"It will be a hard life. One without reward, without remorse, without regret. A path will be placed before you. The choice is yours alone. Do what you think you cannot do. It will be a hard life, but you will find out who you are." Qui-Gon Jinn, Jedi Master

Was it a dream? A nightmare?

Her eyes fluttered open to find a clear night sky and a cool gentle breeze. The stars shined up in the heavens like tears from the Maker himself for his beloved Andraste. She stared for a long time until she saw two faces peering at her, Duncan and Alistair. It was at that moment she realized it was not a dream but a reality. She remembered Daveth's pain and Jory's plead to be set free. She remembered everything.

"Now you are one of us." Duncan said softly, "Welcome."

Welcome indeed…

Duncan took her hand and helped her up as Alistair steadied her by putting a hand on her shoulder. He sighed, "Two more dead…At my joining only one of us died."

Evelyn put her fingertips on Alistair's lips then gestured with one finger to her own for him to be silent. Duncan seemed amused but he didn't say anything. He looked at Evelyn, "How do you feel?"

She looked at Duncan then moved her fingertips from Alistair's lips, "I feel like I lost a drinking game to a dwarf…Then was run over by a pack of mabari before being dropped down a cliff, but other than that I'm just peachy."

"I see her sharp tongue is still there." Alistair mused before he noticed those blue eyes on him. He shuddered, "It just got cold again."

Duncan shook his head knowing the two of them were going to be trouble for each other. He gently patted Evelyn's shoulder, "Once you feel up to it the King has requested you come to the meeting. I have no idea why he wants you there."

"Oh wait a tic." Alistair moved to get a small pendent and handed it to her, "It's a reminder of your Joining. We never forget those who lost their lives so we take a bit of the blood and put it in this." He showed her his, "Keep it close to your heart."

Evelyn took it carefully then examined it. The tainted blood within was black and she wondered if her blood looked like this now. She sighed then put the pendent on.

As Duncan looked at Evelyn he saw her eyes and the sadness in them which struck him. He always had a spot for his recruits and could tell Evelyn was a bit shaken by what had happened. She had seen so much death and to see two more people die added to her misery. He put both his hands on her shoulders and spoke softly, "I did not want to kill Jory nor did I wish Daveth his fate."

"I know…It's just…" Evelyn frowned and sighed, "The witch…She said…"

Duncan seemed to know already and just nodded, "Take your time." He turned and left her with Alistair. Dax barked at her then nipped at her fingertips as she stood there.

"What were you going to say?" Alistair asked as he looked at Evelyn curiously.

She didn't look at him but stared at Duncan's back. Her face still looked sad and part of Alistair wanted to hug her to tell her it would alright. She spoke up after awhile of silence, "She said that they were sadly irrelevant to the larger scheme of things…"

"You don't think she foretold their deaths do you?" Alistair raised his brow then approached her. He turned her to look at him.

Her eyes met with his, "I don't know what to believe anymore…What's done is done." She broke away from him then started to head out, "Come, Dax."

As she left Alistair watched her as he whispered, "I hope you find yourself again… and soon."

The meeting was well underway by the time Evelyn arrived and the usual bickering was in full swing. She remembered the debates her father would have with Howe over certain situations. Her silent reverie was broken when Calian spoke to her, "I hear congratulations are in order."

"Um..Thank you?" Evelyn replied in a confused manner.

Duncan broke in, "Pardon her, your majesty. She is still a bit worn from the Joining."

Calian nodded and smiled as if he were proud of her. Evelyn paid him no mind as Loghain went over the plan with Calian. It seemed they were going to attempt to box in the darkspawn. The idea wasn't bad but considering the layout of Ostagar she wondered if it was wise. She kept her mouth shut for the moment until there was mention of lighting a beacon on the Tower of Ishal.

"I want Evelyn and Alistair lighting the beacon." Calian said without hesitation and looked at her.

Evelyn raised her brow, "Surely I can light the beacon on my own."

"No, I want you to go with Alistair." Calian replied.

"Your majesty the Circle can…" Uldred began before he was cut off by the Revered Mother.

"Silence mage. You won't be allowed near that beacon."

Evelyn rolled her eyes at the whole scene before Calian slammed his hand on the table, "It's been decided. The Wardens will light the beacon."

The bickering stopped immediately and all eyes were on Calian. He looked at each other them, "Lets get everyone ready. Tonight we end this Blight."

Evelyn stood beside Alistair as Duncan looked at them, "You know the plan, Evelyn. You and Alistair will go to the tower and light the beacon."

"What!?" Alistair narrowed his eyes as if he had been insulted. He shook his head, "I'm not going into battle?"

"No." Duncan said flatly, "The King has request you and Evelyn go light the beacon."

"We should be fighting in the battle…" Evelyn muttered.

"That is not your decision. We will abide by the King's order and you will do as told. Darkspawn or no." Duncan stated as he stared both of them down like a father dealing with petulant children.

Alistair made a face, "Well if the King ever asks me to put on a dress and dance the Remigold I'll have to draw the line…Darkspawn or no."

"Oh I'd love to see that." Evelyn grinned at Alistair as she looked him over to size him up for a dress.

He smirked back at her, "For you I'd consider it…But it'd have to be a pretty dress." Alistair jokingly shimmed, "I could see it now, me shimming down the line while the darkspawn roll with laughter."

Evelyn laughed before she noticed Duncan's expression. She cleared her throat but couldn't stop smiling.

Duncan just sighed and shook his head. Even he cracked a slight smile at Alistair's joke. He looked at them seriously, "You have your orders."

"We know what to do." Evelyn assured him and gave him a mock salute much like Daveth would have.

Duncan just smiled a bit at them both then headed off to join the army that was gathering for the assault. They watched him go before Alistair spoke, "We should get going to the Tower of Ishal."