Author's Notes: I can't believe people actually found this and read it. I'm overwhelmed and flattered at the same time. I wrote this for a friend with which I discussed this story arc. He wanted to have Legion turn into a griffin and have Shepard ride him. T_T Anyway, I know that there are parts very hard to swallow, but you can't please everyone. Shall we continue?

Jack practically ran to the kennel master. He'd made it seem like the dog didn't have long to live and though Jack was generally distrustful of people, she didn't think this was the best time to put that personality trait to use. When she arrived, the kennel master was ecstatic.

"This is perfect. I should be able to make an ointment from this flower."

"I saw another one; do you need that one too?"

"No, the one flower should be enough. Thank you so much. After the battle is over, I'll see if I can have this mabari bonded to you. He seems to like you." He then tried to give Jack fifteen silvers for her trouble. She bluntly refused and walked away before he could argue further.

Jack's radio crackled to life. "Jack, EDI tells me you're back. Get to the Grey Warden camp. We have to discuss the upcoming battle."

"On it," Jack sighed.

When Jack reached the camp, only Shepard and the rest of the crew were present. "Where's Alistair and the rest of the Wardens?"

Shepard shrugged. "They said that Daveth and Jory had to complete their Joining, whatever that is. Sounds dangerous though."

"How much longer?"

"Don't know. Should be done soon though." Shepard gave Jack a smile. "Glad you could make it. How did the trip go?"

"Met a crazy two crazy witches, fought a bunch of darkspawn, found the flower, and beat the ass of one of the witches. All in a day's work."

Shepard laughed. "Nice to see you making friends. How's the dog?"

"Kennel master says he'll be fine. Might even try to bond me to it after the battle is over."

"How big is this dog? If you want him, we can try to find space for him on the Normandy."

"Oh, Shepard, he's huge. About yay high. Haven't you seen them around? I passed a group of mercenaries with mabari on the way to the Wilds."

"Those were dogs? Wow, then you're dog's huge! We'll have to talk about this later."

"Not even sure I want him, Shepard. But…thanks for considering," Jack finished with difficulty.

"Any time, Jack," Shepard replied with understanding.

Duncan and Alistar appeared a moment later. They both wore grim expressions. Daveth and Jory weren't with them.

Jack frowned. "Where're Daveth and Jory?"

At first Duncan waited for Alistair to answer but when the young man didn't, he answered. "They…did not survive the Joining."

"What? You fucking killed them?" Jack exclaimed, taking a step forward.

"The Joining is a very dangerous ceremony. Many do not survive," Duncan explained briefly.

Jack leaned back and crossed her arms. "Fuck, that's one hardcore ceremony you've got going there."

"Indeed…But now we must concentrate on the battle ahead. Alistair, the king has requested that you along with Ayn and two of her group light the Tower of Ishal to signal Loghain's forces. The rest of Ayn's company is to join the main force at the front."

"I'd rather be at your side, Duncan," Alistair insisted.

"Alistair, the king himself has requested that you perform this task."

"I…I understand…But if the king asks me to put on a dress and dance the Remigold I'm drawing the line. Darkspawn or no."

"I'd like to see that," Shepard said, casting Alistair a mischievous look.

"Me too," Kasumi added.

"For you two, maybe. But it has to be a pretty dress," Alistair answered.

Duncan sighed and the two woman laughed at Alistair's answer. Sobering, Shepard chose this moment to ask, "How much time do we have to prepare?"

"Several hours at the most."

Nodding, Shepard turned to Miranda and whispered, "Miranda, I want you to take the Kodiak and bring back as much ammo and medi-gel as you can. Bring the heavy weapons as well. I want you, Jacob, and Garrus to each take one. You will be the main leader but Garrus and Jacob will also be the leaders of the ground team. I'll bet the battlefield will get hectic so try to coordinate using your radios. I'll be taking Kasumi and Samara with me."

"Understood, Shepard. Grunt, Jacob, you're with me." Miranda beckoned the two over and began walking out of Ostagar.

"Hold on, Miranda!" Kasumi called, catching up to them. "There are some things I need to put back on the Normandy."

Shepard's head jerked towards Kasumi. "Now wait just one second." Kasumi stopped and looked innocently back at Shepard. "What things?" The commander's eyes narrowed.

"Oh, you know, Shepard. Things that need to be on the Normandy. Like," here Kasumi paused dramatically. "this oh-so-illegal Chant of Light that priestess gave to me." Lying by omission wasn't exactly lying in Kasumi's book.

After a moment more of scrutiny, Shepard relented. "All right, go with Miranda."

Several hours later found Shepard and her crew preparing to part ways. Alistair stood nearby, waiting. He couldn't help but keep glancing over at Garrus and Shepard as they said goodbye. They had their foreheads pressed together and their eyes closed. They seemed to me talking to each other in low tones.

"I wish you'd take me with you," Garrus said. "You need someone to watch your back."

"I need you on the main battlefield, Garrus. And don't worry; I've got Kasumi and Samara with me."

Garrus sighed. "I know, but promise me you'll be careful."

"Aren't I always?"

"This coming from the woman who says she's indestructible and then gets herself killed. Pardon me for not believing you."

Shepard chuckled. "I mean it this time. Good hunting to you." With that, she shifted her position and hugged Garrus as close as their armors' could allow.

When she neared Alistair with Kasumi and Samara, Alistair commented. "Wow, I didn't think qunari even liked humans let alone be in love with one. Good job with that one."

Shepard frowned a little, confused. "Um… thanks. Shall we get going?" She waited for Alistair to take the lead.

"Um…I'd rather follow. You lead."Alistair gestured for Shepard to go ahead of him.

She raised an eyebrow and shrugged, but complied with his request.