"There are no flowers, no not this time,
There'll be no angels gracing the lines,
Just these stark words, I find.
I'd show a smile, but I'm too weak,
I'd share with you could I only speak,
Just how much this, hurts me."
AFI- This Time Imperfect
Alistair had insisted on seeing the new recruits. Leliana lead him down the winding stairs of the castle, asking him endless questions about the wedding digging for pieces of gossip to discuss with the household ladies later. Misame took this opportunity that had him distracted to open the letter from Bann Teagan, it was short;
My lady,
The honour and pleasure is entirely mine. I shall meet you in the morning at the Grey Wardens estate.
Your humble servant, Teagan.
She felt a colour raise in her cheeks and her stomach constrict, Leliana was not lying when she said that Teagan was happy. A Bann, telling her, a mage, that he was her humble servant! I must not dwell on this, she thought, but a small part of her was lifted by this expression of love and gratitude. Leliana opened the repaired front gates and they walked into the courtyard.
Eleven of the potential recruits stood in a wide circle around the twelfth and Sten, who were dueling. Sten easily blocked the trainee elves clumsy parrays and thrusts. Oghern prowled the inside of the circle shouting both abuse and encouragement. Sten got bored with the elve's valiant attempts and easily disarmed him. The longsword clattered to the floor and the Quarani sheathed his own blade. Sten noticed them and nodded in their direction, he never spoke in front of the recruits which, coupled with his fierce mastery of his greatsword, had installed a great respect for him in their mind's. He was happy to let Oghren do the instructing, and the experienced Dwarf rose to the occasion. Misame held a deep hope that they would both stay, but she knew the Quarani would soon return to his homeland. The group turned to face them, and Misame stepped forwards.
"Recruits," she started, feeling that an introduction was necessary. "As you know, I was not the only Grey Warden to survive the treachery at Ostager. Nor was I the only Warden who raised an army, battled the blight and slayed the arch demon. This is Grey Warden Alistair soon to be King of Ferelden. I trust you will listen to any advice he gives and take his word's to heart." She looked to Alistair, expecting to see him awkward and embarrassed at the prospect, but he rose to the occasion excellently. He really had changed, she thought as she listened.
"It is important for you to understand what being a Grey Warden is about. It is more than just slaying darkspawn, we are protectors of the realm who sacrifice everything to quench this flow of evil. We shall not rest until the taint is eliminated. Only the best of you shall make it through, but they shall become revered throughout the ages, and remembered for their unerring bravery and strength. In war, victory. In peace, vigilance. In death, sacrifice." Alistair sighed heavily. He spoke as though he were still a Grey Warden, now he must speak as their King . "I want you all to know how grateful the crown is to your accomplishments. Let it be noted that those who are chosen to join our number will be rewarded, and their sacrifice's not forgotten. Carry on Oghren."
"Right, you maggots, don't let what his majesty said get to your head. Your still only bleeding recruits and that means you've go a lot of proving yourselves to me before I even think about making you Grey Wardens. Now get back in the Circle. It's my turn to give one of you a dressing down." Alistair, Misame and Leliana stood and watched Ogrhen teach another alienage trainee how to use an axe.
"I'm surprised at how many there are. I thought you'd of found yourself one or two, but twelve! I'm impressed," said Alistair undercover of Oghren's raucous shouts.
"So am I, but to be frank I'm sure more of them are here because of our victory than any other reason. Most of them just want to learn how to wield a weapon, especially the elves. After what happened in the alienage..." Misame's words caught in her mouth as she remembered the horrors that the Loghain had inflicted upon that place. She swallowed, "I would still like to find some well trained recruits. I have written to Irving requesting information on any possible mages, I would truly like to be able to train another Arcane Warrior," she sighed, "But I am sure you have more pressing needs, my lord, do not let us keep you." Alistair looked shocked at her abrupt dismissal of him, but before she could turn and walk off he grabbed her arm. "Wait! I have a favour to ask you," he looked her in the eye. "As you know after the...wedding," he flinched as he said this, "I am going on a tour of the country. I'm going to be gone for two months and Eamon will be acting regent, with Teagan as his advisor. I was wondering if you'd, well, keep them in check as it were. I trust your judgement."
Misame glared at him, the long period without a lyrium potion was making her tetchy and darkening her mood. "I am afraid I cannot be trusted with such power my liege," she spat at him in a whisper, "I am just a lowly mage." She hissed these last two words, turned her back on him and marched through the front door. Maker, I need some lyrium she thought.
