Mythal's Favour: A Dragon Age Origins Fan Fiction

Chapter 13

Chapter 13 – The Last Task

Ayu awoke to Beren licking her face.

 “Hmmmm? What? What is it boy?” Ayu asked the mabari groggily. She pushed her tousled hair from her eyes with one hand, and reached out to the mabari with the other. Beren pushed his head against her hand and softly whined. “You are such a suck.” Ayu smiled at her beloved dog.

 Ayu sighed. “He didn't come, did he?”

 Beren whined and dropped his head onto Ayu's stomach. Ayu kept running her fingers over the dog's short fur, letting her mind wander. Her brief reverie was soon broken by the mabari as he quietly barked once to get her attention. Ayu's eyes focused on Beren, but she was finding it difficult. Pushing herself up, so she was sitting on the bed, Ayu held her head in her hands. Beren whined and pushed his nose under her arm.

 “I'm . . oh Beren. You know I'm not okay, don't you?”

 The war dog let this head rest against Ayu's chest, a slow whine escaping his jowls. She hugged her friend tightly for a moment, before letting him go and rising from the bed. Ayu's legs could not support her weight and she stumbled, falling back onto the bed. Beren's head whipped in her direction.

 “I'll be alright boy. Just a little unsteady this morning.” Ayu attempted to keep her voice light and reassuring.

 Rising once more, slowly this time, Ayu made her way over to the vanity. She flopped down into the chair and pulled her hair into a ponytail. She grasped a clay pitcher of water and poured some of its contents into a matching bowl. Taking a small cloth, Ayu ran it over her arms, chest and face. She let the cool, damp cloth rest against her closed eyes for a moment. She gazed up into the mirror and saw a startling sight. Ayu was very pale, all the colour drained from her. Her eyes were dark and sunken into their sockets.

 “I look like crap.” Ayu said to herself, examining her reflection. She sighed heavily once more removed her hair tie, and began to brush out her hair.

“Oh, there you are Ayu!” Leliana exclaimed. “I was getting worried that you would not be joining us for breakfast.”

 Ayu offered the woman a weak smile. “I am here.” Ayu walked to an open seat at the dining table and sat down. Beren sat at her side, resting his chin on her lap. She scratched the dog's head affectionately, turning to her companions.

 Vongrim and another servant appeared in the room with a cart laden with food. The pair set various plates and bowls down before the party. Each member filled their plates and began to eat.

 “So, we are supposed to meet with Dulin after breakfast, correct?” Ayu asked, spearing a sausage with her fork.

 “That is correct.” Wynne replied from where she sat across the table. “He wishes to speak with us. I assume he has another task for us to complete.”

 Ayu shook her head. “It wouldn't surprise me. I am so tired of doing the dirty work for others.”

 “I know, Ayu. But if we are to get their aid, we have to play nice.”

 “I know Wynne. I do. I just . . it's tiring.”

 Wynne reached across the table and placed her hand on Ayu's. “We will all get through this.” She patted Ayu's hand then returned to her breakfast.

Once the plates were cleared, Vongrim opened the door and Dulin entered the room. He sat at the vacant seat at the head of the table and cleared his throat.

 “Lord Harrowmont wishes to speak with you tomorrow morning. He is pleased that you have successfully completed all that he's asked of you. He would have seen you today, however he has other matters to attend to. You are free to do as you wish today. Might I suggest a visit to the Shaperate? The Shaper of Memories can give you much information about Orzammar, if you are curious.” Dulin stood from his seat, bowed once quickly and left the room.