Chapter 7: Approval
He watched her express her apparent mirth out loud, something that never struck those of the Qun. This was an emotion that the teachings did not favor, for it was wasteful in its frivolous sapping of time, and energy. She clutched at his arm, seemingly requiring the support as she gasped for air, even as she expelled it in such a manner. The heat he felt as that hand connected, that transfer of warmth to his skin told more than mere words could —something that was not described in any teaching —a comfortable intimacy with another. But the Warden sobered quickly, wiping moisture from her eyes—a most curious thing. Was she truly laughing? Or in distress? The arishok found himself raising a finger to her cheek, catching the single droplet that fell unchecked by her own efforts. Everything about her was warm.
"I—apologise. I have not laughed in quite a while." She had not noticed his movement, still distracted in her digression of those feelings.
It was something that bespoke her foreignness, an intriguing conflict which attracted in its absolute ability to confound, these informal meetings showed a reality that had never once crossed his mind. A reality that lay behind the other peoples of the lands beyond the Qun. Would they be as inconsistent? Very much so. Would they give the qunari warriors pause in their attack? A definitive negative.
But this female gave one cause to believe, an alternative path, and perhaps even a future bridging the irreconcilable.
"How is the act amongst your people?" If breeding could produce similar positive traits, then there would be a further reason to bring knowledge to these lands.
Her response was not one of surprise, "Believe it or not, you're not the first to ask me this." She paused, sighing as she continued. "It mostly happens between two people in love, though decadence and circumstances have made many seek it for physical pleasure. Others use it as a means of earning currency. And that is just a very brief summary."
It was puzzling that she was so forthright with this topic, even if it painted an unflattering picture of the lands from whence she came.
"The utility of the act—as you call it—" the Warden smiled gently, "does generate scrutiny among the general populace, of complicated birthrights, the want to further a particular bloodline, the creation of a family and so on as intended outcomes. But as a Warden, I am very much unable to participate in the same, and so, I am not the person to explain any further."
He thought deeply about this, considering her final words. "Does your Order have strict teachings in this regard?"
"Oh no—not in the least, but members of our Order… suffer from degenerative effects of our unfortunate occupation." The arishok's grim silence prompted her clarification, very much needed in this instance.
"Grey Wardens are unlikely to conceive. It comes with the reputation." So this was the reason her female qualities ranked low for herself—the signifier of her sex—and the ability to birth children was not available. Her flat, direct answer impressed him, for it showed that she worked to the best of her other abilities.
Thus, it remained to be seen if she was the representative specimen of her people, of varying extremes; those who thrived in disgusting lows, and those who carried themselves well. The arishok understood that she garnered respect where there was once only disdain —noting the figure that even now, watched them from a distance.
He understood.
"The Sten wishes to speak with you." And there was indeed much the arishok had to ponder upon, in silence.
"Sten?" He watched her gaze sweep out across the yard. "Right—no horns." She suppressed a smile, and getting to her feet, went forth to seek out her friend. There was indeed a reason that she was recognized as his kadan —much of what she did was worthy of that title.
Love— the forming of a strong personal attachment was not frowned upon amongst the qunari; the affection that could at once, be volatile and calming in its manifestations. He did not truly understand these inclinations, but accepted them as necessary at times, for it was understood as part of the survival instinct, a function to keep beings together against menaces and to facilitate the continuation of a collective whole. In that understanding, there was purpose to these affections.
The arishok approved.
P.S.: It seemed like a good place to stop, I'm not being mean by posting such short chapters I hope? I also hope you still like it! Things are coming to pass very soon! ^_^
