Rising Shadow: The Warden

by Demonic-Slytherin224

The Blight has begun and Duncan has sent his Wardens looking for help. They all find impressive recruits, recruits that could completely change the tide of battle against an overwhelming foe. Duncan however has found a recruit that has the power to either make the Blight run in terror or could bring destruction upon them all. All Origins. Some Cannon, some new.

10. Chapter 10

Chapter Ten: Lothering

'No One is Actually Dead Until the Ripples They Cause in the World Die Away~ T. Pratchett'

"No." Morrigan said flatly, her arms crossed under her chest as she glared at her mother, with teeth bared "I will not be going off on some….quest! With a fool and a mongrel!" She looked ready to scream.

"Which do you suppose I am?" Alistair whispered as she continued to rant, causing Desmond to cast a glare at him "Fool then I suppose, fair enough."

Flemeth gave her a large grin "Oh but dear girl, you have been itching to get out of the wilds for years! This is your chance, and this is the Wardens debt." She shrugged her shoulders a little "However, if you do not take this chance, I doubt you will get another one."

Morrigan glared at her for another, though she did not deny the idea outright.

"Not to, er, look a gift horse in the mouth, but won't she add to our problems? After all she's an Apostate outside of the Wilds." Alistair said nervously, wringing his hands a little.

"Sorry, but I was under the impression that you needed all the help you could get, no matter the form?" Flemeth replied smoothly, her eyes narrowing at the Ex-Templar.

"Point taken."

Morrigan seemed to find her voice again, she cooly regarded her mother once more "I didn't want to leave like this, I am hardly ready for a journey such as this."

Flemeth gave her a dull look "You said it yourself girl, a Fool and a Mongrel are all that stands against the Darkspawn, against the Blight. Without you, they will surely fail." She explained in a calm, mellow voice, probably the sanest Desmond had seen her thus far.

Morrigan seemed to visibly flinch, nodding once before muttering a simple "I understand."

Flemeth then turned her dark beady eyes on the pair "And do you understand? I give you that which I value above all in this world, I do this because you must succeed." Her voice was like iron, like a weight had been put on his shoulders.

Desmond made himself a promise, to three, Morrigan, and Flemeth "She will not come to harm with us, I will protect her from harm." He said darkly, his eyes locked onto Flemeth's, he did not flinch or blink before she gave the briefest of nods.

"Good. Pack your things girl."

XX~XX~XX~XX~XX

A few minutes passed, which Alistair and Desmond used to go over their arms, armor and their map, which would be the best way to get to Lothering. "No I don't have an extra Sword, if we're lucky we can find one in Lothering." He explained, sharpening his blade with a stone. "You have a dagger at least."

"Oh yeah, I'll just have to get close and personal with the death breathing bastards." He muttered under his breath, leaning against the hut, and feeling the movement within as Morrigan opened the door.

Morrigan had a satchel across her chest and a thin cloak over her dress likely to keep most from looking right at her, or even to hide her staff a little more effectively. "I am at your disposal, Grey Wardens. If I overheard correctly we are heading to the village towards the North, correct?"

Alistair nodded his head, securing his pack "Yes, Lothering."

Morrigan ignored him and turned to Desmond "I know the way, and we will likely find everything we need there….including what is left of the Wardens." She snarked, adjusting her cloak "Sweet mother, I shall fondly remember this moment, you casting me out into the cold like this."

Flemeth rolled her eyes, flicking her wrist at the wooden spoon in the broth and making it spin around the large metal cauldron. "I believe firmly in doing things yourself, otherwise you'll hear about it for a decade or two." She gave her child a smile.

As Flemeth and Morrigan were quietly speaking to each other, Alistair leaned over at Desmond who was tightening his bracers. "Desmond….are we really taking her because her mother wants us too?" He whispered lowly, pretending to check the straps on his sword. "She's kind of vile, and her being a mage won't make it easy on us."

Desmond looked up at the slightly older girl, who was still sharing soft whispers with Flemeth "Alistair, if she's even got a fragment of Flemeth's power, we can't pass her up." He then narrowed his eyes on the Templar "So do me a favor, and shut up about it."

Alistair glared back "Fine, pretend I never asked." He grumbled.

Desmond groaned "I am not picking a fucking side here, Selene, if she's alive, is the only other mage we have, we need her magical expertise." He placed his hand on the man's shoulder "Trust me, I'm prickly, but I have our best interests in mind."

Alistair brushed the hand off "Is that why you were so willing to walk away?" He asked with a raised brow.

Desmond gave him a wiry smirk "Two-fold." He held up two fingers "I was seeing if you cared about this Blight, about what was going on and if you didn't, then yes I would have walked away." He gave a dishearten shrug "I was also curious at what you'd offer to make me stay, though I would have stayed if you simply asked."

Alistair narrowed his eyes "So you're not going after Arl Howle?" He asked a little edge in his voice.

Desmond gave him a sharp smile, his eyes practically glowing with ill-intent "Should the opportunity arise, I will flay the very flesh from his bones." His voice was full of tension.

"As amusing as that might be, I believe that we should get on our way." Morrigan cut them off, walking over to the two armored men. "I know the way."

Desmond nodded, holding his hand up to the sky "We have still most of the day, what skills do you have?" He asked fixing a shoulder strap tighter.

"I know a few magical ways, I have a grimoire of my own design, though most of my knowledge is of the histories of the world." She glanced from the wilds, and hut, to the Warden "Including your Order, the Wardens."

"Can you cook?" Alistair piped up, looking excited.

Desmond and Morrigan gave him a dull glare at the same time "I…can cook." She said slowly, a small grin coming over her features "Did I forget to mention that I am well versed in the art of Dangerous herbs?"

At Alistair's blank look, Desmond coughed "Poisons."

"Ah….Desmond can-"

"I didn't cook where I came from."

"Well….here's hoping that one of the others can then."

"Alistair shut up." Desmond turned to start walking back into the wilds, giving one final glance back to the Witch of The Wilds; he would be seeing her again, he could feel it. "Have you left the wilds before?"

"I have, Lothering is the closest village in the area and I would visit from time to time." She explained, staff in her hands, climbing over thick roots "I have spoken with men there, I did not find them of much worth or time." Morrigan confessed "I might have stayed around longer, but the Chantry makes a visit from a stranger such as myself….difficult."

"And in all this time, they never figured you for a mage?" Alistair sounded astonished, or maybe a little uneasy.

Morrigan gave him a small grin "Of course they have, the Templar's tried tracking me once….they found nothing." The lit in her voice couldn't hide the false innocence or amusement that she spoke with. "Yet I always returned, Mother wished for me to expand the horizon of my experiences beyond the Wild…even she was not born here."

Desmond lowered his head, to duck a branch "What of you, is that what you want? To expand your horizon?" He asked with pure curiosity.

Morrigan was silent for a second, her bright yellow eyes were examining him in that time "What I want, is to see Mountains. I wish to witness the Ocean and step into its waters. I want to experience a city rather than see it in my mind." She smiled, it was just a hair but he could see it "So yes, this is what I want."

Desmond just grinned a little more "Well, I think we'll see just about everything that you could want across Ferelden; though maybe not the ocean, but I'll take you there." He pushed Alistair just a hair out of the way of a low branch.

Morrigan was silent again, but Alistair was making a gagging noise.

"Shut up Alistair."

XX~XX~XX~XX~XX

"I expect each of you to supply these men! We must rebuild what was lost at Ostagar! Quickly." He shouted from the balcony he stood on, his silver plate gleamed in the dull torch light from around him. He continued, leaning on the worn wood "There are those who would take advantage of our weakened state if we let them! We must defeat the Darkspawn incursion, but we must do so without hesitation."

Loghain glanced to his left, his daughter Anora who was trying hard to make herself look like a pillar of hope and composure; but she was also hiding the pain well. The other Arls, and Banns below him, listened before one spoke.

"Your lordship! If I may speak?" He was allowed the right "You have declared yourself Queen Anora's regent, and claim we must unite under your banner." The man stepped forward "But what of the army lost at Ostagar? Your withdrawal was most….fortuitous."

The hall erupted in gasps, whispers and shouts; many though seemed to whisper in agreement.

Loghain raised a brow, his eyes glancing at those whispering among themselves "Everything that I have done, has been to secure Ferelden's independence! I have not shirked my duty to the throne, and neither will any, of you!" He growled out, his eyes narrowed.

The man refused to bow, if anything his eyes narrowed more "The Bannorn will not bow to you, simply because you demand it." His voice wasn't loud, but it carried across the now suddenly torn halls.

Loghain jerked, gesturing to the man "Understand this." He glanced at those within the hall "I will brook no threat to this nation…..from you." He pointed to the man again, before sweeping his arm over everyone else "Or any of you."

He spit onto the ground, and turned to stomp away; why couldn't they see that he was just trying to do what was best? Why was this so hard?

XX~XX~XX~XX~XX~XX

She jumped to the left into a roll, arrow barely nicking her shoulder, when she landed; she was off again like a shot. Blonde hair in the wind, a brown blur to her right "I fucking hate you, mutt!" She screamed, spinning and throwing one of her knives.

The beast just barked, pouncing out of the way and narrowing his ears.

"Please tell me they're close?" She asked using a tree to block another bolt.

The beast barked again, she assumed that was a positive thing; he'd whine if it wasn't the truth.

"How close." Whine "Motherfucker."

"ROAR"

"I really should have just stayed home, at least I could take out that pretty boy's other eye." She mumbled to herself, dagger in her hand to block the sword swing that she was being flanked by. The kick to its knee made her get away once again.

Rust seemed to increase in speed; barking loudly and excitedly.

"I swear to every god, if that's you Desmond, get ready to fight!" She screamed, ducking low at the bright glowing star that was sent her way.

"Hey there blondie." A familiar voice filtered through her ear, a shield blocking a blow that was meant for her "You look like hell."

"Alistair shut the fuck up." Jade snarled, dropping low and sending a shattering kick to the Darkspawn's ankle. Before she jumped up, driving two of her daggers into the creatures eye sockets. She glanced up, taking in the sight of her only nearby allies.

Alistair was battling three Herlocks with skill and determination, Desmond was avoiding being stabbed by the Alpha that had been tracking her; why did he have a dagger? A new woman, a mage, was lighting Genlocks on fire left and right; her laughter was making her blood pump. Rust was tearing them apart, an arm or a leg; fuck he even gutted one of them.

Between the five of them, the Darkspawn didn't leave much damage to them or even more than a scratch or two. "Is everyone gonna tell me to shut up, today?" Alistair held out his hand, helping her up "If so, I'm gonna get all emotional, that was Boland's favorite pastime."

"Alistair…it's good to see you." Jade gave him a quick hug, even though they were covered in gore "I'm kinda surprised you guys look better than me, who is this?"

The black haired woman sent off warning bells in her head, before she gave a curt bow of her head "I am Morrigan, I will be traveling with the Warden's from this point on." She explained "And yes, I am a Mage."

Jade nodded, glancing to Desmond who was hooking a twisted Darkspawn blade to his belt; though he didn't look happy about it. "What happened to your sword?"

"Broken, we're burning day light." He spoke curtly, sizing her up and then looking at his side for Rust "Thank you for taking care of my hound."

Jade gave him a bow of her head "My pleasure, he's a fun traveling companion." She leaned down, rubbing his muzzle "Isn't that right boy?"

Rust barked excitedly, nuzzling into her touch.

"And I thought I was a play-boy, you whore." Desmond just laughed, shaking his head "We're regrouping at Lothering, come on Jade; or we might not win the next bout."

"Oh joy, more walking."

XX~XX~XX~XX~XX~XX~XX

The Imperial Highway was the fastest way to travel to Lothering, it didn't take them long to make the trip; other than a few small hiccups, Darkspawn mostly. They were close to the outskirts, when they saw a large group of well armed men lounging around the exit.

"Wake up gents!" A sharp voice pierced the air around them, he looked like a small weasel like fellow "We have more travelers!" He pointed to Desmond who was walking in the front "I'd bet that is the leader."

They came closer to the group, as they seemed to all get up and ready to scare whoever was bold enough to come close; idiots. One of the other men seemed to whisper something, looking nervous at the sight of them; and why wouldn't they?

Their gear was far from new, it was well worn or showed signs of battle; weapons and keen eyes, dangerous. Alistair seemed to size them up, walking at Desmond's right "Highwaymen, they're preying on those fleeing the Darkspawn." His voice was low, so the other group couldn't hear him.

Morrigan didn't have such discretion, holding her nose up "They are fools to stand in our way, I say teach them a lesion." Her voice was bold and loud; the other group sure to hear her words.

The Weasel shook his head, a smile on his face "Now is that anyway to greet someone?" He tsked at her, Desmond could see her face contorting into a scowl "A simple ten silvers, and you're free to move forward."

Desmond raised a brow, gesturing to a dead body next to them, the blood had started to turn black "Did he refuse?" The dead body seemed to be that of a Templar, Morrigan was eying it with some satisfaction; Alistair less so.

"Unfortunately he was met with an accident, that is why we have the toll! After all for the upkeep of the Imperial Highway, bit of a mess ain't it?" The man replied with a small smile, gesturing to the crumbling ruins.

Desmond raised a brow "Is that so? Then ten silvers is a little cheep for such an important job." His hands behind his back, one hand wrapped around his hidden dagger.

The men seemed confused, as did most of his party; Jade just smiled wider "You want to pay more?" The leader asked, seemingly happier with this turn of events "Well, we'll happily accept donations!"

Jade brushed her hair out of her eyes, a keen smirk on her features, a step forward "I think he's just saying, it's a rough business for such a pittance." The grin seemed to make some of the men glance around with fear.

"Was it me, or did that sound like a threat?" The leader looked over at one of his goons.

"Sounded like a threat to me." He spoke slowly, and blinking slowly.

The Leader turned back, a brow raised and hand on his sword "Interesting, because you seem to be outnumbered." He chortled, the grin seemed to threaten to break his face.

Desmond took a step forward, barely a foot from the man "It's hard to be outnumber." He growled, his hand firmly wrapped around his dagger "By common thugs."

Morrigan pulled out her staff, though she didn't make it spark like he knew that she wanted to. Alistair slid on his shield and hand firmly on his sword. Jade didn't even try to hide her excitement, twin daggers firmly in hand.

The Leader shook his head, his brown hair swaying "Well I can't say that I'm pleased to hear that, we have rules you know." He pulled out a heavy looking mace.

"Right!" The slow one exclaimed happily "We get to ransack your corpse, then. Thems the rules!"

Without much warning, Desmond slashed the air in front of him; dagger slicing across the Leader's neck. "Try it." He growled, a grin and a scowl on his face as it was marred with blood again.

XX~XX~XX~XX~XX~XX~XX

"Duncan…." A hoarse whisper escaped her lips, he had dabbed her forehead with a sponge, and then rewrapped her features again; she wasn't going to make it. Harper was a lot worse than they thought, once clear of the Darkspawn; it was up to him to treat her.

Autumn was a hunter, he knew how to clean a wound and how to suture one, but this was a little out of his control. Harper had three long slashes down her back, from the Shrieker but she was wounded before she took this fatal wound. Something tore half of her face off it seemed, left eye down to the jaw was pretty much mince meat; she would likely lose that eye. Her right ankle and lower leg was broken, collarbone, a few ribs; and something had caught her hair on fire at some point.

"How does she look?" He almost jumped at the sound of Franklin sitting next to him, the others were at the small town Lothering; they were just outside of it.

"Bad. She has a fever, nothing I'm doing will bring it down, she has sickness." He responded in a soft voice, his wild hair held firmly back with a rough knot. Blood stained his cheek and hands "I fear for her life, I know nothing more to help her."

Frank hummed, his strange sight-box in his hands "I'd love to help, but she has soft parts….I only know how to fix hard things." He chuckled a little, twisting a small screw.

Autumn waved him off, glancing at the setting sun "How long should we stay?" He was talking out loud, not really expecting an answer.

Frank shrugged, tucking his screw away and fitting his box on again "Not for much long, I'd say another day at most." He pulled out the worn papers that Harper had on her person "After all, we'll need these treaties."

Autumn nodded, casting an eye at the town "Will you watch her?" He asked holding a hand out for the treaties, which he folded and stuffed in his back pouch.

"I can do that, what should I do?" He asked setting his crossbow down against the tree they had taken shelter under.

Autumn explained a few things, using cool water to try and draw out her fever, making sure she drank regularly and that she didn't move much; he wouldn't be gone long. With his bow secured and hood up, he began to travel into the town once more.

He knew that Ruby would be hiding within the Bar again, likely with Selene attached to her hip; her staff was firmly hidden away back at their camp. With the Chantry here, she had taken precautions to hide her Mage-hood; which he still found ridiculous. Keeping a Mage locked away, was like locking a birds wings or removing a fishes tail; it made little sense to stop nature.

Outside of the tavern he recognized one of the Refugee's, the man was tall and his hair was dark, in fact it reminded him of the Human that Duncan had brought; Desmond. This man had daggers on his hip though, not a sword or chainmail.

"You might not want to go in there, friend, I tried to warn another group, but they didn't pay much heed." The man shook his head, jerking his thumb at the door "Those Soldiers are not going to be happy with them in there, they almost killed someone for the look on their face."

Autumn gave a short bow of his head "I thank you, Hawke." His right hand closed into a fist against his heart.

Hawke waved him off "You take care of yourself, I was just about to leave, my family wishes to move on." He explained, fingering one of the daggers on his hip.

Autumn nodded, giving the man a small smile "I shall, be careful out there, the Darkspawn are closing in." He opened the door, only just barely dodging a knife. The bar was in complete chaos, he saw two Red-Heads back to back fending off four armored men. Selene had just slammed a bottle against one of the men, who back handed her onto the floor; said hand was removed by a dark haired swordsmen.

He pulled his bow out, and fired one arrow into the eye of a man about to strike a woman with a staff, though she was wielding it very well. "Enough!" One of them screamed, a sword against his throat. "You win! You win!"

One of the Red-Heads smiled, she was wearing Sister-Robes "Good, they've learned their lesson and we can all stop fighting now!" She sounded very happy about that fact.

Autumn rushed to Selene's side, making sure she was alright but he got a full view of the other men fighting with Ruby and Selene. "Desmond? Alistair?" He almost spoke breathlessly.

Desmond didn't flinch at hearing his name, his blade still right under the man's apple. "Autumn, pleased to see you are not dead." He grunted, his eyes like slits "Take a message to Loghain, only you."

Ruby and the other girl got the message, killing the only two other survivors with quick efficiency. The other girl reminded him a little of the Chasind they would cross near the Wilds, his senses screamed danger around her.

The man was holding his bleeding arm, his jaw was clearly broken from the swelling it was already taking. "W-Wha, do, ya, wana, till, em?" He mumbled out, clearly not able to speak well.

Desmond pulled his blade back, and grabbed him by his collar "That I, Desmond Cousland, am Alive and I will not allow what he did to my brothers to stand." He growled lowly, his grip tightened "That the Gray Wardens will come for him, and will repay what he owes us."

Desmond then turned and threw the man through the now closed door, wood splintering as he did "Word for Word!" He roared as the man then ran as fast as his feet could carry him. Everything slowly went back to normal, the noise of a tavern quickly returned and the group closed in around Cousland.

The new red-head gave the man a smile "I apologize for interfering, but I couldn't just sit by and not help." Her accent was light, but she clearly had one; Autumn could not place it.

Desmond glanced at the dagger secured to her hip "So I see, where does a sister learn to fight like that?" He asked casually, arms crossed.

Autumn took in the sight of the sister now, her shoulder length hair a shade lighter than Ruby's blood, bright green eyes hidden by full lashed eyes, pouty lips and a slender figure. He could see this all, even though she was covered in blood and the robes were very heavy and not revealing.

The sister gave him a small giggle "I was not born in the Chantry, you know." Her fingers lightly danced along the handle of her blade "Many of us had….more colorful lives before we joined." She gave a low curtsy "Allow me to introduce myself, I am Leliana, one of the lay sisters here in Lothering, or rather I was."

"Call me Desmond if you must." He grunted, hands behind his back, a brow raised "Is there something I can help you with, sister?"

She just smiled like she had been caught with her hand in a jar of biscuits "They said you are Gray Warden, yes? You will be fighting the Darkspawn, no doubt." She seemed to be speaking to herself, as she glanced out the window "I know after what happened, you will need all the help you can get." She looked back, locking eyes with the Human "That is why I am coming along."

"Excuse me? Why so eager?" Desmond asked his features completely neutral, though Autumn could see the curious look in his eyes. He approached his friend, making sure his movements were seen by all; he did not need a dagger in the side today.

"The Maker told me to."

Everything around them seemed to stop again, everyone seemed to eye the Sister, even though she was smiling like nothing had happened. Autumn felt himself speak "Can you…elaborate?" His voice was in his normal rough softness, like sand.

Leliana looked back at him, the smile on her face was nervous "I know that sounds….absolutely insane, but you must believe me, It is true, I had a dream, a vision!" She tried to explain, slowly seeming to close in on herself.

"More crazy? I thought we were all full up." Alistair mumbled.

"Shut up, Alistair." Autumn said without thinking, his eyes still firmly on Leliana. He was reminded of his own vision, when he was but a child, before he took the role of Hunter or even picked up a bow. He recalled seeing a bright but black owl, whose eyes were white and screech shook the ground within his dream. The owl would always land on a Yew, which had the symbol for hunter carved into the trunk, and a door seemed to appear from the tree; bathing him in blue and silver light.

"I believe her." Autumn explained, looking up at Desmond. "She should come with us, the more help, the better."

Desmond hummed, before nodding "Fine, she can come along, Autumn." He glanced to the bartender and approached, he was in need of a drink.

The Elf smiled a little at the man, who ignored the black-haired witch and Leliana invaded his sight once more. "Thank you, I appreciate being given this chance, I will not let you down." She gave him a bright smile; and he found himself lost in it.

What would Tamlen do in this situation?

XX~XX~XX~XX~XX~XX

"You said Frank was this way?" Desmond asked, looking over at Selene who had joined them in their walk back to the camp. Something caught his eye though, a very tall and broad bronze skinned man; not brown but bronze. He was standing in a cage, with his eyes closed and he was repeating something in a language that Desmond had never heard before. "Who is that?"

"A Murderer, we were told to stay away from him." Selene said cautiously, her hands flexing "They said he murdered an entire family, including the children."

Desmond glanced at them, then motioned them forward "I wish to speak with him, carry onto the camp." He spoke loud enough for them all to hear. Alistair, Leliana, Autumn, Selene and Jade began to make their way to the camp, Rust followed a second later at his glance and quick jerk of his head. Ruby had stuck within the town, said that she was gathering some contracts that they could complete for some gold.

Morrigan was at his side again, annoying but not un-welcome. He approached the giant man, who must have heard their approach; he had great hearing, between the two of them they walked practically silently. "You are not one of my captures." His voice was thick, and powerful. "Leave me in peace, I will not amuse you, anymore than the other humans."

"You were placed in this cage, for the murder of that family, I assume?" He asked inspecting the rusting cage, his hand lightly extended to touch the worn iron.

The creature raised a white brow, before nodding "Yes, I am Sten of the Beresaad- the Vanguard- of the Qunari people." He locked eyes with Desmond, almost watching waiting for him to do something.

Desmond clasped his hand to his chest, and bowed his head lightly "I am Desmond Cousland, pleased to meet you, Sten of the Beresaad." He spoke in a strong voice, as to make sure the man knew he was a warrior of honor; though that could be debated.

Sten was clearly well trained at hiding his emotions, though Desmond grew up in a world of disguise and he was clearly astonished by his words. "You mock me." The man said darkly, before seeming to look harder "Or you show manners I have come, not to expect from your people." He hummed, before closing his red eyes "It matters little, I will die soon enough."

Morrigan tugged on his elbow, her mouth to his ear "This is a proud and powerful creature, trapped as easy prey for the Darkspawn." Her voice like silk, his eyes glancing at her form to his left "If you cannot see a use for him, I suggest releasing him for mercy's sake alone."

"I am surprised that you would use the word, mercy, Morrigan." He had a brow raised at her, his hand lightly cupping her own elbow and lightly dragging it away from his other arm.

Morrigan hummed, her eyes gaining that dangerous glint in them "I only offer it to those who can take it, this creature can escape these bonds easily; he has no reason to fight, so he would rather die." She lightly slapped his hand away "The choice remains yours." In a flash, she turned into a crow and took flight towards the camp.

"I suggest you leave me to my fate." He had taken that meditative state once more, but opened his eyes when the door to his cell was opened. Desmond slipping his lock-picks into his gauntlet again, the smirk clear on his features.

"See I find myself needing skilled help."

Sten slowly nodded "What help do you seek."

Desmond shook his head, holding out a small silver badge "I am sworn, much to my annoyance, to defend the lands against the Blight." His voice was monotone and bored.

"Gray Warden, then?"

"Yes."

Sten chuckled, it was deep and would probably threaten lesser men "Surprising, my people have heard legends of the Gray Wardens' strength and skill…though I suppose not every legend is tr-" He was silenced by the twisted black sword that was held right below his chin.

"We are but four Wardens, one is dying but she has the skill with a dagger to skin a target like a grape." He pressed just a little harder "An Elf who speaks with the wisdom and patience of one much older than he is, and could hit the eye of a hummingbird if he chose to." A light slash, drawing a little blood "A former Templar, he is a fool, but he is strong and slightly amusing to keep around."

Sten reached up, using two fingers to push the blade away "And of you?"

Desmond just smiled "I am a man whose life has been torn away, family dead and betrayed." He slid his blade back into his belt "I am merely a spirit of Vengeance at this point, and nothing will tear me from this world, as long as I can Avenge my family."

"A Katari then, one who heralds Death."

"I suppose you could say that, I quite like the sound of it." Desmond patted the man on his clothed chest "We'll have to get you armed and armored, for here there be monsters."

XX~XX~XX~XX~XX~XX~XX

They all sat around the fire, having decided to stay the night at Lothering, but tomorrow they would be off; Alistair and himself were already having the small tingle in their spines. Everyone had done their part that day, Alistair and Leliana had spent time in the Chantry working with the Mother and Templar's; also finding that Arl Emon was gravely Ill and his knights have been sent out looking for Andraste's ashes.

Ruby and Franklin ran errands for the Chantry Board, while Selene and Jade did small favors for the people around the village. Desmond and Sten did more heavy lifting by clearing out Bandits and Darkspawn nearby. Morrigan ventured off with Rust aiming to find herbs, both poisonous and healing for Harper, who remained under the watchful eye of Autumn.

"I think we should discuss where we are heading from here." Alistair said, tossing a log into the fire "I still think Emon is our best bet."

Selene shook her head "I disagree, I think we should head for the Circle." She sipped on her flagon of ale.

"And why pray-tell, little mage, would we do such a foolish thing?" Morrigan bit out from her tree just barely outside the circle.

Selene glared "They are close, I am well acquainted with them and they can provide the assistance we need in the search for the Urn; they have a massive library." She explained, with a smirk "We find the Urn, we help Arl Emon."

Alistair nodded his head "I agree."

Desmond who had been silent sighed, looking around the group "Among us, are those from every walk of life." He began, pulling the blood stained treaties from his pocket "Morrigan can help us find the Casind, Ruby can assist with the Dwarves, Autumn with the Dalish and Selene with the Mages." He stood up pacing "There are only three active Wardens." He jerked to Alistair "As senior Warden, he should be leading, but he won't."

Ruby glanced up from sharpening her Ax "What is it you're trying to say, Desmond." She asked with a tone of neutrality.

Desmond set a hand on his blade "I am taking the lead." Is what grumbled "Alistair won't do it."

Selene glanced over the fire at him "Why won't you lead?"

"What? Lead? Me? No, no, no. No leading. Bad things happen when I lead." He was poking the fire with a stick. "We get lost, people die, and the next thing you know I'm stranded somewhere without any pants." He looked up, right into her eyes "Not again."

"Autumn?" Franklin asked.

Autumn glanced at him, he could feel Selene, Frank and Ruby watching him "We are a team, this is a company….I have no talent to lead, I am a loner, I will work well among you…but I doubt I could lead as well." He explained, setting his carving tool down next to his foot "Though, I do not believe that you should have complete power, Desmond, a balance perhaps?"

"What do you have in mind?" Desmond asked, sitting down once more.

Autumn ran his hands over his bow "A request, in the middle of combat, I do not believe we should question." He stated simply, glancing at the nods to that "But outside of it, choices, should be left to the group, to the whole."

Leliana smiled "I think that sounds like a wonderful idea, everyone has a vote!"

Sten was silent, shaking his head "The Warden is our commander; the final vote should stay with him."

Ruby grumbled "If I was a full Warden, I would challenge you, Human." She said looking up over the fire "I was raised by the throne."

Desmond grinned at her "Fancy that, shortie, so was I."

"What did you call me!"

"Short, was that an insult, I thought it was a statement."

"You son of a nug fucker!" Ruby screamed, aiming to tackle him, but was intercepted by Alistair and Frank; the latter of whom got a sock to the jaw.

Desmond rolled his eyes "We're heading to Redcliff, we need to figure out what is going on there and, we might even find someone who can help Harper…if she makes it that long." He cast a look at her form, which was gone, it made him jump up and look for her.

A dagger was placed on his throat "I'm dying, Cousland, but I-cough-I still-hiss-outrank you." Harper growled, whimpering in pain "We leave-leave for the Keep tomorrow." After that she promptly passed out. She didn't even touch the floor as Desmond had caught her, Autumn and Morrigan there in seconds to check on her health; before they took her back to her tent.

Desmond looked up at the group "We rotate night-watch, I'm up first, I'll wake someone when I start needing sleep." He explained "Tell the person you wake, who has already been night-watch, nobody does it twice in a night or goes two nights without."

He waited for everyone to nod, then what coin they had gathered for supplies, had seen several head for tents. Morrigan's was off a little ways from camp, looking more like a mess of tree limbs than a tent. Alistair was sleeping under the stars in a bedroll, Sten was sitting in a meditative state on a rock. Ruby and Selene shared a tent, Frank slept in a small tent alone; though he said that Alistair could join him if it rained. Jade slept in a small tent with Leliana, and Autumn slept in a tree, stating that was where he felt most comfortable. Rust was sleeping just outside of his own very small tent, he didn't need much more than that and a bedroll.

Desmond waited a second or two longer before he pulled out a book "In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit." He began, the book was worn out with age…one of the few things that reminded him of home, someone had left this book behind; he took it, feeling homesick.

He really hoped that no one would see the tears that ran down his face, his eyes never closed as he read the book further. He wouldn't stop, he couldn't….not until his Vengeance had been dealt, until he stood atop that bone pile. Desmond could almost feel the Grim Reapers hand on his shoulder, he recalled something that he had said to Sten.

Here There Be Monsters.

XX~XX~XX~XX~XX~XX~XX~XX

Hey Hey, What's going on guys, a little update here for anyone who still reads this, I like writing this story. I spent a lot of time working on each character to make them feel unique and interesting to the story. Every character that I've made will get a chance to shine, though sometimes they will get left out; Desmond is a given, as he's kind of the back bone of the story.

Enjoy guys, thanks for reading!

Demon