"Do I really have to attend this ball?" Marissa asked as she stood on a chair being fitted for her gown by the Queen's tailors.
"You are the hero of Ferelden." Giselle said. "People are expecting you. The Queen is counting on you. Why do you think her tailors are here?"
"I don't think Anora trusted me enough to be able to dress myself properly." Marissa remarked; fidgeting as the tailors stuck pins in various areas of the garment.
"You come from nobility." Giselle laughed. "You should be used to it."
Marissa closed her eyes as she remembered the balls her family held in Highever.
"That seems like a lifetime ago."
"Think of how fun it will be." Giselle smiled. "There will be dancing, lots of food and wine, and other entertainment. You won't be spending every waking moment with dignitaries."
Alistair walked by Marissa's room and watched her being fitted for her gown.
"Maker's Breath!" He whispered.
The dress was red velvet that conformed to her figure while the silk sleeves were off her shoulders. She looked so beautiful.
After taking one last glance, he continued to his room.
Marissa opened her jewelry box and took out the rose pendant. It would be the first time she has touched it since it getting it back from the crystal smith in Orzammar. When getting her gown fitted, she knew it would be the only piece of jewelry she would wear.
"I hope he remembers."
"I'm sure he will." Giselle smiled
Marissa sat her in room that evening, reading some of the letters she found in the box Duncan left behind. She was shocked to discover that one of his contacts worked at the castle. He was a librarian who had worked for Scribe Aldous.
The librarian would send Duncan news of how her studies progressed as well as well as tidbits of information about her life that he would get from the maids.
Duncan even knew when her father gifted her with her Mabari Hound. One letter even mentioned the maids telling the librarian how Marissa rebuffed another potential groom
Her mother would set her up with.
Her fierce independence was often a source of friction with her mother. While Marissa loved her mother dearly and appreciated all the things she instilled in her; she did not like it when she played matchmaker.
Marissa got up and headed towards Alistair's door.
"Alistair?" She knocked on the door.
Alistair opened the door. His robe was partially opened, revealing his perfectly sculpted chest and Marissa could feel her face flush.
"Is everything alright?"
"Yes." Marissa smiled. "I was just wondering if you are going to the ball."
"I seriously doubt it." Alistair said. "I was never one for formal events."
Marissa tried to hide her disappointment. "Oh I see. I was…hoping."
"Hoping?"
"Never mind." She said. "Goodnight."
He watched her enter her room and shut the door.
"Stupid... stupid thing to say." He shook his head. "What a fool I am."
Marissa knew she was dreaming in the fade when she saw Oren skip to her.
"She's waiting for you, Auntie." He said; pointing to a figure of a woman
standing in the distance.
"Aunt Lorena!" Marissa ran to the woman who held out her arms for her.
She looked exactly like Marissa last saw her; her brown hair swept away from her face and her sparkling green eyes beaming.
"Duncan was right." She laughed. "You do have my eyes."
"Aunt Lorena." Marissa cried as she hugged her. "I've missed you so much."
"My sweet girl." Lorena took Marissa's hand as they walked. "I have always been with you. I was there when you fought your way through the castle and I felt your pain as you fled with Duncan leaving your parents behind."
"Howe's men would have regretted it if you had been there."
Lorena laughed. "Oh indeed, they would have most definitely experienced my wrath."
"My darling niece, I saw your journey to unite Ferelden. I witnessed your battles and the obstacles you faced. And I cried tears of joy when I saw you fall in love with Alistair."
Marissa was at a loss for words.
"Words cannot describe how proud I am at what you've become." Lorena said. "And there is so much more in store for you…and Alistair."
"I don't understand what you're saying."
"You need to look at this."
Marissa turned to see Alistair in the distance. He was standing there watching a huge mirror that looked to be playing back memories of his past.
Marissa walked over to him and saw that he was watching the moment he was sent off to the chantry. It suddenly switched to the night after Landsmeet where he unleashed his rage at her and then it changed to a moment where she was fighting the archdemon.
Marissa turned to look at him. Alistair's face was haunted with grief and guilt and he did not respond when Marissa called his name.
She gently moved closer to him and put her arms around him as he continued to look at the mirror of changing images.
The minute she kissed his cheek was when Marissa found herself being pulled away. She woke up in her bed and sat up wondering if she had actually visited Alistair's dream.
Alistair jumped out of bed startled by what he experienced in his dream.
It felt so real. He touched his cheek where she kissed it. Sighing wistfully, Alistair got dressed, dismissing the experience as being part of his dream.
Marissa was in the dining room eating porridge when Alistair came in.
"Good morning." She said.
"Morning." He replied.
"Did you sleep well?" Marissa asked
"Um….yes." He said; trying to hide the nervous tone in his voice.
"Did you?"
"For the most part."
Giselle came in just as the awkwardness was about to drown them.
"You just received a note from the Queen." Giselle said, handing her a folded parchment with the royal seal.
Marissa broke the seal and read the note. "Bann Teagan is going to be my escort to the ball. It seems I not only don't know how to dress myself, I need an escort as well."
Alistair bristled with jealousy at hearing this. He still remembered the way Teagan flirted with her when they first traveled to Redcliffe.
"I shouldn't complain." Marissa said. "Teagan is a good friend and was really supportive after the battle."
"Will you excuse me?" Alistair said as he got up from the table, feeling as if he was just gutted by a sword.
"For the love of the Maker!" Giselle chided Marissa. "Why did you just say that?"
"I don't know." Marissa sighed. "Last night I mustered the courage to ask Alistair if he was going to be attending the ball but from what he said, it looks like he's not going."
"What did he say?" Giselle asked
"He said he wasn't one for formal events." Marissa said.
"Once he sees you in that beautiful gown, he will change his mind." Giselle declared.
"I just don't know anymore." Marissa shook her sadly.
*****************
The afternoon before the ball, Marissa soaked in a tub of hot water that was scented with lavender and rose oil, while Leliana paced around anxious to work on her makeup.
"I can't believe how many notes you have received from men requesting that you save a dance for them." Leliana marveled.
"Ugh." Marissa groaned. "Don't remind me."
Earlier in the day, Marissa had received notes from Ser Perth, Ser Donnel, and a few nobles requesting that she save a dance for them at the ball.
"I suppose I should feel flattered but the only man I would love to save a dance for is not even coming."
Leliana handed Marissa a towel as she got out of the tub.
"There is still time for him to change his mind."
"I doubt it." Marissa said as she proceeded to put on the dress.
"There." Marissa continued. "I'm all yours. Just don't overdo it. I am not interested in looking like a worker from The Pearl."
"You needn't worry." Leliana laughed. "You don't appear to be the type that needs much makeup. I just plan to highlight your features."
Alistair paced around his room in an agitated state. He had just met up with Bann Teagan and Arl Eamon and was stunned to learn Marissa had never told them what happened the night before the final battle. She had told them that he led another unit and was presumed lost. She had lied for him and it made him feel more ashamed for his actions.
He finally noticed the set of formal attire that had been placed on his bed. Realizing it was probably Paul or Giselle who had placed it he grabbed it and was about to fling it out the window but stopped and set it down then sat down on the chair.
Alistair was heading downstairs as Marissa came out of the room.
The sight of her nearly took his breath away but he broke from his trance when noticing the pendant around her neck.
"Alistair?"
"That pendant you're wearing." He couldn't take his eyes off it. "That can't be…"
"It's the rose you gave me Alistair." Marissa interrupted.
"I…. can't believe you kept it."
"I could have never thrown this away. You gave it to me." She looked at him. "When…I thought… you weren't coming back, I had it preserved in crystal."
"I don't know what to say."
His hand shaking, Alistair touched her cheek and he slowly came to realize she was moving closer to him. He closed his eyes when feeling her lips on his cheek, the kiss reminding him instantly of the dream he had.
Jowan suddenly came out of his room, interrupting the moment.
"I'm finished with the wards." He said happily, holding a small red crystal. I've infused a drop of archdemon blood into these crystals; these should help provide protection for any of the more powerful blood magic that comes along.
Jowan handed Marissa a crystal.
Marissa inspected the crystal and then hastily slipped it in the tiny pocket her gown had.
"Excellent work Jowan." She told him. "I hate to cut this short but I am late."
"Have a good time." Jowan said.
She turned to see Alistair entering his room and shutting the door.
Marissa saw Teagan waiting for her by the bottom of the stairs. He was standing next to Fergus and Leliana, sharing a laugh with them.
"Sorry for being late."
Teagan looked up at her and smiled as she slowly made her way down the stairs, trying to get accustomed to the shoes she was wearing.
"My Lady." He held out his arm to her. "You look absolutely beautiful. I am honored to be your escort."
"You're looking very handsome yourself." Marissa smiled, taking his arm.
"Shall we be off? He asked.
"Giselle said that she and Paul will be arriving later so we can leave right now." Marissa said.
"So dear sister, Leliana tells me you have a full dance card. I do hope you save at least one dance for me." Fergus smiled.
"Of course brother." Marissa laughed.
Alistair stood silently at the top of the stairs and watched as they left.
Leliana, Wynne, and Fergus were standing by the banquet table watching Marissa in the distance. She was sitting in a chair talking and laughing with Teagan and several other admirers.
"Look at my sister holding court like that." Fergus laughed. "I don't know if Mother would be proud or disturbed to see all those men around her."
"She is the hero of Ferelden." Wynne said. "It's normal that a lot of people would flock to her."
"She's also very beautiful." Leliana added. "Beauty and power can be a powerful lure for some."
Wynne watched Marissa away look away briefly toward the entrance then frown slightly.
"She may have a bevy of admirers but it's plainly obvious her heart still belongs to Alistair." Wynne remarked.
Alistair took one last look in the mirror. He had spent an hour berating himself and pacing around the room before finally bathing, shaving, and donning that attire.
He was startled to see Paul and Giselle standing outside his door.
"Are you ready?" Giselle grinned. "It's not everyday I get escorted to a ball by two handsome men."
Alistair managed a smile and took her other arm.
Marissa walked around the group of nobles and guests who were standing around the dance floor either watching the other couples dance or talking. She had done her duty for Queen Anora. She had talked with the other dignitaries, talked about how proud she was being a Gray Warden and regaled them with stories of her adventures when uniting Ferelden. She had also danced with everyone she promised a dance to. Marissa felt uncomfortable with all the attention and dancing with her brother was the only time that brought her relief for he did not treat her like a celebrity. She would always be his little sister despite being a Gray Warden.
"Marissa."
She turned to see Ser Perth grinning at her.
Smiling; Marissa bowed to him.
"And what can I do for you?"
"We're waiting for you on the dance floor." He took her hand and led her to a circle of dancers who applauded her when she came to them. Smiling and laughing, Marissa took joined the circle and she actually relaxed for a bit to the point of actually having fun.
Alistair entered the ball with Paul and Giselle and immediately looked around for Marissa. He finally spied her in the dance circle, smiling and laughing with Ser Perth and Bann Teagan.
"How in the Maker's name can I compete with that?" He asked Paul and Giselle.
"Alistair. Where does it say you have to compete?" Paul asked.
"You told Marissa you weren't planning to attend." Giselle reminded him. "Did you expect her to sit in a chair the entire time?"
A servant holding a tray of wine goblets walked by and Alistair grabbed two of them.
Marissa was still standing on the dance floor when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned to see Alistair looking at her.
"May I have this dance?" He asked.
"Of course you can." She said happily. "I am so happy you changed your mind and decide to come."
"Oh really?" He said coldly. "You looked like you were getting on fine without me earlier.
A chill went through Marissa as she heard that tone in his voice and saw the glare in his eyes. It reminded her of that night after the Landsmeet.
"Look!" Leliana exclaimed; pointing to Marissa and Alistair on the dance floor. "Alistair changed his mind."
"Dear Maker!" Wynne said. "I've seen that look before. This is not going to bode well for either of them."
The music stopped and the moment Alistair and Marissa stood there, seemed like an eternity.
Alistair bowed to her. "This was obviously a mistake. Will you excuse me?"
Marissa stood there dumbfounded as she watched him leave then took off after him.
"Alistair wait!" She found him walking down a deserted hall. "Please don't go. We need to talk."
"You want to talk?" He asked. "Let's talk! Why did you not tell the Arl and Teagan the real reason I was not at the battle?"
"That's your responsibility." Marissa retorted.
"Why did you accept me back in the Wardens?" He grabbed her shoulders. "You seem to be doing well without me being the hero of Ferelden and all."
"I never asked for this! I also never asked to lead." Marissa yelled angrily. "And yes you should have been there instead of being blinded by your over inflated sense of honor. I made that decision solely based on the principles on how the Wardens were founded. "
"You know I would have taken the final blow for you." Alistair told her.
"How do you even know that a Warden dies when taking the final blow?" She asked. "You fled after you raged at me."
"I ended up at Wardens Keep. I read some of the old archives."
"So that's where you were between your lone hero routine." Marissa seethed.
"I thought you were dead." Alistair yelled.
"Well I am here and standing before you." Marissa shot back. "I presume you are offended that Loghain got the final blow."
"Yes I admit it!" Alistair shouted. "I was angry. But then I realized that was the only selfless act he had done throughout this and I wept in relief when I knew you were alive."
Alistair watched the tears fill her eyes.
"I do not deserve any of the mercy you've given me. I am not worthy of it. It was right for me to give you leadership." He said quietly.
"I never called myself leader throughout this and you know that. I always considered it the two of us. And do you think I enjoy this fame? I am proud of what I did to bring Ferelden together but I had a lot of help. And now I just want to be me again!!"
"You are a Gray Warden. There is no going back to the way it was." Alistair said.
"And you need to learn to forgive yourself." Marissa told him. "You need to reconcile your past; otherwise you will never be able to move on. I dreamt about you; I saw you reliving your darkest moments. You have to get past all that."
"Do you still love me?" He asked
"I can't believe you even have to ask that Alistair." Marissa cried.
Marissa brushed past him and ran off just as the comment about her dream registered in him.
"It was real." He breathed.
"Marissa!"
Alistair heard her scream just as he went after her. Suddenly he felt an enormous amount of heat strike him, the shear force of it blowing him against the wall and knocking him unconscious.
Alistair opened his eyes and watched Duncan appear in the mist that swept around them. It was the first time he has seen Duncan since the night of the battle at Ostagar.
"The hour has come Alistair." He said. "Its time to show the world what you are made of."
Alistair sat up in bed and it only took looking at the grim faces of Wynne and Giselle to realize what was happening.
EDITORS NOTE: Just want to apologize for the previous chapter looking weird.
I use WORD, but sometimes when uploading it doesn't come out right.
Thanks for reading too.