438 réponses à ce sujet

[Addai]

Sandtigress wrote...

He also said one day we'd find out what happened to Fiona and Maric!  Which, of course, could be "they died".  Gaider would do something mean and evil like that....

Heh, yeah you always have to be prepared to have stuff retconned.  I wonder if the DA anime is going to be about that.

[DragonRacer13]

Addai,

Words cannot possibly convey, so I will simply give you this:





Respectfully,
DragonRacer13

[mousestalker]

Plot thickens. Characters develop.



Good stuff!

[Esbatty]

Oh I dig this mucho.



Although it still bothers me his initial whole "Cailan already plowed the field" comment, I guess because at the time I still envisioned the young woman playing with the slobbery mabari when I read the line. Gah, its the little things that make stories great. Honestly, I have not forgiven Loghain for that thought. And its an AU version of a fictional character from a video game... and I'm holding it against him, for a thought he did not voice.



Damn, I'm upset again.



Great work, Addai!

[Addai]

Heh, would you rather have him pull an Oghren and think "so, they greased the bronco"? LOL

[Esbatty]

Addai67 wrote...

Heh, would you rather have him pull an Oghren and think "so, they greased the bronco"? LOL

LMFAO, no no... I'm just saying its not the analogy but just the sheer - I dunno - coarseness. I guess I'm equivalling it to him going like "Whooooooooooore", I dunno. It just bothered me - not what you wrote- but just... I'm like Colonel Klink screaming "Looooooooooghain!" and shaking my fist at the sky.

Bah, I'm babbling. But no longer upset thanks to Ohgren good time memories. I need to pal around with him more in Awakening.

Speaking of Awakening, I love Loghain in Awakening.

Modifié par Esbatty, 24 octobre 2010 - 06:15 .

[DragonRacer13]

Esbatty wrote...

Addai67 wrote...

Heh, would you rather have him pull an Oghren and think "so, they greased the bronco"? LOL

LMFAO, no no... I'm just saying its not the analogy but just the sheer - I dunno - coarseness. I guess I'm equivalling it to him going like "Whooooooooooore", I dunno. It just bothered me - not what you wrote- but just... I'm like Colonel Klink screaming "Looooooooooghain!" and shaking my fist at the sky.

Bah, I'm babbling. But no longer upset thanks to Ohgren good time memories. I need to pal around with him more in Awakening.

Speaking of Awakening, I love Loghain in Awakening.

You totally deserve Sten-approved Internet cookies for your brilliant Hogan's Heroes reference (such an underappreciated and much-forgotten show!).

[Addai]

Esbatty wrote...

Oh I dig this mucho.

Although it still bothers me his initial whole "Cailan already plowed the field" comment, I guess because at the time I still envisioned the young woman playing with the slobbery mabari when I read the line. Gah, its the little things that make stories great. Honestly, I have not forgiven Loghain for that thought. And its an AU version of a fictional character from a video game... and I'm holding it against him, for a thought he did not voice.

Damn, I'm upset again.

Great work, Addai!

(husband)

Are you really sure he said that out loud?   I've been skimming the dialogue and I can't find it.   There are some thought balloons that sort have that as their drift, but there is no direct quote.

If its his private thoughts I would cut him a break.   If its to Maric, I would count it as "guy talk".   If it's to Ellie and occurs later in the story, then that wouldn't be so bad since by that point he should have some rapport with her.   In looking over the early chapters I don't see that quote at all.   He was very reserved.   If he would have said it early when they were courting it would come acrossed rude, basically saying "I'm not thrilled at getting Cailan's sloppy seconds".    But from what I've read he completely avoids that kind of dialogue.


PS    And if he says it on their wedding night, I would see it more as a comment of his insecurity over his age and being compared to younger man then something rude.

Modifié par Addai67, 24 octobre 2010 - 02:23 .

[Sarah1281]

What happens is this:

From Chapter Two...



Loghain chuckled ruefully. "No need to apologize. I agree completely." He was fascinated by these revelations, though it would take some time for him to digest them. So Cailan had ploughed the field. Yet if what Elissa was saying was true, Anora's fears were unfounded and the whole wedding arrangement might be safely called off. Loghain wondered if Elissa realized the implications of what she was saying. Was there some hope of getting his neck out of the noose after all? Inexplicably, Loghain felt a flicker of disappointment.

[Esbatty]

Addai67 wrote...

Esbatty wrote...

Oh I dig this mucho.

Although it still bothers me his initial whole "Cailan already plowed the field" comment, I guess because at the time I still envisioned the young woman playing with the slobbery mabari when I read the line. Gah, its the little things that make stories great. Honestly, I have not forgiven Loghain for that thought. And its an AU version of a fictional character from a video game... and I'm holding it against him, for a thought he did not voice.

Damn, I'm upset again.

Great work, Addai!

(husband)

Are you really sure he said that out loud?   I've been skimming the dialogue and I can't find it.   There are some thought balloons that sort have that as their drift, but there is no direct quote.

If its his private thoughts I would cut him a break.   If its to Maric, I would count it as "guy talk".   If it's to Ellie and occurs later in the story, then that wouldn't be so bad since by that point he should have some rapport with her.   In looking over the early chapters I don't see that quote at all.   He was very reserved.   If he would have said it early when they were courting it would come acrossed rude, basically saying "I'm not thrilled at getting Cailan's sloppy seconds".    But from what I've read he completely avoids that kind of dialogue.


PS    And if he says it on their wedding night, I would see it more as a comment of his insecurity over his age and being compared to younger man then something rude.

Okay, ya got me. I agree it was his own personal thoughts but I tend to get wrapped up in damn good stories be it The Dark Tower series or "The Arrangement" here. So when a character does something or thinks something, that I am privvy to, I take it personal. I don't know I'm weird like that. But it did bother me because he a suspicious guy. I mean has to be, everything he has ever gone through weighs heavy on him. He is a king-maker so by and large he is a bulk of the power behind the throne.

But yeah its his wedding night, he has got his mid life marriage jitters after half a lifetime of bachelorhood, so okay I give... I'll give the guy a break.

Also I'm not upset at Addai, this is not me going after the author. She does an awesome job. Its Loghain. Lucky in marriage bastard.

...

And thank you Sarah for the exact paragraph. Its like 5am for me while I'm at work so I didn't want to bother looking for the exact passage.

Modifié par Esbatty, 24 octobre 2010 - 03:02 .

[Esbatty]

DragonRacer13 wrote...

Esbatty wrote...

Addai67 wrote...

Heh, would you rather have him pull an Oghren and think "so, they greased the bronco"? LOL

LMFAO, no no... I'm just saying its not the analogy but just the sheer - I dunno - coarseness. I guess I'm equivalling it to him going like "Whooooooooooore", I dunno. It just bothered me - not what you wrote- but just... I'm like Colonel Klink screaming "Looooooooooghain!" and shaking my fist at the sky.

Bah, I'm babbling. But no longer upset thanks to Ohgren good time memories. I need to pal around with him more in Awakening.

Speaking of Awakening, I love Loghain in Awakening.

You totally deserve Sten-approved Internet cookies for your brilliant Hogan's Heroes reference (such an underappreciated and much-forgotten show!).

Thats how I roll.

[Addai]

LOL Esbatty, you kill me. All I can say is, he's a guy's guy, he didn't know Ellie from the next village girl, and out loud he was a gentleman. He was also miffed that he had to re-arrange his life to suit Cailan and Anora. It's rough on a very private, proud, independent man.



Chapter ten coming shortly.

[alschemid]

Addai67 wrote...
Chapter ten coming shortly.

Loved the last Chapter...

And got something kind of working, a lot to fix and repaint though.

[Addai]

Oh wow, that's cool!!

[phaonica]

alschemid wrote...

And got something kind of working, a lot to fix and repaint though.

*glomps alschemid*

OMG, that's so regal and sexy!

[Addai]

Chapter Ten

25 Justinian, 9:25 Dragon Age.

Loghain regarded the thin, reedy man standing in front of his desk with open skepticism. The man obviously had something to tell him, but was having difficulty spitting it out. "Go on," he urged.

"It's like this, teyrn. I tend your garden, see. With you being away a great deal and all, you wouldn't know that, I expect, but I do. The lily pads and fish and like in the pond as well, I..."

"Did you come here to discuss botany?"

The man laughed nervously. "No, ser. No I didn't. Well, teyrn, it's like this. You being away a lot and all. I was close to the window and I happened to see them. Your wife, see, and... and..." His voice lowered to a whisper. "And Prince Cailan. Or King Cailan as soon to be." Loghain tensed, but nodded for him to continue. Encouraged, the man straightened and continued more confidently, "He was kneeling down, he was, and the teyrna- meaning no disrespect to her ladyship, you understand- the teyrna was..."

"She was what? Something intimate?" He had thought it impossible, but the man's nervousness was starting to be contagious. "Describe exactly what they were doing."

"He was kneeling, like, or sitting, and he had 'is head..." The man tipped his head over, demonstrating. "And she was sitting, and she touched it."

Loghain waited. Surely there had to be more than Cailan resting his head on Elissa's lap for so much wasted breath. "And then?"

"And then he left."

The teyrn pressed, "That's all? That's it?"

"Why, yes." The nosy gardener began to look nervous again, and added defensively, "All that I saw anyway."

Staring, Loghain was tempted to tell the man that he had fluffed his last lilypad. He held off, however. It was a common thing for nobles to spy on their spouses and children, and he could even see some sense in it, though he had never been able to bring himself to do it. That Cailan had sought Ellie out in private, in their residence, was disturbing, but not terribly surprising. She had told him that she thought the prince still enamored of her. They had decided that she would continue to put him off as gently as possible, while letting Cailan's relationship to Anora take its course. The crown pair would be married shortly after the Landsmeet, and surely Cailan would come to his senses then.

Loghain's responded to the gardener with a stern lecture. "My wife and Prince Cailan are friends from their youth. The prince has suffered a great loss. She was comforting him as a friend, that is all. Nor will you tell it any differently to anyone else, do you understand?"

The gardener turned white. "Of course, teyrn. I wouldn't tell nobody. I wouldn't." Loghain nodded and turned back to his papers, but some moments later, noticed that the man was still standing in front of his desk. When Loghain lifted his eyes again, the gardener whispered weakly, "A few silvers, maybe?" The glare he received at this set him backing up and stumbling out of the office without another peep.

It was the Maker's sense of humor, perhaps, that the bumbling would-be spy had visited Loghain while he was looking over reports from his own spies in other parts of Ferelden. These were, with few exceptions, no more useful than his gardener's report. After Maric's disappearance, Loghain had hauled forth everyone who knew anything about every man aboard the royal ships. If there was foul play at work, then it was likely an inside operation for the king to disappear so cleanly. Meanwhile, Loghain had done everything he could do to pry for news in Orlais and the Free Marches, even Antiva, which was notorious for not respecting royalty. There were many people, both in and outside of Ferelden, who would benefit from Maric's disappearance. He was a national symbol, a galvanizer, a reminder of Fereldan independence. With his sudden removal, there would be a vacuum and that could be exploited. It had been frustrating for Loghain to recognize how ineffective his sources were. Perhaps, he thought bitterly, he ought to see if his gardener had any ideas.

Loghain reached for a stack of letters his steward had brought him that morning. On top of the pile was one with an insignia he recognized as that of House Aeducan, the ruling family of the dwarf city of Orzammar. It was addressed to the Royal Regent of Ferelden. Breaking the seal, Loghain found that it was a condolence letter from King Endrin. The dwarf king had had good relations with Maric, visiting back and forth more than once, and Loghain had also met him. Silently calculating how old the dwarf king must be by then, he realized that another visit would soon be necessary. Endrin was getting on in years and dwarf politics were more confusing and mercurial than any human kingdom. Yet the lyrium had to flow, so it was a vital concern.

Next on his stack of letters was another bearing the same seal, presumably brought by the same courier. It was addressed to Cailan. Since Ferelden's prince could seldom be bothered with writing or answering letters, the clerks often brought even his personal correspondence to Loghain. This letter was from Endrin's daughter, Princess Sereda. She wrote to introduce herself, extended condolences on the disappearance of the king, and invited Cailan to visit. It was far more direct than Endrin's rather rote missive had been, and Loghain lifted a brow as he read it. As far as he could recall, Endrin's heir had been a son. Yet it seemed that Loghain was not the only one who was thinking ahead.

At least neither of the dwarven royals had made any simpering offers of help, as he had found in a perfumed letter from Empress Celene of Orlais. Loghain much preferred the honest apathy of the dwarves to surface problems than the empress' show of friendly concern. Her note had been addressed to Cailan, too, and Loghain had shown it to the prince right before tossing it into the fire. Cailan laughed at his sourness. Much like Maric, the prince was naturally trusting and open, and was susceptible to flattery. Maric had learned the hard way to be more cautious about people, but that had been a costly and bloody lesson. Loghain was determined to see that Cailan learn it, too. The prince was as stubborn as Maric, however, perhaps moreso, and always thought he knew better.

After glancing through the rest of the letters, Loghain finally had to put them away. The Landsmeet would soon be convening. He called Cauthrien in to dress his armor.

He was mostly silent while the knight worked the pieces with expert precision. She could do it in her sleep, Loghain thought. Finally he spoke up. "You'll watch for any troublemakers in the hall, as always, yes?"

"Of course, my lord."

Loghain nodded, satisfied. His confidence in his second was complete. Her dedication to him was unsettling sometimes on a personal level, but he knew to value it. She brought the rare combination of being accomplished at what she did while not seeking ambition or glory for herself. That she was a bit hotheaded at times, he could live with. Loghain had brought her up through the ranks himself, and never had she failed to prove herself. As for the Landsmeet, it was traditional for each noble to supplement the royal guard's watch on the hall with a few of their own troops. If there were trouble in the hall, no one could claim that there had been favoritism or conspiracy. There were stories of past occasions when the royal troops had barred the doors, not allowing anyone to leave until a certain matter was settled. That couldn't happen if the chamber guards were a mixture of forces.

Loghain found Cailan and Anora waiting in the antechamber. His daughter looked perfectly calm to most eyes, but he could tell from the set of her jaw that she was nervous. They exchanged a glance, sober but affectionate, before he turned to Cailan.

"Keep your remarks brief and to the point, Cailan. Do not wander off on this and that, and try not to sound too full of yourself."

"Stop worrying, Loghain." The prince seemed jubilant in comparison to his demeanor over the previous weeks. "Everything will be fine. Since when do you know anything about giving speeches? I know what I'm about."

The teyrn regarded him skeptically but made no further comment. Eamon then came in to the antechamber and whispered a few words to Cailan before stepping over to Loghain.

"Teyrn Loghain, always a pleasure. Well, here we are. Maker preserve us, I did not think to see this day so soon." When he got no more than a curt nod out of Loghain, Eamon went on, "I saw Elissa out in the entrance. She is standing for Gwaren today, I see. A boon for your teyrnir indeed. You see that it is not always a bad thing to marry a lady so young, if she is one of quality."

Loghain looked at him with incredulity. The arl could not seriously be comparing his pudding-headed Orlesian wife to Elissa. "I am a fortunate man," he replied evenly.

Thankfully there was no more time for Eamon to go on, since the heralds were already calling the hall to order. Eamon left for the stair to the gallery and the royal delegation walked through the side door to the platform on the chamber floor. Loghain took his place as Regent in the center, Cailan and Anora stood on either side. The platform was a smaller one than the royal platform behind them, erected especially for the Landsmeet. Any other time the monarch might sit above those visiting the court, but at this body, the monarch sat low and the landholders had the high place. There was still a great din as nobles took their places, voting delegates in the galleries above where their view and hearing would be unobstructed, lesser nobles and retainers on the main floor.

Glancing up to the gallery, Loghain saw Ellie step to her place. She was dressed in fine etched leathers of chestnut brown, with a burgundy half-mantle slung over her shoulders. She looked very fine, and seemed confident when she cast him a brief smile. Afterward she nodded at someone across the hall on the other side of the gallery. Loghain followed her gaze and saw that she first acknowledged her father, then Bann Alfstanna of Waking Sea, the only other noblewoman in the hall who was also armored.

Ellie also wore a shortsword at her side. Some of the other delegates were armored and armed, as well. A Fereldan queen had once tried to enforce a no-weapons policy, fearing violence if things got out of hand in the chamber. Violence was exactly what her guards got when they tried to take away the landholders' swords. After that the right to bear arms in the Landsmeet chamber was never questioned.

When the heralds finally succeeded in quieting the hall, the Grand Cleric beseeched the Maker's blessing on the proceedings. Since Loghain had called the Landsmeet, he had the right of first speech. "My lords and ladies of Ferelden," he began, voice booming against the rafters of the vaulted ceiling. "Our country has been dealt a terrible blow. You all know that Maric and I fought together, as did many of you, to see that this country free. That tradition remains and we will let nothing diminish it, not even the loss of Maric himself. I have done everything in my power to determine what happened and will continue to do so. Yet we must move forward. We cannot delay any further the choosing and coronation of a new king. When we leave here today, the entire country and all of Thedas must know that we remain Fereldans, undaunted and free."

When Loghain stepped back, the seneschal came forward to read the inquest report on Maric's disappearance and the subsequent investigation. Loghain kept his eyes trained to the floor, listening grimly as his failure was read forth in fine bureaucratic detail. There was murmuring in the hall, but little protest, and the motion for receiving the report into official record carried without incident. It was not often that the Landsmeet agreed to something so readily, but everyone was ready to move on. Even though he knew it was necessary, knew it was time, it still left a bitter sourness in Loghain's stomach that everyone had accepted Maric's death so calmly.

He was pulled out of his thoughts by the sound of Cailan's voice. The prince wore golden armor and a purple cloak just as his father had at such occasions. Pacing slowly across the platform, he began, "I thank Loghain and all of you for convening this Landsmeet to see me take up my father's throne. No one feels his loss more deeply than I do. His is an example I will always strive to live up to." The prince turned and paced slowly in the other direction, holding up a gauntleted hand towards the gallery. "One thing my father taught me was never to take for granted the confidence of the men and women who follow us. On the contrary, he said, we must wake up each day with the intent to earn that confidence. I intend to earn yours. Soon you will also have a queen who has also served Ferelden every day of her life." With this Cailan turned and gestured towards Anora. She stood still, back straight, expression serene. Loghain felt some pride to look at her, and some wonder that she had come from him and Celia. There was no doubt that she looked like a queen. Cailan went on a few moments more, praising Anora's dedication to Ferelden and finally reminding the hall of his father's legacy which would become his own.

Expelling a breath of relief as the prince finally ended his speech and stepped back, Loghain gave him a nod of encouragement. The address was on the verge of being too long and too pompous, but only on the verge. It was well done, and he was glad also that Cailan had taken Anora's and Elissa's advice to heart and made his prospective queen part of his bid. Elissa had assured them again that morning that there would be no challenge, and Cailan was more apt to be overconfident, but the very fact that a challenge was possible had obviously stung him.

As it turned out, he had reason to be cautious. No sooner had Cailan taken his place again when a voice spoke up from the crowd on the main floor. "I call for Teyrn Cousland to take his rightful place! The throne should pass to the Couslands!" There was a great commotion as nobles all over the hall strained to see who had spoken. Soon other voices joined the chorus, shouting "Cousland! Cousland!" It took a moment for the hall to realize what was happening, but eventually others tried to shout the men down, crying out, "Cailan! Prince Cailan!" These also were not many, however. Most of the nobles seemed either flummoxed or amused. Some of them were no doubt simply relieved that the assembly was not going to turn out as boring as they had expected.

Loghain saw Cailan biting back anger. He then looked up at Ellie. She was gesturing at her father across the gallery, and appeared furious, moreso than Loghain had ever seen her. It was obvious that either she had been fed a line or the nobles had gone back on their word. He had to feel some sympathy. His young wife was getting a firsthand taste of how bitter and futile Landsmeet politics could be.

Bryce Cousland's voice rang out in the hall. "Friends! My friends! Your attention, please. Friends!" The din settled down and everyone looked expectantly at the Teyrn of Highever to see how he would respond. Bryce, clad in burnished green armor, began speaking in a reasonable, personable voice as though sitting across a dinner table from a friend rather than addressing a hall full of lords. "I am honored, most honored, and humbly grateful for this most surprising display of confidence in me. But I assure you that when I leave here today, it shall be as what I am, Lord of Highever. Eleanor and I want nothing more than to remain where my family has served the kingdom for hundreds of years. Your duty here is to support the throne of Calenhad." He was interrupted by more calls of "Cousland! Cousland!" The cries were louder after his speech than before.

There was nothing to be done but to acknowledge the calls. The seneschal stepped forward. "There has been a challenge made to Cailan's bid for the crown. Do any of the voting delegates wish to uphold this challenge?"

For a long moment there was silence, then a thin voice spoke out. "I do." It was Bann Ceorlic of Southern, a halting, grasping sort of man. His involvement surprised Loghain, but only because it showed more courage than the bann's wont. Loghain and Maric had executed Ceorlic's father, a man by the same name, for betraying and killing Maric's mother the Rebel Queen. After the war Maric returned the bann to the younger Ceorlic, saying that there was a time for vengeance and a time for peace. Apparently now was Ceorlic's time to pay the Theirins back, a son's crown for his father's head.

Cailan shook his head, muttering angrily while the seneschal called for Bryce to step down on the platform. Cousland looked no happier about the situation than the prince, but slowly he turned and disappeared to the stair, emerging a moment later at the side door. As he stepped up on the platform, he went straight to Cailan and knelt on one knee. It was obviously meant to be a statement. Rising, Bryce leaned in to say, "I am very sorry, Your Highness. This was not my doing nor that of my family."

"I know, Bryce, I know," Cailan assured him, both his amiability and some of his confidence returning at the Teyrn's gesture. "Let them have their say."

Once the challengers knew that they weren't going to be shouted down, the hall calmed a bit and the nobles began to argue in a more orderly way. The man who had originally made the call for Bryce to be crowned stepped forward, and Loghain recognized him as Bann Edmun, a minor lord and vassal of Highever. He gave an impassioned defense of Bryce's bid, citing the Teyrn's own humility as a point in his favor, and listing off a raft of rumors about Cailan's drinking, women, and general unfitness to follow in Maric's footsteps. By now Cailan was obviously getting used to the idea that this was going to be a fight, and listened with arms crossed, looking vaguely amused. He did not need to speak up, however, since others did on his behalf.

Back and forth it went, and Loghain thought again of his likening it to a kennel of mabari. Hounds generally bayed less and with better reason, so he regretted slighting them with the comparison. There were very few who spoke in Bryce's favor, but these were a vocal few, and others were beginning to look doubtful. The sound of Ellie's voice, fiery and unwavering, brought Loghain out of his thoughts.

"My lords and ladies of the Landsmeet! I am Elissa Cousland, eldest child of the Cousland line, now Teyrna of Gwaren. My family knows that you mean well, but in choosing our next king, would you go against not only my father's will, but also that of King Maric? Prince Cailan is young, yet it was a young prince who freed Ferelden from the Orlesians. Does his son not deserve the same chance to prove himself? Now let us stop this nonsense! The heir of Calenhad should take his rightful place." She stepped back, hand on the hilt of her shortsword, expression  indignant. Loghain did not envy the men who crossed Ellie when she got hold of them later.

He had barely been able to suppress a smile and keep his impartial mask while his wife was shouting. It was a risk for her to speak up on Cailan's behalf, since it would fire the rumors that she and Cailan were still lovers. Yet she was a Cousland and that would also carry weight. Let Eamon and these other lords prattle about their empty-headed wives, Loghain thought smugly. Though some of those women might be more pliable and predictable than his wife, they all could now see that the lot fallen to him was a lucky one.

Ellie's anger was her own, though the sentiments she expressed spoke also for Gwaren. They had received missives from the town mayor and guilds there, but there was never any doubt that Maric's son had the teyrnir's support. They would not go against the son of Maric the Savior. Cailan's recent visit to Gwaren for Loghain and Ellie's wedding didn't hurt.

Whether because of Ellie's speech or because the delegates were getting tired of the affair, there was only murmuring after she fell silent, and no more open argument. A motion was made for the vote, and when no protest arose the seneschal gestured towards Eamon to begin. First vote had been given to Redcliffe after Maric restored the Landsmeet tradition, in recognition of Arl Rendorn's leading role in the rebellion. Eamon spoke up for Cailan, and then the voting proceeded onward to the next in the gallery.

"South Reach is for Prince Cailan, " spoke Arl Bryland, a solid bull of a man who had also fought in the rebellion.

Arl Wulff was next in line. "Western Hills is for Prince Cailan."

"Gwaren stands for Prince Cailan." Elissa had leaned forward and spoke vehemently, daring anyone to contradict her.

These early votes were mostly southern provinces, a concession that had been made even before the occupation. No one questioned that Ferelden's capital should be the city of Andraste, but it was still thought that Denerim's influence favored the north. Since early votes could sway others, they were given to the south as a way to even out the bias. The final vote on the gallery was also prominent and was also given to the south, to Ceorlic's bann. By the time it got around to him, none other of the votes had been cast for Bryce. Ceorlic looked trapped, realizing that he had spoken against the man who was about to be Ferelden's new king. The wind had not blown his way, so he turned his back to it.

"Southern speaks for Prince Cailan," he croaked, causing a small eruption of anger from Edmun and the other minor lords on the main floor who had just lost their only supporter in the gallery. Loghain did not even attempt to suppress his smirk. The men who had double-crossed Elissa had just seen that the cat could spin in both directions. Though they had no chance of winning at that point, Loghain guessed that they had been hoping for a symbolic victory. The final vote came from the main floor, from the minor lords. The central bannorn were together given one vote, to be cast by a single bann on a rotating basis. The fact that their vote was last and could break a tie recognized how important this contentious region was to Fereldan's politics. Bann Alder of Hye River spoke for Cailan, and then the vote was unanimous. The hall erupted in cheering. Meanwhile there was a collective sigh of relief on the platform, from Bryce Cousland most of all.

The hall quieted again as Cailan began to speak. "Thank you, friends. I am honored to take my place as your king. My coronation will take place here in three days. I now wish to formally announce my wedding to Lady Anora Mac Tir, your future queen, to follow one month hence." Loghain thought it a good sign that Cailan said this without reservation and with a smile on this face, though having won the vote, the smile was expected. The Grand Cleric shushed the room in order to pray blessings on the new king-to-be and his bride, though by then many nobles were already on the way out to their taverns.

Elissa met Loghain on the main floor. She was craning her neck to spot the men who had spoken for Bryce, obviously looking for blood. With amusement Loghain put a calming hand on her arm. "The hangings come later. Now we go find a bottle of Antivan brandy." He was not really in a celebrating mood, not in light of what had been taken from them to see this happen, but it was an important occasion for Cailan and Anora and he would not spoil it for them.

The next day the couple slept in, both exhausted. Elissa was still sleeping when Loghain got up to leave for the palace. He had several meetings with nobles who were worried their petty concerns might not get enough attention with a new king. After he had finally shaken himself loose of them, Loghain withdrew upstairs to the royal chambers. When he opened the door to his study, Ellie and Cailan abruptly stepped back from one another. They had been standing close, Cailan's hand on Elissa's arm. Loghain paused a moment, glancing between them, before continuing to his desk.

"I was just stopping by to see if you wanted to get in a round of practice today, Loghain," Cailan explained with an obviously forced casualness.

"I'm afraid I can't today, Cailan. Perhaps tomorrow."

"Very well, I shall let you off for now. Goodbye to you both then." Loghain noticed that Cailan shot Elissa a brief but intent look before departing.

When he was gone, Ellie expelled a breath and shook her head. "Well, that was awkward. More awkward than usual. He was trying to persuade me to take over as head of his royal guard."

Flipping absently through one of his ledgers, Loghain lifted a brow at this news. After a moment he replied, "It is not a bad idea, actually."

"What? You can't be serious. It is obviously an attempt to get me closer to him. Much closer. I am beginning to wonder how you can take it so lightly that he is flirting with me right in front of you."

Loghain looked up, ignoring what might have been meant as a slight to him and speaking calmly. "Think about it, Ellie. We are going to have to keep a close eye on Cailan now. He is always shaking off his guard as it is when he wants to sneak about. If you have some involvement with them, you would be in a position to monitor him. You wouldn't have to have daily duties, I'm sure, just supervisory ones."

Elissa shook her head, approaching the desk. "It's not a good idea. In fact, it is an impossible one."

"If you are uncomfortable, then certainly..."

"I'm pregnant."

"...certainly I would not..." Loghain froze, and slowly looked up. "What? What did you just say?"

"I said I am pregnant. Pregnant. Baby. Little person who is going to split me in two in but a few short months." She stood back, arms crossed, and even through the haze of his own shock Loghain could hear the nervous edge of fear in her voice.

He leaned forward, bracing on the desk while he sank into the chair. His words came out in a choked whisper. "Maker's breath. Are you sure?"

Ellie nodded. "I'm positive. I didn't want to tell you with everything that's been going on, but I've known for a couple weeks. I had my suspicions, then the healers confirmed them." When he didn't say anything, she went on, sounding desperate. "What am I supposed to do with a baby? I can't be a mother."

Loghain blinked in surprise. Setting aside his own sense of unreality, he asked with concern, "You are unhappy?"

"I... I don't know. No. I'm worried. This baby is going to take one look at me and ask to go back to the Fade."

Despite the numbness that had overtaken him, Loghain chuckled. Recovering slightly, he offered, "You mean once he gets a look at his father. The sight of his mother will be much more impressive." Father. Baby. It was not possible that these words might have anything to do with him again, not after so many years.

Elissa fidgeted. "I can't believe you didn't notice. My ankles!"

He was at a loss. Elissa's ankles appeared fine to him, and what ankles had to do with a baby, Loghain had no clear recollection. "I didn't notice anything, I'm sorry. Several weeks, you said?"

"I'm about two months along, probably, judging from my courses."

"Two months." He grew thoughtful. Two months ago, he and Ellie had barely been speaking, let alone creating offspring.

Reading his thought, Ellie smiled mischievously. "I think it was the night of the king's ball. Do you remember?"

Loghain did indeed. It had been the night he had told her about Rowan, when she had told him she was with him because she liked to be. Standing, he came around and put a hand on Ellie's waist, pulling her gently to him and studying her face. That Elissa was going to be a mother, that seemed natural. It only was bizarre that he should be the one to father her child.

Ellie still wore the little smile, but Loghain's voice was sober as he told her, "Before we even married, I told Maric that I hoped I might have a son."

"You did? So, a boy, then?"

"Are you taking requests?"

Ellie laughed. "I am not cooking you an omelet, husband." Growing serious again, she drew a deep breath. "I suppose I could teach her to tumble. And to use a sword. If I can do it, then she'll do it. That wouldn't be so bad. The wags here in the palace will just have to wag about that." She broke off the train of musing and looked up at him again, tone softening. "You really want this? You wanted a child with me?"

"It will take me time to get used to the idea. I am no kind of father, I told you that long ago. But yes, it is an honor. When I said that to Maric I did not even know how much an honor. I know it now."

Smiling, Ellie nodded, apparently reassured. "I'm glad, Loghain. I was worried that you would not be pleased. We never really discussed children. I suppose I could have been taking precautions, but I didn't. Maybe I even wanted this, too, a little." She frowned thoughtfully. "Alright. Alright. I can do this."

Loghain's voice was hoarse with emotion, most of all with affection. "My dear Elissa, I would be surprised to discover that there is anything that you cannot do."


End chapter ten.

[Sarah1281]

So I was looking at the reviews and found this for Chapter Nine.

Sandtigress wrote...

Ellie and Loghain have such a great dynamic together - you keep everyone in character so well. To be honest, I kept expecting Ellie to drop a bomb some time in there and announce she was pregnant and that's why she kept trying to get Loghain's attention! XD Maybe someday. 

That's almost uncanny.

[Sandtigress]

LOL Yeah, who called it? Me! Me! Like I said in my review, I wanna see her tell Cailan. Pleeeeeease Addai, give us that!

[Addai]

Sandtigress wrote...

LOL Yeah, who called it? Me! Me! Like I said in my review, I wanna see her tell Cailan. Pleeeeeease Addai, give us that!

Oh wow, when I first read your review I thought you had already read chapter 10.  Good call.    Oh, and you were right, she was on the verge of telling him once or twice in chapter 9.

Modifié par Addai67, 25 octobre 2010 - 02:36 .

[Sandtigress]

Addai67 wrote...

Sandtigress wrote...

LOL Yeah, who called it? Me! Me! Like I said in my review, I wanna see her tell Cailan. Pleeeeeease Addai, give us that!

Oh wow, when I first read your review I thought you had already read chapter 10.  Good call.    Oh, and you were right, she was on the verge of telling him once or twice in chapter 9.

:D:D

Mwahahahaha....

[Addai]

Sarah1281 wrote...
 That's almost uncanny.

She's just that good!!!

Oh, and in answer to your question, I use Elissa and Ellie pretty much interchangeably.  He probably does refer to her as Ellie more in private.  It's a nickname, after all.

Thanks for all your reviews!

[Esbatty]

*mind e'splode*



Wow, I bet Anora is gonna be thrilled to have a little brother or sister to subtly rub in Cailan's face. Maybe not so much once that little sister gets along in years, but for now with the nuptials and all, good times.



I got real damn nervous at the landsmeet, especially when I read the name Ceolic. This is like the third DA book since it works so well with The Stolen Throne and The Calling. I bet you're just champing at the bit to get to writing Alistair



Now to gather the pieces of my skull before someone sees the little heart-shaped chalk candies spilling out. L+E4EVER

[Addai]

tgail73 wrote...

Ok, that was shocking to me. I can't believe I didn't see that coming. Loghain deserves a son(crosses fingers).

Yay, I like surprises, especially nice ones.  I think it's nice anyway.