Chapter Thirteen

Ostagar

Duncan was explaining things to us as we approached the 'gates' of Ostagar. "The kings' forces have clashed with the darkspawn several times, but this is where the bulk of the horde will show itself. There are only a few Grey Wardens here in Ferelden at the moment, but all of us are here. The Blight must be stopped here and now… if it spreads to the north, Ferelden will fall…"

"Ho, there, Duncan!" I heard King Cailans voice. I turned to look at the King before instantly motioning – this caused all but Duncan to kneel, without question. Cailan was 6'1 with golden hair and matching eyes. His skin was pale and flawless and his armor was shinier than his hair… he was asking to be a beacon!

"Your Majesty… I didn't expect…" Duncan began.

I threw my arms around Cailans neck – much to the distress of his guards who all pulled swords until he laughed.

"Cailan, I missed you!" I shouted.

He laughed, "And here I am giving a royal welcome. I was beginning to worry that you'd miss all the fun! Please stand, friends!" they all rose and only then did I realize that even the Mabari had bowed their heads to the king.

I smiled, "Duncan was a task master in getting us here before the battle."

Cailan smiled, "Then I'll have the mighty Duncan at my side in battle after all! Glorious! The other Wardens tell me you've found five promising new recruits but… I see six if you count Val and Elissa."

"Cailan… I'm not a recruit and… yes, this is Elissa; beside us is Kallian from the Denerim Alienage, Theron from the Sabre Clan, and Alim and Solona from the Circle of Magi. I, personally, am more of a one woman envoy. I'm afraid I must be the barer of foul news, your majesty… father has fallen to treachery…"

"What? Fallen… Duncan, what do you know about this?" Cailan looked stricken.

"Tyren Cousland and his wife are indeed dead, your majesty. Arl Howe has shown himself a traitor and overthrown Highever Castle… had we not escaped; he would have killed us too and told you anything he wished."

Cailan turned away, tears shining in his eyes and my opinion of him instantly went up. "I… I can scarcely believe it. How could he think he could get away with such treachery? As soon as we are done here, I will turn my armies north and bring Howe to justice! You have my word," he said looking at me.

I nodded and said, "Can I get that in writing? Not that I don't trust you, of course – I just want to be able to claim blood rights if things don't work out in an army friendly manner."

He smiled, "I think I can do that – name Howe a traitor, grant you blood rights… I'll even have Teyrn Loghain sign it with me! I doubt it will be needed though."

I chuckled, "True – but one can never have enough back-up plans."

He sighed with sorrow in his eyes, "No doubt you wish to see your brother. Unfortunately, he and his men are scouting the Wilds."

"No worries… honestly, I'm not so eager to tell him that his wife and our parents were all killed in cold blood…"

He nodded with a flinch, "I can understand that… I'm terribly sorry to cut this short, but I should return to my tent. Loghain eagerly waits to bore me with his battle strategies and it would be the perfect opportunity to write that letter for you."

I gave a small chuckle as he winked at me. Duncan cleared his throat and said, "Your uncle sends his greetings and reminds you that he could have his forces here in less than a week."

"Ha! Eamon just wants in on the Glory. We've won three battles already against these monsters and tomorrow should be no different."

I tilted my head and said, "You sound quite confident…"

"Over-confident, some might say. Honestly, I'm not even sure that this is a true blight! There are plenty of Darkspawn on the field but we've seen no Archdemon!"

"Disappointed, your majesty?" Duncan sounded calm but I could see him glance at me with exasperation.

"I'd hoped for a war like in the tales! A King riding with the fabled Grey Wardens against a tainted God… I suppose this will have to do. Now, I really must go before Loghain sends a search party. Farewell, Grey Wardens, Val," he gave me a small nod and left.

"… You know the king." Kallian said. I smiled, "Of course I do – he's my older brother in a way."

Duncan cleared his throat, "What the King said is true; they've won several battles against the Darkspawn here."

I snorted, "That over-confidence will be his downfall. He isn't taking the threat seriously. He doesn't seem to understand that Archdemons are smarter than your average strategist – they will wait until you let your guard down to show themselves."

Duncan looked sharply at me, "What do you know?"

"I can't tell you. What happens here tomorrow is meant to be a catalyst for the next decade or so. But even still, we should move quickly. Buster and Ghost can keep you company while Elissa and I get acquainted with the camp. I will send Jory and Daveth to you and we'll also get Alistair. While I may not be a Warden-Recruit, it's prudent for me to act like one. I already know your secrets so there isn't a need to…"

"What secrets?" Duncan asked before realizing our company and pulling me to the side. "What other secrets do you know… other than the Broodmothers?"

"I know about the blood, the death-rate, I know the words to the ritual and exactly what happened at soldiers' peak. I know that the first warden essentially runs the Anderfells and about the Calling. I also… I know about the Architect." He hissed in a breath, his grip on my arm tightening.

"It's one hell of a story, Duncan. You know that I know about Fiona and Maric and Alistair… you have to tell him; tonight. Tell him about his mother and how she made Maric swear… tell him why you conscripted him. Duncan, please, you must swear you will tell him. Just don't tell him I know about his father," I saw his hesitance and gave him a pleading look.

"How important is it that I tell him?"

"It's like I said, Alistair will be king one day, Duncan. If you don't tell him the truth, he will end up thinking that bitch Goldanna is his sister and… it won't be pretty. Does Cailan know?"

"I… Cailan knows; it's why he was willing to allow Alistairs' conscription. And I suppose I will have to tell him. I won't discount the words of a prophet."

I nodded, "Thank you."

I nodded and we all crossed the bridge. I approached Daveth first, Lis flanking me like an honor guard.

The Cut-Purse was 5'9 with shaggy black hair and green eyes. His face was a bit charming but nothing to write home about. He was tanned and I saw a cross bow on his back and a quiver of bolts at his hip.

He looked Elissa up and down, "Well, you're not what I thought you'd be…"

She snorted and said, "And who are you?"

He blinked at her and smirked, "The names Daveth. It's about bloody time you two came along. I was beginning to think they cooked this ritual up just for our benefit."

I snorted, "I highly doubt that."

"Yeah, you're likely right. I happened to be sneaking around camp last night, see, and I heard a couple of senior wardens talking. So I listened in a bit, right? I'm thinking they plan to send us into the wilds."

"So?" I asked.

"Oh, I get it; Cannibals, beasts, witches and now Darkspawn? What's there to be scared of, right?"

I chuckled, "It's not so bad. Even if you go into the Wilds, you won't be going very far from the camp and they wouldn't send you without a pledged warden."

He sighed, "I guess we'll have to wait and see. Not like we have a choice."

"Tell you what; since I'm coming along, I'll watch your back if you watch mine." Elissa shrugged.

I smirked as he said, "Oh, I'll watch your back." He chuckled. I sighed, "Just don't get too distracted back there. If I get hit, Elissa and 4 other recruits are highly protective of me and will likely make sure you get hit too… even if they have to do it themselves."

He grinned and said, "Well, I expect it's time to get back to Duncan then. That's where I'll be if you need me."

"Beware of Ghost and Buster. Those two hounds are likely to attack if you slack off." Lis smirked as Daveth paled a bit and nodded.

Next, we approached the Quartermaster who looked to me as the 'leader' of the group, "Have you seen an elf running about; young woman, red hair… carrying a suit of armor?"

I shook my head, "Can't say that I have."

"Blast it, where did she run off to? That suit better be patched up when she gets back or by the Maker… ah, pardon my manners; my troubles are none of your concern. I'm the Quartermaster; did you need anything? Some supplies perhaps?"

I smirked, "Yes, actually. I heard you have some… goods on the side, as well?"

"So long as you keep it quiet," he nodded. I smiled and looked through his wares. I settled on his entire stock of Elfroot, his stock of Venom (That was a 'side-good'), a few recipes, some more flasks, a loaf of bread and a quiver full of arrows.

I made sure everything was in my pack now – instead of the pack I'd made for Alistair – so that I could give Alistair the blue belt-pouch before we went into the wilds.

As we were leaving the Quartermaster I spotted a familiar man – Carver! He was 5'11 with cropped black hair and gold eyes. He was halfway between tanned and pale and I was walking past him when I faked a trip. Lis knew at once it was fake, but still jumped to help me. Carver 'caught' me.

"Oh, thank you! I should have worn something a bit more sensible for a tour around the camp, but…" I smiled. He had a bit of a blush and nodded, "Its erm… it's alright. Just be more careful, okay?"

"I'm Val – Valeria Vane." Everyone knew my name these days – not every day a Teyrn fosters a lady after all.

He muttered an oath before giving me a bit of a bow, "Forgive me, My Lady!"

"Oh! I didn't… I mean I… please don't bow! I was just introducing myself…"

He looked startled at that and said, "I'm Carver Hawke, My Lady."

"Please, call me Val; we're in an army camp after all."

"Of course, my L… I mean, Val."

I gave a look of surprise, "Hawke… any relation to Leandra Amell? I heard she married a man name Malcom Hawke from Solona Amell – her niece – when we picked her up as a recruit."

"Oh… she's my mother," he muttered.

"What luck? Solona is in the Warden Camp if you decide you wanted to meet her… actually now that I look at it; she looks like a female version of you with blue eyes."

He flushed and a woman approached us – looking like the default Marian Hawke, she stood at 5'7 with… actually, her only difference from Solona was the red birthmark on her nose and muscle definition.

I gaped, "Like that… holy wow – you look just like the mage recruit Duncan picked up from the circle – a little stronger looking and the mark but… wow the Amell genes are strong!"

Marian looked amused, "Um… hi? I'm Marian Hawke. I came to collect my brother here."

I nodded and excitedly told her about Solona. Marian looked intrigued, "Our cousin, huh? Good to know. Thank you for tell us – can I know your name?"

Carver coughed, "This is Valeria Vane, Marian."

Marian looked stunned, "I should have expected that – her hair… I guess the thought didn't occur to me, actually."

I smiled, "I like being invisible – makes it easier to be friends with apostates."

Carver looked stunned and Marian froze, "Why tell us?"

"I know about Garrett and Bethany, actually – I won't tell if you don't." I let a flame trickle over my fingers for only a second. Marian nodded, "But you barely know us?"

I smiled, "That's what you think. I have a few unique abilities."

Carver said, "That mark on your shoulder is the mark of a Seeker – how are you doing magic?"

I smiled, "Lane!" I shouted. A Templar came running up to me. He hugged me, "Hey Val – what are you doing here? Does Cullen know? Oh, Maker – please don't tell me I'm in trouble…"

"Lane, how do I have this?" I showed him the flame on my hand. He relaxed, "That is one of your Seeker abilities! I gotta say, Val, I'm kinda terrified that…"

"Cullen knows I'm here, Lane – back to your post." He flushed and headed off.

"Who's Cullen?" Marian asked amused.

"A strong Templar at the Circle – my fiancée," I smiled.

Marian sighed, "You said her name is Solona?"

Elissa laughed, "Yeah – and she looks just like you minus the mark."

Marian touched her face with a smirk, "I like it – it makes me stand out."

I nodded, "It's pretty!"

Marian smiled at me with a nod, "This was an enlightening experience. I hope we meet again… but why is a seeker willing to look the other way on my family?"

"… Because I wasn't raised with the Chantry – I am from far off lands. I admire magic – I don't hate it. Solona will tell you all about me if you ask her to tell you about her Sensei. Just like that – call me Sensei and she will spill."

She nodded, and I beamed before heading off.

We headed over to the two dwarves; one male and one female. The female had bright red hair, green eyes and pale skin. She stood at 4'4 with pale skin and had the castles brand on her right cheek. Natia Brosca – at a guess she was 21.

The male of the two stood at 4'7 with pale skin, sandy blonde-brown hair and grey eyes. This was Duran Aeducan, second son of King Endrin – likely 24.

I stepped up with a smile, "Atrast Vala, and blessing on you, Duran Aeducan and Natia Brosca."

Both looked at me like I was something to be studied. Duran spoke, "Who in the stones name are you?"

"Valeria Vane, Ward of Teyrn Cousland of Highever – I was tasked with rounding you all up and sending you to Commander Duncan."

"You two are recruits then?" Natia asked. I giggled, "Not me – I'm just a shepherd sent to collect the sheep. Elissa is one of the recruits though and she's my older sister; Lis, say hello."

She shot me a look before sighing and saying, "Hi."

Duran snorted and Natia smirked. I sighed, "Do I need to re-teach you manners, Sister? Whatever – have you two seen Alistair? He should be about 6 feet tall, blond with hazel eyes and a charming demeanor – likes to rile up the mages?"

Natia chuckled, "That way, Salroka – and good luck. I don't think he realizes he flirts with every woman he talks to, but he does. And he claims to be awkward. Will we see you in the Warden Camp?"

I nodded, "I'm Duncans' pet project – he's keeping me safe, at the very least."

Duran snorted, "You're tiny for a human – so it's no surprise. As a guy, I have to say that it's instinct to protect the women…"

I chuckled, "Actually, he promised my father to keep me safe as we fled the family home during a coup – the second one that I've survived. Kallian killed a rapist and got conscripted, Theron has the blight and the Joining can save her, Solona and Alim helped a blood mage in the process of setting up a trap for said blood mage – who actually escaped anyway – and Elissa the other survivor of the coup… if I'm right, Natia entered the Provings and in the end killed Beraht in an escape and Duran was set up by his younger brother Bhelen to take the fall for his older brothers' death… that should be a summary of all 8 recruits… oh right – Daveth was conscripted in Denerim cutting Duncans' purse and Jory won a tourney in Redcliff. Those two are so forgettable."

Lis gave an amused snort, but Natia and Duran looked a little pale. I winked, "Ask Duncan about me and before he can ask why tell him I said it was okay – that all the recruits could know."

They nodded and headed off to Duncan.

Next I headed for Wynne. I smiled at her, "Gran!"

Elissa did a double take as I hugged the mage woman. "Cheeky child – how many times must I remind you…?"

"But you are my gran. You scold Greagoir as though you were my Gran, you scold me when I'm being 'reckless' and you love me…"

Elissa snorted but I could see the guilt on her face. I could see that she felt her family hadn't been much of a family at all to me. I spent just as much time with the Couslands as I did at the Circle, and yet I had better relationships at the Circle.

I pulled away from Wynne, "This is my sister, Elissa."

Wynne looked startled – I never talked about the Couslands while I was at the Circle, "Greetings to you, young Lady. And good luck to you on the battlefield."

Elissa nodded, "Thank you, uh…"

"I am Wynne – Senior Enchanter of the Circle and here at King Cailans' request."

Speaking of the man, he spoke from behind me, "Val calls you Gran? You should have said something, Wynne! No family of hers is allowed to be formal with me!"

I giggled, "Cailan, Gran delights in formality. Do you know how long it took me to get her to stop calling me Seeker or Lady Vane?"

Cailan winked at me, "Well, if you didn't want her to call you lady you should have told her your official title."

I groaned, "Please don't."

Wynne looked confused, "What am I missing?"

Cailan gave a gleeful grin, "Her actual title is princess, Wynne."

Wynne gaped at me. I shot him a nasty look, "Bite me, Cailan."

Elissa was gaping too – she knew about the title and the informalness; but to speak like that.

He laughed, "But you look like you'd taste of mud – no thank you. Anyway, I was just passing by and heard you call her Gran so I just had to make acquaintance. Besides, it keeps me from Loghains' boring strategy meetings. Speaking of, Val would you attend the one we're having tonight? I spoke with Duncan and he told me approximately when the joining would be, so I scheduled it for an hour after that."

I nodded, "I'd love to, Cailan – despite how annoying you can be, I do love you like a brother… so spending time with you isn't such a hardship."

He laughed and ruffled my hair, "I see the search party has found me – I'll be off then." I looked back and saw two men in Gwaren Armor – search party indeed…

After sending Jory – 5'11, brown hair cropped almost to non-existent with blue eyes and pale skin – back to Duncan, we approached Alistair who was talking with the grumpy mage. I smirked.

"What is it now? Haven't the Grey Wardens asked more than enough of the Circle?" wait… that was Uldred…

The voice, the bald head, the imposing essence… shit.

"I simply came to deliver a message, Ser Mage; from the Revered Mother. She desires your presence." Alistair was really cute. Though he looked similar to the King, there was enough of a difference that most wouldn't notice. At 6'1 he was lightly tanned and far fitter than Cailan. His honey blond hair was cropped and fell naturally in a cute style. His eyes were hazel-brown though they did have plenty of grey flecks in them.

He and Lis would make such a cute couple!

Elissa glanced at me and – seeing my excited nod – looked him over with a critical eye. She seemed to flush a little. I knew she would take things slow after what happened with Rory, but with my words in her head, she would give him a chance.

"So do you like him?" I whispered to her.

"He is… not bad looking. And humor makes up for a lot, you know." Elissa said.

I giggled, "He's also the most romantic man you will ever meet… almost." I thought of Cullen. He and Alistair were both highly romantic, but I would always prefer Cullen.

"What her reverence desires is of no concern to me. I am busy helping the Grey Wardens – by the kings' orders, I might add!" Uldred growled out.

"Should I have asked her to write a note?" Lis snorted.

"Tell her I will not be harassed in this manner!"

"Yes, I was harassing you by delivering a message…"

"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 – the grumpy one!"

Elissa giggled, causing both men to snap their heads to look at us. I coughed, "Forgive me, but Uldred, Cailan requests you go see the Revered Mother…"

Uldred threw me a nasty look – he'd always hated me but was good at hiding it around other people, "Fine! I will speak to the woman if I must; get out of my way, fools," the man snarled at Elissa since I had already moved aside.

Alistair gave me a wide grin, "You know one good thing about the blight is how it brings people together."

I saw a scar on his left cheek – it was shallow and small, so it was no wonder I didn't notice until I looked closer.

Elissa snorted, "I know exactly what you mean!"

"It's like a party! We could all stand in a circle holding hands. That would give darkspawn something to talk about… Wait, we haven't met, have we? I don't suppose you happen to be another mage?" he asked. Elissa scoffed.

I chuckled, "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Seeker Valeria Vane – the woman who sent Duncan to conscript you."

His hand shot out, "Ah, I need to thank you for that. Sorry, I just like to know my chances of being yelled at or turned into a toad at any given moment. I suppose I should have recognized you right away, I apologize."

I shook my head, "I'm not a recruit so there was no reason to know me; you would have known Lis – not the girl with silver hair. You… you are Alistair, right?"

He grinned, "As if you didn't already know! I hear you know more about me than I do. I hear you also ear-marked Cullen Rutherford for Kinlock – how is he doing these days?"

I chuckled, "He's my fiancée now and better a Templar you will never find… until I get permission to train more people. He's part of an experimental program along with Becca over there and two of the mage recruits."

"Oh? Is it need-to-know?" he asked. He looked genuinely curious. I smiled, "Not really. I taught them a meditative martial art that had some… unexpected benefits. In mages, their magic control increases exponentially and the chance of demonic possession goes way down. Another side-effect we learned a week ago was that they can't use blood magic. It's not possible for them due to the demonic influence vanishing. For Templars, they increase their magic resistance, increase their control over their special abilities, and can even use abilities that they couldn't before – Cullen learned Wrath of Heaven as a lieutenant."

Alistair gaped, "Makers' Breath… that's incredible. Why aren't you allowed to teach more?"

I sighed, "Pissing contest. Lady Seeker Nicoline and Grand Enchanter Briaus are both advocating why their group should have sole dominance in it – and I'm getting pissy. The Divine put a stop order on my classes to Mages and Templars until the matter is settled. I don't play favorites – I love the mages and the Templars equally and don't mind splitting the damn cookie in half – but you know how it goes."

He sighed, "I've never been happier to be a Grey Warden than I am in this moment. Wait… did you just compare the mages and Templars to children quarreling over a cookie?"

I grinned, "You bet your ass I did."

He burst into laughter, "Right then, as the junior member of the Order, I will be accompanying the recruits as they prepare for the joining…" I cut him off, "You mean accompanying all of us. Duncan gave me special permission to follow along. Part of my Seeker abilities is prophecy so I already know the Order Secrets. No reason to keep me out of it at that point."

He bowed his head, "If Duncan says so, then of course!" we began walking.

"Duncan's a great man. Saved our lives and he seems kind…" Alistair grinned widely at Elissas' words, "You know, I think the same thing! He's like a father figure, right?"

I nodded, "Reminds me of Father," I nodded to Elissa who thought for a second and grunted, "Huh… now that you mention it, I can actually see that…"

That's when Alistair spoke again, "Shame you're not a recruit – it just occurred to me to me that there have never been many women in the Wardens. I wonder why that is?"

I giggled, "You now have four female recruits – Kallian is elven, Solona and Elissa are human and then Natia is a dwarf. No need for me to join."

Elissa said coolly, "Indeed – and that is my little sister, Alistair…"

"Right… I promise I'm not some drooling letcher… please stop looking at me like that."

I shrugged, "I know an innocent when I see one – no way can he be anything else."

He stammered, "I… I mean… how did you…?"

Elissa flushed, "Maker, Val – you can't say that kind of thing! Men require dignity!"

I shook my head, "He wants to play with us then he needs to learn how to take a hit or two, Lis. He started it, I finished it. Look, he won't dream of trying something like that again."

"No, ma'am," He saluted me.

I smiled, "Besides, I am only 17 years old."

"… 17 in an Army camp? Makers' Breath, she's going to get eaten alive! We need to find somewhere safer for her to… but wait… you're a seeker – they don't take vows until 18."

I coughed, "I can handle myself, Alistair. Ask my sister or the new mage recruits – or even the Dalish recruit."

"Ever heard of a 17 year old girl killing 5 Sylvans all on her own while her protectors stood gaping? That's Valeria and the worst part? She did it like it was nothing – Makers' Breath she only needed to kill two to get the second bow and pay for it – but she killed five." Elissa ranted.

I shrugged, "I spent the last 2 years going back and forth to the Dalish clan and Highever – I always do stuff like that. I'm one of their top hunters and I'm not an elf."

Alistair whistled, "I admit to being impressed – believe it or not I have fought a Sylvan before – but you're… small and young…"

I smiled, "Cailan is like a brother to me – seriously, the man all but adopted me himself. He seemed happy to see me…"

Alistairs' eyes widened, "Wait… Valeria Vane… Maker I knew that name sounded familiar. You're a princess!"

I flushed, "Was a princess – not any longer."

"Not according to all the nobles who talk around the camp. The king afforded you full rights as a foreign princess."

I sighed, "I know – the ass."

Alistair sighed and shrugged helplessly, "So I'm curious, have any of you ever actually faced Darkspawn?" I nodded, "Kallian Tabris, Elissa, Theron Mahariel, and I all have – while we were with the Dalish recruiting Theron. Duran Aeducan has fought them on several occation but none of the other recruits have."

"What did you think of them?" he asked curiously.

I thought for a second, "Ugly as all sin, smell worse than a horse barn that hasn't been mucked in weeks, sound like they have blades for teeth and can't walk right to save their own lives… very killable so nothing to fear from them."

Alistair looked amused, "When I saw my first Darkspawn, I wasn't prepared for how monstrous it was. I can't say I'm looking forward to encountering more… anyhow whenever you're ready, let's get back to Duncan. I imagine he's eager to get things started."

Elissa asked the obvious question as we started walking. "What was that argument about with, um, Uldred?" she'd heard what I called the mage.

"Oh was that his name? The Circle is here at the Kings' request and the Chantry doesn't like that one bit, of course. They just love letting the mages know how unwelcome they are. Which puts me at a bit of an awkward position; I was… erm… once a Templar, as Princess Vane…"

"Val – call me Val. I know Uldred – he's a slimy weasel who doesn't take on any of the apprentices. He would have taken exception to another mage giving him that message."

"Well the Chantry raised me from the time I was about ten until about six months ago when you sent Duncan to get me. I'm sure the revered mother meant it as an insult to send me, and that mage – Uldred, I guess – picked right up on that. I never would have agreed to deliver it, but Duncan says we're all to get along and cooperate. Apparently, they didn't get the same speech…" he sighed and rubbed his face.

"Alistair, you would have made a terrible Templar – too nice to the mages, right? And you didn't learn the chant properly or anything."

I handed Alistair his new pack and said, "This is for you – it's enchanted! It can hold a whole larder worth of cheese and still have so much room left. I thought you might like the Grey Warden blue color."

He looked it over and like anyone would… he stuck his hand in to test depth. His eyes widened in amazement – he was so thinking of all the cheese he could fit in there since that's what I had mentioned. He thanked me with a blinding smile and I could feel a flush on my cheeks.

Elissa giggled at my discomfort – bitch.

We reached the Warden encampment and made our way over to Duncan.

Duncan smiled at me and patted my shoulder, "So you found Alistair did you; I'll assume that you're ready to begin preparations… that is, assuming you're quite done…" I cut him off.

"Alistair was being quite civil, Duncan. Uldred simply took his existence as an insult and tattled to get him in trouble. Then again, he would have taken insult to anyone."

Elissa nodded, "Yup – Uldred was a bit of an ass to her too; he shoved her to get passed."

Duncans' eyes narrowed, "I'll have to have a word with the Circle leader… Wynne, I believe was her name. Since you're all here, let's begin. You 11 will be heading into the Korcari Wilds to preform two tasks. The first will be to obtain 9 vials of Darkspawn blood, one for each recruit."

I chuckled, "Gran would love a reason to scold Uldred; and as to the Vials of Blood – of course, what else?" Duncan gave me an amused look – he knew I knew.

"There was once a Grey Warden Archive in the Wilds, abandoned long ago, when we could no longer afford to maintain such remote outposts. It has recently come to our attention that some scrolls may have been left behind, magically sealed to protect them. I want you to retrieve them if you can."

"Oh, I remember reading about that! You know the seals would have worn off long ago… hopefully there was someone who came along to protect them…" my sister, the two non-magic elves, the two mages and Duncan all caught my meaning.

"What were these scrolls?" Lyna asked. Duncan smiled, "Old treaties. Promises of support made long ago. They were once considered mere formalities, but with so many having forgotten their commitment to us, I suspect it may be a good idea to have something to remind them with."

"I'll say! Without those treaties, people could – in theory – refuse to lend their support in the event of disaster." I grumbled.

"Watch over your charges Alistair. Be quick but be safe. You and I have some things to discuss tonight when you return."

"Is everything alright, Duncan?"

"Yes, Alistair… just a new friend reminding me of my responsibilities to you," he nodded to me as I stared him down. Alistair gave me a look of complete awe before seeming to remember something, "Er, Duncan… do you know her age?"

He was pointing at me. I gave a highly offended look, "Of course he does, Alistair – nothing gets past a thief!"

Duncan laughed but Daveth spoke, "A thief… that's how you caught me in Denerim!"

Duncan nodded, "Yes, Alistair – I know she is only 17, but she is one of the fiercest fighters I've ever met. Not many can take down a Sylvan and maneuver their way through a siege to escape completely unharmed. Not to mention, without her, I'd have a few new scars from that siege, myself. Let's also not forget that she's been a Seeker since she was 10."

I chuckled, "Question, commander – permission to ask?"

"Permission granted – what is it, Val?"

"What is your view on two Grey Wardens… fraternizing?" I asked.

Duncan gave me an amused look, "Well, as long as both are agreeable, I don't see what it can hurt – Grey Wardens are generally not allowed relationships with people outside the Order unless they have permission or were in that relationship before joining. You already know all the Warden secrets, so it wouldn't be a dishonest relationship between you and… whoever you have in mind. The secrecy is the only reason we usually say no – unless the Warden can keep the secrets, of course."

"Oh, I'm not asking for me – remember I'm going to marry Cullen. I'm trying to match-make Elissa and Alistair."

Alistair sputtered and Elissa flushed, "Maker, Val – you have no shame."

I shook my head, "Nope."