See? I haven't abandoned this story. Halla Reborn just took up way too much of my mental energies. I've so very little to spare.
First, I want to thank those who read and especially those who reviewed the previous chapter: Superstar Kid, Nithu
Beyond the Sylvan Paths
Chapter 10
Say'reil followed Darrian around the camp, smiling as he introduced her to soldiers and Grey Wardens alike. The dark elven man had a confident air about him, one she had recognized during their time together traveling from the Brecilian Forest to the Circle and then on to Ostagar. His manner was direct, and she could tell that he occasionally had to force himself to not treat humans any differently from the elves they encountered. She wondered at that; as an elf raised amongst humans, she had assumed he would be as comfortable in their presence as in the presence of any elf.
For her part, despite having been trained and prepared to go out into the world and mingle with the other races, Say'reil was finding herself distressingly out of her element. Most disconcerting to the young elf, she found herself the subject of many stares. Some were appreciative, others disdainful. Even some of the elves they had encountered remained standoffish when they spied her tattoos and recognized her as a wild elf. Darrian tried to play those encounters down more so than any with humans, and while the mage appreciated his efforts, she could still feel the difference between herself and the other elves.
Later that day, she and Darrian met up with Claudio to discuss Alim's joining. It had been decided that, since Alim was Say'reil's recruit, they could perform the joining for him sooner than those who awaited Duncan's return. It was also decided that both Darrian and Say'reil would accompany the young mage into the Wilds to gather the required darkspawn blood. Glad for the opportunity to leave the human camp, Say'reil leaped at the chance, striding away to her tent to gather her weapons as Darrian went in his search of the elven mage.
DA:O
Quietly he stood, feeling nothing as he gazed around the familiar hall of the Arl of Redcliffe's castle. He had been herein many times as a child. The Arl himself had been considered a family friend. But, now, Adrian stood, silent, while Duncan met with the Arl, speaking in quiet tones. He could see the Arl's gray eyes stray to his still form, and still he remained quiet, unmoving, uncaring. If he saw the pity in the Arl's eyes, they meant little to him at this point.
The Arl flinched slightly, and turned his attention back fully to the Commander of Fereldan's Grey Wardens.
Adrian himself was slightly amazed at how little emotion he felt. He knew he should have felt something, anything, when he listened as Duncan explained to the Arl what had happened at Highever. He should have reacted when the Arl drew the younger man into a fatherly hug. Yet, all he had done was stiffen at the contact, and stare directly into the other man's startled eyes as he withdrew. He barely took note of the confusion thereupon the Arl's face, nor the slight tightening of Duncan's lips at the action. Or rather, inaction of the young lord.
For he felt nothing, for there was nothing. He would accept his place in the Grey Wardens, although he still felt the need to strike out against that in any manner he could. He would slay any darkspawn he was pointed at. He would stop the Blight - if Blight this was indeed.
But when it was over, when his obligation to this current crisis was over, then he would regain himself. He would allow vengeance to fuel his actions, give him strength.
And every Howe to walk Thedas' lands would die by his hands.
So he swore to the Maker.
DA:O
A look of utter disgust crossed his handsome young face as he bent down to gather the blood into the vial. Both Darrian and Say'reil had insisted the young mage wear thin leather gloves to protect his hands from the poison that was darkspawn blood. Grimacing as some of the black ichor glazed his leather-clad fingertips, he held the vial out to the Dalish mage, grateful when she took the offending object from his hands.
"Did you have to do this?" Alim asked as he stood, straightening, holding his hands out to Say'reil so that she could remove the gloves without poisoning herself.
With a chuckle, she shook her head, and the male mage frowned. Seeing his expression, she clarified. "I had already battled several darkspawn before even meeting with Duncan. Apparently, he had foreseen the need to put me through the joining so he had already collected a vial of the blood from the darkspawn I had already killed." She shrugged. "He apparently thinks of everything."
Darrian laughed, nodding his dark head as he herded the two mages from the area, seeking the path back toward the main camp. "Duncan does that, indeed." He smirked at the other elves. "Oh, and watch his hands. He may be the Warden Commander, but he's still every bit a rogue."
"Lucky us we have little for him to steal," Alim sulked prettily, not happy at all that his robes were currently filthy with dirt, grass, blood, and Maker knew whatever else! Say'reil teased the younger elf, nudging him slightly with her shoulder.
"We should find you new robes, or," there was a twinkle in her purple eyes as the other mage looked up at her. "perhaps we should find you some light leather armor to wear."
"Armor?" Alim sounded aghast. "Me?" He glanced down at his robes, those of a fully harrowed mage. "But, I just got these." He said in a very small, soft voice, plucking absently at the fabric of his new enchanter robes.
"They are impractical," the Dalish mage insisted, fingering the leather ties to her own armor. "They won't protect you against a darkspawn spear. Plus, the skirt…"
"What about the skirt?" Alim asked, glancing over at her suspiciously. "It's comfortable!" And then a sly grin crossed his face. "And allows for easy access…"
"Yes, yes, I'm certain it is," she conceded, flushing slightly at the innuendo in the Circle Mage's voice. "However, can you really tell me, in all honesty, that you can run in that thing?" Her eyes settled upon his face, and he glanced down to the hem of his robe, his finger twisting at the ornate belt at his waist. When he did not reply, Say'reil looked over at Darrian, a smirk on her face. The other elf winked at her. "We'll see if we can find you something that you will be comfortable wearing and that will be more conducive for fighting in."
A sly look came to Alim's bright eyes, and he grinned over at Say'reil, sidling over to her side, hooking her arm in with his. She raised a dark brow, glancing down at where his hand had settled upon her elbow and was tracing small circles upon the flesh of her arm. "Can I pick the color?" he asked playfully, grinning up into the taller elf's face. Chuckling, she nodded, turning them both to follow the senior Warden from the Wilds.
DA:O
Maker, what a long day! Claudio ran his long fingered hand through his dark hair, turning from where the young elven mage lay upon the stone ground, his eyes closed tightly, twitching from the dark visions the Antivan Warden was certain he found within the Fade. The Second looked up, taking note of the concern upon the faces of the other elves. Darrian's expression was far more guarded, as the senior warden knew what to expect. Say'reil, however, knelt beside the younger elf, concern etched clearly upon her pretty face as she brushed a hand lightly over Alim's face. Claudio had forbidden the mage to cast any spells upon the other mage, stating that the dreams and struggle to consciousness were part of the joining as much as drinking the blood. She nodded, recalling Darrian's explanation from her own joining. But she did not like it, and would not leave the former Circle Mage's side.
The dark Antivan stepped over to the male elf's side, grasping his arm firmly to pull him to the side. Darrian cast the Second a concerned look, but turned away to follow the older man, leaving Say'reil and Alim in the center of the temple ruin.
"What's wrong?" Darrian asked, taking note for the first time the concern that had settled upon the human's face.
Claudio shrugged, glancing back at Say'reil, then turning his attention fully to the other warden. "Truly, I do not really know," he shrugged slightly. "I find myself, however, a little concerned by Duncan's continued absence."
"It's only been a few weeks," Darrian said, frowning. "He went up to Highever to see about a potential recruit. And, I believe he was going to stop by Redcliffe on his journey back."
Claudio nodded. "Of this, I am aware," When he was agitated, the former Crow's heavy accent became even heavier. Darrian struggled slightly to make out the man's words. "Call it intuition, but I have a feeling that just will not leave me be."
Darrian glanced away from the temple, back toward the route he and the others had arrived via just a week past. Claudio was not one to allow his feelings to get the better of him.
"Tell you what," Darrian said after a moment's pause, turning back to his friend. "How about I take Say'reil and Alim and retrace the path toward Redcliffe. Chances are, we'll meet up with Duncan en route."
Nodding his dark head, Claudio clapped Darrian's shoulder. "I would appreciate that, my friend. Besides," he turned his attention back to Say'reil, who was now helping Alim to sit up. "I think that the camp makes our pretty Dalish mage a little uncomfortable." He shrugged, turning back to the elf. "She will, of course, need to get used to having so many humans about, but I think a reprieve would be well in order for now."
Agreeing wholeheartedly, Darrian stepped away from the Antivan and toward the other elves.
DA:O
They had departed Redcliffe at daybreak two days prior, much to Adrian's relief. He had found being in the presence of the Arl and his family uncomfortable. The sympathetic glances and words from both the Arl and Arlessa merely served to bring to mind all he had lost, and did little to improve his disposition toward the Warden Commander.
For Duncan's part, the man remained silent, yet observant of the changes that had occurred within the young noble. Adrian had, for the most part, maintained a silent aura of anger about himself prior to their visit to Redcliffe. Now, that silence had taken on a more ominous feel to it, and the Commander found himself again wondering if he need fear for the young man's arrival to Ostagar. No fear for his own personal safety came to mind; he had fought darkspawn and other monstrosities throughout his tenure as a Grey Warden. He knew his Calling would soon be upon him. His greater fear was that he would need to slay the promising conscript.
But, Adrian continued to remain silent, aloof, and continued to walk slightly behind the elder man. Still, he did not allow himself to relax. It was the sound of veridium scraping along metal and leather that alerted him to the fact that the young noble had not given up on his expectations for escape.
Twisting with an agility that belied his age, Duncan swept downwards, drawing both sword and dagger from their sheaths. As he straightened, he brought both blades upwards, crossed above the hilts, catching the descending death that was the Cousland noble's greatsword.
DA:O
"Stop twitching!" Say'reil scolded the younger mage as she slapped his hand from the collar of his new armor.
"It feels strange," Alim protested, dropping his hand, fingering the leather trousers he wore. "I feel all…confined."
Chuckling, Darrian jested, "Just too used to…swinging in the breeze, as it were, eh?"
Grinning at the tall, dark elven man, Alim batted his eyelashes at the handsome elf. "All too true. Those robes certainly made for easy access…"
"By the Creators!" Say'reil nearly shouted in irritation, tossing her hands above her head as she glared at both men. "Will you two desist with the innuendo!" She took note that both men grinned widely at each other, and she stepped forward, poking Alim in the shoulder to emphasize each word spoken. "Just. Get. Use. To. It."
With that, she turned on her heel, taking the lead further from Ostagar as the trio continued their path toward Redcliffe and, with luck, their Commander.
Both warrior and mage chuckled, realizing that they had probably pushed the female elf a bit too far, they started after her.
They had left the confines of Ostagar the previous day, much to the Dalish elf's delight. She had to admit that as interesting as it was to be among so many different people, it had also been slightly terrifying. The looks she had garnered, some of the things she had overhead the soldiers say…she was glad that she had Darrian and Alim for company. She had even welcomed Alistair's presence as well as he had proven to be an affable young man, despite his earlier faux pas. However, the human junior warden had to remain behind to keep an eye on the recruits Duncan had procured earlier, especially that 'Daveth fellow'.
It was now mid-day, and they had eaten their mid-day meal while walking. The dried meat and hardtack was not what the Dalish woman would have called appetizing, so she had, as they walked, picked various berries and shared them with her companions. Darrian smiled at the offer, accepting a handful, while Alim's eyes had, yet again, widened to the size of saucers as he spied the fresh fruit. He had explained that, at the Tower, it was a treat to receive dried fruits, so fresh fruit was an unheard of luxury. He accepted the handful the wild elf presented to him as though he had been given a great gift, and thusly further endeared him to her heart.
Her purple eyes shifted from the smaller elf to the darker one, his strides confident and sure as he matched her pace for pace. His black hair shone brightly in the sunlight, his face deeply tanned and set in concentration. He wore black, supple leather armor, and carried a shield upon his back and a sword and dagger at each hip. She wondered about the scar that bisected his eye, but decided that she would ask once they had gotten to know each other a little bit better. After all, neither of them had offered up any personal history as of yet. She was a little loathe to be the first to either offer up her own history or pry into his.
Darrian turned, smirking at the attention he noticed the female elf was paying him. Flushing slightly, she opened her mouth to say something, when the warrior lifted a hand, motioning her to silence. Frowning, she stopped, turning an ear to catch what noise the other elf detected, a hand sweeping out to catch Alim, who had not been paying attention to anything other than a butterfly that had swept into his field of vision.
There, to the northwest, she was certain she heard the sounds of battle. Nodding to Darrian, who had pulled his shield from his back and his sword from his hip, she pulled her bow free. Alim, now aware of his surroundings and what was happening, pulled his staff from his shoulder holster, and followed after the other elves.
DA:O
The heavy two handed greatsword swept downward, the strength of the young man fully behind it. Duncan dodged to the side, twisting away as he raised his sword to deflect the heavier blade. His mind working quickly, seeking a way to still salvage the recruit, the Commander of the Grey tucked into a roll, rising to his feet behind the young man.
Adrian was no fool, and had obviously battled against those who used stealth and agility in battle. Following Duncan's movements, he twisted, pivoting on his feet to keep the older man in his field of vision. He acted solely on instinct at this time, all thought other than the desire to see this man dead subjugated to the very back of his mind.
Duncan's foot lashed out, seeking to trip his opponent over. Adrian tucked his leg in, sweeping his blade down to catch the other man's foot. Realizing the danger in time, Duncan instead dropped into a roll, past the blade, rising once again with extreme grace to his feet, blades held at the ready.
So focused upon his quarry was he that the young noble did not notice as an elven warrior burst onto the scene, a black streak across the green horizon, his sword and shield raised. He felt the blow as the dark elf's shield connected with his shoulder, knocking him away from where Duncan stood.
As Adrian recovered from his stumble, he was hit by an invisible force, causing him to stagger backwards. Raising his eyes, he spied a small, blond elven mage, his staff raised, readying another spell.
Growling, he took a swipe at the elf nearest him, the smaller man bending backwards away from the deadly blade as he raised his shield to deflect it further.
Duncan stepped backwards, away from the tip of the impressive greatsword as Darrian deflected it further away from his Commander. He barely turned his head, but took notice as Say'reil slipped along the perimeter, her bow in hand. While he did not know the blond elf, Duncan was pleasantly surprised - and greatly relieved - that the trio of elves had arrived when they did.
And that they seemed to be able to work so well together.
Adrian scowled at the warrior elf before him, shrugging off the icy spell Alim had cast at him. He did not take notice of the female elf that now stood behind him.
Not until he felt the cold tip of the arrow pressed against the flesh to the back of his neck, just above his silverite armor.
"Lower your arms, human," the Dalish said in a low, calm, slightly accented voice. She watched as the human battled with himself, and she pressed her arrow tighter against his flesh. "Even this close, an arrow through your neck would likely cause death."
"I could zap him with lightening," Alim quipped as he sauntered to the group, his blue eyes wary, his staff held ready in his hand.
Darrian's icy blue eyes watched the conflict that came across the young human's face, and he risked a glance toward Duncan, who had been watching the group with interest in his dark eyes. The elven warden frowned slightly at his commander, but kept his blade at the ready, should the human before him provide more trouble.
"Ease, wardens," Duncan remarked, finally, certain that the blond elf had, indeed, taken part in the joining, albeit very recently. "This is one of our new recruits."
"A recruit?" Darrian questioned, not relaxing his stance whatsoever. Say'reil lowered her bow and shouldered it, but brought forth a spell, the energy of her magic crackling along her fingers in a display that even the aggressive human, with his back to her, could sense.
"Yes," Duncan replied, stepping closer to peer directly into Adrian's sullen eyes.
"Rather petulant, isn't he?" Alim quipped, a smirk on his pretty face. He took his cue, however, from the two elves he had come to know, ignoring the older human's order to ease.
"With reason," Duncan assured the trio of elves, his eyes resting briefly upon Alim before once again settling upon Adrian. "But, I believe we will not have any further…complications, shall we?"
The young noble glared at the Commander, his hand tightening along the grip of his greatsword. A glance to the dark elf who stood before him assured him that he would not allow any further mischief and he could feel the power of the woman who stood behind him. Finally, with a curt nod, he resheathed his blade at his back, purposefully relaxing his stance in an exaggerated fashion. The elf before him relaxed only slightly, but did shoulder his shield, his sword still in hand.
"I don't recall fighting you being part of the initiation process, Duncan?" Darrian dryly remarked, his piercing eyes shifting to the older human's face.
"Normally, no," Duncan remarked as he relaxed, motioning for Say'reil to his side. "However, I do recall your challenging my authority on more than one occasion."
Chuckling, Darrian gave off a sense of ease, however maintained the naked blade in his hand. "Still do, still do."
Rolling his eyes slightly, the Warden Commander turned to Say'reil, a smile crossing his face. "I am pleased to see that you have joined our ranks, Say'reil," he bowed, his arms crossed at the wrists before his chest. With a smile, Say'reil mimicked the motion.
"May I introduce you to our newest Grey Warden," the Dalish mage waved a hand toward Alim, who was still watching Adrian as closely as Darrian was. "Alim Surana, formerly of the Circle Tower."
At the sound of his name, the young mage pulled his eyes from the now impassive features of the young man Duncan had, just moments before, been battling against. With a smirking grin, the young mage bowed to the older man, his eyes mischievous as they swept over Duncan's form, that grin turning into an appreciative smile. Again, Duncan rolled his eyes, wondering just what had been introduced into his Wardens.
"There sounds like a story behind your joining, Alim," Duncan smiled at the mage, glancing briefly over at the Dalish mage.
"As always, Commander, there is a story when is comes to me," he smirked as he finally holstered his staff. He did note that Darrian remained armed, and while Say'reil appeared relaxed, he could feel the magic flow from her in subtle waves.
Chuckling, Duncan nodded before turning his attention to the senior elven warden. Say'reil stepped nearer the human whom Duncan had named as recruit.
"I am Say'reil, formerly of Clan Mahariel," she said by way of introduction, bowing slightly to the human. Adrian turned his cold, green eyes upon her face, taking in the swirling design of her tattoos before his eyes settled upon her dark, purple eyes. She offered him a friendly smile, aware that Alim had taken a subtle step nearer her. She ignored that in her attempt to diffuse some of the tension she felt surge between the two humans.
Adrian's eyes shifted slightly to acknowledge Alim's presence. The blond elf merely raised a brow, giving the human a slight quirk of a brow. Adrian quickly dismissed him, turning his attention back to the lovely elven woman.
He noted that she was nothing like any of the elven women he had been in contact with prior. She was taller and willowy, but with pretty, slender curves. Her eyes were quite large, almond shaped and slanted, and were the darkest shade of purple he had ever seen. Chestnut hair curled around her face, some of the strands curving along the branch-like tattoo that arched across her forehead and down one cheek. And although she was dressed in leather armor and carried blades and bow, he had felt the power of her magic just moments before. He offered a glance back to the Warden Commander and the tall, dark skinned elf who had challenged him, and then back to the woman, who remained, standing patiently, a calm, earnestness in her strange eyes, for him to acknowledge her with word.
With a great sigh, the young noble returned the slight bow. "I am Adrian Cousland, formerly of Highever."
"Cousland?" Alim asked, deciding to end his impertinent staring and join in the conversation.
With a frown that deepened to a scowl, the former noble merely nodded his head, turning his back to both elves. The mages glanced at each other and, with a shrug, walked to where Duncan and Darrian spoke quietly, awaiting word to begin their return to Ostagar.
DA:O
The trek back to Ostagar was rife with tension, with Say'reil assigned to walk beside Adrian as her presence seemed the least offensive to the young noble. Along the way, the trio of elves filled Duncan in on how Say'reil had to conscript Alim into the Grey Wardens (and none missed the derisive snort from Adrian at that admission), and how Claudio had allowed the elder elves to take over the joining.
"Another mage admitted into the Grey Wardens is quite a feat," Duncan advised, nodding his appreciation at both mages. "With the more structured magic of the Circle and the ancient knowledge of the elves, we will have an impressive arsenal against the darkspawn."
Both mages smiled their appreciation at the man. While within the elven culture, mages were revered and honored, Alim's experience had been one of mistrust and fear. The blond elf most especially appreciated Duncan's candor and respect, and Darrian and Say'reil each exchanged grins as the younger elf walked a bit straighter.
Darrian, for one, was thankful that Cailan did not greet the returning group at the entrance to Ostagar. Given the new recruit's mood, he was certain that the Cousland noble would be far more offensive than Darrian could ever hope to be. The young elf turned at Duncan's word, nodding as the Commander instructed the three elves to bring Adrian to their temporary camp in the heart of Ostagar and make certain he was supplied for his sojourn into the Wilds.
Duncan then left to search out his second.
DA:O
Later found Duncan by Claudio's side as they watched a Captain in Fereldan's army instruct soldiers on how to fight darkspawn and avoid poisoning. Leaning against the cool stone of the rail that looked over the splendid ruin that was Ostagar, Duncan clasped his hands as his second listened silently to his recounting of events at Highever and thereafter.
The Antivan's dark eyes narrowed slightly. "Are you telling me, my friend, that this young recruit actually threatened your life?" He chuckled slightly. "And yet he still lives?"
Duncan sighed, shaking his head. He had expected some issue from his second regarding the young Cousland conscript. He just never knew which direction the Antivan would take.
"Indeed he did, and yes he does," Duncan replied, turning to lean over the crumbling wall. His own dark eyes scanned the area, taking note of the various soldiers in practice, lieutenants and sergeants in their midst shouting orders or encouragement, only vaguely listening to the droning sound of the captain's voice. "He has gone through much these past weeks," the commander said as he turned back to his friend, who was watching with mild amusement and close scrutiny.
"And yet still you chose to conscripted him," it was a statement, not a question. And Duncan did not miss the accusation so barely there in the second's words.
Duncan nodded. "He is very skilled. And, what I had heard of the young man before meeting him made me think he would make a perfect Grey Warden."
"Ah…before you met him he was another person," Claudio said wisely, a sage nod of his dark head. "Yet, when you pulled him from his dying family and home, that changed him, no?"
Another sigh, and Duncan nodded. "He may come out of this, he may not. But, I still believe he will make an excellent grey warden, and I still have hope."
Claudio frowned, staring at his friend. "Maybe," he said after a few moments silence. "Yet, you must remember, you conscripted him, not to save his life, but to force him into service of an order he does not seem to respect overly much." The Antivan shrugged his shoulders. "It was not the same thing as conscripting the man to keep him from the hangman's noose or, let's say, to spare him an eternity of servitude to masters who are…less than forgiving of mistakes." The Antivan shot the other man a saucy grin, and Duncan nodded.
"It still saved his life," Duncan insisted. "He would have remained…"
Claudio shrugged his shoulders lazily. "Perhaps, perhaps not. Are you now a soothsayer, a fortune teller, my friend? If so, I think perhaps we must ply that trade. It is far more profitable than being a warden." The darker man clapped his hands together suddenly. "Ah! The Carnival in Antiva City! Yes, yes…there, ah, now there is money to be made." he waggled his eyebrows suggestively at his friend. "Women who wish to be made love to by such devilishly handsome men such as well." Then his grin widened. "Or men who wish the same. Makes no difference to me." He left off with a purring hum, remembering the beauties that could be found in Antiva's greatest city.
Duncan stared at his friend, and then chuckled at the absurd suggestion. "My friend," Duncan placed a large hand upon his friend's slender shoulder. "You are right, as always. Not about going to Antiva City!" he clarified, his hands rising, "About Adrian. I am, however, certain he would have remained…"
"Perhaps he would have killed more of the traitor's men," Claudio persisted, the humor now gone from his lilting voice, his eyes growing distant for a moment. "Perhaps he could have convinced his mother to leave with him," he turned to Duncan, his own history clearly in his eyes, and the other man took a brief step back.
He had forgotten the pain of Claudio's own past, his servitude to the Crows, the price he paid for abandoning the assassin guild to seek his own freedom. And, it was this experience that made him say what he now said to his cherished friend.
"You did not give him that chance, and so now he will always blame you, right along with Howe, for his family's demise. He will always believe he could have saved someone, and yet you extracted a promise from his dying father. I wonder what loyalty the young man will give to the Wardens with such a starting history, no?" He turned slightly, his head tilted. "I have heard of these Couslands," the Antivan then turned away. "I knew Oriana Cousland when she lived in Antiva. Lovely girl. Through her family, the Crows were kept apprised of the second most powerful family in all of Fereldan. Honorable and duty bound," he shrugged, "That was the word that went around the Crows. One of the reasons why we never took any contracts on them, ever." His eyes narrowed. "A family that has been consistent with its duty for generations is not one to piss off with a mere assassination or two."
"Yet Howe did just that," Duncan gently reminded the other man.
"True, but Adrian yet lives." Claudio pointed toward the camp, "and personally, I would not want to see what happens to Howe when young Cousland finds him. And, find him he will," the ex-Crow predicted with a nod. "Of that, I have no doubt."
"So now who is the soothsayer?" Duncan laughed gently at his friend before turning his attention back to where Claudio's finger had pointed mere moments before. Both men shared a chuckle.
"Vengeance," Duncan muttered, the moment of laughter dying away, and Claudio nodded his agreement.
"So, oh wise and wondrous leader," Claudio said, trying to lighten the mood that he, admittedly, darkened. "Who is the lucky junior warden to take the handsome Cousland into the wilds?"
"I was thinking of Darrian," Duncan responded promptly. "Adrian would eat Alistair alive."
"Oh?" Claudio quipped, a dark, well formed brown raising upwards. "Do you not think our handsome, dark elf has enough to keep him occupied already?"
Duncan frowned, turning back to his friend. "Say'reil is a warden now. And she successfully brought in another mage to the fold," he said, "Alistair can guide her along…" but he stopped when Claudio shook his head, his perfectly braided hair rustling across his shoulders. "You disagree?"
"Oh, yes. Darrian may not wish to leave the side of the pretty mage as of yet, especially for one as surly and…not quite his type as the Cousland."
"Another mage is always helpful, wouldn't you agree?" Duncan asked, his eyes thoughtful.
"Si."
A smile, the first one he had genuinely felt since before going to Highever, crossed the commander's face. Duncan had been pleased: Not only had Say'reil survived the joining, but she had managed to garner a second mage for the order. He turned a thoughtful eye back toward the camp. "Perhaps I should rethink the junior warden accompanying Adrian into the Wilds. Of everyone thus far, she seemed the less likely to…agitate Adrian." The Commander of Fereldan's Grey tapped a long finger against his chin before turning back to his friend.
"So, now you think perhaps Say'reil should accompany Adrian into the wilds?" Claudio asked, his eyes narrowing slightly, uncertain if he liked that idea.
Duncan noticed the change of demeanor of his friend, but nodded. "She is the junior warden, other than Alim, who is too junior." He frowned. "But, you disagree."
Claudio nodded. "I think Alistair should be the one to accompany the young Cousland." He held up a hand to Duncan's forthcoming objections. "I know that the young man has a place in your heart, my friend. However, he needs to learn leadership skills. If we continue to pawn off new warden recruits onto Darrian or, as you just suggested, Say'reil simply because they both have obvious leadership skills, I think you continue to do our former Templar ill service."
Sighing, Duncan stared at his Antivan friend. Then, with a slow nod, he replied. "You are correct, Claudio." His gaze turning back toward camp, trying to seek out the figures of the elves and the taller human, but failing, he nodded again. "Very well. Alistair shall accompany Adrian into the Wilds to collect the darkspawn blood."
"Mayhaps sending Ser Jory and Daveth along with them will help, ah, even things out, no?"
"They have not gone through the joining yet?" Duncan was surprised.
Shaking his dark head, the Antivan chuckled. "Nay, friend. They were your recruits. I wanted you to be absolutely certain before I sent them into the Wilds."
A frown formed on Duncan's face. More problems? "Why?"
The former assassin gracefully shrugged his shoulders. "Daveth, I see no issue with. He has a strong heart. Were the circumstances of his life different, I would say he would have become a knight." He chuckled at the raised brow Duncan presented to him. "It is that Jory fellow. He…is skilled, yes? But, his heart, it falters. Ever is his mind upon those he left behind." Now Claudio's frown was deep. "I still am rather shocked you would conscript someone such as he."
"He may surprise you, Claudio," Duncan clapped a hand to his friend's shoulder as they both turned to leave the instruction area. "It does happen now and again."
"Phwt!" came the Antivan's response. "Seldom am I wrong, my friend. Remember that." With those words, the smaller man clapped a hand solidly to Duncan's back as they left the area in search of their recruits and junior wardens.