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The Last of the Couslands	By : MistressofMagic Category: +A through F > Dragon Age (all) > Dragon Age (all) Views: 4395 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Bioware and EA own everything associated with the Dragon Age universe. I am making no money off of this fan fiction.

Chapter List
- 19
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Chapter 19
The Brecilian Forest
Bridget and the others slowly entered the Brecilian Forest carefully, reminding themselves that it was a werewolf infested woods…but Bridget couldn't help but take in her surroundings. The Forest itself was quite beautiful actually, despite it's foreboding appearance. She liked the way the sunlight seeped in through certain parts of the forest, spilling light on the dark, cool dirt. She also liked the way Alistair's hair seemed to gleam in the sunlight, but shook her head quickly to get back to the task at hand. She didn't need her mind wandering in a place like this…and it was at that moment that a giant bear came out of no where and attacked them. It was an easy kill, but Bridget hated the thought of walking around in the woods covered in blood. Animals could smell that, after all. She immediately regretted not bringing Zeus along. Bridget just assumed having four people in their little party at a time was quite enough to handle though. She glanced over her shoulder to see Alistair quickly advert his eyes from her and stare at something else, accidentally walking into a tree as he did so. Rubbing his forehead he looked at his feet, embarrassed. Perhaps he should've stayed at the camp but, no! Then Zevran would be left alone with Bridget…although Leliana was here too…of course he would've probably wooed her as well. Maker why did he push Bridget away? He felt like an absolute fool! Alistair's wondering thoughts quickly left him as he found himself face first in the dirt. Zevran burst out laughing as Bridget turned and offered him a hand.
"Are you alright, Alistair?" she asked.
He blinked some dirt out of his eyes and took her hand.
"Y-Yes…I guess my mind was elsewhere."
"It often is." He heard Zevran whisper to Leliana who burst into a fit of quiet giggles.
Alistair sighed. He actually wished Morrigan was here. He believed he could tolerate her more than these two at the moment! Upon rounding a corner, a small horde of Darkspawn ran towards them. Bridget quickly took down the Hurlock that tried to stab her and then threw a dagger at a Genlock running towards her. After it hit him between his eyes, Bridget ran over to it and plucked it out, wiping it clean of it's blood. Werewolves were the next opponent, to no surprise. They were rather difficult opponents, as each party member took into consideration that they would have to watch themselves to not get bit. After disposing of the wolves, three more approached them, but stopped in their tracks. Bridget stared up at the beast who appeared to be the leader of this small group. She knew instantly that he was not Witherfang…no that would be far too easy. Bridget swept her eyes over him. His hair was brown and stretched across his body. His teeth were barred and a deep growl released from his throat. He was standing in a threatening stance, yet he made no move to attack. Perhaps she could coerce him into a conversation?
"I see the Dalish have a human doing their dirty work!" he snarled.
Bridget shook her head.
"Please, I wish to sort this out peacefully, if I can. You may call me Bridget."
The wolf stood at his full height and looked down at her.
"I am Swiftrunner." He growled.
Bridget took a deep breath and asked,
"Why have you attacked the Dalish?"
Swiftrunner narrowed his eyes.
"It is they who attacked us. They shall suffer as we suffer!" he shouted, puffing out his chest.
Bridget held up her hands.
"Easy now…care to explain why you hate them so much?"
Swiftrunner threw his hands up in the air.
"I will not speak to you! You should not have involved yourself! Leave now woman or you will regret it later!"
With that he and the other two wolves with him pranced away. Bridget sighed and turned to the others.
"Looks like we have no choice but to fight our way through." She said solemnly.
The others nodded grimly in reply and followed her as she led them across a small bridge. They progressed deeper into the forest before being attacked by three Walking Sylvans.
"You have got to be joking, walking trees?" Bridget shouted as one of the Sylvans shot a root out towards her, wrapping around her ankle and throwing her down.
Alistair had meant to catch her before she fell, but it was Zevran who came to her aid. He expertly cut the root away from her ankle and helped her stand.
"Trees are such tricky bastards, no?" he asked.
Bridget grinned and thanked him. Zevran looked over his shoulder and winked at Alistair, infuriating him even more. Once the Sylvans were taken care of, the group approached another, very old looking tree. His leaves were orange and red, the colors autumn. Now that the other hostile trees had been destroyed, this area was rather peaceful. The tree suddenly sprang to life. His spindly body was made up of bark (obviously) and his wood was quite aged. Bridget gripped her sword…but loosened it soon after. She detected no hostility from this tree, perhaps this one would be different.
"Hmm what manner of beast be thee that comes before the Grand Oak Tree?"
Bridget furrowed her brow. Talking to trees was not one of her pastimes, but she decided to give it a go. After all, if this tree could ask a question, he probably could communicate quite intelligently.
"Can you not see me, I am a human." She replied.
Alistair gaped up at the tree.
"They talk?" he asked in an astonished whisper.
Bridget smiled as she stared up at the Grand Oak.
"Allow me a moment to welcome thee. I am called the Grand Oak, sometimes the Elder Tree."
"It is an honor to meet you, Grand Oak." Bridget replied.
Alistair thought for a split second he saw that tree smile. The Elder Tree continued.
"Unless thou thinkst far too soon, might I ask thee of a boon?"
Bridget blinked.
"Can you explain to me what you are…exactly?"
The Elder Tree nodded.
"I am an elder oak and nothing more, though once I dreamt of a time before, when I roamed the world and howled with pain, not of this world but twixt and twain."
Bridget nodded.
"Perhaps I can help you, with this boon that you mentioned."
The Oak's face lit up.
"I have but one desire, to solve a matter very dire; as I slept one early morn, a thief did come and steal my acorn."
Alistair crossed his arms.
"What's so special about a simple acorn?" he asked.
The Oak looked at him and said,
"All I have is my being, my seed. Without it I am alone indeed. I cannot go and seek it out, yet I am left alone to die without."
Bridget nodded.
"I will find your acorn, Grand Oak Tree."
The Elder bowed in thanks.
"You have my thanks; I shall reward thee if thou reunites me to my seed."
Bridget led the others toward another bridge and entered into another part of the forest. Immediately they were ambushed by werewolves. They killed them instantly and walked along the trail a bit before approaching another. This werewolf did not seem hostile though…she was in pain. It turns out that she was once an elf, her name was Danlya. She pleaded with Bridget to kill her and bring her scarf to her husband. Bridget hated to slay her, since she was hoping to lift the curse…but could sense how much pain she was in. Sadly she ran her blade through her heart, and in Danlya's last breath…was thanked for ending her misery. Bridget and the others continued onward and ended up stumbling on an abandoned campsite. Bridget was grateful for the find, as it was dark now and she didn't think traveling through the forest at night was a sound idea. Suddenly, wind rushed through them and a man appeared before her. Bridget immediately took a step back. The man had a crazed, demented look about him. His grey hair was matted…and there were dry bits of food lingering in his beard. It was difficult to breathe around him, as he smelled absolutely horrible. His tattered clothes had many patches in them. Bridget also noticed the mage staff strapped across his back. Alistair gently touched her shoulder.
"Careful…he's an apostate." He whispered.
The strange man stared at her absently and then blinked and shook his head.
"Oh dear oh dear, not a werewolf nor a spirit. What are the woods coming to?"
Bridget looked to her friends for advice, but they all shrugged. She turned back around and cleared her throat.
"Um…who are you, exactly?"
The old man narrowed his eyes and tipped his head to the side.
"Questions, questions, always questions! They say it was questions that drove me mad…I wonder, will it do the same to you?"
Bridget blinked. The Mad Hermit continued.
"If you ask a question, you get a question, but give an answer and you'll receive the same! Oh how I love to trade!"
Bridget cleared her throat uncomfortably and asked,
"So…you want me to ask a question?"
The Mad Hermit rolled his eyes.
"I think it is your turn to ask, is it not?"
Bridget crossed her arms.
"But I just did,"
"NO THAT IS NOT A QUESTION!" he shouted.
Zevran cackled loudly.
"This is enjoyable to watch!" he exclaimed.
Bridget cleared her throat again and asked,
"You said you like to trade, do you have anything?"
The Hermit complied by saying,
"What do you have? I have a book I finished years ago, an acorn, and a bow."
Bridget raised her eyebrows. He was the thief!
"I have here a book of Elven History…I would like to trade you this for the acorn."
The Hermit raised an eyebrow.
"Elven History you say? Hmm that could be an interesting read, give me that!"
He snatched the book from her hands and tossed the acorn at her. Bridget turned to the others triumphantly.
"Well now, that wasn't so hard." She sighed happily.
Leliana nodded.
"Perhaps we should ask him if we may camp here tonight?"
Alistair shook his head.
"I don't think that's a good idea…we should make camp yes, but let's get as far away from this guy as possible."
Bridget chuckled.
"I couldn't agree more."
She led them away from the Hermit, eager to get away from the crazed mage as fast as she could. Soon enough, the party came upon a clearing and set up camp. They sat around the fire and ate some dried meet (as all the good stuff remained with Wynne and Morrigan and Zeus) and soon found themselves in a heated battle of cards. Bridget stood after losing for the umpteenth time and stretched.
"I'm going to see if I can find a stream." She announced before grabbing her sword and shield along with her pack and set off into the woods.
Alistair didn't think she should travel alone…but thought it would be rather odd to say he wished to accompany her when she clearly wanted to take a bath. He stood and began to assemble his tent while Leliana and Zevran remained by the fire.
"May I ask you something, Zevran?" Leliana asked.
Zevran flashed a toothy grin her way.
"But of course my beautiful rogue, what do you wish to know?"
Leliana looked at him and asked,
"Why is it you flirt with Bridget…can't you see that it upsets Alistair?"
Zevran chuckled.
"Oh my dear…let me fill you in on a few things…"
And so Zevran explained to her Alistair's horrible mistake by brushing Bridget away after a disappointing kiss.
"You see my dear Leliana, if Alistair believes he has a challenger for Bridget's heart…he will act more quickly in his advances, you see."
Leliana really didn't understand what Zevran meant, but grasped it fully enough. Alistair returned to the fire then as Leliana stood and began to assemble her own tent. Zevran raised an eyebrow and asked,
"Why do you not follow Bridget? Surely it is not safe for her to be venturing out on her own…and I see this as a wonderful time for you to kiss her!"
Alistair sighed and picked up a nearby stick. He drew little things in the dirt and replied,
"Because…I…"
Zevran stood and rolled his eyes.
"Maker's sake must I demonstrate to you what you must do?"
Alistair thought for one mad moment that Zevran intended to kiss him! Zevran strode over to Leliana and tapped her on the shoulder. Leliana turned around to be engulfed in a deep kiss from Zevran. Alistair's jaw dropped. Why was Leliana allowing this? She made no effort to push the elf away! Alistair stood as their kiss was becoming a little too passionate and decided to follow Bridget's footsteps. He spotted her in the distance and hurried towards her, wanting to get as far away from camp as he possibly could. Upon hearing the snapping of a twig, Bridget turned sharply and drew her sword, only to find herself holding it up to Alistair's throat.
"Oh Alistair! I'm so sorry…I thought you were a Darkspawn or a werewolf or whatever else this godforsaken forest has in toll for us!" she exclaimed.
Alistair held up his hands.
"It's quite alright." He said in a cracked voice.
A very awkward silence filled the air. Since Bridget had already come across a stream…there was no reason for Alistair to still be here. He cleared his throat nervously and said,
"Well I had hoped to help you search for a stream but I can see you've found one already. I'll…I'll just be going then."
Bridget chuckled.
"There's no need Alistair, you can join me if you wish."
He froze in his tracks. Had he just heard her correctly. Alistair slowly turned back around to face her. Bridget placed her hands on her hips and threw her head back in laughter.
"I meant for a swim silly! My, my, where did that mind of yours wonder to?"
Alistair frowned. She was spending way too much time with Zevran. This sounded like something he would say. Alistair shook his head.
"Um…that wouldn't really be appropriate…"
Bridget rolled her eyes.
"Oh honestly Alistair, it's just a swim! It's not like I'm suggesting we skinny dip or anything! We'll leave our smalls on, of course!"
Alistair's eyes widened. He had never seen a woman in only her small clothes before…he shook his head again. The temptation was almost unbearable. Perhaps this could be what he needed though. A friendly swim, then he'd apologize and try to kiss her again. He sighed and nodded slowly.
"Well…I guess there wouldn't really be any harm…since we'd still be in our smalls, and it's rather dark out anyways…"
Bridget smiled.
"Good! Come here, I'll help you with your armor."
Alistair walked over to her, his legs nearly buckling beneath him. Bridget removed his breastplate for him, the rest he took care of. He looked away respectfully as she undressed, and made sure she was fully in the water before he came out of the shadows and joined her. Alistair dipped a toe in and jumped back.
"Andraste's flaming sword! This water's freezing!"
Bridget laughed.
"It's not bad once you get used to it, it's very relaxing."
Alistair took her word for it and slowly waded into the water, hitching his breath as he did so. After a while of being in the water, Alistair was grateful that it was cold. He had seen Bridget's chest…everything but her small clothes gone…and that little piece of clothing certainly didn't leave anything to the imagination!
Bridget smiled at Alistair. She was rather surprised that he had taken her offer to join her. Perhaps this was one small step into making him not be quite so nervous around her. She playfully splashed him, laughing as he shuddered and giggled as he splashed her back. Soon they were laughing together, chasing each other in the water and splashing at each other. After deciding that it was rather late (and could find nothing else at the moment to talk about) they exited the stream together. Alistair once again looked away as Bridget dried herself and pulled her tunic and breeches up as he dressed himself. Bridget slung her pack over her shoulder as Alistair tucked his armor under his arm. She walked towards him.
"Ready to head back?"
Alistair reluctantly nodded.
"I suppose so…"
He thought he'd missed his chance to kiss her when Bridget suddenly tripped. Alistair dropped his armor and caught her in his arms. Bridget smiled up at him and burst out laughing.
"Oh my…this is so cliché!" she exclaimed.
Alistair chuckled. Some of her hair had fallen from her bun, and he pushed a lock of her soft hair behind her ear. Alistair let his hand linger on her face as he felt a blush spread across his. He gazed into her eyes and smiled down at her. Tentatively, Alistair moved forward and gently claimed Bridget's lips in a tender kiss. She slightly turned her head to better kiss him back. Their mouths moved over each other's slowly…each of them were savoring the taste of each other…and of the moment in general. Bridget slowly wrapped one arm around his neck, the other she rested around his waist as she pushed herself closer into his chest. Alistair pushed his hand away from her face and rested it on the crook of her neck. His other hand seemed to have found itself at the small of her back. After a minute or so more they broke apart. Bridget smiled.
"That should've been our first kiss." She whispered.
Alistair nodded.
"Want to just forget that the other never happened?" he asked with a smile.
Bridget surprised him by shaking her head.
"Of course not, Alistair. A kiss is a kiss. This kiss shows me that you're a bit bolder now…"
He quirked a brow.
"I'm sure I will find myself being bolder later on…" he joked in a husky whisper.
Bridget grinned. They walked back to their camp site hand in hand. Their hands only broke apart when they went to their separate tents. Alistair climbed into his tent and closed his eyes, quite pleased with himself and his newfound boldness. Just as Alistair felt himself drifting off into the beginning stages of sleep, he heard a soft giggle and complacent moan. One eye flew open. What exactly happened between Leliana and Zevran after he left…and was it still continuing now…? Another giggle and Alistair felt his face turn as red as a beet. It appeared that Zevran was indeed well rounded in the "wooing arts" after all.
A/N: And so the spark of romance is finally lit between Alistair and Bridget! I hope you all liked this chapter. I apologize for the in-game conversation between Bridget and the Oak/Hermit. I couldn't think of any type of witty dialogue though…as the dialogue in the game was great as it was. Please forgive me for that! Reviews are greatly appreciated!
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The Last of the Couslands