The lake was still and as black as the sky above.
Not a sound echoed over the lake, as if the fish had hidden deep within it, the animals that should be drinking having slipped away, never to be seen.
There were only ghosts of life. Nearly leafless trees gently swaying in the wind, yellowing grass wilting, blackened bushes desperately clinging to life.
They hadn't even reached the Blackmarsh, yet the land around them was already showing signs of dying, as if some unknown disease was choking the life out of the land.
Except it wasn't unknown, not to the wardens, nor perhaps, many others nowadays. It was the taint of the darkspawn, as if transferred from the creatures that still stalked the land it was like a sickness, eating away at wildlife and plants that knew no defence against it.
The group had found darkspawn forces ten times already, four times had they fought, in total they might have slain a hundred now at the end of the day...yet there were always more, in one encounter they had been forced to sneak past a force of nearly a thousand of the beasts.
And judging by the reports there were forces numbering tens of thousands out in the fields.
Nathaniel as such didn't approve of Lynn's leading them out into yet another excursion, and he had told her so. Not only was she far too important for them...especially since she hadn't seen fit to appoint a second in command even after her brush with danger...but she was also still sick and injured, in sore need of rest. Logically, if she wanted to find the Orlesian warden Kristoff that had survived the attack on Vigil's Keep simply because he had been off searching the Blackmarsh for a hint of any darkspawn leadership, she should have sent scouts.
Instead the group had gone, as it always did. Now Nathaniel could understand the reasons Lynn so quickly had snapped off. The scouts were not as skilled as the group and could well flounder upon a group of darkspawn the Wardens could sense. It was important to get as many wardens as possible to fight the growing darkspawn threat. It was also vital to try and find a reason as to why there seemed to be two groups of darkspawn, one which seemed content to fight the other and leave the humans alone...though losing that side had in many ways saved more lives then the warden's troops so far...and there was no explanation to it.
Now those were all good reasons...none of which Nathaniel believed.
The Commander simply wouldn't let anyone else do the work, it wasn't a lack of trust, something that the glares at her back from her troops spoke volumes of, but a need to fight, a need to go out and live on the road. Even gaunt and ravaged with sickness, nearly a skeleton, Lynn continued with a pace that baffled even a seasoned soldier. She's running herself to the death...Nathaniel shuddered as he sat by the lake...I can only hope we're not dragged along with her. He shook his head, baffled at the idiocy of it all.
Yet there is little to do about it. Nathaniel glanced back at the camp a few feet away.
With darkspawn seemingly everywhere there was no fire, the tents dark as they had been erected under the shadows of the large trees of the small forest they had camped in. There was little sound either, the group either too tired, or too tense, to talk. Sure, they were supposed to keep quiet as much as possible so as to not alert any nearby darkspawn...but the camp was eerie in it's silence.
We all sense it. He shuddered. The war will soon explode...and the darkspawn are the one with the numbers.
Another reason to send scouts for Kristoff, another reason to stay. A leader did not go out on excursions like these, they stayed, even if they didn't want to, stayed and led. Nathaniel knew that if he had been in charge he would have done just that, he would have led troops out, culled the roving bands of darkspawn and made roads to the noble's strongholds so as to increase their strength, perhaps strengthen the garrison at Amaranthine itself. Instead they waited, building their strength within their keep, waiting, uncaring. For Nathaniel wasn't in command.
He eyed Lynn with a strange mix of frustration and sympathy.
The elf was still in her armour, sitting on a fallen tree trunk, helmet in her lap, seemingly forgotten as her hands rested atop it. Her eyes were vacant, staring at some spot in the dirt ahead of her, not really seeing anything. With the alabaster skin drawn taut over her skull and her dark hair now thinner and streaked with grey she nearly looked like an undead creature, or perhaps simply dead, considering all the moving she did.
She has to be exhausted with all the fighting and swift marching, all in heavy plate armour and weakened by poison and sickness...Nathaniel had difficulty drawing up any sympathy however. She chose this, let her endure.
Yet, she looked so...sick...sick to the very bone...it was painful to see.
Nathaniel found his gaze moving away, unable to keep up the scrutiny of the half-dead creature leading them.
Mhairi sat a bit apart from the elf, right on the dying grass. At least there's someone who's recovering. The woman looked calm, but no longer grieving, almost bored in fact...her face neutral as she stared out into the forest, trying to keep herself distracted as she nibbled on some bread. Still in her armour, as ordered by their Commander, she still looked peaceful, as if she'd never even think of drawing the sword at her side. Maybe grief has mellowed her? He blinked and looked away. It does that...good for her...I suppose.
He sighed.
Yes, it is good...she'll grow from it. Nathaniel glanced back, trying to spot Sigrun and, more importantly, Velanna where they stood guard of the miniature camp.
He could only spot the dwarf though, the short woman nearly hidden in among the dark trees around her, an unmoving shadow, save the head slowly turning left and right, searching for an enemy her senses would no doubt feel beforehand, but such habits were hard to throw aside. Not to mention that there are other things but darkspawn to prey on the unwary... Nathaniel nodded in satisfaction, one could say what one wanted about the dwarf's dark humour, childlike manner and constant thefts...but she did her duty.
Impatient Nathaniel's gaze swept on, trying to find Velanna. He'd done that more and more as of late...and he didn't all mind. Nor did Velanna...he thought...or perhaps hoped. So far during their march she had kept close, yet said nothing...and at times shot Lynn the odd look or two, indecisive perhaps... Nathaniel realised he didn't have all the cards as to what was going on...he could only hope things played out well.
Yet he found no sign of her now. Perhaps it was something the Dalish were born with, but despite being a mage Velanna was surprisingly good at staying quiet and hidden...in the few instances when she so desired.
Currently Nathaniel found that skill vexing indeed.
When did I start acting like a teenager again? Then again, with all the violence and danger...I suppose it's nice to have something sweet to hold onto.. Smirking at his own idiocy Nathaniel shrugged, knowing he would see her soon enough anyway as he turned back to what he really was supposed to do.
With all the excitement at the Keep and their hurried march and fighting Nathaniel had yet to actually get that shave he'd desperately needed...and now with them finally making camp he wasn't about to waste the opportunity.
For all it's eeriness the dead lake was still and calm, a perfect mirror with the pale moonlight as Nathaniel leant over it to look at his own face, grimacing at the sight of the thick stubble. No more. He raised the razor, its weight like nothing in his hand...and turned to his work, creating tiny ripples in the water as dark hair dropped into it.
He nearly sighed in contentment as the stubble fell before his strokes, it was a release, instantly making him feel cleaner, more awake...proper. Or as proper as a former noble of a disgraced house can be. He allowed himself an ironic smirk.
Then the smell of lavender snuck upon him.
Startled he pushed the razor away from his throat and glanced to his right, finding Velanna sitting herself down next to him, hugging her bare legs as she smiled...pleasantly at him. Nathaniel blinked, the smile was pleasant...so much so that he barely even noticed that her hair was down, blond tresses long enough to cover her cleavage as well as framing her face, softening it. This...is new. He swallowed, finding himself struck still.
He realised he was staring.
Turning his head away Nathaniel was grateful of the darkness, hoping it would mask his sudden blush, judging by Velanna's soft chuckle it didn't.
Quickly regaining his composure Nathaniel went back to work with his shave. Not wanting to interrupt the silence just yet he stayed quiet, content to enjoy the company of the woman as he himself became somewhat proper.
To his surprise Velanna seemed to share the sentiment, the elf quiet as she, with her head slightly cocked and resting on her knees, watching him as he worked.
Nathaniel found himself relaxing, a tension he wasn't even aware of easing away. This is nice...
Then Velenna opened her mouth: "Shaving I see." The sentence was short and clipped, hesitant. "You..." Nathaniel found himself bracing for the words, ready to start the usual banter, willing to distract himself from the tedium of the day. "...will look better that way." It was just a soft whisper, but carried easily through the silent night.
Huh? Nathaniel ceased his work for but a moment, then continued as he struggled with a smile, feeling giddy all of a sudden. Teenager indeed... "My lady's too kind, it's just proper."
"Hmm..." Velanna hummed, half an agreement, half in bemusement. Shifting her weight she came up to sit on her left knee as she inched closer, observing the strokes of his razor with perplexing fascination.
Nathaniel waited, but she said nothing more, her gaze focused on Nathaniel's blade, bright grey eyes harbouring a confusing mix of emotions Nathaniel couldn't make sense of.
So he waited, settling for enjoying the woman's company as she made up her mind.
He didn't have to wait long. "Elves..." She hesitated again, eyes narrowing in a rebellious glare, a glare she shot over at the camp for some reason. Then she looked back, a sudden glint in her eyes, her tone...different...Nathaniel couldn't identify it: "...do not grow hair anywhere but atop our head."
Nathaniel didn't understand, it was such an odd thing to say. Is she simply trying to make conversation? Or claim elven superiority again? I thought we were past such awkwardness and pride. "I see." Still, he calculated his odds for something positive being yielded from the conversation...and found the chances good. As such he kept his tone slightly friendlier then his normal dry one as he added: "That's interesting." Not really...but let's keep things civil.
Then Velanna inched closer, and Nathaniel suddenly realised that the glint in her eyes was wicked, that the corner of her lip had quirked up, that even her tone was wicked...sending an all too pleasant shiver up his spine. This is...new... Nathaniel found his thinking go sluggish, as if he had been dazed.
Her face was suddenly an inch from the side of his face, her breath brushing against his ear as she grinning whispered: "Anywhere..."
Nathaniel blinked.
Then the words sunk in.
For the third time that evening Nathaniel wondered if he hadn't turned into a teenager as all blood suddenly rushed to his face and groin, nearly making him dizzy.
"I..." He coughed, realizing his throat had turned dry. "...I...see..." He tried to come up with anything else to say...but his mind drew a blank, too stunned by Velanna's brazenness. Should I...I...well... Normally he did the hunting, which was easy since most prey wanted to be caught by him...this however...this was different. He shouldn't be surprised by it, considering Velanna was more straightforward and forward...yet he was...shocked even.
Velanna chuckled softly, puffing warm air against Nathaniel's ear as she remained close, grinning at him and his discomfort...which was a pleasant sort of discomfort by now...if such a thing existed.
He licked his lips, suddenly afraid of turning his to look at her properly, not really trusting himself.
Another soft chuckle and Velanna got to her feet, her tone light as she spoke: "I think I'll retire to my tent...good night...ser..." A toss of her head to put her hair behind her shoulders and she turned to walk away, moving with calculated slowness.
And Nathaniel found himself staring after her, transfixed, unable to look away as she went into her tent, a mere fifteen feet away.
It's so close...did she just...say what I think she said?
He swallowed.
I...what's with the sudden brazenness? I was sure...wouldn't she rather...why am I even debating this? Nathaniel couldn't help himself though, even as he rose to stand up he hesitated, confused. There is something afoot, sure I wouldn't mind...not at all...but...Maker this is a bit...hard.
"Go get her."
Nathaniel jumped, his head snapping around to find Sigrun standing next to him, the dwarf grinning widely at him: "I...excuse me?" Nathaniel grimaced at his shaky tone, realising he was completely off balance by now. And what's with people sneaking up on me today? I'm the scout for crying out loud!
"What are you waiting for?" The dwarf chuckled at his stare. "Give it to her already, don't be too loud or the Commander will have a fit though."
"I..." Nathaniel looked back at Velanna's tent, then blinked as he turned to narrow his eyes at Sigrun. "...the Commander? What about the Commander?"
"Oh she forbade Velanna to be with you." Sigrun explained cheerfully, all grins at Nathaniel's blank star, then shrugged, smirking. "Which of course means she'll do the exact opposite..." She shot him a wink. "...lucky dog."
"She's..." Nathaniel frowned as he looked over at the camp, finding Lynn still staring into the dirt, more dead than alive. "...just out of defiance?" It was like a weight dropped upon his shoulders. Why Lynn would forbid Velanna to be with him was obvious...though a bit of a bleak way of thinking. But why Velanna would do the opposite out of sheer defiance was just...it boggled the mind. Surely she could have other reasons... He sighed, his mood dropping.
Sigrun, suddenly slightly more serious, offered a kind smile: "The Commander forbade Velanna due to her interest...not the other way around."
"I..." Nathaniel nodded, it was easy to recall their talks, their careful little dance around one another...it was some of the few good memories he had had in...a long time. "...y-yes...yes you're right." He straightened and took a deep breath, clearing his head. I'm acting like a fool... "Thank you."
For a brief moment Sigrun remained silent, then sighed: "So? What are you waiting for?"
He looked over at the tent, the flap slightly open, inviting, and found himself smiling. "No." Not because she wants to prove something. "I can wait." Until when she really wants to. The smile turned into a grin.
The dwarf sighed. "Idiot."
Nathaniel's grin only widened. "That's love for you..."
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Thanks to Abydos Jackson for being great.
