Rose Garden: Rose of Grace

Chapter 10

 I sit up to find myself in a bed, surrounded by warmth.

"Ah, your eyes finally open. Mother shall be pleased" I hear in a familiar female voice. I look over to see the girl we had met before the battle, walking over to me from a bookshelf. I realize I had only my undergarments on and she handed me a robe. I scooted to the edge of the bed and put it on.

"I remember you: the girl from the Wilds."

"I am Morrigan, lest you have forgotten." Right, Morrigan.

"Where am I?"

"We are in the Wilds, where I am bandaging your wounds. You are welcome, by the way."

I gave a short chuckle. She hadn't really given me enough time to think her. "How does your memory fare? Do you remember Mother's rescue?" I couldn't remember what happened at all. And the more I think the more my head pounds.

"I remember being overwhelmed by darkspawn..." I say, since at this point that is really all I remember pre-blackout.

"Mother managed to save you and your friend, though twas a close call. What is important is that you both live. The man that was to respond to your signal... Quit the field. The darkspawn won your battle." she explained. "Those he abandoned were massacred. Your friend... He is not taking it well."

My friend, who is this friend she keeps mentioning? Wait, what was that about a massacre?

"What happened to the Grey Wardens? The king?"

"All dead. Your friend has veered between denial and grief since Mother told him. He is outside by the fire, Mother asked to see you when you awoke."

I look down at myself and notice that my wounds are non existent, but i could have sworn I was toast. Extra crispy.

"Were my injuries severe?"

"Yes, but I expect you should be fine. The darkspawn did nothing Mother could not heal."

I should ask her more about what happened before going to see her mother. That way I'm more up to date.

"I'd like to ask you some questions if you don't mind."

She moved to sit besides me on the bed.

"I do not mind, take your time."

"Are we safe here? Where are the darkspawn?" I ask first. I don't need to repeat the last moments of my life over again.

"We are safe, for the moment. Mother's magic keeps the darkspawn away. Once you leave, t'is uncertain what will happen. The horde has moved on, so you might avoid it."

"Why did your mother save us? Not that I'm complaining."

"I wonder at that myself, but she tells me nothing. Perhaps you were the only ones she could reach. I would have rescued your king. A king is much better ransom than you."

"Gee, thanks."

"I am only being practical."

"How did she rescue us exactly?"

"She turned into a giant bird, and plucked the two of you from atop the tower. One in each talon. If you do not believe that tale, then I suggest you ask Mother yourself. She may even tell you." I'll leave that one alone.

"Are there any survivors besides us?"

"Only stragglers that are long gone. You would not want to see what is happening in that valley now." She's right about that.