Song is I Know by Fiona Apple. The idea was inspired by a conversation in either Thedas United or the Fanfic Writers group we had about broodmothers and female Warden. This story *does* feature Eilonwy Cousland but is *not* set in The Way Of Thedas universe. So basically, when reading The Way It Once Was and the sequel pieces, this never happens. The things mentioned in this short never happened. It is an alternate Elyverse and a what if scenario... What if female Grey Wardens were turned to Broodmothers and thats why not many women were recruited? Just a fun little drabble, short.
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I Know
The wind was bitter cold outside the castle, tonight. Everyone was filled with nervous anticipation for the on-coming battle. Except for Eilonwy. She had been waiting for this moment all year as they fought darkspawn, bandits, and different political infractions. So much time had past and so much had happened during this year that she looked forward to the final battle. Live or die, this would be the end. If Riordan ever finished his damned speech about the archdemon.
"Lady Cousland, if I could have a moment privately with you?" Riordan's voice held a hint of nervousness to it and Eilonwy wondered what he could possibly want, now. Was there really more to learn that she didn't already know? She wrapped her black cloak around her shoulders to keep out the cold and waited for Alistair to make his exit. A small nod in her direction and was gone.
Riordan shuffled impatiently as Alistair left. "You know the new Grey Wardens better than I, so this is news that you alone should inform the women of," he said.
The women? Ah. So its about that, huh? Poor sod probably thinks I don't know.
"I know Duncan discussed many things with you that he did not often share with recruits, yes? And you know of the Joining, obviously. I've told you of the Archdemon's death, now all that is left..." his voice trailed off.
Eilonwy sighed. It was late and she wanted to get some sleep before the battle tomorrow. If it was a Grey Warden death they needed to defeat the Blight, then she would be the first to volunteer. She couldn't allow anyone else, especially Alistair, to take that sacrifice in her place. Most especially not Alistair. Not after everything they'd been through together. He had been the one good thing to happen to her this year. He had stuck by her side all this time and she loved him for it. He had proved that even a sullen girl like her could fall in love. She couldn't stand it if he were to die now. She couldn't stand the thought of being alone, again.
She cleared her throat and tapped a toe on the ground. "Go on, Riordan. Spit it out already."
"You know we all go to die in Orzammar, right? You know the reason why?"
Eilonwy nodded her head. "I know."
Riordan scratched the back of his neck. "Well, the women... they are even more eager to die down there than most... you see,"
Eilonwy nodded her head again. "I know."
"They turn into these creatures, Broodmothers and..."
"I know, Riordan."
"And they.. wait, what?" he asked, baffled.
Eilonwy pinched the bridge of her nose, annoyed and tired. "I've been to the Deep Roads. I saw a Broodmother, saw how they were made. It was obvious enough the process would be even easier with a Grey Warden female." She held back a shiver at the thought. Dwarf corpses en masse. Hespith, skin blotched and turning grey. Bits of darkspawn vomit ringed around her lips. First day they come and catch everyone... How in the Maker's name would she ever forget that?
Riordan stood there, dumbstruck. "So, you know?"
Eilonwy started making her way to the door. "I know," she replied. And she could only pray she never had to experience it first hand. Maker willing, she'd die tomorrow and never have to worry about turning into a Broodmother.
Short story is short. I know. haha.