We had decided to head to the closest city, and get some news from the locals. We were told there was a small town by the name of Lothering ahead. We would be able to get some stock while we were there before heading to Redcliffe, where the Arl we wished to speak to was.
Morrigan was to join us as well, and she didn't actually seem as unhappy when we were out of the wilds. She had told her mother she didn't want to, and Azeri attempted to talk her mother into letting her stay. I could tell Azeri was thrilled she was coming along, but I thought her attempt was sweet. She had also made it obvious she didn't want Morrigan to be upset.
They lagged behind a little, much to Morrigan's dismay. It seemed she was still angry with Azeri though when I looked at her I could tell it wasn't for the reasons she said it was. She wasn't a hateful woman, but she was far from pleasant. And far from caring. So I knew the deal she was making about Azeri leaving her comrades was only to cover up what she was actually mad about. I walked with Alistair at my side. Or I at his, whichever way you prefer. Either way we were side by side, and I was pleased with it. I watched him a little, noticing a bit of a smile on my face when I did. It was strange that I liked a man for more than his body, and I thought maybe I was beginning to with Alistair. However I wasn't sure, I couldn't get passed his looks long enough to tell if I liked his personality. I could only really tell I liked his sense of humor
Anyways, we were on our way toward Lothering when we were stopped once again. It wasn't by an enemy it seemed, there was a slight whimper and a bark before a dog ran toward us. Being a city elf, I immediately flinched back. I had been attacked by those dogs on more than one occasion. However Azeri happily stepped forward and bent as the dog ran toward us and looked at us.
"hey there, buddy!" She said happily, petting his ears. He responded with a happy bark, and Azeri turned back to us. "I helped this doggie back at the camp. Can he come with us? I think he likes me, Ven." She looked to me again, as if I were the leader. But I looked to Alistair and he shrugged.
"I don't see why not." I shrugged as well, and she turned to him and they both seemed to give a happy whimper in response. She gave the dog a kiss on the nose before tilting her head.
"I think I'm gonna name him Charlie. What do you think Morrigan? You like animals, right?"
"I do not care." She looked away, and Azeri and the Mabari both released a disappointed whimper.
"Don't be so mean to her, or the dog." I looked back at Morrigan and said calmly. She responded by shrugging slightly, and looking away. It wasn't anger I saw on her, but merely annoyance.
I turned back, and noticed something approaching. It seemed Charlie noticed as well, because he let out a low growl, and bared his teeth in that direction. I narrowed my eyes to help me see, and noticed it was a few darkspawn that seemed to have broken from their army. I drew my weapon quickly, and as did everyone else. We almost instantly engaged in battle, them charging in first. But they didn't last long, Azeri broke them down quicker then she had in the wilds before, and along with Morrigan's magic it took no time at all. Alistair however barely did anything. And when the battle was over he simply dropped back to what looked to me like calmness. However as I read him a bit more I could tell it was depression. I looked back at Azeri and her two companions, then at Alistair.
"Let's take a break, alright?" I asked, but didn't expect an answer. I looked up to Alistair, but he didn't seem to notice. He looked at the ground, seemingly in thought. I lifted a hand, and placed it on his shoulder. When he felt the pressure on his armor he looked down at me and faked a smile.
"Hey, Venra." He said faking a tone of happiness as well.
"Oh, there you are Alistair," Morrigan mused. "Was falling on your sword in grief proving to be too much trouble?"
