AN: Alright, so to make up for the fact that the last chapter was pretty much the same when Duncan recruited them (aside from the fact that he recruited two people instead of one) I made some non canon conversations between the three of them. I know I said that there would be some action but... Things change. That's all I have to say about that :P
The normal, Bioware owns all but any changes I make are mine.
Enjoy!
Liam shivered at the convenient gust of air that happened to go by just as the door opened. With only their robes, this was going to be a tough reunion with the outside world. Even at that thought, he didn't seem to mind all that much considering the circumstances. He and his sister are to become Grey Wardens, they are free to be outside and go where they want without fear of punishment, and Duncan didn't even need to anger the Chantry by invoking the Right of Conscription. Although Liam could have gone for that, one last blow below the belt to the Chantry and the Revered Mother. Oooh the look on her face would've been priceless. Miserable old bat...
He suddenly realized that neither he nor his sister had moved from right outside the door, just staring and gaping at the scenery. Even though there were windows, it was always too high up to really see anything, and the books... Well, it doesn't really need to be said that the pictures don't do real nature any justice. Yes, yes he was a mage and preferred to do primal spells, but you don't get the smell of a tree, or hear the babbling of a brook. And HE wasn't even the one that was in love with nature. He couldn't even imagine what was going on in Ari's head. … Arianna. Grey Warden. Circle. Duncan! Liam suddenly remembered that they have a purpose and obligation, and snapped his head to look at Duncan and expected to find annoyance on his face. Instead, he finds amusement and slight joy on his features, as if watching a baby dear take it's first steps. Perhaps that's what it was like watching them. Liam smirked at this, and decided that they'd get plenty of nature watching as they traveled. He tapped Arianna on her shoulder, and gestured that they better get a move on when she looked at him. She smiled shyly, possibly realizing the same thing he had, and nodded. "Are you two ready now? I'd prefer to get your joining over and done with as soon as possible, as I'm sure you are as well." He said kindly but sternly, and they both nodded, not sure of really what to say.
They had crossed the lake and after leaving the boat, said goodbye to Kester, the 'ferryman'. He was the same guy that was there when they first came to the Circle. He wished them well and they went on their way, never looking back at the Tower.
They traveled a bit further until the moon was high in the sky. Arianna didn't care all that much, for she was enjoying herself. She probably should be mourning over her failed relationship but for now, she couldn't really bring herself to feel all that bad. The only thing she could say about that was Jowan better hope that they don't cross paths, because she needed to fight something, and was very confused at this new emotion. Yes, she loved him, but who was first in betraying who in their relationship? Arianna was quickly getting concerned with her change in attitude, but figured maybe a nights sleep will make it better. Besides, she didn't want to ruin the beauty around her with such depressing thoughts. Much better. She told herself.
They stopped when they found a nice little indent in the ground that was slightly surrounded by a bit of rock. Duncan said it was perfect for shielding off the harsh winds. Duncan was very careful and kind to them, that they both agreed that he could very easily become their adopted dad. Arianna was a little shocked at how quick they came to that realization, let alone accepted it, but it did seem likely. Maybe that's the way all the Wardens feel about Duncan? If that were the case, then maybe it was alright to feel this way. This thought quickly turned to if the other Wardens would accept them, and also if they have families outside the Wardens. After those thoughts, she wondered what each Warden was like, developing little traits and quirks for each of them, make a back story for them. She was sucked out of her thoughts though at the smell of a stew of sorts that seemed like it was ready. Only then did she realize how hungry she was. She didn't have her breakfast this morning, due to... other things and all the stress had just made her even more hungry.
She heard a quiet chuckle, and looked to see Duncan watching her. I must've been staring, oh well. "It is okay for you to have some. You will need you strength and energy for what's to come. We still have a long journey ahead of us." She didn't even realize that he had gotten her a bowl as he talked, and she accepted it with a small "thanks" and slowly started to eat. She looked around for her brother, to find that he himself was enjoying a bowl, while sitting up on the rocks. He must have the night shift for guard duty tonight. She turned back to her soup, trying to think of a sufficient way to thank them both. She must've made a face, because Duncan asked, "Everything alright?" She looked up at him and smiled brightly, to reassure him. "Yes, yes of course. I was just simply trying to think of a way to repay you for your seeming unending kindness. Though I know little of the ritual, I am sure it is dangerous, but I am still ready to face whatever is to come. This is my only chance at showing people just how great mages can be. Also, that I get to be outside while I do this is a plus." She babbled a little. Dear Maker I hope this won't become another unwelcome habit.
Duncan thought a little on this and had a questioning look on his face. "What makes you think the Joining is dangerous?"
"Well, after going through my Harrowing which was always kept a secret from the apprentices, much like the Joining is to recruits, people began to congratulate me on "Making it out alive." I don't know why, but I have a feeling that that's what's going to happen when we finish the Joining too." Duncan nodded, giving a noncommittal answer and then replied, "But make no mistake, Arianna. This is not a courtesy. We Grey Wardens pay a heavy price to be who we are. There will be no need for thanks." Inadvertently, he did answer her question that it was in fact dangerous. That didn't seem to change her mind however, and finished off her soup. Duncan rose and set about putting out the fire and packing up everything else so they had room to sleep. "I will take the middle shift, and you can have the last if you prefer. I am used to waking in the night anyway." Arianna nodded tiredly, and waved goodnight to her brother, who was watching over her as always. He waved back, and she set up her sleeping bag, got herself settled and was out within seconds.
Liam got up to put away his bowl, to see Arianna already asleep. He could hardly blame her, for she had been labeled as a traitor, an honored and talented mage, and a Grey Warden recruit all in the same day that she lost her boyfriend of three years. She was only seventeen and just got through her Harrowing last month. A lot for someone her age to go through in a months time. Come to think of it, EVERYTHING she had gone through was too much for someone her age. Liam was proud of her that she could still muster up a true smile for his sake. Or maybe hers too, to convince herself everything will be okay possibly. Whatever the reason, he sure was glad that the cruel world they live in hadn't damaged her soul. Maybe being a Grey Warden is exactly what she needs right now.
As he passed her by, he pulled out a skin blanket from his pack and put it over her body for a bit more warmth. The last thing she needed was to top off her week with a cold. When he turned to return to his post on the rocks, he bumped into Duncan who had snuck up behind him to watch. Liam blinked a few times in confusion, for he hadn't heard nor seen him come up behind, and mumbled a confused apology. Duncan put his hand up, in a sign of silence and spoke, "There is no need my friend, twas I who came from behind without making myself known. I was simply curious in your actions. It seems you two are far closer siblings than most, in this age. I was simply wondering how this became so. You requested my aid in helping her out of what I believe to be an unfair punishment, when you could've been punished quite the same had things been different. I have not seen the amount of care you invest in her for quite some time." Duncan observed. Liam felt a little uncomfortable at the question, for he didn't really know how to answer. He wasn't even aware that not all siblings looked out for each other So, instead he figured it wouldn't hurt to tell Duncan their story. The Whole story.
As Liam was telling the Senior Warden of their difficult and unique situation, being siblings and brought to the tower together, he didn't say anything. He did nod from time to time, but he was otherwise silent. When Liam did finish however, he noticed that it was around the time for them to switch watch. Duncan seemed to have noticed too, and replied, "You'd better get some rest while you can. Thank you for telling me this, and though it will not help, I am sorry. You two have gone through a lot, and shown incredible strength in doing so. You will make excellent Grey Wardens." Liam didn't know what to say to the compliment, so instead he settled for the normal, "Thank you, ser." and went off the settle for sleep next to Arianna. For the first few minutes he didn't sleep, but looked up at the stars for the first time in years. Then, as a star went flying across the sky, he drifted into the Fade.
Arianna woke with a start, not yet being time to take her shift, so instead admired the few remaining stars in the sky. After a sufficient amount of time doing this, memorizing the color and sizes of the different little lights, she turned her attention to the rising sun behind the trees. By the time she had implanted the early morning sky into her head, Duncan was walking toward her for her shift. She nodded and pack up her bag, noticing for the first time her extra blanket. She smiled softly putting the skin back over her brother, and climbed up the rocks. Since she was there, she looked around and observed the little creatures going on about their day. The bees hovering over flowers, the birds pecking the soft soil for food, and then the little rabbits, hopping from place to place. She had always wanted to see a place like this, because even when she wasn't in the tower the Alienage didn't look nearly as beautiful and wondrous as this. Yes, she did read about them, but it was a whole new experience to actually be there.
The time flew by faster than she liked, for when Liam awoke so did Duncan, and that meant that they were to set off again. In a few hours they will stop to have breakfast, and then be on their way again. It will take about a week and a half to get there, so they will have more time to get to know more about Duncan and the Grey Wardens. Arianna sighed happily, because for the first time in her life, she will finally have a true place to call home.
AN: Alright, alright, alriiiight, some Grey Wardening will happen in the next chapter, this I swear. So, I always thought that Duncan would be more like a father figure to all the Wardens since, you know, we didn't really get to talk to any but one of them. That being Alistair of course, I can't see that he would bond with anyone but a father type figure. (Plus with a beard like that, how can you object to that?) Liam and Arianna did have a terrible life, much like Alistair. Because of this, I can't see Duncan treating them any different than Alistair.
Oi, real life decided to catch up to me while I was in my own little world... Such a shame isn't it? Do not fear, I will continue on with this story no matter what happens next.
Next chapter should be up within this week. (Oh I feel like how Liam and Arianna did when they first came outside... Stupid Windows 8...)
Anyway, hope you liked it and I will see you next time. R&R, please! :D
