A Life's Worth

Tumbling Barriers

Eloriel entered the Chantry and quickly scanned the room, trying to spot any bastards around. She looked around and stopped when she saw a man, well built, in the corner, talking to restless villagers. He was obviously rich, dressed in robes unlike the cloth of the residents.

Is this the Ban?

Eloriel walked up to the man and tapped his shoulder lightly. He turned around and smiled as his eyes landed on her.

"You must be the elf who got us a blacksmith," he says with a nod. "I didn't know who breathtaking you were. No wonder you got him to open up with your charming eyes." He bowed down to the madly blushing elf. He gently held her hand and placed a kiss on it, making her blush more. "I am Ban Teagan. And may I inquire the name of the beauty before me?"

"E-Eloriel, that's my name," she spoke up, looking away.

"And such a lovely one at that, it perfectly matches your beauty."

"Thanks? That is really, very kind of you."

"You have been a great help, I should thank you. And I hate to impose but..." he trailed off.

"Sure, I can help out," Eloriel finished with a toothy grin. "What do you need?"

The Ban looked at her curiously and immediately stopped when he saw her dark look.

"What is it about me being an elf?" she asked plainly, crossing her arms. She should've known that he'd think something stupid about her race. Everyone does. Eloriel was pretty sure Alistair said something to, but that could be because of her gender. Either way, Eloriel hated being looked down upon because of the way she was built.

Ban Teagan shook his head slowly. "I'm just wondering why you don't have a ring."

"Well, I don't-" Eloriel stopped in mid yell. "Wait. What?"

"Don't your people do that as well? To signify that they have a significant other?"

"WHAT?!?!" Eloriel excaimed, now tomato red. "I'm not...! Why are you wondering that?!"

"You don't?" the Ban questioned, rubbing his chin. "That is truly shocking."

Eloriel looked away. "I wouldn't be able to..." she muttered under her breath. She looked up at Ban Teagan. "What about you? Do you have someone?"

"Oh. No. I don't. I guess that I have yet to find my match," he says, looking at her with a smile.

Eloriel swallowed. She wondered why they were talking about this when there was a bunch of dead shems about to invade this night.

"Maybe we could..." Ban Teagan trailed off, ears blushing lightly.

"Yeah, that'd be nice-" Eloriel was going to continue, but right then Alistair grabbed her arm and pulled her behind him.

The Ban looked at Alistair once and his eyes widened. "Alistair? Is that you? Last I remember, you were rolling in the mud!"

Alistair chuckled, squeezing Eloriel. "Teagan, it's good to see you after so long!"

"Do you know Eloriel?" Ban Teagan asked Alistair, looking past him and smiling at Eloriel. "She's quite the woman."

"Yeah, I know. Sorry, Teagan, but we need to prepare. Maybe the two of us can catch up later."

"Eloriel-"

"Has to prepare," Alistair counters in a cold voice. "All night," he finishes slowly. He waves at the Ban and walks away, dragging a confused Eloriel behind him.

Alistair dropped Eloriel's arm as they made their way to the bridge overlooking Redcliffe. Alistair leaned against the bridge, placing his arms on the ledge. He let out a large sigh and looked over to Eloriel.