"Drovana…" The sound of my name was pulling me out of a light sleep. Before I could answer the call though, a warm hand pressed against my mouth to keep me from speaking. My instant reaction was to draw the dagger from my boot and I did so swiftly.

"Shhh, it's okay. It's me." I realized it was Alistair's voice, low and deep against my ear and I could smell him. He smelled like grass and sweat and something sweet. I stopped struggling and gave him a confused glance before he whispered, "Listen, do you hear that?"

In this position, with Alistair holding me against him under the stars it was hard to hear anything besides my beating heart. But then I heard rustling and the low growl of Victor. I sat up and realized Morrigan was crouching low near her tent, her staff at the ready position. There was something coming our way and we all looked north of our camp for whatever it was to show itself. I drew myself away from Alistair and reached for my sword slowly.

"On my cue," I said quietly but loud enough for the others to hear. The rustling turned to stomping, heavy feet on the ground. Whatever was coming was coming faster and it was big. I squinted into the trees and I saw shadows, two of them maybe more. I leapt up, sword ready, "Now!" I called and we all charged forward. Before we reached the tree line, three Darkspawn appeared in our camp, flailing their weapons wildly. The biggest one was running straight for me with a spiked mace in hand. I slide beneath it before it could strike me, jumping up to my feet again on the other side and stabbed it in the back. The creature tried to keep from falling from my blow but I gave it a swift kick and it hit the ground. The others had taken down one of the other Darkspawn but were still trying to fend off the last. I ran toward it, kicking it hard to the ground which allowed Alistair the time to thrust his sword into it, killing the creature instantly.

Morrigan looked at me like it was my fault our camp was attacked, "Is it too much to ask to have them wait until I am awake to attack us? I need my sleep."

"I think they were scouts," Alistair said, ignoring Morrigan and looking at me, "We should go before more show up."

I agreed and we all went back to the fire to pack up. It wasn't daylight yet but I was sure it wasn't far off, "How much farther until we reach the village?" I asked Morrigan, who was strapping a pack to her back along with her staff.

"Well, if we leave now, we should be there by mid-afternoon. This of course depends on whether or not you plan to attract more Darkspawn."

"Yes, that is what I am doing… attracting them. Clearly they can't keep away from my witty jokes and the radiance I give off from not bathing." I rolled my eyes.

Alistair laughed at that, "You are kind of cute when you're dirty. It must be the color of grass stains brings out your eyes." He teased and I tried to hide my smile by scowling at him, "Yeah, you won't be thinking I am very cute when I sick Victor on you." I mumbled, rolling up my sleeping bag. Victor growled in agreement.

"Okay, okay, I surrender." He put up his hands to show he had. Morrigan remained silent, I could only guess what she was holding back.

We reached the small village of Lothering by mid afternoon just as Morrigan had expected. We encountered several bandits on our way into the village but it was easy enough to talk them out of robbing us. They were dimwitted fools and I could tell that the sight of Morrigan was a distraction for them. The apparent leader of the group couldn't stop looking at the way Morrigan's clothes hung off her just enough to see the side of her breasts and the way her slender waist curved slightly. I took the opportunity to persuade his distracted mind into letting us pass. Alistair laughed at how easily men can be distracted by pretty women. Morrigan pretended to take the compliment that Alistair offered, "Oh, well… you think I'm pretty!" She had laughed. Alistair flushed instantly but retorted, "Well of course you are, but trust me… your personality makes me want to run in the other direction."

"Good." Morrigan seemed satisfied with that and led us into the village.

Walking into Lothering, I looked around realizing I wasn't expecting this. As we walked toward the center of the small village, I realized that most of the people crowding the area were refugees, most likely fleeing Darkspawn. There were children with dirty faces running around their parents, asking questions like, "when can we go home?" and "when can we eat?" My heart began to hurt for them. Those that weren't here seeking a safe haven were running around helping people as best they could. I looked at Alistair and could see he was struggling to deal with the sight before us. He caught my eye and shook his head, "These poor people."

I looked ahead again and saw a Templar waving us down, "Excuse me! I hope you don't plan on staying at the inn or the Chantry. It's all full!" I approached the man and explained that we were Grey Wardens, just passing through for supplies. I didn't at expect his reply.

"Grey Wardens! Well, Teryn Loghain has a bounty on the heads of any Wardens. He says you killed the King and caused the the failure of the battle at Ostagar," the Templar said, looking at us wide eyed, shocked that we had even revealed ourselves. Before I could reply, Alistair's angry voice sounded next to me, "What? Loghain is the traitor!" I turned toward him and gave him a look, "Alistair, keep your voice down, please. We can figure this out." But Alistair was livid. I could see it in his posture, his tense muscles and the rage in his voice, "Loghain thinks he can just spread lies like this!? He is going to pay for what he has done!"

The Templar spoke again, his voice lower, "I knew that Loghain wasn't to be trusted. I never believed the Wardens would be so cruel as to kill the King."

I looked at him, pleased to see that he had some sympathy for the situation, "Thank you, ser. Now, if you could tell us where we could get some supplies so we can be on our way…"

"Yes, yes of course. There is an inn just beyond that bridge," He pointed, "They should be able to help you out and for a good price."

I nodded a thank you and guided the others away. I could still feel Alistair stewing though and I was worried for him, what he might do. No one makes good decisions angry and the last thing I needed was a hot headed Alistair causing a stir. Not when there was apparently a bounty on our heads.

It seemed that Lothering was in dire need of help. There were several crews of bandits that had taken up residence outside of town and everyone we came across had asked us if we could help get rid of them. Much to Morrigan's dismay, we helped. Killing people trying to take advantage of the tragic events of Ostagar fueled Alistair and I. The area we cleaned out of scum happened to be a nice area that we could make camp at later. But what we didn't expect, was to come across a Quanari warrior named Sten, caged up like a prisoner. When we had approached the large man, he gave me a look like I was mocking him.

"Why do you stare?" He asked, eyes locked on mine.

"I am wondering how you ended up here." I said honestly. Morrigan mentioned how cruel it was to have someone caged up as bait for Darkspawn and I realized she was right. Everything about him seemed off and yet I felt like we could use him. After some convincing from the Chantry, we released the Quanari warrior and he agreed to assist on our quest even though he seemed confused by our intentions. I decided to send Morrigan and him to set up a small camp for us to use for the night since there was no way we would be traveling overnight.

"Those two make quite a pair," Alistair said watching Morrigan and Sten walk to the outskirts of the village.

I let out a laugh because they did look odd together. Morrigan was so lithe and Sten so bulky and hard. Seeing them walk next to each other emphasized these things about them, "Indeed. I am beginning to think all of us are quite an odd bunch," I looked down at Victor who was digging holes in the ground. That dog was fierce, but the moment he was distracted he was a big dummy. I looked back up at Alistair and he caught my eye, "I suppose it will be nice to not be the only man. I was beginning to feel a little left out," he said, walking ahead of me toward the inn. I followed, teasing, "Oh well, I surely hope you and Sten find many things to bond on, like swords and daggers and all the silly things boys enjoy."

"Boys? I am a man and it's best you respect that!" Alistair faked offense and I laughed, "And besides, I saw the excitement in your eyes when we found that dagger you carry on your back right now. Something tells me that if I wanted to talk weapons, I have the only person I need right here." Alistair's words stopped me in my tracks, "the only person I need," ringing in my head. I blushed and looked at Alistair who must have realized his choice of words as well because he was flushed.

"I mean, you know…" He was saying quickly and stuttering, "about the weapons…hmm, yeah, let's just… go."

We entered the inn to find it packed full and loud. There were several soldiers standing near the bar, clanking their pints and laughing. When they took notice to Alistair and I, they went quiet, as did everyone else in the place. It was as if their entertainment had suddenly arrived.

A bulky, dark haired soldier stepped forward, "Well well, look what we have here… I think today might be our lucky day."

"Loghain's men." Alistair whispered next to me and we exchanged a careful glance.

The soldier's men began to form around their supposed leader who was approaching us. One of them leaned in, "Weren't we informed to keep a look out for a woman matching her description? Everyone in the village said they hadn't seen her." he said, pointing right at me. This isn't going to end well.

"It seems we were lied to." The lead soldier said, annoyance and anger edged his voice.

Alistair took a step forward, about to protest or try and get us out of this situation we had so quickly gotten ourselves into but a young woman in Chantry robes intervened, her beautiful heart shaped face giving her an innocent look, but I could hear the edge in her voice. And she was small but clearly walked with poise and strength, "Gentlemen," She said kindly to the soldiers, her accent familiar but I couldn't keep my focus away from the soldiers. They could pounce at any moment, "These are just some poor souls seeking refuge." The woman was reasoning with them. I wasn't sure if it was because she saw it as her duty to keep the peace for if her intentions lay elsewhere. Either way, I was grateful because I needed to figure a way out of this.

"Out of the way sister," the harsh voice of the soldier spoke, "If you are protecting these traitors then you can expect the same punishment."

"Traitors!?" Alistair shouted, startling me, "It's Teryn Loghain who's the traitor!"

Before I could hush him or smooth things over, I heard the sound of swords being drawn. Well, it looks like we are fighting. I let out a sigh and quickly drew my weapons, Alistair did the same and to my shock so did the woman in Chantry robes.

"Take the Warden alive! Kill the rest!" The soldier yelled and before they could all react, Alistair and I leapt forward, fighting our way through the men. I could barely see the sister but I felt her around me. She was quick and graceful. Her small frame dodging and leaping through the crowd of soldiers, taking them down. The captain surrendered suddenly, when he realized all of his men were dead.

"I surrendor! You've won!" He shouted and the three of us came to a halt.

"Good! We can stop fighting now that you have taught this man a reasonable lesson." The sister said.

"Take a message to Loghain," I said to the soldier, "Tell him that he will pay for what he has done because we are coming for him."

"Yes! Yes of course." The soldier ran out of the inn like a scared child and I turned toward the sister.

"You aren't what I expected." I laughed.

"I suppose I should introduce myself…" The woman smiled, "I am Leliana of the Chantry here in Lothering."

"Pleased to meet you, Leliana. Thank you for trying to help us back there," Alistair said, giving a short bow. I rolled my eyes, he is always trying to be so polite.

"This is Alistair and I am Drovana. We have two others in our party, a mage named Morrigan and you probably know of Sten, considering the Chantry imprisoned him. We have recruited him to help us."

"So you are Grey Wardens! You will be killing darkspawn? I mean, that's what Grey Wardens do…" Leliana was nervous suddenly as she spoke and I started to wonder her intentions after all.

"Yes, that is our plan." I smiled skeptically.

"Then you will need all of the help you can get. That's why I am coming along," She said and it wasn't even a question.

"Uh, are you sure?" Alistair eyed her.

"Of course. The Maker told me to." She said seriously. Both Alistair and I laughed and she looked at us very seriously, our laughter dying away.

"Can you… elaborate?" I asked.

"I know that sounds… insane. But it's true. I had a dream- a vision."

Alistair leaned in toward me, "More crazy? I thought we were all full up." He whispered. I elbowed him and he let out a pained grunt and stood straight again.

"Please, let me help. All of this death and despair, it's not what the Maker wants. At least give me a chance to help," Leliana pleaded and I saw something in her, maybe it was the sadness that I realized hung just behind her eyes or the determination in her voice, either way, I wanted to help her. And if helping her meant her helping us, then there couldn't be harm in that.

"Very well." I said, "I suppose it would be silly to turn away someone who wants to help."

"Uh…" Alistair let out next to me, "Are you-"

"Yes." I interjected. I got the feeling he was going to be asking me that a lot on this strange, suicidal journey.

"Thank you!" Leliana said "I will not let you down!"

We bought up most of what we could from a man in the inn, food, poultices, flasks, herbs, anything that was easy to carry and would be of use. By the time we walked out of the inn it was getting dark. Morrigan, Alistair, and I had agreed earlier that we shouldn't leave Lothering at night because we weren't sure what would be on the roads once darkness hit. So Leliana, Alistair, and I headed for the outskirts of the village, looking for the place where Morrigan and Sten had hopefully set up some sort of camp for the night. When we approached, there were several bodies laying nearby and my heart clenched up. I was terrified suddenly that Morrigan or Sten were just going to start killing people at will and that every trust I placed in them would be gone.

"These men," Morrigan waved her hand about, indicating the bodies, "Had come for your head to collect on your bounty."

My heart sank. These refugees risked their lives, probably for money they desperately needed… because of me. And now they were dead. No money. No hope. Just dead. I walked toward the fire and around it, away from my group without speaking. I vaguely heard Leliana introduce herself to Morrigan and Sten but I was so focused on trying not to cry, I couldn't hear Morrigan protest our new addition. I fell to my knees and sat there, trying to think my way through everything happening in my head. I couldn't stop seeing the faces of my mother and father. I wanted them here so badly that there was a never-ending ache inside of me, one that turned into a sharp pain when I focused my thoughts on them.

"Are you okay?" Alistair was suddenly next to me and he sank to the ground, crossing his legs.

Everything inside me came out in one long sentence and I couldn't stop myself. All the feelings I had been holding back just burst out of me, I could feel the tears streaming down my face the moment I spoke, "I miss my family and my life and those men over there are dead because of me because of the money they needed to survive and everything just hurts so much and Loghain is destroying any chance we might have at defeating the darkspawn and there is this weight on my shoulders that gets heavier with every step I take-"

My words were cut off by Alistair's embrace and soft words, "Hey, it's okay. It's going to be okay."

I could feel my tears wetting his tunic and I said softly into his chest, "You don't know that."

Alistair pulled away and looked into my eyes, his hands gripping my shoulders, "Okay, so I don't know that. But we can hope, can't we? Look at these people with us," He said, waving a hand toward Morrigan, Sten, and Leliana who were organizing our packs. Victor had shown up at my side. "These people, whether they will say it or not, they believe in you. I believe in you. I believe in us… in our abilities and our strengths. I know that things seem bleak and that I haven't been completely mentally present but we can do this. And if it turns out that we can't, then we sure as hell won't be going out without a fight."

I smiled at his words, "Duncan would be proud of you."

"And your family would be proud of you."

I let out a heavy sigh and looked at the fire, feeling all of those pent up thoughts release helped relieve at least some of the ache. I looked at Alistair, who was still looking at me with a concerned look in his eyes. I looked at the slightly damp spot on his shirt, "Sorry… for crying on you."

"Don't apologize, that's why I am here. Shoulder to cry on, verbal punching bag for Morrigan, token whiner… just keeping to my role."

I offered an amused grin but didn't respond, it felt good to just let go like that for a moment. I looked back at the fire. I could see the shapes of the rest of my companions, preparing themselves for our long journey tomorrow. Alistair was right, these people had hope. Even if they won't say it, even if Morrigan refuses to believe in anything and Sten stays cold as a stone, they wouldn't be here if they didn't have to be or want to be. That was hope.

Alistair spoke again, startling me out of my head, "Tell me about your family."

Just thinking about where to begin gave me that sharp pain inside me again but I realized I wanted to talk about them. I wanted to be able to share my memories of them. So I did. I talked about Fergus and how him and I would tell stories to each other about creatures we didn't think actually existed. How I would hide behind doors just to scare him when he came into a room. I told Alistair about my mother, who was strong and who taught me the best place to hide a dagger under my dresses. I told him about my father and how when I was 8, he taught me to wield a sword and how his guards would teach me tips and tricks like how to look for a person's weak spot.

"One time, my father walked in on my mother strapping a dagger to the inside of my shoe and my father laughed and laughed and said that I would never have to worry about unwanted attention from men, that he wouldn't have to worry about me because I could obviously take care of myself. And he was right. This nobleman who was visiting my father once when I was about 16 or 17, cornered me in the back of the dining hall when no one was looking. He tried to lift up my skirts but I pulled my dagger out so fast, the man practically pissed himself."

Alistair let out a booming laugh before nudging me and saying, "You're pretty incredible, you know that?"

"You obviously haven't been around a lot of women." I half teased. I never really thought about myself as incredible but either way, it was a nice compliment and it made blush.

"I can't tell if that's an insult to you or me…" Alistair said thoughtfully, "But either way, I stand by my words. Remind me never to cross you."

There was a moment of pause between us before I finally said, "Well, I suppose we should try and get some sleep."

"Yes, yes we should. Goodnight, Drovana." Alistair stood up and started to walk away but I called out to him. He turned and looked down at me and I looked up at him, "Thank you, Alistair, for-"

"No need, it was my pleasure." He said quickly with a short nod of his head and walked away.

Between the huge mess of emotions and thoughts in my head, the plans, the imminent death we were all facing, and this huge task that just seemed too big… there was one clear thought that stood out face first in front of everything, warning me, "Don't fall for Alistair."