A.N. I was glad to see that Arsinoe de Blassenville, kirbster676, and TanithAeyrs enjoyed the last chapter! Thanks for letting my know. XD
A.N. My longest chapter yet! Had to make it up to you guys for being a couple of days late...hope you all find it interesting!
~~~V~A~V~~~
Artalise awoke with a start, sitting straight up in her bed and gasping as the sheet fell away and she realized that she was naked. She hurriedly grabbed at the sheets and pulled them back over her bare breasts, her nostrils flaring in alarm. After a few breaths, she suddenly realized that the air smelt differently than the smells of the city that wafted into her room at the Gnawed Noble Tavern. The air here smelt of the sea. And rotting fish.
The moon thankfully gave her some light to see by, at least the little bit that came through the thick curtains. She ran a shaky hand through her hair as she tried to get control of her breathing.
Hesitantly she looked over to the other side of the bed, cringing in preparation of what she saw. Thankfully, whoever he was, wait, He is a He, right? Or was I more out of it than I thought… she was relieved to see that he, as it was very much a man, still slept, his face turned away from her so that all she could see was tussled blonde hair, She noted, bemusedly, how her bed-partner preferred to wear his hair the way she wore hers- tiny braids on either side of their head, brushing up against his elven ears. Peering closer, she also noted a tattoo on his face, and for the briefest of moments she actually admired it for its graceful simplicity. Then she shook her head briskly, trying to shake her current train of thought from her head, and instead focused on trying to figure out where her clothing was.
Clothing…no….not there…and not there…there! Artalise grimaced as she noticed how close to the door her robes and small clothes laid scattered. Apparently, whatever she had done last night, it most certainly was not playing coy. She paused a moment as she tried to debate whether or not to save the smallest shred of modesty that she could hope to cling to and use the sheet to wrap herself in…but such an action would undoubtedly wake the man beside her. And that would be bad as awkward conversations would undoubtedly ensue.
Grimacing, she carefully moved her legs to the edge of the bed sought the ground with her feet. She then started to shift her weight towards her feet. She suddenly sucked in her breath as she found herself collapsing to the floor, surprised at finding her legs too weak to hold her weight up. More pressing her mind, however, was listening keenly in the dark so hear if the man moved at all. Artalise couldn't believe her luck when all she heard was silence. That worry taken care of, her thoughts instantly went to trying to remember what exactly she had done last night. Never before had her legs felt so weak! She quietly let out the breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding, and felt the Fade flow through her as she directed it towards her legs. It didn't take long for her leg strength to return to normal, and she eagerly pushed herself back to her feet and was relieved to feel her legs hold this time. Dusting her naked knees off absentmindedly, she then crept as quietly as the old wood boards would allow her over to her balled up robe. After a worried glance over at the slumbering form, she quickly slipped the thick fabric of her robe over her head.
The faintest of whines sounded from the outside her window and she thought it sounded like Oak…but she brushed the idea from her thinking. Surely, it could not be…. She then reached towards the door's handle to open it to leave but she then let out a small gasp as she realized her belt felt much lighter than usual. She quickly knelt down on the floor to search with her hands for her money pouch. When one of her grasping hands wrapped itself around the small pouch, she was actually rather surprised, and looked back at the man again.
It feels about the same weight as it had last night…so he didn't go after my money right away…Then what is he? What did he want?
She cautiously attached the pouch to her belt, careful to not move too quickly as to cause the coins to jingle too loudly. After taking a few steps towards the door, she paused, and looked back at her bed partner and bit her lip in thinking, before grabbing her pouch and pulling out a few random coins.
Artalise held her hand out to the moonlight, and nodded her head to herself when she saw a few glints of silver. She had no idea what…an evening usually went for in Denerim, but hopefully a few silver and some coppers would cause no offense. Wincing every time an old board creaked, she moved towards the bed stand near the sleeping elf and carefully laid the coins on the table, glancing aside at the man once last time, as if she needed more confirmation that he really was still sleeping. And it really looked like he was.
She pressed her lips as she tried once more to try to remember the previous evening…but curiously her memory only went as far back to Brother Genitivi's house…when Alistair and Leliana walked out on them.
Artalise barely managed to suppress a groan as she started to regret whatever had led her to this place. She only wished she knew what had happened, as her carelessness took her by surprise. No longer was she a carefree apprentice in the Tower, able to take liaisons whenever she desired. Especially when they involved strange men and she was in a city controlled by the man who had killed not only the King, but the rest of her Order…and who undoubtedly sought the death of the last two Wardens as well. Especially seeing as how one claimed to be a royal bastard, she noted dryly.
She turned and tiptoed around the bed to return to the door. After patting herself down to ensure she had everything (she was relieved to realize that she hadn't brought her staff for some infernal reason), she quietly walked over to the door and opened it while muttering a little prayer to ensure that the door wouldn't creak too loudly.
Just as quietly she shut the door. When the door clicked shut, she doubted she had ever been so relieved in her life. She took in a couple deep breaths before walking quickly down the hallway, keeping her face blank and her pace determined, hoping to avoid any conversations with anyone. Unfortunately, she couldn't make herself deaf, and she almost blushed at some of the sounds coming from the other rooms.
Finding the main room – the bar, was fairly easy, and thankfully there were only few customers who were located in the tavern, and they all seemed preoccupied with talking to a usually a younger and much more attractive person. No one asked her a question; no one so much as looked at her. A quick survey of the room revealed the door at the opposite end of the bar, and she nearly ran towards it, eager to get out of this place she didn't know and didn't want to remember.
The smell of the sea as well as the rotting fish was much stronger outside. It is nothing compared to Redcliffe though…. As the door closed behind her, she looked up to see where exactly she was at- The Pearl.
A bark suddenly drew her attention back to the street level, and her eyes widened in welcomed surprise when she realized that Oak was walking towards her, his tail wagging happily.
"Oak?"
Bark!
She put a finger to her lips, "Shhhh! You'll wake someone up!"
Whiiiiine.
Artalise smiled crookedly and closed the remaining distance between them before kneeling down and giving the hound a hug, "But I am so happy to see you, my friend! Did you follow me here?" she whispered.
Woof. This time is was quiet though- just enough to give her the confirmation she needed.
She pulled away slightly, though one her hands continued to stroke Oak's head , "Ah. So you remember the man I came here with?"
Groooowl.
"Not liking my choice in men, I take it?
Woof.
She chuckled and patted his head lightly, "Well, next time, I'll be sure to find a man you approve of, hmm?"
Woof! She laughed at the near insistence implied in Oak's answer
"I don't suppose you know the way back to the Tavern, do you?"
Woof! That time he almost sounded indignant. She held up both her hands in innocence "I meant no offense! My apologies, my friend. Of course you know the way back!"
Oak wagged his tail, and with the quietest of yips turned and started to walk down the street at a decent trot, turning his head every once in a while to ensure that Artalise didn't get distracted by another smooth talking man.
She was his after all….
~~~V~A~V~~~
Dawn was breaking by the time the two of them arrived at back at the Gnawed Noble Tavern, and the market was already abuzz with activity as the merchants opened up their carts and stores for another morning of hopefully brisk business. She kept her pace quick and with a purpose, thus easily avoiding attention from the humans. To them, she would just be another elf on an errand for her master. Perhaps there would be some curiosity regarding how she followed a mabari, but she put her faith in the fact that the merchants would be too busy to care. She was right.
She rushed through the doors of the Gnawed Noble, Oak now at her side as he knew she knew the rest of the way. No one inside gave her a second glance as she made her way to her room, opening up the door quickly, and causing Morrigan to look up with wide eyes. Her expression soon changed to a smirk when she saw it was Artalise.
"So. Have a good evening?" She asked, closing the black grimiore Artalise had gotten for her from the tower that she had apparently been reading.
Artalise bit her lip and rushed over to the side of Morrigans bed and sat down on it. Morrigan looked alarmed at the closeness of Artalise, and scooted, not very discretely, a few inches in the opposite direction. Artalise was about to answer when she glanced quickly over at the bed Leliana had claimed. It was empty. All the gear was gone. She looked back at Morrigan with some confusion, "What…did they actually leave?" she asked in disbelief.
Morrigan looked surprised and arched an eyebrow as she looked at Artalise up and down, "Oh? You don't remember?"
Artalise sighed and shook her head, "I…I can't remember anything beyond Brother Genitivi's house…it's like the memories were stolen from me…," she answered, sheepishly.
Morrigan didn't say anything, but instead got up off the bed and walked over to in front of the sitting Artalise. The human woman called to herself a small bright ball of light and flashed it in front of Artalise's eyes, Morrigan watching closely to see what their reaction would be. She nodded in confirmation as the light disappeared.
"Twas as I thought. You were poisoned."
Artalise blanched, "P-poisoned?"
The smirk returned to Morrigan's face, "Twas not a deadly potion- there was no attempt on your life. Whomever you were with last night apparently desired for you to not remember that evening." She took in a noticeable sniff, and wrinkled her nose, "As…laborious as it apparently was."
Artalise actually blushed, and as quickly as her mind raced, she was unable to come up with an appropriate answer. She thought back to the sleeping blonde elf, how he hadn't taken anything of value from her...yet he still didn't want her to remember a thing. I have a bad feeling about this... Her lack of verbal response, yet clear desire to think of once, caused Morrigan's smirk to widen.
"But, I shall answer the question asked. Yes, they left. There was actually quite the…argument between yourself and Alistair. 'Twas the highlight of my evening, in fact as 'twas much worse than what was said at the Brother's house."
Artalise absently twirled a strand of her red hair as she tried to remember something…anything…but came up with nothing.
"Morrigan…what did I do?" she pleaded with the older woman.
"You said you needed a drink. I said I could make you a tea to calm your nerves, but you insisted that you needed to drink something stronger. As soon as they left you went down to drink. I care not for such things, and so," she shrugged nonchalantly, "This is the first time I've seen you since you left."
Artalise looked at Morrigan in disbelief, "You…don't sound like you were very concerned."
Morrigan shrugged again before nodding her head towards Oak, "Your hound followed you. In truth, I was glad to have an evening free of the stink of the animal.
Oak let out a little yip and wagged his tail, clearly not perturbed in the slightest over the insult. Morrigan rolled her eyes.
It was the first time, really, that Artalise realized just how strong of a bond there was between a mabari and their master. She made a mental note to stop by a butcher shop and get him some juicy bones in thanks.
She glanced back over at Leliana's bed and shook her head slowly, "They really did leave, huh?" she asked, more rhetorically than desiring a repeat of an answer from Morrigan. Alistair had really left her. She was now the only Grey Warden who was doing something about the Blight.
Morrigan cleared her throat, "I will have you know that Sten and myself believe you are fully in the right. Hopefully those fools will realize that too, before they meet their inevitable deaths."
Artalise smiled in thanks at Morrigan, "I appreciate that." She paused as she went over Morrigan's full statement in her head, before adding in the clarification, "Well, at least the first sentence…"
Morrigan shrugged, unconcerned, "Have you a plan, then?"
"Only that we finish off selling what we have…then perhaps take the southern road to see if we can find the Dalish."
"Tis better than the plan that others have come up with."
Artalise snorted, knowing precisely what Morrigan was talking about.
~~~V~A~V~~~
Artalise had just finished up packing up everything into her pack, pleased with how the day's earlier trading had gone when there was an urgent knock on the door. Morrigan and Artalise exchanged a glance, before Artalise walked over to the door, and opened it cautiously; just enough so she could see who was on the other side. Her eyes widened in recognition and she pulled the door open the rest of the way, "Kaitlyn? What are you doing here?"
"Oh, thank the Maker I found you! I was so worried that you would have already been gone…" Kaitlyn said in a rush as she entered the room, shutting the door behind her, much to Artalise's surprise.
"Is there something wrong?" Artalise asked with concern mixed well with curiosity.
Kaitlyn looked over at Morrigan suspiciously for a moment, but then seemed to realize that if Artalise was sharing a room with her, she was trusted, "I…I would like for you to come with me…I-someone really would appreciate your presence."
Artalise brows furrowed together, "Someone?"
Kaitlyn shifted her weight nervously, "I…I want to say more…just-well, I will, but you have to at least be out of this building."
"Why?"
"Just….please just trust me, Arta-Arista…" Kaitylin pleaded.
Artalise bit her bottom lip as she contemplated the request, "Will this someone ask something of me?"
"I-I don't know! He may, but you won't have to do anything…he…please…he just wants to talk with you."
Artalise thought about it for a few long moments, with every second passing the look of Kaitlyn's face growing more nervous. She let out a sigh of relief when she saw Artalise nod her head, "Oh good! Please, if you can follow me…"
"Wait – Can I take my friends?" Artalise asked before taking a step towards the door. Kaitlyn had already reached for the handle, though she snaked her hand back in surprise as she turned to look at Artalise, and shook her head resolutely, "N-No…I think he wants to speak to you alone…Maybe, though, you could bring the other…one of your…order?"
Artalise snorted, "Then it shall be me alone."
Oak let out a yip beside her, causing her to look down with a grin, "Well, myself plus Oak. Surely whoever this man is won't mind the presence of a mabari?" Kaitlyn shook her head, and opened the door, clearly eager to be out of the room.
Before she exited the room, Artalise looked back at Morrigan, "If you could ready the cart? Let's plan on leaving as soon as I return- Maker-wiling this won't take long."
"Maker-willing, indeed," Morrigan quipped as she watched the door close behind Artalise and Kaitlyn.
~~~V~A~V~~~
By the time Kaitlyn opened the grungy door in the dark alley somewhere near the docks of Denerim, Artalise had already tried to think of various escape plans, should this have turned out to be some gigantic subterfuge. After learning from Morrigan that she had been drugged last night…she was feeling a little less trusting, even with someone as nice and easy-to-read as Kaitlyn was. Part of it was due to the fact that despite her statement that she would explain more once they were outside, Kaitlyn had been surprisingly tightlipped. Artalise took in a deep breath as she followed Kaitlyn into the unknown room and ended up squinting a little as her eyes had to get use to the darkness of the it.
"Ah. So you were actually able to convince her to come out, Kaitlyn? I am impressed."
Kaitlyn blushed as she walked over to a middle-aged man who was sitting behind a roughly hewn table and gave him a small peck on the check before walking over to a counter and busying herself with some such chore. Behind the man that had spoken there were two decently armed men - clearly he was someone of import. The man pushed himself away from the table and got up to walk over where Artalise stood eyeing him suspiciously. Oak flattened his ears in warning, but for now was content merely to watch. However, his tensing muscles indicated that he would be ready to spring into action at the first provocation. The man duly noted this as he bowed in greeting.
"My name is Alec, Kaitlyn's uncle."
Artalise narrowed her eyes, darting between this Alec and Kaitlyn, who was contentedly cutting up some vegetables.
"Where is Bevin?"
Alec smiled, "He is out with some of his friends. Have no fear, he is well." He then cleared his throat, "No doubt you are curious why Kaitlyn was sent to bring you here?"
Artalise nodded her head curtly, to which Alec responded by extending his arms to a chair on the opposite side of the table where he had been sitting, "Please, if you would have a seat."
She set herself into the chair and watched Alec do the same, resting both his forearms on the table, as if tired, "Kaitlyn, could you ready us some tea?"
Kaitlyn walked over to the fire and hung a metal teakettle over the flames, and Artalise's eyes followed her until the man called Alec cleared his throat, intentionally drawing her attention back to him, "So…where to begin…" He muttered to himself.
"I've always been told the beginning is nice." Artalise quipped as she crossed her arms.
Alec snorted, "Aye. But sometimes it is difficult to know where the beginning actually starts." He sighed and rubbed his head, "Well, let me state that I am originally from Highever. Do you know of it?"
"Of it, yes. Beyond that I know only that a Teyrn of Ferelden lives there."
Alec's face grew dark and he exchanged glances with the men behind him before looking back towards Artalise, "Lived is more accurate. You haven't heard the news then?"
Artalise bit her lip as she tried to remember if she had heard anything in particular about Highever. Suddenly, her mind latched onto a bit of gossip she had overheard while in Denerim's marketplace, "I heard something about there being an uprising or something…lots of bloodshed."
"More like a betrayal than an uprising. Arl Howe, Teyrn, no Regent Loghain's most trusted adviser, attacked Highever as soon as the Teyrn's son led the bulk of their forces down south to fight with the King. Said it had to be done because Teyrn Cousland was working with the Orlesians. The brutality of the killing of the occupants of the castle though…" he sucked in his breath and shook his head, "My sister was one of those who were forced to clean up the mess. She came back scarred from what she had seen. Others felt the same way. The Teyrn was a good man – we all respected him and he treated us well. My family owes him a debt for a favor he once gave us…he…he didn't deserve this. No one in the castle deserved this…" He pounded his fist on the table before looking back up at Artalise, "And now we have a way to help avenge the Teyrn."
Artalise had been listening carefully to this, wishing that she had paid more attention to the little political news that had come to the Tower. She had thought it pointless for an apprentice to keep track of politics of a world she thought she would never see. How her path had changed so much!
"You…you have found a way?" Artalise asked, before smiling up in thanks as Kaitlyn placed a cup of tea in front of her. Kaitlyn flashed her the smallest smile for placing the other cup in front of her uncle and hurrying back to her counter.
Alec pushed himself away from the table and started to pace up and down the length of the room, clearly agitated, "Yes…we had heard a rumor that the Teyrn's daughter had been kept alive. Couldn't confirm it though. After Ostagar happened and the old Arl of Denerim was declared dead, Howe claimed that title and moved into his estates. He fired all the guards and old house staff, citing loyalty issues, but my friend's son who was working as a guard under the old Arl said he saw her being dragged to one of the cells down there as he was collecting his final pay. He recognized her from seeing her during a visit with us some years ago. Smart lad, he."
Artalise nodded her head and took a sip of tea, still wondering where this was all leading.
Alec stopped pacing and sat down in the seat again, rubbing his chin as if he was pondering how to proceed, "See, Kaitlyn here told me what you are."
"She did, hmm?"
Alec nodded, "Not only a Grey Warden, but a mage to boot," He said the first part quietly, but he raised his voice as he continued, "Right now my men are too few and ahhh…not skilled in any fashion to save her."
Artalise started to blink rapidly, and she narrowed her eyes at Alec as she finally thought she knew what he wanted, "Are…are you asking me to save this girl?"
"I am asking the Grey Wardens to, yes."
"The Grey Wardens do not involve themselves in petty politics." Artalise stated, remembering a conversation she had with Duncan on the subject; and with First Enchanter Irving, in fact.
Alec rubbed his nose in agitation, before forcing a smile, "But you see, Grey Warden, this is not for mere politics. Saving her will help you face the Blight."
She waved a hand for him to continue, "Go on." She stated doubtfully as she then crossed her arms and leaned back in the chair.
"Surely you have heard the rumors Loghain's men have spread?" when he received a bitter chuckle and a nod as his answer, he continued, "He blames the Grey Wardens as being agents of the Orlesians. And while many nobles follow him, believing that it is towards him that the wind blows, others are not too sure. But-"
"How do you know this?" She broke in, skeptically.
He grinned wolfishly, "It amazing how much information a servant can overhear…and how much they can spill for just a little coin. Plus, when you are preparing to lead a resistance, you kind of have a way of making connections…"
The easiness with which he said the last sentence bemused Artalise a great deal, but she let it show only in the smallest crack of a smile. She again waved him on to continue.
"These nobles don't know the true story of Howe's treachery. Maker knows they won't believe it if a servant or commoner like myself were to say anything…but if one of their own was to stand up and tell them what Arl Howe did to herself and her family? What the right hand man of Loghain did? It might very well change some opinions."
She could see where he was going, and she bobbed her head in understanding. Still, she wanted to hear him carry his idea through, "And so?"
"And so, if you can turn some opinions, if you can get some of the banns to throw their support behind you, you will have their armies to call on. More men to fight the darkspawn. Plus, " he grinned, "I will have what few men I have pledge themselves to your cause."
Artalise bit her bottom lip as she contemplated things over, "What is this girl's name?"
"Devona."
"And this Devona would do this?"
Alec nodded resolutely, "Beyond a shadow of a doubt. If I thought otherwise, I would not be doing this."
Artalise tapped the table for a few long moments as Alec watched on anxiously. When the tapping stopped she finally looked back up at Alec with a frown on her face.
"I…right now we do not have the…capacity to help you." She held up a hand to stop his protests, "Listen, Alec, I agree with what you say. I want to help you. But right now, I don't think we will be able to. The fact that Devona is still alive must mean that Howe still has a use for her then, right?"
"It makes me sick to think of what use that is." Alec practically spat on the ground, not even bothering to hide the disgust he felt for her decision.
"But it could keep her alive for a little while more?"
"Perhaps. I can't imagine Howe plans on keeping her alive for much longer though. He must realize what a dangerous game he plays to keep the daughter of a Teyrn alive!"
Artalise frowned and shook her head, before holding out a hand towards Alec with four fingers extended, "Right now we number four people; two mages, a qunari, and a mabari. Do you really think we can risk our lives saving one woman, when there are still other treaties to fulfill?"
"Treaties?"
Artalise paused a moment, cursing herself for being so careless with her talk. But, considering all that he had told her, perhaps it was only fair that she reciprocate, "The elves, mages and dwarves of Ferelden all signed a treaty with the Grey Wardens long ago to assist them in fighting the Blight. So far we have only contacted the Circle." She explained.
"The Circle has agreed to help you?"
She nodded.
"But now you seek the Dalish and the aid of Orzammar?"
Again, a nod.
He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, the anger disappearing from his eyes as he pondered further her situation, "I know of someone who may help you with Orzammar. He was apparently made into a "surfacer" or whatever, and only recently arrived in Denerim.
"Is he…part of your group?"
Alec scoffed and shook his head, "Oh no. Said he had no taste to get involved in politics ever again. He did agree to do some trading with us though. Just not at a discount." He chuckled softly, most likely at the memory of the conversation.
"His name?"
"Gorim. One of the few, if not the only dwarf in the market district near your inn. Should be real easy to find."
"Thank you." She said as she rose up from the table, "I'll go back and talk to my companions and see how they feel about rescuing Devona…and if they agree to it, or if I think of a way I can do it later on, I will let you know."
Alec nodded curtly, "I thank you for at least considering it. My men and I will do what we can. Perhaps we will succeed before you even return."
Artalise returned the nod tilting to her head to the side in contemplation, "Perhaps."
~~~V~A~V~~~
Morrigan and Sten were waiting at one of the tables inside the Tavern right near the door, both looking as if they desired to be elsewhere. Sten had an empty plate with what looked like cookie crumbs on it, and Morrigan had an empty teacup in front of her. She looked almost happy when she saw Artalise and Oak walk in through the door.
"So. Did it go well?" Morrigan asked as Artalise and Oak approached the table.
Artalise sighed and shrugged her head, "I don't suppose either of you feel like raiding a dungeon to free a damsel in distress would you?"
Of course she already knew the answer.
"I do hope you are joking." Morrigan stated dryly. Sten didn't even bother giving her an answer. Or even look at her. Typical.
"I thought not." Artalise then jerked her head towards the door, "There's a merchant I would like to stop by on our way out. Is the cart ready Morrigan?"
Morrigan nodded her head as she slid off the bench, "Tis. They await us at the stable," she answered crisply. Sten grunted a little as his standing up required a bit more uncomfortable maneuvering. The Gnawed Noble Tavern did not, apparently, expect qunari to be frequent guests.
~~~V~A~V~~~
"Who is it that you wanted to meet again?"
"A dwarf named Gorim."
Sten, whose height allowed him to actually see over the dense crowd of human heads suddenly jutted his chin out to the left of him and took off in that directly, jostling not a few indignant humans, whom wisely decided to keep their complaints to themselves when they saw who, or rather what had pushed them.
"''Twould seem as if Sten has found him."
"Indeed" Artalise responded as she tried to weave her way through the crowd much less successfully. Unlike a gigantic qunari, humans didn't mind shoving around an elf. Especially one dressed like a servant like she was. She couldn't wait for the day when she could walk these streets in her full mage robes wielding her staff….If that day ever comes, she reminded herself pragmatically. Her only solace was that Oak pressed closely to her side, and with him, at least, the humans seemed less likely to shove. Or kick.
When they finally arrived at the place where Sten had stopped, it was clear something had occurred. Sten grasped a large helmet in his hand, and stared threateningly at a surprised, but remarkably enough, not unnerved dwarven merchant, who had his hands raised up in innocence as he watched Sten with an eye that betrayed a warrior's training. The growing crowd around the stall was whispering loudly and pointing at the qunari. If the situation wasn't resolved quickly, there would be no doubt that the guards would be called. If they hadn't been already.
Artalise started to curse silently as she realized that she couldn't really do anything without inciting curiosity and suspicion. Not with all the commotion Sten was causing…She looked at Morrigan and pleaded silently with the woman to do something. Morrigan wrinkled her lips up, clearly not wanting to do anything, but realized the necessity of doing so when the qunari reached back to grab the hilt of his sword.
"What goes here?" She practically shouted out as she took a few steps in the direction of Sten and the dwarf, her voice easily cutting through the whispers of crowd. Both Sten and the dwarf turned their heads to look at her.
Sten's lips practically turned up into a snarl, "This creature has my armor."
Morrigan arched an eyebrow and crossed her arms, "Oh? And here I thought you were wearing your armor." The retort drew no few amount of snickers from the crowd. Unfortunately it did little to stem Sten's building rage.
"Not this flimsy human-crafted armor," He said as walked over to Morrigan and practically shoved the metal helmet into her face, "This is armor my people made for me. It is my armor. No living being should have it but I."
"Yet the dwarf had it." Morrigan stated dryly before looking over at the merchant, her hands moving in a motion that indicated that it was his turn to speak.
It was all he needed, "By the ancestors, I swear I had no idea who this helmet belonged to…I bought it off a merchant near Orzammar…He didn't tell me where he had got it…" The dwarf exclaimed, his eyes darting between Morrigan and Sten to watch their reactions.
This caught Sten's attention and he turned to face the dwarf, "Did this man have a sword as well?"
"He had lots of swords."
"Was one of them qunari made?"
"I have never seen a qunari weapon…"
"It's make is unrecognizable in this country."
The merchant rubbed his chin as he thought back, "No…No, most of his swords were dwarven made. A few human made swords, but all of it easily identifiable. Swords sell faster than armor though- it's possible it was gone by the time I arrived."
As the tone of conversation lowered to the volume of normal conversation, the crowd started to break away, Artalise rolling her eyes at some of the comments of disappointment that there had been no bloodshed.
The dwarf was clearly relieved that the crowd had decided to move on, and he turned to look at Sten with an understanding look in his eyes, "Look, whoever you are. I understand the bond you may have with your armor, however it was that you lost it. I'll sell you the helmet at the price I bought it – fifty silver."
Morrigan and Artalise exchanged a look. That was a hefty portion of their profits.
"40 silver. And I promise the qunari won't bash your head in." Morrigan stated firmly.
The dwarf snorted, "I suppose ten silver is a worthy price to pay for keeping my head."
As Morrigan opened up her pouch and started to count out the silvers, Artalise finally decided to speak up, "You wouldn't happen to be Gorim, would you?"
He turned his attention from the sight of flashing silver and looked over at Artalise with no small amount of suspicion, "Aye. That's my name."
Artalise smiled slightly, trying to indicate she meant no harm, "I was told by…somebody…that you recently came from Orzammar?"
The smile didn't work, and in fact the wariness in his face only deepened, "I did. But I don't see how that concerns a surfacer like yourself."
"I..we plan on going to Orzammar sometime soon. It was rather implied that the situation was not good…" In fact, that hadn't been implied at all, but seeing as how he didn't seem willing to talk to her, his reaction should help her judge what the state of affairs was like. Seeing how things had gone so far with the treaties, she assumed they weren't good.
And apparently she had assumed correctly by the snort of amusement that came from Gorim, "Hah! You could say that again!" It almost sounded like he was going to continue, but he then realized who he was talking to and his expression instantly changed to being emotionless again, "Look – I really hope you weren't planning on actually doing any trading with the city itself. I doubt anyone would even be able to get in."
Artalise bit her lip, pondering whether or not to divulge the fact that she had a treaty. She was unsure of the dwarf's loyalties…but then again, Alec had said that Gorim hadn't wanted to concern himself with politics. Hopefully that meant he didn't care about what had happened at Ostagar either. Artalise closed the distance between the two of them, and looked down at the now curious Gorim, "Would they allow a Grey Warden in who has a treaty demanding the aid from dwarves in times of Blight?" she asked in a hushed, but hurried voice, her eyes trained on Gorim's face to watch for his reaction.
He looked taken aback, and his brows furrowed as he tried to comprehend what Artalise had just told him, "You…you are a Grey Warden? Do you know then, a man called Duncan?"
Artalise eyes widened in shock at that name, and while too surprised to answer, she nodded her head, causing the dwarf to break out into a grin and he clapped his hands together once.
"By the Stone! That is good news. Perhaps…perhaps you could save her then…" He said as his eyes glazed over, his thoughts taking him elsewhere.
It took all her willpower to suppress a groan. Another damsel in distress? When did the Grey Wardens become everyone's knights in shining armor?
Gorim almost seemed giddy, "This must be the work of the ancestors…Please, your friend can have the helmet free of charge. All I will ask is that you join me for a drink. There is….much, so much, to tell you."
Morrigan sighed loudly from behind Artalise, and she heard the sound of many coins sliding back into a pouch.
~~~V~A~V~~~
A.N. Thanks for reading! Feel free to let me know what you liked or didn't like! Its *uber* easy to review and makes my day a little bit brighter. XD
A.N. Don't worry, I'll be getting to Ali's and Leli's adventure soon enough...