Entering Ferelden's Capital, the Wardens find themselves bombarded with tasks and trials as they begin to plan their final political move. The Landsmeet.
When she arrives at the Highever estate, she is not expecting to be greeted by a messenger, nor is she expecting to be called to several lunches, teas, and dinners. Yet that is exactly what happens, having sent word ahead of her arrival, the staff has prepared for her, but that also means other nobles have prepared for her as well.
However, she has already made her decision to speak with Arl Eamon, he's kept in contact with her mother, and was always a trusted ally of her father. She sends word to several of the Banns beneath her station, inviting them to supper later in the day, while also informing Arl Eamon of her emanate arrival.
Georgiana sets to work, quickly bathing and changing into a fine dress, knowing that here propriety comes first. Her appearance incredibly important even now, she must not show complacency or any form of rebellion. Now is the time to remain strong and firm, she thinks to herself brushing her fingers along the broach her mother had gifted.
She rides to the Arl of Redcliff's Estate, ignoring the blatant stares and lingering gossip as she goes. It is there at the estate that she spots the royal guard milling about, though they too come to attention as she approaches. While they do not stop her from entering, they look at her with scorn, as if she should know better than to disrupt the Arl's meeting with Anora.
Although, she soon finds Anora is nowhere to be found, instead Loghain stands firm before a large entourage, berating someone or another. Still she walks firmly up towards the Arl and the Teyrn, her presence hardly disturbing their argument.
"You will bow to your king, Eamon, and these Wardens will get what's coming to them."
"Is that a threat?"
"You would wish it so... Good day." Loghain turns away only to lock eyes with Gigi, she feels her soul tremble as those eyes bore into her. This man was once a friend of her father, this man was the father in law of the king, and now she is not sure that this is the same sarcastic man she knew in childhood. This man looks cruel and sour, cold in every way.
"I see Bryce's little spit fire has made it to the Landsmeet, how quaint."
"Dare I say that it is quainter still to see you and I as equals?" She retorts, voice cool despite the anxiety swirling in her gut.
"I am not your equal." He says lowly, walking briskly past her and out of the estate.
"Maker's Breath, Georgiana, is that you?" Eamon says, voice thick yet jovial.
"It is my lord, I am glad to see your health has returned." She approaches, allowing the man to kiss her cheek.
"The way you carry yourself, I believe that I am beneath your rank, my dear. I can scarcely believe how much you've grown. Tell me, how fares your mother?"
"The grief has taken its toll, but she will survive. We were blessed to have survived at all, and she is aware of that."
"Yes of course, my deepest condolences for the loss of your father. Bryce was a good honest man."
She swallows her harsh comment and instead replies, "Thank you, these are trying times, I expect more loss in the coming days, hopefully we can lessen the blow."
He nods, and in the silence she examines the group before her, a hodgepodge of races and talents. The Wardens have even allied with a Quinari and a... man made of rock.
"Georgiana, might I introduce you to The Grey Wardens." He presents her to the large eclectic group, "Wardens this is Georgiana Cousland, the last Teyrna of Ferelden, and an invaluable ally." One by one each of the Wardens introduce themselves, she curtsies to every one of them. A few return the courtesy, while some merely nod or don't even pay her mind.
"It is an honor to meet you all, much has happened since Ostagar." She says, her voice firm and formal.
"Not as much as what's happened to you, if I may." Flynn jests.
"I beg your pardon?" She asks.
"We heard you burned an army, beheaded the general, and flew back to your castle on the wings of a griffon totally unscathed." Wesley smirks at her, elbowing Flynn just slightly.
"Would the both of you stop trying to irritate our allies?" Oris sighs, rubbing his temple.
"My apologies, Georgiana, we have only just arrived in the city." Eamon says, casting a glare to the chuckling Wardens.
"As have I." She says keeping her voice soft.
"Of course, will you be meeting with Banns tomorrow then?"
"Tonight, actually, we will be having supper at Bann Voriall's, I would invite you, but I'm afraid the northern territories would not appreciate your presence."
Eamon lets out a laugh, smiling at her as he says, "Maker, your father would be so proud of you."
"That is my intention." She says humorlessly.
"Alistair, Warden Brosca, would you come with Georgiana and I to my office? I believe we have much to discuss." Eamon holds out his arm to her, which she takes out of courtesy, following him away from the main hall and into the study. Eamon has clearly not sent word to his servants of his arrival, she eyes the furniture still covered in sheets and wonders what agenda he'll attempt to push on her. She wonders what her father would have her do.
His office is much more put together, despite the general disarray of the Estate, books already opened, and documents strewn about the room.
"Please sit, my lady." He offers her a chair, opposite that of his own. "Alistair." He waves the man over. Georgiana cannot deny that this Alistair is an attractive man, though he reminds her of someone she cannot name. Eamon is very intent on this one Warden, she isn't certain why. Upon further examination she notices that the golden armor he wears, bears the symbol of the king.
"That armor is very… intriguing, if I may." She says, catching his gaze, amber eyes both shocked and confused.
"I- uh… Well, th-thank you, my lady. We've been picking things up along the way." He chuckles nervously, hand reaching up to muss his hair.
Looking back towards the Arl, she notices him shake his head. "So, the Landsmeet, I wanted to discuss with you in private." The dwarf stands beside Alistair with a smirk, the two share a moment of eye contact before chuckling quietly.
"Let me be frank, I have come with my own agenda, and I have no intention of being swayed from it." Gigi says firmly.
"Might I ask what that agenda is?"
"I want Howe's head, and I want a proper ruler on the throne."
"Two things we can agree on." Eamon smiles.
Brosca clears his throat before speaking, "My lady, forgive my interjection, but the Wardens-"
"Will have my full support, and whatever aid I can offer." She says, waving him off. "Whatever the political state of the country, the blight comes first, as it always has."
"I… Thank you, my lady." Brosca says.
"Now, Eamon, you were saying?"
"I will be as plain as I can, I intend to put Alistair on the throne." Eamon laces his fingers together as Alistair sighs heavily.
"A Warden, on the throne? For what purpose?" This awkward stuttering man, a king?
"Alistair is Maric's son, it is his birthright."
Gigi looks again at the Warden, no prince, and realizes. "Maker's Breath you do look like him."
"Right, can we just hurry this part along." Alistair shifts from foot to foot.
"My apologies." She says turning back to Eamon, "So, your thoughts, Eamon?"
"I agree that we need a strong presence in the Landsmeet. Might I ask how you feel about Anora?"
Gigi has to bite her tongue some as she speaks. "I think that any person who allows another to rule in their stead is not fit for the throne. She has now done this twice, once with Cailan and now her father. I would not trust her."
"And who would you see ascend the throne?" Eamon asks.
"I hadn't thought about that, though I see you have."
"Indeed. It seems that you and I think very much alike."
"Don't hold your breath." She scoffs, the humor still evident in her tone. She can almost hear her mother warning her; be careful, keep allies where you can find them.
"So, we have the support of Highever?"
"I cannot guarantee the others in the north, but I will see what I can do. I'm afraid not many people know of you, Alistair, it will be a hard sell." She does not mention the fear she has in her heart at the mere idea of speaking with the Banns, especially about this.
"Well, we Warden's better start making a name for ourselves." Brosca says with a smile, Alistair still looks nervous, and Gigi cannot blame him.
"Your voice in the Landsmeet has more weight than you know, Georgiana, Highever has always been opinionated and has always managed to push for compromise. You must use you position to its fullest."
"Believe me, I intend to, Couslands are not known for their civil tongues after all." She says, "Apparently I'm a spit fire."
Eamon laughs, "Yes, your family has a long line of outspoken, purposeful leaders. I am pleased to see that this legacy will not end just yet."
"Indeed." She says resolutely, near ready to wrap up this meeting. Gigi has come to Denerim on her guard, determined to not allow outside influences to derail her agenda, in this moment she recognizes how carefully she must tread around Eamon. First she must meet with other Banns see just where their support lies, and then she will act of her own accord.
"I would like to ask what your intentions against Howe are." He says before she can think to excuse herself.
"The man committed treason, I would like to see him devoured by darkspawn, but a hanging will do just fine. So long as he receives justice I am content."
All three men look at her in shock, Gigi recognizes the cruelty of her words, but that swine deserves nothing less.
"What would you have done to him?" She asks when the silence is too much to bear.
"He will get what he deserves, my lady, I assure you." Eamon says solemnly. "I must ask, are you afraid of retaliation? I mean, do you think, potentially, he would attack your estate here."
"If he knows what's good for him, he will stay away. Although if he had even a semblance of a self-preserving thought he would not have dared to attack our family."
"I meant to ask, do you feel safe? I know that this is your first time in Denerim unaccompanied. I want you to know, that you are welcome to stay here should you feel the need."
"Thank you for your kindness Eamon, but… I cannot allow my own fears to get in the way of what must be done. I need to be strong, I hope you understand."
"Of course. Forgive me for not asking sooner, my lady, but would you honor me by dinning with us tomorrow evening? Perhaps after you've wrapped up any teas or socials?"
"I will consider it, I find myself pulled in many directions at the moment. Thank you for the invitation."
"My lord!" A little elven girl rushes into the room, her mouth running a mile a minute, begging for the Arl's help. Anora has been captured by Howe, and she is afraid for her life. Gigi wishes she could stay to listen to the whole issue, but she knows that she'll be late if she does.
"Oris, get the other wardens and bring them here, we will discuss what to do then. I'm sorry to cut this short, Georgiana, but I must deal with this matter."
Gigi stands up from her seat, "No need, I was preparing to leave. I mustn't be late for dinner with the northern Banns."
"Of course, Alistair, if you would see our guest out." Eamon bids her goodbye, as Alistair holds the door open for her.
Once they are standing in the hallway she offers a small smile, "You don't have to escort me, it's just to the front gate."
He chuckles, "I think I should anyway, you know, don't want the Arl scolding me for something so simple."
She laughs as well, "If the Arl is still scolding you, I would reconsider my station." Slipping her hand into the crook of his arm, she allows him to lead her out of the estate. "If you don't mind my asking, what is the state of the blight?"
"Uh… I would say dire. Blights are usually dire, right?"
She laughs lightly, "I suppose so."
"If you don't mind me asking, why were you not at Ostagar? I've heard rumors that you are quite a force on the field of battle."
"My brother along with most of our army were at Ostagar, they are presumed dead."
"I'm sorry for your loss, a lot of brave men and women died that night."
"I believe a lot more will if we don't put a stop to this madness." She says, lifting her skirts to mount her horse.
"You uh… You would really support me in the Landsmeet as king?"
"I will support you Alistair, if Eamon thinks you're capable, I've no reason to doubt him. Nor do I think Anora belongs on the throne, she gave up her title the moment she allowed her father to take control."
"I thank you for your confidence, my lady… I don't know what to say." He looks down, voice gentle and just a bit hopeful.
"Say nothing then, prove your worth, and stop the blight before it begins." He has yet to let go of her hand, and upon realizing this, he clumsily kisses her hand before stumbling back.
"I uh… Will uh… Good bye." He marches right back into the palace, rubbing the back of his neck as he goes. Gigi chuckles to herself, spurring her horse off towards her own estate, thoughts running faster than her horse. Who would have thought that she of all people, would consider treason against the crown?