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"We will be travelling south through the Hinterlands to the ruins of Ostagar, on the edge of the Korcari Wilds. The Tevinter Imperium built Ostagar long ago to prevent the Wilders from entering the northern lowlands. It's fitting we make our stand there even if we face a different foe within that forest."
Duncan had spoken those words to Zeva as they cautiously moved through the forests south of Highever. They had been travelling for two weeks, and Duncan grew steadily more worried for Zeva. She barely spoke a word, and he heard her sobbing at night while she was supposed to be resting. Her sleep was disrupted, as well; often she would wake screaming, clawing at an invisible assailant.
Duncan longed to speak with her about her ordeal at the castle, but was afraid it would only make matters worse. He prayed she would come to him in her own time.
"How much longer before we reach Ostagar?" Zeva asked one night in camp. She was curled up next to Nihlus, warming herself by the fire.
Duncan smiled gently at her. "We should arrive by tomorrow afternoon. The Wardens will be expecting us. I sent word before reaching Highever that I planned on testing you and Ser Gilmore as possible candidates."
He paused, studying her face before continuing. "I cannot imagine what you endured in that castle, Zeva, and I know your wounds are still fresh. However, the Grey Wardens need you, and I hope you will still consider joining us."
Zeva turned to gaze at him, and he saw the determination in her eyes. "I understand duty, Duncan. My father and mother taught me well. I know the Blight threatens us all, and I appreciate the need for Grey Wardens. So I will honor my responsibility as a Cousland and join the Order. However, I also have an obligation to my family. Once this battle is done, I will seek out Rendon Howe and I shall see him destroyed for what he has done.
Now," she continued, "we should both get some rest. Tomorrow will no doubt be a long day. Goodnight." She laid down on her bedroll, with her back to him, and said no more.
Duncan sighed sadly and watched her as she pretended to sleep. He was in turmoil over his feelings for her. He wanted to go to her, take her in his arms, and heal the pain he knew she felt. However, his duty was as a Grey Warden, and he had to concentrate on the battle to come.
With a final longing look at Zeva, Duncan rose and began patrolling the perimeter of the camp, Nihlus at his side. Duty had never seemed so impossible...
o~~~~~~~~o
As Duncan had predicted, he, Zeva and Nihlus arrived at Ostagar the following afternoon. As they approached the main gates, they were greeted by King Cailan, who stepped forward to Duncan and smiled warmly. "Ho there, Duncan!" the King called.
Duncan stepped forward and he and Cailan clasped arms in greeting, "King Cailan, I didn't expect a..."
"Royal welcome?" Cailan interrupted. "I was beginning to worry you'd miss all the fun."
FUN? Zeva thought to herself. Is this man daft?
Duncan sighed softly and responded, "Not if I could help it, Your Majesty."
Cailan smiled broadly and clapped Duncan on the back. "Then I'll have the mighty Duncan at my side in battle after all. Glorious!" He turned toward Zeva and continued, "The other Wardens told me you'd found a promising recruit. I take it this is she?"
Duncan stepped toward Zeva and nodded to the King. "Allow me to introduce you, Your Majesty..."
Before he could complete the introduction, Cailan stepped up to Zeva and inclined his head toward her. "No need, Duncan. You are Bryce's youngest, are you not? I don't think we've ever actually met." Zeva had been on the list of potential matches for Cailan, but Anora Mac Tir had ultimately become his Queen. Now, after meeting the man, Zeva was glad it had worked out that way.
"Yes, Your Majesty, my name is Zeva." She bowed as she introduced herself.
Cailan smiled warmly. "Your brother has already arrived with Highever's men; but we are still awaiting your father."
Zeva felt her chest tighten, and she quickly looked at her feet, speaking softly. "He's not coming. He died when our castle was taken."
"Dead? What do you mean?" Cailan exclaimed. He turned to Duncan and gesticulated, "Duncan, do you know anything about this?"
Duncan glanced over at Zeva, concern evident on his face. He returned the King's gaze. "Teyrn Cousland and his wife are dead, Your Majesty. Arl Howe has shown himself a traitor, and taken over Cousland Castle. Had we not escaped he would have killed us and told you any story he wished." He felt it best not to give any further details at the present moment. There would be time for that after the battle.
Cailan shook his head slowly, pacing back and forth. "I... can scarcely believe it. How could he think he could get away with such treachery? " He stopped and turned to Zeva, sorrow etching his handsome features. "As soon as we are done here, I will turn my army north and bring Howe to justice. You have my word."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," was all that Zeva could say.
Cailan cleared his throat and spoke. "No doubt you wish to see your brother. Unfortunately he and his men are scouting in the Wilds."
Zeva brightened at the mention of her brother, then slowly a feeling of dread came upon her. Fergus! What if Howe had plans for him, as well! she thought, suddenly desperate to find him.
"But he may be in danger!" she exclaimed.
"We are all in danger, my friend," Cailan explained. " Nothing can be done until your brother returns, and that will not be until the battle is over. I apologize, but there is nothing more I can do. All I can suggest is that you vent your grief against the darkspawn for the time being."
Of course, duty comes first. Zeva held Cailan's gaze and replied steadily. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Cailan nodded, and turned his attention back to Duncan. "I am sorry to cut this short, but I should return to my tent. Loghain waits eagerly to bore me with his strategies."
Zeva's eyes grew wide. Loghain Mac Tir was here? Of course he would be! She had been in awe of the 'Hero of River Dane' for many years. Now here was a man who could change the course of the battle against the darkspawn. He was, in her mind, a general without equal, and she was instantly proud to think she would be fighting alongside such a man.
Zeva listened intently as Cailan and Duncan spoke of the upcoming battle. Cailan seemed to be infatuated with the idea of an 'epic' battle with the Archdemon, and Duncan tried his best to keep the King's head out of the clouds.
Thank the Maker Loghain is here, Zeva thought. Where would we be if we had to rely on this delusional boy to lead our armies?
Zeva bowed to the King as he headed back to his tent, then turned her attention to Duncan. "Surely you do not think the darkspawn will be defeated as easily as the King believes," she bluntly stated.
Duncan smiled wryly and motioned for her to follow him toward the army's camp. "You are correct. I do not believe the darkspawn will be defeated so easily. I cannot tell you how I know, but I am positive there is an Archdemon at work here, and it may make an appearance in the upcoming battle."
"Then we should get moving as soon as possible, wouldn't you agree?" Zeva asked. Duncan reached out and stopped her with his hand on her arm. A jolt of excitement shot through his body at the touch.
"Yes, we should," he spoke softly, "but are you going to be okay? I know this has been an unbearable time for you. And now, with Fergus out patrolling..."
Zeva stopped him. "I will be fine, Duncan. Thank you for worrying about me." She smiled softly and he felt his heart lurch. Maker, how she affected him! "What do you need me to do?" she asked, breaking his train of thought.
Duncan paused only a moment before he said, "you should familiarize yourself with the camp. Feel free to look around. I only ask that you do not leave at present." She nodded and he continued, "Nihlus can stay with me while I check in with the other Wardens.
There is another Grey Warden here whom you should seek out. His name is Alistair and he will be accompanying you and the other Warden recruits as you prepare for the Joining ritual. Please find him and let him know that the time has come to round up the Warden candidates."
"Of course," Zeva said, as she turned to walk away. Duncan stood silently and watched her cross the bridge into camp. His eyes trailed her body, from the ebony curls cascading down her back to the soft sway of her hips. He could continue to deny it, but he was only fooling himself. He knew deep down that he loved Zeva Cousland, even if duty kept him from saying it.
Please, let her survive the Joining, he prayed. I need her.
o~~~~~~~~o
Zeva stopped before entering the camp proper to speak with the guard on duty regarding the history of Ostagar. He informed her that there were several groups of important people milling about, from the King's men to Chantry initiates and even the Circle Mages. She thanked the guard for his help and moved on, intrigued by the bustling activity around her.
She heard a knight giving instruction on the different types of darkspawn and stopped to listen. He was showing his charges a Genlock, and Zeva examined the creature carefully, looking for weaknesses in its defenses that she might use in a later battle.
Zeva descended the ramp next to the demonstration, intending to seek out the Quartermaster and purchase some new armor. Hers had been severely damaged in the attack at Highever and she knew she would need something better for the upcoming darkspawn battle. As she passed the Royal Quarters, a man stepped quickly from the tent and crashed directly into her. She looked up, prepared to ask if the idiot was blind, and found herself looking into the surprised eyes of Teyrn Loghain Mac Tir.
Recovering her wits, Zeva bowed and spoke to the general. "Pardon me, Milord. I did not see you exiting the tent. I apologize."
Loghain stared curiously at her and then smiled. "You are Bryce Cousland's youngest child, are you not? I have just come from speaking with King Cailan and he informed me of the terrible events at Highever. Please accept my condolences. After we defeat these monsters, I assure you we will turn our full attention to bringing those responsible to justice."
"Thank you, Milord." Zeva replied, a blush spreading up her neck. She never imagined that the great strategist would be so kind. "Rendon Howe has shown himself to be a complete lunatic, I can assure you, and I fully intend to make sure that he suffers for what he has done to my family," she added resolutely.
Loghain's eyes widened at this declaration. Zeva continued, "I understand that our first priority is the safety of the kingdom as a whole, and I will do my duty as a Grey Warden to ensure that the darkspawn are defeated."
Ah, this is the strong young woman I have heard so much about, Loghain thought to himself. He wished that half of Cailan's men had the same dedication as she. "I would expect nothing less from a Cousland," he said to her, smiling. "I wish I could stay, but unfortunately I have many preparations to make before the battle. If you will excuse me."
"Of course, Teyrn Mac Tir. Please let me know if there is anything I can do." Zeva bowed deeply and watched the general walk away, grateful that such a warrior was here to help the imbecilic King plan his battle. We may just survive this, she thought to herself.
Loghain entered his tent and closed the flap before he allowed himself a deep, shuddering breath. Howe, you idiot! he thought to himself. What in the Maker's name have you done?
The general had been shocked to hear from Cailan that the Cousland girl was here at Ostagar. She should have been safely in Howe's custody by now. The last time Loghain had spoken to him, the Arl had laid out his plan for taking Cousland Castle. Howe had said he intended to take the girl from the family, for what purposes Loghain chose not to ask, and yet here she was! How had she gotten away?
Realization hit him like a bucket of cold water - the Warden! Obviously, Howe had not been prepared for a Grey Warden to be at the castle during the attack! Duncan must have saved Zeva! Of course, if Loghain's brief interaction with her was any indication of Zeva's capabilities, Howe had probably greatly underestimated the beautiful young woman. She did not seem the sort to give up without a fight.
Well, it was of no matter now. Soon his beloved country would be safe again. And the bothersome Grey Wardens - they would no longer be of any concern to him. In the meantime, he would send a courier to Denerim. He was sure Howe would be interested to know that Zeva Cousland still lived! Now, to ensure she remained alive..
o~~~~~~~~o
Zeva had continued through the camp after leaving Loghain. She had purchased new armor, boots and other provisions from the Quartermaster. She met a mage from the Circle Tower, Wynne, who seemed to have a great deal of respect for Duncan and the Grey Wardens. The older woman was a bit preachy, however. Thank goodness she didn't have to fight alongside her.
Zeva had also located the other two Warden candidates. The first was Ser Jory, a knight from Redcliffe, who had been stationed at Highever. He had ingratiated himself to her after discovering her identity. He seemed a bit 'touched' in the head, however, and she secretly questioned Arl Eamon's choice in knights.
The second candidate, however, was far more interesting. Zeva had come across the handsome stranger as he was propositioning a female soldier - unsuccessfully, by the look of things. He noticed her approaching and turned, a wicked gleam in his eye.
"Well, you're not what I thought you'd be," he said, scrutinizing her closely.
Oh, this should be good, she thought, before questioning. "And what exactly did you think I'd be?"
His smile broadened and his eyes roamed unabashedly over her form in the new armor she wore. "Not a woman. Yet here you are."
The man had dark hair and even darker eyes. He bowed theatrically before continuing, "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."
"Perhaps they did," Zeva purred. "So, have you heard anything about this ritual that you might wish to share?"
She saw Daveth's eyes flash deviously at her candid flirting. "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."
The Wilds? Zeva thought. Maybe she could find Fergus. "The Wilds, huh? That doesn't frighten me," she said.
"Cannibals, beasts, witches, and now darkspawn. What isn't to be scared of?" Daveth countered. "It's all too secretive for me. Makes my nose twitch."
"Well, " Zeva said, a crooked smile playing across her lips, "I'll watch your back if you watch mine."
"Oh, I'll watch your back!" Daveth replied, a wicked laugh creeping into his voice.
"My, aren't you a charmer?" Zeva countered. Daveth could prove to be a pleasant distraction amidst all the fighting.
"That's me," Daveth whispered seductively. "Anyways, I should be getting back to Duncan," he said, and headed toward the Warden campsite.
At the mention of Duncan's name, Zeva felt her heart lurch. She and Duncan had traveled together for several weeks to get to Ostagar, and at no time had either made any mention of the attraction that had developed at the castle. Zeva had been so shaken after her ordeal with Howe and her family's deaths, and Duncan had been intent on planning for the upcoming battle.
Time had not dulled her desire for him, however. Her feelings had grown stronger for him, in fact, as he had treated her with such kindness throughout her mourning. He never pried into what had happened with Howe, even though she could see that he was curious whenever the subject of the castle arose. Instead, he would smile gently and offer her a shoulder to cry on when things became too much. She knew that she would eventually have to face the feelings which threatened to explode from her whenever she saw was with him. For now, however, they had an important job to do, and she knew they would both see it completed.
Speaking of responsibilities, she still needed to locate Alistair.
She walked up a ramp leading to what appeared to be the ruins of an old temple. She heard raised voices to her right, and followed the sound. Before her were two men, deep in conversation. The older of the two, a mage judging from the robes he wore, was gesturing angrily, while the younger, a handsome man with short blonde hair and deep brown eyes, was attempting to explain himself to the flustered mage.
Zeva decided this must be Alistair, and moved closer to hear what all the fuss was about.
o~~~~~~~~o
Why did I ever let that old woman talk me into this? Alistair thought to himself. He was standing in front of a Senior Mage, passing along a message from the Chantry. Before he even opened his mouth, he knew it wouldn't be a pleasant conversation.
The Senior Mage addressed Alistair, very irritated. "What is it now? Haven't the Grey Wardens asked enough of the Circle?"
Alistair remained calm, and smiled politely, "I simply came to deliver a message from the Revered Mother, Ser Mage. She desires your presence."
"What Her Reverence desires is of no concern to me," complained the mage. "I am busy helping the Grey Wardens, by the King's orders I might add."
Alistair responded, a hint of sarcasm creeping into his voice, "Should I have asked her to write a note?"
The mage reddened slightly and countered. "Tell her I will not be harassed in this manner."
"Yes, I was harassing you by delivering a message." Alistair no longer hid the irritation in his voice.
The mage looked angrily at Alistair and stated in a disgusted tone, "Your glibness does you no credit."
Finally giving up any pretense of cooperation, Alistair gave the mage his most sardonic smile. "Here I thought we were getting along so well. I was even going to name one of my children after you - the grumpy one!"
"Enough! I will speak to the woman if I must. Get out of my way, fool!" the mage grumbled as he walked away.
Alistair looked past the mage and noticed the young woman standing before him, smiling brashly. Her long ebony hair flowed about her waist, and she was dressed in what Alistair believed to be Dalish leather armor, dyed a deep purple, which left her midriff exposed and hugged her breasts tantalizingly. Maker, she's lovely, he thought to himself. Almost immediately, he began to sweat inside his splintmail armor. He approached her, flashing his most charming smile.
"You know, one good thing about the Blight is how it brings people together," he said, laughter in his voice.
"I completely agree." Zeva responded. Her voice was soft, with a musical quality to it. Alistair involuntarily shuddered.
He spoke quickly, "Wait! We haven't met have we? I don't suppose you happen to be another mage?"
"No," she replied. " I can imagine from the conversation I just overheard that my being a mage would not make your day any easier!" She laughed quietly.
Alistair suddenly remembered the message he had received from Duncan days earlier. "Wait! I do know who you are. You're Duncan's new recruit, from Highever. I should have recognized you right away. I apologize."
Zeva nodded, her smile brightening. "Yes, I am. My name is Zeva. And you must be Alistair."
Alistair cocked an eyebrow at her, "Right, that was the name. Did Duncan mention me? Nothing bad I hope! As the junior member of the order I will be accompanying you when you prepare for the Joining."
He looked away and tapped his index finger on his chin, pondering, "You know, it just occurred to me that there have never been many women in the Grey Wardens. I wonder why that is?"
"You want more women in the Grey Wardens, do you?" Zeva questioned, her lips curling into a sly smile.
Alistair responded quickly, "would that be so terrible?" Then, realizing how he must have sounded, he added, "Not that I'm some drooling lecher or anything, please stop looking at me like that!"
Zeva laughed heartily, "Lecher, indeed! Duncan forgot to mention that part! So, mind telling me what that argument I overheard was all about?"
"The Circle is here at the King's request," Alistair began, a look of irritation on his face, "and the Chantry doesn't like that one bit. They just love letting mages know how unwelcome they are. Which puts me in a bit of an awkward position. I was once a Templar."
Zeva raised an eyebrow at his confession. "Yes, I could see how that would be a difficult position for you."
Alistair continued, "I am sure the Revered Mother meant it as an insult, sending me as her messenger. And the mage picked right up on that. I never would have agreed to deliver it, but Duncan says we are all to cooperate and get along. Apparently they didn't get the same speech."
"Well, former Templar or no, I look forward to traveling with you." she told the now-blushing Warden.
Smiling broadly, Alistair indicated the temple stairs with a sweep of his arm. "You do? That's a switch. If you don't have any other questions, lead on!"