An Understanding
The sun had broken through the overcast clouds high above the city but the chill was still intense.
"What is with this weather? I hate the blasted cold!" complained Oghren.
"Seems like we've had this conversation before, haven't we? I could cast something, warm you up a bit." Anders offered.
"You just keep your warming up bits to yourself mage."
"His ass will warm up soon as we are underway." Nathaniel said and Anders laughed.
Juliette was checking her horse and pack and so they didn't see her smile at their banter. She was very much looking forward to leaving Denerim.
"Commander, uh, looks like the king is headin' this way." Oghren said.
Juliette turned and saw that he was correct. Alistair was bounding down the steps toward the livery.
"I wanted to thank you all again, and wish you safe journey!" he said as he arrived.
"Thank you, your Majesty. We were happy to help." Juliette said politely. Alistair looked at her for a moment and then turned to Nathaniel.
"I also wanted to thank you myself, Warden Howe. I realize that you had a lot to do with helping the Commander in this and am pleased you did so."
"Thank you, your Majesty."
"May I speak with you a moment?" Alistair asked Nathaniel. Alistair did not wait for an answer but walked into the stable. Nathaniel and Juliette exchanged confused glances before he followed.
"Leave us please." the King ordered and the stable staff cleared the building.
"I also wanted to say that I owe you an apology. I questioned Juliette's choice to conscript you and you have proven me very wrong." Alistair said. "I wanted you to know that you will no longer be lumped in with past events."
Nathaniel was torn. The King was being very gracious to him. He did not need to tell Nathaniel any of this let alone do so in person. He was honored by the gesture but at the same time wanted to smash his face in for his presumption with Juliette. Suddenly, Nathaniel knew what he needed to say.
"May I speak freely, sire?"
"You may."
"I appreciate you speaking to me directly. It is an honor to think that my king is willing to consider that I may not be, shall we say, as my father was." Nathaniel put his hands behind his back. "I assure you that I am far from it. It is my desire to serve as I best can and I hope that someday people may not think of him when they hear my name."
"That being said sire, I must also say something that may change your opinion of me altogether."
Alistair raised an eyebrow and folded his arms. "Is that so? Please continue then."
"You used Juliette. You knew that she would come back to Denerim if you asked her and she did." Alistair's face changed, his eyes narrowing. "It is who she is, one of the best parts about her actually and she will always be so. I will tell you that I do not intend to let you manipulate that. She is not a pawn, this is your kingdom sir and you will have to let her go."
Nathaniel stopped speaking and waited for the King to respond.
Alistair looked at Nathaniel for a long time, his eyes angry. He paced a bit back and forth and then stopped in front of Nathaniel.
"You love her?" he asked.
"I do." Nathaniel confessed.
"Does she love you?"
"I do not know. You would have to ask her that question. I hope that she does."
"Let me tell you something then." Alistair said looking fierce. "Don't ever stop. Don't ever let anyone or anything tell you there is something nobler or more decent. Don't let circumstances separate you, don't let politics or promises or opinions of others deter you. Never let her go, man." Alistair drew a ragged breath. "For I can tell you that doing so will be the greatest mistake you will ever make and the greatest pain you will ever endure."
Nathaniel absorbed every word Alistair said and understood the man like never before. He was sorry for him and it made his resolve to love Juliette even stronger.
"I won't. If she will have me, I will marry her." Nathaniel told him.
Alistair nodded. "Fergus will be an obstacle. He is a man who has suffered greatly at your father's hands."
"Yes your Majesty, I understand."
"Safe journey then, Howe." and Alistair strode past him. Nathaniel waited to let the man get ahead.
Nathaniel left the stable in time to watch the King shake Anders's hand and share a few crass comments with Oghren about his steed. He watched as he turned finally to Juliette. Juliette took his hand and gently hugged him good bye. The king stepped back and helped her mount.
Nathaniel approached the group and mounted his horse quickly. He nodded at the King.
"It was an honor your Majesty." Nathaniel said, meaning every word.
"Remember what I said, Howe."
Alistair stepped up a few steps and raised his hand. "Farewell my fellow Warden's. May the Maker watch over you all."
They left Denerim and headed for home.