Chapter 38. = = Telling Father and Meeting the Queen

They were back in Emmalynn's tent getting ready to see Teagan and tell him the news. Alistair noticed that she'd been quiet on the way back from the mess tent and he saw tension in her jaw that wasn't typically there.

He took her hand. She looked at his hand and then up at him. The fear he saw in her expression went straight to his heart. "Em, what's wrong?"

"Ali…what if…what if our child is a mage?"

"You can train our child better than the circle could."

"But our child would have to hide their magic – that is inherently dangerous. I don't want our child to have to hide."

Alistair sat down and pulled Emma on his lap holding her close. "Then we will either get special dispensation from the Chantry or we move to Rivain. Emma, I promise I will protect you and our child with my last breath."

Emma nodded. "As will I." She gently squeezed his hand. "If we have to live in Rivain then that's what we'll do. My home is wherever you are. I love you Ali."

"I love you, too."

They cuddled and enjoyed the moment, gathering strength from one another.

Emma reluctantly stood up. "We should go see your Father."

"We will…but I need to ask you something."

"Okay. Is there something wrong?"

"No…no…or at least I hope not." The normally confident Alistair rubbed the back of his neck and stammered. "I mean…um…this isn't exactly how I pictured this."

Emma looked completely confused. "Ali?"

Alistair took her hands in his and knelt before her. "I know I asked on our first night together in Redcliffe, but that seems like a lifetime ago. Emmalynn Amell, will you marry me?"

Emma was smiling through her tears. "Yes, Ser Alistair, Knight of Rainesfere, I will marry you."

~oOOo~

When they arrived at the estate, they were greeted by the butler. "Ser Alistair, welcome home!"

"Thank you, Sinclair! Sinclair Crowther, please meet Lady Emmalynn Amell. Em, Sinclair has been keeping this estate running since we first moved in."

"Lady Amell, it is wonderful to meet you."

Emmalynn curtsied, "Pleasure to meet you, my lord."

Before the Sinclair could reply, the Bann's voice rang out, "Is that Alistair?" Teagan came around the corner. "Emmalynn!" He pulled her into a hug. "Surana told me about your release from the Circle. Such Maker-blessed news! But I am sorry that my brother is still stalking the shadows."

Emmalynn smiled. "It is good to see you, too. You are not responsible for your brother's actions, Bann Teagan."

"Please, call me Teagan."

"Da, we have news. Shall we go into the sitting room?" Alistair could not keep the grin off his face.

"I shall have some tea sent to the sitting room." Sinclair offered

"That would be excellent, thank you." Teagan smiled.

As they walked to the sitting room, Emmalynn took in the woodwork, comparing it to what she'd seen at the Arl's estate and Redcliffe. Instead of dark wood with intricate carvings, the beams and sidings here relied on the beauty of natural grain of the blond wood. Being a lighter color the wood reflected the sunlight from the various windows. The result was a brightly lit sitting room that was open and airy. The fabrics were the colors of nature – russets, deep greens, sunny yellows – soothing, welcoming, and homey. This isn't a showplace, this feels like a home.

They sat down on sofas that were so comfortable Emmalynn felt her whole body relax.

Teagan looked at the couple and felt the happiness that seem to radiate from them.

"Father, we have what we hope you'll agree is good news."

There was a twinkle in Teagan's eyes as he asked, "Oh? What news would that be?"

Alistair, in his eagerness to tell his father, didn't notice his father's expression. "Well, first, that Emma and I are now betrothed."

"Congratulations! I had hoped that given your freedom, Emmalynn, my son would ask!" He was about to stand but didn't. "Wait...Son, you said 'first.' is there something else?"

Emma squeezed Alistair's hand, then she said, "There is. I'm pregnant."

"Maker's Breath! That is marvelous!" Teagan beamed as he stood and pulled up his future daughter-in-law into a hug. "Welcome to the family, my dear, I am thrilled beyond words."

Emmalynn hugged him back. A father who is not ashamed of having a mage in the family. She pulled back. "Your welcome means so much to me."

Teagan then pulled his son into a hug just as the tea arrived, the tray also carried a bottle of wine. Sinclair smiled. "I felt that there may be cause for a celebration."

"Sinclair, you are a wily man. Yes, there is cause for celebration: my son is marrying this wonderful woman, who is also carrying my grandchild. But it needs to stay within these walls until after the Landsmeet."

"Of course."

Emma stayed with tea but clinked her teacup with Alistair and Teagan's glasses of wine.

"So, what are your plans today?"

Emma put down her cup. "I'm meeting her Majesty today. I think she wants to get to know me and see if she is comfortable with me being her healer for the pregnancy."

"I cannot imagine her not being comfortable around you," Teagan said.

"I've never met her Majesty. She is Teyrn Loghain's daughter and her late Mother's name was Celia, correct?"

Teagan nodded.

"Do you know how her mother died?"

Teagan nodded. "Celia caught a cold and then she developed a cough that she couldn't shake, and she went downhill fast."

"Hmm, sounds like a lung infection. I wish I could have helped."

"Keeping spirit healers locked away in a tower is a ridiculous waste," Teagan said.

"I completely agree!" Alistair added.

Emmalynn nodded. "Several months before Ostagar, I asked Irving if there was any way I could open a healing clinic in Lothering or even in Denerim. I thought we could offer magical and non-magical healing."

Both Alistair and Teagan looked interested. Teagan asked, "What did Irving say?"

Emmalynn cleared her throat. "Keep coming up with good ideas and they'll give you my job, but not your clinic."

Alistair chuckled at Emma's impression of the First Enchanter.

Teagan grinned. "I think it's a marvelous idea, and I bet Her Majesty will too."

"Before we go, Da, we're going to have guests."

"Let me guess: Sten, Oghren, Zevran, Surana, and Jowan."

Alistair nodded.

"Only humans and non-mages will Eamon's estate; he will be so pleased."

Emmalynn chortled. "That is exactly what Aedan said."

"Son, they are all welcome here. I will make sure Sinclair knows. I take it you'll be staying at the Mage encampment?"

Alistair nodded. "After Emma meets with her Majesty, I'll escort her back there and then I will start to examine the fortifications of the city. See where siege engines would be more effective, what needs reinforcement, that kind of thing. Want to join me?"

"I think that is an excellent idea!"

"Now, we need to get to Eamon's."

"I was getting ready to go there myself; may I walk with you?"

"Of course!" Emmalynn agreed.

"Let me get my notes and I will be ready in a minute."

As Teagan jogged out of the room. Alistair looked at Emma. "My father is thrilled, you know."

Emma beamed. "I feel so welcome! Having a father figure who doesn't believe that a mage is a disgrace to the family, is nothing I ever thought could happen."

~oOOo~

When Teagan, Alistair, and Emmalynn arrived at the Arl's estate, the sounds of the army sparing traveled to the courtyard. Suddenly, over the din, they heard: "Come on, ya nug humper! If I was a 'spawn, you'd be spittin' tainted teeth!"

Emmalynn, Alistair, and Teagan looked at each other and Alistair grinned. "Oghren's a hoot and a damn good warrior."

When they entered the estate Leliana was waiting. She smiled brightly. "Come, Emmalynn, let us see her majesty."

"I'll be waiting for you, love."

On the way upstairs, Leliana explained, "Ser Cauthrien is in charge of the Queen's security while she is here. She is Teyrn Loghain's and second-in-command."

Emmalynn nodded. "I'm glad she is guarded while she's here. I'm just sorry she isn't staying somewhere out Arl Eamon's reach."

"She will be returning to the palace today or tomorrow."

"I doubt that will be any more relaxing, but at least she will be safer now that Howe is locked up."

As they approached the entry to the Queen's wing of rooms, Leliana smiled. "Ser Cauthrien, please meet Emmalynn Amell."

Emmalynn curtsied. "Ser Cauthrien, a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I understand Her Majesty has requested to see me?"

"Pleased to meet you, as well. Yes, let me make sure Her Majesty is ready."

Ser Cauthrien disappeared for a moment, then returned. "Follow me."

Anora was standing when Leliana and Emmalynn entered the room.

Leliana bowed. "Your Majesty, may I introduce Emmalynn Amell."

Emmalynn curtsied. "Your Majesty."

Anora nodded. "How shall I address you, Lady Amell?"

"Please your Majesty, Emmalynn is fine."

"Emmalynn, thank you for coming."

As she sat down, Emmalynn sensed the deep emotional hurt that the queen held inside. Blessed Andraste, this woman has been through the void. She let her heart guide her words. "Your Majesty, my deepest sympathies to you for the loss of your husband."

Emmalynn's words caught Anora off-guard. "You mean you are sorry they for the loss the King."

"I beg pardon, Your Majesty, but I meant what I said. All of Ferelden lost Cailan the King; only you lost Cailan the Husband."

Anora was quiet for a while. "No one has said that. Everyone has said king not husband…thank you. That means a lot to me to hear that."

Leliana smiled. Emmalynn, you are one of a kind. "Your majesty, by your leave?"

"Yes, thank you Lady Leliana. I think Emmalynn and I will be fine."

Leliana bowed. "Your Majesty, Emmalynn."

Once they were alone, Anora asked, "I would like to discuss the possibility of your help with my pregnancy."

"Of course! I offer any and all assistance I can. Is there something in particular you are worried about right now?"

"Not really. I just feel so unsure…I feel like…." Anora was struggling to name what exactly she was feeling.

"…an island?"

Anora nodded. "Exactly! Like an island. After my mother passed away, Teyrna Eleanor was like a mother to me, now with her gone...You know Eleanor knew I was pregnant before I did? I was visiting Highever two weeks before the Chantry healer gave us the news…."

"Eleanor, I think I need to have a lie-down."

"You don't usually nap, yet you've done so seven out of the last ten days. Are you unwell?"

"No. I feel right as rain...after the nap."

"Hmmm. Perhaps I might need to come to Denerim in Kingsway?"

"It is more likely that at 29 years old I have less energy."

Eleanor smiled knowingly.

Her gaze looked distant. "There's been so much loss…too much."

Emmalynn's tone was soft and compassionate. "The grief must feel overwhelming at times."

"It does…but I am the Queen; I need to show strength in a crisis, be calm during the storm."

"Surely that shouldn't preclude you from being able to grieve in private?"

"Privacy at the palace is in short supply."

"Has it always been that way?"

"Yes, but it never bothered me before. I don't know why."

"If I may be so bold, Your Majesty, I imagine you and your husband ran interference for each other when you each needed to be alone."

"That is true. One morning after my mother passed, I had suffered from multiple nightmares and was just miserable. I told Cailan that I needed to be able to cry without anyone knocking on the door asking if I was okay.

"Cailan closed off the whole family wing and told our Chamberlain that anyone who entered the wing without written permission from the King would be put in the stocks." Anora smiled.

"Then there was the time that Cailan had a huge argument with…with Eamon…my husband was so upset and so angry, he looked like a caged animal. I went to the Captain of the Shield, those are…were our best knights.

"I told him to send three of the best and sturdiest Knights to the sparring yard, bring the healer and close it off to everyone else. I pointed Cailan towards his armor and told him 'put your armor on, go to the sparing yard and beat the stuffing out of whoever was there.' He thought I was crazy, but he did as I asked."

"Did it help?"

"Oh yes. As soon as he saw the three knights and the healer, he knew he could let go without killing anyone and without anyone else knowing. He came back a sweaty mess… I think that was the night we conceived." Anora blushed but smiled. "I cannot believe I told you that."

"I glad you felt you could share it. Next time we see each other, ask me about the pillow fort."

"Pillow fort? I will remember that."

"Is there anyone at the palace who can hold things at bay when you need time alone?"

"Not really. Father's been so concerned with what's going on in Ferelden…You know, I asked him to be regent."

"Why wouldn't you? I imagine in the shock of losing Cailan, you didn't want to risk a miscarriage."

"Ah, but I didn't go through the Bannorn, and that is what helped give rise to this mess."

"Your Majesty, I am at best a political novice, but what you did was necessary. Those same people who say they are sorry for the loss of the King, should realize that you were doing all you could to protect the heir to the throne."

"I think it was the choice of my father as regent that really angered them."

Emmalynn was shocked at the attitude of the Bannorn and before she could hold her tongue, she said, "Being Teyrn of Gwaren and the Hero of River Dane are not sufficient qualifications to be regent?"

Anora smiled at the barb. That sounds like something I would say. "Would you have said that to the Bannorn?"

"Probably. Proof of my complete lack of political savvy."

"What it may lack in savvy, it makes up for in honesty." Anora looked at the young healer. "Tell me about yourself."

"Um…ah…what would you like to know?"

"Whatever you feel comfortable telling me."

"Oh..well I was born in Ostwick and came to the Ferelden Circle when I was nine."

"Ostwick. That would explain your curtsey – I thought perhaps you might have been Orlesian."

"No. My mother is…was…" Why don't I know if she is alive or not? "Revka Amell, from the Kirkwall Amells. She married Allyn Trevelyan who is the youngest of Bann Trevelyan's two brothers. My father didn't want his line associated with magic, so he told the templars that I was only to be known as Emmalynn Amell. However, when the templars arrived at Kinloch, the Knight-Commander insisted on knowing who my father was."

"You go by Amell, though?"

"My father referred to me as a 'that' when I was taken away…so yes. I go by Amell."

"I would too. What an awful thing for a father to say! How did your magic manifest?"

"Oh, it was just horrible…I healed a bird's broken wing." Emmalynn smirked.

Anora chuckled. "My, such an evil thing to do to the poor unsuspecting bird."

"I know! I failed to ask it if it even wanted to be healed, I just did it – dastardly."

The two women chuckled. Anora said, "I'm glad to see you are versed in the art of sarcasm. It is a Mac Tir specialty."

"I am, but merely a journeyman."

Anora looked as if she was trying to find the right way to ask something.

"You can ask me anything, Your Majesty."

"Perceptive. I…understand you've locked horns with Eamon?"

She knows about me and Alistair. "I don't know about locked horns. The Arl wants Ali – Alistair - to take the throne, and he refuses. Why I don't know but the Arl believes that I am the reason for Alistair's refusal. After we healed the Arl, he wanted me to lie to Alistair and 'break the poor boy's heart.' I refused to lie. However, Arl Eamon did manage to separate us for what could have been forever."

"I am very pleased Eamon failed. Alistair is one of Ferelden's best Knights. He embodies what it is to be a knight he deserves to be happy, as do you."

"We think the Arl is still trying."

"How so?"

"The Grand Cleric refused to send templars to Denerim, just mages. Because we will be using magic out of the presence of templars, the Grand Cleric believes that there will be no way to tell if any surviving mages have become maleficar. So, she wants all surviving mages to be sent to the Denerim chantry.

"The reason we believe the Arl is involved because the Grand Cleric specifically requested me by name, to lead the mages and bring any of the surviving mages to the Chantry, before I go back to the Circle."

"Grand Cleric Elemena knows your name? Before Cailan and I were married, she had trouble remembering mine," the Queen said.

"That was exactly why the Knight Commander and First Enchanter Irving believe that the Arl is behind this. Arl Eamon must believe that Ali would take the throne to save me from being made tranquil or that I would urge him to take the throne to save my mages.

"As before, the Arl is dead wrong on both counts. Alistair supports you, your Majesty, to the death if need be, and so would I. You are the rightful Queen of Ferelden."

At the show of honest support for her position as Queen, Anora sat up a little straighter. "Thank you."

"No thanks needed, Your Majesty. It's the truth. There is one thing I need to share with you that Eamon cannot know about until after the Landsmeet."

"You're with child?"

"Has someone found out?" Emmalynn looked alarmed.

"No, no, worry not. It was an astute guess. The only bit of information that would need to be hidden from Eamon until after the Landsmeet would be a child of Alistair's. When are you due?"

"Late Wintermarch."

"Ah so before you were separated…?"

Emmalynn nodded. "I didn't even realize it until about three weeks ago."

"Congratulations!" Anora smiled. "Perhaps I won't be as alone with this pregnancy as I thought."

Emmalynn grinned. "Indeed! Speaking of being with child – if you'll permit me, I can check and see if everything is okay with the baby."

"Of course. Do I need to go lie down?"

"No need. May I sit next to you?"

Anora nodded and slid over on the couch, instinctively trusting Emmalynn to be near her person.

Emmalynn sat down. "I'm going to put one hand on your forehead and the other on your abdomen. You'll see my aura, which is a cerulean blue, but all you will feel is a slight warmth from my hands. Is that okay?"

Anora nodded. "Yes."

"Any questions?"

"None so far."

Emma nodded then placed her hands on Anora's forehead and abdomen. The Queen saw the aura and felt the relaxing warmth.

Emmalynn let her mind and sight shift. Hips not too narrow – knee joint swelling from pregnancy weight, blood carrying nutrients to the baby but not leaving much for the mother. The baby going into its seventh month - lungs, heart, brain all developing normally, length and weight normal. Reduce swelling in knees – Finished.

Emmalynn's aura faded and she moved her hands away smiling. I find a smile is the fastest way to convey good news.

The relief in Anora's expression was palpable. Emmalynn gently touched the Queen's hand. "The baby is fine and currently weighs about a quarter stone and is three and a half hands long all of which is normal. Your hips are not overly narrow, which will help ease the birthing a bit. You had some swelling in your knees, which I healed. All seems normal and on course for a mid-Kingsway birth.

"You do need more nutrients than you're getting. What you have is all going to the baby. I can create a powder that is tasteless, you can add it to your drink; it's best if it is in a warm drink like tea. The powder will supplement the nutrients you are getting from your diet. One dose a day is all you need. Oh, would you like to know the sex of the baby?"

Anora thought about it. "Yes, I think it is important given all that is happening."

"You are having a boy."

Tears filled Anora's eyes. "Cailan would have been over the m..." She started to sob. Emmalynn instinctively embraced the crying mother. Anora stiffened briefly then hugged back and let herself cry.

When the Queen pulled away, Emmalynn could see some strength return to Anora's spirit.

"Feeling a bit better?" Emmalynn asked.

"Actually yes, I do. Thank you so much, Emmalynn."

Emma smiled. "No thanks needed. I'm grateful that you allowed me to help, your Majesty."

"Please, when we are in private, call me Anora."

Emmalynn nodded. "Thank you, Anora. What is your favorite kind of tea?"

"Jasmine."

"Mine too. I will create the powder and you can add it to your tea. It won't change the flavor of the tea or the color. I'll make enough for you to keep the powder on your person and not have to worry about anyone tampering with it."

"Thank you. Erlina and Ser Cauthrien will be happy about that too."

"Then if you'll excuse me, I will make the powder. If you can spare Earlina, she can come with me and learn how it's made."

"It doesn't require magic?"

"No. I engineered a formula that can be prepared by anyone with the right ingredients and the recipe."

"Amazing. I will send Erlina with you."

"I will be out in the hallway. Good afternoon, Anora, I am really glad we met."

"So am I Emmalynn. I will send out Erlina momentarily."

Emmalynn curtsied and then left the room.

~ooooo~

AN: I have never tried writing a softer Anora, I hope it works.

Thank you as always to my wonder Beta ElyssaCousland.

Melysande: Thank you for the review! Zevran Theirin? Not bad. ;).

Judy: Thank you for your reviews!