Author's Note: So basically this chapter is a little plot smothered by fluff. Or at least I felt it was that way. Anwyho, sorry if it disappoints. Oh, and sorry if I have my facts wrong; I'm replaying DA:O right now, but I'm not quite to the part where I am here. Basically, I'm going from memory. So if anything is wrong, please don't hesitate to correct me. Thanks!
After writing a hasty journal entry to appease curious maids, Bell washed herself off and headed to the library. She figured now would be the optimum time to start outlining Aedan's speeches.
The smell of ink, parchment, and the old tomes splayed about her work area reminded her of her days at the Order.
The sharp pang of nostalgia hit her hard.
She took a moment to lovingly finger the books and swim in old memories before shaking her head and returning her thoughts to the present. The familiar scratching of quill on parchment lulled Bell into her own world as she quickly scribbled the ideas and phrases floating in her head. It seemed that nothing could distract her now.
Except for a heavy hand clamping down on her shoulder.
Bell gasped and turned suddenly, gripping her quill as if it was some pathetic weapon.
"Whoa there! It's just me, love."
Aedan's gauntleted hand held her wrist and prevented any forward motion.
"You startled me," said Bell, blinking as she tried to steady her heart.
"I can tell," Aedan chuckled, plucking the quill from her hand.
"Nice weapon, by the way," he added, twirling the feather between his fingers and sprinkling ink.
"So what are we working on?" asked Aedan as he peered over Bell's shoulder.
"Nothing," she replied, trying to cover the words without smearing the fresh ink.
"Let's see: 'To you assembled at this Landsmeet.' Bell, you're not writing my speeches, are you?"
"Of course not," lied Bell, grabbing the quill from his hand. "I'm sure it's almost time for dinner. Why don't you wash up?"
"Yes, Mother," replied Aedan sarcastically.
Bell pursed her lips and put her hands on her hips.
"Bell, I was joking!"
"I know, but you broke my concentration and now I have no idea where my thoughts went."
"I'm sorry," he said, leaning down and stealing a kiss. "Forgive me?"
Bell tried to keep a straight face, but smiled and shook her head.
"I guess. Just don't do it again."
"Good. Now I'm going to wash up like a good little boy. I'll escort you dinner, too."
"I thought we had only one formal dinner!" whined Bell.
"Not quite. Don't worry; we can leave early."
Bell sighed and rolled her eyes; it would be entirely too rude to leave early.
"I swear that boy is still eighteen," she muttered as she quickly organized her workspace.
Content with her work, Bell scurried off to change for dinner.
Not surprisingly, the main topic at dinner was politics.
"The Landsmeet will be held in a few days. Have you thought about the issues that will be brought up?" asked Bann Teagan.
"Yes," replied Aedan, stealing a glance at Bell.
"Good. What evidence do you have against Loghain, and what do you propose as a solution?"
Bell noted the uncomfortable looks of the rest of the group assembled at the table and interrupted Aedan.
"If I might speak, Bann Teagan?" asked Bell.
"Of course," he replied.
"I think it would be better if we discussed such issues later. I believe that the group would appreciate a small break from the constant political talk and battle in favor of lighter topics. Perhaps we could talk after dinner, if it pleases you?"
The Bann nodded.
"Of course. I forget that your group does so much work throughout the day. Come; let us talk of other things."
Bell caught Aedan's gaze and nodded at his silent thanks.
The rest of the conversation flowed freely and smoothly for the remainder of dinner, and it wasn't long before the last course was finished and the group was excused from the table.
"Shall we talk?" asked the Bann, gesturing to the library.
Bell looked to Aedan for confirmation and nodded at the Bann.
"Of course, my lord."
Bell quickly grabbed her papers and found a spare table.
"Although we have contemplated these issues, we haven't had enough time to properly seek evidence against Loghain," began Bell.
"The Wardens know that Loghain pulled out before the battle at Ostagar. However there are no witnesses nor is there proof to back up their claim. However, we do have proof that Loghain has not only condoned slavery, but also left the operations in charge to a blood mage," said Bell pushing the papers that she stole from Aedan across the table.
"As of now, this is all the proof we have. I understand that it is lacking, but given a few more days, we may be able to turn up more evidence against this man."
The Bann put down the papers and shook his head.
"I understand that you need more time, but that is something I cannot give. The date for the Landsmeet is set. I will do anything in my power to help you in your journeys, but I am not sure how far that will get you."
"Thank you, my lord. That you would support us in the Landsmeet would be the greatest help you could offer," replied Bell.
"Of course. I stand by the Wardens. But on to the topic of the throne. Have you given any thought to who might rule if Loghain is ousted?"
Bell looked at Aedan before continuing.
"I have formulated my own ideas," she started slowly, "but I have yet to bring them up with Aedan and Alistair. I would prefer to speak with them before giving any answer, my lord."
"Is there a time when I can expect an answer?" the Bann asked.
"Before the Landsmeet, of course. As soon as we have agreed on an answer, I shall contact you."
"So be it. I shall see you two tomorrow then. Good-night."
As soon as the Bann left the room, Bell sighed.
"This is exhausting," she said, holding her head in her hands. "I tire of politics and all that goes with it."
"I know," said Aedan, rubbing her back soothingly. "Come, why don't you go to sleep? You need it."
Bell shook her head, sitting back in her chair.
"No. I have to finish outlining some thoughts before they disappear."
"Fine. Then I'll stay up with you," said Aedan.
"Aedan, please, you fought all day. You need the rest, not me."
"No. If you are going to stay up, then I'm going to stay with you," he said stubbornly.
"Fine," huffed Bell. "Just stay quiet."
Aedan nodded, and Bell picked up her quill.
It was hard to concentrate with Aedan sitting right next to her, but eventually, Bell was able to write down the rest of her ideas.
She smiled as she turned to see Aedan sleeping soundly in his chair and pushed a stray strand of hair out of his face.
"I knew you needed the sleep," she whispered as she brushed her lips against his.
Bell was surprised when Aedan pulled her closer and returned the kiss.
"I told you that I would stay awake," he mumbled drowsily.
Bell smirked into the kiss and pulled back.
"Come on, you need sleep."
Aedan groaned. "But I was enjoying myself."
"I know. Let's just get to bed, please."
"Only if I get a good-night kiss," he sing-songed.
Bell shook her head.
"You're impossible, you know that?" she said, extracting herself from his grip.
"But that's why you love me," he teased.
Bell let out a soft laugh and helped Aedan up.
"Come on. To bed."
"There, a good-night kiss, just as you asked," said Bell, standing up after bending over his reclined form.
"Thank you," he replied as Bell extinguished the candle and walked to the other side of the bed.
Rabbit yelped as Bell tripped over him.
"Sorry, Rabbit," she apologized, petting the Mabari as a peace offering.
The war dog wagged his stumpy tail happily, all offenses forgotten.
Bell's eyes adjusted to the low light, and she found her way to the bed.
She slipped into the bed and was immediately pulled over to Aedan. The blush and rush of emotions was still new to her despite the amount of time they spent together.
"Alright, Bell. I have a question," said Aedan, propping himself on his side.
"I might have an answer," replied Bell, reclining on her back.
"How did you know about the slavery in the Alienage? I didn't give you those papers and yet you had them to show to Teagan."
Bell bit her lower lip nervously, but stopped as she realized what she was doing. Nerves were a sign of weakness and you could never show weakness during public speaking; the audience would never believe you.
But what worried her more was that she allowed herself show such an action. Maybe it was the fact that it was only her and Aedan; after opening up a little more to his affections, she found that she had grown close to him. But she couldn't afford to open up much more; there were still secrets that needed hiding.
"Bell? I'm waiting," said Aedan, his hand resting upon her stomach.
Bell thought a moment more before deciding upon her answer: the partial truth.
"I was curious, Aedan. You couldn't expect me to just leave the Alienage. Scholars need to know things, and this was just too important to pass up."
Aedan raised an eyebrow.
"How'd you do it?" he asked.
"I…acted. It wasn't too hard. Pretend to be a twixt—a messenger of sorts— between the guards and the slavers, and you can gain a little information. They give quite a hefty answer for such vague questions. And as for having the papers, I swiped them from your satchel. I wanted to make sure I had everything correct. Sorry."
It was true that Bell had swiped the papers from Aedan, but honestly, she felt little guilt.
Aedan's fingers danced on her stomach as he contemplated whether or not to believe her. And it was in that moment that Bell realized where his hand was.
The logical part of Bell told her to voice her opinions and get his hand away and normally, she would do just that. But part of her enjoyed the contact. It was something she rarely experienced, but the little encounters she had persuaded her that she enjoyed the touch of his hands.
Her blush intensified, and she could hear the buzzing of the rushing fluid in her ears. Maker, she was pathetic.
"Alright. I'm not fully satisfied, but I won't press the issue," said Aedan, interrupting Bell's thoughts.
Bell offered a sheepish smile, and Aedan smiled in return.
"What am I going to do with you? First, your curiosity led you to a bear, which I still don't believe, and now it leads you to a slaver filled Alienage. I'm starting to wonder just how far that curiosity will take you."
Bell paled a bit, but loosened up as Aedan shook his head.
"Maybe I'm just being paranoid."
"Or worried," replied Bell.
"Worried," said Aedan, almost as if he was testing the word on his tongue.
"Yes, worried. You know, that feeling you get when you're concerned about another's well-being."
"I know what worry is, Bell," chuckled Aedan. "But I'm not quite sure if that is the appropriate word. Yet I find myself curious; have you ever been worried about me?"
"Of course," replied Bell instantly. "Especially when you would trek off on long journeys."
The statement was true.
"Now that I believe," said Aedan.
Bell sighed; neither wine nor bribery could loosen her lips, yet it seemed that exhaustion could.
"Alright, alright. I'll let you get to sleep. Good-night, love," said Aedan, resting his head upon his pillow and pulling Bell close.
"Good-night," Bell replied absent-mindedly.
It always took Bell a while to fall asleep and soon, she heard the rhythmic breathing of Aedan.
His steady hand was still securely around her waist and for a moment, all fears about the images night could bring were chased away.
But before they could return to reclaim their victim, Bell had drifted into sleep.
One that would not be riddled with nightmares.
Author's Note: So yeah. Random fluffiness spread throughout this chapter. Shout-out to the lovely Scorcese; your support has kept me going even when my muse refuses to cooperate with me. And to all you wonderful readers, a hearty "thank you". I appreciate each and every one of you.