Notes: I am super excited for this chapter.
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Do not own Dragon Age
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8 Molioris 9:31 Dragon, Denerim
After a light breakfast, Loki and Solona accompany Eamon to his study to retrieve the documents. He informs her that Anora has already left for the Landsmeet. Eamon notices that the key hole is scratched, telling Solona. The Arl grabs the papers, then leaves his study, Loki and Solona following him. In the vestibule of the estate, four guards are waiting to escort the Arl. He tells Solona to bring the companions when they are ready, before heading to the Royal Palace. One of the soldiers opens the door for the Arl, he is the last one out, he puts his arm up across his chest and nods, then follows after the others. Solona closes the door with a smile on her face.
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Opening the doors to the Royal Palace, the party is stopped by Cauthrien, who demands that they capitulate to Loghain. Solona is able to persuade the knight to let them pass, convincing the woman that Loghain is no longer the hero he once was.
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The Landsmeet has already started, Eamon is laying out his arguments. Solona is leading the companions down the center of the Throne Room, nobles are watching them from balconies on either side. Loghain makes his appearance.
"A fine performance Eamon, but no one here is taken in by it." Loghain comments dismissively, "You would attempt to put a puppet on the Throne, and every soul here knows it. The better question is, 'Who will pull the strings?'" he finishes, his anger tangible.
The companions reach the area just before the throne, Solona in front.
"Ah, here we have the puppeteer." Loghain suggests mockingly, "Tell us Warden, how will the Orlesians take our Nation from us? Will they dane to send their troops, or simply issue their commands through this would be prince? What did they offer you? How much is the price of Ferelden honor now?" he concludes.
"The Blight is the threat here, not Orlais." Solona counters calmly.
"There are enough refugees in my Bannorn now, to make that abundantly clear." Bann Alfstanna concurs.
"The south is fallen Loghain. Will you let darkspawn take the whole country for fear of Orlais?" Arl Wulff asks sorrowfully.
"The Blight is indeed real. But do we need Grey Wardens to fight it. They claim that they alone can end the Blight. Yet they failed spectacularly against the darkspawn at Ostagar. And they asked to bring with them four legions of chevaliers. And once we open our borders to the chevaliers can we really expect them to return from whence they came?" Loghain inquires.
"Perhaps like the Tevinter Slave Traders you hired and posted in the Alienage?" Solona retorts confidently.
"What? There is no slavery in Ferelden. Loghain explain yourself?" Bann Sighard questions, outraged.
"There is no saving the Alienage. The damage from the riots is still waiting to be repaired. The bodies of the dead, still rotting in their homes. It's not a place I would send my worst enemy. There is no chance of holding it, if the Blight comes here. Despite what you may think about me Warden, I have done my duty. Whatever my regrets may be for the elves, I have done what was needed for the good of Ferelden." Loghain informs, not denying the charge.
"Oh, like using a blood mage to poison Arl Eamon? Was that also for the good of the nation?" Solona queries, tactically.
"I assure you Warden, that if I had wanted Eamon dead, I would send my own soldiers. I would not trust the discretion of an apostate." Loghain returns.
"Indeed. My brother tells a very different tale. He says you snatched a blood mage from the Chantries justice. Coincidence? I think not." Bann Alfstanna counters, confirming Solona's accusation.
"Do not think the Chantry will over look this. Interfering in the duties of a Templar is an affront against the Maker." a Revered Mother remarks.
"Whatever I have done, I will answer for later. For the moment, I want to know what you have done with my daughter, our Queen?" Loghain asks, changing course.
"What are you talking about?" Solona returns, curious.
"You kidnapped my daughter, killing her guards and absconding with her. What arts have you used to keep her? Does she still live?" Loghain inquires, upset.
"I believe I can speak for myself." Anora says, surprising the crowd. "Lords and ladies of Ferelden, hear me. My father is no longer the man you know. This man is not the Hero of River Dane. This man turned his troops aside, as your King fought bravely against the darkspawn. This man seized Cailen's throne before his body was cold and locked me away, so that I could not reveal his treachery. I may have already been killed, if not of these Grey Wardens." she finishes, impassioned.
"So the Wardens have turned you too." Loghain laments. "My Lords and Ladies, we Fereldens have proven time and again that we will never truly be conquered as long as we are united. We must not let ourselves be divided now. Stand with me, and we shall defeat even the Blight itself." he concludes, trying one last time.
"South Reach stands with the Wardens." Bann Bryland says.
"The Warden helped me personally in a family matter." another Bann adds.
"Waking Sea stands with the Grey Wardens." Bann Alfstanna throws in.
"Dragon's Peak supports the Wardens." Bann Sighard asserts.
"The Western Hills throw there lot in with the Wardens." Arl Wulff says.
"I stand by Loghain. We have no chance of victory otherwise." another Bann counters.
"I stand with the Wardens. We need the Grey Wardens." a different Bann conveys.
"Traitors! Which of you stood against the Orlesians as they ravaged our lands and raped our wives! You fought with us once Eamon. You cared about this land once, before you got too old and fat, content to see what you risk! None of you deserve a say in what happens here! None of you have spilled blood for this land like I have! How dare you judge me?" Loghain exclaims, disgusted with the vote.
There murmuring in the crowd gathered.
"My family and I have spilled more blood for this country than even you Loghain could possible imagine. Considering you and Howe just recently tried to end my line." a voice rings out next to Eamon. One of his soldiers takes off his helmet, shocking everyone, even Loghain. "Isn't that right, Loghain?" Teryn Bryce Cousland queries, smirking.
"Bryce Cousland? We thought you and your family dead, man. How?" Eamon questions, stunned.
"The Grey Wardens saved my family and myself. I was gravely wounded. Luckily the Wardens have a gifted healer amongst their numbers." Bryce informs them.
"This man is a traitor. He conspired with Orlais to seize control of the Throne." Loghain accuses, angrily.
"Funny you should mention that. I believe Eamon carries with him the evidence, proving that I, nor any Cousland, did such a thing." Bryce counters, grinning.
"I do indeed have the treaty that King Cailen asked you to ambassador on his behalf. The seal of the Royal family engraved into the documents." Eamon reveals, exonerating the Couslands.
"That's..." Anora starts, then stops herself.
Solona turns her eye to the monarch, but does not react otherwise.
"Highever stands with the Wardens." Bryce declares, smiling and nodding to Solona.
The nobles applauds Bryce, many welcoming him back from the dead.
"The Landsmeet is against you. Step down gracefully." Solona suggests, hoping.
"I will only stand aside if you can face me in combat, or are you a coward." Loghain sneers, not seeing Solona as a threat. "The Landsmeet will decide the terms." he offers.
"It shall be according to tradition. One on one, the loser yielding, and we of the Landsmeet will abide by the outcome." Bann Alfstanna explains.
"I accept." Solona says calmly.
The nobles are cleared of the floor, ushered up to the galleries on either side of the room. The rest of the party holds a perimeter at the balcony stairs, they will let no one interfere. Oghren smirks, telling Solona to kick his ass good and plenty, fucker deserves it. Solona chuckles, she needed that.
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Solona has her staff set. Loghain is ready with his sword and shield. The crowd watches with baited breath, waiting for the battle to begin. A bell is rung, and Loghain charges at the mage. Solona kneels and turns, sweeping her leg against the back of Loghain's tripping him. The nobles are shocked at such a move from a mage. Solona stands, then hits Loghain with a cone of cold, freezing him in place. A stone-fist follows it, next a lightning bolt. Solona is relentless until the cold spell begins to wear off, but by then it's too late for Loghain, Solona has already beaten him. The ice fades and Loghain slumps to the floor, down to one knee.
"Enough! Maker! I yield. I thought you were like Cailen, playing at war. But there is a fire in you, I have not seen since Maric and I fought side by side." Loghain capitulates. "Make it quick. I can die peacefully knowing that Ferelden is in capable hands." he says, resigned.
"No. Please don't." Anora pleads.
Leliana stops Riordan from interjecting. Solona nods to Alistair. He pulls a sword, the one he picked up at the Warden vault. Duncan's sword. Loghain bends his head. Alistair uses every bit of his strength, taking it in a clean, clear swing. The nobles gasp as the head rolls a few feet away. Two soldiers take Loghain's body, while another picks up the head, carrying them out off the room.
"Now to the matter of succession. Who will rule Ferelden?" Eamon asks, coming to stand next to Alistair, looking at Solona.
"Remember the agreement, Warden." Anora whispers, walking to stand in front of her as well.
Solona raises an eyebrow, then in a clear voice, "My Lords and Ladies, I recognize Alistair as Maric's heir and as Cailen's brother. He will take the throne as your King and in a wedding ceremony as soon as the Blight has ended, he will take Elissa Cousland, daughter of Teryn Bryce Cousland, as his Queen." she announces charmingly.
The crowd applauds. Elissa rushes up to Alistair, who pulls her into him, and kisses her soundly. Many in the gallery hoot and holler, seeing a couple in love.
"We had a deal!" Anora shouts incensed.
"Did we? Remember my words. Only if he relinquished control, he didn't. Alistair said his Queen, he didn't stipulate you exactly. I have upheld my end of the bargain." Solona tells her, smiling softly, her eyes daring the former queen to dispute her.
"If you think I will agree to this, you are sorely mistaken, Eamon." Anora tries again, to a different ear.
"Alistair what should we do with her?" Eamon queries, speaking of Anora.
"Put her in the Tower. I will decide after the Blight has ended." Alistair decrees.
Anora is escorted out of the room by four guards, Erlina following behind, Solona merely smirks and shakes her head at the former queens angry grumbles.
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"Pup!" Bryce exclaims, as Elissa rushes into his arms, hugging him.
"When did you get here? How did you know what was going on?" Is mother and Oren here? How is Oren?" Elissa fires off.
Bryce chuckles, "Slow down, pup. I have been here in Denerim for a couple of days. As for knowing what was going on. Let's just say that a little firefly whispered in my ear. Your mother and Oren are still in Antiva. Oren was just coming out of his melancholy as I was departing. She is keeping him busy, and has started training him in sword play. I think to keep her busy as well. Oriana's parents were heartbroken at the news of their daughters death, but having Oren with them, spending time with him is helping to ease their hearts." he explains.
"I was unable to find Fergus. He was scouting in the Wilds when we arrived at Ostagar. Oh father, everything went to shit in such a short time. I thank the Maker everyday for Solona." Elissa expresses, tears coming to her eyes.
"Hush now, pup." Bryce consoles her. "I thank Him too. But we must wait a little longer for tears. Believe me darling, I want to shed them too. But we must set things to rights before we can rest." he says mournfully.
Elissa nods, wiping her eyes. "Would you like to meet my betrothed?" she asks cheekily, trying to lighten the mood.
"I would indeed. Your mother is going to have kittens when she hears of this." Bryce remarks smirking.
Elissa leads her father to Alistair, who is talking to Eamon and Solona.
"The look on Anora's face was priceless. I'm surprised I kept from laughing out-loud." Alistair comments, grinning madly.
"I was equally shocked by your declaration." Eamon remarks to Solona. "I didn't even know that you and Elissa were a couple." he directs to Alistair.
"It was Solona's idea." Elissa interjects, coming to stand next to Alistair, who takes her hand, bringing it up to kiss the back of it.
"I'll be sure to watch myself around you more often." Eamon comments, smiling.
"I think we all will." Bryce adds, smirking.
"Teryn Bryce Cousland, this is Alistair Therin, King of Ferelden." Solona introduces, smiling warmly.
"I am glad to meet the man who is brave enough to take on my daughter. Although I don't envy you task of taming the wildness that is her spirit." Bryce says, ribbing his child a little.
"I rather enjoy the wildness." Alistair insinuates.
"Maker, Alistair! That is his daughter your talking about." Eamon chastises.
Bryce laughs, "Your going to fit right into our rowdy bunch, we call our family." he says, still chuckling.
Solona excuses herself, letting the four talk and catch up, Riordan is waiting for her by Leliana. He asks why the archer blocked him from entering the Landsmeet. Solona tells him she suspected that he would offer the Joining to Loghain, but she couldn't allow it. Not after everything the man had done, the people of Ferelden needed justice.
"You have to fix one broken arm, in order to focus on the other one." Solona states.
Riordan understands, Leliana leaves them so the two can talk in private. Riordan answers her questions, asking a few of his own. Riordan informs her that he is leaving Denerim tonight, he wants to find the horde and scout it out. If he can determine it's path, the Grey Wardens can be there to stop it. Solona tells him about the dwarves stationed at Soldier's Peak. She will travel there on her way to Redcliff and have them ready. They can send a raven to the Peak, ordering their march to wherever they are needed. Riordan says good-journey to Leliana, kissing the back of her hand, before leaving.
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