Duty's Choice: The Bastards of Ferelden - Chapter 20
About A Girl
Weisshaupt Fortress – at about the same time
Rainer sat in front of the fire in the Great Hall, tankard of beer at his elbow and a sour expression on his face. It did not suit him. He'd worn it since he returned from his inspection a few days ago. An inspection which had included Amaranthine and Elinora Cousland.
With a put-upon sigh, Morrigan collected a cup of weak wine and sat in the chair across from Rainer. He didn't acknowledge her. She sipped her wine and waited until impatience won. "So, how is the great and mighty Hero of Ferelden? Still having men follow her around like lost puppies?"
Rainer shot her a dark look, then grunted a small smile. "They do that, don't they. I suppose I should say 'we' instead. I've certainly played the part."
"I do not understand you. What exactly makes that girl so appealing? She's pretty and all, but I've seen prettier."
Rainer leaned forward and put his elbows to his knees and rested his chin on folded hands. "It's far more than being pretty." His eyes became distant. "Far more."
"Enlighten me." Morrigan said dryly.
Rainer thought for a moment before starting. He was going to sound like a love-struck idiot, he knew it. "She's capable. Whatever fate threw at her, she handled it. Her parents, The Blight, choosing the Grey Wardens over a king, and we certainly didn't make it easy. When she arrived we didn't know what to do with her, but she handled it. Even when Quennel…"
"The Warden who attempted to rape her?" Morrigan interrupted coolly. "I understand she was rescued by a mage."
Rainer barked a quiet laugh. "Aldo didn't rescue her. He stopped it, but she was a heartbeat away from castrating Quennel."
Morrigan snorted. "Good for her."
Rainer nodded a bit. "After that she stayed even further away from us, but I got her out of hiding eventually."
Morrigan raised and eyebrow. "So I hear."
"Not that, not yet anyway. I got her fighting again. By time we got to the Crag, it was very clear that she was something special, in a lot of ways."
Morrigan fixed her amber eyes on to Rainer's blue, and said, "Elinora Cousland isn't the only special one here. Certainly not the only capable leader." She leaned forward and placed a hand on Rainer's arm. "Nor the only beauty."
Rainer's gaze focused on Morrigan, then at the hand on his arm. "I…"
Morrigan rose from her seat, her hand slowly leaving Rainer's arm. "If you'll excuse me, it's late and Ashling tends to be up with the sun. Good night, First Warden." She turned and walked away, very aware that his eyes, as well as several others, followed her.
That was easy.
Excepts from the journal of Warden Commander Elinora Cousland
9:35 Dragon, Fall 1, 12th day
Crossroad below Haven
I have returned to find my Wardens in one piece and a little smug, the girls especially. Turns out I missed quite an evening in Haven. They managed to get the Templars fighting over them with fists and alcohol. As predicted, at dawn there wasn't a Templar to be seen as they left Haven. No one noticed my absence from the group.
And now I just wait for the Chantry to call an Exalted March on the Grey Wardens.
9:35 Dragon, Fall 1, 13th day
Just north of Haven
We're being followed. Time to practice ambush tactics.
9:35 Dragon, Fall 1, 14th day
Just a little further north of Haven
We caught ourselves a Templar. Padrac is pretty young, about a year my junior and Chantry raised. Like Alistair, he didn't have much of a choice about joining the Templars. He was sent to Haven because of disciple issues. From the way Alcina is looking at him, I think I know what kind.
I think we may have another test of Warden infertility. As they're both human, it might be alright, though still very unlikely. And he's not a Warden yet.
I miss my boys.
9:35 Dragon, Fall 1, 24th day
South of Orzammar
So this is why they discourage Warden romances. Alcina has taken up with Padrac and Maphisa is not happy about it. The girls are sniping at each other and Padrac is very subtly trying to maneuver both of them into the sack. It would be hilarious if it wasn't such a pain in the ass. They've been lectured, individually.
I have my doubts about Padrac. Its occurred to me that he might be a Chantry spy. While not dismissing my paranoira, I've decided that it doesn't matter. The population is sparse in this part of the world so he as no one to send a message with. I doubt he will find any sources in Orzammar.
Besides, what does he have to tell them that the Chantry doesn't already know?
The Joining may solve all this. Isn't that a bright side?