Hi all! Okay I have no idea how this little story came to be it just got into my head one day and I thought 'wouldn't that be interesting'. Anyways I hope you guys like it and please feedback would be much appreciated I would really like to hear some opinions about this.
For those readers out there that have been reading my "Beyond the Shadows" story I apologize for the lack of updates because I have come across the biggest writer's block ever! Grrrrrrr. But have no fear the term is almost over and I am determined to try and fight my way through that horde of darkspawn that's in my way.
Oh! Before I forget this story world there are no darkspawn or demons just to let you know.
Disclaimer: I don't own Dragon Age and all that. You know the drill.
Once upon a time there lived a girl in a village near the vast mountain range of the Frostback Mountains on the far western side of the kingdom of Ferleden. The many trees that laid beyond the range of the town had begun to turn to their vibrant colours of reds, yellows, and oranges. The air was crisp on this fine autumn day and it only took one particular individual to ruin it. It is here in the village of Malair where our story begins.
"Good afternoon, Leliana," upon hearing her name a young woman with bright red hair stopped and turned to the source of the voice. It was the middle of the Fall and around where Leliana stood was a grand maple tree with its many leaves decorated in a breathtaking deep shade of red. Shaken lose from their hold on the thin twigs a few leaves fell to the earth and danced on the light breeze that made its way through the market.
"Good day to you, Nathaniel," she returned politely as she saw that it was no other than Nathaniel Howe himself that had called to her. And seeing it was this man that now approached her Leliana could think of only one reason why he would wish to speak to her. "Lovely weather today, isn't it?" she continued making small talk seeing as he now stood in front of her.
"Yes, indeed. But might I ask where that lovely friend of your's is? I've been looking for her all day and I was hoping to speak to her."
Leliana looked the young man over. Nathaniel Howe was dressed as usual in his fancy and elaborate clothes as one would expect the son of a lord of a town such as theirs. He came from a rich family and, yes, even though his parents expect him to marry a woman of proper class as worthy of a status as theirs, Nathaniel had other plans of his own.
Postponing her reply a little longer than she should have Leliana replied, "I'm afraid I don't know. I haven't seen her all day myself."
Nathaniel's anxious face quickly turned to one of a frown, "Well, if you see her, let her know that I am looking for her."
"Of course," she said with a sympathetic smile, as after all this was a routine act. After waiving good-bye to the man and watching him safely disappear around the corner, Leliana turned her gaze to the tree that loomed over her.
"All clear, Kieta!" she called up and, in a matter of seconds, a girl jumped down from above and braced her landing to join Leliana.
"Maker, that was a close one," she said as she rose to her full height. Before Leliana stood her best friend Kieta Halivier. The two of them were of average height but that was the only thing that was similar about their physical appearance. Where Leliana had a loud colour of red hair that was cropped just past her ears, dazzling blue eyes, and a love for dresses Kieta's appearance was more subtle. She had a thick mane of soft, brown hair that settled just past her shoulders, and would show streaks of honey and red when the sunlight hit it at just the right angle. Her dark chocolate eyes brought comfort to those in her company. When it came to clothes Kieta preferred a more comfortable style donning herself in a tunic, breeches and sturdy leather boots. Though once in a while, she would wear one of the many robes that her mother made for her. For you see Kieta was born of a family of mages and healers. Her father being of mage origin while her mother was a herbal healer. Though the magical properties of a mage were not passed onto her she still enjoyed wearing the clothing similar to that of her father. Leliana, in her mind, wished her friend had a little more fashion sense as she tried again and again to give Kieta a make over, but alas Kieta would have none of that.
It was her friend here that Nathaniel had been in dire search for as he had on a daily basis for the past 2 years. Ever since he first set eyes on her Nathaniel had his heart set on marrying her friend and who could blame him? Kieta was a bright girl, excellent company, reliable, friendly, was wonderful to the local children and was sure to make a promising wife and mother in the future.
"So same reason today?" Leliana asked.
"As the same reason it is everyday, Lel. Every time he wants to talk it's always about the same old thing as it has been for the past 2 years." Kieta replied exasperated in her tone and with her arms.
Leliana couldn't help but laugh at her display, "Oh yes, the unspeakable topic along with the damning word."
"Maker, please don't start. All I ask for is one single day for some…"
"There you are Kieta!" Nathaniel called as he broke from out of the crowd nearby interrupting their conversation.
Kieta immediate cringed at the sound of his voice. The man would not simply leave her alone. Anytime she went out of her house Nathaniel Howe always seemed to be everywhere and anywhere. Was there no escape from the blasted man?
"Maker, give me strength." Kieta whispered to whatever god may be listening before she turned around and put on her fake cheerful act whenever he came around. "Nathaniel," she forced herself to say nicely when he joined them, "how are you today?"
"I've been looking for you all day, Kieta. Can we talk privately?" he asked ignoring her simple question.
"Not right now, Nathaniel. I have some errands I need to run for my mother." Trying to avoid the conversation she knew that she going to have with him. It was after all the same one he insisted on having nearly every week.
"I promise it won't take long and besides your mother can wait, can't she?"
"Very well then," Kieta gave up. Best to get it over with anyhow, she thought as the Howe dragged her away by the arm from her friend. Maker, why did she have to be so nice?
"What is it, Nathaniel?" Kieta asked even though she already knew exactly what was going to be the topic of their discussion.
"Kieta… I know I've asked you this many times before, but I was wondering if perhaps you have changed your mind about my marriage proposal?" And right on target Kieta suspicions were right on target. This conversation happened so often that she practically had it memorized by heart. And that wasn't a good thing! Nathaniel had asked her this time and time again and each and every time she gave the same answer.
"The answer is no." Kieta replied coolly as the man in front of her began wasting her time yet again.
As routine, Nathaniel was left dumb struck at her reply. " I don't understand why you insist on refusing me, Kieta. After last year what with happened to your father…"
"Don't you dare bring my father into this!" Kieta snapped.
"Kieta, your father would have wanted you to get married, settle down, raise a family. He would have wanted someone to look after you." He tried to reason her.
"Meaning you?" she scoffed disbelievingly. Kieta could imagine a lot of things, but having a life with someone like Nathaniel Howe was something that she could not do.
"Why not? Keita, I care for you a great deal. I would take care of you, see to that you live a proper life and everything. Your father…"
What was with him dragging her father into this? "You know nothing of what my father would have wanted for me. And I know he would have wanted me to be happy."
This comment outraged the man, "And you don't see yourself happy with me?"
"Quite frankly no," Kieta answered as cold and icy as she could, "Nathaniel, I have told you time and time again that I have no interest in marrying you. I don't know how much clearer I can make it." She stood her ground and refused to be pressured or guilted in any way whatsoever in this matter.
"Maker, Kieta, don't you see we are perfect for each other," he began to plead desperately. Nathaniel could not phantom a reason why this woman would reject a handsome, wealthy man like himself. Any girl that would marry him would be set for life. All the other pretty girls in the village flung themselves at him; all but Kieta Halivier, making her all the more desirable to him.
"And if we are oh so perfect for each other then what is it that you know of me?" Of this Kieta was interested in hearing the answer. Then maybe she could figure out a way to repulse him and get him to leave her alone for good.
"You're beautiful Kieta and you're great with the village children and um…."
"And what?" Kieta tapped her foot impatiently not at all impressed by his poor response to her question.
"Well, what else is there?" Hearing this broke Kieta's final straw of patience.
"Nathaniel, you and I are never going to happen! Ever!" Kieta never got mad and on the few occasions that she did she was a force no man or beast should dare reckon with. But, seeing as Nathaniel was not the sharpest tool in the shed, he continued his retaliation.
"Why not? Kieta I see a life with you. I see you playing with our children, cooking meals…"
'That's all he sees me as?' she thought as she instantly droned out the pathetic list that apparently was suppose to make her see reason. All Nathaniel sought was a pretty little wife to stand next to, pop out his bastard children, and dolt on his every need and wish. Someone to look after the house, organize the servants and, Maker, knows what other kind of boring tasks to perform. What kind of life was that? Certainly not one for her, that's for sure.
Gathering the last of her strength Kieta tried in a final attempt to get the next few sentences out of her mouth and into that bloody head of his. "Nathaniel, get this through that thick skull of your's. The answer is no and it will always be no. Now for the love of the Maker, leave me alone!" And, with her final words on the subject, Kieta stormed away and back to the safe company of her friend leaving Nathaniel behind who simply watched her go.
"I'll make you see, Kieta. I'll open your eyes to all that we could be."
Yes, that sounds creepy and I'm sorry to any Nathaniel fans out there, but he just gives me the ... well, creeps. lol Now please review I can only make improvements and whatnot if I get some feedback from you guys! So please pretty please review! =)
- Silvergrace