28 Solace, 9:29 Dragon
Denerim

‹›‹O›‹›

"Dear Rhianna,

Please let me know when you arrive in Denerim. I should like very much to call on you at your earliest convenience.

Yours,

LMT"

‹›‹O›‹›

Only a few weeks had passed since Loghain left Highever, but every day that went by without seeing Rhianna was one day too many. Surely, this waiting was nearly at an end; the Landsmeet would begin soon, and no doubt the Couslands would arrive in time to attend the Funalis celebrations two days hence.

It was foolish of him, perhaps, but Loghain wanted to see her as soon as she arrived in the city. Wanted to hear her voice, to watch her eyes light up when she smiled. To pull her into an embrace. Of course, he wanted other things as well. To feel her lips against his again, her soft skin beneath his hands. To run her hair between his fingers. And so much more, things he didn't dare think on for too long.

They had gone looking for the poachers as planned, on the last full day he had spent in Highever. The remains of the abandoned camp were found easily, the poachers and their traps long gone. A sweep of the area convinced Rhianna the poachers were no longer a threat, and the party had returned to the castle in good spirits.

At dinner that evening, however, Bryce's smile had seemed forced, and while Eleanor was gracious as always, it was clear Rhianna's encounter with poachers in their own woods had been upsetting for the Couslands. So, Loghain decided it was time for him to depart. He needed to get back on the road anyway, to Amaranthine and the few remaining bannrics that needed to be surveyed. But even more, he needed time. Time to decide what he intended to do now his relationship with Rhianna had . . . shifted.

He knew what he wanted. He wanted to be close to her. Maric had been right about at least that one thing: Loghain was happier in Rhianna's company than at just about any other time. He wanted her companionship as he'd had in the past, and now there were other things he wanted as well.

And all of it was possible. He could marry her, bring her back with him, first to Denerim and later, to Gwaren. With Maric gone, Denerim had lost much of its appeal, and while Loghain knew his daughter enjoyed having him near, Cailan had made it increasingly clear his father-in-law's presence and advice were not entirely welcome. It would be so easy to step back, allow Cailan the space he desired. Ferelden wouldn't suffer; Anora was ruling the country in all the ways that mattered, and Loghain certainly trusted her judgment.

All of which gave him a freedom he hadn't had in years. The freedom to consider returning to Gwaren, this time with Rhianna at his side. Instead of a self-imposed exile, it could be the start of a new life. A life with the woman who had been his friend for years. The woman he now found himself desiring almost beyond reason. They could build something beautiful. A home, a family. Together.

But as much as this appealed to him, he still had doubts. Would he be able to adjust to having someone else's constant presence in his life? After Maric's disappearance, Loghain had grown accustomed to being alone. To the welcome solitude that filled many of his days and all of his nights. Could he be happy living with another person, after so long on his own?

And what of Rhianna? Could she enjoy a life in the farthest reaches of the kingdom, away from everyone else she had ever known? And the question that troubled him most: could he truly make her happy? Could she enjoy a life with him, once it was really just the two of them? She cared for him, certainly, but being married was far different than spending a few days here and there riding out into the countryside together. That she might end up trapped in Gwaren, trapped in a marriage she came to abhor, was something he wasn't willing to risk.

Before he spoke with Bryce and Eleanor, he needed to be certain marrying Rhianna was the right thing to do, for both their sakes.

And that meant leaving Highever. It was dangerous to spend too much time with her before he figured out what he intended to do. The feelings that assaulted him the day they spent at the beach made that painfully obvious. What he needed was time. Time to clear his head, well away from Rhianna's welcoming presence. Because when she was near, it was impossible for him to think of any life that didn't have her in it. Besides, right now Bryce's mood seemed less than receptive. Best to wait until this business with the poachers had blown over.

In less than a month they would all be in Denerim. He could decide then. There was plenty of time; a few weeks would make no difference.

So Loghain had left Highever the next morning, Rhianna riding with him to the Imperial Highway, just far enough she'd be able to return to the castle before nightfall. He had been determined to enjoy her company and her conversation, and push all other thoughts from his mind.

For most of the journey, he was successful. They spoke of random, casual things, and she sang for him, convincing him to sing along on the chorus. They laughed together when Dane got himself into a bit of trouble with a wild boar who was crossing the road, and Loghain told stories about some of the more ridiculous things that happened at the Landsmeet in years past.

When the sun was directly overhead, they reached a spot Rhianna declared would be lovely for having their lunch, and about as far as she would be able to ride with him and still make it back to Highever before dark. As they ate, however, Rhianna's earlier good mood seemed to have fled. She still smiled as often, and as warmly, but she was subdued, somehow. And there was something behind her eyes that troubled him.

As they packed up to leave - he towards Northmuir, and she back to Highever - she spoke of it.

"I wish you didn't have to go. Or that I could come with you." She paused. "I'm going to miss you."

"I wish you could come along, as well," he said truthfully. "But we'll see one another soon. I'll be back in Denerim before the Landsmeet. Your father will bring you along, won't he?"

"Yes, I'll be in town next month. Father intends to bring me to the actual Landsmeet this year. I'll be able to sit in on the sessions, instead of spending the whole week going to stupid salons."

"That's an excellent idea." No surprise Bryce would suggest this; Loghain had done the same with Anora.

"Yes. I'm quite pleased, although perhaps a bit nervous. Father says I might be asked to speak once or twice, about how things are in the Coastlands. He thinks I know more about how people actually live in the Coastlands than any of the other nobles, because I spend so much time out and about. Visiting with people, and helping deliver their livestock."

Loghain didn't doubt Bryce was right. Rhianna was bound to make a good impression. And just after her seventeenth birthday . . . marriage proposals would come in fast and heavy. His earlier thought, about having ample time to decide, was perhaps overly generous. If he did decide he wanted to marry her, he would need to act, sooner rather than later. Commit to her, or risk losing her forever when she became the wife some other man. A thought that made him feel sick to his stomach.

As the sun began its descent across the sky, there was no way of stalling the inevitable moment. Loghain needed to head east if he hoped to make it to an inn by nightfall, and Rhianna had a long ride back to Highever. They packed up the remains of lunch, and mounted their horses.

"I'll race you to the top," Rhianna challenged, pointing to the ridge at the top of a nearby hill. With a laugh and a nod of his head, Loghain agreed, and both horses took off at top speed, with Dane racing along behind.

For once, Aeran decided he was not going to be outdone by young Faolan, as had often happened in the past, and with Aeran's powerful back legs doing most of the work, Loghain made it to the top of the hill ahead of Rhianna. She laughed happily anyway, riding past him a few yards before turning Faolan's head toward Highever. Faolan moved as close as possible to Aeran, so Rhianna and Loghain were side by side, their legs touching.

"Well, I guess this is goodbye," she said. "For a few weeks anyway. Until I see you in Denerim."

"Until Denerim," he agreed. "And thank you, Rhianna."

"For what?"

"For everything, these past few days." Just for being you, he added silently.

She wrinkled her nose. "I should be thanking you. I'm so grateful you were with me in the forest. I wouldn't have wanted to go through something like that with anyone else."

"I'm grateful for it, too."

There was something about her just then - the way she smiled at him, the sunlight falling across her cheeks, the few strands of hair that had come out of her braid and were blowing gently in the breeze – that touched a place inside of him, continued to awaken feelings long dormant.

He took her hand, leaning close as he pulled her gently toward him. Then he pressed his lips to hers, lingering to revel in their softness.

When he pulled away, Rhianna's eyes were wide, and for a moment, he worried he'd gone too far. Scared her, or upset her. But then, she smiled, one of the brightest, most beautiful smiles he had ever seen, and he knew she was glad he had kissed her.

"Take care, Rhianna," he murmured, and then urged Aeran into motion. At the bottom of the hill, he turned and looked back. Rhianna and Faolan were silhouetted at the top, and Rhianna raised her arm to wave at him. He waved back, taking the time to appreciate this last look at her before he clucked his tongut at Aeran, and they continued past a curve in the road that blocked her from his view.

He was glad, as well. Glad he had kissed her. Even if it felt like he'd made a promise he wasn't sure he intended to keep.

Over the next several days, he thought about her. In truth, he thought of nothing but her, in most of his waking moments. As he rode across the countryside, when he'd spoken with Bann Nicola's seneschal, while making small talk with Rendon Howe, all he could think about was Rhianna. Standing in his doorway in her nightgown, her feet bare against the cold stone floor. Lying beneath him in the sand, seawater clinging to her eyelashes. The scent of her hair as he held her close, aching at the memories of his mother's death, but so grateful for Rhianna's comforting presence. The drape of fabric across her thigh when she wore the gown he had brought back for her from Rivain.

Apparently, there was no distance great enough to get her out of his mind.

And finally, he had decided. During those hours on the road traveling towards Denerim, he decided. He would keep whatever promise he might have made that day on the hill.

He would marry her. If it was what she wanted, he would marry her.

‹›‹o›‹O›‹o›‹›

"Dear Loghain,

We are here! Father has asked me to invite you to dine with us this evening, if you are free. We will sit down at sunset, although you are welcome to arrive earlier. Anytime, really. I am not planning to go anywhere the rest of the afternoon.

I very much hope you can make it. I can hardly wait to see you.

Sincerely,

Rhianna"

‹›‹O›‹›

Loghain's note had been waiting for her, in a small pile of letters Hobbes handed to her not long after she and her father arrived at Highever House. Stuck in amongst a variety of salon invitations and something that appeared to be from the queen, Rhianna spotted the familiar handwriting she loved so much. Within minutes, she penned a response, and sent it with one of the servants to the Gwaren estate.

She and her father had arrived just past noon, just the two of them. At the last minute, the day before their departure the rest of the family opted to stay in Highever, due to little Oren running an alarmingly high fever. Geoffrey assured them it was nothing serious, just some sort of ill humor that would pass in a few days' time, but it seemed imprudent to make the boy travel when he was sick. In the end, it was decided that Bryce and Rhianna could adequately represent the family during this year's Landsmeet season, and everyone else had remained at home.

For Rhianna, the sight of Denerim in the distance had never before been so welcome. Gone was dread she usually felt at the prospect a season in Denerim, at the time she would be forced to spend with people she didn't like, and the memories of unpleasant things that had happened here over the years. Today there had been nothing but excitement, so much she felt light-headed and giddy when she let herself think on it too long.

Loghain. She would see Loghain.

So many things had happened when he was in Highever. His praise on the practice field, the way he'd pinned her to the sand on the beach. The talk they'd had in the middle of the night. The things he had shared, the things they shared together.

And then, he had kissed her. Before he rode away toward Northmuir, he had pulled her close and kissed her. Even now, she could close her eyes and remember exactly how it had felt. The way her hair tickled her neck in the breeze. The sunshine warm on her skin. His fingers wrapped around her own, and the heat of his lips, how firm they felt. The way her heart raced, and her body went still, not wanting the moment to end.

Of course, it had ended, and he'd ridden away, as she knew he must. But now they would be together again. She would see him, in just a few hours.

And more than anything, she hoped he would want to kiss her again.

‹›‹O›‹›

Rhianna and Dane were wandering in the garden when the hound's ears perked up, and he bounded toward the house.

This could only mean one thing: Loghain.

Sure enough, one of the doors from the house swung open, and Loghain strode out into the garden. Rhianna waved at him, and he headed toward her, only to be intercepted by Dane. The dog raced up to the teyrn, barking happily, and dancing around Loghain's feet, waiting to be invited to greet him properly.

Loghain fixed the dog with a stare, and Dane stopped bouncing, dropping onto his haunches and sitting perfectly silent and still. After the space of a breath, Loghain winked.

Dane leapt up, his paws on Loghain's shoulders, and began licking him enthusiastically in the face.

"Dane!" Rhianna was embarrassed and amused in equal measure by her dog's antics.

"It's all right," Loghain laughed, turning his head to keep the dog's tongue out of his mouth. "He asked permission."

When Loghain had managed to wrestle Dane back down on all fours, he scratched the mabari vigorously behind the ears. Then, Loghain pulled a small wrapped parcel from one of his pockets.

Dane sat, his stubby tail wagging furiously and his open mouth appearing to smile as he panted up at Loghain.

"What have you got there?" Rhianna asked. Her dog was generally well behaved, but this was ridiculous.

Loghain removed the wrapping to reveal a large hunk of white cheese. "With your permission?" he asked.

"Of course."

Loghain tossed the cheese in the air, and Dane leapt up and caught it in his teeth. After huffing his thanks, the dog hunkered down at Rhianna's feet to enjoy his treat.

"You're going to spoil him dreadfully," Rhianna scolded.

"Worse than you've already spoiled him?"

"My hound is not spoiled!" Rhianna crossed her arms in front of her chest, pretending to take offense.

"Your Nan seems to have a different opinion. But fair enough. At any rate, I have no intention of spoiling Dane. You are the one I intend to spoil."

"Me?" She wrinkled her nose, as warmth rose up on her cheeks.

Loghain reached into the pocket of his cloak and pulled out a second parcel. This one was wrapped more carefully, the parchment held in place with a piece of twine.

"Happy Birthday."

"Loghain? What's this? You already gave me something for my birthday."

He lifted a brow. "Did I?"

"Yes, silly. Earrings, remember? These earrings, in fact." She turned her head to show him she was, indeed, wearing the earrings he had given her. He'd likely already noticed the Rivaini gown.

"Hmnh." His mouth turned up at one corner, and she realized he hadn't forgotten the earrings at all. "Then perhaps you can think of this as my way of welcoming you to your first Landsmeet."

Rhianna's face grew hot, but she smiled with pleasure and took the package from his hands.

"Loghain, you don't have to give me things."

"That's funny. I was under the impression you like presents. Of course, if you don't want it . . ." He reached for the package, as though he intended to take it back.

Rhianna giggled, turning away to keep the parcel just out of his reach. "Of course I want it. I mean, since you've already gone to the trouble, I might as well keep it. Shall I open it now?" she asked, before he threatened to take away the gift again.

"Of course."

Rhianna set about untying the string. "I hope it's cheese, like you gave Dane. I love cheese."

"Indeed? Well, prepare to be disappointed. If I'd known that's how you felt, I could have given you his package. I've no doubt he could have made good use of yours."

Rhianna laughed as she removed the parchment, and then the laughter died in her throat as she saw what she now held in her hands.

"Oh," she breathed, "it's so beautiful!"

It was a belt pouch, made of rich, soft, dark brown leather. Decorative black stitching wove its way around the edges, and in the back, between the belt loops, was a sheath for holding a dagger. She ran her finger lightly over a laurel wreath tooled on the large front flap.

"The symbol of Highever. Did you have this made just for me?"

"Yes. I know you usually wear the dagger strapped to your leg, but I thought this would be convenient for those times you might wish to wear it more openly."

"Oh, Loghain. Thank you so much. I love it. It's gorgeous, and I love it." She threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly. After a moment's pause, he returned the embrace. She breathed in his scent, and the warmth of his arms wrapped around her made her breath come faster. It felt so good to be close to him.

With a stab of regret, she pulled away from him, wishing she could stay in his arms a while longer, but worried he would think it strange if she continued clinging to him indefinitely.

She smiled brightly. "And I can wear it when we go riding tomorrow. You will take me riding tomorrow, won't you?"

"Yes," Loghain chuckled, "I'll take you riding tomorrow. Where do you want to go?"

"Anywhere, so long as it's away from the city." Rhianna bit her bottom lip. "What about Dragon's Peak? I've never been to the top of Dragon's Peak. We can ride there and back in a day, can't we?"

"Yes," Loghain agreed. "That would be a pleasant ride."

"What's this about riding?"

Rhianna and Loghain both turned at Bryce Cousland's approach, and Rhianna's smile faltered when she saw the look on her father's face. He was frowning, and looked . . . tired. Out of sorts, somehow.

"Hello, Father," Rhianna said. "Loghain and I are planning to climb Dragon's Peak tomorrow."

"Dragon's Peak?" His brow creased, as he looked from Rhianna to Loghain, then back to Rhianna. "Oh, Pup, are you sure that's a good idea? You . . . well, we've only just arrived in the city."

"Of course it's a good idea! It will be our only chance to get out of Denerim for the next week at least, what with the Landsmeet coming up. Probably our last chance until the royal hunt. Why don't you come with us?"

His face was tense, and for a moment Rhianna thought he meant to argue, perhaps even forbid her from going, although she couldn't imagine why he would do such a thing.

Finally he sighed. "No. I'm afraid I can't afford a day away from the city right now. But I suppose you're right about it being the last chance for a while. You should go. Have some fun before the Landsmeet begins." He sounded unhappy. Defeated, almost.

What had happened? He'd been in a good mood when they arrived, but now . . .? She glanced at a folded parchment he held in his hand.

"Father, is something the matter? Did you get bad news?"

He blinked, as though surprised by the question. Then, he tucked the parchment into a pocket. "No, of course not. Nothing you need worry about, at any rate."

"Then come with us tomorrow," she urged. In truth, she liked the idea of spending the day with Loghain, just the two of them. But if her father needed cheering for some reason, perhaps a day in the country would be just what he needed.

"No thank you, Pup. I do have business to attend, as well as plans for lunch. You're more than welcome to come along, of course. I'll be taking afternoon tea with Leonas and Harriet. And, no doubt, her cats."

"Oh, my. That is tempting." She looked at Loghain, eying him from head to toe as if weighing his merits. "Lady Harriet's cats, or a day with Teyrn Loghain?" She sighed melodramatically. "How will I ever decide?"

"Well," Loghain said smoothly. "You could have us both. I would be more than happy to accompany you to Lady Harriet's, assuming your father could arrange an invitation?"

"I've no doubt you'd be more than welcome," Bryce agreed.

Oh no! This discussion was moving in the wrong direction, very quickly.

Rhianna wasn't the only one who thought so. Dane put his face on his paws and gave an exceedingly pitiful whine. He wanted nothing more than to romp in the countryside with his mistress and her consort. Why were his humans talking about going to lunch with the horrible cats, where Dane would certainly not be invited?

Rhianna laughed, even as she shuddered in mock horror. "Don't you dare suggest such a thing, either of you! Loghain, you and I are going riding. And I'm afraid, Father, you'll just have to give our regrets to the cats."

‹O›
o
‹O›
o
‹O›

Thank you, as always, to my wonderful beta, Psyche Sinclair, and also to all my lovely reviewers: Artwo.D2, Hannahhobnob, KrystylSky, DjinniGenie, Milly-finalfantasy, SecretWriter8910, Arsinoe de Blassenville, Doom-N-GloomGal, Mialiah, Kathleen M Power, GLCW2 and SwomeeSwan.