DISCLAIMER: I base my stories on Intellectual Property (IP) owned by BioWare ™ and EA™. I pretend to live in their world.

SPOILERS: I refer to information from the games, the novels and the comics. If you have not played or read, please beware.

"Don't let it be forgot
That once there was a spot
For one brief shining moment…"
That was Ferelden
Ruled by King Maric the Savior
Camelot – Lerner and Lowe

Chapter 7: THE FUNALIS FEST


9:18 Dragon Funalis Day === Redcliff Village

"Funalis was once dedicated to the Old God of silence, Dumat. Since Dumat's rise during the First Blight, however, this fact has been largely ignored. Now the holiday is invariably known as All Soul's Day and is supposed to be spent in somber remembrance of the dead. In some northern lands, it is traditional for the population to dress as spirits and walk the streets in parade after midnight.

"Ooohhh, wouldn't that be fun, Ali? I wish we did that here." Lys continued reading. "The Chantry has co-opted this holiday to remember the death of Andraste, with fires that mark her burning appearing throughout the community. Plays depicting the tale of her death are also quite common.'[1][2] Of late, in Ferelden, King Maric dedicated a portion of the day to remembering the dead of the Orlesian Occupation and Fereldan Rebellion. Many Fereldan's wear a sprig of Andraste's Grace to remember both Andraste and the Fereldan Fallen."

Lys looked up from the scroll. "Do you have the Andraste's Grace we bought? We'll need to put it on our cloaks before we go to the Chantry." They both wore cloaks of Cousland Blue.

Alistair pulled two sprigs from the vase where they had been kept overnight. Since he was attending Lys, the Couslands had invited him to their rooms to stay with Fergus for the night. He had dinner, took a bath, and received a whole new set of clothes. Teyrna Eleanor had even given him a cloak with the Cousland laurel crest. He smiled. It was the best cloak he'd ever worn, light and warm and new. He couldn't remember the last time he'd had anything new. The entire household wore the same cloak too. The only difference between the Cousland family cloak and the one their retainers wore was a thin band of gold embroidery detailing a narrow garland of laurel around the edge of the hood. He smiled. His cloak had the laurel garland, just like Lys and Fergus. He could almost pretend he was part of their family.

"Here, Lys." He handed her the flowers. " But how do we attach them?"

"Ah, magic," she whispered.

Alistair stepped back looking startled, in spite of himself. He was learning to recognize when Lys teased him. He tried to not to react each time, but the Couslands had a mage in their household, so when Lys said magic it stirred his curiosity and unsettled him. "Alright, My Lady Who Knows Everything, how?" he retorted, putting a mock scowl on his face.

Lys took his flower and found two small slits in the cloak fabric next to the Cousland laurel crest on his cloak. "See, there are two slits here so that flowers or a token can be attached. You just slip it through like this." She stepped back. " Done. Now, can you do mine. It's easier to do someone else's." Alistair fumbled a bit, but finally managed to secure Lys' flower without damaging it or the cloak.

"There, that looks fine, I think." He fidgeted nervously, "Should I walk with you or behind? I don't want to get in trouble."

"With me, of course. I'll be walking behind my parents, so you won't get in trouble. Just stick by my side. I'm actually pretty good at these occasions now. It's easier just to go along and get them over with, I've decided. You've gone to Funalis services before, haven't you?"

"No," he admitted. "They always told me to stay here. I guess I could have gone and stood outside, but then the town boys would just tease me and I'd get into a fight. And then I'd get caught, dismembered and thrown into the lake."

Lys sighed. "Well, you're with me today. There'll be no dismemberments, ritual or otherwise. At the first sign of trouble from any town boys, I will call for help. That way neither of us will get in trouble. Sometimes it's better to retreat and fight another day, Loghain says. And since he's a great hero, I guess that's true. We'll see how the town boys like fighting Fergus, my father and Loghain," she grinned. "After all my parents, Loghain and King Maric are all heroes of the Rebellion."

Alistair looked at her quizzically. "Isn't Eamon a hero?"

"Eamon? No, he was too young to fight. He and Teagan were sent to the Free Marches during the Rebellion." She frowned, "Maybe it embarrasses him, so he doesn't mention it. He came back at the very end, I think, but, his father, Arl Rendorn Guerrin and his sister Rowan, King Maric's Queen and Cailan's mother, were the Guerrin heroes, not the boys. Rowan was a true war maiden. She saved Loghain's life once, after he saved King Maric's. Don't you know the story of the Rebellion?" she asked, surprised.

"Not really. No one tells me stories and, well, I can't read yet, you know. The story Loghain told yesterday of King Maric fighting the usurper Meghren on the roof of Fort Drakon was the first real story I've heard." Alistair was looking down, scuffing his foot on the carpet that covered the wooden floor. She knew he did that when he felt embarrassed or awkward. Lys felt her stomach twist as she silently berated herself. He was so smart, but there was so much she took for granted, that he didn't know. He would often distract her with a joke or just ask questions, until he caught on, if she chattered on about something unfamiliar. But sometimes, like now, the lack of knowledge was so obvious and he was so embarrassed, that she felt guilty for mentioning it.

"Alistair, I'm sorry. It's not your fault. You're Arl Eamon's ward. It's his job to make sure you are educated. It's his fault. I can't believe Arl Eamon or Bann Teagan didn't tell you the story," she grumbled. "I'll bring you some books when we come next year. You'll be able to read by then. You can start you own library."

"Really?" he looked at her disbelievingly. Books were expensive. How he could actually own one, much less read it was beyond his imaginings. But Lys seemed so sure that it was possible and she was so often right. Maybe school and training and reprieve from Isolde would happen even after they all left.

"Really," Lys assured him.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

In the courtyard, the King, Loghain, and Prince Cailan; the Arl and Arlessa, the Couslands; the other noble guests and a few senior household retainers entered their respective carriages for the ride into the village. The bulk of the household followed on foot. The villagers were already turned out along the route in their holiday best. The day would be dedicated to somber remembrance. The actual festivities would start at nightfall, after the services, with celebrations around the bonfire and the staging of Andraste plays.

The carriages halted by the Chantry door and were met by the Mayor, the Revered Mother and the Chantry sisters. The King, Crown Prince and Teyrns were greeted first, along with the rest of the Cousland family. Today, much to his shock, this included Alistair. He hadn't quite understood what it meant to attend Lys as her companion. He thought he'd be in the back with the servants, instead he walked found himself walking down the aisle at Lys' side. He kept expecting someone to stop him as he walked behind the King and ahead of the Arl and Arlessa. Maker, Isolde must be furious, he thought. Then it occurred to him, he was clean, well dressed and he wore a Cousland cloak; perhaps the Arlessa didn't even recognize him.

Loghain looked over his shoulder to watch the boy as he tentatively followed Lys into the Chantry. He notice the change in his expression go from apprehension to satisfaction. Loghain smiled, the boy was sharp. He slowed to walk beside the boy once inside. "The Orlesian probably won't notice you, Alistair. She doesn't expect to see you cleaned up and quite handsome in Cousland livery. It's called hiding in plain sight. Eventually, she will notice, but by then you'll be accepted and there will be nothing she can do."

He was rewarded with a huge grin as they continued to their seats in the row behind the King and Cailan.

The Arl and Arlessa followed and sat in the row across the aisle in line with the Teyrns. Lys made sure she and Alistair sat between her parents and Fergus and Teyrn Loghain, well out of the Arlessa's line of sight.

"This is a long service," she warned. "We'll need to keep very quiet." She smiled at him and grabbed his hand as they settled in their seats to commemorate Andraste and remember Ferelden's dead. The service began with readings from the Chant and a play depicting Andraste's death. After a brief break, when they all filed out to watch the lighting of the great bonfire in front of the Chantry, the ceremony turned to remembrances of the dead from the Occupation and the recent Rebellion. King Maric had secured Ferelden's freedom only fifteen years earlier in single combat with the Orlesian usurper Meghren on the top of Fort Drakon in Denerim. That was the story Loghain told Lys and Alistair by the Lake the day before. After almost a century of Occupation, during which many Fereldan's died horrible deaths at Orlesian hands, Ferelden became free. While the relationship with Orlais remained fraught as peace negotiations dragged on, Ferelden remained free of Orlesian forces under King Maric's rule.

Of course, with the King, Loghain and her parents in attendance, the Revered Mother, made reference to the heroes in their midst, much to the heroes' dismay. Loghain left it to King Maric and Bryce to acknowledge the acclaim of the gathered populace while he stood briefly, bowed and sat down grumbling, much to Lys and Alistair's amusement. After a dirty look from the Hero of River Dane, Lys attempted to master her grin with minimal success. Finally, Loghain smirked back making her giggle, her hand held up before her face, hiding her quiet mirth. Aside from pink cheeks, Alistair managed to maintain his serious demeanor after his first smirk.

At last, late in the day, the services came to an end. The Chantry emptied in the order the celebrants had entered. The King and Cailan left first, then the Teyrns, followed by the rest of the Cousland family. As they walked out King Maric dropped back to speak with Loghain. Once they reached the porch, he turned to the two children.

"My Lady Melysande," the King grinned. "I haven't had a hug yet. Has Loghain?"

Lys grinned, "Yes, two actually, Your Majesty, but his rooms are near ours. I haven't seen you up close until today. I thought the services somewhat solemn for hugs."

"Oh no," King Maric looked downcast, "you're becoming a lady."

Lys giggled. "Well, no, just growing up. I can hug you now, but …" before she could finish the King had swept her up in a bear hug. "Now, was that better than Loghain's?"

Lys paused and pretended to ponder, "I can't say. I think I will need more hugs from each of you to decide. It's still a tie."

"See," Loghain groused with a grin. "She's her father's daughter. Diplomatic to a fault." Bryce rewarded him with a feigned scowl.

King Maric turned to Lys again, "Are you going to introduce me to your friend?"

Loghain frowned.

"Oh," Lys cried, "I am so sorry, Your Majesty, this is Alistair. He is Arl Eamon's ward." The King crouched down to be on the same level as the boy.

"Hello, Alistair."

"Greetings, Your Majesty." Alistair managed to mumble as he bowed. The he straightened his shoulders. He was Lys friend and couldn't embarrass her. He looked into his father's eyes for the first time.

"I understand you have been a good friend to Lys." The King said, smiling a smile that looked very like Alistair's own.

"I try, Your Majesty." He smiled his shyest grin, "but it's more like Lys has been good a friend to me."

"Friends are the most valuable thing you will have in life, Alistair. Always remember that. Everything I have is thanks to the support of my friends." The King reached out as if to touch Alistair's cheek, but checked himself and only straightened his cloak ties. " Lys is very special, as are you. You're lucky to have each other as friends. Keep her close." The King extended his hand for Alistair to shake. " It's been a pleasure to meet you Alistair."

Alistair took his father's hand and shook it firmly, looking him in the eye. The King released the boy's hand and stood.

"Enjoy the Festival tonight, Alistair." He smiled, "And don't let Lys, eat too many honey cakes." He walked towards his carriage with Cailan, who graced his half-brother with a smile, unsure of who the boy with the Cousland family cloak could be.

Loghain observed the boy as he spoke with Maric. Alistair continued to watch his father with a solemn look on his face. Loghain suddenly remembered watching his own father fall, while he hurried Prince Maric away from the battle between the outlaw band Gareth Mac Tir led and the Usurper's men, traitorous Fereldans from Ceorlic's lands. But he'd known his father for seventeen years. He couldn't imagine meeting and losing a father in a brief moment. The boy showed neither anger nor pain, both of which he probably felt. Alistair had a quiet strength many men lacked. With education and guidance, he would become a formidable man. Loghain wondered if that potential boded well or ill for the boy.

Surrounded as he was by the Couslands and Loghain, Alistair's meeting with King Maric went unnoticed by anyone else. The Arl and Arlessa were too busy taking leave of the Revered Mother, Mayor and village dignitaries to notice anything unusual about the King chatting with the Teyrns or Cailan with Fergus. Once the King was settled in his carriage, the others boarded theirs. Loghain joined Lys and Alistair, in the Cousland carriage, for the ride back to the castle.

"Teyrn Loghain, could you tell Alistair the story of the Rebellion while we're here? No one has ever told him. And since he can't read yet. I can't give him a book." Lys made the request matter of factly.

"You don't know anything about it?" he asked Alistair.

"Well, I know the Orlesian Chevaliers – they're Knights on horses – conquered Ferelden a long time ago and were very cruel rulers. I know that King Maric and you and Eamon's sister, Queen Rowan, and their father and Teyrn and Teyrna Cousland fought against the Orlesians for a very long time. I know the story you told us yesterday of King Maric's duel with the Usurper and I know we won and the Orlesians left. Well most of them," he added slyly as Loghain chuckled. Alistair shrugged, "that's pretty much all I know." He squirmed, embarrassed to disappoint Loghain and Lys.

"Alistair, it's not your fault no one taught you." Loghain assured him. " And you will be able to tell folks that you heard the real story straight from me, which, of course, means it's entirely true."

"Which of course means it's not," Lys countered. "King Maric will argue with him for many turns of the glass over what happened in certain battles." She turned to Loghain, "It would be nice, but…. I suppose he will be too busy."

Loghain agreed, "This is not as relaxed as Highever during Summerday, Lys. The King will have many nobles to wine, dine and entertain, as, I imagine, will your father. The Landsmeet is in a few weeks." He grinned in relief, "better them than me. Let's see, Alistair, you haven't moved to a room in the Armory yet have your?"

"Not yet, Teyrn Loghain."

"Good, why don't you move in with me. I have an extra room. You'll be close to Lys and can join the Couslands for the daytime activities. I'll tell you and Lys the story each night, if I can avoid the Arlessa's dinners."

"That's brilliant, Teyrn Loghain, "Say you will Ali," enthused Lys. "It will be so much better than staying with Fergus."

"Stay with you? That would be an honor Teyrn Loghain," the boy replied, surprised. "I will serve you, of course. Run messages, get food,… "

"Alistair, I invited you to stay with me as my guest and friend, not as my servant," Loghain interjected. "I may ask you to do an old man a favor, but as a friend, not as a servant."

"I see, I guess," Alistair looked a little bewildered.

"You don't snore do you?" Loghain asked.

"I do…don…don't think so," Alistair stammered. Lys chuckled. "Too bad, 'cause he does. You may need to cover your ears. Papa almost put him out of the hunting lodge last spring."

"I was joking, son." Loghain assured him. "I'll give you a pack when we get back. Just get your things from the stable and bring them to the rooms across from Lys'. We'll check your clothes and see if you need anything for school. Eleanor, I may need your advice if you will? If you need anything, we'll have time to buy clothes in the village tomorrow."

"Shop? For clothes? For me?"

"I can come can't I," demanded Lys.

"Of course, we'll need your expert advice, My Lady of the Cloth, as well as your mum's," Loghain assured her. "The Tourney competitions won't begin until the next day, so unless you have a desire to sit through more ceremony, visiting the Fair will be the best way to pass the time. And as I recall, my lady, you enjoy honey cakes?"

Lys grinned, "Lots and lots of honey cakes. We need to try every booth so we can pick the best."

Alistair started to get caught up in the spirit. "I like dipped apples," he offered.

"Ooohh, yes," Lys agreed. "We had them last year. So good." She grinned at Alistair, "We got pretty sticky last year. Remember we went to the lake to wash off." She giggled, "and you fell in."

Alistair scowled, "Only because someone slipped and bumped me in. I was just wet. You were the one covered in mud!"

Loghain watched the two of them, chuckling, and found himself wondering how this friendship would develop. If Alistair was ever acknowledged, it could be a good match. If not, however, it could end in heartbreak. Lys was so intense and passionate. Who knows, he thought to himself, in two or three years, when they mature, they may hate each other. He shook his head, why was he so introspective lately. The carriage rolled up to the Castle entry and the two tumbled out still laughing and arguing. He does hold his own with her, Loghain thought, amused.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

The King, the Couslands and Teyrn Loghain attended the Arlessa's evening banquet as part of the Funalis ceremonies. At fourteen Fergus could begin to attend the adult affairs, but he begged off by offering to accompany Cailan to the village bonfire along with Nathaniel Howe. Not to be left out, Lys begged her brother to let her and Alistair come too. They compromised by agreeing Lys and Alistair could tag along for a while, until Freya met with them to take the children back to the Castle.

They approached the narrow plateau above the Chantry and could see the bonfire, lit since late afternoon, flaring high into the sky in front of the Chantry porch. Its light illuminated the players about to begin the Andraste play. The villagers spread out on either side of the bonfire and overflowed onto the path to the plateau and the rocks above the square. In the dusk, no one noticed the Crown Prince, so the young nobles and Alistair were free to choose their own spot without ceremony.

Fergus got the five settled to the side of the porch where everyone had a clear view. Nate offered to buy honey cakes, apples and cider.

"Make sure its sweet cider, Nate," Fergus cautioned handing the coin to the twelve year old. Nate nodded and soon returned with a full sack of food and several skins of cider. Cailan, gallantly, spread his cloak out for Lys to sit upon and made sure she had first choice of honey cakes to Alistair's dismay and confusion. Before he could sidle away, Lys turned and pulled him onto Cailan's cloak, making sure he had a cake as well.

"Cailan, you don't mind if Alistair sits here too, do you?"

Cailan frowned, still not sure who the boy was, although Fergus had introduced him to Cailan and Nate as Eamon's ward and Lys' friend. "No, your friend is welcome."

Fergus and Nate chuckled.

"You better be careful, Your Highness. We might have to tell Anora you're flirting with my little sister," Fergus warned, scoring him a withering look from the young prince.

Lys turned to Fergus in annoyance, "Fergus and Nate, stop. Anora is my friend and I am not flirting with His Highness," she hissed quietly. "Cailan is much too old for me." This set Fergus and Nate off on another round of guffaws.

"Just ignore them Cailan. Anora knows you wouldn't flirt with me. You and Alistair are just gentleman, unlike my brother and Nate."

At this point, Cailan's blush deepened to a rosy red, much to Alistair's guarded amusement. He wondered if his father blushed too. The start of the play soon quieted the young group.

This night's Andraste Play told the story of Maferath's betrayal of his wife Andraste from his point of view. Although based, it seemed, on the apocryphal Canticle of Maferath, a Dissonant Verse, no one objected. It fulfilled its purpose by commemorating Andraste's death and entertaining the crowd. After a full day of Chantry solemnity, the villagers welcomed the Andraste Play's melodrama and bawdy humor. Only Fergus fully appreciated some of the coarser humor, but all five laughed at the clowning intervals, which lightened the serious tale of betrayal and death.

As the play ended, Freya and Nyla joined the group signaling to Lys and Alistair that the time had come to return to the Castle and bed. Tired and full of cider, honey cake and apples, the two children quietly followed the Nurse and Mage up the hill to the Castle.


[2] Dragon Age wiki/Calendar


A/N:Thank you for reading. If you have time, please review. Book 1 may be complete, but I'm working on Book 2.

After completing Brief Shining Moments, I re-read and edited the entire work. From Chapter 14 on I had the support of my wonderful beta Kira Tamarion which resulted in far fewer errors. Any remaining are mine alone. There may be a few tweaks to wording, but no content changes.

I've received the support of many reviewers. Mike3207, Arsinoe de Blassenville, Caraine, clafoung, SnowHelm, katdancer2, dustywalker, Easternviolet, ElyssaCousland, Nymra, ChaoticHarmony1991, EveHawk, susyjohn, Judy, maradeux, DjinniGenie, Pollyanna24, Contess. Others have followed and favorited the story or posted kudos. Thanks to all of you.

I created some appendices with commissioned art, timeline, character ages, calendar, fest days, travel distances, etc. If such things interest you, please go to Archive of Our Own series, I Shall Endure.