P8
"You came all this way just to recruit us? How bad is the darkspawn threat that you would travel a desert to reach us?" Lady Holly felt a little skeptical of Duncan's request. "The darkspawn threat is ever growing. Our numbers have always dwindled to the point where some even see us as legend or myth. If there's ever to be peace, we need all the help that we can get. I had strong standings with the Chantry in seeking your whereabouts. They requested I wait for your return but it wasn't possible. Time is always pressed." Duncan had a very calm demeanor though his words expressed concern for the safety of Ferelden. "If you accept my proposal, you will still be able to carry out your mission. Only, you'd return as much more than a Templar."
"Wait, if you need "all the help you can get" why didn't you recruit other groups before seeking us out?" Her suspicion only grew. "Initiation to become a Grey Warden is too complex and dangerous for most people to handle. It requires a person to drink the blood of a darkspawn. It is not for the faintest of hearts nor is it for the weakest of souls. The blood causes corruption to anyone unfit to become a Grey Warden. I have complete confidence in you and Alistair."
"And suppose we aren't capable of becoming Grey Wardens. What if we failed initiation? What then?" Lady Holly held her arms crossed, feeling quite wary of the impending response. "They you meet fate at my blade. Lady Holly, I would not request you join unless I knew you could handle it. My presence here in this scorching desert should be proof enough." Duncan never lost his fatherly composure. His confidence in the Templar was more apparent in expression than in form of word. "Alistair, what is your opinion of this? Do you want to become a Grey Warden?" Alistair's hazel eyes lacked a glimmer of attention. His mind was already racing and his lips revealed only a steady pause. Finally, a result, "I already went over it with Duncan before you arrived. I never gave him my answer, but I was going to agree." Lady Holly turned her back and paced back and fourth. "Alright, then it would appear we're both going through this together. I accept, Duncan."
"Meet back at the bonfire tonight for initiation. Best to start without so many people hanging around." Duncan trailed off, wandering towards the camp gate. Meanwhile Lady Holly sat on the log with Alistair. Aladdin soon joined. "All three of us: Grey Wardens. Could you believe it?" Alistair said with excitement. Aladdin had a look of concern on his face, however. "I didn't agree to anything. And Duncan has never met me or seen me before. I don't think I would be cut out to become a Grey Warden." Aladdin unsheathed his scimitar, twisting the tip of his curved blade into the tiny sand pile at the base of his feet. "Besides, he never asked and I don't even know what a Grey Warden is. I'm not familiar with your legends." Alistair got off the log and placed a hand on Aladdin's shoulder. "There isn't much I can say without having to throw a book at you. Grey Wardens are powerful warriors who hone the skills to defeat darkspawn relentlessly. They've been protectors of Thedas since ancient times. It's said they once rode into battle on griffins—creatures of even more legend. Their skills, their lore, everything about them makes them a legend. It's a great honor to be counted among them."
"I have seen your combat abilities, Aladdin. I can vouch for you." Lady Holly interrupted Alistair when Aladdin's focus drew out confusion from the abundance of information passed to him. "We'll see."