Orzammar was in the mountains...and it was cold in the mountains! Shivering like crazy in her armour and fervently cursing herself for not having added an extra layer of cloth under it back at camp Lynn trudged on, knowing them to be close judging by the stone bridges and the fact that the path forward was evening out.
Behind her the others moved on. To her frustration Alistair had gotten less and less bothered by their pace the further up they've gotten in the mountains. Apparently his exhaustion had had more to do with the heat than muscle-strain...and now that the cold of the mountains struck them he even seemed to be enjoying himself!
Grumbling Lynn shot a look back and saw Sten uncharacteristically close, the qunari might have a face of stone, but it was clear he was eager to meet this 'Faryn' character...Lynn had already made sure to tell him that she would do the talking, no ripping arms off until she said so. Still, she'd best keep an eye on him...
Despite her breezy outfit Morrigan didn't look at the least bothered by the cold, then again the witch was always pale...but her exposed skin wasn't turning blue as Lynn's, so she probably had some sort of trick working for her... Lynn suppressed the urge to ask Morrigan about it though, she couldn't become too reliant on the woman after all...her previous deal with the witch was already too much in her mind.
At least Wynne and Leliana had been sharing Lynn's discomfort with the cold. That is, until Alistair had gotten them a pair of thick blankets...their thankful words had made Lynn fume and shoot the former templar a glare that he'd easily ignored. The worst part was that she knew Alistair hadn't done it to try and win them away from her in their little struggle, he had simply been nice to those suffering from the cold.
Which he'd made abundantly clear by offering her one...an offer which she of course had shrugged off with a scoff...which she now grudgingly regretted. Damn that man...
Squaring her shoulders Lynn increased the pace, eager to get some place warmer as she saw the clear sign of a gate in the mountain-wall. That thing is huge...Lynn couldn't really bring herself to get excited though, her mind feeling sluggish in the cold and largely focused on the warmth such a door signified. Why up in the mountains? Couldn't they just dig a hole in the ground like normal rodents?
With a whine Marby pushed his nose into her flank and puffed a cloud of white breath over her. "Don't worry, a little cold won't kill me." Lynn answered, a hand coming down to iddly scratch Marby behind the ear, drawing a brief purr from the mabari. "Soon we'll be warm...and probably fighting for our lives if our luck continues." She chuckled. "Think you'd like eating dwarves?"
Marby whined loudly at that.
"Oh don't give me that, let's hope you just need to look ferocious as we threaten them into getting a king on the throne or whatever." Yes, no problem, just force them to elect a king and force him to give you his support...with no idea how their rule works and with less than a dozen people to work with and a document that for all you know could be seen as a useless relic to them by now. No problem there...Lynn managed a slightly desperate laugh at the thought, a laugh quickly turning into a cough as the cold air stung her lungs. "Oh for...I hate the cold."
"Are you well?" Glancing to her left Lynn noted with some surprise that it was Morrigan asking the question.
"Why? Want to pounce on the weakened prey?" Lynn grinned at the woman smirking back. "Good luck." She shrugged. "I don't like the cold, it doesn't agree with me. It's a minor thing though, nothing that won't keep me from gutting anyone opposing us if that's what you worry about."
"Oh I have no fear of that." The witch chuckled. "Still, I cannot have our leader fall ill, here." She handed over a vial of clear yellow liquid...warm liquid.
Lynn couldn't help herself: "You're giving me piss?"
Laughing Morrigan shook her head. "That sort of behaviour sounds more to Alistair's taste, no, this is merely to help with the cold."
"And what does this little aid cost me?" Lynn looked up at Morrigan with a wry smile on her face. Only to see...an odd look on the witch's face, confusion, as if the woman hadn't really thought things through, which she by all logic must have. Shrugging Lynn uncorked the little vial and poured it between her lips. Warm...all over... it was easy to smile as she tossed the empty vial aside. "See? Now ask your price." Did I just do that? Foolish...
Morrigan seemed a little taken aback by the favour shown her, a far cry from their usual trade of information and services, even health poultices were made by a trade of minor things like necklaces and earrings that Lynn hadn't any use for anyway...yet now Lynn had basically given the witch free reign to ask anything of her. Maker that was stupid, stupid, stupid! Still, it had seemed...right.
Finally Morrigan snorted and looked away, her stance tense. "Just don't get sick, not making Alistair the leader due to you being indisposed is all the payment I need."
"I...sure." Lynn replied, feeling awkward all of a sudden and increasing the pace so as to create some distance between the two. Strange woman...she acts as if she doesn't know what a friend is. Not that I have that many but I still...huh...maybe I could exploit this and get that trading for poultices removed? Must be clever about it though...wouldn't want to risk our...friendship? Lynn shrugged, not liking the thought for some reason. Friendship with a human was bad enough a step for her...but to actually value it more then what she could get out of it...that was not good.
Still, suddenly not feeling at all cold Lynn could focus on the fact that they had arrived at some sort of market that had been erected outside the huge closed doors. Great, bet I have to talk my way into the place... The market seemed to have seen better days, there was obviously no trade going on, and the stalls strewn around the open space looked more or less ready to close. All except for one held by a human of all things...
Smirking Lynn sauntered over to the man, a lowly growl escaping Sten as the man followed her.
"Hello there prospective customer to Faryn's store of the best previously owned armour and arms this side of Ferelden!" The man's red hair was tousled and grimy, his clothes equally dirty, clear marks of wear on his face...he had obviously led a hard life despite the pleasant smile on his lips.
"Previously owned...?" Lynn repeated as she crossed her arms in front of her and nodded. "I'm not surprised...looters usually do sell things not belonging to them."
"Hey now, no law against taking that which is found on the ground." The man named Faryn objected with raised hands. "This is an honest business and I know many appreciate the chance of buying great gear far cheaper than it would come if sold by some greedy smith."
"Whereas you're anything but greedy." Lynn countered with a chuckle, making the man narrow his eyes at her in irritation. "Look, I'm sure you know why we're here."
"I have no idea, to buy something I assume?" The man licked his lips and didn't glance at Sten at Lynn's side...in fact the man didnt' even seem to see the giant...obviously ignoring him in order to look innocent. Heh, impressive, sadly a bluff is of no use when the other side can see your cards...
"Where's my sword?" Sten suddenly growled, sounding more like a mabari than a man.
"Strapped to your back my friend." Faryn replied, his smile nervous as he eyed the large qunari stepping so close he was pressing up against Lynn's back.
Keeping her arms crossed in front of her Lynn demonstratively leaned up against the qunari, not the least surprised that the giant didn't even have to shift his weight to brace against her far lighter frame leaning against him. She couldn't help but smirk at the bead of sweat suddenly running down the man's forehead. "I'd give it to him if I were you...it's not wise to upset a qunari." To her annoyance Alistair chuckled, but she ignored it and maintained her smirk.
"I...I..." The man's gaze darted between her, Sten...and then the large sword on Sten's back that seemed ready to fly into the qunari's hand and kill him at any moment. "...I dont' have it anymore, I sold it on the way here..." A growl escaped Sten. "It's the truth! I swear! I don't have it!" The man's protest was nearly a squeal.
Lynn sighed, there was no lie in the panicked words. "I see...where did you sell it and to whom?"
"Redcliffe! A dwarf named Dwynn...he collects them he said." The man licked his lips, wide eyes looking up at Sten before giving Lynn a pleading look. "That's all I know! I haven't done anything wrong so...please...make that thing stop...staring at me..."
Lynn chuckled. "Sten, down." She shot the frightened man a sparkling smile. "Thank you, you've been quite helpful."
"S...sure."
Ignoring the man now furiously wiping his forehead with an anything but a clean cloth Lynn turned around and looked up at Sten. It was a little odd putting her hand on the giant's shoulder, considering how far up she had to reach, yet she did so none the less. "We will find it."
The purple eyes looking back at her were calm. "I believe you." That was it, nothing else was needed to be said, they exchanged a nod.
"Oh great." Alistair snorted, making Lynn grit her teeth as she realised the man was about to say something stupid. "Now we can go to Redcliffe? It's so good that we finally have a reason. I mean it's not like we had one before this." Thank you Mr obvious! "I think we should drop everything and run to get that sword now, really, it sounds like a good way to get the help of the dwarves."
"Look you whiny snot-nosed child!" Lynn hissed and pushed Sten aside so she could advance on the man that had the galls not to flinch at the look she shot him. "We are going into Orzammar! Then we're going to that stupid Redcliffe of yours! And Sten's sword has nothing to do with that decision you bonehead!"
"Bonehead!? Oh how you wound me..." Alistair rolled his eyes. "Have you lost all imagination with the cold?"
"I don't need imagination to beat the crap out of you!" Lynn hissed back and advanced further, so close that she was practically standing on Alistair's feet as she glared up at him. "Now you will stop this sulking of yours or I'll take that stick up your ass and twist it until you squeal like a pig!"
"Oh, sounds fun!" Morrigan shot in, chuckling.
Ignoring the witch Alistair glared back down at her. "Oh that's real mature! Threats of violence! I guess I shouldn't be surprised! It's all you actually seem good at!"
Ouch... Lynn suddenly shoved Alistair, making the man take a step back. "Listen you bastard! If you want to leave for Redcliffe now and sit by Eamon's side like some bloody priest that's your choice! We however are going to Orzammar and fix their succession mess so we can get their help! You know...what we're supposed to do!"
For some reason her words made the man take another step back, his glare turning into a dark look. "I will follow you, do my duty. But I don't have to like it, nor will I stop from voicing my protests when I think you're wrong."
Am I wrong? I don't know...I can't...how does one even know with all this!?
"Fine! You do that you stubborn..." Lynn clenched her fists as her doubt-filled mind fervently searched for something new to call him. "...jackass!"
Alistair just glared back, his breathing heavy as the two refused to be the first to break eye-contact.
"Perhaps we should get going?" Wynne suddenly suggested. "The doors are right there after all..."
To Lynn's relief Alistair turned to look at the old woman. "Yes...yes let's do that." His face flushed a little as they realised they had been shouting at one another not only in front of the group, but everyone in the market...Lynn was suddenly very happy for her hair covering her ears. "If...our leader says so of course." The man grimaced, yet shot her a questioning look.
"Yes..." Lynn squared her shoulders and took a deep breath, more then eager to get going. "Yes lets do that..."
And why was Leliana smirking at her!?
*
*
*
Orzammar was impressive, if a little warm. There was actual magma pouring in pools and channels in the commons as they called it, the orange glow of it illuminating the high ceiling and decoration-covered walls better then any lamp.
Why the high ceiling anyway? Do the dwarves feel a need for compensating or something? Alistair chuckled, despite the memory of Morrigan saying something similar about the circle tower little more then a week ago.
He was actually surprised he could be amused at the moment. Between fighting dwarven criminals...who obviously did what they could to survive in a world dominated by the high caste people suppressing them...and telling the few decent nobles obvious lies to sway their position in the assembly Alistair was anything but happy.
Grumbling Alistair pulled out his runic token from its bag and rubbed it, frowning as he watched Lynn arguing prices with some dwarf...apparently she was trying to buy a new crossbow and not liking the price one bit. Great, a new crossbow for me...bet it'll be so heavy to train with that my arms will fall off...damn her. Not that Alistair actually disliked the idea of training with it so they could be more ready to fight the enemy...but the way Lynn made him train showed that she did it more out of a wish to harm him then anything else.
"This is quite beautiful isn't it?" Looking to his right Alistair found Leliana smiling at him, the woman gesturing at the commons. "It's very impressive, no? Think of the generations it must had taken to carve it all out. Not to mention making all these beautiful carvings in the walls and pillars...I've never seen such a use of patterns...and with the lights...oh it's beautiful!" The woman clasped her hands together in glee as she craned her neck in an attempt of seeing everything around them at once.
Alistair chuckled dutifully: "It's a little warm for my taste...and why does it smell of ale?"
"Oh don't be such a bore." Leliana slapped his armoured shoulder with a smile. "You should enjoy the sight, you never know when you'll have the time for that again."
"You'll have to excuse me if I don't share your enthusiasm Alistair sighed and rubbed the back of his head, wincing slightly when his gauntlet caught a few stray hairs from his back and pulled them out. "Too busy wondering when an overzealous dwarf will try and make a citizen-arrest on us all."
"What do you mean?" Leliana asked, then a look of regret passed her face as she saw the way Alistair glared over at Lynn. "Not again..." He barely heard her mutter.
"What I mean is that we're helping a man that murdered his brothers and maybe even his father in getting the throne." Alistair hissed back, more then happy to vent. "We've lied to nobles that are actually good people! Not to mention basically torturing some poor beggars for information about the carta's location...which we slaughtered without even offering a chance to surrender! All so Bhelen could brag about his harsh stance on crime!"
"Uh, Alistair..."
"I mean doesn't that upset you! We're helping a bad man to get the throne!" Alistair shivered at the thought. Cailan might not have been great but he would never do these things...not even I...no, let's not go there. "Doesn't it bother you at the least? Leliana?"
"Uh...Alistair...really..." Leliana grimaced and pointed over his shoulder, making him pale. Oh no...
Turning he found Lynn with her fists on her hips and an angry scowl on her face. "What did I tell you I would do if you continued sulking?"
"This isn't sulking. This is me saying you've picked the wrong candidate to support." Alistair countered, fear quickly replaced by irritation as he fully turned to face the woman. "I told you I would tell you when I thought you did something wrong."
The corner of Lynn's eye twitched. "Except you're not telling me...you're telling Leliana...trying to stage a coup are you?"
"What? No! No, of course not!" Alistair snorted. "I just can't understand you! Weren't you at Tapsters when we went through what we knew?"
"Weren't you?" The woman hissed, head held high. "I don't care about what dwarf plunks his ass on the throne! All I care about is putting one on the throne so we can get our support! It's what grey wardens do!" And there she goes again...Alistair scoffed. "Bhelen might be an asshole but he has a stronger position! We can more easily put him on the throne! That's what's important!"
"And us putting a murderer and liar on the throne doesn't bother you?" Alistair hissed back, his neck stiff with anger.
"As if Bhelen would be the first!" Lynn shook her head. "And yes it does bother me! But I want my dwarven allies and I will get my dwarven allies! Bhelen is then the easiest choice! With him we have a good chance of getting this done! And getting it done in good time so we can help your damn Eamon!"
Alistair wasn't fooled by that argument however, it was clearly her trying to put him on the defensive. Your twisted words have taught me well... "Don't give me that! I know you're only interested in power! And that's why you help Bhelen! To get the power of the dwarves with as little problem as possible!"
"Yes that's exactly it!" Lynn groaned. "It's what we need to do!"
"But what about honour? Conscience? The ability to sleep at night!?" Alistair blinked, suddenly realising that he was shouting...and that Lynn was...hesitant. Blinking he looked at her a little more carefully. Though she held her head high and looked as angry as before...there was definitively something else in the eyes...worry, fear. "Lynn?"
"You're an ass..." The woman sighed and moved to pinch the bridge of her nose. "...wardens take their allies wherever they can find them, remember!?" She glowered at him, but the true anger was gone, making his shoulders slump in sudden defeat. He was suddenly aware of how...tired she looked, he of course knew of her nightmares, blight-induced things that bothered her every night, and though the sleep still rested her physically it must had taken its toll mentally...and the leadership and responsibilities thrust upon her surely didn't help. "I keep trying to save us from the blight and you seem set on fighting me at every turn! I swear I could just...just...hurt you!"
She didn't even know what an ogre was a few weeks ago...and now she's forced to battle the entire blight. She knows even less then me of the world, she's only known the alienage and Denerim after all... Alistair suddenly recognised the look in her eyes, despite the glare in them she mostly looked...lost, uncertain...frightened over what she was supposed to do when she barely even knew what it was. And I've not made things easier...I am an ass. "I'm sorry."
"Oh don't give me that you son of a...wha?" The woman blinked...then blinked again. "What did you say?"
"I'm sorry." Alistair repeated, smiling awkwardly. "I know you got a point...heck...your judgement is probably better then mine in what's needed to be done. I really shouldn't put the reins in your hands and then complain where you take us... and for that I'm sorry." He met her confused eyes, doing his utmost to show his sincerity...which wasn't so hard. "I am sorry, I shouldn't have been so hard on you."
"You...you..." Lynn stared at him and slowly shook her head...then they narrowed as she looked down at his chest, apparently tired with looking him in the eyes. "...you're really too...too..." She grimaced. "...much of an ass."
"I am." Alistair agreed, despite sensing she had been about to say something else. "I'm sorry."
Lynn's head dropped, her shoulders suddenly slouching "I suppose you are the bigger person then..." Lynn muttered, tone bitter, before turning and walking away, only barely gesturing for the others to follow.
She looks so...defeated. Alistair actually felt guilty for giving in, which was odd since he couldn't come up with a better way to handle that situation. He had been sorry after all...apparently Lynn hadn't liked that either though. Great, only bad options and I probably picked the worst...and at the worst moment too no doubt. He grimaced, the guilt leaving a bad taste in his mouth.
Looking away he realised the others were staring, including the shopkeeper still holding out the sold crossbow. "What?" Taking a quick step forward Alistair tore the crossbow from the offering hands and did his best to ignore his burning cheeks. "Never seen a man screw up before?"
"Actually I see it every day ever since we've joined forces." Morrigan pointed out with a chuckle.
"Just....shut up Morrigan." Squaring his shoulders Alistair made to follow his fellow warden. Yippee...this will be a nice trip.
*
Thanks to Abydos Jackson for her help.