Sorry about the long wait people, but Randompwner is back in action! Thank you, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU to my only reviewer (hint, hint) Pheonren. Sorry for leaving you crying in a corner for so long. This is just a quick interlude from Alistair's perspective; next chapter is well on the way. Thanks for reading!
Alistair's Journal:
She is trying to stay strong, but I can see her breaking inside. She exudes an air of self-confidence; only I can tell it's not real. She's been shoved into a world full of things she knows nothing about, without any thanks for what she is doing, and she's hardly having a good time. Yet not once have I heard her complain. I am beginning to doubt the Chantry's teachings about mages all being evil. Asleena seems nothing if not good, honest and pure. My feelings for her confuse me and scare me, much as she does sometimes. She puts on a brave face for the rest of our party, but I have seen her burying her face in Irving's fur, wishing for everything to go away. Today, as we were leaving Lothering, I saw a rose bush. It was dead, all black and shrivelled. But there was a rose, a single, velvety red rose in bloom on the bush. I absently wonder if this is the rose that Leliana spoke of in Dane's refuge. I had discounted her story because of her seeming 'one Archdemon short of a Blight' but it would seem that she was telling the truth. I wondered how something so beautiful could exist amongst all the ugliness there, and was reminded of Asleena. It was the only colour in sight. I couldn't stop myself; I plucked it from it's branch and hid it in my breastplate. I think I'll give it to Asleena. She could use some cheering up. But I don't want her to think I'm some drooling lecher, making a move on her when I've only known her for a few days. Perhaps when we've gotten to know each other better…
Anyway, she says that we'll be looking for the Dalish elves first. It seemed fitting, considering how close Lothering is to the Brecilian Forest. I can only hope that we get there without much interference and that the elves are willing to offer their assistance. I'd better go now. It's time for my watch.