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 38 – HOME TO HIGHEVER
9:26 Dragon, Justinian === Antiva City
Lys stood on the Haris docks, arms folded, a frown plastered on her face. A pilot boat guided a large caravel out of the harbor. The name, Mabari Rampant, stood out across its stern. She could just make out a tall, dark haired man standing at the stern rail.
"Damn him to the Void and back," she muttered. She watched the Fereldan ship until its hull disappeared over the horizon moving south. "If only heading south meant he was going home." She loved Loghain as she would an uncle. She understood that he loved Maric like a brother. What she could not understand was how he could abandon his daughter, Anora, and Alistair, the boy he claimed to love like a son, to chase after Maric.
"Talking to yourself, already. I've heard that's a bad sign, particularly in one so young and nubile."
Lys whirled around. "Zevran, you owe us lessons. We can use the practice yard. Where's Kai?"
"As you command, my lady. The lovely elf is already there readying for our sparring match."
"Good. We can learn stealth while in armor." Lys strode off towards the stairway, which would take her to the courtyard and the passage to the practice yard behind the stables. Kai greeted her friend.
"You planning on murdering a practice dummy or taking it out on Zev and me?"
"Practice dummy, for now. You can spar with Zev. When I calm down and you lose to him, he can show us more stealth moves."
Zev chuckled, holding his hands up in front of him. "Far be it from me to disagree with an angry warrior goddess."
"Would that be me or Lys?" Kai queried, eyes narrowing.
"Lys, at the moment, but I wouldn't disagree with you either, cara. Now let's see if you can defeat me."
Ly's anger diminished, although daily sparring matches followed for the remainder of their stay. The Cousland party remained in Antiva City for only a few days after Loghain's departure, before boarding ship themselves for Higheverport.
9:26 Dragon, Justinian === Aboard the Mabari Rampant
Loghain opened Anora's letter again as he stood on the poop deck of the Mabari. She and Cailan got along well, she reported, except where the Couslands and Alistair were concerned. Cailan continued to feel unsure of himself, but he covered it with bluster and feigned confidence. He vacillated. One day he hung on Eamon's every word, the next he argued incessantly and did the opposite of what Eamon advised. On only three topics did he always stand with Eamon: the Couslands, Alistair and the need for a Theirin heir. The lack of the latter was not for want of trying, she assured her father.
As for the Couslands, Cailan, parroting Eamon, insisted the family presented a continued threat. He was not happy with Lys' departure to Cumberland or Eleanor and Oriana's visit to Antiva. Anora suspected Howe fed these fears, but had no proof. The slippery Arl couched his concerns carefully, as he walked a fine line between loyalty to his liege and the Crown. Anora focused on persuading Cailan to meet with Fergus, leaving Bryce in disfavor, but failed. Her influence only went so far before the two Arl's disparaged her womanly views. The Couslands needed a stronger voice at Court to balance that of the Arls'; a voice Loghain could provide. If he spoke up, other nobles would as well.
Nor was Cailan inclined to acknowledge Alistair. Neither Eamon nor Howe wanted Maric's second son at Court. Both encouraged Cailan to leave him under Chantry supervision. Howe believed he should remain at Dragon's Peak until he came of age, when he should become a knight and be married off to some safe noble woman. Anora wondered if Howe meant Delilah.
Eamon wanted Alistair to become a full Templar, without knighthood, but not until he had, as Eamon put it, reformed. Eamon recommended service at Kinloch Hold with few privileges and close supervision to effect that reformation. He expected it would take some time as Alistair, as he put it, was a miscreant and needed more discipline than Dragon's Peak provided. Teagan leaned towards Arl Howe's opinion. Anora was Alistair's only champion, unless Loghain returned to help her.
Anora argued for Loghain's return as persuasively as Eleanor and Lys, but even her entreaties could not sway her father from his mission. Perhaps if the attack had not happened, he would believe Maric truly gone. Loghain believed that the attack against him in Antiva City proved he had found something. Now he just needed to determine what it was that he had found. He would continue his search along the coast south to Bastion, then meet Isabela in Llomerynn. Perhaps between them they could make headway. The maps, charts and rutter Lys provided would be invaluable as they took the search north following the rumors that the Demelza had sailed towards Par Vollen and Seheron.
9:26 Dragon, Justinian and Solace === Aboard the Green Dragon
Teyrna Eleanor, Lady Oriana, Lys, Kai, Oren, Cousin Samuel and Zevran made up the party returning on the Haris ship, Green Dragon, to Higheverport. Only a few troops from Hrothgar's Wrath joined the Cousland Guard; the other Wrath would remain garrisoned at the compound in Antiva City. After the attack on the Loghain, everyone, the Falanni, the Arainai Crows, and House Haris, became more conscious of security. If the attackers were Crows, they had not given away their house. If not Crows, no one knew what mercenary company provided them. While the target appeared to be Loghain, no one knew for sure. Cousin Samuel wanted the Antiva City Fondaco, its employees and its goods well-guarded.
The company boarded the Green Dragon in the evening. The ship would leave on the early morning tide before they woke. As the flagship of the Haris fleet, the caravel offered decent accommodations in the rear castle and an expansive main deck large enough for sparring. Teyrna Eleanor and Oriana shared a cabin with an adjoining servant's room for Oren and Nurse Freya, who had returned to Castle Cousland to care for Oren. Kai and Lys had a small compartment. Samuel, as head of House Haris, shared the more expansive Captain's quarters, which had been specially built to accommodate a Samuel, when he traveled with the ship . The Green Dragon had billets for the Cousland and Wrath troops, since Haris merchant ships always carried a contingent of soldiers. Zevran bunked with them.
The voyage to Highever would take about a month. The Dragon would make port in Wycombe and Ostwick to take on supplies and water. It would not trade in the Marches on this trip. The Dragon carried cargo destined for Highever and Nevarra.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
The first days out from Antiva City were windy, with storms threatening. Kai and Lys ventured on deck, but Eleanor, Oriana, Freya and Oren remained in their cabin. Finally, a clear morning dawned. The brisk breeze kept the sails full, but did not discourage everyone from coming on deck. Oren, wearing a harness and rope tethering him to the mainmast ran after Zevran. He wore the pirate scarf and brandished a stick Lys had found.
"Oh ho, dread pirate Oren, can you catch this poor sailor?"
"Catch Zev," Oren squealed, laughing and running after the elf.
Zev pretended to stumble and Oren jumped on top of him. "Got Zev! Got Zev!"
Lys snuck up behind the toddler and began to tickle him. "Oh no, the dread pirate Oren is ticklish! I can free Zev."
"No, no, no. Keep Zev."
Zev almost escaped then tripped over Kai's extended foot and fell much to Oren's delight.
Oren pounced on Zev again and Kai helped him by putting her foot on Zev's back. "There Oren, he's caught."
"Caught, am I? I think not, my lovely elf," Zevran said as he swept Kai's legs out from under her. The three, Oren, Kai and Zevran fell into a tangled heap on the deck laughing. Oren wriggled free and his Aunt Lys picked him up, releasing the rope from his harness, while Kai and Zev extricated themselves from Oren's tether.
Zev's arm snaked around Kai's waist pulling the tether and bringing Kai closer.
"Um, Zevran, I think you're making this worse not better."
"Being hugged by a handsome elf is worse. Oh, cara, why do you insist on wounding me?"
"I thought you were undoing the rope."
"I can do both. I can do even three things at once. Perhaps steal a kiss. I move quite stealthily you know. Perhaps you won't even know I've stolen a kiss, although I am such an awesome kisser that is unlikely." Before she could respond, he kissed her.
"Zev!"
"What? I warned you. You did not object. Was it not awesome enough? Should we try again."
"I…no, not again. Everyone is watching us." Kai blush deepened.
"Ah, you don't want an audience. Well, perhaps Lys will allow us use of your cabin."
"No! No cabin. Just loosen this rope." Kai turned to Lys. "And you, stop laughing. This is not funny. You're just encouraging him."
Zevran untangled the rope and Kai jumped to her feet, still blushing.
"You…Zevran Arainai…don't do that again." Kai stalked off.
"I moved too quickly, yes?"
"I think so, Zev. She's confused." Lys grew serious. "Don't toy with her Zevran. I know you're a flirt and may not take this seriously. Kai may appear to flirt back, but it will be serious for her."
Zev frowned. "I will be careful. I have no wish to hurt her. I…do not take things so seriously I'm afraid. It's hard to take life seriously in my profession."
"Come work for us Zev. Leave the Crows."
"Ah cara, thank you, but I am who I am. A Crow. One does not leave the Crows. At least not alive."
Lys nodded, sadly. "I'm sorry. You're a good man, I think. You should have other options."
Zev smiled. A good man? No one has ever accused me of that before. Yet she knows what I am. Or does she? Perhaps she only sees the guard and not the assassin. He shook his head and walked away to stand at the rail. He never knew quite what to make of the Couslands. The Falanni treated him as they did their guard officers. To them he was a professional. The Couslands treated him as a senior household member. He was a professional, but also a…friend of sorts. He would have to be careful returning to Highever. He could get too comfortable there and that would not be safe.
9:26 Dragon, Funalis Fest and August === Highever
The Green Dragon entered Higheverport with the evening tide, just as the sun set over the city. They had made good time, arriving in less than a month. No one waited on the quay to alert the Castle. Leaving the rest of the party on board, several sailors rowed the lighter to the docks with Kai, Zevran and Lys on board. The three companions walked the two miles to the Castle to let the Teyrn and Fergus know they had arrived.
Home, Lys thought as they climbed the hill to castle gate. Is it still home? It all seemed so familiar and yet so strange. She had only been gone six months, but it seemed longer. It will feel like home when I get settled in my old rooms.
Stopped by the guards at the castle gate, Lys held up her signet ring. The man was not a guard she knew. "I'm Lady Melysande Cousland, the Teyrn's daughter. Our ship, the Green Dragon, just arrived from Antiva City."
The guard snorted. "And I'm the King of Ferelden, my lady. As if the Teyrn's daughter would arrive in armor, on foot, with two elves."
Lys crossed her arms and glared at the guard. "If you have questions about letting me in, please call the Guard Captain Rickon or Seneschal Mowry. Either can identify me."
"We weren't told to expect the Teyrn's family tonight. They're not expected for days, yet."
"Traveling by ship is unpredictable, Guard…what is your name? We arrived on the tide."
"My name is not your concern. I don't want to disturb the Captain for a girl in leathers and two elves. Perhaps you should dress up a bit the next time you try to impersonate one. We've had enough trouble here lately. I'll not introduce more."
"What! Anyone here who knows me will assure you that I dress in leathers as often as I do in silk. I don't walk through a city, even Highever, unarmed at night."
"Sorry, my lady, I have my orders."
"Orders to keep me out?"
"Orders to ensure no dangerous persons enter the castle." He looked at his partner and chuckled. "Although I gotta admit, I see no danger in a girl and two elves."
"And I showed you my signet and requested that you call the Guard Captain or the Seneschal. Now do so or you may find just how dangerous this girl can be."
The two guards laughed, as several horseman rode up beside them.
"My Lord Fergus, we've a bit of a problem here. These vagabonds insist on entry and won't take no for an answer. This one," he pointed at Lys, "actually threatened us." He started laughing again.
Fergus dismounted to see the vagabonds.
"And I'll threaten you too Fergus Cousland if we don't gain entry," one of the vagabonds said. "Worse, Mum and Oriana will have your hide for making them wait on board the Dragon."
"Lys?"
"So you, at least, recognize me, in spite of the dark?" she teased, then pointed to guard. "Tell this idiot to let us in. I showed Guard Harold my signet, but he refuses to let me in or to call anyone to identify me."
"Harold? What's the problem?"
"My Lord. I didn't believe her, My Lord. A girl and two elves…not exactly the company I'd expect for the Teyrn's daughter."
"We'll have a word about Cousland signet rings and companions in the morning Harold. Then perhaps my sister and her friends will spar with you and you will understand just how dangerous a girl and two elves can be. Now let my sister and her companions in, before you insult them further. My mother, wife and son are waiting for me, apparently, so we'll be off to the docks to retrieve them." He looked down at Lys, "Sorry for the poor welcome, Lyssie, I'll welcome you properly when we return."
"Yes, of course, my lord," Harold replied. "It's just that after the attacks-"
"-in the morning, guardsman."
"Right. Come in, My Lady. I apologize."
"Accepted, guardsman." Lys threw her arms around Fergus before he could remount. "It's been too long. I missed you Ferg."
"Me too, Lyssie. Who's your friend?"
"Kai, surely you remember Kai?"
Fergus pursed his lips, as Lys grinned.
"Fergus, perhaps you remember Zed?"
"Zed? Oh, of course, did the Falanni's ask you to accompany Oriana again?"
"Your entire family, my lord. Some extra protection. I'll be traveling with Lys, Kai and Sieur Samuel while they are in Ferelden at the Falanni's behest. I'll return to Antiva City once I see them safely to Cumberland."
"Good. Glad to hear it."
"In the meantime, I'll be happy to accompany you back to the quay. I think your wife and son are anxious to see you. Lys and Kai can remain here and let the Teyrn know we've arrived." He looked at Lys for agreement.
"Agreed, Zev. You can explain your name change to Fergus on the way." She grinned and then addressed Fergus. "Is Papa in his study?"
"Should be, Lys."
Harold opened the night door in the gate and Lys and Kai passed through.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
Kai went to Lys' rooms to ready them, while Lys went in search of Teyrn Bryce. She knocked on the door of his study.
"What now, Mowry?"
Lys opened the door. "You have visitors, Papa."
"Lys?"
"Have I changed that much in five months?"
"No, no of course not. We didn't expect you so soon." The Teyrn stood and came around the worktable to hug her.
"We had good winds and got in tonight. Fergus went to the docks with some guards to bring Mum, Oriana, Oren and Cousin Samuel back."
"Good. It will be good to have you all home again." He cupped Lys cheek. "Thank you. For keeping your promise to return for Funalis."
"You're welcome, Papa. Does the Arl have many festivities planned for Higheverport?"
"I think so. You'll have to see Pippa tomorrow. I'm sure she has all the details."
"Papa, the guard said something about an attack. Have there been troubles?"
"Nothing for you to worry about, Lys. Just some rather aggressive bandits. We've taken care of them."
"I see. That's good then." Why would bandits try to get into Castle Cousland? Fergus had better tell me tomorrow. I think Zevran should hear it too. Would Arl Guerrin hire assassins to attack Papa and Loghain? Maybe the attack in Antiva City had nothing to do with Loghain's search. Or is it all tied to Orlais? Of course, if it's the Guerrins it could all be directed by Orlais.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
Lys and Bryce went to the baily to await the arrival of the others. One of the sailors who rowed Lys ashore had gone to the Haris compound in Higheverport to arrange a cart for the rest of the group. Their chests and belongings would be brought ashore with the cargo in the morning. Fergus, Zev and the Cousland guards met the Haris cart at the docks just as the party from the Green Dragon arrived.
"Papa!" A sleepy Oren woke up as he recognized his father. "Ride. Oren ride."
After hugging Oriana and his Mum, Fergus mounted Sarim and Oriana handed Oren up to him.
"Are you sure he's awake enough to ride with you?"
"It's only to the castle, love. We'll be fine."
The group arrived in the baily after a short, uneventful ride from the docks. Freya took Oren off to bed, while the adult Couslands and Samuel Haris gathered in the solar for refreshments, too wide-awake to go to bed right away. Lys sat with them for a short time, before excusing herself to find Kai and Zev. She was not ready to answer her father's questions or discuss her future plans.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
Funalis in Highever included the same Chantry services as elsewhere in Ferelden. The services commemorated the death of Andraste and the Fereldan Fallen from the Rebellion, Occupation and earlier wars. In Highever, those who died defeating the werewolves during th lycanthrope plague were also remembered. All wore a sprig of Andraste's Grace to honor her and to remember the dead and fallen.
All through Funalis Eve and Funalis Night, a great bonfire burned on the coast outside the city near the fairground. Ships reported the giant bonfire was visible far out on the Waking Sea. Smaller fires appeared throughout the countryside twinkling in the distance. Andraste plays took place in front of the Chantry in the square where another, smaller, bonfire burned. Actors put on secular plays near the Great Bonfire. A favorite was the Lycanthrope Plague Story telling of how Haelia and Mather Cousland defeated the werewolves infesting Ferelden. Another told of the Teyrn and Teyrna's escape from the Orlesians at the Battle of White River, much to Bryce's embarrassment. Lys loved that story and once played her mother to the delight of the populace.
This year, however, Lys only observed. The Broughtens had planned well. All the familiar festivities took place; the Arl introduced nothing new. Pippa noted that her father believed too many changes had happened during the past year; the people needed the comfort of tradition and familiar rituals, not the excitement of new ones. Lys could not agree more. The familiar speeches, plays and even the Chantry service let her pretend the past year had not happened, that Maric still ruled in Denerim with Loghain by his side and that all was well with her father. She knew reality would all come rushing in on the first of August, but it was nice to live in her fantasy world for a day.
In truth, she had a many more days reprieve from reality. On the day after Funalis, she, Kai and Pippa rode out, as they used to, along the coastal cliffs. This time Zev joined them. Over the next few days, they revisited familiar haunts and told stories of childhood exploits. Lys even enjoyed retelling the tale of the wolf to Zev when they rode to Star Lake; remembering Loghain and Maric at the elephant seal beach; and recounting how she and Pippa taught Alistair and Nathaniel Howe, and later Kai, mounted archery. Then, of course, Zev insisted on learning and they had an afternoon of shooting from horseback until Zev caught on to the new skill. The only difference in these rides were the half dozen guards who shadowed them. Lys recalled that as a child riding along the coast or forest edge as far as Star Lake was always safe.
Pippa had another surprise for Lys and Kai. Aemilia, the escaped Tevinter slave, had arrived in Higheverport after the Teyrna and Oriana left for Antiva City. It fell to Pippa and Arlessa Alys to settle her with a family and introduce her to the weaver's guild. As Lys hoped, Aemilia settled with Myfanwy's family who treated her as a long lost second daughter. While she still had trouble believing her good fortune, Aemilia had work she loved, a new family and, much to Kai's relief and amusement, a suitor in Nelaros.
"So, you don't mind Nelaros courting Aemilia?" Lys asked
"No. I think you were right, Lys. I would be settling if I accepted his suit. I love traveling," she crossed her arms in front of her chest and stared at Lys, "even if it's with you. I'd have to give it all up and join the guard or actually become a lady's maid."
Lys giggled. "You're very good. I'd give you good references."
"For which?"
"Either. Guard or lady's maid."
"Well, that's a relief."
"Of course I would tie you to…something to prevent your going." Lys suddenly looked serious. "I don't think I could handle another loss. You and Mum are the two people I can say anything to and know you will listen and then tell me exactly what you think. I don't know what I'd do without that."
"Well, this got serious very quickly." Kai squeezed Lys shoulder. "I'm not going anywhere, my lady. I feel the same way about you, you know."
Lys turned to hug her. Kai stepped back. "No, not another hug!"
Lys smiled. "You know Teyrn Loghain used to tease me about Cousland hugs. And Alistair always said he'd only been hugged by Mum and me. Hugs are important."
"Lys, I was teasing too," Kai replied gently.
"I know. So can I hug you?"
Kai pulled Lys into a hug, which was quickly returned.
"Ah, am I interrupting, ladies?"
"Just a ritual with the Couslands, Zev. Hugs all around." Kai stepped back from Lys.
"So, do I get to join?"
Lys smiled, "Well, yes, but I suspect I'm not the one you want to hug."
"Not true. I spread my hugs equally among all lovely women," he stopped to consider the two young women, "men too if I must be honest."
"Ah, a man of varied tastes. Good to know, Zev." Kai laughed.
"So, I think my timing has failed me. The moment has passed. I came to ask if you planned to ride today?"
"Kai may want to. I have to speak with Papa. He wants to discuss my plans." Lys frowned. "I think it may be a difficult afternoon. We leave for Denerim in a few days. He'll want to know if I plan to return for Satinalia or go to Cumberland for the winter. I suspect he won't like my answer."
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
A few days later, Zev, Kai, Fergus and Lys walked down to the Castle dock from the postern. Fergus had suggested a sail to the islands while the August weather still held. It would provide them with privacy to talk. A chill in the wind hinted at the winter storms soon to arrive. The four companions dressed warmly and looked forward to a day on the water.
Lys settled at the tiller, while Fergus and Kai stepped the mast and raised the sail. They sat Zev in the bow out of the way. His skills did not extend to sailing.
"So, you shoot from horses, can you shoot from a small boat?"
"Well, of course, Zev. The problem with small boats is their height. A large ship can shoot down into a small boat, which can't return the volleys with any success. The archers in the larger boat will be hidden behind the rail or in the rigging."
"Ah, I see the problem."
The group quieted as the wind noise increased and the shallop ploughed through the mild chop to the largest of the off shore islands. Fergus jumped out and pulled the boat onto the beach with help from Zev. Lys and Kai tossed the food bundles to Zev and followed the men.
"It's been a while since I was out here," Fergus said. "The best place for a fire is down the beach."
The group trudged through the sand to a spot where logs had been placed around a fire pit. Zev and Kai went to collect wood, while Lys and Fergus started a small blaze from the nearby woodpile left by previous visitors. On their return, Kai and Zev piled the wood they collected near the fire pit and then sat on the logs with Fergus and Lys.
"Now, Fergus, what's this about aggressive bandits attacking the castle? I've yet to get a clear answer."
"They weren't bandits, Lys, as I'm sure Zev will confirm."
Zevran nodded.
"They were assassins. Sent to kill Da and me. Possibly all of us if we had all been there."
"Lord Fergus is correct, cara. They were assassins, but fortunately not Crows, or the outcome might have been sadly different. You," Zev said, looking at Fergus, "are married to a Falanni. The Falanni's maintain their relationships with the Crows in Antiva. Particularly with my house, the Arainai, but with all houses. Unlike other nobles or merchants, the Falanni have no vendettas at this time. No Crow house would take a contract on a Falanni or a Cousland. Only renegades or other assassins." Zev spoke seriously.
"How did they get in?"
"A new guard opened the postern. Fortunately, a guard from the upper battlements saw him and raised the alarm. Hence Harold's reluctance to let you in when you arrived."
"I understand. I hope you weren't too hard on him." Fergus had taken leadership of the Teynir forces while Lys was away.
'No, I wasn't, although I did require that all the guards become familiar with the Cousland signet. And that they at least call for help when one is presented."
"What else did you find out Zev?"
"Not much. The assassins were from many countries, although perhaps it is telling that none were from Orlais. The problem is we don't know if that is a means to cover their tracks or that Orlais was not involved. Nor could I find a connection to any Fereldan nobility. I will question the two captives again, but in truth no matter how adept I am at interrogation, and I am very adept, I doubt I'll find anything more. I suspect they don't know their employer."
Fergus signed deeply. "Which means we must remain on guard."
"Yes, it definitely means that my lord, both here and where ever one of you travels."
"Will you go with Lys to Denerim?"
"How can I refuse to accompany and protect two such lovely ladies, my lord?"
Kai snorted. "We'll see who protects whom."
"You have not yet beaten me, Kailian."
"Then let's correct that now. There's room to spar here."
Lys laughed. "I think this is how they flirt," she whispered to Fergus. "Neither of them wants to take another step towards a relationship, so they spar and argue incessantly."
"Do you mind if we take a walk while you spar? Or do you need a judge?" Fergus joked.
Kai waved Lys away. "The elf may be an assassin, but he is honorable. We don't need a judge."
Zev raised his eyebrows. "I had no idea you trusted me so completely. I might try to seduce you."
"You try to seduce me every day, Zevran. You've failed every time."
"My heart" Zev whimpered grabbing his chest over his heart, "you wound my heart with you cruel words. Now I will show you who is the better sword wielder."
"Please go, he won't perform if there is no audience."
"You wound me again. I am sincere."
Kai rolled her eyes.
Lys and Fergus set off laughing.
"Do you think they will get together?"
"Not yet. They both have a history of betrayals and hurt. I know more of Kai's, but I suspect Zev's story would be worse. Quite simply, they're afraid."
"Shame, they seem well matched."
"You want my companion to be joined with a Crow?"
"I suppose my view of Crows has…moderated since I met Oriana."
"Right, because assassination becomes an honorable profession when you marry an Antivan?"
Fergus laughed. "Something like that. You know we get intelligence from the Falanni. We know where Nate is and that he is fine, for example." He saw Lys questioning look. "He's with his cousins near Markham as we thought. He doesn't want to put Pippa in danger, however, so he stopped writing. He's still out of favor. And Pippa is still not his father's choice for a match."
"Useful. Fergus, why are you fondling that log? It looks like it has arrow marks on it."
"I didn't realize it was still here. This is where Alistair beat Nate at archery on that long ago day we sailed here." He saw Lys expression grow serious and sad. "We don't hear anything about Alistair."
"He's still at Dragon's Peak. Loghain saw him before he left." She walked over and pressed her fingers against the arrow marks. "He enjoyed that day. Thank you for including him."
"It wasn't a hardship, Lys."
"No, but thank you anyway." She stared at the log. "Silly, how a piece of wood affects me. You know we probably wouldn't recognize each other if he ran into me. I certainly wouldn't know him through the tin pot helmet he must wear. We might not even like each other."
"Have you given up on marriage?"
"No. I have almost given up on a future with Alistair. I don't think I'll give up entirely until I'm told he's taken vows; or I meet him again and find I hate him." She saw Fergus' raised eyebrow and grinned. "Or he hates me. Perhaps one day I may meet someone else. No, I haven't ruled it out, but I haven't met anyone either. It's just not a priority."
"You realize you could make a match, quite a good one."
"You don't mean-
"-no, not Thomas. Or Rendon, now that his wife has died. No I meant Loghain."
"Teyrn Loghain!" Lys looked at him in disbelief, which faded into thoughtfulness. "Breed little Mac Tirs for Gwaren. That would be a match wouldn't it? Certainly upset the nobility, if not Cailan and Anora. " She laughed. "You'll make a good Teyrn one day, Fergus, if you keep thinking like that. He's not some bann from the back of beyond and at least I like him. Should I suggest it to Papa?"
"Maker, no!" Fergus saw her grin. "You're joking, right?"
"Of course. I do like Teyrn Mac Tir, but I have no interest in marrying him. It would be like marrying my uncle. Now let's go back and make sure our elven friends have not maimed or killed each other."
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
As the time for the Autumn Landsmeet approached, Lys wondered why her father made no plans to go to Denerim.
"He's not going, Lys. I will go and represent Highever in his place this year." Fergus brushed down Sarim after their ride as he spoke.
"The reason?"
"He won't admit it, but he doesn't want to face one time friends who now snub him or endanger those who don't."
"Endanger?"
"Not physically, but hurting their chances for preferment. Eamon has eyes everywhere it seems and Da's tired of it all. So I'll go. It seems I'm more ignored than in disfavor. Da hopes eventually Cailan will speak to me again."
"When do you leave?"
"In a few days. We'll ride hard and make it just in time for the first session. I'll stay at Highever House, but won't really open it. No receptions or salons."
"We'll probably pass on the road, when you return."
"Likely little sister." He pulled her into a hug. "I'm glad you came home, Lys. He was afraid you wouldn't. He's terrified he'll lose you too. He blames himself for you not being presented or becoming one of Anora's ladies."
"Now he doesn't want me to leave. He expects me to stay through Satinalia. I can't Fergus."
"I know, Lys. Talk to him. Eventually he'll listen."
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
"I have responsibilities, Papa." Lys spoke calmly, but intensely as she and Teyrn Bryce had their long delayed conversation about her plans for the next months. "I can't tell Cousin Samuel I won't be available for the next six weeks." She threw up her arms to emphasize her point.
"You have responsibilities here." Bryce's right index finger pointed at her from where he stood behind his worktable.
Lys closed her eyes as she rubbed her forehead. "What responsibilities, Father? Mother, Aunt Alys, Pippa and Oriana more than handle any responsibilities in the Arling and Teyrnir."
"You can help them, as you always have." Bryce sat down in his chair.
"Father, I helped them with childish things when I was a child. I'm grown now and I have no place in Highever except as your unmarried daughter. What if I had gone to Denerim to become Queen Anora's lady-in-waiting or married and gone to live with my husband's family. Being in Cumberland is no different. I never had a place in Highever as an adult." She stopped speaking, her shoulders slumping. "Papa, I have no purpose here. With House Haris I have a purpose. One that helps Highever maintain and grow its trade. I do serve Highever, I do my duty as a Cousland, but from Cumberland."
Teyrn Bryce glared at his daughter. It did not help that all she said was too true. She had no marriage prospects in Ferelden. She had not been presented at Court. She would never be the Queen's lady. She had no place in Highever or Ferelden, except as the unmarried daughter of a Teyrn in disfavor. I am to blame. I should have refused the banns' nomination outright. It was my foolishness that ruined her life. Bryce could not admit this to his daughter.
"Go, just go." The Teyrn leaned over his worktable pulling a stack of papers toward himself.
Lys left. Her father did not notice her tearful glance as she quietly closed the door. They did not speak privately again before she traveled to Denerim with Cousin Samuel, Kai and Zev.
A/N: Thank you for reading. Please review, favorite, subscribe and/or follow. I welcome encouragement, suggestions and critiques.
As I get towards the end of Book 1, I find I need to extensively revise what I now realize was a sketchy (in every sense of the word) outline and final chapters draft. I had no idea what I was doing when I began this adventure; now that I'm slightly more knowledgeable, I realize how much I need to edit and revise (and expand) the final chapters of Book 1 to make sure the ideas in my head show up in prose on the screen.
I will try to adhere to my weekly posting schedule, but please forgive me if I lag a few days. The story gets more complicated and the relationships more fraught as we move toward the Blight. (Duh! What fun would it be if it didn't.) I want to do the story and my characters justice.
Good news: While these last chapters have been mostly about Lys ( & Kai), Loghain and Alistair will have their chapters soon.
Huge thanks to my wonderful beta Kira Tamarion for her efforts. None of the errors are hers – they are all mine.
Thanks to all who Favorited, Followedand those who Reviewed last week: Arsinoe de Blassenville,clafount,Mike3207,nh09jrb,katdancer2 and SnowHelm.I appreciate the continuing thoughtful feedback. It helps me keep going, knowing others enjoy Lys, Alistair, Loghain and their companions.