Borrowed Time, Ch 3 – It's in the Blood
AN: Next in line for origins, I'm going through based on geographical location. This and one more stop before they swoop over to Ostagar.
The hound stared where the fire was before they doused it. Shiva was sitting next to the dog finishing breakfast. Duncan woke at dawn to hunt and came back with three rabbits. Shiva had been able to whip up a decent stew, though she lacked most ingredients she thought of that would have made it truly tasty. There were some pieces set by the dog that were untouched. Duncan was inhaling his, showing how eager he was to get them moving to their next destination.
When Shiva was finished with hers, she set the bowl down beside the dog, close enough for him to smell. "Come on boy. All this traveling and an empty stomach don't go well together." She scratched him behind the ears and ran her hand through his coat. He turned his head to look at her, which was progress. "Oh, you're such a handsome dog. Grief doesn't suit you." The hound responded with a huff. Shiva wasn't a dog person, but he was beautiful. He had a chestnut brown coat covering large, rippling muscles. His eyes held that intelligence that was a trademark for the breed.
She grabbed one piece of meat set aside for him and sopped it in the juices from the stew still in her bowl. Holding it close to his mouth, she waited for him to try it. The temptation beat the dulled appetite. The dog stuck his tongue out to lick the snack she held. He scooted forward to gently take the rabbit meat from her and chewed it. Shiva dipped the other pieces in stew for him and set the bones closer to him.
"So where are we going next, Duncan?" He had finished eating, but stayed seated when the dog finally started to respond to the pirate.
"We will go to the Circle of Magi. Even one mage would benefit us greatly, though there are seven at Ostagar already."
"What about templars? Are there no darkspawn mages?"
"There are. They are called emissaries. They have abilities that are similar to blood magic. Templars are indeed useful, but they are bound by vows to the chantry and are difficult to recruit without the Right of Conscription. Besides, there is a templar by the name of Alistair who became a warden only six months ago. His talents have proven quite useful, much as I expected when I recruited him."
"Warden-Commander, you truly do think of everything." Shiva bowed her head to him in jest.
Duncan chuckled. "Of course, as it is my duty." The dog was crushing the last of the rabbit bones in his strong teeth. Duncan stood and approached the dog. "Feel better?" The dog confirmed with a simple 'woof.' Patting the hound on the head, he addressed both his companions. "Are we ready to leave, then?"
"We are." Shiva and the dog stood to leave. They would likely reach Kinloch Hold early afternoon.
They were ferried across Lake Calenhad until they reached the island with the tower. The dog was staring at the water with his ears to the side. Apparently he wasn't a strong swimmer.
They were greeted by a templar once inside. He agreed to lead Duncan to the First Enchanter. Shiva would stay in the library on the first floor. She found a book that would entertain her for the time.
She sat in a secluded corner, not wanting to be disturbed by the skittish little mages. The dog was watching everyone around him. When one mage passed them without noticing, the dog was sniffing at a spider in the dusty corner. Inhaling the dust caused him to sneeze, which scared the mage into a scrambling sissy. The dog cocked his head at the retreating robes, while some nearby apprentices roared with laughter. The hound was happy to have an audience so he waited beside a bookshelf for more unsuspecting passers by. He woofed at a few that passed and all were surprised by his tactic to some degree, but apparently not enough for his entertainment. By then, Shiva abandoned her book. She and the apprentices across the room were all watching the Mabari with great interest. She imagined the poor fellows practically never got the chance to see such a thing.
The dog saw another mage approach. He had red messy hair and was nearly translucent he was so pale. The dog bunched his hind muscles to pounce, lowered his ears and ceased his excited pants to create the perfect ambush. When the mage was close enough, the hound leaped right into the mage's path and produced a loud, eerie bellow that sounded more like it came from a werewolf. The mage dropped his book in complete fear and let out the most singular cry. It started low, like a strong grunt before escalating into a proper scream. The dog watched as all the stages of gripping terror contorted the mages face. He simply stood there wagging his stumpy tail as the mage fanned himself with his hand and turned to sit in a nearby chair – not near the dog, however. The apprentices and pirate were trying to cope with their aching sides from intense laughter. Most of them were wiping away tears. Shiva patted her hand on the ground to call the dog over.
"Oh, you are a naughty boy! Yes you are! I should call you Loki since you can't exactly tell me your name." The hound cocked his head at her.
"What, Loki? It's supposedly the god of mischief or something. Not bad, huh?" The dog barked happily. "You like it?" A similar bark. Shiva hugged the hound. "Loki it is!"
One of the apprentices approached her. He had black hair and blue eyes. Very cute in a young man sort of way. "What a charming dog." Loki barked and licked the mage's hand. "Shall I get you a chair?"
"No need, thank you. I'm fine down here." The mage stuck out his hand and Shiva shook it.
"I'm Jowan. Don't mind the slobber." She just realized it was the hand Loki had licked.
"I'm Shiva, and no worries. I can't afford to, anyway." Jowan sat against the wall next to Shiva.
"Ever been to the Circle before? I can see you're not a mage. Are you here with the Grey Warden?"
"No, never been here before. And yes, I'm the warden recruit. My soon to be Commander is looking for more mages to join us. He said several were already down south."
Jowan nodded. "I know, its strange seeing so many gone at one time. Means less templars too and that's never a bad thing."
"Yeah, I hear they're self-righteous assholes." Most of them were pretty handsome in their shiny armor, but that wasn't something the young mage beside her wanted to hear. The templar stereotype was a young blonde templar that should never have to take vows of chastity with the type of looks he possessed. She wondered if the warden templar Duncan spoke of was an exception to the rule.
"You said it! They really are. They're very suspicious of us. Everything we do or say is something dangerous or sinister. They don't understand how miserable and oppressive it is here." His tone took on a definite whine and he spoke louder as his rant continued. "I'm sorry, it's just… This is everyday of my life and its miserable. Doesn't help that I'm nervous about my friend." He rubbed his eyes with soft hands that had obviously done nothing more strenuous than pick up a pile of books or a staff…
Or stroke his staff… Damn it, why is the very subject of mages so susceptible to dirty puns?
"Tell me about your friend," Shiva prompted.
"Her name is Solona. She's a really talented mage and like a sister to me. She's going through her Harrowing right now. It's what makes an apprentice into a full mage, but they keep it a secret so I don't know any more than that. All I know is it's dangerous and some apprentices die during it. Really talented mages too, I don't know what it is that increases someone's chances of surviving if there is anything." The whining started again, but she couldn't say she wouldn't be a pathetic mess if she had to live there her whole life. He started rubbing his eyes again. "I really wish there was somewhere else for us. A completely different way to go about training mages."
"Ever wanted to travel? I say if mages and the mundane must be separated, we should supply you all well enough so you can take Seheron and Par Vollen from the qunari."
"Don't want to just send us to Tevinter?"
"No, the Tevinter Imperium is too corrupt with its slavery and whatnot. Everyone here is far too agreeable. You guys need somewhere new. The islands would do you good. At least you could go outside. You guys could have a college! Those who want the best education couldn't afford to be fearful. Not that I'm saying my wish is for you to be separated. I'm quite fond of the company of mages."
"You don't ever wish you were one, do you?" It seemed as though he was used to ignorant people romanticizing the use of magic. He clearly expected her to be one.
"No, I don't really. It's a rather good thing I am not - I would set everything on fire, haha! But no, I prefer natural things. The worth of a blade and muscle. It's so much more personal to me. I just wish it wasn't at the cost of intellect. They aren't far off when they think of mages as scholars and warriors as brutes." She winked.
Jowan seemed to cheer up, he laughed at her response. He looked beyond where she was sitting and lit up at something he saw. Following his gaze, it was a tall blonde mage he saw – probably Solona. "That's my friend! She made it through her Harrowing. Would you excuse me?" Jowan had already hopped to his feet.
"Of course, little spitfire. And give her my congratulations." They shook hands goodbye.
Shiva occupied herself with the book for a few more moments before there was a familiar shadow cast over her. She met the eyes of her Commander. "Anyone interesting here?"
"Yes, there is one young woman who passed her Harrowing just this morning seems to be a worthy candidate. Come, I have been given the guest quarters on the upper floor. We can continue our discussion there."
Duncan offered his hand to help her up.
"The young woman, is her name Solona?" Duncan opened the door for her once they reached the top of the stairs. She stepped through to see more of their impressive library. She wondered why it was split between two floors.
Maybe this is where they keep the naughty books.
Since there were several mages around perusing the shelves, all without an obvious tent in their robes, she figured her guess was wrong.
"Yes, that is her. I just met her in First Enchanter Irving's office. Do you know her?" They didn't make it far along the curved hallway before he gestured for her to enter the large quarters to their right. They were richly furnished. More bookshelves lined the walls and a bed was in the center of the room against a large pillar that divided the room. Behind it was probably a place to bathe and change. There were finely polished wooden wardrobes and similarly crafted table and chairs in the right quadrant of the room. Shiva took a seat at one of the chairs and Duncan sat beside her.
"I didn't meet her but I saw her come down. I spoke to an apprentice who said he was a friend of hers. He said she was a most talented mage."
"I hope to recruit her when we next meet. For the time being I will continue to observe the other mages for more suitable candidates, though Solona has already expressed interest in becoming a Grey Warden. It is likely she is using it as an excuse to leave the tower. Is there anything you wish to do while we are here?"
Shiva propped her head on her hand while she thought. "Hmm. Other than asking around to satisfy general curiosities…" She quickly raised her head when a particular thought struck her. Duncan raised an eyebrow, waiting for her to share her epiphany. "I've heard tranquil were accomplished brewers! Think I could get some ale out of them? I emptied my flask already." Her final fact was given through an expression of sadness disproportionate to the issue. Duncan shook his head in amusement.
"Wynne, one of the mages already at Ostagar, is a connoisseur thanks to their brewing. I don't know if it is a privilege of mages, but I leave that to you."
Shiva rose from her seat. "If I do manage to get something decent to drink, would you join me?"
"Of course. Return here if you are successful."
Shiva returned with an entire barrel that was enough to fill about fifteen flasks. When Duncan heard her enter, he turned and the sight of her returning with that amount of ale caused his eyebrows to shoot up.
"Commander, the tranquil of Kinloch Hold would like to bestow upon you and your order this tribute." She sat the small barrel on the table with the spigot hanging over the edge. Her formal introduction wavered over her excitement. "They recognized that our overall satisfaction was essential to our ability to oppose the darkspawn."
Duncan groaned. "Maker's breath, child. Have you never heard of moderation?" She supplied two pints for them that had been tied to her belt.
"No one ever said we had to finish it in one sitting. Besides, you should have seen the amount they had stored! This was hardly a noticeable sacrifice." She filled the first pint and slid it down the table to him before filling her own.
"If nothing else, I must commend your skills in coercion. It is not easy to trick the logical mind of the tranquil." Duncan took a slow drink from his mug.
Shiva shrugged at his complement. "There was no protocol against it, so they handed it over rather easily."
"I see. Yet it is hardly your first smooth transaction. No doubt this helped you when you dealt with other Raiders." Duncan had refrained from asking her about her past, for the most part.
"At times, yes. Though I was more used to killing first, asking for their riches later." The pirate cockily lounged in the chair with her ankles crossed under the table and the arm that wasn't holding her mug crossed under her breasts.
"So I have heard. What is it that got you into that life?" He was putting down the drink at a surprising rate, considering it was him.
"I was homeless. Wandered to the docks and saw a lad that looked particularly forlorn. He was helping others move cargo onto a fine ship – the most beautiful vessel I had ever seen. I called the lad over and learned it was a pirate ship, and that he was part of the crew. Told him I'd trade his hat and gloves for my scarf and he agreed. He had enough coin, but never an opportunity that felt right until then. I took his place. The hat was enough to hide my hair, and he was a feminine looking boy so it wasn't hard to impersonate him. His name was Smith, for that's what they'd call me when I went aboard." She shrugged again. "It was as simple as that. I spent years on that ship before I revealed that I was a woman. But it matters little now. I've left the life for good. What about you? How did you become a Grey Warden."
Duncan had been listening attentively. Drinking from his mug and neatly wiping the droplets from his moustache – which Shiva would have preferred to lick off for him. The tale of his youth unraveled. Shiva was surprised at his background – how he was no more than a petty thief and had murdered a Grey Warden, then was made to take his place. The events changed him; that much was obvious. There was no way she could have guessed the refined, mature man that saved her came from such a past.
"Duncan, what is it with Grey Wardens and promoting those who wrong them?" She laughed at the realization of their conduct. "I'm half expecting you to say it's customary to shower non-darkspawn enemies in riches."
Duncan snorted. "Hardly, unless your idea of riches is a sword to the midsection." He grew serious. "Grey Wardens are not to be trifled with."
"What is it that sets us – or you all apart? Simply gathering the best of the best? There must be some degree of unity or some other tie that makes the Grey Wardens so effective."
"Blood," he stated simply. "Beyond that, you will learn only when you are truly one of us."
Their conversation went on for nearly two more hours. They stopped drinking after their third or fourth pint when they were sufficiently inebriated.
They stopped speaking when several templars were marching down the hall. Duncan's brows were furrowed when he recognized the First Enchanter and Knight-Commander both leading the force. Duncan and Shiva stood and followed.
They stopped at the top of the stairs that led down to the basement. Jowan, Solona, and an unknown chantry initiate had just come up from it and they all looked like cornered rats. Whatever passed between them had already gotten heated by the time they rounded the corner to witness what was happening. Shiva saw Jowan draw a knife and stab his hand. The tip of the knife emerged from the back of his hand and he summoned a force from the wound that made a rushing arc of blood. It knocked down everyone who stood before him; the initiate had cowered behind him in horror and Solona had stepped forward to see what he was doing. Solona was caught by the force and knocked back as well, though only her left shoulder since she stood mostly outside the spells reach. She spun backwards and fell down the stairs. Jowan ran towards the entrance of the tower before the templars could rise. The initiate had run down the stairs to check on the mage that fell below sight.
"Help! Her neck is broken! Healer!" The First Enchanter rose from the ground and limped down the stairs, only to clamber back up after a quick examination.
"Gregoir, she is dead. The fall broke her neck, as Lily said, and killed her."
The Knight-Commander roared in anger and imprisoned the initiate in the mage's prison. The templars had all recovered but there was nothing for them to do about the matter since Jowan had broken into the basement to destroy whatever it was that the templars used to track apostates down.
After Solona's body was taken outside to be burnt on a pyre, Duncan and Shiva decided it was best to leave soon. The other mages were unsuitable for their purpose. They returned to Duncan's quarters to pack for the mornings departure. Shiva slept in the apprentice's quarters with Loki at the foot of her bed.
Orzammar was their next destination. Duncan hoped they would have more luck there in finding another recruit. It was the last stop he dared make before going back to Ostagar.
