A/N: Sorry for the delay, I have been distracted by the Dragon Age Awakening expansion game and Final Fantasy XIII. It will probably be another couple weeks before chapter 4 is up, but hopefully I will then be back on track for a chapter a week. Comments and suggestions are very welcome. I would love to hear what you have to say!
Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Age Origins or any of its characters - They are the property of Bioware.
Chapter 3 – Korcari Wilds & The Joining
"You should know my lady… if looks could kill, these darkspawn don't stand a chance," Daveth said to Arianna just as they entered the Korcari Wilds.
Daveth had nearly jumped on Arianna the second they had left Ostagar. Consequently, Ashlyn was enjoying quite the show. Not only was Daveth's flirting ridiculous, but the looks Alistair was shooting him made Ashlyn think that Daveth was going to be eating dirt soon if he didn't stop. She hadn't missed the fact that Alistair had been unable to take his eyes off Arianna back in camp. My new sister Arianna has an admirer other than Daveth, Ashlyn thought with a smile.
"As any of us could die in the coming battle, we should try to spend our last evening in the most pleasurable manner imaginable, don't you think? How would you like to join me in my tent tonight?" Daveth persisted.
Oh no, here it comes! Perhaps I should try to prevent Alistair from causing the Grey Wardens to lose a new recruit before the battle even begins. Ashlyn's move to restrain him went unneeded. Before she had even gotten a hand on Alistair, Arianna had punched Daveth and knocked him to the ground.
"I will be quite all right by myself, thank you," Arianna said before continuing on the path.
"Now, that was the most entertainment I have had in days," Jayden laughed while jogging to catch up to Arianna. "That's some swing you got there."
"I'll take that as a no," Daveth said as Ser Jory helped him up.
Ashlyn couldn't stop herself from giggling when she glanced at Alistair. He was standing still in shock with his mouth hung open in an "O" shape while watching Arianna saunter away. She elbowed him in the ribs and whispered, "So much for her being a delicate noble lady."
Alistair closed his mouth and put an arm around Ashlyn's shoulders as they resumed walking. "You know, I have never been so happy to be proven wrong."
The Korcari Wilds are aptly named, Ashlyn thought as they traveled further into the wilderness. Random trees scattered the immense wasteland, and the group had to wade through dense areas of tall grasses and brush at times. Most unsettling, Ashlyn had a general feeling of unease as if she was always being watched. This place gives me the creeps. It is almost as if the taint has spread into the very land itself.
Ashlyn's thoughts were interrupted when the group came upon a wounded soldier trying to crawl back toward Ostagar.
"What happened?" Arianna asked as she pulled an injury kit from her pack.
She was working on wrapping his wounds when the man breathily replied, "My scouting party… it was attacked… darkspawn…"
"I know a basic healing spell. Hopefully it will be enough to get you back to Ostagar," Jayden said before working his magic.
With the pain lessened, the soldier gave a relieved sigh and said, "Thank you. I think I can stand now." With that, he managed to wobbly get up with the assistance of Alistair. "I have to get back to report in to my commander," the man said as he limped off back towards the fortress.
"Well, he wasn't as dead as he looked," Alistair joked.
"I don't like this," said Ser Jory. "That man must be the only survivor of his patrol. How do we know we aren't walking into the middle of the horde?"
"You will have to face darkspawn sooner or later," Ashlyn said finally too annoyed with the human's attitude to stay quiet. "You are a warrior, act like one."
"Why you little---" Ser Jory started when Alistair cut in.
"Calm down Ser Jory," Alistair said. "Once you fully become a Grey Warden, you will be able to sense the presence of darkspawn. Now, I can tell you there are some in our general area, but I will be able to give you notice before we run into them."
"You see Ser Jory, we might die, but we'll be warned about it first," Jayden said trying to lighten the situation.
Ever the paranoid one, Daveth said, "Let's get going. I don't want to be out here after dark."
"He actually makes a good point," Ashlyn spoke up. "There are other dangerous creatures out here besides darkspawn."
Arianna pointed off in the distance. "Well, there looks to be some stone structures on those hills over there. If I were to build an outpost, I would want it to be on high ground. Let's go check it out."
They had just reached the base of the hills, when Alistair stilled and shouted, "Darkspawn, look alive!"
"I don't know… maybe if we play dead, they will just leave us alone," Jayden joked as he brought his staff from behind his back.
"Archers, give us some cover," Arianna said while pulling out an engraved sword and wicked-looking dagger. "Alistair, Ser Jory, follow me."
As the warriors took off, Ashlyn readied her bow and took aim at the closest darkspawn which was much larger than the ones she had faced before. Duncan said I would encounter fouler creatures than Genlocks. That must be a Hurlock. Ashlyn exhaled and released her arrow. Her aim was true, and the Hurlock was knocked off his feet. But several other darkspawn quickly filled its place. Daveth and Jayden took up positions near her to begin their assaults. As the three of them fired off distance attacks, the warriors came in from the side, disrupting the darkspawn charge.
Just when Ashlyn thought they were going to make it through their first battle together without a hitch, she sensed enemies close by. But there are no visible darkspawn near me. Wait, there is some brush over there. Some rogue Genlocks had stealthily snuck up on her while she had been picking off darkspawn that were fighting the warriors. She called out to Daveth and Jayden, "Incoming!" She switched to her daggers and began applying what Alistair had taught her the previous few days.
"You are small and agile, exactly what a big warrior hates on a battlefield. You have to sidestep the big blows and do as many backstabs as possible," he had told her. Ashlyn nimbly outmaneuvered a Genlock and swung her right blade into the back of its neck while using her left blade to block an incoming attack. She had been the closest to the brush, and therefore was quickly surrounded by Genlocks. She was doing her best, but she knew if she didn't get some help soon, she would be overtaken.
Suddenly, a blur of grey went past in her peripheral vision. What was that? Ashlyn continued to fight and realized there were less Genlocks fighting her than there were a moment ago. As she kicked a Genlock over, she saw the reason for the reduced number of enemies. Not even five feet away, her beautiful grey forest wolf was viciously attacking a darkspawn that the wolf had wrangled to the ground. Laying a couple paces away was another Genlock which had died from having its throat ripped out. Ashlyn kept spinning and slashing with her daggers until she faced the last of the rogue darkspawn. Just as she was about to attack, a bolt of lightning struck it dead.
"Thanks," she called to Jayden.
"Anytime," he replied.
Ashlyn looked up the hill just in time to see Alistair behead the one remaining Hurlock. At that point, everyone started to walk towards each other to reconvene… except Ashlyn. She was making her way to the wolf that she had saved the day she came to Ostagar. "Thank you, my friend. It would appear you have been following me," Ashlyn said as she squatted down and began to pet the wolf on the head.
"That is some companion you have there," Arianna said. "She kind of reminds me of Duke, my mabari hound, how she just jumped in to save you. An animal like that can be just as effective as any arrow or sword."
"Arrow," Ashlyn repeated while staring at the wolf. "Well, if you are going to be my protector as it would seem you have decided to be, you are going to need a name. How about Arrow?" she asked her four legged ally.
The wolf sat back on her haunches and let out a loud, happy howl.
"I take that to mean she has accepted," Jayden inferred. "I didn't know you were a ranger."
"Yes, I had lived my entire life in the Brecilian Forest until just recently. I was bound to pick up a few skills being surrounded by nature."
"Well, then we all know who to stand behind the first time a large bear crosses our path," Alistair chimed in causing Ashlyn to shake her head at his antics.
"I am just grateful Arrow got here when she did. I was able to sense the rogue Genlocks' presence, but I didn't locate them until I was nearly surrounded," Ashlyn said.
"Yeah, they did just sort of pop up out of nowhere," Daveth agreed.
"We needed to run into them sometime. Let's get these vials filled up," Arianna said focusing everyone again on the task at hand.
After they had collected enough darkspawn blood, they began to make their accent up the hill toward the stone structures. Arrow stayed close to Ashlyn, but Alistair risked angering the wolf to approach the elf and ask, "Are you all right? You seem a little shaken after that last attack."
"I am okay, but it is getting harder and harder to fight the taint. The potion has helped, but it is like the taint is becoming immune to it," Ashlyn responded.
"It is a good thing the Joining is tonight, then. Hang in there a bit longer. These stone ruins look very much like an old outpost. We'll have the treaties and be on our way back to camp in no time," Alistair said with a reassuring grin.
When they arrived at a circular structure that resembled a destroyed tower, Arianna spotted an old broken chest and made her way over to it. "This may have one time held the scrolls, but it is empty now," she said to the group. Alistair and the rest of the recruits went over to get a better look at the old cache.
"Well, well. What have we here?" an unknown voice broke the silence. Everyone turned to see a scantily clad women slowly advancing on them. "I have watched your progress for some time. Where do they go, I wondered. Why are they here?" The woman finally came to a stop after she had half-circled them like a vulture.
"Don't answer her," Alistair said to Arianna. "She looks chasind, and that means there may be others nearby."
"I see, you fear barbarians will come swooping down on you," the woman said.
"Yes. Swooping is bad," Alistair muttered.
"She's a Witch of the Wilds, she is!" Daveth shrieked. "We need to leave, before she turns us all into toads!"
"Witch of the Wilds, what idle fancies you men possess. You there," she directed to Arianna. "Women do not frighten like little boys. Tell me your name and I shall tell you mine."
"I am Arianna, a Grey Warden recruit. I am sorry for my companions' mistrusting behavior. Perhaps you can help us find what we came to recover."
"Now there is a proper greeting. I am so glad one of you has some manners. You may call me Morrigan. I believe I may be able to guess what it is you have been seeking. Perhaps it was something in that chest, something that is there no longer?"
"There no longer?" Alistair was outraged. "You stole them, didn't you? You're… some kind of sneaky... witch-thief! Those documents are Grey Warden property and I suggest you return them."
"How very eloquent you are. But it 'twas not I who took them," Morrigan responded.
"Do you know who did?" Ashlyn inquired hoping the women had some useful information and was not just toying with them.
"An elf fighting with Grey Wardens, how unusual," Morrigan said before returning to Ashlyn's inquiry. "I actually do know the answer to your question for 'twas my Mother."
"Can you take us to her?" Arianna asked.
"Such a sensible request. I like you," Morrigan stated.
"I would be careful if I were you," Alistair said to Arianna. "First, it's 'I like you' and then 'Zap!' Frog time."
"You know Alistair, not all mages are as eager as I am to turn you into a frog," Jayden said with a laugh.
Morrigan's eyes lit up at Jayden's words. "Interesting," she said. "You may follow me, if you desire. I will take you to see my Mother."
"It seems we have little choice," Arianna said, indicating for everyone to go along with their new acquaintance. As they started to move off, Arianna pulled Ashlyn to the back of the group.
"What do you sense from her?" Arianna whispered.
Ashlyn watched Morrigan for a moment before quietly answering. "I do not believe she is hostile. I think we are safe to travel with her."
"Thank you. I know I can trust your opinion. Duncan told me of the Dalish survival skills and how you can read the intentions of others. He also told me about what happened to you before you came to Ostagar… I am sorry."
"Yes. He told us about your family, too. I know this can't be easy for you right now, but you are doing an admirable job of leading us."
Arianna gave Ashlyn a confiding look. "To be honest, I decided to throw myself into becoming a Grey Warden. It is helping to keep my mind of recent events, at least most of the time."
"I know exactly what you mean," Ashlyn replied.
"If things get rough and you need to talk to someone, I will listen," Arianna said.
"Thank you. I will be here for you as well, if you should need an open ear."
Arianna nodded, and they continued on silently.
Ashlyn was quite happy to have made another friend. The two already shared a bond that could only be formed between people who have survived horrible situations. Ashlyn returned her attention to their peculiar guide. It was obvious how comfortable Morrigan was here in the Wilds. She moves through these lands the way I moved in the Brecilian Forest, Ashlyn thought as they made their way back to Morrigan's hut where her mother awaited.
It wasn't long before they had arrived at their destination. The hut was a quaint, little hobble that couldn't have been more than a couple of rooms. Ashlyn could tell that whoever they were about to meet was formidable, more powerful than any being she had met before. Even Arrow seemed to know there was danger up ahead and chose to remain on the perimeter of the property instead of following Ashlyn and the rest of her companions.
"Greetings, Mother. I bring you six Grey Wardens who---"
"I see them, girl. Much as I expected," said an old woman with grey hair and a raspy voice. In her arms, she was holding a small wooden box.
"Are we supposed to believe you were expecting us?" Alistair asked sarcastically.
"You are required to do nothing, least of all believe. Shut one's eyes tight or open one's arms wide… either way, one's a fool. But I am sure you didn't come all this way to listen to an old woman ramble."
"No, we did not. We came to see if you know what happened to the Grey Warden treaties that were left at the old abandoned outpost," Arianna said diplomatically.
"Yes, indeed I do. They have been in my possession for many years now. And before you start barking, your precious seal wore off long ago. I have protected these."
"You... oh. You protected them?" Alistair said sounding confused.
"That was very generous of you," Jayden slid into the conversation. "But I have to ask, what made you do such a thing?"
"What does it matter my reason for watching over these scrolls? You need them and now you shall have them. Here, take these treaties to your leaders and be sure to tell them this Blight threat is greater than they realize," Morrigan's Mother said as she handed the box over to Arianna.
"Thank you," Arianna said as she took possession of the documents.
"What do you mean the threat is greater than they realize?" Ashlyn spoke up.
"Either the threat is more, or they realize less. Now, you have what you came for," the old woman said, insinuating that it was time for them to leave.
Morrigan walked over to Jayden and said, "I would be happy to escort you… and your companions out of the Wilds."
Jayden charmingly replied, "We would appreciate that, Morrigan." Morrigan and Jayden took off back towards the Wilds. Arianna nodded to old woman before turning and pulling Alistair with her back up the path before he could say anything that might upset the powerful malificar. The rest of the group followed suit.
"I thought we were going to be cooked up in some pot for sure," Daveth said calming down. He had been antsy the entire visit with Morrigan's Mother.
"Yes, well I just want to get back to the fortress and out of this cursed wilderness," Ser Jory said.
With Arrow by her side, Ashlyn walked at the back of the group and was silent as they returned to Ostagar. She occupied herself by observing and listening in on her companions. Jayden and Morrigan passed the time by talking about the Circle of Magi and what it was like for Morrigan growing up with her mother in the Korcari Wilds. I think Jayden is only interested in learning about life as an apostate, not in Morrigan herself. But I don't think the same could be said for Morrigan, Ashlyn thought.
Ashlyn then focused on Alistair and Arianna. She overheard part of their conversation.
"I was originally a templar before being conscripted by Duncan," Alistair said.
"That is surprising," Arianna responded. "You don't seem the Chantry-type."
This led to Alistair telling funny stories from his Chantry days that definitely proved the religious life was not for him. Arianna seemed to enjoy his quick wit and laughed often at his silly jokes and comments. I already know Alistair likes Arianna, but maybe she is taken with him, too. Wouldn't that be something? Arianna certainly could use some happiness, and I think Alistair would be good for her. Ashlyn's thoughts were then interrupted by Morrigan.
"This is as far as I take you," Morrigan said when they reached the edge of the Korcari Wilds. "Perhaps we shall meet again," Morrigan said with a longing look in Jayden's direction before disappearing back into the wilderness.
"Creepy, that one," Alistair said.
"I don't know," Jayden stated. "She has had a life of freedom, but I sense that she is lonely."
"Something tells me that she prefers to be alone," Ashlyn spoke up. "Speaking from experience, I don't think she trusts easily."
"She probably had to learn to be that way to survive," Arianna slipped into the conversation. "It wouldn't surprise me if she and her mother have had to run from the Chantry all their lives."
Alistair nodded his head in agreement. "Undoubtedly."
"At the very least, she was nice to look at," Daveth said, causing several members of the group to groan or roll their eyes. "What? I'm just saying."
- - - - - With Arianna - - - - -
Arianna was quite relieved when she saw Duncan waiting for them at the gates of Ostagar. She wasn't sure she would be able to prevent herself much longer from hitting Daveth again, especially if he didn't stop talking about Morrigan. Duke barked excitedly and came running happily to meet her... until he noticed Arrow.
"Don't even think about it," she directed to Duke. "The wolf is a friend. You be on your best behavior."
The mabari cocked his head at her as if he understood what she had said before falling in step with the recruits as they approached Duncan.
"I am glad to see you have all returned safely," Duncan greeted. "Were you successful?"
"Yes, although retrieving the treaties took an extra unexpected step," Arianna replied. She then further explained how they had met Morrigan and traveled with her to meet her mother and retrieve the documents.
"Then we are indeed fortunate these scrolls were not lost to us," Duncan stated. "I have had the mages preparing while you were away. If you are ready, we can begin the Joining immediately.
"What exactly is this Joining?" Ser Jory asked. "You haven't exactly told us anything about it."
"It is not quite time to fully explain it, but I will tell you this. We Grey Wardens pay a heavy price to become what we are. Fate may decree that you pay your price now, rather than later," Duncan said somberly.
"We've made it this far. It would be a waste not to see this through," Jayden said.
Arianna agreed and said, "Let's do this."
"Very well. Alistair, please take them to the old temple. I will meet you there after the final preparations are completed."
"Of course. Everyone, this way," Alistair said taking off east towards the mages' camp.
Alistair seems as nervous as the rest of us, Arianna thought as she and the other new recruits followed him across the fortress. Why should he be worried? He is already an official Warden. And why does he keep sending concerned glances in my direction?
When they arrived at the old temple, night had fallen and Ser Jory was complaining again. This time it was about all the secrecy of the Joining. "The more I hear about it, the less I like it. Why all these damned tests? Haven't I already earned my place?"
Daveth surprised everyone when he reasonably asked Ser Jory, "Would you have come if they had warned you? Maybe the Grey Wardens do what they must to maintain and build their numbers."
"Even if they sacrifice our lives to do it?" Ser Jory responded indignantly.
"Maybe you'll die. Maybe we'll all die. If nobody stops the darkspawn, we'll die for sure," Daveth said.
It was at that moment that Duncan made his appearance in the temple. In his hands, he carried a jeweled goblet. The group converged into a semicircle around him.
With everyone's attention on him, Duncan began, "The Grey Wardens were founded at the time of the very first Blight when humanity stood at the brink of annihilation. It was then that the first Grey Wardens drank of darkspawn blood and mastered their taint."
"We're going to drink the blood of… those creatures," Ser Jory said appalled.
Duncan slightly raised the goblet and said, "This is the source of our power and our victory. Not all who drink the blood survive… and those who do are forever changed."
"Those who survive?" Arianna asked. She glanced around at the surprised and apprehensive faces of the other new recruits.
It was Alistair who chose to answer her question. He looked Arianna straight in the eyes and said, "There is a chance not everyone here will live through the night. Those who survive become immune. We can then sense the taint and use it to destroy the darkspawn."
Well, now I know why he was sending me all of those worried looks, Arianna realized. It figures. I finally meet a man who holds my attention the way my brother said I would, and there is a chance I will die before I even get to experience my first romance.
Alistair then broke their eye contact and looked at Duncan. "It is time."
Duncan nodded and spoke aloud, "We come to the Joining at last. We speak only a few words prior. Alistair, if you would?"
Alistair nodded and bowed his head. "Join us brothers and sisters. Join us in the shadows where we stand vigilant. Join us as we carry the duty that cannot be forsworn. And should you perish, know that your sacrifice will not be forgotten. And that one day we shall join you."
"Daveth, step forward," Duncan commanded.
Daveth boldly accepted the goblet and took a hesitant drink. Right after he returned the cup to Duncan was when the taint attacked him from within. Daveth stumbled and brought his hand to his throat like he was choking. The other new recruits were horrified to see him fall to his knees, sputtering and gasping for breath. With one last heave, his eyes rolled back, and he breathed no more.
"I am sorry, Daveth," Duncan said turning the goblet toward Ser Jory.
"No! I refuse. I have a wife and a child on the way. You cannot force me to do this," Ser Jory said while drawing his sword.
Duncan had no choice but to remove his own dagger in response. Duncan was remorseful as he said, "Maker forgive me, but there is no backing out now." He skillfully blocked the recruit's attack and drove his dagger through Ser Jory's gut. Duncan removed his blade as the lifeless body fell to ground.
He just stabbed… Oh my. No wonder this ritual has remained a secret. But I must survive this, or Howe will get away with murdering my family, Arianna thought resolutely. She looked over at Jayden and Ashlyn, who both seemed to be in as much shock as she was.
Arianna watched as Ashlyn bravely stepped forward and said, "I want to go next. I am ready to face my destiny."
Duncan kept hold of the goblet this time as Ashlyn drank from it. Again, the taint hit swiftly, but the elf's reaction was different. She brought her hands up to her head as if she were having a horrible headache. She suddenly stilled and fainted. Duncan quickly reached out with his free arm to catch her before she fell to the ground.
Jayden's turn was next. The same process was repeated with him drinking and reacting as the taint tried to take him over. Jayden sank to his hands and knees before he passed out beside Ashlyn.
"You must promise me two things before I do this," Arianna demanded of Duncan when he at last turned his sight upon her. "If I should not survive, you must try to find my brother, Fergus, and let him know what became of our family. And most important… Howe cannot go unpunished for his hideous crimes. Promise me that my family will be avenged."
"If it is within my power, I shall see it done," Duncan replied before reaching the cup out to Arianna.
"Thank you," Arianna said in relief.
Before she moved to drink, Alistair caught her attention. "I will be most displeased with you if you don't survive," he said softly. "So, after you wake up and we defeat this Blight, I will personally help you seek retribution for your family."
"I am going to hold you to that," Arianna replied with a sweet smile.
She then turned her attention back to the goblet and took a gulp of the disgusting thick liquid. She instantly felt weak and shaky. Then the pain hit. I never knew such agony could exist.
"I've got you," Alistair said gently as Arianna fell into his embrace. Alistair's mesmerizing light brown eyes were the last thing Arianna saw before she fell unconscious.