Find A Way

by Mazanti

Marisia Park was having a good day, until she got home and turned on the TV. She had to flee her new condo and found herself in a park. She came upon a lake. A swirling light at the bottom drew her to jump in the lake and swim to the swirl ... in a large mirror. She touched the mirror ... and ended up in Thedas ...

15. 15-Elsewhere in Ferelden

15-Elsewhere in Ferelden

Thomas raised his head for the first time in days? weeks? months? Someone had fed him something. He hadn't starved. He'd lost track of time since his father decided to have someone beat him severely. One moment, Father was laughing about some joke Thomas had played on Seneschal Varel. The next moment, his father was handed a message and the world changed completely. The servant girl who delivered the message smirked at Thomas. He'd only recently recalled that. Why did she smirk at him moments before Father called the guards to drag Thomas to the dungeons to be flogged to unconsciousness?

He needed to find an answer to that question. He slowly sat up. He'd tried that before … sometime. There weren't any windows in the dungeon. For Thomas, it was always dark. This time, he was able to sit up without dizziness or nausea. He hadn't been beaten in a while. The bruises were healing. They never broke any bones, thankfully.

The servant girl. She was new. Reinhardt brought her with him last time he visited from Kirkwall. She asked permission to stay at Vigil's Keep and Father spoke to Reinhardt about it. They argued, but the girl was allowed to stay. She was a cute redhead. Adria hated her. Thomas did, too … now.

Was it a note from her? A lie that he had done something he hadn't done? Something he had done? He wasn't perfect, but he couldn't recall doing anything heinous enough for this punishment.

He had to get out of the dungeon himself and find out. Unbeknownst to anyone at the Vigil, Thomas had been learning stealth techniques from one of Father's scouts. His name was Brent. That's when Thomas recalled the person who'd been spoon-feeding him. It had been Brent.

The outside door to the dungeon opened and Thomas overheard two men talking. One of them was Brent. The other was Gast, the brute charged with keeping Thomas down. When Thomas heard them coming down the stairs, he got back on the cot and faked being knocked out. He'd had a lot of practice recently.

"Don't know why you wanna keep the whelp alive, Brent. His pa don't seem to want to." That was Gast.

"Fallback plan, Gast," Brent explained. "One day the Arl will wake up and decide he needed someone to blame for the death of his son." Brent paused and quietly added. "I'm doing this for your benefit, my old friend."

Thomas almost grinned. That was Brent. Smooth talker. Of course, Gast was an easy mark.

"Yeah, ye may be right," Gast said as he opened the cell door. "Thanks. Take your time. I'm gonna go get some sup."

"Yeah, it takes a while to get it down his throat without choking him. Thanks," Brent said.

Brent pulled in a chair from outside the cell and sat down. Thomas heard the outside door close, but not lock. He heard Brent put something down, likely a tray of broth or something. Then, Brent leaned close and whispered, "Unconscious people don't breathe so fast, Thom."

Thomas sighed. "What's going on, Brent?"

"Can you sit up yet?" the scout asked.

"Yeah," Thomas said as he sat up. "Doesn't even hurt much anymore."

"I've been dosing your broth with a little healing potion that Adria's gotten for me from that hedge mage on the way to Amaranthine." He handed the bowl to Thomas. "Eat slowly. This bowl has some potion in it as well. If I can keep your Father's mind on other things, he won't think to have Gast do another round on you."

"What do you know about that servant from Kirkwall?" Thomas asked as he took a few even slurps of broth. Now, that he was awake and had been told, he could taste the bitterness of the elf root from the healing potion in the broth.

Brent smile. "Good lad. You figured that out, did you?"

"Just now. I remember that she smirked at me after handing Father that note that made him crazy. Could she be a blood mage?" Thomas asked.

"Yeah, I think she might be. I need to find proof first." He watched Thomas finish the last of the broth. "Keep down, pretend to be asleep, moan a little whenever Gast or whoever is on duty makes their rounds. I'm working with Adria on getting you and Delilah out of here."

That alarmed Thomas. "He's beating her, too?!"

Brent took the bowl and grabbed the tray. "No. He's locked her in the North Tower. He sent Nathaniel to squire for Lord Reinhardt. Anyway, Adria's meeting someone in Amaranthine tomorrow on her shopping run. We're sending a message to Loghain about the situation. We're going to need backup, Thomas. We just can't walk you out of here. I've tried to think of a way, but I can't."

"Just let me out," Thomas said. "I'll kill that bitch."

Brent just granted Thomas one of his "that would be monumentally stupid" looks just as the door above creaked open.

"You good down there?" Gast hollered.

"Yeah, just finished," Brent said as Thomas lay down on the cot again. "Get some rest," he whispered. "You're going to need it soon."

!¡!¡

The journey through the Brecilian Forest was as tense as it was beautiful. It was just Mari, Duncan, Andwn, Bryant and Ardoc. Mid-morning of the second day of the search, just as Duncan was about to give up and head back to the main road to Denerim, they heard, "Hold! What is your purpose here, Warden-Commander?" A somber group of three Dalish hunters stood before them. The male elf who spoke was tall, lithe with a facial tattoo of Andruil, Mistress of the Hunt. Duncan had met him the last time he'd been through the Brecilian … which is likely why they hadn't trained their arrows on the visitors.

"Greetings, Fenarel," Duncan said. "We're here to speak with Keeper Marethari … and to assure all of you that Arisiel is well and doing good things with the Grey Wardens."

Fenarel looked over the group. Then, when satisfied they weren't hiding any enemies, he smiled. "Follow me, Wardens." He nodded to the other Dalish hunters with him and they went off, presumably to alert Keeper Marethari.

When they entered the camp proper, Duncan turned and looked at Mari. Just as he guessed, she was standing on the edge of the camp, eyes wide, ear-to-ear grin with the fingers of her hands laced on top of her head. "It is a wonderful sight, is it not?" Duncan asked her.

"Oh, Duncan!" was all she said as she motioned around the camp.

That made Fenarel laugh. "Would you like me to show you the camp … um?"

"Pardon me, Fenarel. This is Mari. She's a Warden recruit." Duncan looked around. "I think you know Andwn, the tall fellow is Ardoc from the Anderfels and the other gentleman is new. Warden Bryant."

"Follow me, Mari," Fenarel said. Then, he looked at Ardoc and Bryant. "Would you also like to join us while the Commander speaks with our Keeper?" At Ardoc's smile and nod, the four of them went off to visit the halla.

When Duncan looked back at Andwn, he found him shaking his head and looking at the ground. "Was I mistaken? You have met these Dalish, have you not?"

"Oh, yes, Duncan." Andwn smiled. "I'm just always amazed at Mari's sense of wonderment. I often wish I could see the world as she does."

"So do I," Duncan said quietly.

Before he could say more, an older elf in an ornate leather tunic walked up with another much younger elf at her side. "Duncan! It is so kind of you to bring us word of Arisiel's success in the Wardens." She turned to the petite dark-haired elf beside her. "This is my First, Merrill."

Duncan gave Merrill a slight bow. "Yes, I believe we had a brief introduction last time just before you went off with a hunting party."

Merrill looked startled. "You remember that?"

"Our Duncan has a very good memory, Merrill," Marethari said as she patted the young elf on her shoulder. "Why don't you take Andwn and show him our most recent discovery." She looked at Andwn. "We found a chest of old etchings. I understand you know some of the old Elvhen language?"

Duncan almost chuckled as Andwn's face mirrored Mari's look of wonderment. Once they walked off, he turned to Marethari and pulled out a thick roll of parchments. "Arisiel wrote you and asked that I give you this if we could find you."

Marethari took the roll and held it fondly for a moment. "Let's go to my aravel, Duncan. You look like you have something on your mind."

Duncan smiled at her and followed her. It was tight inside the unique enclosed carriage, but comfortable. "Perceptive as always," he said quietly as he sat on a leather pillow around a center table.

"Let me get you a cup of moonberry tea," she said as she put a small metal pot on a flat stone in the center of the table. She never had to do overt magic like was taught by the Circles. She didn't shoot the stone with flames. She simply wrapped her hands around the pot and it got hot enough to heat the water inside the pot to just the right temperature to pour over a metal insert — with very small holes in the bottom that drained into a large mug. Inside the insert was a bit of a dried herb, presumably dried moonberries.

"Andwn has recently learned to better control his lightning spell. We were hoping it could be used for power … or electricity, as Mari calls it." Once Duncan had taken a sip of his freshly made tea, he sighed and told Marethari about the woman from a different world entirely from Thedas. When the story about Mari ended, Duncan added, "However, there is another important matter to discuss. Marethari, we fear that a Blight is coming to Ferelden."

"Creators," she said quietly and put her head in her hands. "The wonders … and the terrors of life."

"Arisiel told me she has reported what she saw in her letter," Duncan explained. "We have another Elvhen mage helping us in Ostagar. His name is Solas. Mari thought she saw him in a dream. When we met him, he confirmed it was he. However, it was in some part of the Fade called The Crossroads … during Mari's initial trauma of her world's destruction and the Eluvian travel."

"Solas? So, he made it all the way down here," she mused.

"You've met?" Duncan asked, surprised.

"Yes, we ran into him in the north … oh, it must have been about twenty years ago. I had just become Keeper. We found him stumbling and almost incoherent. He said he'd been beaten by humans. He traveled with us for a while, but then went off on his own," she explained. "It is good to hear he is well and helping the Wardens. His magic is strong."

Duncan cocked his head. "You didn't believe his story, did you."

That made Marethari laugh. "Now, who is being perceptive? No, I didn't believe his story but he was helpful, so I didn't pry."

Duncan felt that Marethari was holding something back, but that was not his reason for being there. "Well, if you think of anything the Wardens should know, please send word to Denerim, if you can."

Marethari sat back and looked thoughtful. "If he is working with you, you should know this. His magic is strong because I believe him to be an ancient. Some of his mannerisms are quite different from elves of today. Have you heard of uthenera, Duncan?"

"I have heard about uthenara, actually. I had a Dalish Warden friend, Barasiel. He has long ago gone on his Calling, but he was very wise." Duncan took another sip of tea. "We spent some time together at the Hossberg Warden Compound and he shared the life of a Dalish and some of the history he knew. Solas said he had gone to Mari's world once — long, long ago. He had a necklace identical to one Mari got from her father."

Marethari smiled, but that smile soon waned. "So, I suppose the Wardens will expect the Dalish to honor the old treaties."

"I am hoping you will, but I shall not press the matter. In any case, we could not expect your aid until a Blight is confirmed," Duncan said. "The only thing I suggest is that the clans in the Brecilian Forest head north soon, if you decide it is too dangerous for you to participate."

Marethari smiled, and with tears in her eyes, she took his hand and said, "You remind me of my late husband. He had a way to put things to make others want to help."

Duncan squeezed her hand. "This time, I mean every word just how I said it. A Blight is the most terrible thing you can imagine. It can mean the end of our world. The Grey Wardens in Ferelden are organized and capable. King Maric says he considers us an arm of the Ferelden military specializing in darkspawn. His General agrees. If we get a competent First Warden, we will have the aid of other cadres in Thedas." He released her hand and sat back. "And, now we come to another reason we are here. I fear my words have convinced Mari to become a Warden even though she is from a different world. That fact may mean that the Joining chalice will be instantly lethal for her or it may not work to protect her from the taint."

"You care for her, Duncan," Marethari said. "Ultimately, though, just as with the Dalish, the decision is up to her, my old friend."

"She is a very unique person. She has charisma that rivals King Maric's. You saw how quickly Fenarel took to her. I do care for Mari, as do all of the others who have met her," Duncan said.

"And, if you were younger, that might mean something different?" Marethari asked, an arched eyebrow saying more.

"Younger and not so close to my own Calling, yes, but now I am quite content to be her Commander," Duncan replied. "I really do not wish to mess that …"

He was interrupted by Merrill saying, "Keeper!" loudly just before she entered the aravel. Andwn, Bryant, Ardoc, Fenarel and Mari were standing behind her.

"What is it, da'len?" Marethari asked.

Merrill stepped in and sat at the table. Quietly she said, "Mari has a very unique story, Keeper."

Marethari patted her hand. "I know, dal'en. Duncan just told me."

"Oh! Well, good, this can be asked quickly, Keeper," Merrill said. "There is a healing spell that tells if there is something wrong … or off … in someone's body, right? Like if they'd been poisoned or something?"

"Yes, I used it just last week when Sariel's babe ate some unknown insect," Marethari replied.

"Well," Merrill continued, "do you think you could cast it on Mari to see if her blood is different from one of the other human Wardens? She really wants to be a Grey Warden, but everyone is afraid her difference may not allow that."

"Would that work, Keeper?" Duncan asked. "We were going to go to the Mage Collective, but if you have a spell to tell us now …"

"Mari, step in and lie down on this bunk," Marethari said as she motioned toward the lower bunk of two in the back of the aravel. "This will take some time and I will need Merrill and the others to leave. Duncan just sit where you are. I'll be casting the spell on both of you so I can compare. If there is a difference, perhaps I can even tell why. If I cannot tell a difference, I will need to take a small sample of blood from each of you and focus directly at it just to be sure."

Mari stepped in and grinned. "I don't know whether to be excited or worried, to tell you the truth. This is the first time I've ever had magic performed on me, other than a shield."

Marethari just smiled as she moved her hands about six inches over Mari's body, starting at her head, to her chest, arms and hands down to her abdomen, legs and feet. Then, she asked Mari and Duncan to switch places and did the same to Duncan.

Once she was done and Duncan sat up on the bunk, she said, "I could find no blood differences between you two humans at all, but something is different. Perhaps organs or bones? Perhaps it is because Duncan is already a Warden with all the changes that entails. If it is because Duncan is a Warden already, that brings up a curious idea … that the Joining doesn't affect the blood but something else. In any case, I shall need to take a closer look directly at your blood to confirm that it is the same." She smiled. "I promise this won't hurt much."

Duncan had ideas of taking a dagger across his palm or the like. In reality, it was more like a finger prick with a wood splinter. It further confirmed the curious finding. Both blood samples looked human and the same, no difference. Once that was done, Marethari turned to Mari and said, "A few years ago, there was a tale that was passed around an Arlathvhen — a meeting of the clans — about a tribe of humans on Thedas that used the Eluvians to travel to other places and leave some of their clan behind to populate those lands. We had barely heard of the Eluvians, much less that humans had used them. Keeper Elindra told the tale from the notes of the previous Keeper of the Ralaferin Clan, Gisharel. These humans were given the name, Originators."

"We had the same tales on my world, Keeper," Mari said. "Progenitors, Precursors … basically, humans from other worlds came to my world from the sky and did the same as the Originators."

"Another interpretation was that humans just showed up on Thedas. So, these Originators came from somewhere else," Marethari said.

"Or, the humans on Thedas came from across the seas," Duncan said with a smile. "Hard to know the truth as it was thousands of years ago."

"True, but imagination demands to be heard from time to time," Marethari laughed. "In any case, I suggest you speak with the Collective mage also. Perhaps, they will be able to spot differences I missed if the mage has healed many humans before. So, you are welcome to stay, but I imagine you will be moving on with a half-day of light available."

"I'm afraid so, Keeper," Duncan said. "I would like to get to Denerim as quickly as we can. We made a detour through Lothering after going to the Circle, so Creators only know what trouble awaits me."

Marethari laughed. "Well, then, we shall not detain you, but leave you with an open invitation to return. All Wardens are welcome among the People."

Once Duncan was able to pry Andwn away from Merrill's books and artifacts and Ardoc and Bryant away from the clan's smith, there were fewer hours left than he would have liked. However, they found the trail toward the main road to Denerim fairly quickly and the horses made good time on the trail. They found the main road at dusk and joined a caravan camp for the evening.

Duncan volunteered himself to aid the watches that night. He had much to think about and much to decide before they reached Denerim.

!¡!¡

Alistair stood atop Fort Drakon and looked over the city. He loved Denerim and hated it at the same time. The centuries of history were plain to see on every street, every façade, every building. Fort Drakon was one of those chroniclers of history. It started out as a tower built by the Tevinter Imperium. The city of Denerim built up around it. The very rooftop he and Varric were standing on was the site of the duel between Maric and Meghren … the fight the Orlesian usurper lost.

When Varric shifted Bianca on his shoulder, Alistair smiled and asked, "Don't like heights?"

"No, that's not it," Varric chuckled. "I'm wondering if they'll let us back out. Isn't this the King's prison or something?"

Alistair nodded. "Something like that." Then, he sighed. "This is maybe the second or third time I've come up here." Then, he started pointing out important bits of the city. The docks were easy. The Pearl was easy. Since Varric seemed interested, Alistair pointed out the noble quarter and the manors he knew. Surprisingly, from this elevation, the noble's homes weren't nearly as opulent as you might think. The Alienage was easy to find by virtue of the giant vhenadahl tree in the center. Looked like they were having a celebration or something. There were lanterns strung and flowers hung. Of course, there was no mistaking where the Palace and Grey Warden … "wait, is that Duncan?" In a whisper, he added, "And, Mari."

Varric shrugged. "Ferelden's Warden-Commander? I dunno. Could be? Wanna go find out … doesn't matter, let's get down and out of this prison and find out."

Alistair laughed and motioned to a guard standing by the door to the way down. "Could you escort us back down, Guardsman?"

Thanks to gravity, the trip down was easier than the the ascent. Going up or coming down, they weren't escorted by any of the cells or guard rooms. It was mostly via a circular stairway that exited across from the access to the "jail" part of the tower. That stairway was likely the quick emergency access to all the huge arbalests on the roof. Once out the door, Alistair … and the guards on the door … laughed as Varric took a deep breath and said, "Freedom."

It didn't take long to make it to the Warden Compound. Varric stopped when he saw the wall of names surrounding the Warden courtyard. "Is that …?"

"It's a memorial of all the Ferelden Wardens who have lost their lives," Alistair explained. With a solemn nod, he added, "Duncan started it all a few years ago. They have an annual remembrance. Not sure how far back it goes since records are pretty spotty, but they mean it when they say they don't forget."

Varric just walked over the wall as if he were pulled there. He looked like he was reading every name. "There are nobility and craftsmen and laborers here, all the same size letters. An entire wall of stories," he whispered.

"There are written stories in their library," Alistair said. "I'm sure they'd let you read them if you want. I doubt they'd even mind if you told a few."

Varric just nodded and spent more time looking them over before he turned and said, "Okay, let's go see if your lady is inside."

"She's not my lady, Varric," Alistair said.

"Yet," Varric added with a chuckle.

Andwn was just leaving when they entered the building. In surprise, he said, "Well, we weren't expecting you to be here!"

"Yeah, that's me … just a surprise guy." Alistair bit his lip and just went ahead and asked the question on his mind. "Is she … a Warden now?"

Andwn took a deep breath. "No. Warden Captain Leciah brought up the fact that since Mari's from another world … well, it might not be a good idea to give her the Joining chalice without checking some things out. I'm on my way to speak with someone who might be able to check on those things. We know that the Joining is dangerous, but we don't want Mari to suffer because we didn't make sure all things were equal first."

"Wow," Varric whispered. "Yeah, Leciah must be a smart gal. I'd have never thought of that."

Alistair laced his hands on top of his head and took a deep breath. "Just because she looks like us, doesn't mean she's the same. Thank the Maker Leciah was around."

"We stopped by the Dalish Sabrae Clan on the way to Denerim and their Keeper looked Mari over and said that her blood looked to be the same as Duncan's, but there was something not in the blood that was different. She suggested that we have a healer … who is experienced in healing humans … look at her. I scanned her last night and didn't find any difference, either." Andwn grinned. "Mari made a dash to her room for a bath. Duncan's in his office."

"I'll go say hello to Duncan and introduce Varric here … um, I apologize Varric!" Alistair had just recalled that Varric wasn't around when Mari and the Wardens came to his eighteenth name-day. "This is Warden Andwn. Andwn, this is Varric, a storyteller, so watch out what you say. Maker knows it's advice I gave myself too late."

The surprise of Alistair and Varric was clear as Andwn laughed. "Sorry, Mari has become a bit of a storyteller, too. So, we've gotten used to it." He smiled at Varric. "It's nice to hear tales, Varric. I look forward to hearing some of yours soon."

"Alistair didn't tell me that Mari was competition," Varric said with a wink.

"I didn't know, either, Varric!" Alistair chuckled. "She said she wrote stories, but I didn't know she performed as well."

Varric leaned in and said quietly, "Could she be an Orlesian bard?"

"Nope," Andwn replied. "I saw her exit the Eluvian in all her strange clothes and equipment with my own eyes. No way even Orlais would have something like that as a prop." Then, he looked around in horror at what he said. "Please don't tell anyone I was that outspoken about her past. She wants to fit in here … as much as the rumor mill will let her."

"I was joking, Warden," Varric said. "I'll just wait until I meet her."

"Well, I'd better be on my way," Andwn said. "Like I said, Duncan's in his office, Alistair."

Alistair and Varric watched Andwn walk away. Then, Varric smacked Alistair's arm. "What else haven't you told me about this woman?"

"Ow!" Alistair cried out. "You're just going to have to wait now." He stepped away from another arm smack and led Varric inside. The Warden Compound was busier than Alistair had ever seen it. There was a card game going in one corner of the main hall. Some other Wardens were sitting around a table going over parchments. A couple other Wardens were sitting in comfortable chairs, reading. Alistair showed Varric where the stories of the honored dead were.

Anton waved from a side room. It looked like he was going over some maps with a group of Wardens. "Duncan's in his office," Anton said as he pointed the direction.

Alistair nodded and headed up the stairs to Duncan's office, at the top of the stairs. The door was open and Duncan waved him in.

"Duncan, this is Varric," Alistair said as he motioned to the dwarf. "He's helping with the communication between Ferelden and the northlands along with Lord Nathaniel Howe."

Duncan smiled. "Very nice to meet you, Varric. I don't suppose you could let the Wardens know who made that crossbow for you."

"Nah," Varric replied. "Bianca's one of a kind."

"Ah, well, that's too bad," Duncan said.

"You could always conscript him," Loghain said as he walked into the office. He handed Duncan a small bit of parchment. "What do you make of this, Duncan? Could it be darkspawn? Go ahead and read it out loud if you wish."

Duncan looked at the note for a moment and then read aloud, "Teyrn Loghain, terrible things have occurred at the Vigil. First, all the mess with the Arl and his children and now things are crawling up from the deep basements. Please help! Ask the Wardens to come! —Adria, in service to Arl Howe."

"It definitely sounds like darkspawn are part of the problem," Duncan added. "We could be ready to go in an hour, Loghain. I'll send someone for Andwn and I think Anton is about finished. He can round up Bryant and several Wardens to go with us. I'll leave Anton in charge here."

"Good to bring Bryant. Nathaniel wondered if a blood mage was in residence there to explain his father's erratic behavior. Let me confirm it with Maric. I'll send you word shortly who's going and when we'll be ready," Loghain said. As he turned to Alistair and Varric, he added, "I'll leave it up to you and Varric if you want to go or stay here. I think Maric would prefer you stay here, but he won't stop you, of course."

"Go where?" Standing inside the doorway was a newly clean Mari in her cargo pants and denim shirt with damp hair.

"There's trouble in Vigil's Keep, Mari," Duncan said. "Some of us are going to check it out. I'm leaving Anton in charge here and I'd like you to stay and help Anton."

"Of course, Duncan," Mari said as she looked around and noticed Alistair smiling at her. "Hey! You're still here!"

"Still here. I don't think you've met Varric, Mari. Varric, this is Mari," Alistair replied and then turned to Duncan. "I think I'll stay here, Duncan."

Varric looked from Alistair to Mari. "Nice to meet you, Mari. Eh, if you guys could use the help, Loghain, I'll go. I haven't seen Vigil's Keep yet."

Loghain just smiled and turned to leave. "I'll let you know as soon as I know, Duncan," was all he said as he left.

Mari, Alistair and Varric followed Duncan as he filled Anton … and Mari … in on what was going on at Vigil's Keep. They nabbed Bryant as he was walking back and he went off to repack his backpack and gather the horses.

Eventually, everyone made their way out to the courtyard where the horses were being readied. Mari turned to Anton, Alistair, Varric and Duncan. "I'd like to make a run to Highever sometime soon to check on the Hawkes, if that's all right." When Anton looked at her quizzically, Mari explained what happened in Lothering.

Anton put his hands on his knees and took a deep breath and shared the story about Alistair's entry into Denerim. "I sometimes wonder if Ferelden is about to lose its collective mind," Anton said. "From what you said about the Lothering Chantry, though, it doesn't sound like they had anything to do with what that poor Hawke family went through."

Duncan put his hand on Anton's shoulder. "The fact that you can remain professional in face of your doubts is the precise reason I trust you to run things here, Anton." Then, he turned to Mari. "The Wardens really can't tell you what to do yet, Mari, but please wait until we check out Vigil's Keep. Hopefully, it is just a localized incursion."

"Fergus has a week or so left here in meetings with Princess Anora and then we'll be heading back, Duncan. Fergus will want to know what's going on at the Vigil, I have no doubt." Alistair said. He turned to Mari. "You are more than welcome to come with us when we leave, Mari."

Before Mari could respond, Fergus walked into the courtyard. "So, is this Mari?" he asked with a grin.

Mari put her hands on her hips and said to Alistair, "Been talking about me?" Then, she grinned.

"All good, I swear!" Alistair said, throwing up his hands. "Lord Fergus, this is, indeed, Marisia Park. She goes by Mari if you're friendly. Mari, please meet Lord Fergus, heir to the Teyrnir of Highever." Then, he bowed to both.

Mari smiled and curtseyed, "It is so nice to meet you, Lord Fergus." Then, with a wink, she added, "Alistair has told me so much about you!"

After a few moments of levity, a Palace page ran into the Warden courtyard. "Warden-Commander, Teyrn Loghain bid me alert you to an estimate of departure in one-half hour." Then, he bowed and ran back toward the Palace.

"I'll stake out a seat in that wagon," Varric said. "I'm sure we'll talk more later, Mari." He nodded and walked away.

Fergus motioned to Mari. "Well, I came over to meet Mari … and to tell Duncan that Elle and I … and Midnight, of course … intend to go along as well. Amaranthine is under Highever's protection, especially with all the questionable reports coming out of it." He turned to Alistair. "I hate to do this to you, Alistair, but I've told Her Highness that you would sit in for me for the final meetings. I've left my notes on the office desk in Highever House."

"I can do that, Lord Fergus," Alistair said very formally.

Fergus squeezed Alistair's shoulder. "You'll do fine. You were the one Anora really wanted on the council, anyway."

"I just hope she realizes it's a temporary situation," Alistair mumbled.

"And, you are more than welcome to return to Highever with us, Mari … after we deal with Vigil's Keep," Fergus said. When he noticed her necklace that had slipped out of her shirt, he added, "That's an unusual stone."

Mari held the necklace for a moment, slipped it back inside her shirt and explained, "It was an inheritance from my father when he died from a plague where I come from. Anyway, thank you, Lord Fergus," Mari said. "I look forward to the upcoming journey."

Duncan chuckled at Mari's formality and started to say something when Andwn ran into the courtyard. "And, here is our mage for the journey."

Breathless, Andwn said, "Good thing I haven't unpacked yet." He turned to Mari. "Can I have a word with you and Duncan?"

Duncan said, "Follow me, I need to gather a few more things, as well. We can talk in my office. Lord Fergus, Alistair, feel free to relax in the great room inside or out here. We'll be back out shortly."

After they entered his office, Duncan closed his door. Before he could say anything, they heard tapping from outside one of Duncan's windows.

"That's Darenis from the Mage Collective. May I?" Andwn asked Duncan. Duncan motioned him to go ahead.

Andwn opened the window briefly and a bird flew in, reforming into a older elf with salt and pepper hair. Instead of the typical robes, he was wearing leather pants and a linen shirt. He had a small pack on his hip that he reached into to pull out a vial of something … pink. "Good day, Warden Commander," he said. Then, he turned toward the only female in the room. "You are Mari, I assume?"

Mari was standing there with her grin going. "I am, indeed." Then, she turned her grin toward Andwn. "So, the only mages who can't shapeshift in Thedas are in the Circles?"

Andwn frowned. "Looks like it, huh." Then, he smiled. "But, soon it'll be Circle-trained Warden mages, too."

Darenis smiled at Mari. "Anyway, here is a potion for you that I'm convinced will counter any differences; however, I still need to scan you … and compare with another human."

Duncan motioned to his quarters. "Please use my apartment, Darenis. Andwn, go see if Andi would mind coming up here and allowing Darenis to scan them both. They are both human females and not Wardens, so even fewer differences." Once Andwn nodded and ran out, Duncan added, "Keeper Marethari scanned me and Mari and found that we were the same, but there were differences. It occurred to her that those differences may have been that I am already a Warden. Perhaps it was that the Joining didn't stay in the blood, but some other organ."

"Could be, Duncan," Darenis said, stroking his short beard. "There are a number of fluids in the body, in addition to blood."

Duncan grabbed his still-packed backpack and said, "In any case, some Wardens and I are needed at Vigil's Keep to investigate a potential darkspawn sighting there."

"Maker," Darenis said. "Please, go carefully. I'll do the scan and confer with my companions."

"Yes," a breathless Andwn said from the door. "Solas said he'd be heading here soon." He looked at Duncan. "Andi and Anton are on their way."

"Solas is already here," Darenis said. "He suggested he stay in our laboratory until I worked out details. If it's all right with you, Mari, I'd like to have him here as well."

Mari looked out the window. "I think he's already here." She cracked the window again and a raven flew in and reformed into Solas. "See?" she laughed.

"I thought Darenis asked you to open the window," Solas said. "My apologies if that was incorrect."

"I only suggested that you should join us, Solas. Mari deduced that you were already here," Darenis said with a grin.

Andi and Anton walked in carrying trays and a couple of sacks. "I thought we might need a snack and I brought up some extra rations for Duncan and Andwn. I've distributed the rest to the others leaving," Andi said.

Anton put down his tray and added. "Everyone is already gathering in the Palace courtyard, Duncan." He paused and added. "Dugan and Makis are going with you. Dugan said he'd like to go Orzammar soon and get some copies of Deep Roads maps. He thinks there may be a door beneath Vigil's Keep. The dwarves did some business with the old Alamarri leaders in that part of Ferelden." He grinned. "I said, 'Dwarven maps of the Deep Roads? You bet!'"

"That sounds like a good trip for you and Mari, as well. Maybe we can work that into your visit to Highever and the Hawke farm … once we return from Vigil's Keep," Duncan said as he stuffed the sack of food into his backpack and picked up a couple of cookies from the tray that Anton just put down. Duncan turned to Mari and held her shoulders. "Do not worry about the question of Joining or not, Mari. You will always have a job with the Wardens if you want it." He smiled. "I doubt Anton would let you go anyway."

"You've got that right, Duncan," Andi said. "Anton's told me that we would pay for her even if the Wardens don't."

From the door, an Orlesian voice said, "The Grey Wardens always have a budget for special professional non-Wardens."

After a moment of complete silence, Duncan dropped his backpack and walked over to the Orlesian and gave him a handshake, shoulder hug. "Riordan! What brings you to Ferelden?"

"The new First Warden sent me here to help," Riordan said. "And, oh, yes, the new First Warden is Delrisi Kankut."

"Del?!" both Anton and Duncan said simultaneously.

Entering the door next was Loghain. "Kankut doesn't sound like an Orlesian name … unlike Riordan."

Duncan chuckled. "Riordan, allow me to introduce you to Teyrn Loghain of the Gwaren Teyrnir and also General of Ferelden's armies. Teyrn Loghain, this is one of my most trusted friends in the Grey Wardens. We took our Joining at the same time." Quietly, he added, "I have told you that there are some good Orlesian Wardens."

Anton waved his hands. "Wait … how in the Maker's Name did Del get the First Warden chair?! We can handle pleasantries later."

Andi put her face in her hand and shook her head. "Please forgive my husband's manners."

"The old First Warden Franc didn't leave a recommendation for his replacement. The Orlesians fought amongst themselves and didn't come up with a clear decision. Del did his political thing and convinced them all that someone from Hossberg would be able to properly handle Orlais as well as The Anderfels and the rest of Thedas. A story for later," Riordan explained. "In short, he won by default. When I left, there were a few who were angling to depose him, but it turned out that they were in a very small minority." He shrugged. "Maybe they have replaced him, but my coin is on Del. He's coming down here sometime, so Enri will likely take charge there while Del is gone."

Duncan laughed. "Enri was an Antivan Crow. I'm certain he will be able to intimidate anyone who gets out of line."

"That makes sense," Mari said. When all heads turned her way, she added, "All the new First Warden had to do was remind the Orlesians that the one they picked last time was a mistake. Give a non-Orlesian a chance to work with everyone and mend any divisions in the Wardens." She grinned. "If he's a charmer, too, then my coin would be on Delrisi Kankut remaining the First Warden."

Riordan smiled. "Perceptive."

"Thank you, but I'm not really a 'professional' cartographer. I write fiction, recently dipped a toe into verbal storytelling," Mari responded.

"Nonetheless, Duncan and Anton give you recommendation … so, welcome to the Grey Wardens in whatever capacity you claim," Riordan said.

Anton turned to Riordan and introduced everyone else to him, ending with, "If you don't mind, Riordan, please stay up here and see to Darenis' needs and if the ladies need anything for a short time. I would like to tell Duncan a few things before he leaves."

"I do not mind," Riordan said as he sat on one of the chairs next to the fireplace. "It's always so damnably cold down here. I'll just be here if I'm needed." He followed that with stretching out his legs, sitting back and closing his eyes. "Duncan always has the most comfortable office furniture."

!¡!¡

Duncan took one last look into the room and turned to follow Anton, Andwn and Loghain down the stairs. Ferelden had excellent Wardens. Riordan arriving to aid in preparation and vigilance meant that the Order just got that much better.

Del Kankut as First Warden? Time would tell.

Loghain waited for Duncan at the bottom of the stairs. "You must have known Riordan a long time. You trust him?"

"With my life, Loghain … in fact, I have. I've fought beside him on many occasions where we've had to investigate and rout a nest of darkspawn and a few times exploring new parts of the Deep Roads," Duncan explained as he kept walking. Loghain walked beside him. "If it makes you feel any better, Riordan was no friend of the Orlesian Wardens at Weisshaupt."

Loghain took a deep breath. "Just know it will take a while for me to trust him at my back."

"I understand your feelings, Loghain," Duncan said. "I share them. So does Riordan, actually."

Anton turned at the door to face Duncan. "I just need a few moments. Duncan'll be down there with little delay."

When the others left, Duncan just turned to Anton and raised an eyebrow.

"Duncan, I just wanted you to know that we stand ready to join you if you send word," Anton said. "Ardoc is staying here along with a few others, so we'll be able to send reinforcements immediately, if you need them. Loghain has also arranged for additional Ferelden soldiers to be ready, if need be."

"You are not telling me anything that I don't already know and expect, Anton," Duncan said. "I was just thinking, as I left the room upstairs, that Ferelden has an excellent cadre of Wardens. Maybe the most cohesive cadre in Thedas at the moment. Just take care of our situation with Mari. Perhaps time will be what she needs to consider … or reconsider … whether she wishes to join as a Warden or stay a companion." Duncan chuckled. "And, I believe we have the funds for her if she remains a companion, although it won't be as large a salary as a Warden gets."

Anton smiled. "I have a feeling that a large amount of pay isn't the issue for her. She just needs spending money for those personal wants and needs as she adjusts. She's happy to have a 'family' to be a part of." He shrugged. "No rent. Not much in food costs. It's not a bad job, really." Then, he smiled and motioned to a chest on his desk. "Besides, Loghain's already given us enough to pay her for a few months. Told me not to tell her where it came from."

"He is being very generous," Duncan said quietly. Then, he squeezed Anton's shoulder. "We ride hard for Vigil's Keep." He turned to go and then turned back, "Oh! Send word to Leciah that the Glavonaks may be needed at Vigil's Keep once we've cleared it out."

"Will do!" Anton said and watched them all gather in the Palace courtyard.

The courtyard was managed chaos of horses and supply wagons, all lining up to head out. Maric had the guard clear the street to the north gate, so getting out of the city was easy and they were soon on the road toward Vigil's Keep … and whatever awaited them there.

!¡!¡

At first, Alistair just stood outside the door of Duncan's quarters and listened. He heard the mages finish and the ladies sit up. When he had looked in earlier, he saw that Duncan had a double bed in his quarters. Mari had stretched out on one side and Andi the other. While Riordan eventually got up out of the chair and stood in the doorway, Ardoc and Anton looked on inside the room. Darenis and Solas both cast spells on the two ladies. Conferred on results. Cast a different spell. Of course, Anton made them explain their every move. And, the mages complied willingly.

Finally, Alistair peeked in out of view of Mari. Darenis sat on a side chair to Duncan's smaller personal desk and looked thoughtful. Then, to Solas, he said, "I see no difference. But, it concerns me that Marethari did."

"Duncan may have answered that one," Solas said. "One big difference is that Duncan is already a Warden. You have healed humans many times before, so your findings take precedence, in my opinion."

"It's curious. That thought of hers that the Joining may settle someplace other than the blood. I'll mention it when I get back to the Collective." Darenis nodded and then turned to Mari. "I see no reason you shouldn't be able to take the Joining for the Wardens, Mari, especially with a bit of the mitigating potion I brought and the adjustments we've made; however, I also see this extra time as a blessing for you. Think about it a bit more. The Joining can still be fatal for you, as it could for anyone. We've been working on tweaks to make it less lethal, but haven't figured how to make it non-lethal yet without interfering with the resistance to blight sickness. That hasn't changed. Ultimately, the decision is yours."

"He's right, Mari," Andi said. "Take some time to think about it. You will always have a base here, no matter what you decide. The girls and I will see to it," she added with a wink. She looked toward Darenis. "It also will give the Collective more time to discover other things, maybe."

Darenis nodded. "That is true, also. Good call, Mistress."

Matis stepped in and Solas immediately shifted into a cat and curled up in a corner across from Alistair in the doorway. "Warden Riordan, there is a messenger downstairs for you."

Matis gave the cat a small smile and left. Once he was gone, Solas shifted back. "That's the quietest human I've ever seen," he mumbled.

Everyone laughed. "Matis does his job very well," Anton said. "Sneaking up on us gives him great joy."

Ardoc took a step toward Mari. "There's no going back once you drink from that Joining chalice," he said in a very serious tone. "It is your decision to make, though."

His serious tone made Mari chuckle. "Thanks for your earnest thoughts, Ardoc. And, here I thought you wanted everyone to be a Warden." She turned to Solas. "Matis is the Warden seneschal. It's uncanny what all he knows."

Solas only shook his head as Riordan laughed and said, "I'll be downstairs."

Alistair chose that moment to walk in the door. "Ardoc gives good advice, Mari. You should know. You sort of gave similar advice to me once."

"All right," Mari said as she slapped her thighs and stood up. "I need some fresh air. Alistair, I'd love a tour of Denerim from your perspective, if you have the time."

He just grinned. "You bet! Let's go."

"Let me go put on my armor," she said. "It wouldn't do to wear these clothes from my old world."

"You don't have any clothes from here?" Andi asked.

"A few things, but not anything I'd like to wear outside these walls. Not yet," Mari said with a smile. "I'm looking forward to that shopping trip Analesse promised me after I get my first pay!"

Anton smiled. "I'll see to it that you get that pay soon." At Andi's glare, he added, "Maybe tomorrow."

As soon as Mari left, Andi stepped a bit closer to Alistair. "Margia went to the market with Mari before they went to the Circle Tower and Lothering. There's a red-haired Nevarran clothes merchant there who was selling a nice dark red dress that Mari liked, but couldn't afford. Might want to see if she still has it?"

"I think I know the merchant you're talking about," Alistair said. "I'll see if we can take a turn that direction. Thanks!"

After a few minutes of waiting in the hall, Mari met up with Alistair. "Shall we?" she asked.

"How about the market first?" Alistair asked as he motioned for Mari to precede him.

"Read my mind!" Mari grinned.

On the way out, they asked Riordan if he'd like to join them.

"Thank you for the enticing offer, but I've just gotten off a ship after a long voyage." He held up a packet of papers. "I just got these from Cumberland. First Warden Del is on his way down. So, I think my quarters and my pillow sound even more enticing," he said with a wink.

In short order, they walked through the gate and Alistair explained a little about the history of Denerim, how it really started out as an outpost for the Tevinter Imperium … beginning with the building of Fort Drakon. He had no idea what the Tevinters called it. They weaved through the estates of the nobility and Alistair pointed out who lived where, including where he was staying … Highever House.

"Huh, I'd have thought you'd be at the Palace," Mari said.

"Nah, I'm trying to stay away from a lot of the Palace stuff," Alistair explained. "I'm a Highever city guardsman, so it's more appropriate for me to stay at Highever House."

"Ah, I see," she said. "That makes sense." Then, she grinned, "Oooo, the Market District! I know about that place."

Alistair laughed, but it was cut short by a dwarf staggering down the street that ran from the southern gate to the market. "Uh oh."

"We need to help him," Mari said as she ran and caught the dwarf before he collapsed right in the middle of the street. She took one arm and Alistair took the other. "How can we help?" she asked him.

"My name …," was all he got out before he passed out.

"Let's call the city guard," Alistair said.

"Um, look at his armor and weapons, Alistair," Mari said. "This is no typical dwarf, I'd bet good money. He doesn't belong in a prison cell. Do you think we could get him to Highever House? Would Lord Fergus mind?"

Alistair smiled at her. "Good catch on his armor," he said as he carefully picked him up. "It's not that far." With a grunt, he added, "Thank the Maker. Who knew dwarves were so heavy?"

"By the looks of him, he's a fighter, so all muscle … short and dense, in other words," Mari replied and winked.

The seneschal met them at the door and some guards helped to take the dwarf to one of the guest rooms. A servant got the healing herbs and potions, along with a wet towel, drink of fresh water and some towels. "We can watch over him."

Mari looked at Alistair. "Could we stay? He doesn't look too injured, just exhausted. I'd like to hear his story before we abandon him."

"You're two of the nicest humans I've run across since I was exiled from Orzammar," the dwarf said from the bed, his eyes still closed. The guards and servants had gotten off his armor, dosed him with a healing draught and wiped him down a bit. His eyes opened a crack. "My name is Gorim and you both have my thanks. Don't guess you have any work for me?"

"Well, I'm employed by the Grey Wardens, at the moment," Mari said. "I could ask them, but, it seems by your nice armor and weapons that you're more likely to be conscripted by them." She smiled. She knew she had heard the name "Gorim" somewhere.

He closed his eyes and lay back on his pillow. "My story is a long involved story, but your kindness deserves the truth. I'm from Orzammar. I used to be Second to Dugan Aeducan, second in line for the throne, until his bastard brother framed Dugan for …"

When she could speak instead of stutter, Mari interrupted him. "Wait! Dugan?! He told me about his Second … Gorim … being exiled! Dugan's a Grey Warden now!"

Gorim sat up. "He found the Wardens?! I mentioned he should look for Duncan and the Wardens, that they were in the eastern Deep Roads that exited in the Frostbacks. That's the best news of all, m'lady!"

"He's with other Wardens on their way to northern Ferelden right now," Alistair said. "Lord Fergus of Highever is with them, but I'm pretty sure he wouldn't mind you resting here until they get back." Alistair shrugged. "He might even have work for you here, too, or maybe in Highever."

"I'm afraid my fighting days are over," Gorim explained glumly. "I got work with a caravan for a while on the way here. A wagon accident left me unsteady on my left leg. I had pressed myself too hard to get here on the rumor that a surfacer dwarf arms merchant needed help."

Mari pursed her lips. "I don't know which Warden mages are here right now, but someone at the Warden Compound does. Maybe they have a healer who can help?" She didn't mention the Mage Collective because that was the arrangement: whenever the Collective mages publicly did something for the Wardens, they would pretend to be Warden mages.

Gorim chuckled. "Mages hate us, as a rule. Dwarves are pretty resistant to magic. But, if you can check, I certainly wouldn't turn it down."

A servant walked in carrying a tray full of food with mouth-watering aromas. She sat it on a small side table and said, "Here you go. The cook just put a variety on the tray and said to eat what you could, but not rush it. Also, if you'd like a bath, I'll have someone set it up for you."

"That would be great," Gorim said with a grin. "Once I eat and get clean for the first time in months, I'll take you up on that offer of resting here, m'lord."

Alistair laughed. "My name's Alistair and this is Mari. M'lord and m'lady stuff isn't required with us."

"Oh, damn! I never introduced myself," Mari said. "I apologize for my poor manners."

Gorim took a small slurp of whatever was in his mug. "No need for any apologies from my saviors. Now, please go about whatever business you were on before I rudely passed out in the street in front of you."

They bid Gorim farewell and urged him to get some rest, but as soon as they got outside, Mari took Alistair aside. "Let's go tell Anton about Gorim. If there's any way the Wardens can get a message to Dugan …"

Alistair looked out at the darkening sky and sighed. "Probably a good idea to head back anyway. The market will be closing soon." He smiled and said, "Tomorrow …." Then, his smile turned to a frown. "I have a University Council meeting to attend for Fergus tomorrow that's going to last all day."

Mari sighed. "Once again, my 'good samaritanism' got in the way."

"Your what?" Alistair asked.

"Let's see … it's someone who usually drops everything to help people in distress," she replied.

He smiled. "I don't see that as a bad thing, Mari."

"Of course, you don't. You're a good samaritan, too, Guardsman," she said and laughed. "We'll never get anything done with our need to be helpful."

"We'll figure it out," he replied.

They had a bit more small talk before reaching the Warden Compound and parting company. Alistair said he had to study for the meeting the next day and Mari was looking forward to catching up with Anton and Andi. She would also see to sending a messenger to try to catch up with the Vigil's Keep party to tell Dugan about Gorim being safe and sound.

Alistair waited until she went inside before he went out the gate and turned toward the market rather than Highever House. Sure enough, the clothes merchant had set the dark red dress aside for the girl with the pretty dark brown eyes and wonderful smile. He bought it and dropped it back at the Warden Compound. Matis assured Alistair he would hang the dress up in her wardrobe for her … and, as Alistair requested … he wouldn't say where it came from.

Just the few hours he got to spend with Mari sort of clarified his feelings for her. He liked her very much as a good friend … but there was a depth to that. It wasn't quite undying love, yet. Not quite. He just loved being around her. Thought about her … a lot. He hoped when she came back to Highever with them later that she might consider staying in Highever.

Or else, he might have to become a Grey Warden.

!¡!¡

AN: Thank you for your kind review again, Judy! And, for all the follows and favorites! Next time, shit goes down at Vigil's Keep … and the Wardens and Ferelden soldiers come to the rescue!