A/N: Thank you to everyone who has been generously reading and reviewing this and my other stories. Just after the last chapter, I have passed the 150 reviews mark! For me, this is really exciting stuff. Thank you, all of you, who have been kind enough to leave me feedback and say nice things about the story. Also, I would like to thank those people who have read the story even if you have not reviewed. Knowing that you're out there reading is really encouraging as well.
On to the story!
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They were just in front of the Landsmeet chamber when Zevran and Erlina pulled them aside. "A moment before you enter?" Zevran asked. Elissa walked with him to a corner of the room, where they would be able to speak without being overheard, and Erlina and Nathaniel followed them. Once they were gathered, Zevran turned around to address both Nathaniel and Elissa.
"I have only two bits of advice for today," he said, looking at Elissa meaningfully. "The first is to be proud of the truth. The second," and here he paused, looking at Nathaniel and back to Elissa again before continuing, "is to go for what you want. Today is about you, my friend, whether they know it or not." He smiled then, the mischievous tilt of his lips a sharp contrast to the severity of the chamber they were about to enter. "Be prepared for anything to happen." He looked like he was enjoying himself. "Maybe when this is all done I will take up the fair Erlina on her offer to undergo bardic training, yes?"
"Maker watch over you," Erlina added after offering an exasperated yet amused glance at Zevran. "You both know court politics, and today will be no exception." She tugged on Zevran's arm and walked with him to the center of the room, giving Nathaniel and Elissa a moment of privacy.
"This is it." Nathaniel looked at Elissa, studying her face as if he was memorizing it. "How are you feeling?"
Elissa allowed her expression to soften, just ever so slightly, as she looked into Nathaniel's eyes. "Nervous," she admitted. "I'm not used to having others run the show when it affects me." She shrugged a little when Nathaniel smiled briefly in understanding. "You?"
"About the same. Be careful, love." He touched her hand briefly, the contact warm and familiar, then turned so they were both facing the Landsmeet chamber doors. "I suppose it's time." They walked toward the doors, as ready as they were going to be to play their as-yet unknown parts in the play that was about to begin.
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The annoying thing about getting to a meeting early is staying ready for it. Elissa idly watched the lords and ladies of the land trickle into the Landsmeet chamber. The banns and freeholders took the lower level of the chamber, while the arls and other higher-level nobles were at the higher level, able to look over the railing upon the mass gathered below. Elissa stepped closer to the rail to see who had already arrived.
Bann Gilmore and Bann Ferrenly were near the center of the floor, talking with each other animatedly. Shianni was off to the side, looking decidedly uncomfortable, although the soldier stationed near her was speaking with her. Wait, there's something familiar about that soldier. Elissa focused on the soldier's appearance for a moment trying to place it. Should I worry? She watched the soldier as he gestured with his hands while talking, then he turned and she realized why he looked familiar. It's Eric! The thought relieved her greatly; she was glad that Zev and Erlina had thought to put Wardens in place as part of the guard. This knowledge in hand, she looked more closely to see who else was down on the lower floor.
A female soldier in light armor was standing on the other end of the room. Elissa caught a trace of red hair peeking out from the edge of her helm. There's Leliana. She noticed Zev and Erlina were still on the floor downstairs, as was Nathaniel, and all three were milling about, watching the nobles arrive as well. They were making a point to spread out across the room and not congregate in one place. Directly across from her was another familiar figure. It took Elissa another moment to place the man in splintmail before she realized it was Kylon. How did Zev get him here so quickly? Nevertheless, she was glad to see Kylon was also part of the guard that day.
As she continued scanning the crowd, she realized that she saw Ser Perth amongst the assembled banns. He was wearing finely cut clothing instead of the armor she had become accustomed to seeing him wear, and he was talking to a blonde man who looked incredibly familiar to her, although she couldn't place him from a distance. He was as tall as Perth, and his hair flowed loosely around his face and touched his shoulders. The pair noticed her observing them, and both bowed to her. The familiar blonde smirked as he did so, which caused her to recognize him. She smiled at Anders and Perth and bowed back. Sneaky. I like it. I can't believe just letting his hair down and putting him into a noble's outfit makes him look that different. Since there are so many new banns since the war, they'll never be noticed if they're at all careful.
After Elissa had finished scanning the crowd below, she looked at the nobles who had already assembled on the upper level. Vaughan was there with a perpetual sneer on his face. When she saw her looking at him, his expression changed to one of smug satisfaction and he openly leered at her. She controlled her inner desire to walk over to him and punch him, and instead smiled sweetly at him. His expression changed to a scowl and his eyes burned with hatred.
Arl Wulff was already there, and he offered a nod and a bow to her. She returned the gesture and smiled at him in thanks. Fergus had also arrived and was studiously not looking at her. She kept her face calm but was saddened that she could easily see resignation and grief in his eyes. She wondered if he knew it was there and if anyone else had picked it up. It was hard to know if others would see it, since she had spent a lifetime learning his face. I'm sorry to see you like this, Brother. I wish … She shook her head slightly. There was no point in wishing. Wishing for things that were not likely to ever happen would only lead to heartache and bitterness. It was far better to think about what was rather than what might have been and figure out a way to move forward.
It rather surprised Elissa that the Grand Cleric actually acknowledged her presence. While she knew little of the woman, her minimal experience with the religious leader of Ferelden had proven that Mother Colleen was a haughty, self-righteous, insufferable creature who valued bureaucracy and religious posturing above all else. It was even more surprising to see, flanked on either side of her, First Enchanter Irving and Knight-Commander Greagoir. Elissa had never heard of the head of the Knights Templar and the Circle of Magi at a Landsmeet before, and surmised that Alistair must have invited them to the event. Mother Colleen bowed to her briefly, and Elissa returned the greeting respectfully. She exchanged silent greetings with Irving and Greagoir in the same manner, although they actually looked pleased to see her. Elissa made a note to speak with them after the Landsmeet and see how Eleanor was faring.
The rest of the banns and arls eventually arrived; all that remained was for Alistair and Alfstanna to make their presences known. They didn't have to wait much longer. Suddenly, to Elissa's left, a pair of massive doors swung open and in walked Alistair and Alfstanna, holding hands and smiling to all those assembled. They looked confident and, if Elissa wasn't mistaken, very comfortable as King and Queen of Ferelden. Not for the first time, Elissa thought that Alistair had grown into his new role quite nicely. Applause and cheers broke out throughout the hall as the royal couple walked together to their spot on the upper level. They had to pass by Elissa to do so, and as they walked by her, Alistair murmured, "Well, this should be a fun day," as he looked knowingly at Elissa. She bowed to him and Alfstanna, as was proper, and smiled at them without answering. Alistair and Alfstanna took their places on Fergus' other side before Alistair raised his hand to calm the still-cheering crowd, and the Landsmeet began.
"Lords and Ladies, welcome to the Landsmeet." Alistair spoke clearly and loudly, his voice ringing through the hall. Elissa was impressed; this was a far cry from when he first became king. He's been working on his public speaking. "Thank you all for coming today. Let's begin." He looked around the room to ensure he had everyone's attention. "The first order of business: The teyrnir of Gwaren. It has gone without rule for far too long. To this end, I would like to offer this seat to someone who has served Ferelden above and beyond the call of duty – not once, but twice now, in as many years – and who has proven time and again her dedication to the throne." Uh oh. Did he say 'her'? Elissa raised an eyebrow. He had better not be doing what I think he is. "Elissa Cousland, I would like to offer you the position of Teyrna of Gwaren."
Elissa was dimly aware of the large number of banns who were cheering raucously, but she chose not to focus on that. She looked down for the one face she wanted to see and found it. Nathaniel was staring at her with wide eyes, his jaw hanging open giving him the look of pure shock that she was sure was mirrored on her own face. She lifted her eyes and across from her, Vaughan stared at her with pure and uncontrolled fury written all over his face. She turned to face Alistair, ignoring Fergus' ambivalent look, and waited for the roar to subside. She wasn't sure if the roaring was coming from her ears or from the assembled mass of people on the floor of the assembly chamber.
Be proud of the truth; go for what you want. Zevran's words came back to her as she met Alistair's expectant gaze. She studied his face before she smiled. I know what to do. Zevran, you clever bastard. This is the perfect way to gauge my political situation and you will know who to look out for. When she smiled, Alistair did too. And you, Alistair, have learned this game far too well. You know exactly what I will say to this. With these thoughts in her mind, her initial panic calmed and she composed herself so that when she spoke, it would be with a clear voice that would carry over the Landsmeet chamber.
"Your Majesty," she began. She bowed deeply to him and the last cheers subsided. "I am honored beyond compare that you would consider me able to adequately handle this position. However, I must respectfully decline." The roar that arose from the chamber was deafening; she had to wait several minutes for it to subside enough to continue speaking. While she waited, she watched Alistair's face. His smile broadened a little more and he nodded ever so slightly. After the din eased a bit, she continued. "My duties as a Grey Warden must come first, Your Majesty, and I feel I can best serve Ferelden in my current capacity." She bowed again and waited for the roar of approval to subside. When she looked at Nathaniel again, he gave her a slight nod and his face was relaxed.
Alistair spoke next. He turned to the Landsmeet chamber and said, "Then I have a question to ask of you, Warden-Commander. Who do you think should become the next Teyrn?" Murmurs broke out amongst the nobility; this was a highly unusual move for their king to make. Elissa looked at Fergus. His eyes were calculating and he looked at her as if to say what will you do about this? She considered for a moment, then turned to answer.
"If it pleases Your Majesty and is acceptable to the Landsmeet, I would like to suggest that Arl Wulff become the new Teyrn. His lands were amongst the worst hit by the blight. Despite his losses, he has remained loyal to the throne and has proven to be a clear voice of reason during troubled times. He is a fair and just man, and would continue to serve Ferelden well." As she said this, she looked to where Arl Wulff was standing, across from her, and smiled. Arl Wulff looked stunned as the Landsmeet roared again and most of the nobles assembled turned to him and cheered just as loudly as before. She turned to Fergus and Alistair. Did I do the right thing? She tried to question them with her eyes, and Alistair smiled at her. Fergus was more reticent, but he did nod his head once in approval. She felt reassured by her choice.
"Very well," Alistair said to the Landsmeet when order was restored. "Gallagher Wulff, I offer you the Teyrnir of Gwaren. What say you?"
Wulff stepped forward and bowed low. "Your Majesty, I would be most honored. I accept." He bowed to the assembled nobles who cheered again.
Elissa took the opportunity to glance at Vaughan. He was beyond furious now; his face was mottled and his glare could have peeled someone's skin off. At that moment he looked like he wanted that someone to be Elissa. He started to shout, but it took a while for what he was shouting to be audible over the cheering of the assembled banns. After a good while, he could be heard across the Landsmeet chamber.
"Your Majesty! This is an outrage!" Elissa heard some gasps, but most of the hall went silent as Vaughan managed to capture the attention of those assembled. "I must protest, Your Majesty. You can not count on that woman's word! She is a traitor to the throne!"