Hello everyone.

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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 3: New Purpose

Sonja's view:

I stayed awake the whole night, so many lives were lost, what hit me the hardest was losing Duncan, I exhaled heavily as I tried to keep the tears in, I had to remain strong, "Warden Larson" Fergus said bringing me out of my thoughts. I looked over to him "What do we do now?" Fergus asked I frowned and stood up "We need to get ahead of the Darkspawn, get to one of the major cities and tell them what has happened" I replied. "Can we beat this blight though?" Fergus asked "As a warden the best thing right now I can do is to conscript everyone possible, the Archdemon will show itself and when it does we must be able to have the numbers to end this blight once and for all," I said. Fergus looked to his soldiers "My friends, comrades, I am going to stand and fight with Warden Larson to stop this blight, who is with me?" Fergus said aloud cheers of agreement and determination echoed out. I looked at everyone as they quieted down and waited to listen to anything I had to say "We lost many and many will continue to fall if we do not stop this blight" I said then sighed heavily thinking over the battle. I then looked over everyone "We will scout the whole of Fereldan to gather everyone we can to fight against the blight, let us do this for those that lost their lives and those that we love, let's save Fereldan," I said more cheers rang out as everyone raised their weapons.

Year later. Blight has ended.

Sonja's view:

I sighed heavily, the year had gone by so fast, the blight was no longer, and Fereldan was rebuilding itself, thanks to my brother, Alistair, I wish I had been with him the last year, but I was unfortunately always too far behind. He and Elissa had built strong alliances, the two of them were to be legends, I in the past year had Elissa's brother by my side, as well a good group of men and women, we stopped by and helped every single town out. We recruited people along the way and took those who wanted protection with us, our group grew large quickly, but we moved slowly because of some wounded and the innocent townspeople we had taken with us. I looked up to the clear blue sky "Duncan, Maker; I pray you both watch over Alistair" I said softly, I smiled slightly and looked ahead, I started walking again, I knew what had to be done. The warden's job was to eliminate darkspawn; I promised to continue the warden's oath no matter what, seeing as Alistair is King things are going to get a little more difficult.

I had not long ago wrote a letter to the wardens in Weisshaupt; I explained the details of everything that had happened in the last year starting with the gathering at Ostagar, I was hoping they'd send some more wardens to us in Fereldan until we got our forces back up. I was starting to get back to my search of the stray darkspawn when some soldiers of the new Teyrn of Highever, Teyrn Fergus Cousland, had come by "Warden Sonja Larson, Teyrn Cousland sent us out to escort you to the Royal Palace" one said. "The Royal Palace? What is going on there?" I asked "King Alistair Theirin is getting married to Lady Elissa Cousland" he replied "Both King Alistair, Teyrn Cousland and even Lady Cousland would like you present" another added. "Marriage" I muttered, perhaps Alistair has changed, I smiled at the thought of seeing him again "Very well, let's depart at once then," I said. "We have brought a spare horse in case you did not have a mount," the first soldier said "Thank you, I will need a mount," I said, a soldier at the back was waved to the front bringing a lovely Fereldan Forder mount. I took the reigns the soldier passed me and edited my saddle making sure the stirrups were the right length for me then mounted up, "Alright let's get going, we all have a royal wedding to get to" I said.

"Let's go men! To the Palace!" the first soldier yelled out, two soldiers rode at either side of me while the rest trailed us, we rode for a couple of days straight only stopping for the necessary breaks. With the Royal Palace in view we slowed the horses and dismounted "We'll take the horses Warden Larson" the lead soldier said, "Do you know where anyone would be?" I asked "Warden Larson" Fergus' voice called out. I looked back "Thanks men you can all get some rest before the big event tomorrow," Fergus said "Yes ser" the soldiers said then walked off with the horses, I smiled seeing Fergus walk over "It's good to see you again," Fergus said. "Likewise, Fergus," I said as we embraced each other in a hug, as we separated he placed his hands on my shoulders and laughed "Feels like months already," he said which made me laugh. "Same old Fergus and I hear to be a soon brother-in-law to Alistair," I said "Yes, and we get along just fine, but there is one concern," Fergus said as he took his hands off my shoulders crossing his arms across his chest. "And what is that?" I asked "According to Elissa, Alistair has been quite worried over you," Fergus said "Yeah I get that, we're like siblings," I said "So Alistair has said, come on, let's go find him," Fergus said.

I followed Fergus, walking by his side, we went to the Royal Palace and entered seeing a few people some servants getting the hall ready others just talking and having a laugh. "Ah look here's the Warden's brother" a male elf called out as he gestured to Fergus, the elf was with a group, an unusual group made up of all kinds, "Sonja" Wynne voice echoed out, she then walked out from behind the Golem "Enchanter Wynne" I said in awe. "Warden Larson, I'm glad you escaped the battle," she said "I only wish we could have saved more," I said she came over placing a hand on my shoulder "You did good Warden to save who you could," Wynne said I smiled. "Thank you, but Elissa and Alistair are the true hero's not I," I said "Elissa was the leader the whole time, she led us through dark times and brought us into the light, saving everyone," a woman said as she came over. She has blue eyes and short just above shoulder length orange-red coloured hair, "Forgive me, my name is Leliana, I was once a part of the Chantry" she said "Pleasure, I am Sonja Larson, and it looks to me like you spread the makers word perfectly through not just words but action" I said. Everyone introduced themselves, they all seemed nice, "So what's the real back story of you and our fearless King?" Zevran asked as he came to my side, I caught a glimpse of his hand going behind me.

My brows knitted together "Zevran if that hand is going where I think it is, you'll lose it" I said he laughed nervously as he moved away "Just stretching dear warden" Zevran said with a smile "Ah there's my beautiful little sister" Fergus says aloud. I looked over to see Elissa walking over and Alistair not far behind, Alistair had a smile on his face, he was dressed up in armour like our late half-brother, "Alistair" I called out, his eyes locked with mine and as they did a massive smile spread across his face. He ran over to me picking me up and hugging tight "Ah! Too tight!" I exclaimed, he placed me down I laughed "Sorry, but I'm so glad you're ok, you have no idea how worried I was," Alistair said. I smiled then it faded as I looked to the ground "What's wrong?" Alistair asked, "I need to talk with about the battle that happened at Ostagar," I said, "Is everything ok?" Elissa said as she came over to us. I looked at her then Alistair "We need to talk about this in private, all three of us" I said Alistair and Elissa now turned serious "If this is about Duncan I know" Alistair said I looked at him in awe. "I got taken back to Ostagar and while there we found his things," Elissa said I looked down "I'm sorry, I should have tried harder to protect Duncan and King Cailan," I said.

"You always do everything you can; if you couldn't save them I don't think anyone could," Alistair said "He's right, but you did save some people, and that's better then none," Elissa said "That brings a certain topic to mind," I said. "Which is?" Alistair asked "With you two getting married you won't be doing much with the Grey Wardens for a while," I said "Actually Alistair and I came up with ideas through this year about the Grey Warden order," Elissa said I looked at Alistair, he smiled. "We both wrote letters telling our tales throughout the year and sent our letters together off to the Weisshaupt Fortress," Alistair said "Letters about last year, you mean? About the Blight?" I questioned "Uh yes it contains a lot about the blight" Alistair replied. "Mmm-hmm, well whatever you're up too I'm sure you have a good reason to hide it," I said "Very… Wait, what? How do you always know I'm hiding something?" Alistair questioned in awe with a disappointed look. "I've known you for a while Alistair, but I'm sure whatever it is, I'll be surprised" I replied Alistair smiled "You will be," he said I smiled seeing him grin like a mischievous child. I chuckled then let out a relieved sigh "It's so good to see you again" I said Alistair pulled me into a hug placing his face next to mine, I embraced him back "I never want to feel that way again" Alistair whispered.

I knew what he meant, "Neither do I, but it's ok now, we're both alive" I whispered back I separated from him "I'm sensing a there's an interesting past between our Prince and this fiery Warden" Zevran's soft voice reached my ears. "Zevran if you have something to say to the new King or me…" I started to say as I turned around to face him "Do so to our faces" I continued as I eyed him off. Zevran laughed "But of course," Zevran said I puffed a grunt as I frowned when a hand grabbed my shoulder and held me back "Sonja…" Alistair said, I looked to him and saw him giving me a look, I gave a slight nod of my head then bowed "Pardon my manners your majesty" I said then straightened up. Before anything else could be said some high up priestess' made their way in "It seems your busy, we can talk later your majesty" I said giving another bow and looked to my brother's friends. "Come on you lot let's move away so the King and his bride to be can tend to their duties without us distracting them," I said as I started waving them out of the palace "Warden Larson," Alistair said. I looked back "Yes, my King," I said he smiled "Yourself and my fellow companions are more than welcome in the palace," Alistair said with a smile "I'll escort them into the back room," Fergus said.

"Thank you; I'll see you all later this evening," Alistair said then turned his attention back to the priestess' and some lords and ladies that had just turned up, "Warden Larson," Wynne said, I looked over to her. "Have you anything to wear this evening for their ceremony?" Wynne asked as she smiled, I blinked my eyes in awe "Oh sorry about that Sonja, I thought it'd be a nice surprise for you" Fergus said smiling happily. I smiled back casually as he started walking as if it wasn't too big of a deal, "It looks like your not prepared at all then" Wynne said "I'm sure we can find you something to wear this evening" Leliana said. "I'm fine like this, I'm a Warden, besides it'd feel weird to wear anything else" I said "My dear child this is a special occasion for King Alistair and Warden Elissa, I know Alistair means a lot to you so perhaps this once dress up to be there as his friend, not comrade" Wynne said. I dropped my gaze to the ground in thought then sighed and reluctantly nodded "As much as I don't like dressing up, your right, I will be there well dressed for him" I said as we had started to head into the room at the back of the main hall. "Oh good, then perhaps now we may go and find you suitable attire, just thinking about this special moment warms my heart," Leliana said the rest of the day went almost too quick from there onwards.

Leliana and Wynne helped pick my formal attire and accessories to go with it afterwards we all headed to the great hall and mingled with the other guests before the start of the wedding, there was no shortage in nobles. Though the main group at the front of the hall were a little different, most of them were people Alistair and Elissa had met and or helped last year during the blight, there were all sorts present, which reminded me of the times spent in the warden fortress. "Warden Larson let me introduce you to some of the members in my circle tower," Wynne said I gave a short firm nod of my head "It would be a pleasure," I said Wynne chuckled slightly. I glanced to her; she just gave me a soft, warm smile that made me ease up a little it was the same kind of smile Duncan would always give me if I were too tense or too serious, Wynne led me over to the front right-hand side. Though two men who came into view were familiar I smiled as we approached them "Knight-Enchanter Greagoir and Grand-Enchanter Irving" I said then gave a bow, they looked a little puzzled at first. "Forgive me, it's been such a long time, and I was not in such fancy attire then, I am-" I started "Little Sonja Larson?" Greagoir questioned with a grin "Yes ser; it's been a while" I said and gave a nod of my head "It certainly has, I almost didn't recognise you till Greagoir said your name" Irving said.

"You certainly have grown into a fine young lady; I assume you're only in a dress for the wedding?" Greagoir said I gave a nod of my head in reply "It was hard work getting her in a dress, please don't try to get her back into her armour too soon Knight-Commander" Wynne said. Irving and Greagoir both laughed as they nodded their heads, my eyes darted to the young templar near Greagoir, he seemed a little older than me, though he seemed a little jumpy for whatever reason. He had short golden curly locks and molten-amber eyes with a slight stubble starting to form "Apologises, Templar, I am an old acquaintance of the Knight-Commander and First-Enchanter, my name is Warden Sonja Larson" I said. "Uh…" he puffed in awe then straightened up slightly as he cleared his throat as if he only just realised that I was speaking to him "I am Templar Cullen Rutherford," he said "Pleasure Templar Rutherford," I said "Sonja we heard of Warden-Commander Duncan's death," Greagoir said. I looked to him then sighed as my gaze dropped to the floor for a moment "Warden-Commander Duncan was a good, kind man, he will be missed, but at least he is at peace and resting by the Maker's side now" I said as I looked back to them. "We know what he meant to you, and we are trebly sorry for your loss," Irving said my brows knitted together at his words I just gave a slight nod of my head "As am I" I muttered as I turned away and saw Alistair talking with the Priestess at the top of the steps.

"Please excuse me," I said then walked over to the steps, I walked up to them in a slight huff, the priestess saw me and smiled which got Alistair's gaze to drift over and see me, he whistled then grinned like a mischievously. "Well-Well look at what the cat dragged in or are my eyes deceiving me?" Alistair teased I felt my face heat up "Shut up" I puffed as I shot him a glare he just waved me off as he laughed, I let out a sigh. "It's your day so I thought to make an effort was the least I could do" I said as I looked to the ground I was suddenly embraced "Thank you sister" Alistair whispered his hot breath tickling my ear, I puffed a laugh as I hugged him back "Of course, whatever makes you happy" I said softly. "My King, it's time" the priestess' voice trailed out, we separated at her words and looked over to see everyone standing ready for the Elissa to begin her walk down the aisle, I looked to Alistair "You did good Alistair," I said. He looked at me and smiled then looked away as he scratched his face sheepishly "W-Would you… C-Could you stand by to give your blessings for me to marry Elissa?" Alistair asked I blinked at him in awe as my jaw dropped slightly. "You want me to give you away?" I questioned making sure I heard him properly. He looked down giving a nod of his head; I giggled seeing him like that, he just reminded me of a little boy sulking.

Alistair lifted his head slightly, and I gave him a nod as I smiled "Of course, if that's what you want" I said Alistair smiled and pulled me over towards were Arl Eamon was standing which wasn't far off of where Alistair had to stand. "Warden Sonja Larson is going to give me away," Alistair said as he looked at Arl Eamon and then looked to the Priestess that was in charge of the ceremony each of them smiled kindly and gave nods to Alistair's wish. Arl Eamon stepped back, and I was in his place, Alistair gave me a bright smile then took his place and waited patiently for Elissa, he looked nervous but held himself well, I smiled thinking about just how far Alistair has come. Gasps echoed out through the hall, and my eyes darted to where everyone was looking to see Elissa, being walked up the aisle by her elder brother, both of them were dressed magnificently to me, though I had no sense in fashion. Everyone's eyes were on Elissa, she did look stunning, I glanced to Alistair seeing an awed yet proud look on his face, a bright smile crept to my face as my eyes darted back to Elissa, watching her get walked up down the aisle and up the steps, I walked over as Fergus had given Elissa to Alistair. Elissa looked at me "Alistair asked me to give him away" I said softly answering the curious gaze she had then nodded with a smile, I placed my hands over their hands, "Keep taking care of this big oaf for me ok?" I said she gave a nod of her head.

"I promise," Elissa said I looked to Alistair "You better take care of yourself cause now because you have Elissa to live for, so don't you let her down," I said with a stern look. He flashed me a smile giving a big nod of his head "Of course, don't worry I'll take care of her" Alistair said. I slipped my hands from there's and walked back over to my spot, I looked over to Fergus he smiled giving me a nod, and I returned the gesture, we were both contents about their marriage. As the ceremony went on I found tears building up in my eyes but fought to keep them back after they were pronounced husband and wife there was congratulations from everyone, I hardly got to see Alistair through the end of the celebrations. However knowing he was happy made me happy too, I stayed away from the crowds, as a warden I knew my place, and I felt since losing Duncan and the others I've felt it's better that I isolate myself. I couldn't bear to see someone else I care about to die; I needed to distance myself from anyone who wanted to be friends but, to protect those who were already so close to my heart, as a warden it's my job to protect others. I stood from the corner of the hall and watched over everything going on, and watched everyone's movements; I was the eldest warden present in Fereldan now, so I had to work on increasing our numbers whether or not I'm the leader.

"Sonja what are you doing by yourself? Come join us all" Arl Eamon said as he walked over to me "This is Alistair and Elissa's day, besides I was never much for big events like this anyhow" I said he sighed "I see well it was a pleasure just to see you again" Arl Eamon said. I gave a swift bow "Likewise Arl Eamon; I am pleased to see you are doing so well" I said he smiled warmly giving a nod of his head then left me with my thoughts as he went over to his wife and son. I looked over everyone seeing them all in high spirits, Wynne is with her fellow mages and the Templars, Shale and Sten were standing away from everyone just watching everyone else, Leliana with her chantry sisters. Oghren was throwing back drinks slurring his words as he tried to tell tales of his moments of their group during the blight, Zevran had been trying to translate Oghren's tale for the ones who were listening to him. The night went on, and soon everyone was to retire, leaving the newly wedded pair to their first night together, I had snuck out to my temporary chambers changing before the festivity ended to change back into my normal warden attire. I returned to the hall seeing Alistair and Elissa about to see their close friends and Fergus off Wynne's eyes flew open instantly seeing me then sighed "Warden Larson" she said which made everyone's attention turned to me.

I came over to them and then bowed "My King and Queen, I humbly beg your pardon, your wedding was most beautiful, and I wish you the utmost happiness from the bottom of my heart" I said then straightened up "You have to go revive our Warden order, we get it" Alistair said. I gave a nod of my head "I'm sorry King Alistair, I wish I had more time to spend here but the order must not be left in this condition" I said, "What will you do first?" Elissa asked. "I must recruit members and kill off stray darkspawn along the way until the Order at Weisshaupt names the new Warden-Commander of Fereldan" I replied "Just as we thought if you need help we could give you a guard until you find enough recruits to rebuild the order," Alistair said. I shook my head "No, I must do this alone, you two are married, and have royal duties that must be tended too, so I will do this myself, if I need help I shall send the word" I said Alistair rolled his eyes and let out a groan. "Which means you'll never send word cause you've always liked doing things alone," Alistair said disappointedly, I let out a laugh "Cheer up, I'll keep in touch with you both, we are family, once a warden always a warden," I said. Alistair pulled me into a hug "Be careful out there" Alistair said as I embraced him back "I will take care of yourself" I said we soon parted I looked to Elissa "I knew you'd make a great warden, you both take care" I said, and with that I left to fore fill my work as a Warden.

Months passed.

Almost half a year had gone by since Alistair and Elissa's royal wedding; I still had so much left to do yet, I had a few conscripts with me, the joining, however, had yet to take place, right now I was waiting on word from Weisshaupt. I had four recruits and was on my way to see the fifth that was from Orzammar, the first I had was a man that asked to join, I had to test him, so I thought of bringing to the attention of the town I was in to hold a minor tournament. The man was very skilled, so I accepted him, he-Ser Tomas Filiarchi, told me his story even after I told him once you become a Warden your old life is over. He is a middle-aged human man, he has a board and muscular build, he has light brown skin tone, brown eyes, he has a scar over his right eye going down his cheek near the end of his right earlobe, short dark grey hair with light grey streaks, he has a slight stubble with a goatee and a small moustache. The next was a young Dalish woman, she was one of the best huntress' in her clan, so the keeper told me, Ser Tomas and I stayed with the clan so I could observe the talent within the clan, there was no need to conscript but the keeper willing to let the young one in my custody. Adani is a Rouge, she mainly uses a bow, she has a narrow, but muscular build, slightly tanned skin, with greyish-blue face markings, dark amber eyes, and long black hair tied in a high ponytail with her jaw-length fringe swept to the right.

After Adani said her farewells, I encountered a young human man, that was a thief, a very good thief that was skilled with using daggers, after using some persuasion I got him to join the ranks, he has an average build, slightly tanned to tanned skin tone, sky blue eyes and short-medium brown coloured hair. After recruiting the thief, Nicolas Hewitt, we had run into a mage who had been held captive by Templars and an enchanter, I had intervened to see what the situation was from all sides like usual and learnt about the captive mage, a half city elf-half human. He was already miserable enough and was determined to keep escaping from the tower, so the enchanter and I worked things out, we, of course, had to go to the circle tower to get permission from the Grand-Enchanter. That was no problem seeing as I already knew Enchanter Irving, we worked things out and the mage, Soran, came with us happily, according to Irving he was very skilled in magic, so I took his word. Soran has a narrow and small build, pale to slightly tanned skin tone; his ears had a slight point to them, he has lilac coloured eyes and sandy coloured end of shoulder blade length hair tied back in a loose ponytail. From the Circle tower, it seemed like it would be a long trip before we reached Orzammar "Um, Ser uh we've all been wondering about um some things" Nicolas said breaking the silence.

"He has, we haven't" Adani said "If it's about the joining, you will have to wait and see but know this, if you try to leave or protest in the doing the joining, I will kill you" I said sternly without batting an eye, the air suddenly grew tense "Uh I picked a bad day to go thieving…" Nicolas muttered. I let out a tiresome sigh when the sound of hooves echoed out, and soon figures came into view, a couple that I knew, I gasped at the sight of them "Warden Riordan, by the Maker, it's good to see you again" I said with a smile. He and his comrade had halted to a stop, both dismounting, the other with him is from Orlais, Warden-Commander Clarel, I gave a salute and bow, they did the same "Warden-Commander Clarel" I said greeting her. "My dear all the wardens have heard what King and Queen Theirin have done, but they also have heard highly of you as well during Blight," Clarel said my eyes widened briefly then darted to the ground as I let out a sigh. "I didn't do anything extraordinary like slaying the archdemon, so what is this about?" I asked dreading what this was about "Your promotion Warden Larson" Riordan said. "Promotion?" I questioned in awe as I looked to all three of them, both giving a nod of their heads "Even without a word from King Alistair and Queen Elissa, Duncan had already requested, that you be the next to fill his shoes" Riordan said.

Warden Clarel handed over a sealed envelope "That is the document signed by the Chamberlain of the Grey Wardens, officially noting that you are at this moment the new Warden-Commander of Fereldan" Clarel said, I hesitantly took the envelope. "Congratulations, Warden-Commander Larson," Riordan said I looked to him "But your senior to me," I said Riordan shook his head sadly "Sorry Sonja, but unfortunately it's my time to head off," Riordan said I looked at him sadly. Riordan smiled "Don't worry, this is just the path that lays before us all eventually, and I know you'll strive in as the Warden-Commander of Fereldan" Riordan said. "I wanted to come with Riordan to deliver that personally as a sign of good faith between us if you ever need help just ask and the Orlais Wardens will help," Clarel said I gave a nod of my head "Thank you, both of you," I said. "No need… Well, I best be off" Riordan said "Wait, Warden Riordan I am taking the recruits with me to Orzammar to see of a possible recruit there, perhaps you'd like to join us rather than travel alone," I said. He looked at me in awe then smiled as he gives a nod of his head "Sure that sounds nice, it'll be like old times" Riordan said, we then both looked to Clarel, we parted with her on good terms, and for now, the future for the Fereldan Wardens was clear again.

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