Disclaimer: We do not own the Dragon Age or The Elder Scrolls series

Co-Author and Beta: Etheral-23

Aftermath

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Bones…

Bones upon bones, likely too numerous for anyone to count them all. Rested out openly upon the vast barren and cold mountainside near old ruins. This was the sight greeted to Odahviing as he gazed down from a large cliff overlooking it all. His sapphire orbs surveyed every detail before him. "Hi dreh ni orin dir med vahzah dov. (You cannot even die like true dragons.)" He sneered out in pure disgust.

Wasn't enough that the joore (mortals) of these lands had dared calling these wretched witless sunvaar as dovah…

The mere idea of it made the ruby dragon's fiery blood boil. However, there was a more pressing matter that was vexing him. "Kolos los fin vahzah dov? (Where are the true Dragons?)"

For the several weeks he had roamed the skies of this Ferelden; and not one of his true fron (Kin) have made themselves known. Where were they? Alduin was thorough in his revival of the dov throughout the Vus (realm). All were woken from their deathless slumber before he went after Briinah on the wuth segeinok strunmah (old one's mountain).

Then again, he along with others recalled the former Thur's immense fury after his sojourn across the Azurian seas. Muttering about raan (animals) for whom the joor titled them as Dov. But strangely next to nothing of their true ilk here.

Something was odd about these lands. Despite the blessing of Kyne all around them, he barely felt the touch of the unslaad pindaar (Immortal Plain).

But the shores of Oblivion…

Did that explain why his dovah fron (dragon kin) were not roaming this place? He had more questions than answers. He knew his briinah was likely feeling the same, but more vocal in her annoyance of it all. Speaking of his sister he should likely go check on her. Being in this dreary place only made his anger rise and give him the urge to burn something

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

With his armor off, adorned in only his leather chainmail jerkin and pants, Marcus sat near the fireplace of Morrigan and her mother's hut with a sleeping Loke. His exhausted gaze observed Miara and Morrigan's mother tending to the wounds of both Neria and Brianna on a large bed. On a cot on the ground beside the bed was Sofie, out of her armor and in her simple jerkin and pants, assisted Serana with Alistair and Gin. Sitting at a table Morrigan worked diligently on several alchemic potions.

"You were lucky not to be struck by any tainted arrows lad." Morrigan's mother spoke up while not looking away from her work. "Unlike these four, your death would likely have been assured."

"We all would have died not for you ma'am. Forgive me, but I never got your name."

The elderly woman gave a bemused chuckle noting the thur's quick glance towards her then back to her charge; "I am glad to see that some nobility learned their manners properly. As for your question, you may call me Flemeth."

That was not a dovah name…

For a split second the exhaustion fled the Cousland's now alarmed gaze; "T-The Flemeth?"

"And your name lad?"

"Marcus Cousland… You and my family have met."

Yellow eyes gleamed and soon peered over at the young noble. "Ah! Sarim did well for himself once after the Elstan bloodline had faded into nothing. How is the family?"

The young noble's face darkened at the question; "We were… betrayed and nearly wiped out by someone we thought was a friend. Miara is half the reason many of us survived." His fists tightened as the mental images came into his mind.

"You were more blessed than you realized," Flemeth cryptically uttered with grin. Her amusement only grew at the sight of the hidden glare from the dark elf. "It is almost reviving as it is injudicious to know that nobility haven't changed in all these centuries. Still, your family proved themselves to be above the pettiness and stupidity among the majority of the 'highborn'."

"Marcus." Miara spoke as she removed an arrowhead from Neria's shoulder; "Get some sleep, the rest of us will be tending to these four."

A low grunt had come from the man; "Not sure if I can honestly."

Upon hearing that Morrigan paused for a moment before getting out of her seat. Strolling over to a bookshelf filled with all manner of tomes and potions, the young woman grabbed a small vial. Keeping his eyes on the raven haired sorceress, she came to stand in front of Marcus before holding out her hand "Take this."

Looking between the vial and Morrigan, Marcus took it from her and stared at it; "How fast does this work?"

"Within moments;" the young apostate simply addressed.

"…Thank you." Morrigan gave surprised look before giving a small nod and returning to her previous work at the table. Popping off the cork Marcus raised the vial to his lips. The bitter taste made him groan before a heaviness enveloped his body. His eyes fluttered before closing as he dropped the vial.

"A strong lad, testament to his lineage;" Flemeth grinned while working; "But I imagine you wished to keep more discreet a conversation between us ladies?"

Serana glanced to the elderly woman before over to her daughter; "And how much does Morrigan know?"

"You can ask me, I am right here," Morrigan coyly retorted as she mixed several ingredients in a bowl.

"Do you believe I would let my daughter be completely ignorant of the world beyond Thedas?" A scoff came from Flemeth; "She is likely the rarest person on these shores to be aware of Tamriel."

An annoyed glare appeared on said daughter's face; "Though mother has not fully divulged everything."

"Of course, learning on your own can do more than a mere lecture my dear."

Placing bandages over Neria's wounds after applying some healing spells, Miara gave an even stare towards the elderly woman. "I was under the impression I was the only 'Jill' on Nirn."

Flemeth returned the young Thur's stare with her own; "And how far have you traversed our Lein (World) to be so assured of such a fact hmm?"

"She kind of has you there mom." Sofie retorted finishing up on Alistair.

"By the way, while I know your reserves of magicka are immense thur, I imagine that guise is getting quite taxing to hold." Flemeth waved a dismissive hand.

Morrigan paused for a moment at the sight of Miara's now grey skin and glaring crimson eyes before finishing up her work. Well, her mother actually wasn't exaggerating on the uniqueness of elves in Tamriel. The younger witch soon returned to her work, shaking up a small vial as the potion entered the last stages, its color going from a sickly pale to a faint red. She set the potion at the end of the table, which was quickly lifted by a telekinetic force and flew straight to Serana's hand.

At the moment Sofie finished removing the last arrow, this one stuck on Alistair's stomach; Serana poured the contents of the potion into the wound. The senior Warden groaned in pain, his face twisting in agony. Less experienced people would think he was awake given the noise he was making, but in truth it was merely a reaction of the body, pure reflex.

The nord carefully began removing the arrow heads on Gin's body, before removing the leathers that covered his torso. In the commotion she had not noticed it before, but now as she paid closer attention to the wounds, she could tell something was off about them.

"The wounds are not infected" The nord noted. With all the manner of poisons Darkspawn surely coated their arrows in, not to mention their own Taint, it was hard to believe.

"Grey Wardens are highly resistant to most poisons and diseases, infected wounds are rarely a problem unless more esoteric venoms afflict them" The Witch of the Wilds commented as she undressed the human mage. "Do not concern yourself with cleaning them, only with closing them"

"Hmph" Serana frowned, "As I suspected, the Wardens... they have the Blight in them. That's why they needed Darkspawn blood for their rituals, they must have consumed it" The vampire was intimately familiar with such types of blood rituals, so it wasn't hard for her to connect the dots. The blood, their tight lips regarding the nature of their Joining, it all presented a very clear image on her mind.

"You are correct, Daughter of Coldharbour." Serana's head nearly snapped as it turned so fast towards an amused Flemeth. "To become a Grey Warden you must pay a heavy price. And there are many who do not survive the Joining."

Sofie inspected the Darkspawn arrowhead without touching it; "There was no other way?"

"The first Blight left no alternatives; Dumat and the Darkspawn were utterly relentless in their onslaught against Thedas. And so the Joining was made, and Grey Wardens became our defense against the Blight."

The four ladies were quiet as they processed what they had learned. Removing an arrow from Brianna's naked form, the dunmer met Flemeth's gaze. Neither spoke but their eyes addressed the words in their thoughts. Aedric intervention was nigh impossible without a means of creating an avatar. And Daedric Princes... Well for most of them Miara would never want them getting their hands on the Blight itself.

A sigh escaped the elf as she weaved a healing spell "What is the Blight?"

"Come now Thur, do you expect me to give you all the answers?" Flemeth bemused dressing another of Brianna's wounds. A deep rumbling growl resonated from the Dragonborn. So much so the hut faintly shook, stirring Loke whose head shot up; "I see Paarthurnax's lessons of patience never took. Calm yourself goraan dovah (young dragon); wouldn't you rather discover the reasons? The testimony of one person would never give the full spectrum of what you need to learn."

Miara wanted to rebuke the woman but she knew Flemeth was correct. She needed to see Thedas, explore as much as the land as she could travel. Find out what is going on, and when she ever gets back to Tamriel strangle a certain altmer girl!

XxX ~ Next morning ~ XxX

It had been touch and go, but the four Wardens were now in stable condition. Every so often Miara checked on them just to be sure, relaxing when she found their breathing to be steady along with their heartbeats. She had slept little, but it wasn't something a few potions and spells couldn't fix. At least Serana and Sofie had rested better than her.

While her daughter rested on her side of the hut, Flemeth had not gone to sleep the entire time they had been there. No doubt the dragon did not want to take any chances with the born dragon slayer under her roof. From time to time the two would exchange looks, and while Flemeth's eyes carried an amused mocking glint to them as if to say 'I know something you don't', it was clear she did not want to actually goad Miara into open hostility.

And to Miara's discomfort, she owed Flemeth a debt for helping her save the young ones. Even though she wanted direct answers from her, it was clear the dragon who felt as though there was something else with her soul, would not give her any.

It infuriated her, she could feel a spark of... something in Flemeth's soul. Not draconic like the rest of it, but... different. The dragon soul part was larger, and there were traces of former mortality in it, along with something that put Miara on edge.

But for now, there would be no confrontation between them.

The dunmer let out a sigh as she sat on the table, while her lover and her daughter were still asleep next to the Cousland and mabari. She helped herself to a small wooden cup and retrieved a small bag from one of her pouches. She poured the contents into it, small brown beans, and squashed them into paste with a small touch of magic. Then, she conjured water from the humidity in the air and filled the cup, heating it with a small arcane flame, the water mixed with the paste and took on a brown coloration, the drink steamed and let out a strong smell that was simply delightful to Miara's nose.

To other people, however. "Ugh, what is that smell?" Morrigan asked with a disgusted expression as she carried with her a recently baked loaf of bread in her hands.

"Kahve" The dunmer shrugged, "A drink from the lands of Hammerfell. When it comes to waking you up, it works like a stamina potion"

"And it looks like you could use it to kill bad weeds" She replied with a sneer, "Honestly; I swear I can taste it just by smelling it..."

A chuckle and roll of the eyes came from the elven woman as she sipped her drink. The tiredness within her body was ebbing away before glancing towards the young Wardens. "I don't suppose you were watching the battle last night?"

"Oh I was; I witnessed the Darkspawn charge against your forces in fierce combat. As well as watching a man in the distance quit the field and left with his troops."

...Loghain? H-he abandoned his king?!

But that made no sense, Bryce and Eleanor had both shared several tales of the hero of River Dane. And her own meeting with Loghain showed much of his character; stern and hard but fair. A man loyal to his nation and his king/son-in-law. To just abandon the husband of his daughter and ruler of his nation.

Ferelden was going to be in utter chaos…

Miara groaned massaging her temples with her free hand; "I am going to kill Arameris..." She had dealt with this crap already thirty years ago back home!

"Arameris?" Morrigan's voice brought the dovahkiin out of her thoughts; "And who is that?"

"...The reason why my family and I are even here." Miara murmured as she continued her drink.

The young apostate did not press forward as she shrugged; "At any rate breakfast stew is done. Mother said you and the others can have some."

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

The warm bliss fell down her throat as the vampire greedily drank from the magnificent life nectar that was her beloved's blood. Power and divinity filled its essence, giving it a supreme taste that could only come from the most chaotically beautiful depths of Oblivion, and the unreachable perfection of Aetherius.

It gave her renewed strength, and the sun's smiting rays became a tolerable annoyance.

"Okay, I think you had enough" The dunmer said half-jokingly. "You're going to dry me otherwise"

Very reluctantly, Serana let go of Miara's arm, wiping the errant trails of blood from her mouth. "Sorry, been a while since I last fed from you" More than once did the vampire tell the elf her blood was just a rare mix of irresistible substances. She wasn't ashamed to admit the first time she had fed on Miara the feeling had been orgasmic.

Miara merely shook her head amused, healing the two puncture wounds on her arm quickly before rolling down her sleeve.

"So" The vampire spoke slowly, "This is a fine mess we've gotten ourselves into"

"I'd like to say somebody else got us into the mess this time" The red eyed elf replied with a drawl. "One decade. I want to go just ONE decade without involving myself with the fates of nations"

"Ohhh I know you love it deep down" Serana coyly retorted. "The adventure, the thrills, the dangers, the political drama"

"Oh yes, because I clearly didn't have enough that in Skyrim"

"Fine, fine" The nord held up her arms in surrender before crossing them beneath her bosom, a thoughtful expression forming upon her brow. "We should inform our children. They ought to know what's going to happen to Ferelden now"

"Yeah" Miara slowly nodded, bringing up her ringed hand. "Yeah you're right"

She activated the enchantment to connect with Oryrn and Sarya's rings, two blue lights shone above it, signaling their connection... "Hello?" Came the youngest daughter's voice.

"Oryrn, Sarya?" She tried not to sound too concerned, but their children knew better.

"Is everything okay?" Oryrn asked in concern.

"Are you okay, mom?" Came Sarya's voice, worry mirroring her twin's.

"Yes, yes, I'm fine but..." She paused for a moment; running a hand of her face and hair in exhaustion. Miara let out a long sigh, "At Ostagar, we... the battle was lost"

"What!?" Both twins shouted; "Are you alright!? What about Sofie! And mama Serana!?" Sarya's voice grew more and more frantic.

"Sarya," Miara's voice though tired held a calming parental tone. "We were hurt but nothing life threatening. However Marcus, Neria, Gin, Brianna, and a young warden named Alistair are in rougher shape."

Oryrn spoke up; "What happened?"

"The Darkspawn had outnumbered us. Serana and I fought alongside Duncan while Sofie went with Marcus and the others to light a beacon for Loghain Mac Tir and his men to flank the beasts from behind. The beacon was lit but no forces came. We were betrayed, Duncan asked me to save Marcus and the others. Getting there we were ambushed by Darkspawn. Someone... saved us, but I'll explain her later."

"Truly," It was then that the very much uninvited voice of the Witch of the Wilds was heard, both dunmer and nord directed heated glares at the approaching Flemeth who merely bore an amused smile. "That is rather quite rude young Thur."

A long pause came from the twins before a question came from Sarya; "Who is that? And why did she call you Thur?"

Serana replied to her children; "We're working on that. But as of right now, it's just us who survived Ostagar. Besides that bastard Loghain."

"That does not make any sense," Oryrn's voice no longer his usual calm; "I've been in Redcliffe for a while now and people praise him greatly. He was the longtime friend of the late King Maric. He willingly left his friend's son to die?"

"Believe me, we want answers as much as you," Miara said with rage in her voice; "But now the Darkspawn have nothing stopping them from advancing further into Ferelden."

"Oh gods..." The youngest daughter muttered horrified. "W-What are you gonna do?"

"We" Miara paused momentarily, "are working on it. For now on stay put, I'll inform you about the next course of action once we have one. First we need to tend to our young Wardens"

"I hope you keep safe" Oryrn voiced.

"You two. I'll talk to you later"

"Goodbye mom, take care"

The dunmer sighed as her ring stopped glowing and her arm fell to her side. "Daar lost aan ni hin golt wah tinvaak... (That was not your place to speak…)"

Annoyingly Flemeth only kept her amused grin as she chortled, though raised her hands in a placating manner. "Krosis Thur. (Apologizes Overlord)."

It was then a familiar roar echoed through the skies above garnering their attention. Soon Odahviing came down and landed near the hut; "It took some effort to find you briinah." The ruby dragon declared before his eyes stopped at Flemeth.

"Well now, next to our Thur I was not expecting to encounter another of our kind."

For a long moment there was silence, Odahviing merely bore a long stare at the elder woman before a deep enraged growl escaped his maw. "HI QAH OI AAN JOOR! (YOU HIDE AS A MORTAL!)" The entire area shook from the dragon's rage as he bellowed "LOST HI SIZAAN HIN KAH!? (HAVE YOU LOST YOUR PRIDE!?)"

Serana had to cover her ears beside her surprised lover. So much rage glowed from Odahviing as he appeared ready to rip Flemeth apart having simply just having looked at her. However the amusement fell from said elderly woman as she glared back at the fellow dragon.

"Oh yes, we must never forget our pride. The same pride that nearly destroyed us thanks to Alduin's nonsensical lust for power and forgetting who he was!" Flemeth roared back with a sneer; "I would not fall into the same idiocies the rest of you had done!"

That only seemed to enrage Odahviing further, but before he could do anything Miara stepped in-between both; "ENOUGH!" Her thu'um blended into her voice shook the area if not the entire wilds.

The door to the hut shot open, and drawn in by the commotion brought out a startled Morrigan who was already conjuring a ball of arcane flames on her hand. "What is the meaning of-?!" She soon stopped the moment she saw the massive red scaled dragon glaring daggers at her mother. "I... see that you have everything under control. I'll just continue with our breakfast"

She slowly made her way back inside, passing by an alert Sofie and a concerned Marcus. The nord let out a relieved sigh and smiled warmly at the sight of the old family friend, while Marcus let out a startled noise as he scrambled to reach for his sword, only to realize it wasn't on him at the moment.

Sofie thankfully put her hands on his shoulders to calm him down and stop him from doing something drastic. "It's okay Marcus, there's no problem"

"No prob-? That is a dragon!"

"I know, he's family"

Blue eyes looked at her own in flat bewilderment, "What" His tone didn't even portray a questioning tone properly, it was all shock.

The nord let out a sigh, "Look, just get back inside and I'll tell you. Let them sort things out"

"I think I preferred the battlefield than dealing with this..." He said with great exasperation as he was lead back in the hut.

Serana looked on as the door was closed again, well, that was a conversation she was not looking forward to. At least the swamp wasn't on fire. Yet.

The great dragon grumbled in displeasure. "Your place belongs in the Heavens, Jill, aiding our Father to maintain the flow of time. Why are you here, in the pathetic disguise of a mortal, hiding like a coward?"

"Ohhh I found this form suits my needs" The witch replied with a haughty shrug of her shoulders.

Odahviing showed his teeth, "And your soul... I cannot even begin to make sense of what it is. You felt this too, didn't you briinah?" He rhetorically asked the dunmer, knowing full well she most likely had done so. "The dragon soul cannot be hidden, and yet it feels as though there is... more to it. Old traces of mortality of all things, along with something old. Powerful. Not of the mortal realm"

Flemeth merely smiled, even as Odahviing lowered his large head to the point it was face to face to the witch.

"You mantled something, mey (fool)" The ruby dragon said in display of insight and understanding. "There are powers that should well enough be left alone"

That pretty much confirmed Miara's suspicions. The confusing state of Flemeth's soul, as though it had been one thing and then changed to another entirely, or even taken the aspects of something else into her. She couldn't tell if she had been born a mortal and mantled a dovah, and later absorbed the essence of an ancient spiritual being. The dunmer wasn't sure in what order it had even happened.

"Who are you, truly?" Miara demanded.

"Tut-tut" The witch waggled her finger. "You owe me a debt for saving your little friends, Thur. As such, I choose to keep my silence. Regardless, I am the least of your concerns"

Odahviing's blue eyes met his Briinah (sister) who gave reserved nod; "She did save us from the beasts you likely noticed when coming here."

"...Their perversion of life itself was not hard to miss." the ruby dragon growled; "In all my existence I had never seen or felt such corruption and evil. What are they?"

"Something I need to explain to you. And Durnehviir when I summon him." The elf huffed as she crossed her arms under her bosom. "Will you remain in this area?" He gave a nod in reply; "Good. Now I've got to explain some things to a young man who is likely freaking out presently. I'll introduce you to him." Her gaze went from Flemeth and Odahviing; "I trust you two won't kill each other?"

"Bah! I have nothing to prove to this goraan segein (young one)."

"I will do nothing to the mey (fool)."

And that was as cordial as the dragonborn could expect from two dov.

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

As the door of the hut opened Marcus leaned a bit forward still seeing the enormous ruby scaled dragon who's gazed turned to him. An awaken Loke growled beside his master as Miara, Flemeth, and Serana came inside. "How is a dragon a member of your family?" the young noble questioned.

Sofie sighed beside Morrigan who ate her breakfast, but kept her eyes near the now closing door; "So that is a Vahzah Dovah (true dragon)... Interesting, but I will gladly stay at a distance if it is remaining here."

"'He' won't eat you girl." Miara corrected with a drawl as she took a seat beside Marcus and Loke.

"Miara, I feel that I've respectfully been patient due to the debt I owe you for helping keep my family and people safe" The young noble said with carefully measured tone, "You've been forthcoming about stating you have a past you are not proud of, you've provided me with wise counsel, and have even joined a fight you have no stake in, for that I am deeply grateful... That being said, upon seeing the talking dragon outside, I feel I must ask; What. The. Hell?"

The dunmer rubbed her eyes. "Alright, alright. Short version, the dragon is my brother"

"I see" Marcus said, in a tone which indicated he did not see at all.

"The long version is a... complicated story, one I do not feel like repeating, so I promise you once the others are awake I will tell you the truth" She gave him a reassuring look. "And I can promise you, you have nothing to fear from Odahviing so long as I'm here"

The Cousland gave the dragon a look from the edge of the door, "Odahviing" He repeated the name, testing it. "So, whatever secrets you have kept so far, you must have good reasons"

"Very much so" It was Serana who replied, "Tell me, do you believe in your Maker?"

The question came so out of nowhere it surprised the young noble, "I... am not particularly religious. I do not disagree that he might exist but, I've always felt the matters of faith to be a hindrance when they become too involved with the physical" Enough wars and many horrible decisions have been made in the name of faith.

"Good" The nord replied as she crossed her arms, "Otherwise, Miara's origins would shake your faith"

It took Marcus a few seconds to process that. "Oh"

"And that" Miara gave her beloved a pointed glare. "Is a conversation for much later"

It was THAT serious?! But he supposed putting his trust in the elven woman has not come back to bite him yet. The young noble gave a curt nod before glancing back towards the door; "There had always been... stories, not many but some which tell of dragons who could talk. Had minds beyond the scope of mortal understanding."

"They exist, as you just saw." Sofie expressed as she took a bite of some bread. "I've known Odahviing since I was seven, closest I have to an uncle."

Flemeth only chortled at the young noble's reaction to what he just heard. "For clarification young Cousland. The majority of the dragons that roam about Thedas are Sunvaar, beasts in comparison to Vahzah Dov, true dragons." Her aged lips turned upwards to a smirk; "Feel out of your depth yet?"

"...Extremely."

Serana patted the man's shoulder. "Trust me, I was in your shoes thirty years ago. And how that girl kept her sanity through it all is amazing." She thumbed over to Sofie beside Morrigan.

"Gee, thanks mom." The Nordic warrior woman deadpanned.

Loke slowly came over to Miara before laying down with his head on her lap. She petted the large mastiff while glancing to the still sleeping four; "Can we guess how long they will be out?"

"They had lost quite a bit of blood," Morrigan explained as she drank some water from a cup.

Flemeth took over from her daughter; "Two or three days at most. Take this time to rest and gather yourselves."

XxX ~ three days later ~ XxX

The first thing Neria saw as she opened her eyes were blurry figures, she could vaguely hear voices around her as her mind slowly woke up from her long slumber. Her whole body felt heavy, it felt difficult to even more her limbs.

"Neria" The joyful voice of her friend spoke, as a figure saw next to her. "You're awake" There was great relief in Brianna's voice.

The elf groaned as her gaze steadily focused, the surroundings became clear, and so she noticed they were inside a hut. She blinked a couple of times as she gazed at her friend's face. "Where... Where are we?" With Brianna's help she pushed herself up on the bed. "What happened?"

"The Darkspawn ambushed us" Gin said, and she saw the city elf laying against a wall with his arms crossed. "We were wounded pretty badly"

"My mothers arrived just in time to see guys being cut down" Sofie spoke up, sitting on a chair with her front facing the backrest. "Had Morrigan's mother not arrived to save you guys, you'd be dead"

The elf looked at her figure, she was wearing a plain linen shirt and could see bandages wrapped around her torso, no doubt the areas where the arrows had hit her. "And the battle?"

"Loghain never answered the signal" Brianna said with barely controlled anger in her voice. "He left the army and the king to die"

"What!?" Neria regretted shouting as she winced holding her side. A concerned Brianna held her longtime friend who hissed out; "Why? Cailan was his king and his son-in-law!"

Standing near the bookshelf, Morrigan overheard the conversation as she read a book; "Who's to say why. All that matters is that it happened." Neria, Brianna, and Gin turned their gaze towards her; "The real question is; what shall you do about it? Other than muttering incoherently like a fool as the other Warden did."

A small glare came Sofie; "Alistair thought the other Wardens like family. How would you react with such a dreadful thing?"

"Before or after I stopped laughing?" Beside the amusement in her tone, the woman's cheerful smile was a bit unnerving to the others.

Sitting opposite of Gin, Marcus shook his head as he rubbed his hound's ear; "At any rate, we need to get you up to speed with a few things as the others have Neria."

"Other than the hero of River Dane betraying the king and leaving him and the others to die?" Neria chided before noticing a few absent in the hut; "Where is Miara and Serana? And Morrigan's mother?"

Morrigan answered that "Mother is outside with the fool Alistair and Odahviing. As for Miara and Serana, they are scouting."

"...Odahviing?"

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

While both ladies had seen far worse in their long years, Miara and Serana still felt the bile in their throats as they observed Darkspawn, sitting on the ground and devouring several corpses. Blending into the shadows and had made utterly no sound, the ladies had returned to Ostagar to survey the aftermath of their side's defeat.

The sight was as grizzly as they expected...

Pyres burned with dismembered bodies hung above them to cook. Other corpses of human, elf, some dwarf, and Mabari laid all over the area. Some were eaten, others had their bodies arrange in some kind of twisted amusement for the blighted creatures. The Dunmer clearly saw the remains of Duncan, having been literally split in half, his armor having been shredded like paper. Serana bit back a growl at the sight of the late king's body being hung from a wooden pike.

"And I thought my father was a monster." a hushed whisper came from Serana.

Harkon and the Darkspawn were two different brands of evil. The Vampire Lord had chosen to inflict pain and misery upon others because he relished it, whereas the Darkspawn seemed acted only based on their instinct to destroy, consume and taint.

But this display, their 'trophy', the various totems and multiple macabre sculptures fashioned out of flesh and bone, it indicated they clearly possessed a far greater intelligence than most people believed. They knew who Cailan was, or at least, they understood it he was someone important to the humans. And so they had taken task of parading his corpse, even going so far as to use necromancy to preserve it, as though to send a message to the world; No matter who you were, kings and lowlifes alike would fall before the Blight.

Had their sheer numbers at Ostagar not convinced her enough, and then now Miara would be certain the Darkspawn were a threat not to be taken lightly.

"This is why we came here" Miara muttered in a distant tone. "What Arameris foresaw"

"You think the Blight can reach Tamriel?"

"Unlikely" The dunmer replied, "But... I feel it, the winds of fate shifting again. Whatever happens here, we were brought here for a reason"

Ferelden, Thedas, the lands of these continent and the current events happening right now, for a Doom Driven individual like her to arrive just when this country faced an imminent threat, well, Miara seldom believed in coincidences nowadays.

"Come, we must return to Flemeth's hut"

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

"It just doesn't really feel like it's sunken in yet, you know? It was like I just saw them a few moments ago, Duncan and the other senior Wardens" The young Warden Alistair muttered with melancholy as he stared at the foggy distance of the swamp.

"Hmph" His unwilling listener made a sound that barely conveyed any acknowledgement.

"But, they're gone now. I know that, I just... can't properly wrap my head around it. I guess it's because I've never really grieved for anyone before"

A long growl came, followed by the movement of a massive scaly body as it tried to find a more comfortable position to sleep. The silver armored human who did not stop talking made that nearly impossible.

"I don't know if that makes any sense or-"

"You are under the illusion I care for your plights, mortal" Odahviing spoke in a very tired voice, his head resting atop the claws of his wings, "Allow me to dispel it"

"Right..." The Warden trailed off. "Didn't know why I even thought a dragon could make for a good listener"

"For there to be a good listener, there must be a speaker who does not spew irritating nonsense from its mouth"

"And here I thought we were getting along" Close by, leaning against the wall of her hut, Flemeth had observed the entire scene with mild amusement.

Soon after Brianna had been explaining to a dressing Neria what has been going on. Having gone outside with the others hearing Alistair ramble around a half awake and irritable enormous red dragon. That wasn't attacking them mind you. The young elven mage could only stare at Odahviing till being noticed by him. "If you think about touching my beautiful scales Fahliil (Elf), I'll burn you alive."

The old legends were actually true! Fully sentient dragons capable of speech, never in her life did Neria believe such a thing, never mind actually get to meet one. Then what the dragon said registered in her mind; "Um, why would I want your scales?" Her question matched the bewilderment on her face as she peered to Brianna who shrugged.

Odahviing only growled before closing his eyes.

Gin leaned to his fellow elf's side to whisper; "I don't think he is fond of mages."

"It takes a while to get used to him." Marcus retorted as he petted Loke's head.

A fully armored Sofie again stressed that her 'uncle' (how does that work again?) won't eat any of them and was in fact a good person. To which the grouchy dovah only snorted in response but remained still. Well, this was an interesting morning to wake up on.

Physically forcing herself to look away from the sleeping dragon, Neria turned to the others; "So now what do we do?"

"Wait for my mothers to get back before we do anything." Sofie spoke up beside Flemeth who kept her gaze on each of them.

"For what?" Brianna bluntly spoke with frustration. "The army is dead, Loghain turned tail and left us, we are the only Wardens left in Ferelden. What are we supposed to do now?"

Flemeth chuckled in amusement, "My, the Wardens have forgotten their role in their centuries of vigilance?"

"Of course not!" Alistair snapped at her words passionately. "No, if we just stand around and do nothing we're not only spitting on the memory of our brothers and sisters, we're also leaving Ferelden to die"

Gin drummed a finger against his crossed arm, "But how would we fight them? We lost so many at Ostagar. And I don't know if Teyrn Loghain will listen to us after he abandoned the others in the battle"

"The signal was lit too late" The Cousland grimly informed them. "It took us near an hour to scale the Tower while battling all those Darkspawn. The line must have faltered by the time we did lit the beacon, and the Spawn were overrunning them, breaking the line. Loghain must have realized that sending in more troops would just get them killed"

Alistair turned to face him, outrage written clearly all over his vestige. "Are you defending him?!"

"I am trying to see all the facts, Alistair" Marcus replied with a light edge to his tone. "A military commander has to make sacrifices when he sees no choice"

"Then what of the king?" Neria pointed out. "I know it's ruthless, but you said so, wouldn't soldiers be sacrificed to at least escort him out of the battle"

Marcus looked at a loss for words for a moment. "At that, Neria, I have no idea. I do not approve of Loghain's actions, but we do not know on what mindset he was then."

Alistair snorted in loathing. Marcus couldn't blame him, Alistair was mourning Duncan's death, and the other Wardens had given their lives for this nation, only for their allies to turn away. He was angry too, and would no doubt be just as enraged as the Warden had Loghain left his brother to die.

But that was not the case, and someone needed to keep a clear head.

"So the biggest problem right now is a lack of troops to face the Darkspawn" Sofie summarized. "Can't you call for the aid of other Wardens elsewhere?"

"We can try, but it'd be of little use" Alistair shook his head. "The closest Wardens would be in Orlais, and calling for their aid would take too long. Not to mention the reinforces from Orlesian chevaliers were far too delayed for my liking"

"Orlais would be content with closing their borders and letting us all deal with the Blight ourselves" Gin said dispassionately. "I am not surprised they never showed up"

Neria saw the frustration and anxiety pilling up around them. The hopelessness of their situation was making them lose faith in sort of possible victory against the Blight. The dark skinned elf pinched her nose to stave off the incoming headache. She wasn't used to such dire circumstances, and would be thinking more clearly if she were back at the Circle library, with a cup of tea in her hand and her trusty... scrolls...

"That's it!" Multiple gazes snapped to her at the sudden outburst. She paid them no mind as she quickly looked through her satchel. She felt elation and relief blossom in her chest as she found what she was looking for. And pulled out a scroll for all to see. "I still have the copy we got from our trials, we still have the treaties!"

For a moment all were silent before Alistair ran towards the elven woman who squeaked as she brought into a hug, lifting her off the ground by a now very happy former Templar. "Sweet Maker, you haven't abandoned us!"

"Not the scene I was expecting when coming back here." Miara murmured as she cocked her head beside an amused Serana with her hood up.

Alistair however did not hear the dark elf's words as he still held a thoroughly blushing Neria; "We can build an army! With these Treaties we 'CAN' save Ferelden!"

"I am just as happy as you are Alistair," Brianna spoke slowly; "but can you put Neria down now please."

"Wha-" brought out of his jubilation at last he sees the completely blushing face of Neria and put her down; "sorry about that."

Adjusting her warden attire the young elf waved it off before noticing Miara's very grey skin and red eyes as she and Serana approached. The older elf playful smirked back; "You should have seen the others reactions."

"You said back in Denerim our people in Tamriel looked different. I just thought you just meant the height." Gin retorted with a flushed look.

Serana giggled from the confusion from Neria's expression; "He mistook Miara for a Qunari when he first woke up."

With a roll of his eyes Marcus Turned his attention to the Dunmer; "How did things look?"

From there the mood darkened; "Not good is about as delicately as I can put it. Unless any of you want nightmares for several months I can give the gory details." Miara addressed curtly with her arms crossed. "So things are not completely lost for us?" She questioned the group of youngsters.

"We have a chance with the treaties. If there is a Blight is threatening the whole of Thedas these treaties obligate humans, elves, and dwarves to rally their forces to help put an end to it." Alistair clarified looking up to the sky. "We still have hope." He whispered quietly

"Never let go of hope once you find it." Flemeth spoke up with a grin.

Miara gave a nod before glancing to Serana who smirked back. "Now onto something else... You no doubt wonder why there is a very large dragon sleeping near us. Or pretending to be asleep." She drawled glaring over at Odahviing who grunted.

Lazy oaf...

"Yeah. Why is that?" Brianna deadpanned with her hands on her hips. "And what is this business about him being your 'brother'?"

"That... is a very complicated answer. And we have other more pressing matters at hand. For now let's say he's very dear to me and so I see him as my kin, the sentiment is shared of course"

The dragon let out a very soft growl as though he was snoring.

"Love you too big guy"

"Can you tell us at least how he can, well, talk?" Neria questioned in amazement.

"The dragons in Tamriel are nothing like the dragons in Thedas" The dunmer began. "They possess intelligence, sapience; they are not animals like the creatures that inhabit Thedas. Their souls are extremely powerful, which grants them power beyond that of mere mortals. A type of magic so primordial it warps the world around them just by shouting"

"I see" The elven mage muttered slowly as she processed the information. "Research on dragons from Tevinter and Nevarra has long since indicated dragons possess extremely powerful magical affinity, much more than nearly any other animal. To the point many theorized their breathes were just raw primal magic"

"But if the dragons from Tamriel are as you say" Brianna continued, just as fascinated. "Then... wow, I can't imagine what your breathe can do" She said in awe to the great dragon, who merely ignored her.

"Okay, dragons are magic, I get that" Alistair quipped, summing up what he took from the explanation. "But Miara, even with how things are, will you still-?"

"Help you? Of course, I didn't save your life for nothing, boy" The dunmer was quick to reply. "No, I can't do nothing now that I've seen what the Darkspawn are capable off. You can count on my family's help"

Marcus let out a sigh of relief, thanking once again the dunmer's generosity.

"Does that include your 'brother' over there?" Gin dryly asked.

"I care not for what happens on this land" The ruby dragon lazily replied as he stretched his neck. "But if briinah deems your little mud ball of a nation worth saving, then all she needs to do is point me at the right direction and tell me what needs burning"

"Awesome!" The human mage cheered. "Gotta say, our army is already shaping up pretty nicely. How many people can say they got a dragon on their side?"

"My, my" Flemeth said with mirth, "A dragon, elves, mages and dwarves, you'll have quite the army at your call"

"Then we can do this" Alistair said with the confidence he had been lacking not too long ago. "Build up an army and save Ferelden"

"It is what Grey Wardens do, don't they?" Neria smiled.

"And drive our blades right through the Archdemon's skull" Marcus added with calm ferocity of a wolf stalking its prey.

"Oh I sincerely hope it's not your blade that does the deed, dear boy" Flemeth added in that tone Miara was beginning to find insufferable. "Otherwise, the Archdemon will not remain dead"

THAT got their attention. Bewildered looks turned to her in confusion.

"Wait, what are you talking about?" Gin questioned impatiently.

The Witch placed a hand to her lips in faux surprise, "Oh, did your leaders not tell you? Truly, Warden Paranoia stretches so much they will even hide vital information from their own initiates it seems"

Serana gave the old woman an irritated glare. "Cut to the chase, woman. What do you know that we don't?"

She got the feeling Flemeth wanted to say 'lots of things', but instead she answered with another question. "Tell me, you young mages, whom I presume actually study history and lore in your little prison. Do you know about the battles fought against the Archdemon Dumat?"

"Well" Brianna exchanged a confused look with Neria, "There aren't lots of details. Only that Dumat was actually slain a few times, but the Archdemon could seemingly come back to life, until they had arrived Grey Wardens and their mages did something I believe"

"Indeed" Flemeth grimly stated, "For Dumat could jump bodies"

Her words made everyone pause and stare in shock.

"The soul of the Old God is a powerful thing, upon the destruction of its vessel it reaches through the Taint until it finds a new one from the soulless husks that are the Darkspawn. Again and again it will rise"

Her words helped re-ignite the desperation in them. "Then... how did the Wardens kill the Archdemons during four Blights?" Alistair could not even begin to understand why such a thing was kept from him.

"That is when the Grey Wardens arrived" The witch continued, "And consumed the Taint that they found a way to permanently kill the Old God. When a Warden slays the Archdemon, the closest source of Taint it can find is the already occupied vessel that is the Warden, the soul has nowhere to go, and so it is destroyed instead of finding a new Darkspawn body, and the Blight ends"

There had to be more than that. A skeptic look bore on Miara's, Serana's, and Sofie's faces that Flemeth took notice and merely grinned back. The Nordic vampire really fought the urge to bite that woman's neck and drain her dry. However the Alistair wore a much different expression.

Shock...

"Y-you know of the Joining ritual?"

To his question he was met with dry gaze from the elderly woman; "Young man I have been alive for countless centuries. And I have done more than simply hide myself away in this swamp. Yes, I know of the ritual, how it was made, and how to create it. And right now we need more Wardens than you four if you intend to stop this Blight."

Duncan had drilled into Alistair how much of secret the Joining was. An how it was kept away from the rest of Thedas. Weisshaupt would be in an uproar hearing of this. Ordering whoever learned of the Joining either be made into a Warden or be killed. But at the same time, this woman was Flemeth. The most dangerous witch in all of Thedas who has existed since the 'Towers age'. An abomination of immeasurable power, no one told this woman what to do. And any who tried to kill her ended up dead.

"I see your mind is racing on what to do now that you are aware I know of Grey warden secrets boy." Flemeth bemused at the sight of the trouble look on Alistair's face. "If you feel so inclined to follow the edict of Weisshaupt attempt to end my life. For I will not become a Warden."

All eyes turned to Alistair who stared at the ancient witch who returned the gaze. He let out shuddering breathe; "All the same to you I prefer staying alive. And you did save all of us. I won't tell Weisshaupt about this."

"Very good."

Marcus turned a questioning gaze to Flemeth; "So what are you bringing up the Joining for?"

"To teach you how to make it of course. You need more Wardens in your ranks my boy."

"What does it involve?" Neria asked, "I doubt it's as easy as drinking Darkspawn blood. Wardens can feel the Taint as Alistair said, so it means that there must be a type of magic involve both lowering the mortality rate and tying the Warden to the Blight"

"There is" The senior Warden explained, "More than Darkspawn blood, we also mix within it a drop of Archdemon blood"

Gin's eyes widened in disbelief. "The Archdemon's?"

"In Weisshaupt the Wardens store as much blood from the Archdemon's corpse as they can from each Blight. As only a drop is enough the order has reserves for many, many generations" Alistair grimaced, "Duncan and the other Wardens had been using Redcliffe as a temporary base, so they must have left their supply of Archdemon blood there. But the problem is that we need a mage of our group to learn how to prepare the Joining" He turned his gaze to the elder witch. "Which, I imagine is what you want to teach Brianna and Neria"

"Ohh if their Chantry indoctrination still has a strong grip in their minds they will not make it easy for me to teach, after all" Flemeth expressed, "The magic involved can be considered Blood Magic"

That revelation started the thedosian, but no one was more so appalled than the former Circle mages. The dark tanned elf shook her head violently. "No, out of the question" Images of Jowan and his betrayal appeared at the forefront of her mind, making her heart ache like it had a raw scar. "I refuse to learn Blood Magic"

"Then pray to whatever power you believe in that you or your comrades do not die, girl. For then Ferelden is doomed"

"So that means it's justified to-!"

"I'll learnt it"

Neria's rant was stopped before it could even begin; she turned to her friend with disbelief written in her green eyes. "Bri?"

Her friend looked resigned, "Anything to stop the Blight, right? We're Grey Wardens now Neria, we do what we must"

The elf grasped the human's arm in worry. "But Bri, even after-"

"The first Wardens of old used to leave entire villages to die, just so they could fight the horde at more important battles" The Amell said, sighing as she closed her blue eyes. "I refuse to let things become so desperate that will be our only choice. This is not a sacrifice, I'm not doing this to anyone but myself, I'm just... following my duty I guess"

"...Where was this side of you when it came to following the Circle rules?" It was the clear the elf did not like this, but she could not deny that they were in a desperate situation, and they had to do all in their power so make sure it didn't become worse.

"Circle rules are dumb" Brianna offered her a small smile.

"Very well then" Flemeth said a touch too eager for Brianna's liking. "Come girl; let me teach you the necessary spells"

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

A low rumble resonated from Odahviing's throat, ignoring the ever curious large canine Loke who was sniffing around him. One lone sapphire eye was opened out of mild annoyance, fixed solely on the mastiff who grew bold once or twice before backing away. Close by Marcus occasionally glanced over to the dragon and his faithful hound.

"Loke's fine, Odahviing never ate my dog." Miara attempting to quell the young noble's with her casual tone was having the opposite effect. "Let's focus on what we need to do from here."

As Flemeth took Brianna back into her hut to learn the process of the Joining. Neria followed along with Serana and Sofie to keep an eye on them. This left Miara, Alistair, Marcus, and Gin outside with Odahviing and Loke wondering around the ruby dragon with curiosity.

The former city elf turned Warden sat on a stump checking his crossbow while overhearing the discussion between the other three. "The first thing we should do is gather the nobility for an emergency Landsmeet."

"A Landsmeet consists of the Banns, Arls, and Teyrns with the king and queen overseeing it. They happen when there are matters of great importance occurring." Marcus explained to the dunmer.

The elf gave a nod; "Aldous told me about it. Sounds like the Elder Council in Tamriel." And if they were anything like those meetings back home, they were completely boring and full of inane shouting.

Alistair lightly paced at he looked deep in thought; "Granted things would be tricky on account of... Well, you know." He weakly muttered with a glance towards Marcus.

The young noble grunted; "And knowing Rendon he will likely spin some story to Anora and Loghain as to why he tried to butcher my family. And mother would make her presence known at the Landsmeet, whether I liked it or not."

Miara disagreed, "Howe must have people looking all over for your family, and I doubt she'd appear in the open where she's vulnerable, especially with Iona and the kids to look after"

"True" Marcus conceded. "At the most I hope bann Alfstanna convinces her to stay in her territory for the moment. Either way I feel a Cousland must be there, so I'll be the one to talk to the Landsmeet on my family's behalf"

"What about your brother?" Alistair gently asked. "He and his company had yet to return when the battle started"

A series of conflicting emotions passed through Marcus' eyes. "Right now we have other priorities. All I can do is hoping my brother stays safe" The dunmer placed a comforting arm on his shoulder, understanding this was not an easy decision for the young noble.

"Alright" Alistair nodded, "So Denerim is our first stop. What then?"

"The Dalish clans are in the Brecilian Forest, where your other daughter is correct?" Miara nodded to Marcus in confirmation. "Then that should be our next stop seeing it's nearby. From there, the most logical choices would be Kinloch hold and finally Orzammar"

Gin inspected one of his silverite arrows; "So we have a plan then?"

"We tread very carefully when we go to Denerim." Miara warned all three young men; "Howe aside, Loghain willingly left your king to die on the battlefield. So we have no idea of his state of mind."

That was true; Marcus knew enough of the man to know what he had allowed to happen. It went against all Loghain always stood for. He could only wonder how Anora would react to all of this. Despite Cailan's faults he was a good man at heart, who cared for his nation and people.

This was an utter mess, but it could be fixed... At least Marcus hoped.

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Not long after Flemeth and the rest of ladies came out of the hut. Miara took note of Brianna securing her satchel tightly. The ancient witch peered over to Marcus; "I assume your affairs are in order on what to do next?" She was given a nod in response; "Good."

"So, we're finally ready to go?" The city elf asked.

"Yeah, think it's about time we head on the road" The young noble replied before inclining his head to Flemeth in gratitude. "Thank you for your aid, Flemeth"

"Oh no, thank you. You will be saving us all after" Nobody could tell how honest she was being honest. "Before you leave, I have one last gift for you..."

Whatever it was, it remained unspoken as at that moment the scantily clad witch came out from the hut. "The stew is ready, mother. Shall we still treat our guests to launch or will they depart?" She said the word 'guests' with all the fondness one had for the small pests like rats.

"They are leaving girl" Her mother clarified, "And you're going with them"

Morrigan have them her most sardonic smile, "Such a shame" before doing a rather comical double take, "What?"

"Yes, what?" Alistair parroted.

"You will need all the help you can get" Flemeth said as though that was obvious. "And my Morrigan has plenty of talent in magic"

"Have I no say in this?!" The young witch demanded, she was ignored.

"Yeah, how about no?" Serana pointedly replied as she stood next to Odahviing, the ruby dragon was giving both witches a very distrustful glare, a sentiment shared by Miara and Sofie. "No offense, you did help us and all, but we clearly do not trust you. So you'll forgive us if we find it suspicious that you offer your own offspring to join us in a such a dangerous quest"

"Have you perhaps considered I'm a bad parent?" Flemeth proposed with a teasing grin.

"If only they knew..." Morrigan muttered under her breath.

"I can assure you, sending my daughter with you has less to do with ulterior motives and more with the fact I want to... assure my investments are safe, you could say" The Witch of the Wilds explained. "Believe it or not, the Blight threatens me as much as it does the rest of this nation"

Miara exchanged an uneasy look with her beloved and daughter. For all Flemeth had done for them, they did not doubt it was for her own benefit, the dragon in human form was conniving and very silent about both her past and true intentions. Was it not Paarthurnax who once told her 'I would not trust another dovah'?

Well, the dunmer found she had few reasons to actually trust Flemeth... but on the other hand, she didn't like the thought of the Witch keeping an eye on them from a distance. If Morrigan was in their group, at least they could watch her closely. And if Flemeth actually cared (though it was very unlikely) for her daughter, then it would benefit the Dragonborn to have a potential hostage close at hand if the dragon ever tried everything.

"I believe we should take her" Miara finally said.

Sofie shook her head and gave her elven mother a questioning look, "Really?"

"Really." The dunmer crossing her arms behind her back; "More mages to aid us the better. And I am curious to see how skilled Morrigan is." She peered over to Marcus; "What do you think?"

The young noble was quiet for a moment before looking at Flemeth's daughter; "Do you want to come with us?"

At that Morrigan was silent as she stared towards Marcus and then over to her mother; "I suppose I have no say in the matter. I'll get my things, give me a moment" The young woman stomped back into the hut.

"Well this just got more interesting," Gin murmured kneeling down beside Loke to pet him. "Whether good or bad not sure yet."

Gripping her staff, Brianna glanced to Marcus; "We will have to go around Ostagar to avoid the Darkspawn. And it will be a day or two walk to Lothering."

"Fortunately for you my Morrigan knows paths to stay clear from the spawn infesting Tevinter's old fortress."

"Um..." Alistair slowly peered over to Odahviing who noticed his gaze; "You wouldn't mi-"

"If you think of suggesting of using me to carry all of you as transport I will bite you in half and burn the rest." The great dragon sneered; "Only briinah and her brod (family) have the right."

Miara then spoke up; "And if you think of asking me to convince my brother, the answer is no." Her tone flat with finality.

A deep guffaw came from Flemeth as she saw quite a few disappointed looks from the young Wardens. Soon the door of the hut reopened with Morrigan coming out with a leather satchel over her shoulder, and staff in hand. A mild irritated huff escaped her lips before stopping in front of her mother; "I suppose this is farewell mother."

"Not forever, just until the Blight is finished my dear. Do try to have fun."

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Saying a few final farewells to Flemeth the group began their trek through the wild. Odahviing was quick to take to the skies as he followed. He could not have left that place fast enough as far as he was concerned.

True to Flemeth's words, her daughter directed the them towards well-hidden paths a fair distance away from the ruins of Ostagar. It took a bit more time, but better than having a horde of blighters come for their blood. For most of the journey through the wilds was quiet, save short banter here and there. After a good several hours they took notice of the setting sun. They were quick to find a well-hidden clearing near a stream to set up a small camp for the night. Alistair and Gin made a campfire as the group set around it.

Hearing the familiar flapping of large wings, Odahviing came down to them. "The beasts at the joor ruins have not detected us."

"That's a positive at least." Gin spoke beside Neria and Brianna.

Ignoring the fact that he was talking to a dragon (better for his sanity), Marcus pointed out the obvious. "Any settlement we come near will panic if they see you close by. That is the last thing we need right now" As if fear for the Darkspawn horde wasn't enough, the sight of a dragon flying around, no matter how far, was enough to cause hysteria.

"Hmph" The dragon huffed as he leaned down close to Miara, Serana and their daughter Sofie, who were sitting on a log they had placed next to the fire. "You mortals are frightened by the sight of your own shadow. But I cannot disagree with your words"

Well, attitude aside, he could be reasoned with. Sometimes.

"You keep using that word" Brianna spoke, looking over the notes she had taken during Flemeth's lesson. "Mortal. Why is that?"

"My kin knows neither beginning nor end" He simply said, as though that stated everything.

The mage looked at the dunmer for clarification, who thankfully was more direct. "Dragons, true dragons, are immortal. Sure, you can wound them until their bodies simply cease to live, but all it takes is another dragon with sufficient power shouting for them to arise, and they can come back to life"

Gin stopped sharpening his daggers, giving the dragon a closely guarded look. "That is... terrifying"

He could have sworn the red dragon grinned. But that was impossible, he didn't have lips.

"For one of my kin to truly die, it takes dovah to kill another dovah. Our souls are then consumed by the other, as it is their right of victory"

"Consume their souls?" To Neria, it all sounded very ruthless. "That is extremely brutal"

"I do not expect you to understand our ways, little elf."

They were quickly finding just how alien was a dragon's mindset. Or perhaps, it wasn't that hard to understand. If what Odahviing said was true, they seemed to live on a code of 'might make right'. The very rule of the animal kingdom, survival of the fittest and all. Dragons, while sapient, were another type of beast who lived as they best know how to survive. It seriously brought the question as to how someone like Miara ever met and bonded with one to the point she called him her kin.

"I do wonder" Morrigan's curious tone held a barely concealed mischievousness to it. "How is it that this dragon is your 'brother' as you say?"

Miara was no fool; Morrigan was most likely well informed on her own nature. She just wanted to toy with the elf. But the look on her beloved and daughter told her that some measure of truth was necessary if they were to travel with this group.

The elf sighed, running a hand over her long dark locks, "Alright, I'll tell you. But please try to keep an open mind"

The Wardens and the noble looked at her with interest, inching closer to listen. Tamriel held a great element of mystery and concepts that were simply astounding to them, so very foreign in nature. So whatever she had to say to them was shaping up to be a rather hard truth to come to terms with. After all Marcus heard, he was sure the elf couldn't surprise him anymore.

"I am a dragon"

Okay maybe she still had a few surprised left yet.

A brief silence passed after that.

"Care to..." Marcus waved his hand, "elaborate?"

Serana snorted while Sofie shook her head amused.

Miara sighed, "Bottom line, I am an individual born with the soul and blood of a dragon. Dragonborn they call us. My voice, the Shouts I can call upon, they are forces of nature incarnate, twisting at the very fabric of reality" She thrust her chin at Marcus. "You saw in on Highever that night, when I called down a soul from the beyond to aid us and set those bastards ablaze during Howe's siege on Highever"

Brianna shook her head, "She did what now?"

The noble's eyes widened in realization; "When you breathed out literal fire, and that man that appeared, you used your... power, your Voice you said; to aid us"

"Yeah" Miara merely nodded.

"Why didn't you... use this power in the battle?"

"The Voice does not discriminate, there were too many allies all around me, and the collateral alone would have been devastating to the army. Not to mention the shock and fear they would all feel upon seeing me cast such powers. Morale would have broken long before the battle line did"

"Wait, wait, wait" Neria wildly waved her hands in front of her face. "You mean you were... born like this?"

"Yes," The dunmer said simply. "But the power did not manifest till thirty years ago. When the Dragons had returned to the world."

Impossible! While Neria did not fully understand Tamriel magics. There was no way for a foreign soul, let alone a dragon soul to be placed into a person's body. Only a possession did such things, was Miara possessed? That made more sense from all she had learn from her time in the Circle.

A rumble came from Odahviing; "And Alduin had made sure that all of the dov were awakened before facing you Briinah."

"Alduin?" Gin lifted a brow.

Miara dryly glared over to the ruby dragon; "He is a story for much later. Small part though, he was the first dragon. My zeymah, brother here told me he came to Thedas thirty years ago. Any weird stories during then?"

"That was a bit before our time." Alistair mentioned gesturing to himself and the others from Thedas. Though paused at Morrigan; "Not sure how old you are though."

"I had assumed wondering a woman's age is considered improper." The apostate mage frowned with an icy glare.

However Neria ignored them and tapped her stave in thought. Thirty years ago... Realization came as her eyes grew; "I remember something Irving told me. In Orlais there were reports of a dragon attack that devastated several farms and villages. That was the time Thedas found out dragons were not in fact extinct. The handful of survivors said it was a huge black scaled dragon."

"Alduin." Odahviing uttered simply. He was quite amused at the visible fright that formed of the faces of these young mortals. Save for the offspring of the foolish Jill.

"At any rate that is enough for the night." Serana spoke up; "We have another day before reaching Lothering so we need all the rest we can get."

She was right, tomorrow would be another long walk before reaching the farmer's village. Best they rest up as much as they could.

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

After hunting for small game with Marcus, Loke, Miara, and Sofie returned with quick meal of rabbit. The group began their second trek through the wilds. This blissfully stayed uneventful of no darkspawn or wild animals. The second night was most quiet save for light eating and going to bed.

As the new day begun an resuming their sojourn, all was thankful at finally leaving the Wilds and finding a dirt road near open farmland. Morrigan stated it would take an hour to finally reach Lothering.

Odahviing had long since taken flight over the woods, to see if he could spot Darkspawn activity and to avoid drawing attention once they reach out the woods. So far their journey was mostly spent in silence, which was soon to be broken by the growing barking sounds of a canine.

The group turned, and Loke immediately became excited, sniffing the air before barking back.

Marcus, with long experience over mabari and their behavior, could tell what was going on. "There's another mabari nearby"

Loke barked in agreement, waggling his short tail.

Soon enough, they heard the rustle of leaves and from the bushes near the trees came a large grey furred mabari. It didn't look wounded or infected, and it acted with plenty of energy. The hound stopped upon seeing the group, and barked excitedly as he saw the source of the scent he had been tracking.

It sprinted towards Neria with great speed, nearly tackling the short elf as he pounced on her. "Oof!" She heaved a breath as she steadied herself under the heavy dog's weight.

The reactions from the group were mostly of mirth at the sight of the dog playfully trying to lick Neria's cheek. All except Morrigan who sneered in disgust.

"Well now" Gin chuckled lightly. "Seems you have a friend"

"Must be one of the dogs from the kennels in Ostagar" Brianna spoke as she examined the dog closer. "In fact... I think this is the same dog you helped cure"

A giggle only came from the young elven mage as the large mastiff licked her face. Finally stopping, Neria regained her composure as she looked at very happy Mabari. "It is you isn't it." The large hound barked as to say yes. "Well I am happy to see you survived Ostagar too."

Miara knelt down beside the hound; "You're a clever one aren't you?" The grey hound looked at the grey elf before licking her face. Patting the top of the Mabari's head she peered over to Marcus; "I can assume he imprinted on Neria."

"Appears so," He grinned as Loke came over and the two dogs sniffed at one another. "Amazed the Darkspawn did not notice him."

Luck can go a long way for some, Miara mentally mused as Neria got to her feet reclaiming her staff. "Having two hounds would be a benefit for us." The dark elf stood up.

The only one not pleased by the thought was Morrigan with a glowing glare. "Definitely a boy!" She rolled her eyes at Alistair's inspection of the hound.

"Need to make collar for him like we did with Loke if he's fighting with us." Serana mused beside Sofie.

Neria paused rubbing her new hound's back at hearing that; "Not sure if you need to. The Ash Warriors said if a Mabari can survived the Taint after being given that medicine they become resistant to it. Something about the unique way they were bred"

"There's that at least. Mabari's are very smart supposedly" Gin commented, "You're lucky Neria, every kid in the alienage dreamed of having one"

"I don't really know how to care for a pet" The mage admitted. "The Circle never allowed pets"

"Oh dogs are just like men" Serana waved off her concerns. "Just make sure to keep them fed and scratch them once a while"

"I do like my ears scratched" Alistair remarked in his usual brand of humor.

"The mutt better earn his keep then" Morrigan snidely spoke. Making the mastiff give her a gruff look that indicated he wasn't too fond of her either.

Neria turned to their resident expert (as much as he could be) on mabari. "What do you think?" She asked Marcus, "Can he help fight?"

"Well he wouldn't have been at Ostagar if he couldn't" The noble said, blue eyes looking over every detail of the hound. "Good muscled, strong legs. No apparent wounds" He knelt down and opened the mabari's maw, this one allowing him with no issue. "Nice sharp fangs" He patted the dog with a smile, "All in all, a fine young mabari"

Neria smiled at the dog, 'her' dog she thought made her a bit giddy. "He'll need a name" Hmm, what name could fit a hound like this?

"May I suggest one" The tall muscular nord spoke up. Sofie knelt down next to the dog and softly patted him behind the ears. "We had a dog when I was a child. Bran, he was a loyal good boy"

A fond smile of remembrance formed on Miara's and Serana's face. "He was a good Husky. Was just glad Isran let me have him." The dark elf missed that old hound.

"Only after he got two liters he let us have him." A snort came from the vampire woman.

"Bran..." Brianna knelt beside Neria as she tested the name and rubbed 'her' dog's head; "What do you think boy, you like Bran?" The grey mabari barked happily; "Bran it is!"

Morrigan did not share the amusement; "Glorious..." She droned.

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

From the dirt path to now the Imperial highway, Miara altered her form to her guise as they finally neared the still very cramped Lothering. "Does it seem more hectic than before?" Neria asked while petting her new Mabari.

Miara glanced to Marcus who peered back. Neither spoke as they near one of the many stone steps of the highway. Entering the village proper they saw many villagers and refugees moving about in a hurried pace.

A lone Templar was keeping the people civil and orderly before he took notice of the figures coming from the highway; "Maker's breathe! Lady Sofie!"

The Nordic woman perked up hearing her name as the group stopped seeing a Templar run their way. "Lady Sofie, you're alive! And I thought it was blessing that only Carver and Aveline had returned to us!"

Sofie cocked her head at the fully armored Templar; "Ser... Nathan right?"

The helmet wearing man nodded as he stopped in front of the group; "You remember; Ser Bryant and Revered Mother Servilia would no doubt like to speak with you. All of you, as soon as possible."

Then his previous statement came to her; "Aveline and Carver made it back?" The nord questioned with relief as she let out a sigh. "Good, at least other people survived that massacre"

"Is there a problem?" Marcus asked the knight

"You mean besides the army having fallen at Ostagar?" The Templar replied pessimistically. "To say that everyone is on edge is an understatement. More southern villages have already been raided by the Horde, the amount of refuges that pass through here is just telling everyone the worst is yet to come. The Revered Mother can tell you more of the situation"

The knight bade them farewell, and as they entered the village they could see what he was talking about. There was fear in the air, in the faces of everyone present. The knowledge that the Ferelden army had fallen against the beasts was enough to put the fear of the gods in their hearts. A sense of hopelessness and desperation was all the remained.

"Maker this isn't good" Gin muttered as he focused his attention on an elven family camping just near the bridge. "Why haven't this people moved yet?"

"Where else would they go?" Brianna rhetorically asked.

"I'd say anywhere north is safer than being so close to the south"

"The walls of the alienage have not just caged you, but blinded you to the dangers of the outside world" Morrigan spoke knowingly, "The wilds beyond 'civilization' pose a myriad of dangers, the journey alone may take your life"

"Well, there is a heart after all" The city elf sardonically replied, green eyes giving her a dry gaze.

"Do not mistake my statement for compassion for these people. The smart ones will survive"

Sofie snorted, "The wilds gave you a very animalistic mindset huh? Odahviing would agree with you"

"I like that dragon" The witch merely shrugged.

As they neared the arch that lead to the Chantry, Serana couldn't help but let out a sound of discomfort, tugging at her hood to better cover her face from the sun. "You know I'm not comfortable around temples" She muttered to her lover.

"This one has next to no holy energy to it, it won't be any different than being close to an altar" Miara assured her.

Her retort was cut off the moment they heard panicked shouts, "I have seen them! They descend like an unrelenting tide of darkness!" A dark skinned man wailed to a gathering of people around him, "Devouring all that stood before them! Tainting the very earth with a sea of blood!"

"Ah, a doomsayer" Serana smirked sarcastically. "Now this a proper place of faith"

By the looks of his gear, he appeared to a wilder, chasind perhaps. His eyes were impossibly wide, as though he could still see the horrible events that had transpired any time he closed them. His foreboding words were making the already frightened people panic all the more if the expression on their faces was anything to go by.

"They will take your friends, your families, your very children!" He shook the arms of a nearby man who was too stunned to back away. "Their evil will claim us all!"

"Enough!" In a strong commanding voice, Marcus stepped forward. His blue eyes glaring piercingly at the demented chasind. "Watch your tongue, your words of calamity help no one"

"Is truth worthless then?!" The doomsayer shouted, "I have seen them with my own eyes as... as they took my family, as they burned my village and slaughtered the entire clan!" Tears trailed down from his eyes, clearing a path amidst the soot on his cheeks. "They are legion, they cannot be stopped..."

Marcus gave the man a sympathetic gaze. Oh, he knew far too well what it was to have your loved ones, your very home, be taken from you. But while he still had plenty to hold unto, this man had lost it all.

He looked upon the weary faces of the people, they too had lost much to the Horde. But they couldn't let despair win, or else the war was already over.

"I have seen their numbers, and tasted their brutality first hand at Ostagar" Shocked murmurs rang through the crowd in disbelief that someone had survived that hell. "I fought amongst many brave warriors who gladly laid down their lives to stop the Blight. And believe you me, this fight is not over yet. We may have lost the battle, but not the war"

Hushed comments were spoken through the many villagers and refugees, wondering if his words actually held any truth to them.

"But... But my clan..." The chasind sounded lost.

"You're still alive aren't you?" The Cousland replied. "That means you still have a chance to avenge them, not wallow in pain and self-pity, trying to inspire fear when your kin are known for their rage in the battlefield"

His gaze was that of broken realization, "I have shamed my ancestors..." He sobbed, fists clenching and trembling. "I... must avenge my clan. Even if it costs me my life" He didn't seem to be speaking to anyone at the moment, merely walking away from the chantry. "Gods as my witness, the monsters shall die by my blade..." And so he departed, ready to meet whatever fate the divines had planned for him.

"But, what if he was right?" A frightened peasant spoke in a trembling voice. "If the army lost what chance do we have?"

"More than you believe" Marcus spoke, placing a firm hand upon his shoulder. "In the name of Ferelden, on the spears of Highever, and the wreaths of the Cousland, I have not stopped fighting" Many let out gasped shocks at the revelation of the man's lineage. The brave noble turned his gaze upon his companions. "Just like I know my comrade Wardens will not let this great land fall"

The four Wardens now being looked upon by the villagers stood stock still before Neria spoke up; "W-We shall not let the darkspawn win. Ferelden in our home, and much like Orlais, they will find these lands difficult to take." She nervously stammered out in a soft tone.

This rather impressed and surprised a few around her. Miara only grinned at both Marcus and Neria.

At her words and Marcus's own the people calmed; "We... We believe you Lord Cousland, Lady Warden. They haven't broken us yet."

Alistair chuckled; "That's the spirit." Both Loke and Bran barked in agreement.

The villagers had bid farewell with a slightly brighter look as they went to help around the village. "Well, let's go see Ser Bryant and Servilia." Sofie remarked as she strolled towards the Chantry.

"If it's all the same to you all, I'll look around the village. See if anyone needs a hand." Serana interjected and quickly left the group before anyone could respond back.

Miara only sighed; "I'll go with her." The elf gave a nod to the others as she went to walk with her lover.

"What was that about?" Gin questioned.

Eyes turned to Sofie who only looked away; "Personal matter." The nord said simply as she went towards the Chantry.

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Pews were filled with many people in silent prayer within the holy building. Others sat with their families with the priestesses and Templars assisting them. However as many took notice of Sofie and somber faces had brightened.

Happy murmurs echoed throughout the rows of people in genuine relief at seeing the woman who had done so much for them was safe and sound. Sofie exchanged a few nods of greeting as she spotted the faces of people she was more familiar with.

"Well, somebody's popular" Alistair quipped as they walked through the Chantry.

"Did a thing or two for the people here" The nord said humbly with a simple shrug.

They turned right, heading for the Revered Mother's study. Guarded by two Templars who gave weary gazes to the staff wielding women of their group, but otherwise said nothing given two of them were wearing the Grey Warden uniform.

The revered mother was a dark tanned woman, looking to be around her middle years, wearing the typical Ferelden Chantry robes that depicted her ranking amongst the clergy. She was going over a large ledger, apparently keeping a list on the supplies they would be taken with them if her conversation with a particular red haired woman in Chantry robes was anything to go by.

"The elfroot we have at hand will have to suffice" The Revered Mother, her tone rather resigned.

"We will have to ration it" Leliana cautioned.

"Everything will have to be rationed, lay sister"

Marcus chose that moment to make their presence known by clearing his throat. The women of the cloth gave them a startled look, more so the redhead at the tall nord woman in heavy armor. Her blue eyes widened in joy as she let out a quick sigh of relief.

"Sofie, you're alright!" She quickly approached strongly built woman. Arms outstretched seemingly to envelop her in an embrace, but held back at the last moment in hesitation. "When I heard about Ostagar, I feared..."

The lay sister yelped in surprise as a pair of long muscular arms picked her up by the waist, easily lifting her off the ground and holding her in a tight embrace.

"Oh you're gonna need do more than that to get rid of me" Sofie's radiating smile was all Leliana needed to cheer herself up; giving in she embraced the nord with her arms around her neck.

"Ahem" The polite interjection from the Mother was enough to stop the moment, and Sofie let down the redhead whose cheeks were slowly matching her hair. After giving the lay sister an amused and knowing smile, she turned to the Wardens and their companions, her mirth replaced by a somber look. "I am glad to see some Wardens survived Ostagar, but I am afraid that certain... complications have arisen for your group"

"The Templar outside mentioned something but didn't elaborate" Alistair spoke up, "What's going on?"

Mother Servilia sighed, rubbing the bridge of her nose. "When Teyrn Loghain's forces passed through here, they informed the townsfolk and refugees about the result of the battle... how the King had been left to die by the Wardens"

The group became deathly silent upon hearing those words spoken. Marcus' mild confusion soon changed absolute disbelief grew. Sofie shared in his expression of shock beside a snort/scoff from Morrigan. However, it was anger and outrage that glowed from Alistair and the other Wardens.

"That bastard has the gall to accuse US when he willingly allowed King Cailan to and the rest of us to die!" The former Templar snarled with barely contained rage clinching his armored fists.

Marcus shook his head; "What has gotten into Loghain?"

"I too share your confusion." A voice spoke behind them. The party glanced behind them to see Ser Bryant pause at Morrigan before entering the room. "This irrational action is very unlike what is known of him."

The revered mother gave a nod in agreement; "Indeed, I found all of this highly suspect. But as for you Wardens, being in the company of Sofie whose earned the love and respect of Lothering's people, and you young lord Cousland, for whom I had the honor of meeting your parents, I know the words of Loghain are falsehoods. But we must not speak this out loud."

...That was true; Loghain had a great deal of influence and power as a Teyrn. Along with the fact being a national hero of Ferelden. The landsmeet would prove a dangerous path to tread when they reach Denerim.

Marcus understood the most out of all of them. "It won't be easy when we head to Denerim."

"It will not be." Ser Bryant responded back; "I would suggest all of you to watch yourselves, keep the fact that you four are Wardens to yourselves."

Rubbing her temples Sofie let out an explosive sigh; "Well I know my mothers are just going to 'love' this." The heavy sarcasm was not lost on anyone. "On another note, how is Lothering?"

Leliana knelt down to pet both Loke and Bran; "We are finally ready to start our departure of the village. But it will hard."

"As much of an effort you gave to aid us Sofie, supplies will still be thin. Not as bad as they were, but still rough." Servilia murmured in mild exhaustion leaning back against her chair.

"Considering how long it took the Horde to advance from the Sunless Lands, it be wise to start moving soon" Marcus agreed. He crossed his arms, bearing a thoughtful expression his brow as he slowly exhaled. "We thank you for informing us of this, Revered Mother. We can be better prepared now against Loghain's claims now that we know about it"

"Nonsensical as they are" Gin muttered harshly, "Seriously, who is dumb enough to believe him?"

"Anyone vaguely aware that Grey Wardens once tried to usurp the Ferelden crown two Ages ago" Brianna dryly pointed out, "In fact, it wasn't until king Maric allowed the Wardens to return that they settled a force in Ferelden again. And even then they were still seen with suspicion"

"Oh good, the humans will be looking at me weird because of my gear rather than my ears" The city elf droned, running a hand over his shaggy brown locks.

"You're just a bundle of positivity..."

"You will need all the help you can get" Leliana spoke up, taking a step forward with a hand clenched against her chest. "I would like to aid you"

Alistair and Marcus shared a surprised look, while Sofie looked at her with hesitation. "Are you sure Leliana?"

"Most definitely" The blue eyed redhead swore passionately.

The Revered Mother for her part just sighed tiredly, "Oh Leliana please tell me this isn't about your dream again..."

"It was no simple dream, Revered Mother," Leliana spoke with utter certainty; "The Maker told me to help stop the darkness coming." At that both Ser Bryant and Mother Servilia faintly groaned as they ran their hands over their faces.

Neria blinked for several moments; "The Maker... told you..."

"I knew we were missing something in our little troupe, the mad one..." Morrigan drawled in the driest tone, leaning against her staff.

Gin and Brianna only glanced wide eyed at one another. Leliana to her credit did not waver but gave an understanding look; "I know this sounds... strange." The look from both Marcus and Alistair spoke more than words. "But I know the Maker told me to help you stop the Blight, I saw it in a dream."

To her credit Sofie's expression remained neutral. While those around her were skeptic, visions were a serious thing in Tamriel. It was the reason her family was here after all. But still, "Leli, can you even fight?"

A small smile graced the pretty redhead's lips; "I wasn't always a lay sister you know." She peered over to Ser Bryant; "May I use your dagger please?"

Glancing over to Servilia who sighed but nodded, the Templar handed over his dagger that had rested beside his sword. Skeptic eyes turned to astonishment as the lay sister with both grace and speed moved the dagger around her hand and fingers.

The dagger slipped through her fingers in a steadfast throw, burying itself in the arc of the door, right above a Templar's helmeted head. The knight winced as he stared up at the dagger and then glared at the lay sister, who at least had the decency of looking sheepish.

"Not bad" Marcus nodded with appreciation, that throw wasn't the product of luck. She handled the dagger with great dexterity and could aim with great precision.

"You should see my bow skills" Leliana smiled warmly, "I have my weapons and gear still stored, so you won't even need to get me any. I promise you I can pull my weight; I'll be of great use to you in your righteous quest"

Morrigan rolled her eyes and made a gagging sound.

"Are you sure this is what you want, Leliana?" The Revered Mother asked in concern, "You said you wanted to make a better life here"

"I know. But it'd be a disservice to Andraste and the Maker if I didn't give my all to stop the Blight" There was conviction in her words, the kind you just couldn't shake off people. And the Revered Mother was beginning to understand there was no changing her mind.

"You are welcome to join us" Alistair assured her, "Can always use another weapon trailed at the Blighters"

The Revered Mother looked at the redhead in silence for a moment. "If you feel that is where you belong... Then I will pray for you"

Leliana gave the mother a short bow, "Thank you, Mother Servilia, I swear I will not forget the kindness you've shown me here"

The leading priestess gave her cordial nod in return, as Ser Bryant placed a fist to his armored chest. "Maker be with you all"

"We thank you, Revered Mother" With that, the group turned to leave. If not for one last point Sofie wanted to bring up.

"There is one last thing, Mother Servilia" The nord stood before the woman, arms crossed with a firm a gaze on her eyes. "The village will soon be left abandoned. So I want to take the Qunari under my custody"

Ser Bryant and Leliana gasped shortly, staring startled at the tall woman. The Revered Mother looked at the warrior as though she might have suddenly grown a second head. "I'm... sorry I must have misheard you" She chuckled nervously. "You said you want to take the Qunari with you?"

"Qunari?" Marcus mouthed to the lay sister, vaguely remembering seeing a towering man caged when they first passed through Lothering.

"He slaughtered a whole family" The redhead explained, much to the other's horror. "Sofie, why would you want him with you?"

"I agree" The noble said firmly, "If he's dangerous then we shouldn't take him with us"

"You haven't spoken to him like I have" Servilia remained skeptic as Sofie knelt down in front of her; "He is sincerely remorseful for what he had done. If he wasn't I would have slain him to save us all the trouble. Your faith like my own believes in redemption does it not?"

"It does... Are you truly certain of this?" The nord gave a nod, making the elder woman sigh tiredly. Her hand slowly reached for a small box on her desk. "Your deeds alone have spoken of your skill in combat. And I do trust your judgement... Very well." Opening the box she retrieved a steel key. "If you truly believe the Qunari is remorseful, I will let him be under your custody. To seek his penance for his crimes." Hesitantly she dropped the key into Sofie's hand; "But please be careful."

Sofie nodded before standing and turning to leave with the others. Leliana excused herself to go get her gear. Staying in the main hall Marcus looked to the Nordic woman; "You're really sure about this Qunari?"

"Yes."

Brianna shivered as she remembered the towering man in the cell; "That man looked like he could snap most of us in half." Neria also recalled the man as she paled at the sheer size of him.

However Sofie remained steadfast in her decision; "It will be fine."

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Sitting by the more sickly refugees within the village, Elder Miriam watched as Miara and Serana treated several people and made several potions with Marian Hawke. Close by Marian's sister Bethany tended to some bandages. "Sofie did say her mothers were different. Just didn't expect you both to come into this part of Lothering and start helping without so much being asked."

"Well it was either this or going into the temple" The hooded woman replied as she stirred a vial.

"Not a religious person huh?" Marian absently asked as she smashed a few elfroot into a cup. "Yeah, can't say I buy the whole Chantry spiel either"

There it was again, that 'something' that was bothering Miara. Like an itch on the back of her head. And yet the dunmer couldn't put her finger on it, there was just something about this young woman that made her feel strange.

"Where will your family go?" Miara finally asked, trying to take her mind off that weird sensation.

"Not sure, but we'll 'wing' it" The blue eyed young woman wiggled her eyebrows, and her sister let out a long suffering sigh. "Get it?"

Miara and Serana exchanged a confused look. "Get what?"

"It's a pun! You know, because my last name is Hawke, like the bird?"

Serana deadpanned, "Literally, this is the first time I heard your last name"

"Oh... My last name's Hawke by the way, nice to meet you"

"You were dropped on the head as a babe weren't you?"

Bethany honestly did not know if her older sister had been or not. She knew Marian had always been a touch eccentric. And yes, she knew she was being polite when saying that. Mainly because Carver had a multitude of definitions regarding their elder sister.

A few being offensive.

Upon thinking of her twin Bethany had felt nothing but relief when he had returned home. Oh, it completely terrified her as it did their mother and Marian seeing him looking like death had warmed over and collapsed at the door of the house. But thankfully he only was suffering from exhaustion for which was being remedied with some sleep under mother's care at home.

And thank Andraste he wasn't tainted by the Darkspawn… She wasn't sure how mother, she, or Marian would handle that.

Dual barks caught their attention as the women turned and regarded Loke and Bran dashing towards their direction. Behind them was Sofie and company following, the Nordic woman gave her two mothers a grin.

"Um, Leli what's with the get up?" Marian spoke with a lifted brow.

It was then Miara and Serana notice the lay sister Leliana was with their group. And not dressed in robes of a priestess, but hard black and red leathers with an arm guard that extended only over her left arm, with a pair of curved daggers on her belt, and finally a quiver with arrows over her shoulder with a uniquely made bow in hand.

Okay… besides the fact Leliana looked utterly gorgeous in that get up, what was going on?

As Marcus and the others stopped in front of them, Sofie took notice the inquisitive gazes from her mothers, and the Hawke sisters. "Leli has decided to join us." The redhead gave a bright grin as she nodded happily.

"More to the party huh?" Serana commented, giving the redheaded archer a look over. Well, she definitely could see what Sofie saw in her at least.

"There's also one more who will… potentially join us" Their eldest daughter vaguely informed before walking away from the group, and much to the surprise of the Hawke sisters, marched directly in front of the Qunari in his cage, spinning a chain around her finger.

The Sten merely regarded the key and the nord with impassive eyes.

"Can set you free, big guy. I'm traveling with Grey Wardens" His violet eyes widened ever so slightly. "So we'll be fighting the Blight, perfect chance to get revenge for your comrades, and atonement"

The bronze giant remained silent for a moment, face so still it might as well be set on stone. Not a emotion or thought betraying his steely expression.

"Very well then" He finally conceded.

The Hawke sisters as well as a few nearby villagers gave the cage a wide berth as the tall muscular woman opened the door. The qunari stepped outside without a fuss, barely stretching, as though the time spent inside hardly stiffened his limbs at all.

"Gonna go buy you some armor for your size" Sofie said, "You stay, doubt the townsfolk will be very happy to see you up and around. Any weapon you prefer?"

"A greatsword will suffice" The qunari replied in his deep voice.

"Be back soon" The nord nodded to her mothers in passing, leaving her party to stare at the giant of a man in a tense silence.

It was the young Cousland who finally broke it. "So, Qunari" He put effort in recalling everything he had studied above the horned race of the north. "What's your title?"

"I am Sten of the Beresaad"

Huh, that was a high military rank if he remembered right, a platoon commander. Which meant this man was a seasoned and very powerful warrior.

"We'll be fighting against overwhelming odds, Sten" Marcus spoke firmly, crossing his armored arms across his chest. "So you'll be expected to pull your weight"

"Naturally" The qunari agreed.

"I'll be honest here, I'm not comfortable with your circumstances. But the woman who vouched for you, she's the daughter of someone I respect highly, so her word is enough for me"

Sten gave the noble a look over before shifting his eyes to the Wardens, specially observing the griffon iconography on their gear.

"Are you a Grey Warden?"

The question took him aback, "Ah, no actually. I am not"

"And yet you appear to lead this group. Surprising, I would have thought leadership was differed to the Wardens in times of the Blight"

"Yes, surprising isn't it?" Morrigan parroted with a mocking tone, sending Alistair a snide look. "After all, shouldn't you be in charge Alistair? You are the senior Warden of this party are you not?"

"Oh yes, by around half a year" He replied gruffly at the witch. Maker above he was already sick of her, it was like everything that came out of her mouth was either an insult or a sarcastic comment. "I know you wouldn't get it, living a damp swamp all your life, but that is not nearly enough time to have enough leadership experience. Much less to lead a party like this in the middle of a Blight"

"No offense to you Alistair, but I agree" The city elf spoke, "I'd rather have someone more experienced leading us to go through all this bullshit. Things are bad enough for us at is"

"Wait" It suddenly occurred to Marcus that this was how they all thought of him. "You believe I'm the leader?"

"You are the most experienced one amongst us in that role" Brianna pointed out. "And you know how to navigate the Ferelden political landscape, which will need with Loghain throwing slander and accusations at our feet"

"Neither Gin, Bri or I have any proper military experience" The elven mage added, "Fighting, that we can do. But I believe we're a long way from fully being capable of taking the decisions you've been taking"

Marcus felt he was only acting at the best of his ability to help the Wardens save his land, he hadn't meant to take a leadership position, but apparently it had fallen to him before he realized.

"That speech of yours to that wildling and the people there was very well done" Miara said in approval, "You were able to sooth them, even inspire them, when they were on the brink of desperation. That charisma is a powerful trait for any leader to have"

"Face it young man" Serana smirked underneath her hood. "You're a born leader"

Marcus only chuckled sheepishly under all that praise, but Miara had meant every word. They were lucky a capable man like him was leading this party. Oh sure, she had a lot of experience thanks to the Legion, but this wasn't her land, she knew very little about how things worked, and it just wasn't her place.

But she would advise, and do everything in her power to aid them.

Soon enough Sofie returned, hauling over her shoulder a set of armor in a bag, carrying in her free hand a large two handed sword. "Here you are big guy" She also gave him large yet simple line shirt to wear underneath the plate for more comfort

The qunari looked at the gear with that impassive gaze of his. "It will suffice"

As he put on the armor, Miara couldn't help but sneer. That was just decent cheap work at best. Give her an hour or so and she'd have master crafted something a hundred times better. But, she didn't have the tools nor the time right now, so the qunari would have to settle for that at the moment.

The chest plate was of simple design, two heavy pauldrons over his shoulders, forearm guard bracers along with plates for his thighs and knees. Effective yes, but the dunmer still imagined crafting a heavy suit of full plated armor for Sten, she had the feeling the qunari's fighting style was all about dealing and taking on damage.

He hefted the greatsword on his hand and gave a few practice swings, testing the weight. "Adequate"

"Don't worry big guy, my mom will suit you up with something nice when she has the time" Even her daughter agreed this armor wasn't enough for the towering man.

"So, you're leaving then" Marian spoke up as she cleaned her hands from the remains of elfroot.

Bethany stood next to her sister, looking at the former lay sister with sadness, "We'll miss you, Leliana. I don't think I'll find someone who sings as lovely as you do"

Leliana smiled at them and gave them a curt nod. "This is the path the Maker has set for me, so I must follow it"

"Take care" The elder Hawke gave them a smile so bright it could rival the sun, "Beat up those Blighters for me"

"We sure will" Alistair grinned, most members of their party gave them polite nods of farewell as they continued their journey.

Yet Miara remained behind for a moment, looking intently at the young woman. "I wish you and your family safe travels" She settled on saying, that 'something' that was bothering her again bubbling up to the forefront of her mind.

"Hey, maybe we'll see each other again!" Marian cheerfully said as she waved, "Good luck!" And soon departed with her sister to continue on their task of helping as much as they could before they left.

"Yeah… maybe we will…" The dunmer in disguise muttered to herself as she went on to rejoin the others.

They barely made it into the Imperial Highway when the shouts and pleads for help were heard, "Someone help us!"

Alistair's gaze shot up, "Darkspawn up ahead!" They rushed over the steps, and found a band of Darkspawn tearing through a merchant's card, miraculously, they had yet to kill a middle aged dwarf and his much more younger looking companion, who shivered in his arms as the older dwarf shielded him protectively.

The band wasn't more than six, so against a group as numerous and talented as theirs, they were quickly taken out. Leliana was quick to prove her own ability to the group by head shooting a Hurlock the moment she was in range. Sten nearly cleaved another hurlock in half diagonally.

Lighting and flame struck the genlocks of the party, while the rest that were at a safer distance were quickly impaled by sharp meter long ice stakes that burst from the ground.

Alistair observed the bodies, there wasn't an Alpha among them. "Scouting party, they already making reaching this part of the country…"

Leliana holstered her bow and broke into a sprint back to the village, "I'll inform the Revered Mother, tell her to speed up the evacuation!"

Miara turned to the dwarven pair, who looked at them with immense gratitude in their eyes. "Are you two okay?"

"Oh thank you, by the Stone thank you heroes!" The older dwarf praised them, joining his hands and shaking them vigorously. "You saved me and my son" He nudged the younger dwarf, "Say thank you, Sandal"

"Thank you" He said curtly but no less sincerely. His mannerism was a bit odd, his gaze a little unfocused, his weirdly cheerful facial expressions, all rather strange for a boy his age. It reminded Miara of some late-life children she had seen before, who were born lacking social faculties or even wit. Complications in their development during the womb or early childhood that stunt the development of their minds.

"My name is Bodahn Feddic" The bearded dwarf introduced himself with a short bow, the multiple braids on his beard swaying as he did so. "And this is my son Sandal" He placed a hand on the boy, who still continued looking at them without saying a word.

Neria smiled sincerely, "We were happy to help"

"You're Wardens I see" The dwarf pointed out, looking at the griffon symbols on their armor. "You must be traveling to stop the Blight"

"That's our intent" Alistair promised.

"I wish there were more brave individuals like you. Oh please!" He suddenly perked up, waving at one of his undamaged crates. "Let me reward you with some of my wares!"

"That's not necessary" Gin spoke up, raising a hand. "We didn't do this for a reward"

"Oh joy" Morrigan snorted, "So this is what our travels will consist of I see, randomly saving hapless fools, perhaps rescue a kitten or two"

Marcus stepped forward, ignoring the witch. "Keep your wares, you'll be needing everything you can get your hands on after the 'Spawn already trashed some of your things" He said, looking at the broken crates with squashed food"

"Yes, yes I can't deny that…" Bodahn gave them one last look of gratitude. "Well, I wish you fortune on your travels. Come son, let's salvage what we can" His son gave a small skip as he joined his father in collecting everything that wasn't broken.

"Let me help" Miara offered, inspecting the broken cart, Sofie, Serana and Neria joined her in her efforts to fix the vehicle. "We still have to wait for Leliana"

Brianna let out a long sigh, "It's gonna be a long journey to Denerim. I just hope the nobles are smart enough to not buy into Loghain's lies"

"In my experience, most shem nobles are not" Gin said cynically before giving Marcus an apologetic look. "Present company excluded"

Marcus shrugged, "The agendas of many a noble can be a fickle thing"

Sten grunted in disapproval. "I do not understand how the nobility of these lands can be so divided"

"But, they have to listen to us right?" Neria asked with trepidation. "The Blight threatens us all, surely all the allies we intent to recruit will do the reasonable thing and help us?"

Then, Miara burst out laughing, it was a long, very hysterical laugh. As though she had just heard the funniest joke in her life. "HAHAHAHAHA! No" She abruptly cut the laugh short, her tone once filled with mirth now replaced by an annoyed edge. "No they will not"

Serana rolled her eyes with a sigh, she had to go with Miara on this one. After the whole mess that was Skyrim with the Dragon Crisis, she knew better than to expect people to actually act logically when certain doom was upon them.

"That is rather cynical" Neria, bless her, still held on to hope. "I'm sure we won't run into any more major complications"

Apparently, fate had taken that as a direct challenge, for Miara's communication ring began to shine. She opened the link and answered. "Hello?"

"Mom!" It was Sarya, their youngest daughter sounded harried. "Something's happening here with dalish clans, I'm doing all I can to help them but I don't think it'll be enough. If they don't receive aid soon, I fear they will be destroyed"

Miara slowly gave Neria a very dry look, the younger elf merely slouched sheepishly under her gaze. "You were saying?"

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Hope you enjoy!