Lucanis walked into the dining hall under the guise of making food when he heard Harding and Rook's voice. Rook waved when he entered, but the scout was busy discussing the letter she had received from her friends in the High Anderfels. Meaning that Harding's Warden friends might have come through in the end.
"Do we have an eluvian that can take us the Anderfels? It's on the western side of Tevinter, isn't it?" Rook asked as Harding nodded.
"Right, so hopefully the Crossroads will have a way to get there. Otherwise, it's going to take a while to get there. Evka and Antione are positioned in a town called Lavendel, but they've been out hunting darkspawn in the wilderness more often lately," the scout explained. Rook tapped the table with her finger with a nod.
"I'll speak with the Caretaker and see what we can find. Might have to some Fade exploring," Rook sighed, glancing over at Lucanis, catching him staring. He turned away back to the pan roasting the vegetables.
"They gave me a general area they would be in for the next few days, but we can find them in Lavendel if we miss the window," Harding added, pulling out a crude map. "The darkspawn have been massing in the area, even more than usual."
"Then it seems that we should offer what help we can," Rook sighed. "We've had a few darkspawn run ins. We might be able to lend a hand."
"Worth a try. We can leave whenever you're ready," Harding answered as Rook nodded.
"Give me an hour, and I'll meet you by the eluvian," she replied, dismissing the scout. "Send a message to Bellara and Neve, too. I want to keep them in the loop."
"Will do," Harding smiled before she left.
Once the door closed, Rook leaned against the table, practically laying across the surface with her arms outstretched. They had arrived back from Treviso yesterday, and Harding and Neve both had immediate news for her. Neve explained that the Shadow Dragons were watching the Venatori closely, and Dorian's assessment had been proven. They were gearing up for something big. However, the Shadow Dragons were sure that they could handle it themselves for now. Which meant that Rook could focus on Harding's contacts.
"Leaving again?" Lucanis asked as Rook sighed dramatically.
"I guess so," she groaned before she sat up straight. "Maybe we'll get a break after we talk with Harding's friends."
"Doubt it, but it's good to be optimistic," he chuckled, plating up the sautéed potatoes and carrots he made. He handed her the plate as she watched him. "You haven't eaten today."
"You keeping track of my eating habits?"
"Just a passive observation."
"Thanks," Rook smiled, picking up the fork. "Are you up for the Fade exploration for the eluvian? Or will it just be Harding and I?"
"Bellara still isn't back?"
"More Veil Jumpers went missing in Arlathan. Until they're found, I think she's going to be there. I sent a message when we got back, but Harding thinks that she should be back soon. I would prefer not to use new eluvians without her, but I don't want to miss this opportunity either," Rook answered between bites. "The sooner we can get help with the blight, the sooner we can make a move against the gods."
"Against the gods?"
"They exploit the blight for power. If we find the weakness in the blight, that's the weakness in their power. Take out their power, we can kill them," Rook simplified as he nodded. "It's easier said than done, but it's a basis of a plan at least."
"And you want me to kill them once the blight has been neutralized?"
"That would be the safest way, but I would take an opportunistic kill as well. You see an opening, take it."
"If I can get close enough," Lucanis agreed as Rook smiled. "Do you think Harding's friends will turn you in to the First Warden?"
"They don't know I'm coming, but Harding asked about the First Warden. He's still in Tevinter, so we don't have to worry about him. Harding also reassured me that they aren't the kind to arrest people without asking a few questions first."
"I'll be by your side," Lucanis answered firmly as he sipped his coffee.
"I knew you would be."
"Besides, Spite likes to explore the Fade to look for the eluvians. It would be rude for me to keep him here."
"We can't have that," Rook chuckled as Spite hummed appreciatively in the back of his mind. "Have you ever been to the Anderfels before?"
"No, but I've worked with Wardens before."
"I've heard it's cold and bleak there."
"It's high in the mountains. I've heard it snows nearly year-round there," Lucanis mentioned as Rook grimaced.
"I better dress warm then," she complained. "Never liked the cold. Or the snow."
"Shouldn't be too snowy around this season," he reasoned. "But it will still be colder than it is here or in Antiva."
"Do Wardens like making their lives hard? I know Weisshaupt is in the Anderfels, too. Why not set up their fortress in Rivain? Or Orlais? Somewhere nice?"
"Aren't a lot of them serving as a form of punishment?"
"I guess, but still," Rook sighed as he smirked.
"Harding and I can meet her contacts if you want to take a day off, Rook."
"You haven't had a chance to rest, either. I'll be fine. Besides, I'd get bored without anyone else here. Who would I bother if you're gone?"
"I'm sure you'd make do," Lucanis chuckled. "You could always go back to Antiva and bother Viago for a few hours. I'm sure he would appreciate that."
"I'm sure he would," Rook laughed before shaking her head. "Viago told me that he wouldn't expect me for at least a week or two. The Antaam are pressing their luck, so he has more contracts and such to deal with. He said he would reach out if he needed anything, though."
"I didn't realize the Antaam were being more of a pain," Lucanis sighed. "Do you think it's related to the uptick in Venatori?"
"It's hard not to see the correlation between them, especially if the gods are involved. Which is why I don't want to wait around to find wardens to work with us," she explained, running a hand through her hair.
"I'll get prepared then. I'm imagining we'll need to be ready for a fight?"
"Sounds like darkspawn this time, but I always prepare for a fight."
"You de Rivas," Lucanis sighed with a half-smile. "Always prepared for the worst."
"Go get ready. I'll meet you in the eluvian room in an hour," Rook smiled as she stood up from her now empty plate. "Thanks for the food, Luca. I appreciate it."
"Anytime," he replied with a dip of his head. Rook waved before she left the hall.
Lucanis melted in his seat with his coffee in his hand. He had intended to eat the vegetables he had cooked up, but he could tell that Rook was fading when she was talking to Harding. She generally came in early for breakfast, but he hadn't seen her all morning. He assumed it was because they had arrived late from Treviso, but now he wondered if she had been avoiding Harding to spend some time back at the lighthouse.
He didn't blame her. The funeral was draining for every Crow, not just for him and Illario. The fact that someone could strategically take out the First Talon so cleanly and easily was problematic and terrifying. Any sense the Crows had of safety was now out the window.
Lucanis folded his arms, enjoying the warmth the coffee gave him. He did enjoy these quiet moments as well, and also didn't love the idea of wandering into the Anderfels where it was cold and barren. He didn't mind the cold, per se, but he enjoyed warmer weather more. Maybe they could find their next contact in a warmer climate and enjoy a nice day on the beach.
Isabella took Harding and Lucanis through the eluvian and through the Crossroads. Luckily, the Caretaker was able to gain access to another island of eluvians which happened to have one leading somewhere in the Anderfels.
When they went through, it led to an old, abandoned castle, which Harding was able to pinpoint on the map that her friends had sent to her. Isabella let Harding lead as they made their way towards where they were supposed to meet with the two wardens. They passed Lavendel and went through a canyon, guided by Harding. Isabella had a few doubts, but she put her trust in her scout. Lucanis kept pace with them, covering their rear in case darkspawn appeared.
Isabella was about to bring up the map to Harding when an explosion sounded around the bend. She exchanged a quick glance with her scout before they took off with Lucanis trailing behind. As they turned the corner, they saw a large ogre dead next to two wardens. An elf and a dwarf, just as Harding had described.
"Harding!" the elf called out in a clear Orlesian accent.
"Antione! Evka!" Harding exclaimed, relief filling her voice. "Man, I'm glad we were able to run into you. We were about to head back to Lavendel to see if you were still there."
"A good course of action. We've been out here a couple of days, but we were able to curb most of the darkspawn," Evka mentioned before gesturing to the two Crows behind the scout. "Who are your friends?"
"Right, this is Rook and Lucanis. I mentioned that we were putting together a team to tackle the gods, and Rook's been leading us so far," Harding answered, turning to Isabella. The Crow got the read on them before giving a nod for Harding to continue. "We need Warden help with the blight, but the First Warden tried to arrest Rook over it."
"Ah, we heard about that incident. He's not thrilled you slipped away," Antione remarked. Lucanis took a careful step forward before the warden chuckled. "You don't have to worry. We aren't the police. Wardens don't generally arrest people. I was surprised when we heard that he had tried that with you."
"He thought I was a danger, but I'm sure that Harding explained the circumstances of the blight and how it's changed," Isabella insisted.
"Indeed, there have been many changes that we have made, but it's still hard to accept that the elven gods are the ones behind it," Antione admitted before sighing. "But we can at least help with the blight."
"Harding also mentioned needing a monster hunter?" Evka added. Isabella tilted her head to the side before turning to her scout.
"Bellara mentioned that Ghilan'nain was the Goddess of Monsters. I thought that maybe a Warden monster hunter could be beneficial if there was one," Harding answered with her hands raised. Isabella thinned her lips, deciding not to voice her opinion.
"I bring it up because there is one working in the area, and he might be able to help. His name is Davrin, and he's the best monster hunter the Grey Wardens have. He's working further into the mountains with a few other Wardens on a mission, but I'm sure that he would at least listen to your query," Evka explained as Isabella nodded.
"How well do you know this Davrin?" the Crow wondered, folding her arms.
"Not well, but his reputation is good. The First Warden isn't fond of him either, so you can bond over that," Antione added with a smirk.
"It's worth a shot," Harding offered as Isabella nodded.
"He'll be your best shot, especially if the blight is changing the darkspawn," Evka nodded. "We can get you a rough location of where he was headed. You should be able to find his camp from there."
"I married someone with good advice," Antione smiled as Evka smirked. "Find Davrin, and we'll keep an eye on the blight. If there are any major changes, we will reach out."
"Thank you, I appreciate it," Isabella replied, bowing with her fist over her heart.
"Don't mention it. I just hope Davrin is willing to help you," Evka reminded. Isabella nodded.
Harding opened up the map of the Anderfels, and Evka marked the area where Davrin was assigned. Isabella peaked over their shoulders, trying to visualize where they were headed. Once Harding had the area down, she thanked her friends, promising to see them back in the town once they got the chance. Isabella also made a mental note to make sure that they moved the eluvian into the Warden post in Lavendel before they returned to the lighthouse.
Their scout led the way as they continued through the canyon. Lucanis kept close to Isabella as the canyon grew narrow and rocky, more apt for hidden ambushes. With Harding there, it felt less that Isabella was a liability and more that he was watching out for both of them. Isabella kept her eyes on the ridges and rims as well as they continued, letting Harding focus on the map and the direction they were walking.
Soon, the sun started setting as they turned the corner leading out of the canyon. Nestled next to the mouth of the canyon was a small camp with the Warden symbols on the tent. The fire was cold and useless, which meant that they had been gone for a long time. Lucanis kneeled next to the campfire, checking for other clues, as Harding looked over the tent. Isabella walked around Lucanis to check to see if there were any fresh tracks leading from the camp.
A loud squawking sounded above them as Isabella reached for her dagger, preparing to fight a darkspawn. She turned to the ridge, searching for the enemy. What she hadn't expected was to see a small griffon pounce down from the cliff side to challenge her. She gaped, staring at the creature that should have been extinct. Lucanis rushed to her side with his rapier drawn, waiting for her signal as he watched the young animal.
"Assan!" a deep voice bellowed before the griffon retreated. Isabella glanced up to see a dark-skinned elf standing on a smaller ridge. His shirt was buttoned halfway down and the lapels of his jacket fluttered in the wind. With the griffon now at his side, the man was the very picture of a romance novel cover.
"A griffon," Isabella remarked lamely, trying to get her brain to work again as she looked the elf in the eyes.
"Yeah, but he's not sure what you are. I'm not sure either," the elf countered as the griffon watched her party carefully. Two others came around the ridge, clearly wearing Warden armor.
"I'm Rook, and these are my associates Harding and Lucanis. We were referred from Antione and Evka down in Lavendel to find Davrin," Isabella explained, glancing between the three of them. The griffon handler turned to his two warden friends before sighing.
"You found him, but I still don't understand what's going on," he remarked, folding his arms.
"We're hoping to have a blight expert and monster hunter on our team. We're hunting ancient mages, who we know as the gods Elgar'nan and Ghilan'nain, and they have control over the blight. They were responsible for the destruction of D'Meta's Crossing in Arlathan Forest, if you've heard of it," Isabella explained. Darvin threw another look towards the other two before shaking his head.
"We have noticed some strange changes in the darkspawn," one of the two wardens mentioned as she stepped forward. "I'm Remi, and this is Lancet."
"What kind of help are you asking for?" Davrin asked, cutting back to the chase.
"We need someone who understands and can combat the blight. Also, a monster hunter to help take down Ghilan'nain, the Goddess of Monsters, would be helpful as well," Isabella added. "I know this is a lot to take in, but we do need help. The First Warden won't listen, and I'm afraid on the lives that are on the line because of his arrogance. The gods have already decimated a few Dalish communities, and they are also conspiring with the Antaam and the Venatori. We need Warden help where we can get it."
"And Evka and Antione suggested that I would be good for this role?" Davrin repeated as she nodded. "They aren't aware that I'm already on a mission, so that might be why they suggested my name, but-"
"How long would Davrin be gone?" Lancet asked as Isabella shrugged.
"We have a safe haven in the Fade that is accessible through an eluvian. He's welcome to come and go anytime he likes, so not long, I suppose. We just need help," Isabella replied. Remi and Lancet exchanged a meaningful look before turning towards Davrin.
"Depending on what's involved, this might be a good time for you and Assan to learn your turlum," Remi informed as Davrin turned to her.
"By going into the Fade and fighting blighted mages? That's hardly a good idea, especially since he's so young," Davrin argued.
"He has to learn someday, and he's quick and tough. And like the young woman said, you are able to travel between here and there somewhat easily," Lancet reminded with a smile. "As for the other griffons, we'll make sure we get them up to speed so we can get them assigned out to other wardens as well. The sooner we can get them back into battle, the better. Especially if the blight is changing as you say it is."
"It would be most appreciated," Isabella pleaded as Davrin sighed, hanging his head.
"So, just fight some blighted mages and darkspawn with Assan to learn trust. What could go wrong?" he complained as Remi chuckled.
"I know it sounds like a big ask, but I think he's ready for some real action. I'm not sure he's ready to take on gods, but blight and darkspawn is definitely his speed," Remi reassured before turning to Isabella. "It's imperative to our work that no one understands that we found more griffons, though. Until Assan's brothers and sisters are ready to join the fight, this project needs to be kept secret."
"So Assan is the last of his kind as far as the world is concerned," Isabella agreed with a nod of her head. "We can accommodate that."
"I think you'll be in good hands," Lancet informed, clapping his hand on Davrin's shoulder. The elf sighed, shaking his head.
"Why do I feel like you two are trying to get rid of me?" Davrin teased with a trying smile.
"Just trying to get you two to do some field work before both of you grow old," Lancet teased, patting the back of Davrin's shoulder. Lucanis walked up to Isabella's side as Davrin nodded.
"Fine, we can see what these blighted mages and darkspawn are about," Davrin relented before holding up his finger to Lancet. "But if it proves too much for Assan, I'm bringing him back here to train more."
"Find by us. Training is always good as long as you also take the time to rest and use the skills in the field," Remi reminded.
"Should we head back to Lavendel, then?" Harding asked, pulling out the map. "I think I know a shortcut that will take us back to the eluvian before it gets dark."
"Fine by me. Are you ready to leave now, or do you need time to get things in order?" Isabella asked Davrin, who shook his head. He walked over to the tent and grabbed his pack, slinging it onto his shoulder.
"We can head out whenever you're ready," Davrin smiled. Isabella nodded, her heart skipping a beat at the smolder that he gave. She wasn't even sure if he meant it as a flirtation or not.
"Very well. Harding, lead the way," Isabella mentioned, gesturing for the scout to leave. Davrin waved to his warden colleagues, exchanging a few last minute jabs, as Lucanis walked next to Isabella, nearly connected at the hip.