Information

Alistair has a minion!

Duncan the Grave Reminder

Alistair

The

Galactic Magnus
Owner:

Arcane

Age: 2 years, 9 months, 3 weeks

Born: July 7th, 2021

Adopted: 2 years, 9 months, 3 weeks ago

Adopted: July 7th, 2021

Statistics

Level: 10
Strength: 18
Defense: 17
Speed: 17
Health: 17
HP: 16/17
Intelligence: 2
Books Read: 2
Food Eaten: 0
Job: Unemployed

"Even amidst all the blood and despair, this single rose still beautifully blooms."

«●» Wintermarch, Dragon 9:30 «●»

Alistair briefly gazed across the dying campfire at the newest recruit as he sharpened his sword, observing how their jaw clenched in anger whilst they continued to glare at the ground. It was apparent the young mage didn’t want to be here, yet she remained, bound by an oath to fight against the Blight as punishment for attempting to escape the Circle. He thought it was an unusual choice, as he was informed the elven girl had never been in battle before, though he supposed that was the point; since dead men tell no tales.

Yet when looking at Anwyn’s piercing blue eyes that blazed with barely concealed fury, they seemed to tell another story, for it looked as though she had already fought in a dozen wars.

“You know... if you keep glaring at the ground like that, it might just catch on fire,” Alistair joked in an attempt to lighten up the mood.

Anwyn pressed her lips together and lifted her head, turning her glare onto the ex-templar. She desperately wanted to scream in frustration, but doing so would be inadvisable. “Well if it does, I hope you get caught in it,” she retorted.

“Ouch. That’s not very nice,” commented Alistair, unused to such hostility. “I’m just trying to be friendly.”

An incredulous snort escaped from Anwyn as she instantly lifted herself up from the bench. “Right, you seriously expect a mage and an ex-templar to be able to get along? Don’t be ridiculous,” she spoke, before walking away.

Alistair sighed and promptly returned his focus back to his blade, pondering - not for the first time – if Anwyn would miraculously survive the Joining. Despite being small in stature, it was evident she possessed the stubbornness and will to live, if only to spite on those who dared cross her. It made him wonder then, what made it so only some people survived, but others who were more worthy of becoming a warden - unlike himself - just died. According to the Warden-Commander, the collection of tainted blood proved a recruit’s courage, while the drinking of said blood tested ones spirit. Honestly sounded like a bunch of hog wash to him, he was reasonably confident the whole ritual was based on luck.

Regardless, Alistair sincerely hoped Anwyn would survive the Joining. She might not like him very much now, but he reckoned given enough time, he could win her over and the pair could become close friends.

«●» Solace, Dragon 9:30 «●»

The rose that Alistair held felt heavy in his hand. He remembered picking the flower back in Lothering, amazed that something so beautiful could still survive amidst all the blood and despair. It made him think of Anwyn, how despite all the hardships thrown her way, she still managed to come out the other end stronger than before.

Nervously fiddling with the rose, Alistair’s heart skipped a beat as he made his way towards Anwyn. “Here, this is for you. Do you know what this is?” he blurted upon offering the flower, immediately feeling foolish for doing so.

Anwyn glanced down at the rose and took it into her own hand, gently brushing the underside of the crimson petals with her thumb. She smiled slightly then looked back up with a mischievous twinkle in her eye and said, “It’s a weapon.”

“Huh?” Alistair questioned in confusion, before noticing the look on Anwyn’s face. “Ah, yes. You’re absolutely right. Our enemies shall tremble before you as you overpower them with the tantalizing scent of roses! Beware thy thorns, darkspawn!” he quipped.

The sound that escaped from Anwyn’s mouth was something between a giggle and a snort, as she tried containing her laughter at Alistair’s antics. Her eyes shone with mirth, and she couldn’t help but smile brightly, feeling blessed at having Alistair in her life. It still surprised her at how close they had become, for she could grudgingly admit to not being the nicest of people when they initially met. All the pain she had suffered made it much easier to merely push people away, so not to be hurt again. Yet somehow, this endearing human managed to get past her defences.

Alistair grinned in delight at having made Anwyn smile; since it wasn’t something she ordinarily did. As her laughter died down, Alistair sighed and nervously shuffled his feet. “In all seriousness…” he began, pausing for a moment to collect his thoughts. “I’ve had this rose for quite some time now, having picked it up back in Lothering. I remember wondering, how could something so beautiful still blossom in a world filled with so much pain and despair. I probably should have left it alone, but… knowing it would be destroyed once the darkspawn came with their taint, I simply couldn’t.”

Anwyn tilted her head and nodded, waiting for him to continue to speak.

“In many ways… I think the same thing when I look at you. You’re wonderful you know, such a rare and beautiful being to find amidst all this darkness. Therefore, I wanted you to have this rose, as a visible reminder of sorts,” Alistair quietly explained.

“Why, I don’t know quite what to say,” Anwyn said in surprise, blushing slightly. She looked back down at the rose in her hand and carefully cradled it to her chest, genuinely moved by his words. After a moment of sifting through her emotions, she gazed back up and softly smiled. “Thank you, Alistair. I feel the same way about you.”

“I’m glad you like it,” spoke Alistair, a slight blush on his own cheeks. Unsure what to say next, he blurted out the first thing that came to mind, “Now… if we could just move past this awkward, embarrassing stage and jump right into the steamy bits, I’d appreciate it.”

Anwyn smirked and shook her head in amusement, “To think you were doing so well, too.”

“Ugh, I’m just going to… you know, stand over there. Until the blushing stops,” Alistair mentioned, pointing towards the campfire, his face as red as a tomato. Making his way over to the campfire and intentionally ignoring the knowing looks from his fellow travel companions, Alistair couldn’t help but grin despite the embarrassment. Happy in the knowledge that Anwyn felt the same way he did.