Yay! She finally made it to Ostagar! Means it is soon time for some Alistair goodness! YAY. Well done friend! ~Love, Your Goldilocks~
The First Cut is Always the Deepest... Chapter 32-Low Flying Nugs, Is up!
Débuté par
Gilgamesh1138
, mai 08 2010 08:27
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#77
Posté 12 juillet 2010 - 04:55
LadyAly
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Excellent as always - *shakes head* I'm shocked - stealing strawberrys ...tz tz tz XD !!!
#78
Posté 12 juillet 2010 - 06:36
Lynn01
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At Ostagar it is.....Now to Alistair!!!!!!!!!!!!
Indeed, as always this is very nice again!
Indeed, as always this is very nice again!
#79
Posté 12 juillet 2010 - 11:35
Slim Warden
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Woohoo I do love it when Gil posts, excellent stuff and I can't wait for Kai to meet with Alistair, its going to be rather interesting.
#80
Posté 12 juillet 2010 - 05:29
Gilgamesh1138
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Aw thanks guys! To Alistair it is! Just writing Cailan's take on Kai for Whispering and then to Ali! YAY!
#81
Posté 16 juillet 2010 - 09:08
Gilgamesh1138
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Chapter 13
~First Impressions~
Kai looked back the way they had come, towards the gate, and the guard that stood there. To her left stood a tall tower, with flying buttresses layering the outside of it like wings. She began to walk in that direction, curious that a building could reach such heights, and to wonder at the architects who created it. She walked up the stone ramp leading to it, only to find a guard standing in front of a closed gate, barring the way. As she drew closer the guard called out to her, “The Tower of Ishal is off-limits, my lady. The men stationed inside are securing it now.”
Kai smiled, “This is a pretty large ruin.”
“It goes back to the time of the Tevinter Imperium. Dwarven make. Probably why it’s still standing.” He grinned back at her.
“What is the The Tower of Ishal? And why is it off-limits exactly?” Kai looked at the stone structure, up close it was even taller and more impressive looking. She had to crane her neck to look up towards the top.
“I think they used it once to watch for Wilders coming out of the forest.” He turned and looked up with her, “As to why it’s off-limits, well that would be by order of Teyrn Loghain. It is to be used in the battle. I’m told they discovered some lower chambers and they don’t know how far down they go. So for now, every-one's to stay out.”
Kai looked back at the man, “Lower chambers?” Could the tower actually extend down into the earth as well as reaching into the clouds? She could only shake her head in wonder at the thought.
“I didn’t see anything like that when I was there, but who knows?” The guard shrugged.
“Thank you for the information on the tower. Hail and well met.” Kai smiled and gave the man a cross armed bow which he returned.
“Hail and well met, my lady.” Kai turned to noticed an open circular space that looked out to the great expanse of the valley below. She walked out to the sturdy stone area and stood looking down as the wind whipped her hair around her face. She could see the expanse of forest, and the wooden scaffolding built below. The profound silence was broken by the whispering wind and the sound of crumbling stone. This ruin was not going silently into that good night, as the saying went. It was slipping away one pebble at a time.
Kai made a mental note to watch how close to the edge she went lest her foot slip on loose gravel and send her tumbling into the void. She backed away slowly and scanned the grasses and under the trees for herbs for poultices and potions, while making her way back to the bridge to go across to camp. She stopped once more to look over the balustrade and peer down into the valley and the wooden dais once more.
As she made her way up the ramp and towards the entrance, she noticed a guard and he seemed to recognize her, “Hail! You must be the new Grey Warden recruit Duncan brought from Highever. He told me to keep an eye out for you and direct you if you had any questions.” The man smiled, “He must think highly of you, my lady.” He swept his hand to encompass the ruins. “This place hasn’t seen such bustle in centuries I’ll wager. How can I be of assistance?”
“Actually, I am looking for another Grey Warden by the name of Alistair.” From her close proximity to the camp Kai could hear more people shouting back and forth, the tanging ring of a blacksmith’s hammer, the barking of dogs from the royal kennels. She could smell the evidence of same on the wind as it blew through the doorway before her.
The guard grinned at her and pointed behind him, “Try heading north, my lady, I think he was sent with a message to the mages. He told me to watch for Duncan and his new recruit. He has been...eager for you both to arrive.”
“Eager? You make him sound like a mabari puppy.” Kai couldn’t help but sniggle a bit.
The guard chuckled as well, “He is friendly, especially if you have cheese of any sort. Lad, talked me out of half my cheese sandwich.”
Kai burst out laughing. “So that was what Duncan meant when I bought that wheel of cheddar.”
“Pardon?”
Kai shook her head chuckling, “Nothing, my good man, I have been fairly warned.” She grinned and waved farewell and walked up the ramp and to her right around the doorway, intending to head in the direction the guard had pointed her in.
As she turned the corner through the doorway Kai found two templars giving her “the eye”, as she called it. She hardly knew how mages could stand to live with that kind of unwarranted scrutiny all the time. She hated it for the brief moment that she was made to bear it. They continued to glare at her as she walked past. She cocked an eyebrow at them and resisted the urge to make a two fingered gesture as she sauntered away.
Kai wended her way past some tents on her right, and as she drew closer to a wooden dais on her left she stopped to hear a young priestess of the chantry giving a sermon. Kai felt her eyes narrowing upon hearing the woman going on about death and the Maker’s “Plan.” Her fists clenched, but before she could make a cynical comment a voice behind her drew her attention away from the sermon.
“Greetings, young lady, you are Duncan’s new recruit, are you not? He is a man not easily impressed, you should be proud.” Kai turned to find an older woman with gray hair pulled back into a ponytail wearing mage robes. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Wynne, one of the mages summoned by the king.”
Kai bowed slightly, “Pleased to meet you, I am Kai.”
“Well met, and good luck to you on the battlefield. To us all in fact.” Wynne gave a her a small smile.
Kai found it fascinating. She had heard of mages using spells in battles, but had never seen such. The only magic users she had ever encountered had been healers who worked for Highever castle, taking care of any sick or injured in the castle or the town. “Will you and the other mages be fighting beside the king?”
Wynne gave a small laugh, “Not precisely, the Grey Wardens will be on the front lines, not the mages.”
“King Cailan thinks the battle will go well.” Kai looked back over at the priestess still giving her sermon.
“The king must always seem confident. His behavior affects the troops’ morale. He does seem to find his enthusiasm easily though. Reminds me of a puppy, and I say that with both respect and affection. He is a fine man.” Kai watched as the mage stopped to stir the boiling contents of the large cauldron beside her. From the scent of the steam as it wafted towards her, Kai figured it must be healing potion. She handed Wynne the herbs she had gathered over to the older woman, who smiled and nodded, “To defeat the darkspawn, we must all work together. It’s not an idea everyone seems able to grasp.” The elder mage turned back to Kai and crossed her arms over her chest.
“Have you faced darkspawn before?” Kai had to wonder just what kind of spells this woman might be capable of casting. She looked like she could be someone’s sweet little grandmother. Right down to the lecturing tone of voice.
“Stragglers, yes-- not the vast horde the soldiers speak of. I wonder...how much do you know of the connection between darkspawn and the Fade, young woman?”
Kai grinned, lecture time, “I know the Fade is where we go when we dream.”
“True, anytime our spirits leave our earthly bodies, whether it’s to dream or to die, it goes into a realm we call the Fade. The Fade is home to many spirits, some benevolent, others less so. At the heart of the Dream part of the Fade lies the Black City.”
“Yeah, I heard our priestess, Mother Mollol, speak of it. I am afraid, however, that I listened with half an ear, if I listened at all.” Kai gave Wynne an impish smile and she received a chuckle in response.
Wynne shook her head and continued, “Some say the Black City was once the seat of the Maker. But when mages from Tevinter Imperium found a way into the city, it was tainted with their sin.” The mage rocked back on her heals, “That taint transformed those men, turning them into twisted reflections of their own hearts. And the Maker cast them back to the earth, where they became the first darkspawn.” Wynne crossed her arms over her chest, “At least that is what the Chant of Light says.”
Kai snorted. “The Chantry and its Chant of Light says a lot of things, but explains very little. My personal favorite is their old stand by, ‘It’s the Maker’s Plan.’ The Chantry uses it for everything from boils on arses to explaining the wholesale slaughter of families, including innocent six year old boys.” Her voice pitched higher with a sarcastic tone, “What, all of your beloveds were slaughtered in front of you? Don’t worry! It’s the Maker’s Plan!” Kai’s voice lowered to a growl as she tossed an angry look over her shoulder at the still prattling priestess behind her. When she turned back it was to find Wynne staring at her, eyebrow raised. “Sorry, don’t mind me.”
The mage shook her head, “Yes, well, it may be just allegory meant to teach us that our evil causes human suffering. Or it may be true. It is as good an explanation as any, for now.”
Kai refrained from rolling her eyes, barely, “At least it is something to ponder.” Along with navel lint and eye boogers.
Wynne’s voice cooled, as if she knew what Kai had been thinking, “Yes, occasionally it’s wise to contemplate one’s actions. But I am sure that Duncan has more for you to do than stand here chatting with me.” The older woman cocked an eyebrow once more and crossed her arms. “Thank you for the herbs, young lady.”
Kai grinned and bowed, taking herself around to the right past the large cauldron, stopping briefly to speak to a mage, who was not a mage, but a “Tranquil.” That whole conversation, as well as the practice to make the man such, disturbed Kai greatly. So much so, that she was distracted by her thoughts and she found herself walking up a ramp in the wrong direction., heading west instead of north.
She turned back and on adjusting her course overheard a conversation between a handsome younger man and one of the female soldiers. He was apparently chatting the girl up as he said something about grabbing the moment as said woman’s “pretty” head could be decorating a darkspawn’s pike on the morrow. That line caused Kai to stop and watch the soldier’s response. If she had anyone to wager with, she would have bet that come-on would garner a slap. She borrowed Wynne’s look and stood grinning with her arms crossed and an eyebrow cocked. She would have lost money, as the blond simply glared at the man, “Am I to take that silent glare as a no? Well then.”
Kai burst out laughing as the pretty girl stuck her nose up in the air and stalked past her up the ramp, “I am afraid, my friend, referencing a pike where one’s severed head might rest, is not the ‘pike’ she would have been interested in. Better luck next time.”
“I don’t supposed you would be interested in that particular pike, after all, we could all die in the coming battle.” The man came and stood in front of her giving her a charming grin. His amber colored eyes a contrast to his dark hair. He was very handsome, and he knew it.
Kai snorted, “Save your charm, ser, I am even less impressionable than your previous companion.”
“You can’t blame a chap for trying now can you?” He grinned at her, “Wait, I know who you are!” Kai watched his eyes get wide in surprise, “Well, you’re not what I thought you’d be.”
Kai laughed, “You have me at the disadvantage. Who are you, and in what way am I not what you expected? Were you expecting a mabari?”
“A mabari might not have been as surprising. I didn’t expect Duncan’s recruit to be a woman.” His grin got wider, “Not that I object in any way, you understand.”
“Uh huh, I understand perfectly. You are an intense admirer of the female form.” Kai rolled her eyes.
“Guilty as charged. The name’s Daveth. It’s about bloody time you came along. I was beginning to think they cooked this ritual up for our benefit.” He looked at Kai with a frown on his face.
Kai huffed, “Isn’t that a little paranoid?”
“Maybe, maybe not.” Daveth grinned at her
“What do you know about this ritual?” Kai had to admit she was curious, if pressed.
Daveth’s smile turned sheepish, “I happened to be sneaking around camp last night, see...” Kai chuckled. Ah another rogue like herself, she mused silently. “And I heard a couple of Grey Wardens talking. So I listened in for a bit.” Kai raised her eyebrows at him and watched a delightful blush creep up his neck, “I’m thinking they mean to send us into the Wilds.”
Kai shrugged, “So what? That wouldn’t frighten me.”
Daveth’s amber eyes got wide, “Cannibals, beasts, witches, and now darkspawn? What isn’t there to be scared of?” He shivered visibly, “It’s all too secretive for me. Makes my nose twitch.” He shrugged his own shoulders, “I guess we’ll have to wait and see. Like we have a choice.”
“So, you aren’t here of your own volition then?” Kai tilted her head slightly, assessing the man in front of her more closely.
“Nah, I was born near the Wilds, that’s why I know so much about them. I ran away from me da, who had a heavy hand and a short temper, as soon as I was able. I lived in Denerim, a pickpocket, that’s me. I snatched Duncan’s money pouch. He caught me. He is quick for an old bugger. Faster than he looks. Chased me he did, would have caught me too, but the Denerim guards caught me first. They meant to stretch my neck but good, if not for that cheeky old bastard. He conscripted me right out from under them. I gave the guards the two fingered salute as we walked away.” Daveth laughed and Kai found herself joining him.
“I’ll watch your back if you watch mine.” Kai winked.
Daveth gave her a leering grin, “Oh, I’ll watch your back.” He chuckled low.
Kai laughed and waved a hand dismissively, “Just don’t get too distracted back there.”
Daveth chortled, “I’ll try to keep my wits about me.” He put out his arm to Kai and she grasped it in a warrior’s salute. “Anyway, I expect it’s time to get back to Duncan. That’s where I’ll be, if you need me for anything.”
Kai watched him walk to the south towards the large bonfire by the Warden side of camp. She shook her head and smiled to herself. Well, her fellow recruit was an interesting man, indeed. Kai turned and walked past the anvil and the Quartermaster to travel up the ramp, following the direction the guard had pointed her in. She found herself in a ‘T’ intersection. To her left a long table with maps fluttering in the breeze. To her right another ramp leading to another open area surrounded by columns.
As she saw only two elven servants working around the table and no one else, so she decided to go right, to the open atrium. She walked up the ramp listening to the sounds from camp mixing with wind winding its way through the granite pillars. She came to the rise as the ramp met with the level granite tiled courtyard. Two men stood before her, one in armor and the other in mage’s robes, the breeze carried their voices in her direction.
“What is it now? Haven’t the Grey Wardens asked enough of the Circle?” The sour faced man in the mage robes sounded as if he had been chewing lemons dipped in salt.
“I simply came to deliver a message from the revered mother, ser mage.” Kai watched the younger man dressed in armor who must be Alistair. His honey brown hair held glints from the sun that was creeping it higher above the horizon. He wore split mail armor and was handsome in a goofy sort of way. And she couldn’t help but feel that he looked familiar. He continued addressing his less than friendly companion. “She desires your presence.”
“What her Reverence ‘desires’ is of no concern to me! I am busy helping the Grey Wardens--by the king’s orders, I might add.” The mage’s voice started to rise an octave. If she had been asked, Kai would have sided with the sour fellow on this. The Revered Mother, the old bat, could take a long walk off of a short pier into Lake Calenhad and the world would be a better place as far as Kai was concerned.
Kai put her arms over her chest and crossed her ankles as she leaned against the door frame, making herself comfortable to watch the entertainment. Alistair continued, “Should I have asked her to write a note?” Kai snorted loud enough causing both men to glance in her direction. The mage frowned harder before turning back to the Grey Warden.
“Tell her I will not be harassed in this manner!” The mage was practically jumping out of his boots in his snit.
“Yes, I was harassing you by delivering a message.” Kai chuckled, the mage turned and glared, his face turning an interesting shade of red.
He turned his gorgon’s look on Alistair, “Your glibness does you no credit.”
“And here I thought we were getting along so well. I was even thinking of naming one of my children after you...” Alistair leaned in towards the mage with a lopsided grin on his face, cocking an eyebrow, his voice dripping with sarcasm, “The grumpy one.”
Kai thought she would break a rib laughing so hard. Her amusement did not endear her to the mage at all, his voice rose as he screamed at them both. “Enough!” His face was almost purple in his rage, “I will speak to the woman if I must!” And with that he turned sharply and stalked towards Kai. “Get out of my way, fool!” His shoulder bumped her own as he strode past.
“Oi!” Kai turned to face the mage as he spun around half way down the ramp. “You can just go get happy in the same robes you got sad in, now can’t you?” She smiled sweetly at him. He huffed, and waved his hands dismissively, his robes making a rustling noise as he turned and stalked away. Kai stuck her tongue out at his retreating back.
She turned back to see Alistair watching her with a big grin on his face. By his reaction, she could tell he must have heard her comment. “You know one good thing about the Blight is how it brings people together.”
His grin was lopsided and infectious, “I know exactly what you mean.” Kai felt her own lips curving at the corners.
He laughed, a lovely rumbling chuckle that reminded her of her father, “It’s like a party, we could all stand in a circle and hold hands.” She couldn’t help but laugh too. “That would give the darkspawn something to think about.”
The grin left to be replaced by a quizzical look, “Wait, we haven’t met, have we? I don’t suppose you happen to be another mage?”
She snickered, “Would that make your day worse?”
“Hardly. I just like to know my chances of being turned into a toad at any given moment.” She found herself watching his lips pulled into that lopsided smile that and she felt herself being drawn to it.
She chuckled again, “You are a very strange man.”
He grinned wider, “You are not the first woman to tell me that.”
Kai burst out laughing, “Somehow, that does not surprise me at all.” She was happy to hear his own laughter echo in a ring off the columns.
“Wait, I do know who you are. You’re Duncan’s new recruit, from Highever.” The sunlight caught the tips of his amber gold hair as he ducked his head, his dark grey eyes scrutinizing her. “I should have recognized you right away. I apologize.”
Kai shrugged him off, “How would you recognize me?”
He gave an impish smile she didn’t understand, as if he was in on some joke only he knew. “Duncan sent word.” Then is grin turned genuine, “He spoke quite highly of you. Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Alistair, the newest Grey Warden, though I guess you knew that. As the junior member of the order, I’ll be accompanying you when you prepare for the Joining.”
Kai reached out and grasped his arm in a warrior’s grasp. She felt the muscles of his forearm under her fingertips. A jolt of electricity seemed to shoot through her hand. She also had this niggling feeling in the back of her head that his voice sounded familiar, but that couldn’t possibly be right. She knew they had never met until now.
She was surprised to see his slightly dazed expression, as if he too felt the same sensation. She stammered and flushed, “Pl..pleased to meet you. My name is Kai.”
She watched his own skin turn pink, “Right, that was the name.” He cleared his throat as if he was casting about for something else to say. “You know...it just occurred to me that there have never been many women in the Grey Wardens. I wonder why that is?”
Kai grinned, “Because we are too smart for you?”
Alistair chuckled, “Probably, but what does that make you?”
Kai wrinkled her nose, “Incredibly unlucky?”
Alistair’s chuckle turned into a a guffaw, “Ouch!”
She cocked her eyebrow and pitched her voice in a teasing tone, “So, you want more women in the Wardens, do you?”
He smirked, “Would that be so terrible?” The grin disappeared as Kai raised both eyebrows at him, pretending to be insulted. She watched him raise both hands in supplication, “Wait, not that I’m some drooling lecher or anything.” He was blushing adorably and she could barely keep a straight face. “Please stop looking at me like that.” His blush deepened and Kai took pity on him, allowing the mirth she had bottled up to burst forth in ringing peals of laughter.
She was laughing so hard she had to put her hands on her knees and gasp for breath. Maker, how she had needed that. When she finally collected herself enough to straighten back up while wiping the tears from her eyes, she found him still blushing furiously but he was grinning from ear to ear, “So, I’m curious. Have you ever encountered darkspawn before?’
Kai shook her head, “No, I can’t say that I have.”
She watched him furrow his brow, his face becoming more grim, “When I fought my first one, I wasn’t prepared for how monstrous it was. I can’t say I’m looking forward to encountering another.” He shook his head and smiled that lopsided smile once more, “Anyhow, whenever you’re ready we can continue exploring camp, I can show you around. I need to find the other recruits then we can head back to Duncan. I imagine he and Bernardo are making preparations for the Joining.”
Kai nodded and they walked side by side down the ramp and into the warmth of the midday sun.
~First Impressions~
Kai looked back the way they had come, towards the gate, and the guard that stood there. To her left stood a tall tower, with flying buttresses layering the outside of it like wings. She began to walk in that direction, curious that a building could reach such heights, and to wonder at the architects who created it. She walked up the stone ramp leading to it, only to find a guard standing in front of a closed gate, barring the way. As she drew closer the guard called out to her, “The Tower of Ishal is off-limits, my lady. The men stationed inside are securing it now.”
Kai smiled, “This is a pretty large ruin.”
“It goes back to the time of the Tevinter Imperium. Dwarven make. Probably why it’s still standing.” He grinned back at her.
“What is the The Tower of Ishal? And why is it off-limits exactly?” Kai looked at the stone structure, up close it was even taller and more impressive looking. She had to crane her neck to look up towards the top.
“I think they used it once to watch for Wilders coming out of the forest.” He turned and looked up with her, “As to why it’s off-limits, well that would be by order of Teyrn Loghain. It is to be used in the battle. I’m told they discovered some lower chambers and they don’t know how far down they go. So for now, every-one's to stay out.”
Kai looked back at the man, “Lower chambers?” Could the tower actually extend down into the earth as well as reaching into the clouds? She could only shake her head in wonder at the thought.
“I didn’t see anything like that when I was there, but who knows?” The guard shrugged.
“Thank you for the information on the tower. Hail and well met.” Kai smiled and gave the man a cross armed bow which he returned.
“Hail and well met, my lady.” Kai turned to noticed an open circular space that looked out to the great expanse of the valley below. She walked out to the sturdy stone area and stood looking down as the wind whipped her hair around her face. She could see the expanse of forest, and the wooden scaffolding built below. The profound silence was broken by the whispering wind and the sound of crumbling stone. This ruin was not going silently into that good night, as the saying went. It was slipping away one pebble at a time.
Kai made a mental note to watch how close to the edge she went lest her foot slip on loose gravel and send her tumbling into the void. She backed away slowly and scanned the grasses and under the trees for herbs for poultices and potions, while making her way back to the bridge to go across to camp. She stopped once more to look over the balustrade and peer down into the valley and the wooden dais once more.
As she made her way up the ramp and towards the entrance, she noticed a guard and he seemed to recognize her, “Hail! You must be the new Grey Warden recruit Duncan brought from Highever. He told me to keep an eye out for you and direct you if you had any questions.” The man smiled, “He must think highly of you, my lady.” He swept his hand to encompass the ruins. “This place hasn’t seen such bustle in centuries I’ll wager. How can I be of assistance?”
“Actually, I am looking for another Grey Warden by the name of Alistair.” From her close proximity to the camp Kai could hear more people shouting back and forth, the tanging ring of a blacksmith’s hammer, the barking of dogs from the royal kennels. She could smell the evidence of same on the wind as it blew through the doorway before her.
The guard grinned at her and pointed behind him, “Try heading north, my lady, I think he was sent with a message to the mages. He told me to watch for Duncan and his new recruit. He has been...eager for you both to arrive.”
“Eager? You make him sound like a mabari puppy.” Kai couldn’t help but sniggle a bit.
The guard chuckled as well, “He is friendly, especially if you have cheese of any sort. Lad, talked me out of half my cheese sandwich.”
Kai burst out laughing. “So that was what Duncan meant when I bought that wheel of cheddar.”
“Pardon?”
Kai shook her head chuckling, “Nothing, my good man, I have been fairly warned.” She grinned and waved farewell and walked up the ramp and to her right around the doorway, intending to head in the direction the guard had pointed her in.
As she turned the corner through the doorway Kai found two templars giving her “the eye”, as she called it. She hardly knew how mages could stand to live with that kind of unwarranted scrutiny all the time. She hated it for the brief moment that she was made to bear it. They continued to glare at her as she walked past. She cocked an eyebrow at them and resisted the urge to make a two fingered gesture as she sauntered away.
Kai wended her way past some tents on her right, and as she drew closer to a wooden dais on her left she stopped to hear a young priestess of the chantry giving a sermon. Kai felt her eyes narrowing upon hearing the woman going on about death and the Maker’s “Plan.” Her fists clenched, but before she could make a cynical comment a voice behind her drew her attention away from the sermon.
“Greetings, young lady, you are Duncan’s new recruit, are you not? He is a man not easily impressed, you should be proud.” Kai turned to find an older woman with gray hair pulled back into a ponytail wearing mage robes. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Wynne, one of the mages summoned by the king.”
Kai bowed slightly, “Pleased to meet you, I am Kai.”
“Well met, and good luck to you on the battlefield. To us all in fact.” Wynne gave a her a small smile.
Kai found it fascinating. She had heard of mages using spells in battles, but had never seen such. The only magic users she had ever encountered had been healers who worked for Highever castle, taking care of any sick or injured in the castle or the town. “Will you and the other mages be fighting beside the king?”
Wynne gave a small laugh, “Not precisely, the Grey Wardens will be on the front lines, not the mages.”
“King Cailan thinks the battle will go well.” Kai looked back over at the priestess still giving her sermon.
“The king must always seem confident. His behavior affects the troops’ morale. He does seem to find his enthusiasm easily though. Reminds me of a puppy, and I say that with both respect and affection. He is a fine man.” Kai watched as the mage stopped to stir the boiling contents of the large cauldron beside her. From the scent of the steam as it wafted towards her, Kai figured it must be healing potion. She handed Wynne the herbs she had gathered over to the older woman, who smiled and nodded, “To defeat the darkspawn, we must all work together. It’s not an idea everyone seems able to grasp.” The elder mage turned back to Kai and crossed her arms over her chest.
“Have you faced darkspawn before?” Kai had to wonder just what kind of spells this woman might be capable of casting. She looked like she could be someone’s sweet little grandmother. Right down to the lecturing tone of voice.
“Stragglers, yes-- not the vast horde the soldiers speak of. I wonder...how much do you know of the connection between darkspawn and the Fade, young woman?”
Kai grinned, lecture time, “I know the Fade is where we go when we dream.”
“True, anytime our spirits leave our earthly bodies, whether it’s to dream or to die, it goes into a realm we call the Fade. The Fade is home to many spirits, some benevolent, others less so. At the heart of the Dream part of the Fade lies the Black City.”
“Yeah, I heard our priestess, Mother Mollol, speak of it. I am afraid, however, that I listened with half an ear, if I listened at all.” Kai gave Wynne an impish smile and she received a chuckle in response.
Wynne shook her head and continued, “Some say the Black City was once the seat of the Maker. But when mages from Tevinter Imperium found a way into the city, it was tainted with their sin.” The mage rocked back on her heals, “That taint transformed those men, turning them into twisted reflections of their own hearts. And the Maker cast them back to the earth, where they became the first darkspawn.” Wynne crossed her arms over her chest, “At least that is what the Chant of Light says.”
Kai snorted. “The Chantry and its Chant of Light says a lot of things, but explains very little. My personal favorite is their old stand by, ‘It’s the Maker’s Plan.’ The Chantry uses it for everything from boils on arses to explaining the wholesale slaughter of families, including innocent six year old boys.” Her voice pitched higher with a sarcastic tone, “What, all of your beloveds were slaughtered in front of you? Don’t worry! It’s the Maker’s Plan!” Kai’s voice lowered to a growl as she tossed an angry look over her shoulder at the still prattling priestess behind her. When she turned back it was to find Wynne staring at her, eyebrow raised. “Sorry, don’t mind me.”
The mage shook her head, “Yes, well, it may be just allegory meant to teach us that our evil causes human suffering. Or it may be true. It is as good an explanation as any, for now.”
Kai refrained from rolling her eyes, barely, “At least it is something to ponder.” Along with navel lint and eye boogers.
Wynne’s voice cooled, as if she knew what Kai had been thinking, “Yes, occasionally it’s wise to contemplate one’s actions. But I am sure that Duncan has more for you to do than stand here chatting with me.” The older woman cocked an eyebrow once more and crossed her arms. “Thank you for the herbs, young lady.”
Kai grinned and bowed, taking herself around to the right past the large cauldron, stopping briefly to speak to a mage, who was not a mage, but a “Tranquil.” That whole conversation, as well as the practice to make the man such, disturbed Kai greatly. So much so, that she was distracted by her thoughts and she found herself walking up a ramp in the wrong direction., heading west instead of north.
She turned back and on adjusting her course overheard a conversation between a handsome younger man and one of the female soldiers. He was apparently chatting the girl up as he said something about grabbing the moment as said woman’s “pretty” head could be decorating a darkspawn’s pike on the morrow. That line caused Kai to stop and watch the soldier’s response. If she had anyone to wager with, she would have bet that come-on would garner a slap. She borrowed Wynne’s look and stood grinning with her arms crossed and an eyebrow cocked. She would have lost money, as the blond simply glared at the man, “Am I to take that silent glare as a no? Well then.”
Kai burst out laughing as the pretty girl stuck her nose up in the air and stalked past her up the ramp, “I am afraid, my friend, referencing a pike where one’s severed head might rest, is not the ‘pike’ she would have been interested in. Better luck next time.”
“I don’t supposed you would be interested in that particular pike, after all, we could all die in the coming battle.” The man came and stood in front of her giving her a charming grin. His amber colored eyes a contrast to his dark hair. He was very handsome, and he knew it.
Kai snorted, “Save your charm, ser, I am even less impressionable than your previous companion.”
“You can’t blame a chap for trying now can you?” He grinned at her, “Wait, I know who you are!” Kai watched his eyes get wide in surprise, “Well, you’re not what I thought you’d be.”
Kai laughed, “You have me at the disadvantage. Who are you, and in what way am I not what you expected? Were you expecting a mabari?”
“A mabari might not have been as surprising. I didn’t expect Duncan’s recruit to be a woman.” His grin got wider, “Not that I object in any way, you understand.”
“Uh huh, I understand perfectly. You are an intense admirer of the female form.” Kai rolled her eyes.
“Guilty as charged. The name’s Daveth. It’s about bloody time you came along. I was beginning to think they cooked this ritual up for our benefit.” He looked at Kai with a frown on his face.
Kai huffed, “Isn’t that a little paranoid?”
“Maybe, maybe not.” Daveth grinned at her
“What do you know about this ritual?” Kai had to admit she was curious, if pressed.
Daveth’s smile turned sheepish, “I happened to be sneaking around camp last night, see...” Kai chuckled. Ah another rogue like herself, she mused silently. “And I heard a couple of Grey Wardens talking. So I listened in for a bit.” Kai raised her eyebrows at him and watched a delightful blush creep up his neck, “I’m thinking they mean to send us into the Wilds.”
Kai shrugged, “So what? That wouldn’t frighten me.”
Daveth’s amber eyes got wide, “Cannibals, beasts, witches, and now darkspawn? What isn’t there to be scared of?” He shivered visibly, “It’s all too secretive for me. Makes my nose twitch.” He shrugged his own shoulders, “I guess we’ll have to wait and see. Like we have a choice.”
“So, you aren’t here of your own volition then?” Kai tilted her head slightly, assessing the man in front of her more closely.
“Nah, I was born near the Wilds, that’s why I know so much about them. I ran away from me da, who had a heavy hand and a short temper, as soon as I was able. I lived in Denerim, a pickpocket, that’s me. I snatched Duncan’s money pouch. He caught me. He is quick for an old bugger. Faster than he looks. Chased me he did, would have caught me too, but the Denerim guards caught me first. They meant to stretch my neck but good, if not for that cheeky old bastard. He conscripted me right out from under them. I gave the guards the two fingered salute as we walked away.” Daveth laughed and Kai found herself joining him.
“I’ll watch your back if you watch mine.” Kai winked.
Daveth gave her a leering grin, “Oh, I’ll watch your back.” He chuckled low.
Kai laughed and waved a hand dismissively, “Just don’t get too distracted back there.”
Daveth chortled, “I’ll try to keep my wits about me.” He put out his arm to Kai and she grasped it in a warrior’s salute. “Anyway, I expect it’s time to get back to Duncan. That’s where I’ll be, if you need me for anything.”
Kai watched him walk to the south towards the large bonfire by the Warden side of camp. She shook her head and smiled to herself. Well, her fellow recruit was an interesting man, indeed. Kai turned and walked past the anvil and the Quartermaster to travel up the ramp, following the direction the guard had pointed her in. She found herself in a ‘T’ intersection. To her left a long table with maps fluttering in the breeze. To her right another ramp leading to another open area surrounded by columns.
As she saw only two elven servants working around the table and no one else, so she decided to go right, to the open atrium. She walked up the ramp listening to the sounds from camp mixing with wind winding its way through the granite pillars. She came to the rise as the ramp met with the level granite tiled courtyard. Two men stood before her, one in armor and the other in mage’s robes, the breeze carried their voices in her direction.
“What is it now? Haven’t the Grey Wardens asked enough of the Circle?” The sour faced man in the mage robes sounded as if he had been chewing lemons dipped in salt.
“I simply came to deliver a message from the revered mother, ser mage.” Kai watched the younger man dressed in armor who must be Alistair. His honey brown hair held glints from the sun that was creeping it higher above the horizon. He wore split mail armor and was handsome in a goofy sort of way. And she couldn’t help but feel that he looked familiar. He continued addressing his less than friendly companion. “She desires your presence.”
“What her Reverence ‘desires’ is of no concern to me! I am busy helping the Grey Wardens--by the king’s orders, I might add.” The mage’s voice started to rise an octave. If she had been asked, Kai would have sided with the sour fellow on this. The Revered Mother, the old bat, could take a long walk off of a short pier into Lake Calenhad and the world would be a better place as far as Kai was concerned.
Kai put her arms over her chest and crossed her ankles as she leaned against the door frame, making herself comfortable to watch the entertainment. Alistair continued, “Should I have asked her to write a note?” Kai snorted loud enough causing both men to glance in her direction. The mage frowned harder before turning back to the Grey Warden.
“Tell her I will not be harassed in this manner!” The mage was practically jumping out of his boots in his snit.
“Yes, I was harassing you by delivering a message.” Kai chuckled, the mage turned and glared, his face turning an interesting shade of red.
He turned his gorgon’s look on Alistair, “Your glibness does you no credit.”
“And here I thought we were getting along so well. I was even thinking of naming one of my children after you...” Alistair leaned in towards the mage with a lopsided grin on his face, cocking an eyebrow, his voice dripping with sarcasm, “The grumpy one.”
Kai thought she would break a rib laughing so hard. Her amusement did not endear her to the mage at all, his voice rose as he screamed at them both. “Enough!” His face was almost purple in his rage, “I will speak to the woman if I must!” And with that he turned sharply and stalked towards Kai. “Get out of my way, fool!” His shoulder bumped her own as he strode past.
“Oi!” Kai turned to face the mage as he spun around half way down the ramp. “You can just go get happy in the same robes you got sad in, now can’t you?” She smiled sweetly at him. He huffed, and waved his hands dismissively, his robes making a rustling noise as he turned and stalked away. Kai stuck her tongue out at his retreating back.
She turned back to see Alistair watching her with a big grin on his face. By his reaction, she could tell he must have heard her comment. “You know one good thing about the Blight is how it brings people together.”
His grin was lopsided and infectious, “I know exactly what you mean.” Kai felt her own lips curving at the corners.
He laughed, a lovely rumbling chuckle that reminded her of her father, “It’s like a party, we could all stand in a circle and hold hands.” She couldn’t help but laugh too. “That would give the darkspawn something to think about.”
The grin left to be replaced by a quizzical look, “Wait, we haven’t met, have we? I don’t suppose you happen to be another mage?”
She snickered, “Would that make your day worse?”
“Hardly. I just like to know my chances of being turned into a toad at any given moment.” She found herself watching his lips pulled into that lopsided smile that and she felt herself being drawn to it.
She chuckled again, “You are a very strange man.”
He grinned wider, “You are not the first woman to tell me that.”
Kai burst out laughing, “Somehow, that does not surprise me at all.” She was happy to hear his own laughter echo in a ring off the columns.
“Wait, I do know who you are. You’re Duncan’s new recruit, from Highever.” The sunlight caught the tips of his amber gold hair as he ducked his head, his dark grey eyes scrutinizing her. “I should have recognized you right away. I apologize.”
Kai shrugged him off, “How would you recognize me?”
He gave an impish smile she didn’t understand, as if he was in on some joke only he knew. “Duncan sent word.” Then is grin turned genuine, “He spoke quite highly of you. Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Alistair, the newest Grey Warden, though I guess you knew that. As the junior member of the order, I’ll be accompanying you when you prepare for the Joining.”
Kai reached out and grasped his arm in a warrior’s grasp. She felt the muscles of his forearm under her fingertips. A jolt of electricity seemed to shoot through her hand. She also had this niggling feeling in the back of her head that his voice sounded familiar, but that couldn’t possibly be right. She knew they had never met until now.
She was surprised to see his slightly dazed expression, as if he too felt the same sensation. She stammered and flushed, “Pl..pleased to meet you. My name is Kai.”
She watched his own skin turn pink, “Right, that was the name.” He cleared his throat as if he was casting about for something else to say. “You know...it just occurred to me that there have never been many women in the Grey Wardens. I wonder why that is?”
Kai grinned, “Because we are too smart for you?”
Alistair chuckled, “Probably, but what does that make you?”
Kai wrinkled her nose, “Incredibly unlucky?”
Alistair’s chuckle turned into a a guffaw, “Ouch!”
She cocked her eyebrow and pitched her voice in a teasing tone, “So, you want more women in the Wardens, do you?”
He smirked, “Would that be so terrible?” The grin disappeared as Kai raised both eyebrows at him, pretending to be insulted. She watched him raise both hands in supplication, “Wait, not that I’m some drooling lecher or anything.” He was blushing adorably and she could barely keep a straight face. “Please stop looking at me like that.” His blush deepened and Kai took pity on him, allowing the mirth she had bottled up to burst forth in ringing peals of laughter.
She was laughing so hard she had to put her hands on her knees and gasp for breath. Maker, how she had needed that. When she finally collected herself enough to straighten back up while wiping the tears from her eyes, she found him still blushing furiously but he was grinning from ear to ear, “So, I’m curious. Have you ever encountered darkspawn before?’
Kai shook her head, “No, I can’t say that I have.”
She watched him furrow his brow, his face becoming more grim, “When I fought my first one, I wasn’t prepared for how monstrous it was. I can’t say I’m looking forward to encountering another.” He shook his head and smiled that lopsided smile once more, “Anyhow, whenever you’re ready we can continue exploring camp, I can show you around. I need to find the other recruits then we can head back to Duncan. I imagine he and Bernardo are making preparations for the Joining.”
Kai nodded and they walked side by side down the ramp and into the warmth of the midday sun.
#82
Posté 16 juillet 2010 - 09:56
Lynn01
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ooooh, Finally alistair is in the picture 
nicely written again, his humor is win!
nicely written again, his humor is win!
#83
Posté 17 juillet 2010 - 02:55
Gilgamesh1138
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Thanks Lynn! You rock my socks! 
I was hoping I would get his humor well enough.
I was hoping I would get his humor well enough.
#84
Posté 17 juillet 2010 - 08:42
Slim Warden
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Wonderful Gil, I truly enjoyed Kai and Alistair's interaction, priceless.
#85
Posté 17 juillet 2010 - 03:24
westiex9
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Hehe i love the bit about the "Makers Plan" and Alistair talking that guard out of his chesse sandwhich so funny!
#86
Posté 17 juillet 2010 - 06:34
Gilgamesh1138
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Thanks both of you! You guys rock my world! *hugs Slim and westie*
*hugs Slim and westie*
#87
Posté 29 juillet 2010 - 04:45
Gilgamesh1138
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Chapter 14
~Wanderings and Musings~
Kai walked along next to Alistair. He radiated heat, and with his wide shoulders and broad chest, he cut a strapping figure. That coupled with
his exuberant personality made him seem to fill the space immediately surrounding them. Physically, she felt dwarfed by his presence, not even
Fergus made her feel as small as the man beside her now did. And there was something familiar about him that tickled at the back of her mind.
To distract herself she sought to continue their conversation. “That argument I saw...what was it about?”
He stopped and grinned at her, “With the mage? The Circle is here at the king’s request, and the Chantry doesn’t like that one bit. They just
love letting mages know how un-welcome they are.” He sighed heavily, “Which puts me in a bit of an awkward position. I was once a Templar, you
see.”
“You were a mage hunter?” Kai frowned.
He blushed, “Not that that’s all Templars do, but yes. He looked down, “I’m sure the Revered Mother meant it as an insult, sending me as her
messenger. And the mage picked right up on that.” She watched a pained expression cross Alistair’s face. “I never would have agreed to deliver
it, but Duncan says we’re all to cooperate and get along.” A grin creased his features again, “Apparently, they didn’t get the same speech.”
“The old witch, her ‘high-assedness’ as Fergus and I called her, once visited Highever. Notice I said once.” Kai grinned at him.
Alistair’s laugh made her heart beat faster, “Really! So what happened?”
“Well, the Maker’s fish wife prattled on about the Chantry’s teachings, and she didn’t like my asking questions, particularly when she couldn’t
come up with any realistic answers. She finally turned red, threw up her hands and screamed at me that it was just the way it was. She left the
next day and never visited again.” Kai chuckled, “Good riddance to bad rubbish as far as I was concerned. She holds no love for me I’m afraid.”
“Hah, she hates me! I had no choice about being a Templar. I never wanted to be one, I was....” His blush deepened and he looked away, “I was
miserable. Duncan rescued me, he...saved me, just in time. The Revered Mother was not happy with his conscripting me. I thought she would
arrest us both.” He looked at Kai once again, his eyes crimped at the corners, “The woman still scares me like she did when I was a child. I
found myself agreeing to be her messenger boy. Old habits die hard I’m afraid.” He gave her a sheepish grin and that charming blush of his
crept up his neck.
“Alistair, what about the other recruits? I met one, Daveth. Charming fellow, or at least he thinks he is at any rate.” Kai chuckled.
“Right, that cutpurse Duncan conscripted. Not sure what Duncan sees in him, to be honest.” Alistair rolled his eyes. Daveth probably reminded
Duncan of a younger version of himself, at least that is why Kai thought he might have recruited him, but she didn’t say so. “Ser Jory is the
other recruit, he is here in camp somewhere. Keep an eye out, maybe we’ll see him. Or I can track him down later.”
“I look forward to traveling with you.” Kai blushed, she hadn’t meant to just blurt that out. She felt like a blundering cow. The man was
going to think her strange.
“You do? Huh. That’s a switch.” His blush matched her own, but he was grinning, “Lead on then.” He swept his hand forward and they continued
walking. Kai stopped briefly at the Quartermaster to acquaint herself with what supplies the man had. After purchasing a few Mabari biscuits
for Argus, they turned right and walked up the ramp that Kai had taken in error earlier.
To her left were the Infirmary tents with wounded men lying on cots, their soft groans and one man’s mumbled frightened cries carried on the
wind. Straight ahead she observed a Chantry priestess giving blessings to two men and a female knight. The woman in armor looked familiar; Kai
had seen her at the Landsmeet before, always near Loghain. Before she could figure it out, one of the soldiers came towards them.
Kai assessed the man as he drew near. His dark receding hair was cut close to his skull, and he wore a goatee with his upper lip bare. He had a
prominent nose and a way of widening his small rather beady eyes when he spoke as if he was some small animal wary of noises. Her first
impression was that the man was a bit of a squirrelly bastard. The man drew closer and Alistair whispered in her ear, “Ser Jory.”
Jory stopped in front of her with a slight nod to Alistair and stuck out his arm to grasp Kai’s in a warrior’s grasp. “Greetings, you must be
the third recruit we’ve heard about?”
“Hail and well met. I am Kai.” She noted that his grasp was a bit enthusiastic.
“Ser Jory is my name. I hail from Redcliffe, where I served as a knight under the command of Arl Eamon.” He squinted at Kai, “I was not aware
that they permitted women to join the Grey Wardens. None of those I’ve seen thus far have been.”
Kai grinned, “Maybe they saved the best for last.”
Her joke apparently went over Ser Jory’s head. He is, Kai thought to herself, as sharp as a marble. “You obviously impressed Duncan and that is
enough for me.” He continued, “I hope we’re both lucky enough to eventually join the Wardens. Is it not thrilling to be given that chance?”
Kai tried again, just in case he had been preoccupied with her being female and missed her previous attempt at a jest, “Aren’t you nervous about
fighting darkspawn?” She grinned raising an eyebrow. She struggled to hold in her mirth when her attempt at levity was missed by Jory once
again.
“I would be lying if I said I wasn’t. As a boy my mother told us darkspawn hunted down all children who misbehaved.” His vague look turned
almost vacant, “It is a foolish superstition I know, but I still shiver when I think of fighting them.” He shook his head, “Tell me, has anyone
told you what this Joining ritual entails?”
Kai wanted to giggle at Jory’s childhood superstition, but she refrained, stopping herself by biting the inside of her cheek, “Daveth said we
might be going into the Wilds.”
Jory’s eyes widened once more, “I have never heard of such a ritual. I had no idea there were more tests after getting recruited.” Ser Jory let
out an exasperated sigh, “I suppose since you are here, I’d best get back to our camp. I’ll see you there.” He walked away from them without a
backwards glance.
Kai grinned at Alistair, “Not the sharpest nail in the horseshoe and a bit on the squirrelly side, isn’t he?”
Alistair chuckled, but before he could make a comment, the priestess who had been giving the sermon broke in, “Ah! I suspect you are one of the
new Grey Wardens. Will you accept the Maker’s blessing?”
Kai searched for her most diplomatic tone of voice, “No, I’d prefer not to.”
The priestess’ eyes grew hard and her lips formed a thin line, “Then begone, heathen!” She made a dismissive gesture with her hand at Kai, “That
the Grey Wardens accept the likes of you is forever their greatest weakness.”
Kai’s face flushed with anger, and she balled her fists, “That the Chantry accepts the likes of you is forever their greatest weakness. And to
take myself away from one of the Maker’s narrow minded strumpets is a pleasure indeed.”
Alistair grasped Kai’s upper arm and walked her off to the side. He was probably worried she was going to plant a fist in the priestess’s face.
What he said next confirmed it, “What in the Maker’s name are you doing? Did you miss the part where I said Duncan asked us all to get along?”
Kai paced in front of him, clenching and unclenching her fists. She stopped in front of him, her breath coming out in a angry huff, “I don’t get
along with the Maker’s harlots who think they are better than everyone else. I wasn’t rude; I didn’t give her the two fingered salute when she
asked me if I would accept the Maker’s blessing. I turned her down politely, if you’ll remember.” Kai took a deep breath and pitched her voice
lower, “Did I deserve to be called ‘a heathen,’ and did she have the right to insult the Grey? The very Grey Wardens, I might add, who are here
to save the likes of that trumped up biddy from getting eaten!”
Alistair blushed and shook his head before breaking into a grin, “Don’t be ridiculous. No darkspawn would eat her, they might get sick.”
Kai could only stare at him as her anger ebbed away like water out of a broken pot. The laughter, when it came, burst out unexpectedly catching
her by surprise. He led her to a bench and had her sit down before she fell down laughing.
As the laughter died down, she found herself looking at Alistair appraising him as well as her reaction to him. This man could make her laugh,
no matter how bad things were. Only two men in her life were able to do that, one was dead and the other out in the Wilds on patrol. “Tell me a
little about yourself.” She flushed; the question had just come out as if her mind had no filter for her mouth.
Alistair gave her a lopsided grin and looked at his lap before answering, “As I said, I was trained as a Templar before Duncan recruited me about
six months ago. The Chantry raised me and becoming a Templar was a decision made for me a long time ago.” His eyes crimped and he grimaced.
The memory obviously pained him. Kai put a hand on his armored forearm in comfort, and he gave her a small smile. “Duncan saw I wasn’t happy
and figured my training against mages could double for fighting darkspawn. Now here I stand a proud Grey Warden, or sit rather.”
She chuckled, “You speak fondly of Duncan.”
His features softened with a look of affection, “I spent years in that chantry, hopelessly resigned to my fate. Duncan was the first person who
cared what I wanted. He risked a lot of trouble with the Grand Cleric to help me.”
“You didn’t want to join the Chantry then? Not that I blame you. I, personally, would rather set myself on fire.” Kai grinned at him.
Alistair looked sheepish, “It just...wasn’t for me. I believe in the Maker well enough, but I never wanted to devote my life to the Chantry.”
Kai found her hand had come to rest on top of his without her realizing it had done so. She blushed and hurriedly removed it. She cast about
for something to say, “Alistair, may I ask you about some things?”
“Sure, what about?”
“Tell me about Duncan. He was a friend of my...,” Kai gulped, “of my parents, a good friend apparently. But I didn’t discover that until
recently. I...I didn’t have the chance to ask them about him.” Kai looked to her lap where she had unconsciously balled her hands into fists.
With effort she uncurled her fingers and straightened them out resting them on her leather clad thighs.
If Alistair had noticed her distress, he chose to let it pass. “Duncan is the leader of the Grey Wardens in Ferelden...which he would say
doesn’t mean much, as there aren’t many of us here. Yet.” He grinned, “Beyond that he is a good man. A good judge of character, even with his
choice of the cutpurse. I owe him a lot. What about you? What do you think of him?” His look became almost puppy dog hopeful.
“I think he is a kind and honorable man. My parents...my parents thought highly of him. He was their friend, as I said, a closer one than I had
thought. But more than that, I owe him as well. He saved me...twice.” Kai felt the shame of her foolish action well up causing her skin to
flush. She absently rubbed the leather vambrace over the still healing cut beneath it.
Alistair looked at her and put a hand on her shoulder in sympathy, though it was clear from his expression he had no idea what he was being
sympathetic for. “That sounds familiar. He’s done the best he can with what little he has...and that includes me I guess.”
Kai found herself giggling despite herself. What was it about this man? He made her feel better with a few words of kindness or a joke, “Well,
he certainly has his work cut out with me as well.” She gave him a rueful grin.
“Speaking of Duncan, while we were on the Imperial Highway traveling here, he mentioned the Blight.”
Alistair grinned, “Of course, I will try and fill in the gaps. So, do you want the Chantry’s version or the truth?”
“Well, after my run in with the chantry tramp, you can guess I prefer the truth. Especially since I have never been one for lies.” Kai wrinkled
her nose.
“The truth is, we don’t really know. They come up from the ground and that is as far as we’ve gotten.” Alistair gave her a sheepish look,
“They’ve controlled the Deep Roads ever since they defeated the dwarven kingdoms.”
“Is that why we don’t kill them when they’re underground?” Kai cocked an eyebrow.
Alistair nodded, “Even if we invaded the Deep Roads, we can only chase them so far.”
“So the defeat of the dwarves, that was the first Blight?”
“Yes, and it nearly wiped us all out, not just the dwarves. When defeated, the darkspawn flee underground to seek out another old god to corrupt
with the taint, thus bringing another Blight. Without leadership, finding and extracting on old god can take centuries.” Alistair grinned at
her, “Which is why so much time can pass between Blights.”
“So what are the old gods? I read they were supposed to be dragons? Big and extremely intelligent, right?” Alistair looked impressed. Kai
shrugged, “I am addicted to the written word.”
“The Tevinter Empire had big statues of them. Each dragon had a name and a place in the cosmos. It’s all very intricate. The archdemons may or
may not be the Old Gods, but they’re definitely dragons.” He smiled, “Now as to the Chantry’s version....”
Kai cut him off with a derisive snort, “I know the Chantry’s fantastical version. In fact, I had a refresher from one of the mages I met while
looking for you. It is a version I have heard all my life and one that caused the Grand Cleric to flee Highever in a snit to end all snits when
the old biddy couldn’t answer my questions about it.”
Alistair burst into laughter, “I’ll bet. She hates to be challenged on any level. That’s probably why she hates me and definitely why she hates
Duncan.”
“Duncan is sure that this is a true Blight. So why are some people so skeptical?”
Alistair shrugged, “The Grey Wardens killed so many darkspawn by the end of the last Blight, people decided they were gone for good.”
Something struck Kai, “So where is the archdemon for this Blight?”
“We haven’t seen it yet. People are beginning to think this is just an unusually large darkspawn raid without an archdemon to unify them.”
Alistair grimaced, “But seriously...the archdemon could be in the Wilds or underground. It could be hiding. Just because it hasn’t shown itself
doesn’t mean it isn’t out there.”
“So just how many darkspawn are out there for this archdemon to control? Duncan said that their numbers were increasing.”
Again he shrugged, “Thousands? Tens of thousands? They’ve had centuries to build up their numbers.”
Kai felt her stomach do a twirl at the possible numbers of the horde, “So, how does anyone even know about this Blight?”
Alistair’s face became guarded. “The Grey Wardens keep watch. We...feel the darkspawn when they come.” He looked down then back at her,
“You’ll understand after the Joining, if you...well, you’ll understand.”
Ah, so that was why they were so secretive. Whatever this Joining entails, it could mean death. She had suspected something of the sort from
the little snatches of information Duncan had given up as well as from what he hadn’t said. Well, she might wind up in the Fade with her family
after all. “So, how exactly do the Grey Wardens defeat Blights?”
Alistair grinned, his voice taking on a dramatic storyteller tone, “We cut off the snake’s head. It’s the only way. At least according to the
books Duncan gave me to read and study from. According to those texts, the most famous Grey Warden leader Garahel killed the archdemon Andoral
in personal combat at the battle of Ayesleigh to end the last Blight. Without the archdemon to command them, the darkspawn fled back
underground.”
“I was raised on stories of the Grey, and my...my father used to tell us those stories. He had the utmost admiration and respect for the Grey.
What makes the Grey Wardens, like Garahel, so special?”
“This shouldn’t be hard for you to grasp since Duncan has sung your praises as a fighter. The Grey Wardens are warriors without equal.
Darkspawn threatened to destroy the world four times over. Each time the Grey led mankind to victory. Nobody knows more about the darkspawn,
and nobody’s better equipped to deal with them. You’ll see. Trust me.” His hand covered one of hers this time.
It was his statement, as well as his touch, that had her blushing. She did trust him, without question or hesitation, which had her puzzled.
“So... they’re like knights?”
“I...don’t know if I’d go that far. Duncan says the Grey Wardens do whatever is necessary to protect mankind from darkspawn.” He frowned, “That
means some pretty extreme things. And surely you’ve heard of Weisshaupt Fortress?” Kai nodded, one of the many books her great-great
grandfather or great-grandfather or grandfather or her father had placed in the library had been about Weisshaupt and the aerie with the
magnificent griffons that had lived there. “The great aerie carved into the white cliffs far off in the Anderfels? That’s where the Grey once
kept their griffons.”
Kai nodded again. “What happened to the griffons?”
“They died out, and our numbers have dwindled ever since the last Blight. There’s only a handful left in Ferelden. And only a few more than
that in other nations.” He sighed, and they sat in companionable silence listening to the pine scented breeze as it blew through the ruins.
Kai turned back towards Alistair to see him looking into the distance as if in thought, but he turned back to her readily enough. “Where are our
fellow Grey now?”
“Well, we have our camp here, as you know, but the others are camped with the King’s soldiers in the valley. The King’s given us a position of
honor at the vanguard, despite our small numbers.” Kai watched as Alistair rolled his eyes, “I think Cailan is actually excited to ride into
battle with us. Maybe he thinks that’s what his father would have done? Dunno.”
“So what about the upcoming battle? Duncan mentioned the others had gone well, but seemed more worried about this battle. He said the numbers
were building this time. How will we handle them if there are so few of the Grey?”
Alistair sighed, “I’ll tell you, it’s Teyrn Loghain we should be looking to win it, not the king. Cailan just wants his place in history. The
teyrn is planning the strategy.“ He blushed, “Err, that’s my opinion, anyway. I guess I should be thankful the king favors us Wardens, but I
know who’s keeping the lid on the pot.”
“Why are we having the battle here in this ancient ruin, of all places?”
“We’re at the edge of the Kocari Wilds, the eye of the Blight’s storm, right where the horde will be coming. Ostagar itself is an excellent
defensive position. The Wilders were pushed back from here time and again in ancient days.” He swept his arm to encompass the ruins before
them.
“How much will we be participating, as the newer Wardens?” Kai grinned at him.
“You know that is a good question. The other Grey Wardens are riding into the battle with the king, myself included. I don’t know if you or the
other new recruits will be with us.”
“And our chances of success?” Kai lifted her eyebrow at him.
“I’m sure Teyrn Loghain has the battle planned to the last detail, as I said he has the lid to the pot. Still...no Blight has ever been defeated
with so little cost.” He shrugged.
“And if we fail?”
“If we don’t break the horde here, Duncan says it will spread until it engulfs all of Ferelden. Then it will take an alliance of nations to
fight it.” Alistair sighed, “Which would be...bad. Neither the king nor the teyrn really seems to believe this is a real Blight, however.” He
stood up and offered his hand to her to help her up.
“When Duncan first came to our castle, my father...my father mentioned the Right of Conscription? So the Grey Wardens have the right to recruit
anyone?”
“King Maric, Cailan’s father, reaffirmed the power the Grey Wardens were given during the Blights. In practice, we can’t conscript too often
without hurting our cause. We were exiled from Ferelden once...best not let happen again.”
“You mean like recruiting men in crow’s cages?” Kai pointed to a pale, thin, man stripped down to his small clothes sitting behind iron bars
swinging in the air a few feet away. The man was gesturing Kai over.
Kai started to walk towards the man. Alistair followed sputtering, “Exactly my point, we can’t...Kai, hey-y why does no one listen to me?”
~Wanderings and Musings~
Kai walked along next to Alistair. He radiated heat, and with his wide shoulders and broad chest, he cut a strapping figure. That coupled with
his exuberant personality made him seem to fill the space immediately surrounding them. Physically, she felt dwarfed by his presence, not even
Fergus made her feel as small as the man beside her now did. And there was something familiar about him that tickled at the back of her mind.
To distract herself she sought to continue their conversation. “That argument I saw...what was it about?”
He stopped and grinned at her, “With the mage? The Circle is here at the king’s request, and the Chantry doesn’t like that one bit. They just
love letting mages know how un-welcome they are.” He sighed heavily, “Which puts me in a bit of an awkward position. I was once a Templar, you
see.”
“You were a mage hunter?” Kai frowned.
He blushed, “Not that that’s all Templars do, but yes. He looked down, “I’m sure the Revered Mother meant it as an insult, sending me as her
messenger. And the mage picked right up on that.” She watched a pained expression cross Alistair’s face. “I never would have agreed to deliver
it, but Duncan says we’re all to cooperate and get along.” A grin creased his features again, “Apparently, they didn’t get the same speech.”
“The old witch, her ‘high-assedness’ as Fergus and I called her, once visited Highever. Notice I said once.” Kai grinned at him.
Alistair’s laugh made her heart beat faster, “Really! So what happened?”
“Well, the Maker’s fish wife prattled on about the Chantry’s teachings, and she didn’t like my asking questions, particularly when she couldn’t
come up with any realistic answers. She finally turned red, threw up her hands and screamed at me that it was just the way it was. She left the
next day and never visited again.” Kai chuckled, “Good riddance to bad rubbish as far as I was concerned. She holds no love for me I’m afraid.”
“Hah, she hates me! I had no choice about being a Templar. I never wanted to be one, I was....” His blush deepened and he looked away, “I was
miserable. Duncan rescued me, he...saved me, just in time. The Revered Mother was not happy with his conscripting me. I thought she would
arrest us both.” He looked at Kai once again, his eyes crimped at the corners, “The woman still scares me like she did when I was a child. I
found myself agreeing to be her messenger boy. Old habits die hard I’m afraid.” He gave her a sheepish grin and that charming blush of his
crept up his neck.
“Alistair, what about the other recruits? I met one, Daveth. Charming fellow, or at least he thinks he is at any rate.” Kai chuckled.
“Right, that cutpurse Duncan conscripted. Not sure what Duncan sees in him, to be honest.” Alistair rolled his eyes. Daveth probably reminded
Duncan of a younger version of himself, at least that is why Kai thought he might have recruited him, but she didn’t say so. “Ser Jory is the
other recruit, he is here in camp somewhere. Keep an eye out, maybe we’ll see him. Or I can track him down later.”
“I look forward to traveling with you.” Kai blushed, she hadn’t meant to just blurt that out. She felt like a blundering cow. The man was
going to think her strange.
“You do? Huh. That’s a switch.” His blush matched her own, but he was grinning, “Lead on then.” He swept his hand forward and they continued
walking. Kai stopped briefly at the Quartermaster to acquaint herself with what supplies the man had. After purchasing a few Mabari biscuits
for Argus, they turned right and walked up the ramp that Kai had taken in error earlier.
To her left were the Infirmary tents with wounded men lying on cots, their soft groans and one man’s mumbled frightened cries carried on the
wind. Straight ahead she observed a Chantry priestess giving blessings to two men and a female knight. The woman in armor looked familiar; Kai
had seen her at the Landsmeet before, always near Loghain. Before she could figure it out, one of the soldiers came towards them.
Kai assessed the man as he drew near. His dark receding hair was cut close to his skull, and he wore a goatee with his upper lip bare. He had a
prominent nose and a way of widening his small rather beady eyes when he spoke as if he was some small animal wary of noises. Her first
impression was that the man was a bit of a squirrelly bastard. The man drew closer and Alistair whispered in her ear, “Ser Jory.”
Jory stopped in front of her with a slight nod to Alistair and stuck out his arm to grasp Kai’s in a warrior’s grasp. “Greetings, you must be
the third recruit we’ve heard about?”
“Hail and well met. I am Kai.” She noted that his grasp was a bit enthusiastic.
“Ser Jory is my name. I hail from Redcliffe, where I served as a knight under the command of Arl Eamon.” He squinted at Kai, “I was not aware
that they permitted women to join the Grey Wardens. None of those I’ve seen thus far have been.”
Kai grinned, “Maybe they saved the best for last.”
Her joke apparently went over Ser Jory’s head. He is, Kai thought to herself, as sharp as a marble. “You obviously impressed Duncan and that is
enough for me.” He continued, “I hope we’re both lucky enough to eventually join the Wardens. Is it not thrilling to be given that chance?”
Kai tried again, just in case he had been preoccupied with her being female and missed her previous attempt at a jest, “Aren’t you nervous about
fighting darkspawn?” She grinned raising an eyebrow. She struggled to hold in her mirth when her attempt at levity was missed by Jory once
again.
“I would be lying if I said I wasn’t. As a boy my mother told us darkspawn hunted down all children who misbehaved.” His vague look turned
almost vacant, “It is a foolish superstition I know, but I still shiver when I think of fighting them.” He shook his head, “Tell me, has anyone
told you what this Joining ritual entails?”
Kai wanted to giggle at Jory’s childhood superstition, but she refrained, stopping herself by biting the inside of her cheek, “Daveth said we
might be going into the Wilds.”
Jory’s eyes widened once more, “I have never heard of such a ritual. I had no idea there were more tests after getting recruited.” Ser Jory let
out an exasperated sigh, “I suppose since you are here, I’d best get back to our camp. I’ll see you there.” He walked away from them without a
backwards glance.
Kai grinned at Alistair, “Not the sharpest nail in the horseshoe and a bit on the squirrelly side, isn’t he?”
Alistair chuckled, but before he could make a comment, the priestess who had been giving the sermon broke in, “Ah! I suspect you are one of the
new Grey Wardens. Will you accept the Maker’s blessing?”
Kai searched for her most diplomatic tone of voice, “No, I’d prefer not to.”
The priestess’ eyes grew hard and her lips formed a thin line, “Then begone, heathen!” She made a dismissive gesture with her hand at Kai, “That
the Grey Wardens accept the likes of you is forever their greatest weakness.”
Kai’s face flushed with anger, and she balled her fists, “That the Chantry accepts the likes of you is forever their greatest weakness. And to
take myself away from one of the Maker’s narrow minded strumpets is a pleasure indeed.”
Alistair grasped Kai’s upper arm and walked her off to the side. He was probably worried she was going to plant a fist in the priestess’s face.
What he said next confirmed it, “What in the Maker’s name are you doing? Did you miss the part where I said Duncan asked us all to get along?”
Kai paced in front of him, clenching and unclenching her fists. She stopped in front of him, her breath coming out in a angry huff, “I don’t get
along with the Maker’s harlots who think they are better than everyone else. I wasn’t rude; I didn’t give her the two fingered salute when she
asked me if I would accept the Maker’s blessing. I turned her down politely, if you’ll remember.” Kai took a deep breath and pitched her voice
lower, “Did I deserve to be called ‘a heathen,’ and did she have the right to insult the Grey? The very Grey Wardens, I might add, who are here
to save the likes of that trumped up biddy from getting eaten!”
Alistair blushed and shook his head before breaking into a grin, “Don’t be ridiculous. No darkspawn would eat her, they might get sick.”
Kai could only stare at him as her anger ebbed away like water out of a broken pot. The laughter, when it came, burst out unexpectedly catching
her by surprise. He led her to a bench and had her sit down before she fell down laughing.
As the laughter died down, she found herself looking at Alistair appraising him as well as her reaction to him. This man could make her laugh,
no matter how bad things were. Only two men in her life were able to do that, one was dead and the other out in the Wilds on patrol. “Tell me a
little about yourself.” She flushed; the question had just come out as if her mind had no filter for her mouth.
Alistair gave her a lopsided grin and looked at his lap before answering, “As I said, I was trained as a Templar before Duncan recruited me about
six months ago. The Chantry raised me and becoming a Templar was a decision made for me a long time ago.” His eyes crimped and he grimaced.
The memory obviously pained him. Kai put a hand on his armored forearm in comfort, and he gave her a small smile. “Duncan saw I wasn’t happy
and figured my training against mages could double for fighting darkspawn. Now here I stand a proud Grey Warden, or sit rather.”
She chuckled, “You speak fondly of Duncan.”
His features softened with a look of affection, “I spent years in that chantry, hopelessly resigned to my fate. Duncan was the first person who
cared what I wanted. He risked a lot of trouble with the Grand Cleric to help me.”
“You didn’t want to join the Chantry then? Not that I blame you. I, personally, would rather set myself on fire.” Kai grinned at him.
Alistair looked sheepish, “It just...wasn’t for me. I believe in the Maker well enough, but I never wanted to devote my life to the Chantry.”
Kai found her hand had come to rest on top of his without her realizing it had done so. She blushed and hurriedly removed it. She cast about
for something to say, “Alistair, may I ask you about some things?”
“Sure, what about?”
“Tell me about Duncan. He was a friend of my...,” Kai gulped, “of my parents, a good friend apparently. But I didn’t discover that until
recently. I...I didn’t have the chance to ask them about him.” Kai looked to her lap where she had unconsciously balled her hands into fists.
With effort she uncurled her fingers and straightened them out resting them on her leather clad thighs.
If Alistair had noticed her distress, he chose to let it pass. “Duncan is the leader of the Grey Wardens in Ferelden...which he would say
doesn’t mean much, as there aren’t many of us here. Yet.” He grinned, “Beyond that he is a good man. A good judge of character, even with his
choice of the cutpurse. I owe him a lot. What about you? What do you think of him?” His look became almost puppy dog hopeful.
“I think he is a kind and honorable man. My parents...my parents thought highly of him. He was their friend, as I said, a closer one than I had
thought. But more than that, I owe him as well. He saved me...twice.” Kai felt the shame of her foolish action well up causing her skin to
flush. She absently rubbed the leather vambrace over the still healing cut beneath it.
Alistair looked at her and put a hand on her shoulder in sympathy, though it was clear from his expression he had no idea what he was being
sympathetic for. “That sounds familiar. He’s done the best he can with what little he has...and that includes me I guess.”
Kai found herself giggling despite herself. What was it about this man? He made her feel better with a few words of kindness or a joke, “Well,
he certainly has his work cut out with me as well.” She gave him a rueful grin.
“Speaking of Duncan, while we were on the Imperial Highway traveling here, he mentioned the Blight.”
Alistair grinned, “Of course, I will try and fill in the gaps. So, do you want the Chantry’s version or the truth?”
“Well, after my run in with the chantry tramp, you can guess I prefer the truth. Especially since I have never been one for lies.” Kai wrinkled
her nose.
“The truth is, we don’t really know. They come up from the ground and that is as far as we’ve gotten.” Alistair gave her a sheepish look,
“They’ve controlled the Deep Roads ever since they defeated the dwarven kingdoms.”
“Is that why we don’t kill them when they’re underground?” Kai cocked an eyebrow.
Alistair nodded, “Even if we invaded the Deep Roads, we can only chase them so far.”
“So the defeat of the dwarves, that was the first Blight?”
“Yes, and it nearly wiped us all out, not just the dwarves. When defeated, the darkspawn flee underground to seek out another old god to corrupt
with the taint, thus bringing another Blight. Without leadership, finding and extracting on old god can take centuries.” Alistair grinned at
her, “Which is why so much time can pass between Blights.”
“So what are the old gods? I read they were supposed to be dragons? Big and extremely intelligent, right?” Alistair looked impressed. Kai
shrugged, “I am addicted to the written word.”
“The Tevinter Empire had big statues of them. Each dragon had a name and a place in the cosmos. It’s all very intricate. The archdemons may or
may not be the Old Gods, but they’re definitely dragons.” He smiled, “Now as to the Chantry’s version....”
Kai cut him off with a derisive snort, “I know the Chantry’s fantastical version. In fact, I had a refresher from one of the mages I met while
looking for you. It is a version I have heard all my life and one that caused the Grand Cleric to flee Highever in a snit to end all snits when
the old biddy couldn’t answer my questions about it.”
Alistair burst into laughter, “I’ll bet. She hates to be challenged on any level. That’s probably why she hates me and definitely why she hates
Duncan.”
“Duncan is sure that this is a true Blight. So why are some people so skeptical?”
Alistair shrugged, “The Grey Wardens killed so many darkspawn by the end of the last Blight, people decided they were gone for good.”
Something struck Kai, “So where is the archdemon for this Blight?”
“We haven’t seen it yet. People are beginning to think this is just an unusually large darkspawn raid without an archdemon to unify them.”
Alistair grimaced, “But seriously...the archdemon could be in the Wilds or underground. It could be hiding. Just because it hasn’t shown itself
doesn’t mean it isn’t out there.”
“So just how many darkspawn are out there for this archdemon to control? Duncan said that their numbers were increasing.”
Again he shrugged, “Thousands? Tens of thousands? They’ve had centuries to build up their numbers.”
Kai felt her stomach do a twirl at the possible numbers of the horde, “So, how does anyone even know about this Blight?”
Alistair’s face became guarded. “The Grey Wardens keep watch. We...feel the darkspawn when they come.” He looked down then back at her,
“You’ll understand after the Joining, if you...well, you’ll understand.”
Ah, so that was why they were so secretive. Whatever this Joining entails, it could mean death. She had suspected something of the sort from
the little snatches of information Duncan had given up as well as from what he hadn’t said. Well, she might wind up in the Fade with her family
after all. “So, how exactly do the Grey Wardens defeat Blights?”
Alistair grinned, his voice taking on a dramatic storyteller tone, “We cut off the snake’s head. It’s the only way. At least according to the
books Duncan gave me to read and study from. According to those texts, the most famous Grey Warden leader Garahel killed the archdemon Andoral
in personal combat at the battle of Ayesleigh to end the last Blight. Without the archdemon to command them, the darkspawn fled back
underground.”
“I was raised on stories of the Grey, and my...my father used to tell us those stories. He had the utmost admiration and respect for the Grey.
What makes the Grey Wardens, like Garahel, so special?”
“This shouldn’t be hard for you to grasp since Duncan has sung your praises as a fighter. The Grey Wardens are warriors without equal.
Darkspawn threatened to destroy the world four times over. Each time the Grey led mankind to victory. Nobody knows more about the darkspawn,
and nobody’s better equipped to deal with them. You’ll see. Trust me.” His hand covered one of hers this time.
It was his statement, as well as his touch, that had her blushing. She did trust him, without question or hesitation, which had her puzzled.
“So... they’re like knights?”
“I...don’t know if I’d go that far. Duncan says the Grey Wardens do whatever is necessary to protect mankind from darkspawn.” He frowned, “That
means some pretty extreme things. And surely you’ve heard of Weisshaupt Fortress?” Kai nodded, one of the many books her great-great
grandfather or great-grandfather or grandfather or her father had placed in the library had been about Weisshaupt and the aerie with the
magnificent griffons that had lived there. “The great aerie carved into the white cliffs far off in the Anderfels? That’s where the Grey once
kept their griffons.”
Kai nodded again. “What happened to the griffons?”
“They died out, and our numbers have dwindled ever since the last Blight. There’s only a handful left in Ferelden. And only a few more than
that in other nations.” He sighed, and they sat in companionable silence listening to the pine scented breeze as it blew through the ruins.
Kai turned back towards Alistair to see him looking into the distance as if in thought, but he turned back to her readily enough. “Where are our
fellow Grey now?”
“Well, we have our camp here, as you know, but the others are camped with the King’s soldiers in the valley. The King’s given us a position of
honor at the vanguard, despite our small numbers.” Kai watched as Alistair rolled his eyes, “I think Cailan is actually excited to ride into
battle with us. Maybe he thinks that’s what his father would have done? Dunno.”
“So what about the upcoming battle? Duncan mentioned the others had gone well, but seemed more worried about this battle. He said the numbers
were building this time. How will we handle them if there are so few of the Grey?”
Alistair sighed, “I’ll tell you, it’s Teyrn Loghain we should be looking to win it, not the king. Cailan just wants his place in history. The
teyrn is planning the strategy.“ He blushed, “Err, that’s my opinion, anyway. I guess I should be thankful the king favors us Wardens, but I
know who’s keeping the lid on the pot.”
“Why are we having the battle here in this ancient ruin, of all places?”
“We’re at the edge of the Kocari Wilds, the eye of the Blight’s storm, right where the horde will be coming. Ostagar itself is an excellent
defensive position. The Wilders were pushed back from here time and again in ancient days.” He swept his arm to encompass the ruins before
them.
“How much will we be participating, as the newer Wardens?” Kai grinned at him.
“You know that is a good question. The other Grey Wardens are riding into the battle with the king, myself included. I don’t know if you or the
other new recruits will be with us.”
“And our chances of success?” Kai lifted her eyebrow at him.
“I’m sure Teyrn Loghain has the battle planned to the last detail, as I said he has the lid to the pot. Still...no Blight has ever been defeated
with so little cost.” He shrugged.
“And if we fail?”
“If we don’t break the horde here, Duncan says it will spread until it engulfs all of Ferelden. Then it will take an alliance of nations to
fight it.” Alistair sighed, “Which would be...bad. Neither the king nor the teyrn really seems to believe this is a real Blight, however.” He
stood up and offered his hand to her to help her up.
“When Duncan first came to our castle, my father...my father mentioned the Right of Conscription? So the Grey Wardens have the right to recruit
anyone?”
“King Maric, Cailan’s father, reaffirmed the power the Grey Wardens were given during the Blights. In practice, we can’t conscript too often
without hurting our cause. We were exiled from Ferelden once...best not let happen again.”
“You mean like recruiting men in crow’s cages?” Kai pointed to a pale, thin, man stripped down to his small clothes sitting behind iron bars
swinging in the air a few feet away. The man was gesturing Kai over.
Kai started to walk towards the man. Alistair followed sputtering, “Exactly my point, we can’t...Kai, hey-y why does no one listen to me?”
Modifié par Gilgamesh1138, 28 août 2010 - 12:39 .
#88
Posté 30 juillet 2010 - 03:24
ladyames
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Love the Alistair line at the end! Soooo perfect and soooo him! I can just envision the look on his face as Kai walks away .... !!!!! =D
#89
Posté 30 juillet 2010 - 03:25
Gilgamesh1138
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LOL! Thanks! hehe, poor Ali. It is only a taste of what he is going to have to live with.
#90
Posté 31 juillet 2010 - 05:27
VioletTheirin
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Beautifully done as always friend! MUAHS!!
#91
Posté 31 juillet 2010 - 11:17
LadyAly
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Yes - Oghren would say he will get beat the sod out of his body pretty soonishFantastic written - I'm only sad she hasn't punched the priestess
#93
Posté 01 août 2010 - 02:19
westiex9
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Lol love Alistair and Kai's little discussion on the Chantry, and that end bit with Alistair was brilliant can just see him saying "Why does no one listen" lol!
#94
Posté 01 août 2010 - 03:19
Gilgamesh1138
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Thanks westie! I loved writing that last line, I could hear him in my head. Glad you liked it. Thanks for reading, *hugs*
#95
Posté 02 août 2010 - 12:34
Slim Warden
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A joy to read Gil, please Miss can I have some more.
#96
Posté 03 août 2010 - 02:29
Gilgamesh1138
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Of course you may! *blows kisses* working on the next chapter right now!
#97
Posté 05 août 2010 - 09:43
Lynn01
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haha indeed poor Ali, everything he says seems to be taken for granted, but still LOL
Nice chapter Gil!
Nice chapter Gil!
#98
Posté 05 août 2010 - 05:57
Gilgamesh1138
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LOL! Never fear, Kai will not take what he says for granted for too long. Thanks for reading Lynn! *HUGS*
#99
Guest_Dalira Montanti_*
Posté 08 août 2010 - 02:23
Guest_Dalira Montanti_*
Guest_Dalira Montanti_*
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very well done I really enjoyed this thank you for keeping my afternoons bright Gilg-chan
#100
Posté 08 août 2010 - 08:13
Gilgamesh1138
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Thank you for reading Dalira-san. I am pleased to keep your afternoons bright. Next chapter should be soon, I had to play to get some dialogue. OH the humanity! LOL! Thanks again! HUGS!
