What a wonderful world
First: To save her sister, she made a deal with a demon and was tricked.
Second: She was stuck in weary princess's flesh, which couldn't use any type of sword or wear any armour.
Third: Her temporary family had been murdered. She had to carry on their duty and become a Grey Warden.
Fourth: She and company have been betrayed by a man who held the title 'hero of Ferelden'. He not only had the King and his army killed, but also put a rather large price on the two survivors head's. The Grey Wardens had been blamed for his treachery.
Fifth: For aid of their army against the Blight, she came to Redcliffe but she found the village attacked by walking death. The castle completely shut down, the fates of everyone inside were still unknown.
Things just keep going better and better…What a wonderful world!
"What the fuck…" Issara released her favourite swore, which made the gentlemen, the villagers and Revered mother who stood in the Redcliffe's chantry jumped in shock.
A true noble woman shouldn't curse, but the forge lady was too moody to care. In fact, she wanted to kick something to release her anger. Her Mother may have taught her to control her emotions but many years without that lovely woman had hardened Issara into a harsh being.
"I apologize, Warden." Bann Teagan: the Arl of the Redcliffe's brother said. He didn't know much about the true Lillian, so he doesn't notice the different between the two. "But the village and people are in danger. I need your aid against those walking corpses."
Thinking about the reason that brought her here, she didn't have any choice but to give her service. Issara sighed and said with growl. "This isn't your fault. However, I don't think I can refuse your request. We'll offer what assistance we can."
"Thank you, my lady." He sighed with relief. "This means more to me than you can guess."
"Don't mention it. I have my reason to do this mission. And I think I should start it as soon as I can. Do you have any advice?"
"Murdock and Ser Perth might have something to discuss with you. Murdock is the village's major and Ser Perth is the leader of Redcliffe's knights, at least, those that still remain here. They know the village's status more than anyone." Teagan replied.
"Good, I need to know something before planning the strategy. See you later, then." The Lady Warden bowed and left, followed by her companions.
However, she turned to them as soon as they passed through the gate.
"Let me set things clear." Issara began. "I'm not crazy enough to throw my life away. So, I expect only success in this quest. Whatever might happen tonight, we all have to survive. I'll do my best to make sure of that. But if anyone has a question or doesn't want to joint this party, just say so."
"I am just curious." Morrigan said it first, before Sten could open his mouth. "Why we have to help these useless people? Anything that happens here is not our responsibility."
The leader chuckled. She understood the witch and the Qunari. "Believe me; I prefer not to fight. But we need Arl Eamon's aid against that Blight, which in this situation we can't just knock on castle's gate and ask him for an audience. Only way we can get that is to fight our way to it."
Alistair frowned, not pleased with that answer. She didn't even mention the villagers. His fellow Grey Warden said it emotionlessly, which made her look heartless.
"'Tis reasonable. I am in." The witch said.
Even though Sten might not have agreed, he didn't say anything.
Not surprisingly, the ex-sister was always eager to help the helpless; she didn't have any trouble, same as Lillian's faithful Mabari.
"Ok, now we game. I'll give your duties after I get enough information about this situation. Let's gather them, MOVE!" Although she'd never admit it, sometimes she talked like her father who had enlisted in the royal army for most of his life.
…
Murdock needed assistance from the smith as well as a veteran dwarf fighter but neither of them was willing to help. So, it was up to Issara to convince them. Owen; the blacksmith wasn't hard to handle because all he want was his daughter back. The Warden just swore to rescue his Valena from the Redcliffe's castle and he agreed to fix the villager's gear.
The dwarf on the other hand was difficult, as a woman from another world Issara didn't know much about these tough people. She might have read many tales about them but she still didn't know if the Dwarves in Thedas will be similar with the funny little guys in Tolkien's stories. Bodahn Feddic and his son Sandal: The Dwarves merchants, who followed her company since she saved them from Darkspawn in Lothering, didn't give her much of their people's personas.
However, it was better to be careful. She brought Sten, Alistair and Morrigan along to meet the veteran. The witch told her the Dwarves were resistant to magic but things would different if she set his house on fire.
The door of Dwyn's house was locked, but there was nothing Issara couldn't solve with her utility tools. Just a few minutes later, the crazy inventor broke through little building and faced a dwarf who stood inside with his two mercenaries.
"Who the hell are you to break other's property?" The bearded Dwarf shouted.
Lady Warden just raised her eyebrows and smiled annoyingly. "I'm a Grey Warden, you may call me Lillian but that doesn't matter. I come to ask for your assistance."
The house owner seemed to know what she wanted. "I told Murdock I won't risk my life for them and I won't change my mind."
"What the matter? That sodden door can't keep you safe through the night anyway. Our only chance is standing together, not hiding in the house like a coward." She tried to negotiate.
"I'm not a coward. I just don't want to…Hey, what are you doing?"
Everyone gasped in surprise while the Qunari jumped to the large sword that was hanging on the wall. Sten did it out of his character and touched the sword which started vibrating.
"This is…my Asala. I lost it near Lake Calenhad. How could it be here?"
Not expect that, she was surprised. But then Issara's brain kicked in and she took the chance. The sly one gave Dwyn a very dangerous crooked smile. "Well, well, well…Seems we have more than one thing to discuss."
"You know, the bastard who sold it to me didn't mention the giant he took it from was alive." The veteran hurried to say.
"He is alive and obviously wants his…Asala back. And if I were you, I wouldn't deny him." Her accent changed. It was her habit to use accent of mother's language for annoying people. "The Warrior of the Beresaad isn't as patient as he looks, believes me."
"Sod off, I've no fear of your threat!" His voice was shaking though, Dwyn's talk was big.
"Come on, the violence isn't necessary. Just cooperate and everything will be fine." The Lady Grey Warden said with large devilish smile. "Anyway, I'm a business person. I won't just force you to do work or take Asala from you. Perhaps I can offer you something of worth for that."
"What do you have in mind?"
If all Dwarves were greedy like in the tales, she knew what he wanted. "Some coins, perhaps."
The veteran's face changed. "Are you serious?"
"Maybe or maybe not, I just have a few for spending. I'm almost as lacking of gold as my friend is lacking of patience. Just tell me your price and I'll decide the deal."
"One hundred silver and it's a deal." The long bearded Dwarf offered.
But The Lady Warden bargained quickly. "I don't pay more than fifty, this price included beautiful Asala."
Sten's serious expression didn't give Dwyn many choices. He agreed at last. "Fine, hand me those silver and I'll fight. Take that sword if you want."
"See, was that so hard?" The Sly Warden paid him the deal. "See you outside tonight."
When they walked out the house, Alistair whispered to his leader. "You're so cruel."
Her eyes were twinkling with mischief. "Thank you very much."
…
The ex-templar looked at his extraordinary leader, worrying. She was working with her new 'toys' that he was rather sure would be another booming thing. Her devilish smiles always cause his skin to crawl.
Issara poured the oil they found in abandon store into glass bottles, before sealing them with wet rags. Letting the edge of fabric was hanging out almost one palm length.
At last, he couldn't hold his tongue any longer. Alistair asked her curiously. "What are you doing?"
"I'll throw those zombies a cocktail party." She said, more devilish grinning. "With these Molotov cocktails…"
"Molo-What?"
"It's name after a bad man, in honour of his cruel lie. Sort of sarcastic joke if you don't get it. This thing was created for use in the war long time ago. In my time, it quite a poor weapon when compare with the other disaster bombs. But it's still illegal anyway."
"What's kind of world is it that people have created many dangerous bombs? Was your world full of terrible monsters?"
Issara was silent for awhile, his question hit the bottom of her heart. "Well, sort of… My world was full of monsters that enfolded themselves with human skin. Some of them fooled people to fight and die for their nonsense lies. The mother earth has been abused by two big wars. While no world wars have happened in my time, there are still many fights in many places. In some countries, the entire race has been wiped out. When thinking about that, the Blight seems just a tea party."
"You had tough life, I take it." Alistair combed his hair with his fingers and sat near her, seeming awkward. "Sorry about that."
"Nope, those horrible things happened in other countries. My mother land is one of the few peaceful countries in the world. People from different races, religions or classes could live together in peace. Although we had some horrible events that almost destroyed us, we always held faith and hold on together. We might be defeated, but we would come back, stronger than ever." Issara said proudly.
"No doubt, that's why you're so stubborn." He chuckled. "Your people sound wonderful. I like to be there at least once."
"Well, it's in my spirit. One of our wise men said Thai people were like the water; we can change the form, status or temperature but we still are the water. I still am me, no matter where I go or what I've done."
Alistair gazed at her smile. It was so bright and full of something that could lift his spirit high. Issara was so full of the faith and strength he never had. Her hazelnut brown eyes were like a beacon of hope that people could drown in.
However, she was also a daredevil woman who loves to play with destructive toys. The Lady Warden held up one of the hot bottles and said.
"You can play with a cobra if you know how to handle it. These things are tame until someone lights the rag. And if you are holding it in that second, I suggest you to throw it far from yourself or anything you don't want to burn as soon as possible."
"This thing is for setting our foes on fire, then?"
"More than that, it also would explode and shatter everything in the area. In fact, it's created for destroying tanks...heavy war wagons. I'm rather sure it could tear our armour."
The knight swallowed hard. "It could kill me even while I'm in armour?"
The nutty inventor shrugged. "Yep, your armour couldn't stand a chance against my bombs. In my world, the knight in shining armour is no more since the bomb and gun were invented. Well, more than seven hundred years, I think. I'm not so good with details."
He looked at her again and met a grin; her trademark crooked smile looked so dangerous but he couldn't take his eyes off of it.
"Don't worry." His leader said with wider smile. "I never plan to kill you. Unless you don't take care of the Couslands' treasure as you promised."
"Oh…You mean this sword and shield." He pointed the Cousland's sword and shield he carried. Issara place it under his care since Ostagar, so he had had it ever since.
"Of course, what else's I would mean? Lillian's heart, perhaps…"
Alistair gasped.
"I didn't mean to pry but…I saw something; a vision of Lillian's memories, maybe. So, I knew about your relationship. And…well, I'll give her back to you someday if I can. In the mean time, I'll keep her safe from…anything. You have my word." Issara raised her left hand to swear.
"But I'm not…"
"No need to say anything, I understand." She cut him off. "Oh…the sun is going down. Can you go gather everyone for me? We have to plan our strategy."
"All right, I'll go." He replied seriously. "But we need to talk again, after this."
…
'Nothing's impossible.' Someone had said that but she'd always doubted it.
Even when she was looking at cheerful people who were crying with joy of their victory, she didn't dare to believe it. After a long night of terrible fighting, she was still alive, so were her companions.
She knew everything would be fine if she kept trying, but accidents always happen. Leliana got a serious wound, some villagers and buildings were burned by stray strings of Molotov cocktail. Though no one died that night, Issara still felt guilty.
The last walking dead has been slain before sunrise. There was little time to rest and heal the wound, but Issara just couldn't sleep. She checked on the companions to make sure they'd be fine before she left their temporary camp.
On the dock, she sat down legs-crossed and looked to the horizon. And then, she closed her eyes and breathed in steady rhythms, meditating in silence.
Someone's footsteps vibrated on the wood planks. She could sense the movement pass through the air, but also didn't sense any bad will. So, Issara didn't respond.
They sat beside her for awhile, and then lay down on the wood floor. They were staying silent in the quiet morning. No one said anything but didn't feel awkward, the blissful silence just peaceful and precious.
"It's a wonderful world, isn't it?"
Unsure he heard her right; Alistair looked up at his fellow Grey Warden curiously. "What did you just say?"
"The sky is so beautiful, the sunlight is so warm and the air's scent so sweet. Isn't this the wonderful world we fighting for?" Still having closed eyes, Issara spoke calmly.
She'd never know, the whole time she talked, his eyes were locked on her smiling face.
"Once, I wondered why my father had duties in very far and very dangerous places. Why did he and other soldiers have to risk their life for people they never known? Was their sacrifice really worth something?"
"Until one day, terrorists tried to burn our country, so the army had to step forward. And then, when everything was back to normal I realized what they were fighting for. He and our soldiers fight to keep peace, to save wonderful things in the world. Just like what we did last night. Too bad I forgot that until now."
"But not too late, I think." The ex-templar replied dreamily.
She smiled wider, opened her eyes to meet his. "I hope you're right." And then, she began to take off her boots and suit.
Panicked, Alistair jumped to his feet, blushing. "What're you doing?"
Issara chuckled. Although she'd taken the leather jacket off, her sleeveless shirt and leather breeches were still in place. She didn't show anything indecent but the beautiful boy was blushing hard. "Oh, come on. Let's take a swim. This stinky blood is killing me."
Turning back to the lake, she sprang and somersaulted into glittering water. The splash wet everything in the area included Alistair who was smiling in her childish behaviour.
But when she came back to the surface, his smile faded. Issara was wet from head to toe; her honey skin was gleaming in amber light. Big brown eyes, full lips and beautiful cheekbones fit perfectly in her heart-shaped face. Nonetheless, the raven haired woman was too innocent to know how gorgeous she was. She still smiled friendly without noticing his change.
"Beautiful…" He murmured.
Issara didn't hear him, she splashed water to him and invited. "Come on. The water is great for sore muscles."
Her smile was really welcoming; the ex-templar couldn't resist that invitation. He took his tunic off, ready to join the little mermaid.
It was time for Issara's face to turn red. She mentally cursed herself for inviting him. Although she had seen something like this on the media or from men around her on hot days, Alistair's body was still…amazing.
Anyway, all her thoughts had gone when he leaped to the golden lake. The unarmed knight groaned happily while the water cradled his sore muscles like a lovely mother.
"Wow, I never knew how nice this lake is. I lived in the castle for almost ten years but I never swam here."
"Arl Eamon caged you in the castle?" She asked.
"No, he never did that." Alistair refused, eyes still focused at the sky. "I just…well, I felt safer there. Even though I always got myself into trouble, the castle was still…home."
Knowing she didn't do well with words, Issara just touched his shoulder and said. "Home is where your heart is. We both might have no place to call home. But for now, I'm with you."
Alistair smiled, and held her soft hand and kissed it gently. "Thank you. It means a lot to me."
They were staring at each other, sharing a moment of a wonderful morning in the soft waves.