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[Kryyptehk]

So I've jumped on the fanfic bandwagon. This is the prologue for Thicker than Water, which follows the tale of Aurora Cousland. I'm halfway into the first chapter, so I'll update...whenever it's done. Anyway, enjoy and if you have any suggestions or constructive criticism I would be very happy to here it.

The prologue is kind of short because there's not much I could put in it without giving a plot point away.

(None of the artwork is mine, but all the banners were created by me. I do not own the respective artworks.)

Enjoy!



    I sat on my bed, a white silk sheath shielding my half-naked body from the cold of the castle. I bit my what was left of my nails anxiously and stood to pace the floor of my bedroom. The floor felt cold under my bare feet, but I could barely notice it with my stomach churning. I wanted to scream, to bang my fists on the walls, to do anything to release the pressure building up under my skin.
   
    I heard footsteps approaching my room and my heart jumped up into my throat. Voices mumbled through the doorway and I heard a laugh. A familiar laugh; one that was confident and sure. The sound of footsteps faded and I saw one set of feet through the crack under my door.

    I gasped as I heard the knock on my door and felt foolish since I already knew it was going to happen. I drew a deep breath and slowly walked to the door. I pulled the door open and looked at the man standing in front of me.

    What happened next was not unpleasant, nor am I angry that it happened. Perhaps it was unfair; I am certain that some people would find it that way. But as a woman who understands compromise, as a woman who understands the way of the noble world and how unnoble it can be, the deal was fair.

    My virginity and devotion to a man I did not love for power and freedom? Well, who is the victim? The man I must lie to or me?

    To me, the answer is clear.

    After the deed was done, he whispered to me. Sweet nothings, promises of devotion and worship. Which was funny, coming from a man who had just committed adultery. He brushed my hair behind my ear and smiled, so handsome was he that if I felt the need to do so, I could convince myself to fall in love with him.

    I smiled back, embarrassed, as all noble women learn to do. And as all other noble women do, I begged him to stay when he went to leave. He laughed the same laugh I heard before and kissed me. Not a long, romantic kiss of a man who thought he would never see his love again, but the kiss of a man who thought he would be kissing the same woman again forever.

    I called to him as he opened the door and handed him a red handkerchief with my initials and family crest sewn in gold. He thanked me and looked at me oddly with an emotion I could not recognize at the time. I thought it was a look of longing, but I learned later what it was, for I have worn the same emotion myself.

    Hope. For what I am uncertain. I like to imagine that he truly loved me and that I was more than a politically sound mate.

    But my role in my family's plan was through, for the time being. Now I could relax, knowing my future was taken care for me. I was to marry a very powerful man, after he annuled his marriage to his equally powerful but unsuitable wife. And bear his children as she could not.

    But power, like love, is fleeting. And in its wake lies death and betrayal. Something us Couslands know of very well.

Modifié par Kryyptehk, 14 mars 2010 - 10:44 .

[Kryyptehk]

This is Chapter One. It turned out a little longer than I thought, but I had fun writing it.




   "How much further is Ostagar?" I peered through the downpour of rain at Duncan, who was walking a few feet ahead of me. We had been walking for several days with only a few hours rest. I was tired but my brain was going a mile a minute, trying to imagine having to tell my brother how his wife and son were cut down, along with our parents.

    "Not much further, a few more miles infact. Do you need to rest, m'lady? I'm sure we could spare a few hours..."

    I laughed dryly, "No, I'm quite alright. I am eager to see my brother. I am not a fainting noblewoman, Duncan. You would not have recuited me were I."

    "That's true. It will be nightfall when we get to Ostagar, you can sleep then."

    I nodded, though I was aware that he could not see me. We walked in silence for several minutes before he spoke again.

    "I wanted to ask you before we got to our destination; are you uncomfortable sleeping around men?"

    He stopped to look at me. I raised an eyebrow and smiled coyly. "Are you flirting with me? I'll go ahead and tell you; I'm not sure I want to be fraternizing with my fellow Grey Warden so soon in my career."

    Laughing, he shook his head and started walking beside me.

    "No, no, no. I was just asking because you will be sleeping in a tent with some of the junior Wardens and the two other recuits. We will probably not be able to make accomadations for you."

    "I do not need special treatment. I will be a Grey Warden, whether I'm a woman or not. There is no need to care so deeply about my feelings. Treat me like you would any other recruit."

    He chuckled, "I'm not sure you want that. One of the recruits I tackled to the ground after he pickpocketed me."

    "Wait, you recruited a cutpurse?"

    "The Grey Wardens take all who are worthy into our ranks. They are not always the most moral people. But you should not be so quick to judge. Some of the best Wardens haven't always been honourable."

    I looked at him curiously. He looked ahead, unblinking and I understood. I looked ahead and marched forward.

    The rest of the trip we stayed mostly quiet, talking only briefly about the battle, and about the other recuits. My mabari, Rabbit, bounced excitedly around me, tongue hanging out of his mouth. He ran in between me and Duncan and I had to call him over to me continously to keep him from marking every tree we passed.

    On the horizon, I saw a flag waving on top of a ruined fort. The rain had started dying down to a trickle and I pushed my hood back. As we got closer to the fort, I saw Duncan speed up and struggled to keep up. He looked at me and said, "This is Ostagar. This fort is strategically placed at the edge of the Korcari Wilds, where the army here used to fight the Wilders. We have a perfect vantage point into the Wilds."

    "The Wilds? Why would we be in the middle of the Wilds? Aren't you afraid of barbarians attacking us, as well as the darkspawn?"

    "I think the chasind are too busy defending themselves to attack us. And no chasind tribe would attack the entire royal army."

    "I suppose..."

    The moon shined brightly on the ruins, which was illuminated by torches lining the walkways. Under the moonlight, it was beautiful.

    We walked a bit further and I looked around, transfixed by my surroundings. I could hear Duncan talking but was having a hard time paying attention. Sleep deprevation was starting to catch up with me and I felt my limbs grow heavy. I became aware that Duncan had stopped walking and looked up when I heard a voice.

    "Ho there, Duncan!"

    My heart stopped. There was no possible way that he was here. He said he was going to a battle in...
    Ostagar.

    I felt so stupid. After the events at Highever, I completely forgot that he had mention he would be coming here. I was so eager to get to Ostagar that I totally forgot that he would be here.

    I pulled my hood back up and hung my head low.

    "King Cailan! I didn't expect a--"

    Cailan smiled and reached out to shake Duncan hand. "A royal welcome? I was beginning to worry you'd miss all the fun."

    Duncan smiled back and gripped Cailan's hand warmly, "Not if I could help it, your majesty."

    I stared at Cailan as he got a spacey look on his face, "Then I'll have the mighty Duncan at my side in battle after all. Glorious! The other Wardens told me you had found a promising recruit. I take it this is she?"

     Rabbit barked excitedly after recognizing Cailan. He tried to dart forward and I grabbed his collar to keep him at my side. I patted Rabbit's head as I felt my face get hot. Lowering my hood, I looked up at Cailan, whose smiled grew wide. He approached to stand in front of me and I desperately glanced at Duncan who was looking at Cailan. I wanted to beg Cailan not to tell, not to give my new comrades reason to pull me out of fighting before I even become a Grey Warden.

    "Allow me to introduce you, your majesty."

    I balled my hands into fists and curled my toes to keep myself from screaming at Cailan not to say anything. Luckily, he smiled knowingly at me and looked at Duncan.

    "No need, Duncan. I've met Aurora before. My family is good friends with the Couslands."

    I let out a sigh of relief and tried to smile without seeming too nervous.

    "Yes, your majesty. It is nice to see you again."

    "Please, call me Cailan. We are not strangers after all." He smiled warmly at me.

    I looked over at Duncan, who raised an eyebrow at me.

    "Fergus has already arrived with Highever's men, but we are still awaiting your father."

    I felt my eyes pop open and my jaw drop.

    They hadn't heard?

     "My...my father? You mean you don't know what happened? My father won't be coming. He died when our castle was taken."

    Cailan look flabergasted, "Dead? What do you mean? Duncan, do you know anything about this?"

    Duncan's face was solemn, "Teryn Cousland and his wife are dead, your majesty. Arl Howe has shown himself a traitor and has overtaken Highever castle."

    Cailan walked away, visibly upset. He stared at the ground as Duncan continued.

    "Had we not escaped, he would have killed us and told you any story he wished."

    I crossed my arms. It was odd, listening to Duncan say my parents were dead. I knew they were, but I wanted to laugh and say that he was wrong. That my father was probably just running late and that he had sent me to tell the King that he sends his apologies.

    "I...can scarcely believe it! How could he believe that he would get away with such treachery! As soon as we are done here, I will turn my armies and bring Howe to justice. You have my word."

    He reached forward to touch my arm and I flinched as if he had shocked me. He looked apologetic and I sighed, "Thank you, Cailan."

    "You no doubt wish to see your brother. Unfortunately, Fergus and his men are scouting in the Wilds."

    "What? When will he be back?"

    "Not until after the battle is over, I fear.  Until then, we cannot even send word. I apologize, but there is nothing more I can do. All I can suggest is that you vent your grief against the darkspawn for the time being.

    "I'm sorry to cut this short, but I should return to my tent. Loghain is eager to bore me with his strategies."

    Of course, the Cailan I've always known. More than eager to rush into battle without any sort of plan.

    He walked toward the bridge and turned around to look at me. "Aurora, I would like to talk to you later, when you get time. I know you still need to go through with...what was it? The Joining? But when Duncan gives you leave, please come to my tent."

    I nodded, blushing and he smiled before turning around and walking with two soldiers behind him. I sighed and rubbed my eyelids. Fatigue was finally catching up with me. Duncan motioned for me to follow him.

    "I will take you to one of the junion Wardens so he can show you to the tent where you will be sleeping. I must prepare for the ritual tomorrow before I go to sleep myself."

    "Ritual? What kind of ritual?"

    "I'm sorry, I can't say. Get some rest and do not worry about it until tomorrow."

    I opened my mouth to protest and heard someone speak.

    "Duncan! What are you doing here? I thought you went to Highever to recruit that girl?"

    I looked over to glare at who interrupted me. The man approached us, fully dressed in splintmail armor and wielding a sword and shield. He smiled happily when he saw Duncan and reached out to shake his hand.

    Duncan grasped his hand and gestured to me, "I did. There were...complications, so we had to leave early." He glanced at me and I could tell he was trying to be respectful and not speak about my family in front of me. Not that it mattered, since I knew that as soon as I was busy they would gossip about how the mighty Couslands were slain in their own castle.

    "Oh? Another conscription, I gather?" He laughed and my lip twitched.     

    "Actually, my family was slaughtered and we had to escape before we were slaughtered too. I guess you could call that a complication." I crossed my arms, tired, hungry and restless. I tapped my foot as the man looked at me as if I had three heads.

    "Ah, I...uh...I didn't mean...I just...I guess you weren't conscripted then."

    I rolled my eyes and wanted to just go to sleep. "I'm sorry. It has been a long journey and I have had little sleep. Duncan, I would like to get some rest, if I have your leave."

    He nodded, "Of course. Alistair, please show Aurora to the tent."

    Alistair gestured awkwardly toward a path through the camp. I crossed my arms over my chest and bowed to Duncan, who did the same before turning around and climbing a set of makeshift stairs made of wood. Rabbit licked my fingers, sensing my aggravation. I looked down to smile at him and instantly felt better.

    Alistair cleared his throat, "So, you ready to find our tent? It's white so look out for it."

    I looked around and saw a sea of white tents with fires sprinkled among them.

    "Do you know where it is?"

    He laughed, "Well, last night I slept in the mess hall, if that says anything."

    Smirking, I rolled my eyes and said,"Alistair, you really know how to inspire confidence, don't you?"

    "Yeah, it's a gift. Well, let's go before the cots fill up. You don't want to sleep on the ground, especially near the chamber pots."

    We walked down the path, passing several smaller tents and men sitting around campfires. The smell in the camp was vaguely nauseating, smoke and blood were heavy around me. I heard several men moaning in pain along with the murmures of drunken soldiers. Fires were constructed randomly, some right in the middle of the path. We weaved our way through the throng of tents and even stepping over men having to sleeping outside.

    The ruined fort was a lot more beautiful when you didn't have to see what was actually inside.

    We passed a tent and I saw two men sitting outside, stirring something in a pot. One of them looked up and waved to us.

    "Alistair! Over here."

    We approached and Alistair spoke quietly to me while we were out of earshot, "Watch out for that scrappy looking one. His name is Daveth. He's a nice enough fellow, but he's a pickpocket. Just keep a hand on your gold pouch at all times. Ho, there Daveth! Jory!"

    They looked up at us and specifically me. The scrappy one, who I assumed was Daveth, had a wry smile on his face, while the other one looked inquisitive. We shook hands and they stood to talk to us.

    Daveth spoke first, "Hello there, my name is Daveth."

    "Yes, I know. The cutpurse?"

    "Or pickpocket, if you prefer. I respond to either."

    "So I heard. My name is Aurora Cousland. Pleasure to meet you."

    The other man looked surprised, "Cousland? As in, the Couslands of Highever? It is a pleasure to meet you, my lady. I hail from Highever myself, or at least recently I have. My name is Ser Jory."

    "Please, I am becoming a Warden, call me Aurora."

    Jory nodded and Alistair stepped forward. "Right, now that we've found the tent, I'm going to sleep. We'll be going into the Wilds tomorrow, so I want to get up early, eat and leave."

    Daveth spoke, his voice a little higher than before, "The Wilds? Why are we going there?"

    Alistair shifted uneasily, "Well...Duncan will tell you tomorrow."

    I put my hands on my hips and said, "But you could tell us now."

    He sighed, "No, actually, I couldn't. Don't worry about it, you three need your rest. I will see you tomorrow."

    He quickly entered the tent without another word, leaving Daveth, Jory and I standing around the fire. We looked at each other, Jory looked curious but Daveth's nose twitched as he spoke.

    "Right. I love secrecy, don't you?" I rolled my eyes at Daveth and sat beside the fire. As tired as I was, I was also very hungry. I looked into the pot they had been stirring before and saw a sticky, gray, glue-like substance at the bottom. The epitome of Ferelden cooking.

    Jory saw me looking, "You can have some if you want. There's always more than enough of Ferelden stew. Mostly because no one eats it who can stand to eat something else."

    I laughed and thanked him. I pulled the pot off the fire and Jory handed me a bowl and some bread. I scooped some of the goo into the bowl and used the bread as a makeshift spoon. I had never been so happy to eat something so disgusting before.

    But the good thing about food from our country, is that it fills you up fast. Daveth and Jory ate quickly and went to bed; Jory wishing me good night, while Daveth grunted and stumbled into the tent.

    I sat alone in front of the fire, contemplating my day. I felt uneasy about going into the uncharted depths of the Korcari Wilds, especially with the hordes of darkspawn roaming about.

    Why would the Grey Wardens send us into the Wilds? It had to do with our ritual, there would be no other reason. Alistair seemed so nervous about telling us.

    But he couldn't be so nervous to tell me, could he? I resolved to find out something about this ritual, no matter how small. I sprung off the ground and crept into the tent. About a dozen men laid on cots lined up in the tent, seperated by only a few centimeters. I looked at all the men's faces, most unfamiliar until I passed Daveth and Jory. There cots were next to each other, and next to Jory was Alistair. I squeezed in between his cot and the empty cot beside him. I kneeled beside the head of his cot and looked over to see his sword leaned against his cot, probably so he can quickly cut down anyone who dared invade his tent.

    I smirked and moved his sword to my lap. I put my hand on his shoulder and shook him.

    He jerked awake and his hand automatically reached for his sword. Not finding it, he frantically looked around and his eyes locked on me. I lifted his sword up to show him I had it.

    "I didn't want you to run me through before I could talk."

    It took him a moment to absorb what I said. He didn't relax like I thought he would, though. He crossed his arms over his bare chest and glared.

    "Right, what is it?"

    I laughed quietly, as to not wake the others up, "Such hostility! You were ready to jump at Duncan's every beck and call earlier, can you not answer a few questions for me?"

    He still looked suspicious but he uncrossed his arms, instead propping himself on his elbow to look at me.

    "Fine. Ask away."

    I got closer and lowered my voice.

    "About the ritual--"

    He quickly interrupted, "No. Duncan will explain tomorrow. Besides, I couldn't tell you if I wanted to."

    "Sure you could. Look, if you're worried about getting in trouble with Duncan, I swear to Andraste that I won't say a word. Not even to Jory and Daveth. I just want to know what I'm getting myself into, nothing more."

    His face was conflicted. He opened his mouth, closed it, and opened it again. He sighed and said quietly,"Listen, I don't envy what you are about to go through. My Joining was...horrible. There is a chance that one of you, well, might not make it."
    
    I stared at him, unseeing. I didn't realize that the ritual would be potentially fatal. Why would Duncan keep that from us? Wouldn't he want us to know, just incase we wanted to back out? Or maybe that was the reason it was a secret. So we couldn't.

    "I understand."

    He looked relieved, "Good. It'd be best if you got some rest. You'll find out everything else tomorrow." He laid back down and turned around with his back to me. I stood and took my sword from my belt and my shield from my back. My fingers felt the emblem on the pommal of my family's sword. I placed them on the ground gently and started peeling my armor off my body until I was left in my tights and tunic. I slid into bed and pulled the thin, scratchy blanket over myself.

    As I drifted off to sleep, I replayed the night that my family was slaughter. And as I dreamed, I lived it over again.

Modifié par Kryyptehk, 27 février 2010 - 06:43 .

[Freckles04]

Very nice. I liked how you've changed up the entry events at Ostagar. Unique!

[Kryyptehk]

Freckles04 wrote...

Very nice. I liked how you've changed up the entry events at Ostagar. Unique!

Thanks, this is my first fanfic so I'm kind of nervous about posting it here. Thanks for commenting.

[Sialater]

Small formatting issue, spaces between the paragraphs make it a bit easier to read.



Other than that, loved it!

[Kryyptehk]

Sialater wrote...

Small formatting issue, spaces between the paragraphs make it a bit easier to read.

Other than that, loved it!

Thanks! I will add the spaces right now, thanks for pointing that out.

[nos_astra]

Oh, I don't know what exactly to make of the prologue ... yet. It's supposed to be Aurora, yes? With ... hm. It will be interesting to see what it means.

The first chapter is familiar terrain. I like the writing but English is not my first language so I'm in no position to judge. But it's easy to follow so this may be a good sign for you, yes?

I wanted to comment after your first post but sometimes I'm a little hesitant in doing so, afraid to be lost in translation and sound stupid. But you're nervous and so you've earned some encouragement so: I'd love to read more. :-)

Edit: Formatting.

Modifié par klarabella, 27 février 2010 - 10:40 .

[Sisimka]

I am also eager for more, I enjoyed reading this very much!

[Kryyptehk]

klarabella wrote...

Oh, I don't know what exactly to make of the prologue ... yet. It's supposed to be Aurora, yes? With ... hm. It will be interesting to see what it means.

The first chapter is familiar terrain. I like the writing but English is not my first language so I'm in no position to judge. But it's easy to follow so this may be a good sign for you, yes?

I wanted to comment after your first post but sometimes I'm a little hesitant in doing so, afraid to be lost in translation and sound stupid. But you're nervous and so you've earned some encouragement so: I'd love to read more. :-)

Edit: Formatting.

About the prologue, yes it is Aurora. I left it vague so I could reveal who "he" was later. I know you said your english wasn't good, but I'm wondering if the prologue was just too confusing? Has english speaking people had problems with the prologue?

And thank you for your post, but don't be hesitant to speak your mind because I am nervous. I'd like to be able to improve my writing, so honesty is welcome^_^

[SRWill64]

Loved it! I, too, am an Alistair fan. I am eager for some more of this story! And it gives more depth and lines to Alistair. You have captured his personality perfectly, I think. Thank you.

[Kryyptehk]

SRWill64 wrote...

Loved it! I, too, am an Alistair fan. I am eager for some more of this story! And it gives more depth and lines to Alistair. You have captured his personality perfectly, I think. Thank you.

Thanks for the compliment, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[SRWill64]

You know, from all the criticism I have seen on this website and all that I have heard from my husband, there aren't too many Alistair fans. We need to stick together! Sorry...not about the story, but felt I needed to say it anyway!

[SRWill64]

You know, from all the criticism I have seen on this website and all that I have heard from my husband, there aren't too many Alistair fans. We need to stick together! Sorry...not about the story, but felt I needed to say it anyway!


Sorry about the double post!

Modifié par SRWill64, 28 février 2010 - 09:10 .

[SRWill64]

A possible oversight on your part? I noticed you didn't mention replacing his sword back to where it was before getting ready for bed???

I, too, am trying my hand as a writer, though not for this game. I am writing a fantasy story about characters of my own creation in the established world of Toril (Forgotten Realms) for AD&D. I am hoping for publication, but I don't know if they would be willing to because it would be an adult book because of some of the explicite racy scenes in it.

Anyway, what I am trying to say is, I understand what you mean about being nervous and wanting critism and suggestions. But I believe to be possible oversights may have been left out of the story on purpose or some other purpose. I wouldn't try to change your story (my husband wants to change mine ); I believe you are doing a really good job and I think you should continue to write.

Modifié par SRWill64, 28 février 2010 - 09:32 .

[Kryyptehk]

SRWill64 wrote...

A possible oversight on your part? I noticed you didn't mention replacing his sword back to where it was before getting ready for bed???

I, too, am trying my hand as a writer, though not for this game. I am writing a fantasy story about characters of my own creation in the established world of Toril (Forgotten Realms) for AD&D. I am hoping for publication, but I don't know if they would be willing to because it would be an adult book because of some of the explicite racy scenes in it.

Anyway, what I am trying to say is, I understand what you mean about being nervous and wanting critism and suggestions. But I believe to be possible oversights may have been left out of the story on purpose or some other purpose. I wouldn't try to change your story (my husband wants to change mine ); I believe you are doing a really good job and I think you should continue to write.

Ha, actually I did see that and just hoped noone would notice. I tried fitting in a sentence where she puts it back, but it seemed odd with the other sentences. So it just falls off her lap when she gets up

I've written a bit of Chapter Two but it may be another day, maybe two, until I get it up.

[Kryyptehk]

Gah! This chapter just about killed me, but I finally finished it. I had planned on making it longer, but you do whatcha can with whatcha got. Or something. I'm tired.

Anyway, here you go! Enjoy!



    I felt something warm and slimey hit my face. I groaned loudly and half-heartedly swatted in it's direction. I could hear something breathing heavily beside me and could smell something that smelled very similar to rotten, but thoroughly cooked cabbage. I pryed my eyes open unwillingly and saw my faithful hound staring me right in the face.

    "Rabbit, how in the world did you get in here? I thought you were sleeping outside."

    I heard a voice speak as Rabbit panted heavily.

    "Yeah, I let him in. I think he was worried about you, he nearly bit my arm off until I let him in here. He's very protective."

    I looked up to see Alistair standing at the foot of my cot, already dressed and armed. Rabbit barked happily and trotted over to Alistair. I grunted and sat up, rubbing my eyes sleepily.

    "I really like waking up to armored men standing over me. You even turned my mabari against me. Just so you know, the last man fully decked in armor that woke me up ended up with my sword in his belly."

    Alistair laughed as he patted Rabbit on the head, "If it makes you feel any better, your mabari hasn't actually turned against you. I'm just his thing on the side."

    "Hmmm, I'm not sure I like the idea of you being his "thing on the side". I never took you to be into animals."

    Alistair's eyes grew wide and his face turned red, "I--I was just joking!"

    Laughing, I pulled the covers off of me and stepped out of bed. Alistair composed himself and cleared his throat. "Right, by the way, King Cailan asked me to tell you that he wanted to see you before you went into the Wilds."

    My smile faded and I stared at the ground. I really didn't want to have to talk to him, I didn't want him to tell me I couldn't be in the battle. I sighed and stood up. Alistair looked confused by my reaction, but if he thought anything about it, he didn't say. I pulled my breastplate over my tunic and started to affix my greaves to my legs, which was a lengthy process.

    "I'll be outside with Daveth, Jory and this one," He patted Rabbit on the head, "Just come outside when you're ready."

    I nodded and saw them leave the tent out of the corner of my eye. I tightened the straps on my armor until they were snug, but not chafing. I made sure my sword was secure in its sheath and strapped it to my back, slung my backpack on my back and the shield on top of it. As I walked out of the tent, I ran my fingers through my long, brown hair to get rid of the tangles. Stepping outside, I saw that the camp had come alive, with several soldiers roaming about, putting out fires and carrying various items to various places. I looked ahead and saw Daveth and Jory pouring dirt on the fire, while Alistair waved a stick in front of Rabbit.

    I walked toward them and pulled my hair up into a ponytail. They looked up at me and Rabbit barked noisely. He ran over to my side and licked my fingers affectionately, as Alistair stepped forward to address me and the recruits.

    "Are you ready to go? I thought we'd get something to eat before we talked to Duncan."

    We all nodded. As we followed Alistair, I saw several soldiers march past us carrying bloodied and mutilated bodies. Alistair saw me staring and said, "A scouting party. I heard one of the generals talking about it this morning. They've been missing for about two weeks."

    I breathed a sigh of relief. Fergus was still in Highever two weeks ago. At least he wasn't amongst these dead. But that meant that he was still out in the Wilds. I bit my nails anxiously as we ascended a ramp. I looked around and saw several communal tables placed randomly in the raised area. The mages were off in a corner, speaking only to each other with the soldiers giving them wide berth.

    We weaved through the crowds, Alistair leading us to a spot near on of the walls. Several elves bustled around a fire, scooping a slightly browner version of Ferelden stew into soldier's bowls. Alistair led us to the line and turned, "I'm going to go tell Duncan that you three are awake and will be ready after you eat. And Aurora," He looked at me, "your mabari will have to stay here. We will most likely fight darkspawn in the forest and he may get sick if he bites one of the darkspawn. The kennel master here normally has medicine to prevent them getting sick from it, but he has run out. To prevent him from getting sick, it'd be best if he stayed here."

    Rabbit looked up at me and whined. I bent down and rubbed behind his ears. "It's okay, puppy, I'll be back in a few hours. Be nice to the kennel master. Do with Alistair what you will."

    He barked happily and Alistair groaned, "Thanks for that."

    I smirked, "Good luck."

    He gave a small laugh before clicking his tongue at Rabbit and walking out of the crowd. Rabbit followed enthusiatically, barking happily while they walked away.

    Daveth and Jory bickered at each other the entire time we were in the line, Jory accusing him of stealing some silvers from him and Daveth telling him to go soak his head. As we approached the start of the line, Daveth looked at me with a mischevious smile.

    "So, Aurora, are you nervous about tonight?"

    "About the battle you mean? Yes, I suppose."

    He stepped closer to me and I could smell his already liquored breath. He lowered his voice and leaned forward, "I know a great cure for anxiety, you wanna know what it is?"

    I smiled coyly and got closer to him, "Sure, tell me."

    He seemed taken aback by how receptive I was but he quickly recovered, "If you come with me back to the tent I can show you."

    I stepped closer to him and put a hand on his chest, "Only if you let me try something on you first."

    He seemed excited by the idea and he nodded dumbly. I pulled out a dagger I kept on my belt and placed the side of the blade to where his man parts would be. He quickly looked down and gulped. He laughed nervously, "Erm, perhaps not right now."

    I smiled sweetly, "Perhaps not."

    I looked over to see Jory trying to hide a smirk and stood behind him as he got a bowlfull of food from one of the elves. As I got my bowl of stew I looked over to see Daveth already hitting on another woman who was standing beside him. I stifled a smile and walked with Jory to a corner.

    In that corner, I saw several men who, if I had met them anywhere else, I would have my hand on my sword the entire time. They laugh uproariously, which I thought was odd because every other soldier in Ostagar looked like they were about to vomit. Jory and I walked up to them and they all stopped to look at us.

    "Oh look, it's the little Grey Warden recruits! Jory! Who's your friend?" The man speaking spoke loudly, nearly screaming at us. He was a big man with an even bigger beard that sat on his chest like a scarf. He eyed me inquistively and I spoke.

    "My name is Aurora, nice to meet you."

    "Ho ho! And she has manners! But can you fight? We Grey Wardens don't get alot of women, but when we do that fight like demons! How about you?"

    "An archdemon at the very least." I smirked as he laughed. He gestured wildly at an empty space on the bench, which I assumed was a sign I should sit.

    "Well, Aurora, it's nice to meet ya. Hopefully, you'll be able to stick around. How's your immune system?" He winked at the other men. I sat there, confused by his remark. It did not seem sexual, nor degrading...

    There is a chance that one of you, well, might not make it.

    Remembering last night, his joke didn't seem all that funny.

    Jory sat beside me and furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. I played stupid and shrugged. No need to make him worry, since there was nothing he could do.

    I heard a quiet voice beside me and looked to view it's source. And seeing what it was I nearly soiled myself.

    The man beside me was battle-hardened, to say the least. He has a long beard and his hair was long and shaggy. His face was tan and scarred, with a large scar cut over his eye, over his nose and down his face. It was puffed up and I could see that whatever had made that scar had punctured his eye, because his one of his eyelids were shut, but were sunken in.

    And his remaining eye...My blood chilled looking at it. It's color must have been originally blue but now it was glassed over and I could vaguely see something gray swirling around in his eye. I unconciously leaned away from him, until I hit Jory. He looked up and I heard him choke on his food.

    The man smiled apologetically, "I'm sorry, I had forgotten that you two were just recruits. My name is Gerris."

    I stared unblinking at him, but fought the urge to stare at his eye and quickly looked away, "I'm so sorry, please forgive me! I was just..."

    "Surprised? As am I, my dear. Every time I look in the mirror." He laughed and I relaxed. "Do not let me disturb you. I simply wanted say hello."

    I could feel Jory beside me, his body completely stiff and his hands twitched as if he was trying to keep himself from running. "Ser, I don't want to offend, but may I ask you..." He trailed off, looking at Gerris's eye.

    Gerris waved his hand as if to wave away our worries, "Do not worry, young man. I get those questions all the time." He looked forward and sat his elbows on the table. He spoke slowly, but smiled as he said it, "I believe I will be going to Orzammar soon. The glorious battle waits for me there. I will be leaving after the battle here."

    Orzammar? Glorious battle? I knew they had problems with the darkspawn there, but I hadn't heard of the Grey Wardens having any battles in there that would be called "glorious". That was dwarven territory and he was most certainly not dwarven.

    I was about to ask him to elaborate when I saw someone approach out of the corner of my eye. I looked up and saw Alistair standing behind me.

    "Are you two not done eating yet?"

    I looked down at my untouched soup. I had been pre-occupied by Gerris that I had not even looked at my food. "Hold on." I said quickly before grabbed my spoon. I scooped up the stew and shoveled it into my mouth, stopping only briefly to chew. I finished and looked back up to see Jory and Alistair looking at me. Jory raised his eyebrow at me while Alistair smirked.

    "I thought they taught women to eat like genteel ladies where you come from."

    I swallowed, "Only the genteel ones." I stood, "Shall we?"

    We looked at Jory who still had half his food left to go. He glanced at me and then at his bowl before standing, "I'll eat before the battle."

    Alistair nodded, "Right, where is Daveth?"

    Jory and I looked at each other wide-eyed. Had we lost our fellow recruit? Before we began making excuses, Alistair interrupted. "Oh there he is. And he looks like he's already been in battle. Fantastic." His voice dripped with sarcasm and I looked over to see Daveth strolling towards us, with a new black eye.

    As he approached, I spoke, "So, Daveth, no luck with the ladies?"

    He glared at me, "Not unless you're offerin'."

    "Not a chance."

    "Then sod off."

    Alistair rolled his eyes, "Let's just go." We followed behind him and I looked back at Gerris. He was laughing with the other men, but I wondered how he could be so happy when he looked so...wrong. He didn't look sad at all, just content. And what did he mean by Orzammar?

    I looked at Alistair and decided that I might be involved in another late night interrogation, since the rule in the Grey Wardens seemed to be secrecy.

    He caught me looking at him and blushed. I realized that he may get the wrong idea with my plotting, so I immediantly looked away and turned red in spite of myself. He cleared his throat and I could hear Daveth making excuses for his black-eye behind me. I looked up at the sky and saw that it was swiftly approaching dusk. The sky was streaked with a thousand colors, but was dominated by red. I thought idly that the streaks looked so much like blood.

    "Hey, Aurora! There's King Cailan." I jerked my head to survey my surroundings after hearing Alistair. I saw Cailan standing a stone's throw away from us and I nearly dropped dead. Daveth and Jory looked at me oddly and Alistair tilted his head, "You going to talk to him before we go into the Wilds?"

    I bit my fingernails and quickly thought of something to get us into the Wilds before Cailan saw us.

    "Alistair, I'll be frank. I...uhh...lost a bet with him when he last visited Highever." I quickly glanced over at Cailan and positioned myself to where he couldn't see me through Alistair, "He's probably wanting to get payment, but as you know I'm very poor right now. Why don't we just ignore the king for now and I'll talk to him later?"

    He looked conflicted momentarily, so I quickly stepped up to him, my face inches from his, "Listen, I really need your help."

   That pretty much did it. He got this heroic look on his face like he was protecting some damsel in distress from a dragon and looked back at Cailan. He looked at me and walked beside me, careful to shield me from the king.

    Men. So easily fooled.
   

[Kryyptehk]

So, I'll go ahead and be honest. I don't really have a plan for this story except near the end. So, I'll be discontinuing this story temporarily. I'll probably start a different thread but until then, Thicker than Water is discontinued. Thanks for reading.