Ostagar was a place that Morven could not feel safe in. It was a theme common to human settlements – she knew that much – but the overpowering sense of dread was not as strong in other places, like Denerim or Lothering; the hustle and bustle of city life was understandable but even that was undeniably different from being a part of an [i]army[/i]. 

The keep itself, a crumbling ruin that miraculously managed to stay standing, contributed quite a lot to her unease. The darkspawn hordes that lurked in the wilds, the [i]Korcari Wilds[/i] of all places, might break through the cracks in the walls, sneak in, kill her in her sleep without her any the wiser. 

It was a foolish worry, Morven knew. The guards and scouts would see them first, relentless in their protection of the camp. She was far more likely to be stabbed by a deserter from her own ranks, or – she thought morbidly as her legs dangled over the soon to be battlefield below – for her to simply trip and tumble over the edge.

Dusting herself off as she pulled herself to her feet, ornate staff creaking in protest under her weight, her eyes narrowed at an approaching figure – an elf in civilian gear, likely a messenger. “Warden Talathrien?” he asked tentatively, reminding her of a mouse about to be set on by a hawk, and Morven stared unblinkingly at him.

It often paid to be so obviously Dalish, at least when it came to intimidation. Weak-willed city elves often seemed to be either frightened or in awe of her, depending on what stories they had been told as a child. Feral savages or free-spirited heroes? She didn't much care about those tales any more.

“Yes, that's me,” she said eventually. “What is it?”

“Warden Garviel would like you to meet with him near the King's Tent, and to prepare yourself to venture into the Wilds today.”

Morven didn't sigh, but the minutest of frowns spread across her face. “It's rather short notice isn't it..? Perhaps we're being sent on a fool's errand?” she mused aloud, more to herself, before nodding stiffly at the messenger. “Dismissed – I have received the message, and I'll let you deliver it to the others. Run along, now.”

Turning to pick up her satchel of herbs and poultices and scattered Dalish scrolls – her only belongings in the camp – she looked out once more over the landscape below. No doubt she would be down there soon enough, fighting with the human soldiers, unless what Garviel had in mind took priority.

At least she would get to feel nature beneath her feet again in the Korcari Wilds, grass and dirt rather than freezing stone. At the King's Tent and staying a healthy distance away from any group of humans nearby, she made a beeline for her own leader. “Garviel,” she greeted, inclining her head. “Am I the first to arrive?”