Chapter 4
"Take me to your heart, feel me in your bones, just one more night
And I'm comin' off this, long and winding road
I'm on my way, I'm on my way, home sweet home, tonight tonight
I'm on my way, I'm on my way, home sweet home
My heart's like an open book, for the whole world to read
Sometime, nothing keeps me together, at the seams
I'm on my way, I'm on my way, home sweet home, tonight tonight
I'm on my way, just set me free, home sweet home
Home Sweet Home by Motley Crew
It took them another five days before they entered the gates of Highever Castle. Sabrina looked over at Tristen to make sure he still had the hood of his travel cloak pulled up. When they had traveled through Highever Village she had asked him to keep it up until she had introduced him to Fergus. She didn't want to start any rumors in the Village that the King was visiting. That would be all she needed right now.
The past five days on the road for the most part had been uneventful. Tristen had been true to his word and had not overstepped the boundaries of friendship. Oh, he still made his off handed remarks and sexual overtures, but she was used to that after traveling with Zevran for over a year. He asked her a lot of questions about her home and her upbringing in Highever. It surprised her that he never asked about her travels during the Blight. That was always the first thing that people asked about. He was more interested in who she was before she met Alistair. When she had told him about the massacre he had been very sympathetic and for the first time in over a year, she had given in to tears, reliving the memory had brought on an unexpected wave of grief. He had just held her and let her cry herself to sleep. She woke up in the middle of the night still enfolded in his arms, she should have moved to her own bedroll, but the feeling of his muscular arms made her feel secure and safe. She hadn't felt that since before the Landsmeet when she would fall asleep in Alistair's arms. She had cuddled up to him, resting her head in the crook of his neck and fallen asleep again, breathing in his cool, crisp scent. When she woke up the next morning she felt completely rested. That had been the best nights sleep she'd had in a long while.
The next night she wanted to fall asleep in his arms again, but she knew that wouldn't be a wise decision, especially since she was the one that had asked to slow things down. She did however move her bedroll closer to his. When they went to sleep that night their heads were only inches apart. She just liked knowing he was close by. When she woke up the next morning her arm was stretched past her head toward Tristen and she was pleasantly surprised and pleased to feel Tristen's fingers intertwined with hers. Every night after that they had fallen asleep with their fingers laced together.
As she made her way into the courtyard one of the guards, rushed up to them, "My Lady, it is so good to see you."
Sabrina smiled, "It's good to see you too Will. You have grown up so much, I hardly recognized you. So you are following in your father's footsteps and becoming a Highever Knight?"
"Yes, my Lady, I hope to be as honorable a knight as my Father was," Will replied.
Sabrina smiled broadly, "Oh Will, I am sure you will bring much honor to your Father's memory."
"Thank you, my Lady," Will said.
"Is the Teyrn in?" Sabrina asked.
"Yes, he was in the practice ring a…"
"Did I hear a rumor that my baby sister was here?" Fergus bellowed as he swiftly approached them.
Sabrina whirled around and raced into her brother's arms. Fergus grabbed and pulled her into a tight bear hug. He kissed the side of her cheek, "It's good to see you, Bean. I know it's only been a month since I left Denerim, but…" his voice trailed off.
Sabrina touched the side of her brother's face, "I know, that is why I am here."
Fergus hugged her again and then released her. Sabrina took her brother by the arm and led him over to her hooded traveling companion. "Fergus, I would like you to meet my fellow Grey Warden from Orlais, Tristen."
Tristen removed his hood. Sabrina heard Fergus gasp, then her brother bowed, "Your Majesty, what an unexpected, but pleasant surprise."
Sabrina looked at Tristen and he looked utterly surprised and very uncomfortable.
"Fergus, this isn't Alistair," Sabrina said.
"What? Of course he…"
"No, he it isn't. Let's go inside to your study where we can have some privacy and I will explain everything," Sabrina said as she looked around the courtyard. She motioned for Tristen to put his hood up which he quickly did.
"Yes, that would probably be best and I do believe a very large glass of brandy needs to accompany this conversation," Fergus replied still flabbergasted.
They made their way into the main hall and Fergus motioned for several servants to take their bags and asked them to prepare Sabrina's room and a guest room. One of the servants gestured for Tristen's cloak, but Fergus waved them off. "Umm, that won't be necessary; our guest is still chilled from his travels." The servant nodded and left the room as Fergus led them toward his study.
Sabrina grabbed Tristen by the arm and whispered, "I hope you have your story straight because you're about to head into the inquisition."
Completely at ease Tristen just nodded and followed Fergus into the study. Fergus went over and poured three very large glasses of brandy. Tristen removed the hood just as Fergus handed him the glass. Again she heard Fergus gasp slightly, "The resemblance is remarkable…you have to be Alistair's brother."
Tristen nodded, "Yes, we are twins."
Fergus took a large gulp of brandy, "Twins, that's incredible. I have never heard even a hushed rumor of twins."
"But you heard rumors about Alistair," Sabrina asked.
"Well, not Alistair per say, but that Maric had a bastard son, yes. It was always said in hushed tones and behind closed doors, but yes there were rumors of Alistair's existence," Fergus said.
"And what did these rumor say happened to the child," Sabrina asked.
"Well, some said that he was taken in by a nobleman and raised as his own child, some said the child was given to the Chantry and some said the child was taken to Orlais." Even as he said it, it dawned on Fergus and he looked up at Tristen, "Didn't Sabrina said you are from Orlais?"
Tristen nodded.
"By Andraste's arse, why can't the royals learn to keep their dicks in their trousers?" Fergus asked as he took another swig of brandy.
Tristen chuckled, "If we had a copper for every royal bastard running around Thedas we would all be living like kings."
"Bloody hell, isn't that the damn truth," Fergus laughed as he poured each of them another glass of brandy. "So what exactly are your plans, Tristen."
Before Tristen could reply, Sabrina chimed in, "Oh he wants to over throw the crown, set himself up as King and make me his Queen."
Fergus had just taken a sip of brandy and started to choke. "W-what?"
"Well, that's a bit of an exaggeration," Tristen retorted.
"Oh really? Because I distinctly remember you saying, and I quote, 'with you at my side, I am going to rule, first Ferelden…and then the world'," Sabrina countered giving him a very amused look.
"Well, those are ambitious goals even for a Theirin," Fergus chortled.
"Well, I was just making small talk trying to impress a pretty girl," Tristen said.
Fergus grinned as he looked at Tristen, then Sabrina, "And how did that work out for you?"
Tristen grinned that sexy smile of his and winked at Sabrina, "Well, it's a little too soon to tell. I'll have to get back to you on that."
Fergus let out boisterous laugh, "Yes, Bean always was one that was hard to impress. Half the noble's sons in Ferelden have tried and royally failed. I remember this one fellow….Bann Lorne's son….what was his name?" Fergus said as he snapped his fingers.
Sabrina felt her face turn red as she stood up, "Well, I think it's time to go get cleaned up for dinner."
Tristen grinned at her and looked at Fergus, "Oooo, this has got to be good."
"Sit down Bean, it isn't your fault that he will be forever known as Ser Happy Golden Showers."
Now it was Tristen's turn to choke, "You're kidding, right?"
Sabrina grabbed the brandy and poured another glass before she sat down, "Oh Maker, please let me die now."
"Well, it was Bean's sixteenth birthday and half of Ferelden's nobility were invited to her Debut Party. Bean was in the courtyard greeting her guests as they arrived and she was dressed in this spectacular dress that was very form fitting and low cut. The bodice definitely emphasized all of her Maker given attributes. So Bann Lorne's son was next in line to greet her when Bean dropped the bouquet of flowers that had just been given to her. She bent over to pick them up and from what has been relayed to me, she gave those in line a stunning view of her breasts. So impressed with the view, the Bann's son immediately had a very noticeable erection for all of Ferelden's society to see. As if that wasn't bad enough Strider, Sabrina's mabari, had escaped the dog pen and charged the crowd scaring everyone; also scared one noble's son so badly that he had an accident in his pants."
Tristen burst out laughing and Fergus joined in. Both of them had tears rolling down their cheeks.
"It's not funny. That poor boy was the laughing stock of all of Ferelden and there isn't a noble girl in all of Thedas that would marry him. Who the hell would want to be known as Lady Happy Golden Showers," Sabrina exclaimed.
Both men burst out in another round of uncontrollable laughter and Sabrina couldn't suppress her laughter anymore and joined in.
"Oh Maker, that has to be the best story I've heard in a long time," Tristen said gasping for breath.
"Oh, there is never a dull moment with Beanie around. I have plenty more," Fergus said.
"That will be enough from you, big brother. Two can play at that game," Sabrina replied.
Fergus winked at Tristen, "Yes, you're right. I'll be a good big brother from now on."
"Now, you're just being a condescending arse," Sabrina grumbled.
"So where is Strider?" Tristen asked.
Sabrina face suddenly became very solemn and she didn't say anything. "He died in the final battle," Fergus replied.
Tristen looked stricken that he had brought up such a painful subject. "Brin, I am so sorry. I didn't mean…"
She stood up, "It's okay. You didn't know. If you will excuse me I think I would like to take a hot bath before dinner."
Both Fergus and Tristen stood up. Fergus went to her side and hugged her. "When you're ready Beanie, we will get you another mabari puppy." She nodded and he kissed her forehead.
Sabrina hadn't thought about Strider in a couple of days, but that didn't mean that the pain of his loss was any less. He had been by her side since she was ten years old and she missed his constant reassuring presence. Between thoughts of Strider and being back at home, Sabrina was in a somber mood for the remainder of the night. After dinner when Fergus and Tristen retired to the study for after dinner drinks, Sabrina excused herself saying that she had a headache and wanted to head to bed early. Tristen looked disappointed, but Sabrina knew that she wouldn't be good company this evening.
xxXxx
The following morning Sabrina seemed back to her normal self. Once again at breakfast Fergus was a generous and jovial host and the conversation flowed effortlessly - that was until Fergus brought up the taking over the throne issue again.
"Not to beat a dead horse here, Tristen, but are your intentions regarding Alistair and the throne true?" Fergus questioned.
Tristen had to walk a fine line here. He actually had no ambitions for the crown, but if Alistair's continued descent into darkness prevented him from properly ruling their father's country, then he would have to do something about it. However, to openly declare it would be treason. It would also alert both Sabrina and Fergus to the connection that he shared with Alistair – a connection he wasn't ready to disclose yet. Not to mention making them aware that the King was mentally unstable right now.
"As long as Alistair is a just and stable king I have no desire for the throne," Tristen replied.
Fergus nodded as he weighed what had just been said. "Well, you are going to have to make your existence known to Alistair, and to the rest of Ferelden. We can't have someone who looks exactly like the King running around the country killing darkspawn when the King is supposed to be in Denerim. It will cause unrest amongst the people."
"I agree with you Fergus, and I have every intention of making Alistair aware that he has a brother. However, I felt it was important for him to adjust to the pressures of ruling before adding something else to his plate," Tristen countered.
Fergus smiled, "Yes, I agree. That would be the wisest course of action, but you can't wait too long. It won't take much longer for the rumors to reach Denerim that Alistair has a doppelganger running around the country."
Tristen nodded in agreement and the subject was dropped. The rest of conversation during breakfast went smoothly and near the end Sabrina asked Tristen if they taught the Orlesian Wardens how to ride. With a grin, Tristen informed Sabrina that they weren't as backwards as she believed and that they knew how to ride.
"Great! Then I'll see you at the stables around Noon," Sabrina said as she got up from the table, kissed her brother's cheek and headed out the door.
Fergus just snickered and shook his head. "What aren't I getting here?" Tristen asked.
"Well, first off, Sabrina has been riding horses since before she could even walk. Our mother was an excellent horsewoman and taught both of us how to ride," Fergus replied.
"And what else aren't you saying?" Tristen asked.
"How about we talk after you return?"
"Okay. She isn't going to lead me deep into the woods and slit my throat?" Tristen asked.
Fergus laughed, "No, nothing as dreadful as that."
Tristen met her in the stables a couple of hours later. She wore a very form fitting pair of riding pants with black riding boots and a tight fitting blouse. Tristen had to take a deep breath and compose himself. This was going to be a very long day and it would take every ounce of discipline he could muster not to touch her. The way those damn trousers hugged her curves and emphasized her perfectly round bottom, she was going to drive him crazy.
She already had two horses saddled and ready. The groomsmen helped her into the saddle and then handed her the reins. Once Tristen was mounted, she turned and grinned at him, "I thought we would have a picnic on the bluffs. Try and keep up."
And with that she took off, urging her horse on until they'd reached a flat out gallop. Tristen swore and followed fast, his mount as keen on catching up with them as he was. She was posted low in her saddle as her horse charged across the field, her long dark tresses flowing behind her. Fergus wasn't kidding when he said she was an excellent rider and Tristen struggled to keep up with her even after they'd left the pasture behind and slowed to follow a twisting path through the forest. The path finally opened up to a breathtaking vista that overlooked the ocean.
Sabrina dismounted and secured her horse to a nearby tree, leaving enough slack so he could graze. Tristen did likewise and they made their way to a grassy area. Sabrina spread out a blanket and unpacked the food and wine.
"Nan put together quite a spread for us," she said.
"I see that. What's the occasion?"
"There isn't one. This is one of my favorite places in Highever and I thought I would share it with you," Sabrina replied. Her eyes sparkled as she looked at the ocean. Apart from her solemn behavior last night at dinner, Tristen noticed that in just the short time she had been home, her demeanor had changed. It was as if being here had lifted a weight from her. She was more lighthearted and cheerful. The playful personality that he had seen countless times in Alistair's dreams had started to return.
"Thank you, I feel honored," Tristen said as he leaned back on the blanket and rested on his on his elbows.
Sabrina stared out to the ocean again for a moment before she spoke, "The Warden Commander that conscripted me was from Highever. He died at Ostagar with the rest of the Ferelden Wardens. He was like a father to Alistair and we had talked about honoring him. I spoke with Fergus this morning and he agreed to allow a memorial to be erected here, to honor Duncan and the Wardens we lost."
It stunned him by how touched he was by this simple gesture. He had loved Duncan as much, if not more than Alistair and to honor him, especially here, moved him beyond words.
Sabrina looked up at him and she leaned over, gently stroking his check. "Are you okay?"
He hadn't even realized he had been crying until she wiped a tear from his cheek. He looked into her eyes, saw her concern and compassion. "I knew Duncan. He had been part of my life for a long time. He was like a father to me too, and his death left a huge hole in my life."
She scooted closer to him and the scent of her jasmine perfume inundated his senses, causing his head to spin. She placed her hand over his, "You knew Duncan?" She asked.
"Yes, he lived in Orlais for a very long time. He was actually sent here to watch over Alistair after he had been sent to the Chantry," Tristen said.
"Were you raised by Wardens?"
He looked into her eyes and he wanted to get lost in them forever. He didn't want to have to walk this fine line with her. She made him want to bare his soul to her, but he knew there were things he needed to tell Alistair first, before he told them to anyone else. "Yes, I was raised by Wardens."
He ran his hand down her cheek, to her jaw, to her neck where his hand came to rest. "There are things I want to tell you, and that I will tell you, but it's only fair and right that I tell Alistair first."
Her brow furrowed for a moment as she studied him. He watched her beautiful face mull over what he had just told her. Ever fiber in his body was screaming to lean in and kiss her, but he forced himself to remain where he was.
She gave a quick nod, "I understand and that is how it should be. He's family." She paused for a long moment as she looked into his eyes. "I can tell you are carrying a heavy burden. Please know that I am here for you."
All he wanted to do was take comfort in her and find solace in her embrace, but he knew he couldn't seek that from her. "Thank you, but I'm fine." His words sounded unconvincing even to him.
She squinted as she scrutinized him. Sabrina slid her hand up Tristen's chest. The mere feel of her gentle touch stoked the fire that was within him anytime she was near, sending it roaring through his body. Her hand made its way up to his face and she cupped it in her soft palm. She guided his face toward hers, her lips brushing lightly against his, then leaned in to deepen the kiss. Her lips moved gently against his; the kiss was sweet and chaste for a moment, but the feel of her mouth against his was more then he could take and his resolve broke. He slipped his arms around her neck as he pressed his mouth against her soft, full lips. She arched her back into him and he heard a low moan escape his lips. Tristen slid his tongue along her bottom lip as he silently begged for entrance and she met his plea as she parted her mouth and his tongue sought out hers. They danced and intertwined together and he was captivated by how sweet and delicious she tasted; he was intoxicated with her and he felt like he wanted to lose himself in her forever.
Sabrina pulled back slightly and nibbled at his lip, teasingly caressing his lips with her tongue before she recaptured his mouth with hers with a renewed hunger and urgency. He felt his body begin to respond as a moan escaped her lips. She ran her fingers through his hair and heat scorched from her fingertips, crackling from her mouth as she deepened the kiss. He pulled her against the contours of his chest. He loved the way her body conformed to his. With a soft groan in his throat, his tongue darted into her mouth and it felt like a velvet flame against his tongue that burned so hotly, yet so sweetly. The taste of her was sheer bliss. Maker he had missed the feel of her against his body and the taste of her on his lips, but he knew if he continued down this path he wouldn't be able to stop.
Tristen pulled away and closed his eyes; his face betrayed the struggle that he waged within himself. His body shook beneath her touch, evidence of the powerful emotions that were locked inside him that she had stirred.
Gently Sabrina reached up and touched his face; his eyes opened and he looked down into her beautiful face. His free hand came up and he pressed his thumb along her bottom lip and then he traced the upper one as a long sigh escaped from her throat.
He closed his eyes again briefly to regain his composure. When he opened them he growled passionately, "Mon Soleil, I want to respect your wishes, but if you continue I can't guarantee that I can honor that promise." He sighed and he continued, "You have to understand, Brin, I lo…I long for you, and I am not strong enough to casually kiss you and then go back to being friends."
Sabrina ran her finger down side of his cheek. "I understand. I am sorry if I pushed your limits. I could tell you were hurting and I just wanted to comfort you." She murmured.
He rested his head against her forehead, "You have no idea how badly I want to take comfort in you, but I don't just want you for a moment, Sabrina. I want you for the rest of my life and if that means I have to wait while you work things out I am willing to wait, but I am only a man…a weak, weak man so you have to stop tempting me like this. If not, you are going to find me bending you over and fucking the living daylights out of you."
She laughed and he could tell she was fighting to hold back a response. After a moment she said "I appreciate you honoring my wishes and I will try to be more considerate in the future."
Fuck! Although that is what he expected her to say, what he wanted was for her to push him to the ground, straddle him and completely screw his brains out. "Well, it's starting to get late we should head back before Fergus has me drawn and quartered for deflowering his sister."
"Ha! He would be more shocked to hear that you didn't take advantage of me," Sabrina said.
Tristen remembered Fergus referencing some type of hidden meaning about horseback riding before they left this morning. "And why is that?"
"Well, Fergus used to tease me that I used horseback riding as foreplay with my lovers. Something to do with the posting and the rhythm and whatever else his demented mind thought of," Sabrina said.
Tristen knew she was experienced before she met Alistair and it was definitely one of the things he loved about her, but the thought of her having 'lovers' sent a wave of jealously through his veins right to the pit of his stomach. He had never been the jealous type – he had no idea why he was reacting like this. "When you say lovers, that just isn't a figure of speech is it?"
She smirked at him, "Don't tell me you're jealous?"
Tristen shook his head. "No, no I'm not jealous. Just curious."
"So are you asking me for a number?"
"A rough estimate," Tristen replied.
She narrowed her gaze at him, "Well, let's talk your numbers first. I'm sure a handsome stud such as yourself has had numerous sexual escapades. Your numbers have to easily be w-a-aay into the double digits."
"I wouldn't say w-a-ay into the double digits, but yes that is the range. But I'm a guy so…"
"Don't even hand me that hypocritical bullshit," she exclaimed as she jumped up and started packing up the picnic. "Men, you all are so un-fucking-believable. You say you want a lady in the living room and a whore in the bedroom, but only if she was your whore first."
She stomped around shoving things back into her bag when she spun to look at him. "Did you enjoy yourself by the pond?"
"Aaah, I do believe that it was obvious that I did," Tristen replied calmly, completely amused by her outburst.
"And do you think some naïve virgin could have given you such exquisite ecstasy?"
The image of her between his legs as her head glided up and down on him bringing him to the point of orgasm and then bringing him back down just to do it all over again flashed across his mind and he immediately felt himself getting hard again.
She stared at him waiting for an answer. He grinned her favorite grin, "I can't be sure. Maybe we need to do it again and I can give you a more honest answer."
She rolled her eyes as she gently pushed at his hip with her boot to roll him off the blanket. He grabbed her ankle and pulled her as he rolled. She lost her footing and fell beside him. He immediately rolled on top of her and pressed his rock hard penis against her groin. His hands tangled in her hair forcing her to look into his eyes. "I want you! Just the way you are. I wouldn't change a damn thing about you. You are perfection."
Then his lips passionately claimed hers and when he heard a moan escape her lips he knew he had her just where he wanted. He leapt to his feet and held out his hand to help her up. He watched the rise and fall of her chest as she tried to get her breathing under control. He looked into her eyes and saw unfulfilled hunger and desire and smiled to himself – always leave them wanting more.
She grasped his hand and he helped her to her feet. They finished packing up the picnic in silence, but he could feel her questioning gaze on him.
As they walked to the horses he said, "I do believe it was you that said something about not acting like a hormonal teenager. Well the same goes for me. I can control myself. There are plenty of times I choose not to, but it is possible."
He cupped his hands together for her foot and boosted her into her saddle. She smiled down at him, "I guess miracles do still happen."
He laughed as he mounted his horse. She led the way back to the castle at a much slower pace so that they could talk more easily. When they entered the courtyard the two stable hands came out to take the horses from them.
They were about to make their way into the main hall when Fergus greeted them at the main doors.
He looked at Sabrina's disheveled hair and clothes and grinned, "Oh my, so it was that kind of ride."
"Not the kind you're used to, no money exchanged hands," Sabrina said dryly.
Both Tristen and Fergus burst out laughing.
"Oh, Bean, I've missed you. It's good to have you home," Fergus chortled as he threw an arm around her shoulder and walked into the main hall with her.
*Authors notes – First I wanted to thank everyone for your reviews and for adding this story to your alert and favs list. The response has been awesome and I appreciate your support.
There were a couple of points that were raised in the reviews and in PM's that I wanted to address quickly. I won't confirm or deny that Fiona is the Theirin Twins mother, but I would like to clear up that this story is an AU story and will not be following canon lore. However, as with all of my writings I would offer some type of explanation for the circumstances presented in the story.
There were also questions raised about Tristen's inconsistencies between chapter one and chapters two and three. Since at least fifty percent of chapter one was not my story I had to try and find a way to explain his behavior and have it fit in with rest of the story plot-line. I had tried to show that Tristen in chapter one was only impersonating the mental state of Alistair.
Basically, the Tristen that you see in chapters two and three is the real one, the person you see in chapter one is Tristen acting as he sees Alistair through their shared dreams. I apologize if this was not conveyed clearly and I will work harder in the future to make sure that the story plot is plainly communicated.
I also want to thank Jinx and RandomWittering for putting together such a wonderful forum for writers. It has been a pleasure getting to know all the cheeky monkey over there. If you haven't visited the forum I highly recommend it. ht tp:/ /w w storm. /cm da/ index. php Remove the spaces.
Last, but never least, I want to thank RandomWittering for her Beta awesomeness. I appreciate all of your help and insight. You rock!