Lying on the cot in his tent, King Maric held his elven lover. He brushed loose hair from her sweat cover face. She was lovely, flawless. Her emerald eyes large and exotic glistened brightly in the candle light. Maric swept the tip of his middle finger down her very straight nose and he smiled,
"You are lovely."
A frown erupted on her face, should she tell him his seed has taken root, Does she bother, their time is over? It's possible the child will look elven and elves have no place in the world of men. Even so what might he say? What was she expecting for the bastard child of a Mage Warden and her King?
"Our time together has been…" the woman began, her frown evident.
"You are everything I needed," Maric told her
"Not just in bed, but out there. You are a most incredible woman."
His words made her smile. Maric never referred to her as an elf or Mage, he only saw the woman. She doesn't tell him her secret and they part ways within a months time.
Fiona hid in the coming months of her pregnancy. Temporarily leaving the Wardens to follow the customary practices of her people. In the forest, in a secluded camp the elf cared for herself body and mind. The care she showed for her child came in the form of foods and oils she ingested or spread over her body.
In the early fall Fiona went into labor. Alone in the forest, only the Animals heard her cry. The babe was born with of he rising of the sun. He is the image of his father, paired with his mothers golden complexion. His ears are round seeming pointed when looking directly at him, was this a joke played by the creators?.
'Someone will know,' she thought.
A week past before Fiona made her way to he King's Castle in Denerim. The guardsmen recognized and welcomed the elf as an old comrade. She was traveling with a sizable basket. Setting down the basket, she informs the guard,
"A gift for the King. Please be sure he gets this."
She left a note within the basket and with a heavy heart she rushes off. It is only when a muffled sound is heard and movement disturbs the blanket that anyone cares to look at the contents within the basket.
The hour is late and the guards bicker about whether or not they should disturb his graces slumber. A knock on the door wakes the king. It doesn't take much to get Maric rushing to the main hall. Fiona was all the explanation he needed. When he arrives he is greeted by the cries of a babe.
"It was your elven companion from the war. The Mage Warden."
Maric sees past the boys skin and recognize himself in the babe. Through all the fuss Maric can hear the crumpling of paper. shuffling blankets out the way he finds her letter.
"Forgive me.
Perhaps I was wrong in not telling you. If I had then my path would have been made clear. I wanted our son, but alas the child carries his father's human features and should not be subjected to the life of an elf. Maric, please look after our son. I have done what I can for him, but now I leave it up to you, my love."
There was no signature but Maric knew the hand that wrote these words. How many times had he kissed those hands? Maric thought of the many nights he spent with the Warden. She was beautiful and she was clever. The Elf fascinated him challenging him she fulfilled him. But now life had resumed, and his affair could only bring him trouble. What would his supporters think?
Maric tossed the letter into the fire,
"Find a nurse to look after the babe and send for Arl Eamon."
In the upcoming days until the Arl arrived at Denerim. Maric spent little time with the child of his elven lover. His elder son, two years older - joined him visiting the second nursery. Maric wondered about raising the boys together. Would they love one another, or would there be animosity between them. Would the younger seek to overthrow his older brother in an act of jealousy? These thoughts consumed Maric stealing sleep, even until the day of his passing
"Left in the dead of night?" Eamon reiterates.
"Yes," the King sighed.
"He looks much like you both. But you are right my Lord. The older he gets the clearer it will be. He looks much like my nephew."
"Then you will help me?"
"I do it for my sister Maric let's be clear."
"Of course."
000- Seven years later -000
"Are you excited pup, " the Teyrn Cousland asked of his youngest child. A daughter he would raise up with a singular purpose. To know her history and politics. To be an upstanding and wise ruler; a respectable wife bringing honor to her family. But as all children do, she would go her own way.
"Yes, but papa why are we going to Redcliffe?"
"Kings' business dear girl, it's time you've begun learning the position and responsibility of you house. Now darling, keep in mind there is a special boy you will be meeting today. Do be kind to him, it's important."
"He he of a political house?"
"No pup, but he needs our kindness. They have not treated him so well last time I visited."
"Everyone deserves kindness, right papa?"
"Yes pup, do this and I promise he will be a loyal friend."
-xXx -
In the courtyard stood a young boy. His skin both gold and red from spending too much time under the sun and his hair coco brown. He wore the cloths of an orphan with dirt on his chubby cheeks. His fingernails equally dirty. The boy watched with small eyes the carriage of House Cousland roll through the gates of Redcliffe castle. Alistair raised a thin brow curiously.
A servant met the Couslands at the bottom of the entrance stairs. The lady of Redcliffe smiled kindly at the Teyrn from the top., But the man could not be distracted away from the young boy he knew to be the son of the King. A child still technically in his charge, in the boys veins ran the blood of the King.
"Alistair lad," the Teyrn called waving the boy over.
"My Lord there is no need," Isole called down.
"Madam, I insist," he said politely shutting her up. It was his goal to teach her that even those of a high station could have manners.
The young boy came forward but rained a respectable distance. Alistair learned very quickly to recognize his betters.
"Alistair come, I want you to met my daughter," he smiled presenting his girl beside him, "you'll keep her good company yes? While we old folks take care of business"
Alistair shifted his eyes to the Lady Isole, but her gaze was elsewhere.
"Alistair?" The Teyrn called, "I am speaking to you lad. Would you be so kind, I would trust no one else," he said with a confident smile.
Alistair gave the man a toothless smile in reply. And the young Elissa giggled, stealing the smile from the boy,
"We'll have matching smiles soon," she said taking a step forward. Opening wide she wiggled a loose tooth so he could see. Alistair giggled and he watched closely.
00 Two years past 00
"Where's Alistair?" A slightly older Elissa asked when she arrived at Redcliffe on their bi- yearly visit.
"He's no longer in Castle my dear,"
"Yes, where is he?" The girl asked.
The two had indeed become quick friends. Elissa looked forward to the long trips to the Arls home in Redcliffe, twice a year. It was easy to see how Alistair had been mistreated, even for a girl her age. Whenever she witness such treatment the young Elissa Cousland took Alistair by the hand. A gesture of both comfort and strength.
Elissa was sure to invite Alistair to join her for lunch. How submissive he had been to those around him.
"I am not allowed," he said timidly.
"Then I will join you," she offered the first time.
"No," he smiled politely.
Elissa frowned, "Don't you want to stay with me?" She asked innocently, "Then we can keep playing after," she reasoned
The young Elissa brought the matter to her father. The Arl sent for Alistair to wash up that he would join them for lunch. Tension could be felt by all save young Cousland who's attention was solely on Alistair.
"Alistair has been sent to live at the Chantry," said the Arl, "he will train to become a Templar."
Arl Eamon confessed to the Teyrn the reason he sent Alistair away.
"I was only trying to protect my sister," he answered when the Teyrn expressed his displeasure.
"You are nobler than that," the Teyrn answered.
"I do love the child, which is why he was sent to the chantry and not an orphanage," after a short pause the Arl said, "You're girl will want to see him," the Arl stated, meaning Elissa.
"Yes, she is strong minded, she will not forgive this so easily. We travel to the Monastery from here. You have added to my travels Eamon," the Teyrn smiled at the Arl.
"Do forgive me my Lord."
"I will see to it Alistair has a friend in the world. He was my friend to Eamon."
-xxx-
Elissa waited patiently for Alistair to be brought to her. Her father watched her eagerly little fingers picked at themselves. She would be the kind of woman a Teyrna should be. Kind and caring, bold and willing. And most important loving. The word echoed in his mind. Their we're only children but he knew the fierceness of his daughter, and he knew her loyalty.
"Why is it taking so long?" She complained.
"Perhaps he is dressing in his proper Templar dress."
"He's not a Templar yet papa, only older people taller people can be Templars.
"Perhaps Alistair has gotten taller," he said playfully.
The girl smiled doubtfully.
They waited longer than the Teyrn would have liked, but that was the point. The Church liked to show power to those of high standing in society. It was a game to humble them. Finally Alistair was brought to them in the Temple. Elissa nearly ran to him stopping herself for only a moment. Catching her father's eye, the Teyrn gave an approving nod and she was off.
The clerk and the Teyrn traded words.
"We've been here two hours."
"Sir the boy was attending lessons. Lessons which are not to be interrupted. All things of the Maker should be attended to first. All other matters, second. That is his life now.
And truly it was, for every future visit Elissa would make she would sit patiently waiting.
"I will train also," she had promised Alistair. "I'll be sure my skill surpass your own."
"I don't know about that," he smiled excitedly, "Templars are one of the Best Warriors," he teased.
"We shall see about, young Templar." she said smiling playfully.
000 Seven years after 000
Elissa Cousland had come to an age in which she was old enough to travel on her own, She was bright enough to speak on her father's behalf concerning political business and other matters. But Elissa never visited Alistair without her father.
The Lady Cousland had been in training as well. Elissa decided long ago to stand by Alistairs' side. She recognized to live out that desire she must be able to stand on equal ground.
However the more she experienced the dealings of life. Understanding the politics of her station and the expectations of society. The more quickly she realized her bond with Alistair might not hold. But they had the present and she would cherish their remaining time together.
The Couslands were on their way to attend the upcoming Templars tourney. Games in which Alistair was old enough to compete. It would be a demonstration of skill and all that a Templar trained for. He would not be ranked for he was not yet a Templar. It was a mere participation to easy the boredom he would feel otherwise.
Alistair was two years away from taking the vows that would bind him to these walls and the ways of the chantry What else did he have. He realized quickly these were the only opportunities to see Eliisa beyond normal visits. Visits which were rare these days. All they had now we're correspondence. Alistair would take every opportunity to have the Couslands' visit.
Elissa had not been sent to train as a Templar, but her father was a soldier and her mother an Archer of impressive skill. Elissa sought to surpass them all. She trained every spare moment she had. And if she wasn't training her body she was training her mind.
"Are you alright pup?" the Teyrn asked his daughter.
Elissa had blossomed like a flower both inside and out. She carried a quiet beauty, her face round her eyes small her nose pointed and skin lightly freckled. Her red hair fell down the length of her back past her waist. She had bright hazel eyes more green than honey brown but they stood out beneath thick brows. And her smile was one to be envied. The changes in her body minor compared to other young woman her age. Their beauty clear to be seen.The thought caused Elissa to frown.
"It feels like forever since we've come this way."
"It's nearly two years."
"Yes. Do you think he'll be… disappointed?"
"Have you two not been corresponding?"
"We have. But papa, what if…"
"He's a stronger person than you give him credit for. He's been standing on his own long before you met."
"But he is in my charge."
Her words brought a smile to his face and he chuckled. Her worried gaze looked up at him, "And you are his. But trust me, Alistair has tough skin."
"The necessity of tough skin is what worries me," she sighed.
xXx
Alistair had been having a particularly rough week. But with a blade in hand he was able to release his frustration or become rather more frustrated. It depended on his opponent really. The whispers about him had gone from the mouths of clerics and priests to the mouths of his piers. Alistair tried to ignore them but the word bastard hunted. Forcing him apart from 'proper' children. Alistair found himself mostly alone. it was rare for the young man to share comradery with those around him.
"One would think them to be kinder, Maker worshipers and all," he grumbled. Slipping into bed he lied there staring at the wall.
Elissa would arrive the following day to watch him in the tournament. The thought brought a smile to his face but it didn't last long. He's changed since last they met. He no longer trusted she would feel the same towards him. He was different outwardly and emotionally.
They were getting older and what was said about him would surely reach her ears. She deserved a Lord, Alistair thought, someone born with a proper title and family name. Elissa was sure to abandon him. And with that tragic thought he drifted off to sleep.
xxx
They were not able to met before the games,
"You'll distract the boy pup. Let us take our seats."
Nodding Elissa followed obediently. Fingers picked and pluck and swirl. The Teyrn took note of his daughters quiet anxiety. Group after group came out, each a talent in their own right.
"Impressive, would you not agree?"
"They are."
"You are equally talented. Perhaps you might win against a few, but I've seen to it you will keep up at least with their skills."
"But against a fair few I would surely fall," Elissa commented.
"Then you must work harder."
Finally Alistair was visible among those waiting to participate. His eyes searched the stands, a part of him hoping Elissa didn't show up. It would be less painful that way. But he spotted her a moment before she spotted him. He nearly didn't recognize her, until she smiled and waved. He smiled and his heart skipped a beat. This was better he decided and his heart swelled with joy. He was not alone.
Entering the ring, sword and shield in hand- Alistair suddenly found himself very self conscious. It was without a doubt to his instructors that he could handle himself. And yet they all had a long way to go. When the first blow was struck Alistair fell back on his heel.
Elissa watched, her posture straightened and her tension was clear to the Teyrn who kept his eye on her. "Come on," she repeated, "strengthen your grip, hold up you shield, you can beat him,"
The Teyrn had seen Alistair fight and knew he was better than he was displaying. Alistair was strong willed and that alone had pushed him through.
"Focus!" His opponent yelled, "come on!"
Taking in a deep breath Alistair adjusted his stance. Shield high he blocked the heavy hit of the boy opposite him. With an outward spin, he struck two blows to the boys back. A second hit came from his shield forcing his opponent forward tripping over himself.
The opposing competitor, swung his shield outward and with purpose. But Alistair provide to be more agile than a young man of his stature should be. Shield hit shield both attempting to force back the other hoping for an opening. But Alistair would only play that game for so long.
Once again he positioned himself behind his opponent with a hit of his shield he forced the boy to the ground. One more hit and he won the fight. Alistair would make it quick, he was more excited for the following rounds.
xXx
"A pike, eh? Never imagined you as a pike wielder," Elissa said finding him at the end standing alone.
How handsome he had become. His skin no longer burned red from to many hours under the sun. He was golden, as we're his eyes. His smile charming cheeks pinched into dimples. Elissas' heart swelled.
"I didn't think you would come."
"Of course we would. We love you Alistair. You're my best friend."
Her northern accent made him smile wider.
"Love?" He quirked a brow and he grinned. "Where is the Teyrn?" He asked with a voice deeper and lower then it had been "I wish to thank him for coming and supporting me."
"He's around. Shall we then?" She said picking out two short swords.
"Dual blades?" His said raising a thin brow.
"Aye."
With a swing of her blades she waited, "What are you waiting for?" The young Cousland smiled.
Alistair lunged his shield leading. But with a quick spin on her toes, Elissa was out of the way. Training blades slapping the young warrior at the base of his back.
"Ouch," he frowned.
This time Elissa thought to lead. To prove she hadn't the advantage simple because she hadn't taken the first hit. Slamming both blades onto Alitairs' shield, Elissa hit high then low forcing a weak point.
"You are so much worse than I thought," Elissa laughed teasingly.
And Alistair held his back where she had slapped him several times.
"You're quick," he sighed. "Perhaps we should trade places you can be the Templar and I 'll be the young miss of highever."
"I don't think any of my clothes will fit you."
"We can have them adjusted," he chuckled.
"You were always very pretty," she teased. "I'm sure you would be a lovely lady."
In the shadows stood another young Templar. A young woman, and an orphan. Given to the chantry from the start. This raven hair beauty held a place in her heart for Alistair. Believing he was made for her and they were the same. But Alistair was hardly as bitter or hateful as she could be. Astrid watched the two as they spared. The way they teased one another with their weapons. Astrid recognized the smile on Elissas' lips and the gleam in her eyes. Smiling wickedly she walked away from the scene.
The couple joined the celebration of the tourney finding a seat near the Teyrn. Alistair was off to the buffet table. Astrids' dark eyes on him waiting for him.
"Alistair, there you are," she said feigning ignorance to his where abouts.
"Astrid, good fight," he complimented.
"Who is that girl you entered with," she asked getting straight to it.
"Elissa Cousland of Highever and her father the Teyrn Cousland."
"Nobles. Ah, she's already making friends with young Trevelyan. Her father would find them a good match. His family is quiet prestigious he must be why they've come."
"Elissa is my best friend. They've come for me," he said defensively.
"Oh, of course. But you know how Nobles can be. They're probably making arrangements now. Have you been to Highever, is it beautiful?
Alistairs silence was answer enough. It was hard for him to doubt her words. Yes he had the joy of Elissa respect and attention but an honor of an invitation would never come. Knowing this as truth was a difficult feeling to overcome.
"Why don't we go somewhere, to celebrate? She'll be distracted for a while," Astrid said playing on his feelings.
"I should be respectful to my guest,"
"You know where I'll be," she smiled and walked away. Astrid hoped he would find her. Otherwise she would truly be alone.
When Alistair approached the table he overheard the young Trevelyan male accept the invite of the Teyrn Cousland to their family's castle. The words of his companion solidified in his heart. He would never receive an invite to their family home, Why would he?
Serving a plate to Elissa, Alistair excused himself from the Table. His demeanor changed notably. Elissa felt her smile stolen away when he left, remaining at the table with her father. The Trevelyan name was well known and Elissa knew what was expected of her at this meeting. It mattered not that it was a younger member of such a great house. Politics we're always handled with care.
xXx
Alistair had walked the halls to find Astrid. A place out of the way at the end of a hall that lead nowhere. Astrid smiled her pacing halted when Alistair greated her.
"You came," she said walking over and hugging him innocently.
Alistair hugged the young woman in return. Seeking comfort in her embrace. She was his only friend in this place. Or she had been each time she face rejection from the other males.
"We should be together, then I wouldn't have to face such heartache," she said to him once.
To that Alistair merely smiled. And his rejection hurt more than that of the others.But Astrid would prove to be relentless.
xXx
When she was able Elissa wandered the halls. Turning down many paths until she happened upon him. Pressed against a wall there stood before him a raven haired girl. She was a food smaller, looking up at Alistair her arms rested on his shoulders her hands and fingers played in his short hair. The girl smiled up at Alistair even as he shifted uncomfortably. She would not allow him to escape.
"Ali," Elissa called soft, her eyes dancing between him and the young woman Astrid. A girl Elissa considered more beautiful than herself.
Alistairs' eyes widened with surprise and fear at the sound of his nickname. Looking up he pushed away from the wall he had been backed into.
"Lisa."
"I'm sorry, you seemed upset I just..."
"Not upset. It's hard for us to get any privacy in this place," Astrid smiled innocently and she combed her fingers through Alistairs' shortly cropped hair.
Elissa glared at the young Astrid, taking measure of her.
"Well, aren't we pretty Lady Cousland. Your nearly perfect, Will be once your tits come in. That's what the boys really like," Astrid said as classlessly as she could.
Her words caused Elissa to cross her arms self consciously.
"What are you doing?"
"Just a bit of girl chat Alistair, isn't that right my Lady?"
Elissa speechless kept her eyes on the ground. The lady of Highever was embarrassed at Astrid's comment. The exchanged unexpected, Elissa remained silent.
"Didn't expect to meet any of Alistair friends tonight did you? I keep telling him your not here to rescue him. It's just charity is all."
At that Elissa looked up in rage, "that's not true," she replied
"You've not taken him from here. you're not going to take him from here."
Astrid played with words of her own fantasies about being rescued. Things that she knew would never happen. Not for a girl like her. She tried to play the game and failed.
"I love you Alistair, your my best friend."
"I know," he said quietly, eyes low. He could hardly bring himself to look at her
He hadn't expected anything like what Astrid spoke of. But suddenly she had him questioning everything. Why had they bothered with him?
"I don't think you should come back here again," Alistair finally said before leaving the hall and retreating to his chamber. Astrid smiled waving goodbye quietly, followed Alistair.
"Alistair," a devastated Elissa sobbed.
Unlike the young Templar, Elissa had been considering what their future would be. Knowing what was expected of her. She wondered might be expected of him. She didn't know how long they had before everything changed. But change came to soon and she could feel her heart crumble.
-Two years past-
"Come on Alistair, why not?" Pouted the young Astrid. She had become more beautiful in the years past. But she would never truly win his heart. The two not yet lovers despite her efforts to make it so.
"Because we're not yet married Astrid, and we can't marry until we take our vows."
"Are you seeking celibacy?"
"No,"
"You will be mine Alistair, I will have you," the young woman smiled playfully placing kisses along his chest..
Astrid broken his heart by having him break the heart of the only person who cared about him. A wound from which he had yet healed. Alistair kept Astrid by his side, for surely they were made for the same world. And she would never leave him, because like him, no one else would have her. Astrid had been content with what life dealt her. Alistair had every decision made for him, every move dictated by another. He would never be happy.
"When we are married," he said kissing her with soft lips. Alistair pulled away and rose from the bed.
"Are you asking me to be your wife?"
"If that is what you want?
And the young woman squealed with joy twirling in the bed sheets. Alistair face stoic.
"I am happy to have you," she said looking up at him as he dressed. "Soon you will be mine."
Alistair had to admit, it felt nice to feel wanted. To have the kind of companionship of someone who showed him romantic affection. Even if her love had been selfish. Her bliss was his.
Later that week word of a Warden coming to the Monastery spread. The excitement of their legend consumed the soon to be Templars. But the Chantry rarely let free a Templar.
By the end of the follow week the trainees were in line just about ready to recite their promise to the Maker when a Grey Warden strolled through into the temple, clerks chasing behind him.
"Mother Chastity, why have you rejected my request for volunteers? I have informed you of what was to come and the importance of new warden recruits."
"I am sorry but you will have to collect your warriors elsewhere. The work of the Templar is to fulfill the will of our Maker and we cannot-"
"The work of Wardens is to protect the creation of the Maker, and that is the will of the Maker, is it not?"
The two argued, shifting foot to foot Alistair found courage and spoke up.
"I'll go, Take me. please. Take me," finally a choice and freedom to choose.
"You cannot," the old woman protested.
"Alistair," called out Astrid.
But Alistair did not regard her, "'I'm an exceptional warrior. Please. Allow me Mother Chastity," he said bowing his head in reverence.
A tourney was held among the Templars both those willing and those of whose skill had been needed. Alistair had lost many of the matches. Losing again to those whose skill surpassed his own. However Duncan could see the misery in Alistair eyes at the thought of having to stay behind. At the insistence or the Mother to have him remain Duncan conscripted the young man.
"We are to be married," Astrid cried as Alistair collected his things.
"I can't stay here. I hate it here. And you! You're not a very nice person. You are completely selfish and don't think I don't know about you going around."
With a toss of a goblet Alistair left his small room and could hear the crashing of it on the door. But with a relieved heart he made his way to the main entrance to his new life as a Grey Warden
-Six months after-
"I hear there's a Grey Warden on his way Ser Gilmore. Congratulations are in order. You deserve every opportunity," Elissa smiled kindly to the young man who served as a squire growing up and now stood a knight before her.
Young Gilmore was a handsome young man, dark eyes and red hair his skin fair and freckled.
"You are too kind my lady. Besides we all know you can best me," he answered looking away from her smiling countenance.
Elissa did not hide her interest, but young Ser Gilmore knew better. And his attention were held for another. A matter he kept quiet.
xXx
Alistair rode from Denerim to Highever. A place he never thought he would see.
"Are you sure I should be the one?" He asked Duncan his mentor. Hesitation in his voice.
"The Teyrn has been informed you would be going in my place. He has offered up a Ser Gilmore. Though I have heard many more good things of his daughter, Elissa."
At the mention of his old friend Alistairs' heart stopped. Jaw tightening in attempt to push back the pain he was carrying. He would be ashamed to stand before her.
Riding up the long road to Cousland castle Alistair could feel his belly turning. At the gate he presented a letter with the Grey Wardens seal granting him access. A stable boy took his mount and Alistair was guided in to the Castle of Highever. His heart raced as he walked up the steps to the entrance.
xXx
"Now that that business has been handled shall we see about the Grey Warden, Ser Gilmore?"
"If the whispers are correct then he has arrived." Ser Gilmore smiled in response to Elissas' excited grin.
xXx
Alistair had been greeted with a hug from the Teyrn,
"It is good to see you lad. So you've joined the Wardens. I guess you won't be marrying my daughter after all," the Teyrn sighed and lamented.
"I...what?" The words stole the smile from Alistair and was replaced with confusion.
The Teyrn took note of the change in Alistair demeanor and chuckled obliviously. He hadn't known about the falling out between Alistair and Elissa. The Teyrn trusted his daughter to bring up any news concerning Alistair. But she hadn't and in truth the Teyrn had been distracted by business and the upcoming war.
In that moment Elissa came hurrying through the doors of the main hall. She wore brown leather pants and a linen top. Her hair wrapped in a high bun with a few stray hairs falling here and there. Swords hanging on either hip.
"Is this the Grey Warden," the smile could be heard in her voice. Elissa walked over eager to met the man. She stopped suddenly when Alistair turned to face her.
"My dear girl, I wanted to surprise you. Duncan was needed by King Cailan so he sent his pupil. It seems you will not have a Templar husband after all," he teased.
"I..what?" She asked confused her gaze broke away from Alistair to her father.
"I'm sure she has many suitors more acceptable than a Templar who has come from nothing." Alistair replied with a stiff smile.
"No Alistair there is no one better suited for one like my girl. It would have had to be you," the Teyrn said in earnest. "I had been looking into it. I had also investigated the delay in taking your vows. I know Elissa is more than ready to stand on her own. But you both... well you're a Gre Warden now. And they serve a greater purpose, don't they?"
"Yes," was all Alistair could answer.
The gaze of the young Warden fell over Elissa. But only for a moment before quickly looking away. The young woman seemed equally disappointed by the news.
"Well then…" she spoke up, "we should be going to the dining Hall. Mother request an early dinner before Fergus leaves to join the King."
"Of course, Alistair will you join us?"
"I should really be on my way with Ser Gilmore?"
"That's me," said the young man beside Elissa. "Ready as I'll ever be."
"Excellent!"
"Alistair, we may not get another chance," the Teyrn insisted.
xXx
Elissa was beautiful as ever, seated near her mother who was also a woman of great beauty. Alistairs' eyes shifted here and there. Answering any questions with a joke as they spoke. Using his humour alongside his intelligence as a shield and a blade. Even among friends he hid behind humour. Having done so for so long he no longer knew to speak without it.
Teyrna Eleanor smiled and giggled for in truth she did not know how to respond. But Fergus and Alistair carried on as if they had always know one another. Elissa sat quietly listening to the voice her old friend. It was bittersweet to have him finally invited to the Cousland table. He was off to war and likely never to be seen again.
She wished she hadn't known. However, knowing meant Elissa could be a support for the Grey Wardens of Ferelden. Thoughts good and bad flowed in and out until her father called her attention.
"You are unusually quiet, your brother is off to war and two of your greatest friends off to join him."
"I am grieving that I am to surrender so much. It should be me going to the battle field. Fergus is your only son and your eldest."
"Fergus has his heir. You Eli I need you here pup."
"Are you sure you can trust the thrust of his blade, when there is no aim truer than mine under this roof?"
"Perhaps now is not the time but, Rendon Howe has asked for your hand for his boy. You father needed convincing but I have assured him it would be a good match. Our families are the oldest of friends."
"But we are even older enemies have you forgotten?"
"His son is to your liking isn't he?"
"That boy is to soft for my girl," Bryce argued.
"Is that why I am to stay behind?" Elissa asked angrily and a bit offended.
"Of course not. You are the only one who has been trained in how to run the business of this house as your brother has promised his life to Ferelden."
The perks of being the eldest Elissa thought, Fuming with in sje stood,
"Brother, I love you. Ser Gilmore and Grey Warden Alistair Good luck to you on the battlefield. May the Maker guide.your swords. Excuse me."
The Teyrn sighed heavily shaking his head. She grew to be ambitious and we're she a peasant man she could live out those ambitions. But here she was born a Noble woman. Much was expected of her.
"Bryce you shouldn't leave things so."
"Apologise, but may I..?" Alistair inserted carefully.
"Of course lad"
Fergus watched his mother's face crinkle up and laughed chanting, "secrets secrets," the words meant for his baby sister and their father.
Ser Gilmore laughter at the truth of that fact.
xXx
"Lisa," Alistair called running after the young woman. He wasn't really sure what to say to her when he caught up. After a long moment of silence he finally spoke,
"I'm sorry," His eyes dropped in shame.
Elissa wrapped her arms around Alistairs' broad shoulders embracing him. Likewise Alitair wrapped his larger arms around her small waist. Pressing her cheek against his, she whispered against his ear.
"Farewell Alistair. Makers grace be upon you."
Elissa pulled away with difficulty and quickly retreated to her room.
xXx
"Father we need to go, Howe's men are everywhere, that bastard," Elissa spat.
"Why would he do this?" Eleanor cried.
"Father please or we will burn to Ashe." Elissa said trying again to move him.
"I cannot move child. Take your mother and go on without me."
"No we can't leave you,"
"I haven't the strength,"
In that moment Alistair walked through the door, "How are you holding up Teyrn?"
"How did you know he was here?" Eleanor asked.
"Alistair is the one who found me and hid me here."
"You left."
"Ser Gilmore and I were not far off when we saw smoke rising, he insisted we returned"
"He insisted?" Eleanor pressed.
"My love, leave the lad be," the Teyrn coughed.
"Ser Gilmore is barricading the main hall, but even he isn't sure if it will hold. The enemy soldier have flooded the castle. Can you move Teyrn?"
"I am afraid I won't make it. Alistair Take my wife and daughter take them to safety. Protect them," the Teyrn groaned.
"I will not leave you," Eleanor cried.
"I am afraid I must insist Teyrn. I came here for a Grey Warden. I cannot leave without one. Ser Gilmore might have fallen by now. I have instructed him to come this way but if he doesn't make it."
"Is that why Duncan sent you my dear boy, to pressure me for my girl?"
Alistair remained silent.
"I will do it. I will join the Grey Wardens'. And when I reach Ostagar I will find my brother and we will have our vengeance."
"Yes find your brother, but you mustn't join the Wardens" the Teyrn insisted.
"If Ser Gilmore doesn't show within three days," Alistair offered.
With a cry and a sob the Teyrn nodded, "Within three days. Alistair she is in your care once more. Care for her as you would precious treasure."
"Of course, my Lord," Alistair assured the dying man and he repeated once more, "three days."
"Take solace in the knowledge that Howell will pay," Elissa promised her parents before being guided away by Alistair.
Through the servants entrance they escaped. Entering secret tunnels that lead outside the castle.
"My horse is just outside, as is Ser Gilmores' horse. But we will be taking it. He will not make it."
"What about your promise to my father?"
"It will hold. Three days."
The ride to Ostagar was slow. Alistair and Elissa raced away from castle Cousland as far as they could go. Elissa halted her steed when there was some distance between her and her burning home. She watched the smoke rise from below the hill. Alistair was forced to turn back, dismounting he stood beside Elissa. Her eyes filled with tears that would not spill and her hands rested over her chest cradling a broken heart.
"I'm sorry Lisa," he said lamenting all that she had lost.
It took sometime for before Alistair needed to pull Elissa away from the scene before her. Alistair seated his old friend on his horse, she would ride with him. Her grief overwhelming she remained silent for most of the travel. With two on a horse, the steed moved slowly. Elissa rested against his chest as their mount walked towards their destination. Alistair took comfort in knowing she survived. Yet he brerated himself that it was by Ser Gilmore's insistence and loyalty that they returned. He couldn't save Ser Gilmore or any of her family, but he could fulfill the Teyrn only request of him.
"Look after Elissa. You are the only one I trust with this task." Words spoke. To Alistair when he was a boy. Ones repeated to him as they grew older. And works commanded of him now.
Alistair set up the camp, he was very adept at doing so. Duncan had given him that responsibility. Elissa sat and watched him quietly her eyes dropping whenever he looked over. Preparing their a meal, the old friends ate quietly. Elissa kept first watch while Alistair slept, she was restless.
The young Teyrna kept an eye out for Ser Gilmore as well as a hopeful eye for her parents. The following days grew hot forcing Elissa and Alistair to walk, sparing the horses. It slowed them down, but neither of them complained. Alistair knew it comforted Elissa to feel like she was giving her parents a chance to catch up. It also made him feel like he was keeping his promise to the Teyrn.
"We should ride the rest of the way with speed. We're close."
Three days past and finally they arrived at Ostagar on the afternoon of the fourth day. Alistair was quick to find Duncan.
"You brought the girl. Good."
"I have offered her father three days wait for Ser Gilmore to arrive before subjecting her to the joining. He was very adamant about it."
"It has been three days already."
"He may be a bit behind," Alistair insisted.
"Gather the others, we haven't time to waste. If he's not caught up he's not coming."
Obediently Alistair moved, but he did so with a heavy heart. Elissa followed trustingly. It's what she had wanted, but that did not stop Alistair from apologizing about the rush.
