The Arrangement
Under pressure, Alistair is desperate to find a suitable Queen. Only that his choice is a highly unusual young noble woman and a new danger threatens Alistair's very life- Luckily Aedan Cousland is here to help. AU. M!Cousland Warden, Alistair, Non-Warden F!Cousland and the rest of the gang!
I apologise for the delay in updating – life has been getting in the way. I'm still looking on the site for a beta but I'm not having much luck. If anybody knows of anyone who may be able to help out, please PM me. Luckily, once again my sister has taken up the cause for this chapter. Yay! So it's really down to her that this chapter is polished. Any errors that are left are mine alone.
A big hello to those new to the story, I'm glad that you are enjoying the fic enough to make certain that you receive notifications of updates. Also, thank you to those who like to just read the fic, although, feel free to review if there is anything that you like or even disliked of any chapter. I really would appreciate any feedback – even if it's constructive criticism because how else will I improve? And finally, thank you to Polyanna24 and Melysande for sticking with this story since the first chapter; I greatly appreciate the support that you two have given. So thank you to everyone, I am very happy that there are some people who like this story. Cookies for all! (Sten approves 100+)
In which Elissa gets an invite for a tea party. Alistair has a wobble with his Lordlings, Aedan looks for recruits (and we get to see a familiar face) and Wynne finally voices some doubts that she has been having.
Chapter 11: Doubts
The early morning sun streamed through the open window; the rays bringing warmth to the otherwise cold room and to its sole occupant. Seated on the edge of the bed, Elissa poured through the worn hard-backed tome; soundlessly mouthing the runes to herself whilst her hands and fingers sketched the symbols in the empty air. So engrossed was she in her study that she did not hear the series of knocks grow more insistent on the oaken door.
Behind her the door creaked open and she spun around, her fingers instinctively reflexing. She relaxed again when she noticed the slender figure of an elf silhouetted in the doorway.
''Oh! I didn't hear.'' Elissa cried in apology as she hastily begun to gather the books that were scattered across the bed.
The elven servant looked at her strangely, ''I apologise for intruding upon your study mistress but my Lady wishes for you to take noon tea with her in her solar.''
Elissa paused; books in hand as she peered owlishly up at the woman. ''Your mistress?'' She inquired after a heart-beat.
The elf drew herself up proudly, ''Oui, my mistress is Lady Anora, the Teyrna of Gwaren and,'' the woman paused to regarded her hostilely, ''the former Queen of Ferelden. I believe that you have already met.''
As comprehension dawned on her, Elissa found herself staring at the woman. She shook her head to clear the sudden nervousness that had begun to rise in her. ''I have already made Lady Anora's acquaintance.'' She acknowledged graciously, ''And I would be happy to accept her invitation for tea in her solar.''
''Good.'' The elven servant said approvingly. ''You shall meet her Ladyship and her ladies-in-waiting in Queen Rowan's former chambers. Do you know where it is?''
Elissa shook her head, uncomfortably aware of the elf's unyielding gaze. She watched as the elf pursed her lips in veiled consideration before she dutifully shot a small knowing smile in her direction. ''The old Queen's chambers are cloistered in the old apartments; next to the where the herb gardens are situated.'' The elven maid described candidly.
''Thank you, please tell your mistress that I shall be there at noon.''
''I shall relay your acceptance to my Lady.'' The maid said before she turned heel and left the room; closing the chamber door with a firm bang.
Left alone Elissa sank slowly back onto the bed, her books lay around her forgotten as she wondered why Anora would so suddenly wish to summon her.
X000X
Alistair sat on the throne, uncomfortably aware of how hard the seat actually was as he listened to the Teyrns, Banns and minor Lords and Ladies bicker amongst themselves about the poll tax.
''It appears as though they've missed the point yet again.'' Fergus drawled next to him.
''I think they are just reluctant to lose their 'privileges'.'' Alistair replied seriously, ''Most of the Lords and Ladies here don't really care about the issues that the poorer folk will have to even pay for this tax.''
The Teyrn of Highever raised an eyebrow, briefly reminding the King of the kinship that was shared between his fellow Warden and friend. ''Ah, so that explains why there have been new...amendments in the law code? Why my friend, I did not think that you would be so immediate in your changes to the Crown's policies!''
Alistair shrugged, ''It just makes sense. The lands were badly ravished during the Blight and it will take years for them to produce the amount of bounty that my father and brother experienced during their individual reigns. The common folk cannot afford the high taxes that Loghain and Howe levied...''
''And yet the aristocracy can.'' Fergus finished for him, nodding in approval at the sensible actions that the so-called reputable inexperienced King had made.
The younger man flushed in embarrassment, ''It wasn't really that hard to introduce. A lot of the larger holdfast Lords and Ladies were surprisingly supportive of my idea. It's just...''
''A lot of Loghain's supporters are not; which is unsurprising.'' Aedan interrupted dryly as he approached the dais from behind.
Alistair jolted in surprise as the Warden-Commander requisitioned a chair; that had been previously seating the Arl of Redcliffe. ''Eamon was seated there.'' Alistair told him.
Aedan settled himself down onto the chair with a shrug. ''If it makes you feel better, I promise to return it to him when he's finished arguing with Bann Esmerelle over there. In the meanwhile though, I've been on my feet all day having a look at some of the potential recruits that Sergeant Kylon believes are worthy fighters.'' He pursed his lips in annoyance, ''I don't think the good Sergeant has realised that the Wardens aren't an organisation made up of just warriors. And although his soldiers seem to be well-trained and skilled with their weaponry, they're not really what I'm looking for.''
Alistair nodded, looking thoughtful as his gaze wondered over the guards stationed at their various posts in the hall. Since the Blight had been defeated, one of the reforms that Teagan and himself had made certain of was that the soldiers of Denerim would be just as equally skilled in the art of siege-craft as they were in infantry; something of which upon reviewing the total cost that the war with the Darkspawn had displayed most disconcertingly. The men and women were doughty fighters who had seen and experienced many horrors during the Blight but the majority of them were only just that. Not what the newly appointed Warden-Commander of Ferelden was looking for in his recruits.
''However there was one soldier who caught my attention,'' Aedan continued bringing Alistair's focus back to the conversation revolving near him, ''A woman by the name of Mhairi. Sure, she fights just like her fellow soldiers but when I actually talked to her she was able to string more than a few sentences together.''
Fergus leant forward with a knowing smile on his features. ''You're not just impressed because she's a woman are you little brother?''
Alistair froze as he watched as a series of emotions flickered across his friend's face, whilst his scarred hands fingered the ring that Alistair knew to be hidden under his jerkin.
''I...Hey, look over there!'' the young King gestured to the nearby tapestry as he tried to divert Fergus's attention from his younger brother, whilst also giving Aedan enough time to steel his emotions. ''Well, that's a finely made tapestry. Do you think that Andraste really looked like that? I always thought that she would have been more muscular rather than looking like that. Although then again, how else would she have gotten the Maker's attention?''
He knew that he was babbling and from the look of the elder Cousland brother, Fergus knew it too and he was very much relieved when Aedan coughed pointedly to regain their attention.
''Well if Alistair's finally finished with his sudden interest in that tapestry, perhaps we should discuss amongst ourselves how best to plan that trip to Amaranthine?'' Aedan drawled with a smirk before adding with a sly glance towards the sandy-haired King, ''unless of course Alistair wishes to keep ogling that fine depiction of a naked Andraste?''
X000X
''You are late.'' A cool voice addressed Elissa as she was shown into the solar by the elven maid from early that morning.
She flushed in mortification as she took the proffered seat opposite the former Queen of Ferelden. ''I apologise for my tardiness your Ladyship, I had lost track of time.'' She explained with a sense of disquiet whilst the Teyrna's ladies tittered behind their patterned tea cups.
Anora smiled in polite understanding and added graciously, ''Would you care for some refreshment? Erlina, my maid, makes the most wonderfully tasting scones.''
Aware that her stomach had just decided to rumble, Elissa nodded in appreciation as the elven maid set a steaming cup and a plate full of scones on the table in front of her. ''Thank you.'' She murmured to the elf as she gratefully helped herself to one of the scones.
As she nibbled at the scone, Elissa listened to the gentle hum as Anora's ladies chattered amongst themselves and the former Queen. Feeling very much relieved at their obvious attempt to over-slight her, Elissa turned her attention to study the woman who had practically ruled Ferelden for over five years.
Although she had met King Cailan's Queen at the banquet on the night that she had discovered Alistair's true identity, she had been so very nervous that she had not thought as much on the significance that their introduction had been. The fact that Queen Anora had known who she was already without Alistair or one of her brothers introducing them suggested to Elissa the possibility that the woman knew more than she had let on. Of course, she considered as she took a sip of the lemon tea, that it was possible that Arl Eamon had pointed her out to Anora but if that was so, then why did the older woman not have mentioned that fact?
A gentle touch to the shoulder interrupted her musings. Green eyes met blue and Elissa found herself face to face with the subject of her thoughts. ''Your Ladyship?'' She started.
''Why don't we go out on the balcony for a moment, Erlina has kindly set up some comfortable chairs for us to sit and have a nice little conversation without fearing that we'll be subjected to the latest Court gossip the next day?'' Anora said with a gesture in the direction of the chattering women.
''I...'' Elissa stumbled, uncertain of what to say.
The golden haired woman gave a little laugh, ''Oh, don't fret! I would just like to talk with the sister of our beloved Hero of Ferelden.''
''Oh, is that all?''
''Of course it is!'' Anora exclaimed, ''I remember visiting Highever as a child and again, just after I married Cailan but I do not recall meeting you there. As the only highly ranked noblewoman of my own status, I believe that we shall have much to discuss. Now, if you care to follow me I believe that we can find ourselves some place quite cosy if Erlina has done her task well; which she always does.''
X000X
''Warden-Commander!'' A deep woman's voice hollered down the corridor as Aedan made his way down to the castle's stable. He turned to find a tall dark haired woman clad in heavy plate armour, cradling a winged helmet in her gloved hands.
His eyes widened in surprise as he recognised the enthusiastic soldier from Sergeant Kylon's mid-morning demonstration. ''Ser Mhairi,'' he acknowledged after a moment. ''To what do I owe this pleasure?''
The woman blushed a little, ''I know that you were not much impressed by what you saw today Warden-Commander but I vow to serve the Wardens just as well as I vow to protect the King and the citizens of Ferelden.'' Her pale blue eyes gleamed in earnest as she titled her head a little to look up at him.
Inwardly, Aedan found himself grinning at the girl's fire and willingness to put her own life above all others. He folded his arms and leant against the wall. ''Pray tell me, why do you believe that I would pick you to become a Grey Warden? What makes you so special over your brothers and sisters-at-arms? Would one of them not be as suitable for the opportunity to rebuild the order as you are?''
To her credit and Aedan's growing respect the young woman did not back down. She pulled herself to her full height and looked him squarely in the eyes as she told him fiercely, ''As far back as I can remember, I have always been enraptured by the tales of valiant kings and knights, the Grey Wardens sacrificing for the greater good. I am Ferelden to my bones, and I will protect her with all that I am until my dying breath. You have no idea how hard Loghain's betrayal of King Cailan hit most of us. I know that to many high-born nobles the common soldier's opinion does not mean as much as it should be but when I learnt that you and King Alistair had quelled the Blight, almost single-handedly, I vowed that I would serve the Wardens with every fibre of my being. And you need those who are willing to sacrifice who they are in order to protect and serve for the greater good of all.''
''Well that's settled then; you're in!'' Aedan declared as he pushed himself away from the wall, his grin smug as he looked at the woman stall in response.
''You...would have me?'' She said with wide blue eyes.
Aedan studied her, his face dull with uncharacteristic seriousness. ''I tell you this Mhairi; you are the only one out of today's display who showed any promise. A lot of people think that to be a Grey Warden that you have to be superiorly skilled, and whilst it is so in part there is far much more to it than that. The other part that I and the previous Commander looked for was the depths of people's souls. I need not only see that you are able and skilled but are loyal, can take orders, issue them and can think on your feet – all by your own initiative. Do you think that Alistair and I had much guidance from those who were superior to us in the order? No, because they were all dead and Loghain had made certain that the Warden reinforcements that Duncan and Cailan sent for would not arrive. Although we had much help from our companions and other folk who we met and helped during our travels, Alistair and I had to think for ourselves. And that's why in part that we were able to defeat the Blight.''
He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder guard, ''you have a lot to give, Mhairi. And if the Joining goes well then I know that you will be flying through the ranks of the order. You have the makings of a fine Grey Warden, and Maker do we need more of you!''
X000X
Elissa remained seated, motionless, as Anora studied her dispassionately. She still was not quite certain as to how and when the shift in conversation had occurred but she found herself unable to simple get up and leave; despite all her instincts telling her to do so.
Their conversation had commenced in what Elissa could only describe as fairly pleasant. They had talked about Highever and its rolling green hills bordered by its vast coastline. Anora had expressed her appreciation for how well her father had governed the Teyrnir and treated not just its human inhabitants respectively but also its elven citizens. ''I wish that many more holdfasts would treat the lower races as well as Highever does.'' Anora had commented before she launched into her admiration for the breeding programme of the horses. For many generations the Cousland family had personally seen to the maintaining of strong and hardy horses, which would be just as equally capable in functioning as warhorses. Indeed during the Orlesian occupation of Ferelden, her father had maintained the warhorses for Maric's campaign.
In retrospect Elissa had been pleasantly surprised that her initial apprehension in privately meeting such a reputably ruthless and powerful woman had gone well. And yet, she found herself at a loss when the pleasant conversation shifted abruptly to something much colder.
''I must confess that I did not solely invite you here to discuss about lighter matters.'' Anora stated as she placed her cup back onto the small table with a click before she turned steely blue coloured eyes back on to her companion.
Elissa nervously tucked a strand of dark hair that had escaped the confines of her twisted-braid as she felt the former Queen's gaze upon her.
''I shall be blunt. I have desired to meet your acquaintance every since I have heard about you,'' the golden haired Queen declared smoothly, ''especially as my own people were not able to find that much about you during their visits to both Highever and Waking Sea. I must confess that I was surprised that there was hardly a mention of you in detail when compared to that of other members of your House.''
''I am a private person, Your Ladyship.'' Elissa murmured; her eyes downcast as she nervously fiddled at the cuff of her sleeve.
The older woman furrowed her eyebrows, ''A most interesting preference for a woman of your status.'' She said sharply, ''which brings me now to why I wished to speak to you alone. Can you imagine how vast my surprise was to hear from a friend that Arl Eamon, Alistair and your elder brother had conspired between themselves to arrange a political match tying House Cousland and Theirin together? I was more than surprised. I was shocked and furious that after months of careful planning that it seemed all for nothing. Can you imagine how apprehensively I awaited your arrival? Hearing that the red haired Bard that your other brother is closely involved with had travelled all the way
Elissa shook her head nervously, ''I didn't know...I swear Lady Anora, I didn't know about what my brother, the Arl and Alistair had planned. I...''
''And finding out that Eamon had indeed found a way for you and Alistair to informally meet in private without my awareness made me begin to realise that you could be a potentially dangerous enemy at Court.'' Anora leant forward with a hard smile as she said triumphantly, ''And yet, after your embarrassing outburst during the banquet where you declared that Alistair had lied and had severely damaged your honour, I realised that you were not the dangerous enemy that I had first pinned you to be. In fact, I am rather surprised that both Eamon and Alistair have seen fit to continue this arrangement as it is clear to me, and many other members of the Bannorn that you are not a worthy Queen for Ferelden; the kingdom would not benefit from having someone so inexperienced in not only political matters but so obviously lacks in social grace.
''Now, I know that since that night that you and Alistair have grown rather close over the last few weeks but you can surely see that you are not the best choice for the country whilst I on the other-hand am an able administrator, and I am well known and beloved by both the common and aristocracy alike whilst you are virtually an unknown.'' She paused to survey the younger woman across from her, her blue eyes glittering maddeningly with ambitious intent, ''You may feel something for Alistair but I can reassure you that it is only a brief flush in the heat of your newly formed relationship. I can assure you that you are not the only woman who has fallen so quickly for a man of the Theirin blood, nor I think that you would be the last.''
Elissa sat in astonishment whilst the older woman had talked, her head and heart pounding as she considered the Queen's words.
It was true when she had claimed that she knew nothing of the arranged match between her and the King. When she had received the carefully worded letter from Fergus, Elissa had felt such excitement to finally see a new place that was not Highever or Waking sea that she had not much thought behind the reason why her brother would suddenly call her to Court when her parents had taken great precautions to keep her and her secret safe and protected from those who would otherwise would have done harm. And although she had often felt lost and vulnerable since arriving in the city, her relationship with Alistair and her time spent at the orphanage had gradually erased the sense of vulnerability away to allow her to grow into the type of person that she had always wished to be.
Did she love Alistair? Elissa bit her lip in consideration. She did not know whether she loved him but over the months that they had spent time together, she had grown to care for him a great deal. Yet, what would he do to their still-new relationship if he found out about her secret? Their relationship was still too fragile and new. Would he turn her away or would he stay by her?
She hoped that it would not happen.
Once again her musings were interrupted as the daughter of the former Hero of River Dane cleared her throat. ''I hope that you will see the wisdom in my words Elissa. Perhaps if you wish, once I am made Queen, I can arrange a more suitable match. Now, if you will excuse me I must go and see to my ladies.''
Once she was certain that Anora was out of viewpoint, Elissa wiped away the tears that had begun to fall.
X000X
Wynne entered the King's solar with a heavy sigh as she mulled over her doubts to reinforce her argument that she had developed since meeting the younger Cousland.
Although Wynne had no doubt that the young woman was what she portrayed herself to be personality-wise but as the weeks had flown by the former Senior Enchanter had developed strong suspicions that Elissa was not the woman that both her brothers believed her to be.
''Oh! I didn't hear you come in.'' The young King's voice broke through her thoughts as he rose from his place next to the fire and came over to greet her, his eyebrows furrowing in concern. ''Is...Is there something the matter Wynne? You're not ill are you, you are looking rather troubled.''
Wynne smiled fondly as she patted his hand in reassurance. ''You are such a kind boy but you do not need to fuss over me.'' She turned to appraise him seriously, ''Actually, I was hoping that we could have a little chat?''
Alistair's bright smile faded at her serious tone, ''Of course, sit over here near the fire. It is rather chilly tonight.''
Once they were both seated comfortably next to the fire place Alistair cleared his throat. ''So...what do I owe the pleasure of your visit Wynne?''
The old woman's eyebrows furrowed in thought as she considered how best to word her concerns. ''I do not wish to disturb you with my concerns – it could be that I am incorrect in my analysis however no matter how much I dearly hope that it is not so, I am not often incorrect in these matters.''
Alistair groaned. ''Is this to do with the taxation amendment? I can assure you Wynne that there is not much to be concerned about, both Fergus and-''
Wynne waved a weary hand to interrupt him, ''No, it is not that. I know that you are doing the best that you can with the economic issues but it is not that.'' She paused, taking a deep breath before she continued. ''I did not notice immediately the strangeness around her but I have been watching her for some time and I think there is a strong possibility that Elissa is a mage.''
Alistair laughed in astonishment, ''You're joking right!? Elissa cannot be a mage. It's just not...'' He foundered as he became aware of the mage's expression. ''You aren't joking are you? Maker, there is no way that Elissa can be a mage. She hasn't preformed any spells; which, I would think that I would notice would I not? And, Fergus and Aedan would have at least mentioned it
"I had a feeling that you would react this way,'' Wynne said with a sigh. ''I know that this may seem difficult for you Alistair but I am sure that Elissa is a mage, and a possible apostate at that.''
''I think you're mistaken Wynne,'' Alistair replied, slightly annoyed at her insistence. ''Elissa is not a mage – certainly not an apostate – and I know that if she was, she and her brothers would have at least mentioned it. And also, do you really believe that parents like Bryce and Eleanor would keep hidden a mage from the Circle?'' He shook his head, ''No, she is not a mage.''
Wynne regarded him sadly, ''I am just informing you on my opinion. You did not know the Warden's parents. You only know them by what Aedan, and perhaps Elissa, have told you. It is not unknown for noble houses to hide magic from the Circle, which I'm sure that you can recall the events that occurred in Redcliffe?''
''That was completely different!''
''Is it?'' She sighed, rising abruptly from her seat, ''I can see that you will not listen to reason. I suggest that you ask the Warden or Elissa. Whether or not it is true remains to be seen – I just hope that you will not be hurt if the truth is not what you expected. Now, I should return to my chambers; it has gotten much later than I had intended. Goodnight Your Majesty, at least consider what I said.''
Alistair barely registered the firm click of the chamber door as it closed behind the mage. He ran a weary hand through his sandy coloured hair as he gazed into the fire; his mind and heart filled with doubt.
No Alistair and Elissa interaction in this chapter, however, I can guarantee that there will be much in the next chapter. As for the inclusion of Mhairi in this chapter; I personally rather liked her. When I first played the DLC Awakening I was shocked and saddened that she died as I thought that she could have had a lot more to give before she died. Ah, well that's what fanfiction is for!
Anyway, I hope also that the exchange between Anora and Elissa was reasonably satisfactory. I had much fun in writing their part. And, I also hope that Wynne's part was also enough to pique interest. I realised that I had not gone into too much depth of what actually made Elissa unusual, and it was kindly pointed out to me by a reviewer that I really needed to get a move on with it otherwise the overall story would have been rather lacklustre.
Oh, and also you may be wondering how Highever got into the role of breeding horses? Well during research in the planning of this fic, I came across the Trivia on the Dragon Age Wikia site that Highever seems to be loosely inspired by Ireland and Scotland, especially the Scottish Kingdom of Dál Riata. After reading up about this kingdom; it tells that farming was the occupation of most people and that pastoralism was as especially important as the inlay areas were especially fertile and had good grazing all year round; and what do you grow on pastures? Cows, sheep and horses. I.e. The archaeology nerd in me couldn't help it. So please take pity on my attempt to be creative.
Again, thank you to everyone who has read this fic so far!