ARMY CAMPSITE
Roxas walked across the old bridge, taking in the sight of the statues of warriors long since passed adorning the sides of it. Pieces of it have long since fallen off revealing parts of its old stone foundation, showing years of wear and tear as well as neglect on making it a fully usable bridge again.
Obviously, they followed the adage of "If it's not broken, don't fix it" when it came to this place.
Approaching the entrance to the camp, he saw that two guards stood there ready for anything, or at least looking that way, who nodded at him letting him through having seen him with Duncan already. Upon entering the camp, Roxas decided to explore it for a little while, meet the people he would be fighting alongside, and get some clothes as his current outfit made him stand out quite a bit and not in the best way.
"Yeah, maybe it's time for another change." He thought before tugging on the collar around his neck that held his X-Shaped Charm.The Charm held a lot of value to him, it was like a personal crest unique only to him and he refused to part with it. The rest of the clothes, he didn't care much about, sure he was… born in them, but DiZ's usage of them in that fake Twilight Town kind of made him a bit bitter about them.
Plus, if he had to be stealthy, the colors were way too bright and eye-catching.
As he was walking around, he approached a purple tent and standing outside of it was a woman with short white hair in a bun wearing a very unique set of clothes that looked like it was robes combined with a dress. The top was a red that had gold accents through it as well as the cuffs of the sleeves, under it she had a black tight fitting garment that only the neckline was visible of as it went up her throat to just under her chin, around her waist was a dark brown corset that hugged her figure, and also perked up her breasts a bit as her clothes were hugging her well. The waist down had a few layers of clothing: An ankle length skirt that was a brownish green, a brown leather overskirt (likely to give some padding) that reached her knees, the bottom half of a white tabard that had a wood brown trim and lining (likely connected to her garment under the top clothes) that went from under her top to just under her knees, and lastly a metal plate over her groin, and coincidentally blocking the emblem on the tabard, that was secured to her via two belts, one around her waist and the other around her hips.
The woman gave off a motherly aura,as she turned to greet him, though Roxas wouldn't deny she was attractive, "Well hello young man, my name is Wynne. It's a pleasure to meet you, are you the new Warden recruit I've heard so much about?" She asked, giving a friendly and kind smile.
"Uhh yes, my name is Roxas." He said politely while trying not to stare.
"Well met." She replied, still keeping the smile on her face, "So a Grey Warden… fighting alongside a king. Not too shabby for your first day, don't you think?" She asked in a pleasant tone as Roxas shrugged.
"I think so, provided I actually pass the trials and initiation to become a Warden anyway. The king thinks the battle will go well, though perhaps a bit too well." He said, a tone indicating a bit of annoyance after meeting the childish king and him not taking the threat as seriously as others were.
"I assume you've met him already. I hope you can forgive his demeanor. The king must always seem confident. His behavior affects the troops morale after all. A frightened king leads frightened men." She explained motioning to a few of the men who were all eager for battle before she began continuing, "He does seem to find that enthusiasm easily though, doesn't he? To be honest, and I say this with respect and affection; he reminds me a bit of a puppy." She said giggling lightly, "But he is a good man at heart and does truly want what is best for his people."
Roxas thought about it for a moment and chuckled, imagining the king as a Golden Labrador puppy running all over the battlefield. "I suppose so, though it might do him good to listen to Duncan just a little bit." He thought to himself.
"To defeat the Darkspawn, we must all work together. Unfortunately, it's not an idea everyone seems able to grasp." She said as she looked distastefully at a few magi as well as others that were in armor.
Roxas nodded in agreement, knowing there were plenty of hard headed fools who would refuse to play ball and some that would consider turning against their allies if it would benefit them well enough.
"Say Wynne, have you fought Darkspawn before?" He asked, curious about her experience since more knowledge was always a good thing, something Vexen and Zexion had drilled into him.
"Yes stragglers - not the vast hordes the scouts speak of. But I wonder, do you know of their connection to the Fade?" She asked as she could tell Roxsa had magic.
"I know four mages entered something called the Fade and decided it would be a good idea to knock on God's door uninvited and then tried to force their way in." He said, summarizing what Duncan told him.
"Yes, that is an apt way of explaining it." She said, chuckling at Roxas' blunt way of speaking, finding it a bit refreshing.
"But Wynne what is the Fade exactly?" Roxas asked not knowing the significance of such a place.
"The Fade is where dreams come from and where your spirit goes once it leaves your earthly body. Whether it's to dream or to die, it passes into the realm we call the fade." She began sounding like a teacher, "It's the home to many spirits, some benevolent like The Spirit of Valor, and others far less so such as demons of lust. And, according to legend, at its Heart stands the Black City." Wynne stated her tone giving nothing away of her feelings on the matter.
"The throne of the Maker right?" Roxas asked, wanting to make sure he recalled correctly.
"That is correct, the city once golden now stained with the evils and darkness of man." She said poetically, though it did sound rehearsed as well.
"So were the original Darkspawn just spirits from the Fade given form after being corrupted?" Roxas asked and Wynne sighed with a look that clearly stated that she wished it was that simple.
"Sadly no. They are kin to neither gentle Fade spirits nor the malevolent demons. Shamefully, they were once the souls of men with the four mages being the most corrupted." She said sadly with Roxas knowing all too well what she meant, drawing more comparisons between the Darkspawn and the Heartless, though thankfully it didn't seem like there was Nobody or Unversed versions of enemies here to contend with as well.
"Well, no use stressing about or dwelling on it. I'll kill any darkspawn I see, if death is the only way to purge those souls of corruption, then so be it." His voice full of confidence made Wynne chuckle thinking he was just a young man that was a bit cocky.
"Ah the young are so passionate these days." She said with fondness in her voice,"But, I'm certain Duncan has more for you to do than talk to me." She said, indicating he should get back to whatever it was he was doing beforehand.
"Oh yeah, thank you for your time, it was nice talking with you, Wynne." He replied, giving her a wave as he headed off deeper into the Camp while she smiled at there being such a polite young man in camp.
As he walked passed what seemed to be a religious sermon being given to some of the King's men, no doubt to lift spirits and give the men hope. After all, if your god is on your side, you're likely to fight better than if you believe you're alone. If nothing else, it would give them comfort if they faced death knowing their god would welcome them with open arms.
A whine caught his attention quickly; it sounded like an animal was injured. Upon reaching the source of the noise, Roxas was surprised to see it was a rather large dog that was brown furred with black markings across it and baleful yellow eyes. It looked miserable and in agony while being sickly looking and noticed several other dogs in pens away from it.
"Are you the new Grey Warden?" A man, who Roxas assumed was the Kennel Master, asked and Roxas nodded."I could use your help with him." He stated gesturing to the sickly dog.
"What's wrong with him?" Roxas asked, having a soft spot for dogs.
"You see, this dog right here is a Mabari, a highly intelligent breed, and very loyal as well as lethal in combat. Currently this one right here is sick and while I have medicine that could help him, he won't let me get close enough to give it to him. So, I need you to go in and muzzle him, so I can give him a treatment before he gets too far gone that I'll have to put him down." The Kennel Master informed, making Roxas nod in understanding.
"Wait, you said this dog was smart, right? How smart are we talking?" Roxas asked since it could be helpful or problematic.
"Well, centuries ago, mages bred them to be smart and understand what they're told and follow the orders to the letter. They can remember and carry out complex orders as well as any human can." He said, making Roxas look at the Mabari Hounds with amazement. "Invaluable in combat, especially in the wilds. The issue is that most of them generally imprint onto one master; reprinting them is very difficult as they usually are devotedly loyal to their master until death. And sadly, this fellow's master died in the last skirmish and now won't let anyone near him even though he's poisoned." He continued since he valued the dogs he cared for, "But with this medicine, reprint wouldn't be an issue and I can work on treating him fully easier. Will you help me?" He asked and Roxas nodded.
"I'll give it a shot." Roxas responded since the poor dog didn't deserve to suffer, even if it was due to him mourning a friend that he had lost.
"Good, go in the pen and let him smell you to let him get a feel for you. We'll know right away if he'll respond good or bad. If it's good, we can proceed, if it's bad, then I'll be right here to jump in and help." The Kennel Master stated making Roxas nod.
"Gotcha." Roxas quipped, heading into the pen slowly so as not to startle the poor dog. The Mabari Hound looked up at Roxas with respect and interest. Immediately leaving its aggressive stance that it had been holding, which surprised the Kennel Master a great deal.
Roxas could tell from the look in his eyes that it was both very smart and in a lot of pain, but didn't want to cause him problems either. It was clearly very sick, but not so much that it had devolved to his baser animal instincts.
"Heya boy." Roxas said in a calming voice as he slowly approached and kneeled beside the dog, petting it gently, getting some soft pants and whines from the dog. Roxas smiled at it before he held up the muzzle. "I'm gonna put this on you, and then the Kennel Master is gonna give you some medicine to help you feel better, okay?" He asked giving the dog a pet while scratching its chin.
The Mabari growled at him weakly, almost like it was grumbling at him for making it do something it didn't want to, but at the same time didn't challenge Roxas on the matter as it rested its head on his leg. Roxas nodded and quickly got to work, though the dog whimpered a bit as he finished fastening it.
"Don't worry." He said as he kept petting the dog gently. "Everything will be okay." He continued gently to the dog as the Kennel Master came over.
"Well done! Now I can treat the dog properly- - poor fellow. Come to think of it, are you headed into the Wilds any time soon?" He asked as he administered the medicine while Roxas kept petting the dog.
"I might be, why?" Roxas asked, wondering if maybe he needed something for the dog.
"There's a particular herb I could use to improve the dog's chances. It's a flower that grows in the swamps if I remember correctly." The Kennel Master answered and Roxas nodded.
"I'll be sure to look out for it if I go." He said since he wanted to help the poor dog.
"Great, just remember it's a white flower with a red center." The Kennel Master explained as he didn't want Roxas to get the wrong flower and make things worse.
"Goctha, I'll be back if I can find it." He said before he patted the dog and got up to go, making the dog whine, "Hey, don't worry, I'll come back. You just rest and keep your strength up." He calmed soothingly as the dog gave a pitiful whine before laying down as Roxas smiled and nodded before heading off toward what seemed to be an armor and weapon stand. Also next to it was a Man…. poorly flirting with one of the Female Knights, and that was saying something since Roxas didn't know much about flirting.
"Life is fleeting, you know. That pretty face could be decorating some darkspawn spear this time tomorrow." He said clearly trying to get her to sleep with him, though Roxas thought insulting her skill by saying she'd get killed tomorrow was not the way to go. "Shall I take the quiet glare as a no then? Well that's too bad." He said before shrugging as the knight walked away in a huff….but not before stomping on his foot with her armored boot, making Roxas smirk and give her a thumbs up, earning a smile and nod.
"Ahhh! Fuck!" He shouted, grabbing said injured body part in pain and trying to keep his balance while doing it.
Roxas simply stared at him and shook his head, "Well you can't say that wasn't earned." He stated making the man look at him as he rubbed his poor foot.
"Hey, you can't - aw fuck- blame a guy for trying." He stated as he gingerly put his foot down.
"I mean… Yeah, I can. Especially with that offer. I can't possibly imagine why she wasn't dying to fuck you." Roxas replied, with sarcasm oozing out of his mouth on the last part.
"Pfft! Hahaha, you got me there." The man replied as he managed to stand up straight at last. The man then looked at him closely from head to toe, "Huh. You're not who I imagined you'd be." He stated making Roxas cock an eyebrow in confusion.
"Excuse me?" Roxas asked not sure what to make of his words.
"Ah! Where are my manners? Name's Daveth. I was beginning to think they cooked up this ritual just for our benefit as well as hearing rumors of the mysterious recruit that arrived with Master Duncan." The now named Daveth stated as Roxas looked at him
"Our…oh! You're one of the other Warden Recruits then." Roxas realized as Daveth nodded.
"Got it in one." He said giving him a wink, which Roxas hoped wasn't him trying to flirt again. "So, just between you and me, I overheard last night that the Wardens might be sending us into the Wilds." Daveth stated making Roxas raise his eyebrows.
"Oh? Good then, I can find that herb for the Kennel Master while we're out there." Roxas said with a smile as Daveth looked at him in confusion.
"What does he need some herb for?" Daveth asked, wondering why a Kennel Master was looking for an herb.
"To help one of the Mabari, it was injured in the last skirmish." Roxas explained as if it was the obvious thing, what else would the Kennel Master need an herb for besides treating one of the hounds?
"I see, guess we'll have to wait and see if we actually are going to the Wilds or not. Not like we have much of a choice in this." He said and Roxas got the impression he was one of the types Duncan mentioned that decided to take the Warden Oath rather than possibly face jail or execution.
"Maybe." Roxas said before nodding to him and approaching the Shopkeeper, "Excuse me, do you have any light armor? Preferably something that can give me protection but not weigh me down or hinder my movement and agility." He asked, then clarified to ensure his definition of Light Armor was known since for all he knew, there was some plate armor that was classified as light.
The old shopkeeper turned around and looked Roxas over, likely sizing him up to get an idea of what he had that could fit. "Ah, I believe I do, give me one second." He said before turning to his chests full of armor, weapons, and potions along with other items for either comfort or help to survive.
He came back a few minutes later with a bundle of clothing/armor in hand. "Yes, here we are." He said, holding up a set of Leather Armor that had some metal to it. It was a brownish leather button up tunic with a white hood, leather sleeves attached via a chest belt, leather gloves, leather over arm sleeves, elbow pads, pants, over pants, knee high boots, and a leather studded double belted drape towards the right side for extra protection.
All in all, it looked a tad complicated, but so long as Roxas could move and operate in it while getting some protection, he didn't care.
"Thank you, this will do." He said looking over the ensemble, "How much do I owe you?" Roxas stated hoping this wasn't some high quality magical leather or something, though he guessed he could trade his current clothes to maybe lower the price since he doubted anyone had the material that they were made of.
"One gold piece for the whole set." The shopkeeper stated making Roxas sigh in relief at it not being too bad.
Roxas flipped the coin to the man and went to change, hoping it was simpler to get on than it looked at first glance. A few minutes later, Roxas decked out in his new armor came out moving and twisting to get a feel for it. It fit him like a glove and he didn't feel heavy at all and thankfully it wasn't too hard to understand how to put it on. Plus, he had to admit, he was rather fond of the hood. Pulling it over his head as he stepped forward after storing his old clothes in his bag, thankful that he had kept it after fusing with Sora and then winding up here.
"*Whistle* looking sharp kid." Daveth said, looking him over and giving a nod. "I'm gonna head back to Duncan, all right? Don't make the old man wait too long." He added before waving as he walked off towards where the recruits were to meet up.
Roxas nodded, watching Daveth walk off towards the big bonfire at the center of the camp. Roxas decided that he may as well look for Alistair and began heading towards the far part of camp where Duncan said he would likely be.
When Roxas found him, or who a few soldiers he passed said was Alistair, he seemed to be having a confrontation with what appeared to be an elder mage, who did not look happy at all to be having the discussion with Alistair.
"What is it now? Haven't the Wardens asked more than enough from the Circle as it is?" The mage asked, clearly annoyed that whatever he was doing was interrupted by Alsitair coming to talk to him.
Roxas watched as Alistair gave the man a somewhat awkward response clearly uncomfortable with having to deal with the annoyed mage, whether from what he was going to say or because he had already bothered this mage in particular quite a bit was unknown to Roxas. "I, uh, simply came to deliver a message from the revered mother, ser mage. She desires your presence at your earliest convenience." He explained as the mage appeared to be holding back a scowl and his annoyance seemed to skyrocket.
"Note to self, the religious people and the mages don't seem to get along that well." Roxas mentally noted planning to keep that tidbit at the forefront of his mind should he end up having a mage or one of the religious members as part of a team or party in the future.
"Whatever her Reverence "desires" is of no concern to me! I am busy helping the Grey Wardens - by the King's order, I might add and your interruption is only make things worse." He all but growled while giving clear disdain to the title and desires of the woman in question.
"Should I have asked her to write a note instead?" Alistair said with a cheeky grin making Roxas snort, this guy reminded him just a bit of Axel, nowhere near as cool though.
"Tell her I will not be harassed in this manner!" The mage all but shouted quickly losing his cool and Roxas snorted again at the amateur letting Alistari get a rise out of him so easily and in front of members of the army who would spread this incident quickly and thus make him and the mages look worse in the eyes of many.
"Yes, I was harassing you by delivering a message that her reverence politely asked me to deliver. A message that just requested you to see her when you were able rather than a demand." He said dryly to which the mage threw up his hands in frustration and stormed away.
"Out of my way, you fool." He shouted, pushing past Roxas without giving any pause as Roxas rolled his eyes, this one reminded him of Vexen when he was trying to do his own plans and someone wanted him elsewhere.
"Jackass." He muttered under his breath hoping he wouldn't find people like the other assholes of the Organization.
Alistair chuckled, clearly having heard him. "You know, one good thing about the Blight is how it brings people together, I think he and I will be best friends by the end of this." He stated with a grin as Roxas snorted.
"I know right, I'm sure you and he will be kicking back drinking and telling stories like two old friends before long." Roxas stated with a grin and Alistair grinned more happy to have someone to share in his humor.
"It's like a party, we could all stand in a circle and hold hands while singing songs and drinking. That would give the Darkspawn something to think about." He said in an overly joyous tone as if it was the best idea in the world. However, a moment later, he dropped it and took a good look at Roxas.
"Wait, we haven't met, have we? I don't suppose you're another mage." He asked as he could feel magic coming from the person in front of him, but he wore armor that would be on a Rogue or Archer, not a mage.
"We haven't met before, but I'm not mage, though I do use magic. No, I'm here because Duncan wanted me to find you for the trials and ritual." Roxas stated causing Alistair to blink before realizing who he was speaking to.
"Ah, yes, you must be Duncan's new recruit that has caused a bit of a stir, now what was your name again?" Alistair asked as he tried to remember and Roxas grinned, seeing a chance to make an impression and humor a friend.
"The name's Roxas, R-O-X-A-S, got it memorized?" He asked tapping his temple with his finger, perfectly copying Axel.
MEANWHILE IN TWILIGHT TOWN
Axel sneezed loudly as he stood on Twilight Hill with Riku and Namine, "Huh, for some reason, I'm suddenly very proud of Roxas." He stated as he grinned looking at the sky as Namine and Riku both looked at him in confusion.
BACK IN FERELDEN
"Well I do now." Alistair said while laughing, liking the attitude of this new recruit. "Glad to meet you, as the most junior member of the order, I'll be accompanying you when you prepare for the Joining." He explained as Roxas nodded.
"Then let's get going already." Roxas said, ready to get moving since he always hated having too much down time with nothing to do or fight.
"Eager are we?" Alistair asked with a chuckle, "Well, let's get back to Duncan. I imagine he's eager to get things started before the Darkspawn decide to make another push or worse." He added making Roxas nod before motioning onward.
"Righto, lead the way senior." Roxas stated, motioning for Alistair to lead on as he laughed.
"Right then, follow me." Alistair stated as he walked off with Roxas falling in step behind him.
"Say Alistair." Roxas cut in after a minute or so, his curiosity getting the better of him.
"Hmm?" Alistair asked glancing back to show he was actually listening, but not stop walking.
"Why did you become a Grey Warden?" Roxas asked, curious on if Alistair was the honor, last chance, you're joining whether you want to or not, why not, or some other type of recruit.
"You first. Did you want to become a Grey Warden?" Alistair asked and was a bit surprised when Roxas nodded, wondering if maybe his new comrade was one of those who grew on tales of adventure and glory with and wanted to get that himself.
"Not really, but once Duncan explained things to me, I decided it was a good thing for me to join. I can't stand back and let people fight, die, and suffer when I can do something about it and it seems being a Grey Warden is the best chance to do some good here. Besides, I'm going to do it, because I finally have the freedom to choose my own fate. Joining the Wardens is my choice to make and no one can decide for me." Roxas said with passion being clearly heard.
"I see." Alistair stated wondering where Duncan found this guy that he was so eager for a chance to make his own decisions. "I myself was conscripted. Not that I didn't want to join, I was Training to be a Templar for the Chantry before Duncan recruited me, and felt that maybe that was the Maker's way of saying I shouldn't be a Templar. That was about six months ago before all of this happened, though Duncan didn't make any friends with the Chantry when he recruited me." He explained making Roxas raise an eyebrow.
"Why? Were you from some important family or legacy that the Chantry didn't want to risk losing out on?" Roxas asked since it wouldn't be that strange to him.
Alistair merely chuckled. "No, no, nothing like that. It's just when the Chantry picks you to be a Templar, it means they're willing to invest a lot of time, effort, money, and other things into making you one. Me being pulled out partially through the training basically meant that the Chantry trained me just for me to put my skills to use for the Wardens rather than for them.".Alistair stated, willing to admit that the Chantry wasn't perfect in all aspects and the way they treated some of their own like tools was proof of that.
"So you were like their property and they didn't like having to share." Roxas said frowning thinking back on the Organization and it was either 'serve us or we'll destroy you or make you into a servant that can't disobey' and personally Roxas was hoping his connection to Sora would let him see those fuckers get destroyed, though he hoped Axel would be able to make it.
"That's… a rather morbid way of looking at it, but I guess it's not quite inaccurate either." Alistair stated since he could see the similarities in that he was raised, fed, and made into what they wanted to be used as they wanted when they wanted it. "Duncan luckily showed up and saw I wasn't happy there and figured my training to fight against mage could double for fighting Darkspawn. Now here I stand, a proud Grey Warden." He said, after shaking the thoughts away, a smile on his face beaming with pride.
Roxas only smiled happy for him as they kept walking.
"Now, come along then, we seemed to have slowed our pace to talk." He said, seeing that they were only minutely walking the entire time, motioning Roxas to follow him as they headed towards the bonfire near the Wardens tent.
Daveth was already there simply relaxing, while next to him was, who Roxas assumed, the other recruit. He seemed to be a knight in bronze armor with a large two handed sword on his back.
"Found Alistair, did you? Good, I'll assume you're ready to begin preparations in full." Duncan said before turning to Alistair, a slightly annoyed look that wouldn't be out of place on a father preparing to scold his rowdy son. "Assuming, of course, that you're quite finished riling up the mages, Alistair." Duncan stated disapprovingly as he stared at his charge, who in turn smiled a bit placatingly.
"What can I say? The revered mother ambushed me. The way she wields guilt, they should stick her in the army with what she can do to someone's conscience. The Darkspawn would retreat to the Deep Roads in droves out of shame and desire to escape her." Alistair stated as Duncan sighed in exasperation, annoyance, and a bit of humor.
Roxas and Daveth snorted at the response and smirked at each other, glad to have another that shared their sense of humor.
"She forced you to sass the mage did she?" Ducan asked with his tone indicating he knew he did it on his own accord, but also knew the revered mother likely wanted Alistair to deliver the message for just that reason. "We cannot afford to antagonize anyone, Alistair. We don't need to give anyone more ammunition against us, let alone risk dissension and animosity among the ranks when we're going to be facing the Darkspawn in full soon." He said seriously and Alistair flinched and nodded his head, realizing that his actions were likely what the revered mother wanted.
"You're right, of course, Duncan, I apologize and I will endeavor to not do anymore 'favors' without checking with you first." Alistair stated knowing that Duncan was serious, though he could relax, and everyone in every faction respected him.
Duncan nodded before addressing the other three present, "Now then, since you are all here, we can begin. You four will be heading into the Korcari Wilds to perform two tasks. The first is to obtain three vials of Darkspawn blood, one for each recruit." He explained handing Alistair the three vials, though he knew Alistair carried a few extra just to be safe since the vials were fragile things and combat could easily cause them to break.
Roxas, being curious and having been drilled that information helped a LOT with a mission, asked the obvious question on the three recruits' minds. "What do we need Darkspawn blood for, exactly?" He asked as he remembered being covered in their black blood before after slaying so many of them and that Duncan insisted that they wash it off and be careful as their blood was dangerous to all but Grey Wardens.
It made Roxas assume that the ritual to join inoculated the Wardens against the blood making them more capable to be knee-deep in the fight and not have as much to fear as a normal soldier did.
"For the Joining." Duncan stated, confirming at least part of Roxas' guess, "I shall explain more, once you've returned and have what you need." Duncan stated, not caring at being asked and neither did Alistair, Roxas guessed they were fully expecting the question.
"Alright then, so what's our second task? Also, it's not going to be a problem if I do an errand in the Wilds is it? The Kennel Master asked that I get a plant for him to help the Mabari Hounds." Roxas asked and Duncan hummed before nodding.
"That should not be a problem, provided you do not take too long to complete it as we must complete the Joining before long to ensure you are prepared to join against the Darkspawn when the battle begins." Duncan stated making Roxas nod as he knew there were bigger priorities than helping the Hounds. "As for your second task, there was once a Grey Warden Archive in the Wilds, abandoned long ago when we could no longer afford to maintain such a remote outpost given our dwindling numbers." He explained as Alistair flinched a bit, making Roxas assume there was a story to that dwindling number, but held his tongue for now."It has recently come to our attention that some scrolls have been left behind, but are still intact as they were magically sealed for protection. Alistair I want you to retrieve these scrolls if you can, but again, you must watch how long it takes." Duncan stated making Alistair nod, knowing what was at stake. "The scrolls contain treaties, old but still binding, that promise support from different groups. Treaties that may prove useful in the days to come should the next battle go poorly." Duncan said ominously knowing nothing was certain and noted that while the other two were worried or unnerved, Roxas only seemed to harden his edge.
It confirmed Duncan's suspicions that his young friend was a bit of a veteran of combat and completing missions for a cause.
"So, Darkspawn blood, the plant if we find it, and the archive. Got it." Roxas said summoning forth Total Eclipse ready to get moving.
The others were all either shocked or amazed…well except for Duncan, who had seen the keyblade before. However, he did note its new appearance and wondered what had caused it.
Deciding to leave it for another time, they were on a tight schedule after all, he turned to Alistair, "Watch over your charges, Alistair. Return quickly, safely, and successfully." Duncan stated as Alistair nodded his head.
"We will." Alistair said confidently, feeling like this batch would be different than some of the others.
"Then may the Maker watch over your path and guide you swiftly to your goals." Duncan stated as he nodded his head at them causing Alistair to turn to face his charges.
"Alright men, let's go." Alistair said, leading them to the gate as the trio fell into step behind him.
"Halt." Said the guard before he got a good look at who was approaching and nodded his head. "I'm told you all have business in the Wilds. The gates open for you to come and go, just be careful out there, there's more than Darkspawn to worry about in that place." He said in warning as the place was called the Wilds for a reason.
"Thanks for the warning." Roxas said dryly as the gates opened and they stepped into the Wilds as the Sun began to set giving the area an eerie glow and feel, though this had nothing on Beast's Castle in creepiness in Roxas' opinion.
The Korcari Wilds for the most part were damp and covered in marshlands with a light fog in the distance. The sounds of crickets could be heard along with the howls of wild wolves and the various sounds of birds and frogs.
Of course, as was Roxas' luck, a pack of the wolves they could hear howling were upon them once they were a distance from the camp. No doubt the beasts were starving due to the Darkspawn driving off their food so they were going after anything edible they could find.
"Careful! It's a whole pack." Alistair shouted as he blocked one of them with his shield before smacking it back with said shield.
Roxas swung his Keyblade into one, smashing its skull before twirling and swinging his Keyblade like a bat sending the wolf flying into two of its own before he struck them with a thrust that killed all three.
Daveth fought from a distance with a crossbow, striking a few between the eyes while keeping his head on a swivel to ensure they weren't getting flanked, or at least that HE wasn't getting flanked.
The third recruit, who Roxas learned was named Ser Jory along the way from the camp, swung his mighty blade with such force it cleaved a wolf right in two like a hot knife through butter.
The wolves, having some intelligence and survival instincts, eventually gave up and retreated back to the forest, though Roxas knew that if they were hungry enough they'd try again and just keep trying to wear them down.
He did cock an eyebrow as he saw Daveth skinning a few of the dead ones, "What? You can make a pretty nice bit of silver off their pelts, if you're ever in need of coin. Plus, the meat is good for when you can't get more normal food." He explained to Roxas, who watched with interest as he stuffed the pelts into his pack and even took some of the claws and teeth as well.
As they followed up the path they spotted the dead bodies of many knights, or what Roxas considered knights since there were a lot of regular soldiers in plate armor and such, covered in blood and their bodies left with weapons in them while a few were torn apart or mutilated in some way.
"Vile creatures." Jory said with venom as they walked past the dead men until they came across two that were still alive, one male and one female with the female trying to save the male.
The woman was in much better shape than the man, in more ways than one, as hse turned to look at them and felt relief at the sight. "Can you help him, please?" She asked while internally cursing herself for not having learn some form of first aid when she wanted to be an adventurer.
"I'm sorry, but I'm not sure there's anything we can do." Alitair said as he got close to say a prayer over the man, only for said man to pull on his leg and look up at him.
"G-Grey Wardens?" He asked, sounding tired and in pain.
"Oh! He's not half as dead as he looks." Alistair quipped as he spoke too soon getting glares from Roxas and the girl.
"My scouting band was attacked by Darkspawn." The scout heaved as he tried to move. "They… they came out of the ground and ambushed us, a couple of us were even dragged back into the depths. Please, help me and Leina. I must return to camp and report this." He said, barely staying conscious as Roxas pushed Alistair away.
"Hold on, I can help." Roxas said as he knelt and held his blade ready, "This may feel a little strange." Roxas warned as the man grunted and gave him a look,"Cure." Roxas intoned as a green light and white lilies came from the Keyblade and fluttered and floated around the soldier, healing him.
Roxas then did the same for Leina, ignoring the looks of his companions as well as the slightly weary look Alistair sent him, likely his Chantry training hitting even if he didn't want it to..
"Thank you, sir mage." The scout said to Roxas, who waved him off. "I've got to get out of here and give my report. The army needs to be prepared for any possible incursions from below us." He said as he stood and turned to Leina, "Are you coming with me?" He asked curiously and she shook her head.
"No, if these are the Wardens you told me about, then I'm staying with them since I was intending to try and join them anyway." She said as he nodded and patted her shoulder.
"Right, well good luck and may the Maker watch over you." The man said walking off to tend to his men and then return to the camp for his report.
Roxas was tempted to either strip the bodies himself for weapons, money, and armor or telling the man to do it, but decided to hold off on it since he hd no idea how people would react to a bit of callousness like that.
"SOOOO…" Alistair started as he looked at the girl, "I'm guessing you want to become a Warden, then miss?" He asked fishing for her name as she smiled.
"My Name is Leina, Leina Vance, and yes, I want to become a Grey Warden." She stated with eagerness and drive clear in her voice.