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[Gilgamesh1138]

Oh, go Zev! Loves me the Zev. Great job as always! Chapter 69 is up on mine sweetie, sorry it was late. And I gave shout out to this wonderful work on FF in it. : ) I am very excited, ready for the next one!

[Lady Jess]

Zev awoke early the next morning. He quickly made his way down the hall to check in on his prisoner before he headed down to the great hall. Judging by the fact that she attempted to spit on him when he entered, he assumed she was fine. He left orders for her to be watched closely and left.



As he approached the hall, he heard raised voices. One was unfamiliar but the other he'd remember anywhere. It just happened to come with a very attractive, if elderly, bosom. He opened the large doors quietly and slipped in, just in time for Wynne to really get going. He did not envy Alistair at this particular moment.



"Young man! King or no king, I am tempted to put you over my knee! That girl is so hopelessly in love with you she can't see or think straight, and you accuse her of maker knows what over a note? From a stranger no less? It's a wonder you could even read it with your head so far up your..."



"WYNNE!!!" Alistair exclaimed in shock.



She ignored him and continued "Where is this messenger now? Hmm? Do you know??" She demanded.



"No." Alistair hung his head "All I could find of my own wife was a pile of discarded clothes on the armory floor, and you think I could find a stranger?"



Zevran made his presence known



"I think I can help with that, and Wynne, lovely Wynne, it is so good to see you again!" The elf exclaimed a bit lustfully.



"My eyes are up here Zevran" She huffed.



"Ahhh, still playing hard to get are we? No matter. As I said, I can help with your missing messenger, if you'll excuse me just a moment"



Zevran returned to the room Velanna was held in, and unbound her.



"Don't get to excited my fine dalish dish...I take you to see the king, not to your freedom. And since you would not answer my questions, maybe you'll answer his."



Velanna hissed a single word. "Never".



When Zev marched the glowering elven mage into the hall, everyone turned. Anders, who had been standing by, drinking a glass of wine and enjoying the scolding Wynne was delivering to the king was the first to speak up.



"I know you! You're the elf from the Wending woods. Her name is Velanna. We met her while investigating the attacks on merchants in the area. It seemed the Darkspawn had taken her sister, and made it appear as if the humans had done it. We helped her find the sister, but the girl was tainted, and wouldn't leave the Architect. That's when the vicious Velanna here, lovely isn't she? Demanded that the commander make her a gray warden, she she could use the 'power' as she saw it, to find this sister of hers. The commander refused, she wouldn't put someone in the ranks that was joining for such selfish reasons., and Velanna swore revenge. It looks like she got it" He finished with a sad note in his voice.



Alistair averted his gaze.



It bothered Anders more than he showed. Kasha had saved him twice from the same rogue templar. This templar had gone so far as to bait him, and attempt to kill Kasha to capture him. She was the reason he wasn't tied to the tower, or the chantry any longer. It hurt him to see her hurting, so much so that she was rushing headlong into danger according to Wynne.



"I am an idiot" groaned Alistair



"Yes, you are!" came the combined voices of Wynne, Zev, Anders and...who was that fourth voice he wondered for about a second before a fist hit him square in the eye.



The guards made to grab the man but Alistair stopped them. "I deserved that one, let him go"



"You certainly did, and more. I warned you never to hurt my sister didn't I? I told you! You knew that no matter how seemingly strong the woman is, the heart inside her is as fragile as glass. You knew this, you've seen this, and yet you did it anyhow. What were you thinking?" Fergus finished as Wynne stepped forward to cast a healing spell on the king's rapidly swelling eye. "When I came to Denerim to see her, I was not expecting to have to go hunting"



Zevran was quick to break the tension.



"So, since we got the information we needed, and clearly no longer need the elf here...can I keeper her? Please?"



"No Zevran, you may not. Just...just let her go." Alistair replied dully.



Whatever Velanna was expecting, it wasn't...mercy? Why would he let her go after what she'd done. Much to her dismay, she was starting to feel regret. She wanted to hurt the warden, it was true. But she hadn't intended to hurt...well anyone else.



She managed to stammer "Thank you, your...majesty" as started to cast her favorite escape spell. Suddenly, with no warning, she found herself completely devoid of mana.



"We'd prefer you use the door. Thanks" Said Alistair quietly, with a sardonic grin on his face.



As she headed through the archway she was almost run over by another man. Dressed in black, with hair to match. Steely blue eyes met hers, and the look in them was barely controlled rage.



"Pardon me, my lady" He sneered as he moved aside to let her pass, and continued towards the hall.



"Who in the maker's name are you...and do I have no guards out there??" Demanded Alistair, who was getting more frustrated by the moment. He was also slightly curious as to why Anders and Fergus were backing up, and Zev was looking ready to pounce.



"Allow me to introduce myself your majesty. I, am Nathaniel Howe." He said bowing gracefully. Always the noble.



Alistair sighed "I supposed you'd like to punch me too? Or can we just skip that part and go chat in private?"



"As you wish your Majesty" he gracefully answered, as he followed Alistair to the study around the corner.



"So, you are Rendon Howe's eldest?" Asked the king.



"I am, though I'm not proud of that. I also am not at all like him. I make it a point not to be. Which is why when I'd been told Velanna had been spotted eavesdropping I headed here directly. "



"Go on"



"I knew what she'd overheard, and how she could use it...and suspected she would. And while I don't care what you think of me, I care very much what you think of Kasha."



The way he spoke her name, and the thinly veiled look in the man's eyes told Alistair everything he didn't want to know.



"You..you fell in love with her didn't you?" He asked, though he new the answer.



"I did, I won't deny it. She does not know however, and because I do love her, I will not come between the two of you, not intentionally. She doesn't know and I won't tell her. She adores you, you have her heart completely. But my honor has it's bounds, and if you ever give her cause to walk away, I won't miss the chance."



Alistair had done exactly that, and he met Nathaniel's gaze and told him as much.



"I was a fool, and accused her after I received the message from this Velanna. She has left. And while I admire your honestly, I have to tell you I won't be stupid enough to let it happen again. I intend to make things right, but we need to get to her first. She is heading straight into danger out there, Maker knows where, and she's alone. I would appreciate it, if you'd join us in finding her."



Nathaniel thought for a moment before he answered.



"Very well. I'll assist you. What she decides after that is up to her. I will not interfere, but neither will I vanish from her life. Can you accept us being friends then? "



Alistair could see now why they'd been so close. This was a good man. Nothing like his father had been. Maker, that woman was amazing in her ability to find friends in the last expected situation.



"Yes, I believe I can Nathaniel, and thank you."



As they returned to the hall, they could here a bit of commotion in the hall. As he rounded the corner he was greeted with a decidedly unpleasant greeting.



"There you are you ungrateful son of a thunderhumping nug!"

[Gilgamesh1138]

OK, I am loving this more and more! And love that Oghren shows up. Is he going to cold **** Alistair? He would you know, king or not. Sod the consequences! : D

[Lady Jess]

Don't panic Alistair lovers, he's still got some berating to take, but things get better eventually. Sort of like a really bad cold, it has to get worse before it gets better. Also, Pardon my sudden change from Chapter titles to numbers...I ran out of title ideas...lol

Chapter 6

"Oghren...so good to see you again" Alistair groaned

"Good? GOOD? You sodding halfwit! I'll show you good, I oughta come over there and shove my fist through your face!"

"Fergus already did...besides, you're probably seeing three of me"

"I'll just hit the one in the middle!" yelled the dwarf.

"since when do you get yourself in the middle of things? Aren't you usually drunk and grumpy and...drunk? Why are you suddenly defending the boss?"

"She got me a pony!" was not the reply he was expecting.

Oghren waddled over to Fergus " Well fart me a lullaby, Good on you Fergus" he clapped the Teyrn on the shoulder"

Alistair felt like his head was going to explode. Where did all these people come from? Kasha had only left a day ago, yet here they were, all sitting in his great hall...yelling at him. He knew he deserved it, but Maker's breath this was worse than the fade! He heard doors open and shut, as a group of three walked in...one he recognized, the other two not so much.

"Alistair, what have you done now? You made My Kasha run away? I had come all the way back here to see her, and talk to her about those horrible brood mothers, I am very cross with you" said the fiery redhead crossing her arms.

"Hello Leliana does everyone know? Is there a sign on the city gate announcing the king is an idiot?" Alistair said in exasperation. "Alright, who are you two...get it over with"

The dwarf was the first to speak up. "I'm Sigrun, gray warden, legion of the dead, and this is Justice."

Well she was certainly perky. He was in no mood for perky, and asked "And how might I ask did you decide to come here?"

The dwarf answered cheerfully "Oh we followed Oghren, who followed Nathaniel, who followed Velanna..."

"And let me guess, she followed the spider to catch the fly" Quipped the king, as his gaze looked at Justice more carefully. "You there, Justice? Are you ok? You look a little..."

Sigrun interrupted and chirped "Oh he's fine, he's just dead!"

They all looked at each other in surprise, except of course Kasha's wardens, they'd gotten used to it. Well most of them, Oghren shivered a little.

"Allow me to explain" spoke Justice calmly. "I am a fade spirit. The spirit of Justice. When we met in the Black Marsh, the wardens helped me fight a very powerful demon. Unfortunately, she had ruptured the veil, and sent us all into the mortal realm, where I found myself in this body. That of a Gray Warden. I cannot get back, so I continue his mission."

Wynne was fascinated and introduced herself immediately.

"Well" said Alistair "Now that we're all here, not that I asked for any of you, maybe we can work on finding my wife? Wynne, you said she told you where she was heading."

"She did. She intends to go to Ostagar."

His heart jumped into his throat. He was remembering the last time they were there. How the mood she left the palace in, was very much the mood she'd arrived at Ostagar in.

He remembered when he first saw her. She was walking towards him at the old temple where he'd been arguing with a mage over a message. He had watched her approach from the corner of his eye while trading barbs with the mage. She was noble, it oozed from her. Her black leather armor of far superior make than any he'd seen since arriving. Even among the king's men. Her weapons were two daggers, also of extraordinary make. She was also tiny. He'd seen larger elves. When she reached him, and the mage left he turned to look at her. It was probably then that she'd had him. He just didn't know it. Her black hair was cut short, and unruly, and her eyes..green, such an amazing green, they were cat like almost in their shape. Framed by thick black lashes, they were huge, a man could get lost in them. But they seemed...empty. When she spoke, she was all business. He knew his jokes were bad, but usually he could get a smile. Not from her. She had just told him how strange he was and headed back to Duncan.

When they'd gone into the wilds she'd fought him every step of the way as he tried to keep her behind his shield. She'd charged straight into battle, daggers flashing and reckless. She didn't seem to care for her own life at all, it was terrifying. She had tempted him often to just knock her out and send her back to camp. What had Duncan seen in her? All his mentor had told him was that noone was more skilled with a pair of daggers and a bow than she. He wondered how Duncan had put up with her on the road. She had even come with her own Mabari, who was resting at camp by the fire. She was not what he expected at all. He had thought at least she'd be kinder, but no. She snapped at the other two recruits if they dared speak to her. The only person she was remotely nice to was a witch they'd met. Morrigan.

"Alistair..." Wynne interrupted his memories "We must get moving if we are going to get to her. There may still be darkspawn in Ostagar, and Maker only knows whats in the Wilds these days. What do you need us to do?"

Alistair pulled himself together. He signaled for a messenger to fetch Eamon, he'd have to handle things for a while, and he sent another off to gather supplies for the group that had gathered. He knew not a single one would stay behind.

"Well, since you're all here, the guest chambers are on the second floor, get some rest, I'll have food sent up. Tomorrow at first light, we head south."

The hall was empty as he waited for Eamon. He sat on a stone bench, and closed his eyes and let the memories come.

They had made it through the battle of Ostagar, barely. Loghain had quit the field, Duncan, and King Cailan had both died. The old witch, Flemeth had saved them, and helped them get on their way. She'd even sent along her daughter, Morrigan. Alistair instantly disliked her, and she him. But Kasha didn't seem to care. In fact she barely spoke to either of them until they reached Lothering. They had all been silent throughout the journey. Alistair was still absorbed in grief after losing his mentor, and friend, Morrigan was annoyed that she'd been sent off with them, and noone knew what was eating at Kasha. The silence continued until they came upon some bandits set up outside the town, trying to collect a toll. Kasha refused. Alistair watched her with awe as she spoke to them, as did Morrigan. Kasha was a force to be reckoned with. When the bandits said they'd take the toll off her corpse, Morrigan had burst out laughing as Kasha narrowed those catlike eyes and nearly purred the words "You can certainly try". The fools should have known then they were outmatched. Two of them were dead and the leader badly wounded when he decided to surrender. But Kasha would have none of that. Not then. Kasha turned away, just one step, as if she were going to leave, then she pivoted in a full circle, taking his head off with one clean swipe of her dagger. He never knew what hit him.

That was enough to break them all out of their silence. Alistair was first to speak, which brought venomous teasing from Morrigan about his grief. Kasha surprised him when she turned on the witch and told her to leave him alone. Morrigan still had a smart comment, but she backed off. Kasha was in a hurry, she didn't want to stay in this town any longer than she needed. She was motivated, but he didn't know why. After all she barely knew Duncan, she may have known Cailan, but there was something else driving her They stopped in the chantry to notify them of a dead templar on the road. That's when they learned of Eamon's sudden illness. Kasha's expression was deeply thoughtful and darker for a while after that, but again, he didn't ask. They stopped at the tavern only to be ambushed by Loghain's men, that's where they'd met Leliana. After they sent the men running, she informed them that the maker sent her a vision, and she was going with them.

He expected Kasha to tell her to sod off. But she didn't. She simply said "Oh...the maker's on my side? Welcome aboard then". Even Morrigan wondered aloud that her skull might have been crushed worse than they'd thought. She'd even stolen a prisoner from the chantry on their way out. A Qunari named Sten, who'd been imprisoned for murder. She didn't even ask the Revered Mother. She's simply pulled a small device out of the bodice of her armor and opened the locks. Still she spoke to noone. He had been so sure she'd get them all killed.

"Alistair, you need rest before we get on the road tomorrow" The gentle voice of Wynne interrupted him.

"How can I sleep Wynne? She should be here. It's my fault she isn't, and I can't even answer the only question she'd want to know. Why did I ever believe that sodding message" He said raking his hands through his hair.

Wynne patted his arm "We'll find her. She loves you. You've survived a blight together, you'll survive this too. Now get to bed or I'll cast a sleep spell on you."

Wynne saw Eamon enter and took her leave. Alistair could see he was not pleased.

"Alistair, you cannot just go off after her, you are needed here." He said

"And if it was your wife Arl Eamon? Would you sit by? Your own wife moved heaven and earth to save you, she sacrificed her own life to save your son! I should not do the same for my wife? " Alistair said through clenched teeth.

"And before you start in on my responsibilities as king, let me remind you I wouldn't be king if you hadn't convinced her that it was the only choice. And I might remind you, who the real power behind my throne is. It isn't me, in case you needed a hint. You know as well as I, that I'm the Theirin blood, and I may lead the armies, but she is the ruler." He continued.

"And by the way, Kasha was the one that saved your life in the end. Had she not gotten to the urn... " and she very nearly didn't, when the guardian confronted her with the image of her dead father "You wouldn't be here"

Eamon couldn't argue with him. "Very well Alistair. I apologize. I care about you both, and I am grateful for everything you did for my family. I can handle things here, but do be careful"

"I'm sorry Eamon, I shouldn't have lashed out at you like that. I feel like that little boy going to the chantry again, only I'm supposed to know better now" Alistair said, his rage spent.

Eamon smiled "I understand, if it were me, I would do the same. Is there anything in particular that needs addressed in your absence?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact there is. I want Anora Mac Tir executed or exiled, whichever works Give her one more chance to swear fealty and surrender the title. If she refuses, take care of it."

Eamon grinned "Yes, your Majesty."

Modifié par Lady Jess, 07 avril 2010 - 11:19 .

[Lady Jess]

Chapter 7

Kasha knew she had to stop and rest. Her body ached, Lethallin was tired, and Shadow needed rest. She had pushed them all harder than she would have liked in effort to put as much distance between her and Alistair as possible. She wasn't a complete fool, she knew he'd come after her. But she was nowhere near ready to face him. Lothering wasn't far, but she knew the blight had hit it hard, and had no wish to see it just yet. That's when she remembered a clearing nearby. It should be just off the road. She dismounted and walked with Shadow until she found it. A small path that the average passerby would miss.

It led into a secluded clearing, that had been home for a time. Their first of many. It hadn't changed much, the grass was a bit taller, but the large fire pit was still there. How many nights on the road had they shared a large fire. Leliana singing quietly, Zev hitting on every female in sight, Wynne telling stories or sharing advice, Oghren fighting with Lethallin over his pants...that thought brought a smile to her face

"Warden! You saw it! That dog stole my pants!

"Oghren, you are wearing your pants"

"But he doesn't know that! I'll show him! I don't NEED my pants!"

"Oghren, you very much do need your pants"

"You hear that, Nughumper! I'm comin for ya!" Yelled the dwarf, just before he passed out.

She could picture the tents and where everyone had always been as she set to building a fire. She couldn't shake the feeling of being watched, followed. She could swear she heard voices. She did, and as they got near, she ducked behind a fallen tree while Lethallin grumbled. Lethallin knew the trick well. He would attack, and she'd spring from the shadows. But as the voices got even closer...he seemed to calm down. And then he took off. Blasted dog, what was he up to. She had her answer soon enough as he led the pair into the camp. One very large Qunari, traveling with a very familiar Golem.

Kasha stepped out into the light of the fire and smiled as they approached.

"Kadan...you should not be out here alone" Sten told her, with all the intensity she remembered.

"Yes. It should be with the other squishy human should it not? Listening to whining and bad jokes?" Said Shale.

Kasha smiled a little. Some things never change. Including being called "It" by Shale. Though she knew it wasn't an insult, not anymore. It had been once, but Shale had softened after some time together, after being treated as a being with a mind and soul instead of a slave.

"What are the two of you doing here? Kasha asked them.

"Looking for you." Sten replied, simple and direct as usual. He was not known for his lengthy answers.

Shale however continued to explain.

"Wynne got called away before we could get any answers in Tevinter about my...squishiness. I had nothing better to do at the time, So I searched for the Qunari people. I wished to learn about them. I found Sten, He arranged for me to stay in his village for a while. That's is where I was when I heard you were missing" She finished with a shudder.

"I've only been gone for a day and a half, how could you know so quickly, so far away? "

Shale shuddered again "A little bird told me" She sounded traumatized.

"A...bird? Like a carrier pigeon?"

"Oh why must you mention even more of the feathered fiends?! No, it was the swamp witch. She turned into a flying nuisance and pestered me, threatening to do foul, FOUL things if I did not come at once." The poor golem sounded as if she might cry. Though Kasha suspected it was more the trauma of potential bird droppings than fear for her safety.

"Wait, Morrigan? She...she disappeared after the arch demon, and made me swear I'd never look for her. How could she know..."

Shale let out an exasperated sigh "You were not to seek her, that does not mean she cannot seek you. She used one of those vile creature forms she knew everything, she even used her foul magic to bring us here."

"She could not have done so if you had let me cut out her tongue as I had wanted" Sten gruffly added.

"Well, I'm glad we didn't...it is good to see you both again"

So Morrigan was watching out for her. An interesting thought indeed. They had grown as close as sisters in their travels. Which had confused poor Morrigan badly at first. The girl had never had a friend before, and it scared her terribly to care for another person. But by the end, she had learned how to be one in return. Even offering herself, in order to save both Kasha and Alistair from dying on that tower when the Arch Demon fell. The woman hated Alistair, and he hated her, yet they both came together, that one night...to save her.

"It is coming you know" Shale interrupted her thoughts. "It leaves Denerim in the morning. It knows where you are going. Would you like me to squish it before it gets here, I hear there are several of them but not so many that I could not squish them all?"

Kasha had to laugh. "No. No squishing Alistair. Though I appreciate the offer. We'll just have to get moving early"

"Then it should sleep, and so should the qunari. I will keep watch"

Shale had never bothered with names. Not for any of them. Wynne had been "The elder mage" and at one point "The fussy mage". Morrigan was "the swamp witch", Zev was "the painted elf", Leliana "the bard" or "the sister". Poor Alistair, he was just "it". Well, at least Wynne would be happy if she knew. Kasha was no longer unescorted. She whispered a thank you to the night air, hoping maybe Morrigan heard it, as she drifted off to sleep.

They were in Redcliffe castle. The Arl was comatose, and his son possessed by a demon. They were upstairs, fighting the horrible demon, when it finally fell, and resumed the form of the child, lying helpless on the floor. Lady Isolde was shrieking, hysterical, begging them not to kill him. Begging to let them have Jowyn, the blood mage that had poisoned Eamon, perform a blood magic ritual to send someone into the fade. Begging to sacrifice her own life for that of her son. That is when Kasha's carefully walled up humanity had started to crack. The images of her own nephew lying dead, and her mother refusing to leave her father and escape. Begging, demanding that she go with Duncan, all assaulted her at once. But she couldn't let her defenses fall, not now. It was a choice she didn't want to make, but she had to. She had to make all the choices. In the end she'd relented and allowed Isolde to die to save the boy.

They returned to camp. Alistair was screaming at her, questioning her choice. That is when it all came loose. For all his talk, about owing Eamon more than that, and criticizing her for not looking into other options, she could read between the lines.

"So this is about you, and Eamon, and not about me at all right?" She hissed back at him. "You would rather I had killed a child?"

his next words were poorly chosen, though he had no way of knowing. "You let lady Iolde sacrifice herself, how could you let her do that!"

With a deadly calm she turned, looked him square in the eye, and prayed the tears weren't visible "the same way I let my mother sacrifice herself for me." Then she turned and walked as far away from him, and everyone else as she could before she's let the tears loose. She was sitting near a small pond, knees pulled up to her chin, wracked with sobs when he sheepishly approached her. She knew he was there, quiet was not his strong suit.

"He was not much older than my nephew Ohren you know. Connor I mean. He and Fergus' wife Oriana were the first to die, when the castle came under attack. Mother and I fought our way through the castle searching for father. Mother insisted we go to the armory and save what we could. She used her key, and I guarded the door. Lethallin was missing, we'd gotten separated in battle. It was awful. People were dying, screaming, things were burning. I was alone at the door, and one of the men grabbed me, by the hair, and dragged me around the corner. ..two of his friends, they barred mother in the armory. I could hear her screaming to be let out"

He was sitting beside her now, she couldn't stop, she couldn't make the words stop.

"He...he did, terrible things, said terrible things I couldn't fight back, I couldn't get away, I couldn't get him off. He had my face pressed hard into the wall. I said no, I screamed no. I wanted to die. And he... said he deserved it, called me vile names, the mildest of which was a trophy of war. Lethallin got to me, and killed the bastard, but it was too late. And I couldn't cry, I couldn't feel, I had to fight, I had to save mother. "

She couldn't look at him, and she still couldn't stop talking, it was like her mind had to get it out.

"When we found father, he was dying. We tried to convince him to escape, but he couldn't move. Duncan came, and promised to take mother and I to safety, but she wouldn't go. I'd wanted to join when I met Duncan but father wouldn't allow it. But when Duncan asked him , to recruit me, in return for my safety, he said yes. But mother wouldn't come, she wouldn't leave him. She insisted on staying there, to guard father, and my escape. And I let her. I LET her sacrifice herself for ME. "

Alistair took her hand, and she looked at him. He apologized, for berating her.

"I understand. You couldn't have known. I should have told you, or at least allowed Duncan to. Instead I just...shut myself down. I threw myself at every sword in sight, and you just kept keeping me alive. Even when I was awful to you. If anyone should be sorry, it's me. I hope you can forgive me. Maybe we should start over."

He smiled and shook the hand he was holding, "Hi, I'm Alistair. Gray Warden and lover of fine cheeses" He grinned

She replied "I'm Kasha, and you're still a very strange man"

The weight she'd been carrying with her was lifting.

"Just one question Kasha, if you don't mind, you said these men attacked your...Castle?"

"Oh, yes, my father was Teyrn Bryce Cousland. He was preparing to go to Ostagar, when the attack took place."

"And who attacked you?"

"Arl Rendon Howe, his best friend, and Loghain's current right hand man"

Alistairs shocked face started to fade...

"Kadan, we must go. Get up." She heard Sten saying.

She rubbed the sleep from her eyes, and stood. Everything was packed up and ready to go. For the first time since she'd fled, she considered turning back. But regardless of her personal problems, Ostagar needed to be dealt with. She'd made a promise. She knew he was coming, but she wasn't ready just yet. She was starting to realize, though she didn't want to admit it, that this was partly her fault. She had grown up knowing one basic rule about life as nobility. Everyone is out for themselves. She'd told him that once, after meeting his gold digging sister. But she took it back, she couldn't stand to see him jaded like that. She'd envied his ability to see the good potential in everyone. But she should have reinforced it. Maybe then he wouldn't have believed...well, it didn't matter now, it was done. She wouldn't think about that now.

[Gilgamesh1138]

*runs around in happy little circles* ROFL! I am so thrilled, more Shades of Grey! Lady J you rock my world. : D

[Lady Jess]

They were quite the sight leaving Denerim. The king, traveling with a bard, some mages, a couple dwarves and a couple nobles. Luckily they'd set out before most of the city awoke. The only ones left to look at the oddly were the drunks returning home to their beds. Alistair was grateful for one thing, at least with all these people, he could leave his contingent of guards behind. They made thinks so awkward. He was still annoyed at how he'd had to act with Kasha when he'd stopped at The Vigil. He had been gone when she'd received orders to report to Amaranthine, and wanted to give her a proper goodbye. Instead he had to settle for a chaste kiss on the cheek, and he may have snuck in a whisper about Lampposts and their care in winter. She'd grinned, and nodded, and watched him walk away. He mentally kicked himself again, here she had returned and he'd acted like a royal ass.

Nathaniel and Sigrun had rode ahead, scouting, the mages and Oghren rode in the wagon with the supplies, and Leliana and Zev rode on either side of the wagon. Alistair rode in front, and found himself surprised when Fergus joined him.

“Look, I shouldn't have hit you, brother. I'm sorry...I tend to act first ad ask questions later” the young teyrn said.

“It's...alright. Besides, I had it coming. Much easier to explain than hitting myself. Seems to be a family trait, that temper. Although Kasha never actually punched me. But I did have to drag her bodily from my sister's house.” Alistair grinned.

“Fergus laughed “Oh do tell”

“Well, you see I had a sister I'd never met, and Kasha agreed to go with me, to meet her for the first time. The woman was awful, only after the money she assumed I had. But when she called Kasha a tart, well...I thought at first she was going to kill her. Instead, she just...glared...intently.” Started Alistair

“Oh-ho, let me guess, Narrowed eyes, fire veritably shooting from them, head cocked ever so slightly to the left and one eyebrow raised? Sound about right?” Fergus chuckled.

“That's it exactly. I figured, you know, she'd behave, and just continue glaring”

Fergus laughed out loud “Oh no, that look is just your two minute warning. “

“Yes, I figured that out. Just as I said I wanted to go, and didn't know why I came...Goldanna opened her mouth again. I don't even recall what she said. All I saw was Kasha grab a dagger and tell her someone should cut her tongue out! That's when I picked her up from behind and carried her out. Luckily I was wearing good armor...she was kicking my shins something awful! The woman may be incredibly tiny, but she is mighty as an arch demon when she's mad” Alistair smiled.

Fergus laughed again, his little sister was at that. “Did she ever tell you, she was born several weeks early, and not expected to live?”

Alistair's eyes widened “No, she never told me that”

Fergus continued “She astounded everyone when she proved them wrong. But she always remained small and delicate. Father had a very difficult time with her. He didn't want her trained as anything but a noble woman. Mother of course agreed. But they couldn't keep her out of the training yard. She'd even convinced Ser Gilmore to help. Father almost sent him away over it, but she talked him out of it. The girl got away with murder I tell you. The problem was, standard swords and shields were too big for her. But she kept trying, and as a result kept the healers busy. He finally gave up, and hired a woman named Isobella, who's ship was at port nearby, and a bard he knew from Orlais. Mother wasn't happy at first, but he convinced her that the bard could teach our little tomboy some grace, and savvy, and how to act like a lady. Mother had tried, but Kasha saw it as frivolity. Learning it this way though...well, if she thought of it as a weapon, she'd use it. And she did, while she still managed to chase off every potential match Mother found, she convinced every one of them it was their idea“

Alistair laughed “I had  always wondered where she'd learned her style, but never asked. I couldn't keep track of the woman in battle it was maddening. She'd be at my back, wielding her daggers, and then vanish...only to show up with a bow behind a tree, and I'd never seen anyone parry the way she does...many frustrated enemies were left in her wake, they just couldn't hit her most of the time” Alistair chuckled. But he remembered her telling him about the one time she hadn't been able to deflect an attack, it still hurt his heart to think of it.

“She is her own brand of battlemaiden that is certain.“ Fergus said.

“What? No mention of me? I too trained our lovely gray warden” Zev interrupted.

Alistair raised an eyebrow and retorted “Convincing her that learning the  application of poisons, required your arms around her was not training, Arainai, and neither was jumping out of the shadows and kissing her”

Zev just shrugged and grinned “Well, you can't blame a man for trying. Repeatedly!”

Leliana giggled “Alistair, you were so jealous of Zev back then, and look at you now, such good friends!”

“Yes, well, I still have to watch him like a hawk, otherwise he'd ravage every maid in the palace” Alistair quipped.

A ruckus up the road brought the group to a halt. Nathaniel was riding back...and had someone in the saddle with him.  Of all people, it was Velanna.

“By the maker, what is she doing back!? I thought I was being nice turning you loose, and you're what...ambushing us now?” Alistair nearly shouted.

“I...I...want to help” She stammered

It was Wynne who spoke up now. “I think you have helped enough young woman.”

Velanna dropped her eyes for a moment, gathering courage. And spoke just one word. “Please.”

Alistair pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. As if he didn't have enough to worry about. Zev seemed to have read his mind.

“A wise, and beautiful warden once told me, you keep your friends close...and your enemies closer. T'is good advice, no?”

Alistair agreed. “I suppose you're right, let's make camp for the night. You can keep an eye on her”

Zev grinned broadly “My pleasure my good friend”

[Gilgamesh1138]

I did my other review on FF, but I just want to post here too. I love your joke about Zev. And your characters are so well written. You really capture their personalities. I get so excited when I see an email alert. Can't wait for the next chapter! : )

[Lady Jess]

Gilgamesh1138 wrote...

I did my other review on FF, but I just want to post here too. I love your joke about Zev. And your characters are so well written. You really capture their personalities. I get so excited when I see an email alert. Can't wait for the next chapter! : )

Thank you:D

[Gilgamesh1138]

You are welcome, well deserved praise! : D

[Lady Jess]

“I saw a clearing not far down the road” Said Nathaniel “looks like as good a spot as any to stop until morning”
“Sounds good, let's go” was the curt reply from Alistair. He knew he should try and be more civil to the man, but damn it, he was jealous. Even if he knew he had no reason.


When the arrived at their location Leliana let out a delighted squeal. “Maker be praised! This was our camp! Look over there, part of Morrigan's shelter still remains!”

Alistair looked around in the fading light, she was right. This was their first camp, and the one they'd always come back to when they passed through the area. Which was pretty often while the criss crossed the country during the blight.


“Ohhhhh!! We should build a big fire like we did then! We can share stories, and get to know each other, yes? Wynne can cook! It will be such fun!” The bard rushed happily.

“Dishing dirt on my little sister? I'm game!” Said Fergus.

Sigrun added an enthusiastic “Me too!”

“I suppose next she'll want me to knit mittens and wag my finger at passing children” Huffed Wynne.

Anders couldn't resist sticking his foot in “Ohhh can I have a scarf? And a sweater for Ser Pounce a lot? Matching ones, in a nice shade of blue!”

“I'd be careful harassing your betters Anders, you may find yourself needing a cat sweater when you wake up” She shot back.


Alistair hung back, staring blankly out over the little pond. She'd been sitting right here, when the barrier finally broke. When she'd bared her soul to him. Even after he'd given her such a hard time over Isolde. It was the first time he'd
seen the real Kasha. He'd felt an attraction when they first met, but her behavior had kept it just that. It was here that he'd started down a long road, one that would lead them to their “happily ever after”. Or so he'd thought.


“Alot of memories for you here I would guess” Came the quiet voice of Fergus.


Alistair nodded, and went on to tell him of that night, and the horrors she'd told him of. The other man's eyes were filled with rage, and tears.

“Oh maker, Fergus, she didn't tell you. I'm so sorry...I shouldn't..”

“No, no it's alright Alistair, I wouldn't expect her to. In her mind, the instant she killed Howe, that door slammed shut. I'm just glad she had you. “ He said. And he meant it. He used to tease that she would find a man that could handle her, and he was glad she did. Well, could handle her up until now. Running away wasn't like her. No-one could have expected this. Fergus was worried that something other than Alistair's blunder sent her fleeing, but didn't let on.

“So does that mean I'm safe from your fists for a while then?” Alistair grinned

“We'll see brother” Fergus chuckled, as he led Alistair over to the fire where Leliana was already telling tales.

“Oh, you should have seen my Kasha, facing down this silly knight in Denerim. The Wardens, you see, were
branded as traitors to the crown and murderers of King Cailan. This knight, demanded a duel of honor right there in the city streets. The nerve! But my Kasha, she was too smart for him. She was so smooth, and so calm, and said to the knight 'Loghain's allegations are false'. She never even flinched when he then accused her of slander. She looked him right in the eyes, you understand she only reached his chest, so it was rather funny, and said 'Ser, you do realize if you
are wrong, you'd be killing an innocent' I think she even fluttered her lashes at him! And he walked away, just like that!” Leliana finished.

“Sweet Maker, Leliana! Curse you and your storytelling, you made me burn my herbs!” Scolded Wynne teasingly, She'd always loved Leliana's tales, and always got so absorbed she forgot what she was doing.


“Leliana, why do you call my sister your Kasha, if you don't mind me asking” Questioned Fergus.

“Oh, that's quite easy, because I love her” Leliana shrugged casually.

“Watch out Alistair! You know how those sodding poetessessesssssh can be...hic” Oghren had found the
wine.

The whole camp burst into laughter, even Alistair.

“As a sister you filthy dwarf!” Leliana replied with more than a little annoyance.


“Oh, by the stone Oghren, speaking of filthy and you...you reek even more than usual! Did you roll in something?” Pointed out Sigrun.

“I do not! Your nose is just all sensitive since we dragged your out of the deep roads! Little miss
'ohhhh trees smell so gooooood' and 'ohhhh everything's so shiny!” He mocked her, utterly offended.

“Really Oghren, my friend, you definitely smell worse today than usual. It's strongest near your feet, check your boots” Nathaniel suggested.


“Oh by the ****** of my ancestors, and all the brood mothers in the deep roads! Who had a sodding dog out here?!” The dwarf bellowed.

Alistair's head snapped around, his face serious yet hopeful at the same time. He answered with one word.

“Kasha”

Modifié par Lady Jess, 09 avril 2010 - 03:53 .

[Gilgamesh1138]

WOOT two chapters in a day. You do realize I am not writing mine, heheh. Loved this. Oghren, you stink, no more than usual. Dog doo on the shoe. Never a good thing. I laughed so hard. : ) Great job! More please. : D

[Lady Jess]

Gilgamesh1138 wrote...

WOOT two chapters in a day. You do realize I am not writing mine, heheh. Loved this. Oghren, you stink, no more than usual. Dog doo on the shoe. Never a good thing. I laughed so hard. : ) Great job! More please. : D

I apparently burned up my creative juices...I am now...stuck...UGH writer's block sucks.

[Gilgamesh1138]

Aw I hate it too! If you think it would help, I don't mind spoilers ( am the person who reads the last page of a book) I am happy for you to bounce your ideas around. I know I get stuck sometimes when I know where I want to go in the story, but getting there is the problem. I don't know if this is where you are stuck.

[Lady Jess]

Gilgamesh1138 wrote...

Aw I hate it too! If you think it would help, I don't mind spoilers ( am the person who reads the last page of a book) I am happy for you to bounce your ideas around. I know I get stuck sometimes when I know where I want to go in the story, but getting there is the problem. I don't know if this is where you are stuck.

Part of it is time and travel. Like the gang is at the old camp, Kasha is on the move...I need an action scene (likely involving a corrupted spider) to get her hurt badly enough that they must get her to Wynne, who of course is with...Al! and part of my problem is in my rush to include everyone, they suddenly don't have as much to say...lol

It can't be a darkspawn attack, if they are close enough to get her back to camp, then her and the wardens back at camp would sense them. 

Ohhh...mOrrigan, stinging swarm...Velanna...travel spell (wtf was the name of that did they ever say?) Oy my head is so unfocused. Look Shiny!

[Gilgamesh1138]

ROFL! Hm, let me think on it. Did they ever say that Wardens could sense corrupted animals, like the bear or wolves? Maybe a group of those like in game, blighted wolves and a bear?

[Lady Jess]

Gilgamesh1138 wrote...

ROFL! Hm, let me think on it. Did they ever say that Wardens could sense corrupted animals, like the bear or wolves? Maybe a group of those like in game, blighted wolves and a bear?

I never saw it anywhere. I was thinking corrupted spider = spirit damage = messes with the mind= Kasha wakes up thinking it's pre-ostagar, having only met Duncan and Alistair and Wynne thus far.But that could be more of a pain than anything...lol

[Gilgamesh1138]

Oh sounds interesting, but yeah, I could see how that might be tough.

[yasuraka.hakkyou]

action scene should happen, yes. as for everyone and dialogue, try to come up with a line or two for everyone. but, make sure it flows. the spider spirit damage thing sounds like more of a pain than its worth.

[Sandtigress]

Finally catching up - traveling without internet sure does put you behind! I love that you brought everyone back together!

[Gilgamesh1138]

All I can say is take your time, and don't force it! Sometimes the subconscious mind works it out for you. I have done that on some of my chapters. Like the action scene one where they steal the wagons in the Brecilian Forest outside of Gwaren. That chapter was one that had me sweating. So I know how you feel. But I slept on it, literally, and it came to me.



I know you are a fantastic writer, and whatever you come up with will be great. And while I am on pins and needles for my next fix, it will be worth the wait.

[Lady Jess]

Chapter 10

Lothering was completely ravaged. Nothing was left of it except one small hovel. Kasha had expected as much. They stopped here to rest regardless. Every step seemed to bring back a memory. Something Morrigan had said, meeting Leliana and Sten.

“Here, look at this. Do you know what this is?” Alistair asked quietly.
“Your new weapon of choice?” Kasha grinned

A single, red rose. He told her it reminded him of her. Beauty amongst darkness and despair. It was the day after their conversation in camp. He'd felt badly that she'd seen nothing but death, heard nothing but complaints, many from him. It wasn't long after he'd come to her confessing he loved her, which she returned, they'd had their first kiss in that moment.  They'd stolen several more after. Then came their sweetest memory yet. He was so nervous, and unsure, and worried that he was pushing her so soon after she'd been so horribly traumatized. He needn't have worried, she had thought she'd be afraid but...not with him. He made her feel safe, even before when things weren't so pleasant between them. She wanted nothing more than to be his, only his. It was amazing, and beautiful. Everything it should be.  He'd been so nervous about it being his first, yet he seemed to be made just for her, and she him. It was gently, loving, he was so very attentive, and intuitive...

“Sodding bloody oath!” Kasha cursed.

“It spent far too much time with the drunken dwarf I see” Said Shale.

“Maybe I have at that”

“You were thinking of the other warden?”

Kasha nodded.

“Then why did it leave? It could have been traveling with it's husband” The golem questioned.

“He believed that I was...wait, you don't know? Morrigan didn't tell you already?” Kasha asked, surprised.

“The swamp witch said only that 'the fool king' had upset it.” Shale shrugged.

“Well if you must know, he believed I was unfaithful to him while I was away. With one of the Wardens under my command no less. The icing on the cake, it was an anonymous note that contained the alleged information” She answered.

“Parshaara “

Kasha turned to Sten in surprise.

“You made me believe you were  woman that fights.” He said.

“I thought we'd been over this?”

“Then why did you run away, Kadan? You choose to fight darkspawn, you faced down an arch demon. Yet you flee from misunderstanding?

“It's complicated, Sten” She said.

“Vashedan , it is only complicated if you wish it to be. “

She stood staring out over the small lake behind the hovel. He was right. But she couldn't just go back. There was so much more. Things noone outside of Anders even knew. And maker help him if he so much as hinted to Wynne. There was even more that only she knew. Things she was trying to push away, and yes...maybe run away from, she admitted to herself. She took a step forward, to pick up a flower that caught her eye, when he boot slipped on a patch of wet grass.

Suddenly and without warning, a section of the hill fell out from under her. She tried desperately to stop her descent to no avail. She landed on the rocky ground below, arm bent at an angle she knew was not right, and neither was the stabbing pain and snapping sound in her forearm. Her eyes watered with the intensity of the pain, and when they cleared she could only scream. Several spiders, large, and corrupted, were coming towards her, their hisses filling the air. Lethallin managed to tackle one before it got to her and Sten and Shale each had gotten the attention of two more.

Kasha tried to get to her knees, she had almost succeeded when she was pinned from behind, one of the monstrous arachnids digging it's mandibles into her shoulders. At her horrific scream Lethallin charged again from where he'd been helping Shale and Sten. His weight knocked it from her back, as he pinned it to the ground, thrashing his head back and forth until it twitched, and shuddered, and finally died.

Her vision was blurring, her ears roared, She could barely see Sten and Shale approaching, vaguely she could hear the concerned voice of Sten calling to her, but she could not speak. She could hear Lethallin crying and whining, feel him nudging her with his muzzle, begging her to stand up.

She felt his tongue upon her face, and heard Sten.

“Kadan”

She tried as hard as she could to answer, but the sheer effort of finding her voice plunged her into darkness. As it took her, all she could think of was The Black Marsh and the Circle Tower, she frantically prayed “Oh dear maker, please not the fade!”

Modifié par Lady Jess, 12 avril 2010 - 06:59 .

[Gilgamesh1138]

Love this, keep it up! : D



Spiders, why did it have to be spiders? To paraphrase Indiana Jones.

[Lady Jess]

LOL I was thinking of Ron in Harry Potter too, "Why is it always follow the spiders, why can't it ever be follow the butterflies?"



And really, I can't believe I got through writing that part, I'm horribly arachnaphobic!

[Lady Jess]

Oh and because I can't do this over at fanic.net...a visual of our heroine