Chapter 24
Morrigan watched as Messenger skinned the rabbit before placing it on a spit in the fire. It had been six weeks since he saw Alistair and Marielle and he had remained relatively quiet since then. She did not pressure him to talk. When she heard him say he loved them as they slept from the spell, it was obvious how the reunion touched him. Messenger had told them he was going to the Deep Roads but instead, spent the last few weeks hunting and gathering herbs. She now had enough herbs to last her for several months. It was like he was waiting for something to happen and in a way she was as well because she knew Marielle and Alistair was were not finished.
A recent trip to Denerim and the palace revealed the frantic hustle of preparations being done for the arrival of Empress Celene. Morrigan learned that Marielle was already living at the estate and would travel to the compound to conduct Warden Business. The required mourning period for Alistair was officially over with but he and Marielle had gotten so busy preparing for Celene's visit, they barely had time to speak.
She was visiting the with his nieces and nephews more now since the compound was on the palace grounds and Alistair would occasionally be the one to bring them to the gardens where they would play.
In bird form she watched them sit on the bench talking and occasionally their hands would brush against each other. Alistair seemed to be the one more willing to talk and while Marielle was not refusing to talk, there were moments when she would act very shy around him. It was both amusing and nauseating to view them and Morrigan was reaching the point where her patience was wearing this.
"What are they waiting for?" She growled when returning to the hut.
Morrigan thought of Empress Celene and how she was going to meet her and she had a feeling this woman was also going to be the catalyst in bringing about Alistair's and Marielle's reunion, only she did not know how.
"They will be together." Messenger said as he sat next to her.
"And since when did you get optimistic?" Morrigan asked.
"Because I was with them." He said. "The bond they share…I felt it and I will be taking that feeling with me when I leave."
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The Early Arrival
Marielle sat in the rocking chair holding Teagan and Kaitlyn's daughter as she fell asleep. Her nanny was eating her meal and Marielle jumped at the chance for some quiet time. Holding Marianne and singing to her filled Marielle with a sense of peace that she was able to forget her problems.
Some Orlesian Wardens arrived earlier on another ship and a few of them had not been happy with her explanation on the events that occurred in Ostagar. They were planning on undertaking and expedition there and now would have to use another Deep Roads entrance. It was too late though, for they were now looking at her with distrust. They knew she was holding back and it offended them. Marielle had also met another Grey Warden who was about to embark on his journey to Orzammar to seek his Calling. His name was Paul and one of his requests was to meet Alistair so they made the trip to the palace where Alistair graciously met him in the study. Alistair was stunned to learn that this was Paul's thirty eighth year as a Warden. The thirty years was just the average, most Wardens lived. Some lived shorter than that while others lived longer. Marielle had learned most Wardens residing in the Anderfells lived between twenty five to twenty eight years while the Orlesian Wardens averaged thirty to thirty three years, and some lived longer than that. Marielle could see Alistair looked both fascinated and worried. While it was gratifying to know that there was the possibility of your lifespan being extended, seeing the affects of the taint on Paul was disconcerting. He had the expression of someone who was permanently in Lyrium withdrawal and went from acting normal to being emotional in a matter of minutes. Seeing Paul made Marielle decide that when her time came to go to Orzammar, she would do it in private and with no fanfare.
Marielle got up and gently put Marianne in her cradle and left the room. Teagan and Kaitlyn were coming up the stairs when they saw her shut the door.
"She's asleep." Marielle said.
"Thank you Marielle." Kaitlyn smiled. "You are a natural."
"Marianne is just a very good girl." Marielle grinned. "And it relaxes me being with her."
"We have some news." Teagan said. "The Empress is here. Her ship docked a few hours ago and she's settling down at the palace. She brought a staff of two dozen."
"She's early!" Marielle exclaimed.
"Eamon said Alistair is in panic." Kaitlyn laughed.
"Its understandable considering she's one day early." Marielle said.
"I sort of have some news you might not be too keen on Marielle." Teagan said. "I know you said wouldn't attend the tournament but unfortunately your presence is requested by the Empress herself."
"I have not been to arena since…Fergus died." Marielle suddenly felt sick to her stomach.
"It would be considered an insult if you didn't attend Marielle." Kaitlyn put her hand on Marielle's shoulder.
"I'll go. It certainly would not look good if the Hero of Ferelden created an international incident." Marielle sighed.
"We'll be there with you Marielle." Teagan said.
"Thank you both of you." Marielle said. "Your support means the world to me."
"Empress also sent you this." Kaitlyn handed her a box.
Marielle opened the box and found it contained a set of black drakescale armor. The Warden Commander crest was embroidered in gold and silver on the bodice.
"I take it I have to wear this." Marielle managed a laugh.
"You might incur an international incident if you don't." Kaitlyn giggled.
"We certainly would not want that. I'm just glad Zevran is away otherwise I'd never hear the end of it."
Marielle excused herself and tried on the armor. It was very Orlesian and very tight. She prayed that she would able to mount her horse while wearing this.
"Maker!" She grimaced as she sat down.
The thought of having to go the arena unnerved her and Marielle prayed that she would not become undone. The anniversary of her brother's death was relatively quiet for her. She had gone to his grave and planted a tree but left after an hour of reflection and telling him that she loved him and was sorry she had not been around more. Marielle cried but most of the grief had lifted from her soul. Fergus not being around would always hurt, but she was moving on.
Marielle thought of Alistair and their time with Messenger. It still tore at her heart at what happened to Duncan but she did not see monster when she spoke to him, she saw the man who saved her life. She saw the man who was instrumental in forging her destiny. She saw the man who gave her Alistair. He would always be Duncan to her.
And then there was Alistair. The kiss they shared at Ostagar haunted her dreams.
Marielle felt so safe and complete when wrapped in his arms but the trust issues still nagged at her.
They had been so busy preparing for Celene's arrival that there was barely enough time for them to spend together so those moments he did spend in the garden when she was with the children made her heart sing.
"Perhaps once Empress Celene leaves, we will talk." Marielle said to herself as changed back to her normal armor.
Alistair and Liam Two Days Later
Alistair was sitting in his chair playing with one of the runestones Marielle had given him when they traveled.
Empress Celene was a striking but imposing woman in her early thirties and he was already exhausted and she had only arrived a couple of days ago. He had no idea how he was going to survive the week before she left to tour the rest of the country.
He was dreading the tournament and agonized over what Marielle was thinking. They had made some progress and it terrified him that she would retreat from him because it.
"Uncle Alistair."
He looked up to see Liam in the doorway.
"Come in." Alistair smiled as he watched Liam shut the door. "How's Lily?"
"The ginger water helped her." Liam said. "That Orlesian food was just too much for her.
"I'm going to have our cook prepare meals separately for all of you." Alistair said. "Is there something you wanted to talk about?"
"Uncle Alistair do you like Marielle?" Liam asked.
"Of course I like her." Alistair said nervously. "Why do you ask?"
"I mean do you really like her?" Liam asked. "Because I saw how you looked at her the other day."
"Marielle is…very special to me." Alistair admitted.
"You should tell her." Liam said.
"You like her don't you?" Alistair asked.
"Like her? We love her Uncle Alistair and you love her." Liam said.
"It's not that easy Liam." Alistair sighed
"It can be if you wanted it to be." Liam said as he left the room.
Wynne and the Empress before the Tournament
Wynne and Celene sat in the sitting room sipping tea and discussing books. Wynne chastised herself for the earlier apprehension she felt when meeting the empress.
She turned out to be a very gracious and vivacious woman who shared her passion for books.
"So let me understand this again." Celene said in accent that was thicker than Leliana's. "The king and the Warden Commander saved the Circle and that's how you came to travel with them."
"I initially met Marielle at Ostagar." Wynne explained. "It was before the battle."
"Fascinating." Celene said. "Anora did not tell me this when she mentioned you."
"Anora mentioned me?" Wynne asked.
"Indeed she did." Celene said. "We became very good friends through our correspondence and she told me a great many things."
"She did?"
"Anora told me you might need assistance in her request."
"Wynne coughed when she heard that last statement. Setting down her tea, she looked at Celene.
"Yes Wynne." Celene said. "I knew Anora was dying and she told me what she wanted."
"I don't know what to say." Wynne was shocked.
"You don't have to say anything Wynne." Celene chuckled. "And Anora was right from meeting the king and the Warden Commander, I could feel their love but then again it's easier for me being Orlesian."
"I still don't know if Anora's last wish will ever come to pass." Wynne said.
"Oh it will." Celene said. "Just leave it to me. No offense to you Fereldens, but you all are so repressed when it comes to matters of love. Leave it to me."
Wynne wasn't sure if she should feel relieved or worried.
The Tournament
Marielle sat next to Teagan and Kaitlyn watching Nathaniel spar with an Orlesian Warden. Alistair, Empress Celene and Wynne sat across from her. She could feel Alistair watching her.
So far the tournament had only affected her a few times and Kaitlyn would take her hand when she felt like she was about to come undone.
Marielle watched as Nathaniel and Orlesian Warden were both down on the ground and raised their hands together.
"And they both call it a draw." The Arena Master yelled.
The audience howled and clapped as he stood in the middle of the floor.
"And now by Orlesian tradition. The Empress will choose the next two combatants.
Marielle watched as Empress Celene stood up and waved to the applauding crowd.
"I call his Majesty, King Alistair to the floor!" She yelled. "And I call Warden Commander Marielle!"
The audience gasped and then it grew silent.
Marielle was shocked and Alistair looked like he wanted to crawl under a bush and die.
Marielle got up and slowly made her way down to the floor and Alistair followed suit.
She caught Alistair's pleading glance as she bowed for Empress Celene and looked over at Wynne who looked at her in stunned silence.
"You know the rules your Majesty and Commander." The arena master said. "Remember this is only to show your skills. Do not over do it."
The arena master and Empress Celene left the floor and Alistair faced Marielle.
"I swear on The Chant. I had nothing to do with this." He whispered.
Marielle did not say anything. She just withdrew her swords and started to circle him.
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"Maker strike me down now." Alistair thought.
He looked at Marielle and withdrew his weapon and shield. She suddenly maneuvered around him and struck him on the side but he raised his shield in time to absorb most of the blow. She struck again and managed to make him stumble back. He managed to strike a few blows and she blocked most of them until the last one knocked her to the ground. His eyes pleaded with her to yield or for them to declare a draw but suddenly she dropped her weapons and the crowdemitted a loud collective gasp, as she dropped to her knees.
Alistair noticed the frantic look on Wynne face. He saw Varel and Marielle's Wardens looking worried. He turned to see Eamon, Teagan, and Kaitlyn looking pensive.
Looking back to the other side where Wynne was, he saw Empress Celene watching intently.
The crowd gasped again when Alistair dropped his shield and sword. The sound of it hitting the floor echoed throughout the arena.
Alistair removed his gauntlets and knelt down by Marielle. She shivered when he lifted her chin to meet his eyes.
"I love you Marielle." He whispered.
He slowly cupped her face and kissed her, not caring that several hundred people were now transfixed and watching their every move.