28-Preparations Move Forward

Things were busy in Denerim over the upcoming weeks. Everyone was updated about what had happened in Orzammar. Anton contacted the Royal Palace in Orzammar and told Bhelen they were back in Denerim for the moment. Before starting the conversation, Bhelen made an odd statement that Dugan whispered to Anton. Later, he told the rest, "My father was listening. Keep it to Warden business only, like we did," Dugan explained.

Haska chuckled. "Perhaps you should tell me all these codes and I can read them off before we contact them in the future."

"Good idea," Dugan replied. "There are only three or four important ones. I'll do that first thing tomorrow."

Over the ensuing days and weeks, plans were discussed among the Wardens and the Ferelden royalty. Maps were improved and adjusted. Carver was Maker-sent. He picked up dwarvish well and was able to help with the annotation as well as the illustration.

The Glavonaks were finishing off work on the tunnel from the basement of the Chantry. They had to move down the tunnel a good way due to the solid granite. They said that it must have taken magic to blast that tunnel out.

Curator Justine found old records that the Denerim Chantry was once the Tevinter overlord's residence many hundreds of years ago. Tevinter had done a lot of trading with the dwarves at that time. They still did in Minrathous at the Dwarven Embassy, built far underground. The exploration of tunnels in the northeast was put on the priority list … for after the Blight. That is … if the Blight didn't lead the Wardens there before the end of the Blight.

As the daily mapping debrief was wrapping up, Alistair walked into the Cartographer's Office door and said, "Warden Marisia Park, Her Highness Princess Anora would like to speak with you at your earliest convenience. And, I just got that request minutes ago while I was over there. I'll take you right to her if this is a good time."

Anton, Carver and Mari looked up and laughed at Alistair.

Mari straightened her armor. "Well! I'd best not keep Her Highness waiting, then." She brushed past Alistair and grinned at him. "Especially since I wouldn't have you to blame for any delay." Once they left the Warden Compound, she quietly asked, "Do you have any idea what this is about?"

"Yes, I do," Alistair responded. "But, I'm sworn not to say." He put on his best puppy dog eyes. "Please don't torture me."

"I could get Del to make it an order," Mari threatened.

"Nope, that wouldn't work. Her Highness can hurt me a lot more," he replied.

Mari just laughed.

Shortly, Alistair showed Mari to the family quarters in the palace, bowed and left, citing that he had to check on the Glavonak's progress.

Anora and Cailan were standing by the large windowed doors to the announcement balcony. They turned with serious faces. "Tomorrow, we shall be making an announcement on this balcony, Mari," Anora said.

With some alarm, Mari jumped to the worst possible guess. "About what? Is Maric all right?"

Cailan leaned toward Anora. "I don't think he told her, my heart."

Anora looked serious for a moment and then smiled, "I agree, beloved. You won't have to flog your brother." She walked over to Mari and took her hands. "Maric is fine, but we're about to give Ferelden another heir. I am pregnant with the Cailan's child."

Mari actually squealed … a sound that she couldn't recall ever coming out of her mouth. She hugged Anora and then Cailan and didn't even ask permission. "When?"

"Wynne thinks five or six months from now," Anora said. "As usual, I simply dismissed the signs as something or other that would pass."

Mari looked from Anora to Cailan. "Mom and Dad!" Then, she got sad and sat on a nearby couch. "I might still be on recruitment runs, dammit."

Anora went from an alarmed look at Mari's swift change of mood to one of touched appreciation. She and Cailan sat on either side of Mari. Anora said, "We know. But, we know you're just making Ferelden a safe place again for the future Prince or Princess, Mari. It is your duty … not always pleasant, if you recall me saying that."

"The Wardens can't expect Loghain to go on those runs, Anora!" Mari said.

"They'd better," Loghain said from the doorway. "Neither Cailan nor Anora will want me around here, anyway," he added with a smile.

"Loghain!" Mari said. "Welcome back to Denerim! I got concerned when you weren't with the Glavonaks. They only said that something came up in Lothering."

"Yes, I got tied up in Lothering and sent the Glavonaks on. Right now, we have other matters to discuss." Loghain rolled a really nice map of Ferelden on a nearby desk. Everyone got up and looked at the map. "I propose we travel on horseback toward the south." He moved his finger down a road. "We can begin at Dragon's Peak …" The conversation went back and forth. The plan came down to starting at Dragon's Peak, after that they would head through the Brecilian Forest where Arisiel would meet up with them to check on some of the clans who hadn't made it to Ostagar yet. Then, on to Gwaren where Loghain would make a call-to-arms for Warden recruits. Ostagar. Redcliffe. Kinloch Hold. Highever. Amaranthine and back to Denerim. Depending upon Ferelden's numbers and the status of the Blight, Loghain would then head north to begin recruiting in the north. He really felt that would be unnecessary. Fereldans would heed the call.

Mari leaned on the map and sighed. "Or, the Archdemon calls a halt to recruiting and we begin the Blight in earnest."

They all stood there in quiet contemplation. Loghain left the map and said, "This map is for you, Cailan. I've marked the route." He turned to Mari. "Let's go brief the Wardens, Mari."

They gathered the Denerim Wardens together at the Warden Compound to share decisions and ask for comments. "First item of importance," Mari said. "Ferelden will be getting a new Royal in five or six months."

Alistair looked stricken. "They're not going to announce that until tomorrow. I don't think they wanted anyone else to know yet," he said.

"Well, then, they should have told me that," Mari said. "Besides, we're the Grey Wardens. The experts in keeping secrets … or so Loghain tells me." Mari grinned at Loghain.

"Apparently, new First Warden and new Warden recruitment officer for Ferelden … no secrets," Loghain replied. "Much preferable to the alternative."

"Let's see how that recruitment run goes," Del said as he walked in and sat down. "If everyone runs out screaming after Mari's talk, we may need to revisit making some things secret again."

"I'll be flexible, Del," Mari said. "Just how much to say makes me more nervous than anything."

"And, so we come to the purpose of this meeting." Loghain turned toward Mari. "I can probably give you some advice at each stop, Mari. Some areas will need a light hand. Lothering and probably Redcliffe. Some, like Gwaren, will expect every detail."

Loghain pointed to the map of Ferelden rolled out on the desk. It was Anton's map and it looked even better than the one Loghain used at the Palace. "We will go south through Dragon's Peak and on to Gwaren," Loghain said. "Warden Arisiel will be contacting any Dalish still in the Brecilian and encouraging them to head to Ostagar or north, out of danger. She may find some Dalish who will agree to become Wardens. The Night Elves were a Dalish group of archers who swung the Rebellion for us in a number of battles." He took a drink of ale and looked like he was remembering. "Then, on to Ostagar, Redcliffe, Kinloch Hold, Highever, Amaranthine and back to Denerim. However, things can change and often do for one reason or another. For now, it's a good sketch of how to proceed. As for when we should leave, I still have plans to work on as well as orders to pass on, but I should be free to leave in a three or four weeks."

"Orders like the one to tell Prince Cailan to stay here with his pregnant wife?" Alistair asked with a smile.

"Among others, yes," Loghain replied with an uncharacteristic smile. It was the smile of the potential grandfather.

Del leaned back in his chair. "I've just finished a meeting with King Maric." He looked at Loghain. "Were you aware that he plans to go as far as Ostagar with you?"

Loghain just closed his eyes. "He mentioned it a while ago. I thought I'd convinced him to stay here. I suspect Maric wants Cailan to learn more about leadership without having his father handy to pick up the pieces."

"In any case, we need to wait until Anders arrives," Mari said. She'd been adamant that a recruiting run required at least two mages, citing what Cullen went through after his Joining. "I'd have preferred that Lehan came as well, but Del rightly insisted that at least one mage remain at Soldier's Peak."

"When will Anders arrive?" Alistair asked.

Anton was standing by the snacks table, filling his plate, when he answered, "Ardoc, Dugan, Makis and Gorim are going with Del to Soldier's Peak and they are going to leave as soon as the Glavonaks are done with the Chantry Deep Roads tunnel — hopefully soon — so I wouldn't expect them to return with Anders for at least three or four weeks from now. So, our schedules coincide, Loghain. The Glavonaks will drop out at Vigil's Keep. Lots to do there."

"Unless they let Ardoc set the pace, I hear," Loghain said.

Anton chuckled. "That is true."

Mari also stepped up to the snacks table. "Is Solas still up at the Peak?"

Andwn smiled. "Yes. He should almost have the griffon shapeshifted form by now."

The plan was for Solas to escort Del through the Crossroads and then shapeshift into a griffon for an impressive entrance to Weisshaupt to greet Seeker Pentaghast when she arrived there in a few days. "Is Lehan also learning?" Mari asked.

"Yeah, but she'll need to learn the basics first," Alistair replied. "Del wants her to do shapeshifting training up at the Peak along with Arisiel, but Arisiel won't get there until after her swing through the Brecilian. Ostagar is getting too crowded with non-Wardens."

Del shrugged. "So, I want to keep the organized training at the Peak. Morrigan is still working with Warden mages to learn the ability in Ostagar … in secret."

"It'll spell the difference in a quick or elongated win for us to defeat a flying enemy," Anton said quietly as he sat back at the table. "Let's hope the Blight is done by the time the real griffons are old enough to serve as mounts."

Alistair got a wide grin on his face. "Griffons … real griffons! I can't wait to see one." He looked at Mari and Anton. "You guys are so lucky."

"Marlis is definitely impressive. That's a fact," Mari said. "I hate to break the mood, but we need to head to the Alienage." She turned to Loghain. "Hahren Valendrian talked to some of the elves."

"Alienage elves?" Loghain asked. "Have they had martial training?"

Mari just smiled at Loghain. "I didn't, as you recall. There's time to train them here. They asked Valendrian if he'd arrange it. We'll find out if they still want to be a Grey Warden after my talk."

"Let me know," Loghain said. "I'll need to have a talk with the City Guard." To everyone's surprise, Loghain chuckled. "I think I have my reason for Maric to stay in Denerim and not go traipsing through Ferelden."

Alistair frowned. "I can see the need for caution, Loghain, but a visit by the King would be a terrific morale boost in Ostagar … as long as he gets right back to Denerim after that."

Del narrowed his eyes. "The very reasoning he gave me for going, Alistair. He wished to go the entire way and I convinced him to turn around at Ostagar, instead."

Mari asked Del, "Why are you against Maric going to Ostagar with us?"

Both Del and Loghain said, "The Brecilian Forest," at the same time. Loghain expanded the thought. "It is a dense forest with dozens of locations for long-distance archers to hide in trees and shoot."

"Make him ride in a reinforced carriage," Mari suggested.

"Might as well paint a target on him," Anton explained. He sat back and sighed. "Maybe disguise him as a soldier and send him with a bunch of soldiers and Maric's Shield to ride directly to Ostagar. Stay for a little while and ride back?"

"Or, maybe you should just let me do my duty to Ferelden and worry about my own backside?" Maric said as he walked in the door.

Matis came running behind him. Out of breath, he said, "My apologies, Your Majesty. I should have been available to escort you here."

"Good job, Maric," Alistair said. "No one else has ever been able to sneak by Matis."

Maric smiled at Matis. "I sent a distraction to go in first. Circumventing Andras is one of my favorite pastimes. You have nothing to apologize for, Matis."

Matis just smiled and bowed; however, he did look like he was about to choke on all the things he would have liked to say. All he did say was, "There are seven elves here with Hahren Valendrian to see you and Teyrn Loghain, Warden Mari." He stepped closer and quietly added, "One of them is Ariannas. The other elves or the Hahren may not know she is in the Mage Collective."

"I wonder if Darenis knows she was going to volunteer," Andwn added. "Although, I did mention to them that we would very much welcome any and all who would like to volunteer."

"Probably why they are here rather than in the Alienage." Mari looked around. "Could we speak with them up here?"

Loghain also looked around. "Maric's penance will be to go back to the Palace. We'll discuss your trip to Ostagar later," he said quietly but firmly.

"I suppose that would be prudent," Maric said. "Mari, Valendrian also wanted to limit volunteers to the seven present … fearing that your recruitment talk would convince more to Join the Wardens." He smiled. "He had heard of the large recruitment group from Amaranthine. Well, I'll be waiting in the Family Quarters, Loghain." Maric nodded his head at the Wardens and walked out with Matis right on his heels.

Mari turned toward Andwn. "Do you know Elvhen for 'find a way'?"

He smiled. "It's not an exact translation. Lath araval ena is Elvhen for 'The path will emerge.'"

She repeated it several times until her pronunciation was correct. Then, Andwn added, "There is another appropriate phrase that might serve. Halam'shivanas means 'The sweet sacrifice of duty.'"

"Sounds like something that fits the Grey Wardens," Gorim said.

Matis stood in the doorway and motioned for Valendrian and the elves with him to enter the room. "I shall arrange for more refreshments for you all. Wardens, this is Valendrian, Hahren of the Denerim Alienage. He brings seven brave potential recruits for the Grey Wardens. Hahren and guests, …" Matis said as he pointed to and introduced everyone in the room. Mari didn't know Ariannas until Matis introduced her. She looked nervous, but not any more nervous than the rest.

Alistair and Mari cleared off one end of the table for the elves while Andi and others brought up new snacks and drinks. Most of the Wardens there spoke with the elves briefly and excused themselves. Anton, Del, Dugan, Alistair and Loghain remained with Mari.

After allowing the elves to become a bit more comfortable, Mari stood and motioned to Del. "First Warden Del Kankut has arrived here from the Grey Warden fortress of Weisshaupt to help us get ready for Urthemiel and the Fifth Blight. First Warden, would you please tell our new recruits about the origins of the Grey Wardens?"

Fortunately, he seemed prepared for it and told about that First Blight against Dumat. He left nothing out, even explaining the Joining and the importance of the main component of the formula … darkspawn blood. He ended with, "Yes, even the brave Garahel, Hero of the Fourth Blight, and his sister, Isseya, became Grey Wardens the same way. As did every Warden did before and since he slew the Archdemon Andoral in the skies over Ayesleigh, thus ending the Fourth Blight. Mari?"

Mari smiled. "I love the story of Garahel. Andwn just mentioned an Elvhen phrase to us: Halam'shivanas, the sweet sacrifice of duty. That fairly well summarizes what it means to be a Grey Warden. We will do whatever it takes to end a Blight. We will do whatever it takes to remain vigilant between Blights. We will sacrifice our lives to make certain the Archdemon dies … the first time. In war, victory. In peace, vigilance. In death, sacrifice."

After taking a drink of ale, she continued. "We often question if we can be that hero when the time and circumstance demands it of us." She grinned. "I know I sure questioned it … still do! But, a personal belief I hold onto with both hands is … find a way. Andwn also told me about an Elvhen phrase that fits as well … if not better …lath araval ena, the path will emerge.

"One thing we do a bit differently lately is sharing secrets of old … like what you have to look forward to … during the Joining and after. However, knowing doesn't necessarily make it any less deadly. Working out our plan, developing our confidence, I think gives us a good start on survival. Every part of a Grey Warden's life is dangerous. When it comes time for your sacrifice, know that you will never be forgotten. Spend some time looking at the Warden's Wall of Heroes in our courtyard. Ask about some of the stories of the Warden Heroes." She grinned. "Actually, we're not all serious and gloomy all the time."

When the chuckles died down, Mari walked around to Anton and put her hand on his shoulder. "This is Senior Warden Anton. When Duncan is elsewhere, Anton is in charge in Denerim."

"Right, I get to tell them the serious and gloomy stuff," Anton said. "Do you have any questions so far?" Many of their questions mirrored Mari's questions on those first few days after stepping out of the Eluvian in the Deep Roads. After carefully answering all the questions, he wrapped it up with, "Basically, your life is focused on killing darkspawn. Your entire life. You may be able to visit home when you are stationed in Denerim from time to time, and you can write letters when you're away, but once you become a Grey Warden … that is your life, your job, your family."

"But, you're married, aren't you, Warden Anton?" Ariannas asked quietly.

"I am married to the most remarkable woman in all of Thedas. She works here. Baked those cookies we've all been eating." He chuckled. "I think she prefers that I'm gone a lot, but does worry about me. I've been a married Grey Warden for twenty years, starting with becoming blightsick on an expedition into the Deep Roads outside of Kirkwall. It worked for us because of Andina. Our marriage doesn't interfere with my duties. She accepts that Warden business takes priority over everything else. More often than not, the non-Warden spouse cannot handle the situation and the marriage fails. Or, the couple is sent to a Warden compound that is more strict about the requirement of leaving family behind. I wish I could give you a firm answer, but, as with many things in life, it is more complicated. All I can advise is, if you're in a commitment that cannot withstand uncertainty, that cannot adjust, then perhaps you should reconsider the Grey Wardens. We will be working with each of you who decides to move ahead. You must be able to defend yourself and protect your fellow Wardens so martial training is mandatory." He stood. "Go home, think about it, pack your essentials. You will have a bunk in our barracks with a chest at the foot of your bunks. If you come to train, you are an official recruit. Walking out then would be desertion and we would go find you and bring you back."

Ariannas said that she already brought her things and had definitely decided. She asked the six departing elves to wait for the Hahren downstairs. Dugan said he'd show them the books with the Warden stories. Then, Ariannas turned to Valendrian after they left. "Hahren, I need to let you know that I am a mage. The Mage Collective has trained me over the years to control my Maker-given gift."

Valendrian shook his head, but he smiled. "I will have words with Darenis about this. Do your parents know?"

"I told them last week and introduced Darenis to them," Ariannas explained. "I also told them that I would leave it up to them … and you … if you want to tell anyone else."

The Hahren gently took Ariannas' shoulders. "You know that I prefer the truth in all things, Ariannas. It might be easier if I say that magic just started for you, but I believe they will be comforted more by knowing you have been trained by one of the best." Then, he gave her a hug and left the room.

Del frowned. "I despise how mages have to hide their gifts. I consider myself one of the Faithful … except when it comes to magic."

Mari and Alistair laughed to Del's confusion. Mari said, "Why, First Warden, I knew I liked you for some reason!" It lightened the mood a bit.

Matis walked in. "Warden Recruit Ariannas, you will be sharing a bunkroom with other females in the Compound. If you will follow me," he said as he brushed his hand in the direction to go.

As Ariannas and Mari followed Matis to the bunkroom, Ariannas said, "That was a very good meeting, Mari. Is it typical for all Warden recruitments?"

"Well, I wouldn't say it was typical," Mari replied. "Every group is different … and we have the luxury of time … which is becoming shorter by the day, I'm afraid." She shook her head. "I cannot imagine trying to defeat an Archdemon with a bunch of recruits who had to be conscripted either against their will or against the will of their families or employers."

"Or, jailers," Ariannas said quietly.

Mari and Matis locked eyes at that statement, but let it go.

Matis showed her to a small, but comfortable barracks … and over to a bunk near the stove and window. There were about ten bunk beds in the room that seemed empty for the moment. "There is a service room at the end of the hallway, Recruit, for personal needs. Check it out and let us know if you require anything else. The chest at the end of your bunk is for personal items you may wish to keep private. The key on top is for you," Matis said. "No one else has the same key, so please keep track of it."

"We'll leave you to get settled in your new home and look around," Mari added. "Once you do, head downstairs for a meal and get comfortable with your new home, read some of the tomes in the library, talk to other Wardens … things like that."

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AN: I hope everyone is still enjoying the tale. I'm enjoying the flight of fancy to write it up. :) Next time, the group sets out on the recruitment tour … which doesn't exactly go as planned … but when does that ever happen! ;)