Chapter 7
In unison the tavern began to insult and throw food at the drunkard who had snatched the fiddle from a bard. The attacks did not deter the drunk from continuing followed by singing that sounded like a dying animal. Then men started to get up and stalk toward the drunk determined to shut him up with force but before they got the chance Bella stood between them.
"Please gentlemen, allow me" she turned to the drunk and grabbed his wrist and applied just the right amount of pressure that he released the instrument and ended his noise. She then dragged the man and slammed him into a seat before applying pressure on his shoulder and the man slumped in the seat unconscious. She picked up the fiddle and stood on the stage before taking a deep breath.
"What's she doing?" Nathaniel leaned over the railing arching an eyebrow.
"She's showing off" Oghren grinned as he relaxed in his chair.
Before he could ask another thing Bella began slowly running the bow across a string and then another. She started slow, it sounded sweet but sad before she picked up speed. The faster she went the more joyful the song became and some of the patrons, probably drunk, began to dance. Bella looked focused, playing flawless like an expert. Her eyes were closed and she had a tiny smile that played across her lips as she remembered a night around the campfire during the blight.
"Why do you have a violin?" Alistair asked puzzled.
"Because I like playing the violin and it's an heirloom from my mother"
"Oh I didn't know I'm sor-"
"No need to apologize my friend"
"Where have you been hiding that?"
"Nowhere"
"Right… nowhere…"
"Know any good songs?" Leliana appeared behind them "Maybe we know the same songs and we can play together, no?"
"Do you know 'Dancing is for Fools'?"
"Oh I adore that song!"
Leliana sat on a log and began the song while Bella stood nearby and jumped in after a few notes. All their companions slowly gathered around the fire to listen, even Morrigan. Everyone started to clap along and smile as the two played faster and faster. Eventually Zevran convinced Wynne to dance with him, promising to behave himself, which he did to everyone's surprise.
Bella was playing the same song now, something her mother had taught when she was much younger. She had preferred the song when multiple instruments were played but always loved the violin the most. The song began to slow again into its sad melody before Bella finished and handed the fiddle back to its owner. As she walked off the stage the bar cheered and whistled before she disappeared on the balcony of the tavern. As she took a seat she patted Trickster on the head as he barked happily. Oghren pushed a glass to her and she took it.
"Not ale I hope" she asked as she sniffed it cautiously.
"Nah, it's your sissy tea"
"Thank you, I'm not sure I could drink any ale after having your famous brew"
"Yeah, I know, so good it ruins anything less than the best. Nice job by the way show off"
"Thank you"
Oghren burst into laughing "Don't think that's a compliment, Boss"
"To each his own opinion… or her as the case may be"
The three sat in silence before Anders walked in and ran up to the Commander. He whispered something in her ear, she stood and beckoned for the others to follow. They came across a warehouse and Anders became twitchy when they entered. They were ambushed by the same woman who had wanted the mage's head a few days prior. The Commander stood between the two and claimed Anders was beneficiary to her cause but Ser Rylock only spat at her claiming Anders was only dangerous. Soon the woman ignored all reason and launched herself at Bella. Rylock and her fellow templars soon fell though.
"Knew it" Bella said as she wiped the blood from her blades.
"Knew what?" Anders asked.
"That it was only an ambush. I could tell back at the Keep it wasn't going to be our last meeting. Fool shouldn't have attacked us" she growled in frustration before mumbling "Why do they always fight?" She then turned around and headed for the exit but was stopped by Anders who grabbed her arm. She looked over to see a sincere look on his face.
"Thank you… it would have just been easier to hand me over to them, most say I'm too much trouble but apparently you think I'm worth the trouble"
Bella looked back to the exit as she started walking again "Not so much trouble, I've dealt with far worse people. Besides, I can't stand it when people judge by appearances. A mage is as deadly as anyone trained with a blade" she left back for the tavern with the others on her heel.
"What was that about you man-skirt wearing freak?" Oghren belched as he drank from his flask.
"Oh nothing apparently. Thought I found my leash that tells the templars exactly where I am but nothing"
"The Commander was willing to anger the Chantry by looking for your phylactery?" Nathaniel blurted loud enough for Bella to hear but seemed to be ignoring the conversation. Anders just shrugged as they continued for the inn.
The Commander purchased rooms for the night and the gang headed out the next morning. When they arrived at the Keep Bella told them they had the day to themselves but were to present themselves at the noble gathering that evening. She was quite clear that everyone would go and their armor was to be spotless. Just because she had to dress and look nice didn't mean they didn't. The day was uneventful for the Commander as she talked with Varel about the Arling and checked on the progress of the diggers in the basement. Before she left for her bedroom to change she headed to the kennels. Apparently Adria's Mabari had two visitors already. Nathaniel sat on the floor next to her and Trickster scratching them behind the ears. He turned when he heard his Commander's bell. He didn't say anything at first and continued scratching the dogs.
"Is she going to be okay?" he finally asked not looking at Bella anymore.
"I believe I've cured her from the taint but she had a serious injury to her hind leg. I've had Anders do some healing but she has gone too long without treatment. She'll be able to walk but I don't know if she'll fight again or if she'll even imprint herself on another master"
Nathaniel turned to her, confused "Imprint?"
"Yes. Mabari choose their masters and they rarely imprint onto another but it is possible"
"Do you think she'll imprint to me?" he asked turning to the hound. He sounded unsure.
"Well" Bella walked over before sitting next to Trickster "she seems to like you, that's a start. She might not have seen you in awhile but she knows who you are. I assume you're the one who gave Trickster the bag of treats he gave her"
"Yes… I must admit I'm surprised he didn't rip my arm off. Thought he hated me"
"He might have then but he knew your intentions were good. He's a good boy aren't you?" she rubbed his belly as he barked in agreement. Nathaniel noticed that small smile again before it faded "Also he doesn't rip people's arms off unless commanded"
"That's… comforting"
"If you say so. I should get going. I still have to put on a pretty dress and dance the Remigold for the nobles" she said sarcastically as she frowned.
"Never liked dresses did you?"
"It's not the dress it's the damn corset! Years of wearing those things and I still can't learn how to breath like all the other noblewomen" she sighed in frustration before leaping to her feet. As she walked out Trickster rolled to his feet and trotted behind her "Don't forget to clean your armor" she shouted back to Nathaniel.
Bella pulled out the new dress she had bought from the market. It was a deep red with a V-neck. It had silver trim on its sleeves, neck, and bottom with a matching sash that had the Amaranthine crest, a grizzly bear, on it. After taking a bath she put on her clothing and sat in front of the mirror. She applied a light blush and red lipstick. She placed a clip that resembled a large silver flower in her short hair to keep it back. She then picked up her leather choker from the table and removed the bell from it. She carefully took out a small silver chain and placed the bell on it before fastening it around her neck. She looked up into the mirror to look at herself, she could hear her mother's compliment.
You look so beautiful my darling. Men shall be falling at your feet.
Bella stared at the bell around her neck. It was silver and on the front was the crest of Highever which was painted a metallic green to stand out. She clutched it and ran her thumb along the back on the words etched there. Bells ring freely in the wind just as you do Pup. It was gift from her parents years ago. She had thought it silly first but now she wouldn't give it up for the world. She sighed before applying a small amount of perfume that smelled of mint. She heard a knock on the door and opened it to find Varel. He looked surprised when he saw her but quickly regained his serious face.
"Commander, the nobility has started to arrive and are ready to pledge themselves to you" he held out his arm "If you'll allow me the honor of escorting you" he smiled warmly at her.
She took his arm and headed toward the throne room. Her Wardens were standing around in the corner away from the guests. Though Oghren still smelled of ale his armor and beard were cleaned spotless.
"Good to see you can actually be clean old friend"
"Oh hey Command-" he stopped when he turned to look at her. Anders and Nathaniel turned to see why he paused and they stood frozen. They were quite shocked to see her in a dress because she seemed so delicate. She looked like she had never seen battle in her life dressed up like she was.
"If you men keep gawking I'm going to feed you to the Darkspawn" That's all she said as she walked to the throne and began the ceremony. She acted just like a noble, carefully listening to each person's appeal and took consideration into everything.
"You know" Oghren finally said after a long silence between the three of them "she's probably gonna knock anyone's head off for staring at her… including us"
"How can you not stare?" Anders asked in bewilderment.
"By remembering your manhood could be easily removed by a dagger" Oghren said as he pulled out his flask and took a long gulp.
"Right"
