Hello Readers. Thank you to everyone who is following and enjoying the story.
Trigger Warnings: Rape/non-con, torture, swearing, violence, graphic depictions of violence and gore. If you don't like or any of these trigger you stop reading.
They all managed to rest. It took the others another day before they arrived at the castle. They all got to work getting their weapons and armor looked over and or upgraded by both Owen and Caridin. The human was beyond shocked but after the initial bemusement he started to question the golem on how to be a better blacksmith.
Arinda managed to get a whole new armor wardrobe. Bear hide for under the regular armor. It is thick but you can move under it. Scales for arm brace and shin braces along with it being on certain parts of her gloves. The biggest part of armor is the metal chest brace. It doesn't cover her whole torso but the parts of her that are most vulnerable. She is also stuck with leather shoves as it is a lot colder in Fereldan and she hasn't been able to maintain heat in her feet yet.
The others have also received a few new things but not a whole new haul like her. It is both relieving, yet at the same time fills her with a sense of anxiety. Things are becoming more real, the closer that the end comes. The war. She watched people train, desperation, pride, and fright mingled within their movements. Grown adults.
She was forced to look at everything. The teen saw a lot of the world she lived in. Before the whole Blight begun, in her home people died from simple things. Diseases, hunger, the cold. Dirty or contaminated water. All things from before, things that weren't as dangerous. With the darkspawn a whole new fear of death came. So many people have died in such a short time. The main force to stop them is a group of ten or so people; and she is one of them.
These thoughts swirl around her mind for days as they stay in Redcliffe. At times her ears ring and she loses focus staring into space for hours. The fade has helped, her friends within more so. Hope is irreplaceable in these moments; she is hope for a reason.
A meeting was agreed upon, they all spoke about the next step. They have gathered allies from the tower, from the dwarves and elves. Redcliffe has the biggest army other than Loghain's own. The man is an issue that needs to be dealt with as swiftly as possible. He wants the Warden's dead, but they are the only one that can kill the Archdemon. If his plan succeeds, everyone will die.
Eamon received a message from Anora's handmaiden, and they plan to rescue her. They all pack up one more, a few horses are given to them, and they head out.
"It is suspicious, is it not?" Leliana says.
They arrived only the day before in Denerim. In the Pearl they got two rooms and all huddle in one of them. While they have a general idea, they need an actual plan to rescue the woman.
"How?" Elondo questions. The male sat himself between Zevran and Arinda. Literally squeezed between both elves on the bed. It made the youngest twitch, there isn't much she can do.
"This is her father, no? Even I have heard of how he cares for his daughter. I find it rather odd that he would keep her a prisoner, and that no one would do anything to help her. She is the queen." The Orlesian states. She taps her fingers against her thighs.
Arinda glances around "Even if this is a trap, I don't think it is one made by Loghain. I think Anora may have tried to gain more control of her father, or perhaps Howe reacted and Loghain has no knowledge. I do know that Anora is a clever woman. The talk from the servants is that a lot of the ideas that came from Cailan were hers. So, I believe the one we should worry about is her. We do need her help, if she is willing to give it. For the moment we can use her, but also be wary of her plans." The web gathered quite a lot on nobles, servants are like bugs to them. Unnoticeable until they do something that irritates you.
"It is true that while men are the ones to take action, a lot of the more clever and dangerous ideas are from women. There have been some whispers about Anora even the Crow's heard. No hits on her yet." The blond elf states with a shrug.
They are silent for a few moments. After a minute Ryan speaks slow as his minds comes up with ideas "Leliana, Zevran and Arinda are the best to sneak in and get Anora out. Elondo head in with them. As much as I want a warrior with you, none of us are inconspicuous. Arinda is the strongest amongst you and the one they will make assumptions about." He stands up and nods. "Be quick and silent, try not to kill people as best as you can. It will cause political issues and we need them for the Blight."
Gathering their things he moves around to each of them "While you are dealing with that our group will split up and try to get sway with any nobles or even the people here."
"Your best bet is to offer your help to the guards and people who hold peace. With the Blight destroying everything people are acting crazier. They are the ones dealing with it and they are the ones who will be protecting everyone. If you help them, they will help you." Arinda and Nia did this a lot. Both guards and some of the hungry. It was mutually beneficial for all groups involved.
Zevran chuckles and points at her "What she said."
Opting out of wearing her new armor, as they are going into a castle, she pulls on her old stuff with a few of the new leathers. Nothing fancy or for too much protection. The idea is to be swift without attracting too much attention.
The Arl Estate is far from Howe's own so they have some time to chat. Which is not the best. Elondo ends up next to her and he keeps looking at her than away. "I am sorry." The words are stumbled over, almost one word with how fast the male speaks. He is flushing all the way to his ears "I know I have been… short and not the best company." Rubbing the back of his neck he chuckles awkwardly.
She raises her brow at him.
Clearing his throat Elondo nods "Right. I think I have been a bit overwhelmed with everything. The whole- the war. Being a Grey Warden. This is the first time I have had to fight for my life and kill people." The elf stares forward, his gaze far away. "Liking you… and Zevran." This part has her thrown. She assumed he stopped liking her. "I really like you both and I want to be with you both." Consider her shocked.
Mouth opening an airy crack comes from her. Snapping it shut the teen stares at him unable to say anything for a solid minute. She comes back when the taller reaches towards her face. Dodging out of the way she shakes her head. "I am… flattered. But that is- we can't." Her tone is stilted. Arinda does not like him, but everything that was added on has her a bit thrown. She still has no desire to be with him. He is too immature, there is too much going on. She likes someone else. "I need to focus on this-" she motions around them. "I hope you and Zevran are happy." Jogging she quickly catches up to Leliana and Zevran.
Turning she motions her head at Elondo to Zevran "Go talk to him." He makes a curious expression but slows down.
Leliana is smiling at her, hands folding behind her. Before the redhead can say anything the teen holds a finger up "Ah- No. I don't like him." Pressing her lips together she turns to look around as they continue moving. "He makes me uncomfortable." Whispering this more to herself she is reminded of all the times he has tried to touch her even when she made it known she doesn't want it.
A hand touches her shoulder. Glancing over she sees Leliana with her brows furrowed. It seems the woman heard her. The woman leans a bit closer "Has he… done anything?" Her voice is concerned. Arinda waves her off, shaking her head.
The sun beats down, yet the air is crisp, ice cold. In the city things are different. There is still an air of fear. It is very different outside. People talk and gossip, kids play, merchants yell about wares. There is something like a lag, the knowledge is there about the Blight but it is not quite as prolific.
Time flies by and they stand in front of the Estate. There is a crowd of people but they don't seem to be quite ready to bust down the door. "There you are!" a voice states. They turn and catch sight of the elven woman Erlina. She looks over the group with a frown "Just you?"
Arinda grinds her teeth to stop herself from snapping at the woman. She is lucky they are even bothering with this. While Anora may be locked in, the woman could no doubt get herself out. They young teen is trying to figure out what the human could possibly gain from this.
Thankfully Leliana moves forward with a smile, her own Orlesian accent coming out stronger than usual "Do not fret. We will help how we can." She waves her arms at the three. "We have the best. An Antivan crow, someone who has studied at the circle for years to develop their magic and spy." Despite the sacchrine tone there is a clear threat in her words.
Erlina looks around, her eyes landing on the youngest. Keeping her head down Arinda does not make eye contact "Why have I not heard of her then?" She replies back to the red-head.
The sweet smile turns sharp "Because she does her job right." Her green and blue eyes look down at the dark haired female coldly. Her smile softens again and she motions forward "Let us not dally, we wish to save your Queen, yes? Show us the way." She more or less bulldozed over any of the elves worries and made it known she will not tolerate any kind of insult to them. Got to watch out for those Orlaisans.
"Follow me, there are guards so we must stay hidden."
Arinda looks towards Leliana and whispers "Why doesn't she just give us a uniform?" Her questions goes unanswered but she does get an approving look from the older.
They follow her around the side of the buidling and find themself in what could be described as a Garden, mostly vegtables are seen, there is a smaller section that seems to be healing herbs. They sneak, crouching and staying as close to the wall as possible. Once more there is a path, narrow and Zevran stops them as they see some people higher up on the wall.
Erlina is very impatient but she gets another look from Leliana and that seems to stop her pretty quickly. Both archers could take the men out before anyone is alerted, but again that could cause issues in the future. After a moment Arinda hums "I might be able to shield another person with my magic. I can't explain it but I can pull magic around myself, the best I can describe is that it disturbs the magic in the area surrounding me and makes an effect almost like a mirror. It is not perfect, so if someone knows we are here then they will be able to see us, or if someone is attuned with magic. But for simple guards it should work." She hopes.
They each look at each other. Erlina is sent a head, she is not considered suspicious so she can walk around. It would have been easier if they were given servant clothes. Looking at the group she decides on Leliana. Holding her hand out the human takes it. Inhaling she closes her eyes and focus; feeling the magic around her. She listens and lets everything else fall away. Her attention is drawn to the woman next to and slowly she pulls her magic, and what she can from everything around her. Despite what is taught, everything has magic, but not everyone and everything can tap into it.
Leliana gasps as the magic wraps around her. The feeling is cool against her flesh, even though most of it is covered. The sensation is like water. Looking at each other Arinda nods "Slow, no sound and try to stay in the shade and close to the wall." The elf leads.
They hug the wall but keep from touching it. She hasn't tried to cover anyone else and the elf doesn't want to disturb this in anyway. It is honestly a bit nerve wracking as they can hear the conversations that the people on the wall are having as they walk. Neither slow or fast, constant and careful. Arinda keeps her breath steady and her magic flow like a circle. They get past the wall and she lets her spell drop.
Standing still they let a breath out as there is no call. She nods to the woman and once more her magic moves around her. Moving faster the teen rushes back and does the same thing. It is easier to use the magic on Zevran, more so on Elondo. Perhaps Elves have a higher affinity for magic.
They all breathe easier once they are past the hurdle.
The elf waits for them by the door "The guards are rotating now so we must hurry." Erlina crouches by a bush and yanks out a few things. Clothing.
Pressing her lips into a thin line Arinda barely refrains from shaking the woman roughly. She had them but did not give them to the group.
The big problem is the fact they won't be able to carry many weapons. Not bothering to wait both Zevran and Arinda start to yank of their clothes, Elondo shrieks well Leliana grimaces. The two elves look at the others with a blank expression. The clothing is a bit big for Arinda so she slips her shin and arm braces on. Small knives are shoves into each one and she calls it good. They all eventually change and shove everything in the bush.
"Most of the guards are all new, servants are all the same to them, they will not look at your face…" the older female looks at Arinda "You… may wish to keep her head down. They won't remember us but your eyes are too… unique to be looked over." She keeps herself from rolling her eyes. "Follow me."
They get in and right away they see a guard. He is sleeping and from the smell, sleeping off some alcohol. Each person gives the snoring human a look of disgust as they move past. Thankfully, the smell fades away and is pushed out by the scent of food as they enter the kitchen. Quickly Arinda shifts her body so her head is tilted down, hair shadowing her eyes a tad. Enough to keep others from seeing them, but she can still see others.
"Erlina! Is that you? Dear, here. I just made the Queens meal. She only trusts you so perhaps she will finally eat something." A woman says, her hair grey and in a tight bun. "Who might this be?" Her voice comes a bit harder.
"These are some people that were hired recently by Anora. They didn't manage to come before… everything." the servant keeps her voice quiet, accent softer. It dips almost sadly at the last word. She touches Leliana's arm "I knew her back in Orlais and thought that Anora would be comfortable with someone I trust."
Leliana is quick to show a smile, her eye brows furrow fuax in worry. "It is a pleasure." It would be difficult to understand her if she didn't know Orlesian. The human made her accent thicker than ever. She glances over and looks at Arinda "I thought we would be serving the Queen and helping, but a war has begun and even… struggle."
Arinda nods and gives a small smile "At least it is familiar" She manages to make her own accent, not as strong but believable. Leliana smile a bit bigger. Erlina looks over at her with shock for only a second, she reaches out and pushes the youngest forward. "This is my cousins daughter-"
"Alright alright. Didn't think we were gonna have any more Orlesian's." The cook states and holds the food out more. Arinda quickly grabs the platter, both so they can leave but also to get the other females hand off her.
Each of them grab some food, water and a pitcher and are off. Arinda make sure to stay in the middle of the group and close to Leliana. They all chat softly and get quiet, bowing and moving out of the way of guards and some nobles that walk around. Despite it being a rather big estate, they pretty much have to follow one long hallway.
They go into a large room and into another hallway "This is it! This is her room!" Erlina all but shouts. She sets the platter down quickly and rushes past a door. They all stand in front of another one. Arinda grabs the older elves arm and pulls her back as she tries to touch the door handle. "I wouldn't do that if I was you. Someone used magic to seal it. Touching it woulf hurt you."
"What she said is true. Is that you Erlina?" a muffled voice speaks.
"My lady!"
"Thank the Maker! My host deemed guards inadequate and had the door sealed with magic!" Clear indignation comes from the female. Muttering and what sounds like some curses follow.
The dark haired elf turns to the group "We must get her out of there!"
"Erlina, stay calm. There is a mage, you must find him. He will be by Howe's side. Kill him and I should be free." Arinda laughs at how easy the woman makes it seem.
Elondo speaks up "Could you take the barrier down?" His question is directed at Arinda.
She blinks at him, caught off guard. It is a smart question. "I could-"
"Then do it. Hurry!"
The brunet turns to look at the Orlesian elf. "If I did, he would be notified. Which would cause a huge issue. Other servants and people could get hurt or killed because of it." Turning back to the door she reaching out. Not touching but feeling the spell that was cast on the door. Honestly, it is not anything complicated.
"... My lady. We will go after the mage and Howe. If left alone he could help your father gather more allies. He has also done damage to the Cousland family and if I left him alife I know my comrade with disapprove. While we go after them; I recommend you pack and grab everything you deem important. Does that sound saticfactory to you?" Arinda speaks carefuly, polite yet firm.
"Howe is a despicable man. But a powerful one. Kill him if you must, it will do little to damage our goal." She responds muffled.
A soft laugh, no one could hear. 'Goal' huh?
They each look at the other. "Is there a way you could gather our armor and weapons?" Zevran speaks up. "As fun as running all but naked at this Howe fellow I would rather our chances with weapons." Erlina looks at the door with concern. Finally she looks to the ground and then behind them.
"If you can bring it all to that window I could climb in and out with our armor." Arinda states.
They had to wait nearly half an hour before they all had their gear on and they were ready. Thankfully they don't have to go too far again. Both Arinda and Zevran sneak forward and make sure the coast is clear. Heading to Howe's room is surprisingly easier, there aren't many guards. There was one close call and the teen manages to force him to sleep with some magic as he was turning. Zevran caught him before he fell and made a loud noise.
Passing one room they heard some… interesting noises. To say the least.
Once in the mans bedroom Arinda and Zevran both start to snoop. "There is a door right there." Elondo states in a whisper. Both other elves ignore him in favor of grabbing anything that looks valiable and putting it in their pockets. Leliana gives them both a look but her lip twitches.
Once they shoved a few more things in pouches and pockets they head down to the door. Which is a very weird thing, the man is definitely sadistic if he has the door to the dungeon in his room.
"Who are you!? What are you- ah!?" The group stares blank as the guard is grabbed, hands coming from the bares behind him. A resounding snap is heard. The hands move around a bit, grabbing a key, the door opens and the body is dragged in.
The sound of clothes and armor moving around can be heard. Arinda looks at Zevran, who looks at Leliana. There is a moment or two of silence before a man walks out. Dark messy hair hangs around his face. Dark circles are prominant and there is a rather painful looking bruise on his left cheek.
Bowing at them the stranger winces "I must thank you for the distraction. I have been in here for weeks, waiting for the oppertunity." He looks over the group with hazy eyes.
Arinda holds a hand up and walks forward. Rummaging in her pack she pulls out a piece of jerky. "Here, it isn't much but I don't know how well you were fed. Eat it and then I have a health potion too-" The man takes the food with a 'thanks' and does as instructed. They all wait patiently as he shakily eats and drinks. A good ten minutes pass before his palor looks better.
"You have my thanks again. It has been a trying past few days and… wait…" He stops mid word and stares at the youngest. "You are… a Grey Warden? I can feel it within you. Not the sickness." Confusion mixed with something else war on his face.
Arinda snaps a glare at Elondo before turning her eyes back to the man. "Yes, I was stabbed in the deeproads and contracted the Blight." There is silence for a few moments,
"Then I am sorry. Being a Grey Warden is a heavy burden."
Swallowing she looks down clenching her fists tight. "Alistair said the same thing."
"Alistair? Is he here with you?"
She shakes her head at his question. "No, he is with Ryan, the other Grey Warden. They are moving around Denerim trying to gather more information and allies. This is Elondo, a Warden that Duncan recruited from the Circle. Zevran a… an ally we picked up on the way." The tan elf bows with a smirk "Leliana, a bard who offered her services to us. I am Arinda." She nods at the human.
"Well met. I am Riordan, senior Warden of Jader. I was born in Highever though… glad to be home. Even if the reasoning is not the best." Once more the male bows, looking far better than before.
Elondo steps forward "Why are you here?" His brows are furrowed. "We thought we were the only ones here. After Ostagar…" He trails off and stares at the ground.
"I was sent after we heard no news from Cailan or Duncan after Ostagar. We had no idea what happened. Until I heard rumors about Wardens." He frowns, hands tight at his side. "The Warden's of Orlais were ready to send help. When Maric took the ban off Warden's they wished to come and give aid. Perhaps not the best to be excited about. But we waited and… nothing."
"We had two hundred or so wardens and a few dozen cavalry. When we were turned away at the border, that is when we heard what happened. Or what everyone was being told." Riordan shakes his head and paces "We thought it safest to send one person to scout, find as much information as we could. The best way to stop the Blight. I was born here and knew best the people and land. I volunteered." Pressing his lips together he stops moving and turns looking at the cell he was previously in.
"If Fereldan is to fall, at least we will know the best way to fight when it moves." He looks up.
"Yes, because losing possible forces to the Blight has always been such a good idea. It isn't like the Blight has ravages the world years and years when whole empires have fallen." The sarcasm drips like acid from her mouth as she stares at the human.
Riordan looks back with surprise, he nods after a moment. Looking at each person he shows a smile "But it looks like you have done well despite it all on building allies. If what I have heard is anything to go by." Looking closer his eyes shift back to Arinda and his attention is fully on her. "If the edict that Loghain put in place could be lifted, I could send a message to the troops who are waiting." There is a question in the statement.
Sighing she shakes her head. "We will sort it out but it would be best for you to send it before. It will do no good if this takes a month and than another for them to even get here. By then the Blight might hit fully and they would be too late. The people know they need the warden's by now they will hear as you have on who is truly helping. So send your letter." Arinda shifts from her foot to the other and glances at the others.
He nods at her and there is a smile on his face, something almost fond.
"Have you seen Howe?"
"He went past not too long ago. He, a few guards and the mage he has taken in." At this the girl nods and moves to the side. "Take the mans helmet and sword, you can pretend to be a guard and make your way out. We were informed most are new so they won't recognize you. There should be an elven woman not to far, black hair in a bun and in fancy red Orlaisan clothes. You can ask her help you out. Head to Eamon's Estate and say you were sent by Arinda."
"My thanks, I would be grateful to breath fresh air. We will meet again. Good luck… Sister." With that the man limps over to the cell, he comes out with the sword and the helmet on. He nods to both Arinda and Elondo.
Once he is gone they turn and make their way to the open second where there are stairs. It doesn't take long for the scent to hit. Blood, feces, rotting corpses and fear. Arinda cringes and bites her tongue. She hears Elondo let out a sound. Turning the girl gives him a glare and whispers "Be silent. We don't know how many guards there are and where." With that she turns back and rushes down the rest of the stares. She doesn't see or hear anyone in the immediate area so she nods and the others follow. There is not much down this part, she sees some sacks and a few buckets.
As they move further they can pick up a few voices. The younger elf and the human pull the bows off their back and move forward quickly. There is a group of five men, all gathered around a barrel. It seems like they are playing some card game. Seeing what they are all wearing she waves Zevran over and puts her finger to her lips.
Taking a step back she puts her bow away and concentrates. She lets it build and as it does a buzzing sound, soft at first before sounding more like bees. Light flickers and the spell builds up quickly, it catches the mens attention but by then the lightning is ready to go. Her hands shoot forward and the lighting arcs and smashes into the first male. He doesn't get to scream as his body seizes. It latches onto the men close to him, the metal armor a conduit. It hits each men, temporarily causing their body to lock up.
Arinda shakes her hands out and grabs her knives. Her hands are still numb and she won't be able to aim well. Zevran has already dispatched someone, as has Leliana, now on her second. Arinda twists her knife up and under the males arm and stabs into his armpit. A choked gasp is pushed out as he instantly collapses on the ground. The fight is an easy one, unfortunately it seems like the sound carried as the sound of metal on rock echo around. Zevran looks to the teen but she shakes her head.
"Lightning makes my hand and arms numb. Three times is my limit before I can't move them." He shrugs and rushes forward to hide near the opening. He pulls something out and holds it up, she can make out a flask with yellowish liquid within. "Throw it when I say and then run back over here." She says quickly.
He nods at her. Just as the group comes into view she looks at the elf and nods "Now." He does as told and lobs it at the group. Before it hits them she hurls a fireball. It makes contact with the glass; it shatters and once the heat hits the liquid an explosion happens. She can see greenish vapors mixed witht he grey smoke. Arinda throws another fireball, smaller this time, into the mess and hears screaming and choking.
They all stand for a few moments as everything clears. Walking over she is careful. Freezing everything quickly so no liquids could cause any damage. "Cover your mouth just in case and try to hold your breathe as we move through this area. Hopefully it clears out when we come back." They all nod and do as told.
Carefully and quickly they move across the dead bodies. Once past they glance around. Another hall with a lot of nothing. Making some eye contact the group decides to open a few doors. Unfortuntely there are some people behind some.
They end up in one room and find a half naked male. He is a young handsome blond man, quite confident for someone who is tied up too.
"Get me out of this now!" He orders. Arinda looks towards Zevran with a raised brow.
"What? You think just because I enjoyed being tied up I know how to untie that?" She stares harder and he chuckles before doing as told. The male is free and he angrily rubs at his raw wrists.
"Is this a joke? My father trying to punish me thinking this will work better than sending me off the Estate?" He glares at each person, though he does look questioningly at the youngest female.
"I am sorry we don't know who you are. We came here to free the Queen but the mage did something so we are after him and Howe." Leliana states as she stares with an unreadable gaze at the blond human.
His eyes turn more unsure, nervous. "Then… You find yourself in the company of a noble. I am Oswyn, son of of Bann Sighard, of the Dragon's Peak Bannorn. If you are not one of fathers soldiers than who might I be thanking?"
Elondo moves forward and stands right in front of Arinda. "We are Grey Warden's."
"Grey Warden's, I need not guess. You have been a thorn in Loghain's side for some time. You have my thanks, no doubt the gratitude of the entire Dragon's peek bannorn." He shakes his head and looks down "If no one was sent my father has no idea where I am. I must leave quickly and inform him of whose hand he is shaking and how it may stab him in the back. If you meet with my father he will give you whatever reward you ask."
Arinda pushes Elondo out of the way with a huff. "We only need him to speak out against Loghain at the Landsmeet. Also-" She reaches out and gently takes the males wrists. Magic seeps out and she heals the minor injury. "Before anything else happens I recommend getting out. Take the clothes off the dead and leave. Before anymore come."
Oswyn smiles down at her and moves his arms so he is able to cup her hands. "I am grateful. It is not every day a man is the damsel and the woman is the knight." He nods at each and hurries off.
Arinda blinks wildly for a few moments.
Both Leliana and Zevran are snickering at her. Rolling her eyes she turns "Oh shove it." She catches sight of a dark look on Elondo.
More guard and more killing. They go down a few more halls, kill a few jailers and steal a key. They stumble on a few people in cells. A man with a wild look in his eyes. Sadness and fear. "It isn't safe, we left them and they died. They died and screamed and the witch. The witch! Oh she ate them. I know it. The darkspawn and the men. We blew the horn and left."
Arinda unlocks the door and reaches out. She grabs his wrist tight and yanks him forward. "What do you see?"
"See? I saw the blood and the death-"
Squeezing harder the man winces and his eyes snap to her. "What do you see now?"
There is a pause. He looks around with a frown "Rock… Your eyes, they are like the dead…"
"Good." Slowly she lets his wrist go "What do you feel?"
"Tired… It hurts. I am tired and hungry." Slowly his eyes look at her "Cold." His voice is hoarse. The glint is still there but there is faint recognition. "I want to go home. Can I go home?" The man whispers.
She nods "There are dead bodies, take the clothes and go home."
The next person is an elf. He blinks as if dazed, the man focuses on the group with confusion. "What? You're… you are not them."
"I'd hope not. We are far better looking… and certainly smell more fresh." Zevran snarks out.
The dark brown haired elf chuckles weakly. He looks down for a moment before grabbing the bars "Are you an enemy of Urien? I've been down here for… so long."
"Urien? He has been dead for at least half a year." Leliana states with furrowed brows.
This has the man's eyes widenly. Leaning against the bars he shakes his head "Then who?" Muttering to himself he shakes his head "My name is Soris, I need to get out. No doubt so much has changed." There is a certain darkness in his gaze. "They killed her…" He mumbles while gripping the bars tighter.
Unlocking the cell the teen slowly opens it. She reaches into her pouch and pulls out the small pouch of dried fruit. Handing to the man she nods. "Eat this and get out."
"I-I I wish I could do more." Shaking her head at him she smiles and flicks her head towards the exit.
The group stops for a breather.
"Any injuries?"
They all shake their head. At least she has gotten used to the smell.
Heading back out they stumble on a few more doors. A shiny chest that Leliana ends up having to open as Zevran breaks another lockpick and Arinda doesn't even try. They get some fancy arrows.
The next door a nasely low voice sneers "Well look at what we have. The Grey Warden, I am surprised. Has Eamon stooped so low as to allow you invading my castle and massacuring my men." He laughs with a glare "It seems he doesn't believe the Landsmeet will go that well, now does he?" This man must be Howe. He certainly looks like one.
"We are only here for Anora… though I am here to kill you too. You tried to kill the Cousland. You have a lot of optimism for someone who didn't manage to kill the people you set out for. I can say the same for Loghain. I don't see the need for any fear, perhaps you should feel embarrassed. A man your age and with your qualifications and you failed… how many times? I also wonder how Loghain would feel to know the way you treated his daughter." Arinda twirls her daggers and speaks slow. Her opulent eyes flickering around to see how many men there are.
"You knife ear bitch! Kill them! Leave the cunt to me!" He snarls rushing forward.
Arinda laughs and crouches low and uses her muscles to shoot forward and knock her shoulder right into the mans diaphragm. He goes down with a wheeze. She ignores him and instead heads right for the mage. There is a moment of panic in his eyes that fades to a smirk. He raises his hand and a barrier comes up.
What cockiness.
Staring at him she cuts her hand through the air to disrupt the magic. The barrier falls as does his expression. Arinda is on him in seconds. Her dagger sinks between two rips and punctures a lung. Her hand comes up and grabs the mans mouth. "You made a mistake aligning yourself with the man who massacured a whole castle of innocence." Growling this harshly into his ear she twists the dagger in sick delight. His eyes bulge and he screams, the noise muffled by her hand.
Pain laces down her back and she rolls quickly out of the way. Her dagger still stuck in the mages now dead body she looks up to see Howe smirking at her. "You think he is the only mage I know? They are all expendable."
Arinda keeps her face like stone even as the slash on her back pulses. Standing straight she raises her own arms up as if shrugging. "You think I don't know mages?" Her voice comes low and smooth. Instantly fire engulfs her hands; it causes the human's eyes to widen. The flames flicker in his gaze. Smirking she lunges at him.
His sword swings at him and she rolls out of the way. Her hand wraps around his shin tight, quickly she forces the spell to heat up faster and is rewarded with him swearing. She ducks and twists back, pushing off the ground she back flips landing on her feet. Not stopping Arinda pulls one of the small knives out and rushes at him. He steps back and twitches at the pain. Slicing at his neck he brings up his blade and parries.
It is like a dance.
This many may not be a great strategist but he certainly has been in fights. She pulls out another knife and steps forward, flinging the weapon at him she follows. He hits it away and that gives her the opening she needs. Grabbing his wrists she yanks and twists, there is a crack and he drops the sword. Swiftly she brings the blade up and stabs it into the side of his throat.
"Get down!" Leliana's voice shouts.
On instinct she drops to the ground and hears an arrow and thunk. Looking up she sees Howe standing stiff with an arrow in the eye. After a few seconds he drops to the ground dead.
Once the teen stands up she winces with a groan. The man managed to kick her in the ribs pretty hard once. The large cut down her back is burning from her rolling around and no doubt dirty as hell from the ground.
Leliana rushes over reaching out. She stops quickly and looks at the females face. Grimacing she shakes her head "You will need to clean that. It won't be good to heal it over any dirt and whatever else is on the ground." Her expression turns disgusted.
"Wow thanks for that vote of confidence. Someone go get the key- oh. Thanks Zev." Limping a bit she holds under her ribs. They aren't broken so she will leave them be and let them heal naturally. Swerving around Elondo as the man rushes towards him she nods and they head down the hall once more. They stumble on a man pacing back and forth.
"Who are you- ugh another Elvhen whore, come to laugh at me huh you bitch- agh!" Zevran's hand come out and through the bars stabbing the man in the throat.
He pulls his hand back with a frown and looks towards the others "What? I don't think anyone will miss him." He shrugs and wipes his hands off. They are all more or less bloody. Thankfully not drenched in it. Now that the yelling is gone they can hear praying.
Shuffling over to the other cell they see a man kneeling on the ground. Arinda steps back and nods to Leliana. The red head steps forward, her face changing, softer and filled with warmth. It is honestly a bit scary, does she look like that when she does that too?
"Andraste… Bride of the Maker. Forgive me please. Who… Who are you? No no… is this real. Who are you?" He speaks soft, words rattled and confused. "Alfstanna, have mercy. I don't know you. My little sister, where is she?!" clearly his brain is confused.
"You poor thing. Are you okay?" Leliana pitches her voice in a soothing way, not too high.
The man looks around, eyes cloudy, they land on Arinda and she tenses as he comes forward. "Alfstanna? I don't know… where am I? Where are you?" Whispering he reaches out and touches her hair. Clenching her jaw she allows it. He plays with her hair a bit longer, twirling a few strands and rubbing it between his fingers. The man hums something under his breath as he does so.
He drops his hand and stares a few moments longer and shakes his head. His gaze is more clear "I… I am Irminric, Knight-liutenant of the Denerim Chantry. You… Are you one of Loghain's men?" He questions fear and desperation held tight in his tone.
Stepping a bit closer she squints and sees his eyes are bloodshot. The veins on his body are protruding a bit. Sweat gleams on him. After a moment she steps back "You are a templar." Stating this it takes everything in her not to back up.
Instantly tears fill his eyes "I failed! I failed in my duty. Maker forgive me, and there is no telling…" He stops and stares for a few moments. "Alfstanna, where is she? Where is my sister?"
The other look confused "Ah… Lyrium withdrawal." Muttering she presses her lips into a thin line. She turns to Elondo and holds her hand out. He looks at her blankly. She gives him a look "Lyrium, you have some. Give me." Snapping she waves her hand again.
His mouth goes in an 'O' and the male listens.
"The maleficar, I cornered him in Redcliffe… But they took him…" The templar keeps mumbling. Snatching the bottle of Lyrium, there isn't a lot in it. Which is good. Arinda grabs the mans hand an presses the bottle into it.
His eyes snap down, widening. A look like hunger shows in his eyes. She tightens her hold so he can't do anything yet. The male looks up at her " He died. Jowan, the blood mage died." She speaks clearly. That is the only one she can think of that was near Redcliffe and is a blood mage.
Relief comes to him. She lets him go and watches as the man all but inhales the blue liquid. Rather quickly his whole form sags. Arinda reaches out and smacks his arm. "You need to go now, do not fall asleep, do not stop. Go find your sister Knight-Liutenant." She speaks in an authorative tone.
He nods and mumbles to himself. Not as mad as before.
They look at each other. "Time to go back up."
Each one of them groans. Even Arinda.
It is slow and painful making there way back through everything. Zevran does stop a few times to search there bodies. The teen is too sore to do that, her back is throbbing, burning at this point. She will need a hot bath and Wynne can heal it.
Thankfully they don't have to go far, they use the key to take the short cut. Even so. The stairs seem endless as they head up. Once at the top Arinda wipes sweat and breathes out harsh. Perhaps a fever? No. Just tired and in pain.
They pick up speed to rush back out the halls once they get out of Howe's room. She hopes that since they were more or less silent other than the dungeon, they won't get caught.
Limping up to Erlina the elf gives them all a look over. Her nose scrunches but she doesn't say anything. Zevran uses the key and a taller woman steps out in full body armor. It looks more ornament than useful. Shining in the light alone with the way breasts are literally build and molded into it. Still, she does look imposing. A bit.
"My thanks." She speaks, her blue eyes flicker over the group quickly.
"As much as I would love to hear more, I want to get out of here while we can." Arinda speaks up. Her voice is tight but she forces her body to stand straight and show no weakness.
Anora nods "Very true, let us move swiftly."
They all rush out quickly. But instantly they see a large group of guards. Arinda sighs long and drawn out. They were already seen, not to mention Anora is not stopping and is continuing with her head held high. Truly, a tricky woman. They will have to watch her.
A female human steps forward and speaks out clear and loud. "Warden, for the murder of Rendon Howe and his men at arms I am placing you under arrest." She looks at each of them "Surrender and we will be merciful. We only wish for the wardens. We will let the others go." The woman steps forward, her bronze armor well worn.
The others move but Arinda holds her hand up. "We will surrender." This has the female's eyes widening. "You? I know of the mage elf but who are you?" Her words are sharp but she is not looking down.
"A new member. It is just him and I."
There is a pause, she nods her head "The others may go, grab the two and take them down to the dungeon." with that she turns and a few men walks towards them. She sees Zevran shift but she shakes her head. "You all need to leave now."
Anora looks at her with curiosity, a glint in her gaze. "I am glad this didn't end in bloodshed."
Narrowing her eyes she lets her wrists be grabbed "It did, in the dungeon." They are dragged away.