Blood Song | By : Hikari86 Category: +A through F > Dragon Age (all) > Dragon Age (all) Views: 1631 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0 |
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Oaths of Fealty There were now four Grey Wardens assigned to Ferelden, and Lisha was pleased so far. She would've liked more, but four would have to do for now. After Nathaniel woke, Lisha gave him his armor and weapons and let him recuperate and get something to eat from the kitchens. He was paler than before, and as she looked at him, noticed how skinny he was. It was a miracle he had survived the Joining with the condition he was in. “So what now, Commander?” Anders asked. “First of all, stop calling me 'commander',” Lisha said eying him. “It's starting to get annoying. As for what's going to happen now? I think I'll go ahead and send you two to Amaranthine. Please don't make me regret sending the two of you alone.” “What? You think I'm gonna cause trouble?” Oghren laughed. “Sparkle-fingers is the one you need to watch. You never know with mages.” “You never know with dwarves, either,” Anders smirked. “Don't they usually try and kill you if you beat them at cards?” “Depends on how drunk you can get 'em, and how fast you can run.” Lisha sighed. “Okay, here's what I need you two to do: I need you to find two people in the city. One is a merchant by the name of Mervis. Ask him about his destroyed caravans and where in the Wending Woods this took place so we can go and investigate. Then I need you to find a hunter named Colbert and his friend who apparently found an entrance to the Deep Roads. They say there were darkspawn coming out, so find out where this entrance is. Once you two return with the information, I'll decide which is more important and we'll leave together to deal with the situations.” “Right. Will do, Comman—I mean Lisha,” said Anders. “So my smelly little friend, shall we get going?” “After you, you robe wearing freak.” “Honestly Oghren, if you knew the benefit of wearing robes, I wouldn't be surprised if I started seeing you wearing them.” “Yeah right.” “Seriously, robes make little trysts in the corner quick and easy. There's no buttons or laces. You're done before the templars or anyone else catches on.” “Really?” “Just ask anyone!” Lisha sighed once more as the two left the room. She was starting to doubt her decision. Was it really wise to send those two together without a chaperone? “So what is it you wish of me, Commander?” Nathaniel stood in an opposite doorway than the one Oghren and Anders left through. Lisha inspected him, seeing the human in his brownish leather armor, black hair cleaned up and shortbow and quiver strapped to his back. She found him rather impressive, an improvement from when he was in the cell. “You look better,” she said walking to him. “You clean up nicely, Nathaniel.” “You can call me Nate, if you prefer, Commander.” “Lisha. I'm only the temporary commander. Arawin is the real Commander of the Grey, but right now she's unable to take command, so she and Zelda passed the duty to me until she is capable again. As for you, Nate... you prefer the shortbow?” “I do,” he said. Lisha placed out her hand and Nathaniel took his bow and handed it to her. She inspected it, feeling the wood and pulling the string back. “This is a good bow. Made from a Vhenadahl. It's a hardy wood, but not used very often by humans. What Dalish did you take this from?” “I didn't take it,” Nathaniel said taking his bow back. “It was a gift from someone else who might've taken it. I've had this bow before I left for the Free Marches. It's been handy and saved me more than once.” “But it's a shortbow.” Nathaniel cracked a smile at her. “Not all of us can wield such a massive weapon.” He peered at the bow on Lisha's back. It was long, tan colored, reaching at least a foot passed her head and dangled only inches from the floor. “May I see?” Lisha took off her own bow and handed it to him. “That is a true Dalish bow, old beyond comprehension, and only works for one who knows how to respect it.” “Isn't that for any weapon?” He inspected it the same way she had his. “Nice though, but why wield such a bow?” “It's the weapon of a Keeper's wife, made of ancestral heartwood, one of the best and most rare woods in the world. It's name is Sulhigil, Wind Dagger.” “Well, it is impressive, and your longbow may have range, but I know my shortbow can fire faster.” “That might be so, Nate,” Lisha said taking her bow back. “But a good hunter only needs one arrow to get the job done.” “I would agree, but I still prefer something small. People may mess with me more because they believe my weapon is pathetic, but I've come across too many who wield large weapons only for intimidation. When really challenged, they back down because they can't handle their weapon and their facade fades.” “If you're trying to challenge me, Nate, then I accept.” “What?” His eyes went wide. “No, not really...” “I thought you knew how to use that thing? It's not the size that counts, right? It's how you use it? I can handle mine just fine, I'll show you.” Nathaniel tried to smother a laugh. “I think you're challenging me. Fine then, Commander, when and where?” “Later, and I'm not saying that to back out. We have a lot of business to attend to first. Such as this ceremony Varel is making me do this evening. It's one of the reasons why I wanted you to stay. I hope your reputation with the nobles is good?” “I... don't really have one. I left for Kirkwall when I was fifteen.” “You at least know of them, right?” “I think, but it's been awhile. If nothing has changed much in the past eight years then I may be able to help you if that's what you're asking for.” “It is, and as much as I hate to admit it, when it comes to human politics, I have no clue what I'm doing.” “Then I'll try, but when it comes to politics myself, I'm almost as ignorant as you. Those years in the Free Marches weren't to learn how to rule.” “What were they for, then?” Nathaniel looked away from her, seeming unsure. “I guess there's really no hiding it from you, is there?” he breathed. “There's no reason to hid anything from me, Nathaniel.” “I'm sure you know my father had enemies. I knew enough to know that he wasn't loved much by many of the nobles, and even those that did show him loyalty he still couldn't trust fully. So as a precaution, through his many connections, he sent me to the Free Marches to be trained. I would gain the skills to deal with anything he wished to have 'taken care of'.” “So he sent you to be trained as an assassin?” “As anything. Assassin, mercenary, spy, whatever he needed. It was so he could have a free way of dealing with his enemies.” “But you were his son. Why would he make you do that? And what about you taking control of the arling?” “That was something I was never intended to do,” Nathaniel said staring at her directly in the eyes, ice blue to deep brown. “My father never kept it secret that he preferred my younger brother, Thomas. It made no difference to me, really. I liked learning martial skills better than those of politics. Plus Thomas and Father were close, closer than me and my younger sister were to him at least. Delilah and I had each other, while Thomas went about the arling with Father, learning how to rule.” “It doesn't sound like you had a very happy childhood.” “There's not very many happy memories, no. We were always scrutinized, ridiculed and belittled, told we were disappointments and that we needed to get our act together.” “Your father told you this?” “Father, Grandmother, I think the only one that ever showed us true love was our mother. She was a good woman, but had little power.” Lisha went and placed her hand on his shoulder. “It's over, Nate, you no longer have to deal with it. And as for those skills you learned in the Free Marches, you'll still be using them, just not in the manner you originally thought. Use them against the darkspawn, and to protect your fellow Wardens.” It was a genuine smile that crossed his face, cracking through the mask of sorrow and pain that had plastered his face as he spoke of his past. It might have been small, but Lisha found him to be handsome at that moment, even for a human. “Thanks, Commander. I will do my best and I won't let you down.” *** “So what you're telling me is, Vigil's Keep is in desperate need of a fix up?” Lisha and Nathaniel stood out in the courtyard, the dwarf Voldrik before her. “That is what I'm saying, Commander,” he said. “The integrity of this keep is disgraceful. Not even casteless live in such buildings.” “I hope you don't mean to insult my home, master dwarf,” said Nathaniel. “I'm just telling you the truth. I don't know how it holds up to human standards, but to dwarven standards, it's horrible. It probably will only last another few decades if you're lucky.” “So what needs to be done?” Lisha asked. “Can you fix the damage and make it better?” “I can, but I will need coin so I can hire properly trained men, not some half-starving dusters. If you can provide me with enough, then I'll be able to get to it right away and have it done quickly.” “How much?” “About eighty sovereigns should be enough.” Lisha took out her pouch and began counting the coins. She handed eighty sovereigns to the dwarf and placed back her pouch which still looked quite full. “Thank you, Commander, that will do just fine. I'll get to work right away. Don't you worry.” Lisha and Nathaniel continued their assessment of the keep, making their way through the courtyard and soon coming to a sheltered area where a forge was lit. Standing next to it were two men talking, one looking as if he were trying to stay warm. “Why did you have to bring me here?” he said. “This place is so drab and cold.” “We are doing our civil duty,” said the other man. “Try and remember that.” “Easy for you to say. You're not the one who has to work in this cold.” “Hello there, gentlemen,” said Lisha. “I believe you two are who else I'm looking for.” “Ah, good day, Commander,” the second man said. “It is a pleasure to finally meet you. Allow me to introduce ourselves. My name is Herren and I represent Master Wade, the greatest-” “-And bloody coldest-” “-Armorer in Denerim.” Herren gave a warning look to Wade before smiling back at Lisha. “We came here because we thought we could help the Grey Wardens. Master Wade did his very best to help supple the army in Denerim during the Blight. Now we're here to help with whatever you may need, Commander.” “Well I actually do need someone to fix the armor that got damaged during the darkspawn attack,” said Lisha. “And maybe make some new sets, perhaps. Can he also work on weapons as well?” “Master Wade specializes in armor, but he can work on anything and with any material,” said Herren. “Just have the armor and weapons brought to us and he'll get started right away.” “You're such a slave driver,” Wade said as he huddled himself closer to the fire. “Must I really do this? Why can't I be in the keep where it's warm?” “This was the only place they had for us, you know that.” “Bloody crown didn't pay us enough,” Wade scoffed. “Sorry, Commander,” Herren apologized. “He's usually not like this.” “Of course,” said Lisha. “And here, hopefully this will make up for it.” She handed Herren several sovereigns before walking away. “How much money do you have?” Nathaniel asked. “Enough.” “A lot.” “Let's just say Master Wade wasn't the only one the crown paid.” Together they continued through the courtyard with their inspection. A messenger soon came to Lisha, the same one who had told her about Nathaniel, now was to tell her Varel was ready for her in the throne room. Lisha prepared herself first outside the room, straightened and walked in. The throne room was now filled with people, humans. Nobles dressed in their finest, they had all been talking before she came in but had ceased and stared at her while she went to Varel. Some had looks of interest, others seemed neutral, while a few looked at her as if she were lower than them. Nathaniel made his way around the wall, sticking close to it as he walked through the group. “Commander,” Varel said. “The lords of Amaranthine have finally all gathered here to give their oaths of fealty to you and the Grey Wardens. You should know these were Arl Howe's vassals but now they shall be yours.” “What does that mean?” Lisha whispered. “It means they will serve you and come to you for guidance. They overlook certain parts of the arling while you basically overlook them. Don't worry too much, Commander, all you do right now is stand here and listen.” “I think I can manage that.” “Then I shall begin.” Varel took his place and addressed the nobles. “Lords and ladies, I present to you the Warden-Commander of Ferelden and Arlessa of Amaranthine.” The nobles gathered around and some even bowed to Lisha while others did not. “Bann Esmerelle of Amaranthine, as is old custom, you have the honor of beginning.” A small woman, perhaps the most lavishly dressed in all the room walked up to Lisha and nodded her head. She had been one of the ones who didn't bow and had a scowl on her face when Lisha had entered the room. This time, however, her face was straight and she eyed Lisha with judgmental inspection. It was a look meant to intimidate, to look for weakness, but Lisha kept her own eyes fixed and didn't falter. She knew how to play this game. Esmerelle cleared her throat. “I promise that I, Bann Esmerelle, shall be faithful to the arlessa in matters of life, limb, and earthy honor. Never will I bear arms against her or her heirs. So I say in the sight of the Maker.” She then curtsied, never giving a proper bow. After she was done many other nobles came to Lisha and did the same thing. Again, there was differences in the way they pledged their fealty. There were a few who acted like Bann Esmerelle, while most others acted as they should have with deep bows and only slight eye contact. Lisha tried to remember all their names but only a few stuck out. Bann Esmerelle for one as well as Lord Eddelbrek who had come after her. He had shown Lisha respect, which she was glad to see. Others she could remember were Lady Liza Packton and Ser Derren who seemed to be bickering with each other before presenting themselves to her. Then there was Lord Guy, a man she could really only remember from his almost overwhelming stench of alcohol and the fact he nearly fell over when he tried to bow to her. “Thank you, Lord Guy,” Varel said as the lord was collected and pulled away. He was the last noble and Lisha felt relieved. “That concludes the ceremony.” The nobles disbursed but didn't leave, instead going over to the tables set on the sides of the room where food and wine were set for them to pick over. “Well, that went better than I thought.” “It's not over with?” Lisha said seeing the nobles eating and drinking while they talked with one another. “What am I suppose to do now?” “Mingle. Get to know some of them. I suggest you do so you know which ones will support you and which ones may not. Just know, Commander, that some of these nobles lost a lot with Howe's death. Those are the ones that have been giving us trouble, but now that you're here, they seemed to have backed off.” Lisha looked about the room feeling very out of place. Besides Nathaniel and Varel, she was the only one in full armor carrying a weapon. All the nobles were dressed formal and elegant. Not to mention she was the only elf in the room. “So who should I really get to know?” “I would suggest Bann Esmerelle and Lord Eddelbrek. Bann Esmerelle is by far the most wealthy and powerful noble in this room besides yourself. She is basically in charge of the entire city of Amaranthine and was a known supporter of the old arl. Lord Eddelbrek would have to be the second most wealthy since he controls most of the farmlands in the east. From what I heard, he didn't support the old arl, especially not after he found out about what he did in Highever. Eddelbrek and Teyrn Bryce were old friends.” “Right, I'll see what I can do.” “Tread carefully, Commander.” Lisha made her way to Lord Eddelbrek first as he was the closest and she didn't want to have to deal with Bann Esmerelle just yet. “Lord Eddelbrek?” “Ah, Warden-Commander, it's an honor,” he said. “I am grateful you came to speak with me. You come to us during desperate times.” “Not more about your precious farms, Eddelbrek,” said a younger noble. He was one Lisha couldn't remember his name. “Some in our arling do not have the comfort of city walls,” Eddelbrek said. “On the plains, the situation is dire.” “What's happening on the plains?” Lisha asked. “As we feast the peasants on our lands are starving or worse.” “The city's defenses are more important, Eddelbrek,” said the other man. Lisha was beginning to remember he was one that did not show respect to her during the ceremony. “There may be wheat in the silos now,” Eddelbrek continued. “But if the farmers die, where would you get your food?” “It is a dire situation,” said Lisha. “I think I will take it under advisement.” “Thank you, Commander. I'm glad you at least took the time to hear me out.” “I do hope you're not really going to think too hard on it, Commander.” Lisha looked to see Bann Esmerelle walk over to them with her usual cold stare. “Amaranthine needs her defenses.” “The city has defenses,” said Eddelbrek. “Walls and city guards, but the farmers have nothing. They need to be defended.” “A farm hovel can be rebuilt with mud while Amaranthine has been built over generations. If it falls, it'll be a massive casualty and will take longer to repair.” “So that is how you see human life, then?” Eddelbrek glared over at her. “The people on the plains outnumber your city folk many times over. Would you really sacrifice that many lives just so you can live in comfort? Commander, please, consider your people. They need to be protected.” “I'm taking it under advisement,” Lisha repeated. “I'll do what I can but right now the darkspawn are my biggest concern.” “I understand, Commander,” said Eddelbrek. “You can only do so much.” “And I advice you, Commander,” Esmerelle said staring Lisha straight in the eyes. “Things worked well before you came here. I suggest you let it stay that way.” Lisha nodded before turning away and making her way around the room again. She talked with other nobles but only briefly, all conversations seeming to be about the same thing: Where should the defenses go? The room seemed to be split directly in half with some saying to defend the city while the others saying to defend the farmlands. Lisha's head was already spinning. She couldn't wait for the ceremony to end and for Oghren and Anders to return so she could get started on something that didn't have to deal with politics. “Lisha, may I speak to you for a second?” Nathaniel stood in a corner and gestured for her to come to him nonchalantly. “What is it?” “I have some bad news,” he started. “I think there's a conspiracy against you.” “A conspiracy? What have you heard?” “Not much, I'm afraid. I just so happen to be passing by the alcove when I heard whispering within. I got closer and saw a group of people. They were huddled together and whispering about something they had just agreed upon. I would have gotten closer to find out who was all in the group except I was pulled aside by Lady Liza. She recognized me and wanted to know where I had been for the last eight years and how I was doing.” “So you have no names or any indication what they were talking about?” “No, but if I know nobles, if they don't like something, they will do whatever they can to get rid of it. And from what I saw at the ceremony, they don't like you.” “Great, this is exactly what I need.” Lisha pinched the flesh between her eyes. “Arawin would have been able to handle this so much better. She knows how to handle nobles who get out of line, Zelda as well.” “Would you like for me to spy on them?” Nathaniel asked. “No, I'm going to need you for when we finally get going on dealing with the darkspawn. Remember, Nate, you're a Grey Warden now. But as for this conspiracy, I think I'll go talk to Varel about it.” When Lisha went to Varel she talked to him first about defending the land. Lisha figured it was best to send the soldiers to protect the farms rather than the city. Amaranthine did have walls and a city guard. She figured thinking long term was the best option since the food in the city wasn't going to last forever. “Nathaniel also tells me there may be a conspiracy against me.” “Do you know the conspirators?” Varel asked. “The right of high justice is yours and treachery is a capital offense.” “No, he didn't see any faces. It's just a feeling, really. He believes the nobles don't like my presence here and I'm inclined to believe him.” “I would too, Commander, but to proceed we would need strong evidence and that would be hard to gather. It's really up to you on what you would have us do about it.” Lisha thought for a moment. “He may be right about it, but I don't really see any threat from these nobles I haven't seen before. If they wish to try and trap me, then so be it. I've gotten myself out of worse situations.” Varel laughed at this. “I'm not quite sure what those may be, Commander. Perhaps later you could tell me. But I'm sure you're more than capable of handling it. The commander and queen wouldn't have chosen you otherwise.” “Right. Now, is this ceremony over with yet? I believe I've talked with everyone.” “Sure, Commander. Alright everyone, clear the hall. The ceremony is officially over. The commander has business she must attend to.” *** It wasn't until late in the evening, when Lisha was done assessing the Vigil and all its staff, getting reports on damage and bodies able to work, that Anders and Oghren returned from the city of Amaranthine. “That was fast,” said Lisha when they met her and Nathaniel in the mess hall. “I thought you two would be longer than that.” “Give us some credit, Commander,” said Anders as he sat down and began inhaling his food. “Starving Grey Wardens get things done fast.” Lisha rolled her eyes. “And they still don't learn table manners. So Oghren, what did you guys find out?” Oghren downed a whole pint of ale and belched in one drink before answering. “Mervis wasn't too hard to find. He was basically standing in the middle of the street asking anyone he could if they would help him. When me and sparkle-fingers came up to him he was relieved to learn the Grey Wardens got his message and were willing to help.” Anders tried to add something to what Oghren was saying but his mouth was so full of food no one could understand him. “By the Creators, Anders! Please, chew and swallow before talking!” It took him a while, but eventually he was able to do so. “Yeah, and Mervis also said that if we take care of the problem for him he'll give us a nice donation.” “Okay, so did he tell you where the attacks are occurring?” “He marked it on our maps.” Oghren pulled out his map of Amanrathine and showed it to Lisha. She looked and saw the mark right in the center of the Wending Woods. She also saw another mark on the other side of the map, in the Knotwood Hills. “What mark is that for?” “Oh, Colbert marked that one,” said Oghren. “After we got him to talk, he told us about the entrance and gave us the location.” “Got him to talk?” “He was more willing to tell us about the deer they were chasing before finding the large hole in the ground,” said Anders. “But after he and Oghren downed a few pints at the Crown and Lion, it was no problem getting the information.” “At least you two got it.” Lisha rolled back up the map and handed it to Oghren. “Any trouble going on in the city that I should know about?” “They're having trouble with smugglers,” said Oghren. “We've always had problems with smugglers,” Nathaniel commented. “Partly because my father endorsed them on occasion.” “Well apparently they're really bad right now,” said Anders. “Constable Aiden even asked if we could help.” “Maybe later, if we have time.” Lisha sat back in her chair and pondered for a moment, trying to determine which event needed to be dealt with first. “Did either Mervis or Colbert mention darkspawn?” “Only Colbert,” Anders said with another full mouth. “No, Mervis mentioned them too,” Oghren corrected. “But he said he only thought darkspawn were responsible. He can't be for sure since no one has really seen any.” “But Colbert and his friend did see darkspawn coming out of the entrance, yes?” “Yeah, in fact they were both screaming and the darkspawn just passed them by as if they weren't even there.” “It boggled my mind,” said Anders. “That is strange.” Lisha leaned on the table. “But I guess that settles it, then. Tonight I want the three of you to get your fill then head to bed early. I want to get going tomorrow morning before the sun rises. We'll go to the Knotwood Hills first and deal with the darkspawn there. I know I should be worried about the trade route and everything, but the darkspawn must be our first concern before anything else.”
Paraphrasing from Dragon Age: Origins: Awakening
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