"You don't think we should all stay together?" I heard Alistair ask pointedly as I walked up to the war room. The Wardens had taken over one of the rooms off the back of the Chantry for planning and private meetings. I was going to ask Duncan when we were leaving for Haven when I happened upon their conversation so I planted myself outside the door way out of sight. Alistair continued, "I don't know that, even with the demon gone, it's entirely safe here."
"Bann Teagan has sent word to the knights to come home and as far as the villagers are concerned we are their charges," I heard Duncan reply. "They will take care of those left behind. Beside the fact that there's no need for everyone to go, we can have people here to keep an ear to the ground. We need to know what's going on in Denerim and Redcliffe is the perfect place to get news." I heard Alistair sigh, relenting.
"Alright, I'll let everyone know who is going," he said as I heard him start to walk out of the room. I scurried behind the door before he saw me, waited for him to pass, and walked into the room. Duncan smiled.
"I heard you, little one," he smiled as I flopped into a chair in the corner. I sighed.
"You too? I'm going to kill Roman," I pinched the bridge of my nose and dropped my hand to playfully glare at Duncan. By the look in his eyes I realized what he and Alistair were arguing about and my temper flared a bit. "You're going to try to leave me behind?" He sighed.
"It's not a reflection on your abilities," he started the typical good – bad – good speech. I'd used it myself a time or two with Caden and it is very effective on just about anyone… but not me.
"Duncan, stop right there," I said as I raised my palm to him. "I am going. For no other reason than you need me to solve the puzzles. You can clear out Haven, the chantry, hell, have fun with the dragonlings and the drakes, but I am going into that temple." I stood up and walked over to the map table, leaning on it with my palms flat and stared at the word 'Ferelden'. "I've come too far," I whispered to myself as I ran a finger along Lake Calenhad, across to Denerim in the East then south west to Ostagar. Duncan moved to stand beside me, hands clasped behind his back.
"Homesick?" he asked. I glanced at him and nodded, feeling a knot develop in my stomach.
Everything that was going to transpire in the near future began creeping into my mind. The ashes for Eamon, Orzammar, The Brecilian Forest, the civil war, the Landsmeet, the blight; everything in Ferelden was about to be turned upside down and all I wanted to do was go home and hide under my bed like a child. I don't think I was the right choice for this Flemeth, I thought as I steadied myself against the table. I'm no leader.
"Ahem," I heard a female voice from the doorway. I turned to see Morrigan and smiled, happy for the distraction. "May I speak with you, Kora?" I nodded, looking to Duncan for approval, and walked out into the chantry with her.
"I assume this is about the grimoire?" I asked. She nodded and motioned to the door so I followed her outside.
We walked around the chantry and over to the docks. Making sure no one was around Morrigan finally looked at me and sighed.
"You know what lies in that book." I nodded, waiting for her to continue. She started to pace the water line. "Then you know what I will ask of you." I shook my head.
"Why ask me? You have nothing to offer in return…" I paused, "or do you?" I waited for her to get to the point, knowing she was not one to worry over the niceties.
"I will tell you all I know of your journey," she said as she stared at me with those yellow eyes, "but you must kill Flemeth."
I remembered the necklace and how she would come back to life anyway but I hadn't decided if I was going to share that with her. I needed answers and short of threatening Flemeth within an inch of her life (that I wasn't sure I could do anyway) Morrigan was my only shot. There was also the ritual she needed to perform, I could use that as leverage, but the bottom line was I needed answers.
"No," I responded. "You will talk. I'll not murder someone just because she means to do you harm. You haven't exactly been a friend to me in case you've forgotten." I crossed my arms. "There's also the secret of the ritual that I am keeping for you, as well as… the ritual with the necklace. More specifically, the locket." I smiled smugly as her eyes grew a bit larger. Sensing defeat, she threw her hands up and huffed.
"Fine, you want the truth," she sat down cross legged on the dock, "the truth you shall have. Sit, tis a long story." I sat in front of her and nodded for her to begin. "I am unsure as to how much you know of Flemeth so I shall start with that.
"Flemeth has survived for ages with the assistance of spirits. Spirits she has tricked into her service. These spirits do a great many things for her, one of which is to warn her of dangers in the future, so about a year ago they warned her of Ostagar and the blight. At first she asked the spirits what she needed to do to avoid perishing. They advised her of a ritual involving a necklace, the locket you speak of, which she did not see fit to share with me. I can only assume you will advise me of the specifics when I finish my tale." She gave me an expectant glare and continued. "One of the spirits also told her of the ritual to trap the Archdemon's soul in an unborn child, giving her the spell for it. But that would not work if the Wardens did not succeed in killing the Archdemon."
"I assume this is where I came in," I said as I leaned back on my hands. She nodded.
"Not satisfied with allowing events to occur naturally, Flemeth decided someone needed to know the way things would unravel and put them in a position to aid the Wardens. Not just anyone, mind you, it would have to be someone close to one of them, someone who could influence events through that relationship and have a real effect on the outcome. And then she found you."
"Wait," I said as I shook my head, not sure what to believe, "what do you mean she 'found' me?"
"I mean just that. You were unconscious and dying in the wilds just south of Ostagar. You had been out with a group of Templars, probably hunting apostates, such as myself." She grinned, a wolf's grin that made me inwardly cringe. "Mother had been told by the spirits who you were, your connection to the Wardens and where to find you. She then plucked you from death's door and sent you through the fade."
"I AM a Templar," I whispered, dumbfounded. Pushing that thought aside I looked back to Morrigan. "I went through the fade to get to that other place? How did she even know about it? What of Caden? If he wasn't sent through how was he there?" Morrigan put her hand up to stop me.
"I told you I would tell you what I know so let me continue." She scolded as she straightened her shoulders. "You were a Templar, yes, but I assume they think you are dead along with the rest of your group so I doubt they are hunting you as a deserter. I do not know how she knew about the other world, most likely the spirits told her.
"I do know that the woman whose life you took over was actually you, another version of you, hence the reason your spirit could exist in her body. An alternate reality if you will. That is how, I assume, your brother was still your brother as he was a part of this other reality and hence there was another version of him as well. I also know that if you had not taken over her body when you did, she would have died. I do not know how but that was another reason it was easier for mother to complete the spell as her spirit had left the body before you were sent through. So it goes without saying that when you left her body this time…" I sighed.
"She died permanently." I shook my head then dropped it into my hands. "Oh, poor Caden. And Elissa." I looked up. "But wait, how DID I leave her body?"
"Mother brought you back," she said as if it were obvious. "It was all about timing, making sure you had gathered all the information you would need as well as putting you in the wilds at the right time to be able to reach Ostagar. It was all quite brilliant actually." She smiled as she smoothed her feathers on her shoulder. I felt myself getting angry.
"I'm so thrilled that you think interfering with the natural order of things is entertaining," I spat as I stood up. Morrigan stood to face me.
"If we had NOT interfered, both you and your 'alternate' would have died, as would have all of the people in your charge now, so ask yourself, TEMPLAR," she growled, "Where would you all be if we had not?" I sighed and shook my head, looking down at the dock beneath my feet.
I had to admit, she had a point. As selfish as her Mother's intentions were she saved many people's lives, mine included. As much as Morrigan was an arrogant bitch I had to agree with her point of view on this which, oddly enough, made me almost respect her. I looked up at her and decided she deserved to know everything.
"The necklace that Flemeth was told about, the locket? She put a small piece of herself into it and sent it to Kirkwall with some refugees. Once there, the Dalish will perform a rite for the departed over it and bring her back to life. Therefore, even if you were successful in getting someone to kill her she would still live. My suggestion, don't waste your time or energy." Morrigan looked down at the ground, defeated.
Then I remembered the other grimoire Flemeth has. If you tell her in the game you're going to tell Morrigan she is dead and actually let her live she gives it to you and you give it to Morrigan. I wondered if that would work in reality. A little payback as it were for messing with me, I thought. Both of me.
"What has you so deep in thought, Templar?" Morrigan asked. I smiled.
"I just had a thought. The information I have tells me of a scenario where a group goes to kill Flemeth but instead she gives up her grimoire and she is allowed to live." My gears were grinding. "Can she read minds?" Morrigan smiled eagerly.
"Not the mind of a Templar." I grinned.
"Let me think about it," I said as I turned and walked back to the chantry.
"Good afternoon," a voice rang out as I reached the steps. I turned to see Cailan walking toward me. "Do you have some time for me, My Lady?" he asked with a smile and a wink as he extended his arm to me. Just his smile made all the tension drain from my body. I couldn't help but grin back at him as I took his arm.
Cailan had changed so much. No longer was he the boy who liked to play at war, as Loghain liked to refer to him. He was calmer, more at ease with himself and his surroundings, not so eager to prove himself. He had an air about him that made you relax, be confident in him, trust him enough to step back and let him take command. He was a king, and he was growing into that persona quite well. I was proud. The thing that had NOT changed was that he was so damned charming that no one could refuse him anything. Not even me.
We slowly strolled through the village, taking in the sights and chatting casually. As we reached the tavern Cailan released my arm to open the door for me and I walked through, bowing my head in thanks as I made my way into the darkened room. When my eyes adjusted a young woman approached us. Cailan pointed to a table in the back corner and she walked us over, taking our drink orders then leaving. I smiled at Cailan, resting my arms on the table and lacing my fingers together.
"I certainly hope you didn't want to just take a walk and get me drunk, Cailan," I said teasingly. He smiled back and rested his arms on the table as well.
"It is quite the pleasure to have you on my arm, no denying that, but no. That was not my only intent." He paused, examining my face. I raised an eyebrow at him which made him laugh lightly. "Caden was right, you are tough." I held my smile.
"Yes I am and what are you up to?" I asked firmly. He shrugged his shoulders as the waitress delivered our drinks and left.
"Ok, no point in dancing round it," he sighed as he took a deep drink from his mug of ale. "I have given a lot of thought to the things that will have to change in Ferelden once I take back my throne and one of them involves you." I raised my eyebrows in surprise.
"What are you referring to?" I asked, taking a sip from my mug. He took a deep breath.
"As you know Vaughan has become… erratic in his behavior over the last few years. His rage is clouding his judgment, making him incapable of ruling properly. That's why I've decided…" his pause made my breath catch in my throat. No, he's not seriously… "after imprisoning him for his crimes against his people I am going to appoint you the Arlessa of Denerim." My heart jumped up into my throat.
"Cailan, you're not serious?" I asked, completely shocked at what he was saying. "You can't possibly mean to put me in charge of Denerim. I NEVER wanted it, I am no leader, that's why…" I stopped and looked down at my hands as more of my memories came back to me. "That was why I became a templar," I whispered. With his knuckle Cailan took my chin up to face him.
"I am completely serious," he whispered as he smiled. "Kora, you are strong, brave, loyal and fiercely protective. You will make an amazing Arlessa, just like your mother." He released my chin and took my hand. "Besides, I owe you my life, My Lady." He winked as he kissed my knuckles. I took his hand in both of mine.
"You owe me nothing," I stated firmly, "In fact you owe me a punch in the face." I thought back to that day sadly, shaking my head at my ignorance. To think I almost didn't save this man just because of my personal opinion of him, I thought. I have to tell him the truth. I looked back up at him and took a breath.
"Caden told me of your reservations before bringing me back," he said as he put a finger up to my lips to quiet me and then put his hand back on mine. "You think I blame you? I was an idiot, arrogant and deluded into thinking I was immortal, invincible. I was a child and I did not deserve my station." He then looked into my eyes, as if searching for something deep within them. "And yet here I am because of you. All I can do is hope that you do not regret your decision. I want to be respected in those beautiful blue eyes." I smiled and raised my eyebrows, feeling my breath hitch.
"Cailan, I can't convey to you how much I respect you," I said as I squeezed his hands. "You have grown so much as a person in the short time since Ostagar; I don't see the boy I knew. Your father is living on within you," I said as I gazed into his eyes. My heart started to beat louder so I dropped my hands into my lap. Sitting back in my chair I took a breath, letting the news sink in. He laughed and sat back in his.
"Now that that's settled…" he trailed off and raised his eyebrow at me like Alistair does when he's waiting for me to come around to his side of things. I felt a small pang at the memory. "As for my solution, I truly hope that you will agree. Now, I know how you feel about Vaughan but I can assure you that since your departure he has been relentless in his disrespect for the elven community." Cailan sat up and put his hand out on the table, reaching toward me with compassion in his eyes. I sat up and placed a hand in his. "I know you love him, but I cannot turn a blind eye to it any longer. Justice must be served."
As I took in what he said I realized he was right, things had gone far too wrong for far too long and Vaughan needed to be made an example of. Other nobles were doing similar things and it had to stop. The only way that would happen is if there were consequences to their actions and those consequences would have to be severe. I sighed.
"Will he be put to death?" I asked in a small voice. I felt weak, thankful that we were seated so I didn't have to worry about falling to my knees. As I felt a tear escape Cailan reached out and wiped it away.
"No. He will spend the rest of his days in prison but he will not be put to death or tortured." I let out a small sigh of relief.
"At least that's something." I reached up to pinch the bridge of my nose then dropped my hand to my lap. "So you're giving me my family's seat in the Landsmeet?" I asked, trying to digest everything this transition meant. He smiled and nodded then started to rub the back of his neck, looking away. Another mannerism that Alistair has, I thought. He must be uncomfortable with what he's about to say.
"There is also the issue of my wife." He glanced at me then looked away again. I nodded.
"You think Anora's involved in this plot with Loghain," I stated more than asked. He shook his head and dropped it into his hands.
"I don't know what to believe anymore," he said with a deep sigh, looking up at me, "but I know I can't trust her. I'll have to put her aside. Not looking forward to that." He gave me a half smile that broke my heart. I took his hand and squeezed it firmly.
"You will have my full support, no matter what you decide," I promised resolutely. He smiled, seemingly relieved.
"I knew I could count on you," he said quietly.
We sat there quietly for a moment looking into one another's eyes. It was a comfortable silence that I had not experienced with anyone other than Caden before, mostly because we could communicate without speaking. I felt as if Cailan was picking up on my thoughts so I decided to test it. I can't believe you want to make me an Arlessa, I thought. He smirked and grabbed his mug, holding it up to toast.
"To the new Arlessa of Denerim. May she have half as much faith in her King as he does in her." I raised my mug and smiled.
"To my King. The man I put ALL my faith in." I said as we tapped mugs and drank. I put down my mug and smiled at him. "And Cailan?"
"Yes, Arlessa Kora?" he asked in an overly formal way. I sneered then smiled softly.
"Thank you for not taking more extreme action on my brother." Cailan smiled back softly and took my hand, kissing my knuckles.
He let his lips linger and his eyes never left mine.
We sat there until dinner time, reminiscing and telling stories about our childhood. Cailan told his with so much enthusiasm it made me laugh, at one point I was teary eyed.
"Why are you laughing?" he asked feigning shock. I laughed harder.
"You were holding her hand? It never occurred to you to let GO?" I roared. He started laughing then, holding his stomach.
"I thought women enjoyed mud masks!" He tried desperately to keep a straight face but failed, resting his arms on the table in front of him and dropping his forehead on them, laughing hysterically. I shook my head as I laughed.
"You are a terrible, terrible man," I said as I took another swig from my third mug, polishing it off. He lifted his head and smirked at me.
"I'm sure you can sympathize with being paraded around like a prize cow," he said as he got his composure. Sitting up, he rested his chin in his hand and sighed. "I was far too self-centered to think about how they felt. Is it the same for you?"
"It's frustrating, to say the least," I answered as I thought back. "More nerve-racking than anything. We worry far too much about how we are perceived rather than whether or not it would be a good match." I gave him a wink. "You'd have been in big trouble if we were considered." His eyebrows went up in surprise.
"Oh really?" he asked. "And why would that be, My Lady?" I smirked.
"Try giving me a mud mask and you'll find out," I said in a threatening voice and giggled again. "Other than that I doubt you could have handled me, I was very independent back then." Slapping a hand over my mouth in shock that I said that to my King, I realized I had a buzz. "And I'm going to shut up now. I think the ale has gotten to me." Cailan laughed.
"I enjoy seeing you like this, it lets me see you as you are," He said as he smiled at me in a way that made my heart jump. Oh yes, the ale was getting to me. "We've got a long road ahead and I want us to be comfortable with each other. We'll be working together a lot after all is said and done." I smiled and nodded, feeling some undertones in what he was saying. He must have picked up on that and laughed, shaking his head. "I think we should eat, let's go up to the castle for the evening meal." He stood and walked over to me, extending his arm. "My Lady?" I smiled and took it.
Making our way up the hill, we ran into Alistair. I noticed the ache in my chest when I saw him had dulled so I managed a smile.
"Brother," Cailan said as he released my arm to give Alistair a firm pat on the shoulder. "Join us? We're heading to the castle for the evening meal." Alistair looked between the two of us with a strange look on his face.
"Yes, please Alistair," I said quietly as I started walking up the hill again ahead of them. Cailan caught up with me and put my hand in his arm, causing me to look up at him. The corners of his lips were ever so slightly turned up, his smile sincere and alluring. It made my body suddenly go warm so I returned it, blushing as I looked back to the ground.
Maybe it was wishful thinking but I was sure I could feel Alistair's eyes burning into my back.
After dinner we all congregated in the Arl's study for a night cap and strategy meeting. It was decided that we would leave for Haven in the morning, make camp outside the town, then enter it the following day. Duncan didn't think it was a good idea to try and camp inside the town or temple but my concern was whether or not we could get through to the ashes in one day.
"Do you truly think it's wise that you accompany them, Kora?" Cailan asked seriously. I looked around and noticed everyone was looking at me. Completely uncomfortable with the attention, I sighed, stood up and, gestured toward the door. Cailan stood and we left the room.
"I have discussed this with Duncan," I said as we slowly made our way through the castle. "Brock, Alistair, Solana and Leliana will clear the way and I will follow with Marcus and Caden." I smirked as a thought hit me. "You're just mad because you're being left behind." He groaned dramatically.
"That's definitely part of it," he said as we reached the main hall, "but I'm more concerned about you." I gave him a curious look then raised my eyebrow at him playfully. He reached out and placed his hands on my upper arms. "I'm concerned that the Arlessa of Denerim is putting herself in unnecessary danger." He pushed a stray lock of hair behind my ear and smiled. "I can't rule this country without you." I laughed at that.
"You put too much faith in me my KING!" I smiled as I pushed him in the chest. He grinned at me mercilessly. I put my hand on my hip and shook my head. "I know you mean well but please don't try to talk me out of this, I can't explain why but this is important to me." Still grinning he nodded his head.
"I know why," he said playfully as he bumped his shoulder into mine. I laughed.
"Uh huh, sure you do."
"Did it occur to you it may be because of your training? You probably don't remember asking my father's permission to join the Templars." He paused, waiting to see if my memory returned but I shook my head. "It was a while after Caden left, you asked for an audience with him and he granted it. I was there, you were adamant about joining the order, to help the mages and bring the circle back to its protective and nurturing ways. Then Father asked if your father was aware of your request." I shook my head again.
"Of course he wasn't," I replied, glancing at the ground, then back to Cailan. "I take it I was denied." Cailan laughed softly.
"No, but your father must have gotten wind of it because he burst into the room, red faced and ready to drag you out of there kicking and screaming." He smiled at the memory. "I thought you were going to explode."
"I'm so glad I could amuse you, your MAJESTY," I said sarcastically as I smacked him in the arm and smiled. "Wow, I couldn't do anything right in my father's eyes, could I?" I said more to myself but Cailan heard, cupping my chin in his hand.
"Don't you dare," he said firmly. He released my chin and shook his head. "Not that I condone speaking ill of the dead but your father was foolish. He should never have tried to hold you back." His expression turned serious. "Seeing you then, yes, it amused me to think that a noble woman wanted to be a templar. But seeing you now," he glanced up and down my body, unexpectedly making me flush, "I know if you put your mind to it you could change the world." I took a deep breath, trying to regain control over my skin.
"I wish I had your confidence… but you're still not changing my mind," I stated firmly. "If anything you are assuring me that I am doing the right thing. Your plan back fired, you're stuck here all by yourself." I stuck my tongue out at him and he laughed.
"You are a wicked woman," he said in a low voice as he brushed my cheek with the back of his fingers and walked away. I could feel my body respond to his absence. Completely confused, I stood in the main hall, trying desperately to center myself.
What the hell is going on with me?