I owe a lot of thanks to Kira Tamarion, more so than usual, for everything she did with this chapter. Not only did she patiently fix up all of my mistakes, but she also gave me some brilliant advice and suggestions.

A Sweet Escape

It had been three weeks since they left Denerim. Three weeks of slow, rough travel, and Ashara felt more and more miserable with each passing day. She was into her eighth month now, and was starting to forget the last time she had been comfortable. The baby pressed against her ribcage with such force that Ashara often had trouble catching her breath, or rolled around so much that Ashara could actually see her stomach moving. It was as beautiful to see as it was difficult to deal with.

The cart came to a halt and Ashara leaned against it, taking a moment to catch her breath before anyone noticed. If Tamlen saw her struggling to catch her breath, he'd try to force her to sit on the cart. But, as her stomach grew bigger Ashara found it easier to walk than ride. Besides, the walking helped to keep her body strong; something she needed to do before the child arrived.

Kira stood at the front of the group; Ashara couldn't see her, but she heard her words clearly. "I don't think we can get the horses past this section of the forest, Ashara. The roots here are too thick."

Ashara nodded and took a deep breath. She steadied herself and walked–or rather, waddled–to the front of the group. Sure enough, a mess of roots and brush blocked the path.

Tamlen hopped down from his position in one of the trees, where he had been keeping an eye out for trouble. "I can see signs of the Dalish. By now, I assume they know we're here."

Ashara hid her sense of relief. It was starting to get late; there had been some speculation that they wouldn't reach Redcliffe Castle until after midnight. She didn't relish the thought of traveling all night, but could hardly delay their journey just because she was feeling tired. If they encountered the Dalish, it would give her an excuse to agree to make camp for the night.

Kira stepped away as Ashara studied the thick roots poking through the surface of the earth. By now, everyone had gotten used to Ashara's Dalish magic; she used it often to help clear a path through the forest. It was an unspoken rule that whenever Ashara performed ancient magic left over from Arlathan, the humans in her group would subtly look away. Though Ashara had grown to trust them and no longer minded if they watched her–she trusted that they would not try to steal her people's magic–it was a sign of respect for them to turn away. Ashara appreciated that.

She looked down at the blocked path and held her hands out, tracing them through the air over the large roots and brush. She closed her eyes and sent some of her own energy into the ground, an offering of sorts. This was how Keepers guided their Clan through the forest. In exchange for her energy, which helped the plants and trees to grow and flourish, the trees and brush would agree to move, making it easy for her and her companions to get through the path.

Ashara never watched nature move; it was better to keep her eyes closed so that she could focus on her task. But Tamlen said it was like the wings of a hummingbird. You couldn't actually see the roots or plants move; only a glimmer, a spark of light, and suddenly the path was clear.

She felt the ground subtly shift beneath her feet, and knew that her offer had been accepted. She clapped her hands together, sending a silent prayer of thanks to the forest for agreeing to her request, and turned back to her companions. "It's done."

Kira turned around with a smile. "Wonderful! The sooner we get underway, the sooner we reach Redcliffe."

Since Ashara had begun to grow tired in her pregnancy, Kira had started to fill the role of leader. Ashara wasn't thrilled at the idea of having her responsibilities taken away from her, but at least Kira was competent enough to do a fine job. Grudgingly, Ashara would admit that it was actually kind of nice to have someone she trusted take the lead. Besides, Kira had a sweet temper and a sunny disposition that Ashara lacked; she easily managed to convince the others to follow her decisions.

For about an hour or so, the group continued on through the forest without much trouble. When the sun began to set, Kira and Ashara debated on whether or not they should try to press forward and reach Redcliffe Castle. If they kept going at their current pace, they would reach the castle around midnight. Kali ventured the opinion that they should set up camp and travel in the morning, but before anything could be decided, an elven woman suddenly stepped out from the shadows of the forest.

She had a scowl on her face and an arrow pointed directly at Kira; immediately, the Orlesian Warden reached for her sword and shield, while the others grabbed their own weapons. But then, the elven woman's eyes widened, and she relaxed her grip on her bow. "You... you are the Grey Wardens?"

Ashara took a step forward, leaning her hand on one of the horses' necks. She saw that this woman was Dalish, though one that she didn't recognize. She must be part of the Clans gathering around Redcliffe Castle. "Andaran atish'an, lethallan. Emma Ashara Mahariel, las'vhen arla Sabrae elv'lin."

The Dalish woman visibly relaxed; she smiled and slipped her bow over her shoulder. "Aneth ara, lethallan. The Keepers told us that you and your companions might travel through the forest. I am Esyae, of the Lasane Clan."

"The Lasane Clan?" Kira asked. She glanced back at Ashara. "That is a different Clan from the two we encountered in the Brecilian Forest, yes?" Ashara nodded, and Kira turned back to Esyae. "It seems that the Dalish have already begun to gather. How many Clans have joined?"

Esyae's pleasant smile never wavered as she studied the Orlesian Warden. "So far it is only my Clan with the Sabrae Clan," she nodded politely towards Ashara, "and the Ainuae Clan. We expect more to come, but my Clan was close when the call went out." She gestured deeper into the forest. "Our Clans are not far from here. If you like, I can take you to them; I am sure the Keepers are eager to speak with you."

Ashara nodded, hiding her sense of relief. "We would be grateful, lethallan."

Esyae kept up a constant stream of chatter as she led the group further into the forest. She was a sweet girl, seemingly excited about the chance to fight against the Blight with the rest of the Elvhenan. She remarked at how strange it was to be camped near a shemlen castle, but Keeper Lanaya had enticed the Clans into action by explaining how this was their chance to prove to the shemlen world what the Dalish could do.

Kali came up to walk beside Ashara, her face flushed with excitement. "The Dalish are really excited about fighting against the Blight with us?"

Esyae nodded. "At first, most of us were worried at the thought of using our weapons to fight side-by-side with humans. We were afraid they might try to steal our precious ironbark, or find a way to trap us. But Keeper Lanaya told us of how you saved her Clan from the werewolves. She said that long ago the Elvhenan had made a promise to the Grey Wardens, and we must keep that promise or lose our Dalish honor. As the word was passed around the camp, most of the hunters began to grow excited at the thought of proving our skill to the shemlen."

She inclined her head to Ashara. "We also discovered that one of our very own was leading the Grey Wardens." Her smile widened. "You have done much for our people, lethallan. It is encouraging to think that one of our Firsts is the leader of such a respected group."

Ashara lowered her head to veil the leap of pride in her eyes. "I am grateful for the chance to bring honor to the Elvhenan."

She saw Kali glance curiously at her and stifled the urge to laugh. Among her companions, Ashara was certainly not known for her modesty. But, Esyae was part of the People. The Clans considered it impolite to brag about one's position of honor. If complimented, a proper Dalish turned aside the praise, and Ashara had an image to maintain in front of the Elvhenan, after all.

After about a half hour of walking, they finally reached the Dalish camp. As soon as they entered, it was immediately obvious to them all that the Elvhenan were preparing for war. Ashara could hear Master Ilen arguing with Master Varathorn about the best way to heat ironbark, while Dalish hunters sat around the fire, crafting arrows and bragging about their skill to one another. Women sat around their own small fires, mending leather armor while the halla caretakers brushed the beautiful white deer until their fur gleamed silver.

As the group made their way through the Dalish camp, Esyae paused and turned to Ashara. "You and your companions are free to set up camp on the east side." She gestured. "I assume that you will wish to speak with the Keepers first, though."

"There is no need to drag everyone through the camp," Ashara remarked. She looked at Kira. "Tamlen, Kali, Zevran, and I will go speak with the Keepers. You and the rest of the group can go set up camp."

Kira grinned, a mischievous glint in her blue eyes. "And perhaps this time, we can keep poor Aric and Oghren from being accosted by elven children who wish to admire their beards."

Aric grunted. "Wasn't funny then, isn't funny now."

"I disagree, my friend," Kira replied sweetly.

"I can take you to the area," Esyae said politely. "Follow me, and I'll help you set up camp." She led the group off to the edge of the camp, while Ashara and the others walked towards the center.

Traditionally, Keepers always set up their aravels in the very center of the camp, no matter where the Dalish were. Not only did it provide the opportunity for protection–the Clan was honor bound to lay down their lives to protect the Keeper–but it was also the perfect spot for others to find them. A Keeper must always be available to members of the Clan, day or night.

As they walked, Kali glanced around at the large Dalish camp, her green eyes wide. "Wow; there are a lot of Dalish here!" She watched four da'len scamper around the camp, kicking up dirt while adults ordered them to calm down. "These are only three Clans? How many Clans are in Ferelden?"

"Each Clan has about thirty members or so," Tamlen explained. "I think there are about five Clans in Ferelden."

"I must say, the Dalish in Antiva are much more violent than the Dalish here in Ferelden," Zevran remarked thoughtfully, watching a group of young hunters practice their archery skills. "They are as likely to shoot you as they are to look at you."

"We've only ever met the Antivan Dalish once, during the Arlathvhen." Tamlen shifted his bow to his other shoulder. "I don't remember much about them, except that they got really angry when Fenarel poured pepper all over their food." He chuckled at the memory. "I thought they were going to skin him alive."

Ashara grinned. "I remember that. Fenarel had to hide behind Keeper Marethari; it was only her intervention that kept them from killing him."

Kali shook her head. "I think Shianni would have fit right in here."

They walked through the camp, with the Dalish shouting greetings along the way, and soon reached the center fire. Keeper Marethari sat at it with the new Keeper of the Ainuae Clan, Lanaya, and an older man that Ashara vaguely recognized.

Marethari stood up as she saw them approach and smiled warmly at Ashara. "The hunters told us you had arrived; welcome home, da'len." She looked at Tamlen. "You as well, lethallin. As always, you and your companions are welcome among the Elvhenan. You are free to stay as long as you wish."

Ashara ran a hand over her stomach, where the child was kicking up a storm. "I am afraid we are only here for one night, Keeper. We must get to Redcliffe Castle."

Marethari nodded. "Then sit by the fire, and enjoy your time here." She gestured for them all to sit with the elegant grace she always managed to summon, and then indicated the elderly man sitting next to Keeper Lanaya. "Allow me to introduce Rhys, Keeper of the Lasane Clan."

Ashara looked at the elderly man. She vaguely remembered him from the Arlathvhen, but had not gotten the chance to speak with him. At the last gathering, she had been too young to participate in most of the activities. He looked as ancient as an oak tree, far older than Marethari even, rooted to the earth by years of harsh living. The lines on his face suggested a cold demeanor, but his dark green eyes were kind.

"Andaran atish'an, Shalas'vhen Rhys," Ashara said respectfully.

Rhys inclined his head politely. "Aneth ara, lethallan. We have heard much of your doings." His ageless eyes took in the four elves sitting around the fire. "In all of my long years, I would not have expected that two of our own would have not only joined such an order as the Grey Wardens, but command the respect of the human world as well."

"We had help," Ashara reminded him. "Tamlen and I could not have done any of this without the aid of our companions."

"I understand." Rhys looked at Kali and Zevran, studying them as if preparing for a portrait. "You two are of the Elvhen, yet you live among the humans. Tell me, do you find it strange to be among the People, where you are treated as equals?"

Ashara ran a hand over her stomach and remained silent. She knew that this was a test; Rhys wanted to take a moment to judge their personalities, to decide if they were worthy of trust.

Zevran laughed, as if the question was truly funny. "I assure you, it is no more strange than living with the Crows. They treat elves and humans the same. That is to say, they treat us all badly, but at least we are considered equals."

Rhys didn't seem to quite know how to respond to that, so he turned to Kali. The little rogue flushed under his gaze, but leaned forward eagerly, her green eyes alight. "I think it's very strange! The Dalish live so differently from the city elves, and you remember so much more than we do!" Her smile was endearingly earnest. "If we manage to defeat the Blight, I want to bring stories of Arlathan to the elves in the city. Most of them have no idea of our history, but I think that they have a right to know where we come from."

There was a moment of silence, and then a bright smile broke out on Rhys' features, making him look years younger. He glanced at Marethari. "You were quite correct in your description of her." He turned back to Kali. "You are a charming girl, da'len. Do not let that light go out of your heart; you will have need of it."

The little rogue frowned. "What does that mean?"

Rhys shrugged, as if the matter was unimportant. "It is for you to decide, da'len. If it means something, then remember my words and carry them with you. If it means nothing, it means nothing. Forget it."

Ashara, who was only too used to the confusing way the older Keepers sometimes spoke, decided to change the topic. Kali would never get a straight answer out of Rhys. "Have the hunters been scouting for darkspawn?"

Keeper Lanaya glanced nervously at Marethari and Rhys before speaking. It seemed that, although she was now a Keeper, of the same status as the rest of the Keepers, she was a bit hesitant to venture her own opinion. But, she would grow out of that. She had a lot of wisdom to offer, even though she was young. "Our hunters have been scouting daily. They've reported seeing a gathering of darkspawn far south, on the edges of the Korcari Wilds. It seems that the darkspawn are moving north, but they are doing so at a very slow pace."

Marethari nodded. "The Archdemon has not yet risen and without it, the darkspawn do not know where to go or how to proceed. I should think that as long as the Archdemon remains hidden, we have been granted the grace of time."

"For now," Rhys said with a frown. "Eventually, the Archdemon will rise and we will be faced with the Blight." He looked at Ashara. "Have you a plan?"

"Two of our companions are Orlesian Grey Wardens with much experience," Ashara replied. "They've given us information about the Blights, and ideas on how we should proceed. For the moment, our plan is to travel to Haven in search of a cure for Arl Eamon, the human who is in charge of Redcliffe Castle. One he awakens, Alistair assures us that he can stop this pointless shemlen civil war." She shifted, as the child in her womb began hiccuping and kicking. "With the civil war over, we will have armies from the Elvhenan, the mages of the Circle Tower, the Durgen'len, and the humans."

Tamlen nodded. "Aric says that once our army is completely gathered, we will be able to attack the main bulk of the darkspawn horde. If we manage to break through it, the Archdemon will be forced to show itself. The plan is to draw it out and attack it on a ground of our own choosing."

Rhys rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "A fine plan, though it is all dependent on the hope that the Archdemon remain hidden for a time."

Ashara shrugged. "What else can we do? If the Archdemon were to show itself too soon, we will be forced to deal with it early. That is something that we are all aware of, but we can't always choose the battlefield."

Marethari nodded. "Wise words, da'len. At most, let us say that we have only a few weeks to prepare."

Rhys frowned. "If that is enough time to convince the others to uphold their honor."

Ashara caught the look that passed between the Keepers. "What's wrong? Are the rest of the Elvhenan not coming?"

Marethari spread her hands. "We do not know, lethallan. The call was sent out to the Clans of Ferelden, but only the Lasane Clan has shown."

"I am sure that Keeper Soora will be bringing her Clan," Rhys said firmly. "She was the first of us to feel the stirrings of the darkspawn, and argued that we must stand and fight the Blight. She will drag her Clan through the whole of Ferelden if she has to. But, as for Keeper Zephan..." Rhys trailed off and shook his head. "I do not know what he will be thinking. It is possible that he will take his Clan out of Ferelden."

Ashara scowled, angry at the thought. "If one of the Clans decides to turn tail and run, they will never be forgiven! They are not worthy to call themselves the Elvhenan!"

Marethari smiled sadly. "Now is not the time to be angry, da'len. We have enough to prepare for, without adding to our worries. The Elvhenan will provide what army we can; we shall be ready to aid you against the Blight."

But Ashara's anger did not recede; she knew of Keeper Zephan. He was the Keeper of the Clan that her mother had belonged to. He was the one who refused to allow Ashara's mother and father to bond. She had always disliked the man, and this did nothing to help. She was disgusted at the thought that he would hide away, refusing to help his people. It was shameful.

Tamlen, who probably knew what Ashara was thinking, scooted closer to her and slipped an arm around her waist, offering silent support.

Marethari looked at the two of them and folded her hands in her lap. "I am sure that you are eager to eat and rest," she said quietly, tactfully changing the topic. She looked at Ashara. "You said you will be leaving in the morning?"

"Yes, Keeper."

"Then for tonight, you must enjoy yourselves. We will speak later."

Tamlen helped Ashara to her feet and guided her off towards their companions. Ashara said nothing, and allowed herself to be pulled away. Though she got to spend the evening with her people, though she saw all of her friends and loved ones, her dark thoughts about the past continued to follow her like a shadow, unable to be escaped.

oOo

Morning sunlight filtered through the windows of the large hall of Redcliffe Castle, setting the very air alight. Kali walked down the hall with her hands on her hips, exasperated as she looked around. Barely a full day since they arrived at Redcliffe Castle, and already she was lost! Lady Isolde had told her how to get to the map room, but for the life of her Kali couldn't figure out where in the heck she was supposed to go. How did anyone find anything in such a giant place?

Frowning, she looked down the row of doors on either side of the hallway, and tossed around the idea of opening them each in turn. If she opened all of the doors, eventually she'd find the right room, wouldn't she? See, this is exactly why she should have gotten up from breakfast with Ashara, Leliana, and Kira. But no, Kali had decided that she wanted to stay and finish eating.

Though, in her defense, it had been a long time since she had had a fresh meal, and that warm bread was delicious.

She spotted a lone guard standing near one of the doors further down the hall, and considered the idea of asking him where she should go. But, she didn't want to seem like an ignorant peasant girl.

In the end, it didn't matter; the guard glanced her way as she approached him. Well, she thought he was glancing at her, but since she shouldn't see his face beneath his helmet, it was kind of hard to tell. For all she knew he was looking at the wall behind her. "Is there something you needed, my lady?" he asked politely.

Kali glanced over her shoulder, thinking that someone else was in the hall with her, but then reminded herself that the guard was actually speaking to her. Her group had arrived at Redcliffe yesterday morning, and from the first moment she set foot in the castle, everyone kept calling her "my lady". The guards, the servants, even the mages from the Circle Tower were all very polite and formal to her and the others. No one would call her Kali. It was really weird.

"Um, I'm trying to find the map room. At least, I think that's what Lady Isolde called it? Some of my friends are in there." She glanced down the hallway. "But, I forgot which room it was, and I think I'm lost."

"The room is at the end of the hall, my lady. The last door on your left."

Kali frowned and put her hands on her hips, staring up at the guard. "You now, you don't have to call me that. I'm Kali, an elf from Denerim. Why does everyone insist on being so polite to me?" She thought for a moment. "I suppose it's better than being called a knife-ear, but I'm starting to feel weird about it."

The guard shifted. "You are a Grey Warden, my lady, worthy of the title. Not only that, but you helped kill that demon that plagued the castle, and saved Redcliffe Village." He hesitated. "My wife and son live in the village; your actions helped to save my family."

"Oh." Well, she certainly hadn't thought of that. Everyone was polite to her, as a way to say thank you? Whatever happened to just walking up to someone and saying "thank you"? She'd really prefer that, to everyone acting like she was a human noble or something. "Well, um, we were glad to help. It's what Grey Wardens do. But that doesn't mean that you can't call me Kali."

The guard straightened up. "As I said, the room is down the hall, my lady."

Kali fought the urge to throw up her hands. She recognized the tone of dismissal well enough. She could sense that he was starting to grow uncomfortable, and was hoping that she would leave. Well, there wasn't much she could really do, so she settled for thanking him and continuing on down the hall.

She found the room soon enough, and opened the door. It was quite unlike anything she had ever seen before. Large maps were pinned to the walls; one of them was so big that it covered an entire wall just by itself! She couldn't recognize most of the maps, but she did see that the largest one was a map of Ferelden. The others were most likely maps of other countries, Orlais, probably. Wasn't Lady Isolde an Orlesian?

There were strange instruments shuffled into the corners of the room–Kali had no idea what they were, or what they were used for–and shelves piled high with hundreds of books. In the very center of the room was a large table covered with papers and scrolls. Ashara, Kira, and Leliana were crowded on one side of the table, each peering down at a large piece of paper.

"If this map is accurate, we should be able to reach Haven within a week or so, no?" Kira said, tracing her finger over the paper. "It seems to be an easy enough journey. I assume we could follow the Imperial Highway around Lake Calenhad, and then track into the mountains."

"Yes, but it is the mountainside that will be the most difficult to travel through," Leliana said thoughtfully.

Ashara rested her hands on the table and bowed her head. Kali thought that she looked like she was trying to force herself to breath calmly. "This map worries me," the Dalish woman said, her voice rough. "Something seems off."

Kali walked up to the table, curious as to what they were talking about. "Is something wrong?"

The three women looked up at her. "We are not sure," Kira said slowly. "We have poured over a dozen different maps, but this is the only one that actually has Haven marked on it."

Kali leaned over the table and peered at the map. It looked very old, and had a bunch of different marks on it, though she didn't really understand what they were supposed to symbolize. "Is that a problem?"

"It means that we must trust that this map is accurate," Leliana explained. "If it is not, we will have wasted a lot of time on nothing." She tapped a finger against her chin. "However, I am of the opinion that we accept it as authentic. If Andraste's Ashes are truly buried somewhere in Haven, it makes sense that the village will have kept it a well-guarded secret." Her eyes were practically sparkling. "We must take this chance! Imagine how much hope Andraste's Ashes could bring to the faithful!"

Kira made a soft reply, but Kali wasn't listening to either of them; she was too busy watching Ashara. The Dalish woman was leaning over the table, her breath coming in harsh gasps. One hand was on her stomach, and her eyes were squeezed shut, as if she was in a lot of pain.

At once, Kali was by her side, holding her arm to try and keep her steady. "Ashara? Is something wrong?"

Leliana whipped around; she took one look at Ashara and started beaming while she got on the Dalish woman's other side to support her. "Is it the child? Is it coming early?"

"I... I don't know..." Ashara managed to gasp out. "There's a... pain... like... squeezing..." she trailed off and scrunched up her face, as if another wave of pain was washing over her. Kali saw her bite her lip while her face turned red.

Kira immediately ran to the door and threw it open, and in one long breath managed to shout for Tamlen, Wynne, and for someone to go outside the castle and find Marethari. Servants flew down the hallway to prepare a room while Leliana and Kali half supported, half carried Ashara out of the map room and down the hall. The whole way, Ashara held on so tightly to Kali's hand that Kali was sure her fingers were going to snap off.

Once in the room, Ashara was carefully set on a large bed; she sat with her legs up and her back against the headboard, leaning forward. Wynne rushed in with the energy of a woman half her age, followed closely by Morrigan. The Circle mage sent servants running for hot water and fresh wool, while Morrigan knelt down beside Ashara and whispered words that Kali couldn't hear.

Tamlen burst into the room, shouting at everyone to tell him what was going on. Ashara lifted her head and tried to say something to him, but couldn't seem to get the words out. She gasped and moaned, and reached out a hand to Kali, who knelt down on the opposite side of the bed from Morrigan. Tamlen began cursing at Wynne for not doing something; he was causing so much chaos and terrifying the servants so badly that Wynne finally thumped him on the head and threatened to bar him from the room if he didn't calm down. Shocked into silence, Tamlen retreated into a corner of the room.

Someone pressed a warm, damp cloth into Kali's hand; she pressed it lightly against Ashara's forehead, trying to think of something to say that would soothe her, but she couldn't seem to do anything more than push Ashara's damp hair away from her face and whisper at how brave she was.

Finally, after what felt like hours–during which Ashara alternated between screaming, and sweating–Marethari calmly walked into the room. Her presence alone seemed to fill the entire room with security and hope. She walked towards the bed and smiled down pleasantly at Ashara. "Well, da'len, it is time for your child to be greeted?"

Ashara's sharp nails dug into the soft flesh of Kali's hand. "It's too early, Keeper!" She clenched her teeth and groaned as a fresh wave of pain washed over her. Kali was almost positive that she was going to have scars on her hand, but she knew why Ashara was so frantic: she was only a little past eight months. Weren't children supposed to be born around nine months? That meant that her child was coming early, which wasn't good, was it?

But Marethari's calm expression never wavered. "Everything will be fine, da'len. There is no need for you to worry." She looked around the room and saw Tamlen sulking in the corner; for the first time, she frowned. "What are you doing here? This is women's business, no place for a man." She waved a hand towards Leliana. "Guide him from here." Tamlen straightened up, looking ready to explode, but Marethari stared him down. "We will bring news of your child when she is delivered, da'len. I'll not have you disrupt our work."

Grudgingly, clearly ready to curse everyone in the room, Tamlen allowed Leliana to pull him away. But before he went out, he shot a dark look at Kali. The meaning of it was clear: You will tell me if something happens!

Once he was gone, Marethari turned her gaze to those left in the room: Kali, Morrigan, Wynne, Kira, and the servants. The Keeper smiled. "It is going to be a long day. Let us settle in and prepare."

The Keeper was right. It was a long day.

Ashara was in labor until well past midnight; her screams echoed through the room like a shrieking ghost, sending chills through Kali's spine. She had never thought that giving birth was so painful! Ashara was a strong woman; Kali had never before seen her show pain, not even when she got hit by that arrow when Zevran attacked them. To see her now, her small body shaking while sweat poured down her face, her teeth clenched while she tried not to scream, frightened Kali.

While Marethari and Kira prepared a mixture of herbs in a bowl and set it on fire, and Kali and Morrigan continued to hold Ashara's hands, Wynne kept up a constant stream of soothing energy flowing to the Dalish woman, to try and keep her calm. It didn't seem to work very well, in Kali's opinion, but Wynne explained that until Ashara gave birth, she had to be very careful about the type of magic she used.

Finally, when Kali could see the full moon glittering outside of the large window of the room, Marethari felt Ashara's stomach and announced that it was time. She instructed Kali and Morrigan to lift Ashara carefully from the bed. Kira got behind Ashara to help, and the three women carried her to the center of the room. Marethari showed Kali and Morrigan how to get on each side of Ashara and support her, forming a sort of throne for Ashara to rest against so that she could deliver her child.

Kali knelt on one knee, with her other leg offering support, and wound her arms around the Dalish woman's body, trying to hold her steady. Between her and Morrigan, they were able to keep her supported, but Kali could feel Ashara trembling. She made a mental note to never get pregnant.

Wynne stood behind Ashara and swept her hair up to the top of her head, trying to cool the back of her neck while Marethari knelt down in front of her. Kali couldn't see what it was that the Keeper was doing, but Ashara soon let out a fresh scream.

"You are doing well, da'len. Keep breathing; it is almost over."

Kali could feel Ashara's body heaving and convulsing. It felt like the screaming went on for hours and hours; Kali's legs were beginning to ache, but she refused to relax. Finally, Ashara tensed up and jerked forward, her eyes almost bulging out of her skull. There was a rush of liquid, and Kali could hear a baby screaming. She never would have guessed that the sound of a baby crying was something to be admired, but at that moment the screaming of the baby was the most beautiful sound in the whole world.

Marethari sat back on her heels and quickly wrapped the baby up in a fresh piece of linen. "It is a girl, da'len."

Ashara was almost in hysterics; her body slumped forward, and she was laughing and crying, all at once. Marethari handed the baby to Wynne, and went over to the burning pile of herbs. She put out the fire and looked at Kali and Morrigan. "Bring her here."

Kali and Morrigan were forced to practically carry Ashara over, while Marethari poured the herbs on a stone plate and set the plate on the ground. "She must stand over the smoke; it will help to cleanse her."

After everything was finished, Ashara was put back into bed while Kira cleaned her off as best as she could and one of the servants went running for Tamlen. Wynne came to the bed, and Ashara got to hold her daughter for the first time. Seeing the look on Ashara's face as she stared down at the little baby, screaming in her arms, Kali had the thought that maybe childbirth wasn't so terrible after all.

Wanting to really see the new baby, Kali stood by the bed and peered down at the squealing infant and frowned. She didn't want to say anything–for fear of making Ashara panic–but it looked to her as if the baby was tiny, even by elven standards.

Marethari seemed to be thinking along the same lines; she stood by the foot of the bed and watched Ashara calmly for a moment, before speaking quietly. "We must keep watch over your child, da'len."

Immediately, Ashara jerked her head, fear in her eyes. "Why? Is something wrong?"

"Your daughter is small. She seems healthy enough, but we must take care to ensure that she nurses well and gains weight."

Ashara held the baby to her chest, as if afraid she would lose her. "What if she doesn't?"

Marethari shook her head. "There is no need to think like that. I am here," she inclined her head to Wynne, "as is your friend. We will keep your daughter healthy."

The Circle mage nodded. "It is not uncommon for children to be born early, but with that comes certain risks. Your Keeper is simply explaining why we must keep a watchful eye on your daughter." She smiled. "There is no reason to think that she will not grow fine."

Morrigan, who had never once left Ashara's side during the whole day, leaned forward and brushed Ashara's bangs away from her head. "I am sure that your daughter will be fine. More than sure; I can promise." Kali glanced at the witch curiously; it wasn't like her to be so nice to someone. Morrigan didn't look at her, but her words seemed to settle Ashara a bit.

Kira clapped her hands together, beaming as she watched Ashara and her child. "So, Ashara, what will you call her?"

Ashara looked up at her with an exhausted smile. "Anyu. Her name is Anyu."

Everyone moved out of the way as Tamlen burst into the room and rushed to the bed, and Kali found herself standing next to Marethari. "Anyu," the Keeper remarked thoughtfully. "It is a good name."

"Does it mean something?" Kali asked, brushing away her bangs from her face. It seemed she was sweating almost as bad as Ashara was.

Marethari turned her wise gaze to Kali. "It means 'unexpected blessing'."

Kali turned to look at the new parents. Ashara and Tamlen had their heads bent together and seemed quite oblivious to the world around them as they admired their baby. They lifted up her feet to exclaim over her little toes, traced their fingers over her pointed ears and kissed the soft patch of pure white hair on top of her head.

Unexpected blessing. Kali liked the sound of that. This little baby girl, Anyu, was born during a Blight, when the country was torn apart by a civil war and darkspawn threatened to destroy the world. Her parents were Grey Wardens, who never should have been able to have children in the first place. Unexpected blessing.

Kali smiled. That's exactly what Anyu was.

Translations:
Andaran atish'an - formal greeting
Emma Ashara Mahariel, las'vhen arla Sabrae elv'lin - I am Ashara Mahariel, First of the Sabrae Clan
Aneth ara - informal greeting
Andaran atish'an Shalas'vhen Rhys - Greetings, Keeper Rhys
Durgen'len - dwarves
lethallan/lethallin - friend, kinsman
da'len - child/children
Arlathvhen - meeting of the Dalish Clans that occurs every ten years

A/N: Yay! Ashara gives birth! I've been so excited for this chapter since I first started writing about her pregnancy! Kira was an immense help with that section. And don't worry, we'll start getting back on track with the Blight in the next chapter.

About the section with the Dalish: in the game, on the night before the Blight you can talk to a few dwarves who are complaining that one of the houses refuses to send their men to help fight. Well, it seems to me that you'd also encounter problems like that with the Dalish. Most of them might agree to uphold their promise to aid the Grey Wardens, but I get the impression that there would be at least one Clan that would refuse to fight with humans.

Sorry for the delay in updates. I've gotten so far behind in everything (I owe a lot of you reviews). Hopefully I'll get caught up this week

Thank you to everyone reviewing, reading, and requesting alerts!