Day 03 (Chapter 31)

Well, let's work backwards, shall we?

Family Reunion.

The group needed to resupply and of course the nearest town just had to be Redford. Needless to say, I had to lead the group while I'm all tied up with worries and emotions, and they are just blissfully unaware of the meaning of this village to me.

I noticed Marge and Dustin long before they noticed me. They were bickering over what to get for dinner (typical) and when they turned, my heart nearly stopped. Of course, they didn't notice me until we were about five feet away. I almost ran three times that day. It's pretty sad that I'm intimidated by my younger siblings.

Dustin is now seventeen and is tall and brawny, much like the descriptions of their father. I swear all I needed to do was put a sword on his back and he'd be ready to go.

Marge was delicate little Marge. She reminds me so much of Mother. She's fifteen now and starting to look like a woman. I can't believe she's all grown up. To think she'll be married off soon. Hopefully not to that brute Jason. I know they're wealthy, but she shouldn't have to put up with him.

Anyway, the two were relatively happy to see me. Marge was upset that I left her and ran off into the woods. Had to use my trusty bow to get her out of that one. Needless to say, I had a lot of explaining to do.

Dustin was better at handling my arrival. He understood. Although the news of my blood was a bit much. He never really thought about it, I'm sure; he's always been so accepting.

I think that Marge will forgive me. Well, I hope she does. No, I think I hope she gets over it. Doesn't let it hold her down any. She's a good kid; I wouldn't want to ruin her life with my story.

So I think they finally know everything. Well, not everything, of course. But mostly everything. What they don't know won't hurt them.

I'm going to miss those two. And I actually cried on my own accord today, no acting. Real tears sting so much more.

I managed to miss meeting Mother. Both Marge and Dustin said she misses me. I know they're just saying that. That woman never loved me. Never.

On a lighter note, I saw Marty. Good ole Marty. He's still the same. Figures.

On Aedan

So, I'm backtracking a few days. Pardon me if my facts are a bit askew.

As my last entry hints, I was cut off from my writing.

Aedan decided to take me on some walk to work out our differences, or at least that's what I initially thought.

Turns out, he planned a secluded little dinner. It was actually a bit romantic. Who knew the Cousland had it in him?

I fiddled around on the lute (much to Aedan's surprise) had some cake and cocoa when Aedan pulls out a belated birthday present.

I'm not one to take gifts, but this was special so I took it. And am I glad I took it.

It's a necklace with a dragon scale on it.

Now, I'm no expert on dragons, but from what little I read at the Order, dragons don't exactly go around losing their scales all over the place. Well, not the scale I have. He claimed he found it on the ground, but I'm not so sure. It looks too good to be from the ground. Either way, it's not your average scale, but it's beautiful.

Then of course came bed time and Aedan managed to swipe some of my clothes and bring them to the camp. Well, "our" camp thing. Whatever it was, he brought my clothes there and there was the awkward predicament of changing. Aedan was a good boy and didn't look, but of course, he doesn't tell me that he's changing, so I look up to see him standing in nothing but his pants. Oh my innocence! Although I do have to admit, he back was very toned. I was rather impressed.

And then we shared a bed.

No, we did not do anything (I don't think I could live with myself if we did) and it got me to thinking.

Aedan has some very attractive women following him around in his group. And not to mention the women in the villages that practically drape themselves over him. And yet he picks me. Maybe he does really like me. Maybe this isn't some male dominance act. I may have to reconsider my feelings. It's strange when I look at him and my heart starts fluttering.

But enough of all this rambling (As if I'm actually talking to someone). We're getting closer to the Dalish each day.

Oh Maker. I'm not ready for this.