Thanks to everyone for the favorites and alerts. Well this chapter just didn't want cooperate. A part of me just wants to get to the main point of the story, but I need to set a little background, but Alistair fluff is always good. It's cute and sweet nothing really explicit. Enjoy, next chapter has alright been started and I'm excited to be getting to the interesting part of the story. Well enjoy! And Happy Reading!
PE
Chapter 3
"I don't know, Your Majesty." Irving fingered his beard and glanced over at Knight-Commander Greagoir. The Knight-Commander's face was blank showing none of what he could possibly be thinking. "It seems plausible in theory, but," he looked up at Greagoir waiting for the other man's response to Alistair's proposal.
Alistair didn't think his idea for restructuring the Circle of Magi was too ridiculous in fact it was a very sensible idea. The only problem was getting it past Greagoir. The Knight-Commander was a good man who did care about the people under his charge both Templars and mages. Alistair had worked with Wynne for the several weeks on his plan for the Circle. They had both agreed that the Chantry and Templars were needed to still protect the mages of the Circle, but Alistair also believed there was a better way to treat the mages. They were people, grant it people with amazing and potentially dangerous powers, but people none the less. He wanted them treated as such. Parents should not be afraid to send their children off to the Circle to learn to use their Maker given powers. Wynne agreed with him. So Alistair had come up with the plan of making the Circle more like a school. Older enchanters as instructors helping new mages learn the ropes. Templars were to be guards serving as protectors not jailers. The Chantry would still have a presence and say in the matters of the Circle, but mages would be given more freedom to study and learn as they wished. Big thing was to try and discourage the use of blood and demonic magics. That would be up to the First enchanter and Knight-Commander on how they wanted to punish those that broke the laws or rules.
"Alistair, isn't asking for you to make a decision at this moment. He's simply asking for you all to think about it." Wynne spoke up folding her hands together on the table. Alistair nodded to the older woman. Irving and Greagoir both looked over at her.
"You agreed with the king on this, Wynne?" Irving asked still fingering his beard in thought. Wynne nodded. Irving sighed and looked at Greagoir again. "I will at least think on it. What about you, Greagoir?"
The Knight-Commander's face was still impassive. He crossed his arms with a clank of armor and eyed up the four people in the room. Alistair felt like he was being judged. The light colored eyes of the Templar's gaze fell on him and then quickly shifted to Wynne and finally rest on Shirl, who had been silent throughout the entire presentation.
"What do you think of this, Lady Cousland?" The Knight-Commander asked gruffly.
Shirl shook her head. "I'm will Wynne and Alistair on this. I think the Circle as a school or a place of learning where Mages aren't afraid to go to study is a good idea in theory, but you won't know the full effect until you try."
Greagoir nodded, frowning. "The Divine will have to be alerted of these plans. But I will think on what exactly I plan on saying my opinions of this project could be. You have all made a good point, but I will need time to think of my decision."
"That's all we ask." Wynne said thankfully.
Alistair stood up and bowed his head to both Irving and Greagoir. "I, thank you both, for coming all this way to speak with us. I will have someone show you to your rooms."
"That won't be necessary, Alistair. I will show both Greagoir and Irving to their rooms." Wynne supplied standing up as well. "I would also love for both of them to dine with me this evening so that we may discuss my returning to the Circle."
Irving and Greagoir both nodded to Wynne and then stood as well, bowing toward Alistair. "Thank you for your hospitality, Your Majesty." Irving intoned politely. He, Wynne and Geagoir exited the room with brisk, but smooth strides. Alistair watched them until the door closed behind them then he sank down into his chair once more. He felt drained. He glanced at Shirl who was watching the door closely.
"Well, that didn't go as horribly as I thought." Shirl stated stretching her arms above her head.
Alistair shrugged and leaned back. His stomach growled grumpily at him. Shirl stood up and regarded him solemnly. "You should go get something to eat while you can. I think Eamon and Teagan wanted to speak with you after lunch."
Alistair groaned as he stood up. "Why do they need to see me?" He asked hoping that it would be something at least pleasant they would be discussing as he wanted to go down into the city at some point today to help with some of the construction still going on down there.
Shirl rolled her eyes and crossed her arms as she turned to leave the room. "You are unbelievable sometimes, you know that right?"
Alistair followed her out, his stomach grumbled again. "I don't understand. What did I say this time?"
"Eamon and Teagan want to discuss the Orlaisian ambassador's arrival party." Shirl said shortly.
Alistair groaned and rubbed a hand over his face. "I can't believe I forgot about that. She's do to arrive at the end of this week. Weren't Teagan and Eamon planning some type of dance?"
Shirl nodded. "They are planning a masquerade. It's a type of costumed ball that's pretty popular in Orlais."
"Great, so everyone dresses up and dances around in costumes of fantastical creatures or people. Do you think anyone will dress up as you? I mean you are the Hero of Ferelden and all." Alistair wondered out loud. He smiled as Shirl stiffened at his words.
"You better hope no one dresses up as me." She responded dropping her arms to her side. "I don't relish the idea of seeing what people think I would wear."
Alistair nudged her in the ribs. "Calm down, Blight Queller, I was joking."
Shirl sighed. "I know you were, but there are quite a few nobles who I wouldn't put it pass them to try something ridiculous like that." Alistair saw her shoulders slump. "For all the good I've done to help Ferelden, people will still find me lacking."
Alistair shook his head. Shirl wasn't lacking anything, well, maybe tack, but she was use to people trying to play games. She liked being blunt because that way few people could twist her words around on her. Most took her a face value. Something fierce and protective rose up in him at the thought of anyone ridiculing her. She was the slayer of the Archdemon, a Grey Warden who united the races of Ferelden together to stand against the Blight. No one else could have pulled something together like that but her. She was tough and kind in the same breath. She was his rock.
"Alistair, I want you to promise me something?" Shirl asked suddenly stepping into his path. He stopped looking down at her.
"What?"
"Promise me that if anything happens to me, you'll move on, don't linger in self-doubt or look for a way to avenge me. Just do the best you can for Ferelden." Shirl's eyes met his and his breath caught in his throat. He canted his head. What was she saying?
"What are you talking about? If something happens to you? Nothing is going to…" She placed a hand over his mouth forestalling the rest of his protest.
"All the more reason you can promise me this." He regarded her serious expression and sighed. Pushing her hand away from his lips, he replied. He held her hand in his loving the warmth of it.
"Very well, if you think it will matter. I promise not to go crazy if something were to happen to you. There, happy? Now can I go get something to eat before I waste away to nothing." Shirl smiled. It wasn't forced, but a touch of sadness crept into her eyes.
What is wrong with her? Alistair wondered thoroughly confused by Shirl's strange request. She looped her arm through his a gesture of friendliness that she had not shown in a while. "Is it all right if I join you for lunch at least for a bit?" She asked. Alistair smiled and then crinkled his nose.
"Really, you would humble yourself long enough to eat with me? I feel honored." Shirl laughed and swatted his arm playfully. This was more like old times. He had wondered where this Shirl had been hiding these past few weeks. But even as they walked he got the feeling there was more to this little act of hers than met the eye. Shirl was good at manipulating people into getting what she wanted. Alistair had a sense there was something going on that she wasn't telling him. And he didn't like the idea one bit.