DISCLAIMER: I base my stories on Intellectual Property (IP) owned by BioWare™ and EA™. I pretend to live in their world.
SPOILERS: I refer to information from the games, the novels and the comics. If you have not played or read, please beware.
A SONG IN THE STILLNESS
Chapter 17: Speculation
9:33 Dragon, Cloudreach === Denerim
Zevran almost bent down and kissed the ground when he stepped off the dock in Denerim. After weeks of slipping unseen through cities, and ghosting across the countryside, he still worried that he had left some trace of his passing. Departing Antiva City in Haring, he made his indirect, stealthy way south setting false trails, stowing away on rat infested ships, and hiking little used tracks, until he reached the coast at Hercinia. Relying on his dyed hair and masked tattoo, he booked passage on a Denerim bound galley, settled into his tiny cabin beneath the steering deck, and remained invisible to the crew until they dropped anchor in the Fereldan port. Hoisting his pack, he jumped on board the tender sent to carry the passengers to shore and, finally, he found himself on the Denerim quay, rebuilt and busy again eighteen months after the Blight's end, trying to decide whether the cobbled road along the docks deserved a kiss. Chuckling to himself, he decided no, being hardly a way to remain invisible, and ducked into an alley.
Before fleeing Antiva City, Zevran spent a year and a half settling scores with the Crows. By the time he left, Eoman Arainai and the other leaders of House Arainai lay dead, along with two Grandmasters of rival houses. The Grandmasters of a few lower Talons, along with the foot soldiers, or cuchillos, of the defunct houses, recognized the rise of a new power, and swore allegiance to the hooded, always masked, Crow they called the Black Shadow, unsure if he now led them, or only represented some grayer eminence deeper in shadow. Despite successes, Zevran feared staying too long and leaving too many traces. He chose to disappear and let the remaining Houses fight amongst themselves amidst the chaos. The Black Shadow would return one day, but to greatly weakened Crow Houses. In the meantime, he wanted to find Alistair and spend some time with a friend. He had learned, through his secret correspondence with Liam and Erlina, that Alistair had left Soldier's Peak, but Liam had not trusted any further information to letters. He needed to meet Liam in person to find out where his friend had gone. The best place to meet Liam, but attract no attention? Ferelden's most populous city, Denerim, now further congested by the upcoming noble wedding.
Making his way in the pre-dawn darkness, Zevran followed back alleys past tenements, warehouses, and merchant compounds, until he arrived in the Market, once again filled with well-built stalls and already busy with merchants unloading carts and filling displays, despite the early hour. He noticed festive bunting decorating rebuilt shops and houses around the Square. Beyond it, a scaffolding surrounded the Chantry porch where Summerday marriages would take place in three days. Humans and elves, already working on the scaffold platform, placed laurel roping, pine boughs, and bunting above the Chantry doors, signifying Highever, Gwaren, and Ferelden Zev realized, appropriate to Anora and Fergus' marriage alliance.
Zevran had learned that Fergus and Anora, their betrothal approved by the Guardian Landsmeet, would marry on Summerday Eve. Anora had not wanted to overshadow the Summerday marriages with her own, so she and Fergus, with Queen Elin as bridal attendant, would celebrate their nuptials separately the evening before. On Summerday, the Crown would sponsor the wedding feast for anyone married that day in Denerim, Amaranthine, Highever, Gwaren, or South Reach, a sign of just how well Ferelden had recovered economically.
Zevran believed that, once married, the dowager Queen and new Teyrna of Highever and her husband, Teyrn Fergus, would travel north with Nathaniel, the Arl of Amaranthine, and his wife Phillipa, Arlessa of Higheverport, to celebrate again in Highever. He hoped Erlina would know more about their plans and about the rumors surrounding Eleanor Cousland and Loghain Mac Tir. He wondered if either or both would attend their children's wedding. Loghain remained a target of dissent within the Fereldan nobility, despite clear proof that Rendon Howe had used cleverly forged documents to convince the one-time teyrn to commit atrocities at Rendon Howe's behest. That Howe had also used blood magic on Loghain, and others was not widely known, nor would it be, if the Chantry and the Regents had their way. Knowing about the Denerim blood mage coven could only inflame discontent towards the Chantry and its templars and direct fears towards the former teyrn and general. Grand Cleric Elemena would happily see Loghain fall victim to the Landsmeet's wrath, but she would not risk the reputation of her precious templars. The Regents and the Chantry kept the secret of Howe's use of blood magic.
While Loghain had once been respected, he had never been liked, so condemning him had been easy for the Landsmeet, but Eleanor Cousland had been popular, respected, and the nobles mourned her losses with her. The Landsmeet had only sympathy for the dowager Teyrna of Highever, but they wondered at her long visit to Gwaren where she stayed, as a guest of the Arl, instead of helping her son and the Arlessa of Higheverport rebuild in the North. Gwaren had begun to prosper, with her help, and folk wondered why she did not return home to Highever. Given the general attitude toward the former general, Zev guessed that Loghain would remain in Gwaren, but that the dowager Teyrna might travel to Denerim to see her son wed, despite Fergus' own resentment towards his mother's priorities.
Knowing he could become invisible among the other elves and find accommodations with Kai's family, Zev headed towards the Alienage. He hoped they had word of Kailian, who had, after all, been given a pinch of Andraste's Ashes on the top of Fort Drakon by Lys. The Ashes should have ensured her survival, but his enquiries had all led to dead ends, a pun which did not make him smile. No one had seen Lys or Kai since he had left them on Ft. Drakon's roof in care of a white-haired healer, who he suspected was an apostate mage. Fergus' search immediately after the battle had found nothing, nor had Morrigan's flights over the city. Leliana had searched farther afield in the years that followed, Erlina had used Anora's growing network to do the same, and Liam had sent feelers out with one of his Wardens, the one most likely to want Lys found, her one time betrothed and Liam's diplomat, Denis. Although he trusted Liam, Zevran had wondered at the wisdom of letting an Orlesian warden know Kai and Lys might live, but did they? So far, no sign of either woman had been found.
To his surprise, the gates of the Alienage stood open and unguarded, as elves and a few humans passed in and out of the ancient compound. As the sun rose, he ambled down the main street towards the great vhenadahl noticing that the open gate was not the only change the growing daylight revealed. The oldest, most decrepit buildings, including the haunted orphanage, had disappeared to be replaced by simple half-timbered two and three-story structures. Well stocked shops filled the ground floor spaces, and bedding hung out of the upper floor windows, airing in the morning breezes. Fresh whitewash covered all the wattle and daub surfaces of buildings old and new. Cobblestones paved the main road to the square around the vhenadahl, eliminating the mud that had plagued the spot after Ferelden's fierce storms. Instead of continuing into the square, Zevran knocked on the door of a small house next to Alarith's shop, which now sported an awning over an outdoor display of fresh fruits and vegetables. The house, belonging to Cyrion Tabris, seemed to have grown a second story.
Zevran stepped back to see if anyone peered out of the two upper windows of the Tabris house, but saw no curtains twitching. He tried the latch, but found it locked. Making quick work of the simple lock, he entered the house, called out an hello with no reply, and proceeded to explore the expanded dwelling. Finding it empty, he settled into a chair to await the return of Soris, Cyrion, or Shianni, who, he had heard, had succeeded Valendrian as hahren and Bann of the Alienage. He wondered if she still lived with Cyrion or if she had moved into the late hahren's house, as Valendrian had no family. After a time, he slung his pack over his shoulder and decided to go find out.
Stopping at Alarith's shop, he bought a small bunch of flowers before continuing to the hahren's house. As he approached, he saw movement behind the window curtains. He knocked. Steps sounded inside the house, the door opened, and Shianni peered out, frowning, clearly not expecting such an early visitor.
"Who-"
Zevran, left arm sweeping across his chest as he bowed, held out the bouquet with his right hand. "Hahren Shianni, Bann of the Alienage, I request an audience."
"An audience? I'm not Queen Anora," Shianni snapped. Her eyes narrowed as Zevran stood straight. "Zevran?" she squealed, and then put her hand over her mouth and looked around to see if anyone had heard.
"It would be best if you did not advertise my identity. I am Zack, a visitor to your alienage, and I wish to pay my respects."
"Come in. Come in. No one pays attention to my bleating. I may be hahren, but I still yell too much." She stared at his cheek. "How did you lose the tattoo?"
""I did not. I covered it, just as I changed the color of my hair." He sighed. "It dims my allure, but," he shrugged, "that is the point of a disguise, yes?"
"Dimming of the allure?" Shianni asked with a grin.
"No," Zev snorted, "hiding of the identity. The allure…it persists with a touch less brilliance."
He followed her into the main room and looked around as she put the flowers into a clay pot, tipping a pitcher to add some water. A long table spanned the room's center surrounded by mismatched wooden chairs and stools. More benches and stools stood against one wall. She motioned for him to take a seat at the table and went through a door at back saying she would return with tea. Reappearing, she laid a tray with cups, and a steaming kettle on the table. Pouring the hot water over a mixture of herbs held in a strainer, she handed the cup to Zevran before returning to the back of the house. She reappeared with another tray filled with plates and food.
Nodding towards his pack, she said, "I'm guessing you arrived this morning. I thought you might need to break your fast." Seeing his eyes narrow, she added, "I didn't cook. It's only cheese, bread, and the last of the apples, but it should temper your appetite until dinner."
"Thank you," Zevran said, helping himself to a generous slice of cheese. "I am peckish. You live here now?"
"I do. This is the public room where we hold general meetings or meet with any elf who wants to talk with me, or with the Denerim officials or Arl Cauthrien. I live in the back." She nodded towards the door to her private quarters. "Most days I eat with Uncle Cyrion and Soris. Soris cooks," she added, "and I bring home leftovers or shop for fruit, bread, and cheese. You'll join us?"
"Ah, so accepting an invitation to dinner would not be life threatening?"
Shianni laughed. "They'd be happy to see you, as am I."
"Good, as I wondered if I could trouble your uncle for a place to stay? Or do you know of one?"
"Uncle Cyrion would want you to stay there, Zev…Zack. There are two extra rooms since I moved out. He built three bedrooms on the second floor, hoping Kai would return one day. There's plenty of room. Did you arrive on a ship?"
"On a galley on the morning tide, yes. I want to see the Warden Commander and Erlina while I'm here. Erlina first, I think. I'm hoping you can arrange that? I hope to remain…unnoticed."
"Of course. Erlina visits regularly, so nothing odd in her coming here. Usually Taina meets with me, but I can invite Liam. Anyone else?"
"Perhaps Arl Cauthrien can come with the Warden Commander? And if Nate and Pippa have arrived for the nuptials, I'd like to see them too, but no one else." He laughed. "I left a disputatious set of Crow Talons behind in Antiva and I don't want to draw attention to myself. I'm just another elf in the Alienage. In fact, if you have work for me, that might help."
"We do have a group of young elves who train for the guard or the night elves-"
"-ah, no, while I am undoubtedly overly qualified to train in blade and stealth, it would draw too much attention to me. I prefer something less appropriate, less suited to my skills-"
"-can you paint?"
"Paint?" Zevran's eyes narrowed, as Shianni giggled.
"Someone left a large endowment which I'm to use to rebuild and improve the Alienage. We're trying to do so without drawing too much attention to the improvements, but you might have noticed the newer buildings, the fresh whitewash on some-"
"-the well paved square outside."
Shianni nodded. "We've finally either torn down and rebuilt or fixed up the buildings in old warehouse cluster where the Tevinters had their lair. We're whitewashing the walls and creating a community room, bath house, toilets, and more flats for rent or purchase."
"Ah, well I am no expert, but covering myself in whitewash can only add to my disguise, yes?" He nibbled a piece of cheese. "I can even speak with a Denerim drawl," he added, mimicking the distinctive elven patois of the capitol's Alienange.
Shianni chuckled. "True, no one will seek the suave Antivan companion of the Hero of Fereldan amidst the pails of whitewash. I'll take you over in the morning. And you'll be nearby where Erlina can find you. As it happens, the Higheverport Hahren has provided help and advice, so a meeting to show off our progress to Lady Pippa, accompanied by Lord Howe, will seem quite natural. Now, let's go to Uncle Cyrion's. Soris should be home soon to prepare something for dinner. He's getting married this Summerday, by the way. A young woman from Higheverport." Shianni frowned. "She - have you heard about the breeding house that bastard Howe kept on the Amaranthine coast?"
"The Orphanage? Where Arl Nathaniel found his brother dead?"
"Yeah - orphanage my arse." Shianni, snarled. "Breeding slaves for Tevinter." She stopped and took a breath. "And yes, Arl Nathaniel did find Thomas there, killed by darkspawn. No loss to us, but sad for him. I don't envy that young man his family ties. How does someone live with such evil in his relations?"
"With great difficulty," Zevran said, quietly. "But Arl Nathaniel and his sister are not evil."
The hahren nodded. "I kept reminding myself of that, but Soris' betrothed, Elera, spent some time there before escaping. It's difficult to hear the name Howe and not hate."
"So, how did Soris' betrothed survived?" Zev asked.
"Fortunately, Elera had not yet become pregnant, so she did not lose a child to slavery in Tevinter. She escaped on the ship that took all the elves imprisoned by the Howes to Higheverport. She came here with a group from the Higheverport Alienage to help us rebuild. A few elves stayed on with us. Elera was one. She spins and weaves, skills we need. Soris acquires the raw fleece and sells the cloth she makes. He's become quite the merchant after working the job Kai got for him at House Haris."
"The humans don't bother the Alienage now?"
"They don't come in and bother us any longer. Neither Arl Cauthrien or the Regents tolerate it and we can defend ourselves. The Night Elves provide us with protection and several elves now work for the city guard. Captain Kylon sets a high standard for their good treatment, as do the other guards now that our elves have proven themselves. It's better. Now let's go have dinner."
"Coming from you, cara, that's a strong statement," Zevran said, following her out the door.
Shianni gave him a long side-eyed stare. "I have learned some self-control. Hahren Cordelian, from Higheverport, gave me a lot of good advice when she visited. For some reason I listened to her."
Zevran snorted. "Is she a mage? Perhaps it was mind control."
Shianni punched him in the arm.
"Kai would be proud of you," he said softly.
"She would be proud of all of us, but even if she wasn't, I'd rather have her here than wherever…."
"You don't think she died?"
"Do you?"
"She shouldn't have, but," he shrugged and sighed. "No one has found a trace of her or Lys."
"I know. I keep hoping though." She knocked on the Tabris door and they went in when they heard Soris yell it's open.
x==========x
Erlina could not help chuckling as she approached the elf, his brown hair spattered with whitewash, reaching above his head to cover the daub finish on the restored building.
"Blood spatter, I would expect," she said softly standing directly behind Zevran, "but whitewash?" She chuckled again. "And don't," she warned, "do not spatter me."
"Ah, you anticipate my response too well," Zev said lowering the brush slowly. He had just begun to work, once Shianni had introduced him to the painting crew after dinner.
"We are alike in many ways, no? Come, we should not speak here." Erlina nodded towards the door into the old warehouse from within her hood. Zev followed her, wishing she had chosen to meet in the courtyard. These corridors and small rooms brought too many memories of fighting beside Kai during the Blight. Finally, they reached a small, empty, interior room, one which surprisingly held no memories. "No ears will overhear us here," she said, throwing back the hood. "It's good to see you, Zack."
"And to see you," Zev replied, bowing.
"No flowers?"
"Ah, had I known I would see you so soon I would have procured a single lily, but," he shrugged, "I expected you tomorrow."
"Always do the unexpected," Erlina replied.
Zevran laughed.
"Now, let's catch up on our news."
The two had maintained a careful, coded correspondence over the years, one which left many gaps to fill. The Queen's spymaster and the Crow spent the rest of the afternoon exchanging information about Antiva, Ferelden, Orlais, reactions in the Free Marches, and finally the upcoming nuptials. Erlina assured Zevran that Anora presented a public face that kept her father at arm's length, but a private one that encouraged his relationship with Eleanor Cousland. Fergus, however, did have misgivings and did not hold back in public, although he directed most of his anger at his absent, possibly dead, sister.
"Possibly dead?"
"Probably living," Erlina announced. "Too many elves from the Orphanage tell the tale of Thomas' pregnant wife, her elven maid, a white-haired elven healer, who also cared for the imprisoned elves, and a mysterious prisoner, a human man, who escaped with them on the ship that brought them to Higheverport. The pregnant human woman appeared to be in charge, even giving orders to the ship's captain, also a woman, by the way. These tales tell of Thomas' arrival with the three women after the dark clouds disappeared from the southern sky."
"So, after the battle of Denerim?"
Erlina nodded. "I believe Thomas somehow captured Melysande and Kai in Denerim and took them to the Keep as prisoners. If Lys was his wife, the wedding could not have been consensual. Thomas kept the human and elf in the Keep's tower as prisoners. The healer refused to speak of them when she attended to the elves, they got occasional glimpses of her on the tower's battlements. They all agree that the wife fell pregnant."
"She had Thomas' child?"
Erlina shrugged. "Unless she was pregnant before the battle. There's no way to know. There's been no trace of any of the women, the elf serving her, or the man since the unnamed ship left Highever."
"Have you spoken of this with the Regents or the Arl and Arlessa?"
"No, although Philippa may have some inkling from the elves in the Higheverport alienage. Perhaps after the wedding I will speak with Anora, but without certainty, what could she do? It may only fuel Teyrn Fergus' anger to find she also believes Lys is alive."
Zevran shook his head. "I found no trace of either of them, even with this," he said, holding up his ring on its cord. "I plan to travel north after the nuptials to see if any clue has been overlooked, but I would like to speak with Arlessa Philippa and Warden Commander Liam." He saw the slight furrowing of Erlina's brow, but it quickly disappeared.
"Sometimes it is best to pursue a search oneself, no? I cannot argue with your plans. Philippa, Liam, and even Arl Nathaniel should hear of our suspicions. I can also give you my contact in Higheverport."
"That is most generous, Erlina. I would welcome the help."
The spymaster nodded. "I only ask that you tell me of any news, as you always have."
"Agreed, my all-knowing friend. I continue to serve Ferelden and the Couslands." He put hand on heart and bowed again.
x==========x
"Why don't you have the Amaranthine Estate torn down?" Pippa asked Nate. She, Delilah, and Nate sat in the solar of her the Denerim townhouse. Thom played on the floor with his blocks.
"Da," the not yet two-year-old said, pulling on Nate's tunic. "Tower."
Nate grinned and leaned over to look at the teetering stack of blocks almost as tall as his son. "A fine keep, Thom," he said as the boy chortled with glee and razed his edifice to the ground. " 'Gain," he said and started to stack the blocks. Nate looked up as his sister spoke.
"You're just letting the hurt you feel fester, by leaving it there. Time won't raze the estate or make it less polluted with his evil. Slight it. Raze it to the ground. Give the land to the city if you don't want to rebuild."
"Do you want it?" Pippa asked Delilah.
"I…." She gave Nate a wary glance. "Yes…I would rebuild it as a family home for Alfred and me and you and Nate," Delilah said. "A sign of peace between Higheverport and Amaranthine City. I don't have the memories you do, Nate."
Nate stared into the coals flickering in the hearth, ignoring Thom's new effort. Suddenly, he pressed his hands against the chair's arms and pushed himself up.
"I like your idea, Del, but I don't want anything to do with the place. Why don't you and Alfred organize it?" He looked at Pippa. "You can offer any suggestions you want, love, but honestly, I like it here. This feels like home to me and it must to you too."
Pippa nodded. "It is my home in Denerim, but-"
"That's it then, Delilah. I'll arrange to transfer the property to you." He looked up as a servant entered.
"A note for you milord."
He read it and looked up. "Pippa, Cauthrien wants us, you and me, to go with her and the Warden Commander to the Alienage this afternoon to meet with Bann Shianni." He raised his eyebrows and shook his head. "No other explanation."
"She doesn't mention Fergus or Leonas Bryland?"
"No. No regents. Perhaps it's about Alienages, which would mean you for Higheverport." He looked puzzled. "But it would mean you for Amaranthine, Delilah."
"Not if Shianni is looking for advice, Nate, or to show off the progress she's made here," Delilah responded. "We asked her and Pippa to help re-establish the Amaranthine Alienage, which Father destroyed. To rebuild and see if any elves would return to live there." She saw him wince at her use of the word Father. Nathaniel never called him father or Rendon or Howe. He would only use the pronouns he or him on the rare occasions he referred to Rendon Howe directly. She noticed Pippa staring at her brother.
"Right. He - Rendon," he spit the word and glanced at his wife, "he only tried to destroy the Alienage here and in Higheverport. In Amaranthine he succeeded."
Pippa and Delilah exchanged a glance, but Nate strode out of the room. Several elves had returned to the Amaranthine Alienage from Higheverport, but the population remained small. Delilah could only hope it would grow once the city proved it would treat the elves fairly.
The next day Philippa and Nathaniel rode across Denerim to the Alienage where they left their horses at the stables near the open gate and walked to the Hahren Shianni's house.
"It's cleaned up well," Pippa said, as they walked down the main street. "I like the new half-timbered structures. Cordelian said they used wattle and daub, rather than brick, for the fill between the timber framing to keep costs down. Well built, but simple new buildings, rebuilt or repaired older ones, and fresh whitewash…the changes don't call attention to themselves if outsiders walk through, but mean a lot to the elves who live here. Shianni's done a good job."
"You sound surprised."
"Nate, she was an angry young woman before the Blight. She's matured. I'm glad I convinced Cordelian to visit and that Shianni listened."
They arrived at the hahren's house where Cauthrien stood outside chatting with, Myron, the leader of the Night Elves. The two greeted the Arl of Amaranthine and Arlessa of Higheverport and then pulled Nathaniel into their discussion of the relative effectiveness of blades versus bows in a city. Pippa grinned as Nate became more animated, pointing out the relative benefits of a short bow, long bow, and cross bow to the others. Soon he and Myron had left Pippa and Cauthrien behind as they delved into the various fletchings and points one could use. They all jumped when a flurry of icy crystals dropped into their midst.
"Liam!" Pippa cried, laughing, as she saw the mage approach through a fog of crystals.
"Sometimes, adding an argument for magic is irresistible," he said, grinning. "I could freeze your entire company of archers, you know. Or block them with an ice wall."
"Or both," Nate replied. "Then again, it only takes one archer to stop a mage and ice walls are temporary."
"Good points," Liam agreed.
"If you are finished killing everyone off," Shianni said from her doorway, "and attracting templars, why don't you come inside?" Closing the door behind them as the filed down the hallway to the common room, she added, "There's someone here who wants to talk with you." She followed them into the meeting room and motioned to the chairs she placed around a plank table. "His name is Zack."
A brown-haired elf entered the room and grinned at the assembled company. Pippa recognized him first. "Zev-Zack!"
Zevran bowed. "Arlessa Philippa."
Liam began laughing and Nate said, "Oh, of course. It's you."
"Like a bad…sovereign."
"Yeah, you'd never make it a copper or devalue yourself to a silver," Liam drawled.
"I know my worth." The elf smirked and bowed towards the Arl of Denerim, saying. "Thank you for coming, Sir Cauthrien."
Cauthrien nodded, brow furrowed, as she had barely known Zevran before the Battle of Denerim and had no idea why he had summoned her.
Zevran settled himself at the table between Nathanial and Liam. "I won't keep you from your duties, as I know the wedding approaches, but I…I want to believe Kai lives and I have some thoughts. Speculations. I met with Erlina yesterday to exchange information and we both agreed we would not disturb the Regents at this time, but we felt a need to share what we know with a few trusted nobles."
Facing Cauthrien he offered some explanation. "After the Blight ended, and with the Regents' knowledge, I worked with Erlina to restore Queen Anora's network here in Denerim, across Ferelden, and in other places – as some of you," he winked at Pippa, "already know. Leliana helped her too I believe, although, well…one must remember the Sister is both an Orlesian trained bard and a devout, if irregular, Andrastean. She provides useful assistance, as long as one remembers her…provenance, even though she no longer serves a Bardmaster. I worry less about Orlais, given the growing opposition to the Empress, but the Chantry remains strong. Its threat, despite our friendly contact with Mother Dorothea, Brother Genitivi, and others, cannot be ignored."
"Threat?" Nate asked. "That's a strong word to use for the Chantry, but not for Orlais."
"I do not discount the threat from Orlais, My Lord Nathaniel, but Erlina agrees Orlais' threat has diminished, given the rumblings of dissent among the nobility who follow Grand Duke Gaspard de Chalons. The young Queen's guards and spymaster will remain vigilant to protect her, but Orlais' internal disputes, along with both the Regents' and our Warden Commander's, ties to Nevarra will discourage any major action from there. Erlina tells me the Regents agree.
I worry more about the Chantry and its own army of templars finding the re-establishment of the Highever Accord, the acceptance of mages fleeing Kirkwall and Starkhaven, and the perceived laxness of the Fereldan Circle unacceptable." He looked at Philippa. "They would direct that anger at Highever, I think."
"That's a disturbing thought," Pippa said. "It's not one I'd considered, since the Grand Cleric agreed to re-instate the Accord. Will Erlina tell Teyrn Cousland?"
"Ah…Erlina will emphasize the threat to the Teyrn, new Teyrna and Teyrn Leonas, but after the nuptials. Teyrn Fergus worries enough thinking his sister still lives, but has deserted him, that his mother spends too much time with Arl MacTir, and that he should have done more to save the lives of his loved ones, yes?"
Pippa nodded almost imperceptibly, although everyone in the room knew about Fergus' resentments.
Nate sniffed. "He tells me I have no responsibility for his - for Rendon's evil, but he blames himself for the deaths of his wife, father and son." He blew out a breath and rubbed his forehead. "And blames his sister for surviving and running away, when we all believe she and Kai died."
"Do we?" Zevran asked. "I have heard rumors, but I think you, the Arlessa, and the Warden Commander have the best witnesses.
They all looked at him.
"Arl Nathaniel, where was your brother during the Battle of Denerim?"
Nate shrugged. "At the keep where he died, I presume."
"Could he have been here? If he was, what would he have done if he found Lys and Kai, wounded? He had a Tevinter mage with him, yes?"
"Maker," Nate said, taking a deep breath before continuing, "he would have taken them, but he would never have stayed in Denerim when he could be where he felt safe."
"He would need a ship to get to this keep, yes?"
Nate nodded.
"Do you believe he could have found a ship to take him there before the battle? A ship carrying only him and the mage, when the quay was full of people trying to escape?"
Nate did not answer.
"If he had the money," Cauthrien said, "it's possible. Remotely." She stared at the elf. "But you don't think he did."
"I wonder, as does Erlina," Zevran replied and then looked at Pippa. "And who was this mysterious Lady Howe, Thomas' wife, that the elves speak of? The pregnant woman. Soris' betrothed, Elera, said this wife arrived with Thomas, that an elven servant and a healing mage also accompanied her. She said they arrived after the dark smoke cleared from the southern skies. I take that to mean after the battle.
"Elera told me that Thomas meant the ship, which delivered her to Highever, to sail to Tevinter, but that the captain and most of his crew died with him on the shore. The human and elven prisoners, led by Thomas' wife and the ship's captain, took over that ship and escaped. She confirms that the ship left the elves in Higheverport before sailing away. On that ship, once the elves disembarked, were the new captain, a small number of human and elven crew members, Thomas' pregnant wife, her maid, a white-haired mage, and another older, human male who had been a prisoner at the keep for years."
Philippa sat, hand covering her mouth, as random thoughts congealed into an unsavory mass. "That's what we've learned too," she said. "The elves told the stories among themselves, saying Thomas' wife asked them to say as little as possible about her and the ship. We don't know the ship's name, only that it was a caravel. We know several elves remained on board and joined the crew. We don't know where it went from Higheverport."
"You're saying my brother Thomas kidnapped Lys Cousland and Kailian Tabris, married Lys, got her pregnant, and she escaped when Thomas was killed by the darkspawn?" Nate leaned forward and grasped the table edge with his hands as he spoke. Once finished he glared at Zevran, and then let out a breath and leaned back. "But why not? That's what he - my father - wanted for him. To marry Lys Cousland, father children, and use them to lay claim to Highever. Delilah's confirmed that to me. With his…our father dead, Thomas would have reveled in Lys' capture and he had Nicephorus to help him."
"Thomas may have captured her and forced her to marry him, but he did not get her pregnant," Liam said softly. They all stared at the warden commander. "She was already pregnant before the Battle. Morrigan noticed and Anders confirmed it. We didn't tell them, either of them, because it was so early and if the worst happened…." He stared at Zevran, willing him not to reveal that Alistair lived.
"Which it did," Zevran said, much to Liam's relief. "Alistair struck the final blow and Mel - Lys - saw him do it. I left Kai and Lys, alive but badly wounded, and went to get a healer. I saw that white-haired elf healing others. She went to them at my request. I'm the last person to have seen them both alive. Neither with a mortal injury. I think Thomas took them." Zevran saw Nate's frown. "If Lys didn't know she was pregnant, then Thomas likely believed the child his. Isn't that what he would do, Arl Howe?"
Nate massaged both temples, as Pippa reached out to touch his shoulder. Finally, he responded. "Yes. It's what my father would have wanted so it would be what Thomas wanted. He would never have let the pregnancy continue if he thought the child wasn't his. From all reports his wife was well along."
"He'd be close to our Thom's' age then," Pippa whispered. And if these speculations are true, I know where Lys went.
Cauthrien looked at the company around the table. "I'm not clear on my role here," she announced. "Unless you want your thoughts to be conveyed to two others with whom I am in regular communication?"
Zevran grinned. "I believe one of them will be in Denerim for Summerday, staying with Dame Reginalda? I had intended to visit myself, but thought better of it. Even elven servants talk. They would notice elf spending too much time with Dame Reginalda and the dowager Teyrna of Highever.
Cauthrien smiled. "I should add that the rift between her and her son is not as serious as some think, but she prefers not to stay at Highever House for several reasons, one being that Reginalda's townhouse is simply more convenient and Anora can visit her there, unremarked. She will find your," Cauthrien thought for a moment, "musings, of interest. May I…."
"You may tell her the source and that I am at her command, as always. I will watch the celebrations with the other elves, but I request another favor, I would like to arrange to ride north with the newlyweds' entourage. I think you and the Arl and Arlessa might arrange that."
Cauthrien looked at Pippa and Nate, who both nodded. "Perhaps as a scout? I'll see to it."
"If your finished worrying about Couslands, I find his musings of interest as well. Kai is my cousin. I want to know if she lives, as much as any Cousland wants to know about Melysande."
"If Kai is with Lys," Zevran said, softly, "it's because she chooses to be, Shianni. Kai is Lys' friend."
Shianni took a deep breath. "You're probably right, but I still want to know. Once I welcome her, I will beat her for letting us think her dead." She glared at the others, some of whom hid their grins behind coughs and raised hands. "Tell me you won't do the same to Lys Cousland, Pippa."
Pippa smiled, sadly, and shook her head. "I'd like to think they have a good reason, Shianni. If there is a child and it's not Thomas's, it's Alistair's. Orlais would have an interest and, given Rendon Howe's ties to Tevinter, who knows, maybe Tevinter would too." She looked at the raised eyebrows. "We don't know why Rendon Howe had such close ties with Tevinter. Everyone says Tevinter has no imperial aspirations this far south, but maybe they would like an outpost near Orlais. A child with Calenhad's blood would provide a claim for them, just as it would for Orlais."
"Or for my father or brother," Nate murmured. "Not to mention dissident Fereldan nobles. Queen Elin's rule is stable now, but a child of Alistair's…."
Shianni frowned. "Hadn't thought of that. Maybe they do have reasons."
"I trust Lys," Pippa said quietly. "If she's alive, there's good reasons for her to stay hidden. Fergus would know that too, if he had his head on straight." If anyone could convince the Travelers Council in Areth to let Kai join her, Lys could. She glanced at Nathaniel. It's time we visited Areth. And Teyrna Eleanor and I need to talk. Lys would never keep the baby a secret from her mum. She frowned. I wonder that Fergus hasn't thought of Areth? I know he hates visiting there, but…."
Nate cocked his head slightly, but saw Pippa slight negative head shake and settled back into his seat.
Shianni looked at Zevran. "Any other flaming arrows to launch?"
Zevran chuckled. "No. I have emptied my quiver." Smirking again, he added, "One of my quivers." He looked at Liam. "I would like a few words with you, Liam, before you go."
The company rose, each saying a goodbye to Zevran, before they began to drift towards the door. Liam waited until the others had left and then cast a spell.
"What?" Zevran felt a strange sensation cascade over him.
"A silence spell. It surrounds us, and no one can hear our conversation. He's in Kirkwall, living at a place called the Hanged Man. The rest is his story to tell. He's well, though, and quite wealthy. Anders too. I'm in regular communication with them both.
"The two of them are funding a resettlement scheme for refugees, although Anders presents himself as the sponsor. I've taken it to the Regents and offered it as a nuptial gift to them and to Ferelden. They've accepted. We need to work out the details, but many of the refugees in Kirkwall, and elsewhere, who want to come home, will be welcomed."
"Why Kirkwall? I've heard nothing good about the City of Chains. And wealthy? I know he had funds when he left for the Peak, but…comfortable was how he described himself."
"Wealthy is the word now. I'll let him recount his adventures. As for Kirkwall, it's not a pleasant place, particularly for mages, but he's found a niche there, with friends, and a purpose. He's taken up illuminating and copying manuscripts as a scrivener. Somehow, he made his peace with the scrivener's guild and has work. He still does mercenary work, but mostly for friends or to protect refugees. He's…content."
"He doesn't know Lys was pregnant?"
"No, and he believes her dead. He's worn the ring every so often, but it's never warmed."
"Neither has mine," Zevran said. "I thought maybe they went with the Dalish, but I couldn't find any trace of them. Kai knows I'm alive, so if she wanted me to find her, she would wear her ring. Either they don't want to be found or…but I think they live. I'm going to visit the Rasiae. I met Sarien, the Keeper's First and Kai and Lys' friend, in the Brecilian. It will settle my mind. She will know if they're with any other clan."
"There's another elf you met in the Brecilian in Kirkwall. Merrill."
"Merrill? An elf and a mage. In Kirkwall?" Zevran's look said Liam was mistaken.
"In the Alienage. She never met Alistair during the Blight and, since he goes by Alun, she is no threat. Anders is there; as is Jowan or Jowstice, as Anders has taken to calling him."
Liam had mentioned Justice and Jowan in his letters. Zevran shook his head. "He actually merged with this spirit, Justice?"
"Yeah and not like Wynne and her spirit of Faith."
"Well, no, Jowan has no bosom."
Liam snorted. "I mean the spirit is not in the Fade, they're both here. I'm just waiting for it all to go badly, but I can't punish him until he does something wrong, not simply because I think - er know - that he will. He hasn't seen Alistair. So far." Liam frowned. "Oh, and your friend Isabela is there, and has kept Alistair's secret for months."
"Isabela has? Is he paying her? Or…no, not Alistair." Zevran's eyes grew wide. "He's not sleeping with her?"
Liam laughed. "No. She told him he has a right to his secrets. She has secrets of her own it seems. She lost her ship."
"I did hear that. Some rumors say in a storm, others that a Qunari dreadnought chased her onto the rocks. Knowing Isabela, there's probably truth in both tales. Well, let's hope she keeps his secrets, yes?"
"When will you leave?"
"After Summerday. I'll blend in with the crowds heading north from the Teyrn and Queen's nuptials, as part of the guards, if Cauthrien can arrange it. And with the crowds in Highever as they celebrate there. Once I visit the Rasiae, I'll take a ship to Kirkwall."
"You plan on surprising him?"
"What could be a better surprise?" Zevran frowned. "Don't answer. Second best surprise." He grinned. "I plan on stopping at Soldier's Peak on the way. Will Morrigan turn me into a toad? Or can I present a small gift to your little one?"
"She'll welcome you. I may be there too; I'm heading north with Fergus' retinue, but I may ride ahead once they reach the Vigil. They'll be feted at every turn on their way to Castle Cousland. I don't envy their guard trying to protect them."
"You expect attacks?"
"No. The Darkspawn threat is over. The Architect and the Mother are dead and the 'spawn have mostly withdrawn underground. Our encounters are fewer and farther between and we've sealed any openings into the Deep Roads that we've found. The people have settled back on their farmholds, manors, and estates, but their growing prosperity attracts bandits. Other than that, it's peaceable and safe on most roads. I just meant it's a large, unwieldy collection of nobles dragging their retinues and belongings along with them. Anora has two whole wagons just for her wardrobe, bedding, furniture, and whatever. And I'm told she's cut back; it used to be four wagons."
"Ah, Warden Commander, the nobility must have its comforts. Just because Lys could rough it with the common folk, don't assume the others can or will."
Snorting, Liam waved his hand and Zevran felt a change in the air as the silence spell dissipated. "It's good to see you again Zack," Liam said, grasping Zevran's hand. "I'll see you at the Peak. Take care in your travels."
x==========x
Cauthrien stood on the steps of the Chantry porch checking Captain Kylon's placement of City Guard as enthusiastic Fereldans crowded into the Chantry courtyard, sat atop the wall, and thronged the road and Market, all hoping to catch a glimpse of Dowager Queen Anora and five-year-old Queen Elin. A smaller contingent from the Coastlands also wanted a view of their Teyrn and Dowager Teyrna. Nobles stood on the Chantry steps, to either side of the Porch and along the wall on both sides of the great door. Inside, Elin, Delilah and Albert, Nate Howe and Philippa Broughten-Howe, and Eleanor Cousland stood with the soon to be married couple. Fergus seemed calm, but Anora fussed with her gown until Erlina batted away her hands and whispered to her to calm herself. Fergus took one hand.
"'Nora, we've both done this before. What's wrong?"
"I don't know, I'm just nervous."
"Mama?"
Anora crouched to bring her face level with her daughter's. "I'm fine, sweetling. Just warm and," she grinned and lowered her voice to a whisper, "itchy. The lace itches."
Elin giggled. She had complained about the itchy lace on the neckline of her own gown. "You should have let them take it off like they did for me."
"I'm supposed to wear the veil during the ceremony," Anora whispered. "But it does stick to my neck."
"Oh. Too bad."
"The breeze is blowing outside," Erlina said, crouching beside Anora. "Your mum will cool off once we move onto the Porch." Erlina pulled the veil away from Anora's neck and held up a fan. "I'll wave this to cool my lady while we wait."
"Thank you, Erlina," Elin said. "I would fan Mummy too, if I were taller."
Anora leaned down and kissed the top of Elin's head. She closed her eyes once she stood up and felt some relief from the heat as Erlina waved the fan.
"You're not feeling faint," Fergus whispered.
"No. I ate more bread." She looked down at the smooth front of her embroidered surcoat. "At least it's not showing."
Fergus grinned. "We're betrothed. It's all fine."
Anora put her palm on Fergus' cheek. "I'm happy, Fergus. We both want this - all of this. It's a new start." She looked over at Eleanor, standing with Dame Reginalda and Pippa. "It will make your mum so happy."
Fergus took a deep breath. "I know. We both lost everything that night."
She wanted to say 'no, you didn't. Your sister lived. You both lost everything on the roof of Fort Drakon', but she kept her thoughts to herself. Fergus had calmed of late, with the wedding approaching and her pregnancy. How had that happened so quickly? The healer had warned that it would take time for the preventive to wear off. Not that she regretted it, but she did not need an unsettled stomach during this ceremony.
Fergus stood to one side as Grand Cleric Elemena approached. "Looks like the Chantry's finally ready," he murmured, knowing that Elemena could not hear him, even if he shouted.
The Grand Cleric, in her finest deep blue robe, with a turquoise stole, covered in gold and silver embroidery, pearls and gemstones, draped over her shoulders, nodded almost imperceptibly at the couple. Fergus held out his arm, Anora put her hand on his wrist, and they proceeded to the Porch behind Delilah and Pippa, attended by their husbands, and Queen Elin, escorted by her soon-to-be step-grandmother, Eleanor Cousland. The Grand Cleric followed, attended by three Revered Mothers. The wedding party turned to the right upon reaching the Porch, while the Chantry priests went to the left. Anora and Fergus turned to face the Grand Cleric, as their escorts formed arcs around them. A hush fell over the onlookers for the few minutes it took Grand Cleric Elemena to complete the ceremony and declare Anora and Fergus husband and wife. Then came the signing of the wedding record, with much pomp and flourish, as the Revered Mothers placed wax seals and ribbons on the parchment, and, finally, the presentation of the couple to the gathered Fereldans. A cheer went up as Anora and Fergus waved to the crowd and then stepped aside to curtsy and bow to the young queen, before Elin held up her arms for hugs, resulting in louder cheers from her subjects.
Zevran sat on the wall amidst several other elves, smiling to himself as the couple hugged Queen Elin and then returned to the Chantry's interior to complete the ceremony with a private service, blessing, and prayers from Elemena. He wished Lys and Kai could see the joyous crowd. He kept surveying the faces, looking for danger and not finding it. Hard as he found it to believe, apparently this marriage pleased all of Ferelden, nobles and commoners alike. Or perhaps it simply signaled that the recovery continued, and Ferelden could look forward to better times. As the crowd began to disperse, he hopped down from his perch and joined three Night Elves, who had relatives in Higheverport, and four of Cauthrien's troopers. Together they would ride north ahead of the royal procession, scouting along the way. Arl Cauthrien, in her other position as General of the Army, had no serious concerns about the procession northward, but believed it never hurt to scout ahead. She had added Zevran to the roster, as he requested. Zevran had not been at Castle Cousland to save Oren and Oriana; he had no intention of being complacent a second time. Fergus, Anora, and Elin would reach Highever safely.
A/N: Thanks to my wonderful betas Kira Tamarion and Elyssa Cousland, whose efforts make this a better story. Any errors are mine. Appreciate all who favorited, followed, and gave kudos or comments. I hope you continue to read and enjoy.