Chapter Thirty

Meet and Greet

After a trip to the Gnawed Noble Tavern to talk to Oswyns' father and Bann Alfstanna, we headed for the Alienage.

Upon entering, I spotted Shianni in the 'square'. I headed toward her. "Shianni Tabris?"

Everyone turned to us – all the elves and Tevinter people… she looked me up and down, but relaxed just a little at seeing my ears and Vallaslin, "Depends who's asking."

"Duchess Atarah Stormlight – I'm here to personally bring you news on your cousin, Dairren. He was one of mine. As I'm sure you're aware he didn't survive Ostagar, but as a man in my unit… I take care of my people."

She blinked, "What… well, yes, I'm Shianni. You're a Duchess?"

Alistair stepped forward, "Her Ladyship is from a land outside Thedas. She was recently put under the Divines' personal protection and was also named a Paragon of Orzammar."

I saw the interest in the Tevinter men at the door. I spoke again, "As the living family of Dairren Tabris, I am here to make reparations to you for his death. I was his commander, and I was unable to protect him. The betrayal of Loghain was unexpected and caused many good men to lose their lives."

I handed her a pouch with 25 Sovereigns in it. She looked into it in stunned silence before putting it in her dress. I glanced around, "What's going on here?"

She shook herself, "These people say that they're here to help us. Funny thing, the people they all 'help' disappear. They quarantined my Uncle – Dairrens father – yesterday, but he was healthy as they come. And our Hahren, Valendrien too."

I glanced at the Tevinter men, "That's because they're slavers, not healers."

The men instantly became hostile and attacked. They were taken care of easily. Shianni looked ill, "How… how did you know – how did we not?"

"They're from Tevinter and they are mages – no damn way they were here out of the goodness of their hearts. Sten, what does the Qun say about the Tevene?"

"Kill them."

"Well, not all – if you can convert, you're happy. Anyway, I'll go rescue your Hahren and uncle. As I said, I take care of my own."

She hugged me, "Than you – so much. This money will help many children."

"Is that what you plan to use it for? In that case, let me give you more." I handed her a second pouch, much to the shock of those around us, before heading into the 'hospice' they had set up.

After clearing the hospice and freeing the elves in there – I even healed them – I headed out the back and down the alley to the next location – I was following the dragging trails.

The run down apartments were actually clear of any people – human or elf.

I went out first and the guard was… well, he looked me over and said, "You're not Tevinter. Who are you supposed to be?"

"Warden-Commander Stormlight." I smirked.

"Oh, shit – I've heard of you! Attack!" he shouted. My people poured from the building as if that was their cue – which it was. I told them to charge when they heard it.

I entered the next area and held up a hand for my company to halt.

The elven woman who 'greeted' us was 5'5 with short black hair, brown eyes and tan skin. She looked me over appraisingly, "What is the meaning of this? We were told there would be no interference from the local authorities."

I heard Leli, Lyna and Zev growling behind me. A simple motion of my hand shut them up. I took a small step forward and said, "I'm sorry, honey; do I look like the authorities?"

She jerked at my amused tone of voice and replied, "No – you look like an elf with more curiosity than sense – though coming here with such a large group implies vigilantes. You will regret this, you know. Believe it or not, we were given dispensation to do our buissness here. The humans talk a great deal how slavery is wrong, but isn't it funny how quick the smell of gold overcomes such ideals?"

"Loghain has overstepped – the Prince Heir did not approve this. And since the Prince is with me… well, we intend to shut you down."

Her eyes widened, "There is no Prince Heir!"

I showed motioned to her while pulling out the letter, "You see this? Signed by Loghain too. He knew he didn't have the authority to deal with you."

She bit her lip before shaking her head as I placed the letter back in my pack, "I intend to see you pay for the damage you've already done… in blood!" and she attacked. She managed to nick my shoulder before I froze her solid. When they were all dead, we fought our way through the house to the Slavers' den.

I brought only Lyna, Zev and Alistair into view of the Slaver boss – I made the others wait beyond the door.

The Slaver boss, Caladrius, was bald with a small black beard and green eyes. He noted us and said, "I am Caladrius, and you, I assume, must be the grey wardens I've heard so much about. Yes, the purple haired commander with her blonde human lover."

I chuckled and glanced at Alistair, "Look at that, love – we're famous."

"Well, keep the fame to yourself – I don't want it." He snarked.

Caladrius lifted an eyebrow and continued, "One can hardly get a word out of the regent besides 'Warden' these days. It surpassed even 'gold' in popularity."

Lyna coughed – she couldn't believe we were allowing the man to speak. But so long as he spoke, the Elves were being healed, by me. Alistair had noticed my green glowing hands and discreetly pointed them out to Lyna and Zev. They seemed to relax at that.

"Oh, then you should know to be terrified of me – I've killed every single person who has stood in my way, after all."

"Now, now, is this how we begin; with bluster? I was hoping for… Civility."

"How civilized can slavery be. It's barbaric, Cal."

"Caladrius, dear. And buissness is buissness. Even so your point is made. You do frighten me – but you also intrigue me. I've heard that you're trying to erode Loghains' support. It must be a difficult task, yes? Like washing away a mountain – perhaps you could use some help?"

"Oh, not really; but your offer sounds amusing – what is it?"

"Not really? And why is that, I wonder? And Sarcasm is so beneath us, dear warden. Truth be told, there was always a limit to how long we were going to be able to operate here. We've paid many of Loghains' troops, but once the Landsmeet is done, we become… inconvenient. So here is my offer: one hundred Sovereigns from you for a letter with the seal of the Teyrn of Gwaren on it, implicating him in all this. Then we leave a few days earlier than planned with our profits and remaining slaves – unharmed."

Alistair groaned, "I feel dirty just listening to this: we're not considering it, are we?"

Zev growled and was about to speak but I held up a hand as Cal said, "So… do we have a deal? Even you must admit, it's better than resorting to barbarianism, isn't it?"

"You see, Cal – that's a nickname, in case you're too simple to understand – I don't need your help fucking over the faux regent; he's done something really stupid – like signing the former Kings' Heir naming papers. Also, if I kill you, I get the papers anyway. Not to mention, I'm not from Thedas – yet, I have the backing of the Divine people are always talking about, I'm a Dwarven Paragon and Princess, though I'm not a dwarf, and I'm a duchess – oh, and I'm fucking the heir to the throne. I don't need you at all. I've only kept you talking so I could wet traps around the room – see, as a goddess of Shadows, if any of you move so much as a muscle, you die! How delightful – for me. In the future, I will also be close friends to the Heir of House Pavus and a Somniari – a Dreamer. Now, did you have anything useful to add, or are you going to prove my point about the Shadows?"

One of the men scoffed and took a step – causing his shadow to lift from the floor and… rip him apart; spraying his blood all over his companions.

"Oooh – I was so hoping it would be Cal that proved my point. Another feature of those delightful traps is an Anti-Magic circle. Can't cast any magic – blood or otherwise." I giggled. Alistair coughed, "You know I love you, right?"

I gave him an amused look, "Of course, love. I would never do something to harm my people – ever. Not unless they tried to kill me."

I heard the others shuffle in. Sten observed the blood spray everywhere and I shot him a wink. "To be fair, big guy – they're going to die anyway; this is painless and quick and better than they deserve."

Caladrius was pale, "Please – it seems your reputation was well-earned… I surrender."

Lyna snarled, "Perhaps you should be left to the mercy of the elves you thought to enslave!"

"Wait, please – hear me out, Goddess." Ooh, addressing me that way, was he?

I motioned, "I'll listen – you amuse me… for now."

He spoke, "Were I to… use the life-force of these remaining slave…" I cut him off, "I have no need of more health, and it may actually have adverse effects in my present condition. Not to mention – I am a Paragon of life; I refuse to allow others to die for me."

I heard Alistair whisper, "Present condition?"

No one could figure out what I meant – because they didn't think my illness was what I was speaking of.

"Then… I don't suppose you would consider… just letting us go? Just us, leaving the sl… elves and proofs for you."

I hummed, "Valendrien – I will let you decide that. He entrapped your people after all."

The Elf in the cage I spoke to was 5'7 with wrinkled face and white hair down to his shoulders set in braids. From here, his eyes looked grey but I knew they were more of a light blue.

"My… my lady?"

"Oh, none of that from you, Hahren. I am mostly here to free Tabris – his son was one of my people who did not survive Ostagar. I take care of my people. Shianni informed me he was here."

Caladrius exclaimed, "You did all this for one elf?"

"You have no idea how important family is to me. Each of my people is family to me – and thus, their families are mine too; Lynas' Clan, Daylens' cousins, Aedans' brother… all my family."

Valendrien spoke, "They had no mercy for us… and though I would usually speak of mercy for those who had none, I cannot in this case."

I nodded and waved my hand. All the slavers shadows rose up and killed them. I walked down the steps and opened the cages.

I grabbed the papers while Wynne made sure they were all healed – she wasn't aware I'd already done that. Cyrion approached me, "You came here… because of my son?"

"I already made reparations for my inability to protect him as his commander. I paid Shianni. But when I heard you were one of the ones taken by the slavers, I could not stand aside. I wouldn't have anyway, but you are family to me; as I said. Besides – more evidence against Loghain Mac Tir isn't a bad thing. The ass sold you all into slavery, tried to kill the King and his Heir, was part of the reason I've had to walk around Ferelden and back when I'd rather use a mount, and hired assassins to kidnap me and kill my people."

Valendrien spoke, "I thank you for freeing us, my lady."

I snorted, "Call me Tara. It's my name, after all. I only get snooty about titles with enemies."

I heard quite a few laughs. We all left and spoke with Shianni for a bit. Then, we headed for lunch at the Gnawed Noble Tavern then back to the Arls Estate.

Alistair pulled me aside when we got back to the Arls estate, "What is your 'present condition' that you told the Slaver about?"

I flinched, "I… I will tell you as soon as the Landsmeet is over. We just don't have the time to get into it right now, love."

He sighed, and nodded, "You promise?"

"I swear it to you – the minute you're wearing a crown, I will tell you everything."

We headed up to the Arls' Study. The man looked us over appraisingly, "Ah, there you are – I was about to send a search party. I've heard there was a great commotion in the Alienage. What exactly happened there?"

"Oh, Loghain was selling elves to Tevinter slavers." I handed him the note. His eyes widened and he cursed, "Maker forgive me, I should be appalled that such things exist here – but I'm more overjoyed that you can implicate Loghain. We must end the civil war quickly. What the blight does not corrupt in this land, politics surly will. The last of our allies have arrived in the city while you were out. We cannot delay any longer. I will call a Landsmeet to convene tomorrow. Bring Alistair and meet me at the palace around noon… no later."

That night, I could feel the tension in Alistair as he held me. I glanced up at him from his chest, "Love? Are you alright?"

"Yes – I'm just… worried. One would think I'd be worried about the Landsmeet, right? But I'm not…"

I lifted on my elbow and kissed him, "Talk to me, love. I'm here – whatever you need."

He sat up and pulled me into his lap, "I'm worried about you. You've been hiding something for weeks – since we got back to Eamons after Orzammar. I've worried what it could be and… you've been a bit more self-conscious about your weight lately, too. Is that it? Do you think I won't love you anymore when I become King?"

I chuckled, "That's not it at all, love – I promise you that."

"Then there's also the fact that… this is our last night together unless I can get the Landsmeet to accept me courting you. But that might not be enough if things work out with you and Cullen. I'm losing you and I'm helpless to stop it."

I reached up and cupped his cheek, "I will always love you, Alistair. Nothing can change that. I love Cullen too, though. How could I possibly pick between the two of you? You've had a chance with me; don't you think the other man I love deserves the same? And let's not forget – unless you could convince the Landsmeet to accept an elf – even one with the protection and support of the Grand Cathedral – as a potential queen, thigs between us were always going to be short-lived. I know you feel it – the heart-break about our inevitable separation. I feel it too. It hurts, so much… and adding to that the news I have to tell you after the Landsmeet… well, both of us will be miserable for some time."

He kissed my head, "Is there a reason you can't tell me now?"

"You'd try to refuse the crown. If you knew and the Landsmeet didn't agree to your courting me… you'd leave the crown behind in hot second with no thoughts."

He looked stunned, "You're sure? What if… what if I swore to you I wouldn't? If I gave you my word that I'd take the crown no matter what you tell me?"

I checked the future… he would keep his word, at least. I nodded, "Okay – but you have to swear it."

He looked relieved and nodded, "I give you my word, love – no matter what you tell me, I swear I will take the throne."

I sighed and shifted so I could grab his hand. "A good reason to be overweight – it hides things like this for far longer than on a thin woman. I've known since the minute we left Orzammar…"

The baby kicked at his hand. I was 6 months and a week along. I hadn't thought it possible until I felt that little kick a month and a half ago. His eyes widened, "You're… oh, maker."

He looked terrified and happy and worried. I said, "I still need to fight the Archdemon. Ironically, I'm safer there than if I stayed at the… other location during the final battle. I didn't want to tell you until after, because… what if I lose him? What if I lose him during that battle?"

"It's a boy…?" he breathed. I nodded, "I was thinking… Duncan, for a name."

He beamed and kissed me, "I'd love that. And you were right to get my word beforehand – maker, the thought of taking the throne when I have an elven child… if the Landsmeet doesn't accept you… I don't know that I wouldn't have given the throne to Anora at that moment."

"Oh, I know you would have done just that – it's who you are. Our child could never be your heir if the Landsmeet didn't accept me – not even if you died; gods that thought kills me. You're half elf, yourself – our child will be ¾ elf, half Azerothian, which guarantees pointed ears, and a quarter Thedasian elf. I love you, and I know we will both love our son – but the nobility of Ferelden would rather not allow that."

He groaned, "You're sure this has to be our last night, then?"

I shrugged, "Who could say what the future holds – but I'll tell you what; we can be together until I leave for Kirkwall in a few months. But most of that will be spent with me in Amaranthine after you grant it to the Wardens. Stuff is going to happen there. Won't be the first time I've defended a child in multiple battles – I've gotten good at it."

He flinched, "You'll be… taking our son into battle?"

"What choice do I have? I can't sit the battles out – well, not all of them – and you can't raise him if the Landsmeet keeps the giant stick up their collective asses. If I go to fight a massive scale battle like with the Archdemon kind-of-thing, I promise to have my brother keep an eye on him. Okay?"

"It's the best I can… will I be able to see him, at least? I mean, if the Landsmeet…"

I snorted, "I'd never keep a parent from their child. I love you, Alistair – I never expected that, to be sure, but I do. Our son was conceived of love – and deserves to know his parents do love each other." He kissed me again.

"How did you manage to hide the kicking?"

"I would squirm or something to catch your attention…" I flushed. He chuckled, "Our son… maker, I like the sound of that."

"Let's get some sleep love. We have a big day tomorrow." He tucked me back into his side – holding me more protectively than he had ever done before. I fell asleep with a smile.

Cauthrien stopped us when we arrived at 11:45. We had 15 minutes to get inside. She was 5'8 with a high-and-tight military hair cut for her black locks and green eyes. She was beautiful.

"Wardens; I am not surprised it has come to…"

"Ser Cauthrien – read this for me, then stand aside." I handed her the Heir note. She looked confused as she opened it. "I… Loghain… signed this…"

I took the note back gently, "Do you really not see what he's become, Cauthrien?"

She flinched, "I have had… many doubts, of late. He is a great man, but his hatred of Orlais has driven him to madness, and that note of yours… he knew… he did it on purpose, didn't he? But I owe him everything! I cannot betray him…"

"Let me stop him, Cauthrien – before it goes too far. Before his name becomes a curse in every household and not just among the nobility. We can give him that much… can't we?"

She bit her lip before nodding and moving aside, "Stop him, My Lady – stop him from betraying everything he once loved. But I beg you to please show him mercy. Without Loghain… there would be no Ferelden to defend."

I sighed, "I can't promise that. He tried to kill me; kill my unborn child and take the throne for himself."

Gasps came from my group. Even Sten looked startled. Cauthrien had a tear on her cheek as we passed her.

We entered the room and heard Eamons voice, "My lords and ladies of the Landsmeet; Teyrn Loghain would have us give up our freedoms, our traditions, out of fear! He placed us on this path, yet we should place our destiny in his hands? Must we sacrifice everything good about our nation to save it?"

Loghain sneered up at the man on the balcony, "A fine performance, Eamon; but no one here is taken by it. 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?'" I laughed and every head turned to look at us. Loghain cried out, "Ah! Here we have the puppeteer! Tell us, Commander: How will the Orlesians take our nation from us? Will they deign to send their troops or simply issue their commands through this would-be prince?"

I held up a hand and all but Alistair stilled from my group – he stepped forward and snarled, "The Blight is the real threat here, Loghain – you were the one who signed this paper naming me Cailans' Heir. Then you tried to have us Killed – we have the Crow you hired; perhaps he'd like to speak?"

Zev coughed and shifted, looking at me. I shrugged, "This is the Princes' circus, Zevran; not mine – we dance to his tune, today."

Zevran nodded and bowed deeply to Alistair, "In that case, I am at your service."

"Tell us, Assassin – who hired you and for how much?"

"As to how much – I do not know. I was looking for death when I accepted the assignment to travel to Denerim and meet with a contact known only as Mac Tir – this man here. I told the crows that if I was allowed to take the contract they could have the whole commission. The Crows work that way – the group who takes the assignment pays their leaders a percentage of the commission. However, when I lost to your blade, I found that… perhaps I enjoyed living more than I thought."

A Bann called out, "Some of us are curious, Loghain: what exactly happened at Ostagar?"

Loghain pointed to me, "This woman claimed to be a Noble from a distant land – a place she called Az-er-oth. Claimed to be betrothed to her own King, but you see how she hangs to this… prince. She filled Cailans' head with a…"

I cut him off, "You wish to meet King Anduin – I can do that now. I can call every major leader from lands and you would soil yourself. I doubt you'd ever seen a 6 foot tall blue man, or purple for that matter. What would say if an Orc – a green skinned person – came here?"

"Then prove it!" he snarled. I nodded and rubbed the lion head, hearing, "Duchess Stormlight – to what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Politics, your Majesty. I fear this man may try to kill my unborn child again if I allow him to keep rambling about how I wasn't actually betrothed to a King."

"Unborn… open a portal – I'll bring your uncles and Regent Lord Lor'themar."

Oh – Loghain had really stepped in it this time. My step-father and Magni would pick this guy out of their boots as an after-thought. I gave a wide grin and moved to a clear area, opening a portal from the Stormwind throne room. Malfurion and Magni were the first two to come through, followed by Lor'themar and Anduin – plus a few Royal Guards. Anduin came right over and placed a hand on my belly; I felt magic flare.

"The child is unharmed; that's good." Anduin said coldly as he looked around the throne room. People were gaping at Magni and Malfurion. Lor'themar kissed my cheek, "Daughter, are you well?"

I smiled, "Of course, father. May I introduce, Prince Alistair Theirin? Alistair, dear – this is my step-father, Lor'themar Theron; regent lord of Quel'Thalas – home of the Sin'dorei. This is my Uncle Malfurion Stormrage, Druid of the highest order, direct disciple of the Demigod Cenarius. You already know Uncle Magi, Former King of Khaz Modan and current Speaker of Azeroth and King Anduin of Stormwind – head of the Alliance." Malfurion looked almost exactly like Inas. Lor'themar was 6'4 with white hair done elaborately and a single green eye. His left eye was white and scarred – he usually wore an eye-patch that patched his ear-piercings or hair ornaments. His beard reached his collarbone.

Anduin picked up instantly on my pet name, "He is the father then?"

I shrugged, "Yeah – but as an elf, I could never be queen here. The Elves are treated like horse-shit on a summer day."

Malfurion looked curious, "Then why…?"

"Oh, we plan to end it after this little meeting."

Loghain snarled, "How is this possible?"

Everyone turned to look at him. I giggled, "I'm a mage, of course – one immune to demons and under the direct protection of your Divine."

Alistair snapped at Loghain, "Let's talk about how you had a blood mage poison Eamon – that mage is here too; under Templar supervision, of course."

Jowan was led forward by Greagoir. "It's true – I… I poisoned the Arl under Loghains orders after he caught and imprisoned the Templar who caught me after I fled the Tower. I was able to do so because I was snuck in as a tutor for his son Conner."

More gasps of outrage. Eamon looked pained, "And I would have died if not for Lady Stormlight seeking out the Sacred Urn!"

Malfurion jerked, "A Sacred Urn?"

I explained, "The ashes of their Prophetess Andraste – who was a mortal woman married to their God – the Maker. They can cure any illness or poison with a single pinch administered while casting a healing spell."

People were hanging on to my words. Alistair spoke again, "And torturing nobles, that's a charge against you too!"

Oswyns father shouted, "I wept when my son returned to me, crippled at the knees – but Lady Stormlight came the next day and healed him! But the stories Oswyn told – of Howes chamber of horrors – he even saw Loghain there at one point!"

Alfstanna shouted, "And the Templar who caught this blood mage was my brother – he was half-dead when I received news of him from Lady Stormlight!"

Lyna nudged Alistair who said, "You've also been very naughty, Loghain – you sold elves from the Alienage into slavery!"

Magi and Anduin instantly restrained Lor'themar and Malfurion with wide eyes as the two tried to rush forward.

Loghain was pale as he said, "Well… I want to know what you've done to my daughter!"

Anduin looked amused as he glanced at me, "Duchess Stormlight, have you done something to this mans' daughter?"

I chuckled and raised my voice, "Come on out Anora!"

The blonde queen came out of a side door, "Indeed, I can speak for myself. Lords and Ladies of the Landsmeet, my father is not the man you once knew. This man is no longer the Hero of River Dane. This man turned his troops aside and refused to protect your king as he fought bravely against the Darkspawn. This man seized Cailans' throne before his body was cold and locked me away so I could not reveal his treachery. I believe I would have already been killed, were it not for Lady Stormlight sending her own people to rescue me just days ago."

I nodded to her as Loghain cried out, "So the Wardens' influence has poisoned even your mind, Anora? I wanted to protect you from this."

He must have known he'd lost but he still tried to reason with people, "My Lords and Ladies, our lads have been threatened before. It's been invaded, lost and won times beyond counting. We Fereldens have proven that we will never truly be conquered so long as we are united. We must not let ourselves be divided now. Stand with me, and we shall defeat even the blight itself."

The voting began.

"South Reach stands with the Wardens."

"Western Hills Stands with the Wardens."

"Waking Sea stands with the Wardens,"

"I stand by Loghain! We've no hope of victory, otherwise!"

"The Wardens helped my family with a personal matter – I stand with them."

"The Chantry stands with the Wardens." All heads – mine included – whipped around to see Mother Roselle holding a paper, "As Ward of Divine Beatrix III, we could do no less for Lady Stormlight."

Gasps rag out. Loghain snarled as he pointed to Alistair, "Traitors, all of you! Which of you stood against the Orlesian Emperor when his troops flattened your fields and raped your wives? You fought with us once, Eamon! You cared about this land once. Before you got too old, fat and content to even see what you risk! None of you deserves a say in what happens here. None of you have spilled blood for this land like I have! How dare you judge me?"

I spoke, "The Landsmeet is against you, Loghain – step down honorably."

He glared at me, "Then let us end this. I suppose you knew it would come to this – with how you tout to be a seer. A man is made by the quality of his enemies. Maric told me that once. I wonder if it's more a compliment to you or me. Let the Landsmeet declare the terms of the Duel."

Anduin moved toward me but I shook my head. Alfstanna said, "It shall be fought according to tradition. A test of arms in single combat until one party yields. And we who are assembled will bide the outcome."

Loghain nodded, "Who will you pick as champion – I refuse to fight a pregnant woman."

Alistair stepped up, "Your opponent is me."

"Then let us test the mettle of our would-be king."

Anduin cast Power Word: Shield on me as I looked to Roselle – she came over while Alistair fought, "Forgive me, my lady – but did I hear right? You are with child?"

I nodded, "Yes – but Alistair can't exactly marry me, Mother Roselle. Our Child will be a bastard."

Anduin looked upset, "You love him."

"I love Cullen too. And since Alistair and I can't… well, I suppose we'll see how things work with Cullen, yes? How is Inas?"

"They named their Daughter Fae." Malfurion rumbled.

I smiled happily, "A girl then – how sweet."

The battle ended as Loghain said, "So, there is some of Maric in you after all. Good."

Alistair scoffed, "Forget Maric – this is for Duncan and Atarah."

Alistair cut the head clean off of Loghains shoulders. Anora was covered in back-splatter as she screamed in horror and despair.

Eamon spoke, "So it is decided – Alistair will take his fathers' throne."

Anora shouted, "I'll not marry him, Commander – you'll have to pick."

I nodded, "Since Alistair was named Cailans' heir; he was always the one who would get the throne."

"N-named?" I handed her the paper and she cried out, "My… my father signed this. He… he knew…"

I spoke, "All hail, King Alistair!"

The Landsmeet roared back. Eamon said, "Anora – the Landsmeet has decided against you. You must ow swear fealty to our king and relinquish all claims to the throne for yourself and your heirs."

"If you think I will swear that oath, Eamon, you know nothing of me."

I coughed, "If that is the case, then Alistair will need to have you imprisoned. We are at War already, Anora – Ferelden cannot be in a constant state of Civil War. We need Unity ad you threaten that."

Alistair nodded, "Guards – take her to the tower for now. Lock her up and keep watch – we can figure out where to send her later."

Anora nodded her head to him, "It's a mercy I don't think I would have granted you." He looked surprised at her stark admission and glanced at me.

The guards took her away and Eamon said, "Your Highness, would you like to address the Landsmeet?"

Alistair nodded and called out, "I never knew him myself, but from what I've heard of my father, what defined him was his commitment to protecting his lands and his people. I may be Marics' son, but I am also a Grey Warden. I took an oath; I swore I would stand and fight the Darkspawn no matter the cost to myself. I can't break that oath just to wear the crown – I will follow my commander into battle to end the Blight. When the Archdemon lies dead, I will come back and take up the duties as king. Until then, I name Eamon as my regent." Eamon nodded his acceptance and Alistair continued, "Before that, however, I have a question to pose to this Landsmeet – the naming of a new noble house in Ferelden. As we have all seen, Lady Stormlight was instrumental in gathering Allies, has the protection of the Divine and is already a noble in her own right."

Someone called out – I don't know who – with a mocking voice, "Is this your way of naming her half-elf bastard your heir?"

"In part – and that child is mine regardless of the outcome here; I'll thank you not to insult him."

It was an almost even split in the vote – the Crows liaison voted for it, and that was the tipping vote. Alistair got his wish only because we helped the Crows… and Zev couldn't have looked more amused if he'd tried.

One person asked, "Do you plan to marry her?"

I snorted and coughed to cover it, "Uh – not currently in the plans. I'm going to spend some time elsewhere for a few years…"

Alfstanna said, "You should be Queen though. You've done so much for us, our families were recovered, our king… even building an army against the Blight."

I shook my head, "A nice sentiment, Alfstanna – but I'm going to have to decline for the moment. Perhaps in the future if Alistair remains unattached and things don't work out with someone I have in another City… I suppose we'll see."

The Landsmeet ended not long after that.