Personally I like it the way it is. It's a fun read and helps make Ardinal a more real person. I could see how someone like her could have such a dream/fade experience like that. Starting out as a deep desire that twists into a nightmare. You are so right about the Fade being the perfect playground. It allows the reader to see inside the person it adds depth. In the Fade one would expect to see the inner most desires, greatest fears and maybe a twisted version of what might be. You are doing a fine job. Keep at it.
Ever After - Tabris/Alistair (Fanfic and Art) UPDATED 28/03
Débuté par
Ardinal
, janv. 06 2011 03:35
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#27
Posté 31 janvier 2011 - 10:31
Ardinal
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<3MOAAAR<3
Chapter 19 - Duty
"Hello you." Alistair whispered.
Ardinal wiped sleep from her eyes and shuffled her body forward until she could feel the warmth of Alistair's skin.
"Hello you." She smiled and regarded her lover as the day waited for them outside their tent.
"That was terrible." Alistair announced.
"Sorry, come again?" Ardinal gave Alistair a look of disbelief.
"So terrible in fact, we need to keep doing it again and again until we get it right."
Ardinal sat up and tended to Alistair's bed hair.
"I've created a monster."
"Oh my yes! Women of Ferelden lock your doors and pray to the Maker that you won't be ravaged by the sexual deviant that is Alistair. Reverend Mothers everywhere will be gasping in horror at the thought of such a fiend being set upon the lands."
Ardinal kept the smile which had graced her upon seeing her lover, slinked across their bedding and over Alistair's legs. Peeking out from the tent she was greeted by a cold, wet nose.
"Dog, get out!" Ardinal giggled wiping her face where Dog had slimed her.
"I never want to forget..." Alistair began."I never want to forget last night; us and the moonlight. You were just so beautiful."
"Yes well, I guess from now on it will be my sworn duty to protect the virtue of women everywhere by..."
"Sticking me in a tower?"
"Yes! A big one and only I shall have the key."
"Greaaat. Well, make sure you visit me. I wouldn't want to have to sit around amusing myself, twiddling my thumbs; awfully boring."
Ardinal felt a twinge of sadness at the thought of Alistair being alone. It was just silly banter but it prompted a tangle of emotions.
They dressed and were back on the road to Vigil's Keep, where Ardinal was to govern as Ferelden's Warden Commander. The land which once belonged to the Howe family was given to the Grey Wardens by Queen Enora, a token of goodwill and penance for Arl Rendon Howe and his treachery during the Blight.
Dog was the first to spot the emissary from Redcliffe. The man had followed the roads to Amaranthine in hope of catching up to Alistair before he arrived at Vigil's Keep.
"Ser Alistair, I bring word from your uncle the Arl."
"Alistair. Just Alistair is fine." Alistair regarded the man with trepidation, hoping nothing was a miss at Castle Redcliffe.
"The Arl has need of Alistair, however, he is reluctant to ask this favour after everything you and Ser Ardinal did for him, his wife and his son."
Ardinal's heart sunk as the messenger informed them that Arl Eamon wanted Alistair to aid him in training new troops for Redcliffe. Their forces had been depleted during the final days of battle against the Darkspawn, and the Arl felt that a Warden who faced the Archdemon and saved Ferelden from the Blight would serve as the perfect inspiration for new recruits. Ardinal was not at liberty to forgo her duties as Warden Commander and so that left Alistair.
"It will only be for a little while. I will join you at the keep once I have helped Eamon and his men." Alistair murmured.
"Why can't Teagan do it? I need you at the keep. What about our new recruits?"
The Commander in Ardinal stirred and regarded her outburst with contempt. Before Alistair could answer Ardinal squeezed his hand and assured him that he was doing the right thing.She would not see him again for many months. Not after breathing a sigh of relief as Ogrhen and Anders survived their Joining, and not after forming a truce with the being called the Architect. It was only after sinking her blade into the Mother's belly that Ardinal was free to travel to Redcliffe and be reunited with her love.
Chapter 20 - Change
Alistair loathed the Fade. It was fuzzy, full of beasties, and he never knew if things were really there or where he really was. He felt helpless upon seeing the Despair demon materialise behind Ardinal. He doubted his swords effectiveness against a foe which seemed to consist of black ooze and mist.
"We need to get to her somehow." Anders shouted as magic flowed from his fingertips.
"Can you distract the demon?" Alistair watched as the demon faded and then reappeared before Anders.
"It looks like I already have." An explosion of colour and light erupted between Anders and the demon as they engaged one another in combat.
Alistair sprinted to Ardinal's side. Her eyes stared blankly into his as he spoke her name. She did not respond. Her eyes blackened and Alistair cried out in alarm as he felt his consciousness sucked from his body and into an endless void.
"Ardinal?" Alistair was surrounded by black, and nothing else. He walked until he could make out an entrance to what appeared to be a tunnel to the Deep Roads.
"Ardi?" Alistair followed the Deep Road tunnel until it breached a cavern in the Dead Trenches. He narrowly avoided stepping on a Darkspawn corpse which was one of many that littered the cavern floor. The corpses guided him to a young elf in a white gown. Ardinal was soaked in blood. At her feet rested an Ogre which still bore her blade within its chest.
"Nice to see you..." Her voice leapt across the room, startling Alistair.
"Well, I was around and thought I'd drop by..." Alistair watched as Ardinal removed her blade from the ogre, taking time to skin a small strip of flesh from its body. It dangled from her fingertips and Ardinal cocked her head watching small droplets of blood appear and fall to the floor.
"ARDI!" Alistair watched in horror as Ardinal rolled out her tongue, lapping at the trickling blood before dropping the strip of meat into her mouth.
"You're right Alistair dear; I should have stewed it first."
Alistair calmed himself. This was the Fade. Ardinal had not actually consumed Darkspawn flesh, and this was all just some terrible dream.
"Ardinal. You need to stop eating... that, and come with me. You were wounded. This is the Fade. Do you remember?"
"All the other Fade 'so and so's I know' told me otherwise. This isn't the Fade Alistair. This is where I belong."
Alistair's stomach turned as he watched blue and black blotches appear on Ardinal's skin.
Like Hespith.
"Ardi. Don't do this to yourself. I'm here and I'm not leaving without you."
Maniacal laughter spilled from Ardinal's lips.
"Is that all you can do? Will you follow me around for the rest of your days? No Duncan to lead you by the hand; Guess that leaves me doesn't it?"
Alistair furrowed his brows.
"Okay, if you want to do crazy, let's do crazy. I wondered around looking for my son, a son I decided to conceive with Morrigan in order to be with you. Problem is I left you in order to look for my son and I'm sorry. Not seeing him was the sacrifice I made so I could spend my life with you."
Alistair stepped closer."You were right. I wanted to be a good father. Then I realised that I still managed to live my life without one, and I'm sure he will do the same. You can't miss something you never had."
There was a pause and Alistair waited anxiously for Ardinal to respond.
"Are you finished? Congratulations on your little revelation but it really has no relevance; not now."
Ardinal dropped her blade, a metal clang chimed where it fell.
"I was the one who wronged you. I should never have betrayed your trust and pushed you into sleeping with Morrigan. I'm no hero, no Warden Commander. I'm a cheat, a murderer! I killed Sten!"
"Don't do this. Ardinal, you can beat this, I know you can. I'm here..."
"Yes Alistair! You're here now but it's too late. I was lost... I made you think you could never make your own way in the world, but I was wrong. I always looked to you for guidance. You should have been King but I wanted you for myself. I should have... died..."
"Don't you dare! I refuse to be privy to your survivor's guilt routine." Alistair moved closer but Ardinal retreated, stepping back as he approached.
"I couldn't cope on my own. Luckily I won't be alone for long..."Ardinal arched her back and screamed. A red mist engulfed her writhing body and Alistair was thrown backwards by an explosion of energy and light.
The light faded and Alistair pulled himself to his feet. He called out to Ardinal, the red mist still present and obscuring his vision.
Something slowly emerged from the mist where Ardinal had been standing. Glowing red eyes and long, slender ears adorned its head. Two prey-mantis arms unfolded from its body revealing a humanoid torso, with blackened arms and sickly grey flesh. An abdomen like that of a spider completed the ghastly visage. Tentacles twisted and flexed and the creature that stood before him resembled the horror that was the Dwarven Broodmother he and Ardinal had encountered in the real Dead Trenches.
Shreds of her wedding gown still clung to her arms and shoulders, but Ardinal was no longer a petite elvan woman.
"I won't be alone Alistair. My children will keep me company."
Chapter 19 - Duty
"Hello you." Alistair whispered.
Ardinal wiped sleep from her eyes and shuffled her body forward until she could feel the warmth of Alistair's skin.
"Hello you." She smiled and regarded her lover as the day waited for them outside their tent.
"That was terrible." Alistair announced.
"Sorry, come again?" Ardinal gave Alistair a look of disbelief.
"So terrible in fact, we need to keep doing it again and again until we get it right."
Ardinal sat up and tended to Alistair's bed hair.
"I've created a monster."
"Oh my yes! Women of Ferelden lock your doors and pray to the Maker that you won't be ravaged by the sexual deviant that is Alistair. Reverend Mothers everywhere will be gasping in horror at the thought of such a fiend being set upon the lands."
Ardinal kept the smile which had graced her upon seeing her lover, slinked across their bedding and over Alistair's legs. Peeking out from the tent she was greeted by a cold, wet nose.
"Dog, get out!" Ardinal giggled wiping her face where Dog had slimed her.
"I never want to forget..." Alistair began."I never want to forget last night; us and the moonlight. You were just so beautiful."
"Yes well, I guess from now on it will be my sworn duty to protect the virtue of women everywhere by..."
"Sticking me in a tower?"
"Yes! A big one and only I shall have the key."
"Greaaat. Well, make sure you visit me. I wouldn't want to have to sit around amusing myself, twiddling my thumbs; awfully boring."
Ardinal felt a twinge of sadness at the thought of Alistair being alone. It was just silly banter but it prompted a tangle of emotions.
They dressed and were back on the road to Vigil's Keep, where Ardinal was to govern as Ferelden's Warden Commander. The land which once belonged to the Howe family was given to the Grey Wardens by Queen Enora, a token of goodwill and penance for Arl Rendon Howe and his treachery during the Blight.
Dog was the first to spot the emissary from Redcliffe. The man had followed the roads to Amaranthine in hope of catching up to Alistair before he arrived at Vigil's Keep.
"Ser Alistair, I bring word from your uncle the Arl."
"Alistair. Just Alistair is fine." Alistair regarded the man with trepidation, hoping nothing was a miss at Castle Redcliffe.
"The Arl has need of Alistair, however, he is reluctant to ask this favour after everything you and Ser Ardinal did for him, his wife and his son."
Ardinal's heart sunk as the messenger informed them that Arl Eamon wanted Alistair to aid him in training new troops for Redcliffe. Their forces had been depleted during the final days of battle against the Darkspawn, and the Arl felt that a Warden who faced the Archdemon and saved Ferelden from the Blight would serve as the perfect inspiration for new recruits. Ardinal was not at liberty to forgo her duties as Warden Commander and so that left Alistair.
"It will only be for a little while. I will join you at the keep once I have helped Eamon and his men." Alistair murmured.
"Why can't Teagan do it? I need you at the keep. What about our new recruits?"
The Commander in Ardinal stirred and regarded her outburst with contempt. Before Alistair could answer Ardinal squeezed his hand and assured him that he was doing the right thing.She would not see him again for many months. Not after breathing a sigh of relief as Ogrhen and Anders survived their Joining, and not after forming a truce with the being called the Architect. It was only after sinking her blade into the Mother's belly that Ardinal was free to travel to Redcliffe and be reunited with her love.
Chapter 20 - Change
Alistair loathed the Fade. It was fuzzy, full of beasties, and he never knew if things were really there or where he really was. He felt helpless upon seeing the Despair demon materialise behind Ardinal. He doubted his swords effectiveness against a foe which seemed to consist of black ooze and mist.
"We need to get to her somehow." Anders shouted as magic flowed from his fingertips.
"Can you distract the demon?" Alistair watched as the demon faded and then reappeared before Anders.
"It looks like I already have." An explosion of colour and light erupted between Anders and the demon as they engaged one another in combat.
Alistair sprinted to Ardinal's side. Her eyes stared blankly into his as he spoke her name. She did not respond. Her eyes blackened and Alistair cried out in alarm as he felt his consciousness sucked from his body and into an endless void.
"Ardinal?" Alistair was surrounded by black, and nothing else. He walked until he could make out an entrance to what appeared to be a tunnel to the Deep Roads.
"Ardi?" Alistair followed the Deep Road tunnel until it breached a cavern in the Dead Trenches. He narrowly avoided stepping on a Darkspawn corpse which was one of many that littered the cavern floor. The corpses guided him to a young elf in a white gown. Ardinal was soaked in blood. At her feet rested an Ogre which still bore her blade within its chest.
"Nice to see you..." Her voice leapt across the room, startling Alistair.
"Well, I was around and thought I'd drop by..." Alistair watched as Ardinal removed her blade from the ogre, taking time to skin a small strip of flesh from its body. It dangled from her fingertips and Ardinal cocked her head watching small droplets of blood appear and fall to the floor.
"ARDI!" Alistair watched in horror as Ardinal rolled out her tongue, lapping at the trickling blood before dropping the strip of meat into her mouth.
"You're right Alistair dear; I should have stewed it first."
Alistair calmed himself. This was the Fade. Ardinal had not actually consumed Darkspawn flesh, and this was all just some terrible dream.
"Ardinal. You need to stop eating... that, and come with me. You were wounded. This is the Fade. Do you remember?"
"All the other Fade 'so and so's I know' told me otherwise. This isn't the Fade Alistair. This is where I belong."
Alistair's stomach turned as he watched blue and black blotches appear on Ardinal's skin.
Like Hespith.
"Ardi. Don't do this to yourself. I'm here and I'm not leaving without you."
Maniacal laughter spilled from Ardinal's lips.
"Is that all you can do? Will you follow me around for the rest of your days? No Duncan to lead you by the hand; Guess that leaves me doesn't it?"
Alistair furrowed his brows.
"Okay, if you want to do crazy, let's do crazy. I wondered around looking for my son, a son I decided to conceive with Morrigan in order to be with you. Problem is I left you in order to look for my son and I'm sorry. Not seeing him was the sacrifice I made so I could spend my life with you."
Alistair stepped closer."You were right. I wanted to be a good father. Then I realised that I still managed to live my life without one, and I'm sure he will do the same. You can't miss something you never had."
There was a pause and Alistair waited anxiously for Ardinal to respond.
"Are you finished? Congratulations on your little revelation but it really has no relevance; not now."
Ardinal dropped her blade, a metal clang chimed where it fell.
"I was the one who wronged you. I should never have betrayed your trust and pushed you into sleeping with Morrigan. I'm no hero, no Warden Commander. I'm a cheat, a murderer! I killed Sten!"
"Don't do this. Ardinal, you can beat this, I know you can. I'm here..."
"Yes Alistair! You're here now but it's too late. I was lost... I made you think you could never make your own way in the world, but I was wrong. I always looked to you for guidance. You should have been King but I wanted you for myself. I should have... died..."
"Don't you dare! I refuse to be privy to your survivor's guilt routine." Alistair moved closer but Ardinal retreated, stepping back as he approached.
"I couldn't cope on my own. Luckily I won't be alone for long..."Ardinal arched her back and screamed. A red mist engulfed her writhing body and Alistair was thrown backwards by an explosion of energy and light.
The light faded and Alistair pulled himself to his feet. He called out to Ardinal, the red mist still present and obscuring his vision.
Something slowly emerged from the mist where Ardinal had been standing. Glowing red eyes and long, slender ears adorned its head. Two prey-mantis arms unfolded from its body revealing a humanoid torso, with blackened arms and sickly grey flesh. An abdomen like that of a spider completed the ghastly visage. Tentacles twisted and flexed and the creature that stood before him resembled the horror that was the Dwarven Broodmother he and Ardinal had encountered in the real Dead Trenches.
Shreds of her wedding gown still clung to her arms and shoulders, but Ardinal was no longer a petite elvan woman.
"I won't be alone Alistair. My children will keep me company."
Modifié par Ardinal, 29 mai 2012 - 05:19 .
#28
Posté 31 janvier 2011 - 04:26
Ardinal
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<3I SHOULD BE STUDYING... HERE IS CHAPTER 21<3
Chapter 21 - Tempting
“You made it!” Anders greeted Ardinal at the gates to Vigil’s Keep. It had been months since the keep was nearly destroyed by Darkspawn, wooden repair frames encircling its derelict walls.
“I was beginning to think that you and your beau had decided to remain in Denerim...”
Ardinal was alone. Anders raised an eyebrow.
“Alistair won’t be joining us...” Ardinal announced her voice devoid of emotion.
“...I’m happy to see you have returned to the Keep. I didn’t think the Tower could keep the infamous Anders for very long.”
“Yes, I don’t know why I bothered going back there. It's smelly, old, and dusty; where is Alistair?”Ardinal was in no mood to elaborate on Alistair’s whereabouts. In truth, she had no idea where he was. Ardinal could only hope that Alistair would forgive their ‘misunderstanding’ at the Golden Mane, give up on finding his son and come back to reside with her at Vigil’s Keep. Sir-Pounce-A lot mewed and rubbed his back along Ardinal’s boots.
“I wish to retire for the evening Anders. We can speak more of this tomorrow.”
Anders withheld his concern and resisted the urge to reach out to a woman in distress. He reminded himself that the elvan lass was his Commander and watched as she retired to her quarters.
Ardinal felt heavy. She could not wait to be free of her armour and let it drop to her chamber floor. Removing her gloves she glanced down at her left hand. The ring, her betrothed Nelaros was meant to present to her on their wedding day, had remained on her finger since his unfortunate death. Alistair had never enquired as to the rings origin and she had never felt the need to tell him. For now it remained; a reminder of a life she would never know.
A small blade whistled past her head and imbedded itself in the wall. Ardinal whipped a short blade from her belt but to her surprise was disarmed and left with a dagger resting on her throat.
“I could have killed you twice by now...”
Zevran smelt like a market place; exotic spices and musky scents invaded Ardinal’s olfactory senses.
“...but you are not my target, not tonight.”
Ardinal managed a grin.
“When I am, I’ll just have to give you another swift beating.”
Zevran chuckled as he released her. There was no moon and a lone candle served as their only light.
“You wish to know why I am here, yes?” Zevran let his blade dance upon his fingers, twirling it from one hand to the next.
“I dare not ask. It’s not as though you would tell me such things.”
Ardinal ignored Zevran’s juggling act and kept her eyes aligned with his. His eyes would always move before his blade ever could and reveal his true intentions.
“You are right. A good assassin should never be loose with his tongue. A good lover on the other hand...”
“You can’t have traveled all this way just to seduce me.” Ardinal quipped.
Zevran laughed and sheaved his blade. Ardinal held her ground as he approached her.
“My, my Ardinal. You have come to think so highly of yourself. Yes, you are still a gorgeous creature, but if I recall correctly it did not take much to convince you to join me in my tent.”
“Oh yes, I was easy and couldn’t resist your charms blah, blah curious virgin. Thank you, Zevran. Now cut the crap and tell me why you’re here.”
Zevran licked his lips.
“I was approached by an Orlesian woman who wished to make use of my services. The killing kind...”
“Although I wished she had asked me to spend the night deep in her embrace, I was offered a contract with some interesting terms.”
Ardinal felt her patience waning. She gestured for Zevran to continue as he leaned into her his leg forcing its way between her legs. Ardinal felt a strange mix of guilt and pleasure.
Zevran breathed into her ear and whispered.
“Someone wants to rid the world of Grey Wardens, especially one Warden Commander.”
Ardinal sighed.
“You will have to tell them that the queue is long and they will need to wait their turn.”
Reluctantly, Ardinal shoved his leg away.
“So you’re telling me you didn’t take the contract? Why in the Maker’s name are you an assassin again anyway? I freed you from all that!”
Zevran sneered and pushed Ardinal back against the wall.
“I have no desire to kill you, nor do I wish to take on the Grey Wardens. No good would come of it if I did.”Ardinal wormed her arms free of his grip.
“Then don’t kill anyone full stop. We had a deal. I saved you!”
“Our deal was that I was not to kill you and remain in your service until you let me go. You let me go. I have honoured our contract. You speak of saving me? I am entitled to do what I wish with my life and killing is what I do best.”
“You’ve done nothing to honour me! Nor the mercy I showed you! How dare you defy me?”
Zevran relished the taste of her lips as he gave Ardinal a harsh and invasive kiss. He released her only to receive a slap across his face in retaliation.Zevran gained a hold of her arms once more, tightening his grip.
“You may have Alistair on a short leash, but you will never own me Ardinal.”
Ardinal managed to push Zevran back, reclaiming her sword from the floor.
“Funny, I thought you were the type to enjoy such things Zevran. What? No ropes? No leashes? Do these things no longer amuse you?”
Zevran smirked as he jumped effortlessly onto the window sill.
“Depends on who’s doing the leading my fair Warden. I could have followed you to the ends of the earth and back, but alas it was not to be.”
Ardinal felt her chest tighten. How dare this **** spawned bastard speak to her with such insolence?
“Ardinal, I will be honest and up front with you just this once. You are building your own cage. You have become a beautiful bird kept only to entertain. If you do not sing when you are asked they will forget you, and when a cat comes lurking from the shadows, no one will be there to save you.”
Ardinal demanded that Zevran leave. He smiled, and saluted as he leapt from her chamber window.Ardinal had no intention of racing over as he left, knowing Zevran would have navigated the Keep safely and without drawing attention. Ardinal wondered why her hound had not detected his scent and warned her of his presence.
He’s not my enemy. Ardinal reasoned but felt a tide of anger surge from within her chest.
<3I hope I can finish this... yaaaaaargh... I possibly be living by the sea soon... Yarrrghh.<3
Chapter 21 - Tempting
“You made it!” Anders greeted Ardinal at the gates to Vigil’s Keep. It had been months since the keep was nearly destroyed by Darkspawn, wooden repair frames encircling its derelict walls.
“I was beginning to think that you and your beau had decided to remain in Denerim...”
Ardinal was alone. Anders raised an eyebrow.
“Alistair won’t be joining us...” Ardinal announced her voice devoid of emotion.
“...I’m happy to see you have returned to the Keep. I didn’t think the Tower could keep the infamous Anders for very long.”
“Yes, I don’t know why I bothered going back there. It's smelly, old, and dusty; where is Alistair?”Ardinal was in no mood to elaborate on Alistair’s whereabouts. In truth, she had no idea where he was. Ardinal could only hope that Alistair would forgive their ‘misunderstanding’ at the Golden Mane, give up on finding his son and come back to reside with her at Vigil’s Keep. Sir-Pounce-A lot mewed and rubbed his back along Ardinal’s boots.
“I wish to retire for the evening Anders. We can speak more of this tomorrow.”
Anders withheld his concern and resisted the urge to reach out to a woman in distress. He reminded himself that the elvan lass was his Commander and watched as she retired to her quarters.
Ardinal felt heavy. She could not wait to be free of her armour and let it drop to her chamber floor. Removing her gloves she glanced down at her left hand. The ring, her betrothed Nelaros was meant to present to her on their wedding day, had remained on her finger since his unfortunate death. Alistair had never enquired as to the rings origin and she had never felt the need to tell him. For now it remained; a reminder of a life she would never know.
A small blade whistled past her head and imbedded itself in the wall. Ardinal whipped a short blade from her belt but to her surprise was disarmed and left with a dagger resting on her throat.
“I could have killed you twice by now...”
Zevran smelt like a market place; exotic spices and musky scents invaded Ardinal’s olfactory senses.
“...but you are not my target, not tonight.”
Ardinal managed a grin.
“When I am, I’ll just have to give you another swift beating.”
Zevran chuckled as he released her. There was no moon and a lone candle served as their only light.
“You wish to know why I am here, yes?” Zevran let his blade dance upon his fingers, twirling it from one hand to the next.
“I dare not ask. It’s not as though you would tell me such things.”
Ardinal ignored Zevran’s juggling act and kept her eyes aligned with his. His eyes would always move before his blade ever could and reveal his true intentions.
“You are right. A good assassin should never be loose with his tongue. A good lover on the other hand...”
“You can’t have traveled all this way just to seduce me.” Ardinal quipped.
Zevran laughed and sheaved his blade. Ardinal held her ground as he approached her.
“My, my Ardinal. You have come to think so highly of yourself. Yes, you are still a gorgeous creature, but if I recall correctly it did not take much to convince you to join me in my tent.”
“Oh yes, I was easy and couldn’t resist your charms blah, blah curious virgin. Thank you, Zevran. Now cut the crap and tell me why you’re here.”
Zevran licked his lips.
“I was approached by an Orlesian woman who wished to make use of my services. The killing kind...”
“Although I wished she had asked me to spend the night deep in her embrace, I was offered a contract with some interesting terms.”
Ardinal felt her patience waning. She gestured for Zevran to continue as he leaned into her his leg forcing its way between her legs. Ardinal felt a strange mix of guilt and pleasure.
Zevran breathed into her ear and whispered.
“Someone wants to rid the world of Grey Wardens, especially one Warden Commander.”
Ardinal sighed.
“You will have to tell them that the queue is long and they will need to wait their turn.”
Reluctantly, Ardinal shoved his leg away.
“So you’re telling me you didn’t take the contract? Why in the Maker’s name are you an assassin again anyway? I freed you from all that!”
Zevran sneered and pushed Ardinal back against the wall.
“I have no desire to kill you, nor do I wish to take on the Grey Wardens. No good would come of it if I did.”Ardinal wormed her arms free of his grip.
“Then don’t kill anyone full stop. We had a deal. I saved you!”
“Our deal was that I was not to kill you and remain in your service until you let me go. You let me go. I have honoured our contract. You speak of saving me? I am entitled to do what I wish with my life and killing is what I do best.”
“You’ve done nothing to honour me! Nor the mercy I showed you! How dare you defy me?”
Zevran relished the taste of her lips as he gave Ardinal a harsh and invasive kiss. He released her only to receive a slap across his face in retaliation.Zevran gained a hold of her arms once more, tightening his grip.
“You may have Alistair on a short leash, but you will never own me Ardinal.”
Ardinal managed to push Zevran back, reclaiming her sword from the floor.
“Funny, I thought you were the type to enjoy such things Zevran. What? No ropes? No leashes? Do these things no longer amuse you?”
Zevran smirked as he jumped effortlessly onto the window sill.
“Depends on who’s doing the leading my fair Warden. I could have followed you to the ends of the earth and back, but alas it was not to be.”
Ardinal felt her chest tighten. How dare this **** spawned bastard speak to her with such insolence?
“Ardinal, I will be honest and up front with you just this once. You are building your own cage. You have become a beautiful bird kept only to entertain. If you do not sing when you are asked they will forget you, and when a cat comes lurking from the shadows, no one will be there to save you.”
Ardinal demanded that Zevran leave. He smiled, and saluted as he leapt from her chamber window.Ardinal had no intention of racing over as he left, knowing Zevran would have navigated the Keep safely and without drawing attention. Ardinal wondered why her hound had not detected his scent and warned her of his presence.
He’s not my enemy. Ardinal reasoned but felt a tide of anger surge from within her chest.
<3I hope I can finish this... yaaaaaargh... I possibly be living by the sea soon... Yarrrghh.<3
Modifié par Ardinal, 06 février 2011 - 12:19 .
#29
Posté 02 février 2011 - 10:28
Ardinal
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<3 Prepare yourselves for another fan induced sex scene. (Like one is enough for any respectable fanfiction 
) Much giggling and discussions of innuendo and sex scene tropes were had between my friends and temporary house mates, as I wait for my beach side unit. If my writing is too explicit (my other sex scene included) for this forum please tell me and I will take it down. I mention PENIS, at some point. If you are offended by the word PENIS or any other phallic like device I implore you to stop reading... about now.... ish.<3
(WARNING CONTAINS SEXUAL THEMES)
Chapter 22 - Embrace
Ardinal waited anxiously in the hall of Castle Redcliffe. Connor playfully pressed her to take up a wooden sword and spar with him. Hoping to pass the time and make the moment she was to see Alistair arrive sooner she began parrying his frantic advances.
Time did pass and Ardinal, engrossed in combat failed to notice Alistair and Ban Teagan as they took a few moments to watch her and Connor duel.
“My memory fails to give her justice. She is more beautiful than ever.”
Ardinal dodged the compliment from Ban Teagan, darting past him and into Alistair’s arms.
“Maker’s breath it’s so good to hold you.” Alistair held his lover tightly.
Intense kisses followed; a private Universe was born and for a moment Ardinal and Alistair were its only occupants.
Noises of protest and disgust from Conner forced their way in and the Universe was quickly disbanded.
“Ban Teagan, forgive my rudeness.” Ardinal offered to shake Teagan’s hand but received a generous hug instead.
“My dear, you will call me Teagan. That is my name and you are more than entitled to use it!”
“Ardinal, come play again! Please?” Connor pleaded.
Ardinal was relieved when Teagan took up the wooden sword and challenged Connor instead. She took Alistair by the hand and felt child-like abandon as they made their way upstairs.
The feeling of joy was short lived as Ardinal reached a particular chamber. Her mood darkened and she let go of Alistair’s hand.
Alistair was not confused by her actions. He knew very well that they both stood outside the room he had shared with Morrigan the night before they set out to face the Archdemon.
Ardinal placed her hand on the door frame and stared into the gloom. She recalled how she had posted herself outside the door, only abandoning her vigil when murmurs and moans reached her ears from within. After the panic and pain in her chest settled she had returned. This she repeated until there was movement behind the door, prompting a quick retreat, Ardina racing back to her chamber as to not be spotted.
After his liason with Morrigan, Alistair had bathed, only joining Ardinal when the bath water have proven too cold. Alistair quietly clambered into bed thinking Ardinal was already asleep. She had simply refused to face him, lying there in the dark whilst her mind was eaten away by guilt and regret.
“Ardi?” Alistair’s voice returned Ardinal to the present.
“Alistair.” Ardinal began.
“I want us... I want us to stay here tonight, before we set out for Vigil’s Keep tomorrow.”
Alistair walked a few steps down the hallway and away from ‘the room’ hoping Ardinal would follow.
“We are both welcome to stay here for as long as we need. Anyways, I want you to see the Arl’s men and how a certain Warden, namely me, has made them into mighty dragon slaying, beasty stomping soldiers of valour, courage, and... You are not considering what I think you are considering? Are you?”
Ardinal stared blankly at Alistair and back into the room.
“I need to face this. I want us to make a new memory... for here, for this place... I want to reclaim...”
“Ardinal, I slept with... I don’t want to... Look, all I want to do is forget that night and what transpired between Morrigan and me. Why do we need to go over this?”
“Alistair, you don’t understand.”
“I don’t understand? What am I supposed to understand? Oh yes, let’s go and sleep in the same room where
I performed an emergency sex ritual with Morrigan! This isn’t some kind of fetish? Is it? Call me boring but the novelty of just being with a woman hasn’t exactly worn off yet.”
Ardinal waited patiently for Alistair to stop pacing whilst he voiced his concerns. He stood there for a moment, his eyes wide and pleading for some sense to accompany her response.
“I sat outside this door... that night. I felt terrible. I felt humiliated and all sorts of stupid. I can’t change what happened, but I don’t want that memory and this room to have power over me. I want this room to be ours, not hers.”
Ardinal flinched as she felt Alistair’s hand on her shoulder.
“My love, I can’t fathom why you want to do this, but if it is something you feel you must do then I will be with you... here... tonight.”
The fireplace was lit and Alistair couldn’t help but recall memories of Morrigan’s naked form. She had not been unattractive, his body responding in kind to her touch. He had been determined not to night take pleasure in their unison, and had been successful even when their rhythms peaked and his mind was commandeered by primal needs.
Forget. Alistair pushed the memories from his mind.
His fingertips followed her body’s contours and Ardinal trembled at his touch. He lay beneath her, unable to ignore the scars of battle which stood out against her porcelain white skin. He too wore his fair share of scars upon his chest and Ardinal had kissed them each in turn. He held her small, elvan frame by the waist as she embraced him. Ardinal had taken Alistair slowly, feeling apprehensive and overwhelmed by the sensation. With his encouragement she persevered and was soon moving her hips to a gentle beat.
With each stroke came a revelation. Ardinal hated Morrigan. Alistair did this with her.
You did this with Zevran. Her inner voice argued.
You’re a hypocrite, that's what you are.
Ardinal’s rhythm increased.
Hypocrite! Hypocrite! HYPOCRITE!
“No I’m not!” Ardinal cried out and Alistair sat up in fright, pulling her close in an attempt to console her.
Tears burst from Ardinal’s eyes as she sobbed uncontrollably into Alistair’s shoulder.
“Shhh... Ardi... What’s wrong? Please talk to me.”
Alistair could make out a few words between sobs, which included something about a mother, a mage and possibly a pouncing cat. Then he distinctly heard ‘hypocrite’, ‘Morrigan’ and something about Zevran. He felt a
twinge of annoyance as Ardinal used the word ‘****’ in reference to herself, which prompted an irritated ‘You most definitely are not’ and a ‘I’m sorry I’m not fluent in sob, you will need to calm down and then tell me what’s troubling you.’
Ardinal stared at the ceiling waiting for Alistair to digest the explanation she had provided for her emotional outburst. He lay beside her, his arms resting behind his head. If Ardinal wasn’t staring at the ceiling she
found herself gawking at his currently, flaccid appendage.
“I’m still amazed at how that can do what it does.” Ardinal exclaimed, breaking the silence.
“How what can do what?”
“That. How it... changes... so rapidly. Does it feel strange?”
“Penis, Ardinal. I think the word you are looking for is penis. For the Maker’s sake, I was the one raised by the Chantry...”
Ardinal let out a giggle.
“...and you had the gall to refer to yourself as a ****.”
Ardinal rested her head on Alistair’s shoulder.
“I was upset.”
“Clearly, but it’s alright. You shouldn’t be so hard on yourself. We have both had ‘relations’ with someone else but who pray tell, am I currently sharing a bed with? Is it not the very beautiful elf of whom I love with all my heart?”
Ardinal smiled.
“Yes, and she loves you too Alistair; dearly.”
They shared a good night kiss, Ardinal muttering the word ‘penis’ as they parted.
<3It's hot, and my home state is being inundated by a Cyclone... Moar coming soon!<3
) Much giggling and discussions of innuendo and sex scene tropes were had between my friends and temporary house mates, as I wait for my beach side unit. If my writing is too explicit (my other sex scene included) for this forum please tell me and I will take it down. I mention PENIS, at some point. If you are offended by the word PENIS or any other phallic like device I implore you to stop reading... about now.... ish.<3(WARNING CONTAINS SEXUAL THEMES)
Chapter 22 - Embrace
Ardinal waited anxiously in the hall of Castle Redcliffe. Connor playfully pressed her to take up a wooden sword and spar with him. Hoping to pass the time and make the moment she was to see Alistair arrive sooner she began parrying his frantic advances.
Time did pass and Ardinal, engrossed in combat failed to notice Alistair and Ban Teagan as they took a few moments to watch her and Connor duel.
“My memory fails to give her justice. She is more beautiful than ever.”
Ardinal dodged the compliment from Ban Teagan, darting past him and into Alistair’s arms.
“Maker’s breath it’s so good to hold you.” Alistair held his lover tightly.
Intense kisses followed; a private Universe was born and for a moment Ardinal and Alistair were its only occupants.
Noises of protest and disgust from Conner forced their way in and the Universe was quickly disbanded.
“Ban Teagan, forgive my rudeness.” Ardinal offered to shake Teagan’s hand but received a generous hug instead.
“My dear, you will call me Teagan. That is my name and you are more than entitled to use it!”
“Ardinal, come play again! Please?” Connor pleaded.
Ardinal was relieved when Teagan took up the wooden sword and challenged Connor instead. She took Alistair by the hand and felt child-like abandon as they made their way upstairs.
The feeling of joy was short lived as Ardinal reached a particular chamber. Her mood darkened and she let go of Alistair’s hand.
Alistair was not confused by her actions. He knew very well that they both stood outside the room he had shared with Morrigan the night before they set out to face the Archdemon.
Ardinal placed her hand on the door frame and stared into the gloom. She recalled how she had posted herself outside the door, only abandoning her vigil when murmurs and moans reached her ears from within. After the panic and pain in her chest settled she had returned. This she repeated until there was movement behind the door, prompting a quick retreat, Ardina racing back to her chamber as to not be spotted.
After his liason with Morrigan, Alistair had bathed, only joining Ardinal when the bath water have proven too cold. Alistair quietly clambered into bed thinking Ardinal was already asleep. She had simply refused to face him, lying there in the dark whilst her mind was eaten away by guilt and regret.
“Ardi?” Alistair’s voice returned Ardinal to the present.
“Alistair.” Ardinal began.
“I want us... I want us to stay here tonight, before we set out for Vigil’s Keep tomorrow.”
Alistair walked a few steps down the hallway and away from ‘the room’ hoping Ardinal would follow.
“We are both welcome to stay here for as long as we need. Anyways, I want you to see the Arl’s men and how a certain Warden, namely me, has made them into mighty dragon slaying, beasty stomping soldiers of valour, courage, and... You are not considering what I think you are considering? Are you?”
Ardinal stared blankly at Alistair and back into the room.
“I need to face this. I want us to make a new memory... for here, for this place... I want to reclaim...”
“Ardinal, I slept with... I don’t want to... Look, all I want to do is forget that night and what transpired between Morrigan and me. Why do we need to go over this?”
“Alistair, you don’t understand.”
“I don’t understand? What am I supposed to understand? Oh yes, let’s go and sleep in the same room where
I performed an emergency sex ritual with Morrigan! This isn’t some kind of fetish? Is it? Call me boring but the novelty of just being with a woman hasn’t exactly worn off yet.”
Ardinal waited patiently for Alistair to stop pacing whilst he voiced his concerns. He stood there for a moment, his eyes wide and pleading for some sense to accompany her response.
“I sat outside this door... that night. I felt terrible. I felt humiliated and all sorts of stupid. I can’t change what happened, but I don’t want that memory and this room to have power over me. I want this room to be ours, not hers.”
Ardinal flinched as she felt Alistair’s hand on her shoulder.
“My love, I can’t fathom why you want to do this, but if it is something you feel you must do then I will be with you... here... tonight.”
The fireplace was lit and Alistair couldn’t help but recall memories of Morrigan’s naked form. She had not been unattractive, his body responding in kind to her touch. He had been determined not to night take pleasure in their unison, and had been successful even when their rhythms peaked and his mind was commandeered by primal needs.
Forget. Alistair pushed the memories from his mind.
His fingertips followed her body’s contours and Ardinal trembled at his touch. He lay beneath her, unable to ignore the scars of battle which stood out against her porcelain white skin. He too wore his fair share of scars upon his chest and Ardinal had kissed them each in turn. He held her small, elvan frame by the waist as she embraced him. Ardinal had taken Alistair slowly, feeling apprehensive and overwhelmed by the sensation. With his encouragement she persevered and was soon moving her hips to a gentle beat.
With each stroke came a revelation. Ardinal hated Morrigan. Alistair did this with her.
You did this with Zevran. Her inner voice argued.
You’re a hypocrite, that's what you are.
Ardinal’s rhythm increased.
Hypocrite! Hypocrite! HYPOCRITE!
“No I’m not!” Ardinal cried out and Alistair sat up in fright, pulling her close in an attempt to console her.
Tears burst from Ardinal’s eyes as she sobbed uncontrollably into Alistair’s shoulder.
“Shhh... Ardi... What’s wrong? Please talk to me.”
Alistair could make out a few words between sobs, which included something about a mother, a mage and possibly a pouncing cat. Then he distinctly heard ‘hypocrite’, ‘Morrigan’ and something about Zevran. He felt a
twinge of annoyance as Ardinal used the word ‘****’ in reference to herself, which prompted an irritated ‘You most definitely are not’ and a ‘I’m sorry I’m not fluent in sob, you will need to calm down and then tell me what’s troubling you.’
Ardinal stared at the ceiling waiting for Alistair to digest the explanation she had provided for her emotional outburst. He lay beside her, his arms resting behind his head. If Ardinal wasn’t staring at the ceiling she
found herself gawking at his currently, flaccid appendage.
“I’m still amazed at how that can do what it does.” Ardinal exclaimed, breaking the silence.
“How what can do what?”
“That. How it... changes... so rapidly. Does it feel strange?”
“Penis, Ardinal. I think the word you are looking for is penis. For the Maker’s sake, I was the one raised by the Chantry...”
Ardinal let out a giggle.
“...and you had the gall to refer to yourself as a ****.”
Ardinal rested her head on Alistair’s shoulder.
“I was upset.”
“Clearly, but it’s alright. You shouldn’t be so hard on yourself. We have both had ‘relations’ with someone else but who pray tell, am I currently sharing a bed with? Is it not the very beautiful elf of whom I love with all my heart?”
Ardinal smiled.
“Yes, and she loves you too Alistair; dearly.”
They shared a good night kiss, Ardinal muttering the word ‘penis’ as they parted.
<3It's hot, and my home state is being inundated by a Cyclone... Moar coming soon!<3
Modifié par Ardinal, 06 février 2011 - 12:19 .
#30
Posté 02 février 2011 - 05:22
Ardinal
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<3Anders specific chapter for those who are fond of the gorgeous chap. I think he needed a little screen time and it also ties in nicely with my story. Just hope I can wrap it up soon. Nearly there. ;P<3
Chapter 23 - Burning
There was still no response from Alistair. Anders had called out to him but he had remained frozen in place, his arms resting on Ardinals shoulders. If they had been pretending to be statues he would have commended them on a job well done. For now he just wanted Alistair to snap out of whatever spell he had fallen under and for the Despair demon to join them in standing perfectly still.
“Look, I’ve had enough of this you... saddened, lady, thing.”
The demon slowed, hovering for a moment between Anders and her entranced captives.
Anders had attempted to pace himself, but knew it was inevitable that he would eventually be drained of magical energy. He steadied himself and felt a rush as lightning surged through his arms. A bright chain of electricity wrapped itself around the demon before a white flash enveloped its body. The demon convulsed and let out a blood-curdling scream.
Almost there. Anders prepared himself for another incantation when he heard a woman’s voice.
“Anders. What have you done?”
Anders found himself standing outside his childhood home, its front door ajar. The wind lazily blew it back and forth until it appeared to be done with it, slamming it shut with one quick and violent motion.
“What have you done? Anders!”
Anders shuddered as he turned and faced his mother.
Her fair hair danced across her shoulders, much like he remembered, but he was not certain if her eyes had ever been that blue, or as cruel as the ones that stared accusingly into his. She stood adorned in common clothing, tightly clutching a rusty pitchfork in her hands.
Anders looked down at his feet. The smell of burning hair and flesh rose from the remains of a small animal which lay dead on the grass before him. Curiosity overwhelmed him and he crouched down to get a closer look
and hopefully determine what the unfortunate creature had been in life.
A memory, lost to years of denial began to surface. Anders recalled the kitten he had found in a log, mewing anxiously. He had spent all afternoon searching the fields and barns for its mother but to no avail. He remembered being amused by the sight of its tiny, pink tongue as it lapped up the fresh milk he had pilfered from one of his uncle’s milk canisters. He was saddened that he could not remember the little fellow’s name.
He then recalled the day he had spied the kitten playing in the grass and how he had reached out to pet its ginger pelt. A strange light appeared and Anders watched in awe as his hand began to glow. Awe quickly turned to terror as a flame erupted from his fingertips. He had screamed and begged for the Maker, for Andraste, for anyone to make it stop.
I’m so sorry. Anders reached out but couldn’t bring himself to touch the charcoaled remains.
“You did this!”
Anders couldn’t resist informing his mother that it had been an accident. He never wanted to hurt the kitten from his childhood.
“Demon! I knew there was evil in you. They all told me I had lost my mind but I knew. I should have had them cut you out, but I couldn’t have known I was going to bring a monster into this world.”
Anders was a young boy again; facing the mother who had tried to kill him the day he had discovered he was a mage. Tears streamed down his face as he dodged his mothers pitchfork. She had lodged it in the ground when
the young Anders had embraced his mother and pleaded with her to spare his life.
A warm feeling washed over him, and Anders called upon the Maker’s help once more. Pain ripped through his shoulders as his mother clawed his back and kicked him to the ground. For a moment Anders pictured his mother dancing in a golden gown as the flames flickered and ate away her flesh.
<3Going to take a little hiatus. Need to attend to my studies and work = money. Which I need, so I can buy many peanuts.<3
Chapter 23 - Burning
There was still no response from Alistair. Anders had called out to him but he had remained frozen in place, his arms resting on Ardinals shoulders. If they had been pretending to be statues he would have commended them on a job well done. For now he just wanted Alistair to snap out of whatever spell he had fallen under and for the Despair demon to join them in standing perfectly still.
“Look, I’ve had enough of this you... saddened, lady, thing.”
The demon slowed, hovering for a moment between Anders and her entranced captives.
Anders had attempted to pace himself, but knew it was inevitable that he would eventually be drained of magical energy. He steadied himself and felt a rush as lightning surged through his arms. A bright chain of electricity wrapped itself around the demon before a white flash enveloped its body. The demon convulsed and let out a blood-curdling scream.
Almost there. Anders prepared himself for another incantation when he heard a woman’s voice.
“Anders. What have you done?”
Anders found himself standing outside his childhood home, its front door ajar. The wind lazily blew it back and forth until it appeared to be done with it, slamming it shut with one quick and violent motion.
“What have you done? Anders!”
Anders shuddered as he turned and faced his mother.
Her fair hair danced across her shoulders, much like he remembered, but he was not certain if her eyes had ever been that blue, or as cruel as the ones that stared accusingly into his. She stood adorned in common clothing, tightly clutching a rusty pitchfork in her hands.
Anders looked down at his feet. The smell of burning hair and flesh rose from the remains of a small animal which lay dead on the grass before him. Curiosity overwhelmed him and he crouched down to get a closer look
and hopefully determine what the unfortunate creature had been in life.
A memory, lost to years of denial began to surface. Anders recalled the kitten he had found in a log, mewing anxiously. He had spent all afternoon searching the fields and barns for its mother but to no avail. He remembered being amused by the sight of its tiny, pink tongue as it lapped up the fresh milk he had pilfered from one of his uncle’s milk canisters. He was saddened that he could not remember the little fellow’s name.
He then recalled the day he had spied the kitten playing in the grass and how he had reached out to pet its ginger pelt. A strange light appeared and Anders watched in awe as his hand began to glow. Awe quickly turned to terror as a flame erupted from his fingertips. He had screamed and begged for the Maker, for Andraste, for anyone to make it stop.
I’m so sorry. Anders reached out but couldn’t bring himself to touch the charcoaled remains.
“You did this!”
Anders couldn’t resist informing his mother that it had been an accident. He never wanted to hurt the kitten from his childhood.
“Demon! I knew there was evil in you. They all told me I had lost my mind but I knew. I should have had them cut you out, but I couldn’t have known I was going to bring a monster into this world.”
Anders was a young boy again; facing the mother who had tried to kill him the day he had discovered he was a mage. Tears streamed down his face as he dodged his mothers pitchfork. She had lodged it in the ground when
the young Anders had embraced his mother and pleaded with her to spare his life.
A warm feeling washed over him, and Anders called upon the Maker’s help once more. Pain ripped through his shoulders as his mother clawed his back and kicked him to the ground. For a moment Anders pictured his mother dancing in a golden gown as the flames flickered and ate away her flesh.
<3Going to take a little hiatus. Need to attend to my studies and work = money. Which I need, so I can buy many peanuts.<3
Modifié par Ardinal, 06 février 2011 - 12:18 .
#31
Posté 03 février 2011 - 03:55
Lady Mimzy
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awww but I can understand. thanks for what you have written so far. ^^
#32
Posté 06 février 2011 - 11:37
Ardinal
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<3NUTS TO YOU HIATUS!!!<3
Chapter 24 - Return
“It’s the Hero of Ferelden!” Familiar faces met Ardinal as she entered the gates of Denerim’s Alienage. Elven children beckoned for her to take their tiny hands and adults she had looked up to as a youth fell at her feet in adoration. Alistair looked on as elves swamped her, paying little head to the human in their midst.
“Saviour of Amaranthine! Slayer of the Archdemon!” Being hailed a hero revived memories of Ardinal’s mother and long forgotten bedtime stories. Hero’s had run wild through her imagination and Ardinal had come to believe that anything was possible. That there was a world beyond the confines of her Alienage; where adventures could be had and greatness could be reached. Now she was a hero worthy of legend.
“Cousin!”
Soris had managed to navigate the crowd scooping Ardinal into his arms. To her surprise he lifted her skywards in the manner he had not done since they were children, when Soris, finally outgrowing his female cousin had delighted in the discovery that he was strong enough to pick her up, enabling them to raid the apple tree that had let its branches spill over the Alienage walls.Once back on her feet, her cousin Shianni joined them.
“Hello Bann Shianni.” Ardinal was not the only family member with a title. Queen Anora had bestowed the honour to Shianni, making her the official representative for Denerim’s elves.
“I’m good cousin! I’m just so...” Shianni trailed off as she wiped a small tear from her eye.
“I’ve missed you cousin.” She confessed.
“I’ve missed you too.” Ardinal rested her forehead on Shianni’s and the two exchanged a loving smile.
Alistair stayed back, wondering when custom would require him to introduce himself.
“By the Maker! Is that mutt still following you?” Shianni asked.
Ardinal was confused; Shianni never having expressed a dislike for her Mabari in the past.
“Dog is as loyal as he ever was.” Ardinal concluded, patting her canine companion gently.
Shianni smirked and pointed to Alistair.
“No, I meant him. Andraste herself could have waltzed into our home and I still wouldn’t have believed it.”
Ardinal felt her mood grow sour. They had been over this. Surely informing her family about Alistair at Anora’s coronation had been sufficient? She had even pointed him out briefly, revealing his royal heritage for good measure. Apparently Alistair was still a point of contention.
Ardinal sighed and beckoned Alistair to join her. Alistair approached , hoping his clumsy gate would make him appear less intimidating.
“Hello. Um, I’m with her.” He blurted.Ardinal put her arm around his waist and Alistair appreciated the significance of her gesture. His face warmed as he returned her affections, gently placing his hand on her shoulder.
“This is Alistair and he is...” Ardinal hesitated.
He’s not my husband. She thought sadly, wishing she could say otherwise.
“He’s with me.” Ardinal announced, the crowd responding in nervous whispers.
Alistair’s tenderness towards her cousin had not gone unnoticed, but Shianni could not shake her deep seeded distrust of human men. Was she even capable of respecting her cousin’s wishes?
“Come cousin. I know uncle would like to see his favourite daughter.”
“I’m his only daughter.” Ardinal quipped.
“So Alistair, this is where I grew up. It might not look like much but it was home.”Ardinal babbled, finding the excitement of bringing Alistair to meet her father for the first time slightly overwhelming.
“Boy. Slept outside with dogs; Remember? I really don’t think you have to worry about offending my delicate sensibilities.”
Ardinal smiled wearily as she reflected on her situation. Shianni had her reasons, valid ones for not being overly fond of her relationship with Alistair. Soris had submitted eventually, wishing for her happiness above all else. Pausing outside her family home, Ardinal remembered her mother.
Ardinal had been asleep when Adaia was killed by human guards. Her father had been too distraught to wake her, and she had risen the following day, made herself breakfast and attended to her morning routine unaware of her mother’s death. Humans had caused her family a lot of pain over the years; it was only natural that they would feel apprehensive.
Cyrion was in his room. Ardinal was assured that he was recovering from a cold, hence the reason for him being in bed.
“My little girl.” Cyrion put down his book and held out his hands.Ardinal snuggled her head under his chin as she hugged him. Alistair waited patiently by the door. He had never felt so anxious, not even the day when his young eyes spied his own father as he headed a parade through the streets of Denerim;, a stranger in a golden crown.
“Father, you remember Alistair. I mentioned how we...”
“Yes I remember. How could I forget the man who helped free us from Tevinter slavers...” Cyrion beckoned Alistair to enter.“...and aided you in killing the Archdemon, or so I was told.”
“Yes Ser. That would be me.”
Cyrion looked confused, not sure of Alistair’s intentions. ‘Ser’ was a title reserved for human men and women and often used by his people when addressing them.
“It’s alright Alistair. Father he means it with the upmost respect.” Ardinal explained.
Alistair let out a sigh.
“I’m sorry I’m not very good at this. I don’t know what to say or how to address anyone here. I’m a mumbling, bumbling idiot, but believe me when I tell you that I'm really... I'm rather fond of...”
“It’s alright. I must apologise as I’m not really accustomed to this sort of thing either.”
After a more relaxed discussion involving tales of battling darkspawn and discovering ancient temples, Ardinal requested some time alone with Cyrion.
“Does he make you happy?” Cyrion asked.
“Yes he does. I’m sorry, I understand why you...”
“No child, this is not about me.”Cyrion sat up and held his daughters hands.
“You have achieved things I could never begin to imagine. You truly have been blessed by the Maker. He has allowed you to go your own way, and make your own choices.
”Ardinal felt her lip quiver hailing the onset of tears.
“Have I made you proud?” Cyrion chuckled until a cough intervened.
“How can I not be proud of you? You slew the Archdemon, saving everyone. You are a hero Ardinal. Your name will remain long after we are all gone from this world.”
“I’m still me... aren’t I?” Ardinal wiped her eyes.
“Your mother once said that strength can only be gained through change. A flower will never be beautiful unless it blooms.”
Ardinal found wisdom in her mother’s words.
“Never doubt how much I love you.” Cyrion assured his daughter. Ardinal hugged her father once more before leaving him to rest.
“We have a surprise for you!” Ardinal had not been prepared for Soris’s big news and was amazed that he had not spoken of his newborn daughter earlier.
“I don’t think Soris can believe she’s really here.” Their little girl who they had named Saeysha sat quietly in Valora’s arms.
“She is a dream come true.” Soris kissed his wife on the cheek, Saeysha clasping her tiny hand around his finger.
Shianni had sat Alistair at the household table, demanding that he drink with her.
“Cousin, you must join us! You owe me! You never stayed for drinks like you said you would. Too busy being a Warden.” Shianni slurred her words slightly. Ardinal could only guess how much time had passed since Shianni had been able to put her duties aside and enjoy a good ale.
“Damn drunk. I’ll show you how it’s done!” Ardinal had missed drinking with her cousin and hoped that nights spent drinking with Oghren had refined her skills.
“Would you like to hold her first?” Valora insisted, urging Ardinal to take hold of Saesha’s tiny form.
Ardinal peered into the bundle of cloth and found two little eyes staring back at her, twitching as they attempted to focus. Ardinal wondered what the world must look like to someone so new.
She noticed Alistair observing them and realised that there was a hint of sadness to his gaze.
His child. Ardinal thought of Morrigan, and the inevitable result of the ritual she and Alistair had performed.
“Valora, Soris may I ask you a favour? May Alistair hold her? Fully supervised by me of course.”
Alistair’s look of horror mirrored Soris and Valora’s.
“I can’t hold that... I mean HER!” Alistair sat up in panic.
“See, I can’t even get my words to come out right. Do you seriously think I’m capable of holding a little life in my arms?”
Valora took a deep breath, looked at Soris before they both gave a weary nod to Ardinal.
Alistair was petrified.
“Shield arm in.” Ardinal ordered and Alistair involuntarily followed her command.
“Sword arm out.”It was not long before Alistair was successfully cradling the baby in his arms. Ardinal watched as Alistair matched his breathing with the tiny infants, his eyes full of wonder. Alistair shared a silent ‘thank you’ with Ardinal and in turn with Soris and Valora, who offered sincere smiles of ‘you’re welcome’.
“Enough baby! Cousin, DRINK!” Shianni voiced her impatience.Saeysha was taken home for the night, Ardinal and Alistair joining Shianni in a toast to her birth, to Cyrion’s health and to the return of Ferelden’s hero.
<3Mmmmm coffeeeee...<3
Chapter 24 - Return
“It’s the Hero of Ferelden!” Familiar faces met Ardinal as she entered the gates of Denerim’s Alienage. Elven children beckoned for her to take their tiny hands and adults she had looked up to as a youth fell at her feet in adoration. Alistair looked on as elves swamped her, paying little head to the human in their midst.
“Saviour of Amaranthine! Slayer of the Archdemon!” Being hailed a hero revived memories of Ardinal’s mother and long forgotten bedtime stories. Hero’s had run wild through her imagination and Ardinal had come to believe that anything was possible. That there was a world beyond the confines of her Alienage; where adventures could be had and greatness could be reached. Now she was a hero worthy of legend.
“Cousin!”
Soris had managed to navigate the crowd scooping Ardinal into his arms. To her surprise he lifted her skywards in the manner he had not done since they were children, when Soris, finally outgrowing his female cousin had delighted in the discovery that he was strong enough to pick her up, enabling them to raid the apple tree that had let its branches spill over the Alienage walls.Once back on her feet, her cousin Shianni joined them.
“Hello Bann Shianni.” Ardinal was not the only family member with a title. Queen Anora had bestowed the honour to Shianni, making her the official representative for Denerim’s elves.
“I’m good cousin! I’m just so...” Shianni trailed off as she wiped a small tear from her eye.
“I’ve missed you cousin.” She confessed.
“I’ve missed you too.” Ardinal rested her forehead on Shianni’s and the two exchanged a loving smile.
Alistair stayed back, wondering when custom would require him to introduce himself.
“By the Maker! Is that mutt still following you?” Shianni asked.
Ardinal was confused; Shianni never having expressed a dislike for her Mabari in the past.
“Dog is as loyal as he ever was.” Ardinal concluded, patting her canine companion gently.
Shianni smirked and pointed to Alistair.
“No, I meant him. Andraste herself could have waltzed into our home and I still wouldn’t have believed it.”
Ardinal felt her mood grow sour. They had been over this. Surely informing her family about Alistair at Anora’s coronation had been sufficient? She had even pointed him out briefly, revealing his royal heritage for good measure. Apparently Alistair was still a point of contention.
Ardinal sighed and beckoned Alistair to join her. Alistair approached , hoping his clumsy gate would make him appear less intimidating.
“Hello. Um, I’m with her.” He blurted.Ardinal put her arm around his waist and Alistair appreciated the significance of her gesture. His face warmed as he returned her affections, gently placing his hand on her shoulder.
“This is Alistair and he is...” Ardinal hesitated.
He’s not my husband. She thought sadly, wishing she could say otherwise.
“He’s with me.” Ardinal announced, the crowd responding in nervous whispers.
Alistair’s tenderness towards her cousin had not gone unnoticed, but Shianni could not shake her deep seeded distrust of human men. Was she even capable of respecting her cousin’s wishes?
“Come cousin. I know uncle would like to see his favourite daughter.”
“I’m his only daughter.” Ardinal quipped.
“So Alistair, this is where I grew up. It might not look like much but it was home.”Ardinal babbled, finding the excitement of bringing Alistair to meet her father for the first time slightly overwhelming.
“Boy. Slept outside with dogs; Remember? I really don’t think you have to worry about offending my delicate sensibilities.”
Ardinal smiled wearily as she reflected on her situation. Shianni had her reasons, valid ones for not being overly fond of her relationship with Alistair. Soris had submitted eventually, wishing for her happiness above all else. Pausing outside her family home, Ardinal remembered her mother.
Ardinal had been asleep when Adaia was killed by human guards. Her father had been too distraught to wake her, and she had risen the following day, made herself breakfast and attended to her morning routine unaware of her mother’s death. Humans had caused her family a lot of pain over the years; it was only natural that they would feel apprehensive.
Cyrion was in his room. Ardinal was assured that he was recovering from a cold, hence the reason for him being in bed.
“My little girl.” Cyrion put down his book and held out his hands.Ardinal snuggled her head under his chin as she hugged him. Alistair waited patiently by the door. He had never felt so anxious, not even the day when his young eyes spied his own father as he headed a parade through the streets of Denerim;, a stranger in a golden crown.
“Father, you remember Alistair. I mentioned how we...”
“Yes I remember. How could I forget the man who helped free us from Tevinter slavers...” Cyrion beckoned Alistair to enter.“...and aided you in killing the Archdemon, or so I was told.”
“Yes Ser. That would be me.”
Cyrion looked confused, not sure of Alistair’s intentions. ‘Ser’ was a title reserved for human men and women and often used by his people when addressing them.
“It’s alright Alistair. Father he means it with the upmost respect.” Ardinal explained.
Alistair let out a sigh.
“I’m sorry I’m not very good at this. I don’t know what to say or how to address anyone here. I’m a mumbling, bumbling idiot, but believe me when I tell you that I'm really... I'm rather fond of...”
“It’s alright. I must apologise as I’m not really accustomed to this sort of thing either.”
After a more relaxed discussion involving tales of battling darkspawn and discovering ancient temples, Ardinal requested some time alone with Cyrion.
“Does he make you happy?” Cyrion asked.
“Yes he does. I’m sorry, I understand why you...”
“No child, this is not about me.”Cyrion sat up and held his daughters hands.
“You have achieved things I could never begin to imagine. You truly have been blessed by the Maker. He has allowed you to go your own way, and make your own choices.
”Ardinal felt her lip quiver hailing the onset of tears.
“Have I made you proud?” Cyrion chuckled until a cough intervened.
“How can I not be proud of you? You slew the Archdemon, saving everyone. You are a hero Ardinal. Your name will remain long after we are all gone from this world.”
“I’m still me... aren’t I?” Ardinal wiped her eyes.
“Your mother once said that strength can only be gained through change. A flower will never be beautiful unless it blooms.”
Ardinal found wisdom in her mother’s words.
“Never doubt how much I love you.” Cyrion assured his daughter. Ardinal hugged her father once more before leaving him to rest.
“We have a surprise for you!” Ardinal had not been prepared for Soris’s big news and was amazed that he had not spoken of his newborn daughter earlier.
“I don’t think Soris can believe she’s really here.” Their little girl who they had named Saeysha sat quietly in Valora’s arms.
“She is a dream come true.” Soris kissed his wife on the cheek, Saeysha clasping her tiny hand around his finger.
Shianni had sat Alistair at the household table, demanding that he drink with her.
“Cousin, you must join us! You owe me! You never stayed for drinks like you said you would. Too busy being a Warden.” Shianni slurred her words slightly. Ardinal could only guess how much time had passed since Shianni had been able to put her duties aside and enjoy a good ale.
“Damn drunk. I’ll show you how it’s done!” Ardinal had missed drinking with her cousin and hoped that nights spent drinking with Oghren had refined her skills.
“Would you like to hold her first?” Valora insisted, urging Ardinal to take hold of Saesha’s tiny form.
Ardinal peered into the bundle of cloth and found two little eyes staring back at her, twitching as they attempted to focus. Ardinal wondered what the world must look like to someone so new.
She noticed Alistair observing them and realised that there was a hint of sadness to his gaze.
His child. Ardinal thought of Morrigan, and the inevitable result of the ritual she and Alistair had performed.
“Valora, Soris may I ask you a favour? May Alistair hold her? Fully supervised by me of course.”
Alistair’s look of horror mirrored Soris and Valora’s.
“I can’t hold that... I mean HER!” Alistair sat up in panic.
“See, I can’t even get my words to come out right. Do you seriously think I’m capable of holding a little life in my arms?”
Valora took a deep breath, looked at Soris before they both gave a weary nod to Ardinal.
Alistair was petrified.
“Shield arm in.” Ardinal ordered and Alistair involuntarily followed her command.
“Sword arm out.”It was not long before Alistair was successfully cradling the baby in his arms. Ardinal watched as Alistair matched his breathing with the tiny infants, his eyes full of wonder. Alistair shared a silent ‘thank you’ with Ardinal and in turn with Soris and Valora, who offered sincere smiles of ‘you’re welcome’.
“Enough baby! Cousin, DRINK!” Shianni voiced her impatience.Saeysha was taken home for the night, Ardinal and Alistair joining Shianni in a toast to her birth, to Cyrion’s health and to the return of Ferelden’s hero.
<3Mmmmm coffeeeee...<3
Modifié par Ardinal, 07 février 2011 - 12:20 .
#33
Posté 06 février 2011 - 12:14
Ardinal
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<3The end is in sight... sort of!<3
Chapter 25 - Submitting
Ardinal felt complete. Her body swelled and she could hear the beginnings of a song soothing her senses from within. Tremendous power filled her veins and she finally grew accustomed to the extra limbs that accompanied her new form.The annoying little man had remained, even after she had attempted to crush him between her newly acquired forearms, their pincers tearing at his skin. She recalled him mentioning her name as he cried out in pain.
Alistair was not giving in. He summoned all his courage, griping his Fade sword tightly and pulling his Fade shield to his chest. He meditated on the techniques he had learnt during his time as a Templar and a white glow appeared from his forehead, mystical energy calming his mind and focusing his thoughts.
“Ardinal! You must fight this!” Alistair bellowed.Ardinal was amused.
“Alistair.” She hissed.
“Don’t you like me this way? I think it’s amazing. I feel, full... satisfied.”
“Ardi come to your senses, please! This is the Fade. The horrible place we stumbled into at the Circle! You’re not really this... this thing!”
Ardinal shook with rage.
“I’m not this THING? Oh but I would have been eventually Alistair. Does it sicken you to see my true form? You’re nothing but a gutless bastard!”
Alistair lowered his sword and tossed his shield to the ground. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.
He was running beside her in Ostagar, his heart pounded as he kept pace, dodging the fire and debris they encountered as they dashed across devastated bridges. Smoke assaulted his nostrils as they entered the burning tower. Darkspawn innards fell at his feet as he carved his way through their sickly hides. The sound of battle resonated within his skull.
His mind fled the tower only to be swallowed up by the Dead Trenches, their endless tunnels sucking him further into the depths of the earth. A memory of Ardinal fighting darkspawn surfaced. She was a beautiful warrior, her duel blades moving effortlessly through steal and flesh. Ardinal had mastered techniques that enabled her blades to move with an uncanny speed and grace. They would sometimes leave trails of blue light as Ardinal sliced her mark to pieces.
The Archdemon rose from the darkness and Alistair recalled the final moments of the battle over Denerim. Ardinal had stood, drenched in blood and sweat, her eyes fixated on the heat of battle. Light from one of Wynne’s healing spells radiated off her skin and Leliana, busy providing her with cover, shot volleys from a giant ballista and into the Archdemon’s flesh.
Ardinal had instructed Alistair to keep the darkspawn forces occupied. He felt bone snap and crumple as he crushed the skull of a Genlock with his shield. Only when the Archdemon was in its final death throws that a thought finally occurred to him.
What if Morrigan had lied to them?
Was it all just a ruse? If Morrigan had not conceived, the essence of the Old God contained within the Archdemon would most certainly enter Ardinal’s body and kill her. Ardinal shouted instructions as she prepared to strike the killing blow.
Alistair opened his eyes. Ardinal’s arms swayed as her tentacles twisted and curled below the grey mass of flesh that held up her torso. Black fluid dripped from her lips and her crimson eyes narrowed as she let out a menacing shriek. Alistair raised his sword.
Wynne was worried. Three mages chanted softly, magical energy encircling their hands and creating ribbons of light that weaved in and out of Ardinal’s body as she lay unconscious in her bed. The ribbons of light reached out to Anders and Alistair who sat on opposite sides, deep in their induced coma’s, risking their lives to enter the Fade and free Ardinal’s mind from whatever entity was keeping her hostage.
Wynne had offered her healing touch when Ardinal had appeared to grow weaker. She considered what other spells might help the situation, but to her dismay nothing had come to mind.
“Who did this to you?” Wynne whispered softly.
“Demons.” A familiar voice filled her ears and Wynne looked up to find the bard Leliana standing at the end of the bed.
“Leliana, while you’re in here do try to keep your voice down.”
Leliana nodded and joined Wynne by Ardinal’s side.She crouched by the side of the bed placing her hand on Ardinal’s. Leliana regarded her friend, quietly asking Andraste to watch over her, and Maker willing return her to them.
“You spoke of demons?” Wynne enquired. Leliana did not stir, continuing to offer prayers under her breath. Wynne was almost about to ask again when Leliana finally spoke.
“They want us all dead. The Wardens, Ardinal. You and I, we are also at risk.” She said softly and in her native tongue spoke the name of Ardinal’s enemy.
“Odre de la Vengeance.”
Wynne interpreted the name.“This Order of the Vengeful; what are their reasons for causing us harm?”
Wynne agreed when Leliana suggested they should continue their conversation at a later time.
“Odre de la Vengeance.” Wynne repeated under her breath.
<3...<3
Chapter 25 - Submitting
Ardinal felt complete. Her body swelled and she could hear the beginnings of a song soothing her senses from within. Tremendous power filled her veins and she finally grew accustomed to the extra limbs that accompanied her new form.The annoying little man had remained, even after she had attempted to crush him between her newly acquired forearms, their pincers tearing at his skin. She recalled him mentioning her name as he cried out in pain.
Alistair was not giving in. He summoned all his courage, griping his Fade sword tightly and pulling his Fade shield to his chest. He meditated on the techniques he had learnt during his time as a Templar and a white glow appeared from his forehead, mystical energy calming his mind and focusing his thoughts.
“Ardinal! You must fight this!” Alistair bellowed.Ardinal was amused.
“Alistair.” She hissed.
“Don’t you like me this way? I think it’s amazing. I feel, full... satisfied.”
“Ardi come to your senses, please! This is the Fade. The horrible place we stumbled into at the Circle! You’re not really this... this thing!”
Ardinal shook with rage.
“I’m not this THING? Oh but I would have been eventually Alistair. Does it sicken you to see my true form? You’re nothing but a gutless bastard!”
Alistair lowered his sword and tossed his shield to the ground. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.
He was running beside her in Ostagar, his heart pounded as he kept pace, dodging the fire and debris they encountered as they dashed across devastated bridges. Smoke assaulted his nostrils as they entered the burning tower. Darkspawn innards fell at his feet as he carved his way through their sickly hides. The sound of battle resonated within his skull.
His mind fled the tower only to be swallowed up by the Dead Trenches, their endless tunnels sucking him further into the depths of the earth. A memory of Ardinal fighting darkspawn surfaced. She was a beautiful warrior, her duel blades moving effortlessly through steal and flesh. Ardinal had mastered techniques that enabled her blades to move with an uncanny speed and grace. They would sometimes leave trails of blue light as Ardinal sliced her mark to pieces.
The Archdemon rose from the darkness and Alistair recalled the final moments of the battle over Denerim. Ardinal had stood, drenched in blood and sweat, her eyes fixated on the heat of battle. Light from one of Wynne’s healing spells radiated off her skin and Leliana, busy providing her with cover, shot volleys from a giant ballista and into the Archdemon’s flesh.
Ardinal had instructed Alistair to keep the darkspawn forces occupied. He felt bone snap and crumple as he crushed the skull of a Genlock with his shield. Only when the Archdemon was in its final death throws that a thought finally occurred to him.
What if Morrigan had lied to them?
Was it all just a ruse? If Morrigan had not conceived, the essence of the Old God contained within the Archdemon would most certainly enter Ardinal’s body and kill her. Ardinal shouted instructions as she prepared to strike the killing blow.
Alistair opened his eyes. Ardinal’s arms swayed as her tentacles twisted and curled below the grey mass of flesh that held up her torso. Black fluid dripped from her lips and her crimson eyes narrowed as she let out a menacing shriek. Alistair raised his sword.
Wynne was worried. Three mages chanted softly, magical energy encircling their hands and creating ribbons of light that weaved in and out of Ardinal’s body as she lay unconscious in her bed. The ribbons of light reached out to Anders and Alistair who sat on opposite sides, deep in their induced coma’s, risking their lives to enter the Fade and free Ardinal’s mind from whatever entity was keeping her hostage.
Wynne had offered her healing touch when Ardinal had appeared to grow weaker. She considered what other spells might help the situation, but to her dismay nothing had come to mind.
“Who did this to you?” Wynne whispered softly.
“Demons.” A familiar voice filled her ears and Wynne looked up to find the bard Leliana standing at the end of the bed.
“Leliana, while you’re in here do try to keep your voice down.”
Leliana nodded and joined Wynne by Ardinal’s side.She crouched by the side of the bed placing her hand on Ardinal’s. Leliana regarded her friend, quietly asking Andraste to watch over her, and Maker willing return her to them.
“You spoke of demons?” Wynne enquired. Leliana did not stir, continuing to offer prayers under her breath. Wynne was almost about to ask again when Leliana finally spoke.
“They want us all dead. The Wardens, Ardinal. You and I, we are also at risk.” She said softly and in her native tongue spoke the name of Ardinal’s enemy.
“Odre de la Vengeance.”
Wynne interpreted the name.“This Order of the Vengeful; what are their reasons for causing us harm?”
Wynne agreed when Leliana suggested they should continue their conversation at a later time.
“Odre de la Vengeance.” Wynne repeated under her breath.
<3...<3
Modifié par Ardinal, 06 février 2011 - 12:17 .
#34
Posté 10 février 2011 - 03:47
Ardinal
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<3 I think I need to end this sooooon. I have a feeling (it could be bunnniiiies) so sorry, I mean I think I've been going off on tangents... maybe a little. Oh well... either way here are further instalments of Ever After, plus a drawing, captruring a particular scene from chapter 29.<3
Chapter 26 - Drinking
"I think... you lovely ladies should let me rest." Alistair's head was swimming.
"You... sodding... sissy." Ardinal mumbled from behind towers of empty cups. Shianni had given up on building the 'one' empty cup tower, the ale they contained robbing her of the precision needed for its construction.
Alistair rose clumsily, asking Ardinal to guide him to their room. Ardinal giggled and tucked her hand under the back of his belt as she corralled him to her former bedroom. A blanket hung from the ceiling to provide some privacy of which Ardinal was grateful. She drew his hips to hers, standing on her tip toes to gnaw hungrily at his neck. Alistair grumbled. He was tired, drunk and thanks to his lovers antics now horribly aroused.
"Hey, steady on. You'll gobble me up." Alistair felt his face flush as Ardinal shot him a mischievous grin. Reluctantly, Alistair dodged her advances, Ardinal eventually giving up and focusing her attention on the single beds her family had made up for them.
"This won't do. I'll move mine over." Ardinal proceeded to unite the single beds. She was happily sliding one bed across the floor boards to meet up with the other when something blocked her path.
"Cousin, you can't put them together." Shianni had appeared from behind the blanket, pushing the bed back from whence it came.
"What? You can't be serious?"
Ardinal continued her task of determined to put the beds together.
"You're not married. It's indecent..."
"As if the Chantry would allow it! Anyway, this is my room!"
Alistair felt panic rising from his gut.
"No. You left. This is our guest room and you're a guest! Now respect your host's wishes..."
Screeching noises accompanied the bed, dragged back and forth across the floor as the argument intensified.
"This isn't right! He's not right. Why him?"
"Excuse me? Who I choose to be with is none of your concern!"
Shianni began to shake, her voice shrill and pained.
"Of course it's my concern! Have you forgotten everything? What happened on your wedding..."
"What of it? Do you expect me to picture the corpse of my dead fiancé' every time Alistair and I are together? That's a bit sick, don't you think?"
"No. That's not what I meant!"
"Then what in the Maker's name are you trying to say?"
"You know damn well..." Shianni left the bed and looked her cousin in the eyes.
"Are you punishing yourself? Are you letting him touch you because you couldn't save me from Vau..."
"Don't you dare you compare Alistair to that rapist pig!"
"They're all rapist pigs, and you choose to service one!"
Alistair jumped in fright as Ardinal slapped her cousin across the face. Shianni, either in defence or due to reflex quickly retaliated in kind.They paused for a moment; feeling the heat rise off their skin where the others hand had connected.
"Alistair. Out!" Ardinal shouted.
"But... where?..."
"Out!"
Alistair fell clumsily into a chair on his way out of the house, guessing that 'out' meant 'outside' and that he would be left 'outside' until Ardinal and Shianni had reconciled.He shut the door behind him, sitting next to Dog who proceeded to lick Alistair's hand in greeting.
"Back out with the dogs." Alistair mused.
Ardinal was the first to speak. She sat quietly with Shianni on the bed which had served as an emotional catalyst for expressing their internal grievances.
"One afternoon, Alistair and I were resting under a tree. Dog joined us and it wasn't long before both he and Alistair were fast asleep."
Shianni rested her head on Ardinal's shoulder.
"They were both drooling. My dog and my human; it was the funniest thing I had ever seen."
Tears streamed down Ardinal's face.
"I was too late. I couldn't save you."
"Shhh... Ardinal. It's alright. It wasn't your fault."Ardinal embraced her cousin.
"I should be comforting you. You said you didn't want to be treated like a fragile doll, but I knew deep down that you needed me and I left you here."
"Ferelden needed you." Shianni reasoned.
"I'm not as strong as you think I am. Alistair, he is like; he is my sheath Shianni." Ardinal began to explain.
Outside, Alistair felt torn. He felt he should have stood up for Ardinal or at least tried to do something to rectify the situation. Concern overwhelming him, Alistair quietly ventured back inside despite Ardinal's orders. He paused and listened, trying to determine whether the girls were still arguing.
"He is sort of... well I think of him as my sheath. Once the battle is over he is the one I return to. He may be human but before he was a Warden he was at the mercy of other people's decisions. Not unlike me. I'm not ashamed of what he and I share. He is courageous, and kind, and drools on my shoulder when he's sleeping..."
Shianni smiled faintly.
"You've been changing the world cousin; ever since you killed Vaughn and his men. I think everyone is just struggling to catch up, including me."
It was quiet for some time. Alistair crept inside the bedroom finding the girls fast asleep. Ardinal had been running her fingers through her cousin's hair. Shianni's last comment had been something about Alistair and having nice eyes.
Ardinal and Alistair remained in the Alienage for a number of weeks, helping its residents reconstruct buildings that had been damaged during the Darkspawn raid on Denerim. Alistair quickly earned the elves trust and respect during his time among them. Even Shianni managed to put her prejudices aside, warming to the kindly Warden.
Cyrion's condition worsened; mages unable to heal his failing lungs.
One night, Cyrion summoned Alistair to his bedside.
"Human hands took my wife from me." He had said. "Promise me yours will protect my daughter."
Alistair had sworn on his honour as a Grey Warden that he would do everything in his power to protect the woman he loved.
Ardinal had kissed her father goodnight, telling him she would return to see him in the morning. The morning came and Cyrion was dead. Ardinal had stared at his chest, willing it to rise and fall, but the pale and wax like colouring of her father's skin convinced her that whatever essence had been her father no longer resided within his body.
Ardinal failed to shed a single tear, evoking serious concern from Alistair and her remaining loved ones.Shortly after her father's funeral, Ardinal received word that Morrigan had been sighted in Ferelden. She left Alistair in Denerim, her father's death the perfect excuse for seeking Morrigan alone.
Chapter 27 - Resurrecting
"My son! My son!" Puss oozed from great mounds of flesh and bone.
"Shhh... Your son is dead. The Wardens took him."
Mournful screams poured forth from the mass of flesh as disembodied faces writhed beneath its skin.A green light pulsed within the orb that sat atop her long and ancient staff, and the woman smiled beneath her crimson hood.
Her abomination had survived the move to Ferelden, an abandoned mine serving to provide shelter for its putrid and twisted form.
"Is it ready?" A male voice enquired.
"No. Not yet." The woman stroked the talisman that hung around her neck and considered when it would be best to wake her sister. Screams filled the cavern.
The young woman cried out as she scrambled to grip the stony ground, her nails tearing from her fingers as two guards dragged her towards the pile of flesh.
"Like anything in this world you have to give a little, to get a little. When you want more, however..."
Two guards held the shrieking girl before a great mouth which had begun to form and open. The mouth towered above them, black blood dripping from a set of human teeth.The apostate clutched her staff and nodded. The young girl was thrown inside, her dying screams muffled by the sounds of splintering bones.
The apostate dodged the shower of blood and tissue, as a light appeared from within the abominations body. A ball of light emerged, fusing with the light within her staff. The staff flashed a brilliant blue before returning to a dormant green.
"That was most intriguing, Soleil." The male voice concluded.
The apostate Soleil instructed the guards to leave them. Her guest had waited long enough.
"I will make you complete..." Soleil ran her hands along the ancient sarcophagus, its stone stained by the passage of time.
"... but first I must summon my sister."
Lune's lungs were full of congealed blood. It and a milky fluid burst from her mouth as her body convulsed and shook. Blood and puss slid out of her ears and she could feel a thousand needles penetrate her wounds as skin and muscle rushed together, weaving itself back into place.
Her first breath was agonising, she choked and spluttered as air filled her chest. Her throat felt dry and shredded.
She needed water. Lune rose slowly off the ground and to her feet. She sensed her sister nearby and stumbled towards the setting sun.
Soleil embraced her sister upon her return. Lune's pupils were still completely dilated obscuring her pale blue eyes. Soleil stroked her sister's cheek and conjured up a ball of water which floated effortlessly to her sisters lips.
Colour returned to Lune's face and she smiled, listening to her sister chant the final incantations required to resurrect the corpse of a man, long dead, long forgotten.
The sarcophagus hummed and ethereal voices could be heard whispering from within the veil. The silver griffon adorning its side glowed red before bursting into flames.
Chapter 28 - Rejecting
(AHOY HOY - WARNING - SEXUAL TYPE THINGS AHEAD)
Anders was talking; a river of words spilling from his mouth. Ardinal, lost in a drunken stupor managed to fish the words 'moping', 'drunk', 'constantly' and 'Alistair' from the raging torrent. She took another swig of her ale and awaited the next volley.
"You're not listening to me, are you?" Anders slumped further in his chair.
Ardinal regarded the mage, sampling his features. He was not unattractive and she often found herself tantalized by the way he flicked his wrists when casting magic.
Ardinal's leather greaves creaked as she straddled him. Anders let out a disgruntled sigh when she draped her arms around his neck.
Soft heat; Anders savored her moans as he ran his fingers across her shoulders. Crockery rattled against the table as he moved within her. He leant forward to whisper in the elvan woman's ear.
"Don't be a bi..int." Anders could feel her breath on his lips.
"How am I being a bint?" Ardinal guided his hands to her hips.
"You're waiting for Alistair. He's probably waiting for you. This stupid stand-off needs to end. You've been drinking your sorry self away for months. What could he have possibly said or done for you to end up like this?"
Her tongue lolled around his fingers. The elvan woman let out a whimper as Anders withdrew his hand from her mouth, tightly clutching her hips.
Ardinal laughed. She told Anders about Morrigan; about the ritual and how it ensured her survival when killing the Archdemon. She confessed to leaving Alistair, not telling him that she had set out to find the apostate on her own. She found her former traveling companion, and learnt that Alistair had a son. Begrudgingly, she had let Morrigan slip away unharmed.
"In death, sacrifice..." Ardinal chuckled.
"All Alistair had to do was sacrifice seeing the boy, but he couldn't do it. He's made his choice. He left me to be with them."
Anders held the elvan woman to the table as he succumbed to a wild abandon, heading his body's needs. She cried out as his pace quickened.
"So now you know everything there is to know about me. Though I doubt you have ever needed to know a woman before..."
"Ardinal. I'm not having sex with you." Anders said bluntly.Ardinal was taken aback by his rejection. She stared at Anders in disbelief before attempting to persuade him with a kiss.
Ardinal gasped as Anders pushed her to the floor and rose from the chair, kicking it aside.
"Ardinal! You can't blame that apostate for everything. You and Alistair should be enjoying your many happy returns, but instead you're wasting the gift you've been given, feeling sorry for yourself, and drinking yourself silly. I won't have you wheedling your way under my robes either! Now get out there and find him!"
It was over. The elf maid dressed and Anders kissed her goodnight before ushering her out the door to the small, abandoned study they had retreated to within Vigil's Keep. She was saddened by the name the mage had uttered during their unison. It hadn't been hers.Anders returned to his quarters. He was pondering as to whether his Commander had been successful in finding Alistair when he heard a familiar bark outside his window.
Chapter 29 - Love
The pincers cleaved through Alistair's armour as he failed to parry them with his sword. He stumbled backwards, narrowly avoiding another swipe from Ardinal's forearms. Alistair wanted it to be over. He wanted to feel the same relief he had upon finding the Archdemon dead and Ardinal, his beautiful, precious love still standing and very much alive.
She's alive. She's alive. Alistair had stumbled towards her, trying to catch his breath after a wall of energy had knocked him to the ground upon the Archdemon's death.Tiny balls of light snowed gently from the sky and Ardinal stood with her eyes closed, head tilted skyward, her blades resting peacefully by her sides.
"ARDINAL!" Alistair shouted. Ardinal's broodmother face split open, revealing rows of sharpened teeth and blood. Alistair dropped his sword.
Ardinal turned and regarded Alistair who lumbered towards her. She dropped her blades to the ground, reaching out to meet him, tears welling up in her eyes.
He embraced her; his hero, his lover, his friend.
"I love you." Alistair held Ardinal tightly, reaching up and cradling her head in his arms.
"I promised. I promised to always protect you." Ardinal had halted her assault on Alistair, her eyes widening in horror as her mind came to its senses. Her mutated arms reached out for her love in an attempt to return his affections.
The world went white.
Alistair found himself standing in a moonlit field. Ardinal stood a few paces from him, no longer a broodmother, standing proudly as her elvan self, her Warden Armour shining brightly. The grass swayed gently in the summer breeze.
"Hello you." Alistair whispered.
"Hello you." Ardinal smiled and nodded in greeting.
"Here you are I see." Alistair added, noting how gloriously noble Ardinal appeared, like she had just stepped out a legendary story book.
"Yes, here I am, all me like."Alistair strode up to his love and stood beside her, listening to the familiar sound of Ferelden's crickets.
"You know Ardi, we need to find a better place to take a vacation... more relaxing, less demon inspired delusions."
"So a demon is our wonderful host? Makes sense... though I wished it had found better material to torment me with."
"Did you get to have dinner with an imaginary family?" Alistair enquired.
"Oh, even better; I had the privilege of meeting 'farmer' Alistair. You are hence forth banned from mentioning the words 'tending' and 'plough', forever... period."
"I was a farmer?"
"Yes. We were married. There was a farm. Who could have known that domestic bliss could be so..."
"Terrifying... that sounds positively terrifying. Although, cows come from farms... and cows make cheese..."
"Cows do not make cheese Alistair."
"A cheese farmer... Alistair the cheese farmer... lovely ring to it..."
Ardinal giggled. She held up her bare hand, flexing her fingers as she beheld the ring from Nelaros.
"You still have that wedding ring I see." Alistair placed his finger on the silver ring.
"You knew? I thought you didn't know what this was."
Alistair had not been bothered. The man who was to be her husband had tried to save her, a noble last act worth honouring.
"I'm sorry. I just... I couldn't seem to let it go. I know deep down I wanted to be with someone, a good wife to a good man. I truly love you Alistair, but we can never share that kind of life."
"I our lives will never be normal, but I don't think either of us really wanted it that way. We chose the same path, you and I; to be Grey Wardens, to defend Ferelden from the Blight..."
Alistair gathered Ardinal's hands in his.
"Ardinal, I don't know where we'll be or what we'll be doing years from now, but I know wherever, or whatever it might be, I want to be with you. You once said that I was your sheath. I want to be that for you, and more. Whatever we have faced, we have done so together."
Ardinal nodded in agreement, squeezing Alistair's hands.
"I was so lost on my own. I was wrong. You are more than capable of making your own decisions. I think most of my actions have depended solely on my desire to be with you. I made Anora Queen so I could have you to myself; I even cut down Sten in battle."
Alistair enquired as to why Ardinal had faced Sten in combat, and was surprised to hear of the Qunari invasion.
"Qunari. Lots of them, and they were angry... I guess I felt like I had to, that Sten had made his choice. I couldn't bring myself to back down..."
Alistair smiled.
"That's one of the many things I love about you. You never give up and you never submit to the easier option. Instead of accepting the injustices of the world, you do everything in your power to change them. Destiny? Fate? Hah! They've never had their beastly paws on you."
"Fate is a beasty?" Ardinal teased.
"A big one..."Ardinal and Alistair held one another for what felt like a lifetime, content as they sat; listening to one another's heartbeat.
"I think we better check on Anders. Mages can be a bit, um, squishy."
Ardinal removed her wedding ring, holding it in her palm. They both watched as it glowed and floated from her hand, carried away on the wind like an autumn leaf.
"Right, well we better go and make sure he hasn't been squished."
<3Now to bring this to an end so I can get back to my life... *cough* more games.<3
Chapter 26 - Drinking
"I think... you lovely ladies should let me rest." Alistair's head was swimming.
"You... sodding... sissy." Ardinal mumbled from behind towers of empty cups. Shianni had given up on building the 'one' empty cup tower, the ale they contained robbing her of the precision needed for its construction.
Alistair rose clumsily, asking Ardinal to guide him to their room. Ardinal giggled and tucked her hand under the back of his belt as she corralled him to her former bedroom. A blanket hung from the ceiling to provide some privacy of which Ardinal was grateful. She drew his hips to hers, standing on her tip toes to gnaw hungrily at his neck. Alistair grumbled. He was tired, drunk and thanks to his lovers antics now horribly aroused.
"Hey, steady on. You'll gobble me up." Alistair felt his face flush as Ardinal shot him a mischievous grin. Reluctantly, Alistair dodged her advances, Ardinal eventually giving up and focusing her attention on the single beds her family had made up for them.
"This won't do. I'll move mine over." Ardinal proceeded to unite the single beds. She was happily sliding one bed across the floor boards to meet up with the other when something blocked her path.
"Cousin, you can't put them together." Shianni had appeared from behind the blanket, pushing the bed back from whence it came.
"What? You can't be serious?"
Ardinal continued her task of determined to put the beds together.
"You're not married. It's indecent..."
"As if the Chantry would allow it! Anyway, this is my room!"
Alistair felt panic rising from his gut.
"No. You left. This is our guest room and you're a guest! Now respect your host's wishes..."
Screeching noises accompanied the bed, dragged back and forth across the floor as the argument intensified.
"This isn't right! He's not right. Why him?"
"Excuse me? Who I choose to be with is none of your concern!"
Shianni began to shake, her voice shrill and pained.
"Of course it's my concern! Have you forgotten everything? What happened on your wedding..."
"What of it? Do you expect me to picture the corpse of my dead fiancé' every time Alistair and I are together? That's a bit sick, don't you think?"
"No. That's not what I meant!"
"Then what in the Maker's name are you trying to say?"
"You know damn well..." Shianni left the bed and looked her cousin in the eyes.
"Are you punishing yourself? Are you letting him touch you because you couldn't save me from Vau..."
"Don't you dare you compare Alistair to that rapist pig!"
"They're all rapist pigs, and you choose to service one!"
Alistair jumped in fright as Ardinal slapped her cousin across the face. Shianni, either in defence or due to reflex quickly retaliated in kind.They paused for a moment; feeling the heat rise off their skin where the others hand had connected.
"Alistair. Out!" Ardinal shouted.
"But... where?..."
"Out!"
Alistair fell clumsily into a chair on his way out of the house, guessing that 'out' meant 'outside' and that he would be left 'outside' until Ardinal and Shianni had reconciled.He shut the door behind him, sitting next to Dog who proceeded to lick Alistair's hand in greeting.
"Back out with the dogs." Alistair mused.
Ardinal was the first to speak. She sat quietly with Shianni on the bed which had served as an emotional catalyst for expressing their internal grievances.
"One afternoon, Alistair and I were resting under a tree. Dog joined us and it wasn't long before both he and Alistair were fast asleep."
Shianni rested her head on Ardinal's shoulder.
"They were both drooling. My dog and my human; it was the funniest thing I had ever seen."
Tears streamed down Ardinal's face.
"I was too late. I couldn't save you."
"Shhh... Ardinal. It's alright. It wasn't your fault."Ardinal embraced her cousin.
"I should be comforting you. You said you didn't want to be treated like a fragile doll, but I knew deep down that you needed me and I left you here."
"Ferelden needed you." Shianni reasoned.
"I'm not as strong as you think I am. Alistair, he is like; he is my sheath Shianni." Ardinal began to explain.
Outside, Alistair felt torn. He felt he should have stood up for Ardinal or at least tried to do something to rectify the situation. Concern overwhelming him, Alistair quietly ventured back inside despite Ardinal's orders. He paused and listened, trying to determine whether the girls were still arguing.
"He is sort of... well I think of him as my sheath. Once the battle is over he is the one I return to. He may be human but before he was a Warden he was at the mercy of other people's decisions. Not unlike me. I'm not ashamed of what he and I share. He is courageous, and kind, and drools on my shoulder when he's sleeping..."
Shianni smiled faintly.
"You've been changing the world cousin; ever since you killed Vaughn and his men. I think everyone is just struggling to catch up, including me."
It was quiet for some time. Alistair crept inside the bedroom finding the girls fast asleep. Ardinal had been running her fingers through her cousin's hair. Shianni's last comment had been something about Alistair and having nice eyes.
Ardinal and Alistair remained in the Alienage for a number of weeks, helping its residents reconstruct buildings that had been damaged during the Darkspawn raid on Denerim. Alistair quickly earned the elves trust and respect during his time among them. Even Shianni managed to put her prejudices aside, warming to the kindly Warden.
Cyrion's condition worsened; mages unable to heal his failing lungs.
One night, Cyrion summoned Alistair to his bedside.
"Human hands took my wife from me." He had said. "Promise me yours will protect my daughter."
Alistair had sworn on his honour as a Grey Warden that he would do everything in his power to protect the woman he loved.
Ardinal had kissed her father goodnight, telling him she would return to see him in the morning. The morning came and Cyrion was dead. Ardinal had stared at his chest, willing it to rise and fall, but the pale and wax like colouring of her father's skin convinced her that whatever essence had been her father no longer resided within his body.
Ardinal failed to shed a single tear, evoking serious concern from Alistair and her remaining loved ones.Shortly after her father's funeral, Ardinal received word that Morrigan had been sighted in Ferelden. She left Alistair in Denerim, her father's death the perfect excuse for seeking Morrigan alone.
Chapter 27 - Resurrecting
"My son! My son!" Puss oozed from great mounds of flesh and bone.
"Shhh... Your son is dead. The Wardens took him."
Mournful screams poured forth from the mass of flesh as disembodied faces writhed beneath its skin.A green light pulsed within the orb that sat atop her long and ancient staff, and the woman smiled beneath her crimson hood.
Her abomination had survived the move to Ferelden, an abandoned mine serving to provide shelter for its putrid and twisted form.
"Is it ready?" A male voice enquired.
"No. Not yet." The woman stroked the talisman that hung around her neck and considered when it would be best to wake her sister. Screams filled the cavern.
The young woman cried out as she scrambled to grip the stony ground, her nails tearing from her fingers as two guards dragged her towards the pile of flesh.
"Like anything in this world you have to give a little, to get a little. When you want more, however..."
Two guards held the shrieking girl before a great mouth which had begun to form and open. The mouth towered above them, black blood dripping from a set of human teeth.The apostate clutched her staff and nodded. The young girl was thrown inside, her dying screams muffled by the sounds of splintering bones.
The apostate dodged the shower of blood and tissue, as a light appeared from within the abominations body. A ball of light emerged, fusing with the light within her staff. The staff flashed a brilliant blue before returning to a dormant green.
"That was most intriguing, Soleil." The male voice concluded.
The apostate Soleil instructed the guards to leave them. Her guest had waited long enough.
"I will make you complete..." Soleil ran her hands along the ancient sarcophagus, its stone stained by the passage of time.
"... but first I must summon my sister."
Lune's lungs were full of congealed blood. It and a milky fluid burst from her mouth as her body convulsed and shook. Blood and puss slid out of her ears and she could feel a thousand needles penetrate her wounds as skin and muscle rushed together, weaving itself back into place.
Her first breath was agonising, she choked and spluttered as air filled her chest. Her throat felt dry and shredded.
She needed water. Lune rose slowly off the ground and to her feet. She sensed her sister nearby and stumbled towards the setting sun.
Soleil embraced her sister upon her return. Lune's pupils were still completely dilated obscuring her pale blue eyes. Soleil stroked her sister's cheek and conjured up a ball of water which floated effortlessly to her sisters lips.
Colour returned to Lune's face and she smiled, listening to her sister chant the final incantations required to resurrect the corpse of a man, long dead, long forgotten.
The sarcophagus hummed and ethereal voices could be heard whispering from within the veil. The silver griffon adorning its side glowed red before bursting into flames.
Chapter 28 - Rejecting
(AHOY HOY - WARNING - SEXUAL TYPE THINGS AHEAD)
Anders was talking; a river of words spilling from his mouth. Ardinal, lost in a drunken stupor managed to fish the words 'moping', 'drunk', 'constantly' and 'Alistair' from the raging torrent. She took another swig of her ale and awaited the next volley.
"You're not listening to me, are you?" Anders slumped further in his chair.
Ardinal regarded the mage, sampling his features. He was not unattractive and she often found herself tantalized by the way he flicked his wrists when casting magic.
Ardinal's leather greaves creaked as she straddled him. Anders let out a disgruntled sigh when she draped her arms around his neck.
Soft heat; Anders savored her moans as he ran his fingers across her shoulders. Crockery rattled against the table as he moved within her. He leant forward to whisper in the elvan woman's ear.
"Don't be a bi..int." Anders could feel her breath on his lips.
"How am I being a bint?" Ardinal guided his hands to her hips.
"You're waiting for Alistair. He's probably waiting for you. This stupid stand-off needs to end. You've been drinking your sorry self away for months. What could he have possibly said or done for you to end up like this?"
Her tongue lolled around his fingers. The elvan woman let out a whimper as Anders withdrew his hand from her mouth, tightly clutching her hips.
Ardinal laughed. She told Anders about Morrigan; about the ritual and how it ensured her survival when killing the Archdemon. She confessed to leaving Alistair, not telling him that she had set out to find the apostate on her own. She found her former traveling companion, and learnt that Alistair had a son. Begrudgingly, she had let Morrigan slip away unharmed.
"In death, sacrifice..." Ardinal chuckled.
"All Alistair had to do was sacrifice seeing the boy, but he couldn't do it. He's made his choice. He left me to be with them."
Anders held the elvan woman to the table as he succumbed to a wild abandon, heading his body's needs. She cried out as his pace quickened.
"So now you know everything there is to know about me. Though I doubt you have ever needed to know a woman before..."
"Ardinal. I'm not having sex with you." Anders said bluntly.Ardinal was taken aback by his rejection. She stared at Anders in disbelief before attempting to persuade him with a kiss.
Ardinal gasped as Anders pushed her to the floor and rose from the chair, kicking it aside.
"Ardinal! You can't blame that apostate for everything. You and Alistair should be enjoying your many happy returns, but instead you're wasting the gift you've been given, feeling sorry for yourself, and drinking yourself silly. I won't have you wheedling your way under my robes either! Now get out there and find him!"
It was over. The elf maid dressed and Anders kissed her goodnight before ushering her out the door to the small, abandoned study they had retreated to within Vigil's Keep. She was saddened by the name the mage had uttered during their unison. It hadn't been hers.Anders returned to his quarters. He was pondering as to whether his Commander had been successful in finding Alistair when he heard a familiar bark outside his window.
Chapter 29 - Love
The pincers cleaved through Alistair's armour as he failed to parry them with his sword. He stumbled backwards, narrowly avoiding another swipe from Ardinal's forearms. Alistair wanted it to be over. He wanted to feel the same relief he had upon finding the Archdemon dead and Ardinal, his beautiful, precious love still standing and very much alive.
She's alive. She's alive. Alistair had stumbled towards her, trying to catch his breath after a wall of energy had knocked him to the ground upon the Archdemon's death.Tiny balls of light snowed gently from the sky and Ardinal stood with her eyes closed, head tilted skyward, her blades resting peacefully by her sides.
"ARDINAL!" Alistair shouted. Ardinal's broodmother face split open, revealing rows of sharpened teeth and blood. Alistair dropped his sword.
Ardinal turned and regarded Alistair who lumbered towards her. She dropped her blades to the ground, reaching out to meet him, tears welling up in her eyes.
He embraced her; his hero, his lover, his friend.
"I love you." Alistair held Ardinal tightly, reaching up and cradling her head in his arms.
"I promised. I promised to always protect you." Ardinal had halted her assault on Alistair, her eyes widening in horror as her mind came to its senses. Her mutated arms reached out for her love in an attempt to return his affections.
The world went white.
Alistair found himself standing in a moonlit field. Ardinal stood a few paces from him, no longer a broodmother, standing proudly as her elvan self, her Warden Armour shining brightly. The grass swayed gently in the summer breeze.
"Hello you." Alistair whispered.
"Hello you." Ardinal smiled and nodded in greeting.
"Here you are I see." Alistair added, noting how gloriously noble Ardinal appeared, like she had just stepped out a legendary story book.
"Yes, here I am, all me like."Alistair strode up to his love and stood beside her, listening to the familiar sound of Ferelden's crickets.
"You know Ardi, we need to find a better place to take a vacation... more relaxing, less demon inspired delusions."
"So a demon is our wonderful host? Makes sense... though I wished it had found better material to torment me with."
"Did you get to have dinner with an imaginary family?" Alistair enquired.
"Oh, even better; I had the privilege of meeting 'farmer' Alistair. You are hence forth banned from mentioning the words 'tending' and 'plough', forever... period."
"I was a farmer?"
"Yes. We were married. There was a farm. Who could have known that domestic bliss could be so..."
"Terrifying... that sounds positively terrifying. Although, cows come from farms... and cows make cheese..."
"Cows do not make cheese Alistair."
"A cheese farmer... Alistair the cheese farmer... lovely ring to it..."
Ardinal giggled. She held up her bare hand, flexing her fingers as she beheld the ring from Nelaros.
"You still have that wedding ring I see." Alistair placed his finger on the silver ring.
"You knew? I thought you didn't know what this was."
Alistair had not been bothered. The man who was to be her husband had tried to save her, a noble last act worth honouring.
"I'm sorry. I just... I couldn't seem to let it go. I know deep down I wanted to be with someone, a good wife to a good man. I truly love you Alistair, but we can never share that kind of life."
"I our lives will never be normal, but I don't think either of us really wanted it that way. We chose the same path, you and I; to be Grey Wardens, to defend Ferelden from the Blight..."
Alistair gathered Ardinal's hands in his.
"Ardinal, I don't know where we'll be or what we'll be doing years from now, but I know wherever, or whatever it might be, I want to be with you. You once said that I was your sheath. I want to be that for you, and more. Whatever we have faced, we have done so together."
Ardinal nodded in agreement, squeezing Alistair's hands.
"I was so lost on my own. I was wrong. You are more than capable of making your own decisions. I think most of my actions have depended solely on my desire to be with you. I made Anora Queen so I could have you to myself; I even cut down Sten in battle."
Alistair enquired as to why Ardinal had faced Sten in combat, and was surprised to hear of the Qunari invasion.
"Qunari. Lots of them, and they were angry... I guess I felt like I had to, that Sten had made his choice. I couldn't bring myself to back down..."
Alistair smiled.
"That's one of the many things I love about you. You never give up and you never submit to the easier option. Instead of accepting the injustices of the world, you do everything in your power to change them. Destiny? Fate? Hah! They've never had their beastly paws on you."
"Fate is a beasty?" Ardinal teased.
"A big one..."Ardinal and Alistair held one another for what felt like a lifetime, content as they sat; listening to one another's heartbeat.
"I think we better check on Anders. Mages can be a bit, um, squishy."
Ardinal removed her wedding ring, holding it in her palm. They both watched as it glowed and floated from her hand, carried away on the wind like an autumn leaf.
"Right, well we better go and make sure he hasn't been squished."
<3Now to bring this to an end so I can get back to my life... *cough* more games.<3
Modifié par Ardinal, 29 mai 2012 - 05:19 .
#35
Posté 11 février 2011 - 01:41
Lady Mimzy
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Nice. glad to see the story might have a happy endding in sight. =)
#36
Posté 11 février 2011 - 08:17
Ardinal
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@Lady Mimzy - Thank you for your encouragement and support. 
I'm a little worried about my portrayal of Alistair - I feel that I may have made him react a little too maturely than he would have given how in DA:O and when it came to possibly recruiting Loghain, he went a little Xander from Buffy in the emotional tantrum department.
Although, I don't think anything has warranted that kind of behavior from him yet. I'm hoping to do the characters justice... speaking of JUSTICE... a big whoaaah for learning that Anders will be in DA:2.
I had someone PM me and ask me why my dog is called "Dog", and to anyone else who may be curious, he's named after "Dog" from the New Zealand comic, Footrot Flats.
I'm hoping that Ardinal isn't a Mary Sue (although people tell me at times it will be inevitable) trying to flesh her out, portraying her as both formidable and flawed.
I'm a little worried about my portrayal of Alistair - I feel that I may have made him react a little too maturely than he would have given how in DA:O and when it came to possibly recruiting Loghain, he went a little Xander from Buffy in the emotional tantrum department.Although, I don't think anything has warranted that kind of behavior from him yet. I'm hoping to do the characters justice... speaking of JUSTICE... a big whoaaah for learning that Anders will be in DA:2.
I had someone PM me and ask me why my dog is called "Dog", and to anyone else who may be curious, he's named after "Dog" from the New Zealand comic, Footrot Flats.
I'm hoping that Ardinal isn't a Mary Sue (although people tell me at times it will be inevitable) trying to flesh her out, portraying her as both formidable and flawed.
#37
Posté 11 février 2011 - 11:30
Lady Mimzy
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LOL. I figured Alistair would have done alot of growing up since the Landsmeet. I see it in how my 24 yr old reacts to things now isn't how he would have reacted back when he was say 19-20. In many ways his personality is very similar to Alistair's which maybe why he didn't care for the character.
OMGOSH!!! Anders! He's like my next fav character. I hope they didn't take all his charm away and he still has his cat. =(
OMGOSH!!! Anders! He's like my next fav character. I hope they didn't take all his charm away and he still has his cat. =(
#38
Posté 12 février 2011 - 07:50
Ardinal
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I know right? It's JUSTANDERS! Also he's wearing pants! MAGES WITH PANTS! How the times have changed.
I feel characters should be given the opportunity to grow. People can change and mature, so I guess it wouldn't be such a stretch that Alistair may have matured during his time as a Warden and being with Ardinal. Awww your son sounds gorgeous! Tell him being compared to Alistair is a compliment.
I feel characters should be given the opportunity to grow. People can change and mature, so I guess it wouldn't be such a stretch that Alistair may have matured during his time as a Warden and being with Ardinal. Awww your son sounds gorgeous! Tell him being compared to Alistair is a compliment.
#39
Posté 28 février 2011 - 02:32
Ardinal
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Modifié par Ardinal, 29 mai 2012 - 05:20 .
#40
Posté 28 février 2011 - 03:16
Ardinal
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Modifié par Ardinal, 29 mai 2012 - 05:20 .
#41
Posté 02 mars 2011 - 02:39
Lady Mimzy
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I do like your drawings. Not sure if I like the "new" elf ears of DA2 yet. Kind of looks like they're trying to be WoW. But of course that's my opinion and I suppose the younger crowd prefer that look to the more refined and smaller elven ear my gen has grown up with. Also smaller ears are easier to hide making it easier to "blend in" with humans.
#42
Posté 02 mars 2011 - 03:35
Ardinal
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I do like the way they have attempted to define their style, however, I do keep thinking "Na'vi" every time I see the new ears. WOW ears are a lot longer, and all they have really done is change the angle on the typical elvan ears. I think its to make the elves in the Dragon Age universe appear to be beings that are more than just "humans with pointy ears". Sometimes re-imaginings can be a good thing. Other times I just sort of curl up in an OCD induced coma when something I love is changed too much.
THEY HAVE NA'VI EAAAARS!!!
THEY HAVE NA'VI EAAAARS!!!
#43
Posté 04 mars 2011 - 04:21
Lady Mimzy
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LOL I wonder if they can wiggle them too? Oh well, I guess we will know more in a few days, eh? Just hope I get thru the new Origins story that I want to transfer in time. 
#44
Posté 06 mars 2011 - 11:54
Ardinal
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[smilie]http://social.bioware.com/images/forum/emoticons/heart.png[/smilie]Betters! Writing FTW!<3
Chapter 30 - Intercepting
They had made it to Ferelden. Warden Commander Henris sneered as mud collected on his horse’s hooves. The smell of wet dog greeted him on the wind. He had hoped to never return to this wretched place but duty
to the First Warden had prompted him and his company to venture across the border and into Amaranthine.
The low mist that slunk alongside them obscured their path. Strange shadows danced, taunting their resolve, but these were Wardens of Weisshaupt Fortress and it would take a lot more than disembodied shapes to rattle their senses.
“Ser, are we far now from Vigil’s Keep?” Alice enquired.
She was a woman with the petite features of an elf, but to doubt her abilities as a Warden and a rogue would often prove lethal.
“Not far Warden. Try to enjoy your time here in this mud puddle of a nation.” Henris was old for a Grey Warden, his hair greying slightly, his voice gruff and soaked in his Orlesian heritage.
The road narrowed and the branches of trees reached out from within the mist. It was then that their scout returned to meet them. Emerging from this mist his horse whinnied. The company’s horses followed suit and a
wave of uneasiness fell upon them, their ears pricking forward, their muzzles twitching nervously as if waiting to catch wind of danger. Alice leaned forward and tried to soothe her mare with a gentle pat along her neck.
“Ser Henris. I have encountered Wardens wishing to meet us and escort us to Vigil’s Keep.” The scout informed them.
“They wish to escort us? I guess it’s a nice enough gesture.” Henris attempted to quell his Orlesian blood.
They were Wardens, his brothers and sisters in arms. To his surprise his return to Ferelden had evoked long forgotten bitterness pertaining to the war, when his family were forced back into Orlais from the homestead they had once occupied.
“The horses Ser... They seemed frightened.” Alice drew Henris’s attention.
“They’re probably just a little disorientated bon ami."
They rode on until they met their envoys, men and women adorned in Warden Armour. The company shouted in greeting to their Ferelden comrades. There was no reply; only one human Warden strode forward towards
Henris.
Alice dismounted; her horse was still quite distressed. It was then that she noticed the lack of bird sound, or any noise for that matter. As a rogue it had always been in her best interests to be observant and cautious. She gingerly approached the lone Warden who had stridden up to meet them.
His armour appeared worn and beaten; great shredded tear marks stood out from his chest plate, as if a beast had tried to claw its way in. Alice froze in place as she recognised the man who stood before her.
“No... it can’t be.” She said, stepping back in alarm.
“What is it? Alice?” Henris attempted to steady his horse.
Familiar faces emerged beside the lone man, faces of Wardens who had once spent time in the Anderfells sparring with Alice and fellow recruits; sharing ale and feasting amid the great hall.
“Jacobs. I thought you? Oh by the Maker, you’ve survived. You’re alive!” Reason convinced Alice that the Wardens had somehow survived the great battle, but her senses screamed of imminent danger.
“No m’dear. Oh Alice. I remember you, but sorry love you are mistaken.”
Jacobs lunged at Alice; horror filled her as his blade struck her across her chest, slicing through her armour and leaving a shallow cut across her skin.
“We all died at Ostagar.” The Grey Warden Jacobs smiled as he ordered his men to advance.
Chapter 31 - Light
The workings of the Fade were beyond Ardinal; how she and Alistair had managed to escape her dreams she would never know. Alistair was staring at her intently. He was either trying to ground himself in this misty and often ethereal realm or he was simply expressing his relief at finding them both free of her mental prison.
Ardinal gave him a smile of reassurance and gestured to her love for him to help her to her feet. It was then that she noticed the long sword resting on her lap.
“It was there when we found you. I’m sure I’ve seen it before...” Alistair informed her.
A soft glow spread from its hilt and enveloped its blade. Ardinal regarded the sword gravely, choking back tears as feelings of respect and admiration washed over her. Was this a sign? Had she been forgiven?
“You are a solider worthy to stand among the Beresaad. I did not think so when we first met.”
The soul of a Warrior... Sten. Ardinal held Asala firmly and offered a prayer of thanks to her
fallen friend.
“It was Sten’s.” There was a sense of honour to her words. Alistair nodded, sharing the mutual understanding that only a warrior could have.
A screech from the despair demon drew their attention. It hovered not far from them, the tar like substance that formed to make a long skirt from its emaciated hips bubbled and hissed.
“Um, Demon... has Anders. Well I think its Anders.” Alistair pointed to what appeared to be a hand and a mages cowl disappearing into the black ooze of the demon’s garb.
“Alistair. Use your Templar gifts to dispel the demons magic and drain her; leave Anders to me.”
Ardinal gripped Asala tightly.
Let’s do this my friend. She thought and freed her mind of any guilt she had felt pertaining to Sten’s death.
“Murderer! ****! You will not defeat me! You will remain here forever. I will feast on your despair like worms to a corpse!” The despair demon shuddered, blood spilling from her wrists.
The blood formed red globes which began to spin and circle the demon’s body. Ardinal advanced, racing towards the demon with lightning speed. Ardinal hoped the demon would attack her first, allowing Alistair to
move closer so that his abilities would have a greater effect.
The red globes spun faster, suddenly bursting into great whips of hot energy. They snapped and crackled as they struck out at Ardinal. Parrying two with Asala, Ardinal missed two others which lashed at her shoulders, tearing her skin. Alistair dodged a fifth energy whip before positioning himself in front of his foe. He felt a rush of heat as a purifying light began to emanate from his chest.
The light spilled forth, forming a circle of white fire at his feet. The ring of righteous energy surged and exploded
outwards, engulfing the demon in a white light. The demon screamed and lost control of the spinning globes which liquefied and fell to the floor.
With one tremendous swing, Ardinal lodged Asala in the demons side. The demon shrieked as blood poured from the wound. The blood thickened and took on a life of its own, solidifying around the blade. Ardinal felt a tug and gasped as the red ooze threatened to engulf Asala, sucking in down and inside the demons body. Ardinal found her foot sinking into the black ooze of the demon’s garb.
“Alistair! Do it again. Or something! I have to pull Anders out of this... goo!”
“There is not much more I can do. I can weaken her, but we need a mage to really hurt her!” Alistair joined in the tug of war. He held Ardinal by the waist as they both tried to retrieve Asala from the demons stomach.
“Sodding hell! Um, you get Anders I’ll deal with this!” Ardinal ordered.
“What? How?” Alistair enquired as all that could possibly be Anders that was visible was the tail end of his blue robe.
“Just reach into the goo! He’s in the goo!”
“The goo?”
“Yes the goo! Alistair, just do it!”
Alistair fumbled haplessly in search of their missing mage. The ooze collected around his armour, and stuck to arms.
“Ewww... stickey! Ack slimy! Arrrgh what the?” Alistair groaned.
“Alistair!” Ardinal shrieked as chains wrapped around her neck and plucked her from the ground. They tightened and she clawed at them in panic.
“Ardi!” Alistair watched in horror as the demon dangled Ardinal above him.
Back in Vigil’s Keep, Wynne grew deeply concerned as Ardinal’s body began to wheeze and gasp for air.
This is the end. Ardinal felt her strength draining.
Alistair reached for her legs and tried to hold her up. The demon was lifting Ardinal higher when she reached out and grabbed Asala. Ardinal gripped it tightly and felt her neck was about to break when Alistair struck the demon with all the purifying energy he could muster.
The demon screeched; Asala glowed brightly as if Alistair’s holy powers had awakened something within it. Light flowed out from the demons body, and Ardinal pulled Asala free. With the last of her strength she swung it high above her head. Asala was aflame and cleaved through the chains; releasing Ardinal who dropped safely into Alistair’s awaiting arms.
<3 Moar sooon<3
Chapter 30 - Intercepting
They had made it to Ferelden. Warden Commander Henris sneered as mud collected on his horse’s hooves. The smell of wet dog greeted him on the wind. He had hoped to never return to this wretched place but duty
to the First Warden had prompted him and his company to venture across the border and into Amaranthine.
The low mist that slunk alongside them obscured their path. Strange shadows danced, taunting their resolve, but these were Wardens of Weisshaupt Fortress and it would take a lot more than disembodied shapes to rattle their senses.
“Ser, are we far now from Vigil’s Keep?” Alice enquired.
She was a woman with the petite features of an elf, but to doubt her abilities as a Warden and a rogue would often prove lethal.
“Not far Warden. Try to enjoy your time here in this mud puddle of a nation.” Henris was old for a Grey Warden, his hair greying slightly, his voice gruff and soaked in his Orlesian heritage.
The road narrowed and the branches of trees reached out from within the mist. It was then that their scout returned to meet them. Emerging from this mist his horse whinnied. The company’s horses followed suit and a
wave of uneasiness fell upon them, their ears pricking forward, their muzzles twitching nervously as if waiting to catch wind of danger. Alice leaned forward and tried to soothe her mare with a gentle pat along her neck.
“Ser Henris. I have encountered Wardens wishing to meet us and escort us to Vigil’s Keep.” The scout informed them.
“They wish to escort us? I guess it’s a nice enough gesture.” Henris attempted to quell his Orlesian blood.
They were Wardens, his brothers and sisters in arms. To his surprise his return to Ferelden had evoked long forgotten bitterness pertaining to the war, when his family were forced back into Orlais from the homestead they had once occupied.
“The horses Ser... They seemed frightened.” Alice drew Henris’s attention.
“They’re probably just a little disorientated bon ami."
They rode on until they met their envoys, men and women adorned in Warden Armour. The company shouted in greeting to their Ferelden comrades. There was no reply; only one human Warden strode forward towards
Henris.
Alice dismounted; her horse was still quite distressed. It was then that she noticed the lack of bird sound, or any noise for that matter. As a rogue it had always been in her best interests to be observant and cautious. She gingerly approached the lone Warden who had stridden up to meet them.
His armour appeared worn and beaten; great shredded tear marks stood out from his chest plate, as if a beast had tried to claw its way in. Alice froze in place as she recognised the man who stood before her.
“No... it can’t be.” She said, stepping back in alarm.
“What is it? Alice?” Henris attempted to steady his horse.
Familiar faces emerged beside the lone man, faces of Wardens who had once spent time in the Anderfells sparring with Alice and fellow recruits; sharing ale and feasting amid the great hall.
“Jacobs. I thought you? Oh by the Maker, you’ve survived. You’re alive!” Reason convinced Alice that the Wardens had somehow survived the great battle, but her senses screamed of imminent danger.
“No m’dear. Oh Alice. I remember you, but sorry love you are mistaken.”
Jacobs lunged at Alice; horror filled her as his blade struck her across her chest, slicing through her armour and leaving a shallow cut across her skin.
“We all died at Ostagar.” The Grey Warden Jacobs smiled as he ordered his men to advance.
Chapter 31 - Light
The workings of the Fade were beyond Ardinal; how she and Alistair had managed to escape her dreams she would never know. Alistair was staring at her intently. He was either trying to ground himself in this misty and often ethereal realm or he was simply expressing his relief at finding them both free of her mental prison.
Ardinal gave him a smile of reassurance and gestured to her love for him to help her to her feet. It was then that she noticed the long sword resting on her lap.
“It was there when we found you. I’m sure I’ve seen it before...” Alistair informed her.
A soft glow spread from its hilt and enveloped its blade. Ardinal regarded the sword gravely, choking back tears as feelings of respect and admiration washed over her. Was this a sign? Had she been forgiven?
“You are a solider worthy to stand among the Beresaad. I did not think so when we first met.”
The soul of a Warrior... Sten. Ardinal held Asala firmly and offered a prayer of thanks to her
fallen friend.
“It was Sten’s.” There was a sense of honour to her words. Alistair nodded, sharing the mutual understanding that only a warrior could have.
A screech from the despair demon drew their attention. It hovered not far from them, the tar like substance that formed to make a long skirt from its emaciated hips bubbled and hissed.
“Um, Demon... has Anders. Well I think its Anders.” Alistair pointed to what appeared to be a hand and a mages cowl disappearing into the black ooze of the demon’s garb.
“Alistair. Use your Templar gifts to dispel the demons magic and drain her; leave Anders to me.”
Ardinal gripped Asala tightly.
Let’s do this my friend. She thought and freed her mind of any guilt she had felt pertaining to Sten’s death.
“Murderer! ****! You will not defeat me! You will remain here forever. I will feast on your despair like worms to a corpse!” The despair demon shuddered, blood spilling from her wrists.
The blood formed red globes which began to spin and circle the demon’s body. Ardinal advanced, racing towards the demon with lightning speed. Ardinal hoped the demon would attack her first, allowing Alistair to
move closer so that his abilities would have a greater effect.
The red globes spun faster, suddenly bursting into great whips of hot energy. They snapped and crackled as they struck out at Ardinal. Parrying two with Asala, Ardinal missed two others which lashed at her shoulders, tearing her skin. Alistair dodged a fifth energy whip before positioning himself in front of his foe. He felt a rush of heat as a purifying light began to emanate from his chest.
The light spilled forth, forming a circle of white fire at his feet. The ring of righteous energy surged and exploded
outwards, engulfing the demon in a white light. The demon screamed and lost control of the spinning globes which liquefied and fell to the floor.
With one tremendous swing, Ardinal lodged Asala in the demons side. The demon shrieked as blood poured from the wound. The blood thickened and took on a life of its own, solidifying around the blade. Ardinal felt a tug and gasped as the red ooze threatened to engulf Asala, sucking in down and inside the demons body. Ardinal found her foot sinking into the black ooze of the demon’s garb.
“Alistair! Do it again. Or something! I have to pull Anders out of this... goo!”
“There is not much more I can do. I can weaken her, but we need a mage to really hurt her!” Alistair joined in the tug of war. He held Ardinal by the waist as they both tried to retrieve Asala from the demons stomach.
“Sodding hell! Um, you get Anders I’ll deal with this!” Ardinal ordered.
“What? How?” Alistair enquired as all that could possibly be Anders that was visible was the tail end of his blue robe.
“Just reach into the goo! He’s in the goo!”
“The goo?”
“Yes the goo! Alistair, just do it!”
Alistair fumbled haplessly in search of their missing mage. The ooze collected around his armour, and stuck to arms.
“Ewww... stickey! Ack slimy! Arrrgh what the?” Alistair groaned.
“Alistair!” Ardinal shrieked as chains wrapped around her neck and plucked her from the ground. They tightened and she clawed at them in panic.
“Ardi!” Alistair watched in horror as the demon dangled Ardinal above him.
Back in Vigil’s Keep, Wynne grew deeply concerned as Ardinal’s body began to wheeze and gasp for air.
This is the end. Ardinal felt her strength draining.
Alistair reached for her legs and tried to hold her up. The demon was lifting Ardinal higher when she reached out and grabbed Asala. Ardinal gripped it tightly and felt her neck was about to break when Alistair struck the demon with all the purifying energy he could muster.
The demon screeched; Asala glowed brightly as if Alistair’s holy powers had awakened something within it. Light flowed out from the demons body, and Ardinal pulled Asala free. With the last of her strength she swung it high above her head. Asala was aflame and cleaved through the chains; releasing Ardinal who dropped safely into Alistair’s awaiting arms.
<3 Moar sooon<3
Modifié par Ardinal, 06 mars 2011 - 12:03 .
#46
Posté 27 mars 2011 - 02:50
Ardinal
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<3 So... I've been a little distracted by DA:2 and studying... oh and work and related activities. Here is another chapter for you though.<3
Not sure what to call this chapter yet...
Chapter 32 - Genesis
“My dear little Lune, I have a present for you.”
Lune held Soleil’s hand tightly as electric light broke free from the Sarcophagus, striking the cavern walls. Soleil had worked tirelessly to resurrect the body which lay within. The body of a man she and Lune had once known very well. Death had parted them; all three, but finally they would be reunited.
Soleil chanted until blood leapt from her tongue. Lune held her hand tighter, growing ever more worried as her sisters eyes seemed to slide into the back of her skull. Two maidens of the Odre de la Vengeance stood like
book ends before the coffin. Entranced, they chanted softly before slitting their own throats. Their bodies slumped to the ground; their blood spilled in offering. The very fibres of the veil were torn, a deal consummated; blood for
blood, life for life.
“Return great fallen hero! Return and wreak vengeance on the one who cheated death. I command thee to rise!” Blood rose and swirled like a mist around Soleil and with a great flash of light from her staff the veil split open.
Garahel opened his eyes. He was in darkness still, as he had been for some time with only the occasional flash of dealings transpiring beyond his tomb and ‘her’ voice to keep him sane. He had seen an abomination
consume a young girl; or was that simply a vision? Was it a glimpse of the horrors which lay within the walls of the Black City? He recalled how Mages had turned its golden walls to black. Darkspawn; he remembered killing them. Was he a Grey Warden? He recalled a battle with an Archdemon. The Old God Andoral had died and taken him with it. Now he remembered. He remembered everything.
Garahel flinched as the stone lid of his final resting place slid open.
“Take your time Garahel.” Soleil ran her fingers along the edge of Garahel’s coffin.
Lune knew all too well that it would be some time before the ancient warrior would be truly resurrected and able to walk among the living once again. She remembered her first “awakening”, how heavy the air felt on her lungs and chest, the feeling of warm blood pushing through her cold, dead veins.
Lune had begun to approach the sarcophagus when Soleil enquired as to the outcome of Lune’s recent mission.
“You had them both, did you not?”
Lune swallowed and recalled the events prior to her recent death.
“I did. I was able to acquire the information you needed. But I wasn’t able to...”
“It does not matter that they were able to escape. I do not wish their deaths to be quick nor pleasant. However, I must know. How is that the Warden survived?”
Soleil turned and caressed her sister’s cheek.
“Tell me my little dove. My little Lune.”
“The Warden, she spoke of a ritual. I feel that it was the truth. However, it is something I don’t believe we will be able to repeat.”
“I’ll be the judge of that.” Soleil was growing impatient.
“It was an apostate. She lay with the Warden’s lover, Alistair and conceived a child. The Old God’s essence went to the child instead of into Ardinal.”
Soleil’s hands were trembling as she let out agonising shriek.
“No! No it can’t be! How could an apostate accomplish such a thing?”
Lune gasped as Soleil wrapped her hands around her throat.
“It’s a lie! I spent one hundred years trying to destroy the taint and you tell me some **** managed to resurrect an Old God?”
Lune spluttered and coughed as she struggled to breathe.
“Calm... you... can’t waste...”
Soleil regained her composure, slowly removing her hands. It was not long before she had Lune in her arms and was petting the back of her sister’s head.
“I’m sorry my little dove. You are right. It would be a waste to kill you now. ” Soleil cooed.
Lune returned her sisters affections, resting her forehead gently on Soleils’ shoulder. She felt like they had been to the Black City and back, and all for the man whose body was ever so slowly returning to life; the Grey Warden Garahel, hero of the Fourth Blight.
<3Moar sooon<3
Not sure what to call this chapter yet...
Chapter 32 - Genesis
“My dear little Lune, I have a present for you.”
Lune held Soleil’s hand tightly as electric light broke free from the Sarcophagus, striking the cavern walls. Soleil had worked tirelessly to resurrect the body which lay within. The body of a man she and Lune had once known very well. Death had parted them; all three, but finally they would be reunited.
Soleil chanted until blood leapt from her tongue. Lune held her hand tighter, growing ever more worried as her sisters eyes seemed to slide into the back of her skull. Two maidens of the Odre de la Vengeance stood like
book ends before the coffin. Entranced, they chanted softly before slitting their own throats. Their bodies slumped to the ground; their blood spilled in offering. The very fibres of the veil were torn, a deal consummated; blood for
blood, life for life.
“Return great fallen hero! Return and wreak vengeance on the one who cheated death. I command thee to rise!” Blood rose and swirled like a mist around Soleil and with a great flash of light from her staff the veil split open.
Garahel opened his eyes. He was in darkness still, as he had been for some time with only the occasional flash of dealings transpiring beyond his tomb and ‘her’ voice to keep him sane. He had seen an abomination
consume a young girl; or was that simply a vision? Was it a glimpse of the horrors which lay within the walls of the Black City? He recalled how Mages had turned its golden walls to black. Darkspawn; he remembered killing them. Was he a Grey Warden? He recalled a battle with an Archdemon. The Old God Andoral had died and taken him with it. Now he remembered. He remembered everything.
Garahel flinched as the stone lid of his final resting place slid open.
“Take your time Garahel.” Soleil ran her fingers along the edge of Garahel’s coffin.
Lune knew all too well that it would be some time before the ancient warrior would be truly resurrected and able to walk among the living once again. She remembered her first “awakening”, how heavy the air felt on her lungs and chest, the feeling of warm blood pushing through her cold, dead veins.
Lune had begun to approach the sarcophagus when Soleil enquired as to the outcome of Lune’s recent mission.
“You had them both, did you not?”
Lune swallowed and recalled the events prior to her recent death.
“I did. I was able to acquire the information you needed. But I wasn’t able to...”
“It does not matter that they were able to escape. I do not wish their deaths to be quick nor pleasant. However, I must know. How is that the Warden survived?”
Soleil turned and caressed her sister’s cheek.
“Tell me my little dove. My little Lune.”
“The Warden, she spoke of a ritual. I feel that it was the truth. However, it is something I don’t believe we will be able to repeat.”
“I’ll be the judge of that.” Soleil was growing impatient.
“It was an apostate. She lay with the Warden’s lover, Alistair and conceived a child. The Old God’s essence went to the child instead of into Ardinal.”
Soleil’s hands were trembling as she let out agonising shriek.
“No! No it can’t be! How could an apostate accomplish such a thing?”
Lune gasped as Soleil wrapped her hands around her throat.
“It’s a lie! I spent one hundred years trying to destroy the taint and you tell me some **** managed to resurrect an Old God?”
Lune spluttered and coughed as she struggled to breathe.
“Calm... you... can’t waste...”
Soleil regained her composure, slowly removing her hands. It was not long before she had Lune in her arms and was petting the back of her sister’s head.
“I’m sorry my little dove. You are right. It would be a waste to kill you now. ” Soleil cooed.
Lune returned her sisters affections, resting her forehead gently on Soleils’ shoulder. She felt like they had been to the Black City and back, and all for the man whose body was ever so slowly returning to life; the Grey Warden Garahel, hero of the Fourth Blight.
<3Moar sooon<3
Modifié par Ardinal, 31 mars 2011 - 03:02 .
#47
Posté 23 avril 2011 - 06:23
Ardinal
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... So... I've been playing DA:2.
It was a cold, grim 5am when I realized that although Fenris had a red arm band and a 'thumbs up to Hawke' adorning his hip... he and I were going to remain in the friend zone because I went and swashed buckles with Isabela...
So what do I do? Apart from a great deal of FFFFUUUUU.... I restarted my game.
It was a cold, grim 5am when I realized that although Fenris had a red arm band and a 'thumbs up to Hawke' adorning his hip... he and I were going to remain in the friend zone because I went and swashed buckles with Isabela...
So what do I do? Apart from a great deal of FFFFUUUUU.... I restarted my game.
Modifié par Ardinal, 23 avril 2011 - 06:49 .
#48
Posté 25 avril 2011 - 07:39
Lady Mimzy
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LMAO!!!! I did the same thing but with Choir Boy and Anders. Yes, I too started over.
