Chapter 25: The Noble Ones (Elissa)
- Here. This is what darkspawn look like. Yes, they look terrible, and the smell, let's be honest, is disgusting, but they are mortal, your weapon can pierce them!
Elissa stood among the crowd of warriors listening to of a female dwarf in rusted armor. In front of the dwarf lay the foul-smelling corpse of a darkspawn.
- This creature is called a genlock. They are short and quite slow. There are taller creatures, hurlocks. They are no different from genlocks. The largest ones are ogres. If you see an ogre, either run or pray to your Maker or whatever. Only he will help you. Any questions?
All the warriors shook their heads.
- Then you're free.
The crowd gradually dispersed, and Elissa recognized the dwarf giving the briefing. Two years ago, she visited Orzammar with her father and Fergus at the invitation of King Endrin. The king had two sons and one daughter, and this daughter stood before her.
- Maker's breath! I saw you in Orzammar! - she exclaimed. - Lady Aeducan!
- Who is Lady Aeducan? I don't know any Lady Aedukan, - the dwarf began to deny.
She silently gestured to the ground. Elissa ducked down to hear the dwarf.
- I am no longer Lady Aeducan. I was exiled, - the dwarf said in a whisper. - If you want to call me somehow, call me Sereda. But don't tell anyone about me. I made up a story that I am from the extinct House Rumold.
- As you say, Sereda, - Elissa said and took a step back.
- What are you doing here? You're a noble, aren't you?
- We were betrayed by a family friend. My father was killed, and my brother and I were able to escape thanks to Duncan.
- So Fergus is around here, too?
- Yes, but he is not with the Grey Wardens. I was talking about my other brother, Aedan. You will get to know him soon.
- I'm sorry this happened. Stone take the one who betrayed you. Duncan saved my life too, by the way.
- What exactly did he do for you?
- They wanted to execute me, but he arranged for me to be exiled to the Deep Roads. That's where he found me and offered to join him.
- I guess I'm the only one who finds Duncan's methods strange. Aedan and I could have easily escaped without him. The thief he took only ended up with Wardens because Duncan had threatened to turn him in to the city guards. And the elf went through so much trouble on her wedding day, and Duncan could have taken her without all this.
- He's cunning, but I can't judge him, Elissa. I've been to the Deep Roads many times, it's awful. If only the Grey Wardens can stop the Blight, then the more of them, the better.
- Speaking of which. Duncan is calling all the recruits, to gather at his fire. I need to find the elf girl, Neria from the Circle of Magi and the Warden named Alistair. Do you know where they might be?
- Oh, those two? They seem to have got too interested in each other, but it's not for me to judge. Surely they are cooing somewhere over there, - Sereda pointed towards the ruins on the edge of the camp.
- Thank you. In the meantime, go to Duncan's fire.
Elissa saw recruits begin to gather at the fire, including her brother, and quickened her pace. She ran to the ruins and heard the conversation:
- You know, even the Blight has one good trait. It brings people together! - a male voice said.
- Yeah? And why have you made such a conclusion? - the woman asked.
- Not long ago, I delivered a message from the Revered Mother to your senior enchanter, Uldred. He got so angry at me, called me a bigmouth, but he went anyway. The Blight does unite.
- Uldred is an introvert. He does not like new acquaintances and has never taught students. I don't understand why Irving even agreed to make him a senior enchanter.
- And I even thought of naming one of my kids after him... the grumpy one.
- Such a weird name it is – Uldred. I would name my son Fenris... or Leto. Haven't decided yet.
- Alistair? Neria? It is you? - Elissa asked.
A fair-haired guy in the armor of the Grey Warden and a young elf in a yellow robe came out from behind the column.
- Hi, - Alistair said. - I hope you're not a mage? I think I've had enough mages for today.
Neria looked at the young man in surprise.
- Of course, it's not about you, my dear. On the contrary, I can never get enough of you.
- Do I look like a mage? - Elissa asked.
- No, but I should have checked. These mages are so sneaky. Wait, I know who you are. You're the Highever recruit Duncan wrote about.
- Yes, my name is Elissa. Kallian, Daveth, and my brother Aedan have arrived with me.
- Yes, those were the names. You probably know our names. As the youngest member of the order in this fortress, I will accompany you, Neria, and the rest of the recruits as you prepare for the Joining. And you know, it occurred to me that there were always few women among the Wardens of Ferelden. I wonder why is that?
- Why do you even think about other women when I'm around? - Neria asked.
- It's purely for practical reasons. Stupid question, sorry.
- Oh well.
- Elissa, by the way, have you ever encountered the darkspawn? Out of our recruits, only the dwarves fought them, but what if you also have experience?
- No, never, - Elissa replied. - Maybe my brother came across them, I'll ask him.
- When I had my first fight with the dawkspawn, I was not ready for the terrifying sight of this beast. I wouldn't say I want more. Anyway, since you're here, so is Duncan, we need to go to him. I imagine he can't wait to get started.
- Then lead us.
Alistair nodded and walked towards Duncan's tent, Elissa and Neria following him.