Chapter 3

Splash! Cold water dripped down Alistair's face and soaked his clothes. Alistair shot up, sputtering apologies for oversleeping, the icy water tingling as it slid down his spine and chest. Regaining his bearings, Alistair plucked the damp hay off of his skin while glaring at Nate who was standing above him holding a now empty bucket.

"Get up. Grab whatever remains from breakfast, then meet the other Wardens in the training yard." Nate said, before walking away. Alistair looked down to see that his clothes were soaked through. Great, guess I'll need to change too, Alistair thought. Grumbling silently to himself, Alistair hauled himself onto his feet and tried to shake out his aching muscles.

Morning came much too quickly for Elissa, who had spent much of the night tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep despite being exhausted. Just as dawn had began to peak over the horizon Elissa decided that she would simply continue her daily life as she did before Alistair had returned. Besides, it's been three years; I've moved on. His mere presence no longer unhinges me like some hormone-addled teenager. I'll be the adult about this and just continue on like nothing has happened. Elissa thought.

Rolling out of bed, Elissa stretched and wandered over to her window which overlooked the courtyard. The sun was shining bright and people were bustling around in the courtyard. Guards were stationed at the front gates, speaking to a traveling merchant and several recruits were standing around the statue chatting amicably. Closer to the Keep entrance, Wade was hammering away at some armor. I wonder what innovative new armor Wade is working on now? It seems that every time I …... Elissa's thoughts were interrupted when she noticed Alistair walking from the stables toward the barracks. His shirt was soaking wet and clinging to his well-defined muscles. His hair was glowing in the sunlight and rays of sunshine skipped down his chest, emphasizing his rippling muscles. Elissa's breathing and heart rate went into overdrive and she unconsciously bit her lower lip. Wow, Elissa thought, before catching herself gawking and looking away.

However, Elissa's eyes were immediately drawn back to the vision before her. He was so handsome she couldn't breathe. Droplets of water clung to his strong jaw and bare arms, shining like diamonds in the light. Alistair still walked with the same strong grace of a warrior. Transfixed, Elissa watched Alistair walk across the courtyard.

After Alistair disappeared into the barracks, Elissa walked away from her window and began packing for a trip to Redcliffe. We need to recruit more wardens. This has nothing to do with him. It's not like I'm running away from him. I have a job to do! Elissa tried to convince herself.

With her belongings packed and wearing her favorite leather armor, Elissa left her room to find Varel and Nate. As always, Varel was in the Keep's entry hall. Does he sleep here too? Elissa thought, suddenly realizing that Varel is almost always standing in the exact same spot in the hall.

"Commander, good morning." Varel said, while crossing his arms and bowing slightly. "I trust you slept well. Here are yesterday's reports," Varel said while handing Elissa a stack of documents, as he did every morning. "As you can see, the new armor is coming along nicely, our food supply levels are moderate and..."

Elissa smiled, not really paying attention while Varel continued filling her in on the minutia of the Arling. When Varel finally stopped to take a breath, Elissa interjected "Indeed. Thank you Varel. However I need to head out on a last minute recruiting mission to Redcliffe. I should only be gone for one or two weeks."

Pulling out his small notepad, Varel inquired, "And for any decisions which I would normally take to you...?"

"Bring them to Nate, as he is my second in command and will be in charge of the wardens in my absence." Elissa asserted.

"Nathaniel." Varel said while writing down Nate's name. "Very good commander. I will have someone prepare your horse for you immediately. Safe journey." Varel bowed before heading to the stables.

Now where will I find Nate at this time of the day? Elissa pondered. Elissa decided to search the dining area before looking in the training yard, as those were the two most likely places for Nate to be.

Elissa found the dining hall empty except for one blond warden. Not Nate, Elissa thought, while hurrying away before the warden could notice her presence.

In the training yard Elissa found Nate practicing his archery.

"Hey! Nate!" Elissa yelled across the yard before jumping over the fence and heading toward Nate.

"You know you shouldn't startle someone who is shooting. You never know when an arrow might accidentally fly in your direction." Nate said when Elissa was close enough.

"Yeah, yeah. So, I'm headed to Redcliffe to recruit a warden or two. So you're in charge. Any questions?" Elissa said quickly, hoping not to arouse Nate's suspicions as to why she was taking her recruiting trip now.

Nate drummed his fingers on his bow, giving Elissa a knowing look. "A recruiting trip, huh?"

"Shut up." Elissa said, while smiling. "Just don't burn the Keep down while I'm gone, okay?"

"You take all the fun out of being second in command." Nate quipped. "Safe journey commander."

Elissa returned the bow that Nate gave her before heading to the stables. The stable boy had her horse ready to go so Elissa climbed on and headed out the Keep gates.

….

Several days later Elissa arrived at Redcliffe. After being greeted by Arl Eamon and accepting his invitation to remain in his home during her stay, Elissa headed for the tavern to speak with Redcliffe's citizens. Elissa was pleasantly surprised that a tournament was to be held in three days time. The perfect opportunity to find some recruits, Elissa thought.

The day of the tournament Elissa watched from her seat of honor by Arl Eamon and Arlessa Isolde. Although there were a few promising warriors, one in particular caught her eye. Although he fought with a sword and shield and in heavy armor, he moved with the grace of a rogue, easily evading his opponents' swings before smashing them with his shield. His opponents staggered under his powerful blows and were no match for his grace, speed and power. Having defeated all of the other challengers, this man was named champion of the tournament.

As the Hero of Ferelden, Elissa had the honor of presenting him with the champion's shield. As she handed him the shield he removed his helmet, accepted the shield and smiled and waved at the crowd. The men in the crowd burst into cheers, while the women were swooning over the handsome champion. His stunningly blue eyes contrasted with his silky dark brown hair which was layered and wind-tossed. His strong jaw line had hints of stubble and his lips were curved up in a confident, sexy smile.

"May I ask your name?" Elissa asked, surprised to find herself a little flustered.

"Dominic, my lady. It is an honor to make your acquaintance," Dominic said as he gently grasped Elissa's hand and brought it to his soft lips. "You are even more beautiful in person than your reputation bespoke."

Elissa blushed and smiled before turning toward the now-approaching Arl Eamon. "Congratulations Dominic" Arl Eamon said, while shaking Dominic's hand. "I knew you could do it, you've always been one of my best soldiers. I trust you will be joining us for dinner this evening, to celebrate your victory?"

"It would be my pleasure to dine with such ravishing company" Dominic purred, looking at Elissa the entire time.

Elissa blushed even more and quickly changed the subject. "Dominic, your fighting was very impressive today. I would like to offer you a position in the Grey Wardens, if you would like to join us."

"My lady, I would follow you anywhere. It is an honor to join the noble Grey Wardens and fight at your side."

"Great! I'll see you tonight."

"At dinner!" Elissa hastily clarified. "And tomorrow we will head back to the Keep for your joining."

"As my lady wishes. I look forward to seeing you this evening, and greatly anticipate my joining with you . . . and your wardens. Until tonight. . ." Dominic said while once again grasping her hand and bringing it to his lips, his beautiful blue eyes trained on Elissa the entire time.

Flustered, but doing her best not to show it, Elissa walked with Arl Eamon back to his estate. Well, Elissa thought, this trip sure has been successful.

Meanwhile, Alistair was having a. . . difficult time fitting in, to say the least. Although he was able to hold his own during training, that was the only time when the other wardens would even acknowledge his presence. Well, if you didn't count the recent...incidents. Thousands of lice had appeared in his clothing trunk (although all the other wardens' trunks were suspiciously devoid of the nasty bugs), his morning porridge contained what looked and smelled to be mabari droppings, his sword, shield and armor all mysteriously ended up at the top of a large oak tree, near an angry bee's nest, and someone replaced his soap with salt, burning his cuts and scrapes from training.

Alistair was trying his hardest to let the hazing roll off of his back. If I don't react, eventually they will stop. Right? Please Maker! Still, Alistair was lonely with no one to talk to, and looked forward to Elissa returning. She had been gone almost a week, and Alistair found himself missing her beautiful face. I even miss arguing with her! Alistair thought, realizing how desperate he was for some human interaction. Despite his best efforts, none of the wardens would warm up to him, not even Oghren, who always enjoyed joking around with Alistair before. Now-a-days Oghren spent his time giving Nate suggestions for menial chores for Alistair.

Today Alistair had been assigned the noble task of scrubbing bird poop off of the statue of Andraste in the courtyard. Fitting work for a warrior, Alistair thought bitterly. Standing on a ladder, Alistair began scrubbing the statue, methodically working his brush into the cracks and crevices of the statue's head and neck.

A while later, just as a group of younger wardens walked by, one yelled "You missed a spot, traitor!" Alistair closed his eyes and took a deep breath (instantly regretting it because his nose was assaulted with the smell of bird poop.) Reciting the Chant of Light to himself in an effort to remain calm and avoid screaming at the indignity of it all, Alistair mustered up the willpower to continue his task.

In the distance, Alistair could hear horses galloping toward the Keep. Looking up from his work, Alistair smiled for the first time in what felt like months. She's back!

Elissa and a tall, dark haired man rode into the courtyard and dismounted near the stables, handing the reigns to the stable boy. Alistair saw Elissa pointing out different buildings to the man, likely describing the purpose of each building. Alistair couldn't help himself, he started walking toward Elissa. He had to see her!

Just then, the man placed his hand on Elissa's lower back, leaned into her ear and whispered something to her. Elissa blushed and gave the man a shy smile. Alistair stopped as if he had run face-first into a wall. He knew that smile, that look. She used to give him that look when he said something romantic to her. That look was one step away from her flirty 'let's mess around' look.

Alistair's blood boiled and his eyes narrowed on the man who walked into the Keep holding Elissa's hand.