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After the Landsmeet

Anora carefully walked through the palace corridors. The palace was mostly empty by now save for a few guards and servants. She herself had already dismissed Erlina for the evening, for she resolved to speak to her betrothed privately before the night was out.

She was a little embarrassed about the landsmeet. She had temporarily lost control when her father was struck down and she regretted the momentary weakness. Although she had prepared for such an outcome, the shock of actually seeing it had been too much. She had recovered her wits quickly enough, but the entire landsmeet had seen her collapse at her father's side and she would make certain it would not happen again.

Denouncing her father was the hardest thing she had ever done in her life. Although she knew it was necessary to win the warden's support, she would never forget the pained look on her father's face. She had loved her father - still loved him, but perhaps more important than that she had respected him. She wasn't sure what felt worse - having denounced him publicly, or coming to the realisation that she needed to.

But no matter his actions as Regent he was always a good father. He had, after all, taught her his most important lesson. That is, it was of paramount necessity to adapt to circumstances and be flexible. And she had listened well.

She was pleased to have kept her position as Queen, given the circumstances. Others of a less capable disposition would have found themselves put to death along with Howe and her father, or at the very least clapped in irons. It's what she would have done in their place.

But instead she had adapted and survived. She was still surprised at the particulars of the outcome. She recalled with amusement Duran's original proposal of marriage and how she had doubted its feasibility. She was glad she had kept her options open, for it was apparent he was a man of ability and had succeeded in his ambition.

She still couldn't believe it entirely. Of the countless favorable matches she could make it would eventuate she was to marry a dwarf of all people! Father had always held the dwarves in high regard but she was sure even he would have been surprised at the outcome.

There were many compelling reasons why the proposal was advantageous, not least of which was that she retained the throne. But it was still hard to believe. Yes he was of royal blood, and yes he was clearly a most capable commander. But he was still a dwarf!

She paused for a moment in her walk. She admired the splendour and trappings of the palace before continuing. To think that she nearly lost the lot! She had no doubt that Ferelden needed her and if the only way to keep it was to marry the dwarf then so be it.

She mused on how he had manipulated the landsmeet so skillfully to his plan. He must have known his compromise was the only rational solution in light of Alistair's refusal and Eamon's veto. She wouldn't be surprised if he had orchestrated the entire thing, even perhaps as far as pressing Alistair to not take the throne. No. Perhaps she needn't be so harsh. Alistair's objections seemed heartfelt and genuine. And even if they weren't he was a hardly a man worthy of such a title if he gave up his claim so easily. No, it was far more likely that Duran noticed this reluctance already present and merely profited from the circumstances. He adapted and survived, much like herself.

She smiled. She had no doubt that he had manipulated her as well in his dealings. She had to admire that. He had demonstrated a formidable political mind and that could prove useful in time. But she herself was also in possession of such talent, and she was not to be trifled with.

She was the Queen of Ferelden and the legal ruler of the land. It was not merely a formality to be ignored and bypassed. If he dared to assume the mantle himself or interfere and question her authority he would find himself quite mistaken in his assumptions. The marriage was one of convenience, a political alliance and nothing more. She would hold the power and he would take his place at her side. There was nothing more to it.

Although she had considered the political implications of the arrangement in depth, she did not wholly neglect the personal aspects too. She was still not entirely sure how she felt on that front.

Her betrothed was a handsome man for a dwarf, his beard neatly fashioned and not unsightly like many of his kindred. His manners were impeccable and clearly he had benefitted from an education preparing him for the necessary social graces of court. Although she still found the notion of marrying a dwarf strange she thought that given it was happening, Duran would perhaps be the best such specimen of dwarf as could be found.

There were other qualities that she found to her liking. His reputation as a warrior was well known. It was said he had battled through legions of undead in Redcliffe to free Arl Eamon from danger. One rumor even suggested he had slain a high dragon. However, as with many legends concerning her own father, that particular report was likely to be an exaggeration at best.

Perhaps most useful to her would be his abilities as a military commander and leader of men. Her former husband Cailan was not the wisest of men. Father had always admonished him for his fanciful notions of strategy and battle tactics. But no such charge could be levelled at her betrothed. Against the odds he had already united Ferelden to face the blight and though the threat were not yet over his leadership calmed many minds. Furthermore his extensive campaign experience in Orzammar was well known and already Ser Cauthrien had told her his tactical knowledge was quite formidable. A strong, capable and, most importantly, a respected husband would be quite useful. So long as he knew his place she would let him have free reign of the army. There was little risk involved. Her people loved her and no matter how grateful they might be to him, they would never supplant her in order to appoint a dwarf.

Anora stopped her approach and halted in front of the large wooden door preventing her admittance. She had asked him to await her with his companions after the landsmeet in the private audience chambers. She had not left him waiting too long she hoped, but it was really quite unavoidable after all the arrangements to organise following the landsmeet.

She paused momentarily before resting her hands on the door. After conducting a last minute check on her appearance and assuring herself her composure was fully recovered she entered the room.

Duran was there, seated with his companions at one of the tables. They were talking and laughing amongst themselves. He noticed her immediately and sprung up with an eagerness that betrayed his impatience.

Anora approached him only so far before she awaited some twenty paces from his companions. It was a large room and she was sure her meaning was clear when he joined her shortly thereafter to converse in private.

'So it is done. My father is dead. I never thought he would go so far. I never thought it would end like it did.' She added almost absently, 'Such a waste.'

Anora had not intended to talk about her father but she found herself quite unable to prevent it. Perhaps it was still the raw emotion in her, or maybe it was an attempt to connect socially with her betrothed. She couldn't account for it and that displeased her. She never liked anything she couldn't explain.

Duran's concern was apparent in his voice, laced as it was with sympathy and perhaps even a little regret. 'I'm sorry. I wish it could have been otherwise.'

'It could have been' Came the instant reply. Anora felt that had been too harsh, so she continued in a lighter tone. 'But what is done is done. My father had no illusions about the consequences of his actions and neither do I.'

She broke off momentarily, sighing to shake off the subject and the morbid feeling it aroused. 'But enough on that. You kept your end of the deal and I will keep mine. The engagement will be announced at my coronation. Provided you are still interested?'

Duran smiled, he seemed genuinely amused at the notion. 'Why not announce it now?'

'Things could change in the near future. This blight is not yet over after all.' She paused, tracing the outline of her hand with her index finger. 'Arl Eamon has left for Redcliffe and tells me that our armies have almost fully gathered there. I will be heading there myself. Bring your companions and join us at Redcliffe as soon as you are able. You have united Ferelden warden, now we must face the blight.'

There could be no doubting her tone that she had given him a command. This was her first such directive to Duran, and in many ways it was a test. If he was disagreeable now it would not bode well for the future.

But he gave every indication of following her orders. He bowed his head and simply responded, 'As you command Your Majesty.'

She smiled and took her leave from him. There was much more to be discussed with him, not least of which was the role he was to play as her husband. But she decided that particular subject could await another day. It would not be wise to start any disagreements at present, at least until the blight was over that is. Let him think he would be King for the time being.

As she paced away she smiled to herself. She had regained the initiative in this little contest of theirs. She would not wear a crown upon her head as if it were a mere symbol. For the first time in her life she held the full reigns of power in her hands and she intended to use it. No man was going to stop her, especially her husband.