Chapter 22 = = On Love and Feasts
Emma looked at Alistair, her brows furrowing, "Aren't you worried that the Arl or Alessa will see us going into your room?"
Alistair looked puzzled for a moment, then he realized what she meant. "I'm not in that room anymore. After Eamon woke, my father and I switched rooms realizing that he would need to be near his brother for the next while. I'm back in the room across from yours."
"Oh. What would we have done if you hadn't switched rooms?"
"If I had been in the other room, then after we finished eating I would have suggested that we get a room at the Tavern."
Emma smiled. "Good to know."
They returned to the castle. Ali and Emma would have thought everyone had gone to bed, but there was a light on in the library. Emma noticed that Surana was in the library curled up with a book. Emma pulled Alistair way back so they were out of earshot.
"It's Rana."
"What is Surana doing up?" Alistair whispered.
"Given that everyone staying in the guest wing had to pass by the library to get to their rooms, then he is either doing some late-night studying or he's waiting up for me."
"I'd know how I would bet." Alistair grinned.
"Me too. I'll go and check-in with 'mother.'"
"You probably should. I don't relish being threatened by a fireball if he thinks I've taken advantage of you." Alistair chuckled jokingly.
"So, after I speak with Rana, I'll get my things and come to your room? Unless...you've…um…changed your mind?"
Alistair pulled her even farther away from the library gave her a kiss that left her with no doubt about Alistair's state of mind.
Leaning his forehead against hers, he grinned. "Does that answer your question?"
She smiled and nodded. Once Alistair was out of sight, she ducked her head in the library. "Rana, you can go to bed, I'm back safe and sound."
He looked up from his book with an innocent expression. "What? I was just doing some late-night reading."
"Riiiight." Emmalynn cocked head to the side reading the title of the book. "An Examination of Orlesian Governance." I never knew you were so interested the foreign governments. When you're done with that, Sister Patrine also wrote a wonderful treatise called Empire and Imperium. You can compare the two forms of government."
"Alright, alright, I admit it, I was waiting up for you."
"Was there something you needed?"
"No, I knew you were out with Alistair..." Rana sighed. "Shite…Zevran was right, I am just being an over-protective, prat." He gave her a rueful smile. "I forget we're no longer in the Circle. Sorry."
Emmalynn chuckled. "It's okay. I have always been grateful to you for looking out for me when I first came to the circle. Go to bed, Rana. Give Zev a kiss from me."
Surana stood up to go, then stopped. "Oh…wait. Aedan spoke to Jowan and then to Teagan who spoke to the Arl. Jowan will be joining us as a warden recruit."
"That is wonderful news! Is Zevran okay with this?"
Surana just nodded and grinned. "Night M."
Emma went to the room she was supposed to be sharing with Wynne, heard the familiar snore, and was relieved that her former mentor was sound asleep. Emmalynn used a tiny spell wisp for light as she changed into her white shift and bundled up her hair brush, tunic, trousers and smalls for the morning. Before leaving, she jotted down a short note for Wynne, which she left on the elder mage's bedside table.
On tip-toes, she left the room and went across the hall.
Emma opened the door to Alistair's room and quietly slipped in. He had just put away the poker after stoking the fire. It was clear he hadn't heard the door open because he stood, wearing nothing except his sleep pants, and watched the hearth fire with his arms crossed.
Emma took the opportunity to drink in the sight of him.
The firelight reflected off the blonde hairs on his head and his chest, making them look like liquid gold. The lights and shadow showed off the muscles in his broad shoulders and chest, well defined from training with sword and shield. Her gaze traveled from his chest to his abdomen, remembering Ali telling her about Zevran asking 'if he could use my abdomen as a wash board.'
Reluctantly turning her eyes away she closed the door behind her; when it clicked shut Alistair turned to her and smiled.
His smile went beyond a simple grin. It was a look that lit up his eyes and his whole face, turning his expression to one of passion and tenderness, of loving and of giving. It was an expression that spoke to her soul and it took Emmalynn's breath away.
She placed her bundle on the nearby table as Alistair crossed the room towards her.
"Beautiful is such an inadequate word for how you look, Em. I see you and it's like the sunrise coming up after a long dark night. The promise of a new day."
Emmalynn was speechless. He caressed her cheek and she leaned unto it. Slipping his other hand around her, he drew her to him, kissing her deeply. His tongue gently sought hers and the kiss quickly became fiery, passionate, and deeply loving. His hand traveled up her side as he began to kiss the place where her neck and shoulder met. Emma's body responded to his touch, clutching his back, and moaning softly.
Alistair stepped back and placed his hand on the lacing at the front of her shift. "May I?" His voice was low and husky.
Emma nodded. He untied the laces, gently slipping the shift off her shoulders and let it slide down her body to pool at her feet.
She stepped out of the small circle of linen and stood completely nude before him. She'd opted out of wearing small clothes, which Alistair noted with an arched eyebrow and a grin.
He took in her curves, remembering how they felt the previous night as he licked cream and strawberry juice from her skin.
Emma's hands slowly traveled from his back and moved over his chest. She used her fingers and her fingernails to lightly touch and stroke his tanned skin as she heard him let out a soft groan. Emboldened, Emma started to kiss everywhere her fingers traveled. Her hand touched the top of his trousers "May I?"
"Of course."
She pulled the drawstring and with a slight tug on the trousers, they joined her shift. Alistair leaned in, holding her to him as he used lips and tongue to kiss and caress his way from her throat to her ear.
His free hand gently cupped her breast and when his thumb brushed over her already hard nipple, her knees buckled. Alistair tightened his arm around her waist. Emma couldn't think, she could only feel. She held on to Alistair as her body arched into him and she moaned.
In response, he lifted her bridal style, and laid her down on the soft sheets. Emma moved onto her side to watch Alistair climb into the bed.
"You're simply gorgeous, Ali."
The tips of Alistair's ears turned red.
"You're blushing?" Emma was surprised.
"It's not every day a beautiful woman says I'm gorgeous."
A deep blush came to Emma's face, spreading to her neck and shoulders.
"You blush like a sunset, my love."
Emma looked away, but Alistair gently held her chin and turned her head, so he could see her face and look into her eyes. "You are beautiful, and I love that you can blush, that you haven't become jaded like so many people seem to be, nowadays. You have the tenderest heart, and it beats for the most wonderful and loving person I've ever known."
Her shy smile sent heat through his body. He moved to cover her body with his. Starting at the top and moving down, he kissed and caressed her to learn what made her moan, what made her gasp in excited surprise, and what made her clutch and pull him closer.
When he gently nudged her thighs apart, his fingers explored her nether region, gently stroking her folds, and then up to her pearl. As he gave it a light caress. Emma's eyes shot open and she arched her back, almost bucking him off, gasping his name in complete surprise.
Not expecting her reaction, he stopped. "Em?"
"Ali what did you do? I've never felt that before."
She's never felt that? "Did it feel good?"
"Yes! Maker yes!"
He grinned and murmured. "I just caressed your pearl."
"Oh! I never... um..." She looked away. "I've... ah... never explored?" She hunched her shoulders, trembling with uncertainty.
"Never?"
"Mages don't have much alone time in the circle."
"So you've never pleasured yourself?"
Emma shook her head, then grabbed a pillow to hide her face.
When he wrested the pillow away Emma bit her lower lip. "I'm sorry."
"Why are you apologizing, love?"
"I'm sorry to be so inexperienced. I've heard that isn't very exciting to be with someone one who knows nothing about having sex, and I know nothing about having sex save for what I need to know as a healer."
"Whomever told you that, Em, did you a grave disservice." I hope it wasn't Surana. "Quite the opposite can be true, and it is for me. I love the idea of being able to help you explore; I feel honored that you love me and trust me with this most intimate part of you." Alistair was silent for a moment. "So you know, I've only been with one other woman."
"The one who called you Al?"
"That's the one. She pretended to be a virgin, but I really was one."
"I am so sorry she lied to you. Did you…did you love her?"
"I thought so at the time, but I realized that it was really simple lust. My passion for you is so much more than sexual. It's the sense of completeness I feel when I'm with you; I no longer define my home as a physical space – for me home is you. I love you Emmalynn Amell, and I want to show you just how much."
From there it became a dance of hands and lips as they explored each other. Alistair, taking the lead, trailed kisses up the inside of her thigh, his tongue then teased her navel, and his hands massaged her breasts. When his lips enveloped a nipple, Emma tried to keep her voice down as she began to moan in earnest.
Slowly and gently he moved his hand to her nether region, gently stroking her folds. He kissed her while his finger began to move over her bud slowly, in small circles, until he brought her over the edge for the first time. She arched her back and her thighs captured his hand, until she caught her breath, then she looked at Alistair. "That…that was amazing."
"It gets better." He grinned wickedly.
Emma's eyes opened wide. "Really?"
Alistair nodded then continued to explore her body. As his mouth got closer to her copper colored curls below, Emma lifted her head. "Alistair?"
He gazed up at her, his irises almost obscured by pupils that were blown wide with desire. "Relax, my love. Trust me."
Using his mouth, he explored her most private area; finding her pearl with his tongue brought her over the edge again.
By this time, she was out of her mind with pleasure. "Ali, I want you, please. I want you."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes!" She panted.
Alistair held her gaze with his own and whispered, "I love you more than life itself." And with that, he slowly sheathed himself inside her. After filling her, he stopped, using all the control he could muster so she could get used to his size and length.
He watched her. When she nodded, Alistair began to slide in and out in a slow tantalizing rhythm that Emma began to match. They moved together, finding a rhythm together that soon had Emma ready to go over the edge again, only this time Alistair joined her, kissing her as they rode out their mutual ecstasy.
As they caught their breath, Alistair gathered Emma into his arms. She rested her head on his shoulder. Neither spoke as their connection went beyond words. Alistair was first to break the silence. He turned on his side. "'I love you' seems such an inadequate phrase for how I feel about you."
"I feel the same way about you. I never knew these kinds of feelings were really possible. I feel like I will only be whole when I'm with you."
"I couldn't have said it better." He tenderly kissed her before they both slipped in to sleep.
~oOOo~
Teagan joined the group for breakfast and noticed that Alistair and Emmalynn weren't there. As he drank some juice, he was wondering if he should ask.
That's when Zevran grinned. "I believe the Knight and his Lady are dining in this morning."
Teagan coughed as he tried to swallow and not breath in his drink, then he rasped, "You think so?"
Wynne, who had read Emmalynn's note, offered no comment.
Surana nodded. "If you have any doubt, just look M in the eye when you see her today. If she blushes like a beetroot, then you'll have your answer."
Teagan looked puzzled. So Surana explained. "Unless M is acting as a healer, she cannot hide her emotions – her face is too expressive."
The Bann merely nodded but said nothing further; he just listened, trying to learn more about the gentle healer who his son obviously cared deeply about.
Leliana laughed. "That's true, and it is so charming. Now if you'll excuse me. I must find a dress for our dear healer for tonight or I fear she will wear her riding clothes."
Surana chuckled. "M can be so shy that she has never been comfortable at parties. The few we had at Circle she found an out-of-the-way, semi-hidden corner to sit and would eat a fruit tart with her nose in a book."
"It is high time Emmalynn shed some of that shyness," Wynne said with authority.
~oOOo~
One of the subjects of the breakfast chatter, Alistair, woke-up first. He reveled in the warmth of Emma's body and the way they seemed to fit together as if each was made for the other. Watching her sleep, he noticed how her long dark eyelashes spread like a fan over her lightly tanned cheek. He looked at the raven-black and copper-colored strands of hair that gave her chestnut curls depth and shine. He remembered how her hair had spread out like a cloud around her head as she lay underneath him last night.
It had been breathtaking to see and feel Emma's innate shyness slowly gave way, as her passion blossomed from within. This was such a fundamentally different experience than those with Nora, that he questioned his sanity for even thinking he was in love with her. What I felt for Nora was simple lust. With Emma and I it was like joining souls as well as bodies.
Emma opened her eyes to see Alistair gazing at her. "Good morning, Ali."
He leaned down grinning. "Yes, it is a very good morning." He kissed her sweetly.
Neither one had given a scintilla of thought to breakfast.
~oOOo~
Having managed to avoid everyone after leaving Alistair's room, she asked for a bath and soaked her body, thinking back over the previous evening.
She started when she heard Leliana call out as she entered the room. The bath water is a bit cool; I must have fallen asleep. She called out, "I'm in the bath, Leli, I'll be out shortly."
"Magnifique!"
Quickly drying off and putting on a robe, she came into the room.
Leliana remembered Surana's remark and looked Emma directly in the eyes. Emma's eyes opened wide, then she looked down at her feet.
Leliana could see the tell-tale flush and giggled. "So, it's true, you and Alistair spent the night together?"
Emmalynn, still looking at her feet, shook her head. When she finally looked up she said, affectionately, "I see Rana's told you how to get information from me without asking a question. So, let me give you the answers: Yes, we did. It was beyond words. And no, I will not tell you whether or not the saying about swordsmen's…uh...sword is true."
Leliana grinned. "Oh, you spoil my fun! Won't you just tell me a little?"
Emmalynn's mouth twitched in amusement. "I can't tell you a little, without telling you a lot."
Leliana's eyebrows shot up. "Really! Lucky woman. He's gorgeous and endowed."
Emma looked worried, and pleaded, "Please don't tell anyone!"
"I won't tell Wynne or Morrigan, I promise."
"They are not the only ones in our group."
"Telling the men doesn't seem fair to them. They would just be envious, no?"
Emma chortled. "Well, Rana wouldn't care but Zevran might just disrobe and ask me to compare." She picked at a thread on the sleeve of her robe, then looked at Leliana. "Can we not talk about it anymore? I really need to not look like a beetroot tonight."
"Speaking of tonight…Violá!" Leliana held up a deep sage-colored floor-length dress. It had a claret-colored silk keyhole neckline, which was embroidered with sage colored-thread. The sleeves were fitted to the forearm and then hung in long pendent cuffs. The inside of the sleeves was lined in the same claret colored silk. The dress flared at the hips into a pleated skirt.
"What is it called?"
"A dress, cherié." Leliana playingly mocking.
"Even I know that. What kind of dress?"
"It is called a Bliaut."
"Is that the same things as a Bleaunt?"
"Yes, it's called Bliaut in Orlais, but it is not a fashion one would see in Val Royeaux."
"This must have cost a fortune, Leli! I don't have enough sovereigns to repay you."
Leliana laughed. "My dear friend…it is meant to be a gift."
Emmalynn still looked unsure. "I've done nothing to deserve such a gift, Leli."
"Bann Teagan and the Arlessa think otherwise."
Emmalynn was flabbergasted. "This is from them?"
"Yes. the Arlessa helped me pick it out, and the Bann paid for it. But you are not supposed to know that."
"Why shouldn't I know it was a gift from…oh, wait. They cannot openly bestow any gift on or give any payments to a mage."
"Sad but true. Since I have met you, it is one of the many things about the Chantry that I now question."
Leliana brushed and styled Emmalynn's hair before helping her put on the gown.
"Tu es très belle, ma chérie. Turn and look at yourself in the mirror."
The dress laced at sides making the bodice close fitting. Leliana wrapped a woven belt around her waist and tied it in the front. Emmalynn put her hand over the small bulge of her abdomen. "Perhaps I should wear something less close-fitting or loosen the laces
"Nonsense. The dress flows over you like a stream."
"My tummy isn't a small rock in the middle of the stream?"
Leliana shook her head. "Your body is the Ferelden ideal."
"What, not exercising and eating too many fruit tarts?"
Leliana rolled her eyes and chuckled when there came a knock at the door.
Emmalynn looked puzzled. "Why would Wynne knock?"
Leliana shrugged but went across the room to open the door. It wasn't Wynne, but Alistair. He wore a deep blue velvet embroidered doublet, with grey calfskin breeches and black boots.
He bowed. "Good evening, Sister Leliana. Is Lady Amell ready?" There was no teasing in his voice. He was calling upon Emmalynn as he felt she deserved to be treated.
Leliana caught this and nodded. "She is, Ser Alistair; let me tell her you're here."
"Thank you, Sister."
Emmalynn, upon hearing this, looked at Leliana quizzically. Leliana whispered, "This is how a proper gentleman calls upon a Lady."
Emmalynn was so touched by Alistair's gesture, tears came her eyes. Leliana looked slightly horrified and gave Emmalynn a cloth to dab her eyes dry. Then she led her friend to the door. "Ser Alistair, may I present Lady Amell."
Leliana stepped aside so Emmalynn could step into the doorway.
Emma curtsied. "Good evening, Ser Alistair." He is such a handsome man.
Maker, she is absolutely stunning. "Lady Amell, may I escort you to the feast?"
Her eyes teared up and her expression radiated the joy she felt standing there with the man she loved. "Yes, you may." He held out his arm for Emmalynn to take.
She turned. "See you soon Leli."
Leliana waved goodbye and closed the door. Alistair kissed her hand. "Em, you look exquisite."
She beamed. "My handsome Lord, I am honored to accompany you to the feast."
As they walked Alistair explained, "When we enter the ballroom I will bring you to the Arl and Arlessa and formally introduce you. All you have to do is curtsy and respond to the greeting." He felt her body tense and sensed her nervousness. "Em, just think of the Arl as your former patient."
Emma nodded. "That's a good idea. I'll try."
Alistair led her to the Arl and Arlessa. Bowing he said, "Arl Eamon, this is Emmalynn Amell, Senior Enchanter from Ferelden Circle at Kinloch Hold." Alistair could not keep his feelings for Emmalynn out of his voice, or expression.
Eamon looked at Emmalynn. "I am told I have you to thank for giving me that potion."
"Mon Mari, she also saved your life on their way to reach the ashes." Isolde remarked. "Senior Enchanter, merci pour tout ce que vous avez fait pour moi et ma famille."
Touched that the Arlessa was thanking her for saving her and her family, Emmalynn responded that she was grateful to be able to help. "Je suis reconnaissant d'avoir pu aider, Your Grace. My Lord Arl, seeing you hale and whole is thanks enough," Emmalynn said calmly.
Eamon nodded. "Thank you again, Senior Enchanter."
She nodded. "Your Grace."
Alistair thought the Arl was being rude in what was clearly a dismissal, but he didn't comment as he led Emmalynn away. Emma doesn't have the experience at court to know what Eamon just did and if I tell her she'll be incredibly upset. Given we are leaving Redcliffe tomorrow, I don't think I'll mention it. Save to my father.
The evening turned out to be one of pure revelry. Alistair was an excellent dancer and helped lead Emmalynn through the steps of several dances. She danced with Aedan and Zevran, and even Surana.
She was surprised when Teagan asked her to dance. As she tried not to step on the Bann's feet, she heard him say, "So tell me about yourself.
She looked up from her feet. "Um…okay…what...would you like to know?" She began to feel the distinctive awkwardness she always felt talking to someone she didn't know, about something that was not related to healing"
"Well, you said you were brought to the circle when you were nine. Where are you from?"
"I'm from Ostwick…ah originally…not from the Ostwick circle…just from Ostwick." Maker save me, I sound like an idiot, and this is Alistair's father!
I was raised in Ansberg, well for the most part. I was born in Ferelden but was sent there during the rebellion. Was your family nobility?"
"Yes, but I've been forbidden from giving my family name."
"Sorry for being nosy. You curtsey, and you aren't from Orlais. But some of the manners of Orlais have been taken in by some of the Marcher League City-states. Such as Ostwick."
"No, it's alright. Aside from Alistair and Rana, no one really asks me about my life before the Circle. Forgive me Bann Teagan, I've always been…ah…a bit… awkward in social situations."
Teagan's took a very fatherly tone. "You have nothing to apologize for. You are a delightful young woman, and an extremely gifted healer. Remember that." Teagan waltzed her back to his son. He caught Alistair's gaze, then smiled and nodded. Then he bowed to Emmalynn, thank you for the dance my Lady."
Emmalynn smiled and curtsied. For the rest of the night, she danced with Alistair.
Zevran who had been dancing with Surana nodded over to the couple, "They look like they were made for each other."
Surana sighed. "Indeed. I just hope we can figure out some way of keeping M from returning to the Circle."
AN: Sorry for the delay, I've been getting ready for and attending a conference. Thanks to my amazing Beta, ElyssaCousland!