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 ...

7. 7-Journey to Soldier's Peak and Denerim

7- Journey to Soldier's Peak and Denerim

The next morning, Alistair, Elle and Midnight were there to see the Soldier's Peak crew off. Mari had been told that Elle was going with them, but, apparently, Bryce decided that he needed his daughter to stay in Highever and Elle seemed okay with it. Mari hypothesized that Elle might be needed in Highever to tighten up her information network … especially on Eamon. And she could better keep an eye on her friend, Alistair.

Maric, Cailan and Loghain decided to go with the Wardens and the Drydens to see if Soldier's Peak was still standing and promised a lengthy report to Bryce afterwards. The group on the road leaving Highever was a lot larger than the one leaving Climber's Span a couple of weeks earlier. A lot larger with the logistics retinue and soldiers going with the King of Ferelden!

The story about Sophia from the Drydens was quite different from the very brief mention given to her by Aldous the night before. Since she had been tied up with Aldous, Mari only found out about the detour during Alistair's party.

"So, how does it feel to be a man now, Alistair?" Mari teased. No one ever asked her what her age was. She decided to keep her twenty-three years of life to herself. If she had to guess, Mari thought she was closer in age to Elle.

He smiled and laughed. "Is that what you call it?" As the others were getting the wagon packed and giving all the soldiers going with them their marching orders, Alistair pulled Mari to the side. "I wanted to thank you for what you said on the ramparts yesterday, Mari. I truly had not made up my mind until you suggested that maybe I didn't really need to make any definite decisions. Arl Eamon put a kink in the rope, but I just need to deal with it. That's the shit I was born into."

Mari was taken aback. "You say 'shit' here?"

She wasn't proud of the embarrassed look he gave her. "Sorry, that just kind of slipped out. It's not a nice way to put it."

"No, no, no …" She got into a conspiratorial whisper, "I say that kind of shit all the time, but I hadn't heard anyone here say it, so I've been working very hard to stop it from blurting out. Now, I don't have to be so worried about it!"

Alistair smiled, "Well, ladies aren't known to use that word much."

"Nonsense," Eleanor said from behind them, which caused them both to jump. She passed over a large pack of something for Elle to put on the wagon. "That's a bit more food from Nan. Things she said you liked, Mari. I am going to miss you, my dear. It was nice having another inquisitive young woman around here for a while."

"I promise I will return as often as I can," she said quietly.

"Good! Then we can see what kind of shit we can get into next time you come," Eleanor said.

Elle was aghast. "Mother! I've never heard you talk like that!" Then, Mari realized she was joking when a smirk surfaced. "Farewell, Mari. Safe travels and … don't get into too much shit without me," she said.

"Have a good journey and learn many things," Alistair said as he helped her up onto Rosy. The mare was rock solid. She was just what Mari needed on the roads of Ferelden.

Mari rode next to the wagon to speak with Anton, who was on the bench. What was the person who controlled the horses pulling a wagon called? That was one of those things she would normally use a search engine to find out. As the group headed away and the farewells ended, Duncan rode up and asked, "The Wardens didn't see much of you, how was your visit, Mari?"

"It was enlightening. I learned as much from the people assembled as from the lectures and books of Aldous." She paused a moment and then went ahead and said, "I worry the most about Alistair after that show by Arl Eamon."

"I overheard that he showed up," Anton said. "I only saw the man once and it was in the Chantry in Denerim. He was having a heated conversation with Knight-Commander Tavish. Something about word getting out that his wife had magic in her line."

"So he could set her aside?" Dugan asked.

"No, I got the feeling he was trying to bribe the Knight-Commander into erasing any mention of it." Anton sighed. "I can understand being wary of magic in your family, but the Arl just wanted to deny it. You see, Mari, he has a young son. And the Grand Cleric sent two extra Templars to the Redcliffe Chantry … just in case. I'm sure that didn't help the rumor mill."

"Heh, we don't gotta worry about that, eh, Dugan?" Makis said with a laugh.

"While I was trapped alone in the Deep Roads, I'd have given anything to have a mage with me," Dugan said. "That kind of power is a gift." He looked around and spied Andwn riding nearby and yelled out, "I know healing dwarves is difficult, Andwn. If I haven't thanked you recently for keeping me alive, I'd like to rectify that. Thank you!"

Andwn chuckled and waved.

"Well, magic is certainly a gift the Grey Wardens would welcome, preferably trained and tested magic," Duncan said. "Anyway, I just wanted to alert you that we're going to go as far as we can tonight. We should hit the entrance to the mining tunnels two or three days from now." Then, he pulled ahead to ride next to Maric and Cailan.

Dugan and Makis settled down in the wagon to take a nap. Apparently, their time in Highever was spent drinking and gambling in Highever's city. Rosy seemed to know where she was was going, so, Mari just watched the scenery go by. She noticed two beautiful eagles fly over the caravan and then onward.

She pondered if Eamon's son had already shown an aptitude for magic, if a child could show magic that early. She had no idea.

The Arl seemed to be a bit old for a young child … quite a bit too old. But then, men didn't seem to have an expiration date on their sperm. She wondered why Eamon didn't just bed a surrogate and have a child with someone with no magic in her family, if it was that important to him. Maybe that was against things here in Ferelden. Maybe he actually loved the woman that Loghain and Nalah didn't like. That would put a new dimension on Eamon. Curious how Eamon's story was drawing Mari's attention more than the others! He was an honest to God … um, Maker … twist in the story and would bear scrutiny. Maybe.

Several days later, the caravan camped near to the mining tunnel entrance but not right by it. There was a nice stream about an hour past the tunnels, so some of the caravan camped there while the Wardens, Maric, Loghain, Cailan and a few of Maric's Shield went with Levi Dryden to check out the centuries-old fortress. It was deemed likely too dangerous for Mari … and Anton reminded her of her writing 'test' to come … so she stayed back at camp, helping with set up and meal prep. Just before he left with the other Wardens, Makis slipped her some salt and pepper that he bought in Highever city. She grinned as she snuck some into the sauce she was making to go over the venison they'd hunted the previous day.

Lunch came and went. Dinner came and went. It was full on dark before the expedition to the Peak returned. Quite a few of them limping, but all still alive. Andwn looked exhausted. The story they told was incredible! A demon had possessed Sophia Dryden and it was still "alive" … until they killed it. The Dryden family had made arrangements with Duncan to restore what they could. A couple of the Drydens were to go on with the caravan and get some funds from Duncan when they got back to the Denerim Compound. They also had an ordered list of improvements to tackle first.

Mari hung around the background as Duncan, Dugan, Makis, Andwn and Anton discussed plans for the renovation. "I wish I'd gone along now," she said as she went to sit on a log by the large, warm fire next to them.

Andwn shook his head. "Oh, no, you don't. The place was truly haunted. Ghosts showed us the tale of what happened there. Demons and skeletons popped up in every corner." Then, they proceeded to tell her about the underlying story. Sophia Dryden was forced into the Grey Wardens. Her only other option was to face execution at the command of then King Arland Theirin. Seemed all the Theirin kings weren't so good, contrary to what she was told Eamon believed. Sophia Dryden's Wardens lost, but not before they actually turned to summoning demons.

"Don't forget to tell her about the ancient Warden mage that was still alive up there," Cailan added as he walked up with a hunk of venison. "They tell me you cooked the sauce that went on this, Mari. It's excellent!"

Mari looked at Makis and they both burst out laughing. "Makis bought the seasoning, Your Highness, and shared it with me before you all went up the tunnels. Doesn't take too much skill to shake a bit of salt and pepper into a sauce."

Loghain walked up. "Obviously it's a skill our travel cook is lacking. I shall endeavor to rectify that in the future. In any case, my complements to the cook and the cook's quartermaster."

"Thanks, Lordship," Makis said with a grin. "Nice ta' be appreciated!"

"Yes, thank you, but let's get back to this ancient Warden mage," Mari said.

Cailan waved toward Andwn who explained that the mage who was alive during Warden Commander Sophia's time had managed to stay alive for hundreds of years through blood magic and who knew what else. "He'd actually opened summoning circles through the Veil that drew demons into Thedas … he thought it would be an extra 'army' to defeat Arland's soldiers, but the demons ended up turning on the Wardens. Never … trust … a demon."

"So, he figured out a way around the Calling. Now, that would help recruitment if you could find a way to keep Wardens alive." Mari leaned over to Andwn. "Sometime in the upcoming days, I'd love some time to review magic here."

"I can do that, Mari," Andwn said, munching away on his own venison.

Dugan added, "Avernus locked himself in their mage tower for centuries. We kept the demons off the old sod while he closed those portals and then Duncan decided it was too dangerous to keep Avernus alive. The old bastard put up a fight, but he was outnumbered." Dugan shrugged. "Might have wanted to die. I wondered if his long life stemmed from a deal with the demons."

"I brought all his research notes with me," Andwn said. "I'm sure they're disgusting, but who knows? Maybe something is in there that's worthwhile. Like how to get around the Calling, eh?" He got closer to the group and whispered, "I think Duncan was afraid that the First Warden would be interested in keeping the old bastard if he learned of him … or this place." He grinned at Mari. "Doubtful this would be a good secret place to stash some extra Wardens."

"I agree," Loghain said. "Although I concur with your idea to keep the First Warden guessing at our strength of arms in the Wardens, the place is too grand to keep silent about. You could house hundreds of Wardens there."

Mari looked pensive for a moment. "Well, if Duncan would be amenable, you could put Ferelden soldiers there as well … sort of share it. If the First Warden or one of his minions snuck in to check it out, it would seem that Ferelden took the fortress back."

"I'm uncertain if that would work, Mari," Duncan said as he walked up with a cookie. "This place is so remote that it wouldn't be a viable location for Ferelden soldiers."

"If there were any way you could keep this treasure a secret, I would agree," Loghain said, "but Mari's suggestion might work. I know you have your secrets and we have ours. Perhaps a front barracks for fifty or so of Maric's Shield trainees and the Wardens in the rest of the place, scattered about."

"Let me think about it, Your Lordship," Duncan said. He shook his head. "All of that is providing that the demons and ghosts are truly gone. I think the First Enchanter and Knight-Commander Greagoir should look it over to make certain it's fit for habitation."

"I sense a side trip for us, Anton," Andwn said.

Duncan laughed. "No, gentlemen, not just yet. We need to get these recruits into our ranks and check in with Denerim first. Then, a trip to Kinloch Hold might be a good idea. Perhaps Mari would like to go along and see if they'll let her ask questions about this bald elf. I've already spoken with Levi to only work on stables, barns and a small barracks in the courtyard outside the main structure, but inside the protection walls around it. Outside the walls if they have any troubles. But, for now, I suggest we all get a good night's sleep and press hard for Denerim. We may get there within two weeks, baring any problems."

Mari drew her eyebrows together. "If it's truly that large, let it be known as a fall-back for the Palace should something unthinkable befall Denerim."

"Excellent idea!" Maric said as he sat next to Mari. "I believe it could be a very workable retreat for the citizens."

Loghain sat on the other side of Mari, which caused her to cautiously look from one to the other. All that did was make Loghain laugh. "We're ganging up on you for a reason, madam." He called over Cauthrien. "Keep everyone away from here for a while, please."

Ser Cauthrien was as no-nonsense as could be. She nodded and quickly rounded up everyone but the Wardens and the Royalty. She did notice that Duncan and the other Wardens were looking a bit pensive, also wondering what was up. By the time everyone was settled, Mari was beginning to worry if they were about to tell her they were going to lock her away.

Turned out a bit differently …

Maric quietly leaned in so everyone nearby could hear. "Loghain and I have discussed it and we agree that your technology needs to be hidden or destroyed, Mari."

"Father, that's all she has of her old life," Cailan argued.

"I know, Cailan, but it really is for her own safety that we ask this," Maric explained. "There are already rumors and speculation about you, Mari." He smiled at Cailan. "As my son once explained to Alistair, everyone knows about you. Accept that and figure out ways to deal with it."

"Damn rumors," Loghain said. "Anyway, as Maric said, it is for your protection."

Mari sat a moment as everyone pretended to be doing something else … eating, looking at the sky, looking anywhere but at Mari. Ultimately, she sighed. "I was thinking all this time that I needed that stuff to prove I'm not crazy, that I am who I say I am. But, I'm beginning to think that you have all been more accepting because you have magic here. It makes you all more aware of the unusual."

"Um, maybe not. What would your friends on Earth think about me walking through that portal with my magic?" Andwn asked.

"Good question," Loghain said.

That made Mari laugh. "They'd ask what special effects store you got your staff from and look at your hands for some sort of device … technology … that could shoot fire or ice or lightning." Then, she got serious. Her eyes moistened. "Once they realized you were for real, they'd lock you away for the rest of your life and do experiments on you until you died. Or … and this is more likely than I'd care to admit … they would use drugs, medicines or herbs to force you to 'perform' according to their wishes."

"It's fortunate you met the Wardens first, Mari," Maric said, "and they actually saw you exit that Eluvian. I'm not even sure if any of the rest of us would have done much differently than those on your world. I would hope those from here would, but …"

"But … such as myself … some of us are less accepting and more suspicious than others," Loghain said. "However, since you did meet them first and they spoke for you, I begrudgingly listened." He took a drink from a flask. "For what's it worth, I have accepted your truth … because of who you are, not because of your things."

"The Chantry," Cailan began quietly. "You will need to watch out for them. Elemena is aged and suffering from loss of sanity, I believe."

Maric just sighed. "I pray my son and heir learns to keep his beliefs more to himself."

That brought a smile to everyone's face.

Mari stood. "Just a moment." She went to where her backpack was covered in the wagon and pulled out the laptop. It doesn't work, anyway, she thought to herself. She left it in the waterproof bag and walked back to the fire. She sat, opened the bag and brushed the smooth surface of the laptop as the tears started to fall. "As Cailan said, this is of my old life. I spent so much of that old life writing stories that are stored on here, family pictures, letters, other projects. But, I no longer have that old life. I must start anew."

She stood, closed the bag and dropped it on the ground. As the noise of a boisterous card game increased, she ground the heel of her running shoe over and over on the bag, hearing the crunch of the casing, the breaking glass, the true ending of her Earth life. She handed it to Loghain. "Do what you will with it. Once I get to Denerim, I'll do away with all the other things." Then, she turned and headed for her bedroll. She briefly heard Anton quietly arguing with Loghain, but she didn't care anymore. She told herself that in the morning, she would feel better. Like a load had been lifted. It was more psychology stuff.

And, it worked. Helpfully, aided by others not being overtly sympathetic and allowing her to move on. Her backpack was always covered now and, in a way, she was looking forward to the fashion change. This world was interesting and the people were interesting. Instead of being morose and angry all the time, Mari decided to go with the flow … to find a way.

Anton was pleased with the results of Mari's written word test. Reading those child-level books made a lot of difference. They had important facts in them, too.

She read The Chant. Twice. The Chant of Light had religious stuff that Mari wasn't really inclined to be interested in, but it was a major part of this world. She needed to be familiar with it. She didn't mention it to anyone. Unlike many of the religions on Earth, Mari believed that everyone had the right to privacy of their own spiritual journeys. So far, some of the Chantry folk seemed to be reasonable in regard to their treatment of Alistair. But, it sounded like some were no different from the power-hungry zealots on Earth. None of the vaunted religious leaders had any sort of bravery to stand against tyranny before the end of the world.

Mari stopped those thoughts. They were bitter things that she would need to forget about. There was absolutely nothing she could do about it here. Live in the present. Find a way. Enjoy the good. She'd read a child's book about the Alamarri and discovered they had a saying, ahlnac sonde mak. It loosely translated to 'find a way'. It had always been one of her go-to mantras. She started working on a short story using that phrase.

On parchment.

With a quill.

Andwn spent some time in the wagon looking over the notes they found. Nothing looked to be doable. Much of it seemed too good to be true. He and Duncan talked about taking it to the Mage Collective in Denerim. They just didn't trust the Circle mages to look at it in light of how it might benefit Wardens. This mage underground had proved to have more open minds in the realm of "whatever it takes".

The days passed sunny and cool for winter in Ferelden, or so she had been told … until they neared Vigil's Keep and the city of Amaranthine. Maric wanted to go confront Arl Howe whose soldiers seemed to think their liege had a card to play with Highever. Loghain talked him out of it, suggesting that they should give Nathaniel a chance. No one in the caravan had filled Mari in on all the details exactly. Elle had filled her in. Nathaniel was embarking on a very dangerous endeavor. Mari hoped for Elle's sake that he survived it.

The caravan set camp outside the city of Amaranthine. It was a lovely city! As large as Highever's city. Mari made the mistake of going with Dugan and Makis to search out the tavern there … the Crown and Lion. The headache and upset stomach from the heavy ale and fatty food kept her off the wagon, and off her horse Rosy. So, that day, she preferred to walk most of the time … just in case she needed to find a bush to throw up in. She was better by nightfall when they camped just north of the Wending Wood.

Curiously, an elf caught up with them there. Mari later found out that he was Elle's spy in the service of Arl Howe. He confirmed that the Arl had locked his daughter away and had thrown his youngest son into the dungeons after having him flogged. He also had news that Arl Howe's seneschal had been jailed for a day for trying to tell the Arl that he was mistaken to treat his children so. Shit! Now, Mari was more worried about Alistair staying behind. However, when Mari took the Couslands and the Larens into account, she became less worried. A little.

After a few more days of travel, they reached a rise that overlooked Denerim. Wow! Now, that's a city! Mari found herself thinking. There was even a market along the road to the gates to the city.

"You're loving this, too?" Andwn asked after seeing her grin upon buying a Scottish Egg … Starkhaven Egg, they called it in Ferelden.

"Mmmm, this is delicious. You don't love the city?" she asked him.

"There's a dark side here, too, Mari," he cautioned. "Be on your guard once we stash our stuff at the compound and go out."

"I can stay at the Warden Compound?" she asked Duncan as he rode up.

"I see Andwn has spoiled my surprise," he said. "We have several guest rooms on the second floor with a lovely view of a service alley. You are welcome to one while you sort out what you want to do. If you stay with us, you'll be able keep it as a base." He handed her a pouch. "Here are a few sovereigns … gold coins. Has Anton spent any time teaching you our money?"

"Last night, actually," Anton said from the wagon seat. "I gave her some smaller coins."

"You guys have been really generous," she said, feeling her eyes tear up. "I can't believe how fortunate I've been."

Duncan smiled. "I do have a reason, Mari. I've watched you study your tomes and work out with us to learn the blade and ride a horse. Intelligence is an asset to any organization. I've tried to find Wardens who can think as well as swing a blade, although self defense is still the most important. You have shown me that you would make a fine Grey Warden. I won't push yet, but I'd seriously like you to consider joining us."

"I have been thinking about it, Duncan," Mari said. "I was hoping I could start as a non-Warden assistant for a while first, perhaps as an assistant to Anton? I can't draw worth a damn, but I'm getting the hang of writing. I could take notes, annotate maps … stuff like that."

"Hmmm, I hadn't thought about that," Duncan said. "What would you think about that arrangement, Anton?"

"Yes, please?" he said with a smile. "I can't wait for you to meet Andi and the kids."

Right on cue, two girls in their late teens ran up, "Papa!" They jumped up on the wagon and soundly hugged Anton.

"Girls, I'd like you to meet Mari, my new assistant with the mapping and histories." They both grinned and told her hello as he turned to Mari and said, "Mari, this is Analesse and Margia, my daughters." They were both lovely young women. Analesse had blonde hair, braided and wrapped around her head. She had bright blue eyes, very properly dressed and poised. Margia had dark hair that was wildly blowing in the breeze … a free spirit. They both had their father's smile.

"I'm so glad to meet you both. Your father hardly goes a day without mentioning how much he misses you and your mother," Mari said.

"He's always been an old softie," Margia said while patting Anton's shoulder. "See? He's already crying."

"Greetings, Duncan," Analesse said. "Mother will be glad to know that there will be someone to eat all those cakes she's been baking this week. We also sent a page to the Compound to alert them of your arrival."

"Maker!" Duncan said as he waved to the group. "On to the compound as quickly as we can go!"

Cailan and Maric laughed. Cailan said, "If I didn't think Anora would be cross, I'd join you for a bite."

"We'll send some over to the Palace for both of you, Your Highness and Your Majesty," Analesse said.

"I'll see you both soon, my little hearts," Anton said.

As the girls moved off to close up their market table and pack up the one or two loaves of bread left for the day, the caravan made its way to the Palace District and the Warden Compound.

Mari caught herself more than once staring around with her mouth hanging open. The aromas of cooking food made the stomach rumble. The scent of hard labor and sweat might make some feel overwhelmed, but Mari just took it all in. It was like riding through the streets of Tobrecan or Danric or Sarda, cities in her stories. Some stone walls hid the housing of the nobility, and no doubt blocked the aromas and street sounds. Hawkers of food and clothing and weapons lined the streets of the Market District.

They rode past the Chantry. There were men in ruby-skirted armor standing at attention by the large, etched wooden doors to the Chantry itself. Others were patrolling the courtyard. Women and men in more sedate robes were speaking with citizens and helping the poor. There was a man reciting the Chant. Andwn explained they were called Chanters and that was all they did, spreading the word of the Chant … or the propaganda of the church, depending on how you felt about it. The Chantry was a force to be reckoned with here in Ferelden. Mari had to make sure to keep her more controversial thoughts to herself. However, she did plan to visit the place as soon as she felt a bit more comfortable with the tenets of the faith. She felt it was important to hear all sides. Information was seldom neatly housed as established facts. Much could be gained by others' opinions and an open mind.

Mari was glad to be able to claim a room of her own and very grateful to the Grey Wardens for providing it. She would need to stash her Earthly possessions — eventually destroy them — and replace them with something more Ferelden-like as soon as possible.

As if he were reading her mind, Duncan said, "I have an extra backpack you can use, Mari. Did you have time to have Gilsen look at the frame in Highever?"

"No, actually, I forgot about that. I guess with what Loghain and Maric want I'm glad I didn't," she said.

"How do you feel about that, Mari?" Duncan asked.

It sounded so much like something her mother would have said that Mari had to laugh. "I'm not laughing at you, Duncan, but you phrased that question exactly, word for word, like my mother would have." She shrugged. "Anyway, it was a jolt that night and perhaps I responded a bit too forcefully, but they were right. Something like that, in the wrong hands, could really disrupt this world and cause a lot of damage."

"I agree with you … and with them … but I believe it could have been done a little differently," Duncan said.

Mari smiled slyly. "If you tell me that they should have made me think it was my idea, I must go to the Chantry and report that the Warden-Commander has been possessed by my late mother."

"Then," he said quietly, "I won't say that. I'll just think it. As your mother must have been aware, it is always the least confrontational way to get people to do what you think they should do."

Mari looked back at the closing stalls and said, "I'll need to replace my clothing, too. And, buy a sword and dagger … and leather armor." She laughed. "I guess I'd better get busy on expanding those notes from the Deep Roads so I can earn some pay soon."

"Lots of work to do there!" Anton said.

"An expert blacksmith here is Wade. He might have something that fits you Mari," Andwn said. "He may even have something exotic. Herren will complain about it, but don't pay him any mind."

"Sounds like I'll need to find something quite a bit less expensive for now," she said. "But, I'll keep that in mind for the future."

The King, Loghain and Prince Cailan went directly to the Palace while the Wardens turned right into the courtyard and side training arena of the Grey Wardens. Mari noticed that Loghain veered off to another building. The Wardens had a beautiful gate with a griffon emblazoned on it. Mari always liked stories with griffons and was sorely disappointed to learn that they were once real in Thedas, but were now extinct. However, the most stunning sight came when they entered the Grey Warden courtyard. Lining the entire interior of the wall was a stone façade. Etched on that façade were names. Lots of names. Across the top: "In War, Victory. In Peace, Vigilance. In Death, Sacrifice. Sacrifices that shall never be forgotten." It looked like the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington D.C. on Earth … and, like that Memorial, it touched her deeply.

Andwn quietly said, "Every year, we spend time looking at the names and remember." Then, he smiled. "And, we have a wild time that night reading stories that have been written about the honored dead and toasting them. There are tomes inside that document those stories. You can read them if you want." Then, he was called away.

As they were taking all the stuff off the wagon, she noted the silence of the two dwarves and caught Duncan's eye about it. He didn't answer her precisely, but said, "We have a Joining to perform first thing. Get Mari settled and we'll talk about our future plans in the morning."

Andwn looked at the dwarves and turned to Duncan. "I have something to show you before the Joining, Duncan. In the notes that we found in Soldier's Peak. I just read it this morning."

It looked like Duncan was going to decline, but Andwn's insistent look stopped him. "Very well," he said. "Our seneschal, Matis, will show everyone to their rooms. Everyone, but Mari, please come to my office as soon as you can," he added with a smile.

Mari grinned. "Right. Settle in … and go to the dining hall for cake!"

Dugan and Makis laughed. Duncan only smiled a bit and said, "Have Andi ready with hearty helpings of dinner. Tell her we are conducting the Joining in a while and new Wardens are always ravenous."

"I can do that," Mari agreed, curious why the already-Wardens seemed subdued about having two new Wardens in their ranks. Fiona mentioned the Joining was difficult. Mari began to wonder if Fiona left out that it might be deadly. Or, maybe Mari was just too uninformed to catch a subtle comment.

Just then, a tall human male walked up with wavy shoulder-length blonde hair and dark brown eyes. To Mari, he was pleasing on the eyes, but she could tell that some people may not appreciate the honesty of that direct gaze. "Mistress Andi has already been alerted and preparations are underway, Commander." He turned that gaze on Mari and smiled. "If you would be so kind to show the recruits to the barracks, Anton, I shall show Marisia to her room." Typical seneschal. Just knew everything already.

"Of course," Anton said. "Come on, guys. We have several small temporary barracks that can house anyone at any time. Once the Joining is all sorted out, you will be assigned rooms in the location of your main deployment … which, for the two of you will be here."

While Anton was showing Dugan and Makis to their barracks, Mari noticed Duncan and Andwn having a rather intense conversation.

"If you would follow me, Marisia," Matis said. He took her upstairs to a long hallway. At the end, he opened a door to a warm corner room that had two windows with heavy curtains, now shuttered to the winds and incoming storm off the sea. Pretty small, but comfortable. It had a nice single bed, small desk, wash stand, bathing tub and a privy.

That was taking some getting used to. No running water. Bathing in what was basically an animal water trough and using a bucket with a wood seat to do those other personal things. She never really dealt with that in her stories.

She was going to miss that roomy stone tub in Highever.

A large wardrobe with a locking bottom drawer mostly took up one wall. And, a small stove in the corner vented through the wall to the outside. It had a full wire basket of logs and kindling next to it. "Mistress Andi received a letter from Warden Anton explaining your situation. Anything we can do to make you feel more at home, please let me know. There is a water pump in the service room across from yours, as well as a midden for disposing of the privy and used bath water. Simply fill the water bucket and set it on the stove to warm the water for your bath. I've taken the liberty of getting the stove going for you this evening. Please move the embers to the back of the stove cavity before you go to sleep or leave the room for a lengthy amount of time and everything should be cozy until morning."

"Thank you, Seneschal Matis, this is a wonderful room." She smiled at him. "Please call me Mari."

He nodded. "As you wish," he said as he backed out the door. She immediately thought of the movie, Princess Bride. Movies. She was going to miss those, too. Until she remembered that she was now living in a video game. It did spark a thought. Was that game designer really from Thedas? Traveled through that portal to Earth years ago? Hopefully, they aren't still on Earth. Phil and Donogan mentioned the game designer's name once or twice, but Mari couldn't recall at that moment.

She opened the drawer with the key in the lock and inside was a leather backpack that was heavier … and smaller … than her current one. Much of what was in her lighter backpack could be left in her room … or eaten. Truth be told, there weren't many of Nan's treats left.

Mari was also surprised to find a set of worn leather armor, a leather quiver of wooden arrows, a fancy dagger and a sword only a bit longer than the dagger. A bigger surprise came when she took out the armor and found a stack of several undergarments. She recalled Alistair joking around about being caught in his smallclothes once. With a flushed face, he had to explain that they were what she called underwear on Earth. He didn't mention the bras, which were no more than bands of stretchy wool. Not much support — not that she was all that busty — but useful. Wouldn't do to get caught with her nylon stretch running bra here. She tried one of them on. Warm and comfortable. She decided she'd wear it … after a bath!

Mari grabbed the water bucket and went across the hall. It was a large storage room that had more than a water pump and midden. There were towels and soap and aromatic oils. Hampers to dump the towels, she guessed. She pumped up several buckets of water. It took forever, probably because she was on the second floor, grabbed a towel and soap and a bottle of sort of a vanilla scent.

An hour or so later, she was clean and her room was a bit more settled! "Thank the Maker," she quietly said aloud. "Must learn to say that more frequently. Who knows, maybe this one actually listens … no wait, he's pissed at us, so he won't answer either." She sighed. "Not my place to question their beliefs. The Maker did listen to Andraste, after all."

A soft knock at the door preceded Andwn saying, "If you're presentable, Mari, I'd like you to meet Wardens Dugan and Makis."

"Give me a few minutes. Downstairs?" she asked.

"Yes, turn right at the bottom of the stairs. You can't miss the dining hall," he said before she could hear him walk away.

She put on her favorite pair of cargo pants. They were her favorite because there were secret pockets inside her upper pants along with numerous pockets with snaps on the outside. The snap had fake leather straps attached, so she hoped no one would notice the anachronistic snaps … handy to keep her precious few coins safe and carrying a number of things that wouldn't need a backpack to carry along. She didn't think to bring a purse. She smiled fondly at the thought of Phil berating her for bringing a purse to the woods once. She finished off the outfit with a blue denim shirt with a yellow rose embroidered on the pocket. It was her favorite flower.

Then, she rushed downstairs to much celebration surrounding two new Wardens! They looked like hell, but they were alive.

And … Loghain was there.

He walked over to Mari and motioned to a corner of the dining hall not currently in use. She turned to him and said — with a twinkle in her eye, "I know I'll need to replace these clothes, but I can't really walk around naked, now, can I?"

He chuckled. "I took your technology and its bag directly to the smithy and he directed me to dump it into a slag bucket of molten metal." He smirked. "Perhaps you should have just dropped it all in a lava stream in the Deep Roads, but then you would have been naked … and very cold in the Frostbacks."

"That is the Maker's Own Truth," she said, proud of herself for remembering to say it that way. "I've transferred all my Earth things but the clothes I'm wearing to a locked wardrobe drawer and re-arranged my backpack items into a leather one that Duncan is letting me borrow for now. Would you like to take the backpack over to the smithy as well?"

He thought about it a moment and said, "Some other time, but that is likely where it will end up, yes." Then, he reached into a tabard pocket and took out a square of paper, a photograph. "I did look through the contents carefully. It was all either bent or broken; however, I found this intact, remarkably," he said as he handed it to her. Sadly, he added, "I would have given much to have such a thing of our Queen Rowan and my deceased wife Celia."

"My family picture," she whispered. "This is my mother and father and me on vacation next to a place called the Grand Canyon." She looked up to him. "Thank you so much for saving this." She tried not to, but could feel her treacherous eyes tearing up yet again.

"Cailan was right about these things being all you had left of your previous life," he replied. "While it is 'magic' of a sort we do not have, it could be explained to the nosy that way. So, I decided you should keep it. Perhaps with your other Earth things. I think Maric would agree."

She looked up at him and smiled. "May I hug the Teyrn of Gwaren?"

Instead of an answer, he hugged her first. "Just this once."

That made her laugh as she drew back. "Right. I guess I need to start being intimidated by you soon."

"I give you dispensation for that, Mari," he said. She wasn't sure, but his own eyes had a bit of a glisten to them … must have been the reflection of the nearby fireplace blaze.

Duncan walked over. "Well, I see you are smiling so whatever Loghain said must not have been too tragic."

Mari showed Duncan the photograph. "This is my mother and father, Duncan. Loghain saved it when he found it inside my laptop bag."

"Such a precious thing," Duncan said quietly. He looked at Loghain. "Thank you for saving it for her."

Loghain only smirked. "I sometimes decline the honor of being Maric's bully." He smiled at Mari. "I'm glad I found it. Be sure to look through anything else you decide should be destroyed, Mari … and, yes, I leave it up to you for the rest of your items from Earth. For now, though, I bid my farewell. Maric wants to make a quick trip to Gwaren with Cailan. He hasn't been there in a while and we want to check out the barrier door nearby. We shall be starting out in the morning. Perhaps, you can arrange a Warden trip to Gwaren in the future, Duncan. It is a unique city, Mari."

"That isn't a bad idea, actually," Duncan said. "It would, indeed, be wise to check on the barrier door there. Let us know if anything looks suspicious. My Second, Leciah, is in Ostagar and I believe she may have a few Wardens who could go to Gwaren and check it out."

"And, Anton has quite a bit of work for me," Mari said. "I need to make some coin to buy new clothes. I found an old set of leather armor and some basics in the drawer, along with an old dagger and short sword. I look forward to shopping! It killed me not to stop and browse through that huge market on the way in!"

"Sounds like she will require prompt payment of her salary. Safe journey, Loghain," Duncan said.

"Same to you and all Wardens … and companions," Loghain replied. Then, he stopped, pulled a pouch from his belt. "This should help you get a few things." He handed it to Mari who promptly put it into a side pocket and closed the clasp.

"Thank you so much, Loghain," she said. "That's very generous."

"Have them explain our coinage here." He turned to Duncan. "If she needs more than you can budget, let us know."

"Mari! Come watch me take this hand!" Makis hollered just then.

She just grinned. Before she left the two men who were, for the present, her surrogate Mother and Father, she said, "Revelry calls!" Then, she ran over, hugged both Makis and Dugan and sat at the table. A roar went up when Makis did, indeed, win that hand.

The rest of the evening was filled with stories of Grey Warden history. It was fascinating! She overheard one Warden tell another that it was unheard of for a Joining where everyone survived. Mari filed that one away for later whenever she could get Duncan alone to explain it.

As it turned out, she didn't need to ask Duncan. He must have noticed her hearing that comment. The rather large Warden from someplace called The Anderfels did speak quite loudly, especially after multiple mugs of ale or grog or whatever he was drinking. It smelled awful.

After that table cleared and they started up another table for arm wrestling, Duncan walked over with a wine bottle. "I suppose you may want to know what happens with an unsuccessful Joining," Duncan said as he stepped up and filled her mug with the very wine she'd been drinking. Ever perceptive was Mom … um, Duncan.

She looked around and the other Wardens were busy doing other things. Most of them were playing in or watching a different card game called Diamondback. They tried to teach her how to play, but she said she'd just watch for now. She really had to keep her coin. She didn't know how much Loghain had just given her, but she hoped it would cover some clothes other than armor. Plus, she was terrible at games of chance. Lady Luck always turned her back on her.

"First, Ardoc has been drinking all afternoon, even before we arrived. He had a difficult mission and needed the release," Duncan explained. "This is not the first time two Wardens survived at the same time. Both dwarves were up and awake very quickly." He sighed and added, "And, we have had worse results. That is not something I would normally tell someone until after their Joining, but I have a feeling that you would figure it out over time anyway."

It was kind of alarming to think that normally only half of a Joining class would survive, but … "Where I come from, I think there were ancient civilizations who believed that drinking the blood of a vanquished opponent would give the victor their power, or that was in some story I heard," Mari explained. "So, when you had Dugan and Makis collect darkspawn blood, I thought that might be the reason."

Duncan chuckled. "Like I said, you would figure it out. There are other ingredients along with a magic ritual to prepare the contents of the Joining chalice. I shall keep those secrets to myself for now."

"Ooo, 'chalice' sounds very … spiritual," Mari teased.

"You tease, but there are reasons … and they work," Duncan said as he sat back. "The First Blight in Thedas lasted centuries. Indeed, it is believed the first person to suggest drinking the blood of the darkspawn said so because his own people did … as the civilizations you spoke about on your old world. After some time, the Joining formula was adjusted to the form it is today. It gives Wardens almost complete immunity to blight-sickness and we can tell where the darkspawn are as you noticed in the Deep Roads. It also allows us to tap into their mental coordination."

"You can spy on the darkspawn thoughts?!" Mari said. "That's fascinating!" She huffed. "Of course, that shortened life thing is too bad. About the time you go on your Calling, you're experienced and the most valuable to keep around."

"Andwn is researching some of the papers we found from that old Warden mage, Avernus," Duncan said. "He lived centuries, as you've heard. He researched and finalized a formula that boosts Warden abilities. With their permission, both Dugan and Makis agreed to drink that formula as well. We shall see if it works to better their abilities. Andwn asked permission to go to one of our contacts in the Mage Collective and see if the two can be combined perhaps to increase the success of the Joining as well as better abilities."

"Andwn mentioned the Mage Collective on the trip here," Mari asked.

"They are a group of mages who operate outside the confines of the Circle or the Chantry," Duncan explained. "They are as knowledgeable about magic as the Circle mages without the structure demanded by the Chantry. Moreso, actually, since they know of some of the proscribed arts, such as shapeshifting and foreshadowing." Duncan took a drink of his wine. "Andwn is hoping to forge an arrangement with them to help with the documents we found at Soldier's Peak. In turn, we will pledge to aid them if they find themselves in a situation that could possibly involve us."

"Bet the First Warden won't like that," Mari replied.

"He will not know." Duncan chuckled.

"All of that sounds very useful," Mari said, conspiratorially. "Are you sending the information to the First Warden?"

"As soon as it's researched and our two new Wardens show increased abilities with no debilitating effects, I will share it," Duncan said. "It would do no good to keep an improvement from the other Wardens. Of course, we'll see who the First Warden is by then." He pulled out a folded message. "The current First Warden has gone on his Calling and we should be notified shortly who will take his place."

Mari held up both hands with crossed fingers. When Duncan looked at her quizzically, she explained, "A sign of wishing for good luck! May the next First Warden not be from Orlais."

"From your thoughts to the Maker's Ears, I pray," Duncan said with a smile. "However, to be fair, there are some very good Wardens who just happen to come from Orlais. Fiona was one of those."

Ardoc walked over and slapped Mari on her shoulder. She was afraid she might have a bruise there in the morning. He said, "I just heard you killed an emissary, Mari! That garners a fair amount of respect in my book!"

Mari chuckled. "Well, Andwn had frozen it solid, so it was pretty easy to do."

The tall Anderfels man smiled. "Humble, too. I like that even more, girl."

"That's good to hear, Ardoc," Duncan said. "I was just about to ask if Mari would like to go with you and Andwn to visit the Circle next week to see about a potential recruit named Anders. Irving sent a letter to me about him. He's a good mage, just cannot stand being in a tower all the time. He said we'll have to convince Greagoir who would prefer to put him in a cell, lock the door and toss the key in the midden." He turned to Ardoc. "Mari wants to learn about Thedas and they have more information than just about magic in their libraries. We'd also like some assistance in making certain all ghosts and demon portals are gone from Soldier's Peak."

He looked down at her. "I have no problem traveling with a mage who can freeze an emissary and an archer who can down it with one shot!"

"How about an archer who doesn't know how to put on her armor yet?" Mari asked.

He and Duncan just laughed. Makis walked up just then and added, "It ain't that hard tae do, Mari. Anton's daughter Margia can help ye with it. He was just atalkin' about his daughters and how different they were. Margia is a fighter and the other one is a proper lady, just like her mother." Makis nodded toward someone walking out of the kitchen.

Mari then noticed the beautiful woman walking in from the kitchen with a tray of cinnamon-y smelling rolls. "Excuse me, gentlemen," she said as she got up and walked over to the woman. Her dark hair was braided and wrapped in a circle on the back of her head. She had soft brown eyes and a wonderful smile which she showed to Mari as she walked up. "Are you Andi? Anton's wife?" Mari asked quietly.

"Yes, dear, I am! Anton has filled me in on your incredible story," she replied as she set the rolls on a sideboard.

Mari stepped closer and whispered, "Do I have you to thank for the … smallclothes?"

Andi laughed. "Yes, I had a feeling that you may not have brought enough with you from … wherever you come from. Margia put in one of her old suits of leather armor. She says it should be enough until you can get better."

Mari opened her arms and asked, "May I?"

Andi only laughed and heartily accepted the hug. "Mari, you just tell me anything you find that you need. I cannot imagine what you've gone through, but we want to make your new home one that you'll love. One you'll feel safe in." Then, Andi was called back into the kitchen. "Duty calls, no matter what your duty is!"

The rest of the evening went along the same lines of friendly conversation and joking. It was decided that Andwn would be leaving with Ardoc and Mari after he was confident the Mage Collective could give the Wardens some worthwhile advice about Avernus' notes. They could probably leave the following week sometime. Potentially, that would give Mari time to learn how to wear her armor and do more sparing with her new sword and dagger, as well as stroll around the city.

It turned out that Makis was right. It was pretty easy to wrap and tighten the leather armor and it afforded more protection than Mari thought it would. The downside was fewer pockets to stuff things into. She had to downsize the contents of her old backpack which was easy to do. The aluminum frame came apart and she stashed it on the bottom of her locked drawer, along with her everyday Earth clothes.

After settling into a routine of sparring in the morning and working with Anton most of the rest of day, she asked for some time to look around Denerim. Andwn was heading out to the Mage Collective one afternoon to find out if they had any more advice about what he gave them, so she went along.

Too bad the Chantry had other ideas.

As they stepped out the main door, they were met with several Templars. Andwn smiled and said, "Good afternoon, Knight-Commander Tavish."

"Please step away from the girl, Warden," he commanded.

Out of the corner of her eye, Mari saw a servant run inside. However, Andwn stepped in front of Mari instead.

"For what reason, Knight-Commander?" Andwn asked.

"I will give you one minute to comply, Warden," was all the Templar said.

"Andwn, it's okay. Let's see what the Knight-Commander wants," Mari said. She was surprised she didn't sound nearly as terrified as she felt.

Andwn turned around and faced Mari. "He wants to cast smite on you to see if you're a mage," he said.

He didn't get to say more as one of the Templars behind Tavish cast it anyway. Andwn dropped like a sack of rocks. "Andwn! What the hell?!" Mari shouted. Fortunately, Mari was able to catch him and ease him to the ground as Duncan came running out of the door and the same servant ran out the Warden's gate.

Tavish spun on the antsy Templar. "Return to the Chantry immediately! If you cannot obey orders, we will have to reassess your future as a Templar."

"But, Her Grace told us to surprise test this blood mage, Knight-Commander, before she could mind control us! There was no other way the bastard Prince wouldn't choose the way of faith over becoming a lowly city guardsman!" the guy yelled at Tavish. All Tavish did was nod to two of the others who bodily escorted the errant Templar out the gate, leaving Tavish and one other Templar.

Tavish tried to step up to Mari and, this time, Duncan stepped in front of her. "Marisia is a assistant companion of the Wardens working with our historian and cartographer. She is under my protection, Knight-Commander Tavish. She is no blood mage as your man's hastiness proved. Explain yourselves."

Mari had never heard even-keeled Duncan get so angry.

Tavish cleared his throat and frowned. He looked at Mari and Andwn, who was beginning to come around. "My sincere apologies, Warden Andwn and Assistant Marisia." He turned toward the other Templar. "I need a moment to calm down, Irminric, please tell them."

The other Templar smiled at Mari. He had a gentle and kind smile as he handed Andwn a blue potion which Andwn took with a shaky hand. Mari helped him drink it. Then, Templar Irminric turned to Mari. "I'll get right to the point, then. The … hasty … man, Ser Hadley, is recently invested and anxious to prove himself."

Another surprise then walked into the Warden courtyard, surrounded by Royal Guardsmen. By her carriage and the deference of everyone taking a knee, Mari quickly guessed that this was Princess Anora. Word got around quickly in Denerim. "Knight-Commander Tavish, what possible reason could Her Grace have to ambush the Wardens right on their doorstep!" Princess Anora was going to be one hell of a Queen someday.

It looked like Tavish wasn't going to get his moment to calm down. "Your Highness, we had received a reliable message that Prince Alistair had decided to become a guardsman in Highever rather than accept the generous offer of training in the Chantry to become a Templar." He paused. "Grand Cleric Elemena's words, Your Highness, not mine. Her Grace prayed on the matter and decided that this strange new woman from another world must have brought new levels of the malefic arts to Thedas and convinced Prince Alistair to avoid the protection of the Chantry." Yep, rumor got around quicker than anything else, it seemed. So much for keeping her uniqueness to herself. It did make Mari curious if the Chantry employed their own blood mages.

Duncan helped Andwn to stand. "Well, obviously, she isn't a mage, Ser Tavish. While her words are from another world, they are not malefic."

Mari couldn't stop the tears coming to her eyes. She was able to stop them from falling, though. Baby steps. Things had been going too well. She knew better and still hoped and assumed things would carry on well. She turned to Duncan and Andwn. "I shall be in the library working on those notes from the Deep Roads, Commander." She curtseyed to Anora. "If I may have your leave, Your Highness."

"Of course, Marisia," Anora said, rather kindly. "I am so sorry that your welcome to Denerim had to start like this."

Mari smiled. "It is the way of people on any world, Your Highness. Thank you." She curtseyed again and walked inside, quickly wiping away any moisture after she walked into the door. She decided to let Duncan and Anora handle the Chantry. Well, some in the Chantry. It was always easy to use a broad paint stroke on those who made us feel bad. Lumping everyone who believed the Chant in with the elderly High Cleric and others would have been as hasty. And, as bad as them thinking she was a mage capable of heinous acts simply because she was from another world they did not understand.

But, controversy did make for a better story. That thought made Mari smile as she went into Anton's corner of the Warden library. If she had to live through a world akin to one of her own creation, it should be an interesting story, too. Right? she asked herself.

Yeah, well, maybe, she answered herself.

"I thought you were going to take some time off this afternoon," Anton said.

She filled him in on what happened. His face clouded for a moment. Then he turned to the table where he was working on a map and took a deep breath. "Okay, here are the tunnels we went through right after the entrance from Orzammar …" Anton did exactly what Mari needed. Show his displeasure, but do something else. The poor man did, after all, help raise two very different but very well-adjusted daughters.

After several minutes, Duncan walked in. "Mari, I hate to limit you in the city, but for a time, let one of us know when you go out and we'll find someone to go with you. Until Princess Anora has her conference with the Grand Cleric and some time has passed, I believe you will need to be careful here." He put his hand on her shoulder. "Tavish is going to transfer Hadley to the Circle."

"What?! That's the last place that man should go!" Anton said.

Duncan shrugged. "Tavish believes it will be good for two reasons: he will be away from influences in the larger city and it will be a good lesson for him to work with capable mages. If his attitude does not change, Tavish will petition Lord Seeker Lambert to transfer him to another country."

"Is Andwn all right?" Anton asked.

"He's fine. He went on to …" Duncan turned as Tavish and Irminric walked up to the table.

"Again, Marisia, I apologize for that injustice. Blood magic presents many dangers to and from mages who practice it," Tavish explained. "I have personally seen Templar turn against Templar while in thrall to a powerful blood mage. I have also seen the horror on a mage's face as the demon they made a pact with decides it wants into our world. Abominations result and are difficult to dispatch. At that point, there is nothing else to be done but to kill the monster the mage became. The stories that circulate around the Templar barracks make the easily swayed react violently sometimes."

"So, these stories are really no different than blood magic, Ser Tavish?" Anton asked. "Both seem to be able to control people to go against their natures."

Tavish thought a moment. "I see your point. I will do what I can to stop them. In the meantime, while you are in Denerim, Marisia, I shall have Ser Irminric here escort you."

Mari thought for a moment and then sighed. "Thank you, Ser Tavish, but I'd like to decline that generous offer, if I may. Not because I don't like Ser Irminric. I do, actually," Mari said with a smile to Irminric. "But, surely you can see that a Templar escort will mark me as someone who needs a Templar escort." She stood straighter. "Duncan has seen to it that the Wardens will send someone with me who won't be so recognizable. I think I prefer that. However, I shall be leaving Denerim with the Wardens in less than a week or so to go the Circle Tower. Duncan has explained their vast libraries on topics other than magic that I'd like to peruse."

Irminric smiled at Mari. "Wise words, Marisia." He turned to Duncan. "If it's alright, I would like to accompany the Wardens to the Circle Tower. Curator Justine needs to do some research there and has asked for my escort." He shrugged. "We're going the same way … and, I could, perhaps prepare Knight-Commander Greagoir to your situation."

Mari looked at Duncan who was taking a bit of time to think about it. "Very well. As it turns out, I'll be going as well," he said. Mari had a feeling that he had made that decision at that very moment.

For the first time since she'd met Tavish, he smiled. "Prying Anders away from Greagoir will be a mighty task, Warden-Commander."

"A better use of a trained mage than running around the countryside," Mari said. With her own smile, she added, "A better use of trained Templars than to traipse around Ferelden looking for a claustrophobic mage."

Irminric frowned. "Claus…?"

"A person with a fear of being locked in an enclosed space. On my world, we had fancy words for stuff like that." She chuckled.

Irminric cocked his head at Mari. "You are unique in experiences, but not all that different from us otherwise." He looked at Tavish who nodded. "Right now, Her Highness is speaking with Grand Cleric Elemena. Perhaps, when we return from the Circle, you should consider meeting her yourself, Marisia. She is elderly and prone to lapses of memory, but she is the leader of Ferelden's Chantry. The Chantry is a powerful influence in Thedas. It could only help your education in the long run, I believe. Ser Tavish and I will speak with her about Hadley's behavior as well. He is the other side of the coin. He is young, impulsive and prone to lapses of maturity."

"I'll think about a meeting with the Her Grace, Ser Irminric," Mari said. "I look forward to traveling with you."

The Templars bid their farewells and left as Andwn walked in. "Duncan, I need a few minutes, if you can spare them." He carried quite a few more documents than he left with. It seemed like the Mage Collective had ample thoughts about Avernus' research. Mari never found out what came of it. She wasn't a Warden yet.

The days until they left were spent getting caught up on the Deep Roads notes. Writing everything by hand took forever, especially for someone learning how to write in Fereldanese. She did, however, get out for a bit on a couple of days. Margia appointed herself as Mari's guide and guard. Neither of the women missed that Anton was following at a distance. Mari bought several pairs of pants and a couple of women's shirts along with a pair of sturdy boots that were surprisingly comfortable. She saw a really pretty dark red dress. She always thought she looked good in dark red. But, it was way too expensive for now. Loghain had given her enough to buy it, but she didn't want to spend his generous gift all at once. The merchant said that she was always around — to catch her after payday.

They did pass a few Templars. The Chantry was in the Market District and kind of hard to avoid. Most of the Templars were gracious and only nodded a greeting. A couple of them glared at Mari, so she resisted just walking into the Chantry and introducing herself. Irminric was right. Tavish needed time to work on some of the Templars and the Grand Cleric.

So, Mari quieted her impulsive inner voice and decided to act mature. Maker, that is so hard! she thought to herself.

!¡!¡

AN: Next time, on to the Circle … and Greagoir!