Mage, Commoner, Elf - Part II
A/N: Thank you to impslave for the review on the first chapter! You made my day! I figured since it's fanfiction author appreciation day and this is already written, I would go ahead and upload it now! ;) Part three will come soon, but not quite as fast as it's not written yet. Feel free to leave comments or reviews - I would love to hear what anyone reading thinks!
The journey from Denerim to Redcliffe was a challenge for Liliwren. Camp in particular. She had gotten used to Alistair meeting her in her tent. To the comfortable crowded space they both occupied, their bodies pressed together, his calloused hands caressing the softest parts of her skin…
But this last journey was different. He didn't seek her out, and she avoided having any contact with him. Wynne, Leliana, and Zevran all had come by to check on her, though. Liliwren didn't question Wynne's motives, of course, but she did wonder about Leliana's. The bard had expressed interest in being more than just friends with Liliwren in the past, and now knew about her and Alistair's separation. Liliwren made it clear to Leliana that she was "fine on her own," thought it was a lie and they both knew it. Later, Zevran stopped by to tell Liliwren a humourous story and cheer her up. He was truly a good friend, and Liliwren was especially thankful for his lighthearted nature during the past trip.
Once they had arrived at Castle Redcliffe, Liliwren couldn't avoid Alistair. They had to be present in meetings together, discuss strategy together. She had to pretend she was alright being in the same room as him, fighting alongside him. But she wasn't. In a sense, this was harder than being in camp; she couldn't avoid him. She had to see the way he looked at her, the way his eyes glossed over and his frown deepened when their eyes inadvertently met.
Then Riordan had mentioned needing to speak with her and Alistair privately. Something about killing the Archdemon that they didn't know about. I'm a Grey Warden who doesn't even know the first thing about killing the Archdemon...how did I even make it this far?
Dwelling on the upcoming meeting with Riordan had eaten away at Liliwren for the rest of the day. Well, at what was left of her after having to be around Alistair.
Eventually the sun had completely set and stars lit up the sky, meaning that it was time for their meeting with Riordan. Liliwren was shocked to find Alistair already present when she arrived; she wasn't used to him being ahead of her. Without delay, Riordan explained unfortunate truth the the other wardens: One of the three of them would have to die in order to kill the Archdemon.
"Then let it be me," Liliwren had stated without hesitation; emotionless. She didn't dare look to Alistair for his reaction.
"I appreciate your sense of duty, but as the most veteran warden, I should be the one to give the final blow. The taint is strongest in me and I have less time left than you two left anyways." Riordan offered.
However, the strategy he came up with made that option seem unlikely; Riordan would likely die aiding them in getting to the Archdemon, meaning Liliwren or Alistair would have to deliver the final blow. And she couldn't let him do that.
No. Alistair has a duty to his kingdom. He has to survive.
"If you'll excuse me," Alistair's voice and the clamor of his armor as he strode towards the door brought Liliwren from her thoughts. She found it odd that he dismissed himself first; in the past, Alistair would have waited for Liliwren to leave and then followed her out. Things are different now.
She bid Riordan good night, and shuffled back to her room. To her surprise, Morrigan was there waiting for her - with a plan that would save them both.
Liliwren's jaw all but hit the floor when Morrigan concluded her explanation. "Let me make sure I understand you correctly, Morrigan," the elven warden paced as she continued. "You want me to convince Alistair to sleep with you, which will create a baby that will absorb the Archdemon's spirit instead of it killing Alistair or myself. The child won't be harmed, but you will disappear with it forever."
Liliwren stopped and looked at Morrigan, who responded with a simple "precisely."
An exasperated sigh escaped Liliwren. "I can't deny giving Alistair the option since it exists. I'll be back soon."
"Do be persuasive!" Morrigan called as Liliwren begrudgingly exited her room.
The door to Alistair's was shut. Maybe he's already asleep. Perhaps I should just take this as a sign.
The clatter of Alistair's armor hitting the ground indicated that he actually was awake, and so Liliwren bravely knocked on the door. Alistair's voice called, requesting a moment. Liliwren took a deep breath and straightened her posture. Almost immediately, the door swung open.
"Liliwren…" Alistair's voice met her ears, saddened and surprised. "Come in," he offered, leaving the door open as she followed him in.
"I saw Morrigan standing by your door as I walked past." Alistair admitted as he leaned against the bedpost. "What does she have cooked up now?"
"Alistair, I love you, you know that, right?" The words escaped Liliwren's mouth - traitorous words, and not those she had practiced in her mind.
"I - " he dropped his arms to his side. "I wondered if you still felt that way or if you hated me. I figured it wouldn't ever be somewhere in-between after what I said."
Liliwren began to pace again; she couldn't look at Alistair while telling him Morrigan's plan. "Morrigan has a way to ensure you and I both live, even should Riordan die before giving the Archdemon the final blow."
"Great! Let's hear it!" Alistair exclaimed. His posture brightened up, his eyes twinkled. Liliwren's gut twisted in confusion; he genuinely excited to know about the plan even though it was made it clear that the two of them could never be together again. He hadn't told her he loved her back seconds ago, and yet the sudden liveliness in his attitude suggested he wanted them both to live. Liliwren knew this sudden bout of optimism would be squashed as soon as she explained exactly what Morrigan's plan entailed.
"You'll have to sleep with her. Tonight," Liliwren stated flatly.
Alistair laughed uncomfortably. "Very funny, Liliwren. Is this your way at getting back at me for all the jokes?"
Liliwren stopped and bore her gaze directly into Alistair's eyes. "I'm not joking. And it will produce a child…"
"WHAT?" her new king exclaimed, all traces of humor gone from his voice. "How could you think I would even consider such a thing? What does she want? An heir?"
Liliwren squared her shoulders with fake confidence as her eyes flitted away from Alistair's. "She says the Archdemon's spirit will seek out the child instead of destroying you or I. That it won't harm the child, and that she will disappear with the baby...forever."
Elven ears waited for a response, her turquoise eyes trained on the floor. Alistair scoffed, and offered no words. You knew he wouldn't agree to this...why did you even bother? Her cerulean orbs began to gloss over, but before the tears were evident, Liliwren raised her gaze to Alistair. "You're right, it's a ridiculous plan. I shouldn't have even brought it to you." She swallowed once and continued before Alistair could even think to respond. "I will only ask one more thing of you - that you allow me to strike the final blow against the Archdemon and die with dignity and honor. I shall never ask anything more of you again."
Holding backs tears, Liliwren turned on her heel and left Alistair's room, resisting any urge to look back over her shoulder.
