A/N: This story will be based on characters I think are realistic for people in their positions. They might not be likeable but I hope you'll find them at least interesting. The plot I have in mind is ambitious, probably overly so, and will follow several plotlines all playing into Ferelden's power struggles. I'm starting this story with full knowledge that it will likely not be finished before DA2 comes out and some things I'll write will certainly be voided by the new canon but so be it…that's why its fanfiction.
As far as background any important in-game decisions you'll need to know will be referenced clearly. This chapter picks up after the game in which Aedan Cousland has agreed to be Queen Anora's Prince-Consort.
This chapter has been updated.
Introductions
"Maker's blessings upon you, majordomo." rumbled a voice that held itself just below the threshold of being easy to hear; though it gave an unmistakable impression that it did so unwillingly being far less comfortable with conversation than it was with shouting. A state that it would eagerly enter with the least provocation.
Startled by the address which suddenly sounded from directly behind where he sat hunched over his parchment covered desk Pepin hurriedly calmed himself, pleased that he had managed to avoid jumping in surprise…well, at least avoiding an embarrassingly large jump, his treacherously honest mind corrected. Pasting a smile over his harried expression Pepin took a moment to quickly compose both himself and the stack of papers his sudden start had disturbed before turning to face the voice. Feeling a hand land on his shoulder Pepin halted his move to stand swiveling his head to look up and to his left. Blinking in confusion the majordomo craned his head around further, his flustered state momentarily delaying comprehension of the minor mystery of the invisible speaker until that voice once again spoke; this time from directly over his right shoulder.
"I can see that you are busy, majordomo, so I shall endeavor to not keep you from your labors."
Spinning to face the by now irritatingly evasive speaker Pepin's patience, already frayed by being overworked, snapped, "I'm a little too busy at the moment, man, to deal with…"
Just what the majordomo found so pressing Aedan would never discover as he watched the briefly bold man's jaw clack shut, the little color his pampered skin possessed fleeing his face under the Warden's stare.
"…Oh, my lord I, I apologize for my rudeness. I had not realized that…"
"Think nothing of it, majordomo…Pepin, I believe." Cousland interrupted, his gravelly baritone easily overriding the nervous squeak of the other man's apology.
Relaxing at the friendly look he was receiving from Cousland Pepin did his best to obey the all important court protocol; after all it would never do to give the impression that he, the majordomo, did not know proper courtly behavior. Finding it impossible after several abortive attempts to bow properly while seated, a position the hand on his shoulder forced him to remain in, Pepin contented himself with a deep bob of his head. Having found some semblance of equilibrium in this unexpected conversation Pepin brushed at the wrinkles his failed bowing had produced in an otherwise fastidiously pressed doublet as he addressed the Warden, "How may I be of service, my lord Prince-Consort Cousland?"
Pleased that he had managed to keep the annoyance from his voice, an important skill for one who lived surrounded by his superiors, Pepin regarded the Prince towering over him. The man was every inch the pre-Orlesian occupation archetype of leadership. From the hand scarred by a life of martial activity that rested heavily on the majordomo's shoulder to the broadly built shoulders covered by a sweat stained, brown gambeson still smelling of the training yard the Prince was more similar to an Avvar chieftain than an Orlesian chevalier. Silently thanking the Maker for the Orlesian occupation having civilized at least Denerim Pepin waited for the barbarian prince's simple mind to process his question.
"I was wondering what instructions you've had from Anora regarding the seating for our wedding."
Managing not to roll his eyes as the warrior attempted to delve into the complex realm of courtly protocol Pepin wasn't able to keep condescension entirely out of his voice, "Of course, my lord. Queen Anora has followed the standard-"
Vexed as the Prince-Consort interrupted his exposition on proper courtly ceremony Pepin's irritation was immediately forgotten as the Warden's previously restrained voice broke into its accustomed volume, a volume built on the training yards of his father's guards, "Quiet, nug! You think I want to hear about your damn table of ranks?"
Not having time to fully absorb the previous outburst Pepin squeaked as Aedan swept his arm across the paper covered tabletop. "Maker damn you, you'll seat people where I tell you!" Arms frantically reaching for the family trees, heraldry and lists that comprised his life's work and were now flying throughout the room Pepin failed to notice the hands grabbing his doublet.
Finding himself hauled bodily from his chair Pepin stared into the predatory eyes of Ferelden's last Grey Warden as he was suspended in the air by the strong hands clutching, and no doubt ruining, his doublet's fine cloth. Looking on aghast as the civilized veneer fell from the Prince to reveal the barbarian underneath Pepin broke into a cold sweat, reminded of the only other time he had seen the Warden. The man who had been dressed in plate armor, splattered with blood, and swinging a sword at Regent Loghain's head was now focusing the full weight of his displeasure on an unarmed courtier.
Looking desperately at Aedan's eyes for any hint of mercy Pepin knew such a hope was in vain. After all, this was the man who had deliberately lamed and disarmed Loghain before looking into the wounded man's eyes and slowly driving his blade into the Teryn's neck. And even that hadn't sated the brute's rage as his redheaded companion was forced to restrain him from kicking the grieving Queen away from the side of her father's bleeding corpse while he stood triumphantly over the lifeless body.
"B,b..but protocol, the Queen..."stammered the quaking courtier as Aedan shook him about, the tips of the majordomo's toes scrabbling for purchase on the slippery surface of his scattered documents.
The booming, parade ground voice retreating into its previous quiet, non-threatening tone Aedan stopped shaking the beleaguered majordomo about, "So, the Queen already told you about seating arrangement, hmm? In person?"
"No, my lord, her handmaiden, the elf Erlina told me."
"Told you what?"
"Where to seat some exceptions to the normal arrangements." Pepin exclaimed, hoping a reminder of his duties would be a defense from the apparently unstable Prince.
"And were there many exceptions?"
"Why yes, lord Cousland, as a result of the recent…upheavals…there were-"
"I see…" Aedan said deliberately, "so your job is to seat everyone as Erlina tells you to. So, what do we need you for? Erlina could do your job and, what with the recent upheavals, as you call them, the Crown will need to cut expenses; perhaps starting with certain redundant courtiers."
"B,b,but I…"
"Unless, of course, you prove yourself an indispensable functionary by, say, finding an impenetrable justification in these papers," Aedan sneered, "for Bann Alfstanna to be seated next to me."
"But that would be most improper! An unwed woman of marriageable age next to you at your wedding feast? It would be insulting to the Queen. I-I, my lord, I can't possibly do that, Her Majesty must be the only lady-"
"I see. Your devotion to the Queen does you credit, Majordomo." Aedan said, dropping the frantic man back into his forcibly vacated seat before heading for the door.
Hearing the crackle of heavy boots crushing his precious records pause Pepin reluctantly turned to face where the Prince-Consort had halted his exit and now stood staring predatorily at the majordomo. Swallowing heavily the harassed majordomo forced his mouth to move, "My lord Prince-Consort Cousland, is there some other way I may be of service?"
"Not really, Pep, I just have something to tell you." Aedan responded smoothly, eyes glinting at the way the majordomo cringed at the diminutive name.
"Lord?"
"I admire your sense of duty. I've heard about your sister's condition, Pep." The Prince said sadly, "It must be awfully difficult to support both your wife and children and a paralyzed person on a courtier's salary. I can't even imagine how difficult it will become once that courtier is fired, perhaps his house is commandeered by the Wardens, maybe he is even imprisoned on some strangely vague charge…all just in time for winter's deathly chill. To chose such a fate rather than insult the Queen, truly such loyalty and patriotism are what makes Ferelden great."
"I,I understand."
"What do you understand?"
"Uh, that Bann Alfstanna, umm…in view of her recent, uh, long service to the Crown is, um-"
"That's the spirit, man." congratulated the Prince as he strode out of the now disordered room.
A late fall sun shone over the dockyards doing nothing to dispel the damp chill of sea air. Shivering as they stood exposed on the pier, backs facing the wind whipped wave tops, three figures stared inland at the battle scarred city of Denerim. Jumping as a loudly clanging bell rang out over the dock's omnipresent creaking of wood and rope the three shapes turned away from the city to face the gently rolling bulk of the moored ship.
"Well, I guess this is it, child. Goodbye, may the Maker look kindly upon you."
"And you as well, Wynne. I'm so sorry he isn't here…I told him it was today-"
"It's not your fault, dear. We both know how Aedan can be; always consumed by some great undertaking to the exclusion of all else. Say goodbye to him for us won't you, dear." Enfolding the redheaded bard in a warm embrace Wynne reluctantly pulled away after a moment, "I will miss you, Leliana, I hope-"
"Perhaps if I ever regain a body I too will have squishy bits that make me waste time but right now I am thankfully free of such annoyances." The hulking, stone figure of Shale rumbled from where it stood looking at the ship, "But for now I am more concerned that the ship we should be on is losing the ropes that tie it to land faster than that horrible man who calls itself captain will lose its life should its pet bird come near me."
"Right, of course. Well, let us be on our way then." Wynne muttered, her eyes looking imploringly at the sky, "Maker knows this will be a long journey."
"Goodbye, Shale, and good luck." Leliana giggled.
Watching and occasionally waving until the figures on the departing ship became indistinct Leliana slowly turned away from the sea. Trudging up the hill that led from the docks into the city Leliana made her way for the ruined marketplace; perhaps the Orlesian woman who sold shoes before the battle had set up shop again. She hadn't yesterday or the day before but perhaps today was the day. Encouraged by the prospect of exchanging her heavy, Ferelden boots for something prettier Leliana forced a smile onto her face and quickened her pace towards the market.
Entering the rubble filled square Leliana stopped in surprise as she saw a group of soldiers bearing royal heraldry standing outside Wade and Herren's relatively intact shop. A quick glance telling her the shoe-vendor was nowhere to be found Leliana made her way through the sparse crowd towards the armorer's store. Approaching the soldiers Leliana peered through their formation to find Aedan standing next to Herren and Wade as they all examined something. Shifting to see around the impeding soldier's shield the bard saw the object of all the attention; a suit of tarnished, silver armor resting on a stand.
Spying a gap in the wall of armored men Leliana shook her head at the guards' incompetence as she scurried around the side of a nearby building. Slipping past several fallen beams and over piles of broken rubble the rogue soon found herself at the exit of an alley looking at Aedan's back. Stepping out of the concealing shadows Leliana slinked up to Aedan, "A word, if I may."
Standing still as the three men jumped at the sudden voice, the more keen eared guardsmen also spinning to face her in alarm, Leliana stood looking sternly at Aedan, arms crossed reprovingly below her chest. Resisting the smile tugging at her lips in response to the happiness that immediately spread across Aedan's face Leliana maintained her air of displeasure, "I told you to meet me at the docks this morning. Why weren't you there?"
"Sers, if you'll excuse me for a moment." Aedan said moving towards Leliana without waiting for a reply. Taking the bard by her elbow the Warden steered her into Wade's store as the surprised, and chagrined, guardsmen returned to scanning the surrounding crowd for threats.
"You missed Wynne and Shale's ship."
"I'm sorry but I had to do this." Aedan protested.
"And just what is 'this'."
"I need Wade to fix up that set of armor out there in time for my coronation."
"And why is that, pray tell?" Leliana said, her demeanor not softening at all.
"I'll look just like Calenhad in this Juggernaut armor once its repaired and cleaned. You know how important first impressions are and I want the nobles to see me as the legendary 'Silver Knight's' second coming."
"You and your plans." Leliana said, throwing her hands up in the air, "Is this really so urgent that two people who risked their lives alongside you can't even say farewell to your face."
"Sorry but I'm so busy with other matters that this was really the only chance I had to deal with this matter. Besides, you know how slowly Wade works; I have to give him enough time before the coronation."
"Coronation…you mean the wedding."
Moving closer to the redhead Aedan gently took her hand, "I mean coronation. The wedding is just a formality…we've talked about this, Lelianna."
Giving a responding squeeze before pulling free of his hold Leliana turned and headed for the door, "I know. That's not what is really bothering me, Aedan."
"Look, I'm sorry I missed Shale and Wynne but-"
"But you're busy, I know. I'm going back to the palace. I'll see you tonight and if you don't want your bed to be cold find a pair of shoes for me as penance for your rudeness."
Following Leliana Aedan caught up to her as she opened the door. Leaning close he brushed a strand of hair from her ear, "As you desire, my lady."
Trying to ignore the shivers his promise laden whisper caused Leliana walked past the guardsmen who were doing their best to appear disinterested. Ducking around a corner, her keen ears pricked Leliana smiled at what she heard.
"Wade, Herren, you know that Orlesian who used to be here selling luxury items?"
"I believe you mean Liselle, my lord." The whiny voice of Herren replied.
"Yeah, fine. Do you know where she is now?"
"I…think I've heard she's been staying in a tavern near the docks waiting for an Orlesian ship to arrive so she could restock."
"Ser Denri,"
"My lord." A deep voice answered briskly.
"Take a squad to the docks and find this Liselle. See if she has any Orlesian lady's shoes; if she doesn't find out from her who does and bring them to the palace. Don't bother coming back until you have a selection for me to choose from."
"Yes, my lord."