Twelve highly trained professionals piled into the shuttle. Garrus and Shepard sat in the pilot and co-pilot seats at the front of the shuttle. The rest of the crew crowded in the back as best they could. "Let's take a look at the people in the stone city first." Shepard said. Nodding, Garrus took the shuttle down to get a better view. They soared close, but not close enough to garner massive attention. "Looks like this side is the humans and elves. Are they wearing steel-plated armor? This place is even more primitive than I originally thought." Shepard squinted at the scene below. "Let's see how the other side is doing."
Garrus pulled away from the city and began flying towards the forest where EDI had said the other army was gathering. Shepard had expected to see more humans or at least something humanoid but was greeted with the sight of monsters. A sprawling sea of teeth, death, and decay was all Shepard could see. She stared, too stunned for words. Turning to Garrus, she said, "We have to help the humans and the elves."
"I think so too. You know, those creatures, look like what Legion looks like now. It's probably best for him to go back to the Normandy."
"True." Shepard tapped into the radio. "Legion, you'll have to go back to the Normandy. These monsters look too much like you."
"Acknowledged, Shepard-Commander."
"Take us down, Garrus. Don't land too close."
As the crew stepped out of the Kodiak, Shepard began explaining their new, temporary mission. "You all saw that army out in the forest. These humans and elves need help. I'm willing to provide it. Anyone who doesn't want to can head back with Legion." She paused. No one made a move.
"I'm with you, Shepard," Miranda said.
"I need to kick some ass. Haven't kicked any in too long," Jack commented. Grunt made an approving noise.
The others simply nodded. Shepard had earned their loyalty and they were not about to back down now. "Now that that's settled, let's go. Legion, radio me when you get back to the Normandy."
The group was just about to reach the paved path to the city, when a man hailed them from behind. "Good afternoon, travelers."
Shepard turned around and made her way to the back of the group to address the man. "Good afternoon to you as well, sir," she said politely.
"I am Duncan, Grey Warden. If you are trying to pass through Ostagar, I would advise against it. Ostagar is about to be the setting for a great battle between the darkspawn and the army gathered here."
"I'm Ayn Shepard. My group of mercenaries was in the area when we spotted the darkspawn army. We thought we could help." The lie came easily to Shepard. She instantly melded her prepared lie with the new information she received.
Duncan looked the group over. "I see. Where are you from?"
"Mindoir," Shepard answered automatically.
Realizing her mistake, she tried to amend her reply but Duncan interrupted her, "That sounds like a place in Orlais. What brings you here to Ferelden?"
"We go where the jobs are," Shepard replied, shrugging. "Are we allowed to help?"
"You may, but you do not seem to be armed."
"Don't worry about us. We are properly armed."
Duncan looked skeptical, but relented and allowed Shepard to come with him into Ostagar.
As Shepard and Duncan entered the city proper, they were greeted by an enthusiastic blonde man wearing gold armor. "Ho there, Duncan!"
"King Calian! I didn't expect—"
"A royal welcome? I was beginning to worry you'd miss all the fun."
"Not if I can help it, your Majesty," Duncan replied seriously.
"Then I'll have the mighty Duncan at my side in battle after all, glorious." Shepard cocked an eyebrow at the king's behavior. He was far too naïve. Jack scoffed loudly but the king seemed too absorbed in his fantasies to notice. "The other Wardens told me you found a promising recruit. I didn't know you'd brought a small army." The king gave Shepard's group an appraising look.
"Ah, these are not Grey Warden recruits, your Majesty. These are mercenaries from Orlais who were passing through. They wish to help. I was unable to find a proper recruit in my travels."
"I see. Are you their leader?" The king turned to Shepard.
She bowed in return. "I am, your Majesty. My name is Ayn Shepard."
"Pleased to meet you. Your group looks capable enough. You even have a qunari with you, impressive." Calian gestured at Garrus. Shepard glanced back, shooting Garrus a very confused look. "But you don't have any weapons. Unless all of you are mages." He chuckled.
As Shepard was assimilating the information of mages and Garrus being a qunari, Duncan interceded on her behalf, "She assures me that she and her crew are properly armed."
"All right, on behalf of Ferelden, I thank you for offering your help."
"I…I'm honored." She hoped her hesitation would come off as her being overwhelmed by the honor and not overwhelmed by the cheesiness of his statement.
"You are welcome here. I'm sorry to cut this short but I should return to my tent. Loghain waits eagerly to bore me with his strategies."
"Your uncle sends his greetings and reminds you that Redcliffe forces could be here in less than a week," Duncan quietly interrupted.
Calian laughed. "Eamon just wants in on the glory. We've won three battles against these monsters and tonight should be no different."
"Your majesty, I'm not certain the Blight could be ended quite as…quickly as you might wish," Duncan cautioned.
"I'm not even sure this is a true Blight. There are plenty of darkspawn on the field, but alas we see no sign of an archdemon."
"Disappointed, your majesty?"
"I'd hoped for a war like in the tales! A king riding with the fabled Grey Wardens against a tainted god, but I suppose this will have to do." He sighed and Shepard had to glare at Jack to keep her from bursting out into laughter. The king turned back to them. "I must go before Loghain sends out a search party for me. Farewell, Duncan, Ayn."
Shepard followed Duncan's lead as he bowed. Then she turned to Duncan. "Are things really going as well as the king says?"
Duncan gestured for them to continue walking. "It's true that they have won several battles already, but I fear the king may be overconfident. More and more darkspawn arrive with each passing day. Your numbers and skills may even the odds a little. I have a feeling there is an archdemon behind this but I cannot have the king act solely on my feeling alone."
"I understand. Are there other Grey Wardens here to assist you?"
"I've sent word to Orlais to request more Grey Wardens. There is also another in Ostagar along with two other new recruits that have not undergone the Joining." The group reached the bridge that led into the city proper. "I have some Grey Warden business to attend to. If you could, it would help me a great deal if you sought out the other Warden, Alistair, and told him to gather the recruits."
"Sounds easy enough." Shepard nodded to Duncan as he passed by. Then she turned to address her crewmates. "Well, looks like we got in; the easy part's over. I guess there's magic in this place? The king mentioned mages…" Miranda shrugged and that was the only answer Shepard got. So she continued, "We can split up once we get into the city. Remember where we are; try not to do anything too conspicuous." Shepard noticed Tali seemed to be having trouble breathing. "Tali, what's wrong?"
"So…many…smells! Trying to breathe it all in…" Tali managed to choke out in the middle of her deep breaths.
"Tali, breathe normally. You'll smell the same amount. Besides, the more exposed you are to the smell, the faster your body adjusts and eventually blocks it out." This seemed to calm Tali down to some degree. "I know you want to try and experience as much as possible outside of your suit, but try to be careful."
Thane moved next to Tali and placed a steadying hand on her shoulder. "I'll stay with her," he said firmly. "Keep her out of trouble."
"Thanks, Thane. Let's go then."
Tali didn't follow as Shepard led the group across the bridge.
"We should follow Shepard, Tali," Thane urged gently. "Unless you are not well enough."
"No, I think I'm okay. I just want to explore this area first before we go into the city." Tali started back to where they had come from. "Look at these trees! Have you ever felt bark before?" She removed her gauntlets before reaching out and running her fingers along the trunk of the tree, savoring the roughness. This was the first time she had touched anything with her bare hands. She wanted to relish this "out of body" experience as much as possible. Thane watched her flit from one object to another, sympathy in his eyes. She ran from a stone pillar to a tall patch of grass and back again. It seemed clear to him that she simply couldn't get enough of all the sensations she was feeling for the first time.
He quietly followed her as she explored the side of the road and then to the area where one could look out on the mountain ranges near the city. Here Tali paused and simply stared, her mouth hanging open. "This is beautiful. Thane, you have to see this!" She beckoned him over to her. "Keelah se'lai, the wind on my face…it's so cold and refreshing at the same time! Oh, and the smells! Thane, what is this smell?"
"I believe it is the smell of the plant life here among other things."
Tali took another deep breath. "I have to remember this smell. I wish I had your perfect memory."
Thane was quiet for a moment. "I am not sure if I will still recall these memories with perfect clarity when I am a drell again, but if I can, I can recite them for you whenever you wish to revisit your experiences here. If not, I can still share them with you if you ask."
"You…you would?"
"Only if you ask."
"That would be great! Thank you, Thane." Tali blushed.
Thane smiled. "Tali, you're blushing."
"Oh, Keelah se'lai! You can see me blushing! Ah, the one time I need my mask and I don't have it!" Flustered, Tali continued babbling as she put a hand over her face to hide from Thane. She heard Thane laugh and felt him take her hand. His hand was warm and smooth. She squeezed his hand.
"We should regroup with Shepard," he said, gently tugging on her hand. Tali only nodded, keeping her hand over her face and letting Thane lead.