The camp was used to the strange comings and goings of the Grey Wardens. Thus, it caused little stir when the small band of recruits returned from their unexplained trip into the Korcari Wilds.
Carver Hawke was one of the few who watched their arrival with interest. The Grey Wardens were favorites of the king, after all, and Carver had been raised on fanciful legends of their heroism. Yet for the most part, they looked so very ordinary. The youngest Warden was a strong blond-haired man, handsome but otherwise unremarkable save for his funny resemblance to King Cailan. The recruits were much the same. There was the round-faced and worried-looking Ser Jory from Highever and the shifty-eyed, quick-fingered Daveth. The third was slightly more interesting in that she was a lady elf from Denerim who scarcely seemed larger than Carver’s broadsword.
Carver watched them approach their commander, the stern Duncan, with envy. It would truly be something to be a Grey Warden. They represented the best and most resourceful warriors in Ferelden, after all. If Carver somehow managed to attract Duncan’s attention, perhaps he could become a Warden. That would certainly be one way to step out from under his siblings’ shadows.
For a moment Carver lost himself in fanciful thoughts of returning home to Lothering dressed in shining silver plate adorned with the intricate griffon crest of the Grey Wardens. He imagined his mother telling him how proud his father would have been, for once not fawning over Bethany and Marian. Marian was the eldest and the protector, while Bethany was the baby and the prodigy, which left little room for Carver.
He shook his head, ridding himself of such self-pitying images. He loved his family, and they loved him. Carver couldn’t let his pride get the better of him. While Carver had daydreamed, the Wardens had finished speaking with their commander and scattered. Carver was a bit disappointed until he realized that the elf recruit had wandered close to him and was currently picking at her evening’s rations.
“Hello!” Carver jumped eagerly at the chance to speak to one of them.
“Um, hello,” The elf responded warily.
“I’m Carver Hawke.”
“Inyri Tabris.”
“Is it true that the king will stand with the Wardens during the battle?” Carver asked excitedly.
The elf shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m not even a Warden yet.”
“Is that why you went out into the Wilds? For some joining rite?”
“I’m not supposed to talk about it.”
“Oh, sorry. I’m not trying to pry.”
“I couldn’t tell you anything even if I wanted to. Duncan is pretty tightlipped about whatever it is. I thought I could get it out of Alistair, but even he can shut his mouth about some things,” Inyri said with some annoyance.
“Being kept in the dark is never pleasant.”
“Tell me about it. And if one more shem asks me to fetch something or threatens me, I may…” Her voice trailed off angrily.
Carver felt a bit sympathetic for the pretty elf. She was one of the few elves here that wasn’t a servant, and it couldn’t be easy to be mistaken for one all the time.
“Although I suppose it could always be worse,” The elf said brightly. “At least no one has mistaken me for a **** yet.”
Carver choked on his rations and felt his face redden, and Inyri’s lips quirked at his reaction.
“I should certainly hope not!”
“I think the knives give me away,” She said, gesturing to the long blades she carried on her back.
Inyri glanced over her shoulder. “I think Duncan is almost ready for me.”
She rose to her feet and seemed surprised when Carver stood as well and gave her a little bow. “Milady,” He said.
Inyri did not seem to know how to react. “You’re quite the gentleman, Carver Hawke.”
“I do my best. Best of luck to you, Warden.”
“And you as well. I wouldn’t mind seeing a familiar face after the battle, yeah?” She said over her shoulder as she walked away.
Carver watched her until she was out of sight before sitting back down to begin sharpening his blade for the night’s battle.
Modifié par leggywillow, 19 février 2011 - 10:15 .
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You and me, we're in the same boat. Hope it doesn't have any holes in it. Of course, after the demo with FemHawke a while back, I'm starting to get pretty excited to play as a mage, which is a first. It's just never been my cup of tea. Although I did love directing them in Origins for some reason. 
