When the party arrive at the gate, they are hailed by the gate guard.
"Hail! I'm told you all have business in the Wilds. The gate's open for you… just be careful out there. Even a Grey Warden won't be safe in the forest tonight." The guard warned.
With his parting words heeded, the guard opens the gate. A few yards into the forest, they are attacked by a pack of wolves, it is not a very hard or long fight. Further along the trail, they pass the scattered corpses of soldiers and destroyed wreckage of carts, until they find a dying soldier.
The soldier crawls toward them, on the verge of death. "Who… is that?" The soldier looks up. "Grey… Wardens…?"
"well, he's not half as dead as he looks, is he?" Alistair snarked.
"My scouting band was attacked by darkspawn!" The soldier exclaimed. "They came out of the ground… Please, help me! I've got to… return to camp…"
"We can take you back." Sienna offered.
"If you just… bandage me up, I… can get back myself." The soldier wheezed.
"I have bandages in my pack." Alistair said kneeling down, only to be stopped by Jaune.
"Wait! I want to try something." Jaune asked. "If it doesn't work you can bandage him up."
Alistair shrugs and lets Jaune try his thing. Jaune kneels down and touches the soldier's shoulders, confused the soldier is about to speak, before a soft white light emits from Jaune into him, and he feels a sensation of warmth and safety radiate through him, as he stands, the soldier discovers his inquires have all been healed.
"Thank you! I… I've got to get out of here!" The soldier yelled sprinting to camp.
"I didn't know we were traveling with a healer." Alistair said. "That'll make things easier."
"A wha-" Jaune started.
"Yes! A healer." Sienna said, giving Jaune a look. "A very capable healer."
"I think your underestimating your companion there, even experienced Spirit Healers are exhausted healing lesser wounds." Alistair cheered.
"Did you hear? An entire patrol of seasoned men killed by darkspawn!" Jory exclaimed.
"Calm down, Ser Jory. We'll be fine if we're careful, and we even have a healer with us." Alistair pointed out.
"Those soldiers were careful, and they were still overwhelmed. How many darkspawn can the five of us slay? A dozen? A hundred? There's an entire army in these forests!" Jory exclaimed once more.
"There are darkspawn about, but we're in no danger of walking into the bulk of the horde." Alistair said.
"how do you know? I'm not a coward, but this is foolish and reckless. We should go back." Jory advised.
"I agree. This is too dangerous." Sienna said.
"See? What did I tell you?" Jory said.
"A bit of fear isn't unnatural, you know. Few relish meeting darkspawn up close. I know I don't." Alistair said.
"I didn't say that I did." Sienna replied.
"Know this: All Grey Wardens can sense darkspawn. Whatever their cunning, I guarantee they won't take us by surprise. That's why I'm here." Alistair declared.
"You see, ser knight? We might die, but we'll be warned about it first." Daveth snarked.
"That is… reassuring?" Jory said.
"That doesn't mean I'm here to make this easy, however. So let's get a move on." Alistair commanded.
As the party wonders the Wilds searching for tainted blood and ancient caches, they run a foul of darkspawn. In many ways they were similar to the Grimm of Remnant, just replace ebon skin for ivory and metal armor instead of bone, but in one aspect they were much worse, instead of horrid monsters of malicious intent and darkness they were humanoid. Wicked and perverse version of the races of Thedas, Jaune took solace in the fact that this "things" were no more human than the Grimm. After the skirmishes with the darkspawn, the party found the flower needed for the Kennel Master, stone trail signs leading to an ambushed treasure, and letters telling the dour fate of a father and son, Jaune stashed the letters and vowed to return the to the mother, as well as defeat the spirit of a betrayed lover. Eventually the party finds the Grey Warden's cache, only to discover it destroyed.
A voice suddenly calls from a distance. "Well, well, what have we here?"
The party turns to see a woman with pale skin and dark hair dressed in a purplish maroon thing, that cover her breasts and abdomen and looped around her neck, with black pants with straps hanging from it giving the appearance of a tattered skirt, on her right hand was a fingerless glove and bracelet and on her right bicep was a leather cuff, her left arm had a dark unattached sleeve, connected with a pauldron as well as a bracelet, along her back laid a staff, finishing her outfit was a strange necklace.
"Are you vultures, I wonder? Scavengers poking amidst a corpse whose bones were long since cleaned?" She asked as she descends the stairs. "Or merely intruders, come into these darkspawn-filled wilds of mine in search of easy prey?" As she stopped in front f the party her pale yellow eyes where now visible. "What say you, hmm? Scavengers or intruders?"
Jaune and Sienna walk to the front of the group.
"We are neither. The Grey Wardens once owned this tower." Sienna declared, head held high.
"'Tis a tower no longer. The wilds have obviously claimed this desiccated corpse." The Witch retorted. "I have watched your progress for some time. 'Where do they go,' I wondered, 'why are they here?'" The Witch walks to an overlook. "And now you disturb ashes none have touched for so long." She turns to face them once more. "Why is that?"
"Don't answer her. She looks Chasind, and that means others may be nearby." Alistair warned.
"You fear barbarians will swoop down upon you?" The Witch snarked.
"Yes, swooping is bad." Alistair snarked back.
"She's a Witch of the Wilds, she is! She'll turn us into toads!" Daveth exclaimed.
"Witch of the Wilds? Such idle fancies, those legends. Have you no minds of your own?" The Witch asked, before turning to Sienna and Jaune. "You two. You do not seem to be frightened like little children. Tell me your names and I shall tell you mine."
"You can call me Sienna."
"And I'm Jaune."
"And you may call me Morrigan, if you wish." Morrigan replied. "Shall I guess your purpose? You sought something in that chest, something that is here no longer?"
"'Here no longer?' You stole them, didn't you? You're… some kind of… sneaky… witch… thief!" Alistair accused.
"How very eloquent. How does one steal from dead men?" Morrigan asked.
"Quite easily, it seems. Those documents are Grey Warden property, and I suggest you return them." Alistair threatened.
"I will not, for 'twas not I who removed them. Invoke a name that means nothing here any longer if you wish; I am not threatened." Morrigan scoffed.
"Then who "did" remove them?" Jaune asked.
"'Twas my mother, in fact." Morrigan answered.
"Can you take us to her?" Jaune asked.
"There is a sensible request, I like you." Morrigan replied.
"I'd be careful. First it's, 'I like you…' but then 'Zap!' Frog time." Alistair warned.
"She'll put us all in the pot, she will. Just you watch." Daveth trembled.
"If the pot's warmer than this forest, it'd be a nice change." Jory replied.
"Follow me, then, if it pleases you." Morrigan said, walking away.
The party follows Morrigan to a cabin in the ruins, where an old woman is waiting.
"Greetings, Mother, I bring before you five Grey Wardens who-" Morrigan started.
"I see them, girl." Her mother interrupted as Morrigan went to her side. "Mmm. Much as I expected."
"Are we supposed to believe you were expecting us?" Alistair asked incredulous.
"You are required to do nothing, least of all believe. Shut ones eyes tight or open one's arms wide… either way, one's a fool!" The mother exclaimed.
"She's a witch, I tell you! We shouldn't be talking to her!" Daveth exclaimed.
"Quiet, Daveth! If she's really a witch, do you want to make her mad?" Jory asked.
"There is a smart lad. Sadly irrelevant to the large scheme of things, but it is not I who decides. Believe what you will." The mother said, before turning to Sienna. "And what of you? Does your elven mind give you a different viewpoint?" She turns to Jaune. "Or you outsider? What do you two believe?"
Sienna and Jaune share a look before answering at the same time. "I'm not sure what to believe."
"A statement that possess more wisdom than it implies. Be always aware… or is it oblivious? I can never remember." The mother said. "So much about you two is uncertain… and yet I believe. Do I? Why, it seems I do!"
"So this is a dreaded Witch of the Wilds?" Alistair asked.
"Witch of the Wilds, eh? Morrigan must have told you that. She fancies such tales, though she would never admit it! Oh, how she dances under the moon!" The mother laughed.
"They did not come to listen to your wild tales, Mother." Morrigan fumed.
"True, they came for their treaties, yes? And before you begin barking, your precious seal wore off long ago, I have protected these." The mother said as only a mother could.
"You… oh." Alistair started. "You protected them?"
"And why not?" The mother asked. "Take them to your Grey Wardens and tell them this Blight's threat is greater than they realize!"
"What do you mean the threat is greater than they realize?" Jaune asked cautiously
"Either the threat is more or they realize less. Or perhaps the threat is nothing! Or perhaps they realize nothing!" The mother laughed a moment, then turned lucid. "Oh, do not mind me. You have what you came for?"
"Time for you to go, then." Morrigan dismissed.
"Do not be ridiculous, girl! These are your guests." Her mother chided.
"Oh, very well, I will show you out of the woods. Follow me." Morrigan drolled.
Morrigan lead the party out of the woods and back into camp. Before completing the "Joining" Sienna and Jaune stop by the Kennel Master.
"The mabari is stable for now, but not improving." Kennel Master told. "Unless I get that herb I told you two about, there's not much hope."
"Is this the flower you asked us for?" Jaune asked.
"Let me see… yes, that's exactly it, wonderful!" Kennel Master exclaimed. "Give me a moment and I'll make this into an ointment."
After mixing the ointment, the Kennel Master enters the kennel, then exits a moment later. "He looks better already, I'm sure he'd thank you himself, if he could."
"How long before there's an improvement?" Sienna asked.
"A day, maybe two. There's enough ointment for him o make a full recovery." Kennel Master replied before turning to Jaune. "Why not come back after the battle? Perhaps we can see about imprinting him on you."
"You think that's possible?" Jaune asked.
"Maybe. It's likely he understands you're responsible for curing him. Mabari are at least as smart as your average tax collector." Kennel Master replied. "Come back after the battle and just… take another look."
With their business with the Kennel Master completed, the party returns to Duncan.
"So you return from the Wilds." Duncan said. "Have you been successful?"
"We have." Sienna replied confidently.
"Good. I've had the Circle mages preparing. With the blood you've retrieved, we can begin the Joining immediately." Duncan replied.
"Will you tell us what this ritual is about?" Jaune asked.
"I will not lie; we Grey Wardens pay a heavy price to become what we are. Fate may decree that you pay your price now rather than later."
"You're saying this ritual can kill us?" Jaune gasped.
"As could any darkspawn you might face in battle. You all would not have been chosen, however, if I did not think you had a chance to survive." Duncan explained.
"Let's go, then." Daveth said. "I'm anxious to see this Joining now."
"I agree. Let's have it done." Jory agreed.
"Then let us begin. Alistair, take them to the old temple." Duncan ordered.
They party moves to the temple, Jaune and Sienna are the last ones to get their, as they do they see Ser Jory pacing.
"The more I hear about this Joining, the less I like it."
"Are you blubbering again?" Daveth complained.
"Why all these damned tests? Have I not earned my place?" Jory asked.
"Maybe it's tradition. Maybe they're just trying to annoy you." Daveth pointed out.
"Calm down. There's nothing we can do about it now." Sienna groaned.
"I only know that my wife is in Highever with a child on the way. If they had warned me… it just doesn't seem fair." Jory complained.
"Would you have come if they'd warned you? Maybe that's why they don't. The Wardens do what must, right?" Daveth pointed out.
"Including sacrificing us?" Jory exclaimed.
"I'd sacrifice a lot more if I knew it would end the Blight." Daveth said earnestly.
"He makes a good point." Sienna spoke up.
"You saw those darkspawn, Ser Knight. Wouldn't you die to protect your pretty wife from them?" Daveth asked.
"I…"
"Maybe you'll die. Maybe we'll all die. If nobody stops the darkspawn, we'll die for sure." Daveth said.
"I've just never faced a foe I could not engage with my blade." Jory said, voice trembling.
As Jory says this, Duncan enters the temple.
"At last we come to the Joining." Duncan said walking past them. "The Grey Wardens were founded during the first Blight, when humanity stood on the verge of annihilation." Duncan reaches a stone table, then turns around. "So it was the first Grey Wardens drank of darkspawn blood and mastered their taint."
"We're… going to drink the blood of those… those creatures?" Jory trembled.
"As the first Grey Wardens did before us, as we did before you. This is the source of our power and our victory." Duncan told Jory.
"Those who survive the Joining become immune to the taint. We can sense it in the darkspawn and use it to slay the archdemon." Alistair explained.
"Those who survive?" Sienna asked.
"Not all who drink the blood will survive and those who do are forever changed. This is why the Joining is a secret. It is the price we pay." Explained Duncan. "We speak only a few words prior to the Joining, but these words have been said since the first. Alistair, if you would?"
"Join us, brothers and sisters. Join us in the shadows where we stand, vigilant. Join us as we carry the duty that cannot be forsworn." As Alistair chanted morosely, Jory looked worriedly to the goblet set upon the stone table. "And should you perish, know that your sacrifice will not be forgotten and that one day we shall join you."
"Daveth, step forward." Duncan called.
Duncan hand the goblet to Daveth, who drinks from the cup with no hesitation. As he does, he becomes disoriented, doubling over in pain, clutching his head, whilst screaming. Suddenly he looks up, eyes blank and white, like a wicked and horrid snow storm. Daveth clutches his throat, before falling forward, dead.
"Maker's breath!" Jory exclaimed, stumbling back.
"I am sorry, Daveth." Duncan bowed his head. "Step forward, Jory."
Jory stumbles back, drawing his blade. "But… I have a wife. A child! Had I known…"
"There is no turning back." Duncan told, morosely.
Jory continued to stumble back, bumping into a pillar. "No! You ask too much! There is no glory in this!"
Duncan draws his own blade, slowly advancing towards Jory. Jory swings, but is parried, before he can even move Duncan's blade is buried into Jory chest, killing him instantly.
"I am sorry." Duncan whispered, embracing Jory for a moment, before yanking his blade out of Ser Jory, as Jory slumps down dead, Duncan turns to Jaune and Sienna. "But the Joining in no yet complete." Duncan hands Sienna the goblet. "You are called upon to submit yourself to the taint for the greater good." Sienna drinks from the goblet. "From this moment forth, you are a Grey Warden."
Sienna grasps her head in pain, eyes pure white, before slumping over, unconscious.
Jaune looks to the unconscious form of his, now only, friend. Duncan wordlessly hands him the goblet, Jaune grabs it, before peering deeply into it.
"My Aura would allow my to overpower both Duncan and Alistair, but I'm not sure the same can be said of the whole camp. Whelp, can't be dumber or worse than entering Beacon with fake transcripts, not like I have a choice anyway." Jaune thought before drinking from the goblet.
And so, Jaune drinks from the goblet. He is filled with a pain like no other, his eyes go white. But, he loses neither consciousness nor life, instead his Aura activates to protect him from the taint. This sends Jaune to his knees, as this happens his Aura flares, it burns bright, brighter than in Forever Fall, as if disgusted by the mere thought of the taint entering it's being, his Aura flashed and flickered, like a raging inferno, across his body. After a few agonizing moments, Jaune stands drenched in sweat with his limbs feeling of lead. He looked up with tired and weary eyes to a flabbergasted Duncan and Alistair, wordlessly Jaune approaches Jory's corpse and retrieves his blade, along with Daveth's, and walks away to lean against a pillar, waiting for Sienna to wake.
After the exhaustion from his ordeal caught up with him, Jaune passed out, he awoke to the frantic voice of Sienna. When he opens his eyes, he notices a frantic Sienna, though this look is replaced with one of relief at seeing him unhurt. She makes her way to him, seemingly done with her fellow Grey Wardens.
"Are… are you well?" Sienna asked, looking less a warrior and more a mother hen.
"Yeah… just… tired…" Jaune replied. "So… when we leaving to attack the horde?"
"Soon." Sienna replied. "But the king has summoned us."
"Well then, it be rude to keep him." Jaune groaned, standing up and stretching.
They made their way to the king's wartable, seeing Cailan and Loghain arguing once more.
"Loghain, my decision is final. I will stand by the Grey Wardens in this assault."
"You risk to much, Cailan! The darkspawn horde is too dangerous for you to be playing hero on the front lines."
"If that's the case, perhaps we should wait for the Orlesian forces to join us, after all."
"I must repeat my protest to your fool notion that we need the Orlesians to defend ourselves!"
"It's not a 'fool notion'. Our arguments with the Orlesians are a thing of the past… and you will remember who is king."
"How fortunate Maric did not live to see his son ready to hand Ferelden over to those who enslaved us for a century!"
"Then our current forces will have to suffice, won't they?" Cailan turns to Duncan. "Duncan, are your men ready for battle?"
"They are, your Majesty." Duncan replied.
"And these are the recruits I met earlier on the road? I understand congratulations are in order."
"We…" Sienna looks to Jaune, who shrugs. "Didn't have a choice really."
"I suppose none of us do." Cailan replied. "But every Grey Warden is needed."
"Your fascination with glory and legends will be your undoing, Cailan. We must attend to reality." Loghain warned.
"Fine. Speak your strategy." Cailan leans onto the table. "The Grey Wardens and I draw the darkspawn into charging our lines and then…?"
"You will alert the tower to light the beacon, signaling my men to charge from cover." Loghain also leans on the table.
"To flank the darkspawn, I remember. This is the Tower of Ishal in the ruins, yes? Who shall light this beacon?"
"I have a few men stationed there. It's not a dangerous task, but it is vital."
"Then we should send our best. Send Alistair and the new Grey Wardens to make sure it's done."
"You mean I won't be fighting in the battle?" Sienna asked.
"We need the beacon. Without it, Loghain's men won't know when to charge." Duncan explained.
"You see? Glory for everyone!"
"You rely on these Grey Wardens too much. Is that truly wise?"
"Enough of your conspiracy theories, Loghain. Grey Wardens battle the Blight, no matter where they're from."
"Your Majesty, you should consider the possibility of the archdemon appearing." Duncan warned.
"There have been no signs of any dragons in the Wilds."
"Isn't that what your men are here for, Duncan?"
"I… yes, your Majesty." Duncan sighed.
They are interrupted by a mage and Chantry member.
"Your Majesty, the tower and its beacon are unnecessary. The Circle of Magi-" The mage spoke.
"We will not trust any lives to your spells, mage!" The Chantry member spat. "Save them for the darkspawn!"
"Enough!" Loghain yelled. "This plan will suffice. The Grey Wardens will light the beacon."
"Thank you, Loghain. I cannot wait for that glorious moment! The Grey Wardens battle beside the king of Ferelden to stem the tide of evil!"
"Yes, Cailan. A glorious moment for us all." Loghain said menacingly as he walked away.
The Grey Wardens and Jaune regroup at the bonfire.
"You heard the plan. You two and Alistair will go to the Tower of Ishal and ensure the beacon is lit." Duncan ordered.
"What? I won't be in the battle?" Alistair exclaimed.
"This is by the king's personal request, Alistair. If the beacon is not lit, Teyrn Loghain's men won't know when to charge." Duncan explained.
"So he needs what he thinks is three Grey Wardens standing up there holding the torch. Just in case, right?" Alistair snarked.
"Where is this Tower of Ishal, exactly?" Jaune spoke up.
"The tower is on the other side of the gorge from the king's camp, the way we came when we arrived." Duncan informed. "You'll need to cross the gorge and head through the gate and up to the tower entrance. From the top, you'll overlook the entire valley."
"Where will you be?" Sienna asked.
"I will be fighting beside the king with the rest of the Grey Wardens. Again, at his request." Duncan explained. "We will signal you when the time is right. Alistair will know what to look for."
"How much time do we have?" Jaune inquired.
"The battle is about to begin. Once I leave, move quickly. You'll have less than an hour." Duncan answered.
"Can we join the battle afterwards?" Sienna asked.
"Stay with the Teyrn's men and guard the tower. If you are needed, we will send word." Duncan replied.
"What if the archdemon shows up?" Jaune inquired.
"We soil our drawers, that's what." Alistair said.
"If it does, leave it to us, I want no heroics from any of you." Duncan ordered.
"Are we in danger?" Sienna asked.
"Of course. Even the best-laid plans go awry, so d what you must, I trust you both." Duncan replied.
"Just not enough to actually fight with the rest of you." Alistair added.
"There will be plenty of battles, Alistair. Be patient." Duncan chuckled.
"We know our orders." Jaune said.
"Then I must join the others. From here, you three are on your own." Duncan looks to Sienna and Alistair. "Remember, you are both Grey Wardens, I expect you to be worthy of that title."
"Duncan… may the Maker watch over you." Alistair prayed.
"May He watch over us all." Duncan replied.
The party makes their way through the rushing guards to the bridge, as they cross Jaune uses his Aura and shield to block the party from being hit from the flaming projectiles being launched at them. Once across, they notice a guard and mage talking, when the guard notices the party, he flags them down.
"You… you're the Grey Wardens, aren't you?! The tower… it's been taken!" The guard exclaimed.
"What are you talking about, man? Taken how?" Alistair asked.
The guard turns to the tower. "The darkspawn came up through the lower chambers! They're everywhere! Most of our men are dead."
"Then we have to get to the beacon and light it ourselves!" Alistair declared.
Jaune looks up at the tower and thinks. "If there's another witch and her pet dragon up there, I'm calling shenanigans."
The party, joined by the guard and mage, fight their way to the tower. They enter the tower, fighting and disarming traps along the way to the second floor.
When the enter the second floor, Alistair exclaims in shock. "Maker's breath! What are these darkspawn doing ahead of the rest of the horde? There wasn't supposed to be any resistance here!"
"Well you were the one complaining that you wouldn't get to fight." Jaune snarked.
"Hey, you're right, I guess there is a silver lining here, if you think about it." Alistair replied. "At any rate, we need to hurry! We need to get up to the top of the tower and light the signal fire in time! Teyrn Loghain will be waiting for the signal!"
The party continues to ascend the tower, fighting all the while, as they reach the top floor. They burst in running for the beacon, before they are stopped dead in their tracks, by the sight of an Ogre. The creature is eating what was once a human, wiping it's mouth before turning to them, and roars. Jaune flies into action, blocking the tower guard from being hit by the Ogres hefty backhand. Alistair rushes to its other hand, Sienna and the guard flank the Ogres back, while the mage keeps his distance. Through a combination of Jaune and Alistair's blocking, Sienna and the guards slashing, and the mages blasting, the ogre falls, dead.
"The beacon is over here!" Alistair called. "We've surely missed the signal… let's light it quickly before it's too late!"
Jaune rushes to the beacon and lights it. Shortly after that, a small horde of darkspawn charge at them from the stairs. The mage and guard, being the closes to the stairs, fall first, Sienna is hit by an arrow in her shoulder and falls, Jaune and Alistair are left standing, waiting for the horde to close in, when the entire room is bathed in light.
Sienna awakes in an unfamiliar bed, naked, when Sienna sits up she sees Morrigan near a bookcase,
Morrigan feeling herself being watched turns and sees Sienna awake. "Ah, your eyes finally open. Mother shall be pleased."
"What happened to the darkspawn?" Sienna asked.
"You were injured, and then Mother rescued you." Morrigan answered. "Do you not remember?"
"I remember being overwhelmed by darkspawn…" Sienna replied.
"Mother managed to save you and your friends, though 'twas a close call. What is important is that you three live." Morrigan said. "The man who was to respond to your signal quite the field. The darkspawn won your battle. Those he abandoned were massacred. Your friends… they are not taking it well."
"My friends?" Sienna asked, then remembered. "You mean Jaune and Alistair?"
"The suspicious, dim-witted one and the curious, clever one who were with you before, yes." Morrigan replied. "They are outside by the fire. Mother asked to see you when you awoke."
"Where my injuries severe?" Sienna asked.
"Yes, but I expect you shall be fine. The darkspawn did nothing Mother could not heal." Morrigan replied.
"What about Alistair? Or Jaune? Are they all right?" Sienna asked.
"They are… as you are. I suppose it would be unkind to say he is being childish. As for the other, the other one seems to be lost within his own head." Morrigan replied.
"Why does your mother want to see me?" Sienna inquired.
"I do not know. She rarely tells me her plans." Morrigan answered.
"I have some questions, if you don't mind." Sienna asked.
"I don not mind." Morrigan answered. "Take your time."
"Are we safe here? Where are the darkspawn?"
"WE are safe, for the moment. Mother's magic keeps the darkspawn way. Once you leave, it's uncertain what will happen. The horde has moved on, so you might avoid it."
"Why did your mother save us?"
"I wonder at that myself, but she tells me nothing. Perhaps you were the only ones she could reach. I would have rescued your king. A king would be worth a much higher ransom than you."
"Coin is important to you? Out here?"
"Who says I would ransom for coin? Gold has its uses, I suppose, but power buys far more."
"How did she manage to rescue us, exactly?"
"She turned into a giant bird and plucked the three of you from atop the tower, one on each talon, the last on top. If you do not believe that tale, then I suggest you ask Mother yourself. She may even tell you."
"Are there any survivors besides us?"
"Only stragglers that are long gone. You would not want to see what is happening in that valley now."
"Why? What's happening?"
"Are you sure you wat me to describe it?"
"Yes… please."
"I had a good view of the battlefield. 'Tis a grisly scene. There are bodies everywhere, and darkspawn swarm them… feeding, I think. They also look for survivors and drag them back down beneath the ground. I cannot say why."
"I think I've asked enough questions."
"I agree. 'Tis time you speak with Mother then be on your way."
Sienna gets up and dresses herself, then walks out the cabin door. As she does, she sees Jaune and Alistair gazing over the lake, Jaune leaning against a rock and Alistair standing.
Morrigan's mother is next to them and notices her first. "See? Here is your fellow Grey Warden. You worry too much, young ones."
The two men turn to face Sienna, both with looks of joy and relief.
"You… you're alive!" Alistair shouts, as Jaune remains seated, lost in his own head, Alistair continues. "I thought you were dead for sure."
"Afraid you were going to be left alone?" Sienna asked.
"Duncan's dead. The Grey Wardens, even the king… they're all dead." Alistair mourned. "This doesn't seem real. If it weren't for Morrigan's mother, we'd be dead on top of that tower."
"Do not talk about me as if I am not present, lad." Mother spoke.
"I didn't mean… but what do we call you? You never told us your name." Alistair said.
"Names are pretty, but useless. The Chasind folk call me Flemeth. I suppose it will do." Flemeth said.
"The Flemeth from the legends? Daveth was right – you're the Witch of the Wilds, aren't you?" Alistair asked.
"And what does that mean? I know a bit of magic, and it has served you three well, has it not?" Flemeth inquired.
"Why did you save us?" Jaune spoke up suddenly, shocking both Sienna and Alistair, who hadn't heard him arrive.
"Well, we cannot have all the Grey Wardens dying at once, can we? Someone has to deal with these darkspawn." Flemeth answered, if she was surprised by Jaune arrival she didn't show it. "It has always been the Grey Warden's duty to unite the lands against the Blight. Or did that change when I wasn't looking?"
"Of course not!" Sienna exclaimed.
"But we were fighting the darkspawn! The king had nearly defeated them! Why would Loghain do this?" Alistair exclaimed.
"Now that is a good question. Men's hearts hold shadows darker than any tainted creature." Flemeth said. "Perhaps he believes the Blight is an army he can outmaneuver. Perhaps he does not see that the evil behind it is the true threat."
"The archdemon." Alistair spat.
"What is this archdemon, exactly?" Jaune asked.
"It is said that, long ago, the Maker sent the Old Gods of the ancient Tevinter Imperium to slumber in prisons deep beneath the surface." Flemeth answered. "An archdemon is an Old God awakened and tainted by darkspawn. Believe that or not, history says it's a fearsome and immortal thing. And only fools ignore history."
"Then we need to find this archdemon." Jaune declared.
"By ourselves? No Grey Warden has ever defeated a Blight without the army of a half-dozen nations at his back." Alistair dismissed. "Not to mention, I don't know how."
"How to kill the archdemon, or how to raise an army? It seems to me, those are two different questions, hmm? Have the Wardens no allies these days?" Flemeth asked.
"I… I don't know. Duncan said that the Grey Wardens of Orlais had been called. And Arl Eamon would never stand for this, surely." Alistair said.
"Arl Eamon? The arl of Redcliffe?" Sienna asked.
"I suppose… Arl Eamon wasn't at Ostagar; he still has all his men. And he was Cailan's uncle." Alistair mused. "I know him. He's a good man, respected in the Landsmeet. Of course! We could go to Redcliffe and appeal to him for help!"
"There should be other allies we can get as well." Jaune pointed out.
"Of course! The treaties! Grey Wardens can demand aid from dwarves, elves, mages, and other places! They're obligated to help us during a Blight!" Alistair exclaimed.
"I may be old, but dwarves, elves, mages, this Arl Eamon, and who knows what else… this sounds like an army to me." Flemeth said.
Alistair looks to Jaune ans Sienna. "So can we do this? Go to Redcliffe and these other places and… build an army?"
"Why not? Isn't that what Grey Wardens do?" Sienna replied.
"So you are set, then? Ready to be Grey Wardens?" Flemeth inquired.
"As ready as we'll ever be." Jaune replied.
"Now… before you go, there is yet one more thing I can offer you." Flemeth offered.
Morrigan approaches the group, addressing Flemeth. "The stew is bubbling, Mother dear. Shall we have three guests for the eve or none?"
"The Grey Wardens are leaving shortly, girl. And you will be joining them." Flemeth ordered.
"Such a shame – what?" Morrigan exclaimed.
"You heard me, girl. The last time I looked, you had ears!" Flemeth laughed.
"Thank you, but if Morrigan doesn't wish to join us…" Jaune said.
"Her magic will be useful. Even better, she knows the Wilds and how to get past the horde." Flemeth said.
"Have I no say in this?" Morrigan asked.
"You have been itching to get out of the Wilds for years. Here is your chance." Flemeth said, then turned to the group. "As for you, Wardens, consider this repayment for your lives."
"Was this your idea all along?" Sienna asked.
"Pardon me, but I had the impression that you three needed assistance, whatever form." Flemeth answered.
"Not to… look a gift horse in the mouth, but won't this add to our problems? Out of the Wilds, she's an apostate." Alistair added.
"If you do not wish help from us illegal mages, young man, perhaps I should have left you on that tower." Flemeth warned.
"Point taken." Alistair conceded.
"Mother… this is not how I wanted this. I am not even ready –" Morrigan protested.
"You must be ready. Alone, these three must unite Ferelden against the darkspawn." Flemeth explained. "They need you, Morrigan. Without you, they will surely fail, and all will perish under the Blight. Even I."
"I… understand." Morrigan sighed.
Flemeth turns to the group. "And you, Warden? Do you understand? I give you that which I value above all in this world. I do this because you must succeed."
"I… we understand." Sienna said.
"Allow me to get my things, if you please." Morrigan said before walking to the cabin, some time later she returns and faces the party. "I am at your disposal, Grey Wardens. I suggest a village north of the Wilds as our first destination. 'Tis not far and you will find much you need there. Or, if you prefer, I shall simply be your silent guide. The choice is yours."
"You can speak your mind, if you want." Jaune said.
"You will regret saying that." Flemeth laughed.
Morrigan turn to Flemeth. "Dear, sweet mother, you are so kind to cast out like this. How fondly I shall remember this moment."
"Well, I always said if you want something done, do it yourself, or hear about it for a decade or two afterwards." Flemeth replied.
Alistair turn to Sienna and Jaune. "I just… do you really want to take her along because her mother says so?"
"We need all the help we can get." Sienna reminded.
"I guess you're right. The Grey Wardens have always taken allies where they could find them." Alistair relented.
"I am so pleased to have your approval." Morrigan snarked.
"Actually, I have some questions, if you don't mind." Jaune asked.
"I may have answers." Morrigan replied. "Ask."
"Have you never been outside the Wilds?"
"From time to time, I have been to the village I mentioned, watched its people, and pondered what curious beings they are. On occasion, I purchased goods from the village merchants. There I spoke with men, a little. There they stared and knew me as an outsider. Mother wishes for me to expand the horizon of my experience beyond the Wilds. Even she was not born here."
"Is that what you want?"
"What I want is to see mountains, I wish to witness the ocean and step into its waters, I want to experience a city rather than see it in my mind. So, yes, this is what I want. Actually leaving is… harder than I thought, however. Perhaps Mother is right – it must simply be done quickly."
"What do you know about this village to the north."
"'Tis a small place of little consequence called Lothering. No more than a stop along your Imperial Highway where travelers purchase goods from local farms and smiths. I would go more often were it not for the town's Chantry. It makes the village particularly intolerant and unpleasant for a stranger such as me."
"A Chantry? And they never, in all this time, thought that maybe you were a witch?" Alistair asked.
"Of course they have. They even called out their templars once. They found nothing."
"Is there any reason to go to Lothering, then?"
"I mention it for its tavern, where travelers gather with news from other places. 'Tis small enough that our appearance might go unnoticed. Beyond that, 'tis close and I know the way."
"How are we going to get past the darkspawn?"
"The real question is how we are going to get your friend past the darkspawn, is it not?"
"That's true. We can sense the darkspawn. Conversely they can sense us." Alistair explained.
"I don't sense any darkspawn." Sienna replied.
"You won't right away, no. it takes time." Alistair explained. "We should be able to sneak past smaller groups, but larger ones or particularly intelligent darkspawn will always detect us."
"Mother has given me something else for them to "smell" instead as we pass by. 'Tis important we head out of the Wilds, however, not farther in."
"The darkspawn are camped farther in the forest?"
"They come from underground, like an eruption. They broke through deep within the forest and that is where they will be most concentrated."
"What can you do, exactly?"
"I know a few spells, though I am nowhere near as powerful as Mother, I have also studied history. And your Grey Warden treaties."
"Can you cook?" Alistair asked.
"I… can cook, yes."
Sienna, after elbowing Alistair, turns to Morrigan. "Never mind him. You don't have to cook."
"You missed your chance. Now it's charred rabbit from here on out." Alistair replies.
"I know how to cook, and you don't cook a rabbit over an open fire, you make it a stew." Jaune said before looking to Morrigan. "I don't have any more questions."
Morrigan turns to Flemeth. "Farewell, Mother do not forget he stew on the fire. I would hate to return to a burned-down hut."
"Bah. 'Tis far more likely you will return to see this entire area, along with my hut, swallowed up by the Blight." Flemeth spat.
"I… all I meant was…" Morrigan said sadly.
"Yes, I know. Do try to have fun, dear." Flemeth soothed.
They party turn to Flemeth before they leave.
"Have you not left yet? I hope you are not hanging about for some stew." Flemeth said.
"While food would be nice, could you answer some questions?" Sienna asked.
"Questions, questions! One would think a Grey Warden would be more interested in action." Flemeth sighed.
"Can I ask about your magic?" Sienna asked.
"What good would it do you? You are no mage. It is sufficient that I have passes on my knowledge to Morrigan, and I pass her on to you." Flemeth replied.
"Like a worn dress or an old pair of shoes." Morrigan snarked.
"Are you still here? Hmph. You cannot give them away, apparently…" Flemeth grumbled.
"How long have you lived in the Wilds?" Jaune asked.
"Since before I was wrinkled and old. Ha! You may think it strange, but I was once young and beautiful just as Morrigan is now." Flemeth replied. "Yes, men desired Flemeth then, and some even killed for her…"
"You don't seem happy about that." Jaune said.
"I am not, nor was I then. It dictated all that followed. But enough, you have your task to complete." Flemeth said.
"What will you do once we're gone?" Jaune asked.
"Have a moment's peace, for once." Flemeth snorted.
"I hear the peace of the grave is eternal." Morrigan snarked.
"This is the thanks I get for feeding you and putting up with you for this long? Bah! May your child one day treat you the same." Flemeth spat.
Morrigan turns to the party. "Feed me, she says. Without me, I swear she shall be caked in dirt and eating tree bark inside of a month."
"Do you have any advice?" Jaune asked.
"About the darkspawn?" Flemeth asked.
"Yes." Jaune replied.
"Only that they are more cunning than they appear. More important by far is the archdemon. It is the core of this taint and while it lives, so does the Blight. This Teyrn Loghain is different. You must deal with the repercussions of his deeds before you can face the archdemon… unless it finds you, first." Flemeth said.
"We have no more questions." Sienna said.
"Then we are done. Now, if you will excuse me, I have some dinner to eat." Flemeth dismissed.
As the party was leaving, Jaune noticed Alistair was unusually quite. So she lead him slightly away from the group to talk.
"What do you need?" Alistair asked.
"Do you want to talk about Duncan?"
"You don't have to do that. I know you and Sienna didn't know him as long as I did."
"I just thought you might need to talk."
"I… should have handled it better. Duncan warned me right from the beginning that this could happen. Any of us could die in battle. I shouldn't have lost it, not when so much is riding on us, not with the Blight and… and everything. I'm sorry."
"There's no need to apologize."
"I'd… like to have a proper funeral for him. Maybe once this is all done, if we're still alive. I don't think he had any family to speak of."
"What about the other Grey Wardens?"
"I don't know. I have no idea what the Grey Wardens do for their… when they fall in battle. Have you… had someone close to you die? Not that I mean to pry, I'm just…"
Jaune looks forward at nothing and says. "I've seen more death from where I was to where I am now then I would like."
"Yes, I suppose you… must have. I can't even imagine, really." Alistair said awkwardly. "Thank you. Really, I mean it. It was good to talk about it, at least a little."
"Anytime, Alistair. And it was good to talk about, even a little." Jaune said, his shoulders feeling a little lighter.
The two men regrouped with the women, and continued on to Lothering.
Finished, sorry for the wait my family got a new puppy and we also celebrated my moms 50th birthday, our normal dinners are an hour affair so with the whole family there it was even longer. Any who, if I ever get the Dragon Age games I'm totally rewriting these chapters, as there are certain choices I feel would be better for the characters I'm writing. Thank you all for reading, I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
This is Bmwoodstock signing off.