A/N: A huge thanks to Eva Galana and Linette23 for looking though this chapter for me.

A little blood with that Fade. Dwarves, politics and golems. Dead men walking.

The past two days have been rather hectic, but now we now have the help of the Circle of Magi. It was not that difficult; all we had to do was rid the tower of some annoying abominations and blood mages. Oh and we all were able to take an insanely pointless trip into the fade. All in a day's work for a Grey Warden. Tis a day I am not eager to relive.

We have a new member in our every growing group of strangeness. He is an elf, his name is Zevran and he tried to kill me.

We came across Zevran on our walk from Lothering to the Circle. We just happened to strolled into one of the most poorly set trap/ambush I have ever seen. Calling it poorly set is being extremely kind. I really expected more from highly trained assassins.

I left Zevran alive because I wanted to know who sent them. Loghain's name came up, just as I assumed it would. He had been paid good gold to dispose of two Wardens.

Then the begging began, I am a firm believer in second chances. My decision to let Zevran live was met by much disgust, but when THEY decided to take the lead then THEY can tell me what to do. Otherwise, they can all bite me.

"I still say we should have killed the stupid elf."

I took Lelianna, Alistair and Morrigan with me into the Circle tower. Which was just me begging for a massive headache. Why do my best fighters happen to be my biggest complainers?

"HEY! I did not complain; I called it constructive disapproval." He huffed.

The tower was in a state of chaos upon our arrival. Wounded templar's were everywhere, more were pouring in by the minute. I spotted the Knight-Commander straight away. He stood in the middle of the hallway barking orders, as the Commander types usually do.

I told him who I was and why I was here. He informed me that the Circle was in disarray and was in no shape to help anyone. No shit, as if I couldn't see the chaos for myself.

Knight-Commander Greagoir told me he had called upon the Right of Annulment, but it had not arrived yet, thank goodness. I offered my services, he refused, I insisted, he finally gave in. My stubbornness is far superior to that of any man's. That is what Fergus always told me.

Greagoir said would call off the Right of Annulment ONLY if he heard from the first enchanter himself that all blood mages and abominations were gone from the tower

We ran into the mage I met at Ostagar, Wynne. Thank goodness, she survived Ostagar! She didn't trust us at first, assuming we had been sent to kill them all. Once I explained to her I was there to save the Mages and not dispose of them (much to Morrgians loud objections and disgust), she joined us on our mission to clear the tower, and look for the first enchanter.

Before we set off, Wynne told us of a blood Mage named Uldred. He was the cause of all the chaos, it a rebellion of sorts, against the chantry's control. I would say it did more harm to the Mages than help.

Abominations are fucking scary! I was shocked at how big and powerful they were. I prefer them staying in the fade where they belong. Blood Mages are easily disposable; I did feel bad killing them. They were lead into believing this was the only road opened to them, but that still does not excuse their actions.

I mentioned a pointless trip into the fade. We ran into a Sloth demon, before we knew it we were separated and in the fade.

"Finally!" he would know what she had seen in her Fade. She had been so hell bent on keeping hers a secret from everyone. Something he had always considered extremely unfair since she had seen everyone else's fears and deepest desires.

When I came to, I was in front of the Weisshaupt fortress in the Anderfels. I am still not sure how I knew what the building in front of me was, but I feel that is unimportant in the grand scheme of things.

When I saw the platform, some little voice in my brain me told me I needed to be there. Duncan stood in the middle of the platform. I was so excited to see him I thought my heart would burst.

"Wait a damn minute." He glared furiously at the journal. "Why did you dream of Duncan? I knew him longer!" A terrifying thought crossed Alistair's mind. "What if her greatest desire was really Duncan? Good maker, what if she settled for me?" He quickly deemed these ideas to be unbelievably stupid and immediate dismissed them from his mind.

I do not remember what we said to one another, but the moment he spoke, I knew it was not the real Duncan. My second clue came when he attacked me, my third came when I was able to beat him with great ease.

I remember being able to change into a mouse, golem, a flaming dead man and a fade spirit. It is the first time I have ever had to use Lyrium to heal myself. It made my head spin. Escaping from reality if only for only a moment was rather nice.

Alistair groaned. "I doubt that was the start of it all, but it certainly didn't help."

I think Alistair has a sister at least that is how he introduced the image standing next to him. If he does truly have a sister, then I am indeed happy for him.

Morrigan saw through the whole charade.

Wynne feels responsible for the deaths of her fellow Circle Mages. Thank goodness, I sent Leliana back before we entered; no doubt, her fade would have something to do with the chantry.

Sloth appeared to be surprised someone figured out his well thought up traps. Since I wasn't interested in his lies, a fight ensued. Beating Sloth was a chore; he kept changing his shape, as did I. Once we defeated him, we were back into the real world.

It was obvious by Uldred's actions; a pride demon had taken possession of him. I do not know why the daemon thought using blood Mages, and Abominations would be a good idea. I thankfully do not understand the inner workings of a daemon's mind.

ONCE AGAIN fighting ensued. This fight was nowhere near as long as our fight with Sloth, but it was just as irritating. Abominations were trying to hit me while I was trying to get a clear shoot at Uldred with my arrows. Eventually, I was able to defeat the abomination that was once Uldred.

Thankfully, the first enchanter was alive and well, but very clearly shaken. Once we reached the main hall, a surprised and relieved Knight-Commander Greagoir met us. True to his word, he believed first enchanter Irving when he said the tower was under control and safe for now.

I wonder why Irving didn't use his own magic to stop Uldred? Maybe I have greatly misunderstood what the title first enchanter's title entails; perhaps his power is about wisdom than the actual using of magic. I would ask him, but I am by no means anxious to return to the tower any time soon.

"I don't believe any of us were. Yet here I am."

Wynne has decided to join us, I think she might be the sanest person here. I guess every group of rebels needs a voice of reason.

I think we all need a couple of days of rest before heading to Orzammar. It is a rest that is well deserved and needed.

The last week has been long, brutal and exhausting both emotionally and physically. I will begin at camp since that is the first thing that comes to mind. We were just outside of Orzammar, when I decided I needed to learn more about my companions.

I spoke with Alistair first, I know, what a huge shock. I have learned from Alistair that Grey Wardens only live for thirty years. Which is far longer than I expect to live given the current situation, it really doesn't bother me much?

"I remember being fairly disturbed by your lack of surprise. Our death sentence has always bothered me." He remembered when Duncan finally told him. He had nearly fainted. At least he had kept his urge to cry in front of the other Warden's under control.

There is also the Warden appetite I heard about from the other Warden's in Ostagar. I haven't even noticed since I already eat as if I'm starving. Now I can blame it on the taint!

I also might have told Alistair how attractive I think he is. It slipped before I could stop it from coming out. Much to my surprise, HE CALLED ME PRETTY! I have never, in all my life been told that I'm pretty before! I did not do much talking with anyone else after that conversation. Well, other than Leliana, who wanted to know how my attempt at flirting went.

"Oh yes, I remember that unfortunate conversation. I kicked myself later for calling you pretty. It was all my brain could come up with at the spur of the moment, I was also extremely nervous." Yet his fumbling of words didn't seem to discourage her in the slightest.

I will try to summarize everything that happened in Orzammar, although it might be difficult since so much happened.

I find the amount of bullshit involved in dwarven politics to be truly amazing. It is actually no different than human politics, but dwarves can get away with killing each other out in the open without any repercussions. How lucky for them.

Orzammar was in a state of civil war due to King Endrin Aeducan sudden death. This left the throne empty and two sides wanting to control it. This is always the story when it comes to an empty throne.

Alistair chuckled bitterly. "That the truth."

Bhelen Aeducan is whom I supported. Yes, he is ruthless, but something about Bhelen told me he would be better for the people than Lord Harrowmont would. Like most of my decisions, I'll most likely end up regretting it later. This is why I didn't want to be a leader.

Gaining support was long and tedious and ended up taking us into the deep roads, but we have a new member. His name is Oghren; he's is a warrior cast dwarf who joined us on our journey into the deep roads in order to search for his wife Branka. She happened to be the paragon noble we were looking for to settle the issue of the throne. She and her entire household went into the deep roads two years ago, in order to find the Anvil of the Void, which holds the secrets to creating golems.

I can see why Grey Wardens choose to come to the deep roads to die; there is no shortage of darkspawn to fight. Some are scarier than others are. The broodmother being one of the scarier darkspawn we have come across to date.

Alistair shuddered at the mentioning of the broodmother. He hoped never to again across that particular darkspawn.

She had arms and tentacles and they went EVERYWHERE. Goodness, it was horrible and scary. Sometimes I really do hate this job; I don't like fighting monsters all of the time and making hard decisions that piss off someone or another…oops, got a bit off topic there.

"I had no idea you hated it so much. I thought you enjoyed doing so since you lead us so naturally." Guilt reared it's ugly head within him once again. "There isn't much I can do about it now, but hope I can actually lead, and be as fair as you once were."

We found Branka and she was rather obsessed with the Anvil. We also found creator of golems, Caridin who was a golem himself.

I happened to have read some books on the dwarven King during the first blight. The King condemned Caridin into the body of a golem for his refusal to use the Anvil. Amazing he has been alive this long.

Caridin begged me to help him destroy the Anvil. Branka begged me not to. I chose to destroy it, because the last thing the world needs is uncontrollable golems. Branka turned on us. I didn't want to kill her, but she left me no choice. I feel so bad for Oghren.

Before he destroyed the Anvil of the void and himself, Caridin forged a crown and supported whom ever I saw fit. Shortly afterwards Bhelen was crowned and now we have the help of the dwarves when the time comes for the final battle.

Bhelen said that he knew his fellow Prince Alistair would recognize his rightful place. Prince? Why did Bhelen call Alistair that? Is there something I don't know about Alistair?

"I knew that would come back to bite me."

Now we are off to Redcliffe to seek help from Arl Eamon. Alistair insists he should not put off our visit any longer.

I am almost too furious to write, damn that man for not telling me who his father is! It would have been nice to know he is an heir to the throne! I am, of course talking about Alistair. It was stupid of me not figuring it out sooner.

Clues were all around me, Cailan and Alistair do share similar traits; Alistair is just tanner, shorter hair, and a bit of stubble. He kept it from be because "he was scared of how I might react". Be a fucking man about it and just tell me! I'm angry and not making any sense. I need to get a drink of water and calm myself before writing anymore.

"I knew she was far angrier than she was letting on. I can't say I blame you." He sighed. "But YOU weren't exactly forthcoming about your nobility and what happened with your family. Which isn't as big as being a half prince, but it still would have been nice to hear it from you instead of hearing about it from Wynne first."

Nope, still not calm. I have some time before dusk sets in. I might as well write about some of my other slightly less secretive companions who well…..still only somewhat trusts me.

"Ouch. That wounds me deeply." He chuckled softly and rolled his eyes. She would get over such thoughts soon enough. Elissa rare ever held grudges.

I was right about Leliana; she was a Bard in Orlais before entering into the Chantry. Oh and apparently, she has a crush on me. She is very beautiful and I'm very flattered, but I don't exactly swing that way. I was slightly more diplomatic in letting her know we are friends and that is all we shall ever be.

"I knew that little minx could attract all types."

Morrigan wants me to kill Flemeth. I'm actually tempted to do it. It turns out Flemeth has been able to stay alive so long by inhabiting the body of whatever daughter she has on hand. I have already told Morrgian I would do it, but I'm still waiting for the right time to do so.

Zevran is a hopeless flirt. He has offered to assassinate my virginity more than once. I have to admit his shameless flirting does make me giggle sometimes. This is far more than some half-princes who don't trust me with huge secrets.

"Oh for Maker's sake, just let it go already!" He rolled his eyes.

Sten lost his sword, which I have told him I will find. He doesn't believe me, but likes the thought of my caring anyways. I'll show him, now I'll just find it to prove to him not all humans are scattered brained morons.

Oghren drinks A LOT.

Wynne asks me more questions than I ask her. Which bothers me some, but I found myself telling her how I became a Warden; she told me of her childhood, which despite spending all of her time in the tower was very interesting. She told me of all the pranks she would pull on the other older mages.

Something troubles Wynne, I can see it in her eyes, but I will give her time. I hope she'll soon trust me with whatever it may be.

We are in Redcliffe; the village is under attack nightly by….well no one is really sure what they are, but it's something that takes people with them. Oh and Arl Eamon is sick. Good to know this will be an easy job. That was sarcasm, of course.

Bann Teagan explained most of the situation to us upon our arrival. Whatever information he didn't give us, the town mayor and Ser Perth did.

I know we are in the middle of a crisis here, but I had to flirt with Teagan. It was almost an uncontrollable urge; I am determined to make that man blush. It didn't work this time either. Someday I will make that man blush I swear it!

"Why don't I remember that?" He then remembered she had asked him to go back to camp for the time being. "Oh, so that's why." He chuckled softly.

We have united the people of Radcliffe, got the drunken blacksmith to make weapons for everyone, found a little lost boy, liberated a barmaid, gathered religious and useless charms from the knights. Now I'm going to sit here and admire the beauty that comes in the form of Ser Perth. I'll write more after we figure out what is going on here.

Ser Perth? Come on now Eli, so I hid who my real father is from you; get over it already and move on."

I have but only a moment to write before we storm Redcliffe Castle. I've decided life is far too short to remain mad at someone for not telling me of his family lineage.

Dead men, that is what was plaguing Redcliffe village. The walking dead, wow that sure was special. However, on the plus side, we saved the village.

Now there is the problem of where those things came from and finding out what is wrong with Arl Eamon.

I have finally meet Arlessa Isolde. The woman is every bit as pleasant as Alistair described, if not more so. She begged Teagan to come with her to the castle. It reeks of a trap, but I said nothing. Before he left Teagan told me of the secret door in the windmill, he handed me a key and left. Ser Perth will be waiting just outside of the castle gates as per Bann Teagan's order.

That is all I have time for now. Leliana is looking at me with impatience, as are Wynne and Alistair. I will write more after everything is finished.