Thank you so much to my friend and angelic twin Jen for such a speedy edit! I would be lost without you!
And thanks to everyone for their reviews! They really do inspire me! :D
O~~~~~~~~O
Silence descended on the Redcliffe Chantry as the hour grew late. Satisfied that their village had been made safe for one more night, Redcliffe's residents and defenders fell asleep one by one. Only a few remained awake; Bann Teagan and the Revered Mother among them. They were making arrangements for the undead corpses to be burned and for their own dead to be cremated properly. Sadly, Murdock, the village Mayor, had been lost, and at least 6 other villagers were unaccounted for.
Blythe, too, remained awake, as she kept a constant vigil over Alistair. Zevran had very kindly stayed up with her to keep her spirits high, although he'd occasionally succumbed to short naps where he sat on the floor.
Blythe yawned, stretched, and looked down upon Alistair and Allis as they slept. A large, glowing Glyph surrounded them, and Blythe had to concentrate to keep it going. Even as she stood, she felt sleep creeping up on her. She closed her eyes and balled her fists as she Rejuvenated herself for the third time since entering the Chantry. Zevran had nodded off again, and Blythe ignored his instruction for her to wake him if he fell asleep.
"My lady…"
Blythe spun around, startled.
"Forgive me, my lady," Teagan said softly. "I did not mean to frighten you."
"Oh, it's quite alright, my Lord," she laughed. "In fact, you woke me up a little."
"My lady," he repeated. "You really must get some rest. I can see how much you care for Alistair, but there really is nothing more you can do for him."
Blythe shook her head. "I must stay awake," she replied, pointing to the Lifeward Glyph that surrounded Alistair and Allis, "to keep this going."
"What is its purpose?" Teagan asked.
"It's keeping him alive while his body replenishes its blood supply," she replied. "If I fall asleep or lose concentration, the spell will be lost, and…" she fell quiet.
"And how long will it take for his blood supply to be restored?" asked Teagan.
"It's hard to say," she shrugged. "I can't say exactly how much blood he lost, but he's a strong, healthy man, and I'm hoping that within 24-48 hours his blood supply will have returned to normal."
"But you can't stay awake for that long!" Teagan whispered strenuously.
"I won't need to," she replied. "As soon as I see some colour return to him, I can remove the Lifeward, although he will remain weak for at least a few days. He will need to take lots of fluids and eat hearty meals with plenty of red meat."
"He shall have all he needs," Teagan promised with a nod of his head, then yawned and opened his eyes wide, trying to keep himself awake.
"May I…?" asked Blythe, placing her hands on Teagan's arms. She closed her eyes and concentrated as a blue glow transferred from her body to Teagan's.
"That is…marvellous!" Teagan exclaimed quietly, feeling refreshed and alert. "Thank you!"
"You're most welcome," she replied as she turned her attention once more to maintaining the Lifeward.
"My lady," Teagan said, stepping forward, "surely one of the other mages can take over this duty?"
"Alas, no," Blythe replied. "I am a Spirit Healer. The other two mages do not possess my skills, nor I theirs. They are not capable of casting or maintaining a Lifeward spell."
"Ah, I see," Teagan replied, realising he knew little about mages. "Did you choose to become a healer?"
"No," said Blythe. "Each mage is born with an innate ability, which is nurtured at the Circle Tower. I was born with the ability to heal, and with a proclivity for the Creation school of magic. I specialised in Spirit Healing only 5 weeks ago. Once a healer has learned that specialisation, they are ready to take their Harrowing.
Allis was born with the power to command the elements, and had a predilection toward the Primal school of magic. A mage of his kind is ready for their Harrowing when they are able to cast and control Tier 4 spells, such as the Blizzard he summoned during the battle.
As for Morrigan…well, she is an apostate, and learned all she knows from her mother. She seems to be an all-rounder, which is unusual. I've seen her use spells from the Primal, Spirit and Entropic schools of magic, although none of them are as powerful as Allis'."
"Fascinating," Teagan nodded, seeming genuinely interested.
Blythe grinned. "You are a gentleman, Ser," she laughed. "Most people fall asleep when I start talking about the schools of magic!"
"On the contrary," Teagan replied softly, "I find you to be a most charming and erudite woman, and beautiful as well."
Blythe blushed and smiled shyly, hanging her head down.
"Oh, forgive me, my lady," Teagan apologised, "I am too bold for such a short acquaintance."
"No, it's not that," Blythe replied quietly. "I…I, too, find you to be a most charming and warm-hearted man…" her words trailed off and she shook her head, meeting Teagan's gaze. "I am truly sorry, Teagan, but my heart belongs to another - someone I cannot be with - and I am still grieving over that fact. I would not hurt you by leading you to believe anything else."
Teagan shook his head sadly. "Then you have my utmost sympathy, my lady. I shall pray that you and your heart's desire may one day be reunited," he said genuinely.
"Thank you," she whispered, feeling a sting at the back of her throat. "You're very kind."
Teagan placed his fist over his heart, bowed his head and turned to walk away. "Teagan?" Blythe said softly, taking his hands. "If things had been different…"
"I know," he replied, gazing into her eyes. Blythe stood on her tiptoes and kissed him tenderly on the cheek.
"You honour me, my lady," Teagan said quietly, bowed low, and walked away.
Blythe watched him walk away, feeling a mixture of regret and longing. She was unaware that Zevran had overheard their whole exchange as he feigned sleep.
Well, at least he is out of the picture now, he thought. He risked opening his eyes a little and watched Blythe as she stood with her hand covering her eyes, her body racked with silent sobs. An ugly, unfamiliar feeling stabbed at his gut. Who is this man of whom she speaks? he wondered. Why can they not be together?
Zevran closed his eyes firmly, forcing the image of Blythe's distress out of his mind. You are becoming soft! he remonstrated himself. She is a conquest, nothing more! Enough of this foolishness!
O~~~~~~~~~O
Dawn arrived and people began to stir within the Chantry. There was no time for celebrations over the previous night's victory, as this day started much in the same way as the one preceding it; preparations had to be made anew for tonight's onslaught. Teagan, who looked fit to drop, appointed someone to take Murdock's place as head of the Militia; a new Mayor would have to be decided another time.
Blythe leaned over Allis to touch Alistair's face. A little warmth had returned to him, and his colour had improved slightly. She decided to maintain the Lifeward for a few more hours to be safe.
"I just had the most wonderful dream that I was being attacked by two giant marshmallows," a muffled voice spoke from beneath Blythe.
"Sorry, Allis!" Blythe laughed, stepping back to give Allis some air. The elf turned toward Alistair and stroked his hair.
"He looks a little more colourful than he did last night, Blythe," he said with relief, his face dropping as he looked at her. "Oh, Blythe. You look exhausted, you poor thing." He got to his feet, covering Alistair with the blankets, and gave her a hug. "You need to get some sleep," he said as he drew back. "He should be safe, now."
"No," said Blythe, shaking her head and yawning. "I'll keep it going for a little while longer. I promise I'll get some sleep soon."
Sten walked over to them and stood over Alistair. "He will live," he said brusquely.
"Yes, it looks that way, Sten," Blythe replied, her brow furrowing as she took Sten's hand. "Sten!" she exclaimed, "you have a huge gash on your arm! Why didn't you tell me?"
"I need no magic," he stated firmly. "That is not our way," he added, referring to the Qunari distrust of mages.
"Well, what about the spells I cast on you during the battle?" Blythe replied.
"I had little choice in that matter," he said with displeasure.
"Just hold still, you stubborn man!" Blythe exclaimed as she grabbed his arm and attempted to heal him.
"No thank you, Warden," Sten replied as he snatched his arm back and walked away.
"What happens when your arm gets infected and rots off, Sten?" she called after him in exasperation.
"I have cleaned the wound," he replied as he headed away from them. "I need nothing more."
"You know," remarked Allis, "I wouldn't be surprised if he cleaned it with his teeth. Or got Reaper to lick it clean."
Blythe shuddered at the thought. "Bann Teagan is hailing us," she said to Allis. "You go and talk to him. I'll stay here with Alistair."
"Alright," he replied, heading over to Teagan. "Back in a bit."
"Sit, my dear," came a voice at her back. She turned around to see Zevran placing a wooden chair behind her.
"Where did you get that?" she laughed.
"Beautiful women should not trouble themselves with such questions," he said evasively and patted the seat. Blythe sat down gratefully. Zevran moved behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders, gently squeezing them. "So much tension," he tutted. "I was once known to give the finest, and most highly sought after, massages in all of Antiva," he purred. "I think that our selfless healer is deserving of such a treat, don't you? With your leave, of course."
"Oh, that sounds wonderful, Zevran," she replied. "Just don't let me fall asleep, alright?"
"I promise, Dolce Cuore," he whispered as he began his skilful ministrations, taking care that neither Allis nor Sten were watching.
o~o
Allis, Sten, Leliana and Reaper walked over when Teagan had finished speaking to them. Zevran had finished massaging Blythe and they both stood over Alistair as the others approached.
"Teagan wants us to meet him at the windmill," Allis announced. "We're going to try and enter the castle and find the source of the undead creatures. This village won't withstand many more attacks like last night's." He walked over to Alistair then turned to Blythe. "Is there any chance of Alistair being well enough by later today?"
"Absolutely not," said Blythe firmly. "He needs rest, food, and more rest. But he will be alright, Allis. He just won't be able to go to the Castle with you."
Allis breathed a sigh of relief. "Alright, we'll have to manage without him. The last thing I want to do is impede his recovery," he replied. "Will you be able to come with us, Blythe?"
"I don't know," she said hesitantly, looking at Alistair. "I'm sure he'd be looked after in here, but I'd rather stay with him."
"We need you, Blythe," Allis replied. "If you think Alistair can manage without you, we will need a healer. I want to stay with Alistair as well, but we have to think of the village. He'll understand."
Blythe nodded. "Yes, you're right. Alright, I'm going to lift the Lifeward and see if he's strong enough. If he's not, though, I'm staying here. Besides the fact he's our friend, Allis, we have to remember who he really is, and who he may be one day."
Blythe held her arms over Alistair's body and the others watched as the Glyph disappeared. She then placed her arms on his chest and closed her eyes. Diaphanous strands of white light rose from Alistair's body and dissipated as she Revived him. Blythe stroked his cheek as he mumbled and his eyes flickered open.
"Maker's Blood!" he croaked. "I feel like a Mabari is running around inside my head, and it keeps biting my brain!" he whined. Reaper barked in greeting.
Allis and Blythe laughed. "That's our Alistair!" Allis exclaimed happily, planting a gentle kiss on the Templar's cheek.
"Hey…!" Alistair mumbled dreamily, weakly attempting to touch Allis' face, then giving up and letting his arm fall onto his chest.
"We'll leave you two alone for a bit," said Blythe. "I'm going to tell the Revered Mother exactly what care he is going to need."
She was interrupted by an approaching Templar. "Excuse me, Miss," he said, "I'm going to need that chair back. The Revered Mother has been looking for it everywhere."
"Oh…of course!" Blythe replied, feeling her face flush. "Sorry!" she cringed as the Templar grabbed the chair and walked away, shaking his head.
Blythe wheeled round to face Zevran. "You stole the Revered Mother's chair?" she exclaimed, trying without success to hide the laughter in her voice.
Zevran tutted. "'Stole' is such an ugly word, my dear," he drawled. "I prefer 'liberated,' myself."
"You are so naughty," she laughed. "Well, you're coming with me to see the Revered Mother. You can share in the shame you created!"
"Oh, my dear, innocent woman," Zevran sighed. "When are you going to realise? Zevran Arainai has no shame!"
O~~~~~~~~~~O
The group, minus Alistair, met Teagan by the windmill after lunch, allowing both he and Blythe to snatch a couple of hours' sleep.
"Odd how quiet the castle looks from here," Teagan murmured. "You would think there was nobody inside at all. But I shouldn't delay things further. I had a plan to enter the Castle after the village was secure. There is a secret passage here, in the mill, accessible only to my family."
"Why didn't you enter the Castle in the first place?" asked Allis.
"I had no idea what lurked in the Castle," he replied. "And I couldn't abandon the people of the village. What if – Maker's Breath!" he exclaimed and pointed behind the group. They turned to see a smartly dressed woman in her early forties running towards them. A Castle guard followed her.
"Teagan!" she cried. "Thank the Maker you yet live!"
"Isolde!" Teagan exclaimed. "You're alive! How did you…what has happened?"
Isolde? Thought Allis. So this is the bitch who made Alistair's childhood such a misery?
"I do not have much time to explain," Isolde replied. "I slipped away from the Castle as soon as the battle was over, and I must return quickly. "And…I…need you to return with me, Teagan…alone."
"We're going to need more of an explanation than that," Allis said flatly, folding his arms.
Isolde turned to face him, her face twisted with disdain. "What?" she hissed, "Who is this man, Teagan?"
"They are Grey Wardens, Isolde," said Teagan. "I owe them my life."
"Pardon me," said Isolde to Allis, who glared at her coldly. "I would exchange pleasantries, but…considering the circumstances…" She turned to face Teagan. "I know you need more of an explanation, but I don't know what is safe to tell! Teagan, there is a terrible evil within the Castle! The dead waken and hunt the living! And I think Connor is going mad! We have survived but he won't flee the Castle. He has seen so much death…
You must help him, Teagan! You are his uncle, you could reason with him! I do not know what else to do!"
Allis stepped forward. "Why do I get the feeling you're not telling us everything?" he asked, his eyebrow cocked.
Isolde glared at him. "That is rather an impertinent accusation!" she replied indignantly.
"Impertinent for an elf, you mean?" he spat.
"No! I-I didn't mean…" Isolde began.
"You're not talking to one of your elven servants now, you know!" Allis said venomously. "We, and the citizens of this village, fought a terrible battle last night, and lost several good people! But you don't seem to care about any of that, do you? And you don't feel inclined to give us any kind of explanation as to why the undead creatures have appeared! Well, you obviously know something, as you seem to have miraculously survived! Now, Teagan is not going anywhere until you give us an explanation!" Bitch! He almost said out loud.
"I…I…" she stuttered. "S-something has been unleashed within the Castle. It has kept Eamon, Connor and myself alive so far, but many others have not been so fortunate. It killed so many, and turned their bodies into walking nightmares! Once it was done with the Castle, it struck the village…it wants us to live, but I do not know why! It allowed me to come for you, Teagan, because I begged, because I said Connor needed help."
Allis turned to Morrigan and Blythe. "This sounds like the work of a demon to me. Would you agree?"
"I would indeed," Morrigan concurred. "Have you any mages in the Castle?" she asked Isolde.
"Only the one who tends my husband," Isolde replied, looking uncomfortable. "Why do you ask?"
"Because it is very unlikely a demon would manifest itself without the presence of a mage," replied Blythe. "It sounds to me like your healer is possessed, and your husband is being kept alive because he is a thrall of the demon. How you and your son have survived, however, is a mystery."
"No, I do not think that is it…" Isolde said quietly to herself. The three mages shot suspicious glances at one another.
"So, you know better than mages, do you?" Allis retorted, his anger rising again.
Blythe grabbed his arm. "Lady Isolde," she said as politely as she could. "We need to speak to Teagan for a moment, in private."
Isolde eyed them warily, suddenly feeling hot, as she knew they doubted her story. "V-very well," she replied. "But please, do not take too long. I shall wait by the bridge for you, Teagan." She and the Castle guard turned and walked away, Isolde feeling the mages' eyes on her.
"Something's very wrong here, Teagan," said Allis. "Isolde's story just doesn't add up. She is hiding something." The other two mages murmured in agreement.
"I realise that," replied Teagan, "but the King is dead. My brother is needed now more than ever. I will return to the Castle with Isolde."
"No, Teagan," said Blythe. "This is a trap! We can't let you go in there alone!"
Teagan thought for a moment. "Here's what I propose," he said. "I go in with Isolde, and you enter the Castle using the secret passage. My signet ring unlocks the door. Perhaps I will…distract whatever evil is inside, and increase your chances of getting in unnoticed. What do you say?"
"Good," nodded Allis. "I'd prefer it this way."
"Excellent," replied Teagan. "Ser Perth and his men can watch for danger at the Castle entrance. If you can open the gates from within, they can move in and help you. Here is my signet ring," he said, handing it to Allis. "It will open the lock on the door in the mill. Whatever you decide to do, Eamon is the priority here. Just get him out of there if you have to. Isolde, me and anyone else – we're expendable."
"I don't believe that," said Allis. "We will rescue you all; I promise."
"You are a good man," said Teagan gratefully. "The Maker smiled on me indeed when he sent you and your friends to Redcliffe. But I can delay no longer. Allow me to bid you farewell…and good luck."
"Good luck to you, Teagan," said Blythe as he walked away, only pausing to turn back and bow his head in thanks.
The group watched him leave and let themselves into the windmill, wondering just what they were about to face.