It Takes a Wolf

*Chapter 41: The Beginning of the End*

The beauty of the Arbor Wildes was unmatched to any wilderness in all of Thedas. It's magnificent rainforests were filled with rare plants and exotic creatures, but what stood out the most were the massive trees that stretched as high as mountains with roots the size of man made bridges that helped aid in the navigation of the terrain. However, the beauty you saw from the outside only masked the dangers that it hid within. As you broke through the alluring barrier the atmosphere changed, becoming dark and dank. The once impressive trees turning wicked, snuffing out any sunlight with the thick vegetation that grew along their twisted branches.

The Inquisition had been forging through the harsh terrain for two days and for two days they were met with nature's resistance. The moment they crossed the forest line they were met with and unyielding rain, making the already difficult terrain even harder to venture. They marched through the mud and muck, fighting off the dangerous creatures that claimed this place as their home. The men were growing increasingly fatigued from the harsh conditions and so did their frustration.

When they found themselves only a mile from Morvains lair they stopped to make camp and prepare themselves. Ellen and Fenris walked the camp with worry, noticing the drastic declination in the troops spirits. Unlike the Western Approach where they forged into battle full of vigor, here, they looked tired and defeated before stepping foot onto the field. Wishing to help Ellen made her way to the healers tent. She leaned down to enter when someone rushed out, crashing into her. Fenris caught her by the waist, keeping her from falling to the ground. He steadied her on her feet when she looked down to see Elriel on her knees, picking up the items she had dropped from their collision.

When she finished picking up the boxes of herbs she stood. "I apologize I didn-" She stopped mid sentence with a gasp when her eyes gravitated to Ellens. She bowed deeply, dropping the box once again. "My sincerest apologies Inquisitor! I-I-didn't...I wasn't paying attention! Forgive me."

Ellen smiled, picking the box up from the ground. "Rise da'len, it is all right, no harm done." She said calmly, handing the box to her.

She raised hesitantly, taking the box from Ellen with slightly trembling hands. "Thank you for being so gracious with me my Lady, I will be sure to be more careful."

Ellen placed a hand to her shoulder, giving her a warm smile. "There is no need to be frightened da'len. The Inquisition is not a tyrannical order. We look out for each other here, like a family."

Elriel kept her eyes cast to the ground. "I do not know how to be part of such a thing. I have only ever looked out for myself, since no one else would."

"Well, here we look out for the good of all, that includes you." Ellen said, squeezing her shoulder lightly.

Elriel gave her a small smile. "Thank you my lady." She bowed.

She began to take her leave when Ellen stopped her. "Elriel, might I ask a favor?"

"Of course my lady."

Ellen took some rashvine from her pouch, handing it to her. "Could you put this in the troops rations? It should give them the energy they need to see this through."

"Right away my lady." She said with a bright smile, giving her another bow before tending to her task.

Once the troops were taken care of Ellen and Fenris made their way to Cullen and others. They were all huddled tightly under a tent that shielded the makeshift war table from the constant rain. Dorian shivered as he hugged himself tightly, rubbing his palms over his shoulders and arms. "Ugh! H-how do y-you southerners stand t-these horrid conditions! I'm drenched, my clothes are soaked to the point my smalls are soggy, not to mention it's positively freezing!"