In A Warden's Wake

by NeverGoodbye

Summary:

Breynna thought that the death of the archdemon would be the beginning of recovery for Ferelden and her people. Little did she know there were threats just as sinister waiting in the shadow of the beast; threats that would endanger all the plans - for herself, Alistair, and their beloved land - that she so carefully laid during the Blight.

Notes:

With much love to Wagontrain for his patience and advice during the writing/editing process for this work. I could not have finished this without you! Also, thank you future readers - having the chance to take you into my DA world for a few moments makes all the work completely worthwhile. :)

Chapter 1: During the Blight

Prologue

Joining the ranks of the Grey Wardens had never crossed Breynna Cousland’s mind until necessity drove it there. Rescuing her from the coup Rendon Howe enacted upon her family, Duncan recruited Breynna to a path of unparalleled adventure and destiny, ultimately saving the world from the crushing force of the Fifth Blight.

Throughout her travels, she was joined by companions from all walks of life but her closest and most trusted ally was that of her fellow Warden Alistair. Inseparable during their travels and devoted to each other during battles, friendship and love flourished amidst the darkness that threatened their world. Together, they persevered to uphold the moral truths they believed in – saving the Mage’s Circle and Arl Eamon’s son, preserving the Urn of Sacred Ashes, releasing the cursed werewolves, and destroying the Anvil of the Void.

But when that duty became inextricably tied to the fate of their beloved, the lines of ethicality were less clearly drawn; the temptation to make compromises more enticing. Breynna betrayed Anora’s trust and support in order to instate Alistair to the throne – and chose herself to rule beside him. And when faced with the prospect of death along with the Archdemon, she chose to allow Morrigan’s dark ritual to take the place of their rightful sacrifice.

Now, weeks after the formal end of the Blight, Breynna resides in the Denerim castle, attempting to readjust to daily life. She is a recognized Hero across her land, serves as wife and dignitary for Alistair’s fledgling reign, and she has been appointed Commander of the Ferelden order of Grey Wardens. For this latter task, she will soon journey north to the fortress of Virgil’s Keep and the promise of adventures that remain to be seen.

But a hero’s life is never an easy one to lead, especially in the wake of the many upheavals brought on by the Blight. There are troubles and problems that will demand her attention and test her patience sooner than Breynna had ever imagined, and more challenging than she would ever like to admit….