Have I yet mentioned that, as much as I wish, I don't own Dragon Age anything? Well I don't. I am gratefully they let all of us run around in their worlds and rewrite what they've done a superb job on in the first place. Even to my displeasure things seem to be running really too fast too soon. But i'm just chiseling away with words and they decide what comes. You will notice that Ryan's name is interchangeable throughout the story. This is intentional.
Ryan turned to go down into the lower courtyard, heading towards the door into the kitchens. There he entered with a content sigh at the warmth of the kitchen. The Cook looked up and then her eyes lit up at the string of Nugs he held.
"Ah I see you are helping supply the meat lad. I'll get one of my helpers to skin them. Fur can be sent over to the tanner and they can make more winter gear for the soldiers." The cook was a rather happy woman who treated him like her son.
"More like Wrath decided to play and bring back her prizes to me. But I know you will appreciate it. I did suggest next time she play with a Ram. It would be more meat for everyone." He said with a wry smile and the cook laughed.
"Aye laddie. But this will do for the stew I am making. So thank you." She bowed her head and Ryan did the same.
"I'll get out of your hair now though if you have a few rolls I'd be happy to make them disappear. I didn't realize I'd been out of the keep that long. Missed lunch." He gave her a sheepish smile.
The cook laughed but then plopped a basket before him filled with buttered rolls. "Those are still warm enough for you. A growing boy shouldn't be prevented from eating twice his weight a day."
He picked up three and smiled. "Thanks. Oh, do you have another bone for Wrath?"
The Cook's eyes widen a moment and then she turned, reaching and picking up a thick bone which she tossed to the Mabari. "Aye, been saving that for your girl. Now off with the both of you."
Ryan nodded and the two exited back out of the kitchen. The pseudo stable was in front of him and he could see the Stable Master peering at one of the pens. Curious, he wandered over, stuffing the second roll into his mouth and chewing. The Stable Master was giving a rather irate look to what appeared to be an elk of some kind.
The elk snorted at the stable master and he returned the favor. "Grouchy bastard. Go on, keep on doing that. I'll leave that wrapped up in your antlers till you can't stand it."
At that Ryan stepped up next to the Stable Master only to see the Elk had branches and hay wrapped up in his antlers. He snorted in amusement, almost choking on the roll he managed to swallow. "Just how in the name of all that is holy did he do that?"
The stable master shrugged. "Came that way and made it worse rooting around the hay. Won't even let me close enough to him to get it out."
Ryan nodded and shifted the pack to the small of his back. He approached the stall door and rested his arms on the top of it. The Elk gave him a wary look a moment before shaking its head to rid itself of its unwanted passengers. The stable master rolled his eyes and grunted, turning away to take care of his other charges. The Elk eventually got use to him being there and finally sauntered over. Ryan held his hand out and the creature delicately sniffed his hand.
Carefully Ryan scratched between its eyes and the creature leaned into the touch. He sighed softly and rubbed up towards the antlers. The creature's ears flicked and Ryan chuckled. "Ah, you're ticklish. Well let's see if we can help that." Carefully he opened the stall door and slipped in. The Elk gave no indication of being bothered by him and he rubbed its head. It had dark fur with a reddish tint to it. He had no clue what it was but it needed help so he reached up and started to scratch at the base of the antlers.
The Elk leaned into the touch and finally relaxed enough that Ryan was able to remove the mess from the rack. After that the Elk nudged his chest and he smiled. "You are most welcome. I bet that wasn't comfortable."
The creature grunted and then lowered its head to pick up some hay and chew on it. He ran his fingers over the creature's back and found the itchy spots to relieve. That is how Jez found him, making friends of an irate and obstinate Wild Hart. It had a coat of red, unusual for the breed but beautiful all the same. She stood there and watched him as he carefully removed the mess from the hart's antlers and then started to pet it. It was hard not to smile at the scene before her. Reluctantly she cleared her throat which made both the hart and Ryan look her way.
"As much as I like watching you make friends of things that don't want to be friends, dinner will be happening in an hour and I'd like a short ride. Care to saddle up that monster and accompany me?" She smiled at the man and he rested his hand against the hart's neck.
The hart leaned against him a moment then nudged him. He laughed. "Well I take that as a yes on his part. Though I have no idea how to saddle one of these big guys."
The stable master grunted and brought over a saddle which he set on the gate. "Well you are about to learn lad. Here, take this saddle pad."
With Dennet's help he saddled up the hart and put the bridle on it. Then he walked out of the stall with the hart docilely following him. Dennet just grunted at the hart's actions. Well some animals were just particular.
"I don't know what you did lad but that boy was not very happy before. Seems you got a might bit of a gift with him. Here, let me help you up." Dennet cupped his hand and helped get Ryan into the saddle.
Ryan shifted in the saddle till it felt right to him. Jez was waiting for him with her own mount, a salt and peppered mare with what appeared to be stripes in its coat. The hart snorted at the mare who gave him a calm look. Jez nudged the mare and Ryan rubbed his foot against the hart's side. The hart followed the mare out and down into the flatter valley. There Jez shifted the mare to slow down and the hart came abroad of her.
"I take about an hour a day to escape everyone and be by myself but I think I can say I would really enjoy your company. You treat me like a woman, not a figure," she said and glanced to the side at the man.
Ryan had the reins loosely in his fingers when she spoke and turned towards her. "Considering a figure doesn't respond, I rather have you talk to me." He actually missed talking to her and before it was only once. Still she left a huge impression on him.
Jez laughed and it was a bright sound that made him smile. "Considering Snow here gets irritated if I don't take her out, its best to do so. She puts me in my place all the time."
Wrath whined softly and Ryan glanced down. The hart turned his head and touched his nose to Wrath's muzzle. He got a lick from the Mabari for his trouble and snorted at her. That made Jez laugh again and Ryan wanted nothing more than to hear that sound over and over. He sighed softly.
Jez noticed the wistful look on the man's face and shifted Snow closer to the hart, reaching out to touch Ryan's arm. "Something wrong?"
Ryan lifted his head up and studied her a moment. "You remind me of someone I should remember. It brings an ache to my chest. It is rather strange since as far as I know, we never knew each other before my accident."
Jez frowned slightly at that. "What kind of ache?"
Ryan was silent a moment before rubbing his chest slightly. "Like I lost something. It's a sorrowful pain if there is such a thing."
Jez was silent a moment and pondered his words. She had to admit, the man was attractive to her for the simple reason he treated her as a woman and not the Inquisitor or Herald. Still she didn't know him at all and it was obvious he didn't know her. "I am sorry for what ever happened. I know the explosion killed at least one of my sisters and one of my brothers. The whole family is still mourning the loss of Deric and Helga."
Ryan shook his head. "No, I don't think it was because of that. It was before that, before I awoke." He sighed and dropped his head briefly.
Jez decided to change the conversation to something else. "Come on, let's give these two a stretch out." And with that she gave the mare her head and a nudge which sent the horse into a gallop.
Ryan was startled a moment only to squeeze his legs around the hart and it picked up its own ground eating lope, catching up to the mare. They ran the two animals down to the end of the valley and turned around to walk the heavily breathing animals back towards the path.
"So I followed Wrath down into the cave and found this pack and a sword hilt along with a book. I haven't had time to look them over closely. There was another room further in, it held two skeletons, one in a chair and one in a bed. I found a ring and amulet along with a small cask which held a pair of rings. Again I'll have to look at them closer." Ryan explained why most of his day had disappeared.
Jez nodded, curious to see what exactly he found. "Well we can have dinner in my rooms and look over your treasure. I'll admit I'm the curious sort that loves to study found things. And it would give me a good excuse to avoid the well-meaning advisors I have."
Ryan chuckled softly at her. "I assume they watch your every move and you are grateful to escape them when you leave the keep, right?"
Jez nodded with a smirk. Both looked ahead to the barking Mabari who was racing towards them. Ryan happened to look past Jez and noticed the bear approaching them. He tightened his leg and the hart spun to the left, and placed itself before Jez and her mare. Without thinking Ryan lifted his hand and it was wreathed in fire. With a snap of his wrist, the bear exploded into fire with a roar. He kicked his feet free of the stirrups and slipped off the hart's back only to bring up both hands and slash them before his body, creating a wall of fire that blocked the enraged beast.
Something hit the back of his leg and he looked down to find the hilt lying in the trampled snow. He picked it up just as the bear broke though the flames, the blade coming alive in his hand. With the shining blade in his left, he lifted his right up and clenched his fist, fire sprouting up before the bear to make it pause. Still it saw him and rushed at him rearing up and roaring.
The sound echoed in his ears a moment and if it hadn't been for the well placed dagger in the eye, the bear would have swiped at him. As was it pawed at the dagger instead and Ryan slashed the blade from the ground up and across his body. The blade passed through the bear with no effort but something happened that made the bear roar in pain and fall over. Without really thinking about it, he leapt towards it, bring the blade up and then thrusting it down in the bear's head. That ended the creature's attack and life.
Jez's heart raced as she happened to see what Ryan was looking at. The next thing she knew was he had wheeled his mount around, set fire to the bear and then slipped off the hart's back. From there she watched a mage use his powers without the need of a staff and then take a sword blade and finish off the creature. She only managed to distract it with the well placed dagger to the eye. After the bear was dead she slipped off her horse and rushed over to him
"Thank the Maker!" She said as she looked him over to see if he was hurt. When her eyes finally lifted to his, she let her impulse go and kissed him hard on the mouth. If he was surprised, it didn't last for long as he gave in to the kiss, his arms coming around her and tightening. Then he remembered who he was and where they were and reluctantly disengaged his mouth from hers, licking his lips.
"I… unh…," she didn't know what to say to him. She could only bite her lip and not look at him. Look anywhere but at him.
Ryan was surprised as hell she kissed him like that. It brought up remembered feelings. He reached out and tugged her into his arms, the back of his fingers brushing over her cheek lightly. She was a little shorter than him and he was one of the tallest men in the keep. She finally looked at him and he gave her a little smile.
Jez saw him smile and saw the sadness that was behind it. She reached up and cupped his face in hers, giving him another kiss, lingering a moment then pulled back. "I won't apologize for that."
Ryan gave a soft chuckle. The warmth of her lips still on his. "I won't ask you to. I'll just ask if this is what you want."
Jez literally melted against him at those words. Not even Cullen asked her what she wanted and here was a man, lost in the world and with no memory that treated her like a person, like a woman who had thoughts. She kissed him lightly on the lips and then sighed as she lowered her head to his chest and closed her eyes. "Yes," she answered and snuggled against him, his warmth seeping into her body.
It felt so surreal to him. It felt too fast at the same time but all the same he felt as if it was right. Like a missing part of himself had come back to him. The fact that she wanted this said a lot more than he realized. And as much as he wanted the woman, he didn't want to rush into things. "Ok," he answered in turn and let her lean into him. "Slowly," he added after a moment.
Jez pulled her head back and tilted it up to look up at him. "As silly as it seems, I feel this is the right thing. I can't explain it at all."
Ryan peered into her green eyes and chuckled. "Not quite sure meant for is the right words but I am willing to see where this goes…within reason. I won't ask you for anything you are not willing to give." He furrowed up his brows then. "Are you normally this forwards?"
Jez laughed at that. "As bold as a raven's cry. That is what my mother use to say." She reluctantly pulled away and went to retrieve her mare and he turned to the patiently waiting hart.
He nodded, still slightly clueless as to why he had agreed. A whispered word made him turn to look behind but no one was there. It had whispered 'heal'. " Grabbing the rope from the saddle he moved over to the bear and manhandled it to tie its hind legs together. "Well I said I'd bring back a ram but I don't think they were expecting this monster."
Jez came over with a nod and peered around. "Look, let's grab those saplings. They should be able to stand up to the weight of that thing and if we have to, we can get Snow to drag it. I can ride behind you on the hart."
Ryan nodded and moved over. With Jez's help they managed to make a carrier of sorts to drag the bear back. He used her rope to tie the monster with the saplings and they managed to get the weight of it over the hind quarters of the mare. The horse was used to it though and took it without a complaint. Ryan mounted the hart and moved over to Jez. He offered his arm to her and she put her foot into the free stirrup, with his help she mounted behind him and then gave a tug to the mare's reins.
Slowly they headed back to the keep, dark now falling. The pair was met by a group of soldiers more than willing to help them drag the bear back. Meat and fur would help those that had no real winter clothing. It was a party of excited soldiers and two bemused riders that entered the Keep as dark truly fell. Waiting at the gate was a woman in a cloak, red hair barely showing beneath it.
"Herald. I see you have managed to bring back some… meat," she said, her sly words flavored by the Orlesian accent.
"Leliana," Jez said, her face starting to get slightly red. "I was riding with Rion and a bear attacked," she said.
The Spymaster studied the younger man riding the hart that refused anyone's touch. At the side of the hart was a Mabari that reminded her of Aiden's and she smiled softly before returning her attention to the situation. "Well then we are all glad that he was there to help take it down."
Jez shook her head. "No, he took it down himself. With fire and sword."
At that, she gave Ryan a calculating look and the nodded. "I see. Well dinner is over but the servants will have something for you in your room Inquisitor."
Jez paused. "Can you make sure it's for two? Rion has some items he found earlier in the day I want to look at."
The Spymaster stared at Jez a moment then nodded.
Jez sighed and relaxed when the woman left and gave a rueful look to Ryan. "Our spymaster. I swear she knows everything I do even before I know."
Ryan chuckled at her as he dismounted and patted the hart's neck. "Well let's get these two back to their warm stalls and then find this meal we've missed."
"Herald?" One of the soldiers saluted Jez. "We'll make sure this gets over to the butcher."
Jez nodded. "Good. I have no clue where to take it. Off with the lot of you."
They took their mounts to the temporary stable and brushed them down then put the tack away. The hart snorted as the grain was poured into the bucket and was happy to stuff his nose into it. Ryan left him munching away at the grain and he found Jez waiting for him. Without a word he followed her up to the main grounds of the keep. Then she moved towards a cottage to the left. He followed her through the door into a comfy room with a fire waiting on them.
The fire lit up the room well enough and the single window let the last of the daylight in. On the table before the bed sat a meal for two still steaming. Jez poured wine into the cups and offered him one then motioned to the meal. "Take what you want," she offered.
Ryan took some of the meat and a couple of rolls and then looked around. Jez figured out what he was thinking as she sat on the bed and left the chair for him. They quietly ate without speaking, each deep in their thoughts for the moment. Finally they were done and Ryan drained his cup and set it down. Then he turned towards Jez and studied her. Aristocratic was the first impression. Spun gold was the second and a strong reminder of something he couldn't remember.
Jez let him study her, willing to give him the time he needed. Finally she leaned forwards and set her empty cup on the table and then shifted on the couch to face him. "Had your fill?" Her voice was teasing and that got a smile from him.
Ryan smiled at her. "I suppose not. I think I could look at you forever and not get bored."
She melted and chuckled softly. "Keep saying things like that and I'll let you do anything you want to me," she teased and that got a blush from him. "Oh, your mind is going in that direction hmm?"
Ryan darted his eyes away from her. Her words had most definitely brought up the vision of her naked in his arms and he ruthlessly pushed it away, consoling himself and then returning his attention back to her. "Yes," he said softly. "You naked, on your back and a look of pleasure on your face," he all but purred to her.
Jez blinked in surprise that he had thrown her teasing back in her face though a thrill had shot through her at his words. "Well, one day hero. One day," she finally responded with and he gave her knowing smile.
"So before we get ourselves too distracted. You wanted to see the things I found, right?" Ryan shifted and pulled the pack out from behind his back. He opened it and laid the hilt down between them on the table.
Jez picked it up and turned it over. It appeared to be of superior design with elven scroll work along its quillions. And it was made of silverite. "Well this is definitely old. Solas might have a better idea if you show it to him. I know its pure silverite. So no evil can stand it."
She set it down as Ryan pulled the ring off his finger and offered it to her. "This was on the floor next to the skeleton in the chair. I assume at one point it was actually on its finger."
She peered closely at the ring, seeing the runes for fire and defense on it along with a rune she didn't know of. Standing up she brought the ring over and pulled a sheaf of parchment out, sketching the rune on to paper along with the sequence of fire and defense. Then she returned and handed the ring back to him. "I assume it's going to help you so keep that on you. You said you had a amulet yes?"
Ryan nodded and handed it over. "Yea. This was on the table."
She turned it over, studied it a moment then handed it back. "I've seen these before. It will help protect you from ranged attacks."
He nodded and put it on then pulled out the book. She carefully took it from his hand and studied the outside of it. After a few minutes of silence she set the book in her lap. "Well its leather and silverite. Definitely of elven origin." She then opened up the book. He leaned over to read the words and she ran her fingers over them. "Hand written, beautiful writing at that. I can't read it."
This surprised him. "I can read it," he offered.
She closed the book with care and offered it back. "Well then it's meant for you. Anything else in that wondrous pack?"
He nodded and pulled out the light armor pieces. Spread out there were pauldrons, gauntlets and splint-mailed robe along with shin guards. It was obviously meant for a mage. After a few words, he stood up and let her put them on him. The robe went on first then she handed him the gauntlets while she strapped on the pauldrons. There she stepped back and furrowed her brows. "There's something missing," she stated and then peered over at the pack which shared the same metallic bits. "Ah, sling the pack on." He did as she said and she walked around him before offering the forgotten sword hilt to him. He noticed a particular piece on his right gauntlet and without thinking the hilt attached perfectly in the recess.
He stretched and shifted, getting a feel for the battle armor and when it settled right he felt it. "This is amazing." He lifted his hand and willed the fire to flare up. Once again it wreathed his hand in fire. Then he clenched his fist and the fire disappeared. He found Jez giving him a bemused look and he gave her a sheepish grin. "Sorry."
Jez laughed. "Don't worry. You can't help but play when you get something new." She glanced around and the moved closer to him. Leaning up she brushed her lips against his then pulled away.
Ryan froze when she did that because of the jolt of pleasure that ran through his body. He took a deep breath and slowly released it. It was an invitation he couldn't accept and reached out gently to brush his fingers over her cheek. "As much as I like to kiss you, that is only as far as I am willing to go right now," he said with regret.
Jez had a look of disappointment cross her face a moment before she gave him one of those sweet smiles that almost dropped him to his knees. "I understand Rion," she said softly and then moved closer to curl her arms around him.
He hesitated a moment then curled his arms around her, letting her hug him. She seemed to be a lonely woman all but throwing herself at him. He knew that wasn't true but he couldn't let her do that to herself. It wasn't like he didn't want her because the way his body reacted said otherwise. He just refused to give in to that. That and things seemed to be going way too fast for him at least. Sighing he kissed her forehead. "I should go. It's late and morning comes too early around here."
Jez gave a watery laugh and then lifted her head up to give him a sweet kiss that weakened him again. "Well then I best let you get some rest. Tomorrow might prove to be a challenge."
Alas for the two of them it would prove to be more than just a challenge. She left that morning to the Hinterlands to finish up there and decide on whether the Templars or the Mages would be the side she wanted to have and a week after she left, he was asked to join a small group in exploring an abandoned keep in the Korcari Wilds.
