[center][h1][color=808080]Rannon[/color][/h1][/center]
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It had grown into a larger turnout than he had expected. 

The diplomats and entourages of Thedas had all come from their palaces of ivory and keeps of stone, and he had expected to see an influx of newcomers both great and small. The courtyard was nearly filled to its edges with wardens, and he was entirely certain that they would continue to trickle in as the day progressed. 

Rannon had been in the Anderfells since he had become a Grey Warden, those handful of years ago. It had been grueling, and unforgiving. The training was without a doubt beyond anything he had expected, and even fighting darkspawn in the heart of the Kokari Wilds was nothing compared to the regimen of Wardens in the Anderfells. Yet it was worth it, and it had kept him alive during every skirmish. Now, he dreamed of killing darkspawn, of spilling their blood and filling the oceans with it. He had been concerned about that, initially, but after speaking with a superior, he had learned the taint effected each warden in unique ways. This was his way of psyching himself up for more, and he never tired of it. 

Rannon had not gotten too much sleep the night before, staying up late and playing cards with a few of his fellow wardens deep into the night. It had not been smart, but at least it was not before a large battle, and to his credit, Rannon had not touched a drop of alcohol. Plus, he had a very trustworthy wake-up call. 

Rannon's constant companion sat at his feet, panting from the light heat of the sun. Gideon woke up at the crack of dawn every day and demanded Rannon do the same, ready to spring into training or play, whichever was on his master's schedule. The two of them looked much like one another. Both were large, muscled, and dangerous, yet neither of them were dangerous to anyone who did not deserve it. Gideon's paws were the size of fists, both forepaws planted on the flagstones as he sniffed the air and watched the newcomers walk by. A few stopped and commented on Gideon, some wanting to pet him while others were wary. Rannon never shied from letting anyone who wanted to, to give him a good scratch. Gideon was a slut for it, even though he was sometimes uneasy around strangers from distant lands. 

"Harump!" Gideon barked sharply, wiggling slightly before gazing up at Rannon. The Mabari was nothing if not headstrong, and he usually made his wishes very clear. A few passersby flinched at the loud bark, but once they realized Gideon hadn't moved, they were calmed. The big Fereldan man looked down at his friend, and shook his head. 

"[color=808080]Just be patient, I'll run you soon.[/color]" He promised his Mabari, arms crossed. Rannon just gazed out from the wall he leaned on, content to wait. "[color=808080]Right now, orders are to stay here. You know that.[/color]"