Chapter 3: A New Adventure Awaits
Sophie was awakened to small kisses on her neck, and she smiled as she opened her eyes to see her love. He kissed her forehead as he held her, and she was happy to see him feeling fulfilled and satisfied. Because, if she knew him well enough it would not last for long. He would hunger for her again sooner rather than later. "Good morning, Love." She spoke, letting out a small sigh of content from her lips. "Good morning, beautiful. Did you sleep well?" She nodded with a yawn escaping from her lips. She had passed out. It had been the best sleep she had had in a while. No dreams. Nothing to keep her awake in the middle of the cold night. At least not last night. She sat up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, as she looked slowly around the room. She could see the small shed of light coming from the window, and smiled to herself. She felt his arms around her, and his head on her shoulder and she sighed, relaxing against him.
"I hope you enjoyed last night as much as I did." She laughed and turned her body to face him, her eyes questioning his statement. "I think someone is eager to continue last nights antics." He grinned sheepishly, as though he had been caught doing something he should not have been. She shook her head, and placed a kiss on his forehead, before grabbing the fur blanket on the bed, and wrapping it around herself. She stood up, and stretched, before looking back at her man. He did not urge her back to the bed. He did not beg for her. He just watched her, with more love than she could have imagined possible from a man. "I suppose we need to gather our things. We will have to leave for Highever soon."
She nodded at his statement, as he got up from the bed, naked as the day he was born and made his way to the closet. Alistair had never been shy about his appearance, but Sophie had always thought a little modesty for her went a long way. It would not be as acceptable for her to walk around their room in the nude and risk having someone pass by. And besides, she got cold easy. It took him only moments to get dressed, and she sat down on the bed beside him as he slid on a pair of leather boots. His puffy shirt was decorated in dark shades of purple and gold, and the pants were leather and black in color. All of this was tight fitting, as no one in the kingdom ever wore clothing that was loose. At least not on the days they had to appear in public.
Sophie would have been comfortable leaving the castle in just a nightgown, but she knew the court would never allow it. He looked down at her after he was finished, telling her to stay on the bed. He had some kind of present for her. She looked curiously as he jumped up and walked back over to the little wardrobe, pulling out a dress she had never seen before. It was gold in color, and matched a similar style as the one she had worn to her wedding; puffy sleeves with a corset back and a flowing skirt that dropped to her ankles.
She stood up and walked over to him, admiring the gown. It was one of the nicest things she had ever seen, and she was scared to touch it for she might ruin it. "This is for you, pet." She placed a a hand on the dress feeling the cloth was soft and comfortable satin. She looked up at him, and he smiled as he offered it to her. "I know you are not fond of dresses and would be more comfortable in your armor, but I couldn't resist." She flicked a piece a strand of her hair out of her face as he placed the dress on the desk beside him, and waited for her to put it on. He walked back to the bed, as she dropped the blanket to his floor, and the sight of her bare bottom sent waves of desire upon him.
She pulled the dress on over her head and he stood up, moving back to her to help her tie the many strings of the back. When he was done, she turned to the mirror on her right, taking a look at herself. The neck of the dress was low cut, and showed just a tease of the mound of her breasts. Even if Sophie would have been more comfortable in a pair of leather pants and a white shirt with her armor over top of it, she felt beautiful in this dress. "Do you like it?" He asked, placing his hands on her shoulders as she looked at herself.
"It's beautiful, Alistair. Thank you." He grinned, kissing her cheek before turning towards the door. She watched him go, and she knew he had to go and tell the court that he would be gone. "I won't be gone long, my love. Do you need any help?" She shook her head and he smiled at her, his gaze never leaving her. Alistair knew Sophie preferred to do things herself, so he would not push the issue. He spoke of his devotion one last time, as though he was almost unable to pull himself away from her. " I love you." She blew a kiss to him, speaking that she loved him too. He turned and walked out the door, leaving her alone to prepare for their long journey to Highever. She sat down on the edge of the bed after making it back up. It would be a while before she returned to Denerim, and a part of her would miss it. But, she was still extremely excited to be returning to her childhood home.
In the next instance she heard the barking sound of her Mabari, Smokey. She grinned as he ran to her, wagging that little stub tail of his. For a war dog, he was quite playful when it came to Sophie. She grinned and petted him on the head, scratching behind his ears. He closed his eyes and started to thump his leg on the ground because it felt nice. She giggled and stood up, happy to see her beloved pet. She would not leave him behind. Alistair may not like it, but she knew he would only follow her if she left him here. She looked towards the door as her brother entered the room, a smirk on his face.
"That hound could find you anywhere, Sister. I told him to lead me to you."
"He is too smart for his own good, Fergus. And he knows it."
She laughed when he barked a response to her comment. She turned back to the closet, opening the trunk sitting at the feet of her bed. Fergus smiled, realizing that she was coming with him to Highever. "You convinced him?" She nodded, a devilish grin forming over her face. He laughed and shook his head as she placed a few pairs of Alistair's pants in the trunk. "I swear you have that man wrapped around your fingers. You could rule the Kingdom through him if you wished." She shrugged her shoulders, placing a few of his silk shirts inside the trunk. She didn't know if she was that manipulative, but she was getting pretty good at it. She knew though that her brother was right about her new husband. Alistair would give her whatever her heart desired. He loved her that much. "I just know how to get what I want, Fergus. And when to ask for it." He shook his head as he sat down in the chair sitting at the desk, shaking his head.
"You really are evil. But I don't think I want to know the details." She glared at him before placing a few pairs of Alistair's boots, and a belt or two. His armor would be on him, just as hers would be. There would be no need to pack it. She sighed and looked at her brother as she picked a stray hair from the color of one of her gowns. "He would do anything for me just as I would for him. Besides, we both want this time alone together." He nodded and stood up to hug his sister, before pulling away and grinning down at his baby sister. "I am just glad you are taken care of, baby sister. He does truly love you. And It's a purer love than I have ever seen. I envy you."
She dropped a pair of her boots into the trunk, as she watched her brother's face sadden. She knew what he was speaking of. When Highever was invaded by Arl Howe's men, they had also killed her brother's wife and child, Oriana and Oren. It had not just been her parents that they had lost. She placed a small hand upon his shoulders, trying to show her sympathy. She missed her young nephew as well. He had always treated her like a hero. She felt like she let him down, just like she had let her father and mother die in a castle all alone. But, they had begged her to leave with Duncan, and she could never say no to them no matter how stubborn she was. "Fergus, they are with the Maker. I know you miss them, as I would if something horrible ever happened to Alistair. And I am sorry I could not save them from their fates."
"I do not blame you, Sister. You also sought revenge by kill Howe. I am grateful you are alive. I am just lonely. I miss her terribly. My head council has been urging me to remarry but I feel like I would be dishonoring her memory." She nodded, feeling that he had every right to be worried about the future of Highever. But, she did not think that finding a wife would be dishonoring her sister-in-law's memory in the least little bit. In all honesty, she believed that she would have wanted him to be happy, and find love again. "Fergus, if you meet someone who you feel an attraction for, and a longing to get to know, promise me you won't hold back. I don't think Oriana would have wanted you to be lonely. But do it in your own speed. Don't have anyone force you." She spoke her mind, looking for her brother for his reply. She hoped that he would see that she only desired for him to be happy.
He nodded, and Sophie felt good that he had listened to her. "Sometimes, Dear Sister, I fear you are too smart for your own good as well." She laughed as her eyes wondered to the door way, where Alistair stood. She did not know how long he had been there, but Fergus bowed to him and Alistair waved him off. "Fergus, there is no need to bow to me. I am your sister's husband before your King." Her eyes never left Alistair, as his voice spoke words of wisdom and humbleness beyond his ears. Every day he was becoming more and more the King she knew he would always be. It did her proud to know that he would fulfill every dream that she had held for him when his Uncle Eamon first suggested that they make him their new King. "I will see you both when we prepare to leave." He nodded, kissing his sister's cheek goodbye and nodding his head to Alistair before leaving the room.
"You are back early, My King." She spoke as he approached her. Her back was currently turned away from him, as she grabbed another dress out of her closet. She felt him behind her moments later, his hands falling to her waist. She smirked and turned around, smiling up at him. "You know I can't stay away from you. Your an addiction for me, pet. Stronger than any dose of Lyrium could be." She smirked, shaking her head as she moved away from him, placing the dress in the trunk. "What did the council say?" She asked as she closed the trunk, latching it in place. She turned to face him as she sat down on the top of it, crossing her right leg over her left. "They are not happy, but Eamon seems to understand. I told him we would not be gone longer than a couple of weeks and that seemed to ease his spirits."
She nodded as he sat down beside her, wrapping an arm around her waist. It was then for the first time that Alistair noticed the hound in the corner because he let out a low possessive growl. She laughed as he glared at the beast. "Alistair don't taunt him. He is just trying to protect me." She stood as she walked over to the dog, patting his head. "And why does he see me as a threat, pray tell?" She left the dog's side and returned to her husband, a wicked grin on her face. "Because, dear husband, he knows how much I love you. And, he is jealous." She heard the dog whimper behind her and she shook her head at him. Alistair grinned as well, looking at the dog as he spoke, "Looks like I won this round, beast."
She pushed him, before looking up to see Eamon and Wynne entering into the room. They both bowed to them, and Alistair nodded at them. "Is something wrong, Eamon?" He stood, tilting his head to the side. Eamon shook his head and smiled at the pair. "We just wanted to come and say our goodbyes. I hope you won't be gone too long, Alistair." He nodded, saying his farewell to his uncle, and to Wynne. They both had been the parental figures in Alistair's life, and she was thankful he had been able to have that. Eamon moved from Alistair and bowed to Sophie, who blushed at his gesture. "May the Maker bless you and watch over you, My Lady."
Sophie nodded, thanking him for his kind words. Wynne came to her next, smiling down at her. "Stay safe, My Lady. I will worry for you constantly." She grinned at Wynne, reaching out to give her a hug. The older woman returned the hug, and Sophie was glad that Wynne was still with her. She had become someone she could look up to in her journeys. And, the day the spirit that was inhabiting her body left her wold be the saddest day of Sophia's life. They both said their final goodbyes, and the new couple began to prepare for their journey to the Amaranthine coast line, and to Castle Highever.
Only a few hours after sunrise, the party carrying King Alistair and His Princess and her brother, Teryn Cousland had left the castle. It would be a two day trip to reach the coastline, and Sophie had convinced Alistair that they should ride rather than stay in a carriage. She could prevent an attack if she could see it coming. He was uneasy about having his bride out in the middle of nowhere, but their armor, swords, and shields would serve them both well. They were no strangers to combat.
Sophie relaxed as they made their way out of the city and were finally on the open road. She had never been more comfortable than when she was traveling. She looked down to see Smokey close to her horses heels and she grinned at him. Alistair had, of course, not been happy he was coming. But Alistair was no fool. The Mabari Hound had served them both in the past, and he would protect Sophie with his life.
They traveled till the sun had began to sink low in the sky. There had been no sign of the Darkspawn, and everyone in their party was growing tried. They found a clearing that was hidden by bushes on the side of the road, and began to make their camp. They had just passed through the remains of Lothering, and were right on time. They would next travel through the Bercilian forest before reaching the coastline and Highever castle. It had been a miracle they had made the journey this far in one day. It would have taken much longer if there had been Darkspawn or any other kinds of bandits lurking about. But, to their joy nothing had bothered them.
It only took a few moments for Alistair to set up a small tent for them, as Sophie set on a stump near him petting Smokey. She was feeling tired, and it was more tired than normal. Maybe she had adjusted into staying in one place again, and traveling was bringing her the fatigue that it used to before their adventures six months prior. Alistair had noticed that she was not feeling well, and it worried him. The taint could not be affecting her. She was far too young too be overtaken by the Darkspawn blood inside of her.
"Sophia?"
She turned when he spoke her name. The full use of her name told her that he was worried for her. She smiled, as she stood up. She did not expect what happened next, as her legs buckled out from under her and she fell to the ground. Alistair ran for her, picking her up, and cradling her in his arms. She was out cold, and he called her name several times but she did not answer.
The dream world that she found herself in looked all too familiar to her. She looked slowly around and her eyes landed on a woman she had thought she would never see again. It was Morrigan. She could not see her, but she was cradling a small child in her arms. The child was a boy, and she could sense the power behind it. She tried to call to Morrigan, but the woman could not hear her. The vision only lasted for a few more moments before she was forced back into her body, her eyes opening to see many people around her.
The first face her eyes landed on was Alistair, who had a few tears in his eyes. He had been worried for her, and she touched a hand to his face, forcing a smile to her face. "My love, are you all right? What happened?" She shook her head, refusing to tell him about the vision. She would chalk up her fainting to her tiredness. Alistair told everyone to leave her be, as he stood up with her in his arms. He brought her back into the tent, laying her down on the sleeping bags that they had brought.
He wiped a few strands of her hair from her face as he he looked down at her. She was thankful that he was taking care of her, and she felt bad for worrying him. She did not want to bring up the vision for fear of the mentioning of Morrigan's name. Alistair would not talk about it. He still did not want to admit to what she had asked him to do, and Sophie kept her silence for fear of an argument.
"Are you all right?"
He asked her one more time, before rubbing a small wet cloth over her forehead. She nodded, placing a hand on his. "I am fine. I am extremely tired, but I am fine." He nodded, dipping the cloth back into the bucket of water he had brought in for them to drink from. "What did you see?" She looked at his face, questioning his question. His face was hardened and it made her nervous just by looking at him. He knew? How did he know? She wanted to feign ignorance, and she did exactly that. "What are you talking about?"
He threw the cloth to the over side of the tent before turning back to Sophie, his eyes filled with worry and anger. "Dammit, Sophie, I know you had a vision. You think you can hide it from me? I get them to, remember?" She sighed, nodding as she attempted to sit up, but felt that she might faint again if she did so. She looked away from him, her embarrassment and fear over what she was about to say to him. She knew he would grow angry at the mere mention of her name. And to know that the child had been born might drive Alistair over the edge.
"I saw your son – and his mother."
She did not look at him, but the atmosphere in the room spoke volumes of what he was feeling. She heard him get up, and kick the bucket out of the tent as he exited it. She felt a few tears falling down her face as she closed her eyes, to exhausted to venture after him. He needed to be alone, and she could not blame him. She drifted off into a feverish sleep moments later and for the first time in months, she slept alone. He was not angry with her. Sophie knew that. She just prayed he would get over his anger at the situation before they reached Highever or this honeymoon might not be as wonderful as they both had hoped.