They were finally here. Though barely a week had passed since the company's departure from Amaranthine, it had seemed far longer, peppered with interruptions and conflicts of every sort. But their goal had carried them through in the end, and here they were, trudging beneath the eaves of the Brecilian forest. Their path was painted with the speckled light that filtered through the canopy overheard, but the atmosphere was anything but idyllic. Ordhan simply attributed his unease to their impending meeting. It had been years since he had last spoken with a Dalish elf other than Faer. The last, even, could hardly count: a few words exchanged mid-battle, a decade and a half ago. Faer himself should count, but the man was painfully polite, even towards the most abrasive of their company. If the rumors were true, the Dalish as a whole were hardly so.
Ordhan kept his shield on his arm as they went, in case a greeting came in the form of arrows rather than words. He walked just ahead of Jill and Lillian, whose lighthearted conversation drifted towards him in bits and pieces, Lillian occasionally addressing him as she spoke. Ordhan appreciated the gesture, but his answers were brief and quiet before he returned to watching and listening. It was a similar sort of vigilance the knight had maintained over the past day and a half; this time, however, it was directed outwards and around him, rather than being focused on the red-haired prisoner at Lalin's side and whether or not she was making a move to escape or attack. His thoughts on her, both doubt and certainty, were laid aside for the more pressing concern of the group's safety.
Because of this, he noticed instantly when Conlan slowed and halted. Within a second of the man's shout Ordhan drew his sword. Though he could sense no presence, he knew that the Wardens were able to, and that Conlan would not be quick to let out a false alarm. All at once those in the group reacted, far less chaotic than they could be, but not all with direction. Lalin had already answered Azabeth somewhat, but only her, and there were those other than her in the group that needed direction.
"Lighter armor, hang back--let those with shields draw their attention first, and flank them when they are distracted!" he called, voice not raised much but carrying easily over the background rumble of noise. "Draw back behind our line if you are hurt!"
As Ordhan started forward, he felt himself awash in the familiar glow of magic, of a healing sort but not quite, a tingle that settled on his skin and waited for a wound to close. Lillian's doing, more than likely. The knight was reckless enough as it was when it came to Darkspawn, and the knowledge that healings magic would bind the first wound inflicted on him lessened what reservation he did have. Responsibility grounded him, however--this was many of the company's first encounter with Darkspawn. If he could not safeguard them, his place in the company was worthless.
The creatures were just now coming into view. Ordhan lowered the visor of his helm and moved quickly into a defensive position, enough towards the Darkspawn to intercept their attack, but far enough back to block their advancing on their more vulnerable group members.