Chapter 53
Rising Storm
Disclaimer – I don't own Dragon Age or any of its characters
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[Bloomingtide – early summer]
"Maker's breath, what's happened here!?" Leliana gasped as she stood up on the seat, staring at the great columns of smoke rising into the air. I glanced at Alistair in panic – there were darkspawn everywhere, heading towards us as we neared Redcliffe.
"Darkspawn incoming! Everyone get into positions!" I called, reining in Dancia and standing on the seat, pulling a pair of fire grenades from my hip pouch and holding them ready. Neria and Leliana nocked arrows and Katja loaded her crossbow, running to higher ground with Jowan, Wynne and Morrigan. Zevran and I stood on opposite ends of the wagon, while Olan, Sten, Alistair and Oghren took the four corners. I quickly unhitched Dancia, not wanting her to be trapped, and Zevran scattered caltrops across the paths before and behind us.
Everything was deathly quiet in the narrow pass – my heart throbbed in my ears as my eyes darted back and forth along the path, waiting. I sensed magic up ahead, and Alistair's head whipped around as he felt it as well. "Emissary!" he warned, keeping his hands ready to smite it once it got into range.
"On it!" I heard Katja shout, and just as the darkspawn appeared, it fell with a crossbow bolt in its eye, dying with a horrible shriek. From that noise erupted dozens of feral roars as darkspawn poured into the valley, swarming us from both sides. I hurled the pair of fire grenades out towards the most condensed clusters of darkspawn, feeling strength flow through me as Wynne cast an aura of heroism over us. I nodded gratefully to her before charging into the swarm, losing myself to the wild heat of battle.
Explosions and bursts of light and sound echoed around me as the mages cast spells at darkspawn clusters. I watched a group of darkspawn fall asleep on their feet as Jowan cast a sleep spell, and Morrigan cast horror – the creatures dropped dead from the sheer terror of their nightmares. Wynne was keeping up shields over Zevran, Olan and myself, as we were the most lightly armored, and had also cast a flame charm over our weapons.
Leliana and Neria were firing down with flame and ice arrows, and Katja was using some of her experimental 'oil bolts', the hollow shafts bursting on impact and splashing the darkspawn with a coating of oil, which promptly burst into flames with all the fire around. Sten, Oghren, Alistair and Olan had formed a defensive line around the wagon, protecting Dancia and our supplies, and Zevran and I wove in and out of the darkspawn, dealing damage in critical areas, crippling our opponents to ease the strain on the warriors.
The last of the darkspawn fell with a shriek as Zevran stabbed it in the throat, and he chuckled darkly, wiping his blades and sheathing them. "I believe that was the welcoming party," he quipped, and I smiled slightly, glad that even after this, my companions could still find humor in our situation.
"We should hurry – there aren't any more nearby…but I'd rather not stick around," I suggested, and everyone was glad to get a move on, dragging the darkspawn corpses out of the way and clearing a path for Dancia.
As we neared Redcliffe, Leliana spotted a runner, the lightly-armored man hailing us down by the windmill. "Your Majesty! Warden-Commander! You're here! Thank goodness!" the man gasped, running over once he spotted Alistair and me.
"What's happened here?" Alistair asked hurriedly, and the man shook his head, at a loss.
"I don't rightly know. Riordan of the Grey Wardens arrived this morning just ahead of the darkspawn. I was told that he has urgent news, and to send out patrols to watch for your arrival. Then we were attacked…" he relayed, and I raised an eyebrow.
"Riordan? What's he doing here?" I wondered. I recalled that he had mentioned scouting near the horde, but I didn't think he would be back so soon.
"I don't rightly know. Things happened so fast, I only know he was scouting in the south before he arrived," the messenger replied.
"Alright, let's go – Redcliffe's clear of darkspawn for the moment," I said, and the messenger nodded, motioning for us to follow him.
"I should take you to the hall right away, Your Majesty, my lady. They'll be waiting for you there," he urged, and we headed towards the castle. The courtyard was in ruin, with darkspawn corpses scattering the grounds, and wounded soldiers sitting by while mages and Dalish healers saw to their injuries. I allowed Wynne and Jowan to see to them as well while the rest of us were brought to the hall. I gave the others leave to rest, and Alistair and I followed the messenger.
oooo
Bann Teagan and Riordan were waiting in the main hall, nodding to us in greeting as we approached. "It's a relief to see you unharmed, Adeline, and you as well, Alistair…or should I say your Majesty?" Riordan smiled, his eyes relieved as he saw us both.
"Err…no. No, I wouldn't say that. Not yet, anyway," Alistair replied with a small, awkward smile, and Teagan looked at the man warmly as he nodded to Alistair respectfully, glad that he had arrived safely as well.
"The darkspawn that attacked Redcliffe were relatively few in number – they were taken down quickly by the gathered forces," Teagan began, getting right to business. "Those that attacked you were those that had fallen back, I'm afraid," he sighed – I could only imagine what the rest of the horde looked like if what we face were 'relatively few' of them. "It was assumed the horde was marching in this direction…but that is not true. Riordan tells us that the bulk of the horde is, in fact, heading towards Denerim. They are perhaps two days away from the capital," Teagan explained, and I opened my mouth to speak, shutting it quickly and swallowing the swear that had been about to escape.
"What? Are we sure about that? I mean…if that's true…" Alistair exclaimed, his face turning pale at the thought.
"I ventured close enough to 'listen in', as it were. I am quite certain," Riordan replied gravely, his eyes serious as he looked between the two of us.
"Has word been sent to Denerim?" I asked – even if a Dalish runner couldn't cut through the Bannorn with the darkspawn, messenger birds might reach the capital before the horde and give them time to evacuate and fortify the walls.
"Word has been sent, but they need more than warning. They need our armies," Bann Teagan replied. I silently thanked the Maker that Eamon was in Denerim, fortifying the city with support from Dragon's Peak, as well as at least half the Dalish forces.
"There is, I'm afraid one other piece of news that is of even greater concern," Riordan added, getting our attention. "The archdemon has shown itself. The dragon is at the head of the horde."
"Maker preserve us!" Bann Teagan gasped, voicing everyone's thoughts.
"But we can't reach Denerim within two days, can we? It's too far – even cutting across the Bannorn will take a week," Alistair remarked.
"We must begin a forced march to the capital immediately, with what we have. Denerim must be defended at all costs," Teagan replied.
"Is it even possible to reach the city in time?" I asked, my tone anxious.
"Perhaps not, but what is important is that we know where the archdemon will be. If we do not defeat the archdemon, it will not matter if Denerim is saved or the horde defeated," Riordan replied softly. "And only the Grey Wardens can defeat the archdemon. That is why we must go."
"Then we march, and hope the army we've collected here gives us the chance we need," Alistair said. "Bann Teagan, how long before the army can set out?" he added, turning to the man.
"By daybreak…" Teagan replied, and Alistair nodded.
"Then let's get them ready. I won't let all those people die without giving them a chance," Alistair's tone was filled with determination as he spoke, and I smiled slightly as I watched him, heartened by his strength.
"So how do we defeat the archdemon anyway?" I asked, glancing back at Riordan, and Alistair nodded.
"I was wondering that, myself," he added, and Riordan looked at us with surprise.
"Then…you don't know?" he asked, and Alistair and I shot each other a quick glance – we didn't like the way he said that. "Of course not. You are both new recruits, Duncan wouldn't have expected…" Riordan murmured, looking at the ground thoughtfully.
Teagan nodded slightly, speaking to Alistair. "I will give the orders at once, and will notify you the moment we are ready to march," he said.
"That would be appreciated, thank you," Alistair replied.
"Then if you and Alistair could meet me before you retire, we have Grey Warden business to discuss," Riordan added, his eyes still thoughtful as he bowed, leaving the main hall.
"I will have someone show you to your rooms. I suggest you all get some rest, while you can. We will need it," Teagan said, bidding us goodnight.
"I'll be with you in a moment – I just want to check on something," I told Alistair as he looked towards the stairs.
"Alright," he replied, heading off.
I went through the castle, checking on the representatives of our armies and asking for their statuses. Once I saw that everything was nearly ready to go, I found Bella and the rest of the Wardens' Rest staff, making sure they were alright. "Fergus," I said, once I had greeted the others, "your surname is Cousland." He froze at my words, but I held up a hand. "I met your brother, Aedan," I explained, and his eyes shone with moisture as his shoulders stiffened.
"Lord Cousland is alive?" Roland asked, and Celia clasped her hands before her, murmuring prayers of thanks to the Maker.
"He's retaken Highever," I replied, and Fergus grabbed my hands.
"What of Howe?" he asked, "is he dead?"
"Yes," I replied. "Aedan killed the snake himself." Fergus let out a long breath, his eyes shining with relief.
"Thank the Maker…" he sighed. "And thank you, my lady, for telling me this." I smiled, bidding them goodnight and checking on my companions before heading upstairs towards Riordan's room. I spotted Alistair waiting in the hall, and he nodded in greeting as I joined him.
"Ah, there you are. Now let's see what Riordan has to say," he said, motioning for me to follow. He knocked on Riordan's door, and the Grey Warden let us in, closing and locking the door and drawing the blinds. I looked at Alistair, wondering what was going on – Riordan was being very secretive, and it was making me uneasy.
"Please know, I assumed you had already been told. Otherwise, I would have told you this when you freed me in Denerim. I am sorry," Riordan began, and Alistair raised an eyebrow in confusion.
"What is it? What are you apologizing for?" he asked, and Riordan let out a soft sigh, his eyes sad when he looked back at us.
"Tell me, have you ever wondered why the Grey Wardens are needed to defeat the darkspawn?" he asked, and I shrugged slightly.
"I assume it has something to do with the taint in us," I replied, and he nodded.
"That is exactly what it involves," he confirmed. "The archdemon may be slain as any other darkspawn, but should any other than a Grey Warden do the slaying, it will not be enough," Riordan continued. "The essence of the beast will pass through the taint to the nearest darkspawn and will be reborn anew in that body," he explained. "The dragon is thus all but immortal." Our faces paled with dread at the words. "But if the archdemon is slain by a Grey Warden…its essence travels into the Grey Warden, instead."
"And…what happens to the Grey Warden?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
"A darkspawn is an empty, soulless vessel, but a Grey Warden is not," Riordan replied. "The essence of the archdemon is destroyed…and so is the Grey Warden."
We were silent at this revelation, and it was a few moments before Alistair managed to find his voice. "Meaning…the Grey Warden who kills the archdemon…dies?" he spoke, his tone sobered, and Riordan's eyes were solemn as he nodded.
"Yes. Without the archdemon, the Blight ends. It is the only way," he answered.
"Is there no other way? Must a Grey Warden die?" My voice wavered as I spoke, and Riordan held my gaze.
"As far as we know, the transfer of the archdemon's essence is automatic," he replied. "If one of us is not present when the killing blow is made, it is all for nothing. There is no other way." He sighed, running a hand over his forehead at the distressed looks on our faces. "For what it's worth, I'm sorry," he added softly.
"So it's…up to the three of us to kill this thing," I concluded, and he nodded slightly.
"In Blights past, when the time came, the eldest of the Grey Wardens would decide which amongst them would take that final blow. If possible, the final blow should be mine to make. I am the eldest, and the taint will not spare me much longer," Riordan offered, "but if I fail, the deed falls to one of you."
"If it comes to that, I am willing to take the blow," Alistair said, stepping forth, and I stared at him, grabbing his arm.
"What? No! Alistair, what about being king?" I cried, and he looked at me sadly, letting out a soft breath. He placed a hand over mine, his eyes sincere as he held my gaze.
"I know. All my life I didn't want to be king, and now that I do, I might have to give it up," he chuckled humorlessly at the situation, shaking his head. "But what would be the point of being king if I didn't do my duty for my country?" he asked. "No, just make sure I'm there when we fight this archdemon. I'll do what I have to," he said, turning to look at Riordan once more.
"If we do not stop the Blight here and now it will destroy all of Ferelden before the Grey Wardens elsewhere can assemble. Remember that," Riordan reminded us, and we both gave a short, sharp nod. "But enough. There will be much to do tomorrow and little enough time to rest before it. I will let you return to your rooms."
"I will see you once the army is ready to march, then. I guess this ends soon, one way or another," Alistair sighed, clasping Riordan's arm.
"That it does, my friend, that it does," the older Grey Warden replied, shaking Alistair's arm and turning to me, offering his hand. I nodded grimly and shook it, bidding the man goodnight as Alistair and I left the room.
"I…want to go speak to Bann Teagan, see what the situation is," Alistair said softly, and I nodded, feeling numb after what Riordan had said. I walked through the halls in a daze, returning to our room and closing the door, staring blankly at the wall as I sat at the writing desk. I glanced up as I heard a faint tapping, turning and noticing something by the window. I jumped, seeing a small black cat with bright yellow eyes sitting on the sill, raising an eyebrow as she looked steadily back at me. Morrigan? I wondered, walking over.
"Do not be alarmed. It is only I," Morrigan said, and I nodded, opening the window and letting her into the room.
"Is everything all right?" I asked, watching as she hopped to the floor and shifting back into her human form. The dark-haired woman nodded, a look of concern on her face as she approached.
"I am well. 'Tis you who are in danger," she replied, and I cocked my head, not knowing what she meant. Was she…eavesdropping on our conversation with Riordan? I wondered, listening to her regardless. "I have a plan, you see. A way out – the loop in your hole," she continued. "I know what happens when the archdemon dies. I know a Grey Warden must be sacrificed, and that sacrifice could be you. I have come to tell you this does not need to be." I felt my eyes widen in surprise, and I stared at the woman, caught off guard.
"Wait, how do you know about this?" I asked, bewildered, and Morrigan made a face.
"I know a great many things. How I know is not quite as important as what I am offering you, however," she said quickly, brushing off my question. "I offer a way out. A way out for all the Grey Wardens, that there need be no sacrifice. A ritual…performed on the eve of battle, in the dark of night," she continued, and I felt a knot forming in my chest at her words.
"Just what sort of ritual is this?" I asked suspiciously, and she made a face, glancing at the doorway.
"Come, we should go somewhere more private, lest Alistair walk in on us," she said, and I curbed my suspicion, following her as she led me out of the hall, back towards her room. Once we were inside, she locked the door and window, drawing the curtain; the only source of light in the room was a small candle that flickered on the desk in the corner. She told me to sit, crossing her arms as she leaned her hip against the desk, looking at me in silence for a while.
"So…what is this ritual?" I asked once more, and Morrigan took a quiet breath, looking at the candle and closing her eyes for a few moments before beginning.
"It is old magic, from a time before the Circle of Magi was created. Some would call it blood magic, but I think that means little to one like you," she explained, and I nodded slightly, urging her to continue.
"Then tell me more," I urged.
"What I propose is this; convince Alistair to lay with me. Here, tonight. And from this ritual a child shall be conceived within me. The child will bear the taint, and when the archdemon is slain, its essence will seek the child like a beacon," Morrigan said in a hushed tone. "At this early stage, the child can absorb that essence and not perish. The archdemon is still destroyed, with no Grey Warden dying in the process," she explained quickly; if I hadn't been sitting down already, my legs would have given out from under me at the shock.
"I…but…wh-why aren't you talking to Alistair about this?" I asked, stammering out the words in my surprise.
"Alistair despises me. You know this," Morrigan replied, looking towards the door. "He rarely listens to reason…but he would listen to you. You of all people could influence him," she added. "Think about what I offer you; you will live, as will Alistair. You could slay the archdemon and live as a hero, something no Grey Warden has ever done," she argued. "In return I conceive a child, one who will be born with the soul of an Old God. After this is done, you allow me to walk away…and you do not follow. Ever. The child will be mine to raise as I wish," she explained, and I bit my lip, feeling my fingers tighten into fists as I held them on my lap, looking at the ground.
"Why Alistair? Why not Riordan?" I asked, and Morrigan saw the pain in my eyes. I…I can't ask him to do this…
"Even if I thought Riordan could be convinced, he is unsuitable," Morrigan replied, her tone cold as she stated simple facts. "I need one who has not been tainted for long – it must be him, and it must be tonight."
"You actually think Alistair will agree to this?" I asked, and Morrigan gave a small shrug.
"If you care for him as you seem to, you will convince him to," she replied. "Consider what the alternative might be? Do you think Alistair will fail to do his duty as the future king and save his country?" I flinched at her words, looking down. "And if you take the blow instead, he loses the woman he loves. How do you think he would feel about that?" her tone hardened to steel as I stared blankly at the ground, and I shut my eyes. "I think you have many good reasons to tell him to save his own life. I think you should consider them carefully."
"I…want to know more about this child," I breathed, my voice strained.
"As you wish," Morrigan replied, knowing that I was trying to stall for time – I needed to let this all sink in.
"The child won't be hurt, will it?" I asked, and she shook her head, looking towards the curtained window, her eyes moving slowly across the dark room.
"Ignoring that after but one night it could barely be called a child…no, it will not be hurt. It will be changed," she explained. I ran my hands over my face, leaning back in the chair and looking up at her with uncertainty.
"What if Alistair wants to…see his child?" I murmured. Morrigan saw the pain in my eyes, and she let out a soft sigh.
"I have no doubt he may…but he will not. It is all I ask for in return," she said gently. I placed my hand over my heart, looking at the flickering candle as a ball of wax rolled down the side, cooling into a teardrop shape as it slid out of the fire's heat.
"Why…couldn't I bear the child?" I asked, my voice just above a whisper. "I'm a demon, so the taint affects me differently. Couldn't I–"
"Would that you could," Morrigan murmured. "But you can only use magic in your demon form. And it would take too long to teach you, even if it were possible."
"I see. Enough about the child, then," I sighed.
"Then have you decided?" Morrigan asked, and I nodded slowly, standing and moving towards the door as if in shock.
"I…agree. I'll do it," I replied softly.
"A wise decision. I shall wait here, then, while you go and speak with Alistair. I urge you to be convincing," she said, watching as I left. I returned to my room, stopping for a moment at the door and taking in a soft breath, balling my hands into fists so tightly that I felt my knuckles crack, and my nails digging into my palms. I took in a deeper breath and ran a hand through my hair, trying to look calm as I entered the room.
oooo
I stood there in the darkness for what felt like hours – though it couldn't have been more than a few minutes – looking out the window towards the ruined remains of Redcliffe; there would need to be a lot of rebuilding, once the Blight was over. I turned slightly as I heard the creak of the door at my back, and saw Alistair's reflection in the window, a pool of light from the hall streaming into the room.
"I see you can't sleep, either," Alistair remarked as he came in, going to the writing desk and lighting the candle. "I also saw Morrigan outside her room earlier, and the look she gave me…that was icy even for her," he added. He came up behind me, standing a foot away as I remained silent. "Is something up?" he asked softly.
"You can't sleep? Are you alright?" I murmured, glancing back at him – we had both been restless the past few nights, but Alistair looked worn out.
"Not really," he admitted. "All these men look at me and…I see it in their eyes; I'm their king. Suddenly it feels so real," he sighed, running a hand over the back of his neck. "But now you're changing the subject. This isn't about me, this is about Morrigan," he added, giving me a pointed look. "I'm tired, but I'm not stupid. What did she want?"
"Alistair, we…need to talk," I began softly – I was still torn about this, my heart aching at what I had to ask of him. No one should ask that of another person…
"Oh. I guess whatever Morrigan had to say, it's big," Alistair guessed, walking a little closer and seeing the worried look on my face. "This is what I get for becoming king. Everyone always brings you the bad news," he chuckled softly, trying to cheer me up. "So what is it, then? Rats running amok? Cheese supplies run low? I can take it."
I stared up at him, biting my lower lip nervously. "I love you. You know that, right?" I asked, and Alistair smiled slightly.
"Could you make it sound more ominous? Tell me, already," he urged, crossing his arms.
"What if I told you there was a way to avoid dying in Denerim?" I murmured, and he cocked his head, his brow furrowing at my words.
"You mean with the archdemon, right?" he confirmed. "Well, I already said that I'll take the blow if Riordan can't. So you don't need to worry about it. Is that what you wanted? What is this about?" he questioned and I braced myself – I couldn't delay this any longer.
"I…need you to take part in a magic ritual," I began, and he raised an eyebrow.
"Oh? Something Morrigan cooked up, no doubt," he guessed, seeming almost amused. "What do you need me to do?"
"…youneedtosleepwithher." Alistair furrowed his brow as I rushed the words out – he hadn't understood what I had said. "You need to sleep with her," I said in a louder voice, and his eyes widened in surprise. A broad grin spread across his face and he burst out laughing, shaking his head as he leaned against one of the bedposts.
"Cute. This is payback, right? For all the jokes?" he chuckled. His smile faded as he saw the blank look in my eyes, and he stared at me. "But…you're not joking. You're actually serious," he breathed, pushing himself off the bedpost. He began pacing around, and I watched him all the while, cursing the Blight and cursing the archdemon. "Wow, be killed by the archdemon or sleep with Morrigan. How does someone make that kind of choice?" he asked, a nervous laugh escaping his throat. "You're not actually asking me this, are you? What kind of ritual is this, anyway?" he added, stopping his pacing as he looked back at me.
"I won't lie to you," I whispered. "It will…produce a child."
"WHAT!?" Alistair shouted, and I flinched. "I…I must be hearing things, but are you telling me to impregnate Morrigan in some kind of magical sex rite!?" he exclaimed, and I stared at the ground, nodding mutely. "This…child…why would Morrigan want such a thing? Does she want an heir to the throne?" he asked, and I shrugged weakly.
"I…think she wants to make some kind of Old God…"
"Oh. Well that's so much better, don't you think? Here I was worried about creating another bastard heir and I didn't even consider that it might also be some dragon…god…whatever!" he yelled, and I shut my eyes, understanding his anger. "Look, even if I was willing to entertain this idea…and I'm not saying I am…is this really what you want me to do? Are you sure…?" Alistair's tone was gentler as he looked at me, and I walked over to him slowly.
"You need to trust me," I begged.
"Trust you? I…this is too much, I can't just…"
"I would do it myself if I could!" I cried, and he groaned, hitting his head against one of the bedposts at my words.
"Oh, great. Of all the times to regret being a man…" he sighed. "Look, just because I have the proper… Just because I can… Look, that doesn't make this a good idea!" he argued.
"But it can save whoever kills the archdemon," I reminded him and he ran a hand over his eyes.
"…the answer is still no. It wouldn't be fair to you," he murmured, and I scowled, my fists clenching at my sides.
"Wouldn't be fair? Wouldn't be fair? Life hasn't been fair!" I yelled, and Alistair's eyes widened at my anger. "I don't care if it's fair or not; I can't lose you too! And you're going to be king. What happens to Ferelden if you die?" I asked.
"It is my duty as king to protect the country. If it comes to it, I will gladly die to end the Blight if you won't," Alistair said, his voice lowering – he didn't meet my eyes as he spoke. "I don't know why Morrigan thought I would actually agree to this, or why she thought she had to send you, but it isn't going to happen."
I was quiet. My anger petered out and was replaced by dread – a pit of ice crept over my stomach, and I shivered as I felt something inside of me begin screaming, drowning out everything else. "As you wish, my king," I said coldly, sweeping out of the room before he could stop me.
I stormed down the hall, and Morrigan spotted me as she waited outside of her room. When she saw that I was alone, and that I didn't stop, she fell into step beside me. "I take it things did not–"
"No. They did not," I spat. "He's going to sacrifice himself."
"But by that look in your eye, you plan to intervene?" Morrigan remarked, and I stopped at the end of the hall, looking her straight in the eyes.
"You're sodding right I plan to intervene!" I hissed, trying to keep my voice down. "Tell no one of this. He'll find a way to stop me otherwise."
Morrigan nodded slowly, her eyes looking back towards my bedroom door. "As you wish," she murmured, returning to her room. I stood in the hall, letting out a groan and covering my face.
"Fuck…"
oOo
Duran was watching the generals with weary eyes. He had been given leave from the Legion to help fight on the surface, but it seemed that the intrigues of Orzammar's government permeated every corner of the world. The Dwarf generals were arguing over politics still, even on the surface, in the midst of the Blight. "By the Stone, there's no end to it!" he finally muttered, shaking his head and walking down the hall towards the kitchen. They probably don't have any good Dwarven brew, but I hear that Antivans make decent brandy, at least, he thought, pausing as he entered the kitchen. He heard, faintly, a wavering, hiccupping voice sobbing out a drinking song.
"With three beers down the Dwarf did frown and bid the Elf goodbye! For none would know 'twas not for show, that someone had to die!" Duran recognized Adeline's voice, throaty and strained with emotion. He walked into a smaller room off to the side, where the flour and grain was stored, and he found the Elf lying propped up against some bags of flour, her eyes bloodshot and her cheeks tearstained and flushed from drink. A bottle of wine lay empty on the side, and the girl held a second one up to her lips, taking a long draught. "Duran! My favorite exiled prince!" she greeted blearily, stifling a belch – and probably vomit, Duran thought – as she waved to him with the bottle.
"You're a mess, Adeline," Duran sighed, walking over and sitting down. "What happened?" he asked, and she let out a bitter laugh.
"What happened? Oh, you're funny Duran," she giggled, flopping her head back against the flour and making a small cloud puff into the air. "I'mma die when we get to Denerim," she slurred, and Duran raised an eyebrow.
"That's not for certain. We've got a decent army, so we stand a fighting chance," Duran argued, but the girl shook her head.
"No-no, thass not what I mean," she said, looking at the bottle in her hand for a moment before putting it down. "The archdemon. I'm gonna die when it dies," she explained, patting her heart. Duran looked at the Elf in confusion.
"What do you mean?" he asked, and she snorted, closing her eyes.
"S'a secret. But we're friends, so I'll spill it," she sighed. "When the archdemon dies, the soul flies out and eats up the soul of the nearest Grey Warden. That'll be me – I'm not going to let Alistair get anywhere near that sodding great lizard if I can help it," she said adamantly, even in her drunk state. Duran felt a chill go through him at her words, and he stared at the girl.
"But…there has to be another way…" he murmured, and she laughed, a sharp, bitter bark that made him flinch.
"Aye, there is. But Alistair won't do it. He's going to be king, so I can't let him take the final blow," Adeline's eyes grew distant, and she started crying. "Oh…why couldn't we have been born someone else…somewhere else…" she cried, closing her eyes. Duran looked down, not knowing what to say. Adeline let out a long sigh, and the Dwarf listened as her breathing slowly evened, and she passed out.
"By the Stone…" he murmured as he looked at the frail girl. "Your Maker must indeed be a cruel god to allow such a thing," the Dwarf sighed, standing. He gently gathered Adeline in his arms, placing her lightly over his shoulder and heading out of the storage room. He stopped as he came into the kitchen, looking up with surprise; Alistair was standing there with eyes large as saucers – evidently, he had heard the entire exchange.
"I…here," Alistair said, walking over, "I'll take her." Duran handed Adeline over to him, and the man sighed as he looked at her, running a finger over her tearstained cheek.
"Take care of her," Duran said quietly as he walked out, carrying the remainder of Adeline's second bottle of wine.
Alistair closed his eyes, letting out a long breath and looking down at Adeline's sleeping form. "I will," he said to the open air, returning to their room.
oooo
"Morrigan," Alistair said as he stood in the doorway. The witch was standing by the fire, her arms crossed. "Adeline…told me about your proposal," he continued, and Morrigan turned slightly to look at him. She could see pain and fear in his eyes…but also certainty; he had come to perform the ritual.
"Good. You will save both of your lives by doing this," she replied, sweeping over to him and shutting the door, locking it behind him. Alistair took a long, slow breath, and Morrigan looked up at him. "I would not offer this, were there an alternative, Alistair – perhaps you will not believe my words, but I am not without sympathy," her voice was soft, and the man looked at her with surprise. "Lie with me tonight, and you shall never have to look upon me again."
oooo
Morrigan sat in silence on the bed, feeling the spell take. "'Tis complete," she said simply, and Alistair looked at the woman's back, his expression disturbed, and his body tense.
"The…child…" he murmured, and she glanced back at him. "I'll never see it, will I?" he asked, and Morrigan shook her head.
"I will not use them to take your throne, Alistair," the witch replied, and he shook his head.
"That's not what I meant," he said softly. "Morrigan…please…tell them that I didn't…abandon them. You don't have to say who I am – I know you won't – but just…" he sighed, and the woman watched him with her enigmatic, dragon's eyes.
"As you wish," she promised. "The child will know that their father was a hero." Alistair was stunned; he had never heard Morrigan sound so sympathetic or understanding before – he didn't even know that she was capable of it. Before he could say anything else, Morrigan stood, tossing his clothes to him as she dressed herself. "Now I suggest you see to Adeline – she…plans to kill the archdemon herself. The ritual will not protect you from harm against the beast – it will only protect your soul when it dies. Adeline is sure to do something reckless, and likely get herself killed," Morrigan warned, and Alistair nodded.
"Morrigan…I…can't say I'm…happy about what just happened, but…thank you. For saving her," Alistair said, leaving the room. Morrigan returned quietly to her place by the fire and let out a quiet sigh, placing a hand over her womb.
"'Tis not I who saved her, you foolish man," she murmured, the smallest of smiles on her lips as she looked at her stomach.
Alistair found Adeline lying on the bed in their room, staring blankly at the ceiling. She glanced over and sat up, watching him as he stepped through the doorway, shutting the door behind him. He walked slowly to the bed, sitting down next to her, and she slid over to him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. "I'm sorry," she whispered, pressing her forehead against the back of his neck.
"Adeline?" Alistair asked, turning slightly. There were tears in her eyes, and he took her in his arms, feeling her body shaking like a leaf.
"I…wasn't thinking, earlier," she began softly. "What I was asking you to do…it wasn't right. I shouldn't have even spoken about it," she murmured, and Alistair's arms tightened around her. "Can you forgive me?" she asked, and Alistair pressed his lips against her forehead.
"Of course I can," he replied, and she let out a long sigh.
"Then…let's just forget it ever happened," she continued. Alistair saw how troubled she was, and nodded; he would tell her tomorrow, then. "For now…just…hold me," she whispered. Alistair wrapped his arms around her as the two lay together, and he gently stroked her hair as she curled into him, burying her face in his chest.
"I love you, Adeline. Never doubt that," Alistair murmured into her hair, and she wrapped her arms around his neck, shutting her eyes and holding onto him tightly, as if she were afraid that he would disappear. "I won't let anything happen to you."
oooo
They were two days from Denerim, and Alistair was getting anxious; not just about facing the darkspawn, but about Adeline. She had been avoiding him, burying herself in work the past few days to distract herself. He grated his teeth together as he stood in his tent, staring at the ceiling. The place had been decorated with real furniture, despite his protests. Only Cailan would think to have them haul a huge bed out in the middle of a battlefield, he thought with some amusement as he looked at the bed, shaking his head.
I need to speak with her before this goes too far, though. I couldn't live with myself if…something happened, and she didn't know. He let out a long sigh, walking over to the exit of his tent and stepping out into the night air. He refused to wear the highly decorative armor that Cailan used to wear, favoring the more maneuverable dragon-scale armor Wade had made for him – the outside was a bit more decorative than Alistair would have liked, but it was still light and functional.
When he wasn't in armor, he wore simple clothes; they were finely made, but not overly elaborate. Most of his men didn't even know what their king looked like – Alistair planned to give a speech before they reached Denerim, but for now, he rather enjoyed walking among the soldiers as if he were one of them. Alistair spotted a runner – a nervous, brown-haired Elf – and hailed him down. "Ah! Your Majesty!" the Elf gasped, and Alistair held up a hand.
"Please, you don't have to do that," he insisted gently. "I'd like you to take a message to the Warden-Commander, Adeline Tabris," he began, and the Elf stood to attention. "I would like to speak to her – send someone to find me as soon as she reaches my tent," he finished, and the messenger bobbed his head, running off to deliver the message.
Alistair wandered through the camp as he thought of what to say. He let out a soft sigh – he hoped she wouldn't be mad. But it's not as if I've been keeping it from her – she just hasn't been listening to me, he argued. "Oi! Pike-twirler!" a familiar, gravelly voice called from nearby, and Alistair let out a groan. He walked over to Oghren, who was sitting by a large bonfire with mixed forces of Dwarves, Elves and humans.
"I don't know why I keep responding to that," Alistair admitted as he sat next to the Dwarf. Looking around the fire, he saw that some of the men looked less travel-worn than others; he spotted Aedan and another familiar man chatting excitedly as they came over as well. "Aedan! Good to see you," Alistair stood, walking over and greeting the Teyrn of Highever. "I'm glad to see that Highever's forces have arrived safely," he added, nodding at the men by the fire, who were glancing over curiously – they wondered who this man was, speaking to their Teyrn in such a lax way. "And…Fergus?" Alistair asked, his expression puzzled as he saw the man.
"What? Brother, how do you know Alistair?" Aedan asked with surprise, and Fergus chuckled, smiling at the pair's confused expressions. Alistair thought that Fergus had looked familiar – he recalled, vaguely, that they had met once, before the battle at Ostagar.
"Celia, Roland and I worked at the tavern Adeline owns in Redcliffe – she and Alistair came to visit from time to time," the older man explained, and Aedan raised an eyebrow.
"You worked at a tavern?" the younger Cousland asked with amusement, and Fergus grinned.
"Well I was getting to that part of the tale, until you kept interrupting me with questions," he replied. "If you'll excuse us, Alistair, I'd like to tell my little brother about all my great adventures as barkeep at the Wardens' Rest," he chuckled. "I wish you had seen the look on Adeline's face when she noticed the adjustable barstools the first time – priceless."
"Ah, wait, Fergus," Alistair said, and the man nodded. "And Aedan," he added, and Aedan stood to attention. "Um…what are we going to do about the succession?" he asked awkwardly. The Couslands glanced at one another and shrugged.
"Everyone always thought that my brother would be a stronger Teyrn," Fergus admitted, "and I've come to enjoy life without the complications of nobility." Aedan looked at his brother with surprise, and Fergus chuckled. "I'm not going to take the Teyrnir away from you, Aedan," he assured him. "Just let me have my old room when I come to visit."
"That's the least I can do," Aedan replied, patting his brother's shoulder and smiling sadly at him. "Know that you'll always have a place back in Highever – you, Celia and Roland," the Teyrn promised, and Fergus smiled.
"Well…" Alistair remarked, "there's also…Gwaren. The place needs a Teyrn," he said, and Fergus looked at him with surprise.
"My king, I can't ask that of you," the man replied, and Alistair shrugged.
"It needs to go to someone…and I find myself with a shortage of Teyrns," he argued, and Fergus pursed his lips.
"…perhaps I will think about it," he relented, although he seemed more eager than apprehensive.
Alistair bade them goodnight as they headed off, returning to the campfire and taking his spot next to Oghren, making a face as he heard the story the Dwarf was telling the soldiers. "And then pike-twirler over here falls head-first into the pitfall," he laughed, and Alistair groaned.
"Only because Olan tripped me! I swear, that dog is a better assassin than Zevran," he retorted. "I'm lucky the bottom of the pit was just mud, and not sharpened spikes," he added, and Oghren grinned as the soldiers chuckled. At least they seem cheerful enough, Alistair thought, smiling slightly as he let out a relieved breath. "…but if I remember correctly, you and the dog left me in that pit half the night," he added, glaring at Oghren.
"Ah, we all had a good laugh after that," the Dwarf replied, taking a draught from his flask, and Alistair smirked.
"Before or after Adeline nearly throttled you?" he joked. He glanced up as he spotted Zevran coming through the crowd, tapping him on the shoulder. He had an odd look on his face – a mix of amusement and chagrin – and Alistair raised an eyebrow. "What's the matter?" Alistair asked as he got to his feet.
"Someone mistook me for a servant; asked me to deliver a bundle of swords," the Elf said wryly, and Alistair sighed.
"I'm sorry about that," he apologized, and Zevran chuckled, relaxing slightly.
"Not as sorry as the quartermaster is," he replied. "Oh, and while I am at it, Adeline's waiting for you," he added, and Alistair nodded slightly.
"Right. Thank you, Zevran," he said. "And I'm sorry about the servant thing, again," he added, and Zevran shrugged.
"Perhaps it is for the best – it is much easier to blend into a crowd that way," the assassin winked cheekily, vanishing a moment later as someone passed by between them; Alistair still wasn't sure how he could just disappear like that. He ran a hand through his hair, heading back towards his tent to speak to Adeline.
oooo
Alistair entered his tent, finding the Elf standing by the desk with her arms crossed, looking blankly at the candle she had lit. She glanced up at his approach, and he noticed that she was keeping her expression neutral. "Your Majesty," she bowed, and Alistair made a face at the title, "you needed to see me?" Alistair walked over to her, his eyes soft as he reached out a hand, placing it on Adeline's waist. Her eyelids flickered as she fought to control her expression.
"We can't keep doing this to each other, Adeline," he whispered, and she let out a soft sigh. Her eyes were pained, and she slowly reached up, cupping his face.
"But isn't it better to be numb than to be in pain?" she replied, and he smiled sadly.
"Why be in pain at all?" he countered. "Adeline, just listen to me," he added, seeing the hurt in her eyes. "About that night in Redcliffe…"
"Alistair, no," she murmured, looking down. "I thought we weren't going to talk about it. I…I can't regret something that should never have been mentioned." Her shoulders shook, and Alistair pulled her to him.
"Love…" he said gently. "Kitten. Please," he breathed, and she looked up at him. "I did it." Her eyes widened in shock at his words, and she stared at him with such surprise that Alistair couldn't help but smile. He kissed her gently, but she turned her face, putting her hands on his shoulders.
"Is…is that true?" Adeline asked, her voice wavering.
"I would never lie to you, ma vhenan," Alistair replied firmly. He pressed his lips against hers as she sighed with relief, throwing her arms around his neck as she kissed him back. Adeline gasped for breath as her legs gave out, and she had to brace herself against the desk as Alistair held her in place, his hips pressed against hers. "I'm sorry I couldn't tell you sooner – I never got the chance," he apologized, and Adeline let out a small, sad laugh as she sat on the desk.
"It's my own foolish stubbornness," she admitted, shaking her head. "Oh Alistair, you don't know how happy this makes me…" she sighed, and Alistair smirked, sweeping her into his arms as she laughed, kissing her hair.
"Do you honestly think I would let the woman I love die on my watch?" he asked, setting her on the bed as he kissed her, and Adeline smiled softly as she wrapped her arms around him, playing with the soft hairs by the nape of his neck.
"Mmm…no," she admitted. "But you would do something stupid," she added, kissing him lightly, "like taking the killing blow for me." Alistair chuckled as he ran his fingers gently over her jaw line, moving up to her ear and caressing the sensitive skin.
"That makes two of us," he whispered. Adeline sighed softly as the two undressed, pressing her forehead against Alistair's as she felt his arms around her – it had only been a few weeks since Denerim, but she had missed being with him like this.
"Now we just have to worry about surviving until we actually get to the archdemon," Adeline said, and Alistair nodded, pulling her to him as he ran his fingers over her back, moving over the patterns of her tattoo.
"Until then…" he murmured, kissing her across the scar over her temple, "let's not think of the Blight or darkspawn or any of that."
"Hmm…fair enough," Adeline chuckled, the tension melting from her body as the two became lost in one another.
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Note:
I was almost tempted to not do this – I love a good tragedy, but Maker's breath… I saved before the ritual and battled the archdemon to see what it would be like, making the ultimate sacrifice; I was bawling my eyes out at Alistair's eulogy for my Warden. I've never been so affected by a game – even just thinking about it makes my heart clench up.
A bit of a random aside – speaking of bawling, am I the only one who gets teary-eyed at the end of the Human Noble Origin? Like, every time? I was trying out a mod, "Of Noble Cast" by JOG, for the noble origin – which is really nice, by the way [it tweaks the noble origin a bit, if that wasn't evident by the name], and when Elissa and Duncan were escaping, I actually started tearing up.
