Werewolves, Dalish and Curses, Oh My!
They had begun their search for the Dalish Elves. They had heard along their way around the country that there was a clan of Dalish inside the Brecilian Forest. This made Aedan worried for a number of reasons. 1: This territory was further down south where darkspawn pretty much had free reign thanks to Loghain's negligence. 2: The Dalish were considered to be merely a myth because of their ability to not be found unless they wanted to be, so going into the Brecilian and finding nothing would only waste precious time. 3: Even if they did find the free elves, they may not have the numbers the Wardens need to combat the Blight or even want to send their own to die for human problems. 4: Most importantly, the Dalish may just kill them rather than lend any assistance.
As they entered the supposed haunted forest Aedan's mind drifted back to the conversation him and Morrigan had since they left Soldier's Peak.
Flash Back….
Aedan sat at his desk late at night after everyone had gone to bed, overlooking the expenses and needs of his growing army. His forces were steadily growing, but he wasn't sure they were ready to combat the Blight, and Aedan didn't want to risk their numbers and supplies fighting Loghain. The constant assessing and evaluating was causing Aedan's head to hurt so much he decided to start drawing to take his mind off of the stresses of his duty. Just as he was about to set his pencil to paper there was a knock on his door. It was Morrigan. She entered his room and slowly, quietly walked up to him, her face was plastured with confusion and…regret? "I wish to ask something of you." She announced quietly and averting his eyes.
"Oh? What about?"
"I wish to know your opinion of…love." She finally mustered.
This was most curious. "My opinion?"
"You and I have been…intimate for some time. You even fought Flemeth for me without hope of reward." Morrigan explained, her hands fidgeting with each other. "I feel…anxious when I look upon you, my heart races and I feel…weak whenever I see you in danger. I detest this sense of dependency, 'tis is a weakness I abhor. If this is love then I wish to ascertain that you do not feel the same way. Please. Please, tell me 'tis so." The witch beseeched.
Aedan couldn't understand what she was saying. She had told him once that love is a weakness, one that she refused to suffer. No doubt a lesson she learned from Flemeth's warped mind. Aedan didn't know how to respond. Did he really have such an impact on her that she was questioning her own beliefs? Did he love her? Morrigan was unlike any woman he'd ever been with; more than beautiful, she was mysterious, fierce and independant. And as much as she may have yearned for it otherwise, he couldn't bring himself to tell her falsely. "And if I do love you?"
Her eyes became shocked and her voice became frantic. "Then we are both fools and we must do something about it." She declared as if this emotional revelation was some kind of disease. "I have allowed myself to become…too close. This a weakness for us both."
Aedan tried bring his hand to Morrigan's face but she pulled away from him. "Love is not a weakness, Morrigan." He tried to assure her.
"You are not listening!" She argued. "Do not be such a blind fool! I am not like other women. I am not worthy of your distraction, and you are not worthy of mine."
"Why are you so afraid of this, Morrigan?" Aedan asked urgently.
"Tis all so…unexpected." She admitted. "I have no experience with it. Yet I find myself…wanting it, hungering for more of it. For you." Morrigan's eyes went wide with shock at what she just said. "No. No this isn't right. This isn't what I want. I can't live like this. Please. Please, release me." She begged. "Release me, and make me believe you and I…will be grateful."
Aedan could see the desperation in her eyes. Why did this frighten her so much? Was having love for someone truly so terrible to her. He gently took her hands into his and looked at her eyes longingly. "I...I don't want this to end, Morrigan."
Morrigan's eyes flashed with anger and she yanked her hands out of Aedan. "You miserable, selfish bastard!" Morrigan's right hand sharply smacked angrily across Aedan's face leaving a red blemish and loud clap on his cheek. Aedan's face snapped to the side, but he didn't respond to her strike. The anger in her eyes quickly turned into sorrow. She grabbed his face and pulled it to hers, pouring all her passion and sorrow into a heartfealt kiss. When their faces separated hers was filled with even more regret. "You will regret this, and so will I." she promised sorrowfully. "And perhaps that is simply how it must be."
She turned from him and tried to leave, but Aedan wrapped his arms around and tried to give her comfort. She let out a longing gasp as he kissed her neck longingly. "No matter what happens, Morrigan." He whispered into his lover's ear. "I will never regret loving you."
Morrigan's eyes were now on the verge of weeping but she couldn't let her weakness be seen by him. "If…if only I could feel the same." She released herself from his loving arms and quickly ran out of her love's room, weeping tears of sorrow and regret as she went. Morrigan couldn't bring herself to look him in the eye the same way again.
Back to the Present….
Ever since then Morrigan had been avoiding him, not speaking to him but kept her barbed tongue pointed towards everyone else.
They had been searching for at least two days now and still found nothing. Aedan went as far as calling out to the Dalish saying that they were in need of assistance but to no avail. On the third day they continued their search and traveled further into the forest than they had intended. That was when they appeared, seemingly out of nowhere, the Dalish Elves! Aedan could scarcely believe it. They just appeared so suddenly, like apparitions, as if from the forest itself had hidden them, and they were all armed. Now if they could sneak up on them like this, Aedan wanted to see how well they could sneak up on darkspawn.
"Stop right there, outsider!" said the blonde elf in charge. "The Dalish have camped in this spot. I suggest you go elsewhere, and quickly." Her tone was not only threatening, it was promising.
Aedan noticed that all the Dalish elves had intricate tattoos on their faces, they reminded him of the tattoos the Avvar and the Chasind use. He also noticed that there were at least 20 archers with arrows pointed at them. Aedan had no desire to fight these elves so he would have to use everything his parents taught him of diplomacy.
"Actually, we've been looking for the Dalish Elves." Alistair admitted.
"I find that hard to believe." The same elf said skeptically. "What business could our clan have with a group like yours?"
"We are Grey Wardens and we have come here for the Dalish to uphold the treaties they signed with our Order for assistance in times of a Blight." Aedan said authoritively.
"Grey Wardens? But…. How do I know that what you are saying is true?" The elf questioned.
"How many people actually come to you and say they're Wardens?" Aedan snorted.
"That's true, Mithra, it wouldn't help these…people much by pretending something there not. Especially when they claim to be Wardens." A fellow Dalish pointed out.
"You raise an interesting point, lethalan." Mithra confirmed and turned back towards Aedan's company. "I will let our Keeper speak to you. In the camp I suggest you keep to your best behavior and know that our arrows are still trained on you."
As they entered the camp Aedan saw what a marvel the Dalish were. Their "camp" for lack of a better word was more akin to a large community rather than a small tribe. Their wagons, called Aravels, were flagged with their clan's banner on what looked like sails on top of them. Were these capable of floating on water? Towards the back of the camp were the mythical white stags of the Dalish, the Halla. Aedan had hunted plenty of deer but these Halla were much larger than deer and looked strong and capable enough to carry a rider on their backs. He also noticed that they had intricately formed antlers. Aedan read in a book once that the Halla were companions of the Dalish people just as the Mabari were for the Fereldan people, or as the Griffons originally once were for the Ortho tribesman of the Anderfels.
Mithra lead them through the camp until they reached who Aedan guessed was their leader. A tall man for an elf, even taller than some humans, infact he stood a foot taller than Aedan. He was an old elf, but it was impossible to determine his age with the lack of wrinkles on his face, and his bald head lacked any greying hairs. But Aedan could feel the long years of experience and seasons that seemed to radiate off him, almost akin to the presence Wynne carried. There was an air of authority around him, but not like that of a commander or leader, but more that of a teacher or a priest. He noticed all the other elves had a way of looking at him, like most children would look at their father.
"Hmm, I see we have guests." The old elf asked in an intrigued but neutral tone. All of a sudden Dane lunged out and begun barking and snarling furiously at the old mage. "Hmph! And I see they have brought a hound with them. As if we haven't had enough of our fair share of these wreteched animals." The elder elf scoffed.
"Dane, heel." Aedan called to his dog who loyally complied. That was strange. Usually Dane was very sociable, but something about this old elf made Dane very angry. Aedan took it as a sign to be wary, after all, Mabari were not known for leading their partners astray.
"Who are these strangers, Mithra? I have precious little time for visitors today." The Keeper asked the hunter vexingly.
"This one claims to be a Grey Warden, Zathrian." The hunter answered obediently. "I thought it would be best for you to speak with them."
"That was wise of you, Mithra. Dareth Shiral."
"Ma nuvenin, Keeper." And with that the young hunter took her leave.
"Now, please allow me to introduce myself. I am Zathrian, the keeper of this clan and you are…?"
"My name is Aedan Cousland, representing the Grey Wardens of Ferelden. A pleasure to meet you." Aedan said with as much courtesy as he could muster while giving a respectful bow.
The keeper raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Manners? From a shemlen? Interesting. No doubt you are here to inform us of the Blight that has stricken this land, yes?"
"Actually I have come here to request assistance combating the Blight and to see the agreement between your people and my Order is honored."
"You are referring to the treaty we made with your Order? I figured as much. I have been aware of the Blight's corruption for sometime and have been trying to move my clan westword."
"Does that mean you won't honor the treaties your people signed?" Aedan asked worrisome that all of this would have been a waste of time.
"No, the Dalish are not a people who go back on their word, but I'm afraid we may not be able to lend your Order any assistance." The Keeper said in a solemn and sad voice. "Come, this will require explaning." Zathrian motioned them to follow him and he led them to a part of the camp that looked like it was under quarantine. As they went past the tents they saw dozens of elves all bloodied and wounded, lying on stretchers and makeshift cots with all the nurses tirelessly trying to tend to all of them.
"My clan came to the Brecillian forest a month ago, we are well aware of the dangers that lie within these woods, but we did not expect the werewolves to lying in wait for us. We were…ambushed and although we drove the beasts back, many of our warriors and hunters lay dying as we speak. Even with all of our magic and healing skills we cannot save all of them."
Aedan could scarcely believe his ears "Werewolves? Here?" he said while tracing his fingers on the winged laurel wreath adorning the shield strapped to his back.
"Yes, there was a time when there were many in this country." The elf answered.
"Flemeth once told me that werewolve once overran these lands, that werewolves were possessed beasts, not unlike abominations." Morrigan explained obviously intrigued.
"I understand that the Blight must be stopped and that it is your duty to combat it, but we are in no position to help. I am sorry." Zathrian explained sincerely.
Aedan could understand the clan's plight, however, no matter what his duty to his country demanded that he could not leave these woods without further assistance. He had to find some way to help these elves. Besides his family was raised to the status Teryn by leading successful campaigns against the werewolves. There was no way he was going to miss this opprutunity to carry on an old family tradition. "There must be some way to help your warriors. To combat this Blight we need as much help as we can get, the simplest of soldiers might make all the difference."
"Perhaps there is a way you can help us. Within these woods there is a great wolf, Witherfang, it is from him that the curse originates. If I were to have his heart I might, perhaps, be able to cure our hunters from the affliction in there veins." The Keeper explained.
"You said 'perhaps'." Wynne observed.
"There is no gurantee that this is what will cure our wounded. I have sent hunters into the woods bring back Witherfang's heart themselves but they have not returned, and I cannot risk sending more of my clan. If you were to help us in this matter we would owe you greatly."
"Enough to help the Grey Wardens stop the darkspawn?" Aedan asked.
"Without hesitation." The Keeper confirmed.
"Then we have an agreement."
"I cannot thank you enough, then. Please feel free to explore the camp and trade with our craftsmaster I only ask that you behave yourselves and keep that witch away from our children." Zathrian warned glaring at Morrigan.
Morrigan looked both amused and insulted. "You speak to me in that tone when you have been offered assistance? You are either very brave or foolish."
"You speak with both arrogance and ignorance, witch." Zathrian said the word as if it were bitter wine. "I would expect nothing less from a daughter of Asha'bellenar."
That name, it was the Dalish name for Flemeth. It translated as "Woman of many Years". Aedan stepped in front of Morrigan defensively. "She is here to assist the Grey Wardens, I assure you she will do you or yours no harm."
Unless you give me a reason. Morrigan thought to herself.
Zathrian gave you her a cold hard stare then looked over to Aedan. "I'm afraid I have much to do. If you have any questions, please seek out my First, Lanaya. May the Creators speed your way." the Keeper turned from the Wardens and took his leave.
"How will we know were to find Witherfang?" Aedan called as the Keeper walked away.
"Watch for the white wolves." Zathrian called back. "They are his eyes and ears."
Aedan and his companions decided to all go look around the camp and try their best not to upset these people. As Aedan went to go look for the craftsmaster a young Dalish woman approached him. She was a comely young lass with green eyes, honey blonde hair tied into two tight buns at the back of her head, and her tattoos somehow made her seem much prettier.
"Andarin Atishan, Grey Warden." The young elf greeted politley. "I am Lanaya, Zathrian's First and I give you the welcome of our clan."
Aedan noticed that her accent was different than the rest of the Dalish elves, as if she had to learn how to speak that way instead of growing up into it. "First? First of what?"
"Your kind would call me an 'apprentice'. I have studied under the Keeper all my life."
"Studied what, exactly?" Aedan inquired.
"The ways of our ancestors, of course." She answered. "I have studied the history and magic that has been passed down through our people since the days of Arlathan."
"It sounds like you've done much with yourself." Aedan commented.
"No. Not really." Lanaya waved off with bashful modesty. "Surely as a Grey Warden you've seen things and gone to places I could never dream of." Lanaya shuffled her feet nervously and shyly dodged his eyes. "I…am a bit curious about the outside world. Would you mind if I asked you a question or two?"
"You asked me a question just now, actually." He answered humorously.
"What an odd thing to say." She laughed. "I meant about the outside world."
Aedan smiled at her. "I'll answer to the best of my ability."
"I hear that the human cities are very large: thousands upon thousands of souls all packed together in their houses. Is that true?" The young apprentice asked wide-eyed.
"You've never been to a city before?"
"The few settlements I have been to were small settlements. I have never experienced anything a permenant as a city."
"Well, I don't know about thousands upon thousands packed together, but yes several cities I've been to have tens of thousands of inhabitants."
"How loud it must be with everyone talking all at once. I try to imagine those of our kind living in such a place. It…is a difficult thought." Lanaya said sadly.
"They are used to it, just as the humans are."
"Being accustomed to hardship and pain doesn't make it any less tragic." Lanaya lamented. "My heart goes out to the elves who live in such conditions."
Aedan was reminded of sweet Iona and how she might have felt about Lanaya's assertions about the lot of City Elves. "Well, that depends on what walls of stone and indifference you're talking about, Lanaya."
"What do you mean? Are you saying that elves are better in some places than they are in others?"
"Sad truth is, no where in the world do the elves have it easy, but at least in Ferelden an elf can make something of themselves if they should choose to. Here an elf can learn a trade, own a business and no matter how lowly their job may be they are justly compensated for their work. In Orlais they are, at best, treated like lowly servants and are paid in the promise of eventual payment, and at worst they are treated like pets. And I think you and I both know what the lot of elves in Tevinter is like."
"I suppose you've seen enough of the world to know that." She pointed out almost enviously.
Now it was Aedan's turn to ask a question or two. "I noticed that your accent is different from the rest of your clan, why is that?"
"I was not born among the Dalish, I came to the clan when I was very young." Lanaya began to tell Aedan of the sad tale of how she became one of the Dalish. At first he felt sympathy for her but then he couldn't help but admire how she became Zathrian's First through hard work and determination. She spoke of Zathrian with such awe and revenance but Aedan became wary of him after Lanaya told him of how her Keeper was a terrible force to be reckoned with when roused.
"How long has Zathrian led this clan?" Aedan asked.
"He has always been the clan leader, for three hundred years in fact." Lanaya answered simply.
Three hundred years!? He was about as old as Ferelden was as a united kindom! "How…how is that possible?" Aedan asked disbelievingly.
"Our ancestors used to be immortal, and with time and seclusion we too shall regain it." Lanaya countiued to explain.
"Yes, but why him and not others?"
"We Dalish live longer lives than humans anyway, but Zathrian claims it is because of his intunement to nature."
Aedan could scarecely believe it, if the Ancient elves were immortal then losing so many centuries and not just millennia of knowledge was heartbreaking even to Aedan. This alone made the elves hatred for humans justified.
"He has led the clan with wisdom and truth for all these centuries but he has also lost much." Lanaya continued.
"Lost much? What do you mean?"
That's when Lanaya knew she had said too much but still felt compeled to answer the shemlen question. "He lost both of his children a very long time ago." She said sorrowfully. "The circumstances were…very violent."
"I see." Aedan responded sympathetically.
"I have one more question: do your people regret what they did to ours?" Lanaya asked intently.
Aedan thought for a moment. "You're asking a difficult question with no easy answer. Do I feel that what happened to your people was tragic? Yes, most definetly. No one has the right to take from another what's not theirs. The Chantry broke Andraste's promise and for that I hope every Chantry and Orlesian usurper who stole the Dales burns in hell. But do I feel responsible about what happened to you? No. Not at all."
"Why not?" The young mage inquired almost offended.
"Despite what you may think, my ancestors had nothing to do with the destruction of Arlathan or the downfall of the Dales." Aedan explained. "During the sacking of the Dales my ancestors were still warring tribesman and two thirds of us didn't even know what the Chantry was, infact up until three centuries ago we weren't even a kingdom. So, while I feel sympathy for what happened to your people, I feel no responsibility for it."
"And yet, those of you who do feel regret do nothing." Lanaya continued.
"No. Why should we?" Aedan asked flaltly. "We've all got our own problems to deal with. For example, eighty years ago my people were conquered by the Orlesian Empire in almost the same fashion that your homeland was conquered. If we came to your people for aid would you have given it?" Aedan rebutted. "Don't answer that question. We both know the answer."
With both their questions answered Lanaya pointed Aedan towards the craftsmaster, if Aedan was going to go werewolf hunting he was going to need fresh supplies. As Aedan made his way over to Master Varathorn he noticed Oghren was there as well.
"What are you doing? You've warped the wood entirely! Did you leave it in the rain!?" Varathorn lectured at a young elf who was must've been his apprentice.
"N-no, Master Varathorn. The wood wasn't taking form so I thought it needed more heat…"
"Your not smelting ore like a durgen'len. This is living wood! It requires patience and delicate hands!"
"Elves and their woodshaping, its unnantural." Oghren commented skeptically. The thought of using wood to make weapons was very alien to him. "Why use wood when you've got perfectly good steel or stone?"
"Spoken like a true Child of the Stone, my friend." Varathorn answered condescendingly.
"Who you calling a child, old man?" The dwarf retorted in a huff.
Wait, all these weapons were made of wood? Impossible! Aedan took a good look at all their arms and armor. They were all of high quality make, yes, but surely they couldn't be made of wood. Varathorn shooed his apprentice away and noticed that the human had a bewildered look on his face.
"Greetings. I am Varathorn, the clan's craftsmaster, is there something I can help you with?"
"Yes, uh, may I get a better look at one of your swords?" Aedan asked apprehensively.
"Certaintly." Varathorn answered almost gleefuly.
He handed Aedan one of his blades hanging on his aravel's wall. Aedan couldn't help but be in awe of such a beautiful weapon. It was a curved, one edged longsword, similar to the Green Blade Bevin lent him at Redcliffe, but it shined with a white and blue hue. He felt the weight of it, it was light as feather! He glided his hand gently against the blade, it was so smooth and didn't feel like steel at all; it felt like the grain of wood and it was much more flexible than and twice as sharp as any steel sword.
The Craftsmaster had a smile on his face, pleased that a human was admiring his people's craftsmanship.
"This is a beautiful weapon, ser and you say it's made of wood?" Aedan asked.
"Yes, ironbark to exact. We craftsmasters try our best to remember the forgotten forging crafts of our ancestors and what we do know we pass down to our apprentices only." Varathorn explained.
"Well, what you do know, most of our smiths pale compare to your work." Aedan complimented handing the blade back.
"You are most kind to say so." Varathron said gently taking back the blade and placing it with his other fine works.
"How much ironbark do you have?"
"Not very much I'm afraid. We had just ran out when the werewolves attacked and with the Keeper forbidding us to enter the forest I have not been able to restock our storage."
"I'm going into the forests to find Witherfang, perhaps I can search for some for you."
"I would be hesitant to ask, but I would be most grateful." The craftmaster said not expecting a human to help him.
"Where would I find some?"
"It is usually found on trees that have fallen from great age, but not cut down."
"If I see some I'll bring it back to you."
"That would please me, so long as our hunters come first."
As Aedan made the purchases of potions and kits that they were going to need a pair of gloves caught his eye. Aedan remembered Zevran telling him about how found he was of leather and about the gloves he had when he was a child but were taken from him when he was recruited into the Crows. He was sure Zevran would love to have something that reminded of his mother in his possession.
Aedan found the Assassin sitting with a bunch of other elves around the clan's Hahren, or Historian/Storyteller. Aedan guessed Zevran was trying to reconnect with his Dalish roots judging by how enraptured he was at the stories being told. When Aedan gave Zevran the gloves Zevran was taken aback, no one had just given him something unless he had a knife to their thoat first. Zevran thanked the Warden and Aedan was just glad that his friend had something that reminded him of happier days.
Aedan saw Dane trotting over towards the stables where the Halla were kept and following Dane with laughter and giggles was a large group of elven children. Apparently Dane had become Mr. Popular. As Aedan made his way over to the stables Dane barked at his master's coming but as soon as the children saw him they all pointed and laughed before running away in mock terror. Dane whimpered as all his new friends ran away and gave Aedan a lecturing huff.
"Aw, you hurt his feelings." Alistair said walking up towards them.
As Aedan was about to retort he noticed in the stables was a young elven woman with white inspecting on of her Halla. Strange. Why did she have this one so far away from the rest of the herd?
"Who comes?" the elven woman asked alarmed not expecting anyone.
"Oh, I beg your pardon, stranger. I was so busy tending to the halla I didn't sense anyone approach. I am Elora, the master herder in charge of caring for the Halla." She introduced. "Not as exciting as being a Grey Warden, but they are vital to us."
"Well, less dangerous that's for sure." Alistair pointed out.
"So, these are the Halla." Aedan marveled at the beautiful creature.
"Yes, they are the noble beasts that guide the Dalish and pull our aravels." Elora told them adoringly.
"So, they're like horses?" Alistair asked and the herder looked on indifferently.
"We ride the Halla but not with reigns or saddles, the Halla choose to guide us and it is our privledge that they pull our aravels, and in turn it's the herder's duty to speak to the Halla and make sure their needs are taken care of. It's a bond of friendship not servitude." Elora finished.
"So, their more akin to Mabari, then?" Aedan pointed while petteing Dane; the massive hound barked happily. "Mabari aren't pets or service beasts, they are companions for life. As strong and intelligent as any friend would be. They are as sacred to the Fereldan people as the Halla are to the Dalish." Aedan explained while Dane trotted over to Elora and began to gently paw the herder in an attempt to charm her.
As Elora admired and petted Dane as Aedan looked at the Halla she was tending to. "I notice you have this one separated from the rest of the herd."
"I am afraid she may have been bitten in the werewolf attack, a bite would not be have the same affect on her as it would others but it is lethal and I'm afraid it may be contagious. I have tried speaking to her but she is too agitated to respond. I can find no wound but…if she truly is ill I will have no choice but to put her out of her misery." Elora told him sadly.
Aedan could sympathize with that, if something were to befall Dane Aedan would mourn his loss as he would a brother. "I am sorry, this must be hard for you. Is there anything I can do to help?"
"I don't know, if you have and special skills to help her I would be most grateful."
Aedan walked over to the Halla and hoped his survival skills and his own companionship with a noble Mabari would help to calm her down. At first the Halla backed away fearfully, but as Aedan put his hand on her gently, then began to stroke her head tenderly she began to calm down.
"She-she's calming down!" Elora exclaimed excitedly. "That's it, love. Calm, tell me what troubles you."
Elora placed her hand on the Halla and if Aedan and Alistair didn't know any better they'd say it looked like they were having a conversation. "Hmm, yes, oh, I see! Now I understand! It is her lifemate that was bitten the last attack not her, and she fears greatly for him. I had not realized another Halla had been bitten."
Wait. She actually understood what the Halla wanted? Aedan shoudn't have been surprised since he could understand what Dane wanted but the Mabari converse with barks and motions. How the hell can she understand them just by putting her ear to their snout?
"This will allow me to stop the sickness from spreading to the entire heard. Ma seranas, you have done a great boon for my clan."
As Aedan accepted the thanks from the herder he decided it was time to take care of the werewolf problem and gathered up his company. He began to hear of how the clan was grateful for their assistance, and how they had helped the beloved Halla, he also heard how Leliana was playing matchmaker to a pair of lovesick elves.
Before they began to make there was towards the Brecilian Forest Aedan was approached by a middle aged elf who seemed distraught. "Excuse me, ser." He began. "I am told that you are the Grey Warden who is going to hunt Witherfang, is that not so?"
"Yes, can I help you?"
The man looked down in sadness and then looked at Aedan again. "I was actually considering going with you but Zathrian has forbidden me from doing so."
"Well, I understand that but you look more than just upset about not going to find your fellow hunters."
"It's just that…. During the first werewolf attack my wife Danyla and I fought together but she was so gravely wounded the curse spread through rapidly. Zathrian did his best to cure her but there was nothing he could do, and although he said that Danyla had died he won't let me see her….her body." Athras choked up. "I am beginning to believe that she became a werewolf and it is being kept from me so don't go chasing after her."
"And if she was a werewolf? And if the elf chased and found her? What then? Sweet blissful reunion?" Shale mocked.
"I….don't know. Perhaps she would now me as he love even still?" Athras sounded like he was trying to fool himself.
"More like she'd love to eat you!" Shale mocked once more.
"Shale…" Aedan growled. "Another word from you and I will have our residential Crow shit on you for the duration of the Blight!"
"Oh, and I'd do it too, just to see what golem vomit looks like!" Zevran laughed.
"Enough! I shall be silent." The golem quickly conceded.
"If I could know if she is alive or what became of her then I could be at peace." Athras said with forlorn.
"Perhaps I could speak to Zathrian and insist he tell you what exactly happened." Aedan suggested.
"No! No, it would be rude to accuse the Keeper of lying… I know he means well, but I need to know what happened to her one way or another."
What? If the Keeper was lying to him Athras had every right to accuse him of such, this was the man's wife they were talking about for fuck's sake! However, he would respect Athras' decision. "Very well, should I learn what became of her, I will return and tell."
"Ma serenas, you are most kind."
In the Heart of the Brecelian Forest….
As they were making their way into the forest outside of the camp and the entrance to the forest, Aedan couldn't help but look and admire the Dalish elves. The were all one huge family but everyone had a purpose, everyone acted with a certain discipline and that's when Aedan felt that what the Tevinters and the Chantry did to them was a great shame. Perhaps Ferelden could reconcile with these people, starting by helping them against the werewolves.
The company had made their way throught the eastern part of the Brecilian forest, not really running into anything but regular wolves and a big bear, not much of a challenge. However, they soon came to a waterfall and a river crossing and there was a group of werewolves standing there, as if waiting for them.
"It would seem that the Dalish have sent a human to exact revenge for our attack, to put us in our place. What bitter irony." One of the werewolves said.
What the fuck? They can actually talk? Why didn't the Dalish tell him this? They were just like the legends, giant wolves that stood like men, only much larger. Aedan looked down with amusement at his hound as he growled at the possible attackers; Dane and the Werewolf. "You speak? Why didn't the clan tell me of this?"
"You know nothing, human! You speak to Swiftrunner, I lead my cursed brothers and sisters." The beast informed. "Go back to the Dalish, tell them you failed. Tell them we will gladly watch them suffer the curse as we have all suffered for too long. We will watch them pay."
Aedan stared down the beast. "So it was you and yours who attacked this clan."
"Yes! My only regret is that we didn't infect all of the cursed Dalish!" Swiftrunner snarled. "Tell Zathrian that we will gladly watch his kind suffer the same fate we have suffered! We will be ignored no longer!"
They knew the Keeper's name? "You speak as though you know Zathrian."
"Hrrr. We have never met. He would not surivive the encounter. I promise you that." Swiftrunner answered. "This isn't your affair, human. Leave while you still can."
"But werewolves and my family have such a rich history together." Aedan sneered. "You can't expect me to leave without carrying on the family tradition of hunting you."
"Hrrr! You know nothing! Were are no true werewolves." The beasts snarled angrily. "I suggest you leave now! Before we devour you!"
Not real werewolves? What could he mean? Still, Aedan wasn't going to be threatned by a creature his family helped wipe out; it would make him ashamed to be a Cousland. Aedan stepped up to the creature, his eyes burning red and killing aura surrounding him. He got so close to the werewolf he could feel its breath on his face. "Take a good look at me, creature. Do I look like someone you want to fuck with?"
Swiftrunner stared down his human adversary. This one was different from anything he had killed before, like something dark resided in him; something...tainted. "Hrrr! Very well! I will not throw my brothers and sisters at you like unthinking brutes." He answered. "Come, brothers and sister! Retreat back to forest's heart. We will let the forest deal with this one." And as quickly as the appeared, they disappeared back into the darkness of the Brecelian Forest.
Back in the Dalish Camp….
It had been almost two days since the Grey Wardens and their strange entourage left to find Witherfang, and Zathrian hoped to all the Creators that they killed the wretched beast and all those vile werewolves soon so that he may cure their warriors before the curse claimed them as well. He was surprised by how well the clan had taken to these outsiders, not only had they saved their halla but they also brought some joy to the clan by bringing Cammen and Gheyna together.
All of a sudden he heard a horn blowing signaling that the hunters on outskirts of the camp have found something. Mithra had returned from the forests and she was carrying one of the hunters he sent out earlier to find Witherfang.
"It's Deygan." Mithra informed him. "He was injured, but by the Creator's mercy he wasn't bitten by the werewolves."
"Oh, thank Mythal." Zathrian sighed.
"With all due respect Keeper, I think we should thank the shemlen, he was the one that found Deygan and brought him back to us."
That was surprising had the Warden returned just to bring back one of their own? If so, he was most grateful. Zathrian saw Aedan go over to master Varathorn and he presented the Craftsmaster with a very large amount of ironbark. Varathorn looked ecstatic, it appeared he wanted to reward the Warden with one of his arms or armor but the Warden turned him down, surprising them both. Then he walked over to Athras, what business could the Warden have with him? That's when Zathrian saw Aedan give Athras a red scarf, Zathrian recognized it as it was once Danyla's. Then Warden walked over to him and he looked less then pleased.
"Greetings, I understand you're the one to thank for brining Deygan back to us." The Keeper said.
"It was no trouble." The Warden acknowledged. "There were some things I discovered in the forest that I need to talk to you about.
"Oh? Go on then."
"Do you know anything about a rhyming tree that called itself the Grand Oak?"
"We call them Sylvan, they are usually trees possessed by powerful spirits, and I am surprised that you found self-possesed enough to speak let alone rhyme." Zathrian informed. That's when he sensed that the elder mage that accompanied him was carrying a new staff, more than likely a branch from this Grand Oak. He could sense that it had powerful magic on it, perhaps this is what will guide them to that accursed ruin and if so he had a way of following them should the need arise.
"Did you know of a half-mad human hermit that lived in these woods?" Aedan asked as if nauseous.
"I believe I do, yes. Years ago a shemlen came to these woods seeking to hide from your Circle of Magi. While he was here he erected a great tower that could be seen from leagues away, but then one day the tower just vanished, I assumed he did as well."
Aedan still thought that freak in the woods was creepy and still felt annoyed by some of his questions, but was surprised that Wynne and Morrigan both were wary of his power.
Zathrian noticed Aedan's facial expression become stone hard.
"Were you aware that the werewolves could speak?"
"Speak? You mean speak actual words? I doubt that. They are savage beasts with minds afflicted by rage."
"Well these ones did, one of them was named Swiftrunner, and he told me that you have wronged him and his."
"What they feel against me and my clan is what any visious animal would feel. All a werewolf is capable of understanding is hatred and savagery!" Zathrian defended angrily.
"Odd, you speak as if you knew about the werewolves." Aedan inquired.
"They have been part of these woods for centuries, of course I would know about them."
"Good. Then you'll know about this one; Danyla."
Zathrian stared at Aedan with cold eyes. "I know who Danyla was. She ceased to be when the curse took hold of her."
"Yeah? Well, she told me that there is a way to end the curse without killing Witherfang."
"Hmph. Since you insist that the beasts can speak it's obvious that the creature was trying to deceive you to prevent you from killing its pack leader."
"Really? Somehow I doubt savage animals want their love sent back to their spouses before they are put to rest. I already told the truth to Athras." Aedan seethed out.
Aedan could tell that Zathrian's anger was beginning to rise but he didn't care, he knew that the old Keeper was hiding something from him.
"I see. I hope that be telling him you didn't just add on to his grief."
"Oh, so it's alright for you to lie to him and wrong for me to tell him the truth?" Aedan called out.
"I have led this clan for centuries. I know what's best for my people and if you want our support against your Blight you will bring me Witherfang's heart." The Keeper announced.
This old man was beginning to remind Aedan of Loghain. Aedan decided now was the time to go back to forest to find Witherfang and hopefully the truth about these werewolves. Witout saying anything more he took his leave of the Keeper and his clan, but Aedan knew that Zathrian would probably be trouble before this whole affair was said and done.
Back in the forest….
Thanks to the Oak Branch they finally got passed that damn mist that barred them from following the werewolves. Just as they walked passed the mist who should they run into but Swiftrunner?
"The forest has not been diligent enough, still you come." The werewolf observed. "You are stronger than we anticipated. The Dalish chose well. But, you do not belong here outsider. Leave!"
"I am not leaving until I know the truth of the attack!" Aedan yelled back.
"You care nothing for the truth! You've come to destroy, as all your kind have! We will not risk bringing you to Witherfang!" The Warden and the Werewolf were practically nose to nose.
"What is Witherfang to you? Is your leader?" Wynne asked.
"He is not our leader, but he is our only hope and the treacherous Dalish wish to destroy him!"
"Why such hatred for the Dalish? What did they ever do to you?" Leliana asked.
"You know nothing and I am not about to enlighten you. Witherfang protects us, with him we have names, and we are beloved. We have warned you enough and you chose not to heed it, the threat you pose ends now!" And with that Swiftrunner and his brethren attacked.
As savage as they were, and despite their augmented strength and speed, Aedan and his companions made short work of them until only three, including Swiftrunner, were left alive. Just as Aedan moved forward to finish them a giant white wolf lept from the wood and knocked Aedan on his ass! This new beast was the size of a horse and strangely, it had green vines adorned with thorns were wrapped around his legs. Was this creature Witherfang? The great white wolf snarled at them and gave a great howl then he and the rest of the werewolves fled deeper into the woods.
As they followed the werewolves they soon ran into another very large pack, but rather then fight them this group started retreating into these ancient ruins that stood behind them. "Into the ruins quickly my brothers and sisters!" A werewolf cried. "Protect the lady!"
Lady? What lady? Aedan didn't have time to think about it, instead beheld in awe of the ruins of they retreated into.
"Well, here we are. Going into flea paradise." Alistair commented.
They had finally made it to the bottom of this haunted, ancient ruin. At first glance on the outside the place didn't seem all that large, but apparently all the rest of this temple was underground! They had to fight their way through skeletons, demons, giant spiders, and even a fucking dragon! When at last they reached the bottom tier floor Wynne bade them to stop. "There is something else here in these ruins." The old mage sensed.
"Besides the werewolves, undead and giant spiders?" Alistair asked sarcastically.
"Yes. Something from else. Something…from the Fade." Wynne answered.
"A demon? An abomination?" Aedan inquired.
"No, not all." Wynne answered almost confused. She tried to feel into the Fade and determine what it was she was feeling. "It feels almost…serene? Like a comforting spirit."
That was odd. What would a benevolent spirit be doing in this godforsaken pit? As they made their way through the final floor of the ruin they happened upon a room of slain undead. Judging from the shredded wounds and claw marks these walking corpses were mauled by the werewolves who had taken up residence in this part of the ruins. This meant they were getting closer to their quarry and that they had to be on even higher alert: no beast was more dangerous than it was when in its den. When they made their way to the room past the slain corpeses Aedan felt a sudden difference in the air, something was waiting for them. "It's a trap!"
From out of the very shadows of the ruins massive, black, shadowy werebeasts descended upon them. One of them managed to sneak up on Aedan and bit down on his shoulder! The creature's massive jaws went down from Aedan's shoulder to his sternum, but thankfully his armor gave him protection from the beast's fangs. Aedan pulled out his hunting knife and jammed it into the werewolf's eye, killing it instantly. The warrior threw the beast's dead corpse off of him and at the creature's brethren who attacked them.
In such close quarters the werebeasts had the tactical and numerical advantage over the intruders. It didn't help them. At all. With Starfang in hand Aedan cut down one after the other that tried to pounce on him, while Shale squashed every single one of them that got too close. The werewolves' claws couldn't penetrate Alistair's armor and his dragonbone sword cut through their hide and coarse fur like paper. Morrigan charged a bolt of lightening that charged through several of the beasts, electrocuting them to death and leaving behind the horrid stench of singed fur in the air. Dane lived up to his name as fearlessly charged the werewolves and ripped their flesh and crushed their bones in his powerful jaws.
When their numbers began to rapidly dwindle the remainder of the werewolves retreated further into the ruins.
As they moved further down they came across another pack of werewolves, but while they were all snarling visciouscly at them they did not attack.
"Stop, my brothers, be at ease!" This new werewolf beckoned his fellows. "We do not wish anymore of our people hurt. I ask you now stranger: are you willingly to parely?"
"Parley!?" Aedan asked angrily. "Motherfucker, I've tried parleying with you this whole time, and now only after I've killed scores of you, you stupid mutts are willing to talk!?"
"Swiftrunner didn't think it would matter, but The Lady wishes to speak with you, she believes you are unaware of things you should know." The werewolf informed. "She means you know harm, provided your willingness to parley is an honest one."
"This could be a trick, Kadan." Sten warned warily. "They could hope to lure us into a trap."
"What use is fighting?" The same lycan pointed out. "If we were capable of killing you Swiftrunner would have succeded by now."
Oh, now they figure it out. Aedan thought to himself.
"Who is this Lady you speak of? Is she Witherfang?" Wynne asked.
"No she is not Witherfang, she will tell everything and more if you are willing to listen."
Aedan looked at the werewolves for a moment. He was curious as to who this Lady and Witherfang were and why the werewolves had such a hatred for Zathrian and his clan.
"Fine, take me to your Lady." Aedan finally said.
"I warn you, if you harm the Lady I will return from the Fade itself to see you pay!" The werewolf threatened.
"Don't bother with the threats, creature! You already admitted you're no match for me. Now stop wasting my time and take me to this Lady."
As they entered the inner sanctum of this ruin Aean began to reconsider his position, the whole room was filled with werewolves and they all looked either angry or hungry. As the all began to snarl and lowed at the Grey Warden and his company as something emerged from the background. A beautiful, bare-naked woman approached them. Under most circumstances Aedan would've thought the woman bold, but her skin was pale green and her limbs seemed to be made of wood. As she walked all the angry beasts seemed to calm around her.
"Welcome." The woman greeted in beautiful songlike voice that seemed to echo through nature itself. "I am the Lady of the Forest."
Aedan could tell she was a powerful spirit, so undermost circumstances it would be smart to be cordial, but if this spirit was so damn powerful and wanted to speak to him she should have said something before him and his came all the way down to this haunted sphincter in the forest!
"Really? You look more like the Lady of the flea infested hell-hole." Immediately his companions wished he hadn't said that as Swiftrunner came at him with threatening speed. He took a slash at Aedan, but Aedan nimbly ducked and gave Swiftrunner a powerful uppercut under his jaw that sent the werewolf reeling back towards its master.
Swiftrunner got back on his feet rigidly and went over to the lady. "Do not listen to them, they will only deceive you, my lady!"
"Peace, Swiftrunner!" The spirit urged. "Your want for conflict has only brought harm to those you would see protected, do you truly want more death to come to us?"
"No, my lady, anything but that." Swiftrunner said while kneeling to the spirit.
"Please, forgive Swiftrunner, he fights against his very nature." The Lady beckoned to Aedan.
"I don't forgive beasts that try to kill me. I slaughter them!" Aedan retorted.
"But these are not beasts and the very nature they fight is a curse brought upon them by those who have sent you. Zathrian has not told you everything." The Lady explained.
"How do you know what Zathrian has or has not told us?" Zevran inquired.
"Because there are things he would not tell you. You see…it was Zathrian who created the curse that these poor creatures suffer, the curse that his own people now suffer."
This bit of information caught everyone off guard. If Zathrian created this curse why didn't the rest of the clan know this, unless Zathrian had been deceiving them too?
"Centuries ago…" The Spirit continued. "When the Dalish first came to these lands, a tribe of humans lived close to this forest. They sought to drive the Dalish away. Zathrian was a young man then. He had a son and daughter he loved greatly, and while out hunting one day the human tribe captured them both."
"Hrrr….the humans tortured the boy…killed him…" Swiftrunner picked up. "The girl they raped and left for dead. The Dalish found her, but when she learned she was…with child she…killed herself."
Aedan was disgusted. "Am I supposed to feel sympathy for this tribe? They deserved what they got and worse!"
"Indeed they did." The Lady agreed. "And they did get what they deserved, and worse."
The Werewolf walked forward and continued. "Zathrian came to these ruins and summoned a terrible spirit, then bound it to the body of a great wolf. So Witherfang came to be. Witherfang hunted the tribe down. Many were killed, but others were cursed by his blood, becoming twisted and savage creatures…"
"Twisted and savage as Witherfang himself it." The Lady finished.
"Deceit is the nature of men." Sten pointed out.
"So the elf misled us?" Shale asked.
"Tis not truly surprising is it?" Morrigan commented.
"Are you really surprised, Shale?" Alistair added.
"No. Just trying to picture squishing the elf's head…and there we go."
"They were driven deep into the forests. When the human tribe finally left for good, their cursed brethren remained, pitiful and mindless animals." The spirit carried on.
"Unitl I found you, my lady. You game me peace." Swiftrunner said kneeling once more.
"I showed Swiftrunner that there was another side to his bestial nature. I soothed his rage, and his humanity emerged. And he brought others to me."
"All of this is very tragic." Aedan interjected sardonically. "But that doesn't explain why you attacked the Dalish. What do you truly want? Revenge?"
"No, not revenge. Not yet." The Lady answered gravely. "We seek to end the curse. The crimes commited against Zathrian's children were grave, but they were commited centuries ago by those who are long dead. Word has been sent to Zathrian every time the landships have passed this way, asking him to come, but he has always ignored us. We will no longer be denied."
"So we spread the curse to his people, now he will be forced to come." A werewolf said angrily.
Now everthing made sense. The anger and intelligence of the lycans, Zathrian's indifference towards them and why both parties seemed to have a personal animosity toward's one another. Aedan had now grown very angry at Zathrian, he had his vengeance three hundered years ago and he was now taking it out on those who had nothing to with it! Hell, the miserable bastard was letting his own people suffer the curse and rather than speak to werewolves, he wants Witherfang killed just to avoid another solution. Just as Aedan felt the veins in head tighten the Lady beseeched him again.
Aedan stared down the Lady and her lycan guardian. "Why should I be willing to help any of you? Your attacks on me and the Dalish clan just prove how unworthy you creatures truly are." The warrior spat hatefully.
"How can they be anything else when Zathrian's curse prevents them from being more than what they are?" The spirit rebutted. "Should they be allowed to suffer for the crimes committed by others who have been dead for centuries?"
The spirit had Aedan there. Lycanthropy is a disease and if not treated then that is all a person will ever be.
"Please, mortal…you must go to him. Bring him here. If he sees these creature, hears their plight…surely he'll be willing to end curse." The Lady begged.
"Doubtful." Aedan said flatly. "Zathrian didn't even care about one of his own people when the curse turned her. To him if you're a werebeast, you're automatically his enemy. If he's not willing to listen to the words of those who were once his clan, why in the hell would he listen to me?"
"Will he truly let his rage blind him to the suffering of his clan?" The spirit asked. "Tell Zathrian that if he comes, I will summon Witherfang, and if he does not then he shall never find Witherfang and the curse will take hold of his people."
Aedan couldn't risk the clan joining Zathrian's hateful curse. These creatures didn't deserve his rage, but moreover he needed the Dalish clan's warriors to help him against the Blight. "I will find Zathrian and bring him here kicking and screaming if I must." He promised.
"We are grateful, mortal." The Lady thanked.
"This passage will take you to the entrance of these ruins. Please return with Zathrian as soon as you can." The spirit pointed towards a door and Aedan felt like an utter moron finding out that there was a shortcut passed all the bullshit that they had to go through to get down here.
They made their way up through the passage way and Aedan began to wonder how he was going to bring Zathrian down here without risking the wrath of his clan, the last thing he needed to do was kill the very people whose help he needed. When the came out of the secret passage way, fate it seemed was finally on Aedan's side, for who could be there as if waiting for them but Zathrian himself?
"Ah, and here you are already." The Keeper said as if nothing was wrong.
"Somehow, I had a feeling you were waiting here for us." Aedan seethed.
"Oh, really? Aren't you the intuitive one?" Zathrian responded gravely.
"What can I say? My mother didn't raise me to be a fool."
And then Morrigan started chuckling as if someone had just told a joke. "He wishes to see if we have done his work for him. Is that not why you are here now, sorcerer?"
"Do not call me that, witch." The keeper rejected deeply offended. "I am the Keeper of my clan, and I have done what I must. Tell me, do you have the heart?"
"You and I, Zathrian. We need to have a little…heart to heart first." Aedan established authoritatively. "For starters, why didn't you tell me about these ruins before I entered the forest?"
"There was no need, I knew you would find them eventually…" Zathraian said as if it was all okay. "But why are you leaving them without Witherfang's heart?"
Aedan grinned sinisterly. "I think you know why."
"I suspect that the spirit itself has already spoken to you and told you of our history, is that not correct?" Zathrian then walked towards the passage way. "You do realize that she is in fact Witherfang?"
Aedan wasn't surprised and didn't try to look it. "Yes, I figured as much."
"She is the powerful spirit of this very forest that I summoned long ago and bound to the body of a great wolf. Her nature is that of the forest itself. Beautiful and terrible, serene and savage, maiden and beast. She is the Lady and Witherfang both, two sides of a single being." The old elf explained. "The curse came first from her. Those she afflicted with it mirrored her own nature, becoming a savage beast as well as human."
"The curse came first from you." Alistair pointed out.
"Those beasts attacked my clan and they are they were the savages then as they have ever been. They deserve to be wiped out, not defended." The keeper didn't raise his voice or look it, but he was obviously angry. Aedan didn't give a shit. "Come. I will accompany you back to the ruin. Let us speak to the spirit and I will force her into Witherfang's form. He may then be slain and the heart taken."
"Won't you consider talking to them?" Leliana requested.
"Why? You claim that they have regained their minds, but they are still savage beasts. Their nature has not changed."
"Their nature was forced upon them by you." Wynne scornned. "What you have done to these creatures was both unnatural and perverse, Keeper."
"All they will want is revenge…or a release that I will not grant them." Zathrian declared. "No. Let us take the heart and end it."
"Will killing Witherfang truly break the curse?" Leliana asked angrily.
"No, it will simply end the curse, not change the humans back. The curse is far too powerful for that. Even if there was a way to change them back I will not grant it to them. They are no better than their anscestors, worse even. The deserve nothing but misery."
Aedan was getting tired of hearing Zathrian self-righteous rants and decided to force the Keeper's hands as well as risk his own people's existence. "Zathrian, either you come with us to speak with the Lady of the Forest or my companions and I leave this accursed place, and you and your clan can suffer the curse by yourselves!"
They gave the old man a moment to let that sink and then he sighed exhasperated. "I fail to see the purpose behind all of this…but very well. Let us see what the spirit has to say."
They made their wasy back down the passage way and to say the werewolves looked pissed see the man who had cursed them would be an understatement. Finally after so many centuries the spirit and her creator were reunited.
"So, here you are, spirit." Zathrian observed.
"She is the Lady of the Forest!" Swiftrunner snarled as he ran up to the keeper threateningly. "And you will address her properly!"
Zathrian was not intimidated. "So you have taken a name spirit? And you've give names to your pets? These…beasts that follow you?"
"It was they who gave me a name, Zathrian. And the names they take are their own." The Lady explained. "They follow me because I help them find who they are."
"Who they are does not change who their ancestors were. Wild savages! Worthless dogs! Their twisted shapes only mirror their monstrous hearts!" Zathrian lashed out furiously.
"It was the Clayne, wasn't it, Zathrian?" Aedan interjected. Zathrian's angry scowl at the mere mention of that name was his answer. "You're older than the foundation of this kingdom. The Clayne inhabited this region before they were absorbed into Ferelden. But before that you cursed them and wiped out what few of them remained."
"Yes." Zathrian seethed. "After what they did to my family I swore to avenge them. My pain is eternal, human. As is my vengeance. This is justice!" the elven mage declared.
"There is no justice in this, old man!" Aedan yelled. "You had your vengeance. The men who wronged you are dead! How can you let this continue?"
Zathrian glared at the human warrior angrily. "You are not Dalish! You could not possibly know what it's like to struggle to survive the way we do!"
"And you think your actions honor your people? Your family?" Aedan argued.
Zathrian's face twisted with anger and his eyes were filled with pain at the mention of his family. "Tell me, if you held your daughter's lifeless body in your arms, if your family had been slaughtered the way mine was, would you not wish an eternity of pain on those who did it?!"
Aedan's mind instantly went back to that moment when he found little Oren's corpse, his life ended before it even began and how Aedan still had yet to avenge his little nephew and his mother. Aedan wanted revenge more than anything. "Vengeance is my sole purpose for existing, mage." Aedan answered with hatred lacing his words. "It's the only thing that makes me wake up every morning. But you've had your vengeance! The ones who killed your family are dead! You have no right to inflict your revenge on others!"
"My pain is eternal! If I must suffer, then so must they!" The old keeper swore.
"Are you sure your pain is the only reason you will not end the curse?" The Lady asked ominously. "Have you told the mortal how you started the curse?"
"He said he bound you to the body of a great wolf." Aedan answered.
"Indeed he did." The spirit acknowledged. "Witherfang and I are bound as one being. But such a powerful feat of magic could not have been accomplished without Zathrian's own blood."
"Blood magic?" Wynne gasped. "This is more heinous than I thought."
"Your people think that you've rediscovered the immortality of your ancestors, Zathrian, but that is not true." The spirit announced. "So long as the curse exists, so do you."
"No! That is not how it is!" Zathrian denied vehemently.
"I can't believe you'd betray your own people this way, Zathrian!" Aedan shouted in disgust.
"It is not a betrayal! I did what was necessary, what was just, and it still is!"
"The curse would not end with Zathrian's death. His life, however, relies on its existence. But I believe his death plays a part in its ending." The spirit explained sadly.
"Hrrr! Then we kill him!" Swiftrunner roared. "We tear him apart now!"
"For all your powers of speech, you are beasts still!" Zathrian reminded spitefully. "What would you gain by killing me? Only I know the ritual to undo the curse, and I will never perform it!"
"You see! We must kill them all!" Swiftrunner screamed furiously!
"See? They turn on you just as quickly!" Zathrian accused. "Do what you came here to do, Grey Warden, or get out of my way!"
Aedan glared down the self-righteous elven mage with anger in his eyes. "You will undo this curse, you miserable bastard, or I will beat it out of you!"
"Were are doing what's right here." Alistair declared sternly.
"Then you will die with them, as you all deserve!" Zathrian drew his staff and engaged a paralization hex on all the werewolves and forced the Lady back into the beast. Then just as Aedan and company whipped out their weapons, Zathrian made the roots within the ruins come to life and began turned them into sylvans, and to top it all off he summoned warrior spirits.
While the summoned help took on the treacherous beasts and their miserable sympathizers Zathrian himself released lighting and earth on them, he even used the roots of the ruin to try and grasp at them so that he may squeeze the life from them, just as those horrible human took his children's lives from them. Zathrian being a three hundered year old blood mage and dalish keeper was very powerful in terms of magic, but even so, he was only one man against a group a very powerful combatants.
Morrigan froze the trees in place as Oghren took his hammer and shattered them like glass. Shale began tackling and wrestling the sylvans to the ground. Sten proved that these spirit held off the warrior spirits with his greatsword while Zevran stayed to the shadows and dirked the spirits from behind. Leliana stayed at a distance and launched fire arrows that set the sylvans afire and burned like paper. Wynne began using her magic to release the Lady and lycans from their parlysis. Alistair let loose a very powerful Cleanse Area to rid the whole chamber of the summoned spirits and the strong Holy Smite to end Zathrian's spell casting.
With the Keeper's magic finally disabled Aedan made his way over to him, dodging the the falling sylvans and swinging roots, and when he finally reached Zathrian the Warden decided not to kill him with Starfang but instead proceeded to beat the old man to a bloody pulp with his bare hands!
Zathrian swung his staff at Aedan, but the Warden's mailed fist punched through the staff and into the Keeper's chest! With Zathrian knocked flat on his ass, Aedan stood over him and proceeded to punch the old mage's face. Hard. Again. And again. And again. Then just to make sure he understood his position, Aedan began kneeing him in the ribs and felt them break beneath his robes. Zathrian gave a loud groan as his ribs became gravel and then tried to creat a fire spell in the palm of his hand, but Aedan saw what he was doing and grabed the bloodied elf's hand, crushing it in his own and sent the spell back into the fade. Zathrian fell to the ground and grabed the remains of his staff then suddenly teleported away from the angry Warden and over to Witherfang. He was leaning onto the paralyzed creature with a knife from his robes held firmly in his fist to finally finish the wretched creature.
"This is for my children!" Zathrian cried out but before he could stab the great wolf in the neck Leliana shot him throught shoulder with a Shattering Shot that knocked him back from Witherfang.
Aedan walked back over to Zathrian as he pulled the arrow from his body and kicked the elf back against the wall. "And this one is for Danyla!" He yelled out as he continued to beat down the mage with all of his might and rage. As Zathrian's bald head had become bruised, cut and welted Aedan let up, in order to break the curse he needed the old hypocrite alive. "You want to continue, old man?" Aedan demanded.
"No, no more." The old elf sadly begged through a bloodied mouth, his spirit crushed and tears of pain and defeat crawling down his face. "I cannot…cannot defeat you." As he conceited defeat the sylvans fell down dead and the roots retreated back into the walls and the earth.
"Kill him! Finish him off now!" Swiftrunner yelled out and his accursed brethren all barked and howled with approval.
"Yeah!" Oghren agreed. "Bleeding duster deserves it! Start with the toes and work your way up!"
"No!" Leliana cried in horror. "My Lady, please, don't kill him!"
"Peace, Swiftrunner." The Lady beckoned. "If we do not have mercy in our hearts, how can we expect others to have mercy in theirs?"
Zathrian attempted to stand up dispite all of his broken bones and possible concussion. "You ask the impossible, spirit. I am too old…too old to know mercy. Everytime I see the werewolves all I can think about is my children's faces."
"Is that the real reason why you won't break the curse or are you just afraid of dying, old man?" Morrigan lectured.
Zathrian took a moment to pause. Was that the truth? Was his sole reason for living to see those afflicted with the curse suffer? That is when the old Keeper began to see how low he had sunk. He was now using his children as an excuse to continue his hatred. Zathrian felt ashamed. "And what about you, Spirit? You are just as much a part of this curse as I am."
"You are my creator, Zathrian, nay, you are my father. I have known fear, hope, love, and joy, but above all else I desire an end." The Lady wept.
Zathrian had not expected that. He was for too consumed in focusing his hatred on the Lady he had not taken into account that spirit was also just as much apart of him as his children once were. He looked around the chamber, the Lady with pleading eyes, the werebeasts holding onto the hope that perhaps the curse will finally end, and Grey Wardens whose deeds brought all this together. Perhaps it was in the Creators' will that these outsiders found them. "You shame me, spirit. Perhaps…perhaps I have lived for too long." Zathrian had finally admitted.
"Then you'll do it?" The Spirit asked her voice full of hope. "You'll end the curse?"
The Keeper looked at all present one last time. He would miss his clan, he had guided them for so long but he knew that Lanaya with her kindness and wisdom would make a far better Keeper then he ever did. "Yes, it is time to end it." With that Zathrian took the Lady's hand in his own and raised them up towards the roof. All of a sudden a great white mist came over them and the werewolves. Aedan and his companions shielded their eyes. When the light died down the looked to see that the werewolves were not there and in their place was a large group of humans who were all embracing, laughing, and crying but Keeper Zathrian and the Lady of the Forest were gone.
"It is over." A human said that Aedan guessed was once Swiftrunner. "She is gone…and we are free."
Aedan couldn't help but smile at all these people finally released from their curse. "What will you do now?"
"We will make for the closest human settlement. We still have families to return to." The man looked at his saviors one last time. "You have our eternal gratitude and we will never forget you." And with that the humans, once beasts, ran back to their original lives and Aedan thought it was best to return to the Dalish Camp, hopefully all of the hunters were cured of their affliction with the breaking of the curse.
The Grey Warden's company made it back safely to camp without any incident, and to look at the Dalish now you'd think a miracle had occured. All of the hunters who had been wounded by the werewolves and stricken with their curse were now healed of their injuries and cured of the lycan's sickness. As Aedan witnessed all the elves laughing and embracing one another he made his way over to Lanaya.
"I can't believe it! You actually did it!" She exclaimed happily, and all of the elves of this camp began to huddle around them to thank Aedan and his companions. Then Lanaya began to look on sadly. "Zathrian is gone, isn't he?"
Aedan looked at her and asked "Did you now of his connection to the curse?"
"I had my susupicions, but I didn't want to believe it." She replied sadly.
"How did he die?" an elf child asked. All the elves began to look at Aedan intently for an answer as to what happened to their beloved keeper. Aedan explained to them all calmly about Zathrian's connection to the curse and why he inacted it to begin with. The Dalish all expressed shock and some were even angry, Aedan, however, knew that if they were to fight against the Blight they would need to have a high morale and most of all hope.
"But…." Aedan continued. "In the end he died with forgiveness and humility in his heart. He died letting go of his hatred so that his beloved clan may live." When Aedan explained that all the elves had a look pride, joy, but grief in their eyes. With that they all shared a moment of silence for the one who had led them and kept them safe for so long.
"I suppose with Zathrian gone I am the Keeper now. And the very least we can do to thank you for all that you have done for us is give you our full support against the Blight." Lanaya declared.
"So, you'll honor the treaties?" Alistair asked gladly.
"Yes, when you have need of us, the Dalish will be there for you." The new Keeper confirmed.
With that Aedan gave Lanaya directions to Soldier's Peak were they could meet up with the rest of his growing army. His company gave farewells to the noble elves. Aedan had a feeling that with Lanaya as the Keeper ths particular clan was going to have a positive impact on his own country.
As they made their way out of the Dalish camp, Aedan's mind drifted back to Zathrian and how his hatred and want for revenge drove him to make his own clan suffer. About how Loghain's hatred for Orlais was now causing his own country to bleed during a time of Blight. And about how Aedan's need for vengeance was one of the only things that kept him going through all this hardship and suffering. Was Aedan's bound to fate such as theirs if he continued to live for vengeance? No! Loghain and Zathrian fell so low because they were weak! They let their vengeance and hatred control them instead of controlling it. Aedan had no such weakness. Aedan would not rest until all those who betrayed their country had paid the price, and he would never know peace until he tasted Rendon Howe's blood in his mouth.