When Leliana and I approached the gate to Denerim I was shocked to see how many guards there were. I glanced at Leliana and even she visibly tensed at the sight. I continued walking toward them, not missing a beat as a pair of them cut into our path.
"Halt. State your business," the larger and seemingly older of the two men growled out. Noticing they both wore the armor of the crown I looked from one to the other and settled my gaze on the younger one, smiling warmly.
"We are simply travelers seeking shelter and food," I purred as I gave him my best bedroom eyes. "Would you be so kind as to point us in the direction of the closest Inn?" The older one huffed a laugh so I turned my eyes to him.
"We have strict instructions from the Regent not to allow strangers into the city," he said, jutting out his chin. "Be off with you." I felt my stomach clench but pushed down the temper that threatened to erupt. Leliana shifted her stance at my side, putting her hand on her hip casually.
"Gentlemen, no need to be gruff," she smiled, her blue eyes twinkling up at the older man, "we promise not to cause any trouble." She stepped toward him and placed her hand on his chest gently. "Please ser, we have come a long way. All the way from Bann Loren's lands. Surely the Regent is aware that Bann Loren is a friend to the crown, no?" Her eyebrows rose slightly to give her an innocent façade. I was thoroughly impressed with the performance but schooled my face and turned to the older man.
"Come on Grant," the younger one finally piped up. "What harm could it do? They're not exactly Grey Warden material, if you get my meaning." He looked up at his elder who finally shook his head, relenting.
"Fine! Fine, enter the city ladies but make no mistake," he glared directly at me, "I will be watching." His bushy eyebrows furrowed as his face came closer to mine, stopping only inches from my nose. "Watch your back, love," he said with a sardonic grin as he stood to his full height and stomped away. The younger one hung back, watching him to be sure he was gone then turned to me.
"My lady," he whispered as he moved closer to me, "do you remember me?" He looked at me expectantly as I scanned his face.
His hair was a dark brown and just past shoulder length, pulled back into a half pony tail with a few rebellious strands falling into his chocolate brown eyes. He had a strong jaw line covered in stubble and thin lips. His nose was just a hair off center, probably from being broken at one point, but it gave him a roughish quality that was attractive. Then he smiled and it hit me.
"Garrett!" I breathed out and smiled broadly. Getting a hold of myself I managed to relax my face and stepped closer to him. "What are you doing in the Regent's guard?" He smirked.
"It's a long story that we don't really have time for," he whispered as he extended his arm to show us the path to the gate. "Go to the Pearl and find Isabela, she will take care of you. I will find you later." He smiled that mischievous grin I fell in love with all those years ago and gave a small wave. "Until we meet again, My Lady."
Leliana and I arrived at the Pearl to find Isabela engrossed in a game of cards so we found two seats at the bar and ordered food and drinks. As I dug into my bowl of whatever the stew of the day was I couldn't help but think about Garrett. He was thinner than I remembered, slender and sleek like a cat and his hair was long. As a young man he was adamant it would never be past his ears, I thought with a small smile. I also didn't see a shield on his back, he must have taken on his father's style of fighting. Remembering sparring with him in the yard, swords crashing against shields, I wondered why that was and decided to ask him about it later.
About half way through my stew I heard a fight break out behind me and I giggled, knowing Isabela had cheated in her game and the men she was playing against were none too thrilled. I put down my spoon and stood, making my way over to the small crowd watching the ruckus.
"You cheating whore!" one of the men growled, nursing a flesh wound on his shoulder from one of Isabela's blades. "You'll pay for this!" Isabela laughed heartily.
"And when that day comes it'll be two coppers, now BEAT IT!" she yelled as she kicked him to the ground and glared at the other two. "Do I have to beat you bloody again?" I stifled a giggle as the two standing scrambled over each other to get out the door, the third crawling the whole way.
"Thanks for the laugh," I said as I walked over to her. She smiled.
"That's me, I'm a helper," she said as she secured her daggers and crossed her arms, giving me a good once over. "Who might you be?" I curtsied in my armor, getting a smirk.
"A friend of Garrett's," I said softly. "He said you could help me." I closed my eyes for a moment to see if anyone approached then, sensing no one, I motioned for her to sit at her table in the far corner. She nodded and we both grabbed a chair.
"I might at that," she smirked, "do you have coin?" I nodded. "Good, helping the poor doesn't fill my cup. What kind of 'help' are we talking about?"
"It's complicated," I said, "but suffice it to say no one associated with the crown needs to know my friend and I are here." Her eyes lit up and I could practically see the dollar signs flashing in them. I sighed. "How much is this going to cost me?" She grinned wickedly.
"Don't worry love," she purred, "I owe Garrett a big one and THIS may just make us square." She looked around and leaned closer to me. "Go finish your meal but be ready when I return, we may have to leave quickly. You never know if you have someone on your tail in this damned city." She got out of the chair and stood next to me so I stood up, looking her in the eye.
"Thank you," I said quietly as I moved to go back to my seat at the bar. She grabbed my arm and swung me around, catching my lips in hers roughly. I was surprised to say the least but before I could respond she pulled back and smiled, licking her lips.
"Not your cup of tea, I see…" she whispered then sauntered off. I stood there dumbfounded for a few moments then started laughing at myself.
"I should have seen that one coming," I said as I shook my head and walked back to the bar.
"Everything alright?" Leliana asked as I sat down. Her smile made me laugh and I nodded.
"Finish up, we need to be ready," I said as I dove into my bowl.
After we had finished our meals and polished off our ales I had to remind myself to not stare at the door, waiting rather impatiently for Isabela's return. Leliana and I tried making small talk but it was tough when we were so on edge. Finally I saw Isabela's dark hair peek in and nod in our direction so I tapped Leliana's arm and left a tip for the bar maid before walking out the door.
We followed her in silence for a few blocks then I noticed we were doubling back through some back alleys. I smiled, knowing she was covering her tracks to be sure we weren't followed. I knew every alley, every crack in the walk way on this section of the docks. Once she was sure we were safe she made her way over to a small inn I was very familiar with. The owner's daughter, when I was still living home, was a servant in our kitchens. I smiled at the memory of sneaking down here, coercing her into joining me then going to the nearest pub for an ale. She was a good friend and hopefully still was.
We walked into the deserted bar area as if we were walking back in time. Not a stitch had changed; same stools, same tables, even the order of the liquor bottles on the wall behind the bar had not been altered. I laughed and shook my head.
"I can't believe it," I said as I looked at Leliana, "everything in this place is the same as the day I left Denerim. Everything!" I reached out and ran my hand along the bar. "Memories."
"Well then," I heard an all too familiar voice exclaim, "who do we have here? A ghost is it?" I looked up into a set of familiar blue eyes.
"Hey Trudy," I smiled as I watched the slender young woman make her way around the bar and launch herself at me. Her curly black hair fell out of the baker's hat she was wearing. We giggled like little girls as we squeezed each other tight. I felt tears sting the back of my eyes as she released me.
"You are supposed to be dead!" She exclaimed. I shrugged.
"Eh, I got bored," I said as I slapped her on the arm. She giggled and gave me another quick squeeze before getting back behind the bar, her long-sleeved and revealing blue dress swishing along behind her. I looked around. "Where's your mother?"
"Mum's been passed on about 8 months now," she sighed, her face showing an aging that was beyond her years, "I took over, been running it ever since." She perked up, her face changing back into that pretty young girl I remembered. "Now then, what can I do fer ya?" Trudy asked, looking from myself to Isabela. I motioned to Isabela, letting her take control. She pouted playfully.
"How am I supposed to help if you already KNOW the help?" she whined. I walked over to her and put an arm around her, giving her a squeeze.
"Don't worry Isabela," I said, "Garrett sent me to you so he knows the drill." She smiled seductively.
"I'll give him something he can drill," she said as she looked back at Trudy. "We're good here then? I have some whiskey calling my name." Trudy laughed and grabbed a bottle from behind her, dropping it on the bar top. Isabela smiled and slid onto a stool.
"I think I'll join you," Leliana said as she sat next to her. I shrugged and sat next to Leliana, tossing a few silvers on the bar.
"Come on Trudy," I smirked, "just like old times, huh?" Trudy laughed and poured four shots, taking one for herself.
"One for the girls, HERE HERE!" she said as she slung the shot back.
"Salude," I said, downing my shot. As I put my glass back onto the bar Trudy moved to fill them all again. This is gonna be a long night, I thought as I eyed the brownish liquid in front of me.
Garrett had better get here soon.
The next day I awoke in my room, dry mouthed and severely hung over. I groaned and pulled myself from the bed, grabbing a robe to cover up. I scanned the room and found a pitcher of water with a cup on the stand near the window. Eagerly I poured the water into the cup and guzzled it, filling it again and again until the pitcher was empty. Feeling a bit better I rummaged through my bag and pulled out some brown leather breeches and an off-white linen shirt to wear. I got dressed, ran my fingers through my hair and headed out into the hall encountering wonderful smells coming from the kitchen. My stomach grumbled as I made my way down to the bar.
I sat with Leliana and Trudy at a table as we ate breakfast, chatting about the night before.
"I haven't seen you that drunk since the night we tried to steal that pirate's ship!" Trudy burst out laughing. I nearly spit out my food, trying desperately to swallow it.
"Oh Maker!" I cried, "THAT was a night for the history books. I never did tell Cailan about that one." My heart stopped as I realized what I said, pausing with my cup in mid air for a moment. I shook my head and took a drink, putting the cup back down and looking at Trudy to see if what I said had registered. Her jaw on the table top was a clue that it had.
"Cailan?" she gasped. "As in KING Cailan?" I sighed, looking down at my cup then back up at Trudy.
"I don't suppose you could just forget I said that…" I raised my eyebrows hopefully. When her expression changed to a sneer I got my answer. I took a deep breath. "Ok, Trudy I need you to swear to me that you will not utter a word to another soul as long as you live, can you do that?" She cocked her head and smirked.
"I managed to keep you out of Fort Drakon your entire adolescence," she replied, "I think I can manage to keep a few more secrets." I shook my head and reached across the table, taking her hand.
"Trudy, this is more than keeping secrets. If ANYONE at the palace knew you had this information your life would be in danger. You could be tortured or worse." I squeezed her hand, trying to pour all the care and concern I had into my eyes. "I do not want you in that position. I am not worth you risking your life." She smiled, squeezing my hand back.
"Kora," she said, "you are my trusted friend who has appeared out of thin air after being dead for over a year, not to mention as far as I'm concerned you are my Arlessa." She gave me a wink. "I have faith in you, that whatever the reason for your arrival you will succeed and that your cause is just. Let me help." Her gaze fixed on mine, I reached out to feel if she was being truthful. Her heart beat was steady, telling me she was being completely honest. I smiled and shook my head.
"You always were the crazy one," I said. She laughed.
"Only after I met you," she said, taking her hand back, returning to her breakfast. "Crazy, like the pot calling the kettle black."
"So," I said, trying to change the subject, "someone please tell me Garrett did not come last night. I was annihilated." I laughed, finishing off my juice. Trudy wagged a finger at me.
"Oh no you don't, what's this business with the King?" she asked. Thinking of Cailan made me smile.
"Lock the door and I will tell you the whole story."
A few hours later, after I had divulged every last detail and answered all of Trudy's questions, I tore myself away from the bar and went back to my room to take a nap. My head wasn't as achy but it still pained me so I had grabbed another pitcher of water from behind the bar and took it to my room. I poured some into the cup and took a drink, feeling my eyes get heavy. Putting them both down on the table, I collapsed on the bed and closed my eyes, feeling sleep take over rather quickly.
My dreams were fraught with battle; thousands and thousands of darkspawn slaughtering people as they made their way through Denerim. The blood and gore were everywhere, people slipping and falling in it as they ran for their lives and looming over the whole scene was the Archdemon.
It sat atop Fort Drakon like it was its throne, staring down at the carnage. I was watching it from the palace gates, my armor dented and covered in blood, hacking away at any darkspawn that got close enough. But as the dream progressed I realized I was helpless to stop the horde from destroying the city and killing my people, killing everyone. I glared up at the dragon, letting out a frustrated growl.
"I hate you, you maniacal BEAST!" I screamed as I saw it's gaze turn on me. "Yeah, you heard me, come get me you foul creature! COME GET ME!" I raised my sword and felt strong hands on my shoulders, shaking me.
"Kora, KORA! Wake UP Kora!" I heard a voice pulling me back from the fade. My eyes snapped open and I bolted upright. The hands on my shoulders pulled me into a familiar embrace so I relaxed, trying to regain my composure and slow my breathing. I inhaled the scent of leather and pine, realizing who it was that held me.
"Garrett," I whispered, grabbing his shirt into my fists to pull him closer. I felt him drop kisses on the top of my head.
"It's alright, my love," he whispered into my hair, "Just a dream. You are safe." I started to relax, deepening my breaths to take him in.
"It was so real," I whispered, burying my face in his chest. I realized I was shaking and my face was wet so I backed away from him in embarrassment. "Maker, I am a mess." I started wiping my eyes when he took my chin up to face him.
"You, my dear, are a beautiful mess," he smiled as he pushed my tear-damp hair away from my face and cupped my cheeks. "There, better?" I nodded and he kissed my nose.
His lips lingered as I looked up at him. He looked down as he pulled away, coming nose to nose with me. I'd forgotten how deep his brown eyes were until that moment, how I would get lost in them; lost like I was right then. I could feel his breath on my face as we moved closer, my heart beating faster every second until he reached down and took my lips with his.
It was gentle at first, soft and innocent. Then I heard a groan from his throat as he pushed past my lips and began exploring my mouth with his tongue. I felt my body responding to him, the familiarity of him allowing my arms to climb up and around his neck to steady myself so I could straddle him on the bed. Pulling him in close, I felt his hands make their way to my behind, digging his finger tips into my flesh through my leather breeches, pulling me ever closer.
I was incensed with him, his smell, his taste, his body so close to mine; it was driving me to insanity. And he seemed to be just as aroused, his kisses deepening, crushing my lips, and his hands pulling me in, holding me tight. We clung to each other as if starving, not wanting but needing the other to satiate a hunger that we didn't know we had.
A knock on the door slapped me back into reality as I broke the kiss, snapping my head around to look at it. Panting and flushed, I looked back to Garrett who looked panicked, not even a hint of the arousal I was sure he felt just a moment ago. I looked away, pushing off of him to get off his lap and the bed, making my way over to the door. He stood, smoothing his shirt and pants before I opened the door.
"The evening meal is ready," Leliana sang with a smile, "and it smells divine. Trudy is a wonderful cook." She stood in the doorway, looking from Garrett to myself, and gave me a questioning look. I shook my head and cleared my throat.
"Be down in a minute," I croaked out and gave a fake smile. She nodded then, giving Garrett one last glance, headed down the hall to the stairs. I closed the door and turned to Garrett. His eyes looked everywhere but at mine.
"Well, I'll be off then," he said as he tried to get past me to the door. I blocked his path, resting my back against it.
"Garrett Wulff," I stated, my voice an octave lower than normal. "You honestly think you can kiss me like that and walk out of here like nothing happened?" He sighed, looking from the floor to me.
"Kora," he whispered, "I'm sorry, really I am. I don't know what came over me." He looked at the door behind me again then gave me a pleading look. I was in shock, not just over what happened but that he would want to just apologize and leave.
"Well," I finally said, moving away from the door and opening it, "if you want to run away without talking about it, don't let me stop you." He looked back at the floor, ashamed, as he made his way toward the opening. "Wouldn't be the first time."
As soon as I said it I wanted to take it back. He shot me a glare that was heated with anger and yet full of hurt. I knew I deserved it but my pride wouldn't allow me to back down so I stuck out my chin in defiance and looked away from him, waving my hand as if to dismiss him. I heard him sigh, then silence. I turned back to the doorway.
He was gone.
After dinner I excused myself to my room, not wanting to answer the questions in Leliana's eyes just yet. I was embarrassed, ashamed and felt extremely guilty all at once. What are you, a teenage girl for Andraste's sake, I thought as I went to the window.
I stared out for a time, watching as the sunset disappeared into the night. What the hell happened? I asked myself. Why would you not only let another man kiss you but RESPOND? I shook my head as I felt the guilt settle in my gut. Wow, you just jump from one guy to another. Is it because you need someone, anyone in your life?
Ripping out the tie holding my hair back, I pulled a brush from my bag and raked it through my mop. Satisfied that I had gotten all of the knots out, I put the brush back and grabbed my hooded cloak. I needed some fresh air so I decided to go for a walk. I swung the cloak around and over my shoulders but when I went to open the door there was a knock on it. I froze and closed my eyes, searching… it was Leliana and she was alone. I smiled in relief and opened it, stepping aside so she could enter but she shook her head.
"Garrett is back," she said, "but he is not alone." I nodded, moving to walk with her toward the bar.
"Keep an eye out but keep your distance," I whispered, "I need to speak to him privately so I will have to leave with him." Leliana put her hand on my arm, prompting me to turn to her.
"Be careful," she whispered then disappeared into her purple smoke.
When I entered the bar area I spotted Garrett sitting at a table with two other men, all drinking and laughing at something that was said. I pulled up my hood and stood in the corner by the stairs, watching him. I had to keep my distance to remain obscured so I moved toward a group of men, standing close enough that I could have been in the conversation. I glanced sideways at his table and his friends were still there, but he was gone.
"Shit," I whispered as I closed my eyes, feeling someone sneaking up on me from my left. I smirked and spun around, grabbing him by the armor and dragging him into the corner, deeper into the shadows. Slamming him into the wall, he grimaced then laughed.
"Well now," he whispered, "I guess the fun was only beginning earlier." I glared at him.
"Do not test me Wulff," I growled. He gave me a surprised look and I shook my head, releasing him. "There are too many people here and we need to talk." He relented, nodding to the door and starting toward it.
I stood still, trying to decide if I should go. I had such a hard time trusting anyone lately it was grating on me.
There was the fact that Garrett helped us get into the city, which was in his favor. That and sending us to Isabela, but that kiss… Stop, I told myself. That meant nothing to him and nothing to you. It was a fleeting memory of what you two shared in the distant past and it won't happen again.
The guilt crept in. Shaking my head, I tried to get the image of Alistair's face out of my mind and push aside that familiar ache. Finding no reason NOT to trust Garrett as of yet I shrugged my shoulders and decided to follow him.
We walked the darkened street side by side for a while in silence. I would glance over at him occasionally, his face stoic, and I would pull my hood down to obscure mine as people walked by. Suddenly he grabbed me by my upper arms and dragged me into an alley. Pushing me up against a brick wall, he pinned my body with his, grabbing my wrists for good measure. I stiffened, unsure of what to expect and sensing the anger in him I didn't resist. Nose to nose, I could feel his breath on my face and the tension pouring off of him as his eyes bored into mine.
"Tell me the truth," he growled, "are you working with anyone?" I relaxed, realizing his motivation.
"Yes."
"Who?"
"I can't tell you that," I said, "but I can tell you it's no one in this city." Silence followed as I continued to look him in the eye.
"Orlais then?" His eyes were still probing, looking for any sign of deception in mine. I shook my head slowly.
"No Garrett," I sighed, "no one from Orlais." I looked away, trying to come up with something to tell him that would be true without giving away the whole plan. Then, coming to a decision, I looked deep into his eyes. "I am working with those who would see Loghain off the throne and unite Ferelden. Then we can stop the blight, under one banner." I paused, trying to feel his reaction. His heart rate had slowed and his face seemed less tense so I took that as a good thing. "I can't tell you much else without ruining their plans.
"Please, I know you have no real reason to, but you must trust that what I am doing is for the greater good." I smiled, nudging his nose with mine. "You know I am a shitty liar, Wulff. Even on a good day you can see right through me. So what do you think?" He finally relaxed, knowing I was telling the truth, and loosened his grip on me.
"I had to be sure," he whispered, staying close enough that I still felt his breath on my skin.
"Garrett," I whispered, "was I really that horrible of a person that you would think I was working with Loghain?" I knew my eyes were conveying the sadness that question brought me. His opinion always meant so much, for him to look at me the way he just had was devastating. His face went from shock to dismay.
"Kora, no, no…" he said as he took me into his arms, nuzzling my neck. I rested my forehead against his shoulder as he held me, wrapping an arm around his waist. "I am so sorry. I had to ask, there is so much at stake…"
"I know," I breathed into his chest, patting it with my free hand, "all too well. I know."
We stood there in that alley clinging to each other. I felt his chest rise and fall with every breath, felt his heart beat under my hand and I finally felt like I was home. I closed my eyes, breathing him in, letting the familiarity of his embrace soothe me. It soothed me so much so that I felt myself drifting off. I snapped my eyes open and lifted my head, looking up at him with a smile. He smiled down at me, brushing a few stray strands of hair away from my face.
"You are even more beautiful now than you were when we were betrothed," he said as he brushed his fingers along my cheek bone.
"Garrett," I began, unsure how to say what I was thinking. I took a deep breath. "What we did, the kissing, it was…"
"Inappropriate," he said, "and I promise you, My Lady, it will not happen again." He smiled, taking my hand and kissing it, then smirking at me. "Unless you ask for it." I rolled my eyes in frustration.
"I swear you men will be the death of me." He cupped my cheek, looking me in the eye.
"I swear to you, My Lady, you shall not meet your death while in my company," he whispered in his low, gravelly voice. He looked around then back to me. "Kora seriously, let's get off the street so we can talk. It seems we have much to discuss and I'd rather not get a sword through the gut in the process." The tension between us seemingly gone, he put out an arm to escort me.
I took it and he led me out of the alley, down the street.
I recognized where we were as an older part of the docks, one that we hadn't frequented as it had no pubs, and felt out of my element. Garrett had my hand, pulling me gently through the narrow back alleys and eventually into the back door of one of the buildings.
He lit a lantern at the entrance that was connected to others that lit up as well, probably enchanted. The room brightened as I looked around, trying to familiarize myself. The walls were made of wooden planks, just like the ceiling and the floor, and there were two large tables with six to eight chairs around each. He turned to face me, trying to read my expression and then smiling.
"What?" I asked, smiling back at him. He paused as if to say something then, changing his mind, he shook his head and led me to one of the tables. He disappeared into another room so I removed my cloak, threw it over the back of a chair and sat down. The room was bare save the tables and chairs, a few windows that were painted black and the lanterns. I sighed when he had still not returned. "Did you get lost?" I said loudly.
"No sweet thing," I heard a woman's voice say, "he'll be right back." I realized it was Isabela as she entered the room. I smiled and stood, walking over to greet her.
"Isabela, hello," I said as I stretched out my hand to shake hers. She responded in kind and I looked behind her. "I assume this is a safe house of sorts?" She nodded.
"We have a few friends holed up here," she said as she pointed behind her with her thumb, "but they prefer anonymity. Hence Garrett's disappearance, he's smoothing feathers, as they say. Drink?" she asked and I nodded gratefully. "Be right back." She winked and disappeared reappearing a minute later with three glasses and a bottle. "I hear you like bourbon, hopefully this will do."
She poured the drinks and we sat down as Garrett entered the room. I smiled and lifted my glass to him then noticed someone was with him, standing just behind him in the shadows. I looked at Garrett curiously and he smiled.
"Lady Kora," Garrett drawled, "I'd like you to meet someone." He turned to his companion and he stepped out of the shadows. I gasped.
"Riordan?" I asked, standing and almost dropping my glass. The man remained silent but took a step back as if to stay on his guard. I put up my hands to show I held no weapon. "Duncan is a dear friend, please do not fear me." He stared at me, disbelieving, so I realized it was story time once again.
"Please," I said as I sat back down and motioned to the seat next to me, "we have a great deal to share with each other. Garret, could you grab another glass? I think Riordan will need it."
Once I had finished the telling of my part in things I shared what I knew about Riordan's, looking to get some explanation as to why he was not in the dungeons of my family's estate.
"Perhaps it would be best to start at the beginning," Garrett interjected. Riordan nodded and sat back, sipping his bourbon. "When word of Ostagar got to us I immediately thought of Caden," Garrett explained. "I took a band of troops to try and secure the area, to look for him, but as we made our way toward the ruins one of my trackers caught on to the trail of a group of about 10 or so leaving the battle.
"We followed it to Lothering only to find out that a beautiful young blonde woman had recently chased all Loghain's troops away." He grinned wickedly and I couldn't help but smile back.
"What can I say, the story tellers always exaggerate," I shrugged. He shook his head, took another drink then continued.
"Anyway, I realized along the way that the stories of Loghain's betrayal had to be true, no way would Caden take part in Regicide, so I sent most of my men back to West Hills. I kept a few select people I trusted explicitly with me and led them here to infiltrate, find out what was going on." He looked over my shoulder as a thought must have crossed his mind, darkening his features. "I told the men who went back to tell father I was dead."
"Hey," I said with concern in my eyes. "We will stop this civil war. What you did was dangerous, still is, but thank you for doing it." He winked at me, his expression softening.
"Anything for you," he whispered. I blinked my eyes slowly as he looked away, a small blush on his cheeks. I raised my eyebrows in thought then, still having no reason not to trust him, schooled my face.
"Getting back on subject," I said as I straightened my shoulders, "two questions. One, how did you make the connection between myself and some random blonde woman sighted in Lothering? I'm pretty sure everyone had heard I was dead." He laughed and shook his head.
"Your message got through loud and clear, Kora," he said. "The wardens know what really happened? You REALLY didn't think anyone who knew you would figure it out? You didn't even wear a helm!" He shook his head in frustration. "You are FIERCELY protective of Caden, anyone who knows you is aware of that. And considering he joined the wardens you were the first blonde woman I thought of that would rush to their defense.
"That and…" He lowered his head and shrugged his shoulders, "maybe it was just wishful thinking but… I wanted it to be you." He looked into my eyes, the sadness and regret in his spilling over. My expression softened.
"Garrett," I said, "The past is just that, the past. It is over and I have left it where it lies. You should too." I wanted to reach out to him but this was not the time. We weren't alone and I doubted very much Isabela was going to appreciate the attention I would have shown him.
I could tell there was a tension there. They must have been in some kind of a relationship but it had seemingly ended. Or maybe I hoped it had, selfish as that sounded. Or maybe it hadn't and that was why he was so quick to push me away. Moving those thoughts aside I remembered what else I wanted to ask.
"The second question was what were you thinking going after Caden?" I raised my eyebrow at him. "You know he doesn't share the same sentiment I do, why push it?" I asked as I downed my drink in one pull. There was the ghost of a shocked expression followed by a smile on his face as he slammed the rest of his.
"Caden was your brother," he said simply, as if that should have answered the question. Deciding to grill him on that at another time, I gave him a sideways glance then looked at Riordan.
"And how is it you found yourself with the likes of this one?" I asked, motioning to Garrett. He smiled and sipped at his glass.
"Honestly, I cannot tell you," he said as he looked at Garrett. "Perhaps our friend can elaborate." Garrett sat back in his chair, putting his hands behind his head.
"Well, I am the miracle man and all," he sighed, apparently pleased with himself. Isabela and I rolled our eyes at the same time, catching each others look then laughing. Garrett sat upright. "What?"
"Nothing sweet thing," Isabela said as she patted his hand. "Go ahead, tell Kora your story of heroism." I laughed, getting a glance of annoyance from Garrett.
"ANYWAY," he began, "when I first arrived here it wasn't difficult to get into the guard. No one wanted to work for Howe so they were practically begging for recruits. The night Howe invited Riordan to the estate for the evening meal, I and three of my men were stationed in the dungeons. He was brought down, unconscious and naked, and thrown in a cell. All we had to do was replace him and get him out. One of Howe's henchmen, drunk as a skunk, filled in nicely until the next day. By then we had covered our tracks and Riordan was here and safe." He smiled that confident smile I remembered from sparring with him. Every good hit he got, every win he would flash me that smile and I couldn't help but return it, just as I did then.
"Ok, then why?" I asked.
"Any enemy of Howe's in a friend of mine," he said with a wink. I shook my head.
"Well," I laughed, "it seems things are going well here anyway. I have yet to check on the Alienage, have any of you heard anything about a sickness there?" Everyone shook their heads, looking at each other for confirmation. "I guess they haven't tried that yet."
"Tried what?" Isabela asked. I sighed, rubbing my face with my hands.
"Loghain will be making a deal with a Tevinter magister at some point," I said, "basically they will set up a 'clinic' of sorts for an elusive illness spreading through the Alienage. It's all false, of course. They will be taking some, claiming to quarantine them but in reality they are loading them to vessels and taking them to Tevinter." I reached for the bottle, filling my cup as I let that statement settle in. I took a long drink then sighed. "Things are going to get worse before they get better." I heard Garrett laugh sarcastically.
"I see that," he said. Shaking his head he looked down at his hands on the table then up at me. "I assume you will want to thwart these mages?" I smiled the wolf's grin I had learned from Morrigan.
"You know me all too well, Garrett Wulff."