Here we are! The sequel to 'Last Rites', as suggested by Cypheroftyr who has been an absolute star all through this process :D
Forgive the unoriginal title...
This will eventually be M/M, just setting the scene ;D
Picking Up The Pieces Chapter 1
Three years had passed since Anders. Three long years learning to rule a kingdom he still felt wasn't truly his. Sebastian took his own advice, he allowed the kingdom to rule itself as the times were good, and remained devout in his faith.
Returning to Kirkwall was always the last thing he'd wanted to do, he had no desire to see Hawke again and although he missed the others he had not been in contact with any of them, but fate has a way of foiling even the best laid plans.
"The viscount wishes to see me? Why? Starkhaven and Kirkwall have had no dealings for years now. I wanted to keep it that way." Sebastian paced the floor of his study, his long-suffering steward and former tutor Charles sat opposite him with a letter from his former home.
"My lord, Starkhaven remains too vulnerable with only Ferelden as it's true ally. We need treaties, contracts, and while Kirkwall lacks resources for trade, it has a strong army of Templars."
"Starkhaven does not need more Templars, Charles" Sebastian fixed the other man with a piercing look, that even as a boy had always made the older man feel uncomfortable, now it was akin to being doused in cold water. Charles shifted in his seat.
He knew all about why Sebastian had returned to Starkhaven, it had taken some weeks but the young prince had finally told him everything that had happened during those last few weeks in Kirkwall. The Circle of Magi in Starkhaven had been radically changed since Sebastian's return, following in King Alistair's steps in Ferelden, but the rest of the Free Marches were yet to join them in these reforms.
"Thedas is on the brink of war Sebastian." He used a softer tone, reverting to use of the prince's name. "We need allies. The viscount is most looking forward to meeting with you, and there will be no need to stay longer than is nessecary or visit... unwelcome... places."
The chastising gaze of his former tutor and confidante made Sebastian relent, and he sighed before taking a seat at the desk, "I don't even know who the viscount is. I'd completely cut Kirkwall off... I suppose it was a foolish thing to do wasn't it?"
"I have seen worse Sebastian, do not fret." Charles chuckled. Ah the impetuance of youth. "I shall arrange your transport for the morning. Besides, you'll be so busy you won't get a chance to see the rest of the city. You should probably get some rest before the morrow!"
Sebastian laughed and rose again, this time to head towards his bed chamber. It was already dark and the two had been dealing with the petty requests from nobles all day. Charles had deliberately left the news about Kirkwall until last on the agenda, probably to prevent Sebastian being in a foul mood all day and being impossible to work with.
"Goodnight Charles. I trust you will be coming with me to Kirkwall?" It was a hopeful request, but Sebastian already knew the answer.
"Alas my Lord you know I cannot, I must deal with other matters that have come up today. I wish I could, I have not seen Kirkwall in 10 years, it would be interesting to see how it's changed."
"However it's changed, I'm sure it's not for the better old friend." WIth that, Sebastian left the room and headed to the privacy of his own chambers.
He sat on his bed, and as he always did when he was agitated he began to twirl the little strip of leather he never took off. He was suprised it had lasted so long without breaking, though the leather was getting more and more worn with every day.
"Back to Kirkwall then..." He sighed to himself, although some would say he was talking to his own wristband. "I really do wonder what has become of everyone... I should probably check shouldn't I? Even if it's only to see Elthina. She never was satisfied with my reason for leaving after all."
His chest ached when he thought of Elthina and the Chantry, it had been his home for so many years and leaving it had been the hardest part of returning to Starkhaven. Combined with his grief, the homesickness was deblitating and it took him weeks before he could even function properly. It was then he was the most grateful for Charles, who'd given him the time and space he needed and provided the listening ear when he had finally needed to talk.
Sebastian stripped to his underclothes, relieved that the day was over but already feeling a wave of nervousness as he thought about where he would be going the following day. He would be returning to Kirkwall for the first time in three years. All the memories were already playing at the back of his mind. He lay awake for a long time, and when he did finally dift off, for the first time in two years he dreamt of blond hair and brown eyes...