A/N:This might seems rushed compared to the other chapter, but it is what it is. Also I wanted to warn ya guys I might get frantic on certain time skips since DA2 has taken a huge chunk of my memory so I forgot a lot of DA:O&A to fit the time line...or I might just focus on certain parts and do an up and up one shot for certain areas since classes are coming up soonish.
Bioware owns said franchise of Dragon Age along with my money.


The trip to Ostagar wasn't that eventful but neither was it boring. If anything it was a great learning experience for the sisters as they realized they never once had set foot out of Denerim. Never in their entire lives did the world seem small living in that city. But this made them see for the first time just how large the world was as well as how small they both were. Duncan was helpful giving information on their surroundings but was also wary of their hushed whispers. He didn't feel insulted knowing that they didn't fully trust him.

Traveling past the Brecilian Forest brought forth old memories of Kali and Durga's youth from when they used to envision playing in the larger playground and imagine what it would be like to live among the Dalish. For Kali this made her think of how her parents might have been, yet the idea died just as quickly. Just the mere notion of her parents being Dalish would have meant they hated humans and Durga would have never been a part of the family. As the woodlands slowly turned into swamplands the tower of Ihsal was seen on the horizon letting them know that Ostagar was nearby. As they neared the entrance they noticed a trio of knights walking towards them. Noticing the Armor of one of the men first, Duncan stopped to bow respectfully leaving Kali and Durga confused.

"Ho, there travelers. I see you have returned safe, Duncan," the man covered in golden armored greeted. Durga put on a stony face to remain inconspicuous where as Kali looked at him with a raised eyebrow before replying. "Duncan is this one of the ranked Officers in the army?"

"No, but please show some respect. This is King Cailen of Fereldan." Duncan stood to seem respectable. "Oh, so this is what a ruler looks like then?" Durga could hear the smart ass rolling off Kali at just that statement alone.

"I can guess from your jovial manner you have had a long journey. Tell me, how did Duncan recruit an elf, let alone a woman of your prowess?" Cailen asked earnestly not noticing Kali lower her eyes into unamused slits.

"One of your Arl's son kidnapped my sister here," Kali waved over to Durga who acted genuinely surprised. " And her friends, raped my cousin, and I gutted him like a fish by rescuing them."

Cailen balked at the retort before Duncan diffused the situation of any backlash.

"Despite her blunt answer, I am afraid there are some cruel realities in your kingdom you need to know about. Hopefully after we have fully rested?" Cailen accepted this before walking back with his guard toward his tent leaving Duncan and the sisters to walk towards the temp blacksmith.

"Question...why didn't you correct him and mention my sister was conscripted as well and not just the humble she elf?"

"Because in truth that can only work on one person for every warden." Kali asked looking off to the kennels. "I take it someone knows how to talk bullshit in their work."

"Really?" Duncan replied with hidden mirth in his eyes. "I think maybe it was a two for one deal. Now if you will, I need you to meet with your senior in rank Alistair. He should be nearby with the other recruits."

This was easier said then done since Duncan didn't leave a physical description to find the other Grey Warden, much to Kali's shortened patience. Of course both sisters ran into the other recruits Jory and Daveth. It wasn't long until the camp's blacksmith yelled at them to catch Kali's attention as one of the 'lazy' errand runners, but he changed his tune once he noticed their 2nd rate armor. Walking by the mage's camp made Durga weary since the Templars gave her side glances from time to time as they asked one of the senior enchanters for directions. Thankfully, they made their way to an archer's lookout to find a smiling man with an angry mage. The mage stalked past them muttering obscenities about a chantry mother.

"So you're the new recruit Duncan was talking about. For a minute there I thought I was going to get a beating for pestering that mage earlier, but it seems the chantry mother just couldn't...mpphf!" The man was muffled by Kali's hand whom was extremely sour.

"I'm sorry. Can you please repeat that without the rambling? I've had a rough couple of days reaching here."

"I said I thought that she," he pointed to Durga, "was going to pummel me with those guns of hers before setting me aflame for harassing her friend I was chatting with earlier. The chantry mother was insistent on making sure I let him know, maybe because of all the ex-Templar business, and she is emitting a lot of magic for-"

Kali closed his mouth again with both hands before he could continue. Her face turned from upset to murderous and Durga couldn't help but feel more uneasy at what he was saying.

"If I take my hands away, can you simply reply, in short sentences, what I ask of you?"The man nodded his head as Kali slowly backed away. "Right then...whats your name?"

"Alistair, milady. Which makes you Kali and that lovely lady next to you Durga."

"You said you could feel magic coming from her and your an ex-Templar?"

"Well long story short, I know enough Templar skills and yes..she's practically emitting as much as a wet fart in a cloister." Durga tried not to laugh at that remark due to the unpleasant undertones but didn't think of herself as any danger to a Templar.

"Shouldn't we head to Duncan then. I think he's waited long enough?" Alistair went to find Duncan leaving them to wander a bit more.

Kali diverted their attention walking towards the kennels grabbing Durga's hand. Stroking it, she looked up with a sardonic smile. "Seems I brought you to a hell hole where you'll still get locked up as an apostate should we win the battle."

"Kali..." Durga pulled her into a hug placing her chin atop Kali's head. She looked over at the Mabaris as she contemplated her thoughts. "You worry too much. As the older sister its my duty to look after you not the other way around. I may not be prepared for what happens to me, but I'm to make blighted sure you are better off."

"Yeah, by stealing purses. Ignoring slurs the whole community says about you behind your back or right in front of you, implying you whore yourself out just to be one of us."

"Kali...look our family was better off than others and you can't blame them for being angry about it. Mother worked hard to take care of us and instilled that notion to not let others get to us."

"And look where that got her...dead in an alley like some 20 copper whore. I should be lucky she didn't actually sell herself and catch something off a sailor."

Durga didn't move from her hug, only shifted her weight in her feet. Letting out a big sigh she let go to walk over to Duncan. "If anything, I know you want something tangible to take our your anger...use me instead. I can accept that like our training sessions."

Kali watched her sister walk to Alistair who was making a worried face at their private moment. Looking away she fisted her hand feeling Nelaros' ring on her finger. All the blood in her veins felt like ice. She could feel all that pent up rage and sorrow just waiting to explode and Durga thought it was OK to be the sacrifice for it.

It wasn't until the whine from one of the Mabari's caught her attention that her emotions shifted. She looked on as the kennel master tended to the hairy beast. "I feel sorry fo' this one. Lost his master in the battle and he just sits here listless with that infection on him." Kali didn't respond but looked at the dog sparing no emotion. "Why don't you just put him down if he isn't useful?"

"Are you insane? It be an out right shame to even kill one o' these noble animals. Unless...say if you were heading out to the swamp."

"If I was?"

"There's this flower that grows near swamp water on logs I need to heal the old boy and remove his previous imprinting."

Kali's face pulled a classic 'please explain' look as she absent mindfully petted the dog. "Imprinting is what a mabari does to fully obey one master in their life. Basically, it will help his wounds and maybe he can serve you as his new master." Kali scrunched her face up, thinking about owning a dog, let alone a Mabari. The idea itself was becoming more intriguing as the Mabari started to nuzzle her hand.

"I'll check with Duncan, but if we do I'll be sure to look out for this flower."

Kali gave the mabari a pet thinking about the task at hand as Durga came up to her. She informed her of the task she must complete in order to become a warden. Lucky for them Duncan gave Durga special permission to join.


The group traveled through swamps going about their task of collecting darkspawn blood. For the five man group it proved an easier task than with the extra manpower from Durga's Bec de Corbin and Kali's arrows giving them an advantage in range power. It also helped that her sister looked out for the flower she was suppose to get for the mabari back at camp, which Kali blamed the memory blank on her battle high. With the three vials gained they were onto the next task trying to find the cache of Gray Warden treaties. Twas easier said then getting done as all the submerged architecture looked the same.

"Ugh, now I know why most traders called the Wilds an endless fog bank smelling of ass and dick."

"My, my Miss Durga do you kiss your mum with that mouth?" Daveth asked eying her backside as it walked over a bridge. "No, I can say I learned it from my mother."

"Well, you can give her my condolences for raising such a spirited woman." A howl was heard in the air as Alistair waved his hand to stop their conversation.

Seconds passed until the howling grew in numbers turning into growls as a pack of wolves emerged on a ridge. The pack consisted of fifteen wolves growling at at them for intruding on their territory, but it was the big one that caught Alistair's attention. It was large for a wolf, bigger than normal wolves, but it's demeanor was eerie based on how it wasn't growling. Alistair knew this one wolf had to be the alpha and taking it down was paramount to proceed. Whistling to Daveth he charged to gain the attention of the underlings as Jory flanked his blind spot. Kali helped out on the range taking out 3 wolves before her quiver ran out of arrows. She pulled out her daggers then she joined in to take care of the underlings dodging and stabbing where she could.
Things were going fine until the 'big boss' joined in tackling Alistair to the ground landing on his shield. Alistair tried to beat back the monster straining under the weight of the beast. Jory tried to intercept with a slash, only to miss the beast. It side stepped from their combined attacks making it obvious this wasn't the average wolf. It took a quick snap out of Jory's thigh, making him yell in pain before barreling towards Kali. She dodged the near hit getting scratched across her bicep cursing up a storm, forgetting that Durga was behind her. Before she could turn around the wolf was sent flying into a dilapidated stone wall with Durga chasing it. Daveth was picking off the stragglers as Alistair helped Jory stand up. All that was left was the big wolf that was oddly not moving next to was struggling in place trying to escape something intangible.

Kali walked over noticing the green circle beneath it as Durga set herself in deep breathing. "Well, damn glad you finally put all that learning into practice. Now I'll take care of this bugger while you go tend to Jory." She looked back to notice Daveth eying Durga with wild eyes pointing his arrow at her back. "By the maker, she's a witch!"

"Technically, she's an apostate, but I doubt she's a witch unless you like newts." Alistair mumbled.

"That doesn't matter she'll kill us out here before we make it back to camp."

"Do you really think my sister would make it top priority to kill you when we have a blight to fight?" Kali asked turning her daggers around in her palm itching for the first move. Durga looked on with a calm look placing her hand on her shoulder. "It's ok Kali. I'm more worried about tending those wounds before they get infected." Kali only shrugged as she looked back on the wolf, which was now staring at Durga.

"You do know you'll have to drop that in order to do so."

"I don't think it will want to fight us...it seems more cautionary than its pack so maybe...hmm." Durga concentrated to drop the glyph under the wolf who only sat up. It looked at Durga with an intensity as she walked over to Jory placing her hand over his gash. As the wound was tended they resumed their journey up the path not noticing the wolf behind them. It didn't attack or snarl but it followed looking at Durga quietly.

"Well, so much for finding those papers." Alistair sighed looking at the cache broken and scattered about the fort. "I don't think Duncan will be happy to know about this surprise of events."

"Or it could be a surprising turn of events." They turned around to see a strange woman dressed in make shift clothing that bordered on obscene to the male gaze. Of course the only females around were noting holes in defense for a knife to slip through.

"Now, now no need to be quiet. Tis impolite to not tell our name to others."

"Well, I never give mine away to strange women I've just met." A raise of eyebrows look at Alistair who was now blushing. "I mean not that I met strange women, I mean just meeting them and...my names Alistair and I'll shut up now."

"Ha ha ha, mine is Morrigan. Judging from your company I take it you are Grey Wardens looking for some documents?"

"We shouldn't trust her sir..she's a real witch." Daveth whispered into Jory's ear shaking him off. "Well I don't care if this one can turn me into a newt. We need those papers to bring back to Duncan."

Morrigan looked on with interest before turning her head towards the two women. "If you two aren't afraid of what lies beyond please feel free to follow me and try not to drown in the mudtraps." Smirking with mirth she lead the way.

The trip in itself was weird in a sense as they meet Flemeth, THE Flemeth, who gave what they needed to bring back to Duncan. In exchange she asked that Durga stay behind in her cottage for 'additional training'.
"It just seems to me a girl like you should know how to throw a proper fireball. If anything you know how to throw a proper punch." Flemeth chuckled at some inside joke.
"But don't worry I'm sure you'll see your sister again...if not anytime too soon."


If Durga was a seer she would of slapped whoever thought it was funny for this debacle. Her sister was wrapped in bandages laying on the only bed in the cabin while Alistair was moaning and screaming about the failed battle.
"That bastard Loghain didn't even helped after all that trouble! He murdered Duncan, he murdered Cailen! What the hell for?" Watching her shake her head he went outside for fresh air.

"Ill be outside...hopefully there's a snake with Loghain's face that I can stab." Walking out he didn't notice a robin enter the room landing near the bed. "I hoped he would tire himself from all the crying but it seems he still has energy to supply, child."

"But what he said was true...they lost and Loghain betrayed the king."

"I wouldn't know since me and mother were trying to instill some skill into you."

Durga looked away towards the fire pit collecting her thoughts over Kali's injuries. "I appreciate the concern...but I get the feeling I wont be of any help to anyone soon."

"What would ever give you that idea? We just did it for fun."


Lothering was at its means a prosperous village located on the Imperial highway on the cross roads of Redcliffe, the Circle, the Kocari wilds and the Brecilian forest. Given a few years it would have been a great trading community, but time had a funny thing for the village. Ostagar was lost with the darkspawn horde and the small group, now including Morrigan and Kali's new Mabari were figuring out what to plan next.

"Okay our options are limited in where we need to head next. We can either head to the Dalish or ask the mages for helps."

"Technically the Circle of Ferelden, Kali." Alistair said in a cheeky tone.

"Thanks for the correction chantry boy...The Dwarves and finally Redcliffe. Any takers?"

Kali looked up at the others near the chantry board eying any easy jobs. "Well, we could help the small villagers with their spider problems or we could head towards the woods and start working." Morrigan suggested ignoring the stares passerbys gave her. \

"Or we could head to the Circle and loot through the library." Durga quipped with a snarky smile thinking about all those tomes.

"Either way ladies," Alistair piped up scratching Ser Duke's head, the mabari, before continuing. "We need to get what supplies we can and gain any information in the local chantry."

"How about this," Kali said rubbing her chin. "We split up into 2 groups to gather supplies and gain information. Me, Ser Duke and Durga will head to the chantry while you and Morrigan gather resources at the inn. We'll meet up over the bridge in...30 minutes?"

"I don't see why I have to tag along with chantry boy."

"Because 2 apostates walking into the chantry really isn't a good idea nor the smartest idea on your part." Kali sighed before walking off.

"Ooh, she's a little firecracker isn't she." Alistair grinned staring towards Kali while Morrigan had a Cheshire grin spread across her face.

The chantry was a bit cleaner than the rest of the village judging from the shrubbery and extra guard detail it was more important. Several people were outside praying or coughing up their lungs from sickness. Inside was worse as all the available pews and space were filled with soldiers that escaped Ostagar or the gravely sick. Kali went off to find the Mother for this location. Durga on the other hand stood by the entrance fiddling with her Corbin. A hacking noise caught her attention as a toddler no bigger than a pumpkin was being cradled by his mother. Soothing sounds came out her mouth as she rocked back and forth to ease his coughs. Durga looked around and noticed Templars walking by as if the situation was beneath their worries, but how could it be when they were in a chantry that was to help the sick and poor. Or good little Andrastians who were on their to do list. The mother laid her child down walking over to a sister leaving Durga with a window of opportunity.

This was a risky move on her own but she crept over to the child feeling his head. His head was extremely hot to the touch that even a inexperienced healer could tell this was bad. Durga weighed her options heavily before instinct took over and her mother sick in bed. She let out a bit of healing wash out remembering how it felt to make her mother feel cool and warm. Like she was wrapping her in chilled silk that kept away the hottest breeze on her skin. It filled her with a happy feeling not realizing the child curled into her hand. Without warning she felt her brain go heavy as if the wind was knocked out of her without being hit.

"Apostate! Stop what you are doing!" A templar grabbed Durga roughly by the shoulder pushing her into the floor as the mother came rushing back.

"Keep your hands off my baby!"

"I was only helping-"

"You have the audacity to work magic on a child. I can understand with a blight you lay low, but to stoop to this level."

"Just feel his head! His fever has broken and I meant no harm!"

"Get your hands off my fucking sister!"

Silence filled the room as Durga looked up to see Kali aiming her arrow at the templars and a dagger ready in hand. She could see the rabid anger in her eyes and knew if she didn't stop she could die. Die like their mother protecting her when she should be saving herself. "Please Kali...calm down it's okay."

"It is NOT okay, Durga...it will not be okay unless this pig gets his hands off of you." She replied with a deathly cold tone more fitted for a warrior prepared to die.

"Perhaps we can reach an agreement that won't lead to unnecessary bloodshed." The mother was behind them all with three Templars sword drawn. "Please...follow me."


Sten was surprised to see a strange group who were on a noble duty. A chantry sister with strange visions, a bas serabeas in revealing clothing and two supposed Grey Wardens. The madness of it didn't surprise him, but the elf was emitting such anger required for Tal Vasoth who wanted to burn everything the Qun represented with tear stained eyes. Her anger would be better put to use against the darkspawn.

Durga eyed the village through the bars as the last of the Templars left Lothering. Outside seemed so peaceful if the Darkspawn weren't around. In fact that's probably why they evacuated the chantry. The hoard was heading north and about to raze anything in its path. She sat in the cage looking out towards the windmill thinking just to stave off her fear.

"No I will not leave her here to die and not for some fool trade for a problem you have to deal with"

"I know this isn't the fairest of trades Grey Warden, but its this or tranquility."

"I know I never had to something like this, but its not a good idea to go against the circle especially if we need their help later on."

"Fuck off Alistair, cause I could give two Andraste shit stains about that. I am not letting my sister die a slow death!" Ser Duke whined as his mistress shouted.

"Maybe it is best not to dwell on such thoughts when we have the maker's duty to uphold."

"Says the sister with the crazy visions. Sounds like something you and mother would talk about over tea."

"Kali please," Durga begged holding onto Kali. "It's better this way. I won't cause you any harm this way and you can focus on your mission."

Kali didn't listen as she desperately held back her tears. "Maker damn it...stop doing this...just stop trying to protect me! That's no longer your job, its mine now."

"Kali..."

Durga smiled with bitterness as the skies became gray not noticing a large figure on four paws venture close. It stopped close to the cage bringing its nose against her fingers. Turning her head to look down she noticed the wolfdog from the wilds laying down whining at her.

"You crying for me, huh?" The wolf only lowered its eye looking at her with 'puppy eyes'. "Its okay. It was only a matter of time before I became a ...Kali might hate me for it, but.."

Movement in the grass was heard gaining both their attentions. Durga felt like cursing as her mana had not yet come back and she was immobilized to even attack. Her only means of protection seemed to be the wolf growling.
"I have to say I never thought I'd see a mabari grow that big out here in this piss hole." A male voice grumbled looking over at the sight. He wore tattered clothes akin to a begger but his physique told of a hard worker with a missing right hand and a deeply scared face over his dark brown skin. What concerned her the most was how his eyes roamed over her not a leering manner, but as if he was studying her. Seeing what she is and what secrets were hidden.

"I take it as a funny joke you see a mabari where as I see a small bear." She replied covering up her uneasy feelings. "Well despite what you think I'm here to offer you solution if you want to live."

"Which is?"

"Simple. Just catch." He throw an object toward her at a surprising arch that went through the bar landing onto her lap.

Looking down she saw a small amulet with a strange carving on it. Picking up the amulet made her question if the fool was pawing off stolen goods before she died. It wasn't until she felt an ice blast hitting the hinges on the cage. The wolf lunged toward the man only to stop at a crash sound. Looking back it notice Durga standing up from the door that was kicked in. "I take it this was a test of sorts." He threw her Corbin at Durga who caught it easily.

"Right as it was lass...now that I know you passed I thought it be wise we move to safer grounds away from chantries until.." A scream echoed in the air as villagers ran from the Darkspawn that was spilling through. "Right then..names before we die?"

"Its Malcolm girl, and we aren't going to die so you better start running."


A/N: Yep this is where the story focuses more on Hawke's side. Of course I will give chapters dedicated to Tabris...but I start classes next week so this semester might look hectic along with ME3. Thank you for those who still are interested in this piss poor story. Also no song muse but I did have a certain song stuck in my head when writing this midway. Hint:It's in the dogs name.