Chapter 15
The Royal Palace, Denerim, Month 11 - Firstfall.
A week later Olett still had not awakened from her slumber. First Enchanter Irving found nothing to rouse her, even with Wynne and Tenkou's assistance. Sadly, he needed to head back to Kinloch Hold, that being some days ago with the Circle mages.
The Elder High Elf was refusing to come back to the Palace until she felt ready. She more so wished to speak to the First Enchanter she did not get a chance to meet when she arrived in Denerim. Knight Commander Greagior was made aware of Deedolit's return along with the condition of the Grey Warden Surana when she greeted him in the dining hall.
He allowed the use of the library books to seek if there was any information within the sleeves of the millions of books housed in the library tower. The training facility was at their disposal as the Elder Lady unquestioningly made use of. Hours she poured into releasing her anger, hours sat crying, along with the questions of why who, and how this could happen to her firstborn, still yet a baby not reaching his hundredth year of being. Snuffed out as if he were nothing.
"No, no, thoughts please leave me be." She reached her hands to her head, squeezing the thoughts away. Pleaded with her mind as it would form asinine images of what could have happened to her child, without proper accounts. It hurt her head and heart. Thinking to Loghain, he had to first witness their son dead. Surely he knew what happened.
As her sadness crept close, she then thought of her found daughter, she truly needed to be by her side, then here the strong Enchantress hiding away, to mourn in her own thoughts, to be of no use, and now hardly a decent mother to her children for she had nearly given to rage, as well as sadness while she sat sulking within Kinloch.
Deedolit knew that taking in the spirits would do to her, they warned her when taking the advanced arts of her craft. Each element that was taken within her, her emotion must remain steady, for as the element itself, there is calm and fury.
In another round, she decided better to take it out on the training apparatus that the other magi use, as well as the Templars. It surprised Cullen when he watched them in training.
The Norrathians knew how to combat. He knew that, from his teachings in the Chantry, mages were casters, relying heavily upon casting spells and spoken word rather than throwing daggers and using their staves as a functioning weapon. They used their staves as he would a sword; it was fascinating and terrifying.
Meanwhile, the cleanup, still, of Denerim started again at first light, those of able bodies set to work removing the large debris.
Alistair had been busy early that morning, ordering the staff to help outside of the palace, to do what they can, to meetings with people offering aid, others bringing in supplies, and sending out supplies. Many offered due to Warden Surana having helped so many as she, and he, traveled all corners of Ferelden to end the Blight. Word had spread quickly, and the young Theirin was glad for it.
With all that went on, he found time to come to Deedolett's chambers. Zevran looked tired when he told the King that no changes in her condition had taken place. That was the most he could say. With the two siblings that hover ever so close, no one save for Wynne and Sten is allowed near her. Or Olett's pet Mabari, who took a liking to Tenkou. As soon as Alistair stepped foot in the room, Okhor hawked him with a glare.
"Is he still like this?" Alistair eyed the tall man. He could not shake the feeling that he knew, or should know, this person. He knew he was far from fond of him. The constant glaring and hostility towards him were choking.
Zevran shook his head. "Our lovely healer, Sten, seems to be allowed, possibly Leliana, but she went to fetch something to eat."
"Had there been any word on their Mother?"
"They must speak to each other, and I cannot make tails or heads of it. This language they speak is… absolutely beautiful when it pours from their lips. You should stay and listen." The Assassin complimented them, as he eyed them both.
"I can do without, thank you." Coming closer to the young Warden, Alistair stopped. Okhor looked up from his sister's face.
The tall man growled, alerting his sister who swept her magic of healing over the sleeping girl, "Heart, will you please stop, it will do none of us good if we anger them. They know her and are obviously friends."
"Sister, it is he who spouted such slander to our Lord brother's father, disrespecting them both. I only stilled my sword from mothers' asking. I do not trust him at all. You may think otherwise, but I will not be so forgiving. He still has yet to offer his apology."
"My dear brother, please, go rest. I will deal with this. You have earned some sleep and eat and drink as well. Now off with you." Tenkou tugged his arm. Okhor did as told as he brushed past, going to the second floor of the apartment.
Tenkou followed him up, making sure he was out of sight. "Please, forgive my baby brother, he means no harm."
Alistair was astonished. The language they just conversed in was indeed beautiful, like elegantly written love letters. He shook his head from his thoughts. "I- I just wished to see how she is doing." he nodded his head to his Sister of the Order.
Tenkou finished her sweep. Pulling a blanket up over her, she bowed her head, heading to the second floor as well. Zevran left quietly for the sleep he needed of his own. Watching over her, he never saw her so still. She lay in the middle of the large four-poster bed, practically swallowing her slight frame, her fawn-colored hair fanned on the pillows, curled near the tips, her skin, once pale and ashen, back to the soft cinnamon he adored. Her hands clasped neatly on her stomach.
Tears stung his eyes as he watched her. "Please wake up. I need you to tell me what to do. Need your help, no idea if I am doing anything right. I have been leading, following your example, and not losing my pants." He chuckled and sighed, taking her hand, watching her for any movement. The only thing that kept him sane to the fact that she was not deceased was the soft rise and fall of her breast.
"This is unfair. It should have been me. I need you to wake up and yell at me, anything. I need you to tell me why you sacrificed yourself. A horrible choice for King. Please don't leave me alone." He whispered hoarsely as he watched her sleep. Tears fell from his eyes as he gripped her hand tighter.
All he could do now was pray, pray she woke up, pray that wake up this moment, letting him and the others know for certain that all will be well, 'Maker, what can I do to bring her back from her sleep?' Alistair continued to pray by her side silently. During his prayer, he remembered she said she cared, right before she went into the state she is in now.
'Maybe she has forgiven me.' Alistair raised his eyes to see that she still had not moved; he would continue to pray for her to rouse from her slumber. He would give up the crown if it meant she would wake, help him once again, and forgive him. After Okhor's reprimand, he waited to speak to Loghain, not yet trusting himself alone with the man.
Loghain had been with Anora, telling her of the woman who had come from another world. Anora remembered fragments of the woman, yet more thoughtful when her father produced a miniature portrait of the Enchantress. It triggered her to call on Alistair; she had something to share with him, something she remembered from her younger years about the sleeping Warden and an uncanny resemblance to Deedolit of Felwithe.
They met in the hall after one day he went to visit with Olett. Anora minced no words, head-on, more so than her father. "I am certain that you distrust me as much as my father."
Alistair knew not what to say to that. Anora had done nothing wrong to them, held captive by her own father. She approached him after all, after nearly killing her father. The least he could do would be to hear her out.
"Cailan and I had met Lady Deedolit when we were children. After seeing the Warden, I could not place where her face I had seen. It was until my father showed me a small portrait of Lady Deedolit that it came back to me like a dream."
She asked if he would come with her to a part of the castle that was no longer frequented.
"I had come across this room when I was some years older, father never knew, if he did, he said not a word."
Anora led Alistair to a room of the palace on the upper floors, a room locked at the far end of a dark corridor. They walked silently along with the old rug that lined the hall until they stopped near an aged-looking wooden door. A chill crept up his spine, the tingling of magic he could slightly taste on his tongue. Pressing a stone near the arch frame gave way. Inside lay a key the former Queen plucked from its resting spot, an ordinary black iron key, unlocked the door with an enchantment that stirred to life as the torches to light upon their entry.
What Alistair saw held within this lonely forgotten room of the castle, is full of likenesses of the Lady Deedo, in every corner there were several paintings, of her in a royal robe, of her in fighting magic extending from her fingertips, the story Loghain told, Maric and she dancing together.
Some rough sketches of her and his father each holding a swaddled baby, a curious painting of her with Elven children along with Cailan, another with the same children.
A marvelous statue, nearly as tall as he, of the High Elven lady with an exotic bird on her shoulder. But in one picture, Anora led him to an elf, who looked exactly like Deedolett.
"She looks like Olett?" Alistair gasped in shock, looking at the golden tag on the wooden frame.
Anora nodded in agreement. "That is Lady Deedolit. Father told me stories of when they first saw her form, she posed as Dalish, this is what she looked like, however, the eye color is incorrect, father said her eyes were grey in this form."
Alistair stared in confusion. All around the room was the one who helped his father to the throne. From sketches of birds, enormous wolves, many diadem and circlet designs, like the one in the large life-size painting of his father and her together.
Anora pointed to an indent on the side of that very painting, like a large storage chest with its missing key, "The Theirin signet goes here."
Alistair looked to the spot she indicated rubbing over the indent with his finger.
"Lady Deedolit has it, I overheard father once that Maric gave it to her when she went home."
His head snapped up. "He gave it to her. Could he really do that?" brows knitted together in confusion.
Anora shrugged in response. "There are also missing tags. Someone must have pulled them off. My curiosity got to me and I searched the room but found nothing."
Alistair looked around a while longer. The Lady Deedo was indeed beautiful, and in her eyes, he imagined his father lost in. The room suggested these were for her. Maric never got to give them to her.
When Alistair finished looking about, also looking for the missing tags on some paintings, wanting to check his sleeping friend, but shortly pulled away when he neared her door.
Kinloch Hold, Lake Calenhad, Month 11 - Firstfall.
At the start of the second week Deedo, Xellexes, Lili, and Ruroni made the decision that they will head back to Denerim, more Deedo than the others. Her anger very much subsided. She needed to be with her now. While her sleeping daughter was being kept under the watchful eye of her other children, reporting between the changes of Olett, Tenkou voiced her concern about the state Okhor was in.
"Mother, I am well. I just did not approve of how this boy spoke of Lord Brother's being."
"I shall inquire when I return, possibly mid-week. For now, keep your head, my love. I will be with you soon. I wish to speak to the First Enchanter when he arrives."
"I love you Mother, I will keep them both safe."
"Always my love, my Heart. Til then I will let you both know when I leave from here."
Sun broke the darkened sky, the room alight with the cool winter lights dull with the heavy clouds covering the Ferelden sky. Deedo knew this chill. It had been so long since she felt it. She had been in places colder. It was something about this weather that made a bittersweet smile find a home on her lips. 'I must face him. Cannot be angry. I must have answers.'
Her Ladyship, she was a Tyrna, Maric left her a title, "Maric… Are you with Kal'an?" Shaking her starlight head, she pushed the sadness down. A kitchen needed to be found.
"Excuse me, could you summon Cullen in a half-hour past please?" She asks if the young Templar just up the hall from their stay.
The Templar nodded, "Yes My Lady."
"Just Deedo, please. Thank you." With a bow of her head, she followed her nose to As she made her way through the corridors, it was quiet in the halls, and Deedo imagined what it would have sounded like, maybe like Felwithe, or Erudin, with its many students running from class to class, chattering away.
'Humans and elves alike are isolated from the rest of the world.'
'I am an Elf. I come from a place where such things are unheard of.'
She shook her head again. Why was her daughter kidnapped and brought here? Asha'bellanar was of this world and knew their ways. She could have raised her child when she stole her. Yet she brought her to the tower. Deedo would have to find out about the Witch if she yet lives still.
Deedo came to fix breakfast for her children and everyone else within the tower. The cooks agreed she may use the kitchen, as they helped the tall mage with her task.
The Lady worked quickly and quietly; the cooks stood in amazement at just how fast the young woman worked. Quickly she made breakfast, enough for everyone else, with seconds to spare. The dining hall of the tower smelled of bacon, eggs, grilled fish, fresh sweet bread, and porridge.
When she finished, she went about setting the table for her family and the others remaining in the Tower. Ruroni woke to find her mother gone from her bed. She ran to the kitchen when her mother had just finished, sending her girl to collect her siblings and uncle for breakfast.
One of his brothers summoned Cullen at the appointed time to head to the dining hall, cleaning himself quickly and dressing. He made his way to the dining hall, greeted by a place at the table with the Norrathians.
Ruroni was serving the older elves and eldest sister, then dished some for Cullen as well, "Thank you and good morning." He greeted them when he sat.
"Good morning, did you sleep well?"
"Yes, my Lady."
"Please, it is Deedo."
With a nod, he waited for the others. Every morning, they graced him and the others in the dining hall with the beautiful melody of their prayers. Cullen had asked them what it meant, and they happily obliged. He did, however, feel saddened when he thought of how the other elves must feel hearing what they said around them. The dining area comprised mostly young apprentices who were Elven.
"You know, our lady speaks several other languages as well. Well, I should say we all speak a few languages, most from our home."
"Really, what languages are those?" The Knight Commander sat next to Lady Deedo.
She politely served him food, not sure how to react he grunted slightly. Noticing his discomfort still, Deedo quickly eased his mind, "I apologize, this is the least I can do for the years you have looked after my beloved child."
She bowed her head as she took her seat once more.
"As for languages, I speak two forms of Elvish, Dark Speech, Ogre, Troll, Halfling, Erudite, Dragon, Gnomish, and Dwarven… but I learned Dalish from my time here as well as some Orlesian." She continued to list the ones that she knew and corrected Xellexes on the ones she was still learning.
Ruroni spoke up shortly after. "And she taught us. But our Ancient Elven–what we just spoke, for prayer and to talk to our choice of God or Goddess."
"Ah, interesting, I have a bit of news." Greagoir interrupted, "I had just received word that the First Enchanter will be here mid-day. I ask that you wait until his arrival to depart."
Deedo nodded. She needed to speak to the First Enchanter who knew Deedolett better than Knight Commander Greagoir. "That will be fine. I was expecting them later than sooner. Before I do anything out of turn, I wish Cullen to accompany us on our trip to Denerim. Would it be alright with you, Sir Greagior?"
Greagoir looked at Cullen, who sat ramrod straight as he continued his meal. "I do not see why he should not, he is in love with her." The older Templar complimented the cook, enjoying the flavor they had introduced him to.
Cullen stared wide-eyed, swallowing thickly, slowly turning a deep pink color. The young bard giggled. Lili shushed her, holding a snicker of her own. They ate in comfortable silence.
The winter sun was high in the sky, struggling to warm the earth as the chilly winds blew up from the south. The Norrathians with Cullen wrapped up in gifts from Tenkou, she left one of her traveling backpacks that had winter clothing to keep the chill at bay, a pair of fur-lined tan leather trousers with matching fur-lined, and collar, off white jerkin, with a thick fur-lined deer skin hooded cloak.
Cullen stood nearest Deedo, while he watched the Circle inhabitants with the Norrath elves interact with one another within the tower, none braving the sharp chill of the slowly approaching Ferelden winter. The peace was refreshing and would not be at all if Olett had followed with his harsh words of slaying all the mages. Or she never vanquished Uldred.
Deedo had worn a robe of the deepest blue with white gown beneath, the elder Deedo mage's robe was beautiful her blue and white fur cape to match, Lili'Enyel dressed head to boot in smooth doeskin pants jerkin and cape while taking target practice of the nearby hay bales that was set up to spar with several Templars in friendly competition.
Xellexes was sitting meditating in a robe of deep blue and green he left open to flow behind him. He attracted a lot of attention from several other magi–mostly female, who sat in the cold noon sun, with the knight commander's permission.
Ruroni happily twittered with the birds as she sat amongst the baring branches, playing her flute, treating them all to a merry Elven tune- wearing green doeskin leathers so she would blend into the branches.
Cullen was still continually having the same dream, curious about the dream he had, and he felt it odd that the nightmares stopped - relieved he was, as he had peaceful dreams of certain books he had received from Deedolett.
"Lady Deedo, what do you know about dream walking?" He started as he looked at the clear blue sky.
Deedo turned her gaze from the direction of Denerim as if she could see the castle from her vantage, to her new friend, "Well… to dream-walk is a way of communication. Why do you ask?"
Cullen felt comfortable talking to the Norrathians. "I have had these dreams of late when Miss Surana had given me a few books to read in my off time."
"And one was about dream-walking?" Deedo asked softly, placing a hand on his shoulder, "Maybe she is trying to tell you something, trying to communicate to you."
"Mother look," Lili'Enyel called her mother over, "There, some people are gathering near the bank across the lake." Lili pointed as she retrieved her arrows from the hay bale she and the Templars shot at.
Deedo looked across the lake shielding her eyes from the sun, "I cannot see you know that." Deedo cast a spell against Cullen, he bristled, "It seems to be several people, Cullen, are they your magi who left?"
Cullen stood dusting himself off to see who they spoke of. Looking from the poor vantage point he shook his head slightly "I cannot tell from here, but the number looks to be less than the numbers that left."
A sudden gust of wind swept past him, looking to where the powerful gust came from: the High Elf woman on his right was not there, in her place was a transparent mist, the form of a woman. Her hair danced about the sky as she stood. He was so startled that he stepped back and fell over the edge of the cliff.
"Cullen!" Deedo called out, as she quickly flew down, catching his hand, carrying him on the sharp winds that surrounded her to the banks on the other side.
"Are you well!?" The Ranger called from over the edge of the cliff, with mage and Templar looking on as well. Gasps and murmurs around. "She's well. Shall we shoot some more, you owe me twenty gold so far." She baited a few of her new friends.
Below Deedo, holding tight to the young man's hand pulling him to grab a hold of his other hand, "I am so very sorry I should have warned you, I can change forms at will. I am a shapeshifter as well, doubtful Maric would let anyone know." She explained to the astounded man dangling nervously below her.
Pale and shaken he nodded vigorously, praying she would not drop him into the waters below, and watched trembling his heart racing in his ears, as she changed to her solid form once more they touched solid ground Deedo looked at him over apologizing for startling him as she patted his back.
Once on the banks across the tower, the other magi and the First Enchanter looked on in wonder as they halted their steps as they watched on as someone was gliding towards them on the wind, more so when the semitransparent form formed someone they scarcely recognized.
Deedo looked directly at the group of Magi, led by the Templars introduced to the First Enchanter. The excited Enchanter extended her hand in greeting. Cullen is the most senior and waved the ones with the magi to not drain the woman as she posed no threat.
"Hail, I am Deedolit Swiftleaf. I and my companions had been expecting you. We have arrived to find Deedolett." She turned and nodded at Cullen, who regained some of his color just as quickly lost it when she mentioned taking Deedolett back with them.
Irving looked at the woman before him, clasping forearms. "Lady Deedolit, are you... we are weary from the travel, may we speak inside?"
"Oh, of course, my manners," Deedo looked around, "Still no one fixes the bridge, I told him 'I come from a great city, fix a bridge," Deedo muttered to herself in deep thought. "How do you normally get to and fro, still from the same small boat?" Tapping her chin in thought, she looked to the waters. Cullen patted her shoulder, and she turned to him. Cullen shook his head no.
"Oh! My apologies. Right, I have a way to make this easier." She stepped back, ready to change again. "I'm going to change again now." Deedo nodded to Cullen. Stepping back further, she changed to an exotic bird flying up to the cliff where they had been before.
Flapping her wings in her friend's face, she shifted to her natural form, quickly reverting to normal. Levitating washed over her and the image of wings shone in the sun on her back. "Xelle, I need a hand. The people are here. I need a path from the shore to the cavern below us. I'll ferry you down." Deedo asked her friend.
"Of course." He stood walking to the ledge and waited for her to take a position to shift the waters so he could freeze them.
Deedo cast levitation on her cousin, floating gracefully down to the shore with the others standing in wait. Deedo cast once more. A spell coated her even figure with water. She stepped onto the chilled dark waters standing on the water. Black waters churned and stir. The others from the bank looked on, amazed as they watched the waters ripple under the weight of the strange woman.
Deedo collected the water of the lake, the light filtering through her as she walked back to her cousin.
Xellexes stood tall, whispering his spell, his fingers emanating a chilled air hit his warm hands, with an outstretched hand, he touched his cousin's outstretched hand, from her hand to the waters under her where she stood they all watch in amazement as the lake froze at her feet.
As the icy trail froze its way with each step the Enchantress took, the Wizard gathered water into his hands and walked behind, inviting the others to follow. He smirked hearing their gasps, some leery to take a step while others were too curious not to indulge themselves.
Chuckling slightly, she conjured the water into a railing that too froze as quickly as it touched the solid path.
Once near the bank the magi who stood feeling like they would slip and fall in, gasped once more, tentatively walked towards the tower for much-needed rest–not looking a gift mabari in the mouth.
Xellexes chatted with a few of the other elemental magi, as they reached the cavern, "How do you do such things, I can merely hold ice in my warm drinks. Yet you create pathways, teach, I shall renounce my tutor."
"No, I am much older than you are thinking, young one. I have had years of practice. Continue your tutelage Or find a willing patron." Xellexes offered to extend the young human female funding for her studies, as well as a few others who wished to advance their studies.
Cullen followed behind once the last mage crossed over. Deedo skated past the others when Cullen was not at the cavern steps. Cullen had assisted the First Enchanter across, carrying anything to lessen his burden. With a hand to his shoulder, the High elf shifting to her natural form.
"May I ask, what makes you so afraid of magic?" Irving nodded he was well enough to walk, and he needed to relay what happened as well. He examined the wonder he stood upon as he ascended to the tower. She asked once again when the others were out of earshot.
Cullen tensed. "Could we speak of it another time?" He did not want to go into it right then, and he definitely did not want to think about it. From the time the Norrathians arrived, it had been so long since he had gotten a night of restful sleep.
First Enchanter Irving's Study.
"Thank you for the meal and drink, Miss Swiftleaf." The senior mage wiped his mouth, thanking the bard who served his meal. She left the elders to talk, then to the room to pack.
The First Enchanter went to his cabinet, pulling from it many scribbled parchment, placing the thick stack on his desk with a dull thud.
The Knight Commander nodded, explaining to him who the visitors were, "Irving, these people are from a place far from here, Maric's savior, but that's not really the subject they wish to speak to you about, My Lady wishes to know how Deedolett Surana fairs." Greagoir stood at the edge of the Old Magi desk.
Deedo nodded. "I wished to speak to you. Forgive me for dallying here, my daughter Deedolett. Why do you keep referring to her as Surana?"
"Your daughter? She came to us with no family, nothing but a box and a letter with her. Surana is from the old text, meaning Joy. Deedolett is currently in Denerim, asleep." He chose his words before he spoke.
"You mean she is unconscious? That is where I left her, I was there, I saw her. She has her twin and my other daughter there with her now. I am more concerned with what happened the night she fell unconscious."
"Err... Yes, she had been rendered unconscious after she slew the Archdemon; it was something out of our control to save her." Irving answered, closing his eyes as he remembered her screams.
"I see, through certain traumatic experiences we sleep... Xellexes, we must get going, Cullen gather the girls and your things, we are leaving." Sending the others out of the room, Deedo retold about her coming to this land - and how she lost her daughter once more.
Irving insisted she stay and explain the use of her powers without a focused staff. He wanted to learn about the world the child he watched for the past decade actually comes from.
He sat and listened as Deedo explained they come from a land where there is magic existing everywhere, mages are free, nothing like what she has witnessed currently in the land they are visiting, she stated she is proud that her offspring had aided the land and hope that it will bridge a gap for magi and non-magi alike moreover elf over non-elf.
Irving felt this woman from a distant place could bring about positive changes- with time, but changes will progress. He gave her all the information that he knew and showed her work as a proud teacher and father.
Greagoir filling in the mischievous side of the young elf girl. They both told Deedo of Deedolett's nature towards others and with Cullen when none thought they saw within the Tower.
How quickly she passed her Harrowing and how she defended a friend turned Blood Mage, Deedo absorbing every word beaming, so much she missed, her guard broken, tears fell from her eyes as she listened on thanking the men before her, but her heart still sad, when they make it back to Denerim she will witness firsthand the young woman her daughter has become, to take her in completely, watching her til she wakes.
Cullen looked to the others, his armor he wasn't wearing, and he carried it out to leave with the others. "How am I to carry this plate armor, if I do not wear it?" He was asked to wear traveling attire.
Ruroni handed him a backpack coming around from where Xellexes stood. The Wizard stopped her. "Use this." It was a large box the Wizard was shifting his items around, holding a small bag full of gems. "It lightens the weight. Once you place it in, it will not seem weighted."
Cullen "Amazing." The young man breathed, watching as Lili'Enyel with Ruroni arranged his armor and the little belongings of his in the box. He watched it shrink as soon as the lid closed with a click.
It was time to depart once everyone had gathered in the grand hall. Deedo gathered the girls from the kitchen - placing the food they cooked for travel in their backpacks. Exited the Tower with the First Enchanter, Knight Commander, and a host of Templar and magi to see them off.
The air is cool and crisp, just a hint of winter ice making its approach a wonderful night for travel.
Cullen said goodbye to his Templar brothers and First Enchanter Irving. "Good luck, my boy. I have a feeling these people will keep you safe." Irving gave a tired smile.
"May the Maker watch over you. Be sure to look for the missive arriving. Once you conclude your business with Olett, you may have to part from her." Greagoir patted him on the back and shoulder. Cullen nodded again. He felt like he could not express what he needed to the mage he was traveling to see.
The High Elf woman smiled. Bowing her head, she descended the stairs, making her way to the frosty path that was left earlier that day.
Xellexes nodded as he turned to face the others, "Forgive my Cousin, we really have appreciated your hospitality, the care for Deedolett, and accepting us as we are." He bowed.
Lili'Enyel spoke next. "We will see each other again soon. Be safe and well. You still owe me twenty of your gold friends!" She chuckled to the Templars she gained as friends.
The youngest spoke last, "May our Goddess and your Maker forever guide your steps."
The small Bard tugged Cullen along.
They walked, the five of them, seeing the winter sky approach, spare clear blue sky above, the sun was creeping its way into hiding for the night. The trek, just a mere half an hour in Cullen still leery of magic, felt safe enough with them. Much safer than he had in months.
"Lady Deedolit, is it possible we might purchase horses? I think there is a hamlet close to here. I have a few coins."
Deedolit chuckled in Elvish, gave her answer. Xellexes translated, "She states we will take our horses."
Cullen nodded for a second, then looked to the others. "Where do you keep them?" After looking around, he saw no horse at all. The elves were a strange group but everything they said he ate, wanting to know more and more about them–and slowly learning about the younger Deedo.
The Ranger and Bard reached into the pocket of their cloak and pulled tiny whistles made of silver. Cullen's brow furrowed, not knowing the meaning of what they were hinting at.
Lili'Enyel chuckled, "My friend, near everything we do, or have, even our belongings have traces of magic embedded or imbued within, same with our travel companions." The further the confusion grew on his face, the harder the girls chuckled.
"Just wait, Brother dear."
"Br - Brother, please, My Lady."
"Yes, you love my sister, this makes you our brother." Ruroni teased.
Deedo smiled. She felt lighter. "Do not tease him, yet."
Cullen sputtered, causing the elves to laugh even harder.
The Coastlands, Near West Hill.
Once they walked further, now found themselves in a clearing, well away from the road, at a previously used campsite, Lili went inspecting the surrounding area thinking she saw something just as they approached, as Cullen pulled flint and tinder from around where they stood. The others pulled their whistles about to give a quick trill.
"Everyone wait, there is something coming." Lili trotted back, "They looked grey and misshapen, they are heading right for us." She drew her bow. Not waiting a moment longer, she let loose an arrow blindly through the trees.
Cullen looked up to the others. He was not in his armor; he was quickly getting to his feet as he drew his sword, allowing just that for the armor deemed heavier. Then, without warning, a flurry of spells coated him. He felt stronger. A thin layer of barbs extended outwards. Ruroni sang. She sprinted away quickly, following behind Lili'Enyel.
Xellexes summoned a few shielding spells, then disappeared from sight - the entire camp was glowing with spells as they flew from one person to the other. Lili was ahead, sending flurries of arrows several feet from the camp into the darkening forest.
"We need to disperse them quickly. They are Darkspawn. Cullen close your eyes. I am about to improve your vision and shield you." He did as he was told, and as he opened his eyes, everything seemed brighter. He could make out the lay of the forest as if the sun were high in the sky.
Deedo cast another spell, a sword, and a shield. The body was invisible, just like Deedolett's that day in the library.
Deedo cast on the protector a few other spells, then cast on herself. The pet and the others were heading into the forest as the sounds were coming closer.
"I should have called on my shaman friend." Deedo thought aloud.
Her Ladyship looked ahead as the spell took hold she closed her eyes and opened them slowly, her once sea-green eyes turned an angry blood ruby color, her hair the white gold strands that fell in a long braid past her knee shrank becoming white as pure as the first snowfall, shrinking to her waist.
Lady Deedo, almost Cullen's height of six-foot even, shrank as well, her skin becoming… darker, nearly black. He watched in fascination as her slender frame put on a little weight, her face plumped slightly, and her outfit.
The Maker must have turned his gaze. Her pants were revealing as he had to look away when she stood with her back to the Templar. The Lady was no more, and in her place was an elf who looked dipped in pitch in color. She turned her head towards him, cutting her eyes over her shoulder, crooking a finger, beckoning Cullen to come closer.
"My Lady?" Unsure of where he should look, her outfit much too revealing, come closer.
"We fight; I want to know if you are worthy of my daughter." The elf pulled me down by my cloak to face her.
Swallowing hard, nodding, she released him, sauntering off towards the others, following behind to see fire raining down from the sky, the twisted creatures known as Darkspawn writhing in agony.
The elves were strong. The spells they cast beforehand seemed to go on forever. Their magic was endless, He watched as Deedo let herself become surrounded by ten of the foul creatures as they swung. Her pet attacked with others still drawing near.
Lili fell several with her bow, switching to her sword when some came close, had a few trapped within the roots of the trees, casting a lightning spell from swirling clouds overhead the young girl knew how to fight, she wielded her sword as an extension of herself, darting out of the way with a roll, as she sprinted letting arrows fly as Xellexes summoned roots himself as they slowed, going on the attack on the others nearest him.
Ruroni sang with a wide smile on her face while she slashed at the beasts and Xellexes… never had he seen one cast as quickly as he did, stopping them in mid-stride, shocking others with ice then instantly seeing fire raining down on the group he seemed to dance around, from his fingertips.
The two elder magi did not use staves, save for Tenkou whose staff they made of wood and lightning, he recalled. His knowledge of magic was limited, as all from what he had witnessed within the Circle. There they needed a focused staff to cast, theirs were effortless. Even with the fighting, he still took admiration for the control these Norrathians displayed.
He faintly remembered Deedolett not using hers when she cast. Cullen stood transfixed, watching them have amusement… toying with the darkspawn–spells dancing about. Looking over to Deedo, they soon outmatched her.
The Templar rushed to her side and stabbed a tall darkspawn with iron stuck within its skull. Disgusted, he freed the sword from kicking back, swung in a large arc as the blade sliced into yet another coming on his right.
Suddenly his skin tingled wildly once more, looking over his shoulder to where Deedo stood, her hands out starched before her, the ground in a twenty-foot circle glowed white found himself standing right in it, the grass swayed but no wind blew.
Then several brilliant colors of blue, yellow, and green rose from the ground. His line of sight went from Lady Deedo to the Darkspawn around, stunned, mesmerized.
"I cannot move, young man. My suggestion you assist me in killing them. I cannot hold them for long." She called with her eyes closed.
Rooted to the spot they did not move- easy prey. Her invisible warrior and he hacked at the beast, felling them quickly. The others followed as well.
Soon it was over the bodies of at least fifty creatures lay at their feet. Then the burning began. The wretched smell of the bodies before their deaths was much more sickening. And for the moment, Cullen wondered if Deedolett had done the same.
"Deedo, are you well?" Xellexes set fire to another corpse, making sure it was burning.
"Yes, old man, I am fine." The blue lady hissed. Her skin was palling, and she was breathing hard.
Cullen went over to her, and she looked at him with a look of anger and acceptance. "You do not look well at all, your pupils have dilated and fevered." He looked her over and noticed a deep cut as long as his hand on her back. It was bubbling slightly, a sick-looking green color.
"You have a nasty gash, poisoned. Quick, let me apply an antidote." Reaching over to his belt, he took a salve from one of the many pockets.
Cullen rushed to his pack near the campfire, and his skin tingled once more. He could hear words spoken, then a sigh of relief when the young man turned to face the woman again. He saw a glow coming from the spot on the elf's back. Then Ruroni strummed her lute and felt soothed as her song filled his ears.
Deedo sat on the ground while the magic worked over her. Slowly he watched as she returned to normal once more, her body elongated, her skin sun-kissed as he was used to seeing, and her eyes shifted to the warm aqua once more than she talked to Lili'Enyel.
Cullen took a tentative step towards the others. Deedo looked over to him, smiling warmly. She raised her hand to him and he came closer, taking her hand.
"May I ask, just what are you, or who are you exactly?" Cullen asked as he took his place next to Deedolett's Mother.
Deedo looked over to see Cullen looking a little confused, "Is it because of the constant changing?" Cullen nodded.
"Well, I once was a member of the King's court, in Felwithe. I decided I wanted to see the world from my birth home. I just learned my craft... Thought I would gain some practice on my own, in the grand forest, unaided. Much to my surprise, I fell into Ferelden." She stretched where she sat. Feeling a tad better, she continued.
"After I went home from here, to grow and be of better use, I felt I let too many people down. I hoped to come back one day, possibly for good, doing so without months of restrictions, or years, between."
She smiled as she asked Lili'Enyel to hand her pack over, taking the bag from the ranger Deedo fumbled around pulling things out, the box she made the necklaces, a small velvet bag, and then with a laugh she pulled a red leather book out laying it on her lap. "I can become several beings, or objects, I can even become a tree."
The cover was leather; it had a golden print around a curious-looking character with a single eye, something unknown to Cullen Deedo, who brushed her long fingers over the print.
"Here it says, Enchanter, this symbol here is the Beguiler's mark it lets us know which guild we specialize in."
She then leafed through the aged tome. There were notes and little scribbles throughout the pages. Turning the book to face him, she pointed at one of the little scribbles shown as a character.
"This is the illusion I used: Teir'dal, Teir meaning dark and dal elf, together meaning Dark Elf, allows me to sneak into evil territories unnoticed when needed… Here is one for Dwarf, and here are the animation spells for the sword and shield that is standing alongside us."
Deedo handed her book to him, watching as he fingered through the pages of her spellbook. She showed the time that she was in Ferelden, pointing out the various things the rebel group accomplished and lost.
Cullen noticed a note in the book that looked like numbers. "My Lady, is this a date?" He asked as he pointed out the writing to her.
Deedo looked at the numbers and smiled softly. "Yes. It is Okhor and Deedolett's birth record."
"Can you tell me what it says?" Cullen looked like a small child, wanting a fairy story to help get him to sleep.
Deedo took the book from him and closed it. Cullen looked put off. The Elven woman laid a hand on his and gave it a squeeze.
"It says, 'This day two I bore, so small. They have my eyes. It is a wonder how I could have them safely under the conditions I am being kept. They are perfect. I have named the boy Okhor, and the girl, her Deedolett. During the season of Growth, Month 9 - Busheldown, the Season of Harvest. 9:10 of the Dragon Age. Kidnapped, 9:15 Month 3 - Drakonis of the Dragon Age. '" She smiled at the red-headed Templar who returned a smile in kind.
"I had a better time with Ferelden's calendar than that of my Norrath." Deedo admitted.
The more time he spent with the Lady, the more at ease he felt. His thoughts wandered once more to Deedolett, wondering how she was fare, wondering how she would react to not being of this world.
Riding later into the night, they made camp closer to where Deedo had once been. West Hill. The Battle would have easily been won had it not been for Maric's lover. A silent prayer came from the Koada'dal Lady.
Morning came to the small camp three days away from Denerim. The Ranger and Bard were warming up the food they packed the day before. Xellexes was checking on the wound Deedo got during the skirmish. The women left a short while later to clean themselves by the River Dane before heading out towards the main road.
The women sprinted off earlier, before first light. Sat gathering water for the rest of the trip, also to smother any remaining embers glowed from the fires of the night before.
"I will head back to camp. We need to get moving, Mother." Lili'Enyel called as she carried a makeshift pail to douse the smoky ash mound.
Deedo nodded, tying the end of her long braid to keep it from coming undone. 'I know this road, it has been too long since I have been away. With too many painful memories of what should not have been.'
She held the ring in her hand, her cheeks warm. "We are all packed as it is, we will be closer before nightfall." Calling to the Ranger, " Yes mother." dusting her travel cloth off, she heard rustling coming from towards her.
With a tilt of her head, she listened again, a warm large presence, "I know you. You, remember me?" She managed a smile, "I would be honored for you to fight by my side once more, My Lordship."
Another sound, one like a whimper. "Ruroni?" she hesitantly called, knowing she was far from her left side, but her right.
"Here, do you hear something mother?" Then she came up from behind, standing at the side of the tall High Elf.
"Yes. Stay here." As Deedo stepped forwards, she peered around the trees and in the thick bush. The rustling grew louder as she continued to walk further into the lush wood. Scanning the forest she saw curled under the trunk of an old hollowed-out tree, a tiny figure.
"Hello, are you injured?" Deedo gasped, approaching the small huddled form.
The figure turned its head to the sound of Deedo's comforting voice. "They are after me. Please help me." It was a young boy, only six Springs. Deedo had gauged when she held out a hand to the boy, helping him to his feet.
"Who is after you, have you committed a crime, where are your parents?" Deedo brushed some dirt from the cloth the child wore and pulled bits of twig from his reddish-brown hair.
"I was hungry, and I took a bit to eat from a farm that way," he pointed behind him showing the direction he came from, "Some farmers got upset and are after me, I'm sorry….." the boy trembled as tears trailed down his dirty cheeks, she took his hand and gave him a good look, she could see minor cuts on his small hands.
'The boy wields a blade.' Deedo thought to herself. The boy was thin and dirty, he looked to have been running for days, "Have you eaten anything more?" Shaking his head no, Deedo led him to the water. "What is your name, mine is Deedolit." As she led him to the water to clean his grubby fingers and face.
"Vy'el Mahariel." The boy answered. Shortly after they approached the campsite, the others stood with their horses awaiting Deedo.
With the child in hand, the two of them talked along the way. She learned he was traveling with his parents when the monsters they fought the night prior attacked their wagon several days before. His parents did not survive. Walking to the broken-down campsite, Deedo walked by the others to her horse.
"Deedo?" Xellexes raised a curious eyebrow at the child she held onto tightly. The others turned and looked as well. The girls smiled at the little boy as Deedo presented him to the others.
"Vy'el, this is Xellexes, Ruroni, Cullen, and Lili'Enyel, they are my family and everyone this is Vy'el he lost his parents to the 'monsters', seeking refuge within a hollowed tree. I hope we do not have any objections to him coming with us."
It mattered neither way what the others thought; he was a child who needed help, and they all silently agreed to have the boy come with them, continuing to make themselves ready for departure as they greeted the young boy.
Cullen nodded at the boy. Vy'el studied each of them then when his hazel eyes settled on the shield slung on the back of the horse and hid in Deedo's cloak.
"Vy'el, whatever is the matter, there is no one here to harm you." Deedo's soothing voice calmed the child enough to look from the folds of the cloth as he shyly came from behind her.
He looked up to Deedo, "Father was always hiding us because mummy cast magic. He would show me the men that could take her away from us." The boy pointed to the flaming sword pressed into the metal of Cullen's shield.
Deedo went to explain that Cullen is a different Templar, she then went to take a bit of food and drink from her pack, handing it to Vy'el she watched as he gobbled it up with a full belch from the boy she smiled then cast protective spells on the small boy.
Deedo situated her packs, shrinking them to fit in the inside of her cloak, "Are you well Cullen?" Deedo walked over to the man, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Was it something I said?"
The look on Cullen's face told it all, he swallowed and shook his head slightly, "I am far from a 'different Templar' I may not of went from the tower for the collection of mages when the time rose, but I hated her that day, I wished her and those like her dead." He hung his head, ashamed of the evil that came out of his mouth, from his months of tortures within the Kinloch Hold tower.
"Cullen, we need to talk, Lili. My sweet Vy'el is a blade wielder maybe you can teach him a few things, you as well Ruroni." Squeezing his shoulder, she made sure they would later speak.
Looking at the boy again, his profile made the Enchantress curious. "Vy'el, I have to ask, one of your parent's elf?" Then, within seconds, whistles sounded sharp and clear.
Vy'el nodded, "Mummy."
The sound of whinnies of enormous horses came from sudden portals. Cullen took a step back, wide-eyed as four magnificent horses came from blue slivers of thin air, each coming to stand before one of the tall elves.
One agitated, dappled grey stallion, stamping in place and rearing up, "Hush, now Alto, Tenkou is away from here. Can my brother ride your Thorn?"
The horse walked up to Cullen, looking him in the eye, sniffed his face and head, snorted, and walked back to his small mistress. Ruroni pulled a second whistle from her pocket, handing it to Cullen, "One quick blow."
Doing as told, another portal opened and a large darker grey stallion ran through, skidding before Cullen, with a loud whiny Ruroni, silenced him. "Thorn! Quit being stubborn!"
Deedo picked the boy up, helping him on her mare. He held onto the horn of the saddle. With a pleasant smile, she then took the reins, mounted them, then proceeded to the main road towards Denerim.
After making his rounds for the day and seeing that all business within the Blighted lands tended to, Alistair could finally visit with the Elven mage still slumbering in the castle.
Sten and Tengu kept a silent watch over the woman as she slept when the door opened. Tengu raised his head as he lay on his mistresses' legs and growled slightly.
"It is just me, Tengu." He closed the door quietly behind him, walking up to stand at Sten's side, he looked at her still face, he prayed every night to the Maker that she would wake, her cheerful laughter and charming personality sorely missed amongst the men and women who traveled with her across and under Ferelden to end the Blight.
"Has there been no change?" he asked the quiet Qunari. Standing by her bedside, Okhor nowhere to be seen, Alistair felt relief. He reached down and stroked her cheek, noticing her hair is slightly lighter than before– 'Must be my imagination, she looks just like that painting.' He shook away the thought and sighed, placing his hand over hers.
"Kadan still sleeps from battle." Sten turned to leave. It was obvious he too was concerned, even if it was something he was far from capable of showing. Before the door closed, Wynne stepped in with Zevran close behind, carrying a small tray of broth.
Zevran looked to the man who became his friend during their travels, "Mi amigo, you need to rest as well, we will not leave her side until we know she will recover." Zevran placed a hand on Alistair's shoulder, then patted it lightly. Seeing that his eyes had lost their shine and deep blue circles formed under his eyes.
Tenkou came from the other room. Alistair froze, thinking it was her brother coming in. "It is just I, are you all well today?"
They were all tired, the constant vigil over the one that brought them together was exhausting, they took their rest when they could but they also wanted to make sure that in case she woke from her slumber there would be someone there to greet her when she awakened.
Zevran enamored with the young druid. "We are as well as we can be. How about you? Did you rest well?"
With a pleasant smile, Tenkou nodded. "We, my brother and I, hardly require sleep. Our focus solely on our Olett."
Wynne waved her hands over Deedolett and nodded. The older woman smiled softly, then turned to speak to Tenkou. "Have you noticed her hair is growing longer, and the color is growing lighter?"
Alistair answered before Tenkou, "I thought it was my imagination, can you let me know if you notice anything else, I think I will take Zev's advice and try to rest." With a nod of the older woman's head, Alistair took one more look before he left for a night's rest.
The Coastlands, The North Road, Month 11 - Firstfall, 9:31.
Deedolit walked her horse next to Cullen's. She nudged him with her elbow. "Care to talk now?"
Cullen cleared his throat. "It had begun a month after they sent Deedolett from the Circle, conscripted into the Grey Wardens. Uldred and Wynne with several other Senior magi and full magi came from Ostagar. They had come back with news of the defeat of King Cailan and his armies and… the Grey Wardens."
"It took me a few weeks to cope with the thought of her no longer living, but then within that time Uldred had slowly turned several of the magi who came back with the others from Ostagar, speaking on behalf of Loghain Mac Tir pledge of a freer Circle.
When what he planned failed to take root, the roots he had planted fought by all who took to the meeting that ill-fated day, not only the resolute Seniors who stood behind Uldred he corrupted several of the apprentice magi with the promise into Maleficarum, Blood Magi."
Cullen paused once more before he continued. "Slowly the whispers started, and then the demons. The magi following Uldred played and toyed with those who did not want to turn to their ways, myself, and several of my brothers tried to get as many of the others to safety but the demons and abominations continued to slay them."
Deedo continued to listen quietly, only stopping for a few to see Vy'el nodding off in the saddle. Climbing behind the boy, she held him so he could nap in her arms. She nodded to Cullen for him to continue.
Cullen took a drink from one skin of water, continuing to tell of the nightmare he had endured.
"We had reached the upper floors. It covered them with blood, bodies, and demon sacks of cocoon-like membranes covered the upper floors. Many of my fellow Templar went to the Maker that day, but the few of us who survived caught the culprit, or so we thought."
Month 7 - Solace, 9:30 of the Dragon Age.
Cullen stood inches from Uldred and could not move a muscle. "I see what you are thinking, boy." He held a bloody finger to Cullen's ear, the warm cooling blood dripped onto his skin and Cullen could feel it creeping in the canal into his mind.
Uldred stood smirking at the Templar, "My dear, your Templar wishes to see you." The Senior Magi left for the Harrowing chamber.
Before he stood Deedolett, her bright smile lit the room as she rushed over to Cullen laying his head on her breast. "Cullen, I have missed you so much!" Her voice was warm as ever. She stroked his hair. Tears trickled from his eyes as a lump caught in his throat.
"I… thought you… died." Cullen choked out, finally raising his arms to wrap them about her waist. Buried his face into her bosom, did not care who saw. He missed her, and the Maker answered his prayers. He could look at her and hold her.
"I was not. Here I am. I apologize for Uldred's behavior, he can be dramatic. I hope he has not harmed you?" She took his face in her hands and kissed his cheek.
Cullen slowly opened his eyes and looking back at him was a pair of black eyes with his reflection looking back at him "No…" he gasped, and he tried to pull away. The grip on him was strong.
"My Templar, what is the matter, are you not well?" the voice of Deedolett shifted slightly.
"No…" with every ounce of energy he pulled himself free from the woman in Deedolett's form.
"Why are you acting this way?" She demanded of him. Cullen found a sword laying a finger width away, "You are not she, begone from my sight!" he clenched the sword in his shaking hands.
"You are being silly, put the sword away, and hold me." She took a step closer, and he saw the eyes no longer black but the aqua color he would swim in if he could.
Puzzled slightly, he blinked for just a second and found himself dressed in plain clothing, standing outside of a nicely kept home. There were fields in the back full of golden wheat stretching to the warm sun.
He looked around and Deedolett was standing at a lake a little off to the side of the field; her back turned and the sun caused her fawn locks to look like golden waves.
Cullen smiled and walked over to her, "Deedolett, where are we?" he continued to look around and take in the view, everything was pleasant, the windswept across the golden field, her tousled hair that brushed past her shoulders, and when she turned around his heart stopped.
Her belly was enormous and round as she smiled up at him. "Have you forgotten husband, we are home. Have you seen your son, that boy has run away from me again." She looked about, rubbing her swollen belly.
"Ss-s-son… I…. we?" His hand went to her belly as the sound of laughter caught his ear.
The boy in question came bouncing from the field and latched onto his father's leg. "Father!" the boy squealed.
"There you are, you silly boy." Deedolett chastised him playfully.
Cullen looked down in disbelief. He picked the boy up; favored him with his hair color with Deedolett's eye color; he looked human, but his ears looked Elven. Deedolett smiled at the two of them. "I need you and Elowyn to fetch apples for a pie I plan to bake." Deedo kissed the boy and then Cullen. Her lips held no warmth.
Cullen blinked, and her eyes were black again. He turned to look at the boy in his arms and his eyes changed black as well. Dropping the child made the horrendous sound imaginable. Deedolett shrilled at Cullen, causing the man to cover his ears in pain.
He screamed at her "You are not her!" He could not take the screaming, it was deafening and he wanted it all to stop, looking around he spotted an ax left in the stump he reached for it and then hacked the child and Deedolett.
Cullen woke with a start, his heart racing, and tears pouring from his eyes. The touch of a gentle hand rubbed the side of his face, shushing him and bidding him to slumber once more. The hand was icy against his skin, and he knew that if he opened his eyes, 'she' would be there.
Not taking the chance, he reached up and pulled her head close to his, and with a sickening twist, broke her neck. Pushing the body away, he looked and saw Deedolett lying there, eyes fogging over with death.
"It is not you…," he whispered repeatedly, and then he felt another hand on his shoulder. Cullen sobbed, then the praying began.
Cullen continued, "When I finally saw her again she pleaded with me she was no demon and that she came to help save the tower as soon as she entered, I refused to listen. I damned her and all the magic, I told her she should kill all of them to ensure that no other Maleficarum walks free."
"She defeated Uldred, who was no longer a man but a Pride demon, taken over. She told me, as she tended to me. The best she could, even though I shunned her, cursed her, and wished her from my sight." He remembered her nearing, her hand near him, slapped it out of the way for fear of her bitter touch.
He made her cry, but she sat there with him still. "She had not known I had suffered, the Blood magic worked over me. It gave me what I always wanted but could never have and because the demon who posed as your daughter was not she, I killed her… repeatedly believing it was my sin for the infatuation I had… for a mage. My greatest sin was falling in love with one whom I would have to kill if she ever became an abomination."
Taking a deep breath he admitted, it may have been a reason for his aggression, pushed untoward the young Surana, "We Templars take lyrium to sustain our abilities, to subdue magi. I had not received the amount I would take for months. It was through sheer will I did not perish while they kept me, prisoner. In no way I am glad for it, by any means. I wish she would have killed me when she freed me. I lost good friends, during that time, each one fell before me."
He gripped the reins tighter, his jaw grinding, "Locked in a perpetual nightmare of what I wanted and what was before me." Cullen hung his head. He needed to apologize, needed to make right the hate he spewed.
Warmly, he felt as Thorn stopped, he looked up and saw the others stopped as well. Deedo pulled her horse close to Cullen's and with a warm hand on his shoulder, she smiled and took his hand. "We are here for you, this lyrium you take, do you need any now? We can also find you a cure for it if need be."
He looked around and saw the others agreed as well, Ruroni blotting her eyes, Xellexes rode next to him and clasped his shoulder.
"My Dear Cousin is correct. You are in our care and we will help you in any way we can." With that, he trotted up ahead with Lili'Enyel.
Deedo gave his hand another firm squeeze and gestured for them to continue on. The sun was setting slowly and they could see the path clearly, and the Blighted lands in sight. Another day until they reach the city of Denerim.
Cullen was curious. "Tell me, how did you know to come to Kinloch Hold?"
"Scrying and a book that was used showed the location of where she was, should have been, which was the Tower." Deedo tickled Vy'el's neck as he sat getting his hair brushed.
Helping the boy to his feet, he ran to the twins and played with them. Cullen smiled as he watched Lady Deedo, and he could tell she was anxious about meeting her daughter, as he himself felt a touch of anxiety. Then from the corner of his eye, he saw something moving.
Slowly he turned his head to face what he thought he saw, a shaft of last sunlight was playing with his sight he chuckled softly he sighed as he took in the view, hearing the birds twittering away merrily sound of a brook babbling away and there standing in the light of the setting sun was the form of none other than Deedolett.
As he stood in thought, his mind was indeed playing tricks. As she was not there a moment ago, Cullen slowly made his way over to the ghostly image standing in the clearing ahead. Deedo looked over to see Cullen walking to the clearing on the other side of the wood they were camping at. Thinking nothing more of it, she went about preparing their lunch, as they needed to make way soon.
"Miss Surana?" he called tentatively as the image glided through the forest. She continued until she stopped in the clearing and danced in the warm sun of the lush green field.
Once more he called to her and she stopped looking at him. Her warm smile graced her lovely face as she danced towards him. His heart stopped briefly as she passed right through him. Stumbling forward slightly, he followed her path and saw nothing but the cold dark of night.
Confused by what he saw, Cullen looked back to the clearing and with a heavy heart went back to the camp.
Deedo was standing ramrod straight when Cullen returned, staring ahead, unmoving. A tear trickled down her cheek.
Ruroni took notice and shook her mother from her trance. "Sister, come to help me, something is wrong." The both of them got the Lady to sit as Cullen walked over, Xellexes returned with filled skins of fresh water.
"What happened here?" Xellexes gave her a look over. The woman showed no signs of injury that he could see. "Girls, what happened?" The Wizard looked around and saw nothing but a picturesque scene around them.
"She just froze, and she did not respond to our calls. Mother, you are scaring me," Ruroni said as she clasped the High Elf's hand.
The look on her face, worry, her breathing heavy, cast her eyes to Cullen.
"Saw her, I believe…. I am not sure what it was I saw. She passed right through me." Was his response as he shook his head, answering as honestly as possible, still confused by the entire event.
"We need to hurry on, let us not waste another moment." Deedo gripped the Bards' hands. She saw a vision of Maric troubled, his armor stripped, in sparse moonlight. Getting help to stand, she called Vy'el and Lili. "Make sure you eat something. Hurry, we are going to press forward, still some days away."
As the group of six briskly flitted about the camp eating their lunches then packing, mounted once more for the road to Denerim, a set of Citrine eyes watched from the trees, took wing from the branches, following quietly behind.