336 réponses à ce sujet

[Sandtigress]

Another totally sweet chapter! You've nailed Alistair's personality, and its great to have Wynne back! And back to making her Warden friends blush! :-D

[LadyDamodred]

Thank you. You can't have Wynne without having her make inappropriate comments to Alistair at least once.



And slowly, ever so slowly, the pieces are all falling into place. *sighs sadly*

[bob-san]

Sad sigh? Oh, this does not bode well. An excellent chapter, but I'm assuming the perverbial fit will be hitting the shan rather shortly.

[LadyDamodred]

There's a few more chapters to go to wrap up this arc in there lives. And then, yes... Something will indeed be hitting something.

[Gamin Granny]

Excellent story, facinating reading.  Please keep it coming, I eagerly await Osric's comeuppance.

[LadyDamodred]

Chapter 20

Lya was already asleep when Alistair came in. She'd had so much trouble finding a comfortable way to sleep these last few weeks that she took to getting sleep whenever she could. He closed the door silently and moved carefully into the room. Not wanting to wake her up, he stood for awhile beside the bed, looking down at her. Finally he realized that he should probably get some sleep as well. Her erratic schedule had thrown him off, too. For some reason, he had trouble slumbering away peacefully when she was tossing and turning and finally getting up because there was no point in lying there any longer.

He slipped into bed next to her, carefully wrapping his arms around her. She mumbled something in her sleep and stirred, but didn't really wake up; just settled back against him and drifted back down into sleep. He lay there, inhaling the flowery of her. She had taken to taking a lot of baths lately, saying that is helped ease the ache in her back. As a consequence, she also spent a lot of time having perfumed oils rubbed into her. He rather approved of it. Eventually, the slow rhythm of her breathing and the warmth of her against him lulled him into sleep.

Lya woke up with a sudden start. Alistair was in bed with her, cuddling her close, but he was asleep. So that wasn't why she was awake. The curtains fluttered gently in the early summer night air, but there were no unusual sounds coming from outside. It was still early in the night, the moon barely casting any light into the room. She shrugged and was settling back down when it came.

It wasn't pain, not exactly, but more of a sudden, rippling pressure that crossed her stomach. She gasped and held her arms across her abdomen. She breathed steadily until it passed and then relaxed. Shaye and Wynne both said she would know when her body was ready and, oh boy, it was telling her it was ready. She leaned back, grabbing Alistair's shoulder to shake him awake. "Alistair! Alistair, wake up!" He muttered something and tried to turn his head away, but she just shook harder. "Wake up, damn it!"

Alistair felt something jostling him and heard his name being called. Finally deciding the person wasn't going to stop, he woke slowly. "What?" he mumbled, opening his eyes to see Lya shaking him. The upper half of her body had twisted towards him as she tried to wake him, and she was very insistent. There was an odd expression on her face, and when she saw that he was finally awake, she said, "Go get Wynne and Shaye."

He was suddenly totally and completely awake. "It's time? Are you sure?"

"Yes, Alistair, very sure and if you don't go soon, I might stab you."

He practically threw himself out of bed and hastily scrambled into a pair of pants. He jerked open the door, startling the two guards standing outside. "Go get the mages," he ordered. "Now!" One of the guards immediately took off running and Alistair left the door open as he went back to Lya. He helped ease her into a sitting position, propping pillows behind her for stability, and then started to light candles and lamps to provide light.

It seemed like forever, but it was probably only five minutes before Shaye walked in. She didn't appear at all flustered at being roused suddenly from her bed, but she did walk in saying, "You know, just once I would like to attend a birth that starts in the morning."

"Where's Wynne?" Lya gasped as another contraction hit.

Shaye went over to her immediately, seating herself on the edge of the bed. "On her way. She'll be here shortly, Lya. She's not quite as nimble as I am." She rested her hands lightly on Lya's stomach, feeling carefully. She nodded as the contraction passed. "Very good. Everything seems fine."

Wynne came into the room, using her staff as a walking stick. Shaye rose as she did and the older mage took her place at Lya's side. Wynne asked her several questions, pausing and also feeling Lya's stomach as another contraction came and went. She nodded, satisfied, and gestured to Shaye. The red head went to the door and began giving instructions to a servant who had accompanied them.

Lya shifted uncomfortably on the bed and Wynne immediately turned her attention back to the queen. "Do I need to stay in bed, Wynne?" Lya asked. "I'm not really comfortable." Wynne looked thoughtfully at Shaye.

"She could walk around for awhile. It would probably make her feel better and it would loosen her up," Shaye said. Wynne nodded.

"Alistair, come here," Wynne ordered crisply. He came quickly; feeling awkward, not knowing what to do or say. He just wanted someone to tell him what to do. "I want you to walk with Lya. She needs to move around, but her balance isn't the best at the moment. She will also need support when a contraction comes and I don't think any of us want her falling down."

"Should she really be moving, though? It won't be dangerous or anything?" Wynne gave him a foreboding look and he gulped. "Yes, ma'am," he said quickly and gently helped Lya out of bed. He was helping her stand when Shaye appeared at his side holding a shirt. She supported Lya while he quickly threw it over his head. "So, uh, where do we go?"

"Anywhere she wants, Alistair," Shaye said gently. "I would advise sticking to rooms and hallways on this floor though. Attempting stairs right now would not be the most advisable thing." Alistair nodded dumbly, and keeping one arm around Lya's shoulders and her left hand in his, began walking with her.

They walked the hallways slowly, Alistair aware that they were filling with activity. Maids were scurrying back and forth, bring towels and basins and water into their rooms. They gave the royal couple a wide berth, staring with wide eyes. Every so often, Lya would suck in a deep breath, stopping as she braced against a contraction. Alistair felt so helpless. There was nothing he could do but be strong for her when she needed to lean against him. He was glad, though, that Shaye insisted all those months ago that he stay for the birth. Being here now, he couldn't imagine not helping Lya in whatever way he could.

Wynne and Shaye checked on Lya whenever they made a pass back to the room. "You're progressing very quickly, Lya," Shaye remarked. "A little unusual for a first child, but I don't imagine you'll be complaining, hm?

"Nothing about her is usual," Wynne murmured dryly. "I also never noticed patience as one of her stronger points." Lya laughed faintly, and Alistair wondered if they had all lost their minds. It didn't really seem like an appropriate time to be making jokes to him.

Towards the end of those long hours, they passed Zevran's room, and the elf stuck his head out the door to see what all the commotion was. His eyes widened at the sight of his two friends and for once he was lost for words. The blonde elf Daevanya, who always seemed to be with him now, appeared at his shoulder and tugged him back into the room. "C'mon, Zev, let them be. They don't need us interfering." Zevran let himself be drawn back into his room, a relieved expression sliding across his face.

Lya chuckled. "I would love to see what Zevran would do if he became a father."

Alistair returned the laugh. "I think we might find ourselves short one elven assassin permanently."

"Oh, I don't know," Lya mused. "I think he would probably settle into it eventually. Not that I want him fathering my children, but with the right woman, I think he would make an interesting father." And then her humor disappeared as a harder contraction came. "Alistair," she gasped, "I think we should probably go back now."

Alistair sobered immediately. Holding her carefully, he guided her back to their rooms. Wynne and Shaye were sitting near the hearth, which now burned with a low fire. The night hardly called for the warmth, but the women were using the coals to heat water. Alistair saw the table had been laid out with all sorts of implements and basins and towels and cloths. His mouth went dry as he recalled Shaye's description of birth all those months ago. The reality of it hit him like a blow to the gut.

The mages came over as he eased Lya back into bed. "Thank you, Alistair. You did just fine. Now I think it's time for you to wait outside," Wynne said gently and moved to tug Alistair away.

"No!" The denial came from both Alistair and Lya and he felt his beloved clutching his hand in a desperate grip. Wynne looked surprised and Lya repeated herself. "No. I want him to stay, Wynne. I-I don't want to be alone for this." Lya looked at her old friend. "Please."

Wynne nodded. "Very well," she said. "I can understand that. Alistair, just do what we tell you." He bobbed his head, not quite trusting himself to speak.

Shaye came over. "Sit behind her, Alistair, like this," she said, showing him and supporting Lya as he eased himself onto the bed. Lya immediately held onto both of his hands and leaned back against his chest. The contractions she had been having were coming more frequently and he felt them through her. He wanted to do something else to help her, but had to settle for soft words on encouragement and letting her squeeze his hands to ease her through the pain.

The night had worn on and Alistair was shocked to realize the sky was already light outside. In his arms, Lya's demeanor changed and everything was suddenly more urgent. Wynne and Shaye were both there, encouraging her, telling her when to push and Alistair could do nothing more than hold her. He had heard terrible stories about women screaming in agony and crying, but Lya wasn't doing that. True, her jaws were clenched and he thought he might never regain feeling in his hands, but that was fine. There was one final push, and she cried out. Shaye and Wynne were both suddenly very busy with something very small and Lya sagged back in his arms.

Time seemed to crawl by, the seconds slowing into hours, and then there was cry. First one, then another as a very small person objected to this very rude entry into the world. Alistair hadn't even realized he was holding his breath until that moment. And then Shaye was there, handing a small blanket wrapped bundle to Lya. She looked at them and her smile was wide. "Congratulations, your Majesties. You have a son."

[Lintanis]

At last someone doesnt die in childbirth and a bouncing boy as well. Wondered if Alistair would faint lol

[Sandtigress]

Yay, a boy!! Is his name going to be Duncan? :-P

[LadyDamodred]

Well, to be fair, Alistair wasn't really looking. XD



As for the name, gonna have to wait for the next chapter or two. *whistles innocently* I think it's a very sweet scene when it happens.

[Sandtigress]

Or two??!!! Next chapter, please! Now now now!

[LadyDamodred]

I can't! I have got to get my butt in gear and get back to writing. :x

[Sandtigress]

lol Me too, so I can't really complain. And I should be writing my thesis, but fanfic is more entertaining. And easier.



But you've got an eager audience when its ready! Alistair + babies = win, every time!

[LadyDamodred]

Chapter 21

A son.

Alistair looked down at his wife. She was holding the baby in her arms and Alistair got his first good look at his son; at their son. He was a positive mess, still needing to be cleaned up, but Alistair didn't care. He could see the soft halo of golden hair covering the boy's head. As Lya held him close, he stopped crying, opening his eyes to look at his new world. And his eyes were green; the same beautiful dark green he knew so well.

Alistair reached down to gently stroke the boy's head and kissed Lya's cheek softly. She was positively radiant as she looked up at Alistair. For several minutes, they sat there, holding the boy, touching him with gentle, awed fingers. And then suddenly Lya gasped, sucking her breath in around an exclamation of pain. Her arms tightened against her will around the child in her arms and he began to cry.

Wynne, who had been standing off to the side with Shaye letting the little family get acquainted, was suddenly back at their sides, taking the baby from Lya. Shaye went immediately to Lya, placing a gentle hand on her stomach and frowning. Alistair felt his heart stop. That long ago conversation about all that could go wrong was suddenly remembered in agonizing detail. This couldn't be happening. Oh, Maker, please no. Not after everything they had been through.

"Alistair!" Shaye's voice abruptly cut through the terrified thoughts circling his mind. He looked up, a wild look in his eyes. Shaye was looking directly at him, forcing him to hold her gaze by sheer strength of will. "Listen to me carefully, Alistair. Lya needs you again. You did fine just before and you're going to do just fine now. Stay with me, Alistair." Shaye's voice was calm, soothing.

She turned her attention back to Lya, murmuring calm words of encouragement again. Alistair felt bewildered. What was going on? Off to the side, Wynne had succeeded in calming the boy and his crying had ceased. But then there was a new voice crying, coming from in front of him, and he gazed down in shock. Shaye was placing a second small bundle in Lya's arms, laughing with delight and Alistair felt his heart beginning to beat again.

"And this time, your Majesties, a daughter." In his arms, Lya was crying and he felt his own tears wet on his cheeks. His vision shimmered, but he could see the dark hair that crowned his daughter's head. And as she opened her eyes, he found he already knew what he would see; the same golden brown eyes that greeted him whenever he looked in a mirror.

Shaye gave them some time and then came over to gently take the baby from Lya. Wynne had placed their son in the small cradle that had been brought in sometime during the night and put her hand on Alistair's shoulder. "You did just fine, dear. You both did. But now I think we should get them all cleaned up. Go tell all those waiting outside and we'll call you back shortly." Lya gave his hand a reassuring squeeze and he stood somewhat reluctantly. Wynne walked him carefully to the door and gave him a slight push.

Alistair found himself in a hallway full of people looking at him expectantly. Zevran and his elf Daevanya were there, as was Eamon, and shockingly, Isolde. Fergus and his new wife Dara, who had come from Highever two weeks ago, Dara, were standing with Teagan and Kaitlyn. He saw Kylon, the Captain of the Guard, a good portion of their bodyguards and all the Grey Wardens currently in the palace. Further down the hall, servants and household staff were clustered, looking anxious.

It was Zevran who broke the silence. "So tell us, your Majesty! We've been taking bets and we need to know who has to collect. What is it: boy or girl?"

"Both." It was all Alistair could manage and he felt rather proud of himself for getting that much out. Everyone in the hall just stared at him and then the meaning of what he said sank in. There were glad cries and shouts, people hugging and laughing. Alistair felt overwhelmed. He knew that for many of them it was happiness for the kingdom and not him specifically, but it still touched him. Eamon was there, clapping him on the back and offering congratulations. Zevran came, clasping his arm and just grinning. Fergus caught him up in a great hug, as overcome with emotion as Alistair and neither caring that several dozen people were watching.

"Ladies and gentlemen, quiet please!" Shaye's voice carried over the tumult in the hallway. "May I suggest that we take this celebration downstairs so as not to disturb her Majesty and the little ones?" The hall hushed nearly instantly and people began slipping away. Shaye touched his arm gently. "Lya and the babies are sleeping, but you can go in. I'll be up to relieve Wynne in a little while." She grinned at him crookedly. "You might want to get a little sleep yourself. It's likely to be scarce for the next several months."

He nodded and went back in, fairly certain he wasn't going to be able to sleep. Lya was lying down, carefully tucked in. She looked exhausted, but also supremely content. Wynne stood in front of the cradle that was now next to the bed, looking down at the small bundles. He walked over to join her, still not believing what he was seeing. As he came to a stop beside her, Wynne hugged him. "I am so happy for the two of you, Alistair." He nodded, his throat feeling tight. Wynne was the closest thing he had ever had to a real mother and he was glad she was here.

They looked back down at the cradle, and Alistair bent over to gently touch his children. They were so small, so fragile, and he felt great and clumsy next to them. "Here," Wynne said quietly, pushing him into a chair. She carefully reached into the cradle and lifted one of the babies. She brought it to Alistair and showed him how to hold it, how to support the head and cradle it close to his chest. He saw that he was holding his daughter and his breath caught in his chest. He gave Wynne a stricken look, terrified he was going to do something wrong.

She understood the look more fully than words could ever have told her and she laughed softly. "Don't be silly, Alistair. You won't hurt her." He sat very still as his daughter squirmed for a moment and then settled back into sleep, a chubby fist pressed to her mouth. He sat there for a long time, just holding her, trying to memorize her features. After a time, Wynne gently took her and placed his son in his arms. He did the same thing, marveling that after all the fear and uncertainty, things had turned out so beautifully.

Wynne watched him, not bothering to wipe away her tears. He deserved this, she thought. No, they deserved this. They had had to do such terrible things just to survive, and even more terrible things to save them all. That they could now have this peace, this joy was just fitting. She said a silent prayer to the Maker, thanking Him for allowing these two to be happy.

Eventually, Shaye slipped back into the room. Wynne went to Alistair and carefully took his son from his arms. "Get some sleep, Alistair," she said firmly. He nodded, not bothering to argue. He was tired, worry and a long night having worn him out. Euphoria had kept him awake for awhile, but he needed rest now.

[Lintanis]

 Excellent twins, they wont be getting much sleep  . Do they have baby Gap in Ferelden 

Modifié par Lintanis, 19 avril 2010 - 01:30 .

[Sandtigress]

Yay, babies!!!! :-D

[bob-san]

Woot! Twins!

Now the big important question, if they take after alistair, will Fereldan need to start stockpiling it's cheese reserves?

All in all, well done Lady D! Seems, like Sisi's, I got two chapters for a little wait and both were excellent as usual. But now I'm still wondering what sort of plot that schemeing Warden has planned....

Modifié par bob-san, 19 avril 2010 - 04:30 .

[LadyDamodred]

This is not directed at my loyal cheering section here, but rather to any others that might read.

*looks around nervously*  You know, people, really, any and all feedback is much appreciated.  If something needs work, please tell me, and if you really like the way things are going, agaib, please tell me.  It gets a little hard to figure out the way certain things in the story need to go if I don't hear anything back from my audience.  Unless, of course, you all think this is so awesome nothing need be said.  In that case, tell me that, too!  Anyways, I hope you enjoy!
_______________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 22

He woke later that afternoon as the sun was beginning to set, and the sound of someone shifting in a chair caught his attention. Shaye was rising to her feet and beckoning to him. He rose carefully, noting that Lya was still sleep. Was sleeping that long normal? Well, he thought ruefully, they certainly hadn't gotten much sleep last night and she had been the one doing all of the work.

Shaye gestured to a tray of food on the table. "Eat, Alistair. Lya woke earlier to feed the babies and she got to have something then, but you haven't eaten in nearly a day. We don't want you fainting on us." He snorted quietly, but didn't argue about the food. He was hungry. Shaye sat down across from him, just waiting as he ate. When he had finally consumed just about everything on the tray, she took it and set it outside the door for the maids to collect.

She waved a hand towards the bed and cradle. "I want you to know they're likely to sleep a lot the first couple days. Being born is hard work, after all, and I didn't want you to worry."

"Thank you. I probably would have been worried. I'll probably always be worried now, but still, thank you."

"It's my pleasure, Alistair. They're beautiful children, by the way. Have the two of you decided on names?"

He shook his head. "Not yet." That wasn't entirely true. The subject of names had come up during the pregnancy, but Lya hadn't really wanted to discuss it. She didn't say why, but he thought it was because she wanted to make sure the baby was born healthy before picking out a name. She wanted to make sure nothing would go wrong, believing that not naming the child would make it hurt less if it did.

She had given him a concession, though. "How about this, Alistair? If the baby is a boy, you let me name it, and if it's a girl you can name it." He had agreed readily to that. He hadn't thought she would let him choose a name completely without her input, but she reassured him that she was serious.

"What if I like the name Winifred? Or Hildebrand? Or Bertha?" he had teased her, and she laughed.

"Well, if you truly believe that's the name our daughter should have, then I think any of them are perfectly lovely."

"Liar."

It had actually taken him a long time to come up with a name. He didn't have anyone to name a daughter after, and Lya's family was just as lean. Alistair couldn't even remember his mother's name, and he had no reason to name his daughter after her in any case. He thought about choosing Eleanor, after Lya's mother, but it didn't seem quite right to him. He wondered how anyone managed to decide on their child's name. And then, one day, it hit him. It was perfect and he wondered how in the Maker's name it had taken him so long to come up with it.

Alistair looked over at the cradle and wondered who his son would be. Lya had wanted to name the boy. Would he be Bryce, after her father? Or maybe Oren, after the nephew who died so young? Was there some other name she had always wanted? Something she had in mind ever since she was a little girl?

At some point while he was lost in thought, Shaye had quietly left the room. Alistair stretched as he rose from his chair and went over to the cradle. They were really here. He wondered if the awe of it would ever wear off. He wasn't sure how long he stood there watching his children sleep, but eventually he felt a hand slide along his back.

Lya slipped under Alistair's arm to watch their children sleep. "They're beautiful," she murmured. Alistair leaned down slightly to brush her cheek with his lips.

"You're beautiful," he said quietly. She laughed softly and looked up at him with a twinkle in her eye.

"Flattery will get you nowhere, ser. At least not for awhile." He chuckled and shook his head. That was just fine with him. They stood together for awhile, just holding each other and looking at the little miracles in front of them. In time, Lya lifted her head from his shoulder to look at him seriously.

"Do you sense anything?" He didn't need to ask what she meant. He knew because he had been trying to sense it since he had come back in after letting everyone in the hallway know. While it wasn't the same as sensing darkspawn, Grey Wardens could sense the taint in each other, if only faintly. It took effort, a sort of reaching out with a sixth sense, but doing it now, he could only feel the faint pull from Lya next to him; from the two sleeping forms, nothing. No matter how much or how hard he tried to sense something, there was just nothing. They were untainted.

"No," he answered. "I can't feel them at all."

"Neither can I," Lya said quietly and he felt her shaking against him. Alistair pulled her close and whispered soft reassurances. "I was so scared," she said. "I was so scared we had done something terrible and I-I would never have forgiven myself if…."

"It's all right, Lya, it's all right. They're fine and we don't need to worry about it anymore." She nodded and let him hold her. She started to suggest going back to bed for a little more rest when the twins began to stir.

"Naturally," she muttered. "Here," she said to Alistair, reaching into the cradle, lifting their son and handing him to her husband. She then picked up their daughter and headed to the bed. "They're hungry. I'll feed them and you can burp." He blinked in confusion.

"I, uh…."

She laughed. "Don't worry, love. I'll show you what Shaye showed me. It's easy. You might want to grab a towel, though," she said, gesturing to a small pile of them on the table near their bed. She settled herself on the bed and Alistair slid in next to her, rocking his son gently to keep the boy from fussing. He watched as she nursed their daughter, slightly in awe. It looked so natural and right, he couldn't help the silly grin that spread across his face. Lya caught him watching her and giggled at his expression.

When she decided their daughter had had enough, she showed him how to burp the baby. Alistair sat next to her as their son ate; gently patting his daughter's back and being rewarded a couple of small burps. It made him laugh; such an indelicate sound for a tiny princess. When Lya finished with the other twin, he repeated the procedure for his son while she took their daughter back and settled her shirt back into place. She sat next to him, rocking their daughter and watching him. When he was fairly sure the boy was all set, he leaned back next to Lya. They sat there, holding their children until Alistair broke the silence.

"We should probably give them names."

Lya nodded in agreement. Looking at him, she asked, "Do you have your name?"

"I do, but I want you to go first."

She nodded silently, looking at the baby in his arms. She looked back up at him and said, "Alistair, I want you to meet your son, Duncan."

His throat felt tight. "You didn't have to do that," he said thickly.

Lya leaned against his arm, looking at him with clear, smiling eyes. "Yes, I did," she replied softly. She gave him a minute and then asked, "Now, may I know the name of the little miss I'm holding?"

He cleared his throat, suddenly a little embarrassed. "It took me awhile, you know. Everything I tried seemed wrong. So I hope you don't mind, but I sort of made a name up." She tilted her head at him, curious. "Lya, say hello to Elwyn."

Lya gasped softly. Maker, but she loved this man. Not just Eleanor or Wynne, the two women who were the mothers in their lives, but both of them. She leaned down to softly nuzzle Elwyn's nose with her own.

"Hello, Elwyn."

AN: The name Elwyn, like many of the names I use, is taken from an old D&D character of mine. I know a name like this is used in a lot of fics, but I did want to let it be known that this name has been knocking about in my head for years.

[Miri1984]

I know I'm a loyal cheerer - but I still have to say, this is lovely!



And I'm getting a little nervous - all your thinly veiled hints of tragedy are beginning to weigh on my mind.

[LadyDamodred]

huhuhuhuhuhuhuhuhuhuhuhu

[LadyDamodred]

Chapter 23

"Twins." Osric practically spat the word. "Impossible. It cannot happen."

He looked at the Warden standing before him, and the mage spread his hands helplessly. "I do not know what to tell you, ser. The queen of Ferelden did indeed give birth to twins just over a month ago. The country is said to be overjoyed at the news."

Osric stalked to the window and looked out. It was summer and the Anderfels was as pretty as it would be all year, but he saw none of it. He whirled back to face the sweating mage. "Yet we both know it is impossible. The only possible explanation is that the children are not Alistair's." The mage shifted uncomfortably and Osric lifted an eyebrow. "You disagree?"

"Well, ser, from the reports, both children carry some of his traits. The girl is said to have his eyes and the boy resembles him." He faltered at the foreboding look on Osric's face and hurried on. "Our people say there is no suspicion whatsoever that the children are not of the Theirin bloodline."

Osric paced back and forth in irritation before finally taking a deep breath. He wondered idly if these Fereldans were being sent as test of some sort. He had been a Warden for nearly twenty-four years, First Warden for almost nine, and never had he encountered such defiance and trouble from other Wardens as he did from these two. Maker curse the day Duncan recruited them.

He shook his head. "Enough of that. Time will tell if the children are truly his. If they are, then we simply have more questions that need to be answered." Moving back to the wide desk, he shuffled through the papers on his desk before selecting one. He reviewed it quickly and nodded. "Are our agents in place?" he asked.

"Almost, ser. Some are easier to place than others. Some of the assignments will take longer since we cannot use anyone already there."

Osric looked at the man thoughtfully. "We've still had no luck with that, then? You cannot find anyone we can use, even with all the coin we are offering?"

The mage shook his head. "No, ser. They are almost fanatically loyal. We might be able to wear some down, but at this point it would probably just be easier to insinuate a few of our own people. Less cause for suspicion if nothing else."

"I see. Very well then, do what you think best. What about Amaranthine?"

"Delano says things are progressing slowly. He is meeting resistance from the mage, Anders, and the…dwarf," the man said distastefully. "Howe seems to be cooperating, at least, though he is not overly enthusiastic. As for the…spirit, it seems fine. It neither opposes Delano or supports him, but simply does its job and trains the younger Wardens."

Osric nodded. "That will suffice. Tell Delano not to rush things. We still have a little time yet. The recruits seem promising, and it is not their fault that the leadership in Amaranthine has been less than desirable. I don't want to lose good Wardens simply because they are being misled."

"As you command, ser. Is there anything else you need?" the mage asked.

"No, thank you. That will be all." Osric dismissed the other Warden and sat back down. He opened a drawer in the desk and removed a small box. From within the box, he drew out a letter and read it over carefully. It had been crafted months ago, each word chosen with the utmost care. Osric had then put it away, waiting for the right moment. It seemed the moment was now upon him.

He picked up a pen to sign and date the letter, and then almost hurriedly set it back down. Leaning forward to place his elbows on the desk, he laced his hands together and rested his forehead on them. He had support for this, he knew that. Centuries of patient planning had made sure of that, and it had all led up to this point. Never again would an opportunity as ripe as this one present itself. If he committed to it, he would see the dreams of his predecessors realized.

But the cost would be high, he reflected. It would require the deaths of good men and women, and it was a heavy price to pay. Was he prepared to sacrifice them so that the Order might be stronger and so that others might live?

He sat back up and picked up his pen once more. Date and signature were added to the letter in a swift, decisive motion. Osric sealed it carefully and then placed it within yet another envelope, before sealing that one as well. On the morrow, a trusted courier would be sent to Val Royeaux, and the die would be cast. "In death, sacrifice," Osric murmured.

[Sandtigress]

Ohhhhhh what's in the letter?!?!

[Miri1984]

*is filled with a deep sense of foreboding*



Have I mentioned I don't like Osric?

[Lintanis]

"there may be trouble ahead". Dont think it be anything good. Was caught up in baby fever forgot about Osric lol

[Marine0351WPNS]

Stumbled on this fanfic, and couldnt stop reading it, absolutely wonderful, the characters seem exactly as they are in the game, keep up the good work!!!

[LadyDamodred]

Thank you! I try really, really hard to keep characters in character, though I know we all see them differently. If you notice me screwing up in that regard, please tell me!