Theron and Leliana went up ahead as their scouts before going back to report to the group as they were trying to avoid Loghain's men. For few days they kept walking before Theron and Leliana then spotted something.

"We need to get off the road." Leliana said. "Soldiers coming this way. Loghain's men."

Sereda nodded. "Which direction is best?"

"North." Theron said, pointing at the forest. "There is a valley, a mile or so in. My clan would camp there when moving through this area."

Sereda nodded, and gave the signal. "How many soldiers?"

"Around a hundred, maybe more. A few more than I care to tangle with." Theron said, shrugging one shoulder. "We can make camp, wait a couple hours, then circle around and avoid them."

"Good idea." Sereda nodded. "And perhaps we should go out hunt for more food."


Theron held up his hand and gestured for the others to stay back, and continued forward on his own for several paces. Faren almost jumped when the hunters seemed to almost materialize out of the woods around Theron, notching arrows as Theron raised his hand to stop them.

"It might be best to let me do the talking." said Theron.

Sereda nodded. "That is probably the wisest decision."

They approached the hunters, who lowered their bows when they saw Theron. "Andaran atish'an, my friend. You have come a long way. I give you the welcome of our clan." She looked back at the others. "These are curious companions you have. Might I ask the purpose of your visit?"

"I have come on behalf of the Grey Wardens, sister." Theron bowed.

The hunters stared at him in surprise. "The Grey Wardens? You… have joined their ranks? How unusual! Excuse my surprise… I will take you to the keeper right away."

Theron turned and gestured for them to follow.


The huntress led them into a Dalish encampment. Sereda made sure that she was only close to Theron. As she saw the expression on his expression, she could tell that there was clearly something wrong.

They were led to a small grouping of aravels. A man, his face more heavily tattooed than Theron's, gave them a polite nod of greeting. They noticed that he was in robes and had to his back strapped a staff. Clearly a mage.

"Hmmm… I see we have guests… and one of our own, no less." The mage said.

"This one is from one of our sister clans to the north, Keeper, but claims to have come on behalf of the Grey Wardens." The huntress explained.

The mage looked at Theron in surprise, narrowing his eyes. "The Grey Wardens? How unusual that one of our own should join their ranks. How did such a thing occur?"

Theron gave the man a respectful bow. "They need all the assistance they can get."

"Hmmm..." Zathrian looked at Theron, considering. "It is as I feared, then. Very well, let us speak. Ma serannas, Mithra, you may return to your post."

"Ma nuvenin, Keeper." The young woman bowed before leaving.

The keeper gave the Wardens a polite smile. "Now, perhaps we might introduce ourselves. I am Zathrian, keeper and hahren of this clan. You are?"

"My name is Theron, a pleasure to meet you. This is Sereda, the leader of my group." Theron gestured to her, introducing herself.

Zathrian raised his hand. "If you came to bring news of the Blight in the south, it is not needed. I had already sensed its corruption. I would have taken the clan north by now, had we the ability to move." He gestured to the camp. "Sadly, as you can see, we do not. Do not allow our troubles to burden you, though I suspect they may impact your mission. I imagine you are here regarding the treaty we signed centuries ago. Unfortunately, we may not be able to live up to the promise we made. This will require some… explanation. Please, follow me."


Zathrian led them to the center of the camp. Men, women, and even children were laying on hastily made pallets. Some looked badly injured. All appeared to be suffering. Theron's face was dark. Sereda cast her senses, and blinked. She felt no tainted souls save for the Wardens themselves.

Zathrian turned to look at them. "The clan came to the Brecilian Forest one month ago, as is our custom when we enter this part of Ferelden. We are always wary of the dangers in the forest, but we did not expect the werewolves would be lying in wait for us." His face turned grim as he turned back to the lying elves. "They… ambushed us, and though we drove the beasts back, much damage was done. Many of our warriors lie dying as we speak. Even with all our magic and healing skill, we will eventually be forced to slay our brethren to prevent them from becoming beasts. The Blight's evil must be stopped, but we are in no position to uphold our obligations." He sighed as he got up and turned to them. "I am truly sorry."

"Is there no way to help your men?" Theron asked. He saw the faces of his own clan in the eyes of the injured.

"The affliction is a curse that runs rampant in their blood, bringing great agony and then ultimately either death or a transformation into something monstrous. The only thing that could help them must come from the source of the curse itself, and that..." He shook his head. "That would be no trivial task to retrieve."

Theron gestured at his companions. "We are good at non-trivial tasks."

Zathrian looked them over before turning to Theron. "Within the Brecilian Forest dwells a great wolf—we call him Witherfang. It was within him that the curse originated, and through his blood that it has been spread. If he is killed and his heart brought to me, perhaps I could destroy the curse, but this task has proven too dangerous for us. I sent some hunters into the forest a week ago, but they have not returned. I cannot risk any more of my clan."

Theron gave Sereda a pleading look. She glanced back at the others. They were a mix of frustrated and encouraging looks, but no actual objection. She nodded to Theron. "We'll find this Witherfang for you." Theron told the Keeper.

"I must warn you that more than werewolves lurk in the Brecilian Forest. It has a history full of carnage and murder, you see. Where there is so much death, the Veil separating the spirit realm from our own becomes thin, allowing spirits to possess things living or dead. But if you can indeed help..." He sighed, and then nodded. "Then I wish you luck."

"We will need some supplies." Sereda said.

Zathrian gestured to an elf, who had a small shop nearby. "Then I suggest you see Master Varathorn. I will instruct him to put aside some supplies for you, the kind that the hunters use."


"Hunting down one specific werewolf deep in the forest and cut its heart out?" Kallian muttered, narrowing her eyes, her tone skeptical.

Faren nodded. "There's more going on than that Keeper's letting on. It can't be that simple."

Theron nodded. "I agree. I'm afraid my keeper was correct about the danger within this forest. My clan never stayed in this forest long."

Sereda nodded. "Daylen, can you see if you help the clan healers?" He nodded, walking off as she turned to Theron. "You know these elves best. What do you think, Theron?"

Theron considered, rubbing his chin. "The clan's storyteller may tell us something that could help us. And we should find Master Varathorn. His supplies may prove useful."

"I think we could use some rest before we head out." Elissa nodded.

Theron glanced at the others hesitantly. "Be mindful and try not to make a mess or wander around too much. The Dalish aren't used to strangers among them, especially humans."

"Noted." Faren nodded. "Basically, don't do anything stupid and watch your mouth."

"Just imagine that you are speaking to the human and dwarf nobles." Theron advised.

Faren chuckled. "You do realize that I mostly like to kick them in the balls, don't you, Wolf?"

"Mythal, ema lanaste." Theron muttered, rubbing his forehead before walking away.


They found the storyteller at the fire.

"Andaran atish'an, Lethallin! Would you come and help us break our fast?"

Theron gestured at his companions. "We would like that."

The storyteller spread his arms, welcoming them. "Come, then, and sit. Join us by the fire. I am Hahren Sarel, the clan's storyteller. You have one in your own clan I assume?"

Theron nodded. "Yes, Hahren Paivel, our elder. My mentor."

Sarel smiled. "Ah! Hahren Paivel still lives? That is good, for he was old even when I was but da'len. How lucky you are to have been reared with his tales. I notice you are… not alone. These companions of yours are Grey Wardens like yourself?"

"Some of them, yes."

"I am Leliana, and no Grey Warden at all. I am honored to be here; I've heard so much about your people."

"Andaran atish'an—enter this place in peace. I do find it odd that any of your kind would so readily follow one of the Dalish." He glanced at Theron. "Do you suppose you have been made a Grey Warden simply to get our assistance? Maybe they think we would not live up to the treaty otherwise."

"I assure you that's not the case." He was about to tell Sarel that they saved him when the man angrily shook his head.

"Oh, you do, do you? No offense, young one, but you don't know half the—"

"Please, Hahren Sarel, you are being most unkind to one who is not only of our blood, but also a guest who is here to help us."

"Of course… I apologize for my rudeness. Our losses have been great and I am… not myself."

"The hahren's own wife has perished from the werewolf's curse. We are mourning her death, here, and so many more to come."

"Not if I can help it." Theron promised.

"We are glad to hear it. I should not have suspected otherwise. These have not been easy days for us, and the idea that we may yet have to abandon our ill to their fate… But let us not dwell on our problems. Is there something we can do to help you in your quest?"

"What can you tell us about the forest?"

"I know a few tales. Our clan has passed this way many times before, even when the shemlen lived in these parts. If you wish, I can tell you what I know. It is not a long story."

"Yes, tell us of the forest."

"Our legends say that before the shemlen came, the Brecilian forest was a place of our ancestors that predated even our oldest homeland. The people of the Imperium came here and gave the forest its name. If they found traces of our ancestors, we cannot say. If they did, those elves were slain or enslaved. We know only that a great many battles were fought here; these trees grow upon the graves of those who fell—shemlen and elves both."

"And those battles… tore the Veil?" Daylen asked.

"Indeed, very wise of you. There was so much death that the Veil into the Beyond was torn. The shemlen know the Beyond as "the Fade", the place of dreams and spirits. When the Veil is torn, spirits pass into our world freely. The legends say that one great spirit possessed the wolf that became Witherfang, who passed its curse of rage onto men and created werewolves."

"This Witherfang still exists today?" Theron asked.

"So Zathrian insists. He says that Witherfang does not age as the werewolves do. Witherfang is as much spirit as it is beast, and thus it is immortal. Perhaps it cannot even be slain. At the very least, it is old and powerful, much as Zathrian himself."

Daylen inquired. "How many werewolves are there?"

"No one knows. When the shemlen lived in these parts, the curse would spread anew to a few of them with each passing year. They would run off into the forest, never to be seen again. Eventually, all the shemlen left. One assumes the werewolves survive by passing their curse to their offspring. They have had no new blood… until now, that is."

Theron glanced back towards the wounded. "Have the hunters become werewolves?"

"It is said that one or two have turned already, though the keeper denies it. As for the rest, they will either die or turn, unless..." Paivel sighed. "They are killed out of mercy. I would rather die than become a ravening, soulless beast. Wouldn't you?"

Theron nodded. That was the very choice that would one day await him. "That's all we needed to know."

"One last warning: the forest is like a thing alive. It changes as it wills, closing paths behind you and opening up new ones. Too many have become lost within, unable to find their way out. Were I you, I would endeavor not to make the forest my enemy."


Theron led Leliana over to the halla enclosure. The bard's eyes lit up at the sight of the animals. "Oh, they are beautiful."

A woman looked up, startled. "Who comes—g?! Aneth ara! I was so busy attending the halla, I did not hear you coming."

Theron gave her a concerned look, then gestured. "I notice you've separated this halla from the herd."

"I fear she may have been bitten during the werewolf attack. I have tried speaking with her, but she is too agitated for me to understand. The curse would not affect her as it would us, but it would still be lethal. And it may prove contagious to the other halla as well. I can find no wound on her, but if she's truly ill, then..." She sighed. "Then I will have to put her out of her misery. For her sake as well as that of the others."

Theron frowned. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

"I don't know. Do you have any skills that might help her? If you do, I would be grateful."

Theron gently extended a hand to the halla, letting it grow accustomed to his scent before he caressed its nose gently. It blew air on his hand, but let him approach, calming as he spoke to it softly in elvish. It was fortunate that he was good with animals from all his time of hunting and he spent part of his time looking after halla.

"Yes… that's it. She's calming down! That's it, love. Be calm. Tell me what troubles you..." She pressed her ear to the halla's throat as the halla made a soft, almost trilling noise. "Ah, I see. It is her life-mate who is sick, not her. He was bitten on the leg during the attack and she fears greatly for him. I did not realize another halla was injured. This will allow me to prevent the sickness from spreading to the entire herd. Ma serannas. You have done my clan a great boon this day. I will always be grateful for your help."

Theron smiled. "Unnecessary. It's… good, to see halla again. Some days I miss them more than my clan." He rubbed the halla gently, and she responded by leaning into him affectionately, pinning him between herself and the enclosure and making the liquid trilling sound again.

"May I..." Leliana asked hesitantly. Elora gave her a friendly nod as she went to check on the other halla. Theron continued petting the halla with one hand as he gently extended his other to Leliana. She took it and approached slowly. The halla took a step backwards, but extended her neck to sniff at Leliana's outstretched hand. She allowed Leliana to stroke her nose a few times before moving away. "Oh, she was so soft… silkier than a horse. More like… like a rabbit or cat."

Theron smiled. "Oh, they're a lot smarter than horses. Granted they can be stubborn, but they have long been friends to the Dalish. Horses must be led. Halla know where they are going."

"Thank you for showing me."

He smiled, then leaned and whispered to the halla. "I have to go now. I have to help save our friends."

It made one more trilling noise, then stepped back so he could leave. Leliana raised an eyebrow. "Do they really understand you?"

"At least on the same level Barkspawn understands Elissa."


Kallian was wandering around and then a child approached looking at a curiosity. She heard a few of the Dalish calling her a flat-ear and she knew that they were looking at her with more resentment then Theron's clan. Apparently don't see to trust city elves or humans as much as Theron's clan.

"Wow!" The elf said in wonder. "How come you aren't a Dalish like us?"

Faren, who wasn't too far away, chuckled. "Surely you know that not all elves are Dalish? Kallian here is from the cities."

The child pondered that a moment. "Are you very sad? Elves shouldn't have to live with humans if they don't want to. It's too bad you don't have a clan of your own."

Kallian wasn't quite sure what to say, she could hardly snap the child for not understanding her situation, but at the same time she was suppressing her urge to snap up at the child.

Faren could see this trouble coming a mile away and addressed the child. "So, where are your markings? I thought all Dalish were born with them."

"No, silly, you don't get them until you are a grown up."

Kallian decided that it was best to leave Faren with the child and then suddenly another of the Dalish saw her. This one, however, simply nodded. "I greet you, stranger. It is good to see another elf, even if you are not one of the wander clans. I trust my people have not been too harsh in their treatment of you?"

"I don't mind. I understand." She was strange to them, and they weren't at their best.

"That is very generous of you. Most would assume we are unkind as a rule, and that is not the case… especially not to a Grey Warden. But we have lost much, and it is easy to forget simple niceties at such a time. I understand you will search for the wolves in the Brecilian Forest. I would join you, but Zathrian has… forbidden me."

Kallian raised an eyebrow. "Forbidden you?"

The man looked frustrated. "We are banned from entering the forest now. I have… more cause than most, but I will not disobey my keeper."

"Why do you want to enter the forest?"

He sighed. "I suppose there is no harm in telling a fellow elf, but surely you have greater concerns than any problem of mine, no?"

The longer she was involved in this conversation, the better excuse she'd have not to go back over to where everyone was staring. "I'd like to hear about it."

"Well, perhaps you could help me with it. I would certainly appreciate anything you could do. My wife, Danyla, and I both fought the werewolves in the ambush. She was injured so gravely the curse spread rapidly in her. Zathrian fought hard to ease her pain, but there was little he could do. And though he says that Danyla is dead, he will not let me see her… her body. I am beginning to believe she became a werewolf, and that it is being kept from me so I do not go chasing after her… If I could just… know if Danyla is alive, or what happened to her… then I could be at peace."

"I'm sorry, that's terrible."

"Ma serannas—thank you. The keeper means well, but… I must discover the truth for myself. If you are in the forest, perhaps you might… come across her, alive or dead. Any news would be better than none. And in return, I would be happy to gift you an amulet made by our craftsmen. It may fetch you some coin in the human lands."

"I'll see what I can do."

"You are most kind."

She saw Sereda gesture to her. "I should go."


Theron approached Master Varathorn, who was busy shouting at his apprentice. "What are you doing? You've warped the wood completely? Did you leave it out in the rain?"

"No, Master Varathorn, I… I think I just used too much heat..." said his apprentice.

Master Varathorn placed his fingers on the arch of his nose. "You're not smelling ore like a durglen'en! This is living word! It requires patience and delicate hands, not more heat!"

"My actions bring me sorrow, Master Varathorn..."

"And so they should. Truly the art will be lost to us forever at this rate!" He sighed he then noticed Theron and his party with him. "For where your deadwood and start a new, and I shall speak to our guest."

He then turned and looked at Theron. "Andaran atish'an, friend. It has been some years since I met Master Ilen at the last gathering. He is still hale, I hope?"

Theron nodded. "He was fine last time I saw him, yes."

Ilen smiled. "That is good to hear. Your clan is more familiar to us than most, since we do not stay far from each other in this land." He then gave him a sympathetic look. "I met your father, for he was once keeper of your clan. You carry many of his features." He then looked up into the sky as if remembering a distant memory. "He spoke at the gathering, telling the clans that more of us need to voyage into the shemlen world and learn their ways. He would be proud to see his son a Grey Warden, I think."

"Thank you, that's kind of you to say." Leliana could hear Theron's voice quiver as he was holding his tears back.

"Our people speak so little of the dead, especially those who ending..." He paused and gave Theron another sympathetic look. "In tragedy. I thought you should know, regardless."

Theron then looked down at his craft. "You seem quite advanced in old craft, Master."

"What little of the craft I learned has been passed on to me through generations, such is the time is taken us to learn a fraction of what has been lost. I do not make bows as fine as Master Ilen's, perhaps, but mine have caused more than one shemlen to drool at the thought of possessing them. I hear you be heading out soon and if you do not mind can you keep an eye out for ironbark."

"I can certainly do that." Theron nodded as they began to trade supplies.

"If you do find some, I will craft you a bow the likes of which has never been seen."

As they walked away from Master Varathorn, Leliana noticed that he was still holding onto his locket. "Is everything alright, Theron?"

"What?" Theron suddenly realized that he was clutching his locket. "Oh… I…" He sighed. "I just wish my father could see me now."

Leliana smiled at him. "I think he would be very proud of the man you've become."

Theron smiled back at her. "Thank you." Neither of them noticed that they were actually holding hands.