Disclaimer: I don't own DA:O or any of its characters.
A/N: At the end.
Meetings and Songs
"I, for one, happen to agree with His Majesty's suggestion. Granting autonomy to the Circle of Magi is a most excellent idea," Vaughan's voice booms through the council chambers. Good boy. He sends an almost imperceptible glance my way.
"I also agree," Sighard pipes up. "The Circle was integral in our fight against the Blight and have proven to us that they no longer require such strict scrutiny. We must change with the times." I can hardly contain the grin that threatens to tug at my lips.
I clear my throat softly. "Well then, with the support of Bann Teagan, Arl Eamon, Bann Sighard, Bann Vaughan and myself, I believe it's safe to say that we can pass this ruling of granting autonomy to the Circle. What say you, your majesty?"
"I hereby grant the Circle of Magi full autonomy. All current mages shall have their titles reinstated, and any future mages will maintain their status as well. What is the next order of business?" The meeting continues for another couple of hours, and I try my damndest not to fall asleep. I instead focus on the king and his mannerisms. He seems to have taken to nobility with relative ease, however his stilted way of speaking belies his lack of experience. I wonder if perhaps he should address his subjects in a manner that is more befitting of his playful nature. Cailan was well liked by the people and had a friendly and carefree air about him, but he lacked the gruffness that Alistair possesses. Perhaps a combination of the two traits would make for a king that not only exudes confidence, but is likeable at the same time. It's certainly something I can suggest to Alistair. Right after I think of a proper way of thanking him for his gift. That was a mess of its own. The meeting is adjourned and the king tells us all that there is to be some sort of royal dinner that evening. Great, royal dinners, I love those. They're just an excuse for snotty nobles to get tanked and act like even bigger morons. I make my way to the exit when one of the guards blocks my way.
"His Majesty wishes to speak with you in his private quarters," the guard states.
Bloody hell. "Very well," I reply. I suppose there's no way of getting out of it. I ask the guard for directions and head toward Alistair's chambers. When I reach the large intricately carved double doors I knock softly.
"Come in," he responds. The first thing I notice upon entering is how large his quarters are. His sitting room is separate from the bedroom area, which I take as a blessing in disguise. I'm not sure I could handle being alone with Alistair in a room with a bed. I make a mental note to make sure we remain in the sitting room. I take a moment to examine the way the king has chosen to decorate his sitting room. I had expected it to be filled with battle regalia; weapons and armour and that sort of thing. Instead I noticed a large display case boasting several statuettes that varied in arcane and occult nature. His walls were adorned with beautiful tapestries, obviously hand woven with great care. There were of course several pieces of battle equipment. The main one showcased was a shield prominently displayed on the wall that directly faced the double doors. An image of a griffon was printed on the shield, and I could only surmise that it was of Grey Warden origin.
"Did you decorate this room yourself?" I ask offhandedly.
"Yes, I did. I suppose it's not exactly the epitome of masculinity-"
"I quite like it actually. I find it refreshing," I smile at him. "I wanted to thank you for the generous gift. It really wasn't necessary of course, but I appreciate the thought you put into it. I am a bit of a dagger fanatic."
"Don't forget about your cheese obsession," he teases. "I'm glad you liked the daggers. I just wanted to give you something to let you know how much I appreciate your being here. You were brilliant at the meeting today."
"Oh, it was nothing. I just helped the more simple minded folks see the logic in your plan, that's all," I grin. "I'm sure you must have a lot to do to prepare for dinner, and I shouldn't keep you…"
"Speaking of dinner," Alistair interrupts. "How was your evening with Teagan last night?"
I feel the heat rising in my cheeks. "I thought we'd already established that you were not to meddle in my personal affairs," I snap.
A gentle smirk tugs at Alistair's lips. "Now now, dear lady, no need to get all hot under the collar," he takes a step toward me. "Can't a man inquire about his competition?" He raises an eyebrow smugly.
"Competition? Really, this is simply astonishing. I'm here trying to establish some kind of order in this wretched mess and you and Teagan seem to have some sort of pissing match going on about who will be the first to get into my-" I'm cut off by his lips crashing into mine. His calloused hands cup my face as he plunders my mouth possessively. I'm simply too shocked to respond to this sudden onslaught, and instead allow this invasion with a slightly open mouth (I had been in the middle of talking after all, he's lucky I didn't bite off his sodding tongue) and arms hanging limply by my sides. He pulls away and gazes down at me, maintaining his grasp on my cheeks. He's obviously amused by my shocked expression.
"I couldn't resist, love. You have no idea how delicious you look when you get all riled up about something," he says cheekily. My face twists in anger and I grab his wrists, pulling them away from me.
"First of all, I'm not your 'love'. Don't call me that. Secondly, you have no right kissing me no matter how delicious I look. I'm not something you can eat!"
"I beg to differ," he smiles luridly. I punch his arm. Hard.
"You will cease and desist! We have more pressing matters to attend to. As I told Teagan, I don't have time for all of this romance nonsense-" I realize immediately that I've said too much.
Alistair cocks an eyebrow. "So he has decided to pursue you, has he? I thought as much. I can't say that I blame him."
I fold my arms over my chest. "You're both behaving like cavemen. My duty is to Ferelden and Highever, not to some man that wants to use me as a vessel to his heirs."
"If that's what you think I want, you're sorely mistaken," Alistair says.
"Regardless," I cut him off. "We have other things to worry about. I shall leave you to prepare for this ridiculous dinner."
"As you wish," he replies. "You know, your brother once gave me very good advice."
"Oh? That's surprising, the Aedan I knew was mostly full of shit," I say begrudgingly. I sigh softly. "But he did have the occasional intelligent thing to say."
"He told me that I needed to make my own happiness, and to look out for myself more often. Basically that I needed to have more confidence," Alistair explained.
"Sound advice," I reply.
"He also said that I should put my wants and needs first from time to time. That's what I'm doing right now. I know we have a connection, Elissa. I won't ignore it. I want you, and I will do whatever it takes to have you by my side." His tone is unrelenting.
How many times can I damn my dead twin brother in one week?
Zevran helps me prepare for dinner. I decide on a simple green silk shift dress that sets off the colour of my eyes. Zev insists upon tying a black silk sash beneath my bust line to accentuate my figure. He ignores my protests of wanting to call less attention to my body. Both Alistair and Teagan will be present at the dinner, and I don't relish being in the same room with them. Instead of pinning my hair up as I normally do, I let it flow past my shoulders. I'm about to head to the party when Zevran stops me.
"One last thing," he reaches up and slides a lovely porcelain hair comb into my tresses. It serves as a way of exposing my right cheek fully, the cheek that has been tattooed. "Perfect," he murmurs. "It shows the nobility that there is beauty in flaws." I hug him tightly and head for the dining hall.
I've discovered another setback of being the second highest ranking noble. While the king sits at the head of the table, I sit on his right hand side, diagonal from him. Arl Eamon is seated on his left. Teagan sits next to Eamon. I had thought that dinner would be tense, but I was mistaken. I was actually having a good time. After three glasses of wine and the main course, Teagan had begun telling Alistair tales of my childhood. Oh joy, oh bliss.
"Darling Elissa only began visiting Redcliffe after you had left for the Chantry," Teagan explained. "That's why the two of you never ran into one another. I still remember the time when I had several friends over and we were sparring in the fields. Elissa's father had business with Eamon and had brought her along to Redcliffe. It wasn't long before she stumbled upon us boys and asked to join in our sparring session. She was waif thin and had matted hair. Her dress was covered in grass stains. We thought her to be a street urchin and told her to leave."
"I believe your exact words were 'bugger off'," I say dryly.
Teagan lets out a throaty chuckle. "Yes, I'm ashamed to admit that we did in fact say that. Anyhow, one of the lads, his name was Landry, actually grabbed her by the arm to physically remove her from the field."
"He was such a pompous ass," I grumble.
"Do you know what she did? She turned on him, kneed him right in the groin, and when he doubled over in pain, she punched him square in the nose. Blood was spurting everywhere," Teagan can barely contain his laughter. "When he later discovered her to be the Teyrn's daughter, he nearly died of embarrassment. Needless to say she and I became fast friends. Any girl that can make a boy cry like that is good in my books."
Eamon and Alistair are both laughing loudly. I soon join in despite myself. "I told you he was a pompous bugger. Served him right," I chuckle. I notice Eamon gazing at me thoughtfully.
"Elissa, my dear, I seem to recall your father telling me that you have a lovely singing voice," Eamon smiles. Oh bollocks. "Would you perhaps indulge us in a song? I think it would be the perfect ending to a wonderful dinner."
"I'm sure my father exaggerated as he often does when it comes to my singing," I say with some modesty.
"I didn't know you could sing," Teagan exclaims.
I can feel myself beginning to flush. I haven't performed in public in years, though I do often practice singing in private. "I learned from a minstrel when I was a young girl…"
"Then you must sing for us," Alistair states. "I demand that you do so, or else I'll lock you in the dungeon. I am the king after all," he jests.
"Very well, if you insist," I run through various songs in my head, landing on one that has always been special to me. I stand and wander to the front of the dining hall. All eyes are on me and I can feel the familiar fluttering of butterflies in my stomach. "This happens to be a song my mother used to sing to me before bed when I was a child. It's very dear to me." I take a deep breath and begin.
"Now my charms are all o'erthrown
And what strength I have's mine own
Which is most faint; now t'is true
I must be here confined by you
But release me from my bands
With the help of your good hands
Gentle breath of yours my sails
Must fill, or else my project fails,
Which was to please.
Which was to please; now I want
Spirits to enforce, art to enchant
And my ending is despair,
Unless I be relieved by prayer
Which pierces so that it assaults
Mercy itself and frees all faults
As you from crimes would pardon'd be
Let your indulgence set me free."
A deafening silence surrounds me. I didn't think it was that terrible. I'm about to actually apologize when I notice the tears streaming down Eamon's cheeks. Alistair is staring at me slack jawed, and Teagan's eyes are wide with wonder. I shift from one foot to the other then do an awkward curtsy. Bann Sighard stands and applauds loudly. His ovation is soon followed by everyone else attending the dinner. I murmur a thank you and return to my seat. Several voices commend me on my performance. I can't remember the last time I've been so red faced. I almost don't hear the king whisper into my ear.
"I know now more than ever that you will be mine."
Maker's mercy. Does it ever end?
A/N: The song in this chapter is "Prospero's Speech". It is sung by Loreena McKennitt (if you haven't heard it, I suggest you give it a listen, it's beautiful) but you may also recognise it as the famous soliloquy from Shakespeare's The Tempest.