I love this so much - that Akela is not 'nice' because that's what people like and want from him, but because of deep understanding of pain behind the request.

And Fenarel's support of his friend makes nice contrast to Alistair, who still sees only the surface (though it's not entirely his fault)

I bet after Duncan cleaned his face, he snatched the chalice from her hands and made a quick escape. Which explains why she never in fact became a Warden. xD

Akela's memories are the perfect counterpoint to Owen, the play of shadow and light acting like a trigger, beautifully realized. The passage about Duncan "repeating himself ... indulgent forbearance ... " rang so true as that is exactly the tone of voice used, that of a patronizing adult to a child.

His reasoning for agreeing to search for Owen's daughter was just perfect and true and yet, rather than turn it into a mawkish and sentimental event you end it with a touch of humor and Akela's signature attitude. Such a compelling and complex creature.

Awesome!

Akela! I know you'll probably try and stab me but let me hug you! You need a hug! ._.

I really adored this chapter. I just love how Akela's past experience led him to want to help here, even though to the others it seemed like something he'd never do. But that's what makes us human, or in Akela's case, elven. Usually when we do something that seems out of character, it's b/c of a deeper reason. And I love how you brought that to light here.

But seriously, Akela, let me hug you.

Akela is such a compelling character because, like the best of them, he has so much depth beyond what appears on the surface. It makes you realize how much we are all shaped by our past experiences, how those events nudge us towards one decision over another in the present, and, as much as I enjoyed the wise-assery of Leliana and Alistair, how our choices may be mocked (albeit playfully) by those who don't truly understand. It makes me think of the saying: "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."

Wonderful writing, much loves for Akela, and I hope this has helped kick start your muse. Words from you make me happy. :)

An interesting insight on motivations. We know that for a bard, Leliana seems absolutely devoid of empathy, and often says or does things that indicate a kind of emotional tone-deafness. Alistair is routinely flip about other peoples' miseries. Both of them are no doubt products of their upbringing, but it can be very awkward for anyone attempting a tactful encounter. Alistair and Leliana absolutely demand that you help them deal with their own emotional baggage, but no one seems to care about the Warden's. (Cousland's desire to look for Fergus is shrugged off, the elf origins' clan or family gets no notice,) And Alistair's Duncan worship would wear thin with someone who might not be pleased at their conscription (notably Cousland or Mahariel).

That was vividly done - the cacophony in Akela's head was evident, as was his residual anger and bitterness and longing, and they all came together in the determination of his decision.

Alistair and Leliana are absolutely correct—there is just no excuse for someone needing to seek comfort when they're drowning in worry and pain. So good of them to share their kind impressions.

The way you tease apart the preconceptions and forced-perspective that the game lays onto these scenes ... blows me away every single time. Quite apart from the parallels that Akela might see between Owen's situation and his own, I can only imagine his view of Owen's "clan", the villagers, contrasted with how the Dalish care for their own (OK, Marethari exempted for the moment). Humanity is sure to rise even farther in his estimation now.

such a careful and sympathetic exploration of something that almost seems to be a throw-away in-game. Brava!

Oh, wow, connecting with Owen on this level... And Alistair and Leliana smartassing were also precious!

Oh, that was lovely! Akela has a very narrow list of priorities (which is one of the things we enjoy about him) and clan- or family- loyalty is right up there. The parallel between him and Owen is perfect, and so well written. As always, his perspective is so much fun. His observations about Alistair's and Leliana's less than tactful behaviour made me giggle.

Oh, no, now I have serious crack-fic goggles on, and I really want to see Maynee and Akela in the same place...

And thank you for reminding me, yet again, how amazing Millie is and how much I want her around due to reasons.

And a most spectacular Joining it would have been, methinks. ;)

""Projectile" doesn't begin to describe it" would certainly be an apt description. *snerk*

C ute and funny, and exactly what the Wardens deserve. Glad you see something of yours again!

LOL ... monitor, meet coffee. The image of that purty Warden armor being the recipient of projectile Joining Juice will be with me entirely too long, thank you very much! ;)

"...But considering I was facing Levi at the time, it was pretty much a win-win as far as I was concerned..." Oh yeah!

There will be more of these little snippets re: Warden!Millie, yes?

Wunderbar!

Why do I have to see these things cinematically? Why?

I'm having an interesting little thought-exercise of my own, thinking on who the W-C might be in Millie's post-Blight world, and how the rest of the scene would play out. ;)