Do not own Dragon Age
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9 Nubulis, 9:31 Dragon, Ostagar
Taking the route from when they were doing their recruitment, the party arrives at Ostagar just after mid-day. Clearing out the darkspawn from the King's Camp is a simple task, with all the companions working together. They find two pieces of King Cailen's armor and the key to the King's chest, just where Elric said it was. Once they locate it, the container is open, the group reading the missives.
"He had finished the negotiations, all they needed was his signature and sent back." Alistair comments, astonished.
"Yes, but the most interesting part was the terms." Alim adds, "He was planning to divorce Anora. Do you think Loghain found out?" he queries.
"If he had a spy or spies. It's possible." Sereda says.
"This is my families seal." Elissa points out, "and I recognize my father's handwriting. Was he helping with these negotiations?" she wonders.
"Let us take care of the darkspawn first. We can look more closely at the documents tonight." Solona suggests, before securing the documents in her pack.
/
Crossing the bridge to the northern half of the camp, the companions see a figure, secured to a crucifix. The closer the veterans of Ostagar get, the more familiar the person on it becomes.
"The darkspawn just left him out. To rot." Alistair remarks mournfully.
"Bastards." Elissa adds, disgusted.
"The darkspawn don't know honor or civility. Let us teach them?" Leliana suggests, maliciously.
Movement to the right, on the other side of the bridge, catches the party's interest. An Emissary is casting a spell, animating the corpses nearby.
"We will be back, my King. We will send you off with all the honor you deserve." Alistair says, determined.
The companions agree, then move toward the darkspawn mage. The Tower of Ishal looms in the distance.
/
The group finds another piece to the King's armor, after taking out the darkspawn outside the Tower of Ishal. Alistair asks his hound if he is okay going in. The mabari barks, as does Assan, Lyna's mabari.
An Ogre greets them just inside the building, charging at them. Alistair and Sereda put their shields up and brace themselves, blocking some of the damage from the creatures attack. Darrian and Elissa roll to opposite sides, standing up behind the beast. Both slash at a leg, one right, one left. Using the advantage, Oghren swings into the Ogre's stomach, then pulls sideways, ripping a massive hole in the creature. Shale delivers a powerful punch, staggering the darkspawn further, before Sten makes the final blow with his weapon, thrusting it up, into the Ogre's heart.
The darkspawn on the first floor are easily dispatched before the companions descend into a large tunnel. They are in an underground level, several rooms and corridors, not previously seen. Lyna surpresses her fright at the tainted giant spiders, Darrian remains by her side. Faren finds a tunnel leading back outside, onto the original battlefield. Solona takes the lead, walking out into the snow covered valley.
/
Solona takes the emissary Necromancer, the others will deal with the corpses and darkspawn. The two combatants are polar opposites, one a expert in death, the other a Spirit Healer, an expert on life. She releases a cleansing aura, repelling a band of corpses coming toward her. The emissary begins casting, Solona sends a stone-fist, a lightning spell, right on it's heel. She moves closer, casting a cone of cold, it slows the darkspawn mage, but doesn't freeze him. Solona is about to send another spell, when she has to side step, an undead swiping at her. The necromancer uses the distraction, sending a lightning spell of it's own, but Solona's robes absorb a lot of the damage, redirecting the energy into her staff. Solona smiles deviously, sending a powerful fireball at the darkspawn mage, setting it ablaze. It falls to the ground, rolling this way and that. The flames do not dissipate, soon the creature stops moving, the heat and fire consuming the rest.
/
The companions return to King Cailen, having the final piece of his armor. Elissa had also found Duncan's daggers, still embedded in an Undead Ogre's chest, which was strange to see. Once the corpses was destroyed, Elissa retrieved the weapons, intending to check with the others on their distribution.
Alistair and Sten bring the body down, taking it to the king's camp. The others are setting up a pyre to place the monarch upon. Alistair dresses him back in his armor, with Shale and Sten's assistance, the King is laid upon the pyre. Alim lights the wood, then steps back to observe. The companions hold a silent vigil, paying their respects.
/
The group camps at an abandoned farmstead that night, everyone is quiet and subdued, thinking about the days events, and the discovery of the documents contents. Alim, Elissa and Solona study the treaty, learning that Teryn Bryce Cousland was acting as an ambassador between King Cailen and Empress Celene of Orlais. Elissa informs the two mages that Highever does a great deal of trade with Orlais, she speculates that Cailen probably asked her father to help because of the Teryn's contacts. Alim and Solona agree with that assessment. Solona factors, that this must have been a contention point between the Bryce and Loghain, the latter having a deep hatred for Orlais. Howe may have twisted the truth, in order to get the sanction to attack the Couslands. Elissa murmurs an expletive toward Howe, with Alim and Solona agreeing readily.
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18 Nubulis, 9:31 Dragon, Redcliff
Alim and Solona are relieved to see Bodahn, Morrigan, and Sandal. Solona nods to Morrigan, handing her the grimoire. Alim and Solona having already finished reading and studying the spellbook. Morrigan thanks the companions for their help. Solona inquires about Arl Eamon, Morrigan tells them that she check in yesterday, but there was no change to his condition. Solona decides to let the group spend the night here at Redcliff, then begin the journey to Haven in the morning.
Even though it is still early evening, Alistair chases Elissa to the tavern, after the latter, whispered something into his ear. Faren and Sereda go to the Chantry, coming out ten minutes later, both relaying the return messages from missives sent from before leaving Denerim. Solona grins, then tells the two to go find some place to relax, enjoy some down time, they earned it. The two nod, then walk away hand in hand towards the tavern.
Solona walks toward the lake, all the mabari are with her, she hears a noise, going to investigate. She discovers a sight she wishes to scrub from her eyes, Alim is on his knees, Zevran standing above him, the front flap of his armor open. Solona turns around and closes her eyes. Zevran notices her, he smirks, before his face contorts back to pure pleasure. Solona walks away hurriedly, she loves her brother, but she doesn't want to see him doing that.
/
Darrian and Lyna find a secluded spot next to the tavern, up a small hill, on a platform. Darrian leans against a heavy crate, Lyna sits in front of him, leaning against him. Darrian wraps his arms around her.
"The views nice, but the companies better." Darrian remarks, grinning.
"Hmm." Lyna agrees, content.
They sit in silence for a while, both blissful.
"I love you." Lyna says softly, peacefully.
"I know. I love you too." Darrian returns, cheekily.
Lyna turns her head, about to retort against his tone, when Darrian kisses her soundly, supporting her head, as his tongue slips between parted lips, just as she gasps. Lyna turns her body more fully, Darrian crushes her to him, wanting her as close as possible. Lyna straddles his hips, never breaking contact. She can feel his excitement, she grinds against it, trying to relieve the ache she feels. Darrian moves his hands down to her hips, guiding her. Darrian pulls his head back.
"I want you, but I will only go as far as you say." Darrian tells her, maintaining control.
"I am...I want you as well, vhenan. But I am a little frightened, I have n..." Lyna starts, stopped with a finger to her lips.
"Let us get a room at the tavern. I will go as slow as you desire, love. I want you to be comfortable, if that means that we just explore each other, but wait to join completely, then that is good too. I told you, I would worship you. I meant it." Darrian explains seriously, a soft smile on his face.
Lyna removes herself from his lap, then helps him to stand. After procuring a room at the inn, they disappear into their shared room. All thought of darkspawn and demons are banished that night.
/
Solona rejoins the rest of the companions next to the windmill, helping to set up camp for the night. Leliana asks about the others, Solona shakes her head, and shrugs. Leliana just smiles, going back to preparing for the night.
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21 Nubulis, 9:31 Dragon, The West Road
Walking along, Lake Calenhad is to their right. The companions are talking amongst themselves, just passing the time, when an arrow comes zipping out of the woods to the left. It barely misses Leliana, but does embed into the cart, startling Bodahn. Shale takes a guard post, escorting the merchant further up the road, the rest of the group remains where they are. Lyna dashes into the foliage, melting into the trees.
The mabari are focused on something, Solona gives a signal, Loki runs into the forest, a howl from the hound, has the group jetting into the trees. Loki barks, giving the combatants the directions they need. Emerging into a small glade, the party finds a band of eight, armed and ready. Two archers let loose the arrows primed for the group. One hits Faren in the shoulder, the other hits Sten in the leg, but bounces off his armor. Alim sends a chain lightning spell, hitting all eight opponents, one by one.
It causes enough of a distraction to help the companions move in, the warriors charge ahead, each taking a target, the mabari hounds regroup to attack. Leliana sets her bow, firing a scatter shot, hitting two of the opposition. Darrian and Elissa, disappear into smoke, reappearing a few minutes later behind an enemy each, daggers slashing at tender legs, the opponents drop down, their knives are buried into necks. Lyna shoots from somewhere in the surrounding forest, three shots in rapid succession hit one of the foes, they are dead before dropping to the ground.
Alim sends cold spells and lightning, in between arcane spirit bolts. Morrigan transforms into a wolf, weaving in and out of the combatants, before returning to her original form. She sends hexes and cold spells harassing the enemies from behind. Wynne pulls the arrow out of Faren's shoulder, Solona immediately casts a healing spell.
There are only two enemies left, when one of them yells out.
"Enough! We surrender!" a male says, dropping his weapon.
The other opponent drops their as well.
"Why did you attack us?" Elissa demands.
"We were paid to. We were told to take out the redhead with a bow, the others with her were not important." he explains.
"Paid by whom?" Solona asks, her voice soothing.
"A woman named Marjolaine. She told us to return to Denerim when the job was done." he informs them.
"I see. Was there any other instructions?" Solona inquires, her tone relaxing the two mercenaries.
"Just the sign to look for by the door of the house. A star with a..." he starts.
"Rose inside it. I know it." Leliana finishes, dejected.
"Thank you, you have been most helpful." Solona says, making a gesture.
Darrian and Elissa finish the two men, making it quick.
"This is about your old mentor. What do you want to do?" Solona questions Leliana.
"I need to face her. She will keep sending people to kill me if I do not. She won't care if there are innocent bystanders either." Leliana states.
"Next time we are in Denerim." Solona tells her.
Leliana nods.
/
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30 Nubulis, 9:31 Dragon, Haven
Bodahn's cart is stopped at the border of the village, a guard blocking it's path. Solona steps forward to speak to the man.
"Hello. Good day, sir. May we pass through to trade and rest?" Solona inquires charmingly.
"We do not allow lowlanders into Haven. You may trade at the shop, but be on your way after." the guard tells them.
"Thank you, sir. I am unfamiliar with this village, it would be a kindness, if you pointed the way?" Solona requests, while giving a signal with her hand.
Faren, Darrian, and Elissa vanish from sight, the guard none the wiser.
"The shop is up that hill, and straight ahead at the top." the guard points.
"Oh my. May my oxen rest for a few more moments before attempting? He is tired still from the journey to reach your lovely village." Solona asks, a worry to her tone.
"I suppose a short break will be alright. Just do not wander around, the villagers are easily frightened of strangers." the guard replies, relaxing his stance.
"Many thanks, sir. Those with me will remain here at the cart. I would not wish for any misunderstanding." Solona reassures him.
"You're a lot nicer than other lowlanders I've seen." the guard remarks.
"Thank you again, sir. I will endeavor to remain in high esteem." Solona returns, smiling softly.
The guard nods, completely charmed by Solona.
"If I may ask? And to pass the time. Will you tell me a little about Haven? How long has your village been here? It is wonderfully peaceful, I can not help but to admire it's charm." Solona tells him.
"Haven has always been here. How do you describe a place that you call home?" the guard returns, "If you have time, after your business with the shop is concluded. You may go and visit the Chantry, Revered Father Eirik is holding a sermon at present, but should be available afterwards." the guard informs them.
"A Revered Father? That's new." Alistair comments glibbly.
"It has always been thus in Haven. We do not question tradition." the guard states, his tone hostile.
"I apologize for my friends tone. Please, forgive him." Solona says smoothly.
"I...of course." the guard concedes.
"The Chantries in the lowlands all have female priests, Revered Mother's and Sisters. It was surprising to hear of different traditions." Solona informs the guard.
The guard nods, thinking. He does not see a door on a house behind him open briefly, then close.
"I wonder if you get many visitors up here in these mountains? It must be a little isolating to not see new people very often?" Solona contemplates.
"We occasionally get outsiders coming here, they do not stay long." the guard answers cryptically.
"I am sad to hear that. I think your village is quiet lovely, it is shamefully they did not appreciate it's divine setting. I think we will make the attempt now. I thank you again, for your generosity, in letting this good boy rest." Solona states, petting the oxen.
"You are welcome." the guard returns, smiling slightly.
/
Alistair, Oghren, Sereda, Shale and Sten help pull the cart up the hill, the oxen not having the energy to make it. Alim and Solona, tie a rope to the cart, then secure it around a large tree at the top of the incline. Using a pulley system, they are able to easily get the cart up. Solona gives the oxen a treat, petting his flank, murmuring praise.
"I have never met anyone as good at The Game, as you are. I bet you could even give Empress Celene a run for her money." Leliana remarks, smiling.
"Now wouldn't that be something to see?" Solona asks rhetorically.
"The Game?" Lyna questions, confused.
"I will explain later tonight." Leliana assures.
Lyna nods.
/
Bodahn talks to the shopkeeper, unaware that Faren is searching the backroom of the store. The shopkeeper eyes the group, even as he negotiates with Bodahn. Solona offers him a smile and nod, unaffected at all, by his watchfulness. Sandal runs back and forth to the cart, Oghren holds the door open for the rune maker. Once Bodahn and the shopkeeper are finished, Solona quietly suggests that Bodahn go ahead of them, Morrigan and Oghren will escort the cart, the companions will be along shortly. Bodahn whispers that the man gave him the creeps, and for the party to be careful. Solona smiles and nods.
"I thought your business was done?" the owner questions, brusque.
"Our merchant friends business is done. We also wish to trade." Solona returns, not missing a beat.
"Well then, alright." the shopkeeper says.
"Why's there a dead Redcliff knight in your backroom?" Faren inquires, appearing in the backrooms doorway.
"Don't worry about it. You'll be joining him." the owner retorts maliciously, pulling a knife from his side belt.
Elissa appears behind him, her daggers burying themselves in his back. The owner falls dead.
"Yeah, I don't think so." Solona comments.
"Why are people so stupid?" Sereda wonders.
"Because we see, only what we wish too." Solona answers, moving towards the backroom.
/
Returning outside, the group is attacked by four men, three wearing armor, one wearing robes. The warriors and hounds make quick work of the combatants.
"See, stupid." Sereda comments.
"Agreed." Sten says, dryly.
"What did you find?" Solona inquires, looking at Darrian.
"In a house down the hill, we found an altar with blood caked over it and around it. Too much to have survived from." Darrian reports.
"Perhaps we are dealing with blood mages, as well." Wynne suggests.
Solona nods.
"Shall we go meet this Father Eirik?" Alistair asks.
"Yes, lets." Solona agrees.
Solona has Shale wait by the shop, just in case anyone tries to go after Bodahn, or follow the party. The companions are attacked on their way up another steep hill to the Chantry. Leliana and Lyna take them out with well placed arrows. As they get closer to the structure, the group hears singing.
/
Faren, Darrian, and Elissa melt into the shadows, Alistair pauses a second, then opens the door to the Chantry, holding it open a few moments longer, before letting it close behind him. Solona leads the group within the congregation, who stop and stare at the party, some frightened, some openly hostile.
"Be not afraid, my friends. I'm sure the outsiders will be gone soon." Eirik tries to reassure his flock.
"I mean no ill-will to anyone who is a friend to non-violence." Solona says a little loud.
Only two of the people in the congregation understand her meaning, making a hasty retreat with their children, out of the building.
"My name is Solona. I am a Grey Warden. My primary mission is to hunt and destroy darkspawn." she starts, gasps can be heard from a few people. "I have been sent to search for a Brother Genitivi, a scholar of the Orlesian Chantry. I have investigated some of the homes here in Haven, dead Knight's and blood sacrifices are a disturbing occurrence just by themselves, but together, leads me to a dangerous picture." she finishes.
A couple of mother's and one father, lead their children out of the Chantry. Only one child remains, he moves to a corner of the Chant Hall.
"We don't owe you any explanations for our actions. We have a sacred duty; failure to protect Her would be a greater sin. All will be forgiven." Eirik informs them, giving a signal to his flock to attack.
Solona bumps the bottom end of her staff on the ground, a shock wave of cold moves forward, hitting the assailants moving towards them. The warriors step forward, weapons ready, Zevran, stands next to Alim, who is casting support spells first. The mabari hounds pounce, each taking a target. Leliana and Lyna begin firing arrows, their aim true. The villagers may be misguided, but the daggers in their hands are not. Solona feels remorseful at killing them, but protecting herself must come first.
Wynne eyes the child in the corner, who is watching the battle, but makes no move to neither leave the building or join the fight. She is distracted by an incoming attack, when she looks again, the child is gone.
Alim sends a stone-fist to Eirik, knocking him over. Arcane bolts and lightning attacks follow behind it. Eirik gets up, only some of the magical effects, taking a toll. The Father casts a healing spell, recovering from his injuries. Alim shouts out to Alistair, who parries a dagger, then pushes his opponent back with his shield. Alim points to Eirik, then to his staff, Alistair nods, disengaging from his current target, moving to the new one. A path behind Alistair is clear, Solona steps into it. She judges the distance, gauging where her friends are. She lines up a cone of cold, freezing several enemies at once. Her companions grin, shattering the people popsicles quickly.
Alistair takes down Eirik in moments, his spells no match for the warriors Templar abilities. The rest of the flock are dispatched swiftly after, the rogues taking care of them. Wynne tells Solona about the child, Solona nods, acknowledging the information.
Searching the main hall and a side office, yields a strange medallion, and a magical ring. The ring is discovered to enhance fire spells, giving it Wynne. Faren calls the group over to a wall, he pushes a brick in, the wall moves to the side, revealing a hidden chamber. Walking inside, the companions find a man, prone on the ground, his leg broken. Solona rushes forward and begins tending to him.
"My name is Solona. I am a healer. I'll get you fixed up in no time." She tells him, smiling gently.
"I'm Brother Genitivi, a scholar for the Chantry. Am I glad to see you." he informs her, relieved.
"We've been looking for you. We have been sent by the Arlessa of Redcliff. Her husband Arl Eamon is gravely ill. Please, have you found the Urn of Sacred Ashes?" Elissa explains fast.
"Yes, but I couldn't reach the Temple it is housed in. The cultist captured me, and broke my leg. Eirik, is he dead?" Genitivi inquires.
"Yes. We are safe for now." Solona answers.
"He wears a medallion, it opens the doors to the Temple. Once this lovely lady patches me up, I'll lead you there." Genitivi offers, mincing as Solona sets the leg back in place.
Solona casts a healing spell, the bone and flesh mending before everyone's eyes. A relaxed look comes over Genitivi's face.
"Has anyone told you how wonderful that feels? Why, I feel like a new man." Genitivi remarks, smiling.
Solona smirks and raises an eyebrow.
"Solona's healing abilities are unique. No other healer I have ever known, has the same effect on their patients. Irving even looked into, no recorded history of any mage with healing abilities even closely resembling hers." Wynne explains to the group.
"However you do it. Thank you." Genitivi says, sincerely.
/
Alistair lends the Brother his shoulder, the two taking it easy getting back down the hill. Shale waits for them, reporting that several villagers came out of their homes, but no one approached, or went in either direction, they just came out and look at the golem, then went back inside. Darrian and Lyna walk off to retrieve Bodahn and the others.
/
Brother Genitivi leads the group to an easily missed trail. Solona asks Bodahn what he would like to do, the paths ahead may be more dangerous than previously encountered. Solona does not wish to put him or Sandal into unnecessary peril. Bodahn thanks her, but says that he will stick with the party. He's informs her that he has found some good merchandise traveling with them, winking at her. Solona chuckles, before asking if the Brother may share Bodahn's cart for a day or two, giving his leg time to rest. The merchant agrees, making a space for him.
The trail opens up a half hour in, showing signs of frequent use. The terrain is easy to walk, the cart has no issues keeping up. Leliana and Lyna keep their bows ready, just in case. The mabari are relaxed a