Chapter 21
Conversations
"How much longer, mage?"
"The flesh is willing but the spirit is weak."
"Are you not the best at your...at your...craft?"
"If you are asking if I am a healer? The answer is yes."
"Perhaps you are too old and feeble, woman."
"Plausible, but highly unlikely."
"Don't toy with me, healer."
"Why not calll upon the grey warden?"
"She is a witch. Unsuited for the king."
"Is that your politial stance or your personal opinion?"
"That is none of your affair, old woman. My only concern is for the safety of Fereldan."
"Is it?"
"You are insane, mage! There is a blight!"
"Am I?"
"You there in the shadows, young man. How long do you tend to hide yourself?"
"I thought I was quite nimble no? How long did it take you to know my presence?"
"Long enough, elf. I might add that I am slightly disappointed you being an assassin and all."
"I will do be better to be light on my toes when next around you no. She does not know I am here."
"Then why come?"
"I do it for her."
"You love her I take it?"
"That obvious?"
"No...just observant."
"I would die for her yes; but, alas, she loves him."
"Then guard her closely. She has many enemies and very few friends."
"How is he?"
"Lost in the fade, child."
"They won't let her see him. They are keeping her away."
"Perhaps? Or Just maybe it is her own fear that keeps her away."
"What does she have to be afraid of? She loves him. Why would she do that?"
"Mayhap she is afraid to give voice to her fears and doesn't want to hear the answers."
"What about Alistair? If his body is healed, why does linger in the fade?"
"Perhaps he too is afraid of the answers."
"Is there anything we can do? Anything?"
"You brought your lute."
"Yes. I umm..."
"Then sing for him, girl. Sing for them both."
"Is that stench permeating from you or the stuff you are drinking?"
"My you are a saucey wench. Care to share a tankard or two (belch)?"
"Hmmmm...wouldn't mind if I do, dwarf."
"So there he be king and all...resting like a babe. Don't he know there be fighting to do and rescuing mages with broken hearts?"
"Perhaps you should be the one to do the rescuing?"
"Nah...that there chit of a lass damn near drank me under the table once."
"Why you are as tall and wide as a tree."
"The Kadan would have my head on a pike if she knew I was here."
"Then it will have to be our secret. Come sit here by me."
"Grumble...Why doesn't he wake? We are waisting time."
"That's it. Right by me. Now how bout you offer me a cookie and we will discuss such things."
"How is my nephew?"
"He is well, but not whole"
"I am sorry for my older brother. He is more abrupt these days since the death of his son."
"That is to be understandable. Although I dear say he has no liking for mages."
"He tolerates them if that is what you asking. Can't blame him."
"No guess not?"
"I blame her."
"Who exactly?"
"His wife, of course."
"Not the grey warden?"
"I could never! She is a fine lady."
"So I have been told."
"Hello, sister, I have been expecting you. What took you so long, child?"
"I am neither your sister or a child."
"What would you have me call you? Witch of the wild?"
"I care not what you call me, old woman. How much longer before that worm meat wakes?"
"What does it matter to you?"
"It doesn't. It matters to her."
"Oh? I see. Tell me then, child, why do you care? She is nothing to you..."
"No! She is not. She is everything!"
"It's time to wake, boy."
"She needs you."
"It's time for you to become a man."
"Gasp...I am alive!"
"I am King...sigh."
"Chandra!?"