Chapter 26 = = The Time to Grieve

After writing in her journal and fretting about her upcoming meeting with Greagoir, Emmalynn was too upset eat, so she skipped dinner. Instead, she met Irving on the way to the Knight-Commander's office.

Greagoir was standing behind his desk when Irving and Emmalynn arrived. He noticed Emmalynn looked as if she had been crying for hours. Irving told me that Emmalynn was so upset that if she were any other mage, he personally would have sent for templars to watch her for signs of possession. "Please, take seat Irving, Senior Enchanter Amell." Greagoir sat down and waited for Irving and Emmalynn to do the same.

"Senior Enchanter Amell, I know you've already spoken with the First Enchanter; however, I want to hear directly from you about what happened."

Emmalynn took a deep breath and nodded at Greagoir. "Of course, Knight-Commander." She proceeded to tell Greagoir all she had told Irving. The Knight Commander had been concerned about the situation at Redcliffe after a letter he'd received a message from Bann Teagan requesting a healer, which was why he'd sent Wynne and two templars. He was furious with the Arl, but held his tongue and kept his composure, the only outward sign of his irritation was a very light tapping of his fingers on the arm of his chair.

"Knight-Commander, Wynne said the two templars you sent with her, Ser Rylock and Ser Philip, were among the ten templars who were hand-picked by the Grand Cleric to be stationed here. Is that true?"

"Yes. Although I don't know how Wynne knew."

"It's Wynne." Emma and Irving said at the same time.

Greagoir nodded. "Fair point. Continue."

"Arl told me that he'd learned that both Templars were suspicious of Wynne and me for having survived the attack at the Circle, and they felt that you were wrong to let us leave. Arl Eamon was quite sure that Ser Rylock and Ser Philip would take us directly to Denerim and I quote 'let the Grand Cleric deal with you. I understand she has a penchant for believing the worst of mages and favors making you mages Tranquil.'"

"What? Are you sure the Arl wasn't just saying that to scare you?"

"I am absolutely sure."

The Knight-Commander was livid. That meddling old bat. He took some parchment from his desk and wrote a note. After he'd finished, he said. "Give me a moment." Opening the door to his office Emmalynn and Irving heard him say, "Take this directly to Knight-Captain Hadley and place it in his hands. Do not give it to anyone else or leave it anywhere."

"Yes, Knight-Commander"

Emmalynn recognized the voice. Ser Chester! I'm glad he survived. He was always good with the children.

Greagoir returned and sat back down. "I have sent Hadley a note to confine all of Elemena's hand-picked templars to quarters. I will question them later. Please continue. You were going to mention what happened in Haven."

Emmalynn began describing what they had to do to find the ashes and what happened once they found the urn. "Hope manifested through me and…well, apologized to Andraste…or to her urn." Emmalynn paused.

Greagoir arched an eyebrow. "Go on."

"Hope looked at my companions and explained that she didn't possess me, that I am a spirit healer and that she and Faith send me their power when I heal. Then she said. 'Through Emmalynn, I have seen how necessary hope is. She is hope by nature, not because of me, and part of my work is to protect her.' Then as we left the temple, the Guardian told me that denying the sight endangers me and others. When I asked why, he told me that I cannot heal those I cannot see."

"Did Hope agree with this Guardian?"

Emmalynn nodded at the Knight-Commander. "Hope later told me that the panic attacks would get worse and would result from smaller and smaller numbers of people to the point where I would barely be able to go outside. People fighting this Blight that I could have saved would die without me, without Hope."

Greagoir frowned. "That is a bold statement for the spirit to make; did Hope explain why?"

Emmalynn nodded. "The mental fortress protects the mind from an outside attack, such as from a demon, but the second sight is within me, like my own sight or hearing or any of my other senses. The fortress only prevented me from consciously using the sight. My subconscious was still taking in information but didn't know what to do with it – that is what helped fueled the panic when I was around crowds of people, like at Ostagar and again in Denerim.

"I took down the fortress. I intentionally broke my promise to you and I am not sorry for doing it, but I accept whatever punishment you deem appropriate."

Greagoir though silent was clearly thinking; Emmalynn and Irving knew better than to interrupt, so they waited.

After a few minutes, the Knight-Commander looked at Emmalynn the compassion in his voice would have stunned many of the younger inhabitants of Kinloch. "Emmalynn, it's clear that you are guided by a powerful spirit – not possessed–guided. Given Hope's explanation, you were right to stop suppressing the sight, and I'm sorry for what you suffered as a result of my forcing you to conceal it the way I did."

"I understand why you did it."

Greagoir nodded, then his expression turned grim. "In light of the Arl's actions, I am rescinding the agreement to leave Connor with his family until the Blight is over. Whether or not I will keep the boy here or send him to another Circle will be decided after Irving and I have personally evaluated him.

"Senior Enchanter Amell, the Arl took advantage of your ill-advised relationship with Ser Alistair. I understand that coming back here you effectively ended that relationship and while the hurt you feel may be punishment in and of itself, I need to send a clear signal to others that the rules apply to all. You will spend the next five days in the dungeons."

Emmalynn nodded her head. "I understand Knight-Commander."

Irving looked startled at the sentence. "In the dungeons, Greagoir?"

Ignoring Irving's remark, Greagoir continued, "Knight-Captain Hadley will check on you when you are brought your meals and I will send Mother Elaine to you after evening services each night."

"Thank you for that, Knight-Commander."

Greagoir stepped out of his office, presumably to summon a templar to would escort her to the cells. Irving asked if she was upset about being placed in the cells.

"No, it's what I expected would happen."

Whatever Irving was about to say was interrupted when Greagoir returned. "Senior Enchanter, I will escort you to the cells."

Emmalynn stood. "I'm ready Knight-Commander." She turned and bowed to Irving, then Greagoir escorted her out of the office. They walked side-by-side and Emmalynn asked, "Will you not bind my hands?"

"What would be the point? I know you won't try to escape."

"True. Thank you."

When they arrived Emmalynn took in the changes to what was once truly a dungeon. Nothing looked the same as it did was when she would visit Anders Each cell has a bunk and a small desk and chair. It also doesn't smell like mold, unwashed bodies, and Maker know what else. I see they are using magic inhibiting runes rather than the collar they brought for Jowan.

Greagoir noticed Emmalynn's reaction. "Hadley and I personally oversaw the remodeling of the cells and assigned new templars, each of whom has been vetting and trained by me and the First Enchanter, none of which were from the Grand Cleric. You will be safe. Ser Arthur?"

The Templar Prison Guard bowed. "Yes, Knight-Commander?"

"Senior Enchanter Amell is to be imprisoned for the next five days. Please escort her to her cell and explain the routine."

"Yes, Ser!"

"Get some rest, Senior Enchanter."

"Good night, Knight-Commander."

After Greagoir left, Ser Arthur took Emmalynn gently by the elbow and escorted her to her cell. Unlike the near total darkness of the cells when Anders was kept here, there were now enchanted lamps inset into the walls.

Seeing Emmalynn look at the lights, Ser Arthur said, "The lights go out one candle after Compline and light up again at Matins."

They arrived at her cell which actually received sunlight from the one window high up the wall. "This is your cell. You are provided a pillow and a blanket. There is a chamber pot in the far corner behind the curtain. You will be afforded three meals a day, at which time your chamber pot will be replaced. At breakfast, you will be brought water with which to wash, and a clean robe. There are to be no loud noises. If there is something you need, press the rune next to the entrance. Press it only if there is a genuine need. We are not here at your beck and call. Any violation of these rules will add an additional day onto your sentence. Any questions?"

"May I have parchment and something to write with?"

"No. There is a book in the desk containing the Chant of light to occupy your time."

Emmalynn was tight-lipped, but merely nodded her head.

Ser Arthur opened the door to the cell, and Emmalynn walked inside. She was handed a clean pillow and a warm blanket, then the cell door closed. As she heard Ser Arthur's retreating footsteps, she sat down on the bunk which was a thick pad, not overly hard nor overly soft. Completely exhausted she took down her hair and ran her fingers through it before braiding it tightly. She fell asleep as soon as her head touched the pillow.

~oOOo~

Greagoir returned to his office he sat back down and looked at Irving. "You know that since Uldred's rebellion we overhauled our approach to holding a mage in the cells. Emmalynn will be fine. It will send the right message and it will give her a chance to start grieving. If I'd just confined her to her quarters, she would find some way to distract herself. If I'd done nothing, you know that she would throw herself into working and merely pushed away what she's feeling."

Irving looked at the Knight-Commander as if he'd sprouted a second head. "That is remarkably perceptive of you, Greagoir."

The Knight-Commander looked pointedly at Irving. "You've known her as long as I have, Irving. Was there any other conclusion to reach? Besides, she has always given her best to the Circle, templar or mage; could I give any less to her?"

~oOOo~

Shortly after speaking with the Arl, Alistair took Aedan aside and asked him about becoming a Grey Warden.

"Alistair, I know that with Emmalynn being back at the Circle, it feels like she is dead. You're grieving. I get that. But you have to give yourself time before you make life-altering decisions; trust me on this."

"Maker, Aedan, I'm so sorry! I am being completely insensitive given what you've had to endure. I–"

Aedan held up his hand to stop and interrupted. "Look, I would feel the same way given your situation, but being a Warden is forever, and it is not a life I would recommend for you."

"At least it is a life that would mean something," Alistair sighed.

"Your life can be very meaningful without being a warden, Alistair. But if down the road, you still wish to join us, I will consider it."

"Thanks, Aedan."

Aedan nodded and went to find Surana. Once he was away from Alistair, Aedan blew out a breath. I really don't want Alistair to be a Warden. Not because he wouldn't be a good one, but if for some reason he was able to be with Emmalynn, or even fall in love with anyone else, being a Warden would always come between them. However, can I afford to turn down a willing and very able potential recruit? Then again, I have Jowan.

Feeling lost –especially after Aedan's less than enthusiastic reaction to his becoming a Warden–Alistair went to the one place he knew would help him escape his own head: he headed for the stables to give Otto a much needed a grooming after the rush from Haven.

As he groomed the gelding, Alistair decided to focus on what he could do versus what he couldn't. What I can do is protect and help the wardens. What I can do is help end the regency and restore the throne to Anora. What I can do is help Aedan bring Howe to justice. I will not focus on life after the Blight, that is too far ahead.

He was just finishing with Otto when Zevran returned with Molly. Seeing the mare without Emma felt like a punch in the gut.

Zevran saw the look of pain on Alistair's face. The Arl broke the hearts of two innocent people in his own quest for power. Were this Antiva, Alistair's father would have already put a contract on the Arl.

"Zevran, thank you for going with Emma."

"How could I not accompany our lovely healer?"

"Even so, thank you."

The assassin nodded. "At least she is safe from the Arl. There is one thing, however, that can still hurt her."

Alistair looked alarmed. "What?"

"Something happening to you, amigo. Your life is too important to our Esperanza for you to throw it away, and that is exactly what you would be doing if you became a Warden."

"How do you know I was considering being a Warden?"

"Call it a hunch."

"But Surana's a Warden…"

"It is because my Surana is a Warden that I know of what I speak."

"I'll keep that in mind."

"By the way, what is the Arl's role in this Landsmeet? Is he necessary?"

Alistair frowned. "He has the power to call the Landsmeet and challenge Loghain's regency."

"Surely there are other nobles, like your father?"

"Not really. My father, as a Bann, is lesser nobility. But you know about power struggles, they must happen in Antiva all the time, don't they?"

"Yes, and that is one of many reasons the Crows exist." Zevran held Alistair's gaze.

I know what Zevran is suggesting. Alistair sighed. "No...it would betray everything Emma and I stand for."

"That is what I thought. However, I will say this: if he does anything else to hurt you or Emmalynn, he will have his own urn."

Alistair looked surprised. "If he does anything to hurt Emma, you will have to wait in line behind me."

"Good! Now, how about we escape the smell of horse dung and go to the tavern?"

Watching Molly alone in her stall is too much. "Let's."

After they returned from the tavern, Alistair went to his room. Zevran was pulled aside by Aedan, to join him, Surana, and Teagan as they met with the Arl. They would be discussing what needed to happen between now and the Landsmeet; Aedan wanted Zevran's unique point of view and he knew Zevran could keep calm. Sten wanted to kill the Arl, Leliana wanted to use him for target practice, and Morrigan wanted to turn him into a toad.

Eamon looked at Aedan. "With whom are your remaining treaties?"

"Our remaining treaties are with the dwarves in Orzammar and the Dalish in the Brecilian Forest. We will travel from here to Orzammar and then from Orzammar to the Forest."

"Well then, you can return here from the forest and we can travel together to Denerim."

Aedan caught a Teagan's eye. He just assumes we will follow his orders. "My Lords, considering the Wardens are wanted regicides, it could damage your standing if our association was known prior to the Landsmeet."

Eamon paused in thought, then nodded his head. "It will take a least two months to send word about the Landsmeet and then another month for people to make their way to Denerim. Three months should be more than enough time to deliver your treaties. Please keep in touch with Teagan and let him know your progress. We will meet in Denerim."

"A very sound plan, My Lord, thank you," Aedan said.

After they left the Arl's presence Zevran looked at Aedan. "Clever Aedan, the Arl now believes this to be his idea."

Surana nodded. "Yes, which is good, because the last thing any of us want to do is travel with that snake."

Aedan nodded. "Notice after I mentioned a risk to associating with us, he wanted us to keep in touch with Teagan, not him?"

"Yeah, I noticed. Bastard."

"Well, at least we all can be rid of him until the Landsmeet."

~oOOo~

The following morning – while they were getting ready to leave – Eamon summoned everyone except Wynne and Jowan, to the audience chamber. Aedan made Morrigan promise not to harm the Arl. Alistair refused the summons, as did Sten – they were sparing together.

Eamon looked at the group and asked Teagan, "Where is Alistair?"

Teagan looked at his brother. "He decided not to attend."

"You are the lad's father; you should have made him attend."

What gall. "My son is not a Lad, he is a man and he chose not to attend. Do you wish me to go into further detail?"

Eamon scowled briefly then turned his attention back to the others. "Wardens, I owe you all a debt of gratitude for saving my Arling, my wife, my son, and me. As a token of my thanks, you will be known as Champions of Redcliffe and are always welcome here." He presented Aedan with a shield that had the Redcliffe tower emblazoned on it.

Aedan took the proffered shield from the Arl. "Thank you for bestowing such an honor upon us, My Lord Arl." He bowed. "By your leave, it would be helpful in the continuance of our mission if we could make a start before midday."

"Of course, of course. Thank you again."

Everyone was livid after leaving the chamber, but Aedan put a finger to his lips and whispered, "No comments until we are well away from Redcliffe." Aedan then went to fill in Alistair, Sten, Wynne, and Jowan on what the Arl had said.

Once everyone left, Teagan looked at his brother. "Eamon?"

"Yes?"

"You do realize that the only reason you, Connor, and Isolde are alive is Emmalynn? Without her, Isolde and Connor would be dead. You would have died before they even reached Haven. It was Emmalynn, brother, who felt the need to stop back here when the poison suddenly began to kill you. She stabilized you, so you would live long enough to bring back the ashes." He paused, then shook his head. "The Maker bestowed us with hearts, Eamon, but you must have given yours back."

Without a backward glance, the Bann left.

~oOOo~

Teagan met the group at the stables. "I will stay here and keep an eye on things…Maker be with you on your journey. Eamon is being a bastard, but he will support the Wardens and he will work to end this civil war. You will have the Redcliffe's army at your disposal."

"Thank you, Bann Teagan. We consider you a true friend."

Tegan smiled and bowed. "I consider you as friends as well. Son, can you give me a minute?"

"Of course, Father."

They went to an empty corner of the stables. "Alistair, there is nothing I can say or do that will make the pain go away. If there is anything I can do, I will. Please take care of yourself."

"I love you, father."

"And I you, my son."

Teagan saw them off and only when they were out of sight did he go back into the castle.

~oOOo~

Three days after the Wardens left, the Arl was in his study. Isolde had been given something to help her sleep, having been inconsolable since the two Templars had arrived early in the morning bearing a letter from the Knight Commander.

26th Cloudreach, 9:30 Dragon
Arl Eamon Guerin
Redcliffe Castle
Redcliffe

Your Grace,

Considering the information, I received about recent events in your Arling, I am having your son, Connor brought to the Circle now rather than after the end of the Blight. Upon receipt of this letter, you will release him into the custody of Knight-Captain Hadley and Ser Townsend. Upon mine and the First Enchanter's evaluation of your son, I will determine if he is to stay in Kinloch or be sent to another Circle.

May the Light of Andraste reach you and guide you during these dark times.

Knight-Commander Greagoir

Eamon was incensed by the Knight-Commander's actions, and when he read " 'May the Light of Andraste reach you and guide you during these dark times.'" the same phrase Emmalynn used in her letter to him, he knew the reason why Greagoir changed his mind.

Well-played Senior Enchanter Amell, but ultimately futile. You will remain in the Circle and Alistair will be king.

AN: Ah Eamon and his schemes... Thanks for reading! Thank you to Judy and Melysande for your reviews. Bioware owns all. I just play in their pool.