#Leon Du'Morte

[marquis1305]

TMI Tuesday

Alright, I’ll hop on the train Ask any question for any of my OCs, there are a lot more of them now!

[marquis1305]

A Reflection in Your Eyes Ch 4

These Wars I Cannot Win

Shocked, Mesara could not manage the breath necessary to greet their guests. She had noticed among their number, a face that she had not seen in years. Not since he was transferred to a different circle.  

Leon.

Her heart beats quicker. Memories of shy smiles, innocent touches, soft words; all of them fly through her mind in the moments it takes to regain her composure.

 Smiling, her green eyes bright, she moves away from the table and towards the young templar. Ignoring what is being said by the strange Qunari woman.  

"Leon?" Mesara's voice raises with her emotions. Elated at seeing him again after so much time.  "Is that truly you? Dear Maker, it has been so long!"

She laughs shyly, stopping just a few steps in front of him. Everything has fallen away around her. Vision tunneling to just this one man.

"Mesara! It is- I mean. I. Adraste's tits I can't believe it's you!"

He sweeps her into his arms, forgoing all decorum, she returns the gesture. Arms wrapping around his neck, pressing her cheek to his, despite the height difference of almost half a foot. Which Leon makes up for by lifting Mesara from her feet.  

"My dearest friend, how I missed you." She whispers gently. Eyes shut tight. As though if she opened them, she might find him gone once more.  

"You know how much it killed me to go, but I couldn't disobey direct orders. I appealed the transfer as often as was allowed." Leon's voice thickened with grief. He grabbed tightly at Mesara, pulling her closer still, then ran a hand over her short hair. "What happened? You used to keep it so long."

He pulls back to look Mesara in the eyes, her own drop down, blush coloring an otherwise pale face.  

"I had.... an incident. This was the only way to salvage what was left," her voice is soft enough that it barely carries. And Leon chuckles. Then lifts his head as he catches Damaia's pointed comment on introductions.

Tan cheeks darkening, he lets Mesara down slowly. Salvaging what he could of the incident, he walks forward to introduce himself to the mages.  

"My apologies, good sers and ladies; I am Leon Du'Morte, a templar of Kinloch Hold, and formerly a templar of the Ostwick circle. Of the Illustrious Du'Morte family of Ostwick. And now an associate of the Frostblades," Leon makes a short formal bow.  

Mesara had taken the brief respite to smooth out her gown; stepping up beside Leon as she does so.  

"I apologize for my rash behavior. Leon and I had been acquianted previously while in Ostwick, and I was surprised to see him so suddenly, after many years of estrangement. I do so hope that you will pardon my rudeness, as it would seem I have missed the introductions." Mesara inclines her head ever so slightly. Then takes in each of the mercenaries before her. She could tell that the two Qunari, and the oldest among the humans were the ones in charge, as the others would glance to them for direction on occasion.  

"I am Lady Mesara Trevelyan, Loyal Enchanter of the Ostwick Circle. And my companions are Enchanter Carintha, Enchanter Pietro, Enchanter Tiene, Apprentice Dalen, and Tranquil Benton. " Each of the mages bowed their head in turn, and Mesara listed them off in order of standing. "I will ensure to properly introduce myself to each of you when time allows. For now, we seem to be delaying supper, and I am certain that it will be better than the rations from your journey. If we may, Lord Fergus?" She raises her open palm to the Teryn, requesting his permission.

"Yes, of course. Come friends, let us all be seated. Rest your weary feet and see what wonders my Nan has managed to cook up for us today." Teryn Cousland smiles warmly at all of his guests, seemingly glad to be focusing on the meal.

Mesara moves to take her seat once more, excusing herself from Leon with a soft smile. She flashes another smile to their host; and allows for one of the servants to fill her glass with a sweet wine. Lifting the glass slightly, she raises it towards the mercenary band. "I propose a toast, to our new friends and companions. We thank you for taking a chance in accepting our contract. In these turbulent times, it is good to have such a competent company to entrust with our protection."

The mages lift their voices. "To the Frostblades!"

Mesara takes a sip from her glass. Then stands, raising the glass once more, this time in the direction of their host.  

Her voice is light, warm. "And a toast to our dear host, who has been more than kind to us during our time here. Teryn Cousland, you have done more for myself and my friends than we could have ever imagined when we requested asylum. You have welcomed us into your home, despite the dangers apparent when associating with mages, Loyalist or apostate, and treated us with every kindness and warmth. We owe you much, good ser, and can only repay it with our friendship."

She dips her head, raising the wine glass to her lips once more. Green eyes bright and warm as they catch the gaze of the Teryn. Those at the table raise their glasses once more, voices roaring, "To Teryn Cousland, may his life be long and full!"

"I am happy to accept your friendship, my dear, and would be glad to give it in return. To all at my table. May your journey be without trouble, and may you arrive safely at the Conclave." He lifts his cup in return, letting his gaze drop to each of the guests at his table, lingering only a moment too long on Mesara.  

Lowering herself to her seat once more, Mesara listens quietly to the chatter that begins to pick up around her. The Frostblades seem a merry bunch, boisterous. There is no hesitation in including her companions in their conversation, telling stories of their exploits, or asking questions about life in the circle. Mesara notices that the small blonde elf keeps mostly to herself, eyes focused down on the food as it is presented to her. Then takes note of the Qunari male's attention to her, watching the way his eyes would flick in her direction, or he would answer a question directed towards there in a way that would draw attention away. How unusual.  

Filing away the information, Mesara turns her attention over to the captain. The woman seemed the living definition of excess. An excess of emotion, an excess of words. The list continued on. She was large, muscled, as one might expect from a warrior of her supposed caliber.  

Turning away from the mercenaries, she focused once more on the Teryn.  

"Teryn Fergus," she inquires softly, leaning over to be heard more clearly. "I was curious, how much do you know about this particular company? I do believe that I had forgotten to ask earlier; and seeing them now has quite piqued my curiosity."

"They are known for being one of the more silent groups. Often based in between Orlais and Fereldan, from what I know they are very loyal, I've never heard of them breaking a contract. In fact, from what I have heard, they often go above and beyond the call of duty within their contracts. Staying on longer than agreed, ensuring that casualties are a minimum, stabilizing what they can in villages they stay around. I've also heard that their contracts include a non-disclosure clause. So, no one who hires them is allowed to discuss the actions of the group directly. Though there are whispers as to why."

"Really? Pray tell!"

"It's been said, by survivors or by witnesses, that they use unorthodox methods. Specifically, that they hire on apostates.  From what I know of mercenary groups, it's not completely unheard of, but something about this group has warranted the need to keep it even more undercover, therefore the need for nondisclosure for any of their contacts. However, as you have hired them, I am certain that you would be welcome to ask. They do not seem the type to lie under contract."

Mesara searches the Teryn's face for any hint of teasing, and then smiles gently. She nods once and turns back in her seat. "Thank you for indulging my curiosity, though I am afraid that I find it no more sated than the beginning of our conversation dear Teryn."

"I apologize for not having more information. I would offer to search more into the matter, but I fear that it might be too late, as you intend to leave tomorrow.... that is, if you still intend to leave tomorrow?"

"Yes, I do fear that we are too late as it were. Our fellows must have already arrived at the Conclave, so we cannot delay any further. Though it will not be a happy parting by any means. I did mean it, I will miss your company." Her green eyes remain warm, soft, as she gazes at the Teryn. And he returns her smile, bowing his head.  

"Far be it from me to keep you from your duty. Please, enjoy your remaining time here with no thoughts of unhappy partings, I have yet had enough of those in my life." His words are rough with everything that goes unsaid. Mesara frowns, but understands.  

"So long as I retain your friendship, so long as we write, I would not call that unhappy, despite parting company.  I loathe to lose such a new friendship. Especially one so promising such as this." She presses her fingertips to his hand, and his gaze shoots up to search her own. "You have made a troubling time bearable. Thank you."

Fergus nods slightly. His face looking suddenly younger, softer. Mesara can feel her skin prickling, and she quickly looks towards Leon. Catching his questioning, pained gaze. Her eyes drop. A red tinge to her otherwise pale cheeks. "I do believe I am suddenly not feeling quite well. If you all would excuse me?"

Mesara steps away calmly from the banquet table, making it only to the door to the hall before she bolts. Nearly running for her room. Her heart pounding in her chest. Once she finally makes it, she slips in as quickly as she can, locking the door behind her. Pressing her forehead to the cool wood. Her hand pressed to her chest.  

"But why?" She hisses under her breath, eyes blown wide. She takes a few steadying breaths. Stepping away from the door. Mesara turns towards the water basin next to her vanity. She dips her washing cloth into the cool liquid, and dabs it at her brow and chest, trying to calm herself. It was unlike her to lose control like this, Mesara did not enjoy the feeling. She took a deep breath.  

Releasing it, she looks over at the mirror. Frowning she goes over to fix her kohled eyes and rearrange her hair. Nodding as soon as she adds a few finishing touches. It would have to do. Gliding over to the door, she unlocks it, pulling it open.

To see a grey fist raised just at eye level.

Mesara blinks, then lifts her gaze to the owner of the fist. "If you would kindly move your hand, I would very much appreciate it."

The hand drops hurriedly, then raises to rub at a muscled neck. "Sorry about that, ma'am. Was just about to knock."

The Qunari Captian's voice is deep and rough, as though she had spent her entire childhood screaming, and the ragged edge stayed with her. Mesara smiles slightly. "There is no need to apologize, I would have appreciated the gesture had you managed to complete the action. Now, if I might ask, why were you about to knock on my door?"

"Just wanted to check on you Boss, you ran off in a bit of a hurry. Don't worry, I don't think anyone but me and Vashta noticed. Most of the others accepted that you weren't feeling well. Whispered a few worried statements and then went on eating that excellent quiche the cook whipped up for an appetizer. Can't wait to see what she manages for the next round." Deep blue eyes flicker back and forth over her face. "But, if you aren't feeling well enough to manage making it back, perhaps I should just bring a plate back to you.... Or you can let me know why one puppy-eyed look from the Templar kid made you bolt like a rabbit before a fennec?"

"I... "Mesara pauses to gather herself. Then lifts her chin to strike a proud figure. "I've no idea what you mean. I did notice Leon looking at me, but didn't think anything of it. Certainly nothing I would share with a woman I had just met." She raised her voice to haughty levels.  

"Now now, no need to fluff your feathers madam. Was just wondering if I was going to have to have words with him before we all started to the Conclave?"

"There is no need, if Leon wishes to speak with me regarding the subject, he is more than welcome to."

"Understood, now, I am sure you have a few questions? I was going to speak to the contact about it, but it took half a minute before realizing that you were the one in power here. And less than that to know that your group was going to need a good few moments to come to terms with the contract."

Mesara raised an eyebrow, then stepped aside to allowed Damaia into the room. "Very well, please, take a seat."