Chapter Twelve
Shale and Ashes
(Trigger warning: Miscarriage)
We left the Peak the next morning, heading for Sulcher's Pass to get Shales control rod, before heading to Haven.
It took weeks more of travel and the occasional fight with Darkspawn or bandits, but we reached the Pass just in time to see an elf chase after a Mule. I giggled, and I heard a few sniggers from behind me.
Felix was about 5'6 – rather short for Thedas human men – with short brown hair, dark stubble, and green eyes. His skin was pale, and his voice as he spoke to himself wasn't really deep, or high but somewhere in between.
We approached Felix, and he put up his hands and said, "Err… you'll have to forgive me if I seem a bit nervous. Not many people traveling in this part of Ferelden. Of course, that's part of my problem, isn't it? Mule got spooked by a wisp and ran off to the woods. Now what do I do?"
"Um… are you… are you asking us to find your mule?" Aedan asked, sounding amused. "Oh! No, no, I sent the elf to do that… I mean I sent my helper Tarren. Nice fellow that… Tarren." He was quick to tell us the name of his elven helper when he saw we had TWO elves with us – counting myself, seeing as I looked like an elf. "Allow me to introduce myself. Felix De Grosbois, Merchant and entrepreneur, at your service."
"My name is Aedan, a Grey Warden…" I was trying not to laugh at this whole encounter. I hadn't told Aedan what to expect from this, so he was all on his own.
"I don't normally take this route, but with the war I was hoping for a bit of luck and good weather in the mountains. Sadly I've had neither. This trip has been one miserable disaster after another. I don't suppose you'd… consider helping a fellow out?"
"What is it you need?" Aedan asked, glancing at me from the corner of his eye. I gave him a simple smile and snuggled into Alistair's chest as he wrapped his arms around me.
"Of all the other things that went wrong, the worst is this artifact I bought in Jader. It's a control rod, I'm told, for a golem. No point in me keeping it, as I'll never get to use it… but maybe you could?"
"Just how much do you want for it?" he sounded weary. "Nothing. I just don't want to have to lug around something that might be taken for a gemstone by a bandit. To be honest, I don't even know if it'll be useful to you. I paid too much to simple… throw it away" Felix sighed.
"What does… what does it do?"
"Brother, it's obvious. It controls a golem." I grinned. Felix nodded and said, "As long as you have it in your hand, the golem does what you say. Might be useful, no?"
I giggled and handed out a Sovereign to Mr. De Grosbois, "At least take something for it."
Felix gave me a grin and said, "Well, that's kind of you. Thank you… now I really must see if Tarren found that mule."
Once Felix was gone, Aedan turned to me, "Talk."
"The golem will have free will. Her name is Shale, though she doesn't remember that she was once a dwarf, so don't bring it up until we take care of Orzammar… anyway, she'd be a good companion to have, think of her as a portable battering ram, seeing as she's 6'5 and made of stone. She used to be 10 feet tall… her former maser took a chisel to her and I think that's one of the reasons she killed him. She has an unholy obsession with killing all pigeons… and we should also save the survivors of Honnleath. They're in a magically warded area trying to stay alive while darkspawn try to kill them…"
"We should… Maker's Breath, I guess let's go there first." Aedan said, sounding tired.
"Nah… they'll be fine while we take care of Haven and retrieve a pinch of Ashes. We can hit Honnleath on the way back to Redcliff."
They looked at me like I was crazy. "What? They have food, water, and chamber pots… they have enough to last them to the end of the blight if need be…"
Everyone looked between each other. "Honnleath" everyone but Sten and Morrigan said at once. I shrugged.
It took longer than I would have thought to get from the Pass to Honnleath, but on the bright side, I had gotten to fly as scout for a while, trading off with Morrigan just in time to check out Honnleath itself.
Just hours before we reached Honnleath, I landed to give my scouting report perfectly in time to hear, "Andraste's flaming sword! I know where babies come from."
I roared a laugh; Wynne shot me a wink as Alistair gave me a glare. Even Aedan and Morrigan were smirking.
"What are you laughing for… wait till she gives you that talk." Alistair pouted. "Oh, my love, I've already had a child in case you forgot. I definitely know where babies come from," I gave him a sad smile, and he stopped pouting, cursed and came to embrace me. "I'm sorry love… I forgot."
I snuggled into him and said, "Only about 30 'spawn in the open in Honnleath, but more may come out from any of the buildings, and there are certainly more in the cellar where the survivors are holding out."
"Only 30, so not bad for an initial head count," Aedan nodded.
We may have been prepared for others to come rushing out, but where had they hidden the Ogre?! It was such a surprise; I didn't have time to put up defenses before the damn thing lifted me and threw me several yards. Guess what broke my fall?
If you guessed my side hitting Shale, you have earned the prize of knowing how predictable this shit was. I heard Alistair and Aedan shout, and saw Sten behead the Ogre from the side when it bent to rush. My injury seemed to make them all fight as though they were in the final battle. I knew that I had broken some bones, and fucking OW.
I felt like hell. I was trying very hard to stand, but the most I could do was grab the control rod Aedan had handed me before we entered the Village.
"Dulen Harn," and then I slumped as she slowly began to regain her movement. I coughed up some blood and grimaced – I had certainly punctured a lung. I would need to change after this. I felt like my entire left side was on fire, but that's normal when you break so many bones being smashed upon a stone statue right? Sighing, I reached for my bag… and ended up hissing as it jostled my injuries. I was drenched in my own blood, not a single clean spot on me… thankfully this caused the Darkspawn to avoid me – I'm guessing due to my blood carrying the 'Anti-Taint'.
Of fucking course, however, Shale didn't finish 'waking' until all the Darkspawn were dead – though it seemed so fast in the game. Alistair came running over and helped me sit up, my sore back against his chest. Aedan was right behind him and Wynne was already pulling out a mana potion as she approached me.
"I knew the day would come when someone would find the control rod. And of course IT is another Mage. That is what it is, yes? Just my luck." Shale said in that deep voice.
"Nice to… meet you… too, hun. Wanna go on an adventure and squish every pigeon we come across?" I saw her stiffen.
"It is asking me? It… it does have the control rod, yes?"
"Hun, the control rod stopped working for you as soon as you woke. You are no longer bound to it. You have free will now. If you wanna come with us, cool… if you wanna go on your own way, awesome. Just know that if you come with us you'll meet Caridin, creator of the Golems," I grunted as Wynne held her glowing blue hand over my gut. Her face was grim as she healed the tears in my skin and inner organs. I was hissing in pain.
"I… have no idea what I want. I will follow it about then. This should be interesting… It says I can squish the pigeons?"
I chuckled, "I don't like Pigeons either, but I've never been shit on by them. Feel free to squash any pigeon you see."
That seemed to please her. I felt healed enough to reach into my bag and groaned as the movement caused pain to shoot through me. Aedan was pacing and Alistair was murmuring in my ear.
"How many bones did I break Wynnie? It feels like at least half, but then it always feels worse than it looks… or is it the other way around?" I was trying to lighten the situation with a joke as I finally pulled out a soda and beef jerky from my bag. Her face stayed grim, even as she gave me a forced smile.
"What… Bellisima, is that the poison drink again?" I chuckled at Alistair and Aedans faces as they looked terrified. "Yeah, Zev… want one?" he nodded and I handed it over as Alistair exclaimed, "You drink Poison?! Willingly?!"
Aedan shouted at Zev for encouraging it while Alistair tried to take my Livewire mountain dew away from me. "Hey! Not actual poison. It's just so chock full of sugar that it's super unhealthy to drink all the time. However protein from the meat and sugar from the drink will help me heal a bit faster as well as give me energy," I snapped.
Zev opened the drink and took a big gulp to show I was telling the truth. Sten looked interested and Aedan looked to Wynne who said, "Meat does help the body stimulate the healing process… and being magically healed does take energy from the one being healed, so Sugar would help with that."
Alistair calmed almost immediately after my explanation, but Aedan only settled after Wynne said it. I rolled my eyes. "Alistair, you trust me… want to take a sip of my 'poison' to put my brother at ease?"
Alistair, without hesitating, took the open can from me and sipped. His eyes widened, "Maker's Breath, that is amazing… what is it?"
"Soda; it's mostly sugar, as stated before, and so not healthy. It's one of my guilty pleasures. Now I need to go fight an Ogre later so I can get some dignity back after that hit… or maybe I'll just go fight a dragon," I grumbled. Sten nodded approvingly while almost everyone else stared at me like I was fucking nuts.
"Look, we all knew I wasn't completely right in the head when we started this adventure, so don't look at me like you expected that to change," I pouted causing Leli and Zev to laugh. I was finally able to stand – with Alistairs help – and I used my magic to change into a leather vest-style sleeveless shirt with a high collar and V-neck, and black jeans and for fun, I turned my hair dark purple.
Wynne pulled Alistair and I aside. "If I had known… I'm so sorry, dear. I shouldn't have giving Alistair that baby talk… you've… well, there's no easy way to say this," Her face was sympathetic, and I had a sinking feeling in my chest.
"Wynne… tell me you don't mean… was I… pregnant?" I was mortified at the possibility, I hadn't gotten period since coming to Thedas, and I was already fat so I couldn't figure out how far along I'd been. "Yes… I'm so sorry, dear… you were about 3 to 3 and a half months along," I felt a sob in my throat. That would have been… Redcliff. Our first night when I hadn't thought of birth control… in truth I didn't realize I needed it. I mean, I knew this was a new body, but some things carried over; my tattoos, my voice, so why not my Tubal Ligation?
Alistair's arms were instantly around me, whispering soothing things in my ear as his voice was cracking too.
"Is everything alright over here?" Aedan asked. I couldn't speak, so Alistair explained with some help from Wynne. It took a solid hour for me to calm enough to pull away from Alistair and walk over to the group.
"Let's go save the remaining Villagers… I think I'll keep to the back of the group for now… so I can recover a bit."
Aedan nodded and off we went. When the villagers saw Shale killing Darkspawn that were threatening them they all looked stunned.
I ignored most of the conversation between Aedan and the head guy until; "You weren't sent by the Bann were you?" the guy looked so hopeful.
"Uh…sorry but no. Honestly, I don't think anyone but us knew you were still alive. We only knew because Ara over there had… heard murmurings through one of the grates or something. After we killed all the Spawn up there and got Shale… she insisted we come down here." The hesitated so much with the explanation that I was sure no one would believe him.
I was suddenly being thanked by 27 villagers.I was suddenly being thanked by 27 villagers. "Look, y'all I'm mostly here because I swore I'd see if the Rutherford Family was all right!"
3 people stepped forward. One was a female carbon copy of Cullen. I guessed she was Mia. She had blonde hair with brown highlights, green eyes rather than gold and pale skin; she was certainly taller than I expected at 5'8. The man, Branson, had brown hair with green eyes and stood at only 5'7 while their younger sister, Rosalie had brown hair and gold eyes standing only an inch higher than me.
"My name is Mia Rutherford. May I… ask why you were looking for us? Not that we aren't grateful! Just seems odd you'd come here when the area was overrun to look for us…" Mia asked. I grinned. "Oh you know how it is! I'm in love with a Templar Knight-Captain, and knew he was from around here so when I heard the place was in danger, I thought to myself, 'what better way to win a man's heart than by saving his family?' so here I am!"
Alistair choked a laugh as Mia looked stunned. "Knight-Captain? When did that happen… wait, you love my brother?"
I chuckled. "I love two Templars, dear, but since I doubt Cullen will ever want me, I figure I can still be his friend. He made knight-captain not long ago, and was transferred to Kirkwall. Since I know he's terrible at sitting down to write a damn letter…" Mia and Branson barked a laugh.
"I approve! Thank you for letting us know where he is. And, uh… if he fails to see how wonderful you are, I may have to beat some sense into him!" Branson laughed. Mia ginned.
"Eh, I've got this one. I suppose he'll do, since he's willing to share me and all," I smirked as I pointed to Alistair. I pulled a coin-purse out of Aedans pocket while he was distracted.
"Here's 12 Sovereigns… you'll be safe in South Reach." I handed over the coins and the 5 of us – the Rutherford's, Alistair and I – all laughed as Aedan finally noticed the purse missing and looked around.
"Thank you again. I hope to see you again one day… oh I never asked you name?" Mia exclaimed. "It's Ara."
"Arvaala Cousland!" Aedan corrected and I winced. "Aedan Cousland, if you keep this up I will slap you so hard your family will feel it for generations!" Mia giggled as the 3 of them slipped away.
That's when the main guy asked Aedan to find his daughter. We headed down the path.
I explained what needed to happen and how to do it too. Morrigan disapproved of saving a 'foolish' child, but everyone else just took what I said with a grain of salt.
When we approached 'Kitty' she really did try to make a deal with us. I glared at her as Aedan spoke.
"We'll let you go, but you have to leave the girl," He was lying through his teeth. He knew we'd kill the demon, but the demon accepted.
After all that bullshit, I was just tired. We all agreed to get a little ways away from Honnleath, however, so I wouldn't get sleep anything soon. I will gladly admit that it made me grouchy.
By the time we did make camp, I was against Alistair's side in his arms, almost passed out… no way would I be able to cook or sing tonight. I had tried apologizing to Leli about it but she shook her head and told me not to worry about it.
Wynne took care of dinner that night, but I was asleep almost as soon as I had the tent set up, meaning someone had to carry me into the damn thing… I was hoping it wasn't Alistair again, because I always felt bad that I weighed so much.
Haven was bigger than even in the 3rd game of course. And yes, we were stopped at the entrance gate to be 'warned'… more like threatened. It had taken only 2 weeks to get from Honnleath to Haven.
The morning after the whole Honnleath thing, I learned that it had been Alistair who'd carried me to the tent… I was also back to ship-shape that morning. Though I was depressed about the baby. Everyone had heard about it from Aedan by then.
I had explained that if we went to the shop and 'discovered' the dead body, the whole town would attack us – minus the ones in the chantry, whom we'd fight upon asking about Genitivi. We ended up going to the shop.
None of the villagers were much of a challenge to fight, but I knew the cultists in the actual temple would be worse. I had given Father Eirik a grin upon entering the chantry covered in the blood of the townspeople. He had paled slightly but still fought us, earning him a dagger in the heart by yours truly.
We found Genitivi behind that false wall – the one that would be turned into a room beside the 'war room' sometime in the next 10 years. Of course he wanted to go to the Temple with us… Lelianna did stand up for him, and I allowed it. I planned to tell the guardian to vacate the premises or risk the Ashes being misused in the next few years – I just hoped he listened.
I was glad I already knew how to get to the temple – both from the third game, and my visions. I led the group, having summoned an all-terrain wheelchair for Genitivi who had a broken leg that refused to heal – apparently he had too high of a magical resistance for Wynne and I refused to try.
We left him near the entrance of the Temple, of course. I was amazed to find that, unlike in the game, the Temple was in perfect condition… so far. The Temple looked new, and had a warn feeling that could only be described as coming home. There were many carvings on the walls, and more than just the four passages shown in the game.
I could feel the presence of the Maker here… I didn't truly believe in him until now. I could hear his whispering, and I saw his presence in each place I looked. I knew that this 'Tevinter' ruin was actually built by the Maker himself.
I didn't realize I had stopped walking until Aedan asked, "Everything alright, Ara?"
"Aedan… this temple… I can feel your Maker all around it. I can hear him speak… he built this as his beloveds' final resting place. He is here Aedan. I don't even worship him, and yet he shows himself. This feels like… home," I knew my eyes were wide as they all stared at me. Sten, Morrigan and Shale didn't seem to Approve, but Lelianna and Genitivi were asking all sorts of questions. I shook my head, "Now isn't the time for questions. We have a mission to complete. Perhaps we can speak of it later."
With that said, we moved on. As we killed cultists and walked on, Alistair asked, "So you don't worship the Maker, which makes since as you're from a different world, but who is the Goddess you worship?" I almost laughed at the looks he got. "How do you know it's a Goddess?" Aedan asked.
"Because, dear brother, I'm always saying 'Oh, Goddess' or 'Goddess help me' under varying circumstances," I grinned, causing him to go red and grumble.
"And to answer your question, love, I Worship the Triple Goddess. The Mother, the Maiden, and the Crone. The Goddess of Magic and Witchcraft, so mote it be," I shrugged.
"But you said there wasn't magic in your world," Morrigan accused. "I said 'There may have been true Magic at one point, but it's been diluted. Most who had Magic once upon a time were burned alive or drowned… most of what remains is slim'. Honestly, I also told you I was an Empath – able to feel the emotions of those around me – and a Clairvoyant that could see some pieces of the future in my dreams… how is that not magic in its own right? I had a connection to nature and people… Maybe it wasn't magic, but it certainly was enough to convince me and even the Coven I was in. I was considered a 'White Witch' because I used what I had for the good of those around me."
They were all looking at me so I continued, "Perhaps that is why I can feel the Maker here; why I can hear his words impressed into the stone… my Empathy allows for it. I could feel the Griffons at the Peak too… I've never been able to sense past events before, but maybe it's because my magic is enhanced by Thedas? I suppose if the Veil wasn't created then I could have been more powerful, but that's just a theory."
"Created?" Wynne asked. "Well… yeah. You mean people actually forgot that the Veil is artificial? That it was Created by an Elven God to punish the other Gods for killing the only decent one?" I asked, knowing the answer.
"Wait… how can the Maker and the Elven Gods exist?" Alistair seemed flummoxed. "Easy! The Elven Gods were actually just powerful Mages, who were worshiped in the times of Arlathan, not actual gods."
We had reached the 'caverns' where the Dragonlings nested. Like the main Temple, it still felt new, not destroyed.
By the time we got to where Kolgrim was, we all decided that after killing the bastard, we would 'make camp' and continue after some sleep.
I had made Hamburgers for dinner with French Fries and sweet tea. Aedan took first Watch, and then it would be Sten and then Lelianna. Shale didn't need sleep so she was the second on all three shifts. I sang 'A Little Wicked' by Valerie Broussard.
A little wicked
That's what he calls me
'Cause that's what I am
That's what I am
No one calls you honey, when you're sitting on a throne
No one calls you honey, when you're sitting on a throne
Beware the patient woman, 'cause this much I know
No one calls you honey, when you're sitting on a throne
When Alistair and I got into our tent, he turned to me. "So you remember what you said after we picked up Zevran; about rings to symbolize marriage… I've been waiting for the right time to… I only got you one, since we skipped the engagement part…" He had pulled a small box from his.
He opened the box and I gasped. It was beautiful. It was a White Steel band with a purple gem – likely Amethyst – and intricate carvings of dragons on the sides and their tails met to curl around the single small gem.
"Alistair…" I whispered in awe as I reached out to touch it. Before he could say anything else, I launched myself into his arms. He caught me.
"I take it you like it, then?" he asked nervously. "Like it? I love it Alistair! I just have to ask… why the purple gem?"
"I'm not really sure… I saw the gemstone in the Brecillian forest and thought of you. When we got to Denerim, I found a smith named Wade who was quite interested to work with it and I let him decide the design. He… made a matching locket necklace and charm bracelet from the large gem too… why?"
"Well… this will sound silly, but each of the 12 months back on Earth has an assigned stone that's meant to bring luck to those born I that month… the second month was Amethyst, like this. Basically, it's my birthstone…" I was blushing. Being Wiccan, I really did buy into astrology and birthstones and such.
He blushed too, looking rather pleased, and said, "Then I'm even gladder you like it. What um… what was the stone for the first month, Wintermarch?"
"That's right, you were born the 7th of Wintermarch…We called it January, but the stone was a garnet, like this," I pulled the soft brown stone from my bag as a solid ring that was his size; he immediately put it on… I was not telling him that it was enchanted; I'd always know where he was and if he was safe.
"Which specific day is your birthday? You know mine," he seemed a bit keen to know.
"Well… what's today?"
"31st Harvestmere 30 Dragon." I admit I was stunned. I don't know why I thought the blight started in Wintermarch rather than Justinian…
"Um… well on Earth the 14th of Guardian – we called it February – Was holiday devoted to love. Women gave men they like chocolates and couples would go out to fancy restaurants… that was, unfortunately my birthday. Though if my Mom had held out just 5 more minutes I would have been born the next day… I was usually forgotten in the love rush," I shrugged.
"Never again, Wife. You have me now, and I won't forget," he kissed me.
I allowed him to slip the Dragon Jewel set onto my neck, wrist and ring finger, replacing the rose necklace that I turned into a key ring where I slipped my old rings onto it.
The next morning, as Lelianna made breakfast, everyone was admiring my new Jewelry. Aedan grumbled, but he was getting better.
When we finally decided to get a move on, rather than warn everyone about the high dragon, I merely said, "Ah, this is my chance to make up for that Ogre back in Honnleath…"
I received many worried glances, but Sten looked eager, Morrigan raised an eyebrow, and Shale didn't even react.
We hardly made it out the damn door when the High Dragon roared and swooped down… all I could hear was Alistair yelling "Swooping is bad!" even if he didn't actually say it.
I used my magic to make sure the air above and to the sides of the dragon was solidified, so that it couldn't fly around.
Allowing my wings to spread, I flew up and over the dragon. I caught movement from the corner of my eye and turned just in time dodge a column of fire… but got hit with the tip of a wing instead.
Catching myself, I landed on the Dragons back and used magic to make sure I wouldn't topple. I watched from atop the Dragon as the Warriors began attacking head on while Leli found a nice perch, Zev and Aedan attacked the flanks and the Mages stayed near Leli. I don't think anyone noticed that she avoided attacking Alistair; Good, cause I really didn't want to explain the whole Theirin blood right thing at this moment.
I pulled out a Dalish style Viridium blade, enchanted for cold damage, and buried it deep into the Dragons neck. It roared and began trying to shake me off, but I held fast to blade to stay where I was. I grunted as the High Dragon began to fall. I lost my grip and hit the ground, suddenly trapped beneath a very heavy dragon. I could feel my bones cracking and I used magic to keep the bulk of the weight off me.
I heard Alistair and Aedan shouting, but when I opened my mouth to call out that I was okay, a rush of still-warm blood flooded my mouth. I choked and tried to spit it out, but with so much weight atop me, I couldn't even turn my head. This was just great… I really didn't need any extra power from Dragon Blood, but looked like I was gonna have to suck it up – literally if I didn't want to drown. I had drunk at least 6 ounces before I felt the weight shift.
It had taken Sten, Alistair and Aedan lifting, along with Morrigan using a few force spells to get the Dragon moved. I coughed and tried to expel the blood from my body… it didn't work. My body continued to refuse the allowance of throwing up.
"Are you all right?!" Alistair was shouting as I wiggled my legs free and rolled my way out from under the beast.
"I'll live. Just a set of bruised ribs and some kick ass new power…" I sighed.
"What?" Aedan asked.
"Dragon Blood," Sten and Morrigan said at the same time.
"Indeed… Warriors use it to become Reavers… Mages can significantly boost their powers with it… I have no idea what it will do to me. I'm not a Mage, but rather something else entirely; who knows what this will do to me."
I gathered 2 more bottles of the Dragon blood, laying a spell to keep it 'fresh' on instinct… when I got funny looks I shrugged. I wasn't sure why I did it, but I did have an idea.
"Ya'll… I think I'm gonna kick it with the Guardian of the Ashes while ya'll go get a pinch for Eamon…" I knew my Texas accent came out heavy… it always did when I was stressed, tired or over-worked.
There were some nods, and Alistair decided to stay with, Fen and I.
The Guardian was much taller that I would have believed from the game. 6'6, if my guess was accurate… his skin was like milk chocolate, his eyes were like caramel and he was wearing full armor.
The Guardian still asked his questions; telling Shale he respected her, asking Sten about the family he killed, Zev about his last job, Aedan about his parents, Morrigan cut him off, Wynne about her beliefs, Leli about her vision and Alistair about Duncan…
Then he turned to me. "And you, Abigail, you saved your son from a house fire where you died… you have visions, and have found love so soon after losing those who were important to you. I have no question for you, for I see you have no regret in your actions, nor should you. You may all begin the Gauntlet," he said.
"Abigail?" Alistair asked as I summoned a 'waiting area' with 4 2-seat couches that matched the décor.
"It was my name, once upon a time; before coming to Thedas. I was Abigail Campos, wife, mother, and homemaker. When I was dropped here, however, I couldn't say that it was my name. Instead, I said the name Arvaala when asked. I can't tell a lie, and I think that's due to being what I am now. Regardless, my new name is Arvaala Cousland or Theirin."
Alistair nodded and pulled me into his lap.
"Yo, Guardian man… just a heads up, the Ashes are no longer safe. The Imperium is no longer all that powerful either. If you can talk to Mr. Maker, I highly suggest you and the Ashes scram before you have thousands trying to come here for some. It won't be pretty and there will be too many who want the ashes for evil intent."
He looked at me thoughtfully before he seemed to zone out.
The Guardian spoke to me again. "The Maker thanks you for the information, and has granted you a boon. In 9 years, the story you know will change. He says you will know when," Shit… I should have kept my big mouth shut. "I thank you, and the Maker. I will do my best to see that things go as they should."
It was about then that Aedan and the others came back carrying a small pouch.
We all stood, and began our trek down the mountain after collecting Genitivi who had informed us he would spread the word of this find. Alistair, shockingly, didn't object like in the game… I guess because he knew the Ashes would be gone soon. By silent agreement, Alistair and I didn't tell anyone else about it.