A (Hopefully) Noble Companion
As Duran made his way toward the Grey Warden camp, the distinct barking of Fereldan war hounds reached his ears. He knew of Fereldans' fascination with these dogs—called Mabari—but he had yet to see one himself. Intrigued, he headed for the kennels where they were kept. Upon arrival, he was greeted by the sight of nearly a hundred Mabari, packed tightly into a confined space. Yet even under these conditions, the dogs exuded pride, their strong builds and fearless demeanor suggesting they would face any foe, no matter its size.
"Impressive creatures, aren't they?" the kennel master said, approaching Duran while making his rounds.
"They certainly look like they could hold their own in battle," Duran replied, his gaze drawn to one dog kept apart from the rest. "What about that one?" he asked, pointing toward the isolated Mabari.
The kennel master sighed, placing his hands on his hips. "His master was killed during a scouting mission in the Korcari Wilds. Darkspawn ambushed them. The dog survived but was injured and now carries the Darkspawn Taint. Since regaining consciousness, he hasn't allowed anyone near him without snapping. We need to muzzle him to treat him, but no one's been able to get close enough."
Duran's curiosity turned to admiration. Though he had no experience with Mabari, he recognized the nobility in this creature. "I could try, if you don't mind."
The kennel master hesitated before handing Duran the muzzle. "If you're willing, I won't stop you."
Steeling himself, Duran stepped into the stall. Up close, the dog's suffering was evident: black patches marred its once-pristine coat, and its eyes, though weary, flickered with the terror the Taint inflicted. Duran had seen warriors from Orzammar's warrior caste suffer similarly after returning from the Deep Roads. Their deaths were often slow and agonizing.
The Mabari lifted its head, locking eyes with Duran. For a moment, the dwarf considered whether ending the creature's suffering would be the kinder choice. But something in the dog's gaze stirred his compassion—perhaps there was still hope. Maybe the Grey Wardens knew a cure. Slowly, he extended a hand, allowing the Mabari to sniff it.
With cautious movements, Duran placed a hand on the dog's head, gently stroking it. Somehow Duran could feel a connection to he Mabari.
"I can't believe it…" the kennel master muttered from the doorway.
Duran carefully slipped the muzzle over the dog's snout. Though it whimpered, the Mabari allowed it without resistance. "Good boy," Duran murmured softly. "Let's see what we can do to help you." He gave the dog a final reassuring pat before stepping out of the stall.
"That a dwarf of all people could calm a sick Mabari? The Maker has a strange sense of humor," the kennel master remarked, shaking Duran's hand. "Thank you."
"I don't know why," Duran replied thoughtfully, "but I felt a connection to that Mabari. He seemed… familiar, somehow."
The kennel master raised an eyebrow. "Mabari bond deeply with their masters. It's rare—nearly impossible—for them to accept a new one. But… maybe…" His gaze shifted toward the gate leading to the Korcari Wilds. "There's a flower in the Wilds with long, white, pointed petals. It's said to linder the Symptoms of the taint in Mabari, perhaps also heal it completely. Bring me this flower, and I'll craft a medicine that might save him. If he survives, perhaps he'll see you as his new master."
A Mabari of his own? The prospect excited Duran more than he expected. "I can't promise anything," he said, standing straighter, "but I'll keep an eye out for it."
With a parting nod, Duran left the kennels as he strode to find the Warden Alistair. With each step, Duran's resolve deepened; the Mabari deserved a chance at life, and he was determined to find the means to give it one.