A/N: Yay for new characters!
Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Age Origins or any of its characters - They are the property of Bioware.
Chapter 6 – Meeting Leliana & Sten
"You don't know? The Arl is deathly sick," Ser Donall told the stunned Grey Wardens.
Alistair looked as though he had just been punched in the gut. "What is wrong with him?"
"No one knows. One night he went to sleep, and he hasn't woken up since. They have tried different potions and powerful magic, but nothing has helped. That is why the Arlessa has Redcliffe's knights scouring the lands of Ferelden in search of Andraste's ashes," he explained.
"Not Eamon too," Alistair whispered.
"To be honest, I never thought I would see you again, Alistair. News from Redcliffe is that all the Grey Wardens are dead, thanks to Loghain's withdrawal at Ostagar. The Arl's brother, Bann Teagan, is furious at the Teyrn for leaving the King to die. We all know if Eamon were well, he'd set Loghain straight."
Ashlyn was relieved that the Redcliffe knight sounded like he was on their side even though he knew Alistair was a Warden. Something did bother her though about what Ser Donall had just said about Eamon. Doesn't it seem just a little too convenient that the one man who would have protested against Loghain's actions wasn't there? "When did the Arl become sick?" she asked the suspiciously.
"Just a couple weeks ago," the knight answered.
Picking up on what Ashlyn was thinking, Arianna wondered aloud, "Could Loghain have had something to do with the Arl's illness?"
"That does make sense," Alistair said. "Eamon would have never left his nephew to die."
"That is a most disturbing thought, indeed," Ser Donall said. "I should get going. I have been waiting for my fellow knight to show up, but I think my commander needs to be informed of this theory immediately. I haven't found anything on the Urn here anyway."
As the knight returned the book he had been holding to its shelf, Alistair asked, "Wait. Was Ser Henric the name of the knight you are waiting for?"
Ser Donall looked puzzled when he replied, "Yes, how did you know that?"
"I don't know how to tell you this, but he is dead. We found his body before we came into town. Here, these things are for you." Alistair handed the locket and letter to the knight.
"I am sorry for your loss. We have already taken care of the bandits who took his life," Arianna said as Ser Donall read the message.
After reading the note, Ser Donall looked up at the Wardens. "Thank you. It is his wife's picture inside this locket. At least now I won't show up empty handed when I tell her of her husband's fate. And according to this letter, he found some information about a scholar in Denerim who might know the location of Andraste's final resting place." He tucked the message and the locket safely into his travel pack. "Perhaps we shall meet again. Farewell friends," Ser Donall said as he took off at quick march out of the Chantry.
- - - - - Meanwhile, Outside with Jayden - - - - -
"You know, a room full of templars does not frighten me," Morrigan said to Jayden after their traveling companions had disappeared into the Chantry. Jayden led the female mage around to the side of the building, leaving Arrow and Duke waiting by the entrance.
"Well of course not. But this way, I get to have you all to myself for a little bit," the male mage returned seductively as he pressed her up against the Chantry's outer wall.
"Defile the sacred wall of the Chantry? 'Tis an interesting idea to be sure," she said wickedly. "But I do not do public displays."
"Perhaps later tonight then, after we set up camp," he offered with an alluring smile.
"That could be arranged… if we ever make it out of this pitiful little town," Morrigan said taking a few steps away from him to look out across the village. "Where are those three?"
"They'll be back soon," Jayden said as he walked up beside her. Together, they observed the chaos that was Lothering quietly for a few minutes. Tents were plopped down haphazardly, and people could be seen bustling around everywhere, even at this late hour. The air was so thick with fear and despair that it was almost tangible.
As Jayden surveyed their surroundings, he was having a hard time getting the words out of his mind that Ashlyn had said to him after learning he had never been free to love someone. "I can't imagine living that way… to be denied something as precious as love. Well now that you are a Warden, maybe you will be able to experience it someday." Jayden couldn't help but wonder if Morrigan could be 'the one'.
Although, he doubted it. Morrigan had made it pretty clear to him last night that what they had done was strictly platonic. But who I am to deny simple pleasures as they come along, especially in these times, he thought to himself as he watched Morrigan out of the corner of his eye.
His fellow Wardens appeared after a few more minutes with the canines on their heels.
"So glad you could join us," Morrigan said sarcastically to them as they approached.
"We are sorry to keep you waiting, your harpy-ness," Alistair replied dryly.
Morrigan's eyes narrowed at Alistair. Before she could retaliate, Arianna said, "We've got good news and bad news."
"Well, I don't see how things could possibly get any worse than they already are so let's hear the bad news first," Jayden said.
Arianna looked at Alistair before explaining, "We found Alistair's friend, Ser Donall of Redcliffe, inside. He told us that Arl Eamon is very sick, so sick that the reason for Ser Donall being here was to look for information on the Urn of Sacred Ashes."
"Definitely not good," Jayden agreed.
"Which is why we will be traveling to Redcliffe first," Arianna said surprising Alistair.
"Really?" the male warrior asked.
"We need Redcliffe's soldiers to help us defeat the Blight, and I know how much Eamon means to you. We've got to go see if there is anything we can do to help him," Arianna answered.
Alistair's eyes were filled with gratitude when he said to their leader, "Thank you. I would have never forgiven myself if I didn't go to him before he died."
"There is no guarantee that he is going to die," Arianna said reassuringly. "Maybe someone will find the Urn."
"Yes, yes. A mythological urn is just bound to turn up any day now," Morrigan said unimpressed. "Enough of this sentimental rubbish. You are making me nauseated."
Yeah, Morrigan may not be 'the one', Jayden thought with a smile. But I do not regret getting to know her.
"The good news is that Ser Bryant gave us a reward for turning in the stolen goods," Ashlyn said refocusing everyone. "So we now have enough money to buy our traveling supplies."
"But where are we going to find a vendor open at this hour?" Jayden asked.
"From my experience, you can always count on finding a merchant at the local pub," Alistair stated.
"To the tavern then," Arianna directed as they started walking through town.
Danal's Tavern came into view shortly after they crossed a small bridge in the middle of town. Ashlyn wasn't looking forward to going inside another packed building. Being surrounded by so many people made her uncomfortable, but she knew she would have to get used it. That doesn't mean I have to make my canine friends suffer though. She asked Arrow and Duke to wait outside again to prevent them from getting stepped on by the crowd within the tavern.
"Let's just get what we need and head out of town to make camp for the night," Arianna instructed as they stepped inside.
"The bartender should know who we can purchase supplies from," Alistair said. They started towards the bar, weaving around refugees as they went.
Before they could make it there, a heavily armed soldier stepped into their path. He looked over his shoulder at the three men behind him and said, "Well, look what we have here, men. I think we have just been blessed." He turned his attention back to the Wardens and Morrigan. "We have been looking for you Wardens all day."
"Uh oh. Loghain's men. This can't be good," Alistair said.
"You think?" Jayden said as he pulled his staff from behind his back. "Are you sure they just don't want to have a drink with us?"
"Yes, that would be a nice change. Wouldn't it?" Alistair bantered back.
The rest of the group followed Jayden's example and readied their weapons for the impending confrontation. Before the fight broke out though, a lovely little redheaded woman in Chantry robes stepped in between the opposing sides.
"Gentlemen, surely there is no need for trouble. These are no doubt simply more poor souls seeking refuge," the woman said to Loghain's soldiers.
Who is this woman? She is either very brave or very foolish to put her life on the line to prevent a fight from breaking out, Jayden thought to himself.
"They're more than that," the commander of Loghain's men said. "Now stay out of our way sister. You protect these traitors and you'll get the same as them."
Without any further warning, Loghain's men attacked. The townspeople and refugees quickly scattered out of the way. Jayden was unconcerned about his companions as the fight began, but he found himself worried about the little redhead. He saw that she was battling with a small sword alongside his friends against a much larger soldier. For some reason he couldn't describe, he cast a protective barrier around her.
It is only because she is a civilian, he told himself as he used a telekinesis spell to hold a soldier in place for Ashlyn to knock out.
Loghain's soldiers were soon overpowered, and it seemed they did have some brains after all because the leader put up his hands and said, "All right, you've won. We surrender."
"Good, they've learned their lesson. We can all stop fighting now," the Chantry woman said.
Arianna walked up to the beaten men. "We are not the traitors. It was Loghain who left the King and the Grey Wardens to die on the battlefield at Ostagar."
The commander started to say something but Arianna angrily interrupted him.
"I don't want to hear whatever lies or excuses Loghain is spouting." She leaned in aggressively and said, "Be silent if you wish to walk out of here alive."
"Yes miss," the man squeaked.
"Now, I want you to take a message back to your murdering leader. Tell him we know what he did. Tell him, we are coming for him," Arianna said threateningly.
"Leave your weapons and get out of here," Alistair said pushing the men towards the door.
Once Loghain's soldiers were out of the tavern, the redhead moved around to stand in front of the Warden's party.
"I apologize for interfering, but I couldn't just sit by and not help. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Leliana, and you must be Grey Wardens, yes? I know after what happened at Ostagar you will need all the help you can get to defeat the darkspawn. That is why I plan on coming along with you."
Even though the thought of traveling with the beautiful woman was incredibly tempting, Jayden argued against her joining them for fear of her safety. "No way! This is a Blight we are talking about. It is way too dangerous to bring a Chantry sister along with us."
"Former sister, actually," Leliana said to the male mage before looking back to the rest of the group. "Besides, the Maker wants me to go with you."
"More crazy? I thought we were all full up," Alistair murmured to his fellow Wardens.
"Look, I know it sounds insane, but it is true! I had a dream… a vision," Leliana pleaded. "You are doing the Maker's work by ridding the land of the darkness that is spreading over it. Let me help."
"I think she would make a good addition," Ashlyn spoke up. "Her intentions certainly aren't evil."
"I agree with Ashlyn," Arianna said. "Help is hard to come by, and we never know when we might need a Chantry contact."
"So it is settled then, yes?" Leliana said with a bright smile, causing Jayden's heart to skip a beat.
That smile is going to be the death of me, Jayden thought as Arianna started making introductions.
- - - - - Passage of Time - - - With Ashlyn - - - - -
Leliana had been instrumental at helping them locate the merchant in the tavern. They were able to purchase and trade for all the supplies they needed, including tents, bedding, and food. Arianna sold Alistair's old shield and bought a new breastplate since hers had been damaged when she was shot with arrows atop the Tower of Ishal. She also thought ahead and purchased a map of Ferelden. Ashlyn stocked up on herbs and potion supplies, and Leliana had needed armor since the Chantry robes she wore would offer little protection. Thinking that the extra weapons may come in handy, they decided to keep the ones they confiscated from Loghain's men. Once everyone was equipped with a backpack, it was time to leave Lothering.
Along the way, Alistair pulled Ashlyn to the back of the group to speak with her privately.
"So Ashlyn, you're a woman," he started nervously.
"Your powers of observation are astounding," Ashlyn joked with a smile.
Alistair brushed her comment off. "Yeah, yeah. What I meant was… since you are a woman, can you tell me what sort of things women like?"
"Things we like?" Ashlyn asked confused.
"As in gifts," Alistair said quickly with a blush.
Understanding dawned on the elf's face. "I see," she said with a smile. "This wouldn't happen to be for a certain beautiful blond warrior, would it?"
"It might," Alistair admitted. "It is just that she has been so wonderful about everything, even though I know she has to be hurting on the inside over the loss of her family and home. I mean, she could have died last night, and here she is, showing more concern about the refugees in this village than she did for herself. And there is just something about her… I have never felt this way about anyone before."
Ashlyn's memory temporarily took her back a couple years ago when Tamlen had given her the bow she currently carried. It was one Master Ilen's finest works. Tamlen had led her to believe that he had an interest in becoming an apprentice to Master Ilen when in actuality, he was just working for him long enough to pay off her gift. She had been so surprised when he presented her with the master Dalish longbow. "A Dalish warrior is only as good as the bow he carries. You are my true bow, not this piece of wood strapped to my back. And without you, I would be nothing. So whenever you use it, I want you to think of me… and remember how important you are to me lethallan." They had shared their first kiss after that. It was a memory she would cherish forever.
She came back to the present and answered Alistair's question. "The best gifts I received from Tamlen were the ones that had special meaning behind them. As long as it comes from the heart, you can't go wrong," she told him as they picked up their pace to rejoin the group.
Ashlyn was distracted before they made it out of town by a cage holding the largest man she had ever seen. She approached the man curiously to try to get a better read on him. She noticed that he stood silent and reserved in his confinement. This man could be a force to be reckoned with. Although, I don't sense any outward hostility from him. What has he done to deserve this fate?
She realized that the captive was watching her as she studied him. As the rest of the group came up behind her, she asked the man, "Who are you?"
"A prisoner," he replied matter-of-factly. "I am in a cage, am I not?"
Ashlyn looked at Leliana and asked, "What was his crime?"
"The Revered Mother said he slaughtered an entire family, even the children," she answered.
Ashlyn turned back to the prisoner to see how he would respond.
"It is as she says. I am Sten of the Beresaad, the vanguard of the Qunari people."
"I have heard of the Qunari. The Dalish tell stories of their strength and discipline. They are said to be some of the fiercest fighters around." Ashlyn then turned her companions and said, "We should take him with us."
A flicker of some emotion passed through Sten's face before his stoic expression returned.
"This is a proud and powerful creature, trapped as prey for the darkspawn. If you cannot find a use for him, I suggest releasing him for mercy's sake alone," Morrigan spoke up, surprising everyone.
"Mercy?" Alistair asked. "I would have not have expected that from you."
"I would also suggest that Alistair take his place in the cage," Morrigan replied.
"Yes, that's what I would have expected." Alistair said. He then asked Arianna, "And what does our fearless leader think?"
Arianna approached the prisoner. "We are in need of skilled help against the Blight. Would you fight with us if we found a way to release you?"
"The Blight? You must be Grey Wardens then."
"Yes, most of us are," Arianna answered. "Fighting with us will not make right what you have done. But perhaps you will find atonement along the way."
"Very well. If you set me free, I will follow you against the Blight," Sten swore.
"Who has the power to release him?" Arianna asked Leliana.
"The Revered Mother does. She can be found in the Chantry," Leliana responded.
Morrigan shook her head and rolled her eyes as she walked up to the cage and turned to face the rest of the group. "Why must we always do things the hard way? We don't have time for that. You there," she said pointing to Ashlyn. "You are a rogue, are you not? Can you pick this lock?"
"I could…" the elf said with a glance toward their leader. "It would keep us from going back through town."
"Not to mention probably saving us a tithe. From what I know of the Chantry, they rarely ever grant favors for free," Jayden said with a fleeting glance at Leliana, who looked slightly offended by his words.
"Too true," Morrigan agreed.
"I do not like doing this without alerting the local authorities, but I think they will have bigger problems here in a few days than one escaped prisoner. Go ahead Ashlyn," Arianna instructed.
The elf removed two pins from her hair and inserted them into the lock. It was only a moment before the cage clicked open.
"Welcome Sten," Ashlyn said to the warrior. "Glad to have you with us."
"Come on. The sun will be down within the hour," Arianna said leading the group towards the road out of town.
Ashlyn walked beside Sten as everyone started moving on again. She told him the names of his new traveling companions and explained that they would be stopping soon to make camp for the night. Realizing he most likely hadn't eaten in days, she dug into her pack and handed him a couple pieces of dried beef. He nodded his head at her as accepted the much needed nourishment. She was silent for a moment as he ate his food. She didn't know why, but she felt a strange sort of kinship with this man. Maybe because even though she had lived in Ferelden her whole life as part of her Dalish clan, she still felt like an outsider.
Sten broke through her reverie to say, "Thank you. You have shown me kindness I have not come to expect in your lands."
"You're welcome," she returned before Leliana practically skipped up to her.
The redhead linked her left arm through Ashlyn's right as she asked Sten, "Mind if I borrow her?"
Before Sten even had the chance to reply, Leliana was pulling the elf away towards Arianna whom she linked her right arm with, causing the three women to be chained together.
"I am so looking forward to traveling and fighting alongside the Grey Wardens, especially having sisters in arms," Leliana said cheerfully. "And speaking of fighting, the strangest thing happened back at the tavern. I was struggling against one of Loghain's soldiers when suddenly I felt like I had been covered in the softest silk imaginable, and the soldier never got close to me after that. Strange, yes?"
Ashlyn and Arianna shared a meaningful glance before they both looked ten paces ahead to where Jayden was walking with Morrigan. The female mage glanced over her shoulder and sent a glare towards Leliana, who luckily wasn't paying attention. Well, there is no way Morrigan cast a barrier on her. That only leaves Jayden. Hmm, I wonder…
Ashlyn looked back to Arianna, who shrugged at her in return. "I guess you must have had someone looking out for you," the elf told the spunky redhead.
"Yes, I completely agree. I told you the Maker set me on your path," Leliana said, not realizing Ashlyn was speaking of the male mage walking ahead of them.
Just when they had neared the edge of town, Ashlyn suddenly stopped in the middle of the road. Something doesn't feel right.
A few moments later, the other three Wardens also froze in place.
Alistair turned to the others before warning, "Dark-"
"Help us!" a cry interrupted.
"-spawn," Alistair finished.
The Warden party quickly raced ahead towards the sound of the pleas for help. As they ran, Ashlyn called to Sten, "Here, you are going to need this." She threw him a large two-handed sword that had been graciously donated by Loghain's men.
They came upon two dwarves and an overturned wagon whose contents had been scattered about on the ground. Sten raced ahead with Arianna and Alistair as the mages started casting spells from afar. Ashlyn was pleased to have another archer in the group as Leliana pulled out a bow and began firing with an accuracy that would have earned her respect among the Dalish. Duke stayed beside the mages while Arrow protected the archers from any approaching darkspawn.
Ashlyn kept an eye on the warriors as she picked off her targets. Arianna and Alistair had gone straight for the dwarves to fight the Genlocks that had surrounded them while Sten showed he truly was a force to be reckoned with as he powerfully swung his sword against Hurlocks who were unlucky enough to be in his way. In no time at all, the small battle was over. Everyone gathered around the dwarves to make sure they were all right.
"Mighty fine timely arrival there my friends," the older brown-haired dwarf with a beard and mustache said. "I am much obliged. The name's Bodahn Feddic, merchant and entrepreneur. This here is my son, Sandal. Say hello, my boy."
"Hell-o," said the younger dwarf, who unlike his father had no facial hair and his blond hair was cropped short.
"It is a pleasure to meet you both," Arianna said.
"Road's been mighty dangerous these days. Mind if I ask where you are heading, Wardens? Perhaps we are going the same way," Bodahn said.
"Wardens? How did you know we were Wardens?" Ashlyn asked.
"I'm a dwarf, aren't I? The Grey Wardens have long made treks to Orzammar. I may have lost my stone sense but I can still recognize the fighters of those evil creatures when I see them," Bodahn replied.
"We are off to recruit help for the Blight," Arianna said answering the dwarf's original question.
"Say, you wouldn't want a couple extra members in your party? There may be more excitement on your path than is good for my boy and me, but then again, is there anywhere safer in these times than in the company Grey Wardens? Plus, you are going to be needing supplies as you travel. I'm perfectly willing to offer you a fine discount for the inconvenience of our presence. And my boy here is good with enchantments."
At his father's last comment, the boy started to clap his hands together. "Enchantment!" he exclaimed as he jumped up and down.
"That's right," Sandal's father said back. "He can fold lyrium into almost any weapon or piece of armor. So how does that sound? Good, yes?"
Everyone turned to look at Arianna. "Would you allow us some storage space in your wagon?"
"Of course," the merchant replied.
"Then we have a deal. The first thing we are going to need is some armor that can fit my large friend here," she said gesturing towards Sten who was garbed in simple village clothing.
"I think I have just the thing, if I can find it in all this mess," Bodahn replied.
The Warden party helped their new companions right the wagon that had been rolled over before reloading it with the goods that had been knocked free during the attack. Ashlyn noticed Alistair pick a lovely pink rose near the side of the road before picking up a chest to bring back to the wagon. I guess he took my advice to heart, she thought with a small smile as she bent to retrieve a crate of vials.
The dwarves repaid the Wardens for saving their lives by giving Sten a suit of steel chainmail free of charge. Once everything had been packed up, they continued on the road out of town. They didn't make it very far when they came upon a small clearing.
"This looks like a good place to stop for the night," Arianna said as everyone began making camp.
When the sun had finally faded below the horizon, Alistair started a fire which Ashlyn used to prepare their dinner. Leliana was kind enough to put up the elf's tent while she was cooking. Ashlyn looked up to see that Morrigan had gone off a ways from the rest of the group to make a private camp. Either she is truly antisocial or she has plans for Jayden tonight, she thought with a smirk as she finished the meal.
"Food's ready," Ashlyn called out.
Arianna took a seat next to Ashlyn. She had been studying the Ferelden map very carefully. "I have an idea," she announced to the group once everyone had surrounded the fire. "I think we should split up. Half of us should go to Redcliffe while the rest go on to the Circle Tower to recruit the mages."
"That does sound like a good idea," Alistair said. "We can cover more ground that way, and it will be easy to meet up. There is a road that travels along the west side of Lake Calenhad. Whichever group finishes first can follow the lake to meet the other group."
"That is exactly what I was thinking," Arianna smiled at Alistair. "So, what do you think Jayden? Do you want to lead the group heading to the Circle?"
"Sure," he said excited. "I would love to go back and see my friends." As he said this, Morrigan made a disgusted face.
"I'll go with him," Ashlyn spoke up. "I know there are other elves there. I would appreciate the opportunity to talk with them."
Arianna nodded her consent. "Morrigan, I think you had better come with me and Alistair. I am certain the mages' tower is no place for an apostate."
"Agreed," Morrigan said hastily.
"I wish to go with Jayden and Ashlyn," Leliana said with a shy glance toward Jayden. "I have heard many tales of the mages' home. I would like to see this place for myself."
"Very well," Arianna said. "Sten, do you have a preference of which group you go with?"
"I will go where the dog goes," he answered pointing towards Duke.
"To Redcliffe then," Arianna said.
Bodahn patted his son's shoulder and said, "We'll travel with the group going to Redcliffe. There is good trading to be had there."
"All right," the blond warrior agreed. "Now that is settled, we need to decide who is going to take watch tonight. Let's pair up and go in two shifts. I will volunteer to go first."
"I'll stay up with you," Alistair said to Arianna with a sincere look.
"And we shall take the second," Morrigan said while pulling Jayden back towards her private campsite. "We will most likely still be awake then anyways."
Well, I guess I was right about Morrigan's plans for this evening, Ashlyn thought to herself. But I am curious as to how Leliana is going to fit into the scheme of things. She had seen Leliana's face fall as Jayden had been led away. Ashlyn then looked towards the two Grey Warden warriors to see Alistair saying something that was making Arianna laugh. They are good for one another. I wonder if Alistair will find the courage to share his feelings with her tonight…