I do not own Dragon Age or the mods that were listed

Chapter 16: Gaining Support

Malcolm hums as he slowly opens eyes and hears a lute's strings. He sits up and smiles as he watches Leliana humming and playing the same lullaby that his mother used to help him fall asleep as a child. He continues to watch and he finds his eyes looking over every inch of her naked body. He sighs happily, causing her to look over and smiles while her hands stilled played. "Hello, dear."

He smiles as he scoots over and holds her from behind, causing her to giggle a bit. "Hello, yourself. I wish this could happen every day."

He rests his head on her shoulder, which causes her to smile and gently kisses him. "So do I, my love." She leans her head against his, which causes him to slowly sway them both side to side as she continues playing the lute.

Soon a knock comes from the door and they hear Alistair. "Malcolm? Leliana?"

Malcolm sighs and turns his head towards the door. "Come back later please. Just let us have some time to ourselves."

"Arl Eamon is wanting you, but I guess he'll be willing to wait when I tell him."

They hear footsteps walking away and Malcolm puts his head back on Leliana's shoulder. "That should give us a few minutes, Leli." She smiles and gently kisses him before focusing back on the lute.

Halia walks up to Alistair, who is looking nervous. "What's wrong?"

He turns to her before pointing to Malcolm's and Leliana's room. "Arl Eamon needs to talk to them, but they won't come out at the moment."

She shakes her head. "Is it that surprising? Malcolm has been imprisoned for over a week and Leliana was a wreck during that time. They need time to themselves for a bit."

He sighs. "I guess." Eamon walks up to them. "Oh, Arl Eamon. I uh… was told that they need some time to themselves."

Eamon nods. "That is understandable, however the Landsmeet will happen soon."

Halia looks at him, slightly annoyed. "They can't have a few minutes to themselves just so they can recover from what happened?"

"I am sorry, my dear. I know how much they love each other, but unless we continue to gain evidence against Loghain, we all might be killed as traitors." Halia was about to speak before she sighs, knowing he is right, and nods. Eamon walks around the two Wardens before walking up to the door and knocking on it.

Malcolm sighs as he looks over his shoulder and at the door, slightly annoyed. "Give us a few minutes, Alistair."

"As much as I understand your reason for this, there is, however, no time, Warden. With the Landsmeet closing in, we need to focus on business."

Malcolm sighs. "You're right, my lord. I apologize." He looks at Leliana. "I'm sorry, my dear."

Leliana looks at him and smiles. "Don't worry about it. Go on. I'll be there in a bit." He smiles and gently kisses her before he gets off the bed and starts getting dressed while she watches and continues to play.

He looks at her and chuckles. "I can't get enough of watching you, and it seems the same is true for you." She chuckles and shrugs while she continues to play. He smiles as he finishes getting his armor on before walking over and giving Leliana a kiss that turns into a little make-out session before he pulls back and walks out the door. He happily sighs a bit before heading to Eamon's room, where Eamon, Anora, Erlina, Alistair and Halia are waiting for him. "My lord."

Eamon smiles. "Before we start, it's good to see you in one piece, my friend. And I apologize for interrupting your time with your love, but the time for the Landsmeet is approaching soon."

Anora looks like she's trying to ignore the sight of Alistair. "Indeed. After your rather alarming lack of subtlety, I feared the worst for you. I prayed for your safe return."

Halia raises her eyebrow. "That seems ironic considering what you did."

Anora looks at her. "Well, what did you expect me to do? He announced me to my father's most trusted lackey!" She looks at Malcolm. "Did the purpose of my disguise entirely escape you? I barely managed to slip away from her when we reached the palace."

Malcolm crosses his arms. "I was hoping that your status as queen would have made Cauthrien obey and believe you with us getting out without bloodshed. But in the end, the only blood that was shed was mine over a week."

"I see. I am hoping that, despite our unfortunate beginning, we can still work together. Will you hear me out?"

Malcolm sighs and nods. "You asked for our help for a reason."

"I fear that my escape will make matters worse. Now that he cannot use me to support his claim on Maric's throne, he may resort to drastic measures to stay in power. I doubt he will say anything publicly… at least until he has a better idea what to expect."

Halia crosses her arms. "How much time do we have to stop him?"

"Verry little. We will need to work together, and quickly. My father has gone mad. I didn't believe it at first, but he is gripped by a paranoia so severe it prevents him from seeing sense. He saw me as a threat, yet even now I'm certain he will be telling the nobles you are dangerous murderers that have kidnapped and mind-controlled me. He may even believe it."

Malcolm looks at Alistair then back at Anora. "Can he still take the throne without you?"

"Perhaps. It will be more difficult for him, but if my father says the Grey Wardens are the enemy, many will believe it. He is a legend."

Eamon nods, a somewhat grim look on his face. "It's true. Our position in the Landsmeet is not strong, and this does little to help us."

"At least Howe is dead. That alone will not be enough, however. My father is committed to his path. You will need ammunition for the Landsmeet, and there I can help. You have only just arrived in the city, so perhaps you are unaware of some… recent events. Denerim has been in turmoil since Ostagar. Many people here are angry or grieving." She crosses her arms. "Strangely, the unrest is worst in the alienage. Few elves accompanied the army. They should have little reason to be upset. Which means that Howe and my father must have given them reason. I don't know is happening there, but I am certain my father has his hands in it."

Eamon looks at her, an eyebrow raised. "A useful lead, Anora, but… you could have sent this information with your maid."

Anora looks at him and nods. "That is true. I feared for my safety as Howe's prisoner, but to tell the truth I sent Erlina to you because I hoped we might join forces. You need that evidence for the Landsmeet, but you also need a stronger candidate for the throne. You need me."

Malcolm looks at Alistair. "And what of Alistair? His blood came from Maric."

"I have no doubt Alistair is biddable enough, and decent, but even with his blood he is no king. You think only I can see it? Not only that, Alistair is a Grey Warden. It will look like you are trying to put a Warden on the throne, despite your claims. I am a neutral party-and I am already queen."

Eamon crosses his arms. "Anora, you are indeed Cailan's widow, but…"

Anora looks at him and interrupts him. "I am the daughter of Ferelden's greatest general. Who do you think truly ruled this nation for the last five years? Cailan? I am what this country needs, not an untrained king who does not even want the throne." She looks at Malcolm. "I can help you stop my father." She sighs a bit. "Consider what I have said. For now, I think I will retire to my room. Warden, when you have a moment, I ask that you speak to me in private." She walks off and Erlina follows her to her room.

Eamon waits until she's gone. "Well, she's still quite… spirited."

Halia shakes her head. "That's putting it mildly."

"I remember when Loghain first brought her to Denerim. Poor Cailan was a good boy, but Anora was always two steps ahead. Had him jumping when she snapped since the first time she batted her eyelashes. I cannot help thinking she may be trouble. But we should keep her close, all the same."

Malcolm nods. "I can tell, but Loghain is the only trouble I care about at the moment."

Eamon nods. "Loghain is the problem at hand, yes. We need to do all we can to erode his support before we call the Landsmeet."

Halia looks at Eamon. "Why do you think she is trouble?"

Eamon looks at her. "My dear, this is an alliance of convenience-for the moment we are united against Loghain. We all must be careful how much trust we place in her. I do not for a moment think Anora means to give up her power easily." All three Wardens nod as Eamon sighs. "Still, I would rather have her where we can watch her than actively working for Loghain."

Malcolm looks at Eamon. "But aren't we planning to depose her?"

"Anora was a capable administrator for Cailan's lands, but she has not a drop of royal blood. We did not fight the Orlesians all those years just to lose our royal line in a single generation." He looks at Alistair. "Not when there's a surviving son of the blood."

Halia looks confused. "Why is it so important to put Maric's son on the throne?"

"Ferelden was first united by Calenhad, the Silver Knight. For four hundred years, his descendants have ruled Ferelden. That was the heritage we preserved from the Orlesians, and it is the heritage I will fight for as long as one of Calenhad's descendants still lives. Without that to unite us, Halia, we could scatter back to warring teyrnirs."

"He doesn't know the first thing about leading, not to mention ruling as your king."

Alistair shakes his head. "No. I don't. Which I've told everyone on many occasions. If Anora's turned against Loghain, I say let her keep the crown. It looks better on her, anyway."

Halia shakes her head while Eamon looks at Alistair. "You're both wrong. Alistair, with a few months of experience, you will make a fine king. You know how to lead troops to defend his land. You know how to stand and fight for justice. You know how to show compassion to those less fortunate, and how to trust to the Maker's guidance to know right from wrong. And you know who to turn to for aid should that training fail you. You will be a fine king."

Malcolm nods. "The Arl's right, you two. Despite your complaints, Alistair, you will be one of the best kings in history. You told us yourself that you weren't raised for the throne, but a stableboy. With your personality, I know for a fact you will become a popular king and will be a man of the common folk." Malcolm looks at Eamon. "What do you think Loghain is doing in the alienage?"

He sighs and looks to his left. "Maker knows what that man is capable of now."

Malcolm nods. "We have work to do then."

The three start to leave before Eamon looks at them. "Malcolm. A moment please."

The other two walk off as Malcolm turns around. "My lord?"

Eamon chuckles. "I think I would be saying that to you. Your father was a popular teyrn, Maker rest your family's souls, and from what I've heard, your brother's fate is currently unknown. I pray that you aren't the last Cousland, but until we learn more, you are now the teyrn of Highever. But let us not speak about this for now. If I might make a suggestion: Go speak with Anora. She will either be a powerful ally, or a powerful enemy, and the sooner we know which she is, the better."

He nods and turns around as Riordan walks in. "Hello again, friend. It looks as though you're no worse for the wear after your stay in Fort Drakon."

He holds out his arm and Malcolm takes it. "Riordan. Good to see you too. What are your plans now?"

"When I'm well enough, I'm going to continue my journey toward Ostagar. Hopefully, I will be able to trace the heart of the Blight and where the archdemon itself abides. If we want to defeat this archdemon, we need to know where it is and how soon it might strike."

"You're going alone? Shouldn't I go with you?"

He looks down a bit. "If there were more of us, I would agree. But as it is, I don't think we can deprive all the armies you've gathered of a commander."

Malcolm nods. "I understand. I have things to do."

"Before you go, we have a vault here in Denerim. It's located just off the Market District. In the northern alley past the Gnawed Noble Tavern." He pulls out a piece of paper and starts writing and drawing on it. "I'll sketch out the code which will let you past the lock-wheel." He finishes and hands over the paper, which Malcolm takes. "Inside, you can take your pick of whatever equipment remains. It is the stockpile the Wardens have kept for centuries for the defense of Denerim."

Malcolm nods. "Thank you. I need to go."

Riordan nods. "Travel safely, brother."

Malcolm walks out of the room and sighs before heading to Anora's room. "Let's see how many times she will mention her 'need' to keep the throne."

Alistair sits down on a bench, looking lost in thought as Halia knocks the Malcolm's and Leliana's door. "Leliana, we have a new quest."

"Alright. Give me some time to get my armor on."

Halia nods before walking over to Alistair and sits next to him. She looks at him as she grabs one of his hands, startling him. "Oh, sorry, Halia… just… just lost in thought, I guess…"

"About becoming king?"

"I don't want it. I never did."

"What do you think about what Malcolm and Eamon said?"

"I… I don't know…"

She uses her other hand to make him look at her. "They are right about you and your personality. Trust me, I know." She leans over and gently kisses him. "Creators, do I know. And I love you for it." She smiles warmly as she rests her forehead on his. "Just give it some thought."

He sighs. "I'll try, dear."

She smiles. "That's all I ask." She kisses him lovingly and deeply.

After a few minutes, Malcolm walks out of Anora's room, pinching the bridge of his nose, before turning the corner as Leliana walks out their room and they both smile as they see Halia sitting in Alistair's lap, the two holding each other. Malcolm clears his throat lightly, causing the two to look up. "Alistair I need to speak with you."

He sighs. "So, I'm guessing someone told Anora I was planning to steal her throne. She has a nasty glare. Did anyone mention this wasn't my idea? I think she's a great queen. As far as I'm concerned, she's welcome to it."

Malcolm shakes his head. "We all think you'd be a great king, Alistair."

"Really? What ever would give you that idea?"

"Alistair. You have a kind heart and a strong sense of justice. You know this."

He nods slowly. "Well, it's nice that you think so. What do you all think I should do? Go ahead and be king? Just let it happen?"

Malcolm looks at Halia. "Forgive me for saying so…. but I think…." he looks at Alistair, "I think you should marry Anora."

Everyone is surprised and Halia has a touch of anger, while Alistair drops his mouth for a second. "Marry her? As in marriage? As in be her husband? You've spoken to her about this? You did, didn't you? W-Why would you do that? Did you take a blow to the head? That's crazy!"

Malcolm puts a hand up to calm him down. "I think this is the best compromise for peace. We all know she won't willingly give up her throne but we need her support. She can rule while you lead. Play to your strengths."

Alistair looks off to the side. "I… suppose. I don't know how much of a leader I am, but… at least I know she's a good ruler." He looks at Halia and sighs. "Go ahead, then. Tell her I'll do it, if it comes to that."

Malcolm nods as he and Leliana head to the Queen while Halia looks at him. "I can't believe you."

"It's not like that. I don't love her. I only love you. He said it's for the best compromise for peace. That's it. I love you." She looks at him for a long time before sighing and leans into him.

Soon Malcolm and Leliana come back and looks at the two. "Well… she was surprised that you agreed but she also agreed to it and promised to throw her support behind us."

Alistair looks up at him. "Oh… good… I think."

Malcolm looks at the two. "I said nothing about you two being in love, but you two can still be together. Come on. We have things to do." Alistair and Halia nod before they both get up and the four walk out of the estate then over to the tavern.

When they enter the tavern, Malcolm spots two nobles talking and the group approaches one who looks up at Malcolm. "Whoever you are I-wait." He looks at Halia. "I know both of you. You saved my son, Oswyn, from Rendon Howe. I owe you his life."

Halia nods. "I would leave no one to suffer at Howe's hands."

"When I saw my poor boy's legs… I only wish Howe still lived, that I might tear him apart myself."

Malcolm nods. "I know how that is. I am possibly the last of my line. But I made sure no one else will suffer due to him."

He looks at Malcolm. "Lord Cousland. Thank you. Both of you. Is there anything you would ask as a reward for saving Oswyn?"

Malcolm holds up a hand. "While we normally would not need rewards for simple compassion, we could use more voices to speak out against Loghain."

The noble nods. "Thank you again. Know that I will stand behind you at the Landsmeet, with all the support I can muster. In fact, I'm taking my supper today with Bann Reginalda of the White River Bannorn. I'll speak with her about this at once."

Malcolm bows his head. "Thank you, my lord." Malcolm looks around and sees two more nobles almost arguing over something. He looks at Halia and points to the woman. "Think that's the one you need to see next."

Halia nods as the group walks over and the woman looks up at them. "May I help you?"

Halia pulls out a ring and hands it over. "I was asked to give this to you."

The noble takes the ring and her eyes widen as she looks at it. "This… is Irminric's." She looks up with anger. "Explain yourself. My brother would no more part with this ring than with his head."

Halia looks at her. "You might ask the traitorous Loghain."

The noble woman looks confused. "Loghain! What does my brother have to do with him?"

"He's in the dungeon of the arl of Denerim's estate."

"A dungeon? What-no. I will go to him at once. Someone will answer for this." She stands up and sees Malcolm. "Wait. You are Bryce Cousland's youngest, are you not?" He nods. "I thought I recognized you." She pulls out an amulet and hands it to him. "Whether or not you talked to him, I heard that you were there at the estate. Take this. It has been in my family for generations. Let it be a sign of the friendship between Highever and Waking Sea. And let me know if you want some of my bowmen when you take back your teyrnir, as well." The group lets her go past before leaving themselves.

Malcolm pulls out the piece of paper that Riordan gave him and he leads the group to where the vault is. They enter the building and Malcolm takes them to the back of the area and approaches one of empty bookcases then he does the code. After putting in the code, the bookcase moves to the side, revealing a door. Malcolm opens the door and walks through and the group follows. Looking around he sees a shield hanging on a wall. "Alistair." Alistair looks over and follows him.

Alistiar's eyes widen as he reaches up and touches the shield. "This… this shield. It's Duncan's, isn't it? That's his crest…"

Malcolm takes the shield down before giving it to him. "It's yours now."

Alistair looks at him as he grabs it. "You're serious?" Malcolm nods. "Thank you. Truly. I had no idea his shield wasn't with him. This is perfect. I don't know how else to express my gratitude. This means a great deal to me. I can't believe you remembered it at all…"

Malcolm smiles and places a hand on his shoulder. "Of course I remember. You're my friend and a brother to me."

He smiles. "I'll treasure this. Thank you."

Malcolm nods. "Well… we have an alienage to head to." The group heads out of the vault and seals it before heading to the alienage.