And here we are, the final chapter in The Way It Once Was. Whew, this was an interesting journey for me! Fun fact? Originally, Nathaniel and Ely were just suppose to be best friends but they had other plans! Sometimes your characters do things you don't expect but I like where it ended up! Short chapter is short. I think this might be the first time I;ve mentioned the Thedas calendar system. The title is named after my favorite scene in the live version of Rent! the musical (deleted scene in the movie version).
Chapter Ten
The next few months sped by too quickly. Nathaniel and I spent every moment we could together and I came to look forward to his kiss more than anything. My biggest fear was Guardian. That was the month he was leaving for the Free Marches. I vowed to make every moment count until then. Today he had promised to meet me under the big oak tree. It had quickly become our favorite spot to spend time alone together.
I was looking the opposite way when he came up behind me and wrapped his arms around me. I sighed contentedly and leaned into his embrace. I closed my eyes and gripped his arms tightly. I wanted moments like this to go on forever.
"Do you really have to go, Nathaniel?" I asked.
He nuzzled my hair and nodded. "Yes, my father insists. Don't worry, love. I'll write to you every chance I get and tell you of all my grand adventures. You won't be able to write me back, since I'll be traveling so much."
I sighed and tried to hold back my tears. The idea of Nathaniel leaving and being gone for so long tore at my heart. His father wanted him to stay gone for at least five years to complete his training and the idea of us being apart so long was a depressing one.
I turned around and he kissed me; the feel of his lips caused my heart to swell and an ache to begin between my legs. I pulled back, breathless. Nathaniel pulled a small knife out of his belt and walked closer to the tree. He knelt close, carving something skillfully with his blade. He pulled back and showed me his work; our names encompassed by a heart. I touched it lightly with my fingers and felt a few tears roll down my cheeks.
Nathaniel cupped my chin and looked into my eyes, his steel gray ones filled with concern. "What is it, Ely?"
I smiled lightly and wiped away the tears. "I just don't want you to go. It seems like we've only just begun and already you're going away," I whispered.
He sighed and pulled me close. My head rested against his chest and I could hear the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. "Ah, my clumsy little Ely. Don't worry, I'll be back in Ferelden and by your side again before you know it, Maker willing."
He pulled back and dropped to one knee. His face was full of seriousness in that moment and I felt my heartbeat quicken. "Lady Eilonwy, I've loved you since you were five years old. You captured my heart and no other woman will ever be enough for me. Will you do me the honor of marrying me once I return from the Free Marches?" Nathaniel held a simple gold band out to me as he gently held onto my hand.
I nodded my head yes, too excited to speak. He smiled and stood up; pulling me in for the sweetest kiss I ever had.
He stayed long enough to attend Fergus and Oriana's wedding. The day he left was one of the saddest of my life. He wrote to me often but one day the letters just stopped. I feared something had happened to him but when I asked Arl Howe he wouldn't give me a clear answer. He said he had probably just become too busy to deal with childhood nonsense. My heart broke at those words.
It would be six years before I would see him again and by that time so much would be different.
A Series Of Letters to Eilonwy Cousland from Nathaniel Howe in the Free Marches
My Darling Eilonwy,
I arrived in Starkhaven a few months ago, sorry I haven't had the time to write you sooner. The city is a grand one indeed. I'm surrounded by marble and gold; the wealth here is on display in such a grandiose manner. I met a member of the Vael family, the ruling family of Starkhaven. A young prince by the name of Sebastian. He's a rambunctious boy and he seems to spend most on his coin of women and wine.
Don't worry love, there's not a single woman that would tempt me away from you. As much as I enjoy exploring the city of Starkhaven I wish I was back home in Ferelden, with you, instead.
I wish you could taste the food here. The fish and egg pie is wonderful. Well, today is my last day in this grand city. I'll write to you soon.
With all my love,
Nathaniel
Dearest Eilonwy,
Has it truly been a year since I've held you in my arms?
Today I visited Ostwick. The double walls are formidable indeed. I figure it has something to do with the Qunari presence so long ago. Ostwick is a rather dull city, truth be told. I spend most of my nights alone, wishing you were here. I think of you every day and miss you most of all. I can only hope that no other man takes your eye whilst I'm away. The thought of losing you rips at my heart. Don't forget how much I love you, my clumsy little Ely.
Yours always,
Nathaniel
My dearest Ely,
These past two years have been torture without you.
I'm in Wycome now. The population is small here but they are certainly a rowdy bunch. I watched as a pirate woman by the name of Isabela dueled four men by herself. It reminded me a bit of you, actually. Don't worry Love, her offer to bed her wasn't able to tempt me. I told her I had a beautiful warrior waiting for me back home.
The Antivan wine here is amazing. I'm sure Oriana would love some so I'm sending a bottle back with the letter; I only hope it reaches you without being drank by some smuggling bandit.
I miss you more and more each day. Do you think of me? Or have you already moved on? I hope you haven't forgotten how much I love you.
Forever yours,
Nathaniel
Dear Eilonwy,
I can scarcely believe three years have passed so quickly. If only you were here at my side where you belong, I'm sure our adventures would be more exciting.
The city of Tantervale is a harsh one. Chantry is absolute law here. Such a dour city indeed; the city guard is obsessed with enforcement. I must tread carefully while I'm here; I saw a street urchin steal an apple the other day and the city guard put him in the dungeons for it. I'll never forget the sight of that poor little boy as he was dragged away, screaming and crying. He begged for mercy but it fell upon deaf ears. I can't wait to leave this city.
Know that I still carry you in my heart, my love, and eagerly await the day I can return to you.
Yours completely,
Nathaniel
Dear Eilonwy,
It's been five years since I've been gone and I am shocked at the news I have just heard.
Is it true? Father managed to get a letter to me. Your father is working with the Empress of Orlais? I don't want to believe it, but I know Father wouldn't lie to me! How could you do this to Ferelden? I thought at first it was just your father, but my own father assured me you have a hand in it. I don't understand how you could betray our country like this. I want to rush home and shake some sense into you but Father said he would handle it. I begged him to offer mercy, despite how heinous a crime it is to betray one's homeland. Please, Eilonwy, tell me it isn't true, tell me
The letter appears crumbled, like someone had balled it up in their fist and thrown it away before finishing it.
Originally I was going to post the letters and Chapter Ten separately but decided last moment to post them together. I hope you enjoy this story, short as it was! The start of the follow up piece, The Way It Now Is, should be posted soon!
I want to thank everyone who reviewed it, favorited it, and followed it! 3
Thanks again to my Beta, BlondMoments, you have been amazing throughout this whole thing!
Thanks to Carmelclouds, who did the cover art, I loved how you brought Ely and Nate to life and I can't wait for the next commission piece from you!
Thanks to my girlfriend, Chibi, who encouraged me to write this fic even though she doesn't play the Dragon Age Games. 3 you!
Thanks to Bioware and team for creating such a wonderful world for me to play in!
Hope everyone enjoyed the story! Maker light your path! ;)