DISCLAIMER: Bioware owns Dragon Age. But I'll buy Inquisition on November 18.

Chapter 12: Exile

Vaela, Fenarel, and Merrill returned with the human Grey Warden following closely. Tamlen wasn't found and according to the human, he was already dead. Tamlen and Vaela had been exploring a cave together where they found a mirror. Vaela couldn't remember what had happened next, but Tamlen was gone and the clan's hunters were out searching for him.

Keeper Marethari awaited the party at the entrance of the camp. "Dare I ask of Tamlen?" she inquired.

"The human says we won't find him," Fenarel responded. After a brief pause he added, "Tamlen is dead."

"I… see. Merrill, tell our hunters to watch out for any nearby darkspawn. Vaela, Duncan and I will be discussing your cure in my aravel. Seek us out when we are done, and we'll tell you what we've learned."

Only Fenarel and Vaela remained. "Hey, do you want to talk? About anything that's happened?" Fenarel asked, concerned for his friend.

Vaela didn't initially respond. She wasn't purposely ignoring him, but she was just lost in her own thoughts. What could she have done differently? Why Tamlen and not her? Why didn't she stop him from entering the cave? Touching the mirror?

"Hey!" Fenarel finally caught her attention. "What do you think will happen with your cure? Why is it so secretive?"

Vaela only shrugged. "I don't know Tam-… Fen."

Vaela walked over to hers and Ashalle's aravel. She needed to be told that everything would be all right.

"Ashalle?" she called out.

"Da'len? By the Creators, it's so good to see you well! I was so worried about you!" They embraced but Ashalle could tell that something was wrong. "Da'len…" her voice trailed off when she remembered Tamlen had gone missing. "Did you find-"

"No," Vaela answered, voice breaking.

"Shh." Ashalle whispered, holding on to her adopted daughter. "Everything is going to be okay."

Hours later Keeper Marethari and the Grey Warden Duncan emerged from the Keeper's aravel and called for a meeting with Vaela, who was accompanied by Ashalle.

"Your Keeper and I have spoken," Duncan began, "and we've come to an arrangement that concerns you. My order is in need of help, and you are in need of a cure. It's my hope that you will join me when I leave. The Grey Wardens could use you."

"What? Absolutely not!" Ashalle responded, shocked the Keeper would ever agree to such an arrangement.

"I can't just leave my clan!" Vaela protested.

"And we would not simply send you away, but this is necessary, da'len." Marethari insisted.

Duncan agreed. "The darkspawn taint that runs through your veins will eventually kill you. But, the Grey Wardens have a cure."

"Why couldn't you give her the cure here?" Ashalle demanded to know.

"She must join the Wardens, if she is to have the cure. There is no other way." Duncan calmly responded.

"You're sending me away?" Vaela asked, clearly hurt by the Keeper's proposed solution.

"The Blight is coming and soon there won't be anywhere in this world their taint does not corrupt. Long ago, the Dalish joined the humans and dwarves as Grey Wardens to fight the darkspawn. To be chosen to fight amongst their numbers is an honor," the Keeper explained.

"A few hours ago you said the Blight was a human concern! Why are you doing this to me?!"

"Circumstances have changed, da'len."

"This all I've ever known! This is my home!

Duncan took over again. "A home the darkspawn will destroy. By doing this, you can save yourself and protect your clan."

"I cannot express my sadness at sending one of our own daughters off into such danger, away from the clan that loves her. But if this what the Creators intend for you, da'len, meet your destiny with your head held high. You always be Dalish. Never forget that."

Vaela could feel her heart breaking and the tears welling up in her eyes. "Please," she begged, "do not cast me away…"

"I am sorry, Vaela."

Duncan, frustrated by her resistance, finally interjected. "You leave me no choice. I'm invoking the Right of Conscription."

"And I witness and acknowledge your invocation, Duncan."

"How could you do this?" Ashalle asked.

"Some things are beyond even my power, Ashalle. If I could save Vaela, I would. I'm sorry it's come to this." The Keeper addressed Vaela one last time, "I know you'll do your clan proud, da'len. Take this ring. It's your heritage and will-"

Vaela slapped the Keepers's hand away from her, sending the ring into the dirt, and stormed off towards aravel.

Duncan picked the ring up from the dirt and placed it in his pocket after the elves dispersed. Later, he approached Vaela in her tent, "Excuse me? Vaela? Your clan is preparing a funeral for your friend. We can stay until-"

"No. I'm done with this place. Let's just go."

The Warden and his recruit reached the edge of the forest before they were confronted by Merrill.

"Not even a goodbye?" she asked.

"What are you doing here, Merrill?"

"I wanted to see you, lethallin… You're really leaving?"

"There's nothing I can do, Merrill. The clan wants me gone."

"Can I-"

"No. I'm going alone. And I wouldn't want any of you to come with me anyway." That last line hurt both elves. Vaela regretted it as soon as the last word left her lips. Merrill began to walk back towards the clan.

"Merrill… I love you. And I don't want to do this, but I have to."

"Promise me you'll come back."

"I promise."

A/N: The Dalish origin story. If I had to rank them I'm going Human noble Dalish elf City elf Dwarves Mages. What about you?