Preparing to Leave

"Come in!"called a response from within.

They entered the room to find the Warden Commander sitting behind her desk, her auburn hair loose, and her feet propped up next to an opened bottle of brandy.

"Well boys, pack your skivvies! We're going on a road trip," she said and raised her glass.

"Oh goody, buxom barmaids in random inns!" said Anders.

"Better get started on some creams, Anders." Juliette retorted with a chuckle.

"What is this all about, Commander?" Nathaniel asked, concerned with her laissez-faire attitude. It wasn't like her.

"Oh, let's see," Juliette answered. "The King says that some of the choices I've had to make up here, you know alone, with no back up whatsoever from HIM, leave him, uh," and she picked up a piece of paper, scrutinizing it, "oh, here it is, 'gravely concerned'," she looked back up at them, "and I'm to go to Denerim immediately and," she looked down at the letter again, "fully explain my actions. So off we go."

"Eh, Commander, got a spare glass?" asked Oghren.

Juliette pointed to the table behind him, "Help yourself!"

"I want you three to go with me," Juliette explained. "I honestly don't know what to expect when I get there, and its best if those of us directly involved are all present."

"When shall we leave?" Nathaniel asked.

"Varel and I need a day to finalize a few things, so first light day after tomorrow," she sat forward and poured some more brandy into her glass. "It should take at least 4 days to get there, and that's if travel is uneventful, which in my experience, it never is," and she lifted the glass to her lips.

"I've never been to court before! I wonder what I should wear?" pondered Anders.

"The fancier and more adorned the better," replied Juliette. "What about that purple silk one with the be..."

Nathaniel interrupted, "Is this the conversation we are ACTUALLY having? Barmaids and fancy man robes?" Nathaniel pinned Juliette with a serious look. "The king has summoned us to answer for our actions and we speak of frivolous Anders' clothing?" he asked, his manner stiff.

"Hey!" said Anders. "Frivolity can be an endearing quality, when done well!"

Nathaniel scowled at Anders.

Juliette sat forward and sighed. "The king has summoned me, Nathaniel, and it's my actions that are being questioned, no one else's," she stood to come around to the front of her desk, and leaned on it. "I only want you all with me so that there can be no accusation of deception," Juliette continued. "No hint that I'm hiding my men from the King's questions. You know how those at court can be."

"I know that you had our complete agreement in your decision not to kill The Architect. I made a choice to support you," Nathaniel approached her. "I have no intention of letting them attack you."

"The Commander knows we've got her back, boy," said Oghren. "She just saying she's got ours too."

"I know what she's saying, Oghren," Nathaniel reached Juliette's side. "I will do anything I can to help you." he said looking into her eyes.

"Of course we will!" Anders cheerfully said. "How long do you think we will be in Denerim?"

Nathaniel was still looking straight into her eyes, just a few inches from her side. Juliette held his gaze, feeling her confidence rise. He looked so large standing there, she could feel his anger on her behalf, that he was ready to fight for her. It occurred to her that she had needed him to defend her, and she felt a rush of happiness at his instant willingness to do so.

Juliette gently smiled at him, and reached out to touch his arm, "Thank you."

He held her eyes until she turned to answer Anders.

"To be safe, I would estimate a month. I hope that it's much shorter than that though, there are so many things that need to be attended to," she walked back around the desk. "Varel and I will finish the most urgent things tomorrow. I would appreciate it if you three could do whatever you need to do to be ready," she stated. "Oghren, I have made arrangements for Felsi to stay here while you are away if you would like."

"I'll talk to her tomorrow, Commander, and let her know. Thanks for thinkin of them," Oghren said gruffly.

"Of course," Juliette replied. "Anders, you should focus on preparing whatever potions you may need as back up," she continued with the orders. "While the scouting reports look like things are quiet out there, I don't want to relax our guard."

"Yes, Commander," said Anders. "I will need to go to Amaranthine first thing."

"Would you mind taking a note to my sister?" asked Nathaniel "I want her to know I will be away."

"Sure, Albert had ordered a few trinkets for me anyway," Anders said, nodding his agreement. "I can check and see if they are in."

"Well then I guess that's it then," said Juliette. "It's getting late and I have a mountain of reports to review, not to mention brandy to drink, so unless you three have anything else to add?"

They each declined further comment, and she nodded good night as the three turned toward her door.

"Commander, you, uh, going to finish the bottle?" asked Oghren.

Juliette smiled at him shaking her head, "No sir, take it with you. What's left in my glass will put me under my desk as it is," she laughed, glancing underneath. "I hope it's comfortable under there," she joked. "Good night," and they were dismissed.

They filed through her door, exiting her office and it was quickly closed behind them.

Oghren looked at Nathaniel and Anders, "I think she's worried boys, how about you?"

"She's a tough nut, she'll be alright," replied Anders. "I wonder if that new girl, Anna, is still downstairs?" and he left them in the corridor.

Silence fell between Oghren and Nathaniel as they watched him go.

"I agree with you dwarf. We will have to be aware," Nathaniel answered.

"I don't want any sissy ass politician pickin' our girl to pieces," Oghren grumbled.

"I will not allow that to happen," Nathaniel answered fiercely, to which Oghren grunted.

"That's in Alistair's hands. I sure hope he does a better job of looking out for her than last time." and Oghren turned and left.

"He damned well better, or he will deal with me," Nathaniel vowed under his breath.

Nathaniel looked at her door, wanting to knock, wanting to check on her. Suppressing his urge to comfort her, he turned and left for the main hall.