C

Dear Diary,

Upon waking this morning, well I think its morning as it's a bit brighter than it was the storm is still raging outside our protective earthen jail/shelter. I almost feel like this is the deep roads again. I am however quite thankful for the lack of darkspawn.

I'm awake early as I gently untangle myself from the arms and legs of my sleeping companions, as not to wake them. I stand and stretch my limbs. Tiptoeing to the water bucket I see that it's empty. Grabbing my cloak, I take the bucket and head toward the mouth of the cave.

I step out of the cave and my breath is taken away by the fierce cold. I walk a few steps into the snow and pack the bucket with fresh white virgin snow. I take a few deep breathes enjoying the fresh air before I head back into the cave.

"I could have done that you know," I hear Shale say looking at me. If I didn't know she was made of stone I would have thought she was reprimanding me for going out into the cold.

"I needed some fresh air," I reply smiling at her. "Thanks Shale."

"While I am happy you appreciate me, I am unsure as to what you are referring," she says stoically.

"For everything, you didn't have to watch over us while we sleep and make sure we are safe but I am thankful that you do." I reply honestly.

"I have no need for sleep so I am the obvious choice," she answers pragmatically, "But I do like being valued."

I notice the others start to stir as I stoke the fire and put the fresh snow in the kettle for making tea.

I decide to make breakfast for everyone granted the breakfast will be dried meat and cheese with bread. I decide to toast the bread and cheese with a bit of dried meat in the middle.

I start by slicing the bread and cheese then feel a hand on my shoulder. "Would you like some help, Elly?"

Rory is standing behind me looking a bit sheepish.

I give him a small smile. "Yes, if you like Rory. If you could cut up some of the dried meat that would be great."

We work in silence for a few minutes before he asks. "What are you making?"

"I'm not sure," I answer giggling as I take pan off the fire. Setting it onto a plate I had it to him. "You get to try it first."

He grins at me."Well you've never cooked anything bad tasting before."

He bites into and his eyes get big, "Elly this is really good!"

"You think I should make them for everyone else?" I ask.

"Maker yes! This is so much better that cold bread, cheese and dried meat. The cheese has melted into the bread and through the dried meat. The outside is a crispy but the inside is soft." He replies grinning.

I set to making the bread meal with Rory having an extra person helping me lets me finish much quicker. As everyone wakes up and helps themselves to the tea, I hand them the toasted bread with meat and cheese.

As I sit down with my toasted bread, Rory comes to sit beside me.

"Are we okay?" I ask him.

He smiles at me "Yea, we're good."

"I'm glad because I missed my friend," I say smiling back at him. As I go back to kitchen area with more melted snow to wash the pans. I am stopped by Sten.

"What was the thing you made with the toasted bread?" He asks.

"I don't know I just came up with it today." I answer honestly.

"I think we should just call it an Elly," Zevran proposes grinning at me.

"Personally, I don't care what we call it," Alistair says, "I just think we should have them every day. It has melted cheese."

"The Elly it is then," Leliana decides.

"Well, maybe not every day but definitely more often," Sten says taking the pan I going wash from my hands.

Zevran grins at me. "Go, do something else. We got this."

I walk away not knowing exactly what to do with myself, maybe rub some oils into my new armor. I am feeling better about the situation with Rory.

Grabbing my new leathers from my gear I start working the oils into them. Leliana sits to join me doing the same.

"I think the storm may be passed by tomorrow," she says looking at the mouth of the cave.

"Maker, I hope so, I'm beginning to feel like I'm back in the deep roads." I grin at her.

"I told you it would work out you know." She says lightly.

"It did. Thank you, Leli," I say appreciatively.

"Elly," Zevran calls, "I have an idea. Grab the practice daggers."

"Be there shortly," I call back.

She grins at me. "I think he likes you."

"Zev likes everyone. I don't think I can take his flirtations seriously. I mean, you have heard him flirt with Wynne, but he has been a good friend," I say honestly smiling.

"A good friend could become something more, no?" Leliana grins.

I chuckle lightly shaking my head at her as I walk away. Grabbing my practice daggers I head to back of the cave.

"Good, you're here," Zev says flashing me a grin. "I had some ideas on fighting moves and wanted your thoughts."

"Alright," I say grinning wickedly, "whatcha got?"

Zev and I work well together and having the same fighting style as rogues we often find ourselves backing each other up. He is louder grabbing attention while I slip in from behind. We also seem to do well in back to back combat.

We go over the ideas. The first idea is when we start in back to back combat and we confuse the enemy into thinking we are both still present by dropping a flask of smoke and quick stepping in stealth to flank them from behind. This is a total wash in practice as the smoke makes it difficult for us both to see.

The second idea has a bit more merit. Instead of racing into a fight and finding an opponent or waiting for an opponent to come to us, Zev thinks we should find a way to flank them easier by using tumbling skills. He practices tossing me into the air (as I am the better tumbler of the two of us) and me sticking the landing while staying in stealth. I note that Sten is watching with some interest.

"It would be better with a higher throw," Sten says walking over to join us.

"That would help her fly further," Zev admits.

"I'm not a bloody bird," I point out.

"Pasharra!" Sten says, giving me a firm look.

Zev stifles his grin …badly I might add, at Sten's reprimand. I am actually a bit scared Zev knows how to throw a person to do such things. The large warrior does not.

"Would you please at least learn the proper technique?" I plead with them. I am picturing our huge warrior friend picking me up by the collar and waistband, and then flinging me forward.

Zev grins wickedly as if he sees my vision for a moment and looks at Sten. "Let me show you my large muscled friend." He says looking at Sten.

After a few practice tries…small tosses according to Sten we decide to try it for real.

I ready myself. Sten grunts as he heaves me up and away from him. As I somersault into the air my head hits something and everything goes black.