Stonfist spell. Roth managed to catch a glimpse of the attacker, their body obscured by a dark cloak.

'Not a Templar.' He thought to himself, 'Bandit maybe?' The rouge regained his footing quickly turning to Jowan, a dagger glinting from under his cloak. Lily came up with a ferocity that surprised Roth, using a rather large branch he was even more surprised she could lift. Her attacks were hard but unbalanced, still she pushed the bandit back before he suddenly twisted away, causing the initiate to over extend with a strike. With a quick kick she was sent sprawling back to Jowan.

"Cringe! Despair! Let the world crash around you! Become aware of how Feeble you truly are!" Roth chanted out, emerald magic swirling around the attacker. The person, wobbled slightly, catching themselves as they fell to a knee. Dar'U appearing behind him, claws at the ready.

"Make a move mortal." He snarled, "Give me another reason to end your pitiful life as slowly as I deem."

"Who are you then?' Roth demanded, "A bandit who thought we'd be easy pickings?" The attacker shook their hooded head, still under the effects of Roth's curse.

"I'd expected you to fight." He, for the voice was certainly male, stated "I did not expect a second mage, nor a Chantry Initiate with combat training." Roth's eyes narrowed as the man chuckled lightly, something was familiar here. "And there's the demon at my back. But never the less I have seen what I needed to." The man pulled his hood from his head, revealing an aged face, a dark beard covering it.

"D-Duncan?!" Roth stuttered, his eyes wide. Jowan and Lily looked equally surprised, the latter's mouth slightly open in shock. "Why did you attack us?" Dar'U pressed his claws into the Wardens back.

"I told you of how a Blight is forming to the south." He stood upright, paying Dar'U no mind and shaking off the curse Roth had placed on him in record time. "I tracked you using this." He held up a hand, holding a silver ring in-between his fingers. Roth recognized it, the ring of the First Enchanter. Irving's ring. "A spell was cast on it so that the holder could always find its brother ring." Roth blinked before glancing down at his hand, and more specifically his Circle ring. "Irving gave it to me in the hopes that I would find you before the Templars."

"And do what?" Roth questioned, his grip on Starlight tightening.

"Offer you a choice." Duncan stepped forward, Dar'U moved to stop him but Roth waved him off. "There are too few of us Grey Wardens in Ferelden. With The Blight we need all the help we can get. So I offer you this, join the ranks of the Wardens." Roth blinked in surprise. Join the Wardens? Him? "You have skill in magic never before seen, and your companions have some mettle to them. You would be a great warrior against the darkspawn. Though I expected only you t'would seem there are two others might join as well."

"What?" Jowan voiced, "Us? Why? And when did we ever say we would join your order?" Duncan frowned shaking his head as he did so.

"It is either join the Wardens or be on the run from the Templars and Chantry for the rest of your lives." Duncan pointed out, "In the Warden's you would be outside of Chantry rule and free from being hunted by them." Roth scowled, he really didn't have much of a choice in the matter. Eleni had said his path lies to the south. Ostagar and the Wardens were in the south. This was most likely the path she had said he was meant to take.

"How does one even become a Grey Warden?" he asked, lowering Starlight ever so slightly.

"I cannot say." Duncan replied immediately, "It is a tradition known only to those in the order. Should you accept, you will be put through trials that must be completed." Roth bit his lip before glancing at his two companions and back to the Warden Commander.

"Why would you work so hard to find me?" he asked, "I disregarded the rules of the Circle to assist an accused blood mage in escaping. I destroyed the phylacteries of all the mage apprentices at the tower. Hell I've even used blood magic! Why would you want such a person in your ranks?" Duncan smiled kindly, stepping forward.

"You risked everything to save a friend. You did what you thought to be right when you destroyed the chamber. What's more you sacrificed yourself, making yourself the target to save him." He pointed to Jowan. "While I was not there Irving told me of your actions. And it is too rare a thing to find someone who sacrifices so much for a friend. It shows a kinship not often seen in our world." Roth sighed, allowing himself to relax.

"Very well Warden." He conceded, "I will follow you." Jowan blinked before stepping forward, his face set in determination.

"If he will join you then so shall I." He placed a hand on Roth's shoulder. "I'll not abandon you aver all you've done for me." Lily shuffled on her feet, uncertain. Her eyes flicking between Jowan and Roth. She didn't trust Roth, he was a blood mage a maleficar.

'Although,' she thought glancing to her lover. 'Jowan's a maleficar as well now. A mage outside chantry control.' She couldn't trust Roth, but she would trust her love's trust in him. Just as she stepped forward the image of a man with ridiculous blue hair and overly large strange red tinted glasses. She shook the image off before speaking.

"If you are certain Jowan…"she began, causing all eyes to focus on her. "Then I shall trust in you." She turned to Duncan, bowing slightly as she did. "I will also join your ranks Warden… if you'll have me."Duncan surveyed the trio before nodding, he gestured a ways south west.

"There is a small village two days from here, we shall go there to get the three of you supplied." He turned, "After that we travel through the Imperial Highway to Ostagar."

Dragon 9:30, 3rd of Firstfall, Lothering

Roth shuffled his new robes uncomfortably the midday sun bearing down on him, it was heavier than he was used to but he would adapt. He glanced down at the padded robe and couldn't help but draw similarities to Duncan's own Warden clothing, while his was undoubtedly made for one who worked with the shadows, his was more of a long coat than anything, his hands covered by fingerless gloves. A chain mail tunic fitted over his chest and behind the brown leather of the robe, his feet covered by worn boots. He looked over at Jowan, who bore similar attire, Lily standing beside him, dressed in leather armor, a javelin tipped with steel at her back. Roth chuckled when he remembered her face when they had asked her where it was she learned to fight. She had stated that she was the daughter of a minor noble how had taught her from the moment she could walk how to wield a weapon, although she had always preferred a javelin as a weapon as it suited her the most. Able to deal damage up close but allowing her choices at long range and some reach.

"Get some rest at the Inn." Duncan ordered, handing the Halfling a few silvers. "We leave tomorrow. I have some business to attend to." With that he was gone, vanishing into the crowd.
"You two go ahead." Roth said, turning to the two lovers. "I'm going to look around." Jowan nodded, taking the coins and walking towards the Inn, Lily following closely behind him. The former initiate gave the warlock one look, a single glance that lasted only a moment before she turned away.

"So what brings you this way?" Roth jumped, turning to the voice to see a strange man, gray hair hung in front of dark eyes. He was tall, towering over Roth by a good foot, his body clad in silver scale armor, a large great sword at his back. Roth blinked before shaking his head, ridding himself of his surprise.

"We go to Ostagar. To join the Kings army." He stated, receiving a look from the warrior.

"Really?" the man asked, "When did the Wardens become part of the Kings army?" Roth sucked in a breath. "Think nothing of it lad." The man smiled, "I've been around a long time, longer than I care to remember. Name's Halam." Roth bowed slightly at the man.

"Roth." He announced, "Halam you say? That doesn't sound like a human name." The man chuckled, a deep rumble that seemed to shake the air around him.

"To be expected that an elf would pick that out." He rumbled, "No Tis not a human name. I, my younger brother and sister were found by a Dalish clan. Before hand we had been orphans, attempting to survive when they found us. We had no names to speak of so they gave us some. First was I Halam, then my brother Hanam, and finally my sister Bellanaris. They taught my silblings and myself everything we know." Roth gave the man a questioning look, he'd often heard that the Dalish marked those who came of age with the symbol of the god that they favored across their face.

'Although.' He thought, scratching his head, 'They aren't true Dalish, just Humans that were taught by them.'

"So are you going to Otsagar then? To join up with the army to fight back the darkspwan horde?" the Halfling asked.

"Against my better judgment yes." Halam confirmed. Roth eyed the man curiously.

"If you have no wish to be there why come at all?" Halam shrugged rolling his shoulders as he did so.

"Just a feeling I have." The warrior allowed. "Nothing you need concern yourself with master Warden." Halam waved off to the side. "You best go find some rest. I'll not hold you any longer." With that the giant turned and stomped away, not giving the Warlock the chance to respond. Roth sighed and with little else to do he turned to the inn. Glancing behind his back at the warrior only to find him gone.

"That man." Eleni intoned, appearing next to the Halfling, her eyes focused on where Halam had once been. "I see great sadness within him. A sorrow unlike any I have seen before." Roth gave the prophet a look.

"What kind of sorrow?" he asked. Eleni's eyes glazed over as she suddenly spoke.

"Fire, death it all surrounds me. A mother torn from her son, a daughter killed in cold blood. I did nothing. Villages set ablaze, families torn apart. I did nothing. An oath made, a vow sworn. It made me stronger. Now I shall save all." The spirit flinched, her eyes snapping back into focus as if she had been struck. "I cannot make much more out. He has buried much of his past." Roth gave the woman a confused glance.

"Buried with what?"

"Death."

Dragon 9:30, 3rd of Firstfall, Unknown Location

Deep.

Deep was the sleep that encompassed him.

He was unsure of where he was. Or what he was. The being's mind shook as it tried to make out flashes of memory that stayed tantalizingly out of reach. He could not remember his name. His mind pondered, searching with all it could for its name yet came up frustratingly blank. A single word however echoed in his mind. He fought to comprehend the whisper, fought to comprehend his predicament. His mind fogged, slowing more and more.

Sleep. He needed to sleep, he needed to rest. He would learn off his name, of the echo later. He was tired. So very tired. Slowly his mind began to fade back into its slumber, all his thoughts and worries vanishing under the haze of his dreams. He dreamed of many things, some he couldn't remember. He remembered this dream though. He dreamed he had wings of fire.