Fair warning this turned out to be an exposition chapter. Oh, and those not wanting Jaune to be a Grey Warden, don't worry, I've got something planned out.
"The king's forces ave clashed with the darkspawn several times, but here is where the bulk of the horde will show itself. There are only a few Grey Wardens within Ferelden at the moment, but all of us are here. This blight must be stopped here and now. If it's spread to the north, Ferelden will fall." Duncan explained on the way to Ostagar.
As they approach the ruins a figure call out to them, the figure is a tall man with long blonde hair, tied behind his head, and fair skin, he wears golden full plate armor, with a great sword across his back.
"Ho there, Duncan!" The figure called.
"King Cailan?" Duncan exclaimed in surprise. "I didn't expect-"
"A royal welcome? I was beginning to worry you'd miss all the fun!" Cailan cheered.
"Not if I could help it, your Majesty." Duncan replied.
"Then I'll have the mighty Duncan at my side in battle after all! Glorious! The other Wardens told me you've found not one, but two promising recruits, I take it these are them?" Cailan inquired.
"Allow me to introduce you, your Majesty." Duncan said.
King Cailan walks over to Jaune and Sienna. "No need to be so formal, Duncan. We'll be shedding blood together, after all. Ho there friends! Might I know your names?"
"I am Sienna, your Majesty."
"And I am Jaune… your Majesty."
"Pleased to meet both of you! The Grey Wardens are desperate to bolster their numbers, and I, for one, am glad to help them." Cailan cheered. "I see you're an elf, friend. From where do you hail?" He turns to Jaune. "And you as well, friend?"
"I…" Jaune thinks for a moment. "Come from a place that I can return too."
"Ah, sorry to hear, friend, but you have found a new home with the Wardens." Cailan replied.
"The city of Denerim." Sienna replied.
"As do I! Though I've not been in the palace for some time. Do you come from the Alienage?" Cailan inquired. "Tell me, how is it there? My guards all but forbid me going there."
"You have no idea how bad it is, do you?" Sienna asked.
"You think I care nothing about these things, but I do, I suppose trust will only come with proof." Cailan said. "Things will change once we defeat the darkspawn. In the alienages, and all through Ferelden. For now, we must attend to war. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to Ostagar. The Wardens will benefit greatly with you two in their ranks."
"You're too kind, your Majesty." Jaune said.
"We'll see about that." Sienna replied.
"I'm sorry to cut this short, but I should return to my tent." Cailan apologized. "Loghain waits eagerly to bore me with his strategies."
"Your uncle sends his greetings and reminds you that Redcliffe forces could be here in less than a week." Duncan advised.
"Ha! Eamon just wants in on the glory. We've won three battles against these monsters and tomorrow should be no different." Cailan dismissed.
"You sound very confident of that." Jaune said.
"Overconfident, some would say. Right, Duncan?" Cailan laughed.
"Your Majesty, I'm not certain the Blight can be ended quite as… quickly as you might wish." Duncan advised.
"I'm not even sure this is a true Blight. There are plenty of darkspawn on the field, but alas, we've seen no sign of an archdemon." Cailan sighed, turning and walking away.
"Disappointed, your Majesty?" Duncan inquired, stopping Cailan.
"I'd hoped for a war like in the tales! A king riding with the fabled Grey Wardens against a tainted god." Cailan sighed, turning around. "But I suppose this will have to do. I must go before Loghain sends out a search party. Farewell, Grey Wardens!"
The group bows to each other, then Cailan departs.
Duncan walks over to Jaune and Sienna after the king departs. "What the king said is true. They've won several battles against the darkspawn here.
"He didn't seem to take the darkspawn very seriously." Jaune said, remembering what the Grimm where capable of, and fearing these darkspawn were worse.
"True." Duncan agreed, then gestures them to walk. "Despite the victories so far, the darkspawn horde grows larger with each passing day. By now, they look to outnumber us. I know there is an archdemon behind this. But I cannot ask the king to act solely on my feeling."
"Why not? He seems to regard the Grey Wardens highly." Sienna inquired.
"Yet not enough to wait for reinforcements from the Grey Wardens of Orlais. He believes our legend alone makes him invulnerable. Our numbers in Ferelden are too few. We must do what we can and look to Teyrn Loghain to make up the difference. To that end, we should proceed with the joining ritual without delay." Duncan said.
"What do you mean? What ritual?" Jaune asked.
"Every recruit must go through a secret ritual we call the Joining in order to become a Grey Warden." Duncan answered. "The ritual is brief, but some preparation is required. We must begin soon."
"What do you need us to do?" Sienna asked.
"Feel free to explore the camp here as you two wish. All I ask is that you both do not leave it for the time being." Duncan implored. "There is another Grey Warden in the camp by the name of Alistair. When you are ready, seek him out and tell him it's time to summon the other recruits. Until then, I have business I must attend to." They stop beside a bridge. "You two may find me at the Grey Warden tent on the other side of this bridge, should you both need to."
Jaune walks to the bridge at sits on the edge, leaning against one of the bits that stick up, and enjoys the view before sighing.
"Is something wrong?" Sienna asked, sitting next to him.
"No." Jaune answered. "Just… taking it all in… I mean, it isn't everyday that you get killed and appear in another world, after all."
"What?!" Sienna cried, wide eyed.
"Yup." Jaune replied. "Different world, same problems."
"I… I mean the Fade exists, but other worlds? It can't be surely… can it?" Sienna asked.
Jaune chuckled. "Here, let me prove it to you." Jaune stands and removes his maille shirt. "Hit me."
"I'm sorry? I think I miss heard you? I could have sworn you said to hit you." Sienna asked.
"Yup. Go ahead hard as you can, don't worry I'll be fine." Jaune said.
Sienna, seeing her new companion wouldn't budge on this, hit him with the flat of her blade, hard enough to hurt but not damage him. You can imagine her shock when instead of a dull whack and cry of pain, she gets a flash of white light and vibrations down her sword, like she had hit a steel wall with all her might!
"How did you do that?!" Sienna exclaimed.
"Aura." Jaune answered. "Unfortunately, I'm not the person to ask about it, being I was the least knowledgeable about it, but the short of it is." Jaune thinks for a moment. "It's a shield that covers my whole body, it protects it from harm, and my friend Ren told me it can flow into thing to make them better." Jaune tilts his head. "I wonder if it can heal other people?"
"Other people?" Sienna asked.
"Oh? Yeah I've used it on myself a few times, but never on another person, I wonder what would happen?" Jaune asked himself.
"Did… did the Maker send help to fight off this Blight? And if so… why this one? Is it worse than the last ones?" Sienna thought.
Jaune oblivious to the thoughts of Sienna speaks up. "Well, we should probably explore the camp then talk to that Alistair guy."
"Huh? Oh… yes, yes we should." Sienna said, watching Jaune closely.
Jaune and Sienna walk along the bridge, as they near the other side, a guard calls to them.
"Hail! You must be the Grey Warden recruits that Duncan brought." The guard hailed. "This place hasn't seen such bustle in centuries, I'll wager. Need a hand getting anywhere?"
"We're looking for a Grey Warden named Alistair." Jaune inquired.
"Try heading north, I think he was sent with a message to the mages." The guard answered.
"Where's Duncan's tent?" Sienna asked.
"Not far. It's straight ahead, just past the royal encampment." The guard answered. "Most of your fellows are in the valley with the army, but the recruits seem to be staying up here for now."
"Tell me about Ostagar." Jaune inquired.
"Used to be a fortress, long time ago, so I understand. Back in the days when the Wilders used to invade the lowlands." The guard answered. "You two were just on the eastern side of the ruin. The Tower of Ishal is there, but Teyrn Loghain's closed it off until the battle. This side is the king's camp. We got the Grey Wardens here, the Circle of Magi, the Chantry… you can't swing a dead cat without hitting somebody important."
"Is there anywhere to get supplies?" Jaune asked.
"Quartermaster. He's just a bit to the northwest." The guard answered.
"Where is the king?" Sienna asked.
"Probably in his tent. He and Teyrn Loghain are on the southwest side of the camp." The guard answered. "The king likes to spend time with his soldiers, though, sometimes even without his bodyguards. Drives Teyrn Loghain wild, that does."
"The Circle of Magi is here?" Sienna asked.
"A few mages, yes. They even brought those creepy quit fellows, the Tranquil. Gives me the shivers when they talk, all cold and even." The guard replied. "They're to the north of here, bunched up with a herd of templars glaring at them. Can't miss it."
"Do I hear dog's barking?" Jaune asked.
"This is Ferelden, isn't it?" The guard snarked. "The king has his kennels on the west side of camp. Stinks from all the hounds. These aren't cute puppies, though – some of those dogs bite the darkspawn and get too much of that blood in them… It's like poison. Slow, painful death. Terrible."
"We'll be on our way." Jaune dismissed.
"Good luck to you, then." The guard replied.
Jaune and Sienna walk into camp, they turn left and head for King Cailan's tent.
"Greetings." Cailan's tent guard greeted. "King Cailan is not in his tent right now."
"Do you know where the king is?" Jaune asked.
"I believe he's with the Grey Wardens in camp, drinking. He holds them in high regard, you know, as his father did." The guard replied.
"Tell us about the king. You must see him a lot." Sienna persuaded.
"I suppose I o, though he's spending most of his time with the Grey Wardens. He rides with them wherever they go, in fact." The guard said. "Teyrn Loghain sees the king whenever he can and argues with him over coming battles, but the king just waves him off. The king wants to end the Blight with a single huge battle the bards will sing of for centuries. Do you think that's possible?"
Jaune imagines the same scenario with the Grimm, and if his time in Beacon and it's fall taught him anything, it's never underestimate a malicious force.
"I have my doubts." Jaune replied.
"That's how Teyrn feels. He'll do what the king wants in the end, though." The guard said. "The king thought it was funny the Teyrn called him reckless. And they fought about the queen."
"The queen?" Sienna asked.
"She's the Teyrn's daughter." The guard answered. "He wasn't happy about something she did or the king did… I'm not sure, I probably shouldn't discuss it."
"We should go." Jaune dismissed.
"As you wish." The guard replied.
Jaune and Sienna explore the camp, passing a Sergeant explaining something to his men.
"Look carefully, men. This wretched thing is a darkspawn." The Sergeant explained. "They're strong, and cunning smart. But don't listen to those old wives'tales… they can be killed. Stick them with sword enough, they go down."
They walk over to hear him better.
"Their blood is black as sin and poisonous." The Sergeant warned. "Don't even touch it. You get tainted with that blood and you may as well slit your throat. We've lost many dogs already. Had to muzzle them to keep them from biting. It's a long and painful way to die…"
As Jaune and Sienna get a little to close, the Sergeant calls out. "Whoa! Don't touch the carcass. We'll be burning it so it doesn't infect anything."
As they pass the other soldiers, they overhear,
"When do the reinforcements arrive? Are they really from Orlais?"
"Maker watch over you, my Lady, my Lord."
"This is supposed to be the battle that sends these darkspawn back underground. You believe that?"
"I don't know what to believe. We've won every battle, but there's more of them each time."
"Makes you wonder if them Grey Wardens are right."
"I don't want to think about that."
"sounds like the perfect time to get drunk, if you ask me."
"There are lots of darkspawn, different kinds. We're getting reports of things we've never even heard of." The Sergeant informed. "Our short friend here, for instance, is something called a 'genlock'. They're petty common in the horde, but we've seen others much larger. W don't know where these new darkspawn are coming from. Or what they can do. All I can say is to use caution. There aren't any we've seen that won't die once they bleed enough."
As they are about to leave, the Sergeant starts once more.
"I want this nonsense talk stopped immediately. What are you? A bunch of nattering fishwives, spreading gossip until you brown your smallclothes out of terror?" The Sergeant asked. "We've seen nothing to suggest that the darkspawn drag our people underground to eat them. And I want this talk about darkspawn enslaving survivors to stop immediately. Keep your minds focused on the battle. You fight for your king. Remember that."
They then find themselves at Loghain's tent, and talk to the guard.
"You approach the tent of Teyrn Loghain. State your business." The guard halts.
"Tell us about Teyrn Loghain." Jaune inquired.
"How can you not know of Loghain?" The guard asked. "He helped free Ferelden. He was the brains behind King Maric's armies and drove out those damned Orlesians. King Maric rewarded him by making him a Teyrn. Can you imagine? A commoner became a high nobleman just like that. Without Loghain, you can be the king wouldn't be winning against these darkspawn."
"Is the Teyrn inside? What is he doing?" Sienna asked.
"He's inside, but… I don't think it's my place to discuss his activities." The guard replied.
"Surely you can tell us a little about him." Jaune persuaded.
"I suppose… as long as we talk quietly." The guard answered, then started whispering. "He and the king have been arguing for days. The Teyrn's known the king since he was swaddled, so they don't stand on ceremony. The Teyrn speaks his mind, and the king yells right back. Personally, I think the king should do what Teyrn Loghain tells him. Without the Teyrn, we wouldn't be doing as well here as we are."
"We would like an audience with the Teyrn, please." Sienna persuaded.
"Hmmm, I suppose you have a message for him. Hold on, then…" The guard replied.
Teyrn Loghain exits his tent, with the guard behind him, and speaks.
"Yes, what is it?" Loghain sees who he is speaking to. "Ah, you two are Duncan's new Grey Warden's, I assume."
"Yes we are." Sienna replied.
"Cailan's fascination with the Grey Wardens goes beyond the ordinary. Are you two aware his father brought your order back to Ferelden?" Loghain inquired.
"Yes, we've heard that." Jaune replied.
"Maric respected the Grey Wardens. They have an honored place in the hearts of our people." Loghain explained. "But Maric would have understood it takes more than legends to win a battle. That's not an argument I'll repeat here." Loghain looks to Sienna. "You're pretty for a Grey Warden. Don't let anyone tell you that you don't belong. The first warden Maric brought to Ferelden was a woman. Best warrior I've ever seen. I don't suppose you'll be riding into the thick of battle with the rest of your fellows, will you?"
"I certainly hope so." Sienna exclaimed.
"Here for the glory, hmm? Fair enough." Loghain said. "Now I must return to my task. Pray that our king proves amenable to wisdom, if you're the praying sort."
"And if he doesn't?" Jaune asked.
"Then simply pray." Loghain said, then turned and entered his tent.
Jaune and Sienna explore the camp, until they come across a gate, and get hailed by the gate guard.
"Hail!" The guard called. "You're Duncan's new recruits, correct? I can't let you through to the Korcari Wilds until he gives the word."
"Why not?" Sienna asked.
"The Korcari Wilds is a dangerous place, more so now that it crawls with darkspawn. They say the Great Blight began deep within its forests." The guard informed. "One of our scouting patrols has been gone for three days. We're taking bets on who got them first: the darkspawn, or the Witches of the Wild."
"The Witches of the Wilds?" Jaune asked.
"Oh, sure. There's an old legend in these parts about Flemeth, the apostate sorceress who conquered this area centuries ago. She united the Chasind barbarians and invaded the farmlands." The guard told. "That's when the great hero, Cormac, destroyed her army with his. Took her head right off, so they say. Her daughters survived and became the Witches of the Wild. Tales tell of them plaguing this area since. Mostly superstitions – stealing babies and spoiling milk."
"And you think these witches exist?" Jaune asked.
"Only when it's dark and the wind is bad. No doubt those patrols met some darkspawn… That's enough for anyone to worry about." The guard replied. "At any rate, that's why Duncan doesn't want you two wandering out without his say-so."
"I'm sure it'll be fine." Sienna said.
"Sorry. I have my orders." The guard dismissed.
Jaune and Sienna walked away, passing by an area for wounded soldiers. One of the wounded soldiers sees them and calls out.
"You… you need to convince them! We've got to run! The darkspawn are coming!" The soldier yelled.
"Why do you say that?" Jaune asked.
"I saw them! We're gonna die!" The soldier exclaimed.
"I apologize, Wardens. He's been like this ever since they found him in the Wilds." A nearby nurse said.
"Is it possible he has important information?" Sienna asked.
"The commander who brought him here didn't seem to think so." The nurse replied.
"You… you can feel it, can't you? They taint the land, turn it black and sick. You can feel it inside!" The soldier yelled. "They'll come out of that forest and spread! Like caterpillars covering a tree, they'll swallow us whole!"
"That's quite enough out of you. You need to calm yourself, my good man." The nurse chastised.
"They were everywhere! I saw them!" The soldier yelled.
Jaune, Sienna, and the nurse exchange pitying looks, before Jaune and Sienna set off once more. They find themselves in front of a naked man in a hanging cage, the man noticing them, stands up.
"Heh… someone finally comes and talks to the lone prisoner? I don't suppose you've come to sentence me." The prisoner asked.
"You haven't been sentenced?" Jaune asked.
"No, they put someone like me in a cage until someone important has time to decide what to do with me." The prisoner replied. "I don't suppose you have a bit of kindness in you? All I want is food and water. They haven't fed me since I was locked up, and I'm starving."
"That's horrible! Why haven't they fed you?" Jaune exclaimed in disgust.
"I expect nobody thought of it with all the battles and such." The prisoner replied.
"I'll… we'll see what we can do." Jaune said.
"Just ask my guard for his. He still got some dinner; I saw him put it in his coat." The prisoner explained.
Jaune and Sienna then walk over to the guard.
"Lucky dogs. You Grey Wardens get to ride with the king while I'm left with the drudgery of guarding this deserter." The guard grumbled. "They should have just hanged him. Put his head on a pike as an example."
"Who is this prisoner exactly?" Sienna asked
"They say he was recruited before the war, up in Denerim. Probably figured he'd never have to fight if he served the king, right?"
"Why did he want to desert?" Jaune asked.
"Why does anyone want to desert? 'Cause he thinks he's going to die and he's a bloody coward, that's why." The guard replied. "Either that or he's been listening to a bunch of hogwash about how the darkspawn'll drag you off and eat you."
"It seems a waste for you to guard him all day." Sienna said.
"I can't just let him go, can I? The army will figure out what to do with him." The guard replied. "Probably just waiting for someone important to make a decision. Then they'll hang him, I expect, and I can do something else."
"We had a chat with him, actually." Jaune said.
"Don't expect it was an enlightening conversation." The guard replied.
"He asked for some food and water." Jaune said.
"Did he, now? Since nobody sends me nothing to feed him with, the only way he'll get that is if I give him mine." The guard retorted.
"What if we buy it? How's ten silver sound?" Sienna asked.
"Mmm… 10 silver? Well… feed him if you want to." The guard responded. "I had nothin' to do with it, though. If anyone asks why he's burpin', I'm gonna say it was you, just so you know."
They walk back to the prisoner, food in hand.
"So…? Brought me some food, have you? I'm so hungry I could faint dead away." The prisoner begged.
"Here's some food." Jaune said, handing him the food.
"Much obliged. You're kind souls, you are! May Andraste herself rain blessings upon you both!" The prisoner exclaimed. "My belly thanks you. At least if I'm hanged, I'll have a little weight on me."
As Jaune and Sienna venture to Alistair, they spot a man… talking "with" a woman.
"So… any last wishes I can help fulfill before you head into battle?" The man asked. "Life is fleeting, you know. That pretty face could be decorating some darkspawn spear this time tomorrow… Shall I take that quiet glare as a no? Ahhh, well. Too bad."
As the woman walks off, they approach.
"Well, you're not what I thought you'd be." The man said, looking at Sienna.
"What did you think I'd be?" Sienna asked in a tone many men learn to fear.
"Not an elf." The man said, having obviously not learned to fear the tone. "Yet here you are. The name's Daveth. It's about bloody time you two came along, I was beginning to think they cooked this ritual up just for our benefit."
"What do you know about this ritual?" Jaune asked.
"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." Daveth explained. "I'm thinking they plan to send us into the Wilds."
"Maybe they will. We'll see." Sienna said.
"It's all too secretive for me. Makes my nose twitch." Daveth replied. "I guess we'll have to wait and see. Like we have a choice."
"They're forcing you to be here?" Jaune asked.
"I got nowhere else to go after what Duncan saved me from." Daveth answered. "Anyway, I expect it's time to get back to Duncan. That's where I'll be, if you need me for anything."
As Daveth walks away, Jaune and Sienna wonder around camp once more, this time discovering two Templars, denoted by their bright white armor with an upward facing sword on their chest, and red sash, guarding some glowing mages.
"The mages must not be interrupted. Their spirits are in the Fade." The left Templar ordered.
"The Fade?" Jaune asked.
"The Fade is the realm of dreams and the land of the dead. Or so the mages tell us." The Templar informed. "Regardless, they are not to be disturbed. Not even by Grey Wardens."
"We apologize, we'll go elsewhere." Sienna replies.
As they leave they see a woman in Chantry robes with pale skin and hair.
"Greetings, young ones. You two are Duncan's newest recruits, are you not? He's not a man easily impressed. You two should be proud, allow me to introduce myself, I am Wynne, one of the mages summoned by the king." Wynne introduced herself.
"Pleased to meet you." Jaune and Sienna greeted.
"Well met, and good luck to you on the battlefield. To us all, in fact." Wynne said.
"Will you be fighting beside the king?" Jaune asked.
"Not precisely. The Grey Wardens will be on the front lines, not the mages. Still, we have our parts to play." Wynne explained. "To defeat the darkspawn, we have to work together. It's not an idea everyone seems able to grasp."
"You've faced darkspawn before?" Sienna asked.
"Stragglers, yes – not the vast horde the scouts speak of." Wynne explained. "I wonder… how much do you know of the connection between darkspawn and the Fade?"
"Isn't the Fade the land of the dead?" Jaune asked
"Anytime your spirit leaves your earthly body, whether it's to dream or to die, it passes into the realm we call the Fade." Wynne explained. "It's home to many spirits, some benevolent, others far less so. At the heart of the Fade lies the Black City."
"What's the Black City?" Jaune asked.
"Some say the Black City was once the seat of the Maker. But when mages from the Tevinter Imperium found a way into the City, it was tainted with their sin. That taint transformed those men, turning them into twisted reflections of their own hearts. And the Maker cast them back to the earth, where they became the first darkspawn." Wynne explained. "At least, that's what the Chant of Light says."
"And is that true?" Sienna asked.
"It may be allegory, meant to teach us that our own evil causes human suffering. Or it may be true." Wynne said. "It is as good an explanation as any, for now."
"At least it's something to ponder." Jaune said.
"Yes, occasionally it's wise to contemplate one's actions." Wynne agreed. "But I'm certain Duncan has more for you to do than talk to me."
As they pass the center of the camp, Jaune and Sienna pass the Kennel Master.
"Hmmm. This isn't good, I'd hate to waste such a promising member of the breed." The Kennel Master said to himself, he notices Jaune and Sienna approach, and turns to face them. "Are you the new Wardens? I could use some help."
"What's the problem?" Jaune asked.
"This is a mabari. Smart breed, and strong. His owner died in the last battle, and the poor hound swallowed darkspawn blood." The Kennel Master explained. "I have medicine that might help, but I need him muzzled first."
"I'll give it a shot." Jaune volunteered
"Go in the pen and let him smell you. We'll know right away if he'll respond. Let's hope this works. I would really hate to have to put him down." The Kennel Master explained.
Jaune enters the pen, unconsciously pulsing his Aura at the mabari, slowly erasing the darkspawn taint from the hound. In response to this the dog looks up to Jaune respectfully, backing down from his aggressive stance. Jaune can see the intelligence in his eyes, as well as a great deal of pain. He is very ill.
"Shh, shh, its okay." Jaune said getting closer to pet the hound, as he pets him he unconsciously pulses his Aura once more, soothing the hounds pain.
Jaune pulls out the muzzle, causing the mabari to growl weakly. He does not challenge Jaune as he attaches the muzzle. After Jaune is done, the mabari whimpers plaintively. With his task done, Jaune exits the pen, and returns to the Kennel Master and Sienna.
"Well done! Now I can treat the dog properly – poor fellow." The Kennel Master sighed. "Come to think of it, are you two heading into the wilds anytime soon?"
"We might be, why?" Sienna asked.
"There's a particular herb I could use to improve the dog's chances. It's a flower that grows in the swamp here, if I remember." The Kennel Master explained. "If you happen across it, I could use it. It's very distinctive: all white with a blood-red center."
"Will the dog be all right without it?" Sienna asked.
"If he doesn't get it, chances are he'll need to be put down." The Kennel Master explained.
"Where in the Wilds would we find this flower?" Jaune asked.
"It usually grows in dead wood that collects at the edge of ground pools. There should be plenty this time of year." The Kennel Master explained.
"Why don't you get it yourself?" Sienna asked.
"The Wilds are off-limits to non-soldiers. And I have many other hounds under my care." Kennel Master said.
"We'll see if we can find one." Jaune promised.
"Good. In the meantime, I'll begin treating our poor friend." Kennel Master replied.
With promises made, the pair walk off, and finally find Alistair. When they find him, he is arguing with a mage.
"What is it now? Haven't Grey Wardens asked more than enough of the Circle?" The mage groaned.
"I simply came to deliver a message from the revered mother, ser mage. She desires your presence." Alistair explained.
"What her Reverence 'desires' is of no concern to me! I am busy helping the Grey Wardens – by the kings orders, I might add!" The mage yelled.
"Should I have asked her to write a note?" Alistair asked sarcastically.
"Tell her I will not be harassed in this manner!" The mage demanded.
"Yes, I was harassing you by delivering a message." Alistair snarked.
"Your glibness does you no credit." The mage fumed.
"Here I thought we were getting along so well. I was even going to name one of my children after you… the grumpy one." Alistair retorted.
"Enough!" The mage yelled. "I will speak to the woman if I must!" He looks to Jaune and Sienna. "Get out of my way, fools!"
Alistair walks up to them.
"You know, one good thing about the Blight is how it brings people together." Alistair quips.
"Sorry, what?" Sienna asked.
"Oh, nothing. Just trying to find a bright side to all this." Alistair replied. "Wait, we haven't met, have we? I don't suppose one of you happen to be another mage?"
"We haven't met. You must be Alistair." Jaune greeted.
"And that makes you two Duncan's new recruits, I suppose? Glad to meet both of you." Alistair replied. "As the junior member of the order. I'll be accompanying you when you prepare for the Joining."
"What can you tell us about the Joining?" Sienna asked.
"Honestly, nothing. Try not to worry about it. It will… just distract you." Alistair replied. "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 Wardens, do you?" Sienna asked, knowing look on her face.
"Would that be so terrible? Not that I'm some drooling lecher or anything. Please stop looking at me like that." Alistair asked. "So, I'm curious: Have you two ever actually encountered a darkspawn before?"
"No, we haven't." Jaune answered.
"When I fought my first one, I wasn't prepared for how monstrous it was, I can't say I'm looking forward to encountering another." Alistair told. "Anyhow, whenever you two are ready let's head back to Duncan, I imagine he's eager to get things started."
"That argument we saw… what was it about?" Sienna asked.
"With the mage? The Circle is here at the king's request and the Chantry doesn't like that one bit. They just love letting mages know how unwelcome they are." Alistair explained "Which puts me in a bit of an awkward position. I was once a Templar."
"What's a Templar?" Jaune asked.
"You don't know? Quick version then. The Chantry tries to control mages because they're dangerous, so they keep templars that train to hunt down and kill apostates. That's what I was being trained as when Duncan recruited me six months ago." Alistair explained. "I'm sure th revered mother meant it as an insult – sending me as her messenger – and the mage picked right up on it. I never would have agreed to deliver it, but Duncan says we're all to cooperate and get along. Apparently, they didn't get the same speech."
"What about the other recruits?" Sienna asked.
"Daveth and Ser Jory are here in the camp. Have you met them?" Alistair asked.
"We've met Daveth." Sienna answered.
"Right, that cutpurse Duncan conscripted. Not sure what Duncan sees in him, to be honest." Alistair said. "Keep an eye out, maybe we'll see the other one. Or I can track him down later."
"I look forward to traveling with you." Jaune said.
"You do? Huh. That's a switch." Alistair commented. "If you have any questions, let me know. Otherwise, lead on!"
Sienna, Jaune, and Alistair head back to Duncan.
"You found Alistair, did you? Good, I'll assume you are ready to begin preparations." Duncan said, before turning to Alistair. "Assuming, of course, that you're quite finished riling up mages, Alistair."
"what can I say? The revered mother ambushed me. The way she wields guilt they should stick her in the army." Alistair defended.
"She forced you to sass the mage, did she?" Duncan pointed out. "We cannot afford to antagonize anyone, Alistair. We don't need to give anyone more ammunition against us."
"I apologize, Duncan, I'll go collect who we're missing." Alistair responded before walking away.
"This is Ser Jory, a knight from Redcliffe." Alistair introduced.
"How do you do?" Jory asked.
"And these are the recruits that Duncan said he was bringing." Alistair introduced.
"That's us. The new ones." Sienna said.
"Now then, since you are all here, we can begin." Duncan said. "You five will be heading into the Korcari Wilds to preform two tasks. The first is to obtain four vials of darkspawn blood, one for each recruit."
"What do we need darkspawn blood for?" Jaune asked.
"For the Joining itself, I'll explain more once you've returned." Duncan answered.
"Go into the Wilds? Isn't that dangerous?" Sienna asked.
"You weren't recruited out of charity. All three of you are skilled and resourceful." Duncan replied. "Alistair is the most junior member of our order and will accompany you as is tradition. Do not worry, I doubt you will need to go far into the Wilds to find what you seek."
"And what's the second task?" Jaune asked.
"There was once a Grey Warden archive in the Wilds, abandoned long ago when we could no longer afford to maintain such remote outposts." Duncan explained. "It has recently come to our attention that some scrolls have been left behind, magically sealed to protect them." Duncan turns to Alistair. "Alistair, I want you to retrieve these scrolls if you can."
"What kind of scrolls are these?" Sienna asked.
"Old treaties, if you're curious. Promises of support made to the Grey Wardens long ago." Duncan answered. "They were once considered only formalities. With so many having forgotten their commitments to us, I suspect it may be a good idea to have something to remind them with."
"Is this part of our Joining, too?" Jaune asked.
"No, but the effort must be made, I have every confidence you all are up to the task." Duncan replied.
"And what if they're no longer there?" Sienna added.
"It's possible the scrolls may have been destroyed or even stolen, though the seal's magic should have protected them. Only a Grey Warden can break such a seal." Duncan answered.
"I don't understand… why leave such things in a ruin if they're so valuable?" Alistair asked.
"It was assumed we would someday return. A great many things were assumed that have not held true." Duncan replied.
"How will we find this archive?" Jaune asked.
"It will be an overgrown ruin by now, but the sealed chest should remain intact. Alistair will guide you to the area you need to search." Duncan answered.
"Find the archive and three vials of blood. Sounds easy enough." Sienna said.
Duncan turn to Alistair. "Watch over you charges, Alistair. Return quickly, and safely."
"We will." Alistair replied.
"Then may the Maker watch over your path. I will see you when you return." Duncan said.
Jaune and Sienna turn to Jory and Daveth, to get to know them, they started with Jory.
"Greetings. It is good to finally have a moment to speak with the both of you." Jory greeted.
"Where are you from, Jory?" Jaune asked.
"I hail from Redcliffe, but Duncan recruited me in Highever, a city off the northern coast. Ave you traveled there?" Jory asked.
"No, never." They both answered.
"I was in Arl Eamon's retinue when he attended King Maric's funeral. It was in Highever that I met my Helena." Jory explained. "I was smitten. She has the most beautiful eyes, my Helena. For years, I found any excuse to return there. We married a year ago. Arl Eamon gave me leave to serve in Highever, but I was attempting to persuade Helena to come to Redcliffe with me. At least, until I was recruited."
"How did the Grey Wardens find you?" Sienna asked.
"Last month, Duncan visited Highever, and the bann held a tournament in his honor, I won the grand melee." Jory explained. "It was hard to leave my wife. We married only a year ago, and she is heavy with child now. But… Ferelden needs my blade, and I shall not falter."
"What do you think of Duncan?" Jaune asked.
"He has a seemingly impossible task, with a scarce handful of Grey Wardens, yet he does not complain or flinch from his duty." Jory admired.
"Let's go." Sienna dismissed
"Indeed." Jory replied.
Jaune and Sienna then turn to Daveth.
"Yes?" Daveth asked.
"Where are you from, Daveth?" Jaune asked.
"I grew up in a village 'bout a day's trip to the east. Little blot you wouldn't even find on a map." Daveth answered. "Haven't been back in years, I struck out for the city as soon as I could outrun my pa. I've been in Denerim for, what… six years now? Never liked it much, but there's more purses there than anywhere else."
"So… you're a cutpurse?" Sienna asked.
"… and a pickpocket, thank you very much. Or was, anyhow. Who'd ever guess I'd end up a Grey Warden?" Daveth replied.
"So how did the Grey Wardens find you?" Jaune asked.
"I found them, I cut Duncan's purse while he was standing in a crowd." Daveth answered. "He grabs my wrist, but I squirm out and bolt. The old bugger can run, but the garrison caught me first. I'm a wanted man in Denerim, you see, so they were going to string me up right there."
"What happened then?" Jaune asked.
"Duncan stopped them. Invoked the Right of Conscription, I gave the garrison the finger while I was walking away, don't know why Duncan wants someone like me. But he says finesse is important, and that I'm fast with a blade. You bet your boots I am. Besides, it beats getting strung up."
"So what do you think of Duncan?" Sienna asked.
"All right, for an old bugger. He's faster than he looks, too." Daveth answered.
"Let's go." Sienna dismissed.
"Hey, I'm following you, aren't I?" Daveth replied.
And so, with introductions out of the way, the party leave for the gate leading to the Korcari Wilds.
So, not knowing I only had three more conversations to go after finding Alistair, I deleted some of the dialog, the only one of any real importance was the Tranquil one anyway, man I wish there were complete and reliable transcripts as it make my job easier, faster too, anyway thank you all for reading, I hoped you enjoyed, and feel free to review.
This is Bmwoodstock signing off.