Usual disclaimers. I'm going try and finish up soon and move on to Ostagar

With tears in her eyes and a smile on her face, Elena never thought she would hear the words "I accept you just the way you are." Come from her mother's lips in regards to her daughter's sexuality. Eleanor had a suspicion when her daughter was very young but chose not to acknowledge it. Why should she? She had two sons that would carry on the family name and their little sister was just trying to hold her own in a castle dominated by men. But alas, between the hours the women would stay away together, the fiasco at the tourney and the one look Iona gave her daughter confirmed it. All she could do was smile and wave off the snarky comments and rumors that were sure to come after.

As she walked up to the library, Elena stopped in the door way and could not help but smile. Draiko lying content at Iona's feet while she read her book. There would never be a more perfect moment where Elena could say she was truly 'happy'.

"Are you just going to stand there all day or are you going to get your beautiful bottom over here to sit with me?"

Elena blushed. She walked over to Iona and gently placed a kiss on the smaller woman's hand which earned tap on the nose. She placed herself on the floor in front of the elf and began to drift off as Iona began to part Elena's hair and braid. Neither woman had noticed that Dairren had left them alone. He had no desire to interrupt the two in this obvious tender moment. It was a moment of peace, of happiness…

"My lady Cousland!"

Elena opened her eyes and huffed in aggravation.

"My lady? Your brother is asking for you to meet him in the courtyard."

"Thank you Madi. I apologize but you startled me."

The elf lad just bowed his head and was on his way. Elena tenderly kissed her lover as she headed out to see her brother, only she forgot to ask Madi which one. She chuckled to herself knowing good and well it was Aedan. They were born only a few hours apart so growing up, everyone was told that Eleanor had had twins to keep suspicion away from Elena's true identity. Elena was always grateful to have had brothers instead of sisters. She just isn't the frilly girl her mother wished she was.

As the courtyard came into view, the gut feeling that something was wrong instantly hit her. Something was wrong, something was definitely wrong. Aedan was there, talking to one of the Highever officers and didn't notice his sister approaching. Elena took this as the perfect time for a lesson. She walked around to one of the bigger tree shrubs to hide herself from view and waited for the officer to leave.

"Watch. Wait. Don't rush your prey until you're ready."

These were the words she repeated over and over in her head when she stalked her brother or… other things. It was a friendly game but also a lesson. She knew she had a wolf in her and had read tales of the cursed ones who couldn't control the beast within them. She never wanted to be like them. She would always be in control, always be ready.

"NOW!"

Her instincts told her to attack now. As she leapt from her cover, Aedan was ready. He turned to face his attacker but did not expect the kick to his ribs. He had caught Elena's arms and was able to sweep her left leg but as he did, he left his side open to bruising. As the two fell to the ground Elena apologized for hitting him so hard but all her brother could do was laugh. He shrugged and accepted her hand in assisting him up.

"Good one El. You actually got me that time."

"I know! I can't believe that actually worked."

Both of them laughed, well, Elena laughed as her brother gingerly rubbed his slowly bruising side.

"El, you and I have a pretty good sense to know when something's not right, right?"

Elena shook her head in agreement. They may not be twins by blood, but her and her brother were close enough to know what the other was thinking.

"Howe" they both said in unison.

"I don't trust him." Aedan said. "I don't like that his troops were 'delayed' and I don't like it that father is sending ALL of our men ahead."

"Something is going to happen, I just know it and I think you should stay for a few more days before going to Denerim, Aedan. Fergus is leaving tonight and Howe thinks you are, too but…"

"He will never know I didn't."

"Thank you. We will use our usual sounds to alert the other, just like in our hide and seek games against Fergus?"

"Yes. I will stay out of sight and no one else has to know. If there is trouble, I will be here. And by the way… Iona? Good catch."

Elena gave her brother a playful swat on his shoulder as he turned away making kissing noises in reference to his sister's new found love. He always caught hell about Delilah and he was not going to pass up the opportunity to tease his sister.

Walking up to her quarters, she took the time to look around and really appreciate her home. This was where she grew up, where she learned all she knew and where she found love. One day, this would be the home of Iona and her daughter, also.

"I need to see about having Amethyne brought over. Iona would love that."

Before she realized it she was standing at her door. As she pushed it open she heard conversation coming from across the hallway in Fergus' room. She decided to head over, seeing as how she was supposed to be getting him anyway. Opening the door she saw Oren giving his mother a mild panic attack as he was talking of swords and dragons. Fergus just laughed and kissed his son on the head.

"Don't worry nephew, I'll teach you how to sword fight. I'm sure I can have you fighting dragons before your father comes back home."

"Auntie!"

Oren ran to Elena and jumped into her arms. He loved her and she loved him. Elena was always the one person who would get him whatever it was his heart desired, much to his mother's disapproval.

"Fergus please, control your family."

The three of them talked for a bit before the Teyrn and her mother came in. Aedan had already told his parents "goodbye" and had headed out for Denerim, or so everyone was led to believe. Everyone said their goodnights and goodbyes and headed respectfully to their own chambers. As Elena stepped into her room and shut the door, she leaned her head onto the door and sighed.

"Draiko what do you think? Is it just me and Aedan or do you have a feeling, too?"

The hound barked in agreement and leaned into his mistress. She scratched that one spot behind his ear and he gladly accepted it. Elena turned to her wash tub and was thankful that it had already been filled for her. She disrobed from the leather and belts and for once was happy to do so. She liked her armor but she loved the freedom of nothing. Climbing into the tub, Elena sank down under the water until it reached just below her chin. The smell of lavender and jasmine had their euphoric effect and she almost missed the click of the door. The corner of her lip curled into a smirk as her lover did her best to hide her sounds. Elena played along with it until Iona slowly ran her arms over Elena's shoulders to embrace her lovingly. The elf nipped just the edge of Elena's ear and smiled when she got a moan of approval.

"What took you so long?" said Elena, earning a playful swat in return.

"I wanted to make you anticipate it just a bit longer."

Elena sat up and turned to face her lover. When she set eyes on Iona her heart swelled with pride. This woman standing before her was the most beautiful sight she had ever seen. Iona blushed a little at the other woman's stare and slowly began to untie her corset. Elena went to stand but was quickly told "No". As she sat back down in the water and gazed hungrily at the woman before her, she realized what Iona was doing.

"You're teasing me, aren't you?"

"Maybe, maybe not, but if you keep interrupting me you may not find out."