Chapter 21

Queen of Denerim, Anora Mac Tir had unfortunately not found the peace she'd so desperately hoped for when Lord Cousland rescued her from Howe. Thoughts of her future, and the future of Ferelden had kept the young Queen from finding any rest within these safe walls. For the first time she could remember, her fate was no longer in her own hands. Whether she retained her rightful place as ruler was now up to the whims of those her father had betrayed, left for dead, and then hunted. How could one possibly find rest with that notion?

Before the sun would set this day she would be having the conversation that she'd been preparing, and dreading, for the past few weeks. Once Warden Commander Cousland was up and able he would be coming to see her; and then he would decide her fate. It was strange to think that the awkward skinning young man she once knew would be the one to decide her fate, but they lived in strange times.

What she'd been planning on saying to the young Cousland was the root cause of her sleeplessness. She had to handle the conversation delicately. First and foremost, she had to reassure him that she had no pre-knowledge of her Howe's attack on his family, which was the truth of it. Eleanor Cousland was a dear friend and trusted advisor. She knew that the Couslands were loyal to the crown and Ferelden. The very notion that the Couslands were plotting against both was laughable.

She also had to be careful when the conversation came around to the subject of Alistair, Maric's bastard son. Alistair was a Warden and from what she found a good friend to the Commander. Slandering his name would gain her nothing. Instead she had to point out some of his faults while not being too obvious and counter with how she would be a stronger ruler than the Grey Warden. She said a silent thank you to the Maker when she learned who the Commander was. As a Cousland the Commander had an inside view of the politics of Ferelden and he, she hoped, would recognize that while her late husband was King, it was in fact her who'd truly ruled Ferelden. Anyone else would more than likely not recognize what she was able to do, and brush her aside in favor of a friend.

She also knew that certain concessions would have to be made. With Howe now dead she couldn't offer the Commander his head on a plate. Instead she could promise that the Cousland family, would retain their place as Teryn or Teryna of Highever. It was also rumored that Aedan Cousland had taken one of his elven companions as a lover. So perhaps something that would favor the elves here in Denerim while not upsetting the nobility too much would do much to gain his favor.

"My lady, what are you doing up at this hour? It is far to chilled this morning for such attire my lady, you'll catch the sickness."

Only years of training kept the queen firmly in her seat. Her handmaiden, Erlina, had not made a sound when she entered the room. Of course, that is one reason she hired the Orlesian elf. There were few that would make for a better handmaiden than a well-trained Orlesian bard.

"What have you been able to find out Erlina?"

Erlina returned to her with a blanket wrapping it around her shoulders. "The evidence that they have against your father is strong my lady. Several testimonials, and documents signed by your fathers hand. With everything that Howe and your father have done, there is little to no chance of him actually winning this Landsmeet."

Anora figured as much. Arl Eamon wouldn't have risked calling a Landsmeet against her father unless he was absolutely sure of his victory. But it would not truly be Eamon leading the charge against her father. It would be the Wardens. This was perhaps her best, and only chance of retaining that which was rightfully hers. Standing she headed towards her private wash room. "Erlina, please see that the room is cleaned. And have some tea ready to be brewed. We'll be having company soon."

The Queen was not the only one in the estate who could find no rest. Several rooms down from the queen Kallian sat upright next to her mother's bed, watching the steady rise and fall of her chest. She'd had every intention of staying with Aedan after they rescued him, but that was not possible at the moment. Half way back from the Royal Palace pain and exhaustion took its final toll on her love and he fell to the street. It took both Zev and Alim to half carry half drag his unconscious form the rest of the way back. Once they had returned Wynne had promptly taken over his healing, forcing everyone but herself and Alim out of the room. With nowhere else to go she helped her mother to an unoccupied room and stayed with her. Her mother had promptly fallen asleep before they could talk at all, but sleep eluded her.

Instead she spent the long hours of the night gazing at the two small rings that Alim had given her. The rings were made of solid gold. Engraved onto each ring and surrounded by small jewel was the Cousland Family Crest. She'd seen the symbol on Aedan's family sword and had come to recognize it on site for what it meant. She spent all night studying every line, every spot, and every imperfection on each ring. On sheer impulse she took the smaller of the two rings off the string around her neck and put it onto her own finger.

Moaning coming from the bed beside her stopped her studying of the rings. Her mother was twisting and thrashing under the sheets of the bed. She was by her mother's side in an instant, the rings all but forgotten. "Mother," she pleaded taking hold of her shoulders and shaking her. "It's alright mother! Please, it's just a dream."

Her mother's eyes shot open. "Kallian?" Her mother rasped. "I-is it you?"

The raw fear in her mother's voice almost brought her to tears again. "Yes mother, it's me, you're safe now." She said trying to keep her voice steady.

Her mother visibly relaxed. "Where are we?" Adaia asked looking around the room.

"The Arl of Redcliff's estate here in Denerim mother." She answered helping her mother to sit upright.

Adaia looked around their lavish surroundings. "Maker, that young man was really telling the truth." She said giving her a coy smile. "You really have moved up in the world, haven't you da'len? Maker, you've made me so proud of you."

Looking at her mother sitting there smiling was suddenly too much for her. Unable to stop herself she started crying uncontrollably. "Kallian," her mother cooed pulling her in. "What's wrong da'len?"

She clung to her mother as if she was a life line. "W-why don't you hate me mother?"

Her mother pulled back and held her face between her hands. "What are you talking about da'len? I could never hate you."

"B-but I'm the reason you were imprisoned."

Flashback to 14 year old Kallian:

Kallian ran through the narrow backstreets of the Denerim marketplace, her cousin Shianni close on her heels. There was a parade of nobles coming into the city that day due to something called a 'Landsmeet', and she wanted to see them. The city guards however had sealed all of the elves in the Alienage on orders of the Arl of Denerim himself. Kallian though was not one to be denied and, after promising her several sweet cakes, she managed to talk Shianni into coming with her.

For a while it seemed like the two young elves had gotten away with it. They managed to climb over the rooftops, out of the Alienage and staying up high the two watched the humans come into the city. Whether out of a sense of duty or boredom one guard looked up right to where they were standing. Before he could tell anyone though, the two elves jumped down off the roof top and disappeared into the back streets. Halfway back to the Alienage their luck ran out as the guard who spotted them along with four others caught up to them.

The two young girls took off like they were on fire; weaving through every street they could, hiding wherever they could, doing anything imaginable to lose the guards behind them. The Maker though was not on their side that day. Just as they were insight of the Alienage walls Shianni's foot got caught on a small rock that was sticking upright in the middle of the road. The young elf went down with a scream her foot twisted in a bad angle. "Kallian! Help me!"

Kallian immediately went to her side and helped her stand. Ducking under her arm she tried to run again, but it was too late. The five guards had them surrounded. "Well well. Look what we got here boys. A couple of young knife-ear whore's who don't know their place yet."

Kallian wanted to fight them. Her mother had been teaching her how to fight for the past couple of years at night, but with Shianni wrapped around her she wouldn't be able to do anything. "We-we just wanted to see the parade ser." She said trying to sound as innocent as possible. "Please, we just wanna go home."

"Sargent. Perhaps we should just see them back to the Alienage. They don't have anything on them, and they didn't cause any problems."

"Shut it private." The lead guard snapped. "These little bitches need to learn their place. And now is as good as time as any."

Kallian didn't understand what was happening as all of the men around them smirked and began to loosen the bottom of their armor. All except for the one who spoke up for them. "Sargent there's no-"

"I won't tell you again private. If you're not man enough for this then get out of here."

The lead guard fell to his side with a crash as a wooden pole splinted against the side of his helmet. Her mother was standing behind the now fallen guard holding the broken pole in her hands. "Mother!"

Adaia placed herself in-between the guards and the two young girls. "Please. Just let me take these two home. There's no reason for things to get worse."

The man she knocked over had managed to get back to his feet. The side of his head was cut open from where the pole struck him. "You bitch! You're going to pay for this! You and your two little knife-ear whelps!"

"Sargent. Perhaps we should leave, there's no honor in-"

The man stumbled back clutching his throat as blood leaked out from between his fingers. Within seconds the man fell to the ground dead.

The Sargent simply watched uninterested as his man fell to the ground. He held a bloody dagger in one of his hands. "Well, looks like this knife-ear bitch done killed a guard. Boy's time to teach these whore's a lesson and become heroes."

Adaia pushed both the girls back as two of the guards came towards them. The first lunged with a punch that she ducked under and brought her hand up to his throat crushing it and dropping him. The second met the same fate as the first as Adaia dodged his attacks and countered struck into this throat. The Sargent seeing his men go down so easily let out an enraged roar and charged at her. Adaia side-stepped just as the man reached her letting him run past her and head first into a stone wall.

The last guard turned and tried to run away. Adaia didn't let him get far. Grabbing one of the fallen guards daggers she threw it end over end sending it into the back of the man's neck killing him. Taking up another dagger she went over to the unconscious sargent and slit his throat.

Kallian could only watch in horror and fascination as her mother killed the four armored men so easily. With the guards dead Adaia collected the two young girls and led them back to the Alienage. Three days later over two dozen guards marched into the Alienage with the Arl of Denerim at the head. Her mother was arrested for the 'unprovoked' 'murder' of five city guards. As an example Adaia was stripped and beaten in front of the Alienage before being led away. She wanted to run to her mother but her father held her back. Two days later they received word that she'd been tried and executed.

"I-if I hadn't run off that day, you wouldn't have had to fight those guards. Then you wouldn't have had to suffer."

Her mother just continued to stare at her without an ounce of hatred. "There is nothing to forgive da'len. I would've done what I did, paid the price I paid ten times over if it meant that you'd be safe. And I am proud, so proud, of the woman that you've become Kallian."

Kallian felt her ears heat up and water fill her eyes at her mother's praise. It was enough to know that her mother didn't hate her for what happened, but to have her back was almost more than she could've ever hoped for. "And speaking of you being a woman," her mother continued. "Tell me more of this fine young man Aedan Cousland, whom you seem to have so easily wrapped around your finger."

The heat in her ears increased tenfold and spread through her face and neck. "What?! I-I…well I mean tha-that…ummm-"

"It's alright Kallian." Her mother said rubbing the back of her hand. "I could tell as soon as he looked at you and you at him. When I talked to him back in that horrid place he seemed to linger on a certain elf that he traveled with. And while he may have never mentioned you by name, I could tell that this woman meant a great deal to him."

Kallian found herself stammering. "Well, he's nice. An incredible fighter. Extremely brave, and loyal. He's a very good leader to us, and well-"

"And extremely handsome. Isn't he dear?" Her mother said cutting her off. "If I was your age I'd be tempted to tie him to the bed so he couldn't leave it."

"Mother!"

"Hehe. Easy Kallian. I have no designs on your man. Besides, your father is still waiting for me. Isn't he?" The last part was barely audible, as if she was dreading the oncoming answer.

Taking her mother hand in her own she gave her a reassuring smile. "Yes he is mother. In fact, I asked that someone go and bring him here. But I asked not to tell him why. He's surprised me enough over the years; figure it's time to surprise him."

He mother smiled. "Thank you da'len. However there is something I'm wondering. What are you doing here with you mother, when you should be next door with your wounded vhenan."

She had no answer to give. "We-we had a fight yesterday. He didn't want me going into the Alienage; instead he wanted me to help him save the queen. I refused, we argued. I-umm- I said some things that I didn't mean. And-and I don't know how to talk to him now."

Her mother gave her a disapproving frown. "Kallian. Let me tell you something. Everyone who's in love will fight. If two people truly agreed on everything, then that would be just boring. Some will argue, get mad and stay mad at one another. But those who are truly in love will find ways to forgive each other. If you two truly do love each other, which I think you both do, then you've both already forgiven one another."

Kallian couldn't meet her mother's eyes. "I-I wouldn't know what to say to him mother."

Adaia's hand cupped her chin and lifted her face up. "Da'len. Sometimes you don't need to say anything. Just go to him, and be with him."

"I will not take one more step until you tell me what is going on? Is my daughter alright? If you don't tell me then I'll-Kallian are you alrig-by the Maker! Adaia?!"

Kallian looked up from her mother to the door. Her father stood in the doorway doing his best impression of a fish out of water. He wasn't looking at her though. His eyes were locked slowly and only on her mother lying on the bed. "A-Adaia?"He stuttered. "I-is that you?"

Adaia's smile lit up the room. "Yes Cyrion." She said her eyes filling with tears.

Her father walked unsteadily across the room towards the bed. "Kallian," her mother said drawing her attention again. "You have somewhere else you need to be at the moment. Don't you?"

Giving her mother's hand another squeeze she got up and walked over to her father. Giving her father a passing hug she left her mother and father to their reunion. Shutting the door to the room she marched down the hallway to where she needed to be.

Aedan was going beyond crazy. He'd been ordered by Wynne to stay in bed for most of the day before she left. Unfortunately since he'd been out for so much of the night he couldn't sleep it off. His only mercy was the book that Wynne had given him before leaving. Unfortunately the book that she handed him was a history of Ferelden, which was almost as bad as having nothing at all to read.

Hearing the door open he was ready to tell Wynne that he was okay, but it wasn't the old mage who stepped in. Kallian stood just inside the door way shifting her weight from foot to foot. "Kallian." He breathed shocked by her appearance. "Are y-"

"Aedan. Just…don't say anything."

Silently she walked towards him. He was so focused on her face that he didn't realize she had taken off her gloves until they fell to the floor. By the time she reached him she'd removed both gloves and her boots. "Kallian I-"

"Aedan. Shut up."

The harsh tone in her voice was at odds with the soft expression she wore. Deciding that it was best to follow her lead he wisely kept his mouth shut.

Kallian didn't say anything as she lifted up the covers to their bed and crawled in next to him. Her front pressed against his side and her head rested on his shoulder. Neither said anything. They just laid together basking in each other's presence. Aedan knew that all of the harsh words and thoughts that had passed between them the day before where a thing of the past. She was next to him again and that was all that mattered to him at that moment.

He must've fallen asleep with her lying in his arms because when he looked out the window there was no longer the dim glow of dawn, instead the sky outside the window was bright, well past midday. Placing his hand over her left that was on his chest he started to wake her. But the felling of something cool on her fingers made him stop. There was a ring on her hand. Lifting her hand he was met with the image of the Cousland Family Crest on her finger.

Whether by the Makers intervention, or sheer luck, that was the exact moment that Kallian choose to open her eyes. When she noticed what he was staring at she sat bolt upright and started to franticly pull at the ring on her finger. "I-I was just seeing if-if it fit. Well-well I mean that I was wondering what it-it-"

"Kallian, it's alright." He said covering her hands with his own.

Kallian looked at him curiously. "B-but this is your mother's isn't it? Oh right." She pulled the string that was around her neck off and held it out to him. His father's ring still attached to it. "This is your father's right? A-and why did you want me to have them? Shouldn't they go to your brother?"

At the mention of his brother he cringed. He didn't even know if his brother was alive, and if he was, he didn't know if he'd ever be able to face him again. Not after failing to protect Oren and Oriana. Sensing his turn in mood she quickly embraced him. "Aedan-I'm sorry. I-I shouldn't have-"

"No Kallian. It's alright. I-I've made as much peace as I could with what happened. I-I can't bring them back, but at least I can tell my brother that I ended Howe's life for his treachery."

Kallian put the string around his neck, letting his father's ring bounce off his chest before trying to get his mother's ring off again. Giving her a small smile he placed his hand over hers again. "Kallian. I told you. It's fine where it is."

Kallian stopped trying to get the ring off. "But this ring should stay in your family. Shouldn't it?"

"Well. That's easily rectified then." Placing his hands behind him he struggled to get himself up to a sitting position. "Maker this isn't how I wanted to do this."

"Do what? Aedan I don't think you should be trying to g-"

Pressing his lips against hers he cut off whatever she was going to say. "Kallian Tabris." He started his voice barely above a whisper. "Will you marry me?"

Kallian eyes widened, her mouth hung open slightly but no words came forth. Fearing that he might've done something wrong he reached out for both of her hands. "I-I don't know how much time we have left." He said looking into her eyes. "I've done things I've regretted, and I've missed out on being able to do certain things others. There is one thing that I want more than anything in Thedas Kallian. And that is being able to call you my wife. Whatever time we have left, I want to spend it with you, as your husband."

Kallian still just sat there. Apprehension grew within him and he started to brace himself for the worse. "Aedan. Y-you're a noble. A-and I'm just a el-"

"No Kallian. I'm just a man. And you're the woman that I love, that I would do anything, or give anything for."

Kallian started to smile and a new hope swelled within him. "You know that this will cause a huge scandal. People will talk about us. Aren't you concerned about that?"

"Not one bit my love."

Kallian's face lit up like the sky at dawn. Before he could even move Kallian had closed the distance between them and kissed him. He returned her passion tenfold, expressing everything he felt for her in that kiss. Quickly running out of breath he pulled back and rested his forehead against hers. "So that's a yes then?"

Kallian smiled at him. "Yes, Aedan. By the Maker yes."

The sun was well below the horizon by the time Wynne had allowed Aedan to leave his bed. He'd fully intended to leave and see the queen earlier in the day, but Wynne had threatened to paralyze him if he even tried to leave. Now Aedan and Kallian were in the queen's antechamber waiting for the queen to arrive. Her handmaiden had shown them in, presented them with tea and then left to go and collect Anora.

Before he could offer a cup to Kallian, Anora strode into the room. Her golden hair was done up in tight weaves as custom to some of the nobles in Ferelden. Her skill dress hugged her almost like a second skin and she moved with a grace that made her almost seem to glide instead of walk across the floor. She looked every inch the queen that she was. "Lord Cousland, or do you prefer to go by Commander now?" Anora asked in greeting.

Crossing his arms in front of his chest he gave a slight bow, pausing only a moment to make sure that Kallian followed his lead. She was still the queen of Ferelden; proper respect was still due. "You can call me whichever one you wish your majesty."

Anora gave a slight bow, nothing more than a nod of her head, in return. "Very well then Commander. And who is your companion at your side?"

Turning slightly he motioned for Kallian. "Forgive me your majesty. This is Warden Kallian Tabris, and as of this morning, my fiancée."

Anora's eyes widen for a split second before talking Kallian in from head to toe. To her credit, Kallian stood still matching the queens look with one of her own. "Trying to create a scandal already are we Commander?"

Aedan bristled at the comment. "We're not trying to create anything your majesty. We love each other and that is the end of it. And to it, I am a Warden now, and as such have given up the right to Highever to my brother."

Granted there was no guarantee that his brother was alive, but he couldn't afford to think anything otherwise. Anora seemed to realize what she'd just said and quickly tried to retract. "I mean no offense Commander. My words were clumsy and ill placed. I ask your forgiveness."

"There is nothing to forgive your majesty." He said ending the discussion.

Anora looked relieved; she knew that she had to stay on their good side. "Tell me, Warden Tabris, how is your mother fairing?"

Kallian was taken completely off guard, and so was Aedan. They had told only few that the woman they brought back from Fort Drakon was Kallian's mother, but somehow Anora had found out. Having been raised in the house of nobles though, Aedan saw the true purpose of this question. While they're might've been some concern for Adaia, the real purpose of the question was to knock Kallian and himself off their rhythm and turn negotiations in Anora's favor. "She's spent years down in that Maker forsaken place. No trial, nothing. Just placed in a dark hole to be used by the guards as 'entertainment'. How would you feel your majesty?" The last part came out between clenched teeth as Kallian glared unwavering at the queen.

Aedan winced at the steely tone in Kallian's voice, but in turn it was a good thing. Whatever reaction Anora was expecting, this anger was clearly not it. And that put Anora off balance. When she spoke again her voice was completely level though. "I cannot imagine what your mother has endured. If it will still be in my power I will try my best to make it up to both her and your kin."

Once again Aedan could see through the double meaning in her statement, and he was starting to grow tired of this conversation. Your sympathies are greatly appreciated your majesty. But if possible could we move on to the subject of the Landsmeet?"

"Very well Commander." Anora said sitting down and gesturing for them to join her. "I shall be blunt to you both. I can see that the voice of the Wardens will be one of great influence in the future. My father's paranoia has driven him to do, unspeakable things. And while I know that he truly believes that he is doing what he thinks is in the best interest of Ferelden. In truth he is doing far more harm than good. I believe that the Wardens have solid evidence against my father, or else I doubt Arle Eamon would've called this Landsmeet. But once my father is set aside, Ferelden will be left leaderless. And without proper leadership Ferelden will fall against the might of the Blight. I am asking for you and the Wardens to support my bid to retain my throne once the Landsmeet has decided."

Aedan wasn't surprised by this course. "And what of Alistair, your majesty? He has the Theirin blood running through his veins. By the old laws of nobility, that fact alone would be enough to place him on the throne despite him being a bastard son."

Anora made a subtle movement with her hand and Erlina was by her side in an instant. He felt Kallian move her hand way from his side and closer to her dagger as the hand maiden approached. Erlina stopped at the table between them and poured three cups of tea. Without asking the elf servant added specific amounts of honey and sugar to one of the steaming cups before handing it to Anora. "Do you prefer anything in your tea Commander Cousland, Warden Tabris?"

"A little sugar and honey if you would please." He replied.

Kallian repeated his order and Anora waited until both had a cup before taking a slow sip for hers. "Alistair, is perhaps biddable enough. And it is true that he has the Theirin blood, but is he truly what this country needs?"

"He's a good warrior whose kind to all those whom he meets, and he'll go out of his way to help those who need it. Sounds like the makings of a good King to me." Kallian said curtly.

While Aedan was trying to keep himself composed, Anora was glaring daggers at Kallian. "His brother had those same qualities." Anora answered just as harshly. "And who do you think it was that truly ran this Kingdom? But unlike his brother, Alistair has had next to no training in the matters of the court, or ruling a country."

"It sounds like you don't care for Alistair," Kallian shrugged.

"I cannot say that I dislike him Warden, I hardly know the man. What I do know is that Alistair's lack of experience will force him to rely too heavily on his advisors. The decisions that he will be making in the future may not be truly his own. I will fight for what I believe in Commander. Is Alistair strong enough to do the same?"

"Are you proposing an alliance?" He asked already knowing the answer.

"That is exactly what I'm proposing Commander." She admitted leaning back taking her cup with her. "When the time comes you support my bid in the Landsmeet for the throne. You will be seen as my father's enemy, yet you will be in support of his daughter. You'll be seen as supporting the interest of Ferelden as opposed to solely those of the Grey Wardens. In return, I will add my voice to yours. Alistair, as I've said, is biddable. And he does have the Theirin blood, but he is a solider, and a fine Warden. And he should stay as such."

Aedan leaned back his mind turning. It was true, in part. Anora knew more about ruling this country than anyone currently living. It would take Alistair years to teach Alistair what she already knew. But on the other side, Alistair had something that Anora did not. Despite what he believed, he knew that Alistair was a good leader and he connected well with those he met.

"There is another option, my Queen. I'm sure that you've thought about it already." He began again. "There is also the option of you and Alistair getting married and ruling as King and Queen."

Kallian let out a gasp beside him, but Anora and her handmaiden didn't even so much as flinch. Of course they'd both already knew of this option. Now he only had to convince Anora that this was indeed the best course of action for the future of Ferelden.

"Ignoring the fact that Alistair looks so much like his brother, my late husband, why would I want to wed him?" Anora asked.

Knowing that this was his only chance to convince her he choose his next words very carefully. "My Queen, it is true that you have more knowledge than anyone about ruling this country. But Alistair has many good points as well. He is a good man, and he will fight for what he believes in. He has traveled all over Ferelden for the past couple of years with the Grey Wardens, and as such he has seen things that perhaps you have not. He can give knew insight on how to handle matters of the state. Even if he was not Maric's son, I would still say that he would be a good candidate for the throne. And with you are his side, you will be able to turn away some of the more aggressive advisors and help keep everything going. I truly believe my queen, that this is the best option for the future of Ferelden."

Anora didn't say anything after his speech. She simply sat back further into her chair. "Say that I agree to this proposal Commander. What is to keep Alistair from turning out like his brother and keeping me back in the shadows? What is to keep him from running off with the Wardens again on the first chance for battle?"

She was hovering on the edge. All he needed to do was give her one last push. "I can say with certainty that he would not keep you in the shadows my Queen. He would rely heavily on you for decisions of the state. On him running off with the Wardens, I can guaranty that he won't. He has a true sense of responsibility; he knows where he is needed."

Still Anora said nothing. Her face, a picture of stone, gave away nothing. Breathing out Anora closed her eyes. "it is true that for some it is more important that anything to have the Therin blood on the throne." Anora's eyes opened and locked with his own. "I will agree to this proposal Commander, on one condition."

Aedan felt like an ogre had just been removed from his back. "Name it my Queen."

"I will be the one to crown Alistair as my King. And I will no longer sit back and rule from the shadows. If Alistair agrees to let me handle the affairs of the crown, then I will accept him as my King."

"I doubt that Alistair will be will to sit back and let you do all of the ruling my Queen," he said. "But know that if he does intend to make decision, he will consult you first."

Anora gave him a slight smile, nothing more than a turning of the corners of her mouth and stood. "Very well then Commander. I shall wait here for word from my future fiancé."

Standing, with some help from Kallian, the two Wardens bowed. "I am sure that he will accept my Queen." He said straightening.

"Very well then," Anora said motioning for Erlina to being cleaning the table. "Then might I suggest that you rest Commander. The Landsmeet will be on us soon. And I would greatly suggest that you take the three days until then to rest and gather your strength."

It was an off-hand comment, but the last thing Anora said made both Kallian and himself freeze. "W-what did you say? The Landsmeet is supposed to take place tomorrow." He stuttered.

One of Anora's perfectly shaped eyebrows rose. "Arl Eamon has not told you then?" She asked.

Seeing both of them shake their heads the sighed. "In response to the death of Teryn Rendon Howe, my father has called for a time of mourning. The Landsmeet has been delayed until the allotted time has passed."

The night after speaking with Anora had been Aedan's longest since he fled from Highever following Duncan and Kallian. After the Queen told them that her father had delayed the Landsmeet for a time of 'mourning', he honestly thought that his rage would consume him on the spot. Ferelden was dying. The Southern lands had already fallen to the darkspawn, and now they were forced to sit and wait because someone who had more than deserved his fate finally met their end. He'd managed to keep a tight rein on his nager until Kallian and he returned to their room, upon which he let out all of his anger and frustration on the wall. Of course all that did was break his hand in several places, which in turned resulted in a late night trip to Wynne; as well as having to endure a lecture from both Wynne and Kallian.

When he did finally manage to lay down for the night, his thoughts kept him from the sleep he desperately sought. He couldn't stop thinking about all those who were suffering, or all of those who would be suffering soon if they didn't escape the darkspawn. And what little sleep he did manage to get was plagued constantly with dreams of the drakspawn and the archdemon. The dreams were getting worse with each passing day, and not even Kallian's presence by his side was enough to stay them. As for Kallian, she too was constantly mumbling and thrashing in her sleep, obviously the darkspawn nightmare was getting worse for the both of them.

When dawn finally broke the horizon he felt like he'd hardly even slept. As Kallian and he made their way down to breakfast he noticed that they were not the only ones suffering from a lack of sleep. All of their non-Warden companions seemed to be well rested, but every Warden in the hall looked ragged. Dark circles were lining all of their eyes, a notice to little sleep each had gotten.

Finding an open place across from Alistair he led Kallian across the floor and helped her sit before taking the seat next to her. For a time the table had settled into a comfortable silence, the only sound the scrapping of silverware against plates as everyone devoured their meals. "So, I need to talk to you about Anora."

Aedan nearly choked on the food he was chewing on as he processed what Alistair had just said. The others in the room had also stopped eating and now all of their attention was focused on the two. "What about her?" He managed to get out.

Alistair played with his food not meeting his eyes. "Yes, well. You see, when she got here yesterday she looked at me like I was an obstacle in her path that needed to be removed, painfully. Which I guess is normal seeing as how I'm here to, well you know. But this morning I passed her in the hallway and, you see, she stopped and just…stared at me."

Aedan kept silent waiting for his friend to continue. "Maker, I felt like she was appraising me as if I was some fine steed or something, I almost felt like asking her if she wanted to look at my teeth also. But before I could say anything she said, 'like marrying his twin', just like that and then took off down the hall as if I wasn't even there. So…I guess what I'm asking is…is there anything you want to tell me?"

Swallowing his food he planned his words out carefully before answering. "Kallian and I went and talked to her yesterday. She wanted us, I mean the Wardens, to support her bid to retain her position as queen. In return for our support, she would add her voice to ours against Loghain in the Landsmeet."

Clattering of silverware hitting the floor drew everyone's attention to the head of the table. Eamon was leaning over his plate, and his fingers were rubbing the sides of his head. "I told you Commander that she would not come here without reason. I trust that you told her that you were going to place Alistair on the throne." The old arl sighed.

Alistair's reaction was quite different from Eamons. He looked to be really considering it. "Oh, well that'd be a good thing right? I mean she knows-"

"Enough Alistair!" Eamon shouted slamming his fist down on the table and causing the servants to jump. "You are the last of the Therin bloodline! The ruling line of Ferelden! If you do not take up the throne, as is your right, then everything we fought for against Orlais will have been for nothing!"

"We managed to reach a compromise with her." Aedan said trying to get between the two. "But it does require Alistair's consent."

Alistiar, who'd gone slightly pale at Eamon's outburst, jumped on the change of subject. "My consent? For what?"

"Alistair, know that you are my friend, and I will support whatever decision you make. But this is your choice to make and yours alone." Taking a deep breath Aedan took the plunge. "The compromise with Anora was that instead of either one or the other of you two ruling, that you would both instead rule together; as King and Queen."

Alistair went stock still as the words sunk in. "Wait…you mean Anora…and I are to be-are you serious!?"

"Alistair," he reached out trying to calm his friend. "I told you that this decision is yours alone to make. If you want to be King alone, I will support you. If you want Anora to rule on her own I will support that also. And if you want this…alternative, then I will support you. The choice is entirely up to you."

No one said anything as Alistair contemplated his fate. "Iguess this really is the best option. Isn't it?" Alistair asked sighing.
Releasing the breath he didn't realize he was holding Aedan resumed his meal. "Alright my friend."

"So ummm, right. You'll tell Anora that I agreed right?" Alistair asked finding his meal very interesting again.

"Absolutely not!" Leliana shouted standing up from the table.

Quicker than anyone had the right to be, Leliana made her way around the table and had grasped hold of Alistair's ear. Giving it a slight twist the bard began to lead the future King of Ferelden out of the hall. "You'll do no such thing." She said ignoring the small cries of protest coming from Alistair. "First you need to be properly bathed. I swear you smell like a rusted out horse troth. Whoever told you it was a good idea to spend all of your time in that armor? And after that, your cloths. Yes, perhaps a nice dark color would work best for you. Arl Eamon? Could you send some tailors to Alistair's room?"

Leliana kept rattling off a list of things that Alistair needed to go through before seeing Anora, and Aedan swore his face turned a shade whiter with each item. "Alim, help me!" Alistair cried as he and Leliana neared the door.

Alim did nothing. Just gave his ex-Templar friend a mock salute. "You're on your own here Alistair."

Alistair managed one more plea for help, which was ignored by all, before Leliana managed to drag him out of the room.

"Anything else we gotta do before da Landsmeetin?" Natia asked draining the cup before her.

"Maker Natia, the sun has barely risen and you've already started to drink?" Kallian asked.

"Blegh. What do you mean 'start'?" Orghens belch was nearly enough to cause the table to shake. "Sodding Ancestor's, I've been drinkin since last night!"

"You durgen'len are a strange people." Lyna said picking away at her plate.

Orghen seemed to find what she said more than a little offensive and tried to stand up quickly, but was stopped immediately as a dagger imbedded into his chair just above his ear. Lyna's hand was outstretched, a slight smile gracing her lips. "Sure you want to try your luck durger'len? And lethallan, what is with the sudden interest in jewelry?"

Kallian's quickly pulled her hand under the table. She been idly tracing the design on the ring as they sat. "Well, umm, Aedan, well-"

"I asked Kallian to be my wife last night. She said yes." He answered for her.

All around the table servants, nobles, Wardens, and non-wardens froze mid movement. Natia suddenly jumped up off her seat with a yell of joy. "Alright!" She yelled slapping Zev on the shoulder. "You owe me another night's tab Zevvy!"

Zev gave Aedan and Kallian an amused smile. "You know that you two are starting to cost me a lot of money. Right?"

As they're companions bickered and joked around the table Aedan could only shake his head in amusement. They were definitely a strange family, but one he wouldn't trade for anything.

Sorry that this took me so long to get out to you all. I'm not gonna lie, this chapter was a real pain to get through. Not quite sure why, but it was. Still not completely satisfied with it however, and on that note. If anyone would like to be a beta reader for this story please contact me and let me know. I try to catch as many mistakes as possible, but lets face it. Its very hard to catch your own mistakes.

Hope that you all enjoyed this chapter! I'm trying very hard to come out with at least one chapter a month, and hopefully soon I'll get going on a roll again like I did when I started this story.

Once again I want to thank everyone whose stuck with me through all of this. I really appreciate all the reviews/favorites/alerts I get to this story!

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