AN: Thank you guys for the reviews and insight. I appreciate all of them, even if I don't personally respond!
Also- I miss a LOT of stupid mistakes, so I am looking for a Beta.
"So, I've had a thought."
Morrigan whipped her head around, blinking her odd yellow eyes, a cruel smirk curling her lips as she lowered her bowl. Sabia suppressed a smirk of her own as she saw the thoughts whirling behind the wolf-like eyes of the female mage- all of them centered around making verbal stabs at Alistair. She paused after swallowing her mouthful of stew, watching the two. She flicked her gaze back to the line of woods just outside their camp- she was wary of the night woods, while Morrigan seemed completely at home, something Sabia envied. Morrigan tilted her head in her bird like way, eyes glinting.
"A momentous occasion! You deserve applause, truly!" She said, her voice coated with cruel mirth. Alistair rolled his eyes and ignored her, his eyes fixing on Sabia. Morrigan wasn't done, swooping in for another stab.
"So, Alistair, falling on your blade didn't seem like a good idea anymore and you decided to rejoin us the world of the lucid?" She said smoothly, her eyes narrowed slightly as she engaged in her favorite game. Alistair made a face at her, and opened his mouth to retort, but Sabia, who had been enjoying the silence- a rarity during meals, what with the snarling spats between the three of them- held up her hand.
"What, Alistair?" She asked. She wasn't fond of the Templar, but she had no desire to make an outright enemy of him- even if he did waste most of his breath cursing at Loghain. Alistair looked at her, the corner of his mouth curling down slightly as he rested his bowl on his knee.
"We need to decide where to go first after we get supplies at Lothering," he said, rolling his shoulder to adjust the position of his shield. Sabia nodded, hiding her irritation. She'd been pondering that the past few days, and her mind was set on the Circle of Mages, first. She hadn't been sure how Alistair or Morrigan would take that decision, hence her reluctance to announce it. She sighed, her chest heaving, and her company looked at her curiously.
"I decided we should go to the Circle, first," she said, her fingers gripping her bowl, anticipating a roar from both of them.
They did not disappoint. Alistair fumed, going on about how Arl Eamon should take priority over mages. Morrigan snapped at him for saying mages weren't important, then turned her wrath on Sabia, asking how she would protect her from the Templars there that would label her an apostate. Sabia was silent as they vented, and when they realized they weren't going to get a rise from her, they fell quiet, waiting. Sabia took another patient breath.
"Look. The mages are governed by the Templars and the Chantry. If we get their support, we garner the support of the templars as well, and though the Chantry won't take sides, it does keep them from turning on us completely if Loghain and Howe decide to try their hand at forcing them to. With the situation we're in, we need all the help we can get. Morrigan, you are under my protection. I've learned all too well that no one has authority over the Grey Wardens. If they try to take you in, they will have to get through me, and it won't be pretty. Especially with the knowledge of poisons you've been teaching me," she said, her eyes fixing on Morrigan's yellow gaze. 'Much to the distaste of Alistair,' she thought, hiding a grin at the face he made at that comment.
This pleased Morrigan greatly, as she made a small sound of satisfaction, and she finished off her meal quietly with no further complaints. Alistair, however, glared at her curiously. Sabia looked at him, lifting a brow and lowering her bowl.
"What?"
"You would fight Templars for her? An apostate?" He asked incredulously. Morrigan and Sabia both gave him a scathing look, and to his credit, he didn't flinch away. Sabia sighed, setting down her bowl. She doubted her stew would be warm by the time she got around to finishing it. It hardly ever was with all the arguing they did at supper.
"Yes, Alistair. I promised Flemeth that no harm would come to her. I am wary of Flemeth's abilities and intentions, and I respect Morrigan and her abilities, so I will keep my word," she said firmly, turning away from him slightly to indicate the conversation was over. Morrigan offered her a rare genuine smile, and Alistair scowled. They finished their meal in silence- and sure as she suspected, the last few bites of her stew were cold- before turning in for the night. Sabia took the first watch and stared up at the stars, wondering as she always did- what would have happened if Duncan had let her go, and if Loghain was cursing this entire situation as much as she was. Avariel came bounding back into camp from his nightly romp in the woods, curling around his mistress. Sabia leaned against the huge war dog's warm sides, stroking his ears, her eyes moving to resume their nightly nervous watch of the woods.
..
"Heads up, gentlemen! We have company, and I take it the pretty young lass is the leader!"
Sabia came to a stop, Morrigan and Alistair not far behind, Avariel stepping carefully to his mistress' side. The four of them eyed the men standing in their path. They all wore studded leather and were armed with swords or daggers. A makeshift barricade was all but blocking the path off the highway into Lothering, and amongst the slabs of wood were crates that looked to be packed with goods. Sabia's sharp ears caught the soft clink of coins in the hidden purse of the man that stood at the fore of the little band of men. She'd asked Alistair if heightened hearing was a side effect of the Joining, but he stated his hearing was the same as it ever was- something she countered with a tease that he DID have selective hearing. It had warmed him up to her a bit, something she wasn't TOO adverse to.
Sabia folded her arms over her chest, resting her weight on one hip, her cloak falling open as she let the daggers at her hips glint in the morning light. Avariel caught her tension, and his muzzle curled slightly, his large fangs glittering. The man standing closest to the leader, a stout man with a round face, looked at Morrigan, who had frost accumulating on her staff, and Alistair with his shield and longsword.
"Erm...mebbe we should let these ones pass, boss. They's looked armed, and they 'ave a mabari. Thought only Nobles had them," he said. The leader, Rivaini from the look of him- like Duncan, Sabia thought with a snarl-laughed.
"Does it matter if they're armed! This is a toll! Not highway robbery!" He said, and the other men laughed as well. The round faced man forced a smile, but his eyes were still wary. Sabia gave him credit- he LOOKED stupid, but he wasn't a complete idiot.
"That's right. Highway toll!"
Sabia lifted a brow, eyes narrowed, unimpressed and unconvinced.
"A toll?" She asked dryly in disbelief. "How much?"
"For you, beautiful, one sovereign and a kiss...or ten silvers and a little more," the Rivaini said, grinning lasciviously. Sabia narrowed her bright green eyes dangerously.
"How about you rethink that to nothing. No one takes advantage of a Grey Warden, or a Cousland" she said threateningly. The bandits blinked nervously, and the round faced man paled.
"I TOLD you they's not like the rest of thems, boss. They's not refugees!"
The Rivaini laughed, his eyes glinting.
"Lots of people might pretend to be a noble or a Grey Warden to get past a toll. Let's teach em a lesson about pretending to be traitors, shall we?"
The bandits lunged, and Sabia leaned back, letting their momentum carry them over and past her, unsheathing her longsword and dagger as she did. She flung her blades out at a bandit and sliced him from throat to groin, dancing out of reach as another charged. Alistair pulled out his shield and slammed the leader with it, knocking him to the ground. Morrigan uttered a single word and a cloud of black miasma erupted from her fingers, leaving the bandits reeling, and she froze one in place. Avariel snarled ferociously, charging at a man and pinning him to the ground, ripping at his throat.
Sabia's nostrils flared as the scent of fear, copper and salt wafted across her nostrils, and her own blood sang in response. She had dueled many times, but hadn't drawn blood like this before. When she fought Howe's men back at Highever, it had been different. She had been different. Was this the taint in her veins that made bloodlust sing through her body? Her pupils dilated, and belly tensed, her spine relaxing as she found her balance and took up her stance. Another bandit flew at her, and she parried his swing, flicking her dagger to slam his wrist, disabling the arm before swinging around with her longsword and gashing his chest open. Her heart raced as blood sprayed over her, and she let loose a bark of laughter. As quickly as it started, the fight ended. The leader got to his knees in front of her.
"No more! Maker's Breath I didn't know you were really Grey Wardens! Please don't kill me! I was only trying to get by! We all are, with the darkspawn coming for us!" He pleaded. Sabia narrowed her eyes and put her sword, dripping with gore, to his neck.
"Tell me. What did you mean by 'pretending to be traitors'? TELL ME," she demanded.
"T-Teyrn L-Loghain put a bounty on the heads of any remaining Wardens," he stammered. "He said that they tricked the King and his men into their deaths!"
Sabia's eyes went wide. Surely Loghain wouldn't do this if he knew she were alive. He wouldn't do that to her, would he?
"Dead or alive?" She demanded, her blade cutting a small nick in his throat. He made a small squeal, and Sabia found herself grinning at it.
"Dead or alive, my lady! He even said there'd be extra if a female Warden were brought to him alive!" He cried.
Sabia's breath caught. So he didn't want her DEAD. He was giving incentive to have her brought to him alive. Was that it? That had to be it. Surely that was it. Her mind was too busy racing to see Alistair put his weapons away.
"We should let them go," he said. "They leave what they've taken, leave with their lives." Morrigan snorted.
"I say we teach them a lesson. Kill all but one so he can tell others what he saw of us," she replied, earning an acidic glare from Alistair. Sabia narrowed her eyes, blood trickling down her jaw.
"No. We kill them all."
Alistair turned to her, his eyes wide, and the remaining bandits shook, faces pale. Morrigan lifted a brow, but her full lips were pursed in approval.
"What do you mean, kill them all? Maker's Breath, show mercy!" The leader pleaded, holding up his hands. Sabia forced him back with her sword, leering.
"Why? You're willing to attack refugees for their scant money and belongings. You'd turn your belly to the highest bidder. If I let you go, you'd run straight to Loghain's men and tell them where you saw us and pocket the reward. No. I can't allow it," she said softly, her tone even.
Alistair looked conflicted. He knew she was right, and that their already seemingly impossible task would become even harder if they didn't try to be discreet. The bandits actually looked about to cry. One burst into tears, begging for mercy from the Maker. Sabia stepped forward and swiftly ended the leader's life with a quick clean cut to the throat. Her face was contorted in a mixture of emotions as the men begged for clemency, but quickly, painlessly, she ended all their lives. She wiped her blades clean on the leader's cloak and bent over, searching his armor. Alistair blanched.
"Stealing from a dead man, Sabia? REALLY?" He protested. Sabia straightened up, a fat purse in her hand, large enough to fill her palm. Alistair blinked and she scowled.
"This dead man was stealing from innocent people fleeing the darkspawn. It can be put to our use to help us gather our armies to save them. We're of no use to the people of Ferelden if we can't buy supplies or food," she said evenly.
Ignoring his conflicted nod of agreement, she inspected the crates. There were piles of clothing, personal belongings- some of which looked worthless, but probably had deep meaning to the owners. Her face softened, then contorted again in anger as she saw a child's doll in the crates. She pulled the poppet, a lovingly worn and handmade toy, from the crate and showed it to Alistair. His face was blank as he looked at the toy that should have been in the arms of a little girl. Sabia set her mouth in a firm line.
"Feel bad about them now?" she asked. Alistair shook his head.
"No. You're right. I'm sorry, Sabia," he said quietly. Sabia's gaze softened and she put a hand on his shoulder.
"It's okay. I know you don't like this any better than I do," she said softly. He looked at her questioningly.
"But you seem used to it," he replied. She looked away.
"No. I'm not. I just saw too much of it too fast and too soon. That's all."
She tucked the doll carefully into her pack and looked to Morrigan, who was keeping an eye on the road.
"Come, help me see if there's anything else that might be taken to the village," she said.
The three of them sifted through the crates, seeing what they might be able to return to those would need it, Avariel keeping watch as the sun rose in the sky.
..
"Excuse me, my lady!"
Sabia turned, her guard already up. An elven couple, daughter in tow, came up to them carefully. They looked bedraggled and like they hadn't eaten in some time. Sabia's heart went out to them as she saw the woman and girl's faces were tear stained. The little girl looked up at her, trying to be respectful. Sabia offered her a arm smile, and the parents relaxed a bit, still nervous about how they were armed, their hoods pulled up to halfway cloak their faces. The man cleared his throat.
"I noticed you... fighting the bandits," he said. Sabia nodded, eyes flicking to an armored figure that was approaching. A Templar. Morrigan noticed, and she stiffened a bit, but Sabia's reassuring glance made her relax, if only slightly. The Templar gave her a once over, noting she was still blood stained.
"Was there a problem, miss?" He asked. Sabia shook her head.
"Are you assigned to protecting the village, Ser?" She asked. The Templar nodded, his face hidden behind his helmet.
"Aye, miss. Need assistance? I can see if we can offer it." Sabia shook her head again.
"I wanted to let you know the bandits have been killed. There's a great deal of personal belongings there that need to be returned," she said, the Templar stiffening in surprise.
"Truly?" He asked incredulously, looking her over as though he couldn't believe a woman could deal with that sort of fighting. Another Templar came out of nowhere, nodding.
"Truly. Was about to help, but it was over pretty quickly. We thank you, miss," he said. Sabia ignored them both, eyes on the elven girl. She kneeled in front of the little girl, wiped the blood from her hands and pulled the doll from her pack, holding it out to her tenderly.
"Is this yours, sweetheart?" She asked softly.
The little girl's eyes filled with tears, and she took her doll with trembling hands, crushing the beloved toy to her chest. Sabia made a pleased affectionate sound and she stroked the girl's hair once in reassurance. Her parents looked on in disbelief at Sabia's kindness, and the templars muttered venomously about the cruelty of people, touched by the tears of the little girl. They moved to the path into Lothering, calling the refugees to make a line to search for their belongings. The elven woman looked at Sabia with reverence, her eyes wide.
"You have a kind heart, my Lady," she said softly. Sabia reached into the purse and handed the woman two sovereigns.
"Take it. Go search with the others. Your belongings may still be there. Take them and flee north. The horde is coming. Do not be here when it comes. Save your daughter and flee," she said grimly. The man nodded and looked into her eyes. He cocked his head as he saw the glint of grey and silver amongst the green, and his eyes flicked to Alistair's. Seeing the same mark in his eyes, he bowed his head respectfully.
"Thank you Wardens," he said softly so that only they might hear. He took his family towards the crates, all of them looking back with wide eyes. Alistair made a soft sound of satisfaction.
"That felt good," he said. Sabia nodded, but said nothing. Morrigan looked like she was on the fence about it.
"As long as we're not giving the entire purse away, t'was a good deed," she said lightly. Sabia smiled at her wryly.
"Not to worry, Morrigan. We'll keep some for ourselves, too. Let's head to the tavern and see what news we might overhear."
She pushed the tavern door open and trudged to the counter. She kept her hood up, but gave the barkeep an honest smile. He eyed her, but didn't say anything otherwise, obviously used to hooded figures coming into the tavern, fleeing bandits or Darkspawn. Alistair stood only a few feet away, and Morrigan hovered by Sabia's side, clinging like a burr. She slid a few silver on the counter with two fingers, meeting the man's hardened gaze.
"A few silvers for any news you might have heard... news, not gossip," she murmured for his ears. The man took the silvers, inspected them, then slid them in his pocket with a grunt before leaning close.
"Darkspawn 'orde coming- should be 'ere in a few days. People are mad with fear and are robbing, stabbing, killing each other. The templars 'ere are just fer show. Some armed men 'ave come through, recruiting for an army, and the able bodied men 'ave fled with their families- or without em, as ya can tell by the orphans and mothers clinging to their children." He paused, looking around. "There's rumors that the Grey Wardens betrayed the King, and that Teyrn Loghain is 'untin em down. Bounties are on their heads."
Sabia pursed her lips in disapproval.
"How many is he saying are alive?" she asked. He grunted.
"No idea. They're saying anywhere between two to ten. One woman, though. 'eard tell that 'e wants the woman alive, and 'er death will result in death for 'er killer. Says she has information the Teyrn needs, and she must be brought in fer questioning. Sounds skeevy if ya ask me. Like maybe she was spreadin 'er legs for a noble, maybe even the Teyrn and knows somethin she shouldn't."
Sabia fought to keep her face under control, and Morrigan's covert touch sent a chill through her, pushing back the heat that threatened to creep into her cheeks. Silently, she thanked the Maker for Morrigan's help. She lifted a brow, her gaze asking for more information, and the man rolled his shoulder.
"The Teyrn's got men here in the village, looking for the Wardens, especially the woman. They've been causing trouble over it, they 'ave. Been 'arassing people with a description of the woman."
Sabia narrowed her eyes, glad she'd had the foresight to pull her red curls into a bun before donning her cloak. The man peered at her suspiciously.
""Said she 'ad green eyes like yours...but yours isn't bright enough. I'd watch m'self, miss. They might mistake you for her."
Sabia nodded and slid another three silver to him.
"That's for your silence. Next time keep your gossiping thoughts to yourself," she said quietly. He nodded, his face going pale.
Sabia turned to go and her vision filled with the glinting chain of armor. She glanced up right into a leering face that was unshaven and haggard. Her heart hitched, stopped, then sputtered into double time as she saw the wyvern of Gwaren on the breast of his armor. The man swung his hand at her, knocking her hood back, revealing her bright red hair. He let out a triumphant crow.
"Looks like we've been lied to, boys. The tart's been here the entire time!" He said, eyes glinting before moving to Alistair. "And the other one's with her!"
A Chantry sister wove her way through the crowd and stood between Sabia and the soldier, her gentle eyes pleading.
"Surely there is no need for violence, Ser. This is surely a misunderstanding," she said, her voice elegant and cultured with an unmistakable Orlesian accent. The man scowled at her.
"This is official business on behalf of Teyrn Loghain. Don't get yourself involved, Sister," he growled.
Sabia narrowed her eyes, looking around to see that there were at least four of Gwaren's soldiers in the tavern, which was quickly emptying of patrons as they scurried to get out of harm's way. Under her cloak, she was already applying poison to her dagger, a lethal mix that Morrigan had taught her to make that would paralyze her target. Alistair was already shifting his hands a bit to get easy reach of his shield and sword, and Morrigan stood calmly as ever- she didn't NEED her staff to invoke magic, it just enhanced it. Avariel growled, baring his teeth in a horrible snarl. The men eyed the mabari warily.
"We were told the woman was a noble, and the mabari proves it. Ain't no common folk running around with a mabari these days," the leader spat, but even he was edging away from those ripping teeth. The Sister made a pleading gesture.
"A mabari may sometimes imprint on another if their master falls in battle. It is uncommon, but not heard of. Surely they are just refugees seeking rest and fleeing from the darkspawn," she implored. The man reached out and grabbed Sabia's chin, looking into her eyes.
"No? Then what's this silver in her eyes, then?" He growled. Sabia set her mouth firmly.
"Ser, you would do yourself a world of good if you released your hold on me," she warned softly. The man leered at her.
"Y'know... the Teyrn said we had to bring you in alive... didn't much mention any other limits on what we could do. How about you come quietly, and let us boys have a nice night before we head to Denerim, and we let your little friends go," he said, his expression lecherous. Sabia spat at him, the hot sputum landing squarely in his left eye. He hissed and released her, wiping his eyes. Sabia drew her daggers and quickly hit him in the stomach with the pommel, swinging her body down low to avoid being slammed by his fist, and she sliced the back of his knee, sending him falling to the floor.
The tavern exploded into a fight. The men rushed, and Alistair let out a battle cry, distracting the men. The Chantry Sister pulled daggers out from seemingly nowhere and began dancing with the blades, aiming to slow and impede, not maim and hurt. Morrigan stood calmly, black miasma roiling from around her, stunning the men close to her, and she began making quick work of one, freezing him and shattering him with lightning. Avariel tore into a man that tried to attack Sabia from behind, ripping at the man's throat and worrying him like he would a toy. The leader, shambling on one good leg, cried out.
"Stop! Maker's breath, woman, stop!" He cried. The sister slid her weapons back into the unseen straps she'd slid them from.
"Good. We can stop fighting and talk this over like civilized people," she said curtly. Sabia put her dagger under the man's chin, pushing upward to make him look at her.
"Did Loghain send you?" She asked, narrowing her eyes. Her hair had come undone during the battle and her blood red curls fell around her face, her eyes glinting. The man shook, and she lowered her dagger. He nodded once the weapon was lowered.
"Yes, my Lady. Regent Loghain sent us. He told us to look for you. To kill any Wardens we found, save for a red headed lass. He wasn't sure if you were even alive, but he wants you brought back to Denerim if found. Alive. There's a reward of five hundred sovereigns for you brought alive and safely to the palace."
Alistair and the sister widened their eyes, and Morrigan cocked an eyebrow, giving Sabia a look that said many things at once, one of which was 'I thought he WASN'T your lover?'. Sabia ignored her look and focused on the guard.
"To what end?" She asked evenly, not sure if she wanted to know why Loghain would go to such lengths to have her brought in. The man shook his head.
"I don't rightly know, my Lady. He didn't say, just gave the order," he said, his voice desperate enough to let Sabia know he was telling the truth. She lowered her weapon all the way, her thoughts whirling. Should she just go with the man to Denerim? What would happen if she did? Would Loghain take care of her? Was it his way of trying to save her from what she had become? Her thoughts took a darker direction, and she felt panic color the edges of her mind. What if he saw her as a monster now because of the taint in her veins? What if he wanted her alive so he could kill her himself out of mercy? Another thought hit her, and she narrowed her eyes.
"You're CERTAIN Teyrn Loghain said this to you himself? Not Howe?" She asked. The man shifted nervously, wincing in pain as he jarred the knee she'd sliced.
"It... it is Teyrn Loghain's order, but Teyrn Howe carried the order out to us in his stead, my Lady."
Sabia's eyes went wide and her lip curled with rage.
"TEYRN Howe?" she hissed. "TEYRN? Of WHAT Teyrnir?"
Her hiss had the man blanching.
"Of Highever, my Lady," he said reluctantly. She shoved the dagger into his shoulder and he cried out.
"You had better be lying, Ser," she snarled. The man cried out again.
"No, my Lady! He's Teryn of Highever and Arl of Amaranthine!"
"Did you know that conniving bastard killed my father, Teyrn Bryce Cousland, to get that title? That he slaughtered innocents to get that title? That my brother, the TRUE heir of Highever, may still yet live? That if he doesn't, I am the heir of Highever? Did you know that, Ser?" She said, her voice a deathly quiet whisper. The man shook.
"Y-You're Lady Cousland! I... my Lady, I didn't know! We were told you were dead with the Teyrn and Teyrna, that Orlesians had attacked the castle and slaughtered the family Cousland!" He said, and from his genuine shock and outrage, Sabia knew he was telling the truth. She closed her eyes. Fergus may already be dead, and Howe was already squatting in her family home like some fat indulgent beast, drooling and corrupting her family's Teyrnir. She opened her eyes and gazed down at the man.
"I am letting you live," she began, and the man fell to the floor, kissing her feet. She pushed him away, making him look back up her. "You will give this message to Loghain. To Loghain ONLY. Tell him I live, and I will see him soon."
The man nodded desperately, and Alistair scowled.
"Why do you care, Sabia? The man betrayed us all!" He said heatedly. Sabia ground her teeth audibly.
"I care because I've known the man since I was a little girl. He said he would try to make things better for me, with my parents dead. He said I could do better than become a Warden," she said in frustration. Alistair made a horrible face.
"There is no greater honor than being a Warden," he spat. "Just because he's a paranoid old man who can't see past his hatred of Orlesians doesn't mean he knows what's best."
Sabia turned on him.
"And YOU do? The Chantry boy who's never been to a Landsmeet and seen the political side of Ferelden? Did Duncan, the heartless man who made my dying father promise me to your Order so I could be saved from being raped and killed by the men who followed a man my father thought was a friend, a man who killed his grandson and family?" she shrieked, her face turning red, flecks of sputum flying between her teeth. "Loghain is a great man, and he tried to save me from this fate. I love how Duncan, the man you so worship and adore, failed to mention the fact that I have thirty years to live until AFTER I was forced to drink Darkspawn blood. I love how my ability to have children was stripped from me, as well as the hopes of being a wife, the ability to have a good night's sleep without a damned ARCHDEMON screaming and singing in my head, clutching me in its fetid claws!"
She clenched her fists around the handles of her daggers, trying to compose herself.
"But NO, this is a GREAT honor, isn't it? A bloody FINE deal, I should think!" She said, her voice deathly quiet, making Alistair flinch and Morrigan grin wickedly. She turned back to the man.
"Tell Loghain I will see him again. And tell this to Howe. He will die at my hands, and he needs to try DAMNED harder and better than this pathetic excuse of a round up if he wants to see the end of the year. I'll have his head on a spike outside Highever once I claim my rightful place as Teyrna. If he HAS a spine, I'm going to make a belt out of it," she hissed. "Now go before my mercy wanes."
The man ran as fast as he could on his good leg, fleeing the tavern. Sabia sheathed her weapons and glared at Alistair, daring him to say something. Alistair was quiet and looked away. Morrigan laughed heartily.
"My dear, you are a wonderful woman," she said warmly, causing Sabia to smile in spite of herself. The Chantry sister edged closer, her eyes wide.
"So it's true? You are Wardens, then," she said quietly. Sabia sighed. Cat was out of the bag. No point in denying it now.
"Yes, we're Wardens. Well, this Templar and I are," she said, causing Alistair to scowl. The woman smiled.
"Then it is decided. I am coming with you. You need help, non?" She said, tilting her head and giving a knowing smile. Sabia blinked, taken by surprise.
"I... you saw what just happened, no? Are you sure that's what you want?" She asked, thinking the woman was either a spy sent by Howe, or insane. The woman laughed.
"I have been in quiet repose for far too long in the Chantry, and my skills can be put to good use helping you," she replied. Sabia lifted an eyebrow, new thoughts emerging about this woman.
"I'll say. You sure don't fight like any Sister I've seen. Never saw a Sister pull daggers out of nowhere, either. Regardless, won't the Revered Mother lay an egg if you try to leave?" Sabia asked slyly. The woman flushed.
"I am not a cloistered Sister. I took no vows. I was merely there to help and enjoy the quiet life of the Chantry," she said, her eyes not meeting Sabia's anymore. "But I had a vision, and it compels me to come with you."
Sabia blinked, eyes going wide and mouth going slack. Even Alistair and Morrigan looked perturbed. Morrigan folded her arms over her chest, smirking, and Alistair scratched his head.
"Another nutter for the group, then?" Morrigan asked in amusement. "Although a nutter with daggers isn't the BEST idea." Alistair laughed.
"No, I think she's more 'Ooh pretty colors,' rather than 'I am Princess Stabitty, stab stab kill!' to be honest," he said, earning a mixture of coolly lifted eyebrows and amused grins from the women. He held up his hands.
"I thought we were full up on crazy, though," he said. Sabia looked at the woman, head cocked.
"If you want to come with us, I won't lie to you. It will be dangerous. We fight Darkspawn, and apparently, we are wanted by Howe, and Loghain has a bounty on both our heads. Even if I'm a bit pricier than Alistair," she said, grinning. Alistair laughed, even though the joke was at his expense.
"I won't complain. The fact that you have five hundred sovereigns on your head only means they'll be less apt to notice mine," he said brightly. Sabia snorted good naturedly and held out her hand to the woman.
"I am Sabia Cousland," she said warmly. The woman took her hand and shook it, her eyes shining.
"I am Leliana. Shall I call you my Lady?" She asked. Sabia shook her head.
"I refuse to be called by title until I know my brother lives. Sabia is more than enough, Leliana. Glad to have you with us."
"I fear you may have hit your head a bit harder than mother thought," Morrigan said dryly, but her smirk told her that there was no animosity. Sabia snickered at her.
"It's true. I let you teach me about poison, didn't I?" She retorted. Morrigan laughed.
"True enough. True enough."
Sabia shouldered her pack and motioned for the door as she slid her hood back over her head, shadowing her face.
"We've dallied enough here. Let's get supplies and go."
The five walked outside, a cold breeze kicking up their cloaks. Sabia watched the comings and goings of the refugees as they filtered in and out of the village, and she spied a merchant. He looked hassled and annoyed, but he stood close to his cart, keeping watch, two heavily built men standing close for protection. Sabia wandered up to him and cleared her throat. He cast his eyes at her, running over the lines of her figure that were hinted at under her cloak as the breeze pushed the cloth against her body. She offered him a small neutral smile.
"Need supplies," she said simply. The man grunted.
"I have a bit left, miss. What exactly do you need?"
Sabia handed him a list they'd written up that morning before reaching Lothering- health poultices, lyrium potions, flasks, bandages and other assorted goods. The man read the list over and grunted again, spitting on the ground over his shoulder.
"Been cleared out of most of my flasks and bandages, but the poultices and potions are a bit rich for some people's pockets. Got plenty of them left," he said, lifting the lid on a crate to show her. Sabia pulled out enough to last them on their journey to Lake Calenhad- provided Morrigan used them sparingly, and they didn't get hurt enough to use all of the poultices in one trip. Morrigan was pretending to be nonchalant as her sharp eyes eyed the merchant's wares, but her eyes widened as they fell on a simple golden chain necklace. Sabia flicked her eyes and whispered to the merchant.
"How much for the necklace?" She asked quietly so Morrigan wouldn't hear. The merchant shrugged.
"People don't value jewelry much these days with Darkspawn running amok. Thirty silver."
"Done," Sabia said as one of the burly men loaded the supplies into her packs, putting the payment in the man's hands, along with fifty extra silver. The man narrowed his eyes.
"What's this for?" He asked. Sabia narrowed her eyes slightly.
"Silence. You didn't see me, nor the way I went," she said softly. The man nodded and pocketed the coins.
"Done, my lady. Not that I'd forget red hair like yours, but I won't cross the woman who sent Loghain's men running for the hills like children," he said smartly. Sabia smiled a bit, and nodded to him, the man returning the gesture.
"Maker watch over you, Warden," he said for her ears only, making her smile widen with genuine warmth.
"Maker watch over you, Ser," she replied.
The party, fully stocked, turned to leave the city, and Sabia frowned, hearing a foreign language muttering in a harsh gravelly tone. A cage came into their view, and Sabia saw a man standing in it, and it looked like he was praying or meditating. She paused- he was not human, larger than Alistair by a great deal, his skin a arm brown grey, his hair white. She came closer, and he glared at her with violet eyes.
"I am not here for your amusement, human," he said flatly. Sabia shook her head.
"I am not here to gawk, ser. May I ask your name?" She asked politely. He cocked his head.
"I am Sten of the beresaad, of the Qunari," he said cautiously. Sabia nodded at him.
"I am Sabia of the Grey Wardens. Pleased to meet you, Sten," she said. He snorted.
"Manners. Or you mock me." Sabia frowned, and the man continued to stare at her with little to no expression, as thought waiting for her to leave him.
"Why are you in this cage?" She asked. Leliana frowned.
"The Revered Mother said he killed an entire family, and was sentenced to be left to the Darkspawn," she said quietly. Morrigan scowled and waved her hand at the man in frustration.
"This noble creature should be set free, not locked up in some cage for the amusement of the Chantry," she said scornfully, and Sabia knew she was imagining herself in the cage at the hands of templars. She nodded though and turned her attention back to Sten ho returned her gaze coolly.
"It is as the woman says. I killed a family."
Alistair blinked, eyes wide, and he made a helpless gesture.
"And you feel no remorse at all, do you?" he asked, narrowing his eyes. Sten simply stared back at him stonily, and Alistair fell silent. Sabia was looking over him, her eyes roving over his physique, and Sten made an impatient snort.
"Are you to open my mouth and look at my teeth like you would a horse, human?" He asked. Sabia shook her head.
"No, I am not," she said, pushing her hood back to let her face show fully, but keeping her red hair covered. A stubborn curl fell over her cheek anyway. "I am in need of people to aid me and Alistair to fight the Darkspawn."
"So you are of the Grey Wardens, then, are you?" Sten replied, interest and disbelief on his face.
Sabia nodded, her green eyes flashing around to see if anyone listened. Most of the refugees seemed intent on avoiding the tall stranger who had been sentenced as a sacrifice to the Darkspawn. Sabia herself thought it stupid- putting a strong man like this was a mixture of a waste of man power and only lured the Darkspawn to the small town. Her nose crinkled in disdain. As much as she loved the Maker and His bride, she didn't care much for His priests and templars.
"I am, though there are only two of us at present," she admitted, making Sten lift a brow in wry amusement as he studied her. The wind shifted, blowing back her cloak and revealing the form fitting leather of her armor and the glint of her many weapons. Sten saw this and nodded as he took in the rest of her party and how they were armed.
"Very well. If you wish, I will atone for my deeds in your service against the Darkspawn. The Revered Mother has my key, you will have to talk to her to have me set free," he said, scowling again, and Sabia was starting to think that the scowl was his normal expression, stifling a smile. She nodded.
"Very well. Morrigan, you and Avariel stay here. It would be best not to bring the two of you into the Chantry, and we could use the fact that Alistair and Leliana have connections there," she said quickly, causing Sten to lift a brow as it became obvious that not only was she the leader, she had good control of the group. Avariel whined, but sat on his haunches next to Morrigan, who did not seem too upset at being left behind.
"Indeed," she said. "I would hate to level the precious Chantry should the Templars get brave. I will keep our friend here company."
Sten rolled his eyes and muttered something in his own language, and Morrigan laughed. Sabia nodded and swept away from the cage, cloak billowing in her wake, Alistair and Leliana following close behind. The approached the Chantry and the Templars paid them no notice, save for nodding at Leliana. Sabia met the eyes of no one, keeping her hood up as she approached the chamber of the Revered Mother, who looked up at them from her prayer book as they entered. Sabia didn't raise her hood, but she bowed her head in respect.
"Good evening, Revered Mother," she said softly. The elder woman canted her head to the side, her sharp eyes studying them.
"What might I do for you, Child? And good evening, Sister Leliana," She said. Sabia pulled her hood back enough to show her face, and Alistair lifted both brows at the wide imploring expressive eyes she showed the Revered Mother.
"Revered Mother, I have come to ask of the man you have imprisoned just outside the village," she said, her voice sweet and cloying. Leliana tilted her head ever so slightly, impressed at the force of her wiles. The priestess sighed and rose from her chair.
"And what would you want to know of him?" She asked. "He is a dangerous murderer."
Sabia took a small breath, and looked at the priestess so intently, she turned, feeling the force of Sabia's eyes on her back. Her jaw was set firmly, and her chin was raised proudly, but her eyes were soft and tender, making the priestess blink.
"I am in need of strong men and women to assist me, you Reverence. I would beg your permission to have him released into my custody," she said, practically crooning, her voice almost sickeningly sweet and strong. Her face was that of a true courtier, a mask of pleasing neutrality, yet it was winning over the priestess, who sighed and looked at her curiously.
"If I do release him, what would you have him do for you?" She asked cautiously. Sabia didn't flinch.
"I am in need of help against the Darkspawn," she said simply, her statement blunt, but her voice smooth. The priestess blinked rapidly.
"Are you..." she began, and for a moment, Sabia thought she looked to call the templars to her side to bring them into custody. She kneeled before the older woman, her voice becoming light, airy and desperate.
"Your Reverence, I mean no harm to anyone here. I merely wish to take a prisoner off your hands and be on my way. The man would benefit me greatly, and his presence is only luring the Darkspawn closer to the village you seek to protect- they will hardly be able to resist such a prize. Please, let me protect your village and rid you of this burden all at once. I do not wish to invoke the Right of Conscription, but I will if I must," she implored, her tapered fingers reaching out and touching the hem of the priestess' robes. A glint shone there, and Leliana noticed she had slipped a sovereign under the cloth. The priestess sighed and pulled a key from her belt.
"Here then. Take him and be gone, Warden. I won't raise the alarm, but know that you and those who keep your company have been branded as traitors against the Crown. I cannot offer you anymore than that," she said in exasperation. Sabia took the woman's hand and kissed it.
"Thank you, your Reverence. We will disappear before the hour. On my word."
Getting to her feet fluidly, she and her company swept from the Chantry quietly- not before ducking behind a shelf, where Sabia pulled out a tool and pried open the lock of a chest there. She smirked as she pulled out some items and examined them, then tucked them under her belt and led her group through the doors. Alistair fumed at her once the doors shut behind them and they were out of earshot of the templars.
"Did you just STEAL from the CHANTRY?" he hissed. Sabia shrugged lightly.
"It was just a medallion and some blank vellum," she said nonchalantly. Alistair still scowled darkly, and Leliana was nonplussed, her face conflicted Sabia ignored them as she approached the cage. Sten looked at her expectantly, annoyance tinging his features, and with a glance, Sabia noticed Morrigan looked highly amused.
"The woman parted with it. I admit, I did not expect her to," he said reluctantly. Sabia tilted her head.
"Will you still come with me?" She asked. He nodded.
"I will follow your leadership, then, and atone for my crimes by assisting you in fighting the Darkspawn. Let us go and waste no more time."
Sabia nodded, pleased and set to unlocking the cage. She frowned.
"Good thing I got the key. This lock would have been impossible to pick," she muttered as she forced the rusty lock to open. Alistair boggled at her.
"You would have set him free anyway?" He asked, making Sabia frown.
"We need all the help we can get, and I won't let anyone die as bait to the Darkspawn. It is no death for anyone," she said, frowning as Alistair opened his mouth to retort. "Not even Duncan deserved the death he had. I will concede to that."
This placated Alistair- if only a bit, and he grumbled. Sabia covered her face again and motioned at her company.
"Onward, then. I hope to reach Lake Calenhad within the week. I only want to stop long enough to get Sten a weapon and armor," she said firmly, earning a look of respect from the Qunari.
The six of them headed out, moving back onto the Imperial Highway. Sabia's spirits were raised a bit as they made their way. She had two new allies, and had found covert support from a few people, and had discovered it may not be Loghain who'd put a bounty on their heads, but Howe. Her lip curled as they headed towards the sunset, golden and red light playing on their faces. Howe. She'd see him soon enough. Let the bastard think he'd won. She'd have his head on a pike outside Highever, and would have his spine as a belt soon enough.
"Soon enough," she murmured, her voice cloying with venom. Alistair and Leliana didn't hear, but Sten and Morrigan lifted their brows- Sten in curiosity, Morrigan in a quiet knowing. The six of them were quiet, but it was a comfortable silence as they traveled. Sabia smiled evenly, letting her hood fall back, enjoying the last of the warm sunlight play like fire over her red hair.
Their journey was well on its way.