Chapter 6

Over the next two months, Wyatt observed Roxie as she trained intensively with Master Zeph in the sparring ring. She was swift and nimble on her feet and her blade hands were lighting quick. Master Zeph had taught her how to use the shadows on her attacks and she used that to her advantage when she sparred against an opponent. As her fellow wards watched her train she had gained their respect from either observing her or from sparring with her – where most of her challengers ended up on their backs staring up at her blades. She was quick witted in the ring and always had comeback, but outside of the ring she was quiet and aloof with her fellow wards. The Commander said to give her time and she would bounce back. Wyatt wasn't so sure, but he really hoped he was right. He wanted to see the light and life back in her beautiful eyes.

For some unknown reason, despite her reserved demeanor, he was drawn to her – like a moth to a flame. He couldn't explain it. When he was around her it was like coming home – there was safety and comfort there. He thought she felt the same way about him because each evening he would find her in the library reading; he would ask if he could join her and she always said yes. They would sit for hours quietly enjoying each other's company occasionally speaking, but for the most part just relaxing with one another. It was the favorite part of his day. He knew that if he gained her trust she would eventually open up to him. That's what she needed to do, but she would have to do it in her own time.

On the last day of the second month the Commander evaluated the recruits to see which ones were ready for the joining. He asked Wyatt to join him that evening to discuss the recruits.

Wyatt knocked and the Commander called out, "Come in."

Wyatt entered and saw that Eli was there too. He bowed to both of them and said, "Commander, Eli, good evening."

"Good evening, Wyatt, thank you for giving up your nightly visit to the library and coming by," Connor said.

Wyatt's face started to turn red as he replied, "Aaah, of course Commander."

Connor studied him for a moment and said, "Don't be embarrassed, my boy. I think the time that you have spent with Roxie has been good for both of you."

Wyatt didn't reply he just nodded his head. The Commander continued, "So you were at the evaluation today, as my second in command, please tell me your thoughts."

"Well, Commander, I think that all three of the Denerim recruits are ready as well as the dwarf Gustr. I have my reservations about Leon the apostate. However, since he has been here for several months and knows too much he will be forced to go through with the joining." Connor nodded in agreement.

"And tell me your thoughts about Roxie," Eli said.

Wyatt was a little uncomfortable because he didn't really want to tell his Commander and the seneschal of Vigil's Keep his true thoughts about Roxie because he should view her as a sister – just as she had asked Remy to do, but the more time he spent with her the less brotherly his thoughts for her were.

Eli smiled at him and almost as if he could read his mind and said, "Wyatt, we only want to know what you think about her fighting skills."

Wyatt smiled nervously and replied, "She is an excellent fighter. Her training with Master Zeph has made her deadly. She is restrained in the ring. She is holding back, but I think on an open field of battle she will be a force to be reckoned with."

Connor smiled and said, "Excellent. Those are my thoughts exactly. There have been several reports of darkspawn attacks near Highever Castle. I would like you, Mirima and Bryland to take the recruits to Highever to investigate these attacks and to collect the darkspawn blood needed for the joining. I would like you to leave the day after tomorrow."

"Yes, Commander, I will let everyone know in the morning," Wyatt replied.

"I think that it would be a good idea for you and the other Wardens to take the recruits tomorrow night to the tavern in the village so that everyone can relax and blow off some steam before your trip. The camaraderie will be good for the group before they travel together," Eli said.

"Of course, I will let the group know in the briefing tomorrow morning," Wyatt answered.

The following evening after dinner the group headed out to a small village just outside the Keep to a tavern called the Warden's Chalice. The group found a large table towards the back.

A pretty busty barmaid came over to the group and said, "Wyatt, long time no see, these long cold nights without you are breaking my heart."

Wyatt laughed nervously and said, "It's good to see you again Trixie. Sorry we haven't been around lately, but the Commander has kept us very busy lately."

"Since when have you needed the Commander's permission to come visit me. Hell, the Commander was here just last week. I think you are avoiding me, Lover," Trixie said as she roughed up Wyatt's hair with her fingers.

Wyatt's face was now scarlet as he mumbled, "Hmm, could I get a round of ale for everyone?"

Trixie patted the side of Wyatt's face and said, "Coming right up."

Roxie raised an eye brow and asked, "Lover?"

"No! Of course not, she calls everyone that. Hell, once she gets to you she might even call you that," Wyatt said uneasily.

Bryland seeing how uncomfortable Wyatt was and not wanting to let it die said, "She never calls me that and I find that insulting cause I am much better looking than you."

Wyatt recovered quickly and said, "That's cause she has good taste in men."

The group laughed and Trixie brought their first round of ale. Wyatt held up his mug and said, "In war, victory,
in peace, vigilance, in death, sacrifice, to the Grey Wardens!" They clinked their glasses and yelled out, "Salute!"

Wyatt looked over a saw Roxie take a hearty draw from her mug. "Take it easy, I don't want to have to carry you home."

"I can handle my ale," Roxie said.

"Really, a tiny little thing like you can handle her ale. So you were a big ale drinker back at the Palace?" Wyatt asked.

"Maybe, I was," Roxie said and then defiantly gulped down the rest of the mug and slammed it on the table.

Gustr bellowed, "That's my kind of girl. Get this little Lassie another."

Trixie came over with another round. Roxie looked at Wyatt and then at his half full mug, she smirked and said, "What's a matter, Lover, can't keep up with a tiny little thing like me."

Wyatt grabbed his mug and tossed down the rest of the ale. He then grabbed the new mug of ale that just arrived, clinked Roxie's glass and before he even realized what he was saying, replied, "Lover, I can keep up with you all night long and probably even teach you a few things along the way."

Roxie took a swig from her mug and gave him a sinfully wicked grin as she said, "Don't be so cocky, Lover. I have moves you haven't even seen yet."

Wyatt laughed and said, "We'll just have to see about that."

Bryland and Mirima moved down to their end of the table to talk with Wyatt about the upcoming trip. Wyatt didn't want to discuss business. He wanted to enjoy Roxie's company. This was the first time that he had seen her lighthearted and carefree and he wanted to relish in her frivolous mood. So when the band started to play he grabbed her hand a lead her to the dance floor, he grasped her firmly around the waist and whirled her around the dance floor. He knew he was a good dancer and he thought he saw a little surprise on Roxie's face as he twirled her around.

She smiled up at him and asked, "So you didn't show up for your language lessons, but you showed up for your dance lessons?"

"Dance lessons give you more agility and dexterity that can be applied to sparring," Wyatt replied as he dipped her and watched as her face lit up with delight. By the Maker, she was beautiful. He wanted to make her smile like this all the time.

The song ended and as they made their way back to their table their companions stood up and cheered. Roxie took a bow as they took their seats. Bryland said to Mirima, "I give that 7.5."

"I was wavering between a 7.0 and 7.5 so we can go with your score," Mirima chortled.

Roxie looked aghast as she replied, "You're crazy that was easily an 8.5."

Bryland shook his head, grasped Mirima's hand and said, "No, it wasn't love. Come Mirima let's show them how it's done."

Wyatt and Roxie drank the rest of their ale as they watched the couple spin around on the floor. When they returned Roxie shook her head and said, "Your movements flowed and your form was excellent, but your dance lacked feeling and passion. I just didn't feel the connection so we give you a 6.0."

Bryland slammed his mug down and said, "What? No passion! I'll give you passion, my little friend. I demand a rematch."

Roxie had a glint in her eye that Wyatt had never seen before. She said, "Your on," she then turned to the rest of the table and said, "Would you kind folks be the judges?"

"Hell, yeah, Rox, you give them hell," Gustr roared.

"What's in it for us?" Frankie asked.

"The loser has to buy the next round," Roxie said and looked at Bryland and Mirima for approval. They both nodded.

"Let the judging begin," Frankie said.

Roxie winked at Wyatt, extended her hand and said, "Ready, Lover?"

Wyatt took her hand and led her towards the floor with Bryland and Mirima trailing close behind. Wyatt splayed his hand on her lower and pulled her towards him, she sank into his arms as he began to guide her round the floor. He spun and twirled her around the other couples and as the symbols crash Wyatt grasped her waist and lifted her into the air and twirled her in circle. Roxie beamed down at him as he lowered her to the ground and guided her in the opposite direction. Wyatt doesn't want this night to end.

When the song finished, both couples make their way back to the table. The group could not come to majority decision so both couples pitched in for the next round. The group stayed late into the night, joking, laughing and drinking. Trixie had to finally kick them out. They made their way back to the Keep and quietly tried to make their way to their rooms.

Wyatt grabbed Roxie's arm and held her back so that the rest of the group could head upstairs without them. He was standing so close to her that their chests were mere inches way from each other. He wanted to pull her into his arms and kiss her. He wanted to feel her soft lips on his and know the taste of her mouth, but he knew that she had lost a lot recently and didn't want to rush her.

With his hand still resting on her arm he said, "Roxie, I'm glad we went out tonight. I had a really good time. It was good to see you smiling and happy."

Roxie was quiet for a moment and then replied, "It felt good to be out enjoying life again. Thank you for taking us out. I really needed that." She looked up at him, smiled, leaned in and kissed his cheek before heading up the stairs. Wyatt rubbed the spot where she had kissed him and headed up to his room.

By noon the next day, the group was mounted on their horses and heading out the Keep's gates. Some of the members of their party looked a little green, but that morning Roxie had come down to breakfast bubbly and energetic. He watched her completely amazed as she ate a three egg omelet, three pieces of bacon and toast and this was before the joining. She would eat them out of house and home afterwards. When she was nearly finished she caught him observing her. When she finished her orange juice, she walked over to him and whispered in his ear, "I told you I could hold my ale, but you, Lover, aren't looking so good." She patted him on the shoulder and headed out of the hall. He laughed as he watched her walk away.

It was a two day journey to Highever Castle so when the sun started to sink behind the trees Wyatt found a clearing for them to make camp. The group quickly went to work setting up their tents and gathering wood. Roxie had volunteered to cook saying that anyone's cooking would be better then Wyatt's. The Commander was right she was definitely starting to bounce back.

The stew that Roxie had made was excellent and everyone had seconds. Remy sat down beside her. "Mi Cherie, this is excellent stew. Where did a noble learn to cook like this?"

"My governess was also our cook so I spent a lot of time learning my lessons in the kitchen. I picked up a few things," Roxie replied coolly.

Remy looked at her for a second and said, "I know that we got off on the wrong foot. I meant no disrespect. It's just my way. I would like us to be friends. It would be easier if we are going to be traveling together, no?"

Roxie looked at Remy and then nodded. "Yes, it would be easier," Roxie replied.

"Good, I will try to keep my lewd comments to a minimum," Remy replied.

Roxie laughed and said, "Then I will try to keep my blades sheathed."

It was Remy's turn to laugh and said, "Sounds like we have deal."

Roxie was quiet for a moment and then asked Remy about what it was like being a bard. The Orleasian launched into an elaborate tale of intrigue and deception. Wyatt watched as Roxie laughed at the Bard's tale, her eyes glistening with excitement. Wyatt felt his skin start to grow hot and his stomach start to churn. He was jealous. He couldn't ever remembering feeling like this over a girl before.

Wyatt was easily five years older than Roxie and he had his fair share of lovers in his past, but none of them had made his head spin and turn his stomach into knots the way she did. He heard her laugh again and when he glanced over this time she had leaned into him while he told his story.

Mirima snuck up behind him and whispered, "Jealousy does not suit you, my friend."

"Huh...I'm not jealous," Wyatt protested.

"Please, brother, we went through the joining together. I have known you for three years. I have seen the way that you look at her, but maybe you don't see the way she looks at you."

Wyatt spun to look at Mirima and demanded, "How does she look at me?"

Mirima smiled, "No, you're not jealous at all."

Wyatt sighed, "Okay if I admit that I am jealous will you tell me how she looks at me?"

"My friend, you have no reason to be jealous. Her face lights up when you come into the room. Even before you managed to pull her out of her shell I would see her make side glances at you. Your very presence calms and relaxes her. She admires you and looks up to…."

"That's lovely you just described how my sister views me," Wyatt interrupted.

"No, my friend, you do not want your sister looking at you with the same want and desire that I see in her eyes."

"You see that?"

"Yes, I do and I see the effect that you have had on her. She was a despondent, depressed girl when we collected her in Denerim. Now she is a lively, vivacious young woman and you helped bring that out in her."

Wyatt looked at his long time friend and said, "Thank you."

Later that evening Roxie pulled her bedroll out by the fire. She pulled out an old journal and started to read. Wyatt watched her for a while and then walked over and sat down beside her. "Is that your great-grandmother's journal?"

Roxie nodded. "Would you show me the picture of my uncle?" Wyatt asked.

"Sure," Roxie said as she looked through the pages. "Bella, has several sketches of him. This one she drew when they were teenagers." She turned to a page and handed him the book. He stared at the sketch that could have been made of him.

"Wow, I really do look like him," Wyatt said.

Roxie nodded. She then turned a couple more pages and found another one. "Bella drew this shortly after Nate became a Grey Warden." His uncle looked like he was a few years older than him, but the painstaking detail was incredible.

"The detail in these is amazing. She must have really taken her time with them and in order to capture this kind of detail she must have spent a lot of time observing him."

"Well, I'm sure they did spend a lot of time together. They were lovers," Roxie said nonchalantly.

"What? I have never heard any rumors regarding the two of them," Wyatt said.

"Yes, they were childhood friends who fell in love as they got older. Nate was going to ask Bella's father for permission to marry her when his father, Rendon Howe, had him sent to the Free Marshes. When Nate returned Bella conscripted him into the Grey Wardens. During this time Bella and Alistair were apart because Alistair was married to Queen Anna. The two of them spent a lot of time together as Wardens and eventually the two of them resumed their affair for awhile."

Wyatt turned the page and his mouth dropped open. The sketch on the next page showed Bella with Nathaniel standing behind her with his arms wrapped around her waist and her head resting against his chest. What shocked him was that it could have been a picture of him and Roxie. Connor had said that there was a strong resemblance between Roxie and Bella, but even when he went into the hall to examine her portrait he still couldn't see it. Bella dressed in her armor looking every bit the strong Warden Commander that she had been; to him the portrait didn't look like Roxie at all. But seeing her in this picture relaxed and vulnerable in the arms of her lover; the resemblance was undeniable - she could have been Roxie's twin.

Wyatt leaned toward her and whispered, "The two of them in this picture could almost be mistaken for us."

Roxie nodded and said, "Yes the likeness is remarkable."

Wyatt ran his hand over the picture and asked, "Do you think there is chance that history may repeat its self?"

Wyatt saw the smile spread across her face as she answered, "You never know what the future might bring."