The Anderfels
With the hot, ruthless sun blaring down on them, Sebastian and Donna were quick to fall into a state of dehydration, with their captors giving them the bare minimum of water to keep them going. It had been two days since Donna was 'captured' and it was already taking a toll on her body.
As the sun began to set again, Rebeka and her squad set up camp with a fire and tents. Donna and Sebastian were left to their own devices, chained together with their backs pressed up against one another. The temperature was quick to drop in the desert at night and Donna gave a slight shudder from the cold that descended upon the camp.
"Bloody sadists," Sebastian muttered under her breath.
"You're lucky to be alive," Donna murmured to him, finally breaking her silence.
"So you can talk," the prince spoke, turning his head as much as possible, his attention on her. "What do you mean I'm lucky to be alive?"
"Grey Wardens and Tevinter have started a war with Orlais, Ferelden, the Free Marches and Nevarra. All of the big leaders of those countries were attacked."
"Maker preserve us," Sebastian whispered, letting out a defeated breath. "Tell me something. Why was Fenris in that ruined town? Was he with you? Why didn't he confront our captors?"
"I am to free the captured Grey Wardens."
Sebastian was stunned momentarily.
"You wanted to be captured?" He asked. "What if they just decided to kill you?"
"Fenris asked the same thing."
"Is that why he was there? To make sure they didn't kill you?"
Donna nodded but remembered he couldn't see her. "Yes."
"How did you meet Fenris? Are you two a couple?"
"Oh, god no," Donna chuckled. "In the short time I've travelled with him, I've come to know him as a great man and an incredible fighter but Maker help him, he's deeply in love with Hawke. That's why he wanted me to help him. To save her."
"He's still in love with Hawke?" Sebastian asked. "It's a shame she wastes her time on that bastard Anders."
Donna fell silent as Sebastian went on.
"If anything good is to come of my capture, it's that I get to seek vengeance on that bloody mage."
"What he did was wrong," Donna began. "He killed an innocent Grand Cleric to drive his point home and in the end, got many mages and templars killed. But had he not done it, the world would still be trying to pretend everything was okay and that it wasn't about to cave in on itself."
"How could you defend a murderer?" Sebastian hissed lowly. "You never met him. You don't know what he was like to make an accurate judgement about him and his motives."
"On the contrary, I'm probably one of the only ones who can make such judgement."
Sebastian opened his mouth to tear her claims to shreds when Rebeka approached.
"So, my lovely," she spoke. "I never caught your name."
"Mhairi," Donna answered.
'Forgive me, Mhairi,' she thought sadly, her thoughts drifting to the eager young woman who had passed some years ago from the taint.
"Mhairi what?"
"Regan. Mhairi Regan."
Having gotten her answer, she turned to Sebastian.
"You're coming with me back to my tent," she spoke, smirking cruelly at him.
He tensed with refusal.
"Don't be like that," she purred. "It's nice and warm in my tent. Otherwise you could just freeze out here with this frigid bitch."
Donna shot her a withering look and received a backhanded slap for it.
"Know your place," she scoffed. "I am the one who holds your life in my hands. I could just as easily kill you where you sit."
Knowing there was merit in what she said, Donna straightened but kept her eyes to the sand by her feet. Rebeka hummed with approval.
"That's better."
She turned back to Sebastian.
"Now about that company-"
"I would rather freeze with a frigid bitch than to let someone like you lay a finger on me," Sebastian growled.
Rebeka slapped him as well. Red with indignation, she drew her trusted dagger.
"Then how about I carve into that handsome face of yours instead?"
She dragged the dagger across his cheek lightly, cutting the skin just enough to bleed. Sebastian tried to pull away and Rebeka roughly shoved him away, causing him to knock heads with Donna. Spitting on him, Rebeka turned and went back to their camp.
"Sorry about that," Sebastian groaned, seeing black dots in his vision. "Are you alright?"
Donna shook her head slightly to rid herself of the pain in her head and the slight headache that was starting to come on.
"You should have taken her offer," Donna muttered. "It's going to be freezing tonight."
"As if I would allow that backstabbing woman to touch me."
The other woman had a moment to think.
"You've taken your vows, haven't you?" She guessed. "You've taken an oath of celibacy."
"How could you tell?"
"It was just a guess. I knew you used to be a brother to the Chantry but that was all. It makes sense that you could have taken that vow."
"And you? You said that you were not with Fenris but do you have someone?" He asked.
Donna allowed her mind to drift to Alistair and felt her soul aching for him. She missed him so much.
"I do," she spoke, love heavy in her voice. "We've been married for eleven years."
"Congratulations," he said. "But you don't appear to be very old. You must have been in an arranged marriage."
Donna shook her head. "No. As much as my mother tried to arrange a marriage between myself and another noble, my parents were willing to wait and let me take a husband of my own choosing."
"'Another noble'? How did you become a Grey Warden? I thought Grey Wardens had to give up any and all titles to ones' name."
"They do. Circumstances landed me in the Grey Wardens and I don't regret my decision to join them. That is where I met my husband."
"So your husband is a Grey Warden also?"
"Yes."
"He isn't one of the ones being held in Weisshaupt, is he?"
"Thankfully, no. My husband is safe in Ferelden at the moment, preparing to go to war against the very men he swore to serve."
"It must be hard for you to see the Grey Wardens fighting against the people they swore to protect."
Donna nodded, her blue eyes darkening slightly. "It does. I gave the Order everything and for those in charge to do something so stupid as to ally with Tevinter? It makes my blood boil."
"Why do you think they did it?"
"As far as I know, its because most of the Wardens wanted to break free from the vows that bound them to the darkness."
"I don't understand."
"You hear stories about how great and honourable it is to be a Grey Warden but in reality, it's terrifying and practically a death sentence. What makes it honourable is the sacrifices we have to make to serve man kind."
Sebastian fell silent and the crisp air plucked at Donna's skin. Their roles were reversed. While Donna was able to stay mildly cool during the day due to her light armour, it left her vulnerable to the cold at night and while Sebastian roasted in his heavy armour during the day, he was kept warm by it at night.
'I wish I had my Dragonbone armour,' she sighed mentally.
Leaning against Sebastian, she forced herself to get some sleep. They should be arriving to Weisshaupt soon so she best be prepared.
The Waking Sea
Aveline groaned as she stretched, her back cracking in several places.
"How was your sleep?"
Turning, she spotted Isabela standing to the side, looking out at the raging sea.
"As good as one can get on a boat," Aveline spoke. "I never thought I'd say it but I'm glad you're here, Isabela."
Isabela looked at her, smiling.
"We've never been friends, per say," the warrior continued. "But in these times of war, it's always good to see a face you know you can trust."
"You're just lucky I managed to get here in time," Isabela laughed.
"How did you get here on time? How did you know to come to us?"
"Do you remember that ex-crow member we saved a few years back from those men disguised as noblemen?"
"The painted elf with a libido as big as yours?"
Isabela winked. "That's the one. Zevran Arainai."
"What about him?"
"After he left, he went back to the Crows and killed their leaders, making him the one in charge of the assassins. With his new personal army, he used their skills as a spy network and set them up all over Thedas. He heard rumours of the oncoming war and contacted me when I docked in Antiva. From then on, the rest was history."
"How big is this war? We don't know anything aside from the fact that they assassinated Viscount Bran."
"I'm just as in the dark as you, love," the captain stated. "Out here in the middle of the ocean, we won't be getting news until we reach the Port of Highever."
"Will they just take us in? As I recall, Kirkwall treated the Fereldens as second rate."
"We'll just have to see, won't we?" Isabela then spotted something on the horizon. "And I have a feeling we won't have to wait too long."
Isabela returned to the wheel as her First Mate relinquished his job to her.
"Land ahead!" Isabela called.
Aveline turned to see that just on the horizon, Ferelden could be seen.
"Home," she whispered.
Ferelden
Denerim
Having received news, Alistair and Zevran rode out with Cullen and Aevah to the edge of Denerim.
"What's going on, your Majesty?" Cullen asked, having been kept in the dark.
Alistair paused upon his horse, his eyes searching before he spotted the first lot of people coming down the road.
"There."
Dismounting, he and the others waited as the mass group of Orlesians approached. There were so many refugees. Leading them was none other than Leliana, the Divine Victoria.
As they came into view, Aevah hugged Leliana.
"I'm glad you're safe, your Grace," she spoke.
Leliana smiled but her eyes sought out Alistair. She felt so lost, just like when she fled Orlais the first time. Seeing this, Alistair was quick to move. He addressed the Orlesians.
"Welcome, everyone," he greeted. "I am King Alistair. You have faced great hardship and a rough journey to get here but rest assured in the knowledge that we will help you however we can. Those able to fight are asked to join the army to help us push back the enemy."
"If you are willing to join the army, come to me," Cullen called.
Practically all of the men left the crowd to join him.
"This is how it's going to work. Those who are not going to be part of the war are going to be taken to several towns south of here where it will be safe and away from the fighting. Those to be part of the war will be housed north, on the border and the coast to train and be on standby. We won't attack until every refugee has made it here to Ferelden safely."
He noticed how dejected the people of Orlais looked and it was quite strange for him to see them without their masks. He couldn't give them much but he could try to give them comfort.
"While we here in Ferelden do not wear masks as your society does, I'm sure we could find the materials needed in order for you all to create new masks?" He asked.
That seemed to raise the spirits of the Orlesians a little who bowed graciously to him.
"For now, come into Denerim. Food and clothes await you."
As the Orlesians made their way into the city, Alistair lead Leliana to the palace with Aevah, Zevran, Shale and Cullen following behind. Entering the Throne room, Alistair addressed the soldiers already within the room.
"Some privacy please," he asked. "And let no one else in."
The soldiers nodded and bowed, banging a fist to their chest in honour of him before leaving. He heard the faint sound of metal as the men took up guard outside the door to do his bidding and he felt proud that his men respected his so much as to do as he asked.
"Leliana," Alistair spoke, taking off her Divine hat revealing her red hair.
The red-head allowed herself a moment of weakness and embraced Alistair.
"I don't know what I'm doing, Alistair," she cried, burying her face into his chest.
Alistair wrapped his arms around her, holding her petite form close.
"It's alright, Leliana," Alistair soothed her. "You aren't alone in this. All of us are together again. Well, most of us."
"Fear not, my divine beauty," Zevran stated, close by. "When the Heroes of the Fifth Blight are together, there is nothing that can stop us, no?"
"We're missing a few people and a dog."
Arrf!
Speak of the devil, out came Thane, Donna's mabari. He yipped and trotted around, not as young as he used to be to jump a lot.
"Thane," Leliana whispered affectionately. "We're just missing Morrigan, Wynne, Sten and Donna."
"Make that Wynne, Sten and Donna."
Everyone turned to see Morrigan standing in the doorway with her son, Kieran.
"What a lovely surprise," Zevran laughed, clapping.
"Morrigan," Leliana sighed.
"Is that..."
"Yes, it is. This is Kieran," she spoke, cutting Alistair off. "I come to offer my help."
"Really?" Alistair wondered.
"Is that really so surprising?"
"Well...yes," Alistair murmured.
"If you do not wish for my help, I could just-"
"I'm kidding, Morrigan," Alistair laughed. "I welcome help in any way, shape, or form."
Morrigan huffed but no one could deny the tension that eased from her shoulders.
Alistair approached Kieran and looked down upon the little boy.
"Hello, I'm Alistair," he spoke, offering him a handshake.
Kieran turned shy but took the hand offered to him.
"Kieran, sir."
Alistair couldn't stop staring and the others began to notice.
"Let's go make sure the Orlesians are taken care of," he spoke, moving away from his son.
Ferelden
Highever
Not long after spotting the coast of Ferelden did they find themselves surrounded by other ships.
"Don't attack!" Isabela called. "We're-"
"Rest assured, Captain Isabela," a man called from the ship closest to them. "You will not be attacked. We are here to escort you and the other ships to the Port of Highever."
"Oh."
The man smiled a disarming smile to set them at ease.
"So far, so good," Donnic stated from his place beside his wife. "They seem to be welcoming."
"Highever has always been an honourable place. The last Teyrn was even considered for Kingship instead of the late King Cailan because of his experience, morals and honour."
"We're lucky to be docking in Highever instead of another port," Varric said as he approached them. "From what I hear, the rest of Ferelden might not be as welcoming."
"Lucky indeed," Aveline murmured.
As they got closer to Highever Port, the ships of the welcoming committee pulled back to stay at sea. Only the leaders ship docked with them.
Having docked before him, they were told to wait upon the ship for him to come and address them. Whispers broke out amongst them about possible mistreatment and whatnot when finally, the man stood before their ships.
"Hello everyone and welcome to Ferelden, to Highever," he spoke to the masses. "I apologise that we are not as architecturally advanced as Kirkwall is but I hope you all find comfort here in Ferelden. Yes, we love our dogs and hold them in high regards but no, we do not sleep with them."
He smiled as he heard a few chuckles and giggles from the crowd and was glad he broke the ice as such.
"King Alistair has asked me to find any person willing to join the army and help us fight back against Tevinter and the Grey Wardens. Could those people please step forward."
Most of the refugees stepped forward. Only mothers with their young children held their ground. Fergus nodded and bowed his head in respect.
"We thank you for your contribution. Those wishing to join the army will remain here in Highever while those wanting to not take part in the fight will be moved to another town away from the northern coast where attacks are likely to take place. For now though, please enter Castle Cousland, help yourself to the food and clothes that was prepared for you and find an empty bed to rest in. In a few days, the civilians will be relocated but for now, we want you all to relax and find a small measure of peace."
In disbelief, everyone filed off the boats and into Castle Cousland, passing the hundreds of soldiers and mages training for the upcoming battle. Most were left speechless upon finding many tables set up with bread, fruit and vegetables. Wafting from inside the castle itself was the smell of roast lamb, pork and beef. Everyone began to eat, starved from their two week journey at sea. Clothes and blankets were passed out amongst the refugees who looked forward to changing out of their dirty clothes.
Fergus approached Aveline who stood with Donnic, Varric and Isabela.
"King Alistair asked me to send you off to Denerim if you were willing. Many of the heroes are meeting up there going over tactics."
"Is Hawke there?" Isabela asked.
Fergus's face turned downcast as he remembered his sisters' mission.
"I will leave my King to explain what is going on. Horses have been prepared for your journey if you are happy to ride to Denerim."
"We will leave in the morning," Aveline agreed, seeing her companions nodding their consent.
"Tell me this, first," Varric asked. "Is the Hero of Ferelden taking part in this war?"
Fergus hesitated. "In a sense. That is all I shall say and the King will explain the rest."
The Anderfels
Weisshaupt
The fortress of Weisshaupt was an intimidating sight to the two prisoners as they trailed behind their captors.
"What is going to happen to me?" Sebastian asked. "I doubt your superiors are going to want to deal with a non-Warden."
Rebeka shot him a sadistic smirk over her shoulder. "You're right there, sweet cheeks. We're going to put you through the Joining and see if you survive."
Donna's head snapped up and looked at him with wide eyes, the first major expression he's seen on her face.
"You can't!"
Rebeka laughed. "Oh, but I can."
'But they haven't incorporated the mixture Avernus uses in Ferelden to increase the survival rate of the initiatives! If he drinks from the chalice, it'll be just like my Joining and he could end up like Daveth or Mhairi.'
She had to do something but what?
As they approached the gates into the fortress, Donna felt a tug of something. A creature of some sort. It was nothing like she'd ever felt before. What was that?
It was a firm tug on her mind but a gentle one, pulling at her Ranger senses. Donna tugged back and felt whatever was on the other end hesitate, not expecting a reply. Her eyes slipped closed to feel for the connection but whatever it was had retreated.
Opening her eyes again, she was met with the sight of many Grey Wardens. The tainted blood in her veins sang in tune with theirs, louder than most but going unnoticed by their inexperience. She saw the choppy ends of her hair and had to give Rebeka some credit for making it easier to hide herself in the event that someone here recognised her. She just wished the cut was more even.
She was dragged passed many of her Warden brothers who had taken vows to protect the people and yet violated that sacred oath. They made her sick. She could see though in some, their eyes swam with fear and self-hatred. Not all were willing but were too afraid to stand against the leaders for fear of being on the other side of the bars themselves.
'I must set this right somehow. I will free my brethren.'
They were dragged passed the large courtyard that held her fellow men and focused on her blood and the song it sang. Using her ranger ability to mingle with it, her song pitched high with staccato, a signal her passed companions would recognise as hers she hoped. Half-way to the other side, she noticed movement behind the front line of people watching her and Sebastian.
Her eyes connected with the cobalt blue of her faithful friend and companion, Nathaniel Howe. His eyes were wide in disbelief and slightly fearful for what her capture meant. Shaking her head, she let him know to keep silent on her identity for it hadn't yet been compromised. Close by his side stood a familiar elven woman with hardened eyes that looked upon her.
Offering her a smile, the elf's cold gaze softened and her face contorted to one of sorrow. So much had been left unsaid between the two. There was a banging on the chains to her right and turning to the other half of the courtyard, she saw two dwarfs with their jaws hanging open.
"Commander!" Sigrun yelled.
"What!?" Rebeka snapped, thinking it was her she was talking to.
Donna shook her head to Sigrun who barely managed to cover up her mistake.
"I-...uh...like your hair?"
Rebeka rolled her eyes and continued on, ignoring her. As Donna and Sebastian finally came to the end of the track to a building, she could hear Oghren's joyous laughter, knowing his friend had come to save them somehow.
Locked away from everyone else, Rebeka gave them a fleeting look.
"Wait here in Isolation while we prepare for your Joining, Prince," Rebeka laughed before shutting the door behind her and leaving Sebastian and Donna in near darkness.
"What is this Joining?" Sebastian asked.
"You are going to be given a chalice filled with darkspawn blood mixed with the blood of an archdemon," Donna explained as she worked to remove her necklace -her Warden's Oath- from her neck. "The chances of you surviving are slim to none."
"You have got to be joking," Sebastian hissed before noticing what she was doing. "What are you doing?"
"In Ferelden, a Grey Warden mage by the name of Avernus began experimenting on other Grey Wardens, trying to figure out a way to extend the life of a Warden since ours is reduced to thirty years upon taking the blood into ourselves. His research produced incredible results and increased the survival rate of the initiates. Unfortunately, Weisshaupt refused to incorporate his new creation because of the Wardens that had been sacrificed and it had been considered wrong at the time. Now it would be lost to them."
Still bound, she removed the lid of the small vial and emptied it on the floor. She gestured for Sebastian to come closer. When he did, Donna reached for one of the many sharp edges upon his armour and dragged her finger across with force, slicing it open.
"What in Maker's name are you doing?" He asked.
"I was one of the first people to drink his concoction before it was integrated into the Joining. Hopefully, that is still in my blood."
With steady hands, she allowed her blood to drip into the vial. Once it was full and she placed the lid back on it, she offered it to Sebastian.
"Before you drink from the chalice, drink this. I don't know if it will increase your chances or not but what do you have to lose?"
"Why should I trust what you have to say?" Sebastian asked, angry with the situation handed to him.
"Why shouldn't you? If I wanted you dead, I'd leave it to the Joining to claim your life."
Sebastian stared at the vial offered to him before he growled and took it from her hands.
"This is only one of many sacrifices we have to make. The Joining is kept secret otherwise there would be a lot less willing people to join and the world does need Grey Wardens to stop a Blight."
The door was opened not long after and Sebastian was dragged out with one final look to Donna.
"I'll pray for you," she promised, rising to her feet and he was gone.
"How sweet," Rebeka spat before delivering a punch to her gut.
Donna doubled over, winded.
"You're a disgrace," she wheezed.
"Still getting lippy, huh?"
The next punch was aimed at her face, causing her to stagger back.
"Teach her a lesson, boys," Rebeka ordered before leaving the isolation block.
With her hands chained, she was left to the mercy of the men who held pent up aggression towards their female Commander.
Ferelden
Denerim
"Lord Cousland has reported that Aveline and the others are headed here tomorrow," Zevran spoke. "The refugees are recuperating and will be divided fighters from civilians and relocated accordingly."
"Good," Alistair nodded. "Things seem to be going smoothly."
Another bird came in through the window to land on Zevran's shoulder. As it chirped, Zevran nodded, committing the message to memory.
"My men have spotted another large group of refugees crossing through Orlais from Nevarra. Not far behind them are Tevinter and Grey Wardens."
"They will catch up to the refugees if we don't do something," Leliana stated.
"Our forces aren't ready yet, though," Vivienne countered. "If we strike prematurely, we risk doing more harm to ourselves than them."
"We can't just sit by and do nothing," Josephine protested.
"We wouldn't be doing nothing," Eamon offered. "We would have more time training our men."
Zevran looked at Alistair who was staring at the map with markers telling of people's positions.
"What would Donna do?" He heard the king whisper to himself.
"You know what she would do," Zevran spoke softly to the baffled king. "She would never sacrifice someone. The question is, how do you save them?"
"Damn it," Alistair muttered, biting the tip of his thumb with the tip of his teeth as he stared at the map.
With the debate going on about him, he let himself run through scenarios. To go all the way around Orlais would take too long and the refugees would be killed before reaching halfway. Could they make it across the Waking Sea. Was it a good idea to risk men at sea if they've never been on a boat before? The small strip of sea running through Orlais was riddled with large rocks that would destroy any ship that attempted to go through without the proper guidance. As he stared at the small strip of sea running through Orlais, a memory came forth from his subconscious mind.
Alistair walked through the palace, intent on spending some well deserved alone time with his wife after dealing with the most frustrating nobles Ferelden had to offer. As he reached the library, he heard soft singing followed by a feminine giggle.
Opening the door, he found Donna in her under clothes, sitting on one of the lounge chairs facing the large fireplace. A blanket lay across her bent legs that supported a book close to her eye level. She stopped mid song to spot her dear husband still dressed up after having dealt with the royal court. She herself had returned that morning from a quick journey to Amaranthine and so was excused from attending that day.
Alistair took a moment to admire his beautiful wife. The light from the fire lit up her mocha skin, her long hair was let down and pulled to rest over her right shoulder, exposing her bare left arm to his eyes. What seemed to draw him in though was her eyes, sparkling from both the flickering flame and genuine mirth. The years had been hard on them, from the pressures of the court to produce a child, to the ever present Call of the darkspawn blood within them. The stress was dragging them down slowly and the only solace they found was within one another since their friends had all gone their own ways.
"Don't stop," Alistair spoke, entranced.
Donna shifted forward on the seat and nodded her head over her shoulder to signify the spot now free behind her. Alistair strode across the room after locking the door behind him so as not to be disturbed and settled at her back with his legs open to accommodate her. Shuffling back, she rested her back against him and his arms encircled her, holding her close. Her head fell back to rest against his right shoulder and he turned to place a kiss upon the left side of her neck that was exposed to him. Donna hummed in content.
"What were you singing?" He asked.
Donna's eyes opened, simply staring up at the roof for a moment before looking down at the book being held up against her cloaked legs.
"It's a Chantey called 'The Soldier and the Seawolf'. Have you ever heard it?"
Alistair shook his head softly. Donna started to laugh softly to herself and sang it for him.
"The Lion's ships were Denerim bound;
Oh, drop him Lady, drop him!
Let the true King's call for aid resound;
Just drop him Lady, drop him!
A soldier lad from the army came;
Oh, drop him Lady, drop him!
Leading thirty souls in Maric's name;
Just drop him Lady, drop him!
Turn him loose and let him go
Down to the rocks and waves below
The depths can have that scurvy knave
Just drop him Lady, drop him!
When the soldier met the Mistral's crew
Not a word of their great deeds he knew
And the Seawolf he took for a servant lass
Great Andraste, what an ass!
'Fore the Seawolf's ire, no man could stand
Soldier felt his death was close at hand
Two great steps back did he retreat
And the cliff side crumbled 'neath his feet."
Donna started laughing again and Alistair took a moment to register her words, trying to find out why it was so funny.
"I'm sorry, love, but am I missing the joke here?" He wondered.
Donna stopped with a sigh, closing the book and turning her head to face the fireplace by their feet.
"My mother, before she married my father, was Eleanor Mac Eanraig, daughter of Bann Fearchar Mac Eanraig, a famous raider from the Storm Coast. Grandfather was also known as the Storm Giant at sea. Mother and her siblings, Marco, Eyvette and Fenic were raised aboard war ships and it wasn't long before they were commanding their own but my mother was the best of them all. When she was fifteen, she took down an Orlesian warship."
Alistair let out a whistle, clearly impressed by his late mother-in-law. Donna rarely spoke in depth of her parents since it was still a sore subject for her and he understood that but it was nice to now have an idea of what kind of woman Eleanor would have been.
"My mother was given a ship and she became infamous among the Orlesians. She was the Seawolf of the Mistral'."
Alistair looked at her in shock then to the book.
"You mean that song is about your mother?" He asked.
Donna nodded.
"Then does that mean that the soldier is-"
"-my father, yes."
Alistair chuckled then.
"He mistook her for a servant?"
Donna laughed, nodding.
"He did! Mother was so mad, she wanted to throw him overboard."
"I'm surprised she didn't."
"Sorely tempted, though. I assure you."
"What happened after that?" Alistair asked, encouraging her on.
"They clashed frequently. Father said mother was a stubborn wench who had no sense of humour. Mother said father was a fool who couldn't take anything serious."
"Sounds like a couple I know," Alistair joked.
Donna scoffed indignantly, pinching his leg by her side, causing the King to yelp in pain. This only drew a laugh from his wife, unsympathetic to his pain. His arms tightened around her as he started to chuckle.
"After that encounter, things were tense and they clashed often but no one could deny they made the perfect team. When my father's father died from an illness, Father had no choice but to return his body to Highever but every day, he would message Mother. By that point, they had become good friends. Sometimes she would receive more than one message a day. They weren't anything of importance but mother kept every letter and showed them to me. Father would sometimes send stick figure drawings instead of words," she giggled. "So strange and yet he was a fool in love. So was my mother which was why she kept the letters, no matter how silly they were."
"It sounds romantic," Alistair murmured, kissing her neck just under her ear.
A shudder ran through her, raising goose bumps along her arms.
"Not romantic as our story, I believe," Donna countered.
"Hmm, you have a point there, dear wife."
"A bastard Prince and a hunted Noble."
"Why don't we have a Chantey about us?" Alistair huffed. "That would be an amazing song."
"How about I message Leliana and ask her to create a song about us if it angers you so, dear husband?"
"You'd better, wife, or fear my wrath."
His fingers found her sides where he proceeded to tickle her. Uncontrollable laughter escaped the queen, unable to break free of his hold, squirming in his arms.
"Alistair!" She cried out. "S-Stop! A-Alist-ahhahaha!"
She struggled and somehow managed to end up on her stomach, head at the other end of the lounge. Alistair held himself above her with his arms on either side of her, trapping her there but her gaze was on the dancing fireplace.
"When my parents met again, it was at your father's coronation. There, Father attempted to propose to Mother by singing all ten verses of 'The Soldier and the Seawolf'. He made it to the third before Mother stopped him and accepted his proposal. She didn't let the song be sung at their wedding."
Alistair kissed her neck again and lowered his body to her side.
"Did your mother teach you how to lead ships?" Alistair asked.
Donna turned to him after folding her arms under her head.
"She did. Fergus and I spent a lot of time on ships considering we have a large dock in Highever. The ocean was calming and when I heard Mother's stories of her victories at sea, I wanted to be like her. Unfortunately, Fergus was the better Captain but I was the better fighter."
"Really? Fergus never told me he was good at sea," Alistair spoke in awe.
Donna smiled sadly. "No, he wouldn't. Fergus isn't one for gloating, only when teasing. But after...what happened...he rarely ever went out to sea."
"My love..."
Donna rolled so that she was on her back but kept her head towards him so that she could look into his eyes.
"If there is ever conflict at sea, I ask that you send my brother," she spoke. "He is the best Captain I know and he knows most of the Waking Sea like the back of his hand."
Alistair nodded and Donna reached over, caressing his face. Propping himself up, he captured her lips with a kiss. With a moan, Donna wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him back to hover over her lithe form. Hearing her moan, Alistair knew he was done for. He was glad he locked the door.
"Alistair?"
Brought out of his thoughts, Alistair looked up to see Zevran watching him, concerned.
"I'm fine," he assured the elf. "I've decided," he called, drawing the attention back to him.
"Leliana, you will ride out with Aevah, Vivienne and Morrigan. Merrill should be returning in an hour or so and will go with you. You will stop the group before they get too far from Highever and take them back."
"Take them back, your Majesty?" Cullen asked.
"Yes. Donna once told me her brother was an excellent Captain and I know Isabela is as well. They will lead a small fleet through the rocks in the Waking Sea and pick up the refugees. They will also have soldiers and mages aboard to hold off the following enemy should they engage."
"Are you sure, Alistair?" Leliana asked. "The Waking Sea that runs through Orlais is littered with so many rocks. Even the most experienced Captains hesitate and refuse to go through there."
Alistair grit his teeth. "I know. But I have faith in my wife who has faith in her brother. This is the only way to save them and leaving them is not an option. Not for me."
"A noble sentiment, however foolish," Vivienne stated.
"The mages can also help with barriers to possibly lessen the damage should a ship collide with the rocks."
"There aren't that many mages in Highever, your Highness," Cullen declared. "There are a few that had been stationed there but they are young and inexperienced."
"There are some that came from Kirkwall with the people," Zevran countered. "You do not need many and let's not forget the beautiful women with us now."
Leliana nodded. "Zevran is right. Aevah was the bloody Inquisitor. Vivienne is no push over and Morrigan..."
Morrigan gave her a steady look. Leliana held her gaze.
"Though I don't like you as a person, there is no denying your magical prowess."
"You did turn into a dragon," Aevah added.
"You what?" Alistair asked.
"Tis no big deal, Alistair," Morrigan spoke, brushing him off.
"I'm just saying," Leliana continued. "That we have remarkable mages here. We will be fine."
"Our dear Merrill is no push over, either," Zevran added.
"Alright, have your things ready and extra items for Merrill. The moment she reaches Denerim, you will all be off to Highever."
The women involved nodded, leaving to get their things in order. Alistair released a breath, leaning against the table with his head bowed.
"It's a tough decision, your Majesty," Josephine comforted.
"There wasn't a decision," Alistair answered. "I could never sacrifice lives like that. It was more like trying to figure out how to save them that was an issue."
"I had no idea that Lord Cousland was a Captain," Cullen spoke. "There wasn't much talk of the Cousland children knowing how to command ships."
"It makes sense," Josephine said. "Considering their mother, the late Eleanor Cousland was the Seawolf."
"You mean the Seawolf in 'The Soldier and the Seawolf'?" Cullen asked, surprised.
Josephine nodded.
"Donna told me Fergus was the better Captain of the two but she was the better fighter."
"Like their parents."
"I'm sure their parents would be proud of them," Josephine offered. "They have accomplished so much together and individually."
"What's she like?" Josephine asked. "I've never had the chance to meet her."
"When I met her, she seemed like your average soldier," Cullen revealed. "She was definitely a good leader at the time and considering people followed her against demons and whatever else, she held a lot of respect."
"You could never understand with words alone," Alistair added.
"She is strange in the company she keeps," Zevran added with a chuckle. "She has a habit of recruiting people that try to kill her."
Alistair laughed at that and allowed some of the tension to ease from his body.
"I had heard that she recruited Nathaniel Howe, the son of the man who slaughtered her family," Cullen stated. "Not only that, but he had returned to Amaranthine to assassinate her."
Alistair nodded.
"How were you okay with that?" Cullen asked.
"Because of this guy," he answered, nudging his head at Zevran who stood at his side who wore a playful smirk.
"I don't understand."
"I was a Crow member, as you know. I was employed by Loghain to assassinate the two remaining Grey Wardens in Ferelden. I set up a trap, an obvious one, mind you and attacked. Everyone else was killed but me. She saw something in me and when I offered to join her, she took my offer."
"You didn't try to kill her again after that?" Josephine asked.
"There would have been no point. The Crows would have known I failed the first time and killed me for that," he answered. "My life was forfeit and at the time, I was fine with that. I didn't care that she could have used me then killed me once my usefulness ran out, like I was used to doing or seeing others do. But she didn't. Instead, she made me care about her and eventually, I fell in love with her."
The others in the room looked at Alistair who looked back with a raised eyebrow.
"What? I've known this since the Fifth Blight. But Zevran respects Donna and her love for me. Zevran is a good friend and I don't fault him for loving her after all, I understand. At one point, I could have sworn Leliana was in love with her too."
"The point is, Donna is someone very precious to me, as Alistair has come to be as well," Zevran concluded. "She has a way of reaching out and touching people's hearts."
"Zevran, send a message to Fergus telling of our plans. He will need time to prepare his ships."
Zevran nodded and swiftly left. Alistair looked back at the map but was looking through it as his thoughts wandered back to his absent wife. He prayed for her safety.