Apologies for the delay in this chapter, things keep pulling me away from writing, darn them!
I know I say this every time but it bears repeating IMO! Thank you so much to everyone who takes the time to read, review or comment on the story, it is appreciated very much.
Thanks to Cadsuane (whose work is amazingly awesome!), I got brave enough to start writing and posting. I really didn't think it would be any good and I'm still not convinced it is, but I think everyone has their doubts about their own work ;) A big thanks to Jinx1983 as well for being so supportive!
Anyway, thanks (again) and I hope you continue to enjoy the story!
Chapter 11
Alistair looked at Zev with a grin "I could have sworn I just heard the dulcet tones of a bard we used to know"
Zev grinned back and winked "I think you are hearing things my friend, I have heard it is a common side effect of stress, perhaps you are working too hard?"
They heard the stamp of a foot behind them and a cute noise of indignation. They both turned as one and smiled at the pretty Orlesian red-head.
"Oh you two, think you are so funny!" she said, trying hard to pout before launching herself at Alistair and hugging him fiercely. Zevran received the same treatment and she laughed breathlessly as he took the opportunity for a sneaky caress.
"Oh Zev, you have not changed one bit!" she giggled, wagging a finger at him.
Zevran shrugged charmingly "and would you want me to, my dear Leliana?" he asked with a knowing smile.
Leliana cocked her head on one side as if considering "hmm no, I don't think so, I think I like you just the way you are, after all" she teased.
"I am very relieved to hear you say that, does this mean I might.." he started but Leliana interrupted him with a laugh "Don't push your luck!"
"Ah well, you can't blame a poor lonely fellow, such as myself, for trying" he sighed dramatically.
Alistair just snorted and hugged Leliana again.
"It's wonderful to see you Leli, Lyssa will be thrilled. I was afraid the messenger wouldn't be able to find you in time" he said.
"He almost didn't!" she exclaimed "It just so happened I had completed my part in gathering and assigning the team to investigate the darkspawn as we agreed. I needed to have a break from Orzammar and come and see my loved ones. I was about three days from Denerim when she found me. A lucky coincidence, no? I can't tell you how happy I am, to not only be out of there for a while, but to be able to come and see my family. The icing on the cake so to speak, is to be here to see you and Lyssa married!"
Leliana's enthusiasm was as infectious as it had always been and Alistair was so happy she had arrived. Now he just had to get her to stop talking long enough so he could get a word in edgeways.
"So where can I find Lyssa? I can't wait to see her! Oh we can talk about dresses! Shoes! And she can't stop me this time, since it's for her own wedding!" she fairly bounced with glee.
Alistair just laughed fondly at the irrepressible woman "Actually I think she desperately needs your help in those areas. There was a slight accident with her meringue err wedding gown and you might just be the woman to save the day"
Leliana clapped her hands "It is settled then, I shall make sure our Lyssa feels quite the Princess!".
"She's just settled down for a nap, but she doesn't usually sleep for very long. I'm sure we can entertain you in the meantime" Alistair said and motioned them through into the reception room.
Darran jumped to his feet as he entered and before Alistair could open his mouth, his able secretary was on his way out of the door with an airy "Refreshments, on it!".
Alistair chuckled and opened the door into his study. His friends made themselves comfortable around the room and he sat at his desk and sighed at the tasks he still needed to complete today. He felt like forgetting about it all for the rest of the day but Darran would give him 'that' look. Avoiding 'that' look was something he tried to do at all costs, King or not. The man, while friendly and efficient, reminded him of Wynne at times.
As Leliana and Zevran happily sparred verbally, he looked at her speculatively. He picked up the agenda for the next Court session in two days, where Zevran and Teagan would be given their Appointments.
"Hey Leli, catch" he said and lightly tossed it over to her. She caught it, nonplussed and began reading, growing more animated as she did.
"Zevran! You are being put to work, about time I say!" she exclaimed and pointed to the notation.
Zevran looked over to Alistair, a hint of shadows in his eyes "Are you still sure about this, my friend?" he asked quietly.
"Yes, no getting out of it now, it's on the agenda. Do you know how much work I'd have to do to change it now? I'd have to write a new list and everything" Alistair replied with a quirk of his lips.
Leliana looked between the two of them curiously and shrugged.
"Aaanyway" she said with a look at Alistair that spoke volumes and he inwardly winced at the questioning he knew would be coming. She looked back at the parchment and exclaimed over Teagan's appointment.
"He is Eamon's brother, no? A fine man if I recall" she said.
Alistair agreed and then raises an eyebrow as Leliana tutted and frowned as she read.
"Alistair, this won't do! You have the Appointments just thrown in the middle of the other Court business like it was nothing. It should be at the end, perhaps with a little celebratory drink, no?" she said, her tone incredulous.
Alistair flushed and muttered something rude under his breath. Leliana just grinned and rose. She leant on the desk, plucked a quill from the pot, dipped for ink, and started rearranging things to her satisfaction. Once she was done she handed the parchment back to Alistair who just looked at it, bemused.
"You know it makes more sense, dear Alistair" she smiled "although it looks as if you will be writing out a new list after all."
Alistair just grinned evilly "No, dear Leliana, it looks like you will"
"Me?" she laughed "I do not think so" then on seeing Alistair still grinning "you are not serious!"
Alistair pulled together the blank parchment needed and moved from his chair, gesturing to it while giving a little bow to Leliana who looked flustered.
Zevran just chuckled "It looks like you are being put to work too, my dear bard, about time I say" he quoted her, then laughed outright at the glare he received.
Leliana huffed briefly then sat in the vacated chair and bent to her task "Well if I want something done right, I may as well do it myself" she said archly, and ignored the laughter that erupted at her comment.
