The Arrangement

Under pressure, Alistair is desperate to find a suitable Queen. Only that his choice is a highly unusual young noble woman and a new danger threatens Alistair's very life- Luckily Aedan Cousland is here to help. AU. M!Cousland Warden, Alistair, Non-Warden F!Cousland and the rest of the gang!

Hello there and welcome to the second chapter of The Arrangement. I plan to update this fairly regularly with two chapters that I've worked and edited on posted up every weekend. This is due to the demands of work and other aspects of life that want to tear me away from the computer. Sadly. I would be grateful for any feedback and/or advice that can be given as this is my first published fanfic! I hope that you enjoy the journey and thank you for reading.

Also, thank you to those who have commented, fav'ed and read this story.

-JP

Chapter 2: Denerim

An excitable jolt ran through Elissa as the large ship berthed and the sailors hollered out to the dockhands to secure the ropes that they had tossed down moments beforehand. Filled with excitement, she turned and beamed at the auburn haired woman standing next to her.

''Excited, Lady Elissa?'' Leliana asked with a small smile.

''Can we alight yet?'' she asked.

''Of course,'' the bard replied, ''We are expected after all, I am certain that King Alistair has been gracious enough to send somebody to greet us.''

Leliana took her by the arm and helped her down the steep slippery wooden steps of the main deck and out onto the gangway, exchanging pleasantries with the captain as they passed by. For once Elissa didn't mind as much as she usually would have done, especially if it had been one of her brothers, because she was simply too excited to see the capital. As it happened, she was even grateful that Leliana had taken charge as she felt too overwhelmed to say anything.

Then somebody shouted greetings and without warning she was suddenly knocked to the ground.

''Magnus!'' she exclaimed rather breathlessly, as the big mud brown mabari licked her enthusiastically, and hugging him back as hard as she could.

It had been many months since that terrible day when she received word, as a ward at the Castle of Waking Sea that Highever had been put to the torch – her parents, sister-in-law, and nephew murdered at the hands of one of her father's staunchest banner men, and that her brothers had left Highever to join the defences at Ostagar against the Darkspawn forces. Although Fergus and Aedan had both written to say that they were alive and recovered from their injuries that they had suffered in the final battle at Denerim, it was not the same as being able to see them once again.

''Do I not get a greeting sister?''

''Aedan!'' Elissa exclaimed happily, recognizing her brother, and pushing Magnus aside as she accepted the hand that was proffered to her. As she was steadied on her feet, she was immediately enveloped in to a big bear hug.

''I have missed you little sister,'' Aedan said quietly.

''As much as I have missed you,'' she answered.

''Did you have a good journey?'' he asked, releasing her after a moment.

She beamed a bright smile at him, ''It was thoroughly boring.''

Leliana giggled next to her, ''That is not what you were saying yesterday when we spotted the dolphins.''

Aedan shot her one of his rare smiles, ''I see. You must have been thoroughly disappointed that you didn't encounter any dragons or been boarded by corsairs or weren't swept off to some mystical land by freak storms.'' He joked to his sister.

''It would have been an adventure at least,'' Elissa shot back.

Leliana stood watching the two siblings banter back and forth with a small smile on her pretty features. It was good to see the normally stoic Grey Warden to loosen up a little. At first Leliana had been confused as to why Aedan had been apprehensive about the introduction between his sister and Alistair. From what Arl Eamon and Fergus had told her, Elissa was relatively perfect for the role as Alistair's queen. She was noble born and thus capable of understanding the duties and its burdens. And yet after finally meeting the young woman, Leliana could also see why Aedan would be apprehensive about his sister becoming Queen.

''It seems some things never change even after the kingdom seemed to stop during the Blight. Let's go fetch the horses and we can talk some more on the ride up to the castle.''

Elissa wondered which horse her brother had provided for her, but she knew that it would be the oldest and slowest animal that he could possibly have found. No doubt she would also make herself a complete laughingstock, riding between her brother on his sable coloured warhorse and the bard's slender chestnut. It irked her because she was the better rider out of the three Cousland siblings. However, once he had mounted, Aedan told her to climb up behind him.

''I'm sorry, but you'll have to ride pillion with me,'' he told her, ''There aren't that many horses in the city right now.''

''Why not?'' she asked as she arranged her skirts and slipped her arms around his thick waist, ''the people cannot be that hungry.''

''Most of the horses were killed in the battle and the remainder are being used for work,'' he explained, ''We're lucky enough that we can ride. The city has been undergoing a lot of extensive rebuilding and clean ups since the Arch-Demon had been defeated.''

Elissa felt a twinge of guilt when she thought about what her brother and the innocent citizens of Denerim must have gone through.

''How goes the rebuilding and cleanups?'' she asked.

''Well luckily we aren't short of refugees to help.''

''Our main concern is providing food for the number of refugees that are still pouring in to the city,'' Leliana put in as she rode besides them.

''I see.''

Since she had nothing to do with the running of Highever, she fell silent and passed her time surveying her surroundings, taking note of the small wooden buildings and the bustle of people milling about.

Suddenly the horse stopped, causing Elissa to jolt in her seat.

''Sorry,'' Aedan said, ''I just need to go and pick up some of mine companions.'' He clambered down from the horse, and handed the reins to Leliana.

''I could come with you,'' Elissa said as she attempted to scrambled down from the big horse but ceased when her brother shot her a steely glare.

''No, you stay there. I'll only be a few moments.''

''But-''

She got no further as Aedan held up his hand. ''You will stay on that horse and wait with Leliana. Magnus, stay.''

Elissa's heart sank as she recognised her brother at his most severe tone, which Fergus had often revered to it as being grumpy. The tone had reminded her of her father whenever she had gotten into trouble for some reason or other.

''It is wonderful to be back, no?'' Leliana chimed.

''I have never been to Denerim before.''

''Not even to accompany your brothers when they have visited?''

''I wasn't allowed,'' Elissa replied sullenly as she shifted uncomfortably in the saddle – she could never sit still for too long, and she could only hope that Aedan would return soon.

It was a warm day and the sun was beating down on her unprotected head, she soon became aware of the fact that she had dressed far too warmly in her woollen clothing.

'''ere now, that the sister you've been talkin'about?' A gruff voice sounded below her.

''Oghren,'' Leliana exclaimed cheerfully, ''it is so good to see you again.''

Elissa found herself looking down at the hairiest dwarf she had ever seen, not as though she had ever seen a dwarf before but she had often as of late imagined what they may look like.

''Elissa I'd like to introduce you to two of my companions,'' Aedan said warmly as he reached up around her waist to pull her off the horse, ''The dwarf is Oghren and the Qunari is Sten.''

She couldn't help but gape up at the tall, large man that stood staring stoically down at her. ''You're huge,'' she blurted, much to her chagrin, as her brother and his companions, including the big giant laughed at her.

''I've forgotten how good it is to have you back, Lis.'' Aedan remarked dryly, as he lifted her back up into the saddle before pulling himself in front of her. ''Well, we better not keep Alistair waiting.''

As her brother gave the horse a nudge, Elissa found herself involuntarily tightening her hold around his waist, apprehensive at the thought of so many unknown eyes watching her, knowing her and judging her. Knowing herself, she would probably say or do something that would not only embarrass herself but also the honour of her brothers.

Maker, she would also be going to make the acquaintance of the king!

For a moment she wished herself back in the safety of the hold at Waking Sea, but then firmly banished that thought. After all, she had very much wanted to visit Denerim, and if that was the price she had to pay, she would do so.

Perhaps seeing the emotions that flittered across her face Leliana said gently, ''Don't worry, you'll manage fine. We are all very nice people.''

''Indeed,'' Aedan added curtly, ''It will only just be us and Fergus tonight. You'll be meeting the King and the rest of the court at the celebration tomorrow night.''

''Celebration?'' Elissa echoed, ''What celebration?''

''Tomorrow night is a banquet and dance,'' Lelianna replied, ''with all the Lords and Ladies of the realm but you'll be fine.''

''Just remember, you're not in Highever or at Waking Sea where everybody knows you,'' Aedan informed her sternly, ''You'll need to be behaving impeccably. ''

''I'm perfectly capable of looking after myself,'' Elissa protested hotly.

''That's what I'm afraid of,'' he groaned, ''I mean it Elissa. As Leliana said, all the nobles will be assembled at court, including the daughter of the Hero of River Dane and their allies. You will be seen as representing Highever and more importantly, the Cousland line. ''

''I know,'' Elissa replied, feeling affronted, ''and I will promise not to speak until spoken to, to curtsey and not introduce any topic during a conversation that will be perceived as controversial or offensive.''

Her brother turned to her with a flash of amusement in his blue eyes, ''Well, it seems as though you're learning at least. Praise the Maker!''

She gritted her teeth and suppressed the urge to release the sharp retort that fluttered across her lips. Fortunately as they neared the Great Gates that led to the main entrance of the Castle, the press of people thickened, causing her brother to slow his warhorse, allowing Elissa to look at the various inhabitants of Denerim, from humans to dwarves. Her earlier excitement returning as she gazed up in awe at the stone castle.

''Is this where you fought the Arch Demon?'' she asked.

''Yes,'' Aedan replied, ''It was the toughest fight I've ever had and I almost found myself overwhelmed but Alistair and Sten saved my life.''

''You fought well,'' the big kossith stated simply as he walked by the side of their horse, his gait smooth and certain.

''So did you,'' her brother retorted back with a grin.

''I wish I had been there,'' Elissa said with a sigh, causing the Qunari to turn his gaze on her instead.

''Interesting,'' he remarked curiously, ''are you too a warrior?''

''Oh, no,'' Aedan interjected before she could respond, ''She's not. She would have been terrified.''

''Good,'' Sten nodded in approval, '' She is as she should be.''

''What's that supposed to mean?'' Elissa asked, bristling.

''Women are priests, artisan, farmers, shopkeepers. None of them have any place in fighting.''

She gritted her teeth in frustration, ''Leliana is a woman.''

''She wishes to be a man,'' Sten stated simply causing the ginger haired woman to sigh in dismay.

''Let's not speak of this again,'' Leliana groaned as she allowed her horse more of a head, now that they had passed through the throng of people and towards the main archway that led to the courtyard of the Castle.

Eyes downcast, Elissa had followed Leliana to the bed chamber that had been allocated to her. She was surprised to find that the room was not as so sparse as Aedan had commented on as he, Oghren and Sten took their leave to head towards the audience chamber, despite Elissa's protests that she could come along too. Her brother had merely frowned at her outburst and stated that she would meet everyone, except the King, later on during the evening meal.

After Leliana had taken her leave, Elissa, left alone changed out of her woollen clothing into a linen blue gown, and sat down upon the queen sized bed and surveyed the room. It was not as impressive as her room back at Highever but it was more elaborate and larger, than her room back at Waking Sea. At least there was a window that boasted a grand view of the garden below.

It was not long before the door creaked open, followed by a black Mabari and her brother Fergus. ''Elissa?'' he smiled, his blue-green eyes gleaming in the light.

''It is good to see you Fergus,'' Elissa said as she stood away from the bed and took her eldest brother into a firm hug. He hugged her back just as tightly whilst his Mabari hound sniffed around the hem of her dress.

''I've come to escort you to meet with Aedan's companions,'' Fergus said after a long moment, ''the King will not be there tonight.''

''Aedan has already informed me,'' she replied, ''shall we go?''

He offered her his arm as they exited from the room, ''You look very well Elissa.''

''You do too,'' Elissa replied with a small smile before it fell, ''I am sorry about Oriana and Oren.''

There was a brief flash of grief that flickered across Fergus's face before he looked down at the young woman on his arm. Instantly Elissa felt guilty, she always seemed to say the wrong things at the wrong times, ''I'm-''

''You don't have to be sorry,'' Fergus interjected with a small sad smile on his features, ''It is good that you are here with us.''

They both fell into silence as they made their way down the corridor and headed down narrow steps that led to the kitchen building. Distant chatter, shouts and laughter carried up as Fergus gently guided Elissa down. It had been a very long and exciting day and despite her growing apprehension, she was looking forward to meeting the famous companions of her Grey Warden brother.

N.B. Used some in-game dialogue with Sten's exchange with Leliana/Wynne since it was too apt for this scene to pass up.

Also, I realise that Fergus does not have a mabari but I'm arguing artistic licence.