This story follows BioWare's DA:O story line and game play, using the characters, locations and some backstories, but not strictly as I have added bits that of my own imagination and characters that are my own. I have rated this M for mature for blood, strong language and sexual content. All comments are welcome. Thank you!
Sorry it's taken so long to post a new chapter. It's been a little busy around here but I haven't forgotten about this story!
52
I slept most of the morning on our way to Kinloch Hold, waking only when I realized I was starving. I made my way to where Alistair, Jowan and the Templar recruit Nicolas were seated to pass out some of the bread, cheese and fruit that Bella had left out for me. Nicolas seemed reluctant to partake until his stomach growled and he sheepishly took the bread I offered. When Jowan refused, I looked closely at his pale, sweaty face and reached into my bag for some herbs that I had picked on the way to Redcliffe. As I was handing it to him, Nicolas put his hand out, stopping me from giving it to Jowan. I looked up at him steadily.
"It's obvious he's not used to being on a boat," I explained as I placed one of the dried leaves in my mouth and began to chew. "This will help settle his stomach."
The Templar looked at me and took one of the leaves, sniffing it before placing it in his mouth. Alistair quietly chewed on the remaining bread and cheese, watching us warily but not interfering. When nothing happened, he moved his hand aside and allowed Jowan to take the leaf from me. The mage looked at it briefly before slowly putting it in his mouth as I had and began to slowly chew on it.
"This is only temporary but it will help with the queasiness," I reassured him as I also handed him an apple. "You will need to eat something small soon and I have more herbs if you start to feel ill again."
"Thank you, Warden. I feel much better now," Jowan said finally and smiled briefly at me before taking a tentative bite out of the apple. I placed my hand on his shoulder before I stood up and moved away.
I went and joined Alistair, who handed me the last piece of cheese and some fruit. I took the offered fruit but from the side glance he gave the cheese, I handed it back to him to finish. I still had the provisions that Leliana had packed but I didn't want to exhaust our meager supplies. I didn't want to be stuck without them in case plans changed and what should normally only take a day of travel across the lake turned into something longer. I also knew that it would not last long and from the look of contentment on Alistair's face, I knew that he was enjoying it.
"Where did you learn so much?" he asked when I handed him the skin with fresh water.
I was reluctant to tell him anything about my training but knew that I needed to share something of myself with him.
"From my mother," I said as I looked down at the floor boards. "She taught me about the benefits of different herbs and their uses. It's all I can remember of her before I lost her."
Alistair was silent for a moment, looking off in thought.
"I never knew my mother," he said softly and I looked up at him.
"I'm sorry Alistair," I said and looked up at him. "You were trying to tell me something as we approached the village. What was it?"
He looked away. "It's nothing."
"Are you sure? It seemed important…"
I was interrupted by Darius, who lifted his head and woofed at me. I looked up at the darkening sky and got to my feet.
"Captain!" I called and the stoat man I greeted earlier approached me. "Will this delay us?"
"I'm sorry Warden but the waters of the lake can be unpredictable," he said before barking out orders.
"How long?" I asked, thinking this was just the delay I needed.
"It depends," he said gruffly. "I was tasked by the Bann with getting you to the Tower safely. I will not chance it."
"Get us as close to shore as possible. We'll set up for the night if necessary and wait for fairer weather," I said and turned back to my companion. "Looks like we'll need to set up camp."
Nicolas got up and looked around, ready to protest. "Is that wise, Warden?"
"It's not my call," I said as I wrapped my cloak tighter around my face as the first droplets began to fall. "But unless you want to attempt going overboard in the middle of the lake with all that heavy armor, be my guest."
"But the prisoner…"
"Is still shackled and in no position to run, otherwise," I said as I approached them. "He's been constantly at my mabari's side and if he tries to run, Darius will simply track him down."
He looked at me, then down to the dog that was suddenly on his feet before turning away. I watched as we steered to shore, with the rain starting to come down in earnest.
I squatted down next to my mabari and he whined as I wrapped my arms around his neck.
"You need to stay here, boy," I told him. "We'll never be able to get you back on board otherwise. Be brave and pay attention. Stay where I can see you." Darius nuzzled my neck and I moved back from him.
"Ser Nicolas," I said as I turned to him when we dropped anchor as close to shore as possible. "Remove Jowan's shackles."
"Warden, I cannot…"
"We're as close as we're going to get and he'll need his hands!" I pointed to the choppy water and the crew that was slowly making their way over the side. He relented and removed Jowan's restraints. I looked at Alistair and Ser Nicolas in their heavy armor. "Both of you, don't argue with me! You need to remove your armor or you'll sink like a stone!"
"What about you?" Alistair asked.
"My lighter armor shouldn't be a burden to me," I said as I helped Jowan to his feet.
The men looked at each other before quickly removing their heavy armor. Alistair took my bag as we went over to where the deckhands had made their way down and found the water quite deep. I felt Alistair grab my arm when I lost my footing. We trudged to shore and into the cover of the trees.
I looked down at Jowan, who was exhausted on the wet ground. Nicolas started to walk towards him with the shackles but I took them from him and went to him myself.
"I never thought I would miss the tower so much," he said as he continued to shiver. I was reluctant to use the restraints but I needed to keep up the façade for a while longer.
"It's only for the night," I promised. "And with any luck this will buy me some time," I said as I squeezed his arm.
"Do you think it will work?" he asked as I closed the cuff on his other hand.
"I'm counting on Bella's help in this and the weather should give her the time she needs to catch up to us," I said. "Be patient," I said as I moved away.
I looked up at the unrelenting sky and was silently thankful. It was going to be a long, cold and wet night but it was more than I could hope for. I sank down on the ground next to Alistair with my cloak tight around me, hugged my knees and waited.
