Chapter 40 = = The Landsmeet – Part 1
Emmalynn opened her eyes and knew she was in Hope's fade-scape, but she was surprised to see Alistair. She reached out with her senses to make sure it was Alistair. She smiled. It's him. "Ali?"
Alistair turned in surprise. "Emma?"
"Yes, it's me: You're in Hope's fade-scape."
"Why?"
"Because we both needed to talk to you, and this was easier," a male voice spoke.
Emma and Alistair turned to see Hope and Alistair's Spirit of Honor. Emmalynn gasped in awe, "You're the Silver Knight!"
Alistair knew that name. "King Calenhad?" He was about to kneel.
"Please don't kneel. I'm not a king, and you're family." Calenhad chuckled.
"Calenhad, you never told Alistair who you were?" Hope shook her head with a smile.
"I thought he would figure it out sooner or later."
Alistair grinned. "Hey, I'm still getting used to this."
"So, what would you like to talk to us about?" Emmalynn asked.
"The Archdemon. Emmalynn, you are quite correct, the souls of both the Warden and the former Archdemon. are not destroyed. I was unaware that the wardens were operating under such…"
"Twaddle," Calenhad said.
Emmalynn chuckled. "I take it that non-mages ended the first four Blights?"
Noticing Alistair's puzzled expression, Hope asked, "You haven't told Alistair?"
"No. I promised not to tell non-wardens."
Hope quickly explained the situation to Alistair.
"Please tell me that we can do something."
"Emmalynn has an idea about that." Calenhad grinned. "Go ahead."
"The warden, using a sword, delivers the killing blow. At the moment of death, the Archdemon's soul leaves its body and enters the body of the warden. If another mage can send the mage-warden's soul and the soul of the former Archdemon into the Fade, then the mage-warden can return to his body and leave the soul of Urthemiel behind."
"You mean like you sent Morrigan into the Fade to save Connor?"
"Exactly. I would need a mage or two to help me cast the sending spell, and lyrium to power it. We would also need a way to connect the sending spell to the warden and make sure the spell trips once the archdemon's soul has entered the warden's body, to make sure both souls go through the veil. Ideally, a sword enchanted with a rune to allow a mage to wield it could serve as the focus."
"How would that work?" Alistair asked.
"The sword is the one item that connects the warden's body to the archdemon's, and subsequently at the moment of death, allows the relocation of the archdemon's soul into the warden's body. If the mage casting the sending spell can link to the sword…"
"I see what you mean. No small feat." Alistair considered. "But there is Sandal."
"Ah, the young dwarf," Hope said. "I have a rune for you to use."
"And I have a sword that can be enchanted." Calenhad smiled.
"I thought Nemetos vanished?" Alistair asked.
"It did. I made it vanish. It is in the Landsmeet antechamber, cloaked as an ornamental sword. Although, it's real name is Nemeton."
"Holy Grove?" Emmalynn asked.
"That is a story for another day," Calenhad chortled.
Emmalyn and Alistair woke up and looked at each other. Alistair looked slightly disoriented. "Do you do that often?"
"Do what?"
"Be in the fade talking with Hope?"
"When mages dream, we enter the fade fully lucid. I am typically in Hope's fade-scape, but I don't always see her, and sometimes I am in my area of the fade when I have some…interesting dreams about you."
"Just interesting?" Alistair raised one eyebrow and gave her a sexy half-smile.
"How about I just show you?" Emma offered.
~oOOo~
At Teagan's estate, Emmalynn was in the guest-suite getting ready. She wore a sapphire blue, floor-length silk bliaut, laced at the back making the bodice close-fitting. Like the bliaut she wore to the feast, it flared at the hips into a pleated skirt and the sleeves were fitted to the forearm then hung in long pendent cuffs. Sky-blue silk lined the sleeves. The neckline was a deep V-shape, trimmed in a blue ribbon embroidered in a knotwork pattern with green and gold thread. This dress included a plumb colored bodice, or demi-corsage as Leliana called it, that fitted around her abdomen and laced at the back.
Leliana double-wrapped a woven belt that was the same color and pattern as the ribbon-trimmed collar around Emma's waist. Her hair was held back with two ivory-colored combs.
Leliana placed the last comb in her hair and said, "Voilà!"
"Thank you, Leli. Thank you for helping me find this dress and getting ready. I have no concept of fashion. What am I going to do once I'm married?" Emmalynn looked genuinely worried.
"Cherie, do not worry. I have the name of a wonderful dressmaker here in Denerim, Elma Degen. She specializes in Denerim fashion, in addition to Orlesian and Marcher fashion."
"Tu es une bouée de sauvetage, mon ami."
~oOOo~
Alistair had finished dressing and was waiting in the sitting room when Sinclair came in. "Ser Alistair, this was delivered by special courier." He handed Alistair a scroll case.
"Thank you, Sinclair." He opened the case and took out the scroll; it bore the seal of the Empress of Orlais. Alistair stood up and went to find his father.
On the way, he saw Leliana and Emmalynn emerge from the suite. All thoughts went right out of his head. "Maker's breath. Emma, you are gorgeous."
"It's the dress."
"No, you give life to the dress, not the other way around."
Emmalynn blushed. "Where were you going?"
"Oh, to see my father. I received this message with the seal of the Empress. Actually, could you both come with me? Leli, you may have some insight into whatever this message says."
"Of course!"
Alistair saw that his father was in his study and knocked. "Father?"
"Ah! Are you ready to go?" he saw Alistair's face and then noticed Emma and Leliana were with him. "Is there something wrong?"
"I hope not. I received this message with the Empress' seal. I thought I would open it and you all could advise if advice is needed."
"Well, let's all sit down."
Alistair broke the seal and unfurled it.
Ser Alistair of Rainesfere, Knight of Ferelden
Denerim
Dear Ser Alistair,
Your heroism in rescuing Queen Anora and in aiding the Wardens, both at great personal risk, make you a shining of what it means to be a Knight. An example I will use to remind my Chevaliers what true honor means.
I urge you to marry the gentle healer. Wear love's jeweled crown and you'll have a Maker-Blessed life.
Empress Celine
Orlais
~ooooo~
Everyone looked surprised. Alistair said, "I'm not sure where to start; am I wrong to think that the letter goes beyond just saying I'm a hero and I need to marry Emma? Which really, I don't need the Empress of Orlais to tell me." He took Emma's hand in his and kissed it.
Teagan stroked his beard. "This does sound like Celine never meant to marry you. Which leads me to doubt her desire to marry Cailan, as well."
"Then why does Eamon continue to push?"
Leliana looked thoughtful. "There is another layer to this correspondence. Clearly, she is unhappy with her Chevaliers - I don't know why in particular or why she would want you to know that - and then there is the "love's jeweled crown." It is not a common phrasing of Celine's. There is one thing that is clear: her admiration of you, Alistair, and you, Emmalynn."
"How does she even know about me? Oh, wait. I was presented to the Divine as a new Senior Enchanter – I would guess the empress has spies in the Chantry?"
"Actually, she doesn't need spies; she speaks to the Divine directly. One of the uncomfortable truths about the Chantry. I suggest taking this with you." Leliana gestured to the scroll. "There may be an opportunity to understand more about it."
"That was my plan." Alistair tucked the scroll into his doublet. "Shall we leave for the palace?"
~oOOo~
Eamon was in his study drumming his fingers. Alistair still seems attached to the mage. That bard assured me this would work. Perhaps Celine is permissive of a mistress – that is rather Orlesian, and if Alistair can keep the mage as his mistress maybe he will be more inclined to take the throne.
There was a knock at his door.
"Enter."
His guard came in when bade. "My Lord, this arrived for you." He handed a scroll case to the Arl.
"Thank you."
The guard nodded and left.
Eamon opened the case; it was a small note, in handwriting with which he was quite familiar.
My Good friend,
Our mutual acquaintance informed me that Ser Alistair has been given the note and knows what will happen when he wears the crown. He will not take away your Arling.
RL
~ooooo~
"Ah, Remache! You are a very good friend." Eamon tucked the note away and with a jaunty step set out for the palace.
As they walked to the Palace, Emma squeezed Alistair's hand. "Are you sure that my attending this Landsmeet is not some violation of law or custom?"
Alistair knew she was nervous. "No, it's not. You've traveled with the wardens, you are a veteran of Ostagar, and you saved Eamon. That all makes you an eyewitness to matters being taken up at this Landsmeet, not to mention you are also here as mine and my father's guest."
When they entered the Landsmeet antechamber, it was a bit crowded. Emmalynn could feel the call of Nemeton; she casually looked around the antechamber, locating the sword. Alistair felt the pull, but he couldn't see it as Emmalynn could. He looked to Emma-who nodded and smiled.
For a moment, while standing amidst the crowd waiting for the Tierce bells to chime, Emmalynn wanted to hide behind a pillar. At least this isn't the panic I'd felt at Ostagar or Denerim. The panic attacks vanished with the removal of the mental fortress and the ability to use my second sight. "Alistair, do you know everyone here?"
Alistair nodded. Then leaned in and whispered. "The woman over there in armor is Alfstanna Eremon, Bann of the Waking Sea."
"Ser Irminric's sister?" Emma whispered back.
"Yes, and the older gentleman with the greying hair and goatee is Bann Sighard of Dragon's Peak. We rescued his son Oswin from Howe's dungeon."
"Is his son recuperating?"
"I hope so, but perhaps we can talk to him and see if you can help."
"The older, distinguished looking woman talking to Alfstanna is Bann Reginalda of White River."
"White River is between South Reach and Gwaren, yes?"
"Right. The tall, clean-shaven man next to Eamon is Arl Leonas Bryland of South Reach, which may have been in the path of the Horde. Aedan was going to speak with him later."
"Who is that tall…unhappy-looking woman standing off to the side?" Emma asked.
Alistair frowned. "That is Bann Esmerelle of Amaranthine. She is pledged to Howe."
Emmalynn was about to speak when the bells rang for Tierce and the doors to the Landsmeet chamber opened. Emma was awestruck at the size of the actual chamber. It was a long hall more than twenty people wide, flanked by two long balconies of elegantly carved woodwork. The far end of each balcony widened and was encircled by the balustrade. The hall was carpeted in a rich royal blue with gold trim
Emmalynn asked Alistair about the round area at the end of each balcony, and he explained that it was a place to stand if one wanted to address the Landsmeet or the Crown.
Where the balconies ended the hall widened into what if it would have been called if it were a chapel, a crossing with a transept on either side. On each transept was a small platform, three steps above the floor. Each platform had a rug, bench, and a book stand. On the wall behind each was the banner of the royal house. Up ten stairs and at the Apse was the throne.
As they entered the chamber, instead of going down the hall, they turned right and went upstairs to the balcony level. About two-thirds of the way down the balcony they stopped. Emmalynn stood between Teagan and Alistair. She looked behind her and saw a Banner with the Rainesfere heraldry on the wall, next to which was a door.
Teagan noticed and said softly, "Inside is a small study. There are times at a Landsmeet when we need to review reports and such."
"Does the Arl use this room as well?"
"No, Eamon has his suite next door."
Just as Teagan answered the Arl walked past them, he smiled at Alistair and said, "I'm pleased with your decision." Then the Arl continued to his part of the balcony.
Alistair looked alarmed wanted to follow Eamon to ask what he meant, but the Chancellor entered from the doorway on one side of the nave. Standing facing the Landsmeet he tapped his staff of office on the ground. "Oyez! Oyez! All pay homage to Her Majesty Anora Theirin, Queen of Ferelden."
Anora entered from a different doorway, opposite from the Chancellor. She wore a long-sleeved gown of deep forest green. The waistline was high, starting just under her breasts and flowed over her abdomen, leaving no doubt that she was pregnant.
The gown was gorgeous in its simplicity, and Anora carried herself as one would expect of the Queen. Emmalynn smiled to herself, happy to see her friend's strength.
The Chancellor began, "The first order of business is the succession."
A low murmur went around the chamber before the Chancellor cleared his throat.
"I present to you a Writ in the King's hand dated just before his ill-fated trip to Ostagar. The Writ witnessed by me, Grand Cleric Elemena, and the late Arl Urien Kendalls, was sealed and bears the imprint of the King's signet ring. Any who wish to inspect this scroll before the seal is cracked may do so now."
A page carried the scroll up to the balconies so people could look, but not touch, the scroll.
"Is there anyone among you who doubts the authenticity of the seal?"
The Chancellor waited for a few minutes then looked to the Queen who nodded. The Chancellor broke the seal, unfurled the Scroll and began to read:
To the Members of the Landsmeet~
On this Day ~ 15th of Wintermarch, in the 30th year of the Dragon Age ~ be it known that My Wife, Our Queen Anora Theirin, is pregnant with an heir of My body (hereafter referred to as The Heir). In the event of My death, this writ shall be invoked.
By My will and right as King, I do hereby proclaim:
One: Queen Anora Theirin shall remain Queen of Ferelden as my successor and shall remain so whether or not The Heir dies before birth, or before it reaches the Age of Majority.
Two: If Queen Anora does not remarry and The Heir is not born or dies during its minority, Queen Anora shall name her successor upon advice and approval of the Landsmeet.
Three: If Queen Anora remarries during The Heir's minority, then her husband shall hold the title of Prince Consort and will not be in the succession unless the following come to pass:
The Heir dies before birth or before the Age of Majority, and
Queen Anora names him as her heir upon advice and approval of the Landsmeet.
Four: Upon The Heir reaching the Age of Majority: He or she will be crowned King or Queen, Queen Anora shall hold the title of Queen Mother and be afforded the same comforts and respect as befitting an important member of the Royal family.
The newly crowned Heir will determine if any other children born to Queen Anora during The Heir's minority will be in the line of succession.
My will be done,
Cailan R
Ferelden
Witnessed by
Elemena
Grand Cleric
Chester Woodward
Chancellor
Urien Kendalls
Arl of Denerim
"Does anyone challenge the Writ?"
Arl Eamon stood. "First, a Theirin has sat upon the throne since the time of Calenhad. While her Majesty carries what could be the heir, it would be at least 18 years before another of the Theirin line rules, assuming the child lives.
"I also believe our late King who wrote this Writ could not have known what would happen. So while we wait 18 years, we are left with a ruler who abdicated her responsibilities as Queen, and without consultation with the Bannorn, appointed her father as regent. A man who quit the field resulting in the death of her husband, our King. King Cailan could not have known any of that would come to pass when he wrote the Writ, and I dare say if he had, it is unlikely he would have left Anora as his heir."
Emmalynn whispered to Alistair, "Those nodding their heads were not at Ostagar. Alistair, I must speak."
Alistair nodded and whispered to his father, who looked at Emmalynn and nodded, smiling in encouragement.
Emmalynn slowly came forward to the balcony balustrade, which was a signal for wanting to speak. Murmurs and whispers could be heard throughout the hall as all eyes fell on Emmalynn.
The Queen conferred with the Chancellor; he nodded and bowed then went to the center of the transept. "The Crown recognizes Her subject Lady Emmalynn Amell Trevelyan, who is a veteran of Ostagar, and the niece of Bann Trevelyan of Ostwick. Please come forward."
I wonder if my father every told Uncle Alton about me, or did he tell him I died? As Emmalynn walked to the end of the balcony she ignored the eyes that followed her, and when she reached the speaker's area she curtsied towards the Queen, who nodded.
Taking a calming breath, Emmalynn began, "Your Majesty, Teyrn Loghain, Arls, Arlessas, Banns, Knights, Lords, and Ladies. I wish to address the two challenges Arl Guerrin has leveled against our Queen. I speak both as a veteran of Ostagar and as a healer.
"Regarding the challenge that Teyrn Loghain's retreat was somehow improper and resulted in the King's death: I trained with his Majesty at Ostagar, and I was to be his shield mage. According to the battle plan, His Majesty was to stay behind the palisade, which was to serve as a choke point. When we received word that the approaching horde was more massive than we expected, His Majesty decided to join the front lines.
"He also refused to bring me with him, which made it impossible for me to shield him. I argued with the King, rather loudly and forcefully I'm afraid, to either stay behind chokepoint or take me with him, but he refused. He said that he needed to give courage to his soldiers who were 'fighting an evil the likes of which no one living has ever seen.'"
Arl Wulf stood up. "I witnessed the argument. The Lady was indeed forceful with the King, and willing to brave the frontlines to save him." He looked approvingly at Emmalynn. "You may continue, My Lady."
"Thank you Arl Wolfe. Teyrn Loghain knew none of this as he was already in position with the flanking troops. The Teyrn quit field because he saw, as did I, and clearly as His Majesty already guessed, our complement of 5000 soldiers was outnumbered at least three to one."
She let that sink in. "Yes, the darkspawn horde was over fifteen-thousand strong. The Teyrn sounded the retreat, as he should have, and because of that we still have soldiers to help defend us against the encroaching Blight.
"Regarding the challenge that the Queen wrongfully abandoned her responsibilities: when her Majesty found out about the loss of her husband, she feared that the emotional distress from grief, on top of her royal duties, would likely have compromised the 10-week old pregnancy. She was absolutely justified in her concern, and her midwife concurred.
"What the Queen did not do was abdicate her responsibilities. What she did do was protect the heir to the throne, to protect the future of Ferelden, which was her first and most important responsibility as Queen and as a mother.
"No, she did not consult the Bannorn, but she also did not appoint some unknown person. What she did do was appoint a regent who is, after herself, the highest-ranking noble in Ferelden, and the Hero of River Dane – what more could one want in a Regent? So, when you consider the Arl of Redcliffe's speech against our Queen, please consider the facts."
Eamon was angry. "I was poisoned by that Regent!"
The Chancellor spoke up. "A charge that has yet to be adjudicated and has no bearing on this challenge, as her Majesty was not made aware of your illness until well after her father was appointed Regent." He turned back to the Landsmeet. "You have heard the Arl of Redcliffe's challenge and the evidence brought forward by Lady Trevelyan.
"Given that a regent would have been voted upon by the Banns, only the Banns will vote regarding these two charges against the Queen's appointing a Regent and against whom she appointed. The first charge of the Queen abdicating her responsibly when appointing Teyrn Loghain as regent. How many vote yes?"
Not one Bann one raised their hand
"How many vote no?"
Everyone Bann raised their hand.
"For the second and related charge that Teyrn Loghain's retreat was improper and resulted in the King's death. Members of the Bannorn, How many vote yes?"
Not one Bann one raised their hand
"How many vote no?"
Everyone Bann raised their hand.
Let be known the Bannorn unanimously voted that the Queen did not abdicate her duties and that Teyrn Loghain's retreat at Ostagar was not improper."
"Arl Eamon Guerin, aside from challenging the Queen's qualifications and choice of the regent, do you have someone else to put forward for consideration?"
Arl Eamon nodded. "I do. I put forward Ser Alistair Theirin, Son of Maric Theirin, Knight of the Realm." Eamon smiled.
Alistair frowned as he made his way to meet the Arl, who smiled even more broadly.
"Your Majesty, members of the Landsmeet, I have never considered taking the throne. I have never told the Arl that I have considered taking the throne. Why he believes I will consent now is baffling. I pledge my allegiance to Queen Anora as the Rightful ruler of Ferelden."
Eamon was stunned. I cannot fight this without mentioning my involvement with Lydes.
Alistair, seeing Eamon's distress, continued, "Your Majesty, I received a note this morning from the Empress of Orlais. I believe you should look at it."
He gave it to the page, who brought it to the Chancellor, who read it and showed it to the Queen.
Anora stood up. "I would like to read this to the Landsmeet."
Anora repeated the words as Alistair remembered them, emphasizing Celine's respect for him as a Knight and urging him to 'wear love's jeweled crown' to have a blessed life.
Eamon listened and thought about the note he'd received from the Duke of Lyde, who had assured him that Alistair knew what would happen when he wore the crown, and there would be no consequences for Eamon because of it. 'Wear love's jeweled crown…' I have been double-crossed by the Duke of Lydes!
Anora smiled. "Your loyalty is without question, Ser Alistair." She looked at her Chancellor, who nodded.
"While we do not have to put the now-authenticated Writ up for a vote, the Queen has requested the consent of the Landsmeet. Before we proceed, I will present all the facts.
"Fact: King Cailan knew the threat of a Blight.
"Fact: King Callan knew the possibility existed that he would not live through the battle.
"Fact: The King acknowledged in his own hand, witnessed by the Grand Cleric, Arl Urien Kendalls, and myself as Chancellor, that the Queen carried his child, and that she was to remain on the throne as Queen.
The Chancellor, spoke, "Are these facts in dispute? Arl Eamon, do you have evidence that disputes those facts?"
"No." Eamon seemed to deflate as he admitted it.
"Does anyone have evidence that dispute these facts?"
No one spoke.
"Let it be recorded that the facts have been stated and no evidence brought forward to dispute them. In accordance with our late King's Writ, Queen Anora will remain, Queen, until their child reaches the Age of Majority.
"Members of the Bannorn, How many vote yes?"
Everyone Bann raised their hand.
"How may vote no?"
Not one Bann one raised their hand.
"Let it be recorded that all 18 Banns voted to accept the Writ. At the Queen"s request, the Arls and Teryn's must vocally cast their vote, so there are no misunderstandings and to formally abstain if they so choose. Those who abstain will need to take an oath of fealty to the Crown. Arls of Ferelden, when called upon to state your vote either Yay, Nay or Abstain, to accept the King's Writ.
"Leonas Bryland Arl of South Reach?"
"Yay."
"Gel Lendon, Arl of Edgehall?"
"Yay."
"Gallagher Wolfe Arl of Western Hills?"
"Yay!"
"Voychek Neruda, Arl of Stenhold?"
"Yay!"
"Eamon Guerin, Arl of Redcliffe?"
"Abstain."
"Be it recorded that including the Arls, there are Twenty-three in favor and Arl Eamon Guerin abstains. The Writ is accepted the succession affirmed. Long live Queen Anora!"
"Long live the Queen!" shouted the Landsmeet.
Anora looked out at the Landsmeet, then looked to her Father. She nodded. "Teryn Loghain Mac Tir please approach the throne."
Loghain knelt before his daughter, "Your Majesty, I would like to address the Landsmeet to both explain and recind my charge of regicide against of Grey Wardens."
AN: Thank you to my Beta ElyssaCousland. To Melysande, Judy, and Onyx Drakon many thanks for your reviews!