Finally got around to finishing the second chapter, I've just been so busy with getting A Dangerous Thing to an actual plot that I've forgotten to post this chapter, especially since it was mostly done. From the next chapter on it will resemble more of the game, I just did the intro different because I like the idea of having other Wardens recruited...especially ones mentioned in another story...hint, hint. Any who, I really like how this chapter starts and then the end kind of gets boring...I'm sorry, I was running out of creativity. Please review, I'd really appreciate it what you readers think so far :)
April 4th, 2012: Beta-ed by my new beta ObsessionistXO
BATTLE PLAN
The ledge was barely abreast in width and in length, surrounded by a deep gorge of vivid magma. A hot breeze came up from the deep, curling through her hair, smelling of brimstone and stealing the oxygen from her quickening breaths. The air was thick and searing as Vesper struggled to keep her footing, nearly falling when a piece of rock gave way beneath her bare heel. Suddenly the earth shook violently beneath her feet, and before the young noble could keep her bearings, the ground rattled much more fiercely again. She fell onto her knees, inches from the edge and clutching to the rock by her fingertips. The vibrating continued up the towering height of the column she stood on, growing closer and louder, until they had stopped entirely. Vesper crawled slowly back onto her feet, spying over the edge for an answer, but a smouldering heat blown across her back left her frozen. Shaking in fear, she turned slowly around and gasped in terror. A colossus dragon was staring her down, lowly growling when their eyes met. Vesper felt tears dry before they left her cheek from the heat and watched as the monster began to recoil its head. In seconds it stroke with its mouth agape, barely giving her time to scream.
Vesper woke gasping for air and clawing at her throat; it burned and painfully stung, as if it had been consumed by fire. It took the young noble a few moments to realize it had just been a dream, although the cold sweat and tears were all very true. She began to wipe her face on her sleeve, brushing back strands of her dark hair. Then abruptly she heard whimpering and felt a hot long tongue pass over her salty cheek. The Cousland daughter tilted her head to glance under heavy lids at her Mabari hound, whom continued to whine and lick her face. She tiredly leaned against him, scratching his favorite spot behind the ear and sniffling. Vesper had never had such a nightmare, nothing that had felt so terrifyingly real; she could almost still smell the sulphur. She was ready to fall back asleep again, but when Dog stopped cleaning her up and growled at the front of her tent, Vesper sat-up more promptly.
"Oh," there was a heavy sigh of relief from the entrance and the junior warden Alistair stepped inside, "Thank the Maker you're alright." He spoke sincerely in what he said, not falsely as so many had to her in times past. He crouched as close to her as he could, for Dog walked up to Alistair and sat guard in front of his mistress. The Grey Warden took the hint and seated himself where he knelt, crossly glaring at Dog before passing his focus to Vesper. "How are you feeling? You've been unconscious since the joining last night."
That vaguely helped her remember anything. Vesper recalled the Warden's Oath Alistair recited and the passing of the chalice to her, but after that everything had blurred together. She remembered Duncan saying something to her, but his words ran in with what the other warden was adding. Then they had given her something, which subconsciously made Vesper look down. Hanging around her neck was an amulet, strung in a gold chain and decorated with a small glass vial filled with a red liquid. She momentarily fingered it, particularly remembering that it was Alistair that had placed it on her person. Vesper looked up at him, where he had pulled out his own similar amulet. "It's Darkspawn blood, sort of a reminder to those that succumb to the taint during the joining," he explained, sadly looking one last time at his before replacing it behind the collar of his tunic. She regarded it with more respect, clutching it tightly in her fist.
"Anyhow, now you're up, Duncan will want to see you," the junior warden said with more merriment, smiling at her. Vesper sat-up further, stretching her arms out and bending her knees. She began to wonder about her armor when Alistair cleared his throat and averted his eyes from her questioning look. "Uhm, my lady," he flushed, coughing nervously, "your family 'jewels' are showing." Vesper went wide-eyed at his emphasis on jewels, frantically glancing down to find the majority of her bosom spilling out from her shirt. She reddened in the face, folding her arms self-consciously across her chest after pulling up her collar. The grey warden suddenly felt bad for what he said, "Not like they were bad- they're nice- I mean I didn't see them," he nervously waved his hands, "Okay I got a small peek, but they weren't bad- they were…definitely woman." Vesper couldn't have been more red, although she was sure the bashful warden was a shade darker than herself. "I'm just going to make my shameful exit now-"
"Vesper," the new grey warden abruptly stuttered, pulling her sleeve up her shoulder where it had fallen again. She shyly looked away, "Please call me Vesper."
Alistair nodded, "Alright…Vesper," he said slowly, trying her name on his tongue. "I'm just going to make that walk of shame around the camp now-" He stood up from where he had perched within her tent, hesitant to exit when it appeared Dog was escorting him outside. "I'll uh, wait for you by Duncan-" he managed to call over his shoulder before Dog bead butted him in the leg. "Heyy-" he protested as he left through the canvas opening.
The young warden sighed and pondered her chest in wonder, no one had every complimented them indirectly as Alistair had; then again, no one had made a flattering remark about them before. Vesper found herself rather plain compared to ladies that attended her mother's spring salon, all dressed in Orlesian silk that matched their eyes and wearing enough gold and jewels to buy all of Ferelden. She had modest dark hair, a speckle of light freckles across her nose and cheeks, fair skin despite the long days spent under the sun in Highever, and a lean toned body. The young Cousland was no stranger to a sword or a bow, raised to be a warrior; or a 'battle maiden', as her mother had so frequently called them. Vesper frowned, she had fought for freedom with her mother before leaving them to their fate, a painful guilt in spite of her mother's frantic pleads for her to leave. Dog whined and softly licked the few tears that trickled down her cheek.
She needed to get up and see Duncan as Alistair had informed her, so she pulled back the shroud covering her legs and sat-up on her knees. Vesper crossed over her armor scattered across the ground, all nicked and dented; she regarded the chest plate again and made out the large imprint of a Mabari's skull. If a battle was upon them as the grey warden had warned, she wouldn't last five minutes in the field. The young warrior sighed and reached to smooth a ruffled patch of fur on Dog's head, gazing past him to see the shiny reflection of metal by the tent's entrance. Her lips briefly curled up in a smile as she admired the set of armor carefully placed at the end of her bedroll, still polished and unused by anyone. She recognized the armor was familiar to the other Grey Wardens, although this was a much lighter and feminine version for her. Vesper patted Dog and used his massive shoulder to push herself up, wobbling as she did so.
It was obvious Vesper was still unstable from the Joining, using a tent pole to catch her step and keep her balance. Dog worriedly padded at her side as the young Cousland made her way towards the armor, bending over to pick up the breast plate made craftily from Sileverite with the heraldry of the Grey Wardens: two argent griffons. Vesper ran her fingers over the crest, suddenly remembering how her nephew Oren had asked if the Grey Wardens still rode griffons. She abruptly fell to her knees, covering her mouth with one hand while trying to suppress a teary breakdown. Dog leapt to her side, nudging her elbow and licking her face. "It's okay Dog, just remembering little Oren, you remember him right?" the Mabari hound whined and cuddled his head into her lap, "Of course you do." She used an unrolled sleeve to wipe her eyes and then spotted a pitcher and basin behind the armor, obviously left for her to clean-up a bit with. Still a little weak, she tremblingly poured water into the basin, splashing her face and neck. After she was refreshed, she dumped the basin and refilled it with water to give to Dog whom happily lapped it up.
Vesper went on to dress herself in her new armor, keeping Alistair's tunic on since hers was no longer in good use. She had no time to waste, so the young warden carefully laced her leather boots and buckled her new thigh high greaves; attached the griffon plated breast plate with the backplate; latched on her leather vambraces and the large plated spaulder onto her right sword arm; she tied the green scarf of Highever's colors around her waist before buckling her leather belt, a segmented tassets attached to her right hip; and finally her gauntlets, a heavy plated one for her sword arm and a leather one for the other. After pacing the length of her mostly empty tent, Vesper noticed no discomfort, thankful for the chausses to prevent chafing on her thighs from the armor. She smiled down at Dog, whose muzzle was still wet from drinking, "What do you think?" The smart hound paraded around his Mistress, sitting tall in front of her and tilting his head one way and then the other. Dog's tail wiggled excitedly, and he spun around in circles. "Good, it's a little heavy, but I think I'll be fine," she answered him, kneeling to pick-up her father's sword and baldric.
She freed it a few inches from the scabbard, taking in the intricate malachite design of the hilt and blade, curling her plated knuckles fondly where her father's hand once wield it. Vesper could have stood there for hours admiring the last memory of her namesake, but a familiar voice carried into the tent. "Uh, it's me again..." it was no doubtingly Alistair, being even more cautious, "I've been sent from my walk of shame to personally escort you to Duncan and King Cailan- Uh, are you covered?" The lady warden nervously glanced at her bosom again, although it was clearly concealed beneath her armor. She re-sheathed her sword and placed it with her baldric, noisily making her way out of the tent. Even outside the tent Alistair was making the extra effort not to make a fool of himself again, standing promptly with his back turned towards the tent, "Covered are we?" The junior Grey Warden hesitantly glanced over his shoulder, sighing when he noticed the glinting of her armor. "Ah, looks good on you," he grinned. She noticed he too was now in his armor as well.
"I wasn't aware King Cailan met with new Wardens?" she inquired, no fool to Alistair's roaming eyes. Vesper eyed him too, a little surprised too see he was in Splintmail armor, much less extravagant than her own. Did the royal treatment extend to what type of armor she got to wear too? A sighed passed through her lips and the charming Warden returned to the topic.
"Well no- no he doesn't, but he asked specifically for you," Alistair answered, pondering the realization of what she asked of him. Another sigh slipped from Vesper, now becoming severely annoyed with being a Cousland. "I'm sure it just has to do with your father's army, the King's need for glory has made him a very impatient man..." the Warden's words became muted by the mention of her father's army, now dead or dying at Highever. Of course he didn't know, Duncan may have placed her highly as the Teyrn's daughter, but he had quelled any pity by leaving out her family's slaughter. "...impress the ladies...hey, are you okay?"
Vesper looked up blinking and nodding quickly, "Sorry I- I'm still a little woozy from the joining," she lied.
"Of course..." he dragged his voice suspecting a dodge of the truth, "let's get going to meet Duncan before your- before Dog glares a hole through my armor." Surprised, Vesper turned to see her own Mabari sitting genteel with his head lowered and eyes narrowed at the male Warden; she chuckled a bit. "Ah, I can feel it now," Alistair joked, covering his heart with an armored hand, "right through the heart." The young Warden was relieved by the humor, although plain and a little redundant, Alistair was proving to see her as just another Warden and not Lady Cousland. "This way My- Vesper," he quickly corrected, swinging an arm for her to take lead.
The Wardens walked in the direction where the Joining had taken place, Dog walking loyally between his Mistress and the witty Alistair. She was aware of the lingering eyes and whispering, whether because they knew of Highever's demise or that she had been made a Grey Warden informally compared to the rest. Vesper tried not to let it bother her, keeping her focus on keeping pace and direction with Alistair. They took the familiar ruin steps, but instead of turning to the next set, he turned in the other direction and lead through a path lined with ancient pillars. The young Cousland looked up at them in awe, staggering in step when her eyes weren't on the ground. The remains of Ostagar were amazing in that even after centuries of being unmanned, parts of the fortress still stood proudly. At the end of wide path was a broad long wooden table, spread with maps and the company's swords. Vesper spotted the golden glitter of what she assumed was the King's armor, hunched over one of the few maps. Duncan was on the opposite side of the table, looking up when he heard their approach.
"Right, I'll be back at camp when you're done," Alistair said abruptly after making eye contact with Duncan, whom was now looming over the map with the King and one other.
"You won't be staying?" Vesper quizzed, glancing back at the superior company she was expected to join.
"'Fraid not, don't worry though, I'm sure Duncan will send you my way when your business is done," the witty templar tried to comfort her with a grin as she made a passing glance back towards the King, looking back up at Alistair when she felt suddenly more misplaced. She weakly smiled back and turned to approach the senior Warden, feeling the junior Warden watching her back as she distanced herself from him. Luckily, Dog had decided to follow and she felt less alone with each step closer to the King.
Duncan became aware of her lingering presence almost immediately, clearing his throat to bring the attention of the conversing men in her direction. Vesper stood straight before them, Dog sitting properly at her feet. King Cailan smiled in greeting, his frame hidden behind the bulk of his royal armor, but very handsome in person. At his side was a more dark looking fellow, with aging features and an unfriendly scowl as he gave her a once over. "King Cailan, Teryn Loghain," Duncan addressed, giving a name to the sour looking man, "This is Lady Vesper Cousland." Hearing her name was still uncomfortable, for all she knew; Vesper was the last Cousland now. She bowed in honor of the King's audience, even catching Dog lowering his own head. "She is the new Grey Warden who underwent the Joining last night," the senior Grey Warden finished, trying to answer the unsettling confusion on Loghain's face.
"Ah yes, your brother arrived only a few days ago with half of your father's men," King Cailan had a familiar charm, but Vesper couldn't quite place it. His neatly combed hair and trimmed beard was a contrast to most of the men she had saw in camp, all unruly and in desperate need for a shave. She was admiring his stature and mannerisms when he caught her off guard, "I hope your father will soon arrive with the rest of his army as your brother said."
Vesper choked, turning away her eyes from the glorious King, unaware of what treachery her family had fallen to. "I'm sorry to inform you you're Majesty, that my father has been slain with the rest of Highever," she brokenly responded, struggling now to keep her composure.
There was a rattle of his armor as King Cailan turned to the older Grey Warden in shock, "Duncan is this true?"
"I'm afraid so you're Majesty, Arl Rendon Howe purposely delayed his men so that they could storm Castle Cousland while the majority of the soldiers were away," Duncan answered, coming to Vesper's side to relieve some of the tension. She still kept her eyes on the ground, feeling Dog's warm tongue lick at her balled fist. "The Teyrn and his wife sacrificed themselves so that their daughter and I could escape," the Grey Warden went on, "if we hadn't, Arl Howe would have told you whatever he wished." The King's casual demeanour had turned to pain and he stepped closer to the young Cousland.
"After tonight's battle, I will turn my army after Howe!" The young Warden was surprised by the change in the King's voice, suddenly hardened. He placed his hand over his heart and bowed to her, "This I promise you My Lady." It took all she had not to blush, but the young Cousland did, noticing the growing grimace of Teyrn Loghain's face as he witnessed the King's vow. "I assume you need to inform your brother? I'm afraid he's already been sent into the Wilds to scout and won't be returning until after the battle," the King seemed regretful of the decision, but Vesper knew it was now out of his control.
"I am not eager to tell him you're Majesty," she responded in a shaky voice, realizing the potential danger her brother was now in. If the Wilds didn't get him now, Arl Howe surely had waiting plans for her older sibling. A vision of her brother's slain wife and child flashed before her; no, she was in no rush to tell him what happened at all.
A disgruntled huff came from the fourth party member, who was not at all approving of King Cailan's promise to Vesper. "You're Majesty, if you would just please tell the Grey Warden your plan for tonight's battle..." he urged, careful not to give away his resentment entirely. The King nodded and waved for Vesper to stand beside him, over looking a worn map of Ostagar and its surroundings. Teyrn Loghain began to argue with the King about his foolish confidence, while the young Warden kept silent and waited to be addressed again. She looked for a temporary distraction, casually glancing over her shoulder to see if Alistair was still standing at the end of the ruins; he was not. Duncan traced back to where he was standing previously, waiting for the royals to stop bantering with one another. "I have a few men stationed there, it's not a dangerous task, but it is vital-"
"Then we should send our best," the King interrupted, standing up from where he was leaning over the table, "Send Alistair and the new Grey Warden to make sure it's done." Vesper turned to the King surprised; he intended to omit her from battle so easily. The young Warden wanted nothing more than to argue with King Cailan, she was just as much of a formidable warrior as any of his own men, and being held back from the frontline where her father was surely to have fought, was frustrating. However, once this battle was won, she would owe the King a titanic debt when he turns his army on Howe. So, as lady-like as her mother taught her, Vesper bowed her head in acknowledgement of her task.
"You rely on these Grey Wardens too much, is that truly wise?" There was a very heavy accent of doubt as the General spoke, merely side-glancing at Vesper when he mentioned 'Grey Wardens'. His words brought a rise to the King, whom immediately turned to his military advisor in anger.
"Enough of your conspiracy theories, Loghain," King Cailan shook his head, the blonde locks of his hair moving across his armored shoulders, "Grey Wardens battle the Blight, no matter where they're from."
Vesper looked towards her Grey Warden companion, she saw that he was thinking hard about something and contemplating on how to approach the subject. While Loghain and King Cailan were still staring down one another, the senior Grey Warden cleared his voice, "Your Majesty." Both men turned to Duncan, "You should consider the possibility of the archdemon appearing." The young lass suddenly looked frightened, what in the Maker's name was an archdemon? Her fear reflected on no others in the meeting, although Duncan still appeared rather stressed. This archdemon didn't get any better when the General mentioned 'dragon' and the King reminded the senior Warden that that was why the Grey Wardens were here, a fit of sickness rolled unpleasantly through her stomach. Suddenly a mage voiced his concern with the King's plan, followed by an interruption be the Revered Mother. Vesper felt uneasy, and gently patted Dog to ease the stress.
Loghain stepped in to agree to the plan before making his departure, leaving the King marvelling in the glory of battling with the Wardens. Although Duncan remained rather perturbed, Vesper would join that Alistair fellow in lighting the beacon and should an archdemon appear, it was apparently the duty of the Wardens to slay it. She nervously bowed to the King as he left himself, watching the glittering of his armor as he disappeared from the ruins. A troubled sigh came from her side and she turned to look at Duncan, "You should go see Alistair, tell him to join you by the fire so that I may inform him of your task," he said. The young Warden nodded and left, suddenly fearing the impending battle.