Dragon Age Origins: The Tale of Solana

Chapter 33: Andaran

There was a short moment of silence before Solana slowly stood to see a dog running toward them. "It's a dog?"

"A dog?"

The trio stood and met the dog who ran up to them. Solana gave it an arched brow as she studied the strange Mabari. She bent down as the dog chased in circles and barked. It almost seemed to be trying to tell her something. It gave a few more urgent barks as it turned. It raised its paw and raised its snout to point in the direction it came from. Solana stood casting a shrug at her companions.

"I'm not sure—"

"We have company," Alistair said with his eyes widening.

True enough, darkspawn slowly entered into the road they walked on. An Alpha Hurlock lead the way. It peered solely at Solana with rage building behind its rotten eyes. Morrigan held her nose. "What a hideous smell! And I thought Mother's cooking was the worst smell I would ever find."

"Get ready," Solana said grabbing the hilts of her twin daggers. The darkspawn Alpha crossed its own neck to signify he wanted Solana's as one of its trophies. "I don't think these guys are here to say hello."

"We never catch a break," Alistair whined.

The darkspawn were the first to rush ahead. The trio collided steadfastly with them. Each side held their own. Alistair went after the three Hurlocks, while Solana and Morrigan gave their all with the Alpha. Alistair finished them off with ease, and the Mabari hound was quick on his own. It tackled one Hurlock to the point it fell backwards were it gave the finishing blow to the rotten flesh around its' neck.

Solana was so surprised she hardly noticed Morrigan finish off the Hurlock Alpha with a fire blast. The dog came trotting over with a large grin on his face. He wags his tail happily and pants from the battle. Solana smiled big. "Where did you come from? Those darkspawn didn't hurt you, boy, did they?"

"I think this is the Mabari from the camp you helped," Alistair said coming close. He put a hand on Solana's shoulder. "I think he was out there looking for you. He's... Chosen you. Mabari are like that. They call it imprinting."

"Does this mean we're going to have this mangy beast following us about now?" Morrigan saw the bright, happy smile Solana flashed her. She winced for she knew the answer just from that look. She crossed her arms and rolled her eyes. "Wonderful."

"He's not mangy," Alistair said as he used his index finger to tease the dog playfully in the air.

"I've always wanted a dog like this," Solana said patting the hound on the head. "Maybe it was meant to be."

"Why not have just gotten you one from the Alienage?"

Morrigan's question hit a little too home. Solana didn't turn to answer. "Mabari's are shemlen animals. Even if we could have afforded one, I doubt they would have allowed elves to run around with them."

A glance towards Alistair was all he needed to look away embarrassed. She was more than right, and he felt ashamed. Solana didn't care one way or the other. Her old life seemed so far away now. She bent down and hugged the dog around the neck. It felt warm there, and peaceful. "So, what are you going to name it," Alistair asked.

"Hmm..."

"What about Duncan?"

Solana shook her head, "Too soon." She thought long and hard. She giggled when the dog licked her face. She pushed his muzzle away. "How about... Andaran? I think it means Peace in elvish. My mother used to say it when I was little."