A/N: Chapter 25 and non traveling chapter for a change. Redcliffe awaits.
Thank you everyone who has read this far. Special thanks to those who fave/alerted and very special thanks to those who have reviewed.
My eternal gratitude goes for Faelan for all the support and encouragement.
Huge thanks to Killa1934 for beta reading.
Dragon Age and all you recognize is owned by Bioware. Things you don't recognize are mine and Lenya belongs to herself.
When they approached the bridge that led to the village of Redcliffe, they saw a man holding a bow standing there. His face seemed to brighten when he saw them approaching.
"If he doesn't say that they have a problem and they need our help in fixing it, I'm a Shem," Lenya said. She really started to suspect that the whole damn country had decided to go nuts and that for some odd reason it wanted her to fix everyone's problems.
"I don't think you have anything to worry about in that regard," Leliana said.
"I have a wonder," Morrigan said and joined the conversation, "Does the troubles follow you or you follow the troubles?"
"Probably both," Lenya smiled at the witch, "We are so blessed," She shrugged.
"I... I thought I saw travelers coming down the road, though I scarcely believed it," The man at the bridge said when they got closer, "Have you come to help us?" He then asked.
"Well, a good thing is that I'm not a Shem, but the bad thing is that I was right," Lenya sighed, "What do you need me to do?" She then asked from the man.
"What?" The man seemed confused.
"What our leader wants to know is, that what seems to be the problem here," Alistair said.
"So you... don't know?" The man asked and the air seemed to drain out of him, "Has nobody out there heard?" He asked before anyone had chance to answer to his first question.
"I doubt it," Lenya said, "There's this nasty civil war going on and all you shems seem to focus on that," She continued.
"We heard the news about the King and all the fighting," The man said, "That was before everything started here."
"So, what exactly is happening here?" Alistair wanted to know.
"We're under attack. Monsters come out of the castle every night and attack us until dawn," The man explained, "Everyone's been fighting... and dying," He continued, "We've no army to defend us, no arl and no King to send us help," He seemed to get smaller as he spoke. His will to fight was slowly draining out of him and if Lenya was any judge it would not be long before he would give up completely and just wait for the death to claim him, "So many are dead, and those left are terrified they're next," He sighed.
"Hold on," Alistair said, "What is this evil that's attacking you?"
"I... I don't rightly know; I'm sorry. Nobody does," The man replied, "I should take you to Bann Teagan. He's all that's holding us together. He'll want to see you," He continued and his face seemed to brighten again.
"Bann Teagan?" Alistair asked, "Arl Eamon's brother? He's here?"
"Yes, it's not far, if you'll come with me," The man said.
"Just once it would be nice to go somewhere and just have people willing to just say 'sure, we are able to help you' without having to fight hordes of evil monsters," Lenya muttered as they followed the man to the village of Redcliffe.
"You would get bored if that ever happen," Zevran laughed.
"Maybe," She smiled.
When their guide approached the Chantry Alistair hesitated. Bringing Lenya inside the chantry was not probably a good idea.
"I promise, I don't kill any priests," Lenya said and let out a small laugh.
"Somehow that doesn't assure me when you laugh like that after saying it," He sighed.
"I didn't kill any priests in Lothering," Lenya pointed out.
"That could just be luck," Alistair muttered when they stepped inside the Chantry.
The Chantry was full of people, mainly women and children. The air was thick with fear and desperation. It was clear that these people were very near of losing hope or in some cases already lost it.
They got more than few curious stares and even though their group had a qunari and a golem in it, Lenya and Zevran got most of the stares and caused most of the fearful reactions. How could people be so blind? - He thought, Lenya or Zevran had done nothing to these people, but still they feared them, just because they were armed elves.
"Focus, Alistair," Leliana said behind him and only then he noticed that they had stopped in front of a man, who he knew to be Bann Teagan.
"It's... Tomas; yes?" Teagan said to the man who had brought them here, "And who are these people with you? They're obviously not simple travelers," He added and studies Lenya and then the rest of them. Slight widening of his eyes was the only reaction Alistair saw on Teagan when he took in the composition of their group.
"No, my lord. They just arrived, and I thought you would want to see them," The man, Tomas, replied and bowed a little.
"Well done, Tomas," Teagan said to the man and then turned to address them, Alistair saw that Teagan had problems of figuring out who was the leader of their group. Lenya's presence told him that Lenya was the leader, but Teagan's upbringing fought the notion of elf leading if humans were present. In the end he ended trying to greet them all without clearly insulting Lenya, quite a feat actually, "Greetings, friends. My name is Teagan, Bann of Rainesfere, brother to the arl," He said.
"I remember you, Bann Teagan, though the last time we met I was a lot younger and... covered in mud," Alistair said and heard Leliana gasp behind him and sensed Lenya's eyes on him. Only then he understood what he'd done, he had assumed the lead by speaking before Lenya and it could look like he didn't trust Lenya because it was nobles that were speaking now; like Lenya was some savage. In light of what he'd told Lenya about his father, this could look really bad.
"Covered in mud?" Teagan said, preventing him of correcting his mistake, not that he even knew if it even was possible anymore, "...Alistair? It is you, isn't it?" Teagan continued and when Alistair nodded Teagan's face brightened, "You're alive! This is wonderful news!"
Alistair waited a bit to see if Lenya would take the lead back now, but she showed no inclination of doing so. He sighed inwardly and then spoke, "Still alive, yes, though not for long if Teyrn Loghain has anything to say about it."
"Indeed. Loghain would have us all believe all Grey Wardens died along with my nephew, amongst other things," Teagan said.
"I wonder what new things the stupid bastard has said to be our fault," Lenya said and Teagan turned to look at her.
Alistair saw a way to correct his mistake, "Teagan, this is our leader, Lenya Mahariel," That made Teagan's eyes widen and Lenya let out an annoyed growl. She obviously didn't like how he introduced her, but he had no idea what in his introduction was wrong. Maybe it was his use of Lenya's surname?
"So..." Teagan started and finally turned his attention fully at Lenya, "You're a Grey Warden as well?" He asked and Lenya nodded, "Pleasure to meet you. I wish it were under better circumstances."
Lenya only nodded for the greeting, "From your previous statement, I take it that you don't believe what Loghain is saying about us?"
"What, that he pulled his men in order to save them? That Cailan risked everything in the name of glory? Hardly," Teagan replied, "Loghain calls the Grey Wardens traitors, murderers of the king. I don't believe it. It is an act of a desperate man."
Alistair hoped that Lenya would not say what she thought of Cailan. Telling Cailan's uncle that she thought his nephew was an idiot probably wasn't prudent.
"I assume that you are here to see my brother," Teagan said then and Alistair let out a relieved sigh.
"Yes, Alistair here seems to think we need his help against the Blight," Lenya nodded.
"I thought so, but unfortunately that might be a problem. Eamon is gravely ill," Teagan said.
"We heard rumors about it when we stopped at Lothering after Ostagar," Lenya said, "One of your knights was there looking for some ashes."
"If you knew about the illness, why didn't you come here sooner?" Teagan asked, his voice incredulous.
"Because none of us is a doctor and our healer mage was not with us at that point and more importantly we had more important things to do," Lenya replied, "Now, tell us what is this evil thing that keeps attacking this town," She then ordered. Alistair bit his tongue when he heard that. You did not go and order people like that, especially not the nobility.
To his surprise, Teagan started to explain, "Few nights ago we were attacked by walking corpses, decomposing corpses that hunger for human flesh," A shiver seemed to go through him, "They hit again the next night. Each night they come, with greater numbers," There was now a desperation in his voice.
Lenya turned to look at Alistair, "Demons," She said and he nodded, "Where do they come?" She then asked from Teagan.
"From the castle," Teagan replied, "I've been at the gates during the daytime, but castle seems empty. We've not heard anything from there for days, no one patrols the walls and no one has responded to my shouts," He shook his head, "With Cailan dead and Loghain starting a war over the throne, no one has responded to my urgent calls for help."
"Here it comes," Alistair heard Lenya saying quietly.
"I have a feeling tonight's assault will be the worst yet," Teagan said and then he turned to talk to him. Ignoring Lenya completely, even though he had said she was their leader, "Alistair, I hate to ask, but I desperately need the help of you and your friends," Teagan said.
"It isn't just up to me," He replied, "Though the Grey Wardens don't stand much chance against Loghain without Arl Eamon," He then added and turned to look at Lenya. Teagan seemed to also notice that he had brushed Lenya aside.
"What do you say?" Teagan asked from Lenya now.
"I really don't understand Shems," Lenya shook her head, "You are asking help from the group who just walked in your town, why?" She asked.
"I know Alistair," Teagan said, "And I trust those he chooses to travel with," He added.
Alistair saw Lenya, Leliana and Zevran shake their heads. All three most likely thought that Teagan was naïve, "Before I decide anything, I'll need to know more about the situation here," Lenya said then.
"By all means, ask," Teagan said.
"Is there a way into the castle to get to the source?" Lenya asked.
"The castle is closed to us; Its doors barred. We could storm it, certainly, but what would that accomplish?" Teagan replied, "Our numbers are too few. We cannot throw men at the castle walls when they are needed to protect the village," He continued.
"What is it with you Shems and storming things?" Lenya asked from Alistair, "You need an army to attack castles and we don't have one at the moment and I didn't suggest of attacking the castle anyway. I wanted to know if there's a way inside that, a small group could use and then go and beat the Creators out of the evil that's inside it," She said, using a voice like she was explaining things to a child. Alistair noticed Teagan's ears turning red as Lenya spoke, "I take that silence as a no, then," Lenya sighed, "It would have been too easy anyway."
"Have you tried to evacuate the village?" Alistair asked, more because he tried to distract Teagan from Lenya than because he wanted to know.
"I tried," Teagan sighed, "Our one attempt at an organized evacuation resulted in an immediate attack," He explained, "And yesterday I found out that these creatures attack those fleeing on their own – even during the daytime. Whatever lies in that castle wants this village dead."
Lenya cursed in her own language, "I hate fighting when I need to worry about safety of those who can't fight themselves," She said and Alistair started to breathe a little easier. Lenya had already decided to help the village.
"All those who can't fight are going to be in the Chantry. It is the sturdiest building in the village and made mainly out of stone so it isn't as likely to get set on fire," Teagan said, "Mostly its women and children, but also few men who are too old to fight."
"If even one of those creatures gets inside it will be a slaughter," Lenya pointed out.
"I will be inside as a last line of defense here," Teagan said, "Ser Perth insist that I stay out of the fight," He continued.
"Who's Ser Perth?" Lenya wanted to know.
"He's one of Eamon's knights," Teagan replied, "Some of the knights have returned from their search for the Ashes," He added.
"What will you do if you live through the night?" Lenya asked then.
"Once the village is safe, we will try to enter the castle to find the source of this trouble," Teagan replied.
Lenya turned around and walked to the statue of Andraste, her whole being, told Alistair that she was thinking.
Teagan watched Alistair and his expression told him that he was confused. Alistair didn't blame him, talking with Lenya could have that effect.
"We'll help you," Lenya said after a while.
"Thank you! Thank you, this... means more to me than you can guess," Teagan exclaimed and then turned to talk to Tomas, "Tomas, please tell Murdock what transpired. Then return to your post."
"Yes, my lord," Tomas bowed and then he left.
"Now then, there's much to do before night falls," Teagan said, "I've put two men in charge of the defense outside."
"And they are?" Lenya inquired.
"Murdock, the village major, is outside the chantry. Ser Perth is just up the cliff at the windmill, watching the castle," Teagan replied.
"Okay," Lenya said, "Sten, Oghren and Shale, go see what you can do to the defenses they have put up and if you can improve them somehow. Zevran and Morrigan, go see what you can find out about the castle, but don't get too close if it looks like they want to make undead out of you as well," She commanded and then she turned to Wynne, "See what you can do to the wounded."
"So, we are going to help this pathetic village?" Morrigan asked.
"Yes," Lenya replied, "If you have problem with my decision, you can leave, if not then do what I told you to do," She added, "That goes for all of you," She let her eyes circle their companions, "I thought so. Alistair, since you know Teagan already you will find out every little detail of these attacks from him."
"As you wish," Alistair nodded, "What are you going to do?"
"Make sure we survive this," Lenya replied, "Come, lethallan," She then said to Leliana, "You too, Abelas."
Then everyone, except him, left the chantry, leaving him alone with Teagan, "Is she always like that?" Teagan asked.
"Pretty much," He replied.
"I have a feeling she doesn't like me very much," Teagan then said.
"Don't take it personally," Alistair smiled, "She doesn't like humans in general and you are not just a human, you're nobility on top of being human."
"And still she is helping us," Teagan said and there was a wonder in his voice.
"Probably because of the children," Alistair said and looked around the chantry. There was a lot of young children inside.
"Not for my brother?" Teagan asked.
"I don't think she cares about Eamon, one way or the other at the moment," Alistair replied, "We are here, because I asked it and could convince her enough of the importance of getting Eamon to back us, but she's never met Eamon so at the moment he is just another noble human who doesn't care about her people and there for is not to be trusted."
"You travel in fascinating company, Alistair," Teagan said, "And I'm not just talking about the elf," He added.
"I guess I am," He smiled, "I would recommend not calling Lenya just an elf though," He added more seriously. It would not serve their cause much if Lenya really got annoyed of Teagan or in worse case beheads him.
"I'll try to remember that," Teagan said, "Now, I think we should get the questions out of the way."
"Probably a good idea, I don't want to know what Lenya do to me, if I've not done what she told me to do, when she comes back," Shiver ran through him, "Now, tell me about the attacks."
After she and Leliana had talked with the Major of the village and then made sure that the smith would repair the militias armor and weapons, they were on their way to see this Ser Perth.
Lenya really did not understand the shems and the people living in this village did nothing that would help her understand them better. Smith had been drowning himself on spirits and smelled worse than Oghren. Which was a quite a feat. He had refused to repair anything because he wanted someone to go and save his daughter from the castle; which of course would be impossible if the village would get overrun. She understood that grief made people do stupid things. Lenya's own mother had not been able to get over the death of her mate and just wandered into the woods after giving birth to her and was never seen after that. So it was not just human thing.
The smith had to know that no one could get into the castle without his help and he didn't help because no one was going into the castle right away. And then he just believed her when she told him that she would get her daughter out of the castle. It was ridiculous. He didn't know her and still believed her more than the major of his village. Lenya would look for the smith daughter and if she was alright, then good, but she would not go and launch some ridiculous rescue, just for one Shem.
"Why are you shaking your head like that?" Leliana asked and looked her curiously.
"I just can't seem to understand shems," She sighed, "The smith acted like an idiot and that damn barkeeper was a damn coward. I understand protecting those who can't defend themselves, but I will not protect those who could, but are too lazy to do it," She had wanted to cut the head of from the sleazy bastard, still did, but shems in the village might take it badly if she went and chopped heads off from the villagers, even if the villager was a disgusting pig.
"Bella seemed to like it when you threatened to cut Lloyd's head off if he don't go and defend the village," Leliana chuckled.
"Maybe fighting undead will teach him not to treat women badly," Lenya shrugged, "Is it normal for you humans to act like this when your home is threatened?" She asked then.
"Pretty much," Leliana replied, "Reaction might differ from place to place, but in general I think this is pretty normal behavior."
"It just seems so undisciplined," Lenya said, "When the clan is threatened everyone knows their place and they do not run around like headless chickens and they do not go hiding and expect others to save them."
"Your clan is family to you. Even those who are not related to you by blood," Leliana said, "And you can walk into the other Dalish clan and they would welcome you as a family, correct?" She continued and Lenya nodded, "Humans don't have same kind of connection to other humans, who are not related to them. We are scattered all around Thedas and humans from different parts of Thedas don't always get along."
"I know that, but you would think that at least people in the same village would work together instead of just looking out for themselves. Not that all are doing that, but..." She didn't quite know how to continue or why the whole thing bothered her so much.
"Most humans have learned to look up to the lord who owns the land to protect them," Leliana said, "In here that protection has failed and the people don't know what to do and they are looking up for the first people who has more authority than they have, to save them, even if that authority don't have means to do that," She explained.
"So, these people expect Teagan to save them just because he happens to be a lord or whatever he said he was?" Lenya asked and when Leliana nodded, she scoffed, "That's idiotic!"
"There are people in your clan who are leading the efforts against threats to the clan, isn't there?" Leliana asked and she nodded, she had been one of those people, "You can think Teagan to be someone like that and normally he would have troops he could use in situation like this, but as this is his brother's arling and all the troops are in the castle, he has been left to do with what he has. A small militia that probably hasn't seen battle before these attacks happen."
Lenya thought about what Leliana was saying and reluctantly she had to adjust her views of these shems. They were protecting their homes like anyone from her clan would have been if the clan had been attacked. The fact that they were not good at it didn't diminish their worth. Their whole command structure had come down and they were left to survive the best they knew how.
"No wonder they were happy to see us," Lenya said finally, "Ah, here we are," She added when they saw several armored shems. The one who stood alone noticed their approach and turned to greet them.
"Greetings, Grey Warden," He said and bowed a little, "I am as relieved as Bann Teagan is to see you here," He continued and then added in unsure voice, "I must admit I know not how to address an elf in your position. I do not wish to be rude."
Lenya didn't quite know how to react. She was used to the fear and mistrust people showed her, but respect from the Shem, she just met, was... odd, "You can call me a Grey Warden or Warden Lenya if my Warden companion is with me and you don't want the both of us to answer you," She said.
"Grey Warden it is, then, and thank you kindly," The man said, "I am Ser Perth, until recently in direct service of Arl Eamon of Redcliffe. For now, my charge is defending the village from these evil assaults," He then introduced himself.
"Tell me what has happened here and how you have prepared for the night," Lenya ordered, "Anything you can tell me, even the little things, can be important," She added.
Alistair was now talking mundane things with Teagan, when he saw that Lenya and Leliana had returned to the Chantry.
"How does it look?" He asked when the women got to them.
"Well, the militia isn't very impressive, but they are skilled enough that we can trust them to hold their position, at least for a while. Their morale is bit low though, but I did get the smith to at least fix their weapons and armor. The mayor also thought it would help to lift their spirits if we could get a dwarf called Dwyn to help in the defenses," Lenya replied.
"Dwyn?" Alistair asked, "Isn't that the dwarf that supposed to have Sten's sword?"
"Unless there are many dwarfs by that name in here, then I think so," Lenya nodded.
"You want me to come with you or do you need me here?" He asked then.
"If you've got all the information from him," Lenya nodded towards Teagan," Then you can come with us."
"You didn't come here to just get me then?" He asked, puzzled.
"No, I came to see the priestess or whatever she's called," Lenya said and Leliana rolled her eyes corrected her, "Revered Mother," Lenya gave her a smile, "Yes, that one."
"You are here to see the Revered Mother?" He asked and feeling of dread settled in his guts. Lenya and the Revered Mother together, in the same room, did not sound even remotely a good idea.
"I already promised Leliana that I'll behave," Lenya grinned at him. That grin did not reassure him at all though, "You don't trust me? I'm so very, very hurt," She added and her grin just got wider.
"Never mind," He sighed.
"I'm sure a big templar like you can keep the little me in check," Lenya said smiling innocently at him.
"I know how skilled you are so, no," Alistair shook his head, "But I do trust that the promise you gave to Leliana can keep the little-you in check."
"True," Lenya smiled and then she just headed towards the area where the Revered Mother was speaking the chant.
"What do you meant by all that?" Teagan asked, worried.
"Lenya doesn't like the Chantry and since she's Dalish the Chantry tends to view her as a dangerous heathen. So, they generally don't get along. Plus Lenya thinks that the Chantry people are crazy," Alistair replied, "Hopefully the Revered Mother here don't try to convert her and we can get through this without too much yelling," He added and then followed Lenya.
"You're of elven blood and a stranger, yet you defend a home that is not your own. We are grateful for that," Revered Mother was just saying to Lenya when Alistair got to them.
"Is there a reason I shouldn't help?" Lenya asked. She sounded curious.
"Many elves claim we wouldn't do the same in return," Revered Mother said and Lenya nodded. It was obvious that she thought humans wouldn't do the same. Revered Mother noticed Lenya's nodding, "I would like to think that is not true, but I can't speak for all," Revered Mother added.
"So far, from what I've seen after leaving the Clan, I wouldn't hold my breath while waiting humans to come help us," Lenya said, "But there are exceptions," She added and gave a smile to him and Leliana.
The Revered Mother gives Lenya a curious look, like she didn't quite know what to think about her, "Let me introduce myself; I am Revered Mother Hannah, head of this chantry... which, for the moment, is a place of refuge for these poor villager," She said and unlike Teagan, she was speaking directly to Lenya, not to the humans, namely him and Leliana.
"Surely this cannot be the entire Village?" Wynne said and suddenly appeared behind them. Alistair cursed silently, for not keeping an eye of where Wynne was, "These few are all who are left?" Wynne asked.
To his relief Lenya did not react anyway to Wynne's interrupt, not reacted badly anyway, she tilted her head and studied the Revered Mother, waiting what she would answer.
"All those who cannot defend themselves, yes," Revered Mother nodded, "They are terrified of tonight's attack, and fear these walls will not keep them safe,"
Lenya seemed to study the building for a moment, "Just how safe is the chantry?" She asked then.
"It is the sturdiest building in the village. The women, elderly, and the children will stay here during the battle while the militia and knights protect them," Revered Mother replied.
Alistair heard Lenya muttering that the women should learn how to defend themselves and not rely on men to do that for them. He was not sure if Revered Mother heard Lenya's muttering. It didn't seem so as she continues to talk about the safeness of the Chantry.
"... Bann Teagan is our last line of defense," The Revered Mother was saying and then her tone changed pleading, "Please, have mercy... help these people. Do whatever you can."
Lenya expression was confused, "Why are you pleading like that?" She asked, "I have promised to aid the village already," She added, but before the Revered Mother had time to say anything more, Lenya continued, "There is something you can do to help, though."
"What is that?" The Revered Mother asked curiously.
"The knights were asking some kind of holy protection from that Maker of yours," Lenya said.
"I have done all I can for them. I pray for them, each night, and seek the Maker's forgiveness for their sins before they face their deaths," The Revered Mother said, "What Ser Perth seeks is something that is not in my power to give."
"Can't you just bless them?" Lenya asked.
"I can pray with them and give them my blessing, but Ser Perth wants me to call upon the Maker to shield them from evil," The Revered Mother explained.
"Well, can't you just tell him the Maker will watch over him?" Alistair asked and Lenya gave him approving smile, but Leliana looked unhappy, "Morale is powerful thing you know."
"You mean you want me to let them think the Maker protects them in a real sense?" The Revered Mother asked and both him and Lenya nodded, "I will not lie to them like that!" The Revered Mother said adamantly.
"You don't actually give them anything you already haven't if you give them something tangible to bolster their belief," Lenya said, "They believe in the Maker and if you give them something that gives them confidence, then it does protect them and you haven't lied to them," She added.
Alistair saw that the Revered Mother struggled with the idea, but it was hard to argue with Lenya's logic. Someday he should ask what did Lenya herself believed. He knew that the Dalish believed in gods they called Creators, but what those Creators were, was a complete mystery to him.
"Very well..." The Revered Mother sighed, "If it keeps them alive, I will do what I must," She continued and then went to the shelf near the back wall of the room and took something from there. When she came back there was something silvery in her hands, "Give these holy symbols to Ser Perth and tell him that wearing them will confer the Maker's protection."
"Thank you," Lenya said and nodded, "I will do that."
"Now, please... let me tend to them poor folk," The Revered Mother said.
Lenya only nodded again and then left the Revered Mother alone.
When they were walking out of the Chantry Alistair heard Leliana talking to Lenya.
"Do we have to do that?" He heard Leliana saying, "The faith that will protect the knights must come from their heart," She insisted.
"Source of their faith doesn't change when I give these to them," Lenya said.
"But it feels like we are tricking them," Leliana argued.
"Why are you carrying that amulet with the Andraste's symbol on it?" Lenya asked.
"It reminds me that the chantry took me in when I needed it most," Leliana replied.
"Do you feel like it can protect you?" Lenya asked then.
"From physical harm? No I don't, but I think it can protect my soul," Leliana replied.
"Do you think that the knights believe that these amulets can protect them from the weapons or claws of the undead that are attacking them or that these amulets may protect their soul from the things they can't see?" Lenya asked then, but before Leliana had time to answer, Lenya took something from under her armor, "This, is an amulet of Mythal, it was given to me when I got my Vallaslin and the Keeper said it is protecting me from harm. Giving these amulets to the knights and saying them that the Maker protects them is not lying to them or tricking them anymore than what Keeper did when she gave this to me."
"The Chantry says that the Maker has left," Alistair said, "How can he protect them if he's not even here?" He didn't know why he even said that as he thought it was a good idea to bolster the morale of the knights.
"And our gods have left us until we are elves again," Lenya said, "That doesn't prevent us from believing in them or asking their protection and believing we might have it."
"Alright," Leliana sighed, "Do as you want, but I still feel uneasy about this,"
"Noted," Lenya just said and puts her own amulet back under her armor, "Let's go see the knights and then find out if this Dwyn has Sten's sword and if he agrees to fight and maybe see if we can find out if Kaitlyn's brother has been eaten by the undeads or if he's just lost in the village," Then she just continued her way up towards where the knights were.
Alistair and Leliana changed a glance and then followed her. He did tell himself that he should ask Lenya what did she meant by the 'until we are elves again' part, but now really was not the time. If there ever would be a right time to ask Lenya about her people, was debatable.
"He's even creepier with his sword than you are with your own," Alistair said to her as they watched Sten going through practice forms with his sword, Asala. There was not much else to do as they waited for the night to fall.
"There's nothing creepy about him," Lenya said, "Well, maybe his growling with Abelas," She corrected and Abelas let out a disappointed growl at that, "Oh, you like it boy?" Lenya asked, faking a surprise and Abelas gave out a happy bark, "So it doesn't have anything to do with the juicy bones he's given you?" She asked then and somehow Abelas managed to look like she'd gravely insulted him, "I thought so, you slobbering monster," She said and ruffled the huge mabari's head and Abelas used that to his advantage and licked her face from chin to forehead, "Ugh, your breath could kill an ogre and I could really do without drool all over my face," She said and Abelas lets out a sound that sounded like he was laughing, "Very funny," She said, "If you keep that up I'll let Wynne wash you again," She then threatened and Abelas quickly went behind the small bush, that couldn't hide even half of him, and let out a terrified whine, "Silly," Lenya laughed.
"Yeah, you are right, I'll take it back," Alistair told her, "You are creepier than Sten is."
Lenya turned her eyes from Abelas to Alistair and then she grinned, "Yes, my prince," She said and curtsied, "Whatever you say my prince," she added, "Shall this humble servant bring your highness's fluffy slippers to your highness?"
"I regret already for telling you about that," Alistair rolled his eyes and sighed, "And I do not have a fluffy slippers."
"Lethallan!" Lenya yelled to Leliana who was talking to Wynne on the other side of the clearing.
"Yes, Lenya?" Leliana yelled back.
"Alistair needs fluffy slippers, know where we can get him a pair?" She yelled so everyone heard her.
"I'll kill you for that," Alistair muttered to Lenya and his face turned bright red as the blush consumed it. The men in the clearing were laughing their arses off.
"Does he want them with ribbons or without?" Leliana yelled back.
"With ribbons of course," Lenya yelled, "Pink ribbons."
"That might need some doing, but I'll see what I can manage," Leliana replied.
"No rush, lethallan," Lenya said, "He wants them for his fight against the Archdemon, something about making it die from laughter," She continued and grinned to Alistair.
"Does he want a dress too?" Leliana inquiried.
"It couldn't hurt, but can you really find a dress that goes well with fluffy slippers that has pink ribbons?" Lenya asked back.
"It is possible, difficult, but possible," Leliana replied.
"You two are evil, evil women!" Alistair said.
"Yeah," Lenya smiled, "I know," She added and then nodded towards the laughing and grinning militia men around them, "But look what your blight did to the moral of these men."
Alistair looked around them and then sighed, "I see, but could you make fun of someone else next time we need a moral boost," He said.
"We use the best tools we have," Lenya said.
"And that means you will make fun of me again," Alistair sighed again, defeated, "Evil woman."
"I try," Lenya chuckled.
After that they settled in waiting for the night to fall.
A/N: And here we are. Preparing for the nightly attack of ghastly undead monsters.
I hope you enjoyed the chapter.
Reviews, good or bad, are very welcome.