A/N: I am SO excited to be back! This delay on getting this story has been far too long, and I apologize for that. I got into the swing of writing again, but started writing this, another DA piece, and a Sherlock piece, and it was just too much. So instead of doing the reasonable thing and working on one at a time, I just quit. In any case, I'm back now, and this story is the first thing on my list!
A huge, ginormous, monstrous THANK YOU to FenZev for looking over my initial outline, telling me I'm crazy (my words), and helping me get it down to something manageable. This would all just be a jumbled mess if it wasn't for you!
As exhausted as he was, Alistair did not like the idea of going to bed. The past few days had been fun and exciting, but grueling. It had been a constant barrage of "Your Majesty this," and "Your Majesty that," and the young king hardly had a moment to himself, let alone with those he really cared about. All of Ferelden's lords and ladies clamored to shake his hand and express their gratitude, especially those whose loyalty might have been questionable before the end of the Blight. Though his covers were warm and his eyes heavy, Alistair was sad to be tucked away in bed.
Elissa was leaving tomorrow.
The month he had been separated from her was difficult enough, now he was facing at least six months with her far away, all the way up in Highever. He knew it was necessary, but he didn't have to like it. Not to mention the... temptation of other women gracing his path, as Zevran had put it. Alistair knew he could not be captivated nor charmed by any other woman, but he still didn't like the idea of women throwing themselves at him. There had already been multiple lords and ladies pushing their daughters in his direction. Arl Eamon attempted to give him advice on how to accept their advances politely without any commitment, but it was easier said than done.
Alistair sighed and rolled over. Only half of a year, then Elissa would be his for lifetime. Hopefully... she still hadn't given him his answer...
A sudden pounding on the door startled Alistair from his doze. A servant boy let himself in as Alistair jumped, automatically attempting to reach for his sword but finding nothing but blanket.
"Beggin' yer pardon, Yer Majesty," the boy said, offering a quick bow. "But Arl Eamon has urgently requested yer presence. Says it's an emergency."
"What? What's happened?" Alistair demanded, throwing his covers off and reaching for his robe.
The boy hesitated, biting his lip. "Well, a strange man appeared at the gates, demandin' an audience with you. The guards thought he was drunk, see, on account he was stumblin' 'round and weren't all that clean, so they were about to take him to the cells. Only the arl saw 'em from his window and thought he recognized him. Turns out the man is pretty ill from exhaustion and the like. The arl's ordered him some broth and ale, and he seems a bit more alert now, but he's still requestin' to see you. And, erm... Teryna Cousland."
"Elissa?" Alistair asked, biting his tongue and mentioning her so informally. "Why, what's he got to do with her?"
"Well... the man claims to be Fergus Cousland. Her brother."
Alistair hurried down to hall where Eamon requested to meet him. He had given the servant strict orders not to wake Elissa until he said so. If Fergus were alive, it would be miraculous... but highly unlikely. Alistair didn't want Elissa to get her hopes up that her brother had survived, only to discover it was a drunk masquerading as the rightful Teryn.
He pushed open the door the the great hall and walked in, his guard up though he knew the man was most likely no physical threat. The man in question was sitting on the bench, hunched over and gripping his cup of mead, and empty bowl pushed aside. Arl Eamon sat next to him, talking quietly, but stood as he noticed Alistair enter. The man looked up, and immediately Alistair could see the resemblance.
He looked much like Aedan, though admittedly much more worn and haggard. His temples had gone gray, his beard and mustache scruffy and unkempt. But Alistair could see he shared the same blue green eyes as both Cousland twins. He attempted to stand, pushing himself up with his arms. He stumbled backwards, Arl Eamon and a guard catching him before he hit the ground. The man balanced himself and tried to stand up straight, keeping one hand on the table for support. The guard hovered close by, ready to catch him if he stumbled again.
"Please," Alistair said, as the man struggled to stand. "Remain seated."
"No, no," the man insisted. "I must rise for the king. Please forgive me if my bow is a little troublesome." The man smiled tentatively, and Alistair believed.
"Fergus Cousland?" The man nodded. Alistair needed no more proof, save for the Elissa's recognition of him. He turned to his servant. "Send a maid to wake up Lady Elissa at once. Leliana too if she is with her. Wynne and Zevran as well."
Fergus stood a little straighter, slowly regaining his strength. "I'm pleased to learn I didn't miss my sister. I had hoped... word hasn't been very reliable on the roads. At least... some of the things that I've heard... they're just too unbelievable to be true..."
"We live in unbelievable times, my good ser," Alistair replied. "Though I hope the worst is behind us for now. Will you please rest?" Alistair offered the bench, but Fergus shook his head.
"I will rest once I see my sister and brother. No doubt they, and you, have many questions for me. I will do my best to answer everything I can. Though I wouldn't say no to more mead, if you please." Alistair nodded at a servant who ran towards the kitchens.
Alistair cleared his throat. "Much of it can wait for tomorrow. I'll have someone set up a room for you, close to your siblings. You are more than welcome to stay until you are fit to travel to Highever."
"Many thanks, Your Majesty," he said.
The doors began to open and Elissa entered first, a robe covering her night clothes and her hair in her sleeping braids. Leliana and Wynne had also been woken, though Zevran was fully clothed with his blades on him, alert as ever. While Alistair could tolerate the elf for only a short period at a time, he was grateful that he had agreed to accompany Elissa and act as her bodyguard. No harm would come to her as long as Zevran stood by her side.
Elissa looked questioningly at Alistair, then turned her attention to the man next to him. Slowly her look of confusion turned to one of shock as she froze, not quite believing what she was seeing. Leliana and Zevran looked at her, confused and cautious, waiting for her to make a move. "Fergus?" she whispered, though it echoed across the room.
"Hi, Pup," he responded, his grin widening.
She broke into a sprint, throwing herself into her brother's waiting arms. They stumbled, but they didn't let go of each other as the guards straightened them back up. Alistair heard a muffled sob from Elissa and could see the stream of tears on Fergus's face.
"Is that," Leliana whispered, coming to Alistair's side. "Her brother?" Alistair only nodded, thrilled by watching the siblings' reunion. "But didn't he die at Ostagar?"
"Apparently not," he responded. "We all have plenty of questions, but I thought it would be best to let them see each other once more before we begin."
"Of course," she agreed. "Shall I go wake Aedan?"
Alistair shook his head. "I think we'll move the reunion there shortly."
Elissa pulled back from Fergus, gripping his shoulders. "How? Your scouting party at Ostagar... how did you...?"
"Come, sister," Fergus said. "I wish to see Aedan, and then I will tell you all the tale of how I survived Ostagar. I warn you it isn't very exciting. I wasn't conscious for much of it. But how is Aedan? If the rumors are true he saved the world from destruction. And not only is he a Grey Warden, but he's Warden Commander?"
"It's all true. It was all very heroic and adventurous. You'll be pleased to know I played a part in it as well," she teased.
"I have no doubt about it," Fergus laughed. "Though I assume Aedan tried to leave you behind?"
"More than once. But we'll explain everything once we reach Aedan's room. It isn't very far. Can you walk?"
"Here," Alistair muttered as he allowed Fergus to support himself on him. "Eamon, can you see that the room across from Aedan's is prepared for Fergus?"
"Of course," Eamon said, bowing and taking his leave.
"So," Alistair said, practically lifting Fergus off of his feet. "Shall we?"
Elissa raced ahead with Leliana and Wynne to wake Aedan, while Zevran kept his pace slow to match Alistair and Fergus. "So," Fergus grunted, trying not to show how much effort the short walk was causing him. "How did an elf come into the employ of my sister?"
Zevran chuckled beside them. "All part of that crazy story you were promised, my lord. It also includes a dwarf, a qunari, and an apostate."
"Best not include the apostate in the conversation. Not yet, anyway," Alistair suggested. Zevran nodded in agreement.
"Why not?" Fergus questioned. "Because he didn't want the templars to find him?"
Alistair and Zevran shared a look. "Perhaps it would be best to let Aedan do the explaining on that one," said Zevran. "Don't worry, my lord, I'm sure you'll get every astonishing detail."
They approached Aedan's now open door and slowly entered. Leliana was busy lighting candles, while Elissa helped her brother sit up in bed. Though he had made it through the coronation ceremony and much of the celebration, the effort had wiped him out completely. Not wanting to show any weakness as the Hero of Ferelden, he had been escorted back to his rooms by Zevran, Leliana, and a few trusted guards in a contraption built by one of the royal builders. He had simply taken a dining chair and put sturdy wheels on the feet, and called in a wheelchair.
Alistair entered with Fergus at his side. A chair had been placed closed to the head of the bed, so Alistair directed Fergus there. Aedan looked up from his bed, and though he looked exhausted and hallowed, a bright smile lit up his face. As Fergus eased himself into the chair, Aedan held out his hands, which Fergus gladly clasped.
And so the wild tales began.
Fergus's scouting group had been ambushed by a group of darkspawn that far outnumbered them. Fergus had been knocked out, and with a dead Hurlock's body hiding his own, the remaining darkspawn left victorious. Hours later, he awoke to some Chasind folk removing the bodies. They would pile all of the darkspawn bodies and burn them, while they gave each man and woman an individual pyre. The Chasind folk moved him back to their huts where they attempted to heal him. He could not walk, had lost a significant amount of blood, and couldn't stay conscious for very long.
The Chasind had their own apostate healer who performed some sort of magic that Fergus had never heard of, though he was certain it was not blood magic. It took months, but he was finally able to move around on his own, though he lacked the strength for any major travel. He repaid their kindness by assisting their warriors in lessons and being a lookout in case of darkspawn. Finally, when he heard a rumor that a great battle was to occur in Denerim, he mustered up whatever strength he had and ventured out.
He wasn't very close to Denerim when the Archdemon was destroyed. That didn't stop fleeing darkspawn from nearly trampling him with fear. As he came closer to the city, he was mugged and beaten by thugs. Again, he relied on the kindness of strangers to help deliver him to Denerim. He dared not reveal who he was. Rumors of Howe's treachery reached him even in the wild, and he didn't want to take the chance that his supporters were still out there. He was merely a refugee, trying to find his family in the capital.
From there, Elissa began the story of the night that Highever's army left for Ostagar, and how Howe and his men pillaged the castle. The Couslands cried together as they recounted their parents and their households. Elissa shifted closer and gripped her brother tightly as his nightmares were confirmed - his wife and son were no longer with them.
Elissa and Aedan took turns telling the tale of collecting the treaties and fighting the Archdemon. Many details were glossed over, but they both made sure to implore how important all of their companions had been in the process. Except Morrigan. Aedan did not bring her up, and Elissa followed his lead.
The sun was peaking over the horizon as the trio finished their stories. Wynne and Zevran dozed in the corner, but Alistair and Leliana listened to every horrid detail, even the ones they were familiar with. It had seemed the Couslands forgot the others were there, but nobody dared interrupt them. Alistair could only hope they would now be allowed to heal and go forward with their lives.
Alistair was lost in his memories when Elissa's movement startled him. "Time for rest," she said, standing from her seat. She took the wheelchair that had been tucked away in the corner of the room and wheeled it towards Fergus. "Your room won't be far, but save your strength. We'll get you there quickly. Would you like me to find some servants to help you bathe?"
"I'll go," Leliana offered, not waiting for a response. She sent a quick smile to Fergus and set out. Wynne stepped forward and placed her hand on his forehead. No matter how many times Alistair witnessed it. Watching Wynne heal someone was always an incredible sight.
"You don't seem to have any wounds that need immediate attention. I'll look over you and heal what I can after you get some rest." She stepped out of the way to allow Zevran to help Fergus move into the wheelchair.
He grimaced as he relaxed himself into the movable chair. "My thanks, all of you. I owe you a great deal, for tonight, and for keeping my brother and sister safe this past year."
"It is they who deserve our thanks," Wynne said from the corner, smiling at Alistair. For the life of him, he could not think of anything to say.
He was saved by Leliana returning to the room, flanked by several servants. "We will escort you to your chambers and help prepare you for bed." Her voice had regained its musical quality, her eyes bright. It was interesting to see her in a caregiving role, away from all the battles and bloodshed. Elissa had hinted in her letters that Leliana thrived helping her rebuild and care for the people of Highever. Alistair supposed it made sense; she had been, after all, a sister in the Chantry looking to escape a life of violence.
One of the servants wheeled Fergus out of the room and Wynne and Zevran followed after, eager to return to their own rooms for rest. Aedan dozed in the bed, finally succumbing to exhaustion. For the first time, it was only Alistair and Elissa, almost alone.
"Would you escort me back to my chambers, Your Majesty? I wish to discuss a few things with you before we rest." Elissa asked.
"Of course," Alistair agreed. He offered her his arm, which she gladly took.
They strolled slowly through the halls, purposely taking a longer route to get to her rooms. The castle was asleep with no one to bother them. Alistair wanted to take advantage of the bit of privacy he was offered with his love.
"I hope you won't mind if we impose your hospitality for a few more days," she began. "I'd like to wait until Fergus is a bit stronger before we move him to Highever."
Alistair let go of her arm to wrap his own around her, pulling her close. "I wouldn't dream of having you leave now. Please, stay as long as you'd like." He wanted to ask about her staying forever, since she still had not technically agreed to marry him, but this was neither the time nor place. "How are you feeling?" he asked, changing the subject. "This must be quite overwhelming."
"It is," she admitted. She wrapped her arm around his waist and leaned into him. "I'm thrilled that my brother is alive. I truly am. I only wonder if this is a dream and I'll wake up with my hopes up."
Alistair stopped, tugging on her hand and pulling her close. He kissed her forehead as he held her, the familiarity of her body pressed against his making him smile and long for it to happen more. She looked up and smiled, and Alistair couldn't stop himself as he bent his head down to kiss her.
Their kiss was slow and purposeful, reacquainting themselves with each other. Too soon, Elissa pulled back, leaving her head rest against his. "We could get caught," she whispered.
"I don't care," he muttered, kissing her again.
She giggled against his lips but pulled away. She looped her arm through his again and continued to walk. "You should. You'll be starting your Grand Tour soon, right?"
"Right," he said, his stomach dropping.
"Not looking forward to it?" she laughed.
It always amazed him how she was able to read his feelings so easily. "The actual kingly things won't be so bad. I'm looking forward to meeting my people and seeing my lands. Seeing how I can help them. It would be better if..." he paused, unsure how to continue.
Elissa laughed again, squeezing his hand. "If various ladies wouldn't throw themselves at you and the lords wouldn't force you their way?"
"Yes," he kissed the top of her head. "Everything still might be unofficial, but my heart is certainly spoken for." He stopped, wondering if now was actually the time to bring up his proposal... and lack of response. Elissa interrupted his thoughts before he could say anything.
"Each noble family will prepare a great feast for you, I'm sure. Some of the smaller bannorns will keep it private, but most will want to show off. Before and during you'll be able to avoid any unwanted attention, but there's a tradition that you won't be able to escape. Before the feast begins, you'll have to make a grand entrance. Since you're unmarried, it'll be a bit different. The lord and lady will enter first, and you will follow with the most eligible lady... their daughter, sister, niece, and so on," she explained. "So you'll be stuck waiting in the hall with a single, eligible woman on your arm."
"Great," he said. He leaned against the wall outside Elissa's door, pulling her with him. "Not looking forward to that all."
She stepped between his legs and gave him a quick kiss. "You know," she smirked. "In Highever, it'll be me you walk in with."
"Then, correction," he chuckled, pushing a loose piece of hair away from her face. "I'm mostly not looking forward to it. I'll make an exception for my last stop."
"Save the best for last, they say," Elissa said, wrapping her arms around his middle and tucking her head under his chin. "I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you more than you know." He tilted her head up once more and kissed her lightly. "I love you. Remember that. This tour changes nothing, I promise you."
She smiled as she lightly placed her palm on his cheek and caressed it. "I know. And I love you. Now," she said, stepping away from him. "I should get to bed. You, too. Good night, Your Majesty."
He groaned good naturedly as she chuckled. "Good night, love."