After reading this chapter I could almost hear the delighted screams of some fan girls...You will understand once you read it. If not ask me. ;)
Bioware owns the place, but my renovations may take over somewhat.
Dreams
A hound howled into the cold Ferelden night, the sound reverberating against the rundown outpost known as Ostagar. Men, and even some women, laughed and drank, concealing the fear they all shared for the quiet forest just beyond the crumbling walls.
One man however, was not a part of the façade. He sat in his tent, waiting for someone.
The tent was filled up by a shameful looking bed sheltered by furs, and a desk also covered, but in papers that consisted of battle plans and paper work. The man sat in the only stool at his desk, though he did not look at the scattered documents. He was trying to collect his thoughts. Deep in them, his face in a contorted frown, feeling heavier than his armour had ever felt.
An elf peeked through the tents opening, smiling broadly. The man gave his best smile back, motioning for the elf to enter.
"He is outside, just like you asked Ser." The elf reported.
"Thank you Nero. You may send him in," the man bowed his head to the elf respectfully.
The elf bowed back, and then left the tent.
The man stroked his beard and sighed heavily. He quickly went over what he planned to say, but he knew in his experience that usually things never went according to plan. This had to be done. He had been brushing it off for months, telling himself he had time. Now his time had run out.
Another man practically skipped into the tent, an impish grin on his face.
This is going to be harder than I thought.
"Hello Duncan! Haven't seen you all day. Talking with our superiors? I cannot wait to battle the darkspawn again tomorrow!" he said cheerily.
"Alistair," he got up from his stool, "that is why I have asked you here." He looked seriously at the young man in front of him.
The young man-Alistair-looked at him quizzically. "What's the matter Duncan?"
"Your request for being on the front lines. I'm rejecting it."
The younger man's smile vanished. "What do you mean? Did Loghain put you up to this! This isn't fair!"
"Alistair, it's for the best-"
"Do you not see how the others look at me? They think I'm being given special treatment!"
"Alistair-"
"How am I suppose to prove myself if I can't actually kill something!"
"I have been having nightmares again."
The silence in the tent was only broken from the howls of laughter of the men outside, oblivious to what was transpiring in the tent behind them.
"It started a while ago, before the first reports," Duncan explained looking at Alistair's face change from shock to confusion. "I just wanted to tell you, that when all of this is over, I will be leaving for Orzammar."
Alistair looked at his feet, "I…"
"I know, it's alright. I have lived a full life Alistair. However, my task is not yet finished."
The young warrior nodded. "The others said you were leaving?"
"I am. At first light, I will be leaving for new recruits."
"Where will you go?"
"Everywhere. Redcliff, Orzammar, the Circle tower, Denerim, and the Brecilian forest. I will not stop until I get at least three recruits." Duncan looked at Alistair pointedly. "I need you to stay out of trouble and listen to the older Wardens."
"Yes Duncan," he answered.
"Very well. You are dismissed."
"Maker watch over you Duncan," Alistair said as he left the pavilion.
"And you," the older man whispered, but his protégée was already gone.