Dragon Age Origins
Naruto Uzumaki
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or Dragon Age and I am not making any profit from this.
Chapter 7
(Imperial Highway)
Naruto had gotten used to traveling with Duncan and the Wardens they had met and traveled the Deep Roads. He watched over the dwarves who while fit had a few issues with surface travel and were on edge at every creature that crawled or flew, but the older Wardens dealt with them leaving Naruto time to train. He had his new blades as well as spares and he planned on returning the Dalish elf her blade when they met again.
(And I have Elissa's replacement as well.) he thought still feeling bad at loosing the female Cousland's dagger.
He had also picked up a pair of daggers for Kallian, knowing the city elf preferred the shorter blades as she had fought well with her borrowed long blade, but the shorter blades became extension of herself. Naruto wondered how she would do with kunai and once more missed his home.
He hadn't been sure what to get for Neria as the mage hadn't really opened up too much, but he had found a necklace that sported a minor enchantment that would give her a minor boost in her magic, or that's what the dwarf who sold it to him had told him.
Naruto thought of the journal he had started keeping and wondered if any of his friends back in Konoha would believe all he'd seen since he was rescued.
"You okay Naruto?"
the whisker marked blond turned to see Duncan and wondered how the older man could move as quietly as he did wearing his armor.
"Everything that's happened and about my friends back in Konoha." He answered.
Duncan nodded. "I know that it's all new to you and your way of life has taken a drastic change. Once you become a Grey Warden your life will be dedicated to sacrifice."
Naruto snorted. "Need I remind you I was a Jinchuriki. A human sacrifice."
Duncan nodded at this.
"So you still won't tell me about the Joining?" Naruto asked and Duncan shook his head. "I can't." the Warden started to say but Naruto waved him off. "Yeah, yeah. Anyway other than the Darkspawn anything more you can tell me what we'll face?"
Duncan shrugged. "The various breeds of Darkspawn, tainted creatures and the Archdemon. Which should be handled by the senior wardens."
Naruto shook his head. "And you and the King believe they'll rise down in the south when Orzammar to the north would be a more likely avenue?"
"Our scouts report seeing large groups coming above ground to the south in the Wilds. There have been several clashes between the King's men and the Darkspawn there already. The Tevinter Imperium in the old days originally used Ostagar to fight off the barbarian hordes, it is oddly fitting that we use it now to stop the Darkspawn. " Duncan said and they were distracted as Faren was yelling about an attack and they turned to see a deer get startled and race away, the Warden's around the dwarf commoner chuckling and explaining about the creature to the dwarves.
"Naruto…"
"Don't worry Duncan, I know."
The words falling into silence with the senior Warden thinking about helping the blond after Ostagar and the end of the Blight.
XX
(Ostagar)
They were entering the ruins of Ostagar as the sun was nearing the horizon introducing the end of the day. They were waived thru the guard stationed at the gate who gave them a quick rundown of the camps layout.
"There are only a handful of Warden's in Ferelden at the moment and all of us are now gathered here, and it is this Blight must be stopped. Here and now. if it spreads to the north, Ferelden will fall." Duncan was speaking to Naruto and the dwarves.
Their entrance into the ruins was stopped by blond man wearing gold armor, a two-handed sword and was followed by a dozen guards.
"Ho there, Duncan!" the armored blond called out and extended and clasped forearms with Duncan.
"King Calian!" Duncan said in surprise. "I didn't expect…"
"A royal welcome?" Calian said with a smirk and a knowing look. "I was beginning to worry you'd miss all of the fun."
Duncan shook his head after releasing the King's forearm. "Not if I could help it your Majesty."
"Then I'll have the mighty Duncan at my side after all." The King said as Duncan stood at his side. "It will be glorious!"
The King had a look in his eyes that had Naruto flashing back to his youth with tales of battle in his head before he'd ever been in a battle.
"The other Warden's said you had a promising recruit along with the ones you already sent ahead." The King said and Naruto found the king and Duncan looking at him.
Naruto noticed the dwarves had used their lack of height to hide behind the other wardens. (Bastards!) the whisker marked blond thought as he realized he'd been left at the forefront and the King's attention.
"Allow me to introduce you, your Majesty." Duncan said, but the king waved him off.
"No need to be so formal Duncan. We'll be shedding blood together after all." The king stepped in front of Naruto. "Ho there, friend. Might I know your name?"
"Its usually bad manner to ask someone's name without introducing yourself." Naruto said and he saw Duncan wince and the King's guard tense.
The King chuckled. "You are right of course. Calian Therrin." He said proudly.
"Naruto Uzumaki, from Konohagakure, the Village hidden in the Leaf." Naruto said and gave respectful bow.
Calian looked thoughtful. "I don't recall such a place in Ferelden, are you from Orlais?"
"Konoha is across the sea, your majesty." Duncan said as Calian nodded.
"Well I am pleased to meet you. The Grey Wardens are desperate to bolster their numbers and I for one am glad to help them."
Naruto knew that right then and there the king had not seen combat as he had the starry eyed look Naruto had seen in himself and later Konohamaru.
"I would like to learn more of your culture later, and if Duncan found you then you must have some skills that will help in the coming battle."
Naruto gave a slight bow of his head. "Of course I will do my best your majesty."
"Your abilities are of course above those of others as the Grey Wardens wouldn't have gone out of their way to recruit you. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to Ostagar. The Wardens will benefit greatly with you and the other recruits joining their ranks."
Naruto mentally shook his head. "You're too kind your majesty."
One of the guards cleared his throat and Calian looked sheepish. "I hate to cut this short, but I should get back to my tent. Loghain can't wait to bore me with lectures and strategies."
Duncan cleared his throat and Naruto used this opportunity to step back.
"You're too kind your majesty." Faren said in a mocking voice, only to get punched in the back of the head by Sereda.
"Stow it nug for brains." The former Lady Aeducan said in a low growl.
Duncan and the king were walking Duncan telling him about Red Cliff forces being there in a week and the king raising his doubts about this being a Blight and Duncan's assurances it was.
"I really must be going before Loghain sends out a search party. Farewell Grey Wardens."
Naruto and the others bowed as the king and his honor guard crossed the bridge leaving Duncan and them other far side.
Duncan looked at Naruto and the dwarves, motioning the other Warden's ahead. "What the king says is true. They've had several skirmishes with the Darkspawn and won those."Naruto looked at where the king had gone. "He sounds like he's not taking the Darkspawn seriously."
"Not very bright." Faren said spitting on the ground.
"Even a small raiding party is dangerous. They learn quickly." Sereda said. "Darkspawn will sacrifice hundreds just to test the defenses." The Aeducan said adjusting her shield, "To discount them easily makes him a fool."
"Calian is no fool." He sighed. "And despite each victory, the horde is growing everyday." Duncan motioned for them and they started walking towards the bridge. "They out number us greatly. I know there is an archdemon behind this yet I cannot ask the king to act solely on my feelings."
They stopped at the bridge, Duncan facing the three of them.
"Why not, he seems to hold you and the Grey Wardens in high regard." Sereda said.
Duncan sighed and looked to the horizon. "Yet not enough to wait for re-enforcements from the Grey Wardens of Orlais." Here Duncan gave a mirthless chuckle, "He believe our legend alone makes him invulnerable."
Duncan looked at the three recruits. "Our numbers in Ferelden are too few. We must do what we can and look to Teyrn Loghain to make up the difference."
Duncan put a hand on Naruto's and Sereda's shoulders.
"It is to that end that we should proceed with the Joining Ritual without delay."
XX
Duncan left them at the bridge as he had preparations to make, telling them to seek out Alistair and the others and to join him near his tent after they've had time to look around the camp and get fresh weapons and armor.
"Yeh notice we've been left alone, the three who have never been here, two of us never to the surface before?" Faren said as he stomped along Naruto, Sereda on the ninja's other side.
"We'll figure it out." Naruto said as they climbed the stairs to the camp side of the bridge. Naruto got to the top step and his only warning was a bark and he was tackled back down the stairs.
"ROX!" a female voice yelled.
The two dwarves got their first look at a mabari and thought the blond was under attack.
Naruto meanwhile was laying on the ground, pinned under the war hound who was licking him.
"Rox, get off of him!"
the dwarves saw the woman in worn clothes rush up and grab the dog by the collar and pull.
Naruto pushed and between the two of them managed to get the dog off of Naruto who stood wiping his face free of dog saliva.
"Sorry about that." Elissa Cousland said giving the whisker marked blond a grin with her apology.
Naruto still wiping dog slobber growled, "I bet."
Elissa looked at her war hound. "Sit!"
Rox did, but his eyes were on the blond he had tackled.
"What the name of the Paragons is that beast?" Faren demanded.
"It's a mabari, a very loyal and deadly war hound. You can't go anywhere around Ferelden without seeing them" Elissa said studying the dwarves before looking at Naruto. "Two more strays?"
"Yup." Naruto giving up on the slobber "And like the rest of us they have a story, which they can tell you later."
Elissa nodded and Naruto noticed she wasn't in her armor or armed. "You guys get here alright?"
"Yeah. Arriving in the company of a group of Grey Wardens is nearly a guarantee for a warm welcome. Come on, I'll show you where we set up."
Naruto followed Elissa. "So did you find your brother?" he asked.
"No. the ass has been out with a scouting party this whole time." Elissa said in a huff.
"The others doing okay?" Naruto asked as they walked past where the Circle of Magi had set up a group of Templars keeping people away from the gathered mages who were casting a big spell.
"Oh they're fine. Kallian and Lyna nearly beat the quartermaster to death when he started barking orders at them." Elissa said with a chuckle as she described the encounter to Naruto.
"Idiots and bigots." The blond muttered. "And Neria?" he inquired about the mage.
"See for yourself." Elissa said and ahead they found the elf mage talking to an old woman in mage robes.
"Hey Neria, look who Rox found!" Elissa called out and the mabari gave a proud bark and puffed up with pride.
The elf mage turned at the calling of her name and her face lit up as she smiled brightly.
"NARUTO!" she yelled and said something to the old woman before running towards the group.
This time Naruto was braced as the slender elf slammed into him in a tight hug.
"Finally!" the slender elf said as she hugged the blond who had been her first friend outside of the tower.
Naruto chuckled glad to see the mage opening up. "You would think you missed me." he teased and smiled as the elf blushed to the tips of her ears.
"Are all surface dwellers as touchy-feely as you?" Faren asked.
"No." Naruto said and made the introductions.
"So, Lady Aeducan, how are you finding the surface thus far?" Neria asked.
"Confusing…and vast." Sereda.
"I kind of understand. Since I was a child I've been locked away in the Circles tower at Lake Calenhad."
"Hem-hem." A polite cough interrupted them.
Neria blushed. "Oh, I'm so sorry Wynn." The elf said to the old woman. "We were talking about the Darkspawn and the Black City and the Fade."
The old woman identified as Wynn waived a hand. "Don't worry about it dearie. I understand completely." She looked at Naruto and the dwarves. "And even more Grey Warden recruits. If Duncan keeps this up he'll build up the Warden's to their former glory before we even see the Archdemon." Wynn ended with a chuckle.
Neria made the introductions quickly. "Wynn was one of my teachers in the tower."
"Now, now your making me sound like an old fuddy-duddy. Now I need to check in, there are still preparations to make before the battle."
The group watched the older mage walk away. Naruto shook his head as he felt that while she was old he had a feeling she was as tough as Tsunade. Neria took his arm. "Come, see the tents."
Naruto was dragged as the elf started talking about all she'd see since arriving at Ostagar. They were passing the kennels when she stopped.
"What's wrong?" Naruto asked.
Elissa and Rox stopped as well and Rox whined at the fenced in area.
"They are going to lose another one." The elf mage said sadly.
Naruto looked over the fence and saw several mabari one was separate from the others looking ill.
"What's wrong with them?"
"Darkspawn blood." Sereda said after taking a look. "It's corrupting them."
"The dwarf is right." A voice said.
They all turned to see the Kennel Master approaching. "His owner died in the last battle and the poor thing ingested Darkspawn blood." He looked at them. "The new Wardens you've been waitin' for?" he asked Neria who nodded.
"I could use your help, I have some medicine that might help, but I can't hold him and administer it at the same time. If you could muzzle him…"
"Why don't yeh muzzle him yourself?" Faren asked as he eyed the war hound.
"You're a Grey Warden or soon will be. All Warden's are immune to the taint. The most you'll have to worry about is some teeth marks,"
Neria stepped up, but Naruto held her back. "Give me the muzzle."
"Naruto…" Elissa said in warning while holding Rox back as the door was opened.
"I'll be careful." He said stepping in and closing the gate. The sick mabari backed away, and Naruto who had spent time with Kiba and Akamaru thought back to how Kiba dealt with his partner when he was sick.
"Hey boy. I'm not going to hurt you." He said in a soft soothing voice, holding the muzzle at his side as he advanced slowly.
The dog gave a growl.
"No need for that." Naruto said soothingly. "You don't want to do that."
The others watched as the mabari backed up alternating between threatening growls and whimpers of pain.
"I know your not feeling well." Naruto said softly. "If you let me put this on you we can apply some medicine and make you better." Naruto said holding up the muzzle.
Naruto was within arms reach and could see along with the pain there was intelligence. Naruto moves to put on the muzzle and the dog growls but doesn't attack as Naruto slips on the muzzle.
"Well done." The Kennel Master says as he enters with the stuff. "I'd hate to have to put him down. He's from a strong breed."
Naruto stroked the back of the ill dog. "You get better." He left the dog and rejoined the others.
"That was a very good thing you did." Neria said as he rejoined them.
"Or stupid. That mabari could have attacked you." Elissa said and Naruto could tell the Cousland had been worried.
"Not going to help in the long run." Sereda said. "Too much Darkspawn blood and it will start to change."
The Kennel Master rejoined them. "Thank you again. If by chance your going into the wilds, could I ask you to find a specific herb I could use to improve the dogs chances.
"We might be." Elissa said.
Neria got the specifics and they headed away.
They got to where their tents were and Neria gestured. "We set up over here." Rox stretched out near the blazing fire while Elissa went into a tent. She came back out. "Kallian and Lyna aren't here."
"Their probably at the practice area." Neria said.
"Or tormenting the quartermaster again." Elissa said with an annoyed huff.
Naruto helped the dwarves settle in, sharing a tent with Faren while Sereda shared with Neria.
Naruto unpacked his gifts and presented them to Neria and Elissa. He found Lyna's bedroll and put her daggers there and Kallian's new ones on her bedroll.
"Now where is the quartermaster we need to get some armor made or adjusted properly for Sereda." Naruto said after he stashed his gear.
"And then we'll need to find Alistair I think Duncan said."
Elissa groaned. "Quartermaster first. Alistair…"
"He's funny." Neria said.
Elissa grumbled "Come on." She led the dwarves while Naruto followed with Neria. Rox was ordered to stay and the dog was bribed with a meat-covered bone.
XX
Sereda didn't get new armor, but at least properly adjusted. Naruto bought some health kits and a new whetstone. Faren sold a lot of the swag he had collected in the Dark Roads and bought himself a new pack and crossbow along with the bolts.
They were leaving the quartermaster when they encountered another new recruit and watched as he was slapped hard enough to make him stagger, the irate woman walking away.
(What have I gotten myself into?) Naruto wondered as Daveth greeted them, leering at Neria, Elissa and Sereda.
"Well the ol' ruins just keep getting better an' better. Names Daveth by the way as these two pretty ladies can already tell you."
"And we'll tell him to avoid you and watch his purse strings as well." Elissa said and Daveth chuckled.
"No need to be rude. Jus' welcoming the new recruits." Daveth said and Naruto wondered what else was in store as Daveth talked about how he wondered about the Joining and why it was so hush-hush.
Naruto asked him if he'd see Alistair and Daveth gestured towards some runes. "I think he was after one of those mages."
Entering the ruins they heard the sound of a raised voice, and after following it they found Alistair getting yelled at by an irate mage.
AN: Pick up next time. This has been sitting in my notebook for a while decided to post what I got. Nothing is abandoned, I've got some health issues. Stay tuned for more as Ostagar will cover several chapters. Here's the tally for those that forgot.
Naruto Uzumaki – ninja – rogue (human)
Kallian Tabris – rogue – (city elf)
Lyna Mahariel – ranger – (Dalish elf)
Sereda Aeducan – warrior (Dwarf noble)
Faren Brosca – rogue (dwarf commoner)
Elissa Cousland – warrior (human noble)
Rox – (mabari)
Neria Surana – mage (elf)
Remember everyone might not survive Ostagar. And I might do a poll to see who should be paired with Naruto. Again rent or buy DAO. Its an awesome game. There will be an anime in 2012, and there is a web series staring Felicia Day coming soon. If you don't know her look up the Guild or see her on recent episodes of Eureka on Syfy. Thanks for your patience.
