9:46 Dragon ~ The Nature of Conflict

(OOC: The following is going to take place before Cyrus and Lavinia reach Gwaren. I don't know the specifics yet, but It'll be before their arrival.)


Fleeta



This music plays in the outside area of Kal Pathras:



Fleeta sat against a bolder, drinking the last bits of her waterskin. It was another hot day in the Dwarven settlement of Kal Pathras. Though she's been here a few times to trade goods, Fleeta continued to be impressed by the unique architecture of Kal Patharas. Every house and building were carved into the rocks. The founders were from exiled houses from Orzammar she believed who worked with the other Dwarves who were already settled here. Apparently, the two sides had a little feud as well, but Fleeta didn't dig deeper to find out.

"Come on!"

Fleeta chuckled as she saw the Dwarf: Stoudemire train peasants for battle. She was watching from afar as they were on the bottom floor called: The training pit. A mercenary was whacking on some poor elven boy's small shield, he screamed in fear as he recoiled from the merc's Mace attacks. "Shield up dammit!" Stoudemire growled stroking his thick black beard. Stoudemire was a 47-year-old who is more muscular than the average Dwarf and had scars all over his body. He also tattoos various designs on his face. Stoudemire's Steel, rune embedded Warhammer lay beside him.

The mercenary was a close friend of Stoudemire. A human of average height, Fleeta didn't know his name but he looked like a battle-hardened warrior. The mercenary performed a strong attack, knocking the boy off his ass. The boy stayed down crying. Stoudamire kicked in the solar plexus. "You think the Teryn's soldiers is gonna accept you crying?!" He asked. "No! They're gonna fucking chop your dick off first assuming if you have one! Then kill ya!"

The rest of the peasants carried the Elf away as Stoudemire barked who's next. Fleeta shook her head "this is going to be a slaughter," she said to herself.

"Hey, Fletta!"

Fleeta tossed a lock of her black hair over her shoulder and saw Ada approaching her. She was light skinned Dwarf, with haunting green eyes and a charming smile. Her auburn hair was tied up neatly along with her sword and shield. She and Ada were good friends for about 5 years. "What's going on Ada?" Fleeta asked. Ada collapsed next to Fleeta. "Oh you know," she began. "I had to guide peasants fleeing from the Teryn to rooms and tents, recruit able-bodied men and women to join the "elite" militia. Maker's breath we're overflowing with people!"

Things in Kal Pathras has been tense lately. The Teryn has been more unruly than usual and now peasants are fleeing from him because his soldiers have been raiding their villages in an effort to stop the ambushes that have been occurring to his knights and high ranking officers orchestrated by Arl Millicent and the Smiling Knight. Fleeta was surprised, that a bunch of peasants were able to be effective so far. Stoudemire despite his crude training methods has helped.

And the Smiling Knight has been great as well. No one knew where he came from, he just appeared nearly a year ago and started to help villagers of all kinds. Fleeta wondered who's behind the helmet......

"Hey Fleeta, you listening?!" Ada said knocking her on the head. "Ouch!" Fleeta laughed, rubbing her head. "I don't know Ada, I guess it's nice to help people, but we are fighting an uphill battle!" Ada tilted her head. "Yeah I know," she sighed. "But Teryn nug face had this coming years ago. I'm surprised a peasant revolt didn't happen sooner."

Fleeta was sympathetic to the peasant's cause. Having her home being razed to the ground by Darkspawn when she was only a little girl. Fleeta could see the scared faces of the recruit with some of them fighting for the home that the Teryn stole from them. "Who the fuck are you?!" Stoudemire yelled at an old man wielding a Greatsword. Fleeta and Ada looked on with mild curiosity.

"I'm a 10-year vet!" The old man announced before getting shot in the balls by Stoudemire's Warhammer. "You sure as hell don't fight like a ten-year vet!" Stoudemire shouted as the old man yelled in pain. "Ssssessh could he go easy on him?!" Ada said shocked at the ordeal.

"Stoudemire has been like this all morning," Fleeta shrugged. "He doesn't realize that most of these guys haven't wielded a weapon in their lives."

"It's gotta be a Grey Warden thing!" Ada suggested. "They say that whatever is in their blood, removes their ability to feel any happiness or empathy!"

"Maybe It's because they have to fight many Darkspawn," Fleeta surmised. "The grumpy old Dwarf has been fighting them for years."

"Yeah, it's a shame that the Wardens abandoned him, thinking he died," Ada said with sadness in her voice.

Stoudemire continued his rant: "You are fighting for your homes! And the last thing we need is fucking babies!!!!"

Fleeta shook her head, "well I would be more afraid of Stoudemire, than anyone else." she said. Ada got up and dusted herself off. "Well yeah," she began "the Arl and his allies are gathering their armies, so they need to weaken Teryn Nugface in any way they can and that's why we've been springing ambushes. But Stoudemire will pretty much cripple the villagers if he doesn't ease off."

Fleeta got up as well and rolled her neck. "So I've heard that the Arl has a job of some sort?" She asked.

Ada nodded, "yeah but it's for the very best," she said. "It's very important, we are to meet in Mini Orzammar."

"Well," Fleeta shrugged. "I can go since I'm a ranger and all. Let's see what he got."

"Okay," Ada nodded. "Follow me."

Serza

(OOC: What Ada looks like:



)

Fleeta

SPOILER: Click to show

(OOC:

"So what's the job?"

Ada and Fleeta walked on the edge of the top floor and observed the bustling crowd of the marketplace of Kal Pathras. The sound of babies crying and dogs barking along with the sounds Chickens crowing on the tables of the of merchant shops were heard the usual noises of the living quarters. Fleeta overheard some conversations about the Teryn looking for mercenaries to take care of the peasant disappearances.

Fleeta gripped the hilt of her well-made Steel Longsword. "You know the village Stamford near the Brecillian Passage?" the Dwarf asked. "Well, the villagers are preparing for an attack by Bann Edward and his forces."

Fleeta remembered passing by Stamford with her family as a child. It was an ordinary village who traded mostly furs and meat due to them living close to the forest. The village itself wasn't anything special though and not a single person of influence was born there. At least from what Fleeta could remember. Bann Edward though, Fleeta remembered him well. A former soldier who fought with Teryn Jon Elain during the Fifth Blight.

Bann Edward was said to be a cruel man who resorted to flaying those crossed him. Two years ago, Fleeta during one of her patrols in Barecillian forest saw the Bann and his soldiers harassing a female Elf. She interfered and saved her, killing most of his soldiers along the way. The Bann was furious and complained to Teryn Elain about it and as a result, Fleeta by decree was to not be in the Bann's lands or risk getting killed.

"Bann Edward, that shithead....." Fleeta muttered to Ada. "He had the Teryn banish me from his lands for the "crime" of saving an Elven woman from his grasp, I guessed I shouldn't be too surprised that he's involved. Why is he invading though?"

Ada shrugged. "Dunno, I'm guessing he's on the Teryn's payroll. You'll out more from Millicent I'm certain."

Fleeta smiled as they neared the stairs that led to the gate. Fleeta and Ada were about to take a step until there was a scuffling sound. Turning around, the two women watched an old Dwarf pushing what looks like a nobleman to the dungeon.



The noble in question was a plain looking man but wore immaculate golden armor. He struggled from his binds snarling at the old Dwarf "how dare you!" He shouted. "You stand before royalty and you DARE raise your grubby hands against me?!"

"Shut up!" The old Dwarf said wearily shoving the nobleman in the cave. As soon as he pushed him in he leaned against the wooden door (after locking it) and began to cough loudly.

Ada smiled "Hey Stan!" She said with a bit of concern in voice. "You okay?"

Stan began breathing slowly "Fine," he snorted. "Just tired of handlin the noble Dwarves bullshit! The peasants got a real penis head in one of their ambushes. According to this guy. He's been on his way to meet Teryn Elain!"

Ada raised her eyebrows. "What for?" She asked.

"The penis head refused to say anything other than It's private business and not for your peasant's ears!" Stan shook his and spat bitterly on the ground. "The ass...."   

Ada nudged Fleeta on the leg. "Stan is one elder for the outside area who lived on Kal Pathras since he was born," Ada explained. "For years he struggled to maintain the always strained relationship between the nobles Dwarves and the surface Dwarves."

"And I'm gettin weary of the job!" Stan said. "Let someone else do it!"

"Yet you keep insisting your fine!" Ada put her hands on her hips and rolled her eyes. "This is my friend Fleeta."

"How are you?" Fleeta smiled and gave the old Dwarf a small nod. Stan smirked and nodded back.

"They've coddling with those rebel lords lately!" Stan continued. "The fucking idiots! They treat the noble humans better than they've treated us!" Stan stomped his feet in rage as Fleeta looked on bemused.

"As I understand Stan," Fleeta said crossing her arms "The two noble Dwarven families and the surface Dwarves don't get along?"

"Oh we tolerate each other," Stan laughed holding on to his Warhammer. "Just like a man tolerates a growing tumor in his head!"

Ada and Fleeta both raised their eyebrows. As Stan continued to chuckle. "Right?" he said. "You guys are headed to Stamford and help the peasants, well I'd love to help but I'm old and my knees aren't what they used to be! But you can have my Marbari!"

Fleeta raised her hands in objection, smiling sheepishly. "I don't think that's-"

"Here boy! Come here!"

Fleeta



Fleeta and Ada turned to see another Dwarf staring at them with a concerned look on her face. The Dwarf looked middle aged with cheery red hair and a Dwarven tattoo on her cheek. "Yes, apparently it's going to be under attack," Fleeta said. "But it's one of the Teryn's cronies: Bann Edward."

Ada squinted trying to get a good look at the Dwarf's tattoo. "Wow!" She said amazed. "You have a tattoo as well! When I arrived at Kal Pathras as a kid, I loved seeing the Dwarven symbols that were etched on the rocks!" Fleeta rolled her eyes in amusement, Ada loves to talk about tattoos especially when it came to Dwarven symbols.

"Anyway 2 years ago I finally was able to afford to get one!" Ada continued in excitement. "But the Kilthor and the Karal family, the Dwarves who run this place laughed at me and said I was Castless whatever that means!" Ada shook her head in frustration. "I pay em no mind, they're a bunch of self-righteous assholes any way the name is Ada by the way! I serve as a scout for Kal Pathras!"

"And I'm Fleeta," Fleeta smiled at the Dwarf. "I come from a family of Rangers. So I usually patrol forests and watch for disturbances which there has been a lot lately. So have you decided to join us?"

Stan has been noticeably quiet during the conversation he's been looking for his Marbari. "Where can he be?!" Stan said to himself. "It's not like him to run off!"

"I'm sure he hasn't run off Stan!" Ada smiled. "And if he did it's probably because you smell like rotten fish!"

Fleeta laughed as Stan glared at the young Dwarf.

pelassarias

Fleeta



Fleeta noticed the Dwarf's growing unhappiness when she said that Stamford was about to be under attack. "Don't worry," Fleeta smiled. "We have well-trained peasants to hold off the Teryn's soldiers until the Lords here can gather their forces," Fleeta said with a forced smile. "Well-trained is a stretch," Fleeta thought miserably. "They've been taking a lot of losses with the ambushes of nobles I don't think they can last a war. Unless the rebel Lords use them as fodder!" 

Feeta hoped to the Maker that didn't happen, but she wouldn't be surprised if it did.


But it seems a certain asshole Bann is all too eager to start a fight." Fleeta tilted her head a bit towards the Dwarf. "Did you live in Stamford? I'm just curious to see if you have any personal connection towards it. I briefly lived in Stamford when I was a girl and found it tranquil. So It's Infuriating that the Teryn would attack a peaceful village."

Ada formed a wide smile at the Dwarf's story. "I know! The Kilthors and Korals always love to look down on us and declare themselves as superior because they came all the way from Orzammar! I'd say the success of Kal Pathras messed with their heads a bit to the point where they refuse to give us credit for building this place as well!"

Fleeta crossed her arms and smiled at Ada. From their time as friends, Fleeta always admired Ada's dedication to Kal Pathras but she was critical of it. Ada's family were Nug farmers and Ada's dislike towards the Dwarven noble family started when the leader of Kal Pathras: Piotin Kilthor insulted them: Calling Ada's family "Nug humpers."

Ada continued her tirade. "They called my father a nug humper!" she complained. "And he provides the Nug pancakes they love so much. I worked as a hand in Nug farming when I was kid!"

"I think you've made your point Ada," Fleeta smiled "You should take your anger out on Bann Edward,"

"I intend to Fleeta," Ada growled clenching her fists her nails digging into her palms "believe me I intend to.”

"I would like to join you two if you don't mind," The dwarf said quietly. "That village definitely needs our help from those dirty sod eaters!"

Ada immediately grinned. "Of course! The more the merrier!" She said. As Fleeta silently nodded. "We could always use another friend. What's your name by the way?"

pelassarias

Fleeta



Fleeta smiled "nice to meet you Tefra," she said. "Though I'm not sure all three of us can take on all of the Bann's soldiers at once." Ada was amazed at the fact that Tefra was from Orzammar. "Wow, I didn't realize you were from Orzammar!" She said with her eyebrows raised in shock.

Fleeta chuckled a bit, Ada was always curious about the Dwarves of Orzammar mainly for their architecture. As much as Ada didn't like the Kilthors and the Korals, their work on pottery and this town were impressive. Fleeta then rubbed her chin and continued to speak to Tefra. "Come to think of it," she began "I've been to your inn: Honey Dew before mostly to trade and rest."

"Excuse me, ladies," Stan interfered looking worried. "My Marbari has run off somewhere and I need to look for him,"

"Should we help?" Fleeta asked frowning at the sad old Dwarf.

Stan nodded his head as he took off his Iron Helmet to wipe the sweat off his bald head. "No," he said hoarsely. "I'll go look for him, besides you need to get to mini-orzammar as soon as possible the rebel Lords are anxious to get people Stamford as soon as possible."

Ada put her hand on Stan's shoulder, giving him a sympathetic look. "You'll find him Stan don't worry," she said with a small smile.

Stan put his helmet back on. "Hopefully, gonna need someone to guard this dungeon while I look for the Marbari see you later!"

Ada and Fleeta looked at each other and then at Tefra. "Come on let's get you two to mini-Orzammar," Ada chuckled. "Mini-Orzammar....." Fleeta found it a head scratcher why would a bunch of exiled Dwarves want to be reminded of a home whose people that kicked them out. "I don't know why they would want to name their place that," Fleeta said to Tefra as she began following Ada to the gate.

pelassarias

"Always making me worry,that blasted creauture!"grunted the old dwarf behind his teeth.

Stan has being searching for a while in his companion's usual hiding spots.Most of them were in fact located outside the vicinity oft the city since the Mabari's naughty temperament has earned it a ,mostly a bad,reputation amongst the locals.Especially the merchants.

A sudden snorting sound cause the old dwarf to turn around.

There,stood the great figure of his Mabari hound rapidly wagging it's tail .It's colour ,a light chestnut ,and grasping in its mouth what seemed to be the freshly killed corpse of a particularly fat nug,whose blood had painted the mabari's darker snout.





The hound approached his master and carefully placed the hunt on the latter's feet.
It then sat on it's hind legs and stared at it's master.

"Of course...."exclaimed Stan and proceeded to pet the dog's head."I can never be mad at you,can i?Had we a couple more of ye around here,and the damned nugs would be extinct!"
The dog tilted it's head.

It was in fact the dog's nug hunting the catalyst that had lead to the meeting of those two,many years ago.

Pursuing a nug ,the Mabari had ended inside the upper tunnels of Kal Parthas and it was there that it had encountered Stan.The latter was naturally startled by the peculiar sight.He stayed there and eventually witnessed the Mabari sinking its fangs on the poor creature's neck.

Instead of immediately feasting on its prey though,the dog approached the dwarf slowly and placed it on his feet.It was from there on the the two became inseparable.Well,almost.The hound still gets lost at random times.Nearly all of them, 'tis later found with a nug in its mouth,part of which ends up in Stan's plate.

Many of Stan's townsmen have claimed that the two of them are made for each other jokingly.The truth of that certainly cannot be tested,but what is indeed truthful,is the nature of the specific Mabari Hound.For you see,'tis not only a Hound,but also a Spirit of the Fade,merged together as one.

Even though Stan never seemed to have realized,many a time had he claimed that he heard his pet talking,praying even,or that they have actually talked together in his dreams.In one of them,Stan said to his fellow drinking mates,the Hound has even told him his name!

"Loyalty,let's go,boy!I want you to meet someone."

Fleeta



The marketplace of Kal Pathras



"I'd guess," Ada responded to Tefra's remark. The three women walked through the marketplace and to the gate leading to mini-orzammar. Fleeta barely heard her friend, observing the worried looks of refugees arriving from their respective villages. Fleeta wondered how the Teryn would take the villagers fleeing from him especially during a time of harvest. Judging by his short temper Jon Elain would probably kill them all. Trying to distract herself from what's around her, Fleeta turned to Tefra.

"I don't understand why would someone love a place whose people kicked them out," she asked. "They don't seem to show any resentment for Orzammar kicking the families out."

"Oh come on Fleeta!" Ada said. "Even if people get banished, there are still things to miss. Though according to Kilthors and the Karals they were very good smithers and artists. The Smithing and Artisian caste I believe right Tefra?"

The gate to mini-orzammar



The women arrived at the gate where a Dwarven guard dressed in fully plated silver armor stopped them. "Hey Alimar," Ada smiled. "I got more recruits for the job,"

"Nice Ada," Alimar smirked. "Just give me a moment and I'll let you in." Allimer opened the gate and told the two Dwarves to prepare the lift to lead to mini-orzammar.

While they were waiting, Fleeta heard a woman's voice and turned around "greetings" she said. The woman was wearing armor of Fleeta assumed was a Templar's armor.

"Hello there," Ada and Fleeta said at the same time.

"Sorry to bother, i'm rather new here as i just arrived yesterday, i'm looking for directions to head to stamford village, i taken this paper from the market board that indicates that soldiers are needed to aid the village, so i was about to head there and see what's happening as i was told when i arrived, some sort of rebellion is starting" The woman showed the letter to Fleeta who read it, It was basically more recruitment to help protect Stamford.

"What a coincidence! We're going to help out too!" Fleeta smiled handing the letter back.

"Any of you could indicate me to where i need to go for travel to this village please? I'd be grateful" Livia asked calmly.

"Frist we need to speak to Arl Millicent, It's through this gate," Ada answered. "To mini-orzammar yeah it's actually called that."

"We can go together," Fleeta smiled. "I'm Fleeta and these are my friends: Ada and Tefra."

"Pleased to meet you," Ada nodded towards the woman.

Fleeta turned around and saw Stan approaching with a large Marbari. "Looks like Stan found his Marbari!" Fleeta smiled.

pelassarias

@fallendark

(OOC: TheHeroOfFerelden hope you don't mind me moving Loyalty and Stan to the gate.)

Livia





"Hello there," Ada and Fleeta said at the same time.

"Sorry to bother, i'm rather new here as i just arrived yesterday, i'm looking for directions to head to stamford village, i taken this paper from the market board that indicates that soldiers are needed to aid the village, so i was about to head there and see what's happening as i was told when i arrived, some sort of rebellion is starting" The woman showed the letter to Fleeta who read it, It was basically more recruitment to help protect Stamford.

"What a coincidence! We're going to help out too!" Fleeta smiled handing the letter back.

"Any of you could indicate me to where i need to go for travel to this village please? I'd be grateful" Livia asked calmly.

"First we need to speak to Arl Millicent, It's through this gate," Ada answered. "To mini-orzammar yeah it's actually called that."

"We can go together," Fleeta smiled. "I'm Fleeta and the people around me are Ada and Tefra. Ada introduced herself and nodded at the woman.

"I'm Livia, nice to meet you all. Thank you for the indications and sure i don't mind to join if you three don't care much, otherwise i can always travel on my own" Livia answered.

"So you're also going to help out with Stamford?" Tefra asked with a half grin, "I'm Tefra by the way. You definitely look like you know you know the blade well."

"Looks like Stan found his Mabari!" Fleeting said with a smile. Tefra smiled along with her. The dog looked pretty adorable. Tefra padded her pockets and cursed herself for not having any treats.

"Well, i suppose, anyway seems like you'll see it soon enough if this rebellion is really serious" Livia said with a thinking voice while crossing arms. Then she turned her eyes into the Mabari. She was starting to sense something but wasn't sure.

"Wow, so this are the famous Mabari wardogs from Ferelden i always heard about, they are very big and strong as i can see" While Livia approached and kneeled down in front of the dog. The dog barked angry and stepped back a bit nervous to his master.

"I see, could be that you... well doesn't matter now, it's not like i should care" Livia whispered to herself. "Okay, i thing it's all set, i'm ready to follow at any moment" with a firm tone said.

Fleeta



"It's nice to meet you Liva!" Fleeta said smiling. "Are you Templar by any chance?" She asked "I've noticed your armor looks similar to what the Templars wear so it piqued my curiosity."

Stan continued to pet the Marbari Fleeta turned her head, unlike the average Ferelden, Fleeta wasn't fond of Mabaris that much. She preferred Wolves, they were fast and nimble and Fleeta was usually able to form a bond with them faster than with a Marbari. Fleeta approached the hound, opening her pouch to retrieve some Mabari treats. "Fine creature ain't it?" spoke Stan proudly while patting the Mabari's scruff.

"Really,doesn't give the impression of being old,but this dog's probably older than me in Mabari years!"he added with a laugh"Right,pal?" Stan continued petting the Mabari.

"That'll be an achievement," Ada said smirking.

"He's a very fine creature indeed Stan, I've always wanted my very own stinky, slobbering Mabari," Fleeta said with sheepish smile handing the Marbari her treats. Noticing the disappointed look on Tefra's face, Fleeta tossed her some treats. "Here you can feed him as well!" Fleeta smiled. "A Ranger always keeps treats of all kinds with them. It helps build trust with the wild animals we encounter!"

"Hey how come I don't get a treat to feed the Mabari?!" Ada said making a pouty face. Fleeta laughed at her friends expression, Ada did look cute whenever she made her pouty face. "You don't like Mabari remember?" Fleeta giggled.

"Well he's cute in a ugly sort of way no offense Stan," Ada said awkwardly. "But at least have the courtesy to offer your friend a chance to feed the animals even if you know what the answer will be!"

Fleeta rolled her eyes at Ada's remark and turned to Stan. "What's the Mabari's name?" She asked.

"His name's Loyalty," Stan answered. "It really pains my heart to let go of him,but so does the thought of having him pass away far from the surface. "Loyalty,boy...your place is under the sky and mine under the stone!" The old dwarf pressed his lips together.

"Hold on!" Fleeta said with concern. "We'll take care of Loyalty, and we'll bring him back to you don't worry," Fleeta declared. "Just leave the pessimism to me next time okay Stan?"

Ada rolled her eyes Alimar approached the group. "The lift is ready folks!" He declared. "Come on in! I'm sure the Arl will be eager to meet all of you guys. You seem to have diverse skillsets."

The gate opened, revealing a huge wooden lift with two Dwarves, armed with well made Crossbows. "Fleeta smiled turning to her newly made friends. "Right let's get going!" She said.

pelassarias
@fallendark
TheHeroOfFerelden

The Hound was shook by the words of its dwarf master.

It is interesting to mention that were Loyalty a normal Mabari ,his reaction would more or less be the same,for the Mabaris are known to be a very intelligent breed ,capable of understanding speech and interpreting complex commands.The above can be attributed to the fact that the Mabari breed in general is infused with magical essense due to their being bred by the Formari of the Circle of Magi.

The dog closed its mouth that had been left ajar and hid its large tongue inside.It looked at the three women and then slowly back to its master with a sad expression.

Loyalty’s heart was shattered.On one hand,or paw,he had Stan,the partner whose side he had hoped he would die by.On the other,even if Stan has not phrased it this way,it was clear that following the trio was a command to be followed,and following commands is what a loyal dog does.

It needs to be mentioned at this point,that as its name suggests,Loyalty,the Fade Spirit who for many years now was merged with the body of the Mabari,was a Spirit seeking to embody as best as possible its namesake virtue.
Would distancing himself from Stan help his cause?

“What if master passes away while I am absent ,or ….I’m the one to die, far away from him?” pondered Loyalty”Will I be able to fulfill my goal than?What if I never see my beloved Stan again?”

"He's a very fine creature indeed Stan, I've always wanted my own stinking, slobbering Mabari," Fleeta said, handing the mabari some treats. Noticing that Tefra was lacking in said treats, Fleeta handed Tefra her very own.

"Here you can you can feed him as well! A Ranger always keeps treats of all kinds with them. It helps build trust with the wild animals we encounter!" Fleeta said with a friendly smile.

"So you are a Ranger huh?" Tefra asked, taking the treats and feeding the cute mabari with them, "Please tell me you can pacify those notorious bears from the Hinterlands. I've been living around here for years and I'm still terrified of them!"

"Hey how come I don't get a treat to feed the Mabari?!" Ada said making a pouty face. Fleeta laughed at her friends expression, Ada did look cute whenever she made her pouty face. "You don't like Mabari remember?" Fleeta giggled.

"Well he's cute in a ugly sort of way no offense Stan," Ada said awkwardly. "But at least have the courtesy to offer your friend a chance to feed the animals even if you know what the answer will be!"

The dog accepted the treats, proceeding to eat with a manner enviable even by the trained noble canines of Val Royeux.

“No!If Stan wants me to go,it is my duty to trust and obey him!I shouldn’t be pessimistic.The Maker will surely guide me and I’ll be back here in no time.”though the dog to itself while slowly munching on the treats,which may or may not have affected his decision.

Stan kneeled in front of Loyalty,which was now towering over the old man.He started scratching the dog behind the ears.He probably wished to hug his companion,but he could not let himself be seen in such a vulnerable moment.

“I’ll miss you ,boy!”said the old dwarf while looking inside the hound’s glimmering eyes.”Goodbye,Loyalty!”Tears started running down the dwarf’s cheeks ,thankfully for him,being instantly absorbed by his thick beard.

Loyalty started licking his companion’s face affectionately.The latter took a step behind and stared at the dog with a smile and reddened eyes.
“Not goobye,Stan…Till we meet again!”Loyalty approached his three new travelling companions.

He truned his head around ,glancing at Stan waving at them.

Loyalty left a yapping bark.

Fleeta



"I can't Tefra," Fleeta responded giving the Dwarf a sympathetic smile. "I don't have enough experience in getting Bears on my side. I tried it once and I nearly got hand bitten off. If you needed help in taking care of Wolves then I'll be happy to help!"

"They say that Fleeta is part woman part wolf, which is why she's able have up to 5 packs Wolves fighting for her," Ada grinned.

"Shut up Ada!" Fleeta said laughing as they headed towards the lift. Alimar went with the group and ordered the two Dwarven archers to lower the lift. The lift shook and Fleeta nearly lost her balance as it began descending to mini-orzammar. "So," Fleeta said. "I really hope these Lords can brief us quick, Stamford could be burning to the ground for all we know!"

Alimar shook his head. "Stamford has been pretty defiant of Bann Edward since he's been taxing them heavily in the Teryn's name." He said. "Since Stamford has is not the richest village, the people protested outside his keep, only to have most of them cut down by a mysterious knight."

"Who?" Fleeta said her eyebrow. This "Knight" could pose a great threat to them more than an army. "Dunno It was said that this Knight came from Tevinter and he's a product of magic or some shit I don't know!" Alimar spat.

"Sounds like a challenge to me!" Ada said enthusiastically. "Can't wait to kick his ass!"

"I don't think we should underestimate him Ada," Fleeta said with worry in her voice. "Any magic user is a dangerous opponent and if he's a Knight that Alimar claims he is, we got problems."

"Pfft! Pussy!" Ada stuck her tongue out to Fleeta who shook her head. "I love her but sometimes she can be overconfident," she thought.

The lift came to a stop and the began to open revealing the stone city of mini-orzammar.



"We're almost there guys! Follow me!" Alimar getting out of the lift.

TheHeroOfFerelden
pelassarias
warden
Serza

Livia

SPOILER: Click to show

Finishing the friendly conversation between Fleeta and Livia, the Dwarf curiosity of Tefra seemed to have got the better of her, and an interesting awkward conversation all of the sudden just started.

"So uh," Tefra began, shifting her gaze towards the former templar, "You templars have powers right? Where does it come from? Your hands? Your mind? Your bottom? Wait, no! I'm sorry. Your powers can't possibly come from there. Unless it doesn't matter and it could! I'll just uh, I'll just stop talking now,"

Livia with a friendly and funny face raised her eyebrow and then proceeded to explain some templar traits to the dwarf, not before burst out of laughing at first of course.

"Oh my, that was funny indeed, from where did you got that idea?" Livia said while trying to calm down her laugh. "Anyway, it's not complicated i'll give you the basics" she proceed to start her explanation to Tefra.

"Our abilities come from special training that focus on dispel and resist magic, then we enhance them with Lyrium to make them more powerful, and be more effective against demon threads and any potential apostate" Livia explained. "Though i don't use them much anymore, i have other abilities now" Concluding her explanation.

Livia shifted her attention to the new vistas, when the lift was finally opened, revealing what she overheard from the conversation betweeen Fleeta, Ada and Tefra that was called Mini-Orzammar and some more crazy talk about wolves, half wolf, ranger abilities and such, but she got her attention was that Mysterious Knight mentioned.

A mysterious knight? This sent a cold shiver down Tefra's spine, although she tried not to show it.

"Who?" Fleeta said with her eyebrow raised.

"Dunno It was said that this Knight came from Tevinter and he's a product of magic or some shit I don't know!" Alimar spat.

Tevinter magic? Tefra tried not to shudder. She heard about the Magisters of Tevinter, and most of the stories she heard of them she did not like one bit. Tefra looked over at Livia and a small amount of relief washed over her. If Livia is as good a she seems to be, she might be able to go toe-to-toe with a magical knight. With some help from Tefra, of course.

"Sounds like a challenge to me!" Ada said enthusiastically. "Can't wait to kick his ass!"

"I don't think we should underestimate him Ada," Fleeta said, sounding worried. "Any magic user is a dangerous opponent and if he's a Knight that Alimar claims he is, we got problems."

"This knight does sound tough, but I bet you a nug's tail that they still bleed and become ill like any other," Tefra said.

"Pfft! Pussy!" Ada stuck her tongue out to Fleeta who shook her head. Tefra joined Fleeta with amusement.

"Magic you say?" Livia said. "Now it's seems like i'll have to put my old abilities to use again" making a sigh noise in her voice. "Though a Knight with magic powers? i really wonder what are his abilities" rubbing her chin in a thinking way.

Now Livia shifted her gaze to Ada and Tefra.

"You two should listen to Fleeta, proceed with caution is the right approach, or it could not end well" Livia said with a serious tone this time. "I know some excitement is more interesting, and i'm sure there it will be plenty of it in Stamford, but don't lose sight of yourself, or it could end badly" Livia said advising the others.

The lift came to a stop and the began to open revealing the stone city of mini-orzammar.

"Anyway, the lift is up, let's proceed, shall we?" Livia pointed with a formal bow included.