The Absence

There is a strident cry.

That is how he knows which halls to take. If only he could guarantee his timing. He has been late before, today. And many other days besides. It is a habit, though not one he cares to admit. It does not abide with his promise.

Another cry echoes out through the countless halls of his unwanted dominion. At its sounding he slows, his body slowly turning. Then, steeling himself, he presses on, doors opening to halls and rooms that he hasn't yet had time to recognise.

It is hours before he finds himself a room away from the shrieking and yelling, smashing and clattering. Storming ahead, he throws the door open to the sight of attendants scattering. The great lump is sat on the floor, surrounded by carnage, head held low, but turning, constantly in motion. Constantly searching.

It breaks his heart.

"Come here, boy," he coos, voice cracking as he crouches, trying not to fall. "Come here…"

The servants have gone now. The doors are closing. Warnings are going out. Do Not Enter. Do Not Disturb. Leave them be…

Slowly, paws being dragged across the stone floor, the Mabari reaches Alistair. A low whine rumbles from the back of its throat. Its eyes are wide with longing, with confusion. It is no stranger to loss, and he knows better than to doubt its intelligence, but he can find no other description for its nudging of his hand.

The Mabari whines again, Where is she?

And there is nothing that Alistair can say.


Original synopsis -

Alistair, newly crowned king, finds his time taken up not by politics, but by a promise he had sworn to his Warden during the Battle of Denerim.

Link to original: post/111034820501/the-absence