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Thick blankets of snow covered all of Ferelden's grounds, chilly breezes danced through the air. Children eagerly hopped out of bed in hopes that the winter's jolly messenger, Father Wintersday, would have visited in the night on a glorified sled led by nine halla. And when they had reached the decorated fireplace, they would find bountiful presents covered in fine cloths and neatly tied bows. This was Wintersday, a time when all of Ferelden forgot many of its troubles and celebrated. Unfortunately, it was also the time of the Blight, the darkspawn threat ever-so-slightly dampening the festive mood.
And then, Mahariel and her merry band come into the picture. They may have the burden of stopping this Blight, but it did not restrict them to celebrating. But, there was one more problem...
...
"How could you possibly not know what Wintersday is?" Alistair complained, shivering at the cold as he scooted closer to the morning fire ablaze in the pit.
"I'm a Dalish, Alistair, I was not taught of these 'special' shemlen days." She replied in a civil manner, raising an eyebrow at his inquisitive stare.
"Surely you could have atleast heard something about it..." He sighed disappointingly as Mahariel raised a hand to pinch the bridge of her nose, fearing a headache. The dog then began to bark happily to the other Grey Warden.
"Even the dog knows something about Wintersday!" He exclaimed, earning the estranged stares of various people settled around the campfire.
"Why am I not surprised?" Morrigan scoffed, "Soon he'll be understanding nugs."
Oghren took a long swig of ale before looking over at Alistair. "Sodding hell, and I thought I had the problems." He began to chuckle, elbowing Wynne as he did so. The old mage scooted over in disgust before expressing a calming look.
"Alistair, she was raised differently, taught a separate religion and mannerisms. You should respect that."
The man in question ran a hand through his hair and thought for a moment before giving off a rather bright expression. Zevran looked over to him rather uncomfortably. "That look on his face is very unsettling.."
"Why don't we teach her about it?"
"We? And just were did you get this 'we' from?" Sten frowned.
"I think that's a wonderful idea!" Leliana exclaimed happily, seeming to be the only one approving of this 'devious' plan.
"Alistair, please. We have a Blight to stop and I will not learn the ways of a shem." Mahariel answered disapprovingly, crossly folding her arms.
"T'is a point she makes. And I, for one, will not bother for this." Morrigan said before walking back to her own, isolated camp.
"Please, Mahariel? It'll only take a few minutes!"
"No."
"Please?"
"No."
"Please?"
"Fine!"
"Yes! Okay, first, let's start with how Father Wintersday came into existence.." Alistair explained as Mahariel looked on with slight interest. As they began their "history" lesson, Oghren and Zevran looked to them before taking out their coin purses.
"5 sovereigns says she beats him up halfway through."
"You have a deal, my friend."
Wynne put a hand to her forehead and sighed, "I really am too old for this.."
It was going to be one long Wintersday.
Happy Holidays, everyone! I know it's a little late, because I procrastinate. :)
