Long Lost

The first day of the tournament bored Sareyna to tears. There was no immediacy to it, you got a few seconds of action followed by several minutes of boredom during which the knights readied themselves for another pass. Sareyna craved the close combat of swords ringing, first blood and primal screams.

Nathaniel and Alistair had both insisted on the jousting however. They felt it would help them determine the character of those involved, would they shy from danger or would they meet it head on, as it were. Varel and Garavel were keeping track of the entrants so Sareyna was free to let her mind wander as she wished.

The celebrations that night couldn't come fast enough. She longed to dance, to laugh, it had been far too long since she had experienced that kind of revelry without something dark and sinister hanging over her head. It was late into the night and she was fairly deep into her cups when she heard a laugh she would know even in the vastness of the Fade.

She jerked out of Alistair's arms and spun towards the door. There he stood, resplendent in Cousland blue. He spoke with a man she didn't recognize but she didn't care. She dashed across the main hall and threw her arms around him. He grunted as her body collided with his and he wrapped his arms around her. Feeling suddenly like a little girl she let go a flood of tears, she felt so deliriously happy.

"Pup, are you alright?"

She nodded but didn't release him. He laughed again, "Pardon me ser; it appears my sister has missed me."

"Of course," came a low rumbling from behind her.

Still clinging to him, Fergus walked her a bit away from the press of bodies in the main hall and refectory. He tried to peel her off. He laughed again, "Pup, let me go so I can see you."

She released him finally, smoothing her hands over her rumpled dress as she did so and smiled up at him. Fergus was nearly as tall as Anders and for a moment she could almost forget all that had happened during the Blight.

"Still can't keep a dress looking neat, I see."

She shrugged, "It was sacrificed for a good cause."

"Indeed it was." He wiped a tear off her cheek with his thumb.

"What are you doing here? I thought you were in Denerim keeping the country running smoothly."

"Maric returned a few days ago, I rode straight here. I had to see you and I thought your tournament was excuse enough to avoid Highever for just a little longer." His smile was still in place but she saw the pain flicker in his eyes as he spoke.

"Stay as long as you like."

"I just might take you up on that little sis." He looked around, "I don't recognize half of these people."

"You wouldn't, more than half aren't nobles. The tournament is for anyone."

Fergus grinned, "Why am I not surprised? Still rooting for the little man?"

"Or woman."

Fergus laughed again and hugged her tight, "Have I told you yet that I missed you?" he sighed, "Highever isn't the same without you terrorizing everyone."

Alistair, Zevran and Anders seemed to have finally spotted the duo and headed for them. Fergus quirked a brow, "You really weren't kidding when you said at least three."

Sareyna elbowed him hard in the ribs, "I'll have you know I stopped at two."

"So glad you showed restraint. So who's the tall one?"

She furrowed her brow, "How did you know it was Zev?"

"I was at your wedding, remember? I saw the way he watched you that night. And if it wasn't him he wouldn't be smiling like that."

"Hmmm. The tall one's Anders. He's a very talented mage." She gave him a small smile, "And yes, he's your type."

Fergus blanched, "Oh, 'Reyna. I can't, I haven't…I just can't."

"Just company if you want Fergus, he's funny, and sweet in an odd way. I think you'll like him, just a little entertainment."

The three men stopped in front of them and Anders grinned immediately, "This must be Fergus."

"She talks about me?"

Anders nodded, "A bit, but you two look quite a bit alike. Although, the broad shoulders look better on you."

"Hey!" Sareyna mock slapped Anders' arm.

He smirked at her, "And hopefully you're not as violent as she is," he paused and looked to Fergus dropping a wink, "Unless, of course, you're into that sort of thing. In which case, I'd be happy to oblige."

Fergus couldn't stop a smile.

"Told you." Sareyna grinned.

Fergus shook his head, "Where is…" he took a deep breath. "Where is Nathaniel?"

Sareyna gripped Fergus' forearm. "You be nice to him. He's a good man, no matter what his father did."

Fergus nodded, "We were friends once. I'd like to think I could be civil."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm a Teryn for Maker's sake 'Reyna, I would hope a little courtesy wasn't beyond me."

Sareyna bowed her head slightly, "Fine." She took his arm and led him into the refectory, followed by the others. Nathaniel stood almost entirely cloaked in shadows sipping from a glass of wine, an enigmatic smile touching his lips.

As his eyes caught Sareyna's she gave a short jerk of her head. He looked beyond her and Sareyna was sure he blanched just a little. Nathaniel pushed off the wall and crossed to them setting his wine down on the way. He stopped a few feet in front of them and gave Sareyna a small smile she was sure was meant to be reassuring, even if it wasn't.

"Nathaniel, this is," she started.

Nathaniel held out his hand, "Teryn Cousland, a pleasure to see you again, ser."

Sareyna stepped aside and a muscle twitched along her brother's jaw before he reached out and took Nathaniel's hand. "And you as well." The shake was abbreviated but at least there didn't seem to be any open animosity between the two. "I hear that archery is scheduled for tomorrow, will you be participating?"

Nathaniel nodded, "I will, your sister insists."

Fergus turned a fond smile to Sareyna, "Is he still as good as he used to be?"

She gave him a long suffering smile, "Better."

"Really, perhaps I will have to watch. I brought a couple archers of my own. Is there still time enough to enter them?"

"Of course, right up until the first round, milord." Nathaniel answered smoothly.

Anders moved so he was standing between Nathaniel and Fergus. He gripped each of their elbows. "I would love some wine, I'm terribly thirsty. Won't you both join me?" With that he led them both away chattering across the whole room.

"Are you sure that was wise?" Alistair asked.

Sareyna shook her head, "No, but I think Anders has it covered."

"You do know he's going to try to sleep with your brother?"

Sareyna smiled at Alistair, "I hope he succeeds."

Alistair laughed, "You really are awful."

"Fergus occasionally enjoys the company of men, and he has a fondness for laughter and tattoos. Is it so wrong that I want him to enjoy himself?"

"Won't there be a problem if it's learned that the Teryn of Highever has taken a man as a lover?"

"Still innocent in so many ways Alistair. No, no one would bat an eye so long as he marries again and tries to produce an heir at some point. You'd be surprised how many nobles have lovers on the side. I'm more surprised when they don't."

Zevran nodded, "She has a point Tesoro, in that respect Ferelden is not so different from other countries, though they seem more tightlipped about it in this country."

Sareyna spent her evening dancing with more people than she cared to count. Eventually, the constant dancing and the wine glass that never managed to be empty were too much for her and Alistair politely excused them both from the celebrations and helped her out of the room. Once they were clear from any prying eyes he picked her up and carried her up the stairs.

When he tried to carry her into the room she stopped him, "Wait, Anders and Fergus have been gone for a while."

Alistair frowned, "Please tell me you're not planning on spying on them."

She looked at him indignantly, "No, I just want to know if they're in Anders' room." She walked as quiet as she was able down the hall way until she was leaning on the wall next to Anders door. She heard both of them inside, Anders voice was quiet, almost soothing while her brother was making moaning noises.

Covering her mouth to hide her laughter she hurried back down the hall to her own door where Alistair dragged her inside.

"You're absolutely awful, you know that? Subjecting your poor brother to Anders, that man has seduced more people than I've ever met."

She laughed as Alistair closed the door, "Shows what you know, Fergus could give him a run for his money, or at least he could have before he got married. Trust me; Fergus never does anything that he doesn't want to."

"And just what are you hoping to accomplish with this?"

Sareyna collapsed into a chair and started pulling off her shoes, "I'm hoping they both have a very enjoyable evening."

"That's all?"

"Yes, and then I hope Fergus stays for the whole tournament."

Alistair suddenly laughed, "So you're using Anders to bribe your brother to get him to stay here?"

She gave Alistair a sour look, "No, I just…" She giggled, "Oh my, I feel like madam or something."

Alistair helped her out of her dress, "You should, what would Duncan say. You prostituting out Wardens to curry favor with the nobility."

Sareyna couldn't stop laughing; Alistair helped her out of her smalls as she tried desperately to stop laughing only to have another thought strike her. "Is Alfstanna still downstairs? Maybe we should ask Zevran to keep her company."

Alistair laughed for a few seconds before shaking his head. "I don't think so," he caressed Sareyna's cheek as she started to climb into bed. "I'm still a jealous man. I don't want Zevran with anyone besides the two of us."

"Have you told him?"

"Not in those words, but he knows how I feel about it. Why? Are you alright with him being with other people?"

Sareyna pulled the blankets over herself, "No, it would hurt, but I also don't want him to change who he is just to make me happy."

Alistair kissed her forehead, "I'll be back." He headed for the door, "Besides, he doesn't want anyone else."

Sareyna smiled, "Really?"

Alistair nodded, "Really, now go to sleep." With that he closed the door to the sitting room.

Sareyna felt warm and not just from the wine, she hadn't realized that the thought of Zevran having sex with someone else had bothered her that much. She felt they were selfish thoughts, but it felt good to know she didn't have to worry about it anymore.

It was a good night, Zevran only wanted them, Alistair was completely comfortable with their relationship finally, her brother was visiting and he was enjoying himself. Did life get better than that?