Quest One: Missed a Spot Who: Black Matthew, Conlan Delaine, Einarr Gulbrand, Kael Undvore, Lalin Adain, Lillie Tharelle, Lucressia Peron, Pavak Sethi, Rhone Marrok, Tagrin Burkhard When: 12 Solis, 9:45 Where: Bannorn, North of Lothering in the village of Norloth Rating: E Summary: Fearing that Darkspawn may be plaguing a small farming village in the heart of the bannorn, the Warden Commander has sent a number of Wardens and their companions to investigate the matter on the Queen’s request.
The evening sky was full of billowing clouds that seemed to promise another beautiful sunset. It would not be a long wait to see if that promise was kept; the sun seemed to grow larger in front of them as they both headed west for a place to sleep. They had normally set up camp by now, already had their fires going and meal cooking, but they had forgone that in favor of reaching the village before nightfall. The simple bliss of having a cozy bed after a week on the road far outweighed the pain that came with walking longer.
Einarr had worried briefly after they made the decision to push on that they might not make Norloth by the time the sun set, that they would be left to make camp in the dark, but none of his fellows had called for camp and he trusted them to know the area better than he. Since the moment they had stepped foot outside Vigil’s Keep he had relied on their directional judgment. He had never heard of the bannorn before coming to Ferelden, let alone the number of small farming villages that dotted the vast area or how to get from one to another.
Darkspawn were something he knew though and that would be what awaited them at their destination. Hopefully it would be after a good night’s rest but there were no guarantees. Einarr honestly did not know much about the situation that awaited them and while that was undeniably troublesome he was confident that they would be able to handle whatever came their way. Looking over to his accompanying brother and sister he offered them each their own smile, relieved to have them and the others by his side. He knew darkspawn but that didn’t mean he wanted to face them on his own. He would never want that if it could be avoided.
As he turned back to face forward, not wanting to trip over anymore stray stones as he was wont to do when not paying attention, he could just make out a dark shape beginning to separate from the horizon. Perking up, Einarr slowed to a stop, staring joyfully at what could only be their destination off in the distance. Twisting round to look at his companions, arm flapping in the direction of Norloth, he beamed. “Almost there now, just a little further see.” Spinning on his heel he set off once more, a new fervor in his steps as he approached the village. With each step the village grew larger and fields seemed to sprout from the ground surrounding it as if by some force of magic. Buildings began to take shape, shedding their cloak of shadows, even as the fields which were so newly apparent seemed to wilt back in on themselves.
They came upon the fields first, crops a miserable brown in the dusty soil. Brows furrowing he stepped closer, one hand hovering over plants that lay withering where they grew. Swallowing his head jerked back at he looked up to where the village was. Beyond the wrecked fields stood Norloth, rising from atop a small knoll, the sun glowing warmly over the thatched roofs and cobbled streets. It should have been one of the most inviting scenes Einarr could remember since stepping off of that Maker-damned boat but it was twisted somehow. Beneath the welcoming glow of the sun hid a beaten down village.