A Road Paved With Blood[OPEN]

[Warden Darin Cathar]

[OOC] This is happening in the area just after the mountainous area near Denerim. The target destination is Denerim in this thread(meaning, it'll end when the participants arrive at Denerim) so I put this here.[/OOC]

Darin quickly set up a small camp on the plains, taking out blankets and a sleeping bag for the mysterious apostate woman. Stuffing her warmly under a few blankets, he finally winced his eyes shut and lied down on the uncovered ground right beside the apostate. She would survive; she had taken no physical injuries, although she did seem exhausted. He cast an observant look at her. He wondered what her name was, and why was she here; no doubt he'd find out when she'll wake up, but that could take hours. Suddenly he stood up, feeling an urge to fill the emptiness with action. He reached out inside his pocket and pulled out a sharpening stone; that would provide him entertainment for the next couple of minutes.

Settling down on the ground, already moving the stone up and down his blade, he turned his gaze at her again. She had brown curls that fell miscellaneously on her shoulders, complete with closed lids and exposed eyelashes. Blinking, he bit his lip as the sword slipped and cut his finger. He turned his head to suck at it, noticing how her beauty had affected him. She was beautiful in the meaning of the word, he noticed as he glanced sideways to her while sucking his finger. The sword lay on the ground next to him, the ornaments standing out as plain as black against white, while the sharpening stone was on top of it. As he picked them up to continue the work, he turned his gaze to observe the young woman again. Her lids were open, the hazel eyes gaping at him in a frightened manner. As his gaze met hers, he felt something grabbing hold of him, lifting him in the air. It was as if the wind itself had done it, weaving invisible flows around him that locked him in place. Slowly she rose up with an outward calmness, yet he could detect that she was fearful, too. He could only hope that she would not hurt him without reason. And slowly, ever so slowly, she slurred out a question.

"Who are you? What have you done to me?" Apparently she didn't remember anything. Darin kept an outward calmness, too, but inside he was nervous. Very nervous.

"I'm a Grey Warden, and I just saved you from a couple of templars. If it's not too much to ask, perhaps you would let me down. I wouldn't reject a little gratitude."

She still stared incredulously at him, but released the flows. Suddenly the incredulous look turned into a confused one.

"Templars and darkspawn. Yes, I do remember that bit. But I don't remember you." The incredulous look came back to her face.

"I came after you fell unconscious. I killed the darkspawn and persuaded the templars to leave you to me." Darin bit his lips. He hoped she would not be truly evil as they said maleficars were. If she was one.

"...Of course. Yes, that seems like a reasonable explanation. I suppose I should introduce myself to you. Mavenna Allisande."

Darin felt it easier to respond to her now that she was making a clumsy speech instead of him.

"Darin Cathar of the Grey Wardens. I am supposed to deliver a message to Denerim, to the Warden Commander of Ferelden. I think that you can come with me, if you want to, but with all the templars lying around you perhaps shouldn't."

"All of my friends are dead, and we left our supplies back to the other side of the mountains. I will come with you, if only to survive until I can find more supplies. I think I can enter Denerim quite safely, anyway. They don't know my face," she said, smiling wryly at Darin.

"Well. You should rest for a moment before we depart, then. It'll take some time for me to clear up this campsite, too, so we can't be tracked. I don't like to leave anything behind, especially tracks."

"I will rest for a bit." She made it sound like it was her own suggestion all along, and Darin was the one approving with her. But Darin simply nodded his head and returned to sharpening his sword as Mavenna settled down in her blankets to rest.

[Arley Voegeli]

((OOC:Im going to say its cold outside, if thats cool with you))


'Running...Always Running..' Arley said to himself. He was a Grey Warden he shouldn't have to run, especially from Templars. But when you fight for Apostates you dont really have a choice. In this time of war the Chantry has gotten more bold, more oppressive. They are making mages tranquil at a whim it seemed. He always had Templars chasing after him, everywhere he went he seemed to find a reason to kill a Templar for being stupid. He always intervened at the wrong time too as there was always more than one of them, they travel in packs. Like power drunk, egotistical wolves. Its really sickening, thats why Arley hated them so.

He walked the road to Denerim in hopes that he lost his Templar friends along the way. He wasn't good at running through the forest seeing as he grew up on the coastlands. But in a city it was near impossible to catch him, though he would rather talk his way out of a fight. Latley there was no talking with the Templars; Just thoughtless action, but thats how it was it opressive, tyrannical groups like them. He stopped to rest for an hour and eat some food, he had been walking for days and was ready to rest his legs, Denerim was only a few hours walk away but still, he wanted a breather. He pulled out his bag and took out a half-loaf of bread, and his cantine. He took a big bite and a drink of water, it was getting cold as fall turned the trees into a gold and orange ocean, only tiny flecks of green where left.

He looked in the trees and could see something. A metallic light hit his eyes. It was someones armor. Templars quickly Arley got up, putting his stuff back in his bag he ran. They came out of the trees about six of them and gave chase after him. He knew this wouldn't end well at all but he high tailed it anyway. He hoped he did not have to fight this battle alone..but he was alone, but you never knew what was lurking around the next corner.

[Warden Darin Cathar]

Darin noticed indifferently for the hundredth time how easy it was to begin honing your blade, and how hard it was to stop. Whenever he thought the work was finished, he spotted a dull edge somewhere requiring the use of his sharpening stone. Squatting, smoothing another edge of his blade with a soft whisk-whisk, he truly seemed oblivious of his surroundings. Yet but one glance at his direction would've told you that he was more than aware of them; he knew them. His cloak blended to the grasslands so that if someone would look straight at him from afar, he wouldn't see more than blades of grass waving in the wind. Mavenna laid on the ground, sleeping, still wrapped up in the blankets Darin had brought; she, too, would be invisible to the eyes of a silent watcher, even if he would be aware of their presence somewhere on the plains. Once and then he shifted on his place, stopping his work and listening to the wind; he heard only the wind itself, howling loudly in the distance. It was merely chilly, but it still seemed to attempt to freeze his bones no matter what he thought. He would not give an outward sign of any disturbance, yet he felt that if he'd hold back his teeth from chattering, they'll shatter from sheer pressure. But he did not give in.

At last the work was finished; his sword had found darkspawn flesh on several parts of the blade, making the job of sharpening it up again more laborious than in a long time. Mavenna had woken up, wrapped the blanket around herself and then started moving around the campsite, trying to preserve her body warmth until Darin was ready clearing it up. It was careful work; the trampled grass would have to remain, but who would follow them but darkspawn or other creatures of the Blight? They had no enemies. Not unless the templars would somehow turn the whole Chantry against them. Now when he thought of it, it was very possible; templars had always been known for a zealous lot.

They might be waiting for us. Well, we'll see that when we arrive there. Now we just need to get away from darkspawn. Easier said than done...

Finally Mavenna unwrapped the blanket from around herself, handing it over to Darin. He could not stop himself from eyeing her with a hint of disappointment on his face; of course she had slept with her robes on, but still. She seemed to notice his thoughts from his face; her eyes flared up for a moment, her face heating furiously. He was genuinely expecting for some sort of punishment, but instead he just got a smile. Her furiously curved brows smoothened, raised up again, as she laughed heartily at him. Darin could not help but to look abashed; what was going on? Why was she laughing at him?

She's crazy!

If possible, her laugh was only extended by the abashed look on his face, ending in smothered bursts of laughter whenever she even glanced at his direction. Darin was the first to recover, however. He interrupted her laughing with a penetrating glare.

"What, is my face so funny? Get yourself together. We have to move out right now. There are more darkspawn about."

"More darkspawn? I...nothing. Lead on."

She had stopped laughing and wore now a determined mask, intent on his leadership than on anything else. Now and then she glanced about, scanning the horizon with her eyes, but finding nothing but more grassland and the mountains on one side. Darin strode onwards to scout the road ahead, but Mavenna had decided to keep up with him no matter what. She would not be collected like an item. Yet she felt a little ashamed at her own reaction. But only for a moment.

It's just the shock. All that's happened piled up. And his reaction... burn it, how rude he is!

As they got on the road, the journey became a whole lot easier. In fact, she had stopped paying attention to it a long time ago already in the knowledge that Darin would notify him of any danger. She had always been quick to trust, despite always showing a hard-to-reach face to everyone. Darin pulled her back from her thoughts with a few chosen words.

"There's someone ahead of us. Be silent until I have checked if there is any danger."

She raised a defiant stare in answer to his words.

"I will come with you whether you want it or not. I thought we had discussed this already."

"Come with me, then. But be cautious, at least."

"I'm always cautious."

Darin pointed an incredulous look at her, but she appeared not to notice.

As they had strode on for a few minutes, they came across an abandoned campsite. Darin saw small bits of bread on the ground; someone human had been here just mere moments ago. Was he on the run? What had driven him away? Just then he noticed more tracks; several pairs of heavy metal boots and one pair of lighter leather ones heading towards Denerim.

"Might as well follow those if they're headed towards Denerim."

He muttered the words thoughtfully, but Mavenna intercepted him.

"Follow who? What are you talking about?"

"Apparently there is someone on the run here. A fugitive, perhaps. Six soldiers chased after him, and they were headed towards Denerim. I said that we might as well follow the tracks until they turn away from the road."

"Yes, yes, we might do that indeed."

Darin merely nodded at her before setting off, running, following the tracks as he went. Without the robes it would've been easier to keep up with him; she had always been a fast runner, but now the robes slowed her down considerably. Yet she kept up with his pace. Darin followed the tracks, not knowing why he was running; Denerim was so close, after all. Or perhaps that was just the reason. But soon he began to see metallic light glinting ahead, began to hear their armors clinking as they ran. Suddenly three figures limped in front of them, and the six halted instantly. One of them had a clearly visible black beard, but blood had sprayed all over it.

He isn't dead?

Suddenly the one of the templars gave a cry; they all turned as one towards them. And they saw a female carrying a staff, accompanied by a sword-wielding man. Nine templars, three of them wounded.

Darin prepared to die defending her to the last, stepping in front of her with his sword in hand. But as the templars began to run towards them, something flew past his shoulder and erupted into a deadly inferno as it hit the foremost templars. Five perished in the flames; all unscathed templars, because the wounded ones did not join their charge; and the last survivor stopped, gaping wildly at where his friends had been; now there were only piles of blackened ashes. The scent of burned meat was strong around them. Screaming, the templar fell on his knees, clutching his head in a mindless howl. If it would be possible to scream your soul away, it would've probably sounded like that. But then he collapsed completely and fell on the ground, completely motionless. The three remaining templars, wounded badly, shivered. They looked defiantly at the two, but did not raise a finger against them. Darin could see it from their faces that they were ready to die, but he knew that these people did not have to die.

"Mavenna, those don't have to die. They have fought their battle already. Let them go; the Chantry will hear of this sooner or later, whether we kill them or not."

Mavenna lowered her raised hand, slowly, reluctantly, but still lowered it.

"But they killed... all of my friends," she spoke slowly, as if wanting nothing more than to have an opportunity to kill those templars. Those templars who had killed all of her friends.

"Don't answer death with death."

Finally she seemed convinced, but still reluctant.

"You're right."

Snarling, she continued.

"Let them live. Let them live!"

It was truly a hateful snarl-shout.

She really hates templars. Hopefully it won't get us into trouble when we get to Denerim.

"Good. Now let's get out of here. I still have that letter to deliver."

He zoomed past her, soon followed by the apostate. As they passed by the panting templars, she cast hateful glares at each of them, as if saying wordlessly: "I'll come back for you." The templars did not move again until the two had passed out of their sight.

[Arley Voegeli]

((OOC:My posts arent very long because your last post had nothing to do with me. Expect better posts in the future LOL.))


Arley watched the Apostate single-handedly defeat the Templars. She was skilled and that was needed, for the days to come. He wished that all the mages he met where that strong. As they left the other Templars and moved on, he followed them through the tall grass assuring that he would'nt be seen. He didn't know anything besides the fact that there was an Apostate, the man he could not account for, he had no idea who he was. They kept walking an there was no more brush to hide he had to step out. He wasn't afraid to show himself it was just better to be...unseen, he could tell they weren't Templars but, they could be bandits.

The other man said he had a message to deliver. There was the Mage-Templar war going on, and Arley figured his message was for the King. Though he looked to be more than a mere messenger, he wouldn't know unless he stepped out and said hello. The Mage lady seemed to hate Templars more than Arley had, which was rare, unless you where a Mage, she fit that category to a T, obviously. He showed himself to the travelers. "Hello there! I am Arley Voegeli of the Grey Wardens. I saw you back there, you do good work," Arley said to the two. He wondered the story of the man in black, he hadn't said who he was while Arley spyed on them.

He looked at the group. "You are obviously an Apostate, I like how you defeated those Tempys," Arley praised the woman, then he turned his attention to the man. He wasn't a bandit or a thug. "Who might you be ser?" Arley asked the man. Arley did not have the right of constription, but he could pretend to invoke it with his status all the same. He was always looking for someone to train, though this man didn't seem to need any training.

[Warden Darin Cathar]

The easiness of how she handled the templars still beat at Darin's back as they treaded onwards. Shiveringly he realized that she could very well treat him like a kitten if she wanted; the thought made the hair at his back stand. Could he trust her? Just then he heard someone call out to him. Darin felt his stomach slowly turning to ice. Falling to his thoughts could be dangerous here. Darin whirled around, his dark-green cloak dusting the air about him as he stared at the newcomer coldly. A Grey Warden? He certainly wore the armor. He tried to recall his face, but only ended up with a sort of familiarity with the man. Useless.

Mavenna was seemingly unaffected by the compliment the young Warden gave him, but she allowed a cool smile to appear on her face. She hoped it would cover her ignorance of the formalities when dealing with Grey Wardens. "Thank you, Warden Arley Voegeli. It was nothing, truly." She hoped that it was the correct form to use; she had no idea.

Darin eyed the man incredulously, especially after the "ser" - the man was clad in Grey Warden armor, but he still felt reluctance towards him.

"I might be Grey Warden Darin Cathar, here on the commands of the High Warden," he answered a tad more sarcastically than he had intended. He wore no equipment to tell him as a Grey Warden, true, but there was the griffon engraved into the blade of his sword if he really needed any help. His bow hung uselessly on his back; he doubted he would have enough time to pull it out and nock an arrow to it before the other had already put a dagger through his eye, but there still was Mavenna.

Hopefully her goodwill towards me doesn't end now, he thought.

Then again, there wouldn't probably be any trouble now that they both knew each other as Wardens. The man also seemed to have a distaste of templars; at least he wouldn't gape at his actions like some might. Grey Wardens were dedicated to killing darkspawn and neutrality, but more and more lately had taken up the sword to follow other causes - not enough to be noticed, not yet, but he had noticed their amount increasing. Some, like him, were pulled in it like leaves to a whirlwind, suddenly finding themselves allying with apostates against templars. No doubt reports would eventually reach the templar commanders, too, but he doubted they could do much to stop their overzealous elements being eradicated. He still eyed Arley warily, as if expecting an attack from him. He could not stop it, really. But he had to ask.

"And why did you seek us out like this? Why are you here in the first place?" That rewarded him with a disapproving glance from Mavenna, but Darin was as if he hadn't noticed it. Her stare hardened, but Darin only smiled slightly in response; he didn't even look at her. She's still my responsibility, he thought. If it would've been possible, her stare only hardened, but she said nothing.

[Arley Voegeli]

"You don't have to be formal, but it is appreciated," Arley smiled at the Mage woman. He could feel a since of distrust from the other Warden who called himself Darin. Arley didn't know why, he hadn't done anything. Though people where like that more and more it seemed, with the coming war. People find reasons to bother and distrust you. If they think your a Templar they go tell a Mage, if they think your a Mage then they send the Templars after you, it was a repeating vicious cycle. There are both Wardens, but that doesn't mean that their instantly best friends.

Arley hadn't been a Warden long and didn't get to meet all of them, he definitely didn't meet the High Warden, but still he didn't recognize this man. "I did not seek you out, I was on my way to Denerim. Templars chased me, they stumbled on you two instead and got a nice suprise," Arley chuckled loudly, this other man seemed to enjoy annoying his Mage friend. It was funny watching them together, they where like a perfect couple, or best friends. Atleast thats what it seemed like.

"Tell me Darin? Is it? Why are you so defensive? I mean you no harm, we are both Wardens, you will have no problems with me." Arley stuck a hand out to shake. "Anyway, I is nice to meet you both." He hoped the other man would take it, Arley didn't know a whole lot of people and it would be nice to get to know another Warden. He has only met a few. That and he would like to know how his joining went, Arley's didn't go well, he was the only survivor, and the nightmares didn't quell even a little.

[Warden Darin Cathar]

True enough, he seemed genuine. But you could never know. Mavenna acknowledged Arley's response with a nod, but Darin took it a step further. He gazed levelly at Arley, ignoring the man's attempts to shake hands and finally nodded, just as levelly. Mavenna rolled her eyes, apparently amused and frustrated at the same time. Sometimes he just couldn't understand women, even apostate women. Ignoring the Warden's questions, he spoke with unmasked contempt in his voice.

"You can stay with us if you want, but we're only going to Denerim. I still have lots of questions to you, but for now we should keep going."

Mavenna rolled her eyes again. The Warden was as thick-headed as a mule and blinder than a blind man. She quickly stepped in, trying to cover up his icy tone with a warm, almost motherly smile. It looked odd on her face.

"Yes, you will stay with us. Do not mind Darin. He is suspicious of everyone, these days."

Darin gave a start as she stepped in. The fool woman! He would get rid of her in Denerim, after all, but she was still a pain to bear. Perhaps this Arley could help him with that, or not - asking a favor of him right after such an icy welcome would be odd. No, more than odd. Queer, crazy, only a madman would do it.

Sometimes he wondered whether he was mad or not. Like now. Helping an apostate to escape templars - somehow he had just been drawn in - and laying troubles at your own feet, of your own free will. He needed all his strength to combat the darkspawn, not--

No. Somehow the voice seemed to be his own. I don't like templars. I never have. Excuses. But he knew that the voice was right. Darkspawn don't seem to be about that much, either. There were always darkspawn about. Always. There were no exceptions, and even the voice couldn't convince him. Darkspawn were the most important thing in his life, killing them at that, and it would never change. At least something won't change, the voice chuckled. Darin didn't understand what he meant. What he himself meant.

"Well, let's get a move on now. There's still some time till we reach Denerim. Maybe next morning." The sun was up, announcing the dusk, spreading warmth throughout the land. Almost too warm, thought Darin.

[Arley Voegeli]

Arley noticed the mans neglect to shake his hand and he wasn't particularly welcoming, he was still distrustful of him. They where of the same faction, they both fought darkspawn, and obviously Templars, seeing as he was helping an Apostate. The fact he was cold didn't bother him the slightest, he expected it amongst the Grey Wardens. After all there where the nightmares, the horrific sites from battle with the darkspawn. He wasn't expecting to be welcomed as family, but he didn't also think that he was going to be such an ass.

"You are a very confusing man, you act like you dont want me here, you are cold in your demenor, but you want to talk? That makes no sense. I am also a Grey Warden, so it would be nice if you would respect me as one," Arley was not being conflictive he was stating his thought out loud. He smiled at Darin, "Look if you want to talk I will oblidge you, but please stop with the seriousness loosen up a little bit, its all I've been around who knows how long. Be happy! Smile" Arley laughed to the mam, he had no reason to be like this to Arley but, it was usually how it went. Arley was happy, and optimistic. He enjoyed talking to people and having fun. Even in battle he like to toy with his opponents, make them think he wasn't scared. That, and he was just a real nice fella.

He proceeded to walk with them, it was dusk and the sun would go down soon. It would be cold tonight, which was good, Arley prefered the cold, as he always wore black, and he got chilly he could just put more clothes on. Not like summer, it was sweaty, hot, and sticky, and he hated that. But it might be his refusal to wear anything but black and red clothing. "So, Darin, what questions do you have for me?" Arley asked quizzical to what he could possibly want to know.

[Warden Darin Cathar]

Darin acknowledged the Warden's attempts to befriend him with an even colder stare, one to freeze rivers. Mavenna seemed to have given up her attempts to force the two befriend each other. He felt the need to defend his actions somehow, but only shook his head slightly.

"The questions. Why were the templars chasing you? Why are you in Ferelden, anyway? Have you forgotten your duty as a Grey Warden?"

Better not to reveal too much yet. He had just been drawn in, not out of his own free will. He was different than this man. A traitor to his cause.

Mavenna eyed the two of them indifferently, hiding her thoughts behind that uncaring mask. Why didn't Darin like him? Or rather, why did it seem like he despised his fellow Warden? Darin helped me, she thought, grimacing slightly at the Wardens now. It made no sense. Arley is right; he makes no sense. But she still wanted to see his reasoning. Darin didn't seem like a man to act like this for no reason. Although he seemed to be cold most of the time.

Moving in a deadly slouch like most Wardens, Darin looked at Arley again. Wearing the black coat embroidered with red, he truly did seem a little extravagant. He seemed to enjoy life, enjoy all those small pleasures found in it. Darin found that he never had time to enjoy them; there was only his sword and the endless battle against darkspawn, and his quest ate most of his time. All of it, sometimes. Now, though, he seemed to have more than ample free time in his hands - he had never thought about it, really. How to be free?

He supposed that freedom was subjective - it didn't really exist. There was always someone trying to tie a string to you and lead you somewhere. It was almost maddening... almost maddening. But to gain at least partial freedom? Darin saw freedom in being a Grey Warden, but fighting darkspawn was still there. Mavenna could be a ticket to freedom. Partial freedom. Arley seemed too careless, too optimistic for his taste. What did the man do if he was so happy all the time? They were Grey Wardens, after all. Holding his cold gaze at Arley, he awaited for his answer. He would wriggle that information off him.

[Arley Voegeli]

Arley looked at the mans cold stare. Did he act like all the time? Arley thought he seemed very arrogant. He didn't know anything about Arley, but it made no difference Arley would answer his questions, he didn't mind that. He wasn't angry with him because he was cold, unfriendly, uninviting, all around he's been extremely rude, and Darin was making a huge ass out of himslef.

"Well, not that its really any of your business, the Templars where chasing me, well, because in the Free Marches I killed many Templars, fighting and protecting Apostates. So I fled to avoid being slaughtered like a pig and decided to come home." Arley stated. "That should answer your first two questions, and no, I have not forgotten my duty as a Grey Warden, it is true our main goal is to destroy the darkspawn, but we are also Guardians, forced to to live our lives for the sake of others, not ourselves. I help whoever needs it, and have you taken a look around lately? There are way bigger problems on our hands, the blight is over. We have this Mage and Templar war going on, and it is only getting worse. Why do you think I've had to kill to the point I drove myself out of the Marches? What are you trying to get at? I am no traitor, it there is darkspawn I will react, but I dont fancy the Deep Roads or Orzammar, the tunnels and stuff," Arley cringed at the thought, he hated the rocky captivity of Orzammar, it freaked him out, and the spiders! He hated them too.

He looked at Darin, he returned the stare. "So you asked if I forgot my duty as a Warden, I would ask the same of you. Why are you here, with an Apostate Mage, not fighting Darkspawn? Have you forgotten yours?" Arley prodded, this man wanted to battle Arley with words he would oblidge him. It was fun, people like Darin entertained him, the cold, angry, strong man, don't take no crap from no one. Arley laughed, it mattered not that he wasn't fighting Darkspawn, he knew his duty and when it came time, he heed to his calling. But as for now there where more pressing matters to attend to, most of the Templars are evil, the have a taint of their own, Religion, worse than any disease, more powerful than any blight. It poisoned everything, even the Knight-Commander in Kirkwall. "If your going and fighting darkspawn, I'm sorry to say friend, but your wasting your time. Though you seem to know that seeing as you got that Mage with you."

[Warden Darin Cathar]

"The way you spend your time is yours to decide, but saying that the darkspawn are of no problem is a complete lie. The darkspawn will always be about, and the Blight can come at any time. Fighting darkspawn is never a waste of time, not for Wardens."

He managed to keep his voice calm, but his eyes were filled with cold rage. The man was certainly trying to provoke him.

"As for her - I could not have thought that she was there, not when I saw a few templars fighting dozens of darkspawn. I killed the darkspawn, only to find myself rescuing her from enraged templars. It was the least I could do."

However much he tried, he could not help but to wonder whether this Arley really cared about killing darkspawn that much. He could not understand it - if you dedicated your whole life to killing darkspawn, why suddenly take interest in things such as helping apostates? Darin knew enough, certainly; there were some apostates who had done nothing to exactly deserve their fate, but then again there also were some that did deserve it. It was the way of the world, and - he suppressed a glance at Mavenna - apostates could certainly handle themselves well, although most probably weren't as powerful as she was. He had no idea; magic was not one of his interests.

"More besides, Grey Wardens are not a military order dedicated to set the world right. We simply kill darkspawn. There is nothing more to being a Grey Warden, unless you desire to be something more and thus revoke your Oath. If it can be revoked."

Mavenna eyed the pair of them curiously when she saw they were not observing her. She was certainly watching a clash of two ideals within the Grey Wardens, something she had had no idea of before. That the Wardens, too, were in such a disarray to allow this to occur... she could barely suppress a shudder. Whatever it was, she would get as far away from it as possible. In Denerim, or possibly even before arriving there. She had thought the Free Marches as a place of relative safety, but what Arley told him seemed alarming. Templars gaining more power everywhere had something to do with the Seekers, with the Lord Seeker himself, plotting to cover the world with his templars. Wincing, she shifted on her spot, glancing the other way to avoid being seen during a moment of weakness. It was all she could do to avoid trembling - thinking about the Lord Seeker caused it - and attempt to ignore the two men. Most of the time they were just like this - too thick-headed to get by each other.

[Arley Voegeli]

"You really think that being a Grey Warden is all about killing darkspawn? You, my friend are a fool. While yes, a Blight could come at anytime, you are correct, but, will it? Probably not. The Darkspawn are the least of our problems now, we have a pending Qunari invasion, the Mage Templar war, and countries are shutting down. Being a Grey Warden is way more than killing darkspawn, its about helping people, serving others, no matter what race, as Grey Wardens we are the protectors of Elves, Men, and Dwarves, their lives are more important than ours, we gave up our lives to serve a bigger purpose, we are much more than Blight Killers. We are guardians of all, not just darkspawn slayers, yes they are always about, but they aren't always the biggest problem we face. I'm suprised you can't realize that." Arley said bluntly, he felt that as a Grey Warden everyone was entitled to their help, it was not a privledge, it was a right.

"I am not trying to offend you, but can you not see the bigger purpose that we sereve? We are not just pawns in a fight to kill darkspawn, I atleast, refuse to be a puppet. I do as I wish becuase it is right, and I swore an Oath to protect the world, not just against the darkspawn." Arley added, he really wasn't trying to piss Darin off...He just didn't seem to get the big picture, there where more important things right now. "Also, your so judgemental. Why aren't you in the Deep Roads? Why aren't you fufilling your "duties"?" Arley asked, he was beginning to get angry at this think headed cretin of a man. He had to understand what being a Warden was truly about.

"Whist we are an order, the Grey Wardens are individuals, we gave up our lives but we are still people, with free will. We choose to do what we want, and if you can sit back and ignore that, then why are you here? Right now? Why did you help the Apostate? Probably because you felt it was correct. I say you would be worse of a man if you didn't do anything. If you sat and watched the Templars have their way with your Mage friend, but did you? No you did not, you are your own man and you did what you though was right, you could have left her for dead, like most would. But you took an Oath, and Oath to help the world as a whole. Why do you forsake me for what I do, when your sitting here doing the same exact thing?" Arley felt he made his point, and he quit talking and waited for Darin's reply. He was being extremly childish and it was rediculous.

[Warden Darin Cathar]

Abruptly Darin stopped, his cold stare reaching its climax. He muttered something, too low to be heard, shaking his head as if arguing with himself. Finally he spoke, lowly, barely loud enough to be heard.

"I am my own man."

As if gathering himself, he continued with a stronger, deeper tone, but oddly there was no anger in his voice.

"I took my Oath to redeem myself. There is nothing more to it. Killing darkspawn and serving the people is everything to me..."

His voice trailed off, turning into soft mutters spoken so low that you couldn't hear what was said. Finally he raised his voice once more, speaking more gravely than before, cold stare melted to an indifferent look.

"You do not help the world by making the Lord Seeker our enemy. With this rate of templar killings, by Grey Wardens and none other, I would not be surprised if he banned our Order from Orlais and any country where he thinks he has enough influence."

For a brief moment a worried look flashed across his face, but it was gone just as quickly as it came. For the first time he let his gaze drift away from the Warden's features, instead fixing it ahead of him.

"We Grey Wardens are defenders of Thedas, the true defenders. I have seen young, enthusiastic Wardens before. You are no different, Arley."

A weary smile marred his stony face for a moment.

"They always say the same. That templars are evil and should be rid of. That apostates should be helped. Why? If we support either side openly, or if enough unofficial support is revealed, it bodes ill to us. It would destroy us, stain our reputation across Thedas. And who then would be left to fight yet another Blight?"

His voice took on an anguished tone towards the end, but he kept it steady.

"I am young, but still more experienced than you are. For once follow the custom and listen to your elders. I will have no nonsense from you."

Having said that, he seemed to have become completely dried up, as if it was all the Grey Warden would get out of him. Stare fixed at the road ahead, he truly seemed to be concentrating on it, but he was still aware of his surroundings; at least more aware than it could be believed from the intent way he looked at the horizon.

[Arley Voegeli]

Arley lauged loudly, did he really believe a word he was saying? "You think I let the Templars know that I am a Grey Warden? If they do find out they are dead before they can go back to their masters and say a word. And yes I am young and enthusiastic, but I am no fool, and I don't suggest taking me as one, I might save your life one day. And you say we are the defenders of Thedas, but earlier you said we are here to kill darkspawn, nothing more. Make up your mind, your words make no sense, but I am not suprised. It is coming from an angry man, you know what anger is worth here? Nothing, save your anger for someone who care, because I certantly dont, I do not talk openly about who I am or what I do, you said you are a Warden, you asked me a question I must oblidge a man of my on cloth," Arley stated firmly, he was making a mistake taking Arley for a fool.

"More experienced? How can you judge that? Do you know me? Do you know what I've been through or how many I have defeated? No you don't, so you should keep to what you know," Arley gave Darin a look he hadn't given a man in years...His cold stare, he was angry now, which was rare. But this man was...was a blind fool! He obviously didn't see what was at stake. "We have Templars out who would destroy the world, Qun who would destroy our way of life, and we have Elves who are unhappy with their treatment. Now there is another civil war we have to go through. But you believe what you want you bloody fool I am done speaking to you. Your making me want to cut your tounge out and eat it, so shut up," Arley reached his limit with the dirty looks and offensive language, he was angry because a fellow Warden distrusted, and talked to him so. He never met such a man, but thats how it went, arrogence was blind.

Arley waited for his retorts, and he was to the point that he had his secret knife in hand, if he wanted to sully Arley again with his slanderous filth then he would cut his throat and stop him from talking again. He would never treat another Warden with this kind of disrespect, he respected his Grey brothers, no matter what they believed, but this one, this one was different and well on his way to getting himself hurt. He just wanted a simple walk to Denerim not all by himself, and he gets some self-rightious pig in his way. He did nothing to deserve this, but maybe this man was always conflictive like this, nevertheless it would be his demise.

"Keep pushing me....Keep pushing me. I dare you" Arley sneered under his breath, he didn't want to start a fight, but he didn't expect to be so blaitantly disrespected, by another Warden noless! Thats what angered him the most, they where supposed to be allies, but this man had his head shoved so far up his arse he couldn't see straight. Atleast thats what Arley thought.

[Warden Darin Cathar]

So now it was his turn to become angry enough to shout. Only that he didn't bother to mask his rage; Darin wouldn't be surprised if the man was on the brink of violence. He gave no outward sign that he had been affected by his outburst; instead, he glanced at Mavenna, but she didn't seem to listen to the two argue. For a moment Darin could spot the smallest hint of a smile on her face; an amused smile. Fool woman! Whirling his head around, he fixed his stare at Arley again. His threats had done nothing to intimidate; instead, rage had swelled up in him again, but it had been suppressed with an effort. The man was too young, too thick-headed. He intended to have it his way, but would find to have ran into a stone wall if it were up to him.

"Threats won't benefit you here. More besides, we could argue all day, but I can tell you a few hard facts. A man wearing Grey Warden armor will be noticed, and trust me, templars will hear of it within an hour of you entering the city. Within two hours, they will have men searching for you, and once they have pinpointed your location, you can expect trouble. Dozens of trouble in flesh."

Still keeping that calm, cool mask, inside he knew that he was pushing it. He almost welcomed the Warden to try his luck; so far he had not met one fighter to best him in combat.

No. No fights, no useless bravado. You're not sixteen anymore.

It was simple truth. At least try to be a little more gentle with him. He's rasher than you thought. Speaking to himself had become a sort of a habit with him lately.

"And when they do notice you, it's either that you eventually get banned from every town in Thedas by templars or they kill you during one of those skirmishes. Or they'll put a bounty on your head, which would be even worse. I ask you to keep your calm around templars, at least. And try not to enter towns garbed like that either - it attracts templars like a midden attracts flies."

Insisting on giving the man much-needed advise would be the next best thing to do after straightout challenging the man to a duel, in his current mood at least, but somehow he found himself as if a spectator of their conversation. Oddly enough, he still felt no emotions surging through him.

Mavenna wore an indifferent look on her face, but whenever the two weren't looking at her, it turned into a concerned frown. Darin seemed as relaxed as ever, if a little stiffer than before, but the other Warden seemed on the brink of doing something sudden. Like violence. Darin wasn't stupid, either; he must've known it, so he was just sticking his foot into the hornet's nest. For a moment she considered to let the two men duke it out if it came to that and continue the journey on her own, but she doubted she'd survive long on her own in Denerim, not under the eyes of all those templars. She'd have to separate the two, and sadly she knew only so much ways to do it; picking between a small earthquake and bolts of air to hammer them away from each other were competing in her head. She hoped that it would not come down to that, though.