Tale from Tevinter
Chapter 11
Farewell
The days leading up to the tournament were all a blur. Marian still followed through with her regular routine until the last week. By that time, the school had closed down, because no one was focusing on their studies anyways. The docks were packed, as was every inn, stable, and brothel in the port town. The arena was a large, circular building that was in the heart of the city. Many shop keepers had taken to setting up stalls around the arena to capitalize on the booming city's influx of visitors.
Varric had told Marian of his massive profits, and even given her father a bonus and some vacation to enjoy the event. Since Varric's stock was cleaned out three days prior, there was really no point in staying open. Also, the dwarf was planning on being one of the drunk spectators during the competition. He'd offered to save a seat for Marian, but the girl had cautiously refused. She didn't want to watch the fighting. Not that she couldn't appreciate a good match, but she knew Leto would be in there. The last time she'd seen him fighting, was in a pit of worgs, the ground splattered with his blood.
As it was, it was the night before the tournament, and the city was abuzz. An energy had taken hold of Minrathous, and Marian could feel it vibrating across her skin. Sighing, she flipped, turning over in her small bed. It was well into the middle of the night, but she couldn't bring herself to sleep. Her fingers played with the red ribbon that bound her braid, as her thoughts were a jumble of what she knew was to come. So engrossed was she in her own mind's ramblings, she jumped from fright when she heard a rapping at her window.
Drawing out a mage light, Marian pulled back the covers as she slowly crept across the cool wooden floor of her room. She pulled back one of the dark green drapes that hung over her window as she tried to peer outside. Sighing, she swished a hand at her mage light to extinguish the blue orb. It wasn't allowing her to see out into the dark. A face popped into her view, and she jumped back, a hand grasping her skipping heart. Taking the window and pushing it open, she found herself face to face with a very devilish looking grin upon a tan skinned, red haired elf.
"You jumped for fright," Leto whispered, apparently proud that he'd scared the mage within an inch of her life.
"What did you expect? You're on my roof," Marian whispered out to the elf who was nimbly sitting on his haunches on the overhang under her window. "I don't often get many visitors this way."
"I would hope no visitor comes this way to see you," Leto smiled, his green and golden eyes beaming warmly at Marian. "I received a very fine blade, and some chainmail, today from that dwarf friend of yours."
"Oh, that's good, um. Well, I hope that it's good? Do you like it?" Marian found herself stumbling over her words, which earned her a soft chuckle.
"They are very fine indeed. Far superior than anything I have ever used." Marian breathed a sigh of relief. When Varric had shown her the massive two handed sword he'd found for her, her chin nearly hit the ground. She'd shouted at him to take it back, to find something reasonable, but Varric had insisted it was perfect. She was glade, now, that she'd listened to the crazy dwarf.
"Shouldn't you be sleeping?" She asked as she leaned a little farther out, resting her head on her palm as she inspected the elf who lounged on her roof. "It's a busy day for you tomorrow."
"That is true. I should be," Leto clucked his tongue, shaking his head in dismay, "but try as I might, dreams will not come. I thought I would dream of my mother, and sister, and of them finally being free. That, or maybe of the battle to come. Instead I close my eyes, and I see..."
He didn't finish the thought, but instead shifted closer to Marian who leaned closer to hear him better. She blinked, frozen as he closing the distance between them. His long, tanned fingers slid along her cheek, the callous of his hands scrapping against her smooth skin. Marian's breath caught in her throat, her mind emptied of all thought as lips pressed against her own. The kiss was soft, and just when it processed through her mind that, yes, indeed, she was being kissed, it ended. Leto drew back, his one hand sliding through her raven braid as it tumbled about her stunned, red face.
"It's a tradition, for a warrior to get a favor from his lady. Good luck, some might say," He said. His face was turned away, his own cheeks held a rosy glow under tan skin as moss green eyes studied what dangled in his grasp. Marian flew a hand to her now loose braid, finger's feeling it come apart about her grasp. "May I?" Leto asked, indicating the red ribbon he'd unlaced from her hair.
Marian, still speechless, gave a nod, and reached out for his hand. Pulling his wrist close, she tied the ribbon about his wrist while she did her best not to notice how close he was at this moment. Even if he was still technically outside. She became highly aware of how close she was to her bed, and just how little coverage her night gown afforded. Taking a breath, she tried to still her thoughts as she gave a shy smile back to the elf after she secured the crimson ribbon.
"You're suppose to give the favor back. When you win," Marian said, as Leto examined the ribbon with a soft smile. "That's how it works, or at least how it does in those fairytale books my mother used to read me."
"Then I shall cherish this, until that time," Leto smiled, and Marian's heart skipped several more beats as she felt the heat of his breath upon her face.
"Good night, Hawke," were the words Marian received, but not a final parting kiss. She found herself disappointed at that. Leto gave a small bow of his head, and he nimbly jumped from her roof. Her knees trembled, and Marian gently touched her fingers to the lips that had the ghost of a feeling of the kiss still upon them.
Leto had just kissed her.
Eventually she closed her window, and lay in her bed, but sleep was not on her mind. She shoved her head in her pillow, trying to ignore the fact that tomorrow may mean his death and was probably the cause for such bold actions. The part that was really bothering her, was that she realized she wished he'd done it sooner. That, or if she had. No, it was foolish to dwell on something that was past. Though the future didn't seem much brighter. She hoped that Leto would win the tournament, but she wouldn't be there for it. She would be Vivianna, stocking their ship and crew as they prepared to sail away, for much longer then she cared to imagine at the moment.
It was somewhere in this torrent of emotions, of wanting to stay, of needing to go, of fear and hope that sleep finally took her. She woke the next morning to Carver poking her cheek with his finger. "Sister, it's late. Everyone else has already gone."
Marian blinked her eyes scratchy as she gave a stiff nod to her brother. Carver was frowning, but he usually frowned at her. She was surprised when his finger brushed against the salty residue on her cheek.
"You were crying. Why?" Carver gripped his hand about his long sword, his body going stiff as though there was some unnamed assailant hiding in her room. Marian shook her head, rubbing her hands against her face.
"No, it's nothing," He did not look like he believed her, and she cocked her head to the side as she evaluated him. "Why are you not already at the tournament grounds? I figured you and Varric would already be seated in the front row."
"Yeah, because I'm so one dimensional," Carver huffed, and Marian blinked in surprise. Yes, actually, she wanted to say, he was! "I'm just making sure you show up safe. There are a lot of creeps in the city as of late."
"Ha! As of always, you mean? No, it's fine. Go ahead, Carver. I need to go see Vivianna today anyways. Besides, I'd rather not watch a blood sport."
"Leto will be there," Carver said bluntly. "He could use the support of his friends. Tell your Master to piss off for a day."
"I can't, Carver."
"He's your friend, Marian!" Carver spat at her, and Marian froze while pulling herself from her blankets to evaluate her brother. "You should go, for him. Do you think it was easy for him, a slave, to even gain admittance?" Marian was dumbstruck by her brother's words. Not because she didn't know these things, but that they came from Mr. Oblivious Carver! "You know what, never mind! I'm going to be there for him, even if you won't." With that, Marian was left alone to dress.
It took her surprisingly little time to gather up all the things she intended to take on her voyage. Mostly because she'd already packed them up long ago. Once she was dressed, she grabbed her staff, and left her home on the ports. The city was still bustling, however it was mostly due to late risers. The flow of the crowds all moved in one direction, towards the arena. Marian didn't. She went in the opposite direction, towards the docks. When she arrived, it was easy to find Vivianna. She stood tall, and gleaming like a beacon of ice against the backdrop of the sea. Even if it were not for the visual cue, her sharp bark could be heard for a good mile. Beside her stood a massively huge man, who also was yelling orders, though at the sailors about them.
"You, stupid excuse for a soldier! You look like a lumbering can. Learn what it takes to walk, and do it quicker. That's how you pick up the pace!"
"I see you're at it again," Marian called over to the woman who was standing on the docks, her aggravation coming off in waves.
"Andraste herself couldn't have handled such incompetence," Vivianna scoffed, rubbing the bridge of her nose. "Any of your family know?"
"None," Marian turned her head down, a twinge of sadness pulling at her heart. The last person she'd seen was Carver, and he'd not been happy with her in the least. She would never seen them again. At least not for a very long time.
"It's better this way," Vivianna nodded, before she berated the next guard who was moving more slowly then she deemed appropriate. "Get your things, and yourself upon the ship. We'll be moving out shortly. Also," She called to Marian who began to head to the ship's ramp, "In my cabin you will find some parchment rolls and quills. Go ahead and write them a letter. We'll be sending word via falcon when we've embarked."
The ship was mostly stocked, it seemed, and it was just a matter of moving some weapons and armor onto the ship. Marian made her way around the scrambling soldiers and sailors. She eventually, with the help of one sailor, found herself in Vivianna's quarters. As Vivianna had said, there lay the paper and ink she needed to write her family. Sitting down, she realized she had no idea what to write. After lifting and dropping the quill several times, Marian finished what she thought was a decent enough letter.
'Dear Family,
Please do not panic, I am well. It was deemed best that I leave the city for a time. I'm with my Master Mage and we are going to clear an island of witches. Probably. Regardless, I hope that all of you will stay well until my return. A return that will not be for some time. Father, Mother, I love you both. Bethany, I would have taken you with me if I could. Be strong, little Sister. Carver... You're an ass, but you're an ass with a good heart. Please stop being such an ass.
Love,
Marian Hawke'
"Just the right touch to it," Marian gave a half smile as she blew on the ink. Rolling up the small parchment, she slide the note into the carrying case. In the corner of the room stood the perch of the falcon who would deliver the message to her family. The bird gave a flip of its head, and a small cry when Marian had finished.
A knock on the cabin's door drew Marian from the desk. Opening the wooden door, she was greeted with a taunt salute from one of the soldiers. "Messere, we are ready to depart. You've been requested to be on deck."
Nodding, Marian followed the guard back to the deck of the ship, where all the supplies were now secured. Vivianna waved her over to her side, a mischievous smile on her lips as the anchor was pulled from the water. "You've written your letter?"
Marian nodded, her fingers still holding the small case. The elder mage nodded, her eyes scanning over the city as the ship began to pull out from the docks. "They'll receive word from my men as well. We'll hold off on sending your letter until we're a day out." Marian nodded, curious as to the level of precaution Vivianna was taking in their flight from the city. It seemed a bit much, but her master had always be cautious.
From the deck of the boat, Marian stood next to her master, as she watched the city shrink and disappear in the horizon. She stayed on deck until the sun dropped below the blue of the sea, and the moon took light in the sky. Her mind was still awash with her parents, her sister and brother, and also of Leto and his family. She wondered if he succeeded. She'd never prayed, but in her heart she was begging the Maker to grant him victory. It was silly to pray, but she didn't know what else to do.
Eventually Vivianna sent one of the soldiers to summon her apprentice to dinner. Only part of the ship's crew, commissioned by Vivianna, ate with them. The rest were still tending to sailing them through the waters. It wasn't easy to find a captain who would accept the mage's proposition, however Vivianna had managed. Marian did not know if that was because of her Master's reputation or if it was due to whatever coin she'd offered the captain.
The captain, a burly man covered in tattoos and a braided black beard, was not present for the meal Marian shared with the crew. He and Vivianna, she was told when she asked, were dining in the captain's quarters. There was a low laugh from some of the sailors, a snickering under their breath. Marian had to focus intently on her meal as she tried to keep her temper in check. She was sure Vivianna would not approve of her starting a fight with the ship's crew, nor with her casting any spells within their sinkable confines.
"Ya know, it ain't good luck. Brining women on a ship," One of the sailors muttered, part of the gruel they'd been served escaping his bearded jaw. Marian lost her appetite as she watched the man masticate. Dropping her spoon, she rose to leave the cabin. Needing air, she found her way back onto the deck of the ship. The reek of the sailors was obviously something she would have to get used to.
"What's wrong, little lady," a gruff sounding voice drew Marian's attention back to the hatch she'd just left. Two of the sailors had apparently followed her out onto the deck. Quirking a brow at the men, she wondered if they had any idea what sort of mess they were about to step into. "Not feeling well?"
"I'm a mage," Marian said bluntly, placing hands on her hips to draw herself up in height. The men laughed, and the smell of liquor carried on the wind causing Marian to flinch. Obviously she couldn't appeal to their logical sides. "If you touch me, I will kill you."
"You kill us, and what do you think happens to your pretty little Master?" The taller of the men asked, his grin only serving to make him even more ugly then Marian had thought possible. "Sides, we don't mean you no harm."
"Yeah," The shorter man added in, his finger scratching at his left eye, which appeared to be glass. "Just making sure you're not ill. Wouldn't want our special guest to be ill. I know how to make a lady feel good. Fix you right up," He gave a hobbled approach, and Marian sighed. She almost felt bad for what she was about to do to these pathetic, desperate sailors. Almost.
She splayed her fingers, pulling on ice; the one thing that wouldn't burn down the ship. She never got a chance to cast though. A yell snapped her head to the side, and she instinctively pulled the ice into a shield about her side. The blow did not come for her though. Instead a dark blur pushed past her, and into the very confused drunkards in front of her. Marian blinked, trying to focus her eyes as a blade slashed out. The sailors both stumbled, one falling over with a hilt blow to his head as the other managed enough sense to run. He tripped, tumbling down the hatch into the belly of the ship. His voice piercing the laughter of the men below as he screeched of ghosts.
Marian shook the ice shield away, letting the crystals flake down to the deck of the ship as she took in the form of the man who had intervened. When he turned, her amber eyes nearly bugged out of her head as she screeched, "Carver?!"
Her brother rose, standing as he glowered at her. His attention diverting momentarily to kick the sailor who had now passed out fully on the deck beside him. "What are you doing here?" Marian choked, trying to find words as she watched her brother sheath his sword.
"What am I doing here? What are you doing here?" Carver spat out, crossing his arms as he continued to scowl at his elder sister.
"I'm supposed to be here!" Marian yelled, earning a snort from her brother.
"You shouldn't be on a ship full of these... Types," Carver huffed, gesturing to the man who was snoring by his boot. "I knew you were acting strange. I followed you when you left the house. Figured something wasn't right. Glade I did."
"I'm going to have to tell Vivianna your here. Oh, this won't be good," pressing her fingers into her temples as she tried to ward off the pressure that was building in her head. "We're only a day out. We could still turn the ship around. Drop you off back home. I'm sure we can do that."
"No," Came a very stern, and very angry voice from the hold. Vivianna's silvery mane came into view in the moonlight, her ice blue eyes scanning the scene before her. On her heel was the captain of the ship and two guards, as well as the drunken sailor that cowered behind the group. When Vivianna looked to the collapsed sailor, she shot a questioning glance at her apprentice.
"He wanted to be friendlier then I cared for," Marian crossed her arms, shrugging at her Master. Vivianna gave a cool look to the captain, who in turn directed a deathly dark gaze to the sailor who had called them to the decks. When he gave a scared shake of his head, the captain, a man who rivaled a Qunari in stature, hauled back and slammed a fist into the sailor's face. Marian tried not to flinch, but failed as the captain beat the sailor into a bloody mess in front of everyone.
"Apologies," He said eventually, shaking the blood from his fist as he kicked the groaning sailor. "It's been a long time since my men have been in the company of Ladies. They've forgotten their manners. I'll make sure I give them all a good talking to. It will not happen again."
"I'm sure you will see to it, Genthus," Vivianna nodded at the captain, an 'or else' hanging plainly in the air. Spitting on the prone sailor, the bearded captain bellowed for his men to take the two upstarts down into the hold.
"Messere," Marian strode to her Master, who had a sharp gaze set on Carver. "My brother, Carver, Messere," Marian gestured to Carver, whom her Master had not met before. Though she introduced him, the curious look did not leave the Master Mage's eyes. "I do not~ I did not bring him. He snuck aboard," Marian stammered, shooting a glance at her brother who simply stood there.
"We can't take him back," Vivianna restated her assertions. "It will be known we are gone by now, and, should we return, leaving will be all the harder."
"But, we're only a day out!" Marian begged, rushing to stand before Vivianna with a silent plea in her eyes. "He's but a child!"
"Where not you?" Vivianna raised her brow at Marian, her eyes regarding the stowaway. "No. He stays. You can use a sword then?" Vivianna gestured to Carver's sheathed blade. "Accomplished enough to use it on more than just the intoxicated?"
"I'm skilled with my blade," Carver held up his chin, crossing his arms.
"Stowaways are usually thrown overboard. You stay under the condition that you are now my hired sword hand," As Vivianna spoke, Carver raised himself up, his ego being easily stroked by the powerful mage's proclamation of him being a 'hired sword'.
"I could do that," Carver grinned, and Vivianna returned the smile for a sinister one of her own.
"Good. Then, as my sword hand, you will do me the service of keeping an eye on my apprentice. A job I'm sure you'll be able to accomplish," Vivianna, gently cupped Marian's cheek, her decidedly evil smile never faltering. "She is precious to me. I shall not see her harmed during this adventure."
Marian's jaw dropped as her Master departed, leaving her and her brother alone on the deck. She'd just saddled her with caring for her brother? For a year?
"Well, she's interesting. Hey, Sis, where are we going?" Marian groaned as she dropped her head into her hands. How could her luck have fallen so low? Sighing, Marian realized she would need to rewrite her letter to her family.
'Dear Family.
I'm sorry, but I've been departed on an expedition. I'm with my Master, and Carver is with me. Trust me, I did not ask him to come. He followed me. I will take care of him, and see that he is safe. Bethany, please take care of Mother and Father. I will send word again once I am able.
Love,
Marian Hawke.'
TBC~
Disclaimer: Dragon Age and all of its character's and places are property of BioWare and the respective copyright holders. OC(s) Include Artamus Dolan, and (sorta) Anitra.
Author's Note:
Another semi shorter chapter. Also, finally was able to get a kiss in. I know it's taken many chapters to reach this point, and I hope that it was worth it. I promise there will be more than just kisses in the future. The next chapter shall be longer, and I can't wait to have fun with it. Thank you everyone for your reviews and critiques!
