AN: Here's chapter four, hope you all enjoy. Keep in mind things are moving fast with Solona and Anders because of their past relationship.
Disclaimer: I don't own and I make no profit off anything I write. Bioware and Microsoft own all rights to these wonderful characters and places I play with.
Chapter Four: In Which Anders Becomes a Father
The new Warden recruits smiled brightly and rose when their Commander entered the room. Alistair and Elissa were off to one side of the rather large dining table. Nathaniel, Wynne and the other Wardens were seated on the other side. A few Wardens were seated beside the King and his fiancée. Elissa noticed they had not risen at their own arrival. Then again Solona Amell was likened to a queen among the ranks of the Grey Wardens, in Ferelden.
Solona smiled shyly and gave a very small curtsy to her subordinates. "Oh stop it. I promise not to swing a Qunari Blade like a toy like I had last night."
The Wardens chuckled and seated themselves. Alistair was able to get a full view of the mage who stole his heart. She was a vision. Her dress flowed around her body like a pool of liquid silver. The conservative front fell into long and sweeping sleeves. The bodice was not as tight as the courtiers preferred, it was loose and free. Her long midnight hair cascaded down her back in waves. The midnight locks rippled every time she took a step. Not a piece of jewelry was upon her skin, the dress itself was shimmering like a gem. The back was most surprising, it swept low to just above the swell of her hips and exposed a fair amount of skin.
Elissa had nodded she had never seen the style before. "That is a most elegant dress Commander."
"Of course Lady Cousland, it was a gift from Nate. He said it just suited me, he gave it as a gift for Feast Day." Solona smiled brightly. "He said it was his mothers."
Elissa turned to Nathaniel. "I've never seen a dress of that make before Howe. Where did your mother procure it?"
Nathaniel shrugged. "It's Riviani design. Someone thought my mother would look fabulous in the design. She never wore it, claimed it was to quaint for her own tastes. She preferred the usual Orlesian style."
Elissa nodded her head. She watched as Anders led her to her chair and was gentlemanly enough to pull out her chair and push it in for her. He took his seat beside her and kissed her hand. "Forgive her for being late; she could not seem to be able to figure out the laces."
Alistair bit back a growl. "I don't see any laces."
Elissa gasped. "On the inside? It must be terrible uncomfortable."
Solona shook her head. "Nonsense, it's pure silk, it's also very loose, compared to the Orlesian designs. There is more than enough room to rest the straps. It was a pain to do the laces myself though. Anders was kind enough to help. The straps are a sheer material and cannot be seen, not easily anyways."
Elissa nodded her head. Alistair tried to hold his tongue, but he could not. "Is that what he was doing in your room when I knocked earlier?"
Elissa wanted to smack her future husband. She knew he wanted the Hero of Ferelden for himself, but honestly, to be so public about it. "I'm sorry Commander, he was checking for myself. I had no idea when dinner was. I also had no idea all Wardens ate like this."
Solona nodded her head. "Yes, a side effect of being a Warden is the very large appetite." Solona spied a roll and reached for it. Anders made to grab it before her and she sent a bit of force magic to slam his hand to the table. "You know what happens when you try to steal food from me Anders."
Anders tried to lift his hand and found it weighed too much to do so. "Did you just use Force Magic on my hand?"
Nathaniel's ears perked up at this. "You did that last week when I went for the last of the strawberries, and Keath was about to eat the last of the onion bread."
Solona shrugged. "As Commander I am allowed last pick."
Wynne chuckled. "Of course dear, anyone in your position should have the last pick of foods. These males just shovel it all in."
Solona chuckled. "Keath is one of our Guard Warriors. He is well versed with a Sword and Shield. I think I stole him from you actually Alistair. He intended on joining the King's Guard. I merely stated how much more worth he'd have in the Grey Wardens."
Alistair looked over at Solona oddly. "You've been stealing possible recruitments?"
Solona smirked. "I would not say stealing. I've just been recruiting; my offer seems better right now I guess. Besides I have to stay Vigilant, and it's not easy to do so when there are only ten of you."
Terra the dwarf who witnessed firsthand Solona's pregnant fit smirked. "You have to admit the Commander is a fierce warrior. We are honored to stand behind her, even if she does have quite the temper."
Alistair shrugged. "I've never really seen her throw a fit before."
Gavin spoke up. "I was too afraid to smite her last night. After Anders had so royally angered her I was afraid she'd turn on me with that blade. It's no wonder she rarely goes into the Deep Roads herself anymore. Half the time we rarely run into any darkspawn when she's with us."
The Wardens all chuckled. Nathaniel glowered at them. "She's busy trying to rebuild after the Mother, and recruit more Wardens. It was tough for her being the only one before we came along."
Alistair wisely chose to remain silent on that matter. No wonder he received little respect, he left Solona for the crown in more ways than one. "How go the repairs?"
Nathaniel replied with ease as Solona had discovered the cream soup and was busy piling her orange slices into the soup. Anders was nursing his hand and eating with the other. "They are coming along with ease. Solona's personal wealth has taken a hit for the damages though. She's funding most of the reconstruction. The Keep was barely damaged seeing as she had seen to the added defenses beforehand."
Elissa seemed shocked. "You are funding the reconstruction yourself?"
Solona nodded her head as she ate her soup and moaned softly. "Yes, I am the Arlessa am I not. I owe it to my people to see to their needs. Luckily I had the forethought to send troops to protect the farmlands and trade routes. I would much rather rebuild a city than watch as we all starve. We Wardens know much about having a full stomach." She turned to Anders. "Try this Anders. It is simply delicious."
Anders frowned and scrunched his nose at the smell. "Solona I'd rather not. That smells terrible."
Solona shrugged and returned to her food. "What brings you to come along Lady Cousland. Surely the rebuilding of a City is far too boring for a Lady of the Court such as yourself. No offense of course, merely curiosity."
Elissa smiled softly. "I actually find these things fascinating. I was never one who enjoyed sitting around like a pretty doll. I learned the affairs of the state from my father. Maker watch over his soul."
Solona sensed her distress. "I am sorry; I heard what happened to the Couslands. They were allies of the Wardens many generations back before they were banished from Ferelden. I would have been honored to meet your father. Your brother is quite helpful in dealing with the people. I've been receiving many eager recruits from Fergus, not just for Wardens but for soldiers as well."
Elissa seemed to perk up at the mention of her brother. "You've meet Fergus?"
Solona smiled. "Yes, he brought both Gavin from the Highever Chantry and Keath from his Guard to my attention, in addition to many of my other Soldiers and newer recruits."
Alistair feeling far too silent voiced a question. "How many Warden prospects have you had the last month?"
Anders smirked. "We've had ten fighters, three bandits, two thieves, three mages, seven dwarves, and two templars. Only one of the templars did not work out."
"You only lost one?" Alistair seemed astonished.
Solona nodded as she ate her pot pie while placing a dangerous amount of spices on top of it. "Avernius is very close to finishing his initial task. I've already sent him some of the Architects notes and results. He's close to eliminating the fatalities entirely. The First is very pleased I allowed him to continue his work."
Alistair nodded his head. "Have you seen the First in person yet?"
"I've only been Commander for two months, the Blight's only been over for just under three. It is a long journey from the Anderfels. We did just discover another lost Thaig. It was somewhere under the Free Marches."
Solona then returned to stuffing food into her face. She took a bite of apple and the spit it out after clutching her stomach. "Solona!" Wynne and Anders yelled.
"I'm fine; I think that apple was rotten. My stomach lurched at the taste is all. Remind me to stay away from apples." Solona replied with a quiet hiss.
Anders gave her a critical look over. "You should be more careful."
Wynne just laughed. "That's what she gets for not paying attention."
Solona sneered. "You keep it up Wynne. I'll ask the cooks to let me in the kitchen to make your next meal."
Wynne gasped. "That meal would surely be my last. You are a worse cook than Alistair."
Elissa giggled. "I've heard he is banned from the kitchen is the Royal Palace."
Solona nodded her head. "He's banned from all fire pits as well. All across Ferelden he will never cook by law I think."
Alistair flushed. "Men, do not cook."
Nathaniel shrugged. "I usually prepared our meals. Sigrun hates to have to cook, and Oghren was always too drunk to even attempt."
"Whenever Nate is stuck here I cook. Solona claims my cooking is better." Anders bragged.
"Only to keep your poor pride intact." Nathaniel smirked. "Sparkle fingers."
Solona snorted. "I love that nickname. It's so true."
Anders gave a mighty pout and watched as she inhaled an entire chicken to herself. He turned to the recruits. "You all better grab your food and run. Someone missed lunch and dinner last night and is making up for it now."
Solona merely flicked her finger and Anders slammed into the ground in a heap. The wooden chair did not survive the fall. "Someone get him a new chair. Besides this dinner is bound to become very boring very fast. Gavin could you take the new warriors from Amaranthine to Anders room? Might as well move him in, he practically lives there. We need the space; I have a special member coming from the Free Marches in a month or so. I want her in that room. It's the last non shared room in the West Wing."
This caught all their attention. "You'll know when you meet her." She stated before returning to devour some stuffing with her cranberry sauce.
Alistair bristled at the outlandish idea. "You two are in a relationship? Is that not frowned upon in the Wardens? He is your subordinate."
"Well technically she's half my Commander and half my subordinate. I'm the Senior Warden Mage, so technically I outrank her in the mage status." Anders smirked proudly.
Solona groaned. "I only gave that to you because I did not want another title and you get all the paperwork and your own study to hide in and read books under your own desk. Besides we were together in the Circle and that was frowned upon as well but no one stopped us. Not even Cullen and he was in love with me."
Wynne blushed. "Forgive her; she's very blunt while eating. She likes her meal times far too much."
Alistair shook his head. "You've changed since the Blight." He stated suddenly.
Solona nodded her head. "A lot changed after the Blight. Some just changed more than others. Zevran's running the Antivan Crows."
Alistair noticed the hidden jibe within her offhanded comment. "I've heard. I was surprised he did not choose to stay with you."
"Zevran thought it better to lend me aid through more powerful connections. I do miss old Zev though. He was so pretty, his hair was always shiner than mine. Perhaps I should ask him how he does it the next time he sends me a letter." She thought to herself aloud.
"You have a thing for blonds with long hair. I swear she has a fetish." Anders chuckled.
Solona blushed. "I hope I don't pass that trait on."
"Pass it on to whom?" Elissa asked curiously. Something was off about the Warden Commander. Despite the Warden appetite she was just, eating weird foods.
"Anyone really, blonds with long hair are trouble. Poor Desiree. I hope Zev never comes to visit. That elf stands no chance, and she's a mage. It is a well known fact all mage women love men with long blond hair." Solona replied with ease.
Anders gave an undignified snort. "I'm trouble, miss let's run face first into a horde of Darkspawn and blow them all up, and hope none of the recruits were crazy enough to follow you."
Solona rolled her eyes. "There were plenty for everyone. Besides the talking ones were creeping me out. I just had to kill them."
Alistair's eyes widened. "You never blew up Darkspawn before."
Nathaniel sighed. "She's been practicing her Force Magic; she merely forced their insides, outwards. It was very disgusting, but useful."
Solona smirked. "I found it very funny. They went boom."
Wynne shook her head, "Not to sound like Shale, but the sound would have been more of a squish."
Anders nodded his head. "Yup, and that maneuver caused her to misjudge her mana and she passed out from fatigue on the way back."
Alistair grumbled. "So when should we go take a tour of Amaranthine to see how the repairs are coming along?"
Solona shrugged. "Whenever you feel up to it, I have to work on something important. I have Nathaniel ready to show you around. He knows the city far better than I ever will."
Nathaniel wanted to glare at the Commander. Sure he wanted her to stay out of the way but he didn't want to cater to the King. "Of course."
Wynne looked at Nathaniel. "I could always go with them."
Solona nodded her head. "Sure for now, but later I'm going to need you here. If we're going to make history then I'll need a Senior Mage here. Besides Irving already decided you could stay with me as long as you'd like."
"What are you working on?" Elissa asked kindly.
Solona looked apologetic. "It's Warden business, sorry Lady Cousland but, I can't reveal Warden Secrets, and telling you would reveal quite a few."
Elissa seemed a little put out. Nathaniel took to soothing the nobles' feathers. "It's a matter of praise she won't tell you. She thinks you would be smart enough to read into the reasons for her experimenting. Exposing Warden secrets to civilians is forbidden."
Elissa seemed appeased. Solona looked a bit sheepish. "Well, at least I can take comfort in the fact that she sees my intelligence."
Solona nodded her head as she attacked the Lemon pie, she horded the entire thing to herself. "Yes, well I hardly know you, but you have observant eyes, so I have to assume you are very intelligent."
Elissa nodded her head. "They are more observant than most. You sure are eating quite a bit."
Solona shrugged. "When a Warden skips two meals, it is like we've been starving for days. I'm making up for lost time."
Alistair looked at his former lover oddly. "You didn't even eat this much on your first night."
Solona paused in her eating. "We were on the eve of battle. Food was not as pressing as fighting the darkspawn was. Besides I never had this spread after my first night. I pay my cooks double what they asked for. They are all geniuses."
"So where is Oghren, I know he would not be missing the feast." Alistair inquired.
"Off in the Deep Roads with some of our 'older' Wardens. They won't return for at least a month and a half." Solona replied easily.
"That was a smart move." Alistair praised.
"I was not hiding him from your future bride, no there is a very important matter he and Sigrun are attending to." Solona replied.
Elissa looked up. "Why would you hide one of your old companions from me Alistair?"
"Oghren cannot be controlled. Solona has always found his antics hilarious, but his special charm usually makes women run." Anders groaned. "He also has a penchant for placing his foot into his mouth far too often. Worst of all his table manners are horrendous."
Alistair nodded his head. "He had worse manners than your Mabari did."
Solona bristled at the insult to her loyal hound. "Rabbit had better manners than you, and better hygiene."
Wynne chuckled. "Yes, it seemed after time Rabbit smelt better than Alistair did, we had to confine him to one section of the camp."
Elissa chocked on her slice of apple pie. "What‽" *
Solona snickered. "Fear not Lady Cousland, I forced proper hygiene down his throat. I believe that lesson has managed to stick."
Alistair flushed red from embarrassment. "That still doesn't explain your stomach; surely it cannot hold that much?"
Solona just continued eating ignoring the comment. She turned to Anders. "Five sovereign says I puke this up in the morning."
Anders glared at her playfully. "I pride myself on being a smart man, and even if I were not a betting man I know that bet is stacked against me. You're going to make yourself ill right now."
Solona smirks. "Beats doing it when I first wake up, better to puke now than when I'm all groggy and stumbling around the Keep."
"So long as you don't ask me to clean up after you, puke to your body's content." Anders allowed.
Nathaniel smirked. "I think it would be rather fitting, making Anders clean up the mess."
"That's only because you just want to watch me clean up something disgusting." Anders pouted.
"Can you blame me?" Nathaniel teased back.
Elissa dropped the fork she was using to her plate. It fell with a rather large clatter. All eyes turned to her. Solona seemed a bit more on edge once she caught her eye. "Is something the matter Lady Cousland?"
All attention was on the young noblewoman. "Warden Commander, are you perhaps, pregnant?"
Solona chocked on her tea and began trying desperately to breathe. "What makes you think that?" Wynne asked politely.
Elissa just pressed onwards. "The odd foods, the amount you are eating, the mood swings, the reference to morning sickness, placing yourself in less danger, your relationship with the mage, one would only assume you were, well with child."
Solona tried desperately to think of an excuse. Anders was quick to come to her aid. "Are you insinuating that I impregnated my Commander?"
Elissa shrugged. "Given your relationship and all the signs, I guess I am. Not that it would be a bad thing after all. One would expect the Hero of Ferelden to procreate."
Alistair's brain had melted into a pile of goop similar to his own cooking. "Solona- you- with- a- he- child- what‽" *
Solona looked at her former lover and sighed. "Yes Alistair I am pregnant."
Elissa froze, the way she said that, could it be that she is with child with Alistair? Then the child would have to be at least three months along. Unless- "When did you learn you were pregnant."
Solona shrugged. "Shortly after the defeat of the Mother, when healing myself I found another presence within my body." She lied easily.
Anders shrugged. "She did not know how to tell everyone so up until last night no one here had known. I was rather upset she did not tell me."
Alistair growled. "Why would you be upset? It is obvious whose child it is."
Solona wanted to crawl into a hole and bury herself within it. "Shove it Alistair. My business is my own."
"After our past relationship you expect me to believe you started shagging this mage and wound up pregnant mysteriously convenient timing Solona." Alistair shot back.
Solona was ready for that one. "Morrigan wanted a new Warden for her ritual, newer the better, Anders and I rekindled our old relationship shortly after he was passed his joining. It is not unfathomable that he is the one who had done as such. Besides after the battle with the Archdemon a child would have easily been lost had you been the father."
Alistair bristled with hurt and disbelief. "I don't believe you."
Anders stood up. "I am the father of our little girl, and while you find it so hard to believe Solona loved me before you. After you tossed her aside so as to please the nobles I was easily able to repair her heart. I've known her almost all her life. I know and love Solona Amell more than you could ever dream possible."
Solona blushed at the heavy praise and the implications of what he was saying. "Anders is the father Alistair, end of discussion. I apologize for this outburst Lady Cousland, you really are not seeing me in a very kind light." She apologized to the noble.
"Of course." Elissa nodded her head. "This is a tad unexpected; forgive me for being so inquisitive."
Solona shook her head. "No need, Anders please help me to our room, I think I may be ill very soon if I stay here much longer. The smell is making me nauseous."
Anders chuckled. "Are you sure it's not all the food you've been inhaling into that black hole you call a stomach?"
Solona swatted and arm at him and grumbled. "You are a foul evil mage. This is your fault."
Anders smirked. "I take full responsibility than shall I? Seeing as it takes two to tango."
Nathaniel snorted into his food. "Anders your dancing skills are notoriously terrible. I remember that introductory banquet. The Commander nearly lost the use of her feet."
Solona smirked and shook her head. "Regardless I need to go over a few things before I turn in for the night. Anders, will you please accompany me?"
Anders nodded his head and stood up and moved to Solona's side with ease. He pulled out her chair and helped her to stand. "Only if you promise not to make me carry you up the stairs."
Solona smacked his head. "I am not fat you big oaf. I'm pregnant, and besides this is your job now."
Alistair watched in rage as the pair interacted. "Solona, before we set out for Amaranthine I would like to speak with you."
Solona turned and looked at the King. "I'll see if I am able to spare a few minutes. I have a fair amount of things to do tomorrow." She turned back to Anders, "Come on Daddy, take mommy upstairs she wants to respond to a letter before she passes out."
Anders smirked over at the King of Ferelden and nodded at his soon to be lover. "Of course my dear, how could I not take care of my two wonderful women?"
The pair quickly made their way out of the room which left Alistair, Elissa, Wynne, and Nathaniel in an awkward silence. Wynne cleared her throat. "I hope you'll forgive me but I have some research to start before I also retire for the night." She bowed her head to Alistair and Elissa. "Your Majesty, Your Ladyship."
Elissa gave an incline of her head towards Wynne. "I look forward to seeing Amaranthine with you tomorrow. Goodnight Wynne."
Alistair stared off into spare, boring holes into a poor tapestry. "See you tomorrow Wynne."
Nathaniel tried to finish his meal quickly. Alistair turned to him suddenly. "She is not really pregnant with that mage's child is she?"
Nathaniel not wanting to lie to the king chose his words carefully. "Anders is the father of Solona's daughter. You heard it yourself."
"That doesn't mean they are really sleeping together. You've been around since he came along. Do you think it's true?" Alistair pressed, not wanting to believe that he could have lost so much in one night.
"Oghren and I placed bets on when Anders would finally get into her bedsheets. It turns out he was doing so before we even left on our first mission. I had wondered why Solona was so happy that morning." Nathaniel smirked.
He of course knew that Solona was happy because she had beat Anders in a duel and he was to follow her every command for a whole day without question or whining. The King of all Ferelden did not need to know that.
Alistair slumped in his seat, the cloud of despair hung around him like a blanket. He picked at his food while staring at his napkin intently. Elissa noticed her fiancée was sulking after that bit of information. She gave an apologetic look to Nathaniel. "What time would you like to give us a tour of Amaranthine?"
Nathaniel turned from the sullen King and his ever stoic face remained intact. "I would think after we've all eaten breakfast. The Commander is going to be fairly busy over the next few weeks to prepare for whatever she has up her sleeve. She is also upping the recruitment process, seeing as her future will be focused on her progeny."
Alistair snorted. "That child will either be ripped from her the moment it's born as it will be a mage, or she'll just have to turn it over when it begins showing signs or magic. Solona is not going to be mother to that child for long."
Elissa placed a hand over her mouth at the obvious venom in her future husband's tone. "Alistair how could you say such a thing."
Alistair shrugged. "She may be Warden Commander, but that child will be a mage if they aren't lying about who the father is. The Chantry, the Circle, I'll bet even the Divine Beatrix the Third knows that if Solona procreates she will give birth to a powerful mage, no child will ever be with her long. We all know this, it's not like she's going to be allowed to raise a Mage outside the Circle."
Nathaniel gave an inward growl at that comment. "I think I shall retire for the evening. Your Majesty, Lady Elissa." Without so much as a by your leave, Nathaniel left the room in a sour mood. That idiotic foul bastard. It is a wonder Solona even fell in love with the man in the first place. I thought Anders was crass. He thought spitefully. He would be a much more suitable father.
Elissa stood and moved to exit the room. "I hope you are proud of your atrocious behavior Alistair. Clearly the Hero of Ferelden is not looking to rekindle your past relationship. I suddenly am so glad you insisted I join you on this little trip. I shall see you in the morning." She threw over her shoulder.
Alistair barely acknowledged her words. He slammed his fist into the table. This is not happening. I wanted to save Solona the heartache of giving up a child, there was half a chance any child we could have sired would be born a mage. I needed an heir considering we're going to die fairly young. Then she blows up at me and calls me a bastard for thinking she would be little herself to share a man with anyone, for any reason. Then she goes and gets pregnant by that stupid mage. I'll win her back from that smarmy jackass. I hate mages. Alistair thought heatedly, while not realizing he was also insinuating that he hated Solona as well.
AN: There you so see you next week. Remember to leave any concrit or a review on how you felt the chapter ran and if you liked it.
* ‽ Interrobang
