THE ADVENTURES OF ANDRASTE THE DRAGON
A/n: Alright I am back in the game! The only crappy part is that I erased all my old games for DA2 and lost all my unlockables! The only thing I was able to keep was the Black Emporium! All the other stuff the Staff of Parlathan, the books that you find in the trunk that level you up…well that is all gone now. I had to sign up for that news letter again! Crap! Now I have to wait till the next time my boyfriend lets me over his house to update my stuff again!
Oh well enough rambling from me and on with the game….um..story!
Chapter 37: From This Day Forth
OLD QUNNARI COMPOUND KIRKWALL, FREE MARCHES
I sat down in the only large enough sandy spot for me. Already Alistair was kicking things around while Aleria looked…well distraught.
"They should not have to use the Joining as a punishment! The Joining was supposed to be an honor! This is not how it was supposed to be!" Alistair protested.
Aleria went to his side and offered some comfort. Anders was nowhere to be found seeing a he was busy at the Gallows with the sick and the needy…as was his punishment. Aleria held him as he continued to rant and rave. Arl Eamon had come around sometime ago and so informed of what happened to Ferelden. Connor was getting magic lessons from both Flemeth and Wynne; while Morrigan was off somewhere in Lowtown.
I on the other hand had worked myself to exhaustion so am now listening to the bitching of one so called Grey Warden. It was hard enough to sleep with him ranting and Oghren's burping. Thank goodness the said dwarf is off with Varric getting both drunk at the local tavern and preparing the Kirkwall soldiers better. Carver was gone busy with the Templars as was his job while Zevran was keeping an eye out for more developments…or having some fun with Merrill. I saw the way he looked at her. She was beautiful even for a blood mage…though a bit young, but who can tell in this world.
The ranting finally stopped and I was able to finally get some bliss and relaxation…well until someone gently began to stroke my eye ridge. I opened one ruby eye to stare at Sten. The Qunnari had finally returned bearing the markings and armor of his people.
Slowly is raised my head to face him better.
"You don't have to get up my friend; I've heard that you need rest," he said
I laid my head back down as he sat in front of me.
"I have just recently returned from visiting my Arishok and informed him of the situation in Thedas. Though he is most displeased was something to my initiative. He told me I am to return to my party seeing as they have proven themselves worthy of the title. You my friend are exhausted, I have told my Arishok of you and he wishes to see you. The only thing though is that he has been called back to Par Vollen because of the Darkspawn invasion there." He said
"Darkspawn in the Qunnari lands?" I asked
"They sometimes raid the islands stealing women to make into broodmothers something I myself do not wish upon them. After seeing that one in the deep roads it is better to die a Qunnari then to live as one of them," he stated.
"I agree," I said raising my head
"Alistair informed me that we've found a clue to the whereabouts of the Library of Arlathan," Sten said
"Yes, it is right here," I said pulling away my claws to show him the book and the mark that I used on the book.
I opened it to the page and found that the picture has some interest to Sten.
Taking the book he looked at the mirror's picture in surprise.
"Bashadan!" he said
"What is it?" I asked
"I know this object! It is kept in a temple in our capital. The object was said to have helped our priests by giving them knowledge of works that do not require magic," he said
"Such as gunpowder," I replied to him.
"Gun…what?" he asked
"Um an explosive powder you make with bird droppings and such," I said
"Yes, I know that powder, but we Qunnari have another name for it," he said
"I know this is hard to come back to the very city where the Arishok tried to take over," I said to him.
"The Arishok should not have done that. My Arishok told me such as it violates the treaty with the other countries." He said
Getting up I looked down at the picture again. Sten was studying it further for a few seconds but I could tell that his mind was made up. He quickly turned towards me and he nodded.
"This is the object it has to be," he said
"What do you know about this?" I asked him
"In Qunnari legends the mirror was a way towards inner knowledge. It is said that our ancient leader who wrote the book that governs all Qunnari today has used this mirror to find the purpose he needs. He said that the ancient ancestors of our people had told us to come east and find purpose here. When he finally passed into the realm of spirits his legacy was still there. The mirror that told him this knowledge is still in Par Vollen one of the tokens that was left behind of him." Sten said
"Then we need the mirror if we are to find the library," I replied to him.
"It is under heavy guard and even if we do find the mirror this book does not tell us how to use it. The knowledge of that was lost when we lost our leader." Sten said
"If it is what I think it is then I too also possess that knowledge," I said to him.
"Bashadan!" he replied to me.
It was then that loud gongs could be heard throughout the city. I noticed that Alistair and Aleria were already adorned in their full Grey Warden armor.
"Well we are on our way there are you coming?" Alistair asked me
Nodding sadly I let them onto my back as I rose up and stretched my wings out to their fullest. Leaping into the sky I circled around the docks till the gallows came into view. Rising above the wall I floated for a bit before landing. When I finally landed as gently as possible I was shocked to see hundreds of people gather and move away as they saw my shadow. I moved into land directly in the center of the courtyard.
Already people were expecting us as they too moved out of the way. When I touched the ground I lowered myself to let Alistair and Aleria off. Already Anders was dressed in Grey Warden mage finery having cleaned himself up and shaven. There in the center was Roslyn wearing black robes as if she were going to a funeral. I sensed someone watching me as I lifted my head up and saw for myself Warden Commander Hathor having finally arrived from the sea with a man I don't know. I guess he is the Warden Commander of the Free Marches. The second man next to him also wore Grey Warden finery but his one was even more decorated with the heads of two Gryphons on the sides.
I guess he might be the so called First Warden.
To me he looks more like a king then a Warden. His finery adorned him and his white beard shown to be well trimmed for a human. I pulled my wings back and laid down to look less hostile. Though we all disagreed to this punishment it was to be done. The Kirkwallers demanded justice after the rebellion of their Circle of Magi.
It was finally beginning as Viscount Sebastian stepped down from where he was and walked slowly towards Roslyn. In his hand holds the cup that from what Alistair explained to me earlier contains Darkspawn blood and some other things as well that he does not know.
"Roslyn Hawke in front of a court of judges from within the city of Kirkwall you are hereby sentenced to death by taking the Grey Warden Joining. You have been sentenced because of your actions against former Knight Commander Meredith, Her Grace; Grand Cleric Ethina, Practicing magic outside the Circle of Magi and endangering the people of Kirkwall with your actions regarding the use of illegal magic. You are found guilty of all charges and therefore you are now to partake of this cup filled with Darkspawn blood. Your pleas will go unheard," he said sadly.
People all around began to boo and protest not at Roslyn as I thought they did but at the Viscount for his rash actions against her.
"LET THE CHAMPION GO!" someone shouted a lowly peddler who stood on the far right of me.
"LET THE CHAMPION GO!" others shouted in fact the whole crowd stared screaming for Roslyn to be free.
It was Carver who told me the story of his sister's rise to power. She now has to face the consequences of her actions.
"SILENCE!" shouted the Viscount.
The crowd fell silent as Roslyn's face was filled with tears as she turned her sapphire stare towards me. My ruby eyes held her as she had tears slip from her eyes for the first time since Angelina was born. Speaking of the baby she was being held by Avaline and she too started to cry.
It was then that the First Warden whom from what I understand rarely makes any public appearances stepped forth. His glittering armor shown like the sun. Slowly he held the cup out for Roslyn.
"Roslyn Hawke, regardless of background the Grey Wardens welcomes all who would walk the path of death to fulfill the duty of protecting the people of Thedas from the Darkspawn incursion. If you survive you shall forever be known as a Grey Warden. Your child Angelina Hawke also bares the taint so she by birth is a Grey Warden. She will never be like the other children. When she becomes of age she will be taken to Weisshaupt to receive training. Your lover Anders has already received his punishment for deserting the Wardens. Are you ready to receive the joining?" he said to her.
With tears in her eyes she nodded.
Looking up at the audience he turned to them.
"Join us brothers and sisters, join us as we remember and honor those who have come before us; join us as we follow in their footsteps and honor their sacrifice," and he then passed the cup to Roslyn.
"From this day forth Roslyn Hawke you are a Grey Warden," he said
She sadly took the cup from the First Warden and slowly drank deeply from the cup.
When she was done he took the cup back.
At first there was nothing.
Then like wildfire she looked towards me in shock and gagged as she fell forward…only to be caught by the first warden.
I felt a hand on my side and looked down to see Leliana gently stroking me. It was then that I remember the song that she sang one night at camp. I decided that now was a good time to sing it.
My voice echoed across the courtyard as I filled it with the song of sorrow. The beginning melody was something where one gets in tuned with the song. Catching on Leliana also added her voice to the intro of the song.
"hahren na melana sahlin
emma ir abelas
souver'inan isala hamin
vhenan him dor'felas
in uthenera na revas"
I could hear the thousands of people crying as we both sang this song in honor of the legendary Champion of Kirkwall.
"vir sulahn'nehn
vir dirthera
vir samahl la numin
vir lath sa'vunin"
As soon as we sang it I did not realize that thousands of voices could be heard as the elves of the city also joined their voices in singing the song both city and Dalish elves. Their voices were loud and proud as well as beautiful. I could see Anders also crying as he heard them.
As soon as they finished the First Warden stood up proud and strong, "Roslyn Hawke will live!" he said
The reaction he had received was not one I expected as people cheered at the top of their lungs both young and old. It seems that Roslyn though a Ferelden was a hero here in Kirkwall. I myself am proud as well as Sten who stood on my other side. Both Alistair and Aleria shared a long kiss to celebrate the good news. Roslyn laid limp in the arms of the First Warden and another guard quickly came to retrieve her. I could see Commander Hathor looking rather proud as Anders rushed up to hold her close to him.
I let loose a roar as I reared onto my hind legs with both wings spread out to the fullest and let loose a long stream of flame into the sky.
Everyone cheered and wanted to touch the champion but I ran interference as I gotten down on all fours and growled.
Anders walked slowly up to me and handed Roslyn off to me and melted back into the crowd knowing that he is not allowed to leave the Gallows. I turned to the Warden Commanders and nodded before I opened my wings and took off towards the compound in the docks.
I dodged low over the buildings and through the streets the thermals here are best as the winding roads allow me to get better height as I rose higher. As soon as I saw the compound I raced towards the closed gates that are made of iron alloy and landed softly within on the nice soft sand. Already Wynne was waiting with a cart and some herbs to give to Roslyn. I quickly handed her off to Wynne as I quickly checked on her. Finding her alright I saw that her body is still adjusting to the taint in her blood. Checking her pulse I found that she is still breathing so she will live. Though her pulse is erratic from what I understand that is normal.
Sometimes I takes several hours to three days before a person wakes so I take my leave with her.
I gently placed her on a ledge that smelled of musk and sweat; placing her there to see that she heals properly. As I placed her there I put some things there to keep her comfortable as well as gave her a concoction that came from that mage in the Warden's keep back in Ferelden. I am surprised that the Darkspawn never gotten through to there but probably it is due to the mountainous region of the castle and the people who are defending it with their lives. From what I understand in a recently written letter by Levi Dryden he said that refugees had been pouring in every day.
His family had set up medical facilities for them to keep them going. The mage who lives in the tower was left alone for the most part but found that his skills could be of use. Already he has recruited several members of the lot to become Wardens and train them to fight Darkspawn. This helped hold back the line for a time before he finally passed. He had already sent word to Hathor about his findings and before his passing he had given Hathor a letter to give to me seeing I was the only one he found (when he found out my specialty that is) of brewing potions. He had given me his research and I was able to put it to use.
On Roslyn
The draught that he had come up with was one that would help counteract the shorter lifespan of the Grey Warden. Already I tried it with Anders seeing as they both are going to need it. There was also one that would help them block out the dreams of the deep roads lest they consciously want to know what their enemy is up to. It helps for a time and now Roslyn is going to need it if the sweat on her brow is anything to go by.
"How is she dragon?" said a voice I have never heard except at that meeting.
I turned around to meet the First Warden himself looking at me with interest. Since Hathor had already undoubtedly told him my little secret I slowly looked down to him. He was still dressed in his armor shining like a peacock mind you as I stared at him with one ruby eye.
"You know human I could have just stepped on you and get this over with?" I said
"But you wouldn't now would you," he said
"Nah I don't want to ruin your nice new suit," I said
He folded his arms clearly not impressed at the joke but his smile showed me that he has some sense of humor.
"Now I've heard from Commander Hathor that a blood mage has devised some ways to help with the joining?" he said
"Well I read over his notes and made some modifications to it but I found that it does indeed work," I said
"What does it do exactly dragon," he asked
"Well right after the joining if the person survives this helps to block out the dreams unless a person is near Darkspawn. They can actively hear their thoughts without the terrible visions. It also works on mages that are suspected of not being able to pass their harrowing it helps to keep the demons back," I replied
"Well at least Hawke can sleep peacefully for now but as soon as she is able I want your party to head out immediately. Alistair filled me in on the Library of Arlathan. I need your party to head out immediately towards Par Vollen with the current company of Qunnari. The Arishok that was stationed in Northern Ferelden has returned and seeing as he wants to check on his homeland as much as that friend of yours does then you've best be off," he said
"So Roslyn is joining us? What about her baby?" I asked
"I've already have the guards woman Avaline look out for her along with her father Anders who still has to carry out his sentence for leaving the Wardens. Since I need all the Wardens I can get his punishment is quite clear and so he shall stay to care for the baby. Roslyn on the other hand has to carry out this duty since she is skilled at magic as anyone. Of course Alistair and Aleria are going and that witch Morrigan."
"I am surprised you remembered their names," I said to him
"Dragon I make it my business to remember names that is why they called me First Warden," the man replied.
"oh," I said as I unconsciously tucked Roslyn in better.
"So the woman Avaline is taking care of the baby till hers is born?" I asked
"Yes, it has been nearly three years since this city has gone to shit and more so now that the blight has taken over," he said
"Has it been that long?" I asked
"You've been in the Deep Roads for nearly six months and longer in Kal-Sharok. The horde had spread rapidly to all nations except Tevinter and mages saw this as a sign in Kirkwall to rebel against their chantry leaders," he said glaring at something.
I turned my head to find Anders standing there along with Angelina in his arms. The baby was sound asleep as he hurried to Roslyn's side. He was clearly crying as he held her for her fate was sealed. Angelina also sensed the sadness began to cry as well and father held daughter close.
I could not help but look down at this and if I could cry I would but dragons do not shed tears…or could they?
I felt something wet on my side and felt it flow down towards the ground. Looking down I saw for myself the first signs of tears. All the hardship I've seen so far and it has come to this. Now I have seen many families torn apart by death in my time in the hospital or by utter stupidity.
But this is the first time that I've seen a family torn apart unwillingly by war. So many things I used to take for granted back in America that I've forgotten what it was like in other countries. To see this family of mages torn apart by war because of love, and a willingness to fight for what's right shows the things that people would fight for. I can finally see it now having been so naïve about all this. In this world darkness ruled for so long that there is no hope. And looking down at the books to see that faint picture once again made my mind resolve.
Even with all my skills as a healer it will not be enough.
You are finally starting to see the bigger picture here a familiar voice said in my head.
Once again I was in that same fireplace and there sitting on her comfortable chair was none other then Andraste herself the prophetess.
"That is why you brought me here isn't it?" I said to her my human voice was again evident.
"Yes, I brought you to this world to save it from the evil that has plagued it for so long. Like I told you in the beginning you are here to stop the blight but now things have gotten out of hand. The evil that the old gods unleashed upon my world is killing it. What they did with Roslyn Hawke was wrong and at the same time a great honor. By becoming a Grey Warden Roslyn is now more powerful then ever. This is the first time in her family to have a Warden. She will be the first to undergo this mission from the Hawke family. As a talented mage she will have the power to stop the Darkspawn and make it safe for her to raise her child." Andraste then stepped closer to the fire.
"The secret to the Old Gods power lies in the Library of Arlathan. You must find it for yourself," she said
"Why can't you tell me where it is?" I asked
"Because my husband forbids me from doing so. Things like this you must learn on your own. Trust that you can and will find the library and undo the evil that has plagued this land for nearly a thousand years. The darkness that blood magic has unleashed upon this land must be stopped. What the wizards of the Imperium did was beyond natural. You my friend are the only one who can unlock the true powers of the Grey Wardens and make them remember the true meaning of their creed." She said
It was then that the vision was gone and I found myself once again in my dragon body and looked down in surprise that Anders took some tears from me.
"Sorry about that Andraste but I needed your tears since they make excellent skin balm for sunburns," he said sheepishly.
I could already see Angelina suckling on the now exposed breast of Roslyn. I looked down at Anders with a questioning look on my face.
"She is already immune to the taint so it is safe enough for her to suckle." Anders replied as he stared sadly at her.
"I wish you could come with us Anders," I said he shook his head
"You know I can't and unlike the Templars; the Wardens are much more strict about keeping to the rules. I have runaway from my responsibilities for far too long Andraste. I guess this is a way for them to make me remember that." Anders replied
"I know and I swear to you on my own grave and you can stick a thousand needles in my eyeballs that I will make sure your wife returns home safely," I said
"Wife?..." he said thinking along the sounds of it.
A sad smile came to his face, "Yes that does suit the situation now doesn't it," he then heard the tell tale signs of Angelina finishing her suckle and went to gather the baby.
He began to burp her while covering his wife to be up. He then turned to me,
"Andraste you gave your word that you will do your best to protect Roslyn right?" he said
I nodded, "Dragons do not make oaths likely," I said
"Good so we are even," he said
"We are even," was my reply.