Do not own Dragon Age
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26 Cassius, 9:30 Dragon, Orzammar
It is mid-afternoon when they arrive back in Orzammar. The journey back was much smoother, then the travel out. They only stopped briefly in Ortan Thaig to return the pieces of the Topsider's sword. The remarkable thing, upon placing the parts inside and shutting the lid, they saw a glow and a flash. Looking back inside, the sword was whole again, a skeletal hand, holding the blade, was stretched out, offering it. Alistair said a prayer and accepted the sword. Inspecting the weapon, it has a large damage bonus to darkspawn and a boost to the wielder for health.
The cart is unloaded quickly, the companions taking their packs, Shale carries the chest. Solona hands a coin purse to each lookout, and the driver, who are extremely grateful at her generosity. They assure Solona, that if they ever need to go back into the Deep Roads, they would be happy to accompany the group. Solona smiles and nods.
They stop at the house, depositing everything not needed. The housekeeper and Zerlinda are doing some lite cleaning, the baby is taking a nap. The chest is put in one of the bedrooms, locking the door behind them. They do a quick clean up, if the group hurries, they can make it to the Assembly, before it recesses for the day.
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The Chamber is deafening, shouting voices coming from all sides. The companions walk inside, stepping down to the open center. Sereda points out Harrowmont, standing on the left of the Steward.
"Lords and Ladies of the Assembly, we must have order." the Steward says.
"I have news from the Deep Roads." Solona calls out loudly.
"What news do you bring?" the Steward asks.
"Paragon Caridin was trapped inside the body of a golem. The Grey Wardens helped him destroy the Anvil of the Void, freeing him and granting him the mercy that he sought. Before he died, Caridin forged a crown for Orzammar's next King, chosen by the Ancestors themselves." Oghren explains.
"I'd like to believe you, Oghren, but everyone knows that the Wardens are in Bhelen's pocket." Harrowmont states.
Solona hands the crown to the Steward, having him inspect the article. Both Bhelen and Harrowmont inspect the crown as well.
"This is of Paragon make. It even has House Ortan's ancient seal. To whom did Caridin chose?" the Steward queries.
"He asked me to chose." Solona answers honestly.
"Why would a Paragon ask a stranger, who know nothing about us, chose our next King?" a Deshyr questions.
"Enough! We have argued in these chambers for far too long. The will of the Paragon was to let the Grey Wardens decide. So be it. Who do you chose, Grey Warden?" the Steward inquires.
"The Grey Wardens chose Prince Bhelen." Solona returns.
The Steward has Bhelen step in front of him, before placing the crown on his head.
"Do you recognize me as King?" Bhelen asks to Harrowmont.
"I...can not go against a Paragon." Harrowmont says, resigned.
"Then as my first act, I order Lord Harrowmont to be executed." Bhelen commands.
Sereda watches as Harrowmont is led away, sad that it has to be this way, but understands why.
"Please, come to the Palace tonight. We will have a celebration, Orzammar has it's new King." Bhelen offers.
Solona accepts graciously, the group could do with a night to relax and socialize. She asks if formal attire is needed. Bhelen nods, but directs her to a shop in the Diamond Quarter, they should have everything the companions need.
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Alim, Shale, Solona, and her mabari, go to the Shaperate, everyone else is at the clothing shop. The three separating, Alim goes to find the woman he talked to last time, hoping she is here. Shale goes to the Wall of Memories, hoping it will trigger something. Solona gives the rubbings to the Shaperate, who is excited about receiving them. Alim finds the woman, giving her the records. She is grateful, and asks Alim to check back with her in a couple weeks, she may be a Noble then. The three leave, returning to the clothing shop.
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The companions are enjoying the festivities, although Oghren, Shale decided not to come. Oghren not in the mood, Shale not wanting to be around that many people. The mabari were asked to stay at the house, to keep the other two friends company. Sereda is talking to her brother, surprising the Lords and Ladies. Faren is next to them, talking to his sister, conversing together a couple of times, periodically. Morrigan and Sten are watching the frivolity from a corner table, trying to learn the nuances of the social gathering. Alim, Leliana, and Solona check on them from time to time, but continue to float around the room, talking to various Deshyr's. Alistair, Darrian, Elissa, and Lyna are sitting at a table eating and chatting.
"Will you tell me about what it was like, being in the Chantry? Your Templar training?" Elissa inquires.
"You sure you want to know? It's really boring." Alistair returns.
"Then make something up." Elissa retorts.
"Well, let's see..." Alistair tells her, making stuff up, but Elissa laughs.
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"Do you think they will have dancing?" Darrian asks.
"I am unsure. I am in unfamiliar territory here." Lyna answers.
"Then it's not a real party." Darrian remarks.
"I have not been to many. We did not have celebrations like this amongst my clan. Do they often dance at parties in your Alienages?" Lyna inquires.
"Oh all the time. A few were already dancing, before my wedding even started." Darrian says.
"Wedding? Are you married?" Lyna queries, confused.
"No. We never got to finish." Darrian returns, twisting a ring on his finger.
"I..." Lyna starts.
"I will tell you, I promise. But not here, not now. Tonight is for peace and merriment. Let us forget about darkspawn and death." Darrian retorts, then drains his wine glass.
Lyna nods.
"It's not what you think." Elissa whispers in her ear.
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27 Cassius, 9:30 Dragon, Frostback Mountains
Leaving the Palace, the new Coterie being administered by Rica, funded by a generous donation from the Grey Wardens and King Bhelen. Rica is the perfect choice to run the endeavor. She is familiar with Dust Town and knows Leske, who will handle the day to day schedules. With her controlling the funding, there will be less conflicts about corruption.
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One of Bhelen's kitchen staff asks if the Wardens could check out a strange vial they found in a crate, they had brought from the store room to the kitchen. They agree and investigate the vial, which turns out to be another Revenant and a note, that Alim puts into a book.
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The gates of Orzammar are behind them. The sun is shining bright in the clear blue sky, a few clouds floating by.
"Ancestors! It's so beautiful!" Dagna exclaims.
"You took the words, right out of my mouth." Darrian agrees.
"Give me a moment, Warden." Oghren asks.
"Of course, take your time." Solona offers.
"Just look at all that sky." Oghren comments.
"I...kind of like it." Zerlinda remarks, the baby cooing.
Solona sends the others off to find Bodahn, if he's still in the market. She waits with Oghren, giving him time to adjust.
"Alright, Boss. I'm ready. Still don't know why you brought the kid with us." Oghren says, moving forward.
"Well, I can't help his mother and leave him behind, that's crazy." Solona quips, walking next to him.
"Not that kid. That I get. I mean the smith kid. Why her?" Oghren queries.
"You were still in the house. Faren, Sereda and I had gone to finish a few details, we stopped in with Dagna, when her father appeared, he started insulting her, me, Sereda, and especially Faren. I told Dagna to get her things, forget her messages. I would escort her to the Tower and make them take her as an apprentice. She smiled so bright. I will help her, Oghren. No one deserves to be treated like that from a parent." Solona explained.
"Yeah, Orzammar ain't kind to those who wish to do something else, try other things. Alright, I guess I can help too." Oghren says.
They see the others ahead, talking to Bodahn and Sandal. Introductions are made, Bodahn's cart is packed up, with an extra chest from the companions, and the group is heading away from Orzammar before the sun begins to set. Dagna is talking a mile minute, everything is fascinating to her. Oghren looks a bit nauseous, but he keeps it together.
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At camp that night Zerlinda is a little uneasy, but the group is able to assure her that everything will be fine. The baby is being a little fussy, when Solona asks if she may hold him. Zerlinda agrees, Solona sits on a log, looking at the baby, who stares back at her. She positions the baby, it's back to her chest, the infant able to see all around. Solona puts her hand out, palm up. Using just a tiny fraction of her magic, she makes tiny sparks, small fireworks appear. The little one loves it, clapping and laughing.
"I promise Heimdall, no harm will come to you while we are with you. If you are brave, I will show you the small magic show again. I know the surface is scary for sure, but so is Orzammar. Can you be courageous for me little one? Can you be heroic, for your mother?" Solona inquires.
The baby is quiet, then coos softly.
"That's fine. Trying is brave too." Solona agrees.
The baby coos.
"Oh yes, everyday. But my friends are a great help. I know that they are with me. So my fear is lessened. It's alright to be afraid. You are small and can not defend yourself yet, but we are here, we will keep you safe." Solona tells him.
The baby coos again and a again.
"Alright, alright. Just once more though, then it's off to bed. We have a long journey ahead." Solona says, before turning her palm up again, showing the baby more little fireworks.
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Zerlinda emerges from a tent, waving Solona over, "I don't know how you knew what he was saying, or how you knew what to do, but thank you. He seems happier now, calmer." she comments.
Solona steps closer, bending to whisper in Zerlinda's ear, "I can not read minds, if are wondering. I can read body language. The rest I just made up. It's my voice that calms him, my tone. Don't tell the others. Let them think, what they will." she explains.
Zerlinda smiles and nods, understanding.
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28 Cassius, 9:30 Dragon, Gherlen's Pass
In the morning, Shale approached Alim, asking if the group can investigate a location.
"What location?" Alim inquires.
"Cadash Thaig. I remembered some things, bits and pieces. I would like to see what's there." Shale explains.
"Is it close by?" Alim queries.
"Actually, it is. And it will be easier to enter the Thaig from the surface, than to return to Orzammar." Shale informs.
"Let me talk to Solona. I'm sure she will agree." Alim says.
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The group talks about it for a couple minutes, Morrigan is the only one who objects. Within twenty minutes the party is on the road, heading for Cadash Thaig.
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1 Verimensis, 9:31 Dragon, Frostback Mountains
They find the entrance to the Thaig, in the back of a small cave system. It is large enough for the cart to fit inside, sheltering from the falling snow. Oghren and Zerlinda were shaken by the phenomenon, the baby laughed, as snowflakes landed on his face. Darrian, Lyna, her mabari, Morrigan and Sten stand guard, waiting with the non-combatants. The others have gone down into Cadash Thaig. Sandal is fascinated by the baby. Dagna is fascinated by Sandal.
It is several hours later, when the companions return, the sun about to set. They decide to spend the night in the cavern, the darkspawn being cleared of the Thaig, giving them some safety. They set up the tents for privacy purposes. After dinner Elissa approaches Alistair, who is sitting by his tent, sharpening his sword, her hands behind her back.
"Alistair?" Elissa asks.
"Yes?" He returns cheekily.
"Happy First Day." Elissa says, holding out the Golem doll she purchased in Orzammar.
"What? You got...Thank you. I love it. I didn't get you anything though. I feel bad." Alistair tells her.
"It's alright. I don't need anything in return. I just wanted to get it for you." Elissa informs, blushing.
"Thank you, Truly. Would it be presumptuous of me to ask you to sit with me? I like talking to you." Alistair inquires, blushing madly.
"No, not presumptuous at all. I like talking to you too." Elissa answers, smiling.
"Let me put this away." Alistair says, moving his sword inside his tent.
"Can you tell me anymore about the Grey Wardens?" Elissa quires, sitting down.
"Was there something specific you wanted to know or just general?" Alistair returns.
"Well, I was curious about changes, physically. Do we get super strength, or is it stupid, like smelling dirty socks three floors down in a store room." Elissa questions, smirking.
"I am sorry to say, no smelling socks from far away. If it was cheese, then we would be on to something." Alistair starts, "Let's see, we do get increased stamina, which some of my fellow Wardens said came in extra handy." he finishes.
"Oh. That's..." Elissa begins, but is too embarrassed to say anything further.
"I...never had...the chance...to find out...myself." Alistair stammers.
"Oh, um. I've never...either." Elissa says, just as flustered.
They both sit in silence for a minute, abashed.
"Never...what? Never licked a lamppost in winter?" Alistair tries glibly.
"No, I've never licked a lamppost in winter." Elissa answers, cheekily.
"That's good. I hear it can be uncomfortable and awkward, the first time." Alistair says, blushing.
"Why have you never tried before, to lick a lamppost, I mean?" Elissa inquires.
"I didn't really have the opportunity, before joining the Grey Wardens. Templar training. Then after, I never really met anyone I wanted to lick a lamppost with. But recently, I met a beautiful woman, and if she and I can get to know each other a little better, I think I would like to lick a lamppost with her." Alistair explains, nervous.
"I never really wanted too, for the same reasons. I was never really interested in anyone, in that way. But I met a handsome man at Ostagar, that I would love to get to know better, before we try to lick a lamppost in winter." Elissa informs, shyly.
"I like the sound of that." Alistair remarks.
Elissa nods, smiling.
"Would it be...May I kiss you?" Alistair questions, his heart racing.
Elissa leans in, Alistair meets her, his hand coming up to her cheek. Their lips touch, the two slant themselves to accommodate the other. The kiss is soft, gentle, but there is an electricity to it, a passion under the surface. Both want more, but are frightened by the sensations. They pull back a tad, resting their foreheads against the each others.
"Maker!" Elissa gasps, breathlessly excited.
"That was...perfect." Alistair says, just as affected.
"I..." Elissa begins, her lips dry.
"We should stop,...for now. I...really want to do that again, but I think...no, I know, that it would not be enough." Alistair explains.
"I know. I understand. I...Good night, Alistair." Elissa returns, before getting up.
"Good night." he states, watching her walk away.
Alim smiles, having observed the interaction. Tomorrow he will talk with Alistair as they walk. It may help the poor man.
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10 Verimensis, 9:31 Dragon, Imperial Highway
It is mid-day, the weather has been good the last two days, allowing the group to make good time. They have just turned onto the northern side of Lake Calenhad an hour ago. The companions see a woman running towards them, Bodahn moves his cart off to the side of the road. The lady approaches the party, asking if they could come and help, bandits have attacked. The group agrees to help, Oghren, Shale, and Sereda will stay with Bodahn, to keep their friends safe. Everyone else follows the woman, who leads the companions up the road , then onto a trail.
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About an hour later the party returns, a blonde haired elven man with them. Alim introduces the man named Zevran, to the others. He is an Antivan Crow, who was hired by Loghain to kill them. He has offered to help the party, in exchange for his life. He immediately begins flirting with Sereda, who laughs at the boldness of the assassin.
"Are you that horny, or that desperate?" Sereda inquires, chuckling.
"Perhaps it's a mix of both." Zevran answers, his accent, adding to his charm.
"As tempting as that is, your not my type, I like them a bit on the, rougher side." Sereda says.
"Rougher you say, so a bad boy, or girl." Zevran says, grinning.
"Oh, your good. But the answer is still no." Sereda informs, smirking.
Zevran laughs, then clutches at his ribs, wincing.
"I'll heal them tonight, but you need to live with it for now. You kind of deserve it." Solona informs him.
"Yeah, I know." Zevran confirms.
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17 Verimensis, 9:31 Dragon, Lake Calenhad
The companions arrive in the early evening to Lake Calenhad. Down a hill is an inn, Bodahn heads toward it. They see a scavenger, near some ruins of the old Imperial Highway. Solona walks up to him, asking if he has found anything interesting. The only note worthy thing was a greatsword, he sold to a merchant headed to Orzammar. He gives the name of the merchant, Solona thanks him for his time, giving him 5 silver for the information, before returning to the others.
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Alim and Solona stare out into the lake, the Tower rising above it. The others call out to them, waving them over to the camp site, the inn not big enough to accommodate the whole group. Bodahn will get a room at the inn, for him and Sandal, Solona paying for it, as thanks for his continued help on the road. They chat a bit while getting the room key.
"Bodahn?" Solona asks.
"Yes, Solona?" Bodahn returns.
"Sten has told me that Fereldan greatswords are a little too small for his size. He is happy that he has one, but was wondering if we could find one more accommodating to his stature. Did you see anything, or talk to any merchants that may have had one?" Solona inquires.
"Now that you mention it, I did. He said he had just sold a Qunari greatsword to a dwarven merchant headed to Redcliff. We'll be going there after this, maybe the dwarf will still be there." Bodahn informs.
"Thank you, Bodahn. Sten did not want you to think him ungrateful for the sword you originally provided." Solona explains.
"Think nothing of it. I understand. Now me and the boy are going to have a good nights rest. We'll trade with the inn tomorrow and set up shop for any visitors, while you take care of your business." Bodahn reassures, before heading to their room.
The two exchange farewells, the others begin milling into the inn, looking to get something to eat. Solona joins them, it has to be better than Alistair's cooking.
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Notes: I want to send a Thank You to Judy for her reviews so far. Yeah Judy.