AN: I am so very sorry. I'm gonna admit something here. I bought all the Fables and Dragon Age games and it just kinda... devoured my life. With that being said, I realize that I can't write this story and do it justice and I hope you all understand...
You buying that? Nah, me neither! Here's a chapter for you lovely people, bigger note at the bottom.
Scoundrel 14: The Curse
I concentrate, pooling my Will within me. I envision it as a still pool, calm and soothing, just as Elvha taught me. Though her's was more of a pond I think. I'm thinking of mine as a swimming pool. It's bigger.
"Narcissistic," Oakvale whispers at the back of my mind.
Sue me, I like to feel important and strong. Most people do.
"People like you are important... The strong are rulers, the weak are slaves," Blades hisses. I shudder slightly. Even after all this time, his voice creeps me out. And I'll admit, sometimes he has appeal to his words.
You guys are awfully quiet recently, I realise with a start of shock. Now that I think about it, I hardly hear their voices in my head nowadays. Not even sure how I feel about a lack of voices in my head. Vaguely unsettled, that their silence is strange.
I may have problems.
"Well the conversation is hardly scintillating," Blades mutters darkly and I growl internally before moving back to concentrate on my project.
"When will you be retrieving us Hero?" Oakvale asks. I frown for a moment before my face clears. When I was luring out the assassin to bring me to Reynolds, we had to make it look like I was running, and their window of opportunity was closing. I wouldn't leave the Blades behind, so I brought them too. Which means, they're still at Adaia's...
Ruh Roh Raggy.
I open my eyes, blinking slowly in the early morning light. I breathe slowly and focus on the flower ahead of me. I focus on my magic, willing the flower to change. At first, nothing seems to happen. I stop any frustration from rising inside of me and push it under the surface of my calm, still pool. I try again, this time Willing the flower to obey me.
It begins to curl, it's leaves darkening as it bursts into flames. It sizzles and hisses as the juices within boil before the flames go out, leaving behind an ashen outline of a flower. A slight breeze blows through but before I allow it to blow away the ash flower, I send out another wave of my Will, freezing the ash together so that the wind doesn't affect it. I smile in satisfaction as the cool breeze washes over me.
That's me completed the next step in my mage training. Elvha told me that many mages experience the same emotional triggers that I do, though they can yield different spells depending on the mage. What angers one and causing them to cast flames, will lead another to send a windblast. It's all relative to the person.
So right now, the key is to identify my triggers. That leave me a tad... unsure. I mean, rage makes flames, hate creates ice? Neither are positive emotions, which doesn't bode well for the rest. But then again, they're offensive powers. I'd hardly think they'd react to warm fuzzy feelings as I scorched my enemies into oblivion.
"Find the perfect place between rage and serenity," I say with a small smile, quoting one of my favourite movies. Perhaps that's the key? Help me to become someone no man can overcome?
But still, it feels... weird? Rage, hatred, these weren't emotions I felt that often back home, and now I have to immerse myself in them. It leaves me uneasy.
But the training's good. It means that I have more control over my powers. I hardly want some guy to bug me and accidentally set him on fire... Well, it may seem like a better idea at the time.
The one thing that bugs me is that I can't force my powers to emerge, I can't simulate the conditions needed to, for lack of a better term, break them out. This was so much easier in games. You like the look of an ability? Two skill points and away you go. None of this get mad and go Hulk bullshit.
Don't get me wrong, they've deigned to show themselves when it's useful. But still it's annoying. I don't like surprises, especially not ones like this where someone could get hurt if something goes wrong. Like me, for example.
As I scowl at the ash flower, I hear footsteps to my side. Still jumpy over the previous week's events my head turns sharply. It's Duncan. I relax slightly.
"You are getting better Sparrow," he compliments, nodding towards the flower. I blush slightly, very unused to compliments.
"I've still a long way to go," I answer humbly as I nod my thanks. Duncan smiles and I smile back, though it's cut short as my gaze returns to the flower.
"The other's are pleased at your progress also," he adds slowly and my eyes narrow.
"Uh huh, how so?" I ask sceptically. There's something wrong, I can tell by the way Duncan isn't looking at me.
"You respond well to their training, and pick up their teachings quickly while admitting your own style, making it that much easier to assimilate your teachings. They tell me that with more training, you may become quite the warrior. For now, you carry their seals of approval," he says with a small smile. I turn away, blushing even more. I try to keep the grin from my face, but it feels nice, someone acknowledging my efforts. I have been working really hard, using some of the things Isabella taught me as well. And just doing things that seem natural and work.
"Well, they're a good bunch," I say with a smile. "And it passes the days until we get out of here and head for the Wilds."
"Yes, I've made the preparations. We should be on the road within the next few weeks, depending on how you feel," he says quietly. I get to my feet and slap him on the shoulder.
"I feel great, no-one's tried to kill me in nearly a week, it's a new record mate," I smirk, genuinely exited. "Let's shag ass and get on the road ASAP." I move past him, already thinking of what to bring with me.
"Sparrow," Duncan calls and something in his voice causes me to pause and turn. His eyes are grim, his mouth a tight line. "You're training is complete. You remember what that means now, don't you?"
My eyes narrow as I try to remember. Something about when my training was over...
Oh.
"The Joining," I say quietly, a hoarseness in my voice that wasn't there before. Duncan nods grimly and I swallow, something that I find quite hard as my mouth has dried up considerably in the past few minutes. "When?"
"Tonight," Duncan answers, and I can hear the tiredness in his voice. I nod slowly, feeling my heart thunder in my chest.
"Guess that record's safe for now," I joke. Unsurprisingly, Duncan looks at me blankly. "I'm gonna get some stuff together, make some arrangements... in case. Is that alright?"
Duncan nods, "Just be back here by sundown." With his message delivered, he walks away into the barracks, leaving me alone. I look at the ash flower, a beautiful masterpiece that even a few weeks ago would have been beyond me.
With a low growl I click my fingers. The ice melts immediately as the rose is devoured in flames. I turn and walk away from my creation, and my destruction.
Knock Knock.
I wait in front of the door for a few moments before it opens.
"Hello Adaia, I'd like a word," I say blankly. Her eyes widen and she's instantly on her guard. I raise my arms to show I'm unarmed. "Andaran atish'an," I say with a mocking smirk.
"Begone from here shemlen," she scowls at me, though her eyes betray a hint of fear. "We have no business."
"Actually, elvhen, we do. You have my belongings, and I want them back," I say in a harsh voice. I may not have trusted her enough to count her handing me over to Reynolds as a betrayal, but I'm still pissed about the whole matter. I dunno, being gift wrapped for a psychopath leaves you with a little resentment.
"Wait here," she says after a minute of glaring at me. She retreats for a few seconds and then throws my bag at me the moment she's back in the doorway. "There."
"Many thanks," I say as I throw the back over my shoulder and clip on my sword belt. I hold out my hand and she reluctantly places the Crow's Dagger into my palm. "See, wasn't that civil?"
She goes to slam the door in my face, but I stop it with my arm. "Like I said, I want a word," I say in a low voice and Adaia becomes aware that I'm still holding the dagger. She steps away slowly as I enter her home. We stand a few feet apart. Wary. I keep my dagger in my hand.
"So... Why didn't you kill me?" I ask her firstly. She smirks, her green eyes glittering.
"Pay was better if you lived," she answers lazily. I give her a short smile.
"Funny, I meant when you saw me on the bridge. You had first chance to get me, and you let me walk," I cock my head at her.
"Where's the sport in killing a drunk," she says simply.
"Nope, that's not it. Otherwise you wouldn't have drugged me when I came to you again. Why didn't you kill me?"
She stares at me and I see her distaste as she looks over me. Good, the feeling's mutual. "You helped my family," she says between clenched teeth. I frown at her.
"Yeah, that's a lie as well. Before you drugged me I handed you a full coin purse, well over two hundred sovereigns. Just tell the truth already, Dread Wolf," I say angrily. She glowers and me and sighs.
"Emma abelas!" She apologises sadly. "Darrien speaks very highly of you," she says with a small smile. A genuine one. "He smiles proudly after he has spent a day with you. Comes home with gold in his pocket, much more gold than he would have if he spoke with any other in this city." She looks to me, her eyes no longer angry. "You show us respect, treat us as equals. In all my life, no-one has ever done that, not without some persuasion or demonstration of my use. But you? You do it as if it is your nature. You help because you can. You're his Hero."
"I'm no Hero," I growl angrily, stroking the cut on my cheek. I think my shield didn't activate because I was tired, but there's a part of me that knows I deserved it. Conflicting emotions might have an effect of my powers. I asked Elvha to only stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. It's gonna scar. I want to keep the mark, to remind myself. Remind myself that I'm not a Hero, I'm a Grey Warden. A Hero would save them all. A Grey Warden kills as many as is needed. Destroys what he has to. "There are no Hero's in this world."
The fact that it reminds me of Marcus Fenix probably influenced the decision as well.
"I know this," she says quietly, her eyes sad. "But he is a boy. Will you be the one to shatter his illusions?"
"All illusions are shattered eventually," I say hoarsely. "How will he react when he discovers his mother is an assassin?" Her eyes fill with panic and she begins to plea. "I'm not going to tell him. I've no right. But he's not an idiot. He'll ask questions and one day you won't be able to come up with a good enough lie for it."
"I've gotten by so far," she says gruffly and I chuckle sarcastically.
"Oh, I bet. Say, how exactly did it feel? After all this kindness I've shown you, to stick a dagger in my back?"
"You go too far," she curses, taking a step forward, teeth bared. I raise the dagger and set my other hand aflame and she pauses, staring fearfully into my rage filled eyes.
"You sold me to a man who would have tortured me to death, something that he would have stretched out over weeks if he could. You abused my trust and took advantage of me. Believe me, there's no lines for me to cross any more," I say savagely. After another few seconds of calming myself I lower my weapons.
"Why did you come here?" she asks angrily.
"To reclaim what is mine, and to give you warning," I say steadily. "Darrien may be important in the future. Keep him safe. I don't want him to suffer for your mistakes. And I'll be watching you Adaia. I suggest you put the Dread Wolf to rest once and for all. You must have enough money from kidnapping me to keep you in comfort for some time?" She nods stiffly and I smile.
"Lovely. Glad someone profited from that little escapade. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a meeting to get to," I say as I slowly back away. "I'm assuming that the Crows are no longer after me, yes?"
"The contract has been fulfilled," she says quietly. She looks up to me. "And a warning sent. Jack Sparrow is off limits". I smile at her, grateful.
"Ma serranas," I thank her with a nod. I draw myself to my full height and take a breath. "Give my regards to Darrien would you?"
"I will," she says softly. We stay silent for a moment, my conflicting feelings leaving me unsure what to do.
"Farewell Adaia," I say solemnly, knowing that if anything happens tonight, it won't matter what's happened between us.
"Dareth Shiral, Falon," she says with a small smile as I turn away. It takes me a few minutes to remember what falon means, and when I realise, I smile stupidly.
Friend.
"Nervous?" asks Temarel as I tap my knees nervously. It takes a moment for me to realize I was drumming "Don't Fear the Reaper". Appropriate. I look up at the elf and smile shortly.
"Nope," I say quickly before glancing at my wrist, wishing for the millionth time that I had a watch.
"It's okay to be nervous," she says with a small smile. "It's only natural to be scared of the unknown."
"I'm going to go into the courtyard and all of you are going to watch me drink a witches brew of archdemon blood, lyrium and other lovely ingredients. If I run, I die. If I'm not strong enough, I die. And if I live after that, I have to look forward to fighting for my life for the rest of my life up until the point that the Taint claims me or a darkspawn kills me." I look up at Tamarel, who looks vaguely shocked at my understanding of the Joining. "I know exactly what's going to happen chook, doesn't make it any less scary."
"How-" she starts and I cut her off with a weary smirk.
"Oracle," I say shortly. She nods for a second and shakes her head with a wry smile.
"Can you not see what's going to happen then?" she inquires.
"Doesn't work like that," I say quietly, the fear showing in my voice. With that, she moves from her bed to kneel in front of me. She places a hand on my cheek and tilts my head to look in her uncovered eye.
"I'm going to be with you every step of the way Sparrow. You won't be alone in this," she says with determination and I smile at her. I know what she's saying. If I die, I won't be alone. I don't have to be scared.
I don't know if it's because I am scared. I don't know if it's because I might die within the next hour. I don't know whether I do it because I may never have a chance to again.
But I lean forward and kiss the scarred elf in front of me, mashing my lips to hers. She stiffens for a moment, shocked at my response. But then she responds in kind, crawling onto my lap and keeping our lips pressed together as I pull her close. She runs her hand through my long hair as she gets into position, knees on either side of my hips and I spread my hands across her back and neck, pulling her down from her vantage point as she grinds into me. I groan into her mouth and she pulls away for a second.
We pant lightly, both staring into the other's eyes. I can see her excitement, can see the hairs on her arms standing up. She wants this. And so do I. Oh god, so do I.
Before either of us can make any sort of final decision, there's a knock on the door. We scramble apart as Gregor enters. He looks at the two of us, who are both red-faced and looking embarrassed, he lets loose a small smirk before his gaze settles on me and his mouth clenches. "It's time," he says solemnly and the blood drains from my face and other places. My mouth clenches. I take a deep breath and nod.
Yes. It's time. I rise to my feet slowly and grimace. I always wanted to go out with a bang, preferably dressed in a dapper suit. Save them time when it comes to the funeral, and I look good. Guess we don't get everything we want. I wanted to be around my family as well.
Life's a slut, she screws everybody.
"Let's get this party started," I say quietly as I follow Gregor out of the room and downstairs. We walk through the house and leave through the back, and Tamarel gives me a reassuring shoulder squeeze. I smile at her as she passes, Gregor and her taking their places in the ceremony.
Duncan is straight ahead of me, the Chalice with the ghastly concoction that will make me into a Grey Warden or kill me in front of him on a pedestal. It's completely inconspicuous. It doesn't look like it contains untold power. The other Wardens stand in two lines, making a path to Duncan between them. Each one is holding a lit candle.
"This is extremely dangerous Sparrow," Oakvale cautions as I take a shaky step towards my destiny. I know it's dangerous, I know what could happen. But I've got to do it.
"You worry too much, the boy is strong," Blades whispers encouragingly. I smile for a brief second and I pass the first set of Wardens.
Tamarel and Grigor chant as I walk, "Join us brother, join us in the shadows where we stand vigilant." They don't acknowledge me, keeping their heads bowed and their eyes focused on the candle. I take another step.
Kherek and Kaidan speak "Join us as we carry the duty that cannot be forsworn." I take a deep breath and another step. Another.
Serana and Elvha chant a verse, "And should you perish, know that your sacrifice will not be forgotten". Finally, I'm in front of the pedestal, staring deeply into the black liquid contained in the chalice.
Duncan stands behind it, staring at me intently. "And that one day, we shall join you."
I take slow breaths, making sure I don't start hyperventilating. But now I'm only focused on my breath it takes more of a conscious effort to breathe. So I start hyperventilating because I'm panicked about my breathing.
"Surprise party for me?" I say quickly, plastering on my cheesiest grin. "You shouldn't have." I smile at Duncan, a genuine one, and he forces one. It's a very tense time.
"You are called upon to submit yourself to the Taint, for the greater good," he intones emotionlessly. I feel a beast of fear and anxiety clawing at my belly as I swallow heavily.
"Thank you Duncan of the Grey Wardens. For everything." I say in a cracking voice. He nods at me, and what was once distrust that filled his eyes is now respect. I do the same, not trusting my voice to carry what I mean to say and hoping my eyes can do better. I look down to the goblet and gulp heavily, my mouth as dry as the Sahara desert.
"There's an elf in the Alienage. Darrien Tabris," I say quietly. I look up at Duncan. The elven Origin was never one I picked personally, but Darrien... He's a good kid. It'll comfort me to know that he's looked after. "Watch him. It should all work out okay if you keep an eye on him." Duncan nods solemnly and I nod as well, feeling as though a burden has been lifted.
"Oh what's this? A free drink," I say with extra bravado. I grab the chalice and hold it out to Duncan. "I always was King of the Pub Ninja's!"
So many words. Slainte. Bottoms up. One for the road. But none of them really compare to the stuff with meaning.
"To the darkness within," I toast sombrely to Duncan before downing the vile concoction in a few big gulps. As I swallow it burns my mouth and throat and I cough and splutter as it makes it's way inside me, dropping the empty chalice which rolls away. Fire spreads through me and I look at Duncan with pained eyes, staggering backwards and clutching my chest. I see his fear and concern, but he stays where he is. I don't resent him for it.
"From this moment on, you are a Grey Warden," he says powerfully as I burn.
I fall to all fours and feel every fibre of my body burning. I groan painfully as I feel the Taint coiling inside me. Burning me. Changing me.
Darkness surrounds me. Terrible, smoky, oily and dripping with evil blackness sweeps across my vision, like a sea during the storm. The currents surge and begin to take shape. A terrible shape.
In my mind I see it as a great dark dragon, the colour of the liquid I just ingested all black and red, roaring at the sky, the size of a house and ready to tear me apart with claws and teeth longer than most swords I've seen. A monster, reeking of greed and hatred and rage and pride and desire and all things wrong in the world.
"'Allo beastie. Come and have a go if you think you're hard enough. But I'll tell you what," I growl as an ethereal blade manifests in my right hand and my other lights on fire, bright blue flames illuminating the beast of shadow and evil. The Taint stares at me with glowing red eyes, it's form rolling and coiling, not settling for a whole second and giving it's skin the look of oil in water. "You... shall not... PASS!" I cry, raising my weapons to defend myself as the darkness strikes. I charge the Taint with a war cry as we begin our battle for my body and soul.
DUN DUH DUNN!
Dramatic enough? Filler enough?
Okay, so I haven't been here in a while... And I'm sorry about that. I kinda got caught up with life outside the internet (it sucks, I don't recommend it). And when I finally had time to come back, I didn't have energy. And that continued for a while. Until last night... Last night was a game changer. One in the morning and suddenly my head was bursting with ideas for what's coming next and I just HAD to write. Long story short... I've written the next two arcs, because who needs sleep when you have work in the morning?!
So yes, what do we have here? Ah yes, reviews lovely...
Snowhelm: Thanks for that, I was really trying to get across that the Captain wasn't just an average henchmen who wants Sparrow dead just because, he has legitimate reasons to kill our favourite Hero. Sparrow took EVERYTHING from him. If he had a wife or kids, I'm sure I would have found a way to kill them off as a result of Sparrow's actions. His one last goal in life to tear Sparrow apart, slowly and painfully. And I am really glad you liked the fight. I wrote it, thought it was sparse and needed more. Wrote that, thought it was too detailed. Couldn't be bothered writing another :P
MasterAssassinScrolls: People who don't like rum are jealous of Pirates. The Captain hates rum. But yeah, it had been a while since he was here, despite the fact I think it was only five chapters or so? Definitely my most intense chapter and I'm so glad you liked it.
And thank you to everyone reading this right now. You have no idea how much it means to me that you guys are out there and interested.
Okay, I'll stop pandering.
Read and Review, more next Friday. A little anticipation never hurt after all!