The ruins of Ostagar were in sight, Lorelai felt a sense of relief wash over her, the imperial highway had not been as treacherous she feared. No one questioned her nor did they seem to recognise her. The towered ruins of Ostagar loomed over her, taking a deep breath she collected herself and pulled the hood of her cloak over her head, lest she be recognised by any of the nobles here. Clutching tightly to the cloa, she walked the remainder of the way to the gates of Ostegar or at least what remained of it. A lone guard was stationed there.
"Halt" The guard called as she approached, she stopped in her tracks "Who are you and what business do you have in Ostagar?"
"A messenger, I bring news from the North."
"What news?"
"My instructions was to deliver the message to His Majesty and Lord Cousland, it is for their ears only."
The guard examined her curiously, these were dangerous times and strangers only willing to speak to the King and a Teyrn aroused the guard's suspicions. Sensing the guard's unease, Lorelai spoke, "I'm not sure what news that has reached this far, but I know that Teyrn Cousland's son left for Ostagar some days ago. The Teyrn however, was delayed along with Arl Howe's men and assured Lord Cousland that they would join him here soon."
The guard looked at her wide eyed, "That is indeed that last news we received from the North. You have more?"
Nodding, Lorelai spoke again "Yes and it is of the most uptmost urgency that I relay it to the King and Lord Cousland." Part of her was relieved, thankful that Howe had not sent word, no doubt he would twist the version of events to suit himself.
"I will take you at your word stranger."
"Thank you. Do you know where I might find the King?"
"The King's camp is through here and to the left.
Lorelai thanked the guard and made her way through the ruins, paranoid that all eyes were watching her, stalking her, ready and willing to pounce at any given moment. She recognised the banners flying over each part of the camp knowing what noble house the men belonged to, many of which had been loyal to Highever. Yet there was no sign of the twin laurels anywhere, fear knotted in her stomach. Her eyes scanned the various tents and camps, eventually spotting the King's tent. She strolled over to the guard, squaring her shoulders, feigning confidence.
"Greetings. The King is not in his tent at the moment"
Lorelai's heart sunk, the longer she had to wait to talk to the King, the more time it gave her family's enemies to strike at her and spin their lies. "I have urgent news from the North, do you know where I can find the King?"
"I believe he's with the Grey Wardens, he spends a lot of time with them. Teryn Loghain sees the King when he can to discuss battles but the King just waves him off. The Teryn called the King reckless and they fought about the queen. He wasn't happy about something she did or the kind did.. I'm not sure. I probably shouldn't discuss it." The guard shifted from foot to foot.
"Is the King expected back any time soon?"
"Maker only knows. King."
"Where is the Grey Warden camp?" Lorelai asked
"It's on the other side of the runis.
Lorelai made her way across the ruins, feeling like she was on a wild goose chase. Nothing seemed to be going right and she seemed to be hitting obstacles. Her thoughts drifted to what she would say to the King, she began rehearsing what she should say. Doubts, however, began to creep in, would he believe her? Would he support her in bringing justice to Howe. So lost in her thoughts, she failed to look where she was going and bumped into something and ended up flat on her back,
"Oh I'm so sorry. Here let me help you up." The man said reaching out his hand, reluctantly Lorelai took it and stood up, coming face to face quite possibly one of the most handsome men she'd ever seen. His hazel eyes were full of warmth and laughter, his short blond hair shone in sunlight and his strong jawline was accentuated by the broad smile he now wore.
"Thank you." Lorelai said, "I'm sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going."
"Well I'm normally the clumsy one, so it was probably my fault. I'm Alistair by the way." He said as he took in the woman before him, her hair was fire in the sunlight and he was sure that hers were the greenest eyes he'd ever seen.
"Lorelai."
"Well pleased to meet you Lorelai. If you don't mind me saying you look a little lost."
"You could say that. I'm looking for the Grey Wardens."
Alistair's smile widened, "Well today must be my lucky day. It just so happens I'm one of them."
"Really? Could you show me where to find the rest of them?"
"Well only wardens are really allowed into the camp. You aren't a recruit by any chance are you?"
Lorelai sighed heavily, "No, just a simple messenger I have urgent news for the King. I was told that he'd be with the wardens."
Alistair's features hardened, "Well I suppose in that case I could show to the camp."
"Thank you."
Alistair and Lorelai walked silently side by side; Lorelai readjusted her cloak, ensuring the hood once again covered her face. She knew Calian would recognise her, yet she didn't know how he would react to the news and if he turned out not to be the man she thought he was, she'd rather he didn't know her identity.
"Well here we are. The Grey Warden camp in all it's glory." Alistair's voice snapped Lorelai out of her thoughts. "I'm not sure where the King is but I suspect he's around here somewhere. You might want to try over there by the fire."
"Thank you Alistair and good luck." Lorelai walked away from him and in the direction of a large bonfire that was burning brightly. Her eyes scanned the men that were present, but none of them were Calian. Feeling somewhat defeated, Lorelai sat down on one of the logs and began to warm herself by the fire, enjoying the heat of the flames in the cold ruins.
A deep male voice startled her "Excuse me, but you do not appear to be a Grey Warden nor a recruit. Might I ask what business you have here."
Lorleai looked up and met the dark brown eyes of what she could only describe as a seasoned warrior. Composing herself she stood up, though the man towered over her and he had a sense of authority about him.
"My apologies. I have an urgent message for the King and I was told he was with the wardens, though I have been unable to find him."
The man looked at her curiously, "Might I ask what this message may be?"
"I'm afraid that the message is one that cannot be discussed openly, but if it satisfies your curiosity, I bring news from the north."
A small smile graced the sun kissed skin of the dark haired warden, "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Duncan, Commander of the Grey Wardens here in Fereldon."
Duncan, Grey Wardens. A memory stirred within Lorelai, hadn't her father said that a grey warden by the name of Duncan would be visiting Highever in search of recruits? Wasn't he a friend of her father? Had he already visited Highever? Had he seen the destruction wrought by Howe's treachery? But if he had and was still alive did that mean he was now in Howe's pocket? Howe had told her that the Grey Wardens had the ear of the King and if that's so then perhaps this wasn't the best idea, but what other choice was there?
"If you like, I can take you to the King." Duncan's voice brought Lorelai back to the present.
"Thank you Duncan that would be much appreciated." In spite of herself, Lorelai found herself trusting this warden, though it was misplaced trust that led to her family's demise. Shaking her head to dissipate the thoughts she began following the warden and clutched tightly to the signet ring around her neck.
"Wait here." Duncan instructed, leaving Lorelai standing outside one of the tents, absent mindedly she began to kick the dirt. She could hear hushed voices and hoped that she would get the audience with the King that she so disparately needed. Eventually, the flap to the tent opened, "The King will see you now." Duncan said as he gestured for Lorelai to step inside. Calian was sat in a chair at the far end of the tent, Lorelai strode over towards him and knelt, "Your Majesty." Calian gestured for her to rise. "Duncan tells me you have news from the North. It has been so unreliable of late." Lorelai looked nervously from Calian to Duncan, the silence did not however go unnoticed, "For a messenger you don't say much." Caian said grinning
"Forgive me Your Majesty, but what I have to say is for your ears only and Fergus Cousland's. "
Calian raised an eyebrow at her, "I'm afraid Lord Cousland and his men are scouting in the Wilds." Calian paused to take a sip of wine, "Whatever you have to say can be said in front of Duncan, besides I believe he was supposed to head to Highever to try and find some recruits, isn't that right?"
"Yes Your Majesty, Teryn Cousland had recommended some of his man, unfortunately my path has not led me there as yet."
Lorelai swallowed hard, just the mention of her father and Fergus caused a well of emotion, composing herself she spoke softly, "I'm afraid you will find nothing in Highever but ashes."
"What are you talking about?" Calian asked confused.
"The night Lord Cousland left, Highever was attacked, Castle Cousland fell to betrayal. The Teyrn and Teyrna are dead , along with Lord Cousland's wife and son." Lorelai paused, her throat was dry and she was finding it more and more difficult to breathe.
"Slow down, what happened exactly?" Duncan asked, his eyes piecing her.
"Arl Howe arrived at Castle Cousland but his men were delayed. Teyrn Cousland decided to wait for the Arl's men but sent all of Highever's forces with Lord Cousland, but it was trick. Arl Howe's men were delayed on purpose and used to attack the Castle, slaughtering everyone." Lorelai could feel tears stinging her eyes, she blinked a few times to try and stop them from falling, there was only so much her hood would hide. Clearing her throat she began to speak again "Arl Howe has shown himself a traitor, had I not escaped he would have told you any story he wished and used the chaos to advance himself."
Calian sat there silently dumbfounded, Lorelai felt Duncan's gaze upon her, he looked at her with curiosity and suspicion, "Indulge me, how did you survive when so many were slain?"
It was a question Lorelai had been asking herself ever since she fled, so many died and yet she was still here, "I had no choice." Lorelai's voice began to crack as she spoke, "The Teyrn was gravely wounded, the Teyrna refused to leave his side, they told me to flee using the servants passage to get word to the King and Lord Cousland. That it was my duty."
The explanation seemed to satisfy Duncan and as he looked at this woman before him, he could not help but think she embodied the qualities of a Warden; duty, courage and the willingness to do what was necessary no matter the cost.
"I- I can scarcely believe it." Calian began to speak, "How could Arl Howe think he'd get away with such treachery. As soon as we are done here I will turn my army north and being Howe to justice. He will hang and not profit from this!"
Lorelai breathed slighty easier than she had done in weeks and felt the tears she had been holding back begin to fall. Discreetly she attempted to wipe them away.
"Tell me." Calian's voice interrupted, "What of Bryce Cousland's youngest, Lorelai? Is she-? I mean did she-?"
Lorelai looked nervously at the King and slowly she reached up and lowered the hood.
"Lorelai! Maker be praised." Calian rushed to her, embracing her tightly, as sobs began to rack her body. She wanted more than anything to stop him, to push him away but for the first time in what felt like years she didn't feel alone. Calian gently stroked her long flowing fiery hair, trying to soothe her. She wasn't sure how much time had passed when the sobs began to gently subside and she attempted to remove herself from the warm, comforting embrace of Calian.
"Come sit down Lore. You did a drink. A strong drink." Calian led her to the chair he had previously been sitting in and poured a drink for her, himself and Duncan and handed the goblets out. Calian remained standing at the table and grabbed a piece of parchment and some ink and began to scribble away. When he was finished he rolled the parchment up and poured some candle wax onto, pressing the royal seal into the molten wax.
Meanwhile Lorelai took long sips from the goblet of wine, "Easy, Lady Cousland." Duncan cautioned, "What will you do now?"
"I don't know, I'm no longer sure who I can trust or where I can go that will be safe."
"If I may say, you would make an excellent candidate for the Grey Wardens."
"You should take him up on that Lore. Duncan is not easily impressed and being invited to join their ranks is a great honour."
Lorelai smiled, somewhat hollowly, "Thank you for the offer. Honour it may be, I made a promise, I have a duty of my own to fulfil. I could very well be the last of my line and if I recall, Wardens give up all ties to their families and cannot hold land or titles. Perhaps once my brother returns safely I will consider it."
"I appreciate your honesty and I will not force the matter, but know that you are always welcome amongst us should you change your mind. You are of course welcome to stay within our camp until the battle."
"Thank you Duncan."
"Now if you excuse me, I have some matters to attend to."
"Before you leave Duncan could I ask one more thing of you?"
"Of course Lady Cousland."
"I'd be grateful if you could keep my survival a secret, at least until Howe receives justice."
"Certainly, Lady Cousland." With that Duncan left leaving Lorelai alone with Calian.
Calian strode over to Lorelai, "It is good to see you again Lore."
"You too Calian." A small smile played on her lips.
"If I may be so bold, but you are looking as ravishing as ever." Lorelai met his darkened lust filled gaze. There had been something between them years ago but that ended when his advisers manoeuvred Anora into the picture. "Calian, please don't."
"Don't what?" He tenderly stroked her cheek with the back of his fingers, her cheeks were still wet from the tears.
"Do this. You're married remember?"
"Yes, to a controlling witch who has been unable to give me a heir."
"Calian." Lorelai's voice was stern, "If you wish to set Anora aside then you need to do so through the Landsmeet.
"You and I both know it's not as straightforward as that. Let's just enjoy this moment we have together." Calian leaned in and crashed his lips passionately against Lorelai's, she felt her body respond, even though her head protested. She opened her mouth ever so slightly and Calian slid his tongue inside and began exploring every part of her mouth. Lorelai broke the kiss, both were breathless and rested their foreheads against one another.
"Go to Denerim, to the palace. I will find you there after the battle is done here." Calian pleaded, "I'll send word, let them know to expect you."
Lorelai shook her head "The fewer people who know I'm alive the better. I suspect Howe will have put a bounty on my head."
"I will gut that bastard myself if any harm comes to you!" Calian raged
"No Calian, if anyone is going to gut him, it is going to me. He will pay tenfold for every life he took." Lorelai said clenching her fists, Calian read out and took her hands in his "I promised you that he will pay, and he will." Getting up Calian walked towards the table, grabbed a few things and returned to Lorelai's side. "I'm going to have to leave now, I must speak with Loghain and it's unlikely I will be able to see you before the battle tomorrow. Take these." Calian held out a rolled piece of parchment with the royal seal and a coin purse. "It isn't much but you will need supplies before you set out for Denerim."
"What about this parchment?"
"That's your security, should anything happen to me, that declares Howe to be a traitor and his sentence to be death. It also restores the lands of Highever to the surviving members of Highever. Do not break the seal unless you really have to."
"Calian I -I don't what to say."
"Don't say anything, just meet me in Denerim." Calian smiled at her and then took his leave. Once he was gone, Lorelai made her way over to the cot, removing her weapons, she laid down and allowed sleep to claim her. It came easily, she finally felt safe.
Authors note: This chapter took on a mind of its own - I hadn't intended for there to have been a history between Calian and Cousland, it just kind of happened as I was writing the chapter; hopefully it works and makes sense!