DISCLAIMER: I base my stories on Intellectual Property (IP) owned by BioWare ™ and EA™. I pretend to live in their world.
SPOILERS: I refer to information from the games, the novels and the comics. If you have not played or read, please beware.
"Don't let it be forgot
That once there was a spot
For one brief shining moment…"
That was Ferelden
Ruled by King Maric the Savior
Camelot – Lerner and Lowe
Chapter 37: REUNIONS
9:26 Bloomingtide and Justinian === Antiva City
A forest of ships' masts filled the horizon as the Immortal Dragon readied itself to enter Antiva City harbor. A pilot had come aboard to navigate the Immortal to the Haris docks, through the ships of all sizes anchored in the harbor. The city rose above the port spreading out into the hills of the interior. Notary Stephen stood beside Lys and Kai at the rail pointing out significant landmarks.
"There, you can see the Haris Fondaco [22] with the Haris banner flying. Lys saw the banner with the Green Dragon Segreant [23] on a purple and gold field rippling in the breeze. Let's use that as the center point. Look to the right along the docks. That large complex at the end is the Antivan Arsenale."
"That's where the Antivans build their merchant fleet?"
"Yes, the Arsenale primarily serves Antiva and the section building Antivan sailing vessels remains inaccessible to foreigners. Antivans do not have a navy, but they do have the swiftest and, most say, the largest merchant fleet in Thedas. They take great pride in their huge galleys, carracks, and caravels and keep the designs secret. The Antivan fleet carries more cargo than other fleets, but they are fast enough to outrun most pirates. Antivans will scuttle one of their ships rather than risk pirates turning it against them. The Antivan Arsenale also offers services to the ships of other Thedosian merchant houses at a price, but they never divulge the design of their own ships. It is rumored the bottoms are covered in metal sheets to keep them free of the barnacles that slow other ships. Your cousin has experimented with the process, but has not unlocked the secret yet.
"There, inland from the Arsenal up on the hill, is the tower of the Antivan Circle of Magi."
"That huge square tower? It must house almost a thousand people! Are there so many mages here?" Kai's eyes grew wide.
"And Templers, too I would think," Lys offered.
"One sees mages in the streets here, as you do in Cumberland, escorted by the ever-present templars. The Alienage is between the Circle and Arsenale. There in middle," Stephen continued, pointing west from the Tower, "you can see the main Chantry cathedral with its square tower or campanile and dome. The higher ground provides cooler breezes for the palazzo district."
"The cathedral is beautiful. All the colors! It's like a mosaic design forming geometric shapes. Is it marble?"
"Marble, alabaster, and glass. The Cattedrale of Andraste's Tears faces the Piazza Grande. The royal palace, Palazzo Reale, is on the other end of the Piazza facing the Cattedrale. You can see the roofs and the Antivan Royal banner flying over the palace. Each great Antivan merchant house and major noble house has a Grande Palazzo on the Grande Piazza or in the surrounding palazzo district. They are not much to see from the street, mostly blank walls and grand gates. The palazzi face inward, with multiple courtyards and gardens. As you will find, when you reach the Palazzo Falanni, inside they are grand indeed.
"The main city market lies down the hill between the palazzo district and the wharves. The district to the west of the Cathedral serves the Arsenale and docks. Many elves work in the Arsenale, on the docks, and as servants in the palazzi, of course. Minor merchants and wealthier artisans have their homes and studios in the district to the east, where the air is fresher, and breezes more frequent."
Surrounding the main landmarks a city of marble, alabaster and whitewashed stucco and stone buildings rose, often to three, four or even five stories. The roofs were covered in orange tiles. Flowers grew from balconies, parapets, and small boxes, which hung below wide windows with shutters flung open to sea breezes.
"You seem impressed, My Lady," Kai said.
"Maker, Kai, I thought I'd seen large cities and full harbors, but this…." She chuckled, "I owe Fergus a sovereign."
"What?"
"He told me when I traveled to Antiva City, I'd see a truly great Thedosian city. I didn't believe it would be that much larger or more impressive than Cumberland. He bet me it would, although he's never been to Cumberland. He won." She put her arm through Kai's and squeezed.
"Excited much?"
"You know I am. I can't stop grinning." Lys watched their progress as the pilot boat towed the caravel through the maze of ships. "We've had quite an adventure, though, haven't we?"
Kai grinned back. "Amazing, My Lady."
"Oh, stop with the 'My Lady's.' "
"Practicing for when we go ashore."
"Right. Well, you'll be staying with me, not in servant's quarters. We'll be fine. Mum and Oriana won't care."
"My Lady, I won't embarrass your family in front of Oriana's. I'm your maid until we leave again."
"Fine, fine. You're right."
"Sorry, I didn't hear that."
Lys cocked her head, eyes narrowing. "You are right and I won't say it again."
Kai tried to keep a straight face, but failed and giggled. Lys' giggles soon joined Kai's.
Once anchored, the sailors lowered the lighter. Lys could see her Mum on the dock with a familiar looking elf. "I think that's Zed with Mum! You'll get to meet him finally."
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
Lys would continue her work during their Antiva City stay, but Cousin Samuel encouraged her to stay at the Palazzo Falanni.
"First, I would have to listen to your mother berate me and then give in anyway," he chuckled. "Then, from a business viewpoint, they are excellent contacts. I suspect they feel the same about us. It can only benefit both houses for us to stay there. I would accept their invitation for business reasons alone. In addition, Antonio and Giuliana Falanni are delightful people. We will keep our rooms in the Haris compound, in any case."
Foreign merchant houses, doing business in Antiva City, each had a fondaco. The stone built structure faced the harbor. An arched portico extended out over the dock, which enabled easy cargo handling direct from ship to storeroom. Above the lowest storeroom level, three more stories rose around a central courtyard. At the courtyard level, the range facing the Ocean held reception rooms with wide windows for catching the breeze and providing light. At right angles to the sea facing structure, one range held stables, a smithy and artisan studios and the opposite range contained the kitchens. The second and third levels provided offices and meeting rooms for the Haris staff. The upper floors also held apartments and living quarters. The range opposite the sea facing range had a two story high passageway to the smaller gateway courtyard. A huge three story ornate gateway, wide enough for the largest carts, opened to the city. This area contained guardrooms and access to the storerooms below.
Lys and Kai managed to keep still during the trip to the dock, but excitement won out, once they stepped ashore.
"Mum!" Lys ran along the dock to throw her arms around Eleanor.
Kai grinned at the Teyrna, who laughed and hugged Lys back. Kai turned to the elf standing beside them. "I'm Kailian Tabris. You must be Zed?"
"I am and I am not. For good reasons, I used that name when I last visited Highever, but my name is Zevran Arainai. My friends, however, call me Zev."
"And my friends call me Kai. Maybe one day I'll let you do so."
"Oh ho, a challenge. I cannot resist a challenge from a beautiful elf. You are Lady Melysande's very accomplished Lady's Maid I think?"
"Accomplished?"
"Your talents match, or perhaps exceed, those of your mistress, no? An archer, a swordswoman, a lady's maid, a horse woman…what have I missed?"
"A detector of effusive compliments?"
"Oh my lady, you wound me!" Zevran put both hands on his heart and mimed falling over.
"You have not changed, I see, elf." Lys had walked over with Eleanor to join Kai and Zev. "Unless, it's your name. Did I hear you give a different one?"
"Alas, My Lady, the alias was necessary and agreed upon by the Falanni. My true name is Zevran Arainai, Zev-"
"-yes, I heard. Zev to your friends, Zevran. You may call me Lady Melysande." Lys spoke with her most imperious tones, while Kai stifled a giggle.
"As you wish of course, My Lady Melysande. No more effusion. I will simply guide you, your lovely mother, and beautiful companion to the palazzo." He bowed.
Kai and Lys began laughing.
"So, I have been fooled, yes?"
"Oh Zev, of course you have." Lys hugged him. "I do expect you to spar with us, however, and provide more lessons in stealth. I've taught Kai all I could."
"It will be my pleasure, cara," he grinned. "As long as your mother approves."
"Elf, you will be the death of all of us," Teyrna Eleanor chuckled fondly, as they followed him through the Haris Fondaco courtyard to the street.
"That I will not, Your Grace. I am bound to protect the Falanni and the Couslands with my life."
Zevran spoke seriously, Kai noted.
"Now my beautiful companions, please, your carriage awaits." He gestured toward the open cart, with the Falanni crest on the side, waiting to take them and their chests to the Palazzo Falanni.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
"Auntie Lys, Auntie Lys." The little boy ran, small legs pumping, as the three women and Zevran came through the entrance into the gateway courtyard.
Lys crouched down as the two year old jumped into her widespread arms. She stood, still holding him. "Maker, Oren, you're almost as tall as me!"
"Am not!"
"And a good thing too or you would have knocked me right over. I couldn't carry you and hug you." Lys noticed the band around his head. "Oren, what is this around your head."
"Pirate."
"You're a pirate?"
He nodded vigorously, "Pirate. No stick." He frowned. "Need stick."
"A sword? You want a sword?"
"No, stick." He turned toward the two women who entered the courtyard. "Mama! Lyssie come."
"Oriana and her mother Giuliana approached the guests. "Yes, Oren, I see that," Oriana laughed. "He's been anxiously awaiting your arrival, sister."
Oren hugged Lys again, then whispered. "Down. Hug Gran'mama"
"I think I should too, Oren, thank you," Lys whispered back, then set him down on his feet.
"Signora Falanni, it is good to see you again," Lys said, curtsying.
"Oh Lys, not so formal. You have been attacked by the wild pirate and survived," Giuliana Falanni, who looked like an older version of Oriana, spoke the Common Tongue with the same lilting Antivan accent. She laughed gesturing to Oren. "Now you must settle your things and come to the garden courtyard for tea. Oriana will show you the way, while Eleanor and I take the pirate with us. Come Oren, let your Mama talk with your Aunt Lys."
Oren stopped for a final hug. "Lemon cakes and banilla. The banilla have spots, black spots," he announced.
Lys giggled. "Those are vanilla specks, Oren. Will you save me one?" The boy nodded. "We'll return soon."
Zevran slipped away, as Kai, Lys and Oriana went through an arch leading further into the palazzo and a second courtyard. A spiral stairway led to an open portico, which extended around the second level.
"Your rooms are just here Lys," Oriana said, opening a door into a spacious sitting room with tall windows overlooking a garden. "A common room, dressing room, sleeping room for Kai and your bedroom." Oriana smiled, "I hope it's adequate."
"Oriana, it's beautiful. Kai will appreciate her own room. She's had to share with me since we left Haris Manor."
"Eleanor said you would have work, so I thought the common room with a work table would be helpful. Signore Samuel can even work with you here, or you with him. He has similar rooms along the opposite portico."
Lys walked over and drew Oriana into a hug. "It's perfect Oriana. Just being with all of you again is perfect. I love my work with Cousin Samuel. The travel fascinated me, but it's good to be with family. I just…well it's good to be here."
"He's better, Lys. He just couldn't admit Highever could run without him. Fergus didn't want to leave him alone."
"I can understand how Papa feels. He lost so much. And Loghain's gone, too. I'm glad we'll stop at Highever on our way back to Cumberland."
"Me too. Now, go change. Oren will be up here searching for you if we don't hurry back-"
"-I laid your clothes out, My Lady, and warm water awaits," Kai announced. "Camilla will show me what I need to know." Kai had been pleased to see Oriana's maid waiting for her in the dressing room. Camilla had been with Oriana for many years and knew the Falanni household well.
"Thanks, Kai." She grinned as she saw the simple deep blue silk dress and green shawl Kai had chosen. Her new sandals, better for warm weather, lay beside them. Washing and dressing quickly, she joined Oriana in the common room.
"Oh, Lys, that dress is lovely. And the silk is perfect for our warm weather. Come," they linked arms, "I'll show you the way."
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
Lys wandered through the Falanni's lovely garden. So many plants I don't recognize. I should ask the gardener to tell me about each one. I'm sure some are medicinal...or poisonous. She jumped when she felt a hand on her shoulder.
"Mum! Maker, you put Zevran to shame, sneaking up like that."
Eleanor Cousland laughed. "Well, tracking and hunting are stealthy activities. I'm rather good, you know."
"I know. Zev says that's where my aptitude came from, early training as an archer and hunter."
They strolled arm in arm discussing the plants that were new to them. Lys studied her mother as she bent to examine a bloom. This feels so normal, but Mum looks older. There's more grey in her hair. It all must be so hard for her. A shiver ran through her. She hated thinking of her parents getting older.
Eleanor rose and faced Lys. "Come along, there's a bench over there. Let's sit."
Lys followed obediently, smiling to herself. I wondered when she would want to talk.
They sat beneath a parasol pine, its shape reminiscent of the colorful parasols Antivans carried to shield themselves from the northern sun. Eleanor brushed a stray lock of hair from Lys' forehead and smiled.
"You seem to truly enjoy your work with Samuel, Lys."
"I do Mum. This whole adventure has been engrossing. I understand that much work goes into trading. You know I do. The bonus is the travel, meeting new people and seeing new places. I'm not simply a...traveler. I'm useful. Cousin Samuel seems...well he says he's pleased with what I've done. I don't think Notary Stephen would put up with me if I wasn't useful."
"I agree with that, Lys," Eleanor said, chuckling, "Stephen is not known to tolerate fools or slackers. So you found a purpose?"
"I have. I can specialize you know. Mining, textiles, healing plants and potions - these are things I know. I've learned about them since I was a child," she grinned as Eleanor raised an eyebrow, "well a young child? I even know quite a lot about arms and armor - more than I realized."
"So what about all the other things? The ones you ran away from?"
"I didn't run away Mum. All those things are with me. I just don't think about them all the time. I'm too busy."
"And there were no things to enjoy or keep you busy in Highever?"
Lys frowned. "You're playing demon's advocate. You know I love Highever. You know I always worked closely with you and Papa, but I'm not going to be Teyrna or Arlessa or the wife of anyone in Ferelden."
She stood and started pacing in front of the bench. "Mum, there will always be an empty place in my heart when I think of King Maric. I will always want our old life back, but even then, I had no real place in Highever or Ferelden. The idea that King Maric would acknowledge Alistair and betroth me to him was a young girl's foolish dream. Still, it's a dream I have a hard time giving up. He…" she bit her lower lip, holding back tears. "…holds my heart and I can't seem to let him go."
"Lys, I understand. I believe I would have felt the same if Bryce and I had been separated."
"If I met Cailan or Loghain right now I would likely rage at them for what they've done to Papa and Fergus…and Alistair. I haven't forgotten anything. I'm trying to learn to forgive them. If I think about them, I try to understand why they acted as they did." She gave her mum a rueful grin. "I haven't succeeded yet."
"Nor have I sweetling. I would like to yell at Cailan too, although Fergus always points out that yelling at Cailan has a history of bad outcomes. I would add that yelling at Loghain rarely works either."
Lys laughed. "He should know." She stared at the ground pondering her next question. "How is Papa?"
"Angry, still, but trying to hide it. Sad. Feeling very alone." Eleanor gave Lys a rueful smile. "Feeling a bit useless. The Teyrnir runs so well. Every time he tries to meddle, he gets his fingers slapped - very respectfully of course. Then Seneschal Mowrey sets up a meeting to review the policy he meddled with. Fergus and the Seneschal and Arl Philip run it all so smoothly. I look forward to Samuel's visit. I'm hoping the mining project will get him busy again."
"I sound selfish, but is he still upset with me?"
"No, I think he's coming to understand why you left. So much of his life the last fifteen years has been Ferelden, not just Highever."
"Loghain will come around, I think. If he returns, of course. He should never have chased after Maric. Anora needs him." Lys sat down by her mum.
"She does, but he's stubborn and loved Maric like a brother. I was more worried about you, my darling. You're my daughter afterall."
"I really am fine, Mum. I feel happier, calmer, more useful. I'm so glad you came to meet us here. It means a lot. I'm looking forward to visiting Highever on the way back to Cumberland. I do miss you all."
Eleanor cocked her head, eyes narrowing, as she regarded her daughter. "I think you are fine, Lys. What I know, is that you're growing up. Your Papa will see that too." She drew Lys into a hug. "Sometimes I miss that impulsive little girl, but the young woman you're becoming makes me so proud."
"I can still be impulsive." Lys objected, jumping up. "Let's go to the market. We'll take Oriana. I saw some purple silks yesterday which would be perfect for you and a green that would be lovely for her." She stood and pulled her mother up and the two walked toward the palace.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
Kai and Camilla joined their ladies and Teyrna Eleanor on the trip to the market, assuring Eleanor's maid Tana that they would take good care of her. Lys had several items on her list. She had become fascinated by parasols, the pieces of stretched cloth Antivans carried to protect themselves from the sun. They came in many colors and fabrics. Some even offered protection from rain.
"Oh, Lys, this is as bad as your fascination with masks. What will you do with seven parasols?" Eleanor threw up her hands laughing.
"I wear all my masks, Mum. I will use these as well." She turned back to the vendor to arrange delivery to the Palazzo Falanni.
"I have more than seven, Eleanor," Oriana admitted.
"You didn't bring them to Highever."
"No, I was told I wouldn't need them. That it was too windy and not very sunny."
"Well, that's mostly true, but there must be at least four days in Bloomingtide when you could use them," Lys joked.
Oriana giggled, "And maybe two in Justinian? I think you are right. I shall take a few back with me. Perhaps I can set a new trend."
"I'm thinking of doing that in Cumberland. I've already suggested we purchase several score and see if they sell. Cousin Samuel agreed. Maybe we'll even set up a shop to manufacture them. Zev mentioned some come with daggers, which use the pole as the sheath and handle as the haft."
Oriana and Eleanor chuckled and shook their heads. "Oh Lys, you are right. Some things about you haven't changed. Only you would want a parasol with a secret dagger."
"Not so. Kai would too."
Kai grinned. "But I would never carry one, unless it was to hold over your head."
"That won't happen!"
Eleanor and Oriana stopped at a chandler's stall to view the scented soaps, a byproduct of the candle maker's trade. Lys looked for a bookseller. Seeing one a few aisles over, she motioned to Kai to come with her, knowing Camilla would stay and let her mum and Oriana know where they had gone. A few paces from the stall she stopped suddenly and Kai ran into her back.
"Maker Lys-"
"-hush!"
Kai looked up and saw what had halted Lys so suddenly. Bent over the counter, a tall, broad shouldered man studied the books on offer. His thin braids partially obscured a strong profile, but not his prominent nose.
"Speak to him. You'll never shut up about it if you don't."
Lys glared over her shoulder.
"Be nice," Kai hissed, "save the yelling for later."
She nodded, knowing Kai was right. The market's no place to take him to task. He might just walk away from me, anyway. She took a deep breath and walked up to her old friend.
"Signore? I wonder, could you hand me the book with the blue leather binding? Per favore," she said quietly.
Loghain looked up, annoyed. His expression changed to one of surprise.
"Lys? Lys Cousland?"
"Have I changed so much, Ser?"
"And Mistress Tabris."
Kia gave a small curtsy, "Your Grace."
"I heard you had gone to Cumberland."
"I did. The traveled with a Haris barge down the Minanter to Bastion and a ship here. We're visiting the Falanni, Oriana's family. Mum, Oriana and Oren are here too."
"Down the Minanter! That's quite a trip."
"I'm working with House Haris now – apprenticing really. I've left Ferelden."
"I see…I think. Nothing there for you?" He hesitated. "Surely, Cailan has relented by now?"
"No. Papa remains in Highever with Fergus."
"And Alistair?"
"Still at Dragon's Peak."
"Have you spoken with Anora?"
"No, but I will on our return. We'll stop in Ferelden. By then you will have seen her though, right?"
"No. We're still searching."
"In that case, you might want to run away. If you don't want to meet Mum that is, but…can we meet? Perhaps at the Haris fondaco?" She guided him away from the bookstall and around a corner.
"Eleanor and Oriana are with you here in the market?"
"Yes, they'll join us shortly."
He thought for a moment. "I see no reason not to see you or Eleanor, Lys. Bryce didn't come with her?"
"No."
"Damn."
"You would see him?"
"Yes. One has a lot of time to think at sea. I realized my mistake before I left. Anora and I spoke of it in Denerim. We hoped Cailan would relent as well."
"I wasn't sure you forgave him. Are you here as Teyrn Mac Tir?"
He chuckled, "No, I'm here as Ser Gwaren, a Fereldan knight."
"Well, Ser Gwaren," Lys gestured to the booksellers stall, "we better introduce you to the Teyrna and Lady Cousland. You'll have to be a disreputable Fereldan knight I picked up in the market, I suppose." She looked him up and down. "And given your attire, that will be easily believed, Ser."
Loghain gave her one of his best glowers, then smiled. "I missed you, Lady Cousland."
She linked her arm through his and led him back to the bookseller's stall. "Me too, Ser Knight." She saw her mum talking to Kai and searching the crowd. "Mum, I'm here and look what I found!"
"What you found?" Loghain whispered.
"Disreputable knights, particularly disreputable Fereldan knights, are not who's they are what's," she hissed.
Her mum and Oriana could only have been more shocked if she had walked up with King Maric.
"Loghain-"
"Mum, Oriana, this is Ser Gwaren, a Fereldan knight I came upon while looking at the booksellers stall. He has a particular fondness for maps. I thought perhaps I would take him to the Haris Fondaco to peruse our library."
"Oh, Ser Gwaren," Oriana held out her hand and Loghain gracefully took it in greeting. "It's so nice to meet you. You must come to Palazzo Falanni for dinner tomorrow. We also have a library with many fine maps. You may find the ones of the Rialto Sea and the Rivain and Antivan coasts of interest. Please say you will come."
Loghain, surprised at Oriana's offer, agreed. "I'm afraid my attire may not be entirely appropriate, My Lady."
"Oh yes it will. I can find exactly what you need at the Fondaco," Lys assured him.
Loghain frowned. "So the price of the library visit will be shopping? You sound like Anora," he grumbled.
Lys giggled, "Please don't glare again, I won't be able to stop laughing."
Loghain turned to Eleanor. "I owe you an apology, Eleanor. Were Bryce here, and Maker I wish he were, I would beg his forgiveness. I was a fool."
"I don't know what to say Loghain. I hoped you would change your views, but-
"-you didn't quite believe I would." His smile looked more like a grimace. "Eleanor, this is not the place to talk."
"I agree. We can speak more tomorrow, but," she reached for his hand and squeezed it, "thank you."
The group parted, but first Loghain agreed to meet Lys at the Haris compound the next morning, before going to the joining the Falanni family for dinner.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
"Finally, we have completed this order," Signore Galiani, a House Haris factor in Antiva City, continued as they inspected the shipments ready to leave the compound. "These are the goods ordered by the Fereldans, Signorina Haris."
"I will lead that meeting for you, Arturo, if you will allow it? Of course, you must accompany me."
"Of course, Signorina. They are your countrymen, yes?"
"Yes, they are. Who signed the order?"
"A Signore Gwaren?"
"Good, I'm expecting him this morning on other business."
"He will be here with the Capitano then."
Loghain arrived as the bells rang for the ninth hour. Lys greeted him when he entered the interior courtyard.
"Ser Gwaren. Captain. I am Layne Haris. Signore Galiani and I will take you to inspect your order. Once you are satisfied, we can arrange transport to your ship."
Lys led them to the warehouse on the level below. The warehouse and storerooms ran under the entire building and courtyard. They opened out onto the docks and Rialto Bay on one side. A carriage way led from the street along the side of the fondaco to the dock area. A wide stairway, by the front gate, allowed smaller loads to be carried up to carts in the gateway courtyard.
The Fereldans seemed happy with the supplies offered. Loghain left Captain Cranagh to work out transporting the goods to the Mabari Rampant. He and Hap followed Lys up a spiral staircase to the courtyard level. First, they stopped at a small room where a tailor sat working. Somehow, Lys had arranged for a fine white silk shirt, lightweight black wool trousers and a fine black leather jerkin to be ready for him.
"We had to guess at the fit, so please put them on. Signore Marcello will have them ready when we return from the library."
Deciding argument would get him nowhere, Loghain put on the clothing and let the tailor make his measurements.
They continued up the stairway to the third level. Here he saw studios for the Haris notaries and factors, separate rooms for meetings and finally, Lys' destination, a corner room housing a large library, which looked out, through wide arched windows, onto the Bay. Lys closed and locked the door behind them.
"I prefer we not be disturbed, Ser Gwaren." She grinned and motioned for him to sit at the worktable under the large window. Light reflected from the water made patterns on the walls and ceiling. The windows, shutters drawn back, provided wonderful illumination.
"I thought these might interest you." She put several rolled maps in front of him.
He picked up each to read its label. Rivain, South: The East Coast from Llomerynn to East Point; Rivain North: The East Coast from East Point to Seere; The Northern Passage: Seere to Kont-arr; and The Venification Sea: The Antivan Coast. Loghain looked up amazed. The other maps included the Tevinter Coast, maps of Seheron and the surrounding islands, and even one of Par Vollen's south coast.
"We're merchants, Ser Gwaren, we map the coasts when we trade so we can return."
He frowned. "And the name Layne Haris?"
"My traders name. It's best I am not noticed as a Cousland. And I am a Haris, through my Haris great-grandmother Eleonora. Haris cousins abound, so merchants take little notice of me, or rather my name. Pointing to herself, she grinned again, "Me, they notice."
Loghain chuckled. "And learning humility, I see."
"Just realism. I'm good. I'm still learning, but I learn quickly. Cousin Samuel tells me I'm a natural at negotiation. All my chatter being put to good use, I suppose."
"Well, persuasion was always a strength of yours, that I will acknowledge. I'm not sure which parent you learned that from."
"Both, I hope, but enough. I have another item." She put a thick book before him.
Bound in well-worn plain brown leather, it opened easily. "It's a rutter?"
"It is. For the Northern Passage and Venefication Sea through to Seheron and surrounding islands." She handed him another roll of parchment. "The charts that go with it. I'm told the eastern coast of Rivain is long, but not particularly tricky. From Seere north into the Passage and Venefication Sea, however, treacherous waters take many ships. If you insist on continuing your search, as I suspect you will, I'd like to see you complete it safely.' She crossed her arms over her chest and frowned. "I would prefer you go home to Anora and Cailan, but with all my persuasive skills I won't succeed in getting you back to Denerim, will I?"
Hap butted his head against Loghain's thigh.
"What, you think between you, you'll convince me?"
Hap growled.
"No to both of you. I will continue up the coast after I stop in Llomerynn."
Lys sat beside him. "What have you learned?"
"Nothing. No trace of him or the Demelza. We've searched from Alamar to Llomerynn and around the Rialto Bay Coast. We still have to search from here to Bastion, but I think we will find nothing there. I believe answers lie in Llomerynn or farther north."
"And you think a Fereldan naval vessel is the best transport?"
"I have another helping to search. A Rivaini pirate named Isabela, who I knew and occasionally employed in Denerim. I met her in Llomerynn before I came here. I'll meet her again before we head up the Rivaini coast."
"She found nothing?"
"She found rumors of an unmarked ship. A black ship. Heading north. Noting concrete. She's looking further."
Lys began to roll up the maps and put each in its leather case. "These are a loan. I expect you to come back and return them to me." She turned to look at him directly, reaching out to touch is forearm. "Teyrn Loghain, Anora and Cailan need you. I wish you would rethink this, but if you won't, at least return safely."
"Thank you, Lys. These maps, the charts, the rutter, I don't know how to thank you enough."
"Just return, for me and for Ali. For Anora and for Cailan. He would want you to return to us." She stood abruptly and leaned over the table to gather up the map cases. "Now, let's gather these up and put them in a chest. There's just enough time to get them on the lighter with Captain Cranagh and the rest of your goods. Your navigator should be given time to review them. "She straightened. "You have let the navigator do his job."
Loghain's eyes narrowed then he pursed his lips. "He insisted on it. And you are doing an excellent imitation of my daughter."
Lys laughed. "Good man, you're navigator. And I hope so, since Anora is not here. Someone needs to speak up to you."
"Alright Lady Haris, let's get these to Cranagh and go to your good sister's home."
"No, first we get the clothing for a visit to an Antivan palazzo, Ser Gwaren."
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
On their way to the dock, Lys stopped by her small bedroom and studio to get Sherpa. Sherpa bumped and pawed at Hap in greeting. Enjoying their reunion the two mabari siblings trotted after their people. They stopped at the tailor to pick up a bundle with Loghain's new clothes, before continuing to the portico by the docks. With the chest safely in Captain Cranagh's hands, the two humans and their mabari returned to the courtyard, where Zevran and Kai waited along with four Falanni guards.
"Is it that dangerous to walk through the city?" Loghain asked.
"It can be, Ser Gwaren," Zevran replied. "My patrons take no needless risks. Shall we be off then?"
The guards took up positions forming a square. Zev and Sherpa led from between the front guards, while Kai and Hap walked behind. Lys and Loghain walked in the center. Zev maintained a steady pace, but not so fast Loghain could not look at the buildings and landmarks as they passed.
"Have you heard from you daughter, Ser Gwaren?" Lys asked.
"No. She wouldn't know where to send a message."
"Ah, but she would." Lys passed him a thick letter. "She sent it to me, knowing we planned on coming here. She hoped we could figure out how to reach you. You made it easy. Thank you."
"You're welcome, Lady Haris." He tucked the letter into the inner pocket of his jerkin.
Zev led them up a hill through the merchant and artisans' quarter east of the market and the fine houses of the noble districts. As they climbed the hill on the road that led out of the quarter, a cart lumbered into the road ahead of them. Loghain heard the guards and elf swear.
"Back," Zevran ordered.
When they turned, five armed men came out of the alley behind them. The arrows came next. Two archers shot from atop the cart barricading the roadway.
"Zev, Kai and I will take the archers," Lys yelled as she pulled Kai toward the cart. They zigzagged their way up the street.
"Let the girls go," one bandit yelled. "They're not important." The archers and the soldier protecting them, ignored Lys and Kai.
"I think they believe we're running away," Kai said.
"Their mistake."
The women split, going to either side of the cart. Lys took on the single soldier, while Kai toppled one archer from his perch on the cart. Lys calmed as she settled into her practiced moves. She had taken the soldier by surprise when she drew her daggers. The first thrust had been hers and it had scored a hit on his shield arm, before he could raise the shield to block. Now the arm could not support the shield or wield a dagger. He fought desperately with his sword, but Lys persisted, dancing out of his reach and spinning to her left. She slipped behind his guard to slice his sword arm disabling it. He dropped his sword. With both arms too damaged to hold a weapon, he ran.
Lys sheathed one of her daggers and picked up the discarded sword. Hefting it, she found it well balanced. Now she could fight with her preferred weapons: sword and dagger. Kai had disabled one of the archers and broken her bow. She too, had retreated, badly injured.
The two Fereldan women turned to the second archer who had drawn his own daggers. Kai ran to the front of the cart where the shafts rested on boxes. She pushed the boxes away causing the shafts to drop and the cart to tip forward. The archer fell. Kai and Lys then used the slope of the hill to push the small cart over. The archer fell out and started to tumble towards the fighting below. Along the way, he lost his daggers.
Lys and Kai followed the archer, grabbing his daggers and throwing them back up the hill out of reach. The archer bounced into one of her compatriots as Lys and Kai caught up. The archer lay still, unconscious, but the other soldier attempted to rise. Lys quickly sliced his arm, but he did not drop his sword. Swinging wildly, with no shield, he opened himself to attack. Lys did, stabbing into his gut and twisting. As blood spurted over her Lys realized she had killed him. She stood, stunned at what she had done.
"Lys," Kai yell brought her back to the fight, "Let's help the Teyrn. He seems to be the target of this attack."
Lys saw that two Falanni guards were down. Loghain, Zev and the other two guards continued to fight against six men. Where did they all come from?
Charging into the fight, they took the attackers by surprise. Two turned to face the new threat. The young women fought shoulder to shoulder, protecting each other as they thrust, parried and dodged the strikes from their adversaries. A foot tripped one attacker. Kai followed it with a kick to head, which gave them time to concentrate strikes on the other. They had disarmed him before his partner regained consciousness. Weaponless the first ran off. Kai sliced the throat of the second.
With the women's help shifting the balance, the remaining attackers were disarmed, disabled or killed.
"What was that about?" Zev glared at Loghain. "It didn't occur to you to say you were hunted?"
Loghain glared back. "What makes you think they were after me? Why not you?"
"Gentlemen, let's not compete." Lys held up her hands to quiet the men, wincing as she did so. "I think we can agree Kai and I were not the targets. The archers were going to let us flee, but they were targeting you Ser Gwaren. They kept yelling that the target is the tall one in black."
She turned to Loghain. "Why would you think Zev was their target?"
"He's a Crow."
Kai looked puzzled. Lys turned to Zevran. "Your tattoo. It's a Crow tattoo?"
Zev nodded.
"That explains much."
"Explains much what, Lys?" Kai asked.
"His alias. His skills. His ties to the Falanni. His surname." Hands on hips, Lys turned to Zev, "House Arainai of the Crows. Affiliated with merchant house Falanni."
"Correct, cara," he said gently. "Is that a problem?"
"No. You should have told me, but no. But you," she turned to Loghain. "Who doesn't want you to continue your voyage? And does this mean you are close?"
"Lys, we should not discuss this here, yes?"
"You're right, of course, Zev. Let's go before more follow." She turned to lead the group up the hill to the palazzo district.
The two fallen guards had survived and could walk with the help of their fellows. The group continued to the Falanni palace with no further incidents. Kai, however, kept watching Lys. The young woman's left arm hung awkwardly. Blood soaked her sleeve, but Lys refused her aid. She breathed easier when Zev stopped them and wrapped it with his scarf to staunch the bleeding.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
The group went directly to the guard's quarters upon entering the Palazzo . The guard sergeant sent for healers. Everyone had bruises and small cuts. Lys's injury, a deep cut to the upper left arm, though not life threatening, proved the worst. Fortunately, the blade had not been poisoned. To Lys relief, the Falanni's kept a mage healer. With magic, her arm would be like new in a few days, not the weeks normal healing would take. With all wounds cleaned, bandaged and healed, they made their way into the palace proper.
By the time she reached her rooms, Oriana and Teyrn Eleanor had learned of the fight from Zevran, as had Oriana's parents. Teyrna Eleanor and Oriana arrived in Lys' rooms soon after she and Kai.
"Mum, I…we are fine. I had a cut, but it's mostly healed."
Lys looked pale and when her mother cupped her cheek, her skin felt clammy.
"You don't seem to have a fever."
"It was a fight Mum, not the plague. Of course I don't have a fever."
"You're still pale Lys. That would be loss of blood, then. You should rest."
"Your Mum's right, My Lady, the healers said the same."
Lys gave Kai a sidelong glare.
"I need a bath, a change of clothes and a walk in the gardens. I'll go to bed early, but I can't lie still now."
"That will suffice, Lys. The garden is a good idea. We'll let you alone to bathe, but keep Kai with you."
"Do I have a choice?" Lys grumbled, then stopped as she realized how worried Eleanor was. "Yes, Mum, I'll keep her close. I'm sure she'd like to clean up too." Lys rubbed the bridge of her nose. "I'll tell you all about it later, Mum, alright? And Loghain's here. He's been shown to some rooms to clean up too. Kai retrieved Loghain's bundle of new clothes after the fight, so he can change. I think Zev is looking after him."
Eleanor took Lys' chin in her hands. "Lys, I did fight in the Rebellion. Your first fight is horrible. It's all so…raw. Talk to me; or to Loghain."
Lys nodded. "I will. I just need to think on my own first. And it wasn't my first. We fought bandits on the Minanter."
The Teyrna and Kai exchanged looks. Kai nodded. "I'll stay with her, Teyrna Eleanor, it wasn't my first, either. I…well It wasn't always peaceful in the Alienage."
"I know Kailian. And I know that you know what I mean."
Kai flushed. So the Teyrn and Teyrna had discovered her past. Her all too frequent skirmishes, some deadly, with nobles and guards. She had wondered how much they knew. They know and I'm still here serving Lys. They understand it was necessary. "I do. I'll stay with Lys."
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
Feeling clean and even somewhat rested after a hot bath, Lys and Kai walked out into the gardens. Oriana's mother had dinner sent up to them. Now they wandered the garden paths until they found a quiet spot, with a breeze, near a small fountain. Unlike Cumberland, where statues adorned every possible surface, Antiva City's fewer statues were placed for effect. Carefully trimmed hedges and trees surrounded a round pool with a marble mermaid spouting water from her mouth over a playful child.
Rather than take a seat on the benches surrounding the pool, Lys sank to the ground and leaned against the retaining wall on the east side of the paved area. She put her arms around her knees. Kai sat beside her, knees bent.
"It's not as if this was my first fight."
"It was your first fight with a blade. It's different. You're at a distance with a bow, even when you kill."
"Was it bad for you? Your first kill with a blade?"
"Yes. A blade is always worse. It's more…personal. The sensation, the blood…watching death happen. You can see their eyes."
Lys sat silently watching the water arc towards the upturned face and hands of the child.
Kai touched her shoulder, then slipped her arm around her. Lys leaned against her.
"I feel like I should cry or mourn or something. Right now I don't feel anything."
"Feeling numb…I think I felt that way too."
"Does it get easier?"
They heard steps. Two mabari joined them, then Teyrn Loghain. Lys sat up as Sherpa curled up next to her.
"It does get easier," Loghain replied. "The time to worry, however, is when it doesn't bother you. I reached that point too many times, I'm afraid."
"You didn't care?" Kai asked.
"If the person was Orlesian or a traitor to Ferelden, I wanted them dead."
Lys put her head on her knees as Loghain and Kai talked.
"I feel that way about certain…shems. I've learned that not all humans are shems, but for the ones that are…I shed no tears."
"Maric reacted more like you, Kai. He was fierce in battle, a formidable swordsman and always in the forefront risking too much. All of us would have followed him to the storm the Black City if he asked. The only Fereldans he never regretted killing were Ceorlic and the others who killed his mother. He never regretted Meghren, Severus or the Chevaliers who terrorized our people. He did regret our own people, who only went along because they had to, or who regretted their betrayal." Loghain winced as he recalled the one death that Maric never stopped regretting. "Or who died serving him. He said every death took a piece of him."
Lys' voice muffled as she kept her head lowered, she asked, "So I should feel badly? Even though they tried to kill us?"
"You should be sad because they died, not because you fought. They were not innocents. They chose to attack us. You should also understand that what you did today, slicing a man open with your blade, stays with you. You don't hesitate at the time – you're training takes over, as yours did today. Afterwards, sometimes long afterwards… the sounds, the smells, the feel of blade on skin…it all comes back. You did well today Lys. Your instincts told you to take out the archers and you did. You used the advantage they gave, when they ignored you. You and Kai worked well together, protecting each other. Your training took you through. You both did everything you could and you did it well."
"Thank you, I think." She raised her head and smiled, weakly.
Loghain turned to Kai. "Her injury was not your fault. You protected her sword arm. You could do no more."
"I suppose all this is high praise from the General of Ferelden's armies." Lys' smile broadened slightly.
"Very high praise, indeed, Lys Cousland." Teyrna Eleanor sat on the bench beside Loghain.
"Mum? Maker, I thought I came out to be alone."
"Well, I didn't come to find you. Just to walk. It's not every day my only daughter gets injured in battle. I'm a little shaken myself." Eleanor faced Loghain. "I understand you're to blame?"
"I…," He shrugged, "I suppose I am."
"Mum!"
"I didn't know we were at risk, Eleanor-"
The Teyrna reached out to grasp his arm. "-I understand, Loghain. Someone must think you found something."
"I only wish I knew what that was." He sat quietly for a time, the only noise the fountain. "What can you tell me of Ferelden?"
"Anora and Cailan did well at their first Landsmeet. They seem to work well together. Their advisors, however, are a worry. Eamon and Howe vie for their attention. Eamon, as usual, maintains his ties to Orlais, although his goals are not clear. Isolde visited her family again this year, accompanied by her priest, Eleutheria. It appears any instructions come through her. House Haris' intelligence finds nothing else, although we try.
"Howe appears loyal, but we hear nothing of Juliana, his wife. Delilah has become a Lady-in-Waiting. She does as Howe tells her, so I suspect she will tell him everything she hears or sees in Anora's company. Thomas remains at South Reach. No one hears from or of Nathaniel, but we understand he remains in Markham with his cousins. Howe's ties to Tevinter seem to strengthen each year. More trade, although we aren't sure exactly what it is he's trading. We do know he has magisters at Vigil's Keep and at Amaranthine House, in Denerim. He says they are healers, but why he needs so many is a puzzle. Apparently, they cannot cure Juliana.
"Cailan, we understand, seems enamored with his wife and she with him. He's not been seen spending nights away from the Palace. Their partnership seems to extend to all parts of their lives."
"Well, that at least is good news. Although I'd be happier if Anora fell pregnant."
"You and the rest of Ferelden."
"And Bryce?"
"Stays in Highever. As does Fergus. We attended the Landsmeet and one affair at the Palace, then left the city. Cailan is adamant that he won't see either Bryce or Fergus. Leonas tells us that Eamon encourages him in this. Howe might, too, but not so openly. They need-"
"-you won't convince me Eleanor. I will return, but not until I'm sure he's not to be found."
"Don't be too long. Once the year is up, the bannorn will become restive, if there is no heir. Cailan and Anora will have more problems. Eamon and Howe will become more difficult to control. Anora needs you." Eleanor stood as fireflies began to light the surrounding garden. "Giuliana and Antonio always take brandy under the portico by the dining hall. Please join us." She held out a hand.
Loghain rose and gave her his arm. "As you wish." He held out his hand to Lys.
"Kai and I will be along, soon I promise."
Loghain and Eleanor left.
"Well, that was interesting, tho' not surprising. Nice of Mum to update both of us."
"She gets along well with him."
Lys frowned as she glanced sideways at Kai.
"I don't mean…not that there's anything but friendship. Maker, I can put my foot in it!"
Lys chuckled softly. "Thank you. I needed that spot of humor. They're old friends Kai. She and Papa fought with Loghain and Maric for years during the Rebellion. Until Maric disappeared, they came to Highever often. Cailan too. It was the one place they could all set aside Court protocol. That it's all fallen apart with Maric gone is…tragic."
She leaned back against the wall listening to the water and watching the fireflies. "I think I can go back now. I'm feeling more normal."
"You may feel worse again."
"I'll deal with that when it happens." She extended a hand to pull Kai up, then hugged her. "I have you to lean on. And you have me. Thank you."
"Anytime." Kai grinned. "It was exciting."
"Yes, well, I can do with that kind of excitement in small doses." She smirked.
"What's the smirk for?"
"Maybe you should keep Zevran company on some of his escapades if you want excitement." Lys glanced at her friend. "Kailian Tabris, you're blushing!"
"He's…handsome. A bit short, but very well made."
"And Nelaros?"
"Is nice, but not exciting. Is that awful?"
"No. Depends what you want and how you feel."
"Well, I'll probably never see Zevran again after we leave so nothing to worry about, right?"
"Oh, I don't know. I wouldn't want you to just settle for Nelaros, good man though he is."
"So I should romance Zev, then leave and pine away like you?"
Lys stared at the ground. Finally, she looked up. "It's better than settling, Kai." She smiled sadly and tugged Kai along toward the palazzo.
[22]Fondaco: merchant compound combining the warehouse, offices and living quarters
[23] Segreant: On a crest, a creature segreant is facing towards the viewer's left and has both forelegs raised in the air, as a mabari rampant, with wings elevated and addorsed ( apart facing each other). This term is reserved to winged quadrupeds (such as griffins and dragons). Wikipedia
A/N: Thank you for reading. Please review, favorite, subscribe and/or follow. I welcome encouragement, suggestions and critiques.
Huge thanks to my wonderful beta Kira Tamarion for her efforts to improve my rusty Italian and the story's flow. None of the errors are hers – they are all mine.
Thanks to all who Favorited, Followedand those who Reviewed recently: Arsinoe de Blassenville, clafount, Mike3207, nh09jrb, katdancer2, EasternViolet and SnowHelm. I appreciate the continuing thoughtful feedback. It helps me keep going, knowing others enjoy Lys, Alistair, Loghain, Anora and their companions.