Chapter 4: The aftermath of Ostagar
Ostagar (the morning after the Ferelden army fell)
The Darkspawn had overrun the ruins of Ostagar, those who survived were dragged away back underground for unknown reasons as a Genlock had found the slain body of the Ogre that fell from the Tower. The Genlock then gave a loud growling groan catching the attention of a Suffering beast which lumbered it's way to the Ogre body as the body's eyes shot open the Ogre growled before slowly standing up as debris crumbled off it's back.
The Ogre looked at it's shoulder where it's arm was cut off by Death and huffed at it as if it didn't care about it's missing arm, and began to walk away from the Suffering and Genlock who gave a sinister growling chuckle of amusement.
The battlefield was littered with corpses of Darkspawn and human alike, dismembered limbs scattered while a few decapitated heads laid lifeless, the blood of both armies mixed staining the soil as the Suffering beasts lumbered around devouring what remained turning the few survivors into Ghouls.
But among the corpses was King Cailan's, his body laid lifeless and broken until the Hurlock who led the assault found him and snarled before stabing his axe's blade into the ground and raised the king's body over head. The Hurlock gave a long and mighty victorious roar as the Horde joined in and roared in their victory until the Hurlock threw the king's body aside for the Darkspawn to take.
While the Darkspawn were in their own twisted way cheering for their victory, a few of Ferelden's forces did manage to survive, in the tower of Ishal the mage Wynne was seen crouched down healing an injured soldier and said "This should help you, young man."
The soldier grunted in pain and said "Damn Darkspawn... did me good."
Another soldier a red headed woman wearing a tiara on her head was seen walking by with a solider both carrying a wooden box and placed behind a wooden bench and other heavy objects that kept the door forcefully closed.
The solider who helped the woman began to breathe heavily and said "That should hold for awhile Avaline."
The woman now known as Avaline turned back towards Wynne and the injured soldier then said "I don't know if we can keep them out, they've overrun Ostagar and are taking the survivors away."
Wynne stood up and and jumped in shock to see the Crowfather in the room with them and said "My word... who are you?"
Avaline and the other soldier quickly turned to see the Crowfather with his right hand on his left and respectfully bowing his head and introduced himself "Greetings, I am the Crowfather, and I have come here to offer you my aid."
Wynne then sensed powerful magic from the Crowfather and warned "Careful... he's an apostate."
Avaline and the soldier looked at the old man with even more distain as the Crowfather stated "I am the Keeper of secrets, knower of the forgotten and seeker of the unknown. I seek secrets and give them away for a price, however my purpose is threatened by the Blight."
Wynne and waved it off and said "You just admitted to everything that make an apostate, why come here?"
Crowfather turned towards Wynne stated and stated "Because you all have a purpose, I do not yet know what that purpose is, but I do know that it is essential and of great importance. But any purpose you may have is threatened by the Darkspawn and for that I cannot allow, and so I come out of hiding to offer you my aid."
Avaline scoffed and asked "At what price? We have no Soverigns or silver, not even copper."
Wynne even pitched in "Or any forbidden spells for that matter."
Crowfather chuckled amusingly and said "I have no interest in petty objects such as your currency. I willing to bet that one of you is willing to aid the Grey Wardens. Which in their victory ensures my search for the forgotten and your country shall survive."
Wynne turned her head slightly while still staring at the old man and questioned "You have no need for money?"
Crowfather stated with a hint of annoyance "Yes, and even if I did, who would take it from a honest old apostate like myself?"
Avaline gave a snarky response "Assuming you are being honest."
Crowfather gestured his hand outward and stated "Believe in what you wish, it matters not for me. I offer you my aid seeing that now the bulk of the horde is preparing to move out leaving a considerable amount of their own behind to keep watch over their new territory."
Then the loud sound of a horn blowing was heard as Crowfather joked "Speaking of which..."
Avaline looked at the solider next to her and ordered "See what that horn call was soldier."
The soldier kept his guard up, pointing his blade at the Crowfather as he looked out the window and saw the large horde of the Darkspawn marching off and reported "Maker help us all... the Darkspawn are advancing further into Ferelden."
Avaline then looked at the down closing her eyes and said "Damn!"
Crowfather then stated "I offer you the choice, to escape and warn your peers, or to die here knowing that your had turned down your only chance of surviving."
The Darkspawn had King Cailan's body strung up on the bridge as a warning for all if they dared return to Ostgar, the Hurlock who led the onslaught was later seen with a serrated dagger and carved a line into it's chest making itself bleed in the process, but while it carved it's kill count into it's own flesh the Darkspawn outside began to fight over a dead man's arm.
When the Hurlock was done carving into his bare chest showing numerous carvings on his chest and arms indicating a kill count, the Hurlock hissed as it's eyes glowed yellow and the Herald's voice was heard "You impress, my child. Your efforts will not go unrewarded..."
The Hurlock's body began to electrify as Corruption crystals began to grow out of it's skin, the Hurlock's shoulder's grew crystalline spikes that curved upward as it's arms and fingers were covered in a crystalline exoskeleton. The Hurlock roared in pain as the other Darkspawn who witnessed the transformation growled in confusion as the leading Hurlock had gruesomely changed.
The Hurlock curled it's fingers while staring at it's hands and gave a growling chuckle as the Herald telepathically stated "Be warned this new form you take now, has only one weakness... and the Reaper will surely make use of it. Be cautious of Holy weapons and Holy Light for are a poison to us Corrupted beings, you more so than your previous form was."
The Hurlock hissed before putting on it's horned helmet while it's eyes glowed yellow from inside, picking up it's axe but the Herald spoke to him again "These ruins will be quite useful... I want this as an outpost for your brothers."
The Hurlock gave a sinister chuckle before it turned towards the other Darkspawn and raised it's right hand gesturing to all of his brethren and gave a long loud roar as the bulk of the Horde began to march off.
Flemeth's hut (Two days later)
Morrigan and Flemeth were seen tending to Death's wounds while Dust was seen perched on a chair observing, as Flemeth using magic to heal his body until Alistair barged in and asked "Will he make it?"
Flemeth then claimed while keeping focus on Death "Lad I will say this one last time, he'll survive but he needs to rest so calm yourself, and consider the idea of me turning you into a frog next time you ask."
Alistair then raised both hands in the air and sarcastically said "Oh do I sound concerned? Well I tend to be this way when one of my comrades is being treated by apostates, also the High Dragon as a guard dog is very reassuring!"
Morrigan admitted while gesturing the door "Begrudgingly, I agree with the Grey Warden mother. Why is the same Dragon I saw with this man here with us?"
Flemeth gave a vague answer "That Dragon is very important to this world girl, it has history here, despite lack of any records of it's sightings."
Morrigan raised a brow and sighed with annoyance as Alistair shook his head and said softly "Apostates... why did it have to be apostates to save us."
Morrigan scoffed and made a snarky remark "Odd you'd say that to the people who are tending to your friend's wounds, and saving his life might I add."
Alistair grunted as Flemeth sighed and looked at Death before saying "I've done all I can, what comes next (gestures to Death) is up to this man's own will to survive, and believe me when I say, this man clearly is not finished yet."
Morrigan eyed Flemeth seeing a look she not often sees, the look of admiration and thought "What are you planning?"
Flemeth looked at Morrigan and ordered "Girl look after him, I must attend our other injured guest."
Morrigan sighed annoyingly and said "Yes mother..."
Flemeth pulled Alistair by the ear who shouted "OWWWW! HEY!"
Flemeth stated as she pulled Alistair's ear "Come lad, I require your assistance with your other injured friend."
Alistair was pulled away out of the hut as Morrigan noticed Death's forehead was sweating and grabbed a cloth, however Morrigan noticed claw marks on the floor and recognized the type of animal that could have left it and thought "Claw marks? From Crow talons no less tis... most odd."
Outside, Flemeth walked over to Aeden who was picking at a fire with a stick and looked up showing a scar across the bridge of his nose as Frostbane who sat behind him like a dog patiently awaiting for his master and whimpered "Why me...?"
Alistair walked out with Flemeth walking towards Aedan and checked his scar without any sign of fear of Frostbane as Aedan asked Alistair "So how is he?"
Alistair rubded the back of his head in frustration and stated "I have no clue, Aedan... I-I don't know what to do... Duncan is missing. The only one of us who has shown great leadership skills, might die and here we are with our trouser pulled to our ankles for our manhood out in the open just to shamefully get our asses royal handed to us!"
Aedan raise both hands said defensively "Woah down boy, I doubt Grimm will die just yet, the poor sod survive alone in the wilds with Darkspwn attacking him before me and Duncan found him."
Alistair sighed and sat down rubbing his face and jokingly confessed "It's just... we're in a middle of a Blight and we're severely under prepared. So it's hard to see the last cookie in the jar as a sign of hope."
Frostbane adjusted his front legs spooking Aedan and Alistair as the frost dragon gave a noticeable growl of annoyance as Flemeth warned "Careful these men are his allies, you'd be wise to not to eat them."
Frostbane growled as a response as Alistair pointed at him and said with sarcasm "That's not scary at all..."
Inside the hut Death groaned as Morrigan eyed the marks an left it to wipe Death's forehead and asked "You should be dead, yet you have so much more powerful than I had suspected... how powerful are you truly? To survive an arrow to the heart?"
In Death's dreams he was in the greenish realm when he first became a Grey Warden and heard a deep calm chuckle "Heheheheheheheh..."
Death turn to see the Herald of Disorder sitting upon a throne while having his lower right hand under his chin out of amusement and asked with distain "So this would be the Fade?"
The Herald gestured his lower left hand at Death and taunted him "Still trying to avenge the fallen, Horseman?"
Death clenched his fist as the Herald then pointed at Death and said "You cannot harm me here. I am untouchable in your dreams, I am a manifestation of the taint inside you, only a mere glimpse of the Herald of Disorder, an extension of his own being."
Death looked around as his surroundings became white as the Herald chuckled while he slowly disappeared and finally said "The people of Ferelden will hunt you down Kinslayer, my influences over their corrupt souls grows stronger. Ferelden's great hero will have you hunted down. And he will do what he sees fit to ensure his country's survival. Take care Kinslayer... for my powers are like that of a God now! (Points at Death) You will beg for the sweat release of death once I am done with you."
But Death then countered before fading away "If this place is of dreams? Than I must be your nightmare."
The Herald then gave a growl obviously being offended by the Death's comeback as Death's regained consciousness as his eyes twitches open as he leaned up from the bed and saw Morrigan placing a book on a shelf, Death closed his eyes and he breathed in as he crack his neck, left to right. Dust gave a caw alerting Morrigan of Death's awakening, while Death cracked his neck and said "Ah, your eyes finally open. Mother will be pleased. You, feathered one you aren't as useless as I original thought very useful."
Dust tilted his head and gave a caw of approval as Death groaned and said while his eyes were closed "Don't let that get to you, Dust."
Dust lowered his head as Death breathed out through his mouth and cracked his arms as Dust fluttered towards Death and perched on his shoulder as he asked while opening his eyes "What happened to the Darkspawn?"
Morrigan pointed at Death and stated "They have moved on, you and you friends were injured, Mother then rescued you. Do you not remember?"
Death stated while rubbing his face "I only remember being shot by an arrow... (looks at his chest) Well I least I survived this."
Morrigan asked while placing her left hand on her hip "Yes, Mother and I had to treat that wound, it was sapping you of your life force."
Death groaned in annoyance as he placed his hand near Dust who gently pecked at it and said "Damn it! Life draining enchantments, of course the Darkspawn would use such poisonous magic the only thing they possibly have to harm me."
Morrigan raised a brow and thought "Curious the only thing to harm him?"
Morrigan gestured her left hand outward and stated "Luckily mother was able to stop it but oddly enough, when we attempted to bind your wound... it just healed on it's own. Twas... expected to say the least."
Death sighed and lied "A ancient blood linage, passed down from my ancestors. We heal faster than most. In a matter of fact I can be impaled by a pike and would still live."
Morrigan placed her hand on her chin and said "Fascinating... (thinks) Even Mother was in awe of this and she's known practically all blood lines... he must be hiding something."
Death changed the subject and asked "What about the army and the king?"
Morrigan explained while gesturing her hands "The man who was to respond to your signal, quit the field. Those he abandoned were massacred, your friends... especially that suspicious dimwitted one, they're not taking it well."
Death lean his head up on the pillow and sighed before saying "Oooooooh damn it... There will be time to grieve later... will Darkspawn find us here?"
Morrigan stated while gesturing her hand out the door "Mother has casted some spells, but they will not last if you Grey Wardens remain."
Death looked at the bandages that were on his chest and asked "Were my injures severe enough for this?"
Morrigan placed her hand on her waist and stated "At the time yes. I suspect you should be fine. The Darkspawn did nothing that mother could not heal."
Death stood up and stretched out his arms cracking his shoulders and tore off the bandage revealing his bare muscular chest as Morrigan only stared as Death's wounds had healed completely.
Death dropped down and began to do push ups and asked while doing so "How is Alisair and Aedan doing?"
Morrigan raised a brow before sitting in a chair and observed Death's exercise and stated "They are... fine as you are, I suppose it would be unkind to say that Alistair is acting childish."
Death breathed in while rolling on his back and began to do curl ups and stated "The inexperience always do... gah give him enough time, gah and (stops doing curl ups) he'll be fine."
Death stood up and saw a beam as he jumped on it and and sat before leaning off and began to do curl ups while hanging upside down, holding himself in place as Morrigan observed and asked "Why are you doing that for?"
Death then explained "Have to stretch the muscles and loosening the bones better, incase of a unexpected battle. I have to be fully prepared for something as unexpected as that."
Death flipped off the beam and grabbed it before falling with his hands and gave a loud painful cry before Morrigan heard his elbows and shoulders give a loud popping sound. Death let go of the beam and sighed in relief before rolling his shoulders while thanking "I'm not one to give thanks often... but I thank you, for your help Morrigan... Don't let get to you."
Morrigan was caught off guard by this and said "I uhhh your welcome... though twas mother who did most of the work."
Death saw his armor neatly placed and pointed at it which erupted into purple flames, reemerging on Death's body as Death checked his armor adjustments and stated "I'll go see your mother then."
Death pushed the door open and existed the hut and cover his eyes as the sun light shine din his face while Morrigan gave breathed out and thought to herself "Not bad, not bad at all..."
Flemeth saw Death exit her hut and turned towards Alistair and said "See? Here is your fellow Grey Warden. You worry too much, young man."
Death looked at Flemeth and Frostbane and thought "Damn Dragon I ordered him to find himself a place to hide, why is he here?"
Death nodded his head and thanked Flemeth "I am grateful for your treatment, old one. Though don't allow my thanks to cloud your mind."
Flemeth laughed out of amusement as Alistair said with shock "You... you're alive! I thought you were dead for sure!"
Aedan waved while still sitting by the fire and stated "Told ya he'd survive."
Death shrugged while joking "I'm hard to put down. But that was not a simple arrow, it was enchanted arrows, made to drain the life-force out of you."
Alistair pointed at Frostbane "So care to explain why this Dragon is back? Clearly he's not here as a coincidence this time."
Death looked at Frostbane while squinting at him making it fully clear of how he disapproved of his presence and answered "Yes... if I had told you that I had a pet dragon would you believe me?"
Alistair grunted at the answer and asked "Wait... how in Andraste's name did you...?"
Aedan interrupted and asked "That's amazing... did you used magic Ser Grimm?"
Death crossed his arms and stated "No, he follows me because relies on me."
Alistair noticed that Death called a High Dragon a he and stated "A High Dragon is female Grimm."
Death was silent for a moment but he said "Oh... (looks at Frostbane with a satisfying smirk) I could never tell with reptiles."
Frostbane gave a growl of embarrassment as Death stated "So what do male Dragons look like?"
Aedan then explained "I've read about them, their called Drakes and the only difference from them and a female Dragon is that they're wingless."
Death crossed his arms and said "Really? That sounds... pathetic even for something as mighty a Dragon."
Frostbane growled again clearly showing signs of embarrassment while looking at his wings and thought "I'm not a ordinary Dragon I embody the Abyss!"
Flemeth gave an intrigued look as Death continued "Yes I have a pet High Dragon which can help us fight the Darkspawn. But these beasts have weapons that I'd thought weren't available around here... and that is a mistake I will not oversee in the future."
Alistair rubbed his forehead in confusion and asked "These arrows suck the life out those who are struck by them?"
Death sighed as he compared "Think of these enchantments are magical equivalents to poisons. They're harmful to both the foe that it is meant for and to those who use them."
Aedan palmed his face said "Andraste's bare tits..."
Death noticed the heart stone he had glowed a slight pink as Death thought "You're embarrassed by that? Creator help you."
Alistair rubbed his face in frustration with both hands and said "Oh this doesn't seem real. If it weren't for Morrigan's mother we'd be dead on top of that tower."
Flemeth crossed her arms and stated "Don't talk about me as if I am not present lad."
Alistair stuttered to say "I-I didn't mean... what do we call you? You never gave us your name."
Flemeth smirked and uncrossed her arms and stated "Names are pretty but useless, the Chasind folk call me Flemeth. I suppose that will do."
Alistair gave a shocked expression while staring at Flemeth and said "The Flemeth? From the legends? Daveth was right... you're the witch of the wilds, aren't you?"
Death looked at Flemeth mildly intrigued as Flemeth said "And what does that mean? I know a bit of magic, and it has served you three well has it not?"
Aedan raised a cup and stated with enthusiasm "You'll hear no complaints from me milady, non at all."
Flemeth scoffed and said "At least one of the two of you is appreciative of my efforts."
Death looked at Alistair and stated while shaking his head "Who cares who or what she is? Without her magic the Blight would have spread none stop. We must have a plan on how we are to end the Blight, stepping stones for us to walk upon on this road."
Alistair sighed and said "You're right Grimm... my apologies. But Flemeth do you... possibly know what has become of Duncan?"
Flemeth sighed while crossing her arms and stated "Your elder Warden was gruesomely killed by a Hurlock, (Alistair covers his mouth in guilt and closes his eyes) but this Hurlock was unlike the others, it's armor was stained with the blood of it's victims. And it's intelligence was very much on display, I would guess your Duncan may have been killed by a Vanguard of the Archedemon."
Alistair remembered the Hurlock who escaped the group the day before and clenched his fists and feel to his knees and punched the ground shouting "DAMN IT! WE SHOULD'VE KILLED THAT BASTARD WHEN WE HAD THE CHANCE!"
Death picked Alistair up and sternly stated "Revenge will come later, Alistair, right now we have these treaties and I'd rather build an army sooner and be prepared, rather than later and be too late. Because we are on a time limit. And if the Darkspawn Horde manages to wipe out Ferelden then the whole damn world is next!"
Alsiatir sighed and said "Fine... but if we see that beast on our journey we're killing him deal?"
Death nodded and agreed "Fair enough."
Flemeth crossed her arms in amazement as she watched Death asked "I know little of these groups form the treaties, so what I'll need help from you Alistair and you too Aedan! Tell me of these groups, their talents, specialties, their capabilities, what are their strengths and weaknesses. And of course which would be a good start for us to begin to counteract the Blight."
Flemeth gave a amazed stare while she thought "Not a moment to rest up before he's already enacting a plan... he's focused on the threat at hand already a fine man indeed."
Alistair placed a hand on his chin and rolled out the treaties and pointed down on it while stating "The Dwarves can make better arms and armors, and are fierce warriors and rouges, and they are the most experienced race that fight the Darkspawn. They're at a constant threat by the Darkspawn. However the Dwarves of Ozammar aren't adapt to fighting up on the surface due to their ancient traditions."
Death nodded his head and thought "The Dwarves sound like they'd be great to combat the Darkspawn... their experiences would be most useful, and their arms and armor you say are unequaled?"
Aedan stuck his finger up and stated "Our arms and even our castles don't impress the Dwarves believe it or not."
Alistair stated "The Cicle of Magi specialize in of course magic, and the Templars would more than likely go because they're charged with keeping the mage's... well on a leash. The mages aren't very good at hand to and combat though that doesn't mean they don't know how to fight up close. While the Templars are and are capable of taking down magic Darkspawn."
Death thought "Two groups for the price of one... that's promising."
Aedan also added "The Dalish Elves are adept in tracking, traps some even can cast spells and some have even been able to tame wild beasts to aid them in battle, such as wolves, bears and many others. The Dalish are extremely good hunters and trackers and would very much be useful in tracking down and setting up ambushes for the Darkspawn."
Death placed his finger on his chin and thought "The Elves are crucial then, we need to slow the Darkspawn's advances give us more time to prepare."
Then finally Alistair suggested "We could also go meet the Arl of Redcliffe."
Death looked at Alistair and asked "But wouldn't he side with Loghain out of loyalty of his word over ours?"
Alistair stated with a defensive tone "I know Arl Eamon he's a good man and will listen to reason, the King was his nephew and he would want his death not be in vein and be brought to justice. He would not stand for it, neither would the Landsmeet there would be civil war!"
Death crossed his arms and gesture on hand towards Alistair and stated "Power corrupts those who have too much, only those who are able to resist such temptations are truly worthy for such power."
Alistair shook his head in disbelief and said "It doesn't make any sense... why would Loghain do all of this?"
Flemeth pitched in "Now that is a good question. Men's hearts hold shadows darker than any tainted creature."
Death stared at Flemeth and thought "She knows of Corruption then?"
Flemeth then continued "Perhaps he thinks the Blight is an army he can outmaneuver. Perhaps he does not see that the evil behind it is the true threat."
Alistair then said "The Archedemon..."
Death placed his hand on his chin in thought "The Herald of Disorder..."
Death asked while placing his hand on his hip "What would Loghian gain from this betrayal?"
Alistair suggested "The throne? He is the Queen's father, still, I can't see how he'll get away with murder."
Death glared at Alistair and stated "It's simple, manipulate the Queen's words and actions as much as he can, if he can and most the country will eat from his palms. This isn't new for politics."
Flemeth agreed and stated "Indeed, Loghain was not the first to obtain his new and current status through murder. Nor will he be the last, if history is to accounted for and only fools ignore history."
Aedan then stated "Redcliffe is a bit far, and we'd need to resupply on food, tents and such maybe we'll be able to gain some allies."
Flemeth gestured towards the Grey Wardens and stated "Dwarves, Elves, Mages, Men, a High Dragon and three Grey Wardens at the front... this sounds like an army."
Alistair then asked "Can we really do this? Building an army kind of thing?"
Death stated while crossing his arms "Is either that, or we all die. And luckily I have a few tricks I have yet to reveal, yet."
Aedan stood up and dusted off the dirty from his armor and joked "We're all gonna die."
Flemeth pointed at Death and asked "Then are you ready to go and be Grey Wardens then?"
Death uncrossed his arms and gesturing towards the the two Wardens before asking "Why not boys?"
Alistair placed his hand out and said "For Duncan..."
Aedan place this hand on Alistair's and said "For Couslands and my dog..."
The two Wardens looked at Death who raised a brow and said "I'm not placing my hand there."
Aedan chuckled and said "Oh come on..."
Alistair then joked "We can hold hands like the best friends and starting skipping if you want."
Death gave an unamsed look and shot down with "Now we're wasting time here."
Flemeth then asked "You three are about to go then?"
Death looked at Flemeth and asked "Yes, why you have something for us?"
Flemeth smirked and said "Now that you mention it, I do have something to offer..."
Morrigan walked out of the hut and stated "Mother I have made your stew will we be having guests or none?"
Flemeth gestured to the wardens and explain "The Grey Wardens are leaving soon, girl. And you will be joining them."
Morrigan misheard her mother and said while turning towards the three wardens "Such a shame... (turns back towards Flemeth with a shocked look) What?!"
Death raised a brow as Flemeth stated "You heard me, girl. The last time I looked you had ears hahaha!"
Death looked at Alistair and Aedan who both raised their hands and shoulders as Death stated "The more aid we have the better... so I think it's an excellent idea."
Morrigan looked at Death and asked "Do I have no say in this?!"
Flemeth pointed at Morrigan and countered "You have been itching to get of the woods for years. Here is your chance. (turns towards Death) As for you, consider this as repayment for your lives."
Death crossed his arms and stated "I have no argument against it."
Alistair asked with an uncertain tone "Not to... look a gift horse in the mouth, but won't this add to our problems? Out of the wilds she's an apostate."
Death turned towards Alistair and said "We are offered the aid, and I am willing to take as much help to defeat this Blight as I am given. I don't care who fights with us or why as long as the Blight is ended besides it's everyone's problem now."
Alistair sighed and said "Point taken..."
Aedan stared at Morrigan's breasts and gave a smirk and said "Yes..."
Death smacked the back of Aedan's head and ordered "Focus."
Denerim, Capital of Ferelden (Days later)
Loghain was seen standing up on a balcony talking to the nobles of Ferelden while looking down at them "...And I expect each of you (points at some soldiers) to supply these men, we must rebuild what was lost at Ostagar, and quickly. There are those who would take advantage of our weakened state if we let them. We must defeat the Darkspawn incursion, but we must do so sensibly and without hesitation."
But one of the nobles stepped forth and asked "Your lordship, if I may speak?"
Loghain waved his hand in approval as the man bowed his head in respect and questioned "You have declared yourself Queen Anora's regent, and claim we must unite under your banner for our own good. (Loghain keeps a calm stare) But what of the army lost at Ostagar? Your withdrawal was most... fortuitous."
The some of the nobles began to chatter after the man's question as Loghain gave a offended stare and claimed "Everything I have done has been to secure Ferelden's independence. I have not shirked my duty to the throne, and neither will any of you!"
The man stated "The Bannorn will not bow to you simply because you demand it!"
Loghain gestured his hand at the man and said "Understand this! I will brook no threat to this nation... from you (gestures to all of the nobles) or anyone!"
Loghain walked away in a hurry as the Queen stood by until her father was out of earshot and asked the man "Bann Teagan please!"
Teagan then stated "Your majesty. (gestures to Loghain's direction) Your father risks civil war. If Eamon were here..."
Queen Anora looked down but then said "Bann Teagan, my father is doing what is best."
Teagan gestured at the Queen and asked "Did he also do what was best for you husband, (walks away) your majesty?"
Queen Anora looked down as if she was questioning herself and walked away as the nobles left the room, with Lohgain who had entered a room with a man around his age stood and placed his fist on his chest and asked "They take the news well I hope?"
Loghain sighed and stated "They'll see it my way... or they will perish like those at Ostagar. Howe."
The road to Lothering
The group were walking down a road as they heard metallic footsteps and saw a familiar marabou hound running towards Death and pa need at him before turning back to growl as the group saw a Hurlock leading s small group of Genlocks and a Emissary.
The Hurlock pointed at Death and use this thumb to gesture him ringing his own neck and gave a sinister chuckle as Death unsheathed his scythes, Aedan unsheathe his daggers, Alistair armed himself with his shield and sword. Morrigan looked at the group and scoffed before snaping her fingers and caused a magical fire wall and immediately burn the Darkspawn to crisps.
Death and the others turned towards Morrigan who said "Now that I've shown how powerful and useful I am..."
Death sheath his blades and said "That is good work."
Alistair whisper a joke towards Aedan "She's cast a spell on him I know it."
Morrigan eyed Alistair asked "What was that?"
Aliastir sarcastically stated "Let's not get carried away and "accidentally" turn people into frogs."
Aedan leaned behind Alistair and suggested to Morrigan "You can turn me into a frog any time milady."
Death walked away and clenched his fists before shouting "I'M SURROUNDED BY BICKERING CHILDREN!"
Everyone became silent as Alistair pointed at Morrigan and said "She started it."
Morrigan only glared at Alisatir as Dust landed on Morrigan's state and gave an unamused stare clearly siding with her, while Death gave an annoyed look and said coldly "One more word about who started it. And I'll turn this group around towards the Darkspawn!"
Everyone became quiet as Morrigan noticed and said "Tis most amusing how he puts you two down like children."
Death finished while pointing at Morrigan "Which includes those who provokes the "children" into another petty argument."
Morrigan crossed her arms giving an unnamed look as the dog then barked while sitting in front of Death who crouched down and said "I know you..."
Alistair asked while pointing at the dog "Isn't that the Marbari you helped?"
Death scratched the hound's chin which made his leg shake before Death admitted "You've proven your strength, you have a strong will to survive and I am pleased with the results of your recovery."
The dog barked with approval as Death stood up while Morrigan asked as she gestured her right had at the hound "We're not seriously going to take this mangy mutt with us are we?"
Alistair only stared at the dog and said with a cute tone "Oh he's not mangy are you?"
Aedan pouted and crossed his arms as he said "My dog was better."
Death turned towards Aedan reminded "Well your dog is dead."
Aedan frowned and said "Ouch... that hurts Grimm."
Alistair gave unamused look and said "Riiiight... so what do we do with him? You've already got a pet crow and a Dragon which you sent away. A smart decision I'd say."
Morrigan sighed with a smirk and admitted "I'd like to have seen them run around cowering and bumping into each other, it would make an amusing sight."
Death patted the dog's head and walked away and stated "Frostbane is not to amuse he... she is a force to be reckoned with. And this dog, he's made it this far without my help, his survival proves his ability to handle himself and if he can catch up then I see no problem in it."
The dog barked with approval as Death waved "Lets go everyone."
Morrigan looked at the dog as it looked at her and stared cutely as she made a disgusted sound and said "You're drooling your self."
The dog then tilted his head as Dust flew off and perched on the dog's head who gave a discomforting whine but Dust rubbed his beak behind the dog's ear which made the dog's leg shake with pleasure while Dust cawed as a response.
Death turned towards his hound and raven and called out "Dust, Chaoseater come!"
Aedan turned towards Death and asked "Chaoseater, Grimm?"
Death answered silently "For my brother."
Alistair then asked "What?"
Death changed the subject "Never mind let's just get to this village and resupply."
Later that day the group reached the village known as Lothering, and they were greeted by what Death would think are bandits as one walked over and said "Wake up, gentlemen. More travelers to attend to. (points at Death) I guess that fellow is the leader."
Death squinted at the man as another stated "Err... they don't look much like them others, you know, uh... maybe we should let them pass..."
Aedan pointed at the man and said "Good man, with good advice, I like him."
Alistair gestured towards the bandit leader and said "I am sure we can work this out..."
The bandit leader stated "A simple ten silvers and..."
Death with blinding speeds quickly unsheathed his scythe and slashed the man's head from his neck which flew up a few inches before land on the ground as blood began to drain out.
Alistair gave an unamused look and sighed before saying "Or we could just ignore diplomacy that works too..."
Death gave a cold stare and stated "We don't have that kind of currency... or the time (Stares at the other bandits who draw out the blades) oh so unwise..."
One bandit who suggested to leave the group alone was the first to strike as Death quickly grabbed his hand and broke it which disarmed him and made him cry out in pain as Aedan punched one bandit's face and quickly drew out his daggers and took stance. Alistair dodged an incoming strike from one bandit's mace and quickly wrapped one arm around the man's wrist and slammed his elbow on the man's shoulder disloactig it and made him cry out in pain before disarming him of his weapon.
Alistair picked up the mace and said "Sorry but stealing isn't nice."
Alistair punched the man's face knocking him out as Morrigan quickly pulled out a throwing knife and stuck it into an incoming bandit that was about to strike Alistair who looked back as Morrigan rubber his hair and said "You're welcome."
Alistair pouted and said softly "Didn't need your help..."
Morrigan looked back and asked "What was that?"
Alistair quickly responded "Nothing!"
Death kept the man's hand in his grasp and looked at him dead in the eye and said coldly "Let them be an example of not demanding silver from us Grey wardens."
The man gasped and said "I'm sorry sir... I didn't mean anythings by it."
Death let the man go and warned "Leave this village or I'll finish what I started."
The man ran away leaving the other survivor as Morrigan asked "Twas that wise? He might want revenge."
Death walked away while pointy his thumb at the fleeing man and stated "You saw the look in his eye? That was not hatred, that was fear."
Death walked away in silence as Morrigan raised a brow and smirked and said "Interesting..."
Morrigan looked at Alistair and asked "I have a wonder, Alistair if you would indulge me?"
Alistair sighed and turned back and asked with some snark "Do I have a choice?"
Morrigan gestured to the whole group and asked "Of the three of you, aren't you the senior Warden here? I find it curious that you would allow another to lead, while you follow?"
Death sighed annoyingly as Alistair asked while raising a brow "You find that curious do you?"
Morrigan then continued "In fact, you defer to a new recruit. Is this a policy of the Grey Wardens? Or simply a personal one?"
Alistair rolled his eyes and responded "What do you want to hear? That I prefer to follow, I do."
Death looked back as the group walked into the village and said "Sheep."
Morrigan gave a amused smile and said "You sound very defensive, Alistair."
Alistair said with a bored tone "Couldn't you crawl into a bush somewhere and die? That would be great, thanks."
Aedan groaned and leaned towards Morrigan said "Oh come on (points at Morrigan's breasts) Do you want those gone so badly?"
Morrigan stared at Aedan and shoved his face away and decided to just drop the conversation as the group reached the village as they saw villagers preparing to evacuate while some children were left alone.
Death looked upon the sight and thought "Just like the human world wars... everyone is suffering."
A woman who talked to her husband said "What happened to the king is so terrible, is anywhere safe now?"
The Husband said while keeping optimistic "This will end soon... I pray that the Maker shall save us."
Death looked away and thought "Your prayers won't help those who are dead or dying."
The group then met a Templar knight who warned while pointing his hand away from the village "Move on if you can, Lothering is lost..."
Death noticed a bearded young man walk by and eyed him as he asked the Templar "What do you mean?"
The templar sighed and explained "We've had refugees, streaming from the south for the last two days. The Chantry and Tavern are full to bursting. There simply isn't enough food to go around and we Templars and barely keep order."
Death the rubbed his chin and asked "Is there anyone in charge here?"
The Templar then stated "The Bann has marched north with Teyrn Loghain, so Lothering's on it's own. Most folks look to Elder Mirriam. Otherwise, you could speak to Ser Bryant in the Chantry, I suppose it's up to you."
Death nodded and said "I shall have a word with them both thank you."
The Templar looked at Morrigan as she passed him and asked "Wait... you there miss what is your business here?"
Morrigan countered "Tis none of your business."
Death turned back and stared at the Templar and asked "Is there a problem?"
The Templar asked while pointing at Morrigan "May I ask who this woman is?"
Death crossed his arms and responded with snark "She is one of my companions as you can clearly see, who she is or what matters not. Unless you're going to ignore those who have need of you."
Alistair and Aedan turned towards the Templar as Aedan suggested "Choose the "Don't start a fight" option it's not gonna do you any favors."
The Templar eyed all members of the group as Chaoseater growled and Dust cawed at him until he said "I suggest you leave as quickly as you are able."
Death and the group turned away as the templar stared at Morrigan, as a merchant who was arguing with a Chantry sister saw Death and how heavily armed he and the others and and called out "You there good people might you be willing to do me a favor for a price?"
Death eyed the man and noticed the refugees near him and thought "Oh damn it..."
Death walked over and asked in a serious tone "What?"
The man then offered "I'll give you three sovereigns if you get rid of these hooligans."
Death eyed the group as the Chantry sister stated "He bought all of that from us and now he is selling them at a ridiculous price."
The man stated "I have to make a living somehow."
Death growled as the two kept arguing and finally shouted "SHUT UP YOU TWO!"
Alistair, Morrigan and Aedan stared at Death in silence as Chaoseater whimpered in fear and Dust quickly flew off as Death pointed at the man and said "Get out of this village."
The man scoffed and said "Or you'll whaaaa... (Death grabs him by the throat with one hand and lifts him in the air)"
Death stared at man with a annoyed expression and said "If you are so bold to make such prices to a village full of starving people then are a fool. They will tear you apart one limp at a time. Either fight for it or leave without it."
The Chantry sister said "This isn't..."
Death place the man down and asked "What do you choose? The worthless junk or your life?"
The man respond in fear "Ye-yes sir I'll leave."
Death let the man go as he ran off in terror as he looked at the chantry sister and said "Well?"
The woman nodded and said "Uhh yes thank you..."
Death turned away and saw his companions staring at him as he asked "What?"
Morrigan then questioned "Did we really need to get involved?"
Death then countered "You didn't, I did."
Morrigan watched as Death walked away towards a bridge and thought "I disapprove with that."
Death and the others walked towards the bridge as a boy ran up and asked "Please sir, can you spare some food for me? I'm very hungry."
Death gently shoved the boy away and said "I have no time to help you young one."
Alistair looked at Death and grabbed his shoulder and asked "Grimm can't we help?"
Death eyed Alistair and said "I thought our job is to end the Blight."
Aedan then pitched in "Yeah but we're also here to help."
Death shook his head and began to walk off as Morrigan raised a brow and said "Intriguing."
But the boy begged "Please sir! I'm all alone..."
Death stopped in his tracks as the boy continued "Some mean men with swords came, and my mother told me to run to the village as fast as I can, so I did."
Death was then reminded of how the Herald of Disorder took control over War's soul and forced him to slay Fury and Strife as Alistair scratched the back of his head and said "Maker help us..."
The boy then stated "She said she would be right behind me, but I've been waiting and waiting, and I can't see her."
Alistair knelt down and asked "What about your father?"
The boy then stated while trying to hold back tears "He went with William to the neighbor's yesterday, but he didn't come back."
Death remained silent as Alistair stood up and stomped his way towards Death and grabbed his shoulder and said "Grimm, I know our job is to slay the Darkspawn but please let's help."
Death leaned his head back and sighed loudly before turning towards the boy who shook slightly from being anxious and Death walked passed the group as Chaoseater walked passed and whined towards the boy and licked his face. Death knelt towards the boy and said "Look at me young one, if what you say is true, then I regret to say that she was killed by those men."
Alistair and Aeden palmed their faces as Morrigan eyed Death while the boy teared up and said "No that can't be true! You're lying!"
Death placed his hand on the boy's chin and lifted it up and said "Be strong, don't look back, move on and remember if you life the memory of those close will die with you if you do not live on."
The boy fell to his knees as Aedan and Alistair though did not agree with Death informing the boy were in awe of how he lectured him."
Death looked at Alistair and asked "Do you have anything that can help? Currency or extra food?"
Morrigan then demanded "Why should we help the boy? He is not our concern?"
Death then turned towards Morrigan and said "True, but I but don't care."
Alistair then pulled out a sack and saw a silver coin and said "All I've got is a silver piece."
Death took the coin and tossed it towards the boy and instructed "Go the Chantry, they will take care of you. (turns towards the group) Let's go."
Death walked passed the group as Alistair and Aedan looked at the boy with guilt and left him and crossed the bridge as the bearded young man walked up to the boy and asked "Did they hurt you young man?"
The boy turned towards the man and answered "No... they only told me that I need to move on. But I don't understand what that means."
The man then crouched down and asked "What do you want to do?"
The boy looked at the coin and closed his hand with it in his palm and answered "Could you help take me to the Chantry?"
The man gave a gentle smile and rubber the boy's head and answered 'Sure thing."
The man stood up and walked with the boy to the Chantry as the boy looked up to him and asked "Can I ask your name?"
The man chuckle and answered "I'm Hawke."
To be continued
