Chapter 21

Alistair sat in his study, holding a small statue Elissa had given him on their journey. They would come across abandoned chests and crates and loot what was usable, but occasionally would find small little trinkets and other assorted items. When she found a book, she would always save it for Wynne. When seeing Sten look at some discarded paintings, Elissa would take them and give them to him, hoping he would see that humans were not as lost as he considered them to be. Alistair was shocked and disgusted when he discovered Elissa giving Morrigan a gold necklace one day.

Everybody in the group received gifts from her. It was her way of providing a few moments of escape and joy for everyone before returning to the task at hand. Elissa had once seen him eying the statuary and runestones at a small booth, so whenever finding something like that during their travels, she would give it to him.

"I found this in one of the boxes, on the road when you were fishing. Look at the detail on the face. It's absolutely amazing." Elissa handed him the small statue.

"It's beautiful, but I can't take this. This used to belong to somebody."

"And now it belongs to you, Alistair. I think the person who once owned this, would be happy to know that it's with somebody who appreciates it just as much as they did."

"You know you are pretty incredible." Alistair smiled. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. Now how about a second bowl of lamb stew?"

"You read my mind."

"I miss you so much." Alistair set the statue down.

Opening the drawer of his desk he pulled out a crystal that contained the rose he had given Elissa.

He had found it in her belongings, wrapped in silk and instead of drying and crumbling away; it became petrified as it dried out. He had a crystal smith preserve it so he could always remember.

"I thought maybe I could say something. Tell you what a rare and wonderful thing you are to find amidst all of this….darkness."

"Stop it!"

Putting the crystal away, he reached down and petted Marco who had let out mournful cry.

"I miss her too, boy. But you need to go back to the kennels tonight so can continue to do your duty."

Thoughts of Madeline and his time in Harpers Ford suddenly filled his mind.

She had her sister's generous nature, and there were a few moments when talking to her… it was as if Elissa had never died. Madeline was different though and he presumed it was due to her upbringing. While she was polite and gracious as any of the other noblewoman he had met, Madeline seemed more free. When she showed him one of her orchards, he was impressed that she did not mind getting dirty. What he appreciated the most was how she treated him like a regular person and not just the king. Madeline was also one of the few people who did not demand anything from him.

Elissa wanted him to make sure her sister was alright and he fulfilled that wish. There were moments, however, in which he felt like he was betraying her memory. And it did not help that Eamon's suggestion that he marry Madeline intrigued as well as vexed him. The pressure to marry and have an heir was a burden he faced everyday, yet the he could barely tolerate the daughters of noblemen that were constantly foisted upon him. He could rarely tell if they were being sincere.

It would be so convenient to marry Madeline. He would not have to deal with those pestering nobles and it would be almost like having Elissa back.

Aside from having Wynne around, his life as king was a lonely one. He craved real friends who were not afraid of being honest to him. Madeline was real and he looked forward to getting to know her despite her haunting resemblance to her sister.

….

"Several prominent figures in the nobility have lowered the wages of their eleven servants." Shianni handed the sheet of vellum to Madeline.

"Vaughan Kendall, Bann Ceorlic are names I recognize." Madeline glanced at the paper. "I don't recognize the others."

"Their names aren't important." Teagan watched Madeline set the sheet down. "They are merely some minor lords who do not want to see Ferelden change and they're doing this out of spite for the changes Alistair has made."

"This all started because of the high cost of reconstruction and they resented Alistair when he invested in rebuilding the Alienage. He did that because elves provide sixty percent of the labor in Denerim. He also sanctioned the building of a small chapel at the Alienage which angered them even more. Those nobles immediately cut wages saying with all these improvements that we did not need the money and they could not afford it because of the rebuilding but they did not cut the wages of their human commoner servants."

"The wages were cut out of spite and in the hopes that it would create unrest and unfortunately there have been reports of fighting and an increase in crime in some areas." Teagan said as he poured a cup of tea for Madeline.

"What made things worse was when some elves from Orlais arrived at our alienage. They told us that in Orlais when some servants reach the top of the ladder in the noble households that they get to hire and fire servants. The alienages they have in Orlais have their own militias. Elves are allowed arms on a limited basis. Elves are allowed to police themselves in the alienage as long reports are sent to the main guard. Scribes teach the children to read and write. There is far less crime there. Learning how the Orlesians treat their elves made people angry and bitter."

"As much as Aunt Lydia despised the Orlesians, she always did say they treated elves better than we did. She brought me up to respect all races.

The scribes she employed educated the elven children as well Byron and me. I follow the same tradition."

"And that's why your help is needed, Maddie." Shianni looked at her with pleading eyes. "The servants from those noble houses now earn two to five silver a month. Some merchants are also no longer hiring any elves."

"If the situation does not change, a strike looms which means…" Teagan glanced at Madeline

"It means all elves will strike out of solidarity and once word spreads, it could affect all of Ferelden." Madeline shook her head.

"Alistair did not even want to call a Landsmeet since it's so close to Satinalia but he was forced to. We need you, Teagan, and your brother to stem the tide." Shianni's hand shook as she took a sip of tea.

"Of course I will help in anyway possible."

"Thank you Maddie!"

"Are there any records about the nobles who fought in the final battle?"

"The chantry has some, but I can tell you that Vaughn and Ceorlic boarded one of the ships that sailed out of the harbor and anchored off the coast. They did not fight in the battle," Teagan said in a bitter tone.

"How much damage did the estate have after the battle, Teagan?"

"The kitchen was gutted, and aside from a fire in the west wing and all the windows being broken, the estate fared really well."

"How did the Vaughan's estate fare?"

"It was not destroyed but it sustained a great deal of damage," Shianni said with malicious glee.

"Very interesting. Is it possible to get a list of every noble family and their salary practices?"

"I can do that," Shianni offered.

"Thank you. I also need to read up more on how the Orlesians treat elves."

"So you will speak at the Landsmeet?" Shianni looked at her hopefully.

"Of course I will." Madeline smiled.

"Thank you Maddie," Shianni took Madeline's hand and squeezed it.

"I have to get back to the flower stand. We will talk soon."

"Shianni, you are welcome here anytime," Teagan stood up. "Let me escort you out.

Teagan came back and sat down as the servant brought in a tray.

"When is this Landsmeet?" Madeline dropped her fork and looked at Teagan.

"It's in three and a half weeks. I was actually planning to ask you this morning if you wanted to attend and then Shianni stopped by."

"I can understand why Alistair would be so reluctant in having one since it's so close to Satinalia."

"True but it will also be his second Landsmeet as king."

"Where is my brother? Does he know what's going on?"

"Before Shianni arrived, I mentioned to Fergus that I was going to ask you to come help me purchase a few things for Connor and he volunteered. I could not say no to him. He is really looking forward to Connor's visit."

"He misses Oren. And as much as I would have enjoyed shopping with you, if this is making my brother happy I don't mind."

"I agree and we will have other opportunities to shop especially with Satinalia coming up."

"I'm sure we will." Madeline smiled.

"So what are your plans today?"

"I should spend some time preparing what I am going to say at the Landsmeet. I think I will head down to the chantry to have a look at the records."

"Is that the only destination you have planned?" Teagan raised a brow.

"Why yes, Arl Teagan. Do I have your permission?" Madeline folded her arms and looked at him.

Teagan grinned and laughed. "Has anyone ever told you how much fun it is to tease you?"

"Yes, they have. Byron will tell you its one of his favorite hobbies." Madeline feigned annoyance.

"And now its one of mine."

"Alright Alright!" Madeline laughed as she got up. "I'll see you at lunch."

…

Thirty minutes later Teagan was in the courtyard training when Madeline stepped out and headed to the gate. When she was a good distance away, he peaked around the wall and watched her stop by the flower stand where she spoke briefly with Shianni and gave her a hug before heading to the chantry.

…

Several days later Wynne and Connor rode quietly to the estate after a brief visit at the palace.

Connor was officially under her care for the next couple of weeks.

"So how was the trip from the Circle, Connor?"

"It was nice. The templars let me walk around in camp. One of them hurt his hand and he let me heal it."

"I'm glad the templars were nice to you."

"I think they are nicer to me because of my father."

Wynne politely nodded and watched the boy gaze at the passing scenery. She was glad to be leaving the palace. While Eamon and Alistair gave the boy a warm welcome, Isolde gave him a kiss on the cheek and excused herself. Eamon promised to visit Connor when he could, and Alistair took time out to indulge in some sweets with him before they left.

Wynne folded Irving's letter and slipped it in her pocket.

"Irving wrote of your experiences in the Fade. Do you still have visitors in your dreams?"

"Elissa visited me last night. She was with her nephew and they told me about her sister."

"You met Oren?"

"Yes. We played together."

"Connor, Oren's father is staying at the estate as well. I think it's for the best you don't say anything about visiting with Oren."

"I won't Wynne," Connor promised. "Elissa told me not to."

"I've also talked to her father and mother too."

"What did they tell you?" Wynne tried to hide her surprise.

"They told me that they failed Madeline."

"What else has Elissa said to you?"

"She told me that when I meet her sister I should not be scared at how she looks likes her."

Wynne looked at Connor and realized Irving was right. He was a prodigy and if he survived his harrowing, would end up doing great things.

"Wynne, my mother hates me doesn't she?"

"Your mother does not hate you, Connor. She just doesn't understand."

"I miss her."

Wynne looked at Connor and her anger towards Isolde only grew.

"I think as you get older, your mother will understand and she will be proud of the great things you will accomplish, Connor. At the moment you have an uncle who loves you very much and you are about to make some new friends."

"Uncle Teagan always writes to me." Connor smiled.

"He's a good man, your uncle."

"Aunt Rowan watches over him."

"You've spoken to Rowan in the Fade?"

"Aunt Rowan told me how watches over Teagan."

"Connor, what about the demons in the Fade? Don't they frighten you?"

"They stay away from me."

"Oh Maker!" Wynne said under her breath.

As much as she was looking forward to this time away from the palace, Wynne prayed Connor's abilities would not cause too much turmoil for everyone.

…

"Uncle Teagan!" Connor got out of the carriage and ran towards Teagan who bent down and hugged him.

"Connor! It's so good to see you! And it looks like you've grown a few inches."

"Thank you for letting me stay with you."

"You are quite welcome. We've all been looking forward to it. Let me introduce you to some new friends."

Teagan walked over to a smiling Madeline and Fergus.

"This is….Madeline."

Madeline walked over to the boy, held out her hand and smiled. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Connor."

"It's nice to meet you Madeline. You are very pretty."

"Thank you." Madeline blushed. "And please call me Maddie. That's what my friends call me."

"Alright, Maddie," Connor said shyly before looking at Fergus.

"This is Teyrn Fergus Cousland."

"Hello, your Lordship."

"And my friends call me Fergus."

"Do you still love Roast Turkey, Connor? I'm having the cook prepare all your favorites while you are here."

"Thank you, Uncle Teagan!"

"You're welcome. Now let's get you settled in."

Madeline stood with Wynne as Teagan and Fergus went inside with Connor.

"How are you dear?" Wynne smiled at Madeline.

"It's good to see you, Wynne. I'm doing well, thank you. How have you been?"

"I'm happy to be out of the palace for awhile. Incidentally, Zevran sends his regards. He wanted me to tell you, he will come the day after tomorrow to train with you."

"Alright," Madeline laughed. "He's done so much for me at Harpers, I told him to take some time to enjoy himself."

"Incidentally, Zevran has mentioned you wanted to talk about the dreams you've been having."

"Yes, I do want to talk about it. How about later before supper? I am going to be speaking at the Landsmeet to support the elves, so I have had my hands reading, doing research, and basically trying to decide what I am going to say."

"You're going to be speaking at the Landsmeet?"

"I just can't stand by and let these injustices continue. I was brought up to treat everyone with respect and dignity whether they are humans, elves, or dwarves."

"Are you nervous?"

"I am terrified, but it has to be done."

"I'll be more than willing to give you any assistance, if you need it."

"Thank you. I might just need it."

"Your brother is looking well."

"He's really been looking forward to Connor's visit. He actually went out for Teagan and purchased some things."

"I'm glad this visit will help him."

"Let's get you settled in your room."
"Well aren't you the lady of the manor," Wynne teased.

"Oh no," Madeline chuckled. "I just told Teagan I would help him. He's been so generous with his hospitality and all."

"I'm sure he has." Wynne smiled knowingly as they went inside.

…..

Teagan was coming down the stairs as they entered the hall.

"Connor loved the toys your brother got for him. They're sitting at the table playing cards."

"That makes me happy." Madeline smiled.

"I think Fergus is good for Connor. He's doing exceptionally well at the Circle but to have someone treat him like he just an ordinary boy. This will be good for him."

"Your bags are in your room, Wynne."

"Thank you, Teagan."

Wynne followed Madeline up the stairs.

Madeline stopped by the opened door.

"Here is your room. Why don't you get yourself settled?"

"Thank you, Madeline."

"I'm going to check on my brother and Connor, then go downstairs to work in the library. I do want to want to talk about those dreams I have been having."

"I'll come down to the library after I've rested a bit."

"Thank you, Wynne."

Madeline turned and walked around the corner.

…..

"Hello, Wynne."

Wynne found Elissa standing by a tree.

"Elissa." Wynne took her hand. "I always knew…."

"They were wrong, Wynne. My soul was not destroyed. I was… pulled out of my body but it was so peaceful at the end. I could hear my father call for me as I soared upward and all of the sudden I was with my family."

"I miss you."

"I know." Elissa smiled. "You of all people understand the reasons I did what I did though."

"I do."

"You are friends with my sister. She is an incredible woman in her own right."

"She is."

"Thank you for being her friend, and thank you for being there for Alistair."

"I'll continue to watch over them."

"Please watch over Madeline especially. Please don't let her try to be something she's not. While she may have some of my habits and share some beliefs, she is not me."

"I promise I will look after her."

"I know you will." Elissa hugged Wynne. "You have to wake up now."

….

Wynne sat up in bed and looked around. That was one of the most powerful experiences she had ever had in the Fade. She felt comforted to finally see her friend, yet concerned. It's been said there is a twin bond. And she witnessed it once with a fellow mage who had a twin. Though sent to the chantry when showing signs at an early age, this woman kept in contact with her sister by communicating with her in dreams. Years later, the woman reunited with her sister. Perhaps that connection started when Bryce Cousland revealed the truth of Madeline to Elissa. Maybe the regret of never knowing her sister made that bond stronger to the point it transcended death. No matter the reason, Wynne vowed to be true to her word to Elissa and to continue being a friend to Madeline.

…

Wynne opened the door to the library and smiled when seeing Madeline reading.

"Still hard at work I see."

Madeline set up the book and looked up at Wynne. "How was your rest?"

"It was…good. Thank you." Wynne sat down on the chair across from Madeline, watching her set the book down and straighten up the stack of papers.

"Supper will be in about an hour."

"That gives us plenty of time to talk about those dreams young lady."

"Alright. Where do you want me start?"

"How about when it began?" Wynne gave her a reassuring smile.

"The first dream happened at Harpers. I first heard Elissa talking with Oren. They were talking about how Fergus is not as sad since meeting me. I suddenly felt my hand being held and I look down to see its Oren looking like how he was in the painting."

"Did he speak with you?"

"He thanked me for being there for his father as he led me to this figure."

"And?"

"The figure turned and it was Elissa. She was smiling at me."

"Did its scare you?"

"It startled me. It was like looking at a mirror and seeing this extremely poised version of me in silver chainmail."

"Did she say anything?"

"She told me hello, and that's when I woke up."

"How did you feel after?"

"It just was so strange."

"Have you ever had dreams of your family before?"

"Wynne, I grew up with the assumption my parents discarded me because of my fragile birth. I never really started thinking about them until I met all of you. And then Fergus gave me our father's journal awhile back."

"And did you read it?"

"Most of it but when Fergus gave it to me, he mention there was an entry about me. My father had come to Harpers Ford and had seen me in front of Aunt Lydia's grave. He said he regretted sending me away and was planning to take Fergus and Elissa to see me after…returning from the south."

"How did that make you feel?"

"I cried. I spent my whole life thinking that I was not considered good enough to be a Cousland. To know that my father had seen me and wanted to make things right, it made me sad he never got the chance."

"Have you dreamt about your father?"

"The second dream I had with Elissa, he was standing in the distance with my mother. I was not ready to see either of them. Elissa said one day I would be."

"And how was this dream?"

"I was not scared this time. It was sort of comforting. We were walking and she was thanking me for accepting Fergus in my life and she told me to not let people try to make something out of me that I was not meant to be. Elissa told me my destiny was my own."

"You should listen to her words."

"They echo through my mind everyday, Wynne. If I knew what my destiny was, I might be able to understand her words better."

"Zevran said you had a terrifying experience at Highever."

Wynne watched Madeline frown and shake lightly.

"I saw…what happened at the larder Wynne. I saw my father laying in a pool of blood. I saw my mother staying behind and Elissa being led away by the Grey Warden. And then it changed…I saw Howe's man tossing my father's body into a hole and he lit a rag and threw it down in the hole. That when I broke down. Teagan and Zevran found me and took me back to my room."

"Castle Cousland is over eight hundred years old. There's a great deal of history there, and sometimes tragedies imprint themselves. I am sorry you had to endure that dear. It must have been horrible."

"It was just so horrifying. They were murdered so brutally and then burned like they were trash. As bitter as I feel toward being abandoned they did not deserve that fate."

"How do you feel about your mother?"

"What about her?" Madeline's tone was bitter. "She apparently was the one who wanted to get rid of me. My father just went along with it to appease her."

"There has to be more to it than that."

"Frankly, I don't care if there is more to it. In my father's journal, there was no mention of my mother joining them when they planned to visit me. Apparently one daughter was enough for her."

"Have you had any other dreams since coming to Denerim?" Wynne changed the subject. While Madeline had made inroads since they first met, her anger towards her mother was still very raw and it was best not to pursue the subject.

"I just had one where Elissa was with my aunt. The odd part of the dream was that Aunt Lydia looked about twenty five years younger."

"So how do you feel after all these dreams and experiences?"

"It's not scary anymore, if that's what you're asking. I just wish I knew what it all meant."

"Well, maybe in time you will understand what it means. I'm just relieved you aren't frightened."

"Wynne is right, Maddie. You should not be scared of the Fade."
Wynne and Madeline turned to see Connor peaking over from behind the chair that was at the back of the wall.

"It's not polite to eavesdrop on other people's conversations." Wynne looked at Connor reproachfully.

"I'm sorry, Wynne and Maddie; I promise it won't happen again."

"It's alright, Connor, come sit with us." Madeline pointed to the empty chair.

Connor slowly made his way towards the chair and sat down.

"Now, what were you saying?"

"Our dreams in the Fade are presents from the good spirits. Your sister is a good spirit. She visits you because she loves you."

"You're right, Connor. My sister is a good spirit. I just wish…." Madeline looked away briefly. "I won't get scared if I dream about her again."

"Why don't you to the dining room to see if supper is ready?" Wynne suggested, looking a bit embarrassed.

"Alright." Connor got up from his chair and ran out the room.

"I am so sorry if he upset you, Madeline."

"He didn't."

"Well I certainly hope talking about it helped. I think in time you will find the answers. And please know if you ever have anymore dreams, you can come to me."

"Thank you, Wynne. You are good friend." Madeline got up from her chair.

"I like you too, Madeline."

Connor came running back in the room, his face etched with excitement.

"Supper is ready, and it's all my favorites!"

"We're coming."

Madeline and Wynne both laughed as they watched Connor skip out of the room.

…..

Wynne heard laughter coming from the dining room as she exited the library. Teagan and Madeline invited her to share some late evening dessert and sherry, but she politely declined. Her curiosity getting the best of her, she crept toward the dining room and peaked inside.

If they were not already courting, they might as well be. Teagan and Madeline were sitting next to each other sipping sherry. It reminded her of the times at camp when she would see Alistair and Elissa huddled together.

They were talking, laughing and both seemed genuinely happy but it was the way they look at each other when the other was not looking that caught Wynne's eyes.

It was clear that they were both falling in love. Smiling, Wynne turned and headed toward the stairs.

...