Chapter 2: Requesting Favors
King Alistair Theirin
When Teagan brought Elder Valendrian and Shianni Tabris to my chambers the following day, I was nervous since I wasn't sure how to address the topic I had in mind without sounding like an ass. Though Nerine had told me much about Alienage culture, there were many things that were unclear. The last thing I wanted to do was offend them when I was working to build bridges.
Valendrian walked in looking sturdy and healthy for a man who had just escaped forced servitude. Shianni, as always, carried herself with a high head and a determined mien. She had a mind like the jaws of a mabari: once she latched on to something she would never let it go. It made her quite formidable when petitioning for her people. Thankfully for me we were usually on the same side, though habit and ill-use by other humans had caused her to be a little slower in realizing this.
Our first formal meeting after my coronation consisted of her blatantly informing me that she would not easily bend in the face of wrongs and she would strive to be a thorn in my side if I assumed that she would. Then she went on to inform me of the various sanitation issues the Alienage faced and made a number of curt suggestions on how they might be remedied. After that she implied that a "shemlen" king might not appreciate the fact that her people held the Alienage against the darkspawn invasion while evacuating women and children through the sewers that had outlets safely outside the city.
I had replied calmly, "You have given me a number of good suggestions for how to deal with the issues that the Alienage faces. I intend to put them to immediate use. Rather than defer them to the new Arl of Denerim, I will oversee these improvements personally. To ensure that it is done in a swift manner, I will need you to meet with me regularly and keep me aware of the progress. Thank you for your directness."
Though she recovered quickly from being startled by my response, it took at least three more discussions before she would have any expression that resembled a smile. In everything she worked to help her people and I genuinely respected her bluntness. It was a refreshing change from the false niceties practiced by many of the other nobles.
"We are here as requested, King Alistair," Shianni stated when the door closed behind them.
"Thank you," I answered, "I appreciated your discretion in coming to my personal quarters rather than a hall or formal meeting place here on the castle grounds. What I have to ask is…" I left off in a sigh, nervous about how to proceed.
"Your majesty, I can tell you are troubled by what you wish to ask. Based on what I have seen since my return, you are very fair, reaching beyond what many humans and nobles would be comfortable with. Please speak freely," insisted the Elder.
"I realize I know very little about your culture," I responded haltingly, "I esteemed and trusted Nerine Tabris. She shared certain things about her home and her family and friends that I recall clearly. She loved you all very much. I don't want to offend you with my request."
Valendrian nodded approvingly, "I appreciate your desire to be respectful."
"Nerine had a facial tattoo. When I asked her about it she explained you were the one who performed the…ritual? I understand it is different with the Aliendage elves than with the Dalish."
"You are right to assume there is more to the act of tattooing in the Alienage than there is in human cultures. While it is not as formal a ritual as the Dalish practice, it does have distinct meaning," Valendian smiled, pleased, "In Nerine's case, hers was an act of remembrance after her mother passed. It is also a symbol of trust between the tattooer and the one being tattooed. Even her choice to have the tattoo permanently etched upon her face was significant."
I suddenly felt very awkward. Nerine had imparted none of this to me and to find out something so personal felt…it felt as if I had lost so much more than the love of my life. I had lost the opportunity to know her even more deeply, to understand those pieces that she did not share casually or easily.
Valendrian broke the silence, "Is it reasonable for me to assume that you wish to have me perform this ritual for you?"
Not trusting my voice, I nodded affirmation.
"Where would you wish the tattoo to be placed?" he inquired gently.
I felt the color rise across my face. It was not that the area was suggestive, but the brands were not things I spoke of with anyone. Only a handful of people knew of them and they were leagues away in the Cauldron. My personal feelings regarding the brands were still in knots.
Sensing my conflicted discomfort, Valendrian turned to Shianni, "Shianni, would you please step out of the room so I can speak with the King in private?"
"I would be willing to take Lady Shianni for a turn around the castle gardens, if she would consent?" offered Teagan gallantly from where he stood by the door.
Looking from Valendrian to Teagan and back again, Shianni finally sighed, "A walk in the air would be nice…I suppose. Are you certain you wish me to go, Elder?"
"Do not worry about me," the older man reassured her.
She walked toward the door, which Teagan opened for her before following. After the door had closed behind them I distinctly heard Shianni warn, "I hope you know to watch those hands. The fact that you are a bann means nothing to me."
"I assure you, lady…" came the semi-meek response.
"My name is Shianni, that is all," she cut off Teagan as their voices faded along with their footsteps down the hallway.
Valendrian chuckled, "Shianni is a good woman, though she behaves very tough at times. I am certain the bann will have a lively discussion with her that will keep them both entertained," he then turned back to me, "Now that we have privacy, would you feel more comfortable showing me where you would like the tattoo?"
I unlaced the jerkin and removed it before pulling the tunic over my head, exposing my torso so that Valendrian could see the brands. I gestured to them awkwardly, "These are what I want to…cover?"
The Elder stepped forward, examining the brands closely without touching them, before observing, "These are fairly recent. If they were older the outlines would be white…"
"They are somewhat recent…I have only had them a few months," I confirmed.
"These weren't voluntary?"
"No."
He seemed to consider them carefully a moment more before gesturing that I should redress, "I am honored that you are asking me to do this for you. It will require preparation for me to obtain fine needles and sterilize them. There are also ingredients for ink that need to be gathered and mixed. I could begin in the span of a fortnight. Make arrangements for a time when we will not be disturbed. The time necessary for the inking is lengthy. We should do this on an evening when all your other duties have been fulfilled."
"That is acceptable," I concurred, "Is there anything you will require me to do to prepare…the skin?"
"No, your Majesty. I will bring what is required to cleanse the skin," he reassured me, "We should start with the brand on your arm?"
"That would be fine."
"Do you desire a particular design?" he inquired quizzically.
"Could you do the Grey Wardens' symbol?"
"I believe I could manage that and ensure that it is large enough to cover the branded area."
"Are you sure I don't need to bathe in rose water or something…?" I queried again, the memory of what Zevran had once said niggled at the back of my mind.
Valendrian raised his eyebrows in puzzlement, but kept an even tone, "Quite certain. However, as far as what the ritual entails, you must be prepared to speak freely."
"Speak freely?"
"This is a ritual of memory and trust. Particularly in your case, I think you need to come to terms with your scars, or am I wrong?" He posed, looking at me expectantly.
"You are not wrong…" I allowed, getting a better idea of the scope of what I was requesting of the Elder.
"Then I will return in a fortnight," he declared as I reached out to clasp his hand.
I escorted Elder Valendrian to the castle gardens where Shianni and Teagan were having a very animated discussion. Her voice reached our ears long before we caught sight of the pair. On greeting them, Shianni looked surprised that so much time had passed.
Valendrian and Shianni took their leave and as they headed through the garden gate, I turned to Teagan, "Now that you've had some time, would you say her voice could crack granite?"
"No," he smiled, "her voice is very pleasant. Near musical if I should describe it. Will I be required to entertain her again?"
I tried not to focus on the hopeful note in this question and responded, "In two weeks."
"Should I help arrange for Eamon to be engaged outside of Denerim?" Teagan angled his head, looking at me from the corner of his eye.
"I don't think so. Eamon has agreed to ride to the Waking Sea next week. He is the mediator for a dispute between Bann Alfstanna and Bann Franderel," I informed Teagan.
He chortled quietly in response, "That will do it."
"If sorting through that mess takes less than a month I will be disappointed," I shrugged, "Besides, it makes Eamon feel useful and I won't have to look at his disapproving eyebrows every time I turn around."
"Yes, a good decision to delegate this to Eamon," Teagan grinned outright, "Let the Waking Sea withstand the disapproving Guerrin brows!"
"Why didn't you get the Guerrin brows?"
"My father willed them to Eamon," Teagan joked airily, "I was not about to contest that. I am not a vain man, but I might have been tempted to pluck them if I had been so endowed."
"Have I mentioned recently that you are much better company since I returned from the Cauldron?"
"You've been running away from Eamon less. He, however, has been delegating me to keep you in line before he implodes," he shook his head, "With Eamon stepping back more I have not had to appease him. He really isn't so bad when he is out of earshot."
"Hmph," I continued in mock disappointment, "So you only follow me around at Eamon's behest?"
Teagan retorted, "Of course not! I follow you around so I can steal glances at Shianni when she comes to meet with you. Look at how brilliantly my plan is working!"
"Ah hah! I knew it!" I clapped him on the shoulder.
"I think, with your leave of course, I will plan a quiet dinner in two weeks. Would the southern veranda that overlooks these gardens be acceptable, do you think?" he asked.
"Make sure you have the staff set out some candles," I sobered a little, "What I need may take a while."
The concept for this story was inspired by Louvette through her portrait of of Alistair, entitled Alistair v1.5, posted on deviantart. This picture greatly impressed me and I have had this story niggling at the back of my mind ever since. She is an excellent artist and worthy of note for her various works, not just her Dragon Age inspired art. I am a big fan and I acknowledge her with the utmost awe and gratitude.
Continuity-wise, this story takes place after my larger story: Balance of Wings and before The Tabris Window.
