Lothering

Lirim felt the ache in his body as his mind regained consciousness. Somehow, there was a bed beneath him instead of stone. Somehow, he was not dead.

"Ah, your eyes finally open."

He forced himself to sit up on the bed. To his surprise, Morrigan was bustling around the little home, moving around containers of bandages and herbs.

"What...how did I get here?"

Morrigan approached his bed and checked his wounds. "From what I understand, you and your fellow Wardens were cornered in the tower. Mother rescued you."

Lirim winced when her fingers prodded at a particular tender wound. Had he been hit with an arrow there? "How did she…?"

"Mother has her ways." Morrigan stepped away from his wounds and returned to a small pot cooking in the corner. "Your injuries are healing quite nicely. If you would like, two of your friends are waiting outside for you to wake."

"Two?"

Morrigan made a vague gesture next to the cot next to him. Beside him, Valerie was lying on the bed, her torso wrapped in bandages.

"I understand she hurt her ribs during the attack?" Lirim nodded. "Whatever spell you used did not heal them completely, but she will be fine after some rest." Lirim frowned at the mention of her ribs. She had seemed fine after he healed her. Was she more injured than he thought? He felt guilty for assuming he had healed her completely.

Lirim slowly stood from the bed. "Thank you."

Surprise flickered briefly on Morrigan's face, though she was quick to conceal it. "I...you are welcome, though Mother did most of the work. I am no healer. Your armor is by the door. Once you feel well enough, you are welcome to put it back on. Mother is also waiting for you outside. She has asked to speak with all of you once you are all up and about."

"I'll head outside then. Thanks again." Lirim flashed her a grateful smile and took a step out of the hut. He was far too tired to put on his chainmail or carry his greataxe.

The moment he stepped outside, he could feel the tension in the air. Despite what Morrigan had said, her mother was nowhere to be seen. Alistair was sitting near a small pond by the hut, armor missing and body hunched over. Viveka sat on the opposite side of the clearing near a fire pit, and if he looked close enough, Lirim could see dark bags under her eyes.

"Are you guys alright?"

Viveka simply shrugged her shoulders. Alistair turned away from the pond and frowned. "I thought we were all going to die. If it weren't for Morrigan's mother, we'd all be dead on top of that tower."

"We're all alive, Alistair."

"Not Duncan. Not Cailan." Lirim could feel the older Warden's sorrow from where he stood. "None of this seems real."

A loud scoff came from the doorway behind him. Valerie had woken up, an arm wrapped around her stomach and an unpleasant look on her face. "Seems pretty real to me. What the hell even happened back there?" Lirim offered to help her walk to the clearing, but she waved him away and went to sit by Viveka.

"Darkspawn swarmed the tower." Lirim snapped his gaze to Viveka, worried about the haunted look on her face. "Everyone fell. Loghain quit the field." Tears welled in her eyes. "Everyone is dead."

Alistair stepped away from the pond and walked over to join the others. "Viveka said she was there when Morrigan's mother saved us. We have her to thank for saving us as well."

Viveka shook her head. "I only bought us time. If my ice had covered the hole longer than maybe -"

"If you hadn't done anything things might have been a lot worse." Lirim wished she'd have more confidence in herself. "I don't even know how you could've had the energy to hold off all those darkspawn after the ogre we fought."

Viveka looked away from everyone, trying to hide the guilt that appeared on her face. "I...managed."

Valerie scowled. "I just can't believe that stupid shem would leave everyone to rot like that. Glad to see that all rich nobles are the same; they're willing to ruin everyone else's life to better their own."

"I'm not entirely sure his life is better now." Lirim found himself agreeing with her on one thing, though. Loghain had left everyone to die.

"He's alive, isn't he? That's better than most of the people who had been at Ostagar." Alistair grimaced at Valerie's bluntness, but she continued anyways. She either didn't notice his discomfort or didn't care. "I bet that bastard didn't even have to fight any darkspawn. He's probably sitting in some comfy chair, sipping tea by the fire, and laughing at all those he killed." Fire danced in her eyes. Lirim suddenly felt afraid for Loghain, though he didn't feel bad for the man.

"Now those are words with fight in them."

The group glanced up to see Morrigan's mother approaching them. Viveka hastily stood up, and Valerie followed her lead, using the other elf to help her stand.

"Morrigan's...I just realized we don't even know your name." Lirim rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.

"Names are pretty but useless. The Chasind folk call me Flemeth; I suppose it will do."

Viveka's eyes widened. "You are her then, the Witch of the Wilds? Then that's how you were able to…" Flemeth shot her a grin, a strange glint in her eyes. Viveka stopped whatever she had been planning to say.

"Why did you save us? Wouldn't the king have been better?" Lirim didn't think there was much just the four of them could do against the Blight. The king at least had command over the lands.

Flemeth scoffed. "That fool was nothing but a puppet on a string, moving only when he had the permission of others to do so. He has always been unnecessary in the grand scheme of things. Besides," the strange glint returned to her eyes, "we couldn't have had all the Grey Wardens dying at once, now could we? It has always been the Grey Wardens' duty to unite the lands against the Blight. I doubt that has changed now."

Valerie grimace. "Well, it's a little hard to do that with Loghain killing all the Grey Wardens."

"Not all of them." Lirim ignored the glare the redhead sent his way. "And just because something is hard doesn't mean it's not our duty anymore."

"But we were fighting the darkspawn! The King had nearly defeated them! Why would Loghain do this?" Alistair ran a frustrated hand through his hair.

"Now that is a good question. Men's hearts hold shadows darker than any tainted creature." A chill ran through the group at Flemeth's words. "Perhaps he believes the Blight is an army he can outmaneuver. Perhaps he does not see the evil behind it is the true threat."

"The archdemon."

At Viveka's whisper, a heavy burden fell on the Wardens' shoulders. The Archdemon had killed an entire army without even showing up. They were the only Wardens left.

"Well, we can't just ignore it." Valerie's words cut through the tension. "We have to kill it before it kills everyone else."

"By ourselves?" Alistair's voice was coated in disbelief. "No Grey Warden has ever defeated a Blight without the army of half a dozen nations at his back." He paused in his rant, his cheeks coloring in embarrassment. "Not to mention that I don't know how."

Flemeth raised an eyebrow at his confession. "How to kill an archdemon or how to raise an army? It seems to me that those are two very different questions. Have the Wardens no allies these days?"

"The treaties!" Lirim jumped into the conversation, excitement on his face.

Alistair straightened up, some hope appearing in his expression. "There's also Arl Eamon. He wasn't at Ostagar, and he's Cailan's uncle. We can go to Redcliffe and appeal to him for help!"

"I may be old, but this sounds like an army to me." Flemeth had an amused smirk on her face. Lirim wondered if she enjoyed watching them flounder.

"So can we actually do this? Go to Redcliffe and these other places and...and build an army?" Alistair was practically bouncing now that they had a plan.

Valerie shrugged. "We don't really have any other choice."

"There is one more thing I wish to give you before you leave." The Wardens' excitement quickly changed to curiosity.

"You don't have to." Viveka tried to wave her generosity away. "You've already done so much."

"Nonsense."

The door to the hut opened and closed with a resounding crack. Morrigan sauntered out of the hut, looking annoyed that her house still had visitors. "The stew is bubbling, Mother dear. Shall we have four guests for the evening or none?"

"The Grey Wardens will be leaving shortly, girl, and you will be joining them. You may pack some stew to bring on the journey with you." Everyone froze at Flemeth's words. Lirim wondered if Morrigan was really a gift.

"What!"

Flemeth ignored Morrigan's outraged face. "You heard me, girl. Last time I looked you had ears."

Viveka hesitantly spoke up. "If she doesn't want to…."

"Bah!" Viveka flinched back at Flemeth's outburst. "She has been itching to get out of the Wilds for years. Consider this payment for your lives."

"Well, we can't say no when you put it that way." Lirim attempted to calm everyone. While he didn't know much about Morrigan, she did seem to be a very skilled mage. Her talents would be useful.

Morrigan glanced between her mother and the Wardens. "Mother, this is no how I wanted this. I am not even ready…"

"You must be ready." Despite her blunt words, Flemeth's tone was kind. "Alone, these four must unite Fereldon against the darkspawn. They need you Morrigan. Without you, they will surely fail, and all will perish under the Blight. Even I."

Morrigan's shoulders hunched, dejected. "I understand."

Flemeth turned her gaze to her guests. "And you, Wardens? Do you understand? I give you that which I value above all in this world. I do this because you must succeed."

"We understand," Lirim replied. He was grateful there was someone who wanted the Wardens to succeed.

"Allow me to gather my things, then. You might wish to do the same." Morrigan disappeared inside the shed.

"I'm worried about having an apostate travel with us." Alistair glanced worriedly at Lirim, praying that Flemeth would not hear them.

Lirim rolled his eyes. "You do realize I lived with an apostate, right? Besides, we shouldn't turn away help when it's offered."

"I suppose you're right…" Alistair admitted begrudgingly.

"That is something we need to talk about still Lirim!" Lirim turned away from Alistair to face a very annoyed Valerie. She no longer looked bothered by her ribs. "You healed me!"

Lirim sighed. "I guess I can't really hide it anymore. I do know some magic, mostly just healing and weapon enhancements. I can cast some minor elemental spells too, but I've never been very good at it." He glanced over Valerie's weary state. "I'm sorry I didn't heal you all the way." He had never had to heal something as extensive as broken ribs. Valerie waved off his apology, stating that she felt nearly perfect again.

"You know, this would've been an important detail to know."

Lirim avoided Alistair's gaze. "Just something I'm used to hiding I suppose."

"Well, I don't want you hiding anymore." Valerie attempted to sound harsh, but Lirim could sense the underlying care in her words. The elf coughed awkwardly. "We should get our things together like Morrigan said."

Lirim was grateful for the change in subject. The Wardens shuffled into the hut to gather their armor and weapons. Lirim was surprised to see that his armor was still in decent shape. Perhaps Flemeth had fixed it up as well?

They exited the hut with Morrigan in tow. An unhappy expression was present on her face, but a pack and wooden staff were on her back. Flemeth still stood by the fire, watching all of them prepare to leave.

"I am at your disposal, Grey Wardens." The unhappiness extended to her tone as well. "I suggest a village north of the Wilds as our first destination. 'Tis not far, and you will find much you need there. I will be but another moment." She stepped away from the group to exchange a quick goodbye with her mother. Lirim turned away to give them privacy, and he hoped his companions were doing the same. It was always difficult to leave one's home.

Viveka thanked Flemeth on the group's behalf once the two were done talking. The woman wished them luck on their journey, and they left the hut with a heavy burden on their shoulders.

"How far is this village?"

Morrigan regarded Lirim with disinterest. "Not far. We'll be there long before night falls."

"Have you been there before?"

Her disinterest turned into annoyance. "I do not visit often. The villagers do not take well to my presence."

"Is there anyone that takes well to your presence?"

Valerie shot Alistair a look. "Don't be rude."

Alistair threw his hands up defensively. "Sorry, sorry, I'll keep my comments to myself."

Valerie rolled her eyes at him and turned her attention back to Morrigan.

"Does it really bother you that much that she's an apostate?"

Alistair glanced at the two mages beside him and frowned. "You don't think it's strange how her mother knew exactly where we were and was able to save us from being eaten to death?"

"She is the Witch of the Wilds," Lirim replied with a shrug.

"She's very powerful." Viveka remembered how the woman had transformed into a dragon. She had never seen such magic before. "I would not be surprised if she knew more than most people."

"Yes well," Alistair narrowed his eyes at Morrigan's back. "I find it hard to trust people like that."

"They did save our lives. If either of them wanted to kill us, then this is a very round about way of doing it."

Alistair considered Lirim's words. "I guess you have a point. Still, the whole thing is strange."

"Can't argue with you there." Lirim laughed. It was hard to believe he had been living alone in the forest just a couple days ago. Now he was forming an army. "The Maker is probably enjoying himself, watching us run around with our heads cut off."

Alistair grinned. "Now that…." He paused, his face turning serious. Lirim felt his blood quicken and heard a ringing in his ears. "Darkspawn."

The creatures poured out of the trees and onto the pathway. The group quickly grabbed their weapons, some members already charging into the fray. Lirim cast a fire charm on all of the blades, and Valerie cast him a quick look of appreciation. She obviously enjoyed having her weapon on fire. Viveka and Morrigan stood near the back of the battle, their spells weaving past allies and hitting enemies. Viveka held back on some spells, worried about hitting her companions like she had in their first battle. Morrigan, on the other hand, had no such fears. She trapped her enemies in crushing cages, entropy spilling from her staff. One of the darkspawn slipped past Valerie and made it way over to the mages. Viveka squealed as it got closer and shot a blizzard spell at it. The darkspawn's feet froze to the ground, and as Viveka channeled a spell to finish the job, a large furball slammed into it. The two creatures fell to the ground, the darkspawn quickly being shredded by Viveka's savior.

The bundle of fur hopped off its prey, and everyone else wandered over once they finished their kills.

"You're…" Viveka took in the creature's bloodstained fur and happy face. "You're the dog from Ostagar!"

The mabari barked happily and wagged his tail. Viveka crouched down, and he immediately leaned in to lick her face. The mage groaned at the slobber dripping off her cheek but scratched behind his ear nonetheless.

"Well, would you look at that." Lirim laughed as the dog leaned into her touch. At least someone else had survived Ostagar. "I think he remembers you."

"Not only that," Alistair interjected. "I think he's chosen you."

"Chosen me?"

"Mabari imprint on those they find worthy." Viveka's eyes widened at Alistair's explanation. Did he see her as worthy because she saved his life?

Valerie and Morrigan exchanged looks of exasperation. "At least we know he can fight. I don't think we'll be getting rid of him anytime soon." Valerie had to admit she was impressed, though. There had been a couple guards back in Denerim who had owned mabari, and all of them had been fiercely loyal. Viveka would have her own personal protector.

"What'll you name him?" Lirim crouched down beside her and rubbed the dog's neck.

Viveka hummed and stared at the mabari. "I think I'll call him….Boreas." Boreas licked her face again, seeming to like his name.

Valerie coughed awkwardly. "Well, as lovely as this is, we should keep moving before it gets dark. How far away are we?"

"'Tis not much farther. We shall have no problems reaching our destination before nightfall."

Morrigan's statement proved to be true. The group reached the small town of Lothering just as the sun was beginning to set in the sky. The group could feel the weariness from travel and the previous battle sinking into their bones.

"Ah! More travelers!" Valerie halted the group and eyed the couple of men guarding the bridge before them. "Are you heading into town?"

Valerie narrowed her eyes and replied cautiously, "We are. What's it to you?"

One of the men, clearly the leader, crossed his arms and gave a crooked grin. "Well, you'll have to pay the toll. Ten silvers, then you can move on."

These men were clearly not guards; Valerie could tell by their lack of official armor and their shady attitudes. They were just thieves taking advantages of poor refugees. "We're not paying you."

The man shrugged. "Then I guess you won't be crossing this bridge."

Valerie deftly drew one of her daggers out of its sheath. "I don't take kindly to men who take advantage of the weak. I'll have you know that it didn't turn out well for the last shem that looked down on me."

The leader wearily eyed the dagger that was aimed for his face. "Perhaps...perhaps we could let you pass without paying the toll."

Valerie grinned, slipping her dagger back onto her belt. "Excellent." The thieves let out an audible sigh of relief. However, Valerie wasn't done with them yet. "What exactly is this toll going toward?"

The men sputtered. "I...well...you see…"

Lirim held back a laugh as he watched Valerie take apart the thieves with just her words. The redhead ignored the muffled laughter of her companions. "I think I'll be taking any money you've stolen with me."

"You can't just!"

Valerie shoved past them, picking up one of their supply boxes as she passed. "I can, and I will." Her fellow Wardens followed her lead, each picking up a box or bag as they walked by.

"How dare -" Valerie glanced back to see that Morrigan had cast a quick spell that sent all the men to sleep.

"Nice spell," Lirim teased. Morrigan merely shrugged in response.

"Will they be alright?" Viveka glanced over her bag at them, worry on her face.

"I simply put them to sleep. You will find when they wake up that whatever small amount of intelligence they had remains."

Lirim placed his box back on the ground. "We should tie them up and hand them over to the guards. Any of those boxes have rope in them?"

After some shuffling around, they managed to dig up some rope out of one of the boxes. They made short work tying the thieves up. Alistair glanced at the boxes and the thieves with a frown.

"We're not going to keep this stuff are we?"

Valerie glared at him. "That would make us no better than them. We're giving this to the chantry and turning these idiots over to the Templars."

"Aw, I knew you had a heart." Valerie ignored Lirim's teasing tone and started off in the direction of the chantry. The large building could be seen over all the tents and people milling about the town.

"I...uh…" Viveka handed her bag over to Lirim. "I would rather not go to the chantry if that's ok with you…"

Lirim regarded her curiously. "I guess that's fine. Can I ask why?"

Viveka paled. "I'd rather not tell."

Valerie flicked her eyes from Viveka to the chantry, an odd expression on her face. "Morrigan can go with you, then. I don't want the Templars to see her." Morrigan seemed pleased that she wouldn't have to go near the chantry. "See if you two can get us rooms at the tavern."

Morrigan and Viveka separated from the group, Boreas padding happily behind them. The small town was even more packed with people the further they went into it. The mages were forced to stick closely together in order to avoid being separated by the crowd. The tavern itself wasn't much better. Battered people lay outside the tavern, many of them leaning against barrels and fighting over bed space. Morrigan simple pulled Viveka inside, the elf struggling to process the number of people suffering.

The inside of the tavern was different, yet the same as the outside. Though it was still filled to the brim with refugees, the people were at least healthy looking and friendly.

"I don't think we're going to be able to find somewhere to stay…" Viveka felt uncomfortable with so many people around them.

"Well, well, I think we've been blessed!"

Viveka snapped her gaze to the group of armored men approaching them. Their armor looked familiar; she remembered seeing something similar on Loghain's men.

"Didn't we spend all morning asking about an elf that looked exactly like this one?" One of the men stepped closer to Viveka and leered at her. "Where're your friends, little Warden?"

Viveka took a step away from the men, her face pale and hands trembling. Morrigan's hand itched toward her staff, eyes sharp and deadly.

A woman shoved her way out of the crowd and eyed the soldiers wearily. She stood nearly as tall at the soldiers before her and just as broad, her muscles putting their armor to shame. "Might I ask what all this commotion is about?"

The soldier waved her concern away. "This elf is a traitor, a Grey Warden. I ask that you step away."

Viveka's eyes widened. "Traitor?" The soldier ignored her confusion and pulled out his sword. Viveka yelped and motioned to pull her staff out of its holder. However, the large woman jumped in front of her and held a blade the size of her body as a shield. The soldiers stepped back, moving into a defensive position.

The soldier gripped his blade tighter. "Ma'am, you are protecting a traitor. I must ask you again to step aside."

The woman raised an eyebrow. "See, here's where I'm going to have to disagree with you." She swung her sword in front of her and positioned it so she could lean her weight on it. "You see, my brother and I were at Ostagar. We were one of the few who managed to escape the field." Her eyes narrowed. "We saw you quit the field like the cowards you are."

The men's face reddened, out of anger or embarrassment Viveka wasn't sure. "Teryn Loghain did what he had to do to protect his people."

The woman scoffed. "I thought it was his job to protect the king. He didn't do a very good job of that, now did he?"

"The Grey Wardens killed the king! We were betrayed by them!"

She waved her hand, dismissing his argument. "Yes, well, good luck telling that to everyone now that the survivors have finally gotten out of Ostagar. There may be few of us, but we know the truth." She glanced briefly at Viveka and gave a slight smile. "The Wardens lit the beacon. They were as much of heroes as they could've been in such a situation."

"You should be careful what you say. We'll mark you as a traitor as well."

The woman laughed. "Oh, I'm simply shaking in my boots." She gripped her sword tight and gave the soldiers a challenging smirk. "Listen, if you leave now you'll spare poor Clyde some property damage, and you'll save your necks! It's a two-for-one deal! I promise that you won't find anything better!"

"What are you-"

She lifted her blade for a strike, a threat visible in her face. "Or, you can stay, and I can send you all to an early grave."

Viveka watched as the soldiers glanced at each other. She was worried that they would have to fight them after all. However, the leader put his sword away, an unhappy frown on his face, and his men followed his lead. "Loghain will hear of this."

The woman grinned and put her own sword away. "Yes, well, tell him he can get in line. I think the Blight will get to me before him."

The soldiers stalked out of the tavern, their eyes watching Viveka and the woman until they were out the door.

Viveka gaped at the woman. She had handled those men with such confidence! They hadn't gotten into a fight! "Thank you for helping!"

The woman waved her thanks away. "It was no problem. I wasn't lying about the property damage. Poor Clyde has had so many broken tables because of me and my brother." She smiled at the memories. "You can call me Hawke, though." Hawke offered her hand for Viveka to shake.

Viveka awkwardly gripped her hand. "Viveka...this is my…" What was Morrigan to her? "This is my companion, Morrigan. The dog is Boreas."

"It's wonderful to meet you. Is what those men said true? Are you two Wardens?"

"I'm a Warden; Morrigan is not."

Hawke frowned. "Are you the only Warden left?"

Viveka quickly shook her head. "Oh! Oh, no, there are others! They're at the Chantry, right now. We were trying to find a place to stay for the night."

"Ah, well, I'm afraid you won't find a place to stay here. The tavern has been full for days now. I'd recommend camping, honestly."

Viveka's shoulders slumped. She had hated camping and was looking forward to having a bed to sleep on. "You wouldn't know where we could get some tents, would you?"

Hawke's face lit up. "Actually, I know someone who would be happy to help you get anything you'd need for traveling!"

Hawke led them out of the tavern and back into the street. Morrigan gestured to Viveka, a serious expression on her face.

"Something is not quite right with our savior." Her voice was a low whisper. Viveka hoped Hawke did not hear them gossiping about her.

Viveka sent her companion a confused look. "What do you mean?"

"There is an energy coming from her that feels like magic, yet it is dampened?"

Viveka focused on Hawke's energy and found that Morrigan was right. A distinctive hum flowed through her body, yet the song was quiet. "Maybe she's just related to a mage?"

Morrigan simply hummed in response, not seeming pleased by that answer. Hawke continued walking them across town, her attention on Boreas rather than the conversation happening behind her.

"Here we are!" Hawke stopped them in front of a small medical camp. A young woman about Hawke's age was flitting around the camp, her auburn hair tied up in a messy bun. "I've brought you some friends my lovely ray of sunshine!"

The woman glanced up from her work, her face one of exasperation. "Why can't you just call me Rae like a normal person?"

Hawke grinned and walked over to help her friend carry one of the many baskets of food. "When have I ever been normal?" Rae simply shoved more baskets into Hawke's arms. She looked over at Viveka and Morrigan, a small smile replacing her annoyance.

"I'm Rae, a friend of Hawke's. What can I help you with?"

Viveka stared at the two, uneasy with their boisterous personalities. "Uh, I need some tents and supplies for the road. Hawke said you'd be able to help."

Rae sighed. "Of course she did." She shot a glare at Hawke. "Go help your sister with the injured; make yourself useful for once." Hawke laughed and scampered away, not seeming deterred by her friend's exasperation. Rae turned her attention back to them, a smile now on her face. "I think we have some tents to spare, along with a couple poultices and poisons."

"It isn't a bother?"

Rae shrugged and led them into a small shed. "I like helping people." She started gathering materials, and Viveka didn't have a clue what half the items were. "How many people are you traveling with?"

"There are five of us; six if you want to count Boreas."

Rae hummed and pulled out a couple packs. "We can only afford to spare three tents for now, but hopefully you will be able to find more on your travels." She shoved fabrics and vials into the bags, moving around the small room effortlessly.

"We appreciate anything you can give us."

The woman handed the packs over with a smile. "It's no problem, really. How long are you folks going to stick around?"

"Not for long, I'm afraid. We'll probably head out tomorrow morning."

"Ah, well, I wish you the best of luck then. Perhaps we'll meet one day in the future."

Viveka and Morrigan both picked up two packs each and slipped the final one on Boreas's back. The dog simply wagged his tail, the extra weight not affecting him. Morrigan, on the other hand, now had three packs to carry counting her own. She tried to hide the obvious strain on her face.

"Thank you again for your help." Rae waved them off, and the group left the shed with more weight than they had entered with.

"Warden!"

Viveka turned her attention to a familiar woman rushing toward her. Hawke must have escaped whatever task she had been saddled with.

"Hawke?"

"I have something I need you to do for me."

Viveka tilted her head, curious. "Anything." Morrigan shuffled unhappily behind her. Viveka knew Morrigan didn't want to carry so much for an extended period of time. "Ah, Morrigan, why don't you find the others. They're probably done in the chantry."

Morrigan nodded. "I shall take them back this way once we have been reunited."

The mage walked back toward the chantry, trying her hardest to look unaffected by the heavy weight on her back.

"I'll take one of those packs from you until your group arrives." Viveka gratefully handed over one of the packs, feeling better already. "Rae really filled these up, huh?"

"Ah, yeah." Viveka shuffled awkwardly. "What did you need?"

"Right! Follow me, please."

Hawke led her over to a singular cage that hung on the edge of town. A large, horned, grey man stood in the cage, a bored expression on his face. Viveka stared at him in awe, never having seen anything like him.

"So you return." The man had clearly spoken to Hawke before, recognition on his face as they approached.

"Of course." She gave him a wide grin. "Warden, this is Sten. I want you to take him with you."

Viveka blinked. Had she heard her correctly? "You want me to...what?"

"Sten has done some dastardly deeds, and so the town has sentenced him to die with the darkspawn. I think that is too cruel a fate, no matter what the crime. At least if he goes with you, I know he will be less likely to commit any more crimes."

"He...what did he do?"

"I have been convicted of murder. Death will be my atonement."

Viveka looked between Hawke and Sten. Was she really expected to take a murderer with her? Hawke just seemed exasperated. "We've talked about this Sten. Dying isn't actually an atonement."

"Would you consider hunting darkspawn atonement?"

Sten eyed Viveka curiously. "You are a Grey Warden, then?"

"Uh, yes." She didn't like the way he was looking at her.

"My people have heard legends of the Grey Wardens' strength and skill...though I suppose not every legend is true."

Did he just...insult her? She turned her gaze to Hawke, who seemed torn between laughing and looking scandalized. "Sten, it isn't nice to insult your savior!" Sten did not seem affected by her admonishment. "Ah, it looks like your group has arrived. I'll leave you with your new friend, then. Good luck!" Hawke handed the pack back over to Viveka and walked away with a wave. Viveka felt exhausted watching her leave and knowing she would be left with Sten.

"This is the favor Hawke wanted?"

Viveka nodded feebly. "Can you get him out, Valerie?"

"You are aware he is a murderer, yes?"

Viveka realized that their group had gained a new addition. The woman was dressed in leather armor with a large bow strapped to her back.

"You are…?"

Valerie introduced the woman as she worked on the cage's lock. "That's Leliana. She's crazy. Lirim said she could join."

"She's not crazy." "I'm not crazy!" Lirim and Leliana both disagreed, one louder than the other. Valerie simply ignored their protests.

Sten's cage opened with a loud creak. He stepped down from it, a serious expression on his face. "It is done. I will find my atonement on the battlefield."

"Fantastic." Valerie wasn't even phased. "Morrigan told me you two couldn't find us a place to stay?"

Viveka slumped. "I wish we had. Some kind people gave us tents and supplies, though."

"Well, I guess it will have to do. I vote we get out of this town now, then. I don't think these people would appreciate seeing a murderer walking around."

"There's a bridge not too far from here. We can probably set up camp around it." Valerie nodded at Lirim's suggestion and gestured for everyone to gather their things. Sten did not have any armor with him, but Valerie would search for some in the morning.

The bridge was indeed not far from the town, but to the group's dismay, a small horde of darkspawn was attacking a small caravan.

Valerie shrugged off her pack and pulled her daggers out. "Sten, watch our stuff. I don't want you fighting without any weapons." The Qunari seemed displeased with the order, but he didn't argue with her. Leliana stood near him, taking out enemies with her arrows and keeping an eye on him.

"Mighty timely arrival there, my friend! I'm much obliged!"

Two dwarves crept out from behind the caravan, grateful smiles on their faces.

"It was no trouble." Lirim put his ax away and picked up one of the discarded packs.

"My name is Bodahn Feddic." The dwarf motioned to the other beside him. "This is my son, Sandal." The boy gave a happy hello in greeting. "The roads have been mighty dangerous these past few days. Might I ask where you're headed? We might be going the same way."

Valerie raised a brow. "Are you saying you'd like to travel with us?"

Bodahn shrugged. "You all seem like very skilled individuals. My boy and I would be extremely grateful for the protection. In return, we'd be happy to help keep you well supplied with any wares you might need."

The offer wasn't a bad one. "In that case, you're welcome to tag along. You wouldn't happen to have any Qunari armor, would you? Our new friend needs some." Lirim gestured to Sten.

Bodahn looked at him in consideration. "We might have something that would fit him."

The group continued their journey out of Lothering, the Wardens feeling more confident about the daunting task ahead of them. They had only been in town a day, and already they had gathered more members for their mission. Perhaps gathering an army would be just as easy.