Solona Amell

Anders whips around to look at the blood on Solona.

"DO NOT TOUCH THE BLOOD. We'll need to burn these clothes, the blood is toxic, it carries the taint..."

Nellie nods and casts the barrier, with Anders protecting her from behind.

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Cullen manages to catch a glimpse of Nellie casting the barrier. He groans. He said no magic. But there was nothing more he could do, especially with his back against Solona's back and them trapped between at least six of the blighters.

"Any ideas, fearless leader?" Solona calls out to Cullen. Honestly, he doesn't But what the hell. He charges at the nearest darkspawn he can reach and bashes it with his shield, swinging around and recovering quickly, slicing the body of another in half. Solona follows suit, only ducking from the swings the hurlock she was against tried to hurl. She slides on the ground and manages to slice at his feet. The demon cries out in pain. Solona scrambles up before lodging her dagger into the bastard.

"I'm going to need a bath after this," she groans.

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Nellie's erected the barrier, and Anders has enchanted it to be on fire.

"The barrier's up...! Sorry about the magic, Cullen, but this should slow down the other Darkspawn...we need to move, though!"

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"Cullen, let's go!" Solona calls out to him, breaking out into a jog, back into the throng of trees. Cullen looks back, aghast at the tower of flames and the damage it was causing the trees surrounding it. But the darkspawn were being held back. That was all that mattered. He runs towards Nellie and takes her hand, following after Solona into the woods.

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While the barrier lasts a long time, the flames eventually die out, and the trees survive for now.

They're running for what seems like ages, and they do lose the darkspawn, and get away from Lothering...but they've still got a long journey ahead of them, as they get to the docks to take ship. Most of the ships have left, and it looks like the darkspawn already managed to attack once, before being driven back...

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"Fuck." That's all Solona could say. She watches as the countless refugees make their way around them. "What do we do now?"

Even Cullen is left speechless. He takes a look around, scanning the area for at least the slightest idea.

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Nellie bites her lip, nervous and scared.

"There are still people getting out from here, right...? Otherwise, we need to keep moving to Gwaren..."

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Cullen's eyes narrow. "There is no hope here," he says, turning to the rest of them. "There are far too many people and far too little boats. Even if we were to secure passage across the sea, it would take weeks. I strongly encourage Gwaren."

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Anders nods grimly.

"There are more boats at Gwaren, and its farther away from the main hoard. We've got a better chance going there than trying here..."

Nellie nods nervously.

"Then we should get moving, before other people realize that...how far away is Gwaren?"

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"A few days travel, if we're quick," Cullen replies. "We're heading to Amaranthine."

Solona doesn't feel too well. She pushes her way to an alley and pukes at a corner. Running and morning sickness really don't mesh well together.

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Nellie winces as her sister throws up, moving to pat her on the back.

"Amaranthine it is, then...where do we go once we're out of Ferelden, though?"

Anders doesn't respond, as he's too busy making sure Solona is okay.

"Love, are you going to be all right?"

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"Yes, I'll be fine," Solona grimaces, straitening herself out. She gives both Nellie and Anders grateful looks. Cullen just stands there awkwardly.

"Where do you suggest we go? It's not like we have much money at our expense at the moment," Cullen says.

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None of them are really sure...but its ultimately Nellie who suggest something first.

"...We could go to Kirkwall..."

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"Kirkwall?" Cullen looks at her questioningly. "Don't you think that might be a little too risky considering how strict they are with their mages?"

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Nellie nods quietly, sighing.

"I know it is...but we don't have a lot of choices...and the Amell name may still carry some weight there..."

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"It's worth a shot, yes," Solona adds, looking at Cullen for an answer.

He sighs. Why did the decisions always have to fall on him. "Kirkwall it is."

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"If Kirkwall doesn't work, we could try another part of the Free Marches...the important thing is that it puts an ocean between us and the Blight."

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"Sounds good enough to me. I'm willing to bet on Kirkwall," Solona says indignantly. She just really wanted to me somewhere away from the crowd.

"To Kirkwall it is, then," Cullen replies, determination crossing his face. "We'll have to move quickly then to secure a boat. I'm sure we're not the only ones with this idea."

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Anders nods and takes Solona's hand.

"Then let's get moving. It's gonna be a long way to Amaranthine..."

Nellie nods.

"And if we're lucky, we'll beat the crowds..."

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"Maker, guys, I absolutely loathe walking," Solona groans, allowing herself to be dragged by Anders.

Cullen takes the lead again, rolling his eyes at Solona's complaints. The trip to Amaranthine takes a good two days, given very little time to rest. Once they arrive, the same situation stands. The docks were swarming with refugees, desperate to leave.

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Anders just laughs at Solona, a rare laugh now that things have become so dire...

"I could carry you, love, if you want."

Once they get to Amaranthine, Nellie frowns. The situation is the same as it was outside of Lothering, but at least here there are still boats leaving, and these boats are still in tact.

"We need to get on one of these boats...who do we talk to about that?"

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"It's alright, Andy, I can hold my own," Solona flashes him a grin.

Cullen adjusts the shield on his back. "Let me handle that, Nel," he says, walking over to one of the guardsmen in the area. Cullen has a brief conversation with him before returning. "All the larger boats are filled but I was able to get information about this cargo ship that's letting in refugees. We'll be placed in the storage area of the ship along with a few other people but-- do you think it's worth it?"

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Anders smirks at her.

"I know. But if you ever feel lazy enough, I'm more than willing."

Nellie nods and listens to Cullen.

"It sounds like it's our only option...either we wait for another boat, which may not even come, or we take what we can get. What do you two think? Will it be okay in the cargo area?"

Anders frowns for a moment, looking at the sack on his back, taking it off to examine the cats inside for a moment. They don't seem to be any worse for the wear, and are sleeping at the moment...will they be all right in the cargo area?

"Do we really have another choice? The sooner we get out of Ferelden, the better off we'll be."

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"I'm going to put that in writing for future reference," Solona smirks back at Anders. She then turns to Cullen. "How much is it to get on the ship first?"

Cullen grimaces. "Around two sovereigns each."

Solona's eyes fly wide open. "Two sovereigns? Those bloody cunts are just off to steal our money!" She looks as if though she could spit out fire.

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