The following day, they were travelling towards Ostagar and they made good progress, until they stopped for the night to get some rest. Theron, who was an experienced hunter, helped them find an excellent spot to camp making life more bearable. His spot had plenty of cover, surrounded by wildlife and it was far away from bandits and highwaymen. He even told stories around the fire to add to the enjoyment.

"Don't tell the elf but I'm glad that Duncan had decided to recruit the Wolf." Faren told Sereda.

"Wolf?" Sereda asked, confused.

Faren shrugged. "Well, he kinda strikes me as a lone wolf type and then there are his hunting skills."

"You don't like him?" Sereda asked.

Faren shrugged. "I don't know, he just ticks me off for some reason. I can't help it."

Sereda looked at Theron. "It's a miracle he was able to last this long with the taint inside him. Most people would die within a day from getting the blight and it practically flowed into his body." She then looked at him with sympathy. "Though I feel sorry for his friend."

Faren knew at once who she was thinking about. "I'm sorry about your brother, but he was an ass."

Sereda laughed. "I can't say I disagree with your assessment. Tell me, what happened to that sister of yours?"

Faren sighed. "She told me before I left that she found a patron, some higher noble." He then looked at her as he took a breath. "Listen, I don't mean to pry, but if you do return to Orzammar, what are you going to do about your brother?"

"I don't know." Sereda rubbed her face in frustration before clenching her fists. "Part of me wants to strangle that neck of his."

"From what I understand, that's the relationship between siblings." Faren pointed out, shrugging.

"Especially if they are noble." Sereda nodded. "Sometimes I wish us nobles are like the humans, at least their families don't spend all their time plotting against one another. Anyway, the other part of me wants him on the throne."

"Why?" Faren looked at her in confusion.

"Well, to be brutally honest I think he would be a good king. He knows that we aren't going to survive if we carry on with tradition, if we are to survive, we need to change our way of thinking. Like asking for surface for help, giving the casteless chance to defend their home." Sereda explained.

Faren nodded. "You have a point, Princess."

"I'm not a princess anymore." Sereda shook her head.

Faren chuckled. "You are in my book."

Sereda then looked at him. "I mean, look at you, if you were so unworthy as people believe that you are, then how were you able to best every warrior in the Proving?"

"You know you make it sound like I intended to compete." Faren laughed as she raised an eyebrow. "I admit I had considered joining the Proving but let's just say I didn't have a choice."

Sereda laughed.


Duncan watched his merry recruits laughing around the campfire before Elissa sat down next to him. "You've done well with recruiting." Elissa said.

Duncan let out a warm smile. "Yes, I intended for only one recruit and I end up with six."

"And those six happened to be, two Proving winners, a Dalish hunter, a Circle mage, a fierce noblewoman and a killer bride."

"I'm not a bride anymore!" Kallian exclaimed suddenly.

Elissa smiled. "Who has excellent hearing?"

Duncan nodded, chuckling. "Yes, she certainly has."

Elissa looked seriously at him. "How long do you think it'll take to reach Ostagar?"

"If we don't have any more delays, we should be there by tomorrow morning, by now King Cailan forces have gathered there." Duncan said as he looked at the horizon.

Elissa could barely keep her tears at bay. "I'm worried about my brother. I hope he is still alive."

Duncan placed an assuring hand on her shoulder. "I rather doubt that Howe has sent a message to his Majesty, he wants to make sure that there are no survivors left in the castle and then he will have to deal with tell the people of Highever into believing that they were spies."

"I doubt many of them will believe it." Elissa pointed out. "My father was well loved not by just the nobility, but by the people. As you know, they did select him to be king after Maric died."

"Fear not, people like Howe who try to grab power always fall because of their ambition." Duncan assured.

"I'd rather he'd fall to my sword." Elissa said bitterly, clenching the hilt of her sword

Duncan decided that it was best not to continue with this discussion, but he couldn't blame Elissa with her anger towards Howe.


Daylen was treating Theron in the hopes to slow his corruption. He was feeding him a potion which he concocted from the ingredients Marethari had given Duncan.

"That should do it until we reach Ostagar." Daylen said.

"What's it like in the Circle?" Theron asked. "I've heard that it's more prison than a home or place of learning."

Daylen nodded. "You're not far off the mark, some consider it a prison. Others feel at home, when in there. I know some people consider their magic a curse, not a blessing."

Theron looked confused. "I don't see why the Chantry does this. You're trapped in a stone prison unable to help those around you and you're watched every minute of every day."

Daylen's eyes looked dark as he narrowed them. "They only watch so that people like Jowan are kept away from society."

"The one, who betrayed your trust? Your friend?" Theron inquired.

Daylen nodded. "That's him. I wish I knew what drove him resort to such dark magic; it's cost him everything. His home, his friend and his love."

Theron nodded in understanding. "I see. Though, while I admit that some mages are dangerous, they could help hundreds of people, if not thousands. Instead, they are locked away for something they might do, a person should only be judged by what they do, not what they could do."

Daylen smiled. "You sound like the First Enchanter."

Theron smiled back. "I'll take that as a compliment. As a storyteller, it would have been my job to remember the stories of my people, but while we may never regain what we had we can create new tales for our children and our children's children so they may grow and learn."

Daylen shook his head. "You definitely sound like the First Enchanter. He always spoke cryptically."

Theron shrugged. "I suppose it makes us sound wise."

The two of them laughed and both of them could tell that this was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.


Kallian was sitting furthest from the camp and Barkspawn was keeping her company. She understood that he was a war hound, but at times it was like an overgrown puppy dog. Though she didn't daresay this to his face.

"Not joining in?" Kallian turned and found Elissa smiling down at her. "You're missing all the fun."

Kallian didn't even look at her. "It's nothing against you bit I'd like to stay here, if you don't mind."

Elissa sat down next to her. "What's the problem?"

"I just can't stop thinking about the elves in the Alienage, I mean, I was arrested for killing the arl's son who tried to rape me and never mind the fact that he brought this upon himself."

Elissa nodded. "I can see where you're getting at. You should have at least be given a trial for the reasons of your actions. I can't pretend that I understand, but I think I can see where you're coming from."

Kallian looked at her. "I appreciate the thought, but I doubt there's anything you can do about it."

"Well, not while I am a pariah." Elissa admitted and then placed a hand on her shoulder. "But I will help you and your people in any way I can."

Kallian smiled. "I never thought I would be friends with a noble."

Elissa laughed. "Former noble, but these are strange times."


"We will be traveling south through the hinterlands to the ruin of Ostagar, on the edges of the Korcari Wilds. The Tevinter Imperium built Ostagar long ago to prevent the Wilders from invading the northern lowlands." Duncan pointed at the ruins just visible in the distance as he showed them the map.

Daylen stared at the ruins in wonder. "It's a miracle they haven't crumbled."

Duncan nodded at him. "It's fitting we make our stand here, even if we face a different foe within that forest. The king's forces have clashed with the darkspawn several times, but here is where the bulk of the horde will show itself. There are only a few Grey Wardens within Ferelden at the moment, but all of us are here. This Blight must be stopped here and now. If it spreads to the north, Ferelden will fall."

They were nearly to the bridge when he heard a familiar voice. "Ho there, Duncan!"

A man in ornate armor approached them, attended by his bodyguards. "King Cailan? I didn't expect—"

"A royal welcome?" Cailan smiled as he neared Duncan, both men shaking hands. "I was beginning to worry you'd miss all the fun!"

Sereda stared in surprise at Cailan, raising an eyebrow.

"Not if I could help it, your majesty." Duncan smiled, though his voice was dry.

Cailan did not appear to have notice. "Then I'll have the mighty Duncan at my side in battle after all! Glorious!" He gestured grandly, and then looked past Duncan to his companions. "The other Wardens told me you've found some promising recruits. I take it these are them?"

Duncan shot a look over his shoulder, then bowed formally. "Allow me to introduce you, your Majesty."

The king waved him aside. "No need, Duncan. We'll be shedding blood together, after all. Ho there, friends! Might I know your names?"

Sereda crossed her arms over her wrists and bowed in the dwarven fashion. Duncan's lips twitched as the former princess stepped forward to address the king. "I am Sereda, your Majesty." She turned, and gestured to the dwarf beside her. "This is Faren."

Cailan returned her bow. "It's good to see some of the honorable stout folk outside Orzammar."

Duncan noticed that Faren was rubbing the collar of his armor, but Sereda merely smiled. "Leaving Orzammar wasn't our idea, really." She said.

Cailan chuckled. "Sounds like there's a story behind that. You must regale me with it sometime."

Faren gave Sereda a questioning look, but nodded. "If your Majesty wishes."

"I do. I'll make sure to have the finest dwarven brew brought up from the palace cellars… after we've dealt with the Blight, of course. I've been to Orzammar. King Endrin invited my father to a Grand Proving, long ago. How does Endrin fare these days?"

"My father was fine when I saw him last." Sereda replied.

Cailan blinked and stuttered slightly. He gave her a look as if he was just now seeing her for the first time. His eyes widened in recognition. "Well… it seems your story may be even more interesting than I suspected."

Sereda nodded. Cailan opened and closed his mouth, then looked over at the others. He blinked again. "You are Bryce's youngest, are you not? I don't think we've ever actually met."

"Yes, I am, and I bring important news." Elissa nodded.

"It is about your father? Your brother has been concerned about him." Cailan said.

Elissa took a breath, the grief still fresh. "He's not coming. He died when our castle was taken." Her voice was low.

"Dead?! What do you mean?" Cailan looked shocked as he turned back to Duncan. "Duncan, do you know anything about this?"

"Teyrn Cousland and his wife are dead, your Majesty. Arl Howe has shown himself a traitor and overtaken Highever Castle." Duncan explained as Cailan paced, trying to process the news. "Had we not escaped, he would have killed us and told you any story he wished."

"I… can scarcely believe it!" Cailan shook his head in shock as he turned to face them again. "How could he think he would get away with such treachery!" He turned to Elissa again. "As soon as we are done here, I will turn my army north and bring Howe to justice. You have my word."

Elissa nodded. "Thank you, your Majesty."

Cailan's voice was kind. "No doubt you wish to see your brother. Unfortunately, he and his men are scouting the Wilds."

"When will he return?"

"Not until the battle is over, I fear. Until then, we cannot send word." Cailan said. "I apologize, but there is nothing more I can do. All I suggest is that you vent your grief against the darkspawn for the time being."

Elissa took a breath. "As long as Arl Howe pays, I'm happy."

Cailan then turned to Daylen. "I understand you hail from the Circle of Magi. I trust you have some spells to help us in the coming battle?"

"I'm only recently out of my apprenticehood." Daylen admitted.

Cailan gave an assuring smile. "Your abilities are still above those of other men. That the Grey Wardens have recruited you says much." He then turned his eyes onto the two elves, but his eyes were up on Theron. "You are Dalish, are you not? I hear your people possess remarkable skill and honor."

Theron looked at him in surprise. "You know of the Dalish, King Cailan?"

"I wish I knew more, but your people aren't exactly fond of mine. For good reason." Cailan then turned his eyes upon Kallian. "You are clearly not Dalish, but clearly no servant. From where do you hail?"

"The city of Denerim." Kallian said.

"As do I!" Cailan smiled. "Though I've not been in the palace for some time. You come from the Alienage? Tell me, how is it there? My guards all but forbid me going there."

Duncan winced, the conversation had already gone downhill. Kallian just crossed her arms and looked into the king's eyes. "I killed an arl's son for raping my cousin and me."

Cailan's eyes widened. "You… what?"

Duncan quickly stepped in. "Your Majesty, I would not have put it so bluntly. There are events in Denerim you should be aware of."

"So it seems." Cailan agreed. "I will hear more about this matter later. For now, we have a war to attend to." He then looked at all of them. "Allow me to be the first to welcome you to Ostagar. The Wardens will benefit greatly with the six of you in their ranks." He then turned his eyes upon to Duncan. "I'm sorry to cut this short, but I should return to my tent. Loghain waits eagerly to bore me with his strategies."

"Your uncle sends his greetings and reminds you that Redcliffe forces could be here in less than a week."

"Ha! Eamon just wants in on the glory. We've won three battles against these monsters and tomorrow should be no different." Cailan said, not concerned.

"You sound very confident of that." Sereda noted as she glanced Duncan, who kept his face straight.

"Overconfident, some would say. Right, Duncan?" Cailan laughed.

"Your majesty, I'm not certain the Blight can be ended quite as... quickly as you might wish." Duncan frowned.

"I'm not even sure this is a true Blight. There are plenty of darkspawn on the field, but alas, we've seen no sign of an archdemon." Cailan turned around to gaze at the camp.

"Disappointed, you're Majesty?" Duncan exchanged another look with Sereda. The former princess managed to keep her face straight, though it was clear that she had much to say on this matter.

"I'd hoped for a war like in the tales! A king riding with the fabled Grey Wardens against a tainted god!" Cailan shrugged lightly before turning to face them again. "But I suppose this will have to do. I must go before Loghain sends out a search party. Farewell, Grey Wardens!" The king jerked his head at his entourage as they made their way towards the bridge.

Theron looked at Duncan. "You know, I wouldn't have taken him for the king of this land."

"Me either. He seems…" Kallian tried to not to insult the king.

"…naïve and overconfident?" Theron asked and Kallian nodded and it seemed that the remaining recruits agreed as well. Well, Kallian wanted to say "childish" but this was also a fitting description.

Duncan led them across the bridge. "What the king said is true. They've won several battles against the darkspawn here."

Sereda looked around making sure no one could overhear them. "He didn't seem to take the darkspawn very seriously."

"True." Duncan agreed.

Elissa glanced at the camp. "You can see why most of the nobility wanted my father as king."

"Despite the victories so far, the darkspawn horde grows larger with each passing day. By now, they look to outnumber us. I know there is an archdemon behind this. But I cannot ask the king to act solely on my feeling." Duncan said as he walked with them towards the camp.

"What would you have him do?" Sereda asked.

"Wait for reinforcements." Duncan said. We sent a call out west to the Grey Wardens of Orlais, but it will be many days before they can join us. Our numbers in Ferelden are too few. We must do what we can and look to Teyrn Loghain to make up the difference. To that end, we should proceed with the Joining ritual without delay."

"What do you mean? What ritual?" Daylen asked, confused.

"Every recruit must go through a secret ritual we call the Joining in order to become a Grey Warden." Duncan explained. "The ritual is brief, but some preparation is required. We must begin soon."

"Why is this ritual so secret?" Elissa asked.

Duncan looked at them grimly. "The Joining is dangerous. I cannot speak more of it expect to say that you will learn all in good time. Until then, you must trust that what is done is necessary."

"Is this anything like the Harrowing?" Daylen wondered.

"It is an ordeal." Duncan glanced back at everyone. "I am sorry that you must endure another so soon."

"Wonderful." Elissa muttered. "Let's get this over with, then."

"Feel free to explore the camp here as you wish." Duncan said. "All I ask is that you do not leave it for the time being. There is another Grey Warden in the camp by the name of Alistair. When you are ready, seek him out and tell him it's time to summon the other recruits." He glanced at Elissa. "Your hound can stay with me while I attend to some business. The Grey Warden tent is on the other side of this bridge. You will find us there, should you need to." He watched as they wandered off.


As they wandered off, Sereda looked at the others. "The king might not be taking this seriously, but someone is. The fortifications are sound enough."

"That would be Teyrn Loghain Mac Tir. The Hero of River Dane." Elissa said as they turned to her. "He's the best commander Thedas has ever seen. He led King Maric's forces against the Orlesian. It will be him we'll would have to rely on."

"Yes, the king looks to me as a child playing at war." Theron nodded.

"Anyway, we should try and find this Alistair and the other recruits." Elissa said.


They all then went their separate ways and Kallian met a man that matched the description of one of the other recruits attempting to proposition a female soldier. Kallian hid a smirk as the woman shot him down.

He looked over and waved at her. "Saw you arrive with Duncan." He gave her a once over. "Well, you're not what I thought you'd be."

"What did you think I'd be?" Kallian raised an eyebrow.

"Not an elf. Yet here you are." He said, and Kallian could swear he sounded like if he was admiring her. "The name's Daveth. It's about bloody time you came along. I was beginning to think they'd cooked this ritual up just for our benefit."

"Maybe they did." Kallian nodded.

"Just to give us a good scare?" Daveth shook his head. "No, they don't really seem the type. I happened to be sneaking around camp last night, see, and I heard a couple of Grey Wardens talking. So I listen in for a bit. I'm thinking they plan to send us into the Wilds."

"Aren't there barbarians in the forest?" Elissa thought back to what Aldous had said of the area, and felt a momentary pang for the old man.

"Chasind barbarians, yes. Cannibals. And witches, too! My home village isn't far, and I grew up on tales about the Wilds. Even been in there a few times… scary place."

"This seems like an odd place for an army to camp, then."

"I'm told the Blight started in the forest, so the army's here waiting for them to come out. Dangling meat in front of the bear, if you catch my meaning. It's all too secretive for me." Daveth said, rubbing his nose. "Makes my nose twitch. I guess we'll have to wait and see. Like we have a choice."

Kallian smiled. "I wouldn't be here if I did."

"You take what you can get, right?"

"I'll watch your back if you watch mine."

Daveth smiled at her. "Oh, I'll watch your back."

Kallian crossed her arms. "You're a charmer, I see."

"That's me!" He laughed. "Anyway, I expect it's time to get back to Duncan. That's where I'll be, if you need me for anything."


Sereda looked up at the tents. She recognized the first tent as Cailan's, but it took her a moment to recall the other. She walked to the guard, and spoke with him a moment. An older man stepped out of the tent and she knew by looking at him that this must be Teyrn Loghain Elissa talked about. He blinked at her, then nodded. "Yes, what is it? Ah, you are Duncan's new Grey Warden, I assume."

"Yes, I am." Sereda gave him a slight bow. He looked much the same as the last time she'd seen him, over ten years ago.

"Cailan's fascination with Wardens goes beyond the ordinary. Are you aware his father brought your order back to Ferelden?"

"Yes, I've heard that." Sereda said, trying to keep the frustration away from her tone. Cailan had constantly spoken about that topic to the point where she refrained herself from jumping off the cliff.

"Maric respected the Grey Wardens. They have an honored place in the hearts of our people. But Maric would have understood that it takes more than legends to win a battle. That's not an argument I'll repeat here." Loghain said as he narrowed his eyes at her. "You're no surface dwarf; I can see it in your eyes. Smart of the Grey Wardens to look for new recruits in Orzammar."

Sereda nodded. "Indeed. I remember listening tales of King Maric and the hero of the River Dane. I even met him when I was younger."

Loghain blinked down at Sereda. "Ah, you must be the young princess… Yes, Maric mentioned you in great detail. I don't suppose you'll be riding into the thick of battle with the rest of your fellows, will you?"

"I don't know." Sereda admitted.

"If Cailan has his way, you will. Now I must return to my task. Pray that our king proves amenable to wisdom, if you're the praying sort."

"And if he doesn't?"

"Then simply pray."


Theron was having an interesting time, apparently the shems believe that he was a flat-ear and constantly handed him messages. It was only until he told them that he was a Grey Warden that they stopped and seemed to back away fearfully. Also, things down well with the Chantry clerics either, one of them called him a heretic.

The quartermaster then stopped him. "You there! Elf! Where is my armor? And why you dressed up so preposterously?"

Theron turned on him and glared. "Because I'm here to become a Grey Warden?"

The quartermaster's eyes widened. "You're… oh! Yes, of course!" He then looked at Theron with fear. "I… please forgive my rudeness! There are so many elves running about, and I've been waiting for… it's simply been so hectic! I never thought… P-please pardon my terrible manners! I… I am the quartermaster, a simple man, no one special..."

Theron glared with folded arms and eyes narrowed. "Perhaps you should treat your servants more kindly."

The quartermaster gulped. "Y-yes, of course. You're very right. Did you… come for something supplies, perhaps?"

He then went on about how he was supplying arms of the troops and that as he was a Grey Warden, he could buy what he needed for modest price. He also said, under his breath, that he had some goods on the side to keep up morale.


Elissa was wandering around and then found a handsome young man been shouted at a mage. He was wearing Grey Warden armor and she could only guess that this was Alistair, but looking at him closely, he bore a slight resemblance to Cailan.

"What is it now? Haven't Grey Wardens asked more than enough of the Circle?" The mage grumbled angrily.

Alistair then began to talk to him as if it was a joke. "I simply came to deliver a message from the revered mother, sir mage. She desires your presence."

The mage glared. "What have reverence "desires" is of no concern to me! I'm busy helping the Grey Wardens—by the king's orders, I might add!"

"Should I have asked her to write a note?" Alistair joked.

"Tell her I will not be harassed in this manner!" The mage snapped.

"Yes, I was harassing you by delivering a message." Alistair said sarcastically.

The mage shook his head. "Your glibness does you no credit."

"Here I thought we were getting along so well. I was even going to name one of my children after you..." He then smirked at the mage. "The grumpy one."

Elissa giggled in amusement, but the mage looks furious. "Enough! I will speak to the woman if I must!" He then pushed past Alistair. "Get out of my way, fool!"

Alistair grinned broadly as he turned and saw her. "You know, one good thing about the Blight is how it brings people together."

Elissa just shook her head and smiled. "You are a very strange man."

Alistair grinned foolishly. "You not the first woman to tell me that." He then paused as he looked at Elissa closely. "Wait, we haven't met, have we? I don't suppose you happen to be another mage?"

Elissa smiled at him. "My name is Elissa. I'm one of Duncan's new recruits and for the record one of us is a mage."

Alistair nodded. "Ah, yes, you are one of six recruits Duncan found." He and Elissa shook hands. "Nice to meet you. As the junior member of the order, I'll be accompanying you when you prepare for the Joining." Alistair then looked at her curiously. "You know… it just occurred to me that there have never been many women in the Grey Wardens. I wonder why that is?"

Elissa smiled slyly. "You want more women in the Wardens, do you?"

Alistair grinned broadly. "Would that be so terrible?" He then noticed the look on Elissa's face. "Not that I'm sure drooling lecher or anything. Please stop looking at me like that."

Elissa shrugged. "We're too smart for you."

Alistair chuckled. "True. But if you're here, what does that make you?"

"Just one of the boys?" Elissa joked.

Alistair laughed softly. "Sad, isn't it?"

Elissa looked at him seductively. "I can handle myself better than most."

Alistair looked all over her body. "I'm getting that impression." He then snapped out of it and his face turned red. "Anyhow, whenever you're ready, let's head back to Duncan. I imagine he's eager to get things started."


Sereda was already there when Elissa dragged Alistair over to the fire. Barkspawn was curled up at Duncan's feet, obviously not sharing his mistress's feelings. "Where are the others?" Duncan asked.

"Theron is trying to convince the quartermaster not to arrest Faren, and Daylen is grabbing Ser Jory, who seems to be more terrified of him than the darkspawn. I believe Daveth and Kallian are nearly done picking every lock in the camp." Sereda said.

Duncan narrowed his eyes. "Why was the quartermaster arresting Faren?"

"Something about tricking a messenger into giving him some knight's sword. He's lucky that Theron's a smooth talker."

Duncan nodded, then replayed the rest of her words. "Wait, Daveth and Kallian are doing what?"

"Don't worry, they left all the command tents alone."

Duncan rubbed his forehead in frustration. "We'll need to have a word or two with them."

"Or at least convince them to behave. I would have preferred them to go to the command tents."

Duncan raised an eyebrow.

"Got a feeling. Made the mistake once for not trusting it and I got exiled. I just have this feeling that something bad is going to happen."

"As long as they focus their efforts upon the darkspawn, I couldn't care less what's going on."

"I should study up more on human politics. I know more about Calenhad than Cailan."

Theron soon joined them as he was dragging Faren in tow. Daylen and Ser Jory turned up a moment later, Ser Jory had his eyes upon Daylen's staff warily as if he was afraid that Daylen would turn him into a frog or something like that. Duncan turned to say something to Alistair.

Daveth and Kallian were the last to arrive, talking quietly to each other. Sereda glanced at them curiously when they approached. "You two find anything interesting?"

"Some of the supply dispensations don't make sense." Kallian said.

Sereda nodded. "Aye, but we don't know the actual battleplan yet." Kallian started to open her mouth. "But you've got an odd feeling too?" Kallian just nodded.

"Better to be alive on my feet and paranoid than dead on the ground." Theron added. "I too have this feeling and last time I ignored it, I got the Blight."

Duncan frowned. "One of you might be wrong. Two… I'll see what more I can learn. In the meantime, there is a task ahead of you."

"Vials of blood and the treaties?" Sereda confirmed. "We can do that."

Duncan nodded and looked at Alistair. "Watch over your charges, Alistair, and bring them back safely."

"We will." Alistair assured.

Duncan then turned his eyes upon them. "Then may the Maker watch over your path." He then turned his gaze upon Theron and the dwarven recruits. "Or in the case of our Dalish and dwarven friends, may the Creators and your Ancestors watch over your path. I will see you when you return."