A/N: I hate that it has taken me this long to get this chapter done, but I have been suffering from my very first bought of writer's block. In fact, I was even contemplating killing Jayden off so I wouldn't have to write about him. Just kidding… but seriously, so much has happened since I last updated. My best friend got married to an amazing guy and my boyfriend of twelve years finally got the job he wanted after three years of searching. Plus, I haven't had a lot of down time this summer with vacations and family gatherings. No matter how distracted I have been, this story has constantly been in the back of my mind, and I have every intention of finishing it. Thanks for your patience!
Disclaimer: I do not own Dragon Age Origins or any of its characters - They are the property of Bioware.
Chapter 7 – Lake Calenhad Docks
Arianna was nervous as she walked the perimeter of the campsite, and it wasn't because she was worried about enemies attacking. No, no… her anxiety came from the fact that she was keeping watch tonight with a funny, attractive warrior, whom she was falling for a little more every day. Unfortunately for her though, she was more at ease battling darkspawn than she was being alone with Alistair. Tonight was the first time Arianna had ever wished that she hadn't dedicated so much time practicing her swordsmanship while growing up at Castle Cousland.
Perhaps I should have entertained more of the suitors Mother and Father threw my way, instead of brushing them off to go train with Ser Gilmore. Maybe then I would know how to act around a man who has the power to make my insides melt with just a glance. She remembered how Alistair had looked at her when she had emerged from Flemeth and Morrigan's hut that morning, and it caused a shiver to run through her body, although it had nothing to do with the night's temperature. Get a hold of yourself, she chastised internally as she took a seat by the fire.
She was pulled from her contemplation when the object of her musings came into view.
"It's quieter out here than it was in the monastery. That's a feat in and of itself," Alistair jokingly whispered, mindful not to wake any of their companions before sitting down beside her. "How are you feeling? I have been worried that you might have reopened your wounds today."
His concern caused tiny butterflies to take flight in her stomach. He truly is everything I could ever want in a man... compassionate, witty, breathtakingly handsome... She gave a small smile before replying, "I am well. Flemeth's magic worked wonders, and Ashlyn's bandages have held strong through the day."
"Good." Alistair took a deep breath before he reached behind his breastplate and presented her with a lovely pink rose.
"What is this?" Arianna asked surprised.
"I was thinking it could be my new weapon of choice. Watch as I thrash our enemies with the mighty power of floral arrangements! Feel my thorns darkspawn! I will overpower you with my rosy scent!"
With his last statement he brought the rose up to his face to smell the delicate little flower. He released a sigh and then turned to face Arianna again. "Or, it could just be a beautiful rose for a beautiful woman."
The butterflies must have made their way to her heart because it fluttered at his words. She was desperately trying to think of something to say to him when he continued.
"When I saw it, all I could think was 'How could something so beautiful exist in a place with so much despair and ugliness?'. It reminded me of you actually. For in a lot of ways, I think the same thing when I look at you."
"Thank you, Alistair," she said accepting his gift. She laughed softly with happiness as she met his gaze. "This is most unexpected."
"I have been so distraught about Duncan… and now Eamon, and yet here you are, leading us with such strength and determination when I know you have lost far more than I have." He stood and paced in front of her before he pressed on, "I was terrified that you were going to die at the Tower of Ishal, and I couldn't endure the thought of losing you. I just had to say something tonight… tell you what a rare and wonderful thing you are to find amidst all this darkness."
Arianna stood up and stepped in front of him to stop his pacing. With sincerity she said, "It is I who should be saying these things to you. I wouldn't have had it in me to press forward without you here to lift my spirits. I am so grateful to have met you at such a tragic time in my life."
Alistair gave her a heart-stopping grin. "So where do we go from here?"
Arianna brought her rose up to take in its sweet scent. She answered with a shy smile, "I don't know… this is all so new to me, but… we'll figure it out together."
Alistair gently touched his forehead to Arianna's. "That sounds good to me."
- - - - - The Next Morning - - - - -
Morrigan and Jayden had relieved the warriors in the middle of the night so that they could get some rest. Alistair seemed to be disappointed in Jayden for 'fraternizing with the enemy' and had said as much to him before going to his tent. Jayden had just laughed and said, "Oh, but what 'fraternizing' it was."
Arianna had awoken from another nightmare filled with darkspawn and death. She came out of her tent rubbing her temples as if to soothe away the memory of what she had dreamt.
"Bad dreams, huh?" Alistair called to her when he saw her emerge. "Remind me to explain a few things to you and the other Wardens before we part ways."
The group would be traveling together until they reached Lake Calenhad. Breakfast was a quick affair, and they were soon back on the road traveling west.
As they journeyed, Alistair spoke with his fellow Wardens about the things Duncan never had the chance to tell them. He explained that they were actually hearing the Archdemon speak to the darkspawn when they slept and also that they would eventually be able to block the dreams out. The new Wardens also learned of their increased appetites as well as their shortened life span, the latter being a big surprise for Arianna. It was explained that they would only live for around thirty years or so after the Joining. At least she now knew why Duncan didn't tell them much before the initiation. The Grey Wardens would have a terrible time recruiting if this were common knowledge.
Eventually Lake Calenhad came into view. Alistair stepped in front of the entire group to make an announcement.
"There is something I need to say while we are all still together. It is something I should have told you before now," he said this last part while looking at Arianna.
"It is all right, Alistair," Leliana said. "We are all friends here, yes?"
"Speak for yourself sister," Morrigan grated.
Alistair cleared his throat before continuing. "I told most of you on the way into Lothering that I was raised by Arl Eamon. What I didn't tell you was why he did it. You see… my mother was a servant girl in the castle, and my father was… King Maric, which made Cailan my… half-brother."
Arianna was as speechless as everyone else it seemed. The sound of crickets chirping nearby was almost deafening compared to the silence of the half-formed circle of companions who had surrounded Alistair.
It was Jayden who broke through the awkwardness. "So you're not just a bastard, you're a royal bastard?"
This caused Alistair and several of the others to laugh. "Ha, I suppose it does," he replied. "Look, I would have said something before now, but… it never really meant anything to me. I was inconvenient, a possible threat to Cailan's rule so they kept me secret. I've never talked about it to anyone, and everyone who did know either resented me for it or coddled me. Even Duncan kept me out of the fighting because of it. I didn't want any of you to know for as long as possible. I'm sorry."
He was looking at Arianna and she knew he was waiting on her to say something. She was somewhat hurt he hadn't told her before now, but she could understand his reasons for not doing so. "It's okay, Alistair."
"So you are the heir to the throne, then?" Ashlyn asked.
"Let's hope not! I am the son of a commoner and a Grey Warden to boot. Besides, I have no desire to be king. If there is an heir to be found, it is Arl Eamon himself. Let's just hope he is not as sick as we have heard. Anyway, there you have it. Now we can move on and I'll just pretend you still think I'm the same nobody who was too lucky to die with the rest of the Wardens."
"Should be easy enough," Morrigan said as everyone else started to gather their packs. They began to say their goodbyes to those who were going in the opposite direction.
Arianna moved hastily to Alistair's side and grabbed his hand. "You don't really think that, do you? You mean so much more to me."
He turned to look her in the eyes and squeezed her hand gently. "Well… no. What I really think is that I was lucky enough to survive with you."
- - - - - With Jayden - - - - -
Breaking off from the rest of the group was harder than Jayden realized it was going to be. Although it wasn't that way for everyone, specifically Sten, who seemed bored as he waited for the humans, dwarves, and elf to exchange farewells. But for Jayden, Alistair and Arianna already felt like extended family, and the concept of not seeing them for several days made Jayden realize how close they had all become in such a short time. I guess it is true when they say adversity breeds kinship, he thought as he watched Ashlyn hug their fellow Wardens goodbye. Even Arrow and Duke seemed sad to be going in different directions.
His parting with Morrigan had been quite surprising to say the least. In full view of their companions, the female mage walked right up to him and kissed him with an intensity that had caught him off guard. Not that the kiss wasn't enjoyable. In fact, Jayden was quite relieved he wore robes that concealed just how much pleasure he received from it. He simply wasn't expecting such an open display from her in front of everyone. She released his lips after a few moments.
"Do not allow those imbeciles at the Circle to lock you back up," she said in typical Morrigan fashion before walking off in the direction towards Redcliffe.
What has gotten in to her? Jayden wondered. Wasn't she just yesterday all about not openly showing affection? He shrugged his shoulders and turned to start north towards the Circle of Magi. He hadn't even taken a full step when he noticed Leliana had been watching him and Morrigan. The redhead quickly looked away embarrassed when she realized she had been caught staring.
Was it my imagination or did she look slightly sad before turning away? Leliana was quite the mystery to Jayden. He had found himself thinking about her against his wishes ever since she had joined their group. She was beautiful, more so than Morrigan in his opinion, but he had a hard time trusting anyone associated with the Chantry. For it was the Chantry who had kept him imprisoned in the Circle Tower ever since his powers as a mage had first manifested. Jayden also had the feeling there was more to Leliana's story than she was letting on. He thought back to Loghain's soldiers attacking at the tavern in Lothering. After all, where does a Chantry sister learn to fight like that?
Jayden spent the rest of the afternoon contemplating Leliana and the strange feelings he was starting to develop for her. They made camp a few hours later to Jayden's immense relief as he was quite tired from staying up most of the previous night with Morrigan. It was worth it, Jayden thought remembering how the female mage had rode him into oblivion.
After a delicious dinner of rice and roasted fish that Ashlyn had prepared, they spent the remaining part of the evening lounging around the fire. Ashlyn was stroking the fur along her wolf's back when Leliana commented, "She is a magnificent creature. How did she come to be your companion?"
Ashlyn smiled before replying, "Right before I arrived at Ostagar, I freed Arrow from a trap some hunter had set. She has followed me ever since."
"Yes, freedom can have a drastic effect on one," she said with a faraway look. She then looked to Jayden and asked, "How has freedom from the Circle treated you? It must have been awful growing up at the Circle Tower, never being able to leave."
"You speak against the Chantry's control of the mages," Jayden said surprised.
"Just because I was a cloistered sister, doesn't mean I believe in everything the Chantry says or does. While there may be some evil mages who need constant guarding, to lock everyone up who has been gifted with magic is absurd. It was my faith in the Maker that kept me at the Chantry, not the Chantry itself."
"I prefer your ideas to those of the Chantry," Jayden said, his respect for the former sister growing in leaps and bounds.
"Thank you," the redhead said happily.
"You do make a good point," Ashlyn directed towards Leliana. "In the Dalish clans, our keepers have magical abilities. They are most trusted and honored amongst the elves. We do not fear them as it seems the shemlen do."
"You know, I noticed that at Ostagar, too. Some of the soldiers acted different towards me once they learned I was a mage. It was like they would avoid me at all costs." Jayden was contemplative for a moment before continuing. "But anyway, to answer your original question Leliana, I love being free of the Chantry. To be able to come and go as I please, and to not have to follow so many ridiculous rules… I can't describe how it makes me feel. And yet, I am happy to be going back. I miss my friends, and I am eager to share my stories of the outside world."
"When do you think we will get there?" Leliana asked.
"We may be able to reach Lake Calenhad Docks by tomorrow evening," Jayden answered. "There is an inn there called The Spoiled Princess which we may be able to stop at overnight before we go on to the Circle." He then proceeded to let out a loud yawn that caught Ashlyn's attention.
"It sounds like we are going to have a long day of traveling ahead of us. Leliana, do you want to split watch with me tonight? I think Jayden needs to catch up on sleep," she said throwing a wink at Jayden.
Jayden noticed Leliana's expression falter for just a moment before she replied, "Sure. I'll take first watch."
"Great. I am off to get some rest then," the elf said standing up. "Come on Arrow," she called to the wolf as she made her way towards her tent.
Jayden wasn't sure how to fill the awkward silence that Ashlyn's departure had left. I know I should go to bed, but there is so much more about Leliana I wish to discover. Wanting to learn about her past, he asked, "So what was a beautiful, charming woman like yourself doing in Lothering's Chantry?"
"Flatterer," she said with a small blush that Jayden found quite adorable.
"No, really, I am… curious about you."
"Curious? About little ole me? There is nothing special about me," she said lowering her eyes.
"I disagree with you there. I can tell by your accent that you are not from around these parts, and I have never known a Chantry sister to wield weapons the way you do." Jayden continued on in a softer voice, "Plus, I genuinely wish to get to know you better. Please, tell me about yourself?"
Leliana looked back up and met his gaze. Jayden waited patiently for the redhead to decide whether or not to trust him.
"Oh, alright." She stood up and started walking around the fire. "My accent is Orlesian. I was a traveling minstrel in Orlais. Tales and songs were my life. I found myself traveling in Ferelden a couple years ago and was sheltered from bad weather in the Lothering Chantry. I chose to stay and become affirmed. And as for my skills in battle… well, you pick up different skills when you travel, yes?"
"Well, not that I have ever really traveled, but I can see how you could. I mean, I left the Circle not more than a month ago, and I have already battled Loghain's soldiers in Lothering, bandits on the road, and darkspawn at Ostagar. If that doesn't hone your skills, nothing would."
Leliana stopped her walking and laughed. "Oh dear, you have been busy. Someday, when this Blight is over, you will have to travel leisurely and see this beautiful land that is Ferelden."
Jayden pushed himself to his feet and looked down at the little redhead. "Maybe you could go with me? After all, I would need a tour guide, and I can think of no one better than a beautiful, traveling minstrel."
"Maybe…" Leliana said before shaking her head and frowning. "You should get some sleep. Like Ashlyn said, we have a long day tomorrow."
Jayden wondered what he said that made her pull away from him. He offered her a quiet, "Goodnight", and made his way towards his tent. He thought they were getting along so well. After all, she was finally starting to open up to him. He had a nagging suspicion though that there was much more to Leliana's story than was said.
- - - - - Passage of Time - - - - -
They had traveled nearly non-stop the following day, and Jayden was quite relieved when Lake Calenhad Docks finally came into view that evening. As they descended the hill towards The Spoiled Princess Inn, he could see the Circle Tower across the lake, standing tall and proud. He couldn't look at it without remembering his final hours there... Jowan's betrayal with blood magic. He supposed he also betrayed his fellow mage by going to First Enchanter Irving about Jowan's plans of escape, but that hadn't been his original intention of going to Irving. Jayden had been beside himself with anger when he learned that Jowan was to be made tranquil against his will. His friend had recently fallen in love with a Chantry initiate and knew he would no longer be able to feel for her as he did once he was tranquil. In fact, he would have no emotions at all. Jayden had gone to the First Enchanter to plead on Jowan's behalf, but Irving had known about Jowan's dabbling in blood magic, something Jayden never thought his friend capable of doing. As much as it hurt, Jayden trusted Irving and followed his orders that brought about the events leading to Jowan's escape and his own induction into the Grey Wardens.
He hadn't realized how lost in his memories he had been until he was sitting down for dinner at the inn with his female companions.
"Jayden, are you okay?" Leliana asked breaking through his reverie.
"Huh?" he responded looking up from his meal.
"I asked if you were all right. You seem a little distracted," she said in a friendly, concerned manner.
"Yeah, you have been really quiet since we got here," Ashlyn added.
He released a sigh before answering. "Oh, sorry about that. I have just been thinking about the last time I was here... before Duncan took me away to join the Wardens."
Leliana pushed her food away and leaned towards him from across the table. "Will you tell us about it? I have been wondering how you became a Grey Warden. I was under the impression that the Circle didn't let its mages get away."
"Well, it certainly wasn't like the templars were waving and cheering as I walked down to the ferry." He gave them an abbreviated version of the events leading to his departure from the Tower. Ashlyn just listened politely as she had heard most of the story before back in Ostagar, but Leliana gave him her complete attention. He enjoyed watching the expressions play across her face as she listened. She had a dreamy look in her eyes when he spoke of Jowan risking everything to run away with his love. Her eyebrows furrowed in anger when she learned that Jowan had been experimenting with blood magic, and she smiled when he explained how Duncan had gotten him not only out of trouble, but also out of the Tower. Maker, but this girl does love a good story.
The redhead chuckled once he was finished. "Lucky for you Duncan was there, yes?"
"Yep, he was a real life saver," Jayden answered.
"Yes, he was," Ashlyn stated quietly, drawing both his and Leliana's interest.
Jayden had been waiting to hear the elf's history ever since Ostagar when she had told him that she wouldn't be alive if Duncan hadn't found her. He knew she had to have been through something horrible. He remembered hearing her crying from his tent on her first night in the camp.
"Well, we know how Jayden was inducted into the Grey Wardens. Would you mind sharing your story too?" Leliana asked Ashlyn.
"You don't have to if you aren't ready to talk about it yet," Jayden added. He didn't want to pressure his friend into talking about something that most likely going to cause her a great deal of pain.
"No, it's all right. I think it may help to talk about it." The dark-haired elf then launched into her story about how her world was turned upside down by a Tevinter mirror.
If Jayden had thought Leliana had enjoyed his story, then she must have been mesmerized by Ashlyn's. And Jayden couldn't blame her for it. Ashlyn's tale was full of suspense and mystery which ultimately ended in tragedy. Hearing how Ashlyn's final hours had been spent with her Dalish clan was heart-wrenching. She had lost nearly as much as Arianna.
"The Grey Wardens helped me to survive the taint, and I have been given the chance to avenge Tamlen. I will always be grateful that Duncan found me when he did." Ashlyn wiped a stray tear from her face and stood up. "I think I am going to go for a walk by the lake to clear my head."
"Would you like some company?" Leliana offered. "I know several tales I can distract you with, or we can just walk quietly."
Ashlyn looked like she was going to refuse at first, but then changed her mind. "Sure, that would be nice."
The two women looked at Jayden.
"You ladies go on ahead. I will take care of the tab and get us a room for the night."
"Thanks Jayden. See you later," Leliana called over her shoulder as she escorted Ashlyn outside.
Jayden glanced at his feet to where Arrow was laying. The wolf returned his look for a moment before taking off after the women. Good girl, Jayden thought. He knew his companions could take care of themselves, but there were some shady male patrons hanging around The Spoiled Princess that evening. It put his mind at ease that his friends would have Arrow's added protection.
His thoughts shifted back to the Circle Tower and his impending return tomorrow. He was surprised by how much he was looking forward to it. It's funny. I never thought I would want to see that place again after being locked up there nearly my whole life, but the mages there were my family before I became a Grey Warden. I guess no matter how bad things had been when I left, it still feels like home.
- - - - - Outside with Ashlyn - - - - -
Ashlyn walked silently beside Leliana with Arrow trailing them on the shore of Lake Calenhad. It was peaceful there with the gentle lapping of the waves and the way the moonlight reflected off the water. She was grateful that the late night stroll was helping to calm her mind and her heart. Talking about Tamlen had been difficult, but she was glad her friends now knew her history. Keeping it bottled up inside had been killing her, and having her friends be aware of her past meant that she could share her burden with them now.
She stopped beside a large boulder for a moment to look out across the lake at the Tower. Releasing a deep sigh, she moved back and hopped up into a sitting position atop the large rock. She noticed that Leliana did not stop moving with her. Instead, the former sister took to pacing along the shore. So far, the redhead had kept her promise about not speaking, allowing Ashlyn the time to get her thoughts back in order. Watching the way Leliana walked back and forth in front of her though made the elf wonder if there was something troubling her fellow rogue.
Leliana must have realized she was being watched because she suddenly stopped her repetitive movement and met Ashlyn's gaze.
"I know I agreed to be quiet, but I have actually wanted to talk with you alone for a while now. I know now isn't necessarily the best time-"
"It's okay," Ashlyn interrupted. "I think I am ready for a distraction now anyway," she said with a half smile. "So what is on your mind?"
"Well, it actually concerns Jayden…" Leliana mumbled.
The elf's smile widened. "What about him?"
"I couldn't help but notice the way Morrigan kissed him before our group split up, and everyone saw her drag him away a couple nights ago after dinner. I guess I'm just curious about the nature of their relationship. Is it serious?"
So it is exactly as I thought. Leliana is attracted to Jayden. Ashlyn paused for a moment before responding. "I think it would be serious if Morrigan would let it, but from what Jayden has told me, they are just friends with benefits. It is the only type of relationship he has ever had since he grew up in the Tower. Jayden told us that the mages of the Circle of Magi are forbidden to fall in love and have families."
"Oh, I see," the redhead responded. "Why is he settling for friends with benefits when he could have a real relationship now that he is free? It is sad, no?"
"Yeah, it is. Maybe he will change his mind about her and decide he wants a real go at love sometime."
"Perhaps," Leliana replied wistfully. "It's getting late. Are you ready to head back to the inn?
"I think so. Jayden is probably wondering where we are by now anyway. Let's head back and get some rest for our journey to the Circle Tower tomorrow."
- - - - - The Next Morning with Ashlyn - - - - -
Jayden had gotten the girls up bright and early. They walked down to the docks to catch the ferry across Lake Calenhad. Jayden explained on the way that the ferryman was a very nice man named Kester who had named his boat Lissie after his grand mum. Ashlyn could tell he was excited about going home. I would be too if I was heading back to the Brecilian Forest.
Ashlyn nearly ran into Jayden's back when he stopped abruptly in front of her.
"That isn't Kester running the ferry," he said suspiciously. "Why is there a templar in charge of the boat now?"
"You! You're not looking to get across to the Tower, are you?" the templar said when he noticed their arrival. "Because I have strict orders not to let anyone pass."
"Why? What is going on at the tower?" Jayden asked concerned.
The templar crossed his arms and responded. "That's none of your business. All you need to know is that the Circle of Magi is not accepting visitors at this time."
"Look, if the Circle is in trouble, we can help. Just ferry us across," Jayden tried reasoning.
"No! I've one job, and one job only, and by the Maker's shiny gold cutlery, I will do it!"
"You have got to be kidding," Ashlyn said under her breath. "Another annoying shem?"
"I'll take care of this," Jayden stated stepping in front of his female companions. He reached his bag and pulled the treaty that had been made between the Grey Wardens and the Circle of Magi.
He held the document out to the templar and said, "We are traveling to the Circle Tower to gain the assistance of the mages in defeating the Blight."
The templar glanced at the scroll. "Oh, a Grey Warden seal. And you expect me to believe you are Wardens? You know, I have some documents, too. They say I'm the Queen of Antiva. What do you think of that?"
"Aren't queens female?" Leliana asked drawing attention to herself.
"Don't question royalty!" he retorted.
Ashlyn noticed the templar was looking at the former sister a little too suggestively. Jayden must have realized that fact also because he moved in front of Leliana to block her from the templar's view once more.
"We are Wardens," Jayden said tightly.
"That's impossible. Everyone knows the Wardens were wiped out at Ostagar," the templar said.
"I'm a mage. Knight Commander Greagoir could verify that I am indeed a Grey Warden. Will you just take us to talk to him? Please," he added as an afterthought.
"Well, I suppose we might be able to come to some arrangement. That redhead there at the back… she doesn't need to go to the tower, does she? Because it gets a little lonely out here sometimes and you know, you could leave her with me-"
"Absolutely not!" Jayden exclaimed. "She stays with us."
Ashlyn wasn't sure who was more surprised… Leliana and herself by Jayden's show of protectiveness or the templar by the crackle of electrical energy that was suddenly flowing through their mage companion.
The templar let out an audible gulp. "Err… you do realize I am a templar. Your magic has no effect on me."
"Yes, but would you like to bet on if you can dispel my magic before I fry your ass?" Jayden threatened.
Ashlyn had known that Jayden had cast a barrier spell on Leliana to keep her safe back at Danal's Tavern in Lothering. The way he was acting now was just more of a confirmation that he cared for the former Chantry sister. Things should get interesting when Morrigan realizes how he feels about our friendly redhead. Pushing the thought from her mind, Ashlyn refocused on the situation at hand, a situation that was quickly spiraling out of control.
Deciding she had kept quiet long enough, Ashlyn spoke up. "You may be able to neutralize Jayden's power, but do you think you can take on the rest of us by yourself." She gave the templar a moment to glance around at the weapons they were carrying before she continued, "You know, I kind of hope you do. Arrow could use a new chew toy."
Arrow's hackles rose, and she let out a snarling growl at Ashlyn's last words.
Apparently she had made her point because the templar started to speak, "I… oh, all right. I will take you all across, but only because I think that mage is dangerous and Knight Commander Greagoir should be made aware of that fact."
Jayden drew his magic back into himself. "Fine, I will gladly talk to Greagoir if it gives me the chance to talk to First Enchanter Irving."
As they boarded the boat, Ashlyn saw that the male mage kept Leliana at his side the entire time. She also noticed that the former sister had an awe-struck look in her eyes. I hope he changes his mind about Morrigan. I think Leliana would be better for him anyway.