Chapter 25: River Challenge

The day actually was quite pleasant after the last week of trying to slog through the mud after another rain fell upon the land. Alriana was for once enjoying the fact that she was not scouting ahead. Alistair actually volunteered for that after their last conversation. It was not really the best of times that he decided to ask her something but she listened mainly because it was him asking her.

He had come asking that since they were heading to Denerim if it were possible to look someone up. She had mistaken him for asking to go after Loghain and she promised the shem bastard would get what was coming to him.

He corrected her by explaining that he had a half-sister named Goldanna. When he mentioned the name, she remembered that nightmare in the Fade. She recalled how happy he was. She gave her attention back to him when he said that she lived in Denerim. She was happy for him but an ugly thought crossed her mind the moment he said that Goldanna person was the only real family he had left. She had the nasty little thought that he was just humoring her with the whole family thing he said they were and she wanted to refuse on the spot. Yet, she found that it would be cruel. She asked herself how she would feel if she knew her mother was still alive and time could not be spared to see her.

At the time she had been quiet as she considered the request. She could not deny him that. She agreed quietly that it was worth the look if he wanted to. She did not expect him to ask her to go with him. It cheered her mood that he had not completely thrown her aside and she agreed. He was overjoyed that he gave her a quick hug and started slogging through the mud with more vigor than necessary, leaving her standing there, not sure of what just happened.

It was nice though that after that, Alistair took the lead of the group for a little while. Alriana was beginning to think that maybe his jokes about his leadership skills were just something to hide his talent. She was thinking about that as she walked with Wynne and was telling her how she became a Grey Warden, "My clan mate and I found a mirror. I became tainted and the Joining was the only means to save me."

"So you became a Grey Warden out of necessity. Hmm but Duncan must also have seen something special in you. The order does not take in recruits just to save their life."

"I wouldn't go making that a valid point Wynne," Ardeth voiced, indicating that he had been listening shamelessly. "I vaguely recall one person who was saved but was never made a Grey Warden. I forget the name." He shrugged his shoulders to indicate that he had forgotten and that it was no matter at the moment.

"Really?" Alriana asked, "Now why would the Grey Wardens do that?"

"Like I said I heard the tale."

Wynne gave a suspicious look at Ardeth who was just looking as innocent as a darkspawn at a tea party. "Still young lady you must be proud to be able to represent your clan and the Dalish as a Grey Warden."

"It is duty that I must honor per the agreement my people made with the Wardens long ago," Alriana replied.

"Still being a Warden just goes to show how everyone can work together," Ardeth drawled with a smirk. He then gave a playful twiddle of Wynne's ear before loping away to torment Morrigan some more.

"You are incorrigible Ardeth," Wynne scolded as he danced away laughing. "I swear he is like a scamp of a dog."

"Perhaps he was raised by dogs when you weren't looking," Alriana replied grinning, "Though he seems to be a glutton for punishment from you."

Wynne turned a cross eye to Alriana and it dissolved into good humor. She replied, "We've always had a good relationship when he lived at the tower. He may have gotten into trouble with his pranks but he always seemed to charm his way out of trouble. He was a talented boy and could have made senior enchanter by now."

Alriana sensed sorrow coming from the elderly mage and she heard it in her voice. She asked, "Why was he sent away? Wouldn't he be considered an apostate?"

Wynne sighed. How much was right to tell her? She replied, "I think that it be best for you to ask him. Let's just say though I am glad he is where he is at though it cost much pain for him to get to this point."

Alriana nodded in understanding. She then said, "Well I can only hope that what I am doing is right and shows the strength Duncan saw in me."

"Sometimes it gives me comfort to think that everything will end up the way it is supposed to be, that it will be all right. Perhaps it was meant to be."

Nothing more was said until a shout came from Bodahn. Turning back, Alriana saw a wheel give way on the wagon and the wagon tipped. The pony between the shafts began to panic. Alriana turned and jogged as best as she could to calm the pony which began still under her hand as she whispered in its ear.

"I guess it's a good thing that you can talk to animals," Alistair's voice sounded as he came over to inspect the damage and help the two dwarves. "I would hate to see flying dwarves, though it could be interesting."

"Maybe you'd like it better if you were the one flying," Bodahn grumbled as he went to look at the wheel. "By the Stone, busted."

By this time Alriana had unhitched the pony and led it away from the cart and tethered it to a nearby tree. The others had fallen back to see if anything could be done. As it turned out it could be fixed but the problem was keeping the wagon even while the repairs were being made. Ardeth said, "I'll stay with Bodahn and help. If you are willing to carry tents, feel free to walk on. If memory serves, there is a bridge crossing over the river and beyond that about fifty paces is a campsite."

"You do get around and here I was thinking you were just messing with me," Alistair joked.

"With your intellect, it is too easy," Morrigan quipped as she grabbed her tent and slung it on her back with her pack and started walking. "Well, let us move lest the darkspawn come upon us."

"Right… and that would be bad," Ardeth retorted with a grin.

Alriana then said, "Alright we'll take the tents and set up camp. You sure you can fix it? Maybe another should stay?"

"No problem with the fixing. We just need it kept level," Bodahn replied. "With the help of your friend here, we should be fine."

Alriana still was not sure but a nudge by Taryn's nose encouraged her to pick up her tent and follow along with the others. Taryn gave a bark and bounced forward followed by a very muddy Aedan. Alriana grinned as the pup bounded back and forth until it saw Alistair and charged and collided with his legs. The next few minutes of scowling and yipping brought nothing but laughter from her as they made their way to the bridge.

"Looks like somebody's let the bridge go," Alistair commented as they stood staring at the rotted bridge with the gaping hole in the middle.

Alriana looked at the river. They needed to cross but here it was too strong. She said, "We need to find another way across. Possibly upstream."

The way led into the forest but they had little choice. They followed the river until they came to a less forceful part. Alriana listened to the current and looked around. There was something off about this forest, as if something were watching them. She muttered, "This forest has eyes."

"Maybe the trees are watching us," Alistair commented. "What do you see?"

Alriana gave a slight smile and she narrowed her eyes to scan the surrounding landscape. She could see nothing but she still had a feeling of unease. She replied, "I see nothing but… "

Alistair nodded. "I'll go first." He made a motion to Aedan to stay put while he started crossing the river, skipping over the rocks until he reached a pool. He pulled his sword to test the depth of the water before stepping in. What happened next was never seen coming.

Alistair found his feet sudden pulled out from under him and he fell back into the pool of water he had been standing in. He felt his hand release his sword and his first thought was, Great. If Duncan were here we would kill me. He got up painfully aware that this was going to be a source of amusement for Morrigan. He looked around and saw a long rope that had been slung across the river. He then heard someone taunting, "There was a rich man heading to Denerim who tried to cross the river. What a dope, he tripped on a rope. Now look at him shiver. Beg for mercy rich man!"

Alistair looked for the source of the voice and saw a young man holding onto something and was smirking at him. He bent over to try and look for his sword while saying, "Looks like desperate knocked on your door if you think I'm a rich man."

Almost as if it were a cue, a shout was given and they were surrounded by men and women pointing weapons at them. Alriana held up her hand to stop her team from doing anything. Even if she could reach for an arrow, they could fire off probably ten. She watched on while Alistair stood out in the middle of the river very vulnerable and he lost his sword. She was aware every fibre of her being wanted to be out there and it angered her that she could not do anything about it.

The man who had jeered at Alistair came out and said, "Well, this part of the river is too close to our settlement so if you wish to cross… you have to come up with something. A tax."

Alistair stood up and looked at the young man with a glare. "We are just passing through and if you think you're getting anything, think again."

Suddenly laughter erupted as a tall well-muscled man holding a staff across the back of his neck stepped forward. "Bollocks. For someone tramping around in fancy armor with two knife ear servants, a Qunari merc and two mages, you sure aren't a convincing liar."

Alistair realized that the scale armor that they picked up in Orzammar did make him look like he was a noble but he was more upset that this fellow called her knife ear. "Don't call them that… stranger," he spoke through gritted teeth.

The tall man grinned at the reaction. He then said, "The name is Cian. The best man of this troupe."

"So you lead this pack of thieves?"

Cian grinned. He was liking every moment of this. "Not thieves but I am the second of the commander and in charge until she returns. Now I don't know your intentions boy but if you and your little party want to cross this part of the river, you're going to have to give something in payment…" Cian then cast a look at Alistair's neck and saw the amulet and something else attached to it, "…That will do." He pointed.

Alistair looked down to where he was pointing at and saw that his mother's amulet with the little wooden animal hanging on it. Could this thug be serious? "You're joking right? This has no value to you."

"But it does to you mate. The safety of passage for you and your entourage for that."

"Oh please let us teach these fools a lesson. Their intellect is hardly worth considering their demands," Morrigan called out.

"I wouldn't do that witch," Cian called out, "You see there are quite a few of us who know a thing or two about magic as well." He grinned and diverted his attention back to Alistair. "Well since I'm feeling generous, how about you fight me for passage?"

"With what? I don't have my sword," Alistair retorted.

Cian chuckled and tossed his staff at Alistair. "Try that one for size boy."

Alistair caught the staff and held it awkwardly. Great. What in the name of the Maker am I supposed to do? Alri is better at this kind of thing. He turned and looked at Alriana and asked silently for help. He was not reassured when she chewed her lower lip and reluctantly gave a slight shake of her head. He was on his own. He turned back around just as he heard Morrigan comment, "Oh this should be good. Maybe we'll have a chance to see the fool fall again."

Cian was amused at the scene as he reached for another staff handed to him. He had been told that two Grey Wardens would be headed towards Denerim. He wanted to be sure of who they were before anything else happened. He watched the boy sigh and turn around to face him. Time to teach a little lesson. With a deft move, Cian swung his staff and struck the boy's hand hard. "Gotta be quick there boy."

Laughter exploded from the ambushing group while Alistair scowled as he flexed his hand to work off the pain. When it was tolerable, he placed his hand in a grip on the staff and held it ready. When Cian attacked again, he was able to defend himself but he still felt awkward and it showed when he was cuffed on the side of his head then his back and pushed into the pool he had previous fell in and the back of his head hit something hard. Reaching around, he found it was the pommel of his sword. He gripped it and maneuvered to get up and then whipped it around to point it at his opponent.

Cian grinned when he came face to face with the sharp end of a sword. He held his staff and said, "Alright. Try with your pointy stick there."

It ended up being fairly matched though Alistair ended up with some bruises on his face and a bloody nose. He was on his back when the end of the staff struck him in the gut and knocked him over. Suddenly a voice barked, "What is going on here?"

Cian stopped and stood up straight. "Following your orders."

"And that includes beating up a Grey Warden?"

"You charged me with protecting us. I had to make sure since the so called regent had sent troops this way," Cian replied, "But I apologize. I shouldn't have continued when I realized who he was Arcana Kailanni."

Alistair sat where he had fallen not sure if he heard right. They had run into another Arcana? He stood up and said, "Wait a minute where you expecting us?"

"Finally the fool comprehends what is being said," Morrigan quipped in annoyance.

Kailanni looked at the boy Warden sporting bruises and a bloody nose. Oye. She replied, "I sent word to expect you. We were hoping to offer supplies and information for you. Seems that Cian took his protection duties a little too seriously."

"I'll say," Alistair replied as he wiped his nose. "Tell me something do all of you Arcana enjoy swooping down on people?"

Kailanni grinned, "No. You of all people should know that swooping is bad."

"Wonderful," Morrigan sighed, "More signs of diminished intelligence."

Alriana sighed and stepped forward and asked, "What do you intend to do then?"

Kailanni smiled, "Allow me to give apologies and have you stay with our settlement."

Alriana saw that there were some protests but she answered quickly, "We accept."

"Alri please. It's fine."

Alriana said nothing but continued to mix water and her salve in a flask. Satisfied, she placed a clean rag over the opening and poured some of the solution on it. She folded it and handed it to Alistair. "It'll keep your face from swelling." She then turned to grab the clothes that Vilmaris gave her and went to go change. She stopped and said, "Don't take too long. They do expect us." She then left the healer's tent to seek out her own tent. Alistair watched her leave feeling once again like an idiot for saying something stupid.

Later around the campfire, Kailanni said, "Well that was an interesting meal. I've never had stew made like that before."

"It is an Orlesian recipe," Leliana supplied. "Trust me that it's better than Alistair's version. The uniform grey… ugh."

"Hey, it's not that bad," Alistair replied.

"If it is Alistair's cooking, it's a wonder we are still alive," Morrigan replied. "Now before I am subjected to more inane conversation, I will turn in." She then left and headed to where she set up her tent.

Alriana apologized, "That's just her way."

"No harm done," Kailanni replied. She would have said more but one of the children came up and whispered in her ear. She smiled and said, "Well it looks like the rest of your little party has arrived. Xandros please show Ardeth and his companions where to set up."

The one named Xandros, the one who taunted Alistair, nodded and got up to do what he was asked. It was not long before Ardeth and the two dwarves joined them. The rest of the people around the campfire began whispering. Ardeth said, "Thank you for the thunderous applause." He grinned as he gave a polite peck on Kailanni's cheek and sat down. "So what interesting things happened while I was away?"

"Our dear Alistair had his face rearranged and I must say it is a sight more attractive," Zevran replied. "I am almost tempted to woo him."

Alriana placed a hand on Alistair's arm to prevent him from doing anything rash. She then replied, "Zevran you would woo a tree if it could respond." She smiled in a teasing manner and added, "And I'm sure it will be favorable."

Everyone laughed. Alistair calmed down and realized that Alriana had not moved her hand from his arm. Slowly he used his other hand and took hers and began to massage the palm. He watched as she looked at their hands and then up at him. She gave a smile and let him continue. When he finished she gave him her other hand. When he finished, he gave a kiss to the inside of her wrist and handed it back all the while blushing.

Alriana had not expected the massage but it felt comforting and she rather liked it especially since it was Alistair's touch. She flushed as she smiled and let him do both palms showing her trust in him. When he was finished and he gave her a kiss to her wrist, she said quietly, "Thank you lethallin."

"Your desire is my command."

Before Alriana could say anything, one of the children asked, "What is a Grey Warden?" It made Alriana realize that she had not really paid attention to the conversation and from the looks of things, neither had Alistair.

It was Ardeth who said, "I think this could be best told by a story."

Wynne added, "Yes I think that will be best. In fact I remember a tale that was told to me many years ago."

"I know this one," Ardeth added, "Perhaps we could tell it together?"

"Certainly. How about you start Ardeth," Wynne prompted.

Ardeth grinned. He knew this tale well and it was one that he always recalled whenever he met Duncan on his travels. He watched as the children crowded close and it amused him that the adults were coming closer as well. He began, "Long ago, the Blight had ravaged the land for months. The darkspawn showed no mercy as they crossed the lands, tainting everything that was in their path. It was then that the armies of the great kings had amassed for one last stand."

Wynne took over, "As the sun burst through the clouds that boiled and churned in the dark sky above, it illuminated the vast seething horde of the darkspawn that had amassed with the archdemon at its head."

"What's an archdemon?" One of the children asked.

Ardeth replied, "Some say it's a dragon but it really is the corrupted form of an Old God." He watched as little eyes went wide and gave a chuckle. He continued, "Well the horde had the archdemon at its head and it was then—when courage seemed to fail, and all lost to death and despair—that the Grey Wardens came. They were men and women of every race: humans, elves, dwarves, mages, barbarians and kings. They arrived with the beating of wings like mighty war drums, and they stood before the armies of men."

The gasps of the children was encouragement enough as Wynne continued, "The Grey Wardens were grim and fearless as they marched forth, ever between the men and encroaching darkspawn. They formed a shield with their own bodies and held that line until the archdemon was dead and the last darkspawn lay trampled in the dirt."

"When the clouds finally rolled back and the sun shone full upon the blighted ground, the great kings saw that they had lost no men and that none of their blood had been spilt. And then, demanding neither reward nor recognition for their sacrifice, the Grey Wardens departed. They left as they had arrived upon beating wings, the memory of their sacrifice engraved upon the hearts of men," Ardeth finished.

"Did that really happen?"

"Well young man, this tale is about no battle the Grey Wardens have fought and yet about them all," Wynne replied smiling.

"So this could be about the current Blight?"

Ardeth laughed and replied, "Yes. Know this children: The Grey Wardens have always defended us from the darkspawn, taking losses so that we do not have to. Now the Arcana are the same way. There will always be those that will take the sacrifice so that others will not. People may forget this over the centuries but as long as the darkspawn remain, so will be the Grey Wardens."

The children nodded. The one who originally asked the question then said, "Thank you for the story Arcana Ardeth." The others stood up and bowed and left to head back to their homes to go to bed. The adults followed suit along with Leliana, Zevran, Sten and Wynne.

Ardeth waited until the two Wardens were remaining. He sauntered up to them and said, "Well I don't know about you but I think a day here would be beneficial."

Alriana replied, "We do have a Blight on hand."

"Trust me on this one. Oiche sighted some troops passing by and I for one would rather avoid another fight," Ardeth replied.

Alriana raised her brow in suspicion while Alistair tried not to laugh, glad for once that it was not directed at him. Alriana then replied, "Then I defer to your intelligence."

"You're welcome my lady," Ardeth smiled with charm that brought a smile to her face and caused Alistair to frown.

"You rogue. Thank you for the tale," Alriana replied.

"Tis one that I have heard and kept in memory ever since Duncan told it to me. He told me once that the tale, this knowledge has been a blessing and a burden to Grey Wardens past. It is only fair that you both should know it though I must say that the child asking about the Grey Wardens was an opportune moment."

"Ma serannas, friend," Alriana replied. She waited until Ardeth left before giving a tug on Alistair's arm. She said, "Walk with me awhile lethallin."

Together they walked in silence, thinking about the implications of the tale that they just heard. It was Alistair who said, "You know he was talking about duty." When Alriana looked at him with a slight puzzled frown and he chuckled, "Hey I actually pay attention on occasion."

"I don't doubt that. It just surprised me that you came to the same conclusion I did." Alriana gave a small smile and then looked down as she walked. "You know I have never heard tales of the Grey Wardens."

"Maybe you'd like to hear a few more. Of the ones I knew," Alistair offered, for the moment enjoying Alriana's company.

"I'd like that."

"Well, there was this one time…"

A/N: Yes another chapter and they're on the road again. I couldn't resist basing this river scene off of one of my more favorite films if only for the costuming and such. If anyone can guess which film, I'll make sure to send Sten with a box of cookies... though I don't guarantee that they will be there when he arrives :)