Sorry its been a while since I've updated. My motivation for this story lessened as I had other stuff to do and no one was reviewing. I know that sounds childish but I writer wants to feel like their stories are good and want praise.
I have been updating my Dragon Age Inquisition story if you all want to read that. And I've put up the first chapter for my Dragon Age 2 story so that's also good. I'm going to try to type up more chapters for this story to appease your thirsty appetites. No romance yet, I've seen how most stories and even the real game as the romance starting in Redcliff but I don't want to do that yet. Azcadelia is still mourning the loss of Cailan who she did love but would never be with as he was married and the King. She cares for Alistair but does not want to start a relationship with him until she feels is ready, she doesn't want to hurt him by pining over his dead brother whilst in a relationship with him. I hope you're all ok with that.
Regarding what Christof Ley said in his review, the other wardens are not needed but I wanted to add them. I am adding Amell from the circle and Tabris of the Alienage origin if you want to know but that's it. They are essential to my other stories just like Nodel is. Aiden isn't really essential I just wanted him in as I want him to get revenge on Howe for the murder of his family. I hope you can understand why I want him in for that reason alone. Aside from that, thank you Christof Ley for reviewing and telling me what you like, its reviews like yours that keep us writers going.
anyway, please enjoy this chapter.
Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Age, bioware does.
Claimer: I own everything I create.
It had taken some time for Alistair and Azcadelia to calm themselves and fall to sleep, Alistair had fallen asleep alongside Az, both sharing the small tent. The next morning the duo was feeling much better as they had let out all of their repressed grief.
They both awoke and stepped out of the tent with awkward feelings, while they both needed to comfort the other, waking up beside each other was highly inappropriate as they were not a couple nor married. Sleeping beside each other outside was understandable, but inside a tent was a completely different scenario. "Ahh good morning you two!" Aiden cried out cheerfully, an amused smirk played on his face "how was your sleep?" the duo shuffled over to the campfire, Nodel was roasting some left-over hare meat Morrigan had found last night over the fire. Morrigan was grudgingly sitting with the group, a book in hand. The two new companions, Leliana and Sten were sitting with the group quietly, neither comfortable sharing in talk as they were new. Bohdan and his son Sandal were over at their cart, stacking up the bedrolls and taking down the tents. And lastly Aiden, he was sitting beside Morrigan with one hand stroking his loyal mabari's fur.
Alistair blushed and look off to the side "It was pleasant, though I didn't not intend to fall asleep in the tent"
Azcadelia snorted though her cheeks too were stained pink "it was an accident, no harm done" she waved him off and sat down beside Leliana, hoping this orangette would become a dear friend, something that she both needed and wanted. "Do we have enough hare to feed us?" she asked Nodel.
"Yes, it will not fill us but it will be enough" came Nodel's short reply
Alistair sat beside Azcadelia and sighed dramatically "It is not enough when my stomach is not full" he cried.
Leliana giggled "do you always feel so saddened by the lack of food?"
Alistair turned to her with a grin "yes, food is one thing that is always on my mind"
Azcadelia snorted "I think he's going to get fat one day" Alistair gasped whilst Leliana and Aiden chuckled.
"How dare you my lady, I am in perfect shape!" Alistair said in mock offence.
"I can hardly tell with that baggy shirt" she motioned to his white long-sleeved tunic he wore under his armour, it was a size too big so that his armour would not rub against his skin and create an irritating rash.
Alistair glared at her "You are such a mean woman you know that?"
Azcadelia gasped "I am not mean, I happen to be a very kind and charitable woman" she narrowed her eyes "if you don't believe me I will take back those greaves I bought you" she pointed to his armour pile that he left outside her tent.
"No, no you don't have to do that" the sun kissed man raised his hands in surrender "you are very kind" he smiled when the ravenette laughed loudly, glad to see she had returned to her former self, she may still grieve but she was choosing to not let it control her, much like he was doing.
"Is this banter a natural occurrence?" Leliana asked.
Azcadelia nodded "oh yes, almost every time we speak to each other this happens"
"Have you known each other long, or have you only just recently formed this group?" the chantry sister was referring to the entire group now.
"Az and I have known each other for quite some time, nearly 8 months I believe" Alistair replied, "We met Morrigan, Aiden and Nodel about a week ago"
Leliana looked surprised "Only a week? You are all so at ease with each other that I thought you were old friends"
Aiden shook his head "tragedy and war can bring even the most stoic and unfriendliest of people together" he said solemnly.
Leliana frowned and frowned at the sudden darker atmosphere "I am sorry for bringing up such a trying topic"
Aiden shook his head "it is no bother, everything will remind us of it at some point, there is no reason to tiptoe around it" the group was lucky to have such a wise and strong leader in their group, if there was anyone to stop the blight, it was Aiden Cousland. Aiden spoke shortly after Nodel had finished handing out breakfast "now, onto a more important topic. Redcliff, what would be the best route to travel" he looked to Alistair and Azcadelia, knowing they would have a better idea than him. He may have travelled to Redcliff many times as a child but he did not memorise the path he took.
Alistair looked to Azcadelia, knowing she was knew more of the layout of Ferelden than he "I think cutting straight through the Hinterland is our best option" Azcadelia explained "the Darkspawn are moving slowly from the Kocari Wilds, by going straight through we shorten our distance time. With such a large group, wild animals will not attack us" the group agreed that was the best course to take and turned their attention onto their food. Once done, they donned their armour and marched off towards Redcliff.
During the day, they were all placed in a strategic pattern to minimalize damage and threat. Bohdan and his cart travelled in the middle of the pack, the others acted as hired guards, mercenaries if you will. Alistair and Azcadelia were at the front, being as they could sense the Darkspawn better than Nodel and Aiden. Morrigan and Nodel walked alongside the cart. Aiden, Sten and Leliana acted as the rear guard whilst Axel trailed beside Sandal who he had taken a liking to.
At night, it was a four-rostered patrol. Alistair took first watch, Aiden second, Azcadelia third and Nodel fourth. They only trusted themselves to take watch as Sten and Leliana were still quite new, they would later incorporate them into the watch when they better assessed their trust and loyalty to the cause.
Throughout the entire journey, Alistair was plagued by his thoughts. Aiden and Nodel had become good friends to him and Azcadelia, Nodel had opened up to them a little, even going so far as to draw out her answers and replies rather than giving them short and blunt answers. Even Leliana, the sweet Chantry sister has become close to him. He decided that he should tell them all his most kept secret, the secret he hasn't even told Azcadelia. Many days he has wanted to blurt out his secret to his closest friend but fear held him back, would she reject him, shun him for lying? Would she act like he was a delicate flower that needed to be protected and kept away from danger? Perhaps she would not care like her attitude was to most things, he hoped it was the latter.
He had finally made up his mind when they reached the outskirts of Redcliff, it was now or never "can I talk to you three for a moment?" he asked the three other Wardens, they nodded and followed him off to the side so the others couldn't hear them talking, they would learn of his secret with time "I need to tell you all something that I should have told you before"
Azcadelia noticed his nervous twitching and frowned "go ahead Al" she coaxed softly
He let out a long sigh "ok, here goes. So, you know how I was raised by Arl Eamon yes? And how my mother was a serving girl in Redcliff castle and I never knew my father?" the trio nodded silently "well, that's not entirely true. You see, my father wasn't some unknown man, in fact my father was King Marric, which makes Eamon my uncle I suppose" they were silent, staring at him in surprise and shock "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner" he looked pointedly at Azcadelia, hoping to the Maker that she did not hate him
The wolf woman stepped forward and punched him lightly on the arm "that was your deep secret you never told me? I already knew" Alistair looked at her with wide eyes "I saw Marric and Cailan all the time, it was not that hard to see the resemblance, you look like a Theirin"
Aiden nodded "I saw Cailan quite a lot aswell, the resemblance is uncanny, I am not upset by you keeping it a secret, merely curious as to why"
Alistair sighed "Anyone who knew either coddled me or shunned me, even Duncan kept me away from danger, it became a habit to not tell anyone" he rubbed the back of his head "for what it's worth I did not hide from you out of spite"
Nodel nodded and said, "you do know this changes the dynamic of our situation, you are the Heir to the Shemlen throne"
Alistair's eyes widened "No! I was kept away from that life so I would not threaten Cailan's rule, I was never meant to take the throne and I am fine with that, I would make a terrible King"
Azcadelia shook her head "I don't think so, Ferelden needs a kind and strong man like you as a leader" the warrior frowned "though if you do not want to be King then you do not have to" she knew of his insecurities and low self-esteem, being treated as a useless being had taken its toll on the young man, he started to believe that he was a nobody and not the great and beautiful man she knew he was. If only she could show him how cared for and wanted he was
"Don't worry about it Alistair" Aiden consoled "that is a decision that can be made very far in the future, the Blight is our main focus"
"I agree" Nodel commented "though this should be addressed later"
Alistair still looked unconvinced "am I able to speak to Alistair alone please?" Azcadelia asked softly, the duo nodded and walked off to the others, probably explaining Alistair's status to them, he knew they needed to know in case others knew "you alright Al?" Az asked worriedly.
"Yes and no, I am glad that I have lessened my burden by telling you my secret but…the thought of being King puts me on edge."
She rested a hand on his arm "don't think of such things Al, it will just make you saddened"
"you're right" he looked down at her "so…you, your opinion of me has not changed?" he hesitantly asked.
"No, you are still the cheese loving Warden I met many months ago" she flashed him a kind and caring grin, her eyes shining warmly
"I am a lucky man to have you as a dear friend" he hoped she did not see the feelings he was feeling towards her, her friendship was important to him, he did not want to ruin it by her rejection if she ever found out
"It is I who is a lucky man…wait, no, I meant woman" she chuckled embarrassedly at her mistake. Alistair laughed loudly, glad to have moved away from the depressing topic "Stop laughing at me!" she cried out, though a smile was on her face.
"We should head into Redcliff before you make a fool of yourself once more" Azcadelia nodded and they re-joined the group.
Once the Grey Wardens had returned to their group, they all headed over to the bridge that lead to Redcliff. They noticed a figure in the distance, it looked twitchy and nervous so they cautiously walked closer so as to not get attacked by it. It was an orange haired lad in commoners garb, though the bow and arrows strapped to his back suggested otherwise. When he saw them approach he stopped twitching and looked pleased "I…I thought I saw travellers coming down the road, though I scarcely believed it" his hope filled expression lessened as he said, "have you come to help us?"
Aiden looked confused and asked "what do you mean, what has happened?"
The poor fool lost that twinkle of hope in his eyes and looked positively downtrodden "so you…don't know? Has nobody out there heard?"
Aiden shook his head "we've heard that Arl Eamon is sick, if that is what you mean?" the nobleman shared a confused look with Azcadelia who stood beside him. Whilst Aiden was the leader, Azcadelia was like a vice leader, seeing as she had the most worldly knowledge and was excellent at strategy. Aiden never made a decision without consulting with Azcadelia first.
The man's expression darkened "he could be dead, for all we know" he said aggressively, the frustration was evident as well "Nobody's heard from the castle in days" he noticed the worry and confusion and continued "we're under attack. Monsters come out of the castle every night and attack us until dawn. Everyone's been fighting… and dying."
Morrigan snorted loudly, bringing the attention onto her "apparently everyone seems to agree that a Blight is the perfect time to start killing each other. Marvellous, really."
Nodel nodded "fear makes men's hearts darken, they would sooner kill their own men than face the true threat" she said darkly, the group agreed with her words. Fear can be a dangerous emotion.
"We've no army to defend us, no Arl and no King to send us help. So many are dead, and those left are terrified they're next."
Alistair had enough and spoke up from behind the raven haired duellist "hold on. What is this evil that's attacking you?"
The man's brows furrowed "I…I don't rightly know; I'm sorry. Nobody does. I should take you to Bann Teagan. He's all that's holding us together. He'll want to see you."
Alistair brightened at the name "Bann Teagan? Arl Eamon's brother? He's here?" Teagan was always kind and caring towards Alistair, he neither cared nor believed the rumours of Alistair being Eamon's bastard son. Though now that he thought about it, that might be because Eamon may have told his brother the truth about his wards royal blood. Either way, he would help this people. He will convince the others to help, Azcadelia and Leliana would help, and Aiden would do it as he would get forces for the Blight. Nodel would not care but she would not let innocents die, as for Sten and Morrigan, he wasn't so sure they would want to help. And Axel would whatever Aiden wanted.
"Yes, it's not far, If you'll come with me" they nodded and followed the man over the bridge and closer to town.
Azcadelia took in a deep breath through her nose, it scrunched up at the horrible smell that wafted through "I smell death in the air, much blood has been spilled in this village" she said darkly to the others.
"What else does your beastly senses smell?" Aiden asked, Azcadelia remained silent but she took in another deep breath.
"It is strange, I smell rotting corpses yet I cannot see a single undug grave" she thought for a moment before speaking "perhaps the monsters the boy speaks about are the risen dead" she looked to Morrigan "can that be possible?"
Morrigan nodded, her expression grave "yes, though that is usually the work of demons or powerful necromancers. If that is the case then we must destroy the demon or mage immediately."
Aiden snorted "you know that means you have to help the town out, saving innocents, helping people."
Morrigan glared at him nastily, her magic flared in warning "do not test me. I am not a charitable person, I merely want to dispel a demon before it causes us problems. Leaving a demon unchecked can be very dangerous."
"Enough" Azcadelia said loudly "we need the help of the Arl and to do that we must stop these monsters so we may reach the castle and get the Arl's help. A Grey Warden does what he must to stop the Blight. And seeing as you all are following said Grey Wardens you must abide by the same rules" the ravenette was not a authoritive person, before this disaster befell Ferelden she was content to sit back and let others make the decisions for her. Not anymore. She was the most knowledgeable person in this group so it would make sense that she would lead, though she left the tough decisions to Aiden, it was ultimately her words that finalised any choices.
As they walked down the hill and into the village they noticed the disrepair and state it was in. Houses were burnt or broken, bodies littered the streets both dead or dying. People raced around like mice in a maze, all were trying to gather supplies or tend to the wounded. No kids were running around, the only people around were men or boys just growing into their ears. It was a gloomy sight to see, but it was a sight that the group had to get used to. Ferelden was in chaos and as Morrigan had said, people chose chaos as the perfect time to start killing.
They ignored the wary and suspicious looks the men were giving them, they looked tired yet they still brandished their weapons threateningly. They walked inside the Chantry where more despair followed. Children huddled into their mothers bosoms, all scared out of their minds. Women wept over their husbands, fathers, brothers, sons bodies. For a place that was for prayer and hope, no chants were heard in its sacred halls
They walked to the other end where they saw a middle aged man in noble finery with a sword and shield strapped to his back pacing back and forth. That must be Bann Teagan. The man stopped when he noticed the large group walking over to him "it's…Tomas, yes?" the boy nodded "and who are these people with you? They're obviously not simple travellers" he looked at the groups weapons with interest.
"No, my lord" Tomas replied "they just arrived, and I thought you would want to see them."
Teagan nodded in thanks "well done, Tomas" he turned to us with smiles "greetings, friends. My name is Teagan, Bann of Rainesfere, brother to the Arl."
Alistair smiled softly and spoke in between the two leaders "I remember you, Bann Teagan, though the last time we met I was a lot younger and…covered in mud."
Teagan looked confused "covered in mud?" realisation dawned on him as he spoke "Alistair? It is you, isn't it? You're alive! This is wonderful news!" he looked so happy to see a familiar face.
"Still alive yes, though I'm just as surprised about that as you are, believe me."
"Indeed. Loghain would have us believe all Grey Wardens died along with my nephew, amongst other things."
"You're nephew?" Aiden asked.
"I refer to Cailan, of course. Our sister was Queen Rowan, King Maric's wife and Cailan's mother, Maker rest her soul" Azcadelia noticeably tensed at the mention of Loghain and Cailan, Teagan saw this and shot her a concerned look but said nothing, he felt fear as he saw the murderous gaze she had in her beautiful blue orbs. He felt like prey, and her a hungry predator. She was an enchanting woman, but she would not be a Grey Warden unless she was deadly. "You're here to see my brother? Unfortunately, that might be a problem. Eamon is gravely ill. No one has heard from the castle in days. No guards patrol the walls, and no one has responded to my shouts. The attacks started a few nights ago. Evil…things…surged from the castle. We drove them back, but many perished during the assault."
Aiden nodded "what evil things are you talking about?"
"Some call them the walking dead; decomposing corpses returning to life with a hunger for human flesh…They hit again the next night. Each night they come, with greater numbers. With Cailan dead and Loghain starting a war over the throne, no one responds to my urgent calls for help. I have a feeling tonight's assault will be the worst yet" he turned to Alistair with urgency "Alistair, I hate to ask, but I desperately need the help of you and your friends."
The sun kissed man shook his head "it isn't just up to me. Though the Grey Wardens don't stand much chance against Loghain without Arl Eamon" he directed his words towards his companions, pleading with his eyes.
Aiden and Azcadelia nodded at the same time "of course we'll help" Morrigan seemed displeased but she remained quiet.
Teagan smiled great fully, hoped graced his face "thank you! Thank you, this…means more to me than you can guess" he turned to the quiet orange haired boy "Tomas, please tell Murdoc what transpired. Then return to your post."
Tomas nodded and left whilst saying "yes, my lord."
"Now then" Teagan said to the group "there is much to do before night falls. I've put two men in charge of the defence outside. Murdoc, the village mayor, is outside the Chantry. Ser Perth, one of Eamon's knights, is just up the cliff at the windmill, watching the castle. You may discuss with them the preparation for the coming battle."
Azcadelia nodded "we shall go out immediately."
"Very well. Luck be with you, my friends."
The group had spoken to the people inside the Chantry and with the two other leaders. Once that was done they split up to cover more ground. Leliana and Aiden went up the cliff to the windmill to speak to Ser Perth as they found out he was a religious man. They got a Chantry sister to give them symbols of Andraste and bless them, they were lying to the knights but it would inspire the men to fight if they believe they had divine protection. Leliana did not like it but she knew it was the best way to get the men to fight and stay alive.
Nodel, Morrigan and Sten were to speak to Dwyn who refused to fight. It was not hard to convince the dwarf and his lackeys to join, an elf archer, wild witch and warrior of the Qunari were not people to deny what they want.
As for Azcadelia and Alistair, they were to speak to Owen the blacksmith and convince him to repair and give out weapons and armour to defend the village. He was only going to help them if they promised to look for his daughter in the castle when they went up there. Once they agreed, the drunkard started his forge and began smithing. They also searched for a little boy who had run back to his home instead of staying inside the Chantry with his sister. Their parents had been killed and they had no money to get to their family in Denerim. Once they retrieved the boy they returned him to the Chantry and gave him and his sister enough silver to get on a cart and leave this wretched place once the fighting was done.
It was late in the afternoon when they had all finished their respective jobs. Instead of standing around and waiting for the battle, all who trained with swords and bows headed to the training areas to help train the men who knew nothing about fighting. Even if it was a few hours, they would have some form of knowledge to defend themselves with from the walking dead.
Night slowly crept closer until it had darkened the sky, an ominous aura surrounded the village.
The battle had finally come.
How was that? The dialogue was changed a little to be more realistic, like with what Morrigan said. She's not stupid, she knows they need the help of Arl Eamon to amass an army big enough to end the blight. She may not like helping people but she will fo what she must to help the Grey Wardens, despite her own feelings.
Also with the walking dead, its not that hard to find how what would be behind them. And being a mage, Morrigan wouldn't let a demon that is strong enough to raise the dead roam free, her mother would be so disappointing in her.
See you all in the next chapter
SCREAMINGTOMCAT OUT!