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Chapter 2
Being on the back of a dragon for days on end is just about as comfortable as it sounds. So it was a great relief when the shores of Ferelden began to come into view. I was almost giddy with happiness at the idea that I was going to be back home after such a long time away.
'Home? Did I really just call Ferelden home?' my giddiness instantly vanishes as I begin to ponder this thought. 'Is Ferelden really my home? I mean yes it was the place where is was born and raised until the age of sixteen but then I went to Skyrim. I fought with the proud Nords that dwell there, I spilled the blood of those that were not my enemies, but Skyrim's.' The more that I ponder this the more I seem to get confused.
"We are here Dovakiin," Odahviing says as he gently descends to the ground. "This is where we must part ways." Looking around I see that we are most likely near the city of Amaranthine. "Do not worry, I shall always be near and shall come whenever you Shout." With that he lets me off and pushes himself back up into the sky. Before long he is gone from view and I pull my cloak closer to my body as I move behind the trees to change into a dress so that I don't scare off people that might have information with my armor.
Searching through my pouch I pull out the perfect dress. One that is not suitable enough for a noble but adequate enough for one that might be a bard. The dress has a forest green skirt and a sanguine bodice. That go along with a pair of leather boots. Hurriedly I change and head toward the city.
Just as I remember the city is bustling with people from all over Thedas. You can almost smell the sea salt in the air with how close it comes to the ocean. Not particularly going in one direction I just follow the crowd listening in to conversations here and there. What disturbs me the most is hearing that a Blight is clawing at the land yet nobles are being so petty as to start a civil war.
"Where might I find a tavern?" I of inquire a passing man innocently. Looking down at me he lets his eyes roam all over my body until they settle on my chest.
"Well look at what we 'ave 'ere?" he calls out to his boys that I just noticed where behind him. "A little foreign whore looking for a place to bed down." This statement elicits laughter from all his friends. "Or maybe just bed someone?"
'All right this man is pathetic!' my mind races as I think of all the ways I can eradicate this waste of space.
"What do you mean? I am but a simple bard hoping to entertain these poor souls," I say softly as I blink my bright icy blue eyes up at him.
"Oh I know how you can entertain this poor soul," with that the man lunges at me, grabbing my wrist tightly in his meaty head. As with playing the innocent damsel I cry out for help. Within seconds guards have swarmed down upon the man and his friends.
"Are you alright mistress?" a guard asks. I only nod and let my lip quiver, knowing that my face is portraying fear.
"I... I just wanted to find a tavern..." my voice drifts off. Nodding he leads me to the Crown and Lion Inn. Pressing my lips softly against his cheek I thank him for the escort and his timely rescue. Before I enter I see a bright blush enter his cheeks.
"I need a room for the night," I tell the inn keeper. "I would also like a hot meal and hot bath. I hope this would be enough for the expenses." I lightly press a gold coin on the bar and watch as he quickly snatches it up.
"Of course my lady. Would you like your meal now or later. Oh and when would you like that bath?" the Inn Keeper asks, eager to please me.
"I shall like that bath now. Then with your permission I would entertain your people with songs from my homeland. You see I am a bard looking for great stories to tell." My sweet smile has him all but putty in my hand.
"But of course. Your bath shall be right up." with a slight nod and smile I head up to my room and settle in. Not long later a bath is prepared and I relax in the blessed heat. After being on the back of a dragon for days my body was very tightened up.
Almost an hour later I am dressed and down with the patrons. Pulling out my lute I notice that people have already started to gather around. I smile at the crowd and start to strum a little beat. Finally I begin to sing to the slightly haunting tune.
"Home is behind, the world ahead
and there are many paths to tread
through shadows, to the edge of night
until the stars are all alight
then world behind and home ahead,
we'll wonder back to home and bed
Mist and twilight, cloud and shade
All shall fade, all shall fade"
Once finished a loud applause sounds around the inn. With encouragement from the crowd I agree to sing them another song.
"Land of bear and land of eagle
Land that gave us birth and blessing
Land that pulled us ever homeward
We will go home across the mountains
We will go home, we will go home
We will go home singing our song
We will go home across the mountains
We will go home
Hear our singing, hear our longing
We will go home across the mountains"
Looking into the crowd I see a few with tears in their eyes as they clapped and threw coins into a cup. Smiling I collected the coins and pleaded wariness and left for bed.
Once awake, I head back down to the main tavern area and order a hot meal but I leave the city.
"Here, for your troubles," I say as I hand the inn keeper another gold coin and give him a bright smile. "May the Maker guide your path."
"Thank you dear lady," he replies with a deep bow. "May He guide all of us in this dark time."
Making sure I have everything I start to head out of the Inn and toward the city gates. Once again I am thrust into the hustle and bustle of the city. I stop walking when I feel something begin to pull on my cloak. Being all too aware of pick pockets and thieves I reach for my blade and look to my right. Then my left, and finally down. My eyes slightly lighten when I see that it is a small, dirty child grabbing onto the hem of my cloak. Looking around once again I don't see anything suspicious but still am careful when I bend down and look the child in the eye.
"Hello little boy, where are your parents?" I ask with a soft smile. Yes I know what you must be thinking 'an assassin being soft and kind to people?'. Well as I would have you know, it is often in our best interest when trying to attract the contract to be pleasant. That way when they are lulled into a false sense of security it is that much easier to attack and finish the job. Instead of having to resort to stalking and trying to kill them without causing a scene.
"No daddy. Momma gone missing," he whimpers as he holds on tighter. "You look like momma. Are you momma?" My heart nearly breaks at this.
'His parents must be some of the victims of the Blight,' Taking his small hand in mine I start to lead him away from the large crowds. "I'm sorry you lost your momma. Let's go find her," With that he leads me to a small house outside of the city. Arriving at the house, the door opens and a young girl peeks her head out.
"What do you want?" she sneers. Taken aback I slightly scoff. "Nd' wats da brat doin' ere'? Thought I tolds him to get lost!"
"So are you his sister or care taker?" I ask trying to keep my temper in check.
"No I ain't his sister or whatever! Hims parents are dead. To the Void with this little pest. I gots enough mouths to feed, don't need no more," with a huff she slams the door in my face. "No get lost lady!" Finally my temper snaps and I bust open the door. Looking around the sparse room I see five other young children, all looking lost, confused, and hungry.
"Hey! Thought I told yous to get lost?"
"Here take this and feed these poor children. Maybe even get them some new clothes," Taking out my coin purse I give the rude girl five gold coins, knowing that it should last them awhile. "Now are you willing to take in this child as well?"
"No, him is bad luck! Everyone knows it. Now out with ya," Clenching my fists I take the child by the hand and drag him away. Once far enough away I let out a deep sigh and bend down in front of the child.
"Guess you are coming with me," I say with a smile. "Always wanted a little brother. But just so you know it's going to be dangerous." The tiny look of confusion on his face makes me laugh. "You probably don't even understand what I'm saying. Tell me, how old are you? And what's your name?" The little boy only shrugs causing his dirty blonde hair to fall into his big blue eyes.
"No name. I dis many," with that the boy holds up two fingers and smiles. Taking his hand I pick him up and hoist him on my hip.
"Well we can't have you running around without a name now can we?" I say as I start to walk down the road away from the city of Amaranthine. "How about Tate? You look like a Tate." Little Tate smiles, claps his hands, and giggles. "I see you like it."
We continue our trek until we reach a heavily forested area and stop to take a rest. Setting Tate down I reach into my pouch and pull out two slices of bread and cheese. I also pull out a water pouch for him. Eating in silence I listen to the world around me. Always on the watch for danger. A rustling in the bushes alerts me that something is behind us, something big. Placing my finger against Tate's lips I silently get up and slowly walk over to the bushes.
Drawing my sword I see that behind the bushes is a creature. One of the most hideous monsters I had ever laid eyes on. With a deep thrust I gut the abomination and look for more. After a minute of scanning I find none and hurry back to Tate. Swiftly picking him up I force us to hurry away and get out of the forest.
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Brownies for whoever can guess the names of the songs and where they are from :)
-Kiro