Dragon Age: Chains of the Past

Chapter 5: And So It Returns

Elora Lenrian was thirteen years old now, standing at the precipice of adolescence with a grace and poise that belied her years. The forest around the Dalish encampment was her playground and her sanctuary, the trees and the whispering wind offering solace and a sense of connection to the past. Despite the passage of time, the absence of her mother, Ashlea, remained a poignant ache in her heart. The camp bustled with activity as the clan prepared for the annual gathering of neighboring clans. It was a time of celebration, storytelling, and forging alliances. Elora was busy preparing for the festivities, her skills in herbalism and archery now well-honed. She moved with confidence and purpose, her long blonde hair tied back in a practical braid, and her pale blue eyes reflecting the determination she had cultivated over the years.

"Elora, could you bring these herbs to the healer's tent?" asked Varyn, one of the clan's herbalists. "We need them for the preparations."

Elora nodded and took the bundle of herbs from Varyn's hands. "Of course. I'll be right there."As she walked through the camp, she couldn't help but overhear snippets of conversation. The arrival of the other clans was always a source of excitement, but today, there was a whisper of tension in the air. The Dalish people were known for their hospitality and honor, but the political landscape could be as treacherous as the wilds they lived in. Elora approached the healer's tent, where the air was thick with the scent of medicinal herbs. The healer, Elandra, looked up and smiled as Elora entered.

"Thank you, Elora," Elandra said, taking the herbs and sorting through them. "You're becoming quite the skilled herbalist. Your mother would be proud."

Elora's heart ached at the mention of her mother, but she managed a smile. "Thank you, Elandra. I've tried to learn as much as I can."

Elandra nodded approvingly. "And you've done very well. We'll need these for the gathering. There's always the possibility of injuries or ailments with so many people."

As Elora worked alongside Elandra, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. The excitement in the camp seemed tinged with an undercurrent of unease. She resolved to keep her senses sharp, as her mother had taught her. After finishing her tasks, Elora joined the other children in preparing for the gathering. They were setting up tents, decorating with flowers, and preparing food. The festive atmosphere was a stark contrast to the worries that lingered in her mind.

"Elora!" called Fenarel, who was now a respected hunter in the clan. "We could use some help with the decorations. Could you give us a hand?"

Elora smiled and joined Fenarel and the others. They worked together, their laughter and camaraderie lifting her spirits. As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the camp, Elora felt a sense of anticipation. The arrival of the neighboring clans would bring new faces, stories, and opportunities. The first evening of the gathering was always marked by a grand feast. The central bonfire crackled and roared, illuminating the faces of the gathered clan members and guests. The aroma of roasting meats and freshly baked bread filled the air. Elora sat with her father, Tael, and other members of the clan. The food was delicious, and the stories shared around the fire were filled with both joy and solemnity. It was a time to celebrate their heritage and the bonds that held them together.

"Look at the stars," Tael said, pointing to the night sky. "Your mother always loved this time of year. She would have been thrilled to see so many clans gathered."

Elora looked up at the stars, feeling a pang of longing. She often found solace in the night sky, imagining her mother looking down from the heavens. "I wish she could be here."

Tael sighed, his eyes reflecting the same sorrow Elora felt. "So do I. But she would want us to enjoy this moment, to honor our traditions and our people."

As the night progressed, the clan members shared songs and dances, their voices and movements creating a tapestry of unity and celebration. Elora joined in, her heart lifting with the rhythm of the music. The gathering was a reminder of the strength and resilience of her people.

Later, as the festivities continued, Elora found a quiet spot by the edge of the camp, where she could see the stars more clearly. She sat on a log, lost in thought, when she heard a rustling in the bushes. Her heart quickened, and she stood, ready for any unexpected visitors.Out of the shadows emerged Keeper Melafelan, her expression thoughtful. "Elora, I'm glad I found you."

"Keeper," Elora said, her voice a mixture of surprise and curiosity. "Is something wrong?"Melafelan took a seat beside her, her gaze distant. "I wanted to talk to you. The gathering is important, but there are matters we must discuss."

Elora sat down beside her, her curiosity piqued. "What matters?"

Melafelan took a deep breath. "There are whispers among the other clans about a new threat in the region. The humans who took your mother are still out there, and there have been reports of them moving closer to our lands."

Elora's heart sank. "You think they're looking for us?"

Melafelan nodded. "It's possible. We must be vigilant and prepared. The safety of our people is paramount."

Elora's mind raced. The thought of the humans who had taken her mother returning was terrifying. "What can we do?"

"We will increase our patrols and be on high alert," Melafelan said. "But I wanted you to know that we're doing everything we can to ensure your safety and the safety of the clan. And I wanted you to be prepared for what might come."

Elora nodded, her resolve hardening. "Thank you, Keeper. I'll stay alert."

Melafelan placed a reassuring hand on Elora's shoulder. "You've grown into a strong and capable young woman, Elora. Your mother would be proud of the person you've become."

Elora looked up at the Keeper, feeling a mix of pride and sorrow. "I hope so."

As Melafelan returned to the festivities, Elora remained by the edge of the camp, her thoughts swirling with the new information. The possibility of a threat from the humans who had taken her mother was a heavy burden, but it also ignited a fire within her. She was determined to protect her people and to continue her mother's legacy. As the night wore on, Elora returned to the camp, her mind still focused on the impending threat. She joined her father and the other clan members around the fire, trying to push aside her worries and immerse herself in the celebration.  The gathering continued with renewed energy, and Elora did her best to enjoy the festivities. But in the back of her mind, she couldn't ignore the looming danger. She resolved to be vigilant and to protect her people, no matter what challenges lay ahead. As the fire burned low and the night grew quiet, Elora lay in her bedroll, staring up at the stars. The memories of her mother and the promise she had made to herself filled her thoughts. She would continue to honor her mother's memory and fight for the safety of her people. With a deep breath, Elora closed her eyes, drawing strength from the stars above and the legacy of her mother. She knew that the days ahead would be challenging, but she was ready to face them with courage and determination. The echoes of the past would guide her, and she would never give up hope.