[02] Age of Wyrms!

[Tamsin]

Slowly, but surely, the venerable Grey Wardens assembled in the camp. Although the game participants were glad to have discovered one another, they had little time to rejoice the matter....afterall, there was no rest for the wicked. Shortly after the woman called Xenia arrived with her diverse party, an announcement was made that they needed to leave if they hoped to reach Ostagar by dawn. And so, with a frustrated sigh coming from many, they began to disassemble the camp and made preparations for their departure. Although not all of the "Grey Wardens" were fortunate enough to appear in Ferelden with their own steed, soldiers still managed to find horses for all of them. However, this had awkward results as most of them were not used to riding them. Tamsin's own inexperience clearly showed when she clung the neck of the riding animal as if her life depended on it. Much to her embarrassment, many of the soldiers accompanying them shared a hearty laugh at the sight of this. Wolfgang, Xenia and Juno remained quiet, however, since they did not want to draw attention to their own cubersome positions. Only Kazuya seemed relatively well-versed in using her warhorse.

Under the cover of the night, the caravan began it's long journey. Like one enormous choir, crickets chirped their song all around them as complete solitude befell the company. The tension and anxiety among them was thick enough to cut with a blade, concerns of the uncertain future plaguing their minds. The ocassional cries of wolves did little to ease their fears. The earth beneath them still shook, indicating that the Darkspawn did not rest. Feeling the atmosphere, the horses neighed in discontent and ocassionally stopped moving. However, their riders coerced them into moving and they pressed on.

With her head placed on the neck of her steed, Tamsin observed Kazuya that rode next to her. Although the dark-haired woman remained completely silent during their trip, her pale face clearly stood out in the darkness....it was obvious that something was troubling her. But Suzaku did not dare ask what was on her mind as she did not consider it her right to drill into the halfling. Even so, however, the prodigy already had a good idea what was most likely the cause of her apprehension since it filled her with dread as well......the recollection of the dragon's pupiless eyes haunting her.

None of them were able to sleep. Even if they were used to doing so on a horse, the presence of the scourge kept them wide awake. As such, hours felt like days and their journey seemed to last for an eternity. Finally, the sun once again showed up from behind the mountains, throwing light onto them. Yet, the dawn did not bring them any peace of mind. Infact, the crimson shade of the sky only served to remind them of one irrefutable fact....that blood would be spilled on that day.

However, that was not the only thing that made an impression on them. As they made their way around a large hill, an entire view opened up to them. Situated in narrow pass between hills was their destination....Ostagar. Abandoned for centuries, the ancient fortress had seen better days. Having been unmanned for so long, the decay was taking it's toll on the stone structures as some portions were either damaged or destroyed entirely. Neverthless, the excellent craftsmanship had allowed the fotress to withstand the test of time with most of it's walls still intact. The tall structures that made up Ostagar towered above them, instilling awe into whoever layed it's eyes upon it. The gentle sunlight that touched it only served to strengthen the power that emanated from it, a power of an empire long gone....a power that would serve them well in the trials ahead of them.

What was once a large empty ruin was now brimming with life, however, as thousands of soldiers occupied it's walls and towers. Whether they were busy strengthening the defences, sharpening their blades or doing other tasks, all of them fevereshly worked to prepare themselves for the upcoming battle. As the riders ahead of them raised their flags and made way for the rest of the caravan, a horn sounded their arrival and many a men left what they were doing in order to look at the new arrivals. Cheers and glimmering eyes accompanied them with every step....the Grey Wardens were a symbol of hope, a light in the darkness. Their presence alone strengthened their hearts and raised their spirits, knowing that with the Grey Wardens by their side, they could stand against the Blight.

However, no man was more of an epitome of this then the blond individual that walked up in front of the company. His golden armour well suited to his general appearance, he wore a prominent smile on his face as he greeted: "Brothers, friends.....I, king Cailan, warmly welcome you to Ostagar. This is a glorious day for all of us. After many years, the Grey Wardens will once again fight alongside the king of Ferelden and put an end to the Blight once more......and believe me, it is a great honour for me that I will have you by my side as we face the Darkspawn. Now come, Grey Wardens. There is much to be said and our finest hour draws near."

With that, the Kill Town participants removed themselves from their steeds, all of them relieved to be finally able to do so. With no questions, they followed Cailan's lead as he lead them into a section of the fortress that was once a dining hall. It would be there where they would form a plan on how to defeat the Archdemon and his lackeys.