AN: I thank you deeply for the reviews. They mean a lot to me. Bioware still owns all. I own nothing. I was going to publish this and the Engagement/Wedding/Honeymoon as one chapter, but it would be way too long. I am moving this to the M rating now, to be safe.
Chapter 6 – Getting to Know You
Loghain and Anora were in the Queen's study, where he recounted his recent chat with Cailan. "Formally making me the Military Adviser for Ferelden is an interesting move. Were you behind the idea?"
"No Father, in fact this is the first I've heard about it." Anora replied, her eyebrow knitting together.
"Do you oppose the idea?" Loghain asked.
"No, no not at all, Cailan's idea is an excellent one…"
Loghain smiled. Of course. That's why Anora is perturbed. "Perhaps Cailan is finally starting understand the threats from within and beyond Ferelden."
Anora shrugged her shoulders and said, "If so, I am all for it." Then changing the subject. "I do find Gareth's choice of match to be very politically astute, even if his method was unorthodox."
"Unorthodox? It smacked of something Cailan would do."
Anora laughed. "Yes, but I know my brother, there was more than showing Chivalry behind it."
"According to your brother, it was a way to show people that he is not me." Loghain said dismissively.
She thought about that for a moment. "Is that such a bad idea?"
Loghain arched an eyebrow. "How do you mean?"
The Queen leaned forward in her chair, "You have often complained that there are things going on in Ferelden, and in the Teyrnir that you cannot get information on because…well because you've intimidated people too much. Perhaps if they are more comfortable with Gareth…."
"I can have access to people who wouldn't normally talk to me. " Loghain finished, "Interesting. But Gareth keeps confidences very well."
"Yes, but if there's a danger to Ferelden, he wouldn't stay silent. He loves Ferelden every bit as much as we do." Anora replied.
He stroked his chin, "You have a fine mind, Anora."
She smiled, "Thank you Father, I've learned from the best." Anora continued, "The wild card here is Siobhan Cousland. I would like to get to know her better. Perhaps I should accompany Gareth on is trip to Highever."
Loghain thought about this then shook his head, "No, if you want get to know Siobhan, then you should arrive just after Gareth's stay. If all goes well between the two of them, the she will latch on to a chance to visit with his sister."
Anora simply smiled.
~oOOo~
16 Guardian, 29 Dragon
Dearest Gareth,
I hope this finds you safely back in Gwaren. With a little luck this will be the letter that welcomes you home!
Morning sparring sessions are just not the same without you and Fergus ganging up on me! Rory is happy to go back to the regular training regiment. I suspect Fergus is too, as his shoulder was acting up again, though he would never admit it. What I miss the most is seeing you every day. Your smile and your voice are a tonic to me.
I feel like we could never run out of things to say. I most especially thank you for listening to my ideas and opinions. I feel that you respect and encourage them and that means so much to me. I grew up hearing my father call mother his most trusted adviser, but I also discovered, to my great disappointment, that that is an unusual trait. In fact, I despaired of it being a trait unique to my father. I am thrilled to find that you possess it too.
I think your ideas for Gwaren, especially about the Gwaren Alienage are wise - first bring up the quality of life for the elves in the Alienage and then work towards integrating them into all life in the Teyrnir. While the elves enjoy a much better quality of life in Highever, it pains me that they are still considered second-class subjects. Even the word "Alienage" itself has a negative sound.
I don't know if you heard, but your sister arrived shortly after you left. It was a bit of surprise, to say the least. I was worried as she hadn't said much since we announced our courtship, but she was so kind! She insisted that I call her Anora. Maker, did she have some very interesting tales about you! Now don't roll your eyes, they were sweet stories. You were a rascal, but a loveable one – not that I'm surprised in the slightest. We talked about being a woman of power in Ferelden. I really admire the ways she influences policy in the kingdom. She and Cailan make a good partnership.
Speaking of King Cailan, Anora so much wants to have children; you can see it in her eyes. I wish the best for her. It was a lovely visit, for a week it was almost like having a sister.
I'm really looking forward to my visit to Gwaren! Thank you for extending the invitation my mother as well. She and I haven't had much time together that is just the two of us, so I look forward to the journey as well.
Write soon.
Yours,
Siobhan
~oOOo~
3 Drakonis, 29 Dragon
My Lady,
Your letter did welcome me home! I was delighted to find it. Although I wonder how a letter can travel faster than I. Perhaps I should simply travel by courier.
Tell Fergus that if he insists on over-reaching with his shield arm, his shoulder will continue to hurt. I say that with all due affection of course! He is a good man.
I too miss your presence. After being with you, I wonder how I have tolerated the solitude of Gwaren for so long. The house seems much emptier than I remember.
I must say, I'm sorry that a man respecting a woman's ideas and opinions is such a rare trait. You're intelligent and in possession of a exceptional amout of wisdom. Anyone that doesn't respect and support that is a fool. Of course, given some of our young Ferelden noblemen…
Simply said, My Lady, you are a gem.
I'm glad Anora was able to come to Highever. She had mentioned wanting to but had not said when. I'm glad you enjoyed her visit and that she opened up to you. I love my sister dearly, but sometimes her resemblance to my father is frightening. She is a very bright and knows much about navigating Fereldan politics. Yes, the issue of the heir is disturbing because I know that Anora has always wanted children. I can only hope that the Maker blesses them with children, sooner rather than later.
I must admit, however jokingly, that I haven't always been such a sterling example of valor and chivalry. When I was a child I was an awful scamp. I'm just thankful Anora never drown me for some of the pranks I pulled on her!
I'm glad your mother accepted the invitation. I am eager to show you both Gwaren and get to know her better as well. She and your father were exceedingly kind and welcoming during my visit and I want to return the favor in some measure. Although, most of all, I long to see you again.
May the time fly between now and when we are reunited.
Yours,
Gareth
~oOOo~
Eleanor and Siobhan arrived in Gwaren where they were surprised to be greeted by both Gareth and his Father. Later Gareth told Siobhan that his Father had sworn to him that he would be on his best behavior, but felt that it was very important that he, as Teyrn , be there. The visit of a Teyrna demanded no less.
They had been there for two weeks and Loghain proved to be a very cordial host. He and Gareth served as excelled escorts and tour guides. Each evening they had dinner together, at which time Siobhan would ask many questions about the history of the Teyrnir. Gareth and Loghain were both a wealth of information and Loghain told many stories of the early times of the Gwaren. Loghain, to Gareth's surprise, actually seemed to open up a bit during the visit and heard tales that his father had never shared with him. Of course, Gareth laughed to himself, the combined force of Siobhan and Eleanor was hard to resist.
During the fourth week of their stay they were treated to a surprise visit by King Cailan and Queen Anora. Loghain had been planning to escort Eleanor to the estate of a Bann Sardis who, Eleanor had discovered, cultivated a type of plum tree that she wanted to start growing in Highever. Anora and Cailan urged them to keep their plans; the trip would take a week giving the Anora and Cailan a chance to visit with Gareth and Siobhan.
The two couples got along quite well. During the day they played lawn bowl, went riding, and had picnics. During the evening, they played games and talked. Sometimes Gareth and Cailan would have drinks in the library while the ladies embroidered.
Sitting in the library having a glass of port Cailan looked at Gareth, "I'm very pleased to see you and Siobhan getting along so well. You know your Father was very leery about this at first. But I like to think I had some hand in pushing him in the right direction." Cailan smiled knowingly
"Well I have to admit, after his chat with you he seemed much more amenable. So whatever you said, thank you." Gareth smiled. "And here I thought I would need your help with Bryce."
"Gareth, you know I love you like a brother?"
"Of course, as I do you."
"If she makes you happy, I would do anything in my power to help you. So, tell me, is this serious?"
Gareth couldn't stop smiling, "I believe I have fallen head over heels for Siobhan. She is simply amazing."
"Ahh, Gareth, I love the idea that young love blossomed at my Saturnalia Festival! So I assume that wedding bells will be ringing?"
"At some point in the future, I hope so, but please Cailan, don't mention anything. Unlike my asking to court Siobhan, I need to do this by the rules. It's too important."
"No worries brother. I'm so very happy for you."
They finished their drinks and rejoined the ladies.
At the end of the week, Anora and Cailan took their leave, and Loghain and Eleanor stayed an extra day with the Bann. This gave Gareth and Siobhan an evening to themselves. Gareth arranged for a candlelit picnic supper by the coast. They sat enjoying each other's company listening to the surf of the Amaranthine Ocean. It was a beautiful evening, the sky was crystal clear, and the moon was full.
As the chill started to set in they packed up their things. Gareth helped Siobhan stand up and she looked into his eyes. She had learned much about Gareth Mac Tir over the past months, but never more than by being here. "I cannot tell you how much it's meant to me seeing where you were born and seeing you in your element. You are a part of Gwaren and I can tell how much it's a part of you. Over these past months I found you to be even more amazing than I did at the Saturnalia Ball."
Gareth was silent except for his smile, the smile that made Siobhan's stomach do flips and made the blood race through her body.
Brushing a hair back from her face, he looked into her eyes and said softly his voice horse with emotion, "I love you, Siobhan."
Siobhan blushed and smiled, "and I love you."
"My Dearest Lady… may I kiss you?"
"You may," Siobhan said softly.
Gareth cupped her chin and gently lifted it, bringing his lips to hers. Then he kissed her, just the barest caress of his lips against hers. His lips were warm and gentle making Siobhan, for the first time in her life, weak in the knees.
Pulling away he looked at her and said, "Maker's Breath you're beautiful." Slowly he pulled her into his arms and held her. Enveloped in the warmth and strength of his arms Siobhan knew that she would never be complete without Gareth by her side. Together they were better than each of them were on their own.
~oOOo~
When Eleanor and Siobhan took their leave, Eleanor insisted on giving both Loghain and Gareth a hug. Siobhan added a kiss to Loghain's cheek, making him blush for probably the first time in his life. They waived goodbye and Gareth stayed watching until the carriage was well out of sight.
Later that evening Gareth knocked on door to his father's study.
"Come in"
"Da, do you have a moment?"
"I was expecting you come to see me as soon as they left."
"Pardon?"
"You are in love with Siobhan and would like to marry her, or did my eyes deceive me?"
Gareth looked down, sheepishly and ran his hand through his hair. "Yes. I mean no, your eyes did not deceive you."
"Sit down, son." Gareth motioned toward the chair.
"Da, I do love her and I cannot imagine spending my life with anyone else."
"I have to admit, I was wrong. Siobhan and you make a very good match. She is a woman of strength and character and would be an excellent Teyrna."
Gareth felt that it would be unwise to comment on the rarity of such an admission from his father. Instead he said, "Da, what do I do now? I want to make sure that I follow the correct protocol with this. I gave Teyrn Cousland my word."
"Ah, so I take it you haven't spoken of marriage to Siobhan?"
"No Ser!"
"You are confident that she would accept your proposal?"
Gareth smiled. "Yes."
"Well, then I suggest speaking with Bryce at the Landsmeet next month. The Couslands will be there, so assuming Bryce consents you could ask her then."
"Do we both speak to the Teyrn or just me?" Gareth asked.
"Well, I suggest we both see Bryce, you can ask, and if he says yes, then he and I can discuss Bride Price and such." Loghain said matter-of-factly.
"Bride Price!" Gareth was horrified. "I am not buying Siobhan!"
"Calm down Gareth, I know you're not. The fact remains that you are the heir to a Teyrnir and she is the daughter of a Teyrn, there are arrangements that Bryce and I will need to discuss."
"Like what?"
"Like what happens to the Teyrnir if you die with no heir. Look, this is routine and for obvious reasons takes place between the father of the bride and father of the groom. Don't worry."
