A Tale of Forgotten Lore

by Crotalus24

When given the choice to face our greatest fears and failures, do we run, or do we embrace the present in hopes of forging a new future? Abandoned and betrayed by the woman they were most loyal to, they must now find trust and strength in each other and in a new companion or perish as they set out on a new journey into a long forgotten realm. (Note: Follows events after DA2.)

38. The Heart of the Black Forest

We always know which is the best road to follow, but we follow only the road that we have become accustomed to.
~ Paulo Coelho, The Pilgrimage

x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x

It was good to be roaming again. Freki could smell the new life stirring in the air even though winter was still softly clinging to the world. Trotting ahead of the group, he would continuously look over his shoulder to make sure he was on the right path and that the others hadn't fallen behind. But the further they neared the ancient forest, the more his confidence seemed to waiver.

Even when he had still been with his pack, they had not hunted in these woods. No wolves called this place home anymore. The smell of stale earth and something else clung to the air and wind. It was unfamiliar and put him ill at ease. Even now he kept scenting something strange. It smelled of the old stone and moss, but even as the wind shifted, he could still smell it. Could it be moving? If so, what animal carried a scent like that?

Glancing back at his pack, they seemed to be resting while Falon made a final decision on which path that would best for them to take. His ears perked up as the wind shifted again, but this time he thought he heard a soft cry being carried on it. Maybe it was just it echoing off the stone, but….

Perhaps it was nothing, yet it wouldn't hurt to just investigate. He wouldn't be missed for long. He would be back before they even noticed his absence.

x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x

Staring down the two paths as they stood at the fork, the party silently observed their options. However, in their guide's mind, the path was already set. He just didn't know why.

Their goal was a strip of rock to the south that cut off from the Frostbacks like a row of jagged teeth. Before it was a low valley, and from their vantage point, Varric could see it stretch out for days and days. Of course, if it was him, he would say take to the lowlands. Already he could see patches of green as the snow began to melt and the level terrain was a noted amenity. The trees were also very tall and large which meant that there would most likely not be a distinct amount of underbrush for them to maneuver through. And then there was the other path…the same one that their guide was stoically observing as she chewed on a piece of dried meat.

Eyeing the mountainside disdainfully, he couldn't help but cringe at the steep slopes, the narrow rocky footpaths, and its sharp protruding sides. In truth, he had just about enough of these mountains and their blasted rocks.

And therein Varric chuckled at the ironic thought. Here he was, a full blooded dwarf, sick and tired of the mountains and endless supply of stones, who was actually eager to leave it behind while hoping they could take the scenic route through the forest. Again, he scoffed at the notion. If he didn't watch himself, he was going to turn into an elf.

Still, he didn't like the idea of making a journey that would take them two weeks compared to one that would be just a few days. Pulling out the ancient map, Varric slowly unrolled the ivory scroll case. If he was reading it right, they could simply make a straight cut through what looked like a valley.

"So, tell me again why we're taking the long way?" he asked.

"Because," Falon drawled, "I exist to make your life difficult and tedious, and this is just one of the ways in which I do it."

"That's grand and all, but the map says-"

"That map may have its uses, but I'm telling you now: we should take the mountain path."

"Yeah, well it wouldn't be that tedious of a hike if we had a certain white deer tagging along," he mumbled as he rolled the ancient map back up.

Falon gave a sharp hiss and kicked him in the shin. He stifled his grunt before the both of them turned to make sure Daisy hadn't heard them. When it seemed she was still too preoccupied with one of her books, Falon turned back to him.

"I told you, he had a herd to return to. Besides, halla aren't like horses. Even the Dalish know they can't completely control them."

"Yeah, well Daisy sure was broken up about it."

"It couldn't be helped," she replied dejectedly. "Besides, where we're going, the halla instinctively know they don't belong."

"Really? And here I thought it was that massive pack of wolves that scared our sure-footed friend away." Falon made no reply to that at first, but she got a look that he had come to know meant she was thinking of something related to the topic, she just wasn't going to say it without some prodding. "Falon? What did set those wolves off? Was it the same thing that caused our friend the halla to bolt like that?"

Falon shrugged, "Spring is approaching, Varric. For the creatures here it means preparing for young, returning to old hunting grounds, and securing places where they will be well fed."

"Or ambushing a hungry pack of demons and ripping them apart," he replied as the ranger rolled her eyes. "You said so yourself a few days back. Those wolves had tracked those demons down with intent. But now you're saying it's all a coincidence."

"I didn't say that."

"So what were those wolves doing there?"

"Perhaps the same thing we were doing?" Varric gave her a perplexed look as the ranger nodded towards the south. "Maybe…maybe they could sense more than just a changing of the seasons." When he still remained skeptical, Falon continued, "Did you ever hear the Artala clan mention anything about a Servant during your brief stay?"

"What you mean like a butler?" Varric replied with a smirk

"More along the lines as a Servant of Fen'harel."

"Now that didn't pop up in general conversation, though considering what did happen, I'm surprised it didn't." Again Falon made a dismissive gesture to the dwarf. "Come on now, Falon, you don't think Daisy was right. That black wolf wasn't the Dread Wolf…or are you referring to something else?"

"I'm not saying those wolves are reporting to some spirit or the like only that…you're right to some extent. Their behavior isn't normal. They can sense something stirring even if we don't realize it. They were so riled up, they went so far as to even assume that Munin was some kind of demon and that Merrill was intent on summoning more."

Varric suppressed a shiver that was threatening to run up his spine. Reaching down for the last bit of meat, he swallowed most of it without chewing before deciding he didn't want to speak anymore on wolves, their behavior, or these Servants. "So with this route through the mountains, you sure it would be faster. To me it looks like a straight shot through the woods if we head down there."

Sighing, Falon wolfed down the last of her meat before addressing him, "I told you, it's been a long time since I've been here. There's no telling what's decided to take up residence in those trees."

"Like what? Man-eating rabbits? Giant oversized raccoons that run in packs? Flesh eating unicorns?"

"A flesh-eating unicorn would actually be something I would be interested to see but no. I was referring to something more along the lines of demons and such."

"Demons…you said that before. Just why is it that demons would be here in the first place? It wasn't as if we had a horde of them roaming around the forest of Sundermount."

"She's right, Varric," Daisy mused as she joined them, but her gaze would always stray back to the valley. He wasn't sure when she had walked up on them, but she seemed distracted by the sight more than them. "The Veil is very thin here. Besides, the forest of Sundermount is a child compared to how old this forest is, however, it's still strange."

"How so?"

"Maybe it has something to do with its age, but the Veil usually only becomes brittle whenever there is a large concentration of magic. However, that mostly only occurs when there are a group of mages in a collective area, or if a mage is performing a wide range of complex spells for a length of time, or if there is a source of magic like a lyrium vein or such, or-"

"I get the idea, Daisy: lots of magic tends to wear out the Veil, but if that's the case, then what's causing it?" Falon gave the dwarf a dubious look before shaking her head dismissively and going off ahead to inspect the path further up. "What? Did I miss something?"

"It is probably the tomb, Varric," Daisy replied. "There might be artifacts inside it that are magical in nature and are weakening the Veil. Or it could be…something else."

"So you think this tomb might be the reason for the way we're all on edge right now."

"Maybe, but I can't say for certain. Sometimes places are just more prone to effects from the Fade. This forest just might be one of them."

Varric mechanically nodded his understanding when in actuality he merely tried to key into the major details. When it came to magic, he really just wanted the quick and dirty. With the past months going as they've been, he was more and more obligated to take a few pages from Broody's book and try to keep a wide berth with all the magical aspects.

"Varric?"

"Huh?" Caught off guard, the dwarf quickly tried to back track, but had apparently drowned the mage out with his thoughts. "Sorry, Daisy, what was it?"

"I was asking if you've seen Freki?"

"Freki? He was right behind…damn mutt." At some point, it seemed the wolf had wandered off.

Ever since they ventured from Hamin'druil, the wolf seemed to have gotten a spark of wanderlust. No doubt it was contributed to their run in with that pack of wolves, but ever since Assan's departure, Daisy seemed to want to keep the wolf underfoot as if she was worried he might decide to run back to his kin as well. But the truth was…after that night, there had seemed to be something off about the wolf. Almost as if he was distracted and was a complete opposite to the wolf-pup's cavalier nature. It didn't sit well with Varric, but at the same time, he didn't know how to explain it. Even Falon seemed to become somewhat distant of the wolf lately, but the dwarf wasn't sure it that was due to their sudden departure, the other wolf pack, or the forest that was looming before them now.

Trying to ignore the uneasiness and forcing the unnerving thoughts aside, Varric turned back to the mage, "Freki can track us down easily enough, Daisy. Don't worry about it."

"But what about the forest? Falon said that demons are most likely infesting them."

"I think he's smart enough to avoid them. He was able to slip by the Artala clan last time, and he's had ample experience since then."

"Yes…but Varric…"

Sighing to himself, the dwarf replied, "I'll say something to Falon. But she's probably just going to say the same thing."

He took one look at the sprawling woods ahead of them. From the size and intensity of the old forest, he could see how something like Freki and legends about Fen'harel could originate from a place like this. It was eerie…just like the stories and the wolf's howls.

Shaking off his mood, he went in search for their guide, only he didn't have to look far. Apparently, the ranger seemed to have become distracted from her original task. At the moment, she was kneeling down next to a small shrub she had pointed out to the elf.

"This one is pokeweed," she stated as she tug at one of the leaves, "and you can eat this one as well."

"I thought you said the other day that these plants were toxic?" Fenris replied without a hint of condescension.

"They are, but you can harvest the leaves on the young plants as long as the stems haven't turned red and boil them a few times. Then they are edible. You can actually brew it into a potion that acts as a painkiller."

"They look very similar to the southern nightshade you showed me before."

This was something Varric had been noticing for a while. He would never take the elf for one of his woodland cousins. And while Fenris never openly discredited the lifestyle, just the elves themselves, it was still took the rogue some time to take in the fact that Fenris was willingly taking in the ranger's tutelage. Not that he didn't think the elf could benefit from it. A former slave on the run could have a distinct advantage if he knew the woods, however, as Varric approached him, the warrior sent him a warning glare when Falon wasn't looking.

"Those two are similar," Falon stated as she continued, "but the-"

"I hate to interrupt your little nature lecture," Varric replied neutrally while giving a nod to the elf, "but we have a problem."

"Look, I already told Merrill three times now that I am not going to catch one of those flying squirrels for her. I don't care how fluffy and cute she thinks they are, they carry fleas, they bite, and they're annoying little things that aren't worth the effort."

"She's still carrying on about that?" Varric asked. "In her defense, you don't typically see flying squirrels in Kirkwall. And she still is missing Assan a bit, but unfortunately, that's not what I'm talking about. Daisy's worried that Freki's run off. She, uh, thinks something might be wrong."

"He's a wolf, not a dog," Fenris stated. "And to add to that, he is not your typical wolf either."

"Fenris is right, Varric. Freki's most likely scouting around. He'll pick up our trail later on."

"That's your call, Falon. Still, Daisy's not going-"

Varric was cut off as a low howl traveled over the valley. It was rough, throaty, and while he didn't have a keen ear like Falon or even Fenris, that call didn't sound familiar.

"Is that even wolf?" he asked the ranger.

"I'm…not sure," Falon replied.

They listened as another similar call answered the first. It unnerved Varric, but in the back of his mind it seemed eerily familiar.

"Where's the mage?" Fenris asked.

Both the rogue and ranger exchanged panicked glances before tearing back down the trail where they had last seen the mage. However, like the wolf, she had disappeared.

"Damn it all to the Abyss!" Falon hissed.

Varric rubbed the back of his neck in frustration as he gaze down both sides of the path, "You don't think she ventured down into the woods, do you?"

Falon gave him a daunting look and did not reply.

"I'm down here," a faint voice called up.

The three of them peered over the edge of the steep mountainside and down a long muddy trench. Apparently, their mage had stepped or stumbled over the edge. From this point of view, she seemed in relatively one piece if not somewhat cut up, bruised, and battered.

"I…I slipped," Daisy stated meekly as picked herself up from the ground. By some outstanding miracle, she hadn't broken her legs, her neck, or even her head.

"Truly, you should put a bell on the mage," Fenris murmured.

"That would only attract more attention," Falon replied.

Ignoring them, Varric called down to their despondent mage, "Hold on, Daisy, we'll find a way down and-"

There was a low, grating rattle that was carried on the wind. It was followed by a long moan that must have been the wind as well. However, the longer he heard it, the more he was forced to convince himself that it was only that. Varric's sight was drawn to the trees behind Daisy, and once more he was gripped with that same grim feeling.

"Damn it all…!" the ranger hissed under her breath. "You all attract danger like blood on the wind attracts scavengers!"

Without warning, Falon launched herself over the edge, and with dexterity and agility he had never seen before, was able to use the rocks to jump down with relative ease and land on the ground next to the mage. Whatever Falon had seen, he knew it wasn't good.

"Freki has to be out here somewhere," Daisy replied. Cupping her hands over her mouth, Merrill called out, "Fr-!"

Falon raced forward and practically tackled the mage to the ground as she covered her mouth. All the while, the hunter stared eagerly, almost fearfully, up at the surrounding trees.

"What is it?" Varric whispered.

Slowly removing her hand, she gestured for the mage to be silent as she backed the both of them away.

"Sylvans," she muttered almost indistinctively. "It's a whole grove of them behind the first tree line."

"What are they?" Daisy whispered.

"Trees…possessed by spirits or demons. Once inside the trees, their senses are altered and muted. They stay trapped in those shells, unable to move, for hundreds, sometimes thousands of years until they go mad."

"That's horrible," she whispered.

"And utterly dangerous," Falon murmured. "Now back away. Slowly."

He had never heard of such a thing, but the longer Varric looked at the trees, the more he was able to discern something twisted and warped in the bark…almost like faces. Now he understood the ranger's preference for the long way around. Varric began searching his pack for some rope to haul them back up when a low rumbling wail caused their whole party to balk.

"That…sounds vaguely familiar," he murmured.

None of them got a chance to confirm his suspicions though. The wailing, though eerie and far off, seemed to stir the air around them. The next thing he knew, the clearing became louder as the creak and moan of wood and branches began to fill it.

"Damn it all to the Abyss," Falon huffed as she released the mage and pulled out her bow. "Merrill, fire and lightening and don't hold back! Burn them to cinders!"

The first tree, or what he thought had been one, jerked and groaned before its roots exploded from the ground in the form of lumbering arms. Standing at least three times as tall as Qunari, these things were intimidating enough on their own. However, as Daisy set the first one on fire and it fell to the ground in a withering mass of splintering wood, it seemed every tree around the ranger and mage seemed to spark to life.

Falon cursed as she released another arrow, only for it to imbed in the thick wood of the sylvans with no effect. "Varric, throw anything at them that will ignite," Falon called up to him as she continued to fire her arrows through the mage's fire and attempt to burn more of the trees.

The dwarf was only a few steps ahead of her. Already he had a few flasks of salvaged oil he had found at Hamin'druil and had hit some of the emerging trees that were glaring at the two females with mad intent. Fenris, as always a stoic pillar despite the fact that the forest around them was literally coming alive, seemed to be judging the drop and debating if he could manage it without splitting his head open.

A few well-placed tosses and Varric shouted down to them, "Alright Daisy, light them up!"

The little mage's simple spark ignited on one that he had struck with oil. As it caught, it thrashed and wailed into another that was also coated in oil. In its pain, it stumbled into a third, though not doused with anything flammable, it was dry enough to catch fairly well.

"Dwarf, everything is catching fire too quickly," Fenris stated. "We have to get them out of there."

Sure enough, while their assault seemed to take the sylvans' focus off of Falon and Daisy, it wasn't deterring their advance. Now instead of a grove of demon infested trees bearing down on them, a small forest fire was threatening to pin them down.

Already Falon was scrambling up the muddied trench only to lose her footing and slide back down. "It's no use." Daisy sent another fireball into the fray of trees if only to knock them back. "There's a river to the west," Falon called up. "The mountain path should diverge further down and cut off into the forest. Follow it and meet us there."

"Then we'll help you cut a path to it," Fenris stated as he made to jump down.

"No, even if the both of you manage to get down here without cracking your skulls open, I can maneuver through easy enough even with Merrill. A larger group will slow us down and make it easier for these things to track us."

For a moment, he thought the elf was going to ignore her order, despite how good a point she made. If Falon only had to worry about Daisy, they had a better chance of running that gauntlet than if she had to contend with watching all their backs. Whether the elf understood this or simply trusted her enough to concede, Fenris came back from the ledge.

"I'll expect to see you within the hour," he stated before eyeing the encroaching trees. "Even if you do have the forest blocking your way and the witless mage slowing you down."

Falon smirked up at him before giving an abrupt nod. She then seized the mage and disappeared through the dark spaces between the trees that had yet to erupt in flames. To say the warrior was reluctant to follow him back to the mountain path was an understatement, but the elf finally allowed himself to be pulled away as both of them began to search for the river.

x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x

Falon leapt and sprinted through the nearly impossible gaps between the trees with relative ease. However, Merrill was not as agile. Several times her robes or staff were snagged by an offending branch that she was sure was another sylvan. The third time actually was one of the possessed trees, and both she and Falon were nearly impaled before she was able to set it on fire so they could escape. After that, she sent Munin ahead at Falon's urging to scout ahead. So far, she had not heard back from the familiar for either approaching danger or that they were nearing the river.

Falon suddenly brought them to a stop as she searched the forest around them. Merrill didn't like the look she had. The mage gasped as the undergrowth shuddered next to her, but heaved a sigh of relief when she recognized the slate gray fur.

"Freki," she sighed as she kneeled down next to the wolf in greeting. Freki returned it with a nervous growl as he pressed his head into her side. His fur was singed and from the way he favored his steps, she guessed his paws were burned as well. "I'm glad you're in one piece."

"So am I," Falon stated, "but we can't slow down. Even now, they're moving around us."

Freki whined softly by her hip as he lowered his head. If Merrill listened closely, she could hear the soft rustle of stone and dirt around them. It was almost as if the soil was being tilled, but she came to realize that it was the sound the creatures made as they lumbered over the ground.

Just then, she felt a pull on her mind and as she closed her eyes, she saw a flash of running water. When she opened her eyes again and let out a deep breath, she was back in the forest. "Munin's found the river," she stated. "It shouldn't be that much further ahead."

"Which direction is the quickest?" Falon asked.

Merrill pointed toward the trees ahead of them. Falon nodded her understanding and made to take point when the vegetation suddenly shot out in front of her. The ranger just barely missed connecting with the lumbering strike as she was forced back. The sylvan let out a rumbling growl as it staggered forward; its long branching arms dragged behind it while its trunk like legs grounded the earth beneath it. Just then four more of them appeared around them. Freki snarled viciously at the sylvans while Falon attempted to get him to fall back.

"It's not about numbers," Falon said to the wolf as she eyed the trees uncertainly.

Freki growled back at her indignantly.

"It's a possessed tree," Falon shot back to the wolf. "What are you going to do, gnaw at its roots while I pepper it with a few arrows?"

Freki snarled at her again as the trees drew closer.

"It's a sword not an axe, there's a big difference!"

The sylvans were right on them at this point, and without thinking, Merrill jumped in front of the sylvans as her spell was nearly completed. With a burst of profound power, the fire engulfed the clearing and ravaged both the sylvans and the benign trees. When the traces of the Fade dissipated, Merrill was left panting slightly as her legs waivered. Around them, a large ring of ash and blackened earth encircled them. For several paces, there wasn't a swatch of green except for the small circle at their feet. Within the black circle, three sylvans continued to convulse and groan even while more than half of their bodies had been reduced to charred remains.

"I've…I've never cast a spell this powerful before," Merrill panted. "Munin's presence…I think her influence it growing stronger."

Falon merely stared at the darkened ground before steadying her. "We need to run while they regroup," Falon stated. "Fire will only hold them back for so long."

Taking the ranger's shoulder, Merrill shoved her weariness aside and did her best to keep pace with her. However, soon enough she could hear the tell-tale approach of the possessed trees.

"How are thy able to move so fast," Merrill panted.

"They don't. We are just awakening the ones closest to us."

"They are this sensitive to noise?"

Falon did not look at her as she replied, "They sense magic. The stronger the spell or the magic within the mage, the more agitated they become."

"I'm rousing them?" Falon did not reply, but her silence was answer enough. "That's why you didn't want to bring us through the forest; why you didn't want to bring me here. Then…if I had just stayed on the path, they never would have awakened…."

"There's nothing we can do about it now, Merrill. We have to get to the river. Once we regroup with Fenris and Varric, we can follow it to higher ground and should be safe."

Merrill shook her head and pulled away so she could lean against one of the trees, "Falon…I can't. I need to rest or just catch my breath. Just for a moment."

"I know you're tired, Merrill, but we can't…Merrill…move."

"Wh-?"

"Move now!"

Before she could realize what was happening, something seized her around the middle and hoisted her in the air. She had only a fraction of a second to realize that all three of them had walked right under a slumbering sylvan and Merrill had been foolish enough to even lean against it. Its warped face regarded her for a moment. The jagged crack in its mouth began to splinter and break to form some semblance of a mouth. In utter shock, Merrill watched in horror as the tree brought her closer and closer to the gaping hole.

Like a feral cat, Falon deftly climbed up the sylvan's protruding branches. Before the creature could register what was on it, Falon jammed her sword into one of its cavernous holes of warped wood that comprised of the creatures face.

With a grating scream, the sylvan dropped her only to snatch Falon. The ranger let out a strained cry as the tree tightened its hold around her and forced the woman to drop her sword. It brought her up to her face and examined the struggling ranger before hurling her across the glade into another tree.

Merrill reached for her staff only to grab several feet of splintered sticks. Meanwhile, Falon attempted to rise but cried out as she clutched her shoulder. Panting, she attempted to pull herself up again but couldn't move. It was then that Merrill realized that a broken branch had impaled Falon's shoulder, leaving her pinned to the tree and utterly vulnerable.

Before she knew what she was doing, Merrill seized Falon's sword and raced forward. She had never held a blade in her life, but the moment her hand touched the cold steel, she felt the flow of the Fade around her turn into a turbulent maelstrom ready to devour and rend havoc at her slightest call. It felt…it felt as if the blade was hungry; as if it wanted to kill and devour. The mage raced forward with one thought: burn.

Merrill delivered the cut into the sylvan's leg. The sword sliced through as if she had merely swung it through the air. The Fade crackled and churned around her as black fire strewn with silver engulfed the demon before her. Merrill watched in stark fascination as the strange fire consumed ever last fiber of the possessed tree. When it was done, not even ash remained.

She dropped the black sword and instantly, the thrum of power ceased. But with it came a wave of utter exhaustion. Merrill fell to her knees as if she had been battling the entire day and her magic was all but spent.

"Merrill?" The mage was pulled from her shock as Falon's even voice reached out to her. "Merrill…are you alright?"

"I…I'm sorry…I didn't know what I was doing," she panted as she tried to regain her senses. "You couldn't move and it was coming for you and my staff…I didn't think it would do that."

"Merrill."

"Then the fire…fire isn't supposed to burn like that. I didn't mean for it to burn like that, I mean, I wanted it to catch on fire, only that wasn't the typical fire that I've pulled from the Fade before."

"Merrill! If I wasn't attached to a tree right now, I would knock some sense into you, but seeing as that's not the case…."

Instant clarity came to her when Merrill realized that Falon was still caught on the tree. Rushing over, she was somewhat relieved to see that it was not as bad as she first assumed. A shattered branch had splintered to a point and had caught Falon under her arm near the shoulder and had mercifully spared her bones.

She peeled away the majority of the wood, until it was clear enough for her to remove the ranger easily. "Hold still," Merrill stated as she dug through her herb bag. She found the vial she needed but before she could reach out to bind Falon's wound, the ranger let out a shout and ripped her shoulder free.

"By the Great Mother!" Merrill shouted as Falon stumbled forward. Her features were screwed in pain as she held her shoulder. "What are you thinking?"

"I'm fine," Falon bit out before taking in a shaky breath. She released it slowly and after a few moment's began to breathe more steadily despite the small trickle of blood oozing out of her back.

"Falon…"

She didn't seem to hear her, but searched the ground before finding the black sword Merrill had discarded along the edge of the glade. Despite what had just happened, the ranger boldly walked over as if to retrieve it.

"Wait, what are you doing?"

Falon stilled and eyed the mage over her shoulder. "Well, I do find it useful to have weapons to aid me in close quarters, and this one has proved to be just that."

"But…did you not see what happened? That…that wasn't natural magic. The sword warped the flow of mine somehow." Falon did not say anything and it was then that Merrill suddenly realized that Falon was not surprised at all by the sword's reaction to her magic. If anything, she had expected it. Fighting down a twinge of fear, Merrill looked the ranger in the eye as she asked, "W-What kind of sword is that?"

Falon slowly turned to face her as she nodded to the blade by her foot, "I told Fenris before, but I suppose I never mentioned it to you. I retrieved this blade from Hamin'druil years ago. It's magical in origin, but it takes a skilled mage to tap into its powers."

"Like Tyrfing?"

Falon nodded, but added, "But with different…traits."

"What kind of traits?"

Falon fixed her with an even stare as she replied, "The kind of that resides in shadow."

"I-I haven't heard of that kind of magic before."

"Because most mages have never learned to use it before."

Merrill continued to stare at the sword, without thinking she stated, "I've never had a weapon become so in tuned with me so quickly. Not even a staff."

"It's the magic that resides within it."

"Is…it something like blood magic?"

"No…it's something just as powerful, but…wild and difficult to control." Gingerly picking up the blade and sheathing it, Merrill made to protest after learning that Falon's blade possessed such abilities, but the ranger cut her off. "If you don't know how to control it, it will feed off a mage's magic, Merrill. That's why you feel so drained. But for others that don't possess magic, it's harmless. Just a mere blade."

"Even so, should you carry something like that?"

"So far it has yet to turn on me." Merrill wasn't sure how to respond to that. It was one thing to have a blade etched with runes and enhancements, but that sword…in all intents and purposes, it was a mage's weapon. She had handled staves too long to be fooled otherwise. And while some weapons enhanced a mage's connections to certain elements, even blood magic, just touching that steel seemed to call to something buried deep within her mind. It…it frightened her to an extent. "We shouldn't linger here any longer," Falon stated. "The black fire you made scared the sylvans off for now, but considering our luck, it's sure to attract something equally as unfortunate."

Merrill was momentarily distracted by her internal debate when she noticed Falon attempting to bind her shoulder with one hand. Truly, it was a pity Falon didn't favor heavier armor. With her tenacity and the way she drew an enemy's attention, she was usually the one to take the brunt of a skirmish despite Fenris's presence. Or maybe she was just that unlucky.

Approaching the ranger, Merrill raised one of her hands in attempt to inspect the wound only for Falon to step away. "It's fine. I can tend to it."

"It isn't fine. You only have one hand and the branch went all the way through. If we don't do something now, you will lose too much blood."

Falon merely shook her head as she continued to clumsily attempt to stop the steady trickle of blood from her shoulder.

"You allow Fenris to tend to your wounds," Merrill abruptly stated.

The ranger paused for a moment before continuing her work. "It's not like that," Falon replied as she sat down on some large, nearby rocks and began to bind her shoulder. "Besides, you took care of me throughout this winter."

"Giving you herbs, readjusting your splints, tending to your fevers, but never once would you allow me near a cut or open wound, not while you were awake. The only way I was able to get near your wounds were whenever you were unconscious." Falon did not look up, but Merrill could see her mouth twist in aggravation. Gathering her resolve, she asked, "You don't fear me as a blood mage, but you don't forget it, do you?"

Eyeing her intently, Falon seemed to be debating something internally. With an unwavering gaze, she suddenly stated, "My father…used magic and my blood against me once when I refused to obey an order. He…told me it grieved him to resort to such means…but one does not forget something like that so easily."

"You father…why would…what would cause him to do something so horrible?"

Tightening the bandage, Falon finished and turned back to her, "I was defiant and he thought it a fitting punishment to bend my will…just to show that he could. He thought to reaffirm that fact that I was to serve him and also perhaps to instill a sense of fear that would keep me in line for future purposes."

"Falon…I'm so sor-"

"Don't. Just…don't. I told you so you would understand it when I say not to take it as a slight against you personally. I simply don't like my blood exposed to mages in general."

"I…I understand, Falon." Though it hurt substantially to know that even Falon had hidden reserves against her magic. However, the mage couldn't blame her. People who were scarred or hurt by magic in the past can't easily forget it. Fenris was testament to that. Merrill suddenly felt very cold, and it wasn't due to the sword having eaten away a large portion of her magic.

Sighing heavily, Falon ripped off the haphazard bandaged as she bowed her head, "Here."

"What are you doing?"

"Just…please will you see to it if you have enough magic left? It doesn't help either of us that I can't use this arm and because…because I hate having you stand there looking like a struck puppy."

The comment about the puppy didn't offend her. In fact, she was eager to heal the ranger once Falon gave her leave. Perhaps it was somewhat pathetic, but she didn't want Falon to be frightened of her.

Kneeling next to the ranger, Merrill gently pulled back her armor and clothing so that she could get to the wound. She poured some water over hole and removed a few splinters before finishing her exam.

"Again," Falon mumbled as she glanced around the burnt grove, "I have to stress you do this quickly. We really shouldn't be lingering here."

Merrill nodded her understanding as she soon went to work. It was phenomenal how easily her understanding of healing magic was unfolding. Before, it was a mental block that not even the Keeper had success in breaking. Merrill could only sum up her progress to Munin, and while she was still considered a novice, in the time it had taken her to get to this point had been months compared to the years other mages would have required.

"There, I'm finished."

There wasn't even a scar to be seen, and while Falon looked a little pale, she was able to roll her shoulder as she inspected it. With a relieved sigh, she nodded her thanks to the mage.

Merrill made to rise, but as she braced against the rock, she failed to see the small pool of Falon's blood. Her hand slipped in it, and pitched the mage forward into Falon's side. Instinctually, Merrill tried to shy away, even Falon seemed to make an attempt to avoid her, but her hand connected with the black hilt of Falon's sword.

It felt like cold water dousing her mind. As if she was being exposed to something dark…and powerful. She would admit, blood magic frightened her at first. Yet fear didn't describe this properly. This was something old, ancient, and was not understood by any mortal being that now walked this world. Did Falon have any inkling of what she so willingly strapped to her side?

"Merrill?!"

The mage shook herself from her reverie as she blinked up at the ranger. Falon had taken a step away and was eyeing her warily. Merrill shook her head and stammered, "I'm sorry, I just…I never realized how much magic resided within that sword."

"I think you're only more aware of it because it's become aware of you. I'll…make sure to keep it at arm's length from you from now on."

Merrill wasn't sure if that would help, but she nodded to reassure the ranger if nothing else. "That sword is very good when used against a mage, isn't it? It can steal their magic especially if they don't know how the sword is doing it." Merrill wasn't sure how she knew this…she just did.

However, Falon did not seem the least surprised by her statement. Instead, the hunter replied, "Very much so."

Merrill felt another pull on her mind. This time, as she closed her eyes, she could see the rushing water again while two figures stood below her tree. They were looking expectantly at the forest and seemed nervous.

Merrill opened her eyes again as she took a breath to realign her thoughts. "Munin has found Varric and Fenris. They're waiting for us by the river." As if to reaffirm her, another grating call of one of the sylvans came not too far away from them.

Falon began to make her way over the large stones as she flicked her hand to get rid of the excess blood, "Then we shouldn't keep them waiting. Even with Munin's reassurance, they would be hotheaded enough to come in after us."

Merrill nodded in agreement, but as she and Freki made to follow the ranger, the ground beneath their feet pitched violently. Merrill was thrown to the side and desperately searched the trees for the sylvan that they had unwittingly stumbled upon again.

Only this time, the sound of grating rocks replaced the groan of wood and was followed by a low, rumbling hiss. Too late, Merrill recognized this sound, and with no staff to focus her magic, they were seriously outmatched.

The stones they had been resting on convulsed again as the varterral freed itself from the ground. With a grating hiss, the spider-like creature regarded both her and Freki before rounding on the ranger who had fallen directly beneath it. Merrill was unable to move, she couldn't even breathe as she waited for the varterral to lift one of its spear-like legs and impale Falon. But instead, it merely lowered its head and inhaled deeply as it regarded the ranger lying prone beneath it.

"F-Falon?"

The ranger held her hand up as a silent declaration for Merrill to cease talking. All the while, Falon didn't break her eyes away from the ancient forest guardian. Then, ever so slowly, the ranger began to inch away from it. It followed her with steely intent, but it did not strike. For a moment, Merrill thought that it might just let them go. They were of elvhen decent, perhaps it sensed that they meant no harm to the forest, only the demons inhabiting it. But just as Falon managed to get her feet under her and Merrill braced herself to bolt into the trees after her, the varterral let out a hoarse screech. With the speed of a serpent, it lunged forward to seize the ranger around her middle.

"No! Falon!"

As the ranger withered and fought to free herself, Merrill readied a spell to strike the guardian only for the creature to turn its back to her and begin to flee.

"Falon hang on!"

But the varterral had already gained some distance from her. She was about to call for Munin and send the familiar to trail it until a low grumbling hiss forced her to stop. She was nearly crushed by the sylvan that had been awakened by her shouts. Falling back, Merrill called upon the Fade and realized that there were at least a dozen of the possessed trees blocking her path.

"Dear, Mythal…"

"Merrill, go back!"

"No!"

"Merrill, go back!" Falon shouted over the stony hide of the forest guardian. "Get the others. I'll leave a trail for Freki to follow."

"I can't leave you," Merrill called to her, but already the sylvans were surrounding her and Freki once more. "Falon!"

But she couldn't hear her anymore, and as the sylvans encroached further, Merrill was forced to abandon her chase. Utterly despondent, she called for Freki as the both of them raced to find the others and hopefully track down their stolen companion.

x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x

Cleaving down another possessed tree, Fenris brought his sword around in anticipation for the next one he knew would take its place. Sure enough, the lumbering giant stepped forward, but at this point, Fenris had lost count of the number he had felled, and their weak spots were easy to exploit. Aiming for a notch along its leg, the sylvan was brought down far enough that Fenris had access to its head. Due to Tyrfing's properties and his own augmented strength, he was easily able to hack off the creature's head. Falon had been right, a lesser sword would have lost its edge hours ago, but this blade still seemed sharp enough to cut the air.

Panting heavily, their group eyed the surrounding trees, but nothing moved…at the moment.

"Elf…I think we should reconsider this. We can't keep this up, not through the night, and if we're not careful, we're going to be caught out here as the sun sets."

Fenris understood the graveness of the dwarf's words, but as much as his own reasoning fought against him, he wanted to ignore it or, at the very least, let Varric go and to take the havoc reeking mage along with him.

Just thinking of the blood mage staggering behind them filled him with renewed revulsion and anger that he turned into a boiling resolve. The witch even had the audacity to give him a pleading look while she was slumped over. Just looking at her put a sordid taste in his mouth which he spat out with zeal before continuing on.

"Damn it all," the dwarf cursed. "Elf, wait up."

He didn't want to wait. The dwarf was right, dusk was coming on fast and the entire time since Falon had been taken, they had spent it cleaving their way through this forest. But thanks to the constant harrying of these possessed trees, they would be lucky to have at least cut out a mile of their intended path.

Sure enough, they had only gone a few paces before the tell-tale groan of the trees alerted them that they had awakened even more sylvans. Sputtering flames ignited three of them, while another two descended on him. The dwarf had run out of oil a long time ago, but their efficiency in bringing these abominations down was growing. While the mage struggled with her dampening magic, Fenris fell the first sylvan before rounding on the next. He had managed to debilitate it only for his attention to jump behind him as the mage called out in alarm.

Leaving the sylvan unfinished, he rushed back to the others and dispatched one while the dwarf was able to throw some mild explosive into the boughs of another. In the span of a heartbeat, the small blast obliterated the upper parts of the tree.

Breathing heavily, Fenris was content that the danger had passed once more and went over to the floundering sylvan to deliver the final blow. Behind him, he could hear the dwarf tending to the mage who had apparently been unable to defend herself from the last attack. Perhaps her shield had given way or exhaustion had taken a toll on her.

He searched for Freki, but realized that the wolf was by the mage. He let out a sharp whistle to get his attention, but the wolf merely glanced his way before turning back to the blood mage.

With a scoff, Fenris turned his back on them, "Dwarf, take her back. She's useless at this point."

"We can't split up like this," Varric stated as he handed the mage one of the few lyrium potions they had left. Fenris grimaced at the glowing liquid as the mage downed its contents too quickly. He watched as the subtle shakiness of the mage's hands revealed the mild lyrium high that came from consuming the substance. "We're barely holding our own together, what do you think will happen if, or more likely when, those things jump us trying to get back?"

"Then I suggest you acknowledge that the mage is an utter liability at this point and cut your losses while you can."

"Elf…Fenris…get a hold of yourself. We know how much of a fighter Falon is. Tracking her down is just a matter of time at this point, but you need to stop and just think for a moment. How do you expect to find her if we allow ourselves to get torn to pieces by a bunch of crazed trees?"

"Then throw the mage to the crazed trees as a distraction!"

However, instead of meekly hiding behind the dwarf, the mage had the nerve to actually approach him while her little demon pet remained perched overhead.

"She told me to run back for you and Varric," she stated with the impression that it justified the ranger's abandonment.

He could feel his markings burn indignantly at the mage's gall as he rounded on her. "And if your roles had been reversed, do you think she would have heeded your words?" Never before did he wish to plunge his hand into her chest and rip out her heart if only to see her face as he held it before her.

"I did everything I could, Fenris."

"No," Fenris spat, "you didn't." Turning his back on the mage, he followed after the wolf but not before adding, "You could have taken her place."

x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x

It was clear now why the trees were honing in on them. They were attracted to the mage's magic, or at least what was left of it. The simpering blood mage either wasn't aware of it or simply didn't have the courage to say so to the rest of them. Either way, it was evident from the way the sylvans would attack. Each time they struck out towards the mage before he or the dwarf would be forced to intercept the trees. And while his will was still intact, even his body had its limits…and it was becoming more and more apparent that the others had reached theirs.

The option of going back had been lost long ago.

Still they pressed on while following the wolf deeper and deeper into the corrupted forest. The telltale creak of wood had him ready in the front. Knowing how the sylvans attacked, he waited for the first to show so he could intercept the two or three that would attack from the side…only they didn't appear.

"Do you hear that?"

It was the sound of stone scraping against wood. The ground lurched beneath his feet and too late did he realize that the noise was coming from the earth instead of the trees themselves. Their entire party was knocked down as trees and stones were uprooted, and what crawled forth from the churning earth was a varterral that seemed to be missing one of its limbs.

Fenris quickly retrieved his sword as he summoned up what strength he had left. Entirely exhausted, their group wasn't prepared to face this creature in this state. But that didn't mean he wasn't going to fight even if the outcome seemed grim no matter which way it was perceived.

But instead of attacking, it swiveled its head towards them as if confused by their presence.

"What is it doing?"

A hoarse cry came from the rocky outcrop. Raising its head to the sky, the varterral seemed to be listening to the call. Abruptly, it turned and launched itself to the rock face before scurrying up. Before they understood what was happening, it had disappeared over the top.

"There's more than one of these out here?" the dwarf huffed.

"Yes," the mage replied. "The one that took Falon was bigger and wasn't missing a leg."

"Great," the dwarf sighed as they all eyed the challenge that stood before them. The rocks were brittle, and the only way the creature was able to find purchase was by spearing its tapered legs in between the nooks and cracks. "Now what should we do?"

Peering up at the sky, the mage abruptly turned and gestured to a cut in the rock face not far from their position. Pulling back the vines and roots, he could smell the fresh air coming from the tunnel.

"Munin found another opening on the other side," the mage insistent. "But…it's strange. I'm having trouble seeing anything else."

"I don't blame you," the dwarf panted. "This whole place sets me on edge, and my hide isn't anywhere near at sensitive to magic like you, Daisy."

"It isn't just that," the mage replied. These varterral don't act like the ones we encountered in Sundermount. They act almost as if they're…trained."

"What do you mean, Daisy?"

"Well, the varterral were created as guardians. They were made from the earth, rock, and trees of the forests they were meant to protect. But when Arlathan fell, the means to control them were lost. Most of the varterral that are still roaming the forests do so out of instinct than anything else. It's why their behavior is so…unpredictable."

"So you think someone is actually controlling these things?" Fenris asked.

"Maybe…I'm not sure. What purpose would the varterral have for taking Falon? Why not try to kill us outright rather than kidnap her?"

For once, the mage had a point, and the more he pondered over it, the more reserved he became over entering this place. It smelled of a trap. It didn't mean they weren't going after the creatures or Falon, it just meant they were going to take their time doing it.

"Dwarf."

The rogue seemed to be of the same mind as him. Wordlessly, the rogue took point as he began scouting their path and the walls for any hidden snares. Silently, they moved through the small tunnel. They couldn't risk the light, and as the darkness closed in around him, he strained his sense for any sign of danger.

Suddenly, the dwarf stopped short forcing Fenris to pull up quickly to keep from tripping over him. However, the mage in her fluid grace was not so observant and nearly succeeded in breaking her nose on his armor.

Ignoring her whimpering, he whispered to the dwarf, "Have you found traps?"

"No, it's pieces of armor."

"Is it Falon's?" the mage asked.

"No, it's too old. Look, some of it has places that are nearly rusted all the way through." Gesturing towards the other side, he added, "There's some more over there as well, and I'm inclined to believe that Falon isn't the first one to be carted off by these things."

Fenris didn't linger too long on the thought. "We need to keep moving."

They pressed on through the winding tunnel. They didn't come across anymore remains, but eventually they found the end of the tunnel as it was illuminated by the soft light of the moon.

Peering around the rocky edge, he perceived it to be a grotto of sorts. It was relatively large, as the rocky walls enclosed a part of the forest and seemed to cut it off from the rest of the dark, looming trees. There was a small waterfall that bubbled at the far end, while a single, large tree grew next to it. The rest was a carpet of thick green grass, which was somewhat of a welcomed sight after such a long winter. There were no signs of the varterral, but as they ventured further, he could sense a stirring in the air. For some reason, he knew their attempts of entering this place undetected had failed.

"What if…what if I was right?" the mage whispered harshly.

Irritation got the better of him, but without taking his eyes off the shadowy crevices in the rocks, he replied, "What now?"

"What if something is controlling these varterral but it isn't a mage."

"Spit it out already before you alert whatever here of our exact presence," Fenris hissed.

"Falon said that some very ancient things roamed this forest," she murmured. "Can it be possible for a spirit or demon to be able to take control of them?"

"How am I supposed to know?" he replied as he continued to search the dark grotto. "These are constructs of your people, created by magic that you don't even fully understand."

"Both of you knock it off," the dwarf snapped. "We have enough to worry about with the fact that we have at least two spider-tree monsters roaming this place. You don't have to get into a damn argument over how they got here. Besides," the dwarf whispered, "I think I found our ranger."

Peering over the dwarf's shoulder, Fenris could see a lone figure huddled on the ground at the base of the great tree. He soon recognized it to be Falon, hunched over and chipping away at something around her foot. It was difficult to see, but it appeared that her leg was wedged in between the roots of the massive tree.

He fought the urge to go to her, but stopped himself as he sensed something stirring along the rocky walls. However, his hesitance wasn't observed by the mage, her demon pet, or the wolf. Before either he or Varric could stop the fools, the three of them were racing over the open expanse towards the ranger.

"Damn it all…elf to your right!" the dwarf shouted.

He had only a moment to realize that not one, but two of the spidery guardians were emerging from the crags in the rock. Meanwhile, the others were nearly to Falon when he heard the ranger call out.

"No! All of you get back it's a trap!"

Scours of vines and saplings erupted from the ground at the mage's feet thoroughly entrapping them as one of the varterral launched itself into the air and cut their exit off.

"Elf, watch it!"

A pointed limb from the other varterral came at him from his side. He managed to block the strike, but the force of it sent him flying onto the other side of the vegetative blockade containing the others.

"Fenris!"

Winded, he struggled to regain his footing. He could see Falon near him still struggling to free herself as the vines and saplings grew thicker around them. Even the mage's fire and spells were having little effect on them.

"Get your spines off me!" the hunter hissed as she continued to frantically try and free herself.

"Oh no," the mage cried out. "Varric, Varric! Can you hear me?"

The next moment, the dwarf was thrown haphazardly over the wall of foliage just as he was.

"Andraste's flaming ass! What is with this forest?!"

"Demonic…possessed…trees!" Falon slowly enunciated with increasing ire. "It isn't that difficult of a concept to understand!"

Ignoring the dwarf's sputtering, Fenris took his sword and began to pry apart the large roots imprisoning the ranger. The effort of it was substantial but eventually the wood gave way with a sharp whine.

"This doesn't make sense," the mage panted. "Varterral don't set traps, not like this. They don't possess the cunning."

"Then are we all in agreement that we get out of here before we find out what does possess enough wit to come up with something like this?" the ranger asked.

Fenris immediately began searching for an opening until all of them lost their footing as the earth began to shake.

"What now?" the dwarf groaned.

"That…that can't be…" Falon murmured from behind him.

He followed her gaze towards the towering tree and realized that it was moving. Its roots began to churn and flex as if they were legs. The lichen and moss growing on the bark was pulled away as two more legs unfolded from the tree's trunk. With a loud groan, the front half of a third, and distinctively larger, varterral emerged from the tree.

"Dear Mythal…"

Its eyes cracked open and regarded them blearily. It leaned forward as if to scent them, but Fenris soon realized that unlike the others, it was immobile due to the fact that it was still fused to the giant tree.

It's great, serpent like head slowly turned to regard them. Then with a great rumble, it said, "Greetings, travelers."

Their entire group was taken aback by the massive creature, but surprisingly, it was the dwarf that spoke first. "The varterral is speaking…I'm not the only one hearing this, right?"

Fenris was skeptical. It had to be some kind of demon like the sylvans. So far he had encountered these creatures only twice before now and never before had they displayed any kind of intelligence.

"Please…" the creature rumbled. "I ask that you calm yourselves."

"Um, Daisy," the dwarf whispered loudly, "do these things usually speak?"

"No. Not normally."

Fenris didn't seem to care either way. He had his sword at the ready believing that any moment, the wall of slithering vines at their back would encroach on them while this varterral would strike from the front.

"Peace warrior," the varterral growled as it sensed his hostility. "This is not normally a place of violence."

"This coming from a creature who had stolen, then imprisoned our guide," he replied

"I am sorry for such a rough…introduction," it rumbled. "But I fear my servants lack the eloquence of your kind."

"So you thought it better to simply kidnap one of our own?" Fenris shouted back at it.

"I thought it prudent to take your guide. Without her, you would be more inclined to come after her since it became clear you were not knowledgeable of this forest." Stretching its neck towards the sky, it rumbled, "I tried to beseech my servants to pave the way for you, but the forest has grown restless, even savage of late." Turning its hollow gaze back to them, it leaned in close as if to see them more clearly. "There is a great stirring in the heart of this forest. After so many years of silence, something calls to it, pulling at the tethers of its sleep."

"There's something strange about him," the mage replied. "I…I don't think he's a varterral…not entirely anyway."

"I agree with Merrill," Varric stated. "Something is off about it but it's not simply its ability to talk."

"You are both quite perceptive," the varterral rumbled. "I am not merely a forest sentinel crafted from wood and stone like the two that you've encountered already."

"Then what are you?" the mage asked.

The strange varterral thrummed softly, "At one time, I had been a mage, but circumstances forced me into this shell. I have remained here, bound to this body, this tree, and the forest itself for centuries waiting for a chance to finish what I had begun lifetimes ago. However, you all take on an equally tenuous trek. But if you are willing, I have a request of you all. In return, I have something that may make your journey far simpler."

Fenris watched the exchange with guarded curiosity and suspicion. So far they had encountered many strange and new things on this expedition, and the majority of them had tried in some way to kill them. He had come to learn to refer to the ranger in these types of situation, although, as he glanced in her direction, Falon was looking up at the creature with a mixture of disdain and mild contempt.

"I enjoy how many of these creatures think," Varric stated. "Kidnap first, then ask for favors second. It's a wonder we did things the way we did back in Kirkwall."

"You seek to pass through the Black Forest," the great creature rumbled as it seemed to have chosen to ignore the dwarf's remark. "Your path…no matter which you take…will be wrought with darkness and peril. These woods…they are cursed."

"We are well aware of what lurks in the shadows, especially since you forced them to hack and slash their way through a grove of enraged sylvans," Falon stated blatantly. "We've made it this far, we'll find our path the rest of the way as well."

"You speak with such confidence, hunter. Then please, tell me, which path do you intend to take?"

"We were going through the mountains, in search of Fen'harel's tomb," the blood mage stupidly replied.

A seething glare from the ranger was several moments shy of silencing the mage, but the varterral loomed in closer to hiss, "Then it is fortunate that my servants took you and your companions found their way here. The mountain path is infested with the cursed black-blooded monstrosities that infect the heart of those mountains."

"Black-blooded monstrosities?" the mage inquired.

"Darkspawn," Falon interjected. "I was worried that had happened."

The varterral's rumbling laughter shook the tree above it as it turned to Falon, "You are privy to many of this forest's secrets and understand its ways, hunter, but you do not know all its workings nor did you this. To take the mountain path is perilous. Even if you were able to bypass the cursed beings there, they have all but destroyed the path leading towards Fen'harel's tomb."

"Then what is another option?" the dwarf asked.

When Falon did not answer him right away, Fenris had a lingering feeling that there were no other options.

"You have few choices in this matter," the varterral rumbled. "You can risk the mountain path and most assuredly run across the black-bloods. Or you can continue on through the forest as you have been. You have shown great strides and resolve to make it this far, though I doubt you will have enough constitution to continue in such a manner."

"You spoke of a proposition before," Falon snapped. Clearly she was coming to the end of her patience in dealing with these creatures. "Simply spit it out so that we can hear it and be done with it."

Eyeing the ranger intently, the creature slowly stated, "You seek the Dread Wolf's tomb. Should you be successful and find the Dread Wolf, I would ask that you impart this tale unto the wolf. Before I became the being you see before you, I was once an arcane warrior among the highest order. I…cannot remember more than that, but I remember my quest that led me to this place. When Arlathan fell, as my brothers and sisters cried out in anguish at the loss of our home at the hands of the shemlan, I was among the few that sought to find the last of the Creators that was said to still walk this world."

The mage's features went white at the varterral's words, "You tried to seek out the Dread Wolf's aid?"

Slowly the creature nodded, "Aye. I searched for years and years. I found the tomb, but the Dread Wolf would not heed my summons. I scoured the woods and the hunting grounds, but Fen'harel was never revealed to me. Finally, the quickening reached me even in these untouched lands. My magic and connection to the Fade began to weaken as did my body. I was not willing to accept my failure, so with the last of my magic, I summoned these forest guardians and bound myself and one of the varterral to this tree in hopes that I would somehow be granted a means to find Fen'harel. And now, after all this time, I have come across you brave adventurers. You're cunning and tenacity is reminiscent of the fearsome wolf. Surely, if you were to reach the tomb, the Dread Wolf would find favor in your efforts and perhaps even appear before you."

Fenris was unsure of what the withered guardian was implying, but whatever it was suggesting, judging by the way Falon openly scoffed at its words, she found it utterly ludicrous.

Slowly turning to her, the varterral rumbled, "You're boorishness is beginning to vex me, hunter."

All her sarcastic mirth instantly melted away as Falon eyed the creature coldly. "The wolf didn't come to your aid then, what makes you think that after all this time, the Dread Wolf would come now?" Falon spat back. "The Creators protected this world. If a Creator still existed, do you think they would stand by and let what has happened over the past several millennia just unfold as it has?"

The mage approached her from behind and placed a hand on her shoulder as if to placate the other woman, "Falon…don't."

But the ranger merely shook off the mage's hand as she continued her venomous rant, "Fen'harel is no Creator. Besides, even if the wolf could help, Fen'harel is gone from this world."

"If that is what you truly believe," the ancient guardian rumbled, "then I will not ask the task of you. Instead, I will offer it to any of your companions who are willing."

Reaching for her, Fenris pulled her away from the withered varterral. To his inward surprise, she conceded and allowed him close to murmur, "You are not going to help any of us by instigating a fight with this creature." Falon seemed taken aback by his remark, and in truth, he was somewhat surprised himself. He had not intended to find creatures such as this so early in their arrival to this land, though he was not shocked by their presence either. "We are in no condition to take on all of them should they choose to attack."

"You're right," she murmured as she stood down, "but they brought us here for a reason. They, or it, has been intent on asking this of us from the start."

"If that's the case, then we can listen to what it has to say. If it comes to a fight, then we'll defend ourselves…but as I've said before, it took a toll on us to make it this far. I do not know what our chances are against three of these things."

While they had been conversing between themselves, both the mage and dwarf and taken a few tentative steps towards the ancient varterral. Nodding to the mage, the withered creature continued its tale.

"This tree I have bound myself to is among the eldest that resides in this forest. It remembers far back into the days of old, perhaps even to the time of Arlathan itself. But one thing is for certain is this, it resonates with faint traces of Old Magic. It is a descendent of the same magic that first gave rise to the healing properties of the springs of this land." The ancient varterral then reached up towards its chest and pierced it with its tapered limb. Even Fenris was taken aback as the wood splintered and snapped. Suddenly, the creature pulled out a long staff the color of a deep, red mahogany and held it before them. "This staff is made from the heartwood of my tree. As long as you carry it by your side, the magic within your group shall remain hidden while the staff's aura will soothe the raging sylvans who inhabit this land."

"And you would be willing to give this to us?" Varric asked. "So then what's the catch?"

The old guardian nodded his head towards the mage, "When you reach the tomb, you shall be barred by a door. However, you already carry the key to enter. You will realize such in time, but be warned not to open the door until after the sun has set. Once inside, I ask that the First attempts to summon forth the Dread Wolf. I understand your hesitance, but perhaps if Fen'harel sees one of the People forgo their fear, then the wolf will also look past old hatreds and pride."

"I know I might not be speaking for all of us," Varric murmured, "but I think you're putting a lot of faith into a creature that one: might not even exist, and two: if it does exist, isn't really going to be in a charitable and philanthropic mood. Besides, what's all this about a key?" he asked while turning to the ranger.

"As I've said," the varterral rumbled, "you carry it with you now. As for your uncertainties, I understand, but you must attempt to see from my perspective, durgen'len. Centuries I have spent in this grove spreading my conscious thoughts and magic. I have sought out every alternative, but nothing short of a being capable of summoning and wielding the Old Magic can salvage what has been lost."

"Do…do you truly believe that the Dread Wolf would be swayed by our plight?" the mage asked.

"So much of our lore contradicts such notions," the varterral rumbled, "but if time has taught me anything, young one, it is that it is a great teacher. Old hatreds and grudges fade, but the memories of our unresolved sins and transgressions only grow. It is my belief that even a creature such as Fen'harel isn't above such motives."

The mage seemed to be in deep thought, but abruptly, she stepped forward, "Then…I will carry out your request in exchange for passage through the forest."

"Merrill, what are you doing?" the ranger hissed.

"It's the only way we can get through the forest safely. Besides…what if what he's saying is true? What if it doesn't matter what I or any of the People do to try and restore what was taken so long as we've forgotten some integral pieces?"

"That is an absurd way of thinking! You are simply in the same position you were before, only this time you are openly engaging something you have no understanding of."

"You said you didn't believe in the Dread Wolf," Merrill stated.

"What I believe or don't believe is irrelevant. But what I do know is not to invite darkness in, not if I wasn't sure I could outmatch or outwit it!"

"But what if what the varterral says is true? What if we could actually convince the wolf to help us?" Merrill asked.

"Are you even listening to yourself?" Falon spat back with renewed astonishment. "This past winter you feared that the wolf was stalking your dreams. That Munin was some kind of by-product of the wolf's magic. Now you wish to approach it? Willingly?!"

"And if Munin truly was due to Fen'harel's interference, could the wolf truly be that horrible?" The ranger actually recoiled away from the mage almost as if struck. For a moment, Falon merely stared at her in utter silence. "What I mean to say is…what if we are right? What if what we've been sensing this whole time…what if it has been Fen'harel…only the wolf's been aiding us?"

"And if you're right," Falon said slowly, "has it never occurred to you why the wolf would want to help?"

The mage seemed to be pondering Falon's words, but in the end, she proved true to her nature as she turned to the ancient varterral and took the staff. However, at that point, Falon seemed to have come to the decision that she was finished with this business and wanted no more part of it. The ranger cursed under her breath and turned from the mage without a second look. It was then that Fenris noticed the barrier of roots and foliage had disappeared allowing them leave.

"I cannot guarantee that we will find, Fen'harel," the foolish mage replied meekly. "Our mission, or at least my purpose here, has been to recover lost knowledge. But should we cross paths with the Dread Wolf, I will beseech him as you ask."

Bowing its head, the varterral hissed softly, "Thank you, young mage. There is much room for compassion in your heart. It warms my ancient roots to experience it once more."

Despite Falon's attempts, he was sure this was to play out like the scenarios before. Instead of berating the mage for her foolishness, he merely followed after the ranger. One could sneer and complain about the tide, but it did not stop it from inevitably rising and washing away the sand and everything else. It seemed that Falon was finally coming to realize this.

"Come on, while this isn't the most pristine spot for a camp," the dwarf replied as he eyed the two varterral still standing behind them, "I feel better having these walls between us and those possessed trees."

"Rest assured, durgen'len, nothing shall harm you within my grotto," the ancient varterral rumbled.

It went without saying that despite the varterral's words, Fenris would be keeping watch through most of the night.

x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x

He found her perched on one of the rocky outcrops overlooking the grotto. From this vantage point, he could see the varterral and its tree as well as the silhouettes of the other two as they remained perched along the rocks like stoic sentinels.

Her gaze silently lingered on him as he entered the feeble light of her campfire before turning to stare out into the night once more.

He took a seat behind her and close to her fire. Up here, the wind tore at them mercilessly, and the small warmth was very welcomed. After a moment, he replied, "We could have avoided this if you had let me come to your aid."

Without turning to him, she replied, "You would have never made it back up the escarpment, Fenris, not with your armor and not with Merrill."

"So you thought it easier to simply send me away?"

"Don't put words in my mouth. The river was not far from us. Sending you and Varric on ahead was the most reasonable call. I didn't anticipate being carried off by some ancient elvhen construct."

He wasn't sure how to reply to that, so instead, he stated, "Do not think that I will heed such a call in the future." When she did not reply but merely eyed him over her shoulder, he stated, "You think you are the only one that has faced the perils of the wilds before?"

Without taking her gaze off him, she replied, "When it concerns these wilds, there is no debate."

"So you think you now have the right to order me as such?"

"You came here to speak up about more than just a bruised ego and my bad calls, Fenris. What is it?"

"Did you know that those things were here?"

"No."

"Not in the slightest?"

"No. I was surprised as much as you were to discover them here."

"So even for the likes of you, this forest holds secrets."

"So it appears that way. As I've said before, it's been some time since I had stepped foot into these lands."

"But you being overpowered and subdued by the varterral…this isn't what has driven you up here," he stated. "You're concerned for the mage once more."

He could see her fingers tighten over the bracers on her arms, but there was a mask in place that barely allowed him any idea as to what she was thinking.

"Do not…do not repeat this to her," she murmured. "But I understand now why you find her so aggravating."

There was a moment of stunned silence before he began to chuckle heartedly at her words. Even when she set him with a firm glare, he couldn't find it in himself to stop. Only when she tore off her bracers, threw them to the ground in utter disgust, and turned her back on him did he regain his composure.

"Do you have any idea of what she has just done?!" She snapped at him. "She has agreed to beseech the Dread Wolf! To openly invite Fen'harel to her side should she reach the tomb."

"Is that the equivalent of her entering a bargain with a demon?"

"It's…it's opening a door that should not be approached." The ranger suddenly got up, kicked her armor over towards the fire, sat down beside it, and stared into the flames as if they were to blame for all their troubles.

"You said you do not believe in the Dread Wolf," he stated.

"I never said that," she replied as she began to trace the blood writing along her arms.

"So, you are under the belief that with this incentive, Fen'harel would actually be willing to approach the mage."

"I…I don't know what to believe anymore. But the truth is that I worry what means Merrill will go to in an attempt to see this quest through."

"If you have to ask that, then it pains me to say that you are as blind as she is."

"I did not…I thought her fear of the stories would keep her from ever attempting to summon the Dread Wolf. Fen'harel…should not be sought out…for any reason."

It was the first time Falon had openly admitted to not only believing the legends of this demon wolf, but acknowledging that it, or at least something akin to it, was actually residing in these lands. Most likely within the very tomb they sought.

Falon remained silent for a time after that and slowly encircled her wrist with her other hand. After a few moments, she murmured, "You cannot force others to see as you do, you can only guide them towards the light and hope they find their way."

"What?"

"It…is something my mother said to me once."

They sat there for some time listening to the wind and the pop of the fire. Without an incentive or a word, the ranger once more got up and nudged herself into his side. The simple act of raising his arm, allowing her near, and then wrapping his cloak around her as he pulled her closer…it all came easily to him. In fact, it was comforting having her next to him like this. He found himself growing warmer, despite the way the cold clung to his armor. But sleep was insistent as it sought him out.

"Fenris." He opened his eyes which he hadn't realized he had closed and glanced down at Falon. However, she was still gazing at the fire. Even without looking up, she seemed to know she had his attention and stated, "What would you ask of me if it meant you would all leave?"

"They won't abandon this," he said after a moment. "Not because of the fear of some legend and not when we have come this far."

"And you, Fenris?" she asked as she turned her head to look up at him. She was far closer than he had expected. Even now he could feel her warm breath ghosting over his neck and jaw. When he turned to her, he was rewarded with the same sight that had finally broken his resolve back in Hamin'druil. Her large eyes, utterly bare and devoid of any guards or masks, looking up at him imploringly. The firelight danced along her pale skin and caused a light to flicker in her gaze. Utterly mesmerized, it was all he could do but allow himself to be drawn into them. "Fenris…what would you ask of me?"

He couldn't…he couldn't concede to running away, not simply because he feared to cross paths with a demon or some other spirit. His pride refused to yield to something such as that.

"I can't abandon him. He…he has been the one thing stagnant ever since I was forced into hiding in Kirkwall. I gave him my word in the beginning to aid him, and so far, he has done the same for me. Just as your ties with the mage will keep you from abandoning her. But know this, whatever will happen, I will not leave your side."

"Fenris…you do not have to make a promise like that to me…"

He could feel her shivering, but with him and the fire so near, he doubted it was because of the cold. Wordlessly, the hunter leaned into his side and he allowed her to hide her face in his neck until her breathing slowed into a steady rhythm. He knew the folly that the mage was always sure to follow. It was as assured as the tides, and he made no assumptions that her zeal and recklessness would be her demise one day either by the hands of this terrible demon that held dominion over this land or her own stupidity.

"If you have so many reservations about this land," he whispered, though she had already passed into the Fade and was deaf to his words now, "why would you risk everything to journey with us?"

He could feel the woman at his side sidle closer in her sleep as if she knew he was thinking of her. It frightened him at times at the hold she seemed to have on him. The way he cleaved through the forest earlier was testament to that. But he wouldn't deny it. Her nature drew him to her. He had never encountered another woman like her. Being in this forest with her and despite his goading nightmares and dreams, for once he felt that his past no longer had a death grip on him. He could feel the chains loosening as the echoes of his old life seemed to be drowned out.

Sleep began to taunt the edges of his vision. It was a pattern he recognized now, and it always seemed to come more easily whenever the ranger was near him during the night. Having her close just seemed to put his senses at ease. However, the presence of those varterral outweighed even Falon's soothing company. He did not trust those ancient constructs that were little more than golems. Dutifully searching the night, he glanced down at the other campsite below them. He could make out their silhouettes shifting on the edge of the orange glow of the fire. At one point, a lone figure broke away from the light. His eyes could almost make out the wolf's form prowling over the ground. Freki's unease about this place would probably force the wolf to check in on both groups throughout the night. That did not concern Fenris. What did catch his eye was the form of the mage's little demon pet. He saw it flex its wings while still perched on the mage's slumbering form.

He had not told the others of their exchange nor did he think he ever would. Though, from the way the bird continued to shift uncomfortably at the mage's actions, he suspected that he might have to adhere to his word. Glancing down at the woman beside him and knowing the lengths she had gone to persuade and save the mage, he silently pondered what her own judgment would be if she had made such a promise. In the end, he decided he did not wish to dwell on such matters for very long.

x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x~x

There was something familiar about this place. It was different from the darkness that surrounded her in place of dreams. There was light. Subtle, calm, and silver. The warm sand beneath her bare feet was soft and quiet. Gazing up, she saw the withered tree and slumbering at the base was an elf. As silent and still as his surroundings, he seemed as one with this place as did the steel-gray wolf curled at his feet.

Warmth blossomed in her chest at the sight. So many feared this place…at least those who were not sanctioned. Yet this elf, seemed to garner some peace here. It…was ironic.

She knew this elf…he was something very dear to her. He was something that she wished to protect….

"Fenris?"

Reeling back, she realized too late where she had stumbled into. Desperately she retreated away, yet her presence had not gone unnoticed. Then the wolf at Fenris's feet began to stir.

He comes here often…

The ranger froze as her blood chilled.

He seeks you out…though he doesn't realize where such thoughts lead him…however, his uncertainty and fear draws other, less desirable beings.

"What are you doing here? How am I even here?"

You came back…after so long…did you believe it that easy to forget me?

Gazing at the distant image of the elf, she murmured, "Some things are better left forgotten in the dark."

A deep rumbling chortle answered her.

If you truly believed that, you would never have returned. Look at you now…once a fierce hunter. Now you bow yourself to the service of two blind elves and a delusional dwarf.

A seething rage built up inside her. "I serve no one!"

Do you not…? Despite what you claim…the forest calls to you…. You cannot ignore it.

"Go away."

It cannot be silenced.

"Go. Away."

You're right to fear the mountain. You're right to fear what lays inside…you know what sleeps beneath the stone…waiting…waiting…

"And it can continue to wait," she murmured while refusing to allow this ghost to win out. She had left…it was done….

You would break the oath you made to them?

"I agreed I would bring them here. I never said I would give them what they sought."

Such guile…such lack of remorse…you have not changed….

"I will do what I must to protect them…even if it means guiding their quest to failure."

The rumbling laughter continued to follow her even as she began to distant her mind from the dream.

What a loyal servant you turned out to be.