entrancelogs | You want me to what? BE QUIET?

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You want me to what? BE QUIET? | Open

Who: Alistair (

fatherlesskind) and YOU
Where: All around Wonderland
When: February 12th
Rating: PG-13 to be safe
Summary: Without so much as a pillow fight to be seen, Alistair has to amuse himself somehow. In a very regal, solemn manner, naturally.
The Story:

A - The woods

From somewhere within the woods this morning comes the unmistakable rattle and crash of metal and wood meeting with force, punctuated by the occasional wordless shout of exertion.

Should anyone go looking for the source, the sounds will lead them to a decent sized clearing among the trees. There, a towering figure in full medieval plate armour batters away with sword and shield at a training dummy, heedless of how much noise he's making or if there's anyone else around to be bothered by it. Both shield and breastplate bear a heraldic griffon, the symbol of the Grey Wardens for those who might recognise it, and those who don't might well remember the large, cheerful man often seen wandering around Wonderland with a similar sword at his hip.

He's so intent on vanquishing his imaginary foe that should anyone approach him his first response will be to turn on them, weapons raised in anticipation of an attack. He lowers both a moment later with a chagrined look. "Sorry. I was- Sorry."

B - The grounds

There's still snow outside.

There's snow outside and, for the moment, no trouble or monsters or anything. No pressing need to be somewhere else or to avoid notice or to maintain appearances or anything.

So later in the day Alistair can be seen disappearing outside to find himself a secluded corner somewhere.

An hour or so later the assault begins. Anyone walking the grounds outside the mansion may find themselves under attack. A snowball to the face or back accompanied by a gleeful shout from the one responsible. He's far from stealthy, dressed in dark colours that stand out against the backdrop of white and feet crunching through the snow as he attempts to sneak up on his victims with an armful of missiles. But he has a good arm and those snowballs can travel a long way. Stand and fight or make a run for it, either way he's not about to let up.

C - The library

[In an unusual turn-up, Alistair is in the library. Reading a book. (Yes, shut up, he knows how to read. And no, the tiny letters don't strain him, thank you.)

He's curled up in a chair, sword on the ground beside him, utterly engrossed in the book he'd found whilst poking around. The cover depicts a red-haired woman in armour, surrounded by foes and wielding a sword and shield. Rather appropriately as the book itself is titled 'Swords & Shields' by one Varric Tethras.

As he reads a bright red flush crawls up his cheeks and he hunches further and further over the open book as if trying to hide it from view. He's so caught up in it he doesn't even notice if there's anyone else in the library.

Turning a page he pauses, eyes going wide.]

Oh. Wow.

D - Other

[Choose your own prompt. Alistair can be found anywhere around Wonderland poking his nose into things and talking a lot.]

[OOC: Prose or brackets, take your pick and I'll match.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Alistair grins, rocking with the shove.] I'd never be a qunari. They don't have a sense of humour and it wouldn't be me if I couldn't laugh. [That much really is immutable. If he didn't have the same brilliant wit somewhere else then he'd just be someone else with the same name as him. It is known.] We'll find out. Eventually. [When they go back home. If they return to Wonderland after. If that really, truly is how it works. Because it still seems a little... odd to him.]

A bar? [It does make some sense. In most towns the local tavern is a good place to hear gossip and get illegal jobs and meet all kinds of people who may or may not try to kill you. Why would it be any different in Wonderland? Although it is a little strange that Robyn seems to be blushing. He considers prodding her about it but after a moment decides to let it go. As... relaxed as this conversation is, they're still on shaky footing with each other. But teasing her is just fine.]

To learn about different kinds of drinks you mean? I'll remember to ask you if I ever want to experiment. [Maybe next time he gets in a drinking contest with someone they can make it a bit more interesting.]

You're right. I just can't take all this walking! What do people do without servants to carry them around on their backs? [Really, how do people deal with that sort of thing? He just can't picture it. Yep. Shoving to his feet he tilts his head at Robyn questioningly.] Shall we? Or are you too comfortable there?

[Since the spot will still be there later. And they can discuss the care and feeding of griffons here or on the way.]

My fingers you mean. Maybe I'll have some meat ready for when I get it. [Pausing, he glances slyly at her out of the corner of his eye and adds-] And just think, even if we can only get one as big as a mabari, you could still ride it!

[Should he duck now?]

That's true. You need to be able to make all your jokes and keep things light while the rest of us are being miserable.

[ He's usually the one making people laugh, so hearing him laugh in return, when something does bring about that reaction in him, is warming and makes her smile. ]

Like a tavern- Yes. [ The bar, as they call it. Cleaner and much better-smelling than the places they're used to. ] I did learn a little, but there was so much to it... there were a lot of different choices and things to mix in. The man who works there was talking about chocolate, and... soda, and a dozen kinds of alcohol to go with them. [ She laughs weakly, shaking her head. ] You don't want to ask me; I'm no good with all that.

[ She doesn't drink much, as many people observed that night. ]

Too comfortable to consider carrying you on my back, if that's what you mean. [ Not that she could do it, though, with respect to their comparative sizes and weights. She smiles with measured smugness as she rises, but at the comment about her height, her mouth falls open in indignant surprise and she smacks him on the arm. ]

You-! Again with that talk! [ Robyn blows a raspberry at him, mature Grey Warden as she is. ] If we took a poll of who is a more reasonable size, I guarantee most would say I'm closer to it!

[ Acting more aloof, she sticks up her nose and starts back down the stairs, turning her back to him. ]

At least I would get to ride it, then. You could only watch!

That's my job.

[That and killing whatever he's pointed at. But mostly it's bad jokes.]

Chocolate in a drink? [That could be... weird. Or awful, if the bartender who made the suggestion meant ale or something. Ew.] I'll have to figure it out myself then. [Even just a couple to try maybe. It's not like he'll get the chance in Ferelden.]

Well now you're just being selfish. [Though he's glad she's not about to try. That would be painful for them both. Also hilarious to see. But painful.]

Oww! [As is that unwarranted attack. Painful. For him. Very painful. Cradling his arm, Alistair pouts and trails after her down the stairs once more.]

That depends on who we're asking. Are we tracking down everyone dwarf-sized or smaller? Or are we asking normal-sized people like me? [Extending his stride to catch up, Alistair pats her on the shoulder comfortingly.] Don't feel bad. You're definitely not the shortest person I've met here.

[That dubious honour goes to P-Dot, the tiny green woman. Gem. Whatever. Who might actually be able to ride Robyn's mabari. If she's still around and wasn't just part of the last event he will have to suggest it.]

And when I get my griffon I promise I'll let you ride it, OK?

[Yes, he's asking to be smacked again. What can he say, he likes living dangerously.]

You will. And, if Isabela offers you... ale, I think it was, from Rivain, then turn it away. It was very strong.

[ And it makes her head hurt just to think about it. ]

Oh, selfish, is it? Selfish to think I might just send us both toppling down the stairs if I tried that?

[ The mental image of her trying to carry him on her back is funny enough, though. ]

You are being an absolute fiend. [ She doesn't hit him again, but her expression has an amused, but calculating sort of look to it. It's possible that she's plotting her revenge beneath the surface. ] And I'm not dwarf-sized. I was taller than almost every one that we met in Orzammar.

[ SO THERE. ]

If Isabela offers me anything I'll say no.

[She's a menace to his dignity when he's sober. Being drunk with her is out of the question.]

When you put it like that, I can let you off. This once. I expect proper treatment next time, mind.

[Just as soon as she gains about a foot of height and a build like Sten.]

Were you really? [Yeah, that look? He's going to pay for this sooner or later. Well, in for a copper as they say.] Did you have thick soled boots on? I mean, you did say almost everyone you met in Orzammar. So how many dwarves were taller than you?

There's wisdom in that.

[ Distantly, she wonders what the duelist's offer had been to Aedan Cousland and his companions in the Pearl. Had he taken her up on the suggestion? Had he been romantically involved with any of his party members?

Best not to ask. ]

I wonder what your idea of proper treatment is. [ As they trot down the steps, going from the tenth floor down to the first, she tries to look appraisingly over at her fellow Warden. ] Nothing good, I expect.

[ Not really. Knowing him as she does, or... did, she knows how actually harmless all their teasing is. ]

Only a few. [ Robyn replies coolly, trying to look aloof. ] I had on my normal boots and only a few exceptionally-tall dwarves stood above me. Better than to be nearly three times their height, stomping through the place like an enormous monster, which... you were.

[ Again, the Warden aims a sort of nyeh face in his direction, scrunching up her nose. ]

You wound me! [See how he clutches at his chest? That is a mortal wound there.] My idea of proper treatment is perfectly normal I'll thank you. Silk pillows to sit on, piggyback rides everywhere and a beautiful maiden to peel grapes for me. You could do tha-

[He stops himself in the middle of suggesting she take the latter role, the uncomfortable memory of his own face and voice saying things he never said to someone he's only known a short while rising up. That... wouldn't be a good idea. They're getting to be friends despite the rocky start and weirdness, he's not going to ruin it. Or betray his double like that.

Clearing his throat Alistair quickly moves on in the hope that she won't notice the slip.]

It was difficult to deal with. They kept mistaking me for a funny looking golem and trying to find my control rod. [Wait. Wait.... Groaning he stops in the middle of the staircase and buries his face in his hands, voice muffled when he speaks again-] I really just said that, didn't I?

[And without Zevran or Isabela around to hear. Maybe the Maker does look out for him.]

[ Of course she notices that he cuts off a bit at the end of his sentence, and though she hadn't thought much of it (aside from a slightly-steadier pattering of her pulse), she gently submits: ]

Well, Wonderland has no shortage of beautiful maidens, and, as you know, you can find endless grapes and silk pillows. You've got everything you need, though... you may be hard-pressed to find someone to carry you.

[ She smiles kindly, as if to say don't think anything of it. There are dozens of other, wonderful women in the mansion who may have already caught his eye, and... it's entirely within his right, of course. He has no obligation to her, and they really don't know each other technically, and... how had she gotten onto this thought?

How does she get away from the little, painful pinching at her heart?

Robyn, too, clears her throat to excuse the lapse in conversation. Luckily, what he says next draws a surprised laugh. ]

I didn't think all dwarves were as forward as Oghren. [ Maker, but the accidental innuendo is even a little much for her, at least, with their relationship being... strange and nebulous as it is. There are the very, very faintest traces of pink in the height of her cheeks as they finally reach the ground floor and begin to move toward the front doors. ] Oh - Which did you support for king? Assuming you all had the same experiences of being somehow so deeply involved in Orzammar politics.

Maybe Shale or Sten will show up. They could manage it.

[He shoots her a grateful look, relieved that she doesn't comment. It's strange enough as is, the last thing he should be doing is saying things like that.

And as.... weird. Uncomfortable. As it is for him it has to be more than a little upsetting for Robyn too, being reminded of who he's not. Which has to matter a little, even if, true to her word, she treats him like a completely different person with whom she's just friends and nothing more.

Just because he feels bad for her it doesn't make her response any less horrifying, mind.]

Oghren-! [Cue spluttering as Alistair tries desperately not to think anything at all and fails miserably. Screwing up his face in disgust he moans miserably-] Now I need a bath.

[And one for his mind too. Or a good distraction.]

I guess so? You got the run around with Harrowmont and Bhelen too right? 'Go do this', 'go do that', 'kill them', 'fight this', 'find her'. Ugh. [It had been frustrating to say the least, jumping through so many hoops with the Blight looming overhead. But that's not answering Robyn's question.] We- Aedan chose to support Bhelen's claim.

[A decision he's still not sure he agrees with or not. Bhelen was underhanded and untrustworthy. But he had been willing to give the casteless a chance to fight which was better than most dwarves seemed to feel they deserved. And in the end, Bhelen hadn't been the worst of them down there. Stepping ahead, Alistair pushes open the door for her, frowning out at the grounds as he does.] What- What did you do about Branka? You found her too, right?

Could manage... what, acting as your 'beautiful maiden?' They may have a harder time peeling grapes, given that their fingers are a bit larger. Or... stone.

[ She knows what he'd meant, of course, but the playful banter comes easily, and she flashes him a cheeky grin from her position. ]

I've never heard someone speak the way he does. [ Not with quite so much abandon. The man has absolutely no filter and has said enough filth to make half the camp turn red. ] Zevran, at least, makes it sound... I don't know, flowery.

[ But, then, just about everyone their assassin friend does is done smoothly, unlike the dwarf's bluntness. ]

Of course. But, then, that's just how it's been throughout. I don't mind, though. [ Robyn adds quickly. ] If we can help people along the way, I don't see why we shouldn't. Isn't that the point of being a Grey Warden?

[ Plus all the stuff with the Blights and the darkspawn, naturally. ]

We supported Harrowmont. [ 'We,' and not 'I.' She replies with a small and almost weary smile. ] I should have known that it'd be the opposite. Is there any chance he's my unpleasant, bitter-sounding twin, only in another universe?

[ On second thought, she doesn't even want to speak hypothetically about being related to the man. Alistair hasn't made him sound very appealing, anyway.

At the mention of Branka, her smile fades. The day outside is beautiful and bright, but she can remember too easily the Deep Roads and the things they'd found beneath. ]

... Yes. To assure Harrowmont's claim, we went out to find the Anvil of the Void. [ She can guess without too much trouble what Aedan likely chose, but she won't say it aloud. ] ... I knew it would be difficult for Oghren, but we fought Branka. After hearing what Caridin had to say, I couldn't stand by and allow her to create more golems. [ As they walk, she glances downward, worrying at her bottom lip. ] We had to kill Branka, in the end. Caridin crafted a crown for the new king and ended his own life. Before we returned, though, we destroyed the Anvil, as he'd asked.

[ Now, she peers almost cautiously up at him, not quite wanting to ask. ]

Did Aedan instead think that... an army of golems might be put to a more strategic use?

Sten could do it I think. He has big hands but he's not clumsy.

[Whereas Shale would just squish them. And if he has to call one of them beautiful then.... he'll do it while running for his life. From either one.]

He's drunk all the time. What do you expect? [Being smooth probably requires sobriety. And tact. Neither of which Oghren has. Although Zevran is just as good at making him turn red as the dwarf.]

Helping is one thing. But a lot of that felt more like they were just jerking us around to prove they could. Making Grey Wardens run their errands and fight their battles for them when they should have wanted to end the Blight as much as we do.

[Being asked to help defend Redcliffe or reclaim the Circle had been one thing, but helping Bhelen deceive people and slaughtering the Carta had been something else. That had seemed less like they were helping and more like they were being used to clean up a mess that no one else wanted to bother with. But maybe he's just letting his dislike of the new dwarven king and said king's tactics influence him.

Alistair snorts with amusement at the suggestion that Robyn and Aedan might be twins somewhere, trying to picture it a moment before pulling a face.]

Only if that means you're still in charge.

[Maybe then he'd be happier with how everything has gone since Ostagar. It certainly would have been an improvement in Orzammar. As they make their way towards the woods Alistair keeps his gaze fixed ahead rather than see the expression on Robyn's face as she looks up at him. She guesses immediately what choice Aedan made and he nods unhappily.]

Got it in one. [He sounds gloomily resigned, still unhappy about the decision.] We killed Caridin and left Branka with the Anvil. To keep sacrificing people. I didn't- [It doesn't matter what he did or didn't want. The decision had been made and he'd let it happen.] She promised we'd have golems to fight the darkspawn. But it wasn't the right thing to do. I know we're supposed to do whatever it takes but some things are going too far.

[As useful as they'd be, it isn't worth the price. Even Caridin had felt that way. And that was completely ignoring what Branka had done to her own household.]

[ The idea of Sten (and for some reason, in this imagining of him, he's in a dress to play the role of 'beautiful maiden') feeding grapes to Alistair is... hilarious, to say the least, however unlikely. It's more probable that the qunari would try and choke the life out of both of them if they suggested it, but she can't help the lilting laugh that escapes at the thought. ]

I don't know, I've never spent so much time with a dwarf! Until Orzammar, anyhow.

[ Not that Oghren is in any way a representation of his entire race, based on her later experiences with them. ]

That's... true. [ She frowns slightly, thinking of the many tasks they'd been set to in the dwarven city alone, not to mention all the other places they visited. ] Though, sometimes I think it really did make a difference, you know? Not all of the time, but... some of those people really needed our help. There was a dwarven girl who wanted to study at the Circle, and I'm not sure she would have made it if we hadn't interceded on her behalf.

[ Thinking of Dagna brings another little smile to her face; it had been hard to say no to that enthusiasm, and the First Enchanter had really owed them a few favors, after all. ]

I can try and be a suitable leader. [ Not over Aedan, though, preferably. Not after all that Alistair's said. And now, with the admission of his actions down in the Deep Roads, her pleased look fades again into something ruminating and a touch bitter. ]

How could he do all those things, be so callous? [ Robyn shakes her head, staring hard ahead at the grass as they approach the outskirts of the forest. ] I know, like you said, that some things are necessary to end the Blight, but...

[ She doesn't blame the others; Aedan had obviously had an iron grip on the group and its actions and decisions. The idea that Aedan was the man who lived in her place makes her stomach clench up painfully and she worries at her bottom lip. ]

I'm sorry. [ The Warden says finally, quietly, now looking up to the other. ] I can't imagine going through all that, watching him... choose those things. I only wish you'd been leading the party rather than him.

[Well, no. There were plenty of sober dwarves in Orzammar that is true. But it's hard to remember that after a while stuck listening to Oghren snore.]

You got her a place at the Circle? Really? [A dwarf at the Circle of Magi. Who'd have ever thought it could happen. Even given the state of the Circle he didn't think they'd have taken on someone who could never learn magic. It says something about Robyn that she managed to convince the First Enchanter to let the girl in question study there. And that she cares so much about helping others. Glancing down at her and the pleased expression on her face he can't help smiling as well.

The expression fades quickly as she questions the actions of the other Warden Cousland and he shakes his head.]

I don't know. He said to me once 'Wardens do what is needed, not what is nice' but... being a decent human shouldn't interfere with stopping the Blight.

[He stops abruptly when Robyn suggests he could have taken charge of the party, blinking down at her in surprise. Even now, after being told he should - and it seems will - take the throne of Ferelden it's still a surprise that someone thinks he can lead anything. After a moment Alistair resumes walking, leading the way between the trees as he replies-]

I don't know if that would have been a good idea. [He may not like the direction their efforts against the Blight have taken but at least there have been efforts made.] I must have- The 'me' you know must have been as much of a mess after Ostagar as I was. I don't know if I could have led anything until it was too late.

[He'd been too caught up in his grief at the start, too unsure of himself and his decisions. Even if he tried he wonders if anyone would have agreed to support a Grey Warden who scarcely believed in himself.]

Maybe I shouldn't complain so much. I didn't exactly step up.

[It doesn't excuse what's happened but it is the truth.]

Well, after the... incident at Kinloch Hold, the First Enchanter agreed to the request. She still can't practice actual magic, of course, but she wanted to study magical theory and wasn't allowed to do so by her father. She gave up her caste for the experience; I think the First Enchanter could see how important it was to her.

[ It should have been clear to everyone, Robyn thinks, how strongly Dagna had wanted to study within the Circle. What she'd said about it had been impressive, too; the dwarf obviously had been considering it for a long time and hadn't just produced the idea on a whim. ]

Wardens do do what is needed, but they can do it in ways that don't hurt the innocent. It needn't be one or the other.

[ As Alistair said, a Grey Warden could still be decent and human and still stop the darkspawn. Insisting otherwise seems more like taking the easy way out than anything.

Robyn follows him through the trees, listening with a slight frown. ]

Of course you were a mess- Maker's breath, Alistair, we both were. We'd almost died on that tower, and we would have, if Morrigan's mother hadn't stepped in. After that, and after Duncan-

[ She cuts off, though she's still walking alongside him. After a few seconds' consideration, she picks up: ]

I can only guess that his situation was the same; do you know how Aedan was able to escape what happened at Highever? How I was able to survive it, too?

I think anyone who cared to could have seen it.

[The dwarven girl had been so eager to learn, he remembers that much even after meeting her so briefly. Maybe she found a way to get her wish in his Ferelden too, even without help.

Helping in that case had admittedly had nothing to do with their duty as Wardens. But their job was to protect people. Primarily from the darkspawn but that didn't excuse them from everything else.]

That's what I tried to say. But- [Alistair shakes his head, fists clenching by his sides in frustration.] It didn't get through.

[An understatement. That confrontation had gone absolutely nowhere. The most he can say is that he'd spoken up and hope it counts for something.]

I heard some of it. [He hesitates, glancing down at her worriedly. It honestly hadn't occurred to him until just then that the things Howe had done to Aedan Cousland's family would also have happened to Robyn Cousland. She would have been as distraught after Ostagar as he was. But she'd been the one to shoulder the burden of leadership. It makes him feel selfish, knowing if they were from the same Ferelden he'd have left everything to her despite all she lost.] It was because Duncan was there, wasn't it? He helped you escape after- After.

[He doesn't know all the details but everyone had heard about the massacre at Highever. It was no secret. Her entire family. Pausing, Alistair reaches out to squeeze her shoulder gently, uncertain if she'll welcome an attempt at comfort or not. This could well have come up between Robyn and 'her Alistair', making anything he has to offer an unwelcome reminder, but he can't ignore it.]

You saw her, then. [ Robyn confirms, but she doesn't need to ask what they did for the dwarven girl. Or, rather, what Aedan Cousland did, which was likely nothing at all. She has no doubt that Alistair himself and some of their other companions would have helped her had they been directing the group's movements. ]

Then, he's an ass for not listening to you. [ She say finally, and firmly. ] I know you don't think much of your own leadership, but you're easily kind enough to have done the right thing. Throughout, even, not just for Dagna.

[ He's so much more than that and she wants to tell him so, but her stomach twists uncomfortably and she knows it'd be selfish to even seem anything more than... friendly. His sister-in-arms. As such, it's easy to fall back into the conversation about Duncan and Highever, to let the mixed sadness show because of that, and only that, rather than as a result of how she feels for him (even now, even if he doesn't remember). ]

If Duncan hadn't been there, I would have died. [ She says quietly, the memory of their escape still fresh and sharp in her mind. ] I didn't know him like you did, not at all, but my father thought... so much of him. I could see even in our short time together why he was so respected and well-loved. To lose him so soon after- I just didn't want you to share that burden alone.

[ Strangely, it didn't really come to conversation between herself and the Alistair back in Ferelden. There had been too many other things to do and to discuss that they didn't have time for her own, bloody past. The gesture, his reaching out for her shoulder, is somehow a surprise, and she can't keep the pink from the apples of her cheeks. ]

... Thank you. [ She says finally, reaching up to delicately lay her hand over his. ] But you lost your family, too. At Osatagar. I'm hardly the only one who's suffered.

[Alistair can't stop a quiet huff of laughter as Robyn declares Aedan to be an ass. Not inaccurate he'd say but not what he'd expected. It still comes as a surprise that she thinks so highly of him, though maybe it shouldn't. She certainly hasn't made a secret of her opinions, based as they may be on someone he's not sure how much he has in common with. Enough that she really does seem to know him and it's been surprisingly easy to fall into a friendship despite only recently have mended their bridges.

He doesn't protest the claim, even if he can't help but wonder if she's not just a little biased, just shoots her a faintly embarrassed, faintly pleased smile.

One that's quickly lost as she talks of her family and Duncan and how she'd escaped Howe's attack.]

I'm glad he was there to help you. That he managed to get you out of there. [Flushing faintly himself he clears his throat.] I wish you could have gotten to know him. I think you would have liked him. And he would have been proud to have a Warden like you.

[Catching her hand in his own he brings them down between them, squeezing lightly.]

I... didn't know all of them that well. Mostly just Duncan. And I wasn't there to see... What I mean is, if you ever want to talk about them I'd be happy to listen.

[ Truthfully, she would say the same for anyone she cared about. Were it Brennan or Dorian especially, in Wonderland, or any of her companions in Thedas, she would sing their praises as long as they let her. It's the kind of person that the Warden is, whether or not there's any romance involved. It's why, despite what else she feels for him, she has no issue with letting Alistair know that she supports him and thinks highly of him. ]

So am I. [ Without Duncan, she would have been killed, too. She wouldn't have become a Warden or met any of the others, and together, they won't (wouldn't?) be able to stop the Blight. ] I would have loved to know him better, to see more of the good things you've told me about and of those I've seen.

[ "He would have been proud to have a Warden like you." There's a little, sheepish smile and another light touch of pink and she clears her throat in return. ]

You're too kind. [ Robyn says quietly, brushing some of her hair from her face with her free hand. ] And I may not have known him, but, Alistair- I could tell how proud he was of you, even in that brief time.

[ Duncan had been Alistair's mentor, and it isn't much of a stretch to say that the veteran had loved the younger Warden and thought of him as a son. Still, it isn't her place to say, so she doesn't... but, she does hope that he knows.

He takes her hand, bringing it down between them, and automatically hers closes a little more firmly around his. He offers a squeeze and she thumbs lightly along the skin there, looking down as if captivated. ]

Talk about the Wardens, you mean? [ She questions lightly, still grasping his hand, but looking up at the taller soldier with a little smile. ] I... would love to hear about them, sometime. I may meet some of the others after the Blight, but I'm more interested in your stories. They're likely to be more exciting.

[ The brunette giggles brightly, teeth appearing in another smile. ]

[He smiles down at her, pleased to hear someone else talking about Duncan and remembering him, wanting to have a chance to know him. He deserved better than he'd gotten and his killer still needed to be brought to justice but so long as he was remembered it was... something.

He has to swallow against the sudden lump in his throat. That someone who'd only know Duncan a short-time and only seen how he acted around Alistair for an even shorter time felt that way.... He glances away, blinking furiously to clear his eyes.]

You really think- [He has to stop and clear his throat before he can say anything more, voice thick with emotion when he does manage to speak.] ...Thank you.

[It's not near enough for saying something he'd always wanted to hear but it's all he can mange right then. Looking down at their hands as well to avoid Robyn's gaze Alistair shrugs nervously.]

Talk about the Wardens or your family. [Is that too forward? He never met any of the Couslands besides Robyn and Aedan. At best he might have seen the eldest son at Ostagar but Robyn might not have had an older brother. He's quick to go on, a note of uncertainty in his voice-] If that would help. But if you just want to hear about the other Wardens I knew I can do that too. I can't promise exciting stories but I'll do my best.

[If all she wants is to hear about people she never knew and avoid the reminder of what she lost he can't fault her for that at all. And he wouldn't mind the chance to talk about the people he knew however briefly that were lost at Ostagar.]

[ They would get justice for Duncan and for the other Wardens. For her family, too, and not too far from their present. Robyn is a believer in mercy, but what Howe and Loghain did... isn't excusable. It had been beyond wrong, no matter what anyone said. In her mind, it was all evil.

She catches the emotion in his face and courteously glances away, not wanting to make him feel self-conscious, though Alistair does the same not long after. ]

I do. [ Robyn confirms softly. ] I mean it.

[ To her, it was obvious to see what the man had thought of the young Warden. He ought to know how much his mentor believed in him.

Somehow, his offer surprises her, and she looks up with something like wonder and then hastily glances back down again. ]

I- [ Something warm flutters in her chest at the thought of being able to talk about her family again, and she smiles down at their hands as she turns the idea over in her mind. ] ... I haven't spoken of them much at all since I've been here. Even in Ferelden, we... didn't have a lot of time.

[ Finally, she glances at him again, expression one of gratitude. ]

I would love that. If you really don't mind, that is. And you can tell me about the Wardens, some of your favorite stories or the trouble you got into.

[ It's easy to imagine that young recruits, even to the Grey Wardens, might have some silly instances to share. She's just relieved to be able to talk about her family after so long, and it feels a little as if a knot has loosened in her chest. ]

Ah- [ Robyn speaks up again suddenly, glancing around. ] Is... this where you go to get away, right here? Or is it somewhere else nearby?

[As much as he'd believed Duncan cared about him as more than just another Warden recruit it meant a lot to know that someone else felt the same way and he wasn't just seeing what he wanted to be true.

Squeezing her hand again Alistair smiles at a nearby tree, not quite able to meet Robyn's eyes when she looks up at him.] We've got plenty of time for it now.

[There really wouldn't have been much time for her to be able to talk about her family and everything she lost back in Ferelden. It's one upside to Wonderland, that they can sit and talk about the things that matter. Or even things that don't matter.]

I wouldn't have offered if I didn't mean it. [He finally looks back at her, voice taking on a playful note as he adds-] But I'll only tell you my embarrassing stories if you tell me some about you.

[Since it felt like she already had the advantage there. She'd suggested as much before and if the same things had happened to him as to not-him then she definitely had plenty to work with already. He'd never had a problem sharing tales of the things he'd gotten up to in the past to make others laugh and that seemed to be true where she was from too. So he had a lot of catching up to do.

It's only when Robyn reminds him of what they're doing out in the woods that he realises he's gotten completely distracted by their talk.]

No, um, this isn't it. [Pulling his hand back suddenly, cheeks flaming he waves a hand awkwardly at the trees ahead.] It's not far to go. I'll just- ah.

[Quickly he starts walking again, not looking back and trying to ignore how his hand feels cold now.]

That we do. [ Plenty of time, that is, until one or both of them are sent to their separate, respective worlds. Though she does want and need to go back to Ferelden to help end the Blight, the thought of leaving the people she's met here is... saddening. It's true even for him; though another version of Alistair will be back waiting for her, it isn't the same man she's grown to know here. It won't be the other Warden who went through Wonderland with her. ... Though, if she won't remember it, either... ]

I promise no embarrassing stories. [ She laughs, taken by surprise. ] Though it's possible you'll see one despite my best efforts, knowing Wonderland. A memory of me covered in mud alongside the dog, surprising visiting nobles, maybe?

[ Yes, that actually happened, and no, she isn't going to go into details about it. ]

Oh- [ She hadn't realized how nice it was to have a hand in her own again, for the first time, really, since she'd arrived, until he jerks his away. Robyn clears her throat hastily, wondering if she'd said something wrong, but then follows quietly behind him as he hurries off. ]

It's all right. [ Robyn says, trying to keep up with his longer strides. ] I don't mind the walk. It can be... stifling to be in that mansion for so long, sometimes.

[As strange and often frustrating as Wonderland can be he has made good friends here too. The thought of losing them all is not a good one, no matter how important it is that they both return to their homes and do their duty as Wardens. And it feels worse somehow, knowing that it's currently beyond their control if they leave and forget all the good memories they've made. Or could still make.]

I'd like to see that! I bet you made quite a sight!

[Really, why not share all the details just in case Wonderland doesn't indulge him? He can share something just as bad in return. It will build a sense of camaraderie. And give him something to tease her about in the future... Something else to tease her about.

Alistair slows as he realises Robyn is having trouble keeping up with him, amusement helping distract him from the fact he'd just been standing there holding her hand for ages like an idiot for no good reason. At least it didn't seem to have made her uncomfortable, given he knew she was seeing someone and even if it was weird it was still- He just didn't want to ruin what they already had. There was already a chance of losing the friendship they were developing, he didn't need to do it himself.]

It can, can't it? I just miss the fresh air after a while. That's why I like coming out here.

[That and the opportunity to make as much noise as he liked and burn off his excess energy. He's even brought his pike out on occasion, though he's not telling Robyn that.]

Don't even think about it. [ She warns, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. ] If you so much as look to a puddle of mud, I'll push you into it first!

[ Okay, he'd be hard to push, and she'd be easy to toss into it, but... well, she could outrun him, at the very least. ]

I can see why. [ As he's said, the fresh air helps, and it makes her think more of traveling across Ferelden and camping out in the open. Having been a resident in the mansion for as long as she has, any opportunity to find less stifling places to spend time are welcome. ] ... Did I tell you, the night I first arrived, I tried to camp out here? Out of habit, I think, and... it felt safer. Except, the Inquisitor found me and insisted I... not.

[ He and Dorian had let her stay in their room while her own got sorted. It had certainly been strange to find it the next day dressed to her preferences without her having done anything to it. ]

Still, I'd rather be out here. [ Robyn says firmly as they go. ] For the space, and... [ She glances over at him briefly, as if debating adding: ] ... It can be good to practice, in case there's to be fighting.

Wouldn't dream of it! [He so would. If he catches her off-guard he might be able to pick her up before she can run and dump her in there. It just needs to rain.]

You never told me that. [He laughs, looking around the woods and trying to picture Robyn seated by a cozy little campfire with a tent set up behind her. It's nicer than some of the places he remembers sleeping and he's never seen another monster in the woods since that one time. It wouldn't be bad.] I can see why you would have felt safer out here.

[Arriving in a strange, magical mansion full of strangers with no idea how one had gotten there made just about everyone a little nervous. And Brennan had been the one to seek her out when she was new and feeling alone. No wonder they'd become such good friends.]

We should do that one night. Camp out. Pitch some tents, tell stories around the fire. It would be fun!

[They could enjoy the freedom of being out in the open for a night or two without the worry of being ambushed by darkspawn or Loghain's men. They could even invite some of the others along for it. It would almost be like being back home.

Finally coming to a clearing in the woods Alistair stops in the centre and turns to face her, arms out.]

Ta-da!

[It's really not much, only distinguishable from any other similar clearing by the battered training dummy off to the side and the gashes from a blade that decorate several tree trunks. But it does the job.]

You were talking about practicing too?

You want me to what? BE QUIET? | Open

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