Bioware owns Dragon Age and all the characters, I own Jaya, though...
The King's Rose
Chapter 8: Reunions?
Covering a yawn, Jaya slid to the edge of the bed to stretch as she wondered what she would do today. She remembered promising Alistair that she would indeed stay and assist in anything he needed in court before also remembering that he had put off the court until she was well. 'He is such a sweet man.' She thought right before she felt shifting behind her, knowing that the man occupying her thoughts was now awake and received a kiss to her neck proving it. "Mmm. Morning, my king." She giggled softly, which earned a groan from him followed by a laugh of his own.
"For now, I am only yours, love. Until we head downstairs where we will, no doubt, be swept in fifteen directions." He stated as he crawled out of the bed to get dressed.
Jaya never got tired of seeing him in his naked glory, giggling to herself that her beloved was more manly than Dairren. She flushed when she realized where her thoughts were going before she decided to also get dressed in a silk gown Anora had given her for court and other days to be comfortable. After slaying the archdemon and Alistair becoming king, the former queen turned out to be a great friend to both of them, soon swearing fealty to him. Jaya looked to Anora for all her own advice as well as concerns, like she probably would have done had Oriana lived.
"Why were you giggling?" Came the question as she finished slipping on the shoes Leliana had brought back from Orlais.
"Oh, just thinking that either Dairren was not a real warrior or it is a perk of the Joining that you're more handsome." She thought out loud.
"Or both."
"That too." She smiled. Not long after they became intimate, she did say Dairren was her first, though, instead of being angry, Alistair actually wanted to know how he compared their first night. She had smirked and said he did a ton better than Dairren could ever do. "Well, shall we, Your Highness?" She asked, mock-bowing before she was swept up for a kiss.
"Minx." He stated as they left the room.
Jaya rolled her eyes and smiled. "I know it and you love it." She said as he entwined their fingers.
"I do indeed. Just don't tell the others." Alistair said, smirking.
"I still haven't told anyone about what happened in the Fade while we were at the Circle." She said as the group came into view.
"Good."
"Ahh, child. You look marvelous. And the color's returned to your face." Wynne stated, smiling as Jaya hugged her, confusing her. "Something wrong?"
"Nothing, Wynne. I just couldn't help thinking my mother would have adored to know you. You remind me so much of her, though less naggy." She admitted, getting Fergus to chuckle.
"I am.. honored that you think of me as such, child." Wynne admitted as two others walked in, a golem and a tall man.
Jaya's eyes lit up at the tall man. "Sten! I thought you weren't going to be back!" She stated, hugging the Qunari's arm.
"The arishok sent me to not only deliver a message, but to be here in his stead, since I know this land a little more than him." Sten stated.
"Oh? What message is that?" Both Alistair and Jaya asked.
"He sends his congratulations. I told him of your feats and of your impending marriage. He was amazed at the feat a woman can do if given the chance, though, it is uncertain if he will change the Qun or not." He informed.
Jaya really wanted to hit her head on the nearest wall. She was more than a woman. She was a Gray Warden, a teryn's daughter, future queen and a very amazing friend to those she had met. The look on her face had the others wondering if they had to pad the walls soon. "Well, at least he was wrong. I hope one day I get to meet him in person and we can try to create something to unite Fereldens and Qunari." She said, thinking out loud.
"I am sure he will be surprised, but would hear you." Sten said.
Seeing Shayle, Jaya grinned. "So, have anymore 'foul birds' found you?" She teased.
Shayle scoffed. "The pests cannot find me in Cadash Taig and it knows this." She informed.
"So, how's clean up doing for you?" Alistair asked.
"I had... difficulties, but it will be thrilled to know no more of those pesky darkspawn dare to come near there. It is almost as good as I remember it." Shayle stated.
Fergus nearly jumped. "Golems talk?" He asked.
Jaya blinked. "Oh, yeah. Shayle wasn't there at the coronation, so she never met you. Shayle of House Cadash, meet Fergus Cousland, Teryn of Highever and my brother." She introduced them as Isolde and the other two walked up. "Lady Isolde! Arl Eamon! Bann Teagan?" She stated.
"Please, call us by our names. After all, we are going to be family soon." Teagan joked. "Looks like that is another one off my list."
Jaya laughed and shook her head. "You still leaving broken-hearted women behind? Sad." She said, kneeling to pet Caican, who whimpered. "I'm alright, boy. I should have brought you, huh? You would've torn that genlock rogue apart." An agreeing bark was her answer before she stood up again, feeling as if something was missing. Looking around, she wondered what she was missing before it hit her. Morrigan wasn't here. Her mood shifted to being sad, something that was now common when she thought of the witch that had become a sister to her. She was grateful Morrigan saved both her and Alistair from dying, but she wanted her there to prod him with trivial things.
Leliana frowned and knew exactly what was wrong, as did Alistair. Leliana walked over and laid a hand on her shoulder. "Jaya... If you want to, I'll go with you to find her." She said.
"But she said she didn't want me to follow." Jaya said.
"Since when did you listen, sister?" Fergus asked, grinning.
"True.." She smiled softly before looking at her beloved. "What do you think? Should I go at least find her and thank her? Or not?"
"Why not? She saved us." He stated. "But, why don't we wait until you're one hundred percent?"
Jaya smiled. "Alright, if it'll make you relax, I'll wait until I'm healed." She couldn't wait to not only yell at Morrigan, but hug her to death for saving them. She shoved the thought of Morrigan aside while she assisted Alistair with issues in Court. She was about to have Alistair take a breather so she could take the next few when a very regal woman strolled in, six guards following her.
"Excuse me, but this Court has already begun. We do not allow visitors." Eamon stated, cautious.
"Pardon me. I have just arrived. My captain had gotten lost." The woman informed, a clear Orlesian accent in her words. "I am Empress Celene. An honor to meet you, King Alistair. I must extend condolences on the loss of King Cailan. I only received word a few months ago, not long after the Blight had ended." Celene then glanced at Jaya, who was sitting comfortably besides Alistair. "Might I inquire what a commoner is doing here?" She asked.
Jaya's blood boiled and she saw red. She was no commoner and if Eamon hadn't replied then, Jaya would have taken Duncan's dagger, which rested in her sleeve, and threw it at the Empress.
"Your Highness. You speak of the future Queen of Ferelden and King Alistair's betrothed, Jaya Cousland. Not to mention accusing her of being a commoner is very insulting." Eamon informed.
Celene didn't seem to soak the information and only heard the name. "Cousland... Cousland.. Weren't they all slain by Arl Rendon Howe?" She asked.
"Not all, Your Grace." One guard informed softly. "Jaya Cousland survived, became a Gray Warden and slew Arl Howe."
"Hmm. Disappointing. For the 'Hero of Ferelden', I would have thought she would be in armor, not dolled up in tacky clothing." Celene stated as if it were common knowledge.
Erk... I know Celene is NOTHING like that in DA:I, but this IS before the whole game starts.
~~Skittles~~
