107 réponses à ce sujet

[Gilgamesh1138]

LOL! I am glad you are back! I missed you! Thanks for the post!

[Slim Warden]

I never liked Howe, however you make me dislike him even more ,so now I shall go and vent my disapproval of the man on something productive.
Also you produced a wonderful chapter, bravo Gil bravo.

Modifié par Slim Warden, 17 juin 2010 - 12:47 .

[Gilgamesh1138]

LOL, I should have put a warning on the update...WARNING! How chapter, may cause an urge to beat something. Mental bleach may be needed. The author is not responsible for nose bleeds and the urge to vomit (but she is sorry if it happens).

I was hoping to make everyone hate him more, if possible. Glad I succeeded. I too hated that chapter by the time I got done.

Thanks for the compliment Slim! :wub:

Modifié par Gilgamesh1138, 17 juin 2010 - 04:22 .

[VioletTheirin]

BUMP Because EVERYONE should read!!!

[Gilgamesh1138]

Chapter 12  ~On the Wings of the Dove~



Two missives on parchment bundled together.  Both letter’s paper bear the watermark of the official seal of the

Bannorn of Rainesfere.  The first letter is to Bernardo, second to Duncan as Commander of the Grey Wardens in

Ferelden.  The second is for the newest Grey Warden, Alistair. They are put together in an envelope with a wax seal

bearing the Grey Warden Commander’s  seal.

Bernardo,
  I know you expected me to arrive at Ostagar sooner, but the delay was unavoidable.  I hope my other two recruits

made it to you safely. 

I am sending this letter via the birds here at the inn in Rainesfere.   I know that you have not heard from me for

a week, and there is a good reason for that, my friend.  I have sad, and terrible news.  I know I told you that Arl

Rendon Howe was plotting something.  Well he revealed that something the very night I sent my previous letter out

earlier that day.  Howe’s men were not delayed, they were laying in wait until Bryce Cousland’s men marched out

with his son, Fergus.  They attacked the castle, killing anyone caught inside.  The main goal was to kill Bryce and

Eleanor, and Kaidana as well.  They succeeded in all but Kai.

It was truly horrific, Bernardo.  Howe took no hostages.  He slaughtered a child, Kaidana’s nephew, Oren.   I found

my friend Bryce fighting two men while suffering with a gut wound.  I helped him and he explained that he was

looking for Ellie and Kai.  I promised to help him, the wound was horrible, even with a mage and potions, I doubt

he would have survived it.  I took him through the castle.  We made it to the servant’s entrance, but they were not

there. I told Bryce I would go and look for them.  But she and Ellie found us first.

Truth be told, Bernardo, if it had not been for her, well I think you would have had your promotion sooner than

later, my friend.  I had intended to test her, well  Howe did that for me.  She not only fought her way to her

father and myself, but she fought afterwards with cracked ribs and multiple wounds no less.  I watched her fight

and in the heat of real battle, not just practice in the armory yard, she exceeded my expectations and surpassed

them.  She  is cunning and clever.  Remind me to tell you about using bees as a weapon, my friend.  You may not

believe me when I tell you.

 I know I wanted to recruit her, and she passed with flying colors, but at what cost?  My dear friends were

slaughtered in their own home. I had to make my friend, Bryce,  promise me that I could have her for the Grey, or

she would have stayed behind and died, Bernardo. I felt sick to my stomach and disgusted doing it.  I know, I know,

we do what we must!  Even if it made me feel like a betrayer to Bryce and Ellie.  I will seek the King’s ear on

this.  I swear it will not go unanswered Bernardo!  Howe’s actions cannot, and will not, stand! 

So, we have been on the run, in case Howe plans on sending men out for her.  I only pray he does not find anyone to

get her brother Fergus before we can warn him and tell Cailan what happened.  I only hope that if Howe has sent out

anyone, and if he has that they are delayed by the rainstorms.  As for us, I took the longer route around the lake,

in the trying of throwing off Howe.  We will be taking a ship across Calenhad to Redcliffe, and then we will travel

to the Hinterlands and Ostagar.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that the voyage across water will make up for the delay in taking the longer route

around Lake Calenhad, and will give us the advantage of beating any of Howe’s men who might be on horseback

searching for us, or trying to get to the King first.  I think the rain will work to our advantage as well, if the

state of the roads is anything to go by.

As for my newest recruit?  It was a close thing, Bernardo.  Closer than even she or I realized.  She has been

silent since we left Highever. I thought to give her time to grieve and get her bearings again.  I almost made a

grievous mistake, my friend.  She was not mourning, she was burying it.  I should have known by her personality

that she might react that way.  I take responsibility for that. I should have pressed her to talk sooner.  And She

did almost break, but in the end she is the willow, not the oak. 

Await our arrival my friend, we will be with you soon. I calculate three, no more than four days, look for us then.

Duncan


Second piece of parchment folded over inside the first with the name “Alistair,” penned on the outside of it.


Alistair, my boy,
 
I hope you are well, and studying those books I gave you on the Grey.  And I hope you are leaving some cheese for

the rest of your fellow Wardens. 

I wanted to tell you about the newest recruit.  Her name is Kaidana, or as she likes to be called, Kai.  She is

from Highever and she is exceptional in her fighting skills as a rogue.  She is quick, lithe, and uses a form of

open handed martial arts she learned from a Qun priest.  As you are a shield warrior, I think pairing you two up

will be beneficial to both of you. 

I also hope that you can be a friend to her.  She will need one.  Terrible things happened to her family at

Highever, and she will need a companion.  A good friend.  And your brand of...humor, shall we say?  Your wit may be

just what she needs, it’s been really bad for her Alistair, but she is a strong young woman.  Just help as best you

can. 

I will send her to find you as soon as we arrive.  I am estimating no more than three days, maybe four, and we

should be there.  Help Bernardo see to the other recruits, particularly that Daveth fellow.  We need to keep him

out of trouble as much as we can, he does have sticky fingers.

I need to get this sent off, so it reaches you before we do.  Take care lad, and try to stay away from the Revered

Mother, you know she hates us both.  And try and get along with everyone.

Duncan

Modifié par Gilgamesh1138, 25 juin 2010 - 04:15 .

[Slim Warden]

Well done Gil.

[Gilgamesh1138]

Thanks Slim!  You rock my world! :wub::wub:

[LadyAly]

Alistair in charge ;P

Love it Gil - as always

[Gilgamesh1138]

Aw, thanks LadyAly! Yeah, Ali in charge? People will get lost and he will wind up stranded with no pants! LOL!

[Lynn01]

Amazing, good job on those letters Really enjoyed reading them

[Gilgamesh1138]

Thank you so much Lynn01! *hugs*

[westiex9]

My love for Duncan just jumped 100 points! i always thought he cared more then his duty allowed him and you voiced those cares masterfully!

[Gilgamesh1138]

Chapter 13 ~Walking Wounded~

 
When Duncan handed me this journal, I wasn’t sure what to do with it. I knew other noble girls kept diaries detailing their crushes, the latest fashions, newest hairstyle, and shoes! Maker, a lot of inane writings over who wore what, and what parties or salons they had attended. I know this because I filched a few diaries when I was younger hoping for some entertaining reading. Instead I was bored out of my gourd. I quit stealing them especially after I had read Brina’s detailed description of what her and Lun got up to behind the Chantry in Denerim during services one day. UGH! There was not enough alcohol (should I have been allowed to drink at such an early age) to erase that from my mind. Needless to say, I quit stealing from the noble chits after that.


So here I sit on board a ship pulling into Redcliffe village after sailing the rough, storm tossed waters of Lake Calenhad. Andraste’s knicker weasels! I swear not only did I leave all of my breakfast behind after the chamber pot was dumped, I left my stomach behind too, or at least I wished I had left it behind the way it turned in circles with the bouncing of the ship. Now the lake is calm, the storm having left off as it blew us into Redcliffe. Duncan says we made good time. And with the little bit of sabotage I did to that snake Howe’s servant’s horse, well. Let’s just say he would have been cursing my name, if he had known who had foundered his horse.


But I guess I am reminded of why Duncan gave this book to me. I did something supremely foolish, and self centered. I tried to...kill myself. I suppose if I hadn’t had a melt down, it would have been more worrisome. I watched everyone I loved die, save Fergus. And I don’t even know if he is alive, or if Howe got him too. Or, if he is alive, will he stay alive in the upcoming battle at Ostagar. I saw my love killed in front of me. I saw the dead bodies of my sweet little nephew and my beloved sister-in-law. I found out a beloved childhood friend loved me more than I thought possible, only to leave him behind to be hacked to pieces, no doubt, saving me. I saw my old nanny, a second mother, my own mamae’s best friend’s cooling corpse on the cold stone floor. I had to leave my parents behind to be slaughtered by Howe’s men. I have their faces, as they waited to meet their deaths, branded forever in my memory. I watched my beloved home burn. Those horrors will all share my memories of them alive and happy. And oh how that hurts. I feel guilty for living. No, worse than that, I am happy to be alive, and that is why I feel guilty. I am happy to walk under the sun one more day, while they walk in the Fade. That is what hurts the most.


It reminds me of a tale my father used to tell me sometimes, when I would crawl in his lap while he was working in his study. He would put down his work, and cuddle me close, so I could hear his heartbeat. I would listen to his deep, rumbling, kind, and gentle voice spin a tale. We would talk of many things. But sometimes he would tell me a story of a king of the Clayne tribes that made up Ferelden before Calenhad united them all under one king and the Theirin line. This king of that long ago tribe, whose name has been lost to history and turned to dust, ran under the banner of the Kingfisher bird. Now in those days, it was believed the king and the land were linked with a bond that should one fail the other would do so as well. And that each king of each generation must swear with his blood his fealty to the land and thus his people. What befalls one befalls the other.


This king my father told me was young and brash, full of himself and his own self importance. He thought of nothing but himself and his own lusts, passions, and wants. When this king, well prince then, when this prince’s father died suddenly the kingship was thrust upon him. The ceremony was performed, and the new king cut his forearm to bleed upon the earth of the field of his kingship. The pact was made. But the young king in his arrogance did not believe in the bond. And he lusted for a priestess of the order, a servant of the Goddess of the land. When she would not submit, he took, as he thought he had the right to as king. His rule was sacrosanct, or so he thought. But when out hunting the king fell on his spear, piercing his thigh and causing a wound. The wound was not fatal, but nor would it heal. The king had wounded the land and thus had wounded himself. The land sickened as did the king.


I too have wounded myself. I took what I had for granted, I thought it would always be the way it was. How wrong I turned out to be. I used to long for something else. And now I have it. I have no one to blame but me. I am that long ago king. I have a wound that will not kill me, but will not heal. I know it can be borne, though. And I will, even if I bleed crimson regret the rest of my days. I will not shirk my responsibility ever again. I made a promise to my father, and to Duncan. I will keep it. I will do my duty, because we Couslands always do our duty.

[Gilgamesh1138]

Chapter 14

~One of the Few~

 


King Cailan in his tent at Ostagar. His Master of Wardrobe, a stoic man who had been with the king before he was king, is helping Ferelden’s ruler change into more comfortable clothing before meeting with Loghain and then going to drink and spend time with his men and the Grey Wardens. King Cailan is composing a letter to Queen Anora.


Anora,


After my meeting with Duncan, and her, I made my way back to my tent. Spending time drinking with my soldiers and with the legendary Grey Wardens has its benefits. Thanks to Bernardo, Duncan’s second, I knew when to expect Duncan and his new recruit. I had the elven messenger that runs errands around camp watch for signs of him, giving the servant the Warden Commander’s description, so I could time it perfectly to meet him at the gates.


You will never believe whom Duncan had in tow. It was none other than Bryce Cousland’s little spit fire, Kaidana. I know I told you had I met her when she was but ten years old, her hair all down and covering her shoulders like black rain, a dirty pink dress, boots, chasing her brother around in a garden. She was such fun, she and her brother Fergus had been stealing apples from the royal orchards. And she soundly whipped some of the nobles’ sons. She was such a delight, and we stole strawberries from the royal gardens. That was one of the happiest days I have spent.


I know you must remember her from my father’s funeral, I introduced you to her then (or rather you burst in between us and introduced yourself, did you not my jealous one?). Looking back on that event I can see why you were envious. All the potential for womanhood was just waiting to blossom into the flower of beauty I met today. My father adored her, and she him. Kai was one of the few who were truly sad to see my father gone, and because he was Maric, not just because he was king. He wasn’t just her king he was her friend. As he was more, he was my father. I like to think that bonded us beyond that day in the garden.


I didn’t recognize her at first today. I saw a young woman, sleek black curls in leather armor with a sword strapped to her back and daggers at her waist. She looked different, not just that she was now, what twenty? But there was some deep sadness around her eyes that was there at my father’s funeral, but it was much more pronounced. It was when Duncan went to introduce her, and I looked into those big blue eyes that I realized who the new recruit really was.


And the girl has grown into a stunning young woman. My father always said that Eleanor Cousland was stunning in her youth, and her daughter must take after her mother. She is, well... glorious. All of that budding possiblity stood there in front of me. And the Dalish tattoo she had on her face only enhanced her attractiveness, along with her being a Grey Warden. You know how I feel about the Wardens.


But it was the stunning news about her mother and her father that has me writing you. I will be delaying my return to Denerim, my wife. Kai and Duncan informed me that Arl Rendon Howe has attacked Highever castle, killing all but Kai and Duncan. I paled to hear it, Anora. Bad enough that Howe has disobeyed his king and did not bring the troops he as he was ordered to do. But he attacked and killed one of my most loyal, and trustworthy subjects. Not only that, I considered Bryce a friend as he had been to my father before me.


I cannot let this stand. Once the darkspawn are vanquished, I will be turning my armies toward Amaranthine to deal with Arl Howe. Your skillful handling of the intricacies of daily governance are greatly appreciated, my sweet. Please continue on as you have and Ferelden shall achieve its glorious place in history.


Your heroic husband,
Cailan

[Lynn01]

As replied on FFnet nice work again! Loved reading it!

[Gilgamesh1138]

Thanks for that sweetie! Aw I can't thank you enough!

[Slim Warden]

You know I always liked Cailan as a character (I don't exactly have a way to explain it) and this was a good embodiement of his character. Splendiforous job Gil.

[Gilgamesh1138]

Aw, thanks Slim. Considering your avatar, I was nervous. I think Cailan was so much more than we had time to know in the game. Glad you liked it my friend. *HUGS*

[LadyAly]

Now - that was pretty nice and unexpected. I adore you Gil for the creativity to take a Character and give him suddenly - mmmh.. life and depth.

In fact this is the first time I saw Cailan in a different light - thank you for this my friend.

[Gilgamesh1138]

Thank you for telling me what you think! Glad I could make Cailan a little more in depth.

[Gilgamesh1138]

Chapter 15

~Wynne's Whispers~

She walked away, a stiff set to her shoulders, her ebony locks making a slight shishing noise as the curls brushed the leather.  Even if I had not spoken to Duncan  a short while before she arrived in front of me, I would have recognized her: Kaidana Cousland.  I had been called to  the palace in Denerim on numerous occasions; to help bring prince Cailan into the world, to tend to Queen Rowan when she was ill and dying, various Landsmeets, and then Maric’s funeral.  On several occasions I recall seeing the little spitfire that was the younger version of her current self as she caused upsets amongst the various nobility or the palace staff.  But she was a delight to the king, and his son.  This day, however, she appeared as an an echo of the mourning young girl from Maric’s funeral; that mantle of sadness heavy upon her young shoulders, this time for losses too devastating to measure.  Duncan told me of what happened to the poor child’s family.  Such a shame.

The steam from the large cauldron of healing potion wafted over me as the breezed changed.  I grabbed the large spoon and gave the bubbling mixture a stir.  We were going to need this brew and so much more of it, if Duncan was right. Judging from the scent, the elixir was almost ready, which was just as well.  I needed to assist Duncan with the preparation of the magical ingredients for the Joining rite.  Duncan had asked me to see to it personally.  At least for that I would be able to sit down. My back was aching from standing for hours tending to the numerous health draughts. 

“Wynne!” I recognized the voice calling me as belonging to one of the newest members to pass her harrowing, Chrysalys.  She was a serviceable enough assistant, but the girl was always running everywhere, a bundle of endless energy.  I missed Petra and her calm and soothing demeanor.  Chrys wears me out.

  “Wynne!  I brought you those ingredients you said you needed.  I gathered them from the supply chests."  I took the ingredients that she held out to me while I watched her gaze following my most recent visitor, who had stopped to speak to one of the Tranquil.  “Wynne, is that...?”

“Is that whom, child?”  I kept from rolling my eyes at the sound of awe in her voice as I set the bags of supplies Chrys handed over.

“Is that the newest Grey Warden recruit and is she really a noble?  Not just any noble, but a Cousland?  And is it true her whole family was slaughtered?”  Ah, Chrys had been listening at the keyhole, so to speak, when I spoke to Duncan.  A bad habit my fellow mage developed before she came to the tower as a child. 

“Yes, that is she.  And no, you may not go and ask her questions.  She has been through enough, and she is still getting her legs under her again.” 

“What’s she like Wynne? She certainly doesn’t act like a typical noble woman.” 

I sighed dried my hands on a rag sitting near the cauldron.  “She isn’t typical.  And she never has been.  While we have never been formally introduced, I know of her from Landsmeets and personal observations.  And I have spoken with Duncan, who knew her family and has been traveling with her.”

“Soo-oo, what’s she like Wynne?”  Chrys’ green eyes got wider, reminding me of a child begging for a story.

I motioned Chrys over to a bench under the trees so I could at least sit for a moment.  I eased down onto the stone seat and enjoyed the breeze as it blew threw the trees.  It had been a hurried journey from the tower, the Chantry having argued against mages being allowed to be at the battle until the very last days.  Word finally reached Irving and we were summarily packed and sent to Ostagar.  I volunteered of course, any chance to travel, and see the world, even if it is tiring to travel such short notice. 

I could see Chrysalys fidgeting beside me.  Ah, the impatience of youth.  I had to chuckle to myself.  I suspect Kaidana Cousland to be very much the same in that regard as the young mage sitting beside me. “Well?”

I sighed, “Kaidana Cousland, from a young age has been...headstrong.  But she has a sense of fairness, of justice, of defending those perceived as weaker from the bullies of the world.  She has never succumbed to the rules and restrictions set out for her by her station. She is smart, and, if what Duncan told me about the night she escaped, a remarkable warrior.”  I gave Chrys my sternest look, “She is emotionally raw right now, so you are not, young lady, I repeat, not to go asking her questions.  If I tell you what Duncan told me about that night, yes I know you couldn’t have caught it all despite your eavesdropping, child, then you are to promise me you will leave her be.  She has more to worry about in the coming days besides the loss of her home and family; or even the battle.”  I crossed my arms and raised an eyebrow.

Chrysaly huffed, and scowled, “Yes mistress Wynne, I promise.  So what happened?”

I had to smile at her antics, and I patted her hand.  I knew Chrys would keep her word.  “Highever was attacked in a treacherous move by Arl Howe.  He lied about a delay in his men reaching Highever to march to Ostagar.  He waited until Teyrn Cousland sent his men off with his son, Fergus, here and attacked the castle.”

I watched Chrys’ eyes get wider, “He attacked the Teyrn?”

“Not just the Teyrn, but everyone inside.  He killed them all, child.  Including Kaidana’s six year old nephew.  She left her parents to die.” Chrys’ hand flew to her mouth.  “She had no choice, she promised her father she would escape with Duncan and become a Grey Warden.  She has lost everyone except perhaps her brother.  And if he yet lives, he could still be lost in battle. So you see why I do not want you bothering her with queries that will only cause her more pain?”  I waited until I saw the bob of her head in agreement. 

“She is so very strong to have lived through that.” 

“Yes, yes she is.  But I doubt at this moment, strong is what she feels.  Now I think you have other duties you need to tend to, don’t you, young lady?  One such duty would be to inform the templars I need two of their strongest to move this cauldron off the fire.  The healing draught is done.”  I tilted my head at Chyrs.

“Yes, mistress Wynne.”  I watched her jump up with the boundless energy of her age and walk back into our camp.  I watched her retreating back as her mage robes rustled with her fast pace. 

There was something I did not tell Chrys, that Duncan had confided in me.  He told me of what Kaidana had tried to do to herself back at the inn in Rainesfere where they had stayed.  Strong?  Oh yes, she is that.  But how fragile too.  And from what Kaidana and I had discussed, and her reaction to it, emotionally raw as well.  Maker watch over her, the poor child.

I was just about to rise when I heard laughter, carried on the wind. A woman’s and a man’s.  It was such a pleasant sound I turned seeking the source.  I watched as she walked down the ramp with Duncan’s newest recruit Alistair.  He was such a nice young man, despite his obsession with cheese.  He was blushing but grinning along with her.  Duncan had chosen well, If anyone could help her heal, Alistair could.  He had a shared pain, and still had his sense of humor.  It was a bit odd, but still if her laugh was anything to go by, well... I could still see the pain around her eyes, but her demeanor was far more relaxed then when we had finished speaking.  I couldn’t help but notice what a striking couple they made, and the energy between them.  Yes, I think Duncan chose very well indeed.

Modifié par Gilgamesh1138, 01 août 2010 - 05:39 .

[Lynn01]

*thumbs up* not quite sure if I responded to this chapter (thought it was on FFnet as well?), but I have definately read it already and I really liked it. I'm starting to follow too many stories that I'm losing track of my responses!.......*giggle*

[Gilgamesh1138]

LOL! There are so many great stories out there *your cough cough* that I can't read them all. I am making a list so I can go back and read the ones I missed *yours cough cough*. Thanks Lynn!

[LadyAly]

O_O Can't believe I have missed it

Love it Wynne *the School Mistress* - very nice written Gil.

[Gilgamesh1138]

Thank you LadyAly, so sorry I didnt' see your comments before!  *HUGS*:wub: