Dragon Age Origins: The Tale of Solana

Chapter 35: Making Plans

As they neared the entrance to the quaint, little town Solana was a little shocked. It was nearly filled to the brim with tents and scattered people of all races. The Blight seems to have no prejudice on who or what it attacks. Solana felt an uneasiness for these people. They should not carelessly remain so close to the edges of the Wilds with darkspawn camps within miles of the place. The voices echoed their concerns, joining Solana's in a single thought of worry. They will die here if they stay.

The companions began descending the slope down into Lothering, Solana feeling unnerved. She hoped their stay here wouldn't be long. Alistair stopped at the edge before heading the rest of the way down. He took a deep breath in, as if preparing himself to speak. He admired the view and stretched his hands way out. "Well, there it is. Lothering. Pretty as a painting."

"Ah," Morrigan says as she walks slowly from behind. "So you have finally decided to rejoin us, have you?" She took a stand next to him with only the slightest glimmer in her eye. She did so enjoy pestering the man. "Falling on your blade in grief seemed like too much trouble, I take it?"

Solana watched as Alistair's red face grew ten shades darker. Andaran bowed his front and covered his ears with a whine. "Is my being so upset so hard to understand," Alistair began loudly with fists clenched tight. "Have you never lost someone important to you? Just what would you do if your mother died?"

Morrigan could not help the hysterical laugh that escaped. She held her left elbow as her other hand came to her face to hide her cheek. Her smile spreading wide onto her dark lips. "Before or after I stopped laughing?"

Alistair's eyes widened in horror, but suddenly he understood. Why was he trying to reason with this woman? It was obviously going to go nowhere, and he knew that. She could never understand how he felt. He glanced over at Solana before he crossed his arms and his eyes fell on Lothering once more. "Right. Very Creepy. Forget I asked."

"You have been very quiet, Alistair." Solana said this as she bent down to pet Andaran and reassure him the fight was over. Her worried blue eyes slide up into the Warden's face. She searched his features for any sign of depression she could help with. Alistair looked a bit surprised before clearing his throat.

"Yes, I know. I was just... Thinking."

"No wonder it took so long, then," Morrigan smiled at her own joke.

Alistair narrowed his eyes at the Witch. "Oh, I get it. This is the part where we're shocked to discover how you've never had a friend your entire life."

Morrigan felt slammed by the comment. Her face reddens with embarrassment at the truth his words slung at her. The Witch raised her chin a notch; refusing to let the hurt in the man's words affect her. "I can be friendly when I desire to. Alas, desiring to be more intelligent does not make it so."

Solana's head dropped into her hands. She wondered how long these two would go on with this mockery and tossing of insults at one another. Was she to be the parent in this situation? The little elf wasn't sure if she was ready to be a mom of two squawking teenagers yet. With a huff she was relieved when Alistair dismissed Morrigan's comment. He turned towards Solana instead.

"I thought we should talk about where we intend to go, first."

"I don't know," Solana patted Andaran's head. "With these rumors that we killed the king, it might be best if we hear some news before we can decide."

"But we need to decide what our general plan is for afterwards, don't we?" Alistair scratched the stubble growing on his face with a thoughtful frown.