DISCLAIMER: I base my stories on Intellectual Property (IP) owned by BioWare ™ and EA™. I pretend to live in their world.

SPOILERS: I refer to information from the games, the novels and the comics. If you have not played or read, please beware.

"Don't let it be forgot
That once there was a spot
For one brief shining moment…"

That was Ferelden
Ruled by King Maric the Savior
Camelot – Lerner and Lowe

Chapter 21: THE WORST SATINALIA PRANK

9:20 Dragon 26 Harvestmere === Denerim Present Day

Satinalia approached and winter's first snow coated Denerim. The Cousland's arrived in Denerim mid-day; their trip from Highever had been slowed by the storm. As Teyrn Loghain had instructed, the Guards sent word to him when the Teyrn of Highever's party passed through the North Gate. Loghain gave the family some time to settle in then made his way to Highever House. He had both good and bad news to deliver.

9:20 Dragon Two Months before === Denerim

Arlessa Isolde's actions during Funalis had so angered King Maric that he wanted Alistair removed to a safer fosterage. Ironically, Eamon provided the solution when he attempted to send Alistair to a nearby monastery. Just after the Funalis Tourney ended, templars from a remote Monastery some miles off the Imperial Highway between Redcliffe and Rainesfere arrived at Castle Redcliffe. Fortunately, Bann Teagan arrived with the templars, having met them on the road. He prevented Alistair's removal by threatening to go directly to Denerim with a report of his brother's unsanctioned actions. Eamon backed down and sent the templars on their way.

At Eamon's insistence, Bann Teagan went to Denerim both to present Arl Eamon's proposal to King Maric and attend the autumn Landsmeet. The Arl chose to stay home with his pregnant wife, so Teagan represented both Rainesfere and Redcliffe. He presented Eamon's proposal after the Landsmeet, when most nobles had returned home. Given Arlessa Isolde's actions and Eamon's attitude, Bann Teagan believed Alistair should be sent away from Redcliffe and Eamon's oversight immediately. King Maric and Teyrn Loghain agreed. A Chantry Monastery school, albeit not Arl Eamon's chosen one, seemed a viable option.

After Bann Teagan left, Maric and Loghain began to discuss their options.

Maric began, "Teagan proposed I allow Eamon to send Alistair to the Chantry. Apparently, he caught Eamon attempting to send Alistair away for a "trial" visit to some Maker Forsaken monastery in the Frostbacks and prevented it. To stop Eamon from trying it again, he agreed to present Eamon's proposal to me. First, that woman whips the boy, now this!" Maric fell silent and stared off into the distance as he remembered Duncan and Fiona standing before him ten years before holding Alistair

All I can see is Fiona holding that perfect little baby boy and asking me to send him away. And I agreed, then sent him to the wrong man.' "I won't agree to Eamon's plan, but I do agree Alistair is no longer safe there."

"What do you propose to do? He's ten. Old enough to be acknowledged." Loghain replied.

"No. It's too soon to acknowledge him," Maric demurred. I can't risk him manifesting magic. Maric still did not want share with Loghain his reasons and the identity of Alistair's mother. "I think the Chantry might be the best option. Dragon's Peak Monastery is the best school in Ferelden. The Crown provides support. Its students are a mix of nobles and commoners, with a few talented orphans mixed in. It's close to Denerim. What do you think?"

"It is a good school. It's mostly nobility, of course, but, as you say, some others. What about his martial training? He enjoys it and is, according to Eamon's Arms Master, quite good."

"You've seen him, Loghain. What do you think?"

"He's a fine archer and good with sword and shield. Particularly for one so young." Loghain chuckled. "He bested Lys Cousland last Summerday in Highever. And you probably didn't hear that last year he almost set Cailan on his bottom with a shield bash."

"No. He's five years younger! Cailan must have several inches and many pounds on him."

"Well, apparently Cailan thought he should go easy on the boy, but told Alistair to give it his all. Alistair took him at his word and did. The next thing Cailan knew Alistair bashed him, hard. He recovered, but, as Nathaniel Howe tells it, Cailan barely kept his balance. If he'd fallen, Alistair's waster would have been at Cailan's throat, with Alistair asking him to yield. Cailan ultimately won, but found Alistair could give him a contest. Alistair is very quick and strong."

Maric laughed, "It's good they get along. Fergus has done a good job of seeing they meet without any fuss."

"He has. Bryce can be proud of him. Of both his children."

"Yes. Lys certainly saved Alistair from much ill treatment." He looked questioningly at Loghain. "Are they still friends?"

"More than ever, Maric. "

The king nodded, clearly considering other options. "I still think Dragon's Peak is the best solution for now. Unless you have another suggestion?"

"No, I wish I did, but, if you won't acknowledge him, he can't come here or to Highever. As a small child, he may have passed unnoticed as he grew, but he's very clearly a Theirin now."

Maric winced at the implied rebuke.

"I can visit him regularly. Maybe that will ease the transition." Loghain offered. "Will you tell them who he is?"

"I'll tell the Grand Cleric, if she agrees to keep it secret. That will legitimize him in the Chantry's records. I'll stipulate that his identity remain a secret between the Grand Cleric and me until such time as I acknowledge him. I'll do that when he's fourteen or fifteen. In the meant time he can go to Dragon's Peak as an orphan, with you as his guardian. If you like, Bryce can be one as well. Then you can both see him. But let's keep this between us until he's settled in. Bryce will surely agree, but we need to act now, not send couriers between here and Highever discussing it."

The solution still worried Loghain. If I had argued, perhaps Maric would have agreed to an alternative solution. Assuming I could have devised an alternative. Maric adamantly wanted Alistair gone from Redcliffe. Ferelden could not risk Orlais kidnapping a bastard Theirin. And I don't trust that Orlesian sister in Redcliffe, or the Orlesian, herself, for that matter.

In Highever, even at the Keep, he would be too visible. Loghain could not have him in Denerim where he would be even more visible, or leave him alone in Gwaren. Ultimately, King Maric decided sending Alistair to the Chantry would prove the safest option for all concerned. Teyrn Loghain reluctantly agreed.

One worry was Loghain's distrust of Grand Cleric Elemena. He doubted she would keep the agreement to conceal Alistair's identity. He guessed she would tell the Revered Mother in charge of Dragon's Peak; he feared she would tell the Divine. He shook his head as he thought, Whom do we trust? Not the Orlesians. Not the Chantry, which is controlled by the Orlesians. And not the Guerrins, who may be controlled by a Chantry sister cum Orlesian bard. He recalled Alistair saying that Lys suspected Sister Eleutheria as well.

The agreement between King Maric and Grand Cleric Elemena stated that she would keep Alistair's identity secret and that he would remain in Ferelden, be schooled and trained at Dragon's Peak Monastery, and be accessible, at any time, to King Maric, Crown Prince Cailan, and Teyrns Mac Tir and Cousland. 'The Grand Cleric,' he recalled pointing out to Maric, 'was not above revising agreements at her whim. Once under Chantry authority, Alistair could be sent to Orlais at the order of the Divine.' Teyrn Loghain feared that outcome most. Dragon's Peak would bear watching.

The other issue was Alistair's age. Both he and King Maric wanted Alistair to continue his martial training. To do that at Dragon's Peak, he would have to join the templar initiates. Usually boys joined the Chantry for templar training at age fourteen or fifteen, the age at which they would become a squire. Alistair was joining at age ten. Because of this, he would require special treatment to both attend the Monastery School as a Chantry Initiate and continue his arms training with the templars.

The agreement with the Grand Cleric solved that issue. At Dragon's Peak Monastery, Alistair would serve as a page to the Knight-Captain and his Lieutenants. He would be educated as a Chantry Initiate in the Chantry Boys School prior to becoming a Templar Initiate at age fourteen. His duties as a page would include continuation of his arms training and armory responsibilities, similar to those he held in Redcliffe. King Maric stipulated, in the agreement that he would remain in the Chantry until acknowledged, that he would become a knight no later than age twenty-one, and that he would never take final vows or become a Templar, unless he chose to. King Maric did not envisage a life of mage hunting and lyrium addiction for his son.

Loghain suspected having a Teyrn as his guardian would not endear him to the other boys. He expected Alistair would come in for his share of resentment and bullying. The experience would not help Alistair resolve the anger and dismay at what he would likely view as a betrayal by the adults around him. In addition, Lys could not visit. The boy was in for some difficult years.

Maric left it to Loghain to oversee the arrangements and then to tell Bryce and Eleanor Cousland after the fact. In late Kingsway, he traveled to Redcliffe to escort Alistair to the Monastery at Dragon's Peak. Arl Eamon had expected that templars would come and get the boy, but Teyrn Loghain thought that too cruel. Helping Alistair make the transition was the least he could do. Fortunately, King Maric agreed, overriding Arl Eamon's dissent.

Alistair greeted Teyrn Loghain happily when he appeared for this unexpected visit. The happiness dissolved when the Teyrn explained his mission.

"Why? I like my school. I have friends. The Arms Master and Guards like me. Why do I have to go away?" He trembled, trying not to cry as Teyrn Loghain instructed him to pack his things.

Boxes had been brought in for his belongings. A pack provided for the clothes he would need while they traveled. The Teyrn sat on his bed watching him stuff his clothes in the pack, while two of the Teyrns guards packed his books, figurines, map and other possessions. His unstrung bow went into a leather case, along with his quiver and arrows. His fletching supplies and tools the guards packed away in one of the boxes. He didn't have that much really. Two boxes of belongings and the pack.

Alistair sniffed, determined not to cry. "I'll be locked away then?"

"No, Alistair, not locked away. It's a school. Many nobles and merchants send their sons and daughters there to be educated. It's the best school in Ferelden. You'll be safe there."

"Right, so I'll fit right in then. Lots of bastards?"

"Alistair." The Teyrn's voice was stern.

"No mustn't mention that. Everyone else can, but not me." He stopped. "I'm sorry, but I'm content here. I don't understand what I did."

"Alistair, you did nothing wrong. The Arlessa did. The Arl did. Not you."

"Safe? I'm not safe here?"

"It would seem not given the Arlessa's actions. We don't want the risk of that happening again when no one is here to help."

Alistair shrugged. "I keep away from her. She only gets upset when you all visit me." He looked up, wiping his nose, "Please, don't make me leave. It's not perfect, but this is my home."

Loghain sighed. "I know, Alistair. Believe me, if we thought it safe for you to stay, we would let you. Now-

"-well, Alistair. On to bigger and better places." The Arl stood in his doorway.

"Yes, My Lord, it seems so," he whispered.

"What, speak up boy."

"Yes, My Lord."

"Good, good. Now, you have all your things I hope." He looked around the empty room. "It seems you kept it clean at least. Maybe you did learn something from the Arms Master."

"I hope so, My Lord."

"Well, good luck, my boy. I don't imagine we'll see each other again. I don't visit the Circle often." The Arl laughed.

"The Circle, My Lord?"

Loghain cut in, "Arl Guerrin refers to the Circle of Magi, Alistair." Loghain turned to the Arl. "Not all templars serve at the Circle Eamon and not all who study at Dragon's Peak become templars. Alistair is young, yet, but you are correct, it is unlikely you will see him again."

The Arl glared, then turned to Alistair. "Well, goodbye then boy. Good luck." He patted him on the head and left as Alistair replied.

"Good bye Arl Guerrin. Thank you."

The Arl stopped. "Thank you?"

"For giving me a place to live, feeding me and clothing me. I thank you. I know I was a bother. It was kind of you."

The Arl looked puzzled. "You're welcome, boy." He smiled. "…but I didn't have a choice you see. Your father ordered it. Now his orders have changed. Good bye."

Loghain put his arm around Alistair's shoulders, but he shrugged it off. "Let's…just go. At least I know my place now. They'll take me at the school because my father tells them to. You're here because my father told you to be. Lys-"

"-Don't Alistair. No one told her to be your friend. No one."

"No, but she should have stayed away from me. Please, let's go."

The first few days on the road proved disturbing, as Alistair silently and politely did everything asked of him with a forced smile on his face. His behavior, bordered on sullen, but he never yelled, argued or rebelled. The ride to Lothering provided Teyrn Loghain with insight into how Alistair had survived during his time at Redcliffe; and how he might survive his first months at Dragon's Peak. Fortunately, Alistair's natural good nature and curiosity crept back as they left Lothering and the remainder of the ride was tolerable, if not happy.

As they rode out of Lothering, Teyrn Loghain began to discuss with Alistair why this was all happening. Alistair, calmer than he had been, began asking questions and listening to the answers.

"Orlais is always a threat, Alistair, even after twenty years and the peace treaty King Maric negotiated with Empress Celene. There are Ferelden traitors sympathetic to Orlais. There are Orlesian spies who use them. King Maric does not like to think Queen Rowan's brother, Arl Rendorn Guerrin's son, would prove a traitor, but he did marry Isolde against King Maric's wishes."

"Lys said she thought Isolde might be a spy and that the Chantry Sister, Eleutheria, was a Bard," Alistair replied. Loghain raised his eyebrows in surprise, as much at Lys' insight as the observation itself. "I hate Arlessa Isolde and Sister Eleutheria, but do you think Arl Eamon would betray Ferelden?"

Loghain shrugged. "I wouldn't expect him to, but then I wouldn't have expected him to marry an Orlesian. A Free Marcher, perhaps, given his lengthy stay there, but not an Orlesian. Yet he did. Who can say what a man or woman would do, if asked by someone they love?

"Alistair, King Maric…your father, hoped to leave you at Redcliffe until it was time for you to squire. The Arlessa's punishment of you and Lys in Solace infuriated him. He realized, no matter how well the arrangement had worked, he needed to move you to a safer fosterage right away. When Eamon suggested the Chantry, it seemed like a good option, although not the monastery he chose. At Dragon's Peak Monastery, you will receive the best education possible in Ferelden, in academics, in the martial arts and in manners. It's the premier Monastery School in the land. As important to Maric and me, you will also be safe."

"Was I in danger in Redcliffe?"

"Alistair, the Orlesian was going to have her man give you twenty lashes. Then she convinced Eamon to send you to a small, impoverished monastery on the border with Orlais. Yes, you were in danger. And if she or the Sister found out who your father is you would be in more danger."

"But I would never oppose Cailan."

"You wouldn't have to. Alistair, while you may never want to challenge Cailan, there are others who would use you to do so. A rebellion could be declared in your name. The rebels would only need to hold you in their power. You could be a prisoner, it wouldn't matter."

"I didn't realize-"

"-I know. I wish you never had to. I wish I could send you to Highever. Or have you come with me to Denerim. I can't. This is King Maric's decision. We must abide by it."

"Right." He muttered. "So, he decides and I just make the best of it I suppose."

Loghain offered a sad smile, "You always seem to, Alistair."

The boy lips quirked and he almost smiled. "It's my greatest talent," he replied. "Adjusting. Making the best of it."

Loghain snorted. "Not your greatest talent, Alistair, but a useful one. Remember, there is one other benefit to Dragon's Peak."

"Oh?"

"It's close to Denerim. I can visit every month, if you want me to."

"You'd do that for me?"

"I would."

"I think I would like that."

"Good, that's settled then."

"Can Lys and the Couslands visit?"

"I don't know Alistair. We'll have to see. Probably not at the school, but families stay in the village. Their sons and daughters get leave to stay at the local inn and visit with them there. Perhaps the Couslands can visit you that way. You also get to leave for fest days, so we can still plan on Satinalia."

Alistair brightened. "I hope so. I have a prank planned for Lys."

After a brief stop to eat, Loghain asked Alistair to look at the terrain as they rode. He hoped to divert the boy's attention, but with a useful exercise, one Loghain's own father had done with him.

"What am I looking for?"

"Ambushes, dangers, anything out of the ordinary."

"How will I know that?"

"By evaluating the terrain. Ask yourself if the road narrows, or goes into a gorge or pass, or the forest comes so close it offers cover for bandits, or animals behave in an unusual manner. Where would you set up an ambush? If you would, then someone else might too."

"I see, I guess. You mean if birds suddenly fly away or the forest is very silent? "

"Exactly. Just observe and mention anything you see as a potential danger or opportunity."

They rode quietly for a while, then Alistair pulled up as they crested a hill. "There, at the base of this hill, the road dips between two cliffs. The cliff tops are forested so I can't see if anyone is hidden there. And it looks like the road could be blocked. Would it be a good ambush spot?"

Loghain grinned. "It would and it has been. Our scouts have already gone ahead to check, in fact. Now, I also want you to watch for a good campsite for tonight. What do you think it would need?"

Alistair frowned, thinking. "Water. But the site would have to be dry and well drained and flat and large enough for all of us. Can it be on both sides of the road?"

"Yes, Alistair, given the size of our group, it could. Anything else?"

"Firewood. Deadfall and an open area so no trees or bushes would catch on fire."

"Good. Keep an eye out and let me know if you see such a place."

"I'm guessing you already know where a campsite is?"

Loghain laughed. "I do. I've traveled this road many times, but I think you'll have no trouble recognizing it. You've done well so far."

The rest of the day passed quietly as Alistair identified several ambush sites. Loghain smiled at how quickly the boy caught on when he pointed out terrain features that would enhance or impede a battle. He'll be a good soldier one day. A good leader. It would be a shame to waste him on the templars.

They camped for the night just off the West Road in the campsite Alistair easily identified. As they ate, Loghain could almost see the boy thinking through all they had discussed that day, but he asked no more questions. Up early the next day, they rode quietly for a while.

Finally, Alistair broke the silence. "What should I expect when we get there?"

"You will be one of the younger students, Alistair. You will be a page, along with several other boys, to the Templar Knight-Captain and his lieutenants. It's what most noble boys of your age do."

"I'm not noble. I'm a commoner. Arl Eamon made that very clear to me."

"Alistair, you're King Maric's son! Forget what Eamon's told you. Whether you are a noble or a commoner doesn't matter. I'm a commoner remember? You will be what you make of yourself. Teryn Cousland says that every noble line has a commoner at its root…

"…And there's only luck and the progeny skilled enough to make the best use of it." Alistair completed, smiling slightly. "Lys told me that. So I need to recognize opportunities and then be able to take advantage of them?"

"Exactly."

"Suppose I don't want to be a Templar."

"The Grand Cleric agreed with King Maric that you would never take vows unless you choose to. He doesn't expect you to be a templar. It's a safe way to get you the arms training you'll need to become a knight. You will become a knight by age twenty-one, but if you don't want to take vows you won't."

"Good. Choices are good." He was quiet for a while. "Does he ever ask about me?"

"He asks about you every month, sometimes more often. I tell him what the Arl and teaching Sister report and about my visits. He cares about what happens to you Alistair. He is very proud of what you have accomplished these past two years."

"You know, Cailan knows who I am?"

"Not officially, but, yes, Maric and I both know that."

"I like him. I'm glad I got to meet him anyway."

"King Maric was pleased as well, Alistair. I think you have Fergus to thank for arranging the meetings, although Maric encouraged him to do so. Fergus could have avoided you and Lys, as easily as joining you. Fergus is a good man."

"You and the Cousland's have been good to me."

"It's not hard Alistair. You're a fine boy." He chuckled, "and you're Lys' friend. We'd all have to answer to her if we weren't, even the King."

"Does she know about this?"

"No, not yet. No one does beyond the King, Teagan and Arl Eamon. Maric made the decision. He didn't take time to consult Teyrn Cousland in Highever. We'll get you settled before we tell anyone else. Everyone in Redcliffe thinks you are traveling with me again. The Orlesian doesn't know who your father is. Once you're settled I'll tell Teyrn Cousland and then I'll tell Lys."

9:20 Dragon 26 Harvestmere === Highever House – Denerim

Once he broke the news to the Teyrn and Teyrna, he asked Eleanor and Bryce to let him tell Lys. They agreed. Now, Teyrn Loghain sat alone in the library in Highever House waiting. As he sipped the Antivan Brandy Bryce had provided, Loghain heard Lys coming down the hall. This might prove the most formidable task of all..

"Teyrn Loghain, what a surprise! I didn't expect to see you until tomorrow." Lys hugged him. "Happy Satinalia."

She looked around the room expectantly. Surprise, then disappointment and finally understanding flickered across her face. Gazing at him impassively, she continued, "Are you here to explain why Alistair isn't with you? Or can I hope this is the worst Satinalia prank ever played?"

Maker's breathe, the girl was ten going on ninety sometimes. "Explanation, no pranks."

"Well, I see you have brandy already, so perhaps we should get on with it." She stood, stiffly, in front of the hearth, silhouetted by the blazing fire behind her. Loghain sipped more brandy.

"A summary first, then the detail, if it pleases you, my lady," he said without sarcasm. "The incident with the Orlesian in Solace both angered and disturbed Alistair's father. He decided Redcliffe was no longer a safe fosterage for Alistair. The Orlesian, ironically, provided the solution. She and Eamon had Templars from a local Monastery try to take Alistair, but Teagan prevented it. Sending Alistair to a safer Chantry Monastery, however, seemed a good option. Alistair's father came to an agreement with Grand Cleric Elemena to accept Alistair at Dragon's Peak Monastery as an orphan."

She interrupted, "Alistair's father must be very influential."

"I suspect you know very well who he is."

"I'd like you to tell me."

"Lys, I can't…Maker's Bones, Melysande...the King. King Maric is his father and Cailan his half-brother. Since Alistair knows that, I suspect you do as well."

"He and I have talked about it, but I've not told anyone. Nor did he tell me. I figured it out after I saw them together at Funalis two years ago. I got him to admit it to me in Highever. I understand he would be in danger if it were known. I'm sorry, I interrupted your explanation. Please continue."

Loghain chuckled to himself, I feel like I've been given a royal command. She's as bad as Anora. A rogue thought shook him. I should make sure they are friends. I'd hate to be caught between the two of them if they were enemies. He shrugged off the image and continued his story.

"I took Alistair to the Monastery a few weeks ago. He will study as a Chantry Initiate in the Monastery Boys School and serve as a page to the Knight-Captain and his knight-lieutenants until he is fourteen. When ready, he will enter templar training as a templar initiate. He will not – listen to me Lys – he will not take vows unless he chooses to. The Grand Cleric agreed to that. He will be educated and trained at the premier Monastery school in Ferelden. He will be safe, cared for and ready to take up life as a knight when he's of age."

He could not see her expression. Her face remained in silhouette. Her voice, when she finally spoke, was controlled. He'd expected anger, tears, anything but this measured response. "That does not explain why he is not here. Pages and squires return home for fest days, whether they serve other noble houses or the Chantry."

"The Revered Mother and Knight-Captain felt that it was too soon after his arrival to allow him leave to visit Denerim. It's a standard rule. It's not specific to Alistair."

"If you took him to the Monastery only a few weeks ago, why didn't you just delay it by a month? He could have come to Denerim, joined us at Satinalia and then gone to the Monastery."

"Honestly, Lys, it didn't occur to me, because I didn't know they wouldn't allow him to leave again. We agreed on a date. I adhered to the agreement. I should have asked more questions. I didn't."

"Dates? Agreements? Alistair is not a battle, Teyrn Loghain. He is a boy. Or, perhaps not, maybe the term is pawn. He is a pawn to be moved at the whim of his keepers." Her voice had risen slightly as she spoke. Her bitter tone surprised him. She fell silent for a while.

"Can I visit him? Dragon's Peak is not far from the city."

"No, only family may visit. He joined the Chantry as an orphan. I act as a guardian."

He could see her flinch at not qualifying as family.

"So, no one will visit him? He'll be cut off from everyone he knows?" Her breathing turned ragged.

Loghain could tell she suppressed tears.

"I can't imagine," she continued, "how alone he must feel. I have so many people around me who love me. He has no one. We've all failed him."

"Lys, he still has all of us. He is not alone. And he is safe – from the Orlesian and from all Orlesians."

"I…understand. I'm feeling sorry for myself, of course. I hate that I can't see him. I hate that he's alone."

"Lys, I can and will visit regularly. I can take letters and deliver them to his hands."

"As if my letters won't be read once you leave," she responded more bitterness creeping into her voice. She sniffed, but gained control again.

"Once he's allowed to leave the Monastery grounds, I'm sure you'll be able to visit with him in the village or during fest days."

"I suppose we'll see, won't we? The Chantry can be very cruel. You should talk to a mage and find out how cruel." She turned to face Teyrn Loghain. "I can't imagine Alistair as a templar, hunting apostates."

"Lys, he won't be a templar, unless he chooses to take vows."

Lys stepped to the other chair facing the fire and sat, ankles crossed, hands folded in her lap. "You rode with him from Redcliffe to Dragon's Peak?"

"I did. I thought accompanying him was the least I could do. I care about him too, Lys," he said gently.

"How is he?"

"Upset, still angry, but adjusting. I explained, as best I could, the reasons for the decision and answered his questions. He understands that Redcliffe was no longer safe for him. He is most angry, as you are, about missing Satinalia with all of us in Denerim. Neither of us were prepared for that news."

"I stayed for a few days to see him settled. He likes the school, the brothers and the huge library. It made him feel better about sending away his books. He'll adjust to his page duties. He wished you and your Mum, Fergus and Papa, Happy Satinalia, and said something about star gazing and asked me to send his love to you and your Mum."

Lys smiled sadly, "Good. I'm glad you stayed with him. Thank you."

"I have a letter for you." He handed her a letter sealed with his own seal. "And a box with his belongings. He doesn't have his own room, so we felt his books, map and figurines would be better stored with you or me. I thought you might want them here. He kept his clothes and bow."

She took the letter. "I'll take his things to my room here. If he wants them, they'll be nearby and you can get them." She looked directly at Loghain holding his attention, "Thank you, Teyrn Loghain for telling me yourself. And for escorting him, rather than leaving it to the templars. It must have been hard for you, too."

"It was, Lys. If I could have devised a better plan, I would have convinced Maric to choose it. When I spoke to your father earlier, he had no other suggestions either. If a better option comes up, we'll consider it. It's a fine school, Lys. For now, he'll be safe."

Lys stood and remained quietly staring into the fire for some time. Her fingers massaged the letter. "I'd like to go read this now, if you'll excuse me. I'm sure we'll see each other again at some time during the celebrations. I will have a letter for you before I leave for Highever. Good evening, Teyrn Mac Tir."

He thought she would hug him again, but she didn't. She curtsied and left.

I should go home; perhaps I can ruin Anora's Satinalia as well.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

Lys found Alistair's box and asked that it be brought to her room. She ran up the stairway behind the servant, asked that the box be set on her table. She sat on her bed and opened the letter.

9:20 Dragon, 2 Harvestmere,
Dragon's Peak Monastery

Dear Lys,

I told you on my Name Day that ten must be my lucky number. I was wrong. As you must know by now, I won't be in Denerim for Satinalia. New pages and students may not leave for fest days during their first six months at Dragon's Peak. Perhaps next year. I try to be an optimist.

Teyrn Loghain brought me here from Redcliffe. He's been very kind and explained why I am safe here. He stayed in the village to check on me during my first days at school and on duty as a page. I was allowed to give him this letter today.

I think I will enjoy my studies here. The teaching brothers are kind and knowledgeable. I believe I will learn far more than I could have in Redcliffe.

The Knight-Captain and the knight-lieutenants seem gruff, but I'm sure they will be fair. I haven't seen the practice yards yet, but resuming my training will happen in time.

There is a fine library here. I look forward to reading. I will let you know what I choose.

Did you know I could draw? I don't think I ever told you. It's something I always kept secret. I'm sorry. I know you wouldn't have made fun of me. You can look in the box I sent with the Teyrn. Some of my drawings are there. There may even be one or two of you, although I kept my favorite ones of you here.

I will be fine. I just need to adjust to this new place and make the best of it. Please enjoy Satinalia for me. It will be much nicer, I'm sure, without the prank I planned for you. I'll save it for next year. I will miss you and your family. My happiest days have been spent with all of you. Please wish them Happy Satinalia for me. And give a special hug to your Mum and ask her to give one to you.

Don't be too angry with Teyrn Loghain. This was not his idea. He was good to me and explained it all. He didn't have to escort me here or stay and make sure I settled in. I'm glad he did. Be happy, Lys. I'm fine. We'll see each again one day.

Respectfully, your friend,
Alistair

Suppressing her tears, Lys opened the box. She found his figurines and chuckled as she held up the golem. The griffon and dragon they had given him for his Name Day were still carefully wrapped. She kept the three figurines out to put on the shelf above her table. She didn't think he would mind. The scroll case held his map. His amulet lay in the box as well. She wondered why he could not wear a holy amulet. Then she noticed the broken chain. I'll replace the chain. Maybe Loghain can take it back to him.

At the bottom of the box, she found his books and the sketches. She took the stack of parchment and curled up against the bolsters on her bed, pulling a small blanket over her. She picked up the smallest sketches first. Most were sketches of dogs and horses, on scraps of parchment, the charcoal smeared from years of rubbing against other drawings; these were the work of a much younger Alistair. The later pictures showed his growing talent. There were some of Master Wilmot, Arms Master Robert, Guard Captain Stephan, Redcliffe troops sparring, his classmates at the Chantry school and teacher, Sister Maris, in Redcliffe. She recognized a few of the Redcliffe children. There was one of her mother sitting by the fire in their apartment in Redcliffe Castle. Another showed Eleanor, Nyla and Freya sewing. A more recent one was of Fergus and Nathaniel playing chess in Highever. Her father and Loghain sat in another, chatting in front of the hearth in the Highever solar. Two more were of Loghain alone. The last few were of her. One was of her and Pippa singing, another showed her riding Hitch and several others were just of her face or head and shoulders. He was good.

A knock sounded on her door.

"Who is it?"

"It's Mum, my darling. I thought you might want company."

"Yes, please, come in."

Eleanor walked in and looked over Lys' shoulder. "Where did those come from?" she asked astonished. "They're quite good."

"Alistair."

"He drew them? Did you know he could draw?"

"No. He apologized in his letter for not telling me. He said I could open the box and I would find the drawings."

Eleanor sat on the bed at her side and put her arm around her daughter's shoulder.

Lys' tears started to fall and she gently pushed the papers away from her, cuddling into her Mum's side. "I don't want to ruin them. Oh, Mum, how can this be a good thing? I miss him so much. He sounds so brave in his letter, but I know he feels abandoned. Why must he always be alone? How could I fail him so badly?" She threw her arms around her mother and cried.

"Lys, you did not fail him. He could never think that. Grown-ups failed him, never you." Eleanor Cousland did not know what else to say to make Lys feel better. She held her little girl and, failing to hold back her own tears, cried with her.

A/N: Thank you for reading. Please review, favorite, subscribe and/or follow. As a new author, I welcome encouragement, suggestions and critiques.

Special Thanks to my beta Kira Tamarion. I look forward each week to her insightful comments and suggestions. Thank, Kira, for all the help on this one. None of the errors are hers – they are all mine.

Thanks to all who Favorited, Followed and Reviewed – most recently Eastern Violet, Arsinoe de Blassenville, Pollyanna24 and KatDancer2. Thanks for the thoughtful feedback. I appreciate knowing what folks think about Lys, Ali, Loghain and their story.

There are appendices with background assumptions on timeline, character ages, calendar, fest days, travel distances, etc. in AO3 If such things interest you, please go to Archive of Our Own series, I Shall Endure (remove spaces and copy): archive of our /works/692656/chapters/1273563