Elissa had been uncertain as to how long she had been asleep before her stomach began churning; given the massive amounts of pain that descended upon head, stomach and her eyes her upon her waking, she did not particularly care about the time. Every thought flew from her mind in a desperate need to be sick.
After several miserable hours of making use of the basin at her bedside. How had that ended up there? she wondered. Even in the pre-dawn light of the chamber she felt that every weak beam of light pierced her eyes like an Orlesian javelin. No, make that a poisoned tipped, Orlesian javelin. No, it was worse than that, it was a heavy, poisoned, barbed, burning PAIR of Orlesian javelins.
As sleep was no longer an option and she was sure the entire contents of her stomach were finally out she slowly attempted to sit upright. Setting up her favorite chair near the window, she sat, pulling back the curtain and observed the sleeping keep below.
By sunrise, her stomach no longer lurching had somewhat settled. The dark circles under her eyes, foul taste in her mouth and the excruciating headache remained. The now risen sun blazing into her chamber assaulted her eyes. Those damned Orlesian javelins were back and did nothing to help her pounding head. With slow deliberate movements she moved towards her pack in search of some healing potions, she normally kept for emergencies.
Her fingers found a small vial and when she opened it, the scent of mint wafted up to jar her overly sensitive sense of smell. Ah, well not the healing potion she hoped for, however the mint infused water was a requirement after filling that handy basin. Taking a deep pull from the vial, she used her tongue to swirl the contents around her mouth and then spit it into the basin. One more swig allowed her mouth to finally feel clean of the vile, fuzzy, dirty moss taste that had made her wish she could use her dagger to scrape the covering from her tongue.
"Ahhh, finally just what my head needs" With a quick movement, she uncorked the small vial and quickly downed the entire contents in a single gulp. Her hope was it would be sufficient to remove the stabbing pain in her head. On the other hand, in the worse case at least take the pain down to a level where she did not feel as inclined to ask to have her head removed.
As the moments passed by the warmth of the healing potion eased through her system. Not unlike the rising sun, the effects slowly rose upwards until little by little the pain eased to a level where she no longer had to squint at the now breaking dawn.
Alistair's usual mighty morning yawn shattered the silence and nearly made Elissa jump in surprise. "Stupid." She muttered angrily under her breath. She had had forgotten that Alistair still slumbered just a few feet from her. As her mind was clearing, it finally dawned on her who must have left basin for her use.
She turned in her chair towards the bed watching Alistair struggling to sit up in bed. While the process was almost as fun as watching the sunrise, she had to give the edge to Alistair. After all the sunrise was silent and the added dimension of sound had to count for something. It always took more effort than he was willing to give in the wee morning hours. She watched him struggle to sit up with a warm smile pulling at the corner of her lips in a valiant attempt not to laugh at his attempts to rise.
"Oh sod off." His croaked as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes with the back of his hand."I expected you to be setting up camp on the floor?" He forced a laugh, which only brought a fit of coughs and dry hacking.
"Serves you right, you grump." With a triumphant smile, she waited patently until the coughing fits passed. "I nearly had, but that was done hours ago. Thank you for setting that up for me." She said pointing to the basin next to the bed. Looking back at Alistair, she could see disappointment on his face. "You have my deepest apologies for not waking you up so you could point and laugh." She said dryly.
A small smile tugged at the corner of Elissa's lips as she watched him pushed back his blankets and pushed off the bed; he was naked and did nothing to remedy his current state. Her eyes traveled down his extremely well formed body while debating if a running, properly aimed tackle might land him back in bed.
For the time being, she watched as he stumbled towards her and planted a kiss on her forehead before stumbling into the privy. Elissa mused to herself "Ah well so much for the tackle option, he obviously had other needs."
He did not bother closing the door, as the two were beyond such formalities. Rising from her chair's he stopped before their wardrobe and began the process of retrieving Alistair's armor for the day.
"I am disappointed my pointing finger will have no practical use today, but I have not a doubt in my mind that at some point during the day you will give me some other reason to laugh at you." He called out from the bathroom.
"Yes, that is probably true. Arse." She thought to herself nodded and shrugged. "You find yourself unbelievably amusing don't you?"
With his classic lopsided smile, he replied, "No. Amusing people tell stories and write books. I'm witty, wise and adorable" With a quick turn he grasped a clean pair of small clothes and proceeded dress.
And completely delusional "If I recall correctly I do believe you also bruise easily? Or is my memory making up conversations which never took place?" She did not need to see his face to know he was rolling his eyes.
"It is far too early in the morning to be speaking of my delicate skin." It came out far more defensively than Alistair had intended. Elissa simply ignored his tone and went about setting his armor on the bed. "Anders told me you rarely drink. Would I be prying if I asked the reason behind last night?"
"The first thing he wanted to hear was the events leading up to Cailan's death. I started with my own parents and went from there. I could not deny him of those details so I did my best to describe the actions and situations that brought about the death of his son. It broke my heart watching the pain in his face when I told him what we found when we returned to Ostagar. By the time I was finished telling him of my parents, he found Nate's hidden stash of expensive rums. I believe you know how the night ends." She flopped down at the end of the bed and glanced down at the floor. Her head was beginning to pound again.
"If speaking with the man is going to drive you to drinking then I'll speak with him from now on." He said as he started in on fixing his hair. The silence that followed was unexpected. Looking over his shoulder, Elissa was leaning against the doorframe; her eyes were narrowed, fists clinched at her side, and her usually full lips were pursed thinly together.
Alistair would not be intimidated by her anger. "I mean it Eli. If you believe reliving the last eight years will drive you becoming what I used to be then I'll speak with him." His eyes took on a haunted look as he remembered all he lost while a drunk. The thought of Elissa going down the same path was sufficient to ignore her anger at his proclamation and his resolution not to speak to the man who as responsible for his creation.
Inwardly Elissa was seething far more than her outer appearance could ever convey. Before speaking, she forced her voice to remain calm and even. "I know you mean well, but I don't need you lecturing me on the dangers of drowning my sorrows in a bottle. I am hardly a child and YOU are hardly my father. It was one night, it won't happen again."
"I used to say that to myself all the time. All that I am asking is that you not make a habit of it, it leads to saying and doing the stupidest of things." His words had an edge of bitterness as his mind conjured up images of his time in Orlais. Shaking his head free of the unwanted imagery, he continued, "I know you're a grown woman and you know how to make your own decisions. I just know how easy it is to be tempted to drown one's pain."
His watched as he could see the anger drain from Elissa's face. Inwardly he gave a sigh of relief that he had saved himself once again from a premature death.
"I'm sorry I worried you." Elissa allowed some of the tension to leave her shoulders. She brought up her hand and inspected its cleanliness using that moment, giving her heart a moment to slow down the frantic pace her fury had imposed upon it. "I will take your advice to heart seeing as no one within in the Vigil knows about saying and doing stupid thing more than you." A trace of wry grin touched her soft lips. Glancing up just in time to see a smiling Alistair stalking towards her as an animal would stalk its prey. She shook her head as she took a small step backwards. "No! I will not be attacked by a naked man this early in the morning." She demanded, but it was too late. She squeaked as Alistair picked her up, placed her head first over his shoulder and carried her off towards the large four-poster bed so recently vacated. "Put me down this instant you ogre!"
"Ogre am I?" He teased, but did as she asked by flopping her onto the bed. He kept her pinned to the bed by holding both of her arms over her head with one hand. Leaning down so his lips were inches from her lips he said, "You make it sound as if you are attacked by naked men quite often?" Her brow arched in a mocking quizzical look. Heat rose in Alistair's cheeks. "Oh yes. Umm, well Anyways, I hadn't planned on telling you about all of the things you said last night."
"How very kind of you, it simply goes to show you are indeed the bigger person here. Do not stoop to my level of obvious immaturity." She lifted her head just enough to plant a swift soft kiss upon Alistair's cheek.
"Thank you, but now I simply must tell you." A fake sympathetic smile spread across his lips as she groaned in disappointment.
"I am really sorry for what I said early." She smiled in an attempt to change his mind with kindness. It did not have the desired impact based on the overly deep breath that he took.
"Of that I have no doubt." He paused if only for dramatic effect. "You giggled a lot. Not to mention Anders his now aware of your secret admiration for his name and his looovely hair."
A blush crept into Elissa cheeks as she groaned in disgust. She glanced up at Alistair with firm resolve on her face. "You are absolutely right about stupid things being said. He didn't take me seriously did he?"
Alistair shook his head. "Your state of mind was fairly obvious when he brought you up." Letting her up from the bed Alistair began slipping into the armor Elissa had set out for him. "So what is he like?"
"Maric?" Elissa watched him from beneath her eyelashes watching for his reaction.
"Yes of course I mean Maric." He snapped. He knew he was letting his impatience show and in turn taking it out on Elissa was unfair.
"I thought you had no interest in learning of your parents." She mocked in a low and manly tone, which was nowhere near Alistair's voice. Rolling his eyes Alistair went about fastening his breastplate and waiting for her to continue. "I did most of the speaking last night, but he is funny and patent. I think if you gave him half a chance you…"
Alistair held up a hand; thankful he was able to stop her before she was able to finish her statement. With the swing of his head, he motioned towards the door. "It's too early for this conversation. Food comes first then you can finish that sentence."
Both of them completed their morning absolution's and dressed for their busy day. They walked towards the door with arms entwined as they walked to the first floor and into the busy and loud dining hall.
Elissa was barely able to retrieve her breakfast and find a seat before their circle of friends surrounded her, questioning Elissa relentlessly on the subject of Maric seeing as how she had been the only one to speak with him. Before she could answer or even take a bite of her breakfast, a servant in the Vigil's livery approached and quietly informed her of a male guest requesting her presence in his chamber as soon as possible.
Saved! She nearly yelled aloud. "I would love to stay here and answer everyone's questions, but I have been summoned." A chorus of disappointed groan came from everyone at the table except Alistair, who was oddly interested in glaring at his plate. "Put those long faces away, I will be taking questions once I'm done speaking with our guest."
"You don't have to jump just because he's called." Alistair muttered bitterly into his plate of food. Smiling, Elissa slowly turned to Alistair, bent down and kissed him fully and heatedly on his lips. Hoots and hollers from their friends and fellow Wardens rung throughout the dining hall.
Elissa pulled her head back a fraction of an inch, her lips lingered over his as she murmured for his ears only, "I don't jump when anyone calls, and unless you want another public display like this I suggest you think before you speak. However, my love, if you care to jump together later…Perhaps that can be arranged" Pulling away from his lips.
There was a furious flush on Alistair's face and a lopsided grin at the implied promise for later. Satisfied she strolled out of dining hall, hoots followed her as she left, as did Alistair bellowed demand for everyone to shut up. The grin spread across her lips remained until she reached Maric's second floor chamber.
*******
Maric's chamber was comfortable and brightly lit. The two arched windows faced south causing the majority of the room to have a suffused glow throughout the day. A pair of high-back chairs faced the room's fireplace with a small table between them. The bed Maric sat upon was a large four-poster with heavy bed curtains tied to each post. His hands never idle smoothed and stroked the down cover that he was sitting on. Such luxury had not been his over these last several years. Hard ground and a serviceable full circle woolen cloak were his bed more often than not.
At the loud knock at his door, Maric rose from the edge of his bed and bid Elissa to enter. She smiled at him as she entered, and wished him good morning. He could not help but notice the dark circles under her eyes, which told him exactly how she had spent her night. "You look about as good as I feel." He stated absently. She gave him a weak smile and a shrug. "I thank you for coming so quickly."
"Well I was in the neighborhood and all." She answered dryly. "Would you like to continue where we left off?" Secretly she was relieved when Maric shook his head.
"Actually, I called you here to ask a favor or two, both would involve traveling" Noticing the Elissa perking at the idea of traveling he continued, "First thing first. If I am to take back the throne I will need the Chantry records corrected, to declare me as living instead of dead."
"Makes sense." She lowered herself into the chair across in front of the fireplace. Lifting her legs, she slung them over one of the arms so she could converse with Maric. "Do you have a specific Chantry in mind?"
Maric studied the girl, no not a girl but a woman he corrected himself, in front of him. Her beauty certainly was that of her mother- from what he could remember of her-, but her eyes reflected Bryce's intelligence. He knew his plan would be questioned and his answers and reasons scrutinized by this perceptive woman. With a firm tone and a steely look, he uttered his choice. "Denerim. Better to start at the seat of power for Ferelden. It will serve to expedite the process while spreading the word of my return as quickly as possible."
Elissa's immediate response was logical based on a basic tactical assessment. "That is far too dangerous. It would leave you open to any threat Anora were to send your way."
With a decisive snort Maric rolled his eyes in response. "Oh come now, I think you're being a bit paranoid. I doubt Anora would send anything or anyone to kill me."
"Do not doubt Anora's paranoia for a moment. You are a threat to her power, and when Anora feels threatened bandits and assassins are hired to eliminate that threat." Her level tone chilled Maric's blood.
"Oh surely you are just being dramatic! I've known Anora since she was but a babe; she wouldn't kill her husband's father." He chuckled as he watched Elissa for signs of a change in her serious features. There was none. "Oh Maker." His mirth died quickly as he realized she was deadly serious. "You're serious aren't you? She would actually try to kill me?"
The blood rushed from his face and he sunk back down to the edge of his bed.
His mind boggled. What had happened during his absence to so change his country, and those he use to count as friends and family. How could a child he bounced on his knee as she laughed with glee have changed so much? He knew Anora was her father's daughter, with intelligence and a strong devotion to Ferelden.
"I wouldn't worry about it too much, as I think we can work to minimize the risk to you, if you are willing to listen to reason. Now what is the other favor you want of me?" She smiled reassuringly, which did little to untie the knot in the pit of Maric's stomach.
"I was hoping you could travel with me to Redcliffe. I need to speak with Arl Eamon and convince him to call a Landsmeet. Does he still wield influence over the nobles of Ferelden?"
"Yes." Elissa's words came out as a bitter sneer. "So are you afraid of attacks on the road?"
Maric shook his head. "From what I have seen so far the blight and the rebuilding has changed much. Landmarks I knew as well as my own hand have changed. And how would it look for the King of Ferelden to get lost in a darkspawn infested cave?" His mouth quirked up in the same lopsided grin Elissa loved in Alistair. "Then there is the fact that my appearance might cause a shock. I would like to avoid being the cause of an untimely death, and based on what you say that might include my own."
Elissa held her hands up in surrender. "Calm yourself Mairc. I will be more than happy to accompany you, on two conditions." His curiosity was peaked. "I think it would be wise for my friends to accompany us. There is something to be said about safety in numbers." Maric nodded in agreement. "I also want the truth about Fiona."
"That's it? Those are your conditions? I would have at least asked for a gold piece or two."
Elissa loudly snorting in amused laughter, followed by the rolling of her eyes. "Like I believe for a moment you have anything even remotely resembling a gold piece."
"True. However, there is no need to bring attention it the fact that currently my liquid funds are at an all time low. Well low might not be the right term, perhaps lower than low. Unless you count that I am King and there is a treasury, but since we can't lay our hands on it at the moment, I would have to say I am broke." His warm smile broke across his face, as he watched for Elissa's reaction to his attempt at a witty retort.
"You have my deepest apologies, your highness." She said. Maric doubted the sincerity given the smirk on her lips and what he was sure was laughter shaking her shoulders. Pushing himself from the bed, he held out his had to assist her from the chair.
With a gallant bow, he added, "My lady, if you would allow me" Elissa took his hand. His warm long fingers grasped her hand and applied a firm anchor while she lightly pivoted over the arm of the chair to her feet.
Tucking her hand into the crook of his arm, he led her towards the door of his chamber. As he opened the door with is left hand, his right brought up Elissa's hand to his lips in chaste kiss. "Elissa I want to thank you again. I…"
Cutting him off Elissa cleared her throat and said, "Maric, there is no need to thank me. However, I would like to make a suggestion, if you would not mind. "
"By all means."
"There is a Chantry in Redcliffe; the revered mother there is very respectable and fair. Might I suggest we save ourselves an out of the way trip and take call of all business in once place? "
Maric thought of her suggestion for a moment before nodding in agreement. Accomplishing our business in one place I believe would more sense than making two trips. You should gather your party and begin packing supplies. I will make it my job to raid the larder." He made a short bow "I doubt I'll be able to eat at all, give the state of my stomach, but if anything I can pack food for our trip. How many in our party my dear lady?"
A giggle escaped her lips as she answered "Pack for a week and a party of twelve. There will not be that many of us, but all Wardens have healthy appetites. A hungry Warden makes for a poor escort especially when they find out you packed the rations"
With a cheerful smile, Maric once again took her hand placing it on his arm. They walked in a companionable silence as they moved through the grey stone hall towards the main stairway. Reaching the main hall, they parted ways.
Spotting her circle of friends just leaving the dining hall, Elissa quickly intercepted them stopping them short. She proceeded to tell them (rather loudly), of Maric's journey to Redcliffe and need of protection.
"Elissa, may I speak with you in private for just a moment?" Alistair asked cheerfully as he cupped her elbow within his hand, dragging her to the deserted main entrance. Elissa by no means fooled by the cheerful tone; she knew she was in for a lecture.
"Are you out of your ever loving mind?" Afraid someone would hear. He whispered harshly. His brows were furrowed and concern showed in his eyes. "I know you're always willing to help anyone, but how can we trust him? How can we even be sure he is who he claims to be?"
It took all of Elissa's inner self-control not to laugh hysterically at his Anora like paranoia.
"Well first of all, this is why we are going to Redcliffe. Secondly, I hold no doubts that he is who he claims to be, seeing how YOU look almost exactly like him." Alistair flinched at the comparison, but said nothing. "Is this doubt a personal or is this a cautious Warden-Commander speaking?"
"It doesn't matter." This statement answered her question completely. A grin broke out over her face. "Let him hire help."
"Is it not a Warden's duty to think and act in the best interest of his or her country?" She asked sweetly. At this, Alistair could not argue. "Well then Commander, is placing the rightful King upon his throne not within the best interest of Ferelden?"
Knowing she was right, Alistair growled in frustration. "I hate it when you do that."
"I know my love." Softening her stance, she reached up to push a stray hair from his face. The tender loving gesture was not lost on Alistair. "Does that mean you'll be coming with?" He nodded absently. "Keep in mind as acting Commander, you will be in charge."
He gulped and nodded. "I assumed that might be the case." They both turned to the hall where their friends had not even bothered to conceal themselves. "Come on you damn eavesdroppers." Nathaniel, Anders, Zevran, Leliana and Zara stepped forward as one. No words we need, as they, all knew it was time to pack for the familiar journey ahead.
Within two hours, Elissa appointed Varel as the acting Arl until the Arlessa's return. Supplies, weapons, armor and horses were gathered.
She bounced down the steps of the Vigil, excited and full of energy. "Off to Redcliffe we go!" Elissa declared loudly enough for all in the Vigil to hear. With a look of curiosity, Alistair came up beside her.
"Why do you feel the need to let all of Amaranthine know where we are heading?" He asked.
"Just giving the servants the Queen paid to spy on Maric and I their money's worth." She grinned as he gave her a leg up in mounting her horse.
"Oh, and here I thought you just enjoy being loud." He grinned.
"I do, but this time my loudness holds a purpose." She raised a curious brow. "You aren't questioned as to why the Queen would bribe my people. Why?"
With a chuckle and a shrug, he answered, "Because it doesn't surprise me. I am sure she is taking a page from her father, since the man did send assassins after us. "They both looked over their shoulders at Zevran who blew them each a kiss before going about tending to his horse. "At least this trip won't be boring."
"Trips are never boring." Elissa countered cheerfully. While she was not exactly thrilled at the thought of returning to Redcliffe, she was excited over traveling with her friends again. She smiled warmly as her eyes lingered on her traveling companions. It was nearly nostalgic.
"Alright, let's head out!" Alistair ordered loudly, glancing over his shoulder at Elissa and winking before his horse galloped ahead of the others, who quickly followed.
At the rear of the group Maric was mounted and looking nervous at his horse. While his horsemanship had improved, it could not have very well gotten worse; over the years of the rebellion, he was by no means comfortable astride a horse. Both Loghain and Rowan had constantly tried to improve his skill they had only succeeded in allowing him to take far longer to fall off then previously. With any luck, he would keep the landing on his royal backside to a minimum
********
Two human female servants stood on the steps watching the party leave. Both had a satisfied smile on their face, for they would be ten gold pieces richer by the day's end. While they liked their Arlessa well enough, ten gold pieced to spy on a person was a tempted and hard offer to pass up.
"Messenger?" One asked. The other scoffed at her question.
"Of course you twit. I'll write the letter since I'm smarter."
"Shut up! You are not!"
"You don't even know how to read much less write! How on earth do you expect the Queen to make sense of scribbles?"
"You write the letter then." The happy servants retired to their shared bedroom to compose a letter to the Queen informing her of the whereabouts and actions of the Arlessa, followed by a night of heavy drinking and lovemaking; celebrating their new found riches.
A/N: The banter between Alistair and Elissa near the begging was something I had in my head at the start of the first story, but I never was able to put them in a situation where I could use it. Thank goodness they gave me the chance here. That scene was going to drive me crazy if I couldn't use it.
As usual a huge thanks to Linette23 for a wonderful editing and rewriting job. A huge thanks to all of you for adding me to lists, and for all of your helpful comments, and reviews. You guys are awesome!
Oh and since I forgot the usual disclaimer. All of these characters, names and settings are owned by the over lords at Bioware.