Arrival

Luna let out a groan as she came to. She was lying on the ground, broken branches and leaves surrounded her. She felt odd but could not pinpoint why. As she moved, her muscles screamed. Something was wrong. Luna’s eyes suddenly flung open.

“What!” The princess screeched as she saw herself, “N-no. What happened? She wouldn’t dare! I’m… I’m human…” Luna sat up and looked around. Lying at her side was a sword. She quickly grabbed it and stood. “Something tis not correct about this place. It does not look like the place beyond the mirror.”

“Over there!” Luna heard the shout. In her frantic state, Luna could not figure out what direction the shout had come from. She looked around desperately trying to find where it had come from.

Within seconds, a man came through the brush. He wore black leather armor covered in straps and buckles, running all the way up his arms. He wore a grey tunic, adorned with a symbol of a rearing griffon. A set of twin daggers hung from his belt. With him was a young, blonde lad in gold scale-mail armor. He looked as Luna wearily. "Who or what are you?" The man demanded, his cold eyes trained on the princess.

"I will not be hassled into answering your questions." She responded.

"Mind your manners boy." The first man scolded. His voice was aged yet full of life. "I apologize for Alistair's rudeness. My name is Duncan."

"Luna. I am Princess Luna of Equestria." she responded quickly.

"I am afraid I do not know of any land called Equestria." Duncan responded, much to Luna's surprise.

"I wouldn't trust her if I were you, who knows what kind of magic it knows." Alistair commented from beside the older man.

"I will no have my name slandered so!" Luna retorted, getting upset. Luna glared at the man, him glaring back.

Duncan took the moment of silence as an opportunity. "Perhaps you could be of assistance to me." When all he received was a questioning glance, Duncan continued. "I am part of Ferelden's Grey Wardens. With the encroaching darkspawn threat, we need as many able men and women to fight with us as possible. If you were to join the order, it would be very much appreciated."

Alistair glanced at him in surprise, "We just met this women, how do we know she's not a spy, or a demon? How do we know if she can even use that sword?"

"If she's made it this far into the Brecilian forest, I'm sure the girl can handle herself." Duncan smiled at Alistair reassuringly. Turning back to Luna, he continued, "What do you say?"

"Tis my duty to serve the people. If joining your cause is a way of atonement, then I shall." Luna sighed with relief. "Lead the way, Sir Duncan."

“Ho there, Duncan.” I man in gold armor said, approaching the trio as they came to the front of a giant ruin.

“King Cailan,” Duncan replied, clasping the man’s for-arm. “I didn’t expect a-”

“A royal welcome?” Cailan interrupted. “I was beginning to worry that you’d miss all the fun.” He smiled then, a wide, cocky smile.

“Not if I can help it, your majesty.” Duncan responded, darkly.

“Then I’ll have the mighty Duncan at my side in battle after all.” The man responded, smiling. “Glorious.” His face fell to a more serious reaction. “I hear you’ve found a promising recruit. I take it this is she?” He looked over at Luna.

“Allow me to introduce you, your majesty.” Duncan proceeded.

Cailan stepped in front of the older man. “No need to be so formal, Duncan. We’ll be shedding blood together after all.” Turning his attention to the small female in front of him, he continued. “Ho there friend, might I know your name?”

“I am Luna, Princess Luna.” She responded coolly, bowing slightly.

“A princess?” He seemed surprised. “From where do you hail?”

“I am from Equestria, though your friend seems unfamiliar with my homeland.” She looked on, past the king then. She gazed off across the large stone bridge. Archers stood at the ready at different points across the bridge. Soldiers, adorned in armor, walked across the bridge in the opposite direction of the princess, towards the stone structures that stood tall on the other side of the bridge. Somehow Luna knew that once she'd crossed the crumbling stone bridge, everything would change, though she didn't know how.