Author Note: I'm sorry it took so long to do. I was starting yet another story like I don't have enough already on my plate but I can't help it. Nonetheless, here the next chapter: Assignments and Apostates.
The meeting with King Cailan was over and everyone seemed, at less on the surface, to agree to the battle plan. The king and Duncan would enter the battlefield together with all the other Grey Wardens, while Alexandra and Alistair would be sent to the Tower of Ishal to light the flame. This would signal Teyrn Loghain's men to enter the field and flank the darkspawn. It all seemed very logical and thought out, so why the whole affair did not seem to sit right with Alexandra? Something was just in air that made her feel that things were not going to be as easy as everyone said.
"What I won't be in the battle?" Alistair's shocked question brought Alexandra back to the situation at hand. Now, she was back standing at fireside with Duncan informing Alistair of the plan. She could understand his feelings of wanting to be on the front lines fighting, she wanted nothing more then that as well. Well, maybe not too close to the front lines being a mage and all...At least it would have been better then to be given the trivial task of lighting the tower. She told Duncan this to which he gave them speech about Grey Warden's duty.
Alistair and Alexandra exchanged a look of defeat during his speech. They knew that there was going to be no sense in trying to argue with Duncan. He was now their leader and his word was law. "I want no heroics from either of you." He warned sternly getting ready excusing himself from their presence. Just before he did Alistair stopped him. Alexandra could read the concern in every feature of his face as spoke, "Duncan...may the Maker watch over you." "May he watch over us all." Duncan replied, but even she could pick up that was more directed towards Alistair then to her.
That's when she realized that they did have a stronger bond then just mentor and teacher as she first thought. Duncan was more like a father figure to him and that realization made her suddenly very sad that she could not remember her own father very well. She could feel the tears starting to well up. As Duncan walked away, Alistair looked towards her and she quickly had to wipe the tears away so he wouldn't see. They had a job to do and tears were not going to help her.
"After you." Alistair said half-heartedly. He was still wrapped up in his own thoughts to pay much attention to anyone else. As she lead the way and they got going he felt a little better that he was actually do something rather then sitting around the camp which could have the other alternative especially if Cailan thought for one moment that the tower was too dangerous for him. He would have hated that more than this. As they approached the bridge connecting two sides of the camp, he could see darkspawn horde growing on the edge of the wilds. The men standing under King Cailan's banner: Grey Wardens, Mages, Ash Warriors and their mabari along with many others, were there waiting for the darkspawn to make the first move.
Then suddenly the dark line charged and so did the men and women of the army. Like two warring sea, they crashed into each other. Bodies fell to wayside: humans, elves, and darkspawns, like species didn't matter. He realized that when you die, you die, and it didn't matter where you were born. A part of him also realized how easy it would be to jump from the upper ledge and join the fray, even if he might have not survived the fall. He would have had at least a shot at helping Duncan and the others defeat the threat. Not like now, he would just be lighting the signal, big deal.
He felt someone put a hand on his shoulder and said his name softly, "Alistair." He turned to see it was Alexandra and for a moment there, he had forgotten that she was standing next to him. One look into her green eyes seemed say it all. She knew what he was feeling and felt the same exact way. It made him realize how much of a fool he was in only thinking about himself. She was in the same boat as he was. At least this way, they could do this, together.
"Let's cross the bridge." He yelled and she nodded before being to run, about a half a step ahead of him. About halfway across, a large rock sailed right towards the bridge and immediately on impact, sent everyone flying back including Alistair and Alexandra. He got to his feet first and then turned towards her. "Are you alright?" He asked as he checked her over with worried eyes, extending his hand to her. "Yes, I am fine. What was that?" Alexandra answered placing her hand in his before he pulled her to her feet. "I don't know, but we have to keep moving." He replied, beginning to run again, not wanting to wait around to find out. She followed him, partly because she agreed with him, and partly because he was still holding her hand, not that she minded anyway.
He only let go when he saw two of the men station at the tower coming towards them. They brought news of the tower having been taken by the darkspawn. Alexandra nodded in agreement as Alistair suggested lighting the beacon themselves. He was right and with Alexandra and the two soldiers, they did just that. They fought their way through the tower, through the traps and darkspawn, hiding in the different rooms. One floor at a time, they freed the floor of the creatures until they got to the very last room when the beacon was.
As soon as they entered the room, they saw ogre feasting on some poor, unfortunate, soul. He stopped when he heard them approach. Alistair and the other men raced toward him, attacking with the new swords they had equipped on the way up there. Alexandra stood back, using magic and her staff right near the door. And just when she thought that they were winning the fight, the ogre broke away from them and charged at her. His hand out and Alexandra tried to freeze him, but the spell failed. She closed her eyes knowing that any second he would reach her and scoop her off the floor to be crushed under his massive strength.
Then she heard clanking of metal against the floor followed by someone else cry out in pain. She opened her eyes to see Alistair be picked up and even the ogre looked surprised. He shook him like a little ragdoll, seeming to decide that he would do just as nicely instead of the spell girl. He began to use his other hand to punch him, repeatedly. Alistair's groans got louder with each one and he knew he was helpless to stop him since his sword and shield were now on the ground in front of Alexandra.
She watched horrified as Alistair was losing more and more blood with each passing hit. Without thinking, she dashed forward picking up his sword. She held on tight to the heavy sword with the best of her ability while still running towards the ogre. "Put him down, you, big, hairy--beast!" She shouted, not able to think of any other word. She said it so loudly that she even surprised herself. Everything around her seemed to slow down as the ogre turned and looked at her direction. Before he could do anything, she jumped raising the sword above her head with both hands and stabbed him through his chest. The effect made him instantly let go of Alistair who fell to floor, motionless.
As the ogre fell backwards, she didn't know what came over her that made her pull the sword out and stab him again, this time right between the eyes. His hands reached out for one finally time before falling back to his side, dead. Alexandra stood on top of him, unable to believe what happened. Did she, a mage, just do that? The speechless looks from the two soldiers that were with her told her, the answer was the affirmative. She had done this all because of Alistair. 'Alistair! Maker's breath!' Her thoughts suddenly screamed and she looked towards where he laid.
She was by his side in the next instant. He didn't seem to be too badly hurt at least as far as she could. He was alive that was for sure as he was giving her the same shocked look as the others, apparently her little action had not escape even his notice. "Well, that was--something." He managed to say with chuckle as he sat up, his arm clutching his stomach. "Don't worry I have no plans on switching to warrior class now and replace you." Alexandra remarked with a smile, glad to see he was still in good humor before she added worriedly, "Maybe, I should heal you before you start moving."
"Well, good and if I may offer a suggestion next time you yell at big monster before attacking like that, make it a better insult then calling him a big, hairy, beast...which presumably he knows already." He said with another chuckle looking at the ogre before getting up despite her voicing her concerns. "I'm fine anyway. We have better things to do then to have you worrying about me." Alistair stated before reminding her that she had to light the beacon. They had probably missed the signal already.
Alexandra realized he was right and turned her attention to lighting the signal. As soon as she had her back towards him, Alistair pulled his arm away from his stomach and looked down. He could see the fresh wound that was pour out his very lifeline. He knew he was hurt worse then anyone realized the moment he landed. He could feel light headedness beginning to take hold to which he simply shook it off, placing his shield back on his arm and retrieving his sword from the ogre. He just didn't share this information with Alexandra for he knew that only serve to worry her more and for what, their quest was almost done there. Then he could seek treatment for his wounds, or so he thought.
It turned out not to be the case as even after the beacon was lit, darkspawn swarmed the tower. Alistair keep thinking that any minute now that the Grey Wardens or Teyrn's men would come and help them, even after he and Alexandra fought back hundreds upon hundreds of darkspawn. When Alexandra went down from a darkspawn archer's bow, he knew that they were on their own. He fought on still trying desperately to keep them away from her body even as the men died around him. With each passing second, it was becoming harder and harder as blood loss set in. He eventually passed out, right next to Alexandra. "I'm sorry." He managed to choke out looking at her before the darkness overcame him.
'Alistair? Alistair?! Alistair, watch out!' Alexandra's thoughts startled her awake. She stared at the ceiling for a second, not at all recognizing it. She sat up. She tried to remember the last thing that happened. "Ah, your eyes finally open. Mother shall be pleased." A familiar and slightly sarcastic voice interrupted her thoughts. She turned and looked at the dark-haired Witch of the Wilds, who approach her. Now, she was at least she knew that she was, the hut in the Wilds, but how did she ever get there? The last thing she remembered was fighting the darkspawn with Alistair and then nothing...
"What happened to the darkspawn?" She found herself asking. "You were injured, and then Mother rescued you. Do you not remember?" Morrigan answered causing Alexandra to shake her head. She did not feel like she was in anyway injured, apparently Morrigan or her mother did know some healing spells. After asking Morrigan a few more questions, Alexandra learn that all of her fellow Grey Wardens were dead along with the king and at least Alistair had been rescued along with her. She didn't know if she could bear to have lost him, too, even in short time they had known each other.
He wasn't taking the news their deaths any better, according to Morrigan. Why should he be? They were like family to him, especially Duncan. How could Loghain do this to them? He was supposed to help the king and Grey Wardens not lead them to slaughter. She needed to see Alistair, tell him that she is sorry for his--no, their loss now. The Grey Wardens were now as much as her family as they were his. Then she could thank Morrigan's mother for all of her help. Apostate or not, if she hadn't rescued them, Alistair and her would both be dead.
After Morrigan excused herself to make supper, Alexandra dressed and replaced her staff back on her back. She felt a little better now that she was back to normal, still thinking about the ogre from yesterday. She took a deep breath and stepped outside. "See? Here is your fellow Grey Warden. You worry too much, young man." Morrigan's mother stated as soon as she saw the door open. Alistair turned from staring off into the Wild to Alexandra. "You...you're alive! I thought you were dead for sure." He said sounding so relieved. Alexandra couldn't resist the opportunity to bother him. "It takes more than a few darkspawn to kill me." She said smiling, finding heartwarming that he did care about her.
It was a badly timely joke though as Alistair immediately brought up Duncan, the other Grey Wardens, and the king. The smile dropped off her face instantly. He had realized too that if not for Morrigan's mother, Flemeth as she eventually introduced herself, they would have been dead too. As the three of them continued to talk, Alexandra kept noticing that Flemeth kept reminding them of their duty as Grey Wardens, pushing them to make choices, probing them into action. It was not a bad thing, but she could feel there was a hidden motive behind it, she just didn't know what.
Alistair didn't even seem to notice, but kept throwing out suggestions. The one about going to see Arl Eamon in Redcliff seemed like the best idea. She didn't know how Alistair knew him personally, but she did know all about the Arl of Redcliff. Everyone had. He was well-loved by the people and that would make him a helpful ally to go after Loghain. He needed to pay for what he did to everyone in Ostagar. Like Alistair, she would make sure of that. With the treaties, as Flemeth pointed out, they could gain more allies and form an army to oppose the Blight and Loghain together. Maybe, the two of them could make this happen after all.
Then Flemeth did the unexpected as Morrigan came to inform her supper was ready, she suggested that they take Morrigan with them. Alistair and Alexandra exchanged a nervous glance. They opposed her joining them, each from a different standpoint. However, templar or mage, the reasons boiled down to the same thing. Morrigan was an apostate out of the forest that could and would bring a lot of trouble they didn't need. The two last Grey Warden had the odds already stacked against them. Did they really need to add to their problems?
Eventually, Flemeth got her way, much to the Wardens' disapproval. As they waited for Morrigan to get her things, Alexandra and Alistair separated themselves from Flemeth as much as they could on that small piece of land. Both of them took this time to look out over the lake and out to Wilds, just waiting. Soon, Alexandra noticed that Alistair had turned his attention back on her out of the corner of her eye. He seemed to be studying her for some answer to an unknown question. "If something is on your mind, Alistair, all need to do is to ask." She stated keeping her gaze towards the water.
He smiled. She already could see right though him. "Are you really alright? When I saw that arrow hit you I was afraid-I was afraid-" He couldn't even bring himself to finish the sentence. "That I was dead?" She finished it for him and he nodded quickly. "I am fine now, thanks to Flemeth over there." She said, being under no preconception that just because they moved away from her that the very old Witch of the Wilds was not listening to the conversation still.
Alexandra ignored her though as she spoke again, this time a little quieter. "Alistair, can I ask you a question now?" "Of course, ask away." He responded growing curious what kind of question could make his normally outspoken fellow Warden, so shy and timid. Alexandra swallowed hard. She wondered why chose right now to bring this up. She had already started and it was too late to stop now. "You thought I was dead, right? ...But if you thought I was really dead, then why did you fight so hard to protect me?" She asked looking at him for the first time since this conversation started.
"You saw that?" He said to which she nodded. "I-uh...I-" He found himself unable to find the right words to say as he stared into those lovely eyes of hers. He just didn't know what to say. Now that he thought about it, why did he fight by her side even though he was sure she was dead? He didn't even have an answer for himself, let alone her. 'Maker's breath! You do know the reason why you did that, Alistair! It is because you love her. You--love--her.' A voice spoke in his mind. He pushed the thought quickly away. He may have like Alexandra. Okay, he liked her a lot, but to love her? No, it was way too soon and he didn't even know what love felt like. Did he really love her? Was this even really love? He just could not be sure.
Alexandra was still watching him, closely. It was as if she was trying to find the answers on her own since he was not giving her any. He quickly looked back to the lake, just in case she could have somehow read his thoughts. He needed a distraction, something to take the attention off him and he got it in the form of Morrigan walking out of the hut, ready to leave. Thank the Maker! He never thought he would be happy to say that especially about her, but a distraction was a distraction. He could hardly contain his sigh of relief when Alexandra began to talk with Morrigan instead of him.
Morrigan suggested they visit a village north of the Kocari Wilds. "I have no problems with your presence, if Alistair doesn't." He heard Alexandra say which surprised him. He guessed that was her way of trying to fish for him to say something at least since he stood quiet. Morrigan, however, seemed to pick up quickly that he did not like her already. He really did not have anything against her, other then she was an apostate, and mean, and evil, and let's not forget crazy...Yeah, he had nothing against her at all.
Alistair listened as Alexandra continued to ask her questions, only injecting his thoughts when he felt needed to. He couldn't resist one tempting opportunity to bother Morrigan when she was going on about her skills. "Can you cook?" He asked, trying to do the best to keep the amusement out of his voice. Alexandra had to contain her own laughter as he did. She even decided to help him along by suggest that she could be a substitute for him cooking-wise. "I also know at least fifteen different poisons that grow right here in this march. Not that I would suggest 'tis at all related to cooking." Morrigan responded to caused both of them to immediately stop bothering her. They would probably be a lot safer if Alistair cook for them, at least until they got out the marches.
As they left, Alexandra couldn't help but go over what she just learned about the Grey Wardens and their taint in her mind. She had no idea they could feel the darkspawn's presence just because they drank their blood. She couldn't do it yet, but Alistair could. That's must have been the main reason that Duncan had sent Alistair with the new recruits when they first entered the Wilds. All this in turn would allow the darkspawn to sense them as well. She wondered what that meant for those exposed to the taint longer, did that strengthen their senses and allow the darkspawn to find them easier?
She would have to ask that to Alistair the next chance she got, and many other things including the answer to her still unanswered question. She knew he thought he got away from it when Morrigan entered the picture, but he hadn't. She wanted to know if his feelings were more then just caring for her and really something more. Did he feel love sparking between them two, regardless of them both being Grey Wardens or a templar and mage? Or was it just wishful thinking on her part? She wanted to know if his feelings were starting to match hers. Maybe the trip through the Wilds would help her find out.