Landsmeet chamber
The Queen's horrified look was hardly as fulfilling as Mother Hannah had imagined it would be. In fact, she found herself feeling sorry for the girl. Being in a position of power was all she knew, To have the position threatened so publicly had to be horrifying. While Mother Hannah did not agree with her methods, seeing her here looking almost vulnerable she found she could almost understand why the Queen had acted in such a manner. Almost.
"Mother Hannah," said Arl Wulff with a tone of understanding. " These are severe accusations against the Queen."
"I am aware of that my Lord." She took the sheets of paper from Zara's hand. She spared a glance at the Queen. In body language she was composed, but there was still terror in her her eyes as Mother Hannah searched through the parchment. "I hold here correspondence between Her Majesty, the Wardens of Weisshaupt and a blood mage they call Avernus."
"What? How did she find those?"The Queen inwardly seethed. It was quite difficult maintain a calm demeanor, but if anything she was trained very well in being outwardly poised. Although; in this case she was forced to use up every ounce of restraint in order to stay as calm as she appeared.
"Who could have given them to her? I have no enemies within theses walls." The Queen racked her brain to come up with a possible solution, yet she failed to conjure anything or anyone.
There was an sudden outburst of yowls and yelling throughout the room. Mother Hannah waited patiently until all was quiet.
"Do none of you wonder why The Hero of Ferelden made no appearances these past three years? Or why she made no effort to contact anyone?" Pausing, Mother Hannah looked about the room. Only Arl Eamon and Alistair did not meet her harsh gaze. "I know why. It's all in these papers. She was ordered to be poisoned. Wasn't she my Queen?" Anora met her gaze with an icy, scornful gaze of her own. "I could think of at least a hundred better poisons to use, but you went with Lyrium. Because it's slow, yet painful to those without a trace of magic in their veins."
"Mother Hannah. This is indeed a entertaining tale you weave." The Queen smiled.
"Oh. But I am hardly done. Why don't you tell all the Lords and Ladies here why?"
Anora said nothing to this.
"The reason is simple enough, yet complicated. Revenge. She is the reason your father is dead. You knew why she conscripted him into the wardens. How you found out is a mystery, but that isn't important. You hated her all the same. I doubt anyone here could blame you for your feelings, as I am sure most of us would feel the same." She paused to look down at the sheet of paper she was holding. "You were in contact with the wardens, who already disliked Warden Cousland. This letter I hold in my hand goes into great detail of Avernus's work and how he had already obtained her blood. From there the plan was easy was it not? Now comes the interesting part. A part I don't quite understand fully. My Queen cannot have children. Correct?"
"I hardly see what that has to do with anything," Anora snapped heatedly.
"Her child. You wanted it. But could hardly think of a way to get the child, could you?"
There was a low growl from the crowd. It took every ounce of restraint Alistair had not to run up the stairs and plunge his sword into Anora's heart.
There were hushed whispers in the room. Mother Hannah ignored them.
"Being a warden and the lifestyle she led, she knew keeping the child would be hard. But her poisoned mind was really the problem and she knew something was wrong. Didn't she?"
"She pleaded with me to take him in," Teyrn Cousland said sadly. "I refused."
"Who else could she turn to for help? You came to her with offer she could hardly refuse, as she had no real options readily available. Lucky for you she agreed. The problem of an heir had been solved for you. He is of royal blood, which is why you wanted him in the first place."
There were cries of outrage within the Landsmeet.
"Is this true, Your Highness?" The Revered Mother demanded sternly. "You would risk poisoning a woman with child in order to obtain her son?"
More outrage.
Ever stoic, the Queen calmly looked about the room. "If you have this in writing, then I will hardly deny these accusations." Then she smirked. "Royal blood? What makes you think he has any such thing?"
"He is my son." Alistair's voice boomed throughout the hall. "Before any of you ask for proof all any of you need to do is look at him."
The room fell silent as each Noblemen and woman contemplated what they had just heard.
Maric loudly cleared his throat. "Lords and Ladies. What the Queen has done to our most beloved hero is inconceivable. It is hardly uncommon in this day and age. I do not doubt the love of her people and country. She is a good Queen and has done right by most of you. Please keep this in mind as you make your decision."
"I hardly need help from the likes of you." Anora spat.
Maric smirked. "Oh. I think you do."
"I believe we have all heard enough," said Bann Alfstanna.
"Indeed." Said Arl Eamon as he took his place between Anora and Maric. "Waking Sea. How do you vote?"
"We give our support to Maric."
Eamon nodded. "Highever. What say you on this matter?"
"Maric," said Teryn Cousland, his voice cold as ice.
"White Hills. What say you?"
"Anora," said Bann Comrac.
"Dragon's Peak?"
"Maric."
Around the room all the nobility cast their vote. All but four were in favor of Maric. The Queen's rage grew with every "Maric" vote cast.
"Amaranthine. How do you vote?"
There was no answer.
"Will no one speak for Amaranthine?"
Loud footsteps echoed throughout the hall.
"Amaranthine stands behind Maric," Elissa's voice boomed throughout the room.
Shock filled the room. Anora's face paled. Her insides churned violently, but her glance was venomous.
Alistair's eye grew wide, his mouth dropped in utter shock. He tried to speak, to call out her name but only a soft croak emerged. His eyes drifted down her body, if only to be sure she was really standing before him. "Holy Maker's toe nails! What happened to her arm?"He thought. Rage filled him as he saw her left arm hanging lifelessly by her side. When he found whoever did this to her, they would be praying for death by the time he was done with them.
"What are you doing here?" The Queen demanded, her voice wavering.
"Casting my vote of course." Elissa said. Returning the Queen's venomous glare. "Oh. Yes. I'm supposed to be in my cell aren't I? Well, the opportunity to get out presented itself, which is why I'm here now. The people of Amaranthine need their say as well do they not?" She smirked viciously.
"The wardens of Ferelden. How do you vote?" Eamon asked.
"Say what?" Alistair said, ripping his eyes from Elissa to Eamon.
"The wardens have their say in matters here."
"The wardens don't involve themselves in politics. I'd rather keep it as such." Alistair insisted.
"So be it." Eamon sighed softly as he turned to face Anora. "The count is as follows, Your Majesty, if I may..."
Anora humphed. "There is no need. I have been keeping count." Anora nearly spat. "Before you even ask, I will never swear my fealty to him."
"I assumed as much." Maric said with some regret. "There is a cell waiting for you in the tower of drakon."
"Very well," said Anora, an edge of sweetness in her tone.
Elissa watched Anora's movements and saw it before anyone knew what was happening. The moment she spotted the woman's hands reaching behind her back - reaching for a blade her advisor had given her before the Landsmeet had started. Elissa ran as fast as she could, shoving nobles out of her way. She ran up the stairs and placed herself in front of Maric just before Anora was able to plunge the blade in to his chest. The dagger plunged deep into her chest. Gasping from the pain, Elissa slowly dropped to her knees.
The room around her was in chaos. Nobles were running from the Meet, while others came to her aid. Alistair was beside her in an instant with his hand on her back to keep her upright.
"Get her out of here. Now!" Maric yelled. The guards quickly ushered Anora from the room.
"Anders! Get your ass over here!" Alistair screamed frantically.
Anders moved quickly and inspected the damage, then chuckled. "Oh you big baby," he said, rolling his eyes. "It's not that bad." He pulled the dagger out and began his healing spell.
"Your concern is overwhelming Anders. And touching," Elissa croaked.
"I know. It's just how I am," he said as he finished closing up the wound. "Good as new," he stated proudly.
"What is wrong with you?" Alistair growled. "Are you not happy unless I'm worried sick about you?"
Elissa narrowed her eyes. "My deepest apologies for preventing a murder. How ever will you forgive me?"
Alistair bent down to her ear and whispered.
"I can think of at least five ways you can make it up to me," he purred.
"Only five?" She whispered back.
Not caring who saw, he moved his lips over her own, kissing her with tenderness. Elissa felt her cheeks flush and her heart swell.
"Ellwie!" Bryce screeched as he ran up to her . Alistair quickly moved aside as the young boy threw his arms around her neck squeezing it as tightly as he could. He was afraid she would disappear again if he let go. He repeated her name over and over again like a chant. It was enough to make tears well up in Elissa's eyes.
"Oh Bryce," She sighed into his hair. "Have you been here the whole time?"
He slowly pulled away from her and nodded. There was a sadness in his eyes which nearly broke Elissa's heart in two. While she knew he understood almost nothing of what had been said, the questions would come eventually, but she hoped she would have several years before he started in on that.
"Bryce," Maric said softly as he knelt to the right of the boy. The lad eyed him suspiciously as Maric spoke. "I am sorry about your...mother." Bryce looked away from the king's soft gaze. "I was wondering if you might like to stay with Elissa and Alistair for a time?"
His features brightened dramatically.
Maric chuckled and nodded. "Then so be it. Prince Bryce of Ferelden, I hereby order you to keep an eye on our dear wardens. If they make any trouble whatsoever, you are to come and tell me immediately. Understood?"
With a nod and a grin, Bryce wrapped his small arms around Elissa's neck again.
Elissa looked up at Maric with tear stained eyes. "Thank you,"she mouthed.
"Well. Enough of this now. Get the hell out of my throne room. I have business to attend to." Maric ordered. Slowly everyone filed out of the room. Leaving the future king with Eamon to freely discuss business.
As Elissa, Alistair and Bryce left, something stirred within Elissa, nearly making her bring up her morning breakfast. Something wasn't right, but for the moment she ignored the feeling.
The next day Elissa was feeling worse than she had the day before. Keeping food down and moving were a massive chore. She forced herself to at least move. She had an important date to keep.
After reassuring Alistair that she was well and could travel on her own, she dressed quickly and walked in the direction of Fort Drakon. This visit with Anora could have waited, but in this matter patience was not a virtue she could exercise.
The walk was difficult, but with the help of a make-shift walking stick she was able to make it to the fort. The sight of the place sent shivers down her spine and made urge to vomit that much stronger. Taking a deep and calming breath, she pushed open the doors.
A guard acknowledged her with a nod and wordlessly led her up to Anora's cell in the higher level.
The guard took his leave the moment they stood outside of the queen's cell. It had none of the luxuries Anora was accustomed too. And while it was hardly the lower level (which is where Elissa had hoped Anora would be placed), it was hellish enough for a former Queen. This fact alone would have to be satisfying enough.
Sitting on her cot, Anora looked up and glared at her visitor.
"Have you come to gloat at my turn of fortune?" Anora asked politely, an edge of sarcasm in her tone.
"Yes," Elissa replied coldly. "To be honest I'm sad no disgruntled guardsmen are here keeping youcompany at night. I think nightly beatings would be fitting." She sighed softly. "Alas, this will simply have to do."
"Now that you have seen me in such a saddened and disgraced state do you feel satisfied with the outcome? Can you sleep easier at night knowing I suffer?"
At this Elissa could not help a bitter laugh. "Suffering? You call this," She said pointing at the surroundings of Anora's cell. "suffering? Please don't embarrass yourself further by using words you don't understand."
Anora's gaze dropped down to Elissa's useless arm and smirked. "Oh yes. You indeed know suffering. If it's any consolation I had no idea they had planned to cause you any permanent damage."
Again Elissa's bitter laugh filled the air. "Please don't bullshit me. "
"Believe what you will Warden Cousland. Now if you will excuse me,I must take my afternoon rest."
"Yes. I'm sure you're exhausted from starting out of your tiny window all day long." Elissa made no move to leave.
"Is there anything else? Or would you prefer to stare at me all day?" Anora covered her mouth to conceal the yawn. This conversation was beginning to bore her.
"I will take my leave in a moment. I am curious if you ever figured out who provided Mother Hannah and Zara with those documents?"
There was something in her tone which made Anora's head snapped up. The warden was smirking in a knowing fashion. Anora narrowed her eyes and shook her head.
"No, I have not. I suppose it hardly matters now."
"Oh. Sad. I must say, even for his age my boy is crafty."
Anora's eyes went wide with surprise. She had never even considered Bryce. Giving in to her inner rage, she spat."That little brat."
"Careful what you say about my son. Don't think for a moment I'm above punching a former Queen in the mouth. Good day to you Anora." Elissa grinned widely as she spun around on her heels.
"Warden." Anora called after her. Elissa came to a stop but did not turn to face the prisoner. "You look unwell today." She could hear the satisfied smile in Anora's tone. "I do hope you feel better soon. Ferelden would be lost without it's great hero."
Without answering Elissa squared her shoulders and quickly left the fort, leaving Anora to rest peacefully with an oddly satisfied smirk upon on her face.
Three Weeks Later. Denerim
Alistair, Elissa and Bryce took up residence within the former Arl of Denerim's estate. It kept them close to Maric in case he needed either of them, which was more often than not. Bryce was officially named as Maric's successor. Originally, he wanted Alistair, but the warden-commander refused to give up his station as commander; nevertheless, he promised he would advise Bryce when the time came.
Sweating and panting heavily, Alistair rolled off of Elissa. Propping himself on his elbow he looked at his love and frowned. "You're paler than you were yesterday, love. I think you should see Anders.." Alistair sighed. It was something he pointed out to Elissa on a daily basis since the landsmeet. She knew it was true. She was pale, weak and could barely manage to get herself out of bed. As usual she laughed and smiled weakly.
"What lovely pillow talk, my love." She turned to her side, looked up into his eyes and smiled weakly. "My body is merely getting used to the idea of freedom. Give me time and I will be as good as new."
Her deflections of his concern was nothing new, but still annoyed the shit out of him. She refused to be seen by any medical professional, which was the driving force behind his secret trip to Amaranthine, where a well-informed Anders would be waiting to be brought back to the estate She would yell, scream and protest - that did not matter to him in the slightest. If that is what it took to know what the hell was wrong with her, then he would do it and deal with the consequences later.
Pushing himself from their bed, Alistair fastened his small clothes tightly around his waste, and pulled his trousers up his legs.
"Where might you be going dearest?" Elissa croaked semi-cheerfully.
Alistair winced at the sound of her voice. Turning on his heels, he flashed her a bright smile. "Amaranthine. Howe is determined to make me pay for his little trip that proved to be pointless." He lied.
"It serves you right."
With a sigh and sheepish grin he walked over to her side of the bed. Bending over, he planted a soft kiss on her chapped lips. She moaned as he slid his wet tongue across her lips. "I'll be back as soon as I can," he promised.
"Have fun, my love."
"Oh I'm sure it will be a thrill a minute," he rolled his eyes. "I love you."
A smile spread across her lips. "And I love you. Don't be too long."
"I won't," he said as he closed the door to their room.
"Do you have any educated guesses as to what might be wrong?" Alistair bellowed over the sounds of their horses pounding hooves.
"I would need to actually see her in order to make any sort of guess." Anders screamed back. "You say she is vomiting, pale and weak?"
"Yes. Do you think she could be...umm..."
"Again, I would need to see her, but highly doubt she is pregnant." Anders shook his head.
Alistair found himself rather disappointed. Had hoped in this case that lightening would strike twice. But if it wasn't that then that meant she was sick, which worried him even more than he had been before.
Anders smirked. "It could very well be your constant bed chamber encounters. "
Smirking, Alistair had to chuckle. "Oh. So you think I'm wearing her down. No. I refuse to believe that."
"I swear to you that it is possible. Why just yesterday I left Zara in a state of immobility. Now that I think of it I left her that way this morning too."
"Zara? Speechless? I had no idea such a feat was possible."
Anders's smirk grew. "Neither did she."
"She did not know she was capable of speechlessness?" Alistair thought on this for a moment. "Actually, I completely believe that."
Alistair found himself rather enjoying this conversation (despite it's embarrassing and scandalous nature). It was hardly enough to keep his mind off whatever might be ailing Elissa, but it was enough to keep him from from obsessing anymore than he already was.
A loud yowl came from the inside of Anders's robes as the tabby struggled to find an exit. A orange and white head peered over the mage's collar, just below Anders's chin.
"Really Anders?" He asked dully.
"What?" Anders answered defensively. "He's lonely without me."
"Yes. I'm sure he'sthe lonely one."
"Elissa enjoys his company."
"Elissa enjoys anything that sleeps wi...Nevermind." There was no way Alistair was going to finish that.
"Oh come now. What were you going to say?" Anders asked. A wide and devilish grin spread across his mouth.
Clearing his throat, Alistair shook his head. "'Twas nothing of any great importance."
"Oh come now, commander. I really do think you should..."
Cutting off Anders in mid-sentence, Alistair pointed ahead of them and bellowed enthusiastically. "Oh look! There is the compound. What a fast trip that was."
Anders growled quietly in frustrating, but said nothing. "What a buzz-kill you are commander."
They rode their horses into the stable behind the compound. Dismounting quickly, they walked around the building, entering through the main doors. The moment the two men stepped into the foyer, both knew instantly something was amiss. Two servants stood near the foot of the spiraled stairwell looking distraught, both silently weeping. Their eyes flew to the two men as they entered.
"Oh, Master!" The female elven servant bursts into a fit of tears, unable to finish.
"Master," said the male human servant quietly. "please follow me."
"Why? What is going on?" Alistair asked as he and Anders followed. The servant did not answer, but took them up the stairs and down the hallway which led to Alistair and Elissa's room. Standing outside was a weeping and hysterical servant.
Brushing his way past the two men, Alistair walked up to the woman and demanded to know what was going on and why she was standing outside his room weeping.
"Master," she sobbed. "There was nothing I could do. There was nothing the house mage could do, either. We tried and tried to wake her, but nothing happened and nothing was working."
Without another word Alistair threw open the bedroom door. Running to Elissa's side of the bed he fell to his knees beside the bed. Looking at her face, he saw her blue eyes were open, dull and lifeless. Reaching out with his hand he brushed her pale cheek. It was cold to the touch. There was no reaction from her as he ran his thumb across her lips.. Reaching underneath the covers he grabbed her hand and squeezed. It was cold and stiff.
Unsure what to do, Alistair did the only thing he could and screamed. It was a scream of pure agony and heart wrenching pain which tore through the compound and drifted into the streets of Denerim. Tears spilled from his eyes as he simply stared at the lifeless body of his love on their bed.
He barely noticed Anders had entered and taken a place standing next to him.
Despite his own tears of pain and anger, Anders ran his hands over Elissa. Magic burst forth from his fingertips. He paled as his fingers passed over her body.
"Holy hell," he whispered. "How did I miss that?"
"Missed what?" Alistair asked dully.
"I was so concerned about healing the wound, I didn't even think to check everything fully."
Alistair sighed shakily and closed his eyes. "Poison." It wasn't a question, but Anders nodded anyways. "What did Anora use?"
"Does it matter?" Anders muttered bitterly.
"No." Alistair's bottom lip quivered. "Please let me be." Alistair hung his head and began to weep before Anders had even left the room.
Anders stopped at the doorway as Alistair called out to him.
"Tell Maric what has happened here. And tell..." His red-rimmed, tear-filled eyes grew hard. "Tell the king I want to be the one to take Anora's head."
Nodding, Anders quietly left the room. He shut the door behind him so his commander could grieve in peace. Alistair's second pain-filled cry was almost as heart-wrenching as the first. It sent shivers down his spine and tears streaming down his cheeks.
It had been three days since word of the Hero of Ferelden's demise had spread like wildfire throughout every major and minor town across Ferelden and beyond. The people mourned their fallen hero and were determined, if not pleased to be attending the former queen's punishment.
No three people mourned Elissa's passing more than the Warden-Commander, Teyrn Cousland and king-in-waiting Bryce Cousland-Theirin. It had taken both Fergus and Alistair speaking with Bryce before he could understand that Elissa was not coming back. Once the lad realized it to be true he had not emerged from his room, and could be heard crying and screaming . Both men were content with leaving Bryce in this state as they were attending Anora's public execution.
Anora was marched from Fort Drakon into a crowded Denerim tourney arena. This greatly confused her as she was under the impression she was to be executed in a typical beheading fashion. The commoners who filled the area collectively hissed, booed and threw rotten fruit at her as she entered. She found the act vile and disgusting.
Her guards left her in the middle of the arena to await her fate. The cries of outrage were soon quieted as Maric stood from his royal booth. His voice boomed throughout the arena.
"Anora Mac Tir. Daughter of General Loghain Mac Tir. You have been brought before us as a murderer, and shall receive the maximum penalty," Maric paused and looked around the area. Eager eyes all around met his own. "...death."
The crowd erupted into loud cheers. They were silenced by the wave of Maric's hand.
"I realize this is rather...unusual, but I can hardly deny this to be a far more fitting punishment than a beheading."
Anora could feel wetness trickling down her leg, but otherwise gave no outward signs of how terrified she truly was.
"Had our brave hero not placed herself in the way of a dagger meant for me, we would all be mourning my death. Truth be told, I wish she hadn't done what she did. For I am old and have lived my life. She was young and barely had a chance to live hers. " A tear ran down Maric's cheek. He made no effort to hide his emotions.
"What is my punishment to be then?" Anora bellowed.
"The prisoner shall not speak unless asked to do so, Maric roared. "Next to you is a dagger. I suggest you pick it up. For you will be needing it."
Sure enough, next to her right foot was a silver-handled dagger. She did as she was told and took it in her hand. Looking back at Maric, she waited for further explanation.
"Ladies and Gentlemen. To some this might seem unorthodox and cruel. To others 'tis only fitting," He stopped and looked directly into Anora's cold blue eyes. "Today, you will be honoring us with a sparring match. If you survive you may walk away to never return. If not,then your debt shall be paid in full."
Maric's words were cold and without sympathy.
Anora's eyes grew wide, allowing her fear to show for all to see. The crowd roared, pleased with what they had heard.
Directly in front of Anora emerged a large man, wearing blood-stained armor and wielding a glowing green broadsword.
The swordsman looked up at Maric, awaiting the king's approval. When Maric nodded, the swordsman wasted no time and charged at Anora.
Her scream echoed throughout the arena as he came directly towards her, sword drawn.
Quickly side-stepping, she avoided being bowled over by the huge armored man. Both turning on their heels at the same moment, they faced one another. He charged at her again. This time she was ready for him.
As he was upon her and the sword was swung, aiming for her throat, Anora was able to duck underneath the blade. Quickly she brought up her dagger and slashed at his sword arm. The dagger bounced off the heavy armor and sent her falling backwards to the ground.
Much to Anora's surprise, the swordsman waited for her to pick herself off the ground before coming after her.
"He's toying with me." She thought angrily.
Before she could so much as move, he plunged his sword into her stomach. The wound was not deep, but it hurt.
Anora screamed in pain and screamed again as he removed his blade from her flesh. She dropped to her knees, gasping for breath. Anora knew something was wrong.
The swordsman plunged his sword into the dirt before he knelt down before her.
"That venom is going to make breathing very difficult for the next minute or so," he said.
Anora recognized his voice and could hear him smile. "This won't bring her back, you bastard," she spat.
"No, it won't. But watching you die will make me feel a hell of a lot better."
She spat at his feet.
"Cute," Alistair said, smirking beneath his helmet. "After a minute, your body will start convulsing as every nerve in your body dies. Then you'll feel your heart stop. That's going to be the painful part."
Anora attempted to speak but found she could not.
"Oh. Right. Your tongue has already started to swell up hasn't it? Try not to talk. It will only make things worse."
Anora croaked. Her eyes grew wide as her body began to shake. Her knees gave out and she fell forward onto the ground, her body shaking in ways she never thought possible.
Alistair smiled. "I hope you know this was my idea. Maric was all for a public loss of your head. But, this was justice."
The crowds thunderous cheers were the last thing Anora heard before her heart finally stopped and everything went black.
Elissa's funeral was held in Highever. All of her closest friends were in attendance. They told stories of her bravery, and kindness to those around her. Leliana sung a song which brought tears to everyone's eyes.
Maric honored her with a pyre befitting of royalty.
Tired of all of the sympathetic words and smiles, Alistair wandered the halls of Highever castle. Eventually, he found an empty stairwell. Leaning against the banister, he hung his head and wept. Fate was cruel. He had just won Elissa back only to lose her again, this time forever. He was strong and he knew he would somehow find a way to get himself past all of this pain. But for now, weeping was all he could do.
"Alwster?" Came Bryce's tiny voice. Alistair turned his head slightly, looked down at the boy and smiled. It was amazing how much he looked like Elissa.
"Yes Bryce?" His voice was shaking as he spoke.
Bryce's own red eyes were filled with tears once again. "I miss her," he said before breaking down into a fit of tears.
Taking a step towards his son, he gathered him in his arms. Bryce wrapped his own arms around Alistair's neck, burying his face into Alistair's neck.
"I miss her too," Alistair said and smiled into the boy's hair. "But you know what?"
"Hmmm?" Bryce asked into his neck.
"We have our memories of her right here." He said. Tapping his index finger lightly against his son's head.
"What if I forget?"
"You wont forget. Because I have more than enough stories to tell to tell you."
"Is you sure?" Bryce asked as he slowly pulled himself away from Alistair's neck, but not out of his arms.
Alistair smiled. "Positive. And when you're older I have something of hers you should read."
Bryce smiled weakly and nodded. "K." He pulled himself from Alistair's arms and took him by the hand, leading him back towards the service. Alistair let himself be led.
"I want to be a war...umm"
"Warden?" Alistair ventured a guess. Bryce nodded
"Just like you and Ellie."
It was the first time he had ever heard the boy speak without his lisp. His boy was growing up.
"And so you shall, my boy." Not as if he could escape that fate. "So you shall."
A/N: And that's all she wrote folks. I know that tragic is so totally not in, but this is how the fic was meant to be ended. This has been a fun fic to write and part of me is going to miss it. The other part can't wait to start on the far less dramatic Time Warp. Future Fic's may include Bryce's story.
A HUGE and EPIC thanks goes out to alyssacousland for all of her wonderful and amazing editing. You made this fic rock! I don't know where I'd be without you!
An EPIC thank you to all of you have stuck with this fic! I appreciate each and every single one of you!