I need to get out of game-important-but-creative-hell. After Lothering it is going to be so good.

Bioware copyrighted.

Betrayed

Lavender and elfroot. Those were the first things that I was aware of. Except I knew it wasn't lavender; it didn't exist in Ferelden. The sweet smells of both plants filled my nose pleasantly. For a few blissful moments, I daydreamed that I was in my aunts garden back at home. It was when I realized that I had no clothes on and was covered in wraps that I remembered the battle in a panic. The way it ended.

My eyes flew open in horror, hyperventilating because I didn't recognize where I was. It was a shack like Lodan's, but much smaller, and the walls were covered in strange objects.

"Ah, your eyes finally open. Mother shall be pleased."

My head whipped over to the left, and I found myself looking at Morrigan, the witch that had led us to the treaties.

"What happened? The battle? I remember being shoot down? Oh my God! Where's Alistair?" I freaked, trying to sit up.

"Calm down," she gently pushed me back onto the bed, "Mother saved you and your friend, though 'twas a close call. The man who was to respond to your signal quit the field. The darkspawn won your battle. Those he abandoned were massacred. Your friend…he is not taking it well. What is important is that you both live."

"Oh my God," I whispered this time. Loghain had walked away from the battle. That meant that the king was dead…and the Grey Wardens.

"Duncan," I breathed, my voice cracking. I didn't dare put my head in my hands, painfully aware that Morrigan would not understand.

The witch frowned. "That is the second time you have used that term. Are you some worshipper of the old Gods?"

I've been so careful lately not to use that phrase too.

"Uh, no. It would be too difficult to explain," I said lamely.

She raised an eyebrow in response. "Mother asked to see you when you were awake. Do you require assistance with your belongings?" She pointed to a small pile of things at the foot of the bed.

I got up slowly, very uncomfortable that I wasn't decent. The wraps only covered my chest and legs. Morrigan didn't seem bothered by it.

I gave a small stretch, happy that my muscles only complained a little bit. "I think I won't need help, but I appreciate the offer."

She gave a slight nod and left me by myself in the shack to change.

I broke, sinking onto the bed in shock. So many people dead. Why? What does Loghain want so bad? But I didn't have the answer, so I pushed my body back up. I forced myself to dress, knowing that Alistair, and Morrigan's mother, were waiting for me.

I put on my armour slowly, so not to strain anything. As I grabbed my bow, I thought of something. I had dropped it when I had fallen. How did Morrigan's mother know that it was mine. A better question was how did she rescue us and bring us here. I pushed my inquires into the back of my head, hoping that the woman would answer these questions without me asking for them.

Alistair stood by the swamp, staring out into the Wilds with his back turned to me. The crone stood to the side and turned to me when she heard the door close.

"See?" she said to Alistair. "Here is your fellow Grey Warden. You worry too much young man."

Alistair looked like hell. His eyes were red, most likely from crying. When the woman had spoken, he moved slowly, like everything wasn't real to him. However, when he noticed me, his eyes lit up.

"You," he said quietly. "You're alive. I thought you were dead for sure."

"Me too," I answered meekly.

"Everyone," he kept going as if he hadn't heard me. "The king, the Grey Wardens, they're all dead. This doesn't seem real. If it weren't for Morrigan's mother we'd be dead on top of that tower."

The crone interrupted our odd greeting. "Do not talk about me as if I am not present lad."

"I didn't mean, but what do we call you. You never told us you name," he started.

"Names are pretty but useless. The Chasind folk call me Flemeth. I suppose it will do."

Alistair made a small gasp in surprise. "The Flemeth? From the legends? Daveth was right. You're the Witch of the Wilds aren't you?"

"And what does that mean," the witch sniffed. "I know a bit of magic and it has served you both well has it not?"

"That brings up a good point," I said. "Why did you save us?"

"Well, we can't have all the Grey Wardens dying now. Who else can stop the Blight but you?"

Of frig. I remembered what Alistair had said during our Joining, that the taint helped the Wardens detect the darkspawn and how it was used to slay the archdemon.

"We need to bring Loghain to judgment! Why would he do this?" Alistair exclaimed angrily.

"Now that is a good question," the witch said softly. "Men's hearts hold shadows darker than any tainted creature. Perhaps he believes the Blight is an army he can outmaneuver. Perhaps he does not see that the evil behind it is a true threat."

"The archdemon," Alistair finished.

Ice started to creep down my spine. "The dragon," I said. It was getting to be too much. All this death and now we had to defeat a dragon by ourselves.

But Flemeth had another idea. "A dragon easily defeated if you have an army behind you. Do the Wardens have no allies?"

"Of course! The treaties!" Alistair practically shouted. "Grey Wardens can demand aid from dwarves, elves, mages, and other places. They're obligated to help us during a Blight! And Arl Eamon, he would not stand for any of this surely. He wasn't at Ostagar, he still has all of his men!"

"I may be old, but that does sound like a proper army," the witch said with a smile.

"So can we do this?" Alistair asked me, really looking at me this time. "Go to Redcliffe and these other places and… build an army?"

"We have to do it," I said gruffly. "Then we can take care of Loghain."

"So are you set, then? Ready to be Grey Wardens?" Flemeth's eyes narrowed as if we would say no.

But we both nodded in agreement, so she continued.

"Before you go, there is yet one more thing I can offer you."

As if on cue, Morrigan joined the group discussion. "The stew is bubbling, Mother dear. Shall we have two guests for the eve, or none?"

"The Grey Wardens are leaving shortly, girl. And you will be joining them."

"Such a shame-What?" her yellow eyes blazed in confusion.

"You heard me girl. The last time I looked you had ears!" Flemeth cackled at her jest.

"You want her to come with us?" I was wary of another apostate being near me. My experience with them was not helping Morrigan's image.

"Do I have no say in this?" she rounded on her mother.

"You have been itching to get out of the Wilds for years. Here is your chance. As for you Wardens, consider this repayment for your lives."

"Not to," Alistair said carefully, "look a gift horse in the mouth, but won't this add to our problems? Out of the Wilds, she's an apostate."

Flemeth snickered. "If you do not want help from us illegal mages, young man, perhaps I should have left you on that tower."

"Point taken."

"Mother…this is not how I wanted this, I am not even ready." Morrigan implored.

"You must be ready. Alone, these two 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 said painfully.

"And you Wardens? Do you understand? I give you that which I value above all else in this world. I do this because you must succeed."

"Of course," I said honestly. Alistair agreed with me.

"Allow me to get my things, if you please," Morrigan gripped.

Alistair stared back out into the swamp, but he looked more confident. We had a purpose, even though it seemed impossible.

Flemeth was watching me. I found it odd that everyone kept looking at me.

"Um, is there something else Flemeth?"

"No, no. I am just curious as to what you will tell your new companions about your…history."

"I…How do you know all of this."

The crone smiled. "I already told you that I usually do not let these things slip past my notice. But that is a tale for another time. Let's just say that I hear whispers." She cackled at my frustrated expression. "Do not try to change the subject on me, Warden."

Yeah, I'mchanging the subject, I fumed. "I think it would be in my best interest to tell them so that they are aware of my inexperience."

"A wise choice. Just remember that not all can be trusted with such information."

Morrigan joined us again, obviously still angry at her mother. "I am at your disposal, Grey Wardens. I suggest a village north of the Wilds as our first destination. 'Tis not far and you will find much you need there. Or if you prefer I shall simply be your silent guide. The choice is yours."

"We are all adults here Morrigan. I won't tell you not to talk," I may have shot a quick look towards Alistair.

Flemeth gave a short bark of a laugh. "You will regret saying that."

Morrigan's head swung to her. "Dear, sweet mother, you are so kind to cast me out like this. How fondly I shall remember this moment."

"Well I always said if you want something done, do it yourself. Or hear about it for a decade or two afterwards."

Alistair watched the two women. "I just…Do you really want to take her along because her mother says so?"

"Have some tact Alistair," I groaned inwardly. "They're both standing right there. As for your question, I would be willing to dance a friggin jig in my underclothes if she asked you to."

"'Tis not wise to give my Mother such ideas," Morrigan muttered darkly.

"Ready when you are." I said, ignoring the comment.

"Farewell Mother. Do not forget the stew on the fire, I would hate to return to a burned down hut."

"Bah. 'Tis far more likely that you will return to see this entire area, along with my hut, swallowed up by the Blight."

Morrigan flinched as if she had been slapped. "I…all I meant was-"

"Yes I know," Flemeth said more softly. "Do try to have fun dear."