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[PickledGear]

Note- This one is a little explicit in the sexual theme <.< >.>



    Dragon Age: A Bard's Love

Chapter 8

Lothering..... reduced to a foggy ghost town out of the horror stories she was told as a teen in Orlais. She couldn't have ever seen that as an end to a village she called home for years. Not just that but everybody in Lothering, reduced to undead mongering monsters.
She wouldn't and didn't dwell on it. It seemed the Maker was testing her, emotionally, physically, and her opinions of them too. She had been the sinking weight for the entire group. She could see it in their faces, Alistair had already spoken out about it and Morrigan was always gloomy but more so recently. Ohgren was drunk and or passed out so she would never know how he truly was feeling, nor did she really want to.

Zevran, the Antivan Crow was more worked up about his past, She wanted to honestly greet him into the team but he seemed very distant to everyone even more so than Sten. But the one person who had always smiled when ever looking in her direction, if it just be a slight glance was Cogdale. All she had given him were untruthful smiles. 

They were 2 days away from Redcliffe and out of most of the darkspawn horde's destruction. The day had been met with several random genlock ambushes that were extremely embarrassing for the enemy. Shrieks had their go at the caravan as well but Alistair and Cogdale were spotting everyone of the strange diseased elven creatures with ease. As the day grew older the ambushes ceased and the fog that grew from the darkspawn had dissipated.
They had set up camp in a rocky gorge, a decision made by Cogdale to hide just in case the blight would spread into the area over night. The camp site was a maze of rocks taller then most walls. Sage brush was the only foliage growing within the rocks and cracks as well giving them only the boulders as cover. The camp fire was set in the center of the congregation of boulders and could easily be found just in case any of them may wander off.

Everyone tried to set up their tents as best they could in between the granite and stone. Leliana had decided to put her tent and bed roll in the corner of 2 boulders meeting each other like a cross road. The camp fire in her eyesight behind a rock shaped like twisting horn. The small mouldering smoke trail always gave her a warm feeling inside. A sense of home, belonging. As she followed the smoke into the night sky she caught Ohgren awkwardly digging a hole.
"What are you doing?" Leliana asked, eyebrow perked in peak interest. "Eh?... Oh Leliana, I be just digging me a sodding hole here." He said, the scent of ale stained his beard. 

"I know that! I meant what for?" she said irritated by the inebriated dwarf. Staggering back a few steps he pointed to the ditch he had dug with his battle axe. "Reminds me of home, Dirt and I go way back ya see." He said spading the dirt with the axe. Leliana saw no harm in it and shrugged and began to look where Cogdale had placed his tent. 

It was no where to be seen from her tent. Disappointed and surprised that Cogdale hadn't moved his tent near hers Leliana's face pouted. Deciding to be the one to take action this time for her warden Leliana got up and dusted her rear off to find him. Climbing over rocks and slipping through cracks between them she had found Wynne's bed. The old mage was sitting down, eyes closed but in a healing like trance. Mostly giving her fade spirit some time off. But Wynne was conscious and realized Leliana was watching her.
Wynne lifted her finger and pointed to her left "Hes up there child" she said placing her hand back into her lap to continue meditation. Leliana gladly thanked Wynne for the tip and walked up a path lined by rocks, almost as if it was made for a shrine to a tent. No one was outside but a silhouette inside the tent that was lit up by a candle light. She approached the tent silently not to startle him. As she approached she could hear writing. 

She opened the tent just enough to peak in, Cogdale could sense Darkspawn a mile away but not her. He was writing in a journal, every word he wrote brought up an emotion onto his face. His stories of him being a book/scripture worm seemed to be true. The bags he carried on the caravan revealed several other books similar in design to the journal he was writing in. She didn't want to prevent him from what he was writing, but at the same time wanted to see what he had written the past year and a half they had spent with each other, especially the past month and a half.

"Hello may I come in" Leliana said mocking a noble woman's snooty manners of entering rooms. Cogdale turned his head to see her with 1 foot in the tent the other out. He nodded and she came in the tent. She quickly slid over to his side to see the latest journal entry that he was writing. She wasn't interested in the journal itself but the fact he had been writing journals. 
"I didn't know you had journals, or wrote in them regularly" Leliana said looking at him as he continued to write. He smiled and looked at her with a gleeful grin. "Yep" he said returning to his writing. 

"Wow.... no wonder the noble girls seemed to be put off by you" Leliana joked kissing him on the cheek. "Ha ha very funny" Cogdale said putting down his pen and journal and began to search inside his pile of finished or full journals. "Here I want you to read something, I just gotta find the right date" he said grunting as he shoved his hands through the heap of books.
"Ah here we are, Nearly 2 years ago, the night before leaving Lothering for the first time" he said breathing on the journal, dust flying up and off of it, every particle visible from the light of the candle.

"You wrote about the first day we began our adventure?" Leliana asked grasping this priceless journal. "Turn to the sixth or seventh page" he said turning his posture towards expecting a response. Leliana turned the pages seeing some of the earlier journals ~ "Today I awoke in that Witch's cabin once again, only to find out Cailan and the Grey Wardens had fallen to the darkspawn. Leaving only me and the other warden, Alistair the last wardens of Ferelden. I don't want this, I don't deserve this after what I've already endured. Maker be damned if he intentionally plays with me for his own amusement." Leliana continued to skim the page and finally reached the entry he wanted her to read.

"We are leaving Lothering in the morning, such a poor and hopeless and helpless village. Everyone in it knows they are doomed and accepts it, I only wish it weren't so, most of these people don't deserve this at all. They were already at odds with death before Ostagar's fall. Now with no one to stop the blight they look at death, helplessly as he runs full force into their souls. But, it seems there is always a bright light within the darkness, something where all hope must grow from. Alistair, Morrigan and I entered the tavern this evening to confront some of the traitor, Loghain's men. It had seemed as though Andraste herself greeted us there as we confronted the men. I was frozen in utter awe of this woman's beauty. Shes one of the cloister from Lothering's Chantry. Her eyes, seemed almost enchanting freezing my every muscle in stone as she gazed upon me smiling. I couldn't breath, I couldn't blink. But she awoke me from the spell to deal with the men. Watching her fight gives me hope in this world." Leliana took the moment and to show how moved she was from reading the entry. Hugging Cogdale with all her strength, he let out a gasp of air from her strength.

"Read on theres more" Cogdale said changing her focus back to the journal. Leliana turned the page to find the entry had more writing, almost half of the page along with a extremely well done drawing of her under it. Cogdale seemed to have been an artist as well. He had sketched a life like portrait of her, her hair short and well groomed, her eyes glowing looking out of the page towards the reader. Following the sketch was notes explaining every aspect of her he adored of her. Leliana returned to finish reading the entry.

"But again, she is of the cloister, she has taken her vows and even if this were not so, how could any woman let alone the most beautiful one in existence next to Andraste herself would have any interest in me. Alistair has more of a chance, seeing as he was to be a templar. But I will accept this, seeing her makes my heart throb and will give me all the support I need for the days to come. Just a glance from her is enough, her red hair boils my heart, yet her blue eyes freeze it to ease, Her smile thaws it to live and her voice gives it a beat. Her name is Leliana, and I believe I am in love, is this love? If it is, Bless the Maker for creating such an emotion and fully for placing Leliana in this world"

What Cogdale wrote brought her eyes to their quivering peak. "By the Maker Cogdale you writing blows me away, I....I can't even say what this means to me" Leliana said turning to him and gripping his hand, his family pendant in the other. She slowly looked up at him, The emotions inside her grew, she couldn't explain how she felt, but she could at least show him.
"So..." she said getting herself back together. "You might want to make tonight's entry very special" she grinned taking off the pendant. It seemed Cogdale was confused at the moment, wondering why she was undoing the pendant from her neck, Let alone her remark of his journal entry. She giggled at his cluelessness.  "I want to say something to you.... After reading this, When I stepped out of the cloister I had no idea where my path would lead me." She paused for a bit of dramatic effect.

"I walked where the maker led me and he has rewarded me, I found you" Leliana smiled as she undid even more of her armor, Cogdale hadn't noticed, he was to fixated on what she was saying. 

"I'm glad he led you to me Leliana" Cogdale said. A cold gust of wind awoke them out of their trance between each other. Leliana smiled and kissed Cogdale. She then continued to get out of her armor, releasing the ties that were holding some of her hair in a braid like pony tail. 
"Its getting pretty late, I think I might turn in early, and I can't but wonder how comfy and warm your bed is." She said taking off the finally piece of her armor revealing only her under wear. Cogdale finally realized she was and blushed and looked away "Oh I'm sorry! I didn't mean to stare, you can sleep in my bed tonight." he said gibbering shyly. Leliana laughed at his boyishness. 

"I'll be over here and write in my journal, and don't worry it will be special" he said scooting over for her to lay on his blankets made out to be a bed. "No no, you get over here you!" Leliana ordered a snicker following the demand. Cogdale returned back to her at attention. "How bout if I can watch you write or I could give suggestions." Cogdale was still clueless as he scratched the back of his head. "Dear Journal, Leliana and I have been in love for some time now, She has shown much affection toward me, even asked me to bed with her, but subtlety is lost on me." She said moving herself on to his lap.
"Wait... what?" Cogdale said as he realized what Leliana had been hinting towards him the entire time, his face turned cherry. "Oh now he gets it" Leliana giggled as she leaned in closer to him providing even more blood to his face. "I....I, Leliana... you do know I've..... well..." Cogdale couldn't talk, his heart was beating too fast for anything to catch up to it.
"Shhh... Cog, I know you haven't ever been with a woman." Leliana said trying to calm down Cogdale before he fell into an anxiety attack. "Which makes this even more of a special night" she said kissing his lips and slowly moving down to his neck. Cogdale was still nervous, his hands trying to stroke her hair shook as if they were freezing. "Calm down, I won't ever judge you Cogdale, you are the love of my life, you deserve this" she said trying to carefully remove his tunic he was wearing. He let her do so, heart still vibrating like a humming bird's wings. 

Cogdale decided to not become a vegetable for the night and began to feel Leliana's arms down to her hips and legs. "There you go" Leliana smiled. Cogdale had turned into a 7 year old boy trying to learn how to balance on a horse or swing a sword. She felt his body to give a little life in the moment, the past 2 years of constant fighting and running chiseled his body into something from paintings. The day in the swimming hole she had felt his body before but this time she actually had time to REALLY feel him. 
"Alright time to begin" She said throwing her legs over his lap, as if he was a horse saddle. A smile printed on her face. If it was one thing she was keeping from her bard life, it was her skill in bed. She slowly rubbed her body with his meeting her lips to his. "Wow" he said as she bit his lower lip as she released the kiss. His warden didn't seem to mind either. "And he finally gets it now" she giggled. Leliana returned to be above him to take off her top. 
Cogdale's eyes widen to see her naked for the first time. "Maker's....Breath" Cogdale gasped as Leliana returned to kiss him. Her breasts pressing against his abs. Cogdale slowly became used to her flattery she was doing with her body to him and joined in, kissing her neck, stomach and eventually her breasts as well. His lips were aphrodisiacs themselves the more he kissed, the more she wanted him. The could be said for him as well. 

After what seemed like an eternity of foreplay from both sides the heat between the two of them bursted and Leliana found herself under Cogdale, seeming almost as if he wasn't a virgin but was experienced. Every thrust shot bursts of ecstasy through her, almost making her pass out from time to time. 
"Hold... Hold on Cog I need a rest here for a second" She panted as she wrapped her arms around his neck, sweat beading off of both of them. "By the Maker's holy might Cogdale! I thought you said you never had.... sex before." She said looking at him breathing heavily as well. 
"I thought I was too" Cogdale laughed, giving enough energy to grin. Leliana initiated it again by pulling herself up to kiss him. 

2 hours went by as they continued to make love in the tent, now heated up the cold winds blowing through the rocky gorge seemed non existent to the 2 of them. Cogdale was showing her his true love for her in this, if not in everything else as well. She had never gone this long before either and was exhausted she couldn't even move. But Cogdale finally gave the last of his energy and finally released. No battle had ever drained them like what they did with each other. Leliana crept into the bed and pulled Cogdale next to her. 
Leliana loved Cogdale, and he her they finally cemented that with the night. She smiled closing her eyes. "From now on Lily.... my tent is yours." Cogdale said, she could feel his breath breeze through her hair. Cogdale put his arm around Leliana and pulled her even closer. His warmth put her to sleep quick as she sighed "Maker.... thank you..."

Modifié par SPARTAN 089-Gary, 24 mars 2012 - 12:22 .

[PickledGear]

Heres a little Leliana fan art for the hell of it (with included A Bard's Love scenes!)

Modifié par SPARTAN 089-Gary, 26 avril 2010 - 08:15 .

[PickledGear]

Dragon Age: A Bard's Love

Chapter 9

The tent became translucent, as Cogdale woke up again to a shining morning sun. Birds sang several songs as he stretched his arms as high as he could, doing his best to not let his heavy eyes drown him back to sleep. As he began to charge up enough energy to sit up the soft scent of cinnamon danced to his nose. Bringing back memories of last night like they were just seconds ago. He turned to see Leliana still asleep, blanket covering her as she turned, still asleep.
Not to rudely wake her up he took this moment in time to draw her again. He pulled open his latest journal and began to sketch her. Every line he carved into the paper was smooth and precise movements. Leliana gently woke up realizing Cogdale wasn't next to her a long sigh exiting her breath as she finally spotted him on the end of the blankets sketching her.

"Hello" she said an inflection of peace and happiness swirling with it. Cogdale smiled as he continued his repetitious returning gaze to her and back to the journal. "What are you doing?" she said rubbing her eyes. Luckily Cogdale remembered the image of her sleeping and pulled her in to see the drawing. She blinked a few times to let the image settle with her.
"Oh, you drew me" she giggled hugging Cogdale, naked, again. Cogdale put his journal down and embraced Leliana in response. "Thank you Leliana, for everything." He said looking directly into her swirling silver blue eyes which peered into his. She quirked a cute smile and kissed the tip of his nose. 

"So, I guess we should get ready" she said slowly getting up exposing her butt to him on purpose a grin behind her behind. "I don't want to" Cogdale said in a whiny tone. He quickly reached and grabbed her rear and pulled her down on his lap. "The Darkspawn can wait another 5 minutes." He said to her. "What do you..... ohh... hmmmm I see" Leliana smiled and pounced Cogdale back on the blankets. The two of them "danced" again. Cogdale knew what to do this time around.
Leliana seemed to be ready as wel l and knew how to work her magic with him. Cogdale knew better then to challenge the bard at her own game of charm, this time around she had her fingers wrapped around what happened. 

"Maker's Breath Leliana!" Cogdale shouted as she did her tricks to him, leveling his pleasure to the extreme, beyond his mind could comprehend. So much so he was holding his breath every time she grinded her hips. She to felt it though as well, gasps leaving her breath every swirl and twirl. Cogdale's face strained into new faces from the pleasure, both moaning from their time together. Until they reached the climax. Leliana collapsed onto Cogdale's chest and quickly set her breathing to that of Cogdale's.
"Oh, that was amazing Cogdale, Maker truly blessed me with you" she said her words slurred by her face pressed against his chest. 

A whistle came from the camp fire down the hill, Alistair was calling everybody in to set out for Redcliffe. "Ughh... I just want to rest here" Cogdale said wiping his face. Leliana laughed as she slowly got up from their position and began putting her clothing on. "I guess I have to do the same." Cogdale said sitting up. 

They left the tent, armor equipped and ready, swords sheathed and arrows quivered. Alistair greeted them as they squinted from the bright sun. Cogdale noticed a small smirk on Alistair and realized the whole entire camp could hear them, last night and just a while ago.
"Well, it seems our hero has gotten what he deserves" Alistair chuckled his armor chiming from his laughter. Leliana had a pout face knowing he was joking. 

"You heard us?" Cogdale asked face blushed. "Oh yes, loud and clear" Alistair said patting Cogdale on the shoulder "I think even Weisshaupt could". Several other members jogged up the hill to help fold up the tent and its contents. Cogdale grabbed his bag of journals and quickly traversed the gorge they had hid in to the wagon and threw them on. "I can't wait to rest in an actual bed" Alistair said popping his back. 
"I take it you had a bad night?" Cogdale asked. "I take it you had a pleasurable one?" he countered, Cogdale acting as if he was hit by an arrow, a tingling sensation emerged from the wound he had received from Marjolaine before.

"Haha very funny" Cogdale said as he quickly rushed up the hill to grab some of Leliana's things she had brought with her the night before. The Gorge now was surrounded by weeping willow trees, something none of them could have saw last night. Several families of birds watched as they packed their belongings on to the caravan. Then flew away just as Ohgren could somehow scare them off with his shortness. A chuckle bursted from everyone who witnessed the dwarf's playfulness.
Bodahn was waiting impatiently for everyone to get on already as he whistled a tune. Cogdale laughed under his breath replaying what had happen last night through his head. What had happen could only happen in his wildest dreams, not even a desire demon could think up what he had experienced. 
Cogdale twirled his quill pen between his index and middle fingers as he drew her face in the air. Nothing could ruin this perfect day as every second got better and better. Cogdale noticed Leliana jogging to him in full gear and smiling, the sun couldn't even handle the energy that radiated from her. Her smile infected him as he returned the expression. 

"Hey Lily" Cogdale merrily said as she finally reached him. She held her hands behind her back hiding something in her grasp. She was antsy, twisting her boot into the dirt like a little girl. Cogdale struggled to get a glance of the object in her palms. Leliana successfully thwarted his attempt. 
"What do you have in your hands?" Cogdale said with suspicion in his voice. Leliana pulled out a piece of paper, torn from one of his journals. "Whats this?" Cogdale kiddingly gasped. Leliana squealed as she let go of the paper. It was a decently drawn picture of Cogdale shirtless and exposed. Cogdale laughed and nodded his head impressed by Leliana's art skill.

"This is actually very well done Leliana, I'll always keep it to my heart" Cogdale said pressing the piece of paper to his cuirass. "No no no" she said repetitively "Thats for me, and me only I just wanted your approval of it" She squealed snatching the drawing from his hand. Cogdale laughed and placed Leliana up on the wagon as everyone jumped up on their usual seats they came to recognize. Cogdale followed and jumped up.

"Alright everyones set?" Bodahn shouted whipping the oxen to start. Cogdale witnessed the gorge fall behind them, that place would have a special place in his memory. Like anyone who lost their virginity they would remember the location. Cogdale steadied himself on the wagon and pulled his journal out once again. He opened up to his drawing of her. Leliana giggled looking at it, bumping Cogdale with her shoulder. "And this ones for me" Cogdale joked as he poked the drawing with his finger.
"Oh I've got something only for you when we get the time" Leliana said gloating. She kept her eyes focused on his journal as he began a new entry for the day. Cogdale knew he should write something about his feelings of the morning. "So, I thought we could talk on what we'll do after this is all over" Cogdale said wanting to start a conversation with Leliana. "I thought we already decided to travel with each other?" Leliana asked. 
"I mean what shall we do first when we leave?" Cogdale corrected himself. Leliana itched her chin thinking. "I've always wanted to see what the Free Marches are like, plus it is a kingdom of pirates and smugglers, we could do some good there" She said shrugging her shoulders to the idea. The wagon jumped over a rock that had tumbled into the middle of the road lifting them off of their seats for a split second. 
"Hmm... The Free Marches? I've heard some tales of blood magic roaming free there, As well as necromancy and other things" Cogdale responded scratching his head in disagreement. Leliana took that as a no and pondered again where they should go. "Well we could go to Highever to see if we can help rebuild the Cousland nobility's castle." Leliana suggested a wincing stare followed it. Cogdale knew he had to return there sooner or later. He had heard word a Cousland had survived and escaped. He could finalize his vassalage to the new Teyrn.
"Sounds like a plan" he said extending his hand out to Leliana, a hug would cause them to fall off of the wagon so a handshake would have to suffice. Leliana gripped his hand and shook a smile on her face but a seriousness resided in her eyes, knowing of his past at Highever. Cogdale pulled her hand up and kissed it to show he was fine with the plan. "I will show you my past, the library, my old bed... if they're still there" He said realizing Howe's men had burned down most of Highever Castle. He didn't remain on the idea and turned his attention to the rest of the group. Most of them were fast asleep, traveling was a tedious thing especially on the bumpy roads. 

"Funny how we always stay awake on the rides" Leliana said following Cogdale's gaze where ever it went. Cogdale thought that as well, why did him and Leliana always stay awake on the long rides each day? "I just find it funny that Ohgren chokes on his beard when he sleeps" Cogdale laughed causing Leliana to follow. "You always can make me laugh" Leliana said settling herself down with her hand over her mouth. Cogdale only smiled to the compliment. "But I'm not even trying" Cogdale said in a disappointed voice. Leliana laughed again waking up Sten who was to the left of them on the front wagon. He only gave the two of them a scowl and rested his head on the bags.
"You always blow me away" Cogdale said looking deeply into her eyes. Leliana giggled and waved him away with her wrist. "You don't even try when you woo me either do you?" She asked blushing. Cogdale cross his arm and breathed from his stomach. "Yes I do! Can't you tell?" He imitated a bandit or Dwarven Paragon. Leliana giggled and slapped Cogdale's cuirass a loud metallic slam followed.

"Cogdale, I still ask this" Leliana paused "I'm always confounded by you, and how you win me over no matter what you say" she turned her legs and placed one over his knees. Cogdale had no idea how he could do what he does. "I don't know Leliana, every time I look at you, you give me the strength I need to tell the truth. Especially when it's toward you" He said rubbing her leg guarded by  her armor. She seemed unconvinced by his answer and shook her head. "I find that too hard to believe love" Leliana slipped Cogdale's pendant in her hand again and smiled at it. 
"I still have it, I never get tired at looking at it" Leliana said staring at the chantry eye on the crown of the pendant. "Hehe, I'm glad to see you still messing around with it." Cogdale said lifting her head with his hand under her chin. "I know what you're thinking Lily, You don't have to get me anything in return for it, you are enough of a gift from the Maker for me and thats all I'll ever need." Saying this comforted his beating heart which had raced fast when she asked the question. 

Leliana smiled, kissed the pendant and blew a kiss to him.

Modifié par SPARTAN 089-Gary, 24 mars 2012 - 12:23 .

[PickledGear]

Chapter 2's Second image is WIP stage 1 right now

Modifié par SPARTAN 089-Gary, 30 avril 2010 - 07:38 .

[PickledGear]

Finshed Chapter 2's 2nd image Slice and Dice

Modifié par SPARTAN 089-Gary, 03 mai 2010 - 10:58 .

[PickledGear]

any thoughts on my stuff, I kinda feel I'm getting a cold shoulder on the forums here. Is it something with my story that seems dissatisfying or is my art to, bland?

[Apophis2412]

The story:
After reading your story I am reminded of all those medieval tales about knights rescuing damsels in distress from dragons and other monsters.
The central part of your story is the relationship between Cogdale and Leliana. What I liked is that it took time for their love to fully blossom and that there were several bumps along the way. What I liked less is that the love they have for each other is a bit to intense. While such an intense love would have been great for a medieval story I don’t think it realy fits in the DA World with it’s grey morality.
Your two main characters have flaws and that is always good. No one likes a Mary Sue. I don’t know what to really say about the other characters. Although you’ve captured their personalities perfectly they don’t feature nearly enough in the story for me to have a real opinion of them.
The art:
Your art is good. I don’t know what else to say about it. Nice colors, nice themes, nice drawings, etc. Their is nothing wrong with them.
 
Why people don’t visit your topic as often as they should:
1.       Writing a comment or review takes time. Many people are lazy.
2.       Some people have some very devoted fans. Take Dalishranger’s topic for example; although her topic has over a thousand posts, most of these were made by the same fans.
3.       Dragon Age is getting old. A lot of people have move don to ME2.
4.       On how many sites can I read your stories? I couldn’t find them on fanfiction.net for example.

[PickledGear]

Apophis2412 wrote...

The story:
After reading your story I am reminded of all those medieval tales about knights rescuing damsels in distress from dragons and other monsters.
The central part of your story is the relationship between Cogdale and Leliana. What I liked is that it took time for their love to fully blossom and that there were several bumps along the way. What I liked less is that the love they have for each other is a bit to intense. While such an intense love would have been great for a medieval story I don’t think it realy fits in the DA World with it’s grey morality.
Your two main characters have flaws and that is always good. No one likes a Mary Sue. I don’t know what to really say about the other characters. Although you’ve captured their personalities perfectly they don’t feature nearly enough in the story for me to have a real opinion of them.
The art:
Your art is good. I don’t know what else to say about it. Nice colors, nice themes, nice drawings, etc. Their is nothing wrong with them.
 
Why people don’t visit your topic as often as they should:
1.       Writing a comment or review takes time. Many people are lazy.
2.       Some people have some very devoted fans. Take Dalishranger’s topic for example; although her topic has over a thousand posts, most of these were made by the same fans.
3.       Dragon Age is getting old. A lot of people have move don to ME2.
4.       On how many sites can I read your stories? I couldn’t find them on fanfiction.net for example.

Thank you Apophis, I really appreciate the review. Yeah I do feel I did leave the others out a bit too much, and I can't really fix that in Chapter 10 alone and it will take maybe another 2-3 chapters to have the other characters in it. Then after that it's on to the major part of my story since the Dragon Age storyline is just a prequel. The main story line will have other user created Warden/characters meeting up with Cogdale and Leliana and if the user allows it I would join the new group which travels all Thedas.

Also don't worry about the relationship now, its only been hot for about 1-2 months and will mellow out soon as do all relationships. I plan to make some interesting arguements between the two that bring up some previous conversations you have read. BTW sorry about not linking it to the FanFiction.net version I will edit the OP to have the link to it but while you wait here is the link to it.

Fanfiction.net Version You've done your review here but for others who are reading this post go ahead and write a review even if it's a 1 word one. BTW even though my official personality type (INFJ) doesn't like them, I love criticism like Apophis wrote for me.

[PickledGear]

Dragon Age: A Bard's Love

Chapter 10


The visit to Redcliffe Castle was short lived, it seemed as if the moment they entered the grand hall Arl Eamon was already ready for them, dressed in exquisite Arl apparel, his guards at his side and at attention, their faces hidden behind deep and dark helmets. That was it? A long trip nearly a month long and all the Arl needed was for them to take 1 step into the hall for him to proceed to Denerim for the Landsmeet? 

That was one major pet peeve Cogdale had of nobility, he hated it when he was raised by his kin and he hated it now. He held back the major urge to punch Eamon into oblivion the entire trip back to Denerim. Cogdale was ordered to be at the right hand side of the Arl the entire trip, separating him from the rest of his friends. Not even Alistair was allowed to be at the front of the convoy. Even though Arl Eamon's goal was noble and honorable he still was selfish. Something Cogdale never had or lost the past year giving his life for Ferelden's protection.

It only took another 3 weeks to arrive back in Denerim, Everyone settled into Eamon's Estate in the city. It was a nice change from the cold bitter wilderness they had come to assimilate with during their adventures. The warmth of several fireplaces throughout the estate brought a new skin tone to everyone including Cogdale. Memories of his past were brought back when he saw elven servants working around the hall. Running around his family's manor with his brother as children was the only happy memory he had, or could remember. That was something he hadn't been doing very much; remembering. 
The past 3 months were making new memories, but he hadn't reminisced of what had made him him. Although Cogdale loathed his upbringing he loved his family. His father was a strong and bold man, one who was written in books as a knight, a vassal and a loyal servant to the Couslands. His mother was the most caring, loving woman he had ever met, she comforted him through the sprained knees and the cut elbows and she taught him every form of chivalry that was created. Which in the end proved useless, he never met a woman he could preform said chivalrous acts to. And unlike many marriages of nobility in Ferelden, his parents' was one of love and not arrangement or planning.

Cogdale was told his father's tale of meeting his mother. His father was only but a young boy not even 12 when one fateful day while playing around in Denerim during the many visits to the city he bumped into a young girl who was playing around with the courtyard flowers. They became best of friends. When his dad returned to Denerim every 4 months, he would find her and they would adventure around the city. They still knew each other into adulthood and when Cogdale's father was nearing his Oath to Vassalage, he realized he had fell in love with his friend. Trying several attempts to let her know his feelings and humiliatingly failing at all of them. 
Until one day she admitted her love. Some what ironic to how Cogdale and Leliana came to together. But even that, Cogdale knew his spontaneous love with Leliana was speeding too fast. He had been blinded by the moments with her and needed to focus on the more serious threat. The Blight. 

The Landsmeet was to be held in the next 2 days giving the group some time to rest and not travel so much. But it wasn't like they could get off easy. Cogdale was consulted by Eamon to gain some evidence against Loghain, the best bet for some would be the Alienage. Cogdale decided to go alone on this investigation, everyone deserved to rest in warm beds. Convincing Leliana this was difficult and both of their stubbornness clashed heads. Cogdale in the end prevailed, with help from Wynne and Alistair.

Cogdale was greeted by hundreds of people who had been told the stories the lone Grey Wardens had done in Ferelden. He didn't like crowds and got easily stressed when in the center of them. Denerim's militia had to pry the people's hands off of Cogdale's armor, now smeared by kiss marks and dirty hands. Nothing that Wynne couldn't get out. The guard at the Alienage entrance only nodded as he pulled the doors open for him. The smell alone from the Alienage could knock out a darkspawn. Not wanting more attention from the elves, Cogdale equipped his helmet to hide his identity.
The Alienage was utterly a mess, supposedly from riots the elves had started months before. But Cogdale's intuition said otherwise. As he finally crossed the bridge he was greeted by the sight of a crowd of elves protesting a group of Magi who were blocking one of the buildings. Being a human didn't really put his image as one of a helping sort. Several elves spotted the armored human approach them.
"Oh great more shems to take away our family members!" one shouted "Go back to your fancy home or we'll knock you out cold!" another followed. Cogdale put his hands up, he didn't want to be rushed again by a more hostile crowd of angry elves. Several elves saw his gesture as a sign of peace the inebriated ones however didn't want anyone new in the Alienage. A chalice still full of ale slammed right into Cogdale's helmet. The bitterness made Cogdale try his best to spit out any from his helmet without exposing himself.
"You! Good knight come here!" one of the Magi shouted waving Cogdale over. Cogdale approached the man as he tried to hold off the children from running into the building. "Why are you here? We didn't ask for any more help" he said throwing an elven child into the crowd. He turned to Cogdale awaiting an answer from him. Cogdale didn't say anything and only shrugged. The mage was upset from the gesture and angrily shoved another elf away as he watched Cogdale converse with one of the elves. 

"Whats happening?" Cogdale asked one of the elves, she seemed smart and had red hair. The elf turned and instantly scowled at Cogdale once she noticed he was a human. "What?" she said with an unpleasant tone. "We don't need more shems causing more pain here" she said shoving Cogdale away with all her might. Correcting his balance Cogdale asked again "Whats happening?" The elf lowered her hands and rested her face seeing that Cogdale wasn't like the other humans. 

"Ever since this supposed plague hit the alienage and these mages came to help cure it our family members are disappearing." she said pointing toward the building. "Whenever one of us goes in there to get cured they never come back." Cogdale took a long look at the building the mages were guarding. Something wasn't right about the scene. He walked up to the mage who he had shrugged off earlier to speak to him. 
"What are you doing to these elves?" he asked. The mage only shrugged and continued to be hostile towards any elf who tried to get passed him. The other mage completely ignored him a smirk permanently marking the edge of his mouth. If Cogdale couldn't get the mages' side of the story he might as well take sides with the elves. As he turned to walk back to the elves he noticed an alley that could lead a way behind the hospice. He took it and found an unhygienic greeting from several rats. He kicked them off his boots and continued on down the alley. Turning the corner Cogdale found an elf wearing silverite armor. 

"Who...Who are you!" he said clumsily taking his large blade off his back. "I don't mean you any harm elf" Cogdale said, again his hands up. The elf's grip was shaking extremely fast, his stare widened and exposed his emaciated look. Cogdale walked into the light for the elf to see him. But the elf still kept the blade in hand as it wobbled left and right.
"Calmed down, I only want to get in the building to see what is happening to the elves" Cogdale said as he took a step forward. "Sorry, I.I..I can't let you do that!" he said nervous as he was the elf still showed courage... or idiocy. "You really willing to give your life for these men?" Cogdale threatened the elf, although not his style of convincing someone it seemed to work as the elf dropped his sword and ran off without saying anything.

The door was unlocked, slowly opening it Cogdale finally saw the culprit of the entire farce. Tevinter soldiers, more specifically Tevinter Slave traders. He knew what they looked like he had read about their operations in books from authors who were elves that claimed they did still did their slave trade which always came with the author's crude illustration of them. But what really stood out was their weaponry, saw blades. Something that Cogdale's own sword was designed after. These men were well trained in combat as well. 
But Cogdale had the best thing on his side, the element of surprise. The Tevinter men were to busy playing a board game to notice the back door slowly open. Cogdale finally had the opportunity to use his throwing daggers which were getting pretty dusty on his belt. He slowed down his breath to steady his hand and aim. The guards laughing from a naughty joke one of them had told. Cogdale quickly released both daggers from his fingers as they found their way into the mens' necks. Both sprayed blood at each other, covering their board in the red liquid. Cogdale eased his stance and walked up to the dead men and ripped his daggers out of their jugulars. Turning his gaze behind him Cogdale found another hallway down to a lone door. Deciding to take it, his boots leaving a distinct clanging sound as they hit the floor.

The hallway was decorated by bloody marks and weapon damage. The next door was already opened and the sound of voices chattering echoed from the room. Still the element of surprise was on his side. Cogdale unsheathed his blade and planned out his path of attack from what he could hear from the room. 
Cogdale bursted through the door catching all 4 tevinter men off guard as they stumbled from the shock of a well armored knight bursting into the room, sword full swing. The closest one ended quickly as Cogdale's blade chopped into his neck. Another spin and the blade unlatched from the 1st guard and found itself stabbing into the gut of one of the men who was sitting down. He only gurgled an indescribable word and fell backwards off his chair. The 2 remaining guards were at the other end of the table and were setting themselves for Cogdale's blade. Cogdale jumped over the table causing cutlery and dishes to fly in the air as a way for a distraction. Both men fell as his blade slashed their ankles followed by him slamming his heel into their skulls. Yet again not his style of fighting but it proved successful for the moment.

Knowing the ruckus he had caused, Cogdale set his daggers again to be thrown as a lone guard entered the room. Cogdale kept to the shadows until he could almost touch the man's neck. He abruptly ended the man's life as he dug the dagger into his neck. Trying to quiet the man down Cogdale hushed the man to the maker. So far so good, but still no proof of what they were doing to the elves. The complex was deeper then he thought though so continued to go through it. From the looks of it, the slavers had been in the alienage for months. Furniture and prizes riddled the walls and floors. But poorly placed since slavers didn't really have a sense of design when it came to whipping people to death, why have it for furnishing a big building? 
A sound of footsteps clammered in front of him, Cogdale steadied himself yet again. But they weren't of more tevinter men. Elves who were emaciated and fear plagued their emotions. Cogdale sheathed his sword and grabbed one of them.

"Can you tell me where I can find any of your friends?" Cogdale asked, but the elf only shivered from the torment he had endured. "Could you at least point me in the direction? any of you?" They pointed down the hallway they had just left. "Thanks, now get out of here, I don't know how long until they realize some of their men aren't at their posts." he said advancing down the hall. The hall had several doors on both sides but 1 at the end that seemed to be a important one. Cogdale entered the room to be greeted by several tevinter men, too many to count and a tevinter magi. They had been waiting for him.
Behind the mage were elves in cages and crates being ready to be shipped. Just as Cogdale thought, slavers. Cogdale then realized there was another 2 guards with swords at either ends of his throat. Cogdale submitted and dropped his sword. The men escorted him down the steps to the front of the mage and shoved him to his knees. 

"So, the great Grey warden has found our little slaving operation here has he?" the mage snorted twirling his staff. Cogdale didn't answer. "Oh don't play coy young warden! I know you came here for the elves." Cogdale still fell silent and only stared at the mage who was dressed in red garments, nothing Cogdale had ever seen on a mage before. The mage cracked his staff across Cogdale's helmet, knocking it off. 
"As I suspected, young." the blades that were still pressed against his neck pressed deeper releasing some blood. Cogdale winced at the pinch of pain. "Now, what shall I do with this, Loghain has put a pricey reward for your head but if I were to give him you alive I could be rewarded even more then just getting rid of the elves for him." the mage said running his fingers through his beard. "Oh I'm quite rude, before I give you to Loghain I must introduce myself shouldn't I? I' am Caladrius." Cogdale remained resilient and kept quiet. 

"This grows quite cumbersome, I will make you talk" he said starting a fire in his palm and a grin on his face. The men all watched as he crept closer towards Cogdale, flame glaring towards his face. They all began to laugh as the spell scorched Cogdale's cheek. "Now talk, tell me where the rest of your group is" he said through his teeth. Cogdale didn't talk and took another face full of fire, thankfully a spell of fire wasn't as damaging as the real thing.
"Tell me!" Caladrius shouted setting his whole arm ablaze to slam into Cogdale. "I'm not whispering a word" Cogdale said spitting at Caladrius' face. Cogdale felt a warm stream of blood run down his face yet it cooled down his burns bringing a sudden sense of peace and content to him. 

Suddenly several of Caladrius' men fell to the ground, arrows in their chests. "WHAT?!" Caladrius shouted as he looked up to see the culprit. "Who are you!?" Cogdale turned to see it was Leliana. He hadn't been so glad that she didn't stay at the estate. "You want to know where we are? Well here we are!" Leliana shouted as she flipped over the railing down to Cogdale's floor. She handed him his blade. Alistair and Wynne came running in as well and ready for a fight.

"****!" Caladrius shouted as he tripped over one of the corpses of his guard. Cogdale wiped his blood off his forehead, smearing it on his armor. "Glad to see you Lily but I had it under control" Cogdale said followed by a grin. "From what I saw you were about to be knocked out cold.... well burned anyways" Leliana laughed. 
"Enough of this!" Caladrius shouted as he threw a spell at the group. Wynne did her best to block the sudden wave and grunted from the impact. Alistair hit Caladrius with his own magic, one of the templars' disabling Caladrius from any other spells. "No more magic show for you." Most of the men in the room charged the 4 of them but were met by a barrage of arrows launched by Leliana simultaneously. The last 2 stumbled out of the room screaming. Leaving only Caladrius.

"Hold on! Hold on! Maybe we could make a deal!" he desperately said trying to stop Cogdale's advance on him. Cogdale stopped his approach. "I'm listening" Cogdale said waiting to see what the mage could think up. "I can give you the agreement documents Loghain signed to take slaves from this alienage. In trade for my life!" he said his hand between him and Cogdale showing fear. 
"Don't trust him Cogdale, he is a tevinter mage and a slaver no less, they have no morals and will betray anyone for their own self gain." Wynne said crossing her arms. Wynne knew best and it seemed Leliana and Alistair agreed. 

"I'm sorry but I can't let you live with what you've done" Cogdale said finishing the mage with a brutal decapitation through the floor. "We'll find the documents ourselves" Cogdale said Leliana nodded and went to search all the furniture in the room as did Alistair and Wynne. Cogdale stared at Caladrius' corpse for several more seconds seeing the last amount of blood gush out from his body. Every body he watched die made him more and more sadistic in some way, he just kept it inside him, trying to hide the effects.  But sooner or later he would be as mad as a darkspawn, the one thing he feared for himself.
"Found it!" Alistair said as he waved in the air like a little boy. Alistair snapped Cogdale from his thoughts and brought him back to his senses. "Alright lets get back to Eamon. This should be enough to get the Landsmeet on our side." Cogdale said going out the door that he had entered. Without the Lead slaver the slaving operation here would wither and die and the Alienage could get the time to rebuild and hopefully have a chance to flourish. 

"How did you find me?" Cogdale asked Alistair, as the blond bastard caught up with him. "Oh! Some weird, shaky, paranoid elf told us a human dressed in AMAZING armor had threatened him and entered the building we only had to guess it was you so we entered ourselves... through the front door, those mages were bit stringy if you get my drift." He said nudging Cogdale with a chuckle. 
"Just wanted to say thank you for rescuing me" he said putting his helmet back on as they left the compound and back out to the crowd. "You people won't have to worry about those men no longer" Cogdale said as the crowd cheered. But the document was more important then receiving praise so they quickly left the alienage. Although several elven children followed them all the way to the gates, some even gripping onto their legs for the ride. Cogdale didn't mind and went along with it. There were only few things in the world that brought a smile to Cogdale and children are one of them along with Leliana.

After walking through the back streets the group arrived back at the Market District, the crowd that had swarmed them before was gone and only merchants were out. A sense of relief rushed over Cogdale that one thing he didn't want, a crowd of citizens wanting attention. Just to be careful though they ran to the estate. With document still in hand Cogdale rushed up to Eamon's room, hopefully he could get a good night's rest for the next 2 days the Landsmeet will need him and everyone's full endurance knowing Loghain has gained a foothold with the nobles.

Modifié par SPARTAN 089-Gary, 24 mars 2012 - 12:26 .

[orderlyrandom]

Hi Spartan-089, just want to fire a quick snippet to bump your piece, offer my appreciation of your works.
My bookmark only reached the end of the first chapter, but how you layered out the C+L+A+W's ventures inside Brecilian Forest immediately captured my attention. The writing is vivid and gorgeous. I just got home with some works to run through still, but please allow me some time to finish. I promise further comments beyond this quick thank-you. 
From what I learned on your profile in deviantart. our media preferences are quite in sync… well, with one major exception: I hate Modern Warfare. I prefer combats when one could, at the very least, aim. I don't like games that grind players with visual and sounds stimuli. Those parts are there to tell stories or deploy gameplay. Games like Mass Effect, 1 > 2, ES5, DAO, Killzone 2 are remarkable examples. DAO and ME, especially - epic with lasting details and distinct characters. We gamers aren't picky. When those two are bundled, we can sod the rest…, …maybe. This medium is still at its infancy of evolution. Quite exciting. 
The reason I mentioned the above is that I'm a fresh explorer of this media as well. I came here seeking answers to how one of my module glitched background music. Would you consider collaborations in the future?
Warm regard. 

[PickledGear]

@orderlyrandom



Wow thanks . I need to do more describing environments for future chapters, maybe even edit the ones now so people can see whats going on, but sometimes I let my art kinda give the picture. With modern warfare it isn't really focusing on games as much as it is with real life, I get more of a rush from just videos of US soldiers firing off mortar rounds than I ever do playing a COD game.



Once the Orlesian Saga kicks off which I'm aiming at (Chapter 13 or 14) I will be putting 100% of my soul into each sentence since I'll be free to do as I wish with C+L's relationship and the new characters (made by other users I still got an opening left) which will be alot easier.

[orderlyrandom]

 Hey Gary, 

I haven't heard from you for a couple days. I'm guessing the answer might be no. However, I'm not the kind of person who gives up easily, not until you clearly stated “not interested.” If that's the case, I will persuade ONE last time, just once, then stop, continue my search. 

You have the exact art and writing style I'm looking for in a partner (for projects outside DAO). Writing style = uses reactions of what readers' mind can echo to power descriptions. I can feel the Leliana's speed at Majorlaine's estate. Art = use very little color palette & strokes to showcase simple emotions. That single blue eye was what hit me, those small sketches on Leliana reinforced. 

How many feature films come with just one writing credit? If it comes with one, it ain't one person. It's a company. The corner office bought out everyone's credit through weekly paychecks. 

Please consider my proposal. My right hand is always stretched out, ready to shake yours. After that, I need to know how we work together as a team. If it's all good, “we got WORKS to do!”  

Yes or No? (oh, and through private message, please... )

Best regard.

[PickledGear]

WIP image of Chapter 3's only image

Modifié par SPARTAN 089-Gary, 14 mai 2010 - 04:30 .

[PickledGear]

A little sneak peek at the coming characters of the Orlesian saga of the story. You might notice a few things different with Cogdale as well.... is that a tattoo *le gasp!*

Modifié par SPARTAN 089-Gary, 15 mai 2010 - 09:34 .

[orderlyrandom]

Thank you for your consideration. Very best regard, my friend.

Modifié par orderlyrandom, 17 mai 2010 - 03:25 .

[PickledGear]

Chapter 3's image finished and posted near the write part of the story

Modifié par SPARTAN 089-Gary, 19 mai 2010 - 04:58 .

[PickledGear]

Jesus Christ! wait scratch that By Andraste! I can't give enough praise to Sweetfoxy7 for this piece of art she did of Cogdale and Leliana

Soul Vibrations is what I named it after one of her swedish friends said she could feel the vibrations between the two.

Before reading the small story play this song with it-[link]
Here
I wrote this piece just for it-

*-Her red hair boils my heart, yet her blue eyes freeze it to ease, Her smile thaws it to live and her voice gives it a beat. Her name is Leliana,
and I believe I am in love-

Cogdale remembered that quote well, he had written it the first day he ever saw Leliana. Now... now it has been 3 years since that day, Only him and her are left from their group they assembled to face the 5th blight. No longer in Ferelden, Leliana and him were in the Vinmark Mountains south of the Free Marches searching for a child who had gone missing from the village of Cumberland. It was morning and below freezing outside the tent. Cogdale tried his best the night before to insulate the tent with bear pelts he had skinned himself and bought at Cumberland's markets but still the chilling sword had breached it late last night.

Leliana was shivering uncontrollably trying to keep warm with her blanket but to no avail. Their armor was frozen shut, so they couldn't keep warm in that either. "C..cccc.cc Cogdale I c..c..an't handle this c...cold." Leliana stuttered. Cogdale shivering himself turned to her and smiled. Leliana only chattered her teeth confused to why he was looking at her that way. "W...w..why are you smiling.... y..you're fffreeezing too" she said still trying to keep warm.

"I don't need a blanket" Cogdale said throwing the stiff cloth off of himself exposing his skin to the mountains' breath. "C...c..cogdale you put th..th..that blanket back on! I w..w..won't have a frozen....l...luver sleeping next to me" she ordered trying to climb over him to retrieve his blanket for him. As she clammered over him he grabbed her blanket and threw it off as well. "H...Hey are you c...crazy!" she sneezed.

"You don't need it" Cogdale said again as he snatched Leliana and pulled her close. "Cogdale... what... are you..." Her shivering stopped as he looked into her eyes. "Like I said, you don't need it, I don't need it" both of them were still in that moment. Leliana returned his gaze with her icy blue eyes, some what symbolic of the freezing mountains they lay upon. "Her red hair boils my heart, yet her blue eyes freeze it to ease, Her smile thaws it to live" Cogdale whispered to her.

"Cogdale, I... what are you saying?" she asked still staring at him. "And her voice gives it a beat. Her name is Leliana,
and I believe I am in love" he finished his line. "Lothering...?" Leliana asked Cogdale their staring contest seemed to go on forever. Cogdale nodded as he held her even closer. A gust of warmth bursted from Cogdale. The surprise of the heat knocked the air out of Leliana as she gasped from the shock. "I don't believe I'm in love anymore.... I know I'm in love" Leliana's eyes began to well up with tears, luckily the magical heat from Cogdale kept them warm. "I know I'm in love..." Cogdale repeated himself as he reached for something behind his rock hard pillow. "Cogdale!" Leliana gasped at the sight of what he had in his hands, even his family signet pendant couldn't compare to what he had in his hands.*

Modifié par SPARTAN 089-Gary, 24 mars 2012 - 12:29 .

[PickledGear]

Dragon Age: A Bard's Love

Chapter 11


9:31 Dragon Entry 56-
Cogdale I'm sorry for taking one of your journals but recently I've become increasingly disheartened by you. I'm seeing less and less of you as well, giving me no time to talk of whats happening, so this is my only means to talk to you. Why are you leaving me out on all of your trips so recently? Confused is the easiest word to describe what I'm feeling right now. Especially not taking me to the Landsmeet. Instead of just talking with me you just up and left the bed while I was still sleeping.

Was it something I said or did before we came to Denerim? Or was it Eamon? I am distraught my love. The next time we actually have some free time we need to talk. Although I am pleased to hear the nobles supported Alistair to become king and Anora to be his queen (Does seem very awkward as she was Cailan's Betrothed before.) As you read this I'll be sitting right next to you as we ride yet again to Redcliffe to join Eamon's men.

Sincerely, Your Love Leliana.

Cogdale closed the journal, exposing the passing trees becoming yellow, red and orange as autumn began to set into Ferelden's flora. He gulped as he turned his sight to Leliana who was looking at him. A stern and angry frown was the only emotion that chiseled her face. Cogdale hadn't realized Leliana was worried and now he hadn't the faintest clue on what to say to her. She was waiting for him to start the argument but he fell silent, eyes wide and mouth shut.

"I guess.... we need to talk Leliana" he finally gasped, dreading the conversation that would unfold in front of him. Cogdale couldn't look at her he was too anxious. "Is there something bothering you?" She asked, her glare had finally turned to concern as well as she pulled his hand into her grasp. Cogdale started to shake in fear his anxiety began to consume him. Every part of his body began to ache from it all. "What!" she pushed for the answer as the stress finally pushed the words out of his mouth.
"I....I..I don't think this is going to work" he stuttered. The words felt like he had vomited his heart out, he felt more drained from saying those words then ever fighting an ogre. Leliana's eyes widened in fear themselves, welling up with tears.

"Not going to work? Are... you... talking about us?" she asked grabbing his face, forcing him to stare at her as he answered. "W...whats wrong!?" she yelled as she shook him with every word. Tears, warm, no, scolding hot, tore down his cheeks a mirror image appeared upon Leliana. Cogdale had a knot in his throat and tried to swallow repetitively but he failed.
"Life is to uncertain... Leliana, just recently Eamon talked to me about love. And how a man could.... be broken and crushed much more easily by losing his love then ever by a blight. I don't want you to die in this... my problem, that... I must solve... this isn't your war."

Leliana reset her hands on his cheeks, still having a warm hard grip on them. The tears had caught her make up as it streamed down her face. "Life is ALWAYS uncertain!" she yelled. "Nothing is certain except! The love you have for others and the love they have for YOUUU!" She collapsed from crying with Cogdale still in her hands. He couldn't bare to watch her like this but wanted her to live, the thought of her surviving and not in harms way when they fight Erthemiel would empower him but her pleading obliterated his heart, he wanted to tear it out and stab it to end the sorrow.
"I still love you Leliana... I... just don't want you to die.. I couldn't go on with life without you" Cogdale said wiping away his tears. "Love me?... Love me?" Leliana asked surprised. "If you truly loved me Cogdale you'd be holding me even more closer to your heart then ever" she said. "What ever that bastard Eamon put into your head get it out of your head Cogdale GET IT OUT!" she shouted as a swift hand collided with Cogdale's face echoing a loud SMACK! 

Cogdale felt like shale, frozen in place like a statue and pale. "I...I" He couldn't even talk. Even Leliana couldn't believe she had slapped him as her eyes widen in shock. "I'm sorry! So so so sorry!" she clammered to rub his cheek to sooth the pain. Alistair appeared on top of the caravan's luggage as he looked curious to what the sound was. Cogdale gestured everything was fine, Alistair knew what had happened and only nodded as he climbed down. His whispers traveled across the caravan and soon everyone knew what the loud sound had came from, a silent chuckle from Ohgren followed.
"Love...Cogdale, I've never truly felt it for a man... Maybe its love that is making you do this.. but Love... Love is that … that constant star on the horizon that leads you to safe harbor, love, friendship these things you hold on to." She continued "But you're afraid to lose me... So you abandon our love? Wheres the logic here?" she asked. 

Before Cogdale could answer she interrupted him. "Death will come for us all, eventually... But does that mean we should never try love?" her words penetrated his thoughts, what Eamon had said seemed pointless but sill had a grip around his feelings for her but Leliana had a point, why hide from it? If he truly loved Leliana why end the one thing that kept him happy, alive and willing to live?Cogdale finally broke his silence as he turned his gaze to Leliana once more. "You're right Leliana.... I'm sorry for being blind... We should cherish this while it lasts... I just don't want to lose you, I lost my family before and that nearly ruined me, if I were to lose you...." Cogdale changed the subject. " The final battle is near and if I shall fall in combat I want you to be the last thing I see" He said putting his hands on her thigh. She smiled and placed her hand on top of his. "Don't ever scare me like that again Cogdale" Leliana whispered as she took out the pendant and kissed it. 
"Oh please this is sickening how easily you're persuaded warden." Morrigan heckled. Cogdale turned to see Morrigan was sitting next him. "Morrigan?" Cogdale coughed, she had never sat next to him like she was now, almost as if she cared. "Yes tis me" she said annoyed. Leliana was watching her as well, trying to fix her make up as she wiped away the trail of her tears.

"What is it?" Cogdale asked the witch, her yellow eyes looking down at her hands. "May I ask a favor Leliana?" She asked twiddling her thumbs. "Morrigan? A favor? Please go right ahead" Leliana laughed her nose was plugged from her crying. "Will you leave us two alone for a moment?" as she said it she placed her hand on Cogdale's shoulder. "Oh... I..." Leliana was a bit perturbed by Morrigan's request so soon to her and Cogdale's argument but she could see it was important. "Alright..*sniff*  I'll give you A MOMENT" she said climbing over the luggage. 
Cogdale's attention now was on Morrigan who looked like she had a dark secret to tell him. "What is it Morrigan?" Cogdale was a bit put off by Morrigan, if he did any gesture of caring Morrigan could purposely use it as a way to get out of the conversation that she herself initiated. Morrigan finally looked at him, worry stained her yellow gaze. "Tis nothing... just before we finally set off for the archdemon I wish to apologize to you." she said rubbing her arm in anxiousness. 

"Apologize for what?" Cogdale asked scratching the back of his head. Morrigan wasn't that comfortable with every admitting she was wrong or apologizing so this was a very awkward moment for the both of them. It took her several more seconds to continue her apology. "For trying to pollute your mind, as you and Leliana were first together. I don't know why I tried to play this game of teasery and seduction." Her eyes glared from the sunsetting in front of them, making them almost seem on fire. 
"You don't have to Morrigan" Cogdale said, Morrigan was shocked at his reassurance and gained confidence. "No I must, I admit it was wrong of me to do so between the two of you." 

Cogdale's brow raised from her apology. "Thank you Morrigan you never had to but thank you, maybe you could apologize to Leliana as well?" He asked with a small smile on his face. Morrigan nodded "I fear I need to apologize for what I'm about to ask in the future Warden." she whispered as she returned to the other side of the caravan. Several seconds later Leliana returned. "So what did she say? Does she secretly wish to look pretty? Do I get to shop for that dress I've always wanted to get her?" She jittered. "No she apologized." he answered. "What for?" Leliana asked. 

"I think it wasn't really a apology per say, but something for her plans" Cogdale said. Leliana was confused but didn't want to ask anything about it. Cogdale noticed that several men on horses had ran past the caravan. Decorated in armor that Redcliffe knights wore, something about Eamon's men made them seem soulless. They showed no emotion in their movements and their helmets hid their faces. The sun had disappeared behind the tree line, giving the sky a very strange green hue. Leaves that had fallen off the trees danced in the air after being kicked up by the oxen. 

"I SAY WE SING SUM SONGS!" Ohgren suddenly shouted, which only received a round of laughter from everyone. "Ohgren we're finally here why sing?" Wynne said. Cogdale noticed it as well as they reached Redcliffe village but it was overrun by the darkspawn. "What the!?" Alistair gasped as several hurlocks greeted the caravan with snarling gored faces. "Get ready!" Wynne shouted as everyone leaped off the caravan. The knights who had passed them earlier were killed by an ogre who'd crushed their horses.

Cogdale swung his sword out from its sheath "Bodahn get the caravan out of here!" he ordered as several arrows hit Cogdale straight into his cuirass knocking him over. "Cogdale you alright?" Alistair ran up to him and picked him up. "Yeah... yeah I am luckily they hit the thickest part of my armor." he said breaking the arrows that remained in his armor. "How did they get to Redcliffe?" Alistair asked. Cogdale only shrugged clamping on his sword "All I know is we need to exterminate them now and get into the castle. Just like old times aye Alistair?" Cogdale smirked then returned to the situation."Morrigan, Wynne! See if you can take that ogre out, the rest of us will try to get to the castle" Cogdale ran down the hill as the darkspawn were slaughtering cows and horses who were trapped inside the things that were built to keep them safe.
"ATTACK!" Cogdale screamed as he rammed his blade into the gullet of a shriek, whatever organs it had spilled out onto the soft soil, the creature howled as it collapsed. His friend flashed behind Cogdale clawing him in the back repeating the beating. "****!" struggling to turn around as he laid on the ground the shriek had stopped attacking. Rolling to his back the shriek had been taken down by Zevran who was holding his hand out for him. "I think that makes up for me trying to kill you my dear warden" Zevran smiled as he ran to attack more darkspawn.
Cogdale picked his sword back up and gripped it tightly as he went to attack the impaired ogre that Wynne and Morrigan froze to the ground. Cogdale shouldered genlock and hurlock who tried to get in his way plowing through 4 or 5 of them. Cogdale jumped on the back of the ogre, it struggled to tear him off but to no avail. Cogdale plunged his blade through the beast's neck. Spraying a pool of blood into the dirt. His blade was stuck in the ogre now. Struggling to pull it from the darkspawn's spine appeared to be impossible. But he needed his blade so he wiped his hands and planted his foot hard onto the ogre's neck and pulled with all his might. A slush of coagulated blood peeled with the sword as it finally was released dunked in blood.
Leliana had parkoured herself onto a cottage firing off her arrows taking out her targets. While Alistair, Ohgren, Zevran, Shale and others were fighting the blight head on. After several minutes of grotesque brutality on the darkspawn the village was painted red and what darkspawn remained were trying to crawl off a blood trail snaking through alley ways and over rocks. 

"Shale go hunt them down." Cogdale ordered the golem nodded and crushed her fists together "Its crunching time!" the golem ran off to find the stragglers. "Alright the rest of you follow me to the castle!" Cogdale waved everyone in as he began the long steep trek up to the castle. 

The final battle had begun and the arch demon will soon meet Cogdale face to face and it wasn't Cogdale who was going to fall.

Modifié par SPARTAN 089-Gary, 24 mars 2012 - 12:30 .

[PickledGear]

Done for SweetFoxy7 for drawing Cogdale and Leliana earlier

Modifié par SPARTAN 089-Gary, 23 mai 2010 - 10:55 .

[PickledGear]

For a DeviantArt group of Dragon Age fans that has a challenge to draw your warden/ DA character in a time machine and land in a futuristic setting and how they would handle it. Well a mall will be Leliana's paradise and Cogdale's hell.

Modifié par SPARTAN 089-Gary, 27 mai 2010 - 06:13 .

[PickledGear]

Dragon Age: A Bard's Love

Chapter 12

"It's....It's you! The Grey Warden!" the survivor said as Cogdale and the group finally reached the top of the hill, wagons and bodies set ablaze and the smell of burning flesh nauseating. This didn't help the fact the group was out of breath trying to catch it as they finally rested their sore feet. Cogdale turned to see if Leliana had caught up with them, that she did resting on a large rock embedded into the dry river bed. Cogdale turned back to converse with what seemed to be the only survivor of the attack.

"Andraste's Mercy that you got here when you did! I thought for sure these monsters were going to get me!" he wheezed as he to had been running away from the darkspawn. "What happened? Where is everyone?" Cogdale asked the villager. The villager took a few more deep breaths as he rested his hands on his knees bent over. The man was covered in blood, whose? Cogdale didn't really care, he was more worried if the castle had been overrun as well.
"They all fled to the castle this morning, before the darkspawn arrived." he said turning around looking at a mangled gate leading up to the bridge to the castle. Cogdale sighed in relief at least everyone was forged up a defense in Redcliffe castle. "You better get to safety ser" Cogdale suggested gesturing his thumb behind him.

"Thank you, I'll get to safety" the man said as he sprinted past them off down the river bed. Cogdale turned to see the group had finally caught their breath and were posturing themselves like they were ready to run again. "Alright, I see you get the idea, lets go save Redcliffe from this attack" Cogdale said beginning his sprint to the bridge. Their boots clammering on the ground behind him gave him courage to run into an unknown number of darkspawn. Finally reaching Redcliffe's courtyard they were witness to a small siege. 
Redcliffe knights at the top of the stairs were fighting off a more and more swarming horde of darkspawn. The group ambushed the the darkspawn from behind. Ohgren, Sten and Alistair consecutively cut the ankles on several of the beasts as they collapsed on the stairs and painfully tumbled down them. Leaving them incapacitated to be slaughtered later. Cogdale shoved his blade into the back of a emissary as it sprayed blood the other side, drenching several knights. He quickly yanked his sword out and swiftly chopped the neck of a genlock who had tried to sneak up on him. Several more guards came running out of the castle to aid the warden and his friends. 

"They're behind you on the bridge!" one of the guardsmen screamed pointing back at the bridge, the gesture became a mistake as a crude blade swiped up and decapitated his forearm off which was followed by a blood curdling scream. Everyone turned their attention to the bridge to see more darkspawn including 1 ogre running across the bridge.
"Leliana! See if you and Zevran can take out as many of them before they get here!" Cogdale ordered signaling them to take positions in front of the courtyard. The two of them jumped off the darkspawn they had been dueling giving Sten enough room for him to swing his sword into both hurlock grunts. Zevran and Leliana took their bows out and began to rain arrows upon the approaching darkspawn reinforcements. Several of the creatures dropped dead while the ogre took shot after shot only leaving arrows in his chest and forehead. 
"Warden hurry up, Leliana and I  can't waste our arrows on these darkspawn!" Zevran shouted as he unsheathed both of his blades from his back. "I suggest you accompany me and help take the big lug out." Zevran said to Leliana as he followed the border of the bridge, Leliana followed bouncing off several pillars constructed to hold the torches. "Alright when we  get there you jump on your side of him and I on my side of him got it?" Zevran asked as they continued to traverse the crumbling bridge.

The two of them had not worry about the lesser darkspawn getting in their way as Leliana had thrown an oil trap at the genlocks of the front line of the reinforcements. They struggled to get back up but on the struggle to achieve balance were covered in the oil trap. Zevran lit one of his arrows on fire and hit the oil spill lighting a dozen darkspawn a flame. The genlocks had a very memorable scream that everyone was familiar with, combined with the crackling of the fire it made their hair stand up on end. 
In unison Leliana and Zevran leaped off their opposite pillars that paralleled the ogre as they jumped on to the ogre. She quickly shoved one of her larger blades into the forearm of the ugly monster, pinning its arm to the thigh. Zevran removed the ogre's fingers on the opposite hand. Giving them the freedom to cut the ogre's neck all the way across as they used their weight to slice through the jugular. A quick kill the ogre collapsed on the ground as its blood leaked over the bridge. The 2 of them had taken out the reinforcements quick and rushed back to the courtyard again. Cogdale had taken out over 30 of the darkspawn on the steps and the knights seemed to have the rest cornered.
"Is there any left in the village?" one of the knights asked ready to run down there to fight any being of the blight. Cogdale shook his head "No I'm sure we took out what was pillaging." the knight finally rested his blade.

"Hurry inside then, Eamon, Teagan and Riordan await for you" the knight said. The group opened the door as the knights and guards outside made sure it became locked again if the darkspawn were to attack again. They followed the path to the main hall of the castle where Eamon and Riordan waited for them. "Alright you guys can go rest, Alistair and I will talk with Eamon" Cogdale said pointing to the bedrooms. Everyone made their way to the beds as Cogdale had suggested. Eamon was waiting for them fully equipped in his armor, massive compared to everyone else's the best for a noble it appeared.
The only other warden in Ferelden approached them with a some what bland smile on his face, maybe because his beard was nearly consuming his face. 
"It's a relief to see you unharmed, and you as well Alistair....or should I say your majesty?" Riordan remarked bowing to Alistair. Alistair chuckled "Errr...no,No, I wouldn't say that, not yet anyway." Riordan cross his arms "The darkspawn that attacked Redcliffe were relatively few in number, I'm afraid. We thought the horde was marching in this direction, we were wrong" 

"Riordan tells us that the bulk of the horde is, in fact heading to Denerim, They are perhaps two days away from the capital" Eamon said. Alistair only took a small step back from the news, if they were that far away they wouldn't be able to get there on time to save Denerim. "I' am quite certain of this, I ventured far enough to see they were indeed heading in that direction." Riordan said as he talked with his hands.
"That means we wouldn't get enough time to halt the attack? They would already be inside the city, maybe even taken it already." Cogdale said he didn't like it one bit, The constant trips between Redcliffe and Denerim became extremely tedious with everyone especially him. 
"Denerim will certainly fall without our armies. And theres no guarantee we would make it there on time" Eamon answered he tightened his pony tail, probably a anxious habit. Riordan turned to the fireplace that was flickering behind them, arms still crossed a sign of insecurity.

"There is, I'm afraid one piece of news that is of even greater concern... The archdemon has shown itself, at the front of the horde." He said turning around to see Cogdale's and Alistair's reaction. "Maker preserve us" Cogdale swore as he fell to his nervous habit of scratching the back of his head. "We must immediately march to Denerim, Denerim must be defended at all costs, otherwise all of this was for nothing." said Eamon which was welcomed by Riordan and Teagan.
"Do you think we'll be given any more time if we did a forced marched now?" Cogdale asked. Riordan only shrugged and Teagan didn't respond. "Great!" Alistair sarcastically yelled as he turned to go to his room upstairs. "Wait, Alistair and Cogdale please meet up with me upstairs soon I have some things to discuss with you before we head out." Riordan said as he grabbed Alistair and took him up stairs "Cogdale I'll give you some time to talk with anyone you need to before we march" 

Cogdale sighed and noticed Leliana outside the stairs to the bedrooms leaning herself on the wall and her legs crossed. "Leliana what are you doing up?" Cogdale asked as he sped up his walk once he noticed her. Her hair was getting a bit longer as she hadn't cut it recently, blood still stained her skin and armor but it seemed she didn't even notice it. She had something to talk about to Cogdale. 
"I overheard the conversation" Leliana said shifting herself to be facing him. "We're finally here aren't we?" she asked, Cogdale smiled and nodded. "After 2 years yes, we are finally here" he said trying to sooth the worry she had of the coming trip to Denerim. 

"I just want to tell you, I've been thinking about what you had been doing recently, keeping me safe and not allowing me to join you..." she wiped some of the blood off of her cheek and wiped it on Cogdale's cuirass with a content smile. "I believe I understand why you were doing that, the real reason." Cogdale sighed again thinking they had laid the argument to rest before reaching Denerim that night. "Alright... what do you think it was about?" Cogdale smirked seeing if Leliana could somehow grab something from his mind and pull it out, and show it to his face. 
"It's not just because your afraid to lose me, or you'll be alone like you said to me that day." she said taking a breath continuing "It's because I'm the only one who understands you, I've seen you talk to the others Cog, you seem unsatisfied after you talk with them." she said placing a hand on his shoulder. "Maybe your more blinded by love when you talk to me but I truly understand where you come from when you lost everything, no one trusts you and there are forces wanting to kill you at every turn. Both of us have some how have come out of what we endured alive and sane." Cogdale purposely blinked a few times in astonishment, she seemed to have really nailed it, he didn't even know it until she showed it to him, in front of his face.

"The maker knew about us before either of us could speak, he knew we were meant for each other and he carved our paths into one, and that scares you, you don't want to lose the only thing that has ever understood you, your entire life" she said pecking him on the cheek. "Well I will pray for us, for the final battle Cogdale, for now I'm going to sleep, I'll be waiting for you in our room." she said as she walking away swaying her hips gleefully to antagonize Cogdale to follow. 
"I'll be there with you Leliana, right now I need to go see Riordan." he said waving her off. Cogdale followed Leliana upstairs and they finally split ways at the end of the hallway where he saw Alistair waiting for him. "There you are lets go see what Riordan has to say" Alistair said getting up from kneeling on the ground. They entered the room as Riordan was turning around from a meditation.

"You're both here good, you are new to the wardens, and you may not have been told why Grey wardens are needed in slaying an archdemon."  he said "I need to know if this is true." Alistair quickly interrupted Cogdale "You mean theres more than just drinking darkspawn blood and being renown?" Riordan frowned "So it is true, Duncan had not yet told you. I had simply assumed..." "Tell me have you ever wondered why Grey wardens were needed?" Riordan asked as he picked up a chess piece off of the table in the room and twirled it between his fingers. "I guess something to do with the taint in us?" Cogdale said as he shrugged. 
"That is what exactly it involves" he said nodding his head. "The archdemon may be slained like any other darkspawn but with the soul of an old god the soul will just take home in another body if slain by any one ordinary. The taint within us allows the soul enter a warden's body." Riordan sighed as he told the worst part of it " But a darkspawn is a soulless shell a Grey warden isn't." "What happens to the warden?" Cogdale asked his concern hardened over this. "The essence of the archdemon is destroyed but so is the warden's" Both Alistair and Cogdale gasped at the news. "Meaning.... the warden who kills the archdemon....dies?" Alistair asked with a faint voice.

"Yes, without the archdemon, the blight ends, it is the only way" Cogdale felt panic, if Leliana got wind of this she herself couldn't handle it. "Isn't there any other way? Does a warden have to die?" Cogdale asked. Riordan shifted himself to the youngest of the 3. "No, the movement to a warden is automatic if there is no warden there during the slaying it is all for nothing, I'm sorry." Riordan responded placing the chess piece back on the table on its side.
"In blights past the eldest warden would choose the warden who amongst them would take that final blow, as the eldest I gladly choose myself to do so, I don't have many years until the taint claims me" Riordan threw onto the table. "But if I fail the deed will be yours to take out" he added. Cogdale and Alistair looked at each other with unsure emotions and nodded. 
"Enough, I will let you rest in your rooms so you will have enough energy to march tomorrow" he said shoving the 2 wardens out. 

"Well.... umm" Alistair said rubbing his shoulder. "Yeah" Cogdale said unsure of what to say. Alistair saluted Cogdale and Cogdale to him as they returned to their rooms. His room wasn't far from where they had conversed only around the corner and it was easily spotted as Leliana's bow was leaned against the door frame.
As Cogdale entered his room Leliana was no where to be seen he swiveled his head left and right to see if she was behind him but she wasn't. But soon he saw a silhouette standing in front of the large fire place. "Morrigan?" Cogdale called to the witch. "Yes tis me, don't be alarmed." she said in a soft tone. "Is everything all right?" he asked still standing in the doorway. "I am fine 'Tis you who is in danger." She said still looking into the fire. "I have a plan you see, a loop in your hole" Cogdale squinted his eyes in suspicion, the reason she had apologized earlier finally came to show why she had, and this plan wasn't going to be something he liked.

Modifié par SPARTAN 089-Gary, 24 mars 2012 - 12:31 .

[PickledGear]

Yikes haven't been on in a while heres a bit of an update I'm starting a comic for the final battle of the Dragon Age Saga called "In Death.... Sacrifice"

- Cover



- 1st Page

[Apophis2412]

Looks great!

[PickledGear]

Thanks, Sorry for another absense, But abit of news on ABL.



I'm expanding it even more, After playing Fallout 3 again (haha as a red head girl XP) I started wondering how Cogdale and Leliana could survive and cope with a change of worlds. So I'm going to write another alter universe where Cogdale and Leliana fall through a portal into a world where a nuclear apocalypse has happened.



Oh and Chapter 13, its coming along smoothly don't worry about that but its going to be the longest chapter so far, instead of an average of 2,000 worded chapter, 13 could get up to 6,000 or 8,000 depending on certain scenes and such.

[PickledGear]

Things are in full swing but I've also just finished a little sneak peek video of a 10 minute montage I'll be working on soon.

A Bard's Love WIP vid

enjoy!