Chapter Two

Ostagar

"Hey Duncan… we've made camp, so… I need to talk with you." I said. Everyone watched me.

Duncan chuckled, "What about?"

"If I can prove to you – beyond a shadow of a doubt – that I'm powerful enough to be a general… will you let me take the lead of the new recruits?"

He snorted, "Sure."

I grinned widely and let out one long whistle and two short ones in rapid succession. From thin air, my first Griffon mount appeared. Gasps were heard and I said, "Nia, my love! How are you, sweetie?"

She cooed and pecked at my hair. I chuckled and began petting her. "Look, Nia… I need you to take something to Inas for me – can you do that?" she chirped and I wrote a quick note to my cousin.

Inas,

I need help – can you give Nia my weapons and armor? I'll make a portal and explain everything later, promise.

Atarah Stormlight – formerly Faerine Silverlight.

I handed the note to the Nia and she fluffed her feathers. I snagged a piece of jerky from Daylen and held it to her. She nodded and took it before vanishing.

"Was that… a griffon?"

I looked at Duncan, "You better believe it. The Alliance uses Griffons as the main flight option. The Horde leans more towards wyverns. I have more than 30 griffon mounts in my stable. I also have a few dragons, dinosaurs, rams, horse, wolves, machines… you name it, I've probably got at least one."

"Griffons… are extinct here."

I shrugged, "I know – which is why that gets to stay a secret. The Wardens will want my Griffons and I won't let them have them."

Duncan nodded just as Nia reappeared… and Inas was on her back. I rolled my eyes as he dismounted. 6'5 in height with light purple skin, green hair, and blue-grey eyes; he looked so much like his father – Uncle Malfurion. And the antlers he had upon his head were a mark of great druidic potential. I once had antler nubs… two nannies had cut them away repeatedly until they no longer grew back. Malfurion was enraged when he learned of it – even in his hatred of me, the horns were supposed to be sacred. I kept the scars and nub remnants hidden with my hair. My Mark of Elune was also hidden since it was on my forehead.

"Inas, you ass – I said I would talk to you later."

People behind me were gaping. "Little Sister! When you were struck down, I worried. Magni told me you were still alive, however. What is the great General doing… here?"

"I'm not a general anymore, Inas. I'm going to be a Warden. Not that you know what that is. Meet my new commander, Duncan of the Grey. My new brothers-in-arms, Aedan Cousland is a nobleman, Daylen Amell is a mage, Darrien Tabris is a Rouge and my new sister in arms here is Lyna Mahariel."

He nodded, "Shall I have an escort assigned to you?"

"Fuck you, Inas – I can look after this group on my own! They aren't ready for Azeroth to but in."

He pouted, "Fine… at least take this amulet. Jaina spelled it to connect to mine. We'll be able to talk to each other at any time!" he handed me a simple gold chain with what looked like a ring on it.

I rolled my eyes and shoved him, "I'll make you a portal home, but don't pull this stunt again."

He gave me a grin and I cast a portal. I shoved him through and closed it.

Duncan just sat down, "Well… you hold a higher rank than I do. I'll let you have the recruits after the Joining then."

I nodded and said, "Ignore my magics – I told Greagoir that I'm not a mage… and that's half true but it's also a total lie."

"How does that work?" Aedan asked.

"I'm not bound to the magic here in Thedas – so I'm not like the mages here. I'm like the mages and druids from Azeroth. I'm also a Dragon Born – don't ask… it's complicated. Unlike Warlocks, I cannot converse or deal with Demons and nor would I wish to. I can summon portals to places I have been and teleport as well; I can call on each element as well as solar and lunar magics to aid me… I carry the blood and soul of a Dragon."

"I… see. What else can you do?"

"I have a void-storage; and in that, I have all sorts of armor, weapons, money, and so on. I can… talk to dragons – even going so far as to use their tongue to use their abilities. Things like Fire Breath, Frost Breath… any magics the Dragons of old once held, so too do I."

"And… your cousin…?" Lyna asked.

"He's Kaldorei – Night-elf. He's full blooded, unlike me. I get my skin coloring from my mother – Sin'dorei, or blood-elf."

"What… other races are there?" Duncan asked.

Using my Ice and fire Magics as one, I created replicas of Genn Greymane, King of the Worgen, and Thrall, a notable Orc. Doing it this way meant that the ice models were fully colored with colored fires. Pointing to Genn I said, "This is a Worgen – they could be called Werewolves but they are much smarter than their brethren and have the abilities to use Magic or Weapons and change back to their human forms. Orcs also have abilities to use magic or weapon, but they are born looking like this. The Green comes from generations of corrupted magic, but there are ones who are also regularly colored." I next showed them the other races – Trolls, Goblins, Gnomes, Dwarves, Draenei, Tauren and Undead… the Pandaren that could choose what side they wanted. I even showed them the Vulpera and Mecha-gnomes!

"Those are just the more… civilized races. There are others – some of whom are either more advanced or less but still intelligent. Like Dragons, or Gryphons or even Shivarra! Every race across that world has the capability for magic – even the Dwarves. There is no taboo about it either. Even the Warlocks had a place in the armies. They were especially useful when we were fighting the demon armies of the Burning Legion."

"You willingly worked along-side those that dealt with demons?"

"That is the magic that called to them – that I was able to learn 2 magics is not actually possible. With magic, you either get one or you don't. And discovering which magic you have is… usually difficult. Azeroth was a vastly different place, after all. The world itself was alive; she had a speaker and a Champion and I was more than honored to fight in her name; and that's just my most recent life… blood magic is only used by those who make demonic deals or warlocks… mostly warlocks."

"We should get some rest… Atarah, might I ask one favor?" Duncan asked. I chuckled, "I have a feeling I already know. You want mounts to make the journey to Ostagar faster. I will save you the trouble – yes, I will summon us each a horse tomorrow morning."

He nodded to me.

It took us a week of travel by horse – I had summoned my simplest horses. There was no sense in calling out the Hearth-steed or worse – the Headless Horseman's headless mount.

Duncan was explaining things to us as we approached the 'gates' of Ostagar. "The kings' forces have clashed with the darkspawn several times, but this is where the bulk of the horde will show itself. There are only a few Grey Wardens here in Ferelden at the moment, but all of us are here. The Blight must be stopped here and now… if it spreads to the north, Ferelden will fall…"

"Ho, there, Duncan!" I heard a voice. I looked up to see a man with golden hair – like real gold – and hazel brown eyes. He stood at 6'1 with pale skin and golden armor. I made a single hand motion and everyone dismounted. They all moved to bow too – I did not.

Cailan looked at me in interest as I stood tall. "Your Majesty… I didn't expect…" Duncan began.

"A royal welcome? I was beginning to worry that you'd miss all the fun! Please stand, friends!"

I smirked as he approached me, "Hello there, friend – what's your name?"

"I am General Atarah Stormlight – from Azeroth." I held out my hand. I had decked out in my ceremonial battle gear just for this meeting.

"Azeroth? I'm afraid I've never heard of it…" he looked bewildered as he shook my hand. I nodded firmly, "That's no surprise – Azeroth is another land entirely. It's not on your maps. I've come here – to Ostagar, I mean – to join the Wardens."

"But… you just said you're a General."

"What is your point?"

"Just… if you're that highly placed, why would you want to lower your rank? Forgive me, I'm king Cailan."

"I'm not lowering my rank – Duncan has agreed to give me command of my own group. Any who make it through this round of the joining will be under my direct command."

He nodded, "That… would be a good way to recruit higher talents, I'll admit. Would your lands be interested in an alliance?"

I snorted and the others behind me all chuckled too. "There are two factions where I'm from – Horde and Alliance. King Anduin of the Alliance is who I served. In truth, a single word from me would decide whether your people are worthy of joining us or not."

Duncan sputtered, "You're that highly regarded?"

"More like, I've never once made a 'bad call' about these things." I said with a smirk.

"Well… what do you think?" Cailan asked eagerly. I shrugged, "I'm still deciding."

"Oh… okay. Well, like I said, I was beginning to think you'd miss all the fun, Duncan!"

"Not if I could help it, your Majesty."

Cailan smiled, "Then I'll have the mighty Duncan at my side in battle after all! Glorious! The other Wardens tell me you've found some promising new recruits… I see five – counting the General. Oh! You're Bryces' youngest are you not?" he zeroed in on Aedan.

"I am your majesty. And… it's not good news that brings me here…" Aedan shifted.

"Is it about your father? Your brother has been quite worried – he was supposed to arrive not long after Fergus…"

I sighed and gave Aedan a questioning look. He nodded to me so I stepped up, "Aedan is the only Cousland survivor of an Attack. Arl Howe, was that the name? Yes, he has shown himself a traitor and overtaken Highever Castle. The Teyrn and his family are all dead – save Fergus and Aedan."

"What? Dead… Duncan, what do you know about this?" Cailan looked stricken.

"Tyren Cousland and his wife are indeed dead, your majesty… had we not escaped; he would have killed us too and told you anything he wished."

Cailan turned away, tears shining in his eyes and my opinion of him instantly went up. "I… I can scarcely believe it. How could he think he could get away with such treachery? As soon as we are done here, I will turn my armies north and bring Howe to justice! You have my word," he said looking at Aedan.

He nodded and said, "Thank you, your majesty."

"No doubt you wish to see your brother. Unfortunately, he and his men are scouting the Wilds."

"No worries… honestly, I'm not so eager to tell him that his wife, son and our parents were all killed in cold blood…"

He nodded with a flinch, "I can understand that… I'm terribly sorry to cut this short, but I should return to my tent. Loghain eagerly waits to bore me with his battle strategies."

I perked up, "Oooh – a battle strategy… that sounds like my kind of party… so to speak."

Duncan cleared his throat and said, "Your uncle sends his greetings and reminds you that he could have his forces here in less than a week."

"Ha! Eamon just wants in on the Glory. We've won three battles already against these monsters and tomorrow should be no different."

I scoffed, "You sound confident…"

"Over-confident, some might say. Honestly, I'm not even sure that this is a true blight! There are plenty of Darkspawn on the field but we've seen no Archdemon!"

"Disappointed, your majesty?" Duncan sounded calm but I could see him glance at me with exasperation.

"I'd hoped for a war like in the tales! A King riding with the fabled Grey Wardens against a tainted God… I suppose this will have to do. Now, I really must go before Loghain sends a search party."

I nodded and said, "It was a pleasure to meet you your majesty."

"Please – call me Cailan. I'm considering you a diplomat for now." I shrugged, "Then my name is Atarah."

He nodded and walked off with a smile.

"What the King said is true; they've won several battles against the Darkspawn here."

I snorted, "That over-confidence will be his downfall. He isn't taking the threat seriously. He doesn't seem to understand that any demon is smarter than your average strategist – they will wait until you let your guard down to show themselves."

Duncan looked sharply at me, "What do you know?"

"I can't tell you… not the whole thing anyway. Come here, the rest of you, wait for a moment."

He followed me a bit away from the group and said, "Tell me what you can."

"I know about the blood, the death-rate, how Broodmothers are made, I know the words to the ritual and exactly what happened at soldiers' peak. I know that the first warden essentially runs the Anderfells and about the Calling. I also… I know about the Architect." He hissed in a breath, his grip on my arm tightening.

"How do you know about…?"

"It's one hell of a story, Duncan. I know about Fiona and Maric… and Alistair… you have to tell him; tonight. Tell him about his mother and how she made Maric swear… tell him why you conscripted him. Duncan, please, swear you will tell him." I saw his hesitance and gave him a pleading look.

"How important is it that I tell him?"

"Alistair will be king one day, Duncan. If you don't tell him the truth, he will end up thinking that bitch Goldanna is his sister and… it won't be pretty. Does Cailan know?"

"I… Cailan knows. And I suppose I will have to tell him. I won't discount the words of a prophet."

I groaned, "I'm not a prophet; just someone with a lot of information."

"We have 4 other recruits – Daveth from Denerim, Ser Jory from Redcliff, and Natia Brosca and Sereda Aeducan from Orzammar."

"I'll gather them and Alistair, then."

He nodded and I motioned to the others. I looked at them and said, "I will go get the other recruits and our… guide. The rest of you, get to know the camp or stay with Duncan. You have… an hour, give or take. I will meet you there."

They all nodded and I chuckled as I headed off. Daylen and Aedan followed me for some reason. I didn't comment.

I saw people pointing at me and whispering about my armor – I looked dangerous with the armor.

The first person I came across was Daveth. The Cut-Purse was 5'9 with shaggy black hair and green eyes. His face was a bit charming but nothing to write home about. He was tanned and I saw a cross bow on his back and a quiver of bolts at his hip.

He looked me up and down, "Well, you're not what I thought you'd be…"

"I have no doubt about that. My name is Atarah Stormlight – I will be your new chief."

He blinked at me and smirked, "The names Daveth. It's about bloody time you all came along. I was beginning to think they cooked this ritual up just for our benefit."

Aedan snorted, "I highly doubt that."

"Yeah, you're likely right. I happened to be sneaking around camp last night, see, and I heard a couple of senior wardens talking. So I listened in a bit, right? I'm thinking they plan to send us into the wilds."

Daylen looked at me with a questioning look before shrugging when he saw my calm façade, "That doesn't sound too bad."

"Oh, I get it; Cannibals, beasts, witches and now Darkspawn? What's there to be scared of, right?"

"If you're scared, this is not the place for you. This is War. But I will tell you what. I will watch your back if you do the same for me."

He gave me the sleaziest grin and said, "Oh, I'll watch your back." He chuckled. I sighed, "Just don't get too distracted back there. If I get hit, I'll make sure you do too."

He chuckled, "It's a deal."

He nodded and off he went.

We found the knight from Redcliff next. He was 6'0 with a balding head and brown eyes. I didn't have the energy to deal with him so I just sent him off. The Dwarves were near the Quartermaster – thank the void.

One was 4'5 with blondish brown hair, stone grey eyes and a hard look in her eye the distrust was evident. The other woman was 4'3 with cropped red hair and blue eyes – she had the castles brand on her left cheek. She also looked distrustful.

"Natia and Sereda, correct? I am your new chief – Atarah Stormlight."

They glanced at each other. Sereda spoke first, "You the other recruits we were waiting on?"

I nodded firmly. "This is Daylen Amell and Aedan Cousland – two of the ones you were waiting on. I'm the shepherd that has been assigned to round you all up and send you to Duncan."

Natia barked a laugh and said, "By the Stone, why?"

I looked amused, "As I said – I'm the new leader for this batch of the joining."

Sereda snorted, "Why?"

"General of an Army trumps other experiences." Daylen drawled.

Aedan laughed, "You should see her cousin – 6'5 with purple skin. Never seen anything like it."

"Well, we still need to find one more person, so off you go, my sheep – Duncan awaits." Natia and Duran laughed as they headed that way. Daylen looked at me, "Should I head over to Duncan too…?"

"Do you know where you're going?"

"Well… no." he said. I smirked, "Then do you think you should go to Duncan?"

"No…"

I nodded firmly and looked at the Quartermaster. He took in my armor and hair color and didn't accuse me of being his assistant.

"Have you seen an elf running about? Young woman, red hair… carrying a suit of armor?" he asked.

I shook my head, "Can't say that I have."

"Blast it, where did she run off to? That suit better be patched up when she gets back or by the Maker… ah, pardon my manners; my troubles are none of your concern. I'm the Quartermaster; did you need anything? Some supplies perhaps?"

"Yes, actually; can I look?"

He smiled at me and whispered, "I also have some… goods on the side – so long as you keep you quiet."

"Any Venom?" I asked, stunning the two men at my back. The Quartermaster nodded and said, "That I do. 5 silvers for 3 vials." I thought for a moment and said, "Add it to a pile. I will also need a decent mages' staff for Daylen here, and some health poultices. If you have daggers, I want a set for my friend, Aedan, as well as a quiver of arrows. And… soap. I'm out of washing soap and I hate smelling like dirt and sweat."

The Quartermaster moved swiftly to get my order together – he found 20 poultices and some high quality rose scented soaps – and I took Aedans daggers and Daylen's staff to hand over as trade. The Quartermaster looked them over and nodded saying, "Your total comes out to 2 sovereigns and 3 silvers after trade."

I handed over the coins from my void storage and took our items with a smile, "Thank you. I will keep an eye out for your assistant." He smiled and nodded.

"Oh, before you go – I heard the Wardens are going into the Wilds later – Old Ren at the stables keeps asking people about a White flower with a red center to help one of his hounds." I nodded and replied, "I'll keep an eye out if we go out there. Thank you."

As we were leaving, I tripped and almost face-planted. Thankfully someone caught me. I blinked up at him, "Oh… uh… thank… thank you." The man was 5'11 with cropped black hair and gold eyes. He was halfway between tan and pale. I flushed, embarrassed that I had tripped and moved out of his arms.

"It's… alright. Just be more careful."

"Right – I haven't been this clumsy since I was a child. I'm Atarah Stormlight – guest of Cailan and Warden-Recruit."

He looked startled at that and said, "I'm Carver Hawke, My Lady."

I chuckled, "Quick question – you two look so similar, I have to ask. This is Daylen Amell – any relation?"

"Daylen… Aunt Revkas' oldest boy?" Carver asked.

"Yeah – that's me. You Aunt Leandras kid?"

"2nd son – Garrett came first. I have a twin sister too. I'm actually here with my older sister, Marian."

"Small world," Daylen grinned.

Carver grinned at me, "Well, it was a pleasure to meet you… Atarah. It looks like I'm being summoned however. If you ever find yourself in Lothering, feel free to drop in – mother would love to talk family history with you." I looked to where he was pointing and saw a blonde man waving him down.

I nodded, "Thanks again for catching me."

Next we finally found the man we were looking for. We approached Alistair who was talking with the grumpy mage. I smirked.

"What is it now? Haven't the Grey Wardens asked more than enough of the Circle?"

"I simply came to deliver a message, Ser Mage; from the Revered Mother. She desires your presence." Alistair was really cute. Though he looked similar to the King, there was enough of a difference that most wouldn't notice. At 6'1 He was lightly tanned and far fitter than Cailan. His honey blond hair was cropped and fell naturally in a cute style. His eyes were golden-hazel though they did have plenty of green flecks in them.

"What her reverence desires is of no concern to me. I am busy helping the Grey Wardens – by the kings' orders, I might add!"

"Should I have asked her to write a note?" Aedan snorted.

"Tell her I will not be harassed in this manner!"

"Yes, I was harassing you by delivering a message…"

"Your glibness does you no credit!"

"Here I thought we were getting along so well… I was even going to name one of my children after you – the grumpy one!"

I coughed a laugh and both men looked to our group. Daylen stepped in, "Uldred! There you are. I was sent by Wynne to tell you that you're to report to the Revered Mother – I was unaware that someone else was here though…"

The bald mage snarled and stomped our way, "Fine! I will speak to the woman if I must; get out of my way, fools," the man snarled at the two men behind me.

Alistair gave me a wide grin, "You know, one good thing about the blight is how it brings people together."

I brought my hand up to cover my mouth as I laughed. "I know exactly what you mean!"

"It's like a party! We could all stand in a circle holding hands. That would give darkspawn something to talk about… Wait, we haven't met, have we? I don't suppose you happen to be another mage?" he asked. Aedan stiffened behind me, drawing Alistair's eyes.

Daylen spoke again, "I am, but she got some special Templar training – so I don't think she is."

I smirked, "No, no – it's okay, Daylen. Yes, Alistair, I could be called a mage; I can also be called a Druid and Dovahkiin… and a Templar. But I'm also the one Duncan is bringing in to corral this batch of recruits – they will be under my direct command. I'm General Atarah Stormlight – Diplomat from Azeroth."

Alistair blinked, "What's Azeroth?"

"You know – from what I've seen, my ears are too long and purple hair isn't natural here… yet no one has commented on it. You'd think, me being physically different from the Elves here, people would understand that I'm not from Thedas."

Alistair chuckled, "You have a point – I'll admit that. Sorry about the dour tone when I asked, I just like to know my chances of being yelled at or turned into a toad at any given moment. I suppose I should have recognized you all right away, I apologize."

I snorted, "I don't have 'polymorph: Toad'. I can turn you into a sheep, but it would wear off in less than 10 minutes and you wouldn't remember the feeling. No need to worry about that, though – I only do that to people who are actively attacking me… You are Alistair, right – or did I just spill a bunch of secrets to someone not part of my circle?"

Alistair flinched but rubbed the back of his neck, "Good to know and yes I am. Did Duncan mention me? Aww. As the junior member of the Order, I will be accompanying you as you prepare for the Joining. It just occurred to me to me that there have never been many women in the Wardens. I wonder why that is?"

I chuckled, "You are just… too cute. If you play your cards right, I might take you to bed."

He sputtered and turned bright red, "I-I-I… I'm sorry? I promise I'm not some drooling letcher… please stop looking at me like that."

I smirked, "Next time, don't play with fire – you'll get burned."

"I… yes, my lady." He flushed and cleared his throat.

"You have the look of the Templars at Kinlock – were you one of them?" I asked casually as we began walking.

He coughed and said, "In a sense, I guess – I got all the way to the part where I was going to take my vows before Duncan recruited me."

Daylen stiffened, "Two Templars? This just gets worse and worse."

"I'm not a Templar – Greagoir only taught me how to smite."

Alistairs jaw hit the floor, "You got special training from Knight-Commander Greagoir? But… you're a mage… and an elf…"

"Not one that is bound to the fade. My magic is innate – I was born with it and it is more connected to the elements than anything. I used smite to knock the commander on his ass in less than 40 tries. He told me I could be a Knight-Commander if I tried. Only reason he taught me is because I was immune to blood magic and his smite – that last one made him think I had no magic. And with my hereditary immunity to demonic magic, he felt obliged even though I'm an elf. He was so sure he could get someone called, 'Divine' to accept me in the order."

Alistair laughed, "The Divine is the head of the Chantry and thus the head of our religion. And being immune to demons… I think the Knight-Commander was right; she'd agree as long she didn't know about your magic. You know, I made a terrible Templar recruit myself. The Chantry raised me from the time I was about ten until about six months ago. I'm sure the revered mother meant it as an insult to send me over here, and that mage – Uldred, I guess – picked right up on that. I never would have agreed to deliver it, but Duncan says we're all to get along and cooperate. Apparently, they didn't get the same speech… anyway; I was banished to the kitchens to scour the pots more times than I can count. I might not like the idea of apostates, but since you got the whole Templar thing going on too, I won't tell anyone – especially since I'm sure Duncan already knows and has allowed it."

"Oh, he knows. And like I said, as a Diplomat, even King Cailan will be on my side in this matter."

He smiled at me, "Well, then I guess that means you don't need to worry about me, either."

We reached Duncan who smiled at me and patted my shoulder, "So you found Alistair did you; I'll assume that you're ready to begin preparations… that is, assuming you're quite done…" I cut him off.

"Alistair was being quite civil, Duncan. Uldred simply took his existence as an insult and tattled to get him in trouble."

Duncan looked suspicious, but I gave him my best grin and winked. He sighed, "Fine… Since you're all here, let's begin. You 10 will be heading into the Korcari Wilds to preform two tasks. The first will be to obtain 9 vials of Darkspawn blood, one for each recruit."

Alistair saluted at that. I scoffed, "Don't get too confident, Alistair – this group is my unit."

Duncan nodded, "Alistair, you will… also be part of her unit."

I blinked, "That's unexpected, Duncan. He's a senior warden – doesn't this upset the roles?"

"No – you have years more experience with leading from what I understand. Mostly the Wardens don't actually answer to anyone other than the commander and constable. I'm naming you my Field-Commander the minute the Joining is done. You will be second only to me."

I nodded my head, "Understandable. I do have more than 10 thousand years of battle experience."

Jaws dropped, but I ignored them.

"What's the second task?" Aedan asked.

He chuckled and said, "There was once a Grey Warden Archive in the Wilds abandoned long ago, when we could no longer afford to maintain such remote outposts. It has recently come to our attention that some scrolls may have been left behind, magically sealed to protect them. I want you to retrieve them if you can."

"Mission accepted – if those treaties still exist, they will be coming back in my pack."

"You all heard her – whoever picks them up hands them to her."

Alistair gaped at me, "Just what did you do to get that kind of power?"

"… I own 30 griffons and 400 various other mounts. Lyna, Darrien, Aedan and Daylen call all vouch for that."

The four in question all began nodding and speaking at once. Aedans voice cut over them all, "I think it helps that her cousin is six-and-a-half feet tall with purple skin and green hair… have I mentioned the antlers?"

How long was he going to be on that obsession? I chuckled, "That would be Inas."

A voice rose up from my amulet, "You rang little sister?"

I snorted, "I was talking shit about you. I told my unit you have a loud mouth and can't wipe your own ass without me there to guide you. Leave me alone."

He started to laugh uproariously. "It's half true… but I've been doing just fine with the latter half of that since you… left."

I rolled my eyes again, "I'm serious, Inas – I have a mission to do."

He sighed, "When will you talk to me?"

"When you stop bitching like an elfling." I could feel the pout as he cut off the connection.

Alistair hesitantly asked, "What… was that?"

"Cross-world communication amulet. My esteemed cousin used his connections with the Lord-Admiral, Jaina Proudmore, to get her mage-ness to enchant this hunk of metal to connect to his Heart of Azeroth. Meaning that Azeroth allowed it."

"I thought Azeroth was your lands?" Lyna pointed out.

"Azeroth is a planet. All worlds have a titanic soul. A world is essentially the infant stage of a titan. It's possible – though very rare – that you can find someone who can converse with these souls. Azeroth has Magni Bronzebeard – former king of Khaz Modan and known to all as either the 'Speaker' or the 'Diamond Dwarf'… because he's now made of diamond. According to Magni, world souls don't speak like us – they communicate with feelings and impressions, not words. Regardless, Azeroth chose my cousin as her Champion – the one who would save us all when a big bad Demon stabbed her with a very large sword… um… we need to get moving. We're wasting daylight."

As we headed out into the Wilds Sereda asked, "How does Azeroth being a planet mean your cousins' necklace is called the Heart of Azeroth?"

"It's made of the blood of Azeroth and was actually gifted to him when he repaired what's called the 'Heart Chamber'. He kept Azeroth from shattering." I shrugged.

"What's the deal with your family?" Daylen asked. I sighed, "Do you really want to open that can of worms?"

"Well, if he doesn't, I'm suddenly very interested in the answer," Daveth gave a cheeky grin.

"… My father was once called 'The Betrayer' for his… use of demonic energy. I was born after he did that so I have complete immunity to demons as well as some fancy wings. I was his biggest mistake and the only people who actually give a damn about me are my cousin, my step-father and Magni. I also have the blessing of the Night-Elf Goddess, Elune and the acceptance of Azeroth which is the only reason I wasn't killed outright when I was a child. Being who I am, I never had a chance at… well, that part doesn't matter. Another reason I was alienated is that I have 3 magics, which is rare; I am a Mage, a Druid and something that doesn't exist on Azeroth – a Dragon Born. My soul is that of a Dragon. I can master their abilities. Being a druid means that I can shapeshift, heal wounds and call on the balances of nature – solar, lunar and earthen magics. Being a mage means I can call on frost, fire, arcane and conjuring magics. Due to my unique mix, I have elemental control – which is actually a shaman trait. It's the only shaman ability I have. Next question?"

"You said you were more than 10,000 years old – are the elves… immortal where you're from?" Lyna asked hesitantly.

"Not anymore… not really. The Bloodline Elves – the Sin'dorei – are my mothers' people, they found a way to somewhat restore their immortality through the Sunwell. The Sunwell used to be pure arcane energy; now it's a source of arcane and the Light – a force to rival the Void. The Sunwell is seen as an abomination – it was made using stolen waters from the Well of Eternity. Worse still… it's addictive. The blood elves that are cut off from it go mad. It was corrupted and destroyed at one point, but has since been… renewed. The Nightborne are also called the Shal'dorei – a race of elves that were cut off from the sun and moon for as long as I lived until recently – have the Nightwell. Similar to the Sunwell, it empowers the Nightborne through what they call Arcwine – a wine made using the waters from the well. The Ren'dorei or Void Elves are former Bloodline Elves who embraced and harnessed the power of the Void that now sustain them… it's a trade-off that results in a constant battle of wills within oneself. As for my fathers' race… the Night Elves… the Kaldorei are no longer immortal in the true sense of the word. A great battle… their immortality was sacrificed, to put it lightly. Those of us born before that time still retain a good deal of longevity – we are still waiting to see if anyone dies of old age if they were born before then."

"The elves here… we lost out Immortality when Arlathan fell…" Lyna sighed. I shook my head, "That's not true – you lost your immortality when the Veil was created."

Daylen's head snapped up, "Excuse me?"

"I'm not originally from Azeroth – my Dovah magics are proof of that. Before that I lived on a world called Nirn. Before that I lived in a world where most of this was fantasy – Nirn, Azeroth, and Thedas were stories. The Elves here were rendered mortal when the Veil was created."

"How is that possible?" Aedan asked.

"The Veil or me?" I smirked.

"Both I guess…"

"Magic was stronger before the Veil existed – that's how. As for me, I've been reincarnated with my memories 3 times. I died in a… stupid way the first life. Then I died killing the last Dragon on Nirn – I managed to take him down before my death, though. As for Azeroth… I died saving my cousin while we fought an Old God."

"You appeared fully grown at the Tower!" Daylen accused. I rolled my eyes, "The only time I was reborn as an infant was on Azeroth. I was thrust into the body of the Dragonborn at her execution on Nirn – according to the Dragons, this meant that I've always had the soul of the Dovah, and was placed where I was needed. My body was destroyed in that dragon battle – I had to come from somewhere for Azeroth. But the Old God we were fighting on Azeroth was one who targeted the mind. He shot a powerful force of energy toward my cousin – I jumped in front and took it. I died without many injuries, meaning I was able to keep my body."

"You know… that's kind of creepy." Alistair commented. I shrugged as we heard, "Over here!"

I was kneeling next to the man, looking him over when he looked up and asked, "Who's that… Grey Wardens…?"

"Well look at that; he's not half as dead as he looks is he?"

"My scouting band was… attacked. They… came out of… the ground. Please… I need to… return to camp. Help…" I noticed that his wound was blackened. I wasn't too sure but…

"Alistair, before you give me bandages, I think he's tainted…"

Alistair, who'd been digging in his pack, froze and closed his eyes. He pulled his hand from his pack and gave the man a sad look. "He won't survive long enough to participate in the joining, but yes… he is. I'm sorry, friend."

The man looked horrified, "No…"

I pulled out a dagger and slit his throat. I sighed at got up, "That was… unpleasant."

"You couldn't have just… healed him?" Darrien asked. I shook my head, "I don't think my detox works on the fucking blight… though admittedly that would have been a good chance to try it. But look at this way – if I just healed him and we sent him back to camp, he could have infected others."

Jory spoke, "But did you hear him? An entire patrol of seasoned men killed by darkspawn."

Alistair sighed at the man and said, "Calm down, Ser Jory; we'll be fine if we're careful."

"Those soldiers were careful and they were still overwhelmed. How many darkspawn can the 10 of us reliably slay; a few dozen – a hundred? There's an entire army in these forests."

Alistair glanced at me for a second and saw I was staring at Jory with disbelief before saying, "There are darkspawn about, but we're in no danger of encountering the main horde."

"How do you know? I'm not a coward but this is foolish and reckless. We should go back…"

"You sound like a coward to me," I snapped. I was always annoyed at this guy. He had a child on the way – why did he run off to join the Wardens? They were honorable, sure, but they also didn't pay that well from what I knew.

Aedan coughed and added, "This is part of our test, I think."

Jory glared at me, "I am just trying to survive. You do not see me fleeing do you?"

Alistair grinned at me before looking to Ser Jory with a placating expression and saying, "A bit of fear isn't unnatural you know. Few relish meeting Darkspawn up close; I know I don't."

I stepped between them and shoved Jory against a tree, "As it seems I'm the only man in this group, let me tell you something. I don't mind you questioning my orders, I really don't – but when you're going to glare at me and disrespect me as your commanding officer, well… that's when we're going to have a problem. I can sense humanoids as a druid – I can see their auras as a Dragonborn. We are more than a match because Darkspawn avoid those that aren't of the same 'class' as them. Genlocks stick with Genlocks – get it? The largest group we will run into is no bigger than 12. We have 10 people. If you have a problem with me then take it up with me. Don't go putting my people in danger with your bullshit… I will kill you myself and be done with it."

Daylen spoke up, "She not joking either – I watched her snap a mans' neck rather than let him become a tranquil. She did it so fast too…"

"The fact that she's strong enough to pin Ser Jory with their height differences alone… it's enough to put me firmly in my place," Natia laughed.

I chuckled and let the man go. "Jory, you get to hold the rear of the group with Daveth. Daveth – keep an eye on him. I don't know how someone like him got knighted in the first place, but I trust you more at this point."

The cut-purse saluted and sidled up next to Jory.

"Well… as for being the only man here… I know I'm relying on you to protect me. Jory, Know this; all grey wardens can sense the Darkspawn. Whatever their cunning, I guarantee they won't take us by surprise – that's why I'm here."

Daveth finally spoke, "You see Ser Knight; we might die, but we'll be warned about it first!"

"That is… reassuring," Jory said drily.

Sereda grinned at me, "I don't know about anyone else, but seeing you take charge like that was kind of hot."

I chuckled, "I don't play favorites, Salroka – if you get transferred to a different unit, then we might be able to talk."

She laughed, "More's the pity!"

I spotted what I was looking for just before we started moving again. I picked a few of the strange looking flowers, and when Lyna asked "What are you doing?"

"White with a red center. The Kennel Master was saying he could make an ointment for his tainted hound. It might help."

"Oh… carry on, then." she nodded with a giggle, and Alistair gave me another suspicious look.

"When did you talk to old Ren?"

"I didn't. I heard it from the Quartermaster," I shrugged. Aedan instantly spoke up, "Oh, yeah… that was just after we spoke with Natia and Sereda."

"Then I guess that means he heard it from me…" Daveth looked embarrassed. "I actually mentioned it to the Quartermaster this morning while getting arrows – wanted to be prepared…"

Alistair smirked, "Small camp and all."

When we made it to a small camp – the one with the lock box – I halted us while I dug under the soil of the camp fire. When asked, I shrugged and said, "If it were my family, I'd want to know…"

I then contacted Inas, "Bro… I need a void-pack."

"Okay – what size?" he asked at once.

"I'm thinking big enough to fit the family kitchen minus the sink?"

He snorted, "I thought that was your famous gumbo?"

"Yeah – I plan to do a lot of traveling…"

"Why not make one?"

"I need it now and only have wolf leather that isn't prepared."

"… Open a portal?" he replied after 10 minutes.

"You got my bag already?"

"Yeah."

I opened a portal, focusing on the link between our necklaces since they could double as Arcane Beacons.

Inas stepped through and Jory… passed out. Inas looked amused, "Is he one of yours?"

"Not for long. Where's my bag?" he held up a pack that matched my hair in color but was no bigger than a 'fanny pack'. I slipped it around my waist, adding the vials of Darkspawn blood and the lockbox to it before focusing on my cousin.

"Anduin asked about you…" Inas looked embarrassed. "What did you tell him," I asked with narrowed eyes.

"Just that you were still alive. Nothing more."

"Wait… isn't Anduin the king you serve?" Darrien asked. I nodded firmly, "He is – and he's also been trying to get me to agree to marry him for the past 4 years."

Inas coughed, "About that… Don't come home unless you get married. If you're unwed the next time he sees you in Azeroth, he gets his wish. Dad signed a betrothal contract, but he also made sure it was worded so that it only came into effect back home – not here."

I cursed, "Just my luck. It takes me dying for Uncle Mal to finally take an interest in me."

"He thinks it's a great honor… you saved my life, and this is how he is trying to repay you."

I shook my head, "Ugh – I saved you, because I like you. But whatever – I won't come home until I'm safely… married. If I can't find a husband or wife then I'll just stay here."

"Sorry, sis…"

"No – don't be. It's not your fault. I'll talk to you more later; we have an old outpost to find."

He nodded and stepped back through the portal.

We wandered towards the tower and there was the chest – right against the 'back wall' of what remained.

"Well, well… what have we here?" I turned to look at the sultry voices owner. She was 5'6 with gorgeous raven hair. She looked oddly elegant… her hair was long and hung in waves down to her shoulder-blades though it was pulled back at the sides and pinned in the back with a feather ornament. Her top was halter-strapped, backless and dipped down to her navel. She did not wear a bra so her boobs were actually poking out the sides. Her pants looked sturdy enough though and her boots were lovely too. I couldn't stop staring at her bright golden eyes with a slight slit to them.

"Are you a vulture I wonder? A scavenger, picking amidst a corpse whose bones were long since picked clean? Or merely an intruder; come into these darkspawn filled wilds of mine in search of easy prey?"

"A Regiment of Wardens, actually – this used to be a Warden Archive." I shrugged.

She glanced at me and smirked, "Tis a tower no longer; the wilds have obviously claimed this desiccated corpse. I have watched your progress for some time, indeed. Where do they go, I wondered; why are they here? And now, you disturb ashes that none have touched in so very long. Why is that?"

Alistair yanked me behind him and said, "Don't answer her, she looks chasind."

I snorted and Morrigan smiled, "Oh, you fear barbarians will swoop down upon you?"

"Yes… swooping is bad…" Alistair growled out. He seemed more aggressive than I would have thought as I shoved past him. "Oh, Alistair, calm down. Obviously, she isn't Chasind."

She nodded and pointed to me, "Women do not frighten like little boys; tell me your name, and I shall tell you mine."

"Atarah Stormlight. Pleasure to finally meet you in person. You've been following us since I put that soldier out of his misery right?"

"Now that is a proper civil greeting; even here in the Wilds. You may call me Morrigan. And… yes, I happened along just in time to see that. It was interesting to see you put that one in his place."

"I don't tolerate insubordination. I've been a General for far too long to allow it."

"Still… it was quite something to watch you chastise the men for not being men – I enjoyed that part quite a bit. I must ask about the tall purple skinned… male?"

"My cousin. I'll explain more about that in a bit."

"She's a Witch of the Wilds, she is! She'll turn us all into toads!" Daveth cried out. I looked at Aedan and he slapped Daveth upside the back of the head. "Let Atarah do what she does best – make friends."

"My but you do have your people in order. He follows your unspoken instruction quite well."

"Four of these have learned more than the others… the others will learn in time. I assume you know why we're here then, Morrigan? There were treaties in that chest…"

Alistair snarled and said, "You stole them didn't you? You're some kind of sneaky… witch thief!"

The other recruits were watching all this with amusement – their eyes shifting between Morrigan and I like we were at a ping-pong match.

She chuckled, "How very eloquent. How does one steal from dead men?"

I shot Alistair a look, "Stand down, Alistair."

He pouted at me and shut up.

Morrigan laughed, "It was not I who removed them."

"Do you know who did?" I asked. "Twas my mother, in fact."

"Could you kindly take us to her?"

"Now there is a sensible request. I like you."

Alistair muttered, "I'd be careful if I were you. First it's I like you then bam! Frog time."

I smirked, "Druids are immune to polymorph effects." Alistair chuckled, "Of course they are. Very well, then; lead on."

"She'll put us all in the…" Aedan leveled Daveth with a glare and that's how I ended up leading the group – behind Morrigan – with Aedan and Alistair on either side and behind me Jory and Daveth kept glancing around with weapons out. The others all looked relaxed, oddly enough.

I explained to Morrigan about my cousin and other worlds and such.

"Fascinating – that you are from another world will interest my mother quite a bit… speaking of – mother, I bring before you some Grey wardens who…"

"I see them girl. They are not quite as I expected… and there are more than I thought." she was looking at me. I gave her a cheeky grin, "Don't worry; when that time comes I'll help you with the midnight flight."

Her eyes widened a bit before she chuckled, "In that case, I can't complain. More Wardens in the middle of Blight is never a bad thing in my experience."

I chuckled, "You're originally from Highever in 3:00 Towers, right?"

She jerked in surprise, "What's that got to do with anything?"

Jaws dropped so I shrugged, "Just that you would know if more Wardens are necessary in a Blight or not."

She nodded and said, "That's close enough to the right time, I suppose."

"Are we supposed to believe you were expecting us?" Alistair asked, trying to discreetly move in front of me. I stopped him and gave him a glare, "Alistair, I am the commander here and I've let you get away with undermining me in front of Morrigan only because it amused me. I respect Flemeth here quite a bit – so shove off."

"F… The Flemeth?" he asked wide eyed. I snorted, "Yes, Alistair – Daveth was right. Now again, shove off."

The others all began sniggering – minus the two… who would certainly not survive the joining.

"You came for your treaties, and here they are. But before you start barking, the seals wore off long ago; I have protected these." Flemeth handed me a stack of papers and I looked at them before setting them in my pack.

I bowed to Flemeth and said, "You have my thanks; these will aid us far more than you could guess."

She chuckled, "I'll see you later, girl. Don't have too much fun."

"Believe me, I know." I winked.

"Time for you to go then." Morrigan said with a smirk.

"Don't be ridiculous girl; these are your guests…" Flemeth smiled. "Oh, right… in that case, I will show you out of the woods…"

She dropped us 10 minutes from the gates.