Chapter 5: Recruiting strangers
The Fade, the Black city
(Darksiders 2 OST: Corruption Melody by Jesper Kyd)
Within the Fade, the air had an ominous green-like glow to it as the creatures within this realm sat between the Abyss and Thedas, but the Black city had a different ominous look, it was a yellow ever present mist and was seen illuminating glow within. The ancient city was devoid of any kind of life, with Corruption stringing from tower to tower like a black web of sin, staining the once grand city of the Maker who had gone mad with grief.
Pools of Corruption boiled and hissed with yellow steam, creating the ever present mist within the city itself, as the throne room hall was seen with a much denser yellow mist. Deeper within the throne room, sat the Herald of Disorder resting his boney chin upon his skeletal upper right palm while his eyesocktets were dark and lifeless.
Two portals opened up and a being who took the form of a fairly tall undead rose up, while the other portal revealed a large beast, the beast had a pale scaly body curled twisted horns and multiple eyes on it's face along with short but razor sharp teeth. It's elbows had protrusions that made it appeared bird-like wings, while it kept a sense of pride in it's body language.
The Herald's eye-sockets flashed yellow as beams of yellow light shined upon the two beings before it and groaned in a uninterested manner and spoke in a bored and uninterested tone "Welcome... "Demons" of Pride and Sloth, for sometime you have caught my attention, rumors of your fearsome ferocity and dominance over others has reached even the Black city of Corruption and taint."
The large creature the demanded while clenching it's fist and gave a prideful tone "YOU DARE SUMMON ME?!"
The Sloth demon sighed in an uninterested manner as the Herald stated with a authoritative tone "Spare me your pride, worm! I have summoned you here for a purpose, a purpose of drawing out Death himself."
The Sloth demon groaned in a bored manner and asked "And why should I care?"
The Herald pointed his finger at the Sloth demon and said "I sense your are not like your fellow Slothfully kind, you have a desire within you, a desire to collect and claim souls for your own, I already have set the wheels in motion, you two are running out of time (turns head slightly to see a large shadowy figure from behind a pillar) and so I offer you the chance... no I command you to obey."
The Sloth demon lowered his head slightly and remained silent as the Pride Demon roared "NOBODY GIVES ME ORDERS!"
The Herald stared at the Prideful beast with his cold yellow stare and slowly stood up with strings of Corruption snapping off the back of his black robes and said "And I wasn't talking to you Worm..."
The Herald raised it's right lower hand and summoned a vortex as the Pride demon was dragged towards the vortex and lost it's footing before being swallowed whole by the vortex while the Herald turned his gaze towards the shadows of his hall and called out "Was that demonstration worthy enough for you, or perhaps I need a much more cooperative follower?"
Then a separate yet even larger Pride Demon walked out and bowed before the Herald and said with a reluctant tone "I... am at your command, my lord."
The Herald sat back down and ordered while pointing his right upper hand out as tendrils of Corruption latched back on the Herald "Then go forth and take the Circle of Magi in Fereldan, their mages will be of great use for you and your ambitions."
The Sloth demon then asked "But at what cost to us?"
The Herald stared at the demon and answered in a suggesting way "Your aid my children and you will not have to worry of my children hunting you down."
Honnleath village
The villagers were seen doing their daily routines, a woman was seen flapping a wet shirt before twisting the remaining water out and strung it up to dry, an old man was seen on his porch smoking pipe with a peaceful look on his face. A middle aged man was seen spreading some left over food on the statue at the center of town, outside the village however children and young teens were seen playing in the tall grass.
One of the children, a girl named Amalia was laughing as she played with others until she spotted a strange figure standing on top of the hill and pointed out and said "Hey look, whose that?"
The children turned to see the figure who was shown to be the Corrupted Hurlock vanguard who turned his head back and gave an authoritative roar calling in a large group of Darkspawn.
Amalia waved at the Hurlock with an innocent and fun filled smile and asked "Hey there! Do you want to play too?"
The Corrupted Hurlock gave a sinister snarl under his helmet and reached behind it's back and pulled out it's battle axe and charged at the children as one of the teens noticed and one young man shouted "AMALIA RUN!"
Amalia now seeing clearly how horrifyingly disfigured the Hurlock's body was, ran in fear while the Hurlock caught up to her and raised it's axe up high before the young man tackled the Hurlcok who growled out of annoyance.
The young man then shouted "GO WARN THE VILLAGE!"
The Hurlock grabbed the young man by the neck and slowly held him up in the air, snarling at the boy in annoyances before the boy kicked his helmet off revealing his head which the Corruption within it had continued to mutate the Hurlock. Now with sharp crystalline tusks the Hurlock growled at the boy before slamming him onto the ground making a cracking sound and the young boy yelled in pain.
Amalia turned back to see the Hurlock raise it's axe over the young man and swung it downwards gashing the young man's chest with blood splattered over the Hurlock's bare chest andas it dripped off it's face and the Hurlock licked the blood from it's lips and gave a disturbing yet blood thirsty grin.
The Hurlock gave a low growl before staring fiercely at Amalia who teared up in fear before running back to the village as the Corrupted Hurlock violently tugged it's axe out from the lifeless young man and kept an imposing stare before raising it's axe and gave a mighty roar "ROAAAAAAAAHHHHHAAHAHAHAAAA!"
The Darkspawn licked their blades in anticipation and began to charged towards the village, the children ran back as the villagers heard their frighten children scream they hurried to them as Amalia's father ran to her and asked in a worried manner "Amalia what happened?"
Amalia was shivering in fear as one villager a man looked around and asked "Tobias? Where is my son?"
Amalia stared with fear in her eyes and said "The monster-man killed him..."
The man widen his eyes in shock and in his confusion pointed at Amalia and shouted "LIES! WHERE IS MY SON?!"
Then a woman screaming was heard as the villagers turned to see the Corrupted Hurlock holding her up by her neck and gave a monstrous chuckle before flicking it's wrist and breaking the woman's neck.
The Hurlock drew the lifeless body close to it's exposed face before huffing at it and threw the woman's lifeless body behind it as Amalia's father stared and shouted "RUUUUUN!"
The villagers screamed in terror as the Darkspawn charged passed the Hurlock who gave a sinister chuckle and held it's arms out and continued it's chuckling as Amalia's father shouted "HURRY TO MY FAMILY'S CELLAR!"
The villagers ran towards Amalia's home but few were too slow as the old man seen earlier was shot by a Darkspawn arrow in the chest and fell back gasping for air as the father of Tobias was seen picking up a shovel and bashed a Hurlock's face breaking it's teeth. The man cried out in rage as he managed to jabbed the blade end of the shovel into a Genlock's face killing it instantly.
The man swung his shovel so hard that when it hit a Hurlock's face the impact broke it's neck and it fell onto the ground lifeless as the man ran towards the Corrupted Hurlock and swung his shovel again. But the Hurlock raised it's right armored arm which caused the shovel's wooden pole to splinter before the Hurlock head butted the man breaking his nose and caused him to fall onto his back.
The Hurlock stomped his metallic boot onto the man's right leg breaking it with the bone protruding out of his flesh and he bleed and he cried in great pain as the Hurlock stared coldly into the his eyes and huffed at him before curb stomping his face in killing him instantly.
The Hurlock began to give a monstrous laugh as Darkspawn began to burn down some of the houses, the statue in the center of the village stood silent while it's stone eyes began to crumble revealing that the statue is somewhat alive and aware of it's surroundings.
Lothering, Tavern
Death and the group had entered the tavern to see if anyone could spare supplies or would be willing to buy useless junk, however a group of soldiers saw them, Death, Alistair and Aedan specifically.
Their leader who walked up he had a dark brown hair and beard as he gestured towards the group and said "Well, look what we have here, men. I think we've just been blessed."
Alistair looked at Death and said with an cautious tone "Uh-oh... Loghain's men. This can't be good..."
One soldier asked while giving the group a hateful glare "Didn't we spend all morning asking about a fellow by this very description? And everyone said they hadn't seen him?"
The leader then jumped to conclusion "It seems we were lied to."
But Death gave an uninterested expression as Aedan saw and attempted to joke "Grimm these men are trying to find... (sees a red head chantry sister) Maker's balls you're beautiful..."
Death squinted his eyes in confusion and gave a confused expression as he turned towards Aedan and asked in a confused tone "Excuse me?"
The chantry sister walked up and said with a calm and collected French accent "Gentlemen, surely there is no need for trouble? These are no doubt more poor people seeking refuge."
Death eyed the woman and noticed that she had a eerily calm attitude and noticed a metallic sound would be slightly heard as her sleeves would wave back and forth and quickly summarized "She's prepared to strike yet is willing to negotiate? An promising quality."
Aedan only stared at the chantry sister with a silence as Alistair noticed him slowly lowering his jaw and eyed the woman and joked "Oh no... not you too."
The leader then turned his gaze towards the chantry sister and leaned close to her face and claimed "They're more than that! Now stay out of our way, sister! If you protect these traitors, you'll get the same as them!"
Death kept observing the chantry sister's calm demeanor and thought "She's very good..."
Death unsheathed his scythes and handed them towards Allistair and said "Aedan hold these for me."
Alistair took the scythes and said "Uhhh oh... this isn't gonna end well is it?"
Morrigan crossed her arms and said in a sarcastic tone "Noooo. Who would have thought that?"
Alistair frowned and countered "Yeah well... you stink like a swamp."
Morrigan crossed her arms and asked "Twas that all you had? Pathetic."
Alistair shrugged and countered "Sorry would've required me caring enough."
Morrigan raised a brow and thought "You foolish man."
Death sighed while gesturing to the men and asked "What makes you think we're traitors?"
The chantry sister then explained while gesturing towards the two groups "Teyrn Loghain claims the Grey Wardens betrayed the king, or... haven't you heard?"
Death eyed the soldiers and placed his fingers on the bridge of his nose and sighed out of annoyance and ranted "The blind are so weak. They follow the liars in their desperation, never knowing that they are being manipulated, used, and deceived by a power hungry madman!"
The leader spat on Death's face and pointed straight at him and warned "Speak of Teryn Loghain like that again and I'll cut you down!"
Death whipped off the man's spit off his face with a serious stare as Alistair noticed and slowly backed away as Death punched the leader's face without another word, breaking the man's nose and watched him fall back to the floor. Time had seemingly slowed as the leader's nostrils bled out, blood flew out and splattered his upper lip while he fell back onto the floor and gave a painful groan when he hit the floor.
Time had returned to normal as the soldiers stared at their leader groaning in pain with shock as Death gave a intimidating stare and quickly grabbed two of them by their throats and choked slammed them onto the ground before uppercutting the third. The third soldier flew up in the air before landing back first on another man who grabbed him and shoved him away shouting "GET OFF ME!"
The soldiers stood up and ran away as Death gave an unamused stare before the leader who had slowly gotten up and tackled Death towards the fireplace, but Death sighed before slamming both fists onto the man's back which made him cry out in pain "GAHAAAA!"
Death felt the man release him and was quick to reverse the tide and grabbed the man by the neck and shoved his face close to the fireplace as the chantry sister suggested "Good. He's learned his lesson and you can stop fighting."
Death eyed the leader and asked with a demanding tone "Is that so?"
The man whimpered and quickly nodded before Death pulled him away from the fire and pulled him away and asked Alistair "Alistair kindly open the door would you?"
Alistair nodded with a hesitant look as he walked over to the door and opened it while Death dragged the leader and tossed him out which he landed face first in mud as Alistair and other villagers who were harassed by the soldiers laughed at him as Alistair snickered and said "That was well deserved."
The villagers who were harassed by the soldiers and was beaten for it began to walked towards him as Death demanded "Tell your Teryn that the Wardens will be seeing him soon enough!"
Death walked back inside and towards the chantry sister who apologized "I apologize for interfering, but I couldn't just sit by and not help."
Death pointed at the chantry sister's sleaves and asked "Is that why you carry daggers in your sleeves?"
The woman grunted in shock and confessed "I... I have them, in case things would get out of hand."
Death crossed his arms and gave a curious stare and asked with a sarcastic tone "Cautious are we? Good."
The woman began to shake her hands defensively and asked "Please listen to what I have to say Warden."
Death uncrossed his arms and placed his right hand on his hip while gesturing with his left hand and said "Then speak, we have little time and I am a little low on patience right now."
The woman sighed and offered "I wish to accompany you on your journey."
Alistair raised a brow and scratched the left side of his face and asked "Wait... what?"
Aedan who kept staring at the woman said "Please do..."
Morrigan palmed her face and sighed in annoyance as she gestured her right hand at the woman and asked "Do we really need her, seeing how much of a hound Aedan is?"
Aedan clearly didn't pay attention to Morrigan kept staring at Lelilana as Death turned back and suggested "We do need a army Morrigan."
The woman raised a brow and asked "Does this mean I can accompany you Grey Wardens?"
Death nodded and stated "Just pull your own weight, show some skill that can help us and be of use, and I promise, you won't have to walk home alone. But before we go, allow me to introduce myself, I am Warden Grimm, but please just Grimm, the man with the... rather disturbing stare is Aedan..."
Aedan walked towards the woman and gently raised her hand kissed it and said "Milady."
The woman blushed as Death stared with surprise and joked "That's out of character for you Aedan, and we've only just met."
Aedan then stated "I was nobleman, you must show some sort of respect and..."
Morrigan closed her eyes and raised both hands and demanded "Stop. Just stop, tis giving me a headache."
Death looked at Alistair who gave a confused look and shrugged his shoulders before Death pointed at him and introduced "Our senior Warden, Alistair..."
Alistair waved and said "Hello there... (sniff, sniff) I know that smell... it smells like cheese! I LOVE CHEESE!"
Alistair paced away as Death's curled his finger and said "A fascination for cheese? strange... (Gestures to Dust) My ever so useless crow Dust."
Dust who was perched on Chaoseater's head gave a low caw as Death pointed at the dog and introduced "The mutt is Chaoseater."
Chaoseater gave a bark of approval as Death finally gestured towards Morrigan and finished "And that is just our mage Morrigan."
Morrigan crossed her arms and sarcastically asked "Just a mage, Grimm?"
Death looked at Morrigan, shrugging as he joked "I'd rather not have the might of the templar order against us this soon. From my understanding they aren't ones to pick a fight with especially those with magic. And we kind of need them on our side, along with the mages of course."
The chantry sister bowed her head and said "Pleased to meet you all, I am Leliana and I am honored to accompany you, and seeing that how few of us there are... Might I give a suggestion?"
Death crossed his arms and gave a interested look and asked "Already, well then what you do have to suggest?"
Leliana eyed the people in the tavern and whispered "There is a imprisoned Qunari just outside of town, he was locked up willingly after he was found with a farmer family killed by him. He admitted to murdering them and has since been left to rot. Ever since, I've taken to pity him, I've seen it in his face he regrets his offense and I believe he would take the chance to redeem himself."
Death raised a brow and asked "What is a Qunari?"
Aedan scratched the back of his head and explained "A Qunari? Basically they're ox men, they have grey skin and normally have white hair and are normally bigger when compared to Humans and Elves."
Death gave a intrigued expression and asked "How are they in a fight?"
Leliana explained while putting her hands behind her "Due to their society of having a specific role, some Qunari are fierce warriors, and are incredibly strong... however I would recommend us seeing the revered mother and try to convince her to give you custody over him."
Death placed his right hand on his chin and thought "This Qunari may be of use to us..."
Death looked back at Dust and pointed at him with his right finger, ordering "Dust mind looting those trouble makers of their coin?"
Morrigan then question that order and asked "Why did't just take their coin before they ran off?"
Death gestured his hand towards Morrigan and responded sarcastically "And give them reason to slow us down with another fight? I think not, oh and Dust, make sure you don't lead them back to us, try to shake off their attention, we still need supplies with their coin."
Dust gave a caw and nodded before taking off while Death walked over to the door and pushed it open allowing Dust to fly out and asked "Shall we?"
Morrigan walked out and suggested with a uninterested tone "Lets make this quick."
Alistair followed and said with a sarcastic tone "Yes lead the way witch."
Morrigan gave a disgusted noise as Death sighed and thought "It's going to be a long day."
Later Death and the group entered the local Chantry back across the small bridge, Death looked all around the inside and was not impressed with the local sight of worship as Leland walked up to a man with dark brown hair and had a goatee and asked "Excuse me, do you happen to know where the Revered Mother would be?"
The man spoke with a lighter toned voice stating "In her office, sister Leliana."
Leliana bowed her head and respectfully thanked him "Thank you."
Leliana lead ahead as Death and the others followed but Alistair noticed a familiar figure and walked up to him, Alistair's footsteps caught the man's attention and he turned around and asked "May I help you? Or am I in your way?"
Alisatir recognized the man and asked "Ser Donell... is that you?"
Ser Donell was silent for a moment but then he figured it out and gestured out both arms and said "Alistair! By the Maker, how are you I... (inhales) I was certain you were dead!"
Alistair shrugged and joked "No, not yet at least."
Death smirked as he and the others walked away and thought "Nice one Alistair."
Leliana lead the group to the Revered mother who was a middle aged woman who stood up from her chair and said "Good day sister Leiiana, I'm surprised to see you still in Lothering."
Leliana smiled and responded "It is good to see you as well your reverence."
The revered mother turned her gaze see the group as Chaoseater was seen walking passed them and sniffed her hand and panted in a happy manner while the mother gave a gentle smile before asking "I do not recognize your companions, (looks at Death) greetings would you donate to the Chantry? Our need has never been greater."
Death waved his right hand once defensively and said "Unfortunately our coin is low and we require it for supplies, as we need them for our Grey Warden cause."
The revered mother sighed and said "Oh dear... you've put me in a difficult position, you must know that Teryn Loghain declared the Grey wardens to be outlaws?"
Death crossed his arms and turned his head and stated "Yes... we encountered some of his men harassing some of the villagers. (revered gives a nervous look) Do not worry we didn't kill them. But we didn't betray the King, Teryn Loghain is the traitor, and pinned his treachery on the Grey Wardens."
The revered mother raised a brow and was in disbelief and said "Teryn Loghain? That is as hard for me to believe as his condemnation of the Wardens. There is a price on your head. Lay low and I promise to keep your presence a secret, that is the best I can do. Now if there is nothing else..."
Death then pointed at the revered mother and stated "I would ask for you to release the Qunari into my custody to aid our mission to fight the Blight."
The revered mother stopped and gave a unamused expression and stated "He murdered a farmer and most of his family, if I set him loose his next victims would be you and me."
Death gestured out and asked "I see... you wish him to judged and face Justice?"
The revered mother then stated with a stern tone "Indeed, even the seasoned knights were disturbed by the carnage that beast had done, I know that Wardens take prisoners among their ranks but this...?"
Death placed his hand on his hip suggested "Then place judgement upon him, let him face justice... but not by death, to become better, and aid us in stopping the Blight."
The group stared in surprise as did the revered mother and asked "You would have the Qunair redeem himself for the murder he committed?"
Death gestured his hand out and persuaded "Death is simple and inevitable, you cannot avoid it forever, and if the Maker is kind and forgiving, would he allow one soul who has made a mistake he regrets (In vision of The Nephilim being slaughtered by Death) to redeem themselves?"
The Revered mother sat down in thought and looked at Leliana before asking "And what do you say on this Leliana? You know your friend better than I?"
Leliana was still thought on Death's words before shaking her head and stated "These are... unusual times, your reverence, with us the Qunari ca do some good, I am sure of it in fact."
The Revered mother stood up and said "Were things not so desperate... very well. I trust you, (hands leliana keys) take the keys to his cage, and Maker watch over you... all of you."
Leliana nodded and thanked her reverence "Thank you your reverence, your trust is not misplaced."
Later Death and the group was seen still in the village as Dust return with four heavy pouches of currency and cawed catching Death's attention as Dust dropped the pouches into his open palm. Death tossed one pouch to Leliana and ordered "Leliana you and Aedan use that to buy food."
Leliana nodded and said "We'll have it."
Aedan walked up to Death and started kissing ass "Thank you Grimm, you know I'll repay this right?"
Death slightly turned his head towards Aedan and asked sarcastically "Repay what?"
Aedan smirked and said "Oh course..."
Aedan turned to see Leliana patiently waiting as the two walked and he asked "So Leliana how is it that a beautiful woman such as yourself could have been brought here?"
Death shook his head and tossed another pouch to Alistair and ordered "Alistair, you and Morrigan find someone willing to sell camping gear, tents, pots, pans blankets and pillows, oh and we'll need cloaks too not draw too much attention to ourselves in major settlements. Then I want you to meet with Aedan and Leliana, bring Chaoseater with you incase you require extra help and a set of jaws for protrection."
Alistair nodded and said "On it Grimm."
Morrigan stared at Grimm and asked "Why do I need to go with Alistair?"
Death gestured towards Morrigan and explained "I need someone to have Alistair under surveillance, meaning I don't want him being swindled into buying supplies that aren't being overpriced."
Morrigan sighed and turned towards Alistair who was seen tossing the pouch in the air and accidentally dropped it while Morrigan sighed with an unamused expression "Agreed, but what about you?"
Death turned away and stated "I'll need to convince our next recruit, alone."
Death walked towards the other side of the village and saw a cage with a humanoid figure with grey skin, his hair was white and breaded into dreadlocks that was tied up from behind.
The figure was heard phrasing a strange language one Death could not understand, but Death walked up to the cage as the figure saw and said in a blunt and straightforward manner "You aren't one of my captors. I will not amuse you any more than I have the other humans, leave me in peace."
Death walked up and introduced himself "I am Grey Warden Grimm, may I ask for your name?"
The figure kept a frown and responded "I am Sten of the Beresaad, the Vanguard of the Qunari peoples."
Death thought as he kept staring at Sten "A warrior, he's straight to the point, blunt and seems rather lacking in the facial expressions... much like War."
Death gestured out and asked "How capable are you in a fight?"
Sten still keeping a frown answered bluntly "I am strong enough to best ten human soldiers alone."
Death pulled out the keys and unlocked the cage, freeing Sten who eyed Death as he unsheathed his scythes and tossed them away and said "I offer you this choice, fight me and if you win you'll walk free, and if I win you'll help me stop the Blight."
Sten stared silently and asked "Why do you to test me Warden?"
Death gave a cold stare and stated "It's my duty to ensure Balance, and I alone can't do that."
Sten scoffed and said "You cannot possibly best me Warden."
Death grabbed Sten by the throat and slammed him face first into the dirt before taking a few steps back while Sten stood up and turned towards Death with a bloody lip and said "Surprising... very well I will accept your offer, Warden."
Sten charged at Death and attempted to punch him, but Death jumped and rolled off of Sten's back and quickly punched him in the center of his back causing Sten to grunt in pain. Sten turned towards Death who uppercutted Sten's chin causing Sten to fly a few inches off the air and land back first as Death walked over and sat on Sten's chest raising his fist at him.
Death asked with a cold stare "Do you yield?"
Sten spat out blood away from Death and grabbed him by his shoulders before head butting him the face knocking Death back, Death's nose bled as he and Sten stood up both giving cold stares before Sten charged towards Death again. Death ducked from Sten attempting to grapple him and quickly kicked Sten's feet forcing him to fall onto his back, Death then grabbed Sten by the shoulders before punching him in the face.
Death saw how Sten was taking the hits as Death thought to himself "Incredible... this Qunari is strong, but he's not as strong as to likes of Absalom or Samael."
Sten with one hand shoved Death off him and stood up as Death took stance while Sten's nose muscles began to move as if he was have a discomforting feeling in his nose before Sten placed his right hand on his nose before breathing in from his mouth and forced his nose back into place. Sten shown no signs of pain or any more discomfort before spitting out blood and once again charged at Death grabbed him by the arm but Death wrapped his legs around Sten's arm and forced him onto the ground.
Death had placed Sten in a arm lack and stated "You are an impressive being Sten, but this fight is mine, now yield or I will resort to dislocating your shoulder."
Sten was silent as Death caused more pressure to his shoulder causing Sten to feel irritated and said "The Qun will not bow to you."
Death sighed and stated "The Qun is not my concern, the Darkspawn are. (Dislocates left shoulder) But I know how to break one's spirit if I must."
Sten growled in pain as Death released him and backed off as Death stepped back as Sten sat up while Death asked "Will you help me stop the Blight?"
Sten silently nodded as Death pulled out a healing potion and poured it on Sten's shoulder causing Sten's bones to relocates and caused him to growl loudly in pain as Death explained "As a Grey Warden I am in need of aid, the Blight is here, Darkspawn have begun to march upon the lands, and as leader of the Warden and our allies I am in need of an army to combat this Blight, and I knowing that you are a warrior of action so I had to prove my strength to you."
Sten stared at Death and stared at the blood he spat out earlier and thought "He's much stronger than the average human... was he holding back most of his strength during our fight?"
Death placed his hand on his hip and asked "Well will you join us?"
Sten nodded and answered "Very well, Warden Grimm, I will follow you into battle. In doing so I will find my atonement."
Death reached out his hand and said "Welcome to our alliance, Sten of the Beresaad."
Sten grasped Death's hand and noticed how much a string grip he had and thought "A strong grip, and firm... impressive."
Death and Sten released each other's hands and Death warned "Oh and be warned... I already have others, allies so I ask that you reframe from killing any of them. And if you dare to think on attacking any of my allies, and I kill you myself, do we understand each other?"
Sten still keeping a frown then stated "Completely, Warden."
Death waved it off and suggested "Please it's Grimm."
Sten nodded and responded "As you wish, though I do not understand why you must have these chaotic names."
Death then explained "That is how one of few things that show we are individually different. Chaos is apart the Balance, Chaos rises to challenge Order, and Order must be vigil enough to withstand Chaos."
The others who returned as Death and Sten standing together was surprised to see them but Alistair saw Sten's bloody lip and asked "Hey what happened?"
Sten bluntly stated "Your leader is stronger than I had anticipated, and he bested me in hand to hand combat."
Death shrugged and stated "I've fought individuals far stronger than you, Sten."
Sten looked at Death and responded "Seeing how easily you bested me, and feeling how much you were holding back, I am not surprised."
Death looked away and thought "Damnit, truly a warrior to recognize if I'm holding back or not..."
Sten noticed that there were women among the group and asked "Why are there women with weapons in our group? They are not strong enough to fight."
Death squinted and stated "Strength isn't everything, Sten. One must be capable to use one's strength against them, as you have seen with our fight. Your own strength was your greatest weakness and exploited it to you."
Sten stared at Death and said "That makes no sense, why would my strength be my weakness."
Death eyed Sten and stated "You may be physically capable to over power others but to the likes of those who know to redirect you physical attacks you are not but a prey among lions."
Sten was now silent as Death continued and pointed at Leliana "Now Leliana seems to have a talent of negotiations..."
Leliana interrupted and said "And I can sing."
Aedan stared at Leliana and said "Oh please do..."
Death shook his head finished "Morrigan is a mage one, and from what I hear is also a great cook."
Morrigan crossed her arms and responded with sarcasm "Oh and don't worry I also know how to season food with poisons."
Death stared at Morrigan and pointed at her and said "Try that and you'll face my magic."
Sten quickly turned towards Death with even more skepticism to learn that Death was a mage and asked "You are a mage? You must have use magic to best me then."
Death scoffed and stated "No, if I had used that magic ability, you have been dead, by now. A true mage should be capable to fighting in hand to hand combat, unless face death in it. Now do you have anymore problems with me being mage? Or do I have to beat you down again?"
Alistair gave a shocked look and asked "Wait you beat the Qunari?"
Sten kept staring at Death and admitted with an unenthusiastic tone "He did in fact best me in our fight..."
Aedan leaned towards Alistair and whispered "Badass..."
Alistair shooked his head and remembered "Oh I almost forgot... Grimm. Arl Eamon is sick, and that his wife Arlessa has sent out the Arl's knight in search of Andraste's ashes."
Death saw the stone in his pocket glow purple and thought "Why would people think your ashes can cure them of a sickness?"
Death palmed this face and stated "We'll figure out a plan later, right now we need to leave the area and find a good campsite agreed?"
Everyone nodded as Sten bluntly answered "Agreed."
Death picked up his scythes and sheathed them as he turned hi gaze towards the group and said while gesturing his right hand out the village "Shall we?"
Ferelden Tower of Magi
A serpent hole opened up at the front doors of the tower as the Templar knights grunted in shock at the sight and immediately unsheathed their weapons, one weilded a two handed axe, the other wielding a sword and shield.
Then Wynne erupted from the hole along with the Crowfather who kept a calm posture as he walked Wynne towards the tower as Wynne saw the templar knights and asked the Crowfather "How do you plan on escaping the Templar order, apostate?"
Crowfather gave a gentle smile and joked "Oh ye have little faith in me."
Crowfather waved his hand with a strange purple rune on his palm causing the Templars to fall back unconscious as Wynne grunted at the sight before turning towards the Crowfatehr who had Wynne walk ahead and finally asked "I take leave, know that when time comes, you must make a choice, will you serve as a faithful mage or rule as free woman?"
Crowfather began to sink into his serpent hole before finishing "... Choose your destiny wisely, young one. For it will determine your ultimate fate."
Wynne stared as the Crowfather vanished in the serpent hole and thought "Serve or rule? What kind of nonsense is that?"
With the Crowfather who walked in the endless roads of the serpent holes, each road formed with stones with glowing runes on them as the Crowfather stopped for a moment and closed his eyes and saw through Dust's point of view and saw Death leading the group.
Crowfather sighed and asked aloud "My friend your heart is heavy with grief and anger, if you are not able to let go of your siblings' then you are doomed to fail."
Dust turne dhis gaze towards Morrigan whose staff he had perched on while Morrigan had raised her hand and petted Dust's head while the Crowfather smirked and said "My, how you have grown..."
The Imperial highway
Later on Death and the group had carried their supplies leaving the village behind and began to walked on the Imperial highway once more but a cry for was heard "PLEASE SOMEBODY HELP US!"
Death and the others heard the cry for help as Chaoseater growled in as warning sign while Death noticed and pointed his head and ordered "Get them, boy."
Chaoseater barked and charged off ahead and ran up the stone stairs and saw two Dwarves fleeing a scouting party of Darkspawn led by a Hurlock Emissary who gave a growling chuckle. Chaoseater charged straight for the Emissary knocking down a Genlock easily and used it to lunge at the Emissary and tackled it to the ground and bit it by the throat and tore it gruesomely.
The Emissary gurgled as Chaoseater turned towards the other Darkspawn who surrounded the hound, as a dagger was seen flown into the back of a Turlock's skull causing it to growl before falling face first. Death charged at a Hurlock and slashed downwards with both scythes dismembering both of a Hurlock's arms clean off before tossing towards Sten who grabbed the Hurlock by the face and used it as battering ram.
Bashing away a Genlock a the remaining Hurlocks as Alistair charged in and quickly stabbed a Hurlock through it's both and quickly removed his blades as blood splattered out while the Hurlock gave a dying gurgle. Alistair saw Sten lift the Hurlcok he used as battering ram up in the air and slammed it onto his knee breaking it's back before crouching down and breaking it's neck killing it.
Aeden ran and shouted "Alistair!"
Alistair turne dtowards Aedan and raised his shield over his head as Aedan jumped on while Alistair forced his weight up which lunged Aedan in the air while Morrigan snapped her fingers and pointed at Aedan as his throwing knifes's blades become engulfed in flames. Aedan threw his knives at the remaining Darkspawn as one knives penetrated a Hurlock's eyes, another cut off the Genlock's ear and the final knives stabbed a Hurlock in the center of it's forehead.
The Genlock roared in pain as Chaoseater tackled it and rip it's back apart exposing it's organs and was covered in Darkspawn blood, Chaoseater walked towards Death and sat in front of him panting innocently as Death patted his head and said "Good dog."
Death turned around and saw the Dwarves, one had full beard, his mustache had breads towards the bottom, his hair was brown as the other Dwarf was younger his lacked facial hair and had short blonde hair.
The elder dwarf walked out and sighed in relief and thanked their saviors "I thank you good people, I am Bodahn Feddic (gestures towards the young dwarf) and this is my son Sandal. Say thank you to the nice people who saved us Sandal."
Sandal gave a timid look and answered in a cutely tone "Thank you."
Leliana rested her left cheek on her hands and said "Oh he's adorable."
Death raised a brow and thought while palming his face and shaking his head "Oh no..."
Death removed his palm and looked down at the dwarf father and son and stated "There is need just doing our job."
Alistair gestured towards them and joked "Wait we get paid?"
Death looked at Alistair and shook his head while turning his head away and whispered "Smartass."
Bodahn stared at the group and asked "Wait you're grey Wardens? That explains how you easily finished the Darkspawn off..."
Sten keeping a uninterested expression stated "It's hardly because all of us are Grey Wardens."
Death looked back and said "Easy Sten. You are are safe now, but I do recommend you both not linger near Loathering, the Horde may soon attack it."
Sten looked at Death and asked "Then why are we heading in the opposite direction?"
Death turned towards Sten and stated sarcastically "Because we're not an army yet Sten, and last I check, no warrior of your Qun is equal to an army. Unless you were holding back on our fight."
Sten looked at Death and apologized "I see now, my apologies Warden Grimm."
Death waved it off and stated "No one's perfect big guy, come everyone lets go."
the group began to leave as Bodahn looked at Sandal who seemed to be somewhat in shock from the encounter from the Darkspawn closed his eyes and sighed before asking "I... Grey Warden..."
Death turned towards Bodahn who asked "Would it be of best interest if you had a merchant traveling with you?"
Death walked passed the group and asked "Unless said merchant would be willing to make a fifty percent discount, I am not interested."
Bodahn looked at Sandal and sighed before stating "I can manage that with your group, I ask because... well me and my son would not survive out here alone. And we wouldn't be abel to afford the hired mercenaries..."
Death turned towards Bodahn's wagons and saw there was enough room for the bought supplies and saw the strange rhino-like creatures pulling the wagons and stated "Seeing that you have extra room for our supplies and that your giving us a half off discount, I accept."
Aedan nodded with an impressed look and said "Yeah.. not a bad deal at all."
Later, Death led onwards on the highway as Death noticed a separate road as Death turned back and stated "We'll camp by this road for the night."
Sten looked at the clearing and asked "Is it wise to camp here while Darkspawn are about?"
Morrigan then stated "I can provide a spell of illusions making it appear that there are only trees and large boulders."
Death turned towards Morrigan and ordered "Get on it then, Aedan I want you and Alistair to set up camp and provide Morrigan some protection..."
Aedan and Alistair nodded as Aedan said "Got it."
Death turned towards Sten and continued "Sten as soon as you are armed and ready, I want you and Chaoseater to patrol the area..."
Sten nodded and said "Understood."
Chaoseater barked in approval as Death looked at Leliana and finished "Leliana you and I will need to hunt for food."
Leliana nodded and said "Agreed."
The group reached the clearing as Morrigan raised her staff and began to cast her spell, while Alistair and Aedan began to set up camp, Sten now in full steel armor and wielding a two handed sword looked at Chaoseater and said "Let's go."
Chaoseater panted as the two began to patrol the woods while Death and Leliana began to hunt for food as Leliana who had redressed in leather armor and armed with a bow hunted alongside Death and asked "So, you and Morrigan... are you two...?"
Death quickly answered as he kept focus on his surroundings "No."
Leliana gave a smug look and said "No? Or not yet?"
Death gave unamused expression and sighed before stating "I'm not interesting in that, and besides... I can't."
Leliana gave a confused look and asked "You "can't" what does that mean?"
Death stopped and changed the subject "Listen, I'm not going to explain why I can't allow a weakness such as that, right now, we need to..."
Leliana quickly drew her bow and shot an arrow out as a loud screeching bellow was heard and Death gave a surprised look as Leliana stated "It was deer..."
Death eyed Leliana the two walked towards the downed buck and saw Leliana's arrow puncturing it's right front shoulder as Death said "Huh... not bad at all. For a Chantry sister."
Leliana smiled and bowed as if she had just performed a play and said "You are too kind good sir."
Death walked over to the downed deer and unsheathed one of his scythes and pointed it towards the deer's heart and gently petted it's head and said "May you find peace in death, that you could not find in life..."
Death stabbed the deer's heart as the life in the deer's eyes darkened Death quickly removed his blade and picked up the body as Leliana observed and asked "Was that out of respect or tradition?"
Death and Leliana kept walking as he stated "All souls deserve some modicum of respect, it only depends if you know them or not."
Leliana looked down for a moment as the two returned to the camp and saw Sten had return and reported "No Darkspawn to be found."
Death nodded and said "Good work."
Death saw how Morrigan's tent was separate from the main campsite as Death looked at Morrigan and said "Morrigan! I am in need of your assitance."
Morrigan sighed and walked over to Death and asked "Your desire?"
Death set the deer down and asked "Do you require anything to cook this? Seasons, water?"
Morrigan looked at the buck and said "Twould be best if I had a pan."
Death looked at Bodahn and asked "Bodahn do you have a cooking pan?"
Bodahn raised a finger and asked "One moment please, master Grimm."
Death sighed as Morrigan asked unenthusiastically "So anything else you need Grey Warden?"
Death looked passed Morrigan and saw the white crow and answered "No, nothing else."
The white crow flew off as death followed and stated "Chasoeater, come! Everyone I be on patrol if you need me."
Alistair raised his hand and asked "Uuuhhhh what about dinner?"
Death walked away and stated "I'll eat when everyone else has."
Death and Chaoseater walked in the woods as the white crow was seen perched on a branch as Death noticed and placed his hand on his hip and stated "You know for an old fool, you do look great as a bird."
The crow flew down and changed into the Crowfather and stated "I'm sure I do, Horseman... I heard what had happened with your fellow riders... you have my sympathies."
Death looked down and stated "It's alright... I'm used to living with that pain."
Crowfather tilted his head and asked "But it doesn't change the pain."
Death turned away as Chaoseater walked over to Crowfather and sniffed his robes and whined worryingly as Crowfather noticed and stated in a gentle manner "Chaoseater? I fine name for a fine war hound. You know that is the name of your master's youngest brother?"
Chaoseater sat down and tilted it's head and gave a interested whine while Death asked "I... wanted to honor his memory..."
Crowfather petted Chaoseater's head and stated "I see... but be careful Rider, the lath you ride could lead you to even greater pain. How longer do expect to keep the truth from your companions?"
Death turned his gaze slightly and stated "Seeing how they know nothing beyond the Fade... I doubt they would believe the truth."
Crowfather asked "And if they find out you killed their Maker, the Mad smith?"
Death turned away and stated "They believe their maker to be untouchable... much like the Creator. But again the question would be if they would believe that I killed their Maker?"
Crowfather shrugged and admitted "This world is full of surprises Death, some lay dormant beneath the very surface of this world."
Death turned his gaze once more and asked "What is your relationship with that witch Flemeth? I saw you there at her hut."
Crowfather nodded and stated "I knew you did. Flemeth and I... well let's just say that, we had mutual attraction toward one another."
Death turned towards the Crowfather and asked "You and her are... romantically involved?"
Crowfather shook his head and stated "Not exactly... though I did think it was. Think of it as a game of cat and mouse, she once sought after my secrets and in time she learned... too much I must say."
Death widened his eyes and concluded "Impossible... are you saying she's now a keeper of secrets just like you?"
Crowfather admitted "One cannot be a Crowfather's female equal without being a Crowmother."
Death squinted his eyes and looked away for a moment in confusion and realized what Crowfather meant turned back to see Crowfather gone and thought while shaking his head "You old fool..."
Hours later Death returned to camp seeing everyone had gone to sleep and saw a tent for him and entered it before rubbing his mouth in thought before laying down and covered him with a blanket. While at Morrigan's tent, the witch's eyes twitched as the covers laid further away from her shoulders and she groaned while the Crowfather's hand rubbed her head and tucked the blanket over her.
The Crowfather rubbed Morrigan's head again and said "Rest well my Crowdaughter."
To be continued
