AN: Wow, I'm starting to get nervous LOL
I must say, that I am very much enjoying this story. I have been depriving myself sleep I'm just that excited.
Quote of the day: "Pft. Anyone can fall through a mirror." Oh the conversations I have with friends.
I was awestruck. Any doubts I had earlier seemed to vanish into thin air as I gawked at the image painted before me. I stood at the top of the steps leading out of Darktown, my eyes impossibly wide with amazement. Above me stretched tall stone walls, buildings formed and molded out of earth. To my left waves from the ocean splashed wickedly on the dock, spraying my face and body, the cold salt water exhilarating against my dry skin.
A hoard of people danced around the docks, garments I had never seen before worn by all shapes and sizes. I watched as sailors transported freight from boat to warehouse. The wind was full of commotion. I slowly made my way through the crowds, my eyes catching every detail. Women dressed in full gowns watched over children playing near the water's edge. Large ships entering the harbor swayed upon the waves in slow harmony. Everything seemed simple and at peace.
There was no smog to choke on. No loud cars shattering down the roads. I felt the life all around me, and it was fantastic. All thoughts of Anders and Merrill were completely replaced by my excitement. I dreamily made my way up another set of steps, the ocean scene disappearing slowly behind me. Merchants standing beside stalls of various wares dominated the streets.
Silks of every color adorned several booths, men and woman beckoning for paid customers. It was like something out of a movie. I reached out carefully, running my finger over one of the silk rolls, its graceful material soft and elegant against my fingertips. I could only imagine what it would be like to wear a dress made of the fabric.
"Get your filthy paws off my merchandise! Paying customers only!" The merchant swatted my hand, a look of repulsion covering his features. I backed away mortified, color spreading over my cheeks. Did I really look that bad? I bit my lip as I quickly rushed from the stalls.
I pressed myself further into the crowd of people, the buildings growing around me as I trudged deeper into the city. Men wearing armor became a norm, the sound of mail and breastplates clinking together filled my ears, an annoying reminder that I was no longer in the 21st century.
I felt my legs growing tired as I reached another set of steps. I was hungry, dirty, and tired. I found a nice spot in the shade to sit down, crossing my legs beneath me and placing my head against the stone building. I drifted my eyes close as I thought of home. Of all the delicious food I missed so dearly. Images of my bedroom began to float inside my minds eye, followed by the warm running water drifting out of my bathtub faucet. Oh what I wouldn't give to have it all back again.
I opened my eyes abruptly to the sound of screams. Everyone around me came to a halt, glancing in the direction of the shouts. I stood up, my eyes darting in every direction. Backed into a corner, huddled over a ragged looking child, sobbed a desperate looking woman. Her hands clasped in prayer as she begged with her assailants. Two steel clad men stood above her, wearing silver plated armor draped with crimson red sashes around their waist. The chest of their armor was engraved with a golden sword, small little flecks of gold flame surrounding it. Their faces were completely concealed by bulky helmets.
To my disbelief everyone around me turned the other cheek, mulling back into daily life. This woman was in need of help and yet everyone acted as if there was nothing happening. I swiftly reminded myself that I was no longer in civilization, that this was essentially a dog eat dog world. I quickly shoved my way over to the spectacle, adrenaline pumping through my veins. I wasn't going to sit and watch like everyone else. God help their souls.
One of the armored men lashed out with his foot, knocking the mother of the child over screaming. The child fell backwards as they reached over the mother's figure and grasped him by the shoulder. He gave a blood curdling scream as they lift him into the air with a swift tug. All my thoughts became misplaced as I fought back my irritation. I had to do something. This was wrong.
I glanced around me fleetingly, my eyes stopping short of a merchant's wares. Large red apples sitting in large wooden barrels caught my attention. Perfect for throwing. Without hesitating I swooped several of the round fruits into my palms, pressing the weight of them against my stomach. Anger blinded me, leaving no thoughts of reason behind.
"Hey! Leave him alone you rusty tetanus infested ramrodders!"
I sent the first pair of apples flying through the air, each slamming directly into the helmeted goons. My breath held in my throat as I watched them teeter in astonishment. I hastily seized more apples, hurtling the plump fruit straight at my victims, each apple landing with a thud against their armor, splatting with ripened juices then sliding to the ground. The boy fell from the man's grasp as he turned to face me, beady little eyes glowering at me indignantly through the slits of his helm. The mother understood what was happening, her gaze touching mine briefly in acknowledgment.
"Don't just sit there, get your son and run!"
She dove for her son, grabbing him tightly to her chest then yanking him into the shadows of the crowd now forming around us. The apples were no longer a deterrent; I was now the focus of their attention. I cursed under my breath as I began to back away from their advances, my heart slamming into my rib cage. I would have to run, and judging by the thickness of their armor I knew they would be weighted down. I had the advantage. But would I be able to get far enough away without my asthma kicking in?
"You should not interfere with the dealings of apostates!"
I felt the danger as the armored man reached for the hilt of his blade. I revolved around quickly, a rush of air catching in the back of my throat as I readied for escape. I began to weave in and out of spectators, my bare feet slamming roughly into the cobblestones of the congested street. The clatter of armor rang in my ears as I felt their full pursuit behind me. The mere presence of them burned into my back, nerves creeping into my belly with strong grips of apprehension.
Men and woman began to hurry out of my path as I ran down the paved street clutching my chest. I leaped over barrels and crates as I struggled to keep pace ahead of my pursuers. My feet felt raw against the pavement, my chest tight with restriction. Humming began to fill my ears as I neared a set of steps. I looked behind me, the men trailing me only moments away. I sucked in my breath as I made the decision to make a leap for it. I pushed off from the top step, the rush of air sending my hair flailing around my face.
My feet gave way underneath me as I hit the base of the steps, sending me head over heels. I landed on the palms of my hands, sand and gravel digging into my flesh. I coughed faintly as the sand filled my lungs. I pushed myself upward, my breathing becoming shallow. I jumped to my feet swiftly as the men neared the top of the steps. My side was starting to hurt, my throat on fire from my exertion. I didn't know how much more I could take. I pushed the negative thoughts from my mind as I sent myself into a light sprint. They would have to give up eventually…Right?
Another set of steps came into view as I made my way down the street. I could hear the clatter of their armor as they picked up speed. How were they managing this? I weakly began to make my way down the steps when a steel hand grasped my upper arm. I felt myself fling backwards as I was yanked over several steps. My body slammed into the chest of my aggressor, a sharp yelp escaping my mouth. My arm felt like it was being ripped from its socket, his metal clad finger digging into my flesh. I struggled with the vise grip around my arm, my attempts futile, my energy drained.
"You stupid bitch! Dragging us all over the city for the cause of filthy apostates!" I watched in shock as he brought his steel-clad fist back to strike. I flinched in response, my eyes closing tightly in fear. The sound of armor clashing filled my ears, my body jolting in shock as my hands flew to my face for shelter.
"You Templars don't know when enough is enough!"
I peeled open my eyes at the enraged voice. Above me stood Anders, his hand held out directly above me restraining my attacker's advances. I stared in bewilderment as I watched the fury spread over Anders handsome face, his eyes dark and threatening.
Beside him stood a tall man wearing gray mail with black armor strapped to his build. His blue eyes watching the scene before him intently, his arms crossed over his wide chest. My foe jerked his arm out of Anders grasp then flung me from his person. I could feel the cold glare through his helmet as I scurried behind Anders' companion, my breathing shallow and hard.
"She has committed the crime of aiding and abiding a known apostate."
Anders' companion spoke then, stepping forward and placing a reassuring hand on Anders arm.
"She's in my care. I will handle it." He spoke with self-assurance as he stared down the Templars, his blue eyes like steel orbs. I watched them as they glanced at each other in muddled confusion. "This is not your jurisdiction Champion." The words were cynically enunciated. Their words fell on deaf ears as he stood unwavering, a cold stare greeting them in response. Silent anger exchanged between the four men.
Anders cut the silence, a sarcastic smile turning the corners of his lips.
"Unless you witnessed her chanting and throwing fire balls at innocent citizens I believe she is not a part of your dealings." He smiled modestly then. "Who knows, Maybe you can go hunt someone actually a threat to Kirkwall. I'm sure there are plenty of apostates roaming free who need a good stern hand to rule them."
Heat seemed to exchange between them as they stared each other down. "You wear your protection thin, Anders. You cannot hide behind the champion forever." A glint of something flashed in Anders eyes, a look I couldn't distinguish covering his features.
"Stay calm Anders. Don't lose yourself now. Not here." His friend seemed to be the voice of reason in all of this. He gently tugged on Anders arm, a small reminder to keep composure.
"Knight-Commander Meredith will hear about this, Hawke. You are not above the law." I watched as they slowly turned away, their eyes lingering on Anders. "We'll meet again, Anders." I felt a lump form in my throat as they faded into the distance. He turned to me then, a grim expression crossing his face.
"What would possess you to challenge Templars?"
I gave a meek smile as I calmed my breathing, my heart still doing back flips in my chest. I propped myself against the stone wall as I recuperated. My skin was damp with sweat, my feet raw and pink. I felt as if I could just fall over and sleep forever. My hair stuck to the back of my neck, damp from perspiration. I could only imagine what I looked like, my reddish-brown hair a mass of knots full of dust and crusted blood, my face covered with sweat and dirt. I probably resembled a typical peasant child running the streets, rancid with filth. I needed a shower. Desperately.
"They were being bullies, I wasn't thinking completely." I ran my hand over my forearm where the man had grabbed me. It was tender to the touch, causing me to wince. It was going to be a nasty bruise, a perfect addition to my already alluring appearance. Why does everything have to be so intense with me?
Anders watched me silently, his anger slowly ebbing away. He turned to Hawke then, a sigh escaping his lips.
"Thank you Hawke. They are right you know…I won't be able to hide behind you forever. They will eventually come for me." He shook his head in frustration. "It took everything I had to subdue Justice. I don't know how much longer I can keep this up."
Hawke gave a curt nod of his head in agreement, his eyes no longer harsh and intimidating. "You know you have my support."
The sun was slowly setting over the ocean as we made our way down the steps of Darktown. My arms and legs felt heavy with every step I took. My arm was throbbing and my feet burning. Anders led the way as we traversed down the beaten path to his clinic. I was somewhat happy to be going back. It meant a place to sleep, something I felt deprived of. Maybe even something to eat.
Anders pushed the wooden door open to his clinic, ushering me in then quickly shutting it behind him, bolting it shut before turning to face me. His gaze searched my face for a moment, the silence making me uneasy.
"Come." He pushed me down on a wooden stool, and then quickly knelt before me. I watched him nervously as he lifted my foot up for inspection, placing it gently against his thigh.
"You claim you don't know what an apostate is, and yet you help them. Why?" His fingers lightly ran over my raw foot, causing me to wince in discomfort. I gripped the edges of the stool as the stinging intensified.
"They were defenseless; it was the right thing to do."
My comment seemed to amuse him, a smirk sprawling over his lips.
"You need some shoes." He traced his index finger down the length of my foot, my pink flesh inflamed with irritation. "I have a salve that will help with this." He moved to get up when I stopped him.
"Can't you use magic?" He glanced up at me, staring into my eyes for several moments before placing his hand against my foot, silver light forming from the palm of his hand and consuming my foot. I gave a shiver as the familiar warm sensation circled my toes then spread up my leg. He proceeded to heal the other foot as I closed my eyes in relief.
"That feels…Much better!" I pulled my feet from his grasp, staring down at them in astonishment. He had done it again, and this time I was able to see it to believe it. He grew silent as I marveled at the softness of my feet. It was as if nothing had ever happened.
"You do not fear magic?" The question came as a whisper, my eyes falling back on my feet. There was no such thing as magic where I was from. How can you fear something that doesn't exist? I returned my gaze back to his and gave a tender smile, my hands cupping the soles of my feet.
"You have given me no reason to fear it."
A/N Ok, Because I didn't want to keep you waiting I made myself stay awake to edit and finish this chapter.
Please, please comment. If you find any spelling errors or such please let me know via PM. I work 10pm-7am and right now it is currently 10am…So I am about to pass out. I swear to you I was dead tired writing this. xD lol