Struggles and Triumphs pt. 6
***
Elissa groaned as she forced her eyes to open. The light was blindingly bright and it felt as if she had the mother of all migraines. The first thing she noticed-other than the fact that she was alive of course-was that she was nowhere near the Tower of Ishal. In fact where ever she was it was clear that she had been out for quite sometime. Hesitantly she sat up testing the strength of her arms.
“Ah your eyes finally open. Mother shall be pleased.” said a familiar voice, though it took some time for Elissa to process what was being said.
Morrigan stepped into view. This only served to make Elissa more confused. What had happened in the battle? Why was she her and not at camp with Duncan and Alistair and the other Grey Wardens. Had her brother made it out alive. What about king Cailan? So many questions flitted through her head with barely a pause between them.
“What happened to the darkspawn?” Elissa asked.
“You were injured, and then Mother rescued you. Do you not remember?” asked Morrigan.
“I remember being overwhelmed by the darkspawn...” Elissa said wiling the gaps to fill themselves.
“Mother managed to save you and your friend, though 'twas a close call. What is important is that you are both alive.” Morrigan answered.
Relief washed over her to hear that Alistair was safe. Though she did note a lack of details when it came to the battle itself. What had happened? She dreaded the answer, being almost certain that she would hear of more death and loss. Elissa was uncertain if she was ready to deal with that, but ready or not this was the life she had chosen.
“The man who was to respond to your signal quit the field.” Morrigan continued, “The darkspawn won your battle. Those he abandoned were massacred. Your friend...he is not taking it well.”
“What happened to the Grey Wardens? And the king?”
“All dead.” Morrigan said.
Elissa flinched she had figured as much. There had been something shifty about Loghain when she had met him, but she hadn't wanted to believe that he would be capable of treason. The empty void of grief found her again. This was far worse that she could have imagined, she and Alistair were the last remaining Grey Wardens and Fereldan was without a ruler. How were they ever to stop the Blight now that there were just two of them?
“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.” Morrigan's words echoed dimly in the back of her mind.
She felt herself talking though she really wasn't aware of much at this point. “I have some questions if you don't mind.”
“I do not mind. Take your time.” responded Morrigan.
“Are we safe here? Where are the darkspawn?” she asked.
“We are safe, for the moment. Mother's magic keeps the darkspawn away. Once you leave 'tis uncertain. The hoard has moved on, so you might avoid it.” said Morrigan.
“Why did your mother save us?” asked Elissa coming more to herself.
“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 would be worth a much higher ransom than you.” said Morrigan.
“Much, much higher.” Elissa agreed.
“What a sensible attitude. Mother is seldom sensible, however.” said Morrigan.
“How did she manage to rescue us exactly?” asked Elissa.
“She turned into a giant bird and plucked you from atop he tower, one in each talon. If you don't believe that tale then I suggest that you ask Mother yourself. She may even tell you.” Morrigan replied.
“Are there any survivors besides us?” Elissa asked.
“Only stragglers that are long gone. You would not want to see what is happening in that valley now.” said Morrigan.
“Why did Teyrn Loghain abandon the king?” Elissa could not hide the sharp tone of her voice.
“I do not know who this Loghain is. Perhaps ask mother of it.” Morrigan said growing tired of answering questions.
“I think I've asked enough questions.” Elissa said ready to be going.
“I agree. 'Tis time you speak with Mother and be on your way.” said Morrigan.
Elissa stepped out of the cottage and saw Alistair staring out into the lake. Her heart broke, he looked so bereft of life. Elissa certainly knew how that felt, they had a long, long journey ahead of them and she was unsure that she would ever feel the same. Not after all that had happened to her. Whatever the case maybe, even if there were only two of them somehow they would stop the Blight.
“See? Here is your fellow Grey Warden. You worry too much young man.” Morrigan's mother said.
Alistair turned in surprise to see Elissa up and about.
“You...you're alive. I though you were dead for sure.” his voice was mixed with grief and relief all at the same time.
“It takes more than a few darkspawn to kill me.” Elissa said with more enthusiasm than she felt.
“Duncan's dead. The Grey Wardens, even the king...They're all dead. This doesn't seem real if not for Morrigan's mother, we'd be dead atop that tower.” Alistair said.
“Do not talk about me as if I'm not present, lad.” Morrigan's mother admonished.
“I-I didn't mean...but what do we call you? You never told us your name.” said Alistair.
“Names are pretty but useless. The Chasind folk call me Flemeth. I suppose it will do.” said Flemeth.
“The Flemeth from the legends? Daveth was right-you're the Witch of the Wilds, aren't you?” said Alistair.
“And what does that mean? I know a bit of magic, and it has served you both well, has it not?” asked Flemeth.
“If you're Flemeth you must be very old and powerful.” Elissa said.
“Must I? Age and power are relative-it depends on who is asking. Compared to you, yes, on both counts.”
“Then why didn't you save Duncan? He is...he was our leader.” Alistair's voice had gotten as sharp as she had ever heard it.
“I am sorry for your Duncan, but your grief must come later...in the dark shadows before you take your vengeance, as my mother once said. Duty must come now. It has always been the Grey Warden's duty to unite the lands against the Blight. Or did that change when I wasn't looking?” said Flemeth.
“Of course not!” Elissa said affronted at the suggestion that she would shirk her duty.
“But we were fighting the darkspawn! The king had nearly defeated them! Why would Loghain do this?” Alistair demanded.
“Now that is a good question. Men's hearts hold shadows darker than any tainted creature. Perhaps he believes that the Blight is an army he can outmaneuver. Prehaps he does not see the evil behind it is the true threat.” said Flemeth.
“The archdemon.” said Alistair, as Elissa's heart skipped a beat her sweat grew cold in terror.
“What is an archdemon exactly?” asked Elissa.
“It is said that, long ago, the Maker sent the Old Gods of the ancient Tevinter Imperium to slumber in prisons deep beneath the surface. An archdemon is an Old God awakened and tainted by darkspawn. Believe that or not, history says it's a fearsome and immortal thing. And only fools ignore history.” explained Flemeth.
“Will you help us against the Blight Flemeth?” asked Elissa.
“Me? I am just an old woman living in the Wilds. I know nothing of Blights and darkspawn.” said Flemeth.
“Well...whatever Loghain's insanity. He obviously thinks that the darkspawn are a minor threat. We must warn everyone this isn't the case.” said Alistair.
“And who will believe you?” scoffed Flemeth, “Unless you think to convince this Loghain of his mistake?”
“He just betrayed his own king! If Arl Eamon knew what he did as Ostagar, he would be the first to call for his execution!” said Alistair.
“Arl Eamon? The arl of Redcliffe?” asked Elissa.
“I suppose...Arl Eamon wasn't at Ostagar; he still has all his men. And he was Cailan's uncle. I know him. He's a good man, respected in the Landsmeet. Of course! We could go to Redcliffe and appeal to him for help!” said Alistair.
“Keep in mind that Loghain was also an honorable man.” said Elissa.
“The arl would never do what Teyrn Loghain did. I know him too well. I still don't know if Arl Eamon's help would be enough. He can't defeat the darkspawn hoard by himself!” said Alistair.
“We need the rest of the Grey Wardens.” Elissa said.
“I don't know how to contact them, or if they're even on their way. We need to do something now.” said Alistair.
“You have more at your disposal than you think.” said Flemeth.
“Of course! The treaties! Grey Wardens can demand aid from dwarves, elves, mages, and other places! They're obligated to help us during a Blight!” said Alistair.
“I may be old, but dwarves, elves, mages, this Arl Eamon, and who knows what else...this sounds like an army to me.” said Flemeth.
“So can we do this? Go to Redcliffe and these other places and...build an army?” asked Alistair.
“Why not? Isn't that what Grey Warden's do?” asked Elissa.
“So you are set then? Ready to be Grey Wardens?”asked Flemeth.
“I don't suppose you could offer more help?” Elissa asked hopefully.
“Now that you mention it, I do have one more thing I to offer.” said Flemeth.
“The stew is bubbling Mother dear. Shall we have two guests for the eve or none?” asked Morrigan.
“The Grey Wardens are leaving shortly, girl. And you will be joining them.” said Flemeth.
“Such a shame-What?” asked Morrigan clearly surprised.
“You heard me, girl. The last time I looked you had ears!” Flemeth said with a chuckle.
“I think that's an excellent idea.” said Elissa.
“Have I no say in this?” Morrigan asked indignantly.
“You have been itching to get out of the Wilds for years. Here is your chance. As for you, Wardens, consider this repayment for your lives.” said Flemeth.
“Was this your idea all along?” asked Elissa.
“Pardon me, but I had the impression that you two needed assistance, whatever the form.” said Flemeth.
“Not to...look a gift horse in the mouth but won't this add to our problems? Out of the Wilds she's an apostate.” said Alistair.
“If you do not wish help from us illegal mage's young man, perhaps I should have left you on that tower.” said Flemeth.
“Point taken.” said Alistair.
“Mother...this is not how I wanted this. I am not even ready--” Morrigan started to say.
“You must be ready. Alone these two must unite Fereldan against the darkspawn. They need you Morrigan. Without you, they will surely fail, and all will perish under the Blight. Even I.” said Flemeth.
“I...understand.” said Morrigan.
“And you Wardens? Do you understand? I give you that which I value above all in this world. I do this because you must succeed.” said Flemeth.
“I understand.” said Elissa the gravity of the situation weighing heavily on her.
“Allow me to get my things. If you please.” said Morrigan.
Morrigan was only in the cottage for a few minutes. It appeared that she didn't have many things to begin with. This was fine as long as they could afford to buy a few things along the way. Morrigan seemed like the type who could improvise in a pinch.
“I am at your disposal, Grey Wardens. I suggest a village to the north of the Wilds as our first destination. 'Tis not far and you will find much of what you need there. Or if you prefer I shall simply be your silent guide. The choice is yours.” said Morrigan, with only a little hint of resentment to be found in her voice.
“No I prefer you to speak your mind.” said Elissa.
Flemeth chuckled at that comment. “You will regret saying that.”
“Dear, sweet, mother, you are so kind to cast me out like this. How fondly I shall remember this moment.” said Morrigan.
“Well I always said if you want to do something done, do it yourself, or hear about it for a decade or two afterward.” said Flemeth.
“I just...do you really want to take her along because her mother says so?” asked Alistair.
“We need all the help we can get .” Elissa said gently.
“I guess your right. The Grey Wardens have always taken allies where they could find them.” said Alistair.
“I am so pleased to have your approval.” said Morrigan somewhat sarcastically.
Not that one could tell really. Half the things she said came out barbed. Elissa could just by the way they were already interacting that Alistair and Morrigan were going to be doing a lot of bickering. She was anticipating the headache being in the middle of it would bring. No matter though, Morrigan would be a strong ally. For that she could certainly be grateful.
“I do have a few questions though, before we get underway.” said Elissa.
“I may have answers. Ask.” Morrigan said.
“Tell me about this town that we are heading to.”
“'Tis a small place of little consequence called Lothering. No more than a stop along your Imperial Highway where travelers purchase goods from local farms and smiths. I would go more often were it not for the town's chantry. It makes the village particularly intolerant and unpleasant for a stranger such as me.” explained Morrigan.
“A chantry? And they never, in all this time, thought maybe you were a witch?” asked Alistair.
“Of course they have. They even called out their templars once. They found nothing.” Morrigan said coming as close to a boast as Elissa had ever heard from the woman.
“How are we going to get past the darkspawn?” asked Elissa.
“The real question is how we're going to get your friend past the darkspawn, is it not?” countered Morrigan.
“That's true. We can sense the darkspawn. Conversely, they can sense us.” said Alistair.
“That's not reassuring.” Elissa said.
“We should be able to sneak past smaller groups, but larger ones or partially intelligent darkspawn will always detect us.” said Alistair.
“Mother has given me something else for them to “smell” instead of us as we pass by. 'Tis important we head out of the Wilds however, not farther in.” said Morrigan.
“What skills do you have exactly?” asked Elissa.
“I know a few spells, though I am nowhere near as powerful as Mother. I have also studied history. And your Grey Warden treaties.” said Morrigan.
“Can you cook?” Alistair said in a somewhat joking manner.
“I..can cook, yes.” said Morrigan disgustedly.
“Then you can substitute for Alistair.” Elissa said hoping to break some of the building tension.
“Right. My cooking will kill us. That's all I meant.” Alistair said.
“I also know at least fifteen different poisons that grow right here in the marsh. Not that I would suggest 'tis at all related to cooking.” Morrigan said cheerfully.
“I have no more questions.” said Elissa.
“Farewell, Mother. Do not forget stew is on the fire. I would hate to return to a burned-down hut.” said Morrigan.
“Bah. 'Tis far more likely that you will return to see this entire area, along with my hut, swallowed up by the Blight.” said Flemeth.
“I..all I meant was...” said Morrigan.
“Yes, I know. Do try to have fun dear.” said Flemeth.
With that the small band of unlikely allies was off to Lothering. They managed to slip out of the Wilds unscathed, it seemed that the bulk of the hoard really had moved on to other places and the only darkspawn about were too stupid to sense either of the Grey Wardens anyhow. For that Elissa was grateful, she really didn't want to have to face down any more of those foul creatures if she could help it. Though she knew that was a futile wish, a Grey Warden's job was after all to stop the Blight. Which surely meant that more darkspawn slaying was inevitable in their future.
However she wished to delay that as long as possible. Alistair still had that shell shocked look and it would do him no good to fight that which would bring back bitter memories. It was clear that his halfhearted jokes were more for her benefit than form any real feeling. That would have to do for now; she would have to make more of an effort to draw him out form inside of himself. Elissa truly missed the man she had met her first day in Ostagar. She wondered if she'd ever see that man again.
***
Even though it had been a few days Alistair still couldn't get over seeing Elissa alive. That horrible night in Ostagar he had been so certain that he would never hear her voice again. Coupled with the utter defeat of the Fereldan forces he had lost all hope. Alistair could not stop this Blight by himself.
In the process of recuperation in the hut that Flemeth and Morrigan shared he had heard that Elissa was indeed still alive. However every time he had checked on her she lay so still that he doubted it very much. When she had finally awoke something very foreign had stirred inside of him. Something that was definitely more than just relief that a friend and fellow Grey Warden had survived. Though it was too complicated at the moment for him to want to explore the matter any farther.