A.N: Thank you for all who have read, reviewed, or both! We are getting a little closer to the main story but please let me know if there are any issues.
P.S: I do not own Dragon Age, Skyrim, or any of the characters.
Chapter 3
A splash of cold ocean spray on her face pulled Elena from her inner musings and back to reality. "Guess I started daydreaming again," she thought, more a fact than a statement. It was a familiar habit—drifting off into her thoughts when the world around her faded into the background.
Standing at the railing of the ship, she gazed out at the endless expanse of water stretching to the horizon. The salty breeze whipped through her hair, mingling with the scent of the sea, a stark contrast to the warmth of the fire that usually enveloped her in her home in Solitude. Here, on this vessel, she felt both exhilarated and unnerved, caught between the thrill of adventure and the weight of her past.
She had traded the confines of her routine for the open sea, but the familiar ache of uncertainty lingered. "What if I made a mistake?" she wondered, her heart heavy with doubt. Each wave that crashed against the ship felt like a challenge, teasing her to confront the very dreams she had once held so tightly.
Elena recalled her mother's voice, echoing in her mind. "You're meant for more than this, Elena. Don't let fear hold you back." The words had always stung with truth, yet standing here now, they seemed both a beacon of hope and a reminder of the expectations she had left behind on that ship so many years ago, expectations she was now finally on her way back to...at least for a little while.
Reaching a hand down towards where she thought Shade's head would be to scratch between his ears, Elena was momentarily surprised when her fingers brushed nothing but the chill of the morning air instead of warm fur. Glancing down, she noticed that her ever-loyal hound had vanished from her side during her musings and was now nowhere in sight atop the ship's deck.
"Where did you wander off to, Shade?" she wondered aloud, a smile tugging at her lips. She wasn't worried; Shade had always been an adventurous spirit, exploring every nook and cranny with boundless curiosity. It was part of his charm, and she had grown accustomed to his little escapades.
Elena turned her gaze back to the horizon, the golden sunlight spilling across the water like molten gold. She took a deep breath, inhaling the salty air, feeling invigorated by the freedom of being out at sea. The ship rocked gently beneath her feet, the rhythmic sway a comforting reminder that she was alive and in the midst of something grand.
With her heart light, Elena leaned against the ship's railing, the wind tousling her hair as she watched the waves dance in the sunlight. The morning air was crisp, filled with the promise of adventure. She closed her eyes for a moment, letting the sound of the ocean wash over her, imagining the places this journey could take her.
"You looking for your hound, ma'am?" a young deckhand asked, walking over with a small grin that revealed crooked teeth. He couldn't have been more than fifteen, yet there was a glimmer of mischief in his dark green eyes.
Elena raised an eyebrow, a playful smile forming on her lips. "I am indeed. Have you seen him?"
"If so, I saw him head downstairs with a strangely intent look on his face," the boy replied, his laughter bubbling just beneath the surface.
Elena chuckled, shaking her head. "That sounds about right. He's probably found something he deems far more interesting than the rest of us." The deckhand's eyes sparkled with mirth, and she had no doubt that he knew exactly what her insufferable hound was up to.
"You know how hounds can be," she added with a grin, leaning against the railing. "Always off on some adventure, regardless of the trouble they might cause."
"I'm pretty sure he's got a nose for mischief," the deckhand replied, crossing his arms and leaning closer as if sharing a secret. "He was sniffing around the kitchen last I saw him. I'd wager he's hoping for a snack or two."
Elena laughed, picturing Shade's antics in the galley, his tail wagging as he tried to charm the cooks. "Well, as long as he doesn't steal anything too valuable, I suppose I can't be too upset."
The boy nodded, his grin widening. "Just don't let him get into the flour! That would be a mess."
With a playful roll of her eyes, Elena straightened up. "I'll make sure to keep an eye on him. Thanks for the tip."
As the young deckhand wandered off, still chuckling to himself, she couldn't help but feel a warmth spread through her. It was moments like this that made the journey feel all the more vibrant and alive.
"Alright, Shade, let's see what kind of trouble you're in," she murmured to herself, setting off towards the stairs that led below deck, her heart light with laughter and anticipation.
She hoped he hadn't gotten into the kitchen, but deep down, she knew her hopes were no more than a fleeting dream. "Best go collect him now before we're not fed for the rest of the trip," she thought, inwardly laughing.
There was nothing worse than an angry cook on a ship. They could burn all your food or, even worse, ensure there was no mead to go with dinner. "Oh, the horror!" she mused dramatically, shaking her head as she descended the stairs, picturing the chaos that would unfold if Shade managed to rile up the cook.
As she reached the galley, the rich scent of spices and baked bread wafted through the air, mingling with the saltiness of the ocean. Her stomach grumbled in response, reminding her just how hungry she was. "If Shade has eaten the cook's secret stash, we might all be in for a long, hungry night," she thought with a smirk.
Sure enough, Shade had snuck into the kitchen for a snack and was currently holding a rope of sausage links in his mouth, his eyes sparkling with mischief. The rope had only four small
sausages dangling from it, but to Shade, it was a feast fit for a king. He was play bowing, his stubby little tail wagging as fast as it could, golden eyes glinting with delight as he gazed up at the cook.
The cook, a burly man with a thick beard and a no-nonsense attitude, was crouched in a half squat, one hand resting on his knees, hazel eyes locked on the hound before him. His expression was a mix of irritation and amusement, as if he were daring Shade to try and scoot past him.
"You think you're clever, don't you?" the cook grumbled, a reluctant grin breaking through his stern demeanor. "Those sausages aren't for you, you little thief!"
Shade, undeterred, wiggled his behind in excitement and took a step closer, the rope of sausages swinging playfully as he pranced around the cook. "Come on, just one?" his body language seemed to say, every bit the playful rogue.
Elena stepped into the kitchen, hands on her hips, a laugh bubbling up at the sight before her. "What's going on in here?" she asked, trying to suppress her amusement as she surveyed the scene: Shade's innocent demeanor contrasted with the cook's mock-seriousness.
"Your hound is trying to steal my breakfast!" the cook exclaimed, gesturing at Shade, who sat down and looked up at Elena with the most innocent expression he could muster, as if he were simply awaiting her approval for his gourmet heist.
"Oh, Shade," Elena chided, shaking her head with a smile. "You know better than this." She approached, crouching down to the hound's level. "What were you thinking? You can't just help yourself to the cook's kitchen!"
Shade tilted his head, tail still wagging furiously as if to say, "But it was so tempting!"
The cook rolled his eyes, but his grin widened. "You better keep a closer eye on this one, or he'll have the whole ship raiding the pantry."
Elena chuckled, reaching out to untangle the sausage links from Shade's mouth. "Alright, buddy, let's leave the cooking to the professionals. But I think we should give you a little reward for your... bravery," she said, glancing at the cook with a conspiratorial smile.
"Bravery, or stupidity?" the cook retorted, but there was a warmth in his tone that showed he was well aware of Shade's antics.
As Elena guided Shade out of the kitchen, the cook shook his head, laughter still dancing in his eyes. "Next time, I'll put a lock on the pantry, just for you two."
"Good luck with that!" Elena called back, a grin plastered on her face as Shade pranced out, oblivious to the chaos he had almost caused.
Heading back to her own cabin, Elena stripped off her armor piece by piece, the familiar weight of it lifting as she finally let it fall to the floor with a soft thud. She sank onto the bed, its creaky frame giving a gentle protest as she settled into the pillows.
"This is going to be a long trip," she said quietly to herself, a sigh escaping her lips as she stared up at the wooden beams overhead. The walls felt close, almost stifling, and she could already feel a pang of dread creeping in at the thought of the boredom that lay ahead.
The ship would be home for the next few weeks, and while the promise of adventure awaited on the horizon, the daily monotony could become unbearable. She imagined long hours spent staring out at the endless ocean, the gentle rocking of the ship lulling her into a trance.
Elena rubbed her temples, trying to ward off the impending restlessness. "Maybe I should take up knitting or something," she mused, half-heartedly. "Or start writing a journal of my sea adventures."
The idea of documenting her thoughts was appealing, yet she couldn't shake the feeling that her writing might end up more like a lament about the endless blue stretching before her.
Just then, Shade trotted in, shaking off the remnants of his kitchen escapade. He leaped onto the bed beside her, curling up against her side with a contented sigh. "At least I have you," she said, scratching behind his ears.
Shade let out a soft whine, his golden eyes bright and trusting. In that moment, she realized that even amidst the boredom, the companionship of her mischievous hound made everything more bearable.
"We'll figure something out, won't we?" she said, feeling a flicker of determination ignite within her. "Let's see what trouble we can get into on this ship."
With a smile, Elena sat up, pushing thoughts of boredom aside. Adventure had a funny way of sneaking up on you when you least expected it, and perhaps, just perhaps, this trip would turn out to be more exciting than she had anticipated.
Days slowly bled into each other, and routine quickly set in. As soon as the sun broke over the horizon, casting a golden light across the deck, Elena would wake up to the rhythmic sound of waves lapping against the hull. She'd rise early, the cool morning air invigorating as she practiced her sword stances for a few candle marks, the clang of metal ringing in her ears as she sliced through the air. Each movement felt familiar, a comforting ritual that grounded her amid the vastness of the sea.
After her morning practice, she would head down for a mid-day meal, sharing laughter and stories with the crew as they gathered around the table. They had come to know her well, and she appreciated the camaraderie that blossomed in those moments.
Once her hunger was satisfied, she would find a willing sparring partner among the crew, eager to hone her skills. Whether it was an experienced sailor or a young deckhand looking to prove himself, she relished the challenge of their friendly bouts, sweat glistening on her brow as she danced and fought, exchanging blows and laughter in equal measure.
As the sun began to dip low in the sky, she would make time for personal hygiene, splashing cool water on her face and running her fingers through her hair. The ship may have its
challenges, but she was determined to maintain a sense of self amid the salt and sweat of the sea.
Dinner followed, a hearty meal that often featured fresh catches of the day, prepared with spices and love by the cook. Elena savored those moments, the warmth of good food and good company wrapping around her like a warm blanket, keeping her spirits high.
Before sleep claimed her, she would meticulously clean and check her weapons and gear, ensuring everything was in perfect order. Each sword, dagger, and piece of armor received her full attention, her hands moving with practiced ease as she polished the blades and inspected the leather.
"Tomorrow's another day," she would whisper to herself, feeling a sense of satisfaction as she placed her gear in its proper spot. There was a certain comfort in the routine, and as she lay down to sleep, she found solace in knowing that despite the monotony, each day brought her closer to whatever adventure awaited on the horizon.
And as she drifted off to sleep, she dreamed not of boredom, but of the endless possibilities the sea held, with Shade nestled beside her, his gentle breathing a reminder that she was never truly alone
Time seemed to stretch and elongate, dragging on in what felt like an eternity. Each day that passed brought her one step closer to seeing her family again, yet the anticipation only intensified the anxious feeling that had settled deep in her gut. They were a month and a half into the voyage, and as the days blended together, Elena found herself sitting at the stern of the ship, gazing out at the endless expanse of ocean.
The ship plowed through the white-capped waves, the sound of the water crashing against the hull mingling with the cries of seagulls overhead. She watched as the sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the sea, the surface shimmering like a thousand tiny diamonds. But despite the beauty surrounding her, the ache of longing overshadowed it all.
Shade sat next to her, his warm presence a comforting anchor as he leaned against her leg. She absentmindedly reached down to scratch between his ears, grateful for his loyal companionship. "I miss them," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
The thought of her family felt like a double-edged sword; she yearned to embrace them again, to share stories and laughter, yet the very idea made her heart ache with a mix of joy and sadness. Memories flooded her mind—her mother's warm smile, her father's hearty laugh, and the way her younger brother would follow her around, eager to join in her adventures. "What are they doing now?" she wondered, imagining their lives unfolding without her.
Shade looked up at her, his golden eyes filled with understanding, as if he could sense the weight of her emotions. "You're my family too, you know," she said softly, giving him a gentle nudge. "We'll see them soon enough." Though that thought did not ease the tension in her.
"I'm worried, boy," Elena confessed softly, glancing down at Shade, who looked up at her with those trusting golden eyes. "I worry that when we get there, they won't even recognize me. I fear being turned away at the gates." The words tumbled from her lips, a weight she had kept bottled up, shared only with the one companion who couldn't speak back to alleviate her worries.
Reaching up with her bare hand, she brushed over the three massive scars that traced a jagged path from her hairline over her left eye, carving down her cheek and across her neck. Each mark was a reminder of the battles she had fought, both physical and emotional. The skin around the scars was pale, a stark contrast to her sun-kissed complexion, and her heart tightened as her fingers brushed against the leather eye-patch made from dragon hide that covered her left eye—the secret she had buried deep inside.
"They're a part of me now," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the sounds of the waves. "But what if they only see the scars? What if they look at me and see a stranger?"
Shade nudged her hand with his nose, offering a small comfort, and she chuckled softly through her uncertainty. "You're right. It's not like I can change what happened." She took a deep breath, steadying herself. The scars were reminders of her resilience, but they also carried the weight of the past—of battles lost and won, of decisions made that had altered her life forever.
"But what if they can't look past them?" she continued, her mind swirling with memories of her family. She envisioned her mother's reaction, the shock and worry that might cross her face upon seeing her daughter changed. "What if they see me and turn away, unable to accept who I've become?"
Shade's tail thumped against the wooden deck, as if sensing her distress. She smiled at him, grateful for his unwavering support. "I suppose I'll just have to show them I'm still their Elena, no matter what I look like."
The thought provided a flicker of hope, igniting a spark of determination within her. "I'll prove that these scars don't define me. I've fought for who I am, and I'll fight for their acceptance too."
As the last rays of sunlight dipped below the horizon, casting a silvery glow across the ocean, Elena felt a sense of resolve wash over her. The journey had transformed her in ways she had yet to fully comprehend, but beneath the scars and the changes, she was still the same girl who had laughed and played by the shores of her childhood home.
"We'll get there, Shade," she said, looking out over the water. "And when we do, I'll face whatever comes with my head held high."
With a newfound sense of purpose, she stood up, Shade bouncing to his feet beside her, ready to embrace whatever awaited them on the horizon. Together, they would navigate the uncertain waters ahead, and no matter what challenges arose, they would face them together.
Suddenly, the horn atop the crow's nest trumpeted out its call for land ahead, startling both Elena and Shade. The sound echoed across the deck, a triumphant announcement that sent a thrill through her. "We made good time," she thought, her heart racing with anticipation.
Pushing herself off the wooden planks, she glanced down and saw Shade practically quivering in excitement, his tail wagging furiously as he bounded in place. The moment of landing stirred something deep within her, a mixture of joy and anxiety that swirled like the waves beneath them.
"Go on, boy," she urged with a grin, ruffling his fur. "I'll gather our things and meet you at the front of the ship." Shade wasted no time, leaping forward with an enthusiasm that could only belong to a dog who had waited far too long for this moment. He dashed to the bow, where the crew had begun bustling about, preparing to dock.
As she watched him go, Elena felt a spark of energy light within her. With quick, purposeful strides, she made her way to her cabin. The familiar smell of the sea filled the air as she grabbed her gear, the anticipation of reunion igniting a sense of urgency.
Elena wasted no time packing her belongings into a sturdy leather pack, carefully arranging a few pairs of travel-worn clothing and essential personal hygiene items. The familiarity of her routine soothed her nerves, but the weight of anticipation pressed heavily on her chest.
Grabbing her armor, she slipped it on with practiced efficiency, each piece a second skin honed through years of experience. Her armor enveloped her in a protective embrace, its intricate design combining both elegance and lethality.
Her dual long swords were next; she secured them with the hilts facing downward, the sharp tips resting against her thighs. A well-placed leather strap kept them firmly in their sheaths, ensuring they would remain within easy reach. As she tightened the straps, her fingers lingered over the cool metal, recalling the countless battles fought with them—each victory and defeat etched into her memory.
Next, she attached a quiver full of arrows to the left side of her waist, a position chosen for practicality. This unconventional placement allowed her to notch an arrow with speed and precision, vital for a huntress always on the move. Each arrow was fletched with care, the feathers vibrant against the dark wood, a testament to her skill as an archer.
With a fluid motion, she slung her sleek longbow—crafted from dragon bone—over her back. The bow was a marvel of craftsmanship, its curves reflecting both beauty and strength. She felt a surge of pride as she adjusted the grip; it was an extension of herself, a companion through thick and thin.
Before she left, she checked her reflection in the mirror, ensuring she didn't appear disheveled. Staring back at her was a woman about five foot ten inches tall, with sun-darkened skin that glowed with a warmth cultivated under open skies. Her midnight-black hair was pulled into a low ponytail, the strands shimmering like silk as they fell against her shoulders. One silver eye, filled with a storm of emotions, sparked with anxiety—her past a tempest within, hidden behind the fierce exterior.
Elena's leather tunic was made from dragon skin, its black hue absorbing light while enhancing her silhouette. The tunic hugged her form, accentuating the muscle developed from years of training, while the leggings, equally dark and crafted from supple leather, offered both flexibility and comfort. They clung to her legs without restricting her movement, allowing her to dart through the underbrush or leap into action when needed.
On her feet, she wore soft-soled, well-worn leather boots, each scuff and crease telling stories of her journeys. The boots were comfortable, designed for stealth and endurance, a necessary companion on her treks through varied terrain.
Her gloves, also crafted from durable leather, were fingerless to allow for flexibility—an essential feature for knocking arrows and gripping the bowstring. She felt the familiar texture of the leather against her skin, a tactile reminder of her connection to her craft.
The armor she had forged was a labor of love, made from ebony—the hardest metal aside from dragon bone and as black as the depths of the night sky. The greaves encased her legs from the base of her kneecaps to the tops of her boots, the layered design covering both the front and back of her calves while being strapped securely under the arches of her feet. Each layer had been meticulously crafted to minimize noise, allowing her to move stealthily through the shadows.
On each side of her waist rested armor that extended from the tip of her waist down to mid-thigh. The layered pieces were adorned with intricate Nordic designs carved into their edges.
Elena's gauntlets were mismatched yet functional, tailored for her unique combat style. On her right arm, the metal encased her forearm from the base of her elbow to the end of her wrist, allowing full dexterity while leaving her fingers free and unarmored. She flexed her hand, relishing the freedom of movement.
On her left arm, the armor began at the base of her elbow and extended halfway up toward her shoulder, granting maximum protection while allowing for fluid movement. The design continued down to her knuckles, layering off into smaller pieces that offered coverage without sacrificing agility.
Her shoulders were protected by mismatched pauldrons—an echo of her journey. The right side featured layered metal that covered just her shoulder, simple yet effective. In contrast, the left side flared outward from the upper armor, extending to the junction between the base of her neck and shoulder, providing additional defense to the side of her face. The distinct asymmetry represented the trials she had faced, each scar and piece of armor telling a story of resilience and growth.
With one last glance in the mirror, she felt a surge of confidence wash over her. Each piece of armor was not just protective gear; they were a part of her identity—a testament to her strength, skill, and the journey that lay ahead. "This is who I am," she whispered to herself, the words resonating deep within. "Ready to face whatever comes."
Heading back on deck, Elena couldn't suppress the soft smile that graced her face at the sight of the bustling Denerim dock. The salty breeze tousled her hair as she stepped out into the open air, and her heart swelled with a mix of nostalgia and excitement.
Though only three other ships were currently in port, the dock was alive with activity. Merchants shouted over one another, their voices rising above the clamor of the waves crashing against the wooden piers. Colorful banners fluttered in the wind, marking stalls laden with wares—everything from fresh produce to intricately woven textiles. The vibrant displays were a feast for the eyes, each item telling a story of distant lands and cultures.
Elena's gaze swept over the throngs of people bustling about, their faces animated with the thrill of trade and camaraderie. Some were busy negotiating prices, their voices animated as they bartered over spices and silks, while others hurriedly moved crates filled with goods, their backs bent with the weight of their labor. She spotted sailors heading toward the local inn, laughter bubbling up from their lips as they anticipated food and ale after long days at sea. A few, weary from their travels, sought a good night's sleep in the shadows of the dock, grateful for the solid ground beneath their feet.
Amidst the lively chaos, Shade stood at the ship's railing, his front paws resting on the weathered wood, eyes wide and gleaming with curiosity. The loyal hound appeared both regal and mischievous, his golden gaze scanning the lively scene before him, as if trying to absorb every detail of the city they had once called home.
Elena chuckled softly at his excitement, feeling a swell of affection for her companion. Reaching over, she scratched gently between his ears, her fingers tangling in his fur. "We are home, boy. We are finally home," she whispered, the words carrying a weight of longing and relief.
As she spoke, a wave of memories washed over her—the laughter of friends, the warmth of family gatherings, the sense of belonging she had once felt here. Despite the scars that marked her journey, this place was a part of her, an integral thread woven into the fabric of her identity.
With Shade by her side, Elena felt a renewed sense of purpose. The dock, with its lively chaos and familiar faces, was a reminder of her roots, of the love and support that awaited her. She was ready to embrace whatever came next, to reconnect with her past and carve a new path forward in this vibrant tapestry of life.
A.N: Thank you for reading!