so far this story hasnt been fighting me which makes me happy hope you enjoy the chapter and please leave a review if you have a second

rated T and M for implied content

"Good day," he greeted bowing to Soris and I. "I understand congratulations are in order for your impending weddings."

I bowed in return inspecting him through thick eyelashes. This human was imposing in his own right. His long dark hair was tied back into a pony take while a thick beard covered his tan face and accented his dark chocolate eyes. His armor was in good condition but not perfect and polished, you could tell he had seen battle before and actually used his armor. I spoke softly carefully choosing my words, "I thank you but ask that you please leave the alienage I would rather avoid more unpleasantness today."

He quirked an eyebrow at me, "What manner of unpleasantness might you be referring to?"

"The alienage just isn't a good place for humans to be," I answered.

"I'm sorry, but I have no intention of leaving," Duncan apologized.

Frustrated I took a deep breath, "I am asking again politely, please leave for you own good."

He frowned but held his ground, "and I refuse once again, now what?"

My eyebrows knitted together tightly deep in thought. "Perhaps we can come to a compromise," I offered.

"She keeps her composure even when facing and unknown and armed human. A true gift, wouldn't you say Valendrian?" Duncan asked the elder who had approached during our conversation.

"I would say the world has far more use of those who know how to stay their blades," he smiled in acknowledgement. "It is good to see you my old friend."

"I'm sorry elder I had no idea..." I bowed taking a step back away from them.

Duncan chuckled, "I was hardly forthcoming and for that I apologize."

"Fìera, may I present Duncan, Head of the Grey Wardens in Ferelden."

"Well met Duncan," I smiled politely trying to prevent myself from embarrassing myself farther.

"And you dear girl."

Valendrian turned to Duncan "what brings you here friend?"

Duncan sighed sadly, a heavy burden apparent on his shoulders. "The worst has happened. King Cailan summons the Grey Wardens to Ostagar to fight the darkspawn horde alongside his armies. I am recruiting before heading to meet with him."

Valendrian nodded, "yes… I had heard the news. Still this is an awkward time there is to be a wedding - two in fact."

"So I see," Duncan said. "By all means attend to your ceremonies, my concerns can wait, for now."

A strange but calm look crossed Valendrian's face, "very well children treat Duncan as my guest and for the Maker's sake take your places." He turned and headed towards the pavilion where the wedding party was assembling.

Duncan smiled, "please don't let me interrupt further. We shall speak more later."

I smiled nervously and said farewell to Duncan following Soris to the pavilion my mind a million miles away. A Grey Warden in the alienage was huge news. My knowledge of grey wardens was limited at best but I did remember mother mentioning what a huge honor it was to join their ranks. If I had not about to become a new bride I might have pledged myself to their order. I wondered who Duncan was here for perhaps it was someone I knew if so they were lucky.

"Oh Soris, there you are," Valora cried delighted. "I was afraid you'd run off."

Soris laughed nervously, "No I'm here with Nelaros blushing bride in tow."

"You look radiant," Nelaros complimented.

I was so lost in my thoughts I did not even realize I was standing in front of him. I flushed pink, "Thank you," I croaked my throat suddenly dry. This was it, my days as a single maiden would soon be over. My 18-year-old heart thudded in my chest as I prayed to the ancestors not to faint.

Valendrian approached the edge of the pavilion address the crowd that had gathered. "Friends and family today we celebrate not only this joining, but also our bonds of kin and kind. We are a free people, but that was not always so. Andraste, the Maker's prophet, freed us from the bonds of slavery. As our community grows, remember that our strength lies in commitment to tradition and to each other." The crowd clapped as Valendrian finished.

"Thank you Valendrian," Mother Boann said. "Now let us begin. The priestess raised her hand above our heads as we knelt before her. "In the name of the Maker who brought us this and in whose name we say the Chant of Light, I…" mother Boann cut off and I looked up lord Vaughan and his lackeys along with the palace guards had pushed their way through the gathered crowd and joined us on the pavilion.

"Milord this is…an unexpected surprise," she said trying to regain her composure.

"Sorry to interrupt mother, but we are having a party and I find myself dreadfully short of female guests," he leered.

"Milord this is a wedding," she emphasized angrily.

Vaughan snarled, "Ha! If you want to dress up your playthings and pretend, that's your business. But don't pretend this is a proper wedding."

"Now we are here for a good time aren't we boys?" he asked maliciously.

They laughed in an agreement making my skin crawl. Vaughan worked his way through the wedding party choosing women to take with him as if we were dishes at a banquet.

"Where's that Bitch who bottled me?" he demanded.

"Over here," lord Jonaley called pulling Shianni with him.

"Let go you stuffed shirt son of a …" she yelled before he backhanded her across the mouth.

"Oh I'll enjoy taming you," he sneered turning away from her. "Now where is the pretty bride?"

Nelaros stepped in front of me. "Run I'll distract them."

"It's too late to run," I whispered to his back.

"Don't worry I'll protect you," he said venomously as Vaughan spotted us.

I caressed him gently on the back, Tears gathered in my eyes. "It will be alright, I'll go with him." I kissed him gently on the cheek whispering in his ear, "I have to protect them." Soris watched in horror as they grabbed his bride as well.

"Ah, yes such a well formed thing," Vaughan purred caressing my face as I shuddered in revulsion.

"Milord please," I begged," just take me instead let the others go."

"What kind of party would that be?" he curled his lip at me, grabbing my arm roughly. I jerked away from him pulling my arm from his grasp.

"Please," I pleaded. "Don't do this. No one needs to get hurt."

"Of course they won't," he sneered. "This is just a party after all." Nodding his head at the palace guards, they approached us and I braced for a fight. I reached out to Nelaros as a couple of guards seized him. In the midst of the commotion, I never saw the fist that caught me across the jaw.

"Oh we are going to have some fun," crooned Vaughan, his voice the last thing I heard as slid into darkness.