9:30 Wintermarch 16th
If there was a way to explain how bad Lothering got over the course of one day, it wouldn't be enough. I thought that it was starting to get crowded yesterday, it got packed overnight. After the army marched through nearly every single farm in the vicinity of Lothering, everyone swarmed the small village. It was the only place, besides Redcliffe, where they could restock and rest until their journey to Denerim.
The spaces near the highway were filled to the brim with refugees. Soon the inn was filled up too. I was right in saving my room for the week. Of course with all these people moving in, there were bound to be conflicts. The same merchant that I saw in the beginning of Lothering, was already buying everything for coppers and selling it back for more than it was worth.
And the highwaymen that centered themselves right at the entrance weren't making anything better. All the guards and soldiers that were around yesterday were also gone. People were scared, panicky, fearful, and desperate. I took a deep breath and leaned against the Chantry wall right next to the door. They had to open the double doors when it got crammed inside. It smelled like gloom and doom in there. Oren didn't mind though. He blended right in reading books and ignoring everyone else. I felt sad that Oren matured too quickly but there was nothing I could do.
Anything to cope with what happened. Oren wasn't a stupid boy. He knew his mother was dead and his grandparents were dead as well. Does he know that he won't be able to go home? I wasn't sure but I bet his small sad, detached looks he gave me every once in a while would denote that yes, he knew.
I was really getting sick of all this palatable sorrow. As soon as I got Oren's ok, I walked away from the Chantry as a man started to chant about the darkness coming to swallow them whole. I rolled my eyes at the exaggeration.
I was holding onto the hope that Eren had survived. The only thing now was that I had to wait and I hated waiting. I looked at the Templars coming out of the Chantry. I followed them and saw that they tried to get rid of the highwaymen. As they escorted the highwaymen away from their wares, I sneaked and peeked into their crate. There were pouches just resting in there. While I made sure they were all distracted, I pickpocketed the thieves and put them in my own pocket. I sneaked away and saw the families all with dirty and despair stricken faces.
I decided to use the 100 silvers that I had and passed it around to those that needed it. I got many thanks from the families who couldn't afford a simple meal of jerky and stale bread. I even helped elves. They expressed the most gratitude. Soon I was down 50 silvers and was about to go back into the Chantry to get Oren when I was stopped by a group of three men.
"I heard you were giving out coin to those in need. We are so frail and helpless. A might fine donation would greatly help us." The leader mocked. They had patchy leather armor and their weapons looked worn out. That didn't hide the smirk the leader wore.
"Get to stepping boys. I'm only helping those that really need it not bullies like you." I glared, my voice growing deeper and intimidating.
"Uh I think we need to leave…" One of his subordinates said.
"Nonsense. She's the only one with coin and I am not leaving until I get what I want." He threatened. I saw that he was going to pull out one of his weapons and I rushed forward and twisted his arm painfully behind his back. He shouted in pain while the other two got their weapons. I deftly pulled my dagger and held it up to the guy's throat.
"I told you," I growled, pulling on his arm again and he whimpered, "Now, be good and leave me alone. You come near me and next time this dagger will be shoved up where the sun doesn't shine." I let him go and kicked his back. He fell to the ground and his two lackeys got him and dragged him away. I confidently walked up to the Chantry and its doors before leaning against a wall. I let out the breath I was holding and rubbed my face.
"Impressive though I would suggest hiding your emotions more." I heard Leliana behind me and I chuckled.
"I'm not used to intimidating." I confessed and gave her a sheepish smile. I took out the last of the money I swiped. "You think you can give these to the refugees? I'm afraid that if I keep carrying it, others will try the same." I explained.
"I will take half. You will need all you can in order to continue on your travels no?" Leliana said, taking out the few silvers for the refugees and then giving me back the pouch.
"Let's hope those travels will be soon. You need to tell the Templars to warn the people. This village won't be safe for long." I looked around us to make sure no one was overhearing. "Darkspawn are going to attack and this land will be blighted." Leliana's eyes widened before settling.
"It is understandable. Ostagar is near here. It won't be long until their next move. I will tell the Mother to help along any refugees that are staying here." Leliana nodded.
"Good." Hopefully they could get away sooner than later, I thought.
"Why are you doing this? You have nothing to gain." Leliana wondered.
"I just want to help…even if it's something as small as this." I mumbled the last part. I moved past Leliana before she said anything and went to pick Oren up. The sun was already setting and I'd rather go back to the inn and get some food in me before my room gets taken away. Oren was sleeping away on the bed and the rowdiness downstairs kept me up. I need to get some sleep though. Hopefully tomorrow will be better.
9:30 Wintermarch 17th
Everyone was back together and we were on our way.
The morning started out rough. Oren had a nightmare and I was sleep deprived. I was able to snag us some water so we were able to at least bath and get ourselves clean. The innkeeper demanded more money for the room but I was able to get out before he hounded me more. As the usual, Oren and I went to the Chantry. It wasn't as packed as it was yesterday but there were still people milling out. Leliana was praying with those in the pews and Oren went toward the bookshelf.
When she saw me, she excused herself and walked over to where I was leaning at. Leliana was awfully chatty to me though I didn't understand why.
"I have heard you spoke to the Qunari near the village limits." Leliana stated.
"I did." I shrugged.
"You do know what he has done, no?" Leliana wondered.
"He killed an entire family bare handed." I said plainly. Leliana's lips pursed.
"Is there any reason why you spoke with him?" She asked.
"I wanted to know why a Qunari was here of all places. You rarely see them and I was curious." I lied. I saw Leliana stare at me with a calculating stare. Most liars would be nervous, fidget, never look at the eyes, and be tense. I'm a very good liar as I was relaxed against the wall and raised my eyebrow when all she did was stare at me. "Did I do something wrong?"
"Most wouldn't even consider conversing with a known murderer." Leliana said.
"And everyone would love to see him get killed for it I'm sure. I know he regrets it though. If he really wanted to get out of that cage, he would have done so already. A weak mind is a cage in of itself." I said, remembering what Sten would say later on. Leliana's lips parted before shutting again. It was odd to see her so open. I need to remember to burn that into my memory. This Leliana would disappear in a decade's time.
"You are an odd woman." Leliana said after a stint of silence.
"I get that a lot." I chuckled.
"Have you seen anyone that resembles your friend?" Leliana asked. I shook my head.
"Nothing so far but I'm keeping my eye out. I'm parched, want to join me for a drink at the inn?" I offered. Leliana laughed.
"I don't think a Chantry sister would be welcome there." She said.
"Ok." I shrugged, going out the door before she walked past me.
"Good thing I am not a sister." She playfully smiled. I smirked and shook my head. We made our way to the inn as the bar and seats were completely full. There were people singing in the background that kept me awake last night. It irked me. We were able to snag a few seats in the corner and they brought out ale that smelled funky.
"Ugh, this smells like the back end of a swamp." I crinkled my nose, pushing the tankard away from me.
"I wouldn't be surprised if that's where they got it from." Leliana shoved hers away as well.
"So I got a question for you." I leaned in my seat.
"And that is?" Leliana wondered.
"Why do you keep coming up to me? I already told you that I can't assure my friend will accept you." I said.
"Well it is also because you are interesting to converse with. You care for a boy that is not your own, steal from highwaymen to give to the needy, and warn us of an impending attack that will likely save more lives in the long run. I believe you to be unusual. In a good way of course." Leliana explained.
"Glad to see that you like me." I chuckled before the door opened. My mouth nearly fell to the floor as a familiar dark headed, blue eyed man came through. He was followed by a very familiar blonde hair man and dark haired witch. I saw a few men stand up. Leliana noticed my reaction.
"Is that…?" She wondered. I nodded. We both got up and I saw that she had hidden dagger underneath her robes. Unfortunately, the innkeeper grabbed me by the arm and led me away before I could join her.
"Now about the added few to your room. It will be 15 silvers to-"
He didn't even get to finish as I heard the fight start. By the time I got back, the two guards were already running out of the inn. People who were gawking went back to moping. I stared at Eren who was busy talking to Leliana. I wanted to go up and hug him. I wanted to slap him for not coming sooner. I wanted to sob and tell him how worried I was for him. There were too many conflicting emotions that, by the time I wanted to talk to him, they had already walked out.
I cursed silently as I went to go with them when the innkeeper blocked my way again. This time I got really pissed off. As he began to rattle the numbers, I slammed my hand on a table.
"Keep your frigging room! I'm leaving!" I said, running up to the room, gathering all my things in my pack, and getting out. I rechecked everything as I gave him the key and sauntered out, hearing the shouts for the room as I closed the door.
I looked around but I couldn't find Eren. I sighed as I kicked the ground. I should have gone up to him and done something! My face heated up in rage in shame when I heard a gasp as I came up to the bridge to the Chantry.
"Missy! You're still here!" Derek shouted. Talen was right behind him with Alfred next to him. Alfred immediately barked and jumped all over me.
"Hey! Down boy! Heel!" I squeaked before he knocked me down and slobbered all over my face. I felt Alfred come off me as Derek held him by the collar, laughing all the way. "Ew!" I wiped off the slobber as best as I could.
"You're looking more spirited missy." Derek helped me up as I dusted myself off.
"I've had some good moments here and there. Where's Eren?" I asked. Talen rolled his eyes.
"Apparently a Chantry Sister mentioned that there were bandits outside of the village and that the Chanter's board would pay them if they helped." Talen scowled.
"Oh, thank God you're both alive though. Are you guys ok?" I wondered.
"Why would you ask that?" Talen bristled, his voice becoming lower. "Do you even know what we've been through these last couple of days? Not to mention the betrayal we had when Loghain up and quit the field? And you're asking us if we're ok?!" Talen shouted. Derek slapped his back and Talen hissed in pain.
"Will you be quiet? Can't you see she actually worried for you and all you can do is yell at her? Stop being such a priss and man up!" Derek huffed. "Now say you're sorry." Derek pulled his ear.
"Ow! Ok I get it! Let go!" Derek crossed his arms while Talen rubbed his ear. He scowled at me, moving his lips back and forth. He let out a sharp exhale. "I'm sorry…" He mumbled and Derek slapped his back again.
"With feeling priss!" Derek shouted.
"I'm sorry!" Talen yelled, his face growing red. "I'm just…gah! When I get angry, I get really angry. I shouldn't have taken it out on you. Things haven't been going so well." Talen's ears drooped as he looked to the ground. Talen looked so young. He couldn't have been any older than 18 at the most. I sighed and thought, to hell with it. I hugged him. "Hey! What are you doing?"
"Whatever that has happened, I'm still glad that you're alive." I said sincerely. Talen huffed before patting my back. I leaned out of it and gave him a goofy smile. Talen pouted and turned away.
"He'll warm up to you. He's like an out of control pup, easy to anger but gets all lovable later." Derek snickered. Alfred barked.
"Shut up!" Talen shouted before stomping away. It was funny and cute at the same time.
"So where are you hunkering down?" Derek asked as we moved toward a few empty crates. We sat down and Alfred put his head in my lap.
"I was at an inn with Oren." I said, petting Alfred as he took his tongue out in happiness. "I've been waiting just like Eren told me to."
"What would you have done if he didn't survive?" Derek asked.
"I would have gone to Redcliffe and waited there until this whole thing blew over." I lied. Derek laughed.
"You're an odd one all right. No wonder he wouldn't stop talking about you." Derek grinned.
"Who wouldn't?" I asked. Derek shook his head.
"The boss. Kept on saying he wouldn't die there unless he got back to you. Good too, it probably helped him to survive for so long." Derek chuckled lightly. I smiled. That's good. Alfred's ears perked up before he started to bark and run. I got up to follow him and I saw him. Eren being flanked by Morrigan, Alistair, and Leliana. When he saw me, he froze.
All I could think at that moment was how happy I was to see him. Then he glared at me and all my happiness went out the window. He stomped toward me and I instinctively took a step backward. He grabbed my face and squished it. I groaned in pain before he gave me a hug.
"Jesus Christ Eren did you have to smash my face for that?" I felt my cheeks heating up from the contact.
"I had to make sure you were real." Eren mumbled.
"I am missing something aren't I?" Alistair asked as Eren let me go.
"Considering your inept mental aptitude, tis' a wonder you can even function." Morrigan smirked. Eren rubbed his face.
"She is the one that I described." Eren said, putting his hand on my shoulder.
"So you're the lady friend he's been waiting for." Alistair put emphasis on the 'lady' part. I rolled my eyes.
"Why does everyone think we're together? I'm married." I crossed my arms. A beat of silence went through.
"My condolences." Morrigan laughed.
Beta'd by FearaNightmare! (Who keeps telling me not to work on anything else other than this. I've got something, eventually!)
Yay! Happy reunion for all! Ooooh I'm totally going to love rewriting all their interactions. It's going to be awesome! I already have the mage tower all planned out and a little bit of soldier's peak. Get ready for excitement, danger, and semi-romance that doesn't involve my character! :D
Thank you Chimera Spyke for your review! Please review!