Dragon Age: Coexist

Outburst

The fallen fortress was simply magnificent; despite my mood, I found myself reveling in the magical aura that surrounded itself around the stone pillars and walls. The ruins of Ostagar, which I suspected was but a shadow of what once was, was beautiful.

I heard Duncan informing Jaiden of the duty of a Grey Warden. I was only half listening; I heard the words "Blight," and "darkspawn" and resumed my admiring of the architecture again.

We walked down the long carved pathway to the main camp, where a large group of armed humans were standing. The leading man, who was protected by impressive golden armor and a fine longsword and shield, noticed us first and gave all four of us a smile.

Great, another friendly human, I thought bitterly. The evil ones are far more entertaining.

He stood before Duncan, and reached out his hand. "Ho there, Duncan!"

Duncan raised both eyebrows in surprise, but didn't hesitate to shake the awaiting hand. "King Cailan? I didn't expect-"

The man, apparently the King and named Cailan, gave him a mischievous grin. "A royal welcome? I was beginning to worry you'd miss all the fun!"

Duncan did not return Cailan's playful gesture. "Not if I could help it, your majesty."

The grin did not falter, only widened. "Then I'll have the mighty Duncan at my side in battle after all! Glorious! The other Wardens told me you've found promising recruits. I take it these are them?"

Duncan nodded. "Allow me to introduce you, your Majesty."

Cailan frowned at Duncan's formality. "No need to be so formal, Duncan. We'll be shedding blood together, after all." He turned his attention to my brother and I. Giving another smile that revealed his straight white teeth, he opened his mouth to speak, only to be stopped by the sight of my outfit. He quickly averted his eyes, giving the impression that he was simply granting me polite recognition, and nothing more.

"Ho there, friends! Might I know your names?"

I stared at him for a minute. He was way too cheerful, given the circumstance. I struggled not to roll my eyes at the human. He was no King of mine, but he was civil to us, so I complied. "I'm Zetheria. This is my brother, Jaiden."

He raised a curious eyebrow. "Brother?" He stared at us again. "Well, I suppose that makes sense. You do share the same skin color, after all. So tell me, what clan do you hail from?"

I frowned in confusion. "Clan?"

He frowned as well. "You are Dalish, are you not? Both of your faces are branded."

I scowled. "It's called a tattoo, shem. Is this the guy that's running Ferelden? That explains a lot."

Duncan's eyes widened. "Zetheria, be respectful!"

Cailan shook his head, still confused. "So you are not Dalish? You were born in a city?"

I scoffed. "More like a slum."

He tilted his head. "I am curious: was it hard being separated from your brother whilst at the Circle Tower? Are you glad to be reunited?"

I couldn't help but reply with a snicker at his question. Duncan gave me a disapproving glare; that only improved my infidelity.

Cailan ran a golden hand through his hair of the same hue. "You…are a mage, aren't you? The staff…"

I stopped my laughter, and scoffed. "Got powers, boy, but I ain't a mage. Never been in your Tower, never will."