The sun is just rising when we finally reach the entrance into Ostagar. Duncan and I both stop our horses and my senior allows me a few seconds to take in the sight of where I'll be living until the end of the Blight. The tremendous stone bridge before us stretches across an endless valley below us and on the other side I see the fortress that's meant to hold off the Darkspawn. Multiple spiraling towers stretch themselves up to the sky and harsh stone walls are bouncing the sunshine around them. Towers, high walls, and open expansions between each area are what make up Ostagar. Not a real fortress like the ones in stories, but it'll hold from a siege.
Hopefully. I dismount and get my personal items off my horse. I left almost everything behind, but Duncan allowed me to bring my most treasured items. My mother's boots, a dagger my father gave me when I was a child, and a dried flower bracelet that Shianni made for me when we were younger. Duncan has dismounted while I gathered my things and now makes his way over to me. "Look sharp, King Cailan's coming.". I look at where Duncan's looking and see a heavily armored blonde man coming towards us. "Please, don't snarl! Just nod if you have to!". Duncan manages to whisper to me. Oh joy of joys, I get to meet the fucking king! I'm the luckiest damn elf in all of Ferelden!
I've seen the damage he's done from his seat in Denerim; that's enough 'meeting' for me. The king of Ferelden cracks a smile when he sees us and stops right in front of Duncan and I. Another man is following the king. He is the exact physical opposite of Cailan. This man's old, dark-haired, and is wearing silver armor while Cailan is wearing gold. I know who he is. Loghain Mac Tir. One of the generals of the Ferelden Revolution from Orlais. He's also the father of Queen Anora Mac Tir (the bride of Cailan). I've heard stories of his heroics a thousand times, so it's no surprise Cailan would want Loghain here. My observation time is interrupted when the King greets me.
"Hello! You must be the newest Grey Warden!". He briefly turns to Duncan. "Is she the one you told me about? The one who's mother was almost a Grey Warden?". I almost snap my normal 'don't talk about my mother', but bite my tongue until it bleeds instead. Duncan's a good man and anything I say can reflect him. I despise the Shemlen lord before me, but I'll be quiet. For Duncan's sake. Duncan nods at Cailan and the king turns his attention to me. "So, what made you decide to become a Grey Warden?". Okay, I've been quiet long enough. Just one little jab before being good for the rest of my life. "The Arl's son raped my friend, I killed as many Shemlen as I could in response, and Duncan conscripted me when royal guards came to kill me.".
A deep groan from Duncan and a stunned silence from the king. His friendly demeanor is briefly gone as he seems to struggle with words. Finally, a half-baked response trying to make up for his entire race's sins. "I'm sorry. I'll look into that when I get back to Denerim.". He turns to Duncan. "Will the Darkspawn attack tonight?". Duncan nods and the king continues. "Perfect! A king and the Grey Wardens fighting side by side to stop Darkspawn! Just like the legends!". Loghain finally adds to the conversation. "You rely on this Grey Wardens too much!". Actually, I think I can agree with that statement. Grey Wardens are needed to kill an Archdemon, but a king shouldn't rely too heavily on a group that lies outside his ability to control.
Besides, the old general is probably smarter than anyone here. I don't respect Loghain as much as Duncan, but the old man's proven himself in battle. I can respect anyone of any race who proves they've got the guts to be a true fighter. Cailan doesn't agree. "And I told you that I'm the king!". Cailan ignores his general from then on in favor of speaking to Duncan more. "I'll meet with you and your people later.". He nods to me before turning and starting his walk back towards Ostagar. Loghain follows him. Now it's just me and Duncan. I decide to speak first.
"Cailan is a fool who thinks the Blight is almost over.". Duncan makes a 'ehh' sound that sounds like 'I don't disagree, but I can't agree'. Then, he slaps me on the back and says what sound like parting words. "I'll take care of the horses and supplies. You should go find Alistair. He's white, messy brownish hair, and about my height. He'll be helping you pass the trial required to become a Grey Warden.". Duncan doesn't say anymore as he begins unsaddling our horses. I slink away and begin making my way over the stone bridge and into Ostagar. As I walk I look over the edge of the bridge to what's below. The tremendous valley is already marked with signs of battle and men are already moving around and preparing barricades.
I might be in another battle tonight against a Darkspawn horde. Somehow, that's not a very cheery thought. I stop looking at the ground and begin walking as quickly as my legs will allow. Once I'm inside Ostagar I take another second to look around and marvel. Soldiers running to and fro, burning campfires, tents set up, and everything else an encampment of soldiers need. Seeing all of this makes the last few hours seem realer somehow. Like I was walking through a dream and someone's thrown cold water on me. My insides start to twist and my chest hurts. No, I can't do that!
I'm a warrior, and I can handle this. I take a deep breath, steady myself, and begin walking around camp looking for Alistair. I don't find him, but I do find something that grabs my attention. A Mabari hound is locked up in a separate kennel and a man (who I'm assuming is the kennel master) is looking over him. I instantly rush over and look inside the makeshift wooden pin. The Mabari is sick and struggling to stand up. Awh, poor dog! I've always had a soft spot for animals and seeing the descendant of the wolves who fought with Dane is impressive. Mabari are one of the most prized dogs in all of Ferelden. Hence why I've never seen one up close.
An elf living in an alienage owning one is a joke nobles tell each other; not even a remote possibility in reality. I look at the poor beast and my heart aches for him. He's covered in black Blight, large enough I could ride him (although a human would kill him and I'm certain I wouldn't be any fun to lift), and whimpering in pain. The kennel master suddenly sees me and instantly strikes up a conversation. "He doesn't look good. His master died in the last battle and the poor beast swallowed Darkspawn blood. I can't even muzzle him to treat him.". He holds the muzzle towards me. "Can you try?". And get bit? No. I'm about to say just that when the dog whimpers and I look at him.
His soft, liquid eyes show an intelligence most humans don't even possess. He's in pain and he needs to be treated. I nod and take the muzzle from the kennel master. He opens the door and allows me into the pin with the Mabari. The dog shies away from me, but doesn't bite or growl. I'll need to be careful and not upset him. Poor thing's in enough pain already without being scared. I slowly walk over to him, kneel down, and gently whisper 'it'll be alright' as I put the muzzle around his head. The Mabari cautiously stands and looks at me. His gentle eyes speak volumes and I decide to try to offer him some comfort before I leave. I run my fingers through his filthy, black-stained fur and whisper to him.
"You're being poisoned by Darkspawn blood. I'll have the blight soon enough. Not the same, but close enough. We've one of a kind you and I.". He whimpers and leans into my touch. I pat the dog one more time before leaving. Thankfully, the Mabari lies down and closes his eyes in an attempt to get some sleep. The kennel master nods and tells me one last thing. "If you find a flower that's white with red dots and bring it back to me, then I can imprint him on you after the next battle when he's cured.". I shrug and try not to show my emotions, but on the inside I'm absolutely thrilled. My own Mabari! A loyal battle partner who's as smart as a two-year old child and as strong as an ox!
I rush off to find Alistair. The sooner I find him, then the sooner this day will go by and I'll have my own Mabari! I find Alistair bickering with some mage over something. He's wearing leather armor, has a wooden shield, and a metal sword at his hip. Besides that, he looks just like what Duncan described. Although Duncan didn't warn me about the argument. I honestly don't listen that much, but make my way to Alistair once the fighting seems over. The man in question smiles to see me and offers a sarcastic comment on the fight. "The thing I love most about the blight is how it brings people together!". Well, I can't be mean to him but Duncan didn't way I can't be off-putting to him.
"You're a strange human.". He laughs a little and his smile doesn't fade. "I get that a lot.". He snaps his fingers together and turns the conversation a different way. "You're the new recruit! The one Duncan found! I should have recognized you right away. I apologize.". I shrug and Alistair keeps talking. "Well, I'll be the one taking you into the Korcari Wilds. Duncan will explain more once we and the other recruits are all gathered together. By the way, I'm Alistair.". I decide to move this bit along. "I'm eager to get going.". Alistair smiles and offers one last sentence. "Nice to meet you Eager To Get Going!". I walk away.
I stop at the entrance to the wilds and look behind me. Alistair and two new human recruits (who's names I didn't care to learn) are behind me. One of the new recruits is bald and the other looks like a rat that learned how to walk. Those are all the details I want to know about them. Anyway, that's not important right now. Duncan has assigned us with going deep into the wilds to find three vials of Darkspawn blood (we can actually get those from Darkspawn we kill along the way) and retrieving ancient treaties that are at an old abandoned outpost in the wilds. The treaties allow Grey Wardens to call other groups to their cause if the need should arise.
So, it's extremely important we get those treaties for the Blight and the blood for the ritual we'll go through to become Grey Wardens. I'm still not sure how I feel about becoming a Grey Warden, but I do know I want to kill things and make Duncan proud. If the killing is fulfilled by Darkspawns and I can make Duncan proud by getting the treaties, then I'll do it. Also, the flower I need to cure the dog is in the wilds. Overall, death, pride, and a vicious Mabari are all the incentive I need to do this. I don't hesitate as I reach the gate and push through; my idiot companions following after me. I can only pray to the Maker that they try not to get themselves killed.