DAO: Remember Me
I'd like to stress again that Bioware owns all the materials of this fan fiction. I hope you're enjoying my rendition. :)
Ch. 5 Impressions
Violet's heart beat heavily in her chest. Her ears and cheeks were probably brimming red. Maker knows it was extremely warm. Her whole body felt warm. She took deep breaths with every stride as she made her way across Ostagar's camp.
It can't be him… Duncan must be talking about another Alistair… it's just a coincidence, she thought nervously. She fisted her hands to stop herself from fidgeting. Get a grip, Violet. You're working yourself up for nothing. What are you expecting anyway?
She pictured little Alistair's golden hair shining in the moonlight the night they first met. She couldn't imagine what he would look like ten years later.
She trudged up the stone ramp leading to the wing the entrance guard directed. Besides, she thought, he won't remember you. He was only a few years older than you when you left.
She walked cautiously up the other stone ramp, now hearing voices in the distance. Her heartbeat quickened. Calm Down! She scolded. Dear Maker… Breathe!
When she halted in front of the two men conversing, however, she drew breath, and did forget to breathe for a moment. Short golden hair, dark irises, a quirky grin… older and with more facial hair now, but it was him. Her chest felt heavy and she wondered why her head was spinning. It was then that she realized she was holding her breath. Carefully, she began to breathe once more, trying desperately not to seem like she was about to fall over.
"You know, one good thing about the Blight is how it brings people together," he said to her when the mage he was conversing with left.
"I know what you mean." She smiled automatically. Wait… she thought. What in the world am I saying! She gulped, hoping she didn't sound like a fool.
"It's like a party." He smiled. "We could all stand around a circle and hold hands. That would give the Darkspawn something to think about," he laughed.
Violet giggled too. She was glad his imagination and goofiness hadn't left him. Many of her fellow mages, growing up at the Circle, decided to mature away from such silly comments. It made her transition from child to young adult almost awkward.
"Wait, we haven't met, have we? I don't suppose you happen to be another mage?"
She flushed, but hoped he hadn't noticed. What could she say? Yes, actually. We met when we were young back at a Chantry and I am now an official mage. She could tell him right then. It would be the perfect segue. Something kept her from revealing it, though. For some reason, she wanted him to remember her. She wanted to know he hadn't forgotten her all those years.
"I am indeed a mage," she said, instead.
"Really? You don't look like a mage. Uh… that is… I mean… how interesting," he looked at her quizzically.
She tilted her head in wonder. I don't look like a mage? She questioned. …I'm… interesting? She honestly didn't know what to make of it.
"Wait, I do know who you are," he realized. Her heart fluttered. "You're Duncan's new recruit from the Circle of Magi," he laughed under his breath. "I should have recognized you right away, I apologize."
Violet sighed. That's right, I'm the new recruit. She didn't like how that came to be. She had hoped Duncan would just see her later the day of his visit and make a special invitation; a simple affair. It was unfortunate to have fallen into that position after being caught helping her friend Jowan escape from the Circle. Careful Jowan… How could he have been so reckless? Forbidden love and… blood magic?
"That's all right, no offense taken," she said, trying to sound nonchalant.
"Good. You didn't exactly catch me at my finest with the mage there." He smiled. "Allow me to introduce myself: I'm Alistair, the new Grey Warden."
Her heart fluttered again. It may give him a hint, she thought. Will it work?
"Pleased to meet you," she said. "My name is Violet."
She watched his expression carefully.
"Right, that was the name," he said. Her heart nearly sank. Maybe he did forget…
"You know, it just occurred to me that there have never been many women in the Grey Wardens. I wonder why that is?"
Violet smirked. "You want more women in the Wardens, do you?" She couldn't help herself. He fell right into that one.
"Would that be so terrible? Not that I'm some drooling lecher or anything. Please stop looking at me like that," he quickly added, seeing her grin.
They continued to converse before heading back to Duncan.
He USED to be a Templar, she thought to herself. She quickly glanced over her shoulder to find him trailing behind. I suppose I wasn't too far off with my imaginations then. A smile crept onto her lips as she realized he was even more handsome than she had imagined and grateful their reunion wasn't as rivals, but soon to be partners.