The Heroine of Ferelden

Ch: 19

After a brief rest, Elra joined her companions for dinner, feeling refreshed yet intrigued by the next encounter awaiting her. As she made her way to the tent where Alder was waiting, both Leliana and Aneirin exchanged knowing smiles, leaving them to talk in private.

Alder stood as she entered, greeting her with a polite nod. He was handsome in a quiet, refined way, his presence marked by an air of composure that bordered on stoicism. Yet beneath that reserved exterior, Elra could sense a glimmer of charm—a confidence tempered by subtle charisma. She found herself curious about this mage who seemed so different from what she had anticipated.

“So, Alder,” she began, taking her seat opposite him, “Aneirin tells me you’re contemplating a… different path. Adventuring, I hear?”

He gave a slight smile, the kind that hinted at unspoken thoughts. “Yes, something like that. Life as a mage can be… limiting, especially when bound to a circle,” he replied, his tone cool yet earnest. “I’ve been considering leaving it behind. A life of adventure, a family one day, perhaps. I don’t want the rigid rules anymore. I want something real.” His gaze met hers, his expression unwavering. “Aneirin spoke of you, Elra. Said you might understand the balance of duty and freedom.”

Elra regarded him with interest, finding his perspective refreshing. “Not many mages are bold enough to step out and seek more. It’s a dangerous path,” she noted, though her tone held an undercurrent of admiration.

He leaned in slightly, his eyes searching hers. “True. But from what I hear, you know something about danger. I’m not looking for an easy life—I just want one that’s mine. And with someone like you… well, I think adventure might find us both.”

Elra raised an eyebrow, caught off guard by his candor. Alder wasn’t looking for power or rank, but rather for something deeper—a life that allowed him to embrace his true self. She felt a spark of excitement at the thought of sharing that journey with someone who shared her yearning for something beyond the usual battles and boundaries. It was a different kind of allyship, one rooted in mutual understanding of ambition and the thrill of the unknown.

As they talked, the hours passed easily, a bond forming over shared dreams of purpose and freedom.

Alder's eyes lingered on Elra for a moment, a faint smile playing at his lips as he shifted the conversation to a more personal note. "I’ve heard about your journey—from a city elf to a Grey Warden,” he said, his tone both curious and respectful. “It must have been… transformative.”

Elra nodded, reflecting briefly on the struggles and triumphs that had defined her path. “It was a hard journey,” she replied, “but it made me who I am. Though, I imagine you didn’t bring it up just for small talk.”

Alder’s gaze softened, and he asked, almost cautiously, “Was there… anyone in your life?” His question was carefully phrased, but the intent was clear. Elra felt a hint of warmth in his gaze, a sincerity that made her pause.

She allowed herself a moment of honesty. “Yes, once,” she admitted, her voice was quiet. “There was someone. But that was a long time ago. Things… drifted.”

He nodded, taking in her response without pushing. “Fair enough,” he said, a slight smile returning. “I suppose I understand. I had someone too—once.” He hesitated, as though weighing his words, before adding, “But now, I’m here, talking with you.”

Elra appreciated the subtle boldness of his answer. There was an unspoken understanding between them, a sense that both had left past attachments behind in pursuit of something new. The conversation lingered between them, the unguarded moments creating an unexpected connection.

As Alder turned to leave, he paused at the entrance of Elra's tent, casting one last glance back at her. There was a faint gleam in his eyes, a mix of intrigue and restraint. “I won’t ask you what it is you want out of life,” he said, a slight smile playing on his lips. “Others can ask those questions, but I’d rather let you show me when you’re ready.”

He held her gaze for a brief moment before giving a nod. “Good night, Elra.”

With that, he slipped out of the tent, leaving behind a quiet warmth and a lingering sense of something unspoken. Elra watched him go, her thoughts swirling, feeling a pull toward his unassuming confidence and the promise that lay in the mystery he offered.