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!
53
It rained steadily into the night. After several failed attempts to light a fire with the damp wood, I knew we were in for a rather long and uncomfortable night. We set up a watch rotation and settled in. I watched the crew keep busy, while I tried to keep from shivering too badly. As soon as we settled in, I removed much of my armor to try to dry off, keeping my cloak as secure to my body as possible. I kept a watchful eye on the boat, wishing there was some way to go back for Darius but knowing there would be no easy way to get him back on board, all I could do was make sure he stayed safe.
The rain finally relented a bit once the sun went down but we decided it best to stay the night and start again early the next morning. Silently, I was thankful for the extra time, hopeful that it meant my plan should work. The only thing left to do was to wait and see.
I picked through the provisions Leliana packed: from cured, dried meats, fruits and nuts that would last longer, to fresher fruit, bread and cheese wrapped properly in cloth. I started to offer out to everyone when I realized that the crew had managed to bring a few of their own provisions…all in bottles of rum. The captain himself opened and gave his bottle to me, which I took a healthy swig of. The men cheered when I passed the bottle down to Alistair.
"Trust me," I said when Alistair seemed hesitant to take the bottle. "It'll keep you warm."
I laughed as he took the bottle and took a much smaller drink from the bottle before handing it back to me. I turned to Ser Nicolas, who was huddled in his cloak staring out at the night sky, and he took it from me. I was surprised when he also took a healthy swig of the bottle before handing it back.
I turned to Jowan, who had barely eaten and I could see he was still shivering.
"Would you like to share a drink, mage?" I asked Jowan. He looked first at Nicolas, who nodded, before taking the bottle from me. He took a small sip and promptly started coughing.
I moved closer to his side and took the bottle from him. "Are you alright?"
"Yes, Warden," he said as he coughed again. "I just wasn't expecting it to burn so much!"
"Are mages allowed drink in the tower?" I asked as moved back and settled against a tree, taking another drink from the bottle. I relished the slow burn for a moment before handing the bottle once again to Alistair. This time, he took a deeper swallow, but remained quiet as I leaned against him. Ser Nicolas took the offered bottle from Alistair.
"The Tranquil are quite adept at brewing wine and ale," Jowan said quietly as he took a small bite of the bread he still had in his hand. "It's mostly served to the Enchanters and the Knight-Commander. The apprentices are rarely allowed to drink."
"But this isn't your first drink?" I asked as Ser Nicolas handed the bottle back to me. I tilted the bottle in the mages direction and he hesitated for a second before taking it from me.
"No," he said as he took another sip. "I tried many things after I left the tower. I got drunk for the first time in my life!" he admitted as he passed the bottle back to me.
I laughed and took another swig of the rum. I looked over my shoulder when I heard a soft snore to find Alistair had finally nodded off and Ser Nicolas was wondering off into the trees. It reminded me of my own needs so I ate the remaining bread I still had and excused myself.
I went off in a different direction from where I saw the Templar headed, hoping to be done with my own personal business before he realized that Jowan was left with only a sleeping Alistair. I had finished up and was tying my trousers when I heard a noise from close by. I pulled a dagger out slowly and headed towards it, wishing I hadn't removed my armor earlier. I moved silently, mindful of any branches as I made my way towards the sound I heard when I came upon the young Templar, flattened against a tree.
"I'm sorry, Warden," he stammered and avoided my eyes.
"You should know better than to sneak up on someone, Nicolas," I said easily as I re-sheathed my dagger.
"I…I didn't mean…"
"How old are you, Nicolas?" I asked.
"Twenty," he answered.
"Were you raised by the Chantry, Nicolas?"
He looked at me finally and nodded.
"And you've never…"
He looked away and shook his head.
"And you are willing to lock yourself in with dozens of mages, who are unable to interact with anyone else outside the tower?" I asked as I walked towards him. "All those female mages…"
"I would never take advantage…"
"Good," I said. "I would hate so poorly of you, Ser Nicolas."
I walked past him and quickly made my way back to Alistair and Jowan, who were chatting quietly when I sat down. There was finally a small fire going and the crew was chatting on the other side of it. It was a few minutes more before Nicolas rejoined us, avoiding my eyes as he sat unhappily away from us.
"Did you light the fire, Jowan?" I asked when a few of the crew members continued to glance in his direction.
"Yes, Warden," he admitted, stealing a glance at the Templar, who was thankfully too wrapped up in his thoughts to notice.
"That was very kind of you," I said and bowed my head to him. "The fire will be a nice thing to have on a cold night like this. Get some rest, Jowan. We still have a long day ahead of us."
I leaned back against Alistair's shoulder, closing my eyes slowly and hoped for only good dreams.
