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[LadyAly]

Thank you I'm glad you like.

[LadyAly]

As we set our feet into Dust Town we stopped immediately. The smell of feculence lingers thick in the air,
desperation and poverty like dust over all. I asked myself how could a proud race let this happen to her own kind ?
Suddenly my gaze spotted a bald dwarf - like the one in the Shaperate ... who has stolen the tome.
He looked me straight in the eyes *What  do you want, Warden? You're out of element down here.
*I'm looking for a thief who dared steal from the Shaperate.*
He grunted*Is that so? What makes you think anyone here would turn me .. I mean, this person in?* his eyes narrowed, stupid fault he made and he draw his daggers
*You've walked into a sodding fight, Warden, and I've already passed your stupid tome along. Too bad for you.*
Dog growled and hung on his throat before even any other could react - the surprise was deadly for the thief.
No one cared about the spilled blood or the dead corpse - but one thing he was right - the tome wasn't in his bag or anywhere else on him.



The others dwarves roamed the really dusty and dirty streets along, ignoring us - so we were doing simple the same. Deeper inside I saw a fire and a woman sitting before, rubbing her sore hands together.
As we slowly approached her she stood up to speak with me.



*Well, look at that. Its not often ol' Nadezda sees a fine-dressed stranger here in Dust Town. Help a poor cripple?*
My smile was soft and my eyes surely were showing compassion as I gave her five silvers for food.
*You're as kind as you are beautiful. I owe you when I get back on my feet. If my feet still worked.
It takes a stranger to notice how bad things are, huh?*
With her jaw slightly clenched she speaks further *No dwarf would lift a sodding finger. Excuse my language.*
Her eyes rested curiously on me and then on the others
*What takes you out of the Diamond Quarter, stranger? You got a vice you're looking for old Nadezda to fill?*
I took and squeezed her hand for a short moment, I felt really pity for her.
*Do you know a woman named Jarvia?*
*Know her? I used to run with her. Jarvia took over the carta not more than a year ago, and already she's got every duster with both legs bearing swords for her.*
*Say Nadezda - Does the carta have a base anywhere?*
She told me all I need to know - Jarvia was a paranoid, they members used finger-tokens with scratches to open doors - and only one at time was open.
*Where do I find this tokens?*
*Can't help you there, salroka. The carta members keep them real tight. But...* Her eyes begging intensly



*That's worth something right? Maybe just a little ...*
I opened the palm of her clenched fist and lay some coins in there, closing it above.
*I'll give you ten silver. Take care of yourself - will you ?*
Starry-eyed she nodded *I'll think of you when I go to bed with a full stomach.*

Our walk drove as deeper and deeper into Dust Town - suddenly "Dog" leaped on a door and growled menacing.
I gave Sten and Leliana my Be-Ready-for-what-ever gaze and opened the door.
The Thugs stand there with raised weapons
*Well, look what we have here ... Jarvia said you were looking for trouble. Congratulations you found it.*
With a low chuckle my staff aimed at him - and well it was a short fight and the Thug-Leader forfeit.
*D-don't kill me! Sodding ancestors, what do they teach you on the surface? You fight like a bleedin' archdemon!
Sweet bloody Stone, look at them all!*



I raised my hand to stop the fight *Tell me how to find Jarvia, or you join them!*
Catching his breath he tried to answer immediately *T-the base is below the city. Y-y-you can get to it through the wall of the third house on this row. Put this token through the slot and it'll open.* His gaze met mine with less hope in *Will.. will you let me go now?*
I let him wait in silence for a couple of moments, then my answer came in rather harsh to make sure I'm not joking.
*Yes. And you won't want to be at Jarvia's when I get there.*
Sten made a deprecative noise, Leliana simple patted my shoulder in approval. Al ready half on his way out he stopped to look up at me *R-really? Oh thank you.You're a.. a.. a good person. How do they say it? The ancestors have shown their favor. Bless you! Bless you!* and then he run.
Turning to Sten I said mildly *Well he never had another chance from birth on - right?* before I left the house with the finger-token in my hand.
It was easy to find the house and I did what was told to me to open the door and put the token in the slot. The door unlocks with a quiet clunk.
With a wide grin on my lips I stepped in, closing the door behind me carefully. Some steps and we reached the Carta Doorman and his guys.
*What's the password?* he grunted
Lifting both brows I made big eyes *Uh- I don't know... maybe Sausage ?... no, wait.. I remember now. Die Scum!" and with this words we overwhelmed them and took out the key to pass.
All the way to the hideout I thought this must be something like the deep roads - tunnels in solid rocks, loopy and over all scattered thugs. Some rooms on our way and we made sure to plunder the resources,  Leliana did took care of the traps. Jarvia must be real paranoid and smart - as she proved very fast as we reached her rooms.

Staring at me she snarled like a dog *So, Bhelen finally realized his throne means nothing if he can't hold it, yet he still doesn't bother to send his own men. Well, you picked the wrong side, stranger. It doesn't matter who's king, as long as there's a queen!*
My smile was cold *You're awefully cocky for someone whose entire carta is dead.*
She cried out *You'll pay for their deaths a hundred times over.* She turned to her men and raised her weapons - *Kill them! But leave the pretty one alive: I have plans for her.*



Sten let out his war cry and jumped forward, but she was pretty swiftly hidden into shadows. Leliana merged with the shadows as well, Sten,Dog and I took care of the Thug to gave her the room to surprise Jarvia. Jarvia hides behind several traps, aiming at me mostly, but she couldn't really harm me- she was to busy to fight against the stinging swarm I had send to her - and in her back appeared Leliana, using a deadly backstab move at her.
This was Jarvias end - not glorious in my opinion.

Howsoever - it was done - Bhelen has to fulfill his word now and send his troops with me.
We searched to get out and found a secret door - it was rather a dusty explosion - and then we stood in a store.
The eyes from the merchant popped nearly out of his face *GAH!!!! By all the beards of my ancestors! How did you ... where did you come from? Y...you made a hole in my wall!!!!* he nearly cried, furios as he was.
I pat off the dirt and dust calmly, tantalizing slow looking over my shoulder to the hole - and back to the dwarf *Aye, you should get it fixed - really.*
Leliana stiffled a snicker and the dwarf grumbled low under his breath *It's going to cost me a fortune, isn't it? I can't believe this. There better not be more of your trouble-making kind crawling in after you. I swear, this city is going to criminals and the nugs...*
I gave him a wink and made my way out - with a light surprise noticing we landed in the Common's.
Bhelen... yes, before we rest... Bhelen...



Not long later I stood again in front of his "Highness-Arrogance"
His blue eyes sparkled satisfied *Well, you've simply outdone yourself. They're talking all over the city about how someone finally went through Dust Town and slaughtered the carta like genlocks.*
Clearly not in the mood for his flummeries I snapped with a hard voice at him *I did what you asked. Do you have my troops?*
*Not yet* My gasp was angry, but i wasn't very surprised - he surely wanted another favor done - I was pretty sure about that.
He explained he need something dramatic to end all the debate forever. With a sly gaze he asked me what I know about Branka - I just shrugged, cause it wasn't much beside she disappeared in the Deep Roads.
He started to pace along the room - telling me about Paragons and how important they are. If he had her support - the throne would get to him unchallenged.
*So you hope to bring her back to endorse you for king.*
I stated
He interrupted his pace and gave me a swift look



*I hope YOU will bring her back to endorse me as king.*
We started to debate if she still could be alive and if she returns she ever would support him. He pondered *However, if the Deep Roads have ... addled her wits, it might be best she not return before the kingship is decided.*
Now - that was a new twist of his dangerous, sly mind.
*Are you saying I should kill her?*
He gestured with his hands, but I could read the truth in his eyes, though *I would never say that. She is a Paragon; it is my duty to protect her. In the other hand, we must respect her decisions... Should she prefer to stay in the Deep Roads rather than help her rightful king take the throne, we must assist her. By any means necessary.*
*I will find her for you*
A hint of a pleased smile played over his face, so far you can say that with all the hair in their faces.
*Then we will both go down in history as a Paragon's saviors.*
.... what means nothing to me - I added in my mind.
He gave me a map and told me all I needed to know. His own men searched since a while for her - and the point her trail ends was Caridin's Cross, many miles deep into the tunnels.
I took all from his hands into my bag and gave him a final nod - I was tired to the bone, yet. From him, his behaviour and his perfidiousness - - we needed first some rest.
 

Modifié par LadyAly, 17 juin 2010 - 08:11 .

[Gilgamesh1138]

As always LadyAly, LOVE this! I am so glad you are back! *hugs*

[LadyAly]

awww. thanks Gil.  You are kinda sweet always 

Modifié par LadyAly, 19 juin 2010 - 01:13 .

[LadyAly]

The fresh, very cold air, got in my lungs inebriant.  It was al ready late evening and I was aware it will be the last time to see the sky for a longer time - for now I had to gather my companions at the near camp and tell them the state of affairs.

With some concern they looked at me, listening.
Alistair was very quiet, an uneasy expression on his face.
After a short discuss we decided to move the camp to the Deep Road. Four of us always ahead - the others to strengthen our back.
Leliana went with a thoughtfully gaze toward her tent. I was sure she was thinking about Marjolaine - well maybe a little gift could cheer her up.
*Leliana... wait a moment*
She turned and I saw the emotional upheaval, all the stress in her eyes. *Yes ?*
I reached for a small bag - in fact a living bag - which made squeeky noises.
Carefully I handed the package over - I had grabbed it short before we were leaving Orzammar.
Her eyes grew widely *OH!! It's one of those subterranean bunny-pigs! Ohhh, look at him! Come here, you ...*
I couldn't help myself, a broad smile parted my lips
*Careful, he nips*
*He's probably just hungry NaChaya. Ooooh, he's snuffling me! Snuffle, snuffle!* She squealed happily



Then she turned her gaze upwards on my face *Thank you so much. You've made my day.*
Simple squeezing her shoulder before I walked away I felt some joy about this sweet little scene arose in myself.
Dog barked excitedly, bouncing around me as I gave him some bones.
All seems peacefully, but ... well one thing was nagging on me - I promised Zevran to speak with Alistair.
Actually this let my stomach curl into a knot ...

Alistair walked over to me as our eyes met, and he understood the slight nod - maybe ... maybe he was aware of what could follow.
*Care for a little walk under the moonlight?* I asked him quietly.
He muttered a low *Sure ...*



Walking in silence, shoulder to shoulder, none of us both seems willing to open the conversation - then we did it at the same moment
*See, Alistair ...* *So, NaChaya...*
I gave him a lopsided small grin - *Well, you first...*

His hands cupped over my cheeks he looked straight in my eyes. *Before you tell me that you have chosen someone else - let me make one thing clear. I love you NaChaya, I will always do - and if he treats you badly I kill him.*
He pulled me close, his mouth on mine with an unusual impatient anger - he rarely let free. He kissed me hungrily before he broke off and backed up slowly with a ragged breath.

I run my hand over my face, because the conversation, such at it was one, had gotten out of my hands, clearly.
*I'm so sorry Alistair. You .. you .. * I turned my face away to gather my thoughts. *Look - you are like a brother, the best friend I ever had Alistair. But my heart...*
His hand reached for my chin to lift it up and in his direction.

*Look, I... I'm fine with it. Really. If it wasn't meant to be, it wasn't meant to be. Zev's a lucky bastard. That's all I really have to say about it. I hope he makes you happy. Still what I said to you stands ... and will forever. You are the most bodacious, terrific, gorgeous and irresistible woman I ever met.*

My cheeks blushed lightly *Zev and you having something in common. Actually he cares a lot for you, you both are orphans .. and if I look over our party.. well we are all not really fostered in our past, right?*

*I still wonder why you can give your heart to an assassin...* He muttered bitter.

*Alistair, please, don't give me another burden. And you are right in one thing - without Zevran ...But I can't change it. You mean so much to me ... I don't wanna lose you Alistair... You going to be king, probably - I'm nothing - nothing against you. I'm barely know who I am, my past is - dark...*
I let out a sigh as my leading edge of my temper dulled down to the core of worry and fear.
Then I touched with my hand his chest, whispering * I don't wanna lose you... and I mean this - exactly this - I can't lose you *
He raked his fingers through my hair, then he stepped away, his eyes filled with tears.



*All is good NaChaya, don't be worried. I'll watch over you until I draw my last breath ... you are far to precious for me to forsake you. But ... DON'T dare to say you are nothing, cause its not true - and for my part I have not the slightest intention to be king - you know I would hate it... I feel not kingly.
I'll accept your decision, lucky or not and I will watch him closely, thats for sure.*

I rose up on my toes to kiss him softly on either cheek.
*Thank you for understanding and your sweet words Alistair* I managed to whisper

He let out a grunt *Oh, I don't know that I'd go THAT far. Lets get back to camp, then. Plenty of things to do*

And their it was... the boyish little smile on his lips I liked so very much.
And for a single moment I felt happy,free and gifted to have such a friend ...
 

Modifié par LadyAly, 22 juin 2010 - 08:04 .

[LadyAly]

Not even the slightest golden sunbeam has touched the sky as we had packed al ready all our stuff and said g'bye to Bodahn and Sandal.


We reached Orzammars gates as the light of the dawn all colored in grey and rosy shades.
Before we were able to start the excursion we had to buy a lot of supplies - no one of us had any illusion that it will take some times to find this Paragon - if she was still alive.
My attention was draw to a woman kneeling at a stone, mumbling. I cleared my throat and she looked at me with tears, her face marked from grief.
 

After a quiet request she told me her name, Filda and that this was something of a shrine - a section of stone for prayers. And she told me from her son, Ruck - lost in the Deep Roads five years ago. Before she had lost her husband al ready - it was a very touching story, performed with a calm, soft voice.
* I'll look for him or his remains if you want good woman*
Her gaze was filled with doubts *How? There is no way except to brave the Deep Roads yourself.*
*I'm a Grey Warden. That's what we do.*
My inner voice started to grumble that this offer was idiotic, but this time my heart won.
*A Warden! So you COULD do it! Only Wardens face the Deep Roads without a company backing them.
Oh, thank you ! The ancestors finally heed my prayers!*
Zevran let out a stiffeld noise *Hmph. Don't get your hopes up. We could search the Deep Roads for decades with no sight of the boy.*
But Filda has a little hope on her face, grabbing greedy at this straw *Please. Find me as soon as you return!*
*I will - no matter what I have to tell you then.*




Finally we turned towards the Deep Roads as a red haired dwarf reached us breathless from running.
His rough voice was as brassy as his whole appearance.
A memory catched me - I had seen him before in the Diamond Quarter, arguing about Branka - and a second time, drunk to the gutter, in the tavern.



*There you are. You are the Grey Warden - ah - I know you're down here to look for Branka, and, uh, I need to ask a favor.*
*You've been trying to get help to find Branka, right?*
He grumbled and his ale breath let me my nose wrinkle.
*Aye, I have. For all the sodding good it's done me. I'm the only one who still cares about her as a person. Everyone else thinks she's just a symbol they can leave in the Deep Road where she can't offend anyone.*
Well that fits in the *social lack* thing Bhelen had mentioned, I thought for myself.
Now he was full in anger and grunts loud *I know what Branka wanted and how she was looking. You, preumably, know everything Bhelen's scouts have discovered about where she disappeared.*
How by the Maker he knows this? Maybe behind this Ale smell was still something left like a brain. I crossed my arms and lifted one brow, still listening.
*If we pool our knowledge, we stand a chance of finding Branka. Otherwise - good sodding luck.*
cocking my head aside I asked him *I don't know. Will you behave yourself?*
*It's the Deep Roads. I'll kill darkspawn. Outside of that, what difference does it make? Branka was a brilliant girl, but half the time sh'd add two and two and make it fifty. You want to find her, you need someone who knows how she thinks.*
I had still a lot of doubts - but an axe more on our side for this task....*Sounds like we have a deal - dwarf.*
*Oghren - if you want adress me.* he grunts again and belched.
Making a step back with a grimace at the horrific smell a sigh escaped my lips. Best should be to let the dwarf run in front of our group ... Maybe this breath alone kills some darkspawn ...
One thing was left for me to know *Why do you care so much about Branka, anyway?* 

 

*WHY ??? We were sodding MARRIED until she left me and took our whole house into the Deep Roads on her mad quest for the Anvil. It was a stupid move. If I'd been with her, she'd have made it back years ago. But I forgive her.*
Well ... if the whole "sodding" dwarf smells like his breath I had kind of sympathy for Branka's move ...
*Bhelen gave me a map. I can get to Caridin's Cross.*
Oghren grumbled *If we're going, let's get moving. Branka's not going to sodding find herself.*

With the help of Bhelen's map we made pace - without being disturbed from anyone - to Caridin's Cross.
Oghren took a sip from the odd flask - hanging from his belt, belching.*Caridin's Cross! I can't believe Bhelen actually tracked this place down. This used to be one of the biggest crossroads in the old empire. You could get anywhere from here. Including Ortan Thaig.*
*See any sign of Branka yet?*
*Not a one, but trust me, we will once we're on the path to the old Ortan Thaig. She was going to Caridin's home.*

A bit puzzled about all this names I thought a short rest should be good for us all - I asked Morrigan and Zevran to accompany me and Oghren deeper in to this maze. Zevran gave me his cheeky smile and blows a kiss with a nod, whilst Morrigan with some disgust looked up and down at Oghren - whispering towards me ..*let him run in front if possible my friend...*
A soft chuckle blew past my lips before I walked over to Oghren. * So... who's Caridin again ?*



*Only Branka's hero, the most famed Paragon ever to rise from the Smith Caste. He built the Anvil, and he's teh only one who ever knew its secret. He was an Ortan before he founded his own house, and even then, he spent most of his time in their thaig. Branka figured it was the best guess for where the Anvil was located.*
*Do you know anything else about the Anvil?*
*No one but Caridin ever really knew more than that it had some kind of Stone-blessed power. Every golem who ever ranged across the empire - like your stone faced pet you have with you - was hammered on the steel of that Anvil, but no one ever knew exactly how they were made.
But Branka was sure she could find out.*

I gave Shale a thoughtful gaze, but she had not paid any attention to our discuss - standing a bit far from us and polishing her jewels.
*Great - we are ready Oghren. Let's go.*



He gave me a rough hard laughing
*I've been waiting for someone to say that for two sodding years.*

[Gilgamesh1138]

Aw I missed a chapter! I am so, so sorry! I loved them both! Aw, poor Ali, but he was a good sport. Oghren always makes me giggle, as does Schmooples.

[LadyAly]

 Thanks dear - Very slowly the Deep Road thing is forming in my head - I suppose I get it packed in a tolerably form to read.
But I really have some problems with it  

Modifié par LadyAly, 23 juin 2010 - 10:42 .

[Gilgamesh1138]

Ugh the Deep Roads are a pain in the backside! To play and to write about. ROFL!

[LadyAly]

We reached very fast the first marker and behind a corner we could see some dwarf's. Before I could say anything the leader of the group approached us *Well, look what we have here... Some of Bhelen's new toadies ... Let's show'em who's king!*



I couldn't help myself and let out a mocking chuckle *Oh well I can't wait to kill some hired goon's ass...*
I made a mental note that probably Harrowmont had hired this bunch of idiots.
Zevran was swiftly at my side, placing a ever so swift kiss on my cheek - laughing, then he raised his both daggers.
He and Oghren finished easily the dwarfs - Morrigan and I took care of this cocky elf mage in the background.

I raised a brow and pulled out the map to have a look on it.
Oghren grunted with a amused hint toward Zevran *So - the boss and you mmh ?*
*If by "boss" you are referring to who I think you are, you are correct* answered Zevran in his smooth, easy way to talk. 
*Uh, hm.Just. Good luck with that*
A grin appeared on my lips, still studying the map as Zevran answered *Why, thank you ever so much.*
But Oghren hadn't enough yet *You might want to...y'know. Keep it down, though.*
I had convolve the map, store them in my bag, then I approached Oghren and pulled hard and short on his beard. My gaze was warning him to say anything further.
He growled at me before he belched and giving me a wink.
Have I mentioned I do not like dwarfs ?

Stepping into the tunnels has the meaning of fighting darkspawn and spiders behind every corner. Coming out of the tunnel - well still the same. Only added to the fight a Bronto - Zevran took good care of it.



We walked always prepared again further as suddenly Morrigan raised her voice annoyed.
*Should I be looking elsewhere? Have you forgotten about the fish you stored in your backpack, perhaps?*
Oghren not even looked over his shoulder *I was saving it. Won't be ready for the lye for at least another day.*
Morrigans temper started to raise I noticed *Even the Chasind did not have such disgusting habits, and they consumed the flesh of the deads.*
Oghren grumbled in return *Fine, fine, I'll soak it in the lye now. Have it your way, Miss Squeamish*
Morrighan got pale and scoffed *That's not what I...no, never mind. Just... get it over with. Quickly.*
Then she whispered to me *Can I transform him into a dead dwarf?* I shook my head amused, even she was right - Oghrens smell let me walk always in a good distance to him.

Another corner and we reached another long corridor,
*This looks like the right way out. Ortan Thaig. It won't be long now. * Oghren said with some excitement in his voice.
We still walked some time before the surroundings and colors changed slightly.
This must be Ortan Thaig.



Oghren stared in awe- *By the ****** of my ancestors, Ortan Thaig. I never thought I'd see this place in the flesh. I can see Branka all over this place. She always took chips from the walls at regular intervals when she was in a new tunnel - check their composition. If she was still here, though she'd have sentries out by now.* The last sentence was thoughtfully.
*Oghren what can you tell me about these ruins?*
*This was Caridin's home thaig. He was an Ortan before he got raised to a Paragon. Even stayed here when he could have had his own house. I guess he didn't want to move his people to Bownammar.*
Stepping on his side I was curious *What's Bownammar?*
*The city of the dead, Warden. Caridin built it to honor the Legion of the Dead, but it was more like a sodding mausoleum than anything. Of course, that was all before he built the Anvil. After that, he was the city's pet genius until he angered the king and fell into disfavor.*
*So there was a City there?*



Oghren grumbled loudly *No, no, there was a thaig here, Ortan Thaig. Bownammar is north and west of here, but that's not important. Or at least, I hope it isn't.*
We looked at each other and he continued *The City of the Dead is known as the Dead Trenches since the darkspawn conquered it. Much of the Legion was destroyed when the fortress fell.*
Pursing my lips I had another question *What if Branka and everyone died?* this was much more possible then anything else in my opinion.
Now he scold with his deep voice *Well, arn't you a sodding bright spot today? If everyones dead, there'd be evidence of a major battle, wouldn't there? Three hundred or so dwarves don't just fade away.*
I had to avow he had a point here.
*Let's get going.*
Oghren grumbled again still slightly annoyed *Couldn't have said it better myself.*

Marking the place for the others, which were surely some hours behind us, we started to explore Ortan Thaig.
 

Modifié par LadyAly, 28 juin 2010 - 04:54 .

[Gilgamesh1138]

Oh I hate the Dead Trenches... but I love your story my friend.! YAY more!

[LadyAly]

Thank you - I have something in my mind to spice up the thing a little - I hope it works

[Slim Warden]

This is very interesting Aly I'm looking forward to you're next chapter.
And just a sidenote the Deep Roads were hell, I spent four hours looking for a bunch of bags to complete that one quest with to resurrect that chopped  up Demon. (that was a FML moment) But anyway keep the story coming.

Modifié par Slim Warden, 27 juin 2010 - 11:09 .

[LadyAly]

*snickers and nods* With NaChaya I will left out a lot of side quests - especially that one - its anyway pretty hard to run through tunnels and fighting *lol*, hard to describe it with my   lack of english. Fights in general very stressy for me to write ... >.<
But I'm happy you like it, though  You both have no idea how much inspiration it is if you see people actually like what you do 

Modifié par LadyAly, 28 juin 2010 - 05:15 .

[LadyAly]

It was a rather boring march deeper into OrtanThaig, surprisingly without any interrupt from darkspawn, monsters or anything else.
Zevran started to ask Morrigan about Flemeth. *Your Mother is supposedly the one called Flemeth, the very witch from legend, is that not true?* He gave her a sly smile and a mocking glint rested in his eyes. Morrigan - as always - snapped back
*There is nothing "supposed" about it. Flemeth is my mother.*
*Hmmm... I was more doubtful of the legend rather than your relationship to this woman. Anyone can claim a name, after all.* He tilt his head, gave her a wink.
*You're welcome to ask her, if you ever meet her. You're just her type* she stated coldly.
*Oh`? Elfen and Handsome?*
I had to stifle a laughter. Morrigan cocked cool one brow, pointing every word out. *The sort that will never be missed.*
Zevran let out one of his adorable quiet chuckle *sounds intriguing, if you ask me.*
Morrigan huffs * You assassin types have a death wish, I see.*
Now he laughed *Only the really good ones!*

Our way leads us deeper and deeper. I heard low noises - shrieks, screaming, scratching - immediately we raised in silence our weapons and sneaked further. Around a corner were a huge cave and we could see Darkspawn and a Oger fighting against a huge army of spiders.
I gave a short dip and we attacked all, took them by surprise.



Oghren and Morrigan went to the second group, Zevran and I took care of the near group with the Ogre.
On a bit higher stage we spotted a dwarf, murmuring, stumbling - he looked not healthy to be honest. His head was distorted in a odd way. As soon as he saw us he started to yell
*There's nothing for you here! It's mine! I've claimed it!!*
*And how do you propose to eject me?* I asked him quietly to calm him down.
*The crawlers will take you away, oh yes! Soon, you'll be gone like all the others!*
Oghren grumbled deep in his throat *Bah! He's a bloody scavenger, good as sodding gone.*
The deformed dwarf started to yell again *Begone you! You'll bring the dark ones back, you will!! They'll crunch your bones!*
Oghren furrowed his brows *Word has it you can only survive down here by eating the darkspawn dead.*
I tried to swallow the soaring vomit down my throat, but my stomach felt like a icy knot. I managed to choke some words out *Darkspawn blood is poison. Men have died from drinking it.*
Like crazy he started to run now, spitting his words out, manic, nuts ...
*It burns when it goes down. IT BUUURNSSSS! Its MY claim, not yours! Crunch your boooooneeeeeeess!!!!*

With a motion from my hand I gave the others the sign to follow him. There was a round cave, a fire in and the dwarf stood there, nearly crying now *Go away! This is mine! Only I gets to plunder its riches!*



Looking around I found some which leads me to a question *Is this Branka's campsite?*
*It's MINE! I'm the one who found it. I drove out the crawlers. Now its mine!!*
Okay - time to make clear who's the boss here.
*Do what I say or I will kill you.* It was cold, determined and very clear.
He swallowed, blinking, staring - his hand,mutated into claws, nervously closed and opened.
*Please don't hurt Ruck. Ruck is sorry...*
Wrinkling my forehead I remembered Filda - and her son Ruck.
*So your name is Ruck?*
He freezed into a odd statue *Ummmm... yes, Ruck be my name.*



*I think I met your mother. Is her name Filda?*
His eyes grow wide and wild *N-n-n-n-no. No Filda. No mother. No warm blanket and stew and pillow and soft words! Ruck doesn't deserve good memories. No-no-no-no-no ----*
*How did you end up here?* I interrupted
*She-she did not know, not what I did. I was very, very, very, very angry and then someone was dead. They wantes to send Ruck to the mines. If I went to the mines, sh-she would know. So I came here, instead.*
His breath was rugged and heavy, his head rocking back and forth
*Once you eat... once you takes the darkness... you not miss the light so much.*
I gasped quietly, swallowing back again the bitter stomach acid and the need to throw it out.
Suddenly his glazzy-eyed gaze was locked in my dark eyes.



He lowered his voice and I was near to freak out
*You know, do you not? Ruck sees, yes. He sees the darkness inside you.*
That gave me the creeps and I tried to answer as cold as possible
* I am a Grey Warden, It's not the same.*
I felt a soothing hand, touching my neck, stroking with a thumb appeasing over my skin - and I felt nothing as gratefulness and love in this second of time for Zevran's small gesture.
Ruck stared in my face, long seconds - then he continued
*Grey like the stone. Guardian against the darkness* he whispered.
I cleared my throat, now with more steady feelings *How did you survive here?*
Oh Andraste - was that a fact really I wanted to know ???
His voice become a haunting tune now
*When the dark ones were here, I kept to the shadows. They don't look in the shadows, not if you're quiet....Not if you eat their flesh. Then the dark ones think you're one of them. They leave you alone. But now they're gone.*
I swallowed again hard * Do you know where the "dark ones" went?*
Ruck seems suddenly nearly normal, like awake from a continuing nightmare
*I don't leave my claim. If I do, someone will takes it from me.* He nodded confirmative.
*But there are still giant spiders here, correct?*
A firm nod follows *The crawlers. They used to eat the smallest dark ones. Now the crawlers go hungry.*
*When did you arrive here Ruck?*
*Errr...me thinks .... years.* He pondered shortly *Yes, yes, five times years maybe?*
He seems tired and worn out now * I need to ask you something else*
He gave me a weary nod *I will answer your questions*
*Did you find anything unusual at this camp?*
Furrowing his brows his face was a preposterous, distorted mask
*Bits of things, but only bits. The crawlers took almost everything.They takes things of steel and things of paper. They take the shinies and the words.*
Oghren's rumbling voice raised into the thick air *Paper and words? That sounds like someone was taking notes. Do you think Branka camped here?*



Ruck was babbling more to himself now - *They bring to the great nest, the nest they makes for the eggs. They put the shinies inside, they do.. oh yes that is what they doing...*
*Ruck - do you have anything for trade?* If he had something maybe there was another hint of Branka
He smiled - or at least it was the attempt to smile
*Ruck has some things. From the camp, sometimes the webs. You give him shiny coins, no ?*
I smiled thinly, nodding so he went to show me his wares.
But we found nothing special in there - so I gave him a silver and he took it like a precious.
We said good bye and went out of "his" cave.
*Looks like that bone-picker is living in Brankas old camp. Did you see the marks on the floor? There were a lot of people and fires there once.*
Oghren spoke in thoughts *Those must be Branka's papers he said were taken by the spiders. Nothing that fragile would be left from the thaig.*
Morrigan pointed with her staff to the near bridge - *Golems and what not...*
*Well yes - lets try to find this spider lair* I said in response.
Zevran gave me a sweet little grin - then his cold Assassin-face returned as he melted into the shadows - ready for the next fight.
 

Modifié par LadyAly, 02 juillet 2010 - 10:00 .

[LadyAly]

Golems and some angry spirits waited for as we tried to cross the bridges. I was thinking about Shale - she was smaller and not so tall as the one we found here. If she will be angry if we slaughter her kind ?



However - we need to find this spider nest. Hopefully we could find some hints about Branka's whereabouts.
The spiders and crawlers fled before us - it was a bit scary. We followed slowly the tunnel, always in mind the destiny from the Oger and darkspawn at Ruck's cave. 
Zevran suggested with a low voice to use some firetraps -



Morrigan raised a thumb as approval. It should be a good idea - so he left us - using his amazing stealth skill.
Oghren let out shortly after a grunt as a lightning bolt was hitting him from the right, pushing him some meters away and on his back. A slight movement of my head told him to say nothing.
He signaled in return that he was okay.
Morrigan and I slunk near the rocks to get a view - and there was a Emissary with raised staff waiting for us. We grinned at each other, blind grasp to know what to do we fired our spells at the same split second - Oghren growled and stomped forward to the right to kill the running spiders.
The Emissary to the right was al ready dead so we took care for the other as a firetrap let the emissary blow up into the air. Zevran appeared with his grin, tipping with a finger in greet on his head and dissappeared again.

And there she was - a huge spider - the queen. As she raised I used immediatly a force field to hold her down - so we could eliminate her minions. Morrigan had an eye on her, casting a freeze spell or prisoned her if necessary - Zevran was already at her - laying some traps around.
We draw back - weapons ready, in case if the traps shouldn't kill her.
The Monster awaked, her sound was awkward as she tried to reach us and at the same time call some minions - all was blown up into the air as her legs touched 3 of 5 traps. She was thrown up in flames, the thudding sound from her body was nasty and I let some spells follow to be sure she was really dead.

Curiously we searched for any interesting things and look, there deep in her nest was something which was looking like a book.
It looks at a first glance like someones journal. The cover was battered and torn, but intact. I leaf through the desiccated pages and there was a text which catched my eyes.
I started to read it out loud . 




"We found evidence today that the Anvil of the Void was not built in the Ortan Thaig. We will go south, to the Dead Trenches. The Anvil is somewhere beyond.
My soldiers tell me I am mad, that the Dead Trenches are crawling with darkspawn, that we will surely die before we find the Anvil... if we find it.
I leave this here in case they're right. If I die in the Trenches, perhaps someone can yet walk past my corpse and retrieve the Anvil.
For if it remains lost, so we do all.
If I have not returned and Oghren lives, tell him ... No, what I have to say should be for his ears alone.

Oghren took a big swig from his flask * Branka was thinking about me! I knew she still cared! Old softy.*
Another large swig followed *Looks like the Dead Trenches is our next stop,then. They say the darkspawn nest there, whole herds of'em. But if that's where Branka went, then that's where I'm going.*

Placing my hand on his shoulder I looked at him - *And we will go with you Oghren*

 

Modifié par LadyAly, 03 juillet 2010 - 06:15 .

[Gilgamesh1138]

I was so happy to see more! Sorry I didn't get to post on the last section. Real life kept me busy, but good things come to those who wait,yes? Because now I had two new parts of the story to read! YAY! Thank you LadyAly!

[LadyAly]

It was in fact one - written in two parts - since I hadn't the time to finish the Ortan Thaig yesterday  
I hope you enjoyed - tomorrow will follow a most important chapter in the Dead Trenches - with the announced little twist I thought about 

[Gilgamesh1138]

Oh! I can't wait!

[Slim Warden]

Good work Aly, I enjoyed the last two parts and I'm getting anxious for more.

[LadyAly]

We decided to rest for some hours before entering the Dead Trenches.
Zevran sat down beside me, without a word, slipping his arm comforting behind my back, pulling me on his chest.
My smile was tired, but it was a nice feeling, simple to let all go for a moment - knowing someone will have an eye on it. I thought I had closed my lids only for a minute as he whispered in my ear
*My dear little Warden - we should decamp - time to go.*
Blinking heavily I saw Morrigan grinning * You slept some hours like a dead cat ...*
*Oh did I ? ...* Oghren was returning from the corner seeing me awaked. 
*Hah - finally* he grumbled.
Rubbing my eyes I jumped on my feet
 *Good you impatient dwarf - lead the way.* Tossing a smile towards him he shook his head in return, muttering in his beard something like ''warden - wasted times'' - and so on.

Entering the Dead Trenches was - difficult. The air was full of this sodding, terrible smell, thick and I had the feeling I couldn't breath any more. 
And then ... we reached a huge cliff.



Carefully approaching it we saw a buzzling army of darkspawn deep underneath us in the canyon - thousands and thousands of beasts. Mighty wings were suddenly cut the air around us - the dragon, the archdemon - a icy shower rushed down my spine as I focused my gaze upon him. And he noticed us - I am pretty sure about.



As if he would demonstrate us his might, we are not worth enough to fight us yet, he settled down on a rock, breathing blue fire and a booming roar filled the air.
The army underneath us started to move ....
*The Blight ... is marching...* I barely could whisper.



The Dragon rose up into the air to follow his army.
Now we recognized we had hold our breath, we gazed at each other. Fear, anxious and concern I could find in the eyes of my companions.
*Let's move on my friends - we can only stop this if we get the dwarf army as allies ... so lets just move.*
Morrigan gave me a faint smile, Oghren simple stomped back to the route and Zevran's loopsided grin showed me that he suddenly realized this wasn't a easy game.

We heard fighting noises ... there were dwarfs fighting darkspawn. We run immediately there to help.
Wave after wave we eliminated before I could start to talk to the leader of this small army.
His name was Kardol, leader of the Legion of the Dead. He wasn't very surprised to see me, but that I was coming in such a small number. I told him that some of my companions are behind us, that I was searching for Branka.
*Who put this dull idea in your head? We've got other things to worry about in Orzammar ... ah now I see. The deep lords in the Assembly can't make up their minds, so the pretenders need added influence. I get that right?*



I gave him a dip with my head *That's about it. You have anything useful to add?*
He grunts and his voice was cold as he stated Branka is dead and past his line the darkspawn will kill everything.
His dilemma was he had no order to start an assault without someone's ass on the throne in Orzammar. 
We talked quite a while -but he couldn't tell me nothing new.
*Your Nightmare Warden is my everyday. Our resolve gives you a rest between Blights. A surge on the surface would give us a break. When the times come, I'll care for a good dwarven reason. Sod the rest.*
I promised him to fight the bridge free and he gave his word to tell the others around Alistair to show the direction we took.
No sooner said then done - we eliminated all darkspawn at the bridge and behind. Zevran killed a huge Oger - again.



He had some bruises after the fight , cause the Oger had pushed him backwards before he could jump on him with the final blow.
Then he chuckled *Well, my beautiful body will ache a bit - I assume. So no Sex my dear little Mage ...*
Morrigan and I rolled our eyes, but my smile told him the truth for sure - I was seriously fallen for him.
Kardol was running over the bridge - his stern face lifting up to look in mine.
*Well, Grey Warden, I'll give you credit for backbone. You've dug a line through the spawn. Still no sense in your head, but you've got skill.*
My lips curled into a amused grin and I bowed before him as a thanks and good bye.
*Good luck Grey Warden.*

We marched through caverns for quite a while, then it opens to a normal architecture again. And we had to fight suddenly another foe - skeletons. Looking in every room we found nothing worth - or news about Branka.
Reaching another cavern the terrible smell thickens - fleshy sacks in some corners. It was truely amazing that you can even tolerate such a thing, or maybe blend out of mind, instead of puking constantly your own guts out.
A blood-curling whisper was in the air and we tried to listen


"First day, they come and catch everyone.
Second day, they beat us and eat some for meat.
Third day, the men are gnawed on again.
Fourth day, we wait and fear for our fate.
Fifth day, they return and it's another girl's turn."


We reached a large room full with fleshy sacks - monstrous - and there was the whisperer. A dwarf female - but by Andraste - she looked terrible, much worse then Ruck.



She seems to suffer on a high feaver, her eyes glossy, skin deadly pale, covered in dark blotches.
She stared at me and with a ghostly voice she starts to speak
*What is this? A human? Bland and unlikely* she paused
*First day, they come and catch everyone.*
*What is that chant?* I tried to interrupt her
*It's what I've seen. What I will become. I force it into verse so it is fantasy, unreal. That's the only place I can hide, because they make me...they make me eat. And then ...*
Her voice broke with horror and I got another thick knot in my stomach. Spookily she continued
*All I could do was wish Laryn went first. I wished it upon her so that I would be spared. But I had to watch. I had to see the change. How do you endure that? How did Branka endure*
*Branka! Where is she?*
*D-do not talk of Branka, of what she did. Ancestors preserve us, forgive me. I am Hespith, I was her captain and I didn't stop her. I was her lover and I could not turn her. Forgive her... but no, she cannot be forgiven. Not for what she did. Not for what she has become.*
Muttering to myself I thought Branka was an obsessed idiot and I wondered why someone get the idea to make her into a Paragon
*A lover in the dark. No wonder she left Oghren*
Oghren heard my murmur and his rumbling voice was full of dissappointment
*This explains a lot. Of course, if I knew she had those interests, I could've made some adjustments!*
Hespith whispered again
 *There is too much darkness in here. The Anvil, it is in the darkness, surrounded by it, pulling Branka in.
NO... I swore not to speak of it, not to think ofit. La-la-la-la-la. I will not hear any more about Branka.*
Now she started to get really creepy and nuts - my try to calm her down was a faint one
*Help me and I'll take you to her.*
She sighed *They spit bile and blood in my mouth! I would rather die than bring taht with me, than have ...
her...see me like this.* She started to shout and run
*I will not become what I have seen! Not Laryn! Not Branka!*
She dissappeared somewhere in front of us.

*We should try to follow her - disgusting as it is my friend...* said Morrigan in a low tune.
*This place makes my skin crawl Warden, lets go.* grunted Oghren
*Yes we should* My answer was more a deep sigh , but I had started al ready to walk in the direction Hespith were gone.

Her whisper followed us - always the same chant -
even as we approached another large open area. Some huge gates were to see - and - how surprising two Ogres.
We fought our battle as every time - looking into all rooms and the last one in the south astonished us.
The hall was immense huge and beautiful - Spirits standing there - without a motion.
I gave Oghren a curious gaze - his voice was a bit hushed in awe I assume
*Bownammar. I thought it would have fallen into dust by now.*



We walked slowly through the hall to the very end - there stood  an Altar - a key placed on it. I took it away slowly - I had the feeling we would need this key.
Suddenly the Spirits attacked us - well as always. To be honest I would have been very surprised if not.
We left the hall after the fight, I felt the weight of the key in my hand. Zevran pointed to the large door in the Center of the area - we had tried before but it was locked.
Indeed - the key fitted the lock - the gate swung open with a creaky sound.
And there it was again Hespith's whisper in the air - she seems to follow us. It gave me a shiver to my bone







*The men, they kill...they're merciful. But the women, they want.
They want to touch, to mold, to change until you are filled with them ...
They took Laryn. They made her eat the others, our friends.
She tore off her husband's face and drank his blood.
And while she ate, she grew. She swelled and turned grey and she smelled like them.
They remade her in their imagine. Then she made more of them.

"First day, they come and catch everyone.
Second day, they beat us and eat some for meat.
Third day, the men are gnawed on again.
Fourth day, we wait and fear for our fate.
Fifth day, they return and it's another girl's turn.
Sixth day, her screams we hear in our dreams.
Seventh day, she grew as in her mouth they spew.
Eighth day, we hated as she is violated.
Ninth day, she grins and devours her kin.
Now she does feast, as she's become the beast."

 Her last word was ominous 
 *Broodmother...*   

There - around the corner she was - nothing could steel us, or prepare us, for what we had to see now. She was obscene monstrous, eight breasts, fleshy tentacles appeared around us, even the ground was a smear of flesh and unknown fluids.



Morrigan jumped with disgust into a higher position, as I had done outright -
Oghren started to hack with a war cry at the tentacles -
Zevran appeared directly in front of the Broodmother.
I felt an icy ring on my heart - that was wrong, foolish.
 I saw like in slow motion that she grabbed him, shaking him like nothing and throw him through the cave onto a rock. He lay there - crushed, motionless, like a destroyed puppet.

*ZEEEEVRAN !!!!!       NO !!!!*


I heard the scream, a unnatural shriek - before I realized it was my own voice I turned into a huge spider. Nothing in my mind as to destroy this creep monster.
I attacked her without thinking, over and over again, the summond darkspawn I noticed but I payed no attention to it.
 Jumping in mid on her face, clinging my claws into her eyes I spat poison, jumping back, throwing a web, jumping forth again my teeth bury deep into her flesh. Over and over and over again - in a mindless rage.



Suddenly it was silent, her flesh gave some last tremor and twitches, then the atrociousness of a beast slumped to the floor.
Deadly exhausted I changed back to my human form, coughing heavily and then I nearly puked my guts out, finally. Trying to catch my thoughts and breath I tried to crawl to the corner. Oghren just lifted me up in his thick, strong arms and drag me to the place were Morrigan al ready started to take care of Zevran.
Carefully he was set me down and I stumbled the last few steps toward the unconscious Zevran - *No No....no...* I bend over his deadly pale face, kissing his cold lips despairing, feeling his chest ....
he was breathing, by the maker -- he was breathing, very low - but steady.
Morrigan met my gaze and she shook her head
* I'm sorry my friend, his life threat is thinly and its beyond my healing skills.*

Now tears streamed over my cheeks like a endless river, should he really fall to a monster like the broodmother ?

From far away I heard Hespith's voice - whispering the doom :  

*That's where they come from.
That's why they hate us... that's why they need us.
That's why they take us... That's why they feed us.
But the true abomination...is not that it occured, but that it was allowed. 
Branka... my love... The Stone has punished me, dream-friend.
I am dying of something worse then death.
Betrayal.*

Modifié par LadyAly, 05 juillet 2010 - 01:43 .

[yasuraka.hakkyou]

D:



keep it up

[LadyAly]

Don't be worried I will XD

[Gilgamesh1138]

YAY! I hate that part! The Broodmother, ew ! I did that part at 2am with the house dark and my husband asleep. It was even creepier. Nice work! *HUGS*

[Slim Warden]

I remember the first time I fought the Broodmother, and I wish I forgot it afterwards she totally trounced me my first attempt, but back on topic you do very good work Aly.