A/N: Sorry for the delay on this update...I hit writer's block. As I should have said before, Bioware owns all, except Dominic, who is my own creation. Shout out to karu0792, my fantastic bata for all your help! And thanks to all my readers and reviewers! Your reviews are what keep me writing!
Chapter 4
"Join us brothers and sisters. Join us in the shadows where we stand vigilant. Join us as we carry the duty that can not be foresworn and should you perish know that your sacrifice will not be forgotten and that one day we shall join you." Elissa's voice boomed throughout the grand hall, evidencing a confidence which she did not feel. Joinings were Elissa's least favorite part of being a Grey Warden. It was devastating to conscript a recruit only to lose him or her to the joining, knowing that if she had never met the recruit he or she would still be alive.
Elissa lifted the ceremonial cup of darkspawn blood and turned toward Dominic.
"Dominic step forward."
Dominic walked to Elissa and took the cup from her hands, staring in her eyes the entire time, as if trying to memorize her face. At that moment, Elissa could see that Dominic's attractive confidence was faltering, overwhelmed by fear that he may not survive the joining. Dominic lifted the cup to his lips and drank. Please Maker! Elissa thought. Let him survive.
Dominic's eyes went white and he collapsed onto the floor with a thud. Anders bent down and checked Dominic for signs of life.
"He made it" Anders said, looking up to Elissa. Elissa smiled and felt relief wash over her.
While some of the newer wardens started heading out of the great hall, Nate and Oghren approached Elissa and Dominic. Dominic then groaned, staring to wake up.
Immediately Elissa was kneeling at his side, her hand on his chest, looking down into his eyes. Dominic opened his eyes to see Elissa's face hovering above him.
"Hello beautiful." Dominic said, as he began to get onto his feet. Elissa blushed and took a step back to give Dominic room to get up.
"Welcome brother. I'm glad you survived." Nate said, while shaking Dominic's hand.
Alistair approached the group of wardens, hoping to have a chance to speak to Elissa. By this time the rest of the wardens had left the great hall, leaving Elissa, Oghren, Nate, Anders, Dominic, and now Alistair, standing in a circle.
"It has been a long day. What do you say we all celebrate with a drink in my office?" Elissa asked, looking at everyone except Alistair.
Alistair took a step toward Elissa. "Elissa," Elissa tensed up. "Can I..."
"Pike twirler, why don't you go clean the horse shit out of the stables?" Oghren said.
Alistair looked at Elissa, hoping that she would save him from his chore. However, Alistair saw Elissa smirk before taking Dominic's hand in her's and leading the rest of the wardens toward her office. Defeated, Alistair walked toward the stables with his head down.
In her office Elissa pulled out the Brandy and poured some for each of the wardens before collapsing on the loveseat by the fire. Dominic eyed the two remaining chairs before sliding onto the loveseat next to Elissa. Nate and Anders took the two chairs, leaving Oghren to sit on the floor by the fireplace.
"So Dominic," Nate began, "Elissa recruited you in Redcliffe?"
"Yes. My father and I moved to Redcliffe so that I could accept knighthood under Arl Eamon."
Oghren burped. "Were you there when we fought the undead during the blight? I don't remember you."
"That could be because you were passed out drunk most of the time" Elissa muttered under her breath.
"No, I was not there. Bann Teagan sent myself and several other knights to search for the Ashes of Andraste. It wasn't until after I returned that I was informed of the tragedy that had befallen Redcliffe. Thankfully this warrior goddess was able to save the town." Dominic said, motioning to Elissa.
"I didn't do it on my own." Elissa said. "Anything interesting happen while I was gone?" Elissa asked, changing the topic.
"Oghren was drunk, Nate was brood-y, I was incredibly handsome...Same old same old." Anders said, smiling.
"Brood-y? That's not even a word Anders!" Nate said while rolling his eyes.
"And yet it fits you perfectly." Anders quipped.
"Alright alright," Elissa chuckled. "Behave children."
"Elissa! I escaped the tower seven times just to be with you, and this is how you repay me? By calling me a child? To think I let you stay in my bed all those times!"
Dominics eyes visibly widened. Elissa is dating Anders? But I could have sworn she was flirting with me in Redcliffe and on the trip back! "I- uh, sorry." Dominic muttered aloud. "I was under the impression that..."
Elissa laughed aloud. "He's joking Dominic. Anders is the best healer in Ferelden, if I was ever in his bed it was because I was knocked unconscious or had a darkspawn sword though my shoulder! Anders can't help but flirt with every female that comes across his path. The day Anders doesn't try to bed me and any woman within 5 miles is the day Oghren stops drinking!"
"Not gonna happen." Oghren and Anders simultaneously asserted.
The group continued chatting amicably over the next hour. Thanks to Dominic's gregarious nature he fit right in and the wardens had a great time laughing and bonding.
Anders was regaling the group with the story of one of his escapes from the tower when a loud snore rang through the room. "I hate to interrupt, but I believe that our dwarven friend is no longer with us." Dominic noted, pointing toward Oghren.
"Uggg. I'll take care of it. Goodnight Commander. Dominic, it was a pleasure getting to know you." Nate said as he stood up and started dragging Oghren out of the room.
Anders watched Nate's attempt to heave Oghren across the floor, before finally getting up to help. "Don't stay up too late you two!" Anders said to Dominic and Elissa, wiggling his eyebrow.
Elissa smiled, grabbed a small couch pillow and tossed it at Anders. "Shut up!"
Anders dropped Oghren's feet, turned to Elissa and held his hands over his heart. "You wound me so!"
"Not yet I haven't!" Elissa threatened, while still smiling.
"Anders!" Nate said, again trying and failing to move Oghren without Ander's help. Anders picked up Oghrens feet and the two wardens dragged him toward the barracks.
"They are an eclectic bunch" Dominic observed, turning to face Elissa.
"It's a wonder we all get along so well." Elissa replied.
Dominic lowered his voice to a sexy purr. "Speaking of getting along well, I wanted to let you know that I treasured the time we were able to spend getting to know each other on the journey here from Redcliffe. To be able to sleep under the stars in the tent next to such a beautiful and strong woman is an incredible privilege."
"Thank you Dominic. I also enjoyed our time together."
"How is it that such an amazing woman is not dating someone?" Dominic asked while taking Elissa's hand into his.
"Well..." Elissa paused, trying to decide how much to tell Dominic. "It's complicated. I guess I just haven't really been interested in getting involved with anyone."
Dominic slowly moved his face closer to Elissa's. Just before his lips touched her's, he said, "Then I shall have to endeavor to change your mind."
Elissa reached up and cupped Dominic's cheek with her hand, closing the distance between them and planting a soft kiss on his lips.
Pulling back slightly, Elissa breathed "You won't have to try too hard."
Smiling, Dominic brought his lips back to Elissa's. He firmly pressed his lips against her's, before gently sucking on Elissa's bottom lip. Dominic ran his hand through Elissa's soft hair while continuing to plant slow, gentle kisses on her lips. Lost in the sensation, Elissa softly moaned before moving her hand down to begin unbuttoning Dominic's armor.
Reluctantly, Dominic pulled back from Elissa's lips and brought her hand away from his armor buckles.
"Although I desperately wish to continue, we should stop before we go too far. It is no longer the blight m'lady. Thanks to your heroic actions we have the chance to enjoy a slow, sensual dance of courtship. Let's take advantage of it." Dominic stood up from the loveseat and brought Elissa's hand to his lips. "Sleep well, beautiful temptress." Elissa watched Dominic leave, her heart still pounding in her chest.
. . . .
While dressing the next morning, Elissa relived the previous evening's events in her mind. I haven't felt that flutter of attraction since Alis... for a long time. It's magical. Smiling, Elissa opened her door and walked into the hallway.
"Morning, beautiful. I trust you slept well?" Dominic stood up from a nearby bench and walked over to Elissa.
"Hello Dominic. Fancy meeting you here." The butterflies in Elissa's stomach suddenly became active, and Elissa smiled at Dominic, trying to hide her reaction to his presence.
"I was hoping to have the honor of escorting you to breakfast."
Elissa laughed. "Well thank you good sir. Although I do believe I could find my way on my own, I would much rather be escorted by such a handsome warden."
"I have no doubt of your navigation abilities, nor your ability to protect yourself from danger. However, one never knows what horrible beasts may be lurking on the way to the dining hall. I was hoping to garner your protection for such a perilous journey. Alas, you have discovered my clever plan!"
Elissa laughed while pulling Dominic toward her and taking his elbow. "Very well. I shall protect you with my life!" Elissa said, her eyes sparkling with humor. The pair began walking toward the dining hall.
"Elissa look! Protect me from the horrendous monster!" Dominic yelled, pointing to Elissa's left and pretending to cower behind her. Elissa turned to see what he was pointing at, and saw Nate approaching from a connecting hallway. Elissa almost fell over laughing, while Nate gave the two of them an exasperated look before continuing on his path.
"Maker's blessing! You were so fierce that one look was enough to make the monster scamper off in search of its mother!" Dominic said while holding Elissa up to keep her from falling over laughing.
They took a few more steps toward the dining hall, before Dominic pointed down the hall at Ser Pounce-A-Lot. "Another beast approaches! Flee my lady!"
Pretending to be scared, Elissa ran through the entryway into the dining hall, followed closely by a laughing Dominic. After entering the dining hall, Elissa fell into Dominic's arms laughing, while trying to catch her breath at the same time.
Dominic pulled Elissa closer and stated "My lady, we have arrived unscathed!" Dominic then lowered his voice and moved his lips up to Elissa's ear. "How will I ever repay you for your aid?"
Elissa felt the walls around her heart melting. All she wanted to do was fall into Dominic's arms and never look back. However, a sudden "Ah hem" from Anders brought the world around them back into focus.
"Good morning Commander." Anders said, smiling at the two of them.
Elissa straightened up and took a step away from Dominic, falling back into Commander-mode. "Good morning Anders. Let's eat, shall we?"
Elissa, Dominic and Anders joined four other wardens at a table and began digging into their breakfast.
Sitting alone at his table, Alistair had witnessed Elissa's entrance. When she ran into the dining hall Alistair's heart soared to see her face lit up with laughter. He came crashing down again when Dominic (or "That man" as Alistair had come to think of him) followed her in. Alistair tried to keep his eyes on his own food, but couldn't help watching Elissa. She was as radiant as ever and Alistair felt his heart ache for her, knowing that he used to make her smile like that, before he threw it all away.
Elissa enjoyed the wonderful food while talking and laughing with the wardens, occasionally playfully bumping her shoulder into Dominic. However, the fact that Alistair was in the room had not escaped her notice. Although she tried to ignore him, she could feel his presence in the room, like a palpable source of unease. Why is he eating alone? Elissa wondered. Is he not fitting in? Maybe I should...NO! Let him suffer. He deserves nothing less!
Elissa spent the rest of the meal resolutely ignoring Alistair, concentrating on the conversation at the table. When she finished her meal, Elissa headed to her office while the rest of the wardens went to the armory to prepare for their morning training. Knowing that Nate would not be happy if Alistair was late, Alistair followed the wardens, keeping his distance from them to avoid their taunting.
After the wardens stretched, Nate gathered them together and started pairing them off to duel.
"Dominic. Hmmm...why don't you fight...Alistair." Nate said, smirking. The previous night Dominic asked Nate about Elissa's romantic past and was eventually able to get the whole story out of Nate. Once Dominic had heard what Alistair had done, he implored Nate to pair him up with Alistair for sparring. Nate was happy to oblige.
Alistair walked up and shook Dominic's hand, trying not to let his distain for the man show on his face. Dominic gripped Alistair's hand as hard as he could, while glaring at him.
Dominic and Alistair walked over to an empty sparring ring, unsheathed their weapons and began circling each other, looking for an opening. Alistair struck first, bringing his sword down on Dominic's shield. Dominic was ready for the blow and used the momentum of Alistair's swing to throw him off balance and circle around behind Alistair to shield bash him. Alistair stumbled before regaining his balance and turning around. Dominic held up his shield and circled Alistair, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
"I hope you enjoyed yourself after the joining last night. I certainly did. Elissa is such a captivating woman, don't you agree?" Dominic baited Alistair.
"Stay away from her!" Alistair yelled before charging Dominic. Their blades clashed as they both struggled to overpower the other.
"Have her lips always tasted of cinnamon?" Dominic asked, smirking at Alistair.
Alistair felt rage overwhelm him and pushed Dominic back before shield bashing him. Although Alistair had no training as a berserker, he attacked Dominic in a wild rage, forgetting all form and training. Dominic's agility allowed him to dodge Alistair's fierce attacks, while occasionally getting in a strike of his own. The two continued their deadly dance for a long time, long after the other wardens' duels were concluded. However, the two were evenly matched and eventually Nate had to call it a draw.
Still seething with rage and frustration, Alistair stormed off to be alone while Dominic joined the other wardens to continue training.
…...
Over the next week Elissa settled back into her normal routine around the Keep, while occasionally stealing a few passionate kisses from Dominic in private. Dominic was very popular with the wardens and found that he fit right in at the keep. Although Elissa tried to avoid Alistair as much as possible, he always seemed to show up wherever she went. She'd head to the training ground and minutes later he'd be in the sparring ring next to her's. Elissa would take a walk in the courtyard only to find Alistair hovering around the nearby stables. Elissa would postpone dinner to avoid Alistair, only to find him in the larder when she went to make herself a late night sandwich.
Elissa consistently ignored the fact that her heart raced into overdrive whenever Alistair was nearby. Whenever she saw Alistair she immediately brought her thoughts to Dominic. I think I'm falling in love with Dominic, Elissa often thought. I'm totally over Alistair and am ready to move on with my life. Over time Elissa was almost able to convince herself it was true.
One night Elissa was relaxing with a book in the library, enjoying a break from work. As usual, Alistair seemed to magically appear on the other side of the room when Elissa was not looking. Elissa could occasionally feel Alistair's eyes on her, but she ignored him and tried to concentrate on her book.
After a little while Alistair saw Dominic enter the room, search for Elissa and walk up behind her chair. Dominic then leaned over and whispered something in Elissa's ear, causing her to smile flirtatiously. Dominic kissed Elissa's neck before looking over at Alistair and giving him a proud, confident grin. Dominic smugly walked out of the library and toward the barracks.
At this point Alistair could not keep his eyes off of Elissa. He desperately wanted to talk to her, to somehow let her know that he still loved her, that Dominic was not the right man for her. Alistair forgot about being discrete and instead found himself searching her face, trying to find the right words.
Elissa tried to ignore Alistair's stares, but could feel herself getting more and more agitated. Finally unable to ignore him anymore, Elissa looked up from her book. "What!"
"You deserve so much better than him." Alistair said while standing up and walking closer to Elissa.
"And what, you think you know what's best for me? Seriously!" Elissa shot up out of her chair and approached Alistair, filled with rage and indignation.
"I...well...I am..." Alistair stuttered, trying to find the right words. "...I don't trust him!"
"Butt out Alistair! Who I fall in love with is NONE of your concern anymore!" Elissa yelled, throwing her book to the floor in anger.
Alistair gave Elissa the saddest, most defeated look she had ever seen and for a moment Elissa almost wanted to take back what she said. Instead Elissa clung to her anger and screamed "Leave me alone!" before storming out of the library.
Damn it! Alistair thought, running his hand through his hair in frustration.