"A contingent of Redcliffe soldiers is approaching, Teyrn Cousland," the guard informed him a few days later. He rose from his desk. "It appears that Arl Guerrin is with them."

"Thank you, Evans," Fergus said and strode to the front gates of the castle, pausing only long enough to grab a warm cloak. He donned it while he walked. As he made his way to the front of the castle, he wondered at the occasion for the visit. After all, he had just seen Teagan less than two months prior at the Landsmeet and as far as he knew, everything had gone well near the shores of Lake Calenhad since then.

He arrived at the front gates just as the party became visible on the horizon. Sure enough, when the group came close enough, Fergus saw Teagan's distinctive armor at the head of the armed soldiers who approached. When they came within earshot, Fergus hailed them. "Teagan! What a wonderful surprise! What brings you to Highever?"

"I thought I'd leave early for Elissa's wedding, but we've made better time than we expected," Teagan replied with a grin. "The weather actually cooperated with us for a change! I don't suppose my men and I could impose on you for an impromptu visit, and in exchange you can travel with us to Vigil's Keep?"

Fergus laughed. "I think that will work out quite nicely, Teagan." He clapped Teagan on the shoulder. "Let's see to getting you and your men some rooms."

-0-0-0-

They sat in the study after dinner and propped their feet up by the fire roaring in the fireplace. Fergus poured brandy into two snifters and handed one to Teagan, who nodded his thanks as Fergus settled into his seat.

"So, I must admit, I am surprised at your … enthusiasm … regarding your sister's wedding," Teagan began. His tone was cordial, but his eyes held a wariness that Fergus decided wasn't entirely unexpected. "When I saw you in Denerim, you were still angry about her relationship with Howe."

"I was," Fergus agreed, "but when she got sick ..." He paused and looked at his brandy as he swirled it in the snifter. He sighed heavily. "When I saw how ill she was, it reminded me that she's only human, the same as the rest of us. To also see how well Nathaniel was caring for her, and how worried he was for her safety … Well, even if Rendon hadn't set his troops on us here, he would never have done that." He took a sip of his brandy, then set the glass back down. "Then the way they handled themselves at the Landsmeet only confirmed to me that they were committed to each other for all the best reasons, despite what Rendon did to us. I decided then to really try to accept Nathaniel into our family."

He looked up to see Teagan watching him with interest and not a small amount of admiration. "That is wonderful news, Fergus! Although, you're doing far more than merely accepting them as a couple, from the looks of things?"

Fergus smiled. "I've had a lot of time to think since I came back to the castle. And between sorting myself out, and Aura's ability to keep me moving in the right direction, I'd like to think I am ready to move forward with my life." He noticed that at the mention of Aura's name, Teagan's expression became more intense.

"Speaking of Aura," Teagan spoke calmly, yet the intensity remained part of his expression and crept into his voice, "what is her story? She told me that she was working for you, but there seems to be much more going on than that."

Fergus thought for a moment before taking another sip of his brandy. Teagan's interest was beyond that of mere curiosity, he thought, but why? And how much should he reveal about Aura and their history together? After some deliberation, he decided to tell mostly the truth, but to omit her employment for Zevran's Dark Wolf organization. After all, that particular secret was Zevran's to share, not his.

"Aura came to work for me at the castle several months ago," he began as he watched Teagan from the corner of his eye. "She and I found that we have much in common. Did you know she was married to a Grey Warden?"

"Was married?" Teagan unconsciously shifted forward in his seat and leaned in. He's very interested in her history. Hmm.

"Yes. Her husband died about a year and a half ago, I guess? She said Kristoff had come here with a group of Grey Wardens from Orlais to help initially bolster Elissa's numbers. They were killed by darkspawn. At any rate, seeing as we both were widowed and had connections to the Grey Wardens, we found that we had a lot to talk about. She helped me work through my grief over Oriana and Oren." At this, Teagan's posture drooped imperceptibly. If Fergus hadn't been looking for it, he might have missed it. Aha, I think I see why Teagan wanted to know about her. He disguised his smile by draining his glass and standing to pour himself a second portion. "Did you want more brandy, Teagan?"

"Hmm? Oh, no, I'm fine," Teagan answered absently. Teagan stared at his snifter, then, before he spoke next. "So, you are courting Aura then? I must say, she seems to be a remarkable woman. You are very lucky to have her here with you." There it was, if Fergus listened closely. It was well-disguised, but he caught definite traces of jealousy in Teagan's tone. It's as I thought, then.

"She has been indispensible, it's true," Fergus agreed. He sat down in his chair again and leaned back. He kept his tone light and casual – it was difficult not to grin outright at Teagan's discomfort. He decided to let his friend off easy. "It's only too bad that she wouldn't have me."

He thought Teagan's neck might snap with the speed at which the man raised his head. His friend's eyes were wide with surprise. "She wouldn't … you ..." At this, Fergus couldn't help it. He laughed.

"Sorry, sorry," he chuckled once he brought himself under control. Fortunately, Teagan looked too relieved to be offended. "Aura and I are merely friends," he explained. "She has proven herself a capable woman as well as the best friend I've ever had outside of family. While the whole nonsense with Vaughan occurred, she stayed in my room … as a bodyguard." Teagan's obvious relief caused him to smile again. "I did ask her if she was interested in marrying me, but the arrangement would have been more business partnership than romantic entanglement, I'm afraid. We just don't see each other that way." He swirled his snifter again. "She turned me down because she would rather remain unmarried than commit to a loveless marriage, regardless of how friendly she and her spouse might be."

"A remarkable woman indeed," Teagan mused, "and with strong character! She actually turned down becoming the second most powerful woman in Ferelden because she's not in love with you?"

"Yes." Fergus grinned at Teagan, whose posture had straightened again and whose face had taken on a look of hope. He sobered though as a thought occurred to him. "Teagan, I don't know if she is ready to move on yet. Please, take care. I think of her as part of the family and while I understand your interest, I don't wish for her to be hurt."

Teagan's blinked and his expression changed to match Fergus'. When he spoke, his tone was equally serious. "I understand, Fergus. I won't push her into anything she isn't ready for. Although, from the sounds of things, I doubt I could push her into something she didn't want," and at this he grinned at Fergus. "Which, frankly, just makes her all the more attractive! Will she accompany us to Elissa and Nathaniel's wedding? I would very much like to learn more about her."

Fergus chuckled and drained his glass before setting it down. "Yes, she is also attending the wedding, Teagan. Good luck, my friend. I'm not sure any of us deserve her, but you probably come closest." At this, Teagan laughed and they moved on to other topics.

-0-0-0-

The next morning, Fergus spotted Aura on his way down to breakfast. "Good morning!" he called. "Did you sleep well?"

Aura turned to face him. "Yes, I did. Thank you. Yourself?" When Fergus replied in the affirmative she nodded and finished arranging the flowers she had been handling.

Suddenly, Fergus had an idea. "You should join us for breakfast this morning, Aura." When she raised an eyebrow at him in response, he added, "I think Arl Guerrin would enjoy your company at the table." At the mention of Teagan's name, he saw color rise upon her cheeks. Apparently the interest is mutual. He held out his arm. "I'll escort you to the dining room."

She looked at him briefly, then shook her head. "You're not going to let me say no, are you?" she asked as she accepted his arm. "I know what you're up to."

Fergus laughed again. "Good. That makes this all easier, then." He bumped shoulders with her affectionately. "I thought you might enjoy the company as well, and besides, you never eat enough." She shook her head again and laughed as they made their way to the dining room.

Fergus knew that his decision had been wise when he saw Teagan's eyes light up upon Aura's entrance. He rose from the table and helped Aura sit before pouring her tea for her. Aura, for her part, watched Teagan with great interest and seemed pleasantly flustered by the attention. Breakfast proved lively and animated as Teagan and Aura found they had much to discuss. For his part, Fergus finished his breakfast quickly and excused himself, saying he needed to take care of some urgent paperwork. He knew he didn't fool either of them, but they didn't complain. He chuckled at the twin knowing looks they gave him before they fell back into their conversation.

He passed by the dining room an hour later to find them still talking animatedly. Teagan had moved his chair over to sit beside Aura and she was subconsciously leaning toward him as she blushed from time to time. Fergus smiled for his friends even as he felt a slight twinge of jealousy. I can find my own happiness. They deserve happiness of their own. The thought bolstered him and he smiled one last time before he quietly went on his way to tend to teyrnir business.