She might be old, but Maly still knew how to set a scene. If she was going to meet this unknown Warden who came without notice, then, by the Maker, she was going to do it properly. He would meet the Hero of Fereldan, the ex-Commander of the Grey Wardens, a Senior Enchanter of the Circle of Mages and not a tired old woman who simply sought to fade away into oblivion.
Her chair had been angled so catch the sunlight that streamed into her room. Maly knew that it made her silvered hair blaze like a nimbus of power. Her robes were of the finest silk, saved from the days when she had had to meet with royalty and play the part of the Hero. They still fit her slender figure despite her appetite. Hanging between her breasts rested the pendant Duncan had placed around her neck – her Warden's Oath.
"Good morning, Warden Malaya," the Warden swept into her chambers with a charming smile and a bow.
"And to you, ser," Maly gestured to a chair by hers, "To what do I owe this surprise of a visit?"
"Perhaps I should introduce myself? Despite your fabled directness, I do find social niceties, well, nice," the young man flashed his smile again. Maly narrowed her eyes. She did not trust this one. He was too charming, too slick. He reminded her a bit of Zevran. Yes, with his thick, curly hair the color of fine mahogany and blue eyes that sparkled with the promise of mischief, he bore watching carefully.
He leaned forward and gently took her hand in his, raising it to brush his lips against the papery skin, "I am Warden Jaxon and it is my extreme pleasure to finally meet you."
Maly offered a thin smile as she withdrew her hand. She studied the young man before her, intrigued by the fact that he returned the study with completely unabashed openness.
"And do I measure up, young one," she asked, a small chuckle hinted in her voice.
"Frankly, I did not know what to expect," Jaxon responded, leaning back in his chair and stretching his feet out with a sigh, "Forgive me, Warden, but it was a long ride here."
"And just why did you come, Jaxon," Maly turned towards the table the serving girl had set up, "Wine? Tea?"
"No, thank you, but shall I pour you anything," he asked.
Maly's brows rose at the man's manners. She shook her head, "No, lad, and quit stalling. Why did the Warden Commander send you to see me? I sincerely doubt it is to check up on me," she snorted, "After the way he and I parted ways the last time, I believe he'd be happy to toss me into the Dark Roads and shut the doors."
Jaxon clasped his hands in his lap, "Well, some records were found in Soldier's Keep, dealing with a mage that you encountered. The Commander wanted to speak to you about him."
"Avernus," Maly asked, carefully putting surprise into her voice. She did not need the Wardens poking into her dealings with the mage. That was something best left undiscovered. "By the Maker, why would he want to know of Avernus? He's dead and buried."
"And yet, you are not," Jaxon pinned the old mage with an intense stare, "You have managed to survive the Taint longer than any Warden on record. Surely you can see why we would be interested in you."
"Really," Maly smiled slowly. It was a look that many young Wardens and apprentice mages had learned to fear. "I find it interesting that you are here now, of all times, to question me about someone who died so very long ago. As far as I know, my living this long has to deal with the fact that I was on the tower when the Archdemon was killed. That's what I was told by the Orlesian Wardens."
Jaxon waved away her explanation, "The Commander would just like you to come and visit Amaranthine for a few days and speak with him and some mages."
"I see. And how does he expect me to get there? I can barely move across this room. Shall I fly there are the great, swooping wings and a giant bird?"
Her sarcastic comment, said without thought, took her by surprise. Giant birds… Flemeth's rescue… No, it was not the time to let the past capture her thoughts. She had to remain in control. This boy was sneaky and smart. She admired him but was wary.
"Actually, we thought a litter and a slow pace might do for you," Jaxon offered a charming smile, "If there is anything we can do to make you comfortable during the journey, you have but to ask me and I will make it happen."
"You speak as though it is an assumption."
"Do you really wish to remain here, cooped up, with only dry, boring mages as company when you could be out in the fresh air with me," Jaxon laughed.
"Hush, you, I'm old enough to be your grandmother," Maly's cheeks paled and she swayed in her chair as Wynne flashed into her mind. She had said that to Alistair often. She could see them, as clear as though no time had passed. Wynne teasing Alistair about bedding younger men and Alistair blushing as the rest of the party laughed under their breath. It hurt so much.
"My lady," Jaxon was out of his seat and at Maly's side in a flash, "Are you alright? Shall I send for someone?"
"No, no, just memories," Maly shook her head slowly, trying to shake the images from it. She sighed. The nightmares were getting stronger with each passing night. It would probably be best if she were with the Wardens. They could get her to Orzammar easier than the mages.
"Very well, Jaxon," Maly sighed, once again feeling the inevitable net of Fate drawing around her, "We can leave tomorrow."