(Finally - the heroes are on their way to Gwaren. Time for some Trainee growing pains, before they run into true darkness beyond.)
(Written by the hand of Talita da Motta, as she remains prisoner of the Antivan Crows in the aftermath of the Mage/Templar Wars. The chapter continues in her voice; it is a flashback upon her early days in the Templar order) (Sadly, Thedas et. all belongs to Bioware and not me!)
Chapter 8: Changing Seas
The next morning was glorious. I stood at the bow of the ship and felt the salt spray on my skin as the pink and gold beams of dawn found their way across the water. It didn't matter that I'd hardly slept. Ivonetta had forced me to bunk with the sailors, in a stiff and stained hammock that smelled even worse than it looked. We had cargo, she explained, that had to be stored in her cabin, under her watch. In truth, when I was a young girl, traveling with my father, I'd loved to sleep in the hammocks; it was my growing anger and confusion that had kept me from sleep. Well, with some help from the snoring of several sailors. (Maker, they could wake the dead!) I breathed deeply of the sea air and felt refreshed anyway. Blight take the fussy lieutenant anyhow. She was probably too proud to admit she was down there losing her stomach.
"Beautiful view," a voice interrupted my thoughts.
I glanced over my shoulder as Juca approached. I was surprised to see him, but trying to hide it, I turned back to the dawn. "I love the sunrise on the water," I managed to say.
"Ah, yes, and the dawn is also very nice to see," he added.
Did he mean - ? The last of my sleepiness was burned away with embarrassment. I did not let him see my face. "You seem to be well rested," I countered, trying to make it an accusation. It was too early for anything wittier than that.
"Well enough," he answered, and moved to stand by my side.
If there is anything better than enjoying the wind and sea on a perfect morning, it has to be enjoying it with someone who likes it as much as you do. The minutes passed happily, at harmony with the gait of the Seadance through the waves and the companionable quiet between us. It was like … like magic.
Wouldn't Ivonetta scowl at me if she heard that? I found myself smiling at the image. I put my hand on Juca's arm and leaned closer to tell him my joke.
I didn't hear the heavy footfalls on the deck behind me until too late.
"I wasn't aware that this was a luxury cruise, Trainee," Everado growled.
I jumped despite myself. By Andraste's flaming …! But I bit back my words, turned and saluted smartly instead. "Captain!" I said.
Knight-Captain Everado was in full armor. It glowed all silver and polish in the morning light. In contrast, I was still in the leathers I had chosen for the trip the day before. Salt had dried white in spots, and my braid had more hair flying free than not. The captain looked me up and down, his expression that of inspecting something spoiled. Humiliation was not a feeling I was used to. It wasn't fair, I'd had no orders, no timeline! Ivonetta had told me nothing of the day's schedule. I stood perfectly at attention, waiting.
The Knight-Captain turned his attention to Juca then. "You are dismissed to belowdecks. The First Enchanter surely did not send you without your own assignments?"
"He encouraged me to study the world, Captain." Juca motioned out over the edge of the ship, and over the water. Then Juca bowed to me. Me?! "Thank you again, Trainee, for the answers to my questions."
I nodded, wondering exactly what answers I had provided. As Juca started past Everado, however, the Knight-Captain stepped in his way. Juca was forced to look up into the older man's face, yet he held his ground and kept his expression completely composed. Only after this did Everado let him pass.
Then it was my turn.
Everado turned his attention back to me. "This is Angelo's star pupil?" he mocked.
"Ser, I-"
"You listen to me, Talita da Motta! Angelo is not here to protect you. He may think that you are fit to become a member of the Templar order, but I have yet to be convinced!"
I blinked. What was this?
"I suggest, trainee, that if you can pull yourself away from coddling the mage in our charge, you might want to find your practice armor and meet me on mid deck. Now go!"
Inexplicably, as I started past him, he grabbed my arm and pulled me close. What WAS it with this guy, I growled to myself. His grip was purposefully painful. "Stay away from the mage, girl!" he snapped. His breath was too warm, too close! "If I think for a single moment that you've become sentimental toward him, I'll send you packing back to your Qun-loving father faster than an Antivan sailor on shore leave gets into his favorite whore. Do you understand me?"
I pulled my arm out of his grip and did not hide the anger in my eyes. "I understand." I said.
He let me go.
The other side of the forecastle, I nearly ran into Juca. His gaze caught mine, and he motioned towards Everado. I shook my head, and we retreated belowdecks.
(surely this will lead to a kiss. eventually! Please comment, review, etc etc. Trying especially to improve pacing!)
(Also, a survey: Tattoos and jewelry are signs of Rivaini wealth and status. What sort of tattoos do you think Rivaini like best? Something passed down from the reverence of the old spirits? I'm thinking they should be differentiated from those of the Dalish or the lower-cast Dwarves. Ideas anyone?)