Exploring the lands of Ostagar didn't take long; the field was stretched endlessly, with a few bits of old structures popping out of the ground. Once or twice Angelus had met the guards, whom were all friendly towards Angelus, which was surprising to say the least, as the elf explored and, uh, looting, the lands.
All in all, though, Angelus felt excited.
There was a sense of freedom the elf never had before while in the Alienage. Sure, in most parts of Ferleden, most would consider elvens the lower-class race of them all, and sure they weren't exactly slaves in some cases, including the Alienage Angelus lived in; but even then, the elf was still restricted, still resigned to a place that even he knew was too small for a person like him. Angelus knew he couldn't be kept away in the Alienage forever, no matter how badly the Elder or his father had wanted it.
But having said that, Angelus did miss his family.
He was wondering how Shianni was fairing after that brutal attack, and how Soris is holding onto his promise of marrying Valora, despite his reluctance in the beginning. He also wondered how his father was doing, and he hoped he wasn't worrying about him too much.
Eventually, after exploring and looting some chest (he got some good things from that), Angelus made his way over to the side of the bridge, with the focus of meeting this Alistair person and gathering up the remaining recruits so they could proceed with the secret ritual. A part of Angelus wondered if this had been a good idea, wondering if he had simply wished to leave, Duncan would allow it - but then that question had appeared again.
Where would Angelus go? He certainly couldn't go back to Denerim, he'll mostly be cast as an outlaw with a bounty over his head, and who knows what will happen then. There were other cities, yes, but Angelus doubted his presence was welcomed when the news of the Arl's son reached the others. Going to the Dalish would certainly help, but the Dalish didn't really like City Elves, so he heard, so chances are, he'll be refused then, too.
So, despite the ill feeling he was getting about the ritual, Angelus was going to stay by the Grey Wardens' side. Shianni had been right, there was something much more bigger than the Arl's son laying dead in his room afoot, and if Duncan needed a Grey Warden that badly, then Angelus will help in anyway he can.
Looking around, Angelus noted a group of mages circling around to the right of him, casting spells. Curious, Angelus decided to take a step closer when a Templar stopped him.
"The mages must not be interrupted. Their spirits are in the Fade." He said in a firm, but gentle tone.
"What's the Fade?" Angelus asked.
"The Fade is the realm of dreams and the land of the dead. Or so the mages tells us." The Templar said. "Regardless, they are not to be disturbed. Not even by Grey Wardens."
Angelus nodded his head in understanding.
"As you wish." He said, and with a single glance back, turned and walked away. Not soon after, Angelus heard a prayer being said and couldn't help but walking over to the stage where the chantress stood, saying her prayer, while the guards alike had their heads bowed and listen.
"We stand here in this hour, good folk of Ferleden, and we contemplate the death that may await. Death is no failure, my friends. Should it find you, you will not fail your king, you will have served your Maker. Die in this battle, and when you stand before the Maker in the land beyond the Fade, He shall not find you wanting. Go not into death gladly, but with the knowledge that evil has been held at bay by your spilled blood. And if you go to stand beside the Maker, go with our blessings, for you shall not be forgotten. My friends, let us bow our heads and remember those who have fallen and those who have yet to fall."
Angelus couldn't help but stare in wonder, closing his eyes, and shivered as though he had felt the touch of the Maker himself. Smiling, the elf quietly moved around the guards that were praying, when he noticed a women standing by the group, her back against the tree. Somewhat curious as to what she was doing, Angelus moved closer to her.
"Greetings, young man. You are Duncan's newest recruit, are you not? He's not a man easily impressed, you should be proud. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Wynn, one of the mages summon by the King." The elder women, Wynn, said.
"Angelus, pleased to meet you." Angelus said, giving her a light smile.
"Well met, and good luck to you on the battlefield. To us all, in fact." Wynn said.
"Will you be fighting beside the King?" Angelus asked.
"Not precisely. The Grey Wardens will be on the frontlines, not the mages. Still, we have our parts to play. To defeat the darkspawn, we have to work together. It's not an idea not everyone seems able to grasp." Wynn answered.
"You faced darkspawn before?"
"Stragglers, yes. Not the vast horde the scouts speak of. I wonder, how much do you know about the connection of between darkspawn and the Fade?" Wynn questioned, eyebrow raised in curiosity.
"Isn't the Fade the land of the dead?" Angelus questioned.
"Anytime your spirit leaves your earthly body, whether it's to dream or to die, it passes through the realm we call the Fade. It's home to many spirits, some bereavement, others far less so. At the heart of the Fade, lies the Black City." Wynn said.
"What's the Black City?"
"Some say that the Black City was once the seat of the Maker, but when the mages of the Tredister Imperium found a way into the City, it was tainted with their sins. That taint transform the men, turning them into twisted deflections of their own hearts, and the Maker cast them back to the Earth, where they became the first darkspawn. At least, that's what the Chantry of Blight says."
Angelus stared at her, this newfound information wrapped around inside his head.
"And is that true?" He asked.
"It may be allegory, meant to teach us of our own evil causes human suffering. Or it may be true. It is as good as an explanation as any for now." Wynn said.
"I..I think I'll just kill any darkspawn I see." Angelus said, making Wynn smile, slightly.
"A wise attitude. It worked well for me in the past, but I'm certain Duncan has more for you to do than talk to me." She said, and with that clear dismissal, Angelus walked away from her.
About an hour or so of endless walking, Angelus had spotted two figures, one in a mage outfit and other, a Grey Warden, talking, and quite loudly if the elf had to be honest.
"What is it now? Haven't Grey Wardens ask more than enough from the Circle?" The mage asked, a bit annoyed. The Grey Warden smiled nervously.
"I...simply came to deliver a message from the revered mother, Ser mage. She desires your presence." He said.
"What her reverence desires is no concerns of me! I am busy helping the Grey Wardens by the king's orders might I add." The mage snarled, glaring at the blond human. The man didn't seem too bothered as he sarcastically respond with-
"Should I have asked her to write a note?" Angelus couldn't help but snigger at that, catching the man's attention and smile.
"Tell her I will not be harassed in this matter!"
"Yes, I was harassing you by delivering a message." The man said. Angelus couldn't help but really like this guy. He's funny AND cute. He thought to himself, blushing a little as the smile on his face grew.
"Your glimpses does you no credit." The mage growled, glaring at him.
"Here I thought we were getting along so well! I was even going to name one of my children after you - the Grumpy one." The Grey Warden said, causing the mage to hiss and narrow his eyes even more, before sighing in defeat.
"Enough, I will speak to the women if I must." He said, turning around and glaring at Angelus. "Get out of my way fool." Despite how offended he'd felt, Angelus quickly moved out the way for the angry mage.
"You know, one good thing about the Blight is how it brings people together." The man said, stepping towards Angelus.
"You are a very strange, human." Angelus said, not unkind.
"You're not the first to tell me that. Wait, we haven't met, have we? I don't suppose you happen to be another mage?" The man asked, staring at Angelus warily and with a bit of dread. Angelus couldn't help but chuckle, shaking his head.
"Would that make your day worst?" Angelus teased, and the Grey Warden scoffed.
"Hardly, I just like to know my chances of being turned into a toad at any given moment." He said, just seconds of recognition flew into his golden brown eyes. "Wait, I do know who you are! You're Duncan's new recruit, the elf from Denerim. I should've recognize you right away, I apologize."
Angelus blinked.
"How could you recognize me?" He asked.
"Duncan sent word. He spoke quite highly of you. Allow me to introduce myself, I'm Alistair, the new Grey Warden. Though, I guess you already knew that." Alistair said, scratching the back of his head. Angelus just gave him a comforting smile. "As the junior member of the order, I'll be accompanying you when you prepare for the Joining."
"Please to meet you, I am Angelus."
"Right, that was the name! So I'm curious. Have you ever actually encounter darkspawn before?" Alistair asked.
"No I haven't." Angelus answered.
"When I fought my first one, I wasn't prepare for how monstrous it was. I can't say I'm looking forward to encountering another. Anyhow, whenever you're ready, let's get back to Duncan. I imagine he's eager to get things started." Alistair said and Angelus agreed.
"Yes, I'm sure he is. I look forward to traveling with you." Angelus said, and if he didn't know any better, he could say Alistair was blushing a bit.
"You...do? Huh. That's a switch. If you have any questions, let me know. Otherwise - lead on." He said.
Angelus could tell he was going to like Alistair a lot.