Here's a shorter chapter. Now introducing Sten! I feel like if I had included all of the dialogue with Mother Hannah, then this chapter would've been way too long. So here's a shortened version.
Read, enjoy, review!
"Shok ebasit hissra-"
"I saw you take the supplies from my cart!"
"Meraad astaarit, meraad itwasit, aban aqun."
"Your grassland eyes are inept! The Chasind would never stoop to petty theft!"
" Maraas shokra-"
"You marshfolk are all thieves and-and liars!"
"Anaan esaam Qun."
Esme rubbed her face, her tired mind blurring the words that had drifted to her ears from somewhere behind, and the shrieks of the man standing next to her. What had been yet another problem to address had suddenly become less ten times less interesting in contrast to the prayer-like verses that Esme was hearing. Quickly, she forced herself back into focus. Both the Chasind and the man in front of her were watching the red-haired rogue, as if they were expecting a solution.
"Even when we're traitors, the Grey Wardens are still the babysitters of Ferelden," she muttered under her breath.
"You're being cynicaaaaaal," Alistair sang quietly.
"Enough," she stepped forward, placing a calming hand on the man's shoulder. "The people here are already frightened enough, without all this shouting. The best thing you can do is just walk away, alright?"
"But what about my food?" he wailed.
"Here's some coins," Esme fished a few silvers from the pouch on her belt, ignoring the murmured protest from Morrigan. "Buy some more food."
"Thank you, miss," the man took the coins eagerly, let out a short little bow, then dashed away.
"Are we yet done solving every problem within this town?" Morrigan sighed. "I am tiring of it."
"Hopefully, yes," Esme put her pouch away. "I was planning on asking if we should probably be leaving Lothering by tonight. Redcliffe isn't getting any closer."
Alistair began to nod, then paled at the mention of Redcliffe, but Esme raised no questions, thank the Maker.
"Leliana? What do you think?" Esme turned to find the bard, but she was nowhere to be found. "Leliana?"
"Over here," the heavily accented voice came from nearby, and the threesome approached the bard, only to become more concerned with the massive cage in front of her. The size of it was necessary for what it contained. The man inside was taller than even an abnormally lengthy man, with his waist the size of the oak trees growing nearby. His white, stiffly braided hair was in stark contrast to the grey tone of his skin. The giant regarded the four with emotionless purple eyes. It seemed to be waiting for one of them to speak.
"Hello," Esme said hesitantly, tilting her head to the side.
"You are not one of my captors," the giant spoke stoically, with absolutely no emotion. "I will not amuse you, human. Leave me in peace."
"What are you doing in there?" Alistair spoke up, stepping to Esme's side.
"I told you, I will not amuse you."
"Maybe we can help you," Esme said.
"I am in doubt of that. I was placed here by the Chantry," the man paused. "I am Sten, of the Beresaad – the vanguard – of the Qunari people."
"I'm Esme Cousland, daughter of Teryn Bryce Cousland," the Grey Warden responded, not unkindly. She was proud of herself for a brief moment – mentions of her family no longer sent her into a blubbering mess. "I'm also a Grey Warden. Pleased to meet you."
Alistair figured he should introduce himself as well, if only not to make the giant angry.
"I'm Alistair," he said, and then realizing how foolish he sounded beside Esme's qualifications, "I'm also a Grey Warden. Nice to meet you."
Sten grunted.
"You are both polite. I am surprised."
Of course we are, your biceps are the size of my waist, Alistair dryly thought to himself, but he chose not to voice it.
"So, Sten, of the Qunari people," Esme began. "Why are you in that cage?"
"I have been convicted of manslaughter. Has there been no talk of me throughout the village?"
The giant almost sounded … disappointed.
"I have heard talk of a large man in a cage," Leliana voiced. "But the villagers are much too concerned with their own affairs, I would guess." Sten grunted.
"Who did you murder?" Morrigan asked abruptly.
"The population of farmhold. Eight humans, in addition to the children."
"Oh," Alistair said, his voice higher than he had intended. Esme's eyes widened, but she said nothing.
"That's horrible!" Leliana gasped.
"I agree."
Esme laughed outright at his stoic tone, but at the shocked glances from Alistair, she silenced herself by biting her lip. The Qunari looked at her blankly, but she could've sworn there was some amusement in his purple eyes.
"Why did you do it?" Alistair questioned.
"The reason does not matter. My life is forfeit."
"Don't you want to seek atonement?" Esme tilted her head to the side. Alistair recognized the sudden spark in her eyes, and dread filled him. Esme, we are not bringing this man along.
"Death will be my atonement."
"There are other ways to repent," Esme spoke bravely.
"I am not sure what you mean, Grey Warden."
"You could help me – us-" Esme gestured towards her companions. "Defend this land against the Blight. Would the Revered mother let you free?"
"Perhaps if she was told the Grey Wardens needed my assistance," Sten shrugged.
"Then that's what we'll do," Esme decided, turning to face the others.
"A proud man, left to be torn to pieces by darkspawn," Morrigan mused. "It reflects on the mercy of the Chantry, does it not?"
"I'm sure the Revered mother had her own reasons," Leliana defended her religion quickly. "But it is awful. Maybe we should take him along."
"Are you all insane?" Alistair burst out. "He just calmly admitted he killed eight people! Children too! Do you want his record to be hiked up to twelve?"
"I hope that math did not stress you overmuch," Morrigan crossed her arms, and Alistair shot her a scathing glare.
"Do you really want to leave him to the darkspawn, though?" Esme turned to her fellow Grey Warden. "Despite whatever he's done…He could help us. Qunari are strong and powerful. I understand the risk, but I think the benefits could completely outweigh the drawbacks."
"He won't help us much if we're dead by the morning," Alistair pointed out. "That's a pretty big drawback."
"We might be dead by the morning anyhow," Morrigan said darkly.
Alistair sighed, running his hands through his hair.
"Fine."
"Thank you, Alistair," Esme smiled at him hesitantly.
"Sure, sure," the man grumbled. "Whatever makes you happy, your Highness."
With Leliana on their side, the Revered mother irresolutely handed over the key to Esme. When they returned and unlocked the cage, the Qunari showed no sign of relief. He simply rolled his shoulders, and nodded at the red-haired woman.
"Thank you."
"Hold on," Esme said. "The Revered mother has decided on your release on one condition – you help us, the Grey Wardens, stop the Blight."
"I accept," Sten replied simply. "I am yours, Grey Warden. Do with me what you will."
Alistair opened his mouth and then paused, wondering if he should make the Qunari swear on something that they wouldn't be added to his list of kills. He decided against it.
"Then we should get you some food, and some armor. And a weapon, of course," Esme began, guiding the Qunari towards the marketplace of Lothering. Alistair groaned, and then began to follow the four. Redcliffe would have to wait.
