Chapter 27

Funeral pyres and songs for the dead surrounded Denerim for three days after the death of the Archdemon. Humans constructed massive pyres outside the city were dozens could be cremated. Nearly an acre of the Brecillian Forest was cut down to complete the task. The Dalish, who did not burn their dead, instead buried their fallen brothers and sisters where the trees were cut down and planted a seed on top of every grave. The dwarves, preferring to return the bodies of fallen dwarves to the stone from whence they came. The monarchs of Ferelden had given strict orders that those new saplings were never to be touched by a woodsman's axe.

Construction on the city had begun almost as soon as the last of the dead had been laid to rest. With their help no longer needed most of the Dalish clans retreated back into the forest as they were still uneasy about being around so many humans; but an uneasy, unspoken truce had emerged for the first time since Andraste between the Dalish and the humans. Any city elf who wished to join the Dalish were given free rein to do so; but even with the offer many preferred to stay in the city. Staying with what they knew. Many of the Dalish did not understand that decision but nevertheless it wasn't their place to force the issue, a life away from the world at large was not for all.

The dwarves, particularly the remaining Legion of the Dead, had all but chased the darkspawn back down into the Deep roads as they tried to flee from the battle. Now only a couple of Dalish clans, King Aeducan, the surviving mages and Templars, along with dwarven stone masons and Dalish traders and crafters stayed behind to help with the rebuild. It would be a long hard job, but something that needed doing in the aftermath of the great battle.

A week had passed since the Archdemon was slain, and Queen Anora Mac'Tir, soon to once again be Queen Anora Theirin, stood upon a balcony on the second level of the Royal Palace looking over what remained of her city. The ugly gash and nearly broken arm she'd received defending her people from the darkspawn had long been healed by the mages; but still a small scar had been left behind at her request. She wanted a constant reminder of what could happen if this country lost its unification again. Her actions on the battlefield in protecting her people had also kindled new respect for her in the eyes of many citizens.

Light knocking on her door made her sigh. "You can come in Alistair," she said already knowing who it was. "There is no need for you to constantly ask my permission."

With his head down slightly the future King of Ferelden, as well as her future husband, walked into her room. Despite what she originally believed, this young man was actually quite the leader. He'd almost single handedly took over the restoration of the city after the battle as well as seeing to the dead. Of course he deferred almost constantly, wanting reassurance that he was doing things right, but it was a step in the right direction at least. And some of the ideas he had concerning their future were definitely good, the only trick was trying to implement them without getting either one of them assassinated. It wouldn't be sensible to become and lose the place of monarch within such a short period of time, the act would destabilize the country. But change would have to come to Ferelden.

Alistair rubbed the back of his head. "Well…for the most part the city is coming along. The Market place though is completely gone. It'll be a lot better if we just cleared everything out and rebuilt. The Alienage suffered only slight damage but still standing. Many of the defenses are ruined but in-"

"Alistair," she said sharply turning to him. "You cannot change what happened up there. And you can't just keep burying yourself in work trying to pretend it didn't happen."

Her father had done the same thing several times that she could remember. When Maric had gone missing following when his ship was lost at sea, her father took to the training field for almost week straight. She was half afraid that he would train his new recruits into dust. And Alistair now was doing the same thing in a way. Closing his eyes her future husband turned from her. "It shouldn't have been them. Anyone but them."

"They knew what they were getting into Alistair." She said coming close to him but still outside of arms reach. She still hadn't forgiven him completely for the whole kiss thing during the battle. "The others are awakening Alistair. You should go and see them." She gave him a smile to reassure him, but knew he was torn over the event of battle. It was odd that she felt the need to make sure he was okay, but she felt that need to protect him from his own darker thoughts.

The other three Wardens; the mage Alim, the Dalish Lyna, and the dwarf Natia had all awoken from their injuries no less than two days ago with Alim being the last to awaken. They were all still slightly injured form the battle. While Senior Enchanter Wynne had taken over healing for all of them…there was only so much that the old mage could do. Each of them now carried scars from the battle…some more noticeable than others.

"I think I should," Alistair suddenly agreeing with her. "See them I mean. It…it would be good to talk to them."

"I think I shall accompany you then," she said draping a large fur piece over her shoulders. The darkspawn invasion had begun in the spring and now the first touches of winter were beginning to show as the temperature steadily dropped.

Nodding to her he held open the door for her as she exited her room. Well…at least he had manners. She would have to work on refining some of his more…unsavory habits…starting with his constant joking perhaps. But…she could've done a lot worse for a King. Allowing her future husband to lead her down the hall the two headed for the place where the Wardens, the Heroes of Ferelden, now rested.

Voices. There were voices in the distance. They were barely audible. But they were there. The world was hazy through gummed up eyes. Nothing more than bright lights and blurs that didn't move. The voices were starting to get a little louder. Were…were they coming closer? "Ho…aker…ge…nne!"

What were they talking about? The world around shifted as blurs started to move around in frantic motion. "…can yo…aer…e?"

Color's started to shift and take form. An elderly face started to become clearer. "…ynne…?"

Relief flooded through the elder mages face. "Ye…hild. Can…ou…tel…battle?"

Images flashed. "We…t gate. Then…Mark..t...place. To…Aliena…then…Palace…"

Wynne turned away. "Fetch water!" The mage yelled to someone nearby before turning back. "That's right…child. You all fo..ght at the West…Gate before moving in…the Market and the…to the Alienage. Finally you all headed for the Palace. Can you tell me what happened after?"

Cool water touched lips, instantly the parched lips attacked the cloth aching for moisture as cool water eased down. "Easy child. Not too much now." Wynne said taking the cloth away. "You've been asleep for a week now. Can you remember what happened at Fort Drakon?"

More images of battle. "Dark..pawn every…where. Top…Comm…nder. Then…then Archd… …we killed it."

But…but if they both killed it…then one of them had to die. And he was still here!

Sitting upright, nearly head-butting Wynne in the process, Aedan started looking around frantically. "Kallian! Where are you!?" His voice still cracked over the words but things were rushing at him with horrid clarity, where was he, he wasn't dead!

"Aedan stay still," Wynne yelled trying to keep him from getting up and failing. "Someone get over here and help me hold him down!"

Hands he couldn't see grabbed his shoulders, his arms and what felt like a large weight pressed against his legs and torso. "Let me go!" He yelled trying to fight against them all. "I have to find her!"
Suddenly his muscles stopped listening to him. His body collapsed back down onto the bed. He couldn't move any of his limbs. Wynne was standing next to him, a green light dimming from her hands as she backed the others away from him. "She…she can't be…" he whispered his heart breaking. "It…it should b…me no…her."

Motherly hands gently pushed his long white hair away from his eyes. "Aedan…look to your left."

Feeling came back to his neck and he was able to turn it to the side. Kallian was lying on the bed next to him. Completely motionless. "No…"he whispered, breaking at the prone sight of her.

"Aedan…look closer."

His vision was still blurry so he could barely make out her form and he didn't know what Wynne wanted him to look at. But then he saw it. The slight rise and fall of her chest. "She's still alive Aedan." Wynne said smiling. "All of you Wardens are still alive."

Relief unlike anything he'd ever felt before went through him making him relax and fall steadily back into the realm of the Fade. The Archdemon was dead. The Blight was over. And all of the Wardens were still alive. The last conscious thought he had before succumbing to sleep was to wonder just how it was possible. One of them should've died with the Archdemon. But he was too happy to care much at that moment. They'd lived.

Within a day of his waking Aedan was up and mobile, but had refused to leave Kallian's bedside until his elven wife awoke two days later. When all of the Wardens were awake, the five and their future king had gathered to talk about what had happened and how they all could've survived. While many theories were given Aedan and Kallian both kept quiet about the offer Morrigan had presented them with. They had denied her offer…so the ritual was not an option for their survival. In the end the Wardens decided that it must've been an act of mercy from the Maker, or Creators, or the Ancestors that they all survived. Or perhaps it was because more than one Warden had given the final blow. Whatever the case may have been for their survival, the Wardens decided together that they would not dwell on the past and instead move onwards to the future. The Wardens from other countries would ask how they'd managed such a feat, but they didn't have the answers.

That was not to say however, that the Wardens escaped the battle with the Archdemon unscathed. The combination of half magical healing, healing with poultices and the wait for proper healing had ensured that some of their scars were permanent. Lyna now had burn scars covering the lower part of the left side of her face going from just outside of her lips to her ears and then down her neck and disappearing beneath the leather armor. Alim now had a five inch vertical scar on his front and an identical scar directly behind it on his back. Kallian had received a set of horizontal scars, running above her chest and across her stomach, from where the claws of the Archdemon had pierced her. Had the beast reached just an inch longer her life would've ended up on the top of Fort Drakon. Natia and Aedan had been the luckier than the rest. Their heavier armor had provided much more defense but the two were still left with several broken bones and Aedan was still having some trouble moving his left arm. Their other companions; Leliana, Zev, Alistair, Wynne, Sten, Oghren had all received some less life threatening wounds that were mostly healed while Shale and Wolf had managed to escape the battle relatively unharmed.

The Master smith Wade had been almost devastated when the Wardens armour was brought to him for repairs. Herren, while still vocally protesting the destruction of his shop, had set up a smith for the man in what was left of the Market Place and almost broke down when Wade said that he would fix the armor free of charge. Of course thirty sovereigns from the crown quickly changed the merchant's attitude along with the promise of another shop free of charge. He was still seething at his lover for offering the free repairs; if he gave services free people would come to expect it. But that was part of the reason he loved the man, his philanthropy.

Ten days after the fall of the Archdemon and three days after the awakening of all of the Wardens Anora officially appointed Alistair as her King as the two were joined in marriage. Before the celebration for the fall of the Archdemon and the wedding took place, Alistair publicly praised the Wardens, naming them the 'Five Heroes of Ferelden' and offering each of them a boon that he would see fulfilled.

Lyna had asked that her people, the Dalish, be given a home of their own. To which Alistair promptly decreed that the Dalish would be given the lands of Ostagar and the Hinterlands in the south as well as creating a new position as Teryn which an internally chosen Dalish elf from one of the clans would hold. Natia, after her first request of free ale for life was denied, asked for aid to be sent to Orzammar so that the dwarves could reclaim some of their vast empire now lost to the darkspawn. Many had been shocked at the altruistic boon requested, considering her first, but it was a pleasant surprise. Alim's request was met with instant objection from the Chantry; the elf mage asked that the Circle be free of the Chantry control. While not being able to fully meet the request, Alistair made compensations. Templars were hence forth banned from within the Tower unless called for. The Templars would still hunt for blood mages and dangerous apostates, but the task of bringing new apprentices to the Circle now fell to the Senior Enchanters. Mages were also given free rein to leave the tower whenever they saw fit, provided they returned within a reasonable amount of time. The Ferelden Circle would become more of a boarding college or school to the magi, rather than the prison most deemed it. The Grand Cleric had voiced her objection to the degree, but was silenced when Alistair threatened to outlaw the Templar Order from Ferelden completely. His tone suggested that if she tried to cross him or have covert templars corral the mages, that there would be serious repercussions.

Aedan asked that his family's name be cleared and that control of Highever be returned to the Couslands. Alistair readily agreed to the boon asking that his brother Fergus, who'd somehow survived the wilds for half year and managed to return to Denerim, approach the throne. Taking a knee before the King and Queen Fergus swore his oath of loyalty to the Crown and Ferelden and was officially appointed to the position as Teryn of Highever. Aedan had been more that surprised to see his brother after the all that time, emotions of pure joy filled him at the sight.

Kallian's request had more than likely caused more outrage than what was shown, but those who did protest wisely kept it to themselves. His wife simply asked that the lives of the elves who choose to remain within the cities instead of heading south with the Dalish, would be made better. In answer to this Alistair appointed a new Bann, one for the Alienages of the country, which was originally to be given to Adaia Tabris, but the elder elf turned down the offer and instead recommended that Shianni was appointed as the new Bann.

With the boons granted King Alistair announced an end to the ceremonies as the bannorn cheered their new Heroes. The group dispersed amongst those gathered, anxious to speak with them before they were made stand in the public eye as the Heroes of Ferelden.

As the Wardens dispersed amongst the crowds, Aedan pulled Kallian along with him towards his brother Fergus. His brother made a sweeping bow to the both of them as they approached. "Ah. I have the honor of addressing the Heroes of Ferelden! By the Maker…what will I say?"

Aedan playfully reached out and slapped his brother on top of his bowed head. "Come on now Fergus…no need for all of that!"

Rubbing the back of his head Fergus smiled at the both of them before turning his attention solely on Kallian. "And you must be my new sister-in law." Fergus made a grand gesture while taking her hand and placing a kiss against the back of it. "I must say my lovely sister. It is an honor to meet the woman that finally managed to capture my little brother's heart. Why mother and father were so worried that Aedan interest was not in women at all and that they would not see any-"

"That's enough Fergus!" Aedan said cutting off his brother while Kallian laughed at their antics. The two brothers were incorrigible together.

Straightening, Fergus fixed him with a serious face. "But the title is well earned…to you both. You've done so much for this country. For our family. I know that father and mother are proud of you both."

Mentioning his parents brought Highever back to mind. Aedan had the unfortunate task of telling his brother the exact events that had befallen their families. The mutilated corpses of his sister-in-law and nephew threatened to encroach on his mind. The two brothers had talked before the ceremony. Aedan had gone down to his knees before his brother, head down, begging for his forgiveness for failing to protect their parents, his wife or his son. Fergus, instead of being angry with Aedan's failure, instead picked his brother up and pulled him into a powerful hug saying that there was nothing to forgive. The two had then talked for a while about what had happened to them both, and just before the ceremony had started Aedan gave his brother the Cousland family blade.

Apparently his face betrayed him because Fergus laid a hand on his shoulder. "I told you little brother. I do not blame you for what happened that night. There was nothing you could've done differently. And you brought those responsible to justice. There is nothing more I could've asked from you brother."

Unable to do anything else, Aedan pulled his brother into another hug. "Alright there little brother," Fergus said stepping back. "Now I've wasted enough of your time. There are others you have to see too. Like that group of elves behind you look like they want to string you up for instance."

Following his brothers eyes Aedan saw who he meant. Standing behind him where Kallian's parents and cousins. Her father looked like he wanted to kill him slowly, Adaia looked on at the two with a slight smile, Soris was still staring around wide eyed at everything going on around him, and Shianni was just standing there. Apparently the shock of going from a mere city elf to a Bann was still getting the better of her.

Swallowing Aedan turned back to his brother. "If I don't survive this…"

"Oh come now Aedan," Kallian said pulling on his arm, "You don't have to worry about anything from my father. My mother on the other hand…well hopefully she realizes how much I love you and won't cause you any lasting harm."

Fergus merely smiled at him as he was led away. "Best of luck little brother!" Fergus shouted as he was led away. "Just get through this one! In-laws aren't too bad once you get used to them!" Aedan couldn't help but feel uneasy that he was going to die at the hands of these very angry looking elves. Even the Archdemon was this fear inducing!

Alim, still apprehensive to being in such a large crowd of people, had taken off to the side once the ceremony had ended. His back was pressed against the wall and his hand was hovering over his chest. Had the darkspawn Commander aimed just an inch higher…he would've died on the spot. The thoughts on his own mortality had weighed heavily on the elf for some time now.

"And so as the curtain draw closed, the Heroes all take their bows and leave left stage." Leliana had snuck up beside him nearly causing him to jump out of his skin and making her laugh. "A good ending to an even better tale."

His heart calming Alim tried his best to smile. "They're the real Heroes," he said waving towards Kallian and Aedan. "They're the ones who killed the Archdemon. Not me. I did nothing but lay almost dead while they fought."

Leliana's smile faltered for a moment before shaking her head. "My dear mage. You are just as deserving of the title as they are. If not for you…then they would've never defeated that darkspawn at the top of the Tower. And everything you've done during our journey together. Never doubt for a moment that you are hero."

Feeling his spirits raise slightly he pushed himself off the wall. "Well…if I'm a hero like those in your stories…I seem to remember there being something about the hero always getting the girl. Does it ring true here?" He quirked an eyebrow, giving her a roguish grin.

Leliana leaned in, her lips touching lightly against his own. "Does that answer your question my love?"

It did. And he felt his heart soar higher than ever before. "And what will you do now Leliana?"

Leliana rubbed her chin. "With everything we've done…I've found the urge to…travel. I think I've had enough of adventures for a time."

"Would you mind someone coming with you?"

Leliana made a show of considering his offer. Her finger tapping against her lips as she looked at him. "Hmmm. Maybe. I guess you don't snore to bad…and it is nice having my own personal fire starter so nearby. Plus you keep the cold nights at bay."

"Well then, your professional fire starter and cold fighter will be by your side my lady," He joked making a sweeping bow to her.

"Oh stop that you silly fool," Leliana said stepping up and kissing him again, this time with unveiled passion in the embrace. She really did love this man.

"There is one thing I would like to do first Leliana," He said pulling back slightly from her embrace.

Leliana nodded. "You wish to go back to the Circle. And help them with Alistair's decree. Right?"

Maker. It was scary how easily she could read him sometimes. One thing was for sure. In a few years' time he doubted he would be able to keep any secrets from his bard. "Then that is what we'll do my mage," Leliana said smiling. "And then after the Circle I will take you to Orlais. Oh, they have such wonderful parties in Orlais! The dresses! The shoes! Oh you would look so dashing in a dark blue velvet doublet! And then we could dance and sing! Oh Maker listen to me talking about all of this!"

"On second thought," Alim said his eyes wide. "Perhaps it would be better to see if Aedan needs my help with the Wardens."

Leliana's eyes went wide to match his. "What? Are you….what?"

Smiling at finally gaining the upper hand he leaned in and kissed her. "There is no where I would rather be than with you. Even if it is at an Orlesian party and you dressed me up all nice and pretty."

Leliana softened, played at her own game! "Oh you…I will get you back for that!"

Taking her hand he placed a kiss to the back of it. "Looking forward to it my lady."

"Are you sure of your decision lethallan? The people could surely use your help now."

Lyna took her eyes off of Alim and his human lover who were hiding in the corner. Creator's those two were almost as bad as two young hunters playing kissing games. "I'm sure Keeper," she said facing Keeper Lanaya. "My place is with the Wardens now. I gave up my place among the people when I left my clan."

Keeper Lanaya nodded in understanding. "You will be sorely missed da'lethallan. The people have had little contact with humans and what we have had is usually unpleasant. We are…wary of what to do with the land you've had bestowed upon us. And this…Teryn business…we are uncertain of what to make of it."

Lyna knew little of human politics, but she had picked up some in her travels. "It is a position of high authority in the land," she explained. "Ranking higher than all others save the King and Queen of the land."

The Keepers lips pursed. "I do not know how many will react to the news. Having to submit once again to the humans…" Lyna understood, there were many of the Dalish who had the gift of magic, that was part of the reason that they never stayed in the same place too long.

"It is not submission Keeper." Lyna said. "Alistair is a good man and will see that our people are treated as equals. And I highly doubt that any of the Chantry will be allowed to bother us in our new home."

"I hope that you are right da'len." Lanaya said looking uneasily over the vast crowd of shemlen.

"There is one thing Keeper…has there been word of my clan?"

Keeper Lanaya shook her head. "I'm afraid not. Last we heard they were heading north and out of Ferelden. Where they are now…we are unsure. But should we receive word of their location, we will give it to you immediately. We believe they may be in the Free Marches however… is there word you would like brought to them?" Lyna shook her head.

"Just to know that they are safe is enough. Ma serrannas Keeper."

Natia was sulking. Well…perhaps that may not have been the best turn of phrase to use at this moment. She was just appointed as a Hero of the Surfacers, and she'd secured the aid of the Surfacers in reclaiming land long lost to the dwarves. But she was honest enough to say that at this moment she was sulking. This was a party for Ancestor's sake! And there was not a drop of ale anywhere! What kind of part was this if the guest of honor couldn't get plastered?

"Such unpleasant looks for one so fine my dear…perhaps I have something to alleviate your current woes?"

Ancestor's take her! If that blasted elf kept sneaking up on her than she might have to do something permanent to his wellbeing! Zev of course seemed completely indifferent at the distress he caused with her…or perhaps he was enjoying it. But none the less her elf assassin was leaning up against a nearby pillar, his normal leather armor forsaken for the chance to wear fine cloth. Between his fingers the elf was dangling something by a string.

"Now…what would the price be then?" She asked finally seeing what he was holding. A clay flask roughly the size of her hand was dangling from the elf's fingers.

Smiling cockily Zev walked towards her the flask still dangling from his hand. "Ohh, nothing I think you can't pay."

"Deal." She said roughly snatching the flask from his hand and quickly draining its contents. Only to just as quickly spit them back out. "Ancestor's flaming balls Zev! That be nothin more damned water!"

Zev meanwhile was laughing quite loudly at her reaction. "Well, shall I name the terms of your payment?"

Putting the stopper back on the flask so hard she nearly broke the thing she threw it back at Zev. "You don't be playin fair assassin."

"No…that's what makes me so good at what I do my little Warden. But as for payment, I think traveling with you would be fair price."

Natia felt her good humor fall like a smiths hammer. "Zev…I'm heading back to the Deep roads, at least for a time. I-I can't ask you to follow me there."

Rubbing his chin Zev looked down at her. "Well…there are worse places to be perhaps. But as long as you don't mind having me nearby…I will always be with you."

"Ancestor's flamin ball's Zev! Don't be sayin such things!" She said sharply feeling her cheeks warm.

"Aw. Is my little Warden blushing like a virgin bride on her wedding night?"

Her fist hit nothing but air as she took a swing at him. Ancestor's damn him! He had no right to be so fast! Not when she wanted to hit him at least! "I'll get you back for that assassin!"

"Of that…I have no doubt my little Warden." He drew her into his arms and kissed the flailing dwarf into obedience. She could forgive him for being such an annoyance as long as he continued to be such a good one.

Aedan breathed a sigh of relief when Kallian's family allowed the two to leave. He'd been scared senseless over the prospected of facing her family. He'd had full intention of going about his marriage to Kallian properly, asking her parents for her hand, setting a time and place, holding a formal event…but certain revelations threw all of those thoughts aside. After reassuring her family that hurting Kallian was the last thing he would ever do several times her father finally relented their hard gaze. Kallian's mother only had sweet words for them…but he caught the underlying message even if Kallian didn't. If he did anything wrong… her mother would remove certain key body parts from him…slowly.

"See that wasn't so bad was it?" Kallian asked smiling.

Maker. He was such a sap. He was absolutely powerless when it came to his wife. "Yeah…you're right."

Shadows fell over them both as they suddenly found their path blocked. Sten stood before the both of them, still wearing his Drake scale plated armor. "I was mistaken…about you both."

The two looked at each other unsure of the giants meaning. "You've both become kadan to me. All of you have." Sten said explaining. "When I came to this land I thought I would find nothing but cowards with no honor. But you both changed what I thought. You helped me regain my honor, you found my sword ensuring that I would again see the shores of Par Vollen."

"You helped us out too Sten," Aedan said. "Without you…I don't know what we would've done."

Kallian nodded along with him readily agreeing. "Still…to think that not only one bas-a foreigner- but several bas would become known as kadan to me is unthinkable. But to now know that you are both basalit-an…it borders on the outrageous."

"What will you do now Sten?" Kallian asked.

"I will return to Par Vollen," Sten answered simply. "Thanks to you both I have regained my honor. And I now have a full answer for the Arishok. I cannot thank you both enough for what you've done."

"The honor was our Sten." Aedan said sticking out his hand.

Sten looked down at the offered hand in confusion for a moment before reaching out and taking it in his own. "No…the honor was mine basalit-an."

All that needed to be said had been said. All those who needed to be talked to had been talked to. And now the five Wardens of Ferelden stood before the massive door leading out of the Royal Palace and into the massive crowd waiting for them. "Are you ready to leave Sers?" One of the guards asked.

Aedan was flanked by Kallian and Alim with Natia and Lyna standing next to them. Behind the five were their companions who had stayed with them through every obstacle, every hardship, every battle, shared in their laughter and their tears. His eyes passing over everyone one last time he nodded to the guard. "We are…open the door."

Two guards grabbed either side of the heavy doors and pulled. Light filtered into the Palace and the awaiting crowd roared with their arrival. As one the Five Heroes of Ferelden stepped out into the light to the waiting public.

And now we have reached the end of this tale. Holy Maker! I can't believe it's been a full two years since I started this journey with you all! All of your comments/reviews both the good and the critics have been a blessing to read! I can't believe that when I started this story that by the end I would have such a large following on it!

I want to say a special thank you to both Apollo Wings who has been my beta for the past few chapters whose kept me going and Paragon of Awesomeness who helped me out during the start and middle of the Five Wardens. Both of whom are incredible writers and I would highly recommend reading their stories! And without both of them… I doubt I would've gotten as far as I have without their awesome help!

Also I want to thank everyone who's left a review, followed/alerted, or favorite this story! I would list all of you…but that would take a long time! And now I ask of you all too please leave one last review if you wish. Tell me if you enjoyed my tale, what parts you liked, what parts I need to work on. If any part pulled at your heart strings, made you laugh, cry, yell in frustration at a cliff hanger, I want to know!

And for those of you who are wondering why all five of the Wardens survived even with Morrigan leaving…I plan on continuing on into Awakening where everything will be explained on why the Wardens survived, and pending how well my Awakening does…might keep on going with these five past Awakening. I'm going to try my best to make Awakening a little darker than this fic…but we'll see how I pull that off. This story will be marked as completed from here on out…the Awakening story will be listed as 'The Five Wardens: Awakening'. As for a DA2 fic…got an idea for that one but I want to write through with these characters first.

And now as a teaser and hopefully a hook so that all of you wonderful readers will continue on into Awakening I present to you a section from the first chapter of 'The Five Wardens: Awakening'. I hope that y'all enjoy!

Crying out in pain the talking darkspawn emissary fell to its knees before Aedan. Starwarth arced up slicing through the wrist and severing the hand of the darkspawn removing its staff from its body. The edges of Starwrath and Duncan's sword rested against opposite sides of the kneeling darkspawns neck. "Who is this 'Father'?" He almost spat at the creature. He wanted answers and damn it he would get them!

The darkspawn looked up at him with unconcealed hatred. "Our salvation…and your demise! Your kind will not stop the glorious work of the Father again! Your kind will fall!"

His grip on his swords tightened. "Not before you."

Metal scraped against metal as the silverite and star metal blades scissored through the neck of the darkspawn, its headless body falling to a heap on the battlements moments after its head rolled away.

"Maker! Didn't realize you were a Templar! Give a man a warning next time before you do something like that!"

Ignoring the mage, Anders he thought it was, who'd fought with them; Aedan approached the man who he knew as Stroud from his visits whilst younger at Vigils Keep, and helped the Warden to his feet. "My thanks Commander," Stroud said wincing as he stood. "Had your interruption not been more timely…I shudder to think what would've happened."

"What happened here Stroud? How did the darkspawn get into the Keep?" He asked as Mhairi and Oghren approached the duo having finished off their darkspawn attackers. "And where is Kallian?"

Stroud didn't meet his eyes. "I do not know how they did it. But we Warden's didn't sense them until they were within the walls. I believe there is a connecting tunnel into the Deep roads beneath us. Your wife…"

The sense of dread he felt on the road came back tenfold. "Stroud." He grabbed the man and forced him to face him. "Where is Kallian!?"

"I do not know Commander. The darkspawn…they took your wife and all of the other Wardens save myself down into the tunnels from whence they came…Commander are you-" Aedan didn't hear anything else as the world went black around him. His last recollection of what was happening was him running and jumping off the edge of the battlements to the ground below as cries from his comrades followed his pursuit. "Kallian!"

Well…what did ya think? Do I have y'all hooked yet? The more reviews I get on The Five Wardens might just push me to release the first chapter of Awakening soon…And once again thank you all for reading and sticking with me over these past two years.

ffdrake