A/N: For those who took notice... yes, I abandoned A Needed Asset and removed it. Why? Well, there were places I wanted to take the Story, wonderful and ambitious places. However, once I realized that thanks to the setting I created most weren't even possible, I wanted to give it another go when trying to make a Sequal. So rather than incorporating Mass Effect, this is a Crossover with Dragon Age, which is fine, as it's a series I prefer anyway.
There are a few things I need to mention. One, Morrigan is a lot more powerful than she is in games. I mean... a lot more powerful. Maybe even powerful enough to where she can already turn into a Dragon? Who knows... not me, that's for sure.
Two, there is a small chance I might try to incorporate the other Dragon Age titles, or at least some DA characters. But you shouldn't expect someone as important as the Inquisitor to show up, 'cause that would kinda ruin... well, everything.
Now, please enjoy. And remember... stay safe.
Chapter 1: Warden's Blood
You, as well as everyone else who took the time to listen, were all given a quick look at Courier Six's outlandish adventures and endless exploits across the Mojave. And should you wish to learn even more about the Mojave's greatest legend, you don't need to worry yourself. She is still a topic we will continue to explore.
However, as you all understand, there are always more legends a person can share, a person can learn about, or even someone... they can try to mimic. Impossible as it sounds, especially in the New World, you are always able to find more and more uncommon people who only want to fix other people's mistakes.
Legends aren't what they start out as, obviously. Beginning wise, they're just like everyone else."Hero" is a title only given when these people evolve into those who make sure they save as much as possible. Of course... Heroes are not the only legends. But that is a topic for another time.
And there are even occasions where, even though it seems like an unlikely or perhaps even an impossible scenario, these legends will either randomly or find ways to cross stumble across each other. And when they can manage to find each other, they're given access to limitless potential.
Now I share with you... Ferelden's most recognizable Grey Warden, Lucifer Cousland. It is such an odd name, isn't it? There was once a point in his life where the young man was only viewed as the youngest sibling in the Cousland family, which wasn't necessarily an awful thing, as the Cousland line was well respected in Ferelden.
Despite this, the Cousland line wasn't enough? He was someone whose ambitions were endless and, to most, seemed unnatural. Thus, Lucifer was inspired to find a way to transform his title into one Ferelden's people would shout whenever they achieved victory.
He would find a way to turn into a famous, or even an infamous legend across Ferelden. And one whose exploits would travel all the way to Orlais. But there were still too many people who thought Lucifer was simply caught up in his own unachievable ambitions.
But then there was his father, Bryce Cousland. He was the Teryn to Highever and would constantly tell the young Lucifer stories revolving around the outside world. But Bryce never thought his own son would eventually travel to all these places a few years later.
There was the mysterious Brecilian Forest, where the Dalish Elf tribes, and supposedly talking Werewolves, lived. From the way Bryce would talk about the forest, it made it sound as though these two groups were in conflict with each other, and said conflict started a long time ago.
But... there were Werewolves? Even with everything else going on in Thedas. All the crazy magic and ancient lore, Werewolves? That was one idea that Lucifer refused to take seriously. Still, meeting and possibly getting the chance to fight some Werewolves sounded like a grand experience.
As soon as the Dalish tales were exhausted, at least the more interesting ones, Bryce moved on to telling stories concerning the infamous Circle of Magi, located next to Lake Calenhad. However, unlike with the Dalish stories, these tales were more like scary stories than anything else.
Bryce was also sure to talk about the mighty Templar Order. It is essentially the Chantry's own private military force. One that continues to watch over the Circle and the carefully watched Mages learning to properly and carefully use magic.
One important thing Bryce failed to mention was the part about the many Templars who tend to ruin themselves when they indulge too much in Lyrium, something that allows them to resist rogue Mages magic, and then the addiction starts to set in.
And even though it is still an extremely controversial topic, Bryce made sure to explain that sometimes the Mages who prove too savage to contain are made tranquil. Tranquility is a process which takes away a Mage's emotions... and permanently. Taking away a person's emotions and leaving them as an empty tomb? Lucifer was glad magic chose to stay away from the Cousland line.
But more than anything, these stories caused Lucifer to view the Circle's Mages with renewed sympathy. Were all the Mages truly so menacing, making it so no Mage could ever live outside the Circle? He then realized that finding out maybe wasn't such a good idea.
The final place mentioned in these tales, and the place Lucifer viewed as the most important, even now, was Orzammar, which is where all the underground Dwarves reside, and also where the main entrances to the Deep Roads are located. And inside those Deep Roads, the Darkspawn continue to gather strength.
Stories involving the Darkspawn would always fascinate and intrigue Lucifer. When centuries pass, the Darkspawn will eventually leave the Deep Roads and come out to spread chaos and the taint across Ferelden and Orlais. Heavy casualties would and will always arise whenever Darkspawn attack.
But they are always stopped time and time again when the Grey Wardens appear to challenge them. The Grey Wardens, men and women who were able to instantly sense where any Darkspawn was, which makes them twice as effective when slaying them, will always answer the call when they are needed.
At a young age, Lucifer looked up to the Wardens. He wanted to join them more than anything. Unfortunately, his family would never allow it. In particular, his Mother, Eleanor was overprotective when it came to Lucifer, and was more interested in getting some Grandchildren.
However, Bryce was at least willing to provide his son with some training. Fergus volunteered to train Lucifer to fight like a true warrior. He was surprised when Lucifer quickly refused. Apparently Lucifer wanted to learnt to fight like a rogue. Someone who uses manipulation and sabotage to achieve victory. Bryce and Fergus didn't want someone in the Cousland line to fight with such an unpopular style. But even so, Lucifer soon received the proper training.
One fine morning came and Lucifer awoke to find that his Father's friend, and also Amaranthine's Arl, Rendon Howe was visiting Highever. Apparently the Darkspawn were coming out to play, and the two Arls were going to join forces and force them to return to the Deep Roads. At least, that was the original idea.
As it would turn out, Howe was not the only one visiting Highever. Lucifer was shocked to find out that a Grey Warden named Duncan was also visiting Highever. He informed everyone that his mission was to recruit new Grey Wardens to fight against the Darkspawn. As soon as Lucifer received this news, Duncan found an eager volunteer.
But once again, Lucifer's family got in his way. He was to remain in Highever with his Mother and rule over it until Fergus and Bryce returned with Howe. Disappointing as the idea was, in the end Lucifer was forced to accept, and his chance to join the Wardens was lost.
Or was it? Because as soon as Lucifer said his goodbyes to Fergus and went to catch some sleep, Howe's treachery was revealed. He and his men commenced the slaughter against Highever's people. In the chaos, Fergus's son and wife were killed... along with Bryce and Eleanor. Highever was now in the Howe's possession.
Only Duncan and Lucifer managed to survive the attack, retreating from Highever and fleeing to Ostagar, an old fortress on the Korcari Wild's edges. It was also where several Grey Wardens, King Cailan, Loghain Mac Tir, and Ferelden's combined forces. Apparently, that's where the Wardens planned on stopping the Darkspawn's advance. They would vanquish the Darkspawn prior to the Blight even starting.
With Fergus missing, Lucifer saw only one action remaining. He would join the Wardens and, in the event the opportunity presented itself, make sure the treacherous Rendon Howe joined the Darkspawn. While awaiting the moment where the new recruits would go through the Joining, the initiation required to join the Wardens, Lucifer encountered two very interesting individuals. A Grey Warden named Alistair, whose charm quickly latched onto Lucifer, and Morrigan, an illegal Mage, also referred to as an Apostate, living out in the Korcari Wilds. Alistair and Lucifer didn't chat or get to speak with Morrigan for long. For Lucifer still needed to go through the Joining ritual.
In the end, the Joining changed Lucifer more than any common folk would've thought possible. He too now possessed the ability to sense Darkspawn. He was now eager to utilize his new abilities. And this time, his chance was not interrupted. Not entirely, anyway.
King Cailan, along with his motivated army, the famous and valiant Grey Wardens at Ostagar, and Duncan were all ready to attack the Darkspawn in a full frontal assault as soon as Ostagar was in sight. Were things to change to a too fearsome setting even for the Wardens, Loghain would send in his own forces to assist the Wardens and the King.
Loghain couldn't understand why Cailan was so willing to go through with such a risky strategy. There were so many flaws, so many things that could and most likely would go wrong. Even so, Loghain couldn't refuse the King's orders. At least not right then and there.
Lucifer also thought the strategy was a little too optimistic and it lacked any realism. But unlike with Loghain, who was clearly the most experienced when compared to anyone else serving at Ostagar, Lucifer chose not to share his own views.
Unfortunately, Alistair and Lucifer were not to engage the Darkspawn in the initial attack. Apparently, lighting the tower was vastly more important. Well... it was, actually. The tower was meant to signal Loghain to send in his forces to aid Cailan and the Wardens. That way everyone would receive glory.
At least, that is what Cailan told everyone. The approaching truth granted the exact opposite. Aside from the Darkspawn, no one would get the chance to receive any glory that awful night. How could they when they were abandoned and left to the Darkspawn's mercy? Something the Darkspawn don't even show.
Loghain, certain that sending in his own forces to aid Cailan and the Wardens would only leave Ferelden without any significant forces to fight against the Darkspawn, chose to abandon Ostagar as soon as possible, leaving everyone else to fight the Darkspawn alone.
When the fighting eventually came to an end, there were no living Grey Wardens, Ostagar was in shambles, Cailan's forces, or what little remained, were now fleeing the victorious Darkspawn, and Alistair and Lucifer were once again in the Korcari Wilds.
The Apostate they stumbled across earlier, Morrigan, was supposedly able to rescue them with ease. She spun a story about the way she apparently turned into a Dragon and carried them away from Ostagar while the Darkspawn gave chase.
After several nights passed, in which Morrigan, Alistair, and Lucifer took the time to come up with a strategy to wage war against the Blight, they were able to formulate a sound strategy. With Duncan no longer around to take charge, and no close Grey Wardens anywhere in Ferelden, it was up to Lucifer to save everything.
He was going to stop the Blight and vanquish all the attacking Darkspawn? The one to slay the Archdemon? It didn't seem like a likely outcome. Everyone agreed that so long as there was no army to challenge the Darkspawn, Ferelden didn't stand a chance.
Eventually, that is exactly what they chose to gather. An army that could strike fear into even the most powerful Darkspawn in Thedas. Alistair led Lucifer and his small group to Redcliffe, where the Arl of Redcliffe, who was also close with Alistair, would supposedly lend the Warden his army to fight against the Darkspawn. Along the way, Alistair also revealed something truly important. He was next in line as Ferelden's King. Alistair quickly understood they were going to chat quite a while on the new topic. For now though, they needed to speak with the Arl and acquire his support.
However, complications showed themselves. And these were serious complications. For one, there was an undead force marching on Redcliffe, and one which could easily've slaughtered everyone in Redcliffe unless they were stopped. Luckily, Lucifer and friends were there to assist the town.
Thanks to his interference, the undead were vanquished in a single night. However, it was not an easy fight, and many citizens didn't make it through the night. But in the end, Redcliffe was saved. Hopefully, Lucifer's skills would allow his force to save even more.
Once Redcliffe's forces were secured and ready to fight the Darkspawn, the travel across Ferelden continued. All the while, Lucifer would get to venture into every place his father spoke about when sharing lore. First, they were going to the Circle of Magi.
Lucifer, as well as everyone else in Ferelden and Orlais, understood the true and excessive power every Mage possesses. And it is that seemingly endless power that forces so many innocent Mages into the Circle. But now the Grey Wardens needed the Mages to win against the Darkspawn.
Morrigan, who really needed some alone time, chose to remain inside the makeshift camp stationed on Redcliffe's outskirts. It wasn't like she could accompany them to the Circle anyway, seeing as the Templars who constantly watched over Mages were more than likely to notice she was an Apostate.
Luckily, the Wardens wouldn't need Morrigan to recruit the Mages. He was able to recruit some additional companions as they left Redcliffe and ventured towards the Circle. They too would all eventually construct visible relationships with Warden Lucifer.
The first the Wardens recruited was Shale, a Golem who was given to the Wardens when they managed to protect Honnleath, a small remote village close to Redcliffe, from a small scale Darkspawn attack. Shale came with a control rod, which was meant to given the Wardens full control over Shale.
But the control rod refused to work as it was intended to. Which in turn meant that Shale was given permanent free will. However, even with the ability to leave, Shale was still willing to accompany Lucifer on his mission to save Ferelden. For a time, Shale and Lucifer managed to get along fairly well.
The next was Leliana, an Orlesian Bard who the Wardens came across when they stopped in Lothering, a village which was quickly eradicated when the Darkspawn chose to attack it not long after the Wardens vacated the area. Leliana was quick to explain that she needed to accompany the Wardens, as it was apparently the Maker's will. Lucifer, a little weary, agreed to take Leliana along.
The last was Zevran, an Elven Assassin who was actually tasked with killing the Wardens. It was quickly revealed that it was Loghain who was the one willing to pay Zevran and his team to remove the Wardens from the picture, not wanting the truth at Ostagar revealed.
Lucifer was, understandably, cautious when putting any trust in Zevran. He just seemed like a guy without a care in the world. Someone who would gladly slice anyone open so long as the pay was generous enough. But then a friendship, as surprising as it was, manifested when stray Blight Wolves suddenly attacked the Wardens.
Zevran, showing true courage, risked his own life in order to save his fellow rogue. After the Blight Wolves all ran away to safety, Lucifer rewarded Zevran with some Dalish Gloves, the meant a surprising amount to Zevran. After that, Lucifer was certain who his closest friend now was.
After several more Darkspawn encounters, which were relatively pathetic given the Darkspawn's superior numbers, the Wardens arrived at the Circle. Lucifer's thoughts immediately returned to the stories concerning the Circle and its ancient lore that Bryce had shared.
He was scared, which is something that doesn't occur very often. But the thing about legends, is that no matter the fear that tries to consume them, no matter the obstacles they are forced to face along the way to reach the end, they can always move past them all.
However, once inside the Circle, Lucifer realized his extreme caution was entirely justified. Blood Mages who were finished with the Templars and Circle erupted chaos throughout the entire Circle, summoning Abominations, Desire Demons, and other evil creatures.
Knight-Commander Greagoir, who commanded Ferelden's Circle's Templars, told the Wardens that the Templars would soon receive permission to commence the Right of Annulment, which would allow the Templars to purge every Mage within the Circle, Blood Mage or otherwise.
That was obviously something Lucifer couldn't allow. He would personally send every Abomination to the Fade so long as the Wardens got the Mages. Thus, Lucifer, Alistair, Zevran, and Shale entered the Circle with a clear goal in mind... to rescue the Mages. But things would quickly take a negative turn.
After running into another Mage named Wynne, who Lucifer actually recognized from Ostagar, the Wardens were informed that First Enchanter Irving, who essentially looked over all the Mages, as well as several other important Mages were all located on the Tower's top floor and at the Blood Mage's mercy.
The Wardens, now with Wynne's assistance, easily countered every attack the Abominations through at them. It all seemed too easy. In one encounter, Lucifer stumbled upon a Desire Demon who essentially possessed control over a Templar, who was seduced via the Demon's charms.
Apparently, with enough time, the Demon's charms would completely consume the Templar's whole mind, which would obviously lead to some fatal consequences. And it wouldn't stop there, as the Demon would eventually need to select a replacement once the Templar's mind was consumed.
Even so, Zevran, Lucifer, and Leliana agreed to allow the Desire Demon to escape the Circle of Magi. Who were they to separate lovers? Well... technical lovers. They tried not to think about it too much. Continuing on to the next area, and rescuing a few more Mages, including some Tranquil Mages, they encountered yet another Abomination.
However, this one was... unique. With a few menacing words, it sent Lucifer and company into the Fade where Lucifer was immediately under attack. There is no lore that contains information concerning the events that went on in the Fade. Perhaps the Warden stumbled across something truly terrifying? Perhaps Lucifer lost his memory upon leaving the Fade? Today, we've still no clear answer.
Still, the Wardens were able to escape the Fade in record time, killing the same Abomination that trapped them in the process. With the remaining Blood Mages killed, the Wardens could easily reach Irving. But as they were ready to enter the top floor, they stumbled across yet another Templar.
It was a younger recruit named Cullen. Cullen, who was under a magical shield's protection, offered the Warden some advice. Kill all the Mages, don't risk anything! While those aren't exactly the words Cullen used, they more or less make up the simplified version.
Lucifer explained that the Wardens needed the Mages in order to fight the Darkspawn. Cullen countered, explaining that the Templars, who unlike the Mages, were in great shape, were more than able to supply the Wardens with Lyrium and twice the numbers the Mages ever could.
Despite the moral issues, Lucifer accepted Cullen's words. But Wynne refused to allow Irving or any other Mages to receive an unjust execution. Lucifer attempted to talk Wynne into just walking away. But in the end, there was no choice other than to eliminate Wynne.
Hours passed, and in all that time, Lucifer rounded up the remaining Mages and... cleansed the Circle. Alistair was ashamed to assist in such a merciless slaughter. But Lucifer was able to remember the Grey Warden's most important rule... Victory no matter the cost.
With all the potential Blood Mages no longer a concern, the Wardens were able to return to the Knight-Commander. Just as Cullen explained, the Templars agreed to join the fight against the Darkspawn. But that was only the start. Lucifer still needed to collect Dalish and Dwarven forces.
Many preferred to assume the only reason Lucifer even agreed to slaughter all the innocent Mages was his genuine worry that some Blood Mages would manage to escape and cause even more trouble. But later, Lucifer confessed that, in the end, it was the Templar promise that changed his mind.
Next stop, the Urn of Sacred Ashes. You might wonder, what is the Urn of Sacred Ashes, and why would Lucifer waste precious time trying to find it? Allow me to explain. The urn once contained none other than Andraste's ashes. The ashes were said to possess the ability to revive anyone no mater the injury the suffered.
Why would the Wardens need this? Because, as I mentioned, they needed the Arl's support. They were already promised his forces. But unless they could retrieve the ashes to cure his ever worsening sickness, they would find themselves without any political allies.
Thus, they returned to camp and reunited with Morrigan, who was given Wynne's surprisingly powerful staff, seeing as the older Mage wasn't going to use it anymore, and the Wardens prepared to march on to the temple which supposedly contained the ashes.
It certainly wasn't an easy venture. For one, it was as cold as cold gets. An two, a village the Wardens stopped at was filled with cultists who were all too eager to stop the Wardens from making it to the temple. However, the villagers were not too well equipped and they were all quickly slaughtered.
After taking some extra supplies, the Wardens continued on towards the temple. When they did manage to enter the temple itself, it was filled with even more cultists than the village was. Still, this encounter ended the same as the last, with more cultists getting themselves killed.
Eventually, the cultists were starting to get annoyed. And so a temporary truce was made with the Wardens. In exchange, the cultist's leader, Kolgrim, explained why the cultists were so concerned with the temple. Because... Andraste was... a Dragon.
Yes... that was indeed the reason as to why the cultists felt the need to inhabit the temple and also why they killed anyone who got even a little too close. They truly thought Andraste was reborn as a mighty Dragon. In fact, they wanted to utilize the Dragon's Blood and combine it into the Sacred Ashes, which would obviously ruin and leave the ashes without any restoration powers. Lucifer was ready to refuse and kill Kolgrim and his followers right then and there. But then Kolgrim added one more information piece.
Should the Wardens accept the Kolgrim's generosity, Lucifer, not forgetting the power Darkspawn wield, would receive powers that would enable the Wardens to fight against the Darkspawn with an extended ease. Leliana, who still served the Chantry, and thus the Maker, was absolutely unwilling to accept the strategy.
Lucifer tried to convince Leliana that the Wardens needed to take and utilize every advantage they could find. That without enough strength the Darkspawn would've probably gone on to eradicate the temple regardless. But still, Leliana refused, and even threatened to fight the Wardens should they try anything. In the end, Leliana was convinced to return to camp while, Zevran, Alistair, Morrigan, and Lucifer secured the ashes.
Leliana explained she wouldn't turn on them, understanding she could never win against the Wardens in combat. And while she did agree to continue to assist in the fight against the Darkspawn, any chance at getting close with or starting a friendship with Lucifer... was now gone.
Not that it was a great concern to Lucifer. Upon approaching the ash's resting place, the Wardens were all greeted when a Dragon, supposedly Andraste, managed to nearly crush and incinerate everyone, including Kolgrim, who was acting as a guide. Lucifer was truly stunned upon seeing the Dragon. It is still unknown whether or not Lucifer genuinely thought the Dragon was actually Andraste. But in the end, it doesn't change anything. He still contaminated the Urn of Sacred Ashes, an action many still view as a great evil.
But Lucifer wasn't an idiot. He made sure to take at least a small pinch of the ashes. He still needed to ensure the Arl's survival. So after gaining the powers Kolgrim, who agreed to also take the fight against the Darkspawn, which assured Lucifer the right choice was made, promised, the Wardens returned to Redcliffe.
Redcliffe was glad to see its saviors still alive. Before long, the Arl was awake, and ready to stop the Darkspawn. But there was still one obvious problem, one which needed a quick solution so Ferelden could finally unite. Loghain was still out there, and still spreading his lies about the Wardens.
They would need to stop Loghain. Diplomatically... or with violence. Either way, they still didn't possess the power to challenge Loghain, let alone the Darkspawn. So the Wardens continued the mission to recruit as many forces as possible. The next stop was... Orzammar.
Needless to say, our favorite Warden friend was more than a little excited to venture into the underground Dwarven Kingdom. It was an extremely rare opportunity to get the chance to explore Orzammar. Especially considering they were all outsiders. This was an opportunity Lucifer refused to waste.
During his time in Orzammar, Lucifer changed more things in a single night than anyone else could given years. He stopped a couple thieves from stealing from the Dwarven Nobles, his skills with Herbalism allowed him to save a poisoned Noble, and a way to increase/extend the Lyrium trade with the Circle was also found.
That's not even counting his greatest action. Choosing a new King to rule over Orzammar. See, Orzammar was facing other problems aside from the Darkspawn. The previous King was now with the Stone, which is a Dwarven way to say they're no longer with us, and the two candidates to replace the King were Lord Harrowmont, a conservative who, to the Wardens, seemed like the worthy successor, and Prince Bhelen, the King's only living son.
Honor was certainly something Bhelen lacked. He seemed like a man who would never even attempt to share his power and wanted to privately contain it all. However, the Wardens were certain that Bhelen's reformist ideas could save Orzammar and lead the Kingdom to glory.
Getting Bhelen as Orzammar's King wasn't an easy task, and there were certainly where the Wardens came all to close to joining the Darkspawn. Even so, there were certainly more positive consequences than there were negative ones.
While preparing to travel through Orzammar's Deep Roads, Lucifer came across a Dwarf named Oghren. The Wardens actually needed to speak with Oghren anyway, as Oghren was apparently able to assist in tracking another Dwarf named Branka, a Paragon whose support would give Bhelen the influence to make King.
Oghren was a great Dwarven warrior who possessed an awful alcohol problem and one who could always find a new way to start trouble... and Lucifer loved 'em. As soon as they were ready, the Wardens immediately recruited Oghren and ventured into the Deep Roads.
Along the way, Darkspawn launched attacks whenever they could get a good one in. The Wardens were even lucky enough to stumble across the Archdemon. Not that they could try attacking it, as it was surrounded with its own personal Darkspawn army.
(In the process of adding the rest. Apologies for the sudden deviation.)
The Warden, Anders, Sigrun, and Nathaniel, who were all covered in Darkspawn gore were finally able to kill the Broodmother. And they did it without the Architect, who was killed only a few moments prior to engaging the Broodmother.
Killing the Architect wasn't the right choice to make, at least in Nathaniel's eyes. He only agreed to go along with the idea thanks to the fact that the Warden was always kind and would listen to his other advice on separate occasions. With no further reason to stay in the nest, the Warden and his companions ventured out into Amaranthine.
The gorgeous sky was a nice change in scenery. Plus, the oxygen... well there was actually oxygen. "Well... that was fun." The Warden said as the sunlight connected with his face. "Though, things would've moved a lot quicker if one of us used his sword instead-" Nathaniel's eyes narrowed and his arms crossed. The frown on his face made the Warden laugh. "Relax, I'm only joking, Nathaniel." He sighed. "Still, I wish Loghain was there with us. He would've had a great time."
Instead Loghain was going to Orlais against his will. Sure, Loghain was once his greatest enemy and a pain in the ass. But now Lucifer viewed him as a close friend. If it was up to Lucifer, Loghain would stay in Ferelden, where they could rule over Vigil's Keep together.
Anders, the Arcane Warrior and secret Blood Mage, joined in on the laughing. "You know what I just realized?" His attention was focused on Nathaniel and the Warden. "You've made friends with your enemies three times now. First Loghain, then Nathaniel, and I guess you could count that one talking Darkspawn you let go."
The Warden resumed his own laughing. Nathaniel gave a few chuckles. "What can I say, I am one charismatic guy." He proclaimed, no one able to argue with the truth. "I could probably even talk Alistair into marrying Anora. Oh, wait a minute..." The Grey Wardens quickly went back to their cackling.
Sigrun coughed to gather everyone's attention. "You guys remember Vigil's Keep, right?" She pointed out, causing everyone's eyes to widen. "Even with everyone there, there is a good chance they can't keep away that many Darkspawn." Anders and Nathaniel looked to the Warden, seeking orders.
"Right." He said, a look of stupidity on his face. He let something so important escape his mind, why? "Sigrun's correct. Even with Justice leading them, we need to reach them as soon as possible." The Warden equipped Duncan's Dagger. "Follow my lead. Let's kill any Darkspawn we see. Oh, unless they talk."
It took more time than they would've liked. However, the Warden and his team eventually returned to Vigil's Keep. However, they quickly realized it was unnecessary. The Dwarven walls and soldiers outfitted in Silverite made the Keep a force to reckon with.
When they arrived, the Warden and his companions stumbled across more Darkspawn corpses than anyone had seen even at Denerim. Though, that wasn't enough for them to completely relax. They wanted to see their friends. Luckily, there was only one casualty. It was Justice who fell.
The Warden and Anders chose to believe that Justice lost his life, or his method or transportation, saving his fellow men and taking several Darkspawn with him. They soon learned that the theory was correct and then some. That was enough to set everyone at ease.
Days passed, and soon most of the Darkspawn was cleared away from the Keep, with the exception of a few Ogres. The news of the Darkspawn retreating into the Deep Roads soon reached the Warden and the rest of the Keep. With all of that out of the way, the routine celebration commenced. It was classic. Drinking games, wenches, and everything else a man needs were all available. The Warden chose not to participate. He needed to plan ahead for his next journey.
Nathaniel approached the Warden, spotting him sitting at a table in solitude. "Look who it is." Nathaniel said, getting the Warden to smile. "Get out there, will you? Some of the girls are talking about you." The Warden's eyes widened. "Maybe you should go and take a-"
Slowly standing out of his chair and finishing his liquor, the Warden refused the generous offer. "No thanks." He said. The Warden gave a friendly wave to the group of girls who were all waiting for him to approach them. He preferred to remain on his own.
Nathaniel looked relatively confused. "I thought you loved celebrating?" He asked, spilling a small portion of his liquor as his cup waved around. "What about after you killed the Archdemon? You told me you and this one girl, what was their name..."
The Warden chuckled. "Her name was Morrigan." He said, signalling for someone to refill his cup. "After this is all over, I'm going to find Morrigan again. Even if I made a promise I wouldn't." He took a sip of his now full cup. "I'll leave in a week or so. I need to gather supplies and my Mabari first."
Oghren quickly rushed over. "What!" He shouted, shocked at what the Warden had just said. "You mean to tell me that even after all of that, you still want to go after that crazy..." Oghren slowly silenced himself, noticing the Warden's glare. "Um, Morrigan. But still, why?"
The Warden shrugged. "Guess I still love 'er." He admitted with no amount of shame in his voice. He passed the cup to Oghren. "I think I'll go through with this on my own. This is something only I can-" The Warden's words were silenced when the Keep's main entrance slammed open.
It was Loghain. He was covered in blood, not any belonging to any Darkspawn. From the look of him, Loghain wasn't in good shape. Releasing a few coughs, Loghain slowly limped his way over to the Warden's table. Many were too startled to go and assist him in walking.
Finally, the Warden stood up and grabbed Loghain in case his fellow Grey Warden was ready to collapse. "Outside... look." Anders ran over and took over with Loghain. Luckily Anders practiced in the art of Spirit Healing. While Loghain was taken care of, the Warden rushed outside to see what was wrong.
As soon as the Warden stepped outside, creatures, ones that never met his gaze prior to this moment, charged straight at him. Instead of swords and/or shields, they were carrying what appeared to be wooden slabs. The creature charging at him was clearly no Darkspawn. If it was it wasn't any kind the Warden had seen.
Ducking as the creature attacked him, the Warden grabbed took Duncan's Dagger and shoved it into to creature's eye, piercing its skull and killing it in a matter of seconds. He scanned the area to make sure there weren't anymore of them. He spotted a few collapsed on the ground, most likely Loghain was the one to kill them.
After realizing the coast was clear, the Warden made another observation. The sky looked vastly different from it's form only a few minutes ago. In fact, the scenery around Vigil's Keep appeared to change as a whole. "Anders." The Warden called out to his friend. "Tell Nathaniel and Sigrun to come outside. And make sure Loghain stays awake. Something tells me we're going to need him to answer some questions."
A moment passes and then Nathaniel came running outside. "You called?" He looked to the creatures on the ground. "Hell is that?" He asked while waiting for Sigrun. "And what is going on with the sky? It seems a lot more... sinister than usual." The Warden nodded.
He lowered himself to get a closer look at the creature. It was green, oddly muscular, somehow managed to smell even worse than any of the Darkspawn, and closely resembled a Human. So for all the Warden knew, it was in fact some kind of new Darkspawn sent out in the event the Broodmother was killed.
Just as Sigrun ran outside the Keep, something erupted in the distance. It looked like some sorta explosion, one even more massive than when the Warden slayed the Archdemon. Everyone was quickly put on edge. "Oh, so that is where we're going?" Sigrun said with little emotion, almost sounding annoyed.