*The Warden stood tall at the mouth of the cavern, the flickering glow of torchlight casting a long shadow behind them. Their face was a mask of quiet determination, eyes reflecting the sober intensity of their purpose. With their armour glistening like the scales of a silver drake, and their weapon at the ready, they were the embodiment of the Grey Warden motto,

"In War, Victory. In Peace, Vigilance."

I know you're there,

The Warden called into the shadows of the cave, their voice echoing off the damp stone walls. It was not a threat, but a statement, as clear and undeniable as the steel of their blade.

You needn't hide. I'm not here to bring you harm.

Pausing, they gave a soft sigh, the sound barely audible over the drip of water from stalactites above. They lifted their weapon slightly, holding it not as a weapon of attack, but as a sign of their order. Their voice filled the cavern again, this time softer, almost empathetic.

We all have our demons, our fears. Believe me, I understand. I've stared into the depths of the Abyss and seen what horrors the Blight brings. But it's not the only way.

There was a long silence as the echo of their words died away. The Warden's eyes never wavered from the darkness ahead, their body language calm but ready for any response, be it words or violence.

You have a choice,

they added, and there was a note of appeal in their voice now, a plea to the unseen listener's better nature.

You can choose to step out of the shadows, to fight against the darkness instead of hiding in it. You can make a difference.

A silence settled over the cavern, broken only by the soft crackling of the torch. The Warden waited, their gaze fixed on the darkness ahead, their expression a calm mask of patience and understanding. Their last words hung in the air, an invitation, a challenge, and a promise, leaving the unseen character with a decision to make.