Chapter 11
"What is taking so long?" Alistair paced around the room as Teagan and Varric watched him.
"I'm sure she'll be fine Al," Varric took a drink from his flask and put it back in his pack. "Anybody who can shove a piece of cotton into a wound then walk from the docks to Hightown is not going to die."
"Alistair, she's going to be alright," Teagan said gently. "Elissa is a strong woman and she's been through worse."
"Yes and I wasn't there for it," Alistair leaned again against the wall.
Anders and Jessica came in the room looking relieved.
"She's going to be fine," Jessica smiled.
"The sword did not hit anything vital and it went straight in then out. She lost a lot of blood, had six broken ribs, and is suffering from mild shock but she'll be fine," Anders sighed.
"Thank you. Thank you both," Alistair hugged each of them. "Can I see her?"
"Yes," Anders nodded. "The wound is healed but I put a sleep spell on her because she needs the rest and it will help her build back her blood quicker."
Alistair left the room and they heard him race up the stairs and the door close.
"I'm going to speak with the Arishok," Jessica poured herself a glass of water and then set the pitcher down.
"You know he's just going to give you the run around Hawke," Varric chuckled. "He'll spout off a diatribe about the Qun, honor, and respect."
"Yes but I am going anyway," Jessica frowned. "How did he even know Elissa was here? And what was the point?"
"He mentioned something about the men from the ship talking loud," Varric looked at Teagan.
"Maker," Teagan groaned and his shook his head. "They were told to keep quiet about her."
"It's not your fault Teagan," Jessica said. "I've learned from experience that most secrets eventually come out.
"And you know the Arishok," Varric chuckled. "There is a reason for everything he does. Had Elissa walked away, it could have had added to the tensions in the city."
"Why are the Qunari even here?" Teagan asked.
"Their ship ran aground the same time my family came here," Jessica explained. "I've helped the Arishok before in order to maintain the peace in Kirkwall. They say a ship is coming but it's beginning to become clear that there is more to it."
"I'm exhausted," Anders sighed. "Elissa is not going to wake up for the time being so I am going to take a nap."
"I'll see you later," Jessica kissed Anders after he shook hands with Teagan then headed up the stairs.
"The viscount invited me to dine with him," Teagan reached for his coat.
"And what do you think of Viscount Dumar Teagan?" Varric grinned. "And don't worry you won't offend me."
"Good to know," Teagan replied as he put on his coat. "He's amiable enough but our queen would chew him up then spit him out. When I was talking to him, there… were some moments when I got the impression he would rather be somewhere else. He does love his son though so I'll give him credit for that."
"That is pretty much how most of everybody views him," Jessica chuckled. "Just let yourself in when you've returned from the keep."
"Thank you," Teagan smiled. "Your hospitality and friendship is truly appreciated."
"It's my pleasure," Jessica smiled.
Varric and Jessica watched him leave the room and heard the door close.
"Hawke this is something that I need to tell you and its good Blondie isn't here to here."
"I figured you had something to tell me," Jessica looked at Varric.
"Ellie was very upset after her meeting with Knight Commander Meredith and mentioned witnessing some pretty horrible things when she was in there. She said she was going to tell you when Anders wasn't around and I told her you would appreciate that."
"I'll definitely have to talk to her when she's well. Did she tell you anything?"
"Let's just say it's for the best that she doesn't tell Blondie," Varric looked at her somberly. "And consider yourself fortunate that you have your wealth and enough pull with the Viscount to be safe."
"Alright then," Jessica grabbed her staff. "Guess it's for the best I don't know for now. Let us go have a talk with the Arishok. I'll buy you a drink afterwards."
"I'm expecting you to," Varric chuckled as they left the estate.
….
Anders woke up from his nap, immediately went to Elissa's room, and could not help but smile when seeing Alistair sleeping beside her.
Heading downstairs, he found Orana watering the plants. When seeing him she looked up and smiled, "Did you have a nice nap Master Anders?"
"Yes I did thank you," Anders smiled.
Helping himself to an apple, he headed to the sitting room to relax and wait for Jessica.
"Anders?" Alistair appeared in the doorway. "Ellie is still asleep. Shouldn't she be awake by now?"
"Alistair she lost over half of her blood," Anders motioned for him to sit down. "Her wounds are healed but she needs the rest to build up her blood. As she regains her strength, the spell will wear off and she'll wake up."
"She will wake up then?
"Yes," Anders said reassuringly. "You will have that second reunion."
"I still don't understand why she fought the Qunari," Alistair sank back into the chair. "Even when I wasn't sober I saw that they were bigger than Sten."
"You know Elissa," Anders shook his head.
"Yes," Alistair sighed. "I do."
"I just want to say I'm sorry we kept this from you. You weren't in the best frame of mind in the beginning and we thought it was for the best."
"You did the right thing by not telling me," Alistair closed his eyes. "I definitely would not have been able to handle it. I'm surprised I held together when I heard her say my name. Hearing Ellie's sweet Highever accent it and then seeing her, I just felt complete again."
"Ellie was worried you would reject her. It took some time for her to muster the nerve and I still had to give her a push."
"My anger turned to regret as soon as that ship I got on sailed out of Denerim and then I spent the last three years drinking my grief away when I thought she was dead. I still can't believe she was actually looking for me."
"Ellie never stopped loving you Alistair," Anders smiled.
"And I never stopped loving her. I just want to make things right with everything."
"You will," Anders smiled.
Jessica and Varric appeared in the room looking windblown and concerned.
"We have a problem," Varric shook his head.
"What is it?" Anders got up from his chair and went over to Jessica. "Is it the arishok?"
"No. My chat with the arishok was a waste of time of course," Hawke shook her head. "Although he did say he respected Elissa for the respect she showed. A Dalish scout approached us from Merrill's clan. They're under siege by a group of a darkspawn."
"The elf said that the keeper and her second has them bunkered down but they're not going to last," Varric added.
"Maker," Anders shook his head.
"Is there something I can do to help?"
Anders looked at Jessica then back at him, "You mentioned wanting to make things right. How about coming to help?"
"Two Wardens would be a tremendous help," Jessica smiled.
"You can show us how it's done," Varric winked.
"I don't want to leave Elissa," Alistair looked away. "And I don't have any armor or weapons."
"Actually, that's not true."
They turned to see Teagan standing in the doorway.
"I don't think Elissa will mind if I had that chest brought in from the chest. I will have my men retrieve it."
Teagan turned and headed back toward the hall presumably to talk to his men.
"Ellie is going to be sleeping for quite a while and you would be helping us if you came," Anders said encouragingly.
"I think Ellie would want you to go," Jessica gave him a hopeful smile.
"In case you were thinking of asking, you are well enough to fight although the trek there and back is a pain in the ass but we'll rest when you need it," Anders looked at Alistair.
"We won't let you over exert yourself," Jessica added.
"Since you two are not going to allow me to say no I will go with you on the condition that I am allowed to help coordinate the battle and we leave right after it."
Anders and Jessica looked at each other then back at Alistair.
"Of course you can help," Anders said reassuringly.
"Good. Then it is settled," Jessica brushed the hair out of her face. "We've sent word to some of our friends. They're going to meet us in a few hours by the city gates. I'll pack some food and some extra gear for you."
"Just one more thing," Alistair turned to Anders. "If Ellie wakes up when we're gone how will she be physically?"
"Alistair she'd never leave," Anders chuckled. "And even if the thought crossed her mind to come to Sundermount, Ellie took a good thrashing from that Qunari and was fairly bruised in the process. She's going to be very sore."
"I'm going to leave her a note and one of my dresses," Jessica said as she was making out a list. "We look like we're close to the same size and she can wear it while her armor is being repaired. And I will tell her to make herself at home."
"Ellie is going to be annoyed with me," Anders laughed. "This is not the first time I put her under a sleep spell. She collapsed right after dealing with that insane sentient broodmother in Amaranthine. She had eight broken ribs, a punctured lung, and a broken wrist."
"Sentient?" Alistair's eyes widened. "Are you saying…?"
"Yes," Anders nodded. "It talked. I will tell you about as we make the trek. Now let's grab a bite while you're waiting for Teagan."
"Don't eat too much," Jessica called after them. "I want to take some with us.
…..
An hour later Alistair knelt down by the chest, Teagan had brought and looked at as Teagan & Alistair looked on. His hands shaking, he opened it and pulled out the armor.
"Elissa mentioned having that made to match the size of your other armor."
Alistair touched the Griffith quest, "I remember seeing two Wardens wearing this type of armor. I overheard them talking about how making a Loghain into a Warden was a smart move."
Reaching into the chest, he gasped when seeing Duncan's shield and Starfang, the two items he left behind when leaving Denerim.
"She never stopped believing in you Alistair," Teagan said gently. "And neither did I. Ellie asked me to look after your sword and shield when she had to attend to the darkspawn threat in Amaranthine. I brought them with me when we were preparing set sail for Kirkwall and she placed them in the chest."
Gathering the armor he looked up at them, "I'm going to change."
Anders and Teagan watched as he left the room and heard him go up the stairs.
"Are you sure he'll be alright?" Teagan looked at Anders with concern.
"Alistair will be fine. He's gained most of his weight back and needs to expel all that pent up energy he's stored up from being in bed all this time. This will be good for him. Jess and I will keep an eye on him."
"I'll keep an eye on Elissa although I suspect that won't be easy," Teagan chuckled.
"Don't worry," Anders laughed. "The only person she'll be annoyed with is me."
…
Alistair bent down, kissed Elissa on the cheek, and watched as she stirred.
"I'm going to come back to you," He promised. "And I'm going to make things right."
Caressing her cheek, he turned and left the room.
…
"I can't believe that drunk is coming with us," Fenris growled.
"Broody, he's not the same guy who puked on you all those months ago," Varric chuckled
"Fenris, if it's one thing I know you never forget to fight." Isabela turned to him. "You weren't there when I saw him defend Norah after that one drunk shoved her."
"Did he throw up on him?" Fenris scowled.
"No," Isabela laughed. "He struck him with a tray and then smited him across the room."
"He did throw up afterwards if I remember," Varric added.
"Oh…my…word," Isabela remarked when seeing Anders, Hawke and Alistair walking towards them. "He does clean up rather nicely."
"Sorry we're late," Hawke said between breaths.
"Looking good Al," Varric grinned. "With your new found sobriety you may not remember these two. That sexy one over there without the pants is Isabela and the elf brooding at you is Fenris."
"Fenris was just questioning your ability to fight," Isabela remarked.
"You have a problem with me Fenris?" Alistair looked at him.
"I was just concerned considering your prior condition of vomiting on one's feet."
"Maybe I should show you what I'm capable of," Alistair withdrew his sword and shield.
"Can we please save this for the darkspawn," Hawke shook her head as Anders pulled her away
"This should only take a moment," Fenris withdrew his greatsword.
"For the love of the Maker! Please! Don't do this," Hawke protested.
"Let them get it out of their system Hawke," Varric chuckled.
"Let them do it love," Anders put his arm around her. "I have faith that Alistair will show Fenris what he's made of."
"This should be good," Isabela licked her lips.
They moved away and watched as Fenris and Alistair circled each other.
"Hurry up and switch on Fenris," Isabela called.
"If I did that Hawke would kill me," Fenris grunted as he dodged Alistair's shield.
"Don't hold back on my account," Alistair growled as blocked a hit.
Fenris smiled and his markings immediately lit up. If Alistair was surprised, he did not show it but when he lunged toward Fenris and was instantly knocked to the ground when his markings pulsed.
"Nice trick," Alistair said as he stood up. "I can do something similar."
Blocking Fenris's hits with his shield Alistair wouldn't let up and smited him to the ground when he was close enough.
Anders stifled a laugh as Fenris glared and brushed himself off while Hawke angrily went between them.
"Enough!" She glared. "You two have proven yourselves. We're wasting time.
"Are you snorting Lyrium?" Fenris asked. "I though Templars had that ability.
"I trained as a Templar before being recruited to the Wardens," Alistair looked at Fenris. "If I had been using lyrium it would have hurt far more."
Anders watched as Alistair walked toward the gate. Elissa had told him of his abilities and now he had seen it firsthand making him wonder if how many other things the Chantry has fabricated to keep their power.
"Hawke, you are no fun," Isabela sighed.
"I know and I promise I will make up it to you," Jess chuckled. "Now let's go."
"Better watch out for those promises Hawke," Varric laughed as they went past the gates.
….
"Alistair," Elissa opened her eyes and blinked at the figure until realizing it was Sandal looking down at her.
"Enchantment," Sandal clapped his hands.
Earlier she dreamt that she enveloped in warmth. It glowed and swirled around her then went through her as she stood on a field. Alistair was in the distance, holding his arms out. The warmth changed to a cleansing breeze as she floated towards him. Just as they were about to touch hands she was pulled away and everything went black until she opened her eyes.
"Sandal," Elissa winced as she got out of bed and put on the robe that was lying on the bed. Noticing the note pinned on the dark green dress that was lying on a chair; she went over to read it.
"Ellie, I am so sorry Alistair is not here for you but this Dalish clan we know were battling darkspawn and sent for help. Alistair reluctantly agreed to go with us after Anders told him he was well enough to fight. And believe me; he did not want to leave your side. We will be back as soon we deal with this. Please make yourself at home. Your armor is being repaired so I want you to have this dress to wear when you feel up to getting dressed. If you need anything do not hesitate to ask Bhodan or Orana."
Jess
"Oh for the love of the Maker!" Elissa shook her head. "This blasted town!"
"The bad lady scares me," Sandal tugged at her arm.
"You've seen Meredith?" Elissa looked at him seeing the fright in his eyes. "She scares me too Sandal."
"It's going to come," Sandal said. "And the world will change."
"What is coming?" Elissa looked at him.
"Queen," Sandal pointed to her.
"No," Elissa chuckled and shook her head. "I just want a life away from the Wardens with Alistair."
"King," Sandal grinned and skipped out of the room.
"Maker's breath! You're finally awake," Teagan rushed in the room. "I saw Sandal skipping down the stairs and thought I should check on you. How are you feeling?"
"A bit sore and annoyed that Anders put one of his sleep spells on me," Elissa looked at her reflection in the mirror. "How long have I been asleep?"
"Three and a half days."
"Well at least it didn't beat the record of the last time," Elissa laughed.
"This has happened before?"
"Drake's Fall," Elissa looked away. "I made it all the way back to Vigil's Keep and collapsed when seeing the keep was the only thing still standing. Anders healed me but he put me under a sleep spell and I woke up in a tent five days later."
"Why in the Maker's name did you fight a Qunari?" Teagan folded his arms. "They don't even look like the one you traveled with."
"One thing I learned during my travels is you don't say no to a Qunari and you especially don't say no to the Arishok. And you're right, they most definitely are not like my Sten," Elissa sighed. "I was not in the best frame of mind to fight after my visit with the Knight Commander."
"I should have known it was you," Teagan smiled. "The viscount mention something about the Knight Commander urging him to see me."
"Glad she kept her word but Knight Commander Meredith has a very dark soul and the Gallows…" Elissa looked up at Teagan. "Connor is fortunate to at a Circle that does not chain up their mages or beat them."
"What did you see?" Teagan's eyes widened. "Are you hungry? I can have Bhodan bring some food up and we can talk."
"I'm starving but I need to get out of this room and move around a bit. Can you help me downstairs?"
"Of course," Teagan took her arm and helped her out the room.
…
A couple of hours after eating, Elissa stepped out of the bathing room and slowly made her back down the stairs. Despite being a tad snug in the bodice, the dress Jessica had given her fit. She enjoyed the freedom that wearing a dress gave her.
"Well look at you," Teagan looked from the boxes he was going through. "I do believe this is the third time I've seen you in a dress."
"You are correct," Elissa laughed. "I wore a dress to Fergus's wedding and then your wedding to Bella. Unfortunately this ensemble wouldn't work when it comes to fighting darkspawn."
"Well you look lovely my lady," Teagan bowed his head.
"Thank you," Elissa smiled. "So what are in these crates? Supplies?"
"I was so outraged by the things you told me and dealing with the Viscount made me realize I needed to do more. Jessica told me of a woman she helps. Her name is Lirene and she has gone out of her way to help the refugees here. I've arranged for her to come by with some people to pick up these supplies and hopefully she'll agree to help find the people who do want to come back to Ferelden and I can make arrangements for those ships when we get back."
"Well it's reassuring to know some Kirkwallers do care," Elissa sighed. "You know when I first started exploring the area I saw some chantry sister soliciting in Lowtown. I traveled a lot in the nearly four years since the Blight and I was the first time I witnessed something like that. They don't even do that in Orlais."
"Free Marchers have always had their own way of thinking."
"Well one day it's going to come back to haunt them," Elissa looked away. "I'm happy we found Alistair and I like Jessica and her friends I've met so far but I don't like Kirkwall."
"I don't either," Teagan agreed. "It's changed since I was a child. Even the nobles here are an arrogant lot."
"I'll be happy to help you when they come by," Elissa sank back in her chair. "I can't stand doing nothing."
"They will be back," Teagan said reassuringly. "Alistair will be ecstatic to see you. He stayed by your side until Anders and Jessica asked him to join them."
"I'm actually glad he did go with them," Elissa admitted.
"Alistair gave two conditions before he agreed to do go," Teagan set his glass down. "He insisted that they leave immediately afterwards and also wanted to help coordinate the battle."
"He did?" Elissa sat up and smiled. "I knew he always had it in him. Even during the Blight when we traveled there were a few times I'd pretend to not be feeling well and let him take over as I would drop back to support with my bow."
"It didn't help that my family failed him," Teagan sighed.
"Teagan I know you were the one who paid your brother's men to keep him fed and look after him when you weren't around. You did the best you can and that is all anybody could ask for. The only persons I blame are Maric and you brother. One of them is dead and Eamon hates me so it doesn't matter anymore."
"Eamon doesn't hate you," Teagan chuckled. "Now Isolde does hate you."
"She just holds a grudge because I stopped you from marrying that countess," Elissa laughed.
"And I will forever be grateful," Teagan grinned. "I love my life with Bella and Robert."
"If I may ask are you hoping for another boy?"
"Honestly I don't care what it is," Teagan said. "I do know if it's a girl Bella wants to name her Rowan Elissa Guerrin."
"I'm honored to have my name next to your sister's," Elissa smiled.
"You've done so much for us and Bella regards you like a sister."
"I feel the same way for her. And I happy that the people of Redcliffe have you and an Arlessa they can love."
"Excuse me your grace but Lirene is here."
Teagan and Elissa turned to see Ser Perth smiling at them.
"Thank you," Teagan stood up as Ser Perth and another one of his men came in the room to get the crates.
"It will be nice to get some air," Elissa stood up and took Teagan's arm.
…
"It's an honor to meet you Warden," Lirene said as she took stock of everything before having her men place each crate in the wagon. "And thank you Arl Teagan, with these supplies and what Messere Hawke provides for us we have enough to care for everyone."
"We're happy to help," Teagan smiled. "And thank you for agreeing to help get the word out about the ships that will be coming to give passage to any Ferelden citizen who wants to go home."
"I will post these notices in my shop as soon as we get back," Lirene promised.
"Do you have to do this here?"
Elissa turned to see a young noble woman with black hair glaring at her.
Folding her arms Elissa scowled she walked over to her.
…
"I should have known the ruins were cause of that," Jessica sighed as she walked up the steps to Hightown with Anders. Alistair was several steps ahead but stumbled back just as they caught up to him.
"Alistair, you took quite a hit from that ogre," Anders said as he steadied him. "We should have stayed longer at the Hanged Man after we cleaned up."
"I brought that ogre down didn't I?" Alistair said between breaths. "I just want to see Ellie."
"You did a wonderful job coordinating," Jessica patted him on the back. It made sense for Anders and Varric to flank them from the other side."
"We collapsed the hole in the ruins and helped with casualties," Anders replied. "Marethari was certainly appreciative."
As they made their way through the marketplace, they suddenly heard the yelling.
"That sounds like…," Anders looked toward the estate.
"Ellie," Alistair brushed past them and headed towards the crowd.
….
Jessica and Anders made their way down path and saw the crowd
near the estate. Lirene was standing with Teagan and with some of her workers while crates were being stacked in a wagon. Jessica saw Ellie yelling at Francine McRae and was not surprised. Back when she was poor, Francine would look down upon her if she came to Hightown and only became polite to her when she bought the estate.
"Teagan must have arranged for supplies for Lirene," Jessica remarked and "And Francine opened her mouth."
Anders looked at Alistair and saw that his eyes were fixed on Ellie and it reminded him of the times before he would look at Jessica before he got together with her.
"You have a problem with the poor?"
Francine backed away from Elissa and began to look like she was wishing she had not opened her mouth.
"Does Kirkwall have its own special version of the Chant that disavows the downtrodden?"
"No," Francine shrugged.
"When was the last time you attending the services at the Chantry or even made the effort to help your own people let alone my people?
"I…I…." Francine muttered.
"Just as I thought. You are just another Free Marcher who has forgotten there is a big world out there and sometimes we all have to help each other. There is going to come a time when Kirkwall will need help and you better pray to the Maker that people are compassionate enough to forget your snobbish attitude."
"That's the Warden from Ferelden," A nobleman realized. "That's the one who saved Ferelden and the one everyone's been talking about that brought down that Qunari here."
"This is Warden Elissa daughter of the late Teyrn Bryce Cousland of Highever," Teagan broke his silence. "And I am Arl Teagan Guerrin of Redcliffe. We are merely trying to help our people perhaps you should make the effort to help your own as well."
"If you help them….you will have less to be offended about," Elissa looked at Francine.
"I'm sure she'll find something else to be offended about."
Elissa turned to see Alistair standing a few feet from her and she immediately forgot Francine and everybody else.
"You look handsome in that armor," Elissa wiped her eyes and smiled.
"This is the first time I've seen you in a dress," Alistair said.
"And what do you think?"
"You look as beautiful as I imagined you would be."
"I…" Elissa began.
"Shh," Alistair pulled her close to him and swiped histhumb over hercheeks, wiping away the tears as she wiped away his. "I just want to feel you in my arms again to make sure this is real."
"It's real," Elissa wrapped her around his neck as he closed his eyes. He lifted her up as she kissed his forehead.
"I take it they haven't seen each other for a while," Lirene remarked.
"You could say that," Anders squeezed Jessica's hand as they watched the reunion. Glancing at Teagan, he saw him smiling and even a few of his men standing around were as well.
Not letting Elissa go, Alistair slowly backed into the estate and a grinning Sandal gave a little wave before closing the door.
….
TO BE CONTINUED
