Absolution
Anders was packing the last things before leaving for Orlais. Having an infant with you really made packing a challenge. He had to chuckle at the reversed roles. He was the one taking care of Maia and making sure everything was ready for their departure, while Leila was the one with last minute political business to attend to. She had once told him that this was not uncommon in her world, but to him it did seem a bit strange, though not entirely unwelcome. He sighed to himself. What he wouldn't give for a more simple life, but he decided to be happy for the things he had... he would lose them soon enough. He walked down to the Library with Maia on his arm and leaned against the doorway with a smirk. Leila was explaining to Aveline and Hawke, what was to be done in her absence. She was clearly flustered and she looked adorable in a way.
"And the representatives from the Alienage have found some improvements to be done to the area. I need you to talk to them and find out which have the greatest priority. Then there is a council meeting in two weeks that will give updates, particular of the farmlands. And be weary of Meredith, she tends to interfere in those meetings. And Aveline keep an eye on Garrett, this is new to him." Leila almost ranted and Hawke and Aveline chuckled. Leila let out a sigh and smiled.
"And I said that already." She smiled.
"Twice actually." Hawke chuckled.
"Please, tell me if mother is being overprotective." Leila said with self-irony.
"I wasn't going to say anything." Aveline smiled.
"Anders, take her away from here. She needs a break from all this." Hawke chuckled looking at his friend.
"I'm not sure a diplomatic audience is relaxing, but I will try." Anders smiled, while Leila walked over and took Maia in her embrace.
"We'll better get going. Say goodbye Maia." Leila cooed and made the girls hand wave.
"We should take Ebony with us." Leila then added.
"Isn't one beast enough?" Anders remarked drily.
"Call Fenris that one more time... I dare you." Leila said sternly looking up at him, but he just smiled while calling for Ebony.
"The city is in safe hands. Try to relax a little and get the most out of the time with Maia. You deserve it." Aveline said in a kind voice and gave her a hug.
"Listen to Aveline. Rest or we will send the entire wrath of the Kirkwall guard after you." Garrett smirked.
"Everything is ready, let's go love." Anders smiled at Leila and then realized the endearment that slipped his tongue. He looked at Aveline, who just smiled.
"Take care of them, Anders." Aveline said seriously.
"I will." Anders promise and received a bear hug from Hawke before they walked out the door.
-OOO- Orlais -OOO-
After a week at sea they had arrived Val Royeaux, heart of the Chantry, the Orlisian Empire and Fashion. Anders and Maia were to stay at the Inn for most of their time there. This was after all templar haven, but this seemed less risky than leaving him behind in Kirkwall. Ebony was brought as protection to the two of them, since Leila was depended on Fenris. Other than that about ten Kirkwall guards had come as well, to protect the Viscountess. A normal precaution, but it annoyed Leila a little all the same.
Leila had become very good with her bow and had refreshed her martial arts training, but she didn't want to use either. And she was certainly not good enough to defend herself from trained assassins. Not that she was expecting an assault, which would be more likely in Kirkwall. What she was expecting was a whole week filled with Orlisian nobles, waiting for the opportunity to incorporate her into their Game. Honour and nobility had no place there, it was a political battlefield created by social conventions for people to rise in society and prove their superiority. Deceit, manipulation and outright sabotage, were the rules of the Game. She was already feeling repulsed by the knowledge that she would be joining these balls, but even the Divine herself was not above the Game. The Game was played constantly, but the elite had no greater opportunity to flourish in it, than at a ball. A masquerade where all the nobles would hide behind masks belonging to the house they served. Fitting, that in a game of devious deceit, they would hide themselves and keep them from revealing their intentions. Though, a poker face always came in handy, and Leila would know. It was the same dance that she did with Meredith on a daily basis. Thankfully, Meredith was not instructed in the Game and Leila had the upper hand... for the moment.
Now Leila was standing outside the Chantry and the home of the Divine. She was anxious and had little idea of what to expect. Not for the first time since her ascend to the Viscountess status, did she doubt her own abilities. Over the two years in Thedas she had raised from a nobody to a leader. The world that had been so alien to her was now an open book for good and for worse. If this would be page of dread or relief, she had no idea and found herself fearful of reading it at all. Sensing her distress Fenris placed a hand on her shoulder and gave her a comforting smile. Something very rare for him, but it had happened at lot more often lately. As they entered they were greeted by a committee of laysisters and templars, who escorted them to her holiness' private quarters. It was unusual for a foreign regent to be greeted privately instead of having an audience in a great hall. Leila didn't know if this was a good or bad sign and looking at Fenris he was equally confused. Arriving outside the chambers Leila was greeted by Lelianna.
"Viscountess Amell. It is good to see you again." Lelianna smiled.
"Likewise, it has been far too long." Leila replied in earnest.
"Indeed, we have both had a challenging few years. And you have risen to be regent and had a daughter. You have my congratulations." Lelianna smiled.
"Thank you. It has been quite a turn a journey and not an easy one." Leila replied with a sad smile.
"Indeed. I was sorry to hear about your husband and father-in-law." Lelianna replied with a sad expression.
"Thank you... This is my bodyguard and advisor, Fenris." Leila replied gesturing politely at Fenris.
"A pleasure. Her holiness is ready to see you now." Lelianna explained and they walked through the doors.
"The Divine is concerned about the situation in Kirkwall and takes it very seriously." Lelianna began as they walked through the private quarters.
"I figured as much. This is why I requested this audience. I hope we can find a solution to appease the situation." Leila explained and Lelianna nodded.
They were led into a large private office that was as large as Leila's throne room. Filled with books and golden statues, it was as grand at the Chantry back in Kirkwall. From the table rose an elderly lady dressed in robes in magnificent colours. She looked very kind and for some reason Leila instantly calmed.
"Your Excellency, It is a pleasure to finally meet you. Your reputation precedes you." The Divine smiled and walked towards them.
"You are to kind Your Holiness." Leila smiled and kneeled. Justivia put forward her hand and Leila kissed it, before rising to her feet.
"I would exchange pleasantries, but I think we are both anxious to get to the heart of this visit. If you will follow me to my desk, your advisor and Lelianna can guard the door. It will give us privacy and protection." Justivia replied ad gestured for Leila to follow.
"From what my informants tell me, the situation in Kirkwall is rapidly growing worse between the mages and templars. Is this your opinion as well?" Justivia asked sitting down.
"May I speak plainly?" Leila asked seriously.
"Of course." Justivia replied.
"Even if what I say may not be to your liking?" Leila asked again with the same seriousness.
"I would prefer your honesty. You have my word that no harm will befall you for the words spoken here today. May the Maker be my witness." Justivia replied returning the seriousness.
"Thank you. The situation is growing more tense. I have tried so make changes so that the people, especially the mages do not feel that they are being ignored. Unfortunately I am being overruled at every turn I take, by people who have to business in interfering with my affairs." Leila explained.
"Like Knight-commander Meredith... Tell me, a templar named Ser Alrik. What happened to him?" Justivia asked and Leila swallowed.
"The report says that he was killed by a demon of unknown origin. Why are you interested in his particular case?" Leila asked, trying to hide the uneasiness she was feeling.
"Because almost two years ago I received a disturbing proposal from him. What do you know of the Tranquil solution?" Justivia asked looking almost melancholy.
"That it was a plan to turn every mage in the Freemarches Tranquil within three years. Unfortunately he succeeded turning several innocent mages tranquil, before his untimely death." Leila replied.
"Are you relived that he died?" Justivia then asked observing Leila carefully.
"Honestly? No, death is an easy punishment. Then you are not faced with the consequences of your actions." Leila replied calmly, but inside she was shaking like a leaf.
"You are as wise and compassionate as I have been told." Justivia smiled and Leila observed her.
For some reason a bond of trust seemed to be created between them, even after only a few minutes of conversation. Leila's instincts told her to trust the Divine, but she was still cautious.
"Your Holiness, I must admit that I am afraid on behalf of the city, my people and even my daughter's personal safety. The Knight-commander is trying to undermine my rule and have even recently made a threat in public. I trust you have read the documents I send?" Leila asked.
"I have." Justivia replied listening intently to Leila.
"After what happened to Perrin and the recent attempt to take control over my guard, I worry. Meredith is very devout in her duties and does honestly want to protect the city, but..." Leila began.
"Lately she had gone to extremes and Grand Cleric Elthina does not wish to use her authority against her templars." Justivia said with understanding.
"Yes, most holy." Leila replied.
"You have been honest with me and you deserve nothing less than my honesty in return. I have known of you for quite some time. The knight-commander sent me the proposals you made to Viscount Dumar, long before your marriage to his son. "Justivia smiled.
"And what did you think of them?" Leila asked hesitantly, not sure if she was about to be prosecuted as a heretic or not.
"They were impressive, reasonable and it is entirely possible that this could calm the fires. This could be a start to giving the mages the respect they deserve." Justivia smiled and Leila nearly fell over backwards.
"Y-You support the mages? You don't fear them?" She said with astonishment and the Divine chuckled.
"We should not let fear cloud our judgement. We owe the mages a debt and yet we have been shamefully forgetful of that fact." Justivia said seriously.
"But the chant of light... the Chantry..." Leila could hardly finish a sentence in astonishment.
"The Chant of light says: 'Magic exists to serve mankind, and not to rule over him.' And so it has been. The mages have served us well, in many wars over the centuries, yet in times of peace how well have we served them? We mean no harm, yet have we not harmed them even so?" Justivia explained and Leila had to give a small laugh of relief.
"My, this has been a heavy burden on your heart, child. No wonder... I was worried about the situation, first by Ser Alrik's proposal and later by Meredith's reluctance to take your proposals seriously. I will grant you permission to make these changes and from now on you will send your proposals directly to me for approval. That way we will not have the interference from the Knight-commander. The world has been in need of change for a long time." Justivia smiled and Leila wished that Anders was present to hear this.
"Thank you your holiness... I feel I must warn you. As much as the Knight-commander would have you believe that only that mages are at fault, there are more rouge templars than ever. If the tendencies in Kirkwall are an indication of what is going on other places in Thedas, then a mage rebellion will be the least of our troubles." Leila warned.
"Because, the templars could also start their own rebellion against the Chantry." Justivia said with understanding, before continuing.
"That is why I want you to try and see if your changes will make a difference. If they work in Kirkwall then we can apply them to other parts of Thedas and reward those who have been ignored for far too long."
"Thank you for the confidence you show in me." Leila said truly humbled.
"No, thank you for be brave enough to choose a path others didn't dare glance at." Justivia smiled.
"There is another matter I wish to discuss." Leila began.
-OOO-
Anders was back at the tavern and was walking back and forth trying to make Maia sleep. He wondered what Leila was doing now and hoped she wasn't getting herself into more trouble. He didn't want her to risk everything. She had a title, wealth, Maia and a change to make a difference through peaceful means, where as he was an apostate with no future. He could risk it all and him leaving this world would not have an great impact, but he hoped his actions would. He was still researching it, but he would only see his daughters first, and if he was lucky, second nameday. Maia finally fell asleep and he placed her in the crib. Leila had told him why she had wished him to come to Orlais and Anders was furious. If Sebastian truly loved her, why would he hurt her? He heard the door open and Leila ran towards him with a happier expression than he had ever seen from her. She jumped into his arms and wrapped her legs around his waist, while her hands held his face, as she kissed him passionately. He almost fell backwards, but managed to stabilise himself. His hands held her bottom and her kisses deepened. When she pulled away, they were both panting heavily and her eyes were shining with happiness.
"I'm guessing the meeting went well?" Anders smiled, but was truly astonished about what could have happened that could possibly have made her this excited. Leila jumped down and made sure that every door and window was closed.
"Anders, the Divine is not like I expected at all. She wants to give mages more freedom and reform the circle. She has overruled Meredith and I can make the changes I want. Mages, who have passed their harrowing, will be able to join the guard and I have been given the authority to make a large clinic, where mages are allowed to practise healing magic. And this is only the beginning. I am working on a reward system, which allows harrowed mages to earn the right to live apart from the circle. And I want to find a way for mageblooded children to live with their parents." Leila said excitedly and Anders gaped with disbelief.
"She wants to change the circle?" He said doubtfully.
"Yes, but that is not the only thing. After what Alrik did, she told me she is researching a way to reverse the rite of tranquillity. The evidence suggests that the rite can be reversed." Leila said softly and looked at Anders who was dumbfounded for a few moments.
Water began showing in his eyes and he pulled her into his embrace and burrowed his face in her hair. He gave a sob and was trembling for something between happiness and relief. He pulled away slightly so he could kiss her desperately. She had brought hope to a previous hopeless existence.
"Thank you." He breathed as he pulled away and she stroked his cheek.
"There is more... Come and sit down." She smiled and made him sit down in the small living room next to the bedchamber.
"How can there possibly be more?" He chuckled as he dried his eyes. She swallowed and looked at him seriously.
"I have done something, that will piss you off I'm afraid." She said softly.
"Who did you agree to marry this time?" He spat already fearing the worst. She sighed and handed him a letter.
"To Viscountess, Leila Amell of Kirkwall.
I was surprised by your letter, but I must admit that it is a relief to hear from a fellow sovereign, who has such a noble reputation. First I wish to congratulate you on the birth of your daughter. Children are truly wonders of joy, if a little trying on our patience. Secondly please accept my condolences on your husband's death. He sounded like a good man undeserving of his untimely death.
I cannot tell you the relief I felt from reading your letter. To know that Anders is alive and well was a greater joy, than you can imagine. Wardens are family and I feared for by brother. From your letter however, I can understand why Anders suddenly disappeared. I had no idea that the Chantry was interfering with warden affairs, though I should not be surprised. I of course understand his actions and that he was only defending himself. I truly regret that he was persecuted and am ashamed that I did nothing to prevent it. He has been through enough in his lifetime.
If you would do me a favour and have him write to me? A friend of ours, named Justice, has also been missing for almost five years and I hope that Anders might know what happened to him.
I have heeded your request gladly and my letter of recommendation to the Divine is included in this letter. I hope you will succeed in your endeavour and that the King and I will have a change to meet you in person before long.
Sincerely,
Elissa Therin, Queen of Ferelden."
Anders looked up at Leila and now he understood why she assumed he would be angry. She knew he didn't want Elissa to find out about him, but she had obviously avoided any details about Justice. He took a deep breath and looked at her.
"Why did you write to her?" He asked as calmly at he could and she handed him a document.
"9:35 of the Dragon
In light of his service to the Wardens, the Ferelden throne and his dedication to the citizens of Kirkwall, as well as his role in defending the City from the Qunari invasion, the Divine Justivia V gives the mage Anders of Kinlock Hold the right to live free of the circle.
He is no longer under Chantry supervision and with the exception of taking an high ranking military position, and having royal political influence, he is granted the rights to live as he pleases, within the laws. He is currently listed as a citizen of Kirkwall and should he want to change citizenship the circle will have to be informed, but he will not have to live within it unless he so chooses.
Marriage and any children born of him, will have to be informed to the Divine, but is not to be denied by the Chantry. Anders is not considered an apostate by the Chantry.
Her Divine, Justivia V. "
Anders looked completely pale, before a huge grin formed on his face his breathing heavy and his chest expanding almost painfully. He got up quickly and took Leila by her wrist and pulled her out of the room, the tavern and out on the street. He turned his head to the skies and shouted.
"I am free!"
He then pulled Leila to him and kissed her passionately. Leila chuckled against his lips and wrapped her arms tightly around his neck. People were starring, chuckling and giving different kinds of remarks, but it didn't matter. For the first time in his life, Anders was allowed to show affection publicly and show the world that he had fallen deeply in love with someone. He pulled away and his eyes were filled with happiness greater than anything, Leila had ever seen from him. He lifted her and twirled her around, while laughing from joy and happiness.
"I love you!" He said loudly, almost shouted, looking into her eyes and she blushed awfully, as she became shy.
"I love you too." She replied and kissed him.
-OOO- Author's note -OOO-
The Divine, Justivia V, is inspired by Asunder, as is her dialogue. I want to give a special thank to those who have reviewed my story, it really means a lot. I hope you continue to enjoy the story, as it is still not over.
Special thanks to: csorciere, melgonzo, Reyvatiel Songstress, Isabella Monroe and Flint and Feather. This chapter is dedicated to you. Thank you for your support and reviews. They keep inspirering me and I look forward to every update myself becasue if it.
