Cogburn

Are you looking for answers
To questions under the stars?
Well, if along the way
You are grown weary
You can rest with me until
A brighter day and you're okay

The young nobleman looked at his twin, awaiting her answer to Alistair's question. It was plain to another man that should Teagan go anywhere near Maddie that Alistair would be happy to beat him within an inch of his life. Cogburn looked down, concealing a smile. It was actually funny from his perspective, considering that part of the reason Alistair found Maddie so attractive was her independence and skill. His twin was quite capable of beating Teagan soundly but Alistair was so in love and protective with it that it never crossed his mind.

"We leave in the morning." Cogburn offered finally when Maddie didn't answer Alistair immediately. "Perhaps it would be best of the two of you played least in sight for the remainder of the day."

Maddie tilted her head at Alistair. "Perhaps you'd like to show me some of the places you remember from when you were a boy. I'd like to see some of where you grew up, before Eamon shipped you off to the Chantry."

"I would enjoy that very much." Alistair nodded, looking at her. "But you haven't answered my question."

Maddie shrugged. "I'll feel better when I have my armor on. Gowns are fine for dining but..."

Cogburn did grin then. "But it's easier to get away from someone if you're unhampered by skirts." He pointed out. "I think Leliana and Zevran were talking to Owen, the smith, about repairs."

"Then until I get my drakescale back I'll play least in sight with Teagan." Maddie said quietly. "I know I've irked him. I don't know him well enough to say how he'll react to that."

Cogburn's felt the smile fall off his face. "Do you think he'll be insulted enough to do you injury?"

"I would rather not leave anything to chance." Maddie said quietly. "If you will stay with Morrigan, perhaps Alistair and I can explore some of his childhood haunts and arrange for supplies in the village. I know Eamon will give us some aid but I'd rather not become too dependent on his...grace."

"I don't disagree with you." Cogburn rolled his eyes. "And having had a taste of politics I pray Fergus is alive more than ever. This makes my head ache."

"And you're better at it than I am." Maddie retorted. "I haven't a fraction of your skill at manipulating folk."

"You did fairly well against Teagan." He grinned and rose. "I'll leave you two to organize your excursion. I'll go check on the armor. I know what you mean about feeling...uneasy without it." Before he opened the door Cogburn turned and regarded his twin and her beloved. "Though the two of you do make a dashing couple in silks and velvets." He teased and ducked out the door as Maddie grabbed a hairbrush and hurled it at him.


The armor would be ready after the evening meal. Cogburn shook his head and regarded Sten thoughtfully. The Qunari seemed to be having a conversation with Rooster. The rogue shrugged, at least Sten was getting along with someone. Snatches of conversation between Leliana and Zevran reached his ears as he followed them into the keep. Cogburn shook his head, Zevran was incorrigible and Leliana never stopped rising to the bait.

Zevran was tilting his head curiously. "So tell me of this vision of yours, Leliana."

Cogburn watched the bard toss her head. "I'm not certain I wish to discuss my vision with you. You'll make fun of me."

In an earnest tone that nearly had the watching rogue chuckling Zevran denied it. "No-oooo, why would I ever do such a thing?"

"See? There you go. No, I am not speaking to you of it." Leliana returned.

"Hmm. Yes, I suppose the Maker would not want you to spread His words. Very well, I'll accept your reproach."

Zevran's words seemed to confuse Leliana, "I... why do you even wish to know?"

Cogburn shook his head as he listened to the elf. "Why, to make fun of you, of course."

Leliana gave a huffy sigh. "You are utterly impossible."

As the Warden watched Zevran shook his head. "On the contrary, I am often told how very easy I am, my dear."

Cogburn chuckled as Leliana increased her pace, leaving Zevran to walk with the Warden. "You never tire of baiting her do you?" He asked the elf.

"When she responds to my quips every time?" Zevran smiled. "It is a delight to annoy her, and so very easy to do." He gestured towards the keep walls and presumably to Maddie and Alistair somewhere within. "Your lovely sister has given her heart and fidelity to the not so bold Knight Alistair. You divide your time with Morrigan and Leliana, what recourse have I but to take my enjoyment where I can get it."

Cogburn grinned at him. "And here I thought you'd taken a liking to Wynne." He teased.

"She is a lovely woman," Zevran nodded. "But I fear she does not take me seriously."

"Zevran, I got the impression that was the point." The dark eyed warden shrugged. "You seem best pleased with the world when no one takes you seriously."

"Ah, I am constantly misunderstood." The elven assassin chuckled. "Will no one see into my heart, am I doomed to live my life in solitude, hunted through Thedas?"

Cogburn stopped walking, hearing something in the elf's voice that bespoke emotions other than amusement. "Maddie might be in love with Alistair, but I know she meant it when she said you two were friends." He told the elf quietly. "You and I might not talk as much but if some came hunting for you, I'd stand between you and danger without hesitation."

Zevran tilted his head, a thoughtful expression on his face. "You are a good friend then." He replied in a similarly quiet voice. "And your words are not unappreciated."

Cogburn smiled slightly. "I also noticed you haven't been speaking as often with Maddie, is that because she's so obviously in love with Alistair?"

"One does not wish to intrude upon lovebirds unless one is welcome to join them." Zevran shrugged, turning and walking with Cogburn more slowly through the keep.

"You and my sister have more in common than you might think." Cogburn told him. "And something Alistair has in common with both of you. A life where most choices are taken away."

"Perhaps I might speak with them while we are traveling then eh?" Zevran wondered. "One does not like to speak too…openly within such walls…they have eyes and ears unseen by those watched."

Cogburn nodded his understanding. Redcliffe was the home of an ally. Allies weren't always friends. "I know what you mean." He agreed, his voice still quiet. "I know Maddie will be very pleased to leave early tomorrow. And Alistair… well lets say he's feeling the lack of blood relation between he and the Guerrins."

"Ah, the Bann finally attempted to gain our fair Maddie's attention did he." Zevran chuckled a bit wickedly. "I think if his brother were not ill, the Bann would have made him so, if only so your sister would return here."

Cogburn rolled his eyes. "I wouldn't go quite that far but he was very pleased when we agreed to stay a few days." He slanted a glance at Zevran. "I hadn't realized he was so obvious about his intentions last time we were here. Maddie never said anything."

"She wouldn't would she?" Zevran murmured. "I take it from what she's said that he did nothing improper when you were here last, only made his attraction clear whenever you and Alistair were not at her side."

"Our father always said Teagan would only settle down when he was forced to do so." The Grey Warden shook his head. "When did you and Maddie speak of this?"

"We scouted the route extensively this morning." Zevran shrugged. "She asked that if you or Alistair were not nearby that I attempt to keep Teagan in my sights." He shook his head. "I thought Alistair was going to be with her in the library this morning."

"He was until I dragooned him for sparing practice." Cogburn sighed. "Which explains how Teagan was able to corner Maddie alone."

"Did he…do anything?" Zevran's voice held an edge as sharp as his daggers.

"Nothing untoward," Cogburn shook his head. For a moment the Warden looked around determining the best route to their rooms, and then began walking in that direction. "Maddie was able to make clear her disinterest, and sow a few seeds concerning Alistair."

"Ah." Zevran chuckled. "Never one to be caught much off her guard is Lady Maddie."

"You seem concerned." Cogburn observed.

"I told you I was raised in a whorehouse." Zevran arched an eyebrow. "Did you imagine every woman there was content and happy to be so employed?" He folded his arms and leaned against the wall, regarding Cogburn with glittering eyes. "More than a few were forced into the trade due to… well, due to an unfortunate past. They tended to prefer women as bedmates after such atrocities were done to them."

"Do you think Teagan would take it that far?" The Grey Warden found his fingers flexing as if ready to attack at such a thought.

"I think he is the type of man to enjoy women perhaps more than they enjoy him, though I do not sense violence of that sort in the man." Zevran told him. "Your twin…perhaps as a female she is more astute in such matters or perhaps she prefers to be overly cautious. Myself, I am pleased that she is guarded at night."

"Oh, yes you could say that." Cogburn's face flickered in a brief smile.

"Indeed, Alistair strikes me as a man who would happily skewer first and question the corpse should someone attempt to harm your sister." Zevran grinned, pleased at the thought. "I would prefer her to enjoy my company at night, but since she does not, I am glad Alistair is such a man."

"Let's get an early start tomorrow." Cogburn suggested, his face settling into grim lines. "We'll determine our route after supper."

"I shall leave you to your preparations." Zevran nodded. "I think I will go find Wynne and impress upon her your concern for your sister. Perhaps it would be best for all the ladies to not be alone."


Morrigan

But I am holding half an acre
Torn from the map of Michigan
I am carrying this scrap of paper

That can crack the darkest sky wide open
Every burden taken from me
Every night my heart unfolding

Morrigan wondered what had passed during the day that Alistair was so cool towards his relations. She'd seen the night before that he was slightly displeased that he was required to become king but he'd still been genial towards his male relations. Even in the morning she'd heard him talking cheerfully with the Bann regarding the repairs in the village. Now Alistair was pacing about the study frowning down at his boots. He'd escorted Maddie into the room and though the girl was engrossed in her work, Alistair would not leave.

The witch sighed. "Alistair, would not the hallway be better suited for your exercise?" She inquired with only a hint of an edge to her words.

"No." Alistair shook his head. "Not really." He frowned at the door again, as if he expected skeletons to come barging through the portal.

Maddie looked up at Morrigan. "Alistair wishes to keep Teagan from being a nuisance." She offered with a smile. "Teagan caught me alone in the study this morning."

"Did he now?" Morrigan frowned, and tilted her head at Alistair. "And now you will not leave her alone?"

"It's not any trouble." Alistair muttered. "We went for a walk after…after Maddie and Teagan talked."

"Now he's hoping Teagan will try it again so he can bluster and be protective." Maddie sent her lover a teasing smile.

"I don't want to… do…well, I do, I mean, I…" Alistair sighed and sat down, his long legs stretched out before him.

Morrigan chuckled at his expression. "You wish to protect a woman quite capable of protecting herself so you feel foolish but not so much you're willing to leave off." She mocked the knight in an easy tone. "You do not consider the company of an apostate enough of a deterrent?"

The knight looked at Maddie and rolled his eyes. "It can't just be that she looks so pretty in the gown?" He asked in a whimsical tone.

"I don't look pretty in my armor?" Maddie narrowed her eyes at him and Morrigan began chuckling as Alistair tried to verbally backpedal.

"No, I mean yes, you do, of course you do, you're beautiful…" Abruptly he stopped and stared at the delicate looking rogue. "You're taking the mickey out of me." He accused with a grin.

Morrigan's chuckles turned into outright laughter and she shook her head as Maddie rose and curtseyed to Alistair in mocking acquiescence. "Well if the two of you desired you could form a troupe of jesters. I suggested as much to Cogburn a while back."

Alistair bowed to the witch with a grin. "I think I'm much more suited to the part of the fool than the king." He offered. "I know you agree with that Morrigan, you've called me one often enough."

"A king or a fool?" Morrigan retorted her green eyes still alight with humor. "'Tis true, you are more suited to one than the other…"

Maddie smiled at the both of them and then her gaze became more sober. "Alistair, while Morrigan and I are both here, I should like to ask you something."

Morrigan felt her spine stiffening, her hands tensed on the book she held. The girl meant to address the promised death of Flemeth, Morrigan could discern as such from Maddie's tone. "Are you sure 'tis wise, while we are here?" She asked quietly.

"Zevran is guarding the hall." Maddie assured her. "No one will hear that we don't wish to."

Alistair regarded them both with a confused gaze, and then his jaw firmed. "Is this something to do with your mother?" He asked Morrigan and then turned to Maddie, "Or the argument you had with Cogburn the night I kissed you awake?"

Morrigan blinked at him in surprise and saw that Maddie was blushing in embarrassment. "How much did you hear?" The rogue whispered the question, obviously mortified.

Alistair shrugged. "Enough to know that it's important to both Cogburn and Morrigan, and you agree. And that you weren't going to manipulate me into it." Morrigan found herself somewhat impressed by the wicked smile that curved the ex-templar's lips as he continued. "Though if you'd like to seduce me into agreeing to do what you want I don't think I'd mind."

"But you understand what I asked of Cogburn?" Morrigan questioned him in a quiet voice. "'Tis not a light thing I need done."

"I understand that you think your mother is going to possess you and ride your body like a horse." Alistair said in his bluntly humorous way. "And that you find that less appealing than the horse does a rider. What I didn't hear was how you found out." He shrugged. "You were talking more quietly at the beginning of the conversation than at the end." The knight pointed at Maddie. "Did you know your voice gets this sort of growly undertone when you're really mad?"

"Um…it does?" Maddie tilted her head curiously.

"Oh yeah," Alistair grinned, his expression even more wicked, a sensual quirk to his lips that told Morrigan that whatever 'growly' meant, it was something the knight found very appealing.

"When we were at the Circle of Magi, Cogburn found a tome of my mothers that the Templars had stolen long ago." Morrigan explained, keeping her voice even. "I had asked that he look for it, on the chance that it might be there, as I was most interested in learning more of my mothers spells." To her surprise Alistair nodded his understanding again.

"And of course Cogburn agreed because he finds you irresistible and because the more knowledge you have the better you're able to help us. Everyone wins." The knight shrugged.

"It took me some time to read the book in its entirety." Morrigan spread her hands. "There were few spells within, the bulk of the book contained information on a ritual that would allow Flemeth to transfer her…mind, or spirit, from her body into mine. My spirit…would simply be gone."

"Not appealing." Alistair nodded. "So you asked Cogburn to kill your mother."

Morrigan didn't quite wince at his blunt words but she nodded. "Should I simply run she will find me. I will never be safe unless she is dead."

"Well I just have one question then." Alistair asked, his face completely serious as he leant forward in his chair.

"I'll endeavor to answer it." Morrigan kept her eyes on his.

To her surprise Alistair gave her a sunny grin. "Does this mean you finally agree with me that your mother is a malificar?"

Morrigan stared at him, and then looked at Maddie in astonishment. The rogue was near giggling with relief that Alistair wasn't angry. "That is your one question?" The witch inquired incredulously. "Nothing about what a terrible daughter I am, or how I should run for the rest of my life, or even the particulars of how it could be done?"

Alistair shook his head, leaning back in his chair again. "I think you've already considered all of that. As for if it can even be done…if Flemeth is worried about the Blight it means she's as mortal as you or I, else she wouldn't need this ritual."

Maddie gave a little sigh. "My only concern, well," she amended her words, "not my only concern, but the one on my mind right now is when."

Alistair shook his head. "Right now I wouldn't want to face Morrigan in battle let alone her mother who can change into a dragon." He offered with a wry smile. "I won't say I like the idea, and I'll probably have plenty of questions," he looked at Morrigan, "but it's obvious that this scares you pretty badly."

"I'd say as bad as being king or being forced back to the Templars scares you." Morrigan remarked, rewarding his astute observation with one of her own.

Alistair shuddered theatrically. "Bad then," He said quietly. "I think though, that we'll have to wait a while before we commit to such a battle."

Maddie took a deep breath and looked at Morrigan. "That was my thinking as well." She said in a soft voice. "We know your mother wants the Grey Wardens to stop the Blight. Logically she won't move against you while the Blight is still a threat."

"We just aren't skilled enough right now." Alistair evaluated their battle prowess with painful clarity. "We need more training, more experience, or we'll get eaten alive."

"Then it is agreed." Morrigan nodded. "It will be done, but not until the three Grey Wardens decide on the optimal time." Morrigan wondered at the sense of relief she felt. She'd known Maddie and Cogburn would convince Alistair, why was she so pleased that he'd decided on his own? Perhaps because Maddie would have been upset had she been required to manipulate Alistair to gain his agreement. Maddie was a friend, and one didn't like to see a friend unhappy.

"You'll let Cogburn know that we've talked?" Alistair asked Morrigan, his tone polite.

"I will." Morrigan nodded.

"Good." Alistair rose from his chair and reached to pull Maddie out from behind the table where she had settled with her work. It was really amazing how quickly the man could move when he wasn't encumbered by plate armor, Morrigan thought. Before Maddie could even guess his intent, Alistair had pulled her into his arms and was kissing her soundly. "I'll let you express your thanks for my agreement before we have to dress for dinner." He told the delicate girl with a laugh.

Morrigan shook her head in amusement as Alistair twirled Maddie around before setting her feet on the floor, escorting her decorously out to the hallway as if he were merely another companion to the girl. Before the witch could resume her studies Zevran poked his head in.

"Such romantics they are, no?" He grinned. "I shall guard your virtue until Cogburn comes to replace me."

"As you like," Morrigan shook her head at him before bending her head over her books again. As she watched out of the corner of her eye the elf pulled a random book off the shelf and became seemingly absorbed in its pages until Cogburn wandered in to take a seat and begin reading a book of his own.

TBC


Author's Note: I hope this made sense to everyone. I like to think that our little group is getting closer to each other, and than includes Alistair being willing to speak with Morrigan and accept that apostate or not, she's not always wrong.