Cogburn

Company, always on the run
Destiny, oooh, and the rising sun
I was born, six gun in my hand
Behind the gun, I make my final stand
That's why they call me

Bad company,
Oh, I can't deny

Rebel souls
Deserters we are called
Chose the gun
And threw away the sword

Maddie and Alistair were building up the fire and arguing good naturedly over the proper way to cook lamb and pea stew. Leliana was setting up her tent, arranging her belongings so they were to her liking. Sten was standing near the edge of the fire's light, apparently examining Cogburn's twin and the Knight whenever he wasn't on the lookout for movement near the road. Cogburn handed the Qunari an empty bucket. "Here, I'm sure it will feel good to wash after so long in that cage." He nodded in the direction of the stream. "There's a fairly fast running stream. I'll get Rooster and keep watch while you get cleaned up."

"I would not leave my post for reasons of personal comfort." It was the longest sentence Cogburn had heard out of the man yet.

"You're not." The male Cousland said flatly. "I'm telling you to go and bathe. I can't do much to provide comfort for my sister but I can prevent her nose from being subjected to thirty days worth of unwashed Qunari."

"Were she to keep her proper place as a female you would not need to provide her such." Sten rumbled as he gathered the few belongings he possessed.

Cogburn gave a short laugh. "You should tell her that sometime. I'd love to see her expression and then yours after she knocked you flat." He gestured in the direction of the creek again. "I'll keep an eye on the road. Go bathe."

Sten went, reluctantly, but he went. Rooster came prancing happily up to Cogburn shortly thereafter, clearly seeking attention. Obliging the Mabari wasn't a hardship, all he really wanted was someone to talk to him and scratch his ears.

In the middle of their conversation, such as it was. Morrigan came stalking up to the pair of them. In her hands was a half eaten rabbit. "Look what your fool dog left in my pack!"

Rooster barked happily and Cogburn shook his head. "He likes you, so he was trying to be nice. It's the thought that counts."

Morrigan shook her head. "A putrid half-eaten hare is not something a woman wants to find in her unmentionables."

Cogburn grinned. "Does this mean you're not wearing any?" His gaze dropped to Morrigan's waist and hips.

Morrigan rolled her eyes at him. "'Tis beside the point." She put the rabbit down in front of Rooster. "And you, beast, you can have that back."

Rooster whined at her hopefully and Cogburn shook his head. "It's a gift. You can't just return it."

The Witch looked at him as if he'd lost his mind. "I just did."

"You'll hurt his feelings." Rooster whined again and crouched low, acting penitent.

"Please, he's just being manipulative." Morrigan shook her head. "I do it all the time."

Cogburn watched her walk away appreciatively and wondered if she was wearing unmentionables or not. Before he could analyze the possibilities further Sten returned and handed him the bucket. The Qunari was noticeably damp but smelled much better.

"I'll let you enjoy the rest of your watch before dinner." Cogburn nodded to the warrior. "And I'll talk with my sister about finding you some armor and weapons. I have the feeling you'll need them."

TBC