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[Batknight]

hey everyone this is my first story so go easy on me anyways here the setup to my story
feedback is nice so i know people are reading these things

setup-The blight is ended, the darkspawn are in
retreat, but an old evil comes to threaten Thedas. Follow former Grey Warden Commander
Aedan Cousland as he fights the shadows of his past and a new ancient evil.


Chapter 1: The Nest


Aedan brought up his shield as another of the Mother’s tentacles came down on him he pushed his shield up than cut the tentacle in two. The Mother howled in pain as she lost more and more of her limbs another tentacle came directly at Aedan connecting with his breastplate knocking him off his feet. The tentacle came up Aedan quickly rolled out of the way as the tentacle came slamming down. He held the front of the tentacle with his foot
than slicing the rest of it off.

 
Nathanial shot a fury of arrows into another tentacle it began swinging back and fourth in pain before it finally dropped to the ground with a huge “thud”. Another tentacle came directly at him. Nathanial jump up into the air spinning around shooting it multiple times in mid air than landing on it. He pulled out his dagger and pinned it to the ground. 

 
More of the mother’s children started to awaken from there cocoons trying to protect their Mother. Anders raised his staff into the air and released a burst a cold air freezing the children in there tracks than he unleashed a powerful fire ball burning them all as they toasted in the blaze. A tentacle came around Anders feet and pulled him into the air hanging him upside down. Anders raised his staff sending a bolt of lighting through the tentacle. It began to shake furiously finally releasing him plummeting to the ground.

 
Oghren spun around splicing another tentacle in half with one mighty swing of his blade. Another came at him he brought the blade over his head splicing it down the middle. Another tentacle came out of the ground at the other side of the area Oghren went into a run than sticking the blade into the fleshy ground propelling him upwards. He flew towards the tentacle than spinning around he used the momentum to cutting it in half

 
The Mother was now screaming it pain as blood leaked out of her lifeless limbs the Wardens started to make there way towards her when the last of her tentacle came up from the ground. It knock Vigilance out of Aedan’s hands. He turned his head around and saw Vigilance spinning through the air than finally landing in the fleshy ground. Nathanial raised his bow shooting three arrows at the same time into the last of the Mother’s tentacles as it finally dropped to the ground.

 
The Mother was now swinging back and fourth spraying blood and vomit everywhere as wailed in pain. Aedan un-sheathed his dagger and dashed at the Mother stabbing her in the throat. More blood was spraying from her as she choke on her blood Aedan turn the dagger around in his hand and thusted his dagger into the mothers face She choked a few more times than finally slouch over dead. Aedan breathed heavily

 “It’s over”


suddenly the ground began to shake beneath them and rock shards from the ceiling started to fall to the ground below.


“By the stone she’s coming down” Oghren shouted

“Commander we need to move” Nathanial said looking over at Aedan

Aedan nodded and gestured to the exit that led to a series of tunnels. While running Aedan grabbed Vigilance and put it pack into its sheath. They began to move through the fleshy caves there feet digging into the rotten flesh that coated the caves of the Nest. They soon reach the stairs that went upward. They went around and around the stair as they twisted around Anders broke the silence of the group by saying.

 “awwww that’s to bad I was just getting used to the smell” Anders said

“You mean……the Mother? Nathanial replied with disgust


“No I mean Oghren” Anders said laughing

 
“Why you skirt wearing freak I have half a mind to kick your ass!” Oghren said

“Well your right about the half a mind part…” Anders said with a smirk

 “That’s it! The mage dies” Oghren said pulling out his weapon

“Hey guys if you haven’t noticed the entire place is collapsing on us! We need to move “Aedan said looking back at them.

The group began to quicken their pace through the caves of the Nest till they finally got out of the fleshy tunnels of the Mother’s lair and reached the first set of stairs. They started up the large staircase that went to a long bridge. Hurlocks began barreling down the stairs trying to stop there advance.

 Aedan brought up his shield bashing it in the face than knocking it off the bridge. Aedan thrusted his shield into the next Hurlock gut making it bend down Aedan raised vigilance slashing off it head.

 “Why the sod did they have to make stairs so long!” Oghren said breathing heavily

They reach the top of the stairs and got to the front of the bridge the entire area was shaking. The ground beneath them continue to rumble and the group found it hard to keep there balance. They looked out to see a massive piece of the ceiling come apart and drop into the water’s below.

 “Maker’s breath the whole place is coming down! “Anders said

“I just sodding said that!” Oghren yelled waving his arms in the air

 “Oh I’m sorry your voice was all muffled by that wild animal on your face.” 

 “Why you nuglicking-“

 ‘hey you two can kill each other once were out of here we need to press on!” Aedan said interrupting Oghren 

They started to run across the bridge. Than a massive piece of the ceiling started to fall right towards them Aedan looked toward Anders but he shook his head there was nothing he could do. Suddenly there was a flash of light appeared before them. They shielded there eyes and when they looked back The Architect was floating above them he raised his hands and the boulder stop moving.

“Quickly Commander you do not have much time you must get out!” The Architect said

Aedan nodded and they finally made it to across the bridge that seem to go on for miles littered with the bodies of there fallen foes. They reach another set of stairs and start to run down them as they made there way to the door when one of the Mothers Disciple’s stood in there way

“Fools you will never leave this place alive! Soon the rest of my explosives go off it will bringing the rest of this place crashing down on you. than the Mother will have her revenge!”  He said clacking

 Aedan jumped down from the stairs and un-sheathed Vigilance and took out his shield they began to circle each other.

 “Fool the Mother’s children well kill you all”

 More of the mother’s children awaken from there cocoons and started wiggle towards the rest of the wardens engaged the children while Aedan took on the Disciple.

 Aedan dashed at him there weapons crashed Aedan brought up his shield bashing the Disciple in the face. He stumbled back Aedan slashed at him with Vigilance the Disciple avoided it swinging his weapon at Aedan head. Aedan brought up his shield block the attack. He pulled his shield back bashing the Disciple in the face again then thrusted his sword into his gut than pulled it out and beheaded him. Aedan look back at his companions.

“Come on, the exit is just on the other side of the bridge”

 They began down the final path to get to the exit of the nest Oghren looked back and his mouth fell opened

“ummm you may want to speed up a little commander” Oghren said

 “I’m running as fast as I can” Aedan replied

“Well you better run faster cause the whole sodding bridge is collapsing!” 

Aedan’s looked back and his eyes opened wide in horror as he turned back to see the bridge breaking apart as they ran

“RUN!”

 Nathanial and Anders turned back and there eyes also opened wide in horror at the sight. The Wardens dashed to the exit Nathanial made it across first than Aedan and Oghren but at the last moment Anders slipped on his
robes and the bridge collapsed beneath him right at the exit of the bridge.

 “Anders no!” Aedan yelled as he ran to the cliff and leaned over the edge Anders was holding on to a piece of rock that was stick out the side of the cliff

“Commander…” Anders said looking down at his chest. Aedan followed his glaze to see a small lump starting to slip down his robes he heard a little “meow” and he reach out his hand but he was too far.

“Anders give me your hand”

“its to far commander go on with out me all be alright all never get to live my dream of owning my own tavern with lots of ale and winches but all be alright right.”

Anders said in his usual witty tone. Aedan shook his head at him saying

“Even in the face of death still can crack a joke” Aedan said trying to reach out his hand further 

“I do my best!” the mage replied

 “Oghren hold my legs” he said looking back at the exit. Oghren stood there for moment thinking.

 "Makers breath Oghren hold my legs!” Aedan yelled back at the dwarf

“Oh keep your pants on, I’m coming….. sodding mage” Oghren replied

 Oghren held on to Aedan legs and he crawled over the edge to grab on to Anders hands and pulled him up on to the edge.

 “Thanks Commander, are you okay ser-pounce-a-lot”

“Meow”

 Anders said in his usual tone towards the cat

They quickly move towards the exit and ran out the door. They were able to get themselves a good distance before the final explosive went off causing shockwave all throughout the area. The Wardens all fell on there backs completely exhausted from the ordeal. They all laid there for awhile surrounded by the bodies of dead darkspawn they had cut down while trying to enter the Mother’s nest.

Aedan was the first to get up he took in a huge dose of rotting darkspawn corpses that were all around them. He choked on the smell and held his throat. Nathanial sat up next he look at Aedan and blinked at him a few times before shaking his head to clear his mind.  Nathanial look down at his feet for a moment than back up at Aedan.

“So what do we do now Commander?” Nathanial said in his usual quiet and stoic tone

Aedan thought for a moment thinking about there options in his head before finally saying

“Well set up camp here for the night. Than we should head back to Amaranthine city see how much damage the city sustained and see how many survivors there are t-than we need to head to the keep to do the same….”

They both saw the pain on each others expressions as they remember what happened. The Vigil stood alone against the Mothers darkspawn army they had heard that many had died in the attack but they weren’t sure what exactly happened or how many were dead. In about an hour Anders and Oghren began to come out of there slumber and the group began to set up camp.

There was another sudden flash of light in front of them and The Architect appeared before them once more. Aedan walked up to meet him

 “You have done it Commander by brothers are fleeing back into the deeproads as we speak”

 “So what will you do now” Aedan replied

“I will follow by brothers back into the deep and continue my research as promised”

“What do think you’ll discover” Aedan said looking up at him

“Hopefully with time, I well be able to free my brethren from this curse and then there may finally be peace between us” he said

‘Just promise me you’ll do it ethically a dead body is more than just a dead body to us you know” Aedan replied

“It seems I still have much to learn about your species Commander but yes I will try” he said 

Aedan nodded at him and said “than goodbye Architect and thank you”

“No thank you Commander we could not of accomplished this without you”

The Architect turn around and began to walk away when he turn his head and said

“We will meet again Commander” and he than disappeared in another flash of light

Oghren walked up beside Aedan and said “what the sod did he meant by that”

“I don’t know, but we have more pressing issues to intend to let’s set up camp.” 

They had no tents or bedrolls to sleep in so they had to sleep on the ground. They soon got a fire going and they sat around the fire. Aedan cleaned the darkspawn blood off Vigilance; Oghren was drinking ale, though none of them were sure where he had gotten it from. Anders was making funny faces at ser-pounce-a-lot, and Nathaniel was looking at his feet with a frown on his face and a shadow in his eye.

Eventually Anders, Nathaniel, and Oghren had fallen asleep and Aedan kept watch just In case any more of the Mothers followers were still looking for revenge for there fallen master. Aedan sat near a dragon skeleton next to the camp and allowed himself to get lost in his own thoughts. He took in a deep breath as he thought what had happened over the last couple of months. He didn’t know if he had succeeded or failed in his mission.

He had finally defeated his enemies and Fereldan was finally free of the darkspawn incursion. But it had come at such a great cost. So much of Amaranthine now lay in ruins and so many were dead. Much of the farms lands were destroyed, the city and a lot of its citizens were now dead, and maker only knows what had happened at the keep He shivered at the thought.

He knew the rest of his brothers and sisters were probably dead and that he and the rest of his team were the last of the Wardens in Fereldan. This he had failed at he should have had more Wardens by now lucky now that the darkspawn were in retreat it would finally give them the chance to rebuild the order.

He had chosen to defend the city over the keep to most of his team mates dismay though he knew it would come at great cost to. but he had Confidence that The Vigil could defend itself He needed to stay with his people and protect them. He refused to leave them to die in the blaze as the city burn, for him to just leave and walk away was unthinkable to him.

Than during his quest to kill the Mother he had decided to side with the Architect he was un-easy to say the least with ailing with a darkspawn. But he found it pointless to kill him at the moment when they could work together to kill the mother.

Also his vision for the darkspawn was almost to good to be true. With the darkspawn free from the old god’s song the blights would finally be over the darkspawn would be gone forever and no one would ever have to go through what he had been put through over the last two year. but there layed the problem he did not know if he could trust him. 

He soon came back to reality and tried to remember to say vigilant in his duty to watch over his brothers as they rested. It would be time to move again soon and they would need all the rest they could get for what was to come.

Modifié par kingkyle, 05 juillet 2010 - 07:42 .

[Batknight]

Chapter 2: Pilgrims Path

“Commander, Commander Wake up”

Aedan opened his eyes expecting darkspawn to start coming at him he turn around to see Nathaniel behind him
with his hand on his shoulder. Aedan shook his head and rubbed his eyes trying to wake himself up.

“Commander have you been here all night?” Nathaniel said with his usual stoic look

“Apparently….are the others awake yet?” he asked

“Yes we all just woke up were just packing everything up” Nathaniel replied

“Right lets head back”

The two Wardens began back towards their campsite Aedan notice Drakesfall look a lot different in the day time as the morning light shined through the large dragon skeletons that covered the area. How any of them had fallen asleep in a dragon graveyard eluded him but there fight the mother had drain them both physically and mentally so they had all drifted off to sleep pretty easily. As they approached the campsite Aedan heard yelling going on.

“That’s right you stupid mage you owe me now!”

“Owe you…for what?”

“I saved your sodding life back there”

“As I recall the commander saved my life!”

“Bah! Without me you be a stain on the stone right now along with that smelly cat of yours!”  

“Don’t listen to him ser-pounce-a lot you smell just fine”

“Meow”

“Guys, guys” Aedan said waving his hand in the air. The dwarf and the mage looked over at him both with angry expressions on there faces

“Do I have to separate you two again?” Aedan said with his arms crossed

“He started it” Anders said pointing at Oghren

“Bah that’s the last time I help you!” Oghren replied

Aedan shook his head at the argument still confused how Oghren always seemed to get into these fights with a least one person.

“Look never mind have you pack everything up yet?” Aedan asked

“(grumps) yea expect the mages little kitty here pissed on all are gear” Oghren replied

“Actually I think that was Oghren draining out his armor after he pissed in it last week” Anders said with a smirk

Aedan merely smack his face “maker preserve me” 

With there gear pack they began there walk through the dragon graveyard. The morning mist covered the ground the area still smelled of darkspawn riot as since the darkspawn had been using drakesfall as a base the
smell coated everything that they pasted and he was relived when they exited the area.

Nathaniel walked up beside him, Aedan turn his head to face him and he began to speak

“So what do we do now Commander?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well now that the darkspawn are gone what do the Wardens do exactly?”

Aedan looked up to the sky and said

“Well as I understand it we remain vigilant and wait for the darkspawn to return”

“Doesn’t that sound a little…..boring?

Aedan chuckled

“Yes it does actually but lucky for us we still have a lot of work to do”

“Oh?” Nathaniel said with a raised eyebrow

“well first I don’t think the darkspawn are gone completely just yet they are heading back into the deeproads but there confused and mindless and it might take sometime before they are all gone.

Than of course we have to rebuild the Arling mainly the city, the trade routes, the farmlands, and Vigil’s keep, and finally we have to finish rebuilding the Wardens since most nations have a least two hundred”

“How badly do you think The Vigil was damaged?”

Aedan let out a sigh

“It’s hard to say really, If the size of the horde was near the one we face it going to be pretty beat up. But Voldrik was able to reinforce the walls and Master wade made all that silverite armor for the soldiers so…”

“What’s the plan for when we arrived at the city?” Nathaniel asked 

“First I am getting something to eat cause I’m starving”

“Same” Anders said

“Aye” Oghren followed

“After that well send three scout teams to The Vigil check the damage and survivors, than well send a couple more to the farmlands to do the same, also we need to get food, water, and medicine to everyone that was caught in the attack.”

“Than I guess we should moving” Nathaniel replied

“Indeed come let’s quicken our pace”

The Wardens quickly moved through the countryside of the Arling not slowing down in till the reached a small village. Aedan looked around to see the entire village was engulfed in flames. Dead bodies laid
everywhere all over the town the smoke from the burning houses blocked out the sun.

Bodies laid in piles in the centre of the town slowing burning to a crisp most of the corpses were torn apart limps had been tossed all over the area and blood from the plies were coming out in streams flowing down the hill that they sat on. Aedan could sense the darkspawn taint but it was very faint and he could not directly pin point where it was coming from.

The town seemed to be totally deserted he heard nothing move around from anywhere only the burning of the bodies. From what he could tell from the piles of corpses they seemed to be families stacked upon each other.
They contained bodies of men, woman, and child all torn apart and disfigured.

He examined the corpse closely some of them seem to have black blotches on them obvious signs of the darkspawn taint.

“Well I’ve lost my appetite” Anders said

“Nathaniel check the bodies see how old they are” Aedan said pointing to one of the piles

Yes Commander”

Nathaniel nodded and walked over to one of the piles kneeling over down to exam the corpses. He looked at the color and felt them with his hands seeing how they felt after a few minutes he got up and walked back over to the rest of the group.

“They appear to only be a few hours old Commander” he said in his stoic tone

“Anders check the other bodies see if there are any survivors” Aedan said

“Right away commander”

Anders said and strolled off to the far side of the area and kneeled down over one of the discarded bodies and felt for a pulse. He stayed there for a few seconds than eventually got up and moved over to the next one so he could repeat the process.

“Oghren check the houses see if there’s any survivors or supplies we could use” Aedan said

“Ha its door busting time” the dwarf yelled and ran over to the first house.

Nathaniel walked up beside Aedan

“Is this what you were talking about Commander?” Nathaniel said

“Yes the darkspawn are heading back to the deeproads but they’ll destroy everything in there path as they retreat. We should probably hunt down this group of darkspawn before we head back to the city before they attack more villages.”

“Commander shouldn’t there be more?” Nathaniel asked

“More what Nathaniel?” Aedan replied

“This is a pretty big village; there only seem to be twenty bodies around”

Aedan eyes opened wide in horror finally understanding what the taint he was feeling was.

                                                                                               ##

Oghren walk up to the first door and raised his leg preparing to kick down the door. He didn’t know if it was lock or not but he thought this way would be more fun.

“heh knock, knock” Oghren said chuckling

Before he could thrust his leg forward the door burst open. The shock sent Oghren off his feet sending him to the ground. He looked back up to see a tainted man standing in front of him standing in the doorway of the house it led out a loud shriek gaining the attention of everyone in the town.

“(Screams) Commander” Oghren shouted

“Damn it ghouls Wardens defend yourselves show no mercy!” hesaid pulling out his weapons

Shrieks began to echo from all the houses that surrounded them loud rattling and bangs started to flow from the houses. Oghren was still sitting on the ground staring at the ghoul. The tainted man simply stood there looking door at the ground with its eyes shut. The ghoul suddenly look up at him and opened it eyes. It let out an ear shattering Shriek causing the Wardens to cover their ears.

The Shriek must have been a signal of some kind cause a soon as it did the doors and windows of the houses all began to burst open. Ghouls started to pour out of the houses encircling the entire area leaving no room for escape. The Wardens pulled out there weapons and prepared for battle. 

The first set of ghouls came at Aedan, He thrusted his sword into the first one than bashed it in the face with his shield sending colliding into another one sending them both to the ground. He sensed one coming from behind and turn his sword around in his hands and thrusted it backwards feeling it go into the ghoul’s chest he pulled the sword out than spin around beheading it.

more ghouls began to pour out of the house in front of him he heard “Commander” come from behind him which was Anders way of saying “I’m gonna blow these fools up” Aedan hit the ground and watched a fireball fly over him hitting a large group of there foes. He was about to get up when ghouls stated piling on his back Aedan used all his strength to pull himself up the ghouls refused to let go and continued to claw at his armor.

He let out a war cry sending the creatures flying off of him all falling to the ground he thrusted his sword into each of them instantly killing them. There bodies were easily coming apart cause of the taint decaying their bodies the problem was that there were so many of them and they were slowing overwhelming his team.   

Anders used another fireball spell setting one of the houses on fire burning all the ghouls they laid inside. Of course as soon as he did that all the ghouls poured out of the house now on fire coming after him “bad idea, bad idea!” he thought to himself and started to run away putting distance between himself and the ghouls. Anders let a stream of cold air explode from his staff freezing them all in there tacks.

He sent an earthquake through the ground making the frozen ghouls crack and fall apart from the shockwave of his spell.

The ghoul in the doorway charged at Oghren he quickly un-sheathed his Great Sword  thrusting it forward into the approaching ghoul he pulled it out than used the side of the sword whacking it in the head downing it. Oghren got to his feet and ran into the centre

Of the town Ghouls started to come at him. He let hit blade trailed on the ground than bringing it upwards spending a shockwave of force cutting the creatures into pieces.

A fireball came down from the rooftops sending the Wardens to the ground Aedan looked to see a Genlock emissary standing on one of the rooftops firing spells at them. He figured that it must have been one of the more powerful darkspawn that had escaped Drakefalls and it was out for revenge. It must be controlling the ghouls with necromancy sending them after there group.

If they could take out them Emissary the ghouls would hopefully stop or make them easier to kill.

“Nathaniel take out the Emissary” he said pointing it out for him

“Right away Commander” Nathaniel replied

Nathaniel aimed his bow at the genlock standing on the rooftop with its hands in the air casting a spell. He lined the bow up with its head and let the air fly it sorrowed through the air directly at the Emissary. Before it could connect with it a force field appeared around the genlock making the arrow bounce off of it. Aedan cursed under his breath thinking what to do next

“Alright here’s what were going to do get as close a possible to the emissary. Once your close I will drain his mana than you kill it before it can regain its energy got it”

Nathaniel nodded and started up along the side of one the houses and began running along the rooftops. The emissary obviously noticed him coming towards him and started blasting spells at Nathaniel.

He ducked down as the spells sorrowed over his head He took out his bow and start firing more arrows at the emissary the arrows simply bounce off the shield but he thought it would a least keep the emissary busy and take his mind off controlling the ghouls.

He got as close as he could and kneeled down and aimed his bow at the emissary’s head and yelled out “Commander” signaling Aedan the signal to drain the emissary’s mana.

##

Aedan, Anders, and Oghren were now encircled by the ghouls they leaned against each back to back as the ghouls got closer and closer towards them

“Looks like there’s around thirty of them” Aedan said

“heh thirty against three I like those odds” Oghren replied

Aedan speculated that Nathaniel must almost be in position and he need to get closer to drain the emissary’s mana but first he needed to get pass these ghouls

“Anders I need to get through, I need you to freeze them once I get pass to keep them off of me Oghren can you resist the spell?”

“You bet a bronto’s ass I can” Oghren replied

“Alright…..now!” Aedan said leaning forward putting his
shield in front of him.

He started to run towards the wall of ghouls. He finally connected with them knocking them all to the ground as he ran through them. Anders let out a burst of cold air freezing the ghouls surrounding him and Oghren. Aedan ran towards the house the emissary was on the roof and he heard Nathaniel call out “Commander” he looked up to see he was in position

Aedan let out a burst of righteous fire hitting the emissary. The shield around it disappeared and the ghouls in the surrounding area all fell to the ground Nathaniel let his arrow fly hitting the emissary in the head making it drop to the ground falling over dead. The Wardens re-grouped in the centre of the town.

Anders check over there injures Aedan had a broken rib, Nathaniel had a burn from a magical blast that had hit him, and Oghren had a cold from the freeze spell that Anders used and was sneezing but was otherwise
okay.

They finally arrived back at the city to find Constable Aidan waiting for them at the gate he saluted to Aedan and said

“Warden Commander, we have been waiting for your return is it over?”

“Yes Constable it’s over the Mother lies dead and the darkspawn are retreating”

The Constable let out a sigh of relief and gestured them to follow him to the Chantry that they were using as a commander centre for the town. Once they arrived the Constable got something out of his pocket and held out his hand towards Aedan

“Warden Commander this letter arrived for you just yesterday it was suppose to go to the keep but we redirect it here”

Aedan took the letter from the Constable’s hand and opened it and read it over his eyes open wide at what he saw he threw the letter to the ground and cursed under his breath and walked away from the group. Everyone looked confused so Oghren picked up the letter and read it over as best he could.

“Sod Commander has it been that long all ready” Oghren said

Aedan nodded standing towards a wall his back facing the group

“Than you need to get you to Denerim!” Oghren shouted

Aedan turned around and said “Oghren I can’t leave now not with the Arling in it’s Current condition”

“Bah these blighters can run the place while your gone heck all even go with you”

“I can handle things Commander” Nathaniel said stepping forward looking confused

“I guess that could work…” Aedan said knowing he was being selfish

He wrote down what needed to be done while he was gone for a couple of days so everyone knew what to do. Soon the two Wardens left and headed down Pilgrims Path.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Modifié par kingkyle, 05 juillet 2010 - 01:19 .

[Gilgamesh1138]

Okay, I apologize I only had time to read chapter 1, but I wanted to post. I love Anders and Oghren.  Very funny!

Modifié par Gilgamesh1138, 22 juin 2010 - 04:14 .

[Batknight]

Chapter 3: New Beginning

 

“achoo!” Oghren sneezed again

“Stupid mage probably did this on purpose” Oghren groaned
wiping his nose

“I told you to take some medicine before we left” Aedan
replied

Oghren merely ignored him as they walk along Pilgrim’s Path the main road between Denerim and Amaranthine they were moving as fast as possible to get to there main destination. Aedan was still feeling a little guilty for leaving the Arling to intend to personal affairs.

“So why did you want to come to Denerim with me again…..not that I don’t enjoy your company old friend”

Oghren grinned up at him “well Commander I though it give me a chance to visit Fels and the nugget”

“That’s good to hear I glad your taking my advice” Aedan said patting the dwarf on shoulder.

“And hey I could give you some pointers!” 

“uhmm maybe?”

They soon unpacked for lunch and sat down by the side of the road sharing a bottle of ale. What Aedan had said about Oghren wasn’t untrue he did enjoy his company during the blight they quickly became good drinking pals both enjoying there ale. Though Oghren probably enjoy his ale a bit too much which got both of them into a lot of trouble in Denerim and Amaranthine city, especially after a certain drinking contest he, Oghren, and Anders had took part in he had to laugh at the memory.

##

“He's so much better than that stuck-up Cousland boy that father kept trying to set me up with.” Nathaniel sister Delilah stated  

Aedan look around nervously not really knowing what to do, though he had all ways

Suspected that she felt this way about him to actually hear her say it was a little surreal. He finally blurted out

“Er… I’m right here” he said raising his hand

“Oh. Er. That was you, wasn't it? Awkward!”

“You can say that again” he said almost whispering

“And for what its worth I’m sorry about what happened to your family thank the maker I’m away from his evil!”

“Father’s evil, surely you’re exaggerating he got caught up in politics” Nathaniel said

“You weren’t here you didn’t see what he did Nathaniel”

“I-I had no idea”

“Of course you did but you always worshiped father ever since you were a little boy, come brother lets eat and catch up”  

Nathaniel turned around to face the others Aedan raised his hand gesturing him to go

“Don’t worry go well meet up with you at the tavern”

“Thank you Commander” Nathaniel said and walked off with his sister

The three Warden’s walked away and headed towards the tavern

“Hey you guys don’t think I’m stuck up do you?” Aedan said curiously  

Oghren and Anders look at him both saying “no, no of course not”

“You’re not just saying that because I’m your boss are you? I want to know the truth” Aedan said now a little worried

Oghren and Anders look at him again and repeated “no, no of course not”

Aedan groaned “fine don’t tell me bastards”

Oghren and Anders started laughing. They soon arrived at the tavern and the three sat on bar stools they order around of brew once Oghren got his he slammed the mug down on the table and glared at Anders

“Alright you sodding mage time to put your money where you’re mouth is how much you got”

Anders dug into his pocket and pulled out a couple of silvers “fifth silvers”

“Aye same, time to open a can of whoop ass on ya” Oghren

“I’m gonna drink you under the table” Anders said smirking

Aedan looked around and also dug into his pocket and put down fifthy slivers

“I want in on this” Aedan said wanting to take his mind off the whole stuck up comment

“Ha the Commander steps up; aye alright whoever wins takes
it all!”

After about an hour of drinking they were all incredibly drunk. by this time a crowd had gathered around them chanting “drink, drink, drink!”

Nathaniel maneuvered through the crowd finally reaching the three Wardens sitting in the front he tapped Aedan on the shoulder and he turned to face him

“Commander there’s been a darkspawn attack on the….Commander are you drunk? Nathaniel said scratching his head

“What! No of course not, well maybe, I mean yes” Aedan said barley able to speak

“Oh stone” Oghren said falling off his chair onto the floor smacking his head against the floor

“Ha I win” Anders said victoriously

“If you think that you’re more drunk than me…which I doubt cause I drank way more than you so I win” Aedan 

“What your crazy!” Anders replied

“Commander I don’t think we have time for this…” Nathaniel said in is stoic tone

“Oh very well Anders pick up Oghren” Aedan said pointing down to the dwarf

“I’m not touching that thing” Anders said getting up tripping over his robes a bit

"heh I'm like a cherry soaked in brandy. Plump...juicy... and full of intoxicating flavor." Oghren said in his drunken tone lying on the ground 

Nathaniel let out a loud sigh “how is it I leave you guys alone for an hour and your all pissed drunk?”

Aedan shrugged andgot up from his bar stool feeling very dizzy and not being able to walk properly

“Anyways you said something about darkspawn attack…?”

##

After they had dealt with the attack they return to the keep where Seneschal Varel was waiting for Aedan in his
office. Aedan sat down in his chair to see Varel eyeing him in a concerned manner

“Something wrong Seneschal?” Aedan said with an eye brow raised

“Commander I have heard of your recent… activates in the city”

“Err really?” Aedan said knowing he was in trouble

“Commander as much as I like a pint myself the Banns are already nervous enough having a twenty two year old running the entire Arling already it is not to encouraging hearing that there Arl is have drinking games at the local taverns”   

Aedan scoffed “I could care less about what those damn nobles think”

“Be that as it may Commander we need there support in the war. All I’m asking is that you cut down on the antics for now”

Aedan sigh “very well Seneschal all listen, you haven’t steered me wrong yet “

“And I hope I never do Commander” Varel said saluting

“Don’t worry Seneschal you won’t” Aedan said grinning back at him

##“

Hey Commander you got nugs in your ears or something!”

The shouting brought Aedan out of his thoughts and looked down to see Oghren grinning up at him

“You doin one of those zoned out things again?”

“Oh sorry Oghren I guess we should get going” Aedan said getting up

“You bet your ass we should we got woman waitin for us!” Oghren said popping up from his sitting
position

“That we do onward than” Aedan replied and began walking up the road

They arrived in Denerim after about a day of walking. Aedan could not be happier to be back in the
capital. After the blight he spent his time here waiting for Vigil’s keep to be set up since it had been hit hard by the blight. Though he was pretty much lock in the palace because it was apparently too dangerous for the “Hero of
Fereldan” to be walking around by himself in the city without at contingent of guards surrounding him. He got bored pretty easily since Alistar was king and to busy most of the time to get into there usual antics the only thing that kept him alive it seem was a certain someone whom he couldn’t wait to see for obvious reasons. He also enjoyed hanging out with in the place guards in the training yard They all respected him and not just because he was the “Hero of Fereldan” it was because he had commanded most of them during the siege of Denerim as there General. After he killed Loghain he was named his replacement much to his joy since it had always been his dream to lead a large army into battle so after they had won the battle and he resigned as General to lead the
Grey Wardens he was always a welcome guest in the palace training grounds. They soon arrived at the city gates where two guards were waiting for them

“Commander” the guard saluted him “we have been order to escort you to the king when you arrived are you ready to go?”

“Yes we are ready” Aedan replied

“Very well Commander, open the gates!”

The large metal gate of the city began to open up. Once the gate had fully opened they walked into
the city. He looked around to see people staring and whispering to the person beside them as he walked pass. He wasn’t sure if this was because they still remembered him as the “Hero of Fereldan” or because they had heard what happened in Amaranthine and now
there were wild rumors flying around either way it didn’t really matter at the moment.

They walked through the city till they reached the palace. They went up and around the long corridors of the Palace which seem like a maze to him sometimes not understanding why they built the place with such a confusing
design till the reached the top floor where the royal suites were. Alistair who seemed to be deep in thought was sitting on a chair beside one of the doors staring at the ground. He didn’t notice them Approach till they were standing in front of him he looked up at them and smirked then got up from his chair.

Aedan was the first to speaking say “Alistair is-“

Before he couldstart his Mabari came up from behind Alistair and jumped on to him knocking him off his feet and began licking his face.

“Ah-no-Chewy-stop” he said chuckling

The dog got off of him and barked at him wagging his tail. Aedan shook his head and dug into his pocket pulling out some pork bits and fed them to the dog. Alistair continue smirking at him finally placing his hand on
Aedan shoulder saying

“You’re late”

“Oh I’m sorry next time there’s a darkspawn army on my door step all make sure I send word saying I’m going to be late first” Aedan said sarcastically

Alistair face took on a much more serious expression and said “Aedan the darkspawn what happened!”

Aedan gestured him to stop saying “don’t worry my friend the darkspawn are retreating and there leaders are dead…well mostly”

Alistar face flooded with relief and curiosity “what do you mean…mostly?”

Aedan looked away slightly not knowing if Alistair would approve of letting the Architect go or not. Alistair was the only person on the planet that knew of the ritual he had taken place to save both there lives. He had done it to save his life mainly not able to think of Alistair’s death and him being able to take his rightful place on the throne that he so rightfully deserved.



Alistair had been slightly disrupted by the thought of Morrigan gaining something from saving there lives but other than that he was okay with it. Of course this was an entirely different situation with letting a band of intelligent darkpsawn escape even for the right cause, he decided he tell him later.

“All talk to you about it later I promise” patting Alistair on the shoulder

“I’m….not going to like what I hear am I” Alistar said with a concerned look

“Well it sort of depends...” he said looking down at Ogrhen 

The dwarf merely shrugged not sure of what Alistair reaction either “how am I suppose to know?”

Aedan sighed and looked back at Alistar but he gaze shifted over his shoulder to the door that stood behind him. Alistar noticed him looking at it and looked back at the door and back at him and chuckled a little.

“I guess you want to go in”

Aedan nodded slowly knowing this moment would change his life forever. He took in a deep breath trying to prepare himself for what was about to happen

“How long has it been?” Aedan asked

“About an hour since the mages came out” Alistair replied

“d-did everything go alright…?” Aedan asked in a worried
voice

“Yes as far as I know but why don’t you go in and see for yourself” Alistar said moving to the side of the hall and gesturing to the door

Aedan looked down at Ogrhen who was grinning at him “aye good luck Commander”

Looking down farther down he saw Chewy who let out aloud whine obviously wanting to come with him Aedan grinned at the dog and patted his head saying

“Stay here boy all be back” Aedan said

The dog whined again but did not follow as Aedan moved towards the door. He slowly gripped the handle and turned it ever so slightly. The door creaked open so Aedan peaked into the room to see Leilana sitting up in a bed holding a blanketed ball in her arms. She rolled over a little to see him enter her bright blue eyes staring at him.

Though she looked utterly exhausted this didn’t come as a surprise to him considering what had just happened he walked over to the bed and sat down in a chair that was facing the bed. He adjusted himself a little before saying

“How are you love?” he asked

“I am well my Warden would you like to meet your son”

Aedan smiled at the thought of having a son though it didn’t really matter to him if it was a boy or a girl as long it was healthy. She turned the blanketed figure around in her arms so Aedan could see his son’s face. He began taking off his gauntlets that armored his hands. He really didn’t want to be wearing amour at this moment fearing he might scare the newborn child

But he had been traveling along Pilgrims Path which was still very dangerous even with the darkspawn retreating and the armory was to far from the palace to get to in time so he would he had just hoped it would be alright. Aedan could now see his son’s face and he filled with joy he had his chestnut brown hair much like his own and a mix of his and Leliana blue eyes    

"i-is he healthy” he asked. He had been worrying for months about the child health because of the darkspawn flowed through him

“Yes the mage said he is very healthy”

Relief washed through Aedan at that. He finally got off his gauntlets and touched the child’s face he was surprised his son was not crying when his nephew had been born he had not stop crying for hours and remembered the many sleepless nights he had to endure.

“So…what do you want to call him?”  Aedan said looking at her

“It’s alright Aedan you can name him I know you want to” Leliana said smiling

“r-really I mean I don’t know if…”

“Your brother sent a letter to me last month he said it was all right” she said cradling the child

“Oh really well if he says it’s alright” he leaned in close towards his son and said

“Bryce, Bryce Cousland”  

Modifié par kingkyle, 05 juillet 2010 - 05:17 .

[Batknight]

Chapter 4: changing of the guard

 

(1 year later)



                            

“Knock, knock”

 Aedan looked up from some paper work he had been filling up
to answer the knock

“Come in” he said to the closed door  A guard entered his office and saluted to him

“Commander the crowd is waiting for you to address them are you ready to speak or do you need more time to prepare?” the guard asked

“No I’m am ready lead the way” time to get this over with he thought

“Yes right away Commander” the guard turned around and lead him out of the room. They soon exited the small apartment building in Amaranthine Aedan and the Wardens had been working out of while Vigil’s keep
was being re-built. Today was the official re-opening of the city since much of it was destroyed during the darkspawn attack. 

A small stage had been built outside the city gates so Aedan could give his speech. All the city citizens and workers who had been re-building the city had turned out to see him. There was a curtain up blocking
the view of the crowd behind the stage his Senior Wardens Nathaniel, Ogrhen, and Anders were sitting down in chairs Aedan walked the steps of the stage. Nathaniel got up from his chair to greet him

“Commander” he said saluting him Aedan smirk at him and placed his hand on his shoulder

“Come see me after the speech alright”

Nathaniel nodded and sat back down in his chair. Aedan walked up to a podium the sat standing in the middle of the stage. He laid down the speech he had been writing just about all night of course he had writers to do
such things but he preferred to write them alone also this speech he needed to keep secret till the right time a guard walk up to him

“Commander shall we open the curtains?” the guard asked

“Yes do so”

“Right away Commander” the guard walk to the other side of the stage and signaled the guard on the other side to open the curtains. The curtains began to slide open and Aedan looked out to the large crowd that
erupted in applause at the sight of him Aedan raised his hand gesturing them to stop and the crowd slowly stop there applause he cleared his throat and began.

“Good morning ladies and gentlemen and welcome to the grand re-opening of this city” the crowd erupted into applause once more “as you all well know our arling has suffered greatly through the last year having to deal with the aftermath of the blight. But we have endured and come out stronger than ever! As of this moment I am please to report that there has not been an official darkspawn sighting in the last four months” the crowd cheered again
“though the darkspawn maybe gone we must always remember to remain vigilant, for one day they well return and they well strike again. In the last year not only have we finish re-building the city but we have also finishing building the farmlands, the trade routes and of this moment I pledge to you with the help of are fellow Fereldan’s that the Vigil well be re-built within the next four years. Though this would not be possible if it were not for the brave men and woman who fought to defend the keep and gave there lives to do, so in there honor Amaranthine military shall always be known as the Silver Order which shall be Fereldans greatest military order following in the example of those of went before” the crowd cheered again “but at the core of this order well be Wardens which well always be Feleldans main defense against the darkspawn because of this I am please to announce that the number of Grey Wardens in Fereldans now stands at twenty five!” the crowd cheered and began chanting Grey Wardens, Grey Wardens, Grey Wardens Aedan raised his hand gesturing them to stop he took in a deep breath “but now I have some very important announcement…in this world we all have promises we make to people, people that we hold close that we cherish, people who you never want to let go of. And though it is always important to hold duty over what you want, what happens when that duty is over can you just walk away. As of this moment I am officially resigning as Warden Commander and Arl of Amaranthine, know that there has been no greater honor as leading my brothers and being your Arl thank you and may the maker watch over you all.”

There was no applause this time only small gasps and shocked faces as Aedan walked off the stage and back into the city, as the crowd began to disperse Nathaniel, Ogrhen, and Anders all had the same look on the faces with the eyes wide open and their jaws hanging down they all look at each other and ran back into the city. They arrived back at the apartment building

“What the sod is the Commander thinkin” Ogrhen said shaking his head

“I don’t know, but he told me to talk to him after his speech” Nathaniel said leaning against a wall



“Aye alright well wait here” Ogrhen said gesturing to
Aedan’s office



Nathaniel nodded and walked up to Aedan’s door he knock a
couple of time before he heard a “come in” and entered the office. Nathaniel
opened the door and looked around the messy office that was filled with papers
all over the place he looked forward to see Aedan sitting at his desk filling out
some more paper work before addressing him.

“Ah Nathaniel there you are please sit down” Aedan said gesturing to the seat on the other side of the desk

Nathaniel sat down in the seat and began to speak “Commander why-“

Aedan raised his hand “Nathaniel please there’s no need let me explain”

Aedan opened one of the drawers in his desk and took out two letter

“Today I am going to send this letter of official resignation to the Wardens, much too there joy I’m sure.”

“Weisshaupt does not like you Commander?” Nathaniel said with a raised eyebrow 

“I’m very…controversial to Wardens in other nations you might say”

Aedan knew that was putting it lightly he knew Weisshaupt hated him mainly because he still hadn’t told them the truth of how he survived his battle with the Archdemon and letting the Architect escape they were less
than happy with him and he was sure they’d be over joyed by his departure from the Wardens. He pointed to the next letter

“This letter is my official resignation as Arl of Amaranthine that I will personally give to King Alistair when I go to Denerim tomorrow.”

“But Commander!” Nathaniel said standing up gripping the end of the desk “why are you leaving you just took command a year ago It doesn’t make any sense.”

Aedan also stood up from the desk and walked over to the one window in his office and stared outside “Nate you know Wardens don’t live long right.”

Nathaniel nodded “yes around thirty years right”

Aedan looked back at him “yes that’s correct and that’s why I have to leave”

“But Commander that still doesn’t explain-“

Aedan raised his hand again “look Nate I made a promise once… to my Grey Warden mentor Duncan, well
more to myself I guess that I would avenge his death and defeat the darkspawn I have done this. Now I have another promise I must fulfill… and I always keep my promises.” 
“What was the promise Commander?” Nathaniel asked

“….that I would spend the rest of my days with them, I’m sorry Nate I have to go”

“But who will take over command?”

Aedan turn around and look directly at him “well you of course”

Nathaniel was shock “C-Commander you know my family-“

“Nate you know that the people of Amaranthine has forgiven your family for what happen you are a hero to them no matter your family name”

“But what of the nobility you know all the political problems this well cause”

“Probably but if anyone gives you trouble they’ll have to deal with me, all still be here Nate just more… in directly”

“Commander I don’t know what to say” Nathaniel said looking down at the floor

“Don’t say anything you’ve earn this more than you know” Aedan replied patting him on the shoulder

“Thank you Commander”

“You’re very welcome Nate you are dismiss” he said smirking at him

Nathaniel saluted him and turned around to push open the door. As the door swung open he heard a loud crash and looked down to see Anders and Ogrhen on the floor obviously trying to listen in on the conversation. Anders got off the floor and started rubbing the back of his head “so, what he say?”


##    

 (1 day later Denerim)

Aedan walked up to the palace gates where a guard was standing and look surprise to see him

“C-commander I…wasn’t sent any word you were coming”

“I sorry Peter that’s my fault I should of sent word first”

“It’s alright Commander you practically live here anyways” he said half chuckling “are you here to see the King or the Ambassador?” Peter said as the walk up the Palace walkway

“Actually I was hoping to see them both its quite argent”

“I see… they may be in a meeting I’m not sure, all send word that you’ve come and you can wait in the royal suite if their busy”

“Thank you Peter that well do just fine” the guard escorted him to a waiting room near the King’s office. After a minutes the door in front of him opened up and Alistair came through

“Aedan there you are I got a message saying that you arrived”

“Yes sorry I didn’t send word first if you’re busy….”

“Nonsense I always have time for by brother so… what do you want to talk about?”

Aedan reached into his pocket and pulled out the letter and handed it to the King. Alistair took the letter and looked at it curiously  

“Err…what’s this for”

"My resignation of Arl of Amaranthine”

Alistair had the same look on his face as everyone else that had heard the news had shocked with there jaw hanging open

“What! You can’t be serious…can you?

“Very, look Alistair I just want to settle down with my wife and son” Aedan said smiling at the thought “by the way you wouldn’t happen to know where she is I need to talk to her about this also”

“Leliana oh yes she’s in Orlais”

“Orlais what in the maker’s name is she doing there!”

“Well she is Fereldan’s main ambassador if you remember” Alistar said chuckling

“Oh right, I’m still getting use to that” Aedan said scratching the back of his head “why is she there though?”

“Well right now she’s talking to the Grand Cleric about the urn. I’m suppose to be heading there soon to meet up with her so we can have more peace talks with Empress Celene” Alistar said proudly

“Really, well maybe all head there myself”

“Oh well…why don’t you just come with me?”

“Oh no, your not getting me on one of those floating death traps”

“The mighty hero of Fereldan scared of a little water I am shocked”

Aedan look away a little embarrassed. He had been scared of sailing ever since he went on that boating trip with his family where his brother accidentally push him off the boat and he almost drowned till his father saved him  

“ha ha very funny but if it’s all the same I think all walk”

“Walk? All the way to Orlais that wont be an easy trip my friend”

“probably but I’m not going to do much adventuring over the next couple of years I think I could use one more before I settle down”

“Alright all see you there in a few weeks than maker watch over you brother”

“May he watch over us all”

After Aedan’s conversation with Alistar he went upstairs to his and Leliana’s royal suit which she and his son lived in while he was in Amaranthine. He guessed he would be living here now after he got back from his trip unless the king decided they needed more room he unlocked the door to the room and walked in. in the room he saw his son Bryce was playing with a toy rocking hoarse and one of the palace’s maids watching over him. She noticed him enter and greeted him  

“Oh welcome my lord” she said bowing to him “lady Leilana told me to watch over Bryce while she’s away would you like to take over?”

“Yes Linda I can do that I’m probably leaving tomorrow so all need you to come back around noon”

“Of course my lord” she began to walk to the door but turn around “if you need anything please send word all just me in the maid curators”

“Thank you Linda I will” Aedan said she nodded and walked out the door closing it behind her Aedan walk over to his son and kneeled down  and ruffled up the boy’s hair. He than Picked him up into the air

“There’s my little warrior” he said grinning at the boy

“Daddy” the boy said stumbling over the letters a little”

Aedan frowned a little thinking about all the things he had missed while he was away. Aedan pulled the boy closer “don’t worry son I’m going to be around a lot more I promise”

Aedan looked over to the side of the room to see his Mabari Chewy lying down resting on the floor

“Hey boy wanna go for a walk”

##


(Two weeks later Val Pirmin)


“(Conversational barking)” Chewy said

“Alright, alright when I said if you wanted to go for a walk I guess I could have mention that we were going to Orlais but hey, you could use the exercise anyways” Aedan said

“(Angry growl)” Chewy said in a low growl

“Me, Hey buddy I’ve been fighting darkspawn for two years while you been getting pampered by Leliana”

“(Happy bark!)”

“Yea rub it in why don’t you”

They had been traveling along the imperial highway till they reached the entrance of Val foret which was a large forest area where the highway broke off and lead to the entrence of the woods. They would have to go through the forest to get to the next road that leads to Val Royeaux. Aedan starred into the black hole that was the entrance to the forest the trees seemed to curve in at the entrance and go on forever.

“(Unhappy whine!)” Chewy said

“Yeah boy I rather not go in there either. But I wasn’t about to get on that boat at Lydes so were just going to have to take the long way through the forest” Aedan said

(Barks) chewy said

“Yeah I know we haven’t had the best experiences with forests what with the walking trees and werewolf’s but hey maybe well be lucky this time….?”

“(Whines)”

“Yeah I doubt it to, well…..into the woods we go” Aedan began a light jog into the woods with Chewy following right behind him. Aedan was pleasantly surprise by their quick process through the woods but by nightfall he knew that they would have to rest and set up camp.

They found a small clearing in the woods that was the perfect spot Aedan soon had a fire going and he laid down on a bedroll while on the opposite side Chewy laid down on the ground.

From what he could tell from his map he estimated that they were half way through the forest by now and they were probably a couple of hours from the exit. He thought over what they do when they arrive in the city. They would meet up with Leilana at a tavern that she was originally supposed to meet up with Alistair with when he arrived.

After that they could spend sometime together, which they desperately needed since they had spend very little of it in the past year thanks to there different duties but hopefully that wouldn’t be an issue anymore now that he no longer had any. When Alistair’s ship did dock they would go to the palace and have peace talks with the Empress.

An alliance between Fereldan and Orlais was something Alistair had been trying to secure for about two years now just like his half brother had tried to do before but than the blight had happened and he never got the chance to finish the task so Alistar promised himself that he would finish it for him.

Aedan had been lying down on his bedroll for about an hour now thinking of these things when he started hearing whispering in his head followed by a painful head ache this hadn’t happened since, than he felt it the feeling of the darkspawn taint rushed through his body making him shiver he got up from his bedroll to see Chewy growling towards the tree’s maker no… it cant be.

Modifié par kingkyle, 05 juillet 2010 - 05:15 .

[Batknight]

Chapter 5: Witching Hour

 

Aedan jump up from his bedroll and took out his sword and shield ran over beside Chewy, the hound was growling ferocity towards the tree line. Aedan looked around the tree line trying to pinpoint where the sense of the taint was coming from. It seem to surround them coming from every direction there was a sudden rustle in the wind and Aedan brought his shield up as a dagger came spinning at him the shield deflected the dagger and it flew away in the other direction Aedan heard the trees begin to move.

“Remember boy don’t bite them directly just knock them and damage their armor” he said looking down at the dog

“(bark)” Chewy said in agreement

There was a moments silence than two Hurlocks burst through the tree and came directly at them.

“Sick em!” Aedan said pointing towards the Hurlocks

Chewy lunged at one of the Hurlocks knocking it down to the ground and began clawing at its face Aedan ran towards the other Hurlock. It began swinging it two maces at him he dogged the countless blows before bringing up his shield and ramming into the Hurlock knocking it backwards than bringing his sword up slashing it down the torso.

Aedan heard a bark come across the clearing and saw chewy sitting over his victim he ran over to him to see the Hurlock with bloody face but was still alive Aedan thrusted his blade into the Hurlock’s heart. He pulled the sword out, the body following the pull of the blade before finally plopping back down to the ground.

Aedan scanned the tree line again trying to figure out which direction the darkspawn were coming from and how deep they were into the forest from what he could tell a large group of them were moving towards their position and quickly. He ready his sword and shield into a defense position thinking the darkspawn would probably fire arrows at them before they launched their main attack.

“Boy get behind me” he said to Chewy

“(Whines)” Chewy said as he got behind Aedan

Aedan stood ready anticipating the attack as he thought to himself. Why were they here? The darkspawn were all suppose to have retreated back into the deeproads by now. Had the Architect betrayed him? He said he would follow his brethren back into the deeps was this just a lie so he could rally the darkspawn into another army?

If that was the case Aedan would go into the heart of the deeproads himself to kill the bastard but he couldn’t sense any Disciples in the area. He found that every darkspawn had a different sense of the taint within them this gave wardens the ability to differentiate between darkspawn so they could plan out their attack before hand

At the moment he could only sense Hurlocks and Genlocks if the Architect was behind this there should be a Disciple leading them since the darkspawn were not able to do these kinds of attacks without something leading or driving them but he could sense none which of course just led to more questions that he had no time to answer.

There was another moment of silence before arrows started flying out of the tree line the arrows made a loud “ping” as they bounced off his Sentinel Armor and his Warden Commander Shield before the arrows abruptly stop and five Hurlocks and Genlocks barreled towards them. Chewy walked around Aedan now standing by his side growling at the approaching darkspawn

The first one came at Aedan the Hurlock swigged his greatsword at him, he brought up his shield blocking the blow than pushing his shield forward knocking the Hurlock back than he thrusted his sword forward into the darkspawn torso than bashing it in the face making it fall to the ground.

He watched Chewy leap on to a approaching Genlock and start biting at its armor and clawing at its face he looked up to see two more Hurlocks coming at him. Aedan let his sword and shield fall to the ground and griped the two sliverite daggers that he always kept in his belt as they got into a good range he quickly un-sheathed the daggers and threw them at the Hurlocks both connecting with their foreheads.

After he collected his weapons and sense the darkspawn were retreating back into the forest. He needed to find out what was going on even though he was probably heading right into a trap. He made a loud whistle to get Chewy’s attention the hound looked up from the darkspawn he had just killed and walked up to Aedan

“Let’s hunt some darkspawn” Aedan said and started running into the forest

“(Bark)” Chewy said and started following him

as they approached the area the taint was coming from they exited  the tree line into a much larger clearing they were camped in and saw thirty darkspawn waiting for them Aedan gasped and chewy made a loud wine at the sight Aedan knew they could not survive this many darkspawn by there self’s they needed to escape. as he was about to

Start running back into the forest he sensed the darkspawn had encircled them there was no escape from this. Aedan planted his feet firmly on the ground getting ready for what would be his last fight when he heard that whispering in his ear again.

As the darkspawn started to approach Aedan watched a huge orb of energy come from behind him and hit one of Hurlock’s. It began shaking before it exploded in an enormous burst of magic instantly wiping out all the darkspawn and throwing Aedan off his feet to the ground hitting his head hard against something everything than went black.

##

Aedan slowly opened his eyes but just barely since it was painful to do so he felt his entire body ache especially his head when he tried to move it he made a low groan

“Ah I see you finally wake”

Aedan stiffened his body as he heard the voice come from behind him he made another groan as he rolled over in the bed he was lying in to see Morrigan sitting in a chair beside him. She stood up from the chair and walked over to check some of bandages he assumed she had put on him

“Well funny seeing you here” Aedan said

“I could say the same to you, twas most surprising to come across you but we shall speak of this later” she replied as she checked his bandages

“tis most fortunate I came across you when I did a few more moments and you would have been over run by those darkspawn”

“Yeah your telling me” Aedan rubbing the back of his head

Aedan watched her with a perplexed face as he looked around the place he was in. it look exactly like the hut Morrigan and her mother had lived in so Aedan assumed she had been living here in the wilds in seclusion.

Aedan thought for a second before saying “Wait Morrigan where is-“

“Do not worry your mongrel of a dog sits next to you and your weapons and armor are over there” she said gesturing over to the other side of the room

Aedan let out a deep sigh of relief knowing Chewy was safe as well for his armor and weapons some being his most cherish positions Duncan’s sword being the main one. As he lay down in the bed and time went by his curiosity grew he decided the time for small talk was over

“Alright Morrigan what do you want” he said in an interrogating voice

She chuckled “do you think me cold hearted, that I only would save your life for something in return” she said with a brow raised

“Come on Morrigan nothing is ever that simple with you, I know that all to well if you remember”

Morrigan was now glaring at him a little but than soften her features “there may be something of need”

“I thought so, alright what is it hope it’s not like last time”

She chuckled “twas so horrible”

“Physically… well I rather not comment, mentally making me sleep with another woman yes”

“What was done had to be done you know this, but enough of such talk we have things to discuss” she said with her arms crossed

“Such as….” Aedan said with a raised brow

Morrigan walked away from the bed and turned around trying to collect her thoughts before saying “my mother… she has retuned”

“That was quick” Aedan said in a bemused tone

“Indeed I did not expect her return so quickly either” she said disturbed manner

“So…. I don’t see the problem you said the Girmoire could protect you from her

“My mother’s Girmoire… has made me more powerful as you saw back in the wilds”

“Yeah what was that I’ve never seen magic like that before?” Aedan said curiously

“From reading my mother’s Girmoire I have discovered an ancient form of magic called dark magic”

“Is it like blood magic?”

“No it is just another form of magic restricted by the fools in your chantry, but it is more powerful than blood magic”

“So can’t you just use that magic to kill her?”

“Unfortunately not since her own dark magic protects her from mine, but it is not me who she is after”

“If she’s not after you than who is she-“

Aedan was interrupted by a sudden burst of crying coming from a room behind him and his head started to pound with pain but not from the crying there was that whispering inside his head. it was than Aedan realized who the crying was coming from

“I had thought he had fallen asleep by now” she said making a loud sign

“Morrigan is that…”

She looked at him with an angry glare and said “yes that is the child”

Aedan’s body went numb as she said those words now knowing his first born laid just in the room next to him. in the early months after the blight he constantly found himself wondering about it but as time moved forward and Bryce had come into his world and he married Leliana he had pretty much forgotten about it.

“You do realize the child is releasing the song of the old god”

“Truly, how interesting”

“Yeah that would explain why the darkspawn are here”

“Yes while you were being attack by those darkspawn I was trying to escape so we could relocate elsewhere than I came upon you”

“What exactly are you trying to escape from?”

“My mother’s minions they constantly attack the hut trying to take the child”

“Why does your mother want with the child?” Aedan asked

“Who knows the soul of the old god hold may hold many secret powers I truly do not know…. But there may be away to find out”

“How?”

Morrigan walked over to the desk that sat beside the bed and picked up the Grimoire. She flipped to the very back and turned in over to face Aedan he noticed that a page had been ripped out

“There’s a page missing” Aedan said in a bemused tone

“Yes tis most urgent that we find this page”

“What is on the page?” Aedan replied

“Two things my mother’s location and what she plans to do with the soul of the old god”

“Alright how do you find the page?” Aedan asked

“Twill not be easy, my mother has separated the page into three pieces and has scattered them around Orlais” 

“How do you know this?”

Morrigan flipped the book back around to face her again and turn another page at the back of the book and flipped it around to face Aedan again

“On this page contains three coded texts with time I can de-code the texts and they well give us the location of the pieces”

Aedan nodded and thought about what he should do. The woman had just saved his life for the second time and the fate of Thedas could be riding on this child if what she was saying was true. Also he knew this was his fault he had done the ritual to save his life and his loved ones and now he was facing the consequences it didn’t seem like he had a choice.

“Alright Morrigan… all help you”

“A wise decision” she said smirking

“You know I hate it when you say that” 

She chuckled “know I will put you to sleep so I may heal more of your injuries you shall wake in a few hours and we well discuss further travel plans”

Aedan nodded and closed his eyes and let himself drifted off to sleep.

##

He awoke a few hours later and felt much better his bones were no longer aching and he could move around much better he rolled over to see Chewy sleeping beside him he had a few bandages around his paws and ribs but seemed peaceful.

He got up from the bed and dressed himself he looked over to see that the table beside the bed had some food and water on it which he consumed quickly. A few minutes later Morrigan entered from another room and Aedan caught his breath. In her arms she held their child he couldn’t see it since it was in a blanket blocking his view 

She obviously noticed him trying to get a peak and held the child closer and turned slightly. Aedan groaned and got up from the bed and walked towards her

“Look Morrigan were going to be traveling together again your not going to be able to hide that child forever”

“I…do not want you getting to close”

Aedan winced “Morrigan believe me I will not get attached to the child I don’t even really consider him my son, but I would like to see what I’m protecting”

“I suppose, but do so quickly”  

She adjusted the child in her arms and pulled up the blanket covering its face. Aedan examined the boy closely. It had Morrigan’s raven black hair and his blue eyes it looked up at him and send a strange feeling through his body and he took a step backwards.

“Hey Morrigan…what’s his name?”

A smile curved around Morrigan’s face and she said “Alter his name his Alter”

Aedan nodded “thank you”

“But enough of such talk we need to discuss where we are going”

“Well… I was heading to Val Royeaux my wife is their, its also large and secure we could go there?”

“Your wife?” she asked with a raised brow

“Oh Right! me and Leliana married about a year ago” 

“I see….tis a reasonable place I suppose, come than we must move quickly” she said gesturing him to the door

Aedan nodded and put on his armor than he collected his sword and shield. He went outside to wait for her while she got ready, as he expected the hut looked exactly like the one she lived in with her mother  in the Korcari Wilds. Morrigan eventually exited the hut holding a basket that was no doubt carrying the child.

“Are you ready to go?” Aedan asked as she approache

“Yes the forest exit is a few hours away”

“Than there is no time to waste lets go”

Than began to journey through the forest towards the exit. They remained mostly silent for the first hour the child wined off and on giving Aedan incredibly painful headaches making him almost faint a couple of times. As they walked along something accrued to Aedan

“Wait Morrigan there’s something I do not understand”

“Oh and what would the be” 

“Why did your mother need to write down the ritual than rip it up and scatter the pieces it doesn’t seem to make any sense?”

“Ah aloud me to explain, you remember my mother does not have a good memory “

“Yes”

Morrigan looked at him for a moment before he realized

“She couldn’t remember it I take it”

“Yes the ritual is very complex also she has been planning it for sometime as you can imagine, so she wrote the ritual down in the black girmore so she could remember it when the time came”

“So why did she rip up the page and scatter the pieces”

“Well after her first girmore was stolen by that templar hunter she panicked and was afraid the same would happen to her other one, so she tore out the page and hid it away

“Why did she only write down one copy of the ritual?”

“I am unsure why exactly all it said was she was afraid her enemies would get their hands on it so she could only afford to have one physical copy of the ritual”

“Flemeth has enemies?”

“None that I know of but I am unsure”

“Why would she hide them in Orlais why not Fereldan”

“I have wondered the same thing myself perhaps she thought to get them as far away from Fereldan as possible so whoever she was trying to keep it from could not find them”

“I see we should move faster it will be night soon”

“I agree”

As they began to move faster nightfall came upon them and they had to move slower to better maneuver through the woods. Aedan had suggested they set up camp but Morrigan refused saying that the forest was to un-safe to camp in so they continued on. As they walked along mist now covered the entire area making it difficult to see.

“I do not like this” Morrigan commented

Aedan closed his eyes to feel for the taint but he could only hear the continued whispering in his head there were no darkspawn in the area

“I don’t sense any darkspawn”

“tis not the darkspawn I worry about”

There was a sudden cold breeze that sent shivers through Aedan back as he looked down the path he could swear he heard foot steps in the distance. He quickly put his hand before Morrigan making her stop

“Wait did you hear that I-“ Aedan starred further down the path he saw it appear

“By the maker…”

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

if you want the special (dragon age stats edition) of the story go to

(http://www.fanfictio...se_of_the_Witch)

at the bottom of the chapter there will be enitres that give a better a look into
the characters and lore that i have made apart from the original game

 

Modifié par kingkyle, 05 juillet 2010 - 07:49 .