Chapter 26

Alistair and Madeline stood by the apple tree that sat at the side of the palace gardens next to a stone fence.

"Given the size, this tree is at least two hundred years old Alistair," Madeline said as she walked around it. "The trees at the one orchard I showed you are almost one hundred years old. This tree is nearly double their size."

"Wow! I thought this tree was old but I never figured it to be that old."

"I have no idea what variety this is but the apples are edible although a bit on the sweet side. It would yield more if those dead branches were removed."

"I'll inform my gardeners to do that."

"And thank you for the apples. Once they dry out, I can get the seeds and attempt to start seedlings."

"You're welcome. If feels like we're preserving history."

"In a sense we are but if I can't find the variety it will have to be renamed. How does King Alistair Red sound?"

"I'd appreciate it, if you omit the king part."

"You have a deal," Madeline laughed.

They sat back at the table and Alistair waved off a servant who was preparing to pour their tea.

"Thank you, but I think we can handle it."

The servant bowed and went back towards the palace.

"So, aside from the one orchard you showed me, how many do you have?"

"Originally it was six, but we had to burn the one closest to the town so that we would not be overrun."

"You know it's for the best that the orchard was burned. The trees would have likely never produced apples again because of the taint."

"Yes, several people have told me it's important to destroy everything the darkspawn have touched. I made sure what remained of Mitchell's estate was burned too."

"Good. I have had to stress the fact that lumber can't even be produced from trees that are tainted."

"What happens to the wood?"

"The wood deteriorates from the inside out."

"Which could be dangerous."

"Yes. You would not believe how I have to drill that into some members of the nobility."

"I can understand. Bann Mitchell was a difficult man to deal with when he was alive."

"So how did you get interested in apple growing and botany?"

"Aunt Lydia did not like it when I used to shut myself in the library while I was recovering from the various treatments I had when I was child."

"One day I was carried out to this mound of dirt where she was standing. There was a shovel, a spade, and various potted plants spread out. Aunt Lydia also handed me a pack of seeds and tells me to plant."

"And that's all it took?"

"Oh, I fought with her in the beginning but she would not give in. I reluctantly put those plants in the ground and planted those seeds. Everyday I would have to go to that plot where I would either water it or pull weeds. Those plants grew fairly fast, but it took longer for those seeds to sprout. They did eventually and the empty plot was becoming something. It gave me a purpose to get out of the house everyday. In the end, I had this beautiful little plot filled with flowers and my interest just grew from there."

"That little garden served more than one purpose I see."

"It helped give me confidence. In the beginning I was carried to the garden, but eventually I walked with a cane, and then I needed no assistance."

"So it helped you to walk?"

"Growing those flowers helped me to realize I could do anything if I set my mind to it."

"Your aunt sounds like she was a wonderful woman."

"She was," Madeline let out a wistful sigh. "Aunt Lydia gave me so much and all she wanted in return was for me to believe in myself."

"If you don't mind me saying this, you are just so different from the other noblewoman."

"What makes them different from me?"

"Well for one thing, I don't think most of them have ever worked a day in their life."

"I was a noblewoman raised like a commoner. Aunt Lydia believed hard work was good for the soul. When I was a child going through all those treatments, I did have a nurse who helped take care of me but once I was able, I was on my own. Aunt Lydia did not have a lady-in-waiting and neither did I. Our staff always consisted of a maid, a cook, and a groundskeeper. I had to make my own bed, and sort my clothes when it was time for the maid to wash them."

"When I became king, I had all these menservants swarming about wanting to dress me," Alistair shuddered at the memory. "I dismissed them and they were assigned other tasks. I do have a butler, but his only jobs are to make sure I am out of bed by a certain time and to make sure everything in the palace runs smoothly."

"I don't blame you for not wanting anyone to dress you. I most certainly would not want that either."

"Although, I do admit to still putting the boot on the wrong foot every so often," Alistair said with a wink.

Madeline laughed, but suddenly became distracted by Habren coming down the path holding a tray. She was wearing a basic no frills work dress and her hair was put up and the bitterness on her face was evident. Madeline watched as she set the tray down which revealed two serving bowls of soup. Habren filled a smaller bowl and set it before Alistair.

"Thank you, Habren."

Habren bowed and proceeded to fill another of the smaller bowls but used the other serving bowl.

"Is your soup different from what I am having Alistair?"

"No, it's the same fish bisque."

"Why are there two serving bowls?"

"Did the cook give you two serving bowls, Habren?" Alistair looked at her.

Madeline stared at Habren and could see a slight quiver in her lips.

"I…just took the tray, your Majesty."

"Habren, would you mind sampling my soup?" Madeline handed her the bowl then gave Alistair a look.

"Yes Habren, have some of Lady Madeline's soup." Alistair got up from his chair and filled another bowl from the serving bowl his came from and set it down.

"Yes Habren, how does it taste?" Madeline tasted the soup from the bowl Alistair set down.

Habren took a small taste from the soup.

"How is it?"

"Lady Madeline, I don't think that tiny taste is enough to savor this delicious bisque," Alistair smiled. "Now take a spoonful Habren and savor it."

Her hands shaking, Habren took a generous spoonful.

"It's…delicious, your Majesty."

Madeline watched Habren's eyes begin to water and her cheeks turn red. She opened her mouth slightly and began to breath faster.

"So Habren, how much Antivan pepper sauce did you add to the serving bowl meant for me?" Madeline laughed.

"Habren!" Alistair stood up and went to the serving bowl, sampling the bisque and then spit it out.

Habren dropped to her knees and started to cry.

"Do you even realize how much trouble you are in, Habren?" Alistair growled. "Your father is considering sending you to a chantry school if you do not straighten up."

"I am sorry, your Majesty."

"I'm not the one you have to apologize to," Alistair folded his arms and glared at her.

Habren turned at looked at Madeline.

"I am sorry, Lady Madeline."

Madeline could see how terrified she was and began to soften.

"Apology accepted. It is Satinalia after all and I am sure you meant no harm with this prank."

Habren's eyes widened in surprise. "No. No my lady. It was just a… joke."

"Habren, the kennel master needs another helper to help clean the kennels," Alistair said as he helped himself to some more soup. "Please send another helper to bring the main course and then head off to the kennels."

Habren's face turned white and she bowed her head. "Yes, your Majesty."

As Habren was halfway down the path, Alistair stood up.

"Habren."

"I was joking. You don't have to go to the kennels," Alistair laughed. "Just a little… Satinalia joke."

Habren looked as if she had just been told she would not be executed.

"Thank you your, Majesty," she panted, still affected by the sauce.

"Go have some water, Habren." Madeline smiled. "That will make you feel better."

"Thank you, my lady," Habren said, before turning around and walking inside.

"The look on her face was priceless when you told her she had to go to the kennels," Madeline laughed.

"Thank you," Alistair grinned. "I could not resist after what she did and considering how good natured you were about it. Bryland has been talking about sending her to a chantry school. How did you know what she was up to?"

"I was trained as a rogue, Alistair," Madeline said as she gingerly picked up a slice of bread. "Her bottom lip was quivering and I knew it was just amiss to have two serving bowls of soup. It also helped that Zevran introduced me this Antivan pepper sauce. I know what makes it distinct from other pepper sauces is that it has no discernable odor but packs a powerful punch when it is ingested."

"I'm glad Zevran has been a help for you."

"He's also a good friend. I take it you're not too fond of him."

"Oh no," Alistair laughed. "I do like him. He would not have his own room and open access to the palace if I didn't. I just question his methods." "From what I heard, Elissa was quite from fond of him."

"She was. Your sister managed to see the good in everybody."

"Zevran has been a huge asset to Harpers Ford."

"That's good to know."

"Wynne told me that you and Zevran pulled pranks during the Satinalia you were traveling."

"Yes we did," Alistair chuckled at the memory. "We put itching powder inside Sten's armor. We glued one of Wynne's books so she could not open it."

"And what did you do to my sister?" Madeline smirked.

"We had Oghren go in her tent and…how can I say this in a politely? Relieve his flatulence?" Alistair laughed. "He'd go in there with the tent closed up and it would not dissipate."

Madeline dropped her spoon and started laughing. "Alistair, that is so wickedly evil. There are dwarven surfacers who live in Harpers. I've experienced what happens when they all get together and drink at the tavern."

"So, you have smelled it too!"

"Yes."

Two servants brought a tray and Madeline could tell by the delicious aroma that it was roast lamb.

"Wynne also told me about the gifts Elissa gave everybody."

"We went through a great deal during our travels. She… wanted the members of our group… to experience some joy even if it was fleeting." Alistair looked away.

"I'm sorry for bringing her up," Madeline said apologetically.

"No. Don't be. It actually helps to talk about her."

"I'm glad because the things Fergus, Wynne, and Zevran told me have helped me to know her."

"It warms my heart to know that you want to know who your sister was," Alistair said, giving Madeline a sad smile.

"I also think Elissa would be happy that we are friends." Madeline met Alistair's eyes and gave him a hopeful smile.

"Yes…you're right. She definitely would like that."

Madeline grinned as she helped herself to some lamb and potatoes.

She looked up and watched in morbid fascination as Alistair heaped slices of meat and potatoes on his plate but did not say anything.

"So let's talk about the elves in Harpers," Alistair said between bites.

"I want to know as king, how I can duplicate the contentment they have."

Alistair listened intently as she talked about life at Harpers Ford and how the elves lived. They chatted, laughed, and for the first time since he could remember, he felt like he could be himself.

…

Teagan looked up from the book he was attempting to read as Wynne came into his study and shut the door.

"Is she….," Teagan looked at Wynne hopefully.

"No Teagan," Wynne chuckled. "Madeline is not back yet."

Wynne sat down on the chair and folded her arms. "I hope you realize that you put me in an awkward position. When news finally reaches Eamon and Alistair, to a lesser extent, that you are courting Madeline, they are going to summon me and want to know how long I was aware of it."
"I know, Wynne, and I am sorry. Can't you just say you were not aware of it when you were staying here being responsible for Connor?"

"I suppose I could, but I really don't like lying, especially to Alistair."

"You won't be lying to him because he will not be the one that is asking. It will be my brother that will be doing the inquiring."

"That's true. Aside from Elissa, Alistair has little experience when it comes to relationships and courting but he did express an interest in being friends with Madeline."

"And you're implying it will hurt him to know that we were not upfront with him when he finally learns we are courting. It's not my intention to hurt Alistair. He said himself that my brother's idea to marry Madeline was ridiculous. If he asks, I will explain it or Madeline will."

"While Madeline has a bit more experience than Alistair when it comes to relationships, she is naïve in some ways as well and that's probably due to being sheltered at Harpers. I hope you are aware of that, Teagan."

"Her childhood sweetheart is now constable of Amaranthine. He came by with news of Mitchell's son's death."

"What was he like?"

"I can't really say. We didn't really speak very much. He was very nervous…but polite. I recall him being very concerned about the refugees in Amaranthine."

"She also had a couple of suitors after that. I'm just glad you are aware. Being sheltered at Harper's, Madeline's experience with matters of the heart are very limited."

"Believe me, Wynne, I am well aware of her limited experience and I am taking things slow. But you have to admit, for as sheltered as Madeline was, she's had relationships. Her aunt did not close her off to the point where she became a fragile wallflower."
"Except for keeping her out of Denerim and Highever, Madeline's aunt gave her a normal upbringing."

"I know this sounds horrible, Wynne, but her upbringing is one of the things that captivate me about her. Madeline is a noblewoman in every sense of the word, but yet she's so different from the women I've encountered."

"Her aunt taught her all the proper social grace without the pretentiousness, but Elissa was brought up in a similar fashion as well."

"True. But Elissa seemed more conservative. Madeline is just so free."

"I think her aunt was a bit…unconventional."

"Indeed. And that is what makes Madeline so captivating."

"Teagan Guerrin, you are completely smitten! You actually remind me of Alistair."

"Yes I am, but it's so much more than that, Wynne," Teagan sighed. "Being with Madeline made me realized how much I have missed out on life being my brother's errand boy, and she is the first woman in a very long time that I can see myself having a future with."

"Surely there have been other women in the past you've found special."

"There was one girl when I was young. Her name was… Rebecca. She was a commoner and Eamon did not approve. Her family eventually moved away."

"I'm sorry. It must have hurt to have let her go."

"It did. And what made it worse is that I bought into Eamon's perpetual diatribe about the importance of duty," Teagan's said in a venomous tone.

"Yes, I've heard Eamon's duty sermon countless times. I wish he put that much effort into being a father to Connor."

"Indeed. He has spent a grand total of two hours with Connor if I add up all his visits."

"That's more than Isolde."

"Madeline said she looked very nervous when she saw her with Alistair."

"She did. It was very odd, Teagan. I got the impression by the tone in Alistair's voice that he made her come with him."

"Did she even act motherly toward Connor?"

"Yes, in a sense. Isolde was very kind to him but very nervous."

"It's hard to believe this was the same woman who offered to sacrifice herself to save her son. The mothering part of her apparently went away the minute he went to the Circle."

"It's a shame because she is going to regret it in the long run. He's already beginning to see it. Its just good Connor has you, Teagan."

"He's my nephew. I would do anything for him."

And that is one of the many reasons that sets you apart from your brother. You have a better sense of what is important. As Connor gets older he will remember how you accepted him despite being a mage. And Teagan, your nephew is a prodigy. He is very gifted. His abilities will help many people once they are nurtured and structured."

"I know you mentioned he's focusing on the healing arts, but what is this about the Fade?"

"Do you really want to know, Teagan?" Wynne looked at him straight in the eyes.

"Yes, I want to know, Wynne."

"Connor's survival of his possession by the demon gave him a great affinity for the Fade. In his dreams, no demons have ever crossed him again."

"That's…certainly good to know."

"There's more, Teagan. He communicates with spirits…spirits of loved ones."

"Are you saying he speaks to spirits of people in his dreams?"

"That is exactly what I am saying, Teagan."

"Who has he spoken to?"

"He's spoken to nearly everyone in Madeline's family."

"Does Madeline know?"

"I haven't told her. Her dreams have been troubling enough and I haven't told Fergus either."

"I won't say anything either."

"He mentioned seeing Rowan in his dreams."

"Rowan?" Teagan nearly dropped his goblet. "He's seen Rowan?"

"I've always believed that when somebody we know dies, a part of them is always with us, watching us as we traverse through life."

"I know, Wynne. I'm not the most religious person but I have always believed that. It's just so odd that you mentioned her because I dreamt about her recently."

"What was the dream like?"

"Rowan was standing in the courtyard looking exactly like I last saw her," Teagan said wistfully.

"Did she say anything?"

"She told me I was going to be the one who will bring honor back to our family. That's all that I remember. I woke up soon after."

"How do you feel about that dream?"

"It made me miss her, and then it disheartened me that she's looking down from wherever she is and thinks that."

"I wonder what she means by bringing honor back."

"I wish I knew, Wynne. It would make going about the task so much easier if I knew what she meant."

…..

Teagan was coming down the stairs when he saw Phillip open the door.

"Good afternoon, Lady Madeline. I trust you enjoyed your lunch with the king."

"I did, thank you Philip." Madeline handed him her cloak and smiled when seeing Teagan coming down the stairs.

"You're back." Teagan put his arms around her and kissed her.

"Thank you, Phillip." Teagan took Madeline's hand and led her to the sitting room.

"Where is everyone?" Madeline laughed as Teagan shut the door then hugged her close again.

"Wynne and Connor are upstairs playing some game with Fergus. You'll see them later."

"So, how was your lunch with Alistair?" Teagan sat down on the settee next to Madeline as she rested in his arms.

"Habren added Antivan Pepper sauce to my bowl of bisque and was hoping I'd consume it, but I got wind of her trick." Madeline laughed.

"How did you know?" Teagan chuckled.

"She had a separate serving bowl for Alistair and he made her sample some from mine."

"He did?" Teagan laughed.

"She admitted it but I let it go as a Satinalia prank, and then he pranked her back saying she was wanted in the kennels to clean up. You should have seen the look on her face when Alistair said he was joking."

"I bet. That was very nice of you to not make an issue of the incident."

"Its Satinalia and Habren looked like she's really been working. I didn't want to make it worse for her. Lunch went smoothly after that it."

"So, what did you talk about?"

"We talked about Harper's Ford and how I was brought up. We discussed the situation with the elves. We even talked about Satinalia and he shared some stories about Elissa."

"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself."

"I did. Alistair is smart, funny, and I really respect his dedication for wanting to usher in a new era for Ferelden. I also sense… his loneliness. It's obvious not easy for him."

"It definitely isn't."

"I told him that Elissa would be happy we are friends."

"I'm sure she is, but I don't want to talk about Alistair anymore."

"What do you want to talk about?"

"Who says I want to talk?"

He cupped her cheek, willing her to look at him and undid her hair, letting it fall loose around her shoulders.

Teagan leaned forward and with his hand in her hair, urged Madeline's face toward his until their foreheads touched. Their noses rubbed together briefly, which brought a smile to Madeline's face and gave him a chuckle.

He sifted his hand through Madeline's hair, letting his fingers trail along her jaw line with a light touch until he reached her chin, gently tilting her face upwards. His lips brushed across hers and pulled back slightly, then leaned in to each other again with another teasing brush that lingered longer than the previous. Madeline gently caught his lower lip between her teeth and lightly flicked her tongue across it, eliciting a groan from Teagan.

Holding held her chin more firmly, Teagan angled his lips across hers, and deepened the kiss, coaxing her lips apart and entwined his tongue with hers. Madeline moaned and responded to him with similar fervor.

Teagan could feel his heart beat against ribs as he pulled Madeline into his arms, kissing her deeply, over and over again. He felt her heart as she leaned against him running her fingers in his hair as they kissed.

"This feels so good," Madeline let out a contented sigh. "I don't want to get up."

"Neither do I. Supper is not for awhile, we can stay here."

Suddenly there was a knock on the door.

"Uncle Teagan!"

Teagan and Madeline looked at each other and laughed.

"We better get out there." Teagan got up and held out his hand.

"Yes, we should," Madeline chuckled softly as she took his hand.

…

"I'm glad Bann Madeline did not take offense to my daughter's…prank," Bryland shook his head in embarrassment.

"Madeline took no offense, Bryland," Alistair said in a reassuring tone.

"While that was very gracious of her, Habren should not have done that. If I don't send her away, perhaps a few hours a day at the Chantry might do her some good."

"I've received an excellent report about Shianni, so perhaps it could help her."

"I'm just so embarrassed."

"Don't be. One thing I've learned is that there is no such thing as a perfect family. Everyone has their problems…their skeletons."

"That's true. Enough about my problems. Have you decided what to do with Bann Franderel?"

"He paid all taxes he owes and we have possession of his artwork and the deed to his estate in Denerim. I told him he could keep his bannorn for now."

"And what will you do with the estate?"

"I'm thinking of giving it to Fergus Cousland. He mentioned purchasing an estate in Denerim was on his list. Considering what happened to his family and their years of dedication to the crown, I believe he's entitled to it."

"That is an excellent idea, your Majesty. Alfstanna told me how he stopped Wulff from attacking Vaughan."

"Yes, he did."

"Well, I best be off. I'm having supper with Sighard . Thank you your Majesty, for updating me on Habren. I'll see you at the meeting tomorrow."

"It's no problem, Bryland." Alistair smiled. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Alistair watched him leave the study before picking up the deed and reading it.

Setting it down, Alistair reached for the small statue of the lady that was sitting on the shelf with all the trinkets Elissa had given him.

"Madeline wants to know Elissa," he said thoughtfully while looking at the statue. "I know she will appreciate you."

Setting down the statue, Alistair took a blank sheet of vellum, grabbed his quill and began to write. After folding it, he grabbed another sheet and wrote some more.

"Giles," he called.

"Yes, your Majesty?" Giles appeared at the door.

"I need you to prepare two packages. The deed goes to the teyrn, the statue goes to Bann Madeline and there are notes for each of them."

"I'll get on it, your Majesty." Giles bowed before heading towards to the desk.

"Thank you," Alistair smiled before getting up and leaving the room.

...