Well, no one told me I was absolutely horrible with the last chapter so…I guess that means I did okay. So…another warning: mature content this chapter too.
Yuki-sama12: I thought people might know her family was in Denerim, but no one mentioned it so I wasn't entirely sure. I made it pretty obvious though.
melgonzo: I will say nothing. You'll just have to wait and see.
KrystylSky: Thank you. :)
Pollyanna24: Yeah, it kind of was overdue. And I didn't consider Dianna/Teagan, but I already have plans for her. I love Teagan though, he's awesome. So much better than Eamon. . Hate that guy (if I haven't made it obvious).
rrin: Glad to hear it! Hope you like my changes in the future.
AeroSpyder: Mwuahahaha! I have done my job then if you fear what I will do. I'm just going to keep quiet, and let you see for yourself. *smiles evilly*
mmsbddvr: Alistair is a hunk, but the reason he's my favorite is because he's HILARIOUS! I've never laughed so hard playing a game than I have DA:O.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Alistair never quite felt so exhausted as he did the next morning as he slowly came back to consciousness. His whole body just…ached, and he felt like he barely got any sleep. Blinking his eyes open, he stared at the canopy of his bed for a few seconds. Did…last night really happen? Or was it a dream? Oh he would just die if it was a dream. Turning his head, tears of relief and pure joy sprung to his eyes, a few falling onto his cheeks or down into the blonde hair splayed out beneath him. Still laying next to him, sound asleep, was Olyvia, one arm thrown across his stomach while the other was sort of scrunched up next to her body, her head almost in her hand, so she could be that much closer to Alistair while she slept. Bending down over her, he gently kissed her, continuing to do so until her lips began moving against his as he roused her awake.
"Why are you crying?" Olyvia asked, seeing the tears on his face and wiped them away with a hand.
"I thought last night might have been a dream," he replied quietly, taking her hand and kissing her palm down to her wrist, "I'm just…so happy right now."
Olyvia smiled endearingly at him, "I'm glad I made up for at least some of the grief I put you through."
"Oh you more than made up for it," Alistair whispered huskily before kissing her passionately.
Rolling her over onto her back, Alistair spread open her legs as he set himself between them, his already hard erection eager to find her warmth.
"Alistair, I'm exhausted," Olyvia groaned, "I do not have your stamina."
"You don't have to do much of anything," Alistair said, his hardness teasing at the entrance to her core.
"Alistair…you're going to break me," Olyvia said, "I was drained after the second time. I don't know if I can survive a fourth—,"
"Sixth," Alistair corrected.
"Six? We seriously had sex five times last night?" Olyvia asked incredulously, "No wonder I'm so tired. But isn't that like…impossible? That many times?"
"I'm guessing you weren't keeping count," Alistair said.
"I told you already, I was half-asleep after the second time," Olyvia said, "My mind wasn't working. Five? Really? Maybe we should just…leave it there. Five is a good number."
"I was thinking bringing it to an even six," Alistair whispered huskily into her ear as he trailed a hand down her side until he grabbed hold of her hip, "Even numbers are always better."
"Eh, I guess," Olyvia muttered, "But I've always preferred even numbers anyway."
"Is that a yes then?" Alistair asked.
"No! No it is not a yes!" Olyvia exclaimed.
Alistair groaned disgruntledly, and dropped his head against her shoulder, "Are you really that exhausted?"
"Exhausted, and sore," Olyvia replied.
"Well…I think I might be able to help with the sore part," Alistair said.
"Do I even want to know?" Olyvia asked.
She was going to get the answer anyway as Alistair dipped his head down under the blankets, and she gasped and writhed against him as his tongue plunged into her heat. Her hands flew to his head, weaving her fingers through his hair as he ravished her, moaning softly from the pleasure. The warmth and softness of his tongue soothed her sore and aching flesh, as well as igniting the desire within her.
"Alistair, you're cheating," she moaned.
She let out a surprised cry as her hips bucked involuntarily as his tongue flicked over the bud of nerves above the entrance to her core. Once Alistair had found that, her weak spot, he used that to his advantage, driving her to the brink of her climax, and then pulling away.
"I hate you," she growled.
"Hate? Perchance I could change your mind?" Alistair asked as he moved up again, his hips resting on hers.
"Maybe," Olyvia replied, "but I still think you're going to break me."
"I'll be gentle," he replied, sliding his erection inside her.
Olyvia winced slightly as he entered her. She felt like she had been rubbed raw from their previous exertions, and even with the little bit of teasing Alistair had done, it really didn't do much to help. It was still somewhat pleasurable though, but she was starting to feel more pain as it went on.
"Alistair…I don't think I can take much more," she whimpered.
Adjusting his position slightly, he thrust into her harder, faster, as he felt himself growing closer to release. Olyvia's fingers clawed into him as he moved, and then his release ripped through his body, paining him, and so much that he was sure he put bruises on Olyvia's hips where he held her his grip was so tight. After a few moments of remaining inside her, he pulled out and laid down next to her, slightly propped up against the headboard, pulling her into his arms and tenderly kissed the top of her head.
"I think I have finally exhausted myself," Alistair said breathlessly.
"Finally?" Olyvia asked incredulously, "I…for one…am officially off limits. For the next…day or two. Or whenever I feel better."
Alistair tenderly caressed her face with one hand as he cradled her with the other, placing tender kisses at any spot he could reach on her face. Gazing down at her naked form, he trailed his free hand down to her belly, where he let it rest there. He couldn't help but wish that her belly would grow large with their child. From all their love-making last night, he had filled her so much with his seed she had to be just brimming with it. One had to take and plant itself inside her.
"What are you thinking about?" Olyvia asked, looking up at him and seeing the pensive expression on his face.
"Just…remembering how well you interacted with the children at Redcliffe," Alistair replied, "It made me think…of how good of a mother you would be."
Olyvia glanced down at his hand, a look of uncertainty in her eyes, "Are…are you saying you're hoping I'll become pregnant from last night?"
"Would it be so terrible?" Alistair asked.
"Uh, well one, my dad will kill you if I become pregnant out of wedlock," Olyvia began, "And two…I don't know if I'm ready to become a mother. If it happens though…it happens."
"Oh yeah…you're dad," Alistair muttered, sheer terror coming over him, "You know…we can fix the out of wedlock bit."
Olyvia stared up at him in surprise, "Are-are you asking me to marry you?"
"I can ask later when I actually have a ring to give to you, maybe in a more romantic setting, take you on a picnic and feed you cheese, or…whatever you want," Alistair replied.
She laughed lightly as she wrapped her arms around him and cuddled up against his chest, "I love you. You're a goofball."
"Whatever a goofball is, but I'll happily take it if it means you love me," Alistair said.
"It means you're silly," Olyvia said.
"I'm only silly because I want to see you smiling," Alistair said, kissing her forehead.
"Speaking of cheese, I'm rather hungry," Olyvia said, "And if I'm hungry, I know you and your raging appetite must be starving."
"I have gotten my fill actually," he said, nipping her ear.
Olyvia blushed, "But…I'm hungry."
"You mean we actually have to leave the room?" Alistair asked, "And get dressed?"
Olyvia giggled, "Well, I would think we'd do it in the reverse order."
"Why can't I keep you right here for the rest of the day?" he asked, pulling her closer to his chest.
"Well…I guess we can stay a little while longer," Olyvia said, "Let me recuperate and get a little more sleep. I was hoping to see my family again today."
"Then I'll take a few more hours," Alistair said, scooting both of them down until they were fully laying down on the bed again.
"I love you Alistair," Olyvia muttered tiredly as she lay against him, "I really don't think I can say it enough to make up for the times I should have been saying it."
"I love you too Olyvia," Alistair replied, gently caressing her face as he placed another tender kiss on her forehead, "Now sleep my love."
She more than happily obliged.
They didn't leave the room until past noon, and the two of them ate a quick lunch before Olyvia drug him out with her to visit her family. She had to introduce him to all her family, it would only be appropriate seeing as how they were together now. There was no way she'd mention how together they were because that'd mean she'd have one very dead boyfriend.
"So you met Rosemary, but we didn't really officially introduce you," Olyvia said when they entered the house, and grabbing her little sister, drug her over, "So Alistair, this is Midget. Midget say hello."
Rosemary scowled at her sister, "I don't want him calling me Midget!"
"Just out of curiosity, how old is she anyway?" Alistair asked.
"Sixteen," Olyvia replied.
Alistair gawked at Rosemary, "Sixteen? Really? She looks…like twelve."
Rosemary frowned, "I'm still growing!"
"Not much," Olyvia said, resting her elbow on her sister's head, which still had to be directly out from her shoulder, but that was still six inches or so shorter than she, "I was at my full height at sixteen."
Rosemary grumbled under her breath, when she paused, a thoughtful expression on her face, "Speaking of age…we've been here…for nine months right?"
Olyvia nodded, "Since February yes."
"We missed your birthday last month!" Rosemary exclaimed.
"Oh…oh yeah," Olyvia said, just realizing it herself, "That makes me twenty-two then."
"I didn't know you had a birthday last month," Alistair said, "When?"
"The twenty-first," Olyvia replied.
"We need to have a birthday party for you!" Rosemary said excitedly.
"No, that's okay," Olyvia said, "I just wanted to spend a nice day with you guys."
"We're having a birthday party and that's final," Rosemary said, "I'll let Mom and Dad know. We'll wait to eat until Dianna is here of course. But yay! Birthday party!"
Olyvia blushed in embarrassment as Rosemary took off to prepare for it.
"I wish I had known about your birthday," Alistair said, "I would have gotten you something."
"A gift which would not have been as warmly received as it would now though," Olyvia said.
"That's a good point," Alistair said, "This just means I'll have to get you something extra special to make up for it."
"Alistair, you don't have to," Olyvia said.
Alistair took her into his arms and placed a tender kiss on her forehead, "I want to though."
"Aww, you two are so cute!" Rosemary squealed.
Olyvia blushed again, "Oh shut up."
"But it is oh so cute!"
"Just go get Mom and Dad already so I can properly introduce Alistair to them," Olyvia ordered.
Rosemary sighed, "Fine."
Trudging toward the back of the house, Rosemary started shouting for her parents, making Alistair cringe.
"Boy does she have a set of lungs," Alistair muttered.
"Huh? What I couldn't hear you," Olyvia said teasingly.
"My point exactly."
Rosemary returned a few seconds later, her parents following behind. Olyvia grabbed Alistair's hand and pulled him forward until they were in the center of the living room area. From looking at them, Alistair could tell Olyvia inherited her wild curls from her mother, but her height and stature from her father, though she wasn't nearly as brawny as he.
"So you've met my dad already," Olyvia began, "but this here is my mom, Brenda. Mom, this is Alistair. He's…well, he's my boyfriend."
Alistair leaned down to whisper in her ear, "What is a boyfriend?"
"A significant other," Olyvia whispered back, "Anyway, say hello."
Brenda stepped forward and extended a hand, "Hello Alistair. It's nice to meet you."
"Pleasure to meet you as well," Alistair replied.
Once they dropped their hands, Alistair froze when Allen took a few steps toward him. Never before had one man intimidated him so much.
"You better take good care of my little girl," he said, "And if you hurt her, I will be after you. Understood?"
Alistair gulped, "Understood."
"Good," he said, smiling a little too pleasantly.
"Today is certainly going to be interesting," Olyvia muttered.
It wasn't long before Dianna came home from work and Alistair was introduced to her. He found she was rather quiet and shy when talking to him, but once she started talking with her sisters, she started opening up, talking animatedly with them and being silly along with the other two. Looking out a window, Alistair saw the sun was going down, and that the shops would be closing soon. So, leaning over to Olyvia, he whispered in her ear, "There is something I need to do real quick so I'm going to step out for a few minutes."
Olyvia turned to him, "You're going?"
"I'll be back, don't worry," he assured her, giving her a quick peck on the lips.
"EW!" her sisters cried.
Olyvia rolled her eyes, "Oh get used to it. I'm not going to stop merely to keep you two happy."
"EEEEEEWWWWWWW!" they cried again.
"You two are acting like six year olds," Olyvia sighed.
"That's because Midget hasn't matured since then," Dianna said, poking her sister in the side.
Rosemary squeaked, and jumped away, "She called you a six year old too. And I have too matured!"
Alistair just shook his head, a small smile on his face, "I'll be back."
"I miss you already," Olyvia said.
"You have not matured," Dianna was saying, "You still play with dolls for crying out loud."
"Oh shut it!" Rosemary said, jabbing a finger at her sister.
"Tickle war!" Dianna shouted, leaping from her seat and tackling Rosemary into Olyvia and began tickling them mercilessly.
Alistair quickly moved to the door to be out of harm's way. He hesitated leaving just yet, curious to see how this would end. Olyvia and Rosemary were convulsing violently and squeaking loudly as their sister tickled them, until Olyvia threw herself forward, taking them all down to the ground. Rosemary let out the funniest strangled squawking sound he had ever heard as she was squished between her two sisters.
"You guys need to settle down!" Brenda shouted from the kitchen.
Alistair figured this was the best time to leave, and slipped out the door.
Returning to the Arl's estate late that night, Olyvia felt that she could be rolled the entire way.
"I am stuffed to the brim," Olyvia said, her hand splayed over her stomach, "I've missed my mother's cooking and I ate too much."
"She is a good cook," Alistair said, "I'm actually full. I see where you learned your cooking from."
"And my dad too," Olyvia said, "He's a really good cook. Though I learned more baking from him than cooking."
"I wouldn't mind trying some baked goods that you made," Alistair said.
"Maybe when I actually have the time and opportunity to do it," Olyvia said, "I make no promises though."
They had reached his room and when Alistair stepped inside, he noticed Olyvia didn't follow, "Is everything okay?"
She nodded, "I'm just going to say goodnight and then go to my room."
Alistair grabbed her round her waist and pulled her flush to his body, "You think I'm going to waste one second I can spend with you? This is your room now."
Olyvia blushed, "Alistair…if Eamon finds out about…us, he'll throw a hissy fit. It would probably be a good idea to…keep this from him."
"So you're saying keep it a secret from everyone so he won't find out," Alistair said.
Olyvia nodded, "We don't want to give anyone, especially Loghain, ammunition to use against you. It would just…not look good for you."
"Olyvia, how many times do I have to say: I will not take the throne unless you are allowed to stay at my side," Alistair said.
"It's just…things can go badly," Olyvia said, "Especially if Aedan finds out. Who knows how he'd use this to his own advantage. He's made it no secret he likes the idea of being king himself."
"Hmm…good point," Alistair said, "Very well, I shall…try."
Olyvia smiled, "Okay, I'll take that."
"Which means we probably shouldn't be standing out in the hallway where everyone can see us," Alistair said, pulling her inside the room and shutting the door behind them, sliding the bolt in the lock in the process.
"I don't think I've recovered from last night yet," Olyvia managed to say before Alistair's lips were on hers.
"I am perfectly content with you sleeping in my arms," Alistair whispered before kissing her again.
So dressing down from their full set of clothes to where she only wore her tunic and he wore his breeches, the two slipped under the covers, Alistair pulling Olyvia close to cradle her in his arms. Olyvia sighed in content, burying her face into his chest. She never felt so safe and loved being in someone's arms as she did in his.
"I could get used to this," she said, a smile spreading across her lips.
"As could I," Alistair whispered into her hair.
Closing her eyes, she let her mind wander. When she played over the day's events in her mind, she remembered something.
"So what did you have to run out for earlier?" she asked sleepily, opening her eyes to look up at Alistair.
"Just a little something," Alistair said, "Why do you ask?"
"Just curious," she replied, closing her eyes again.
Alistair gazed down at her in adoration, lightly caressing her cheekbone with his thumb. Maker what did he do to deserve her? Though it wasn't all happy trails, it was worth it, to have her at his side now. And he wanted her there for the rest of his life, as short as it may be.
"Olyvia," Alistair whispered.
She turned her head up as her eyes fluttered open, "Yes?"
"You know I love you right?" he asked.
Her brow furrowed, "Of course…where are you going with this?"
"It's nothing terrible," he assured her, "I just…I have a belated birthday gift for you."
"It must be a terrible gift for you to remind me you love me," Olyvia teased.
Alistair chuckled, and reached over to his pack that was sitting by the bed that he had the gift placed inside, "It's the little something I got earlier. It's for you."
"Oh? For me?" she asked as if she didn't know.
"I know…I mentioned this last night," Alistair said, "but I didn't quite say it how I wanted to."
He paused to see if she would say anything, but she remained quiet so he could continue.
"For some reason, the Maker sent you into my life," Alistair began, "And yes, it was a rough start between us, but there is no other woman is this world, or yours, or the next, that could possibly bring me the happiness you have brought into my life. And there is no other woman I'd rather spend the rest of my life with. Olyvia…would you make me the happiest, luckiest man to ever live, and marry me?"
He held out the ring he had bought earlier that day, but Olyvia didn't even notice it as she smiled lovingly up at him, tears brimming in her eyes, "I love you Alistair."
"Is that a yes?" he asked.
She nodded, "Yes. I will marry you Alistair."
Taking her hand, he slid the ring onto her finger, letting out a sigh of relief seeing it fit perfectly on her. Olyvia then took her first look at the ring, a delicate golden band inlaid with a simple small diamond, her heart going all aflutter seeing it there, tears of joy spilling over her eyes. Turning her face up to Alistair, she threw her arms around his neck as she kissed him enthusiastically.
"I love you. So much," she whispered once she broke away.
"And I love you too," Alistair replied.
Olyvia found she was feeling much better.
It never really occurred to Alistair until now that Olyvia was a really heavy sleeper. He had always been up early in their travels, and Olyvia was one of the ones who woke later, usually the last to wake, but he never really took much notice. Like yesterday morning, he woke first, Olyvia dead asleep next to him. She wasn't quite in his arms like the other morning though, instead sprawled out on her stomach, the covers thrown down to her waist so the smooth skin of her back was exposed to him, sleeping on one hand while the other was lying limply above her head. Alistair was glad she was sleeping on her right hand because otherwise he wouldn't be able to admire the glint of the golden ring on her left hand. Turning his gaze to her peaceful face, he smiled endearingly at her. She was his fiancée now. And there would be no power in this world that would change that. If there was one thing that no one would ever change his mind about, it would be this. He wanted Olyvia to be his wife so desperately, he wouldn't let Eamon guilt trip him about duty to make him to the right thing, because to Alistair, marrying Olyvia was the most right thing he could ever possibly do.
Then his gaze wandered down further, drinking in the long length of her back, her white skin looking so smooth and soft, his eyes raking over the soft, feminine curves of her body. He was getting aroused again, his manhood growing hard as he gazed at her soft form. Leaning over her, one arm on the other side of her to brace himself, he kissed the back of her neck, and made his way down her spine, before going back up, sliding one hand he didn't need to support him beneath her to cup a breast.
"Mmm, Alistair," Olyvia groaned as she began to wake.
"Yes my love?" he whispered into her ear before burying his face into her neck to kiss it.
"I was sleeping," she whined.
"I'm sorry. I can put you back to sleep if you want," Alistair offered.
"If you mean by how you did that last night, I think I might pass," Olyvia mumbled.
Alistair sighed, "Alright. I'll leave you be."
Leaving her be to him was continuing to rain down affection upon her. Kissing down her spine again, he felt her shudder when he reached the small of her back.
"You're not going to let me sleep are you?" she groaned.
"Why sleep when there are more fun things to do?" he asked in reply.
Olyvia rolled over, and he wasn't sure if she was glaring or squinting at him, "Because sleep is good. Can't function to do fun things without sleep."
Alistair placed an arm on either side of her, holding himself above to gaze down at her, "I guess you have a point."
He lightly caressed her cheek, smiling endearingly at her as her eyes locked with his, "I love you, my fiancée."
Olyvia smiled, "I love you too, fiancé."
Alistair felt like he was about to burst he was filled with so much joy. He knew for certain he never felt happier in his whole life as he did at this moment.
Olyvia brought her hand down to admire the ring again.
"You know…it probably isn't a good idea for me to wear this out in the open," Olyvia said, "Don't want to give away anything to Eamon…or Aedan."
Alistair's face fell, "I…I guess not. If they find out though, about us, there will be no more hiding it, alright? I want the whole world to know that you are mine, and that I am yours."
"If they find out," Olyvia agreed.
"So…what will you do with it?" Alistair asked.
Olyvia slid out from under him, rummaging through her pack until she found an amulet they had picked up on their travels, and took the amulet off the chain.
"I'll still wear it, just where it won't be noticeable," Olyvia said, holding up the chain so he knew what she was talking about.
"I can live with that," Alistair said, "So I guess this also means I can't marry you until the Landsmeet is over with."
"No."
Alistair sighed heavily, "I think I can wait."
Olyvia chuckled, "It's not like much will change anyway. I'm still sharing a room with you, despite the risk of being caught, and we're still having sex. I can change that though."
"I don't know how I should reply to that," Alistair said, "Either you'll be disgusted with me if I do say something, or you'll think I'm not into it."
"I can tell that you are very into it," Olyvia said.
"If…it would make you happy…I will try not to…have sex with you until we're married," Alistair said.
Olyvia thought for a few seconds, debating on what to do. Alistair waited with bated breath, a little worried she'd say yes. He wasn't sure how well he could control himself.
"It probably would be a good thing," Olyvia said.
Alistair sighed heavily.
"But, I know it will be difficult, especially if we're sharing a room," Olyvia said, "So if it happens, it happens. It won't be a nightly thing though."
This time Alistair sighed in relief, "I can handle that."
"Which means no sex tonight," Olyvia said.
Alistair paused. He was just so easily aroused with Olyvia, his want for her was just always there. He wasn't sure if he could quite do it.
"Okay," he agreed, "But that is tonight."
Kissing her passionately, he then made up for what he would be missing that night.
Aedan knew something was going on. Alistair actually seemed…happy. He wasn't being all gloomy and moping around, he was actually smiling and being cheerful. And then there were the moments he caught him staring at Olyvia, or the two would gaze at each other. There was something going on, and Aedan was determined to find out what. Now if he had been a woman, he would have known right away. Leliana and Wynne knew instantly that the two had made up and were together, though they did not know about the engagement. Olyvia wanted to tell them, but she didn't want to risk anyone else finding out. She told her family of course, and her parents were a little unsure of her getting engaged after technically being with Alistair for one day, but she explained that she had spent months with him, getting to know him, and falling in love with him, it was almost like they had been together that whole time. After that explanation, they sort of understood how she could make that decision so fast then.
They had been in Denerim for a few weeks, and Olyvia's parents had made arrangements to move to Highever, and the day had come of their departure. There were many tears as Olyvia said goodbye to them, promising them she would see them again, as soon as she could manage to make the trip. She watched with a heavy heart as they made their way out of the city.
"You'll see them again," Alistair assured her.
"I know," Olyvia said sadly, "It's just hard to say goodbye. I miss them already. At least…I have you here with me."
Alistair smiled lovingly down at her, gently wiping the tears from her face, "As you always will."
Returning to the estate, they found the whole group in the Main Hall, Eamon with them, speaking to Aedan. Stopping to stand with the rest of the group, they found Eamon was telling to Aedan about speak with their allies that had arrived in Denerim to sway them to vote for Alistair at the Landsmeet. Before he finished though, they were interrupted by a loud bang echoing through the hall as the doors swung open. A murderous glare crossed both Aedan's and Alistair's face as they saw who was approaching. Teyrn Loghain and Arl Howe. Seeing the look on Alistair's face, Olyvia grasped his hand in hers, giving it a comforting squeeze, and he calmed down a little.
"Loghain. This is…an honor, that the regent would find time to greet me personally," Eamon greeted.
"How could I not welcome a man so important as to call every lord in Ferelden away from his estates while a Blight claws at our land," Loghain sneered.
"The Blight is why I'm here," Eamon said, his eyes narrowing, "With Cailan dead, Ferelden must have a king to lead it against the darkspawn."
"Ferelden has a strong leader: its queen," Loghain snapped, "And I lead her armies."
"Considering Ostagar, perhaps we need a better general," Aedan growled.
Loghain's eyes snapped over to Aedan, "And who is this Eamon? Some stray you picked up on the road? And here I thought it was only royal bastards you played the nursemaid to, Eamon."
"Well, you're admitting the royal part," Alistair muttered, "That's a start."
Aedan took a step forward to where he was beside Eamon, sizing up Loghain and Howe.
"As if you could not know of me Loghain," Aedan spat, not using his title purposely, "I am Aedan Cousland, Teyrn of Highever."
"The Couslands are dead," Howe said, sneering at him, "The Teryn of Highever belongs to the Howes, and rightfully so."
Aedan's temper flared, "If slaughtering a family is the only way to rightfully acquire land, then you will find yourself at the end of my blade one day Howe, as my mother and father found themselves at the end of yours."
"You are either very bold or very stupid to threaten the Teyrn before witnesses," the woman soldier accompanying them snapped.
"Enough, Cauthrien," Loghain chided, "this is not the time or place," then turning his gaze back to Eamon, he continued, "I had hoped to talk you down from this rash course, Eamon. Our people are frightened: Our king is dead. Our land is under siege. We must be united now, if we are to endure this crisis. Your own sister, Queen Rowan, fought tirelessly to see Ferelden restored. Would you see her work destroyed? You divide our nation and weaken our efforts against the Blight with your selfish ambitions to the throne."
Olyvia couldn't help but scoff and then slapped her hands over her mouth when Loghain turned his gaze on her. She was rather intimidated by the man. She was no master with the blade, and she knew he could kill her if he saw fit.
"You have something to say?" he growled.
She shook her head, "Nope. Uh-uh, absolutely nothing."
"Teyrn Loghain, you are the one dividing our land, turning everyone against each other," Aedan snapped, "The Civil War only started once you became regent."
"I was not talking to you," Loghain growled.
"Ooh, yes, very adult answer," Olyvia muttered, "Not childish at all."
Alistair pursed his lips together in an effort not to laugh, but behind him Zevran and Leliana sniggered. Loghain turned his glare to her once again, but instead of shrinking back like she did before, she returned it with one of her own. The guy was really starting to grate on her nerves.
Before Loghain had the chance to say anything to Olyvia, Eamon spoke, "I cannot forgive what you've done Loghain. Perhaps the Maker can, but not I. Our people deserve a king of the Theirin bloodline. Alistair will be the one to lead us to victory in this Blight."
"Oh, is that all I have to do?" Alistair asked sarcastically, "No pressure…"
Loghain closed the distance between him and Eamon, sizing him up, "The emperor of Orlais also thought I could not bring him down. Expect no more mercy than I showed him. There is nothing I would not do for my homeland!"
And with that he turned and strode back out the doors, his two lackeys following at his heel. Aedan was still boiling with rage, looking like he was about to charge after them to stick a sword into Howe's back. Eamon diverted his attention with more conversation, and asked for him and Alistair to come upstairs to his sitting room so they could speak strategy. Alistair groaned loudly in distaste. This was one of the reasons why he hated the idea of becoming king. So many meetings in studies to talk about boring politics. Whispering a quiet goodbye to Olyvia, he trudged on up to Eamon's study, eager for it to be done and over with.
"So…how did it go?" Olyvia asked as they ate their supper.
"Aedan went to the Gnawed Noble Tavern with Zev, Sten and Morrigan, to talk to them about the Landsmeet," Alistair replied, poking at his food, "Aedan seemed rather insistent that I not go. I don't think he's giving anyone the idea to favor me, but instead the opposite."
"And you're upset with this? I thought you didn't want to be king," Olyvia said.
"I don't, so…I'm not too upset by that, but…I hate it when people go around my back and say bad things about me," Alistair said.
"That aren't true," Olyvia said, "Because there is nothing bad about you."
"Well, I'm glad you think so," Alistair said, reaching out to grab her hand.
Olyvia quickly moved her hand, glancing around at the others, "We're not exactly alone."
"Sorry," he said, mentally slapping himself, "Automatic reaction. Keeping hands to myself."
Olyvia smiled sadly, "This must be hard for you."
"Very," he muttered.
"Well…supper is nearly done," Olyvia whispered, leaning across the table so only Alistair could hear, "And then we go to sleep in a few hours."
"Are you saying retire early?" he asked.
She nodded.
"I'm done," Alistair said, pushing his plate away.
Olyvia snorted in laughter, trying to wipe the smile from her face as the other's looked at her curiously. Sometimes it was a bad thing that Alistair made her laugh.
Waiting for a few of their other companions to get up, the two got up as well to make it look less suspicious with the two of them leaving, joining Leliana and Wynne enroute to their rooms. Little did they know that the rogue and mage were on their side, encouraging their romance. They split off when they reached the halls that led to the guest rooms.
"Do you think I did the right thing by having my parents leave already?" Olyvia asked once they were alone again.
"You're missing them a lot aren't you?" Alistair asked.
Olyvia nodded, "I know I can see them again, it's just…when am I going to have the time? Or will I even last through the Blight?"
"Don't speak like that," Alistair said, turning to her and grabbing onto her shoulders, "You will be just fine. We both will."
"Everything is uncertain now Alistair," Olyvia replied, "I can't tell you how this will end."
"I don't need to know how it ends," Alistair said quietly, caressing her face with his fingers, "The only thing I need to know for certain is that you love me."
Olyvia smiled up at him, "Which you do know."
Lifting her chin, he captured her lips with his, walking her up against the door to their room.
"The other thing I need is you, right now, in bed, beneath me," Alistair growled.
Olyvia's hand went behind her back as she searched for the handle, hastily opening the door once she found it and the two tumbled inside the room, shutting the door behind them and locking it. From down the hall, Aedan stepped out from where he had been hiding. He knew something had been going on, he just didn't expect that Alistair had actually gotten together with Olyvia. Well, they couldn't have that happening, now could they?
Waking the next morning, Alistair busied himself trying to coax Olyvia into the mood for a good fifteen minutes, and was starting to get somewhere when there was a loud knock on the door, causing them to break apart and jolt upright in the bed.
"Are you going to ignore it?" Olyvia asked, looking over to Alistair.
"Yes," Alistair replied, pulling her into a kiss before pushing her back down onto the bed.
Not five seconds later the knocking turned into a banging against the door, "Alistair, open this door right now!"
Olyvia froze, "Eamon sounds…um, I don't know, pissed. Do you…think he knows about us?"
"I don't know," Alistair replied, "I'm still going to ignore him."
"I'm sure he has a key to the door though," Olyvia said, "Are you sure you want him catching us like this?"
Alistair sighed, "You have a point."
"Should I hide?" she asked.
Alistair shrugged, "If he already knows about us, there may not be much point to it, but I don't exactly want him seeing you like this."
"My clothes are somewhere," she said, looking around on the floor to see if she could identify which ones were hers.
Alistair reluctantly removed himself from the warmth of the bed and searched for his clothes.
"Alistair! I said open this door!" Eamon shouted, banging on the door again.
Scrambling around the room, Olyvia threw her clothes on and then looked for a hiding place. Alistair didn't pay much attention to where she went, quickly dressing himself, and then throwing the covers over the bed so they didn't look so messed up, before going to the door.
"What is it my Lord?" Alistair asked, trying to look as tired as he could.
His eyes widened in surprise seeing Aedan there as he shoved his way past him and inside.
"Where is she Alistair?" Aedan asked, looking around the room.
"Who?" Alistair asked in reply.
"Olyvia! We know what's going on between you two," Aedan said.
"I am still a little lost here, what is he talking about?" Alistair asked.
He was glad he could still pull off being dim-witted and stupid. It was his talent.
"Haybren!" Aedan shouted, and the Mabari Hound came scrambling into the room, "Find Olyvia."
"You got to be kidding me," Alistair muttered, though he was worried the hound would pick up Olyvia's scent and find her in the room.
The hound began sniffing around, moving to the bed, around the whole room before coming over to Alistair and pawing at his leg. Aedan sighed in frustration.
"Come to my study once you're properly dressed," Eamon said darkly, "There is something we need to discuss."
Aedan wasn't about to give up, and looked under the bed, threw open the closets and armoires, anywhere he thought Olyvia could be hiding.
"Aedan! Out of my room!" Alistair roared.
Aedan growled furiously as he stormed out, Haybren trotting after him, giving Alistair a big grin with his tongue lolling out the side as he left. Slamming the door behind them, Alistair shook his head. It looked like the secret was out.
Locking the door, he turned around and made his way toward the bed.
"Olyvia?" he asked quietly.
"I'm up here," she replied, barely above a whisper.
Looking up, he saw her poking her head over the canopy.
"Maker's breath, how did you get up there?"
"I'm talented," she said, gripping onto the edge as she slid over, and swung down onto the bed, "It looks like they know."
Alistair nodded.
"I guess there is no avoiding it anymore," Olyvia said, "I bet Aedan will be waiting outside the door, seeing if I'll leave. I'll sneak through a window and into my room."
"We're on the second story," Alistair said, "I don't want you getting hurt."
"I'll be fine," she said, giving him a peck on the lips, "See you at breakfast."
Moving to the windows, she hoisted herself up and out, moving her way around on the lip around the estate to reach her bedroom. Alistair watched out the window until he saw her climb back into her room. Moving from the window, Alistair sighed. Might as well get it done and over with.
"You wished to see me, my Lord?" Alistair said as he entered Eamon's study.
"Shut the door," Eamon said curtly.
Well that wasn't a good sign. Reaching behind him he did as he was told before striding toward Eamon, who had his back turned to him.
"I seem to recall you telling me she held no affection toward you," Eamon said, finally turning around, a scowl etched on his face.
"I assumed wrong," Alistair said, "I did not lie to you, if that's what you're thinking."
"How long has this dalliance been going on?" Eamon asked.
Alistair's eyes narrowed at Eamon's reference of his relationship being a dalliance. It was so much more than that.
"Three weeks," Alistair replied tersely.
Alistair could tell Eamon was fuming. He had never seen the Arl this angry before.
"She is a commoner Alistair," Eamon spat, "She has no place beside you. You are to become king, it is the duty of your blood."
"I am a commoner as well," Alistair retorted, "And you still want to put me on the throne!"
"Royal blood runs through your veins," Eamon explained, "There is not one drop of nobility in hers. This is your duty Alistair. I cannot stress that enough. As a Grey Warden, you understand the importance of duty, yes?"
Alistair's temper flared. How dare he use the Grey Wardens to try to turn him against the woman he loved? Alistair was sure it was only to try to make him feel guilty, but it only made him angrier.
"I do not know the extent of your relationship with this girl, but you will end it. Now," Eamon ordered, "That is all."
Eamon turned back around to work through some papers on his desk and Alistair clenched his fists. Eamon just assumed he would listen to him, obey him, just like he always had.
"No," Alistair spat.
Eamon froze for a second before whirling around to face Alistair again.
"No?" he scoffed.
"No," Alistair repeated.
Eamon's eyes narrowed, "How dare you defy me."
"I am no longer the little boy who would bend over backward to do as you told," Alistair spat, "You say you want me to become king, that I am a Theirin, yet you still treat me as your underling, Eamon. Since you want me to become a leader, a king, I am not going to follow your every command. You are a hypocrite Eamon, by telling me I am sworn to duty, and cannot follow my heart."
"That is an entirely different situation," Eamon growled.
"It is not that different," Alistair rebutted, "If being king means I cannot have Olyvia at my side, I refuse the throne. Anora can keep the damn crown."
"Alistair!"
"That, is all," Alistair said before turning and heading to the door.
"You can't walk away from me Alistair!" Eamon began shouting, "You will come back here, and do as I tell you! You are not king yet, you are still under—,"
Alistair slammed the door behind him, cutting him off. Walking a short distance away, he finally let himself breathe, leaning against the wall and looked down at his hands to see they were shaking. He had never been one to stand up against…anyone. It was a little nerve-wracking, and draining.
After a few minutes of letting himself breathe to recover, he pushed himself off the wall and continued his way to the dining hall. There was a certain someone he had to see.
Entering the room, he saw everyone save Aedan was in there as well, their conversation coming to an abrupt halt when he entered. Alistair began walking toward Olyvia, and she stood.
"So what happened?" she asked.
Walking right up to her, Alistair pulled her into his arms and kissed her in front of everyone. The others, save Leliana and Wynne, looked up at the two in shock as Alistair kissed Olyvia. She didn't seem to be arguing, though she did look rather surprised herself. After a few seconds, Alistair finally broke from the kiss.
"Okay, what happened?" Olyvia asked again.
"I'll explain later," Alistair said.
"So was the Arl the only one who didn't know about you two?" Leliana asked.
The couple stared at her in surprise, "W-what?"
"I didn't know," Zevran said, "Though I thought something was…off."
Olyvia sat back down, and Alistair took one beside her.
"Off? What do you mean off?" Olyvia asked.
"Well, for starters, Alistair was no longer moping about," Zevran said, "His bright demeanor was an instant giveaway. Plus, I was raised in a whorehouse, I know when someone has had—."
"Don't need the details Zev," Olyvia interrupted.
"I'm betting Aedan thought something was off too," Zevran went on, "If he knew earlier, he wouldn't have waited this long to expose you two."
"That's for sure," Olyvia scoffed.
"Well, I knew," Leliana said.
"As did I," Wynne added.
"It must be a girl thing," Leliana said, looking down to Morrigan.
"I do not care what goes on in other people's personal lives," Morrigan said, "And Alistair least of all interests me. Why would I be paying any attention?"
"Well that explains that then," Leliana muttered.
"So…how did Aedan find out?" Zevran asked.
"I'm sure we weren't being as secretive as we should have been," Olyvia said, thinking about how last night Alistair had kissed her right in the hall before either checked to see if anyone was watching.
"Definitely not, if you were found out," Zevran chuckled.
Olyvia's cheeks flushed red, and she turned her attention back to her food. Well this was just a little embarrassing.
Aedan gave it a few minutes before stepping into the Arl's study to let him simmer down. He had overheard most of the heated conversation between Alistair and Eamon, due to their raised voices. Entering the room, he found that Eamon was still fuming over it.
"What do you want now Aedan?" Eamon asked bitterly.
"I…overheard what happened," Aedan said.
Eamon sighed, stood from his seat and began pacing the room, "He is adamant to take Olyvia as his wife. He will not be able to take the throne if the nobles know he intends to make a commoner a Queen."
"I have a solution, if you would care to hear it," Aedan said, a smirk tugging at his lips.
Eamon turned to Aedan, "I'm listening."