336 réponses à ce sujet

[LadyDamodred]

Yes, I've pondered it myself. We have it from Mr. Gaider that warden babies are untainted, so I want to keep that. But we also have it that two GW canot have children, so this is completely new territory. I try to write it the same way characters in the game get information. Sometimes, what you know is wrong. They would have been able to find out that GW babies are untainted, but that's about it. Shaye incorrectly assumes that at some point, GWs have had children together. She attempts to use logic and reason it out, but in the end she actually doesn't know. She also guesses about other possible effects, and who knows about those? There is no meta-gaming for these characters, so they are forced to make decisions based on flawed information, with sometimes tragic results.

[Miri1984]

See, much as I don't like to go against anything Mr Gaider says - if ONE grey warden can have children, then technically, there should be NO problem with two having children. Low fertility doesn't equal no fertility, just incredibly unlikely fertility. If he had said that grey warden women couldn't have children I'd be more inclined to believe him, but he just says its the combination of the two that's the problem. Yes I know it's a fantasy world and all that but I get picky about these things .

[LadyDamodred]

Oh, I hear you. I totally understand, which is why I'm willing to ignore it for the story. I even reasoned it out that if the taint was responible b/c it changed things in the Warden's body, women would be more likely to have children than men, simply b/c all their eggs are already formed before their Joining. It wouldn't have an effect on them, from my perspective. Now, I'm sure people can point out how flawed that science is, but I'm not claiming to be an expert.

A logical explanation for why two GWs cannot have children might be like what you see with certain genes. A child getting 1 gene is fine, but a child with 2 of them won't lead to a viable pregnancy. It does happen, and I could buy that explanation for the GWs.

Modifié par LadyDamodred, 07 avril 2010 - 11:11 .

[Miri1984]

Mmm, yes. My reasoning was that the taint is like radiation - it causes genetic defects that are eventually incompatible with life. One dose is ok, but two doses send you into the realm of defective DNA. Also why having eggs already formed wouldn't make any difference, because the genetic defects start in us even without being dosed with radiation as we get older - hence the increase in chromosomal defects in older mothers....

Can you tell we've had some fertility issues in my family? Fascinating stuff though.

Edited to add: I will stop derailing your thread now! Promise .

Modifié par Miri1984, 07 avril 2010 - 11:21 .

[LadyDamodred]

Eh, no worries about derailment. I don't mind. It's good to talk stuff out and get ideas.

[LadyDamodred]

I realize these chapters may seem trivial, but I feel it's important to see the characters in normal situations. Bear with me, and enjoy the quiet, happy moments while they last.

AN: For those interested, the conversation between Lya and Eamon referenced at the end of the chapter can be found here:  www.fanfiction.net/s/5829039/1/  I would advise reading as it provides a little more background and insight.
________________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 15

Alistair walked back to his rooms slowly, mulling over everything that Shaye had told him. He was still thinking when he walked in, not really paying attention. Lya's voice startled him.

"Been talking to Shaye, love?" He jumped slightly and looked around. She was sitting at the table, picking at the remains of her breakfast.

"I- yes, how'd you know?"

"Because you look the same way I felt after I talked to her." He looked surprised at that and she chuckled. "Believe it or not, Alistair, I'm just as new to this pregnancy thing as you. Just because I'm the one having the baby doesn't mean I magically know and understand everything that's going to happen." She looked wistful. "I never talked about it with my mother. I always thought that if I eventually got married and had children, she would be there…."

She sighed sadly and Alistair sat next to her and took her hand gently. She never spoke much about her parents, but there were times he sensed she really missed them. This would be one of those times, he knew. He would do his best, but he suddenly wished Wynne were there. She was the closest thing he had ever had to a real mother, and she had filled that role for Lya while they were fighting the Blight.

Lya leaned back and stretched. She looked at Alistair and asked, "So, who are we going to tell first?"

Alistair thought. "Well, we should probably tell Zevran. Since he's sort of in charge of our protection, he should probably know." Lya grimaced and he gave her a questioning look.

"He's going to be mad at me. I know he's been worried about me, and I didn't tell him and it wasn't very fair of me." She shrugged. "He'll have to get over it though. I wanted you to know first and I am not apologizing for that."

He laughed. "I don't think he'll be too angry. We need to tell Eamon, too. Then I figure he can sort of let the information drift out. It'll probably reassure a lot of the banns in the Bannorn." She nodded and got to her feet.

"No time like the present, then."

Alistair told one of their guards outside to ask Zevran and Eamon to come to the royal apartments. Lya started to pace as they waited, both nervous and excited by finally being able to reveal her secret. There was also a great deal of relief that she wasn't going to have to worry about the bargain she had made with Eamon. It would probably relieve him a great deal as well.

Zevran arrived first and he wasn't quite sure what to make of his friends. Lya was clearly nervous, but Alistair just looked relaxed. Relaxed and happy. Zevran thought that was odd. Usually when one of them was out of sorts, like Lya clearly was now, the other was upset as well. Something couldn't be wrong or else Alistair would not be so calm, but something important was clearly going on.

Eamon finally arrived and took stock of the situation much the same way Zevran did. Alistair motioned them to both sit and pulled Lya down into the chair next to him. They looked at each other until Zevran finally cleared his throat. "I believe you called us here for something? The guards seemed to think the matter was fairly pressing."

"Yes!" Lya said immediately. "Well, yes and no. It's important, but I guess not really urgent. We just have…something we'd like to share with you." She looked at Alistair.

"Don't look at me. I don't know how to tell them. I would suggest that you not break the news to them the same way you did to me, though," he said dryly. She rolled her eyes at him.

"Thanks, Alistair. That really helps." She turned back to Eamon and Zevran.

"Then by all means, let us commence with the sharing of feelings or whatever it is you want to do," Zevran said in exasperation.

Lya said nothing for a minute, biting her lower lip, before finally blurting out, "I'm pregnant."

Zevran just blinked. Well, that explained a lot. He had never had much occasion to be around pregnant women, but he had heard they could be irrational. That would certainly explain Lya's behavior over the last month or so. He looked suspiciously at her midsection. He couldn't see anything with the way her loose shirt covered things, but it would also explain why he hadn't seen her in a dress in several weeks.

Eamon got up from his seat immediately. "Congratulations! This is wonderful news!" He embraced the couple, but paused a little longer with Lya, murmuring something into her ear. She nodded and murmured something in reply, but what it was, Alistair couldn't hear.

Turning to address Alistair, Eamon said, "If it's all right with you, your Majesty, I will inform the nobility. That should calm the more vocal of the rabble rousers." Eamon frowned as he said that. The king and queen had only been married for a little less than two years, and the lack of an heir wasn't all that surprising. But some of the Bannorn had been extremely vocal in their concern for an heir for a long time. He put it down to the banns simply wanting stability and order after so much chaos and uncertainty.

Alistair was saying something and Eamon hurriedly jerked his attention back to the conversation. "I think that would be fine, Eamon. We could make a formal announcement in a couple of weeks. Perhaps even hold a ball in celebration?" he suggested, shooting his wife a sidelong glance. She grinned at him and blushed a little bit. He knew how much his lady liked to dance and there had been precious little of it as of late.

"That would be just fine, Alistair," Eamon agreed. He looked at the glowing couple and felt an intense feeling of relief sweep through him. Lya's long-ago conversation with him had never been forgotten and he was grateful that their solution would not have to be used.

Modifié par LadyDamodred, 08 avril 2010 - 06:00 .

[bob-san]

Well, stumbled upon this fic by accident and, like many others, was drawn into it. Your portrayal of the characters feels spot on and the pacing seems just right. My own skills as a writer are a bit lacking (A writer is their own worst critic are they not? ) so I have no real criticism to provide at this point. Just a confident "Give us more!" that I tend to ask of all the excellent fics I read here.

[Oliver]

Look forward to reading more!

[LadyDamodred]

bob-san wrote...

Well, stumbled upon this fic by accident and, like many others, was drawn into it. Your portrayal of the characters feels spot on and the pacing seems just right. My own skills as a writer are a bit lacking (A writer is their own worst critic are they not? ) so I have no real criticism to provide at this point. Just a confident "Give us more!" that I tend to ask of all the excellent fics I read here.

Oh, no kidding.  I am horribly unsure of myself.  I know there are weak spots, but they're hard to see when it comes from your own head.  The first several chapters with no responses made me want to give up.  -.-  Thanks for saying the pacing is good.  I think of writing as like a rollercoaster.  You need those long, slow parts to build up to the exciting swoops of the story.  Otherwise, you just get overwhelmed and nauseous.

And thanks to both of you, and everyone who has responded.  I hope you continue to enjoy!

[Miri1984]

Keep writing and I'll keep reading.

[LadyDamodred]

Alistair has expressed a fondness for parties, and he should be very grateful Lya does not hold to her statement of wanting to see him dance the Remigold in a dress.
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Chapter 16

Alistair knocked on the door and pondered the absurdity of a king needing permission to enter his own rooms. For some reason, every time there was a ball, Lya insisted on getting ready in complete privacy. "Just a minute!" his wife called through the door and he tried to wait patiently. He paced outside the door, trying not to tug on the collar of his shirt. Lya had chosen his outfit; black breeches that fit snugly across his hips, a soft brown tunic shot with gold thread and a darker brown vest accented with maroon. Glossy knee high boots and his crown, polished to a gleaming finish, completed the outfit.

Finally, the door opened and his wife's maid Liadan slipped from the room. He entered and remembered why his wife liked getting dressed in private like this.

She stood in the center of the sitting room. Her dress was a deep, rich blue trimmed with gold embroidery. The sleeves were long, coming down to her wrists to protect against the chill in the air now that it was midwinter. The gown was gathered just below her breasts, disguising her growing waistline, and it trailed just a bit behind her on the ground. The neckline was decently modest, but left her neck and collarbones bare. Nestled in the hollow of her throat was the necklace he bought her for their wedding; a single ruby, carved to look like an open rose.

Her hair was shiny and smooth, and the ever-present braid had been woven with thin blue and gold ribbons. The delicate crown she wore rested gently on those dark locks. Liadan had taken extra care with Lya's cosmetics and his wife looked at him now from under smoky lids, a naughty smile playing about on her red lips.

He crossed the room to her and wrapped his arms around her carefully, brushing her forehead with his lips. "If I thought we could get away with it," he murmured, "I would take you to bed right now." Lya slid her arms across his shoulders so her hands could play with the hair at the nape of his neck.

"Oh? Then I suppose it won't help to tell you I ordered some new… unmentionables…for this occasion, would it?"

Alistair felt his mouth go dry and he groaned. He vividly remembered the first time she introduced him to what a lady's smallclothes were supposed to look like. They had been white and made entirely of lace, with thin delicate ribbons that tied at her hips. Lya laughed throatily as her lips brushed his. "They're very much like that first set I showed you. You know, the ones with the ribbons? If I recall correctly, I believe you untied them with your teeth."

He groaned again, unable to stop the involuntary reaction of his body at the memory of that night. Lya's laugh turned wicked and she pressed herself against him more firmly. "You are an evil, evil woman," he whispered in a strained voice.

"I know," she whispered back. "I suppose you'll have to find some suitable punishment for me later." She gave him one last kiss and stepped away to let him compose himself. He took several deeps breaths, calling upon his templar training to help him. When he finally opened his eyes, Lya was standing by the door looking completely innocent. Well, completely innocent if he ignored the blush on her cheeks and naughty gleam in her eye. Alistair opened the door and extended his arm to her. "My lady?

She slipped her arm through his. "Thank you, ser knight." And Alistair led his queen into the great hall.

The music stopped as they entered and the assembled nobles knelt or curtsied as they passed by. They mounted the steps of the dais and stood before the dual thrones. The nobles below them waited, the last of the murmuring conversations falling silent as they waited for the king to address them.

"My lords and ladies, I want to thank you for coming tonight." Alistair said in a voice that carried over the crowd. "I expect you've already heard the news, or noticed as the case may be," he stopped as a brief ripple of laughter fanned across the crowd, "but we've gathered tonight to celebrate a most joyous event." He turned and took Lya's hand with a smile. "Tonight I wish to formally announce that my wife, your queen, is with child with the heir of Ferelden!" There was a burst of applause from the crowd. Alistair waited for the applause to die down. "And now, let's continue with the festivities. Minstrels!" At his call, the music once again started up and Lya and Alistair took their seats as the crowd fell back into conversation and dancing.

Alistair watched his wife fidgeting on her throne for the first couple of dances. She was dying to go down to the floor herself, but she couldn't very well just get up and leave him behind. She kept throwing him surreptitious glances which he pretended not to notice. Finally, he relented and stood, offering her his hand, which she accepted with alacrity. "Well, finally!" she muttered as he led her down the steps.

The crowd parted to make way for them as they took their places among the other dancers. As the music started again, he whispered in her ear, "That'll teach you to tease me when you know I won't be able to put my hands on you for several hours." She giggled softly, her expression clearly saying that missing a few dances had been worth it.

Dancing was not Alistair's favorite pastime. He was passable, he thought, having received private instruction from Lya and Zevran. That has been humiliating, he recalled wryly. No, his real enjoyment from it came from watching Lya dance. She loved it. Even now, she was light on her feet, working through the steps effortlessly. Her color was high and her eyes sparkled. She laughed frequently and chatted with whoever her partner was amiably.

After a few dances, he excused himself, leaving Lya in Eamon's capable hands. He moved off to the side to circulate with the other nobles. There were congratulations and Alistair received many warm handshakes and claps on the back. There were the unavoidable attempts to discuss politics, but he firmly refused them. It was a party and he had no intention of getting into any conversation more meaningful than the weather.

Eventually, he settled against a wall to watch his wife. She was currently dancing with Zevran, and while he might have once felt jealousy at seeing those tanned hands settle on her waist and back, he did not feel it now. She could laugh and smile with anyone right now because he knew when the night ended it would end with her in his arms. The night would end the same way it always had ever since that first night in a long forgotten camp; the way it would end for every night still to come.

[Sandtigress]

Very sweet chapter. ^-^ I think Lya should totally make Alistair dance the Remigold in a dress. In private, of course, but she should still make him do it!

[LadyDamodred]

Chapter 17

Alistair was in the throne room, listening to a discussion on the state of the highways and how it affected trade. It wasn't his favorite subject, but he knew that the issue was important; that had become apparent after the Blight was defeated. The land had been devastated, and food was in short supply for that first year. There had been emergency stockpiles, but the state of the country had made it was difficult to get those supplies where they were needed. People had suffered needlessly because of it and Alistair wanted to make sure it didn't happen again.

The door at the back of the room opened to admit someone. Alistair looked up, and as the figure came closer, he realized it was Nathaniel Howe. He frowned; they weren't expecting any Wardens from Amaranthine and no word had been sent in advance. He stood up, interrupting the bann who was speaking. "I'm sorry, gentlemen, but something has come up that requires my attention. I know how important this issue truly is. I would be more than happy to speak to you again at your convenience, hopefully as soon as possible." The three men in front of him initially looked insulted, but were mollified by his conciliatory manner.

Asking a guard to clear the room, Alistair stepped down from the dais to greet Nathaniel. The Warden knelt as Alistair approached and Alistair muttered under his breath. He helped Nathaniel rise and said, "You don't have to do that, you know."

"Prudence, your Majesty. There are still people in the room and it would be inappropriate for me not to greet you properly. Besides, I want people to see it!"

Alistair was taken aback by the vehemence in the man's voice. Nathaniel was usually a calm, unflappable man, but something had his back up now. This didn't bode well.

"If you would, Alistair, please ask Lya to join us. This has to be done formally, I'm afraid." Alistair nodded and motioned to a guard. He waited by Nathaniel, though. He could do formal things without sitting on his throne. Lya entered a few minutes later, and Alistair thought she looked particularly lovely. She had taken to wearing gowns again once her pregnancy had been announced, claiming it was both easier for her and because it was an excuse for her to wear them. Today she was wearing a dark green gown that set off her eyes nicely.

Her face lit up when she saw Nathaniel. Alistair had nearly had a heart attack when she returned from Amaranthine with tales of her new friend, Rendon Howe's oldest son. He thought she had maybe been hit on the head one too many times while fighting darkspawn, but she assured him that Nathaniel was not his father. She had conscripted him, desperate for capable soldiers after the darkspawn attack on the keep. Nathaniel hadn't been happy about it, but he had stood by her side throughout that entire ordeal. As Alistair learned while they were fighting the Blight, his wife's judgment was usually correct about people.

He had been able to meet the man when he went to Vigil's Keep shortly after his return from Weisshaupt. He and Lya both agreed that at the very least Nathaniel and Anders needed to be apprised of the situation. In the end, they decided to tell Justice and Oghren as well, but swore them all the secrecy. The trip had given Alistair the chance to spent time with the others who had fought with his life. He had been impressed by all of them, though Justice was a bit creepy. Nathaniel had especially won his admiration, and he had been impressed by the man's commitment and dry humor.

As Lya drew close to them, Nathaniel knelt again and said, "Your Majesty." Lya paused midstride, her face instantly becoming sober and alert. This was not how Nathaniel usually greeted her. As they were both active Wardens, he should have saluted her with a greeting of "Warden-Commander." She finished crossing to them and pulled Nathaniel to his feet.

"What's going on, Nate? What's wrong?"

"I'm so sorry, Lya," he murmured and then took a step back. Reaching into the satchel hanging at his side, he removed a sealed letter. Extending it to her and speaking formally, he said, "It is my duty to inform you that you have been relieved of your duties as Warden-Commander of the Grey in Ferelden. The Grey Wardens thank you for your service and know that you will remain a faithful and honored member of the Order." He grimaced as he said the last part.

Lya took the letter slowly and just looked at the seal. Gray, with the image of a rampant griffin pressed into it. Her lips drew into a thin line as she broke the seal and read the letter out loud.

To Her Most Royal Majesty, Queen Lya Theirin of Ferelden,

The Grey Wardens wish to extend their most heartfelt thanks for all that you have done in defending Ferelden and Thedas against the darkspawn. You have gone above and beyond the call of duty in defeating a Blight with few resources to call upon. You further proved your commitment to the Order in defending the Warden base of Vigil's Keep and the Arling of Amaranthine against renewed darkspawn threats. It is only due to your efforts that the city of Amaranthine was restored to its former glory and that Vigil's Keep will be returned to its former splendor in a few short years.

Allow us to also offer congratulations on your forthcoming blessing. We know how important the line of Calenhad is to Ferelden and we are most pleased that it will see another generation.

As such, we feel that it is only right that the Grey Wardens allow you to tend to your duties as the queen of Ferelden. Therefore, we do hereby formally relieve you of your duty as Warden-Commander of the Grey in Ferelden. A new Warden-Commander has been sent to Vigil's Keep to assume your duties. We know that the Wardens there will make him welcome.

Know that you will always have a place of honor within the Wardens and that every member of the Order thanks you for your service and is grateful for what you have done.

Osric
First Warden
Weisshaupt

She looked up from the letter, her fingers tightening on it, but not crumpling it up. Lya finally shook her head. "Where are my manners? Nate, you've had a long trip. Come, let's get you settled in and find some refreshments." She threaded her arm through his and they chatted of inconsequential things are they walked to the rooms normally reserved for high-ranking visitors. She waited until they were seated and a servant had brought something to eat and drink before turning to Nathaniel.

"Who did they send?" she asked quietly.

"An Orlesian named Delano. He has…ideas about how the Vigil should be run."

"I see." Lya looked at Nathaniel gravely. "You need to be careful, Nate. I have the feeling that Osric is beginning to move against us, and that this Delano is only the start. And this is the perfect time." She glanced down at her stomach. "I'm hardly in a position to go riding off and challenge Osric's orders," she commented wryly.

That broke the tension somewhat and both men chuckled. "I know about keeping my head down, Lya. And I told the others to do the same before I left. Justice will be fine, but I don't know about Anders. You know how he can be. And then there's Oghren…." All three shared an understanding look. Oghren was one of a kind, which they were sometimes very thankful for. He was a loyal friend, but tact wasn't even in his vocabulary.

Lya sighed. "I know, I know. Just do the best you can. If Osric really is plotting something, we need people at the Vigil we can trust. Do not give Delano any reason to send you away. If it comes to it, Oghren and Anders can come here, but I need you there, Nathaniel. Out of every Warden there, I trust you the most to handle this."

Nathaniel nodded in gratitude. "I will do my best, Lya," he said, "you know that. But what do we do if we get orders that…could jeopardize you or Ferelden?"

Lya ran her hands through her hair and sighed. She met Nathaniel's eyes steadily and spoke slowly. "I cannot ask you to ignore commands from the Grey Wardens. I am no longer your commanding officer and the Wardens are not subject to the Ferelden crown." She reached out and took Nathaniel's hands in her own. "Nor can I ask you to put your own life at risk; neither as my comrade or my friend. Do what you have to, Nate, but you are not beholden to me."

Nathaniel tightened his grip on her hands and looked over at Alistair, who nodded in agreement with what Lya said. He sighed in relief. "Thank you, Lya. You are a better, and stronger, person that the Wardens realize. Do not worry about me, or the others. We are your Wardens, Lya. We will not let any harm come to you."

Her eyes widened. "Nate, no!" she exclaimed. "You're a Grey Warden, not my personal bodyguard or something. You owe me nothing. Don't single yourself out like this!"

He shook his head gently. "I owe you everything," he said quietly. "You didn't hold my father's crimes against me and you gave me a chance to redeem my family's name. You stood by and believed in me even when I said terrible things about your family and called you a murderer." He shook his head ruefully and glanced at Alistair. "You are a lucky man, your Majesty." Alistair just smiled and nodded his head. He was reminded every day how lucky he was when he woke up next to her. "And besides, Delano as already called us 'the queen's Wardens' to our face. He brought a half score of older Wardens with him to help build his base of support. He's trying to divide the Vigil. It's confusing the newer Wardens. They don't know where to stand on this. He wants to turn them to his side, and some might fall for it.

"We won't let him do it, though," he added fiercely. "Most of the men there are yours, Lya. Those men that fought with us, they are yours through and through, no matter what orders come from Weisshaupt or that Orlesian lick-spittle."

"Maker's breath, Nate! Do you know what you're suggesting?!" Lya seemed truly shocked at what he was saying. She knew the men liked and respected her, but Nathaniel was suggesting directly opposing Weisshaupt, of making themselves traitors to the Order.

"Yes, I do," he replied grimly. "And so do the others. If it comes to that, if this is really what the Wardens really are, then I don't think we'd be able to live with ourselves knowing we did nothing to stop them."

Lya shook her head ruefully. "Thank you, Nathaniel, truly. It means more to me than you can know. Let's just pray it doesn't come to that."

[Miri1984]

Woot! The plot thickens. I was wondering if Osric would let things lie - didn't think so though.

[LadyDamodred]

Alas, no. He is not one to simply let things go. He would be a poor villian if he did.

[Alikain]

Dam it that is really good..... Am still writting my but yours is just too good. thanks for share and keep it up. can't wait for the next chapter.

[bob-san]

Oooo, didn't see that one coming. But given Osric's nature, that seems like the next step. Definitely curious how this would split the order. I suppose the King could ban the Grey from Fereldan, sans a few select once. But something like that would really cause a stink.



Well done LadyDamodred

[LadyDamodred]

I need to start slowing down my release schedule, since I'm working on a complicated section and I'm running out of pre-written chapters. Switching to a M/W/F release. prolly gonna be putting up a new story for Tues/Sun release schedule. Not sure yet. But, please, continue to R&R! I enjoy hearing what you have to say, and all comments are welcome!

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Chapter 18

The sound of a door closing nearly silently woke Alistair from his light sleep. He glanced at the bed next to him and saw that it was empty. So she was sneaking out again, was she? He wondered where she kept slipping off to at night and decided it was time to find out. He got up, hurriedly pulled on some clothes and opened the door quietly. The two guards were there like always and he held one finger in front of his lips, gesturing for them to be silent.

He motioned down the hall and quirked an eyebrow. The guard to his right nodded and Alistair padded silently down the hall on bare feet. He followed his wife stealthily, a feat made easier by the fact that she seemed to be preoccupied. He followed her through the hallways, staying just far back enough that she wouldn't hear him. She eventually led him to the larder and his curiosity grew. He peeked into the room and saw she was standing in front of a table cutting something.

Alistair tiptoed right up behind her and settled his hands on her shoulders. "Surprise," he said softly.

Lya let out a strangled scream, whirling around, the knife in her hands shifting to a more dangerous grip as it arced towards his throat. He threw himself backwards, desperate to get distance between them before the gleaming edge of the knife could part his flesh. She halted just in time, the knife stopping where his throat had been a moment ago. She looked at him in horror, the reality of what had almost just happened sinking in.

"Maker's breath, Alistair, don't ever do that again!" She nearly shrieked the words at him. "I almost killed you!"

"Yes, I noticed. Poor idea on my part, I suppose." He continued looking at the blade, and she lowered it with a shaking hand. "I wasn't trying to scare you, love. I apologize. But…what are you doing? I knew you'd been sneaking off, but coming to the larder?"

She shifted uneasily and blushed. "I was…hungry," she finally said sounding slightly embarrassed.

"Hungry?" He guessed that was possible. She was eating for two after all, and as Wardens they already ate enough to feed a small army. But something in her manner told him she wasn't telling the entire truth.

"Yes, hungry. I'm sure Shaye told you that sometimes pregnant women are hungry for…certain foods. That's all this was. Come on, we can go back to bed now. For some reason, I've not very hungry anymore." Alistair glanced at the table behind her, but she was blocking his view of whatever it was she had been going to eat. He moved to look around her and she also moved, continuing to block his view. "Alistair, come on, let's just go back to bed."

Now he was curious. He closed the gap between them and she pushed against his chest, trying to get him to leave. He took her arms gently and moved her to the side, finally revealing the mysterious foodstuff that prompted the queen of Ferelden to sneak through the halls of the palace at odd hours of the night.

He looked back at his wife's scarlet face, barely able to contain the mirth that was threatening to erupt. "Cheese, Lya?" he asked mildly. Her face went an even darker shade of red of red and he wasn't able to hold back anymore. Great peals of laughter burst forth and he had to sit or fall over. Tears streams downed his cheeks as he tried to get himself back under control.

"I hate you!" she hissed spitefully and that set him off again. He pulled her into his lap and she sat stiffly, head turned away, trying to maintain a dignified pose. After a few minutes the laughter trailed off into amused chuckles and he wiped his eyes. His ribs and stomach hurt and probably would for the next couple of days. He couldn't remember the last time he had laughed that hard.

"Aw, don't be mad, Lya. You have to admit it's funny. After all the comments about my unholy love of cheese, to find you here in the middle of the night craving the stuff seems to be the very definition of irony. Here," he said, lifting her and settling her on the bench in his place. He rummaged around until he found a loaf of bread and taking the knife she had set on the table, proceeded to cut several slices from the cheese wheel on the table.

She stared at the proffered bread and cheese for a long moment before finally taking it. She nibbled on them slowly as he took some of the food for himself. A giggle caused him to look up. Lya sat across from him, still looking faintly embarrassed, but with a smile playing on her lips and her eyes narrowed in laughter.

"I'm sorry, Alistair, I didn't mean to be so waspish. I'm not quite myself lately, and I didn't want you to laugh at me. So much for that plan." She laid on a caressing hand on the roundness of her abdomen. "I blame you, you know," she said tartly to the baby. She looked back up and took another bite of cheese with a satisfied sound. "I suppose we should enjoy this while it lasts, huh?"

He chuckled again and they sat there for awhile, eating quietly in the dimness of the larder. "Alistair, come here!" Lya suddenly said urgently and he moved to her side. She took one of his hands and laid it on her stomach, holding her hand on top of his. For a moment nothing happened, and then he felt the small kick under his hand. He uttered a small sound of surprise. "You should feel it from where I'm sitting," she said dryly.

He looked down at their hands as the baby kicked again. "I think he likes it," he joked.

"Yes, I suppose he does. Or she does. The baby always seems to be more active when I'm eating cheese for some odd reason. If this keeps up after the baby is born, we might need to get our own dairy farm." He laughed again, and then rose to put the leftovers away. Then he lifted her gently and carried her back to their bedroom. "I can walk, you know," she reminded him, lacing her hands around his neck. "My balance hasn't become so bad that I'm incapable of managing that."

He grinned at her. That was her main complaint so far, the way the baby threw her balance off. It galled her to turn too quickly and have to throw out a hand for balance or the take stairs slowly and not rush down them as she was so used to doing. "I know," he said, dropping a light kiss on her forehead. "But I like holding you, and this gives me an excuse to do it far more often." She sighed in contentment and snuggled against him. She rather enjoyed this part, too.

As they approached their rooms, the guards opened the door for them. Alistair nodded his thanks, entering the room and kicking the door shut with his foot. Outside the room, the guards returned to attention, small smiles on their faces as the faint sound of a giggle drifted through the door.

Modifié par LadyDamodred, 12 avril 2010 - 03:18 .

[bob-san]

That was an adorable chapter. It's nice to see them still enjoying a quiet (albeit funny) moment depite Osric's letter. Well written!

[KnightofPhoenix]

When is Osric going to unleash his villaneous tendencies? lol

[LadyDamodred]

All in good time, KoP, all in good time. I would say good things come to those who wait, but, well.... When the politics come, we won't have time for any of this, so I want to enjoy it while I can.

[MireliA]

A 'cheesy' interlude in the story. Sometimes it good to have chapters like this as a break

[KnightofPhoenix]

MireliA wrote...

A 'cheesy' interlude in the story. Sometimes it good to have chapters like this as a break

And that's usually why villains are so succesful initially. Good guys are too busy being unvigilant lol

But enough of my party pooping. Great chapter.

[Sandtigress]

SO CUTE!!! Totally loved it!

[LadyDamodred]

Chapter 19

The next couple of months seemed to pass all too quickly. Lya and Alistair made the decision that the baby would stay in their rooms, at least in the beginning. Rooms next to theirs were being converted for a child, if for no other reason than to hold the influx of presents. Lya had chuckled at all the gifts of clothing. "We're going to have to give some of this away, you know." She gestured to the piles of carefully wrapped parcels and boxes. "I don't think we could use all of this if we had a hundred children." She held up a tiny pair of stockings. "I am glad for these, though. I never did have the patience to learn to knit my own."

Alistair took the stockings and looked at them. "They're so little," he said. "Will the baby really be that small?"

Lya gave him a long look. "You had better hope the baby will be that small, all things considered." She placed a fond hand on her belly. "Well, maybe not quite that small, considering the way he's grown lately, but it will be close." She shifted in her chair. "I am really thrilled to be having a child, Alistair, believe me, but sweet Andraste, will I be glad when he's finally born."

He crouched down next to her chair, lacing his fingers through hers to rest on her belly. "You keep saying "he." Do you really think it will be a boy?"

She shrugged. "I don't know for sure. Call it a hunch. Though given the way he kicks, even if it is a girl, I think being a warrior runs in the blood." As if to punctuate her words, the baby kicked hard under their hands. She hissed slightly and frowned darkly at her stomach. "I wasn't aware you could bruise from the inside until now." He hastily swallowed a chuckle, but not before she turned her look on him. "I'm glad one of us finds it amusing."

Alistair brushed her lips with his. "Sorry, love. I didn't mean it. I'll make it up to you tonight."

"Mmm," she replied, tilting her head for a better angle, "I don't know. It might take a lot to soften my displeasure. Are you sure you're up to such a task?"

He kissed her a bit deeper, capturing her satisfied sigh with his mouth. "Well, I'm certainly going to try." He was just moving his hands his hands to slide around her back when a soft knock came at the door. With a groan he pulled away from Lya and hung his head. He knew he was the king, but it seemed like everyone needed his attention for everything these days.

Lya laughed softly and ran her fingers through his hair. "Yes, Shaye?" she asked over his head.

"Sorry for interrupting, but I have someone who would like to see you. I thought you'd rather meet somewhere private." Alistair rose to his feet as Shaye edged the door open further to admit someone.

"Wynne," Lya gasped softly.

Wynne looked at the both of them fondly, her hair just as white, a few more wrinkles on her face, and eyes just as kind as wise as they remembered. She moved into the room to stand before them and smiled at them both. "Hello, my dears. It's good to see you again."

"Wynne!" Lya said again, and struggled up from her chair to throw herself into the elderly mage's arms. As the woman's arms closed around her in a warm embrace, Lya burst into tears. Wynne held Lya, and looked past her to Alistair. He had privately admitted to Shaye to being a little disconcerted at how erratic Lya's emotions seemed to be, but she assured him it was normal. Wynne seemed completely unperturbed by Lya's outburst as well, and she smiled reassuringly at him.

Lya's outburst passed quickly, and she apologized for it. Wynne brushed it off with her usual good natured brusqueness. "There's no need, Lya. It's completely understandable." They sat down and the questions began almost immediately. Lya wanted to know what was happening with Shale.

"As far as I know, she's still in Tevinter," Wynne said. "The mages there may have come across some interesting research, but they want to proceed carefully. After all, if they err, Shale will be the one to pay the price. She seems content to wait, though, which left me free to continue seeing the world. And, of course, responding to this young lady's summons," she said, gesturing with one hand towards Shaye. Lya nodded in relief and gratitude.

Not surprisingly, the conversation quickly shifted to Lya's pregnancy. Alistair was a little left out as the three women dominated the conversation, and was grateful for it the further the discussion progressed. The stones of the walls and floors became absolutely fascinating as Wynne asked pointed questions about all of Lya's physical activity. He could feel the heat creeping up his face, and risking a quick glance at his wife, saw that she was just as red.

Eventually, Wynne fell silent and just looked at the two of them. "Honestly, I cannot believe you are both still embarrassed by something like this."

Lya shifted slightly and mumbled, "That's what Zevran says, too."

Wynne laughed. "Well, I suppose he does have his moments, though I'm hardly surprised at the context."

"I'm going to tell him you said that," Alistair said, grinning at her.

"You do that, young man, and I might just take it upon myself to find out how much you really can blush."

Alistair coughed uncomfortably. "Right, well, I think we've just about exhausted this conversation. Let's move onto something else, shall we?"

Lya looked over at Shaye. "Would you mind letting us talk to Wynne alone for a bit, Shaye?"

"Not at all, Lya," Shaye replied as she stood. "I'll go make sure that Wynne's rooms are ready." Lya nodded her thanks and waited until the door closed behind the red headed mage.

"Wynne, I am really glad to see you, you must know that. But you have to know that I didn't really expect you to be…around. I know you said you didn't think you had much time left. Is your spirit…?" She left the question hanging, unsure of quite how to phrase it.

"Ah," Wynne said simply, nodding in understand. "Yes. To be honest, I did not expect to be around this long either." She sighed and said, "I haven't been using very much magic, lately. I don't know if not calling upon it has given the spirit a chance to rest or regenerate its powers, but it feels…stronger than it did right after what happened in Denerim. Or even that it did when we met in Amaranthine. I have the feeling any large amount of casting will probably drain it completely, but I've actually grown rather used to going without my magic. At one time I would never have believed that, but I suppose all things change."

"She should meet Justice!" Alistair suddenly burst out. Wynne gave him a startled look and Lya buried her head in her hands and groaned.

"Whatever are you talking about, Alistair?" Wynne asked in confusion.

"Justice. He's this spirit of Justice who got stuck inside the body of a dead Grey Warden…" Alistair started to explain. He trailed off as Wynne's expression turned flinty. "I, um, probably didn't explain that very well, did I?"

Lya started to laugh helplessly. "I don't think Alistair was trying to compare you to a corpse, Wynne."

"Oh, no, no, no, no, no! I really wasn't!" Lya grinned at him. Alistair wasn't quite the same man that she had first met and traveled with. His duties and responsibilities had made him, for lack of a better term, grow up. He was more serious than he used to be, and though he stilled laughed and cracked jokes like he used to, the awkward bubbling Alistair was largely gone. She missed it at times, and was glad to see that that man still lay there under the surface. It gave her a whole other reason to be glad Wynne was here.

"Anyway, Wynne, if you're going to be here for awhile, you probably should meet him. He struggled with what happened to him for awhile. It might be good for him to talk to someone who has gone through something similar. Though, I should warn you, while his body has held up remarkably well, he is still a corpse." She shuddered slightly. "I have nothing but the utmost respect and affection for him, but it is rather unsettling."

"I…see," Wynne said in a decidedly neutral tone. Then she shook her head. "I don't know why I'm surprised," she said wryly. "You would think after everything we went through, I would have gotten used to the people you got to follow you." Wynne leaned back in her chair. "It really is good to see both of you again. I cannot begin to tell you how much I've missed you, my dears. I think if you're willing to have me, I might stay here. I think my adventuring days are done."

"I don't believe that for a moment, Wynne," Alistair said fondly. "You're too tough. I think the Maker himself might have to come and collect you when it's time. But you don't even have to ask about staying here. We wouldn't have you any other place." Lya nodded her agreement. Having Wynne's solid, comfortable presence around eased her mind a great deal.

Wynne smiled broadly at them. "Then here I shall stay."