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[angelus]

Nimble fingers traced along the abandoned cages, gathering dust as the sweeping motion finished, that once held the mighty griffons of Weisshaupt, now extinct. A powerful creature serving under man had simply perished like that two hundred years or more ago. It served a noble reminder of what earlier blights must haveve taken to best back. A symbol people had forgotten and had forgotten once again. Humanity was always changing it seemed. When one desire was satisfied, another reared it's head. An unending hydra if you would.

Where was the complacency? Where was the content lot who did not seek more? Rebellions, Wars, Assassinations, all content of conflict and desires. What of those who sought self-preservation rather then that of murder? And would no one remember the Wardens for being the ones who destroyed Archdemons? Five had fallen, and two remained.

Angelus let the disdain show on her face with grief, perhaps annoyance as well sinking into her demeanor as she slunk down into the depths of the Fortress, asking many other Wardens of the location of Anna. Soon she would enter Ferelden, and hopefully with the Warden's influence was still there, despite Anders.

What a selfish idiotic fool that man was. Choosing to sacrifice his people to free them. Faces he would never know would die because of his vanity toward his people. He would nought but suffering if he still drew breath. His selfishness....his emotion...blew up the world's emotions.

And here the Grey Wardens were in the midst of the nation's turmoil. Their former associate had tarnished their name, and for the country's sake it was obvious what the Anderfels had to do to their heroes. But she needed to talk about it, and with Anna. She didn't need morale, she knew of how strong she was and that every fight could be her last, so she couldn't hold back anything. Yet...others required such comfort.

No what she needed was answers and a plan. And Anna was the one who could provide both. Hopefully the directions she was given by her fellow comrades would not lead her into a pantry. That would be the second time this week. Weisshaupt was much bigger then what she was used to living in. Before it had been a locked room, a single tower and being locked to the first two floors, and a small cave complex.

Oh how times change.

[Anna]

Anna watched with pride as the handful group of Grey Wardens marched out of Weisshaupt Fortress. They were being assigned to the lands of Ferelden and gather information of what is happening there, and was also told to report back should they learn about any Darkspawn sightings. Right now Anna needed all the help she could get from Intel to new supplies, either way the Wardens were backed into the corner and she was determined to get them away from the corner. However not all everything was lost as a fresh batches of new recruits arrived, one of them in particular was a mage of some sort. She wore a stunning red dress and had an aura of power sitting around her like an invisible cloak.

Others were glad to have a magic user in their ranks. Some didn’t trust her; but then again it was only natural for them to be cautious. Still Anna couldn’t help but be worried for the men and woman who was now headed for Ferelden, who knows what was happening there. However at this moment in time all she could do was focus on her soldiers within the Fortress and look after the new recruits, she watched as her brother and sisters trained rigorously in battle while others simply relaxed.

It was then a Grey Warden walked up to her and saluted. He spoke with the utmost respect for his acting commander, as the voice with filled with loyalty and determination. "First Warden, a mage calling herself Angelus wishes to speak with you", Anna turned to the Grey Warden and gave him a nod.

He nodded back and quickly headed back to his post. As a focused look appeared on her face, Anna walked onwards through out the fortress until finally she saw the new mage wondering and asking for her commander. Sure enough the girl seemed like she knew what she was doing as far as magic is concerned, but this girl did seem quite young.

Walking over towards her, Anna smiled and said" You must be Angelus right? My name is Anna current First Warden of Weisshaupt Fortress. However I am only filling in, until our true commander returns. I welcome you to Weisshaupt Fortress. I heard you wanted to talk to me about something?”

[angelus]

The introduction was polite and nice. Not that she expected hostility, and perhaps this First Warden wished to instill a sense of hospitality instead. Not that it mattered what intention she had. If she any with her positive attitude.

Angelus gave a simple nod of respect, and chose to lean against the doorway, choosing to relax herself, to take advantage of the leader's inviting invitation of sorts.

"I am new here, and I seek answers to important questions. Such as of recent events. The Templars have abandoned the Chantry and have become Mage-Hunters, and the Circles have rebelled. The King of this nation I know not, but he is wise. Anders is one of the few who sparked this new world of war, and he was affiliated to us. Alongside Blood Mages...like myself, the King has declared this enough to make us enemies of the state."

A blonde eyebrow cocked, and her yellow eyes gazed directly focusing on the features of Anna, gauging for reactions.

"There might be fights coming toward us at incredible rates. Not only at Weisshaupt but at stations like those in Ferelden. Your warriors have bested Darkspawn, monsters that most have never had the displeasure of encountering. Yet can they fight an entire nation? And not only that, our own fortress is bordered alongside very close to Tevinter. Some might see us a strategical point in a war against the homeland of mages."

Her arms were slumped down over each other, crossed by her waist, her hands touching and slowly going down the lengths of fabric on her wrists, a look of concern now crossing her face.

"I'm from Starkhaven but got kicked out of home. Ran from the Circle. Abandoned a Clan of Reavers. I've been running all my life First Warden. You're obviously the best of the best to be leading the Wardens here, but have you taken these facts into consideration? What are your plans? And what of your own Wardens, who come from all walks of life. Some are former Templars. Would they hesitate when their own bias comes into play against magic? Or would a Mage agree with their sworn enemy, whose brethren slay and rape their kin? There are exceptions like me, but those are few."

All that awaited was hopefully a valid answer. One not filled to the brim with hope believing in their own strength, but logic, and hard facts. Those she could swallow. But hope was just a piece of shit. Anyone who believed in something that was essentially another pretty word for "nothing" was an idiot.

[Anna]

All was calm within Weisshaupt Fortress. The air was filled with peace and harmony, except for the odd clang of swords and the sound of voices chatting to each other. However the new recruit Angelus seemed trouble by something, and the reason was soon clear as the girl explained to Anna that she had some important questions that needed answers. The acting First Warden was more then happy to answer them, when she spoke Anna completely agreed with the very words she spoke.

Yes they were indeed true, the world was against the Wardens but not all was lost. Anna could understand the girl's worry; in fact most of the Wardens felt the same way. Still Anna remained silent and listened to the concerns that Angelus had, with a gentle nod Anna gave her first response which was filled with honesty in each word spoken. "Indeed it’s a dark day for Thedas. The Grey Wardens have always been a word of peace throughout our beautiful lands; The Darkspawn will always be our eternal enemies. But now we are backed into a corner, With the King of Anderfels against us and just like you said Angelus this place is vital spot for both sides in this war".

Anna sighed but soon quickly finished her reply as she looked deep into the girl's yellow eyes. However the girl seemed even more troubled and quietly the acting first warden quietly listened to a story which was about Angelus and her past. She immediately felt really sorry for her, with a sigh Anna listened to the girl's worries and once again she understood.

With a tiny smile Anna replied in confidence and focus" Angelus I understand and respect your concerns. I too am worried about what the future holds for the Grey Wardens; yes things do look grim. However we as Wardens can never concede defeat. Which I why I have take the liberty of sending a message to the King of Ferelden for support. You see his Majesty King Alistair was once a Grey Warden, and with his support our burden will be lifted, But remember your not alone Angelus. The others are also thinking the very same thing, however all we can do is hold out until his Majesty King Alistair arrives. Until then we just got to hold our position and keep positive".

But she soon sighed and looked at the other wardens. Her smile soon disappeared and said" But sometimes I'm scared Angelus. If First Warden Aleric was here. He is not here however, and I am the only one that can keep the moral if our brothers and sisters high, Although the war is beyond our walls, nothing will happen in them"

[angelus]

Only one simple answer. Yet it was not satisfactory enough. She edged onward, choosing to move from a person she could sympathize with to something new.

She moved slowly to be near the door, long gnarled fingers tracing the various abnormalities gracing it's frame. Sometimes it was a wonder how some people survived.

"So you choose to take the King of Ferelden, thrust him into our plight, and hope against all hope that he can appease this nation? His land has encountered a blight, and their recovery has only just reached it's crux. Alongside that the country on their border is at great tension with them! Orlais and it's people may reclaim that land in his absence! We can not anchor ourselves to the actions of one man for our survival."

She followed along from the First Warden's feet to her head, analyzing the woman like a piece of meat, before scrunching her face in almost disdain.

"And you pitied me, I could tell. Warden I've evaded Templars and even bested a rogue Mage-Hunter along my life, yet an entire army could seek to wage war upon our doorstep! Pity not me, but the lives that are in jeopardy! Could you not seek an alliance with the Tevinter Mages? And if not that, perhaps mislead them into our defense, prove loyalty to our cause before we aid back? I'd rather see a Magister die before a fellow comrade in arms, if merely because we Wardens aren't in great stock."

Contemplating she gave a sigh as her face relaxed and her body let go of the tensions yet still she pressed her point firmer.

"Neutrality has been the thing that has safeguarded Wardens, but times like these may call for us to leave indecisiveness and take action my Commander. The Warden Commander in Ferelden certainly did so, and look what acclaim and support we garnered in return? And then he went on to rule the arling of Amaranthine! And it's still ruled this day by one of our own, with even more support ushering in. Imagine the weight we would hold if we reclaimed Anderfels and had allied ourselves with Tevinter. Sure a collection of Templars would be gone, but the Wardens would have several alliances to safeguard their renewed neutrality throughout the rest of the war. Or perhaps even compromising with the King on some scale, or outrightly striking first? These lands seemed more accustomed to our rule then his, or so say some rogue whispers..."

She let her suggestions end with a final note. "Commander. I will always respect you for the position you hold and it's inevitable stress, but it doesn't mean I have to hold any love for you. I only wish to see you play a more active role in this, and live up to the name that we all must adhere to."

[Anna]

The wisdom that Angelus holds just proves that she indeed a mage. To use this power, one must obtain knowledge and use it to fulfil their objective. And with her wisdom and powers, she could rise up the ranks of the Wardens with little trouble. But there was a reason behind Anna's cry for help, folding her arms in front of her chest she spoke in a stern but unyielding way. "One man may very well end this war Angelus! I myself have tried to speak to his majesty King Mark. However that has failed, and now I believe that King Alistair can speak to King Mark on behalf of the Grey Wardens".

Anger began to sprout across her very body. However it was more towards King Mark then it was towards Angelus, it was not often that she was overcome by rage. However she sighed and lowered her arms down, sure it was a bit over the top to place the entire future of the Grey Wardens on one man. Still First Warden Aleric had always counted on Anna to follow her heart and rely on her own gut feeling, breathing in and out slowly she continued.

"An alliance with the Tevinter had always been my plan to begin with. But don’t you even think for one second that I pity only you! I am afraid for everyone within this fortress! Right now my only family is King Mark's hands. So these brave men and woman now have to rely on me, day after I day I worry for there safety. These people are family to me Angelus, And yes eventually we will be attacked. But I will not surrender my family without a fight! For years the Grey Wardens have protected Thedas from the Darkspawn, now its time for Thedas to come to the aid of the Wardens".

She turned around and clenched her hands in utter determination. Remaining focused she quickly turned around to look at Angelus and spoke in honesty, but with a gentle tone. "I appreciate your honesty Angelus, and I don’t expect you to hold any love for me. All that I ask is that you trust me. We will ally with Tevinter, however at this moment of time we must remain within Weisshaupt and prepare to defend our home until King Alistair arrives. We must make a stand for what we believe in Angelus, the question is do you believe in me and your fellow Wardens?”

[angelus]

The rage that had flowed forth had surprised her. The composed leader had their cool blown off like that. Interesting.

"You must think carefully. You are a wise leader, and worthy successor, have no doubt. If we lose you, we lose everything. Try not to take risks, do not expose your self unnecessarily. Send others for those jobs. But...your wisdom is far beyond what I anticipated. Perhaps those feelings of yours can do some good."

She moved forward, clutching Anna's shoulder gently.

"Never have I trusted another. And I never will. But I will believe in your actions. They speak louder then any words. In War, Victory. This is what we must accomplish. If we show the world the Wardens are beyond what they were originally thought capable of...imagine a world of possibilities opened to us. I will insist upon these meetings every so often if you will allow it of me. Despite your lofty position...you need not fight alone."

She gave a phantom of a smile on her ruby lips before continuing.

"The Reavers had a saying to invoke friendship in senses. Teamwork. Synergy. A Dragon is far superior then that of a human's abilities. Even Mages. So how does one best it, with their human weaknesses?"

She turned, her hand dropping from Anna's shoulder to her side as she did.

"With a team, we cover our weaknesses, and become as mighty as the Dragons themselves. In time Anna, I have no doubt we can reach that lofty position. I thank you for your time."

She intended to leave now, unless her First Warden had more to say. But Angelus would persist in her efforts to secure safety for the Wardens. If merely for her own survival, and the knowledge of the Archdemons she had not touched.

[Anna]

Anna was ashamed with herself, as her anger had finally gripped her. Being angry simply clouds the mind of a focused warrior and could eventually lead to his or her downfall. Slowly she breathed and out for a couple of minutes and slowly relaxed her muscles, she just could not believe it came out like that. But even the most famous swordsman was human after all, and emotions were a main part of a human's life.

With a sigh she listened to Angelus and her words. Slowly but surely she turned to her fellow Warden while speaking her reply in a calm tone. "Your are right Angelus, This is our home and I wont let anything happen to it or my family". She turned to look upwards the heavens and smiled. This was indeed her home and until King Alistair arrived, Anna was going to make her foster father proud and defend her home incase King Mark decided to attack the fortress.

Just then a hand appeared on her shoulder and more wisdom came from Angelus. This young girl deserved to be a Grey Warden and spoke words that almost sounded like the words of Aleric. With a nod Anna gently placed her left hand near the hand the hand of the young blood mage and said "You my gratitude Angelus, I would very much welcome your company. And I am proud to call you my friend".

As the hand disappeared from her shoulder, Anna pulled her hand away and once again listened to the words that came from Angelus. Indeed this girl was truly extraordinary and possessed wisdom that was not seen in the fortress for quite some time, with a gentle nod of approval Anna replied "You speak with great wisdom Angelus, I am lucky to have you here in the fortress"

[angelus]

"I would not call us friends just yet. Comrades is more fitting. We'll see what comes out of this. I hope for the best however. I'll inform the other men that you have plans, in order to increase general morale and to cut down on possible future visits to your office."

She turned around the corner, but peaked her head right back for a moment.

"If we die...I'm glad to know we'd have died fighting rather then upholding old broken traditions like dullards. I believe the one who came before you. I know little of them, but I think they would be proud of your command. If only for your absolute love."

Love. Ugh. She understood preferences, but such an extreme? Nothing was immortal.

And with that she left, to roam the halls with less of a knot in her stomach, leaving the First Warden with her thoughts.

[Anna]

Anna simply nodded in agreement to Angelus and decided to honour her words. In all her years for being a Grey Warden, she had not met someone who was quite wise. In a response she quietly said. "I understand, and I would appreciate it". Anna felt that her talk with the young Angelus seemed enlightening, as she silently contemplated what her fellow Warden said the blood mage once again spoke honestly. Once again her words were completely true, looking over her shoulder she said, ”No one is going to die Angelus, I'll see to that". And with that said, Anna marched with renew confidence towards her other wardens and continued to strengthen their morale.