A Change of the Script.
Chapter 2.
As the night passed into day and the sun rose Lyna stood next to the campfire in the Dalish camp. Although she had enjoyed her time with the People she had felt slightly separated from them. The past year away from her clan had changed her. She was no longer naive to the world as her position as a Grey Warden, one Dalish very seldom took, had forced her to see things on a much different scale. The prejudices of the races now seemed foolish to her. Looking around the camps in the area she let out a deep sigh. All races had camped separate. Dalish Elves had camped near the trees, Humans close to the town, Dwarves near the rocky outcroppings and even the City Elves had pitched their own camp, though it was near to the Humans. The Mages had camped in the more open space of the field with the Templar's camped in an almost barrier around them.
If we can't camp together how do we fight together? She thought. Another problem that she knew they would face was the animosity between the Mages, including Mages from the Dalish, and the Templar's as well as the other Humans. Shaking her head sadly she mulled over the problem. There must be a way... As she surveyed the gathered forces she saw her friends Zevran, Leliana and Sten walking towards the town. Leliana was laughing at something Zevran had said whilst Sten looked on impassive as ever apart from the slight shake of his head every so often. As she watched she saw Wynne join them from the Mage camp. They were heading to the tavern for breakfast. An idea started to form in Lynas mind as she watched her friends. She would need to speak to Arl Eamon and Alistair before they started their March to Denerim. Glancing back at her friends, who were now entering the tavern, Lyna wished she could join them but she knew that if they didn't sort this out soon then the war may already be lost. Turning, the Warden headed back to the castle with determination in her step.
O-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
The army was making good progress to Denerim. Lyna couldn't help but feel proud of her idea as it seemed to be working. The scouting groups that they had formed were made up of someone from each with a Mage and Templar joining each. For the first couple of hours things had been difficult with the old prejudices on all sides but things had settled down fairly quickly and now they were working well together. Things were far from perfect and there were still some disagreements but they were definitely better. In order to try and help the scout teams work together, Lyna had been joining them for the first couple of hours.
When she had first suggested the mixed teams Arl Eamon had said, in rather polite terms, that it wouldn't work whilst Alistair had agreed that it was worth a try. She was glad that it was working and felt proud that they could work together, even if not fully trusting each other. The rogue had another reason for joining the scout teams. Since the meeting to plan the march Alistair had seemed to be wanting to talk with her. He hadn't said anything outright but she could tell. Still feeling embarrassed and ashamed of the way that she had reacted, even slightly angry at the situation, Lyna had been avoiding him as much as possible. It hadn't been difficult as there was still quite a lot to do, especially before they set off. Now she and Zevran were doing a little scouting of their own whilst the army rested.
Their numbers were still increasing as they traveled due to people joining them. Humans and Dwarves from some villages and towns and even more Dalish from the forests were seeking them out. Lyna and Zevran were currently scouting the forests that the army were camped beside. It wasn't an official scouting mission as Lyna had convinced the Antivan Crow to join her so that she could avoid Alistair yet again.
"You know my dear Warden, you cannot avoid him forever." Zevrans silky voice said into the comfortable silence, unknowingly voicing her own thoughts.
Sighing heavily, Lyna tossed a tired look at the Crow. She had grown close with the assassin during their journey and though he had started out flirtatious she had come to see him as more of a brother and confidant. The flirting had morphed into teasing and Zevran was protective of Lyna as a brother would be. Because of this change Lyna knew that she wouldn't be able to lie to him.
"I can try." she replied wryly. Zevran merely gave her an unamused look that said 'I don't believe you'. Sighing yet again Lyna moved a branch out of her way and, with a slight smirk, let it snap back at Zevran who nimbly dodged it.
"My dear Warden, that was most rude." he laughed as he caught up to her. Moving around her he stopped facing her, a concerned look replacing the mirth that had been there mere seconds ago. "I know that you are hurting, my friend, but I do think that you should speak with him. It might help you. I am certain that he is hurting just as much as you".
"I know Zev. You're right, really, but..." she trailed off at a loss for what to say. "I knew that by making sure Alistair was King we couldn't stay together. I know that even if he tried to make me Queen the Humans would probably try to kill me. They would never accept an Elf as their Queen. Creators Zev, I don't know what I was thinking would happen. I should never have let myself get involved but..."
"You love him." Zev cut in to Lyna's rambling. There was no joking laughter in his voice, just certainty and understanding. "He is the one man you would give your life for and for that reason alone you should speak to him, before we arrive at the city or you may regret it".
Giving her friend a resigned smile, she conceded the point. She knew that she would have to speak to Alistair before they arrived at Denerim. If Lyna were truly honest with herself she would admit that she was just scared. She had loved once before Alistair and it had nearly broken her when Tamlen met his fate. Though the circumstances were different with Alistair, she knew that if she survived this battle she would once again be broken.
"I know Zev." she sighed. "I'll talk to him. Before we arrive at the city." she added, seeing Zevran's serious expression.
"Ah, good." the Antivan said with a grin forming. "And now I have your word, shall we rejoin the mighty Ferelden army, my dear Warden?"
The two Elven rogues took one last survey of the surrounding area and then started back to the army they had gathered. As they walked Lyna knew that she would need to speak with Alistair, the sooner the better. But how do you say goodbye to your heart?
O-o-o-o-o-o
Once they arrived back to camp Zevran headed off to join Wynne, Oghren and Leliana. The army had made a temporary camp to rest and plan for the last part of the march. Five scouting teams, as well as Lyna and Zevran, had been sent to scout the area for any sign of the Darkspawn horde. As the Warden walked through camp she recognized the teams that had been sent. All were back and resting. She spotted the leaders of each team making their way back from the makeshift tent that they were using as a war room. Making her way towards the tent she nodded to the scout leaders, who saluted her according to their customs.
Though she had worked hard this last year she was still not used to such reverence. Growing up in the clan she was used to earning the respect of other Dalish and she had experienced the disgust and hatred of the Humans who had looked no further than her pointed ears and Valaslin. Now, those same Humans were saluting and bowing to her and showing such respect that it staggered the Elf. It wasn't just the Humans either. The Dwarves, the Mages, even the Templar's all seemed to be treating her with great honours. The Dalish that had joined were insistent on meeting her and praising what she had accomplished. Some of the Elves form the Alienage and Circle had been asking her about her life growing up Dalish and about her travels. It was incredibly overwhelming for her. Though there was still some who showed animosity to her most seemed grateful for her part in this fight.
When she felt too overwhelmed she would find herself with her friends that she had been with for the past year. Lyna treasured the time that she spent with her companions and had grown to think of them as her new clan, as strange as that seemed. Glancing around she saw them gathered together around their own campfire. Oghren seemed to be sharpening his axe whilst eyeing her Mabari, Falon, carefully. Smiling slightly she turned her attention back to her destination. Approaching the tent the rogue could hear Bann Teagan and Alistair's voices drifting through the canvas.
"See reason Alistair". Teagans voice sounded tired and frustrated, as though this debate had been going on for some time. "You are soon to be our King, the last of your line. Can't you understand...".
"Exactly!" Alistair's voice cut Teagon off mid sentence. "I understand what you're worried about but I will not stay back safe and sound whilst others go into battle". Alistair sounded frustrated but determined. This argument had been going on since before leaving Redcliffe. Arl Eamon had even tried to keep the future King there but the ex Templar refused outright.
"I didn't say to stay out of the battle." Teagan implored. "Perhaps, stay with the forces at the gate?"
"Which is just as bad as staying behind. I may be about to become King but I am a Grey Warden first. I promised I would do my duty as a Warden before I would take the throne. What kind of leader would I be if I did not uphold my word?" Alistair said passionately.
Standing outside the tent flaps, Lyna could hear the stubbornness lacing every word and could picture the frown on her fellow wardens face and the fire in his eyes. One thing that she knew about Alistair was that if he was decided on something there was precious little that would change his mind. She could understand why Teagan and Eamon were concerned, but she knew how good a warrior he was. She had seen it in battle and when they had trained together and, selfishly, she wanted him by her side in this final battle. I just have to make sure he doesn't make the final strike.
"A cautious one." Teagan said, still arguing with the stubborn soon to be King.
"Cautious?!" Alistair's' disbelieving voice floated out to her. "I will not stand at the back and let others fight my battles for me".
Knowing that this debate could go on through the night, and that soon more than just the few near the tent would be able to hear as their voices were growing louder, Lyna decided to enter the tent. As she pulled back the canvas both men fell silent.
Teagan looked as though an ally had just entered and was about to speak, no doubt to try and get her to convince Alistair to stay behind, when Lyna decided to stop him before he began. Saluting formally in the Dalish style, both arms crossed over her chest with a slight bow, she addressed the men before her.
"I do not mean to intrude, your Majesty. We have finished scouting the vicinity of the forest to the direct east of us. There appears to be no sign of Darkspawn or any large predators. I think that they may be fully focused on Denerim. I would recommend moving on before daybreak". Lyna had noticed that as she had addressed Alistair the slight smile that had been forming on his face had fallen. The hurt that had passed over his face had been quickly hidden under a mask of formality. In the rogues opinion, Alistair was starting to become too good at hiding his emotions, though she knew that it was inevitable. He could not pretend to be a fool any longer, for she knew a keen mind was within him.
"A wise plan, thank you Warden." Teagan responded, nodding his head. "Perhaps you could convince our future King to plan as wisely".
"Teagan, I will not..." Alistair began only to be cut off.
"I do not think that Alistair should stay behind." she said, reluctant to be brought into this argument. "We will need all the Grey Wardens that we have". Seeing the look on the Bann's face she continued, passion lacing her voice. "Would you have your people follow a King who does not uphold an oath made? Alistair made an oath to the Grey Wardens long before he was even considered as King. Would you truly have him break such an oath? Would your people trust him to rule if he did?"
"I uh... Well ummm..." Teagan seemed at a loss for what to say. Collecting himself he nodded and smiled at her. A knowing and admiring smile gracing his handsome features. "Well met, my Lady Warden. You truly have a quick mind and quite a way with words. It is such a shame that I did not meet you sooner." he said with such charm that Lyna felt the tips of her ears warm slightly. It was obvious that Alistair had not learnt how to speak to women from Teagan.
"I only speak as I believe." she replied. "But if you don't mind I would like to rest. I have only just returned and would like something to eat before Oghren or Sten eat it all". Bowing once more Lyna left the tent before either man could say more. As much as she had resolved to speak with Alistair, now was not the time.
Approaching her friends, the Warden saw that Sten had move to sit with Oghren and was sharpening his sword, Asala. Wynne and Leliana were sat with Morrigan sorting potions and poultices whilst Zevran was sat eating the broth that had been made, Falon sat watching, his own bowl empty. Lyna saw the Golem, Shale, standing just a little away from the group, a group of Dwarves standing nervously nearby, curiosity evident in their eyes.
Smiling warmly, she decided to join Zevran as she felt her stomach tighten with hunger. On her approach the Antivan held a bowl of the stew out to her, having been keeping it aside for her.
"Ma seranas." she said, accepting the bowl and settling herself next to Falon. "I'm glad someone saved me something".
"Ah, my dear Warden, I would not allow you to go hungry. Though the way the Dwarf eats, anyone is lucky to eat." the assassin laughed. Hearing a grumbled response from said Dwarf with what sounded like 'blasted, pointy eared' the assassin laughed that much harder. After a few moments the laughter calmed down. "How is our dear King?" he asked after retrieving his composure.
"Arguing once again with Teagan. He still refuses to stay out of the battle and the Bann is still trying to convince him." Lyna sighed. "I do not think this argument will be won by the Bann". A small grin forming on her face at the scene that she had just witnessed.
"Most certainly not." Zevran agreed. "Alistair is rather stubborn when he wishes to be. I would not be surprised if they were still arguing whilst we wade into battle." he laughed.
Lyna couldn't help the mental picture that came to her of such a scene and started laughing too.
O-o-o-o-o-o-o
Alistair finally managed to get away from Teagan. Since Redcliffe Eamon and Teagan had been trying to convince him not to join the battle. Every time either had gotten him alone it started. He was glad that Eamon had stayed at Redcliffe. He knew that they were trying to protect the royal blood line but this was ridiculous. He had been glad when Lyna had interrupted with her report from her unscheduled scouting trip. Since the meeting with Riordan, Alistair had noticed Lyna was avoiding him. In truth he had been conflicted himself. He wanted to speak with her but was unsure whether to tell her about Morrigan and the ritual. Maybe it was for the best if he did not as there was no guarantee that it would work. Morrigan herself had admitted that she wasn't even completely sure. It was old magic but that was no guarantee.
As he left the war tent Alistair looked around the assembled troops. Some were resting in their tents whilst others kept watch. He felt the need to pinch himself as he surveyed the gathered forces. It had only been a year since Ostagar, since being branded as traitors, and now here they were, all of Ferelden, or as much as possible, ready to take on the blight and end it, him being the next King and Lyna... Well, she had been the one to amass this force through reason and talking, only using violence when absolutely necessary. Lyna would stop this blight through sheer force of will if she could. He thought, catching sight of her sitting with Zevran. He remembered when they had first met the assassin. Though he had argued against bringing him with them Lyna had insisted the Antivan could be useful. He hadn't liked the charm and sexuality that had oozed from the Crow, especially when it was aimed at the Dalish Warden. Jealousy would continuously reared it's ugly head even though he was too afraid to make a real move himself. It had taken a little while before he could finally give her the rose he had found in Lothering and admit his feelings to her. Needles to say he was surprised to find she returned them. And now I have to let her go. He thought sadly.
He had had this debate with Eamon when Alistair had been put in line for the throne. The older man had seen how the two young Wardens looked at each other. Alistair had known that if he was made King then he couldn't stay with Lyna. Eamon had suggested making her his mistress, apparently most royals did so including Marric. Alistair refused this idea immediately as he felt this would demean her and everything she had worked so hard for. He would never treat her like that and had made sure that Eamon knew.
Shaking himself back to the present he saw that Lyna was making her way to her tent. Probably to freshen up and get some rest. He thought as he headed towards his own tent. He had not had any time to himself since they left Redcliffe. Tired and knowing they would have to break camp before sunrise, Alistair decided it would be best to just get some sleep. Nodding to the guards that Teagan had insisted on posting outside his tent, as a precaution, he entered. Though he had said he would be fine in the tent he had used all year Eamon and Teagan had refused. As a result he was now in a tent that was large enough to stand in and would have slept at least four people. There was a full cot and even a table and chair. The table was already covered in documents which Alistair had piled to one side. As he passed the table he was surprised to see a slip of parchment in the middle of the tidy side. Curious, he picked it up and unfolded it. In a rather neat script it simply said:
Meet me in the forest.
Lyna.
Gently he placed the note into his pack and glanced at the cot. No rest tonight. He thought wistfully, though he didn't mind overly. This might be the last time for him to speak to Lyna in private for some time. Shifting slightly in his armour he headed back out of the tent to the forest.
O-o-o-o-o-o-o
After finishing her stew Lyna had quickly excused herself from Zevrans company and went to her tent. She had yet to see Alistair leave the war tent which meant she still had time. Pulling out parchment, ink and quill she quickly penned a note to Alistair and as the ink dried she cleaned herself up with a damp cloth. After pulling her long honey brown hair back into one long braid she grabbed the note and using her stealth abilities she made her way to the royal tent. Unnoticed, she ducked under the canvas and placed the note on the table where he was sure to see it. Quickly she left the same way that she had entered and returned to her companions, settling herself once again next to Zevran and Falon. After a short while she spotted Alistair leave the war tent. Deciding to wait a moment she laughed and joked with Zevran. It helped to relax her and she could almost forget the upcoming battle. Finally she decided to return to her tent, even if not for long. With a brief nod she left Zevran sharpening his daggers and made her way to her tent, missing the slight knowing look in the Antivans eyes. Making sure that everything except the tent was packed and ready to go she reached into a small pocket at the side of her pack and pulled out a small object from within, placing it on the palm of her hand. It was a small figure of a Halla that had been carved from Ironbark and was attached to a leather cord so that it could be worn around the neck. It had been a gift from Ashalla on the day she had received her Valaslin. She had treasured it and kept it close to her. Now she felt that she wanted someone else to have it. Exiting the tent Lyna saw that Zevran was still seeing to his daggers. Quickly she went to his tent and slipped inside. Gently she placed the Halla onto his bedroll where he would see it. Though they had been raised in different worlds she had grown to see him as a brother and best friend. She had grown close to all her companions but had felt a kinship with the Elven assassin.
Quietly she slipped back out of the tent and glanced around. Everything seemed as before and she prided herself on not being caught by Zevran. They had a running tally on who could sneak by the other the most. Preparing herself for the meeting with Alistair the Warden took a deep calming breath and headed into the forest to wait.