Three weeks had gone by while we made the market place, as well as the back alleys and Alienage, safer than they'd been since my mother was alive. All of the elves knew who to thank but kept it to themselves as the common folk pondered their good fortune.
Being at the inn we heard all the tales: a warrior woman leading a band of do-gooder mercenaries through the back alleys of Denerim in search of justice for the little people, the one that described me as a fire breather who destroyed armies of bandits in the dark of night.
"There's another story making the rounds," Leliana whispered as she sat down at our table in the corner. "This one I think is about me."
"Oh! I think I heard this one," Neria said as she clapped her hands, "the one about the sexy red head who kills with a wink of her sultry eye?" Leliana slapped her arm.
"No! That one's about you silly! This one talks about a red head whose bow shoots lightening!" I laughed.
"Your bow does shoot lightning," I pointed out.
"Exactly my point! Apparently last night I took out an entire band of Howe's men with no back up." She sat back in her chair, hands behind her head. "Even I am impressed." We all laughed as Garrett sat down at the table next to me, making an effort not to meet my eyes.
Since the night before we stormed the Alienage Garrett and I had grown apart. He would spar with me, was always protective when we were battling thugs but when the work was done he would be on his way back to the safe house before I could blink. It was a relief for me mostly as Neria's appearance had brought up memories that I had thought I was moving past, making me acutely aware of the fact that I was not, in fact, ready to move on from Alistair.
What I was not relieved about was causing him pain on top of everything he had already endured. He lost both brothers to this blight and was kept at a distance from his father, his only living relative. He didn't need me playing with his heart, pining away for someone I was never going to have. But every time I would try to speak to him he would make some excuse and practically run from me. Utterly confused, I kept trying to no avail.
I elbowed him in the ribs playfully.
"What's wrong Wulff?" I asked with a smile. When he didn't respond I sat up in my chair, resting my elbows on the table. "You're scaring me." He looked at me out of the corner of his eye and shook his head.
"Nothing to be afraid of, My Lady," he said quietly. "I'm just here to inform you that Arl Eamon has invited you to his estate for lunch this afternoon." My breath caught in my throat as my jaw hit the table.
"They're back?" Leliana whispered. Garrett glanced up at her and nodded. All I saw after that was purple smoke where Leliana had been.
"Maker," Neria whispered and ran up to the room she and I had been sharing, probably to get dressed. Sitting at the table with Garrett, I realized it was the first time we had been alone in weeks.
And I had no idea what to say.
"Did you hear me?" he said a bit louder. I nodded and he sneered at me. "Then why aren't you running over there? One would think you'd like to see your brother. And Alistair." I glared at him.
"Alright, out with it." I turned to face him, leaning an arm on the back of my chair. "Now Wulff, what the hell is your problem?"
"Do not act as if you care," he spat out, "but you haven't exactly been forthright with your feelings as of late."
"That goes both ways," I responded, "but to be honest you are right. I have been focusing on the tasks, not my personal life. I felt it was best, given how you've been acting and what happened." He laughed and shook his head.
"Are you referring to your near death experience or us laying together?" he asked as he turned to face me. "Please, My Lady, do not put this solely on me. You were there too." Infuriated, I cracked him across the face with my palm and stood.
"The latter will not happen again, My Lord," I growled, "that I promise you." I turned and, pushing past a few patrons, walked out the door. As I stomped up the dock toward the market I felt a hand grab my arm, pulling me to a stop.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry and I shouldn't have said that, it was horrible of me, but you don't get to walk away," Garrett pleaded as he looked me in the eye. He sighed. "Do you even remember what I said to you that morning?"
"Yes I do!" I shouted, still seething. I opened my mouth to keep yelling but when I saw the look of pain in his eyes I stopped, reminded that I had caused him enough of that these last few weeks. I shook my head, trying to clear it. "I can't do this right now." He took my chin and pulled it up to face him.
"I will walk with you to the estate," he said as he put my hand in his arm. "We don't have to talk, I just want to be sure you make it there safely. We can talk later." I nodded and we continued up the dock.
As we approached the main doors to Eamon's estate my heart was in my throat. Once a servant opened the main doors to allow me entry Garrett kissed my hand and walked back toward the docks.
Another servant let me into the foyer as she rushed up the main staircase to notify Eamon I was there. I looked around, spotted Shale in the entry way and smiled. If they took her on they must have gotten Zevran and Oghren as well. I smiled at her as the servant returned and motioned for me to follow her up to Eamon's office.
I walked in, looked around and I couldn't help but stare. They're here, I can't believe they are all here, I thought. The first person I spotted was Cailan and, despite his station as well as my own, I ran to him. When he saw me he opened his arms and we embraced as if we hadn't seen each other in years. I wrapped my arms around his neck, squeezing him tight to be sure he was real. I heard him inhale deeply.
"Kora," he whispered in my ear. I felt tears run down my cheeks.
"Cailan," I whimpered as he slowly swayed me side to side. Finally satisfied he was really there I loosened my grip to look at his face. His smile warmed my heart. He let go of me with one arm to bring his hand to my face, brushing away my tears.
"Silly girl," he chided. I shook my head.
"Shut up, I missed you terribly." His face became serious.
"I missed you terribly too." I kissed his nose and smiled. Cailan nodded behind me so I turned around, releasing him when I saw Caden.
"You!" I said angrily. I stalked over to him, his shock apparent on his face. I held out my arms and smiled. Realizing it was a joke, he shook his head and grabbed me up like a rag doll, eliciting a screech from me as he swung me around in circles. I held on to his neck for dear life, laughing until he stopped. Sliding down his chest to gain my footing I smiled up at him. "I missed you terribly too, you know."
"I missed you too, sister," he said as he kissed my forehead. I looked around and, seeing Eamon and Teagan, I slapped Caden on the chest and walked toward them to say my hellos.
"Well then, guess I'm not important enough to notice," I heard a familiar voice say from behind a book case. I peeked around the corner to see Alistair holding a large novel that appeared to be Nevarran. I smirked.
"Well if you weren't hiding behind the book case," I said smartly, "maybe I would have seen you." The need to be close to him swelled up in my chest and I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to fight it. Deciding not to, I put my arms out to him.
He put down the book and in one stride lifted my up by my waist, pulling me into his arms. I slung my arms around his neck and nuzzled into it, taking in his scent as I felt one arm around my waist and the other around my back tighten. I closed my eyes as every ounce of tension in my soul seemed to fall away, replaced with a sense of calm I hadn't remembered feeling ever before. The impact that man had on me was mystifying.
He held me until I loosened my grip then let my feet fall to the floor. Dropping his arms back to his sides he smiled at me wistfully.
"Hi," he said quietly. I smiled.
"Hi. I missed you." I tapped him on the nose that elicited a small laugh.
"I missed you too," he whispered. I blushed in spite of myself and turned away, remembering Neria would be there soon and not wanting to do anything to disrupt their reunion. I could feel my body responding to his touch as well as the loss of it. I have to stay in control, I thought to myself as I glanced around again searching for someone or something else to focus on.
I caught Teagan looking at me and he seemed quite happy to see me.
"My Lady," he smiled as he took my hand to kiss my knuckles, "it is truly wonderful to see you again. You are well, I trust?" I nodded, giving him a polite curtsy.
"Yes My Lord, thank you for asking. All is well here?" I looked from Teagan to Eamon. He was just finishing a conversation with Duncan who gave me a wink. I curtsied again. "Your Grace, Commander. You arrived here in record time, how did you manage it?"
"I split our forces," Duncan said, "and managed to get everything accomplished that was laid out for us. Thanks to your notes and insight of course, Your Grace." We exchanged a smile.
"Your Grace," Eamon said as he bowed, bringing my hand to his lips. "It's quite the title, isn't it? Get used to it, everyone will be saying it soon enough." I smiled as I felt Cailan come up along side of me.
"And they shall, Uncle, this afternoon," Cailan said. I coughed, taken off guard.
"This afternoon?" I asked. Cailan stifled a laugh.
"Yes, Arlessa Kora," Cailan said as he gave me a small bow. "The time has come. The Landsmeet is today and you shall arrive on my arm, a unified front for all of Denerim and Ferelden to see." A small knot formed in my throat and my stomach. I smiled at Teagan, Eamon and Duncan then turned to Cailan.
"Can we speak a moment, Your Majesty?" I asked, batting my eye lashes. "Alone, if that would be acceptable?" I looked back to Eamon as it was his home. Eamon bowed.
"Of course, Your Grace," he smiled as he motioned toward a door off of the room we were in. "Feel free to use my private study as long as you need." I smiled and curtsied then let Cailan lead me into the other room. As soon as he shut the door I was shooting daggers from my eyes.
"Shit, Cailan," I hissed, afraid they were still able to hear us, "a little heads UP would have been NICE!" He laughed, brushing my hair back from my face and off my shoulders as he placed his hands on them.
"Kora," he smiled, "you have nothing to fear. You will be a wonderful Arlessa." I shook my head and took one of his hands in mine.
"I do not fear that," I said, "I fear for YOU. What could happen in this Landsmeet, I want to be prepared. I want to know everything that is going to happen, step by step. I have people who can aid us and…" Cailan suddenly pulled me into his arms. Realizing I was shaking I tried to relax, curling my arms around his neck and resting my forehead on his shoulder. "I will not put you at risk. That bastard killed you once. I will NOT allow him a second chance at it."
I felt his grip on me tighten, one arm around my waist the other around the middle of my back. I lowered my arms to his shoulders and kissed his cheek, resting mine against it. His arms began to tremble ever so slightly and a moment later I realized what was happening.
He was crying.
"Cailan," I whispered, pulling his head toward me to press his face to mine. I thought back to the night he came to my room, how he just held me and let me cry. I remembered how good it felt to just let it all go with someone holding me who cared about me, just letting me do what I needed to do to get past it. I stroked his hair as I held him close and when the shaking subsided I continued to hold him until he pulled back slightly, looking me in the eye.
"You," he said as I wiped away his tears, "are one of two people I trust completely, Kora. I know that everyone else has good intentions but yours are more than that." He smiled, brushing his fingers along my jaw. "You, My Lady, are my best friend and most trusted advisor." I smiled, taking his face in my hands.
"And hopefully I will live up to that title for the remainder of my days," I said as I kissed his forehead. I released him and smoothed out my shirt, brushing my hair away from my face and brushing Cailan's back as well. "Now, any other surprises I should know about?"
"There is one," he said as he glanced back at the door we had come through. "Eamon is not happy about it but I stand by my decision and I think you will too. After I hand out the punishment of death to our dear friend Loghain and his conniving daughter I plan to make Alistair the Teyrn of Gwaren."
That sentence hit me in the face like a ton of bricks. Both unexpected and a total game-changer, making Alistair nobility would be a major step in asserting Cailan's power over the throne. It would also make many nobles very unhappy, possibly cementing Loghain's hold on the Regency. Not that he had a legal precedent to stand on but the nobility may not see it that way. The gears in my head were turning and Cailan knew it so he took my chin and made me look him in the eye.
"Wow," I said. It was all I could come up with. He laughed.
"That's all you've got to say, 'Wow'?" he said. "I would think you would be happy about it, given your affection for him." Still absorbing the meaning of it all, I shook my head to try and clear it.
"Cailan," I said, trying to collect my thoughts, "have you spoken to him about this? Does he even want it?" Cailan crossed his arms.
"I've hinted around about it," he said, "but he doesn't know the details. I need him at my back, Kora. I trust him as much as I trust you. I want him to lead my armies and be for me what Loghain was for our father." I saw the desperation in his eyes, the need to believe in someone the way he once believed in Loghain. I smiled, so happy that it was Alistair that he wanted to fill that void. He was one of the few who deserved it.
"Does he know what he would have to give up?" I asked. Cailan looked puzzled. Realizing Alistair may not have told him about Neria I decided to leave that to them. "You two should discuss things before anything is decided and maybe put off the announcement until after the blight? I think Ferelden could stand him being put in charge of its armies but the nobility thing maybe should wait until he proves his worth." I smiled, smoothing the front of his shirt. "Let him become a hero to them, just as Loghain did. It will be an easier transition for him and for them." He smiled and nodded.
"Alright, alright," he said as he took my shoulders and squeezed them. "You are right, of course." He kissed my forehead and beamed at me. "Please tell me you will always be there to talk me down." I smiled and gave him a small curtsy.
"If it is within my power, Your Majesty, I will be," I said as I winked and sighed. "Now, anything else?" He smirked.
"So you have no problem walking into the Landsmeet arm in arm with me?" he whispered as he inched closer. I glared at him with a smile.
"So long as you keep your hands to yourself," I said as I slapped one of his hands away that was making its way toward my hip, "you will survive the ordeal." We laughed as he threw an arm around me and we made our way back into the other room.
"Well then," I heard Eamon say as we entered, "I assume that means you've talked some sense into our King?" I laughed.
"I don't have that kind of time on my hands," I said with a wink, "but I did talk him into getting his ducks in a row first." Eamon was not thrilled but subdued from what I could tell.
"Alistair," Cailan said, making his way over to his younger brother, "could we speak a moment?" Alistair smiled, motioning for the door leading to the hall and the two left. I couldn't help but grin, seeing the two of them side by side.
I looked around the room to see who had remained and saw Neria standing behind the book case where I had seen Alistair earlier. As I gave her a smile and a nod a pang of guilt sounded off in my chest. Remembering that the messenger always got shot I decided to remain silent and allow Alistair to deal with his own life. She smiled back and followed the path Alistair and Cailan had taken a moment before.
Seeing that only Eamon, Teagan and Duncan had remained I smiled at Duncan.
"Commander," I said, "it is so good to see you safe and sound." He smiled back, putting a hand on my shoulder.
"You look well, Your Grace," he said.
"As do you, thank the Maker. And of course, Your Grace," I said as I turned to Eamon. Duncan dropped his hand as Eamon put up his.
"I think the formalities may be stifled for now, don't you?" he asked with a smile. I nodded. "Then Eamon, please."
"Kora, if you would." He nodded and put a hand on Teagan's shoulder.
"So it is my understanding you have been receiving assistance from Arl Gallagher's son, Garrett. Is that true?" Eamon asked. I nodded.
"Yes, he was luckily one of the guards at the front gate when Leliana and I arrived," I said as I thought back to that moment, "he's saved our lives several times over." Teagan gave Eamon a concerned look which set off alarm bells in my head. "What don't I know?" Eamon got that look, like a parent gets when they are about to tell their child the family pet had died.
"Garrett Wulff," he said the name as if it weighed down his tongue, "has possibly proven himself a traitor to you, Kora. He is at the Gnawed Noble as we speak chatting up his father." I stifled a giggle of relief.
"That would probably be due to the fact that Gallagher thinks Garrett is dead," I said. "He is merely telling his father he still lives to reassure him, I am certain." Teagan's look did not give me comfort.
"Kora, Gallagher has always known Garrett was alive," Teagan said softly. "Our scouts infiltrated West Hills before the horde took it over and discovered he was the one who sent him here after learning of your possible involvement in Lothering." Teagan waited to see my reaction which I withheld for the moment. "We do not know if trusting them is wise at this juncture." I shook my head.
"I need to discuss this with him," I said as I glanced at the door.
"Perhaps you should wait," Duncan interjected, "the Landsmeet is a few hours away. When it is over and all has been decided you could ask him about it more publicly. Just to be safe. Kora," Duncan put his hands on my shoulders, forcing me to face him. "it is for your protection, nothing more." I sighed, realizing he was right.
"Fine, what will you have me do in the mean time?" I asked. Duncan huffed a laugh.
"Do you always pout when you don't get your way?" he asked. I glared at him with a grin.
"I am glad you are erring on the side of caution," Eamon said, "with that I will take my leave. I have much to prepare. Cailan can fill you in on the plan if he hasn't already and we will all meet downstairs in an hour. Oh," Eamon looked me over quickly, "and you may want to borrow a dress from Isolde. For appearances, of course." He smiled, nodded and left the room. Teagan smiled.
"Kora," he nodded and followed Eamon. I laughed and Duncan gave me a confused look.
"Poor Teagan," I said, "following his brother around like a puppy. He deserves a higher station than he has been appointed." I shook my head and looked back at Duncan. "Still here? I thought you were out of things to tell me not to do." He sighed.
"It's not that we don't trust your judgment," he began and I covered my mouth to keep from laughing.
"Except that you don't," I said shrugging my shoulders. "Not that I blame you. I admit I fell for the lines he fed me. He saved our lives a few times over, but why did he bother?" I asked, frustrated with the situation. "Maker forgive me, but I fell for him again. But maybe that was the point." I laughed and rubbed the back of my neck, feeling the muscles tighten. "Payback is a bitch."
"You think it was revenge?" Duncan asked thoughtfully. I shrugged my shoulders.
"What else could it be? I have no coin, no station until after the Landsmeet but he didn't know that when he helped us into the city. What else could my existence do for him except let his family get back at mine for my father breaking off the engagement?" I felt the tension building up in my neck and chest, tears stinging the backs of my eyes as I stared into his. "You are sure he lied about his father, that he was the one who sent him here?"
"Yes." He said it with such finality I almost burst. Gritting my teeth I held back, racking my brain for another reason.
"Is everything alright?" I heard Alistair say from behind me. I jumped and turned around too quickly because he saw the look on my face and knew instantly it wasn't alright. His look went from curious to concern.
"I will leave the two of you to talk," Duncan said as he patted my shoulder and walked to the doorway. "If I see him I will ask Cailan to come around in a bit to discuss the plan with you, Kora." He nodded and left, leaving Alistair and I alone. Alistair shut the door behind him.
"Trying to get me alone?" I tried to joke but it fell flat. Alistair shook his head as he walked toward me. I felt my blood rush faster through my veins the closer he came.
"What's happened?" he asked. I just stared at him, fear creeping up my spine that I may lose all control and do or say something stupid, never mind the fact that I'd been a pawn in yet another person's game. "Kora?" I felt my heart being ripped from my chest as I struggled to breathe.
"Oh you know," I said as I waved my hand in the air, "the same old stuff. Can't trust anyone these days." I looked away, hugging my arms to my body to keep my hands from running through his hair, grabbing the back of his head and shoving my tongue down his throat. "Sorry, did you need something?" He stared at me for a few moments then blinked.
"I, um, yeah," he mumbled as he grabbed the back of his neck. "Just had an interesting discussion with Cailan. Guess he wants me to be the next Teryn of Gwaren, who knew?" He smiled but I saw through it. Dropping my arms to my sides I sighed.
"I did," I said with a quick smile. He laughed, running his hand through his hair.
"I assumed he would discuss it with you first," he said as he shook his head and sat down. I sat across from him and smiled.
"So…"
"I'm still letting the idea settle in," he whispered, looking at the floor then shaking his head again. "I know what I have to do I'm just…"
"Not sure you are up to the task?" I asked. He looked up at me and smirked.
"How'd you guess? Not that I'm insecure or anything, I just have zero training in politics and being noble is not the first thing I would ask for on my name day." He gave me a small smile. "I do understand where he is coming from, however, and I will not shirk my duty to the crown." He sat back in his chair, crossing one leg over the other and letting out a big sigh. I smiled.
"You are a good man, Alistair," I insisted, "and that will make you an even better noble." He laughed, scrubbing his face with his hands.
"Yeah, I get that a lot," he quipped. "That and I have a great head of hair. There's one problem though," he put both feet on the floor, leaning in on his elbows. "What do I tell Neria?"
His expression was a blend of guilt and sadness, breaking my heart. Realizing I was far too personally involved I sat back in my chair, folding my arms and crossing my legs.
"You know in your heart what you need to say," I said simply. "All the advice in the world will not prepare you for that conversation. My only suggestion is to do it now. The longer you wait the more difficult and painful it will be for both of you." He nodded and took my hand.
"True," he said, kissing my knuckles. "Best to get it over with, I suppose." We turned to face the doorway as it opened, Cailan walking in with what appeared to be a lovely emerald green dress hanging over his arm.
"I agree with whatever she just said," Cailan said as he stood next to his brother who laughed and shook his head. "Does anyone else find it funny that the three of us are going to take on the responsibility of holding Ferelden together? Does the madness never end?" He laughed as he pulled up another chair to us. Alistair released my hand and sat back in his chair laughing.
"It is a bit comical," he admitted, looking from Cailan to myself. "I really hope that dress is for you. Green is not my color." I shrugged.
"Didn't you say something once about putting on a dress and dancing the Remigold?" I asked, sitting back in my chair. "What, it's not pretty enough?" He sat up, reached toward me and pinched my thigh. "AH! Brat!" I slapped his arm as he laughed at me and Cailan threw the dress at me.
"Get changed, Your Grace," he said as he winked at Alistair. "We have a long afternoon ahead of us and I want to prepare you." I laughed.
"I'll bet," I said as I glared at him suspiciously. "If you two think for one moment I'm going to change in front of you, you are sadly mistaken." Wagging a finger at them, I went into Eamon's private office and shut the door. I held the dress out to examine it and smiled.
It was a floor length satin gown, long sleeved with a beige front from the waist down to the floor. The Chantry's Sunburst that is on my family's heraldry was emblazoned in green across the beige landscape and three diamonds in the same beige satin made up the bodice framed by that lovely emerald green. I smiled, knowing he must have had this dress specially made, and slipped off my breeches and shirt. Once I was dressed I walked out into the other room and the two brothers stood immediately.
"It's beautiful Cailan," I said, "but one problem." I lifted the hem of the dress to expose my boots. Cailan laughed and shook his head.
"I wasn't sure if you would want to keep your boots on, given the circumstances," he said as he walked over to me. He took my hand and twirled me around, making the hem of the dress flow outward then gracefully taper down to the form of my legs as I stood still. He shook his head. "Lovely." I felt a blush coming on so I changed the subject.
"True, boots it is," I said as I lifted the front hem and made my way back to my chair. "So what is the order of proceedings?" Cailan and Alistair sat down.
"Eamon, Teagan and I will enter the palace with our 'guard' in tow," Alistair began. "Once the Landsmeet is called to order Eamon will begin with our list of charges against the Regent, starting with the abandonment at Ostagar." I shook my head.
"I would leave that out," I said. "Maybe start with the issue of the blight and his blindness to it due to his fears of Orlais. Did Leliana tell you what we found at the Alienage?" I looked at Cailan who nodded, producing a piece of paper from his doublet.
"I have the agreement between Loghain and the slavers right here," He said as he handed it to Alistair. I nodded.
"Alright, then bring that up next. Slavery in Ferelden will be looked down upon by the Landsmeet. Let me see, what else…" I racked my brain but realized there wasn't much else due to Anora's kidnapping not happening. Or did it? "Did Anora contact anyone?"
"She did," Alistair said with a smile, "but we ignored her. Hopefully Howe really did kill her." I shook my head.
"No, he didn't." I looked at the floor. "Dammit, we really needed to get into my estate."
"Wait, I thought you told Duncan everything there was to know," Cailan said as he sat up in his chair.
"I didn't want to overwhelm him with information." I shook my head. "It's fine, we'll figure it out. Howe will also be at the Landsmeet then. Good, gives me the chance to bring him up on charges as well for the slaughter at Highever."
"Yeah, about that," Alistair drawled out, "Howe won't be there. Caden was none too thrilled with the living arrangements so he took Elissa, Morrigan, and Jaden to your estate last night. They had to fight their way through but on a lighter note Howe and all his men are dead." I laughed.
"I'm glad to hear it but please tell me that my guard was not a part of it." I looked from Alistair to Cailan and they both shook their heads.
"Your people are fine, Kora," Cailan laughed. "Always worried about everyone else." I nodded and smiled.
"Someone once told me it was what made me a good leader." I looked back at Alistair. "So where will Cailan and I be?"
"In one of the rooms off of the Landsmeet chamber," Alistair said, "which is why we need to get you both there now. It will start shortly and you both need to be in place." Alistair and Cailan stood so I followed suit and we all headed for the door. I stopped short, realizing I wasn't armed.
"Wait," I said, "I need a sword and a shield. I am not going in there naked." Alistair raised his hands.
"On our way out, you will find a lovely sword and brand new shield with your heraldry on it waiting for you." He winked at me. "You'll love the sword, it's got a name and everything." I laughed.
"Starfang?" I asked. Alistair was surprised then shook his head.
"You are no fun," he said as he put an arm around my shoulders and ushered me out of the room.
We all made our way down stairs to the foyer. I saw the shield and sword leaning up against the doorway to the library and I smiled, walking toward it.
"Oh no," Leliana said as she grabbed my arm and swung me around to face her. "You are not going to the Landsmeet with your hair like that. Come with me." She dragged me by the arm into the library and sat me in a chair. "Hold still, this will take a moment."
"Ya know Lel," I said sarcastically, "you get more bees with honey than you do vinegar."
"What do bees have to do with your hair? Perhaps because it looks like a bee's nest?" she asked as she gave a lock a playful tug. I laughed, deciding to keep quiet and let her do her thing. A few minutes later she stepped back and smiled at me.
"Mirror?" I asked. She left the room for a moment and returned with one, forcing it into my hands excitedly. I laughed then looked into it.
The hair that had grown so long and unruly it hung to my waist was now braided diagonally across the back of my head and snaked down over my shoulder. She tied off the end with a small ribbon and adorned it with a lovely emerald barrette. I smiled as tears pricked the back of my eyes.
"Lel," I whispered as I took her by the shoulders, "thank you." She smiled.
"You are welcome," she said as she motioned for the door. I walked back out into the foyer and picked up my new weapons, securing them to my back with the hooks Cailan had the seamstress sew into the gown. Squaring my shoulders I looked at Cailan with a smile. He returned it and took my hand, folding it into his arm as he faced the group.
"It's time to bring this civil war to an end," he stated, "Once and for all."