Damn, first it was the king guy, then the dying soldier, and then the less-dying soldier that told Elissa- I guess I should start calling her Rosaleine- that her brother was out of her reach and probably dead. This was one fucked up place she was in and all I could say is; Damn.
I put my hand on her arm in what I hoped was a reassuring gesture when I saw the tears start to form in her eyes. She gave me a small smile as her thanks and wiped her eyes before steeling her face. This woman is tough.
The human mage used her magic on the man with the bloody arm and she looked like she was getting very tired. She seemed like she was about to pass out.
"Hey, are you okay?" She looked at me and nearly fell over. "No, you're not okay." The little elf mage showed up at her side and let her lean on her.
"Being a spirit healer uses a lot of energy and is very tiring. It took a lot out of me when I slowed the Blight in Kenai. I... I will be okay, let's just hurry." The soldiers were well enough to make it back to camp on their own and started to walk away, but Rosaleine stopped them.
"Wait, you're Howe's men." She pointed at the two with the bears on their dirty armour. "Why were you out with Fergus Coulsand's party?" The three Highever men stepped away from them as they gripped their sword handles slightly. I see where Rosa's going with this, they were probably sent to kill her brother.
"We were sent by Teyrn Loghain to... watch their backs." The Teyrn sent Howe's men with the Cousland brother? What's he gotta do with Howe? Apparently the young noble was thinking the same thing.
"Why would he send you two? Why Howe's men?" Her voice got more intense as she spoke. I wrapped my fingers around my dagger, ready to use it if necessary. They started to squirm and I could see that they had run out of lies. Kenai slowly readied his weapons as well, knowing what they were here to do. The bearded man on the left scanned our group of mostly confused warriors before muttering, 'sod it' and pulling his sword. He didn't get far before my dagger flew to meet his throat and Rosa's arrow made a hole in his companions head.
The group around us made had an instantaneous reaction; the Redcliffe knights turned their weapons on Rosa and I while Kenai jumped to our defense, but the rest were mostly just stunned. The Highever men eyed us suspiciously and held what weapons they could weakly and waited for one of us to explain ourselves. Alistair approached Rosa with a scowl.
"What was that?! Why did you kill those men!? Grey Wardens kill darkspawn, not soldiers in the king's army." She stood ready to fight back if they touched her. This is tense.
"She didn't kill both of those men, I killed one too. Credit where it's due." Most people around me gave me a small glare and Daya nudged me.
"You're not helping your case, Daggers." Daggers? Is that a nickname? I like it, could use some work but I like it. Oooh, I should give everyone a nickname too! I called Rosa 'Arrows' when we were in Highever, I could bring that back. Easier to remember than 'Rosaleine'. Kenai could be Grouchy. I should probably think more on this later; there's pressing matters to deal with right now.
I could see Rosa holding a stare with Alistair, her eyes were level with his nose, but her stare was more intimidating. She was probably thinking about how to explain the situation without spilling the heritage beans.
"The Teyrn and Teryna of Highever were betrayed and murdered by Arl Howe. These men were sent to kill their son, Fergus Cousland... and it looks like they succeeded." Her voice trailed off with the last part. Every human in our group's face turned to shock. The news must not have hit them yet. The soldiers from Highever's face's was a mix of sadness and unbelieving, while the knights lowered their weapons and Alistair looked towards the bodies while contemplating her words.
"I... I suppose they did draw their weapons first. We'll have to tell Duncan about this but," He sighed and rubbed his face. "Just don't do anything like this again." I doubt he's ever had to deal with his charges committing murder- Is it murder? It was kind of self defense. Alistair turned to address the soldiers from Highever who were standing awkwardly to the side. "You there, can you make it back to camp alright?" They nodded. "Good. Um, don't tell anyone what happened to these men. We'll tell our commander what happened, he'll know how to tell the king without getting the Grey Wardens banished again." Oh shit could that happen? Damn. They nodded their understanding and were off. Alistair turned back to Rosa with an exasperated expression, then looked to me as well. "Please, don't do anything like this again. The Wardens are on a tight rope already, you don't have to saw at it." Whoops.
We set off deeper into the forest again. Rosa fell to the back with me and I saw her face was holding back emotions. Poor girl, saw her home destroyed and family killed then heard her brother was dead. I'm all about, 'Play the hand you're dealt' but that shit's messed up.
There were more darkspawn up the hill towards the ruined Grey Warden tower, but we made short work of the genlocks. Rosa, Zoey, Daveth, and Luna stood to the back firing arrows and magic at the blighted creatures while Alistair, Kenai, Daya and the knights took the front lines. I stayed to the side and got behind the 'spawn. I attacked the one nearest by stabbing it in the spine before jumping to the next and repeating. Soon the first wave was depleted and we moved forward to the ranged attackers; the archers and the emissary who was hurling fireballs at us.
The shielded warriors moved forward first. Alistair and Kenai held their shields in front of them so I walked directly behind Kenai, shielded from the rain of arrows and fire. Aubrey charged forward, protected by her plate mail and helmet, and decapitated two genlocks in one swipe. That's pretty hot. The warriors in front of me made it to the top of the hill and started whacking at the beasts, but the archers to the left of us started aiming to the bottom of the hill again. Uh oh. The mages and rogues at the bottom were unprotected and vulnerable now.
I threw my dagger towards a hurlock aiming downwards and caught it in the eye, causing it to stumble and fall dead... and let loose the arrow it was aiming, Right into Zoey's shoulder. Shit. She fell back from the force of the blow and Luna ran to her side. The last of the 'spawn were dealt with and I ran down to Zoey.
The arrow went almost all the way through making the removal easy but not painless. She had tears in her eyes and made a small strangled sound as it was pulled out, ouch. She used a bit of magic on her shoulder but it seemed weaker than it was before.
"We have to get her back to camp." Zoey shook her head at Aubrey's suggestion.
"No, I'm fine. Just... just give me a lyrium potion and I'll be fine." Luna looked through her bag but came up blank. "Did we run out?" Luna nodded her head. "Okay, well, the fortress is just up the hill. Lets just head up and then head back." The group continued up the hill, Luna stayed at Zoey's side and I could see she was almost passed out, but she stayed awake.
The fortress was old and crumbling, the only sign of anyone ever living here was a crumbled chest and some rusted braziers. Daya investigated the chest while the rest of us fanned out.
"Hey guys! This where the paper's supposed to be? It's empty." Alistair ran over and looked for himself. While they were crowding the chest, I heard Kenai's bow be pulled. I turned around and saw him aiming at a scantily clad woman slowly descending the broken stair case.
"Well, well. What have we here?" Her velvety voice drew the attention of everyone in the group and they all drew their weapons. The woman's hair was raven black, a deep contrast to her ivory skin, and her eyes were gold. Purple fabric barely covered her small chest and there was gold jewelry around her neck along with a wooden staff on her back. "Are you vultures, I wonder? Scavengers poking amidst a corpse whose bones were long since cleaned? Or merely intruders, come into these darkspawn-filled Wilds of mine in search of easy prey?" She scanned our group and rested her gaze on Luna. "What say you, hmm? Scavenger or intruder?" Even being exhausted and having an arrow wound, Zoey still spoke on Luna's behalf.
"She can't talk." I could see her eyelids drooping slightly as she spoke. The woman smirked at her answer.
"Just as I suspected. Da'fen returns, mother will be most curious. But you haven't answered my question yet, which are you?" Luna looked at her strangely. Kenai, who hasn't taken his bow off the strange woman, answered her question.
"We are neither. The Grey Wardens once owned this tower." She gestured widely at the ruins
"'Tis a tower no longer. The Wilds have obviously claimed this desiccated corpse. I have watched your progress for sometime. 'Where do they go,' I wondered, 'Why are they here.' And now you disturb ashes none have touched for so long. Why is that?" Alistair subtly addressed the group before anyone answered.
"Don't answer her. She looks Chasind, and that means others may be nearby." He eyed her suspiciously and members of our group scanned the trees for her supposed back up. The woman only gave an amused look and used her arms to mimic a swooping action.
"You fear barbarians will swoop down upon you?" Alistair's eyes narrowed at her and slowly stated his reply.
"Yes... swooping is bad." Does he have a lot of experience with swooping, I wonder?
"She's a Witch of the Wilds, she is! She'll turn us into toads!" What? They can do that? The woman -or witch- let out a short chuckle at that accusation.
"Witch of the Wilds? Such idle fancies, those legends. Have you no mind of your own?" She nodded her head towards Rosa, who had been observing quietly. "You there. Women do not frighten like little boys, and you seem the most... wise. Tell me your name and I shall tell you mine." Rosa looked slightly surprised that she would call on her, but was able to hide the emotion behind her expertly honed noble mask.
"I am Rosaleine. It's a pleasure to meet you." The witch looked surprised and gave her a small smile.
"Now that is a proper civil greeting, even here in the Wilds. You may call me Morrigan." So the witch has a name. Morrigan looked over the group before landing her eyes back on the noble. "Shall I guess your purpose? You sought something in that chest, something that is here no longer?" She nodded towards the broken chest we had been inspecting earlier.
"'Here no longer?' You stole them, didn't you? You're... some kind of... sneaky... witch-thief!" Good one. Daya and I giggled, and Rosa even smiled at his dumb remark. That's like the first 'happy' smile since Highever. Morrigan was just as amused- or annoyed- by his answer.
"How very eloquent. How does one steal from dead men?" It looked like Alistair was getting a little flustered.
"Quiet easily, it seems. Those documents are Grey Warden property, and I suggest you return them." Oooh, Alistair is maaad. Morrigan narrowed her eyes at him and crossed her arms.
"I will not, for 'twas not I who removed them. Invoke a name that means nothing here any longer if you wish; I am not threatened." Zoey spoke from where she was now leaning on a wall.
"Then who removed them?" Morrigans head snapped around to the injured mage.
"'Twas my mother, in fact." Kenai interrupted Rosa as she opened her mouth to talk. He had since lowered his bow but kept the arrow ready.
"Your mother?"
"Yes, my mother," she drawled. "Did you assume I spawned from a log?" She paced as Alistair spoke, and stopped when she was looking over the Wilds with the sun on her face.
"A thieving, weird talking log." Good one, ten points to Alistair. Rosa gave him a light smack on the arm and a frown. Morrigan looked back, frowning in what could almost be sadness.
"Not all in the Wilds are monsters, flowers grow, as well as toads." She paused for a moment and leaned against the crumbled wall. "If you wish, I will take you to my mother. 'Tis not far from here, and you may ask her for your papers, if you like." She walked back to where she stood before and looked at Rosa expectantly. I guess she chose her as the leader of our little band.
"We should get those treaties, but I dislike this... Morrigan's sudden appearance. It's too convenient." Rosa considered Alistair's words before Kenai interrupted again.
"Why are you so interested in helping us?" Morrigan gave a half-assed shrug.
"Why not? I do not see many people out here. Are you all so mistrustful?"
"Last time I met a beautiful woman in the Wilds, she mugged me and my friend." Kenai's quiet confession, of both that he found her attractive and that he was mugged by a lady in the forest, drew many eyes to him. He blushed slightly and scowled at the attention. Rosa was holding back a small smile when she asked Morrigan another question.
"What can you tell us about your mother?" Can we just get this show on the road? I'm probably going to die of old age before we're done interrogating this woman.
"She prefers her privacy, but I imagine she will be curious enough why you are here." She looked at Luna. "Especially you. Come see for yourself." She turned away slightly and looked down a path before back at the group. I've had enough of this standing around.
"I say we go with her." I took a few steps forward to follow the mysterious woman and I heard Daveth protest.
"She'll put us in a pot, she will! Just you watch." I rolled my eyes at that.
Jory, apparently, was tired of this talking as well. "If the pot's warmer than this forest, it'd be a nice change."
"We'd appreciate it if you brought us to your mother." Rosa was polite and diplomatic as usual. The witch nodded at her request and acknowledged her manners.
"Now that is a sensible request. I like you."
Alistair leaned over to Rosa to warn her. "Careful, first it's 'I like you' but then BAM. Frog time." Oh Alistair. It seemed like Morrigan chose to ignore his comment.
"Follow me then, if it pleases you." As we were about to walk Zoey fell down onto one knee. Rosa looked at her with sympathy.
"She can't come with us; she'll hurt herself. Alistair, we've already all got our blood vials. Why don't we split up? Some go with Zoey back to Ostagar and we will catch up with the treaties." Rosa's idea was more of an order and Alistair thought about it for a moment before nodding.
"Alright, there's ten of us. How does five to camp and five to treaties sound?" He continued after a unanimous agreement. "Okay... Ser Aubrey, Jory, Daya, and Luna can head back with Zoey." Luna walked up to him and shook her head, then pointed at herself and then to Morrigan. "Um, alright, Daveth? You wanna head back with them instead?" Daveth gave an exaggerated sigh before hurrying away from Morrigan and to the group heading back.
Jory and Aubrey, supporting Zoey and Daya, lead them away. That left only myself, Rosa, Alistair, Kenai, and Luna to go to the witch's mother's house. Oh boy, this'll be fun. We started down the path that was over grown and muddy. Somehow Morrigan was able to walk as if it was on flat cobblestone. She told us it should only be a couple minutes, but it felt like hours.
Eventually the covered path opened to sunlight, even though it was murky sunlight it was still sunlight. There was a statue and a small house- it was barely a house, more of a shack. An old woman walked out the door as we arrived. She wore ratty robes and had messy grey hair. Morrigan spoke as she walked to the woman.
"Greetings, mother. I bring before you five Grey Wardens who-"
"I see them, girl. Mmm, much as I expected." She scanned the group before adding, "Shame the dwarf and mage aren't here, I would have much liked to meet them." Alistair was skeptical of the woman but, I don't know, there's something creepy about her. She turned towards me and gave a small smile as she quietly continued. "Is that what you think, child?" My eyes widened. Did she just read my mind or something? That's a disturbing thought.
"Are we supposed to believe you were expecting us?" The old woman chuckled at his question.
"You are required to do nothing, least of all believe. Shut one's eyes tight or open one's arms wide... either way, one's a fool!" She looked at Luna and smiled widely. "Ah! Da'fen has returned! How wonderful! It's been so long, how have the years been? Oh, don't answer." She cackled at her own joke then looked at Kenai. "And you found him, lovely." Kenai and Luna were both confused by what she said.
"Perhaps Daveth was right, they're witches. We shouldn't be talking to them." The old witch lady ignored Kenai and looked around casually.
"Where are the knight and thief? They would make great conversationalists. Never the less, believe what you will." She looked between Rosa and I before settling her gaze on Rosa. "And what of you? Does your 'noble' mind give you a different viewpoint? Or do you believe as these others do?" She gestured at Kenai, Alistair, and myself.
"I... I am not sure what to believe."
"A statement that holds more knowledge than you'd think. So much about you is uncertain... and yet I believe. Do I? Why, it seems I do." She scanned the group as she spoke, as if she were talking to all of us.
"So this is a dreaded Witch of the Wilds." She turned to Alistair.
"Witch of the Wilds, eh? Morrigan must have told you that. She fancies those tales, though she would never admit it! Oh how she dances under the moon." She cackled at that- for lack of a better word.
Morrigan's face turned into a scowl and she glared at her mother, and spoke through clenched teeth. "They did not come to listen to your wild tales, mother."
"True, they came for their treaties, yes? And before you begin barking, your precious seal wore off long ago. I have protected these." I guess Zoey was right about the seals. She walked into her hut and returned with a bundle of scrolls.
"You... oh. You protected them?" Alistair started angry, but realized what she said before he could finish his sentence.
The old witch furrowed her brows at his response. "And why not? Take them to your Grey Wardens and tell them this Blight's threat's greater than they realize!" Rosa took them carefully and placed them in her bag.
"What do you mean the threat is greater than they realize?" Kenai shifted uncomfortably as he asked. Zoey's magic might be starting to wear off.
"Either the threat is more or they realize less. Or perhaps the threat is nothing! Or perhaps they realize nothing!" She laughed again; it was laugh that was mostly wheezing. "Oh, do not mind me. You have what you came for!"
"Time for you to go, then" Morrigan was all too happy for us to be leaving. Her mother gave her a scalding look.
"Do not be ridiculous, girl. These are your guests." Morrigan sighed and rolled her eyes.
"Oh, very well. I will show you out of the woods. Follow me." The old woman called after Luna while we were walking away.
"Da' fen! Come here child, I wish to give you something." Luna hesitated but stepped towards the woman slowly. When she got close enough, the woman touched her forehead with her index and middle finger and whispered incoherent words. Luna's eye were closed but opened in shock after she removed her fingers. "Do come visit again dearest, we have much to talk about. Bring your isa'ma'lin too." Kenai's face shifted to surprise when she said that and Luna was just as confused.
We followed her through the forest on a trail that was in the general direction of Ostagar. Kenai was muttering something in Dalish, sounded like "Ash a bell an are." He pointed a plant out to me and told me it was the flower the dog man wanted. With that we were all set to start the joining and leave these blasted woods.
We met up with the other half of our group in the Wilds. Apparently they had gotten lost and had quite the adventure; they found seven Chasind trail signs that Daveth recognized and it brought them to a Chasind cache that had small mage robes- which were given to Luna- two weapons, a bow, and a helmet as well as an enchanted necklace.
They also recovered a lockbox from the body of a dead Missionary that wanted the box to be taken to his wife in Redcliffe. Daya had opened the lockbox and taken it's valuable contents but still planned to bring the box and amulet to the woman in Redcliffe. Inside one of the boxes was a lyrium potion that gave Zoey enough energy to fix her shoulder wound.
We entered the gates of Ostagar together just as the sun started to set. The witch, Morrigan, had left us as soon as the tower came into view.
I slipped away to the kennel man to give him the flower I found while the group went to Duncan's fire. The man was most grateful, even said he could see about bonding the dog with me! I've always wanted a dog. He said that I should come by after the battle, I just might.
I noticed that the mage that was guarding the chest by the merchant had left. I felt around for the key the deserter gave me and found it on my belt. Now's my chance. I crept over to the chest and unlocked it, giving a quick look around before opening it. Inside were two slick, enchanted ebony daggers with a gold design and a short black bow with the same gold design. Beneath the weapons were two quivers of enchanted arrows and some mage hats, lyrium potions and heath poultices. I grabbed the everything I could carry and headed back to the fire.
As I approached, I heard them talking about Morrigan and her mother.
"-Apostates: mages hiding from the Chantry."
"I know you were once a Templar, Alistair, but Chantry business is not ours. We have the scrolls; let us focus on the joining." Duncan looked over at me as I came up, my arms full of the spoils of thievery. "And where have you been? I'm guessing you didn't find that equipment in the Wilds."
I cleared my throat loudly before answering, "Over there." I nodded in the direction I came. Duncan just crossed his arms and gave a pointed look to the items in my arms then back to me. I shifted the stuff in my arms. "I... uh... bought these. Yeah, from the guy over there. Where I came from." I nodded slightly as I answered and he sighed.
"Do you remember what I said about stealing?"
"Yeah. Don't get caught." He nodded.
"Good. Then I expect no one to run over declaring you a thief?"
"No one saw me. I promise." He nodded and looked back to the group. I saw the knights give me a disapproving look before turning to listen to Rosa as she told Duncan about the men in the Wilds.
"Duncan, while we were in the Wilds we found the remnants of Fergus Cousland's scouting party and two of Howe's men that were sent to kill him. We... killed them and found out they were sent by Teyrn Loghain." Duncan's face fell when he heard about Fergus's party, knowing what that meant. His expression turned to quizzical after she said the last part.
"You say they were sent by the teyrn? That's interesting. From what I've heard, those men deserved their fate. Thank you for informing me, we will speak of this more later."
After an awkward silence, Kenai asks about the joining. "Now will you tell us what this ritual is about?"
"I will not lie; we Grey Wardens pay a heavy price to become what we are. Fate may decree that you pay your price now rather than later."
"You're saying this ritual can kill us?" Daya's question brought many eyebrows closer to their hair. Duncan was not fazed, though.
"As could any darkspawn you might face in battle. I would not have chosen you if I didn't think you would survive."
Daveth was getting jumpy after listening to what Duncan said. "Let's go then. I'm anxious to see this Joining now."
"I agree, let's have it then." That was the first remotely brave thing I've heard Jory say.
"Then let us begin. Alistair, take them to the old temple." Alistair nodded and gestured for us to follow him while Duncan went in the other direction.
Elissa- Rosa came to stand beside me as we walked and I noticed her Mabari was beside her again.
She leaned over to my ear and spoke quietly, "I was talking to Alistair and I think... I think as part of the Joining we have to drink the darkspawn blood." WHAT?! That's messed up. I looked at her with my mouth hanging open and my eyebrows under my choppy bangs. "But I don't know for certain. I just thought I should tell you. I... I guess I consider you a friend." I had since closed my mouth and smiled slightly at that. I suppose I maybe, 'might' consider her my friend too. Not that I'd ever tell her that.
"Thanks Arrows. Whatever we have to do, it's too late to turn back now. Let's just get er done." Her eyebrow rose at the name I gave her but she nodded her agreement the end.
"Yeah, let's just do it and be done."
On the way to the temple, a man and woman came up behind Zoey and stopped her. Luna and I stayed to watch the confrontation while the rest of the group walked ahead. Luna stopped probably because Zoey is her best friend, but I stopped because I'm nosy.
"Excuse me, what's your name?" The woman had icy blue eyes and short cropped black hair with two short blades over her shoulders. The man to her side had matching features but a large sword across his back.
"My name is Zoey Amell, pleasure to meet you. May I ask your name, and why you are so curious?" Zoey was just a bundle of politeness. The duo shared masks of surprise and glanced at each other before the woman spoke again.
"My name is Astrid Hawke, and this is my brother Carver. We came over because you look strikingly similar to our sister and... you said your last name was Amell?" She continued at Zoey's nod. "That's our mother's maiden name." Zoey suddenly looked very excited.
"Does that mean we're related?"
Astrid let out a short breath of laughter and surprise while she replied, "I guess it does." Zoey immediately squealed and jumped at the duo to bring them into a hug which the man, Carver, looked uncomfortable in.
"I've never met my family before! I was taken to the Circle before I was old enough to remember any of them." Carver stepped backwards from the group hug and scoffed.
"Another mage in the family? Don't we have enough already?" His sister punched him in the ribs with her elbow at his remark. He glared at her as he rubbed the spot she hit.
"Brother, dearest. This is our long lost cousin we're talking to. Don't be an ass." I like her already.
"I'm very sorry to cut this short, but I'm becoming a Grey Warden and we're about to start the joining. I'd love to talk more though, we should meet after the battle." Zoey was smiling widely and I could see the excitement rolling off her. The duo nodded and they said their goodbyes.
Zoey practically skipped up the ramp to the temple where the rest of the gang was waiting for Duncan. As we approached I could hear Jory whining again.
"The more I hear about this Joining, the less I like it." Jory started to pace slightly, pausing when Daveth spoke.
"Are you blubbering again?"
"Why all these damned tests? Have I not earned my place?" I put all the equipment I was carrying on the table and stated to switch out my daggers for the new ones.
"Maybe it's tradition. Maybe they're just trying to annoy you."
Ser Sweet Cheeks- Ahem. Ser Aubrey tried to calm Jory down.
"Calm down, Ser Jory. There's nothing we can do about it now. What would Helena think if you were kicked from the Wardens?" Jory seemed to think about her question.
"All I know is, my wife is in Highever with a child on the way and I'm in the southern reaches of Ferelden doing a series of tests. If they had warned me... it just doesn't seem fair." He shook his head as he spoke. Highever? I peeked at Rosa and noticed her wince when he spoke of his wife in Highever.
Kenai quietly added his thoughts on the conversation. "Would you have come if they'd warned you?" He was looking sick again. I suppose the magic wore off because he was like he was when we got to Ostagar, pale and weak.
"Maybe that's why they don't. The Wardens do what they must, right?" Daveth had a good point, though Jory was not so easily swayed.
"Including sacrificing us?" Again, Kenai then Daveth spoke.
"I've seen what the darkspawn can do. I'd sacrifice a lot more if it meant ending the Blight."
"As would I."
Daya had been listening in and responded to Kenai's words, "You make a good point." Kenai nodded at her then Daveth turned to Jory.
"You saw those darkspawn, ser knight. Wouldn't you die to protect your pretty wife from them?"
"I..." Jory seemed to not have any response, or was cut off by Daveth before he could respond.
"Maybe you'll die. Maybe we'll all die. If no one stops the darkspawn, we'll all die for sure." Jory seemed to be getting annoyed with this back and forth banter.
"I've just never fought a foe I could not engage with my blade." Daveth looked like he was going to reply, but was cut off when Duncan walked towards the group. Alistair, who was standing on the other side of Rosa, had his arms crossed and was watching the members that were previously talking. He uncrossed his arms and stood at attention when he saw Duncan walk up.
"At last we come to the Joining. The Grey Wardens were founded during the first Blight, when humanity stood on the verge of annihilation." He placed a chalice on the crumbling table in the center of the temple. I saw a reflection of red from within and I shared a look of 'uh oh' with Rosa. "So it was that the first Grey Wardens drank of darkspawn blood and mastered their taint." The look I shared with Rosa escalated to a 'oh shit' look. The blood in Jory's face fell down to his toes and left him looking like the inside of a sack of flour.
"We're... going to drink the blood of those... those creatures?" His voice wobbled as he spoke. I would have laughed at him if I wasn't feeling similar. I wasn't sure if I believed Rosa when she first told me, but I sure do now.
"As the first Grey Wardens did before us, as we did before you. This is the source of our power and our victory."
"Those who survive the Joining become immune to the taint. We can sense it in the darkspawn and use it to defeat the archdemon." Alistair was just trying to be helpful, but I think he stirred more anxiety in the recruits.
"Those who survive?" Zoey's previous good mood had since become sour.
Duncan nodded solemnly. "Not all who drink the blood will survive and those who do are changed forever. This is why the Joining is a secret. It is the price we pay. We speak only a few words prior to the Joining, but these words have been said since the first. Alistair, if you would?"
Alistair looked towards his feet and recited the ancient words. "Join us, brothers and sisters. Join us in the shadows where we stand, vigilant. Join us as we carry the duty that cannot be forsworn." Jory looked between the blood chalice and Alistair nervously."And should you perish, know that your sacrifice will not be forgotten and that one day we shall join you."
Duncan held the chalice and called the first recruit.
"Kenai, step forward." Kenai stepped toward Duncan and he fearlessly took the goblet and drank. He stumbled backwards and his eyes turned white, then he fell backward.
"Welcome, Kenai." He then turned to Daveth.
"Step forward, Daveth." Much like Kenai, Daveth drank without hesitation. Daveth grabbed at his throat and screamed. I don't think it's supposed to be like that, something's wrong. He fell to his knees and collapsed forward, dead. Zoey's hands went to her mouth and I saw tears in her eyes. "I am sorry, Daveth. Step forward, Jory." Jory started to backup, drawing his sword as he went.
"But... I have a wife. A child! Had I known..." Aubrey took a step towards him as Duncan did the same.
"Ser Jory! Put your weapon away now! Don't do anything stupid!" Alistair restricted her from moving any closer.
"There is no turning back." Jory looked between Aubrey and Duncan, but kept his sword pointed at Duncan.
"NO! You ask too much! There is no glory in this!" Jory continued to move backwards until his back hit the side of the temple. Duncan slowly drew his dagger as he advanced towards Jory.
Jory lashed out with his sword but Duncan deflected his attacks as he got closer. Duncan had given the chalice to Alistair while he lunged and plunged his blade through Jory's abdomen. Jory's lifeless body hit the ground and blood pooled around him. Shit, shit, shit. Zoey was crying, Rosa's eyes were glossed over, Daya was staring with her mouth open and eyes wide, Aubrey had her head down in a prayer for her comrade. Shit.
"I am sorry." Duncan wasted no time. "But the Joining must continue. Aubrey, step forward." Aubrey gave Duncan a glare, but took the goblet and drank deeply. Her experience was similar to Kenai's, she'll live. "Welcome, Ser Aubrey." So far half of the recruits that were offered the goblet had died. That's not reassuring. "Step froward, Kaylee." Oh shit, that's me. Rosa took my hand and gave it a quick squeeze, I looked at her and she had tears in her eyes. She was more afraid for my life than I was. All I could do was give her a smile.
"I'll be fine, Arrows." She nodded and I walked forward. Duncan handed me the chalice and the inside was filled with dark red liquid that had a bitter smell that I scrunched my nose to. Alistair and Duncan stepped back as I eyed the contents. "Is it too late to request a few shots of whiskey first?" When no one answered, I assumed it was. Oh well.
Well, if I die; then I'm dead, and if I live; then I'm a Grey Warden. The down side isn't too bad. So here goes. I tipped the chalice back, the blood moved closer until it hit my lips. If I thought the smell was bitter, the taste was worse. It seemed to slip down my throat, uncomfortably sliding down and scraping the sides like pins and needles. Everywhere it touched felt numb and on fire at the same time. My vision went black and I felt my knees hitting stone before I was thrown in front of a black Blighted dragon. I could barely heard Duncan's voice though the whispers when he said, "Welcome, Kaylee". The dragon turned its head and... it must have seen me. Its maw opened to show rows upon rows of black teeth that looked like they were getting closer to me until they were upon me, and I was in a black abyss.
My eyes opened and I was met by Duncan watching over me.
"It is finished. Welcome to the Grey Wardens. How do you feel?" I sat up and noticed that Kenai, Aubrey and Daya were awake but the others were still unconscious.
"Like I could drink a pint of that for fun."
Alistair walked over at the sound of my voice. "Really?"
"No I feel like I'm dying." There was a phlegm-y film in my mouth that I had to spit out.
"Such is what it takes to be a Grey Warden."
"Did you have dreams? I had terrible dreams at my Joining."
"Such dreams come when you begin to sense the Darkspawn, as we all do. That and many other things can be explained in the months to come."
Alistair reached into his pocket and brought out a silver cord with a vial of red hanging from it. "Before I forget, there is one last part to your Joining. We take some of that blood and put it in a pendant. Something to remind us... of those who didn't make it this far." I took it as I stood up and I felt my knees wobble.
"Take your time. We have to wait for the rest to wake."
Alistair moved to watch over the rest of the new Wardens, but he kept looking back towards where Rosa lay. Aw, looks like someone has a crush. I wonder if they're all okay.
"Did anyone else die?" My voice was raspy and I had to cough away the scratchiness.
Duncan's answer was slow and calming. "No, the others all lived." Good, that's good. I looked to where Daveth and Ser Jory had died and noticed that both bodies were gone. I pointed to the almost dried puddle of blood and raised my eyebrow at Duncan. He saw where I was pointing and answered my silent question. "Taken care of." Okay, whatever that means.
I moved to sit by Kenai and Aubrey who were leaning against the wall. Kenai was looking more alive than I've ever seen him. What was once his pale skin was back to a natural dark tan and his sunken eyes were no longer dark, but lively and almost glowing. He was playing with his amulet next to the Joining pendant.
Daya came over from the lookout she was at and sat next to me. She pulled a flask out of her bosom and handed it to me. I snatched it and smelt the liquid inside before taking a swig. I coughed slightly after I swallowed because of how bad it tasted.
"That is some shit whiskey, Daya." She chuckled as she took it and put it back in her armour.
"Straight from Orzammar. You know, this is my first time being on the surface. I still think I'm going to fall into the sky." She leaned her head back to stare at the sky and stars.
"Trust me, nowadays falling into the sky is the least of our worries."
"I'm getting that impression." One of the unconscious recruits coughed and became conscious while we were speaking. Luna and Zoey woke up at almost the same time and were given similar speeches to what I got. They were both given amulets and I could see Alistair continuing to look at Rosa in anticipation.
She woke not two minutes later and Alistair and Duncan hovered over her as she woke. When they were finished speaking, Rosa and Duncan left to attend a meeting with the king. Duncan told us to head to the fire where we were earlier.
We got to the fire and sat around its warmth. Around us the camp was bustling; soldiers running to and fro, captains and commanders were yelling and getting squads ready. Luna had stepped into a tent to change into the slightly armoured Chasind robes that were found by Zoey's company in the Wilds. I heard Zoey's compliments before I saw her. The robes had fur on the shoulders and a green fabric that was a nice contrast to her olive skin. The robes covered her front completely and had almost Dalish leggings. She seemed to like them.
We stood as we saw Rosa and Duncan approaching the fire. Her mabari once again ran to her side.
Duncan moved to where he could address the group and Rosa stood between Alistair and I, she looked annoyed. Something from the meeting must have bothered her. "Rosa and Alistair will go to the Tower of Ishal and ensure the beacon is lit."
"What? I won't be in the battle?" Duncan turned towards the young knight.
"This is by the king's personal request, Alistair. If the beacon is not lit, Teyrn Loghain's men won't know when to charge."
"So he needs two Grey Wardens standing up there holding the torch. Just in case, right?" Alistair has a point.
"I agree with Alistair. I think we should be in the battle." Rosa crossed her arms and furrowed her brows. Duncan just shook his head.
"That is not your choice. If King Cailan wishes the Grey Wardens to ensure the beacon is lit, then Grey Wardens will be there. We must do whatever it takes to destroy the darkspawn... exciting or no." He was just talking to Rosa and Alistair now, since the rest of us were probably going to be in the battle.
Alistair pouted slightly. "I get it. I get it. Just so you know, if the king ever asks me to put on a dress and dance the Remigold, I'm drawing the line. Darkspawn or no."
Rosa snickered and looked up at him, "I think I'd like to see that." He looked down at her with a smirk.
"For you, maybe. But it has to be a pretty dress." She laughed quietly and they both looked back at Duncan sheepishly when they heard him sigh.
"You saw the tower when we arrived, it's across the gorge and to the left."
"When will we know when to light the beacon?"
"We will signal you when the times right. Alistair will know what to look for."
"How much time do we have?"
"The battle is about to begin. Once you leave, move quickly. You'll have less than an hour."
"Can we join the battle after?"
"Stay with the teyrn's men and guard the tower. If you are needed we will send word."
"What if the archdemon appears?" You're sure asking a lot of questions, Rosa.
"We soil our drawers, that's what." Alistairs answer was helpful as always.
"If it does, leave it to us." He gestured at the rest of the group. "I don't want heroics from either of you." Rosa reluctantly nodded. Why do we have to be archdemon fodder?
"I know what we have to do. We'll leave as soon as you dismiss us."
"Then I must see to the other recruits. From here you two are on your own. I want you to keep the treaties in your pack for safe keeping. Remember, you are both Grey Wardens. I expect you to be worthy of that title."
"Duncan... may the Maker watch over you." Duncan smiled sadly at his protégé.
"May He watch over us all." Rosa and Alistair walked towards the bridge and Duncan turned to us. "Zoey, Luna; you two will be with the mages. They may send you into different squadrons when the battle starts. Do your best wherever you are sent. The rest of you will be with the Grey Wardens. You can stick together since you are familiar with each others fighting styles now." Okay that sounds good. "Any questions?"
"Will we be getting that snazzy Grey Warden armour that you and Alistair are wearing?" Good question Daya!
"Yes. It is too late to change now, but you can grab a set when the battle is over. I hope your current armour will do. Is there anything else?" No one spoke so he continued. "Good. Then lets get into position. May the Maker watch over you all. We will speak again after the battle."
Authors note
Big thanks to Warden Nightingale for being an awesome Beta!
So this was a little bit into Kaylee's mind, showing her point of view and thoughts. The next chapter is the battle and I will rotate through Cousland, Tabris, and Amell POV for that.
Thanks for reading, please review so I know if you guys are liking it!