Dragon Age Origins: The Tale of Solana

Chapter 4: What Went Wrong?

Soris fidgeted nervously in his spot barely even catching anything Valora was saying. She was nice, he admitted. She was a kind soul, and her voice was soothing to hear...but he just couldn't get over how much she wasn't what he pictured he would marry. Solana was right, he was beginning to sound like Elva. He just needed some air. Clean, refreshing air away from Valora and the wedding.

Solana saw Soris back closer to her. "Come on, Cousin. We should let them get ready."

Valora giggled and smiled bright. "Oh, yes you are right! How could I forget to get ready? Come on, Nelaros." She walked over and took hold of Nelaros' sleeve. "We'll see you two in a bit. Don't disappear on us."

Nelaros stole a quick glance at Solana. She gave an apologetic smile as she waved them off. "Or we'll come find you," he yelled back at them with a small laugh.

Solana was watching them walk off, lost in thoughts of her future. She wasn't sure what it held, but whatever it was, she could handle it. She had to. Nelaros seemed genuine in his promise to her and somehow that made her feel safe. Soris made a quick jab in her side before stuttering.

"D-d-don't look now, but we have another problem."

"Is it Vaughan? Has he returned?"

"Another human just walked in." A man wearing armor strolled in from behind a house. He took a causal stance by the house as if waiting on something to happen. Solana turned and exchanged a look with Soris. "Could be one of Vaughan's," Soris shrugged, "or just a random troublemaker. Either way, we need to move him along before someone does something stupid."

"Right. Let's go talk to him," Solana nodded to her own statement.

"Let's do this quickly if we can."

The duo quickly scampered over to the human. "What should I say," Solana asked.

Soris pursed his lips together tight. "I don't know... Just... Make something up as you go. Stand your ground."

"What about you," she asked. "What are you going to do?"

Soris fiddled the ground with the tip of his foot. "I'm here for emotional support. You know I can't really do much fighting."

Solana seriously doubt that. Soris had more in him than he let on. She once saw him, when they were children, beat a guy to a pulp for hurting a girl he had a crush on.

She rolled her eyes and sauntered over with a raised chin. The man noticed almost instantly their intent as his eyes fell on them.

Duncan saw the two adults approaching him. He had noticed them talking over by the large tree for some time now, talking privately. He recognized the one's features as described by Valendrian. By their quick glances at him, he guessed they were discussing the course of action to take as to approach him by. Interesting.

When they got up to him, he looked each one in the eye with a smile. He crossed his arms in front of him and bowed to show respect. "Good day. I understand congratulations are in order for your impending wedding."

Solana took a deep breath and exhaled it through her nose, she would be nice about letting him know his place, while at the same time being firm and unmovable about her advice. "Thanks, but please go. I'd rather avoid any unpleasantness."

Duncan raised his eyebrows in surprise. "What manner of unpleasantness might you be referring to?"

"The Alienage just isn't a good place for humans to be." Solana crossed her arms across her chest. She took a deep breath and sighed as she remembered Vaughan's rude disturbance moments before.

"I'm sorry, but I have no intention of leaving."

Soris and Solana exchanged a glance. Solana frowned. "I will ask once more, politely. Please leave."

"And I refuse, yet again. Now what?"

Solana eyes got big and then narrowed in anger. Soris, who was nervously watching the whole thing, reached forward. "Cousin, maybe we—"

"I'm not backing down. This is no place for you."

Duncan gave a grin and stroked his beard with one hand. He studied the woman in front of him, and then compared her temperament to the one he had heard about. "Surely it has not escaped your notice that I am both armed and armored. Any fight between us would be rather one-sided."

Solana glanced at the two long swords sheathed behind him. The armor the man wore had a strange insignia on it of what Solana only assumed was a bird. Whatever the meaning behind it, the man was well equipped while she wasn't. She swallowed and glanced up at the man. "Do you... Intend on using those weapons?"

"Not unless I'm left without a choice." Duncan held his hands behind his back. He was enjoying the small toss of words. He wanted to see what this woman would do.

Solana knew she would surely be beat in a battle without a sword of her own. However, she needed to get rid of the shem. "Fine. Maybe we can compromise. You cannot stay."

"Ah," Duncan laughed softly. "The diplomat comes out. It seems your temper isn't as fiery as I've been led to believe."

Solana took offense and she narrowed her eyes. "What?! Why does everyone assume I'm a hot head?" Soris was trying to hide his chuckles.

"What do you say, Valendrian?"

Soris and Solana quickly turned their heads in the direction of the human. Their elder came from inside the nearby home. "I would say the world has far more use of those who know how to stay their blades."

The two men shook hands as if they were long lost buddies. Solana was in absolute shock. She had to do a double take just to make sure it was real. "It is good to see you again, my old friend. It has been far too long."

"Wait," Solana held up her hands. "You know this human, Elder?"

Valendrian gestured to Duncan as if he was a display of honor to behold. "May I present Duncan, head of the Grey Wardens in Ferelden."

"What's a Grey Warden," Soris asked with a raised eyebrow.

Valendrain crossed his arms and his face crinkled up into a smile. "They are a great order of warriors, child, sworn to protect our world from the darkspawn. But..." The older elf turns to his friend of old. "My question remains unanswered. Why are you here, Duncan?"

Duncan exchanged glances between the three elves. He felt the sorrow of the impending bad news he was about to deliver to them. He closed his eyes to hide their sad frowns. "The worst has happened: A Blight has begun. King Cailan summons the Grey Wardens to Ostagar to fight the darkspawn horde alongside his armies."