Orynne sat at the edge of the small bed and held back the tears that threatened to fall. So much had happened since that morning that she couldn't bring herself to believe it was true. The only person besides Irving to ever show her any kindness had saved her and Tero without a second thought to his own life, and she hadn't even thanked him.
After watching Enchanter Irving fight for his life, Cullen had ran to her and grabbed her arm firmly. "We must leave!" He pulled her around the edge of the Gallows, ducking and pushing between people to get away from the Tower. They ran through the crowded smoke filled streets, Cullen pushing people aside to make room for them. His strength was impressive but the grip he had on her hand was gentle and firm, never breaking.
Orynne lowered her head into her hands and sobbed. Now she was on a ship to only Maker knows where, with a man she didn't know and only her two shoddily made weapons to her name. At least she had Tero. He had slipped out of her cloak and jumped off the bed, exploring the room. "Don't worry, Orynne. The Templar was right, this is our chance for a new life! We can finally explore and meet people! People who don't fear you for no reason. Chin up, lovie." He popped up into her lap and purred against her hands where her head rested. Sniffling she raised her head up. "I suppose your'e right. I should be stronger. I'm sorry, Tero."
She stood and looked around the room. It was small but for her it worked. The small single bed was pushed against the wall, no doubt secured with bolts to keep her from sliding about in the waves at night. A small round window looked out into the open sea, allowing daylight in. The bed itself was simple, the coverings worn but soft, and the stuffing didn't smell too old which was a plus. There was a night stand next to the head of the bed that held a small candle and a small desk against the wall, complete with stool. Another candle lay here, larger than the first, and a small basin for washing was next to that.
Orynne unbuckled her swords from her belt and leaned them against the bed between the mattress and the nightstand to hide them somewhat. Exhaustion took over her body and she walked back over to the bed, laying down on her back and staring up at the wood plank ceiling. Her eyes made shapes in the knot work above her and her lids grew heavy, closing and taking her into darkness.
She awoke with a jolt, the smell of smoke still burned into her nostrils. Her room was dark and night had obviously fallen while she had slept. She sat up, stretching and spotted Tero curled up on the sill of the small window. Smiling she tip toed to the door, allowing him to rest, and quietly eased the door closed behind her. She made her way topside to the deck, and over to the front of the ship. Looking up into the sky she almost lost her breath. Never before had she beheld such brilliance of the stars. In Kirkwall, there were torches and lamps lit at all hours, making the stars seem dim and far away. Out here in the darkness of the open sea, the heavens were close enough to touch.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" a man spoke behind her. Orynne spun around. It was the man from before. Blackwall he'd called himself. He was tall and built well. His skin was bronzed as if he spent most of his days outside. His dark hair fell to his shoulders and a strong thick beard covered his face. His sea foam colored eyes, a stark contrast in all his darker features, broke away from hers and gazed up at the sky. "When I was a boy, my teacher had this grand idea to make me learn all the constellations names. Who even uses all that information?" She smiled lightly. "My name is Orynne. I'm sorry for earlier, I was... a little shaken." He shook his head. "Don't be sorry," his eyes met hers again. "I can only imagine what you've been through and I don't envy you that." She nodded, swallowing the lump forming in her throat. "Thank you." She said, turning back around to stare at the stars once more.
"Where are we going?" Orynne asked, not bothering to look at him again, afraid she may cry if she did. "We're headed to Ferelden. Your uncle spent a considerable amount of money to get me to come all the way to Kirkwall and get you." "Uncle?" Orynne spun around, looking up at Blackwall with confusion. "The man who brought you to me. He told me your'e his niece and that you wanted to join the Grey Wardens." Blackwall hid his sudden understanding as Orynne's face displayed shock. "I figured it was all some form of cover but he didn't seem to have bad intentions so I went along with it. So... Not a relative then, I assume?" he asked, looking at her from the corner of his eye as her face reflected her mind processing what he had told her. "No... No hes the Knight-Captain. We've only ever spoken once, years ago. His name is Cullen... He...He saved me then. In more ways than one. He must have know it was coming to this. And he stayed there, in Kirkwall...Why?" Her voice drifted off.
She leaned against the rail, gazing down into the ocean below. "Don't worry, Orynne, you're safe with me. I wont let any harm come to you, I gave Cullen my word. And even if I hadn't, I am a man of honor." Orynne smiled lightly as he finished speaking. "Thank you, Blackwall." Blackwall nodded and continued to stare above. He had a warmth about him that Orynne couldn't deny, and she felt an instant wave of trust for him. She hoped that he meant what he said.
A loud groan emitted from the depths of Orynne's stomach and she wrapped her arms around herself, blushing deeply. "Oh Maker, how embarrassing.." she whispered. Blackwell chuckled softly at her. "Come lets eat and relax. This way." he summoned her over to a small barrel with two stools next to it. They ate bread and hard cheese and Blackwall shared a small flask of wine with her. As they ate, he spent a considerable amount of time pointing out constellations to Orynne and renaming them, having forgotten their original names. Orynne couldn't help but laugh, having studied for years on all the constellations and knowing each one by heart. Eventually Blackwall stopped trying and the names of his star formations grew increasingly ridiculous as the night went on. That night Orynne went to bed with a smile on her face that she hadn't worn in many years.