Lost Beginnings [Wardens, Morrigan, Flemeth]

[Elissa Cousland]

Elissa's eyes trailed after the older witch as she left so abruptly. Honestly, the girl was unsure what to think of their circumstances. They needed a plan, and quickly. Otherwise they were as good as dead. Her hazel orbs then fixated on Alistair, and a pang of pity and guilt struck her. She knew what he felt, and wished he could properly have time to mourn, but also knew duty called. Morrigan's suggestion met her ears, to which the young noblewoman nodded, but only looked at the witch for a brief moment to say, "Yes, to Lothering."

The elven man took it upon himself to scout ahead, but not before bashing on the ex-Templar harshly. Elissa wanted nothing more than to strike him with her hand for being so cruel to a person who had just lost pretty much everything. But she simply watched in silence as he rushed off, and then slowly approached her fellow Warden. "Alistair..." she said softly, "Though the elf said it in a horrid manner, we do need to cover some ground before daylight is lost." She gently placed a hand on his shoulder in a kind gesture, and then turned back towards where the Dalish scout had gone.

Cross barked excitedly, running a few feet away in the direction the elf Warden had went before turning to look at his mistress for permission. He wanted to run ahead as well to help the man.

"Stay weary, boy, and don't get in his way, alright?" she nodded, watching the Mabari give a confirmation bark and then rush off with great agility to where the elf currently was. Elissa herself began to walk in that direction as well, going silent. She had no words to say that could comfort Alistair, and assumed he wouldn't want them right this moment anyway. As for their new companion witch, she wasn't sure the woman even wished to talk to her. So as they walked, she would not say a word until she was addressed.

[NPC]

Alistair smiled appreciatively at Elissa. He was indeed very grateful for her kindness in this difficult time. The young witch seemed to understand, setting her obvious dislike of him aside so that he might have some peace, though he knew it would not last long, Anceledar however did not seem so kind. The words that the Dalish Elf had spoken stung Alistair slightly, though he knew that the Dale's were not traditionally sympathetic toward humans, regardless of whether they were grieving.

He agreed with the sentiment. They did need to cover some ground before the sun set. He stood and quickly followed Elissa's footsteps, content to be walking beside her. She was currently the only person in their troupe that made him feel even remotely comfortable, considering the fact that the Elf kept referring to him as "Shem" and Morrigan was obviously not incredibly fond of any of them, though he seemed to bear the brunt of her distaste.

Alistair decided to swallow his grief, if even just for a short while, and make small-talk with the two women who walked along with him.

"Let's play a game," he said in an attempt to sound the slightest bit cheery, though Morrigan saw fit to cut him off here.

"You seem to consider the incredibly daunting task that we have ahead of us as somewhat of a joke," Morrigan's voice was harsh, and yet almost amused. "I highly suggest that you cast aside your childish nature, if only until Lothering lest I set the wildlife on you. I assure you it would be most unpleasant."

"Oh, and I assume that since you have sooo many friends within this forest, that this would be an easy task for such a pleasant woman to achieve," Alistair replied, rather short in his tone. He was not in a mood to banter with an apostate. "I should sic the templars on you." He continued walking on without another word, huffing only slightly as he did.

[Anceladar Firareth]

He was finally out in his element, vast expanse of mostly uninhabited land for as far as his elven eyes could see, with the exception of Flemeth's hut and the peaks of the ruins of Ostagar. Ahead of them lay an extensive maze of hills and marshland, at the end of which lay their destination- Lothering, where they could resupply and get more accurate news of events, specifically Loghain's plans. He had a two-day head start to put whatever schemes he had into motion and had a considerable advantage in both status and power which made him just as dangerous as this Archdemon, whatever and wherever it was.

Anceladar was alone, which was just the way he liked it. Well, not entirely, it was the best he had considering what he was given to work with. He was most comfortable with someone with him, to watch his back in case something happened. If he was sufficiently careful he could take out a large chunk of enemies with his bow, but with a partner who was equally skilled, two elves could deal with all but true war parties. Usually Anceladar had Tamlen by his side, the two being brothers in all but blood, just about operating on the same bowstring...but Tamlen was gone.

It didn't take long for him to hear the lordling's hound trotting up behind him, despite being as quiet as it could be Anceladar's elven ears could register the slightest movement. He held his hand out for the dog to sniff, which it did hesitantly. "Did your lordling send you to keep an eye on me? Doesn't trust an elf to keep her out of trouble?" He asked conversationally, his inflection not reflecting any misgivings about the thought behind such a statement. Elves weren't trusted anywhere, they had a reputation for being thieves and rogues, when it was human subjugation that forced the circumstances to warrant such actions. He was used to it, as inconvenient as it might be.

To his slight surprise the dog bumped his head into the elf's hand letting out a soft whine before barking and wagging its tail, hopping ahead and turning to look at the man. "No? You're here to help? Then I welcome it." While Ance didn't know the details about the Mabari, only half paying attention to a partly overheard conversation with an Ash Warrior, he could see the intelligence in the canine's eyes and didn't hesitate treating it like an equal. Elves considered all races as equals, or all furred, feathered and scaled creatures as equals. Shems and Flat-Ears weren't included. While the Mabari, Cross if he remembered correctly, was no substitute for Tamlen or any elven archer, the ranger was glad to have company again, someone he could relate to more than a dim-witted ex-templar, a soft lordling or a recently-met witch.

Together they scouted ahead, making sure to always keep their company within eyesight. At every distinguishable landmark Anceladar would use his free hand, the one not carrying his bow, to mark a waypoint with his dirk, a small multi-purpose dagger, places like lone trees or rock clusters, marking an arrow in the direction of the fastest route and the least darkspawn. He could sense them, and he was certain Cross could smell them, it was the single sense that the elvhen did not have superior detection in, and Anceladar was glad of it. They could see further than anything that wasn't a hawk and hear as well as any feline, but their sense of smell was just the same as any human's. He was certain they'd run into Darkspawn sooner or later, after Ostagar it was just about inevitable, but he was in no hurry.

Cross and Ance had stopped for a short break, the sun was high in the sky, they'd been scouting for a long time. The two were sitting at a copse of trees by a relatively clean-looking pool of water. Ance had filled a leather jug of water and was in the process of building a campfire in the copse, to shield the light from any passing creature that wished to feed on their innards- Ance had made certain there was nothing nearby, but old cautious habits died hard. There was a herb in his pouch of supplies that kept most meat-eating animals away that he'd sprinkled around the perimeter and he could sense any darkspawn that wandered too close, so there was no danger of detection. The Mabari sat down and fixed the elf with a hard stare as if waiting to breach a topic he couldn't speak aloud. "You think I'm too hard on them, don't you?" He asked with a sigh. Cross barked once, in affirmation.

"Shems and I...don't get along. My clan have been chased off too many times for me to trust any of them, and those not forced into wandering the land are subjugated by people like your little lordling master, and the Chantry with their Templars destroyed the freedoms we did have because we didn't worship their gods. We're all Wardens now, but who can I count on when things get hairy? Shems take care of Shems first and foremost, they only deal with elves when they have no other option, without exception. Even Duncan, may Creators watch over him. He had honor, but even he was looking out for humans first. He wouldn't have taken an elf if I wasn't already tainted." He scoffed. He drank out of the Halla skin flask and poured a little out for Cross to lap up as Anceladar scratched behind his ears.

He saw the party coming down the last stretch before the copse and his temporary campsite, he already had a stick for each member jutting from the ground with a piece of specialty elven bread attached to it, a snack. They were travel rations, meant to keep energy and spirits up for long treks. "Not for you Cross, you wouldn't like them, trust me" He said, to which Cross whined slightly.

[Elissa Cousland]

After a while of walking in utter silence, Alistair finally broke it with an attempt to be cheerful. Elissa smiled and turned slightly to face him, glad that he was at least trying. That was the first step to at least subduing the pain a little. However, it seemed their companions enjoyed being heartless bastards as this time it was Morrigan to open her mouth. Truthfully, she didn't mind the witch even now, but was sick of how they were treating the poor man. Her blue eyes narrowed in annoyance at the woman, but before she could tell her to back off and give him time, Alistair was defending himself. Of course, it wasn't in the most... mature manner, but she could hardly blame him.

Sighing, Elissa shook her head, maybe she should have protested against the witch coming with them after all. "Can we please attempt to get along until Lothering then?" she suggested, though her voice was strained with irritation. She turned more directly towards Morrigan now, and continued on, "I gather you probably don't understand what he is going through, or really care, but he was hardly being childish. There was no need for threats." Well, if she had any hope of being friends with the witch earlier that was probably somewhat crushed now. Elissa honestly missed the Highever knights now. They felt like an extended family, even though she wasn't typically allowed to be around them because her mother was so intent on making her a proper "lady" and trying to get her a husband. She turned away from the witch, smiling bitterly at the memory. It had been a month at least, yet still felt like it just happened yesterday. Sometimes she feared the feeling would never disappear.

She continued the rest of the way in silence, simply reminiscing about the Cousland family. The most reason Elissa had hoped for unity amongst their odd band of Grey Wardens and now a witch was because it was hard to stay strong with chaos not only all around you, but within those you had to travel with. It made her stomach churn slightly with anxiety. Luckily she wouldn't have to think about it much longer as they were about to join their fellow Warden. It seemed he had decided to take a break with Cross in the copse, an idea she definitely approved of. It gave them a definite advantage if they were attacked. Bryce had taught Elissa well in the time he could afford to, and though she wasn't an expert scout at all, she had all the finesse and quick wits of a rogue.

Hearing her Mabari Hound give an excited yip, she looked up at him as he came bounding towards her. Before she could reach out to pet him, he was behind her pushing her forward impatiently. "Oi, calm down," she smiled, this time managing to pat his big head. His tongue lolled out of his mouth happily, obviously in a fine mood after getting to run around with the Dalish. Catching sight of the elf, she walked towards him. "I hope Cross wasn't any trouble for you, he can be quite stubborn at times," she chuckled, earning a bark from her dog. The hound marched right between the two, puffing out his chest proudly. Well, at the very least it seemed Cross was having a little more luck getting along with everyone so far. Then again, dogs usually had that talent.

[Anceladar Firareth]

(Warning! Warning! This is a crappy post advisory)

"I hope Cross wasn't any trouble for you, he can be quite stubborn at times"

Anceladar snorted, taking a bite of the elven bread as the others arrived and sat down, glad for the break. He supposed he should be civil at least for a little bit, practice for when they got to Lothering, assuming it hadn't been ravaged by the darkspawn horde already. The route they were taking was direct, whereas an army would have to take the roundabout route, there was no telling how fast the army would move, but assuming they'd take time to pick over the spoils of their victory, the warden party should make it in time.

"Cross was no trouble at all, we are more similar than you know." It took all of his restraint not to say anything more, but if anyone asked for clarification he would let out a torrent of words more venomous than any snake's poison and nearly as deadly. Old wounds run deep, perhaps they'd take a hint to his slowly clenching and unclenching hands.

"Our plan can't just be to reach Lothering. Darkspawn will be everywhere in a scant matter of months, and Loghain's scattering of the main forces has only made our job harder. So, now what?" He hated having to rely on others, but until recently he'd only cared about the well-being of his clan, not Ferelden and not the world. He'd hardly looked at a map and didn't know or care much about the world outside of the Dalish, and now he was woefully unprepared for such an undertaking. Point him in a direction and his enemies would die, but when the enemy was indecision...

[NPC]

Alistair sat by the fire and thought a moment. What would they do after reaching Lothering? Looking around the small clearing he thought, what would Duncan do?

The treaties. Alistair hadn't thought about the treaties that Duncan had sent them after since Ostagar.

The Elf looked aggitated, though it seemed to Alistair that it was his default expression, at least when dealing with humans. He looked up at his peer respectfully as he responded.

"The treaties that Duncan had us retreive from the ruins state that the Dwarves, Mages and the Dalish are required to help us in the face of a Blight. Perhaps we should call upon them?" Alistair said, thoughtfully. "Even still... we would need the backing of the Ferelden Army to defeat the Darkspawn..."

He was at a loss. There were many things on the young Warden's mind, he wasn't thinking clearly at all. All he really wanted to do was curl up in the face of his personal enemy; depression. He knew there was far too much at stake for him to give up on his quest, but that made things so much harder.

[Elissa Cousland]

At the brisk response from the elf, Elissa inwardly winced. Yes, dogs definitely were a lot better off in the whole getting along with everyone it seemed. Today just wouldn't be her day to make friends or at least converse it seemed. "Well, I'm glad Cross has made a new friend," was all she would say, noting his clenching hands. It would probably be best if she just left it at that, for her words only seemed to agitate the man. She could understand his hatred for humans, but the animosity against a comrade was still unnerving. They were stuck together, at least for now, but that didn't seem to make a difference to him.

While his mistress stepped away to sit a few feet away from Alistair, Cross whined at Anceladar. He wished the man could see beyond the human. But, while stubborn, the Mabari Hound was not going to press the issue any further than that today.

Racking her brain for some sort of idea, Elissa's brows drew together as she brainstormed. They definitely needed an overall plan to go off of, but they weren't in any position... Alistair's response cut off her thoughts, reaching out with hope. "Yes! I completely forgot about those treaties," she gaped. His next point nearly knocked down the sudden hope that had arisen, but a new realization hit her. "We may not be able to get the Ferelden Army to back us," she started, determination lighting up in her blue orbs, "but I am certain there shall be some nobles and citizens who are not happy with Loghain, despite what he may claim happened at Ostagar." She had partly been tempted to reason that she was in fact a Cousland with allies, but after Arl Howe's treachery... Trusting in old 'allies' was not going to be easily done. Not now.

[NPC]

Alistair had a sudden epiphany. He had been raised by Arl Eamon at Redcliffe until he'd been sent to the chantry to become a Templar. The Arl had surprising pull in the political world, having been uncle to the King.

He thought that maybe, just maybe if they could get to Redcliffe and speak with the Arl, they could pull something plausible together.

"Arl Eamon in Redcliffe might be able to help us," he said quickly. "He practically raised me and, well, he is well loved by the general public and noblemen alike. It's a long shot but worth a try."

Alistair turned to Elissa for approval. She really was the only one in their group that had been civil with him since leaving Flemeth's hut. He appreciated her standing up for him and understanding what he'd been through, though at this point he wasn't completely sure how to voice it.

He grew wary, suddenly, of the young witch tagging along. She'd not said much since her quippy response to his game suggestion, and he was sure that she was hatching some evil plan. He thought that maybe she was going to turn him into a frog or a worm while he slept, or slip some deathroot into his tea...

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[Elissa Cousland]

Alistair's next words were all that Elissa Cousland needed to hear. They actually stood a chance now! Sure, it was still a fool's task, taking on The Blight, but it was the Grey Wardens' duty. In war, victory. In peace, vigilance. In death, sacrifice. Yes, those were the words they would live by now.

Catching his seeking gaze, she beamed at him. Honestly, she probably looked a fool getting so excited, but this seemed like the best damned thing that had happened to her since her nightmarish adventure began. "Simply brilliant, Alistair!" she smiled, "I had nearly forgotten about the good Arl Eamon. He will want justice for what happened to Cailan." Elissa had the pleasure of meeting Eamon Guerrin a few times, mostly at noble gatherings and such. She doubted he'd recognize her, but hadn't Alistair said- wait.

Did he actually say the Arl raised him?

A question for another time, she decided knowing that her two other companions probably did not want any useless chatter in between their planning. Still, the ever-curious and cunning Cousland made a mental note to ask him about it later when she had the chance.

Turning her head to look at Morrigan and then the elf, Elissa's gaze became focused once more. "So, we must gather an army with these treaties and seek the aid of Arl Eamon," she recapped, continuing, "I think, after Lothering, Redcliffe should be the first stop as it is a clear route for us. Unless either of you object?"

[OOC: And ze true planning begins! Woo~ :3]

[Anceladar Firareth]

Anceladar kept respectfully silent during the lordling and the templar's discussion, quietly eating his elven bread feeling the sustainance reinvigorate his body and mind, allowing himself to relax for a few scant seconds. There'd be very little rest after this break, at least for him. There was only one place he would feel comfortable and it was already on the move. The mentioning of the treaties caught his attention, he hadn't even bothered to read them or find out more about them, but listening now taught him everything he needed to know, and then this Arl Eamon...

"This all sounds...fun and all, but I have no intention of following one lordling to play politics with another lord. Gaining the allegiance of the Elvenan is a time sensitive matter. My Clan has likely already crossed the northern border by now, but there will most likely still be another Clan in the Bracilian Forest. No doubt they're thinking of moving north as well, so time is of the essence. I can find them quickest and they're more likely to agree to help a Dalish Warden." He said matter-of-factly. He doubted they'd be happy about the idea of splitting up, but barring emergencies they could cover twice the ground in half the time.

"And we could hit the Circle on the way to Orzammar." Truth be told he would feel quite uncomfortable being surrounded by mages and magic, all that power condensed into one place just seemed unnatural. Magic had a place in this world, not locked up, but not ruling together either like the Tevinter Imperium, something regulated like the Keepers and their Firsts in the Dalish Clans. That was a tried and tested plan and everything ran smoothly, yet nobody pays attention to elves to, Creators forbid, learn something. The elf leaned back and placed his hands behind his head, showing he had relaxed. Still, even in a relaxed posture he had several pointed objects touching his fingers. Not that he expected he'd need them, just that they were there.

[Morrigan]

Morrigan had been silent since the young noble had reprimanded her for being rude to Alistair. She'd been traveling slightly behind the rest of them, considering the possible outcomes of this quest.

When the Elf suggested splitting up, Morrigan wanted to cry out with joy; here was her chance to escape that idiotic templar. She didn't really mind the rest of the troupe, but that Alistair... Morrigan couldn't put her finger on why she hated him so much, but she was sure there was reason enough.

"Anceledar speaks reason, young Wardens," she piped up finally."I'd consider his advice carefully, were I you."

Morrigan was not sure how the other two would respond, but she could only hope that they could all pair off and she could be rid of Alistair for the moment. She wasn't quite sure how the Elf would respond to the potential of having to travel with a maleficar, or rather, likelihood as it seemed the other Wardens had formed a sort of allegiance, but she did not truthfully care. She was sure that their adventure together would be relatively quiet, neither knowing what to say to the other. Although the Wardens themselves were required to put up with one another for the sake of duty, none of them were actually required to put up with Morrigan; it was a choice they had made based on the necessity of allies. [/color]

[Elissa Cousland]

At first, uncertainty plagued Elissa with hearing Anceladar's suggestion. He made good points, but it was a giant risk to take considering their numbers. Then again, this whole damned Blight situation was a risk in and of itself. Rubbing the bridge of her nose, the girl let out a somewhat frustrated sigh. She couldn't say she truly trusted the elf and their new witch ally, but their options were limited. Politics would definitely be easier for her to deal with in comparison to a Dalish man and a woman from the Wilds, and he was certainly right about him being more trusted by a Dalish clan than she or Alistair would be.

"I don't think we have any better choices," she finally sighed, gaze turning to Alistair. This time she was seeking reassurance from him, as he was the senior Grey Warden amongst them. They would head to Redcliffe and approach Arl Eamon for a support, while Anceladar and Morrigan strayed to the Brecilian Forest to seek out a Dalish clan. However, she doubted their politics would take terribly long. "Perhaps we could meet at the Circle, considering it's only on the other side of Lake Calenhad from Redcliffe," she suggested, glancing once more to the elf and witch, "Then continue on to Orzammar together."

Well, if there was a brighter side to this, it was that she got along fine with Alistair at least. She wouldn't have to worry much about what she said around him. That wasn't so bad. "With any luck, we will be able to regroup in a few months at most," Elissa smiled somewhat, "With more numbers and support."

It was a gamble, but so was everything else. Elissa Cousland's life as a noble had taught her that much.

[NPC]

Alistair loved this idea. In his opinion, it was the best idea since... forever! He could travel with Elissa, and not have to deal with the two that had an abvious distaste for him, it was wonderful! The Wardens could get everything done that they needed to in almost half the time it would normally take, and get bounds closer to defeating the Darkspawn sooner! Though he wasn't a fan of politics or really even the Arl's wife, he was just glad to have a plan. A PLAN THAT MADE SENSE!

He didn't have to ignore the fact that they were traveling with an Apostate if they weren't traveling with one.

"So we'll stay together until Lothering and then go our own ways from there?" Alistair posed this as a question; he'd never been much of a leader, and he knew that as the senior Warden he really should have been the one making all of the decisions.

Nevertheless, Alistair was both excited and very very nervous to both be traveling alone with Elissa and to see Arl Eamon again after all these years. Elissa was beautiful, to say the least, and he hadn't exactly ended his last conversation with Eamon on a good note. He was sure that in the end, it wouldn't matter, his task was far more important than any quarrel the good Arl would have with him.

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[Anceladar Firareth]

"Unless anyone can pose a better option." Anceladar slowly stood in one fluid motion, turning to look through the trees of the copse. Before making camp he'd checked the road ahead, in part to compare the best camp locations, an in part to check for the best route, as he had been before, and he'd come to a conclusion and he wanted to pose a question to the group.

"We have two routes. The fastest looks to have Darkspawn in our path, while the other seems clear it will take longer to reach Lothering. I'm always up for some action, but I thought it best if the group decides" In truth the easiest way for the elf would be to leave the group and head straight for Bracilian Forest, but he also realized the importance of Lothering. Not only did they need supplies but information to prevent any unpleasant surprises on the road.

[Elissa Cousland]

"Then I suppose our plan is set before us," Elissa made the final confirmation, giving a single nod. She felt a little bit more confident in the plan since everyone else was fast to accept it. Even Alistair, who she thought might not agree seemed very happy with it. Probably due to the fact they wouldn't be travelling with Morrigan. She was glad she'd get to travel with him and her loyal dog at least. Instinctively her hand wandered over to Cross's giant head to pet and scratch behind his ears. He grinned while his tongue lolled out of his mouth, glad for the attention.

Her light eyes flickered over to their Dalish companion as he stood up and looked off into the trees. Then he posed the final question: which route would they take? "I wouldn't mind some action either," Elissa shrugged, standing up slowly. Truthfully, she just wanted another distraction. Travelling a long, quiet route would cause her mind to wander again and she didn't need that, nor Alistair she presumed.