pullmeoutalive | /mashes things together that should not go together

[ It was a dark and stormy night.

What? It was.

Anyway, the rain was coming down in sheets when a cloaked figure collapsed outside of the gates of Castle Dunbroch. He wasn't injured, at least nothing serious beyond a few scrapes and bruises. Cold, sick, and exhausted? Most certainly. He was brought inside, and it quickly became apparent, thought the insignia on his armor and the papers he carried with him, that he was a Grey Warden. There were only stories about the Wardens this far out, and everyone had to wonder what one was doing so far from his home. Hopefully nothing having to do with the creatures the Wardens were famous for fighting.

But far be it from the king and queen to deny a Grey Warden shelter. He was kept secluded, mostly. Only a few members of the castle staff kept an eye on him, and no matter how much the triplets tried to get a glimpse, they never managed. The castle was buzzing with gossip for over a week, as the exhausted Warden in the tower room rested and healed.

And then, on a relatively quiet day, once the weather had warmed, the Warden emerged. No one was quite sure how he got from his room to the castle's training yard without being noticed. He was just... suddenly there, loosing arrows at a target with deadly accuracy. Obviously, a visit to the king and queen had been first on his list, but since they were both away on some business or other, he contented himself with some exercise.

He feels like he's been in that Andraste-be-damned bed for way too long. ]

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[ He promises readily- he feels like he's gotten her into this mess anyway. He knows when to claim responsibility. They have his word, as a Howe and as a Warden. He will keep their daughter safe for as long as he can.

That seems to be the end of it for now. He has preparations to make, and the next time he sees Merida, it is in private- the Joining is Warden only business, and must be kept as such- a goblet in one hand, and a grim expression on his face.

Her family is waiting in a another room, but right now it's just the two of them. ]

Are you ready, Merida?

[ yes. No. She's brave, but she's scared, but at the same time...

No, either way, she'd already decided to go through with it, so she gives him a resolute nod. ]

I'm ready.

Very well.

[ A deep breath. ]

Join us, sister. Join us in the shadows where we stand vigilant. Join us as we carry the duty that can not be forsworn. And should you perish, know that your sacrifice will not be forgotten. And that one day we shall join you.

[ It's not a pretty ceremony, but being a Warden isn't a pretty job. He hands her the goblet. ]

[ well, it's not a pretty job, and this isn't the best-tasting stuff ever, but she downs it.

And then there's a whole lot of general unpleasantness and everything goes dark, but there's something like a dragon, and if this is dying, it's pretty dramatic.

~~and then she passes the fuck out.~~

She'll wake up a Warden. ]

[ He breathes a sigh of relief when he checks her pulse.

Then it's off to tell her family that yes, she will survive. Now all that's left is to wait.

Enjoy those nightmares while you're down, Merida. ]

[ she sure will.

And she'll eventually wake up, groggy and... alive. ]

What...

[ Nathaniel is seated by her bed, reading a book. He glances at her ]

Welcome back.

Was that... supposed to happen?

The passing out and the nightmares? Yes, it was. That was really only a taste of what you're in for.

... But I'm alive.

That you are. Welcome to the Wardens.

Funny, no one ever mentioned the whole 'fainting' thing... does that lower recruits?

You either faint or you die, Merida. I would say the latter lowers recruits.

Can't say it does much for your popularity.

Popularity was never our aim. We're here to kill darkspawn, not make friends.

Y'can't do both?

Maybe with your fellow Wardens, but we're not exactly popular.

It sounds a little lonely.

You should know by now that I don't sugarcoat things. Being a Warden isn't glorious work.

Aye, aye, I know. But at least I can do something there.

We're leaving tomorrow morning, Merida. I'd suggest you take this time to pack your things. Be prepared to travel light. We don't have the room for trinkets back at the Keep, and it's a long journey to Amaranthine besides.

... And say goodbye to your family.

[ a pause. There's so much she wants to say, to ask, but for once, she keeps the majority of her thoughts to herself. ]

Am I t'leave Angus too?

Your horse?

Angus can come, so long as he doesn't mind a long boat ride.

Aye, he's fairly calm unless spirits get involved.

I doubt he'll be dealing with anything of that sort. Not much room for a horse in the Deep Roads, after all.

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