9:33 Wintermarch 2nd
I am stupid. I am very stupid. I thought I could control this…but I can't. Last night made that perfectly clear to me. I'm starting to…like Fenris. I haven't felt this feeling in a very long time. I was hoping that nothing like this would happen to me. I tried so hard to make sure that my heart would stay true, that nothing like this would happen.
The heart isn't so easily controlled. I didn't even know when it started. I kept on thinking back and what started all of this was the fact that I wanted him to get used to physical contact.
I fell for Fenris…shit.
"I am very sorry for my behavior last night." I said after drinking something of a headache relief that Anders gave me. I ended up back in Fenris' room after debating whether I should say sorry or run the hell away from here. I chose to stay and confront my embarrassing behavior. Hopefully, he wouldn't notice anything strange.
"Why are you apologizing?" Fenris raised his eyebrow, another book in his hand.
"I snuggled into you. That wasn't something I should have done." I said, my face flushed from remembering. I rubbed it to try to calm down.
"How do you even get into those moods?" Fenris shook his head, chuckling. I took a long sigh and sat down across from him.
"It's…been a while. I was a very physical person with my husband. Don't, I didn't mean it like, well, anyway! Sometimes I get into this cuddle feeling that I really want to grab someone and snuggle. It's totally platonic and I didn't mean it in any other way! I knew it was uncomfortable for you since I did it without warning and there was you not being comfortable being touched and whatever." I said, fidgeting with my gloves and keeping my eyes low. I haven't felt this embarrassed in a really long time. I wanted to do a head-desk but the table was too low.
"You did not do any harm. It was…sudden though." Fenris sheepishly chuckled, his face flushing slightly. It made me redder.
"Yes I know and I won't ever do it again. Ever." I cleared my throat. My flushed face not going away. Fenris chuckled.
"I am not angry." He shook his head, a playful smile on his face.
"I…sorry. Well, now that I have thoroughly embarrassed myself, do you want to continue? Hawke gave me a few books from her library. She said that she had a few extra copies of them. If you want to read Isabela's smut, please don't read while I'm around." The redness faded from my face a bit but I was flushed overall. Fenris chuckled.
I had a thought of how his throat must vibrate when he chuckles and how I would like to feel that. I won't deny that Fenris was attractive but I noticed more than that. He would fidget with his spikes every so often. He would complain about stepping in things but would never put on regular boots. He would rub at his tattoos when they were bothering him. He would have this thoughtful look whenever he read something serious. His eyes shined when the light hit them just right.
I need to let out this frustration and guilt. Damn it. This is what I didn't want to happen.
But it did so now I have to live with it. Stupid me.
9:33 Wintermarch 14th
"Cullen!" I giggled.
"Knight…oh why do I even bother?" Cullen shook his head. I let out a fake shocked gasp.
"No Cullen you need to berate me and say 'Knight Captain!' The game wouldn't be fun unless you do that!" I said, wisps of cold breath coming out. Small snowflakes drifted toward the ground while Cullen and I took shelter under a roof near the tranquil shops.
"What is the point if you will do it regardless?" Cullen gave be an annoyed look.
"You are no fun." I pouted and crossed my arms.
"I am a Templar that needs to guard-" He started.
"Yes, yes, you repeat the same spiel every single time I come here." I said, waving my hand to shush him.
"Only because you refuse to listen to me." He mumbled and rolled his eyes.
"Because it's fun annoying you!" I giggled.
"Joy." He said flatly, looking out at the courtyard that was starting to gain a layer of snow.
"Come on Cullen smile!" I said showing him my own toothy grin. He gave me a long look.
"You are troubled by something aren't you?" He asked suddenly. It caught be off guard. The smile disappeared with a look of surprise. I let out a small sigh and looked away.
"…How did you know?" I asked.
"I know when you smile and you mean it. This happiness you are trying to sell me is not what you truly feel." Cullen replied. I gave him a sidelong glance before looking away again. That surprised me though, considering the fact that I come here nearly two times a month, I guess it wasn't too surprising that he would notice when I was faking or not. I looked at the snow that was drifting down. I fidgeted with some of the scratches on my armor.
"I…broke a promise. A very important promise and…I hate myself for it." I whispered.
"What was it?" He asked.
"I'm married Cullen." I said bluntly. His face grew red and he rubbed the back of his neck. "But I can't go home. It's been…six years now since I appeared in Ferelden. I was…banished and my family is back home. I don't know when I can go back…" I looked at the ring on my finger. "I fell in love with another man." I sighed.
"Six years is a long time to wait for someone." He tried to comfort me.
"I have no doubts that my husband already moved on but…I still have hope and faith that I'll be able to return to be with him. Stupid huh?" I chuckled softly.
"…No, I do not believe so." He shook his head.
"Yet…my heart has chosen someone else…I made a promise with this ring. Till death do us part, so why did I have to fall for someone else?" I said softly.
"Sometimes…you cannot control who you fall in love with." Cullen said with a far off look. I knew that look.
"Was it a mage?" I asked.
"That-!" Cullen's face grew extremely red.
"Right on the coin huh?" I laughed. Cullen sighed, a wisp coming out. The snow came down quietly as I waited for him to talk.
"I do not believe it was love, maybe infatuation? Her name was Solana Amell." He rubbed his face and sighed.
"She was related to Hawke?" I wondered.
"I believe it was her cousin." Cullen's face grew softer. "She was this small mousy thing. I often saw Talen and her spend time in the library together. They didn't talk much though. Talen's personality drew people away from him."
"He is rather blunt and crass." I agreed. Cullen chuckled.
"That he is. I found her many times in the Chantry, wondering why she was given such a burden. She would speak softly to me often, asking me about my day, how Templars gain their abilities, and so on. She was untouchable, pure, curious. I was drawn to her. My eyes always found her whenever she passed, I always heard her speak even from across the room. She was a bright light in that tower." Cullen smiled. I had never seen him in this light. Past the armor and bad memories...was a broken man. I wanted to pet his head and tell him it was all going to be ok. That he would probably be meant for greater things. That this wasn't his low point in life. In the end, I shuffled my feet next to him and resisted the urge.
"What happened?" I asked. Little by little I discovered the other origins fates. They weren't pretty. Aeducan was gone, as well as Mahariel, and Tabris became the Arl of Denerim. Cullen sighed.
"She was schedule for her harrowing after Talen's and she passed, quickly I might add. She was very happy when she moved into the mage's quarters. Then Uldred came back from Ostagar along with Wynne and the few mages that survived. Solana…she protected a few apprentices from blood mages. She survived the events but…her mind was shattered. When Knight Commander Greagoir finally mended things, she requested to be tranquil." His jaw set. I regretted asking.
"What? But she was harrowed! She was fine." I said.
"She saw the horrors and could not accept that same power lied in her…She chose that path for herself." Cullen growled, his fist clenching.
"And…if there was a way to reverse it?" I asked.
"There is no reversal for Tranquility…and even if there was, I doubt that she would willingly undergo it. She wanted to be free of her curse and, at that time, I believed that it was the best for her." He sighed, the years showing on his face.
"And now?" I wondered.
"I do not know. I sometimes think I see her in these walls as well but…those visions are fleeting." He sighed a large wisp of cold breath.
"Those feelings don't go away Cullen…not for a long time." I said.
"And what will you do with your feelings?" He asked, looking at me. I bit my lip and let out a defeated sigh.
"I'm…not sure…We're both fools aren't we?" I chuckled. He ruffled my hair and laughed and it was clear as the snow.
9:33 Guardian 11th
"You're getting better on the chapters Knives. I can sense the frustration between the two." Varric chuckled, reading over my rough drafts of the story I'm writing.
"I'm glad you like it. It's hard getting everything down and done, especially with everything I have to do." I said, small knives in my hand. I was trying to practice my knife throws. I threw one and it went way off target. I pouted before trying again.
"You work yourself to the bone. Teaching the city elves, going to the Dalish, helping Blondie, helping the refugees, cooking for nearly everyone, and now writing? Makes me wonder where you find all the time to do everything." Varric chuckled and shook his head. I shrugged my shoulders.
"I have nothing but time Varric. I'm not used to just staying in one place doing nothing. Even in Amaranthine I often went out with the guard to make sure all the trouble gets beaten down. I don't like not doing anything. My mind wanders and then I start thinking and thinking is bad for me." I said, throwing another knife. I had to keep myself occupied. Varric chuckled.
"I think that's the first time I've heard of that." Varric said, the scratch of his quill going through a few of my pages. I threw one and I hit the center! I did a mental fist pump.
"How goes the search for Bartrand?" I asked, gathering the ones I already threw from the board I was practicing on.
"Nothing." Varric scoffed. "It's like he dropped himself into another Deep Roads and failed to mention it to anyone. I have no idea where the bastard went to. You and Hawke will be the first ones to know once I do." Varric growled. I patted his head to calm him down though he swatted it away.
"Thank you Varric." I said.
"Also I've heard down a few connections that your friend Derek discovered a thaig…and left it in the dust." Varric gave me a smirk. I nodded before realizing it must have been that specific thaig.
"A thaig?" I wondered, looking away so Varric couldn't gouge my reaction. He's quick on things like that. I can't show that I knew about things I wasn't supposed to know.
"Amgarrak I think it was called. He ordered it shut and has various dwarves guarding to make sure no one can get inside. Apparently someone tried to replicate the Anvil of the Void with minimal success. I'm not sure what really happened there. People are very hush-hush about it." Varric said, setting aside the pages I gave him. I nodded and practiced again.
From the letters I've been getting it was true. Derek had confided in me what he saw there; a Harvester. A golem made up of flesh. I knew that he wanted to somehow recreate the Anvil, as much as Talen was against it. He found the thaig with House Dace, got the brother, killed the Harvester, and sealed it shut. Talen was pissed off at him from what I read.
I even heard that Talen, Eren, Wynne, and Shale found Cadash thaig a while back. They were trying to find out more about her past and found it. They were all still having adventures, well besides Eren. He had to care for Ferelden, his two children, and Anora.
Speaking of which, he hasn't been sending as many letters as before. He probably has too much on his plate now. Fergus tells me he rarely takes a break from the troubles of the country. Damn you Eren, you need to take care of yourself!
"When do you think you'll get the next chapter done?" Varric asked.
"I don't know, soon. I have about half of the next one done. I'll keep you posted." I said, throwing some more. Writing was also a healthy hobby of mine. I had to let out this frustration over Fenris somehow.
"Kitten!" Isabela said, coming into Varric's room.
"Hey Isabela." I said before she hugged me and put my face right in her boobs.
"You should have told me you were here!" Isabela giggled. I smelled the alcohol in her breath as she rubbed her face on my head.
"For what!? Get those out of my mmf!" Isabela planted her lips firmly on mine. Varric laughed.
"That never gets old!"
9:33 Cloudreach 19th
I try to do everything I possibly can to fill my day with things I must do. The reason behind it is because the nightmares usually keep me up. As long as I can tire myself out then everything will be fine. Unfortunately tonight wasn't one of those nights. Nightmares, people that I've killed, people that I let die, the future that I'm trying to stop. It all came out in a jumbled mess.
I have no one to share with that. I accepted a heavy burden when I decided to try to change the future.
I didn't want war, I didn't want innocents getting caught up in that stupid Mage-Templar war. I wanted peace. I wanted to make sure the Breach didn't happen. I have a chance here. If I am able to get to that point, I'll kill Janeka and Lairus. Corypheus must not be allowed to rise.
I can't help but think about the words that Flemeth told me about. There will always be a Hero, a Champion, and an Inquisitor. If she is able to know the things that I know, then she told me that it was all inevitable. I wouldn't be able to change anything.
Well I'm already changing things as I live here. The dwarves are rising again, Talen has made the Circle in Kinloch Hold a treasure amongst the mages, and Eren has made Ferelden strong again. I helped the casteless turn into farmers, I helped the Dalish regain a part of land that they can settle. Even now with the city elves and the refugees that I'm helping might shape the future. If that time comes, I'll be able to do something for the Inquisition.
But that hasn't happened yet. I need to look forward to what is happening now. The city of Kirkwall. I need to try to get as many refugees and mages out of here as I can. The less casualties the better. If we can save the Viscount then Meredith will have her hands tied.
If he dies I might be able to use my position against her. No matter what I won't let this horrible future happen.
I won't let my nightmares become reality.
9:33 Bloomingtide 5th
I hummed as I gathered the scrolls of vellum from the kids in the Alienage. They had a small quiz today. They are all playing right now. I sat back in a closed merchant's shop as I went through and corrected a few of their grammar and spelling mistakes. They've gotten better at their penmanship too. It wasn't too hard to come across supplies for them. A few of the older adolescents took it upon themselves to watch them during play time. Gave me more time to look over their work and figure out lessons plans as well.
"Excuse me your highness. Might we have a word?" I looked up and there was a couple in front of me. I've seen them around with that tired and hopeless look many of them share.
"Is there a problem?" I asked. I never saw them with any of the kids so I assumed that they didn't have a child enrolled.
"My name is Elliot and this is my wife, Merada. We have a favor to ask of you. We don't usually ask others for any sort of help but we have nowhere and no one to turn to." Elliot said, letting out a deep sigh. I nodded and put away the scrolls in my satchel.
"What is the problem?" I wondered.
"You have done so much for the children. I was wonder if you can share that same kindness to a child...that life has not been kind to." Elliot explained, fidgeting with his shirt.
"We have a niece. Her name is Arinda but..." Merada started but bit her lip. I waited patiently.
"She has led a troubled life. Can we move somewhere more...privately?" Elliot asked. I saw their hope in their faces as they talked to me. I nodded.
"Larcene! I need you to cover the later half of the class! Something came up." I said her from across the courtyard. She nodded while the kids kept on playing. I took the satchel and nodded at them. They led me through the Alienage's alleys until we came to their home. They opened it and it was modestly sized for an elf. Merada led me to a table and they both sat down. We had a moment of silence before Elliot began again.
"Your highness, what is your stance on mages?" Elliot asked.
"All mages are people, not weapons of mass destruction." When I informed them of that, I saw the tension lift from both of them when I mentioned that.
"Our niece is a mage but we can't put her in the Kirkwall Circle. There are numerous rumors about the atrocities there. We can't let our girl go through that." Merada stated.
"But she can't live a normal life either. Her parents, when they found out that she had a talent in magic...They poured a potion that a scammer sold them that would supposedly 'cure' her...She lost sight in both of her eyes. Her parents left her with us ever since and we have not had any contact with them as well." Elliot explained softly. I clenched my fists and my jaw. My blood boiled but I took a breath and shook my head.
"We have tried everything possible for her to try to immerse herself in the Alienage but she refuses at every turn. She goes off and we can't find her at times or she shuts herself in her room. We know that you owe us nothing and what you're doing for the Alienage as a whole is a great service to us. If you can do this for us, we'll forever be in your debt." Elliot said, bowing low as well as his wife. I nodded.
"Of course I'll help. I can't turn away when a child is in need." I agreed.
"Thank you your highness!" Elliot nearly sobbed out.
"Do you know where she is?" I asked.
"She stays in her room nearly all day, only coming out for food." Merada said, going up to a door. She knocked on it before opening it. It was a very small room with a cot in the corner. There were scattered toys, a drawer, a window, and a little girl sitting in the corner, her hand on top of a page of a book. Arinda looked over to the noise we made. Her eyes were white and her light brown hair was matted against her head. She scowled at us before running her hand through the book again.
"Arinda? Dear..." Merada started, walking over to her.
"I'm not hungry..." Arinda said, flipping a page. She was only running her hand through them. She couldn't read. I felt my heart break watching her.
"Arinda...we brought someone. You know the woman who's teaches the class? She's here." Merada said. I took a few steps in and Arinda noticed my presence. Her eyes widened and she suddenly bolted out the door. "Arinda!" She knew her place well and managed to open the door to get out. "No!"
"Shit!" I cursed as I ran out to try to follow her. I saw her run past a corner. I ran after her. There were a few elves that looked at me strangely as I ran through trying to find her. She was a small thing and I couldn't find her anywhere. I bit my lip as I walked through the alleyways. I heard a small gasp near some rubble. I slowly crouched down and got a small rock on the ground. I threw it on the wall and I saw Arinda poke her head out. She got up and looked around. "Arinda?" I hesitantly said. Arinda shot off but tripped and fell on her face, hard. I grimaced before sighing, shaking my head, and walking toward her. She sat on the ground, holding her head with a deep frown as blood dripped down from her chin.
"Arinda, I swear I'm not going to hurt you." I said, sitting in front of her. She backed up into the wall. She had the posture of someone that would attack at any given moment.
"That's what they always say! You're no better than everyone in the Alienage! Leave me alone!" Arinda screamed. The air grew hotter around her as I realized that her magic was close to getting out of control. Her wide pale eyes darted around everywhere, trying to find where I was on sound alone. I knelt on the ground and rustled in my small pack. "What are you doing?" She growled through clenched teeth.
"You're bleeding. I have something that could help." I said, taking out the small bottle. "It's an elfroot potion. I don't want your cuts getting infected."
"… I heard all about you from everyone. That you came because you wanted to do this shit for everyone. I'm not fooled! No one does these things without wanting something in return!" Arinda held herself against the wall, her pale eyes glaring at me.
"Ok you've caught me. I'm doing this because I have an ulterior motive." I said sarcastically. Arinda waited for an explanation. "Elves have always been looked down upon but all of them have a certain amount of pride. They won't ask for help even when they need it. So I decided to do something and try to help them. In return, they can go off and get better jobs, repair their Alienage, show everyone that they aren't as weak as everyone wants to think. I'm trying to help them help themselves. That's why I came here."
"That's...not really a bad motive...if true." Arinda mumbled.
"Maybe not but having elves that are smart is never good for the 'humans' you know?" I started to inch my way closer. Arinda got tense again. "Here, if you don't want me to put it on your cuts, then you do it...If you can get it out of my hand." I know her pride wouldn't allow to accept help, even from a stranger like me. Arinda's eyes darted around. She got up from the wall and walked closer to me. Her hand waving around, trying to find my own outstretched with the bottle in it. I saw her bite her lips and a small growl emanated from her throat. The young brunette's hand got closer and I put it in her reach. Her eyes widened and she took the potion quickly while scurrying back to the wall. Her thin fingers wrapped around the cork and she started to pull but her hands were slick with blood and couldn't grasp it. Arinda's teeth clenched and I saw that she was getting frustrated.
"Damn this fucker, why won't you get off!?" She yelled.
"Your hands are wet." I said flatly.
"I know they're damn wet!" She snapped.
"If I could-"
"I don't need your damn help!" Arinda snapped again. My patience was wearing thin. I stood up and walked over. Arinda pressed against the wall as I took the bottle and took off the cork. I tipped her chin and started to smear on the cut on her forehead and on her chin. "I said I don't need your-"
"Shush!" I raised my voice. Arinda bit her lip as I cleaned her face. She grimaced in pain.
"That hurts..." She whined.
"It will sting for a bit but it will heal your cuts. Good too, these alleyways are always so dirty. Come on. Your Aunt and Uncle are worried sick for you." I grabbed her wrist lightly.
"I don't want to go back! I hate being there! I hate that fucking room! But I can't leave the house either! I'm stuck there like a damned prisoner!" Arinda struggled against my grip but I sighed and shook my head. Kids these days...I didn't learn my first curse word until I was in my teens!
"It's because you can't see right? That's why you can't go out." I said. Arinda grew tense and I saw her bit her lip. "I think I have a friend that can help with that."
"Shut the fuck up! You don't know what you're talking about! I'm damned blind and there's nothing you can do to fix that!" Arinda tried biting me but I had on my armor today. She rubbed her mouth at her attempt. I sighed before I saw her Aunt and Uncle.
"Elliot, Merada. I have her." I said.
"Oh thank the Maker! You shouldn't leave like that Arinda!" Merada said, trying to hug Arinda but she pushed her away, took her wrist from me and entered the home. Elliot rubbed his face. I could hear her grumbling the whole way in before a door slammed shut and the sound ceased.
"I am so sorry your highness. It seems...that this is not the best for her after all." Elliot sighed defeated.
"Give me a second. I need to get someone. Don't let Arinda out either." I commanded. They nodded while I got out of the Alienage and headed towards Darktown. If there's someone that can fix this, it was Anders. I saw him going through his stock when he saw me enter.
"Here for a conjugal visit?" Anders joked.
"Ha. Ha. No, I need a favor." I said.
"Anything." Anders said patting my head.
"There's a girl in the Alienage. She's blind." I explained.
"And you want me to heal her? Unless the damage is recent, there's not much I can do." Anders explained. I shuffled on my feet before looking at him with a sheepish smile. "Unless...are you sure? I'm not as good as Talen! You know that!"
"Come on Anders! I see you do it with your patients all the time!" I pleaded. He groaned and rubbed his face.
"If her parents see me do it to her then-" Anders started.
"She doesn't have parents. She lives with her Uncle and Aunt. Please Anders. This is a little girl. She shouldn't live with her life like that." I pouted and gave him my puppy dog face.
"Oh...you! Fine! Fine!" Anders gave up. I giggled and kissed him on the cheek.
"Come on! We've got no time to waste!" I said. We got out of Darktown and went into the Alienage. I led him through the alleyways and we got to Elliot and Merada's home. I knocked and Merada gave me a weary look before coming in. "Elliot, Merada. This is Anders. He's the mage in Darktown. You might have heard of him." I said.
"There are constant refugees thanking you for what you've done for them." Elliot nodded.
"He's going to heal Arinda's eyes." I said. They both looked at me like I grew a second head.
"Magic can do that?" Merada asked hopefully.
"Well-" He opened his mouth and I stomped on his foot lightly.
"He can! Right?" I gave him a toothy grin that said, 'Say another word and I'll kill you.' Anders sighed.
"Yes I can." Anders nodded. Elliot led me to Arinda's room again. He knocked before entering. Arinda was in her corner again. She was hugging her legs to her chest. I saw a few fresh blood marks on her legs. Self-harm no doubt. This was a girl seeped in darkness. I could only hope I was able to help her.
"Arinda?" I said softly.
"Go away." She mumbled.
"I brought someone that can help with your eyes." I said. She looked up to where we were. Anders gave me a nod.
"Bullshit." She stuck her tongue at us. We walked in anyway.
"Well, you won't know if you try right?" I said.
"Go away!" She shouted.
"Arinda! Enough! She only wants to help!" Elliot snapped. Arinda looked like she was about to cry again.
"Trust me, once I heal your eyes, you can go ahead and smack Nia upside the head all you want." Anders chuckled. I rolled my eyes. Arinda looked hesitant.
"Please child. Please." Elliot near begged. We had a silent moment before Arinda got up and walked toward us. Anders knelt before wiping some blood on her legs.
"You shouldn't hurt yourself." Anders said, putting some magic in with Arinda's blood.
"Shut up. You're not my father." Arinda snapped. Anders gave me an incredulous look but I shrugged. After her blood and his magic were mixed, he put the blood back in and sealed her cuts. Arinda shuddered slightly as Anders managed to find her eyes. He covered them with his hand.
"This might tingle. It's nothing bad so don't worry." Anders said softly. Arinda's fist clenched as Anders' hand glowed with green healing energy. I saw him strain slightly. This healing was more methodical, specific. You had to know what you were doing. I trusted Anders. After a minute, the energy died down. Anders stood up and nodded. "Ok, you can open your eyes now." Arinda bit her lip.
"Are you sure this is going to work?" She asked. "This isn't some stupid way to get me to go to the school?" She voice wavered.
"I wouldn't do that to you." I said. Arinda let out a shuddering sigh before tentatively opening her eyes. They still looked pale but they didn't look damaged like before. She gawked as Anders clicked his tongue.
"It seems like the color will stay. That I wasn't able to reverse but you are able to see now." Anders smiled. Arinda's eyes welled up with fat tears before they started to fall. She curled in on herself. Anders looked confused and didn't know what to do. I chuckled softly as Arinda let out gasping sobs. She looked around the room and she was able to focus on many things before her eyes landed on me. She wiped her tears and stood up again.
"Thank you." She said awkwardly but still sincerely. My heart felt lighter as I was able to let her finally see the world again. I patted her head.
"You're welcome."
9:33 Bloomingtide 9th
I was in the Dalish camp again. Feynriel was off doing his training with Marethari well away from the camp. His control is getting better although he does tells me his nightmares have only gotten worse. He tries to follow my instructions but his subconscious fear wins.
"I really wonder if he's going to figure out his talent." I exhaled, Nehnlen practicing drawing next to me with Alanni doing a carving on the other side of me. I watched the bonfire cook the fish I caught as everyone around was doing something or another.
"You worry too much for him. He will need to make mistakes in order to learn." Alanni explained.
"Mamae! Look!" Nehnlen held up a charcoal drawing of what looked like to be two faces.
"And what is that da'len?" Alanni chuckled.
"Mamae, Tía, me!" Nehnlen pointed to all of us in the painting. Alanni chuckled and patted his head. I hid my blush and smile. Another hunter came up and nodded toward Alanni.
"I will need you to watch over him." Alanni got up and put away her carving.
"On another hunt?" I asked as Nehnlen settled in my lap.
"We are searching for Halla and have been for the past few years. We have not been successful." Alanni sighed sadly. "We will be back shortly." Alanni got her bow and put it on her back. She gave a kiss on Nehnlen's forehead and went off with another pair of hunters that were waiting for her. I sighed and put my chin in my hand. There wasn't anyone I could have talked to. Everyone was always busy off doing something for their clan. Nehnlen was the only child that was young enough to not to anything. The rest were off doing chores and the like.
"Tía, can you use ocana?" Nehnlen asked.
"It's 'ocarina' and I do have it." I rummaged through my pack and took it out. Nehnlen giggled. I started to use it as he practiced his words on another piece of vellum. There were a few that turned to me while humming or whistling another accompanying tune. It settled into a rhythmic and serene pace. I may not be an elf but I did want them to at least accept me as someone who sincerely wanted to help. I had no ulterior motives besides wanting to see Nehnlen. He was growing. It was as if I was granted another son. He was so beautiful. My heart wrenched for my own son. I wasn't replacing him by a long shot but no one said that I couldn't view another as another child.
So I played the tune that Nehnlen loved the most and he was soon asleep in my lap once more.
Arinda is not my character. She belongs to FearaNightmare :3
Got carried away again. Can't help it though, I really like these slice of life chapters. You better relish them because things can get dark fast, especially in DA2, be forewarned!
Also, not to promote myself or anything, I entered a fanfiction writing contest on inkitt . com. I entered, Days of Our Lives. I would greatly appreciate it if you would vote on it! Not like you have to although I would love winning on of these in my lifetime...
Chimera Spyke: Anders is in there somewhere but Justice has completely immersed himself, that he might not be able to separate himself anymore. Yes, many questions, much answers, very later, wow.
EG: Just the haters really. If I don't agree or like a certain character or watch a certain season, I'm the bad guy? I'd rather not deal with it.
Thank you Onitsu Blackfeather, Dforce76, Taffy and Sweetrolls, OnkelJo, FearaNightmare, and WardenMahariel for reviewing! Please Review! And vote! (if you want to :3 )