Chapter 25
Teagan opened the door of his room and found Madeline about to head down the stairs.
"Good morning."
"Good morning." Madeline turned and smiled. Wearing a forest green dress, she had her hair down and it hung in auburn waves around her shoulders, framing her face.
"Did you sleep well?" Teagan held out his hand and she took it.
"I slept wonderfully. And you?"
"Yes, very well. I can't remember the last time I slept so peacefully."
He wanted to tell her, that it would have even better if he had woken up and found her sleeping beside him but refrained from doing so. That moment would come soon enough.
They headed downstairs to the dining room and sat next to each other.
"And now for a proper good morning."
Teagan leaned over and kissed Madeline and she caressed his chin with a finger.
"I see you shaved today."
"Just a little…trim."
Madeline and Teagan heard the sound of voices and turned to see Wynne and Fergus coming in.
"Maddie, I am so sorry for leaving the party." Fergus kissed her on the cheek before taking a seat. "Wulff needed to talk after most everyone left. And by the time we came out of the room, everyone was gone so I escorted Wulff out and then went to bed."
"Its alright, Fergus. I know you and Wulff have a bond."
"Wulff appreciates all the supplies you've sent to West Hill."
"It's the least I could do, and I will send more once the crops come in."
Connor raced in the room and sat next to Fergus.
"Well look who slept late today!" Teagan teased.
"I let him stay up to play with the presents Eamon got him," Wynne said as she poured herself a cup of tea.
"Father got me some books and a real spyglass!" Connor said happily as he grabbed some bread and reached for the jam. "I saw you kissing Maddie last night Uncle Teagan."
Teagan dropped his fork and looked at Madeline whose face was now bright red.
"Connor, it's not nice to spy on people," Wynne said reproachfully before smirking at Teagan and Wynne.
"I'm sorry." Connor bowed his head.
Teagan looked at Fergus and saw him grinning at them.
"It's alright, Connor," Teagan laughed nervously. "We were actually going to tell all of you this morning."
Teagan looked at Madeline and took her hand then looked at Fergus and Wynne.
"Though it was not exactly how I wanted to do it, but last night I asked Madeline if I could court her and she said yes."
"I'm happy for the both of you," Wynne smiled.
"I think that's wonderful!" Fergus grinned. "Teagan, you have been a good friend and I can't think of anyone else who is more worthy of my sister."
"Thank you, Fergus. I never imagined a request by Alistair would lead me to such a wonderful and beautiful woman."
Madeline smiled and her face turned red as Teagan kissed her hand.
"What does courting mean?" Connor asked between bites of food.
"It's something a man and woman do when they like each other Connor," Wynne said.
"Well not me!" Connor declared. "I think girls are stupid."
Everyone laughed as they continued with breakfast.
"You know, Teagan, several of the men at the party expressed an interest in Madeline meeting their sons."
"Their loss is my gain."
Madeline gave Teagan a smile and continued to eat.
"So what are everyone's plans for the day?" Wynne asked. "Connor has to purchase some gifts for his friends back at the Circle and I thought we'd walk around and enjoy the sights and sounds of Santialia. Would anyone like to join us?"
"I would love to join you, Wynne."
"As would I," Fergus agreed.
"I would love to accompany all of you, but I have some paperwork I must attend to." Teagan looked at Madeline. "I promise we'll do something later when I'm finished."
"It's alright. I mean you do have to run an arling and a bannorn."
"We will leave after everyone cleans up after breakfast."
"Thank you for being so understanding." Teagan patted her leg under the table.
"I am a bann after all." Madeline winked.
"I'm going to clean up now!" Connor said excitedly, nearly tipping over his chair as he got up and ran out of the room.
"His exuberance reminds me of Oren." Fergus let out a wistful sigh.
"I'm sorry Fergus," Wynne said apologetically.
"Don't be. Having Connor here has made me realize I do eventually want to marry again and have more children. Orianna and Oren will always be in my heart, but I have to go on with my life. It is what they would have wanted."
"I'm glad Connor's visit has helped you heal, Fergus. I also think you were good for him as well. All of you were." Teagan looked up at everyone.
"I just want to say thank you for taking the time out to play with him and to treat him like a normal boy."
"Teagan…" Fergus set his cup down and looked directly at him. "I never saw him as anything else but a boy."
"And I appreciate that, Fergus."
"Let's just try to make the last couple of weeks here as special for him as we can," Madeline said.
"I agree," Wynne smiled. "Which means we should head out soon."
"You're right." Madeline set her fork down and took a sip of tea before getting up.
…
Alistair looked up from his papers when he saw the door of the study open and Isolde come in.
"You wanted to see me, Isolde?"
"Yes…yes your Majesty." Isolde bowed. "I want to talk about Habren."
Alistair raised a brow. "What about Habren?"
"I saw her crying as she was taking out the chamber pots, your Majesty. Perhaps the punishment is too hard on her."
"Did Bryland ask you to see me?"
"No, he has no idea that I am here. I just wish you would reconsider this punishment, your Majesty."
"You know, Isolde, considering all things you did to me before Eamon sent me away, you have a lot of gall coming here!"
"What?"
"Did you actually think that because I am king, I would forget everything?"
Alistair watch Isolde's face turn white.
"You really have no shame, Isolde, and you are a hypocrite. You act all pious and hide behind the Chant, yet any true follower of the Maker would have never done the things you did to me. And now you want me to be lenient on Habren? I'm doing this to save Habren. She needs to learn that with nobility comes responsibility so she does not become you."
Isolde did not reply and only hunched her shoulders while looking down at the floor. "I know I cannot take back the things I did to you. And for that I am sorry."
"Isolde, I forgave you a long time ago but I will never forget."
"I am sorry for bothering you your Majesty," Isolde said before turning to leave.
"Wait Isolde, I wanted to know if you have purchased a Satinalia gift for Connor."
"Eamon… had some gifts sent to the estate, your Majesty."
"I am not talking about Eamon, Isolde. I want to know if you shopped for your son."
"I do not know how to shop for a boy your Majesty," Isolde shrugged her shoulders. "And he is a mage."
"He's a boy Isolde; you buy him things he likes. What did Eamon get him?"
"I don't know. He does not tell me what he does."
"I remember he liked to read, you can get him some books," Alistair suggested.
"I beg you pardon your Majesty but I will not get him any books on magic," Isolde's eyes glared.
"Oh for the love of the Maker!" Alistair pounded his fist on his desk, making her stumble back in surprise. "Connor did not stop being a boy just because he is a mage! He's also being taught by several scribes at the Circle. Its not just magic he is learning! He's being educated! Eamon may ignore this, but I will not. You are going to go buy a gift for your son and you are going to give it him. And when he leaves to go back to the Circle, you will be there to see him off."
"Please! I cannot…." Her eyes pleaded
"Now you listen to me, Isolde! You are the wife of the Chancellor of Ferelden. Your behavior reflects not only on Eamon, but on me and I will not stand for any gossip or hearsay. While Eamon is away, you are supposed to be representing him. You are coming with me."
"Please."
"You know there are a lot of things I have not told Eamon."
"Alright!" Isolde sobbed. "I know I was cruel to you in the past and I am truly sorry and I will answer to the Maker for it. He as already punished me by making Connor a mage."
"Enough! You will not blame Connor for the things you did to me. Elissa did not save Connor's life for you to neglect him. Now I suggest you go get ready and meet me by the gates."
"Yes, your Majesty," Isolde said in a resigned tone.
"Isolde, this is a glorious time of year and the citizens of Ferelden need this and it will please Eamon to see you take in an interest in your son again, "Alistair softened.
"Of course, your Majesty."
Alistair watched her force out a reluctant smile before leaving the room.
….
Madeline and Wynne walked together enjoying the sights and sounds of the decorated marketplace. The booths were decorated with ribbons, flowers, and garland. There were minstrels and other musicians at every corner and the aroma of baked goods and other food filled the air. Madeline and Wynne sat on a bench and watched Fergus and Connor enjoying a puppet show. Ser Perth, Ser Donall, and two of Fergus's men looked on. Teagan insisted that they be accompanied by several knights due to the increase in pick pocketing and other crime that occurred during the two weeks Satinalia was celebrated, and seeing some city guard drag away a cutpurse earlier made Madeline realize he was right.
"You look happier than I have ever seen you, Madeline."
"I am happy."
"You know I have to say, I was not surprised when Teagan said the two of you were courting. I've watched how the two of you look at each other."
"Was it that obvious?"
"Yes," Wynne laughed.
"You know, when all of you first arrived at Harpers Ford, I really resented it."
"I remember all right," Wynne chuckled.
"But now, I'm glad you came. I have a brother. I made some wonderful friends, and I found the most incredible man who actually cares for me."
"I'm glad we're friends. We certainly got off on the wrong foot."
"But in a sense, you turned out to be right. I am so thankful I met my brother."
"You have come a long way since then."
"I guess I have."
"You and Teagan remind me a great deal of your sister and Alistair."
"We do?"
"The both of you seem to have a special connection the way they did."
"I just never had this feeling of trust in the few relationships I have had in the past. I can also talk to Teagan and he actually listens to me. He makes me feel safe. He makes me feel special. And I just enjoy his company. And of course he is…."
"Handsome?"
"Oh Maker! Yes! But there's something else, I can feel calluses on his hand. He's not one of those noblemen who have never worked a day in their life."
"Its just wonderful to see you so happy. Its obvious the difference in ages has not affected you."
"A great many women are with older men."
"Yes, and sadly most do not seem happy."
"While that may be true with arranged marriages, age is just a number. When I was growing up, I saw Aunt Lydia have relationships with people both twenty years older and younger than her. Look at Bann Sighard, Natasha is twenty five years younger than him and they're happy. Teagan is only twelve years older than me."
"It sounds like I would have liked your Aunt."
"And she would have liked you."
"Well I guess you don't need any advice but I hope you know that if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm there for you."
"Thank you Wynne. I won't forget that. I'm actually surprised; I thought…you'd be more…"
"Judgmental?" Wynne laughed when seeing the embarrassment on Madeline's face. "Do not fret child. I am not offended. I have since learned from personal experience, its best to refrain from dispensing advice when one does not ask for it. As I said though, if you ever need anyone to talk to I'll be more than happy to listen."
"I'll keep that in mind."
"Make way for the King!"
Madeline turned to see Alistair and Isolde with a group of guards coming towards them.
"Mother!"
Connor ran towards them and Alistair nodded at the guards to let him through.
"Hello… Connor."
Isolde's expression was mixture of surprise and fright as Connor threw his arms around her.
Madeline watched as Alistair gave Isolde a nudge and she hugged Connor back.
"Are you enjoying your time at Uncle Teagan's?"
"Yes, it's been so much fun. Uncle Teagan has the cooks make my favorite foods. And he plays with me! Madeline, Fergus, and Wynne play with me too. Fergus and I camped out on the roof and looked at the stars with the spyglass father gave me."
"He's a wonderful boy, Isolde."
Madeline could tell by the tone in Fergus's voice that he was mustering all his will to be polite to her.
"Thank you for being kind to my son."
"Kind? I like him Isolde." Fergus's cheeks were starting to get red.
"Isolde has had a busy schedule, Connor. And now with your father away, she's has even more responsibilities." Alistair smiled at the boy.
"I have something for you Mother." Connor reached into his pocket and pulled out a pearl bracelet Madeline had helped him pick out.
"That's…lovely Connor." Isolde smiled weakly.
"Slip it on your wrist, Isolde. Lets see how it looks." Alistair watched her.
Madeline watched her wrist shake slightly as she hooked the bracelet.
"It is beautiful. Eamon will certainly be pleased when he sees the wonderful gift that Connor got you."
Isolde looked as if she just had received a revelation from the Maker.
"Ye…yes, your Majesty. He will."
"Why don't you go shop with your son for a bit?" Alistair reached into his pocket and handed Connor a sovereign. "Happy Satinalia, Connor."
"Wow! Thank you your Majesty."
"What... what would you like?" Isolde asked.
"I'll show you."
Fergus looked at Connor. "Let's go show your mother your favorite stall."
"Thank you, Fergus." Alistair shook his hand and sat down, watching him and Connor walk together and Isolde lagging behind them.
"Are you alright your Majesty?" Wynne asked.
"I'm fine Wynne." Alistair grinned.
"Are you sure? There is something…different about the tone of your voice."
"It's Satinalia. I'm just enjoying seeing all the happy faces."
"How is Habren doing?" Madeline looked up at Alistair.
"She is fine, but was not too happy about having to clean the chamber pots this morning."
"Oh Maker!" Madeline laughed.
"You know, you never mentioned how you came up with the punishment."
"Oh that's simple to explain. My Aunt made me do the same thing."
"You were rude to your servants?" Wynne's eyes widened.
"No, I snuck out when I was sixteen to meet my childhood sweetheart. Aunt Lydia was furious with me so to punish me, she made me a maid for two weeks. I had to cook, clean, empty chamber pots... It taught me a great deal of humility."
"I scrubbed a lot of pots… in the Chantry kitchen back in the day, so yes I do agree that hard work can build a person. I'm surprised you did not suggest two weeks for Habren."
"Its Satinalia. I want her to have one week to enjoy herself and I didn't want Arl Bryland to hate me."
"Alfstanna took the liberty of telling me some of Habren's past…antics. She needed this and if I receive a negative report at the end of each day, she will get another day added. And Bryland doesn't hate you. I think he's actually relieved and hopes this helps her grow up."
"I'm glad. I just hope Shianni is doing well."
"Let's just hope the Chantry survives in one piece," Wynne joked.
"Yes," Alistair chuckled as he watched Isolde and Fergus interacting with Connor.
"True," Madeline laughed.
"Your brother is enjoying Connor's visit, I see, he's even tolerating Isolde."
"Connor's visit has really helped Fergus. He even said that it made him realize he wants to remarry and have children."
"I'm glad to hear it. Fergus is a good man. He deserves to be happy. So tell me, how are you enjoying your first Satinalia away from Harpers Ford?"
"Its been very fun, so far. I'm really enjoying my time in Denerim."
"That's good to hear. By chance are you free for lunch three days from now? I know you don't have an Alienage at Harper's, but you do have a decent size elven population and when I was there, they all seemed very happy. I'd like your input on how I can further improve the Alienage. And I do recall promising you a lunch at the gardens."
"Indeed you did. I shall be happy to join you."
"Wonderful! It will be nice to have something to look forward to. It's been so lonely at the palace."
"Do you miss me your Majesty?" Wynne gave him a wink.
"I miss sharing meals with someone I can talk to, so yes, I do miss you, Wynne."
"Thank you, Alistair, that's sweet of you to say. I miss you too but I have been enjoying my stay at the estate. I'll be back soon enough."
"And I will look forward to our suppers together."
Alistair looked over at Madeline. "Did you help Connor pick out that present for Isolde?"
"He wanted to get something for his mother."
"That was sweet of you."
"I like Connor."
"Your sister did too."
Connor suddenly ran back holding a beautifully carved horse and a book.
"I see you've enjoyed yourself." Alistair smiled.
"Yes, I did!" Connor said exuberantly.
"I hate to run, but I need to head back to the palace. I just wanted to see how things were looking for Satinalia. It was good to see you."
"Thank you, Mother!"
Madeline watched Connor put his arms around Isolde, but felt angry when seeing the reluctant expression on her face as she hugged him.
"You are…welcome, Connor."
"Let's go, Isolde."
There was an icy tone in Alistair's voice when he spoke to Isolde and Madeline picked up on how nervous she was.
"It was good to see all of you. Please send Teagan my regards."
"We will."
"Let's go watch the minstrel."
Madeline and Wynne watched Fergus and Connor head towards the lady singing by Gorim's stand.
They turned to see Alistair had stopped and was handing coins to the children who rushed towards him.
"He really enjoys that." Madeline smiled.
"He does," Wynne laughed.
"When you were on the road during the Blight, did you celebrate Satinalia?"
"Yes. Your sister was adamant about it. She wanted everyone to have moments of joy where they could momentarily forget about the task at hand."
"Were there jokes even?"
"Oh yes, Zevran and Alistair would bond pulling pranks on all of us."
"Did you exchange presents?"
"We tried to. I don't know how she did it but Elissa would always find a book that I've never read and give it to me. Sometimes she would find an unopened bottle of wine that was discarded in a crate. Everyone in our group received gifts from her, even Morrigan."
"Who is Morrigan?"
"She was an apostate Alistair and Elissa met before the battle at Ostagar."
"You sound like you don't like her."
"I don't. She abandoned the group before the battle. Elissa never explained why but I always knew there was more to the story."
"What about the others in your group? Tell me about Leliana and Sten."
"I actually wrote to Leliana and told her about you. She is a retired bard and lives in Haven near where the Urn of Sacred Ashes lies. Leliana works for the Chantry now and helps pilgrims come to see the ashes. She would like you."
"A retired bard now working for the Chantry, she sounds very interesting. What about Sten?"
"Sten was a Qunari Warrior that they met Lothering. He actually tried to take over as leader once but your sister fought him and won."
"Elissa fought a Qunari?"
"He grew to respect her after that."
"I hope you don't mind me asking you these questions. Since having these dreams, I've started to have this desire to be able to know my sister."
"I don't mind at all. It's very understandable that you would want to know about her."
"Maddie!" Connor ran back to them and took Madeline's hand. "We are going back for lunch now."
Connor turned to Wynne. "You too, Wynne!"
Madeline and Wynne glanced at each other and smiled.
"We're coming," Madeline grinned.
Madeline got up and went with Connor to where Fergus was standing.
Wynne smiled as she watched them share a laugh.
…
Teagan found Madeline standing on the balcony. She turned and smiled at him as he put his arms around her and she wrapped hers around him.
"You've returned."
"I have."
He kissed her, and she parted her lips letting him in.
"Lunch should be ready in thirty minutes."
"It will be a light meal for me," Madeline laughed.
"Did a bit of indulging, I see."
"A little." Madeline blushed
"That's alright; I would have done the same."
"We saw Alistair with Isolde as we were walking."
"Alistair was with Isolde? That's very odd."
"I thought it was strange myself. Isolde seemed very nervous around him. She did seem to like Connor's gift."
"Connor got her a gift?"
"I helped him pick out a pearl bracelet."
"Well, if he had your help, I'm sure it was lovely."
"She even shopped with Connor and with Fergus's help, got him some gifts."
"Poor Fergus," Teagan chuckled. "Its just surprising that Isolde would accompany Alistair while touring the marketplace."
"I'm going to be having lunch at the palace three days from now. Alistair wants my input on further improvements on the Alienage."
"Did you tell him about us?"
"Was I supposed to?" Madeline laughed. "You have to excuse my naiveté; it's been a long time since I was courted."
"Oh no, you don't have to unless he asks. Everyone in Denerim will know soon enough that Long Nose is courting the most beautiful woman in Denerim."
"Long Nose?" Madeline's eyes widened.
"I got that nickname because my nose has been broken several times."
Madeline reached up and kissed the tip of his nose, causing Teagan's cheeks to turn pink from embarrassment.
"There is nothing wrong with your nose."
"I'm very lucky to have found a woman who is not vain about looks," Teagan said as he caressed her cheek.
"You are a handsome man, Teagan, don't ever doubt that."
Teagan smiled and kissed her again.
"I have something I have been saving for you," Teagan held out simple but elegant heart pendant and gave it to her. "I was planning to give it to you a different way but Lorraine's visit changed that."
"This belonged to my sister. I vowed only to give it to a woman who was worthy to have it. I thought that time would never come until…I met you."
"Teagan, this is beautiful. Did Maric give to her?"
"No, I have no idea who gave this to her. Rowan once told me it was from someone who was forced to make a sacrifice and that it meant more to her than some of the jewelry Maric gave her."
Madeline hugged Teagan. "It's absolutely gorgeous. I love it. I'm honored and touched that you think me worthy to give me something that belonged to your sister. Thank you."
"Let me help you put it on."
She turned around and sighed when feeling his warm breath against the nape of her neck as he attached the chain.
"Thank you." Madeline turned around.
"I am free for the rest of the day. We'll have lunch with everyone, and then play with Connor for a bit, but we'll be dining alone this evening."
"Sounds like a marvelous plan."
"Lets head to lunch before Connor devours everything," Teagan laughed.
"I'll just be having a bowl of soup so he can have my plate."
"That's what you get for over indulging." Teagan grinned.
"Well, maybe next time you will join me."
"I most definitely will. Our meal tonight will be light so we can enjoy the sweets and various delicacies as we walk around Denerim tonight."
"I can't wait."
"Neither can I."
"Well, lets get too lunch so we can get this day moving."
"Just one more…kiss." Teagan pulled her close and met her lips.
…..
Teagan came down the stairs after kissing Madeline goodnight. It had been a glorious evening. They had enjoyed the sights and sounds of the city hand in hand, sampling various treats and playfully bickering when he wanted to buy her something and she refused. Madeline eventually gave in and let him buy her a beautiful porcelain vase with painted butterflies and flowers on it.
Opening the door to his study, Teagan went to his desk and opened a drawer. Taking out the faded letter he found in his brother papers when Redcliffe was under siege, Teagan opened it and read it.
Arl Eamon, while I perfectly understand that Teagan could be considered too old for the match, I have found that no mere boy will do for my daughter, her sharp intellect needs the understanding of a man.
Teagan tossed the letter in the fire and watched it burn. Madeline did not need to know about this letter from her mother and the request to see if he would have been a suitable match for Elissa. He would also never tell Madeline of his brief infatuation with her sister. Elissa was an unreachable dream back then and he never really got to know her. He had Madeline now and that was all that mattered. Teagan never realized the depth of his longing to share his life with someone until getting to know Madeline. She filled that emptiness and made him realize things about himself that he denied. Teagan knew Eamon would be angry and view his relationship with Madeline as an act of childish defiance but he didn't care. All that mattered was Madeline and sharing his life with her.
Smiling, Teagan got up from his chair and headed upstairs to go to bed.