Chapter Twenty Five

Redcliff

The morning that would see us to Redcliff, after waking up practically on Stens' chest, I looked over at my rose and smiled before braiding it into my hair to look like a hair clip on the back of my head. I had made two small braids – one at each temple – that met at the back of my head and turned into a 'scorpion tail'… in other words – the Elven Crown braid with a rose braided into the top.

I pulled on what was quickly becoming my favorite leather armor – it was the black dragon hide made to look like a corset and pants combo before waking the Qunari.

He looked me over, "That is an interesting outfit – your most resilient one. Are we expecting trouble?"

I nodded, "An undead swarm after nightfall."

He looked thoughtful, "They will not win. Ataash varin kata," In the end lies glory. I smiled, "Get dressed, Kadan – we have a bit of a walk to get there."

He nodded and sat up while I left the tent. "So since we are almost at Redcliff… what can we expect?" Elissa asked.

I sighed. "The undead attacking the town, Arl Eamon has been poisoned, Connor is a mage who made a deal with a demon, so after taking care of the dead we'll need to go back to the tower to get mages and Lyrium to save Connor. After all that, we'll need to go find the Urn of Sacred Ashes to cure Eamon. It's a long, drawn out process – Sten, don't argue, we need his Army to beat the blight – but we will get through it," I stretched as Sten closed his mouth without actually voicing his argument.

Alistair had looked worried at first, but looked slightly better when he heard the end.

We encountered Thomas at the gates to Redcliff Village. After talking with him for a few moments, he led us to the Chantry where all the women and children, and Bann Teagan were. Redcliff looked more like the third game, but still larger than that.

Teagan was actually rather cute for a 39 year old man – brown hair that was styled with a single braid like in the first game, and his eyes were a sparkling honey brown to match. He had a square jaw and if I didn't know he was 39, I'd have guessed late 20s to early 30s.

"It's Thomas, yes? Who are these people with you? They're obviously not simple travelers…" his voice was like cotton candy for the ears – sweet and airy.

"No, my lord, they've only just arrived and I thought you might like to speak with them."

"Good man. Greetings friends; my name is Teagan – Bann of Rainesfere and brother to the Arl."

Alistair stepped up to stand beside me at the front, "I remember you, Bann Teagan. Though last time we met, I was a lot younger and covered in mud."

Morrigan looked like she was about to say something but I shook my head at her. She sighed.

"Covered in… Alistair, my boy; you're alive! This is wonderful news indeed."

I spoke this time, "He is Alive and will stay that way if I have anything to say about it – damn Loghain to the Void for what he's done to the Wardens and Cailan."

Teagan glanced at me, "Are you a Warden as well, My Lady? Forgive me, but you look startlingly familiar, have we met?"

I chuckled, "Not me, no – but you might recognize my sister Elissa Cousland; she does look remarkably like Mother."

Teagan bowed swiftly and said, "That must be it. It's a pleasure to meet you all, though I wish it were under better circumstances." He must have been tired – my hair never registered… so much for my fame.

"Yes, I hear Eamon is ill?"

"I am… unsure any longer. No one has heard from the Castle in days. No guards patrol the walls and no guards respond to our calls. The attacks started a few nights ago, though Eamon took ill just days before the battle of Ostagar. Evil… things have begun to surge from the castle each night. We've been driving them back, but any perished in the assaults."

"Calm, Teagan – we've come to help. Though I fear I must stipulate that once things are settled here and the Arl is awake we will need troops to help fight the blight." I gave him an apologetic look and he looked relieved.

"My Lady, if you can see us through this and wake the Arl I will pledge everything we can to your cause."

"Tell me who is in charge out there and where they are. I will see to the preparations for tonight."

"Mayor Murdock is just outside the Chantry and Ser Perth is up by the Windmill. Maker bless you, my lady," he said.

I heard Lelis soft giggle and a couple of my companions shuffling in amusement. I looked at Ghost, "I want you to stay with Teagan. If he needs us come find us, but otherwise, protect him, okay?" he gave me an affirmative bark and sat next to the Bann. I turned, "Buster, take Leliana around the outskirts of town and sniff out things like Elfroot or embrium – anything that can be used for health poultices to give to the Revered Mother." The two took off at once.

Glancing at the third dog, I smirked, "Barkspawn, your human is well known here – keep him out of trouble."

"Hey!" Alistair cried indignantly. Teagan was chuckling behind me. As we left I glanced at the group again, "Elissa, take Theron and Kallian and go get Owen working his forge again – tell him we will find his daughter, promise it to him so he starts working again. I know her approximate location so it's not a lie. Zevran, Duran, Natia and Wynne I want you to find the village store and get the oil in there up to Ser Perth by the Windmill – or go to Ser Perth and tell him it's there for his men to collect. Sten, you and I have a date with a dwarf; Alistair I'd like if you can follow me – never know what trouble might occur. Solona and Alim you two get to set up wards and glyphs."

We all began to go our separate ways.

When we got to Dwyns, I used my elemental control to simply turn the lock. No key or pick necessary.

The dwarf in question was 4'6 with dark brown hair, stone grey eyes and… tan skin, "Wonderful, intruders. I hope you have a good reason… for…" the man trailed off as he glanced at the Qunari with us.

I smirked and spoke up, "Qunari blades – I'll pay you for it, but Sten is a bit…"

"Right, then; I paid 4 sovereigns a piece for them." Dwyn nodded to the man on his right who headed for a back room. I could see Dwyn glancing at Sten every few seconds nervously. This was much easier than in the game!

I smiled, "I'll make it 6 apiece and Stens current blade if you agree to fight with us to defend the village."

He looked surprised, "You know… sure. With that giant you got, we might actually win."

Sten glanced at me, "She is the better fighter."

I chuckled, "But I prefer my bow to the blade, Sten."

"As you should – it is your Asala."

I smirked and Dwyn gave an exasperated sigh, "Fine, fine – like I said, I'll fight; but you lot better be there when the sun goes down. I refuse to fight for a lost cause."

Sten nodded as the human man returned and gave Sten the 4 blades; Sten handed him the one attatched at his back. I handed Dwyn 24 golden coins with a nod, "See you out there, Salroka."

The dwarf jerked in surprise and called out before I reached the door, "What's your name?"

"Valeria Vane – Ward of the Couslands, at your service," I gave an exaggerated bow and Alistair snorted.

"Cousland… like that Tyren in the north?"

I chuckled, "My adoptive father, yes."

He looked at me appraisingly then just smirked, "You're tall for a dwarf."

I giggled and we left. Alistair and Sten looked at me while the former said, "He called you a dwarf."

"It's a compliment. Anyway, we have one more stop before we talk to Murdock."

"Kadan, for this…" he motioned to the blade in his hand.

"Promise me to say good things about me when you get back to Par Vollen after the blight," I winked and he gave a startled cough.

"You speak as though I would do elsewise for one with true honor." Alistair looked between us, "Are you two…?"

"Think of it like this – Sten adopted me into his family. That's all."

"Oh… so he's like a brother to you now?" Alistair was a bit flushed with embarrassment. I nodded, "Kadan literally means 'where the heart lies' or friend. It's an all-purpose word for a cherished person including colleagues, friends and loved ones. Also, it means 'the center of the chest.' So while it could be used for a love interest, in this case it just means I'm a cherished friend or family member."

We reached Kaitlyn's house to look for the lost child – Bevin.

I walked right up to the armoire he was hiding in and called out, "Bevin? Are you in there?"

"How do… how do you know my name?"

"I overheard your sister crying in the Chantry – she's really worried about you. She's worried you might have gotten taken by the monsters or fallen into the lake."

The boy came out of the armoire looking horrified.

"Why were you hiding here, Bevin? It's not very safe." I asked as I knelt to be level with the youth. He looked to be about 8 or 9 with black hair and green eyes.

"I… I know, but I don't want to be in the Chantry. Everybody's scared yet they tell me I shouldn't be. They tell me not to be upset that mother died… I just want to be brave – to help fight them off."

"From in a cupboard?" asked Sten. Bevin flushed and shook his head, "No… I heard you all coming and… not very brave of me is it?"

I smiled, "Bravery is… I heard something long ago that has to do with bravery. Do you wish to hear it?"

The boy nodded so I said, "Bravery is the ability to look fear and hurt in the face and say move aside; you are in the way. Another thing I heard is that it is the capacity to perform properly even when scared half to death. It's perfectly acceptable to be terrified, because true bravery – true courage – is the ability to move forward and function even when all you want to do is curl into a ball and cry."

Alistair nodded, "I'm a Grey Warden, if that helps you to picture how okay it is to be scared witless and still do what needs to be done…"

"You… you're scared?"

He laughed, "Oh, only all the time. But Valeria here… she's just so calm in the face of everything that all I have to do is think of her and I know we'll be okay."

I blushed and Sten said, "You tried to assist even knowing that you may not win – that is the heart of a Warrior. That is worthy of respect among the Qun."

Bevin glanced at the giant and his jaw dropped.

"I'll go back to the chantry then… if you think that it's best, My Lady."

I smiled at him, "What were you doing here, though?"

"Oh… I shouldn't say…" he looked away and I tilted my head to the side before saying, "Are you quite sure? I might be able to help."

"You have helped… well, I… Father said I could have his sword when I grew up – it was grandfathers, you see, and Grandfather was a dragon slayer. I just thought… if I was brave enough, I could use his sword and kill the bad people that took mother."

I gave him a thoughtful look and said, "How about this – I will use this sword of yours in battle against the demons and monsters that threaten us and I will even pay your sister for it. This is a good sword if it was used to combat dragons after all."

"Well… Kaitlyn did say that if we had money, everything would be alright – even now that…" Bevin dug into his pocket and handed me the key. "Make those monsters pay, miss. The Green Blade is in the chest in mothers' room upstairs."

"Call me Val, okay? Alistair, retrieve the Sword and meet us back at the chantry, will you? I'm going to take Bevin back to his sister."

Kaitlyn was 5'7 with pretty red-blonde hair and green eyes. When she saw Bevin, her tears stopped as he ran to her. She looked at me in wonder, "You… you found him! I can't possibly repay you…"

"Actually, I think I should pay you. Bevin sold us the Green Blade for the battle. I plan to return it after – every brave young man should have a proper weapon – but a sword than can bring down dragons is quite the piece." I handed her a pouch of coins; 5 golden ones.

Her eyes widened, "If… if you plan to return it after, this is…"

Alistair walked in with the blade and I saw Sten evaluating it with a keen eye. I smiled at the woman, "I insist."

Teagan came walking up just then, "Ah, Lady Vane! Your companions have done quite the work, though I understand you've yet to talk to Murdock?" he had realized who I was.

I chuckled at the stunned silence of the two siblings next to me. "I wanted to make sure that the Blacksmith got to working first – I noticed the forge seemed quiet on our way in and that's just not a good thing. I heard mention of a veteran fighter named Dwyn who was locked up in his house and found the oil when I stumbled into the store instead of Dwyns house so I sent someone to Perth about it. Then, before I left the Chantry earlier, I heard Kaitlyn here crying about her missing brother and… truth be told, I've got a soft spot for children. But Bevin here is actually quite the brave young man."

Teagan looked at the two and I saw his eyes widen as he took in Kaitlyn. She was a lovely young woman after all.

"Oh… I…"

I chuckled, "Teagan, do you think you could keep an on Kaitlyn for me tonight? Bevin isn't quite strong enough to lift a sword yet, so I thought he could use a hand." Teagan nodded mutely.

I looked at Bevin with a wink as the young man picked up on what I was doing. He looked amused at least.

I walked out of the chantry and the rest of the group caught up to me as I spoke to Murdock I motioned and Alistair had a quick word with Elissa while handing her the blade. Murdock was 5'11 with dark brown hair, grey-blue eyes and a deep gravelly voice.

"So you're the Wardens?"

I shook my head, "They are, but I'm their ring-leader for this here circus – I even have a whip to keep them in shape – it has spikes."

He looked me over, noting my bow, whip and armor before shrugging and saying, "I heard the Wardens all died with the King."

"Yeah, we're ghosts, it seems." I smirked.

Murdock gave a snort, "If it takes a seemingly friendly ghost or two to kill a horde of undead monsters, I'll damn well take it. But you look plenty alive to me."

I winked and said, "Well alive or not, I'm here to help."

"I'm not going to turn away anyone who wants to help. My name's Murdock, mayor of what's left of this village… providing we aren't all killed and hauled off to the castle tonight."

I chuckled, "We'll be fine!"

"I'm glad for your certainty. Well, I heard from the Bann that you're to be in charge tonight. And from what I hear you've done so far, I can't be all that upset. Your men got Owen working the forge again – he was refusing to talk to me just this morning, but now his doors open and he's working. Even drunk he makes it look easy. Then Dwyn came out saying that you convinced him to fight with us – that boosted morale quite a bit. I saw Ser Perth with some of yours collecting oil that no one seemed to realize was in the store. And that lady of yours was giving herbs over to the Mother in the Chantry… I think… I think we might actually be ready for this. That isn't even mentioning the mages setting wards and traps!"

"Do we need anything else, Murdock?" I asked.

"No, I don't think we do… but just to be safe, you might want to talk with Ser Perth."

I headed off as Elissa asked, "I hear you valiantly rescued a child to lend me this sword."

I smirked, "The cub drove a hard bargain. I paid 5 gold for use of that tonight so make it worth it."

The whole group – minus Sten and Alistair looked at me like I was nuts – "He asked for that much?"

"Nope; I offered that much. That sword has bathed in Dragon Blood and earned a name – the Green Blade. We will be returning it later, but I've always had a soft spot for kids – you know that."

We reached Perth – a man of 6 feet with dirty blonde hair and grey-green eyes – and the man crossed his arms over his chest and bowed, "Greetings to you, My Lady. I admit I am as relieved as Bann Teagan is to see your group here. I am told you are the one who found the oil?"

I nodded, "I had been looking for Dwyn and stumbled onto it in the store."

He smiled, "My thanks. I am Ser Perth, but I suspect you know that since you're here to speak with me."

I nodded and he continued, "We now have sufficient armor and weapons since Owen opened his doors, but… could you approach mother Hannah about 'holy protection'?"

I chuckled and held out a box that the mother had handed over. "These amulets are from mother Hannah – when Leliana gave her the herbs collected, the mother mentioned that if a simple sign of the Maker could help… who was she to keep it from you?"

The man looked like he'd been struck by lightning before beaming at me, "This will be perfect! Thank you, My Lady; this will go a long way."

I corralled us all to the Tavern, much to Elissas' amusement – she told me I was acting like a shepherd's dog, herding us about. I stuck my tongue out and approached the red-haired waitress woman.

She looked at me – as the obvious leader of the group – and said, "If you came for a drink, you'll have to talk to Lloyd. He's got a vice grip on the spigots. I'm just here to keep the boys from starting a mutiny."

I chuckled, "I'd actually like information, hun. What do you know about that elf over there?"

She glanced at the elf – he had blonde hair and a bow with a full quiver on his back – and sighed, "Not much, actually. He says his name's Berwick and that he's here to meet his brother, but he's a bit… creepy."

"Well, how has buissness been?"

She actually snorted, "What buissness? Without the castle soldiers, we only have the locals – and they're all in the militia with no money to spend. The few that do have money are over there, but it's not enough to justify working. Lloyd is a greasy pig – if I didn't need this job so badly…"

"Tell me, what does he do?"

"He… he gropes me and pays me next to nothing. It could be worse, I suppose – not like I have many options."

I growled, "Nothing makes harassment acceptable. I'll talk to him."

"Oh, no… that would just make things worse."

"No beautiful woman should be stuck in such a terrible situation." I pouted.

She actually giggled, "Oh… you think I'm pretty, do you?" huh. That option was usually reserved for males…

I nodded, and looked at my group, "Show of hands, is she pretty?"

All but Sten raised their hands – even Alistair did, though he looked embarrassed.

"There you go, dear, pretty enough that I'm willing to help you leave this place." I winked. She blushed and I heard Elissa cough.

"You mean… after the fighting's over? I think I'd like that. What would… what would I need to do?"

I smiled, "Not a thing. I hate men who think that it's okay to take advantage of a beautiful woman."

"That's very kind of you… I don't know what to say." I chuckled and waved her off, "Think of it as good fortune." Alistair snorted.

I stalked over to Berwick and said, "Berwick is it?"

"What… how do you… is that Vallaslin?"

I chuckled – someone finally pointed it out! "You're no Dalish. I know your name because I asked around about the elf with a bow."

"I… well, yes that's my name. And my mother was Dalish." he looked away and I saw slight fear in his eyes.

"The markings were a gift from a clan after I saved Theron here. I hear you're waiting for your brother?"

The elf looked confused, "My what? Oh… yes. He was supposed to meet…"

"I'm going to stop you there – you're a horrible liar."

He gave me a small glare and said, "Look, you're very pretty and all, but I was told to… erm… just leave me alone."

"Not happening. Tell me the truth or I feed you to my pet assassin."

Zev smirked, "With what the crows taught me, he will not last long."

He paled, "The C-Crows?! I mean… please don't hurt me – I'll tell you."

Zev gave a pout as I held a hand up to stop his advance. "Talk then."

"Someone – I'm not entirely sure who he was – paid me to watch the castle and send word about any changes. They never said anything about monsters and that means I haven't actually been able to make any reports. I'm stuck – same as you – I swear."

I shook my head, "You will find a way to get to the roof of the chantry – that's your post tonight. And I want your orders if you have them."

He nodded swiftly and handed me the paper before standing and walking to the door. I sighed in frustration as I growled and handed it to Alistair who's eyes darkened, "This is Loghains hand writing – I know it from maps and battle plans at Ostagar."

I nodded and forced myself to relax as I approached the militia.

One spoke to another, "I can't believe that Lloyd won't give us free ale; a time like this and he's think of his profit?"

The second of the three men spoke, "Did you really expect any different? The bastard has always been cheaper than an Antivan whore."

Zev choked out a laugh, "That is surely cheap indeed!"

The men looked up at us in shock. I giggled as the men tried to apologize for the foul language and waved them off.

"It is kind of outrageous that he expects people who will be fighting to pay. Tell you what, men – you swear to me that it won't make you shit fighters tonight and I'll talk to him."

Snorts abounded, "You kidding, M'lady? We all spar drunk half the time anyway." The one who had yet to speak put in his 2 cents.

I smiled and nodded before heading over to Lloyd. The greasy bastard really smelled terrible and I was suddenly glad that my party only camped near water so we could stay clean.

"Hello there, friend. Can't say I've seen you around before – new to the village?"

I nodded but before I could say anything he plundered on, "Haven't met many travelers lately. All this nonsense is bad for buissness – bet you regret coming."

I took a deep breath to calm myself, "Not at all, friend."

He gave a mocking laugh, "Evil creatures, impending doom, civil war and the Arl dead in his castle – makes you thirsty doesn't it?"

"I came over here intending to behave myself but you've crossed a line. Bella! You're in charge of the tavern now; Lloyd will be with Murdock since he's fighting tonight. Here's a sovereign – keep the Militias cups full. If I owe more after, let me know."

"But the bann said."

I snarled and Sten took a step forward as I said, "Teagan will defer to the daughter of a Tyren and her Grey Wardens in this matter. If you had acted decently you would get to stay in here – safe and as vile as you please otherwise."

I heard all chatter in the inn stop, "Tyren?"

"You know, brother, my manners seem to have escaped me sine we left home; why don't you introduce me?"

"Seeker Valeria Vane, youngest daughter and Ward of Tyren Bryce Cousland of Highever, adopted sister of King Cailan Theirin, Lady of foreign lands, Seeker of Truth and Leader of the remaining Grey Wardens." Alistair intoned with a charming smirk.

Lloyd paled and just… left the tavern. Bella looked ready to laugh and cry. "Do you plan to fight tonight, m'lady?"

I nodded, "Couldn't stop me, really."

She bit her lip and suddenly kissed me on the cheek. I looked at her in shock and she said, "Thank you – for everything."

I chuckled, "Well, if the reward is a kiss from a lovely lady, I'll have to do this more often."

Solona was smirking as we left, "So… you like red-heads too?"

I grinned, "She is rather lovely, yes?"

"What about Cullen?"

"Oh – he and I talked about this; I'm allowed one free pass with a woman of my choosing. But only one – and only a woman," I grinned.

Leliana let out a tinkling laugh.

We were back at the chantry as I asked Alistair, "So… Arl Eamon raised you?"

"Did I say that? I meant that dogs raised me; Giant, slobbering dogs from the Anderfels. A whole pack of them, in fact."

I snorted and lifted an eyebrow, "Really? That must have been tough for them…"

He laughed, "Well they were flying dogs you see – and devout Andrastian to boot."

I smiled sweetly, "Do you write at least? I bet your mother is a bitch, too." Everyone laughed.

"Alright – you win; I cannot best your rapier wit. What do you want to know?"

I shrugged, "Nothing really – I just wanted to see what you would say if I asked."

He snorted, "You're kind of a brat."

I pouted, "Only kind of? I need to step it up."

Elissa took his hand. It was only then that I noticed she had a rose in her hair too… he had made a move. He saw me looking at it and flushed.

She kissed him on the cheek. I smiled.