The castle was huge in Jimmy's eyes. Impressively it was built almost completely out of stone, with a few towers and the main part two stories. The front courtyard was empty except for a few guards that stood along the wall. She glanced around, noticing the signs that there had been a battle there. The guards at the front door stood with grim expressions as they passed. They had seen things normal people should never have.
Inside was busy. Servants scurried around, cleaning up the mess caused by fighting in a castle. An older woman gave them all a look of disgust when they tracked dirt across her clean floor. Fen got the brunt of her glare, the woman commenting loudly that the beast better not destroy anything. Jimmy glared at her, putting a hand on his back as they walked by.
The woman scowled back but didn't comment any further after Teagan frowned at her. Feeling victorious, Jimmy stuck her tongue out at her, earning a sigh from Duncan when he noticed. Alistair snickered again, winking at her when she turned her gaze from the other woman. He was slightly pale looking, his hands twitching nervously. She patted his back comfortingly, giving her tall friend a grin. He gave a grin back as they followed the group.
"I think that maid was here when I was," he whispered to Jimmy, nodding at the woman she had stuck her tongue out at. "Miserable woman, doesn't like anything that makes a mess. Doesn't her face look like she bit into something sour?"
"That or she smells crap all day and her face got stuck like that," she whispered back. "Didn't her mother ever tell her if you make faces like that, your face will get stuck that way?"
"Did your mother tell you that?" Alistair teased. Jimmy dropped her gaze, the emotions fleeing from her face.
"No," she said flatly, walking a bit faster. "I don't know my parents."
He winced at her statement and she knew she was being cruel. It was hash to treat Alistair like that but she couldn't bring herself to apologize. Instead she hurried away to walk with Morrigan, who was scowling at everyone. The witch glanced her way, about to say something but the look on Jimmy's face made her stop. Eyeing Jimmy for a few seconds, the witch went back to scowling at the servants.
"You ladies can stay here," Teagan said, stopping at a door. Jimmy pushed it open and peeked inside, eyeing the more expensive looking things. "I'll have the maids bring a change of clothes and some water to clean up with. You, young lady, are going to have a bath before dinner, as well as your furry friend."
"If you want him to have a bath," Jimmy drawled, placing a fist on her hip and leaning against the doorway. "You are going to have to send up a lot of towels and some brushes. He hates being wet and his fur being knotted up."
A faint smile ran across Teagan's lips. "Very well. I think I can get you that much for him. Until dinner ladies. Your Majesty, Duncan, you two will have your own rooms. The other two will need to share."
Jimmy watched as they walked away before darting into the room. Morrigan and Leliana were already taking their packs off and stretching. Fen made a beeline for the fireplace, which was currently dead. He stared at the ash filled center, his brow winkling. After a few seconds, right when Jimmy was about to ask him if he was alright, a fire jumped into life, filling the room with a pleasant heat.
"Geez you scared me," Jimmy grumbled, sitting down in the corner. "Could you warn somebody next time Mr Sparkly Coat?"
"I knew what he was doing," Morrigan commented, her nose in the air. "It was quite obvious, even if you weren't a mage."
"Sorry I'm not as smart as you. Next time I will be sure to take notes or you two could not be asses and warn people of your intentions." She glared at Fen, who was ignoring her as he laid sprawled out before the flames. "Oh that's mature. Silent treatment huh?"
Leliana shook her head. "You two act like siblings," she chuckled softly. "Always fighting and bickering yet you always defend each other. Speaking of defending, I think Sten likes you now, since you found his sword. It was quite sweet how stood behind you when Duncan was scolding you, like he was protecting you."
"Eww, boy germs," Jimmy groaned, covering her eyes in mock despair. "Now I have another person who thinks I need to be watched over. Really I didn't do anything. All I was doing was looking for stuff and I happened to find a chest that had his sword in it, under some soot and rubble I might add. I was hoping for something more interesting."
"The Maker works in mysterious ways," Leliana said, tugging her boots off. "Maybe He meant for you to only find the sword and gain something more valuable than gold or jewels, a friend."
"Friends aren't that easy to cook when you are hungry. Most countries frown upon eating your friends as well. I like friends but I also like to make sure we can all survive."
"You are always worried about money," Morrigan sniffed as Leliana went to answer the door. Some servants brought in two shallow bins that Jimmy decided were tubs and some bowls. While they shuttled everything in, from water to clothes, the witch continued. "There are places were money will not guarantee your survival. Sometimes, you have only yourself to rely on and nothing or no one else. Think about that the next time you go sniffing around."
"Yet where I am from, if you don't have money or the wits to steal, you die. Plain and simple. Having friends is good because they can help you find the things you all need and keep you warm when it's cold. I'd much rather have things I can sell than nothing at all. Just because you grew up where you could find everything you needed doesn't mean everyone else did."
She glared at Morrigan who glared back. The two stared daggers at each other, neither willing to look away first. It was a battle they inflicted on each other, to see who had the strongest will. Their silent battle was interrupted when Leliana stepped in between them, shaking her head.
"Honestly you two," she scolded, hands on her hips. "You are both acting like children. Both of you are right in your own ways. I can agree with Jimmy's way of thinking and I also agree with your's Morrigan but now is not the time. Neither of you are acting ladylike and you are giving us all bad names. Until we leave Redcliffe, you two will not argue, fight, or squabble. Jimmy, your bath is ready. Get in there and get cleaned up. Morrigan, you can help me get Fen cleaned up."
Both sighed, eyeing each other for a second before obeying the bard. Leliana smiled, proud of herself for stopping the argument, but sighed when Jimmy stuck her tongue out at Morrigan's back. With a grin she stripped, gently placing her armor in a pile while her clothes were thrown into a pile. Quickly she walked over to the tub, hopping in the warm water. It was a very shallow tub, the water barely covering her legs when she flattened them on the bottom.
Glancing over at the other's, she noticed Fen had his eyes shut tight as he slowly walked over to his tub. The sight made her giggle and her giggle made Fen scowl, his eyes still closed. Leliana covered her mouth to keep from laughing, helping him climb into the tub while Morrigan merely smirked. The wolf had manners, Jimmy would give him that much, but it was still fun. If he could blush she bet he would be beet red.
She focused on her own bad, using the bar of soap she found near the tub and a rough cloth to get the worse of the grime off. Her head and hands were the worse since they had been exposed but the soot had managed to sneak under her armor and clothes, leaving a nice thin layer on her body. Scrubbing until her skin was pink, she rinsed and wet her hair, scrubbing the bar against her head.
"There is our silver wolf," Leliana cooed, pouring water over Fen. "You know Fen, we could get you a nice outfit, keep your lovely fur from getting so dirty all the time. Maybe even a handsome collar for when you act like a normal, tame wolf. I can see it now, a lovely blue vest over your chest area with the back piece longer so it covers your back. The collar could be a lovely black with silver studs in it so it stands out against your coat."
"No clothes," he grumbled, twitching his ears. "I am a wolf, not some lap dog. No collar either, they itch and rub. I'll be fine the way I am."
"Now don't fuss," Morrigan drawled, rubbing a towel over his back. "We could line the collar with fur so it won't damage your delicate neck. Maybe Leliana could design you some shoes to wear so your paws don't get hurt on the rough human roads."
"Will you all shut up about clothes?" Fen growled, shaking water over the two women. When they yelped, jumping away, he grinned the direction he heard them before hopping out of the tub to lay before the fire. Jimmy shook her head, chuckling softly at his revenge. Getting out of her own tub, she briskly dried herself with a piece of cloth as she wandered over to the clothes.
All she saw were dresses, no tunics, shirts, or pants. Frowning she pushed the numerous dresses around, trying to find normal clothes. She had never worn a dress and she refused to wear one. To her they were impractical and worthless, a waste of money that would get someone killed if the wearer didn't fall over and die themselves.
"There's no normal clothes," she said, frowning. "I'm not wearing a dress. Nope. I will go to dinner naked or starve instead but I will not wear a dress."
"Oh Jimmy," Leliana sighed, leaving Morrigan to brush Fen who was wiggling at the attention. "You will look lovely. Look at this on, such a light green that will go wonderfully with your eyes. The yellow trimming will highlight your tanned skin perfectly. We could do your hair, get it out of that plain tail. You have a lovely face and lovely hair, why not show it off?"
"No," she said stubbornly, crossing her arms. "I won't do it."
"Quit being a baby and wear the damn dress," Fen growled. "I'm tired of wandering around with my eyes closed and wearing a dress once won't kill you. Imagine the shock you could give the others walking around like a noble lady, it would be hilarious."
"I don't care. I won't wear it."
"Yes you will," Morrigan drawled, rising to her feet and stipping so she could get cleaned and changed. "If I have to wear a dress you will too. I agree with the wolf, it would be quite humorous to see the men's reaction to you looking like a woman for once."
Leliana stared at her, her eyes wide and pleading. Jimmy tried to glare at her, pasting her refusal on her face. It didn't work. Slowly Leliana stuck out her lower lip, pouting like a small child or a puppy. The look crushed her firm resolve to say no. With a sigh of defeat, she stuck out a hand to take the dress, glaring at the bard as she smile.
"I'm only doing this because it's cold out and I'm hungry," she grumbled, slipping the dress on. "That is the only reason why."
Chuckling, Leliana went to go get cleaned up as well, Morrigan already choosing a gown to wear. It felt weird to wear a dress. Everything felt exposed and drafty, making her shiver. In no time, Leliana and Morrigan were dressed, allowing Fen to open his eyes. He watched while Leliana brushed her hair, fussing over how to put it up. Without a word, he trotted over to her pack and pulled out one of the rings she stole along with the necklace.
She took them from him when he rested his head in her lap, staring up at her with guarded eyes. The necklace was actually quite pretty as was the ring. Before now she hadn't taken the time to look over the stuff she stole but she took the time now. The necklace was a simple thing, a fine chain with an elaborately done knot that had tiny stones in it. The ring fit her ring finger and was a simple silver that had been carved like trees roots. Shrugging she slipped the ring on and had Leliana do the necklace once she finished her hair.
The back of her neck felt exposed and the top of her head heavy. Scowling she touched it gently as she peeked at the single mirror in the room. The bard had done a good job, braiding her hair but leaving pieces loose. It was all piled onto top of her head with small bits framing her face and ears. Still scowling, Jimmy refused shoes, stating if she had to wear a dress she wouldn't wear shoes.
Finally they were all ready, Fen's coat shimmering from his bath and good brushing. Leliana had fussed over Jimmy after she brushed him again, worried about the silver hairs he left behind on her gown. She shooed the bard away, not caring if her gown had hair on it. She was still grumpy over the fact she had to wear it, amusing Morrigan to no end over her pouting. Following the two women, she kept her eyes on the floor, convinced she was going to trip over the garment and face plant onto the stone.
The men had already made it to the dining hall, all but Alistair looking comfortable. The usually cheerful man looked sullen and uneasy, tugging occasionally at his shirt. Jimmy's gaze moved to Teagan and a strange woman who sat next to him. The woman looked at Alistair like he was mud on the bottom of her shoe, scowling at the poor man. Jimmy decided that had to be the arl's wife, Isolde. Quickly she fixed a scowl on her own face and glared back at the woman, sitting next to Alistair while Fen hopped into the chair next to her.
"Why is that beast sitting at my table Teagan?" Isolde exclaimed, her voice high pitched and accented. It made Jimmy wince, like nails on a chalkboard. "Do these people not have any manners? Get that beast away from here and in the kennels."
"Isolde," Teagan began, his voice irritated. "Be mindful of the company we have. The Grey Wardens are to be respect, as well as their companions."
"Fen has every right to sit here," Jimmy snapped, glaring at the woman. "If you don't like it, go eat somewhere else." She felt Alistair kick her leg slightly, giving her a very subtle shake of his head. She ignored him. "I don't care if you are a noble or some woman with a corncob up her ass, you won't talk to him like he is some mindless beast."
"Jimmy calm down," Duncan sighed while she and Isolde exchanged glares. "And stop with the insults. Lady Isolde, without Jimmy and her companion Fen, I and our guest would be dead on the battle field. They risked their lives protecting ours and I can assure you, he is no ordinary wolf or beast."
"He is sitting at the table and we are moving on from this discussion," Teagan sighed, shooting Isolde a look that made her close her mouth. "Now let's enjoy dinner. Warden Jimmy, I'm sure you will help your friend with his food? I know he wouldn't intentionally make a mess but we don't want to risk it."
As if to prove Teagan wrong, Fen daintily reached for the roast before him and placed the whole thing on his plate. He glanced at Jimmy then to the vegetables between her and Alistair. Trying her best to keep a straight face, she offered the bowl to Fen, who grasped the spoon in his jaws and placed some greens on his plate. She busied herself getting her own food while Fen steadily stared at Teagan, who inclined his head in defeat.
Her plate full of strange foods and some meat, she glanced around the table, noticing Cailan sat at Duncan's left while Isolde sat at Teagan's right. Alistair sat next to Cailan, Jimmy sat next to him, Fen next to her, and Morrigan next to him. On the opposite side, Sten sat next to Isolde while Leliana sat next to him. She frowned slightly, still eyeing Cailan and Duncan. Since Cailan was king, she thought he should be sitting on the other side of Duncan or at the head of the table, since he out ranked everyone there. Slowly it dawned on her why, Cailan must have told Duncan and Teagan to keep his secret they were there. It was reasonable but she would have given her right hand to see Isolde's face when she realized she spoke that way around the king.
The dinner was tense, nobody really talking except for Teagan and Duncan with a few comments from Isolde. Alistair and Cailan were whispering to each other, glancing occasionally at Teagan and Isolde. On the opposite side, Jimmy watched with amusement as Leliana tried to start a conversation with Sten, who simply grunted and ate his food. Already he filled his plate twice, keeping up with her and the Grey Wardens. Finally she understood why she was so hungry all the time, it was a Warden curse.
"Quit eating all the cheese," she muttered at Alistair, leaning around to also glare at Cailan. "There are other people who like cheese you know. I will stab you in the hand if I have to so I can get some."
"You know Isolde's head would pop," he muttered back, handing her some cheese. "It wouldn't be ladylike and she would have a fit. Is it just me or do you also want to tell her Cailan is sitting at this table? I'd love to see her pass out from shock."
"You aren't the only one." Fen gave a soft grunt of agreement, chewing on his roast bone. "I thought she'd have another fit over Fen taking a whole roast. Did you see her face? He kept biting into it and ripping off chunks, staring at her the whole time."
"You two are acting like children, keeping all the secrets to yourselves," Cailan said softly while the three at the head of the table were distracted. He winced, glancing over at Duncan before continuing. "Do you see how I get treated? No respect, none at all. You two respect me don't you?"
"Nope," Jimmy snickered, glancing at Isolde who was glaring at her again. "Can you get her to stop glaring at me? It's making me want to growl and bark at her, make her think I'm the dangerous beast here instead of Fen."
Both men snorted, drawing their attention back to their food. Fen gave a sniff, lapping at his cup of wine. Finally the dinner was over, Isolde leaving to check on her son. Teagan also left, telling them he would meet them all in Eamon's room. While the others gathered to talk, Jimmy slipped away, Fen at her heels, and explored the rooms nearby. Her wandering lead her to a book filled room with a large desk at the back wall.
"A study?" she asked aloud, looking around. "There are so many books! Hey, this drawer is locked. What's in it?"
"Will you leave well enough alone?" Fen groaned, glancing out the door. "This isn't the time to steal things or get into trouble. The Arlessa already hates you and would love a reason to imprison you."
"Bah, the old bag can shove it for all I care," she sniffed, slipping her lock picks from her top. "You keep a lookout, bark if someone is coming. I'm going to find out what is in here."
While Fen grumbled at the door, Jimmy fiddled wit the lock. It took a few tries and some bent picks but she finally got it open. Inside the drawer were some boring look papers, a few coins she slipped into her top, and a strange looking necklace. Rising it into the air, she studied it for a few moments before shrugging and slipping it into her top as well. Maybe she could sell it with the other jewelry she had and make a pretty coin.
"Let's go," he hissed, his tail whipping back and forth in anxiety. "I think they have already gone upstairs."
"Alright alright." She hurried out of the room, Fen leading the way. A shiny key found it's way into her top as well. It had to be to something good and she decided to explore some more tonight and find out what it went to. With Fen hurrying her, she slipped into the room before Teagan began to speak.
He babbled on about how Eamon had been poisoned and his son made a deal with a demon to keep him from dying. So far the demon had kept it's word but Eamon was still ill and wouldn't wake up. Isolde refused to let any mages near him since it was a mage and her own stupidity that got her husband in the mess he was in. Jimmy stood in the corner, nibbling on her thumb while she thought.
"Why don't you just overrule Isolde and have some mages come here anyways?" she suggested. "Even if they can't cure him, maybe they can give us an idea of what is exactly wrong with him now. Maybe they can point us in the direction of a cure. We are going to need his support for manpower to fight the Blight and he won't be much help dead."
"You speak true," Teagan said slowly, staring at his brother. "I do not hold the favor he does in a Landsmeet and I do not want to lose my only brother. It would be a better use of our time than what Isolde has the knight doings, running around looking for some superstition."
"What are they looking for?" Jimmy asked, curiosity peaked.
"The Scared Ashes of Andraste," he replied, stocking his beard. "They are said to cure any ailment but where they are to be found, I do not know."
"Maybe something at the mage's tower could point us in the right direction," Leliana said. "They have many books and maybe their First Enchanter could help us. It is worth a try at least."
Everyone agreed and Duncan gave Jimmy a proud smile. She ginned back, tucking her hands behind her back. For a time the rest discussed about when to leave for the Tower. Teagan sadly admitted they could not spare a boat or people to get them to the other side of the lake to where the mages stayed. It was finally decided they would walk to the tower, leaving tomorrow morning after breakfast.
"I have something to say," she said once all the planning was done. "I think it would be safest for Duncan and Cailan to stay here until we return. You two can help Teagan with all the political stuff and what we can do about Loghain while we are gone."
Cailan frowned, anger filling his face. "That is absurd. I will not stay here just because you tell me to. I am king and I will do what I think is right."
"She has a point your majesty," Duncan interjected, stepping between the man and Jimmy. "It would be safest for you to be here. Who knows what Loghain is planning since he knows that not all the Grey Wardens are dead. He may suspect that you are not dead either and may try for your life again. I think we should stay here and plan somethings with Teagan and think of ways to help Eamon. Let them go without worrying about your safety. We can also learn what is happening in the court, make our own plans for how to handle it when it comes time."
Cailan glared at Duncan and opened his mouth to say something. He paused, obviously running the older man's words through his head as well as Jimmy's. Slowly he closed his mouth and nodded, accepting his defeat. Jimmy walked over and patted his back, grinning up at him.
"Imagine Isolde's face if she finds out who you are while we are gone," she whispered to him. "You can treat her like she treated us today and get revenge for all of us."
That made the man grin. With a wink he followed Duncan and Teagan out of the room, the other two talking about political things. Once they left the rest of the group did as well, agreeing to leaving after breakfast. She followed them out but slipped away from the group, wandering around the main floor with Fen at her side. Despite his protests, she tried her stolen key in various doors until she found a large, thick door that looked promising.
Slipping the key in she gave it a twist, smirking proudly at Fen when it opened the lock. She pushed it open and gaped at what she saw. Inside the door were chests and stacks of valuable things. Among the stuff was armor, weapons, and shields, all just waiting to be taken. She had taken a step in when a a hand clasped on her shoulder.
Yelping, she whirled around to find Teagan standing behind her, grinning slightly. "I guess you have been busy," he said, eyeing the key in the door while she shifted nervously. "I was going to have you all come and take what you needed from here tomorrow but I guess we can do it tonight. You need new armor and at least a shield. It is the least I can do since you are helping my brother and saved the king. Take your time while I go find your companions and bring them here."
Sheepishly she nodded and stepped into the room, gazing at all the stuff it held. She picked up a few shields and found one she liked that was painted blue. While she studied the armor the rest of her companions entered, Alistair laughing at her for getting caught. With Leliana's help and ignoring Alistair's teasing, she found new armor that was in better shape than her old stuff and a new sword, better suited for her size.
Treasures in hand, she scurried off to the room she shared with Morrigan and Leliana. She admired her new treasures, eager to be gone from this place and off on their mission. Setting her stuff in a pile, she stripped off the dressed and put on the clothes that were sitting neatly on her pack. They weren't the clothes she had before but they were clean and once she was changed she sat in her corner, waiting for her friend.
Tomorrow was going to be an adventure, her finally pushed into the position of leading without Duncan hovering behind her. It was exciting yet nerve wracking. Her gut was warning her things weren't going to be so easy but she hoped it was wrong. What could possibly go wrong in a tower full of mages? She hoped she wouldn't get an answer to that question.
Notes: Greetings all! This chapter was hard to do mostly because I have been so busy. My normal computer crashed, taking all my precious writings with it. Sad panda. To get my spirits up I have been fiddling around with short stories and some other ideas for Jimmy's future! We all know what is coming next! Give me some time on that chapter, I really don't like the tower and have to do some brainstorming. As always I hope you enjoyed the read!
Judy: Yes, Isolde is very annoying. I want to drop kick her sometimes but sadly my characters never can. I'm glad you like the story and find my changes interesting!
Mendi: Oh dear! You shouldn't be reading such books in school! I hide in my office and read those hehe. At least it was a lady teacher and not a man haha! Make sure you finish your homework! It makes me happy though you enjoy reading this :) And yes, a diet. Christmas time was not good to me, weight wise, and I miss my comfy jeans with the worn holes in them. Now back to story stuff, Jimmy just has luck like that haha. Also she has sticky fingers that tend to want to open things she shouldn't or take things that aren't her's, sometimes for the better.