Denerim chapter 11
Five days later, they arrived at the gates of Ferelden's capital without further incident, and without Juliette and Nathaniel speaking more than four words a day to one another.
Gazing at the city from the last hilltop Oghren offered his opinion, "Looks a lot better without the fire, and dead bodies all over."
"It seems the rebuilding efforts are going well," Juliette agreed. "Alistair should be pleased." Juliette noticed the mason work along the eastern wall. Her own Master Mason would not be impressed, she knew, but it would do for humans.
They accessed the city at the market and she met with Wade. He was, of course, very satisfied with his work. "Of course it's just light armor but, look at the dragon bone rivets and the heartstring used to overlay the pieces," Wade said proudly. "Truly, it befits the Hero of Ferelden!"
Juliette had to agree that the armor was more than well made; it was a work of art. Wade had had it enchanted, and even Anders was satisfied. "Normally I wouldn't trust you to another mages wards, but these are masterfully done."
The leather gleamed from its oil, and the fit was perfect. There were extensive engravings all over the leather, and she realized that Wade had embossed a crest on the leather pieces that would lie between her breasts. "Wade, is this the Highever crest?" she asked, tracing her fingers over it. "And you've woven a griffon into it?"
"We asked permission of your brother, the Teyrn, first. It's a bit of a thank you for, well you know, everything." said Herren cautiously. "Do you like it?"
"Of course she does! I'm an artist!" cried Wade.
Juliette smiled sincerely at both men, stroking the crest. "It's absolutely perfect. Perfect. Thank you very much, both of you." Even Wade was moved by her happiness.
They settled her account and headed to Brother Genitivi's home. He was happy to see Juliette and had received her message well in advance.
"I had expected you a day or so ago," he had said. He had prepared a midday meal, and after visiting for a bit, the Wardens excused themselves to dress for their formal arrival at the palace. Their private baggage should long since have been delivered, making it clear to the Court they were coming. Still, Juliette had wanted to arrive as the Warden Commander, Hero of Ferelden, dressed in her ceremonial armor. Brother Genitivi had always been kind about his open door policy, and she had used it to her advantage today.
Juliette exited the back room of the home and the men of her party looked up.
"Lookin good, Commander!" said Anders.
"That dolt won't know what hit him!" offered Oghren.
The leather armor hugged every part of Juliette's body that should be hugged. Her breasts were lifted, and the reinforced bodice of it flared, showing off her slender waist. The shorter skirt made her legs look longer than they already were, and the fitted boots laced up to the tops of her knees, shaping her calves. Juliette looked beautiful, powerful, and very much the Commander of the Gray.
"You look perfect," said Nathaniel, swallowing hard and forgetting, for just a moment, that they weren't speaking to each other.
Juliette smiled at them all, "Thank you," she said, blushing. "I want to remind all those politicians who they are dealing with."
"The message seems clear to me!" said Anders.
They arrived at the palace gates a half hour later. The high ceilings were filled with afternoon light, and crowds of courtiers were milling about the elaborate main hall. The silence left in their wake as the Wardens walked to the King's offices was deafening.
"I'm guessin' they've noticed you're here ma'am," Oghren laughed loudly.
"Good," Juliette answered smirking.
They continued down the open corridors, people clearing their path, until they reached the outer salon of the Kings chambers. Here, both they and Arl Eamon arrived almost simultaneously, he from an opposite hall.
"Warden Commander Cousland! What a great privilege and honor!" said Eamon smiling, he approached her and took her hands his. "We had hoped to see you soon. I trust your journey was a quiet one."
"Thank you for your welcome, Arl. We have arrived safely," Juliette smiled genuinely." How is your family?" she asked.
"Connor is adjusting to the Circle as well as can be expected, all things considered," Eamon said, a bit of sadness in his eyes."We miss him. His letters are becoming more content though, and the First Enchanter is pleased with him."
"You must be very proud, you and Isolde," Juliette said kindly. "Connor is a wonderful child, and so brave." Eamon beamed at Juliette's praise, and she then asked, "Is Isolde at court?"
Eamon began his answer, but the tall man who had been standing to his right loudly cleared his throat.
Juliette and Eamon both turned to look at him, and she saw that he was not only very tall, but equally skinny. He was older, and had greasy hair that could be called blonde, but it was so heavily oiled it was hard to tell. His clothes were of very high quality, but heavily trimmed with ribbons and piping, causing chaos, she didn't know what to look at first. He had rings adorning most of his fingers. His eyes were small and recessed, making his long and bent nose more pronounced. He looked like an underfed peacock.
Arl Eamon shook his head. "Warden Commander, allow me to introduce to you Bann Orlan Reign. He was a councilor to our last king and queen and has been assisting the new government."
"A pleasure, my lady Commander. You've had the court waiting with baited breath since it became clear you would be arriving soon," he bowed slightly in greeting.
"Thank you, Bann Orlan, I have looked forward to our arrival as well," she replied. She turned to face Eamon again but noticed that Nathaniel had a dark look on his face. He was watching the Bann.
"I hope that the king has been made aware of our arrival?"Juliette asked, as her eyes left Nathaniel's face and returned to Eamon's.
Bann Orlan spoke before Eamon, "The king is a very busy man, Commander," he said airily."He will see you as soon as he can, but it may not be today."
"Or it could be right now, Orlan." Juliette turned to the very familiar voice behind her.
Alistair strode across the salon and smiled at her, "Wow. Hello. You look amazing." he said as he pulled her into a quick hug.
Juliette smiled in return, amazed he had said that out loud, and that he was hugging her, in front of everyone. Over his shoulder she saw Nathaniel look away, and Oghren frown. Oddly Bann Orlan seemed pleased.
As quickly as Alistair had pulled her in though, he just as quickly registered his behavior was causing a stir, and he instantly broke contact, and stepped back a few steps.
"Welcome, Warden Commander," Alistair said, clearing his throat. "I hope your travels were safe?" Alistair asked more formally.
"They were thank you, your majesty." The contact being broken she dropped into a perfect curtsy, "I received your summons and departed as soon as I could secure the arling." Juliette said stiffly.
Alistair was taken aback. "You mean my letter, it wasn't a summons," he said quietly, so only she could hear.
"If you like, your majesty. Your letter." she conceded still holding his gaze.
"We have heard some troubling things about this talking darkspawn and require more information," interrupted Bann Orlan .
Juliette raised an eyebrow and turned to answer him, "I am happy to answer any questions the king may have, of course, though my reports have left out no detail," she answered.
"I find that surprising, Warden Commander," Orlan said the contempt clear in his voice.
Nathaniel and Oghren both took a step forward, offended on her behalf, but Juliette made a small motion with her hand.
"Bann Reign!" Alistair barked before things escalated. Juliette was incensed and stared at the man, he met her look with a glare. "Bann Reign, you have matters to attend to, I'm sure," Alistair said in dismissal. The Bann gave a deep bow to the King, and exited with a flounce.
"I think I will speak with the Commander alone," Alistair said to Eamon. "Would you please see that her men are shown to their rooms, they should be allowed to settle in to rest. And I'm sure they are hungry."
"Yes, of course, your majesty," Eamon promised. "Come, this way Wardens, won't you please?" and Eamon turned to leave.
Juliette glanced back at Nathaniel and nodded curtly. His eyes held hers for a moment, making her sure that he understood that she was placing him in charge.
Alistair raised his forearm inviting her to walk with him, "Let's have a chat, shall we Juliette?"
She placed her hand on his arm and he led her out of the salon.