- A few days after the incident at the alienage -
"Meria." Alistair called out as he was walking the castle halls in search for his beloved queen.
"As I said-" I turned from my conversation with the librarian to find an ecstatic Alistair. "Oh, Alistair my King!" I said with a huge smile adorned upon my face as I moved gracefully towards him. Curtsying gently, I rose to hug him tight.
"Nymeria" He said with his wondrous smile that never ceased to make everyone laugh at his inexperience with love.
"Yes, my love?" I inquired with much happiness and joy at him having the time to come visit and converse with me. Life in the castle had become ever so lonely since he had to look after the kingdom and ever since the incident with my dreams he has prevented anyone from informing me of military matters. However, not that he could stop me knowing... but even though I know what is going on I shall feign ignorance for the time being. Ignorance is bliss, is it not? Well, for now I shall relax a bit and reap the rewards of saving this country.
"Uhm, well... As much as I would like to keep you from such matters, I am afraid we need you in the war room. Brother in law, Fergus, stated that it was 'impertinent' that the very hero who saved Ferelden and whom I am trying to protect should be present for matters concerning the land... and such. And who am I to ignore your brother's requests?"
Chuckling lightly, I replied, "Then lead the way, my King." Kissing his cheek, we made our way to the war room where Fergus and other nobles awaited.
- The War Room -
As I walked into the room, graceful as ever a queen could be, I could tell the problem immediately. Although hesitant to even mention the name, I shall no longer hold this facade any longer. "It's the Orlesians, isn't it brother?" I inquired directly to Fergus, knowing he couldn't evade the question and that he was the most likely the most informed.
"You truly are the genius of the Cousland family, my lady." Teyrn Fergus said with a look of sadness while glancing over to Alistair for a nod of approval. "At this point it is impossible to tell whether this is independent or not, but crates marked with Orlesian seals have been intercepted on trade routes. The contents of the crates are usually weapons or armour." Taken aback by this news, I decided to sit down at the war room centre table. However, being the Queen, this signalled everyone else to do so. It took me a moment to realise that I had taken the head position, namely Alistair's seat, but was reassured when Alistair stood beside me. Leaning over me, he kissed me lightly on the lips and signalled for them all to continue.
"We must be careful with how we deal with this... one wrong move by us and it could mean an all out war with Orlais. If, in the highly unlikely chance, that it is Orlais as a whole, then we must also make sure no information leaves the war room. Am I clear?" I wasn't planning on practically given everyone a lecture but I had to ensure loyalty to the Fereldan crown.
"Our loyalty is unquestionable, your highness." One of the head knights stated as they all kneeled before us, the royal family.
- With Fergus and Alistair -
Ever since the journey as a Grey Warden and the defeat of the archdemon... no, before that. Just before my Grey Warden recruitment was when it started. When I lost my ability to truly trust anyone. I swore at the moment he betrayed us, that I would kill that traitor. However, killing Arl Howe did not bring back my family, nor did it calm my heart. The one thing that did calm it though was-
"Nymeria, are you alright?" Alistair said, interrupting my thoughts.
"Sorry, what?" I replied as I realised I had been staring into space, unresponsive with Fergus and Alistair worried.
"Your face, darling. It looks rather pale." Alistair commented with immense amounts of concern.
"He's right, dear sister. You've also been staring at the wall as if something is there." Fergus said while moving towards me.
"I-I'm fine... just feeling a little off." I smiled away their worries but couldn't help thinking I should tell them. I know Alistair can be simple minded sometimes but I don't want to keep things from him. I want to tell him that my dreams are getting worse and that I can't fight this horrible feeling inside me. Maybe I am just overthinking things...
"Oh, sister. Even Alistair can see your not fine." Fergus said with a slight chuckle that grew when Alistair pouted.
"He's right. I may not be the smartest at times but that is why I need you beside me, among many other reasons. What I mean is... your pain is my pain. These visions and dreams you have... let me help you." Leaning closer to me, Alistair planted a kiss on my forehead as he hug me like I was going to disappear.
"Alistair... can't... breathe... too tight." I said with whatever air I had left. Noticing my pain, Alistair immediately let go and apologised profusely. What happened next, was not the result of the extremely tight hug... but of what I believe to be another vision. To describe in detail... My skin turned so white I looked like a sheet of paper, my eyes also turning white as if my pupils had vanished and my body grew limp until I hit the floor with a loud "THUMP!".
- Vision -
Unlike a past dream, I could not see myself. All I could see was black, until...
The darkness faded back into the corners from whence it came and revealed a bright dining hall. Lights could be seen everywhere and in the middle of the room was a grand chandelier adorned with precious gems and metals. Beneath this, was the long table used for the hosting of feasts. As I start to walk around the room and then move towards the table, out of the corner of my eye a sense a presence entering. It was a man, decked in regal robes heading towards the head of the table. Following after him, was a gentle and graceful women also wearing gorgeous silks and beautiful gems.
" _, my love-" The man in regal robes began talking to the beautiful women at the other head of the table.
Never had I had a dream as detailed as this, yet so blurred as well. I knew not these people but felt I knew them so well at the same time.
Creeping up behind the man, was a masked intruder. I could see and sense what was to happen next but could do nothing in this foreign territory. As the intruder approached the man, he held his breathe and began to sink his blade through the man. The man shocked, writhed in pain... began to look into my direction. Staring at me as if he saw me. I took a step back and heard a crack. The intruder had escaped and the women got up and walked towards me. I was scared... it seemed so damn real! Shivering in fear, the women knelt down and put a hand on my head and held me close.
"Calm down, my child. This is not, but is as well. Your reality will be similar. Find the culprit and stop them before they hurt your precious one too. We are alike, yet opposites as well. Heed my words, Nymeria Theirin, and change his fate."
After feeling the comfort from her embrace and the fearful words of warning... everything started to fade again.
"I will do my best, Mrs. Theirin." I whisper unknowingly as I fade out.
I must have been out for ages because when I awoke, Alistair's face was nearly as pale as mine when I went into the dream.
"Engh..." I struggle to open my eyes while coughing hard.
"NYMERIA!" Alistair resounded as loud as he could with tears in his eyes.
"Sister! Don't you ever scare us like that again!" Fergus stated in a tone filled with relief.
"Alistair... please ask everyone to leave. I need to speak with you alone." Never being able to refuse a request of mine, especially one that I had barely enough strength to whisper, Alistair complied.
"Everyone is to leave the room. Including you, Fergus. We have some things to discuss, my wife and I." Alistair said with a tone that bordered cheerful, as he loved mentioning to everyone that this incredible woman and hero was all his.
"Ny, is this your wish?" Fergus inquired to me. Nodding my head, Fergus agreed to leave. "Alright everyone, the Queen needs her rest... not that the King would be helping it any." Fergus chuckled and winked with the last remark while Alistair just smiled and stuck his tongue out as an immature kid.
"Honestly, you two..." I said with a sigh at their behaviour.