A/N: Thanks again to my reviewers, I really do appreciate your thoughts!

And of course to Tarante11a, who encouraged me and allowed me to use ellipses ;)

I promise, Elle will be leaving Highever very soon...

Chapter 3: Hunting

"There you go, my lady, pretty as a painting!" Lorina had finished pinning her hair and Elle turned to look in the mirror. The maid had arranged her auburn curls in a relaxed chignon, tight enough to hold the hair in place, but loose enough that several tendrils hung free.

"It looks very nice, Lorina, thank you." Elle smiled at her maid as she stood up and began to pace. The green dress Lorina found set off her fair skin and emerald eyes perfectly, and had she not been full of nervous energy, she might have taken time to appreciate the way she looked. She had been anxious all afternoon, constantly framing differently-toned apologies in her mind. Eamon would be the easier of the two, she concluded, so she had decided to approach him as soon as dinner began. Teagan was more problematic, and she was struggling to come up with words adequate enough to make up for her earlier treatment of him.

It hadn't helped matters that the dressing down she had expected from Fergus upon his return never materialized. She'd heard the commotion in the hallway when he passed on the way to his rooms to clean up after his errand, and waited in grim anticipation for his knock on the door. She'd thought it only a matter of time before her brother would storm in and tell her in quiet tones how disappointed he was, and how she had failed him. Rather than feeling relieved that he had spared her the guilt, it made her more anxious for the dinner to come. In addition to practicing speeches, she was battling an intense feeling of foreboding that Fergus would find some underhanded and secret way to make her pay for the way she'd acted with Eamon and Teagan.

Elle sighed as Lorina reminded her that it was time to go down to dinner. By the time she reached the door to the hall, her stomach was knotted with dread and nervousness. She was gathering the courage to open the door, when Fergus walked up behind her.

"What's wrong Elle? You look positively green," he said, with no hint of sarcasm in his voice. He actually sounded concerned, and the possibility that he hadn't yet spoken to Eamon or Teagan crossed her mind. She felt relieved that one of her worries might be for nothing. "It's Arl Eamon, and Bann Teagan, so I'm told. They like and respect you, and owe you a great debt. I'm sure they'll be sensitive to the date, if that is your worry. And I know you must be hungry! If the taint causes as much hunger in the darkspawn as it does in you, it's no wonder they invade the surface, they must run out of food!" Fergus laughed and clapped her on the shoulder before pushing past her to open the door.

Elle groaned with dismay as her stomach rumbled, giving truth to Fergus's assertion. The hunger served as a brief distraction from her nerves, but by the time she had followed her brother through the door into the hall, her appetite was forgotten. She looked around for Eamon, intending to follow through on her resolve to make an apology. She hurried past Fergus and Teagan without making eye contact, overhearing them discussing hunting and the best areas around Highever. She was more than happy to allow Fergus to distract the bann until she had confronted Eamon. She found her target in the corner, speaking with Ser Geoffrey.

With an air of confidence she didn't feel, Elle addressed the elder Guerrin. "Arl Eamon, might I have a word with you? It will be brief, I assure you."

"Of course, my lady," Eamon said with a smile. He nodded at Ser Geoffrey, who moved away silently in order to give them privacy.

Once Ser Geoffrey was out of earshot, Elle's words came out in a rush. "My lord, I wish to apologize for my rude dismissal of you and your brother earlier. It was horribly unkind of me, and I am ashamed to think of it. You have always been a friend to me and my family, especially during the blight, and I treated you abominably. Without your help, I never would have survived that Landsmeet. Please, I ask that you don't hold it against Fergus, and that your reason for coming not be affected in any way by my actions."

She wasn't sure how Eamon would react, but his soft chuckle was certainly not what she expected. "My child, you have nothing to apologize for. I will admit I was a bit shocked at first, but after Teagan explained the situation to me this afternoon, I realize I have no right to feel any sort of indignation toward you. I know how important Alistair was to all of us, but to my shame, time has dulled the memory of just how much you cared for each other. No, my dear, if anything, I should apologize to you for being insensitive to that fact. It is quite obvious to me that this would have been a challenging day for you even had our arrival not been a part of it."

The compassion she saw on Eamon's face only made Elle feel more ashamed of her behavior, but his kind words and almost fatherly tone couldn't quell the other emotions roiling around inside her. Of course there was the familiar pain at the mention of Alistair, but she also felt a twinge of unease at the implication of Teagan's involvement in Eamon's softening toward her. She wasn't surprised -- of course the brothers would discuss the events of the afternoon -- but she was left wondering just what Teagan could have said to 'explain the situation' in such a manner that Eamon's shock could be replaced so easily with understanding.

"Thank you, Ser, but no manner of circumstances could serve to excuse my behavior. Your compassion shames me." Elle bowed her head and was silent for a moment. When she felt Eamon place a reassuring hand on her shoulder, she looked up and decided to change the subject to address a question that had been on her mind for a while. "I do have a question, my lord, if you'll permit me."

"Of course, my lady."

"What brings you both to Highever at this time of year? I hope all is well in Redcliffe and Rainesfere, though I'm sure that Fergus would be more than willing to send any sort of aid necessary, if that is not the case."

Eamon laughed. "My dear, it is nothing quite so dire, I assure you. In fact, it is happy news, I think, for all of us. As you may be aware, for the past year Isolde and I have resided in Denerim, where I have been acting as Queen Anora's chancellor and adviser. Teagan has been splitting his time between Rainesfere and Redcliffe, acting in my stead. We both decided that for the sake of my brother's sanity, it would be best if I were to abdicate my position as the Arl of Redcliffe in favor of him. He has done an outstanding job acting for me, and the people there admire and respect him. Also, in honor of his service and leadership during the siege of Redcliffe, Teagan intends to name Ser Perth as Bann of Rainesfere. Our visit here was merely to inform your brother of our intentions before formally petitioning the Landsmeet."

For the first time in hours, Elle genuinely smiled. "Arl Eamon, this is wonderful news! I am truly happy for you all, and I'm sure neither Fergus nor the Landsmeet could have any objections."

"Oh, I'm quite sure a noble from some obscure house will find a way to come up with something!"

Elle chuckled, which thankfully hid the sound of her stomach grumbling for food. She blushed and said quickly, "If you would excuse me, I should go check with the staff about dinner."

"Of course, my dear." With this, Eamon turned and made his way toward Fergus, who was in the process of describing to Teagan something that looked vaguely like a boar hunt, complete with pantomime and sound effects. Elle shook her head and walked to the door nearest the kitchen, which had just opened a small way to reveal the dour face of a Horace, peeking into the room. After confirming that dinner was on the way, she wandered over to the table.

She was pretending to adjust the place settings, but her mind was elsewhere as she idly fingered a dessert fork. Emotions caused by the events of the day warred within her. She found it hard to believe, but the ever-present grief that had been her constant companion for a year was actually overshadowed today by other, more pressing feelings. Shame at her behavior was one, as well as a familiar discomfort at social situations. This discomfort was somehow made worse by the presence of the Guerrins, especially Teagan. She couldn't quite put a name to the feeling the presence of Eamon's younger brother instilled in her, especially after the events of the afternoon. The best description she could find was 'disquiet', but that wasn't entirely correct. She found it slightly disturbing that he was able to put her on the defensive so easily, and she resolved to be more stoic around him.

Her thoughts wandered then to Alistair. She longed for him, and missed the lighthearted commentary he would have been whispering in her ear as the evening progressed. She smiled sadly down at the table setting, thinking how they had never really shared a formal meal together, when she felt a light touch on her elbow and found herself looking at a goblet of red wine.

"Far be it from me to correct a lady, but I feel I must. You were quite mistaken in your earlier assumption. Wine?"

Elle's brow furrowed in confusion as she was jarred from her memories. She looked up and found Bann Teagan standing next to her holding the goblet, a smile playing around the corners of his mouth.

"Um, wha – I mean, I'm sorry, my lord, but I don't understand." Elle stared at him dumbly before feeling a hint of anger at his ability to put her so completely off-balance. She pushed it away, recalling her resolve to be more controlled.

Teagan smiled broadly and handed her the goblet. "Earlier today, during our..." He paused slightly as Elle reddened, "conversation."

When he wasn't forthcoming with more information, Elle spoke, trying to keep her tone light. "Oh, you mean the one where you said only things that were perfectly true, and I berated you like a spoiled child who just had her toys taken away?" Teagan chuckled, and she wondered where in the world she found the courage to say something like that. "I – I wanted to apologize for that, actually, and I was standing here...um...rearranging the place settings and thinking about it, trying to determine how to do so without seeming like a complete fool. And then...well...here you are!" Elle resisted the urge to clap a hand over her mouth, and instead looked back down at the table, blushing furiously. She marveled at her transformation from poised young woman to babbling idiot in a matter of seconds.

She grabbed the wine and took a long pull, hoping the distraction would calm her nerves. Teagan's eyes widened, then he broke out into laughter. "Apology accepted, my lady. And I might add, you look especially lovely this evening."

Elle took another swig to hide her discomfort at his compliment, and her earlier confusion returned. "Thank you, my lord, but you still did not clarify: which assumption were you referring to?" She decided that perhaps drinking the wine on an empty stomach might not be the best idea and set the goblet on the table. She needed to be calm and dignified, and the warmth from the alcohol spreading through her wasn't helping matters.

Teagan leaned against the table and grinned. "Well, my lady, you were correct on several counts, one being that I have a home. My freedom is somewhat debatable, though I suppose it is considerably more than a Grey Warden has. And yes, my brother and nephew are both alive, due to your efforts, of course." He bowed slightly, and his tone turned more serious. "And much to my shame, you were also correct about my expectations for this visit. I admit I had thought to find the same person I knew in Redcliffe. So you see, I owe you an apology for that mistake."

Before he could continue, Elle stopped him with a shake of her head. "No, Bann Teagan, please don't do that. No perceived fault of yours could serve to excuse my behavior earlier. It was entirely inappropriate, no matter the circumstances. I've never made excuses for my actions, that much about me has not changed, and I cannot allow you to do so, either." She stood up straighter, emboldened, and looked him in the eye, though her voice took on a grim cast. "I just... well, I need to learn to accept the consequences of my choices."

Teagan held her gaze with an earnest expression, as if he could sense there was more to her final words than he understood. Thankfully he didn't ask her to elaborate. Instead, a look of what Elle could almost describe as relief flashed across his face, and he smiled. "I am glad, my lady, to catch a rare glimpse of the old Elle Cousland."

Elle knew she should feel irritated by his presumption, but anger or hurt were not the first thoughts to pop into her head. Instead, she felt an uncharacteristic desire to defer the situation with an attempt at humor, and her tone turned light as she feigned indignation. "My lord, are you implying that I am old? That is hardly a proper thing to say to a noble lady of Ferelden, don't you think? First you deftly avoid answering my question, again, and now you comment on my age. I am quite put out." She grinned to see Teagan redden slightly.

"Of course not, my lady," he protested, laughing. "I would never presume to comment on such a taboo subject as your age! Any intelligent man knows that every court lady is a lass of no more than twenty, isn't that correct?"

"A most politic answer, Bann Teagan. You do every nobleman proud by being such an excellent representative. And yet, you still have not told me which assumption I was wrong about earlier, and I am starting to get impatient." Elle was genuinely curious as to his meaning now, and she was nothing if not persistent.

She crossed her arms and looked at Teagan expectantly, who gave a resigned smile. "You are quite perseverant, my lady. Perhaps I shouldn't have -"

"Teagan, my friend!" Fergus yelled across the room with a beckoning gesture. "Your brother was just telling me about a most excellent stream near Rainesfere which boasts some extraordinary fishing. See here, dinner is ready, come sit and tell me all about it!"

Teagan had the grace to apologize before moving to join Fergus at the table. "I am sorry my lady. Perhaps we can continue this conversation at a later time. I suppose I do owe you an answer."

Elle sighed and gave her brother an exasperated look, but he was oblivious. "I will hold you to that, Bann Teagan," she replied. She shook her head in frustration and moved to her seat, wondering if she would ever have the chance to find out his meaning. She supposed she shouldn't hold it against Fergus, as he so rarely had the chance to discuss matters other than the rebuilding of Highever. She wondered if she was selfish, keeping her brother to herself all these months. Perhaps she should have encouraged him to travel more, or at least head outdoors for a bit of sport now and then. Deep down, she knew he threw himself into his work for the same reason she did, and she felt a twinge of sadness for Oriana and Oren. It was difficult for her to acknowledge, but Fergus had lost as much, if not more than she had.

Elle remained quiet for the majority of the meal, answering questions when asked but not volunteering anything otherwise. The men talked of hunting and tournaments and the coming Landsmeet, and by the end of dinner, plans were made to go out in search of boar the next morning. There was a time in her life when she would have been interested – even insistent – on joining them, but sport and politics held few attractions for her now. Her ears did perk up when they began discussing plans to travel to Denerim for the Landsmeet, three days hence.

"My lords," she interjected. "You are, of course, most welcome to remain here until then. I'm sure Fergus would enjoy your company on the road, as well, isn't that right, brother?" Elle wasn't sure if Fergus had even remembered the coming Landsmeet, and she was sure he wasn't looking forward to going. She was certain if she hadn't said something first, he would have found some way to convince her to attend in his stead.

Fergus sighed. "Yes, that would make the journey more bearable. I can pester Eamon and Teagan for the latest political news. Though I'm not sure I can think of anything more boring than hearing an exhaustive list of which banns are at war with each other and who had the greatest wool production this year. I wish Fereldan politics was interesting, like the dwarves'. At least I could get excited about that!"

Elle gave a sardonic laugh. "Trust me, Fergus, you do not want that. Dwarven politics is more ruthless than the blight, as far as I'm concerned. I would rather face a horde of hungry darkspawn than the Orzammar Assembly any day. Ogres would be more tranquil and decidedly less deadly than the deshyrs."

The men laughed in response, and she was suddenly struck by a memory of the first time she set foot in the Orzammar Assembly hall. Alistair was with her, of course, as were Wynne and Leliana. "So this is the site of the famous dwarven politics," he'd said, right before one noble threatened another with bodily harm over a simple trade agreement. "Er... If I do become king, remind me not to eat anything when I travel here, it seems it might be a bit dangerous." She had laughed at him then, but the more she'd learned of Orzammar, the more she came to agree with his assessment. She was smiling wistfully when she heard her name.

"Elle? Oh Eeelllle!" She snapped her head up and glared at Fergus, who was laughing quietly. "Sorry, you were a thousand miles away for a second. I was just saying, we are going to turn in now, so we can be up nice and early to ride out. Would you be so kind as to inform Horace that we're finished, and make sure the stable staff knows we'll need horses in the morning?"

"I'm sorry Fergus. Of course." She shook off the memory and moved to stand, the men rising from their seats as well. "I bid you good night, gentlemen."

She moved toward the door closest to the kitchens, hoping to find Horace there. As she reached it, she heard Bann Teagan call her name. "Yes, my lord?" She turned toward him as he walked over, giving him a tired smile.

"It is nothing important, my lady, but I believe I still owe you an answer. I am, after all, the one who brought it up in the first place."

"Ah yes, my mistaken assumption. Do tell, Bann Teagan."

"There is no lass, pretty or otherwise, waiting for me," he said softly. Teagan looked at her intently, as if studying her or anticipating a reaction. Elle shifted uncomfortably under his gaze and tried to form an appropriate response.

"Oh, I...I see," was all she could manage, as she wondered why his statement would cause a blush to begin creeping up her cheeks. She tried in vain to think of something more eloquent to say. "I'm sorry. Um...not that there is no one, but that I assumed wrongly. I mean, I am sorry that there is no one, but I'm also sorry that I implied that I thought you should have someone. I mean, I think... oh dear, I am going to stop speaking now." Elle's face was on fire, and she prayed fervently for the Maker to strike her dead on the spot. Teagan's eyes were twinkling with merriment, which only made her feel worse. Of course, after that articulate display, she deserved to be ridiculed.

Elle berated herself. She was usually so steady, but everything this man did or said to her unsettled her in ways she couldn't justify. She had built herself a stable emotional place out of her grief and guilt, so the events of the day troubled her. It was confusing how easily Teagan was able to overturn things she had taken a year to construct. She had tried to portray an image of a strong and emotionless noblewoman, yet here he was, proving the brittleness of that facade. She wanted to cry, but for the first time in a year it was not for grief over Alistair, but for the loss of her carefully guarded control.

As she fought back tears, she watched Teagan's expression change from one of gentle amusement to something more intense. Elle struggled to ignore her stomach, which did traitorous somersaults as he took her hand and raised it briefly to his lips.

"Good night, Elle."