Cousland's POV

Just a few more miles and we will be at Ostagar. I will tell the king about what happened and find Fergus; I have to find Fergus.

The last mile went by in a blur, my mother's armour that covered me like a second skin, and bow were the only physical things I focused on. The tower of Ostagar grew on the horizon until it towered over our small posse. I heard Duncan talk about the Blight and battles to our elven companions, but I wasn't listening.

The shadow of the gate passed over us and we were greeted by a squad of guards and King Cailan himself. It's been a few years since I'd last seen him; I'm not sure if he'll remember me. I stayed to the far side of my companions, hoping that Cailan would talk with the others before me.

"Ho there! Duncan!" Duncan's eyes widened considerably and he risked a glance in our direction.

"King Cailan? I wasn't expecting-"

Cailan's smile widened, "A royal welcome? I was beginning to think you'd miss all the fun!"

Kenai narrowed his eyes at that statement, but Duncan kept his composure and stepped forward to greet the king.

"Not if I can help it, Your Majesty." Cailan didn't seem to hear the dryness of his tone.

"Then I'll have the mighty Duncan at my side in the battle after all! Glorious!" He grinned and waved his arms wildly, before he noticed Duncan's travel companions for what seemed like the first time. "And these must be the promising recruits the other Wardens told me about." He flicked his gaze onto the elves beside me, lingering on the sickly Kenai. Duncan spoke up again.

"Ah yes. Let me introduce you, Your Majesty."

"No need to be so formal, Duncan! we'll be shedding blood together, after all." He stepped towards Kaylee, who was closest to Duncan. "Ho there friend, might I know your name?"

She stepped forward and raised her eyes to pierce the King's. I noticed his smile falter slightly.

"Name is Kaylee. Call me Tabris." She stood with her back straight and arms crossed.

"I see you're an elf, friend. From where do you hail?" Her stance relaxed slightly when he called her 'friend.'

"I'm from Denerim." His smile grew.

"As am I! Though I haven't been in the palace in ages. Do you come from the Alienage? Tell me, how is it there? My guards all but forbid me from going there." She was quiet for a moment, as if debating what to say.

"I had to kill the arl's son for raping my cousin and killing my fiance." What? This was news to me. Can't say I'm sad to hear that Vaughan Kendells is dead, though. Cailan's expression was priceless, pure alarm mixed with confusion. Duncan's was not so amusing though; he kept his stoic expression and jumped in almost immediately.

"You—What?!"

"Your Majesty, I would not have put it so bluntly. There are events in Denerim you should be aware of."

"So it would seem. I will hear more about this matter later." He turned to Kenai, who was looking at the ground and rocking back and forth slightly. "And are you from Denerim as well?"

Kenai looked up and stumbled backwards a bit, catching himself before he fell. The taint must really be catching up with him.

"That is Kenai Mahariel. He was a Dalish elf but he contacted the taint. We plan to turn him into a Warden before it takes over." Duncan supplied him.

"You are Dalish? I hear your people possess remarkable skill and honour." Kenai spoke for himself this time.

"I thought humans considered us dangerous vagrants." Cailan managed to look sheepish at that.

"To be fair, your people can be a bit… standoffish. Not that I blame them, of course. I'll tell you this: You are very welcome here. The Grey Wardens will benefit greatly with you amongst them." Kenai nodded his thanks and Cailan turned to me. It took him a moment to recognize me. "You are Bryce's youngest, are you not? Elissa Cousland, it's been years!"

"Yes Your Majesty, and I... I bring important news." I steeled myself for what I was about to say.

"Is it about your father? He hasn't arrived yet, your brother has been concerned about him." I took a deep breath before continuing.

"He… He's not coming. He was betrayed by Arl Howe and...died when our castle was taken." I felt the pressure behind my eyes, but I kept a cold exterior. I can grieve later, when I find Fergus. Cailan's eyes widened considerably.

"Dead?! What do you mean? Duncan, do you know anything about this?" Duncan nodded solemnly at the question.

"I'm afraid what she says is true. Teyrn Cousland and his wife are dead, Your Majesty. Arl Howe has shown himself a traitor and overtaken Highever Castle. Had we not escaped, he would have killed us and told you any story he wished." Cailan started pacing as Duncan talked, his face falling with every word. I could feel my heartbeat speeding as I remembered that night in vivid detail. The blood, the bodies, the faces of my friends and family frozen in fear.

"I… can scarcely believe it! How could he think he would get away with such treachery?" He stopped pacing and stood directly in front of me. "As soon as we are done here, I will turn my army north and bring Howe to justice. You have my word." I suppose that is all he can do. As long as I can tell Fergus, we can deal with Howe later.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. Do you know where Fergus is? I have to be the one to tell him what happened."

Cailan winced as he spoke, "Unfortunately, he and his men are scouting the wilds." What? No! I need to tell him immediately.

"When will he be back?" Urgency laced my words.

"Nightfall is the soonest I'd expect him back, though he may be scouting until the battle is over, I fear. Until then, we cannot even send word. I apologize, but there is nothing more I can do. All I can suggest is that you vent your grief against the darkspawn for the time being."

"Thanks. Your Majesty." This was forced through clenched teeth and I directed my gaze to the ground.

"I'm sorry to cut this short, but I should return to my tent. Loghain waits eagerly to bore me with his strategies." Cailan continued to speak with Duncan, but I ignored his bravado and focused on my thoughts. Fergus wouldn't know that our family was dead.

He wouldn't know that his wife and child were butchered in his room; I suppose it's better he doesn't know the details. Not like I know them. They're etched into my eyelids whenever I close my eyes, whenever I sleep. I'll never forget the face of my nephew as he lay in a pool of his own blood, or the sound of our mother's scream when she saw him. Fergus doesn't need to know that part.

Cailan walked away and Duncan turned to us to speak about the battle. He spoke about his feelings on the conflict and the darkspawn, while Kaylee asked him questions on what he thinks they should do. Duncan led us over a bridge where he mentioned a ritual, which Kaylee was very suspicious about. I don't care anymore, just get it over with and let me see my brother.

"There is another Grey Warden in the camp named Alistair. When you are ready, seek him out and tell him it is time to summon the other recruits, there are six others." He turned to face me, "Elissa, try to keep your identity a secret if you can as Howe may have someone looking for you. Your hound can stay with me while I attend to some business." I looked down at Duke and gave him a scratch on the head.

"Okay, I'll use a different name. You should probably hold onto my shield then too. It's kind of a dead give away. Duke, be good." Duncan took my family shield and nodded as the mabari sauntered behind him, then turned to the whole group.

"The Grey Warden tent is on the other side of this bridge. We will be there, should you need us." With that he walked away with Duke at his heels, leaving us to our own devices. Kaylee shrugged and walked forward, and Kenai and I followed after her.

The camp was bustling with activity, servants running, soldiers marching, and people yelling all around us. A bald, grimy man ran into Kaylee, nearly knocking her over, and had the audacity to yell at her.

"You bloody useless knife-ear! Get out of me way, servant." How dare he! I could see the fire burn in Kaylee's golden eyes as she was about to yell right back. I beat her to it though; I will not stand for disrespect to elves.

"Don't you dare call her that! She is a Grey Warden and you will speak to her with respect!" He turned his glare on me and I could smell his breath. I saw his tunic had the Amaranthine bear on it. It doesn't surprise me that this was one of Howe's men.

"An' who're you? The Warden's slut?" At that Kenai made an appearance and punched the man in the nose, hard. The slimy bastard fell to the ground with a broken nose, screaming about knife-ears and yelling insults that revolved around our mothers. A few people gathered around because of the man's ruckus. Among this group was an elven mage clad in teal robes with white hair, but a surprisingly young face. She didn't say anything, just watched the man then walked up a ramp.

She came back a moment later with another mage, although this one was a human, who had long dark hair and dark blue robes. The new mage put her hand a few inches away from the man's face and it glowed with a soft yellow light. The nose seemed to correct its position on its own and the bleeding stopped. The crowd then realized the fight was over and that they had to get back to their duties, leaving only the mages and the man.

Tabris spat on the ground beside him and he scurried away, glaring as he went. Great first impression of the camp. The dark haired mage walked up to Tabris and asked about the incident.

"Who was that man? He seemed very angry at you." I got a closer look at her and her companion. She had light brown eyes and long black hair, whereas the elf had snow-white hair and bright green eyes that almost matched Kenai's, and wore what looked like a Dalish necklace, similar to the one Kenai wore. Tabris spoke to the mages.

"Oh, him? Just a rat. He was offended that he ran into an elf and I didn't immediately get on my knees to pray for forgiveness." She added a eye roll and hand motions to her answer. The mage nodded her head in understanding.

"He certainly seemed like a rat." She jumped slightly and red tinted her cheeks. "Oh! Where are my manners? I am Zoey Amell, spirit healer and Grey Warden recruit. It's a pleasure to meet you." She smiled sweetly and gestured to her companion. "This is my friend, Luna. She's a Warden recruit as well. She can't talk outside of the Fade." She was one of the other recruits we were told about. I haven't thought of a name yet, so I'll just go with my middle name. It was used as often as 'Elissa' back home.

"You're a Warden recruit? We are too. We just came with Duncan. I'm Kaylee, but most people just call me Tabris. This is Kenai Mahariel and—"

I interrupted with my new alias, "Rosaleine." She looked at me before continuing with an improvised last name.

"—Rosaleine Corbsten." Oh Maker. Never letting her lie about me without consulting me first again. "What do you mean she can't speak outside the Fade? What's the Fade?" The mage, Zoey, seemed to get excited at the question, like Aldous when I asked a question about history.

"The Fade is where all magic comes from. It's where you go when you sleep. Mages are connected to the Fade and can tap into it for power. Everyone goes into the Fade... Except dwarves; they can't." Tabris slowly nodded, narrowing her eyes as she processed the information.

"My people call it the Beyond. It gives the Keepers their powers." Zoey turned her attention to Kenai, momentarily forgetting the small lesson.

"Are you Dalish? Irving thinks Luna was Dalish, but she doesn't remember anything from before she was brought to the Circle." Kenai looked at Luna, who was stoic as she looked at his tattoos. Kenai was pensive for a moment.

"How old is she?" Zoey looked confused at the question but answered.

"We're pretty sure she's around 17. The Templars found her when she was around eleven. But like I said, she doesn't remember much from before then. Why? Do you know her?"

"No." That was Kenai's only response. Zoey looked between the two of them for a moment before focusing back on Kenai and taking a step towards him.

"Are you sick? You look very pale and... Sickly." She touched her hand to his forehead and immediately jumped back. "You're... you're tainted. You need help immediately. Come with me, we'll take you to the healers' tents to try to slow the Blight." She started towards a bundle of tents, nearly dragging Kenai. Luna gave us a slight nod goodbye and set off after them. Tabris and I shared a concerned look before she let out a breath,and started twirling her dagger.

"Well. I think Kenai will be fine with them. I'm going to see what the merchant has to offer and maybe sharpen these bad boys. You should go find that Warden Duncan told us to find." She started towards the middle of camp, testing her twin blades on her leather cuffs.

I walked around part of the camp, no closer to finding the Warden than I was when I got here. I ended up in an area full of tents and mages; one tent had an open flap and I could hear voices that sounded like Zoey coming from within. Zoey might know where Warden Alistair is. She could have seen him before we arrived.

I ducked under the entrance to see Kenai sitting on a cot with Zoey and an old woman looking over him, Luna was standing in the corner.

"Excuse me, Zoey?" She looked up at me and smiled politely, "Do you know where Warden Alistair is? I haven't been here long and I'm afraid I don't know this camp well."

"I think the Revered Mother asked him to deliver a message to Keagan, but I don't know where they are now, sorry."

Then the old woman shared her knowledge of his location, "The young Warden was in the northern ruins. Just past the merchant and mage quarters." Her voice was smoother than I'd expected. She turned her head to looked at me and and her face shifted into a sort of recognition that didn't make sense. "My name is Wynne, you must be the other Warden recruit."

"Yes, I am. I'm Rosaleine." Wynne raised her eyebrows at my answer.

"Are you from Highever?" I looked at her suspiciously.

"Yes." She looked over me again and shook her head.

"I always liked Highever. Take care, child." She gave me a small smile and watched me as I left.

I nodded my goodbye and set off towards the northern ruins. Why did she look at me like that? That was weird.

On the way to the ruins I saw Teyrn Loghain's tent. I should talk to him about Howe quickly; he might be able to help. I spoke with his guard and managed to get an audience with the Teyrn. The guard stepped into the tent before emerging with the Teyrn a moment later.

"Yes, what is it?" It had been quite a few years since I'd seen the Teyrn, but he looked older than I'd expected.

"Teyrn Loghain? May we speak in private?" He squinted at me before nodding his head and gesturing me to follow him into his tent.

"You are Bryce's youngest, are you not?" He walked to the side of a table with a strategy map on it as I nodded. "The king told me of his promise. I am certain he has every intention of following it through. I already suggested a course of action when the battles here are over, but I'm afraid there is nothing else I can do to help. I also hear you will be becoming a Grey Warden. I don't suppose you will be riding into the thick of battle with the rest of you're fellows, will you?" He seemed to sneer when he said 'Grey Warden'.

"I certainly hope not."

"You are wiser than you look. Now if there is nothing else I must return to my task. Pray that our king proves amenable to wisdom, if you're the praying sort."

"And if he doesn't?" He shook his head solemnly and placed his arms on the sides of the table, so he was leaning over the map.

"Then simply pray." I might as well leave then, if there is no way he can help.

"Then I shall take my leave." I took a step to the exit before remembering that I'm not using my name. "Ser, I'm using an alias so Howe's men do not know I'm alive. I would appreciate it if you did not call me by my real name around anyone other than Duncan and Cailan." He nodded in understanding and I took my leave.

I continued on my trek to the northern ruins and passed Tabris at the merchants stall; she was getting heated about the price of one whet stone from what I could hear. I headed up a ramp towards the crumbling building and heard an angry man's voice echoing off the drafty walls.

"What is it now? Haven't the Grey Wardens asked more than enough of the Circle? You already took two of our best into your cult." I had reached the top of the ramp and saw a mage talking to whom I presume is Alistair. He was a tall man with blonde hair that was spiked in the front; he wore silver and blue Warden armour with a shield on his back and a sword at his hip. He was pretty cute; he couldn't have been more than a year older than me. His face was familiar though, as if I'd seen him before.

"I simply came to deliver a message from the revered mother, ser mage. She desires your presence." It seemed like this Warden was trying his best to politely deliver his message, but the mage continued to treat him as a nuisance.

"What her Reverence 'desires' is of no concern to me! I am busy helping the Grey Wardens—by the king's orders, I might add." I wonder why this mage is so mad.

"Should I have asked her to write a note?" The Warden's humorous tone and smile, despite the mage's anger, brought a small smile to my face.

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

"Yes, I was harassing you by delivering a message." The mage only seemed to get angrier at that.

"Your glibness does you no credit." He was glaring and crossed his arms while waiting for the next remark.

"Here I thought we were getting along so well. I was even going to name one of my children after you..." Alistair's previous joyful tone turned monotonous and he crossed his arms to match the mage's. "The grumpy one." I let out a small laugh at that one, which must have been the first laugh since I left Highever. Alistair whipped his head in my direction; he looked surprised that there was someone listening, but smiled when he saw me.

"Enough! I will speak to the woman if I must! Get out of my way, fool!" The mage pushed past me as he stormed down the ramp. Does no one here have any respect for the Wardens or women around here?

"You know, one good thing about the Blight is how it brings people together." I could almost feel the sarcasm. He brings out my old self, the one who jokes and speaks only in sarcasm. I might as well play along.

"I know exactly what you mean." The easy smile he gave me made me smile slightly.

"It's like a party: we could all stand in a circle and hold hands. That would give the darkspawn something to think about." His smile fell and he squinted at me suspiciously, "Wait, we haven't met have we? I don't suppose you happen to be another mage?" I snorted a laugh.

"Would that make your day worse?"

"Hardly. I just like to know my chances of being turned into a toad at any given moment." He looked me over and his gaze paused on the bow peeking over my shoulder then flicked to the sword at my hip. "Wait, are you one of Duncan's recruits?" I nodded and he continued, "You must be the one from Highever. I should have recognised you right away. I apologize."

"How could you have recognized me? I'm not who Duncan originally went to Highever for."

"Duncan sent word. He spoke quite highly of you, said you were the daughter of one of his old friends. It's a shame about Riordan though, Duncan told me what happened. He was a good man; he was at my joining." He pushed his slight frown off his face and replaced it with a large smile. "Allow me to introduce myself: I am Alistair, the new Grey Warden—though I guess you knew that. As the junior member of the order, I'll be accompanying you when you prepare for the joining." He bowed slightly when he introduced himself.

"Pleased to meet you, my name's Rosaleine."

"Really? I didn't think that was the name, I could be mistaken though. You know... it just occurred to me that there have never been many women in the Grey Wardens. I wonder why that is?" I crossed my arms and gave him a pointed look.

"I can handle myself better than most." I mean I fought my way through my home in the middle of the night while horribly outnumbered and lived to tell the tale. He looked over my armour and arms once again.

"I'm getting that impression. So I'm curious: Have you ever actually encountered darkspawn?" I shook my head.

"Have you?" He winced before telling of his encounter.

"When I fought my first one, I wasn't prepared for how monstrous it was. I can't say I'm looking forward to encountering another. Anyhow, whenever you're ready let's find the others and get back to Duncan. I imagine he's eager to get things started." He probably is.

"I look forward to travelling with you."

"You do? Huh, that a switch. If you have any questions, let me know. Otherwise, lead on!" With that we started walking down the ramp towards the tents where some other recruits might be. We walked in silence until I spoke up.

"So... Tell me a little about yourself." It seemed that Alistair was preparing to ask me a question as his response was very quick.

"You first. Did you want to become a Grey Warden?" That was a tough question. I did and then I didn't and I still don't, although I'm getting used to the idea of me becoming a Grey Warden. I know that this is where I am now, and there is no way for me to change it.

"Well, I wanted to, then... then somethings changed and... I'm not against becoming a Warden, but I would rather be somewhere else." Alistair nodded at my answer and dodged a frantic servant that was running by.

"I was conscripted myself, not that I didn't want to join. I was training as a Templar for the Chantry before Duncan recruited me. That was about six months ago." I didn't expect that.

"A Templar? So you were a mage hunter?"

"That's right. But joining the Chantry wasn't my idea. My fate was decided for me long before that. Duncan saw I wasn't happy, and figured my training against mages could double for fighting darkspawn. Now, here I stand a proud Grey Warden. The grand cleric wouldn't have let me go if Duncan never forced the issue. I'll always be very grateful to him." He paused when we saw Kaylee in the dog kennel putting a muzzle on a mabari. Kaylee saw us when she stood up and waved me over.

"Hey El— Rosaleine. This Alistair?" She said my name slowly as if she were testing how it sounded.

"Yeah. Alistair, this is the other recruit, Kaylee Tabris. Kaylee, this is Alistair." Kaylee jumped over the kennel fence and shook his hand.

"Nice to meet cha'. Kenai is around here somewhere; he's feeling better now after the mage did her magic stuff to him. He was going to help me find a flower for this dog."

"What's wrong with the dog?" I looked at the Mabari in the kennel and noticed how sad it looked.

"Oh, it's tainted. He and Kenai have a lot in common. The flower is going to flush the taint out or something." Interesting. I'll have to remember that for Duke.

"It's been a pleasure, but Duncan will want to start the joining as soon as possible. We should gather the others and head to Duncan's fire." Alistair, Kaylee, and I walked around to where the two mages and Kenai had been. We rounded the tents and saw warriors talking to a blonde dwarf. We couldn't hear what they were talking about, but the warriors seemed to hold the dwarf in high regard. When we got close enough for the dwarf to see us she excused herself from the group and walked over to Alistair.

"Warden Alistair, has Duncan arrived?" The dwarf had long blonde hair in a pony tail and grey eyes, there was a black tattoo over one eye and cheek. Two axes sat on her back.

"Yes, these are two of the recruits he brought back. Rosaleine, Kaylee, this is Daya Brosca, one of the other recruits. Were you talking to the Ash Warriors? Did they say whether or not they cuddle their dogs when they sleep? They wouldn't tell me." Daya chuckled.

"They said they prefer to cuddle with each other. Pleasure to meet you. Are we starting the joining soon? The suspense has been killing me." Alistair gave a boyish chuckle at her answer.

"As soon as we find the other recruits and bring them to Duncan. Can you find Ser Jory, Ser Aubrey, and Daveth then bring them to the fire in the middle of camp?"

"Sure can. See you there in a bit." She walked off deeper into the camp and we continued searching for Kenai and the two mages.

We found Zoey helping injured soldiers at the healing station, and Luna close by. Kenai was on the wall talking to the bowmen about archery, and giving them tips which most were eager to hear from a Dalish elf. Kenai was looking better after Zoey treated him, but he was still quite pale. We made it to the fire that Duncan was at and saw he was talking to a soldier, but Daya and three others were waiting patiently beside him.

"—certain there is another explanation for this." Duncan seemed to be mid-conversation with the soldier.

"No there's not. My mate saw her sneaking the lunch away from Drew, the guy guarding the deserter. Practically caught her red handed." Kaylee sidestepped behind me and peeked her head around my arm. Duke came running from around the fire and jumped up playfully. I smiled as he licked my face and crouched down to give him a belly rub. Alistair gave me a funny smile and the others in the group gave me a weird look. Kaylee was left standing in plain sight after I crouched and she slowly moved behind Kenai.

"Be careful, you are speaking about a Grey Warden. I trust her word over your man. In any event, I vouch for the good conduct of all the Wardens here. Are we clear?" Duncan's arms were crossed and his face was set in an intimidating calm. Although the soldier seemed frustrated at this outcome, he dropped it.

"Yes Warden." He then walked away and Duncan turned to Kaylee. She stepped out from behind Kenai and made a face like a child being scolded.

"I need to say something to you; you are a worthy and skilled recruit, and I know of your talents of slight of hand. That is a good thing; Grey Wardens use a diverse range of skills and tools to accomplish their missions, but the law is very hard on thieves. Ferelden still bears mistrust on our order, so practice these skills with caution. Your standing as a Warden will not always help you." Duncan's tone was slow and calm.

"But I need to practice getting better somehow..." She wasn't helping her case much, but Duncan only smiled at her.

"Certainly. Just don't get caught." He reminded me of father when he said that, always making sure Fergus and I knew what we did wrong, but rarely punishing us. Duncan scanned the group and nodded, then settled his eyes on me as I stood up from where I was petting Duke. "So you found Alistair? Good. I assume you are ready to begin preparations." He gave a pointed look at Alistair beside him, "Assuming, of course, that you're quite finished riling up mages, Alistair." Alistair gave his mentor a sheepish look.

"What can I say? The revered mother ambushed me. The way she wields guilt, they should stick her in the army."

"She forced you to sass the mage, did she? We cannot afford to antagonize anyone, Alistair. We don't need to give anyone more ammunition against us." Alistair looked to his feet then back to Duncan.

"You're right, Duncan. I apologize." Duncan nodded and turned back to the large group.

"Now then, since you're all here, we can begin. I trust you have all made your introductions?" One of the men I had not yet met took a step forward. He wore plate armour and a helmet that covered his face. He took off his helmet and underneath was short brown hair, green eyes, and surprisingly feminine features. He... She introduced herself and the man beside her.

"I am Ser Aubrey and this is Ser Jory, we were trained as knights in Redcliffe. Pleasure to meet you." She and Ser Jory gave a slight bow, and the third man spoke up.

"The name's Daveth. It's about time you guys showed up; we were about to do the joining without you." Duncan looked at Alistair who shook his head and mouthed a 'No, we weren't'.

"Sorry, shit happens. I'm Rosaleine, and this is Kaylee and Kenai." I subtly winked at Duncan after I said my 'name' and he nodded his approval.

"Now, let's get started. You all will go into the Korcari Wilds to preform two tasks. The first is to obtain nine vials of darkspawn blood, one for each recruit." We're going into the Wilds? Maybe I will find Fergus.

"Why do we need darkspawn blood?" Zoey delivered the question like an experienced student. Duncan's answer was smooth and quick.

"It is necessary for the joining ritual." Zoey asked another question.

"What's the second task?"

"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 have been left behind, magically sealed to protect them. Alistair, I want you to retrieve these scrolls if you can." Zoey spoke up again with yet another question.

"What kind of scrolls are these? Why are they so important that they were magically sealed?"

"Old treaties, if you're curious. Promises of support made to the Grey Wardens years ago. They were once considered only formalities. With so many having forgotten their commitment to us, I suspect it will be a good idea to have something to remind them with."

"But the treaties would have to be hundreds of years old. How do you know the seals haven't worn off? It depends on the mage, but the seals usually only last for—"

Kaylee interrupted her, "Okay, get blood and scrolls. Got it." Duncan nodded at Kaylee and looked back to the distraught mage with a small smile.

"You'll just have to find out when you get there." Daya cut in before Duncan could dismiss the group.

"Excuse me sir, did Riordan return with you? I haven't seen him yet." Duncan sighed heavily and frowned.

"Events in Highever prevented Riordan from returning."

"But... he will come back, right?" The hope in Daya's question died when Duncan didn't answer, and sadly closed his eyes while shaking his head solemnly. Daya stared at the ground while thinking about what Duncan meant. The other recruits that were recruited by Riordan silently mourned his loss.

Duncan turned to address Alistair once more, "Watch over your charges Alistair. Return quickly and safely."

"We will."

"Then may the Maker watch over your path. I will see you when you return." Duncan waved me over as the recruits started walking towards the gates. "I see you have chosen a name, good. Did you tell anyone your real name?"

"I spoke with Teyrn Loghain, but no one other than him." He nodded slowly at that.

"Very well." He looked down at the mabari that was wagging its tail by my side, "Your hound should stay with me again. I will give him a tonic that will repel the Blight. He will need it if he is to be a Grey Warden's companion. He will be here when you get back." I nodded and gave Duke a quick kiss on his forehead.

"I'll be back in a few hours, okay boy? Stay with Duncan." He barked his approval and marched over beside Duncan. I smiled at Duncan then went to catch up to the group. They were waiting by the Wilds Gate and started through it when they saw me coming. Kaylee and Alistair waited for me just inside the gate.

"I didn't know Mabari could be that cuddly." Alistair nudged me and had a small smile.

"There are a lot of things you don't know about Mabari, then." I added a sly smile. My mood was immediately improved when I learned I might be able to find Fergus. Alistair chuckled at my response.

"You're right! I don't know when to feed them or what to do when one gets a prick in their paw, I don't even know how one gets one." He raised his eyebrows at me in a not-so subtle way to ask how I got a mabari.

"Well, my father was friends with the Kennel Master and the mother in his latest litter at the time had gotten sick during pregnancy, so her pups were weak and premature. The Kennel Master had his hands full with the pups and some had already died, so I offered to take care of two to help. One of them was too sick and died, but Duke survived and grew to be the big boy his is today. He bonded with me while I was caring for him, so I couldn't really give him back. It's funny though, I had been begging my father for a pet for years and he always said, 'No. One pup is enough.' But he finally gave in when Duke did his infamous puppy eyes." I smiled at the memory of Duke and my father's stare-down that left my father defeated. My smile turned to a frown when the memory dissipated and I was thrown back into reality.

Kenai had shushed the group and stopped our steady march. He crouched down and felt the soggy ground, then made a sound that was between a whistle and a hiss. Eight wolves walked out of the undergrowth and stared at Kenai with a passive expression, one had black fur with strange yellow eyes and looked at the surrounding wolves in a sort of confused way. They sniffed the air as Luna walked closer to one; Kenai spoke quietly and calmly at her.

"No, they may attack." She only stared at him and crouched beside a wolf, who then proceeded to treat her like a pack member and licked her temple. We all looked at her in amazement as she continued getting licked by a wild wolf. Kenai was the most surprised while Zoey didn't seem fazed. The black wolf also looked at Luna with what could only be defined as amazement. I never knew that animals could be so expressive. Luna and the black wolf stared at each other for a few tense seconds. The group had long since gone silent and were barely breathing in order to be as motionless as possible, as not to ruin the wolves' calm. The wolf then howled and the seven other wolves ran into the bushes, the black one waiting a moment longer and continuing to watch Luna, then it turned tail and ran away.

I heard a consecutive breath leave the eight bystanders. We could have killed those wolves easily, but I'd rather not kill something if I don't have to. Kenai walked over to Luna in an intimidating stride.

"How did you do that?" His face flicked through many expressions; curious, accusing, alarm...hope? Zoey stood beside the female elf and answered his questions for the mute mage.

"She's always had an animal magnetism. I don't know how it works, but animals have always loved her." Kenai's eye's flicked between the mages suspiciously, then his gaze lingered on the elf's amulet.

"It's more than that." He turned away and stormed down the path we were following just before. He seemed to be very upset with what had just happened. Zoey and Luna shared a concerned look, and Kaylee just shrugged and continued down the path Kenai had stormed down. The rest of us shared a look and followed after them, going deeper into the Wilds.

It was quiet in the Wilds. Not a calm quiet, more of a tense quiet, as if the creatures in the Wilds thought they would be devoured instantly if they made a sound.

After around twenty minutes of only the dull, sometimes squishy thumps and clinks of armour as we walked, we heard a moan and gurgle from ahead. The group immediately slowed and we readied our weapons. Ser Aubrey took point, holding out her sword and walking forward ready to attack. We walked through the dense forest and saw a man leaning against a log, bleeding from his gut and moaning quietly. Zoey ran to his side with her magic. The man wore leather armour that was covered almost completely in blood and mud.

"Who... is that? Grey...Wardens?" The man could barely speak as his insides seemed to be more outside of his body than in. I heard Ser Jory quietly gag behind me.

"Well, he's not half as dead as he looks, is he?" Alistair words were light, but I could see his eyes were not as hopeful. Zoey began using her magic on the wound

"My scouting band was attacked by darkspawn! They... came out of the ground... please, help me! I've got to... return to camp." Scouting band? No, it couldn't be his. I looked over the soldier once more, noticing the heraldry on his chest above the wound. My heart stopped for a split second before I regained my composure. I crouched beside the man and pointed at his heraldry.

"You're from Highever. Was Fergus Cousland in your party?" The soldier turned his head towards me before nodding and swallowing audibly, Zoey held a canteen to his lips and tipped back. He coughed and I could feel my patience wearing thin.

"He was, I think I saw him being run through before I ran." He shook his head somberly. "I don't think anyone in that band survived. If they did they'd be that way." He pointed weakly down the path we were travelling. "They surrounded us... pushed us further into the Wilds. We left the camp with almost twenty men, I saw most of them get cut down down that path." Zoey's magic wasn't seeming to work, his wound was too severe to heal. Zoey looked over the wound then up to me, and shook her head slowly. She and I were the closest ones to the dying man, the rest of our squad had backed up to give him space. I stood and walked to the group and stood beside Kaylee. Fergus can't be dead. I refuse to believe he didn't get away somehow. Zoey waved her hand in front of his face and his head slumped, then she stood and walked beside Luna on the path.

"Did you hear? An entire patrol of seasoned men killed by darkspawn!" Ser Jory's eyes were like plates full of panic.

"Calm down, Ser Jory. We'll be fine if we're careful." Alistair tried to calm the nerves of the knight but to no avail.

"Those soldiers were careful, and they were still overwhelmed. How many darkspawn can the ten of us slay? A dozen? A hundred? There's an entire army in these forests! I don't want to be mercy killed by a mage!" I could see Jory starting to get antsy and jumping at small sounds. Alistair tried to calm him again by talking soothingly to him. Zoey quietly spoke her defence.

"I didn't kill him, I just numbed his pain as best I could and put him to sleep." Jory looked at the mage then to the man who I noticed you could see the faint irregular rise and fall of his chest.

"There are darkspawn about, but we're in no danger of walking into the bulk of the horde."

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

Kaylee piped in with a violent solution. "If we get into trouble, we can just fight our way out of it. That always works." Jory turned to her with his next statement.

"I still do not relish the thought of encountering an army."

"Know this; all Grey Wardens can sense darkspawn. Whatever they're cunning, I can guarantee they won't take us by surprise. That's why I'm here." How can Grey Wardens sense darkspawn? Does it have to do with the blood? Do we have to—no. I can't believe they would make us drink it!

"You see ser knight? We might die, but at least we'll be warned about it first." Jory looked to Daveth and seemed to consider his words.

"That is... reassuring?"

"That doesn't mean I'm here to make things easy, however. So lets get a move on." Kaylee walked down the trail, the rest of us following close behind. I made my way to stand beside Alistair, who was at the back to ask about the blood.

"So, Alistair?" He gave me a sideways glance.

"Yeeeeesss?"

"So tell me; this blood we're gathering," I lowered my voice so the rest of the troop couldn't hear. "Do we have to drink it?" I saw his face turn into a conflicted frown.

"I... I can't tell you that. It's confidential until the joining." He started walking faster and I knew it was true. I bet Duncan is who gave him the order to stay quiet about it, I don't blame them. Not many would want to be a Warden if they knew it involved drinking the Blighted creatures blood.

"You're a bad liar Alistair, but don't worry. Your secrets safe. I wouldn't want you to get into trouble with Duncan." He smiled slightly then and we continued.

"DARKSPAWN!" Alistair's cry brought us all into action. My mother's enchanted bow was fired into the head of a humanoid figure on a hill, but they were too far away to get a good look at. I could almost feel the blight seeping into the forest around them. Kenai and Daveth took out their bows, and Luna and Zoey fired fireballs and force waves while the rest of the group ran into the fray.

The shorter darkspawn ran into Kaylee's blades and I saw her face shift into horror when she looked at it's face. I'm glad I'm this far away. There were about seven darkspawn and they were cut down quickly enough. Alistair called for us to gather close to him.

"Okay, whoever dealt the killing blow to the darkspawn gets their blood. There's enough 'spawn in this forest for us all to have one." We each went over to our kill with our vials in hand, Ser Jory and Luna had to wait for the next round of darkspawn.

I crouched beside the corrupted corpse and Maker, I wasn't prepared for it. It smelled like rotten eggs that have been inside a rotting deer head and its face was like that of a leathery, decomposing man. Its eyes were an unsettling milky white and s skin was pulled back from its mouth, showing off rows of sharp, bloody teeth. I quickly gathered blood from its dripping head wound and pulled my arrow out from its forehead, then went back to the group. Everyone had a similar expression of disgust and fear while they looked at the bodies, but Kenai only looked angry at them. After we had all acquired the blood we continued through the forest. It wasn't long before we ran into more darkspawn, and Jory and Luna got their vials filled.

As we walked through the forest, we saw many human bodies in the mud. I flipped every body to check for Fergus and was relieved to not find him.

While we were crossing a bridge we heard the sounds of fighting ahead and quickly ran to the scene. There were five men fighting off six darkspawn, and it looked like most of the men were injured. I saw the Highever crest on on mans shield as he blocked the attack from a hurlock and he crumbled under the blow, that must have broken his arm. I fired at the hurlock and my arrow went through it's eye. A second later the rest of the darkspawn were dead on the ground, heavily outnumbered by the Warden band. I scanned the group of scouts and saw that two were wearing the Amaranthine bear and the other three had the Highever crest.

"Thank you, Grey Wardens." I interrupted before the others in my band could ask them any questions.

"Was Fergus Cousland in your scouting party?" The Amaranthine men gave each other sideways glances and rested their hands on the hilts of their swords. A Highever man stepped forward.

"Lord Fergus was leading our party, but he... he disappeared during the fight with darkspawn. We lost sight of him and I think he was taken away by the... creatures." The man looked guilty and queasy, the queasy part was probably from the fact that his arm was most definitely broken and he was bleeding from more than three wounds. Zoey started healing the men as my world crumbled.

Fergus is... Fergus is dead and there is nothing I can do about it. I am officially the last Cousland. I felt the pressure behind my eyes become unbearable and Kaylee placed her hand reassuringly on my arm. I wiped the tears from my eyes and gave her a small smile in thanks. I can grieve later, but right now, I have to become a Grey Warden.

Authors note

Wow, first chapter done and the second is on its way.

Thanks to the beautiful Warden Nightingale for being my beta reader and to Enchantm3nt for helping me actually start writing this.

The updates will probably be slightly irregular, but I will do my best to have one chapter a week. Thanks for reading! Please review with any comments, I would love to hear what you guys think!