dust to dust

[ellcria]

couslcndpup:

Elvira felt a smile pull at her lips, it was a nice change of pace from the grumpy Morrigan and the devout Lelianna.  She nodded as well, knowing all too well the feeling she mentioned. If nothing else, she could forget her despair of their task. Elvira’s eyes rose to the roads before them, Mathias leading the way. Her attention was pulled back to the elf, surprised genuinely by her words.

“You do not need to thank me, or repay me. No one should have their freedom taken from them against their will. I would do it hundred more times, should you need it.” The Cousland’s were a family who treated their servants as if they were servants. No one was a slave. They were not above having Elves work within their home, but father had always said that he paid them to work as the alternative for them would be worse. He could not help them all, but her father had certainly did his best as often as he could.

“I hope that you find help. Is your clan from the The Dales in Orlais? Or perhaps roamers of the Free Marches?” Many questions came to mind, she had never met a Dalish elf…. Not many had ever spoken with one and lived to tell the tale. She wished she could ask the woman much more, but she didn’t want to be rude to someone she just met. It seemed invasive on their way of life. “I have not been with them much longer than yourself. Calen, my Mabari Hound,” she gestured to the dog walking proudly at her side. “and I joined  a few days ago. Mathias had been kind enough to heal me before asking me to join him.”

She wanted to trust the girl, she almost felt obligated to do so. After all, Ellaria could only imagine the end she would have met had the band of travelers not intervened. But the centuries of conflict between her people and the humans was like a wall between them. Caution, she would need to be careful with her words around them. To lose focus of where she needed to be, especially because of the temporary kindness of her savior would be foolishness.

"You are most kind, not many would fight for us, not in times like these. I suppose I can't blame people for wanting to protect their own." She could and she did, but somehow it just didn't seem like the polite thing to say to the woman. Ellaria resented the shemlen that persecuted her people out of fear that had no foundation. Her eyebrow quirked at all her questions. So this one wasn’t just a simple minded kitchen wench. " The Free Marches." Healed her? "Do you mind me asking what happened — why you needed to be healed?" In fact, was there no one that this woman had to go home to? Most humans lived and died in the same place, with their families and their identities rooted to their homes.

[ellcria]

couslcndpup:

It had been nearly a whole day of walking, Matthias wanted to make the most of their travel, and in different circumstances, Elvira would have surely complained. She had never had to walk to much in her life up until quite recently. However, this was to make as much distance between the darkspawn and them as they could possibly imagine. From what she could tell Mathias loved to be outdoors. Having been locked within Kinloch Hold for his entire life, it made sense that he loved to be outside. She hadn’t quite figured out their merry little band as of just yet. She supposed at some point she would have to make more conversation with them.

Elvira had made it a point to be relatively quiet since joining the party. She was intending to keep her identity from them for as long as possible. No one needed to know she was the daughter of a Teryn. No one needed to know that she was now the Teryna of Highever. No one needed to know that she was nobility when everyone treated her as an equal.

Oddly, Mathias and Lelianna did much of the group’s conversation. Octavian was wallowing in sorrows of his own. She considered talking to him… several times. If anyone would know how it felt to lose someone it would be him. Morrigan just seemed to hate to be around so many people. Sten… was preferably more quiet, it seemed like he had very little to say. 

The Cousland girl made her way over to Ellaria, walking along side her. “Healing magic heals the flesh… but nothing else. Are you alright?” she paused for a moment, recalling that the woman was a Dalish elf, well known to not be fond of humans. Probably because humans tie elves up, like she had been at the start of the day. “I — I understand… if you don’t wish to tell me…”

Her lips pressed into a small smile, as her eyes found Elvira's. "Nothing I can't bear for a little while longer. It's better to keep moving and feel a little discomfort than potentially becoming dark spawn bait in my sleep." The other girl's familiarity with maps hadn't escaped her. She was educated at the least, most likely a trader's daughter. They needed to know the safest and fastest routes, if her skill with weapons was anything like her mind, she was definitely an asset for them to have.

"You've been very kind to me. I never got the chance to thank you. You gave me my freedom, it’s a debt I may never be able to repay." She had her reservations about most of her traveling companions. Mathias seemed too sure of himself, Octavian didn't seem sure enough — at the very least, he seemed reluctant to speak about himself. Though, who was she to judge, it wasn't as if she was giving them any information about herself. It left her vulnerable, not to mention the rest of the party just seemed odd, but Elvira was different.

It was the safest Ellaria had felt in quite some time, and all because of the kindness of a human. "I suspect it's nothing more than a few bruises, I just hope the Keeper we meet is able to help me. The elves of Ferelden are not my people, I've been away from my clan for too long. If he has heard anything of their whereabouts, it will certainly make it easier for me to track them. If you don’t mind me asking, how long have you been with all of them?"

[fyeahizzy]

[ellcria]

immabcstrd:

“Oh yes, sunshine and death,” Octavian muttered to himself, in the corner of his eye, he glanced down to the woman and her dog, her eyes on him. Her lips were twisting slightly, the closest thing to a smile he had seen from their newest companion. Her eyebrow rose at him and he gave her a small harmless shrug. The Dalish elf spoke again, prompting the woman to stand before her and step a little further away, Mathias magic spreading with ease.

Before him, Mathias shrugged, standing to his full height before the elf. “I must go. The elves of Ferelden have sworn to my cause centuries ago. Nothing can stop this quest.” Mathias made it a point to avoid outright telling people Octavian and him were grey wardens. Ostagar was so recent, that the news had spread slightly of the betrayal of the king in the hands of the grey wardens. Oddly enough, it was a smart move. Behind him, Sten growled lowly, “Is it not time to move on?” Truthfully, Octavian thought he was the only one to hear the Qunari.

Eyes returned to the Dalish elf, Ellaria, she had mentioned. Doubt. Everyone had their doubts about their quest, especially Octavian. Duncan’s death was still on his mind, as Morrigan had unfortunately pointed out continuously. “You’ll have plenty of chances to repay a life debt with us. It’s all about stabby stabby in the nighty with the people we know,” he pointed out. Besides him, Lelianna laughed brightly, a sight to see from a lay sister covered in blood.

Mathias shook his head, a smile of his own playing on his lips. At least some people appreciated his humor.  “If you can walk, then come, let’s go. We need to move away from this town darkspawn will be crawling over this town in a matter of days. We will continue to head north towards Kinloch Hold, they will be the easiest to recruit due to my history. Then we will make way for the Brecilian forest.”

It was a sound plan, go north to Kinloch Hold, avoid the brunt of the darkspawn behind them, then head east to the forest once things had died down. The part that Octavian did not like was route they would take for that. It would mean days north to come back down, fight darkspawn and travel for weeks to the east. Considering he had relinquished his hand in being the leader, he couldn’t say much.

“If you’re pressed for time, you would be better off either heading east first or last. We could head north in a few days to Kinloch hold, circle round, head for the mountains before heading south along the Imperial Highway to Red cliffe. From there, head east along the West Road into the forest before continuing onto Denerim.” All eyes had turned to Elvira, it had been the most she had said since joining their party. She was familiar with maps and roads it seemed.

Mathias considered her words, “ We can head east first to the forest for our new friend here? What would be the best route then?” Hazel eyes turned Elvira, who thought for a moment, her hand reaching for her mabari absently.

“We head east along the West road, make for the forest. With any luck, we can continue on when our business is finished along the west road. To Denerim. It would be wise to stock up even at the chance we may be seen. From there return west along the imperial Highway. Not the best, but at least we’d move along the Bannorn. We’d have places to rest and stock up on supplies if we need.” Mathias nodded, accepting the answer.

“Brilliant, kick these thugs out of our way and hope the forest spirits don’t possess us in our sleep,”Octavian chirped before turning away and kicking a thug for good measure.

Sworn to his cause? Brows knit in confusion, she had considered them nothing short of a band of mercenaries, but for elves to be sworn to a humans cause, that required status, or an unpayable debt. "What are you, a Lord of some place that once promised safety and then drove elves out of your kingdom? How convenient that you should remember their oath to you when you're the one in need." Her eyes moved to the Qunari standing in the back, his looming presence made her more uncomfortable than she would like to admit.

Lips pursed at how flippantly the mage spoke about her debt to them. Ellaria could feel the weight of it on her, or perhaps that was just her body finally adjusting to a position that was upright, and not constantly being jostled around her makeshift prison. As strange as the group was, it was probably safer for her to travel with numbers on her side. Pushing herself to her feet, she winced as her bones adjusted to the pressure on them. 

"Don't sleep in the forest, don't take anything that belongs to the forest, you might just survive it. There is no reason for a delay, I wouldn't want to get in the way of whatever you have gotten yourself into. If we can make for the forest as soon as possible, I can speak in your favour with the Keeper, hopefully, that can be of some help.” It was the least she could do, whatever they might be up to, the girl and the mage had saved her life, so had their friends. “ Give me a few moments to collect everything that was taken from me, and we can be on our way." Bowing her head, she moved around the humans, to open find the sack with the rest of her weapons in the back. Roads were full of bandits these days, and she would be damned if she wasn’t prepared this time.

[ellcria]

wardenmathias:

Elvira felt her eyes move to Octavian, his shoulders tensing, the man was more precarious than Mathias was, there was a confidence to the way Mathias worked, one that clearly Octavian lacked. Her eyes continued to Mathias, Octavian’s already on him as well. He had taken the job of being in charge and would have to be the one to respond to the woman, but as she wobbled slightly, only Elvira and Lelianna moved forward to help her. Mathias watched the woman, curious if she would try to kill them after rescuing her. His little group could always use more. She was certainly pretty enough to join. 

“My task is a daunting one, myself and my friend here,” he gestured to Octavian, “have a quest ahead of us, that will surely lead to death. The more people I can have who will fight for me the better, not many have so little to lose.” Elvira moved forward slowly as the elven woman sat on the wagon.  Mathias move forward himself, the others turning to each other. “Ellaria, of clan Levellan. I’d wager if your clan was wise, they would be long gone from this place. You fight well, you could come with us. We’re in search of Dalish clan in the Brecilian forest, perhaps that is your clan? Or perhaps like everyone else, they moved north and quickly?”

As Mathias spoke, Elvira moved forward to examine the leg that seemed to bother her. Nothing a salve, potion or some magic couldn’t fix. “I hope being Dalish, Magic doesn’t make you too squeamish,” he joked. His finger tips glowed, wispy colors of green pulling to them until they covered his hands, healing magic. Mathias, for all his ability to kill, was an above average healer as well. He had said to Elvira, that it had been from his own foolish he learned the craft. 

The mage knelt in front of the elf, his hands pressing to her limbs, the green wisps flowing, creating a gentle heat as the flesh and muscles mended under his touch. “Surely, you could consider my proposal? I could use another archer.”

"All quests lead to death, it's just a matter of whose death. You or your enemies." She did not like how much it bothered her to know that she had little to lose at this point. Ellaria was sure the clan had ruled her as missing in action, which was simply a kinder way to imply that the dark spawn had gotten her. She could hardly begrudge them for it, their fight was for survival, and her disappearance would have been enough to prove that it was time to move on.

She felt the tension ease out of her body, as the Mage knelt in front of her, his magic easing her pain. Ellaria wanted nothing to do with this man, but a debt was owed. To the woman that had freed her, and the man that had healed her. "I will accompany you to the Brecilian forest, no farther than that. You have done me a kindness, so I must warn you, whatever you seek to find in that forest will not be worth it. The spirits in that forest know nothing of forgiveness, and you will be led astray. Not by someone, but the forest itself. You would be wise to change your course."

The story of Abelas was well known amongst their kind, even that was only a small hint at what the forest could do. It was said that the Veil is so thin, that a wanderer would not be able to make out the difference between being awake and dreaming. "If the clan are moving north, what are your chances of finding a clan in the Brecilian forest? But, if you will not change your mind about it, I will go with you, and so my debt will be paid. I have no desire to play the hero, I have my own to protect."

[ellcria]

wardenmathias:

Understandably, the woman was wary of Elvira as she approached, but she was quick to ungag her and cut her ropes, not planning on making any sudden moves. Elvira said nothing as the woman moved an spoke, instead allowing her to have the moment of peace, until she mentioned the Cousland finishing the job. Mathias did not move, surprising even Elvira with that choice. The Dalish woman moved along the wagon, grabbing her items as though she hadn’t been tied up for several hours at the least. 

Mathias wondered about her, a Dalish elf, now more than like abandoned by her clan considering the darkspawn. Alone as well. Strong enough to fight even after the kinds of wounds she would have from this incident. “I am Mathias, and no one needs a reason to kill thugs nowadays, do they? Certainly as I’m sure they had no reason to keep you in a wagon.” 

Elvira had left the wagon, jumping to the ground and sheathing her dagger. She knelt down to whisper sweet words to Calen, who had done a good job. Morrigan, clicked her tongue in disgust at the gesture. The group spread out a little, each getting a look at the Dalish woman. The only Elf among them. Behind Mathias was Octavian, Elvira, Calen, Morrigan, Lelianna, and Sten. Five humans, a Qunari, and a dog. “Where is your clan?”

"Where is my clan?" She couldn't hold back the laugh that escaped her, lips pursing into a grim smile. "From the looks of it, not anywhere near me. Likely —" Cutting herself off, she kept her bow at the ready. "Likely they have moved on, somewhere safer. Why are you so curious?" She could feel her legs beginning to tremble, Ellaria would only be able to stay on her feet so long, before collapsing. The flesh at her ankles felt like it was on fire, she had not expected her freedom to burn her skin worse than it had in captivity. “ Mathias, what are five humans and a Qunari doing together? You don’t exactly look like an ordinary band of travellers. Where are you headed?”

She clenched her jaw, as she caught her ankle buckling. Ellaria hated the way they were looking at her as if she were a creature, an anomaly. Her kind had suffered a decline in their numbers because of them, what right did they have to stare at someone they practically forced close to extinction. “Ellaria, of the clan Levellan. I would appreciate it if you all would leave me to go my way, I will find my people sooner or later.” Hobbling back to the wagon, she perched herself at the foot of it, legs slumping in front of her. She would leave, but once her body was done feeling like it was going to fall apart at the slightest touch. 

[ellcria]

couslcndpup:

It hadn’t been more than a few days since she had joined Mathias on his Journey. She hadn’t said very much and the others within the group did not press her for any details. It was a blessing from the Maker that they had even run into each other after their incident. Elvira had taken the extra step to find a cloak for herself, if anyone noticed her within the Bannorn, there would be questions to answer. 

Bohdahn was a nice fellow, it seemed a shame that he did not see fit to come on their journey. It had yet to set in for Elvira that the scope of their journey ahead would be beyond words. At her side Calen panted as they made their way north. The Grey Warden Mathias didn’t seem confident in where he should head, but somewhere was better than Lothering. The closer south they were the more likely the horde of Darkspawn would catch up with them. It was as they made their final way from the small town that they found a group of men. Their arm similiar to the men from before who had bother Bodahn. 

In passing, Elvira noticed their wagon, at her side Calen did the same, except the dog froze. Elvira jolted to a stop as her Mabari began to growl angrily, deep in his belly. “He smells something,” Mathias stated from a little ways away. She nodded, surprised that he could tell. The man pulled the staff from his back, twirling it for good measure as he walked up to the men.  It took moments for the talking to turn into fighting. Swords, daggers, bows and staves were out. Calen stuck close to Elvira’s side as they tore through the men. 

Once they were dead, their corpses pooling, Mathias began to push through their clothing searching for anything useful. Ocatavian seemed a little less inclined to follow suit, however, Lelianna began perusing to what seemed to be her delight. At her side, Calen nudged at a shield. Howe’s symbol painted on the front. Elvira scowled, disappointed she did not kill more. Once more, Calen, nudged her, his nose smelling at the wagon with them. Elvira expected their to ber servants from her castle within or maybe treasures stolen from her home. 

She did not expect to open the door to a Dalish woman, gagged and bleeding. Her brown was furrowed deeply and her skin tanned from the days in the sun. 

“Mathias,” she said to the mage. She sheathed her sword and the man glanced to her as she climbed in slowly, reaching for the elf in attempt to free the gag and cut her ropes. 

Ellaria flinched as the woman drew closer, only stopping once she realized that she meant to release her. Even if she meant to kill her afterwards, there was nothing she could do, the woman had enough people standing behind her to overpower Ellaria. Not that she planned to go down without a fight, or leaving a scar of her own on the other. Tentatively moving closer, allowing the strange woman to untie the cloth gagging her before she moved to cut open her ties.

The clean air hit her in a way she hadn't expected. She fell back, slumping against the side of the wagon, allowing her body to feel at ease, after days of captivity. Shaking hands rubbed at the raw indents left from the rope. "Thank you." Her voice cracked as the words left her mouth, as she struggled to straighten herself up. “Have they sent you to finish the job?” She wearily eyed the other, and the man standing behind her. The days in captivity had left her exhausted, she couldn’t rely on her instincts when it came to them.

She pushed herself up, stumbling to the edge of the wagon, landing shakily on her feet. Her hand grabbed onto the side, keeping herself upright. She needed her weapons back. Feeling her way to the front, her hands swept across the floor, gripping onto the first thing she felt. Pulling the sack towards herself, she let out a sigh of relief, as she pulled out her bow, and the quiver still full of arrows. Locking an arrow into place, she walked to the pile of bodies strewn in the field, letting it loose into the one man that she could make out as one of her captors. She could remember the sick smile that had been plastered across his face, as he had tied her up. “Shame, I was hoping to get that one alive.”  Her attention now back to the group behind her, as she locked in another arrow. “Who are you? Why did you attack them?”

[ellcria]

Her hands and feet raw from the rope digging into her skin, Ellaria had been tossed all around the back of the waggon they had stashed her in. The road had not been forgiving, nor had her captors. She could still feel the cold metal that had scraped the side of her cheek, drawing blood, before they decided it would be safer to simply silence her with a gag her. She hadn’t given them the satisfaction of screaming, she had felt worse pain than what the shemlen had tried to inflict. Although for the past little while she had managed to curl into herself, to avoid being tossed around, she found herself flying across the waggon, crushing her side against whatever else had been stashed back there. Bracing herself for a bumpier ride, her ears perked in anticipation of more movement, but nothing happened. 

Scrambling to get closer to the front of the waggon, she hoped to catch some snippet of information, whether it was where they were taking her, or what they planned to do with her. Pressing her ear against the division that separated her from the driver in the front, she could barely make out the words, but whatever it was, did not sound pleasant. Whatever was going on, it had made her captors, or whomever they were talking to angry enough to yell. Managing to plaster herself against the divide, the hands bound behind her back trying to grab at something for balance. She managed to push away the filthy cloth that covered the small window in the divide, that the driver used to bark commands at her, trying to get some sort of visual. It was impossible to make out anything in the darkness, but she couldn’t miss the glint of silver in the air. Swords were being drawn. Fenedhis lasa. She quickly drew herself into the darkest corner of the waggon, hoping that no one came looking in the back. She was too far from her weapon to defend herself.

[embraceofstars]

Enslaved long ago by humans, most elves still live as second-class citizens within human cities. Elves who reject this life are known as the Dalish: nomadic wanderers who strive to keep the ancient elven religion and traditions alive.