A Perfect Autumn Day
A perfect autumn morning greeted Leonie the next day. Endlessly blue skies, unmolested by clouds, stretched in every direction, the bright sun dazzling. The air was cool and the breeze was kind. It was a perfect day for a session of the High Court. Leonie had arranged with the constable to hold the session in the large square of Amaranthine to accommodate the large crowd she suspected would attend.
She settled a pauldron on her shoulder and began to fumble with the buckles when tapered, callused fingers pushed her hand away and set to the task. She smiled, unused to having help and surprised that Loghain had offered.
"You are silent today, Loghain. Have you nothing you wish to say?" she asked, smiling slightly as his fingers continued to move diligently about their task.
Loghain cocked his brow and said nothing but his fingers lingered along her skin after her second pauldron was secure. She leaned into the touch, gazing with longing at the rumpled bed. His fingers lightly flicked her cheek and she returned to the task of settling her vambraces in place so that he could buckle them.
"You seem unwilling or unable to concentrate this morning, Commander," he said with a small, smug smile.
"I suppose that your male vanity has decided you are the reason for my inattention?"
"Not at all," he replied but she heard the humor in his dry tones.
She stretched, rolling her neck, settling her armor more comfortably for the walk to Amaranthine. They would be leaving shortly and departing the following morning directly from the city to the Blackmarsh.
She was concerned for Kristoff, who should have returned to the Vigil by now if he was able. She was concerned for Tamra, who had agreed to wait until their return from the Blackmarsh to give Leonie her decision about the Joining. She was concerned about the day's session of the High Court and how the people of Amaranthine would react to her decisions. She sighed, her hands fumbling at the buckles.
"What is it, Leonie?" Loghain asked again as he stayed her hands.
"Nothing, Loghain," she answered, looking down at their hands.
It seemed, as she stared at their joined hands, that she was never going to find the Architect and there was a fear in her, unspoken and hidden, that they would not find him. That instead he would find her and the dark promises he had made would be fulfilled. But she was not going to voice those thoughts, not on such a beautiful morning and not to Loghain when their relationship was still fresh and fragile. The day was too gorgeous to be consumed by such gloomy thoughts. She was anxious to be out in it, to feel the warmth of the sun and the coolness of the breeze.
"For an Orlesian you are a remarkably poor liar," he remarked quietly.
"For a Fereldan you are full of the most flowery compliments," she teased and began buckling Loghain's breastplate. She had discovered, quite by accident, that he had a sensitive spot just along his lower ribs and she poked it, watching him squirm, his brows knitted.
"Impudent girl," he muttered.
"Irritable man," she replied, poking him again for good measure. He swatted at her hands and she bent once more to her task.
When they were both buckled into their armor, he went to his room to finish packing and she shouldered her own pack, strapped on her weapons and made her way to the courtyard. She stopped to speak to Voldrik about the ongoing restoration and reinforcement of the Vigil's walls. Loghain came over to join the discussion. She was surprised by the depth of his knowledge of construction but decided his ego needed no more help at the moment.
They were joined by Anders and Sigrun in the courtyard a few minutes later. Nathaniel had left early to tell Delilah the news. He had agreed that she would accept the news from him much easier than if Leonie told her. They would meet at the square just before the session began.
Loghain took point and Sigrun immediately came to Leonie's side. She was nearly jumping out of her boots, perky and pert and grinning.
"So, you and the old man are together, eh?" she asked, nudging Leonie playfully in the ribs.
"His name is Loghain and I assure you there is nothing old about him," Leonie responded with a satisfied smirk.
"Yeah, that's what I meant, Loghain, and oh? Oh! Imagine that," Sigrun chortled and Leonie felt the heat of her blush blossom in her cheeks.
"I'm glad. Maybe he won't be so sour all the time," Sigrun continued and Leonie snickered.
"We can hope, my friend. We can hope."
"Wow, look at that flower! I'll be right back," Sigrun sang out and went running over to a clump of pale blue wildflowers growing in the shadow of a large pine. Leonie chuckled as she watched Sigrun drop to her knees, bending over the flowers and sniffing appreciatively. Sigrun was like a magpie, always chattering and chirping and drawn to shiny new things. Leonie found it charming and endearing.
Anders wasted no time in taking her place by Leonie's side. "Well, I hope you know you've wounded my heart," he muttered, sliding a sly glance at her from under a thick fringe of golden lashes.
"That is not your heart, Anders, that is your ego," Leonie replied tartly and he shot her a grin.
"Well, that too," he said agreeably and cast another glance at her.
"If he hurts you he won't be able to run fast enough or far enough," he added seriously and she was touched by his air of protectiveness. Her throat thickened with emotion.
"Thank you, dear Anders," Leonie finally responded when her voice was under control.
"And he's old so when you need a young, virile handsome man…" he began, puffing out his chest and Leonie cut him off.
"I shall go to Nathaniel of course."
"Ouch. You are such a mean woman."
"It is a gift," she agreed and they laughed together as they continued on in the splendor of a perfect autumn day.
The streets of Amaranthine were crowded with its citizens and there was an odd air of celebration drifting in the gentle, sea scented breeze. Constable Aidan and a contingent of the guard, uniforms all polished to a bright sheen, stood in the center of the square and Varel, looking solemn and solid, stood with Captain Garavel and a small group of soldiers, all dressed in the new gleaming silverite uniforms of the Vigil's guard. Nathaniel, standing beside his sister and a tall, distracted looking man, waved to her as she and her fellow Wardens worked their way through the crowd.
"I am at a loss for words, Arlessa Leonie," Delilah began and for a moment Leonie was afraid Delilah would drop into a curtsy but instead she smiled a rather shaky smile.
"I think it is a perfect solution, yes? You have much to offer the people and they will thrive under your patronage," Leonie said kindly, with conviction.
Before they could speak more, a flourish of horns announced the start of the High Court. Leonie slid her pack off and straightened her shoulders.
"All those with business before the High Court gather round. You will be heard!" Varel called out and his voice resonated with confidence. He bowed as Leonie approached and she nervously surveyed the crowd.
"As is her right as Arlessa of Amaranthine, Leonie Caron, Warden Commander of the Grey of Ferelden, will hear the matter currently before the High Court!" Varel continued formally and with another bow, stepped back.
"Bring forth the prisoner!" Constable Aidan ordered and Esmerelle Nellier, escorted by two guards, was brought forward.
"Esmerelle Nellier, you are accused of murder, attempted murder and crimes against the crown. What say you?" Leonie asked, her voice much steadier than she felt internally.
"You would listen to an Orlesian?" Esmerelle shouted venomously at the crowd. "I am being held because she is afraid the truth will come out! She is a spy for Empress Celene, a puppet!" she continued, her voice reflecting bitterness and desperation.
"You will answer the charges, Esmerelle, or you will be returned to your cell," Leonie replied quietly, her voice firm. The crowd was hushed and only the sound of the soft wind dancing in the treetops could be heard.
Esmerelle, face pale and pinched, eyes furious and filled with hatred, remained silent. Leonie's eyes locked with hers and the struggle for power continued for several long moments before Esmerelle finally spoke.
"I am innocent of all charges," she spat, her tone both contemptuous and viscous.
Leonie shook her head slightly. The woman was not helping her cause and Leonie had no choice but to proceed. The crowd buzzed with excitement as Leonie called forth the witnesses. Each one confirmed that Esmerelle had been the leader of the conspiracy.
"Finally, I call upon Ser Tamra," Leonie announced and the crowd erupted in exclamations of surprise. Leonie continued watching Esmerelle, saw the moment the fight went out of the older woman.
"You are dead," Esmerelle whispered harshly at Tamra, her fear and surprise twisting her features into a caricature of herself.
"I would have been were it not for the bravery of the Wardens of Ferelden," Ser Tamra said, loud enough for all to hear. The murmuring of the crowd grew louder at her words, an angry buzz like hornets whose nest had been disturbed. Leonie felt almost sorry for Esmerelle. There was no love here for the former bann, nothing but resentment and anger.
"Have you anyone to speak on your behalf?" Leonie asked coolly and the older woman, shoulders now bent, looked utterly defeated as she shook her head.
"I hereby pronounce judgment on the prisoner, Esmerelle Nellier. All land, properties, entitlements and funds are forfeited. All titles are hereby stripped. You are to be taken to Denerim on this day, to be placed in the prison at Fort Drakon, where you will spend the rest of your days."
The crowd fell silent and Leonie shot a nervous glance at Varel, who returned her glance with a reassuring gaze.
"Take this prisoner away," she finished and stared at the crowd, drawing calm from the solid presence of her seneschal now standing by her side.
"Let it also be known on this day that Delilah Howe Beechem is appointed as Bann of Amaranthine. All properties, titles, entitlements and land formerly held by Esmerelle Nellier are by right and proclamation now hers!" Leonie announced.
She watched as Nathaniel led Delilah and Albert forward. The crowd remained eerily silent as the three made their way to Leonie's side and Leonie felt her heart slamming into her ribs, her hands shaking slightly. This was not what she had anticipated, the quiet crowd, and yet they did not seem hostile, merely watchful. She found Loghain's eyes, saw the pride in them, the reassurance, and she took a deep breath.
"Bann Delilah of Amaranthine," she introduced and the young woman, her smile bright and just a bit shaky, stepped forward.
"I am honored by the confidences bestowed upon me. I ask that you all give me time to bring wealth and respect back to our beautiful city. I will listen to all those with complaints and will do my utmost to give a fair hearing to all."
Leonie felt a stirring of pride for Nathaniel's sister. Delilah had been born into the nobility and it showed in each graceful gesture and word she spoke. Leonie felt her own confidence grow as she stood by the new bann.
A ripple went through the crowd, a stirring of voices that grew in volume, swelling like the waves of the sea and then a cheer, followed by another. Leonie's breath sailed out of her in relief and she stepped aside, allowing the citizenry to greet their new bann.
Varel stepped up a moment later. "This concludes today's session of the High Court!"
With that, the soldiers began to leave and Leonie made her way to her Wardens, thankful that court was over. Now, if she could just make her way to the Crown and Lion and hide under a bed, she would be happy, she thought as the crowd began to press forward, anxious to speak with the new bann. She saw Nathaniel talking with Tamra and then Tamra left with Varel, returning to Vigil's Keep.
"Garavel, make sure that Bann Delilah is not harmed. I do not think that anyone will intentionally hurt the woman but I fear the press of the crowd may be too great, yes?" Leonie instructed and he nodded, moving his men into place.
"I am going to procure rooms for the night," she told Loghain and began to move through the crowd. It wasn't until she was nearly out of the crowd that she realized he was behind her.
The Crown and Lion was quiet and the proprietor was happy to have customers. He was able to provide only four rooms and Leonie took them, wondering how fussy Anders would be at having to share a room with Nathaniel. She trudged up the stairs, exhausted now that the spectacle was over.
"Anders will not be happy about sharing a room," she said as she handed Loghain his key.
"It will build character," he returned and then moved closer to her, his eyes probing hers.
"Why didn't you hang Esmerelle? It was well within your rights to do so."
Leonie leaned against her door, smiling softly. "And make that harridan a martyr? I think not. Now she will serve as an example, yes?"
"Those years in Celene's court were not entirely wasted, I see," he remarked dryly.
"That cannot possibly be another compliment can it, Loghain?" she asked, her breath catching as he lowered his head to capture her smile with his lips before moving away again.
"Don't be foolish. I don't pay compliments," he finally replied and moved to his door. Before she could catch her breath, he slipped inside.
After she had washed up and when her hands were no longer shaking from the ordeal of the court session, she made her way to the market place. She wandered among the stalls, examining finely crafted blades and an array of beautiful jewelry but her eye was caught by the dressmaker's stall. A lovely dark red woolen wrapper, as soft as silk, with velvet trimmed cuffs and collars, captured her attention.
"I shall take it," she told the young woman and brought out her coin purse. "How much?"
"Nothing for the Arlessa of Amaranthine. Your patronage will be payment enough," the merchant replied, wrapping her purchase in plain brown paper.
Leonie took the package and pressed a sovereign into the woman's hand. "Your kindness it appreciated but kindness does not feed one, yes?" she asked softly and the woman bobbed a curtsy and accepted the coin.
"My thanks, Lady Leonie," she said shyly.
As Leonie made her way back to the inn, she found Sigrun joining her. "Too many tall people," the dwarf muttered and Leonie smiled sympathetically.
"Too many people, tall or not," she agreed as they walked on. The sun was bright and warm, the sky still remarkably blue and clear, the wind still kind and gentle. It was a perfect autumn day, she thought again, as they neared the inn. Her heart was as light as a bird's wing and she felt she might be able to fly, her happiness growing within her.
Nathaniel and Anders were sitting at a table, attacking a mountain of kidney pies and washing them down with mugs of ale. Leonie's stomach rumbled in complaint and she and Sigrun made their way to them.
"I am going to drop this off and then when I return, I have hope of helping you demolish those kidney pies and perhaps a mug of ale will have mysteriously appeared as well," she hinted and hurried up to her room.
"How is Delilah?" Leonie asked, once her hunger had been appeased.
Nathaniel smiled. "In shock, but I think she is happy. Albert is nervous."
"Ah, that is understandable, yes? But I think the knowledge he has gleaned over the years as a shopkeeper will help greatly," Leonie replied, taking a sip of her ale.
Nathaniel nodded, reaching for yet another kidney pie. "I think so too and he loves her, that can't hurt," he agreed with another smile.
The tavern began to fill with patrons and drinks were being brought to their table. Sigrun was teaching Anders and Nathaniel a dwarven drinking game. Toasts were being made by various patrons and Leonie was beginning to feel the effects of the ale. She pushed her mug aside but continued to watch her Wardens enjoying the celebration.
Loghain joined them, pulling his chair up beside Leonie's. She grinned at him. "I think the people are happy with the decisions of the court, yes?" she asked and pushed a mug of ale at him.
"And I think perhaps I shall switch to water," she added with a hint of a slur in her words.
"That might be advisable," he agreed with a smirk. She barely resisted the impulse to find that sensitive spot near his ribs and poke him. Instead, she rested her hand lightly on his thigh and grinned again.
Some hours later, when Leonie's lids were growing heavy, she discovered that Nathaniel had a remarkable singing voice, a rich, resonating baritone. He sang a ballad of a young hero, a knight in service to King Calenhad, and the entire tavern fell silent as he sang. With a lopsided smile and bow, he sat down afterward and soon someone else began to sing. She smiled at Nathaniel, wondering what else she still didn't know about the quiet young man.
Finally, Leonie stood and, with a wave of her hand for the others to remain seated, she made her way up the stairs and to her room. As she unbuckled her armor, she heard Loghain's steps and his door opening and then closing. She splashed water into her basin and washed quickly before slipping into her new wrapper and making her way to his room, tapping lightly at the door.
Loghain opened it, his eyebrow quirked. "That's new," he said, ushering her in.
"I thought that if you could wear new armor after so many years, I could do no less," she replied with a soft smile as she met his gaze. And there it was, that slow smile creeping across his face, softening his features and taking the hardness from his eyes.
"Did you indeed? And Fereldan made," he remarked, bending to kiss her. Her arms wound around him, fingers snaking into his dark silky hair as the kiss deepened.
A perfect autumn day led to a perfect autumn night.
