(A/N: Hey everyone! Sorry it's been awhile since my last update, I've been busy and I've had a bad case of writers block! So I'm gonna thank my muses for this chapter! All of my readers and also Inon Zur for creating the soundtrack that gives me good plot ideas! Once again, I don't own Dragon Age! So please everyone, read and review!)
Titles
Chapter 3: Making Plans
Aide Eamon was talking to the new arl of Highever, Arl Fergus Cousland, the King gave Highever back to the Couslands for their loyalty during the Blight and also as a gift to Elissa. They were in a heated discussion as they talked about a letter they had received.
My good Sers,
If the Warden-Commander knew I was sending this letter to you, she would be very upset with me. She had be swear on Andraste's blood that I wouldn't tell you or the King about what happened, but I couldn't keep this to myself. There was an attack on the Vigil from some of the villagers who were unhappy with some decisions that took place. They tried to assassinate her, but thankfully it was solved without her getting hurt. She wouldn't admit it to me, but she was very shaken up about this whole situation. She puts on a happy face and says that she is okay, but I think otherwise. She refuses to talk about what happened to anyone, even to the other Wardens.
What concerns me the most is that she also refuses to take part in any discussions that involve the Blight and anyone involved. We try to get ideas for battle strategy from what she did, but when the subject comes up, she says she has a headache and must retire for the night. I am worried about her. I think maybe the stress has gotten to her, I suggest sending someone up here to take over the arling until she has gotten over the shock of recent events.
Your servant,
Captain Garvel
Fergus threw his fists on the table angrily, "We must do something about this! My sister was attacked!" Aide Eamon looked at him concerned, "I agree, this situation is serious, but we can't just rush up there and do something! What if the peasants see this and revolt again? We must be calm and decide what we're going to do." "This isn't good enough! We can't just sit around and not do anything! This is my sister we're talking about! She is probably hurt! We must do something about this!" Aide Eamon sighed again as he re-read the letter. "From what I knew of your sister, she was a very head strong and determined." Fergus laughed a little, "Yes that was my sister. Mother didn't think that was the proper way for a lady to act. She knew it would never help her catch a suitable husband." At that remark, both of them turned away sadly.
The maid hesitantly walked up to them, "Umm excuse me sers." She said softly as she bowed. The two men looked up at her. "What is it young lady?" Eamon asked looking at her. "Well umm, I thought you should know that King Alistair has been acting a bit umm strange lately." Eamon looked at her concerned while Fergus read the letter again. "What do you mean, strange? Is he alright?" The maid looked down, biting her lip and then looked up at him. "Well his behavior just seems a bit off right now. Ever since he came back from Amaranthine. He hasn't been eating well; in fact, I've been returning almost full plates of his dinner. I have heard from one of the chamber maids that he spends most of his time just staring out of the window, just sighing. I think something is seriously wrong with him." Realizing she might've said too much, she quickly looked back down, blushing a little, "Well at least that's I've heard." Eamon looked at Fergus, who had finished his letter, once again, shaking his head. "This is most distressing. The King not eating; Elissa becoming more and more withdrawn, if the kingdom is going to survive, something must be done. We can't risk a second Blight." Fergus nodded, "But you refuse to send somebody up there!" "I never said I was refusing to send someone up there! You know as well as I do how dangerous failed revolts can be! And without an heir to the Cousland line, we can't risk sending you!" "Well who can we send then?" Fergus yelled. "I haven't a clue as to who we can send." Fergus turned away annoyed, staring at a painting on the wall. "Umm, I hate to act out of my place good sers, but perhaps the Hero of Ferelden might open up to a friend, or some one she trusts very much. The same with King Alistair, surely there is someone they might open up to?" Fergus turned around and looked at Eamon. "Of course! Elissa writes to me and tells me how she misses Leliana and Zevran! We could send one of them to talk to her! And Alistair has always been able to talk to Wynne! Then maybe we can figure out what's wrong!" Eamon looks at the elven servant and smiles at her, "What is your name?" "My name is Aliena, ser." She looks down, blushing again. "Well Aliena, you may have just saved our King! When everything is right again, you will be granted any boon of your choice!" Aliena smiled a little, "Thank you good sers! I must go back to my duties otherwise the Kitchen Mistress will have my hide!" She made a quick bow to Eamon and Fergus and hurried back to her duties.
Fergus watched her walk away shaking his head, "I can't believe I didn't think of that! But it makes the most sense, sending friends to them to figure out what the problem is." "Hopefully this does help us. If not, then as a last resort, you will go talk to your sister, but only as a last resort Fergus!" Eamon looked sternly at Fergus as he sat down at his desk and began to write letters to Zevran, Leliana and Wynne.