They dotted the road and parts of the wood when a cart and driver claiming the Arlessa was attacked. He told them she sent him on as she gave chase.
They called into the night, searching, wondering amongst themselves was she lost to them? Fire light floated like will-o'-the-wisps in the thick of night, caught both their eyes, Deedolit and Nathaniel. Finally, he gave his name to her. She gave him word no harm would come as they made their way back to the castle. Deedo also promised him read of the entry in her daughter's journal. "Evidence" he asked for. The word of others for someone's character was never one to be trusted. Though it was a start.
As they came closer, one of her guardsmen shouted to the others as the flurry of calls drifted. They found her.
"Highly unnecessary, I assure you. I thank you."
"Lady Commander, we worried something had happened when you didn't return with the driver."
Deedo smiled at the name given. "Lady Commander? This is new, yes?"
Smiling with a nod. "Aye, a few of us wished no disrespect. You being our Arlessa and Commander." Stepping to move Deedo behind him when he took notice of the dark-cloaked man who came into the torchlight. "Ma'am, behind you!" Drawing his blade.
"Ease. He is with me. Have the others yet returned?" Deedo stilled him with her soft words.
"Ah. yes, they sent their messenger. Should be on their way now."
As the three turned to look down the path, they stood. An additional set of torch lights floated towards them. Deedo could see them nearing, crawling up the path. Someone was with them.
Other guards approached, glad to see the Commander safe. "Fetch a cart quickly. Come with me. You as well." taking Nathaniel's wrist.
The guardsmen looked worn, some leaning on the other. "Anders, Mhairi, what happened to you?" Deedo gasped, as she could clearly see cuts, bruises, looking completely haggard.
Mhairi limped, infuriated, as she and Anders both thumbed behind them. Anders leaned on his staff.
"She happened." They said jointly.
The "she," they pointed out, an elf, held a gaze of fire, her arms bound behind her. "What is this? My girl… cut her bindings. My apologies. You did this to my friends?"
"I did."
Mhairi looked at Deedo. Mhairi knew it would have been safer with the Elder around. She held her tongue. "She caused the caravan attacks. There were scavengers as well, but the attacks and murders were hers."
Deedo looked at the warrior, taking her by the chin, checking the cut above her eye. Turning to face the elf once more. "Is this true? You murdered the people of the village, too?"
"The humans must die for what they did!" She cried. Collecting herself, she glared at the tall woman before her. "These people… I trusted their word that they had not harmed my sister. I am here to speak with their leader on finding my Seranni." The small elf seemed to grow angrier by the second.
"Young lady, pray to your god that I was not there this day." Deedo stood at her full height, looking down on the elf. "What you have done is barbaric. The lives you have taken, your deeds alone would bring your body to swing." Deedo took the elf by the back of her neck, forcing her to look at the damage she has done to her troops.
A cold essence took over as she calmly spoke in the elf in her hands ear. "If any of them had not made it back, it would be I hunting you. No amount of spell work you weave could surpass mine." Releasing her, the transport cart arrived.
The unfeeling whisper, her warm breath, the chilled heat emanated from the tall woman, made the elven mage tremble. She was now deathly aware the person before her was the leader to who they pleaded with her to speak to.
Deedo ushered the group into the cart. The sound of the creaking cart hooves on the dirt path. Deedo sighed. An elf murdering humans. She will have to cover for this, or else it will be the girl's death.
Several things she needed now. Mages more mages, healers. She will have to await more recruits, praying more healers will come. How Wardens were chosen, she knew not.
Right now, the chief priority is this newcomer, Nathaniel, and the injured. The Seneschal greeted them as they came toward the gate.
"My Lady…"
"All is well. Was just a minor inconvenience. Anything to report?"
Varel looked past the Arlessa to Nathaniel. "You brought him back? You know he came to kill you."
"Groundskeeper Samuel? It is you. I never thought I would see you again. I had hoped."
"Nate, my boy, oh, it is good to set these old eyes on you once more."
Deedo smirked, hearing them in the distance, waving a dismissive hand at the Seneschal. "I told you, he can try. He did and failed. We three will have a discussion later about what to do with him. And that one as well."
Deedo watches the groundskeeper and Nataniel for a moment, half listening to them. They seem to know each other well.
Varel agreed, informing her that when he was stationed to the Howes, the man Nathaniel spoke with was here as well. He came back after she left that morning. The man wanted to see for himself the new Arlessa.
Oghren walked up a few minutes later. Deedo covered her nose. He had been drinking. She could smell him several yards away. "That the boy who has it out for you? Howes lil Blighter.."
"It is. How did you know?" Deedo was curious.
Oghren hiccupped. "The guards who kept an eye on him described him. I heard from Fergus when we were at the castle." Oghren closed one eye, then squinted. "Heard he wouldn't show his face. Heh good on him."
Taking a swig of something in a skin, belched loudly. Deedo covered her nose again. "Also heard he planned on killing you? Sounds like you and that kid of yours pick up assassins like flies on bronto dung."
Varel looked confused for a moment. "Like mother, like daughter?" Before he could give his reports.
"Oh Zevran? Yes, he is helping find her as we speak." Deedo said, nodding.
The Sargent ran up as if she saw a ghost. "Commander, come there are ghouls crawling through the section we dug free. We barricaded the section off. Also found this on a hound poor thing too weak. She may not survive. Not sure how she got down there." Handing Deedolit the crumpled note.
She called the Howe boy over, then handed it to him, all while urging Maverlies to the cellars.
"I will come with you." Nathaniel said.
"Varel, see to the others. They have injuries. Girl, come here." Pointing to the elf she brought with her. "Can you heal?" Seeing the girl nod instructed her to join them. Oghren was itching for a fight. The heavy armor clanked as he trotted behind.
What they found deep beneath the castle was a section of a long-lost Thaig that belong to the dwarves of Orzammar. So says Voldrik. It was a large door near completion that would secure the monsters on the other side. Hold up to keep them safe, at least for a long while. Deedo sent everyone away as she placed warding runes in the notches of stone that Deedo asked to be carved. Nathaniel stood by her side, refusing to budge.
"What, are you angry with me for killing your former nursemaid?"
"No, I received word that my sister is still alive. I wish to visit her."
With a dismissive wave of her hand, she sent him away. Nathaniel snorted as his boots faded off. Deedo placed the last stone carving. Her head hurt she turned to look at the doors, the mighty doors that held back the darkspawn. That trickled thoughts of Maric, Loghain, their children, and how she has none of them with her now. There are many, many things to do. She pressed her hands to her head, sighing. Children being held at ransom, a farmer's wife in need of protection, she also needs to see to that chasm.
It dawned. Deedo stamped her foot. It would mean reading that dreadful grimoire again. What could she do? She would have to. Within the pages, there were some things that would be useful. Deedo headed to her room for the night.
The Fade.
Kal'an watched on as his uncle looked over at his young sister. Xellexes listened as Kal'an explained what had been happening, the feverish tremors while she slept, the frequent pauses in her thoughts. The most worrying was the shifting of forms, the small barbs, as well as scales that appeared when she would sleep.
"She has been possessed. There is nothing I can do for her here. Or at all. She is being searched for as we speak. Let me ask you, how are you here?" Xellexes looked at the raven-haired boy.
"I do not know uncle, Olett had tried to explain I have died. She found my body bringing it to camp. She also speaks of a man, my father?"
That caused a round of confusion to enter the wizard's mind. "You hold no recollection of your father?"
"No, none." Kal'an answered. He went to explain all of who he knows and who Olett spoke with him of.
Xellexes could feel him. He was gone into the arms of Tunare; he was certain. Having placed his body in holding himself. A pocket only a wizard could create. It was how he was able to move so quickly between places. His granted gift for seeking his cousin. But they were here, here in the world between. How was this possible? How was it possible he can remember everyone but his sire? Xellexes would need to research. He may have to go back to Norrath. The master wizard would know. "I will speak with your mother when I can. Keep watch over her." Giving his young cousin a hug, he left them in his laboratory.
Kal'an took a seat with a heavy sigh, looking in the surrounding area. This was a place of study. It was also tangible, unlike what he stretched his mind to form for young Olett.
After finding out his sister has been possessed, concern grew. He was surely studious. No scholar mage like his mother or uncle. His own confusion, his sister, spirit he can touch. Her body was elsewhere. He has died, yet he was alive. Would he be able to travel outside from where his uncle's study is to the world outside, to help with the search?
So many musings he had not realized the situation changed.
"Kal'an, where are we?"
Outside of the void.
"Uncle, I have been calling for you for hours."
Xellexes staggered. "My apologies Heart. What had you needed?"
Truth be told, he heard the faint chimes. He had to ignore it by looking over Olett. He was also piecing together how his nephew was able to retain memories, yet omitted key memories.
Xellexes needed to ask Deedo. When she said she felt no spirit in the area from when he died, maybe the poison in his body just put him into a coma.
Slapping his forehead, why had he not thought to check his cellar to where he housed the body?
Even a great wizard is muddled brained. He will check next time. For now, they needed him for logistics.
"Supplies of enchanted metals. For the expedition?"
~Kirkwall market, Swiftleaf Blacksmith stall.~
"Yes. I gave the dwarf a completion time for two months." Okhor chuckled. "I had used some to make armor for our new friends for that journey."
"Now you have run out." Xellexes snorted. "I will send more after your mother has imbued them."
"Thank you." Okhor was grateful indeed. The young man's bright smile moved mountains. Well, amongst the wealthy who clamored to see him. No sooner had he bid his uncle thanks, than the familiar buzz near the shop sounded. "Good morning, beautiful people!" He greeted them with a smile and wink.
It wasn't just women who stood about the shop now.
They needed a few more items to preserve, plenty of dried meats needed, smashed fruits to eat on breads, butters one sweet and the other savory still needed to be made. Gathering more to make sure enough was available for the journey ahead. That is what the twins needed to do today. They arrived at the market early, just as it was opening.
Seeing the forming crowd that surrounds their stall daily, Okhor mentioned the one bold young lady that he would have to speak to his sisters. When that young lady brought it up again, the identical pair smiled their thanks on noticing their baby brother. Now the girls waited patiently for the food stalls to open.
Meanwhile, Lineatus and Carver had changed their previous trade for the Swiftleafs. It was brought up one day, during a small gathering. The elves found they worked for Meeran. Tenkou pointed out she thought she recognized him. For she slipped in the shadows to see their Templar friend.
As for the past few months, the brothers have felt safer, less worried the shadows would ambush them in the night. Meeran had backed off. Now, the siblings work as their deliverers, collecting money. Because it was Okhor, the customers were quick to pay on time upon product delivery. Affording them small luxuries, as well as savings for when they can reclaim the Amell home.
In the time Ruroni returned, they had sat with Cullen from time to time. He was doing well. Much more than the girls had expected. His new position kept him busy with paperwork and monitoring the new recruits that came in. He always made time for the siblings of his previous charge.
They informed him of their plans to go outside of the city.
Cullen wished he could be of more help. As he was explaining, a chill crept. Seeing his Commander, Knight Commander Merideth, walked past them with a look of disdain. Ruroni felt the powerful urge to shield her younger twin. Cullen fretted, ushering them out.
~Swiftleaf Manor.~
That week, to their surprise, a small band of Grey Wardens came looking for talent that would serve in the rebuilding in Ferelden. Amongst them, Loghain. The twins were dropping off something for Cullen and the others when they saw the former General. They greeted as if they had lost him. Inviting them to their temporary home for dinner. Loghain explains he was heading back to Ferelden at first light. It was good to see the girls, even with their mother missing from the picturesque scene.
Thanking his pseudo-family, he left to meet up with the other Wardens and recruits.
"He misses her. He was avoiding speaking about her." Tenkou pointed out. "You think uncle will be surprised seeing Mother?"
Ruroni knew what it could be. "I think it is because of eldest brother too."
"Yeah." Tenkou sighed. "I will agree. I miss him too."
"We all do." Ruroni got up to clean the cups and dishes.
Tenkou brought up something that caught her ear one day at the markets. "Sister, did you hear a girl was murdered? The killer has yet to be caught."
"May Tunare bless her. Stay in at night, no more leaving out."
"You as well." They agreed they could be a victim. The crime was getting worse by the week in Kirkwall. They hoped they would find soon their sister no other leads presented themselves with the woman with the description of the elven Hero surfaced since.
The Vigil, Deedolit's Bedroom.
Just as the dawn broke, Deedo stood in her bedroom. "Alright, we will try one for now." She took a deep breath, slow, steady. She concentrated on what she needed to happen. The words of the spell solidly formed in her mind. She was projecting like how she projected her image onto Rowen.
A steady breath whisper, a wave of her hands, calm, flowing, fluid motions. Even breathing. "Image of myself, to come to stand before me, be my likeness of warmth and love, for a day without rest, until our task is done."
From her spell, she herself stood looking back. "A fully functional persona. I wonder, though, how far can you be away from me?" Deedo pulled a spare cloak and clothes from her trunk. "Just one spirit familiar today. No, no. I nearly forgot about the ransom." She pulled a second set of clothing and recast her spell. Deedo wavered. Shaking her head clear, she began dressing her duplicates.
Having a map present in her room, she took the night before, pointed to where each illusion needed to go. To rouse less suspicion, she wove another spell to change each hair. Shorter, darker. Then they were perfect. "My ladies, please do my bidding, for you have until the first day of the sun. Be careful. Go." Deedo watched them slip out off of her balcony and speed to their destinations.
Turning, she closed the doors, stumbling forwards. Her head spun, gripping the furniture in her room, walked, slowly, to the post on her large bed before Deedo wavered again. Her stomach lurched. She needed to continue the concentration of the spell until they returned. This must be the drawback, a weakness. Deedo sat for a moment, seeing through their eyes, taking a deep breath. Just until dawn.
Deedo gathered herself before heading to the study. Deedo and Varel would speak of Velanna about her reason for being brought before her. Also, if her crimes would warrant Deedolit's protection, for being an elf alone, much less a mage the Chantry would find fault.
Deedo did not have to look for the girl. She and Varel were waiting.
Warden-Commander Swiftleaf's study.
Varel first took notice of the beads of sweat formed on the elder's brow. "Are you well?"
"I am. Nothing to worry over." An ever-present smile showed all was well. She fought desperately to show no outward discomforts. The spell was draining her. She had no sufficient rest since she arrived. Taking a seat behind her desk, she looked at the elven mage. "Last night did not give us rest. Now, I recall you mentioned that you have a missing sibling. Please, you may speak of what my group brought up. Without judgment." Assuring the young mage.
Velanna's eyes were hard. As much as she wished to be tight-lipped, she could not. She spoke of the farmers that drove her Clan away burning the surrounding woods. "We needed supplies. They did not care. I asked my Keeper to seek revenge, she forbade me, as her First I have a duty to my people!".
Deedo nodded. She can agree if there were humans who caused harm without hesitancy, she would see their downfall. "Where is your Keeper? I wish to speak to her."
Velanna shifted in place. Deedo looked at her, she knew. "I see. You went against her wishes." Deedo looked at Varel, he looked confused as he was informed, though it was less clear now than the hearsay the night before. "Our friend here murdered dozens of people. Lost a sister, and continued doing so. Blaming even the ones I sent to aid. That hamlet with the surrounding village… destroyed."
"Humans had murdered my people!" Velanna shouted.
"As retaliation! Continually, you felt it justified? When would it have stopped, when? One, two more months? Had it not occurred to you that the humans, who are but mere merchants, had nothing to do with your sister?" Deedo stood. She was agitated. Going to the door asked the guard to gather Anders and Mhairi. She sat back at the large desk with a quill in hand, writing notes that needed to get to Denerim.
A knock on the door, Varel answered. Deedo did not look up from her paperwork.
"My apologies for summoning you from your duties. I need to know what else we found in the woods."
Anders handed the Commander the letter he found amongst the crates and dead bodies. "The Militia had been called by the Mayor. There had been issues with trade for months. The village direly needed supplies."
Deedo looked at the girl, who stood with her nose turned up. Reading over the letter, they had tried to speak to the Keeper. They were sure it was the Dalish at fault. Sighing, she jotted down more. "Continue." Deedo encouraged. This time, Mhairi spoke up.
"There were weapons strewn about the place the Dalish made camp. It was implicating the humans in the Dalish elves' demise. The site itself looked planted."
Deedo stopped looking up. "What do you mean, implicating? Planted weapons? Who had placed them?"
Mhairi further explained that when they ventured deeper into the wood, meet the only living man, a dying militiaman.
"He explained the situation properly, with his last breath. About the angry elf. She had been burning all the caravans that passed through the wood, falsely believing that humans, and not darkspawn." Mhairi felt proud at that moment.
Anders continued from where Mhairi left off. "It was the darkspawn. They were the ones responsible for her sister's disappearance."
Deedo slammed the note and her quill down on the desk as she suddenly stood up. "No." She breathed.
"Commander!" they shouted as she wavered and fell back into her seat.
"My Lady, are you well?" Varel was already looking her over.
"Prepare a room for children and a bed for a Templar." She held her head. She lost Goodwife Turnoble that sought her aid. The mother was dying. "Save my children." Deedo slowly stood.
"I am well. My apologies. Velanna, you have committed such a grievous act. You attacked without evidence. For months. What have you to say for yourself?"
Velanna stood there for a moment. Yes, she went against her Keeper's approval, losing the ones who followed her in retaliation as the First, even losing her sister. What could she say for herself? The mage knew her sister was still alive. If it were darkspawn, as these humans say, then she would have to cut them down as well.
"I want to search for my sister."
Anders still did not appreciate what the elf put them through. "The militiaman said even his company was dragged off into a mine. A silverite mine near where we found him."
More men held captive by the darkspawn kidnapping they were highly organized. How was it possible? Was it the work of the talking darkspawn, the mines? This is where she would need to go. Deedo looked to Velanna, then to the others. "Today we prepare for the nobility and farmers' arrival tomorrow. Varel, send word please."
Varel left immediately. Deedo came from around the desk, standing before Velanna. "We will search for your sister. You have my word. I will not rest until we see her. Anders, Mhairi, we will go at first light in two days. Tell Oghren, for now, train. I will send word out of our plans. You all are dismissed."
As Mhairi and Anders left, Velanna still had a few words. "Commander?"
"Yes, dear?" Deedo braced herself on the desk. She needed sleep. She could smell the smell of earth. The farm children were scared, though safely on their way. The smell of the sea filled her nostrils and ears. As the coast of where her other body image was now, she could see them coming into focus. Velanna interrupted her thoughts as her duplicate slowly approached the kidnappers.
"I wanted to say thank you. I- I was exiled from my Clan. The others with me had faced being exiled for my stupidity." All she knew was that the humans had forced them to leave when they needed to restock. It was blind hate that fueled her for her crimes when they chased them further with the burnings that would have surely killed them in the night. "You are the first human I have met to hear me out."
Deedo smiled. "I would hear you even if I were a human." Turning to face the elf still standing in the room with her.
Confused by her words, the former "First" looked at the woman. She was beautiful, too beautiful. Assumed it was by that of human definition. "What?" Velanna blurted out.
Deedo pulled her hair from covering her tapered ear, turning her head to the side. "I am an elf." Taking a deep breath, she let it out slowly.
Velanna watched as the tall woman stood looking as if she were in a daze. "You differ from my kind. How?"
Deedo raised her hand, silencing the mage. "Yes, I want to see the girl. If she is unharmed, we can go further with negotiations."
Velanna looked around. She saw nothing. The woman was acting oddly. She continued to listen on.
"Have they hurt you, child?" Deedo was sincere in her question. "Yes, I have a heavy purse here, as you requested. Send her over." Then her words became softer, a whisper, once more her voice evened. "You have your coin. I will need back."
Deedo's eyes closed shortly after she was herself once more. "Yes, we are. I want to issue your punishment. I have decided you will become a Grey Warden."
"What is a Grey Warden?"
"They exist to destroy darkspawn. Gaining abilities to feel them. I believe that is how my daughter described the experience."
Velanna nodded. "I will."
Deedo nodded. "I guarantee we will find your sister. In two days, allow that. You may leave." When Velanna closed the door, Deedolit, taking several deep breaths, continued to prepare for the morning. Going back to her ink splattered paperwork.
Making a connection, before she puts the quill to paper. "You are safe now. We are going to Vigil's Keep. The Commander will see to you. It is a half a day's walk." Breaking away, she set to work.