Hey chapter 2 is up a running. So plzz R & R whether it is to give advice, constructive criticism or just to say I'm doing a good job. Tell your friends about my story so enjoy. Also to the people who have favorited this story thank you all for the support but can you plzz R&R as well thank you. Also gotta give props to CyanideMuffins7 and MountainGoat for their help with making this chapter what it is. Also this chapter has swears on Night's part. She is going to have quite the mouth on her so just it out there. ;) Also making it M rayed for swears and future topics. Now that's out of the way enjoy. And to those who have subscribed and favorited thank you but don't forget review! REWORKED
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Chapter 2: A New Family
Night stirred and mumbled as she slept. Duncan glanced at her from his seat beside her bed and watched as she batted at her nose. Duncan had carried her in to the rundown Alienage orphanage after she collapsed outside. The room he had placed her in was only large enough for a bed-which she was currently occupying-a small night tabled and a chair. The floor boards were rotting away and covered in patches of moss, the roof looked as though it was going to collapse at any moment, and the walls, cheap paint, was chipped away revealing the rotting under boards.
She really was the oddest person he had met. From her armor to the dagger that was sheathed above her left breast on a leather belt that led from her left shoulder to her right hip. He could tell that her sleep was deeply troubled and she mumbled a lot . When he had gotten her into the room at the orphanage and into a bed, she had quickly curled herself into the fetal position.
Most of her mumblings were just ramblings but he could make out some intelligible conversation. She spoke of fire and death. He dared to lean closer, and heard her mutter the same name over and over breathlessly in what could be described as horror. Alduin, Alduin, Alduin.
Night, without warning, shot up in bed, hands reaching for her daggers. She waved it wildly in front of her, as an inhuman snarl uncoiled itself from her throat and fangs extended from her mouth. Duncan covered his alarm beneath a mask of composition. He looked at the dagger that was now near his neck. It was made of a strange black metal, it was easily a foot long, the blade itself smooth from tip to the handle, the handles itself was wrapped in leather, the pommel was curved up to a point towards the handle, the opposite end from the blade looked like it was scaled and the whole dagger had a strange red glow about it.
He couldn't understand how she could still be capable of speech, not that she seemed idiotic, quite the opposite actually, but she seem no better than some rabid animal. She made him remember a flower he had come across in his travels before he became a Grey Warden. It is blood red with purple running around the edges of the petals and had a sickening sweet scent. It was beautiful, but you couldn't touch it. Razor-sharp thorns jutted inches out defensively from the stem. Beautiful to look from a distance, get closer you could see its thorns, but you could never get close enough to pick it.
"You are awake. I was a worried that you might not rejoin the living'" Duncan said letting a reassuring smile spread across his lips. She narrowed her eyes at him but didn't lower her weapon and her fangs were still sticking out of her top lips down to the bottom of her chin. She kept its blade centimeters away from his neck . Duncan could try to chop her arm with the side of his hand before she had a chance to move, making her drop her weapon. The problem with that was that he didn't know how fast she was. She was an assassin also, she was a vampire a monstrous creature of legends. From what he understood of the little lore that is left on their species they were hunted to extinction by the ancient Tevinter Empire. In the end, it only her speed versus his strength and undoubtedly he would be on the losing side.
Taking a chance before the situation lead itself to violence and his death he decided to strike up conversation. "There is a bowl of porridge on the windowsill and a glass of well what I think you might drink," He said waving his hand towards the bowl and glass. He was unsure of the drink was a good idea, or not
She lowered her dagger, her fangs retracted, and sniffed the air. "Pig?" she asked, clearly about the contents of the cup.
"Yes. It was all the butcher had," he replied. He watched triumphantly, as she got off the bed and walked towards the windowsill rolling her shoulders, sore from hours of inactivity.
She picked the cup up and sniffed it again. He couldn't help but let out a small laugh at the sight, but it was quickly stifled by a filthy look on her part" Mirzz tulz," she said sitting back down on the bed. Duncan cocked his head in confusion. He knew enough Elven to speak to the Dalish Keeper without them getting offended, but he had no idea what language this elf spoke. She shook her head and sighed "It means I don't want it,"
"Ah," He asked. "And why is that?"
"I do not trust your kind, Imperial," she replied. That statement confused Duncan even more. Were humans were she came from called Imperial's or was it a title she had chosen for him, he asked himself.
"Night, I paid the best healers in Denerim to come and make sure you survived. The guard had been particularly ruthless to your face." He said handing her a mirror. She looked at her reflection with indifference, like she was used to seeing herself in such a state. Her right eye had a gash above the eyebrow and said eye had a bruise that was turning yellow, her lip was split on the left side. Yet she still had a sort of twisted beauty. She put the mirror down and turned to him. "Yeah no shit. Guards normally don't take it easy on an assassin," she said sarcastically, "but more importantly what do you want in return for your aid?"
"I want nothing of you. I had a hunch about you," he said, causing her to raise her split eyebrow.
"Ha, A hunch eh? And do tell what this hunch of yours is?" tilting her head in mock interest. He let is guard down a little, but not all the way since she was an undoubtedly a highly lethal assassin and vampire, even though she hadn't tried to kill him yet.
The funny thing was that this women reminded him of Alistair, a dark, cold, cynical Alistair though but Alistair no doubt. "I just believe that you will be a great hero one day."
"Been there, done that," she replied casting her eyes down to the floor.
"I do not mean to pry Night, but I do not understand what you mean?" he asked. She took a moment to answer. Duncan honestly didn't mean to pry, but he wanted to see if this girl could be brought back into the light or if she was lost in the darkness forever. Her body went rigid, he obviously struck something.
"Have you heard about the Dragonborn in this part of the world or the legend of the Dragonborn?" she asked
He nodded before saying , "I can't say I have."
She sighed "The Dragonborn are rare individuals that are born with the body of a human, but the blood and soul of a dragon. They were said to have to have died the after the end of the Septim Dynasty 320 years ago," she said, " But in ancient Nordic legends Dragonborn were gifted with the knowledge of the Thu'um or Voice by the god Akatosh, who is the chief deity for the Nine… sorry Eight Divine, not that I give a shit but back to the point. The Voice is the ability to use the Dragon words of power or Shouts. 120 years ago a Dragonborn revealed herself and stopped Alduin, the first-born of Akatosh, from devouring the world,"
"Well that sounds like a fine tale but how do you know…." Was all he could say before the he felt the urge to slap his forehead. How could he be so stupid?
"Maker, I am sorry I can't believe I didn't see it sooner," he said. But what shocked him more was that this woman standing in front of him was 120 plus years old, he would have to ask her about that as well later, if he had the chance.
He looked at Night as she bit her lip, she looked so defenseless, it was almost impossible to him that she could be such a cold hearted assassin, let alone the person who had probably saved all the world, and she most certainly did not look to be any older than 18. Yet looks could be deceiving. Most certainly in Alistair's case. He appeared to be a handsome young man and mature. And yet when he opened his mouth all that would come out would be some simple witty joke. She looked back at him, her face quickly changing from the defenseless little girl to the cold hearted murder with a shake of her head.
"No need," she said, "`it is a crazy story, I know. It's more well known in Skyrim."
"How did a person such as the Dragonborn become to be an assassin?"
Her body tensed up again and she suddenly turned to look to her right making sure "Not just any assassin the Listener for the Dark Brotherhood," she replied with pride. A sad smile spread across face. Clearly the was a sad story attached to her tile but… The Dark Brotherhood? He had no idea who or what they were, but they did not sound like your average guild of assassins, the sounded far more ominous than the Antivan Crows. Also Listener was a title he was unfamiliar with,
"It is a long story," she finished.
"I have time,"
"Not enough time,"
He smiled inwardly at her quick wit. She would get along with Alistair very well.
"I do bel…" he was cut off by the door slamming open and a guard rushing in.
"Ser! Ser! Grey Warden," the guard said breathing heavily.
"Yes?" Duncan asked.
The timing couldn't have been more perfect.
He leaned over with his hands on his knees to try to catch his breath. When he caught his breath he finally spoke up, "Lady Liana is in the Alienage to decide the elf's fate."
"So the court has moved down here has it?" Duncan asked
"Uh…no Ser. It's just her and some guardsmen."
"What! You mean to say she will not be judged in front of the court?"
"No the Lady wants the accused elf should be killed and criminal should plea for her life," the Guardsman said. Duncan could tell that he was not overly pleased with the idea, but he was probably just following orders. Duncan was about say something, but before he could he was cut out by the most bizarre sound from behind him. Night was laughing hysterically like she had just heard a funny jest. "She wants me to plea for my life! Like I haven't heard that before, Ha. She should be the one pleading, for she is the one who is going to spend eternal torment serving Sithis in the Void," she said before continuing her laughing. He felt a chill run down his spine and the hairs on the back of his neck stand
"You mean to tell me that you are deciding whether she lives or dies?" Duncan hissed.
Night stepped forward in front of him causing the guard to back-up past the battered doorway leading into the room. Duncan was positive the effect was much more powerful with her.
"Just get this elf outside now, Ser!" the guard snapped before turning on his heels and storming off.
He was shocked at the injustice of the entire situating even though it didn't surprise him
"Then we best be moving on, Night,"
"Best I do. I do not want to keep the Dread Father waiting," She said with a glee that reminded him of Calian when Duncan talked about the Grey Wardens, "Oh and Duncan," he turned to her to see her pulling the black leather hood over her head, "Thank you," she said before pulling a beautiful red silk cloth over her face covering her mouth and nose leaving her disturbing red eyes cover by shadows from her hood completely obscuring her beautiful face.
As Night cringe at the smell of this place as she left the orphanage. It smelt of death, sweat, fear and sorrow. Roots from the massive tree in the centre of the square, were growing out from the cobble stone. Piles of garbage were piled about. It reminded her of the Grey Quarter in Windhelm, but even then the Grey Quarters were cleaned on a regular basis.
It had surprised him to see the crowd of elves surrounding Lady Lisane and her guards. Duncan led Night through the crowd of elves who all parted to make way for Night.
Lady Liana was a short, miniature, compared to Night, with long and wavy dark red hair- much the same color of Nights eyes-hanging down to the small of her back. She wore a dress of extravagant make with blue and yellow fabric, fit for a minor noble. The woman might beautiful if it wasn't for how sickly the woman look.
Her hair was plastered to her face from sweat, her skin was unnaturally pale, and there were dark bags under her eyes. It must be Night's poison, he thought to himself. He felt pity for the woman. She was about to die from poisoning and she didn't even know it, she probably just thought it was a cold or maybe the flu, or some seasonal illness. He thought of telling Lady Liana of the poisoning and to go find a healer for her and her family, but he felt that it wouldn't be an overly wise, "You're sure that this is the elf that attacked you?" a tall guard that stood on Lady Liana's right inquired.
Lady Liana glanced up at him angrily.
"You tend to remember knife-eared wenches with glowing orange eyes when they try to murder you, so yes," she said in an irritatingly high voice. She was struggling to stay up right so she leaned on the guard to her right, who looked rather displeased with that. Duncan turned around to see Night eyes light up with mischief as she looked at her Lady Liana. It reminded him of the way a cat played with a mouse that it had caught.
The guard that had came to collect Night from the orphanage stepped forward and produced a small piece of parchment from a worn leather pouch and took a deep breath as though it was a chore for him.
"Elf, you have been charged with the attempted murder of Lady Liana. How do you plead?"
"Guilty," Night said uninterestedly.
No! Oh, Maker. Maker. She'd pleaded guilty; and there was nothing now Duncan could do to help her. "In that case; I hereby condemn you, Elf, to death. You will be escorted by arm, to Fort Drakon were you will wait for your execution. Bind her, John." A smaller, weasel of a guard moved forward producing a rusted pair of cast iron shackles, from his hips and walked towards him. "Wait!" Duncan exclaimed stepping between Night and the guard, John. "I hereby conscript this prisoner into the Grey Wardens," he announced. "What does that mean?" Night asked.
"It allows the Grey Wardens to recruit anyone."
"What!" Lady Liana shrieked like a harpy. "She is mine, mine, mine! She is my property. I will cut of her ears and feed them to my dogs. I will break her legs and make her crawl to kiss my boots! She is mine!"
Lady Liana launched herself at Night who nimbly dodged behind her, placing a hand on her back and pushing her forward and, much to Duncan's joy, the harpy fell face first into a puddle of mud causing Night to laugh in her exotic way.
"Sithis be praised!" ,she exclaimed, "You cannot touch me!" Night sang while the guards shook their heads and moving to help the shrieking Lady Liana from the mud.
"Night I'm serious about you becoming a Grey Warden," Duncan said ending her own personal celebration.
"Well no shit you wouldn't do it if you didn't mean what you said," she replied.
"I don't think you understand the situation,"
She looked at him cautiously, before slowly asking, "What do you mean?"
"It means that you won't be able to go back to Tamriel. You won't have any family apart from the other Grey Warden's, you understand? You'll be dead to them,"
She took a step back and started shaking her head furiously.
"I will not leave my Family. I will not forsake my Dark Brothers and Sisters, the Nightmother and Dread Father!" she yelled. The look I her eyes were on of pure horror. It was strange, she was assassin, and she didn't feel bad that she had poisoned and killed an entire family including the child, but as soon as it came to her guild, things changed.
"Night, you will die if you don't become a Grey Warden. The guards will execute you if they see you again and you're not a Warden. I'm giving you a choice over life and death! Now do you understand or not?"
"I understand," she spoke softly. Pulling down the red silk cloth down around neck. She smiled exotically revealing her bright white fangs. "Sure, why the hell not. I'll give it a whirl," Duncan nodded and motioned his hand for them to leave.
They made their way to the gate before the bridge leading out of the Alienage "Wait!" Night exclaimed placing a hand on his shoulder. "What, why? " he asked turning to face the taller exotic woman, her red silk mask was back on, obscuring her identity.
"Just wait a sec' please," she pleaded and turned back to the direction of the Lady Liana. He was fuming at her guards. "W…." his question was answered when he saw Lady Liana's body tense up, her hands shot up to claw at her neck. He watched as her body went limp and fell to the ground, dead, "Okay now we can go!"
Whew! Chapter two everyone. Night's has a light Russian accent for anyone who is wondering. Stay tuned for Chapter Three it probably is going to be up by next week! Next chapter Duncan gets some answers and Night visits Ostagar. Killa1934 signin off "until next!"