Hey guys! So here's my babble for this chapter, I'm gonna try to keep it short. I can't believe it's NOVEMBER. Oh this year is going too fast already. Volleyball flew by, and all those times I couldn't update, it was for good reason: We are officially undefeated champs for our conference. Yeah, that's right, 14-0! :D Overall season, we're 31-4, but that's still pretty good. Our post season was hectic, and unfortunately, we lost in sectionals :( We were off of our game, and when it truly came down to the wire, we just didn't get it. We just didn't play as good as we could. With that being said, this means that I will have more free time to update, now that volleyball has offically come to a close for the season.. Sorry it's been awhile to update, but I was a little down after our loss.

Also, thanks for everything so far, yet again! MUCHOS GRACIAS. :) Anywho, I think that's the end of my little note for now. Feel free to leave feedback, questions, comments, concerns, or point out any missed typos.

Now, read!

Gavin POV

Chapter 10. A New Sense

Everything just feels awkward.

Not awkward as in clumsy, No, there was no such thing as Gavin Cousland being that sort of awkward. Everything just feels... Odd. As I walked with Keira to the War Counsel's table, I kept having this strange feeling in my head. However, I'm feeling fantastic after resting, but now that I actually have my head straight, I am just now starting to notice the effects from the Joining. It's like I have a new sense. I can sense when certain people are around me. It's like a tingling feeling... I'm not sure what it is. I am sure that if I tried to describe this feeling to someone, they would deem me as an idiot.

It's hard to explain. In short, I can sense that Keira is right next to me, and I can sense that we are heading toward Duncan, and away from Alistair. I can also sense something else.. Another party is headed our way. Not just a couple, but a whole army. I could feel my eyes darting around, thinking I'll find an answer. Keira and I were walking back toward the old ruins, where the Joining took place.

As we neared the war table, I could see a heated discussion between King Cailan and that Loghain guy I met earlier.

Cailan slammed his fists down onto the war table, "Loghain, my decision is final. I will stand by the Grey Wardens in this assault." I don't think Cailan has noticed Keira and I.

"You risk too much, Cailan! The darkspawn horde is too dangerous for you to be playing hero on the front lines." Loghain spoke through his teeth with forced restraint.

The two continued the argue for a few minutes. The base of their argument revolved around the Orlesians. About a century ago, the Orlesian Empire conquered Ferelden. It was not until about 30 years ago that we gained back our independence under King Maric. My father had fought in that war for our freedom. Anyone who had fought against Orlais would have a bit of a grudge against them. Anyone, including Teryn Loghain Mac Tir.

Though our relationship with Orlais has been shaky in the past, King Cailan brought up a good point. He wished to wait for the Orlesian forces before going into the battle. Why not wait? We are at peaceful notions with the Orlesians now. Loghain snapped at this suggestion by the king. I know Loghain once fought against the Orlesians, but that's the thing of the past, yes? I shifted my head to Keira to try to read her thoughts on this. She had her arms crossed, shifting her weight from one leg to another. Glad I'm not the only one that's slightly bored by their tedious arguments. She let out a quiet sigh.

Such a fascinating war meeting, this is.

I quietly scoffed as I leaned my head toward Keira's, "I'll say."

She whipped her head to face me, her brows furrowed for a moment as a surprised look appeared on her face. Nevertheless, she held an index finger against her lips, giving me the shut-up-and-be-quiet sign.

She shook her head. When will he learn to keep his mouth shut?

Wait a second. Am I crazy? Her lips remained shut. I quickly looked to Duncan and everyone else surrounding the table. Did she-? Did I just-? I could've sworn I heard the sound of her voice. I sighed to myself, Alistair packed something into that little concoction of his. 'It'll get you back to feeling normal' my arse.

I directed my attention back to Cailan. The king gave a heavy sigh as he concluded his argument with Loghain, "Then our current forces will have to suffice, won't they?" Loghain remained adamant. Cailan then turned his attention to us. "Duncan, are your men ready for battle?"

Duncan nodded, "They are, your majesty."

A satisfied smile tugged on the king's lips, "Wonderful!"

His smile widened as he caught the sight of Keira and I, "Ah, good to see you two again, Keira and Gavin," he nodded his head at the two of us, "I understand a congratulations are in order." Though Cailan was simply overjoyed at our return, Loghain's face said something different. His posture suddenly stiffened as he gave the two of us an incredulous stare. Did he not expect to see both of us make it through? Did he think that Daveth and Jory had been more worthy of becoming Grey Wardens? I couldn't help but feel some sort of strange aura from him. Sure, he is the Hero of River Dane. That doesn't stop me from feeling some sort of suspicion toward him.

Keira smiled sheepishly at the king's comments, "Thank you, your majesty."

I shrugged, "I don't really feel that special." Besides my newly acquired senses and my mind slowing turning to mush as I hear my sister's voice out of nowhere, I felt rather normal.

You would say that, Gavin.

Cailan chuckled half-heartedly, "Oh, but you are! Every Grey Warden is needed now more than ever."

"Well, thank you, your majesty." I gave him a reassuring smile, "I'll do the best I can to aide you in the coming battle."

Loghain violently shook his head, "Your fascination with the glory and legends will be your undoing, Cailan." he spoke with more assertiveness, "We must attend to reality."

Waving his hand in dismissal, Cailan slowly made his way to the map filled table. "Fine. Speak your strategy. The Grey Wardens and I draw the darkspawn into charging our lines and then...?" He glided his hands over the map, then looked to Loghain for the rest.

"You will alert the tower to light the beacon, signaling my men to charge from cov-"

Cailan interrupted Loghain, eagerness filling in his voice, "To flank the darkspawn, I remember. This is the Tower of Ishal in the ruins, yes? Well who shall light this beacon?" He looked to all of us as he asked the question.

"I have a few men stationed there, it's not a dangerous task, but it is vital." Loghain said.

With an overconfident smile, Cailan turned to Duncan, "Then we should send our best. Send Alistair, Gavin, and Keira to make sure this task is done."

Keira's mouth dropped, You're joking, right?

Was he joking? I don't know whether I should be amused or humbled by his words. I'm sure he knows our father taught us well in skills of combat, that's why Duncan had recruited us in the first place. I thought our fighting skills would have served better in the battlefield, rather than scaling an old tower. On another note, we're new Grey Wardens. Doesn't he realize though that we became Grey Wardens just mere hours ago? He has dozens of other Wardens to pick from, why the new recruits? We can't surely be in his 'best' pick, right? It also surprised me that he not only chose Keira and I, but Alistair as well.

I crossed my arms, tilting my head to the side as I spoke "What makes you think we're the best, your Majesty?"

The king simply shrugged, "You are the son and daughter of the late Teryn Cousland, are you not?"

Loghain cleared his throat, and spoke before either of us could reply, "Cailan, a job such as this would only require a couple people, would it not?"

Cailan pursed his lips in thought and held an unreadable gaze. He was considering it, that's for sure. Loghain decided to take this opportunity to sway the king's decision. He took a few steps toward Cailan, upholding a confident posture as he spoke, "Think about it, taking all three would almost show favoritism." He waved his hands towards me and Keira, "These two are both the children of a high noble family. You don't want it to look like you're protecting them, do you?"

Duncan interjected, "Your majesty, Grey Wardens drop their titles the moment they become Grey Wardens."

Loghain let out an exaggerated sigh, "That may be true, but you can never forget what your background may be."

Cailan held his hands up in defense, "Alright, alright." He spoke in a thoughtful tone. That's something new. He turned to Keira and I with apologetic eyes, "I don't want the rest of the soldiers thinking of any favoritism." He let out a sigh, "I would still like Alistair to light the beacon, he will know when to light it. I hate to ask, but which one of you rather go into battle?"

Keira's posture wilted, "So, you're splitting us up?"

The king gave a reluctant nod. "I'm afraid so."

She frowned, "Why can't both of us go into battle?"

"I can't afford Alistair to go to the tower alone. Anything could happen, so it's best to send two to the tower."

Before Keira could have a chance to answer, I blurted out, "I'll go."

My sister gasped, "What?" Damnit! He'll get himself killed!

I shifted my head to face Keira, whispering, "I won't get myself killed." Ignoring the quizzical look on her face, I turned to face Cailan, "I'll go with you and Duncan into the battle. Keira and Alistair can light the beacon." I know I might regret it later, but it's me or her. It's no slight on her fighting ability, but I feel that I have an obligation to protect her. Mother would nag me to death if I let her march off into battle. No, it has to be this way.

I felt a hand gently touch my shoulder, "Are you sure, Gavin? There is no turning back." Duncan asked with concern.

I nodded. "Yes, Duncan. If that is okay with you, your majesty."

Cailan nodded with a smile, "Of course Gavin." His tone quickly changed from thoughtful to enthusiastic. His eyes sparkled with excitement, "It shall be glorious! Fighting against the darkspawn with you and Fergus will be brilliant, indeed."

Keira shook her head with annoyance, "Why, again can't I fight too?"

"It is important that the beacon is lit. You must make sure you and Alistair get it done." Duncan said.

Cailan chuckled with satisfaction, outstretching his arms while putting emphasis into his words, "You see? Glory for everyone!"

Keira scowled, All of you can just kiss my arse.

Loghain's voice rose. "No matter, I still think you rely on these wardens too much." The man was being stubborn about all of this. First he suggested splitting us up. Now, he still shows his dislike toward the wardens. He's acting somewhat suspicious, though he's doing a marvelous job of covering his motives. Perhaps it's nothing serious at all. Loghain might always be this way. Then again, that's what I thought before Howe betrayed my family.

No matter what Loghain seemed to say, Cailan would not be swayed by it. He stomped his foot down, "Enough of your conspiracy theories, Loghain. Grey Wardens battle the Blight, no matter where they're from."

Quickly changing the subject, and directing Cailan's attention elsewhere, Duncan brought up the subject of an archdemon.

Whatever it is, Loghain quickly disregarded it. "No dragon has been spotted in the Wilds."

"I'm sure you have it covered, yes Duncan?" Cailan spoke as though this dragon was no big deal.

Duncan hesitantly nodded, "Y-yes.. Your majesty."

"Well then," Loghain crossed his arms, "I think this plan will suffice. The Grey Wardens will light the beacon."

A gleam of confidence could be seen in Cailan's eye, "Thank you, Loghain. I cannot wait for that glorious moment! The Grey wardens battle besides the king of Ferelden to stem the tide of evil!"

Maker forgive me. Our king is a daft, glory-seeking dimwit.

I softly chuckled as I heard Keira's voice yet again, looked over at her, and thought, I couldn't agree more. Keira slowly raised a brow at me, looking a bit bewildered. Surprisingly, I couldn't have been more satisfied by her reaction. All the pieces are coming together.

Loghain turned his back to all of us. Barely, I could hear him mumble in an emotionless voice, "Yes, cailan. A glorious moment for us all."

Duncan then instructed us to head back to camp, to tell Alistair of the decision made. He would meet with us shortly. We both nodded and understood his instructions. Keira and I walked back to camp in silence. Up ahead, Alistair was leaning against a ruined pillar with crossed arms, staring patiently into the fire. As we got closer to camp, Carlin's ears perked and he lifted his head. With a happy bark, he came up and greeted Keira like usual. Alistair looked over and greeted us, half grinning. "So, how did the meeting go?"

"Ugh," Keira mumbled, "Awful."

Alistair quirked an eyebrow, "And why was that?"

"Well," she crossed her arms and sighed, "We got stuck with the dirty job."

"Oooo," Alistair lowered his voice, "Sounds nasty. What exactly is this job?"

"We're lighting a beacon. Not battles for you and I."

"What?" Alistair exclaimed in a childish manner, "That's not fair!"

Keira's eyes bulged and eyebrows lifted, "I know, right?"

Standing between the two, I could feel the anger radiating from them. Thinking I could calm them down, I started to speak in a soothing tone. "Guys, I know how you feel, but-"

"Don't even," Keira interjected, "You're already going into battle."

"What?" Alistair crossed his arms, "You're going into battle?" Awkward moment, that's a first for me. I'm the only one of us three going into battle.

Please get here soon, Duncan. "I-I volunteered."

Right as if on cue, I could hear the soft sound of footsteps heading towards us. I turned around to see Duncan coming to us. Thank the Maker. Duncan always seems to be the voice of reason. I'm sure Keira and Alistair will understand.. I hope.

Duncan crossed his arms. "Alistair, I'm sure you've heard the plan. You and Keira will go to the Tower of Ishal and ensure the beacon is lit." He motioned his hand to me, "Gavin will accompany me with the rest of the wardens to the battlefield."

Alistair frowned as he gave a slight shake of the head. "Why won't I be in the battle?"

Duncan pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed, "This is by the king's personal request, Alistair. If the beacon is not lit, Teyrn Loghain's men won't know when to charge."

The ex-templar scoffed as he crossed his arms, "So he needs two Grey Wardens standing up there holding the torch. Just in case, right?"

Keira took a small step forward, locking her eyes with Duncan's. "I agree with Alistair. We should be in the battle." She turned her head to glare at me, her eyes burned into me like the fire here at camp. She was mad, that's for sure. I sighed and hunched my shoulders, feeling that there was nothing I could do to level with her.

We all turned to face Duncan once again as he cleared his throat, "Now, now. Do not blame Gavin. The decision has already been made. If King Cailan wishes the Grey Wardens to ensure the beacon is lit, then Grey Wardens will be there." He kept his voice stern as he continued, "He only needed two to do the job. We must do whatever it takes to destroy the darkspawn, exciting or no."

I could hear the sigh escape from Alistair's lips as he rolled his eyes, "I get it, I get it." His voice became hardened, yet still managed to carry sarcasm with it. "Just so you know, if the king ever asks me to put on a dress and dance the Remigold, I'm drawing the line. Darkspawn or no."

A wry grin appeared on Keira's lips, "Hmm.. I think I'd like to see that." And maybe something more.

"For you, maybe. But it has to be a pretty dress." A mischievous smile appeared on Alistair's lips, and put emphasis on his last words, "Now you in a pretty dress would be just as, distracting." The two continued to gaze at each other, almost as if they were communicating with each other's eyes. This placed me in an awkward position, being that I stood between the two.

Oh wait, awkward will never again associate with Gavin Cousland.

To end this odd, slightly flirtatious conversation between them, I loudly cleared my throat. A look of realization came upon the two, and immediately snapping out of it, they straightened up to face our Warden Commander.

Duncan shook his head and heavily sighed, keeping his voice void of amusement. "The tower is on the other side of the gorge form the king's camp, the way we came when we arrvied. You'll need to cross the gorge and head through the gate and up to the tower entrance. From the top, you'll overlook the entire valley."

"When do we light the beacon?" Keira asked.

"We will signal you when the time is right. Alistair will know what to look for." Duncan said. To me, this did not answer her question much. I guess they'll leave this one to Alistair. Not sure if that's the wisest choice, however.

Keira pondered for a moment, seeming to search for any questions she might have. She looked up to Duncan, "What if the archdemon appears?"

Alistair snorted, "We soil our drawers, that's what."

Ignoring Alistair's comment completely, Duncan spoke in a calm and even tone. "If it does, leave it to us. I want no heroics from any of you."

Alistair cleared his throat as he asked a question as well. "Can we join the battle afterwards?"

Duncan shook his head. "Stay with the teryn's men and guard the tower. If you are needed, we will send word."

They both nodded.

Duncan began to speak. "Then Gavin and I must join the others. From here, you two are on your own. Remember, you are both Grey Wardens. I expect you to be worthy of that title."

Keira nodded, "We won't let you down, Duncan."

Duncan turned to me, "Are you ready?"

"Yes," I said, "Give me one moment. I'll meet you by the gates."

Duncan gave a quick nod, and before leaving, he was stopped by Alistair. "Wait, Duncan," he spoke entirely with sincerity, eyebrows drawing together, "Maker watch over you."

"May He watch over us all." Duncan then marched away from the group. I tried to make my goodbyes quick so that I may catch up.

Keira frowned, "You really are going, aren't you?"

I gave a jerky nod, "Afraid so." Keira looked down, avoiding eye contact with me. Trying to lighten the mood, I placed a hand on her shoulder, gently squeezing it. "Hey, come on now." I put on a fake smile as she slowly looked up, "It'll take a million darkspawn to put me down." I softly chuckled, "I'm hurt that you underestimate me."

A hesitant smile tugged at her lips, slowly turning radiant. "Get out of here." She said in a playful tone as she softly punched my shoulder. Don't get yourself into much trouble.

I grinned, Now you're asking for too much.

Alistair awkwardly cleared his throat, pointing over to the bridge. "Sorry, Keira, we should probably go soon."

Keira nodded, then quickly reached up to ruffle my hair, despite how much she knows that annoys me. With a cheerful tone, she exclaimed, "Be safe!"

I whipped my head from left to right, a habit of mine I picked up whenever she ruffles my hair in hopes of slightly fixing the short, shaggy mess on my head. I pointed at her and Alistair, "Right back at you guys." I called out to Alistair, teasingly giving him a menacing glare, "You better watch her."

He laughed, "Will do."

See you on the other side, I thought.

Keira turned back and gave a quiet smile, Right back at you. With that, Alistair, Keira, and Carlin were off to the tower. A cool breeze played across my skin as I headed off to meet with Duncan. The smells of battle lingered in the air. The fighting could begin at a moment's notice. I can sense the darkspawn approaching. I can hear their group mind. Their monstrous calls, barbaric hisses, and their indescribable screeches echoed throughout my head. With every step I took, it became louder. They became one step closer.

Though the battle came near, part of me felt relief. A slow smile came to my lips as realization came upon me. I was not alone.

The darkspawn weren't the only beings with a group mind.

Bah, again, sorry for the lack of updates. I should get into the swing of things soon. I want to update on my FMA story, and work on my co-written story, AND possibly think of a Fable 3 story. I'll figure something out. The only after school things I have going on now is intramurals and yearbook. Volleyball opened up a lot of free time. Anyways, hope that wasn't too confusing. Last minute, I decided to change a lot in this chapter. With the whole "group mind" thing, I was planning on adding that in the next few chapters, not exactly this one, however, I decided to change it. Anyways, feedback appreciated! Let me know if there's any mistakes, etc. Thanks you guys :)

-Kat