Disclaimer: I don't own DA:O or any of its characters.
A/N: Okay, I thought I'd put this out there right now. In this tale, Alistair is still goofy and such, but he's got a lot more confidence than he did during the playthrough of DA:O. Maybe his personality is hardened. Yeah, we'll go with that. So some of his actions may seem OOC. Let's just say he now goes for what he wants. *Whistles*
Also, since we don't see a whole lot of Teagan, I'd like some reader thoughts on how you'd like his personality to be portrayed. Cheeky? Timid? Slightly dominant? Message me and let me know, I'm always open to suggestion. ;D
Rendez-Vous
The next morning I make my way to the servants' quarters. It doesn't take me long to find the young page that had delivered the message to me the previous night.
"Good morning, milady," he says, obviously surprised to see me.
"Morning…I'm sorry I never got your name," I smile at him good naturedly.
"Bevin, milady," he replies.
"Pleased to meet you, Bevin. My name is Elissa. Now, I came down here for a reason. I was hoping that you might be able to help me with something. If you manage to do it, there's five more silvers in it for you," I wink at him.
His eyes widen and he nods his head. "Yes of course milady. What do you need me to do?"
"Bann Sighard just arrived this morning to attend a council meeting tomorrow. All I want to know is where he plans on taking his afternoon tea. Once you've found out, you can find me in my quarters until just after lunch time," I explain. "And Bevin, I'm sure that I don't have to tell you that this is a very discreet matter. Just between the two of us." I tap my nose conspiratorially.
"I won't tell a soul, milady. You can count on me," he says, his voice ultra serious.
"Wonderful. I'll see you later then," I smile and return to my quarters.
A couple of hours pass and I hear a knock at my door. I answer and much as I expect, it's Bevin. "Have any news for me, Bevin?"
He nods, leaning in to whisper. "Bann Sighard will be taking his tea in the salon later this afternoon."
I smile. "Thank you, lad. Here are the five silvers I promised." I drop the coins into his hand and he smiles up at me widely. "One final request," I quickly scrawl down a note to the king asking him to meet me in his study in the late afternoon. "Can you please deliver this to His Majesty?"
"Of course, and thank you milady! If you ever need anything else, let me know!" He's off like a shot. I chuckle at his enthusiasm. One thing I'd learned from my time as both a noble and a commoner is that well paid and appreciated servants will always go above and beyond the call of duty.
Part one of my plan is in the works. It was time for the second part to begin. I wander to my closet and once again browse my clothes. If my plan is to succeed I'll need to find something a tad revealing, yet not too distasteful. I contemplate donning the Chasind robes, but quickly dismiss the idea. I want to appear every bit the 'lady' that I am, and not be too intimidating. My gaze settles on a crimson dress fashioned out of crushed velvet. It has a plunging neckline, but not so low as to be vulgar. I slide the dress over my head and take a look at my reflection in the mirror on my vanity. The dress seems to accentuate my curves, and that's good enough for me. I decide to keep my hair pinned up to showcase my long slender neck. When I'm quite satisfied with my work I leave the palace and head toward the Denerim Market District. I have much to do this afternoon and very little time to do it.
The Gnawed Noble Tavern was not overly crowded. I had made sure to appear forlorn upon entering just in case the man I was looking for spotted me outright. It seemed my luck was paying out.
"Lady Elissa," Vaughn purred. "What a lovely surprise. Please, join me in a drink." The fact that Vaughn was a regular at the tavern was no secret, and I had been banking on his being there this afternoon.
"Thank you, milord. It would be a pleasure," I force a sad smile. He's seated at a booth, and I opt to sit next to him. I want physical contact to be readily available should the need arise.
"You seem distressed, milady. Whatever is the problem?" he asks. It's show time.
I let loose an exaggerated sigh, playing the part of the damsel in distress. A role I happen to loathe. "You see milord, I had a meeting with His Majesty yesterday, and he told me something quite…perturbing…" I bite my lower lip.
"And what did the king say that got your pretty little head all worried?" he slides an arm around my shoulder and pulls me close. Ugh, insipid moron…
"It was about mages of all things," I let the pitch of my voice rise slightly. "Apparently old Arl Eamon's son is a mage, and they're going to send him to that wretched tower and strip him of his title!"
"Well, my dear, mages can be dangerous," he says. Yeah, no kidding, moron.
"Yes, I know milord. It just seems so sad that the Arl will no longer have an heir. And to think that such a thing could happen to someone of noble blood. It could happen to anyone!" I let loose a gasp. "It could happen to me! I cannot imagine having to go through such a terrible ordeal. It almost makes me not want to partake in the act of making a child, just in order to avoid the trauma!" I gaze up at him, my lips pouting slightly.
"That would be a terrible shame," Vaughn remarks, his voice now thick with lust. He's so bloody easy.
"Well, I suppose there is some hope…" I say mildly.
"What do you mean?" Vaughn asks.
"Apparently the king is going to put something forth for vote. It will allow auto-autono-" I stumble on my words purposely.
"Autonomy?" Vaughn offers.
"Yes that. Autonomy to the Circle of Magi so that mages can retain their titles. I do hope that it goes over well…" I sigh.
"Well, milady, I will be attending the council meeting tomorrow, and if the king proposes such a thing, I will most assuredly support it." He shoots me a lascivious grin and strokes my shoulder. "So you can put your worries at rest."
"Oh, thank you milord! You have no idea how much better that makes me feel," I bat my eyelashes. "Perhaps we can meet later and- Oh Maker, is it almost tea time? I promised that I would meet Bann Sighard," I roll my eyes. "He probably wants to discuss something incredibly boring." I slide out of the booth and manage an expression of mock regret. "We should continue our drink at a later time, yes?"
Vaughn nods eagerly. "Of course, milady. We can discuss it after the meeting tomorrow."
"I can't wait," I smile and wink at him. Blegh. I turn and leave the tavern, my task having been accomplished. On to the next part of my plan.
When I arrived at the king's study, two guards are posted on wither side of the double doors. I wonder idly where they were last night during the meeting. I shrug and address one of them. "Is His Majesty in his study? I believe he is expecting me? Teyrna Elissa Cousland?"
The guard that I address nods, "yes my ladyship. He said to go on in."
"Thanks," I smile and enter the study. I close the doors behind me and see that the king is seated at his desk, perusing several documents. "I swear, I'd go nuts if every where I went guards followed me about like lapdogs," I say by way of greeting.
"Yes, it is quite annoying," he says without looking up. "Now what can I do-" he glances at me and his mouth drops open.
"What?" I ask irritably. "Do I have something on my face?" I place my hands on my hips.
"I-I've just never seen you dressed so…" he swallows audibly. "You just caught me off guard. Forgive me."
"Oh, that." I look down at my dress. "You'll have to forgive me. I had a rendez-vous with Bann Vaughn and I thought he'd like this kind of thing. Normally I'd be wearing something less…prissy." I wrinkle my nose.
"It's quite becoming, actually. It flatters your figure…" he trails off as his gaze moves from my eyes and descends hungrily over the rest of me. He shakes his head, snapping out of whatever stupor he's in. "I'm sorry, what was it that you were doing with Vaughn? Or do I want to know?"
"Excuse me? I fail to see what business it is of yours." I say heatedly.
Alistair stands and rounds his desk, stopping a mere inches from me. "I think it is my business, especially since you've also shown interest in Teagan. You have a reputation to uphold, and I will not have you carrying on like some-" That's when I hit him. I don't slap him, either. I punch him square in the jaw. I hear a cracking sound and I realize with some disappointment that it's the sound of the bones in my knuckle cracking, and not the sound of his jaw breaking. I realize a tad too late that punching the king probably isn't the smartest thing I've ever done.
"Don't you ever speak to me like that again!" I hiss. "I came back to this sodding noble shit as a favour to all of you. Don't for a second think that I will allow you any modicum of control over my personal affairs." My eyes are wide with fury.
Alistair is holding his jaw, and to say that he's shocked would be an understatement. "Well, can't say I was expecting that," he mutters. He wanders over to a nearby closet and pulls out a health poultice. He takes a swig and hands it to me. I shake my head stubbornly. "Oh go on, don't be an idiot. I had that coming, I'll admit. I'm sorry for saying what I did. It was a stupid comment. Now please, take a sip at least. I heard that crack, so your hand is probably broken." I sigh and take the poultice from him with my good hand. I take a short sip and the healing effects are immediate.
"Thanks," I mutter.
"I really am sorry," Alistair says softly.
"Forget it," I grunt. "I'm used to people disappointing me. I actually came to tell you that I had a meeting with Vaughn, and he's going to support you in granting autonomy to the Circle."
His eyes widen. "Are you serious? How did you manage that?"
"I just played the part of the damsel in distress, said I was so sad about the Arl's son, blah blah blah, he said that he'd support your decision," I pause for a moment. "I may have hinted that his support would grant him my favour," I smirk. "Not that I'd ever give him the time of day under normal circumstances. Any man willing to believe that I'm a dimwit is not worth my attention." I stare at Alistair pointedly.
"I appreciate your doing that," he says sheepishly. "Having Vaughn's vote will help a lot."
"I'm not stopping there," I reply. "That's the whole reason why I'm here. You and I are going to the salon for tea."
"Alright. Not that I mind having tea with a beautiful woman, but I get the impression that you have an ulterior motive," he folds his arms over his chest.
"You'll see," I say cryptically. I hold out my arm. "Shall we?"
We arrive at the doors of the salon arm in arm. Before we enter I spy Bann Sighard sitting by himself, sipping a cup of tea. I turn to Alistair and whisper, "Follow my lead," and pull him into the salon.
"Your majesty I can scarcely believe it! But if you say it is so...well I must say that I agree with your assessment whole heartedly!" I say in a moderately loud voice. It's enough to get the Bann's attention. I glance over at Sighard and pretend that I've just noticed his presence. "Oh Bann Sighard, pardon my interrupting your afternoon tea! The king and I were just discussing a rather...interesting matter," I glance up at Alistair. He's doing a good job of maintaining a blank expression.
"What matter might that be?" Sighard asks.
"Well," I begin. "Apparently Arl Eamon's son is a mage," I murmur.
"Yes I'd heard," Sighard replies. "Most unfortunate."
"That's just what I was saying," I nod my head emphatically. "However, His Majesty has come up with an incredible idea, one that I daresay will solve all of our problems!"
"What do you mean our problems?" Sighard asks suspiciously. Alistair is watching this exchange silently.
"Well, milord, if magic can afflict someone such as Connor, who is of noble blood, clearly it can happen to any of us!" One of my hands flies to my mouth in a gesture of mock horror. "In fact, milard, isn't your wife with child? Maker preserve us. We must take whatever steps necessary to ensure your child's safety."
Bann Sighard's eyes widen. "I-I hadn't thought of that..."
"I don't think many people have. I hadn't either, until our king in his infinite wisdom suggested that we grant the Circle of Magi autonomy. That is what you said sire?" I prod.
"Yes," the king replies. "Granting the Circle autonomy will allow mages to retain their titles, thereby ensuring that any past and future mages of noble blood maintain their status. Though I'm not sure how much support I'll receive from the other members of council..."
"Well, you'll certainly have my support," I say immediately.
"And mine," Sighard adds. "I want to secure a good future for my child. If you bring forth such a motion at tomorrow's meeting, I will surely offer my support."
"Oh thank you, Bann Sighard. Your wisdom knows no bounds," I smile prettily and bat my eyelashes. "Now if you'll excuse me, I must ready myself for dinner. I will leave you to your tea milord."
"Lady Elissa," Alistair says. "I was hoping to discuss something with you regarding Highever. May I escort you to your chambers?"
I grin. "Certainly, your majesty. It would be an honour." And with that, we leave the salon. Easy as pie. When we're out of earshot, Alistair stops me, grasping my arm gently.
"That was...incredible!" he's grinning from ear to ear.
"Oh, it was nothing. I just know how to play their games. Years of watching my father do it has taught me well. Don't get any ideas though. That woman you saw in the salon? That's not really me. I just put that facade on for the sake of...well to further your political agenda. Nothing more." I explain.
"Well, you certainly fooled me," Alistair smiles. "I never thought I'd see you playing the part of a noblewoman so well...I'll need to get some pointers from you."
"That's what I'm here for," I chuckle and poke his side playfully. Wait, I forgot, I'm still a bit miffed at him for his comment earlier. Damn him and his charm.
"So...I heard you have a dinner date with Bann Teagan this evening," We've reached my chambers.
"Yes, you heard right. And I'd better get ready," I turn to open the door. I suddenly feel his hand on my shoulder, holding me in place.
"When he walked you to your room the other night...did he kiss you?" he's whispering now, his voice barely audible.
"I-I don't see how that-" I stutter over my words. Why is he asking me this? He leans in closer, his chest is pressed against my back.
"Did he lean in, press his lips to yours?" I feel the heat of his breath against my neck, his lips practically touching my ear.
"I-no-he didn't kiss me..." I murmur. Alistair's hands are now resting on my shoulders, and he bends down ever so slightly, his lips grazing against the curve of my neck.
"He's a fool for passing up the opportunity to kiss such a beautiful woman," he says huskily. I feel a shiver run down my spine.
"Your majesty-Alistair-we shouldn't...I can't. Not now..." I don't dare turn around, for I know if I do, he'll kiss me, and I'll invite him into my room. I'm not ready for such intimacy. I barely know this man. Instead I open the door, and dart inside like a coward. "I'm sorry, I must leave. I will see you tomorrow at the meeting." I shut the door before he can respond.
What the hell have I gotten myself into?