Duty's Choice: The Bastards of Ferelden - Chapter 24
The Visitor
Excepts from the journal of Warden Commander Elinora Cousland
9:35 Dragon - Fall 2, 17th day
Gates of Orzammar
After two weeks below ground, we have returned to the sun again. I missed the sun. And it's snowing.
The outpost is established. We've three new dwarven Wardens, all down below, as are Askel and Bittan, now Sub-Commander. I've sent word to Amaranthine to send six to ten Wardens to Orzammar for training and to assist the Legion of the Dead. They seem pleased to have us. The Blight greatly reduced their numbers.
Jader next, then West Hills, and then Highever. I'm looking forward to seeing Fergus again.
Also, I'm pregnant. Petra confirmed it when we returned to the city proper. Alistair is practically giddy and Cailin stays by my side, saying that he needs to protect his little brother. Petra warned both of them that things often go wrong in the first few months and we should keep it quiet until we can't.
Predictably, everyone knows.
9:35 Dragon - Fall 2, 19th day
On the road between Orzammar and Jader
I'm slowing us down. I'm puking every mile. Morning sickness, Andraste's ass. There is no time frame for this misery. Alistair is getting very good at holding my hair back. Maybe I should chop it off again. Dedra says she can keep it in an Orlensian braid…
9:35 Dragon - Fall 2, 21st day
Jader
This town stinks of fish and Maker knows what, but its good to be still. My Wardens are out recruiting while I cool my heels in the manor. I knew this would happen; I can't do my job.
Quit whining, girl. You'll do what you have to do.
In important news, Bordy delivered our forged report to a Templar today. He claimed to be traveling when a young man asked that the message get delivered to the closest Templar posting. Poor Alistair. He doesn't feel good about forging the report, but he's the only one who knows the Templar cipher that I trust. And I reminded him that it was all to protect his child. That cinched it.
Jader Manor – that night
A cool breeze stirred Elinora out of a sound sleep. She sat up, dagger in hand, alone in bed for once. The Arlessa of Jader was one for tradition, which including not allowing an unmarried couple to share a room.
The window was open, a cool sea breeze blowing in. She didn't remember opening it and so carefully scanned the room. "Behind the curtain. Come out slowly."
Zevran stepped out smoothly with a broad smile. "Hello, my dear Warden."
Elinora returned his smile. "You're losing your touch, Zev." She slid out of bed and moved to greet him, but a wave of nausea hit her before she could get halfway there. She clutched a bedpost and fought it back down.
Zevran moved with lightning reflexes to catch her. "What is it?"
She tried to smile. "Just a little sick, nothing important."
"This doesn't have anything to do with the rumors that you are expecting another bastard for Ferelden's king, does it?"
She growled. "So much for secrecy." Zevran helped her back into bed, tucking the blankets up around her shoulders like she was a child. She gave him a withering look. "I'm pregnant, not an invalid."
"I've heard the two are much the same, but that's not why I am here."
"Yes, I asked Leliana to try and find you. We need to find Morrigan."
Zevran nodded and dropped his eyes, busying himself with getting her a cup of water. "Yes, about that. I did find her. About a year ago."
"What?" She sat up and threw a pillow at him. "Why didn't you tell me?"
He had the good manners to look slightly abashed. "At the time there was no reason to, and it is professional courtesy not to discuss one's assignments with others."
"You killed her?" Elinora shrieked.
Zevran motioned for quiet and listened. No one stirred out in the hall. "No, I did not. I was hired to find her, that's all."
"And?" she whispered.
"And I did, in the Planasene Forest." At her accusatory glare he went on, "and her child." Zevran shuddered in a very un-Zevran way. "I have never seen such a creature."
Elinora gulped as her stomach roiled. "An abomination?"
"No. The most beautiful child I have ever seen, not that I much experience with children."
Elinora chewed her lip. "Wheat-gold hair and golden eyes?"
Zevran nodded, "And inhuman to boot. I couldn't tell you how, but that child… I do not know how to describe her."
She gripped the bedclothes. "Hand me that bucket and think about it a moment."
Zevran obeyed with a quizzical look, until she emptied her stomach. "You really should put this out of your mind, at least until the little one arrives."
She spit the vileness out of her mouth and gratefully accepted the cup of water Zevran handed her. "Can't."
"I did not think you could," he brushed a strand of hair from her face, "but I had to try."
"Do you think you could find her again?"
"I will try." With that, he kissed her cheek and headed for the window.
"Zevran," she called softly. He paused. "Who hired you to find her in the first place?"
The elf hesitated a moment, then answered, "The handsome Second of Weisshaupt. Rainer, I believe his name was." Without another word, Zevran was out the window and out of sight.
Elinora swore, and then threw up again.
Men.