Sorrows and Delights: Chapter 3
Unlike other mornings Istabella actually woke up feeling normal. No hangover, no dry mouth and no pounding headache. And most importantly she had had no nightmares.
She had a busy day ahead of her in Denerim. It was taking longer than expected to drag out the dead human and darkspawn bodies. Denerim was considered a large city but it was the mass of back alleys that caused the delays. All carts that were still salvageable had been rebuilt and were used to cart off the dead. The darkspawn were being burned far outside the city walls, while the humans were buried in the graveyard just to the west of the city.
Today she, Fergus and her friends were going to finish sweeping the port area of Denerim. There were about a dozen small areas that needed to be checked for darkspawn. No place in Denerim had escaped untouched. The only fortunate people to have avoided the horde completely were those that had ships. Istabella had her doubts that there were surviving pockets but still she would not risk it. The citizens here needed reassurance from the Warden-Commander that all was safe so they could rebuild their life. Not to mention the ports needed to be safe for ships to come in.
Istabella rose and plated her hair into one long braid. Donning on her clothes and armor she put her necklace of memories on. It had Rory's ring, Alistair's ring and the ring from Oriana's hand. Istabella suddenly remembered that she had completely forgotten to give Fergus his wife's ring and necklace.
Going through her pack she found the small inner pocket where she usually kept her valuables. She found Oriana's necklace, pulled it out and concealed it in her desk. She would have Fergus come to her room tonight so she could give them to him.
The dining hall was starting to get crowded with the palace folks coming down for breakfast. She found some of her companions already at their usual table. She waved to them and walked over to the high table where Anora was sitting talking to Cisero, a minor Denerim noble. Istabella remembered he was one of Loghain's supporters. He was one of the nobles who had spoken against her on the floor of the Landsmeet. As she approached she could hear him complaining in his high nasally voice.
"But how long will it take your highness? My estate was every bit as damaged as everyone else's. Replacing the valuable antiques alone will be costly." He said delicately dabbing his napkin to the corners of his mouth.
"We will start rebuilding the rest of city, including this district, once the city is fully cleared. Right now we are focusing the areas with the worst of the damage. I know you have holes in your roof Cisero but you will just have to make do like the rest of us." Anora said firmly and with her queenly air of authority.
Cisero deferred to her by bowing his head slightly and continuing to eat.
Inside Istabella was smirking at the spoiled noble man. Serves you right, you squirrely, sniveling pussy! Istabella thought to herself. She approached Anora and bowed. "Your Majesty. My friends and I will be heading out this morning to sweep the port and dock area for any surviving darkspawn. I have my doubts any are there but if they are I will be the first to know it."
Anora nodded indicating for her to take a seat. "Thank you Warden. I appreciate the fact that you all have remained in Denerim to help out. I know you are anxious to get to Highever and reclaim your home. Until you are ready to leave you and your companions have full run of the palace. If I could spare them I would send guards with you to help retake Highever. But as the darkspawn greatly diminished the guard I need as many here as possible to prevent an increase in crime. I am sorry for this Warden." Anora said putting her hands out in an apologetic manner. "However, you will not be going without some aid. I am having a document drawn up that gives you and Fergus full authority to take back your home and lands. What Howe did was wrong and no one has any rights to your property. You and Fergus have full rights to deal with those who occupy your home."
Istabella shook her head. "Your majesty is very kind and I understand. My companions will be going with me to relieve our home of Howe's men. We of course will staying through the ceremony. We still start preparations to leave the day after." Istabella asked.
"Of course. Take as much time as you need to prepare. If you find yourself requiring anything I will see you get it. I am not only grateful for your help but I know the people of Denerim look up to you every bit as much as they revere Alistair. I don't know if I ever said it but I am very sorry for your loss. Are you doing okay Istabella?" Anora said in a quiet, hesitant tone while she fiddled with her fingers.
Istabella had been around her long enough to know that this was a habit she had when nervous. It also occurred to Istabella that the queen may actually be feeling a bit of remorse for not saying something sooner. Either that or the grimace of pain that came across Istabella's face when she mentioned Alistair had brought her around to mentioning him.
"Thank you Anora, I appreciate you asking. I am dealing with things one day at a time as best I can." Istabella replied softly and briefly. Any more than that and she would end up bursting into tears right here at the royal table. Maker's balls, wouldn't that give the folks something to talk about.
Istabella reined her emotions and keeping them back until she could vent them out at a later time. "Well your majesty I won't keep you from meal. I need to join my companions and work out the plan for today. Also I will be speaking to the leaders of our allies. Many of the elves and dwarves stayed to help out. Both Keeper Lanaya of the Dalish and King Harrowmont owe me debts for helping them in their time of need. I will see what special services I can elicit from them while they are still here. Good day your majesty." Istabella said rising and bowing slightly.
"Of course I understand. If you would Warden please report back your findings when you return." Anora said turning back to her original conversation with Cisero.
Istabella left the queen's table and went down to where her brother and companions were sitting. She sat between Fergus and Oghren and piled her plate up with food. It seemed that her Grey Warden appetite was ranging back in full force this morning.
"Well Warden, it is good to see you stuffing your face again. A few more days and you wouldn't be able to fill your armor out anymore. That would be a shame." Oghren commented eyeing her as she ate.
Istabella smirked at him saying. "You are one to talk Oghren. There have been times where I have seen you put down more alcohol than food. Speaking of which is it possible that one can become immune to the effects of liquor?"
Oghren snorted. "What? No one becomes immune to the effects of it. That just means either you need to drink more or drink something harder. Could be Commander you aren't as soft bellied as I thought."
"You Oghren would be the first person to know that. No I am not that soft bellied but it is just that for the first time I had no nightmares last night, I slept like a baby and had no hangover. I had enough ale to drown half a pub in." Istabella said smiling.
"Then you need to switch to some harder stuff. The ale is getting to soft for you. Tell you what, I will see if I can't brew up some of Oghren's special family recipe. It will knock you on your ass and make you forget your name." Oghren grunted spearing a large sausage from a platter in front of them.
Wynne snorted derisively. "Or kill you. That is if Oghren doesn't blow up the castle first. Anyway what is on the agenda today?"
Istabella for the first time in days looked at Zevran as she spoke. She knew at some point that she would have to interact with him and it may as well be starting now. Ever since Alistair died he had made it a point to stay close to her. Istabella could only guess that Alistair had asked him to do so. Her anger at him was becoming a little less each day as the pain of Alistair's passing lessened.
"We need to do a sweep of the port and dock area of Denerim. Anora is sending a couple of guards with us that know the back alleys so we don't get lost. I have my doubts about any darkspawn hiding out there. But it is better to be safe than sorry. If we split into teams we can cover ground faster but I am the only one who can sense darkspawn. So it just might be best if we take our time as one group." Istabella informed them while taking second helpings of breakfast on her plate. Instead of setting it in front of her, she sat it down in front of Drake.
"Then we need to head out as soon as possible which will be right after Drake is done gorging himself. The port area is large and will probably take most of the day. I still need to get with the leaders of our allies that are still here too."
She looked at Zevran who was polishing the daggers he kept hidden in his bracers. "Zevran I want you to come with me to the camps tonight. I may need a second person to help me deal with the leaders."
Zevran smiled slightly and nodded, "Of course Warden."
When Drake had finished eating they headed out of the dining hall picking up Shale and the two Denerim guards. As they walked out of the palace and made their way to the port district, Denerim was in full swing. Carts half full of dead darkspawn were being hauled towards the front gates. Heavily damaged buildings were in the process of being demolished by large battering rams made of oak beams.
Istabella was greeted warmly by the surviving city folk, many of them coming up to thank her briefly with a handshake or hugs. She accepted it all gracefully but also made sure that they knew she had not done it by herself. She always acknowledged her companions since they were partly responsible for the end of the Blight.
As these well wishes and thanks of gratitude continued, Istabella glimpsed the true depth of Alistair's sacrifice. People had come together despite their differences to comfort one another and begin the rebuilding process. None of this was reflected more so when she just happened to run into Caitlyn and Bevin. The brother and sister she had met in Redcliffe when the castle and town were being overrun with the undead.
"Warden-Commander!" Caitlyn shouted as she came running towards them. Istabella thought they looked familiar and put a hand over her eyes to shade them from the sun.
When she recognized them she smiled broadly and walked over to meet them. Caitlyn wrapped her arms around Istabella's shoulders hugging as hard as she could. Istabella had somewhat grown used to complete strangers coming up and doing this. Zevran however did not seem to care for all this hugging business. When someone did hug her he stepped closer to Istabella his sharp eyes searching for any hint of a dagger. Male or female it did not matter to him as threats came in all forms. She could feel him close at her back even through her metal armor.
"Caitlyn and Bevin isn't? I was hoping you had made it out of the city when the attack had begun. It is good to see you safe." Istabella said hugging the girl and Bevin before stepping back.
Caitlyn took Bevin's hand and pulled him closer. Istabella could tell the lad was at least three inches taller since she had last seen him.
"Yes, when the attack begun we ran towards the docks. Some of the Denerim guards had seized the ships and began loading refugees on them. We were one of them and then we sailed away from the coast while waiting for the fighting to stop. When we got back most of the port area was untouched. Some of our homes had caught fire but not many. Once we heard you arrived with the allied army we figured you were able to stop them before darkspawn got this far." Caitlyn said waving her hand out gesturing to the surrounding buildings.
They were all almost untouched by fire. Some bore burned marks where the embers from the bigger fires had likely been carried by the wind. She looked back to Caitlyn, smiling. "Well it is good to see that both are safe. How are things here? Any troubles or problems that need to be dealt with?"
Caitlyn nodded. "We are starting to have problems with riff raff and thieves more so than usual. With the city guard greatly diminished there is more opportunity for trouble."
"We are headed on a sweep through port district now. I will assess everything and see about getting more guards if I can. If not I will pull rank and deputize some folks to act as guards. I doubt anyone will question my authority since it is their asses my friends and I saved from annihilation." Istabella said as they continued walking, Caitlyn and Bevin following.
"Thank you, Warden. Most of the riff raff like to hit the docks during the busy part of the day when folks are loading and unloading. Things get so chaotic that merchants are not always paying attention to their ware. We must go and help our cousins. Goodbye, Warden." Caitlyn said giving Istabella another hug before taking Bevin's hand and walking away.
Istabella waved before turning to the soldiers. "You two are now officially the leaders. We need to scout the entire port area for darkspawn. If any are here I will be able to pick it up immediately."
The soldiers nodded and led the group through the streets and winding alleys. As Istabella suspected there were no darkspawn in this part of Denerim. The only exciting thing was catching group of three teenage boys who had stolen one of the merchants' coin purses. She found great amusement as Sten stood over the boys glowering fiercely at them. They were marched back to the merchant and promptly returned the money.
The boys were then taken to the palace dungeons to spend one night in a cell. The next day they would be brought to Master Alik who was in charge of rebuilding the market district. There they would do community service of food and water runs and as well miscellaneous chores. Istabella threatened that if they stepped out of line in any way she would know and the consequences would be dire. The boys were so scared they actually burst into tears.
As dusk gradually faded into dark Istabella sent her companions and Drake back to the palace while her and Zevran headed towards the main gate. They walked in silence for a time, neither saying anything. The thanks and gratitude of the people today had touched a closed off place in her heart. The people were not only grateful for Alistair's sacrifice but hers as well.
Over the past few days she had avoided the sentimental words that people usually spoke to you when a loved one was lost. But today she had been accepting that sentiment from complete strangers, many of whom had seen her freely shed tears at Alistair's funeral. It was no secret from the people that they had loved each other. It was plainly evident to all who had seen Istabella and Alistair together.
It was Istabella's acceptance of sentiment for her loss that lessened her hurt and anger at Zevran. He had made a promise to Alistair first and she knew Zevran would not have gone back on that. Istabella hated to admit it but she felt traces of shame and guilt at just how much of a cold shoulder she had given Zevran. When they turned out of the market district Istabella stopped and turned to face Zevran.
"I know you were only doing what Alistair asked you to do. After all he apparently managed to get to you before I did. It just angered me because I was the one that was supposed to die, not him. He turned leadership over to me after Ostagar and regardless of him being the Senior Grey Warden by about six months; I was to do the deed! Oh I swear- if I he was here right now I would strangle him until he died a second time!" Istabella swore pacing up and down the dirt road.
Zevran coolly crossed his arms and looked at her. The reddish brown tattoo around her right eye that went up on part of her forehead seemed to glow vividly when she became angry or agitated. "Well I am glad you have finally decided to come around and acknowledge my innocent part in all this. I took an oath to serve you and be yours without reservation. That oath also included watching your back and keeping you alive. So therefore you cannot blame me in any way as I kept you alive per my oath, regardless of what Alistair made me promise."
Istabella stopped pacing and narrowed her eyes. "Yes, that may be so but you swore to serve me so you should have gone back on your word to Alistair. Which means as my man without reservation you were oath bound to follow my orders!"
Zevran, enjoying her anger a little too much, shook his head in exasperation. "My oath to you said nothing about following your orders specifically. Only that I am here to serve and guard you. If you had wanted me to follow orders you should have been more specific. But this is all moot as the Blight is over with and what is done is done Istabella. There is no changing the past, only moving on into the future."
Istabella swore before turning on her heel and stalked off down the street. Zevran knew he had hit a sore point and that she knew he spoke the truth. Locking herself in her room and getting drunk was not going to help her move on.
He caught up with her and grasped her arm. As he stepped in front of her he saw she was quickly trying to hide fresh tears seeping from her eyes. Gently he put his hand to her face.
"Istabella, do not cry mi amore. No more sorrow my lovely warden. I am sorry if my words sounded harsh but they were the truth. You know that just as well as I do." Zevran said softly.
He wiped away her sadness with his fingers tracking the curves of her cheek and jaw lightly. How long had he waited to caress her skin like this? He wanted more than to touch.
Istabella took a shuddering breath feeling both elated and shamed at the reactions her body was having to his touch. It felt so good but the ugly emotion of betrayal rose up in her. She felt like she was betraying Alistair so soon after his death. She had always been attracted to Zevran ever since their first meeting. He was funny, witty, flirty, naughty and just plain great company to be around.
But her body, love and loyalty had belonged to Alistair when he was alive. Now that he was gone her body was responding to another man and it left her scared and unsure of herself.
"Zevran, I can't…..it…it is too soon. I don't know what or how to feel right now." Istabella said taking his hands from her face and backing away. Her skin burned where his hands had just been a moment ago.
"I understand…" Zevran began but was interrupted when his arms were yanked up behind him.
Before Istabella could draw out her weapons a large and beefy arm closed around her throat. "I got her boys! I got the bitch that killed Howe. Let's take care of the elf and get out of here." The man removed her sword from its scabbard and threw it into the dark.
Three more beefy sized men stepped out of the shadows all bearing brand new expensive armor and very sharp, shiny weapons.
Istabella could not believe what was happening again! Apparently someone else was pissed off at her now for killing a man that was a greedy, sniveling traitor. On top of that she had another bounty on her head? Maker's balls this was way more than she had bargained for when she joined up in the Grey Wardens!
As she struggled with the man that was twice her size she could see that Zevran had his situation well within control. He had easily freed himself from his captor and was methodically taking them out one by one. As for her captor it turned into a full blown wrestling match between them. She stomped down on his foot causing him to howl in pain and then stomped on the other one. His grip loosened on her enough to where she dropped down and rammed her gloved fist into his balls. The impact disabled the man's ability to breathe and he dropped to his knees.
Bad news on his part as she brought her knee up hitting him square in the nose. A loud popping came afterwards and the man howled with pain. She gave him a savage kick to the head that knocked him out.
Instinctively she reached for her sword but got nothing but air. She had only shield in which to defend herself with. Zevran had already taken out two of the attackers and was heading for a third one. The other man standing began to advance towards her mace held high and aimed right for her head. Istabella dodged his blow and danced around him striking out with her shield.
She was after his dead friend's sword and he seemed apparently aware of this. She couldn't get close enough to grab it without him swinging at her. It did not matter anyway as she flicked her eyes over to Zevran. He had made short work of the other man and was sneaking right up on this guy. Ducking low Zevran sliced the back of the man's ankles and knees severing his tendons. The man screamed out in pain before being silenced with one stab of Zevran's dagger.
"Are you all right mi amore?"Zevran asked moving her towards the fire light and checking for any wounds. Not that she would have any as she armed to the teeth in metal armor.
"I am fine Zevran. Are you okay?" Istabella asked looking at him.
"Never better-just a couple of scratches is all. Is the one you unmanned still alive?" Zevran asked sheathing his daggers.
Istabella nodded, "I think so. Hopefully my last kick to his head did not kill him. Should we get the guard or inspect them? Apparently someone yet again wants me dead."
"Inspect them first then we will get the guard. If there is another plot against you we need to make it public. Whoever is behind it will think twice before killing you again," Zevran suggested as they searched the dead men first.
"It is not the Crows is it Zevran? They don't look like the Crows." Istabella said pulling coin and miscellaneous items out of their pockets.
"No these men are not affiliated with the Crows as they are not dressed in the right garb for assassinating people. Their armor is too bulky for sneaking around. My guess is this might be one of the nobles whose fortune was tied to Howe in some fashion. Whoever it is, they are mightily pissed off about it. Whatever the case maybe, we need to get this one tied up." Zevran said looking about.
"Well that would work if we had rope or something to tie him up with." Istabella said looking around. She then got an idea as her eyes roamed on the dead men. "Or we could strip the tunic from one of them and cut strips?"
Zevran laughed. "My dear Warden I like the way you think. Let us deprive one of them of his shirt then."
Once the unconscious man was sufficiently trussed they sat him up against a building. He was starting to come around the more Zevran slapped him. Finally his eyes opened and he started cussing and groaning.
"Now that we have you coherent, who hired you, how much and why?" Istabella said yanking the man's head up by his hair.
He spat at her which resulted in part of his hair being ripped out. He let out a yelp and watched with loathing as Istabella dropped the hair to the ground.
"I ask again. Who hired you and why?"
"Suck me you spoiled bitch!" he snarled.
In a flash Zevran was in his face with a dagger poised at this eyeball. "Talk to the Warden Commander like that again and this will get popped out. Keep being an ass and I will cut your tongue out." To make his point Zevran sliced the man right underneath his eye.
It was only a little cut but he screeched like a dying man. Zevran shook his head and looked at Istabella. "Come mi amore. Let's get him back to the palace. He will not talk and we shouldn't stay out here in case another ambush comes."
After a swift kick in the ribs the man stood up and was dragged to the palace. When he was brought in the guards took him straight to the dungeon. As they watched him go Istabella sighed. Would she ever free herself from tangled plots and political intrigues?
"My Warden?" Zevran said coming up to her.
"I'm fine Zevran. I just need a hot bath and food. I will find a servant to take care of things. Sounds like dinner will be just about over now but I am not in the mood to explain myself to everyone. Explaining to Anora will be enough as it is." Istabella said rubbing her forehead with the palm of her hand.
"Understandable mi amore. Lock your door after you are settled in. I don't think anymore attempts will be made tonight but until we figure out what is going we should be careful. I will give everyone the rundown." Zevran said turning towards the dining hall.
Istabella smiled as he went then called out "Zevran?"
He turned to her, "Yes my warden?"
"Thank you." She said to him. It was a simple gesture but one that held many meanings.
He came back to her, taking her hand and kissing it. "I am always at your side mi amore."
Istabella watched him go into the dining hall where the sound of talking drifted into the hallway. She shook her head and smiled to herself as she headed up the stairs to her room.
