10 years later…

The woman gasped as she watched the enormous horde of Darkspawn charge the king's army on the battle ground. From her vantage point, she could see that the darkspawn vastly outnumbered the army. There was only one thought going through her mind.

"I must find them! Carver, where are you? Athena, please be safe!"

Looking up she saw a group of genlock rush towards her, blowing the wisps of crimson hair from her face she grabbed her daggers from behind her back and rushed headlong into the battle. Ducking as the first genlock swung his axe she used her blade to carve its way across its stomach. She darted around the next and sliced its neck open, hearing it gurgle the blood spilt from the open wound.

This battle dance continued long enough for her to feel the strain it was having on her body. She was panting hard by the time she jumped off the shoulders of the dead ogre she had just slain. She could feel the eyes of the other soldiers on her, some looked in awe while others looked on in terror. It must have been a sight to behold, she was wearing her leather armour; barely a scratch on it, her two blades dripping with blood, the sunset making her hair seem to be on fire, surrounded by piles of darkspawn bodies, waiting for the next onslaught to begin.

That's when she saw him. The glint of his giant sword caught her eye as he felled a couple of darkspawn in one swing. He was on the bridge, flanked by enemies on both sides but she could see the fierce determination on his face. To her horror she watched as a hurlock's mace caught him on the shoulder sending him flying against the wall. Frantically looking around she found a rope and darted towards it weaving through the arrows flying across the battlefield. Grabbing it she started tying a loop before she threw at a statue which it thankfully caught. Pulling tight she watched as Carver struggled to keep his defence up.

"Maker let's hope this works..."

Running she jumped off the side of the cliff and used her weight to steer herself towards the darkspawn standing over Carver. As she neared, Carver's eyes widened with recognition, grinning she hit the hurlock straight in the chest, knocking it off the bridge straight to its death. Grabbing Carver by the arm she pulled him to his feet.

"Fae? What in the Marker's name are you doing here?"

"Isn't it obvious? Saving your ass! Do you have any idea what mother would do to me if I didn't? I fear her more than I do these disgusting creatures"

"But we're surrounded!"

"We'll get through this. Together."

He gave her a smirk, back to back the battle dance began anew. Her daggers sliced through flesh. Carver decapitated foes. They worked in perfect harmony, her speed and his strength. Hearing his war cry as he knocked three genlock off the bridge cause the woman to laugh before pulling a small crossbow from its holding on her thigh and shot four in the head consecutively.

That's when she felt it. The pain. It caught her off guard for a second but she couldn't think about that now. She couldn't think that something had happened to Athena, she had to focus on getting them safely home.

Jumping off the horse Faelyn gently helped Carver down as they heard their mother and Bethany running up behind them. Easing Carver gently to a seated position on the floor, Bethany knelt beside him and started healing him with her magic, not daring to look up at the sight of her sister.

"By Andraste! What happened? You're covered in blood!" exclaimed our mother as she used the bottom of her apron to try wipe the blood off her daughter's face.

"Mother we need to go, and now!"

The terror in her mother's startled expression spoke volumes. Faelyn's heart squeezed with pain as she looked up at the house which she called home. The place her father had lived in, where he taught her how to use her skills. Memories came flooding back and she shut her eyes trying to stifle the tears that she could feel welling up.

When Faelyn opened them, she could see mother rushing inside, most likely gathering some supplies. Since they had to travel often when they were young mother made quick work of this. Bethany stood, not being able to stand the pain in her eyes Faelyn wrapped her arms around her. As Bethany grabbed the back of her tunic, Faelyn felt her tremble. Faelyn pulled out the ring that she carried on a chain from under her tunic and as she grasped it in her hand, she vowed to keep them safe.

Barely making it out of Lothering in time, we ran up the mountainous path. Bethany used a fire spell to stop the darkspawn from following us, while Carver and I made quickly dispatched the ones that got through.

Stopping to catch a breath, I surveyed the surrounding landscape, looking out for any darkspawn that may decide to crawl down the rocks at the side of the small trail. Sniggering to myself.

Could they really be that smart?

Tuning out the twins squabbling I tried planning out an escape route,
Where would we go though…

Turning to look at my family with sad eyes. Having enough of their foolishness;

"Listen you two, the darkspawn could be on us at any moment"

"Please listen to your sister"

The twins looked shamefully down at their feet before Carver looked up "Ok, lead on sister"

As we continued on, we decided to head to Kirkwall. It was a city across the water. It was originally where our mother was from, where our parents met. From what Faelyn remembered reading, the city was separated by class; Hightown for the nobles and Darktown for those who could barely afford to put a roof over their heads. It was also not the safest of places due to the number of Templars but they had family there. It may be the only family they have left.

Turning the corner, they came upon two warriors surrounded by a group of darkspawn. Before thinking Carver and Faelyn rushed to help them. Hearing a cry, Faelyn turned to find the man injured and backing away from a hurlock. That's when she noticed his armour.

"A blasted templar," she sneered.

The two of them made quick work of the remaining group as the female crushed the one who had injured her partner.

"Well, the Maker has a sense of humour. A templar. In Lothering…"

Feeling Bethany move into a defensive position Faelyn took up a stance standing between her and the man.

"Apostate" he muttered moving forward.

Faelyn's back straightened and her eyes steeled over. Remembering back to a time when someone important told her she could be terrifying when she wanted, from the terrified glint in the templar's eyes it caused her to falter slightly with the onslaught of memories.

The female warrior stood forward, introducing herself as Aveline and the man to be her husband Wesley. She noticed Faelyn's shocked expression but seemed to decide against making a comment on it.

Faelyn felt suddenly... wrong. Looking around she noticed nothing coming to them. But she couldn't shake the feeling she had. The hairs stood at the back of her neck and wouldn't go down. Bethany seemed to sense her distress because she moved forward and placed her hand on Faelyn's arm. She gave her a thankful smile before turning her attention back to the conversation.

"But the Wilds are to the south!" Carver gripped the hilt of his sword, his anger visible on this face.

"We don't have any other choice. We go south."

Carver looked at Faelyn as if she'd grown another head before he opened his mouth to object, the anger glinting in his eyes.

Raising her hand "I meant what I said during the battle. We will get through this together."

He nodded and then started walking on ahead. Sighing, she followed, "Maker... He's going to stay mad at me for a while now... Stubborn ass..."

From behind her, she could hear Bethany offer to heal Wesley's wound. His offensive rebuttal got Faelyn's back up and she turned her head.

"Just make sure you keep that Templar away from my sister".

Nothing further was said as darkspawn rounded the corner. Carver and Faelyn charged while Aveline stayed back to protect the others. Faelyn couldn't help but smile to herself, the female warrior seemed more like a shield than the sword she claimed she'd be for her husband.

As they climbed higher Faelyn's sense of dread increased. She kept looking around frantically, looking for the enemy which she knew was coming. Stepping over the bodies which she had caused with my crossbow, she wasn't left waiting for long. The ground trembled as the ogre charged for their group. Faelyn barely dived away in time. Her eyes widen in pure terror as she saw it head straight in the direction of Bethany and my mother.

Before she realised what, she was doing she was on my feet and chanting. The warm familiar glow enveloped her and she faintly heard Aveline gasp at what she saw. Faelyn plunged her hand into the air, half of it disappearing, while a flaming hand appeared by the ogre, grabbing it before it had the chance to retaliate against Bethany's attack. Plunging her other hand cause the ogre to be taken by both sides.

"Take cover!"

With all her strength she pulled while the onlookers watched as the ogre was pulled to pieces by the flaming hands which had entrapped it. Falling to the ground she panted, trying to get as much energy back into her body as quickly as possible. Looking up she shouted orders to her mix-matched group.

"Aveline get Wesley, Bethany and my mother to the far corner! Be their shield! Carver to me! Bethany! Use your magic! Form as shield around you and the other two, if something happens to Aveline you're their last defence! If we need it send healing magic to us, if not just keep that shield strong!"

Faelyn could see the panic in Bethany's eyes, glancing at mother and the templar and then back to her. She jumped back to her feet and drew her daggers as Bethany put up her barrier. Aveline standing protectively in front of them.

Stand with his back to her, Carver and Faelyn readied ourselves for the coming fight.

"Still tired from your little trick with the ogre" although he was taunting, Faelyn could feel the smile on his face.

"Loser buys ale for a month?" she countered, giving him a little nudge in the ribs.

"You're on!" he shouted as we darted out to destroy the first wave of darkspawn.

Keeping her face straight Faelyn looked around, trying not to betray her emotions. She didn't want the others to lose hope. She had seen all the frightened expressions that could last her a lifetime!

It was while Faelyn was trying to figure out an escape plan that she felt it, the immense surge of mana. The sudden gust of wind blew hair into her face covering the battlefield in red.

"There's no end to them!" Carver cried out in rage and despair.

"Andraste's flaming sword! A DRAGON?!"

With a burst of flames, the dragon coated the entire area in fire, destroying the darkspawn in their path. Transfixed everyone watched as the dragon then shapeshifted into a woman. She was pulling a dead genlock in her left hand before dropping it as she got closer.

"Well well, what have we here? It used to be we never got visitors to the Wilds but now they arrive in hoards"

The woman's hair was white, tied up into what almost resembled horns. She looked no older than mother.

"Impressive, where'd you learn how to turn into a dragon?"

"Perhaps I am a dragon. If so count yourself lucky. The smell of burning darkspawn does nothing for the appetite." Turning her back "If you wish to flee the darkspawn, you should know you're heading in the wrong direction."

Carver gaped "You're just going to leave us here?"

"And why not?" Turning back to us "I spotted a most curious sight: a mighty ogre, vanquished! Who could perform such a feat? But now my curiosity is sated, and you are safe... for the moment. Is that not enough?"

"We won't be able to get through the darkspawn on our own."

Looking up Faelyn flinched to see that the was watching her intently.

"They are everywhere or soon will be. Where is it you plan to run to, hmm?

Pumping up his chest Carver admitted "To Kirkwall, in the Free Marches."

"Kirkwall? My, but that is quite the voyage you plan. So far simply to flee the darkspawn."

Feeling her agitation getting the better of her, Faelyn's voice was dripping with sarcasm "Any better suggestions? I hear the Deep Roads are vacant now."

Giving a hearty laugh the dragon lady turns "Oh you I like! Hurtled into the chaos, you fight... and the world will shake before you. Is it fate or chance? I can never decide. It appears fortune smiles on us both today. I may be able to help you yet."

Raising an eyebrow "there must be a catch."

"There is always a catch. Life is a catch! I suggest you catch it while you can!"

"I know what she is." Turning to see Aveline crouching over Wesley as he lay on the ground "The Witch of the Wilds."

"What choice do we have? Can your strength stand to fight all the darkspawn?" Angrily Faelyn pointed to the number of dead corpses surrounding them.

"There is a clan of Dalish elves near the city of Kirkwall. Bring this amulet to their leader and do what she asks."

Folding her arms across her chest, Faelyn eyed this mysterious woman before her. She knew of the clan that she spoke of and did not remember this woman being among them during the time they had spent together. But what choice did they have?

Faelyn silently walked to the edge of the cliff overlooking the surrounding land. There were fires everywhere, she could make out the dead bodies littering the ground and from the disjointed movements, it was only darkspawn alive down below. If they didn't die fighting, they could catch the taint. Once again, she took out the chain from underneath her tunic and looked at the ring she held in her palm. Grasping it in her hand, she turned.

"We have a deal."

"Good, but first we have a matter with the templar..."

"No!" Aveline stood angrily in front of her mate.

"What is done to your man is beyond healing. It's already in his blood."

Bethany's hands flew to her mouth, her skin turning pale as she looked at the man. Her voice barely a whisper…

"The taint…"

"Aveline please..." Wesley was taking in quick shallow breathes. That was never a good sign. "I can already feel it in my blood. The taint is a slow death I can't..."

Eyes brimming with tears Aveline looked at Faelyn, almost as if she should come to the decision for her.

"He's your husband Aveline. I can't make this decision."

Looking down at her husband, she knelt and took the dagger he was offering.

"Be strong... my love..." with that she plunged the dagger into his chest.

Bethany gasped and turned into mother's protective arms. Carver looked up to his mother's face to see a tear fall. She gave him a tight smile before turning her head in Faelyn's direction. She nodded her head once and tightened her grip on Bethany, letting her know that had she not acted Bethany would not be alive either.

"It is done" and suddenly they were surrounded by a great light. They could feel the mana pulse, enveloping them.

When they awoke, they were on a quiet street by the docks they would need to find a ship to take them to Kirkwall. Groaning Faelyn sat up and rotated her head with the hope that it would help to alleviate the tension in her shoulders.