/mashes things together that should not go together

[whowhatwhy]

[ 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. ]

Comments

[whowhatwhy]

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

[bearmyfate]

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

[whowhatwhy]

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.

[bearmyfate]

[ 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?

[whowhatwhy]

Your horse?

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

[bearmyfate]

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

[whowhatwhy]

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

[bearmyfate]

[ she nods, satisfied.

... Followed by some awkward fidgeting before she sighs, clenches her hands together, and gives her head a shake. ]

I've been meanin' to tell you... ehm. Thanks.

[whowhatwhy]

I wouldn't thank me just yet, if I were you.

[bearmyfate]

I'm not the regretting sort.

[whowhatwhy]

[ He gives a little chuckle ] Go on and see your family. They've been waiting for you.

[bearmyfate]

[ and she's up and dashing past him to go do that.

For the sake of young and unseasoned viewers, we will emit these scenes, as they are heartwrenching and will make you cry more than traumatic death scenes involving talking Disney animals. ]