Chapter 23 = = Under the Eyes of the Arl

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 really 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!

Teagan smiled. "I was raised in Ansberg. I was born in Ferelden but was sent there during the rebellion. Your last name, Amell…are you related to the Kirkwall Amells?"

"I am from nobility, but I've been forbidden from giving my family name. I'm sorry."

"Sorry for being nosy. You curtsey but you aren't from Orlais. Some of the Orlesian manners have been taken up by of the families in Marcher League Nations, like 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. ...

The third time Zevran noticed the Arl surreptitiously watching Alistair and Emma interact, he took Surana and Aedan aside. "I have noticed that the Arl has been studying our Knight and his Lady Healer this evening."

Surana arched an eyebrow. "What you mean, 'studying'?"

"Come, I'll show you." Zevran took Surana and Aedan to a place they could see the Arl, Emma, and Alistair without being seen.

The Arl was speaking to Ser Perth when, about twenty feet away, Alistair had just led Emma to the dancefloor. The Arl shifted in his chair. To anyone else it would seem that he was just getting comfortable.

"You'll notice that the Arl now has a better line-of-sight to our happy couple."

Surana nodded. "Perth's leaving, let's see what Eamon does."

As the Arl picked up his mug to take a drink, Aedan noticed he was looking over the rim as a barely perceptible crease formed between the Arl's eyebrows.

Aedan motioned Surana and Zevran away so they could talk.

Aedan frowned. "He's undoubtedly unhappy to see his nephew cozying up to a mage. Fortunately, we are leaving at dawn the day after tomorrow. I wouldn't worry too much about it."

"Ah, but I am worried. Your King is dead, and Alistair is the only blood relative, yes?"

Surana was surprised. "You think the Arl has designs on the throne?"

"No, I believe the Arl has designs on being the power behind the throne. That is a more covert ambition, but no less deadly."

Aedan thought about it."My Father used to say something about those who just want to remove you from power are far less dangerous than those who want to usurp your power."

Zevran nodded. "Now you see why I worry."

Surana looked surprised. "But Alistair is not a weak-willed man. Surly, the Arl knows that?"

Aedan thought about it. "The Arl has not had a lot of contact with Alistair since Teagan became his foster father. I think he still sees the 10-year-old boy cow-towed into sleeping in the stables, doing the work of servants."

"Well, like I said, we leave the day after tomorrow, so let's keep our ears to the ground and our fingers crossed."

Zevran nodded, still very concerned.

Later that evening Zevran and Surana were curled up together. "Mi Amor, I think we will regret saving this Arl Eamon."

"I think so too, love."

~oOOo~

Alistair caught the Arl's gaze once or twice that evening but didn't quite know what to make of it. I'm sure he disapproves my being with Emma, but any say he had over how I live my life ended the day Teagan became my father.

"Ali? You look concerned?"

"It's Eamon; he clearly disapproves of our being together."

"Oh?" She sighed, "Well I am a mage. Can he do anything to you?"

"No. Even though he's father's liege lord, the oath of fealty work both ways. It limits what Eamon can do to me without violating his part of the fealty oath."

"Perhaps tonight I should sleep in my assigned room. I don't want to upset him, more than he seems to be."

"Em…"

"Ali, you know I'm right. Besides, it's only for two nights. Then we can share a tent all the way to Orzammar."

Alistair gave her a lopsided grin. "I'll hold you to that."

~oOOo~

The following morning it was just Emma and Wynne at breakfast. Emmalynn blew on her tea to cool it down a bit and then smiled at Wynne. "I wonder how many sore heads we'll heal today?"

Wynne rolled her eyes. "You mean you will heal. Unlike you, I find it hard to feel sympathetic. No one forced them to over-imbibe."

"I know, I know–I'm a softy. But I have a hard time seeing someone in pain – self-inflicted or otherwise – and not try to help them."

"Perhaps they will simply sleep it off."

After breakfast Emmalynn went to the library to continue studying healing herbs near and around Orzammar. She had just finished her list when one of the servants told her that lunch was being served. On the way to the dining hall she encountered Zevran who looked a bit worse for wear. Emmalynn quickly healed his hangover.

"Ah, thank you, Cariña."

After everyone assembled in the dining hall, Aedan looked at the group. "We are leaving at dawn tomorrow and we have a lot to do between now and then. So, lunch will also be a planning meeting. Any objections?"

No one objected, so Aedan continued. "It's an eight-day trip to Orzammar because we have to go through Gherlen's pass. The pass is known for being a tedious uphill ride. Leliana, Surana, and I will be making sure we are provisioned. Alistair will be checking on the horses. Sten and Zevran will check in with Owen to make sure our weapons and armor are ready to go. Emmalynn, do you have a list of the herbs we will need to buy?"

"I do." She gave Rana the list. "Alistair told me that we can get some of the herbs in Rainesfere, so I've put an R next to those. The others cannot be found anywhere near Orzammar, but I know they are sold here in Redcliffe. I am also researching what kinds of edible plants we can find in case of an emergency."

"Good idea, Emmalynn, thank you."

After lunch, Emmalynn went back her study area in the library. It was mid-afternoon when she finished her list of edible plants. In addition to a description of key identifiers, she included a sketch of each plant.

Having just returned the books to their shelves, she was collecting her quills and parchment when the Arl walked into the library.

"Your Grace," she curtsied, "I was just leaving if you…um…need the library."

"No, no. Actually, I would like to have a private word with you. Please have a seat."

AN: Thank you to my awesome Beta ElyssaCousland and to Melysande for your wonderful reviews!