SPECIAL NOTICE: THIS STORY HAS BEEN PUT ASIDE UNTIL I GET TO A POINT IN IT'S SISTER STORY ALWAYS. THAT WAY I WON'T REVEAL THE ENDING OF ALWAYS. THUS, I RECOMMEND READING ALWAYS FIRST. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE. GALESONG
After much deliberation, I decided to change the name of the main character. I realized, short of late, that these were both Chandra's stories making this a sister story to ALWAYS. This one is an interwoven story of past and future. The trick being not to disclose the ending or rather results of ALWAYS (ALWAYS is more of a passage in time).
I am sorry for the confusion, but feel this is the best way to go forward with this story. Thank you for those who have added this story to their favorites. You do not have to read ALWAYS for this to story to be complete, but I believe ALWAYS is a bit more lighthearted.
Thank you. Galesong1234
Forever
Chapter 1: The Missive
They called this room the study though it was larger than any great hall. It was more formidable than even the Magi's library. The wealth of knowledge that could be found in this room could not deter from starkness of the cold gray stones that held it. The only color to be found was in the tapestry that hung over the mantle of the large fireplace. It depicted a bloody battle between Grey Wardens, darkspawn and an Archdemon. The only other adornment to be found was in the garish carvings of griffins that adorned the large furniture. The room was impressive as well as oppressive. It held very little warmth.
Chandra made a mental note to have one of the recruits take down that hideous thing. Light, why didn't someone think to put in windows she thought angrily to herself? The king had granted the Arling of Amaranthine, lands once owned by the traitor Rendon Howe, to be used as a base for Ferelden's Grey Wardens after ending the last Blight. Chandra remembered the auspicious occasion well; after all, she was the Hero of Ferelden.
Small shivers ran down the length of her spine. The chill seemed to run deeper than her bones these past months. With her husband gone, their bed had become a cold and lonely place. Was it the taint? No, it was more. It was different and that, alone, gave Chandra more cause for worry.
"Commander, you have a visitor," interrupted a fledgling recruit.
"They seem to get younger with each passing day," Chandra thought to herself. Shegave a disgusted look at the vast array of papers scattered across the large table. She was glad of the interruption. A tall woman of reckless beauty imperiously walked past the young recruit. The woman's eyes did not leave the commanders and she spared no thought for the handsome recruit that stood in her way.
A cautious smile played across Chandra's lips, "So, what brings the Charming
Captain of Siren's Call to Amaranthine?"
The curvaceous rogue pushed past the shocked recruit, "I had a delightful encounter with Zev. When Zev found out at that I was headed in your direction, he pestered me into checking up on his favorite Grey Warden. Ah, Sweet Thing, time has been kind to you. Still a tender sweat meat to be sampled," accessed Isabella.
"He does have a way of talking one's ear off." Chandra held her hands out in welcome to greet Isabella with a kiss to the cheek in friendship. Isabella leaned into the embrace and at the last moment turned her face and brushed her lips across Chandra's.
Chandra turned several shades of scarlet as she realized that the young fair-haired recruit was still there to witness such scandalous behavior from the Commander of the Grey.
"Err, yes, and still very much claimed. Marcus, you may take your leave."
"Yes, Commander," as Marcus turned to leave.
Isabella gave a disappointed look, "How is the king these days?" as she handed Chandra the missive.
"Well," Chandra gestured for Isabella to take a seat, "When Alistair is able to leave court he tries to spend time with the initiates which is not often. It is out of his respect for Duncan, I believe, that Alistair dedicates his time and personal interest to the Grey Wardens."
"Of course…and what of your husband, Sweet Thing?" A meaningful smile played across Isabella's full lips.
Chandra studied the broken seal of the missive, "I have his support…"
"No need to read it," interrupted Isabella unapologetically, "Zev, made a side trip to Antivia on his way back from Par Vollen."
"He has found the last one," exclaimed Chandra.
"What spell do you cast over Zev that he would so recklessly venture back to the nest of assassins?"
Chandra shot a warning glance at Isabella, "Believe you me when I tell you...I have conjured no spells over Zev or anybody else for that matter. Zevran is a dear and trusted friend. That's all."
"Is that all? Or do you take advantage of Zevran's feelings towards you," implied Isabella.
"Zevran's friendship means much to me. I have never suggested that there was anything more between us."
Isabella detected the guilt in the Warden's voice.
"Come, let us play a game of Wicked Grace," changing the subject, "for old times sake. There should be no malice between us. I can see we both care for Zev, Sweet Thing."
Chandra poured wine for both of them. "And no dealing from the bottom," she chided as she smiled in response to Isabella's favored pet name for her. "You must also promise me a duel. I find I am need of some distraction. I am put out with this self-imposed prison."
It reminded Chandra of another prison...