A/N - The idea came that maybe I should add entry from Alistair while I was kneading the dough for the Christmas cookies. I do not think I'll continue with it though. And a reminder: Fenris is the dog.

Chapter 21 – Thoughts about Aymir

(from the journal of Alistair)

It's been ages since I've added something to my diary, but seeing Aymir writing from time to time, I thought why not? We acquired the help of Orzammar and the Mages rather quickly. I thought it would take more time.

Our motley crew is together, more or less, so I was told. Let's see:
Sten - he's just standing there, answering everyone with only one word, except Aymir
Morrigan - complete and utter b*tch
Zevran, Leliana - no comment, I guess
Wynne - my second favorite mage

And that brings to... Aymir.

Duncan mentioned that he was bringing a mage, as a new recruit, but little did we know what kind of mage she is. I remember just before we left the Korcari Wilds with Jory and Daveth, she told us to stay put, she's going shopping. We were all looking at each other, thinking "Women..." But when she showed up, I know my mouth fell open and the reaction of the others was the same. Bow and arrows, no mage staff? And that armour! I wonder if she noticed how many soldiers had bumped into trees instead of where they were heading, because they were looking at her?

She survived the Joining. She survived what happened at the Tower of Ishal. She can shoot with the bow as well as use her spells. If she says we go somewhere we listen.

She's the only one who can drag out complete sentences from Sten, and that's no small feat! I love listening to her chatting with Leliana about hair and shoes. Nagging Wynne to tell the tale of the Wardens and asking her each and every time if the story has griffons. She's even capable of chatting with Morrigan.

She always has these gifts, where is she picking them up, I have no idea, but she knows just what each of us need. Maybe she's a desire demon? But then again we are awake.

I remember her asking me, one time, if with being raised in the Chantry means that I never...? She was looking at me, smiling...Oh, Maker... So, I've decided to ask back: Never what? Had a pair of shoes? Seen a basilisk? Have I never licked a lamppost in winter? ... I ended up saying what she could have already guessed. She said I'm cute. Hearing that from a beautiful woman made me feel a little luckier. Maybe...

And the time when I'd given her the rose that I found in Lothering. She liked it; I took that as a good sign. I kissed her, she blushed, but she didn't slap me across the whole camp, so I took that as a yes. I got the sermon of "love is selfish, bla...bla" from Wynne. I'm sure Aymir too got that.

But sometimes, when she thinks we're not watching, she's just staring into nothing. She looks so...lonely.

I've seen her playing with Fenris; I've never seen anyone looking at a mabari like that. Like she's looking at a real person, not a dog. I've asked her once why Fenris, who is Fenris, she said it's a long story. And sometimes she is talking to someone she calls "Voice." I though about mentioning this to Wynne, but with Aymir being a mage, I know it would not end well.

I want to protect her. Is that so bad?

Oops, gotta finish, she's heading this way. Wonder what she wants?

Update: Maker, she gave me the amulet of my mother! She remembered it! And she said I'm special to her! I can't believe it! This must be a dream. Hope I never wake up.