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[BFace]

Tessa nodded apologetically at Beldin as she adjusted her things.

 

"I thought, though, that his bein' an elf might help. Oh, he's got a dog, too, he said."

[ChachiBobinks]

An elf that could make potions? Etienne knew exactly what that meant. His eyes lit up. "Maker, another mage," he expelled absently. "That's brilliant!" 

 

Maybe this one would be from the Circle, too! His hands, now free of bags thanks to Beldin's help, clasped and he looked around quickly, as if he expected the elf to be standing right behind them. "What's his name? Is he from Kinloch? Did he say?" 

[BFace]

Tessa turned and stared at Etienne.

 

"He didn't say anything at all about bein' a mage."

[ChachiBobinks]

"It is an assumption," he clarified, then paused to look around them again. Still no sign of the mystery elf. "In the Circle, we make potions that are provided to the Templars, as well as some that are barted to the outside world. It is our duty as mages to provide alternatives for we are not at hand to heal directly. Thus, we make potions by the bucket, messere." Based on the sheer volume alone, he assumed that they must have made enough for all of Thedas. 

[BFace]

Tess turned to Beldin, looking slightly confused.

 

"Kesla makes poultices and things, yes? She's not a mage, is she?"

 

Never had Tessa seen a less likely looking mage in her life, in Kesla.

[berelinde]

Beldin shrugged.

 

"I'm in so far over my head, nothing surprises me anymore," he said. "But if she were a mage, I reckon she'd have gone to the farm herself rather than hire us to do it. Mayhap you don't need magic to boil elfroot?"

[BFace]

Tessa nodded at Beldin again.  "At this point, I think another mage would make no difference at all. As long as he's not a bloodmage or something."

[mysteriouspast]

Before everyone gets back, Bartha and Rael had a conversation as Rael was making dinner and Bartha was preparing to fetch some water.

 

Spoiler

Rael nodded and went back to stirring the soup, grateful to have something to occupy her thoughts. Before Bartha departed, she said, "Have you given any thought to sleeping arrangements? We're mostly women, but the men will want accommodations as well, though they're not here to advocate for themselves."

 

Bartha held her step and pondered for a few moments. "No... I hadn't since was decided to stay here. Not sure if I can sleep anyway.... But won't mind sharing a room, if you mean that? I can keep watch too."

 

"Keep watch," Rael echoed, tapping her finger on her lower lip. "I hadn't thought of that, being indoors. But what you say makes sense." She looked at Bartha, then glanced around the large room. "Do you think someone will need to be outside? To keep watch?"

 

Bartha took in a deep breath. "Personally I'd rather hole up in here than wait outside for whatever it is that attacked the Fuldors. Fair enough: those doors apparently won't keep them outside, but I guess this would be easier to defend." She put down the buckets she was holding. "At least we'd be together in here, instead of separated outside." Her voice had a bit of a sad undertone, and she tried to mask such by following Raels glance through the room. "I guess I can sleep in here too, so others can take the beds."

 

Rael looked up from the soup, startled. "Oh no," she said quickly. "I didn't mean for anyone to take the floor! I was merely thinking that since we're both small, maybe we could share one of the beds upstairs." She looked back down to her cooking and said shyly, "I'm used to sharing beds with my family. We don't have nice rooms like this."

 

Bartha couldn't help but grinning: "I haven't done that since childhood, but won't mind. I do warn you that I tend to be quite active in bed." She flushed and quickly stammered: "When I sleep, I mean! Not theother way...." She sighed and glanced at the kettle with soup. "Thanks for making soup though. I was hoping to spend the night at Vintivers inn, but this smells like a good alternative." She gave Rael an appreciating smile. Recalling the comment Rael made earlier, she furrowed her brow: "You said you didn't have rooms like this, right? Did your family travel a lot too? I got a liking for getting a decent roof over my head, and not just for winter."

 

Rael smiled shyly at Bartha's comment about her food. "I tend to do the cooking for my family, so it is no trouble."

 

When Bartha asked her about traveling, Rael winced. "No, I don't tend to travel much," she replied. "This trip to Vintiver was the first time I've left Denerim." She watched the spoon rotate in the kettle, too embarrassed to meet Bartha's eyes. "I...er... live in the alienage and our houses tend to be more shacks than anything else," she admitted.

 

Wanting a quick change of subject, Rael added, "I don't know that I've met many dwarfs. It was my understanding they mostly live in Orzamar. How did you come to be out here?"

 

"Ah, I eh... heard about those alienages... never saw one." Rael had changed the subject before she could ask more questions. "Never been in Orzammar. Wouldn't be welcome either, as they consider us surfacers lower than the casteless." She grinned sheeplishly. "My parents were out here when I popped up, so that's how I became a surface dwarf. Rumor has it that we outnumber those in the remaining strongholds. I don't know if that's true, and don't really care either." She stretched her back. "I guess that we are sharing some similarities with you elves than..."

 

Rael chuckled. "I suppose you are at that," she agreed. "Though you surface dwarfs are only looked down on by your own kind underground, so I imagine you don't run into them too often." Her expression hardened and there was a heavy note of bitterness in her eyes. "Seems everyone holds us city elves in contempt--humans and Dalish, our own people." She looked at Bartha with questioning eyes. "I honestly have no idea how dwarfs feel about city elves."

 

Bartha shrugged. "There are quite a few surface dwarves who are thugs... others are merchants. I haven't met many city elves, but it occured to me that there was a similar diversion: those who do their best to make an honest living, and those who spoil it for the rest. I guess most surface dwarves won't look down upon elves. Maybe some distrust... but that's at anyone who could rob you." She folded her arms and chuckled a bit. "To be honest, I am more wary of other dwarves than I am of elves. They always try to steal your deal or rob you." Her eyes lingered on some spot in the wall. "And humans seem to think we're strange too. Good for merchandise or craftmanship, but further..? I always had a hard time finding friends when I was young. Sure, it didn't help to start fighting with bullies... but what else? Yes, I'm smaller than a human and not as handsome as an elf, but that is not a reason to just rule me out." She let out a sigh, as the last words came out quite fierce, and softly apologized. "Sorry, that's a bit of a lifetime frustration"

 

Rael's eyebrows raised as she listened to Bartha's description of surface dwaves. Merchants and thugs, is it? Good to know, she thought. Although, she found that elves tended to trust their own kind more than other races, contrary to Bartha's experience with dwarves. There must be quite a division within their society to foment such distrust.

 

After Bartha's apology, Rael shook her head. "Don't apologize. Your feelings are understandable," she said with a faraway look. "Humans seem to think elves are only good as servants or as playthings, so I have had similar frustrations as I wish to be neither. As for friends, well, I've never had many myself, for one reason or another. So, if you're short on them as well, you've got at least one now, for what it's worth." She smiled shyly again.

 

Bartha returned the smile: "Thanks... I'll do my best to be one too." She furrowed her brow: "Sorry to hear that. That's not the way to treat people. Many dwarves are still clinging to their caste system, so some 'higher ups' tend to look down upon the lower ones in a similar way. My mum once told me about noble hunters. At first I thought they were people who kicked noble arses, but that turned out to be incorrect. The lower castes should be very honored if they can serve a noble... to make things worse, many ladies offer themselves to noble men or other higher caste, hoping to bear them a son so they'll both move up... if it's a girl then they'll both remain casteless." Bartha shook her head. "Basicly sell yourself out, hoping it will get you out of the slums.... ridiculous."

 

"Interesting," Rael replied, tapping her finger on her bottom lip, which Bartha was quickly recognizing as a tic for when the elf was deep in thought. "I suppose in the alienage, we're all like your casteless. Except, the only nobles are humans." She turned to the dwarf, eyes burning in anger. "Did you know that they have laws to keep us poor and dependent? We can't own property or businesses outside of the alienage. We can't even carry weapons." She turned back to the soup and stirred in disgust. "Any elf who... consorts with a human risks being rejected by both. Humans hold us in contempt and elves will see your preference for humans as a betrayal."

 

She shrugged and kept stirring. "We can't win."

 

Bartha eyed Rael angrily stirring the soup. It took her some time to find something to say. "That's harsh... but you gave such a great performance the other day.... and you wear nice clothes and wield a crossbow... surely you managed to escape the alienage and took control over your own life?" She bit her lip to prevent herself from asking more. She was quite sure that Rael and Etienne had been heavily flirting before, yet now Rael was considering such a betrayal? It was confusing her.

 

Rael chuckled dryly and said, "I suppose I'm a poor example of a city elf, but I'm sure in your travels you've met some that--" She stopped abruptly when she looked up and saw the hard glare in Bartha's eyes. Startled, she blinked a few times and asked, "Did I say something to cause offense? Forgive me, my tongue sometimes flies on its own wings."

 

Bartha blinked a few times as her train of thoughts got interrupted. "Uh, no, why would you? You just asked me something in an open and curious way. To me, there can be no harm in that." She pondered a bit before adding: "Did I offend you?"

 

Rael realized she mistook confusion for anger and blushed slightly. "No, of course not..." she replied. "It's just... in the alienage, I'm sort of looked down on, a trouble-maker, as it were. If my neighbors knew of my weapon and my... mixed company, I'd be even more of a pariah than I already am..." she trailed off, embarrassed to have revealed too much. "I suppose I'm just used to being judged, and when you pointed out my... unique lifestyle, I merely assumed." She smiled apologetically and added in a lighter tone, "Please stop me from talking before I humiliate myself further!"

 

A corner of her mouth curled up in a smirk, as the pieces of the puzzle started to fall into place for Bartha. She stepped in and carefully placed a hand on Rael’s upper arm. "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone unless you give me permission to do so. I admit that your remark regarding... mixed pairings confused me, especially in the event of our male mage companion. But now I understand what you mean. I think you are brave to do what you want, instead of what others tell you to. Keep that up, please?" She patted the arm a few times before retreating with a wink. "Besides... I don't mind mixed pairings myself."

"Thank you," Rael said softly. "It's hard to find those that I can trust, especially out here, away from home." She continued tending to the soup, quietly watching the spoon in its circular pattern, then suddenly looked at Bartha with a confused expression. "Wait, what do you mean about the male mage? Do you mean Etienne?"

 

Bartha smiled: "You're welcome." Her smiled turned into an amused grin when Rael looked confused at her. "Why, of course! We don't have that many men amongst our group, and I'm pretty sure the blonde one isn't a mage."

 

"Yes, of course--that's not what I meant," Rael replied, frustrated with her own inability to communicate. "It's just... You said mixed pairings earlier. Are you suggesting Etienne and I...?" She trailed off, searching her memories for something she might have done that could be considered untoward. The Arbor's patrons had become fearful, even vengeful against the Dalish, and it wouldn't be much of a stretch to transfer that anger against her, especially if they deemed her behavior inappropriate.

 

Bartha shrugged and leaned over to grab the buckets again. "I merely noticed that you two seem to be very fond of each other... I think you'd be a cute couple."

 

Rael felt warmth spread across her cheeks and settle in her ears. Try as she might, she couldn't stop the smile that forced its way onto her lips. "He's very sweet," she admitted, with shy, downcast eyes. She took a deep breath and exhaled in a way that sounded very much like a sigh. "But he's a human and a Mage on top of it. These sorts of things don't... happen." She looked back at Bartha with a bold expression. "You said before you approved of mixed pairings. Did you have anyone in particular in mind?"

 

Bartha cocked her head and raised an eyebrow: "Aren't you contradicting yourself now? Are you now going to reject him because of some prejudices? That would disappoint me, Rael..."

 

She felt her cheeks turn scarlet with Raels second comment. She let out a sigh and prepared to move out with the buckets, avoiding Raels gaze: "Perhaps, but that doesn't matter. It's not going to happen anyway."

 

Rael looked startled at Bartha's initial comments. "Reject him? No, not I...." she murmured.

 

When Bartha finished speaking, Rael smiled sadly, knowingly. "Then you do understand," she replied. "It just won't happen. Even if he and I decided to be together, the world would undoubtedly tear us apart. Trust me, I..." She swallowed hard and continued in a voice that sounded jaded and brittle. "I know of what I speak."

 

As if suddenly coming back to herself, Rael looked at Bartha with a chagrined smile and said, "but if there is someone out there who has sparked your interest, let me not discourage you." She picked up an empty bucket that Bartha had retrieved. "Perhaps your luck is better than mine."

 

With a pained expression Bartha grasped onto the buckets in her arms. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..." She tapped softly with her fingers on the buckets, searching for words. "I just think it is a waste to just skip things and not give it a try, because of what others think... but I hear you." With a small smile she nodded and turned around to make her way to the well outside. Before stepping outside she softly added: "At least it's coming from both sides in your case."

 

Rael gave a commiserating smile and handed Bartha the third bucket. "Take heart," she said as her eyes met the dwarf's. "Some feel things they do not convey." As Bartha crossed the threshold to the darkness outside, Rael turned back to her cooking. "And some convey things they do not feel," she quietly reminded herself.

[Brian ofthe Dialogue Wheel]

Sarel, with Fen'Harel bounding along in his wake, walked over and joined the group by the wagon. Setting his bags in the back, he wiped his hands on his robe, then reached out to shake hands with the rather large, imposing man after sending a polite smile at Tessa, "My name is Sarel, ser, and who might you b-" he began as he saw a bright shock of red hair. Those robes, and that hair. He forced a smile and finished the shake abrubtly, and began nervously fidgeting with his walking stick. "I- erm- I hope me coming along isn't imposing, I'd truly hate to be in the way."

[ChachiBobinks]

Etienne noted the hound far before he realized who was walking before it. He had developed an affection for the mabari since his time in Ferelden, though it had mainly been more in theory than anything else since they were without pets in the Tower. However, his trip to the village (and time spent with it's hounds) had him nearly in love. 

 

When Sarel's gaze settled on him, and his words subsequently stopped, Etienne's attention was stolen. It took him a moment and, with wide eyes and teeth grating on his bottom lip, he realized he knew the other man. Well, knew him as well as one with absolutely no social life could. Sarel was considered talented and brilliant, and then he was considered gone. And Etienne could only assume that 'gone' happened under Chantry sanction. 

 

"Sarel?" he interjected. "It's you, non?"

[Brian ofthe Dialogue Wheel]

"It is- ah- yes. Yes, it is me, Etienne." Sarel said, clearing his throat. No suspiscion, no undue glances from the two warriors. No templar heraldry, no full-plate-and-skirt He relaxed his posture. "So they have sent you out among the masses too, now, Etienne? How is-" Sarel asked, screwing his face up before remembering more about the man in front of him, "herb gathering going? Or- wait, did the Circle send you here to help with what happened out on the farmsteads?" If there were any group Sarel could imagine the Templars of Kinloch Hold thinking about almost as little as the Dalish, it was the peasants out on the edges. "Regardless, I hope your studies have gone well. It seems circumstance and necessity have brought us together." Best to keep Etienne flustered right now- keep him off balance, and he wouldn't even realize anything was off.

Fen'Harel bounded in front of Sarel, and bounced happily up to Tessa, then Etienne, playfully dipping forward then running back.
 

[berelinde]

Beldin shook Sarel's offered hand warmly, then stood back, bewildered as he and Etienne exchanged greetings like old friends.

 

Another mage, he guessed, from the Circle. But if he is Circle trained, at least he won't be a blood mage.

 

If he was going to consort with mages, he had better man up and learn to deal with it.

 

"Glad to have you with us, Sarel," he said at a convenient pause. "Tessa probably told you that we're going to have to leave the safety of the village, but if you and Etienne met each other where I think you did, I'll wager you're well able to look after yourself. And it'll give your hound a chance to stretch his legs."

[BFace]

After letting the mabari sniff her hand, Tessa crouched down to scratch the hound behind the ears. As she listened to Sarel talk to Etienne, she felt a fair amount of relief.  

 

If Sarel and Etienne knew each other, then that meant Sarel was a Circle mage.

 

Tessa was beginning to think that the Maker was tossing all these mages at her as a test, and she didn't know whether that was a good thing or a bad thing.

 

After a final scratch and a pat on the head, Tessa stood, gathered up her pack and Bartha's things and said, "It won't take us long to get there, but I'm ready to go when you fellows are."

[Mahumia]

After a few minutes Bartha reappeared with some buckets of water. She bit on her bottom lip. "I don't think there are enough buckets to put up a stash for all of us...." She grinned at Rael, with a spark of joy in her eye. "I guess that means that the men will have to get their own water... we go first!"

[Brian ofthe Dialogue Wheel]

"I'm ready to go. If there's nothing else to do, I'm sure you're quite eager to continue on with the tasks at hand." Sarel glanced at the wagon and said, "Well, it seems I'll be walking." he whistled for Fen'Harel, and the dog eagerly bounded over.

[mysteriouspast]

Rael chuckled at Bartha's clear enjoyment of the men waiting for their baths. She knew Etienne would not be amused. "I'm sure they'll recover from the disappointment," she replied with laughter in her voice.

 

Looking down at the hearth, she could see that they were burning through the dry firewood quite quickly and if there would be baths for everyone, she'd need to find more. "Go ahead and get your water ready," she replied to Bartha. "I'll get some more wood from the pile out back."

[ChachiBobinks]

If Sarel's ploy was to keep Etienne thrown off of his tracks, he was doing so brilliantly. He grasped the back of his neck and nodded, watching Sarel with wide, owlish eyes. "I was sent to study indigenous medicinal herbs." 

 

Help out in the farmlands? Doing what, growing corn? And of course they'd not send him out to help with the city's issues. He was a healer, not a fighter. But that meant that Sarel was likely sent to fight. He was no pansy or pencil pusher, very much unlike Etienne himself. He continued on and Etienne hardly mustered up the gall to add in a weak laugh and a "Yes, let's go" before Sarel prepared to take off. His gaze bounced between the three others, and he quickly made his way to the front of the wagon, prepared to take his seat again and spend the trip back thinking.

[berelinde]

Beldin put his hands on the reins.

 

"We might be better off leaving the wagon here," he said to Etienne. Standing beside the wagon as he was, he had to look up at Etienne. It was not something that happened often, but it was a welcome change.

 

He nodded toward the windows of the houses that surrounded the square. Lights glittered behind every one of them, and a few sported shadows that could have been people waiting to watch their departure.

 

"The villagers will look after the oxen," he said, "and the other animals on the farm. Someone will be glad to have the livestock. But mostly, the wagon's slow, and it's easy to track. On foot, we can cut across country and evade pursuit if we need to."

[Mahumia]

Rael chuckled at Bartha's clear enjoyment of the men waiting for their baths. She knew Etienne would not be amused. "I'm sure they'll recover from the disappointment," she replied with laughter in her voice.

 

Looking down at the hearth, she could see that they were burning through the dry firewood quite quickly and if there would be baths for everyone, she'd need to find more. "Go ahead and get your water ready," she replied to Bartha. "I'll get some more wood from the pile out back."

Bartha noted that the water in the first kettle was already getting quite warm. She nodded at Rael, and made her way to the bath tub with a bucket of cool water. After that she returned to fetch the warm water: time to start mixing up to get a nice temperature to bath in!

[BFace]

Beldin put his hands on the reins.

 

"We might be better off leaving the wagon here," he said to Etienne. Standing beside the wagon as he was, he had to look up at Etienne. It was not something that happened often, but it was a welcome change.

 

He nodded toward the windows of the houses that surrounded the square. Lights glittered behind every one of them, and a few sported shadows that could have been people waiting to watch their departure.

 

"The villagers will look after the oxen," he said, "and the other animals on the farm. Someone will be glad to have the livestock. But mostly, the wagon's slow, and it's easy to track. On foot, we can cut across country and evade pursuit if we need to."

Tessa walked to stand beside Beldin to look up at Etienne, giving the mage a quirk of mouth that might have been called a quick smile.

 

"I think this is the best idea. It still won't take too long, I'd wager."

[ChachiBobinks]

Etienne sighed and climbed back down. Truth be told, it was late and he was exhausted. But it was what it was, and he was just worried they'd be strolling directly into the mouth of the beast. 

 

"I trust your opinion, serah," he replied wearily. With great care to not mess the wrapped lute, he pulled his staff off of his back and held it as if it were a walking stick. If there was a chance that their path would lead them into danger, he wanted to be prepared. 

[mysteriouspast]

Meanwhile, at the farmhouse, Rael meets someone new.

 

Spoiler

The last job’s pay had kept his stomach a bit fuller than usual but, even now, Mercuriel found himself listening to a growling stomach. This growling stomach, along with the insistent pleas from his Mabari hound, had led him to a small farm house in the middle of nowhere. He and Dog crouched behind a cluster of shrubbery near the farmhouse. This way he had a good view of the farmhouse but didn’t give away his own presence too easily. He felt for the handle of his trusted two handed sword, Delphine, just in case the farmhouse residents weren’t too happy to see him.

 

He could see light coming from the inside and smelled a savory scent drifting along the wind. What was that smell, exactly? He couldn’t place it at the moment because of “Dog’s,” his Mabari, constant whining and butting of his head against Mercuriel’s arm.

 

“Calm down, already! You’ll wake the entire surrounding area with that howling of yours,” Mercuriel whispered irritatedly to the hound.

 

Dog’s lower lip protruded out, almost as if in a pout, and his ears lowered a bit in shame. He never liked when Mercuriel yelled at him. Mercuriel knew this well and used it to his advantage when necessary even though he had developed a kinship with the hound over the few months of travel they’d shared together.

 

Mercuriel resumed his investigation of the farm house, waiting to see who would come out and if they had any possible food available for him. He had his travel rations, of course, but he tried to save those for last resort. Dog often got his filthy muzzle into the rations and left Mercuriel with little to nothing for himself. ‘Why had he rescued this mutt?’ Mercuriel thought to himself.

 

Dog harrumphed and lowered his body to the ground. He laid his massive head against Mercuriel’s leg and Mercuriel, despite being tempted to shove the beast off, started running one of his hands through Dog’s dark fur.

 

Rael made her way in back of the small farmhouse, her small lantern held aloft. Surely there was firewood around here somewhere. A few yards from the outhouse, she spotted a small stack of logs that would serve them well, at least for the night. As she picked up a few of the top pieces, she inadvertently knocked loose a lower one, sending logs rolling in every different direction. Rael cursed, set her lantern down, and set about picking them up.

 

Dog sensed the presence of another about the same time as Mercuriel did. The hound lifted his ears and stood up, alert and ready to respond to his master should the situation call for it. Mercuriel peeked over the top of the shrubbery and saw the light from a lantern. His hazel eyes narrowed for a moment to get a better view of the person carrying the lantern. He placed hand on Dog’s side to reassure the hound as he peered into the distance. Dog sniffed the air tentatively. The person holding the lantern seemed to be moving towards some logs. The figure looked to be a female, short in height and...an elf? Mercuriel wasn’t sure of this because of the distance but he thought he glimpsed the hint of a pointed ear. The female cursed into the night air and that was when Mercuriel made the realization that he knew this person, knew this elf.

 

He turned to Dog and commanded him to stay for the moment. Dog’s presence could frighten those that didn’t understand how much of a teddy bear he really was.  Dog would much rather have Mercuriel acquire food for him than work for it. Ah, the life of a lazy Mabari. Mercuriel shook his head to clear it of that nonsense and slowly stood up. He didn’t want to startle the woman. Slowly he stepped through the brush and moved towards where the woman fiddled with the logs. He searched his mind for a memory of what her name was. Did she even give him her name in their quick passings of one another? He doubted it. He knew that they had met in Denerim during one of his jobs. Did he see her at a tavern? He couldn’t be sure. All he remembered for sure, and could clearly see now due to his close proximity, was how beautiful she was. Her auburn hair looked so soft that he wanted to touch it. He almost did at that moment but thought better of it when he remembered that this woman might not recognize him at all. Also, he did carry a giant sword on his back.

 

He cleared his throat and said, “Having fun with those?” He pointed at the logs scattered about.

 

Rael nearly jumped ten feet in the air when she heard an unexpected male voice. It was close to her, incredibly close. In a quick motion, she grabbed her lantern and drew her sword. “Who’s out there?” she shouted in a voice that was braver than she felt. “Show yourself!”

 

Mercuriel stepped forward into the lantern’s light so that she could see his face clearly enough. His hazel eyes locked with her green eyes. “Pardon the intrusion. My name is Mercuriel. Do you need any help with those?” He made a point of showing his helpfulness by picking up one of the logs nearest him and holding it out to her.

 

“Maker’s breath,” Rael said with a sigh, instantly recognizing the elf from the alienage. She knew little about him, except that he seemed to be some sort of laborer. What he was doing out here was something she could not imagine. “I almost ran you through,” she chided, sheathing her sword. “What in the name of Andraste are you doing out here, besides sneaking up on people?”

 

He tentatively reached out and attempted to place the log on top of the pile she already carried in her arms. “I’m glad you didn’t run me through,” he chuckled, “Although, being run through by a woman as pretty as yourself would be preferable to other experiences I’ve had in my life.” He flashed her a grin before coughing awkwardly and moving on to her next question. He reached up to his left ear and ran a finger over the pointed tip. “Well, I am not sure Andraste has anything to do with why I’m here but I didn’t mean to scare you so much, my apologies.” He stopped touching his ear and focused his eyes on the farmhouse. “Actually, I was simply moving through the area and noticed your little farmhouse here. It is your farmhouse, yes?”

 

Rael covered her mouth to smother a laugh. “My farmhouse?” she asked incredulously. “How would a city elf from the alienage ever afford such a thing?” She took a step closer to him, letting the dim light from the lantern illuminate his features. Yes, she’d definitely seen him before--she recognized his black hair and pleasing form. That, and the brown tattoos on his face were a dead giveaway. His hazel eyes were bright and lively in the low light. She took the proffered log from him. “You certainly may help me with this… mess. It’s a bit more than I can carry.”

 

Her laughter was rather melodic and it sent a wave of reassurance over Mercuriel that this was indeed the same elf he had encountered in Denerim not too long ago. He tried to remember seeing her in the alienage and what that kind of life had been like for her. He knew many elves suffered greatly in the alienage and had very little freedom like their Dalish brethren. Mercuriel had been lucky enough to escape life in an alienage and instead had been raised by a Dalish clan that found him wandering the forests. Hearing this woman’s incredulity made him even more thankful towards the Dalish clan Keeper. He smiled at her when she took the log from his outstretched hand. “I apologize then for assuming. You are too good for this drudgery of a farmhouse anyway.” He grinned. “Perhaps, while I assist you, you could inform me of your name?” He bent down and began to gather some more logs. “Or would that be too troublesome a request?”

 

“Perhaps,” she said with a cheeky smile. After a beat, and an entreating look from Mercuriel, she relented, “I’m called Rael.” As they picked up the scattered wood, she thought it best to inquire about his chosen path through these woods. Undoubtedly, he had no idea what they’d run into at the Fuldor place, nor how much danger he could be in. “Where are you headed, anyway, serah?”

 

Rael, a name he would surely remember like his own. A very pretty name that he could now associate with the pretty elf who owned it. Mercuriel tried to remember where he had heard of such a name. He cared little for the rumors and squabbles of the alienage but he had heard of an elf whose father had caused trouble then vanished. The trouble involved something to do with breaking out of jail and causing a purge of sorts. However, even if this male elf had been Rael’s father, he could care less. As a Dalish elf he saw the creation and maintenance of the alienage in Denerim as a true horror. Elves did not deserve to live in such squalor and under such control.

 

“Now, that wasn’t so hard, was it?” He said in response to Rael giving him her name. Her second question left him a bit off balance because he wasn’t sure exactly how much of his plans he wanted to reveal to her. He also had Dog to think of and he couldn’t leave the hound situated in the shrubbery forever without a prize to show for it. “I just finished a job in a nearby town. I am a traveling mercenary of sorts and I lend my skills to those who need it. I have no set destination as of now. I was actually hoping to scrounge up some food for myself and my friend.” He winked at Rael.

 

Rael’s brown knotted in confusion. “Do you mean to tell me you’re traveling alone?” She glanced around the area as though she expected enemies to emerge from the darkness at any moment. “Mercuriel,” she said, leaning towards him and speaking in a low voice. “It is simply not safe to do that.”

 

He chuckled at her apparent concern for him. “I assure you, milady, that my safety is not an issue. You need not worry about me.” He whistled into the darkness and Dog popped his head through the bushes where he had been hiding earlier. “See? My companion is quite ready to back me up if necessary. Aren’t you, fella?” Mercuriel smiled warmly at the hound. Dog barked happily at his master’s remark, almost as if he could understand what he was saying.

 

“So you aren’t alone at all, are you?” Rael said, smiling in delight at the charming Mabari. She looked back at Mercuriel who seemed awfully nonchalant about traveling with only his dog. He clearly had no idea about what had transpired here--either at Vintiver or at the Fuldor place. Why would he, if he were just traveling through? The thought of him sleeping alone, unguarded by anyone save the hound, made her shudder.

 

“Listen,” she said, her voice becoming uncharacteristically serious. “I don’t ask that question casually. You…” she faltered, trying to find the words to explain. “You run the risk of coming across humans who think the Dalish have cursed them and will try to kill you on sight. Or…” she swallowed hard, trying to will away the grotesque memories from the morning. “Or something that could kill an entire family before they even knew they were under attack. As I said, it is not safe out here.”

 

Mercuriel noted Rael’s smile towards Dog and decided that his hound’s fidgeting meant that Dog wanted to interact with the female elf. Dog appreciated any and all the attention he could get seeing as Mercuriel did not always offer the kind of love Dog preferred. The kind of love in question was that which required the rubbing of his belly all day and all night.  Few would think Dog was even a real Mabari if not for his appearance. He acted way too friendly and very rarely bared his teeth or looked menacing. Mercuriel sighed in exasperation at the hound’s current state. Dog had not come out of the brush completely, he was Mabari enough to wait for his master’s command before moving, but his exposed head had its mouth agape and tongue lolling to the side playfully.

 

Mercuriel shook his head at the hound then turned back to Rael. The serious tone of her voice caught his attention quickly. She sounded convinced of the events that she spoke of. Moreover, she sounded scared and rightly so if she was to be believed. Mercuriel let her finish and then looked her over for a moment. He frowned. “I see that much has happened to you.” He slowly raised an arm and offered his hand to hers in comfort. “If what you say is true then I am sure the Creators have guided me to you for a reason. Perhaps our meeting is not by chance.” He unsheathed his two-handed sword from the scabbard on his back and held it in his free hand. “Perhaps you would require my services?” His own face held an serious look.

 

“We may just,” Rael replied, tapping her finger on her bottom lip, lost in thought. She looked back at Mercuriel and said, “I am not alone either. We have a group, of sorts, that has decided to investigate the strange occurrences around here.”She took his hand and indicated the farmhouse. “We’re staying there… for safety as much as anything. I think they should be happy to see another sword-arm.” She started to walk back to the house, then said over her shoulder with a wry smile, “Do get that firewood, won’t you?”

 

Mercuriel nodded as he listened to Rael explain her situation. So there were others? She wasn’t alone as he had thought. He wasn’t sure if teaming up with a group was preferable for him but he wasn’t about to turn down a possible chance at warmth, cover from the night, and maybe even some food for Dog and him. Besides, there were worset things than spending time with a beautiful elf. He smiled to himself as he watched her start to walk away. Her last remark about the firewood made him smile even wider. She was a sassy one, that was for sure. And he found himself attracted to it. She reminded him a little bit of Shaunee.

 

Mercuriel felt a pang of pain in his heart then quickly shifted his thoughts away from Shaunee. Whatever trouble Rael and her group were in or would face, he would make sure they didn’t meet the same fate as Shaunee. He wouldn’t fail anyone again. He’d made a promise to himself. He would NEVER let that happen again. Mercuriel whistled again for Dog to come to his side then finished picking up the remaining logs. Dog bounced over to his side all excited for a chance to meet someone new with available hands for petting. Mercuriel sheathed his sword once again and arranged the logs in his arms. He called after Rael, “Does this mean my hound may join us as well? Or am I simply your log-fetching boy?” He added a bit of emphasis on the last word to show he meant it in jest.

 

“Yes,” she replied. Rael flicked her hair over her shoulder and strode away. “To both,” he heard her say without her turning around.

 

Mercuriel chuckled and motioned for Dog to follow him as the two walked behind Rael towards the farmhouse.

 

Once she crossed the threshold, she called out to the three inside, "I'm back! I found another traveler outside. He wants to join us." She waited to hear their replies.

[Brian ofthe Dialogue Wheel]

"Etienne, do you not have something to travel in? I might have a traveler's cloak you can wear and some pants, if that would help. I'd hate for walking to ruin your robes" or draw Templar attention and scrutiny. "Going along the path might draw some ire and- given myself being in your party- it might be safer for the townspeople if we walk."

[berelinde]

Away Team Plot Update

 

You leave town as quietly and nonchalantly as possible. No one appears to be following you, but you spy inquisitive faces at windows as you pass. Half an hour later, you arrive at the farmhouse. The windows are cheery beacons at the end of a long day.

[obsessedwjpn]

Mercuriel walked into the farmhouse with Dog by his side. He wasn't sure exactly where to put the logs so he meandered a bit around the main room of the farmhouse. Dog followed faithfully by his side, balefully looking up at this master and whimpering.

 

"I know, I know," he said with slight irritation. "But first we have to put this wood down somewhere before we can help ourselves to anything around here." Dog seemed to understand but he still hung his head solemnly. 

 

Mercuriel thought he could hear noises upstairs but he wasn't quite sure. He supposed one of the other farmhouse occupants was upstairs and holding this firewood left him at a disadvantage if he had to react quickly.