Author's Note: Here it is: the Landsmeet. It's not one of my best chapters, but it'll suffice. I didn't want to make the whole thing a speech, so I only gave Bell one mini-speech. Oh, and I always meant Aedan to be a bit more vocal when angry, but I think that I always made him civil. Just a random sidenote. Anywho, on to the chapter.
Bell paced the room nervously.
This was it; her last chance to propose her ideas to Aedan before possibly disgracing him before the Landsmeet. Bell had already talked to Alistair about his claim to the throne, and he happily forfeited them.
Now it was just a matter of broaching her ideas to Aedan.
"Hello, love," greeted Aedan as he placed his shield next to the door. "You look nervous."
"Just about your speeches," said Bell, stopping her pacing.
"I told you, Bell, they look immaculate. You can stop worrying now."
Bell tried to smile, wiping her hands on her armor, but even she knew it looked forced.
Aedan noticed.
"It's not the speeches is it? Come on, what's really bothering you?"
Bell bit her lip, then mentally cursed herself for showing nerves again.
"The throne," she finally said.
"What about it?" asked Aedan as he sat down on the sofa. "Anora stays, and we all live happily ever after."
Bell shook her head.
"It's not that simple. Aedan, I'm going to talk to you as a Scholar. Not Scholar Bell, or just Bell, but a Scholar. Do you understand?"
Aedan nodded though he seemed nerved by the statement.
Bell nodded and slipped into the Scholar persona she knew so well.
"It would not do well to leave Anora on the throne by herself. It would look suspicious if the Grey Wardens took such great pains to bring charges against Loghain just to leave his daughter on the throne. However, it would also look suspicious to leave a single Grey Warden on the throne. It would make your Order look power hungry. I offer a solution," stated the Scholar, clasping her hands behind her back.
"Speak," ordered the Cousland, nodding his head.
"A marriage," the Scholar began. "If there was a marriage," continued the Scholar, ignoring Aedan's disbelief, "both problems would be solved. By leaving Anora with some power over the throne, you acknowledge her claim to the throne. However, by putting a Grey Warden on the throne, you prevent Anora from wielding too much power. A Warden with a wife who has legitimate claims to the throne prevents either party from seeming too greedy. If anything, it would raise the respect of both parties."
The Scholar paused.
"Do you have any thoughts, my lord?"
The Cousland shook his head.
"You want Alistair to marry Anora? I don't think that's a good idea."
"I agree whole-heartedly, my lord. Alistair is not well versed in politics and can be easily manipulated. It would not do well to place him on the throne. But perhaps someone who is versed in politics and battle could serve as a good king. Being of noble blood would also help your position."
Aedan looked up.
"Are you suggesting me, Bell?"
The idea had crossed his mind, but he assumed Bell had dismissed it.
The Scholar nodded, offering a small half-bow.
"Yes, my lord."
"No, I'm not asking the Scholar. I'm asking Bell," he said, walking over to her.
"Yes, Aedan," she responded.
She stepped back as Aedan approached.
"But Bell –" he said, reaching out to touch her face.
"Please," said Bell, shying from his touch. "I have made my opinion and no argument shall dissuade me from it."
"Bell, I don't understand. What about us?"
Aedan could hear Bell's voice waver as she gave her answer.
"It was something that should never have existed, and it is wholly my fault that it does."
"You mean, you never wanted this?" asked Aedan, hurt clearly written across his face.
"No," said Bell strongly. "I have wanted this more than you can possibly imagine."
"Then why stop it?" he asked, pulling her close and peppering her mouth with passionate kisses.
Bell returned the kisses with just as much fervor, knowing that it would be her last time.
"Aedan. Aedan, wait," she protested in the moments when their lips weren't touching.
Aedan continued, blatantly ignoring her words.
Tears began to trickle down Bell's face, and they mixed with the pair's kisses.
Bell could feel Aedan's tongue slithering into her mouth and it took all her willpower to push herself away.
"Let me explain," Bell half panted, half cried.
Aedan kept an arm around her back in hopes of preventing her escape.
"Do you remember the night when I confessed my feeling to you?" Bell started.
Aedan nodded; he held that memory close to his heart.
"Do you remember what I told you? Do you remember my secret?"
"You're of mixed blood," he replied.
"Then you understand," Bell started hopefully.
"Wardens have trouble conceiving children; no one would know since there would be no child," said Aedan.
"I am no Warden," Bell said softly.
"Right," Aedan reminded himself. She was just always there. It felt as if she was a Warden.
"Besides," continued Bell. "Some people see me as an elf, others as a human. Too many people would disagree, and they would bring the matter to the throne. It would disgrace the throne. I can't do that to this country."
"Blood lines don't matter," Aedan protested.
"Yes, they do! Everything matters in politics. You and I both know that."
"Then what would you do, Bell? If I was on the throne, where would you go?"
"Back to the Order," said Bell confidently. "Marge told me that Master Quill forgave me. I can return to my studies and become a full Scholar."
"Return to your studies? Is that all this is? A mere disturbance to your studies?"
"I wish it was so," Bell said softly.
"The Bell I know wouldn't throw this away," said Aedan fiercely.
Bell's heart sank, and she tried to keep the tears from flowing anew.
"That's just it," Bell said, shaking her head and wiping away stray tears.
"The Bell you know slipped on rocks and cut her arm. The Bell you know acted as a messenger in the Alienage. But that isn't me. I ran into a forest and almost died because I was attacked by a bear. I found out about the slavery by pretending to be an elf. I killed a guard because I knew he would raise an alarm. I am not the innocent Bell Briarwood you wish me to be. I am Tárwen Fellmirr, and I was never yours."
The two stood in silence before Aedan slowly dropped his arm.
"You lied to me," he said in disbelief. "You lied to me!"
Bell nodded her head as she blinked rapidly, forcing the tears to remain unshed.
"Get away from me, Halfling," Aedan spit.
Bell nodded and bowed.
"Of course, my lord," she responded, before leaving the room.
Aedan sank onto the sofa and stared.
How could he have been so blind?
Bell stood proudly during the Landsmeet.
She wore a robe nearly identical to a Scholar and wore her brooch on her cloak. She still wore the dragon scale necklace that Aedan gave her; she wished that she didn't have to say any of those words last night, but she knew it was the only way to make Aedan understand.
She forced herself to focus on the ceremony. Aedan was delivering his speeches flawlessly. It was a rare sight, and Bell was impressed.
Her speeches seemed more real, her ideas more tangible as he spoke. But his eyes spoke another story.
She could see the seething hate for her as he met her gaze, eyes flashing with anger. Bell was mildly surprised; Aedan was usually much more vocal with anger. But she knew he had enough sense to keep his mouth quiet on the topic.
She stood still as nobles berated Aedan with questions and objections; she would only speak if she was called upon.
And then she heard it; the soft cry of "Bell".
"Please, sers," interrupted Bell in a strong voice. The voices soon died down. "The Warden only wishes to speak his opinions. Whether you agree or disagree with his opinions is left for you to decide. If you disagree with something the Warden says, please hold your thoughts until a reasonable break during the politicking or until he calls upon you specifically, whichever option occurs first. The Warden acknowledges your right to voice your opinion. He only asks that you allow him to voice his in return."
Loghain laughed.
"And who are you to demand such respect from the Landsmeet?"
"A member of the Order of Scholars based in the Hinterlands, my lord. I speak on behalf of the Warden Aedan when the need arises. I hope you understand my interruption, my lord."
Loghain merely waved his hand, and Aedan resumed his speech, nodding curtly to Bell if only to show respect for the Order.
After debating for another few minutes, Aedan suddenly deferred to Bell.
"I ask that the Scholar Bell speak for me on this topic," said Aedan, a glint in his eye.
Bell cursed inwardly as she was left to handle the delicate topic of Ostagar.
"Of course, my lord," said Bell, bowing to Aedan before taking her place in front of the Landsmeet.
"Ostagar is not an image that will fade," Bell began. "It is not a place that will be cherished in soft memories, a place where children shall one day dream of traveling. Nay, it is a place that will only be whispered about with furtive glances and hushed tones, a place with events forgotten to younger generations. But why will this place be hidden in the deepest shadows of our hearts? Why will this place never be remembered for its glory? The answer, good sers, is quite simple: because no one wishes to speak of the truth. And why would anyone? Some see that Loghain pulled his troops in order to save them, an act of mercy. Yet others say that he wished doom upon our late King Cailan, an act of cruelty. To discern the true intentions behind Loghain's retreat is a mystery that will never be cleared. But there is one action this is indisputable, an action that no one can deny: Loghain never sent for the body of his King.
"Not only did he fail to complete this act of respect, he turned his troops towards a small band of Orlesians chevaliers. Why would any man neglect this sacred duty owed to his King? Why is it that the Grey Wardens Alistair and Aedan were the ones to stumble upon the broken and defiled body of our late King? Why was this task left to those who stood by his side at Ostagar? Should not the man who abandoned his King at least give him a deserved funeral?
Yet it is not my place to determine such things, for I am but a Scholar. And though I Scholar I may be, my observations are sound. That, my good sers, I can assure you."
"I have a question for the Scholar, if she might answer," came the voice of Loghain.
"Of course," replied Bell, turning around to face the man and bowing.
"Why do you condemn my act of defending our nation against the Orlesians? Do you believe that our quarrels with them are suddenly forgotten? I would not stoop now only to hand this nation to our enemies."
"It is not my place to judge the threat of the Orlesians. But I only say this in return: the threat of the Blight lies in Fereldan, not Orlais."
A noble spoke up, and Bell bowed before returning to her spot.
She looked over at Aedan who was clearly upset that she did not disgrace herself.
Bell merely turned her eyes away and focused on the conversations of the nobles. She would not let Aedan lord over her emotions.
The rest of the Landsmeet was conducted in much the same matter, the speeches and opinions seeming to drag on forever.
But then it was over.
There were no more arguments, no more persuasive words or jingling coin purses for those who held their tongue. It was down to a duel.
Bell recited the rules and signaled for the fight to begin.
Loghain hefted a large two-handed sword, one that promised certain death if one was hit by it.
Aedan's long sword and shield seemed tiny and pathetic against his enemy. But Bell knew that talent, not brute force, would win this battle.
Bell stood impassively as she watched the duel.
Loghain brought his sword down in a fast blow, one that dented Aedan's shield. Aedan winced in pain as the blow reverberated through his arm, but shrugged the shoulder and continued on.
Aedan feigned to his left and Loghain moved. Aedan then tried to strike Loghain while he was distracted, but the man brought his sword up just in time. For a sword so heavy, Loghain was surprisingly fast.
The two circled a bit more until an arrow suddenly sang through the air.
Aedan barely deflected the arrow while Bell scanned the crowd.
One of Loghain's men stood with a bow and Bell quickly raised her voice.
"The fight is not fair!"
The rest of Loghain's men quickly spilled in, all of them surging towards Aedan.
Bell cursed herself for not preparing for a surprise attack and drew her two small daggers. She knew they were only good for throwing and she would have to be careful with where she threw them.
The rest of Aedan's group quickly took up arms and the Landsmeet turned into an all out battle.
Bell stood to the sides, waiting for the opportune moment to send her daggers towards Loghain.
She could only glimpse the fighting between the war hero and the Warden, but from what she saw, it seemed like a stalemate.
She craned her neck around the bodies flashing in and out of her vision, pushing men aside as she struggled to ready her daggers.
And then she saw it; Loghain was raising his sword above his head as Aedan tried to regain his balance from the last blow.
Bell raised her arm and brought it down, ready to send her dagger flying. But a noble managed to scurry into her line of attack and she had to flick her wrist at the last minute to avoid killing the man.
Bell cursed and struggled to see where her dagger landed.
She heard a cry of pain and glimpsed Loghain holding a wounded hand. It was where Bell was aiming, but she would take what she could get.
Aedan took this moment to slam the warrior with his shield, sending the man sprawling on the ground.
He quickly took his sword and pressed it against the soft flesh of his neck.
"Stop!" Bell yelled over the fighting. The duel was over.
Only a few nobles and guards stopped.
"Cease battle! The duel is over!" shouted another man.
The room suddenly grew quiet, all eyes locked on the scene of Aedan and Loghain.
"You have won your battle, Warden. What do you plan to do with me?" panted Loghain, still gripping his injured hand.
"For the crimes you committed against your king and the country, you deserve death," Aedan spat.
"Wait!" interrupted Anora.
Eyes shifted.
"Why not make him undergo the Joining? If he lives, you gain a skilled Warden. If he dies, you have your revenge."
Alistair laughed.
"Loghain is not worthy of being a Warden. He betrayed them."
Aedan nodded.
"Aye. His actions are only punishable by death."
Aedan ignored the protests of Anora and dropped his sword and shield.
He took Loghain's sword, testing the weight in his hands then looked at Loghain.
"Just make it quick, Warden."
"Gladly."
Aedan brought the sword above his head, the sunlight dancing off the blade, then quickly forced the sword down in a vicious arc.
Loghain's death was swift and the body was quickly moved away from sight.
"Now what? Who shall rule us?" asked a noble.
"The Warden!" one shouted. "He killed Loghain, he deserves to rule this nation."
"Not the Warden," argued another. "It should be Anora, our Queen!"
Shouts erupted across the room, but Aedan quickly called for silence.
Bell's heart pounded wildly in her chest; she knew that Anora agreed to a marriage, but after the death of her father, nothing seemed certain.
"I, Aedan Cousland, Grey Warden of Fereldan, shall rule this nation," he began.
Applause and praise followed with the grumblings of others hidden in the noise.
"But," he said, raising his hand to silence the crowd. "I shall not rule alone. A King is nothing without his Queen, and I shall take Queen Anora as my wife."
Bell's heart stopped at the word "wife". She had tried to prepare herself for this, but it seemed that it all failed her. The pain was still there.
Bell looked up and read the mixed emotions on Anora's face, but she quickly put on her regal mask and smiled.
"I would be honored," she replied.
Many of the nobles clapped again, this time with much less grumbling.
Bell lingered only a moment more before she quickly hurried out of the room, but not before she caught the gaze of Aedan.
He was smug, almost proud that she hurt just as much as he did.
Bell nodded and bowed, but then did something she never expected to do.
She hesitated, but then took her two fingers, pressed them to her lips, touched her heart, and extended her arm towards Aedan in a final farewell.
She spied his confused face, brow knitted, but turned before he could pursue her.
There was nothing left for Bell anymore.
Only the Scholar could remain.
Author's Note: I know; obnoxiously long with not so great writing. And I know I nearly killed you with fluff for the past few chapters, but I think you see why. Well, things should be wrapping up right quick now, so get ready for the epic Archdemon battle! *Nervous laughter* Ohhhh, I'm just gonna fail y'all again. Sorry...