King & Lionheart

Ostagar

The statues cold gaze bore through August's head, straight past his eyes and directly into his thoughts.

"I was cursed to spend eternity here, telling my lies to all who pass by. All for predicting my master's downfall. But, I was not wrong, was I? Tevinter does not hold these lands any longer."

August woke with a start, his head aching. The train rocked, normally managing to lull him to sleep, but now all it did was make him nauseous.

The blankets were entirely too hot, throwing them away from his body and standing to dig through his bag, finding a sea sickness bracelet Duncan had bought for him before the trip.

I hate that 'I told you so' look.

But, Duncan did tell him so.

August pushed the pressure point against his wrist, sitting on the floor and taking deep breaths. He jumped at a knock on the door.

"What?" he asked, less than friendly. Mag- or, Tabris now, he supposed- stood there, surprised.

"I- I heard you through the walls. Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine."

"You're sweating."

"No, I'm not."

"And you're pale."

"No, I'm not."

"And you're wearing the bracelet."

"Fuck," August rubbed at his face, wiping the ever so present cold sweat that clung to his forehead. "Is there something I can help you with?"

The train rocked both of them, Tabris seeming unaffected.

"I... couldn't sleep either. I figured it was the same story for you."

She raised her brows, waiting for a response. August only sighed, moving aside to let her in.

She sat on the awkward chair in the corner, the only suitable spot other than the bed, where August situated himself.

"I know why I can't sleep, why can't you sleep?" he asked her, opening the drawer at his bedside to take a pack of cigarettes, lighting one. He offered the pack to her, to which she declined.

"I keep seeing... him. His face."

"Whose face? The Maker? Andraste? You know Andraste was a woman, right?"

"No, no- Nelaros. My fiancé," she explained, staring down at her hands. A day or two ago, they were covered in a human lord's blood. "He died, in the manor. Trying to save me and the others."

"Sounds like he was pretty stupid," August grumbled, blowing smoke through his nose.

"Maybe. But I thought it was brave. I don't really mind stupid."

A frown formed, August's features softening.

"You didn't love him though, right?"

"No. But I think I could've. If I tried."

August sighed, looking down at the burning end of his cigarette. "You don't smoke, but how about a drink?"

He stood, digging through his bag once more, cigarette caught between his teeth. A small bottle of who knows what- presumably alcohol- was stashed inside. "I paid a pretty penny for this at the Alienage's shop. I think it's moonshine. Certainly smells like it."

Popping off the top, a swig was taken, and coughing followed.

"Ow, fuck, Andraste's tits-" he grumbled. "Want some?"