When the three Wardens returned to the Vigil, some of the Keep's staffs gave Anders a curious glance since the mage still looked pale. Of course his Commander just spun a tale of their resident healer currently sick because of what he ate. It earned him some mockery from Oghren but it wasn't something Anders couldn't take care of by himself.
As her two companions returned to their quarters so they could prepare for their departure tomorrow, Elisa made her way to the apothecary to make her on preparations. Once there, she began picking some poisons and bombs she might need for their travel. While doing so, she allowed her mind to wander, mostly on the problems that kept popping out after you finish cleaning up a mess. Deal with one and five more comes up.
Her train of thoughts paused when her gaze landed on a vial with an Orlesian label on it. Taking it out of the shelf, she examined the label more closely. Not the same name as the one being smuggled – a thought that made her sigh both from relief and disappointment. It must've been there even before the Wardens moved in though she wondered what it does.
As she was placing the vial back to the shelf, she sensed a presence of another Warden nearby. A second later, the door opened and Nathaniel stepped in reluctantly. Glancing over to his Commander, he acknowledged her presence with a curt nod.
Elisa nodded back and watched him head over to the shelves where they kept most of the herbs and other necessary ingredients. Both focused on their tasks but after a few minutes of their silent cold war, Nathaniel finally surrendered. "Honestly Commander, this is just childish."
Elisa glanced over to the archer with a brow arching up. "What is?"
"This…" His arms opened wide when he couldn't find the right words to describe their current situation.
"As I recall," she replied coldly as she returned to his previous task, "it was you who started this, not I."
"Did I now?" He scoffed. "From what I remember, you were the one who had been avoiding me since that incident with your brother. You even gave your orders through messengers like earlier."
She quickly defended herself. "I was in a hurry this morning for Andraste's sake! And I wouldn't have if not for your stupidity the other d-"
"I get it Elisa!" Nathaniel didn't realize he yelled those words until the woman with him fell silent. He closed his eyes as he gathered his thoughts."I get it," he repeated more calmly this time. "My action forced you to make a hard choice. I would change what had happened if I could; but I can't. All I can give you now is an apology and an offer to fix the damage it caused. Either you accept that or you ship me to the Anderfels because I see no other way for us to work together like this." Grabbing the ingredients he collected, he stormed out of the room without waiting for his Commander's response.
Elisa could only glare at the door as she pressed her lips tightly together.Damn that man! She had half a mind to take his suggestion and ship him to the Anderfels. She tried resuming with what she had been doing earlier but it was difficult when her thoughts were filled with the archer's words.
Finally, after a few more minutes, she gave up and just grabbed whatever poisons her hands could get on and left the room. Pushing her hair back, she exhaled deeply and made her way to the Keep's training hall. Hopefully, hacking down a bit of training dummies who help her cool down..
Loghain had made his way to the training hall for his routine practice. It had been part of his daily routine ever since after the rebellion – something to keep him in shape and release some stress after dealing with the nobles of Gwaren. As he neared his destination, he sensed his Commander's presence as his ears heard metal hitting wood.
Just as he reached the door, she spun towards his direction, no doubt also sensing his presence. His gaze shifted from her to the recently detached head that rolled to where he stood. "Whatever that dummy had done, it did not deserve such an execution Commander," he muttered dryly before heading towards the storage room. However, the only thing he found were other dismembered wooden dummies.
Elisa gave a half smile as her Second turned and stared at her with a raised brow. "I may have damaged a few… or several…" Her free hand brushed aside the strands of hair that fell on her face. "I can't help it if I'm feeling a bit… agitated tonight."
Loghain raised a brow but didn't prod on what had gotten on her nerves for there were so many possibilities. He merely sighed at the garbage now piled up in the storage room. So much for training tonight… Then an idea came to him. "For the sake of all the training dummies in Thedas, perhaps you ought to have a different, more challenging adversary."
"Oh?" Elisa watched him as he unsheathed his sword and positioned several feet away from her. "I'm not sure if you've noticed but the results of my current agitation involve dismembering body parts. I would hate to replace my Second after this is over."
"What do you propose then?" He returned his sword back to its scabbard just as she sheathed hers.
There was no response from her for a few seconds as she seemed to be pondering on something. Suddenly and wordlessly, she began stripping her armor. While she was on the process of removing her gloves, she glanced over to him and asked, "well? What are you waiting for?"
Loghain blinked as he tried to comprehend what his Commander wanted. He had a passing thought of the possibility that she might… but surely that wasn't… Why am I even considering such sudden inappropriate thoughts!? Maker's breath, what am I – a lad just entering puberty!? Confusion and wariness tinged with unconscious embarrassment must've been evident on his features. Either that or the woman in front of him could read his thoughts for he heard her laugh lightly. "Loghain Mac Tir, what are you thinking?"
Elisa, now standing in her tunic and breeches, stared at the other Warden in amusement as he responded with a scoff. She pretended clearing her throat to mask a light giggle before she explained, "I was thinking that unarmed sparring would be safer… mostly for you."
Loghain mentally scolded himself. You fool! Of course that's what she meant. He began stripping off his armor, which he carefully set aside near the wall, until he only had his own tunic and breeches. "Very well, but I will not be held responsible for any of your aching muscles later on."
"Nor I to yours." She smirked as she rolled her shoulders then dropped into a ready stance.
Huffing, he did the same and eyed his Commander warily. The two began to circle around the room, both waiting for an opening. It would be easy to overpower her, he thought. After all, he has the advantage in terms of build and strength. Though, the more he thought of his advantage over her, the more it dawned on him that she's a woman, and because of that, it just felt wrong hitting her. It was one thing to cross blades with a female warrior, but another to send a fist flying anywhere on her body.
He was about to straighten himself up and cancel their sparring – to the Void if she calls him a coward – but suddenly she lunged towards him. Out of reflex, he swung his arm but she was quick to evade, ducking and dropping into a crouch to sweep his legs. This resulted to him landing on his back, and before he could react, she was right on top of him pressing her full weight against his body with her knees on either side of his waist. Her hands pinned his arms on the floor and when he tried flexing them, she pressed down harder.
"Old age must be catching up on you." Elisa grinned triumphantly down at her Second. "Would you like another round? I promise to go easy this time." Suddenly, she was flipped over and found herself on her back. Now, it was her Second who had her restrained firmly on the ground.
"Who said this round was over?"Loghain found it difficult to stop that small smirk forming on his lips. He couldn't help but feel some kind of satisfaction for having the great Hero of Ferelden under him and at his mercy. "Do you yield Commander?"
Elisa's eyes went wide open, staring at the man above her for a few seconds, before she suddenly burst out laughing – one that made her Second think that she was going crazy. She rolled sideways when the grip on her arms loosened as she did all she could to contain her breathless laughter. When she finally came down from whatever high she was in, she shook her head before turning it to look at him with a wide grin. "Sorry, it's just that… no man has ever pinned me down like that before."
Loghain stared at her incredulously. "It's hard to believe that not once has anyone had enough strength to do what I just did." He wouldn't say pushing her off of him was difficult. Either the men she sparred were weaklings or he did not realize that he had such strength.
"Didn't have the stones more like," she muttered as she sat up when her Second moved away to give her some space. "They just give up once I had them pinned down. I mean, they could've easily turned the favor against me, like what you had just done, but they didn't due to the fact that I'm…"
"... a woman?" He guessed, earning a deadpanned look from his Commander which he could tell that he hit just right on the mark.
"I was going to say 'a Cousland' but yes, I suppose being a woman had also contributed greatly to that kind of treatment," Standing up, she brushed some dirt off from her breeches before grinning to him. "Glad you decided not hold back."
The knowing smile he saw meant she had read his intentions earlier. "And if I had?" He asked carefully, watching her back as she returned to where she previously stood earlier.
Looking over her shoulders, she replied with the corner of her lips twitching slightly upward, "if you had, I'd be very insulted and you'd be on your way to Montsimmard."
A bluff, he thought judging from the playful tone but he would rather not risk it.
The two Senior Wardens started another round and this time neither one held back. Punches and kicks thrown at each other were enough for both to feel some pain but not inflict any serious injury that could affect their performance for next few days. Neither even realized that they had been at it for hours – all thanks to Grey Warden stamina – until a certain mage with his beloved cat in his arms passed by the hall outside and sensed their presence at the same time heard soft laughter accompanied by barely audible chuckles.
"Well…" Anders grinned as he leaned against the door frame and watched the two sparring Wardens rolling on the floor in an attempt to pin one of them down. "This is certainly entertaining." Ser Pounce-a-lot seemed to agree, in the mage's opinion, since it made some mewling sounds. When both warriors paused and stared at him slightly wide-eyed, he added, "oh, don't mind me. I'll just be here… watching… thinking..."
"You have an entire story written in your head now, haven't you?" Elisa, who ended on top of her Second, said as she tried to give the mage a stern look; yet her lips couldn't help but curl up as she couldn't hide her amusement. Truly, she never had this much fun with sparring since… ever. Not even any of the mage's comments could take that joy away from her.
Anders chuckled mirthfully, ignoring the taciturn man who attempted to mask his own enjoyment with a sharp glare and a deep scowl. Setting his cat down on the floor, he approached the two then held out a hand for his Commander. "I can't help it. You'd just put a whole new definition to 'sparring'." He laughed louder as he felt his Commander playfully slap his arm after she got up.
"Perhaps you should join us next time," Elisa commented as she held out her hand to her Second who took it before he stood up. "With the beating you got from those templars earlier, you ought to learn how to use a dagger at least."
"Sorry…" Anders waved a hand to decline her offer. "We mages prefer to shoot lightning or fireball, not stab people with very sharp toothpicks." He then gave a lopsided grin. "But, if I get to roll on the floor with a pretty lady, I might change my mind."
Elisa shook her head before picking up the mage's cat when it brushed against her ankles. "So where are you and Ser Pounce off to?"
"Getting a midnight snack," Anders replied as he scratched the back of his cat's ears. "Ser Pounce-a-lot is hungry." He took the cat from his Commander and nuzzled it on his cheek. "Isn't that right little kitty~?" The cat responded with a soft mewl.
Loghain's scoffed at the utterly ridiculous name then glanced over to his Commander when she lightly patted his back and stated, "well, off to bed. We leave early on the morrow."
Elisa stepped out of the training hall and made her way back to her quarters. Despite her tired muscles she was certain would ache tomorrow, she felt quite refreshed and calmer. Even the conversation with Nathaniel earlier didn't seem to agitate her when it crossed her mind. Actually, she was able to see his point a lot clearer now that raging emotions were out of the way, and she realized that he was right. That incident had already happened and throwing tantrums wouldn't solve anything. Right now, she needed to focus on what they could do to fix it.
She couldn't help but laugh lightly at herself. Letting emotions dictate her decisions was something that her old self would do, and it got her companions into trouble at times; especially – She immediately pushed any further thoughts on the matter away.
He's safe now, that's all that matters, she reminded herself as she continued her way back to her room.
Nathaniel made his way to the stables after picking up from Master Wade his grandfather's bow. He must admit, the eccentric smith was talented in his field. The bow looked as though it was brand new. He thought of thanking Elisa for having it fix… if she decides not to send him to the Anderfels. He implied last night that it didn't matter to him if she did, but a part of him right now regretted even suggesting it. The idea of being leaving again after spending time abroad for almost a decade made him sigh heavily. He would admit that there are things in Ferelden that he didn't miss – the smell of garbage for one – but it was still home for him. He'd rather not be sent off to an unknown nation if he had the choice. But, then again, it's not his choice and it might be better that way if his presence interferes with Elisa.
Speaking of the woman…
He stopped in his footsteps when he noticed his Commander, accompanied by her mabari, fixing the strap of her horse's saddle. She must've sensed his presence as she paused from her task and looked over her shoulder towards him. "Oh, Nathaniel," she greeted, "good morning."
It took him a few seconds to respond as he merely stared at her with furrowed brows. "Uh… good morning…?" Did I miss something? He wondered about her rather good mood as he carefully approached her.
Caena barked happily as it jumped around the archer, its backside wagging as it stared up. Nathaniel only raised a brow as he tried to comprehend what it wanted. "Are you carrying any food?" He heard his Commander ask.
"Just dried meat," he replied before he finally understood what the mabari was asking for.
"Better give him what he wants," Elisa advised, "otherwise, he will pester you about it during the entire trip."
Sighing, Nathaniel took a length of jerky from his pack before tossing it towards the hound. The latter snapped it up before it even touched the ground. "This is spoiling him, just so you know," he commented.
"He deserves a bit of spoiling," Elisa replied, smiling affectionately at her hound. "He saved me more times than I can count." She bent down and scratched the back of its ears.
There was an awkward silence between them after that. Nathaniel merely watched his Commander who looked like she was contemplating. After another minute or so, she finally spoke. "You're right. There's nothing we can do to change the past." She glanced up and he met her soft gaze. "I accept your apology, and I'm sorry as well for the way I handled the matter."
A part of him thought that some kind of demon had just possessed the woman in front of him. Last night, she looked inclined enough to get rid of him; but now... now, she's apologizing. His Commander must have picked up the turmoil inside his head as she suddenly added, "but if you prefer to be assigned somewhere else, I won't stop you."
"Ah, no!" He replied rather too quickly. "I was just... surprised by your decision."
"Morning!" Anders' cheerful greeting interrupted Elisa and Nathaniel's conversation. The two former nobles turned their head towards the mage who had Loghain, Sigrun and Oghren walking behind him.
"You look excited," Elisa commented as Anders passed by and placed his pack on one of the horses his Commander readied for them.
"Been a while since I've seen Denerim," Anders replied with a wide grin. "So many wonderful establishments to visit."
Elisa raised a brow and grinned slightly. "Should I assume you're referring to the brothels?" The answer she received from the mage was only a wink before he got on his horse. She glanced over to her Second who was setting his pack on his horse. Before he mounted it, he craned his neck to the sides a few times, and there was a crack audible enough for her to hear.
Loghain knew his Commander heard it so he looked over to her. She was biting her lower lip to suppress her laughter, and when it wasn't enough, her hand covered her mouth. "Not. A. Word," he muttered evenly, icy blue eyes giving her the most intimidating glare he could make. However, that did not perturb her even the slightest as her hand could no longer muffle her laughter. He rolled his eyes and scoffed, ignoring her light mocking pat on his forearm before she got on her horse.
"Go easy on him next time, Commander," Anders teased and chuckled as the horse the oldest Warden rode moved past his. When he noticed the archer giving her a curious look, he grinned. "Long story. I'll tell you on the way to Denerim."
"I'd rather not hear it," Nathaniel replied as he looked away and mounted his horse. It wasn't that he's not interested but rather, a part of him thought whatever the story is, which is no doubt full of horseshit if the mage was telling it, would irk him the entire trip.
"Let's just go," Loghain stated, clearly not enjoying the teasing he was receiving from both the mage and the Warden-Commander. The latter didn't seem to have any intention to push the matter further as she led their group out of the Keep.
End of Chapter 16