Another chapter done! I'm working on this story slowly, but surely. I'm having a hard time with the political aspect of the story, but am doing my best to make it sound "realistic".
Enjoy!
Larryeneno: You know I can't resist an awful, awful cliffhanger. ;)
CHAPTER SEVEN
The cold terror clung to Alistair's chest, digging and clawing at him. Aedan had found them. It had been over five years and he had found them. Alistair had hoped since it had taken him this long he'd have given up, or wouldn't have found them, but no. There he was, standing in his home in the middle of the night, in full armor and armed. Alistair was feeling extremely vulnerable, his tunic and breeches offering him no protection from a blade.
"I see you won't be going down without a fight," Aedan said.
"I won't be going down at all," Alistair shot back. A quick glance around told Alistair it was just Aedan, at least what he could see. It would be surprising if Aedan came all this way to kill them without backup.
Aedan smirked, "So confident."
He drew his sword, and another bolt of fear shot down Alistair's spine. He could see the blue flickers of light from a lightning rune clear as day on it. Aedan wasn't as stupid as he had thought, deducing how Olyvia could be sent away from this world. Just one touch from that and she would be gone and there was no telling if she could get back. Then Alistair started to get angry.
"Why still come after us Aedan?" Alistair asked, hoping to stall the inevitable, "It's been nearly six years."
"You are still a threat, time will not change that," Aedan replied, "As Anora said, as long as you live, rebellions can be raised in your name. Even after all these years there are still some who believe a Theirin should be on the throne. As long as there are Theirins, I will put an end to the threat."
Aedan went to take a step forward when a little voice stopped him dead in his tracks.
"Dad?" Kennic called quietly from the hallway just to the left of Alistair, "What's going on? Who are you talking to?"
"Stay back Kennic," Alistair ordered his son, keeping his eyes on Aedan.
Kennic stopped at the entryway into the room, his bleary eyes widening upon seeing Aedan, "Dad."
"Kennic, get back," Alistair ordered more harshly, moving in front of his son, "Wake your mother, tell her we need to leave."
"But—."
"NOW!"
Kennic scurried off, Aedan's eyes following after him until he disappeared, looking back at Alistair in a glare. That was the look Alistair was used to seeing.
"How is that even possible?" Aedan hissed, "With you of all people!"
Alistair couldn't help but smirk, "What, having trouble producing an heir with your queen?"
With a growl Aedan lunged forward. Alistair deflected the attack, but only just. Alistair would have to find his window of opportunity to strike a blow to Aedan soon, he couldn't evade and block his attacks forever. When Alistair was expecting another attack, Aedan instead went to go down the hall. Not about to let Aedan slaughter his family first, Alistair tackled him, sending the two of them crashing into the kitchen. Aedan recovered quick, swinging down at Alistair, who again blocked barely in time. Aedan pushed him back against the counter, trying to break Alistair's strength. Alistair's arms began to quiver, and knowing he wouldn't be able to hold it much longer, reached out with his left hand and grabbed one of the frying pans left out to dry. With a hard swing he hit Aedan on the side of the head, sending him reeling with a cry of pain. Seeing his window of opportunity, Alistair thrust his sword forward and in between the plates of armor, piercing Aedan in the side. He didn't move quick enough to get away however, Aedan's returning swing slashing Alistair across the chest. With a solid kick, Aedan sent Alistair reeling into the counter. Instead of finishing him off, Aedan went for the hallway again. Alistair scrambled to catch up to him. Panic gripped at Alistair's heart when he heard Alexandra's frightened screams and Alistair caught up to Aedan just in time to see Olyvia shield Alexandra from the blow meant for her. In an instant, Olyvia was gone, leaving Alexandra vulnerable to Aedan.
Grabbing Aedan by the hair, Alistair slammed his head into the wall. Kennic took that chance to grab his sister and run into his parent's room, shutting and latching the door behind him. Alistair could hear Alexandra wailing for her mother. Alistair could only pray she would come back.
Their fight continued, Aedan doing his best to follow after the children. Alistair knew he wanted to kill them first, in front of him just to make him suffer more. He would end Alistair first though, if he needed to, and Alistair was going to make him before he would ever allow the monster reach his children.
Alistair took another bad hit, stumbling to the ground. He leaned against the doorway blocking Aedan from his children.
"So confident," Aedan sneered.
"God damn bastard, you fucking asshole!" Olyvia cursed toward the sky. Though Olyvia didn't like to curse, it seemed extremely appropriate given the situation.
Getting to her feet, Olyvia looked around. Well, she was where her old house was. Or…used to be her house. It looked different than it did six years ago. Probably because different people were now living there. State must have given up on her family ever being found. Circling around the house to the front, Olyvia looked for a way to get back to Alistair when a thought made her pause. What if she couldn't get back? What if she didn't end up back in Antiva? Would her family die? Anger began to boil inside Olyvia. She wasn't just going to go back empty handed, if she could get back, she was going to bring something with her to teach Aedan a lesson. She needed to do it quick though. Oh what she would have given for a gun. That would definitely take Aedan by surprise.
When her eyes landed on one of the vehicles in the driveway, and idea popped into Olyvia's head. Running over she found the car was unlocked, luckily for her. Popping the hood, she opened it up and pulled out the battery, then she rifled through the back for the cables.
"Alright, here we go," Olyvia said, attaching one end of the cables to the battery, squeezed her eyes shut, then shocking herself.
Opening her eyes after the weird sensation disappeared, Olyvia found herself standing outside her house. Her house, not her old one. Her heart swelled with triumph and she wasted not another second before going through the door. She saw Alistair go down as she entered the hallway, adrenaline rushing through her veins.
"So confident," she heard Aedan say.
As he raised his sword Olyvia reached out with the cable and attached it to the back of his chest piece. It worked like a charm, Aedan first went rigid, then began to spasm. He dropped to the floor, Olyvia letting the battery drop so it wouldn't disconnect, continuing to flail like a fish.
"Payback's a bitch," Olyvia seethed.
Doing her best to hop over his body Olyvia helped Alistair to his feet.
"The kids," Alistair rasped, pointing to the room.
Olyvia nodded, and called for the kids. A few seconds later they opened the door.
"Come on, we need to go," she ushered her kids, rushing into the room and grabbing their emergency packs before returning to the hall and helping the kids over Aedan before helping Alistair walk.
They went out the back door, and hurried towards the outskirts of town and into the woods. Alexandra began to cry, being scared of the dark. Olyvia did her best to calm her down.
"Shh, my darling you have to be quiet," she whispered as she held Alexandra close to her chest, "I know you're scared, but we're here, you're safe."
"Go home," Alexandra whimpered.
"We can't, I'm sorry," Olyvia said, "Shh, just close your eyes and sleep on Mommy."
Alexandra's crying decreased to a whimpering, then ceased completely when she fell asleep about an hour later. Alistair had Kennic draped over his back, the poor boy was tired and unable to keep up with the pace the adults were.
"We should have just killed Aedan while we had the chance," Alistair grumbled, "Why did we run away?"
"We had preservation on our mind, not murder," Olyvia replied, "At least we got the chance to run. How did he find us anyway?"
"I'm not sure what led him here, but he found us because of me," Alistair replied.
"What do you mean?"
"I still have some taint in me," Alistair explained, "He could sense it, and I could sense him too, but it's been so long since I've encountered darkspawn or other Grey Wardens I didn't realize that was what it was. He'll probably find us again using that method."
"But we'll also know when he's onto us," Olyvia pointed out.
Alistair didn't say anything for the next few minutes before stopping abruptly.
"We should split up," he said gravely.
"Absolutely not!" Olyvia argued, "You are not going to leave me with two kids with a third on the way and you are not going to risk your life to lead Aedan on a false trail. You're hardly in any condition either!"
"But if you could get to somewhere safe—."
"Nowhere is safe while Aedan is alive," Olyvia said, "Now that he's found us and hot on the trail we need to go where we have allies."
"You're not suggesting…," Alistair didn't even bother finishing his sentence.
"I am," Olyvia said, "We go back to Ferelden."
When Olyvia couldn't go any further the family stopped to rest, and finally bandage Alistair's wounds. They were up again before dawn and by the time the sun started rising they reached a town. With the money in their emergency bag, they were able to loan a wagon and horse and buy themselves some rations. While Alistair drove the wagon, Olyvia and the kids slept in the back. By the afternoon Olyvia felt rested enough to take a turn at the reins to let Alistair get some sleep as well.
They knew they couldn't go to the nearest port city because that was most likely where Aedan had arrived, and would be the first place he'd go so instead the Theirins were traveling to one further away. The trip took over a week, but there was no sign of Aedan there or had been there. When they purchased passage to Highever they weren't stopped so that just reaffirmed their suspicions. Not like Aedan would have much power in Antiva anyway.
The trip to Highever Olyvia didn't enjoy at all. She and the ship's movement just didn't get along. Not only did she feel sickly, due to the stress Olyvia went into false labor a few times over the two weeks, sending Alistair into panic attacks. When they landed at Highever she was having contractions again.
"Is it happening this time?" Alistair asked.
"Like I would know!" Olyvia snapped. She couldn't help it, she was in pain, and she was tired.
Rounding up the kids, Alistair took hold of his wife's hand and the two set off to the castle. As they expected, as they approached the gates the guards stopped them short.
"The castle is off limits to civilians," one said.
"Dianna's my sister," Olyvia said, her voice pained as she pressed a hand against her swollen belly, "We…we need to speak to her and the Teyrn."
"You don't look like Rosemary," one guard said.
Olyvia shook her head, "No, no I'm not Rosemary. I'm her sister Olyvia."
The guards didn't seem to know who she was, giving each other skeptical looks.
"Send a message inside at least," Alistair snapped, "Tell the Teyrn and Teyrna that Alistair and Olyvia Theirin are here because they need their help."
"Theirin?" the one guard said, his jaw hanging agape.
When Dianna heard "Olyvia" combined with "at the gates" she took off at a sprint, leaving everyone in the dust as she raced to see if it was true. After six years Dianna wondered if she would even recognize her sister. Throwing open the gates Dianna's chest filled with joy seeing her sister and ran towards her, reining back her excitement just enough to not tackle her with her hug.
"Wow, a hug," Olyvia said tiredly, "Someone must have missed me."
Tears were streaming down Dianna's face as she pulled back and playfully slapped her sister's arm, "Oh shut up. It's been six years. Of course I've missed you."
She hugged her again before ushering the family inside. Olyvia asked to be taken to the infirmary so Dianna led the way.
"What brings you back to Ferelden then?" Dianna asked as she led them through the halls.
"Aedan," Alistair answered, since Olyvia was focusing on breathing, "He found us."
"Oh…so you decided to come back?"
"We knew we couldn't stay on the run forever," Alistair said, "not with almost three kids. That's why we came to you for help."
As they approached a corner, Fergus came around, "There you are. Didn't know you could run that fast. Is everything okay?"
"My sister might be in labor," Dianna said, grabbing Fergus's hand and pulling him along with them, "I'm taking her to see Elliot."
Olyvia gave a humorless laugh, "Might? These are starting to get painful."
"You're hardly even eight months along," Alistair said, "You can't have the baby yet!"
"Believe me Alistair, it happens," Olyvia said, "And from the stress I've been under, not too surprising."
"We'll see what Elliot says," Dianna said, "And if you are, you'll be in good hands."
A few minutes later they reached the infirmary. Once Olyvia was lying down Elliot examined her, and told her that she was in labor. Alistair began to panic. He didn't want anything bad to happen to the baby due to being born early.
"Olyvia and the baby will be fine Alistair," Dianna said, "They're in good hands. Elliot delivered both my sons and he was great."
"Okay," Alistair said, still sounding terrified.
"And remember to breathe," Fergus added.
Alistair took in a deep breath and exhaled slowly, "Okay."
He went to take a seat, Alexandra attempting to crawl in his lap as he did so, when a young boy came toddling in. Alistair caught the briefest glance of one of the castle staff at the door before he left, obviously trailing after the boy to keep an eye on him.
"Momma, Momma," he chanted as he toddled as fast as he could to Dianna, "Evan wake."
"Oh, thank you Bryce," Dianna said, "I'll go get him."
"I can bring him to you," Fergus volunteered, "You stay here with your sister."
Dianna smiled in appreciation at her husband, "Thank you Fergus."
With a nod he left the room. Dianna then turned her attention back to her son, to find he was staring at the newcomers.
"Who?" he asked, pointing at them.
"That is your Uncle Alistair, Aunt Olyvia, and your cousins Kennic and Alexandra," Dianna said, kneeling to be on her son's level, "Why don't you go over and say hi?"
Bryce was reluctant to leave his mother's side, curling his small fingers around the fabric of her sleeve. After a few reassurances from his mother, Bryce toddled over to Kennic and Alexandra.
"Hi," Bryce said quietly.
Kennic replied with a hello, but Alexandra hid her face in Alistair's shirt.
"Xandra, it's just your cousin, Bryce," Alistair said, "He's family."
"And he's your age too, Alexandra," Dianna added, "As of four days ago."
Alexandra turned her head, stared at Bryce for a few moments before waving and turning back around to hide her face again.
It wasn't much later that Fergus arrived, with a crying baby in his arms. Dianna crossed the room to meet Fergus, taking her youngest son from him and went to find a place to sit to feed him. Alexandra, hearing the crying, popped her head up and watched the baby in Dianna's arms. When she sat down, Alexandra slid off Alistair's lap and walked right up to Dianna, staring at the baby's face.
"Baby," Alexandra said, smiling and waving at him.
Alistair couldn't help but laugh. She would have nothing to do with Bryce, but once her baby cousin was there she was right at his side.
"This is Evan," Dianna said, "He's also your cousin."
"Hi Evan," Alexandra said, leaning in and waving to him.
Evan continued to wail so Alistair went and grabbed Alexandra so Dianna could feed him in peace.
"I can take the kids and preoccupy them so you can stay with Olyvia," Fergus offered Alistair as he dealt with a squirming Alexandra.
"I don't want to be a burden," Alistair said, though he really wanted to say yes, please, take them.
"It's no trouble," Fergus said.
"Then that'd be great," Alistair replied, "Kennic, Alexandra, go with your Uncle Fergus."
"NO!" Alexandra wailed.
"Alexandra," Alistair said sternly.
Alexandra let out another wail, but went quiet when Fergus came over and crouched down in front of her. She still wasn't so sure about him.
"Do you like horses Alexandra?" Fergus asked.
Alexandra was still making small whimpering sounds as she nodded.
"We have lots of horses in the stables," Fergus said, "Would you like to see them?"
Alexandra nodded her head in excitement, and slid off Alistair's lap when Fergus offered his hand to her. Taking her hand then getting a hold of his own son, he led the two out with Kennic holding Alexandra's hand. When the door shut behind them Alistair moved closer to his wife, taking hold of her hand as he watched her in concern. With every contraction, which were coming very quick, she would whimper and cry in pain. Her face was already stained with tears. Alistair knew something was wrong, she hadn't cried from labor pains before. Whimpered and moaned in pain, yes, even an occasional scream but never cry.
"Olyvia, what's wrong?" Alistair asked.
"It hurts…so much," Olyvia whimpered, "My back. I can't stand this, it hurts so bad."
Alistair looked to Elliot for clarification, who then returned to Olyvia's side and placed a hand on her belly.
"The baby's position is not ideal," Elliot said, "There's nothing I can do to help with that though."
"Is that what's hurting her?" Alistair asked, "The way the baby is positioned?"
"It's called back labor, Alistair," Olyvia said, "My mom told me about it. I had—," she was interrupted by a contraction. Once it was over, she continued with a sob, "I had no idea it was so painful. I hate this."
"Are you sure there's nothing you can do?" Alistair asked Elliot.
Elliot shook his head, "I'm sorry."
"Oh I wish I could get an epidural," Olyvia groaned.
Elliot gave Olyvia a confused look, not understanding at all what she meant. Alistair just shook his head, silently telling him to forget about it.
The minutes ticked by agonizingly slow, and Olyvia was wishing she could tear her spine and hips out and that the baby would just magically appear in her arms. Her mother and father arrived not much later, both weeping in joy seeing their daughter. Brenda didn't get to hold Olyvia nearly as long as she would have liked, but it was good to hug her at least once. Not able to stand watching her daughter in pain though, she, as well as Allen, left the infirmary, taking Evan with them to babysit for Dianna.
It was a few hours later that Olyvia felt the need to push. She pushed, and pushed, but no matter how hard she tried they were apparently getting nowhere. Dianna paced a short distance away, her nerves keeping her from staying still. Alistair tried to remain calm, but he began to panic seeing the worry on Elliot's face.
"What's wrong?" Alistair asked, "Talk to me Elliot!"
"I…it's…the baby hasn't moved much," Elliot replied, "I don't know what is causing it. The contractions and the pushing are most likely causing too much stress on the baby. It might…it might…."
"What? It might what?" Alistair pressed.
"The baby might die, Alistair," Elliot said in frustration.
Those words hit Alistair like a ton of bricks. He wasn't sure how he could handle his child's death. The one miscarriage Olyvia had between Alexandra and this baby just about killed his spirit. With this one dying at birth…he wasn't sure he could handle that.
"I'll keep trying," Olyvia said in exhaustion, "Just a little longer."
Elliot didn't look optimistic, but nodded. At the next contraction Olyvia took in a deep breath, held it as she pushed with all her dwindling strength, hands curling into fists, her one hand digging deep fingernail marks in Alistair's hand. After a short breather, she repeated the process again. And again.
"Baby is getting closer!" Elliot announced in excitement, "Just a few more pushes and he or she should be out."
Taking in another deep breath she pushed again, but toward the end of the push she let out an agonized scream, almost collapsing against the bed.
"Just one more!" Elliot encouraged.
Dianna's ceased her pacing and came closer, in case anyone needed an extra hand for help. With a final push the baby was out. Alistair breathed a sigh of relief when he heard crying moments later.
"It's a girl," Elliot informed the two.
"Madeline," Alistair said, gently brushing hair from his wife's face, "We're still going with that name, right?"
Olyvia merely nodded, and barely at that. She was absolutely drained. Elliot handed Madeline to Dianna in order for him to take care of delivering the placenta. Madeline was so small, she was only a little bigger than Dianna's hand. She was sure that Alistair could hold his daughter in just one hand with no problem. Out of reflex Dianna pulled the front ties to her dress loose in order to place Madeline against her skin. She felt like that was the best thing to do, she didn't care that Madeline hadn't been wiped down completely.
Once the placenta was delivered, Elliot went to check on Madeline, and was partway through that when Alistair's panicked cry caused him to whirl around. Olyvia was lying limply on the bed, white as a sheet and eyes staring blankly. She looked dead. Alistair was shouting her name and shaking her by the shoulder, but it did nothing. Giving Madeline back to Dianna Elliot rushed back to the bed.
"Ah shit, shit, shit," Elliot cursed, "How did I not see this earlier!"
"WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY WIFE?" Alistair bellowed.
"She's lost a lot of blood," Elliot almost shouted back, "Just give me a second here."
Elliot cast a healing spell, but there was little else he could do after that except wait and see if it worked. He didn't expect a recovery to happen right away, but the wait would be torture to Alistair. With Alistair's help they moved her to another bed so Elliot could dispose of the bloodied one. Upon his return he checked on Olyvia once more.
"The bleeding has stopped," Elliot said, "but she lost a lot of blood. It will take time for her to recover. At least she's still alive."
Alistair nodded numbly, staring at his wife as he clung onto her hand. They came too close to losing her. What terrified Alistair more though was the thought of if they were still in Antiva and Olyvia had given birth, he would have lost her. And possibly Madeline too. A wave of cold washed over Alistair. He couldn't fathom losing the two of them, and having to raise his two other children on his own.
"Would you like to hold your daughter?" Dianna asked after a few minutes had passed.
Alistair ripped his eyes away from Olyvia, a sad smile on his face, "Of course."
Dianna carefully handed Madeline over to Alistair, who reluctantly let go of his wife's hand in order to securely hold his daughter. A mix of anguish and joy washed over Alistair's face as he stared down at his sleeping daughter.
"She's so tiny," he said barely above a whisper.
"She'll be okay though," Dianna said, "Are you alright with my parents coming in?"
Alistair nodded, and Dianna headed out to do just that. Moving Madeline to hold her in the crook of his arm, Alistair took his wife's hand and brought it to his lips to grace it with a kiss. Perhaps Aedan finding them was a blessing in disguise.
The color in Olyvia's skin started to return a few hours before she woke. Alistair was beyond relieved to see the color on her cheeks, but he was overjoyed when her eyes opened. As he expected, she first asked about Madeline. He handed Madeline to Olyvia, who cradled her daughter against her chest, speaking to her softly.
"How are you feeling dearest?" Alistair asked, brushing Olyvia's hair over an ear.
"Tired…drained," Olyvia said, "I feel like I could sleep for days. But enough about me is Madeline okay? Nothing happened to her did it?"
Alistair smiled lovingly at his wife, "She's perfectly healthy, just small."
Olyvia gazed back down at Madeline's sleeping face, a tired smile tugging at her lips. Already she had forgotten about the pain, mostly, and was overwhelmed with the joy and love she felt for that tiny girl in her arms.
Olyvia fell asleep again holding Madeline, only to wake up an hour later from Madeline crying so she decided to try feeding her. It took a few tries, but practically being a pro at breastfeeding now it didn't take long before Madeline was attached and suckling away. While she ate, Alistair went in search of the rest of the family to inform them on Olyvia's condition, and let them know they could visit. He found everyone in the courtyard, Fergus play-fighting with Kennic, Alexandra and Bryce while the other adults looked on. Brenda spotted Alistair first, and stood and rushed over to him.
"Is Olyvia alright?" Brenda asked, "I heard she lost a lot of blood."
"She's recovering," Alistair said, "She's awake now and feeding Madeline, you can visit with her if you'd like."
Brenda nodded and grabbed Allen before heading to the infirmary. Alistair had to wait until Kennic and Alexandra "killed" Fergus before they came over to him.
"Is mommy okay?" Kennic asked as the three of them headed back to the infirmary as well.
"She is very tired and in some pain, but she is okay," Alistair answered, "So you have to be very gentle with her, which means no climbing on her."
Kennic nodded, but Alexandra whined. She was the climber after all.
Reaching the infirmary, Alistair stood back and allowed Brenda and Allen to visit with their daughter. Kennic and Alexandra were right up next to the bed with their grandparents though, Olyvia introducing them to her children. If things went their way, their children would have a relationship with their grandparents and cousins. Alistair hoped things would go their way, he was tired of running and hiding. It was time to face Aedan and end this feud once and for all.
After a few days of recovery Olyvia was feeling better, enough to get up and walk around. With her back on her feet, Fergus asked to speak with both her and Alistair in his study. The grandparents watched the children while they went to see him. Entering the study they found Dianna there as well.
"We haven't had the chance to speak of all that has happened," Fergus said, "I'd like to start with Aedan finding you."
"I'm not entirely sure how he did it, my Lord," Alistair said, "Somehow he discovered we were in Antiva. Once he got there he …let the Grey Warden part of him sniff me out, basically."
Fergus clenched his jaw, "I…may have an explanation for how he figured out you were in Antiva."
"It's not your fault is it?" Olyvia asked.
"Perhaps not all of it," Fergus said, "Aedan had sent some spies here, to find some information. They had been here for years, working their way into trusted positions. It was one of Dianna's ladies-in-waiting—."
"I told you I didn't need another," Dianna interjected.
"Like I said, you were taking care of two children, you could use the help," Fergus said in exasperation. It sounded like they had this argument often.
"As I was saying," Fergus went on, "It was one of Dianna's ladies-in-waiting who searched through our things and somehow managed to find where Dianna kept any letters from you. Not even I know where that is."
"So it was the lady-in-waiting," Olyvia said.
"No," Dianna said, "Well, partly. She was killed trying to escape with one of the letters after I caught her rifling through my things."
"Then…how?" Olyvia asked.
"She wasn't caught until trying to get past the outer wall," Dianna replied, "She had the time to pass the information on, and someone else was with her, and they escaped. We have no idea who it was."
"There is a good chance there are more still here," Fergus said, "We've kept a sharp eye out for any suspicious activity, but I'd expect Aedan will discover you're here shortly, no matter what we do."
Olyvia dropped her head into her hands. This was much more than she expected. Who would have thought Aedan to have patience to pull off a scheme like that to get the information he wanted?
"What do we do then?" Alistair asked, "Knowing Aedan, if he has proof to give Anora that we're here, I'm sure she'd give him control of the army and march them here to wipe Highever off the map to make sure we're dead."
"You know my brother well," Fergus said.
"Wish I didn't," Alistair grumbled.
"Don't we all," Fergus said solemnly, "As for a plan…well it may not be a good one."
"Okay, now I'm worried," Olyvia said.
Fergus let out a heavy sigh, "Ferelden still is recovering from the Blight. Towns and cities that remained untouched are becoming overwhelmed with people, Highever being one of them. We don't have the resources to tend to so many. The streets are crawling with the poor and homeless. And the places the darkspawn destroyed still are working on rebuilding. Aedan and Anora have refused to give aide to others, focusing on Denerim first. Gwaren got lucky that Anora is from there and sent them supplies, but everywhere else? Five years, and the Southron Hills and the Hinterlands are still trying to pick themselves back up. We're lucky Orlais hasn't decided they want to try taking Ferelden while our belly is showing."
"There have also been rebellions," Dianna added, "In the Southron Hills, mostly. Displeased with the way they're being treated by their King and Queen. Aedan was sure to stop those quickly."
"So the plan…well, it'd most likely lead to another civil war, but there are still people who believe a Theirin should be on the throne," Fergus said, "I being one of them."
"You want to make me King? Alright, I'll do it," Alistair said.
Olyvia looked up at Alistair in surprise. She didn't expect him to agree, not that quickly at least. She wasn't the only one surprised though, both Fergus and Dianna were as well.
"I have to say, I didn't think you'd be so easy to convince," Fergus said.
"It's plain to see Aedan and Anora have made a mess of Ferelden," Alistair explained, "It's my home and I hate to see it go to ruin. And I'm tired of running. It's time I face Aedan and end this. My family deserves more than how he's been treating them."
"Then there is one more thing I must do," Fergus knelt on one knee, bowing to Alistair, arm across his chest with his hand over his heart, "By the Maker I will be to Alistair Theirin, my King, faithful and true, and love all that he loves, and shun all that he shuns, according to the Maker's will, and according to the world's principles, and never, by will nor by force, by word nor by work, do ought of what is loathful to him; on condition that he keep me as I am willing to deserve, and all that fulfil that our agreement was, when I to him submitted and chose his will."
Alistair stared stunned at Fergus. He did not expect him to swear his fealty to him. Not only was Alistair not King, yet, this was an act of betrayal to the current crown. It only sealed Fergus's fate, if they did not succeed.
Alistair stood on the balcony of their room as the sun set, listening to the chatter of his children and his wife behind him. He felt at peace, something he hadn't felt in a long time. In Antiva, there was always that constant worry of Aedan finding them looming over their heads. Now, with having been found, Alistair felt surprisingly at peace, even with the decision to contest the crown. It was as if the weight of living a lie had been lifted off his shoulders, and he was going to fight for his family to live a life free from Aedan's ever pressing presence.
The chatter died down behind him, and Olyvia soon joined Alistair at his side, placing a hand on his arm as she rested her head on his shoulder. Alistair clasped his hand over his wife's and gave it a squeeze.
"You've grown up quite a bit these last six years," Olyvia said, "I didn't expect you to accept contesting your right to the throne right away."
"I have to admit, I surprised myself," Alistair said, looking down at her with a smile, "But I meant it. You, and our beautiful family, are worth fighting for and the only way we can live our lives in peace is to remove Aedan from power."
"I agree," Olyvia said, lifting her head to look Alistair better in the eye, "I want you to know how proud I am of you, and I support you all the way."
"Good," Alistair said, "Because you're going to be the Queen of Ferelden."
"Ooh…right," Olyvia muttered, "Can't say I'm exactly ready for the title, but I'm sure I'll learn how to do the job. Anora was able to do it, right?"
Alistair chuckled, "For a time, and not exactly for the better."
"I just can't believe she didn't push to help rebuild all of Ferelden," Olyvia grumbled, "Showed her true colors when she did that. Only rebuilding Denerim and Gwaren. Those two cities don't support all of Ferelden. She's selfish, and that's not going to help anyone. Not even herself."
The two stood there in silence for a few minutes as the sun dipped below the horizon. Olyvia traced lazy lines across Alistair's arm, just enjoying their brief moment of quiet together. Even though the kids were only a few feet away in the room, it still felt secluded from them.
"Are you ready to fight Aedan?" Olyvia asked, "We both know it's going to come down to that, he won't give up easily."
"I am ready," Alistair said, "You aren't worried, are you?"
"Of course I'm worried," Olyvia replied, "Anytime you go into battle I worry."
"But this is Aedan we're talking about," Alistair said.
"He almost killed you in Antiva."
"I didn't have my armor," Alistair said, "And I still did some decent damage to him. Olyvia, look, we heard from Zevran that his sword arm is practically useless, he's not as good as he once was."
"Then how did he hurt you if that's the case?"
"I told you—."
"Not having armor was only part of the problem," Olyvia interrupted, "Just…promise me you'll be careful."
"Of course," leaning down, Alistair planted a kiss on her lips, "I fought to have more time with you and our children, I'm not about to let Aedan take that away."
Olyvia's face crumpled, "I just…worry…a lot. I love you so much Alistair."
"And I love you," Alistair, "Now try not to worry yourself too much."
Olyvia bit her lower lip, "I may not worry so much if…I could help with the Aedan issue."
"Absolutely not," Alistair said, "You just had a baby, almost dying in the process, you are not going to be fighting anytime soon."
"I don't mean by fighting, not with weapons at least. Let me be there for the other confrontations that deal with talking, like if we ever make it to a Landsmeet. If I'm to be your Queen, the people will want to see me taking it seriously too."
"But the children—."
"Will be fine," Olyvia interrupted, "What do you say?"
Alistair sighed, "It's pointless to argue with you."
Olyvia smirked, "Is that a yes?"
"For now, it is."
The first course of action for Alistair was to gather allies. He and Fergus both automatically thought of Teagan. As Arl of Redcliffe, he would be a powerful ally. Bann Sighard was another Fergus initially thought of, considering Rosemary had married his son, Oswyn, two years prior. Not only was Sighard a good man, he had become very fond of Rosemary's family. Oswyn would no doubt follow his wife.
Having been out of touch with the majority of Ferelden news and politics, Fergus was the one who wrote down the names of potential allies. Alistair was going to write the letters they were to send out to them. Teagan's and Sighard's were the first written and sent out that same day. Bann Sighard, Oswyn and Rosemary arrived a few days later. Olyvia was the first to pick up on her sister's arrival.
"Rosemary's here," she said out of the blue as she and Alistair ate their lunch in the courtyard.
Alistair looked at her curiously, "What makes you say that?"
"I can hear it," Olyvia said, "Give it a second, you'll hear it soon."
Alistair focused on listening, and sure enough after a few seconds he could hear a high pitched shriek getting louder, meaning it was getting closer, "Ah, I see what you mean."
Taking one last bite of her food, Olyvia stood, handed Madeline to Alistair, and stepped a few paces away from the kids to ensure that Rosemary wouldn't run them over. The screaming got louder, she hadn't even heard a pause for breath yet, until it was ear-piercing as Rosemary rounded the corner and spotted her sister.
"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! LIVY!" Rosemary finally took a breath as she threw herself headlong at her sister.
Alistair jumped up and grabbed a hold of Rosemary with his one hand available, slowing her down enough she didn't full on tackle Olyvia. It was still forceful enough Olyvia let out an "oof!"
"Careful Rosemary, she just had a baby, she's still sore" Alistair chastised.
"Sorry," Rosemary said, "Oh Livy, I've missed you so much!"
Olyvia returned the hug, "I've missed you too. Still little as ever, I see."
Rosemary began to sniffle as she tried to hold back her tears, but failed. Olyvia rubbed her back soothingly. They stood there for quite a while before Rosemary released her sister. By that time Sighard and Oswyn had shown up.
"Thank you all for coming," Alistair said, bowing his head to the Bann, "It means a lot to us."
Sighard lowered his head in a bow toward him, "We will always remain loyal to the Theirins."
"Livy, you have to come meet my husband," Rosemary insisted, pulling her sister by the arm over to Oswyn, "This is Oswyn."
Olyvia smiled at Oswyn, trying to hold back her laughter at her sister's enthusiasm, "Hello Oswyn. I'm Olyvia, as I'm sure Rosemary has mentioned before. She's not very good at keeping secrets and I was supposed to remain a secret."
"Just mentioned you were her sister and that…um, stupid head didn't like you."
Olyvia burst into laughter, doubling over on herself, regretting it as pain erupted in her abdomen. Hearing Oswyn refer to Aedan as stupid head though, was the funniest thing she had heard in a while. She felt a hand on her back, and presumed it was Alistair worrying about her as usual. Calming her laughter she stood straight again.
"Sorry, I've never heard anyone else outside of my family adopt that nickname for him," Olyvia said, wiping a tear from her eye, "You just made my day."
"And seeing me didn't?" Rosemary asked incredulously.
"Okay, both together did," Olyvia said, "Now to make your day, come meet your nephew and nieces."
Rosemary clapped her hands together as she followed her sister, who took Madeline from Alistair before walking over to the kids. Alistair turned to Sighard and Oswyn, "I hope your journey went smoothly."
"It was. And we were certainly entertained," Sighard said, "Rosemary is an interesting girl. Don't get me wrong, I love her as if she were my own daughter, but she…has a special spirit."
"That's one way to put it," Alistair chuckled. Wild and spirited was how he'd describe it, and perhaps a little crazy. Olyvia was the same, just a few notches lower. Okay, maybe more than a few notches.
"I'm sure you wish to speak with the Teyrn as well," Alistair said, "I believe he's in his study. I can show you the way."
Sighard nodded and Alistair motioned for them to follow. As they did so, Alistair noticed a pronounced limp in Oswyn's walk. He knew better than to mention it, though he couldn't deny that he was curious as to why. Oswyn was young, healthy, what had happened to give him this debility? With Rosemary's blabbermouth, he was sure it wouldn't take much to know if he asked his sister-in-law.
Reaching the study, Alistair stepped inside with the Bann, announcing their arrival. Fergus jumped up from his desk to greet them, thanking them for coming and mentioning his surprise at their early arrival.
"Rosemary hardly let us get things packed she was eager to see her sister," Sighard said.
Fergus smiled, "That sound like her."
As Fergus and Sighard got into conversation, Alistair excused himself and went to make his way back to the courtyard. His stomach was twisting from the nerves. This was just the beginning of the path that would lead him to the throne, or an early death. Not just for him, but his family as well.
