Kallian Tabris was sleeping peacefully in her bed, but then she began to feel someone shaking her.

"Wake up, Cousin! Why are you still in bed? It's your big day!" Shianni's voice said filled with excitement.

Kallian awoke and found her cousin looking down upon her. She was a city elf that lived within the city of Denerim, the capital of Ferelden. It was a hard and difficult life being an elf in a human city since finding a job was extremely difficult they were lucky if they could get money for being labourers or dock as let alone servants to nobles.

She groaned and laid her head back onto her pillow yawning. "…just a little longer…"

Shianni shook her head. "Come on! Don't make use cold water again. You do remember what today is, don't you?"

Kallian began to rub the sleepiness out of her eyes. "Someone's wedding?"

"A double wedding!" Shianni corrected. "You're getting married, and so is Soris! That's what I came to tell you! Your groom, Nelaros… he's here early!"

Kallian groaned as she got out of bed. "I don't like the idea of this arranged match business."

"And who else are you going to marry?" Shianni asked raising an eyebrow. "Besides, I already snuck a peek—he's handsome! There's going to be music, decorations, feasting… weddings are so much fun! You're so lucky!"

"I don't feel lucky."

"Too bad! I'm just glad I got to be the one to tell you!" She then shook her head. "All right, I'll stop tormenting you. I should go talk to the other bridesmaids and find my dress. Oh, Soris said that he'll be waiting for you outside. So move it!"

She then left the room and there was one thing she could say about her cousin. She sure knows how to motivate someone.

She began to put on her wedding dress, it was beautiful. Her aunt must have spent hours on embroidery, she then tied her blonde hair back into a ponytail and once she was done she walked out of the room.

Her father was standing there waiting. "Ah, my little girl. It's… the last day I'll be able to call you that. Oh, I wish your mother could have been here!"

She sighed. "Could we talk about this arrangement?"

"Still not pleased, I can see. Of course we can talk."

She placed her hands on her hips and looked directly at her father. "Why can't I choose who I marry?"

Her father sighed. "Tradition, child. With so little contact between alienages and so few chances to travel, you must trust your elders. The dowry has been paid, the Chantry has issued the permit, and everything is ready. All we need is you."

She crossed her arms. "But I don't want to get married."

Her father laughed. "I understand. Before I met Adaia, I was ready to go hunt for the Dalish. Just be glad I chose the match. Without parents to represent you, children like your cousin Soria end up marrying whoever the elder can find."

She knew there was no arguing with her. "So tell me about my groom."

"Nelaros? He's from a good family in Highever, the youngest son. He's an expert at the blacksmith's anvil from what I'm told." He glanced at her when Kallian was about open her mouth and added quickly chuckling. "And yes, he's very handsome. I knew you'd ask, so I thought I'd save you the trouble. All right, time for you to find Soris. The sooner this when starts, the less chance you to have to escape."

"A small chance is still a chance," she said slyly.

Her father chuckled. "Still have your mother smart mouth. I see." He hesitated, then held out one hand to stop Kallian from leaving. "Oh, one last thing before you go, my dear. Your mother's training—the swordplay, knives and whatever else your mother trained you in. Best not mention it to your betrothed."

Her mother, Adaia, had trained in combat and how to use a weapon. Before she married her father she helped King Maric when he attempted to retake Ferelden from the Orlesians. Despite this the elves were still forbidden from carrying weapons.

She frowned. "He'll find out sooner or later."

"Later. Definitely later. We don't want to seem like troublemakers, at all. Adaia made that mistake."

Kallian glared at her father as she crossed her arms. "The humans who killed her made a bigger one."

"Our world is full of so many injustices." He then handed her a pair well-made boots. "Take these. Your mother would have wanted you to have them. It's the very least I can give you, as you start your new life. Go on, then. I still have something to do, and Soris is no doubt waiting for you."

She had only gone outside when she came across two elves that were obviously husband-and-wife.

"Well, it's the lucky bride herself. Hello, dear," said the wife beaming.

Her husband placed a hand on his wife shoulder. "Now, love. She probably doesn't remember us."

"Oh, of course," said Dilwyn looking totally embarrassed. "I'm Dilwyn, and this is Gethon. We were friends of your mother's. We haven't seen much of you since she… well…"

Kallian closed her eyes. "Father really loved her."

"We all did," said Gethon giving her a sympathetic look.

"Adaia was beautiful and full of life. And a bit wild."

"She wanted you more than anything. It's sad she never got to see you all grown up."

"We just want to see you today and express our good wishes."

"Any friend of my mother's is a friend of mine," Kallian smiled."

"It means the world to us to see you happy," said Dilwyn.

Gethon then pulled out a pouch. "We've saved a bit of money for this day. We'd… we'd like you to have it to help start your new life."

Kallian looked taken aback. "That's very generous of you."

Gethon gave her the pouch and pressed his hand over hers. "Maker bless you."

Kallian strode through the alienage as she looked for Soris. Then her eyes fell upon one of Shianni's friends, busily packing belongings onto a small cart.

Nessa's father looked up as she approached. "Many blessings, young one. We hope to stay for the celebration, but we must be off."

Kallian bent down and picked up a small box. "What happened?"

"The humans who own our building has decided to sell it for storage. We can't afford to live anywhere else here, so we're leaving Denerim."

"Where you going?"

Nessa gave her sad smile. "The Ostagar ruins. The army camp there is calling for labourers."

"We wanted to look for work in Highever…" Her mother started to say.

Her father interrupted. "But that's just not possible."

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

Nessa's father gave her an almost contemptuous look. "You're still a child. You don't know anything." He shook his head. "Enjoy your special day, and put us out of your mind."

"What my husband means is, you're very generous, but… we don't need any charity to solve our problems." Nessa's mother placed a hand on her husband's shoulder.

Kallian nodded. "I understand. Good luck to you."

"Many thanks. Again, blessings on your day," he said before turning away, dismissing her entirely.

Nessa hesitated for a moment, then rushed over to her. "Wait… can I talk to you a moment?"

"Of course," said Kallain.

"I apologise for my parents. They're too proud to accept help, much less ask for it. My parents will labour in the army camp, and they'll except me to do the same, but… I don't like the idea of being surrounded by human soldiers who haven't seen a woman in months."

"Maybe some money would help?"

"Of course, but I can't imagine anyone here has much to spare. We'd need another three silvers to make it to Highever. And if we got another ten silvers, we could rent a house here. Maybe one large enough to start a business. But… that's just dream talk. Nobody has that much money and if they did why would they give it to us?"

Kallain pulled out the pouch that her mother's friends gave her. There was a total of fifteen silvers and she pulled ten of them out.

"Here's ten silvers," she said handing the coins to Nessa. "Take it. Stay here where you belong."

Nessa stared at her. "W-where did you get this much money? Never mind, I'm sure not talking you out of this. Thank you! Thank you so much!" She then flung her arms around her. "You save my family—I love you! Now I just have to handle the parents…"

She watched as she ran over to her parents excitedly.

She eventually found Soris, who too was in his wedding clothes.

"Well, if it isn't my lucky cousin," he said smiling at her. "Care to celebrate the end of our independence together?"

"Getting cold feet, Soris?"

"Are you surprised? Apparently, your groom's a dream come true. My bride sounds like a dying mouse."

"My groom is attractive?"

"I'd trade for him" Soris laughed. "Let's go introduce you to your dream patrol before you say 'I do'."

"If he's dreamy I may not consider running away."

"Don't you think is a bit strange that Valendrain doing the wedding so soon?"

Kallain frowned. "Yeah, I thought it was strange."

Soris shrugged. "Well, I guess it's better now than never."

They walked for a while and then saw Shianni waving at them. There were a elven man and woman standing next to her. The woman was brown haired, and rather mousy looking. The man was a fair-haired and handsome. Elissa then noticed several human men behind them and she elbowed Soris to get his attention. They quit in astride, but one of the humans grab one of the wedding party.

"Let me go! Stop, please!"

The human smirked as she freed herself. "It's a party, isn't it? Grab a whore and have a good time." He laughed. "Savour the hunt, boys. Take this little elven wench, here… so young and vulnerable…"

Kallain felt the urge to strangle the human.

"Touch me and I'll gut you, you pick!" said Shianni as he advanced on her.

A man spoke. "Please, my lord! We're celebrating weddings, here!"

"Silence, worm!" he said hitting him across the face.

Beside her Soris attempted to block her path to stop her forward movement. "I know what you're thinking, but maybe we shouldn't get involved…"

Kallain looked at his hand. "Shianni will get herself killed!"

"Fine," said Soris, stepping back. He then moved to flank Kallain. "But let's try to be diplomatic, shall we?"

"What's this?" said the human walking up to Kallain and tracing his eyes along her body. "Another lovely one come to keep me company?"

She glared up at him. "You need to leave at once."

One of the humans laughed. "Ha! You hear that, Vaughan?"

The human in front of her then glared at her scoffed. "Do you have any idea who I am?"

While he was talking Shianni grabbed a bottle, Soris saw this and shook his head vigorously. The man noticed the digestion turned around in time to see Shianni striking the bottle against his head and he fell to the ground in a crumpled heap.

"Are you insane?!" one of the humans yelled. "This is Vaughan Urien, the Arl of Denerim's son!"

Shianni gasped. "W-what? Oh, Maker…"

Kallain quickly place herself between the man and Shianni. "Take him home. If you don't mention this, we won't."

The human sneered at her, but reconsiders attempt to reach Shianni. He just had one the other men, who picked up Vaughan. "You've got a lot of nerve, knife ears. This'll go badly for you."

They watched as they carried Vaughan away and Shianni rushed over to them still trying to make sense of everything that had happened. "Oh, I really messed up this time."

"It will be all right," Soris assured. "He won't tell anyone an elven woman took him down."

"I hope so." She then looked at herself. "I should get cleaned up."

Soris looked around. "Is everyone else all right?"

The mousy looking, brown haired elf woman nodded. "I think we're just shaken. What was that about?"

Soris laughed nervously. "Looks like the Arl's son started drinking too early. Um, well let's not let this ruin the day." He then turned to Kallain. "Uh, this is Valora, my betrothed."

Kallain then turned her eyes and handsome man. "Then this handsome man must be Nelaros."

He smiled as he gazed upon her. "I'm a lucky man to be so warmly welcomed."

Soris glanced from one to the other before moving off a little ways with Valora. "I'm… sure the two of you have a lot to discuss."

Nelaros began to move awkwardly as he gazed at her. "Well, here we are…" He looks slightly hot under the collar as if trying to find the right words. "Are you nervous?"

"Not really. You?"

"I thought I'd stay calm, but finally seeing you has made me…" He paused for a moment as he tried to contain his nervousness. "Well, let's just say I'm not calm."

"How was the trip from Highever?"

"Uneventful, thankfully. The trade cavern we acquired had little value; I think that kept the bandits away."

"I wouldn't mind some excitement," she said seductively.

Nelaros now look even more nervous. "My… aren't you spirited."

Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Soris leaning towards. "Come on, Cousin. We should let them get ready."

Valora grabbed Nelaros and they began walking away. "We'll see you two in a bit. Don't disappear on us."

"Or we'll come find you," Nelaros laughed.

Soris then elbowed her. "Don't look now, but we have another problem."

"Is it Vaughan? Has he returned?" She asked as she turned.

Soris shook his head. "More humans have just walked in. Could be a bunch of Vaughan's or just a random troublemakers."

She looked and found five well-armed individuals, three were human and one of them was a woman, the other two were dwarves both a man and woman. She noticed that one of the humans was holding a staff meaning he was a mage and at the woman heels was a large dog.

Soris then looked at her with a troubled look. "Either way, we need to move long before someone does something stupid."

Kallain nodded. "Right. Let's go talk to him."

"Let's do this quick."

In his ruminations, he almost denoted the two elves walking towards him. Elissa had to point them out for him, both them were well-dressed and he noticed the woman was wearing a wedding dress. He then remember that wedding was mentioned and that she must be the bride. He smiled and gave a polite bow. "Good day. I understand congratulations are in order for your impending wedding."

The elven girl returned the bow. "Thanks, but please go. I'd rather avoid unpleasantness."

Duncan looked up an amusement. It was not every day an elven woman walked up to him in her wedding dress towards a weld armed individual politely. "What manner of unpleasantness might you be referencing to?"

The elven girl shrugged. "The Alienage just isn't good place for humans to be."

"What about dwarves?" Faren asked.

"Them to," said the girl.

"I'm sorry, but I have no intention of leaving," said Duncan.

He could tell that the Elven girl was getting frustrated, but she maintained her composure. "Fine. Maybe we can compromise."

Duncan smiled. "She keeps her composure, even when facing down an unknown and armed humans, dwarves and a mage. A true gift, wouldn't you say, Valendrain?"

The elderly elf then walked up to him and gave the two young elves pointed looks. "I would say the world has far more use of those who know how to steady their blades." The two young elves looked utterly astonished. "It's good to see you again, my old friend. It's been far too long."

The girl stared at them and then shook her head before turning to Valdendrain. "You know this human, Elder?"

"My I present Duncan, head of the Grey Wardens of Ferelden and several of his recruits."

Duncan looked at the elven girl and realise she bears a resemblance to Adaia and realise that this must be her daughter Kallain. From what he had heard she had trained her daughter in the use of weapons and poisons.

Kallain stared up at Duncan. "Why would a Grey Warden come here?"

"The worst has happened: a Blight has begun. King Cailan summons the Grey Wardens to Ostagar to fight the darkspawn horde alongside his armies," Duncan explained.

Valendrain shifted uncontrollably. "Yes… I had heard the news. Still, this is an awkward time. There's to be a wedding—two, in fact."

Duncan examined the young girl. "So I see. By all means, attend to your ceremonies. My concerns can wait, for now." He said reassuringly.

Duncan could notice the unknown to worry in Valendrain's voice. "Very well. Children, treat Duncan as my guest. And for the Maker's sake, take your places!"

He then left leaving Duncan and his recruits with the two elves.

"Please, do not let me interfere further. We shall speak more later," said Duncan, but while the young boy left the girl remained. "Was there something else?"

Kallain nodded. "I have some questions."

Duncan raised an eyebrow. "By all means."

"How do you know the elder?"

"Valendrain and I have known each other for almost twenty years… since the time I try to recruit your mother, in fact." Duncan responded, with a note of amusement in his voice.

Kallain stared at him. "You try to recruit my mother?"

Duncan smiled fondly of the memory. "I did. Your mother was a fiery woman. She would have made an excellent Grey Warden."

Kallain looked at him curiously. "So what happened?"

Duncan sighed. "I never made the offer. Valendarin convinced me that it was better for her to remain here with her family. As there was no Blight and there is no immediate need for recruits, I defer to his wishes. But it seems she passed her training and you, am I right?"

Kallain looked up. "How did you know that?"

"I have already heard a great deal about you, if you must know. But we can speak more this later. You have a wedding to attend."

"Before you go can you ask me a question?" Elissa asked.

Kallain looks at her. "What do you want to know?"

"I've heard there was an incident with the Arl of Denerim's son what exactly happened?"

Kallain looked uneasy. "He was looking for a few women like it was some sort of hunt. Then one of my cousins hit him across the head with a bottle."

"Nice," said Faren smiling.

Elissa sighed. "The Arl Urien is a decent enough man, but his son Vaughan is hot-headed and makes for very poor heir."

Kallain blinked. "You know him?"

"We've met and he attempted to have his way with me, but he got off me when I tossed him over my shoulder and told him as he made a move like that again I cut his bits off."

Kallain stared at her. "And you weren't arrested?"

Elissa of the back of the head and uneasily. "There was not much he could do since my father is…" She stopped herself, "was the Teryn of Highever."

Kallain looked at her as if she fell out of the sky. "I must be going."

They watched as the young elven woman left.

"I think you certainly made an impression on the girl," said Faren.

Elissa shrugged. "I'm going head to the palace and see if I can't get some help. If the King is not here can always speak to the Queen."

They watched her as she left with Barkspawn following her close behind.

"She still hasn't gotten over it," said Daylen.

"I don't think it's something you can get over," said Sereda closing her eyes.

Duncan just stood there, he could hear the voices that were telling him that his Calling was coming soon. He didn't have much time, but could at least pass his teachings down to his new recruits. He only hope that it would be enough in order to end the Blight.