FanFiction/Art - Final Chapter (Aedan), (12/27) Interludes
Débuté par
Sisimka
, févr. 25 2010 05:06
#51
Posté 01 mars 2010 - 12:23
DalishRanger
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Yes, I meant them. That answers my question quite well, thanks.
Retour en haut
#52
Posté 01 mars 2010 - 01:48
Masticetobbacco
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<-------- impatient nerd waiting for moar stories
#53
Posté 01 mars 2010 - 05:11
DalishRanger
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Aedan picture is done:
"Where were you?"
"Thinking about you naked."
I can't help it, that line cracked me up so much I had to draw his face for it.
"Where were you?"
"Thinking about you naked."
I can't help it, that line cracked me up so much I had to draw his face for it.
Modifié par DalishRanger, 01 mars 2010 - 05:19 .
#54
Posté 01 mars 2010 - 02:41
Masticetobbacco
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aeden needs more beard for + epic rating
#55
Posté 01 mars 2010 - 03:02
Miliat
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DalishRanger wrote...
Aedan picture is done:
"Where were you?"
"Thinking about you naked."
That is awesome!
#56
Posté 01 mars 2010 - 03:29
Sisimka
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Isn't it just? I LOVE the picture. It captures his expression perfectly! Thank you Ranger!
#57
Posté 01 mars 2010 - 03:50
DalishRanger
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You're welcome. 
I love drawing lop-sided grins.
I love drawing lop-sided grins.
#58
Posté 01 mars 2010 - 05:05
Sisimka
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I originally intended for this story to be only two parts, but found it needed three. Part three is only partially written and I will not be posting it today. I apologise for the delay. 
(Part Two)
Aedan awoke to the sound of Oghren and Alistair engaged in a heated discussion. The two warriors were facing one another with Oghren’s rather bulky pack on the floor between them. Alistair pointed towards it and said, “You’ve got more alcohol in there, haven’t you?”
The dwarf burped loudly, patting his belly as if proud to have given birth to such an obnoxious sound, and then attempted to pull the straps away from the ex-templar’s hands. He growled “So long as I’m the one carryin’ it, what do you care what’s in my pack?”
Alistair exclaimed, “Because the rest of us are carrying food and weapons and bandages! We’re not here for a party, you know!”
Oghren growled, “More’s the pity” and finally succeeded in yanking the pack from Alistair’s grasp. He fished inside it and pulled out a strip of leather which he then proceeded to put between his teeth and chew on. His lips moved around the ‘meal’ and he said, “See, I got food in here too… want some?”
Alistair shuddered and stepped back saying, “I do not want to know what that is…”
Oghren continued to talk about the leathery strip, something he was quite accomplished at as his words were clear enough, “It’s nug!” he said.
Aedan heard a soft gasp beside him and turned to find Leliana with her hand to her mouth, her expression one of alarm. She said, “You eat…nugs, those sweet little creatures? I thought they were kept as pets…”
Oghren slurped, and chewed, then tore the strip with his teeth, holding out the grisly end and gesturing with it, “Pets? Why would you keep food as a pet? Now this here is smoked nug, delicious with some lichen sauce, but just as good on its own. Can I tempt you with some, little lady?”
Even in the shadowed light Aedan could see the green tinge that coloured Leliana’s cheeks and he patted her hand softly before turning to Oghren and politely refusing on her behalf. The dwarf simply shrugged and shoved the remaining morsel past his lips, chewing noisily and grumbling at the same time, “Suit yerself, when are we gonna start killin’ some darkspawn?”
Alistair said, “Sooner than I’d like…” he glanced over at Aedan and raised a brow in question. Aedan then realized the nausea he’d been feeling wasn’t all due to contemplation of Oghren’s breakfast. Darkspawn were closing in on them, and from the feel of it, several of them. He nodded toward Alistair and stood up.
An eerie screech tore through the still air and a shriek appeared in the tunnel outside their camp. As one the companions reached for their weapons. A cool wind flew from the back of the alcove and the shriek froze in place, effectively blocking the passage. But as Wynne shattered the apparition, the four warriors leapt forward, their assortment of swords and axes all pointing toward the first darkspawn to round the bend. Alistair ran past the first genlock, leaving it to the scrappers and waded through the approaching band toward the largest hurlock. Aedan stunned the same genlock on his way past and followed him. He heard the thunk and clang of blades behind him and knew Sten and Oghren were finishing it off. He could hear Oghren hurling insults at the darkspawn and allowed a quick smile. Zevran could stop teasing him about being the noisiest warrior now…
A shadow slipped past him and Zevran materialized behind Alistair’s target, flanking the hurlock and flurrying with his blades, before whirling off in the opposite direction to flank yet another darkspawn. An arrow streaked by Aedan’s ear and buried itself in the eye of the darkspawn right in front of him, pausing the creature in the act of swinging its great axe. Aedan took the advantage and cut the creature down before stepping aside to dodge the blade of another hurlock. He tackled that one next and then stooped down to deliver a final blow to Leliana’s latest victim. The genlock had been hurled to the floor by her arrow and he sliced through the exposed neck before it regained its feet.
Aedan had become oddly comforted by the appearance of Leliana’s arrows. Not only did he appreciate her accuracy, but each whistling brush of air let him know she was still standing behind him, unharmed and in relative safety.
The ground shook beneath their feet as Shale lumbered about, knocking darkspawn senseless with mighty blows of his fists. Aedan was nearly thrown from his feet as one of these flying darkspawn crashed into his back and he cursed the narrowness of the tunnel. He and Alistair needed to devise some new battle strategies for these confined spaces, their usual formation, while not horribly ineffectual, could use some tweaking.
Their targets were easy to find, however, and the skirmish was over almost as quickly as it had begun. The companions stood still a moment, regaining their breath. Zevran blew out a gusty sigh and said, “Well that was… bracing. Nothing like a bit of exercise to start the day!”
Aedan scanned the collection of corpses at their feet and could only nod in silent agreement. Their second day in the bowels of the earth had not started in the most auspicious fashion. He looked up and checked on his companions. No one appeared injured and he caught Wynne’s eye. She nodded, all was well. He sheathed his blades and turned towards Morrigan, they were going to have that talk now.
Morrigan acceded to his request with little persuasion saying only, “If I must…” and she and Wynne sequestered themselves in the alcove while the remainder of the companions collected their packs. Aedan called a meeting and they hunkered down in a loose circle to talk strategy.
Shortly afterwards the companions retraced their steps to the cavern they’d entered yesterday and Aedan guided them away from the alcove were he assumed Ruck was still lurking. He did not want to see the tainted dwarf again, the sadness of it was too wrenching and he’d still not decided what he’d tell Ruck’s mother when they returned to Orzimmar.
They crossed one of the bridges they’d cleared of ghostly guardians the day before and contemplated the next dark tunnel. Aedan could feel the taint all about him, faintly, but he sensed something more was lurking in the darkness ahead. They’d not taken more than a handful of steps into the tunnel before he and Alistair discerned the source of the taint. A faint sound had reached their ears, the now familiar hissing and skittering of many legs.
They turned toward one another and said at the same moment, “Spiders.”
More corrupted spiders. Aedan pushed aside his growing unease and drew his weapons. As they advanced down the tunnel, however, the spiders ran before them, as if they were being chased. Aedan couldn’t help but look over his shoulder, was there something more terrible creeping up behind them? But he saw only his companions and after allowing his gaze to linger a moment longer than necessary on Leliana’s face, he looked forward again. Alistair chanced a swipe at one of the retreating spiders, but missed as the corrupted creature suddenly shot into the air above their heads, disappearing from view as it nestled into a dark crevice. Not good, not good at all. Aedan picked up the pace. He did not want to be caught in this tunnel if more than one spider decided to drop back down on them.
Spiders continued to disappear before and above them as they made their way through the tunnel and when they emerged into another large cavern the silence was eerie. A chasm separated the tunnel from the cavern and could only be traversed using a small stone bridge. As Aedan stepped onto the bridge a loud dwarven curse broke the silence.
“Thunderhumper!”
This was followed by the hiss and screech of spiders as they descended from the crevices and fissures in the tunnel ceiling, falling upon the remainder of the companions in a frenzied rush. Morrigan threw up her arms and cast a mind blast spell, stunning a few of the creatures. The companions worked in their new groupings, tackling the spiders two by two until they were dead. The fight was mercifully short, but the ambush had shaken them and Aedan allowed a few minutes recovery before they continued over the bridge into the cavern.
A lone darkspawn awaited them, standing on a stone dais surrounded by fallen rock and buckled iron plates. Once again Morrigan cast the first spell, encasing the emissary in a crushing prison while the rest of the companions surrounded it, hacking away with abandon. The spell fizzled before the emissary took its last breath and it managed to reciprocate, trapping the witch in a crushing prison of her very own before succumbing to the flurry of blades.
Before anyone had the chance to do more than draw a breath, there was a hissing sound from behind the fallen rock, followed by that awful skittering. Aedan whispered, “Andraste’s flaming sword, more spiders,” under his breath and stepped over the darkspawn body. He rounded a lopsided stone column and stopped still, Alistair bumping him lightly, as he came face to face with the largest spider he’d ever seen. Alistair leapt past him to engage the corrupted queen, but not before she summoned her minions to distract the companions.
The battle was long and arduous. Every time Aedan thought Alistair was about to deliver the final blow, they were encased in sticky strands of webbing as the queen ascended to the high ceiling to taunt them from above. Another wave of smaller spiders would follow before she descended again.
Aedan had dispatched one of the smaller spiders and stepped toward Alistair to help finish off the corrupted queen when he noticed arrows were no longer streaking into the fray. He chanced a look over his shoulder and saw that Leliana had been overwhelmed by one of the queen’s minions. Aedan froze with his blades pointed in two directions, one toward Alistair and one toward Leliana. His mind knew where he should be: at Alistair’s side, finishing this battle. Logically once the queen was dead her hold over the smaller spiders would be broken. But his heart knew where he wanted to be: saving his love from grievous injury.
Alistair broke the impasse by calling out, “Aedan, are you stunned? I could use a…” then he was engulfed in webbing as the queen ascended once again. Aedan was horrified by his inaction. While he had stood motionless Alistair might have been killed, or seriously wounded. They were a team, they all had their jobs in battle and his was to be at Alistair’s side, not to rescue Leliana. Zevran would be there, it was his job to keep an eye on their back line. But Aedan couldn’t help glancing over his shoulder again and his relief at seeing Zevran help the bard to her feet nearly robbed him of breath. He then stepped forward and used his dagger to slice away at the webbing that surrounded Alistair.
Alistair grabbed his forearm and Aedan could feel the warrior’s concern and looked up to meet his gaze. “Are you alright?” Alistair asked.
Aedan gave a short nod and looked up, trying to direct his friend’s eyes elsewhere. His heart had not ceased to pound and he knew his anxiety was not entirely fueled by the battle. The rush of blood in his ears slowly subsided as the eerie silence stretched out.
“We showed that pile of bronto…” Oghren was cut off by a loud hissing and the queen descended once again. The huge spider was alone and all the companions set to finishing the fight. As the final blow was struck, however, they discovered there was to be no respite as Alistair was caught and paralyzed by a spell, thus announcing the presence of yet another emissary.
The ex-templar twitched and jerked in his prison as the party rounded the last pile of fallen rock and found their target. The emissary was quickly dispatched, but no one had been able to break the spell surrounding Alistair and he dropped limply to the ground.
Wynne knelt by Alistair and the companions crowded around, all exchanging worried expressions. Perhaps with the exception of Oghren, they were united in their purpose of bringing Alistair to the throne of Ferelden. Though it was but a stepping stone in their plan to defeat the Blight, it was an important one. As one, they held their breath until Wynne looked up and nodded, relief washing over her features. As one, their shoulders slumped and their sighed breaths sounded in the quiet cavern.
Aedan suspected none were more relieved than he, however, as it has been his failure to act that had allowed Alistair to expend too much of himself in the fight with the queen spider. Alistair had drained his reserves and been unable to resist the spell. Aedan glanced at Morrigan, briefly entertaining the notion that she could have helped, perhaps used her one spell of healing, but saw instantly that the witch was as weary as the rest of them. He had no one to blame but himself. Feeling the need for action Aedan beckoned Zevran to his side and said, “Let us scout the perimeter of this cavern while the taint is barely discernable.”
Aedan paused at Leliana’s side and placed a hand on her shoulder. She was covered in black spider ichor and sticky strands of webbing, but she appeared otherwise unharmed. She looked up and they stared wordlessly at one another for a moment before he squeezed her shoulder and let go, jogging a step to catch up with the elven rogue.
They’d crossed the cavern when Zevran paused and Aedan was instantly on alert, reaching with his senses for the taint. He felt nothing and glanced at the elf curiously. Zevran was regarding him with a serious expression and he said quietly, “I would not let her fall, my friend, not while I still drew breath.”
Aedan nodded and then sighed, unable to stop the quiet rush of air from his lips as the last of his tension drained from his shoulders. He said, “Zev, what if it happens again? Alistair could have died! Wynne warned me about this and I didn’t listen. There is too much at stake here for me to be wandering around like a lovesick puppy.”
Zevran did not answer him but merely stood there, those amber eyes gazing at him thoughtfully. Aedan looked away and caught his breath. His heart had begun to pound again and it hurt. He felt tears pricking the corners of his eyes and did not know if they were from the shame of his near failure or the heartbreak of the choice felt he must make. He finally whispered, “I…I have to let her go…”
(Part Two)
Aedan awoke to the sound of Oghren and Alistair engaged in a heated discussion. The two warriors were facing one another with Oghren’s rather bulky pack on the floor between them. Alistair pointed towards it and said, “You’ve got more alcohol in there, haven’t you?”
The dwarf burped loudly, patting his belly as if proud to have given birth to such an obnoxious sound, and then attempted to pull the straps away from the ex-templar’s hands. He growled “So long as I’m the one carryin’ it, what do you care what’s in my pack?”
Alistair exclaimed, “Because the rest of us are carrying food and weapons and bandages! We’re not here for a party, you know!”
Oghren growled, “More’s the pity” and finally succeeded in yanking the pack from Alistair’s grasp. He fished inside it and pulled out a strip of leather which he then proceeded to put between his teeth and chew on. His lips moved around the ‘meal’ and he said, “See, I got food in here too… want some?”
Alistair shuddered and stepped back saying, “I do not want to know what that is…”
Oghren continued to talk about the leathery strip, something he was quite accomplished at as his words were clear enough, “It’s nug!” he said.
Aedan heard a soft gasp beside him and turned to find Leliana with her hand to her mouth, her expression one of alarm. She said, “You eat…nugs, those sweet little creatures? I thought they were kept as pets…”
Oghren slurped, and chewed, then tore the strip with his teeth, holding out the grisly end and gesturing with it, “Pets? Why would you keep food as a pet? Now this here is smoked nug, delicious with some lichen sauce, but just as good on its own. Can I tempt you with some, little lady?”
Even in the shadowed light Aedan could see the green tinge that coloured Leliana’s cheeks and he patted her hand softly before turning to Oghren and politely refusing on her behalf. The dwarf simply shrugged and shoved the remaining morsel past his lips, chewing noisily and grumbling at the same time, “Suit yerself, when are we gonna start killin’ some darkspawn?”
Alistair said, “Sooner than I’d like…” he glanced over at Aedan and raised a brow in question. Aedan then realized the nausea he’d been feeling wasn’t all due to contemplation of Oghren’s breakfast. Darkspawn were closing in on them, and from the feel of it, several of them. He nodded toward Alistair and stood up.
An eerie screech tore through the still air and a shriek appeared in the tunnel outside their camp. As one the companions reached for their weapons. A cool wind flew from the back of the alcove and the shriek froze in place, effectively blocking the passage. But as Wynne shattered the apparition, the four warriors leapt forward, their assortment of swords and axes all pointing toward the first darkspawn to round the bend. Alistair ran past the first genlock, leaving it to the scrappers and waded through the approaching band toward the largest hurlock. Aedan stunned the same genlock on his way past and followed him. He heard the thunk and clang of blades behind him and knew Sten and Oghren were finishing it off. He could hear Oghren hurling insults at the darkspawn and allowed a quick smile. Zevran could stop teasing him about being the noisiest warrior now…
A shadow slipped past him and Zevran materialized behind Alistair’s target, flanking the hurlock and flurrying with his blades, before whirling off in the opposite direction to flank yet another darkspawn. An arrow streaked by Aedan’s ear and buried itself in the eye of the darkspawn right in front of him, pausing the creature in the act of swinging its great axe. Aedan took the advantage and cut the creature down before stepping aside to dodge the blade of another hurlock. He tackled that one next and then stooped down to deliver a final blow to Leliana’s latest victim. The genlock had been hurled to the floor by her arrow and he sliced through the exposed neck before it regained its feet.
Aedan had become oddly comforted by the appearance of Leliana’s arrows. Not only did he appreciate her accuracy, but each whistling brush of air let him know she was still standing behind him, unharmed and in relative safety.
The ground shook beneath their feet as Shale lumbered about, knocking darkspawn senseless with mighty blows of his fists. Aedan was nearly thrown from his feet as one of these flying darkspawn crashed into his back and he cursed the narrowness of the tunnel. He and Alistair needed to devise some new battle strategies for these confined spaces, their usual formation, while not horribly ineffectual, could use some tweaking.
Their targets were easy to find, however, and the skirmish was over almost as quickly as it had begun. The companions stood still a moment, regaining their breath. Zevran blew out a gusty sigh and said, “Well that was… bracing. Nothing like a bit of exercise to start the day!”
Aedan scanned the collection of corpses at their feet and could only nod in silent agreement. Their second day in the bowels of the earth had not started in the most auspicious fashion. He looked up and checked on his companions. No one appeared injured and he caught Wynne’s eye. She nodded, all was well. He sheathed his blades and turned towards Morrigan, they were going to have that talk now.
Morrigan acceded to his request with little persuasion saying only, “If I must…” and she and Wynne sequestered themselves in the alcove while the remainder of the companions collected their packs. Aedan called a meeting and they hunkered down in a loose circle to talk strategy.
Shortly afterwards the companions retraced their steps to the cavern they’d entered yesterday and Aedan guided them away from the alcove were he assumed Ruck was still lurking. He did not want to see the tainted dwarf again, the sadness of it was too wrenching and he’d still not decided what he’d tell Ruck’s mother when they returned to Orzimmar.
They crossed one of the bridges they’d cleared of ghostly guardians the day before and contemplated the next dark tunnel. Aedan could feel the taint all about him, faintly, but he sensed something more was lurking in the darkness ahead. They’d not taken more than a handful of steps into the tunnel before he and Alistair discerned the source of the taint. A faint sound had reached their ears, the now familiar hissing and skittering of many legs.
They turned toward one another and said at the same moment, “Spiders.”
More corrupted spiders. Aedan pushed aside his growing unease and drew his weapons. As they advanced down the tunnel, however, the spiders ran before them, as if they were being chased. Aedan couldn’t help but look over his shoulder, was there something more terrible creeping up behind them? But he saw only his companions and after allowing his gaze to linger a moment longer than necessary on Leliana’s face, he looked forward again. Alistair chanced a swipe at one of the retreating spiders, but missed as the corrupted creature suddenly shot into the air above their heads, disappearing from view as it nestled into a dark crevice. Not good, not good at all. Aedan picked up the pace. He did not want to be caught in this tunnel if more than one spider decided to drop back down on them.
Spiders continued to disappear before and above them as they made their way through the tunnel and when they emerged into another large cavern the silence was eerie. A chasm separated the tunnel from the cavern and could only be traversed using a small stone bridge. As Aedan stepped onto the bridge a loud dwarven curse broke the silence.
“Thunderhumper!”
This was followed by the hiss and screech of spiders as they descended from the crevices and fissures in the tunnel ceiling, falling upon the remainder of the companions in a frenzied rush. Morrigan threw up her arms and cast a mind blast spell, stunning a few of the creatures. The companions worked in their new groupings, tackling the spiders two by two until they were dead. The fight was mercifully short, but the ambush had shaken them and Aedan allowed a few minutes recovery before they continued over the bridge into the cavern.
A lone darkspawn awaited them, standing on a stone dais surrounded by fallen rock and buckled iron plates. Once again Morrigan cast the first spell, encasing the emissary in a crushing prison while the rest of the companions surrounded it, hacking away with abandon. The spell fizzled before the emissary took its last breath and it managed to reciprocate, trapping the witch in a crushing prison of her very own before succumbing to the flurry of blades.
Before anyone had the chance to do more than draw a breath, there was a hissing sound from behind the fallen rock, followed by that awful skittering. Aedan whispered, “Andraste’s flaming sword, more spiders,” under his breath and stepped over the darkspawn body. He rounded a lopsided stone column and stopped still, Alistair bumping him lightly, as he came face to face with the largest spider he’d ever seen. Alistair leapt past him to engage the corrupted queen, but not before she summoned her minions to distract the companions.
The battle was long and arduous. Every time Aedan thought Alistair was about to deliver the final blow, they were encased in sticky strands of webbing as the queen ascended to the high ceiling to taunt them from above. Another wave of smaller spiders would follow before she descended again.
Aedan had dispatched one of the smaller spiders and stepped toward Alistair to help finish off the corrupted queen when he noticed arrows were no longer streaking into the fray. He chanced a look over his shoulder and saw that Leliana had been overwhelmed by one of the queen’s minions. Aedan froze with his blades pointed in two directions, one toward Alistair and one toward Leliana. His mind knew where he should be: at Alistair’s side, finishing this battle. Logically once the queen was dead her hold over the smaller spiders would be broken. But his heart knew where he wanted to be: saving his love from grievous injury.
Alistair broke the impasse by calling out, “Aedan, are you stunned? I could use a…” then he was engulfed in webbing as the queen ascended once again. Aedan was horrified by his inaction. While he had stood motionless Alistair might have been killed, or seriously wounded. They were a team, they all had their jobs in battle and his was to be at Alistair’s side, not to rescue Leliana. Zevran would be there, it was his job to keep an eye on their back line. But Aedan couldn’t help glancing over his shoulder again and his relief at seeing Zevran help the bard to her feet nearly robbed him of breath. He then stepped forward and used his dagger to slice away at the webbing that surrounded Alistair.
Alistair grabbed his forearm and Aedan could feel the warrior’s concern and looked up to meet his gaze. “Are you alright?” Alistair asked.
Aedan gave a short nod and looked up, trying to direct his friend’s eyes elsewhere. His heart had not ceased to pound and he knew his anxiety was not entirely fueled by the battle. The rush of blood in his ears slowly subsided as the eerie silence stretched out.
“We showed that pile of bronto…” Oghren was cut off by a loud hissing and the queen descended once again. The huge spider was alone and all the companions set to finishing the fight. As the final blow was struck, however, they discovered there was to be no respite as Alistair was caught and paralyzed by a spell, thus announcing the presence of yet another emissary.
The ex-templar twitched and jerked in his prison as the party rounded the last pile of fallen rock and found their target. The emissary was quickly dispatched, but no one had been able to break the spell surrounding Alistair and he dropped limply to the ground.
Wynne knelt by Alistair and the companions crowded around, all exchanging worried expressions. Perhaps with the exception of Oghren, they were united in their purpose of bringing Alistair to the throne of Ferelden. Though it was but a stepping stone in their plan to defeat the Blight, it was an important one. As one, they held their breath until Wynne looked up and nodded, relief washing over her features. As one, their shoulders slumped and their sighed breaths sounded in the quiet cavern.
Aedan suspected none were more relieved than he, however, as it has been his failure to act that had allowed Alistair to expend too much of himself in the fight with the queen spider. Alistair had drained his reserves and been unable to resist the spell. Aedan glanced at Morrigan, briefly entertaining the notion that she could have helped, perhaps used her one spell of healing, but saw instantly that the witch was as weary as the rest of them. He had no one to blame but himself. Feeling the need for action Aedan beckoned Zevran to his side and said, “Let us scout the perimeter of this cavern while the taint is barely discernable.”
Aedan paused at Leliana’s side and placed a hand on her shoulder. She was covered in black spider ichor and sticky strands of webbing, but she appeared otherwise unharmed. She looked up and they stared wordlessly at one another for a moment before he squeezed her shoulder and let go, jogging a step to catch up with the elven rogue.
They’d crossed the cavern when Zevran paused and Aedan was instantly on alert, reaching with his senses for the taint. He felt nothing and glanced at the elf curiously. Zevran was regarding him with a serious expression and he said quietly, “I would not let her fall, my friend, not while I still drew breath.”
Aedan nodded and then sighed, unable to stop the quiet rush of air from his lips as the last of his tension drained from his shoulders. He said, “Zev, what if it happens again? Alistair could have died! Wynne warned me about this and I didn’t listen. There is too much at stake here for me to be wandering around like a lovesick puppy.”
Zevran did not answer him but merely stood there, those amber eyes gazing at him thoughtfully. Aedan looked away and caught his breath. His heart had begun to pound again and it hurt. He felt tears pricking the corners of his eyes and did not know if they were from the shame of his near failure or the heartbreak of the choice felt he must make. He finally whispered, “I…I have to let her go…”
Modifié par Sisimka, 01 mars 2010 - 05:49 .
#59
Posté 01 mars 2010 - 05:24
Sandtigress
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You know, a part of me wants to say "Don't worry, Aedan, Leli falls in love again easily. Over and over and over again and really, you can't get her to stop..."
Still loving the way you're putting together the romance with all the scenes that we're so familiar with. You're doing a great job combining it all and fleshing it out!
Still loving the way you're putting together the romance with all the scenes that we're so familiar with. You're doing a great job combining it all and fleshing it out!
#60
Posté 01 mars 2010 - 05:32
Sisimka
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LOL Sandi. And thanks. 
As I said yesterday, this is not a story I intended to write, I was actually working on one set post-Origins when this one knocked on the door and said, 'excuse me'. Eh. It is fun to flesh out their early relationship though...
Tomorrow I'll get back to work on the story I was working on before - as a teaser it's called 'The Wedding Present' and it features Aedan and Oghren traveling to Orzimmar to get a wedding present for Alistair. Yup, I'm marrying off the King! Hehe.
As I said yesterday, this is not a story I intended to write, I was actually working on one set post-Origins when this one knocked on the door and said, 'excuse me'. Eh. It is fun to flesh out their early relationship though...Tomorrow I'll get back to work on the story I was working on before - as a teaser it's called 'The Wedding Present' and it features Aedan and Oghren traveling to Orzimmar to get a wedding present for Alistair. Yup, I'm marrying off the King! Hehe.
Modifié par Sisimka, 01 mars 2010 - 05:36 .
#61
Posté 01 mars 2010 - 06:01
Sandtigress
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Sisimka wrote...
Tomorrow I'll get back to work on the story I was working on before - as a teaser it's called 'The Wedding Present' and it features Aedan and Oghren traveling to Orzimmar to get a wedding present for Alistair. Yup, I'm marrying off the King! Hehe.
Noooooooooooo......... Though a wedding present from Orzammar...I can only imagine. Poor Alistair!
#62
Posté 01 mars 2010 - 06:02
Maximus741000
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I loved all the Oghren humour scenes, brilliant. Other than that, thanks for keeping them coming. I look forward to more Aedan-Oghren banter in Orzammar. BTW, Alistiar's getting married to whom? I thought you wrote Anora off.
#63
Posté 01 mars 2010 - 06:50
Miliat
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Ugh, my hearts twisting. 
I mean I know how things turn out but guh!
Also, Wedding Present eh? I think I'm more interested in who you have him marrying than the present Oghren and Aedan are getting for him. lol
I mean I know how things turn out but guh!Also, Wedding Present eh? I think I'm more interested in who you have him marrying than the present Oghren and Aedan are getting for him. lol
#64
Posté 01 mars 2010 - 07:24
Freckles04
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LOL, Sandi. Too funny...because it's so true!
Nice chapter, Sisi! Looking forward to more
Nice chapter, Sisi! Looking forward to more
#65
Posté 01 mars 2010 - 07:29
bloodtallow
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Oh so good, Sisimka! I love the way you dealt with Wynne's advice - we always hate to hear it, but it's usually good advice anyway. I look forward to seeing where this goes... it's very reassuring to know that whatever early difficulties Aedan and Leli might have, it'll get better, as you have shown us!
#66
Posté 01 mars 2010 - 08:19
Masticetobbacco
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LMFAO YES
Oghren eats a nug in front of Lelinana, haha too funny!
Oghren eats a nug in front of Lelinana, haha too funny!
#67
Posté 01 mars 2010 - 08:21
Masticetobbacco
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Maximus741000 wrote...
BTW, Alistiar's getting married to whom? I thought you wrote Anora off.
Empress of Orlais
Modifié par Masticetobbacco, 01 mars 2010 - 08:21 .
#68
Posté 01 mars 2010 - 09:01
Sisimka
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Maximus741000 wrote...
BTW, Alistiar's getting married to whom? I thought you wrote Anora off.
I actually never wrote her out of 'Hero'. I conveniently forgot about her...
Masticetobbacco wrote...
Empress of Orlais
Already answered that one...
#69
Posté 01 mars 2010 - 09:05
Sandtigress
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Sisimka wrote...
Maximus741000 wrote...
BTW, Alistiar's getting married to whom? I thought you wrote Anora off.
I actually never wrote her out of 'Hero'. I conveniently forgot about her...
Well, just keep on forgetting about her, missy! Marry that boy off to someone who appreciates and deserves him!! *coughcough*like me*coughcough* :innocent:
#70
Posté 02 mars 2010 - 08:44
bl00dsh0t
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Great stuff again wicked indeed, looking forward to the last one.
hmm...feeling like I'm forgetting something....ohh yeah: MOOAAAARRRRRRRRRR:wizard:
wicked indeed, looking forward to the last one. hmm...feeling like I'm forgetting something....ohh yeah: MOOAAAARRRRRRRRRR:wizard:
#71
Posté 02 mars 2010 - 08:56
Sisimka
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So I’m going to stop guessing how many parts there will be to this story and just keep writing until it’s done.
(Part Three)
Aedan and Zevran confirmed the cavern was clear of immediate threat and returned to find that Alistair was just coming out of his stupor. Wynne was by his side but the rest of the companions were seated about on rocks and the floor tending to weapons, minor injuries and thirst. Aedan knelt next to Wynne and put a hand on her shoulder. She nodded at him and moved a short distance away, sinking to the floor and resting her head against some tumbled rock, closing her eyes to meditate.
Aedan helped Alistair to sit up and then took a seat beside his friend and offered him a drink. Alistair normally had a witty retort or humorous quip prepared for any situation, but he was quiet now. He simply rested a moment, cup in hand, eyes closed as he seemingly savored the water. When he opened his eyes again, he turned and looked at Aedan and said, “What happened to you?”
Aedan couldn’t help himself, he glanced across at Leliana before returning his gaze to Alistair and saying, “I was distracted.” Aedan dropped his eyes and spoke to the floor between them, “Alistair, forgive me. It won’t happen again. I can’t begin to describe the shame…our duty is more important than my lovesick heart.” He looked up again and continued, “I will end this thing with Leliana and see our quest through.”
Alistair scoffed quietly at him and said, “And follow me around like a whipped puppy instead?”
Aedan quirked his brows and said, “I…”
Alistair passed him the cup and then took his arm and said, “Aedan, everyone makes mistakes.”
Aedan drew in a sharp breath and replied, “My mistake nearly got you killed. You’re going to be King!”
“Do you think making me King is all it will take to stop the Blight?” Alistair asked.
Aedan murmured, “No…I don’t know,” then threw up his hands, “I have to make Bhelen King or we won’t get our army and I have to make you King or Ferelden will dissolve into civil war. Then we stop the Blight.” He looked at his friend then, looked Alistair in the eyes and said, “Regardless of what you might become, you’re my friend, Alistair, and I let you down.”
Alistair nodded carefully and then said, “I’d be lying if I said I kept my head in every battle. None of us is perfect.” He paused and then added, “Aedan, the world would go on without me. I’m not trying to say I’m ready to leave it just yet, but…I’m just a stepping stone.” Alistair rubbed his forehead as if it pained him.
Aedan was concerned and was about to beckon Wynne when Alistair waved a hand at him and continued, “No don’t. I’m fine, really. You take too much upon yourself Aedan, you always do. The fate of Ferelden does not rest solely in your hands, or on my shoulders for that matter. We’re part of a team,” Alistair indicated their companions. His eyes rested on Leliana a moment and Aedan followed his gaze. Leliana was talking with Zevran, the rogues’ heads were bent toward one another and they were gesturing at their daggers.
“If either of us falls before we see this thing through, we have to trust in our companions to see this quest to the end. Just as we trust them to watch our backs every time we fight,” Alistair said.
Aedan nodded thoughtfully, considering his friend’s words. He was right…
Alistair spoke again, “I can teach you some mental techniques, some of the focus I use in battle.”
Aedan looked back at Alistair with surprise. Was Alistair really suggesting that he did not need to sacrifice his heart’s desire? Or was he jumping to the conclusion he wanted to hear…
He said, “I…ah…thank you, Alistair. Do you…do you think that would help? I mean, could I…”
Alistair confirmed his suspicion, “Don’t destroy the one thing that has brought you happiness over this past year, Aedan, not for me,” he gestured the deep, dark cavern, “Not for this. Let it make you stronger, let it be something else to fight for.”
Aedan was overcome by Alistair’s words and was unable to answer. He looked away from his friend and spent a moment composing his expression. Though his heart was lightened, he couldn’t help the twinge of guilt over the joy he felt when allowing himself to contemplate the idea of being able to keep his love.
The companions rested for an hour or so, taking the time to eat and check over their gear before they set off toward the other side of the cavern. They’d not gone far when they came across another campsite and Oghren thrust his way to the front of the group, planting himself in front of what looked like a journal. Everyone stood a respectful distance back as the dwarf read what might be Branka’s last words.
Aedan finally took a step forward and leaned over Oghren’s shoulder. He lifted a hand, unsure whether to comfort their newest companion or not, then dropped it back to his side. Oghren was muttering to himself, a combination of curses and…endearments? Aedan cleared his throat and Oghren looked up. He said, “She’s in the Dead Trenches.”
Alistair said from behind them, “The ‘Dead Trenches’? Who names these places?” He shuddered.
Aedan shared in his apprehension, the name was disturbing. He said quietly, “Does she mention the Anvil of the Void?” He grimaced as he remembered Alistair’s reaction to that particular designation.
“Yeah, sounds like she found a clue…” Oghren looked up and pointed toward a dark opening yawning in the shadows on the far side of the cavern. “We need to go that way.”
Aedan spent most of the afternoon walking beside Alistair, as was their usual habit. The ex-templar took the opportunity to share some of his training in focus and mental fortitude. He described a specific technique and then said, “Try it now…”
Aedan tried to clear his mind, but that which he tried hardest not to think about came unbidden. Leliana and their first night together. The memory of his first glimpse of her unclothed as the soft blue material of her dress had slipped from her shoulders and pooled about her feet on the floor. The incredible softness of her skin. Leliana tugging his shirt up over his head. The feel of her hands on his bare chest. The touch of her lips, the look on her face as he…
Aedan groaned and Alistair looked sharply over at him and said, “It’s not supposed to hurt Aedan, you’re trying too hard.”
Aedan swallowed drily and tried again…
They came to a fork in the tunnel and Aedan paused to ask Oghren for directions. As he turned to find the dwarf his eyes passed over Leliana and he paused. Maker, he was lost… No amount of mental fortitude could prevent him from thinking of her! He quickly averted his eyes, seeking Oghren and asked, “Which way?”
“How should I know?” the dwarf grumbled stomping forward and peering down each direction. He licked his finger and stuck it in the air a moment then nodded and pointed to the right, “That way.”
Aedan glanced at Alistair and the ex-templar shrugged. They turned right. Aedan continued to practice the mental exercises, but thoughts of Leliana plagued him. He gave up and walked in moody silence instead and Alistair indulged him, obviously content to contemplate his own thoughts.
They traversed more tunnels and narrow corridors for the rest of the afternoon before coming upon another section of the long abandoned road, this one in worse condition than those before it. It was studded with niches and alcoves, however and after inspecting a couple the companions chose one in which to make camp.
Zevran offered to take first watch and Oghren opted to join him. It was an odd pairing and yet as the two walked toward the mouth of the cave they seemed easy in one another’s company. Every one settled down, removing the packs and in the case of the warriors, loosening their armour a little. Food and drink was passed around. Though they’d seen no further fighting, everyone showed signs of fatigue and it was a quiet meal.
Aedan had hesitated in entrance, looking between Alistair and Leliana, not sure where to sit. Alistair glanced up at him, saw the direction his eyes were traveling and took it upon himself to move toward Wynne, leaving Aedan the option to sit with Leliana. Aedan sat down with a soft sigh and turned to look at Leliana. She was regarding him with a bemused expression. He reached over and touched her cheek, gently, and said, “Leli.”
She lifted her hand and placed it over his and tilted her head, leaning against their hands. Her eyes were questioning and Aedan closed his against the onslaught of wrenching emotion that swirled within. He wished desperately to be any place other than the Deep Roads, crammed into a dark tunnel with eight other people.
How could so much change in the course of a single day? This time yesterday he’d been thinking about how much he loved this woman and planning how he would tell her those three little words. And now, when he wasn’t thinking about undressing her, he was tormented by the thought that he shouldn’t be saying those words at all. He shouldn’t even be thinking them. He should be focused on putting people on thrones and defeating the archdemon.
“Aedan?” Her voice was soft and he opened his eyes. He was so weary and so lost in his thoughts he might have actually drifted off to sleep had she not spoken. Her fingers were still over his, though their hands now rested between them, and he lifted them to his lips, kissing them softly.
He smiled at her then, a weary, sad smile, but one that was returned. He said, “Let’s get some sleep while we can.” She leaned against his side and he dropped his head against the wall behind him and closed his eyes.
They were awakened by darkspawn and Aedan scrambled to his feet, quickly tightening his armour before reaching for his weapons. He shook his head to clear the last dregs of sleep and stepped outside the alcove. Alistair and Morrigan had relieved the watch and were holding off a small group of genlocks. They were quickly joined by the rest of the companions and the battle was short. It wasn’t until afterwards that Aedan noted he’d not thought of Leliana once. He’d been focused and intent, Alistair’s technique had helped him narrow his thoughts. He’d apparently done it instinctively, without having to try so hard. He didn’t believe it would always be this easy, but it gave him hope.
Alistair wiped off his blade and looked up as if surprised to see Aedan standing there. He smiled and said, “You’re awake! Let’s get a move on.”
They encountered several small bands of darkspawn and each time Aedan practiced his focus. He faltered now and again, but not disastrously, and he found the less he tried, the easier it came.
Eventually the road began to descend and the air about them grew close, warmer and thick with the taint. Aedan glanced at Alistair and saw his fellow warden felt it too. They were approaching something awful. The road deteriorated and the walls began to give way to unadorned rock once again. The atmosphere became almost oppressive and Aedan began to feel nauseas, his breath coming in short gasps.
Alistair stopped, putting a hand against the wall and leaning into it as he tried to catch his breath. Aedan stopped beside him, similarly affected and the other companions exchanged concerned glances. Zevran stepped forward, his expression grave, and placed a hand on Aedan’s arm, drawing his attention.
“Warden, what ails you?” the Antivan asked softly. Leliana was poised just behind him and Aedan gazed at her face, using her loveliness as a focus this time and was mildly surprised when it helped. He smiled weakly at her in what he hoped was a reassuring fashion and returned his attention to Zevran.
“The taint,” he said, gesturing the close air around them, “It’s everywhere, get everyone ready…”
Aedan turned to Alistair and helped steady the man. Alistair had closed his eyes and when he opened them he smiled wryly and said, “So, how are those mental focus techniques working for you?”
Aedan allowed a small grin as they drew their weapons and moved forward. Though Aedan had the sense they were still walking downward, the tunnel began to widen around them in every direction. The ceiling lifted and the walls parted away from them and the road opened up into an enormous cavern, larger than any they had yet come across. The vista before them was nothing short of ‘awesome’. Across the wide crevasse a stone bridge led towards the steps of an ancient dwarven fortress. It was quite possibly the most grand structure, despite its current state of ruin, that Aedan had ever seen.
“Bownammar,” Oghren provided in a gravelly whisper, “Once home to the Legion of the Dead.”
One wall of the tunnel had petered out along the edge of the crevasse. It was from this gaping chasm that the taint felt strongest and Aedan was unable to resist the pull. He and Alistair walked towards the edge as if hypnotized and only stopped when they felt their companions pulling on their arms. Leaning forward, Aedan peered down and a wave of terror washed through him, shaking him so badly that he sank to his knees. To either side of the lava that flowed along the centre of the ravine, so far down they were barely visible, marched a vast army of darkspawn. The stench of the taint was so strong he felt he might drown in it.
Alistair had dropped beside him and only the steadying hands of their companions were holding them back from the ‘Dead Trench’. Alistair murmured, “I think I understand the name now.”
Just as Aedan felt he might be learning to draw breath again, an awful shrieking roar split the air. Everyone looked up and their nightmares became real. A large dragon was swooping down the length of the crevasse and each beat of its mighty wings stirred the air upwards and across, washing the taint over them in waves. The dragon roared again and circled above its troops before angling upwards to alight on the bridge. It swung its great red-scaled head, maw open wide, and belched forth a billowing cloud of purple fire.
It was the archdemon. The creature from their dreams made real. Aedan wrenched his gaze away from the dragon and looked up at the companions clustered behind them. They were all staring at the bridge. Zevran’s mouth gaped; Aedan had never seen the elf look stunned before. Leliana wrung her hands together and Wynne looked faint. Of all the people clustered behind him only Sten looked impassive, but he was looking at the dragon, there was no doubt about the direction of the Qunari’s gaze.
Aedan said to Alistair, “They can see it. We can all see it…” Only then did he realize he was making little sense and he shook his head, it was hard to think over the swirling panic rising inside of him and the noise of the dragon on the bridge. He said, “I hoped I was dreaming, I’m not dreaming?”
Alistair looked at him and shook his head sadly, then looked back, Aedan following his gaze as the archdemon launched itself from the bridge and flew down the gaping chasm again, purple flames licking along the steep walls and curling above the heads of the darkspawn army. The dragon was rallying its forces and with a final reverberating bellow flew the length of the ravine again and then upwards disappearing into the far side of the cavern.
“Maker’s breath,” breathed Alistair. Aedan was beyond words. He could not tear his eyes from the far side of the cavern and the large fissure that had swallowed the archdemon, the same exit the army was marching towards. Did it lead upwards into the world above? Or would they have to face the horde before they left the Deep Roads?
Strangely, their reasons for being down here started to seem rather…insignificant.
The archdemon’s departure had lifted the oppressiveness of the taint to some degree and Aedan inched back from the edge of the chasm. His legs were a little shaky as he gained his feet. He and Alistair steadied one another and with the help of their friends walked away from the sight of the lava and the teeming darkspawn.
Leliana moved up beside him, her face full of concern and without thinking Aedan reached out for her, engulfing her in his arms. Wynne and Zevran were at Alistair’s side and the companions stood still and ready, offering their silent support as the two wardens recovered.
Alistair spoke first, “That was the archdemon,” he stated flatly. Everyone exchanged disturbed glances and more than one person shivered. He continued, turning to face Aedan “Was coming down here a mistake? We’re not somehow responsible for releasing an Old God?”
Aedan shook his head and replied, “Is it any better to hope it was already on its way to the surface when we arrived?”
(Part Three)
Aedan and Zevran confirmed the cavern was clear of immediate threat and returned to find that Alistair was just coming out of his stupor. Wynne was by his side but the rest of the companions were seated about on rocks and the floor tending to weapons, minor injuries and thirst. Aedan knelt next to Wynne and put a hand on her shoulder. She nodded at him and moved a short distance away, sinking to the floor and resting her head against some tumbled rock, closing her eyes to meditate.
Aedan helped Alistair to sit up and then took a seat beside his friend and offered him a drink. Alistair normally had a witty retort or humorous quip prepared for any situation, but he was quiet now. He simply rested a moment, cup in hand, eyes closed as he seemingly savored the water. When he opened his eyes again, he turned and looked at Aedan and said, “What happened to you?”
Aedan couldn’t help himself, he glanced across at Leliana before returning his gaze to Alistair and saying, “I was distracted.” Aedan dropped his eyes and spoke to the floor between them, “Alistair, forgive me. It won’t happen again. I can’t begin to describe the shame…our duty is more important than my lovesick heart.” He looked up again and continued, “I will end this thing with Leliana and see our quest through.”
Alistair scoffed quietly at him and said, “And follow me around like a whipped puppy instead?”
Aedan quirked his brows and said, “I…”
Alistair passed him the cup and then took his arm and said, “Aedan, everyone makes mistakes.”
Aedan drew in a sharp breath and replied, “My mistake nearly got you killed. You’re going to be King!”
“Do you think making me King is all it will take to stop the Blight?” Alistair asked.
Aedan murmured, “No…I don’t know,” then threw up his hands, “I have to make Bhelen King or we won’t get our army and I have to make you King or Ferelden will dissolve into civil war. Then we stop the Blight.” He looked at his friend then, looked Alistair in the eyes and said, “Regardless of what you might become, you’re my friend, Alistair, and I let you down.”
Alistair nodded carefully and then said, “I’d be lying if I said I kept my head in every battle. None of us is perfect.” He paused and then added, “Aedan, the world would go on without me. I’m not trying to say I’m ready to leave it just yet, but…I’m just a stepping stone.” Alistair rubbed his forehead as if it pained him.
Aedan was concerned and was about to beckon Wynne when Alistair waved a hand at him and continued, “No don’t. I’m fine, really. You take too much upon yourself Aedan, you always do. The fate of Ferelden does not rest solely in your hands, or on my shoulders for that matter. We’re part of a team,” Alistair indicated their companions. His eyes rested on Leliana a moment and Aedan followed his gaze. Leliana was talking with Zevran, the rogues’ heads were bent toward one another and they were gesturing at their daggers.
“If either of us falls before we see this thing through, we have to trust in our companions to see this quest to the end. Just as we trust them to watch our backs every time we fight,” Alistair said.
Aedan nodded thoughtfully, considering his friend’s words. He was right…
Alistair spoke again, “I can teach you some mental techniques, some of the focus I use in battle.”
Aedan looked back at Alistair with surprise. Was Alistair really suggesting that he did not need to sacrifice his heart’s desire? Or was he jumping to the conclusion he wanted to hear…
He said, “I…ah…thank you, Alistair. Do you…do you think that would help? I mean, could I…”
Alistair confirmed his suspicion, “Don’t destroy the one thing that has brought you happiness over this past year, Aedan, not for me,” he gestured the deep, dark cavern, “Not for this. Let it make you stronger, let it be something else to fight for.”
Aedan was overcome by Alistair’s words and was unable to answer. He looked away from his friend and spent a moment composing his expression. Though his heart was lightened, he couldn’t help the twinge of guilt over the joy he felt when allowing himself to contemplate the idea of being able to keep his love.
The companions rested for an hour or so, taking the time to eat and check over their gear before they set off toward the other side of the cavern. They’d not gone far when they came across another campsite and Oghren thrust his way to the front of the group, planting himself in front of what looked like a journal. Everyone stood a respectful distance back as the dwarf read what might be Branka’s last words.
Aedan finally took a step forward and leaned over Oghren’s shoulder. He lifted a hand, unsure whether to comfort their newest companion or not, then dropped it back to his side. Oghren was muttering to himself, a combination of curses and…endearments? Aedan cleared his throat and Oghren looked up. He said, “She’s in the Dead Trenches.”
Alistair said from behind them, “The ‘Dead Trenches’? Who names these places?” He shuddered.
Aedan shared in his apprehension, the name was disturbing. He said quietly, “Does she mention the Anvil of the Void?” He grimaced as he remembered Alistair’s reaction to that particular designation.
“Yeah, sounds like she found a clue…” Oghren looked up and pointed toward a dark opening yawning in the shadows on the far side of the cavern. “We need to go that way.”
Aedan spent most of the afternoon walking beside Alistair, as was their usual habit. The ex-templar took the opportunity to share some of his training in focus and mental fortitude. He described a specific technique and then said, “Try it now…”
Aedan tried to clear his mind, but that which he tried hardest not to think about came unbidden. Leliana and their first night together. The memory of his first glimpse of her unclothed as the soft blue material of her dress had slipped from her shoulders and pooled about her feet on the floor. The incredible softness of her skin. Leliana tugging his shirt up over his head. The feel of her hands on his bare chest. The touch of her lips, the look on her face as he…
Aedan groaned and Alistair looked sharply over at him and said, “It’s not supposed to hurt Aedan, you’re trying too hard.”
Aedan swallowed drily and tried again…
They came to a fork in the tunnel and Aedan paused to ask Oghren for directions. As he turned to find the dwarf his eyes passed over Leliana and he paused. Maker, he was lost… No amount of mental fortitude could prevent him from thinking of her! He quickly averted his eyes, seeking Oghren and asked, “Which way?”
“How should I know?” the dwarf grumbled stomping forward and peering down each direction. He licked his finger and stuck it in the air a moment then nodded and pointed to the right, “That way.”
Aedan glanced at Alistair and the ex-templar shrugged. They turned right. Aedan continued to practice the mental exercises, but thoughts of Leliana plagued him. He gave up and walked in moody silence instead and Alistair indulged him, obviously content to contemplate his own thoughts.
They traversed more tunnels and narrow corridors for the rest of the afternoon before coming upon another section of the long abandoned road, this one in worse condition than those before it. It was studded with niches and alcoves, however and after inspecting a couple the companions chose one in which to make camp.
Zevran offered to take first watch and Oghren opted to join him. It was an odd pairing and yet as the two walked toward the mouth of the cave they seemed easy in one another’s company. Every one settled down, removing the packs and in the case of the warriors, loosening their armour a little. Food and drink was passed around. Though they’d seen no further fighting, everyone showed signs of fatigue and it was a quiet meal.
Aedan had hesitated in entrance, looking between Alistair and Leliana, not sure where to sit. Alistair glanced up at him, saw the direction his eyes were traveling and took it upon himself to move toward Wynne, leaving Aedan the option to sit with Leliana. Aedan sat down with a soft sigh and turned to look at Leliana. She was regarding him with a bemused expression. He reached over and touched her cheek, gently, and said, “Leli.”
She lifted her hand and placed it over his and tilted her head, leaning against their hands. Her eyes were questioning and Aedan closed his against the onslaught of wrenching emotion that swirled within. He wished desperately to be any place other than the Deep Roads, crammed into a dark tunnel with eight other people.
How could so much change in the course of a single day? This time yesterday he’d been thinking about how much he loved this woman and planning how he would tell her those three little words. And now, when he wasn’t thinking about undressing her, he was tormented by the thought that he shouldn’t be saying those words at all. He shouldn’t even be thinking them. He should be focused on putting people on thrones and defeating the archdemon.
“Aedan?” Her voice was soft and he opened his eyes. He was so weary and so lost in his thoughts he might have actually drifted off to sleep had she not spoken. Her fingers were still over his, though their hands now rested between them, and he lifted them to his lips, kissing them softly.
He smiled at her then, a weary, sad smile, but one that was returned. He said, “Let’s get some sleep while we can.” She leaned against his side and he dropped his head against the wall behind him and closed his eyes.
They were awakened by darkspawn and Aedan scrambled to his feet, quickly tightening his armour before reaching for his weapons. He shook his head to clear the last dregs of sleep and stepped outside the alcove. Alistair and Morrigan had relieved the watch and were holding off a small group of genlocks. They were quickly joined by the rest of the companions and the battle was short. It wasn’t until afterwards that Aedan noted he’d not thought of Leliana once. He’d been focused and intent, Alistair’s technique had helped him narrow his thoughts. He’d apparently done it instinctively, without having to try so hard. He didn’t believe it would always be this easy, but it gave him hope.
Alistair wiped off his blade and looked up as if surprised to see Aedan standing there. He smiled and said, “You’re awake! Let’s get a move on.”
They encountered several small bands of darkspawn and each time Aedan practiced his focus. He faltered now and again, but not disastrously, and he found the less he tried, the easier it came.
Eventually the road began to descend and the air about them grew close, warmer and thick with the taint. Aedan glanced at Alistair and saw his fellow warden felt it too. They were approaching something awful. The road deteriorated and the walls began to give way to unadorned rock once again. The atmosphere became almost oppressive and Aedan began to feel nauseas, his breath coming in short gasps.
Alistair stopped, putting a hand against the wall and leaning into it as he tried to catch his breath. Aedan stopped beside him, similarly affected and the other companions exchanged concerned glances. Zevran stepped forward, his expression grave, and placed a hand on Aedan’s arm, drawing his attention.
“Warden, what ails you?” the Antivan asked softly. Leliana was poised just behind him and Aedan gazed at her face, using her loveliness as a focus this time and was mildly surprised when it helped. He smiled weakly at her in what he hoped was a reassuring fashion and returned his attention to Zevran.
“The taint,” he said, gesturing the close air around them, “It’s everywhere, get everyone ready…”
Aedan turned to Alistair and helped steady the man. Alistair had closed his eyes and when he opened them he smiled wryly and said, “So, how are those mental focus techniques working for you?”
Aedan allowed a small grin as they drew their weapons and moved forward. Though Aedan had the sense they were still walking downward, the tunnel began to widen around them in every direction. The ceiling lifted and the walls parted away from them and the road opened up into an enormous cavern, larger than any they had yet come across. The vista before them was nothing short of ‘awesome’. Across the wide crevasse a stone bridge led towards the steps of an ancient dwarven fortress. It was quite possibly the most grand structure, despite its current state of ruin, that Aedan had ever seen.
“Bownammar,” Oghren provided in a gravelly whisper, “Once home to the Legion of the Dead.”
One wall of the tunnel had petered out along the edge of the crevasse. It was from this gaping chasm that the taint felt strongest and Aedan was unable to resist the pull. He and Alistair walked towards the edge as if hypnotized and only stopped when they felt their companions pulling on their arms. Leaning forward, Aedan peered down and a wave of terror washed through him, shaking him so badly that he sank to his knees. To either side of the lava that flowed along the centre of the ravine, so far down they were barely visible, marched a vast army of darkspawn. The stench of the taint was so strong he felt he might drown in it.
Alistair had dropped beside him and only the steadying hands of their companions were holding them back from the ‘Dead Trench’. Alistair murmured, “I think I understand the name now.”
Just as Aedan felt he might be learning to draw breath again, an awful shrieking roar split the air. Everyone looked up and their nightmares became real. A large dragon was swooping down the length of the crevasse and each beat of its mighty wings stirred the air upwards and across, washing the taint over them in waves. The dragon roared again and circled above its troops before angling upwards to alight on the bridge. It swung its great red-scaled head, maw open wide, and belched forth a billowing cloud of purple fire.
It was the archdemon. The creature from their dreams made real. Aedan wrenched his gaze away from the dragon and looked up at the companions clustered behind them. They were all staring at the bridge. Zevran’s mouth gaped; Aedan had never seen the elf look stunned before. Leliana wrung her hands together and Wynne looked faint. Of all the people clustered behind him only Sten looked impassive, but he was looking at the dragon, there was no doubt about the direction of the Qunari’s gaze.
Aedan said to Alistair, “They can see it. We can all see it…” Only then did he realize he was making little sense and he shook his head, it was hard to think over the swirling panic rising inside of him and the noise of the dragon on the bridge. He said, “I hoped I was dreaming, I’m not dreaming?”
Alistair looked at him and shook his head sadly, then looked back, Aedan following his gaze as the archdemon launched itself from the bridge and flew down the gaping chasm again, purple flames licking along the steep walls and curling above the heads of the darkspawn army. The dragon was rallying its forces and with a final reverberating bellow flew the length of the ravine again and then upwards disappearing into the far side of the cavern.
“Maker’s breath,” breathed Alistair. Aedan was beyond words. He could not tear his eyes from the far side of the cavern and the large fissure that had swallowed the archdemon, the same exit the army was marching towards. Did it lead upwards into the world above? Or would they have to face the horde before they left the Deep Roads?
Strangely, their reasons for being down here started to seem rather…insignificant.
The archdemon’s departure had lifted the oppressiveness of the taint to some degree and Aedan inched back from the edge of the chasm. His legs were a little shaky as he gained his feet. He and Alistair steadied one another and with the help of their friends walked away from the sight of the lava and the teeming darkspawn.
Leliana moved up beside him, her face full of concern and without thinking Aedan reached out for her, engulfing her in his arms. Wynne and Zevran were at Alistair’s side and the companions stood still and ready, offering their silent support as the two wardens recovered.
Alistair spoke first, “That was the archdemon,” he stated flatly. Everyone exchanged disturbed glances and more than one person shivered. He continued, turning to face Aedan “Was coming down here a mistake? We’re not somehow responsible for releasing an Old God?”
Aedan shook his head and replied, “Is it any better to hope it was already on its way to the surface when we arrived?”
Modifié par Sisimka, 03 mars 2010 - 12:35 .
#72
Posté 02 mars 2010 - 09:03
Sisimka
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bl00dsh0t wrote...
Great stuff again
hmm...feeling like I'm forgetting something....ohh yeah: MOOAAAARRRRRRRRRR:wizard:
Thanks Bloodshot! Current story is running away from me, I think it's got one part left.
Two chapters of The Wedding Present are already written, so will start posting that later in the week.
I have another 'one-shot' in mind and another longer story about Aedan and Luke. I've also written two chapters of yet another story about Aedan and Alistair. Too many stories!
Awakenings might steal all my time before these come to fruition though.
#73
Posté 02 mars 2010 - 09:09
bloodtallow
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Very nice chapter, Sisimka! And excellent descriptions of the Deep Roads!
#74
Posté 02 mars 2010 - 09:24
Sandtigress
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Aww, Alistair the matchmaker to the rescue! Though his ideas about love and duty (while I think you got what he would say right) contrast to the choice he eventually makes with a non-HNF post-Landsmeet, huh? I guess I see him as an idealist who hopes that the good things will work out, though a realist enough to know when they won't, at least for him. He's gonna make such a good king!
lol I don't think any of us minds that this is going to be at least double the length you originally thought, in the least!
lol I don't think any of us minds that this is going to be at least double the length you originally thought, in the least!
#75
Posté 02 mars 2010 - 09:28
Sisimka
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It was really interesting putting words in Alistair's mouth this chapter, which is why it got long and took so long to write and edit. I felt he was coming from a place where he envies what Aedan has and cautions him to hold on to it. I wanted to give the feeling that he's not entirely settled with the idea of being king yet, hint that he suspects he's merely a pawn, without actually spelling it out.
While this story does include the romance of Leliana and Aedan, it's more about the choices the wardens made in Orzimmar and how I thought they might react to them.
While this story does include the romance of Leliana and Aedan, it's more about the choices the wardens made in Orzimmar and how I thought they might react to them.
Modifié par Sisimka, 02 mars 2010 - 09:29 .
