The canopy of trees above cloaked the travelers in shade, save for small streaks of light breaking through gaps in the leaves. Legam sighed, rubbing his head. They'd entered the Brecilian Forest six days ago, hoping to find one of the many wandering Dalish clans. Though they already recruited aid from the dwarves and mages, Ferelden's only Grey Wardens knew they needed every last ally they could gather against the Blight.
Trudging through the rugged forest path, Legam wondered how much time they had before the archdemon surfaced. He already knew the tainted Old God truly commanded the darkspawn legions: aside from his taint-induced nightmares, their journey down the Deep Roads eventually brought them to the Dead Trenches. Shortly after their arrival, they spotted the thousands of darkspawn below… And then the monstrous dragon flew from the depths in all its unholy glory. Thankfully, the archdemon took no note of the Wardens and their comrades, focusing instead on its legions.
Legam shivered at the recollection. Their trek to the Dead Trenches occurred five months ago; if the archdemon was so active back then, how soon before it ventured out to the surface? Grumbling mentally, he cursed the reclusiveness of the Dalish. Perhaps if he wore a gigantic sign that flashed, "GREY WARDEN" around his neck, the nomadic elves would make an appearance and offer assistance. Ha! If only.
The Rivaini Warden shook his head in amusement at his ridiculous notions. Best not to dwell on it before his mood truly soured. Looking over at his companions, he noticed most distracted themselves with small talk. A fine plan – chat always distracted his mind from incessant worries. Smiling slightly, Legam knew exactly where to turn for the most engaging conversation.
Scanning the party again, he quickly spotted Leliana. She marched softly only a few feet behind him, humming some unknown tune while she scanned the trees. Whether she looked for elves or just enjoyed the view of the forest, Legam knew not. Over the past several months, the two had formed a strong, close friendship – perhaps even closer than the companionship he enjoyed with Alistair, his fellow Grey Warden. This level of trust and comfort Legam shared with Leliana frequently led to exchanges of various life experiences.
From these conversations, Legam knew much about Leliana's bard past, especially after the lethal confrontation with Marjolaine. Of course, Legam gathered the redheaded Orlesian still kept much of it to herself: while she didn't regret her former life, Leliana made it quite clear she intended to keep the past behind her. Still, with the right amount of encouragement and prodding, he often could extract snippets of new information about Orlesian bards or other interesting tidbits from her.
During their last restocking in Denerim, Legam overheard a few rumors from tavern-goers about Orlesian bards. He'd meant to ask Leliana for confirmation and clarification, but duties and other concerns drove the curiosity from
his mind. Now his questions returned – a good excuse as any to spark a conversation with his musical companion.
Legam slowed, altering his stride a few paces to the left so that he walked astride Leliana. She noticed his presence almost instantly, ceasing her humming. Noting the now familiar grin and inquisitive arch of his eyebrow, the bard chuckled. No doubt queries about her past, or perhaps a new tale, tugged at his thoughts.
"Looking for little old me?" Leliana teased before her leader opened his mouth. The mage laughed, nodding.
"Indeed, though you are much easier to find than the Dalish."
"Perhaps my blending in skills are fading, then. I must work on that." She winked, and Legam laughed again. "So, what did you wish from me?"
"Just to pass the time, really." He shrugged. "Perhaps you could oblige by indulging my curiosity for a moment?"
"Perhaps I could. What curiosity requires indulgence?"
He pursed his lips, contemplating how to approach the subject. "I have heard some rumors about Orlesian spies."
Leliana rolled her eyes, but kept a small smile. Obviously, Legam wanted something specific, but he chose to dance around the issue. Time to guide him down a narrowing path. "There are many rumors about spies, Orlesian or otherwise. What are you referring to, exactly?"
Legam looked up at the trees, suddenly afraid of sounding accusatory. "They say you will do almost anything to achieve your goals."
Leliana frowned, defensiveness flaring. "I admit I have done many despicable things in my lifetime. I do what I have to do. So do you. So does everybody." He tilted his head in silent concession, but she continued. "Sometimes we must do terrible things to get what we want. If it is any consolation I always tried to use non-violent means to achieve my ends."
He expected as such, but Legam wondered what brand of tactic she did employ. "What sorts of non-violent means?"
"Some bards rely on torture to get what they want. It works effectively, as many will bend under the threat of bodily harm." Leliana scrunched her face, obviously disapproving of such techniques. "But there are better ways, more subtle and kind. You will be surprised how easily a person will open up to you even if all you offer is a listening ear."
Perhaps not so surprised. Legam mused to himself. Leliana certainly talked his ear off constantly once she found the mage actually paid attention to what she said. But she offered the same in turn, so at least it worked both ways.
"People respond eagerly to others who they believe understand them." The bard continued, gesturing for emphasis. "They seek approval, friendship… sometimes love. This can be exploited."
Huh. Subtle manipulation, was it? Somehow, this too did not surprise Legam much. Considering her shady past and gentle nature, the use of such exploitation seemed only natural for her in a bard's life. He imagined her effortless charm and wit worked well in her favor. "I'm sure they didn't mind being exploited by you."
She shrugged, apparently agreeing. "They never complained… well, they did, but usually after they found out what I had done. Never during…" Her voice dropped low, an amused hint to her words. Legam blinked, confused. Obviously, he didn't quite understand her implication. She clarified, for his sake.
"Everyone can be seduced by the right woman. The trick is predicting who she is, and becoming her." Caught up in her recollections, Leliana stopped walking, waving her arms about. "Master the game, and no one can resist
you."
Legam raised a dark eyebrow. So, seducing men was sport to her? "And would you say you've mastered this game?"
"If I might be so bold… yes. I was quite good at it." Leliana smirked impishly. "Sometimes all I had to do was toss a glance and a smile. Men read promises into such things, and will go to great lengths to see that promise fulfilled."
Her mage companion laughed at the thought of men tripping over themselves to please her. His mood turned
playful, challenging. "I'm sure I'm completely immune to your charms."
Leliana arched her own eyebrow, skeptical. "That is what they all say." She shrugged. "I suppose we will never know, will we? I'm certainly not going to test you."
Internally, Legam appreciated the fact Leliana respected him enough to not view him as a plaything. Regardless, he felt like teasing her. "What if I decided to use my charms on you instead?" He leaned against his staff, putting on his best smug face.
The bard snorted. "Ha! That would be something to see. He thinks he'll charm me!" She mocked, rolling her eyes again. Leliana crossed her arms, amused. Eager to see if the mage's mouth could conjure any magic other than spells, she eyed him expectantly.
Encouraged by her manner, Legam chose the humorous route. "I know you want me, Leliana." His voice dropped excessively, comically low. For added effect, he leaned in slightly, wigging his raven eyebrows and stretching his mouth into a fake lecherous smirk.
Unable to resist the ridiculousness of his attempt, Leliana let out a high, mirthful squeal. She covered her mouth to stifle her laughter. "Hee! Silly boy. That was so clunky. Awkward. Try again." She shook her head, greatly amused and wondered if the mage flirted very often.
Unperturbed, Legam cocked his head haughtily and wagged his finger. "But I made you laugh! You think it's cute." He smirked triumphantly.
Hand pressed against her stomach, the bard released a heartier laugh. "Maybe…" Leliana admitted. She returned his smirk, eying the mage with mock suspicion, "you're a tricky one." She paused, contemplating her
friend. "You're an interesting person… sometimes I don't know what to make of you, but…" Her smile softened, her shoulders shrugged casually. "I like it."
Legam laughed, pleased his mischief managed to succeed. Both travelers shared quiet giggles before Leliana observed the sun beginning its journey westward. Night would fall in a few hours, and they still needed to continue their hunt for the Dalish.
She nudged the chortling mage with her palm. "But come, it is getting late and there is much to be done."
Reluctantly, Legam ceased his laughter and nodded. He gestured her onward. "Ladies first."
"Why, thank you. Keep up that gentleman act, and you may actually charm a woman without resorting to absurdities." Leliana slinked down the path ahead.
He followed, taking her mockery in stride. "Perhaps I'll leave that to Oghren, then."
She laughed one last time, her musical giggles echoing in his ears long after their voices quieted.