9:31 Wintermarch 27th Continued

I hummed on the way back. The fog that was all around the eastern part of the forest has faded and the sun was shining brightly. Whatever we did, it made things better overall. I was also overjoyed that we were able to get the wolves to compromise. Out of all the things we've done so far, this has got to be one of the prouder moments of my adventure.

"You seem to be in a brighter mood." Leliana said.

"We saved the Dalish and rescued people from a curse that had them trapped in those werewolf bodies for who knows how long! Of course I'm happy."

"I'm happy to get out of this sodding forest! It's too green!" Oghren said.

"Yes we know that Oghren." Talen said. We got back to the greener part of the forest and I found the ironbark. It was a beautiful type of wood. I only got the ones that already fell off the fallen tree naturally. I got a pretty good armful.

"And why are you taking that mi niña?"

"It's for Varathorn. He couldn't go in the forest so he asked me to pick some up. He told me he can make armor out of it so I was wondering if could ask him for a set."

"Allow me mi niña."

"No it's ok Zevran, it's not that heavy."

"We should keep a tally of how many armors you go through. Once you hit 10 or 20, I'll give you a reward." Derek guffawed.

"It's really amazing how you get into so much trouble." Alistair said.

"Well it's not like I have a sign on my forehead or back that says 'Please destroy my armor.' It just happens."

"Maybe we need to start training you on heavy armor then. If your medium armor keeps on getting destroyed, heavy armor should be best." Eren said.

"Hell no! Do you know how long it took me to finally run in medium armor!? Months! No heavy armor. I'll pay through my own pocket for the medium thank you very much."

"You're going to get yourself killed, again."

"You can't let that go can you Eren?"

"I see the start of the camp. Mind yourselves while we talk to Lanaya." Eren said. I stuck my tongue out at him and Leliana laughed.

"We should rest before continuing onto Redcliffe." Sten said.

"I'm with him." Jowan said.

"Oh no you're not. You're coming with me." I said.

"What?"

"Come on, Varathorn should have some supplies that we can use. It's about time we get you some gear to wear, especially now that you're an Arcane Warrior."

"But, Talen!"

"You heard her."

"Come on you sissy." Jowan groaned and followed me while the rest when to the camp. I recognized Varathorn in the camp and dropped the ironbark on his station. "Hey, I got you your Ironbark just like you requested."

"This is…more than I thought you would get. Thank you. You have brought me enough that I can make you something. What would you like? A bow or a breastplate?"

"Well…" I pointed to my chainmail that I was wearing which was still in tatters. Varathorn chuckled.

"Of course. Come over here and lay your armor elsewhere so I could take your measurements. Apprentice, you will watch and learn how I shape the wood. No more burning."

"Yes Master Varathorn."

"Also I was wondering if you have any spare equipment. My companion here needs it. I have gold to barter with." I said, while Varathorn was taking my measurements.

"Do not worry yourself on bartering. What you have brought me in ironbark is more than what I can ask of you. There, your armor will be ready soon. The spare equipment that we do have is right in this chest. Please take only what you need."

"Ma serannas, thank you." Varathorn chuckled.

"You learn quickly. Less emphasis on the e though. Ma nuvenin."

"Alright, let's see what we have here…oooh! Dalish armor. This should be good unless you want to look for something heavier."

"Hmm, this feels well."

"Here's a Dalish shield as well. Better for blocking. You suck at spell casting but you are getting the hang of the mace at least."

"Um thank you?"

"Don't mention it. Let's go to camp." Jowan and I said goodbye to Varathorn and we went to the camp. Everyone was quickly chattering and I sat down. Jowan needed help putting on his armor, since this would be the first time he would have done it. Zevran took the job.

"I say, you have quite the…equipment."

"Don't stare at it!"

"Can you please keep it down? Not everyone would like privy to your moments." Morrigan said.

"So why do you scream whenever you and Eren are together?" I said.

"Because he is an excellent lover." I laughed. "Why are you laughing? Do not tell me that you have-"

"I'm stopping you there Morrigan because I never touched him with those types of intentions. Three years Morrigan, I've waited three years. I think I can wait three years more until it starts to bite me."

"So you have never once laid your head down with someone?"

"She has already told me no." Leliana said.

"That's because it's not at the forefront of my mind. I got other things to worry about than that."

"Such a shame because I would love to know that side of you mi niña." Zevran said coming up behind me.

"Zevran, how many times do I have to say no?"

"He doesn't listen." Jowan said, coming up, red faced with his armor on. Oghren laughed.

"Now that's what I'm talking about! About time you got the sissy in some armor. Though this armor is still flimsy."

"The Dalish make good armor, besides, we needed to get him something so I got him something. It's something." Sten snorted.

"We will need to train him then."

"I'll leave that up to you big guy. You are probably the most experienced one out of all us."

"That is the correct assumption."

"Oh good, you are all here." Alistair said coming with the others in tow.

"We talked to the Keeper's first, who is now Keeper. She agreed with the papers that the Dalish signed on our treaties. We got the Dalish with us now."

"That means we have all available allies besides the ones we can get in Denerim." Eren said.

"So it is time to set off back to Redcliffe, yes?" Leliana said.

"That's the plan. I still can't believe it. We really have an army now." Alistair said.

"Let's hope it's not an early spring then, because if it is..." Talen said, leaving that in the air.

"It's best if we be on our way." Eren said. "Pack up everything."

"Just on moment Eren. Varathorn is making my armor right now."

"You convinced him to make you armor?"

"I'm a persuasive person."

"At least he's making you something. Fine, until she gets her armor, we might as well stay." Alfred barked in agreement. Well that was one doozy of an entry. As I was writing, Varathorn gave me my armor. It gleamed and acted like iron. It was so cool! It fit perfectly as well. We bid goodbye to the Dalish and set off with Lily to go to Redcliffe. Right now, Talen and Leliana are in the wagon with Sten next to me. My hand hurts.

9:31 Wintermarch 28th

We've been traveling all day and reached the beginning of Lake Calenhad. Derek made sure to run us all. No literally he made us run. The only one that he didn't do this for was Wynne and anyone who went in the wagon. The rest of us was pushed on or else. He found a big stick to make it so.

"If…Jowan…is the…only one…who needs training…why am I doing this!?" I panted. The ones that were in the wagon was Talen, Wynne, Zevran, and Leliana. They had already done their morning run. Sten was a monster, running all the way along with us. Oghren just wouldn't stop either. He couldn't handle Derek being better at him in stamina.

"Stop…talking…girly!" Oghren shouted.

"I'm…dying…can't…OW!" Derek slapped Jowan's thigh again.

"Keep going! You're a man aren't you?" Derek said.

"Derek…I'm going…to kill you…" Alistair said.

"Put some backbone into it Templar! You wanna get to Redcliffe? Then we're going to Redcliffe!"

"It is all in how you breathe." Sten said, keeping a relatively good pace. Alfred was panting heavily next to me but he was all happy.

"Sten…you…you're a…monster." I said. I heard a raven cry up ahead. It dipped low before squawking at my face. "Oh…screw you…Morrigan!" Morrigan squawked again. I knew she was laughing at me.

"Derek I think that's enough. If we get caught by bandits or darkspawn, they'll be too tired to fight." Eren said, on top of Lily.

"As the boss says, come on take a breather!" I coughed while Jowan went and threw up in some bushes. "I said take a breather not stop walking!"

"Jesus…Christ…oh God…I'm going…to be…sore…"

"Maker's…breath…" Alistair said next to me. My ribs were hurting for the next few hours. The wagon was taken by the others. Alistair, Jowan, Sten, and I were in there. After the workout I felt really tired but I didn't want to go and nap. Unfortunately my body didn't agree and I wound up falling asleep, my head on Alistair's shoulder.

We eventually found a place to camp for the night. I was near Lake Calenhad, my breath coming out in puffs. It was so odd to walk out of a forest that was warm to the cold, frigid temperatures of the rest of the world. I saw a small explosion behind me and Jowan was being taught by Talen again.

"Oh boy what happened now?" I said, sitting next to Leliana. She gave me a bowl of my soup with some bread the Dalish gave us for our journey.

"Jowan failed again."

"I swear Jowan on Andraste's Ashes that if you can't get a simple spell like this right the next time, I will personally throw you into Lake Calenhad and watch you drown!" Talen shouted, his fingers on his temples.

"Calm yourself Talen. You must be patient with him. Being on the run has obviously made him forget beginner's lessons." Wynne said.

"Oh gee thanks. It's good to see no one here believes in me." Jowan said flatly.

"Tis because you are not being properly trained."

"This is how we trained our mages Morrigan."

"Then tis an ineffective method. Come Jowan, you will learn the way my mother taught me."

"And your mother is…?"

"Flemeth."

"Wait, THE Flemeth? The Witch of the Wilds?"

"Yes! Now stand there."

"Ok? Now what?"

"Do not perish." Morrigan said with a smirk, her hands crackling with magic. Jowan screamed as he evaded a cold spell. Oghren and Derek were both getting drunk and laughing like it was the funniest shit they ever saw.

"I almost feel sorry for Jowan…almost." Alistair said.

"He is trying his best. Not only that, he showed us the dragon's hoard. That was a lot of gold, yes?" Leliana said. She had already counted her share. It was about 52 sovs with various jewels.

"I have to admit that his addition has been fortuitous, no?"

"Zevran, you just want to get into his pants."

"I saw it mi niña."

"Oh don't even start again!" Alistair said, covering his ears. "La, la, la, I'm not listening!"

"Grower or a shower?"

"Pardon?"

"A grower is one that looks small but grows really big, a shower looks big but doesn't grow very much."

"Either way he does have potential."

"Zevran you are bad." Leliana said.

"It is who I am."

"Sten, what about you? Grower or a shower?"

"Do you require an answer to this question?"

"La, la, la!"

"We might as well. Do we have anything of more importance?"

"Nope, not until Redcliffe. Come on Sten, just to satisfy my curiosity." I said. Sten snorted and I immediately knew the answer.

"Ah ha! You're a grower!"

"Oh you're going to make my ears bleed!" Alistair said. We all laughed and Jowan jumped over my legs avoiding another spell.

"You will not become proficient until you fight back!"

"I'd rather be taught by Wynne and Talen!"

"You do not have a choice!" The scene made me laugh harder. Then I my mind wandered to the elves and what happened to them. The cycle of hatred was going on for hundreds of years all at the fault for one man.

"What is it mi niña? It is seems you are contemplating something."

"It was the elves. I thought about how long that cycle of hatred went on. Hundreds of years that people have been turning into werewolves…all because of one man. How can you hate for so long?"

"His son and daughter. He assumed that he was granting them justice by using the curse to twist every human who walked their path. It is not something even I could fathom." Leliana said.

"What would you have done?" Alistair asked. I sighed. My son tortured and killed and my daughter raped and left for dead?

"I'd kill them with my bare hands. I would make them suffer and I wouldn't even give them death if they asked for it. It would be slow, and when they would look at me in mercy, begging for the sweet death, I would whisper back 'No.' If they were smart, they would kill themselves before I found them. God may have mercy on their souls, but that's what I would do at least. No one messes with my babies and gets away with it."

"Wow, you scared me there for a second."

"Zathrian got over his hate though. He wasn't afraid to die. We shouldn't fear death. It comes for us all. There is only one fairness in life and that is that all of us will die in the end." I said.

"When…when Cecile died, a wise elven woman comforted me in my time. She told me the same thing you have said, to not fear death or hate it. Death is just the beginning. We will all one day shed our physical bodies to free the spirits that lie within us."

"That…is oddly comforting." Alistair said.

"Yes, a very beautiful sentiment. It brings peace and hope for the grieving." Leliana said, looking at me in the eye. Eren was nearby, listening in, tending to his armor. We looked at each other for a second. Our grief was the same. It got better for both of us but the memories were still there, burning. Leliana stood up and went in front of the fire. As Leliana sang, I harmonized. A long time ago I memorized this song, but it eluded me then. Right now, this was the only thing I could have done with her.

Hahren na melana sahlin
Emma ir abelas
Souver'inan isala hamin
Vhenan him dor'felas
In uthenera na revas

I saw Jowan, Wynne, Morrigan, and Talen stop. Oghren stopped drinking for a second. Derek looked up from his carving. Sten's face looked less tense. It was amazing what a simple song could do. I got up, singing loudly along with Leliana and grabbing her hand. She smiled at me as we both sang along.

Vir sulahn'nehn
Vir dirthera
Vir samahl la numin
Vir lath sa'vunin

"Thank you Leliana." Eren said. Leliana nodded and we touched foreheads.

"You surprised me. Have you heard of this song?"

"A long time ago. I forgot the words though."

"Then I shall teach you."

"Maybe another time. It's getting late and we should get some rest before going to Redcliffe." Leliana nodded. I noticed that Zevran's smile wasn't there like it usually was. I heard Jowan shout again as Morrigan continued her barrage of spells when I went into my tent. I got my journal and was about to write when I heard someone shuffle in. It was Zevran.

"Zevran, how many times-"

"I have not come here for that. I have come here…because I have something I must tell you." I saw the seriousness of his face and I nodded. He sat down near me, quiet, his fingers twiddling in nervousness. He cleared his throat and sighed. "I have not expected to have become so close to someone is such short time though considering our circumstances, we have been through quite many things. We survived many battles and have come to each other in our time of grief. I understand that the song Leliana sang meant something to you and to Eren as well but it also pertained to me. When we were in the Gauntlet, awaiting our trials the Guardian told me something, something that no one else knew." There were a few times when Zevran would tell me of his adventures but, of course, there was always one he kept to himself.

"He said if you regretted someone's death."

"Yes. It was the main reason I came to Ferelden. No more secrets between you and I Nia. This is the mission I undertook prior to coming to Ferelden, back in Antiva. My last mission did not end well." Zevran hesitated.

"It's ok Zevran, I'm listening."

"Thank you. Back during the mission, I was cocky and arrogant. I was the best Crow in Antiva, or so I believed. I bragged about my successes often both as an assassin and as a lover."

"You were more cocky and arrogant?" Zevran gave out a nervous chuckle.

"It is true, many have called me insufferable…right before I ended up in their bed. I am digressing. One of the Crow masters were weary of my boasting and accepted my bid for a difficult mark. It was a wealthy merchant. He had many guards and would no doubt stop at any attempt on his life. There was a crow named Taliesen who agreed to be a part of my team. And another, an elven lass named Rinna. She was…a wonder. Strong, smooth, wicked, she had eyes that gleamed like justice. She was everything I thought I desired."

"You fell in love with her."

"…It is as you say. Rinna was special. I had closed off my heart but something stirred inside me, something I could not explain and it frightened me. Taliesen revealed to me that she had taken a bribe from the merchant and told him of our plan. I had agreed that she needed to pay the price for what she did. I allowed Taliesen to kill her. Rinna was on her knees, begging me, telling me of her innocence, tears in her eyes. She told me she loved me and that she did not betray us. I laughed in her face and told her that, even if that were true, that I didn't care."

"You knew that wasn't true."

"I convinced myself that it was. Taliesen cut her throat and she laid their bleeding, her eyes staring up at me. I spat on her for betraying the Crows. Taliesen found the merchant and we assassinated him. There we found the true source of his information. Rinna never betrayed us." I could tell that this was very hard on him. I sat closer to him and held his hand and Zevran put his head on top of mine. His thumb ran over my knuckles.

"I'm sorry."

"I…wanted to admit our mistake, to tell the Crows of what happened. Taliesen convinced me otherwise. Told me that it would be a foolish waste. We reported that she had died in the attempt. They knew however. They all knew. The Crow master that disliked me, told me so. He said he couldn't wait until my turn would come…I wanted to leave the Crows, what better way than to die by the fabled Grey Wardens?"

"Do you still feel that way?"

"No. I have found another calling, a new beginning. I think I have found it here in our group. I owe you a great deal."

"What?" I said, looking at him. "Zevran, you don't owe me anything."

"Don't I? Have you forgotten that you voted for me to stay?"

"Yes and then I told you I would kill you if you had done anything."

"Which I haven't."

"True."

"Nia…I am glad that you decided on me to stay. I have found my purpose and what may follow, I am not sure but for now I will travel with all of you until the last battle is won."

"Thank you Zevran, for telling me all of this."

"Of course mi amor." My eyebrow cocked in confusion and I think Zevran did as well.

"…What did you-"

"It is getting late is it not? We might as well go and rest. Buenas Noches, mi niña."

"Zevran-" He kissed my hand and kissed the top of my head and left without another word. I face palmed and laughed. Today was an eventful day. The candle is dying now. Better end it here.

9:31 Wintermarch 29th

We reached Redcliffe, it was really late (or really early) but we reached it. Jowan is down in the village right now since he was barred from the castle. I'm in the room that I had earlier during our visit. Eamon already talked to the 4 GWs about going to Denerim to call a Landsmeet. The trip coming here wasn't as bad as yesterday. Derek made us jog this time instead of running. Jowan threw up twice and Talen was throwing spells at his feet to keep him going.

"Talen you're enjoying this too much." I said, jogging next to Leliana.

"It's his fault for making me nearly go into Aeonar, I'm just repaying the favor. Keep going!" Talen said, conjuring up a small fire and tossing it at Jowan's feet. Jowan shouted and Talen chuckled darkly.

"Remind me why you chose him over Alistair?" Leliana giggled.

"He is fun to be around no?"

"Really? That was it?"

"Oh there are many reasons why I was attracted to Talen but that was one of his defining features."

"Even though he mocked you when you first met?"

"Hm I have forgiven him for that." Leliana giggled.

"…You guys did it again last night didn't you?"

"Nia, say another word and I'll shoot you with fire too!" Talen shouted red faced. Leliana giggled and I shook my head. Wynne was reading ahead of us in the wagon again. Sten had joined her. I could tell he was worn out from the running yesterday.

"Why are you making us jog all the way to Redcliffe Derek?" I asked.

"The sooner we get there, the sooner we can get to Denerim. Not only that, my gut is telling me this winter won't last for very long. Once the snow melts, darkspawn is going to take Ferelden. I won't let that happen."

"Wow, such a patriot." Talen said before Derek hit his thigh with the stick. "OW! Andraste's Flaming Sword! Derek, I'll burn off the rest of your beard!" Poor Derek had to do the ultimate sacrifice and shave his beard to be more even after the werewolf shaved most of it with its claws.

"You do it and poor Leliana here will be left single."

"Please Talen, calm down. It seems that Jowan has slowed down."

"What!? No I haven't-OW!"

"Ha ha! Burn!"

"I have yet to see why you guys are even together."

It got late but Derek was pushing to get to Redcliffe. That gut feeling was bothering him so we went along with it. We came down from the trail and found ourselves back in the village.

"Hail Grey Wardens! Have you come back from the Dalish so soon?" Tomas said, taking Lily.

"It wasn't too hard to locate them. Is Arl Eamon awake?" Eren said.

"I do not know. You will have to go into the castle. Until then, I will lead Lily to the stables as well as your wagon. Your packs will be taken to the Castle, momentarily.

"Thank you Tomas. Jowan, unfortunately you're going to have to stay here." Eren said.

"Yes I understand."

"I shall keep you company Jowan, so you do not feel lonely." Zevran said.

"Uh…"

"Let's just go. Jowan, be careful with Zevran." Talen said. I shook my head. The rest of us went toward the castle. The guards were up and they called down Arl Eamon to tell him of our success. Everyone, besides me, went to their rooms. I stayed down in the hall to wait for Eamon. I yawned for the tenth time. I wanted to sleep but I also wanted to see history in the making. I was only going to live this once and I wasn't going to pass an opportunity.

"Are you sure you don't want to go get some sleep?" Eren asked.

"No, I'm fine."

"Don't fall asleep standing up." Derek laughed.

"I'm not going to. I'm going to stay here and witness this."

"Why exactly, if you don't mind me asking?" Alistair said.

"Because you guys are the wardens. Someone has to make sure you're doing your job right." Derek guffawed. "No but in all seriousness, I want to be here because I know, right here, right now, you four are about to chance Ferelden for the better. I want to remember everything and make sure everyone knows what you all did."

"Thank you Nia." Eren said.

"You're welcome."

"Grey Wardens, I trust you have awoken me in this dreadful hour with some good news?" Arl Eamon said, striding in the hall.

"Arl Eamon, we have gathered all of our allies. The Dalish has agreed to honor their agreement with the Grey Wardens."

"I see. Then we must be swift and call a Landsmeet. I do not want to give Loghain time to think but I will not go to Denerim unless you all are with me."

"We are with you Eamon. Call the Landsmeet."

"Good. I will send word and we shall ride in the morning. May the Maker watch over us." Eamon said. He excused himself and I yawned again.

"Can't believe that we're already here." Derek mumbled.

"We did it." Talen said.

"Not yet. We might have gotten our allies but the real test is about to begin. Loghain has the country by the scruff. The civil war is still raging. Hopefully once we get to Denerim we can convince the nobles to our side." Eren said.

"No pressure." Alistair chuckled.

"Well, we'd better get some rest then. We can't have Loghain catch us with our pants down." I yawned.

"True." Eren said. The rest went off into their rooms and I was about to go before Eren grabbed my arm. "Nia. I haven't thanked you for getting me this far."

"Oh come on Eren, I didn't do anything."

"No you did. You saved my life. Thank you for being here. I know that you'll always be there for me."

"It's my job to protect you and I'll make sure of it no matter what. Now let's go to sleep." Eren nodded.

It's been a long day. Time for some sleep.


As you know we have gotten to the 50th chapter. My last 2 week break is after this update so I can edit/fill in a few things I missed in the earlier chapters. Nothing big. And, if you're wondering, the reason why Zevran told her that before the whole companion quest, is because he trusts her that much.

Shout out to almakarma18 for favoriting/following this story!

Buggy300: I didn't like DA2 until I played through inquisition, then it made me appreciate the games all the more because that's where everything really started. Yes First Enchanter Orsino, i have plans for him...I know right? I can see people believing Nia when she says that she's another world, The fact that she can see the future? Not so much lol
EG: I still love your reviews though! :D
Shattered Soul 2021: I love Leliana's song as well, I have it in my mp3 player :3 also I liked that scene as well. There's a puddle, we're going swimming! The compromise was the best thing in the game because it really was a win-win if you think about it.

Please review :3