Chapter 10

Arrival at Ostagar

"But, Keeper, I don't wish to go!"

"You must go, da'len, or – "

"Don't call me that! I am not a child!"

"Well, you are acting like one! You are not listening to me, Lyaera!"

"I can't leave the clan! You need me! And Tamlen needs me! I will stay and we'll continue the search in the morning."

"Enough!" Marethari yelled.

They had been arguing ever since Lyaera and the Wardens returned over two hours ago. Lyaera had stubbornly refused to listen to Duncan, had even gone so far as to reject his offer to join the Grey Wardens and ask him to leave. Thankfully, he had not taken offense, and had simply bowed and told Marethari they would camp nearby and would not leave for Ostagar until midmorning.

"But, Keeper – "

"If you do not go with the Warden, you will die!"

Lyaera's eyes widened with shock. "W-what?"

Marethari sighed, weary. "I did not want to tell you this, Lyaera. There is no cure for the Taint in your blood, save to undergo an ancient Grey Warden ritual. If you stay… you will die." By one of our hands, she thought, but she vowed she would never tell Lyaera that. The poor girl would go mad with grief if she knew what would really happen to her… what most certainly happened to Tamlen, if Duncan's words were to be believed.

"But you healed me… you and Ariawyn…"

"No, da'len. We only treated the symptoms and delayed the inevitable."

"B-but then… Tamlen…" Lyaera could not hide her quivering chin and the tears that filled her eyes.

"I'm so sorry, da'len."

Lyaera collapsed on the ground with one hand over her mouth, letting out a choked sob. Marethari kneeled in front of her and pulled the young girl into a tight embrace.

"Tamlen would not want you to die with him, Lyaera. He would want you to be strong… To mourn him, remember him, and move on with your life."

Lyaera only nodded as tears streamed down her cheeks. She knew deep down that the Keeper spoke the truth. Marethari moved to swipe the tears from Lyaera's cheeks with a piece of cloth before placing her hand on Lyaera's shoulder.

"So here is what we shall do. Tomorrow we will plant a tree in Tamlen's honor, we will pack up the camp and then you will go to Duncan and tell him you've reconsidered and you wish to join the Grey. You will go with him and your sister to Ostagar, and together you will become the greatest Wardens who ever lived. You were both born to do great things."

That's right, Lyaera thought. I'd forgotten about Ariawyn. My sister… my sister is alive and here and whole. And she'll become a Grey Warden…

"All right?" the Keeper's voice drew her from her thoughts.

No… nothing will ever be right again. What cruel, sick joke is this that the Creators return my sister to me only to take my mate in exchange? Lyaera only nodded.

"Good." Marethari brought her lips to Lyaera's forehead and stood. "Try to get some sleep, da'len."

Sleep eluded Lyaera for the rest of the night.

The next morning seemed to go by in a blur. After crying silently in her aravel for the entirety of the night, Lyaera finally felt nothing. She was completely numb, in a trance of sorts. She did not eat, she did not speak. She accepted condolences with mere nods and when Tamlen's ceremony began, she merely watched as the hunters dug a hole in the earth and planted a small tree. Numb. It was as if she was Tranquil, as if her soul had died and yet her corpse continued to walk the earth. Maybe it has… Creators know a part of me died with him. The Keeper said a few words about Tamlen and prayed for Falon'Din to guide him through the beyond and nothing. The Hahren began to sing In Uthenera and nothing. She felt nothing.

And after it was over, Lyaera watched as Duncan entered the camp with her sister and the others behind him and nothing. She walked up to him and nodded. He nodded in return. She picked up her pack and turned to look at her clan one last time. They began to sing In Uthenera once more and she knew this time it was for her, that they were mourning her loss, and yet… Nothing. Nothing until she turned and saw Ariawyn. She gave her a small, sad smile and offered her hand. Lyaera took it and finally… Something.


That night as they camped, Lyaera wondered bitterly at the fickleness of fate. After 15 years here she was, finally sitting next to her sister by the fire. Ariawyn sat beside her eating quietly, occasionally sending a glance in her direction.

"Do you wish to ask me something?" Lyaera asked, a small encouraging smile on her face.

"No… I, um, well… How are you feeling?"

"I feel fine."

"Are you sure? Please don't lie to me… We all want you to get to Ostagar in one piece, and that will not happen if you lie to the healer."

"I am not lying, I promise. I will let you know if I start feeling unwell."

"Ok."

They both turned back to their meals, and Lyaera thought of ways to bring up the subject of them being related… Does she know she is my sister? Will she believe me when I tell her? She was pondering how to ask all this when Ariawyn interrupted her thoughts.

"I'm sorry…" she whispered. "I'm sorry this happened to you… and I'm sorry about your friend."

That last statement was like a knife to the heart and Lyaera closed her eyes. "I'm sorry too." She played with the ring on her finger. "He wasn't just my friend…" She found herself saying. "He was my bond mate."

"Oh…" Ariawyn was stunned. She could not even imagine what this poor girl was feeling. Her eyes unconsciously looked to Cullen, who was on the other side of camp talking to Ian with his hand absently scratching Rhaella's ears. As if sensing her eyes on him, he looked up and smiled at her. Maker, how she loved that beautiful warm smile… And she could not imagine her life without it, without him. "I… I'm so sorry. I can't even… hm" she faltered. "I know nothing I say will make you feel better… but if you ever need to talk…"

"Thank you… I will…"

"Good…" Ariawyn gave her a small smile. "Now if you'll excuse me, I will go gather some more firewood."

"I can help you with that."

"No need. Cullen will help me."

Lyaera frowned at that. She didn't like the thought of her sister alone with a shem. She had seen the way he looked at Ariawyn too, and didn't like it one bit. He wanted her sister. "The Templar? He's busy. I'll help."

"No, please! Cullen won't mind. Cullen?"

"Yes, Ari?"

"Firewood?"

"Of course."

Ariawyn stood and brought her hands to Lyaera's shoulders. "Eat. Rest. Healer's orders." And with that, she turned and walked away with the Templar on her tail.

"Have fun!" Ian called after them with a laugh, and Lyaera could not help but glare at the shem.

She watched quietly as the moon made its way through the night sky, becoming more and more anxious with each passing minute.

"Shouldn't they have been back by now?" she asked Duncan irritably.

Ian snorted, and Duncan sent a bemused look his way, before clearing his throat. "Well, they are very thorough about the wood they pick, and it is dark, which makes it harder to see. I'm sure they will be back soon enough. Now if you'll excuse me, I must go and set the snares for tonight."

Lyaera watched him leave, heading the opposite direction her sister and the shem had taken.

"Why are you so worried? Cullen is a decent guy and Ariawyn isn't defenseless, you know. I've seen her fight and – "

"Did I ask for your opinion, shem? Or perhaps I gave you the erroneous impression that I was speaking to you?"

"Whoa, calm down, will you? I was only trying to – "

"Well, don't!" she snapped. "Don't try anything! I am not interested in speaking to you, I am not interested in getting to know you, I am not interested in anything that has to do with you, shemlen!"

"Hey, what is your problem?!" Ian shouted angrily and Rhaella immediately materialized beside him, growling. He was only trying to be nice, and he was not going to put up with this. "As far as I know, I haven't done anything to offend you!"

"Your mere existence is offending enough."

"You don't even know me."

"I know what you are. I know what you can do, what you probably have done to others of my kind!"

Ian was appalled, his jaw literally dropping as he understood what her problem was. "So that's what this is about? The fact that my ears are round instead of pointy?" He scoffed. "You are such a racist."

"Racist? Oh, how dare you, shem-"

"Oh I dare! You are the one judging another by his race! You are the one who's making assumptions about others without knowing them! You are the one who's insulting me just because I happen to be human!"

"What is happening here? I could hear you yelling from all the way over there!" Duncan came rushing into the clearing.

"You are incredibly short sighted!" Ian continued.

"Short sighted?!"

"Yes! In case you hadn't realized, we are in the middle of a war, a Blight! We will be Grey Wardens soon, and we should fighting the darkspawn, not each other! But you… you are willing to let your stupid prejudices and preconceptions get in the way of seeing the real enemy!"

"Enough! That's quite enough, young man!" Duncan stood in front of Ian and put his hands on his shoulders. "Go for a walk, cool down." He pushed the younger man, who was still looking intently at Lyaera. "Go!"

Ian raised his arms in a surrendering gesture, before walking away. The mabari was still growling at Lyaera before a sharp whistle from its master drew her away. Duncan looked to the young elf and sighed.

"Lyaera…"

"I'm going to look for my sister." She turned away from Duncan and began following her sister's steps into the forest.

She went deeper and deeper into the forest, her elven eyes seeing everything in the dark with absolute clarity. She finally found the Templar's clunky footprints in the mud and followed them until the sight before her made her stop dead in her tracks.

The shem had Ariawyn's back against a tree, holding her arms over her head with one hand while the other one traveled up and down her waist, kissing her passionately. Lyaera thought she saw red, and in one brief moment, she took an arrow from her quiver and fired. She heard a grunt as the arrow pierced the shem's shoulder and she released another one. This arrow, however, was blocked by a shimmering blue barrier, and Ariawyn's cry startled her out of her fury.

"What in the Void do you think you are doing?! Maker damn it, Lyaera! Hang on, Cullen." Ariawyn kneeled next to the shem, who at some point had fallen to the ground. "Ian! Duncan! I need some help here! Duncan!"

Both men came running up and Lyaera could only watch as they took in the scene before them.

"What happened here?"

"Ian, thank the Maker! I need your help! You have to hold him down while I remove the arrow. Once I remove it, I can heal him! Quickly!"

"Okay." Ian knelt above Cullen's head, placing both hands on his shoulders, pressing down with all his strength, and Cullen grunted in pain.

"One, two, three!" Ariawyn pulled on the shaft until she finally removed it, and blood gushed out of the wound. She immediately summoned her magic and Cullen's skin began mending itself until finally the wound was closed.

"Cullen, are you okay?"

"I'm fine, love." He brought his bloody hand to her cheek, but Ariawyn did not seem to mind, placing her own hand over his.

Love? Did he say love? Lyaera thought as her stomach rolled around inside her. I think I'm going to throw up.

"Are you in pain?"

"Not anymore. You're a very efficient healer, you know." He chuckled.

"I know. Can you stand?"

"Yes, I think so."

"Good." Ariawyn looked away from Cullen and to Lyaera, as her smile vanished from her face. "Just what in the Void did you think you were doing?! Are you mad?! Why would you shoot him?!"

Ariawyn is defending the shem! Lyaera couldn't believe this! "I – I – I'm sorry, I thought – "

"Thought what?!"

"I thought he was hurting you!"

"Hurting me?! Hurting me?!"

"Ari, calm down…"

"Calm down?! She could've killed you! If she had aimed a couple of inches lower…"

"He had your wrists and – "

"And what?!"

The shock still had not worn off, and Lyaera found she didn't know what to say. My sister… with a shem… She felt incredulous and disgusted all the same. "I'm sorry." And she turned and began running swiftly back to camp. She failed to notice Duncan was following her until he called her name.

"Lyaera! Lyaera, stop!"

"Leave me alone!"

"Lyaera Mahariel!"

It was his tone that made her stop. He had that tone, the same the Keeper used when you turned your back on her. Stern, commanding… and in Duncan's case, fatherly.

"What?!"

"You do not turn your back to your commanding officer. Now, would you care to tell me what it was you were thinking?"

"I'm sorry, okay? I did not know they were… together." She shuddered at the thought.

Duncan sighed. "Sit." His tone softened at that last order, and she complied. "Now, I know this is hard for you, and I appreciate that, but you cannot keep picking fights with the others."

Lyaera only looked at him defiantly.

"I know you did not want to leave your clan. I know you are not here willingly. And I am sorry for that. I am, truly. But you are here now, you will be a Warden and you have to accept that. And what Ian said is right. You will have to learn to get over your prejudices and work with people of all races."

"Shemlen killed my parents. Did you know that?"

"I did."

"Ariawyn is my sister. My twin sister. Did you know that?"

"Marethari told me."

"Human bandits killed my Father, and because of them my sister somehow wound up in a Circle and my mother killed herself! And now you tell me I should not hate them? That I should learn to work with them? That I should not gut every single one of them so that they never hurt another family the way they hurt mine?!"

"Not all humans are like them. Ian is not like them. Neither is Cullen. Nor am I or the rest of the human Wardens at Ostagar."

Lyaera scoffed and he turned to her more serious than before.

"Listen to me, Lyaera. Right at this very moment, a horde of darkspawn is following an Archdemon through the Deep Roads, slaughtering everything and everyone in their path. It is our job, our duty, to stop them. To prevent them from spreading their taint to other nations and other people. To save thousands of innocent lives, whether they be elven, human or dwarven. They all deserve to be saved. They need our protection. You are not just Dalish anymore. It is not your responsibility to protect just your clan anymore. You are a Warden now and it is your responsibility to protect everyone from the Blight."

Lyaera had no response to that. She knew, deep down, that he was right. He was right. But she still wanted to dig her heels in the ground and protest. "How did you become a Warden? Was it always your dream to join the Order?"

The old man laughed. "No, not at all. I was a thief, a cocky pickpocket living in the streets of Val Royeaux, and one day I decided to cut the wrong man's purse. He caught me and we fought. I killed him, but before I could escape, I was arrested by the city guard. I was sentenced to death, but the day before my hanging a woman came to see me. She was a Grey Warden, and so was the man I killed. He was her fiancée. And she decided to conscript me into the Order." He smiled sadly as he remembered Genevieve.

"She saved your life. Why?"

"You will understand after the Joining."

"Is this why you saved mine?"

"I have not saved it yet."

"But is it why you recruited me?"

"Part of it, yes." They fell into a companionable silence, before Duncan stood. "You should speak to your sister. She has a right to know."


It was days later when Lyaera finally got the courage to speak to her sister again. Or just speak in general. After meditating on Duncan's words over and over again, she came to the painful conclusion that he was right. She would be a Grey Warden now, and she had to learn to work with people from all races. She would start with the shem, Ian, and apologize to him before speaking to her sister and the Templar. She looked over to the couple, sleeping quietly by the fire, before making her way to the shem, who was polishing his shield. She watched as Duncan raised an eyebrow, before nodding slightly.

"May I join you?"

Ian looked up from his shield, eyes narrowed and full of suspicion. "I fail to see why you would want to, given your distaste for humans."

"I only wish to speak to you, and apologize… Ian."

"Very well." He gestured for her to sit.

"I… Like I said, I want to apologize for my behavior these last few days, and for what I said to you the other night. As of late, I have not been myself. This has all been very hard for me and I lashed out at you."

"I know."

"I… what?"

"I know what you are going through. I know exactly what you are going through. I…" Ian took a deep breath, bracing himself to say it out loud for the first time. "I recently lost my entire family to a greedy man who we thought was our friend."

"Creators…" Lyaera felt horrible. At least her clan was still alive, and safe. "I'm sorry."

"So am I. For both of us."

They stared at each other for the longest time, finally seeing each other for what they were: two people who had lost everything they has ever known, and thrust unwillingly into a life of fighting and sacrifice. It is strange, to find common ground with a shem, Lyaera thought.

"I accept your apology by the way."

Lyaera simply nodded.

"And I know this probably took a lot of courage from your part. I want you to know I appreciate that."

"Thank you. But more than courage, it was just… common sense. Reasonably speaking, you were right. We should be fighting darkspawn, not each other, and the day we meet on the battlefield, we should be on the same side, no?"

"Exactly."

"So…"

"Truce?" Ian offered his hand.

Lyaera looked at it for a few seconds. There was still a part of her that felt this was… wrong. She swallowed and took a deep breath before placing her hand next to Ian's. "Truce."

He shook her hand hard once then let go.

"If I may… why do you hate us so much? Humans? Is it because of the whole 'the great elvhen empire fell with the arrival of humans, and they enslaved us and stole our culture" or is it something else?"

Lyaera narrowed her eyes. Very thin ice, shem.

"Because honestly, the whole thing happened a long time ago…" Ian continued, unflinching under her hardy stare.

"Do not make me regret our truce, Ian"

"I'm just curious."

Lyaera's eyes unconsciously drifted over to Ariawyn's sleeping form.

"You seem to care a great deal for Ariawyn. Is it because she healed you? Or because she's an elf?"

"Do you always ask so many questions?"

"No, but like I said, I'm curious."

"Well, then stop. You shems have a saying… what was it? Ah yes, 'curiosity killed the cat.'"

"Well, I'm not dead yet."

"That could easily be fixed."

"I guess it can." He laughed. "Listen, I don't know what your deal is with Aria and Cullen…"

"Aria?" Lyaera raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah, it's short for Ariawyn."

Lyaera huffed. "I know what it's short for. I just didn't know you were on such familiar terms with her."

"Well, yeah… She's great. One of the sweetest people I have ever met. I owe her a lot."

"I thought you only just met her, when Duncan recruited her."

"I do, but…" We've been through a lot. Maker, how strange is that? "Anyhow, I think you should talk to her. It's obvious you want to… so you should just go."

"And what could I say?"

"How about 'I'm sorry', for starters?"

"She won't forgive me."

"Yes, she will! She doesn't have it in her to hold a grudge."

"I did not say I wasn't going to do it, I just said I don't think she'll forgive me."

"And I say you're wrong. Go now." He stood. "Oh, and if you could wake her up and tell her it's time for her watch? I'd really appreciate it." He smiled impishly, as he picked up his shield.

"Fine."

"Good night, Lyaera"

"Good night, Ian."

She watched as he made his way to his bedroll and laid the shield carefully next to his sword, before settling down on his bedroll. With one quick look around camp, she noticed the Commander had also gone to sleep.

Oh, well… No time like the present. She stood and went to Ariawyn's side.

"Ariawyn." She whispered. "Aria, wake up."

The mage opened her eyes groggily. "What is it?" she slurred. "Is it our turn to take watch?"

"Yes, bu-"

Ariawyn sat up swiftly. "I'll wake Cullen. Thank you."

"Wait! Please. I wish to speak to you. Please. And then you can wake your Templar."

Ariawyn considered her request, eyes stern and lips pursed. "Very well."

She stood and stretched before sitting by the fire. Lyaera simply stared after her, before finally joining her.

"Tea?" asked the healer, already reaching for the kettle and a couple of tin mugs.

"No, thank you. If I drink another cup, I'm afraid I won't be able to sleep."

"As you wish." Ariawyn said, placing one of the mugs back on the ground. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine."

"Does your head hurt?"

"Yes. A bit."

"Then you are not fine. Nausea?"

"Yes."

"Cold?"

"Yes."

Ariawyn brought the back of her hand to Lyaera's forehead. "You are a tad warm." She noted, mostly to herself. "And pale. You need rest."

"I will rest, I just – "

"You should be sleeping. I will tell Duncan you should not be allowed to take such late watches. In fact, I would recommend you take no watch at all and just rest. I'm afraid I can't do much for the nausea – I don't have any herbs on me at the moment – but I could ease the headache and try to prevent the fever from returning with my magic. If you could lay down, I'll-"

"Could you just listen to me for a moment?!" Lyaera yelled, pushing her sister's hand away from her forehead.

The movement was so sudden, and yet Ariawyn managed to catch a glimpse of something on her Lyaera's inner forearm. She grabbed her wrist with a tight grip and turned it over so that the palm of her hand was facing upwards and lighted nicely by the campfire. She couldn't hold back her gasp.

Lyaera's eyes widened with fear as she saw what Ariawyn was staring at. Her veins were black, and the pale skin of her forearm was pale no longer, stained with blotches of a deep, dark purple.

"Don't panic."

Lyaera wanted to scream.

"From what I've read, it's a side effect of the darkspawn taint. It should go away once you've undergone the Joining. I'll speak to Duncan about it, I'm sorry, my magic can't really do anything for it, but it will go away. I promise."

Lyaera couldn't take her eyes off of her tainted skin, thinking of Tamlen's body as it slowly rotted with corruption.

"Lyaera, look at me. Look at me." She looked into her sister's almond shaped eyes. "It will go away. I promise. Do you believe me?"

There was nothing but pure determination and conviction in those eyes. Lyaera only nodded.

"Good. Now please go get some rest."

Lyaera pushed the blotches from her mind. She needed to speak to her sister.

"Wait, Ariawyn. I need… I want to apologize to you."

"For almost killing Cullen? I think you should apologize to him."

"I will, but I wanted to apologize to you first. I'm sorry. I did not know you were together."

"Even if you didn't know… why would you do that?"

"I… I don't have the best history with humans. I honestly thought he was hurting you, that he was about to… hm. Never mind."

"Cullen would never do that." Ariawyn sighed. "Listen, I don't know what happened to you – I don't believe your hatred for them is mere racism or ignorance – but not all humans are evil."

"I… know."

"Cullen is a good person, a good man. So is Duncan. So is Ian."

"Yes…" Okay, she thought, Here it goes… "Do you wish to know what happened to me?"

"Only if you wish to tell me."

"I do…" Lyaera braced herself, taking a deep breath. "My name is Lyaera Mahariel. Once, I was the daughter of Taeran Mahariel, keeper of the Sabrae Clan, and Lirelle Mahariel, the clan's greatest hunter. I also had a twin sister, Ariawyn Mahariel." She paused, taking in Ariawyn's reaction. Her sister's eyes widened, yet her face remained serene, almost aloof.

"Go on."

"It was said that I was the splitting image of my father. It is said I have his auburn hair, his blue eyes, his pale skin. Yet my twin was the splitting image of my mother. She had brown, curly hair and small brown eyes, and dimples on both her cheeks, though one more prominent than the other. I loved her. I loved them all dearly."

Ariawyn felt a chill travel down her spine, suddenly nervous.

"When we were about three years old, my sister discovered she had the gift of magic." Ariawyn thought she heard the earth crack as Lyaera continued. "I was with her. She had found a bird, a tiny baby bird who had fallen from its nest. Its wing was broken and it would have probably died, and yet when she picked it up, blue light emanated from her hands and wrapped around the bird. It was only for a moment, and after the bird flew away, its wing completely healed."

"What happened to her?"

"That night, we had a feast, and my father presented her before the clan as his future Second, once she reached maturity. We were all so happy. Until the next morning, when Papae decided to begin training her. 'It's never too early to learn.' He said. I wanted to go with them, but he didn't let me. He said her magic was still not under her control, that it could cause accidents, so I stayed in the camp with Mamae. They were only supposed to be gone until midmorning, but when they weren't, my mother decided to go out and look for them. I don't remember much of what happened after, but I do remember my mother came back with other hunters who were carrying my father's body, and my sister was no where in sight."

Ariawyn's eyes were completely wide now, her face grave and grim. She felt an unexpected tinge of sadness, of sorrow, as she pictured a small Lyaera waiting for her father to come back. Another image popped into her mind, one of trees and a clearing and an unequivocal sense of danger. Ariawyn run! She heard, and as her ears perked and she turned her head to see who had spoken, she was back in camp, sitting across from Lyaera with a now cold mug of tea in her hand. She shook her head and pinched the bridge of her nose.

Incredibly vivid imagination, that's all, she tried to reassure herself. That's all.

She cleared her throat, which suddenly felt very dry. "What happened next?" she asked in a hoarse whisper.

"My father was dead, murdered by shemlen bandits." Lyaera clenched and unclenched her fists. "My sister was missing. And my mother… my mother became obsessed with finding her. She looked for her nonstop, everywhere, but she couldn't find her, and one day she left." She laughed, a bitter, almost angry sound. "When I was younger, I used to think she had left to keep looking for my sister, that one day they would both come back and we'd be together again. As I got older, I realized that that probably would not happen, that my mother had probably died in her travels or something like that. All I knew was that she wasn't here with me. It wasn't until a few days ago that I found out the truth of what really happened to her. She committed suicide once she realized my sister was gone for good."

"I'm sorry."

Lyaera only nodded and they fell into an uneasy silence. It was Ariawyn who finally broke it.

"You think I'm her, don't you? Your sister?"

Lyaera raised her eyebrows and smiled. "Now why would you think that?"

"A woman at your camp told me. She was crying and she hugged me and she started talking about how I came back and how I looked just like my mother."

"Ashalle. She was Mamae's best friend."

"I did not ask her name. I told her she was mistaken and left with the boys."

"Do you really believe that?"

"I do. I grew up in the Circle of Magi of Ferelden. In Kinloch Hold. It's all I've ever known. I have no memory of anything else."

"But you must have come from somewhere. You were not born in the Circle, were you?"

"No, of course not, but – "

"No… shemlen mages are taken there when their gift manifests itself. Tell me, at what age did you discover your magic?"

"When I was three years old, but that doesn't mean anything. It's only be a coincidence."

"Or it could be that you are Ariawyn Mahariel of the Sabrae clan."

"No. My name is Ariawyn Surana."

"Your father's name was Surana?"

"Well no, but – "

"Then how could it be Surana?"

"It's the name my mentor gave me when I arrived at the Tower! I don't know my real name. I don't know my real family! I have no memories of anything but the Tower!"

Something in Lyaera's mind finally clicked. Ariawyn doesn't remember us. She was with Papae when he died, and yet she doesn't remember it. Why?

She remembered the time she had fallen from a tree when she was eight. After waking up in the Keeper's aravel, she had no memory of the fall, she didn't even have the memory of climbing the bloody tree! What was it the Keeper had said? "You have a powerful mind, da'len. The fall must have been traumatic enough for your mind to have suppressed it."

Ariawyn had blocked the memory of Papae's death.

"Then you can't know for sure, can you?" Lyaera whispered. "If you don't remember… You can't be completely sure you are not my sister."

Ariawyn remained silent for a moment, before sighing. "I guess I can't."

"Ariawyn… I know you are my sister. I know it. I feel it from the bottom of my heart. I just know it's you." Lyaera dared to take Aria's hand. "But I understand how shocking this is, how difficult it can be for you to believe. So, even if you don't consider me a sister yet, I would like for you to consider me a friend."

Ariawyn blinked. "Thank you… I will… I do."

"And I am sorry about your Templar."

"I forgive you. But you still need to apologize to him."

"I will. Go wake him up and I'll do it right now."

Ariawyn smiled. "As you wish."

Lyaera watched as her sister walked towards her Templar, a small wistful smile on her face. It will be okay. It's all going to be okay.


As the Tower of Ishal finally came into view that crisp morning, Duncan could not help the relief that washed over him. He looked to Lyaera and knew the young elf felt the same. She had shown him the tainted spots on her arm, and while he knew those would go away once she had undergone the Joining, he was afraid she would not make it to perform the ritual. With each passing day her strength diminished, and Ariawyn was having a harder time trying to keep the fever at bay.

He turned his head from the red haired elf to the rest of his recruits, taking in each of their expressions. He could tell Cullen and Ariawyn felt nothing but dread. It was evident in the way the pair clutched tightly to each other's hands, not wanting to let go just yet.

And Ian… Ian seemed to feel a mixture of both relief and dread. Duncan knew he was anxious to meet his brother, but was dreading having to tell him of the events at Highever. Poor lad.

"Ho, Duncan!" the King's voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Your Majesty! I wasn't expecting – "

"A royal welcome?" Cailan moved to hug him. "I was beginning to worry you'd miss all the fun."

"Not if I could help it, Your Majesty."

"Then I'll have the mighty Duncan at my side in battle after all. Glorious!"

"You mean we'll have the mighty Duncan at our side in battle." Kassina added as she moved to hug Duncan as well.

"Kassina?" Ian blurted out suddenly, drawing the attention to himself.

"Ian? Cailan, it's Ian!"

"Ian!" Cailan walked past Duncan and enveloped Ian in a huge hug, a hug he did not know could be done with both parties in heavy armor. "What are you doing here? Your brother told us you weren't coming!"

"I wasn't originally, but Duncan recruited me into the Wardens."

"Really? Well, good for you."

"Will your Father be here soon? He was supposed to arrive a day or two after Fergus, but he hasn't yet." Kassina asked as she greeted him with a kiss on the cheek.

"My father won't be coming… He's dead."

"What?!" screamed the siblings.

"Teyrn Cousland and his wife are dead, Your Majesty. Arl Howe has shown himself a traitor and overtaken Highever Castle. Had we not escaped, he would have killed us and told you any story he wished." Duncan answered.

"That treacherous rat!" Kassina took Ian's hands and squeezed. "Ian, I'm so so sorry. If there's anything we can do…"

"There is. As soon as we are done here, I will turn my army north and I will bring Howe to justice. That I promise you, Ian." Cailan vowed fervently.

"Thank you, Cailan. And you, Kass." He said, and blushed as he realized he was still holding her hands. Wait, when was the last time I blushed? He honestly could not remember. He shook his head and let go. "Though, for now, I really just want to see Fergus. He should know…"

"I – I'm sorry, I… just sent your brother to scout the Wilds."

Ian couldn't help but sigh in defeat. Of course you did. "Well, then… I guess I'll see him when he gets back." He looked to Kassina, who shot a sympathetic smile his way before turning to Duncan.

"Duncan, introduce us to your other recruits."

"Ah, of course, Your Highness. Allow me to introduce you to – "

"No need to be so formal, Duncan. We will be shedding blood together, after all." Cailan teased.

"Hopefully, it will only be darkspawn blood." Kassina added.

"Hopefully." Duncan smiled, before gesturing to Ariawyn. "This is Enchanter Ariawyn Surana of Kinloch Hold, escorted by Ser Cullen Rutherford."

Both Ariawyn and Cullen bowed before the King and Princess.

"Well met, Enchanter."

"The honor is mine, Your Majesty."

"Ser Cullen." Cailan shook his hand. "Are you also a Warden recruit?"

"No, Your Majesty. I'm only here escorting Enchanter Surana."

"Ah, of course."

"And this is Lyaera Mahariel of the Sabrae Clan."

"Nice to meet you, Lyaera." Kassina stretched out her hand.

"Don't you dare touch me, shemlen lordling!"

"Lyaera!"

"I'm sorry, Your Highness. I'm afraid she still hasn't become comfortable around humans."

"Oh no, that's quite all right, Duncan." Kassina smiled.

"She's quite a fireball, isn't she?" Cailan asked, unfazed by her response. "You are Dalish, are you not? It is said your people possess great skill and honor."

"Too bad the same could not be said about yours."

"Enough! I apologize, Your Majesty. Lyaera is ill and very tired from our travels."

"Duncan really, it's fine!" the Princess only looked amused. "Go. Rest and get settled. Cailan and I have to go anyway, we're probably already late for Loghain's strategy meeting."

"Ah, yes. He must be waiting to bore us with his strategies."

"Your Majesty, on my way to the Circle, I stopped by Redcliffe. Your uncle says his forces could be here in less than a week if need be."

"Why, that's great, Duncan. We should take him up on that, Cailan."

"Ha! Eamon just wants in on the glory! We've won three battles against these monsters and tomorrow shall be no different."

"Wow, I didn't realize things were going so well." Ian said.

"Yes, they have. Three battles with few casualties on our side and three times the darkspawn have been pushed back. But Cailan, do try not to get so cocky please." Kassina teased.

"Of course, sister dearest. You know, if it wasn't for what you told me, Duncan, I wouldn't believe this is a true blight. There's plenty of darkspawn on the field, but alas, we've seen no sign of the archdemon."

"Disappointed, Your Majesty?"

"I'd hoped for a war like in the tails! A king riding with the fabled Grey Wardens against a tainted god."

Lyaera couldn't help her snort of amusement.

"But I guess this will have to do."

"I think you heard one too many of Mother Ailis' stories as a child, Cailan. Now, really, we have to go!"

"Very well." Cailan groaned as he thought of what awaited him. "Farewell, Grey Wardens."

Duncan crossed his arms over his chest and bowed, looking back to make sure his recruits followed suit. After the royals left, he addressed them.

"What the King said is true, they've won several battles against the darkspawn here."

"And yet, why do I sense you're still worried, Commander?"

Duncan sighed before answering Ariawyn's question. "There are only a few Grey Wardens within Ferelden at the moment, but all of us are here. The King's Army is strong and well trained, but despite the victories, the darkspawn horde grows larger everyday. By now they look to outnumber us. I know there is an archdemon behind this, but I can't ask the King to act solely on my feeling."

"Then perhaps we should get started." Lyaera said, anxious to get on with this thing. She was sick of feeling sick, of feeling tainted… Corrupted.

"Absolutely. There a few preparations to see to, and we'll proceed with the ritual tonight."

"Let's go, then."

As Duncan led the group across the bridge, Ariawyn started to slowly get left behind. Cullen too, of course. And when Duncan turned his head, Ariawyn only said, "Go. I'll catch up." Please. Duncan nodded, a soft, understanding look in his eyes.

As soon as the group kept walking, Cullen took Ariawyn's hand and practically dragged her behind a statue on the bridge. Hidden from any prying eyes, he brought his lips to her in a wild and desperate kiss. She responded immediately, pressing her body against his, and he once again cursed his armor. Finally they parted, out of breath, but he still held her tightly and pressed his lips against her forehead.

"I… thought we deserved a proper good bye." He whispered, and heard her sharp intake of breath.

"Is that what this is?"

"I don't know. We've never really discussed what would happen once we got here. I hadn't considered… I guess I was avoiding it."

"So was I, but we're here now and time's running out to discuss it."

"I know. I don't know exactly how this can work out, but I know if anyone can make it work, it's us… I just… I don't want to move on, not from you." He brought his hand to Ariawyn's cheek and looked into those deep brown eyes. "B-but I – I don't know what you want to… That is, if you, um…" Damn! Damn me to the Void and back. He looked away, embarrassed until he felt her gentle touch guiding his gaze back to hers.

"Cullen… do you need to ask?"

Maker those eyes! They shone when she looked at him, he realized, and only him. "I suppose not." He kissed her again, slowly this time.

It's going to be okay. It's all going to be okay.


A/N: Yay! We're officially done with all of the origins! Thanks to all of you who have followed me to this point, and I appreciate all of your favorites and reviews! I'm really excited to begin with the real story now, and I promise I'll try to update more frequently!