FanFiction/Art - Final Chapter (Aedan), (12/27) Interludes
Débuté par
Sisimka
, févr. 25 2010 05:06
#351
Posté 25 mars 2010 - 01:31
DalishRanger
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That's what we creative types do! Inspire each other!
Retour en haut
#353
Posté 25 mars 2010 - 02:52
Masticetobbacco
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omfg Leliana is becoming bawring housewife
make her kill something >
make her kill something >
#354
Posté 25 mars 2010 - 09:29
bl00dsh0t
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Damn everytime I forget to check the thread for a day or two I get a decent number of glorious chapters to read 
Excellent ^^
Excellent ^^
#355
Posté 25 mars 2010 - 11:09
Sisimka
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Masticetobbacco wrote...
omfg Leliana is becoming bawring housewife
make her kill something >
Not that I would ever accuse Leli of becoming a boring housewife (she is the king's chancellor, after all!), she does actually kill something next chapter! No, it's not Aedan...
#356
Posté 25 mars 2010 - 05:16
Sisimka
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Chapter Fourteen
Leliana dispatched the final assassin. Alistair’s mouth gaped open mid sentence as the bard leapt lightly onto his desk. Her feet pushed against the back edge and she landed on the window sill, opened the pane, and disappeared from view.
Runir suddenly appeared at the window as though he’d not been sitting on the couch only seconds before. Alistair finally gained his feet and peered over the warden’s shoulder.
“What is it, what do you see?”
He heard a cry and a muffled thump and Leliana’s face appeared at the window again. “Perhaps if you gentlemen were to move, I might climb back inside?”
She clung to the wall outside with her fingertips and toes, the leather of her boots supple enough for such use. A bloodied dagger dangled from one hand. Runir pulled her over the sill and she landed soundlessly on her feet.
“That’s five. Let’s hope we’re done with them.” She drew out a handkerchief and began cleaning her dagger. Runir opened the door to inform the guards.
Alistair continued to gape a moment before asking the first question that came to mind. “Where did that dagger come from?”
“A woman hides many secrets within her skirts, Alistair.”
Runir laughed and though faintly shocked, Alistair couldn’t help his smile. He shook his head. “Wow.”
Runir’s rumbling laugh increased in volume and Leliana’s musical giggle soon followed. When had routine assassin elimination become a cause for hilarity? Alistair gave into mirth and joined them in laughter.
Brenna appeared in the doorway, Riordan set upon her hip and the three sobered instantly. Leliana slipped the clean dagger into an invisible pocket of her skirt and stepped forward to take her son into her arms, kissing his round cheek.
“I heard a noise, Alistair, and guards are running down the hall. Is everything alright?”
Alistair fought it, he bit his lips together, but he lost the battle. He laughed. He heard Leliana giggling and Runir snickering and he cleared his throat in a business like fashion before answering.
“I believe we have just dealt with the last assassin.”
Brenna’s eyebrows arched and she looked incredulously from one to the other as they chuckled and chortled. Colour rose in her cheeks and her voice quavered. “I don’t understand why you think it’s so funny.”
Alistair swallowed the last of his laughter and stepped forward to hug Brenna. “I’m sorry, my love, this has been such a trying time. What harm to lighten the mood?”
Brenna’s face played host to a myriad of expressions: confusion, apprehension and relief before she relaxed into a smile.
“So does that mean we can all go back to our own rooms now?”
Alistair couldn’t help it. He laughed again. At her reproachful look he bit back the quip on the tip of his tongue and kissed her cheek instead. “I hope so.”
Runir’s quiet voice drifted over, “And I was so enjoying our slumber parties.”
Alistair sighed as the two rogues chuckled and slapped their thighs. But he appreciated the lifting of spirits. Whether it was due to lack of proper sleep or the relief of counting down five assassins, it felt good to laugh again.
He stepped back from Brenna and said, “You are just in time, we were laying out the course of the parade.”
Only two days remained before his wedding. The day after tomorrow they would tour the city as Denerim turned out to show their favour to the royal couple and the following day he would be wed! Alistair’s pulse quickened with excitement. This wedding had come to represent more than his union with Brenna. Ferelden would gain a queen and perhaps one day an heir to throne. More importantly, however, he hoped that day would signal the end of these weeks of strife.
“But the assassin, the guards…” Brenna spluttered.
Alistair’s expression darkened for only a second. “…will not interrupt my day.” He waved a hand toward the door. “It is done and done. Let’s move on to more pleasant things.”
Leliana set Riordan down and the toddler made his way between their legs, his small hands pulling skirts and pant legs as he negotiated a course around the desk. The tug of his hands had become so familiar that Alistair barely noticed as the four of them went over the plans.
As Alistair studied the city map heaviness settled upon his shoulders. The laughter had done much to relieve his tension, but he recognised it for what it was: a reaction, pure and simple. Living under the threat of violence and keeping close quarters with his companions had worn on him such that he felt he barely knew himself any more. He’d not had a moment alone in days, let alone any time with Brenna. Someone always watched them, whether friend or foe. He hoped to hear from Zevran soon. Before the wedding would be a timely gift.
A light knock sounded at the door and Leliana answered it. The wardens had arrived! The four of them exchanged looks, all of their faces bright for different reasons. Leliana gathered up her son and they fell within Alistair’s circle of guards for the short walk to the Landsmeet chamber.
A dozen men milled about in the hall and a quick glance confirmed Aedan and Oghren were not among them. Aedan was a tall man and his distinctive armour usually marked him out in a crowd, as did Oghren’s shorter stature. These wardens had come from Amaranthine.
Their captain stepped forward, crossing his arms in formal salute before taking Alistair’s extended arm with a smile. “Alistair, it is good to see you alive and well.”
Alistair grinned in return. Wyman was one of the wardens who had no trouble calling him by name, as a brother. “Despite dodging assassins for weeks, yes, I am. Good to see you too, Wyman.”
They exchanged news for a few moments before Alistair noticed Wyman had been glancing anxiously about the hall. Alistair turned and observed the crowd. Brenna had her head titled to one side as she listened to a warden talk, the expression on her face indicating she listened to a story. Runir had his arm about the shoulder of one his brothers and the two men were laughing heartily. Leliana stood within a circle of wardens with Riordan at her hip. The men’s faces all held gentle expressions as they took turns tickling the boy’s cheek or ruffling his hair. Though Leliana’s face wore a smile, her eyes held a touch of sadness.
He turned back to Wyman as the warden aired his concern. “The Commander has yet to return from Orzammar?”
Alistair shook his head solemnly. “We expected him yesterday. The north and west patrols have not arrived yet either.”
Wyman’s expression clouded and he gave a short nod. “I will let my men rest for the afternoon and dispatch a few down each road before evening.”
“I will ask Peter to attach a number of soldiers to each group.”
The two men nodded decisively at one another. They had a plan.
Alistair turned at a light touch to his elbow. A messenger stood nervously behind him, a slip of paper clutched tightly in his hand.
He read the message and broke into a wide grin.
“Good news, I take it.”
Alistair glanced up at Wyman. “Let’s just say Oghren had better hurry himself. Felsi, ah, she’s having her baby.” He couldn’t help the flush that took his cheeks as he spoke the words.
Wyman clapped him on the shoulder and with no such embarrassment turned to address the chamber. “Oghren is about to miss a most important event!”
Brenna and Leliana both looked up at the news and quickly made their way to Alistair’s side. Wyman started issuing instructions to his men. They would be quartered at the fort and in short order they had collected their gear and prepared to move off.
Alistair looked down at Brenna. She bounced lightly on her toes and clapped her hands to her cheeks. Her face lifted into a radiant smile and she said, “Oh, we must go to her!”
Alistair recalled the hours and hours he’d spent distracting Aedan the day Riordan had been born. Perhaps Oghren’s absence was a blessing. He took Brenna’s hands and kissed them.
“Go. Take Leliana with you.” His expression became more serious as he added, “Wait for the guards before you leave, my love. I will be along shortly.”
Brenna also travelled with an eight man guard. He took no chances with the life of the future queen of Ferelden.
She danced from the hall and he smiled after her. Runir appeared silently at his side.
“Oghren and Aedan are overdue, your Majesty.”
“Only by a day, Runir. Let us hope it is due to an over indulgence in Dwarven ale and not something more sinister.”
“I’m thinking Leliana would find that sinister enough.”
Alistair smiled at the rogue and nodded. “Wyman plans to send scouts out along each highway before evening. I will have Peter send along a few men to accompany them.”
Afterwards Alistair had plenty of time to wonder why it took so long for babies to be born. The sun dipped behind the fort, visible from Oghren’s modest house, and they had eaten their way through Felsi’s pantry.
Messengers came and went. The assassin’s body had been removed to Fort Drakon – another plain man. Alistair took this particular tidbit of information with a sigh of relief. Five men caught, four of them dead, one beyond his reach. Maker preserve us, let that be them all of them.
Another message from the palace informed him that more wardens had arrived. In his absence they had been directed to Fort Drakon. Alistair grinned from ear to ear. Perhaps Oghren would not miss the birth of his child after all!
He sent a girl deeper into the house to share the news with Brenna and Leliana. Rather than send a return message, Alistair summoned his guards, most of who did not fit within the confines of the house, and stepped outside. He would go to the fort himself and get a breath of fresh air.
“Alistair!”
He turned to find Leliana running toward him. “Will you tell Aedan to come here with Oghren, I mean, I’m sure he would, but…”
He smiled at her. “I will Leliana, or do you want to come with me?”
She looked so torn, but after another glance within the house she shook her head. “No, I should stay here, with Felsi. She has no one else.”
Alistair nodded and left. Only two short streets separated him from the fort and he strode confidently within the enclosure of his guard. Runir bobbed along at his side, his expression as light and eager as Leliana’s had been. The wardens were his family too.
Though five assassins had been accounted for, it would not pay to lower their vigilance now. Alistair glanced up and around as they walked, as did Runir. They made it to the fort safely.
Aedan had commissioned new armour for all of Ferelden’s Grey Wardens. The warriors wore plate similar to his Warden Commander Armour, only the heraldry and pauldrons differed. Aedan’s breastplate bore two griffons, back to back, while the warden armour had only one.
Alistair could tell from the armour alone that neither Aedan nor Oghren were among this group. These wardens had been patrolling the west highway. His shoulders slumped slightly and a curl of anxiety tightened in his gut. Where were Aedan and Oghren? The coincidence that the northern patrol was also overdue did not escape him. Schooling his features to a warm expression, he strode forward to greet the west patrol.
“Eric!” They grasped one another’s arms and Alistair turned to greet the remainder of the patrol by name. “It is good to see you all.”
They all crossed their arms in salute and murmured, “Your Majesty,” before he stepped forward to more personally greet them one by one, grasping and arm here and a shoulder there. He reminded them to call him by name, as a brother. This concept often seemed beyond the grasp of the newer wardens, but Eric, Rolf and Yrisa had been among the first Aedan had recruited.
“Are you well, Alistair?” Eric’s face wore an easy grin and though his armour bore the stains of travel, he looked well himself.
Alistair paused a moment before answering. He decided that the events of the previous few weeks could not be summed up in a simple answer. Therefore he nodded and replied, “I am.”
“What of the Commander, and the north patrol? Have you word?”
Alistair frowned. “Not as yet. Aedan was expected yesterday, the patrol perhaps sooner.”
They exchanged worried glances before each sought to reassure the other. They shared an easier smile as Alistair informed him the wardens from Amaranthine had already arrived. Wyman joined them shortly afterwards and the two wardens swapped news of the road. Alistair listened in, relieved to be somewhere other than Oghren’s house for a while.
The sun had set fully when another messenger arrived. Alistair opened the note hoping to find news of Aedan or at least Philippe’s arrival. The message informed him of a completely different advent. Felsi’s baby had been born!
Alistair shared the news with a grin and prepared to return to Oghren’s house. He made it no further than the main doors to the fort, however, before a contingent of guards separated to reveal Brenna, Leliana and Riordan.
Mother and babe were well and resting. Oghren had a son! The fort became the venue for an impromptu celebration. Ale was called for and the kitchens were set to work. Fort Drakon was the most secure building in Denerim and for the first time in weeks Alistair felt himself to begin to truly relax. The ale warmed his belly, temporarily quelling his apprehension over Aedan, Oghren and Philippe.
Leliana was bouncing Riordan on her knee. “Another boy to play with, Rory! You two will be as brothers.”
Alistair grinned at the thought of the two children tumbling about the fort, following the soldiers about the stone halls. He had started to picture the two boys as men, men as important as their fathers, when he felt a light touch on his arm. Brenna sat beside him, her face wistful. He dropped an arm about her shoulders and pulled her to his side.
“We will have to have a daughter, my love, just to even the score.”
She smiled at that and he kissed the tip of her nose. Out of necessity it had become easier to express his affection for her in public. They’d not been alone, truly alone, in over a week. He decided that even if he had to endure the company of Aedan’s mabari, Jack, he would be alone with her in his bedroom tonight. Runir could station himself in the sitting room for a change. His mind started to roam in the pleasant direction of just what he had planned for the night when a loud murmur rippled throughout the large dining room.
Alistair glanced up to see a new cluster of armoured wardens at the door. At long last, they had arrived. The relief of everyone in the room hung in the air, palpable, and Alistair felt a final knot of tension begin to ease from his shoulders – until he saw their faces.
Aedan stood at the front of the group which included both Oghren and the northern patrol. An aura of defeat shrouded the Warden Commander’s features and his lips barely stretched into a smile as he scanned the room. Their eyes met and Aedan offered him the briefest of nods before moving his gaze to Leliana. Alistair felt a shiver travel down his spine at the look Aedan gave his wife. What had happened?
All the wardens and soldiers present rose to their feet and greeted their respective commanders with great enthusiasm. Oghren’s voice rose in a gravelly yell and he started thumping backs as he learned about the addition to his family. Aedan’s face broke into a smile as he congratulated the dwarf, but Alistair noted the smile failed to reach his eyes.
He waited patiently for his friend to work his way through the crowd of soldiers and wardens. As Aedan moved forward, Philippe, Luke and the rest of the north patrol came in to view. A new face appeared at the doorway, a dwarf. Philippe introduced him around, but Alistair did not catch the name. Kayley slipped through the doorway last, encumbered by a bulky basket. The cold shiver clutched at his sides as he realized Erald was missing. They had lost a warden. How?
Leliana had not waited so patiently. She handed Riordan to Brenna and began to shoulder her way through the crowd of men and women. She reached Luke first and drew her son into a close embrace and Alistair chuckled as he watched the boy stiffen then relent under her cascade of admonishments and kisses. Both faces shone with tears. She finally pulled back and set her hands on his shoulders and studied his face. Then she pushed him in Alistair’s direction, telling him to sit and eat.
Aedan had made his way through the crowd and stood before him. Alistair put his arms out Aedan drew him into a crushing hug. The warrior’s hugs were always fierce; he had become used to it. He grinned into an armoured shoulder.
“Brother.” Aedan always greeted him this way and Alistair knew he meant it as more than an acknowledgement of their bond as wardens.
“Brother,” Alistair answered. “We worried for you, and the north patrol. I can see all is not well.”
Aedan shook his head wearily. “No, but I would not disturb this celebration with my news. Can we talk in the morning?”
Luke and Leliana made it back to their corner of the hall and Aedan turned immediately, as if he had sensed their approach. He regarded his wife for a single moment, his face completely unreadable before he raised a hand to her cheek, and then drew her into his arms. He kissed her, a kiss such as Alistair would never dare bestow upon Brenna in public, and Alistair took a step back.
Though well used to seeing Aedan openly express his love, and at times his desire, for his wife there was something different about his manner tonight. The warrior held Leliana as if he would never let her go. Something niggled at the corner of Alistair’s mind. Something wasn’t right. Luke brushed by him, leaning forward to take Riordan from Brenna’s arms and Alistair felt it then. The odd feeling clicked into place and the horror of it caused his mouth to drop open in surprise.
Wardens could feel the taint in each other just as they could sense the darkspawn. Alistair now stared at Luke and the boy looked back at him, his eyes dark, and his expression anxious. Alistair grasped for it again, and there it was, clear as though it were marked upon his skin. Luke was a Grey Warden.
Alistair turned to Aedan and though his lips moved, no sound came out. In his mind the words sounded panicked and low: Holy Maker, Aedan, what have you done?
Leliana dispatched the final assassin. Alistair’s mouth gaped open mid sentence as the bard leapt lightly onto his desk. Her feet pushed against the back edge and she landed on the window sill, opened the pane, and disappeared from view.
Runir suddenly appeared at the window as though he’d not been sitting on the couch only seconds before. Alistair finally gained his feet and peered over the warden’s shoulder.
“What is it, what do you see?”
He heard a cry and a muffled thump and Leliana’s face appeared at the window again. “Perhaps if you gentlemen were to move, I might climb back inside?”
She clung to the wall outside with her fingertips and toes, the leather of her boots supple enough for such use. A bloodied dagger dangled from one hand. Runir pulled her over the sill and she landed soundlessly on her feet.
“That’s five. Let’s hope we’re done with them.” She drew out a handkerchief and began cleaning her dagger. Runir opened the door to inform the guards.
Alistair continued to gape a moment before asking the first question that came to mind. “Where did that dagger come from?”
“A woman hides many secrets within her skirts, Alistair.”
Runir laughed and though faintly shocked, Alistair couldn’t help his smile. He shook his head. “Wow.”
Runir’s rumbling laugh increased in volume and Leliana’s musical giggle soon followed. When had routine assassin elimination become a cause for hilarity? Alistair gave into mirth and joined them in laughter.
Brenna appeared in the doorway, Riordan set upon her hip and the three sobered instantly. Leliana slipped the clean dagger into an invisible pocket of her skirt and stepped forward to take her son into her arms, kissing his round cheek.
“I heard a noise, Alistair, and guards are running down the hall. Is everything alright?”
Alistair fought it, he bit his lips together, but he lost the battle. He laughed. He heard Leliana giggling and Runir snickering and he cleared his throat in a business like fashion before answering.
“I believe we have just dealt with the last assassin.”
Brenna’s eyebrows arched and she looked incredulously from one to the other as they chuckled and chortled. Colour rose in her cheeks and her voice quavered. “I don’t understand why you think it’s so funny.”
Alistair swallowed the last of his laughter and stepped forward to hug Brenna. “I’m sorry, my love, this has been such a trying time. What harm to lighten the mood?”
Brenna’s face played host to a myriad of expressions: confusion, apprehension and relief before she relaxed into a smile.
“So does that mean we can all go back to our own rooms now?”
Alistair couldn’t help it. He laughed again. At her reproachful look he bit back the quip on the tip of his tongue and kissed her cheek instead. “I hope so.”
Runir’s quiet voice drifted over, “And I was so enjoying our slumber parties.”
Alistair sighed as the two rogues chuckled and slapped their thighs. But he appreciated the lifting of spirits. Whether it was due to lack of proper sleep or the relief of counting down five assassins, it felt good to laugh again.
He stepped back from Brenna and said, “You are just in time, we were laying out the course of the parade.”
Only two days remained before his wedding. The day after tomorrow they would tour the city as Denerim turned out to show their favour to the royal couple and the following day he would be wed! Alistair’s pulse quickened with excitement. This wedding had come to represent more than his union with Brenna. Ferelden would gain a queen and perhaps one day an heir to throne. More importantly, however, he hoped that day would signal the end of these weeks of strife.
“But the assassin, the guards…” Brenna spluttered.
Alistair’s expression darkened for only a second. “…will not interrupt my day.” He waved a hand toward the door. “It is done and done. Let’s move on to more pleasant things.”
Leliana set Riordan down and the toddler made his way between their legs, his small hands pulling skirts and pant legs as he negotiated a course around the desk. The tug of his hands had become so familiar that Alistair barely noticed as the four of them went over the plans.
As Alistair studied the city map heaviness settled upon his shoulders. The laughter had done much to relieve his tension, but he recognised it for what it was: a reaction, pure and simple. Living under the threat of violence and keeping close quarters with his companions had worn on him such that he felt he barely knew himself any more. He’d not had a moment alone in days, let alone any time with Brenna. Someone always watched them, whether friend or foe. He hoped to hear from Zevran soon. Before the wedding would be a timely gift.
A light knock sounded at the door and Leliana answered it. The wardens had arrived! The four of them exchanged looks, all of their faces bright for different reasons. Leliana gathered up her son and they fell within Alistair’s circle of guards for the short walk to the Landsmeet chamber.
A dozen men milled about in the hall and a quick glance confirmed Aedan and Oghren were not among them. Aedan was a tall man and his distinctive armour usually marked him out in a crowd, as did Oghren’s shorter stature. These wardens had come from Amaranthine.
Their captain stepped forward, crossing his arms in formal salute before taking Alistair’s extended arm with a smile. “Alistair, it is good to see you alive and well.”
Alistair grinned in return. Wyman was one of the wardens who had no trouble calling him by name, as a brother. “Despite dodging assassins for weeks, yes, I am. Good to see you too, Wyman.”
They exchanged news for a few moments before Alistair noticed Wyman had been glancing anxiously about the hall. Alistair turned and observed the crowd. Brenna had her head titled to one side as she listened to a warden talk, the expression on her face indicating she listened to a story. Runir had his arm about the shoulder of one his brothers and the two men were laughing heartily. Leliana stood within a circle of wardens with Riordan at her hip. The men’s faces all held gentle expressions as they took turns tickling the boy’s cheek or ruffling his hair. Though Leliana’s face wore a smile, her eyes held a touch of sadness.
He turned back to Wyman as the warden aired his concern. “The Commander has yet to return from Orzammar?”
Alistair shook his head solemnly. “We expected him yesterday. The north and west patrols have not arrived yet either.”
Wyman’s expression clouded and he gave a short nod. “I will let my men rest for the afternoon and dispatch a few down each road before evening.”
“I will ask Peter to attach a number of soldiers to each group.”
The two men nodded decisively at one another. They had a plan.
Alistair turned at a light touch to his elbow. A messenger stood nervously behind him, a slip of paper clutched tightly in his hand.
He read the message and broke into a wide grin.
“Good news, I take it.”
Alistair glanced up at Wyman. “Let’s just say Oghren had better hurry himself. Felsi, ah, she’s having her baby.” He couldn’t help the flush that took his cheeks as he spoke the words.
Wyman clapped him on the shoulder and with no such embarrassment turned to address the chamber. “Oghren is about to miss a most important event!”
Brenna and Leliana both looked up at the news and quickly made their way to Alistair’s side. Wyman started issuing instructions to his men. They would be quartered at the fort and in short order they had collected their gear and prepared to move off.
Alistair looked down at Brenna. She bounced lightly on her toes and clapped her hands to her cheeks. Her face lifted into a radiant smile and she said, “Oh, we must go to her!”
Alistair recalled the hours and hours he’d spent distracting Aedan the day Riordan had been born. Perhaps Oghren’s absence was a blessing. He took Brenna’s hands and kissed them.
“Go. Take Leliana with you.” His expression became more serious as he added, “Wait for the guards before you leave, my love. I will be along shortly.”
Brenna also travelled with an eight man guard. He took no chances with the life of the future queen of Ferelden.
She danced from the hall and he smiled after her. Runir appeared silently at his side.
“Oghren and Aedan are overdue, your Majesty.”
“Only by a day, Runir. Let us hope it is due to an over indulgence in Dwarven ale and not something more sinister.”
“I’m thinking Leliana would find that sinister enough.”
Alistair smiled at the rogue and nodded. “Wyman plans to send scouts out along each highway before evening. I will have Peter send along a few men to accompany them.”
Afterwards Alistair had plenty of time to wonder why it took so long for babies to be born. The sun dipped behind the fort, visible from Oghren’s modest house, and they had eaten their way through Felsi’s pantry.
Messengers came and went. The assassin’s body had been removed to Fort Drakon – another plain man. Alistair took this particular tidbit of information with a sigh of relief. Five men caught, four of them dead, one beyond his reach. Maker preserve us, let that be them all of them.
Another message from the palace informed him that more wardens had arrived. In his absence they had been directed to Fort Drakon. Alistair grinned from ear to ear. Perhaps Oghren would not miss the birth of his child after all!
He sent a girl deeper into the house to share the news with Brenna and Leliana. Rather than send a return message, Alistair summoned his guards, most of who did not fit within the confines of the house, and stepped outside. He would go to the fort himself and get a breath of fresh air.
“Alistair!”
He turned to find Leliana running toward him. “Will you tell Aedan to come here with Oghren, I mean, I’m sure he would, but…”
He smiled at her. “I will Leliana, or do you want to come with me?”
She looked so torn, but after another glance within the house she shook her head. “No, I should stay here, with Felsi. She has no one else.”
Alistair nodded and left. Only two short streets separated him from the fort and he strode confidently within the enclosure of his guard. Runir bobbed along at his side, his expression as light and eager as Leliana’s had been. The wardens were his family too.
Though five assassins had been accounted for, it would not pay to lower their vigilance now. Alistair glanced up and around as they walked, as did Runir. They made it to the fort safely.
Aedan had commissioned new armour for all of Ferelden’s Grey Wardens. The warriors wore plate similar to his Warden Commander Armour, only the heraldry and pauldrons differed. Aedan’s breastplate bore two griffons, back to back, while the warden armour had only one.
Alistair could tell from the armour alone that neither Aedan nor Oghren were among this group. These wardens had been patrolling the west highway. His shoulders slumped slightly and a curl of anxiety tightened in his gut. Where were Aedan and Oghren? The coincidence that the northern patrol was also overdue did not escape him. Schooling his features to a warm expression, he strode forward to greet the west patrol.
“Eric!” They grasped one another’s arms and Alistair turned to greet the remainder of the patrol by name. “It is good to see you all.”
They all crossed their arms in salute and murmured, “Your Majesty,” before he stepped forward to more personally greet them one by one, grasping and arm here and a shoulder there. He reminded them to call him by name, as a brother. This concept often seemed beyond the grasp of the newer wardens, but Eric, Rolf and Yrisa had been among the first Aedan had recruited.
“Are you well, Alistair?” Eric’s face wore an easy grin and though his armour bore the stains of travel, he looked well himself.
Alistair paused a moment before answering. He decided that the events of the previous few weeks could not be summed up in a simple answer. Therefore he nodded and replied, “I am.”
“What of the Commander, and the north patrol? Have you word?”
Alistair frowned. “Not as yet. Aedan was expected yesterday, the patrol perhaps sooner.”
They exchanged worried glances before each sought to reassure the other. They shared an easier smile as Alistair informed him the wardens from Amaranthine had already arrived. Wyman joined them shortly afterwards and the two wardens swapped news of the road. Alistair listened in, relieved to be somewhere other than Oghren’s house for a while.
The sun had set fully when another messenger arrived. Alistair opened the note hoping to find news of Aedan or at least Philippe’s arrival. The message informed him of a completely different advent. Felsi’s baby had been born!
Alistair shared the news with a grin and prepared to return to Oghren’s house. He made it no further than the main doors to the fort, however, before a contingent of guards separated to reveal Brenna, Leliana and Riordan.
Mother and babe were well and resting. Oghren had a son! The fort became the venue for an impromptu celebration. Ale was called for and the kitchens were set to work. Fort Drakon was the most secure building in Denerim and for the first time in weeks Alistair felt himself to begin to truly relax. The ale warmed his belly, temporarily quelling his apprehension over Aedan, Oghren and Philippe.
Leliana was bouncing Riordan on her knee. “Another boy to play with, Rory! You two will be as brothers.”
Alistair grinned at the thought of the two children tumbling about the fort, following the soldiers about the stone halls. He had started to picture the two boys as men, men as important as their fathers, when he felt a light touch on his arm. Brenna sat beside him, her face wistful. He dropped an arm about her shoulders and pulled her to his side.
“We will have to have a daughter, my love, just to even the score.”
She smiled at that and he kissed the tip of her nose. Out of necessity it had become easier to express his affection for her in public. They’d not been alone, truly alone, in over a week. He decided that even if he had to endure the company of Aedan’s mabari, Jack, he would be alone with her in his bedroom tonight. Runir could station himself in the sitting room for a change. His mind started to roam in the pleasant direction of just what he had planned for the night when a loud murmur rippled throughout the large dining room.
Alistair glanced up to see a new cluster of armoured wardens at the door. At long last, they had arrived. The relief of everyone in the room hung in the air, palpable, and Alistair felt a final knot of tension begin to ease from his shoulders – until he saw their faces.
Aedan stood at the front of the group which included both Oghren and the northern patrol. An aura of defeat shrouded the Warden Commander’s features and his lips barely stretched into a smile as he scanned the room. Their eyes met and Aedan offered him the briefest of nods before moving his gaze to Leliana. Alistair felt a shiver travel down his spine at the look Aedan gave his wife. What had happened?
All the wardens and soldiers present rose to their feet and greeted their respective commanders with great enthusiasm. Oghren’s voice rose in a gravelly yell and he started thumping backs as he learned about the addition to his family. Aedan’s face broke into a smile as he congratulated the dwarf, but Alistair noted the smile failed to reach his eyes.
He waited patiently for his friend to work his way through the crowd of soldiers and wardens. As Aedan moved forward, Philippe, Luke and the rest of the north patrol came in to view. A new face appeared at the doorway, a dwarf. Philippe introduced him around, but Alistair did not catch the name. Kayley slipped through the doorway last, encumbered by a bulky basket. The cold shiver clutched at his sides as he realized Erald was missing. They had lost a warden. How?
Leliana had not waited so patiently. She handed Riordan to Brenna and began to shoulder her way through the crowd of men and women. She reached Luke first and drew her son into a close embrace and Alistair chuckled as he watched the boy stiffen then relent under her cascade of admonishments and kisses. Both faces shone with tears. She finally pulled back and set her hands on his shoulders and studied his face. Then she pushed him in Alistair’s direction, telling him to sit and eat.
Aedan had made his way through the crowd and stood before him. Alistair put his arms out Aedan drew him into a crushing hug. The warrior’s hugs were always fierce; he had become used to it. He grinned into an armoured shoulder.
“Brother.” Aedan always greeted him this way and Alistair knew he meant it as more than an acknowledgement of their bond as wardens.
“Brother,” Alistair answered. “We worried for you, and the north patrol. I can see all is not well.”
Aedan shook his head wearily. “No, but I would not disturb this celebration with my news. Can we talk in the morning?”
Luke and Leliana made it back to their corner of the hall and Aedan turned immediately, as if he had sensed their approach. He regarded his wife for a single moment, his face completely unreadable before he raised a hand to her cheek, and then drew her into his arms. He kissed her, a kiss such as Alistair would never dare bestow upon Brenna in public, and Alistair took a step back.
Though well used to seeing Aedan openly express his love, and at times his desire, for his wife there was something different about his manner tonight. The warrior held Leliana as if he would never let her go. Something niggled at the corner of Alistair’s mind. Something wasn’t right. Luke brushed by him, leaning forward to take Riordan from Brenna’s arms and Alistair felt it then. The odd feeling clicked into place and the horror of it caused his mouth to drop open in surprise.
Wardens could feel the taint in each other just as they could sense the darkspawn. Alistair now stared at Luke and the boy looked back at him, his eyes dark, and his expression anxious. Alistair grasped for it again, and there it was, clear as though it were marked upon his skin. Luke was a Grey Warden.
Alistair turned to Aedan and though his lips moved, no sound came out. In his mind the words sounded panicked and low: Holy Maker, Aedan, what have you done?
Modifié par Sisimka, 25 mars 2010 - 05:44 .
#357
Posté 25 mars 2010 - 05:27
Sandtigress
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Dun dun dun....Aedan has lots of explaining to do! And he won't enjoy any of it, poor thing.
But yay, Oghren has a son! Will he name him after Aedan still?
But yay, Oghren has a son! Will he name him after Aedan still?
#359
Posté 25 mars 2010 - 06:14
Freckles04
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So good. I was wondering if Al would pick up on the taint within Luke. I want the reaction chapter NOW!! lol
#360
Posté 25 mars 2010 - 06:29
Sisimka
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#361
Posté 25 mars 2010 - 06:30
Maximus741000
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Part of me is looking forward to another chapter, but the other part of me is apprehensive. It's too tense, and I can feel it coursing through my body. Aedan leads a harder life than Aldanon, of that I can tell. You've captured the realism of the Grey Warden mantle within your character.
#362
Posté 25 mars 2010 - 08:35
Miri1984
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Much as I loved chapter fifteen, I hope you're going to do a tinsy bit of a rewrite .
.
#363
Posté 25 mars 2010 - 08:58
MireliA
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<Thinks she has had a brain melt down>
What I actually meant to say was Aedan is going to find telling Leli difficult.
What I actually meant to say was Aedan is going to find telling Leli difficult.
Modifié par MireliA, 25 mars 2010 - 10:22 .
#364
Posté 25 mars 2010 - 10:15
DalishRanger
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Sisimka wrote...
Chapter Fifteen has already been posted, remember?
Sandi and DR took care of that one!
We're helpful like that.
Miri1984 wrote...
Much as I loved chapter fifteen, I hope you're going to do a tinsy bit of a rewrite
Are you criticizing my amazing contribution?! D:<
(
)
Modifié par DalishRanger, 25 mars 2010 - 10:17 .
#365
Posté 26 mars 2010 - 11:53
bl00dsh0t
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Hard to argue that chapter 14 was not one of the best you've written! And yes chapter 15 is epicness indeed ^^ The tension I fel while waiting for the discussion aedan would have with leliana is killing me, well done indeed!
ohh and MOOAARRRR
ohh and MOOAARRRR
#366
Posté 26 mars 2010 - 12:10
Sisimka
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Glad you liked it, Bloodshot. This is one of those chapters where I woke up the next morning and pulled it to pieces and rearranged nearly the entire thing. I added more wardens! I'm happy you could feel the building of tension, that is exactly what I'd hoped for!
And to those of you concerned by the 'brevity' of Chapter Fifteen, the 'full' version will be posted today. It is written. But of course, I might have to rearrange that one too!
And to those of you concerned by the 'brevity' of Chapter Fifteen, the 'full' version will be posted today. It is written. But of course, I might have to rearrange that one too!
#367
Posté 26 mars 2010 - 03:20
Sisimka
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Chapter Fifteen
As he kissed his wife, Aedan almost lost his resolve. The familiar scent of her and the taste of her lips transported him to a place far away from the crowded dining room in Fort Drakon. If only he could hold onto this moment. He could feel her love and affection and the sweetness of her not knowing what he’d done. But the world intruded once more, finally, and he drew his lips from hers with reluctance.
When Leliana had caught her breath, she pulled herself back gently and looked at him, her expression fearful. “Aedan, what has happened?”
He could see in her eyes that she knew something was wrong. The thought of what had to come next caught up with him and he hardened his features rather than lose his control at this moment. Her eyes widened at his changed expression and she made to step away from his arms. He let her go but captured her hand.
“Leli,” he murmured and paused. ‘We need to talk’ just didn’t seem to cover it. He glanced desperately around the room looking for a safe haven.
Alistair came into view then and Aedan saw it immediately in the king’s eyes. He knew. His chest constricted at the horrified and questing expression on Alistair’s face. He drew in a shaky breath and when he spoke his voice was tight.
“Tomorrow, Alistair, please. I will explain everything tomorrow.” Aedan glanced at Leliana. She looked back at him, the deep blue of her eyes holding near the same question as Alistair’s had, though she did not yet know the reason.
“I have to talk to Leliana.” His voice dropped low and it rasped.
Alistair nodded, mutely, and gestured as though giving him permission to leave.
Aedan moved through the crowd, tugging Leliana behind him by the hand. Many wardens dropped smiles and winks in their direction, incorrectly guessing where the commander led his wife. He caught Philippe’s eye. His second’s face held no expression at all. Though Aedan could appreciate that Philippe had worked to keep his features neutral, the lack of emotion chilled him. Then Philippe tipped his head in a slight nod. Aedan could not acknowledge it; he worked too hard on keeping his own emotions in check. He looked away.
The large room felt like a maze as Aedan navigated the tables and chairs to the exit. After they passed through the door he leaned against the wall gasped fresh air. Leliana’s manner only became more concerned.
“Are you ill?” She touched his face softly and he shook his head.
A patrol rounded the corner and moved up the hall toward them. They nodded and greeted him. “Commander.”
He nodded back and scanned the hallway. He saw the interior of the fort, stone floors and door-lined walls. He remembered a small sitting room lay just around the corner and he led Leliana toward it. Once inside he began removing his armour. He wanted to hold her again, just one more time before he told her, and he wanted to be able to feel her properly in his arms.
“Aedan, if you think you can charm your way out of an explanation, you are sorely mistaken.” Leliana had her arms crossed and she tapped her foot. Though fear still showed in her eyes she looked annoyed. “Is this about Luke?”
“Ugh.” A wordless grunt escaped his mouth and his heart hammered and his fingers slipped on the straps as he tried to unbuckle one of his leg plates. He got it undone and with a shaking hand threw it aside.
“Of course I was upset, he didn’t even leave a note! And when I found out you’d taken him to Orzammar, well… you didn’t let him drink ale did you?” Her voice rose, whether due to fear or impatience for him to start explaining himself, likely a combination of both.
He shuddered and ground his teeth together, his face twisting into a grimace as he moved his hands to his other leg.
“Aedan, look at me.” She grabbed his hand as he worked removed the final piece of plate. “Stop that and talk to me.”
He didn’t stop until he was free of it, his fingers slipping and catching on the buckle and the edge of the plate. He’d become fixated on the task now, as a way of delaying the inevitable. Her hand fell from his and she stepped back. He removed even his boots. When he looked up she stood there before him, her face so full of worry and fear. He stood up and reached for her and she moved warily into his arms. He pulled her close and sighed deeply into her hair. He could feel her now, through his clothes, and he sought to calm himself. But his chest continued to tighten until he could barely draw breath.
She stepped back and took his hands. “You’re scaring me, Aedan. What is wrong? I was upset, yes, but I’m not anymore. You kept him safe you brought him back, just as I knew you would.”
Could he cry now? Could he just slide down to the floor and cover his face with hands and give into the sadness and turmoil that roiled within? Surely Leliana would comfort him and tell him he’d done the right thing, the only thing. He looked down at her hands. He’d always loved the way her hands looked within his, so small and delicate. He squeezed them gently and took a deep breath.
“He wasn’t safe with me, Leli. I couldn’t keep him safe. I should have sent him back to Denerim with Runir. Oh, Leli, you should have seen his face when he saw Orzammar, he was so awed! And the Proving, he loved the Proving. I bought him a sword, his first proper sword. I did all the things a father should do, and then I left him alone!”
“Left him where?”
He didn’t know how to tell her, he didn’t know where to start! Should he tell her Luke was a Grey Warden and then tell why, or should he tell her how Luke had become tainted first? His ears were ringing again as he tried to decide which made more sense. He could feel his heart thumping against his ribs.
“I don’t know how to tell you what happened!”
“Tell me what? He looks fine, he’s filthy dirty, yes, and I’m sure he’s not eaten a decent meal in days. But he’s here and alive.”
“I made him a Warden, Leli. Luke is a Grey Warden now.” As if the floor had opened up beneath is feet, the room fell away. The silence, the awful silence as Leliana absorbed his words echoed about the space.
She pulled her hands from his and brought them to her mouth, her eyes wide.
“A Warden? But why? Oh, Aedan, how could you?”
He stepped forward in an attempt to take her hands again, but she stepped back, away from him. His head ached and he reached to rub at the scar etched into his forehead.
“Why would you do such a thing, he’s barely sixteen!” Her eyes flashed with anger and horror, her cheeks flushing with colour.
He reached for her again and she slapped his hands away. It hurt. She’d barely touched him, but it felt like she’d knocked the breath from his lungs. He gasped and withdrew his hands.
“I’m so angry with you! We talked about this. Why now? Was this part of your father-son bonding?”
“I had no choice, Leliana.”
She took a deep breath, as if to begin anew, but could only make an annoyed sound. “Oh!” She tangled her fingers together so tightly her knuckles whitened.
“I don’t believe you! I never thought you would go behind my back like this. I thought we felt the same way!” She yelled, her tone conveying anger and a sense of betrayal.
“I had to make him a Warden or…” Her face, oh Maker, her face! She looked different, bitter, angry, yes, but something more. As if another woman had suddenly appeared before him, one he did not know.
“I trusted you, Aedan! I fail to understand why you would do such a thing!”
He heard only two words: Trust and fail. Her expression had hardened, her eyes flashed with a fury so cold. Her small mouth set. She had never shouted at him like this before!
“I’m sorry, I’ll never stop being sorry.” He shivered with cold then, his fingertips oddly numb. “I have failed you both.” He couldn’t shake the feeling that he’d said something final then. As though she’d slapped at him again, he felt it on his cheek, the sharp bite of it. He had failed in the duty he always held so close to his heart. Now Leliana looked at him so oddly, as if she no longer knew him.
He’d expected tears and anger, but not this oddness, this coldness, this woman he didn’t recognise. He stepped back suddenly feeling like the room had begun to shrink in around him. He turned, he walked to the door.
“Aedan, where are you going? We are not finished here!”
He had failed his family. A warden shouldn’t have a family. He’d told Luke that, and if he could laugh at his words, he would. Who was he to give advice like that? He shook his head, at Leliana, at himself. He didn’t know how to make it work anymore. He left the room.
Why did his ears buzz when he was upset? He hit the side of his head absently with his hand as he ran down the hallway, his bare feet slapping against the stone floor. He heard her call out behind him, but still he ran. He became overwhelmed with the need to get away, to finally just run away. He wanted to leave it all behind, the worries, the hurt, the decisions, the responsibilities and the ever present duty. He was done. No more!
He ran faster. He’d never run from anything before. In his whole short life, his mere twenty-six years, he had faced up to everything the Maker had set before him. He’d done unspeakable things, many of which still haunted his dreams. The entire march to Denerim he had sweated out this conversation, what had turned into a confrontation, with Leliana, this final will breaking act. He’d expected her anger and her pain, but the reality of it hurt too much. He didn’t want to do it anymore.
As he ran the air felt cool across his cheeks and he realized the tears had finally come. He gasped for a breath and his throat tightened. He grimaced at the awful dragging sound that emerged. Still he ran. He felt it all dropping away from as he ran, he almost felt free. Why had he not done this before? He ran faster still, beginning to believe he could leave it all behind. He rounded a corner and slammed into something solid.
He bounced and landed on his back, momentarily winded. A hand grasped his forearm and pulled him to his feet and he looked into the face of a guard. The man recoiled from his expression and stammered, “Commander.”
Without answering, Aedan shoved past him and ran on. He followed his feet along hallways and up stairs until finally he leaned against the heavy wooden doors to the roof. He pushed them open and staggered out into the starlit night, the sudden chill of the evening air shocking him into stillness.
“Aedan, stop, please don’t run away.” Her voice was breathless and thin against the wide open plateau of stone.
He choked on a sob, but didn’t answer her. He sank down against the wall and drew his knees up and hid his head between them. If he couldn’t run, he’d hide.
She fell to her knees beside him and he could hear the anguish in her tone. “You have to tell me why you would do such an awful thing.”
Why had she followed him? He’d just wanted to get away and she’d followed him. With a sinking in his gut he realised the futility of his flight. If Leliana hadn’t followed him, surely someone, something else would.
“Why did you follow me?” He didn’t say it very loud and his words sounded muffled.
“I will always follow you, don’t you know that?” Her hand dropped on his shoulder, a warm touch, and she spoke more gently though her voice thick with tears.
He spoke to his knees. “There was a village, they were all tainted. We had to kill them all, women and a child.” His breath caught and he shook as he remembered the feel of that bony child’s shoulders beneath his hands, how he had silenced its cries.
“I can’t hear you.” Her fingers gently lifted his chin. He did not meet her eyes.
“I left Luke at the camp, but they found him and they tainted him, Leli! He had to use his sword, his new sword. He killed two of them before the leader captured him. He would have died from the taint. I didn’t want to do it, I hated doing it. If there had been any other way!” He would never forget holding Luke in his arms as the boy had struggled with the taint.
Leliana’s breath caught and he looked up. Her cheeks were wet with tears and her deep blue eyes were so sad! Her anger had faded into grief and, though the sight of her distressed face pained him, she looked like the Leliana he remembered again.
“Why didn’t you tell me this before?”
“I tried to, I didn’t know how. I started in the wrong place. I was so scared to tell you, Leli, I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.”
She leaned forward and reached over his knees, slipping her arms about him. “Oh, Aedan…” the rest of her words were lost in tears.
“I should have sent him back to Denerim, I’m sorry.” He couldn’t stop saying it, he put his arms around her and he whispered it to her hair, over and over, “I’m sorry, Leli, I’m so sorry.”
She shook in his arms and he dropped his knees and lifted her into his lap so he could hold her closer. She cried into his chest with great gasping sobs, and he shared in her sorrow, letting her tears wash away all the pain and worry of the past few days. She needed him and he found it humbling that she would cling to him so. She needed his strength and comfort and he gave it to her selflessly. He’d give her all that remained of him if he could. His own soft tears were for many reasons, but mostly because she sat there, in his arms with her face buried in his chest and because it felt like she would stay.
When her shoulders stopped heaving, she pulled her face away from his shirt and rested her wet cheek against his.
He stroked her hair and drew in a soft breath to say it again. “I’m sorry.”
“You cannot keep saying that for the rest of your life.” She pulled her face back further so they could meet one another’s eyes.
“But I will feel it forever.”
“I know you will, my sweet Warden, just as you feel everything.” She placed her hand over his heart and it felt warm through the damp linen of his shirt.
“It would be better for you that you were a heartless warrior, but not for me. I know it hurts, my love, I feel it too.” Her lip trembled.
She did, he’d felt her grief, it now stained his shirt. He pulled her into his arms once more and whispered, “I’m sorry.”
She murmured into his shirt, “Are you ever going to say anything else?”
He thought a moment. “I love you, Leliana.” He loved her so deeply and completely, though it would forever complicate his life. He could never give her up, or his children.
She hiccupped softly and snuggled against his chest. “I love you too, Aedan.”
He rested his chin on her shoulder and they sat together until his legs numbed and they both began to shiver.
Though the party had all but ended many of the wardens and soldiers remained in the dining room. A pall of silence fell over the room as he and Leliana entered, hand in hand. As if all had been waiting for them, every face turned and he saw that they all knew. He drew in a deep breath and squared his shoulders, eyes seeking Alistair, Brenna and his children.
Alistair looked up and Aedan made his way over to him. The king stood and put a hand on his shoulder. “Luke told me somewhat, Aedan, Brother, I don’t know what to say.”
Aedan nodded. “Words fail at moments like this.” He winced as the word ‘fail’ dropped from his lips. “We’ll talk tomorrow, if that is alright. I want to take my family home.”
Alistair returned the nod, dropped his hand and turned to shake Luke’s shoulder gently. The boy had been slumped over the table, his head in his arms. Leliana sat next to him and when he lifted his head she took his face in both her hands and kissed his forehead. “Oh, Luke, I’m so sorry. I don’t know what else to say, love, but I’m here for you.”
Luke nodded, his eyes still clouded with sleep. He’d been quiet on the walk back to Denerim, but not unnaturally so. Aedan hadn’t been sure if the boy was still absorbing his fate, or if with the nonchalance of youth, he’d already accepted it. Only time would tell.
Riordan still toddled about Brenna’s legs. Brenna stood and slipped her arms about Leliana’s shoulders and the two women hugged gently.
“Thank you for watching Rory.”
“Anytime, Leliana, you know that.” Brenna offered a sad, but sweet smile. Though she obviously knew Luke’s fate, her expression held less horror than Alistair’s. Aedan suspected king had yet to share the secrets of the Grey Wardens with his future queen…
Leliana stooped down to pick Riordan up, hugging him closely and dropping kisses all over his face. Aedan found himself smiling at the sight and with a simple clicking sensation his world began to feel right again. He was surrounded by his family. They were all together and right now, that was all that mattered. He wanted to wrap his arms around all of them at once and hug them close. He turned and saw the basket sitting on the next table. Kayley sat next to it, but she had succumbed to sleep, her head pillowed in her arms. Aedan walked over.
He slipped his hand beneath the braided handle and it settled familiarly into his palm. He’d carried her all the way to Denerim. He’d walked with one hand on his son’s shoulder and the other wrapped about this basket.
“What do you have there, love?” Leliana looked into the basket.
“I forgot to tell you about her, Leli. We found a baby.” He smiled down at the sleeping face and murmured, “I named her Grace.”
“You found, you named…” Leliana looked at him, her eyes wide and incredulous. Then she laughed. She reached up and she kissed his cheek lightly, then dropped back to her heels and chuckled again.
“Only you, Aedan, only you could keep coming home with more children.” She shook her head and looked into the basket again. She reached out a hand to stroke the soft pink cheek. “It’s a beautiful name and one I think she will grow into well.”
Aedan found himself grinning. He hefted the basket and settled his arm about Luke’s shoulders once more. “Let’s go home.”
As he kissed his wife, Aedan almost lost his resolve. The familiar scent of her and the taste of her lips transported him to a place far away from the crowded dining room in Fort Drakon. If only he could hold onto this moment. He could feel her love and affection and the sweetness of her not knowing what he’d done. But the world intruded once more, finally, and he drew his lips from hers with reluctance.
When Leliana had caught her breath, she pulled herself back gently and looked at him, her expression fearful. “Aedan, what has happened?”
He could see in her eyes that she knew something was wrong. The thought of what had to come next caught up with him and he hardened his features rather than lose his control at this moment. Her eyes widened at his changed expression and she made to step away from his arms. He let her go but captured her hand.
“Leli,” he murmured and paused. ‘We need to talk’ just didn’t seem to cover it. He glanced desperately around the room looking for a safe haven.
Alistair came into view then and Aedan saw it immediately in the king’s eyes. He knew. His chest constricted at the horrified and questing expression on Alistair’s face. He drew in a shaky breath and when he spoke his voice was tight.
“Tomorrow, Alistair, please. I will explain everything tomorrow.” Aedan glanced at Leliana. She looked back at him, the deep blue of her eyes holding near the same question as Alistair’s had, though she did not yet know the reason.
“I have to talk to Leliana.” His voice dropped low and it rasped.
Alistair nodded, mutely, and gestured as though giving him permission to leave.
Aedan moved through the crowd, tugging Leliana behind him by the hand. Many wardens dropped smiles and winks in their direction, incorrectly guessing where the commander led his wife. He caught Philippe’s eye. His second’s face held no expression at all. Though Aedan could appreciate that Philippe had worked to keep his features neutral, the lack of emotion chilled him. Then Philippe tipped his head in a slight nod. Aedan could not acknowledge it; he worked too hard on keeping his own emotions in check. He looked away.
The large room felt like a maze as Aedan navigated the tables and chairs to the exit. After they passed through the door he leaned against the wall gasped fresh air. Leliana’s manner only became more concerned.
“Are you ill?” She touched his face softly and he shook his head.
A patrol rounded the corner and moved up the hall toward them. They nodded and greeted him. “Commander.”
He nodded back and scanned the hallway. He saw the interior of the fort, stone floors and door-lined walls. He remembered a small sitting room lay just around the corner and he led Leliana toward it. Once inside he began removing his armour. He wanted to hold her again, just one more time before he told her, and he wanted to be able to feel her properly in his arms.
“Aedan, if you think you can charm your way out of an explanation, you are sorely mistaken.” Leliana had her arms crossed and she tapped her foot. Though fear still showed in her eyes she looked annoyed. “Is this about Luke?”
“Ugh.” A wordless grunt escaped his mouth and his heart hammered and his fingers slipped on the straps as he tried to unbuckle one of his leg plates. He got it undone and with a shaking hand threw it aside.
“Of course I was upset, he didn’t even leave a note! And when I found out you’d taken him to Orzammar, well… you didn’t let him drink ale did you?” Her voice rose, whether due to fear or impatience for him to start explaining himself, likely a combination of both.
He shuddered and ground his teeth together, his face twisting into a grimace as he moved his hands to his other leg.
“Aedan, look at me.” She grabbed his hand as he worked removed the final piece of plate. “Stop that and talk to me.”
He didn’t stop until he was free of it, his fingers slipping and catching on the buckle and the edge of the plate. He’d become fixated on the task now, as a way of delaying the inevitable. Her hand fell from his and she stepped back. He removed even his boots. When he looked up she stood there before him, her face so full of worry and fear. He stood up and reached for her and she moved warily into his arms. He pulled her close and sighed deeply into her hair. He could feel her now, through his clothes, and he sought to calm himself. But his chest continued to tighten until he could barely draw breath.
She stepped back and took his hands. “You’re scaring me, Aedan. What is wrong? I was upset, yes, but I’m not anymore. You kept him safe you brought him back, just as I knew you would.”
Could he cry now? Could he just slide down to the floor and cover his face with hands and give into the sadness and turmoil that roiled within? Surely Leliana would comfort him and tell him he’d done the right thing, the only thing. He looked down at her hands. He’d always loved the way her hands looked within his, so small and delicate. He squeezed them gently and took a deep breath.
“He wasn’t safe with me, Leli. I couldn’t keep him safe. I should have sent him back to Denerim with Runir. Oh, Leli, you should have seen his face when he saw Orzammar, he was so awed! And the Proving, he loved the Proving. I bought him a sword, his first proper sword. I did all the things a father should do, and then I left him alone!”
“Left him where?”
He didn’t know how to tell her, he didn’t know where to start! Should he tell her Luke was a Grey Warden and then tell why, or should he tell her how Luke had become tainted first? His ears were ringing again as he tried to decide which made more sense. He could feel his heart thumping against his ribs.
“I don’t know how to tell you what happened!”
“Tell me what? He looks fine, he’s filthy dirty, yes, and I’m sure he’s not eaten a decent meal in days. But he’s here and alive.”
“I made him a Warden, Leli. Luke is a Grey Warden now.” As if the floor had opened up beneath is feet, the room fell away. The silence, the awful silence as Leliana absorbed his words echoed about the space.
She pulled her hands from his and brought them to her mouth, her eyes wide.
“A Warden? But why? Oh, Aedan, how could you?”
He stepped forward in an attempt to take her hands again, but she stepped back, away from him. His head ached and he reached to rub at the scar etched into his forehead.
“Why would you do such a thing, he’s barely sixteen!” Her eyes flashed with anger and horror, her cheeks flushing with colour.
He reached for her again and she slapped his hands away. It hurt. She’d barely touched him, but it felt like she’d knocked the breath from his lungs. He gasped and withdrew his hands.
“I’m so angry with you! We talked about this. Why now? Was this part of your father-son bonding?”
“I had no choice, Leliana.”
She took a deep breath, as if to begin anew, but could only make an annoyed sound. “Oh!” She tangled her fingers together so tightly her knuckles whitened.
“I don’t believe you! I never thought you would go behind my back like this. I thought we felt the same way!” She yelled, her tone conveying anger and a sense of betrayal.
“I had to make him a Warden or…” Her face, oh Maker, her face! She looked different, bitter, angry, yes, but something more. As if another woman had suddenly appeared before him, one he did not know.
“I trusted you, Aedan! I fail to understand why you would do such a thing!”
He heard only two words: Trust and fail. Her expression had hardened, her eyes flashed with a fury so cold. Her small mouth set. She had never shouted at him like this before!
“I’m sorry, I’ll never stop being sorry.” He shivered with cold then, his fingertips oddly numb. “I have failed you both.” He couldn’t shake the feeling that he’d said something final then. As though she’d slapped at him again, he felt it on his cheek, the sharp bite of it. He had failed in the duty he always held so close to his heart. Now Leliana looked at him so oddly, as if she no longer knew him.
He’d expected tears and anger, but not this oddness, this coldness, this woman he didn’t recognise. He stepped back suddenly feeling like the room had begun to shrink in around him. He turned, he walked to the door.
“Aedan, where are you going? We are not finished here!”
He had failed his family. A warden shouldn’t have a family. He’d told Luke that, and if he could laugh at his words, he would. Who was he to give advice like that? He shook his head, at Leliana, at himself. He didn’t know how to make it work anymore. He left the room.
Why did his ears buzz when he was upset? He hit the side of his head absently with his hand as he ran down the hallway, his bare feet slapping against the stone floor. He heard her call out behind him, but still he ran. He became overwhelmed with the need to get away, to finally just run away. He wanted to leave it all behind, the worries, the hurt, the decisions, the responsibilities and the ever present duty. He was done. No more!
He ran faster. He’d never run from anything before. In his whole short life, his mere twenty-six years, he had faced up to everything the Maker had set before him. He’d done unspeakable things, many of which still haunted his dreams. The entire march to Denerim he had sweated out this conversation, what had turned into a confrontation, with Leliana, this final will breaking act. He’d expected her anger and her pain, but the reality of it hurt too much. He didn’t want to do it anymore.
As he ran the air felt cool across his cheeks and he realized the tears had finally come. He gasped for a breath and his throat tightened. He grimaced at the awful dragging sound that emerged. Still he ran. He felt it all dropping away from as he ran, he almost felt free. Why had he not done this before? He ran faster still, beginning to believe he could leave it all behind. He rounded a corner and slammed into something solid.
He bounced and landed on his back, momentarily winded. A hand grasped his forearm and pulled him to his feet and he looked into the face of a guard. The man recoiled from his expression and stammered, “Commander.”
Without answering, Aedan shoved past him and ran on. He followed his feet along hallways and up stairs until finally he leaned against the heavy wooden doors to the roof. He pushed them open and staggered out into the starlit night, the sudden chill of the evening air shocking him into stillness.
“Aedan, stop, please don’t run away.” Her voice was breathless and thin against the wide open plateau of stone.
He choked on a sob, but didn’t answer her. He sank down against the wall and drew his knees up and hid his head between them. If he couldn’t run, he’d hide.
She fell to her knees beside him and he could hear the anguish in her tone. “You have to tell me why you would do such an awful thing.”
Why had she followed him? He’d just wanted to get away and she’d followed him. With a sinking in his gut he realised the futility of his flight. If Leliana hadn’t followed him, surely someone, something else would.
“Why did you follow me?” He didn’t say it very loud and his words sounded muffled.
“I will always follow you, don’t you know that?” Her hand dropped on his shoulder, a warm touch, and she spoke more gently though her voice thick with tears.
He spoke to his knees. “There was a village, they were all tainted. We had to kill them all, women and a child.” His breath caught and he shook as he remembered the feel of that bony child’s shoulders beneath his hands, how he had silenced its cries.
“I can’t hear you.” Her fingers gently lifted his chin. He did not meet her eyes.
“I left Luke at the camp, but they found him and they tainted him, Leli! He had to use his sword, his new sword. He killed two of them before the leader captured him. He would have died from the taint. I didn’t want to do it, I hated doing it. If there had been any other way!” He would never forget holding Luke in his arms as the boy had struggled with the taint.
Leliana’s breath caught and he looked up. Her cheeks were wet with tears and her deep blue eyes were so sad! Her anger had faded into grief and, though the sight of her distressed face pained him, she looked like the Leliana he remembered again.
“Why didn’t you tell me this before?”
“I tried to, I didn’t know how. I started in the wrong place. I was so scared to tell you, Leli, I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.”
She leaned forward and reached over his knees, slipping her arms about him. “Oh, Aedan…” the rest of her words were lost in tears.
“I should have sent him back to Denerim, I’m sorry.” He couldn’t stop saying it, he put his arms around her and he whispered it to her hair, over and over, “I’m sorry, Leli, I’m so sorry.”
She shook in his arms and he dropped his knees and lifted her into his lap so he could hold her closer. She cried into his chest with great gasping sobs, and he shared in her sorrow, letting her tears wash away all the pain and worry of the past few days. She needed him and he found it humbling that she would cling to him so. She needed his strength and comfort and he gave it to her selflessly. He’d give her all that remained of him if he could. His own soft tears were for many reasons, but mostly because she sat there, in his arms with her face buried in his chest and because it felt like she would stay.
When her shoulders stopped heaving, she pulled her face away from his shirt and rested her wet cheek against his.
He stroked her hair and drew in a soft breath to say it again. “I’m sorry.”
“You cannot keep saying that for the rest of your life.” She pulled her face back further so they could meet one another’s eyes.
“But I will feel it forever.”
“I know you will, my sweet Warden, just as you feel everything.” She placed her hand over his heart and it felt warm through the damp linen of his shirt.
“It would be better for you that you were a heartless warrior, but not for me. I know it hurts, my love, I feel it too.” Her lip trembled.
She did, he’d felt her grief, it now stained his shirt. He pulled her into his arms once more and whispered, “I’m sorry.”
She murmured into his shirt, “Are you ever going to say anything else?”
He thought a moment. “I love you, Leliana.” He loved her so deeply and completely, though it would forever complicate his life. He could never give her up, or his children.
She hiccupped softly and snuggled against his chest. “I love you too, Aedan.”
He rested his chin on her shoulder and they sat together until his legs numbed and they both began to shiver.
Though the party had all but ended many of the wardens and soldiers remained in the dining room. A pall of silence fell over the room as he and Leliana entered, hand in hand. As if all had been waiting for them, every face turned and he saw that they all knew. He drew in a deep breath and squared his shoulders, eyes seeking Alistair, Brenna and his children.
Alistair looked up and Aedan made his way over to him. The king stood and put a hand on his shoulder. “Luke told me somewhat, Aedan, Brother, I don’t know what to say.”
Aedan nodded. “Words fail at moments like this.” He winced as the word ‘fail’ dropped from his lips. “We’ll talk tomorrow, if that is alright. I want to take my family home.”
Alistair returned the nod, dropped his hand and turned to shake Luke’s shoulder gently. The boy had been slumped over the table, his head in his arms. Leliana sat next to him and when he lifted his head she took his face in both her hands and kissed his forehead. “Oh, Luke, I’m so sorry. I don’t know what else to say, love, but I’m here for you.”
Luke nodded, his eyes still clouded with sleep. He’d been quiet on the walk back to Denerim, but not unnaturally so. Aedan hadn’t been sure if the boy was still absorbing his fate, or if with the nonchalance of youth, he’d already accepted it. Only time would tell.
Riordan still toddled about Brenna’s legs. Brenna stood and slipped her arms about Leliana’s shoulders and the two women hugged gently.
“Thank you for watching Rory.”
“Anytime, Leliana, you know that.” Brenna offered a sad, but sweet smile. Though she obviously knew Luke’s fate, her expression held less horror than Alistair’s. Aedan suspected king had yet to share the secrets of the Grey Wardens with his future queen…
Leliana stooped down to pick Riordan up, hugging him closely and dropping kisses all over his face. Aedan found himself smiling at the sight and with a simple clicking sensation his world began to feel right again. He was surrounded by his family. They were all together and right now, that was all that mattered. He wanted to wrap his arms around all of them at once and hug them close. He turned and saw the basket sitting on the next table. Kayley sat next to it, but she had succumbed to sleep, her head pillowed in her arms. Aedan walked over.
He slipped his hand beneath the braided handle and it settled familiarly into his palm. He’d carried her all the way to Denerim. He’d walked with one hand on his son’s shoulder and the other wrapped about this basket.
“What do you have there, love?” Leliana looked into the basket.
“I forgot to tell you about her, Leli. We found a baby.” He smiled down at the sleeping face and murmured, “I named her Grace.”
“You found, you named…” Leliana looked at him, her eyes wide and incredulous. Then she laughed. She reached up and she kissed his cheek lightly, then dropped back to her heels and chuckled again.
“Only you, Aedan, only you could keep coming home with more children.” She shook her head and looked into the basket again. She reached out a hand to stroke the soft pink cheek. “It’s a beautiful name and one I think she will grow into well.”
Aedan found himself grinning. He hefted the basket and settled his arm about Luke’s shoulders once more. “Let’s go home.”
Modifié par Sisimka, 26 mars 2010 - 04:19 .
#368
Posté 26 mars 2010 - 03:38
Sandtigress
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Awwww, what a great chapter, Sisi. Poor Aedan!!
But things are good again, for now, right? No more assassins, and there's a new baby!
Oh and pssst...way up at the top, Luke went to Orzammar, not Denerim. :-P Things would have been a lot easier if he'd gone to Denerim instead!
But things are good again, for now, right? No more assassins, and there's a new baby!
Oh and pssst...way up at the top, Luke went to Orzammar, not Denerim. :-P Things would have been a lot easier if he'd gone to Denerim instead!
#369
Posté 26 mars 2010 - 03:44
Sisimka
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Oops! Leli was perhaps a tad stressed. Edited, thanks!
#370
Posté 26 mars 2010 - 03:46
Miliat
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The tears oh the tears woman.
I noticed -one- thing off
“Of course I was upset, he didn’t even leave a note! And when I found out you’d taken him to Denerim,"
I think you meant Orzammar.
EDIT: Sandi beat me too it.
I noticed -one- thing off
“Of course I was upset, he didn’t even leave a note! And when I found out you’d taken him to Denerim,"
I think you meant Orzammar.
EDIT: Sandi beat me too it.
Modifié par Miliat, 26 mars 2010 - 03:47 .
#371
Posté 26 mars 2010 - 03:47
Sandtigress
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So many cities, and Luke and Aedan traveling here and there, and assassins everywhere, you can't really blame her!
How much has Alistair told Brenna? It seems like he's mentioned the difficulty in having children, but the shortened lifespan and his Calling? That's a lot to handle on top of assassins and the rest!
How much has Alistair told Brenna? It seems like he's mentioned the difficulty in having children, but the shortened lifespan and his Calling? That's a lot to handle on top of assassins and the rest!
#372
Posté 26 mars 2010 - 03:48
Sisimka
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Yes, yes, Leli was babbling incoherently, wasn't she? It's been changed.
Modifié par Sisimka, 26 mars 2010 - 03:48 .
#373
Posté 26 mars 2010 - 03:52
Sisimka
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The difficulty having children seemed to be something that was well known, particularly in light of him being made king even though he was a Grey Warden. That seemed a concern in the game, so I took it as public knowledge. Alistair has not told Brenna anything else. He will. I'm not sure if he'll do it in this story as the next (and I think - final) chapter is the wedding. It's supposed to be a happy one! I'm not sure if I could write another angsty one, though there's definitely enough material for it... Al/Aedan Warden talk. Al/Brenna Calling talk. Oghren/Felsi stuff. I'll just have to see what turns up on the page...
Modifié par Sisimka, 26 mars 2010 - 04:00 .
#374
Posté 26 mars 2010 - 03:59
Sandtigress
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Brenna: Yay, we're finally married!! I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you!
Alistair: Oh yeah, about that....its only the next thirty years or so...
Brenna: What?
Alistair: Yeah, there's thing I forgot to tell you...Grey Wardens don't live that long after their Joinings...
Brenna: You couldn't have told me sooner?
Alistair: Um, there were assassins, and Luke, and I kind of sort of maybe...forgot?
That would be a disconcerting conversation on your honeymoon.
Then again, thirty years is a pretty long time. I never actually got that whole concern of his, post-Landsmeet. Thirty years, or even just over twenty, ought to be plenty of time to have and raise an heir, and its a long time to be together. Maybe not as long as you'd like, but its not like its five or ten years. Lots of people are lucky to get thirty years, even without things like divorce.
Ah well, I think she can handle it. There are worse things than his Calling, like assassins! And Anora!
Alistair: Oh yeah, about that....its only the next thirty years or so...
Brenna: What?
Alistair: Yeah, there's thing I forgot to tell you...Grey Wardens don't live that long after their Joinings...
Brenna: You couldn't have told me sooner?
Alistair: Um, there were assassins, and Luke, and I kind of sort of maybe...forgot?
That would be a disconcerting conversation on your honeymoon.
Then again, thirty years is a pretty long time. I never actually got that whole concern of his, post-Landsmeet. Thirty years, or even just over twenty, ought to be plenty of time to have and raise an heir, and its a long time to be together. Maybe not as long as you'd like, but its not like its five or ten years. Lots of people are lucky to get thirty years, even without things like divorce.Ah well, I think she can handle it. There are worse things than his Calling, like assassins! And Anora!
#375
Posté 26 mars 2010 - 04:00
Freckles04
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Leli, being incoherent? No, never. The space-time bubble prevents that. See, what actually happened was that in another reality, Aedan took Luke to Denerim...
Very nice chapter. Poor Aedan. And I loved Leli's reaction to the baby.
Very nice chapter. Poor Aedan. And I loved Leli's reaction to the baby.
