Dragon Age (closed for superman6352)

[Lady_Rowenna]

Elena had been travelling for years now, never staying anywhere for more than a couple of months out of fear for being caught. As an apostate, she didnt have much of a chance but be on a constant run from the templars. She had no intention of ending uo locked in the Mage Tower on Lake Calenhad, spending all her life as a prisoner under the watchful eye of the templars. And she certainly didnt need to be taught any magic. She had learned plenty herself, knowing how to defend herself in times of need and how to keep her powers hidden. The only thing that truly marked her as a mage in the first place was the long white wooden staff that she carried around on her travels.
Elena was now 21 years old and had been running since she was 16. The lands of Ferelden were no mystery to her anymore and she had even visited Orlais a few times.

At the moment she was staying in a cave up north, close to Highever. She had passed through a couple of noble estates on her way, but had quickly changed her path to move through the woods where it was safer. While there were wild beasts there, Elena would rather face some hungry wolves than mage hunters.
She stopped by the stream and placed her staff on the grown. Then she took off her worn and dirty clothes. They were nothing special at all and of poor quality. Just a simple cloak, a dark green tunic and black trousers along with some comfortable boots. The belt she wore she had stolen off a marketplace along with the backpack that held her few belonging. She shed all her clothes aside however and untied her long fire red hair from her ponytail, letting it cascade down to the middle of her back.
Completely nude she stepped into the water, letting out a relieved sigh as the coolness enfolded her. It was summer and it was hot, which is why the quick bath in the stream was more the welcome.
Elena leaned back and closed her eyes. She felt no shame in displaying her naked body so openly to the world. Her kin was fair and her body nicely shaped with curves in all the right places. Her breasts were round and firm and certainly more than a handful. But there was no fear of being seen as surely there was nobody that deep in the woods. Elena didnt know how wrong she was.

 

[Superman6352]

Joshua walked slowly through the woods with his long bow knocked and partially drawn. He was hunting in the woods that surrounded his families large estate. Joshua was 22 and had been born to a noble family in Highever that was quite powerful. He was a skilled warrior and hunter and had braved the dangerous woods many times when most people avoided.

He wore a special set of drake skin armor that had been custom made for him on his 20th birth when he was given his first command. On his back were slung his long sword and his shield the bore his family crest. His sword was Elven made and had enchantments that gave it superior strength than most.

He had been searching the woods for his prey but had seen nothing. The woods were unusually quite so he knew something was frightening the small animals. He had heard stories of creatures that roamed these woods but he had never encountered them himself.

He continued to search for signs of his prey when he came across footprints in the ground. He crouched down to examine them and discovered that the were a persons. He couldn't tell race but the impression was light so he assumed it wasn't a large person. He looked around and found more footprints and began to follow them.

 

[Lady_Rowenna]

After a long refreshing swim, Elena got out of the river and laid down on one of the large rocks that were lining one side of the river. She didnt mind that she was still naked as animals surely wouldnt care and no men usually dared to venture that deep into the wilds. While these woods were not as dangerous as the Korcari Wilds, there were still creatures inhabiting this place that men would rather avoid. Ogres and giant wolves ruled there, but with her magic Elena felt that she was well protected.

The woods had been quiet since the early morning, but she hadnt cared much. As long as she stayed alert and avoided making too much noise she was sure that she would be fine. Still, even as she lay naked on the rock, her staff was in arm's reach should she suddenly need to defend herself.

The female apostate closed her eyes and simply enjoyed the sun warming and drying her body. The sound the wind was making as it rustled through the leaves was calming and almost magical and Elena found herself falling asleep. Suddenly however the harmony was disrupted by something odd in the air. Were those footsteps?
She sat up and listened, but nothing definitive could be heard, so she laid back once again and closed her eyes, even though her body remained tense and on edge.
She had no idea that what she thought she had heard was Joshua, just that his skills as a hunter had made him stealthy enough not to be heard.

 

[Superman6352]

Joshua crept through the woods as quietly as he could as he followed the footprints. Whoever had made them had not tried to cover them. That ment either they thought no one else would be here or that they were confident that they could defend themselves.

He followed the footprints to a small clearing in the woods with a small river running through it. He almost walked into the clearing but froze when he saw a woman who appeared to be sleeping or worse, lying on a rock. He started walking toward her slowly with his bow at the ready thinking that perhaps she had been attacked and her attackers were still nearby.

He moved silently as he approached her as he looked around the clearing for signs of trouble. He didn't notice her staff because it was on her other side. He was a few feet away when he stepped on a stick hidden by grass and it snapped underneath his foot. He froze so he could hear any noise so he would have time to react if someone came out of the woods.

 

[Lady_Rowenna]

Elena did react when she heard the stick snap. Within seconds she stood up, her staff ready and pointing at Joshua, but she did not attack.
"Who are you?", she asked, not even reaching for her clothes. It would require for her to turn away from him for a moment and this was a risk she was not willing to take. Although it was embarrassing to stand in the nude in front of a young man, there was nothing she could do.
"Why are you here?", she continued as she studied him.

His armour was of fine quality and so were his weapons. Surely not a commoner. Perhaps one of the soldiers from the estates nearby or perhaps even one of the nobles themselves. But what did he do so deeply in the wilds? Was he lost? Or just crazy and suicidal?
It didnt matter to Elena in the end. As long as he meant her no harm she would let him pass and be on his way. But now he had seen her, had perhaps even guessed that she was an apostate.
Her whole body tensed even further at that thought. Whenever people learned of what she was, she usually encountered nothing but trouble.

 

[Superman6352]

Joshua was stunned when the woman jumped to her feet and raised a staff. He drew back his bow and leveled at her but didn't fire. He couldn't help but admire he naked form, she was one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen. He snapped back to the moment when she spoke

"I am Joshua Walsh, my father owns thus estate." He said as he watched her. He knew she was most likely an apostate if she was way out herself and quite skilled too if she didn't fear the forest.

"I was hunting before I stumbled across your tracks. I mean you no harm." He said lowering his bow but he kept it drawn. "Who are you and why are you here."

 

[Lady_Rowenna]

So he was a noble, as she had guessed. When he lowered his bow, she lowered her staff as well to show that she meant no harm either.

"My name's Elena. And what do you think an apostate is doing in the woods?"
She gave him no last name as it didnt matter. Her family didnt exist anymore, so she was just Elena now.

Slowly she placed her staff down and pulled her dress on, before approaching him with staff once more in hand.
"You are very far away from the estate. Dont you know what roams these woods?"

While she spoke she looked him up and down and decided that he was rather handsome. No, on second thought, he was very handsome. And he didnt instantly run in fear or try to kill her upon hearing that she was an apostate.

Their introductions were cut short as the earth started shaking and a loud thundering noise could be heard coming from the forest.
"That doesnt sound good....Possibly an ogre. We should run."

 

[Superman6352]

Joshua relaxed when she lowered her staff but he didn't let down his guard. He had heard stories about apostates but he had never meet one. They were always supposed to be dangerous and bloodthirsty but Elena didn't seem either but looks could be deceiving.

"I apologize for intruding on you." He said to her as she dressed. "- didn't think anyone would be out here. And yes I know how far I away I am. And I've heard stories but I've never ran into any of those creatures"

They watched each other for a moment but Joshua could tell the they both were still unsure of each other. He finally decided that for the moment it wouldn't come down to a fight so he slung his bow on his back.

Joshua was deciding what to do next when the thundering came from the forest.

"I agree. I know of some caves this way. We should be able to hide there" Joshua said to her before he turned and started to walk. "Let's just hope we reach it before whatever that is catches us."

 

[Lady_Rowenna]

They started running as fast as possibly, while trying to be as stealthy as possible to avoid any unwanted attention. Whatever was out there was probably looking for its next meal and Elena had no intention of being the prey.

They tried to run in the opposite direction of the thundering noise, but it seemed to be following them. Probably the ogre had caught their scent.

"We need a small cave, where that beast wont fit into!", she called to Joshua, who was running ahead of her.
The best idea would be to find a cave that had a second way out. Going through darkness was no problem for Elena, as she could simply use magic to create a flame.

The noise behind them started to become louder and louder, indicating that the beast was getting closer. It still amazed Elena everytime that such large creatures could be this fast.
Luckily the caves appeared just in front of them. There seemed to be several, all carved into a large mountain wall.
"Which one do we take?", she called to Joshua, since he seemed to know the area well.

 

[Superman6352]

Joshua tried to remain calm as the creature grew closer to them. They came upon the cave openings all of which looked similar but one.

"This cave turns into a secret tunnel to the castle. It has a small camber a little ways inside that has some food and water." He said pointing to one of them. "No one ever uses it so you should be safe from discovery there."

A loud roar from nearby told them that the ogre was closing in on them.

"You go first and I'll follow behind" he said to her as he moved to the entrance and waited for her.

 

[Lady_Rowenna]

Elena didnt need to be told twice as she slipped into the cave, quickly creating a flame to light her way through the tunnel. At one point the passage became incredibly narrow, just enough for one person to slide through. There was no way that the ogre would get through and the wall seemed to be solid enough to withstand any attacks.

"Im though. Come on!", she called to Joshua as she kept making her way through the corridor, which at one point started to grow wider again and eventually she did indeed make it to a small chamber. There wasnt much in it however. Just a simple straw bed, a table with a chair and several jars that probably contained water and dried food.

"What is this? What is it used for?", Elena asked, looking around curiously. It seemed like the perfect hideout. "You dont usually go around sheltering apostates here do you?"

 

[Superman6352]

Joshua looked back over his shoulder and he could see the trees shaking as the ogre grew close. He turned and slipped into the opening of the cave once Elena said she was through. Once he was through he adjusted his armor and removed his weapons and leaned them up against the wall. He looked at Elena as she examined the camber.

"It was built as an escape tunnel for the castle if it were under siege. But many have forgotten about it since we havent had cause to use it in many years." He said as he walked over to the jars and picked one up along with two glasses. He poured water out of the jar into both glasses before putting it back. He picked up the glasses and walked over to Elena and offered her one.

"I only discovered it a couple years ago while I searching around in the castle. Since them Ive use this place as a means of getting away from family at the castle. And no, I don't entertain many apostates here." He said before taking a drink of his water.

 

[Lady_Rowenna]

Elena sat down on the simple bed and gratefully took the water he offered. After their fast and unexpected run it was much appreciated. Her staff was leaning against the wall close to her and her backpack was thrown carelessly onto the ground.

"Interesting. But I bet you used this place to impress and seduce pretty noble ladies.", she teased him with a smile. Its what she expected young men of his age to do. It seemed like the perfect place for it as well.

The small chamber had a strange charm and allowed for undisturbed intimacy. It was also the perfect hiding spot. Quietly Elena considered staying there for a while. Most likely the ogre would be roaming the woods just outside the cave, expecting his prey to leave the cave eventually. There was no way she could leave without putting herself in danger.

 

[Superman6352]

Joshua gave her a half hearted smile at her teasing. He moved to the table and pulled the chair out, spinning it so it faced Elena. He looked at the floor for a moment thinking to himself before he looked up at her.

"Truth be told Ive never had to impress women. Ive never even had the opportunity to try." He said to her before looking at his glass as he swirled the water around.

"I am engaged to a noble woman from another family that joined my fathers service years ago." He stood up and walked to the other side of the room and simply looked at the wall. "The marriage was arranged when I was sixteen actually. It was the final piece of the alliance between the families. Now I'm not saying shes not a very nice woman and she is very beautiful. But my heart has never been in it." He turned and walked back to the center of the room and looked at Elena.

"Hence my secret get away.' He said motioning around the camber. "You are welcome to stay here and I will ensure that now one will bother you as long you stay."

He moved back to the chair and sat back down. he drank the last of his water and set the glass on the table.

"So now you know my story. Ive never actually told anyone the truth about it."

 

[Lady_Rowenna]

"A loveless arranged marriage. You nobles should really invent something new.", Elena said with a shrug. "At least she's beautiful and who knows, she might be quite a good bed companion."

She wasnt shy to talk about such things. When you lived a life on the run, you usually dealt with the most shady people, who always said and did whatever they wanted, ignoring good manners and rules. So while Elena was a virgin, she was not ignorant of most things and had done a few naughty things here and there.

"You'd let me stay here?", she asked, surprised at his offer. It seemed honest and with no ill intentions, but still she had to ask: "And what do you expect in return? In these times nothing is given for free."

 

[Superman6352]

Joshua stood and started to remove pieces of his armor while he listened to Elena.

"I agree that marriages like this need to be done away with, but the irony is that I have to go through with it if I want to take my fathers place." He said as he pulled off the top of his drakeskin armor leaving just his undershirt.

"And yes I will let you stay here. I don't expect nothing in return. Simply having someone to talk to is nice. I get bored with all the fancy going ons at the castle" he said to her as he started to remove his boots.

 

[Superman6352]

OOC: Oops my bad.

 

[Lady_Rowenna]

Elena watched him take off his armor with interest. He was definitely well built with muscles gained from hard training with various weapons. It was definitely appealing to the young apostate.

"So you forsake love for riches. Do you have no brothers who could take the estate?"
She knew that she might be prying, but she didnt care. Slowly she stood up from where she was sitting and walked towards him.
"Mind if I feel?", she asked bluntly, her hand reaching out for his upper arm and shoulders. She just had to feel his muscles there for her touch to confirm what her eyes had seen.

 

[Superman6352]

Joshua leaned back in the chair once his boots were off.

"I only have two sisters who are both younger than I am by a few years. they can't take command. Only the men they marry can and that could be worse." He said shaking his head "So I decided to make the sacrifice for the good of everyone else."

Joshua watched as Elena stood and walked toward him and reached her hand out

"Well I guess I don't mind." He said as she put her hands on him. She would feel his well toned muscles that he gained from years of work. His skin was marred by a few scars that he earned in battle.

He looked over her as she felt him. He couldn't help but feel attracted to her but he tried to hide it from her.

 

[Lady_Rowenna]

Elena clearly enjoyed herself, feeling up and down his arms and broad shoulders.

"Mmmmn, nice. Just as I expected.", she finally decided as she stepped away from him with a smile on her face. "Your future wife is a lucky woman. She will definitely enjoy holding on to you on your wedding night."

There was a slightly teasing note in her voice, but mainly she was completely serious and honest about it. No lady would mind having a lover with such a physique.

 

[Superman6352]

Joshua smiled at Elena when she stepped back. He looked over here body again admiring her beauty.

"Thank you for the compliment." He said standing up. "But I honestly don't know if I can go through with it. I want more than just a pretty woman for my bed chamber."

He remained quiet as he removed the bottom halve of his armor leaving him standing in just his shirt and some shorts.

"I apologize if this makes you uncomfortable but I just needed to get out of my armor after that long run" he said as he went to pour himself another glass of water.

 

[Lady_Rowenna]

Elena noticed how he was looking her up and down and couldnt help but smile. He wasnt the first man to do it, but he was definitely one of the rare handsome one who did.

"Oh, so what else do you expect from a woman?", she asked curiously, going to sit on the bed again as she kept her eyes on him. While the situation was rather awkward, she didnt mind him undressing. He was quite a feast to the eye after all.

"Oh, let me guess. She has to have good manners. And share your passion for hunting. And she should be pleasant and educated in the arts.", she guessed, conjuring up an image of a perfect noble bride in her mind.

 

[Superman6352]

Joshua laughed at Elenas idea of his perfect bride.

"No. I don't want anything to do with nobles any more. I want to travel and see some of the world. All I want is a woman who will stay with me through good and bad." He walked around the chamber as he talked. He stopped and though to himself for a moment before he turned back to Elena.

"Someone like you perhaps."

 

[Lady_Rowenna]

Elena had to laugh at that, the sweet sound echoing through the chamber.
"Like me? An apostate without a past and without a future, who is constantly on the run? I hope you realize that everything I have, even the clothes on my back were stolen.", she said, though she didnt seem too bothered by revealing it all. It was her life and she knew nothing else.

"But if you mean someone confident, wild and adventurous, then you might be right.", she added with a brighter smile, leaning back on the bed, her eyes glued to him.

 

[Superman6352]

Joshua moved over to the bed and crouched down next to Elena.

"I ment the second one. I can tell that your are all those things and I think you deserve more in life than you've gotten." He said as he looked at her. "I know I shouldn't say this but I feel an attraction to you that I have never felt for anyone else."