AN: Oh dear, it's been faaar too long! I'm sorry you guys, I thought I'd get something together a week after I updated last, but alas I did not. :( My schedule has been kicking my butt so far, you have noooo idea. On nights where I don't have games, my teachers give me a load of homework. Oh happy day. I've only had some moments to write, but not much. Now that the madness in September has passed, things should slow down. September is the busiest during first semester, everyone is getting everything together for homecoming. As fun as it is, there are times I want to pull my hair out when organizing different things, IT GETS SO CRAZY. I'm glad homecoming has passed though, it's super fun, but now I can chill :) Also, I am at the end of the five day weekend. YES. So that's given me awhile to write some stuff up, no school distractions! :) Thanks guys for everything so far still! And thanks for being patient with me. I have been failing so far when it comes to these regular updates.
Until then, enjoy chapter 9 :D Reviews, feedback, criticism appreciated!
KeiraPOV
Chapter 9. Nightmare
Screams. Cries. Fighting.
My eyes darted open to the different sounds coming from every direction. Where was I?
It all seems so familiar...
"Carlin?" I called out. No answer. "Gavin?" Nothing. Where was everyone?
My eyes scanned around the scene as I studied my surroundings. I stood within in the middle of a stone corridor. Torchlight flickered before my eyes as I stood in bewilderment. This place seems awfully familiar, like I've been here before. Mixed scents of sweat and coppery blood began to flood my nose. I slowly took steps along the hallway, lightly grazing the cold stone walls with shaky hands. I peeked my head into one of the corridor rooms, only to find it deserted. Clothes were scattered everything and toppled furniture lay on the floor, giving off a distressed feeling. As I continued down the hallway, I could hear swords clashing together, followed by cries of pain and suffering.
Suddenly, a figure came around the corner, an elf. He looked at me with panicked eyes, "My lady, they're everywhere!"
My lady? Wait a second.
I took in a deep breathe as I ran my fingers through my hair. This can't be. I'm in Highever?
I raised an eyebrow, "Who is.. They?"
The young elf's eyes widened as he spoke, "Howe's men!"
My jaw clenched as the word "Howe" registered through my mind. Rendon Howe. Hatred leaked into my thoughts, filling my head with mixed feelings. Howe betrayed us? Is this what he's caused?
The elf spun around in a panic, frantically pointing down the hall, "Run! They're coming this way!" The elf swiftly ran the other direction, not hesitating as he made his escape. I looked down the hallway, seeing a guard quickly making his way towards me. Instinctively, I reached behind my back, grabbing a hold of my sword and dagger.
Pulling the sword over my back, I quickly blocked one of guards as he slashed at me. He clumsily stumbled back, seeming to not except my reaction to his attack. I took this moment to my advantage. I swept my leg out in a wide motion, connecting to the guard's ankles. Just as I hoped, he fell flat on his back. As he hit the floor, I could hear the air escape roughly from his mouth. I extended my sword out to the man's throat, as I abruptly stomped a foot on top of his chest.
"Where is my family?" I spat out.
The man raised a brow at me as his mouth twisted into a sickening smile.
He kept a cool, even tone as he spoke. "With Rendon Howe, no doubt."
I snapped.
My body automatically responded, as if it was acting on its own. With one, swift motion, I drove my sword across the man's throat. Delivering the final blow, I was enraged. I quickly sheathed my sword and dagger while stepping away from the lifeless body beneath my feet. Wasting no time, I clenched my jaw and continued down the hall, stalking within the shadows.
Main hallway, I thought to myself. That's where everyone has to be.
I kept quiet, slipping my way around the guards. I managed to avoid the attention of any other guards, to my surprise. It wasn't before long and I was outside the main hall, eagerly anticipating what could be on the other side.
I slammed the door open to the main hall, only to see a dark figure standing in the middle of the room. Most of the room was in darkness, I could barely see a thing. The only light came from a flickering torches on the side of the room, illuminating a dark, almost eerie presence.
I took a couple steps toward the center of the room, "Who's there?"
I heard a sickening chuckle emit from a man.
Cautiously, I continued to take steps toward the sound.
The figure spun around, revealing a twisted, sick smile on the man's face. Rendon Howe.
"You..." My jaw clenched as I hissed, "Where is my family?"
His grin widened as he motioned his hand toward the corner of the room, "See for yourself."
I raised a brow at his statement, slowly turning my head to follow his directions.
Maker.
My hands quickly found their way to my mouth, covering it as I stared in horror at the scene before me. Father, Mother, Fergus, Gavin, Oriana, Oren, Carlin, and Rory... Dead. Instantaneously, tears began coursing down my cheeks as I began to sob. How could this happen?
"Why?... How could this..." I tripped over my tongue, unable to even speak a complete sentence! My thoughts are jumbled up, I can't even think. How could he do this? Why was I too late? How could I be too late.
"And now, the Cousland line has ended."
I shifted my eyes over to Howe as he began to speak. A satisfied grin transformed his lips as he began to pull his sword from its sheath. His eyes glittered with satisfaction as he took a step towards me, almost in a greedy manner.
"Well, at least it will be after I've finished with you."
I took a couple steps back, giving myself time to reach for my sword and dagger. As my hands reached back, I only felt the touch of my studded leather armor. What? Checking again, there was nothing there. My weapons were gone!
Howe's laugh bellowed throughout the room as he shook his head at my foolishness. He brought his sword up above his head. I shielded myself with my arms, squeezing my eyes shut and anticipating the final blow. I gave up.
I failed.
I was too late.
I couldn't save them.
It's all my fault.
Any minute now, I'll be done for. I could almost imagine the pain from Howe's sword... Seconds quickly turned into what seemed like minutes.
. . .
That's odd. I should be dead by now, right? No pain, no slashing, no cuts, no anything. I should be chopped up, courtesy of Rendon Howe. Wait, I feel like I could hear someone. It was a soothing, warm voice. Did I miss something? Was that Howe?
"Keira? Are you there?"
Oh no, definitely not Howe. The voice does not match. This voice was nothing like Howe's nasally monstrosity. I know this voice. I know I've heard it before.
"Are you okay? Can you hear me, Keira?"
There it was again! Who was it? I recognize the voice so much, but I just can't think of its owner. Though speaking with concern at the moment, I know it's spoken with an upbeat tone before. The voice flowed like a river, and always spoke with quick wit. It was full of energy and mischief; it's as refreshing as a warm summer's breeze! Sweet to my ears, I always thought.
Who was it?
My eyes immediately fluttered open, looking up to see a familiar set of amber eyes under a wrinkled brow. He relaxed in posture for a moment, his features softening. Alistair let out a sigh of ease as he spook.
"Whew," he said, dramatically wiping his forehead with relief, "I was beginning to worry for a second there."
I sat up, hand clinging on to my forehead. "Wha?..." I shook my head with confusion as I turned my gaze to Alistair, "What happened now?"
"Oh you know," he drew out, "Grey Warden duties also include visions, as Duncan had mentioned." He gave a lop-sided smile as he softly chuckled, "No refunds, I'm afraid."
Wait, was that all really just a dream?
My brows furrowed, "What kind of visions again?"
"Well, just the frightening ones of arch demons and darkspawn." He began to speak in a lighter tone. "Although, some are just more strange than frightening." Alistair mumbled, "Actually, strange and frightening may very well be the same thing." He quickly shuddered for a moment.
I giggled at his explanation. Part of me really wants him to spill the beans on these dreams. Then again, perhaps I'd regret that later.
"Hmm," I bit my lip, "And if it's a dream that's just frightening? No darkspawn?"
A tiny smile crept unto the corner of his lips as he whispered, "Then that, my dear, is a nightmare. Not a Grey Warden vision."
"Oh."
Awkward silence.
"Oh, um. Did you have a nightmare, perhaps?" He slowly asked.
I quietly nodded.
"Erm, was it.. Bad?"
I nodded again.
He sighed, "You know, you can talk about it."
"Um," My throat cracked, "It was, about my family." I recall talking about my family to Jory back in the Wilds. I wondered if Alistair overheard any of it.
"Oh," He raised his eyebrows, "You were the Teryn's daughter, right?"
I silently nodded.
"Do you miss them?"
My heart dropped. I pulled my knees to my chest and looked down, away from Alistair's gaze. "Something along the lines of that."
I heard the cloth shuffle beneath us as Alistair scooted a little closer. He tilted his head toward me, "What was it about?"
"Something that happened to them quite recently." Before he could respond again, I continued. "You didn't hear what happened to my family, did you?" I glanced at Alistair.
He shook his head, eyebrows drawing together. "No, what happened?"
I looked away and let out a long exhale as I began to recall the events of that night. Everything began flashing in my memory. I could feel sudden thickness in my throat, clogging my voice. "They.. My family.." I cleared my throat, "They passed away."
I slowly shifted my eyes back to Alistair's, "They were killed, I should say." My voice cracked as I emitted the those last words. No matter what, it just doesn't seem real to me. "I would rather not want to go into details right now." I added quietly.
"Oh, I-I see." He awkwardly fumbled with his words, almost unsure of what to say. "I'm sorry to hear that." He looked at me with kind, intent eyes, speaking in a soothing tone, "If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to ask."
He quickly added, "I mean, you are my sister now, in a way."
I felt a smile tug at my lips, "Thanks Alistair, that means a lot."
He grinned back, "You know me, a full time witty one-liner and part time listener." I felt my cheeks flush as I met his gaze, and instantly Alistair's grin broadened from ear to ear. Just then, I realized something. I think I'll be okay. I'm surrounded by more people than I thought, people that I know will always be there for me: The Grey Wardens. They're their own family, and now, they're my family too.
Well, besides the family I came here with, that is.
"Aw, that's cute you guys."
Speak of the devil. Exactly how long was he listening?
We turned our heads around behind us, seeing Gavin laying on his side, elbow propped. He chuckled and sat up on his cot.
An amused smile danced on his face as he winked, "Just so you know, I'm here for you too Keira."
My lips pressed into a straight line, "Thanks."
His green eyes sparkled, matching the wide grin on his face. Speaking in an upbeat tone, Gavin yelled in a buoyant voice, "Group hug!"
In a blink of an eye, he hopped down away from the cot, and wrapped his arms around the surprised Alistair and myself. I rolled my eyes and patted Gavin's back in return. Alistair happily chuckled and gladly returned the embrace as well.
In the middle of our little unexpected embrace , I saw the tent flap move in the corner of my eye. Just then, a giant bundle of fur interrupted the embrace, jumping in on top of us.
I'm sure we'll all smell like wet dog for the next week.
Gavin instantly freaked out, thinking that Carlin was about to attack him. Wimp. He quickly stood up and away from the group as the large canine mass joined in.
Carlin barked with excitement as he immediately began to lick my face. Of course I'm his first target. If only I could train him to ambush Gavin first.. Trying to respond in the middle of spitting out slobber, I laughed, "There you are, Carlin!" I scratched his head as he let out a happy bark.
Alistair cleared his throat as he stood up. He pointed at the tent flap, saying "At any rate, I think we should look for Duncan."
Gavin raised a brow and crossed his arms, "The meeting is suppose to be soon, yes?"
Alistair nodded, "You two will need to attend that."
Gavin and I exchanged glances and nodded.
"Should we hurry?" I asked.
Alistair raised his brows as a goofy smile crept on his face, "Trust me, if the King wants to see you two and Duncan, you shouldn't keep him waiting." He shrugged, "He might get mad, start to cry, you'll feel bad, and, well, it won't be pretty."
His lighthearted expression just pulled the whole thing together. I smirked, "Perhaps he could use his new-found rage on the darkspawn?" I could feel my cheeks flush yet again as Alistair's bemused smile widened.
He quirked an eyebrow as he tilted his head. I held my hands up in defense, "Okay, okay. I suppose I'll go." I gave a quick wave and spun around to face the door.
Before I could cause my ears to blush, Gavin began gently pushing against my back, directing myself toward the door. Carlin began to follow us out as Gavin began to speak, "Let's go! Let's go!" He mumbled and let out a snort of laughter, "You two are making me feel like a third wheel."
Kudos to Gavin, I could feel the heat crawl up to my ears.
Bahh! Like I said, sorry it took so long to update! I'll try to make an update sooner. Anyways, until then, leave me your thoughts! Reviews, favorites, etc are appreciated! Oh, and hey! Happy Columbus Day!
-Kat
