"I'm on the front line
Don't worry I'll be fine
the story is just beginning
I say goodbye to my weakness
so long to the regret
and now I see the world through diamond eyes"
Thackery sat outside of Morrigan's mother's hut, biting his nails and twirling the ends of his hair. Argo sat at his feet and whined whenever he looked up at his master.
"Your friends will recover, Warden." The old woman said.
Thackery looked up, "I know. It's just...we've already been through so much." he said.
"Such is the path to that which builds strong people."
"And Alistair?" Eshne piped up, looking over at the Templar, who was sitting and staring out into the Wilds.
"Of him…" The old woman began, "Perhaps there are things beyond our comprehension. Death is a loss, yes. But there are worse things to mourn. It is the grief that gives one character."
Eshne wasn't quite sure what to make of the old woman's words. She didn't have much time to contemplate before the door to the hut opened.
Melia's snowy hair shone brightly despite the dim light. Thackery stood up and ran over to her, causing Alistair to break his gaze and look over to the door. His expression changed instantly.
"You're alive." He said, voice slightly breaking, "Thank the Maker…"
"Stop doing this to me." Thackery whispered to Melia.
Melia nodded, "You think I would let a few darkspawn get the best of me?" She said wryly.
Eshne ran to her, trying not to hurt her when they embraced.
"I thought you were dead." Eshne said.
"I am just fine, lethallan." Melia said, "I owe my thanks to Morrigan's mother. And to Nani." She looked up at Alistair, "Morrigan told me what happened..."
Alistair looked down, "Melia...they're all dead. All of them. Duncan. The King...if it wasn't for Morrigan's mother. We would have been dead too."
"Do not speak of me as if I am not here, lad." The old woman said.
"I...I didn't mean," Alistair stuttered, "What am I supposed to say? You never gave us your name…"
"Names are pretty but useless. The Chasind call me Flemeth." She said.
"Flemeth," Alistair raised his brow, "The Flemeth? From the legends? Daveth was right…"
"And what does that mean? I know a bit of magic, and it has served you well, has it not?" Flemeth said.
Nennet came from out of the hut, Nani following behind and no longer with bandages over her ears.
"Why did you save us?" Nennet asked, crossing her arms.
"We can't have all Grey Wardens dead, who will unite the lands against a Blight if not you? Is it not your duty, or did that change when I wasn't looking?" Flemeth raised her brow.
"The land is hardly united, thanks to Loghain." Nennet said.
"Why would he do something like this?" Eshne asked, "I thought he loved Cailan."
"That, my dear, is a good question," Flemeth said, "Men's hearts hold shadows darker than any tainted creature. Perhaps he thinks the Blight is an army he can outmaneuver. Perhaps he does not see the true evil behind this is the true threat."
Alistair sighed, "The archdemon…"
"We need to do something." Melia said.
"What can we do? Most Grey Wardens are dead thanks to Loghain." Alistair said, "The man thinks the darkspawn are a minor threat. We should warn people this isn't the case."
"Who will believe you?" Flemeth asked, "Unless you seek to convince Loghain of his mistake?"
"The man just betrayed his own King!" Alistair said, "If Arl Eamon knew what he did...he'd be the first to call for his execution!"
"Perhaps we can appeal to him?" Nicolai suggested, coming from his spot by a small fire.
"I suppose…" Alistair said, "He wasn't at Ostagar so he still has all his men. And he was Cailan's uncle. I know him, he's a good man, respected in the Landsmeet. Yes! Of course! We can go to Redcliffe and ask him for help!"
"I think that is an excellent plan." Melia said, making Thackery raised his brow.
Flemeth chuckled, "Such determination. How intriguing."
"I still don't know if his help would be enough," Alistair sighed, "His army can't defeat the horde by itself."
"Surely the Grey Wardens have other allies." Nicolai said.
"The treaties!" Alistair said, "The Grey Wardens can demand aid from dwarves, elves, mages, and other places! They're obligated to help us during a Blight!"
"Dwarves, elves, mages," Flemeth seemed amused, "And this Arl Eamon. it sounds like an army to me."
"Can we do this?" Alistair asked Melia, "Build an army…"
"I do not see why we can't. It is what Grey Wardens do." Melia shrugged.
"So you are ready to be Grey Wardens then?" Flemeth asked.
"Yes," Melia walked up to her, "Thank you, Flemeth. For everything."
"Do not thank me yet, child," Flemeth chuckled, "There is still one more thing I can offer you."
Morrigan walked outside, "The stew is bubbling, mother dear. Shall we have guests for the eve, or none?"
"The Grey Wardens will be leaving shortly, girl. And you will go with them." Flemeth said.
"Such a sh…" Morrigan glared at her mother, "What?"
"Oh, you heard me, girl. You have ears." Flemeth laughed.
"Thank you, Flemeth," Nennet began, "But if Morrigan does not wish to go with us…"
"Have I no say?" Morrigan stood in disbelief.
Flemeth waved her off, "You have been itching to get out of the Wilds for some time now. Here is your opportunity. And as for you, Wardens, consider this repayment for your lives."
"Very well then." Melia sighed. Eshne stood next to her grinning from ear to ear.
"Not to look a gift horse in the mouth," Alistair started, "But outside of the Wilds she's an apostate."
"If you do not wish to have help from us illegal mages, young man. I should have left you up in that tower." Flemeth said.
"Point taken."
"Mother," Morrigan said, "This isn't how I wanted this. I'm not even ready…"
"You must be ready. Alone, these three must unite Ferelden against the darkspawn. They need you, Morrigan. Without you, they will surely fail, and all will perish under the Blight. Even I."
"I understand…" Morrigan sighed.
"And you, Wardens. Understand I give you that which I value above all in this world. I do this because you must succeed." Flemeth said.
"I understand." Melia said.
"Allow me to get my things, if you please." Morrigan rolled her eyes.
She left for only a few moments, coming out with her pack and supplies.
"I am at your disposal, Grey Wardens. I suggest a village just north of here. 'Tis not far and you will find supplies there." Morrigan suggested, "Or, if you prefer, I will be your silent guide."
"We prefer you speak your mind." Eshne said, slightly taken with Morrigan.
Flemeth laughed, "You will regret saying that."
"Dear, sweet mother, you are kind to cast me out like this. I shall remember this fondly." Morrigan glared.
"Well I've always said, if you want something, do it yourself, or hear about it for a decade or two afterwards." Flemeth said.
"Are we really taking her along?" Alistair asked.
"We need help, Alistair." Melia said quietly.
"I guess you're right." He sighed, "The Grey Wardens have always taken allies where they could find them."
"I am so pleased I have your approval." Morrigan said sarcastically.
"We need to get going." Nennet told Melia, who nodded in agreement.
"Farewell, mother," Morrigan said her goodbyes, "Do not forget the stew on the fire. I shall hate to return to a burned down hut."
"'Tis far more likely you will return to see this entire area, along with my hut, swallowed by the Blight." Flemeth scoffed.
"I...all I meant was."
"Yes, I know what you meant, girl," Flemeth said, "Do try to have fun, dear."
Melia walked ahead of the group. Her fingers traced over her necklace, as if it gave her a small comfort. Her hand reached down to pet Larka.
She sighed, thinking to herself that only just a week ago she had been helping Ashalle skin rabbits, her son trying to hold himself up. Then her escaping to the forest later that night to meet Tamlen by the river.
Melia wiped a few tears away. She remembered those few nights where they would sit and talk for hours, their hands all over each other. She wanted nothing more than to be back under the canopy, naked in the lush grass, fingers exploring every inch of each other…
She shook her head, knowing that bringing back the past wasn't going to do them any good. She gave a quick glance behind her.
Poor Morrigan was the unfortunate victim of Eshne's incessant questioning. It made Melia smile to think at least one of them remained cheerful.
Alistair, on the other hand, looked absolutely miserable. He kept his gaze to the ground, every once in awhile giving a heavy sigh and looking out at the slowly receding Wilds.
Melia shuddered, thinking that if he caught her staring back at him then she would be horribly embarrassed. Not that she meant anything by it.
"You're thinking too loud." Thackery whispered to her.
"Fenedhis, Thackery." Melia sighed, turning back to the road.
When they heard rustling in the nearby bushes, the two froze in place. Larka and Argo began to bark at the treeline. Thackery was ready to send Argo out to investigate.
"Mel?" Eshne looked over, much to Morrigan's relief.
Melia slowly reached for her daggers. The rustling quickened, and in a flash there was a large brown blur that had raced past Melia and pounced upon Nicolai.
The frightening moment soon passed, and Eshne began laughing, holding her stomach and slightly wheezing. Nani soon joined in her mirth.
Nicolai felt an onslaught of dog kisses as the mabari hound barked happily and licked at his face.
"Hello, Princess!" Nicolai laughed.
The mabari barked in the direction where the group was heading, growling and pawing at the ground. Nicolai looked to see what the dog was upset about, seeing that a group of darkspawn had strayed from the horde, and they were heading right for the wardens.
He took out his daggers, standing his ground. The lead hurlock ran it's finger over it's throat, pointing at the group.
Eshne, Nani, and Morrigan stayed back, blasting the group of darkspawn with primal spells while the others charged for them.
As Melia fought off a genlock, the mabari hound had tackled a hurlock that was heading right for Nicolai. Nennet and Alistair cut down the rest of the darkspawn, carefully avoiding the spells that the mages had been casting.
After the battle was over, the dog ran up to Nicolai, barking and wagging her almost non-existent tail.
Nicolai gave a small chuckle, petting it's large head.
"Hello," He said, scratching behind its ears, he looked at Thackery, "I think he is the one the Kennel Master had been healing."
"Look at him!" Eshne squealed, she went over to the hound and rubbed her belly, "Big strong pup, you escaped all those darkspawn? What a good girl!"
"He must have imprinted on you," Alistair said, "Mabari are like that."
"Ugh," Morrigan scoffed, "Are we really taking this mangy thing with us?"
"He's not mangy." Alistair gave a slight smirk, watching Eshne wrestle with the dog.
"She's going to need a name." Eshne told Nicolai, "You're her babae now."
The dog went to Nicolai, putting it's head under his hand.
"I suppose she does need one," He scratched under the dogs chin, "What sort of name would fit such a queenly beast?" He asked the hound.
"Barkspawn." Eshne said, earning a laugh from Alistair.
The dog snorted.
"What a ridiculous name." Nani cackled, "I love it."
Nicolai shook his head, "I think I rather like Henley."
"After the dog that Valendrian had those years back?" Nennet seemed amused.
"It's a good name, right Princess?" Nicolai smiled, earning a kiss from Henley.
Eshne grumbled, "I'm still going to call her Barkspawn."
The party reached Lothering in the late afternoon. They had been walking for hours, and were tired and hungry.
Upon coming closer to the village, they came upon a group of men who were blocking the path.
"Wake up, gentlemen!" The leader said, "More travelers to attend to. Led by an elf, of all things…"
Melia and Nennet exchanged quick glances.
One of the other men whispered, "I think we should let these one's go. They don't much look like the others."
"Nonsense!" The leader said, "Greetings!" He held out his arms.
"They look like highwaymen." Alistair said quietly.
"They are fools to get in our way," Morrigan glared, "We should teach them a lesson."
"I agree." Nani readied her staff.
The leader tsked, "Is that any way to greet someone? Just a simple ten silvers and you can all pass."
Nennet stopped Eshne from reaching into her satchel, she looked up at the men, who stood a good head taller than she.
"You really should listen to your friend." She said.
"What did I say?" The bandit looked at the leader, "No wagons...and they're armed."
"The toll applies to everyone, Hanric. That's why it's a tool, and not, say, a refugee tax." the leader said, "But I'll lower it to five silvers if I can get a few moments alone with your pretty little redhead."
Before he could take another step, Nennet had clamped her hand around his throat, her nails dug into his flesh.
"Think very carefully about your next few words." She tightened her grip, "I have no patience for mercy today, shem."
His friends started to draw their weapons, but Nani shot a bolt of lightning across their feet, shaking her forefinger back and forth.
"W-We were just trying to get by," The leader said, "Before the darkspawn come!"
"Get by?" Nennet's eyes flashed, "By preying on the innocent, those who have lost loved ones? Stealing their belongings so they are left with nothing?" She yelled, squeezing tighter around his neck.
"I'm sorry." He choked out.
"Sorry is not going to save you." Nennet said, "You will hand over everything you have stolen."
"Do what she says!" The leader gasped.
The bandits worked quickly to unload the stolen supplies. Nennet threw their leader to the ground.
"Now get out of here. If I ever see you again, you will find my blade thrust into your eye socket." She gritted her teeth.
"Bless you." The leader scrambled to his feet, "The darkspawn can take this place."
The bandits quickly scurried away.
"Were you really going to kill him, Nen?" Eshne asked.
Nennet thought for a moment, "Absolutely. And I will do the same to any other person who thinks they can rob people when they are already destitute…" She walked on, but quickly stopped turned back to Eshne, "The next man who thinks you are a whore, I will gut him, hang him upside down, and leave them for the crows." She turned back and moved forward.
Eshne put her hands to her chest, "Oh dear."
"I think our travels are going to be much more entertaining than I previously expected." Morrigan smiled.
Eshne kept behind Melia, not wanting to incur more of Nenent's wrath. To the side, she saw a body of a man dressed in templar armor. She bent down and picked up a note he had clutched in his hand before he died.
"You poor man…" She whispered, looking at the note, "Oh my." She caught up to the rest of the group, hearing Alistair and Morrigan arguing.
"Is it so hard to understand my being upset?" Alistair asked, "Have you never lost someone important to you? What would you do if your mother died?"
"Before or after I stopped laughing?" Morrigan grinned.
Alistair shook his head in disbelief, "Right, very creepy. Forget I even asked."
"Morrigan is right," Melia said, "You have been very quiet."
"I was just thinking." He sighed.
"No wonder it took so long." Morrigan rolled her eyes. Thackery snickered.
Alistair looked at her, "Is this the part where we discover you've never had a friend your entire life?" He sighed, "Anyway, I thought we should talk about where we intend to go first."
"Do you have a suggestion?" Nicolai asked, scratching Henley's head.
"This is going to be good." Morrigan raised her brow and crossed her arms.
Alistair ignored her, "I think Flemeth suggested the best idea. Have you looked at the treaties?"
"Not yet, no." Melia said.
"The treaties are signed by three main groups, Dalish elves, dwarves of Orzammar, and the Circle of Magi. I also still think if we go to Arl Eamon first, he can give us an advantage."
"Oh, we have to go to the Circle." Eshne sucked air through her teeth, "I left it on a bad note, sort of. Point is, it's a very sore subject."
"I agree, let's not." Nani added.
"I thought you had friends there?" Melia said.
"When I say friends, I suppose I mean Templars who may or may not think we helped a maleficar," Eshne shrugged, "Personally I think they all had sticks up their arses because I passed my Harrowing."
"Or it's because you told Hadley you'd suck him off if they let you pass and you haven't fulfilled the promise."
"I didn't think he was so serious about it." Eshne sighed.
Melia sighed, "Regardless, we need to go. And as for the Dalish, my clan has already gone north. It will be difficult to find the nearest clan."
"We can wait for that at least." Thackery said quickly.
Melia sighed again, "This is what we will do. We can find supplies in Lothering, we are going to be on the road a while so I suggest you all make sure you have bedrolls and tents if you like. We will need food, and more importantly information. We do not know what Loghain might have said about us, so it is best to keep quiet about being Wardens. Understand? We would do well to change into our old armor before we enter the village."
Everyone nodded, following Melia's advice.
"Now that's settled." Melia said, "I think the best thing at the moment is stay together. There are a lot of refugees here, best not to get caught up in the madness." She paused, "And you three," She pointed to Nani, Eshne, and Morrigan, "You are not mages."
"Mages?" Eshne scoffed, "This is my walking stick. Bum leg, you see?" She pointed to her left leg, "I got drunk and walked into a bear trap. Silly thing to do, now I can't run for the life of me."
"I lost my foot in a game of Wicked Grace." Nani said.
"It scares me how quickly you two thought that up." Alistair said.
They all looked at Morrigan, who had been frowning.
She sighed, "This is the stick I use to beat small children with," She furrowed her brow, "But if anyone asks, I'm telling the truth."
"Is there's a tavern can we go to?" Eshne asked, "I've never been in one."
Nani's eyes widened, "I would like to drink what they call alcohol."
Nennet closed her eyes and sighed, "Fine. Let us just try and at least get into the village for starters."
They made their way further before Eshne caught up to Melia.
"You should look at this." She handed Melia the Templar's note.
Melia stopped to read it, "This is the Arl that Alistair was talking about."
"I know," Eshne sighed, "I think it might be best that we go to Redcliffe first. Who knows what's going on there?"
Melia thought for a moment, "Perhaps. I thought we might have gone to the Dalish first, but if the Arl is deathly ill them it would be best to speak to him before anything else happens. "
"Should we tell Alistair?" Eshne whispered.
"Go ahead. He seems to know the man." Melia said, "I will go ahead and ask around for supplies, I have a feeling it will be scarce enough as it is."
Eshne hung back to speak to Alistair about the Templars note. Morrigan made a smart comment about Alistair no longer having useful information but he just ignored it.
"Does Melia know?" He asked.
"Yes. She said after we gather supplies we'll make the journey to Redcliffe."
"Good…" Alistair said, scratching his head.
Morrigan scoffed, "Is this too much information at once? Do you need to lie down?"
Before Alistair could make a smart comment, Larka barked and leaped forward to go find Melia.
"Even the animals can't stand you two." Eshne laughed.
The group walked into Lothering, they found Melia talking to a small child. She had squat down to his level and was trying to stop him from crying.
"Where is your father, young man?" She asked.
"I don't know. He went out with my brother, but he never came back." He said weakly.
It looked to Thackery that Melia was starting to tear up. He went over to her to try and get her away.
Melia sighed, "Tell you what. Since you have been such a brave young man, I will give you this silver, go get something to eat. I know I want my son to have a full belly." She smiled.
"Wow," The boys eyes widened when he saw the coin, "Thank you, miss." He hesitated, "Are you an elf?"
Melia laughed, "Did my ears give me away?" She asked playfully.
The little boy laughed, "My father said elves aren't very nice. But you're a very kind lady."
"Thank you very much," Melia smiled, "Now go get something to eat."
She got to her feet, watching the little boy running towards the Chantry. She stopped in her tracks when she saw the group looking at her.
"What?" She asked.
"Softie." Eshne cackled.
Melia scoffed, "Let us just go to the Tavern, you like those do you not?"
"I'm not sure yet." Eshne sighed, "I've always heard about them. I think it'll be fun. Right, Nani?"
"I'm going to go up to the biggest man there and demand him to fight me." Nani said.
Eshne and Nani stood in the doorway to the Tavern, watching a man get thrown across the room. Melia just pursed her lips and looked at Eshne.
"I want to fight him." Nani said, eyes wide.
"I was right," Eshne smiled, "I love it." She held her hands together.
"This is insane." Nicolai said behind them, "We should go back."
"Well, well, well."
The group looked ahead, seeing a few soldiers coming towards them.
"Didn't we just ask around if anyone had seen an elf by this description?" The lead soldier asked, flicking a strand of Melia's hair. Eshne held her back from biting the man.
"It seems we were lied to." Another soldier said.
"You must be mistaken," Nennet stepped forward, "We're nobody." She said through her teeth.
"I think not." The soldier said.
A tall redheaded woman came over, she was dressed in Chantry robes and walked with a cool grace.
"Gentlemen," She said, "Surely they are just weary travelers trying to get away from the darkspawn like the rest of us."
"Stay out of this, Sister," The soldier said, "We're under order from Loghain to bring in any Grey Wardens."
"Sounds like you want to fight." Nennet glared up at him, moving Melia to the side, "I would be very happy to oblige, I haven't stabbed anyone in the eyes today."
"Please," The Sister said, "We must not react violently."
"Out of the way, Sister," The soldier warned, his hand moving to his scabbard, "Unless you want to join them."
Alistair stepped forward, "Are you really going to threaten a Chantry Sister?"
Eshne's eyes widened, her eyes starting to glow orange and red from preparing a fire spell. Argo lowered himself and uttered a deep growl. One of the soldiers took a step towards Melia and Argo pounced on him, taking the man's arm into his large mouth, ripping violently.
The lead soldier punched Melia square in the nose, Melia reeled back. Blood poured from her nostrils and she looked up and saw Alistair bashing the soldier with his shield. The Chantry Sister fought off another one of the soldiers with a dagger she had hidden in her robes. Eshne and Nani were sending out blasts of lightning and fire.
Melia took out her daggers, her pupils dilating. Before Alistair could bash his shield into the leader, Melia had pounced upon him. She bit into his neck and he fell with a thud. The man screamed, throwing Melia off of him, but not before she ripped out a chunk of his skin.
He held his neck with his hand, his face pale.
"Knife-eared bitch." He spat, "Enough!" He called to his men.
Alistair stopped Melia from attacking again. They all stopped fighting.
"Good," The Sister said, "We can end this civilly."
"He tried to kill us." Nennet cried, "What is to stop him from trying again?"
"Nennet," Eshne said, "As much as I thoroughly enjoy kicking the ass of men twice my size. We need to save our energy for a real threat. These men are nothing. Let them return to their false tyrant."
Melia stepped forward, holding the tip of her dagger out to the man she bit. Blood trickling from her lips, "Get out," She said, her teeth red, "But you tell Loghain this. He will have to do better next time."
"I'll tell him. Right away." The soldier said.
He and his comrades slunk away with their tails between their legs. The Sister looked to Melia.
"It was good of you to show mercy." She said.
Melia just grunted, Thackery came over to her to help her bleeding nose.
"You're not so bad yourself. Where does a Chantry Sister learn to fight like that?" Nennet asked.
"I wasn't born in a Chantry you know." She said, "Many of us had...colorful lives before we joined." She stopped, "Please let me introduce myself. I am Leliana. I was one of the sisters in the Lothering Chantry."
"Was?" Nennet asked.
"I see that you need all the help you can get. That is why I'm coming along."
"Yes." Eshne said excitedly.
Nennet ignored Eshne, "Wait, wait, wait. Why would you ever want to help us?"
"The Maker told me."
Eshne stopped begging Nennet to let Leliana join. She opened her mouth to speak, but wasn't sure what to say. Melia and Thackery stopped fussing over each other's wounds and looked up. Eshne saw Melia's confused face and whispered to her that the Andrastians call their major deity the Maker, Andraste was his spiritual wife.
"What?" Melia asked.
"C-Can you just. Elaborate maybe?" Nennet said.
"I know it sounds crazy," Leliana said, "But it's true! I had a dream-a vision."
"And here I thought we were all full up on crazy." Alistair laughed.
"Look at the people here," Leliana said, "The Maker does not want his people to live in despair, running for their lives in this chaos...this darkness. What you do, what you are meant to do is the will of the Maker. Let me help."
Nennet thought for a moment, "Right now I think we need more than just prayer."
"I can fight, as you saw," Leliana said quickly, "As I said, I was not always a Sister. Please let me help you."
Nennet felt Eshne nudging her, she sighed.
"Very well. If help is offered, who am I to refuse?"
Everyone looked incredulously at Nennet.
Leliana took Melia's hands, "Thank you. I will not let you down."
She walked out with the rest of the group. Eshne found herself between Leliana and Morrigan with a large grin on her face.
"We're going to need to recruit someone ugly soon, other wise I'll want to have sex with the whole group." She sighed.
Melia and Alistair turned around, both looking at Eshne. Nenent raised her brow consideringly. Thackery and Nani laughed when she saw Nicolai blush. Morrigan crossed her arms and scoffed, while Leliana tried to avoid eye contact.
"What?" Eshne shrugged, "Just. Keep walking in front of me, Melly."
"Oh dear Maker." Alistair said, starting to blush.
"Ma ghilana mir din'an." Melia turned around, shaking her head.
The group spent most of their afternoon in Lothering. Leliana took it upon herself to buy supplies from a merchant, as Nani had been close to ripping his head off. Alistair suggested going into the Chantry for information, but Nicolai and Melia were reluctant. In the end, they went inside. nennet had talked to Ser Bryant about the bandits, while Eshne talked to a few templars about her 'bloody bum leg' and that Henley was her service mabari.
Alistair stumbled upon a man from Redcliffe who was looking for Andraste's Ashes to help cure the Arl. He pulled Melia over to the side.
"If I didn't think going to Redcliffe first was a good idea, I definitely do now." He said.
"What do you mean?" Melia asked.
"The Arls Knights are looking for Andraste's Ashes."
"The woman who is the concubine of your Maker?"
"Wife," Alistair corrected, "But anyway. I think this means they've grown desperate. They're going to try and get to the Ashes because they're said to cure any illness."
"Humans are strange." Melia said, "But if this is the case then we should get the others and leave now."
"I agree...with both statements." Alistair gave a joking smirk.
They turned to look out into the Chantry, not seeing either of their party members.
"Well this isn't good." Alistair said.
"Fenedhis, Eshne. She even has the wolves." Melia sighed, "Let us go look for them."
Melia and Alistair went out into the village, not seeing where the others had gone to. They checked over by a few merchant stalls and in a few smaller alleyways, then back over by another few camps of refugees. They crossed the bridge that led back over to the tavern and into another small refugee camp where Melia had given a few health potions.
"Don't they hurt?" Alistair asked her.
"What?"
"Your feet. All you have are those," He pointed to her leather barefoot sandals, "It can't be good to walk with no soles."
Melia had never thought about it, "Not really. I have been wearing them since I was a child. Running through the forest with shoes can be a hinderance."
"I find they protect your feet from getting stabbed." Alistair pointed out.
"Then do not let your enemy get to your feet, unless they are falling over dead."
"I'll have to write that in my combat notes then." Alistair laughed, "But you really don't feel anything?"
"I feel the cold, which is why I have wraps."
"Right, because it'll keep out the frostbite."
"If you make nice ones made from bear fur, yes." Melia said matter-o-factly, "Most of the older clan members wear them year-round."
"And the others?"
"Well it depends on the occasion," Melia said, "When it snows, fur wraps. Hunting is usually done barefoot, no adornments, it keeps the steps light. When one is walking around camp, or just exploring, you can wear whatever suits you. With these," She looked down to her feet, "It is usually for a special occasion, or if you are courting." Her throat went dry, "Or was."
"I see…" Alistair said, seeing Melia grow increasingly upset as she spoke. He tried to steer the conversation, "So what are the odds that Morrigan kills me in my sleep later?"
"I do not think your chances are very good, especially since you asked about her mother."
"Excellent," Alistair said nervously, "Maybe she'll just slowly poison me, I feel like she would enjoy that more."
"Am I going to have to test your food before you eat?" Melia asked, a slight smile crossing her face.
"As much as I appreciate the offer," Alistair laughed, "I think maybe I should take my own chances. I'd hate for the only sane person here to be killed by some deathroot in her cheese."
"Eshne?"
"Yes...wait. No." Alistair started.
"No," Melia pointed, "Eshne."
Eshne was over by a cage just outside of town and talking to a large man inside of it. Leliana and Morrigan were behind her, seemingly making comments of their own. Nennet was whispering something to Nicolai and Thackery. Argo and Larka just sat and listened.
Melia was seething when she and Alistair met up with the others.
"Mel, look!" Eshne said excitedly, "Qunari!"
"Wonderful, the talking carrot brought more to gawk." The Qunari said.
Eshne laughed, "I told him my name but that's just what he went with." She looked at Mel, who was near murder.
"Oh." Eshne slunk back behind Leliana.
"We are going to have a chat later." Melia said, her arms crossed.
"But, Melia," Eshne said, hiding now under Leliana's arm, "They just left him in the cage, for the darkspawn."
Melia looked up at the Qunari, who seemingly had a permanent scowl stitched to his dark face.
"What is your name, Qunari?" Melia asked.
The Qunari furrowed his brow, "I am Sten of the Beresaad. A vanguard of my people."
"The revered mother said he slaughtered an entire family. Even the children." Leliana said.
"It is as she says." Sten admitted.
Melia was silent for a long while, then looked over at Eshne, who was now hiding behind Morrigan. Before she said anything, Alistair nudged her.
"Not to put a point on it, but Qunari are very famous warriors." He said, "We could use him."
"And it seems so cruel to leave him to the darkspawn." Leliana added.
Melia looked back up at the Qunari, "I am sure the talking carrot told you we are Grey Wardens. And I find myself in need of skilled help."
The Qunari thought for a long while before saying, "Perhaps if you explain to the Revered Mother that the Grey Wardens need my help, she would be more inclined to let go of the key."
"Eshne." Melia said.
"Yes?" Eshne asked now from behind Nani, wary of Melia.
"Since you seem so keen on going about every which way as you please, you will be the one to ask the Revered Mother for the key to our friends cage." Melia said.
Eshne sucked the air between her teeth, "Oh, Mel. You see, I would love to. But. I have a thing about Chantrys…"
"Well Alistair is with us, and he is sort of a Templar," Melia pointed out, "We will go with you, but I think you should really take the lead with this one."
Eshne sighed, "Foot in mouth." She muttered to herself, moving out from behind Nani to lead the party back to the Chantry.
The group walked back in an awkward silence, Eshne ahead of them groaning and whining to herself about the injustices of it all.
When they entered the Chantry, Eshne and Nani began to limp, using their staves as crutches and waving awkwardly at the Templars they passed. In the back of the Chantry they found the Revered Mother in her study. She perked up when they walked in.
"Good day, Sister Leliana," She said, "I'm surprised to see you're still in Lothering."
"It is good to see you as well, your Reverence." Leliana said politely.
The Revered Mother looked at Eshne, "Is there something I can do for you?"
"Well, ma'am," Eshne felt herself start to perspire, "I would like to talk about Sten, ma'am. The Qunari prisoner...ma'am."
The Revered Mother stood up and paced.
"It would have been kinder to kill him, but I leave his fate to the Maker." She sighed, "Why does he interest you?"
"Ma'am. Um. Your Reverence, we-I would like to free him." Eshne said quickly.
"Then his next victims might count you and I as murderers." The Revered Mother said.
"Well perhaps you'd like to release him into our custody, Your Reverence. Let us take him off of your hands." Eshne said.
"Leliana, what have you to say about this?" The Revered Mother asked.
"These are difficult times, Your Reverence," Leliana began, "These are good people, and we would ask for your blessings, so that we may lead the Qunari on a path to redemption and repentance."
The Revered Mother thought for a moment, "Very well. Take the key. May the Maker guide you on your path."
"Thank you." Eshne said, almost in a squeak.
Outside of the Chantry, Melia walked up to Eshne.
"What was that?" She asked.
"What was what?"
"You looked like you were going to fall over and cry." Melia said.
"Oh," Eshne said somewhat shakily, "I really don't like the Chantry...being a mage and whatnot."
"You were fine before."
"Yes, but...that was before I knew we'd be coming back. And in truth the Mother's always scared me more than anything. Trying to tell you that your magic is an abomination when you're a child kind of sticks with you I suppose."
"I am sorry." Melia said.
"Look at me, getting an apology from you. That's something I never thought would happen." Eshne laughed.
"Do not get used to it, lethallan." Melia gave a slight smirk.
Eshne ran for Sten's cage.
"We have your key!" She said excitedly.
Sten frowned, "I confess, I did not think the priestess would give it up so easily."
"She agreed to let us into our custody." Melia said to him.
"Then I am to help you defend the land against a Blight?"
"That's the deal." Eshne smiled.
"Very well. Set me free and I will aid you."
Once Sten got out of his cage, he looked down at the rest of them. Eshne and Nani started to cackle and nudged Melia.
"Holy shit, he's about two feet taller than you are, Mel." Nani laughed.
"Very amusing." Melia rolled her eyes.
"I will follow you, and in doing so find my atonement." Sten said, unamused by Eshne's laughing.
"Glad to have you with us, Sten." Melia said, then she looked at Eshne, "Are you finished cavorting?"
"Cavorting levels at a minimum." Eshne replied.
"Let us head out then." Melia said.
The group started their way out of the village. Melia conferred with them as to their plans.
"We need to get to Redcliffe as soon as possible." She started, "From what Alistair and I have gathered, things are not going very well. We really need the support of the Arl if we are to confront Loghain with a strong counter. And we need to be very careful on our travels, I have a feeling that those soldiers from the Inn are not going to be the only resistance we get."
"How long until we reach Redcliffe?" Nennet asked.
"We should arrive tomorrow, accounting time to rest for the night." Alistair said, "I would say late afternoon if we pack up the camp fast enough."
"We will keep travelling until just before sundown," Melia said, "We need to make daylight count."
Hadley started barking and ran up the incline that led to the Imperial Highway. The group heard someone calling for help. Nicolai and Alistair ran up to see what was going on.
They could see a dwarven man, and who was presumably his son, cowering back from stray darkspawn. Nicolai got out his daggers and stood with Alistair between the dwarf and the darkspawn.
The two raced forward, clashing into the monsters and fighting them back, keeping them away from the others. Nani was the next to arrive, blasting the darkspawn with lightning spells. The others joined in soon after, but by the time they reached the darkspawn, Nicolai had already been cutting through the last remaining hurlock, kicking it over after he sliced its throat.
He cleaned her blades, going over to the dwarf.
"Are you alright?" He asked, "You were not bitten?"
"No, no, gracious me," The dwarf said, "Saved our lives, you did. Thank the kind lady, boy."
"Thank you, kind lady." His son said.
"Names Bodahn Feddic. This is my boy Sandal," The dwarf introduced themselves, "You folks mind another pair of companions for your travels? I can tell it'll be mighty safe with you all around. I'd be willing to sell my wares for a major discount."
"Thank you, ser, but I would not wish to put you in harm's way," Melia looked at the others, "We're Grey Wardens, you see."
"Ah," Bodahn said, "Then I suppose it would be best not to travel with you then. Oh well, best of luck on your journey," He turned to his son, "Now let's get this mess cleaned up."
Nicolai turned back to the others. They were all looking at her. Nani and Eshne with slight mischievous smirks. Nicolai and Nennet with understanding. Morrigan and Sten with almost contempt, Leliana with a hopefulness, and Alistair with a seeming adoration. Melia wasn't sure of what to make of any of it. Larka found her way under her hand and she scratched behind her ear.
Thackery just looked at Melia with a smile. He held out his hand to Melia.
"Let's go be Wardens."