Dragon Age: Coexist

Pride

"C'mon, da'len. It's time for more training,"

"Yes, Mamae."

She stood from her chair, and strode gracefully through the living room, kissing Father, who blushed and grinned like a love-stricken teenager; I found myself embarrassed, as well. My young mind did not yet understand their affection.

After saying her goodbyes to Father, she ruffled Jaiden's hair, who'd fallen asleep at the dinner table. I gave my father a childish smirk, then eagerly followed her, attempting to mimic her seductive movements; I could not.

When we were outside of our home, she swiftly stepped into shadow, standing behind our house, which stood beside the Alienage's walls. She jumped, hands gripping the roof's ledge; she pulled herself up, silently awaiting my performance.

After a few failed attempts, I did the same as she, though not as smoothly. We both leaped onto the wall, our eyes looming over the depressing aura of the elven Alienage.

"It's so ugly," I muttered.

Mother nodded, eyes suddenly mirroring sorrow. "Mmhm," She said, softly. "I just imagine it's the forest, most of the time. An ugly forest that my clan lived in for a time…"

She sighed, looking down at me. "I came here for your father, and your father only. I gave up freedom for love, and I don't regret it. But hopefully you and your brother won't be trapped here for the rest of your lives. Hopefully times will change….." She trailed off.

She shook her head, as if to dismiss the thoughts that were simmering inside. "We need to go," She said, voice quivering. She pulled a rope from her rucksack, looping it around the edge of an abandoned guard post.

"Get on my back, Z," She said. "I don't want you going down the rope by yourself."

She knelt before me, and I put myself on her back, wrapping my arms around her soft, delicate neck.

She grabbed the rope, and her feet were on solid ground in a matter of moments. She began to sprint down the alleys that led to the city exit, and I winced as the sharp Fereldan wind swished past my eyes, causing them to water. She ducked under the hidden entrance smugglers had made years ago to exit the city undetected, causing me to jolt at the sudden movement; I grabbed onto her tighter, hearing her laugh teasingly at my fear.

"You know I'd never drop you," She assured me, but I still shook my head, tightening my grip on her, burying my face in the silken darkness of her hair.

A few moments later, and we were at the clearing in which I was trained. She looked around for prying eyes, then walked over the nearest tree, bringing forth a large chest that'd been hidden in the bushes. She took a key out of her cloak, and placed it inside the chest's lock. It opened, and she pulled out three swords and a dagger; they were cheaper, rustier than the weapons she'd kept buried behind our home.

She attached two swords on her hips, leaving the other weapons on the ground. I retrieved my sword, refusing to show the difficulty that I'd still had holding it; it was heavy. After finally attaching the sword to my waist, I wielded my dagger, clutching it with fierce determination. We walked into the center of the clearing, going into our battle stances.

"Let's see if you remember how to counter-attack," She said. "I'm gonna come after you. Dodge it."

I nodded, waiting for her to strike. She ran towards me, sword aimed at my shoulder; I dodged it, quickly stepping to the side and kicking her in her shin, so that she'd lose her balance.