Rose Garden: Rose of Grace

Chapter 2

Sorry this is late! Been a busy weekend! 

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When Grace woke up she could hear the bustle of a village. She got up from the bed in which she lied and walked out from the tent. She was greeted by another elf, who's face was filled with worry.

    "You're awake! You've the God's luck Lethallan. You're back at camp. Everyone is worried sick about you. How do you feel?" He asked.

    "I'm fine Fenarel, Just a bit groggy."

    "We thought you would die. The shem who brought you here said there wasn't much hope. Seems he was wrong."

    "I don't remember anything. I was in  cave, then... Nothing."

    "He was a Grey Warden and appeared out of nowhere with you slung over his shoulder. You were delirious with fever. He said that he found you outside a cave in the forest, unconscious and alone. He left you here and ran off again. The keeper's been using the old magic to heal you."

    "Is anyone looking for Tamlen?"

    "Of course! Most of the hunters are off looking for him right now. But the keeper wanted to talk to you as soon as you awoke. Stay here, I'll get her." He said before walking away. Everything seemed a bit off to her. Like there was more going on than she knew. Their faces were similar, as were the names, but everything was as though they were of a distant land. Grace felt a little out of place. After a few minutes, the keeper came over to her.

    "I see you are awake, da'len. It is fortunate Duncan found you when he did... I know not what dark power held you, but it nearly bled the life from you. It was difficult even for my magic to keep you alive." The elder woman's voice was strained. Grace could tell she was filled with concern for not only herself, but Tamlen, who was still missing.

    "Duncan? Is that the one who brought me back?"

    "Yes, he introduced himself as a Grey Warden. Duncan thought there may have been darkspawn creatures inside the cave. Is that true?"

    "All I remember was the mirror..."

    "A mirror? And it caused all this? I have never heard of such a thing in all the lore we have collected." The keeper sighed, shaking her head. "I was hoping for answers when you woke, but there are only more questions. And Tamlen remains missing. He is more important than any lore these ruins." She crossed her arms. "If he is as sick as you were his condition is grave. Duncan returned to the cave to search for darkspawn, but we cannot rely on him to look for Tamlen as well. We must do ourselves, and quickly. Do you feel well enough to show us the way da'len? Without you we will not find it."

   Grace nodded.

    "I am up to it, Keeper. I feel fine." Except for the nagging feeling that something was entirely wrong. In any case, she had to find Tamlen, her heart felt heavy about it.

    "I am relieved to hear it. I am ordering the clan to pack the camp so we can go North. Take Merrill with you to the cave. Find Tamlen if you can, but do it swiftly."

    "Take Merrill to the cave and find Tamlen. I understand."

    "Go quickly, for Tamlen's life hangs in the balance."

    "Pray for me, Keeper." She said before heading to the forest to where Merrill waited. On her way over Fenarel stood besides her.

    "Is the keeper sending you back to that cave to look for Tamlen?"