Chapter 54: On to the Brecelian Forest
Starr was nervous. Chances were that it wouldn't be Keeper Aranella's clan they met in the Brecelian Forest. It wasn't an area she favored during the five years Starr lived with them, the Keeper preferred the area between the north edge of the forest and the coast and west towards Highever. She'd been very fortunate that day several years ago. If the hunters hadn't found her, she would have died. She tried to remember what she knew of other clans. There were about half a dozen that regularly traveled in Ferelden, though she could only remember the names of two of the other keepers, Marethari and Zathrian. Marethari was a skilled healer, Aranella was thinking of sending her First to Marethari for more training in the healing arts. Aranella's talents lay in a different direction and for the good of the clan, she wanted somebody capable of higher levels of healing. Zathrian was old, old even among elves and reputed to be severe. Or maybe that was her own interpretation as she looked back. The few times his name was mentioned it was with respect but also with reserve, though she couldn't remember anybody saying anything against him.
She startled when Alistair joined her and brushed some leaves out of her hair. "What's wrong? You seem a bit distracted," he said. Jokingly he added, "You're not thinking of getting rid of me, I hope."
Starr snickered, "You guessed my deep dark secret. I'm running away with Oghren and we're going to travel throughout Thedas until we've sampled every type of ale there is, then we're going to start racing mabari-drawn chariots." Alistair's only response was to swat her on the rear. Their little exchange actually relaxed her and she admitted the truth. "I'm nervous. I don't want to let you and Elissa down. One of the reasons I'm traveling with you is my knowledge of the Dalish. I'm nervous because we might be meeting with the clan I know and I'm nervous because we might be meeting another clan. Listen to me, I can't even decide why I'm nervous," she scowled at the forest floor.
He laughed and gave her a quick hug, "I adore you. You could never let me down, unless you really run away with Oghren, and if there's any problem with whatever clan we meet it's on them, not you." They continued walking together a bit, Starr's eyes constantly searching for signs of the Dalish or trouble. Alistair cleared his throat, "We could go looking for them after all this is over, if you like."
Starr turned towards him and smiled, "We could look for a long time and not find them, but I appreciate the thought. The Dalish are not likely to stay in one place if they hear humans are looking for them. I think we're getting close to one of the clans, though."
"What makes you say that?" Alistair was curious.
"I was wondering as well, I haven't seen anything," Leliana joined them.
Starr looked around, "We haven't seen quite as much game. This appears to be a healthy and flourishing forest. Darkspawn have obviously not infected this part of the forest and human hunters leave more evidence behind. Dalish don't waste anything and they are very careful with what they don't use. Respectful. Most human hunters tend to take what they want and just leave the rest; there would be more ground disturbance, scavenger activity." She looked for and found Fen, "Fen doesn't sense any other people, so I doubt we will reach their clan tonight. It's possible, but unlikely, that we'll meet a scout or hunter today." She bit her lip, thinking, "If there is a hunter in the area they may watch to see what we do. I think we need to be prepared for somebody to be watching us until we reach the Dalish."
"I shall let Elissa know we are getting closer," and Leliana silently faded away.
"I'm always amazed at how quietly she can move even when she isn't trying," Alistair looked at Starr. "You can move just as quietly when you want to, but you don't always try."
She put her hands on her hips in some exasperation, "Why would I unless I'm scouting or something? Stair, have you seen me? I'm almost as tall as you are, I'm not exactly skinny and I have long very light hair. No matter how quietly I move I'm not going to blend into the crowd."
He leered and waggled his eyebrows, making her laugh, "I've seen you, alright. I like your curves," he put an arm around her waist, "and I'll be happy to show you how much later, baby."
She lightly punched his arm, "Sometimes you are so goofy. But I won't object if you want to 'appreciate' my curves." She leaned into him and whispered something in his ear that caused him to look at her with so much heat he could have set the forest ablaze. She slipped away before he could do or say anything else.
As Starr predicted they didn't find any scouts or hunters. They set up camp and there was an air of anticipation, they all knew that soon they would be talking to the Dalish and taking care of the last treaty. That evening Starr was relaxing and leaning against a tree, eyes closed and thinking about the Dalish. Her mind drifted to the years she and Marcail lived with Keeper Aranella. She smiled as she remembered how, even though they were still suspicious of her, the rest of the clan were completely open and warm to Marcail. Her son never lacked for love and affection. She drifted to sleep and didn't wake when Alistair picked her up and carried her to their tent.
The next morning Starr knew they would meet the clan sometime that day. It wasn't because of any signs she saw or heard, but something she knew in her heart. With that in mind, she made sure that the journals she had specially prepared for the keeper were readily available. She spoke to Elissa, "We might as well walk together. We don't want those watching to think we're trying to sneak up on their camp. They'll be very suspicious of us, even if I know them they're not going to just let us waltz in. Everybody will need to be polite. We don't need to put their backs up by appearing to be disrespectful. They have good reasons to be wary of outsiders."
She found herself walking with Oghren. After some hemming and hawing, he asked the question, "Huh, if they're so, what you call wary, then how'd you end up living with 'em?"
Starr went very still. "That's, that's a fair question. The Dalish are wary of outsiders but not heartless. They are not so suspicious that they would refuse to help a broken and bloodied thirteen-year-old child alone in the forest. They brought me to their keeper. They didn't find any family or anybody else so she decided I should stay with them, at least until I was healed."
Oghren snorted, "I hope the bastards that hurt you are dead." He offered her some of his brew. Starr was too surprised not to take a sip.
Her eyes crossed and she coughed but she took a second swallow before she handed it back to him, "Thank you, Oghren." Her voice was a bit huskier than normal, but she was still standing and she considered that a victory.
"Curves like a dwarva, strong like a dwarva, I bet you could even drink like a dwarva with some practice. *burp* Sure you don't got some dwarf in ya?" She just laughed.
As soon as they saw hunters ahead, Starr and the Wardens moved to the front. A female elf appeared to be their leader and she called for them to stop.
"Okay, Starr, time to do your thing," Elissa muttered.
Starr stepped forward, "Atisha, emma Elvhen falon. Aren aravel la isala dirth na keeper.1"
Mithra nodded her head in guarded welcome. "I am surprised to meet a shemlen who speaks Dalish. What business do you have with our Keeper, if I may ask?"
"My name is Starrelena Feyorlin and I travel with the Grey Wardens Elissa and Alistair on a matter of great urgency."
"Grey Wardens? If you truly travel with Grey Wardens then I shall take you to the Keeper right away. But be warned, our hunters will have their arrows on you." Mithra gestured them forward and walked beside Starr after giving a hard look at Fen. "This wolf travels with you?"
"Fen and I have been together almost eight years. Is there a problem?"
Mithra hesitated, "It is unfortunate; I suggest you keep him close by your side. Keeper Zathrian will explain more if he is so inclined. Where did you learn to speak the language of the People?"
"My grandmother was Dalish and I lived with the clan of Keeper Aranella for a few years."
"Keeper Aranella? Then," Mithra abandoned whatever she was going to say as they reached Keeper Zathrian. "Keeper, Starrelena Feyorlin travels with these Grey Wardens to speak to you. I thought I should bring them to you right away."
"Enansalen2, Keeper Zathrian. This is the Grey Warden Elissa and this is the Grey Warden Alistair." She gave a respectful bow and stepped back, so the Wardens could speak to the Keeper. The Keeper was not at all happy to see Fen and Griffon, so she moved them back with her and farther away from Zathrian. He was severe as she had heard, and she didn't trust him. She sensed a bitterness and a dark air of secrecy in him that worried her. There was an air of sadness and anger everywhere she looked. She expected to see more hunters, but supposed they could all be out in the forest. She had many questions.
Some of her questions were answered when Zathrian took them to a section of camp set aside for the sick and injured. A curse, an infection spread by werewolves during recent attacks. At least she understood the looks directed towards Fen and, to a lesser degree, Griffon. But why the attacks? She was brought out of her musings when she heard Elissa say, "That is a question best answered by Starrelena, she lived in an Alienage for a time."
"A shemlen living in an Alienage!" Lanaya, Zathrian's First, exclaimed. "That is unexpected." She turned towards Starr and repeated her question.
"The unexpected is normal where bellissima is concerned," Zevran interjected with a brief laugh.
Starr rolled her eyes at that before answering Lanaya. "It is a hard life, to be sure. Unfortunately, in Denerim the Arl was not sympathetic or overly concerned with the elves in his Arling. But that does not mean there is no joy. The elves in the Alienage are close-knit; they consider themselves family much as a Dalish clan does. They mourn the death of one of their own as much as they rejoice in the cry of a new babe. Weddings are a cause for celebration. They don't understand the life you Dalish lead any more than you understand the life they lead. But they haven't forgotten how much they have lost. They may not know much of their heritage, but in the center of the Alienage a Vhenadahl tree grows strong."
"It is hard for me to imagine, do they not wish for something better?" Lanaya was very curious. She did not remember anything about her family before the bandits, but assumed they probably came from an Alienage somewhere.
"Don't we all wish for better, if not for us then at least for our children?" Starr countered. "For many elves, however, better does not mean Dalish. Before I left her clan, Keeper Aranella was considering talking to the Hahren of the Highever Alienage about an exchange of some sort. One or two of the People would stay in Highever for a period of time, while an equal number from the city would stay with her clan. She thought both sides would benefit from the knowledge and experience."
"Keeper Aranella was always a liberal thinker. That sounds very much like something she would do. But I have detained you enough with my questions, perhaps after you complete your task we can talk some more."
"Lanaya, before we go I have something." Starr brought one of the journals and gave it to Lanaya. "When I left the clan I began to keep a journal, a journal of anything I saw or heard that might be elven or related to the history of the elven people. I have a copy for Aranella, but I also kept a copy to give to another clan if I came across one in my travels. Keeper Zathrian has much on his mind and I don't want to disturb him any further. It's not much, just a small way to repay the kindness Keeper Aranella showed to my son and me."
"That you made the effort is no small thing. Ma serannas, falon3," Lanaya's smile was warm as she accepted the journal.
"Nicely done," Alistair whispered in her ear. "Have I told you today how much I love you?" He linked her fingers with his as they moved away.
"Starrelena?" a disbelieving voice stopped them.
Starr turned around and a wide smile of joy spread across her face when she saw an elf with chestnut hair looking at her as if he couldn't believe his eyes. "Garren!" she quickly moved towards him and clasped his hands in hers, Fen dancing at her side. Alistair and Zevran quickly joined her. "It is good to see you, lethallin."4
"I am pleased to see you as well, da'lethallan.5 And surprised. You are looking very well, as are you Fen," he added acknowledging the wolf. Fen huffed in pleasure.
"You are the only person who has ever called me 'little' anything," Starr laughed. She turned to Alistair and Zevran not noticing the hints of jealousy in their eyes, "Garren was one of the hunters who found me. He was very good to me, and offered to be my mentor. Soon I thought of him like a big brother. He taught both Marcail and me how to use a bow."
Alistair stepped forward and offered his hand to the elf, "Then I owe you a debt I can never repay. My life would be infinitely poorer without her in it."
"I owe you as well. Zevran Arainai at your service," Zevran resolved to talk to Garren privately at some point. It was barely possible that he might have some knowledge that would help track down those who hurt his beloved cousin.
Garren looked curiously at the two men, taking their measure. Starr quickly made the introductions, "Lethallin, I would like you to meet my cousin, Zevran, and my husband, Alistair. I believe I told you about him."
"Andaran atish'an6 friends. I am pleased to meet those close to da'lethallan." He examined the big human closely, liking what he saw. "Alistair? The Alistair?" Garren looked at Starr with teasing affection, "The same Alistair you talked about constantly, the one who was taken to the Chantry? The one you got into trouble with? The one who . . ."
"Enough!" Starr was flushed with embarrassment, "Remind me, Garren, why do I like you?" she asked plaintively. Alistair was laughing now. So was Elissa nearby, the exchange reminded her of her brother Fergus and happier days in Highever. Starr decided to change the subject, "Why are you here, Garren? Did something happen to Keeper Aranella?" she asked in concern.
"No, no da'lethallan. Keeper Aranella and the rest of our clan are fine. I married a strong, beautiful woman of this clan. You probably met Mithra when you arrived. We had more hunters than Zathrian's clan, so it made sense for me to come here," Garren's voice was filled with pride and happiness when he spoke of his bride.
"Creators' blessings on your union, Garren. I am so very happy for you. Marcail will be disappointed he didn't get to see you again. He's in Redcliffe, safe with people I trust while I travel with the Grey Wardens. He's grown so much since you saw him last. He has friends and he and Alistair bonded immediately. I have a journal I'm keeping for him, if you like, I can lend it to and you can write to him. I know he would love hearing from you."
"Of course. Give it to me before you enter the forest and I'll be done before you have to leave us. But right now I must go, we will talk again da'lethallan." Garren melted away with an ease even Zevran admired.
"Good thing you have a friend here, Starr," Elissa said. "If we have any questions later maybe we should ask him, or you should. But right now we'd better go talk to this Sarel fellow and see if he has any information which can help us."
1 "Peace, I am a friend of the People. We have traveled long and need to speak to your Keeper." Or at least my best attempt at a little Dalish, my apologies if it is truly dreadful.
2 "Blessings"
3 Thank you, friend.
4 Cousin, or clansman
5 Little cousin
6 Greetings
