Dragon Age: Coexist

The Joining

Nightfall had crept upon the land, embracing the sky with darkness. I walked along the current of the wind, watching the men beside me shiver in its wake.

We entered the outskirts of Ostagar quietly, as if afraid to disturb forces unknown to us. Our guide was elusively leading us, pale skin matching the face of the full moon. As the gates of Ostagar came into our line of vision clearly, she turned, irises refusing to meet mine.

"Here lies your destination, Wardens. Whether you enter this fortress or not is irrelevant to me; I have done my task, and shall now take my leave of you."

Her walk was brisk and forced; she traveled down the path in which we'd come, avoiding Jaiden and I's gaze. I frowned in confusion, bewildered by her behavior.

It was Alistair who brought my thoughts away from Morrigan. "We should hurry and deliver the vials and the treaties to Duncan; he's expecting us."

He'd become the leader once more, though he seemed hesitant to do so. I followed him once again, relieved that this mission was almost to its end.

We found ourselves at the fire once again, making contact with the eyes of Duncan, his dark orbs glistening before the flame.

"So you return from the Wilds. Have you been successful?"

Alistair nodded at his mentor, and the man continued. "Good. I've had the Circle mages preparing. With the blood you've retrieved, we can begin the Joining immediately."

I sighed. "Now will you tell us what this ritual is about?"

His expression hardened. "I will not lie; we Grey Wardens pay a heavy price to become what we are. Fate may decree that you pay your price now, rather than later."

Jaiden discreetly laced his finger with mine; I complied.

I caressed his skin as I spoke. "We have no problem facing what is to come."

My words were true, slightly; I would rather die honorably than by the hands of the templars. I'm sure Jaiden felt the same.

Ser Jory spoke. "I agree. Let's have it done."

Duncan nodded. "Then let us begin. Alistair, take them to the old temple."

He then exited the area, rendering the five of us alone. Alistair wordlessly led us to the temple, where the ceremony was to begin. We stood idly in the center of the platform, waiting to finally be accepted as Grey Wardens.

I looked down at Tiberias, then stroked his head affectionately. "Go play, boy," I said. "You've had a rough day. When this is over, I'll give those flowers to the guy with the sick Mabari, so he can make an antidote for you, too, okay?"

He barked happily, licked my hand, then ran off.

In the next few moments, I was burdened with Jory's whining.

"The more I hear about this Joining, the less I like it. Why all these damned tests? Have I not earned my place?"

Daveth rolled his eyes. "Maybe it's tradition. Maybe they're just trying to annoy you."

I sighed in annoyance, and said to Jaiden. "I swear I'm the bravest one here, and I'm a woman. Are all humans such cowards?"

He scoffed. "We're practically being forced to do this-we'll be running for the rest of our lives if we leave Duncan's protection-and does he see us complaining? No. His whining is giving me a headache."

Jory frowned, defensive. "I only know that my wife is in Highever with a child on the way. If they had warned me…it just doesn't seem fair."

Daveth folded his arms. "Would you have come if they'd warned you? Maybe that's why they don't. The Wardens do what they must, right?"