Ok, so my 11 year old son looks at the picture and says, "Mom, you look beautiful!" He he .. he doesn't quite understand the role-playing part of it yet!
Soulmates~ Chapter 100 is finally up! ^_^ Sorry it took so long!
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Gilgamesh1138
, mars 06 2010 06:54
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#303
Posté 10 août 2010 - 01:40
VioletTheirin
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Love it hon! Beautiful as always.
#305
Posté 27 août 2010 - 07:42
Gilgamesh1138
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Chapter 90
Kai had seen maps of the area when they had come on their mission to stop the Tevinter from cutting down the forest. It was a quick trip back to
the mayor’s manor to get maps that would allow Kai and her group to find the entrance to the Deep Roads near Gwaren. Kai wanted to put the
dwarf’s body back to the stone, as their tradition dictated. The man had risked his life to come to the surface. It was the very least she felt
she could do.
Zev had informed her that the reason that he and Jarren had taken so long, was due to the difficulty of navigating the carnage to get the papers
at the mayor’s house. Fortunately, the darkspawn were not interested in them, and the intel on where the papers were kept had been correct, or
it might have taken longer, if at all. As Zev and Jarren had made their way before, it took less time on the second go around, having the path
paved already.
They made a makeshift stretcher with a ladder they found and carried the body of the dwarf the surprisingly short distance to the opening of the
Deep Roads. As Kai was no longer able to sense the darkspawn, they took things slowly, leaving the man’s body at the entrance and with makeshift
torches, inching into the tunnel with weapons drawn.
When they determined that the darkspawn weren’t in residence, they fetched the body and placed it gently a way into the tunnel. A couple of
hours later, and some hauling of rocks, they covered the dwarf, consigning him to the Stone. Kai made a silent vow to find the man’s family and
get them word where he was. It would allow them to take him back to Orzammar if they wanted.
As for the town itself, Kai wanted it burned, first out of respect for the Ferelden men and women who had died there, and second for the taint
from the darkspawn. While she hated destroying a town when the Orlesians themselves had failed to do so, it was necessary. And once Anora was
off the throne, it could always be rebuilt. Or so Kai hoped, if she could get Anora off the throne.
They made their way back to the Dalish camp arriving late in the evening tired, hungry, and filthy. As they were walking back from leaving the
ceffyls with the halla keeper, a familiar voice had Kai looking up even in her exhausted state. “By the stone, Warden, you smell like a privy in
the heat of a sunny day, and you look like something that fell out of the backside of a bronto.”
Kai grinned at Oghren. She noticed that his beard was growing in again. Zev raised an eyebrow at their short and slightly more furry companion,
“So, my drunken friend, I see that you are in one piece. And since your voice is not higher, Felsi must have left you your manhood, despite
what you did to her, no?”
“Yeah, well ya sissified pointy-eared freak, I wonder if you even have man parts.” This statement was punctuated by a long belch and a swipe of
one hairy arm across Oghren’s mouth.
“But my dear Oghren, I have offered to show you my ‘man parts’ as you so delicately call them many times in the past. The offer still stands...”
“Bah! Stay away from me ya pansy.” Oghren blushed as red as his hair before mumbling under his breath, “Sodding elf.”
Zev threw back his head and laughed before clapping Oghren on the shoulder and walking with him towards the tents.
After food and baths, and not in that order, Kai handed off Anora’s papers to Naseel. With the hand-off she gave orders for the scath who would
be staying behind to burn Gwaren, with strict orders to make sure the flames did not jump to the forest and to stay down wind lest they get
tainted.
She and Zev spent the rest of the evening playing with the twins. Who knew how long it would be before she would get to see them again?
The next morning they stocked up on supplies to take with them on their trip to Orzammar. In her head she compiled a list of those to take with
her. Oghren seemed the obvious choice, as Orzammar was his home once. And could still be again with Behlen’s rule and the change in those who
lived topside now allowed to return. Not that she thought he would. Felsi and her mother were happy to live outside of Orzammar; and given
Felsi’s current state...well she doubted Oghren would leave her (no matter how hard he took the news to begin with). That, and Oghren had
confessed to her during the Blight that topside had so much more alcohol for the tasting, and he had no desire to miss even one to go back to
drinking mostly lichen ale and the stone of home.
Along with Oghren Kai intended to take Shale. Back when they had fought the Blight, Kai had taken Shale to find the golem’s identity in the Deep
Roads. Shale was both familiar with Orzammar and the Deep Roads themselves. And she was a formidable warrior, almost an army unto herself. She
figured she might need that raw power if the Deep Roads were harboring thinking darkspawn these days.
And even more raw power could be added their group with Sten; Wynne for healing, and a group of her scath: Jarren and Rajeed, along with Tam and
Hugh. Kai also intended to extend an invitation to Gnat as she and Rajeed had proven to be a formidable team on the Tevinter ship against the
mage. Zev would never stay behind, so his presence was a forgone conclusion.
Of course Naseel argued that Kai should take her, but Kai firmly and clearly outlined why her second in the scath needed to stay behind; if
anything happened to her, Naseel could continue to lead the scath, and continue the work of the Grief Argent. Kai also expected her to finish up
getting the elves and the humans integrated and protected until they could separate and return to their usual travel routes in the Brecillian
Forest. Kai was counting on both Naseel and Zaeed to carry this out and to make sure her scath continued the work of the Silver Griffon and to
work on unseating Anora. Naseel had stiffly nodded her head and reluctantly agreed.
Kai gathered those she wished to travel with her around one of the large campfires in camp, along with the rest of her scath, so that she could
tell them what had happened at Gwaren, adn what they had found there, aside from Anora’s papers. She also inform them of her plans and hand out
the assignments Naseel and she had collaborated on.
While she was speaking with the group, Kai noticed that Anders wandered up to the fire to stand next to Wynne. He was crunching on an apple and
he flashed her a wicked grin when he caught her looking in his direction. She merely rolled her eyes and continued.
Kai described what they had found at Gwaren, which garnered uncomfortable looks in regards to the carnage. Her companions from the Blight
understood the implications in ways her scath could not. “This is...disturbing, Kadan.” Sten’s mouth crimped at the corners.
“Disturbing, that is an understatement. Leave it to the sodding giant to point out the bleedin’ obvious!” Oghren rolled his eyes. “Bad enough
when they are dumb as a stump, or in the case of a Blight, slightly smarter than a nug; but from what you say, Warden, this is much worse.
First that talking one you met up with, now signs of deliberate attacks testing strategy.” Oghren walked over and clapped Kai on the shoulder,
almost toppling her, “If that wasn’t bad enough, you tell us that some rotting blighter of a wounded dwarf says something’s goin’ on in
Orzammar.” Oghren shook his head before taking a deep swig on his beard flask. Well, Warden, I have to say, bein’ around you certainly ain’t
boring, heh, heh, heh.”
“You can certainly say that again.” Wynne crossed her arms and cocked an eyebrow at her. “So, young woman, we are to go to Orzammar once
again?” Kai nodded. “Hmm, the last time you were there you caused quite a stir and oversaw a political insurrection. Who knows what will
happen this time.”
“Hey! That wasn’t my fault!” Kai used her mock insulted voice.
“Hm, you say that a lot you know.” Alistair’s voice teased in her ear. “Trouble always seems to know right where you are.” She could hear the
grin.
“Ha, very ha! Smart alec.” Kai gave him a mental nose wrinkle.
“Just be very careful, my love. I don’t like what that dwarf told you, or rather the impression he gave you, since he was slipping into
insanity.”
She could feel his worry, “I know, beloved, but you know I...”
“Have no choice...yes, I know. You say that a lot too.” He chuckled into her ear, making her smile.
It was Shale’s voice that broke into her conversation with Ali, “So it has decided we are to go to Orzammar once again?” Kai grinned at the
golem and nodded. Shale’s rocky chest rose in a sigh. “Back to the city of short smelly squishy creatures that leave their vomit where I step
in it.”
A wave of chuckles broke out amongst the group. Kai had to bite her lip to stop her own chortles, “Well think of it this way Shale, there aren’t
any birds underground.”
“Unless you bring that pigeon you gave her for Satinalia...heh heh.” Oghren grinned and tilted the beard flask back once more.
“Is it the shaven dwarf’s wish to die? I could squish its head like a lemon if that is its desire. Squi-isssh.” Shale’s glowing eyes glared at
Oghren who shrugged.
Kai broke in before Oghren could rejoinder, “So we leave tomorrow. Pack, and be ready to leave when the sun rises.”
The group began to disperse, Kai turned to Zev and a voice called out behind her, “Seems to me you are forgetting someone, dove.”
Kai looked behind her to see Anders throwing his apple core to the side. “Have I now? And I don’t suppose that someone would be you, now would
it, dove?”
The mage grinned at her. “Well considering the delectable witch you had with you before is off with your brother...seems to me you could use a
back up who can shoot lightening at fools. Or in this case darkspawn. Am I correct? And I am proficient at healing which is always a bonus.”
He is smile became broader as he walked towards her with a raised eyebrow. “And as an added bonus, dear lady, I am easy on the eyes, I am
entertaining, and I can even whip up a decent meal while traveling.” He stood close and leaned in. “And should you find your bedroll a little
chilly of an evening...”
Kai watched as the tip of a dagger appeared beneath Anders’ chin. “I don’t believe that part of your services will be necessary as her bedroll
will hardly be...chilly, no?”
Zev grinned at Anders who returned the smile and backed away. “Yes, I see your...point, my friend. But my other talents are still on the
table...”
Kai couldn’t help but laugh and clap a hand on Anders’ muscled shoulder, “Be packed and ready with the others. We head to Orzammar."
Kai had seen maps of the area when they had come on their mission to stop the Tevinter from cutting down the forest. It was a quick trip back to
the mayor’s manor to get maps that would allow Kai and her group to find the entrance to the Deep Roads near Gwaren. Kai wanted to put the
dwarf’s body back to the stone, as their tradition dictated. The man had risked his life to come to the surface. It was the very least she felt
she could do.
Zev had informed her that the reason that he and Jarren had taken so long, was due to the difficulty of navigating the carnage to get the papers
at the mayor’s house. Fortunately, the darkspawn were not interested in them, and the intel on where the papers were kept had been correct, or
it might have taken longer, if at all. As Zev and Jarren had made their way before, it took less time on the second go around, having the path
paved already.
They made a makeshift stretcher with a ladder they found and carried the body of the dwarf the surprisingly short distance to the opening of the
Deep Roads. As Kai was no longer able to sense the darkspawn, they took things slowly, leaving the man’s body at the entrance and with makeshift
torches, inching into the tunnel with weapons drawn.
When they determined that the darkspawn weren’t in residence, they fetched the body and placed it gently a way into the tunnel. A couple of
hours later, and some hauling of rocks, they covered the dwarf, consigning him to the Stone. Kai made a silent vow to find the man’s family and
get them word where he was. It would allow them to take him back to Orzammar if they wanted.
As for the town itself, Kai wanted it burned, first out of respect for the Ferelden men and women who had died there, and second for the taint
from the darkspawn. While she hated destroying a town when the Orlesians themselves had failed to do so, it was necessary. And once Anora was
off the throne, it could always be rebuilt. Or so Kai hoped, if she could get Anora off the throne.
They made their way back to the Dalish camp arriving late in the evening tired, hungry, and filthy. As they were walking back from leaving the
ceffyls with the halla keeper, a familiar voice had Kai looking up even in her exhausted state. “By the stone, Warden, you smell like a privy in
the heat of a sunny day, and you look like something that fell out of the backside of a bronto.”
Kai grinned at Oghren. She noticed that his beard was growing in again. Zev raised an eyebrow at their short and slightly more furry companion,
“So, my drunken friend, I see that you are in one piece. And since your voice is not higher, Felsi must have left you your manhood, despite
what you did to her, no?”
“Yeah, well ya sissified pointy-eared freak, I wonder if you even have man parts.” This statement was punctuated by a long belch and a swipe of
one hairy arm across Oghren’s mouth.
“But my dear Oghren, I have offered to show you my ‘man parts’ as you so delicately call them many times in the past. The offer still stands...”
“Bah! Stay away from me ya pansy.” Oghren blushed as red as his hair before mumbling under his breath, “Sodding elf.”
Zev threw back his head and laughed before clapping Oghren on the shoulder and walking with him towards the tents.
After food and baths, and not in that order, Kai handed off Anora’s papers to Naseel. With the hand-off she gave orders for the scath who would
be staying behind to burn Gwaren, with strict orders to make sure the flames did not jump to the forest and to stay down wind lest they get
tainted.
She and Zev spent the rest of the evening playing with the twins. Who knew how long it would be before she would get to see them again?
The next morning they stocked up on supplies to take with them on their trip to Orzammar. In her head she compiled a list of those to take with
her. Oghren seemed the obvious choice, as Orzammar was his home once. And could still be again with Behlen’s rule and the change in those who
lived topside now allowed to return. Not that she thought he would. Felsi and her mother were happy to live outside of Orzammar; and given
Felsi’s current state...well she doubted Oghren would leave her (no matter how hard he took the news to begin with). That, and Oghren had
confessed to her during the Blight that topside had so much more alcohol for the tasting, and he had no desire to miss even one to go back to
drinking mostly lichen ale and the stone of home.
Along with Oghren Kai intended to take Shale. Back when they had fought the Blight, Kai had taken Shale to find the golem’s identity in the Deep
Roads. Shale was both familiar with Orzammar and the Deep Roads themselves. And she was a formidable warrior, almost an army unto herself. She
figured she might need that raw power if the Deep Roads were harboring thinking darkspawn these days.
And even more raw power could be added their group with Sten; Wynne for healing, and a group of her scath: Jarren and Rajeed, along with Tam and
Hugh. Kai also intended to extend an invitation to Gnat as she and Rajeed had proven to be a formidable team on the Tevinter ship against the
mage. Zev would never stay behind, so his presence was a forgone conclusion.
Of course Naseel argued that Kai should take her, but Kai firmly and clearly outlined why her second in the scath needed to stay behind; if
anything happened to her, Naseel could continue to lead the scath, and continue the work of the Grief Argent. Kai also expected her to finish up
getting the elves and the humans integrated and protected until they could separate and return to their usual travel routes in the Brecillian
Forest. Kai was counting on both Naseel and Zaeed to carry this out and to make sure her scath continued the work of the Silver Griffon and to
work on unseating Anora. Naseel had stiffly nodded her head and reluctantly agreed.
Kai gathered those she wished to travel with her around one of the large campfires in camp, along with the rest of her scath, so that she could
tell them what had happened at Gwaren, adn what they had found there, aside from Anora’s papers. She also inform them of her plans and hand out
the assignments Naseel and she had collaborated on.
While she was speaking with the group, Kai noticed that Anders wandered up to the fire to stand next to Wynne. He was crunching on an apple and
he flashed her a wicked grin when he caught her looking in his direction. She merely rolled her eyes and continued.
Kai described what they had found at Gwaren, which garnered uncomfortable looks in regards to the carnage. Her companions from the Blight
understood the implications in ways her scath could not. “This is...disturbing, Kadan.” Sten’s mouth crimped at the corners.
“Disturbing, that is an understatement. Leave it to the sodding giant to point out the bleedin’ obvious!” Oghren rolled his eyes. “Bad enough
when they are dumb as a stump, or in the case of a Blight, slightly smarter than a nug; but from what you say, Warden, this is much worse.
First that talking one you met up with, now signs of deliberate attacks testing strategy.” Oghren walked over and clapped Kai on the shoulder,
almost toppling her, “If that wasn’t bad enough, you tell us that some rotting blighter of a wounded dwarf says something’s goin’ on in
Orzammar.” Oghren shook his head before taking a deep swig on his beard flask. Well, Warden, I have to say, bein’ around you certainly ain’t
boring, heh, heh, heh.”
“You can certainly say that again.” Wynne crossed her arms and cocked an eyebrow at her. “So, young woman, we are to go to Orzammar once
again?” Kai nodded. “Hmm, the last time you were there you caused quite a stir and oversaw a political insurrection. Who knows what will
happen this time.”
“Hey! That wasn’t my fault!” Kai used her mock insulted voice.
“Hm, you say that a lot you know.” Alistair’s voice teased in her ear. “Trouble always seems to know right where you are.” She could hear the
grin.
“Ha, very ha! Smart alec.” Kai gave him a mental nose wrinkle.
“Just be very careful, my love. I don’t like what that dwarf told you, or rather the impression he gave you, since he was slipping into
insanity.”
She could feel his worry, “I know, beloved, but you know I...”
“Have no choice...yes, I know. You say that a lot too.” He chuckled into her ear, making her smile.
It was Shale’s voice that broke into her conversation with Ali, “So it has decided we are to go to Orzammar once again?” Kai grinned at the
golem and nodded. Shale’s rocky chest rose in a sigh. “Back to the city of short smelly squishy creatures that leave their vomit where I step
in it.”
A wave of chuckles broke out amongst the group. Kai had to bite her lip to stop her own chortles, “Well think of it this way Shale, there aren’t
any birds underground.”
“Unless you bring that pigeon you gave her for Satinalia...heh heh.” Oghren grinned and tilted the beard flask back once more.
“Is it the shaven dwarf’s wish to die? I could squish its head like a lemon if that is its desire. Squi-isssh.” Shale’s glowing eyes glared at
Oghren who shrugged.
Kai broke in before Oghren could rejoinder, “So we leave tomorrow. Pack, and be ready to leave when the sun rises.”
The group began to disperse, Kai turned to Zev and a voice called out behind her, “Seems to me you are forgetting someone, dove.”
Kai looked behind her to see Anders throwing his apple core to the side. “Have I now? And I don’t suppose that someone would be you, now would
it, dove?”
The mage grinned at her. “Well considering the delectable witch you had with you before is off with your brother...seems to me you could use a
back up who can shoot lightening at fools. Or in this case darkspawn. Am I correct? And I am proficient at healing which is always a bonus.”
He is smile became broader as he walked towards her with a raised eyebrow. “And as an added bonus, dear lady, I am easy on the eyes, I am
entertaining, and I can even whip up a decent meal while traveling.” He stood close and leaned in. “And should you find your bedroll a little
chilly of an evening...”
Kai watched as the tip of a dagger appeared beneath Anders’ chin. “I don’t believe that part of your services will be necessary as her bedroll
will hardly be...chilly, no?”
Zev grinned at Anders who returned the smile and backed away. “Yes, I see your...point, my friend. But my other talents are still on the
table...”
Kai couldn’t help but laugh and clap a hand on Anders’ muscled shoulder, “Be packed and ready with the others. We head to Orzammar."
#306
Posté 27 août 2010 - 09:14
Gilgamesh1138
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bump because I forgot to put up that chapter 90 was up.
#307
Posté 28 août 2010 - 09:52
LadyAly
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Wonderful as always - can't wait for 91 
#308
Posté 28 août 2010 - 03:48
Khalara
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Yay! Love it.. Still waiting on Alistair's reaction to Anders... lol
#310
Posté 29 août 2010 - 06:16
Gilgamesh1138
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Thank you all! : ) Oh Ali will have something to say never fear. ROFL! This was only the second time Anders had tried to flirt with her. And some funny Zev and Ali banter through Kai. : D
#311
Posté 06 septembre 2010 - 10:24
Gilgamesh1138
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Chapter 91
Kai and her group made their way at first light. As Shale and Sten did not ride; and Oghren
only rode when seated in front of someone else, the trip took longer
than it would have had Kai chosen other companions. To her mind, the
delay was worth the time spent, and it gave Anders a chance to learn to
ride. Not necessarily well, but he did manage to stay on the ceffyl
provided for him...after a fashion.
After weighing the dangers of recognition, (less likely now that Leliana’s talents as a bard, had
provided Kai with a thick powder to cover the tattoos on her face while
at the Dalish camp. Leliana being Keiron’s back up had returned to
Denerim with the promise that once she saw to Keiron, she would meet up
with them in Orzammar) and being able to travel more quickly by way of
the Imperial Highway, Kai opted for the road. Their story, should they
need one, would be that of a group of strangers traveling together for
safety to various places in Ferelden.
Sten and the scath were a group of soldiers for hire so they remained in their armor with
their weapons visible at all times. The rest were in civilian clothes
with weapons hidden about their persons, or in the case of the mages
their usual robes. Oghren wore his ugly hat, Kai suspected the dwarf of
really loving the ostentatious straw monstrosity. The control rod for
his “pet” golem clutched in one hand, the beard flask in the other.
Shale played her part well, if not with a bit of sighing, or punching
one stone fist into a stone hand upon occasion when Oghren would “order”
her to do something under the pretense of “practicing.”
Kai and Zevran were kitted out as a farmholder and her servant making their way to
Rainesfere to trade for apple tree saplings to start an orchard at the
farmstead, with Argus the family pet in tow. Wynne and Anders were
mages on their way to Orzammar to negotiate more lyrium shipments on
behalf of the Tower.
Before entering Gherlen’s pass heading
towards Orzammar, they made a brief stop in Rainesfere at Watersedge.
Kai and Zevran would changes disguises and leave the farmholder and
servant there. They would also be leaving the Ceffyls boarded at the
stable there until Kai’s scath, on their way back to Highever picked
them up to return them to her childhood home and until such time as Kai
sent word by procul globe that their mission (whatever that was going to
be) was complete.
They separated into their groups, staggering their leaving
from Watersedge with the agreement to meet in the pass at the first
dwarven statue along the route.
Oghren and Shale left first, Oghren’s legs being shorter and all. Sten and the scath left hours later. Kai,
Zevran, Anders, and Wynne all stayed overnight at the Hunter’s Horn, leaving the next day.
Wynne and Anders left at dawn, with much grumbling by Anders, and many acerbic comments by Wynne at his
expense. They sat together at breakfast acting very much like
companions who had met on the road. With the meal finished Wynne and
Anders departed leaving Kai, Zevran, and Argus sitting at the table
sipping breakfast tea before they made their way to the bedroom and
gather their things.
Kai had, along with her companions, spent the night before listening in to conversations
around the common room during the inn’s evening meal. While many conversations revolved around
farming or fishing issues, it was the dwarven and human merchant
conversations that had borne the most fruit. The whispers of something
being amiss echoed around the room according to her companions who had
sat at various tables around the room. Rumors of foreign “cloud heads”
walking in Orzammar and the topside marketplace, even the very palace
itself. And the king, who, after his crowning walked amongst them as a
“man of the people”, had taken to sequestering himself in the palace,
accepting no visitors except those strange foreigners. Then there was
the group of dwarven engineers who had gone into the Deep Roads with
these sun-touched interlopers and they hadn’t been seen since. The dark
and sordid thread to all the murmurings which caught Kai’s attention
even more...many of the strangers appeared to be mages.
It wasn’t so much the fact that mages were involved (which was disturbing enough) but that the
magic immune, and normally stoic (or drunken), dwarves’s demeanors and
voices held something Kai had never heard before, not even during the
Blight...fear. They had been fighting darkspawn for centuries, but this
was something they did not know how to fight as they didn’t know what
they were supposed to be fighting. And neither did she but she intended
to find out.
She and Zev grabbed their packs, giving the room a look over before
slipping out and securing the door. Kai found herself absent-mindedly
rubbing the scar on her wrist that made its way partly up the forearm
where the glass shard she had used, oh so long ago in this very room,
sliced the flesh creating the scar in her grief after the fall of
Highever. Zevran caught her motion and gently took the marred wrist,
putting it to his lips before giving her a loving smile and moving those
lips to cover hers. “Shall we, mi amada?” Kai nodded and they walked
down the hallway, Argus following behind them.
Walking back, they made their way to the common room and the bar, where
Basil, owner of the Horn (well part owner, his wife Prunella being the not so silent partner)
stood in his usual place behind the thick, scarred, oaken counter. Even after three years,
going on four, he was still a thin, tall bean pole of a man. His thin
brunette hair had receded more, like the tide going out on the ocean;
but he looked the same, including the harried expression he always
seemed to wear.
“BAS-SIL!!!!” A sharp female voice screeched from behind the bar coming from the
direction of the kitchen. The grating sound of the vocalizations only
made his beset upon look understandable. He flashed an apologetic
simpering smile at Kai and Zev before ducking into the kitchen. There
was the sound of raised voices, one like fingernails on slate.
“She is quite the...prize, no?” Zev grinned, cocking his head in the direction of the
doorway Basil had walked through.
“Oh yes, and she has only improved with age. Though I am sure that the barkeep would be
happy to let you have her, prize as you call
her, that she is.” Kai smiled sweetly, while raising an eyebrow.
Louder shouting came from the kitchen before a thin, frizzy brown haired woman sailed out
from behind the bar and started making her way around the tables where
guests were seated chatting with them. Zevran’s amber eyes followed the
innkeeper for a moment before turning back to Kai. He started to say
something but was interrupted by a horrid, loud, and repetitive noise
that made everyone in the common room wince. Kai barely kept herself
from covering her ears with her hands. “Ah, my lovely wife with a laugh
like a bull seal in the rutting season.” Basil stood behind them, once
again in position at the bar. “I do apologize. Are you ready to turn
in the key?”
Kai suppressed a chuckle as Zevran slapped the key down on the counter with
lightening fast speed as Prunella’s guffaw behind him turned into a
languid, “Oh, I kno-ow!” The end of her words going up a decibel.
“And I have to live with that.” the barkeep intoned dryly out of the corner of his mouth
while rolling his eyes.
“Yes, well, good luck my friend.” Zevran cast one more look behind him at Prunella.
“Hah! Luck, if I had any luck at all, I would have stayed single.” When his wife turned her
gorgon’s gaze their way, he plastered on his simpering smile, while
waving one hand at his wife, “Hello, dearest!” His voice deceptively
chipper. Kai, with her fingers, covered her curving lips to seal in the
laugh threatening to bubble out of her throat.
Staying true to their cover story, Kai asked for directions to the Appleford Family Orchards
in Rainesfere, before leaving the inn and making their way back to the
Imperial Highway. Walking along the raised white granite stone road
reminded Kai of her travels with not only her companions during the
Blight, but with Duncan as they had traveled on their way to Orzammar at
the time.
It struck her as their footsteps echoed on the stones of the road, that pretending to be apple
merchants and setting up a a stall outside Orzammar might be a good way
to test the waters before entering the city itself. It would hold up
their meeting with the others, but she felt it worth the minor delay it
would cause.
After a brief discussion with Zev and Argus on the matter, she relayed her
intentions via the procul globe that Rajed carried. She knew that
between Rajed and Gnat the others would be informed. And they continued
on their way to the apple farm.
As it turned out, the Appleford orchard
could be reached using Gherlen’s pass. A few miles in the pass had a
stone bridge over a river that flowed into Lake Calenhad. Leaving the
pass and following the river lead to a beautiful plot of land nestled in
a valley at the foothills of the Frostback Mountains. The view was
breath taking with the green grass dotted with wildflowers, like jeweled
beads on a silken blanket. A sturdy wooden and stone house nestled in
its verdant lawn, while rows upon rows of rustling apple trees
stretched out behind it. There were various small wooden huts
interspersed amongst the trees. And one large stone and wooden barn
sat a little to the left and behind the house. With the Frostback
Mountains as a backdrop and the crystal clear waters of the river
running through it... “Appleford, pretty as a painting?” Ali’s voice
teased in her ear. Like Lothering? Ha, very ha! But also very true, mi gra. Kai gave him a
mental smile.
The track they followed from the pass forked off to the orchard, while the
other leg led right the to the doorway of the home. Smoked came from
the chimney and a long haired, sharp nosed dog lay sleeping in the dirt
by the door. The dog, some mix of unknown parentage, raised its head at
their approach and immediately rose to stand by the door barking. As
it didn’t growl, snarl, or raise its hackles, Kai (and Argus) took it as
sounding the alert that someone approached rather than open aggression.
The heavy wooden door opened and a woman in her thirties, opened the door. Her long blond
hair was pulled back from her face leaving the rest to fall in cascading
waves down to her rounded pregnant belly. She wiped her flour covered
hands on her apron while keeping an eye on them and speaking to the dog
out of the side of her mouth.
The dog immediately ceased its barking, looking at its mistress and with wag of a
fluffy tail it lay back down next to the door. The woman gave the dog praise before turning her
smiling face towards them and walking forward. “Hail, and welcome to
Appleford orchards! I am Ciere Appleford and I would offer to shake
hands, but as you can see I have them in a bit of a mess at the moment.
How may I assist? We have apple bread, apple pies, spiced apple cakes,
and apple scones which I and my mother make. Then we have hard and
soft ciders, Apple Jack, and apple mead which my husband and our
children make. And of course we have apples for sale.”
Kai smiled back, “Hail, I am Rhedyn. I am here with my servant...”
“Taliesin, or Tal for short, and this is her dog Rabbit.” Zev waved a hand at Argus. “I
promise Rabbit will behave with your dog.”
Ciere nodded and smiled at both Zev and Argus, “He is a handsome mabari. May I offer you
some refreshment? Cider perhaps?” She motioned them to a wooden table
set by the river near the first row of trees. “Please, have a seat and I
will be right back.”
They walked across the soft grass and sat down on the dark wooden benches in the
dappled light of the apple trees, while Argus lay down in the grass with a grunt of expelled air.
“Taliesin for your cover name Zev? Really?” Kai cocked an eyebrow at
him.
Zevran grinned, “Well, I figured he could serve a purpose in death, no? And you did ask me to
create a name at the last moment without warning, mi cielo. Oh excuse
me, Rhedyn.”
“Yeah, sorry about that. I thought it might be best if we don’t reveal our true names.
Not at least until we get a feel for how they feel about what is going
on with Anora. I’m hoping we may hear from them more about the dwarves
since they live closer to Orzammar.”
“A very cunning idea.” He grinned at her, his hand reaching across the table to cover hers
briefly as Ciere exited the house with a tray laden with a pitcher, mugs, and a plate of
what looked like slices of pie, with steam rising from them.
When she set the tray down, Kai noticed a smaller pitcher of cream, the contents of which,
Ciere applied to the slices of pie before she set them before Kai and
Zev. She handed them forks made of wood and set the mugs down, pouring
what looked like cider into their depths. “There we are. Now, are you
here to harvest apples? We charge five silvers a peck, or twenty silver
for four pecks which equals a bushel. You pay less if you gather
more.”
“We do wish to pick apples.” Kai opened the money pouch and placed forty-two silver on the
table, two for the pie and ciders, and the rest for two bushels.
Ciere took the money with a smile and a nod, “Well then, when you have finished your pie I
will take you out to the orchards where my husband the workers and our
children are.”
They sat in companionable silence while Kai and Zev finished up the pie
washing it down with the cider. Ciere, when they were finished, walked
them to the barn where she grabbed empty burlap sacks piling them into a
wooden wheelbarrow, motioning them to follow her. She led them down a
thin dirt track made by wagon wheels that went between the trees. She
stopped when they reached a section of the orchard with a wooden wagon
harnessed to two big Bay colored work horses who stood dozing in the
shade. They could hear the cheerful calls and conversation of people as
they stood on ladders or used hooks on long sticks to reach apples.
Children, both elven and human grabbed the fruit as it fell to the
ground gathering it into baskets which they placed into the back of the
wagon when full, grabbing an empty basket on the way back.
Ciere called to one man on a ladder, who quickly climbed down to greet her with a sound kiss
and a hand on her rounded belly. “I hope that is her husband, or her
spouse is going to be sorely surprised.” Zev’s voice teased.
Kai grinned at him as
Ciere turned towards them and blushing, introduced her husband, Branan.
Kai felt like a fist had hit her in the guts. She recognized that
name, “Branan?” The man smiled and nodded. “You wouldn’t happen to be
named for a relative, say a grandfather, by any chance?”
Kai watched both Ciere’s and his faces adopt a confused look. “My husband was named for
his grandfather, who stood up to the Orlesians when they first came to
take over Ferelden. Why do you ask?” Ciere wrapped her arm around her
husband’s waist.
“I found a note, from a Branan who hailed from Rainesfere. He grew
apples. It said he refused to swear fealty and so they burned the trees
and his home.” Kai waved an hand to encompass the trees and the house
and barn no longer visible from their vantage point.
“Aye, my grandfather refused and those dogs burned our trees and our ancestral home.” Branan
hugged his wife to his side, “When they came again, still he refused.
They clapped him in irons and took him away, never to be seen again.
But not all of the trees that were burned died. Those that didn’t,
well my grandmother, heavily pregnant with my da at the time, grafted
those that lived and rebuilt. The Orlesians must have thought they
destroyed this place as they never returned. We have a tombstone for
him, just over there at the edge of the orchard, my grandmother and
father are buried there as well.” Branan raised his eyebrows at Kai,
“May I ask, where did you find his note?”
Kai gave an apologetic smile, “I found the note in the basement of the castle of Redcliffe.
The note also said that I should go to Rainesfere and say his name,
tell his family even if you were all gone from this place, that he had
died and you would hear. I like to think that he knows from the Fade
that you all prosper now.”
Branan looked to his wife and smiled at her before turning that grin on Kai. “I can’t tell you
how much I appreciate that. If you can call what we are doing is prospering, it
would seem that we are suffering under a similar, if not worse
circumstance with our current Queen.”
“Husband!” Ciere’s face took on a look of panic. “My husband doesn’t mean that.”
“I certainly do! If my grandfather was willing to die for Ferelden, then can I do less?
Even if it is one of our own who is the enemy now?” Branan shook his
head at his wife. “If these people are spies for that crazed regent who
sits on a throne she should not have been given, well then, so be it.
But I will speak my mind, Anora is insane and she would be the ruin of
our country if not for the Silver Griffin.”
Ciere’s face paled, “You speak of this Griffin fellow, but I am frightened husband. People
who speak against Anora, or in praise of this Griffin, disappear the way
your grandfather did never to be seen again. I have no wish to
re-enact family history.”
“Now my beloved, you have not traveled with me since the babe has grown larger.
I hear what you do not about the Silver Griffin. From Finian at The Spoiled Princess, to
Basil at the Hunter’s Horn; all of them speak of the work being done to save our country while
that petty little tyrant continues to ignore and punish the people of Ferelden. And now the
dwarves are beset with mysterious troubles.” Branan ran a hand through
his hair. “We must all do what we can, the Griffin should not do it
alone, not even the Hero of Ferelden saved us by herself. We can do no
less for our latest hero.”
“Well, mi quierda, I think you have some of the answers you sought, no?” Zevran cocked an
eyebrow at Kai.
“So it would seem.” Kai grinned at him before taking a pewter medallion out of her pouch
and flipping it to Branan who reached out and caught it mid-air. She
watched his eyes get wide as he looked at one side then the other of the
embossed metal disc.
He handed it to Ciere who ran her fingers on one side then the other before handing it back to him.
He held it up with the griffin side facing Kai and Zev. “You know the Griffin then?
You work for him?”
“You could say that.” Kai smiled.
“And this, what does this mean?” Branan flipped the medallion over to show the three
crescent moons of the Scath.
“That is the symbol for a special group of people who help the Griffin in a more, ‘official’
capacity, shall we say?” Zevran winked at Branan.
Branan grinned. “I have heard whispers of a group of people, like a flock of ravens that
took out a group of Tevinter sneak thieves who came to cut down the
forest and disappeared into the mist. Or when I was delivering to Cyril
at The Gnawed Noble there was talk of a group of shades that made a whole contingent of the
city guard to vanish as if they never existed. Monies show up in towns for repairs, or aid. Trade routes
have been re-established, rebuilding of towns, like Lothering, have been aided. And it has all been done by
this Griffin and his shadows that accomplish what Anora should and is not.”
“Their reputation precedes them. They gather information, and protect, when needed. And
my friend and I are here because of that information. A dying dwarf
gave information that something was going on in Orzammar.
Unfortunately, he was delirious and the information was sketchy. We
are hoping to pose as merchants and sell apples in the market outside of
Orzammar before venturing into the city itself.” Kai wave a hand at
the apples that sat red and bright in their wooden baskets.
“Well, your timing is impeccable my friend. I believe we can help you with your mission. We
were filling the wagon to do just that, and we have a stall there.”
Branan grinned, “My grandmother always said be careful what you ask
the Maker for, you might just get it. Well, I have been wanting to help
the Griffin and my country, and it looks as though the Maker has
answered my prayers.”
Kai and her group made their way at first light. As Shale and Sten did not ride; and Oghren
only rode when seated in front of someone else, the trip took longer
than it would have had Kai chosen other companions. To her mind, the
delay was worth the time spent, and it gave Anders a chance to learn to
ride. Not necessarily well, but he did manage to stay on the ceffyl
provided for him...after a fashion.
After weighing the dangers of recognition, (less likely now that Leliana’s talents as a bard, had
provided Kai with a thick powder to cover the tattoos on her face while
at the Dalish camp. Leliana being Keiron’s back up had returned to
Denerim with the promise that once she saw to Keiron, she would meet up
with them in Orzammar) and being able to travel more quickly by way of
the Imperial Highway, Kai opted for the road. Their story, should they
need one, would be that of a group of strangers traveling together for
safety to various places in Ferelden.
Sten and the scath were a group of soldiers for hire so they remained in their armor with
their weapons visible at all times. The rest were in civilian clothes
with weapons hidden about their persons, or in the case of the mages
their usual robes. Oghren wore his ugly hat, Kai suspected the dwarf of
really loving the ostentatious straw monstrosity. The control rod for
his “pet” golem clutched in one hand, the beard flask in the other.
Shale played her part well, if not with a bit of sighing, or punching
one stone fist into a stone hand upon occasion when Oghren would “order”
her to do something under the pretense of “practicing.”
Kai and Zevran were kitted out as a farmholder and her servant making their way to
Rainesfere to trade for apple tree saplings to start an orchard at the
farmstead, with Argus the family pet in tow. Wynne and Anders were
mages on their way to Orzammar to negotiate more lyrium shipments on
behalf of the Tower.
Before entering Gherlen’s pass heading
towards Orzammar, they made a brief stop in Rainesfere at Watersedge.
Kai and Zevran would changes disguises and leave the farmholder and
servant there. They would also be leaving the Ceffyls boarded at the
stable there until Kai’s scath, on their way back to Highever picked
them up to return them to her childhood home and until such time as Kai
sent word by procul globe that their mission (whatever that was going to
be) was complete.
They separated into their groups, staggering their leaving
from Watersedge with the agreement to meet in the pass at the first
dwarven statue along the route.
Oghren and Shale left first, Oghren’s legs being shorter and all. Sten and the scath left hours later. Kai,
Zevran, Anders, and Wynne all stayed overnight at the Hunter’s Horn, leaving the next day.
Wynne and Anders left at dawn, with much grumbling by Anders, and many acerbic comments by Wynne at his
expense. They sat together at breakfast acting very much like
companions who had met on the road. With the meal finished Wynne and
Anders departed leaving Kai, Zevran, and Argus sitting at the table
sipping breakfast tea before they made their way to the bedroom and
gather their things.
Kai had, along with her companions, spent the night before listening in to conversations
around the common room during the inn’s evening meal. While many conversations revolved around
farming or fishing issues, it was the dwarven and human merchant
conversations that had borne the most fruit. The whispers of something
being amiss echoed around the room according to her companions who had
sat at various tables around the room. Rumors of foreign “cloud heads”
walking in Orzammar and the topside marketplace, even the very palace
itself. And the king, who, after his crowning walked amongst them as a
“man of the people”, had taken to sequestering himself in the palace,
accepting no visitors except those strange foreigners. Then there was
the group of dwarven engineers who had gone into the Deep Roads with
these sun-touched interlopers and they hadn’t been seen since. The dark
and sordid thread to all the murmurings which caught Kai’s attention
even more...many of the strangers appeared to be mages.
It wasn’t so much the fact that mages were involved (which was disturbing enough) but that the
magic immune, and normally stoic (or drunken), dwarves’s demeanors and
voices held something Kai had never heard before, not even during the
Blight...fear. They had been fighting darkspawn for centuries, but this
was something they did not know how to fight as they didn’t know what
they were supposed to be fighting. And neither did she but she intended
to find out.
She and Zev grabbed their packs, giving the room a look over before
slipping out and securing the door. Kai found herself absent-mindedly
rubbing the scar on her wrist that made its way partly up the forearm
where the glass shard she had used, oh so long ago in this very room,
sliced the flesh creating the scar in her grief after the fall of
Highever. Zevran caught her motion and gently took the marred wrist,
putting it to his lips before giving her a loving smile and moving those
lips to cover hers. “Shall we, mi amada?” Kai nodded and they walked
down the hallway, Argus following behind them.
Walking back, they made their way to the common room and the bar, where
Basil, owner of the Horn (well part owner, his wife Prunella being the not so silent partner)
stood in his usual place behind the thick, scarred, oaken counter. Even after three years,
going on four, he was still a thin, tall bean pole of a man. His thin
brunette hair had receded more, like the tide going out on the ocean;
but he looked the same, including the harried expression he always
seemed to wear.
“BAS-SIL!!!!” A sharp female voice screeched from behind the bar coming from the
direction of the kitchen. The grating sound of the vocalizations only
made his beset upon look understandable. He flashed an apologetic
simpering smile at Kai and Zev before ducking into the kitchen. There
was the sound of raised voices, one like fingernails on slate.
“She is quite the...prize, no?” Zev grinned, cocking his head in the direction of the
doorway Basil had walked through.
“Oh yes, and she has only improved with age. Though I am sure that the barkeep would be
happy to let you have her, prize as you call
her, that she is.” Kai smiled sweetly, while raising an eyebrow.
Louder shouting came from the kitchen before a thin, frizzy brown haired woman sailed out
from behind the bar and started making her way around the tables where
guests were seated chatting with them. Zevran’s amber eyes followed the
innkeeper for a moment before turning back to Kai. He started to say
something but was interrupted by a horrid, loud, and repetitive noise
that made everyone in the common room wince. Kai barely kept herself
from covering her ears with her hands. “Ah, my lovely wife with a laugh
like a bull seal in the rutting season.” Basil stood behind them, once
again in position at the bar. “I do apologize. Are you ready to turn
in the key?”
Kai suppressed a chuckle as Zevran slapped the key down on the counter with
lightening fast speed as Prunella’s guffaw behind him turned into a
languid, “Oh, I kno-ow!” The end of her words going up a decibel.
“And I have to live with that.” the barkeep intoned dryly out of the corner of his mouth
while rolling his eyes.
“Yes, well, good luck my friend.” Zevran cast one more look behind him at Prunella.
“Hah! Luck, if I had any luck at all, I would have stayed single.” When his wife turned her
gorgon’s gaze their way, he plastered on his simpering smile, while
waving one hand at his wife, “Hello, dearest!” His voice deceptively
chipper. Kai, with her fingers, covered her curving lips to seal in the
laugh threatening to bubble out of her throat.
Staying true to their cover story, Kai asked for directions to the Appleford Family Orchards
in Rainesfere, before leaving the inn and making their way back to the
Imperial Highway. Walking along the raised white granite stone road
reminded Kai of her travels with not only her companions during the
Blight, but with Duncan as they had traveled on their way to Orzammar at
the time.
It struck her as their footsteps echoed on the stones of the road, that pretending to be apple
merchants and setting up a a stall outside Orzammar might be a good way
to test the waters before entering the city itself. It would hold up
their meeting with the others, but she felt it worth the minor delay it
would cause.
After a brief discussion with Zev and Argus on the matter, she relayed her
intentions via the procul globe that Rajed carried. She knew that
between Rajed and Gnat the others would be informed. And they continued
on their way to the apple farm.
As it turned out, the Appleford orchard
could be reached using Gherlen’s pass. A few miles in the pass had a
stone bridge over a river that flowed into Lake Calenhad. Leaving the
pass and following the river lead to a beautiful plot of land nestled in
a valley at the foothills of the Frostback Mountains. The view was
breath taking with the green grass dotted with wildflowers, like jeweled
beads on a silken blanket. A sturdy wooden and stone house nestled in
its verdant lawn, while rows upon rows of rustling apple trees
stretched out behind it. There were various small wooden huts
interspersed amongst the trees. And one large stone and wooden barn
sat a little to the left and behind the house. With the Frostback
Mountains as a backdrop and the crystal clear waters of the river
running through it... “Appleford, pretty as a painting?” Ali’s voice
teased in her ear. Like Lothering? Ha, very ha! But also very true, mi gra. Kai gave him a
mental smile.
The track they followed from the pass forked off to the orchard, while the
other leg led right the to the doorway of the home. Smoked came from
the chimney and a long haired, sharp nosed dog lay sleeping in the dirt
by the door. The dog, some mix of unknown parentage, raised its head at
their approach and immediately rose to stand by the door barking. As
it didn’t growl, snarl, or raise its hackles, Kai (and Argus) took it as
sounding the alert that someone approached rather than open aggression.
The heavy wooden door opened and a woman in her thirties, opened the door. Her long blond
hair was pulled back from her face leaving the rest to fall in cascading
waves down to her rounded pregnant belly. She wiped her flour covered
hands on her apron while keeping an eye on them and speaking to the dog
out of the side of her mouth.
The dog immediately ceased its barking, looking at its mistress and with wag of a
fluffy tail it lay back down next to the door. The woman gave the dog praise before turning her
smiling face towards them and walking forward. “Hail, and welcome to
Appleford orchards! I am Ciere Appleford and I would offer to shake
hands, but as you can see I have them in a bit of a mess at the moment.
How may I assist? We have apple bread, apple pies, spiced apple cakes,
and apple scones which I and my mother make. Then we have hard and
soft ciders, Apple Jack, and apple mead which my husband and our
children make. And of course we have apples for sale.”
Kai smiled back, “Hail, I am Rhedyn. I am here with my servant...”
“Taliesin, or Tal for short, and this is her dog Rabbit.” Zev waved a hand at Argus. “I
promise Rabbit will behave with your dog.”
Ciere nodded and smiled at both Zev and Argus, “He is a handsome mabari. May I offer you
some refreshment? Cider perhaps?” She motioned them to a wooden table
set by the river near the first row of trees. “Please, have a seat and I
will be right back.”
They walked across the soft grass and sat down on the dark wooden benches in the
dappled light of the apple trees, while Argus lay down in the grass with a grunt of expelled air.
“Taliesin for your cover name Zev? Really?” Kai cocked an eyebrow at
him.
Zevran grinned, “Well, I figured he could serve a purpose in death, no? And you did ask me to
create a name at the last moment without warning, mi cielo. Oh excuse
me, Rhedyn.”
“Yeah, sorry about that. I thought it might be best if we don’t reveal our true names.
Not at least until we get a feel for how they feel about what is going
on with Anora. I’m hoping we may hear from them more about the dwarves
since they live closer to Orzammar.”
“A very cunning idea.” He grinned at her, his hand reaching across the table to cover hers
briefly as Ciere exited the house with a tray laden with a pitcher, mugs, and a plate of
what looked like slices of pie, with steam rising from them.
When she set the tray down, Kai noticed a smaller pitcher of cream, the contents of which,
Ciere applied to the slices of pie before she set them before Kai and
Zev. She handed them forks made of wood and set the mugs down, pouring
what looked like cider into their depths. “There we are. Now, are you
here to harvest apples? We charge five silvers a peck, or twenty silver
for four pecks which equals a bushel. You pay less if you gather
more.”
“We do wish to pick apples.” Kai opened the money pouch and placed forty-two silver on the
table, two for the pie and ciders, and the rest for two bushels.
Ciere took the money with a smile and a nod, “Well then, when you have finished your pie I
will take you out to the orchards where my husband the workers and our
children are.”
They sat in companionable silence while Kai and Zev finished up the pie
washing it down with the cider. Ciere, when they were finished, walked
them to the barn where she grabbed empty burlap sacks piling them into a
wooden wheelbarrow, motioning them to follow her. She led them down a
thin dirt track made by wagon wheels that went between the trees. She
stopped when they reached a section of the orchard with a wooden wagon
harnessed to two big Bay colored work horses who stood dozing in the
shade. They could hear the cheerful calls and conversation of people as
they stood on ladders or used hooks on long sticks to reach apples.
Children, both elven and human grabbed the fruit as it fell to the
ground gathering it into baskets which they placed into the back of the
wagon when full, grabbing an empty basket on the way back.
Ciere called to one man on a ladder, who quickly climbed down to greet her with a sound kiss
and a hand on her rounded belly. “I hope that is her husband, or her
spouse is going to be sorely surprised.” Zev’s voice teased.
Kai grinned at him as
Ciere turned towards them and blushing, introduced her husband, Branan.
Kai felt like a fist had hit her in the guts. She recognized that
name, “Branan?” The man smiled and nodded. “You wouldn’t happen to be
named for a relative, say a grandfather, by any chance?”
Kai watched both Ciere’s and his faces adopt a confused look. “My husband was named for
his grandfather, who stood up to the Orlesians when they first came to
take over Ferelden. Why do you ask?” Ciere wrapped her arm around her
husband’s waist.
“I found a note, from a Branan who hailed from Rainesfere. He grew
apples. It said he refused to swear fealty and so they burned the trees
and his home.” Kai waved an hand to encompass the trees and the house
and barn no longer visible from their vantage point.
“Aye, my grandfather refused and those dogs burned our trees and our ancestral home.” Branan
hugged his wife to his side, “When they came again, still he refused.
They clapped him in irons and took him away, never to be seen again.
But not all of the trees that were burned died. Those that didn’t,
well my grandmother, heavily pregnant with my da at the time, grafted
those that lived and rebuilt. The Orlesians must have thought they
destroyed this place as they never returned. We have a tombstone for
him, just over there at the edge of the orchard, my grandmother and
father are buried there as well.” Branan raised his eyebrows at Kai,
“May I ask, where did you find his note?”
Kai gave an apologetic smile, “I found the note in the basement of the castle of Redcliffe.
The note also said that I should go to Rainesfere and say his name,
tell his family even if you were all gone from this place, that he had
died and you would hear. I like to think that he knows from the Fade
that you all prosper now.”
Branan looked to his wife and smiled at her before turning that grin on Kai. “I can’t tell you
how much I appreciate that. If you can call what we are doing is prospering, it
would seem that we are suffering under a similar, if not worse
circumstance with our current Queen.”
“Husband!” Ciere’s face took on a look of panic. “My husband doesn’t mean that.”
“I certainly do! If my grandfather was willing to die for Ferelden, then can I do less?
Even if it is one of our own who is the enemy now?” Branan shook his
head at his wife. “If these people are spies for that crazed regent who
sits on a throne she should not have been given, well then, so be it.
But I will speak my mind, Anora is insane and she would be the ruin of
our country if not for the Silver Griffin.”
Ciere’s face paled, “You speak of this Griffin fellow, but I am frightened husband. People
who speak against Anora, or in praise of this Griffin, disappear the way
your grandfather did never to be seen again. I have no wish to
re-enact family history.”
“Now my beloved, you have not traveled with me since the babe has grown larger.
I hear what you do not about the Silver Griffin. From Finian at The Spoiled Princess, to
Basil at the Hunter’s Horn; all of them speak of the work being done to save our country while
that petty little tyrant continues to ignore and punish the people of Ferelden. And now the
dwarves are beset with mysterious troubles.” Branan ran a hand through
his hair. “We must all do what we can, the Griffin should not do it
alone, not even the Hero of Ferelden saved us by herself. We can do no
less for our latest hero.”
“Well, mi quierda, I think you have some of the answers you sought, no?” Zevran cocked an
eyebrow at Kai.
“So it would seem.” Kai grinned at him before taking a pewter medallion out of her pouch
and flipping it to Branan who reached out and caught it mid-air. She
watched his eyes get wide as he looked at one side then the other of the
embossed metal disc.
He handed it to Ciere who ran her fingers on one side then the other before handing it back to him.
He held it up with the griffin side facing Kai and Zev. “You know the Griffin then?
You work for him?”
“You could say that.” Kai smiled.
“And this, what does this mean?” Branan flipped the medallion over to show the three
crescent moons of the Scath.
“That is the symbol for a special group of people who help the Griffin in a more, ‘official’
capacity, shall we say?” Zevran winked at Branan.
Branan grinned. “I have heard whispers of a group of people, like a flock of ravens that
took out a group of Tevinter sneak thieves who came to cut down the
forest and disappeared into the mist. Or when I was delivering to Cyril
at The Gnawed Noble there was talk of a group of shades that made a whole contingent of the
city guard to vanish as if they never existed. Monies show up in towns for repairs, or aid. Trade routes
have been re-established, rebuilding of towns, like Lothering, have been aided. And it has all been done by
this Griffin and his shadows that accomplish what Anora should and is not.”
“Their reputation precedes them. They gather information, and protect, when needed. And
my friend and I are here because of that information. A dying dwarf
gave information that something was going on in Orzammar.
Unfortunately, he was delirious and the information was sketchy. We
are hoping to pose as merchants and sell apples in the market outside of
Orzammar before venturing into the city itself.” Kai wave a hand at
the apples that sat red and bright in their wooden baskets.
“Well, your timing is impeccable my friend. I believe we can help you with your mission. We
were filling the wagon to do just that, and we have a stall there.”
Branan grinned, “My grandmother always said be careful what you ask
the Maker for, you might just get it. Well, I have been wanting to help
the Griffin and my country, and it looks as though the Maker has
answered my prayers.”
Modifié par Gilgamesh1138, 06 septembre 2010 - 10:35 .
#312
Posté 07 septembre 2010 - 06:48
Lynn01
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Oooh another chapter! Very nice, can't help but love it 
#313
Posté 07 septembre 2010 - 07:45
LadyAly
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Is delighted - awesome Gil - the plot thickens !!
#314
Posté 07 septembre 2010 - 10:14
Gilgamesh1138
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Hehe thanks ladies! *HUGS*
#315
Posté 08 septembre 2010 - 08:04
BadJustice
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This is officially on my top 3 fav Fanfic series
#316
Posté 08 septembre 2010 - 09:36
Gilgamesh1138
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Thank you so much BadJustice! That is a major compliment, and just what I needed after my day atg work. *blows you kisses*
#317
Posté 28 septembre 2010 - 10:37
Gilgamesh1138
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As it turned out, Kai’s timing couldn’t have been better, Branan and his family had been
harvesting apples to take to the outdoor marketplace of Orzammar, along with beverages and
baked goods made by the family from an earlier harvest.
Kai and Zevran helped finish the gathering of the crimson orbs from amongst the whispering
leaves. The sky was bright with white clouds, the orchard sported bee hives to help the trees
bear fruit so the air hummed lightly, along with a soft, wafting breeze. The green grass
alternated with large swaths of golden sunlight interspersed with pools of cool verdant
shadows underneath the trees. All in all it was a pleasant way to wile away some hours in the
day. Kai could almost forget she was trying to save the world ... again ... still.
It reminded her of the orchards of Highever and she found herself washed in a wave of
homesickness so deep she thought her heart might burst with the longing of it.
She made a mental picture, figuring she was going to be underground for who knew how long.
Add to that there was the possibility of going to the Deep Roads as well. Maker! How she
hated the Deep Roads.
She was thrown from her musing when she felt Zev’s amber gaze watching her. “A sovereign for
your thoughts, mi amada?”
“Isn’t that supposed to be a copper for my thoughts?” Kai grinned at him.
“I have always found that your thoughts are worth so much more than that, mi cielo.” Zev
stroked her cheek with nimble fingers. “Or you could think of it as the rise in the cost of
living due to Anora’s rule, no?” Kai couldn’t help but burst out laughing.
“Just thinking of home, and how nice a day this is, how much I wish that we could just enjoy
it.” Kai gave him a rueful smile, “Days like this I wish I was just a woman, and this was
just an ordinary day. Of course, knowing me, I would just get bored if I had a ‘normal’
life.”
“Si, in Antiva we have an saying, be careful what you wish for...or is it may you live in
interesting times? I always get them mixed up.” Zev winked at her and grinned, making her
laugh and completely breaking her melancholy mood.
“Well I certainly have no idea how you would manage a ‘normal’ life considering your close
association with trouble in all of its forms.” Alistair’s voice teased in her ear. Ha, very
ha, cheeky fellow. Kai gave him a mental nose wrinkle. “Just promise me that you will be
very careful in Orzammar, my love.” Aren’t I always? Kai grinned. “You don’t really want me
to answer that, do you?” Kai laughed, giving Alistair a mental kiss, and giving Zev a real
one before turning back to the task at hand.
Kai moved on to another tree, one gnarled old thing, that sported burn marks at its base. It
was the queen of the orchard, with a thick and pitted trunk. Scarred, singed, she reigned
supreme, the flower dotted grass a velvet viridian robe spread over her feet, her crown
sparkling with garnet gems in rustling leaves. Kai figured that like an old matriarch, the
tree had survived the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, and stood proudly reaching for
the sun.
Kai smiled and started to place the wooden ladder against the tree when she was startled by
light streak of motion that ran up the ladder and onto thick lower branch. Argus’s booming
bark sounded behind her as her mabari was very interested in what had raced past Kai’s hand on
the ladder.
“Argus, stad!” Kai used the ancient Alamarri language to have the big mabari stop his
vocalizations as it was frightening what turned out to be a small orange marmalade kitten of
the tabby persuasion. It was a little bit of a thing, with that fuzzy quality all kittens
have and the blue eyes of that most infants of any species seemed to possess to a certain age.
If she had to guess, Kai estimated the kitten to be about five weeks old. Its ginger colored
back was arched into a tight bow while hissing at the dog below.
“What did you do?” Kai admonished the mabari, who tilted his head and whined. “I don’t care
if he ran, you shouldn’t have chased him.” Argus gave her an indignant ‘woof’. “I know you
were playing, but he didn’t know that. You should be ashamed of yourself, big old war hound,
poor little kitten.” Argus hung his head, ears drooping. “Mind you, you’d best watch out for
those claws, they’re needle sharp.” Kai had reason to know as this last statement came as she
grabbed the kitten from the branch and it sank ten little points into the skin of her hand.
She tilted the kitten up to look at it eye to eye, “Good thing for you I have calluses from
using daggers!” She turned the kitten back around and bent down holding it eye height to
Argus. “Now you two, let me introduce you, as friends should always be introduced don’t you
think? And you two are going to be friends now aren’t you.” Kai made that a statement rather
than a question. Argus and the kitten stretched to touch noses, giving each other suspicious
sniffs. The kitten reached out a gentle paw to touch Argus’s face and the big mabari licked
the kitten almost sweeping it from Kai’s hands in one swipe of big pink tongue. The kitten
didn’t seem put out by it, if anything it closed its eyes and purred.
Branan and several of the others had walked up while the exchange took place. “I’m glad to
see he’s made a friend.” Branan nodded towards the kitten, “His mam is a wild thing, dropped
him off when he was about two weeks old and walked off and hasn’t been seen since. She didn’t
drop off any other siblings, we don’t know if he even had any, or if he did what happened to
them.” Brannan shrugged, “We have cats around the orchards and the house to keep rats out of
the trees and away from the fruit of course, but none were with kittens at the time. So, we
all have been feeding him with a rag dipped in milk. He is just old enough now to eat solid
food. I swear he thinks he’s a human.”
The kitten meowed as if in agreement and jumped from Kai’s hands onto Argus’ broad head, down
his muscled neck to sit on the mabari’s broad back like a rider would a ceffyl. Branan
gave a chuckle, “He seems to have taken a liking to you both. You wouldn’t consider giving
the little bit a home, now would you? He really isn’t meant to be a barn cat, he likes human
company too much. And I think mabari company as well.”
“I don’t know, we are going to be on the road, or in Orzammar. I don’t think that is exactly
a place for our little friend.” Kai shrugged and Argus let out an indignant woof. “Be
reasonable, Argus Rabbit, we get into dangerous situations, and are likely to again, the Deep
Roads are no place for a little kitten.” Argus let out another angry sounding woof. “If he
comes with us, he’s going to have to fight darkspawn.” Argus bark sounded argumentative and
Kai put her hands on her hips, “Exactly. Now take him back. Put him where he belongs. Now.”
The kitten looked at her, its head drooping, giving a small plaintive meow, while Argus whined
sadly. It broke Kai’s heart. She felt her resolve wavering, for the “Hero of Ferelden”,
slayer of darkspawn, when it came to her friends, she really was an easy touch. “UGH!!! Fine!
He can come with us.” Kai threw her hands up in resignation, “I give!”
Zevran gave her a low and evil chuckle, “You really have never learned to resist have you, my
dear Kaidana? Not Leli’s big blue eyes, or Argus’s whine. And now you have a kitten wrapping
you around its paw. Though I suppose I should be grateful that your willpower in this regard
is so low, or you might have slayed me on the spot when we first met, no?” Any protest she
had been about to make was lost as Zev’s lips found hers in kiss more suited to the dark, “And
think of all the things you and I would have missed. Yes...I am very grateful to Fortuna
every day for your generous heart. Along with other, shall we say, delightful parts you
possess, no?”
“Zev does have a valid point, though, you are really a big softie.” She could feel Alistair’s
grin, “Just don’t let the twins find out.” Ha, very ha, funny guy. Though also very true.
Kai huffed into her own head.
Kai wrinkled her nose at Zev and he laughed again before turning back to place the filled
baskets on the wagon. The wagon was almost filled when they stopped for the midday meal of
bread, and apple butter, bacon and a creamy white cheese. There were, of course, apples for
dessert. They finished their task afterwards, and with a tearful goodbye from Ciere, and a
more dry farewell from those workers staying behind, they set off for Orzammar.
They just reached the edge of camp when Sten’s voice came from the shadows, speaking in
Qunari, giving her the first part of the prayer of the Qun. Kai completed the prayer, letting
Sten know they were not under duress. If she had switched the word for ‘sea’ in the prayer
with the word for ‘ocean’, Sten would have known to attack. It was a code they had developed
during the Blight and Sten was on watch.
Traveling with the heavily laden wagon made the going slower, despite their proximity to the
meeting place of Kai’s companions. Night was falling rapidly when they wove their way to the
rendezvous point. And despite her informing them via the procul globe, her friends all wore
concerned looks on their faces which rapidly turned to relief when they made their way into
the light of the campfire.
Kai looked at the familiar faces and the tents and a wave of nostalgia hit her. Today was a
day for old memories and longing for old times, it seemed. She shook her head and introduced
Branan and the two farm hands he had brought with him. Kai saw all of their group save one,
the newest member to join them, Anders.
She was just about to inquire as to his whereabouts as Wynne was spooning stew into bowls for
them, when the loud clattering of wood made her and the rest jump. The loud yelp from Argus
caused a second wave of jitters as the kitten on Argus’ back was startled awake with the
resulting response cats do when scared.
Kai watched Anders blush, “Sorry!” He then went to Argus, “Oh, what do we have here?” Anders
lifted the little tabby which fit easily into one of his long fingered hands. “Ah, did I
frighten you? I am so sorry little one!” The kitten meowed and began purring, which made
Anders cradle it under his chin.
It was Argus’ indignant ‘woof’ that made Anders realize the mabari was there. “Oh, sorry my
large and muscled doggy friend. Allow me.” Anders’ free hand glowed with a bluish white
light as he healed the minor scratches on the mabari’s back. “There you are, right as rain.”
Anders gave the hound a cheeky grin and still carrying the kitten went to a log laying next to
the fire and sat down on it, cradling the kitten in his robed lap.
Wynne finished passing out bowls to everyone, including Branan who had settled his horses off
the wagon on a tie line. Kai sat herself next to Anders while Zev sat to her other side and
Argus plopped down at her feet with is bowl of stew between his massive paws. Kai watched as
Anders pulled bits of meat from the bowl and bit off small pieces to feed the kitten until the
kit was sated enough. The cat lay in the folds of the robe on Anders’ lap upside down, in
apparent kitty-ecstasy, his round belly rising and falling in sleep while his little paws
twitched in kitten dreams.
Kai scooped up the last of the stew from her bowl before placing it down on the ground for
Argus to lick. When she rose up she saw that Anders was looking at the kitten with a sad look
on his face. She realized she hardly knew a thing about this man, other than he was very good
at killing darkspawn, had a wicked wit, and reminded her of Zevran back in their Blight days,
with his innuendos.
She caught him looking at her while looking at him and she blushed. He grinned, “So, dove, if
you weren’t a Warden, or saving the world from Anora, what would you be doing, hmm?”
Kai rolled her eyes at his use of the term ‘dove,’ when speaking to her, and shrugged. “I
guess I would be doing Warden business, and maybe spending time dealing with the nobles at
court.” She gave a mock shudder which made Anders smile.
“I take it dealing with squabbling nobles is not your idea of a good time?” He leaned in
closer, “I could show you better ways to spend your time...” He suddenly leaned back again,
flashing a wicked grin at Zev, “But I like not having extra holes in my body that I don’t
need.”
This elicited a chuckle from the assassin, “You are far wiser than I first suspected, my
magical friend.”
“Hm, yes well not something anyone in the Tower would accuse me of, especially not that old
git Irving...” A sharp ‘ehem’ from the side of the fire where Wynne was seated interrupted
what else Anders was going to say. “Ah, yes, sorry. As I was saying, I’ve never liked the
idea of being trapped somewhere, to be honest. It reminds me of the Circle.”
He gave Wynne a rueful smile. “After my seventh escape attempt, you’d think they’d have given
me credit for trying.”
Kai shook her head in amazement, “Seven escape attempts?” Zevran gave a snort, and Kai
continued, “Why didn’t they didn’t just execute you?”
Anders shrugged. “You know the Chantry. They don’t believe in executions, if you die, they
can’t torment you.” There was yet another ‘ehem’ from Wynne’s direction. Anders’ shoulders
rose and fell again as his gaze fell on the elder mage, "Oh, I know, I know. Most people enjoy
being kicked in the head to be woken up each morning. Me, I'm just so picky."
He turned back to Kai, “They can’t make you tranquil once you’ve passed your Harrowing. I’ll
wager they regret that rule.” Anders chuckled and looked at the kitten asleep in his lap, his
long fingers gently rubbed the rounded little belly. His countenance became melancholy once
more. “You know, there is one thing I miss about the Tower...” Anders gave a rueful chuckle.
“My cat.”
Kai reached over and rubbed the kitten, “You had a cat? Why didn’t you take it with you?”
Anders grinned. “Well, it wasn’t really mine, just some mouser that hung around the Tower. A
vicious little tabby. There were days when that stupid cat was the only person I saw. Heh,
except for him not being a person.” Kai flashed Wynne an angry look with a cocked eyebrow (her
this-is-one-of-the-many-reasons-I-hate-the-Tower-and-the-Chantry look). Wynne returned Kai’s
glare with her usual cool and calm demeanor. Anders must have caught the exchange between her
and the elder mage as he cocked an eyebrow and grinned at her before he shrugged. “Still, I
liked him. Poor Mr. Wiggums.”
Kai turned back to Anders, “Why poor Mr. Wiggums?”
Anders looked down at the kitten who started to stir, sitting up and using a small pink tongue
to try and groom its side, only to fall over in the effort. “He became possessed by a rage
demon--” Anders looked at Kai with a wide grin on his face. “But he did take out three
templars. I was never more proud.”
Across the fire Wynne let out a disgusted huff of air along with a muttered, “Really, young
man!” Which made the rest of the camp laugh.
“Then we should drink a toast to this, Mr. Wiggums, non?” Gnat nodded to Rajed who grabbed a
bottle of mead, and Gnat passed out the mugs to everyone, while he poured.
Once everyone held mug in hand (even Wynne had accepted one), Anders raised his, saying, “A
toast to Mr. Wiggums then. May he forever eat mice in the Fade!” Kai watched him toss back a
large swallow before wiping his hand across a slightly stubbled chin. “You know, this cute
little kitty looks a lot like Mr.Wiggums.” Anders tickled the kitten under the chin who
meowed and squeezed his eyes shut purring.
“Then he should be yours.” Kai smiled at him. Even Argus gave an affirmative ‘woof.’
“I don’t know about that. We get into dangerous scrapes.” Anders’ voice was filled with
longing. Kai figured he wanted someone to convince him.
“What do you want to do with him? I mean, we could always send him back to the orchard with
Branan.” Argus whined, and Kai nudged him with her foot, while giving the hound a ‘play along
stare.’ “I’m sure Branan will find a suitable companion, I mean, it won’t be easy. This
little fellow was hand reared, and he likes people, not everyone wants a pet cat. They’ll want
a barn cat. But I’m sure it will all work out. He can just go back on the wagon when they
return to the orchard.” Kai made the last part breathy and sad. Argus sat up, nuzzled the
kitten with a pitiful whine while the kitten gave a quiet little mewl.
Kai could see Anders’ beginning to waver, “Don’t know, seems cruel to send him back.” Anders
picked up the kitten and cuddled it under his chin. “I’ll keep you for a while, until I find
somewhere safe for him. Is that okay with you kitty?” The kitten mewed as if in agreement
and began to purr.
Anders held the kit up to face him, “I’ll call you Ser Pounce-a-lot!” The kitten gave an
excited ‘meow’ and stretched out a paw to touch the mage’s face. “You can stay in my pack,
just for a little while, yes?” Again the kitten meowed and began to lick Anders’ chin. “Hm,
heh, heh! That tickles!” Kai laughed, and started stacking the bowls and spoons from Zev,
Anders, Argus, and herself.
She quickly found the dishes taken from her by Gnat, who explained that she and Zev had been
picking apples. Jarren and Tam went to relieve Sten from watch, so that the Qunari could eat,
and camp settled into the comfortable warmth and friendship Kai recognized from camping with
close friends during the Blight. Gnat it turned out had the same skills as Leli and she
brought out a small lap harp and sang songs, including some naughty ditties which she insisted
they all join in on and which caused snickering and snorting to interrupt the singing on more
than one occasion. Eventually Gnat wound down, she and Rajed sat with their heads together
talking, Wynne and some of the others sat reading, or writing. After a while the group
dispersed to their tents one by one.
Kai started awake when Zev’s gentle fingers tangled in her hair before running down her throat
in a way that aroused and soothed at the same time. She realized that she must have dozed
off. Zev grinned and nodded towards the tent the group had set up for them and she nodded,
kissing him, before rising to her feet as he pulled her hand to help her.
Argus was content before the fire, and she realized that the mabari wasn’t alone. The mage
Anders lay with his head on the war hound’s prone body as his pillow, while the ginger colored
kitten lay curled in a tight ball, tail over his nose, on Anders’ chest. The mage sported a
happy grin. Kai laughed to herself and grabbed a blanket, gently covering the mage and his
new friend, before ducking into her tent and curling up next to Zev. She was asleep the
minute her head hit Zev’s shoulder.
harvesting apples to take to the outdoor marketplace of Orzammar, along with beverages and
baked goods made by the family from an earlier harvest.
Kai and Zevran helped finish the gathering of the crimson orbs from amongst the whispering
leaves. The sky was bright with white clouds, the orchard sported bee hives to help the trees
bear fruit so the air hummed lightly, along with a soft, wafting breeze. The green grass
alternated with large swaths of golden sunlight interspersed with pools of cool verdant
shadows underneath the trees. All in all it was a pleasant way to wile away some hours in the
day. Kai could almost forget she was trying to save the world ... again ... still.
It reminded her of the orchards of Highever and she found herself washed in a wave of
homesickness so deep she thought her heart might burst with the longing of it.
She made a mental picture, figuring she was going to be underground for who knew how long.
Add to that there was the possibility of going to the Deep Roads as well. Maker! How she
hated the Deep Roads.
She was thrown from her musing when she felt Zev’s amber gaze watching her. “A sovereign for
your thoughts, mi amada?”
“Isn’t that supposed to be a copper for my thoughts?” Kai grinned at him.
“I have always found that your thoughts are worth so much more than that, mi cielo.” Zev
stroked her cheek with nimble fingers. “Or you could think of it as the rise in the cost of
living due to Anora’s rule, no?” Kai couldn’t help but burst out laughing.
“Just thinking of home, and how nice a day this is, how much I wish that we could just enjoy
it.” Kai gave him a rueful smile, “Days like this I wish I was just a woman, and this was
just an ordinary day. Of course, knowing me, I would just get bored if I had a ‘normal’
life.”
“Si, in Antiva we have an saying, be careful what you wish for...or is it may you live in
interesting times? I always get them mixed up.” Zev winked at her and grinned, making her
laugh and completely breaking her melancholy mood.
“Well I certainly have no idea how you would manage a ‘normal’ life considering your close
association with trouble in all of its forms.” Alistair’s voice teased in her ear. Ha, very
ha, cheeky fellow. Kai gave him a mental nose wrinkle. “Just promise me that you will be
very careful in Orzammar, my love.” Aren’t I always? Kai grinned. “You don’t really want me
to answer that, do you?” Kai laughed, giving Alistair a mental kiss, and giving Zev a real
one before turning back to the task at hand.
Kai moved on to another tree, one gnarled old thing, that sported burn marks at its base. It
was the queen of the orchard, with a thick and pitted trunk. Scarred, singed, she reigned
supreme, the flower dotted grass a velvet viridian robe spread over her feet, her crown
sparkling with garnet gems in rustling leaves. Kai figured that like an old matriarch, the
tree had survived the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, and stood proudly reaching for
the sun.
Kai smiled and started to place the wooden ladder against the tree when she was startled by
light streak of motion that ran up the ladder and onto thick lower branch. Argus’s booming
bark sounded behind her as her mabari was very interested in what had raced past Kai’s hand on
the ladder.
“Argus, stad!” Kai used the ancient Alamarri language to have the big mabari stop his
vocalizations as it was frightening what turned out to be a small orange marmalade kitten of
the tabby persuasion. It was a little bit of a thing, with that fuzzy quality all kittens
have and the blue eyes of that most infants of any species seemed to possess to a certain age.
If she had to guess, Kai estimated the kitten to be about five weeks old. Its ginger colored
back was arched into a tight bow while hissing at the dog below.
“What did you do?” Kai admonished the mabari, who tilted his head and whined. “I don’t care
if he ran, you shouldn’t have chased him.” Argus gave her an indignant ‘woof’. “I know you
were playing, but he didn’t know that. You should be ashamed of yourself, big old war hound,
poor little kitten.” Argus hung his head, ears drooping. “Mind you, you’d best watch out for
those claws, they’re needle sharp.” Kai had reason to know as this last statement came as she
grabbed the kitten from the branch and it sank ten little points into the skin of her hand.
She tilted the kitten up to look at it eye to eye, “Good thing for you I have calluses from
using daggers!” She turned the kitten back around and bent down holding it eye height to
Argus. “Now you two, let me introduce you, as friends should always be introduced don’t you
think? And you two are going to be friends now aren’t you.” Kai made that a statement rather
than a question. Argus and the kitten stretched to touch noses, giving each other suspicious
sniffs. The kitten reached out a gentle paw to touch Argus’s face and the big mabari licked
the kitten almost sweeping it from Kai’s hands in one swipe of big pink tongue. The kitten
didn’t seem put out by it, if anything it closed its eyes and purred.
Branan and several of the others had walked up while the exchange took place. “I’m glad to
see he’s made a friend.” Branan nodded towards the kitten, “His mam is a wild thing, dropped
him off when he was about two weeks old and walked off and hasn’t been seen since. She didn’t
drop off any other siblings, we don’t know if he even had any, or if he did what happened to
them.” Brannan shrugged, “We have cats around the orchards and the house to keep rats out of
the trees and away from the fruit of course, but none were with kittens at the time. So, we
all have been feeding him with a rag dipped in milk. He is just old enough now to eat solid
food. I swear he thinks he’s a human.”
The kitten meowed as if in agreement and jumped from Kai’s hands onto Argus’ broad head, down
his muscled neck to sit on the mabari’s broad back like a rider would a ceffyl. Branan
gave a chuckle, “He seems to have taken a liking to you both. You wouldn’t consider giving
the little bit a home, now would you? He really isn’t meant to be a barn cat, he likes human
company too much. And I think mabari company as well.”
“I don’t know, we are going to be on the road, or in Orzammar. I don’t think that is exactly
a place for our little friend.” Kai shrugged and Argus let out an indignant woof. “Be
reasonable, Argus Rabbit, we get into dangerous situations, and are likely to again, the Deep
Roads are no place for a little kitten.” Argus let out another angry sounding woof. “If he
comes with us, he’s going to have to fight darkspawn.” Argus bark sounded argumentative and
Kai put her hands on her hips, “Exactly. Now take him back. Put him where he belongs. Now.”
The kitten looked at her, its head drooping, giving a small plaintive meow, while Argus whined
sadly. It broke Kai’s heart. She felt her resolve wavering, for the “Hero of Ferelden”,
slayer of darkspawn, when it came to her friends, she really was an easy touch. “UGH!!! Fine!
He can come with us.” Kai threw her hands up in resignation, “I give!”
Zevran gave her a low and evil chuckle, “You really have never learned to resist have you, my
dear Kaidana? Not Leli’s big blue eyes, or Argus’s whine. And now you have a kitten wrapping
you around its paw. Though I suppose I should be grateful that your willpower in this regard
is so low, or you might have slayed me on the spot when we first met, no?” Any protest she
had been about to make was lost as Zev’s lips found hers in kiss more suited to the dark, “And
think of all the things you and I would have missed. Yes...I am very grateful to Fortuna
every day for your generous heart. Along with other, shall we say, delightful parts you
possess, no?”
“Zev does have a valid point, though, you are really a big softie.” She could feel Alistair’s
grin, “Just don’t let the twins find out.” Ha, very ha, funny guy. Though also very true.
Kai huffed into her own head.
Kai wrinkled her nose at Zev and he laughed again before turning back to place the filled
baskets on the wagon. The wagon was almost filled when they stopped for the midday meal of
bread, and apple butter, bacon and a creamy white cheese. There were, of course, apples for
dessert. They finished their task afterwards, and with a tearful goodbye from Ciere, and a
more dry farewell from those workers staying behind, they set off for Orzammar.
They just reached the edge of camp when Sten’s voice came from the shadows, speaking in
Qunari, giving her the first part of the prayer of the Qun. Kai completed the prayer, letting
Sten know they were not under duress. If she had switched the word for ‘sea’ in the prayer
with the word for ‘ocean’, Sten would have known to attack. It was a code they had developed
during the Blight and Sten was on watch.
Traveling with the heavily laden wagon made the going slower, despite their proximity to the
meeting place of Kai’s companions. Night was falling rapidly when they wove their way to the
rendezvous point. And despite her informing them via the procul globe, her friends all wore
concerned looks on their faces which rapidly turned to relief when they made their way into
the light of the campfire.
Kai looked at the familiar faces and the tents and a wave of nostalgia hit her. Today was a
day for old memories and longing for old times, it seemed. She shook her head and introduced
Branan and the two farm hands he had brought with him. Kai saw all of their group save one,
the newest member to join them, Anders.
She was just about to inquire as to his whereabouts as Wynne was spooning stew into bowls for
them, when the loud clattering of wood made her and the rest jump. The loud yelp from Argus
caused a second wave of jitters as the kitten on Argus’ back was startled awake with the
resulting response cats do when scared.
Kai watched Anders blush, “Sorry!” He then went to Argus, “Oh, what do we have here?” Anders
lifted the little tabby which fit easily into one of his long fingered hands. “Ah, did I
frighten you? I am so sorry little one!” The kitten meowed and began purring, which made
Anders cradle it under his chin.
It was Argus’ indignant ‘woof’ that made Anders realize the mabari was there. “Oh, sorry my
large and muscled doggy friend. Allow me.” Anders’ free hand glowed with a bluish white
light as he healed the minor scratches on the mabari’s back. “There you are, right as rain.”
Anders gave the hound a cheeky grin and still carrying the kitten went to a log laying next to
the fire and sat down on it, cradling the kitten in his robed lap.
Wynne finished passing out bowls to everyone, including Branan who had settled his horses off
the wagon on a tie line. Kai sat herself next to Anders while Zev sat to her other side and
Argus plopped down at her feet with is bowl of stew between his massive paws. Kai watched as
Anders pulled bits of meat from the bowl and bit off small pieces to feed the kitten until the
kit was sated enough. The cat lay in the folds of the robe on Anders’ lap upside down, in
apparent kitty-ecstasy, his round belly rising and falling in sleep while his little paws
twitched in kitten dreams.
Kai scooped up the last of the stew from her bowl before placing it down on the ground for
Argus to lick. When she rose up she saw that Anders was looking at the kitten with a sad look
on his face. She realized she hardly knew a thing about this man, other than he was very good
at killing darkspawn, had a wicked wit, and reminded her of Zevran back in their Blight days,
with his innuendos.
She caught him looking at her while looking at him and she blushed. He grinned, “So, dove, if
you weren’t a Warden, or saving the world from Anora, what would you be doing, hmm?”
Kai rolled her eyes at his use of the term ‘dove,’ when speaking to her, and shrugged. “I
guess I would be doing Warden business, and maybe spending time dealing with the nobles at
court.” She gave a mock shudder which made Anders smile.
“I take it dealing with squabbling nobles is not your idea of a good time?” He leaned in
closer, “I could show you better ways to spend your time...” He suddenly leaned back again,
flashing a wicked grin at Zev, “But I like not having extra holes in my body that I don’t
need.”
This elicited a chuckle from the assassin, “You are far wiser than I first suspected, my
magical friend.”
“Hm, yes well not something anyone in the Tower would accuse me of, especially not that old
git Irving...” A sharp ‘ehem’ from the side of the fire where Wynne was seated interrupted
what else Anders was going to say. “Ah, yes, sorry. As I was saying, I’ve never liked the
idea of being trapped somewhere, to be honest. It reminds me of the Circle.”
He gave Wynne a rueful smile. “After my seventh escape attempt, you’d think they’d have given
me credit for trying.”
Kai shook her head in amazement, “Seven escape attempts?” Zevran gave a snort, and Kai
continued, “Why didn’t they didn’t just execute you?”
Anders shrugged. “You know the Chantry. They don’t believe in executions, if you die, they
can’t torment you.” There was yet another ‘ehem’ from Wynne’s direction. Anders’ shoulders
rose and fell again as his gaze fell on the elder mage, "Oh, I know, I know. Most people enjoy
being kicked in the head to be woken up each morning. Me, I'm just so picky."
He turned back to Kai, “They can’t make you tranquil once you’ve passed your Harrowing. I’ll
wager they regret that rule.” Anders chuckled and looked at the kitten asleep in his lap, his
long fingers gently rubbed the rounded little belly. His countenance became melancholy once
more. “You know, there is one thing I miss about the Tower...” Anders gave a rueful chuckle.
“My cat.”
Kai reached over and rubbed the kitten, “You had a cat? Why didn’t you take it with you?”
Anders grinned. “Well, it wasn’t really mine, just some mouser that hung around the Tower. A
vicious little tabby. There were days when that stupid cat was the only person I saw. Heh,
except for him not being a person.” Kai flashed Wynne an angry look with a cocked eyebrow (her
this-is-one-of-the-many-reasons-I-hate-the-Tower-and-the-Chantry look). Wynne returned Kai’s
glare with her usual cool and calm demeanor. Anders must have caught the exchange between her
and the elder mage as he cocked an eyebrow and grinned at her before he shrugged. “Still, I
liked him. Poor Mr. Wiggums.”
Kai turned back to Anders, “Why poor Mr. Wiggums?”
Anders looked down at the kitten who started to stir, sitting up and using a small pink tongue
to try and groom its side, only to fall over in the effort. “He became possessed by a rage
demon--” Anders looked at Kai with a wide grin on his face. “But he did take out three
templars. I was never more proud.”
Across the fire Wynne let out a disgusted huff of air along with a muttered, “Really, young
man!” Which made the rest of the camp laugh.
“Then we should drink a toast to this, Mr. Wiggums, non?” Gnat nodded to Rajed who grabbed a
bottle of mead, and Gnat passed out the mugs to everyone, while he poured.
Once everyone held mug in hand (even Wynne had accepted one), Anders raised his, saying, “A
toast to Mr. Wiggums then. May he forever eat mice in the Fade!” Kai watched him toss back a
large swallow before wiping his hand across a slightly stubbled chin. “You know, this cute
little kitty looks a lot like Mr.Wiggums.” Anders tickled the kitten under the chin who
meowed and squeezed his eyes shut purring.
“Then he should be yours.” Kai smiled at him. Even Argus gave an affirmative ‘woof.’
“I don’t know about that. We get into dangerous scrapes.” Anders’ voice was filled with
longing. Kai figured he wanted someone to convince him.
“What do you want to do with him? I mean, we could always send him back to the orchard with
Branan.” Argus whined, and Kai nudged him with her foot, while giving the hound a ‘play along
stare.’ “I’m sure Branan will find a suitable companion, I mean, it won’t be easy. This
little fellow was hand reared, and he likes people, not everyone wants a pet cat. They’ll want
a barn cat. But I’m sure it will all work out. He can just go back on the wagon when they
return to the orchard.” Kai made the last part breathy and sad. Argus sat up, nuzzled the
kitten with a pitiful whine while the kitten gave a quiet little mewl.
Kai could see Anders’ beginning to waver, “Don’t know, seems cruel to send him back.” Anders
picked up the kitten and cuddled it under his chin. “I’ll keep you for a while, until I find
somewhere safe for him. Is that okay with you kitty?” The kitten mewed as if in agreement
and began to purr.
Anders held the kit up to face him, “I’ll call you Ser Pounce-a-lot!” The kitten gave an
excited ‘meow’ and stretched out a paw to touch the mage’s face. “You can stay in my pack,
just for a little while, yes?” Again the kitten meowed and began to lick Anders’ chin. “Hm,
heh, heh! That tickles!” Kai laughed, and started stacking the bowls and spoons from Zev,
Anders, Argus, and herself.
She quickly found the dishes taken from her by Gnat, who explained that she and Zev had been
picking apples. Jarren and Tam went to relieve Sten from watch, so that the Qunari could eat,
and camp settled into the comfortable warmth and friendship Kai recognized from camping with
close friends during the Blight. Gnat it turned out had the same skills as Leli and she
brought out a small lap harp and sang songs, including some naughty ditties which she insisted
they all join in on and which caused snickering and snorting to interrupt the singing on more
than one occasion. Eventually Gnat wound down, she and Rajed sat with their heads together
talking, Wynne and some of the others sat reading, or writing. After a while the group
dispersed to their tents one by one.
Kai started awake when Zev’s gentle fingers tangled in her hair before running down her throat
in a way that aroused and soothed at the same time. She realized that she must have dozed
off. Zev grinned and nodded towards the tent the group had set up for them and she nodded,
kissing him, before rising to her feet as he pulled her hand to help her.
Argus was content before the fire, and she realized that the mabari wasn’t alone. The mage
Anders lay with his head on the war hound’s prone body as his pillow, while the ginger colored
kitten lay curled in a tight ball, tail over his nose, on Anders’ chest. The mage sported a
happy grin. Kai laughed to herself and grabbed a blanket, gently covering the mage and his
new friend, before ducking into her tent and curling up next to Zev. She was asleep the
minute her head hit Zev’s shoulder.
#318
Posté 30 septembre 2010 - 12:52
sabreene
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- Members
- 1 966 messages
Awwww, Pounce and Anders!! That made me go 
:wub:
I kept trying to review you on ffnet, but every time in the past few days I've tried, the site has errored out. But I loved the chapter, and thank you including me in your shout out!!!
:happy:
:wub:I kept trying to review you on ffnet, but every time in the past few days I've tried, the site has errored out. But I loved the chapter, and thank you including me in your shout out!!!
:happy:
#319
Posté 30 septembre 2010 - 10:58
Gilgamesh1138
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- 1 915 messages
Aw! FF.net is being special. Thanks sweetie! *HUGS* hehe Anders without his Pounce would be like chocolate without peanut butter. : D
#320
Posté 03 octobre 2010 - 11:39
LadyAly
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- 2 149 messages
Loved it - since I adore Pounce *lol* - so sweet Gil
#321
Posté 05 octobre 2010 - 01:55
Gilgamesh1138
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ROFL!! Anders has to have his Pounce. Thanks Lady A, *HUGS*!
#322
Posté 11 octobre 2010 - 03:59
Gilgamesh1138
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- 1 915 messages
Chapter 93
Kai stood rearranging the baskets of apples, filling in the gaps made as the bushels and baked
goods sold. What was not surprising was the rate at which the various alcoholic wares
disappeared. Branan still kept the supplies for the palace and Tapsters (carefully hidden
beneath a tarp) until he received word that he would be allowed to deliver it inside the city.
Under the guise of “protecting the kegs for Tapsters, Branan “hired” Sten and the band of
mercenaries. It was a pretense that actually held a modicum of truth.
The delay, according to Branan, was unusual; dwarves loved their drink. Ever since Bhelen
had taken the throne, human merchants were allowed, and even encouraged to visit inside of
Orzammar. The strange wait resulted in a general edginess that infected Branan and his group.
The delay, perhaps, was not the only thing causing disquiet amongst them: the dwarves
themselves exuded unease, both merchants and citizens alike. The tension was even worse here
than at the Horn.
It reminded Kai of a hunting trip her family made when some of the nobles were visiting. They
made the trip with falcons and the Huntsman’s dogs for flushing birds into the sky. The
fields were full of calls of their quarry, quail. When the shadow of the falcon would pass
over the billowing wheat the silence descended as if a heavy blanket had been cast over the
grain.
The tension of the birds would be released in a burst of terrified flight when the dogs would
flush them out. This felt the same; and from the normally stalwart and stoic dwarves, it was
most un-nerving. They reminded her of the stone they claimed to come from and return to,
steady. For them to act as quail waiting for the falcon’s punch, it must be very bad indeed.
Such thoughts made Kai tense and edgy along with the vibes from the dwarves. As a result she
wasn’t sleeping well, if at all. Not that the proximity to the Deep Roads was in any way the
cause of her distress...oh no. She had such lovely memories from this place after all. The
dwarven politics, more tangled and hard to traverse, than a pit of poisonous snakes. Then the
pressing crush of darkspawn, their stench, their corruption around every corner coupled with
the constant horrific nightmares; and the song of the archdemon so alluring and compelling
rising to a deafening and terrifying crescendo when they came upon it directing the darkspawn
armies in the trenches below. Ah yes, good times! Kai gave a mental snort.
“Well at least you don’t have to worry about an archdemon this time, or a crazed dwaven woman
turning into a broodmother, or a broodmother, or...” Alistair’s cheeky voice sounded in her
ear. Oh, yes and I managed to forget about that part, thank you so much for reminding me,
smart guy. Kai rolled her eyes at him. “Sorry, mi’ gra.” She could hear his rueful grin.
I really, really, really hate the Deep Roads. And dwarven politics gives me hives. Why do I
feel as though I will be dealing with both again?. “Because there is no rest for the wicked?”
She heard the laughter in his voice and she couldn’t help but join him. Alistair always made
things better, even when things looked bleakest, then as now. He was her light in the dark.
Ha, very ha! Tell me again why I love you? “My minor obsession with my hair? My devilishly
handsome looks? My love of fine cheeses? Take your pick.” Kai gave him a mental snort and a
smile.
Her inner dialogue was interrupted by Zev who tickled his fingers in her hair at the nape of
her neck as he leaned in on the pretense of kissing her while he put his lips to her ear.
“Jarren informs me that the delectably endowed Wynne wishes to meet you down the hill out of
sight from the market. She will be there ‘picking herbs for potions’ as her reason for being
there.”
Kai smiled and rubbed his cheek leaning in, “I take it Wynne and Anders have found lodging
inside the city then?”
“Si, and as soon as we are allowed in we may break away from Branan and avail ourselves of
it.” His fingers kneaded the base of her skull making it hard to concentrate. Perhaps
pretending to be lovers snatching a moment was a bad idea. His lips tickled her jawbone, “And
Tam and Jarren have secured curious positions for the scath and Sten as soldiers to the palace
to ‘keep the peace’ they were told. One of Bhelen’s men came looking for them specifically
when he heard there were mercenaries in the market. Apparently there is a sort of behind the
scenes martial law situation going on. Not where surfacers visiting Orzammar will notice, of
course.”
“No wonder the dwarves are tense. Just what by Andraste’s flaming knickers are we getting
ourselves into, I wonder. Well at least they will be in a prime position to spy at the
palace.”
Kai almost gasped when Zev’s teeth gently nibbled her earlobe. “Ah, mi cielo, you and Trouble
do have a very close relationship don’t you?” He pulled back his amber eyes twinkling with
mirth.
Kai wrinkled her nose at him, “Yes, as proven by the Antivan assassin standing before me.”
Zev gave her a throaty chuckle. “Well, at least you can’t say being with me is boring.” Kai
shrugged at him.
Zev threw back his head and let out a full laugh this time, “Si, I cannot accuse you of that.
Fortuna is a fickle mistress, she took so much away from me, and then she led me to you, my
beautiful Kaidana.” His fingers stroked down her neck, “And for that I hold no complaints,
despite Trouble knowing where you are at all times, no?” He did kiss her this time, before
continuing, “Say hello to our delightfully bosomed Wynne for me, and tell her I long for a
pillow as soft and firm as...” Kai put a finger to his lips stopping his comment before he
could finish. He grinned and kissed its tip.
She shook her head, grinning, grabbed a book, a hunk of bread, an apple, and cheese before
telling Branan she was taking a lunch break. He nodded and Kai made her way discreetly around
the market stopping at booths, gazing at wares, and talking to merchants while wending her way
to the outer edge of the market where the land dropped off into a sloping hill. Kai paused at
the edge, taking a deep breath, stretching, giving the impression she was taking in the view
and relaxing.
Kai caught sight of Wynne’s brightly colored mage robe as the enchanter wandered under the
tall pines, using a small crescent shaped blade to cut herbs before placing the bunches in the
specialized reed basket carried by two leather straps worn crossed ways over her torso.
Wynne’s gray head looked up and Kai waved as one would, casually to a barely met acquaintance,
which is what they were supposed to be. Wynne bobbed her head, and Kai went to sit on a large
rock with a flat top that jutted out over the hill offering a stunning view of the valley
below. Kai had discovered the rock back during the Blight when they first visited Orzammar.
They had been waylaid by bounty hunters hired by Loghain to kill her, Alistair, and anyone
with them, after Zevran’s attempt failed. The rock had served as a place to stay from view
while they cleaned off the blood.
Today she used it as a clandestine meeting place. Kai took out the book opening it up on her
lap and while eating her lunch, waiting as Wynne made her way around the rock eventually,
gathering herbs from its base before leaning against it as if she needed a break.
Kai stuck her finger between the pages of the book, while crunching her apple and looking into
the valley below. Wynne looked in the same direction as if taking in the view. Kai whispered
out of the corner of her mouth, “Zev told me you have lodging for us, once we get inside that
is.”
“Indeed. And I will say this young lady, that on the surface things appear to be normal.
Normal, that is, if you aren’t looking for trouble. Whoever is behind this is very clever.
There are strange folk around the inner market square. They dress like Fereldens and speak in
Ferelden, but with a slight accent, an accent I can’t place.” Wynne’s brows furrowed, “One
such stranger took to hovering around Garin, who sells lyrium and other minerals while Anders
and I were there.”
“Ah, yes, ‘Garin the Giggler’, as Alistair called him. One too many hits with the lyrium, even
for a dwarf.” Kai chuckled.
“Yes, well even our jocular Garin is not his usual cheerful self. Oh, he tries, but it’s
forced. The stranger, in particular seemed to make him nervous.”
“Curiouser and curiouser. This is worrisome Wynne. I really don’t like this at all.” Kai let
out a huff of air.
“Neither do I, my dear, neither do I.” Wynne flashed Kai a rueful smile before rolling her
shoulders and stepping away from the rock a bit. “When you get into Orzammar, go to Tapsters
and order the lichen ale batter fried nug. The bar maid Corra will tell you they are out, but
offer you Oghren’s Nug Special. They will pass you instructions where we are staying, just in
case we have to change locale before you get there.”
Kai flashed Wynne a surprised look, raising her eyebrow. Wynne grinned and shrugged, “What?
I been around a bard, an Antivan Assassin, and have followed a woman in charge of her own band
of rogues, thieves, soldiers, assassins, and spies. I was bound to have picked up a trick or
two by now. I may be old, young lady, but old mabari can learn new tricks.” Wynne shot her a
wicked grin, “Besides, I learned out of necessity as Trouble always seems to know just where
you are does it not, young lady?”
“Hey-y!” Kai did her best Alistair imitation, “Have you and Zev and Ali been talking about
me?”
The elder mage just chuckled and began to walk around to the other side of the rock. “We all
came to that conclusion during the Blight, your recent adventures are only adding to our tally
sheet.” Kai humphed, which only made Wynne laugh harder as she walked away making her way
back up the hill, stopping to gather herbs as she went.
“Tally sheet, really? UGH!” Kai bit into the apple once more, before throwing the remains in
a high arc down the hill. “I suppose you were in on this, list, as well?” Kai asked into her
head.
“Well, my love, we had to have something to help us keep up.” Alistair’s voice was filled
with mirth. Thank you so-o much! You are a bad person! “Do you hate me?” Yes! And I will
show you just how much when I get to the Fade. Kai gave him a chuckle. “We-ell, if you must
know, Wynne is the one who started it. She even ran the betting pools...um, forget I said
that.” Bets? Oh ho! That sly old bird and I need to have a little chat sometime. “Blast,
um...okay, I need to go, I hear your mum calling! Bye, mi gra!” And with that Alistair was
gone.
Kai gave a snort while jumping down from the rock and then making her way back up to the
marketplace. Apparently her timing was impeccable as always, Branan was preparing to deliver
the kegs to the palace and Tapsters. He nodded to her as they loaded kegs into smaller wagons
that were hand drawn, with long handles.
They drew the wagons into Orzammar passing through the large metal doors, out of the Hall of
Paragons, and into the atrium area of the Commons.
The view never ceased to amaze her. The cavernous room carved out of solid rock by dwarven
engineers. Sounds from the normally vibrant market place bouncing and rebounding from wall to
building, to ceiling and back again. The dwarves lit the cavern with a combination of torches,
lanterns, braziers, the lava channels, and a very clever use of air vents lined with pyrite
that bounced sunlight into the interior. The result was an extremely well lit city. Not as
bright as being outside on the surface, but no one would ever be likely to trip over their
feet because it was too dark. In fact, it reminded Kai of twilight or just at dawn when the
world was visible but hazy falling into shadows.
Branan led them first to the right, past Figor’s Imporium, the Nug Wrangler Boermor, and Garin
the mineral merchant. Kai tied on her kerchief over her head and covered the vallaslin on her
face with the makeup Leli had given her. She kept the her head down as they passed Boermor
and Garin. Kai didn’t want them recognizing her.
She kept alert for the strangers Wynne mentioned and noticed groups of two to four in various
areas around the commons. All were dressed as Wynne described, common clothing for Fereldens.
And as the mage said, unless you were looking for trouble, every thing seemed to be normal.
But Kai watched as Boermor flashed looks at a group of three such “Fereldens” standing near
his shop. The group appeared to be wandering the commons talking, but they were keeping eyes
on Garin and the nug wrangler.
Kai paid special attention as they passed the three men and one woman stood talking. They did
indeed speak Ferelden, but the accents were slightly off. Kai hoped that if she heard them
she might be able to place it, unfortunately that was not going to be the case.
They stood in front of wide metal doors that opened to let them into the lift that would take
them to the upper levels of the city and the Diamond Quarter. They were to deliver to the
palace first, the King’s personal supply. They would deliver to Tapsters afterwards.
Kai found her mind wandering on the long ride up to the Diamond Quarter. She reckoned that
she spent a month of her life just riding this hoist when visiting Orzammar during the Blight.
Oghren began humming under his breath the song “Dwarven Girl from Emponeema Thaig.” This too
was familiar from the time she and he had met here a lifetime ago. The song was just long
enough to last the whole the ride up. The only problem with the tune... it usually managed
to work its way into one’s brain and not leave for a fortnight.
“Dwarf, cease that obnoxious melody.” Sten’s voice growled from over Kai’s head. “I have no
desire to spend three hours in extra meditation on the Qun to remove it from my mind.”
“I could squish its head like a lemon...squi-ish. That would end its horrid noise.” Shale’s
voice sounded from behind her as well.
Oghren turned and looked at their giant companions. “You, giant...whatever you are, sod off.
The song makes the ride go faster.” Oghren belched, “And, you, you giant walking statue, are
supposed to be my pet.” He waved the broken control rod, “So no threatening dismemberment,
head flattening, or any other harm to my person. Heh, old Oghren is in charge.”
“Only in pretend, drunken dwarf. You could find yourself falling into a lava channel.” Kai
could feel Sten’s stare on the back of her head. “Kadan, is in charge as always.”
“And a good thing too, or we would all find ourselves captured, dead, or lost if the drunken
dwarf were leading us.” Shale’s voice sounded with contempt, and Kai stifled a giggle with
her hand.
Poor Branan was not used to her companions’ bickering, flashed her a look. He must have
thought they were serious and disliked each other. Kai gave Branan a wide grin and a head
shake. He returned the smile, nodding, before shaking his own head at their insults.
The doors opened allowing them to leave the confinement of the box and stopped Oghren from
responding and ending the argument. They made their way down the stone corridor towards the
palace. As they passed Horrowmont’s estate, Kai felt a wave of guilt. She asked Behlen to
spare the man, but he refused. In dealing with Anora, Kai understood. If she had taken
Morrigan up on that ritual, and Ali had lived, they would have been in the same situation.
Execute Anora or forever take the chance that supporters of hers would free the woman and
cause trouble. Still, it was not a shining moment in her life. “Sometimes life hands us the
choice of two evils, my love. You did the best you could with what you were given. And I
know that you did far better with it all, and still do, than I would have.” Alistair’s voice
was the soothing balm now as it had been then, when she had been thrown into a fit of despair,
self-loathing, and doubt. Thanks, beloved, I still feel badly about it all though.
Zevran, perhaps sensing her mood, reached out and grasped her free hand with his, linking
their fingers before raising them to his lips and kissing them. Kai smiled and gave him a
sigh with a wink.
At the palace they were stopped at the doors by guards, asked their business, and then
subjected to a thorough inspection. Once inside, they were subjected to the same before
speaking to the Chamberlain who took the delivery before handing over a leather sack filled
with Branan’s payment. Kai noticed more human’s dressed in noble attire this time, peppered
amongst the dwarven nobility. The tension and un-ease were strongest here.
Sten, and her Scath were ushered into an alcove to speak to Vartag Gavorn, Bhelen’s right-hand
man. While Branan stood talking to the Chamberlain about the expectations of future
shipments, Kai noticed Vartag kept shooting looks her way. Despite her clothing, and her
covering her tattoos, she was certain he recognized her. She cocked an eyebrow at him,
widening her eyes slightly. He quietly rolled his eyes towards her companions standing before
him and back at her. She gave the slightest nod, which he returned. He gave her a pointed
look, but Kai was uncertain to its meaning. She could only return it with a pointed look of
her own, before they turned to leave.
They rode the damnable elevator once more, though Oghren refrained from humming, barely; and
back around to the commons to the area that led to Tapsters and then on to Dust Town, if one
kept going. They did not keep going, but stopped instead at the tavern. Branan knew they
would be leaving him once they had unloaded the kegs for Tapsters. Some of his employees had
already entered Orzammar and were inside Tapsters. They had clothing on that would be
switched out with Kai and Zev, so as not to arouse suspicion. They would leave with Branan.
Argus was with Anders and Ser Pounce since Kai figured that a three hundred pound mabari going
in, but not coming out would certainly garner notice.
So, far they seemed to be getting into place without much trouble, save that whole moment with
Vartag. Kai wasn’t sure if that wasn’t going to bite them all in the backside. She was going
on instinct that Vartag didn’t not like what was going on, and would be on their side. She
hoped so at any rate.
Branan approached Corra the hostess, and owner, and her father, the barkeep, to notify them
of the delivery. They were ushered to the back storeroom behind the bar where Kai and Zevran
met with Branan’s servants. They quickly exchanged clothing and Branan and his employees left
the storeroom with a bit of a noise so they would be noticed. Kai and Zevran using their
rogue skills walked in the shadows and made their way to the front of the tavern before
reappearing as if they had just walked in the door.
They made their way back to Corra who stood again in her usual place by the bar greeting
newcomers. She gave them the standard greeting but with a sly wink. Kai grinned and at her,
“I’d like a drink, and your ale batter fried nug. One for me and my friend here.” Kai nodded
her head at Zevran.
Corra smiled, "With fifty-two types of ales, seventeen types of mead, and a dozen imported
wines, we should be able to serve your needs. As to the fried nug, well we ran out and the
batter needs to steep in the ale for a time. I can recommend the Oghren’s Special though,
named for one of our own who became a hero during the Blight fighting with the ‘Hero of
Ferelden’ may she rest with the Stone. What'll you have?"
Kai kept from snorting, barely, “Oghren’s Special for both of us. A mug of mead for me, and a
glass of your best Antivan red for my friend here.”
Corra nodded, and motioned for one of the bar maids to lead them to a table. The dark-haired
dwarf walked up to them with a slight smile. She was beautiful, with smooth skin, green hazel
eyes, and striking features. The silken skin of her face was marred only by the tattoo for
the casteless on her right cheek, and the beautiful geometric design on her forehead. She
gave them a slight bow, before waving an arm indicating they should follow her in that
direction.
The bar maid led them to the back of the tavern sitting them in one of the furthest seats but
strategic in that they had their backs to a wall and they could see the entire bar. Kai spent
only a moment wondering if Corra gave instructions to her staff about her preference on not
letting anyone come up behind them. That was soon dispelled when the bar maid gave a quick
glance around before leaning in, “Hello, ‘Hero of Ferelden’.”
Kai stood rearranging the baskets of apples, filling in the gaps made as the bushels and baked
goods sold. What was not surprising was the rate at which the various alcoholic wares
disappeared. Branan still kept the supplies for the palace and Tapsters (carefully hidden
beneath a tarp) until he received word that he would be allowed to deliver it inside the city.
Under the guise of “protecting the kegs for Tapsters, Branan “hired” Sten and the band of
mercenaries. It was a pretense that actually held a modicum of truth.
The delay, according to Branan, was unusual; dwarves loved their drink. Ever since Bhelen
had taken the throne, human merchants were allowed, and even encouraged to visit inside of
Orzammar. The strange wait resulted in a general edginess that infected Branan and his group.
The delay, perhaps, was not the only thing causing disquiet amongst them: the dwarves
themselves exuded unease, both merchants and citizens alike. The tension was even worse here
than at the Horn.
It reminded Kai of a hunting trip her family made when some of the nobles were visiting. They
made the trip with falcons and the Huntsman’s dogs for flushing birds into the sky. The
fields were full of calls of their quarry, quail. When the shadow of the falcon would pass
over the billowing wheat the silence descended as if a heavy blanket had been cast over the
grain.
The tension of the birds would be released in a burst of terrified flight when the dogs would
flush them out. This felt the same; and from the normally stalwart and stoic dwarves, it was
most un-nerving. They reminded her of the stone they claimed to come from and return to,
steady. For them to act as quail waiting for the falcon’s punch, it must be very bad indeed.
Such thoughts made Kai tense and edgy along with the vibes from the dwarves. As a result she
wasn’t sleeping well, if at all. Not that the proximity to the Deep Roads was in any way the
cause of her distress...oh no. She had such lovely memories from this place after all. The
dwarven politics, more tangled and hard to traverse, than a pit of poisonous snakes. Then the
pressing crush of darkspawn, their stench, their corruption around every corner coupled with
the constant horrific nightmares; and the song of the archdemon so alluring and compelling
rising to a deafening and terrifying crescendo when they came upon it directing the darkspawn
armies in the trenches below. Ah yes, good times! Kai gave a mental snort.
“Well at least you don’t have to worry about an archdemon this time, or a crazed dwaven woman
turning into a broodmother, or a broodmother, or...” Alistair’s cheeky voice sounded in her
ear. Oh, yes and I managed to forget about that part, thank you so much for reminding me,
smart guy. Kai rolled her eyes at him. “Sorry, mi’ gra.” She could hear his rueful grin.
I really, really, really hate the Deep Roads. And dwarven politics gives me hives. Why do I
feel as though I will be dealing with both again?. “Because there is no rest for the wicked?”
She heard the laughter in his voice and she couldn’t help but join him. Alistair always made
things better, even when things looked bleakest, then as now. He was her light in the dark.
Ha, very ha! Tell me again why I love you? “My minor obsession with my hair? My devilishly
handsome looks? My love of fine cheeses? Take your pick.” Kai gave him a mental snort and a
smile.
Her inner dialogue was interrupted by Zev who tickled his fingers in her hair at the nape of
her neck as he leaned in on the pretense of kissing her while he put his lips to her ear.
“Jarren informs me that the delectably endowed Wynne wishes to meet you down the hill out of
sight from the market. She will be there ‘picking herbs for potions’ as her reason for being
there.”
Kai smiled and rubbed his cheek leaning in, “I take it Wynne and Anders have found lodging
inside the city then?”
“Si, and as soon as we are allowed in we may break away from Branan and avail ourselves of
it.” His fingers kneaded the base of her skull making it hard to concentrate. Perhaps
pretending to be lovers snatching a moment was a bad idea. His lips tickled her jawbone, “And
Tam and Jarren have secured curious positions for the scath and Sten as soldiers to the palace
to ‘keep the peace’ they were told. One of Bhelen’s men came looking for them specifically
when he heard there were mercenaries in the market. Apparently there is a sort of behind the
scenes martial law situation going on. Not where surfacers visiting Orzammar will notice, of
course.”
“No wonder the dwarves are tense. Just what by Andraste’s flaming knickers are we getting
ourselves into, I wonder. Well at least they will be in a prime position to spy at the
palace.”
Kai almost gasped when Zev’s teeth gently nibbled her earlobe. “Ah, mi cielo, you and Trouble
do have a very close relationship don’t you?” He pulled back his amber eyes twinkling with
mirth.
Kai wrinkled her nose at him, “Yes, as proven by the Antivan assassin standing before me.”
Zev gave her a throaty chuckle. “Well, at least you can’t say being with me is boring.” Kai
shrugged at him.
Zev threw back his head and let out a full laugh this time, “Si, I cannot accuse you of that.
Fortuna is a fickle mistress, she took so much away from me, and then she led me to you, my
beautiful Kaidana.” His fingers stroked down her neck, “And for that I hold no complaints,
despite Trouble knowing where you are at all times, no?” He did kiss her this time, before
continuing, “Say hello to our delightfully bosomed Wynne for me, and tell her I long for a
pillow as soft and firm as...” Kai put a finger to his lips stopping his comment before he
could finish. He grinned and kissed its tip.
She shook her head, grinning, grabbed a book, a hunk of bread, an apple, and cheese before
telling Branan she was taking a lunch break. He nodded and Kai made her way discreetly around
the market stopping at booths, gazing at wares, and talking to merchants while wending her way
to the outer edge of the market where the land dropped off into a sloping hill. Kai paused at
the edge, taking a deep breath, stretching, giving the impression she was taking in the view
and relaxing.
Kai caught sight of Wynne’s brightly colored mage robe as the enchanter wandered under the
tall pines, using a small crescent shaped blade to cut herbs before placing the bunches in the
specialized reed basket carried by two leather straps worn crossed ways over her torso.
Wynne’s gray head looked up and Kai waved as one would, casually to a barely met acquaintance,
which is what they were supposed to be. Wynne bobbed her head, and Kai went to sit on a large
rock with a flat top that jutted out over the hill offering a stunning view of the valley
below. Kai had discovered the rock back during the Blight when they first visited Orzammar.
They had been waylaid by bounty hunters hired by Loghain to kill her, Alistair, and anyone
with them, after Zevran’s attempt failed. The rock had served as a place to stay from view
while they cleaned off the blood.
Today she used it as a clandestine meeting place. Kai took out the book opening it up on her
lap and while eating her lunch, waiting as Wynne made her way around the rock eventually,
gathering herbs from its base before leaning against it as if she needed a break.
Kai stuck her finger between the pages of the book, while crunching her apple and looking into
the valley below. Wynne looked in the same direction as if taking in the view. Kai whispered
out of the corner of her mouth, “Zev told me you have lodging for us, once we get inside that
is.”
“Indeed. And I will say this young lady, that on the surface things appear to be normal.
Normal, that is, if you aren’t looking for trouble. Whoever is behind this is very clever.
There are strange folk around the inner market square. They dress like Fereldens and speak in
Ferelden, but with a slight accent, an accent I can’t place.” Wynne’s brows furrowed, “One
such stranger took to hovering around Garin, who sells lyrium and other minerals while Anders
and I were there.”
“Ah, yes, ‘Garin the Giggler’, as Alistair called him. One too many hits with the lyrium, even
for a dwarf.” Kai chuckled.
“Yes, well even our jocular Garin is not his usual cheerful self. Oh, he tries, but it’s
forced. The stranger, in particular seemed to make him nervous.”
“Curiouser and curiouser. This is worrisome Wynne. I really don’t like this at all.” Kai let
out a huff of air.
“Neither do I, my dear, neither do I.” Wynne flashed Kai a rueful smile before rolling her
shoulders and stepping away from the rock a bit. “When you get into Orzammar, go to Tapsters
and order the lichen ale batter fried nug. The bar maid Corra will tell you they are out, but
offer you Oghren’s Nug Special. They will pass you instructions where we are staying, just in
case we have to change locale before you get there.”
Kai flashed Wynne a surprised look, raising her eyebrow. Wynne grinned and shrugged, “What?
I been around a bard, an Antivan Assassin, and have followed a woman in charge of her own band
of rogues, thieves, soldiers, assassins, and spies. I was bound to have picked up a trick or
two by now. I may be old, young lady, but old mabari can learn new tricks.” Wynne shot her a
wicked grin, “Besides, I learned out of necessity as Trouble always seems to know just where
you are does it not, young lady?”
“Hey-y!” Kai did her best Alistair imitation, “Have you and Zev and Ali been talking about
me?”
The elder mage just chuckled and began to walk around to the other side of the rock. “We all
came to that conclusion during the Blight, your recent adventures are only adding to our tally
sheet.” Kai humphed, which only made Wynne laugh harder as she walked away making her way
back up the hill, stopping to gather herbs as she went.
“Tally sheet, really? UGH!” Kai bit into the apple once more, before throwing the remains in
a high arc down the hill. “I suppose you were in on this, list, as well?” Kai asked into her
head.
“Well, my love, we had to have something to help us keep up.” Alistair’s voice was filled
with mirth. Thank you so-o much! You are a bad person! “Do you hate me?” Yes! And I will
show you just how much when I get to the Fade. Kai gave him a chuckle. “We-ell, if you must
know, Wynne is the one who started it. She even ran the betting pools...um, forget I said
that.” Bets? Oh ho! That sly old bird and I need to have a little chat sometime. “Blast,
um...okay, I need to go, I hear your mum calling! Bye, mi gra!” And with that Alistair was
gone.
Kai gave a snort while jumping down from the rock and then making her way back up to the
marketplace. Apparently her timing was impeccable as always, Branan was preparing to deliver
the kegs to the palace and Tapsters. He nodded to her as they loaded kegs into smaller wagons
that were hand drawn, with long handles.
They drew the wagons into Orzammar passing through the large metal doors, out of the Hall of
Paragons, and into the atrium area of the Commons.
The view never ceased to amaze her. The cavernous room carved out of solid rock by dwarven
engineers. Sounds from the normally vibrant market place bouncing and rebounding from wall to
building, to ceiling and back again. The dwarves lit the cavern with a combination of torches,
lanterns, braziers, the lava channels, and a very clever use of air vents lined with pyrite
that bounced sunlight into the interior. The result was an extremely well lit city. Not as
bright as being outside on the surface, but no one would ever be likely to trip over their
feet because it was too dark. In fact, it reminded Kai of twilight or just at dawn when the
world was visible but hazy falling into shadows.
Branan led them first to the right, past Figor’s Imporium, the Nug Wrangler Boermor, and Garin
the mineral merchant. Kai tied on her kerchief over her head and covered the vallaslin on her
face with the makeup Leli had given her. She kept the her head down as they passed Boermor
and Garin. Kai didn’t want them recognizing her.
She kept alert for the strangers Wynne mentioned and noticed groups of two to four in various
areas around the commons. All were dressed as Wynne described, common clothing for Fereldens.
And as the mage said, unless you were looking for trouble, every thing seemed to be normal.
But Kai watched as Boermor flashed looks at a group of three such “Fereldens” standing near
his shop. The group appeared to be wandering the commons talking, but they were keeping eyes
on Garin and the nug wrangler.
Kai paid special attention as they passed the three men and one woman stood talking. They did
indeed speak Ferelden, but the accents were slightly off. Kai hoped that if she heard them
she might be able to place it, unfortunately that was not going to be the case.
They stood in front of wide metal doors that opened to let them into the lift that would take
them to the upper levels of the city and the Diamond Quarter. They were to deliver to the
palace first, the King’s personal supply. They would deliver to Tapsters afterwards.
Kai found her mind wandering on the long ride up to the Diamond Quarter. She reckoned that
she spent a month of her life just riding this hoist when visiting Orzammar during the Blight.
Oghren began humming under his breath the song “Dwarven Girl from Emponeema Thaig.” This too
was familiar from the time she and he had met here a lifetime ago. The song was just long
enough to last the whole the ride up. The only problem with the tune... it usually managed
to work its way into one’s brain and not leave for a fortnight.
“Dwarf, cease that obnoxious melody.” Sten’s voice growled from over Kai’s head. “I have no
desire to spend three hours in extra meditation on the Qun to remove it from my mind.”
“I could squish its head like a lemon...squi-ish. That would end its horrid noise.” Shale’s
voice sounded from behind her as well.
Oghren turned and looked at their giant companions. “You, giant...whatever you are, sod off.
The song makes the ride go faster.” Oghren belched, “And, you, you giant walking statue, are
supposed to be my pet.” He waved the broken control rod, “So no threatening dismemberment,
head flattening, or any other harm to my person. Heh, old Oghren is in charge.”
“Only in pretend, drunken dwarf. You could find yourself falling into a lava channel.” Kai
could feel Sten’s stare on the back of her head. “Kadan, is in charge as always.”
“And a good thing too, or we would all find ourselves captured, dead, or lost if the drunken
dwarf were leading us.” Shale’s voice sounded with contempt, and Kai stifled a giggle with
her hand.
Poor Branan was not used to her companions’ bickering, flashed her a look. He must have
thought they were serious and disliked each other. Kai gave Branan a wide grin and a head
shake. He returned the smile, nodding, before shaking his own head at their insults.
The doors opened allowing them to leave the confinement of the box and stopped Oghren from
responding and ending the argument. They made their way down the stone corridor towards the
palace. As they passed Horrowmont’s estate, Kai felt a wave of guilt. She asked Behlen to
spare the man, but he refused. In dealing with Anora, Kai understood. If she had taken
Morrigan up on that ritual, and Ali had lived, they would have been in the same situation.
Execute Anora or forever take the chance that supporters of hers would free the woman and
cause trouble. Still, it was not a shining moment in her life. “Sometimes life hands us the
choice of two evils, my love. You did the best you could with what you were given. And I
know that you did far better with it all, and still do, than I would have.” Alistair’s voice
was the soothing balm now as it had been then, when she had been thrown into a fit of despair,
self-loathing, and doubt. Thanks, beloved, I still feel badly about it all though.
Zevran, perhaps sensing her mood, reached out and grasped her free hand with his, linking
their fingers before raising them to his lips and kissing them. Kai smiled and gave him a
sigh with a wink.
At the palace they were stopped at the doors by guards, asked their business, and then
subjected to a thorough inspection. Once inside, they were subjected to the same before
speaking to the Chamberlain who took the delivery before handing over a leather sack filled
with Branan’s payment. Kai noticed more human’s dressed in noble attire this time, peppered
amongst the dwarven nobility. The tension and un-ease were strongest here.
Sten, and her Scath were ushered into an alcove to speak to Vartag Gavorn, Bhelen’s right-hand
man. While Branan stood talking to the Chamberlain about the expectations of future
shipments, Kai noticed Vartag kept shooting looks her way. Despite her clothing, and her
covering her tattoos, she was certain he recognized her. She cocked an eyebrow at him,
widening her eyes slightly. He quietly rolled his eyes towards her companions standing before
him and back at her. She gave the slightest nod, which he returned. He gave her a pointed
look, but Kai was uncertain to its meaning. She could only return it with a pointed look of
her own, before they turned to leave.
They rode the damnable elevator once more, though Oghren refrained from humming, barely; and
back around to the commons to the area that led to Tapsters and then on to Dust Town, if one
kept going. They did not keep going, but stopped instead at the tavern. Branan knew they
would be leaving him once they had unloaded the kegs for Tapsters. Some of his employees had
already entered Orzammar and were inside Tapsters. They had clothing on that would be
switched out with Kai and Zev, so as not to arouse suspicion. They would leave with Branan.
Argus was with Anders and Ser Pounce since Kai figured that a three hundred pound mabari going
in, but not coming out would certainly garner notice.
So, far they seemed to be getting into place without much trouble, save that whole moment with
Vartag. Kai wasn’t sure if that wasn’t going to bite them all in the backside. She was going
on instinct that Vartag didn’t not like what was going on, and would be on their side. She
hoped so at any rate.
Branan approached Corra the hostess, and owner, and her father, the barkeep, to notify them
of the delivery. They were ushered to the back storeroom behind the bar where Kai and Zevran
met with Branan’s servants. They quickly exchanged clothing and Branan and his employees left
the storeroom with a bit of a noise so they would be noticed. Kai and Zevran using their
rogue skills walked in the shadows and made their way to the front of the tavern before
reappearing as if they had just walked in the door.
They made their way back to Corra who stood again in her usual place by the bar greeting
newcomers. She gave them the standard greeting but with a sly wink. Kai grinned and at her,
“I’d like a drink, and your ale batter fried nug. One for me and my friend here.” Kai nodded
her head at Zevran.
Corra smiled, "With fifty-two types of ales, seventeen types of mead, and a dozen imported
wines, we should be able to serve your needs. As to the fried nug, well we ran out and the
batter needs to steep in the ale for a time. I can recommend the Oghren’s Special though,
named for one of our own who became a hero during the Blight fighting with the ‘Hero of
Ferelden’ may she rest with the Stone. What'll you have?"
Kai kept from snorting, barely, “Oghren’s Special for both of us. A mug of mead for me, and a
glass of your best Antivan red for my friend here.”
Corra nodded, and motioned for one of the bar maids to lead them to a table. The dark-haired
dwarf walked up to them with a slight smile. She was beautiful, with smooth skin, green hazel
eyes, and striking features. The silken skin of her face was marred only by the tattoo for
the casteless on her right cheek, and the beautiful geometric design on her forehead. She
gave them a slight bow, before waving an arm indicating they should follow her in that
direction.
The bar maid led them to the back of the tavern sitting them in one of the furthest seats but
strategic in that they had their backs to a wall and they could see the entire bar. Kai spent
only a moment wondering if Corra gave instructions to her staff about her preference on not
letting anyone come up behind them. That was soon dispelled when the bar maid gave a quick
glance around before leaning in, “Hello, ‘Hero of Ferelden’.”
Modifié par Gilgamesh1138, 13 octobre 2010 - 12:26 .
#323
Posté 11 octobre 2010 - 06:06
Lynn01
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Ooooooh very nice again Gil! Still love all of your updates 
#324
Posté 11 octobre 2010 - 08:53
LadyAly
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- 2 149 messages
I love it - perfect written as always
#325
Posté 13 octobre 2010 - 12:27
Gilgamesh1138
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Thanks you guys! You made my day! *HUGS*
