I apologise for the lack of updates - I sprained my wrist and was unable to write, much to my dismay and it's taken a while to pick up the story again. Hopefully there will be no inconsistencies. I also have about ten other DA related stories rolling round in my head which I may actually start writing properly instead of select scenes for each of them in various word documents.
Dawn came quickly, far too quickly for Lorelai's liking. Her sleep had been fitful, full of memories and faces of those she'd lost. Calian's assurances did little to quell the ache in her heart for all she had lost and her need for revenge. Right now that was all that she had to keep her going. Sitting up on the cot, she blinked her eyes rapidly she tried to shake the thoughts off. Today was a new day and she was still alive; some would call that lucky but for Lorelai it was the worst feeling in the world Why did I live when so many died? She sighed heavily before donning her armour and her weapons, she strolled out of the tent and into the morning light.
The air was crisp and despite the hour the camp was a hive of activity. Soldiers were cleaning and repairing their equipment, a chantry sister was giving service and food was being prepared. As soon as she caught a whiff of a cook fire her stomach rumbled; it had been too long since she'd eaten properly, in fact the last time she had a proper meal was the night before Howe's attack when she'd been with her whole family and little Oren refused to eat his vegetables. She shook her head No, these thoughts won't do. She strolled over to the nearest cook fire and using the ladle she filled a bowl with some kind of stew. Taking a spoonful, she blew on it to cool it off, as she was about to take her first mouthful the rumblings of a deep voice stopper her.
"I wouldn't eat that if I was you." Duncan stood there, his eyes twinkling with mirth.
"What? Why not? It's been ages since I've eaten a proper meal."
Duncan let out a loud chuckle "I fear you will still not have eaten a proper meal once you have finished that." Lorelai looked at him quizzically as he continued to smile, "You see Alistair's cooking leaves a lot to be desired. His idea is to chuck everything in a pot, and when he's sure it's just a little burned he declares it ready."
"Heeey! Are you criticising my cooking?" Alistair made his way over to Duncan and Lorelai, sniffing the contents of the pot, making a satisfied
"I wouldn't dream of it."
"Your just jealous is all. "
Lorelai couldn't help the ghost of a smirk crossing her face. The two wardens bantering helped her forget her troubles.
"As you say Alistair. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some things to see to." Duncan excused himself.
"So what do you think of the stew?" Alistair asked like a child seeking approval for what they thought was a major accomplishment.
"Honestly? I haven't had a chance to try it and after Duncan's comments I'm not sure I want to."
"Oh." Alistair looked like a puppy that had just been kicked.
"But then again it's not food that makes a meal good, but the company you share it with. Care to join me?" Lorelai flashed him a smile and his expression immediately changed to a goofy grin. Alistair helped himself to a bowl of the stew and the two of them sat down and ate together.
"So what's on the agenda today?" Alistair asked as he he took Lorelai's bowl from her.
"I need to get supplies before heading North."
"Your leaving?" Alistair couldn't hide the disappointment in his voice
"Afraid so, I have some things I need to see too, besides it's that or stay here and wait for the darkspawn horde."
"I see your dilemma. Tough choice."
"Indeed. What about you? What does the day hold for you?"
"I'll be heading into the Wilds, with the new Warden recruits. I can't say more than that."
Lorelai didn't hear anything past Wilds, Wasn't Fergus out there scouting? Could she convince him or Duncan to let her go out there too? But then she'd have to become a warden wouldn't she? She couldn't risk it, she'd have no idea where to start looking for him and she doubted she'd be able to sneak off and with all the darkspawn about chances were she'd probably end up dead.
"Hello? Hello? Thedas to Lorelai." Alistair waved his hand in front of Lorelai's face
"Mmm? Sorry I must off drifted off."
"Anywhere nice?"
Lorelai smiled weakly at him, "You said you were going into the Wilds?" Alistair nodded, "If..If you come across the men from Highever tell them.." Tell them what? The Teryn and his wife are dead along with their daughter in law and grandson? "Tell them to stay safe."Alistair looked her oddly, not understanding why she would say such a thing but he didn't question her. "Well I should be going, I've a long journey ahead of me. Take care of yourself Alistair, and who knows we might bump into each other again."
"Goodbye Lorelai, you stay safe yourself."