The witch nimbly jumps down from the pile of rocks and lands a few feet away from our group. Alistair stiffens and the recruits draw their weapons. By the Maker, you'd think these men have never seen a beautiful woman before! Drawing your blades and shaking isn't exactly the way to act around a lady! I step away from my group and the witch nods her head in approval before stalking closer towards me.
Then, she slowly begins circling tightly around me and isolating me from my companions. At one point her circle is so close to me I can feel her breath on my neck. If she were less pretty or a man I'd start pacing with her and eventually break away and return to my herd. As it is, I allow her to circle me like a wolf circling an injured deer. I can only hope the results end up better. The woman makes another circle around me before speaking.
"You. Women do not cower like men, so I shall ask you one thing. Only intruders and scavengers make their way this deeply into my wilds.". She stops a foot (or possibly less) in front of me and keeps her body turned to the side as she asks a single question.
"What say you, hmm? Scavenger or intruder?". Unlike with Alistair and Duncan I don't need to bite my tongue or remind myself to 'play nice'. This woman's pretty enough and so exotic that I really do want to get to know her and have her stay around. I don't even have a nasty reply to her.
"I am neither. The Grey Wardens once owned this tower.". The wild witch eyes me before giving me the slightest nod of approval. Well, that worked out rather nicely. Maybe if I keep being civil she'll save me from this group of Druffalo disguised as men. The witch seems to grow bored of knowing me as a nameless face because her next question has nothing to do with Grey Wardens.
"I see. Now, tell me your name and I shall tell you mine.". I inch a little closer to the witch. She smiles and cocks her head a little without stepping back. I decide I might as well introduce myself.
"I am Tabris. A pleasure to meet you.". A tremendous grin splits her face. Then, she cackles a little (oh, cackling isn't a good sign) before finally introducing herself.
"Oh, such manners! Even out here in the wilds!". She turns her entire body to me and keeps smiling.
"You may call me Morrigan.". One of the recruits interrupts our conversation.
"She's a Witch of the Wilds!". Morrigan offers his what I can only describe as a disgusted look before turning her attention to me again. I decide to restart our conversation where it left off.
"Morrigan. Such a beautiful name for-". I'm interrupted in my attempted flirting by Alistair grabbing my shoulder and forcing his way into our talk. Okay, back to hating him.
"We need the Grey Warden treaties. Can you give them to us?". Morrigan sneers and Alistair attempts to talk her into it.
"Please, by the Maker we need those treaties!". Morrigan spits on the ground near Alistair's feet and begins stalking away towards her pile of rocks. The woman hops back onto the crumbling pile and pivots around to look down at Alistair and me.
"I will not, for 'twas not I who removed them. Invoke a name that means nothing here any longer if you wish; I am not threatened.". I stick an arm out and place it on the Grey Warden's chest. He (thankfully) doesn't speak anymore to Morrigan. I walk over to the pile of rubble. Morrigan kneels down, so now we're having a somewhat private conversation. The woman doesn't give me another nod in approval, but doesn't spit or sneer. I take that as a good sign as I lean against the rocks and talk to her.
"I apologize for him. If you didn't take them, then who did?". Morrigan leans in until her lips are brushing my ear. Instantly, I tense up and allow the sensation of the witch being this close to wash over me. The smell of burnt ozone fills my nose and I can feel heat radiating off of her. Then, she whispers two very, very confusing words in my ear.
"My mother.". Morrigan leans back and stands up. I look up at the woman and feel something in my stomach tighten. I would have paid for that moment to last just a second longer. I decide to try for another one.
"Can you take us to her?". Alistair interrupts our conversation another time.
"We should get those treaties, but I dislike this... Morrigan's sudden appearance. It's too convenient.". Morrigan sweetly smiles and mocks him.
"Are you afraid that barbarians will swoop down upon you?". Alistair nods.
"Swooping. Is. Bad.". Morrigan rolls her eyes and it's clear their sarcastic banner is over and we're back on track. And, now that's we're back on track one of the recruits decides to voice his idiotic opinion.
"She's going to turn us into frogs and put us in the pot! Haven't any of you heard any of the stories?". I wouldn't mind if she ate me. The other recruit smacks his fellow and snarls what I think is an agreement.
"The pot's gotta be warmer than out here!". Alistair looks at me and shrugs.
"It's your call.". I scoot a little closer to the rock pile until I'm basically smashed up against it.
"So, you want to take me home to your mother?". Morrigan nods down at me. I smile at her before saying something that causes Alistair to let out a chocked laugh.
"Usually, I wait a little longer before letting the girl take me home. Especially if a mother's involved.". Morrigan laughs before hopping off the rock, grabbing my hand, and starting our walk through the woods. Well, this did work out well.
When we arrive at the busted, ancient shack I hear Alistair take in a small breath. I can't say I blame him. The woman awaiting us looks ancient and is wearing peasant's clothes, but her piercing eyes are what catch me off guard. Morrigan doesn't even flinch under her mother's gaze. Instead, Morrigan walks over to her mother and stands beside her before speaking. The recruits, Alistair, and I are forced to stand before them as they talk.
"Greetings, mother. I bring before you three Grey Wardens who-". The older woman raises her hand to silence her daughter.
"I see them, girl. Hmm. Much as I expected.". Alistair scoffs.
"Are we suppose to believe you were expecting us?". The old woman turns her burning gaze from me and onto Alistair.
"You are required to do nothing, least of all believe. Shut one's eyes tight or open one's arms wide, either way... one's a fool.". One of the recruits whispers to the other one.
"She's a witch, I tell you! We shouldn't be talking to her!". The other recruit is somewhat smarter.
"Quiet! If she's a witch, then do you want to make her mad?". The mother turns her gaze to the recruits and smiles. I (smartly) stay quiet. Something about all of this gives me the creeps. Magic usually does, though. I remain silent while the older woman speaks.
"There's a smart lad.". She cocks her head to the side before continuing.
"Sadly irrelevant to the larger scheme of things, but it is not I who decides. Believe what you will.". Now, she turns her eyes to me and I feel my chest clench.
"And what of you? Does your elven mind give you a different viewpoint? Or do you believe as these humans do?". I think it's weird she's saying 'humans' like she isn't one of them, but I don't call her on it. Instead, I tell her the honest truth.
"I don't know what to believe.". I see Morrigan nod and the old woman smiles before talking.
"A statement that possesses more wisdom than it implies. Be always aware... or is it oblivious? I can never remember.". The woman takes a few steps forward and I'm caught in her grey eyes. Then, her freezing hands clutch my face.
"So much about you is uncertain... and yet I believe. Do I? Why, it seems I do!". She releases me and steps back. Thankfully, Alistair decides to make his stupid comment to me.
"So, this is the dreaded Witch of the Wilds?". The old woman answers him.
"Witch of the Wildes, eh? Morrigan must have told you that. She fancies such tales, though she would never admit it! Oh, how she dances under the moon!". She throws her head back and cackles while Morrigan looks at the ground. Then, the younger of the two snarls a reply.
"They did not come to listen to your wild tales, mother!". I originally came here because Morrigan was pretty and interesting, but now I just want to leave. I don't like getting involved with magic and this entire thing is creeping me out. I can only thank a Maker I don't believe in when the mother turns and begins walking towards a chest by the shack.
"True, they came for their treaties, yes? And before you begin barking, your precious seal wore off long ago. I have protected these.". She turns and hands the treaties to me. I nod to her and am about to thank her, but Alistair ruins it.
"You... oh. You protected them?". The mother nods.
"And why not? Take them to your Grey Wardens and tell them this Blight's threat is than they realize!". That... that sounds really ominous and I don't like it. I just came here for pretty girl and one pretty girl isn't worth all this. I decide to wrap things up.
"Thank you.". The woman laughs before saying something weird.
"Oh, don't mind me. You have what you came for!". Morrigan nods and steps forward.
"Time for you to go, then.". I couldn't agree more. Apparently, her mother could though.
"Don't be ridiculous, girl. These are your guests.". Morrigan sighs before talking to my group.
"Oh, very well. I will show you out of the woods. Follow me.". She pushes through us and begins stalking out of the woods. We have no choice besides 'follow'.
I hand the flower to the Kennel Master and he smiles at me before walking into the Mabari's pen. I watch him mix the plant into an ointment and smear it onto the dog. The Mabari lets out a deep sigh before flopping down and closing his eyes. The poor dog is already snoring before the Kennel Master is out of his pen. Once the man's out he claps his hands together and looks at me.
"Well, congratulations! I'll imprint him on you once tonight's fight is over.". I look up at the dark sky and nod, then walk away without another word. Alistair is waiting for me a few feet away and begins leading me to the place where I'll become an official Grey Warden. I don't know what the ritual requires, how long it'll take, or if it'll hurt. We've already given the treaties and blood to Duncan, so by now the ritual should be prepared and ready to start.
The other recruits and I will undertake our joining while Duncan and Alistair watch. Alistair assured me the entire thing will be waiting for us when we arrive. The only thing missing is me. All I can do is pray to a being I don't even think is real. Maker help me. The area I'm brought to is a small circular stone with pillars surrounding it and a few blocks of rock here and there. When we finally arrive the two recruits are there, but no sign of Duncan. I shoot Alistair a glare. He sheepishly smiles.
"Okay, I was wrong.". My companion goes and sits on one of the stones. The two recruits are standing up and one begins to talk.
"The more I hear about this Joining, the less I like it.". The other recruit (the one who looks like a rat) glares at his fellow and argues.
"Are you blubbering again?". The first recruit feels the need to defend himself.
"Why all these damned tests? Have I not earned my place?". No, you haven't. Alistair and I did most of the fighting and you nearly pissed yourself when Morrigan showed up. The second recruit seems to agree with me because he defends the ritual we have to go through.
"Maybe it's tradition. Maybe they're just trying to annoy you.". I decide to shut the first recruit up. I hate both shem, but the first one is extra annoying.
"Am I the only one with a spine around here? Is an elven woman braver than the shemlen men she's surrounded by?". The first recruit raises his hands at me and tries to explain his actions.
"I only know that my wife is in Highever with a child on the way. If they had warned me-". He looks at his feet, takes in a deep breath, and releases while shaking his head/dropping his hands.
"It just doesn't seem fair.". They put us through this to weed out the weaker recruits like you. I prepare to say something to him, but the other recruit speaks first and keeps the argument going.
"Would you have come if they'd warned you? Maybe that's why they don't. The Wardens do what they must, right?". The other recruit looks upset.
"Including sacrificing us?". The second recruit puffs himself up.
"I'd sacrifice a lot more if I knew it'd end the Blight.". I decide to put an end to this one and for all.
"Both of you need to shut up!". The rat recruit uses my anger to attack his fellow.
"Yeah, Sir Knight. Don't go wetting your trousers before the ritual's even started!". The other recruit says the closing sentence of the argument.
"I've just never faced a foe I could not engage with my blade.". That's when Duncan arrives and walks in the middle of the gathered group.
"At last, we come to The Joining.". He looks around at everyone with a somber expression on his face. Then, he walks over to a stone with a goblet sitting on it. As he walks he talks.
"The Grey Wardens were founded during the First Blight. When humanity stood on the verge of annihilation. So it was that the first Grey Wardens drank of Darkspawn blood, and mastered their taint.". The first recruit begins to shake.
"We're going to drink the blood of those, those, creatures?". I can't say the idea appeals to me, but I'm not opposed to it. I want to gain power and the Grey Wardens seem to have it. Besides, I owe Duncan for helping me escape Denerim. And, my mother would have tried. I'll at least try. Duncan nods and steps forward, the goblet in his hands.
"As the first Grey Wardens did before us, as we did before you. This is the source of our power. And our victory.". The recruits are on either side of me in a line and Duncan is in front of us. Alistair comes up behind me and speaks.
"Those who survive The Joining become immune to the Taint. We can sense it in the Darkspawn and use it to slay the Archdemon.". I make a small comment when silence begins to stretch on.
"Powerful.". Duncan nods and continues his talk.
"We speak only a few words prior to The Joining, but these words have been said since the first. Alistair, if you would.". I feel something stirring inside me. I'm going to be a part of something bigger than myself! I'm going to be a hero like Soris and I dreamed of when we were children! Not a special hero destined for greatness, but still a hero! I'll save lives and people will look up at me and my ears won't matter anymore! I mean, they'll matter to me, but they won't get me beaten or almost killed!
A fire is moving inside my gut at the idea of getting to be a Grey Warden. A legend reborn in a modern era. I haven't been dreaming of being a Warden, but I've been longing for greatness. For the ability to be admired and feared and do/kill whatever I want. A hunger that every elf feels deep in their soul and can never feed because of our pointed ears. Now I'm getting the chance. I'll be able to do great things and be considered a hero by everyone. The fire only spreads as Alistair begins the sacred words.
"Join us, brothers and sisters. Join us in the shadows where we stand vigilant. Join us as we carry the duty that can not be forsworn. And should you perish, know that your sacrifice will not be forgotten. And that one day we shall join you.". Now I'm shaking and my knees ache with a longing to move around. The fire is a raging inferno that only becoming a Warden can quench. Duncan steps forward and holds the goblet out to the rat recruit.
"Daveth, step forward.". The man takes the goblet and brings it to his mouth. The liquid is barely past his lips when he screams. Duncan grabs the goblet as Daveth drops it and falls to the ground. I watch as the recruit is on all fours and begins clawing at his throat. Terrifying screams echo around us as Daveth's eyes roll into the back of his skull. The other recruit begins backing away.
"MAKER'S BREATH!". Duncan turns from Daveth and says four simple words as the dying recruit goes silent.
"I am sorry, Daveth.". Well, that's... unexpected. The fire inside me is cooled, but not gone. Some deep, inner part of me still longs to be a Warden. Or at least die as one. Duncan turns to my fellow surviving recruit.
"Step forward, Jory.". The man is backing away and presses himself against a stone pillar. Then, he reaches for his sword. Jory starts panting and trying to talk to Duncan.
"But I have a wife! A child! Had I known-". Duncan begins walking towards him, the goblet still in his hands.
"There is no turning back.". Jory holds his sword in front of him. "No, you ask too much! There is no glory in this!". Duncan sighs and pulls his own blade from his side. Both swing at each other and crack their swords together. Then, Duncan leaps forward and drives his blade into Jory's stomach. Both are splattered with blood as Duncan walks backwards and allows Jory to fall off of his blade.
"I am sorry.". Jory falls to the ground and Duncan turns to me.
"But The Joining is not yet complete.". He hands the goblet to me and I feel the weight in my hands. I look down into the gleaming blood and see my own reflection. She looks like she's about to piss herself. You probably are.
"You are called upon to submit yourself to The Taint. For the greater good.". I think of Soris, Shianni, my mother, my father, and everyone else in the Alienage as I raise the cup to my lips. Then, I drink. The foul, bitter liquid goes down my throat as Duncan takes the goblet and backs away.
"From this moment on, you are a Grey Warden.". Then, everything goes white. That's when the demon appears.