Hello everyone.

Ok before I start the next chapter, I have a couple things to let you know yet again...

* So those who have read my stories will have noticed I have changed my profile name from Wolf-Lover26 to Da-Wolf-Goddess, this is a permanent change.

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Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Dragon Age Plot or Characters, ALL RIGHTS GO TO THE ORIGINAL MAKERS... All I own is just my own twist on things and of course my own characters.

Alright now that is all outta the way, onwards with the story...

Chapter 2: Facing Fears

Alec and I made our way back over the bridge, I was hoping I would catch Duncan before the meeting at the war council table starts, but as Alec and I came into view of Duncan's camp no one was there I stopped and sighed. Alec barked I looked at him "Looks like we are headed to the war council table meeting" I said then started walking with Alec at my side, I hope Alistair is ok out there, I'd hate for anything to happen to him, Cailan or Duncan. Alec and I walked through Ostagar heading to where the ruins were, where I met Alistair and Elissa earlier but instead of heading right I turned to my left where I could see a few mages, some soldiers, Teyrn Loghain, King Cailan and Duncan. I walked to where Duncan was and stood next to him "You are Warden Sonja Larson, correct?" King Cailan asked "Yes your majesty, I apologise for arriving late" I replied. "Don't worry about that; you haven't missed much" King Cailan said "Not much at all" Teyrn Loghain muttered "I'm so honoured to meet you, I've heard you are the youngest Warden to join the order" King Cailan said.

"That is true your majesty, her joining was unusual, but she is a fine young warrior and skilled in the ways of rouge, she trained hard and will not fail," Duncan said, "I don't doubt it," King Cailan said, I smiled as I looked to Duncan. "This will not get our battle plans worked out, your majesty, we can not rely on these wardens to win our battle for us," Teyrn Loghain said "Well maybe we should wait for Orlais to send their forces here," King Cailan said. I sighed as I looked down Duncan nudged me, I looked at him, he gave a slight nod of his head as he smiled, a look that said not to worry and remain focused, I gave a slight smile in return. "We do not need their help" Teyrn Loghain "Then let us not sell short our allies," King Cailan said Teyrn Loghain seemed angry, which was no surprise, he and Cailan had been arguing more and more lately. "So, we have our armies they lead first, starting with the archers, hounds, then everyone else, after that…" King Cailan said "My army will fall in to help once the beacon has been lit," King Cailan said. "Right, maybe Alistair and when of your recruits?" King Cailan said as he looked at Duncan.

"Once the joining has been complete we will know who will be a warden and who will not, until then it is too early to say, your majesty" Duncan said. "Well then perhaps we continue this after the joining of your recruits," King Cailan said "Your majesty we-" Teyrn Loghain started. "We will need a refresher of our plan before marching our armies anyways Loghain, think of this as a time to relax before the upcoming glorious battle," King Cailan said "Yes, your majesty," Teyrn Loghain said. "Oh, Duncan and Sonja I'd be honoured if you two were by my side out there tonight," King Cailan said "We would be the honoured ones, your majesty" Duncan said giving a bow. I bowed as well showing my respect "Excellent until tonight then" King Cailan said then walked off, others followed his lead, scattering to the wind.

"Duncan I must tell you about the Tower," I said quietly, Duncan looked at me then frowned "We will talk back at my campsite," Duncan said then started walking, I followed him with Alec following me, we walked casually back to Duncan's camp. "Alright Sonja, what did you find out?" Duncan questioned I frowned "That's it, Duncan, a guardsman stopped me, I think Teyrn Loghain is up to something, he has his men all of that Tower and scouting the area around it" I replied. "Are you sure? Maybe he is just taking precautions" Duncan said I shook my head "Not likely, I questioned the guardsman, he said that Teyrn Loghain's men found a tunnel beneath the Tower, and they apparently don't know where it leads to," I said.

Duncan frowned "That is odd, but we can not do anything if we can not get in there before the battle besides, we must worry about the blight," Duncan said. "But Duncan what it the Darkspawn use that as an entrance to the Tower, the beacon is at the top, if the Darkspawn get it, whoever goes to light it will be committing suicide," I said. Duncan sighed "I know how much you hate and fear the darkspawn, but our lives come with a price, if sacrificing one life leads to the end of blight, then so be it," Duncan said I hung my head as I puffed a sigh. "I-I understand Duncan, I'm sorry," I said "Don't be, you have become a great warden hopefully one day you may take my spot and lead our brothers and sisters through dark times" Duncan said I looked at him and smiled. "I'd be happy just working with you Duncan, you're like an older brother-no, you have been like a father to me, raising me, teaching me and helping me enhance my skills," I said, "I only wish we could have saved your mother," Duncan said.

"Don't be Duncan, she is with the maker, besides I would be honoured to have had you for a father" I said Duncan smiled and placed his hand on my shoulder "No matter what happens, be careful" Duncan said I gave a short nod of my head. "You too," I said we stood talking over techniques and came up with our own plans in case things turned to the worst, with the horde over taking Ostagar or worse still with the Archdemon showing up. Mid-day had come, Duncan, Alec and I had just finished lunch and Alec started barking excitedly while twirling around and jumping back and forth, Duncan and I looked over to see, Alistair and the three recruits return. I looked to Duncan "Let me do the talking" Duncan said "Ok" I said as soon as they all reached us "Did you get what I asked for?" Duncan asked "Yes we did, there were a few hiccups, but we got everything" Alistair replied. "Perhaps we should tell them about the women," Elissa said, "What women?" Duncan questioned "They were witches," Daveth said "Apostates I think," Alistair said.

"I know you were a templar Alistair, but the Chantry's business is not our business," Duncan said "Yes, I know," Alistair said, "So what happened with these, mages?" Duncan asked Elissa stepped forward handing the scrolls to Duncan. "A woman named Morrigan led us to the scrolls, her mother had been protecting them and said the seal broke off long ago," Elissa said Duncan looked through them "They are all here and intact so let us focus on the joining," Duncan said. "Here are the vials of darkspawn blood," Alistair said as he handed them to Duncan, "Very good, then let us proceed," Duncan said, "Exactly how dangerous is this joining?" Ser Jory asked. "I will not lie, being a warden asks you to give a lot, even your lives" Duncan replied, he then turned to me "You and Alistair will take the recruits to the area we discussed for where the joining will take place, and ensure no one leaves," Duncan said.

"Of course, I will not fail you," I said "I know you won't," Duncan said with a slight smile then walked off. I looked to Alistair "I'll take the lead, you bring up the rear," I said "No problem boss," Alistair said with a smile. I looked to the recruits "Stay between us and do not leave our sights; you are here because you wanted to be here or has been conscripted, do not lose your nerve" I said firmly then started walking "Let's go, that includes Alec" I said aloud. I walked them to the area, I met Alistair and Elissa this morning, "We will stay here until Duncan arrives" I said then looked at Alistair and gave him a gesture to talk privately. We walked away from the recruits slightly "What's going on?" Alistair asked, "I need to talk to you privately later before the battle if there's time," I said, "So you called me here now for…" Alistair said.

"Steer clear of Loghain, I'd warn Cailan too, but you know why we can't get involved," I said, "Wait you don't think Loghain is going to betray us do you?" Alistair questioned I frowned then looked at him. "Alistair, in times like this it's wise never to turn your back fully to anyone," I said Alistair's face turned very serious like he understood what may happen now "Ok," Alistair said Ser Jory's voice started to rise. We looked over "I'll handle this" Alistair said then walked over to them, Ser Jory seemed scared, Daveth knew what needed to be done, and so did Elissa, I hope at least Elissa makes it. Alistair seemed to quite the whole thing down and explained what would be at stake if the wardens fell or if the blight escaped our reach, I looked over to see Duncan coming over, he came over to me first "Can you stand guard and make sure no one disturbs the joining?" Duncan asked. "Of course, call if you need any assistance" I replied then walked off down the ramp and stood guard at the bottom, I could see the war council table if I looked straight ahead.

If I looked to my left the ramp that leads to the main part of the camp where the mages, quartermaster and hounds are, I kept my left hand on the hilt of my sword as I left my right hand by my side keeping an eye on my surroundings. I waited for a few moments; then I heard the cries of one of the men, then soon after I heard Ser Jory raving, objecting to the joining, there was clashing of metal then silence, minutes passed "It's finished, you can back now" Alistair said. I looked back "Who made it?" I asked "Elissa," Alistair said I sighed "At least she made it," I said then started to walk back of the ramp with Alistair by my side, as we got to the top I saw Duncan knelling by Elissa. "How is she?" I asked, "She's doing fine, she should wake up soon," Duncan said, "So what happens now? Who will take care of Elissa during the battle?" Alistair asked. "Cailan has another battle discussion after the joining," I said, "We will know more after the discussion," Duncan said Elissa started to steer, we all leaned over her, she soon opened her eyes. "How do you feel?" Duncan asked as he helped her up "A little overwhelmed but ok I think" Elissa said "We will explain things about the warden life a little later" Duncan said. "Did you have nightmares? I had horrible nightmares after I joined" Alistair said "We all get them" I said "Yes such things come to you the longer you are a warden, the worse it gets" Duncan said.

"Oh, I almost forgot this is yours," Alistair said passing Elissa a vile on a necklace chain "Its blood from the joining and of those who did not make it, so we remember the fallen," Alistair said Elissa placed the chain over her head. "Take some time to get yourself right, once your feeling better I'd like you to join me at the war council meeting table down here," Duncan said "Ok," Elissa said "Alistair, Sonja standby at my camp for further instructions," Duncan said. "No problem," Alistair said I looked at Elissa "If you need anything ask, being a part of this order is joining a family, we'll look after you," I said, "Thank you, Sonja," Elissa said. I gave a small nod of my head then looked at Alistair "Let's go Alistair" I said, and with that, we walked off to Duncan's camp leaving Duncan, Sonja and Alec there "Well today has been exciting" Alistair said. I sighed "What's wrong? You seem very off today" Alistair questioned I looked at him just as we got to Duncan's camp, "Earlier I did as Duncan said and went to check out the Tower of Ishal but Teyrn Loghain had it cut off from everyone," I said.

"And that's unusual how before battle? He's probably just having his men search the Tower and surrounding area" Alistair said, "Along with the tunnel beneath it?" I questioned Alistair now looked at me in confusion and awe "What? A tunnel beneath the Tower?" Alistair asked. I gave a nod of my head "I've told Duncan, but there's nothing we can do, it's too close to the battle" I said, "What could this mean though?" Alistair asked I looked to the fire "I hope I'm wrong, but I suspect Teyrn Loghain planned this, maybe it's an easy cover up for someone or something to kill the King" I said. "That's a very big accusation," Alistair said "I know, that's why I hope I'm wrong, but I have a feeling tonight that a great many things might go wrong," I said. "It won't, we'll fight side by side," Alistair said I looked at him. "And if we don't I want you to keep yourself safe, you hear me?" I said he looked at me in awe "But-" Alistair said "No buts, if things happen I want you to get to safety, the wardens must live on, and the blights must be kept in check" I said. "I understand," Alistair said I smiled "No matter what happens, we'll always be together," I said then grabbed out a locket from one of the pouches on my belt and passed it to him "What's this?" Alistair asked.

"Just open it," I said he frowned and opened it, his frown disappearing with tears now filling his eyes "Do you like it?" I asked he looked at me then hugged me tight "Thank you" he said I laughed "Not so tight, you'll break me before the battle even starts" I joked. "Thank you, sister" Alistair whispered I hugged him back "It was my pleasure, brother" I whispered back we separated soon after "Now you put that somewhere safe and don't lose it," I said he smiled whipping his tears away. "I won't say I promise," Alistair said, in the locket was a picture that is of; Duncan, Alistair and I, a couple of months ago, Alistair placed the locket over his head tucking it into his armour. "Well that was emotional," Alistair said I laughed "What would you do without me?" I questioned "Go insane most likely," Alistair said, we talked and joked around until Duncan, Sonja and Alec finished their meeting. "And-oh they're back," Alistair said as he stood up, I stood up soon after and looked over seeing them come over, Duncan ran us through the plan, Alistair wasn't happy at all.

"What? I won't be apart of the battle?" Alistair asked, "This is by the King's personal orders if the beacon isn't lit then Teyrn Loghain's men won't know when to charge," Duncan said. "So he needs two grey wardens up there holding the torch, just in case right?" Alistair said "I agree with Alistair, we should be in the battle, helping you both" Elissa said. "That is not for your choice, if King Cailan wishes for grey wardens to ensure the beacon is lit then we must be there," Duncan said then looked at each of us "We must do whatever it takes to destroy the darkspawn, exciting or no" Duncan said. "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" Alistair said, "I think I'd like to see that," Elissa said. "For you maybe but it has to be a pretty dress," Alistair said I couldn't help but laugh, Duncan groaned "The tower is on the other side of the gorge from the King's camp, the way we came through when we arrived," Duncan said.

I reclaimed myself noting Duncan's slight frustration "You'll need to cross the gorge and head through the gate and up to the tower entrance, from the top you'll overlook the entire valley," Duncan said. He then looked at me "Sonja, you and I will be fighting beside the King with the rest of the grey wardens, again at his request" Duncan said then looked to Alistair and Elissa "We will signal you when the time is right, Alistair will know what to look for" Duncan said. "I know what has to be done," Elissa said, "Then we must join the others, from here you two are on your own, remember, you are both Grey Wardens, I expect you to be worthy of that title," Duncan said. "Duncan, Sonja… May the Maker watch over you both" Alistair said "And you two also" I said "May he watch over us all" Duncan said, with that Duncan and I left Alistair, Elissa and Alec. We head down to the battlefield and found King Cailan; I stood on his left side while Duncan stood on his right side "We are ready" Duncan said "Good, it's almost time" King Cailan said.

Rain started to pour down as thunder cracked and lightning lit up the night sky in random flashes, the hounds were barking, we walked with King Cailan to his position standing ready "The plan will work your majesty" Duncan said. "Of course, it will, the blight ends here," King Cailan said I looked to the forest in the distance, we could see the horde come into view, they had massive numbers, I frowned placing my right hand on the hilt of my sword. I reached around with my left hand grabbing my dagger from the back that sat in a halter on my belt, standing ready to unsheathe them at a moment's notice. The horde started to charge, making horrible sounds and thousands more were yet to come into view, "Archers!" King Cailan yelled, the archers at the front strung their bows up with flaming arrows. We could see the commanding archer give the signal, thousands of lights lit up the sky as the arrows flew through the sky and plunged down killed some darkspawn and wounding others, I frowned tightening the grip on the hilts of my blades.

"Hounds!" King Cailan yelled the Ash Warriors had their hands ready lifting them up then pointing them forward signalling their hounds to charge into battle; we watched the hounds race off, some hounds took down some others were cut down immediately. Barking, howling and whimpers rung out from the hounds, I hung my head as I clenched my teeth in sorrow for the poor hounds "For Ferelden!" King Cailan yelled, unsheathing his sword and holding it up. All the soldiers, archers, ash warriors and wardens ran off, charging into battle, King Cailan ran off, Duncan and I unsheathed our weapons and ran with him, trying to stay as close as possible to him, for his protection. Fireballs lit up the sky shot from catapults, as arrows still shot through the sky, I could see the darkspawn more clearly now as we got closer "AH!" I yelled as I sprinted to them slashing my sword down, cutting one in half. Blood splatter and screams of both men, women and darkspawn echoed amongst the clashing of metal on the battlefield, I raged through the battle but trying to stay as close to Duncan and King Cailan as possible.

I don't know how we were fighting for, but it felt like ages, I couldn't keep track of how many I had killed, so many of us were getting slaughtered, I looked up to see the beacon lit "Where's Loghain and his men?" I questioned. Suddenly a horrible feeling overcame me along with a voice; I turned around to see Duncan get hit by an ogre that was headed for King Cailan, "NO!" I screamed as the ogre grabbed him with its right hand. I raced over and slashed my sword across its torso, it swung his left arm, sending me flying back and hitting the rubble hill, I groaned as I went to sit up as I did I saw King Cailan get crushed in the grasp of an ogre. Tears left my face "No…" I puffed as I grabbed my sword and stood up cutting down the darkspawn that came over to me, I saw Duncan take down the beast, but he was injured, he stumbled over to King Cailan's corpse.

I was trying so hard to get to them, but darkspawn just kept coming at me, just as I got free of them for a short while I saw many darkspawn run at Duncan to cut him down. He just sat there, "No, no don't do this," I said as I started to run over to him. I was too far away and injured myself "DUNCAN!" I screamed as I saw one darkspawn hold a battle axe up and cut him down "NO!" I yelled in rage as tears streamed down my face. I had now gone into rage cutting down one after another, but they just kept coming, I could see some soldiers alive but only a few "Hey over here! To me! We need to get out of here now!" I shouted. The ones alive made their way over, and we ran off fending off the darkspawn as we ran to escape them, I could only hope and pray, that Alistair was ok, we had run quite a while and entered a secluded part of the wilds. "I see a fire up ahead," a soldier said, "Quiet we don't want to draw the darkspawn's attention, they're not deaf," I said "Sorry," the soldier said, soon we saw more soldiers.

They quickly came to our, aid helping the ones wounded "Get them treated and give them some water" a man ordered I looked over to him, he looked at me in awe and rushed over "You're a grey warden, are you ok? What happened?" he questioned. "Teyrn Loghain's men never came, the King is dead, the darkspawn have taken over Ostagar" I replied as he helped me over to the camp and sat me down. "What? Wait did you by any chance see a man there by the name of Teyrn Bryce Cousland?" he said in awe and worry I looked at him in awe "Are you his son?" I asked, "Yes, I am, so does this mean you know him?" Fergus asked I sighed. "You best sit, this will be distressing news to hear," I said, he looked even more worried as he sat down "Arl Howe overtook your castle after you left, Warden Duncan managed to get your sister out, but there was nothing he could do for the rest," I said. Fergus looked down with tears in his eyes shaking his head "How could he? My parents, wife and son, they're all gone because of that treacherous bastard" Fergus snapped "I am truly sorry for your loss" I said "What of Elissa? Is she ok?" Fergus asked. "The last I saw of Elissa is before I went to the battle, they were meant to light the beacon in the Tower of Ishal, and they did, but I have no idea if they made it out" I replied. I looked down and sighed "I hope they made it out" I muttered.

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