LXXIX
I had the pleasure of meeting Knight Captain Cullen today. At first, I was quite thrilled to see that Templars do not restrict their abuse to mages; seeing a Templar abusing another was definitely refreshing. Unfortunately, the other Templar turned out to be an abomination, which sort of spoiled the fun. I was really glad to have Anders along, since two mages against two Templars, albeit consecutively, stand a better chance, but our dear Captain was so absorbed in his own hacking and slashing that he never noticed the two of us casting for our very lives like mad. Must be the lyrium, I suppose. – But I must admit that Cullen is quite charming, for a Templar, and he's definitely a gentleman, since he never asked why a woman of my age needs a walking stick as tall as herself and looks somewhat more charred than at the beginning of our conversation.
XXVII
Today we met Uncle Gamlen for the first time. To say that I was rather unimpressed is quite an understatement. The man hasn't washed in weeks, and his clothes… I must admit I was somewhat at a loss, as I clearly recall more than just a couple of occasions when Mother claimed that Amells were nobility. Either Gamlen didn't get the same speech, or it may be that in other parts of the world, nobility has another meaning.
Anyway. I was quite shocked that he had the gall to comment on Mother's appearance! Mother's! Seriously, I don't dare to wear such neckline as she does – though I must admit her anti-wrinkles lotion works better than magic. I hope that she will share the recipe one day.
XXXIII
Uncle Gamlen is broke! Wow, what a surprise. No money, no mansion, no nothing – just plenty of liquor on his breath. So much for a happy family reunion and a cosy living in Kirkwall. For some reason, though, Mother still thinks it's worth trying to get in. Well, I could certainly come up with a dozen places where an apostate like me would be better off, and probably even wouldn't have to sell my services to pay back the debt.
As could have been expected, Carver seems rather thrilled by the idea; after all, his musculature will come to good use like this. But, oh my: does the boy show an unhealthy fascination with the four-letter words our future employer uses so frequently. It's so much Carver, being impressed by that and totally ignoring that we were just sent to commit a murder to get the job. Amazing what some males imagine as means of showing off their masculinity. – Or, maybe it's just Carver.
LXXII
Finally back from the hiking trip. My feet are just aching but I had to make a detour to the Alienage before I could finally rest. I brought there that Merry-something person and left as quickly as I could, thought she invited me for tea and cakes and a little chat. Mother is right, we do need to move away from the Lowtown, I sure don't want to live in the same neighbourhood when miss I-know-what-I'm-doing starts doing it with demons.
MMMXII
Today I made a shocking discovery: Fenris is a fetishist! I found him wearing a red band round his wrist, which I immediately recognized as the band from my nightie I was wearing when our little misadventure happened. I am more than glad now that it ended so fast, I can't stand freaks.
Now that I think of it: there have been quite a couple of my unmentionables which I sent for laundering and never saw them again. I always suspected Isabela but now I believe I know the real culprit.