Chapter 6

Eventually, they all congregated outside Flemeth's hut. Emma spent her time looking around the area and flinched at seeing the patch of ground where the fight with Flemeth took place if one decided to go down that route. Once had been enough for her.

"Step forward, girl!"
Emma glanced up, thinking the comment must be aimed at Morrigan.
"Yes, you!"
Bollocks! Flemeth was way too observant for her own good. However, that was hardly surprising, considering what Emma had learnt about the witch in Dragon Age: Inquisition. She moved past Alistair and stood next to Aedan, trying not to squirm as Flemeth's sharp eyes bore into her.

"How intriguing. Like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole." She seemed to consider something for a moment, before continuing. "Perhaps I am wrong; it is of no concern."
With that, she dismissed Emma, and the conversation continued along its usual path, culminating with the treaties being handed to Aedan. With the transaction completed, Morrigan grudgingly led them back to the ruins, leaving them as they reached familiar territory.

Walking back to Ostagar, Emma saw Aedan eyeing her with a speculative look. She raised a brow, encouraging him to talk.
Aedan matched her brow for brow. "So, what did Flemeth mean about a square peg and a round hole?"
Damn it, she should have realised someone would question that comment. Her gaze dropped to the ground and she gave a nervous chuckle. "I'm not sure, maybe she was a bit confused."
"Hmm, I think Flemeth is a lot of things, but confused is not one of them."
With nothing to add to the conversation, Emma just nodded. Aedan reached out and took hold of her wrist, pulling her to a halt while he moved to face her.
"If you're in trouble, tell me. I might be able to help."
The warmth of his touch seeped through her leather tunic, heating her skin and causing her body to respond to his nearness. Although feeling awed by the sensations, she managed to meet his eyes and was surprised to see the concern in them. "I'm not in trouble as such, it's just..." She looked away, how the hell did she explain this? And would he think her crazy once he'd heard the story?
His long fingers took hold of her chin and lifted her face. "It's just what?"
Emma felt her cheeks flush at the touch, feeling a sense of intimacy with this man she barely knew, however she fought past her flustered state to answer. "It's a long story and a very weird one."
Aedan stepped closer. "You can trust me."
Emma surprised herself when she replied, "I know, and I do, but it's not a story I can tell you while standing in the middle of the Korcari Wilds."

He chuckled, "Fair enough, but know I'm here if you ever want to talk.'
Emma found herself unable to look away from his gaze. She felt breathless and her mouth dry. Slowly he leaned towards her, his intentions clear. Her gaze flickered to his well-shaped lips before returning to his beautiful blue eyes. A smile curled her lips at the realisation his eyes were on her lips. Good to know they were on the same page. The anticipation built as his lips drew closer until they were a whisper away.

"Come on you two, we don't have all day!"
Aedan groaned, then rested his forehead against Emma's. "Alistair's timing leaves much to be desired. To be continued, my lady."

With that, he was striding off towards the others. Emma took a moment to get her body under control; she'd never experienced anything like that. She'd fooled around some, but no man had made her limbs shake just by standing too close, and no man had ever shared her bed. Call her a romantic, but she wanted the moment to mean something; not just a romp in the sack. Not that she was against romping, in fact, she was all for it, but with the right person. The thought that perhaps this man was that person made her catch up to her companions with a bounce in her step.

xx-xx

The bounce had long since disappeared by the time she and the other recruits had followed Alistair to the ruins where the Joining would take place. She barely heard the conversation between Jory and Daveth as she contemplated what was to come. Footsteps echoed around the empty ruin, and everyone turned to watch Duncan as he made his way towards them. Emma's eyes widened as she saw the large silver goblet held firmly in the hand of the Warden-Commander.

An arrow of fear shot down her spine; she had no idea how this would play out. The person destined to become the Hero of Fereldan would definitely survive the Joining, however, she was an anomaly in this world, and the cards could fall either way. She glanced over to Daveth, then Ser Jory, knowing their role in this story would soon end.

Duncan stepped forward, his gaze travelling over the recruits. "We speak only a few words before the Joining, but these words have been said since the first." He looked over to his junior. "Alistair, if you would?"
A slight nod, then Alistair bowed his head and spoke reverently. "Join us, brothers and sisters. Join us in the shadows where we stand vigilant. Join us as we carry the duty that cannot be forsworn. And should you perish, know that your sacrifice will not be forgotten. And that one day we shall join you."

The words, always poignant, grew ever more so, with her life on the line. All of a sudden, she remembered reading The Last Flight, and the details came flooding back with surprising clarity. Each sacrifice, each life willingly given for the survival of another, each difficult decision made. And, to end it all, Garahel's last stand against the Archdemon, Andoral. Before she could stop it, a tear rolled down her cheek, unbidden and unwanted. Hastily she wiped it away, not wanting to appear weak among these warriors.

A warmth to her side, let her know that Aedan had noticed the movement and was offering comfort in the only way he could, given their current situation. She gave a slight nod, partly in acknowledgement of his gesture, but also to let him know she was okay. She watched with sadness as Daveth stepped forward, took the cup and drank. His shouts of agony echoed around the old stone walls as he collapsed to the ground.

Ser Jory, jittery from the start, now gave in to full-blown panic, and the inevitable fight between him and Duncan ensued, ending with his body lying in a growing pool of blood. The cup was held out to Aedan, who reached for it with grim determination. His face contorted in agony, then his eyes snapped open, a ghostly white film hiding the vivid blue as he fell to the ground. Emma had a moment to note that he still drew breath before Duncan offered her the goblet.

Emma swallowed hard, the ball of fear in her throat making the action difficult. Taking the cup in a firm grip she knocked back the contents before she could change her mind. A searing pain shot through her head and she staggered. Through a blur, she saw Duncan remove the goblet from her hand. She had a moment to wonder if her story reached its end, but then a vision of the Archdemon appeared in her head.

Her eyes flew open, and she knew the same white film that had covered Aedan's blue, now obliterated her own green colour. The beast roared, a sound so frightening that she felt paralysed with fear, so loud that she thought her eardrums would burst. She didn't feel the fall to the ground as unconsciousness had already claimed her.