Chapter 5
Disclaimer: once again I don't own Dragon Age, just this story, and Emily and Draco.
The Day of the Landsmeet
She couldn't believe after planning her life…her future, they wanted her to attend the Landsmeet as Teryna of Highever. She knew why Eamon was doing it as he knew the Couslands, were one of the most renowned families in Ferelden. Eamon definitely knew how to play the game, as if she sided against Alistair and he won. Not only Anora's, but her fate would be sealed. She knew what Eamon planned for her and there was no way she was freely going to Amaranthine. Em had avoided Alistair and anyone now associated with him, except Zev. She even chose to stay at the Pearl of Shianni's while the rest of her group had rooms at the Gnawed Tavern. The rogue, elven woman, and the owner of the Pearl had developed an unlikely friendship and were willing to keep Emily hidden from anyone that searched for her. She made sure they were well compensated for their silence, as she didn't want to cause them any harm. Em confided in them that other had planned on her fighting her remaining years, but she only had one fight left in her, and Draco was becoming to aggressive. She missed his playfulness, and only way for her and him to have a normal life is to leave Ferelden. Zev seemed to always somehow know where she was at all times, as he was the one that told her attendance was requested at the Landsmeet.
Not only were they deciding who should have the throne, but if Loghain and Anora lost, their fate was to be decided. He was planning to charge Anora with the same crimes as her father. Emily now knew why her father said to be wary of Eamon as an ally; he wanted to get rid of not only Emily but Anora too. Em knew it was Loghain and Howe behind all of their crimes. She refused to go, as she meant what she said about never seeing them again. Emily got some parchment writing who she thought should rule, but chose to leave it blank as if she wrote Anora. Guards would be sent all around Denerim looking for her, she knew Eamon wasn't going to let Anora rule, let alone Emily remain free if that happened. Eamon would have Em brought up on treason charges, which the new Alistair would gladly sign off on. If it wasn't for Leli, Sten, and Draco she was tempted to take her chances, as she had already escaped Fort Drakon once. Of the three wardens, she figured it was up to her and Riordan to defeat the Archdemon, so his highness could remain unhurt and take credit for the victory. She wasn't going to leave Riordan in that position. When it came to Anora, she wrote that she should be exiled as she doesn't warrant death or imprisonment for crimes she had no knowledge or committed. She stamped it with the seal of Highever, and handed it to Zev. She told him to hand it to Teagan and handed him her father's signet ring. Emily knew she needed hers for passage into Kirkwall. Em learned through several bartenders that Kirkwall was sending back refugees, but as long as you had proof that you had family they would let you in. She also told him to tell Alistair to take his group, Templars and Eamon's knights to Redcliffe. Her group, the Dalish and dwarves will remain there. Emily then kissed Zevran on the cheek telling him his oath to her was complete. He could either stay or fight with Alistair or leave. Em did have one request that he stay for Anora's sentencing making sure she made it out of Ferelden safely, no matter what fate Eamon handed down. They said their goodbyes and Zev used stealth to leave the Pearl. Zev couldn't understand how Eamon was still alive.
Riordan had kept his word to Alistair about not revealing Emily's possible fate, but he did tell her about a hidden cache of warden items in the Denerim warehouse. She excused herself, and told Draco to stay put until she returned. She found several items including a shield. She decided to leave most of the items there, as her time with the Wardens was ending. Emily did take a grey warden book, as she was still unsure of what the effects of being a warden would have on her later on. Em kept going back and forth about the shield, as only one warrior relied on a sword and shield to fight. She picked up the shield again, and got a vision of Duncan using the shield, which was odd as he seemed to be a rogue in the short time, she knew Duncan. Em gathered the book and shield heading back to the Pearl.
Meanwhile at the Landsmeet, Leliana used her stealth mode to observe the event. She saw Zevran handing Teagan a document and ring. She watched Eamon talking to just about every noble there. Zev saying something to Alistair, which made the blonde warrior mad. The elven assassin then walked over to where Leliana stood. She unstealthed, but kept her cloak over her head. He told her that he was leaving once Anora's outcome was dealt, as he was asked by Em to get Anora out of Ferelden. His oath was to Emily not Alistair and she gave him the option to stay or go. He chose the latter as his only loyalty was to her and not a Ferelden battle. He said he would take a ship as soon as Anora's left. The two rogues then talked over who would go to Kirkwall first to keep an eye on Emily. Once they knew that's where she was planning on going, they had gathered contacts there. It was decided that Zev would go first, as Leli had some loose ends to clear up with the chantry. Then she would let him know when she would be in Kirkwall. They looked up and Eamon indeed made deals with everyone but Emily and one other noble. Loghain was stripped of his regency, but challenged Alistair to a duel. A newly arrived Anora looked on as her father lost, Alistair was seconds away from executing the disgraced teryn; When Riordan appeared offering Loghain be spared and become a warden. Alistair refused and swung his blade, Riordan eyed Alistair with disdain, as he had just possibly sealed Emily's fate with his blade. The older warden was unaware of the ritual that had taken place that ensured whoever killed the Archdemon would live. Anora ran over to her father's body and kneeled in prayer. Zevran and Leliana looked at each other knowing that if Emily had been there she would've not allowed Loghain to die in front of his daughter. The next vote was to see whether Anora or Alistair would rule alone, as Anora said there was no way she would rule with her father's murderer. Every bannorn had casted their vote for Alistair, with Gwaren out The final vote was Highever's. Everyone noticed that Emily Cousland, acting teryna, still had not arrived. Teagan spoke up saying he spoke for Highever and Teryna Cousland that she has declined to vote on this matter. The room went silent at that announcement as most figured she would be his biggest supporter. Teagan then went on that she has more pressing duties at that moment; she did however make her feelings known that if Anora lost. She is to be exiled to Antiva or Orlais, whichever Anora chooses. Teagan continued looking at Eamon who was irate, but not caring at that moment. She doesn't believe Anora was involved in the crimes committed by her father and Rendon Howe, nor had knowledge .In the end, Alistair, who showed no emotion since he realized Emily wasn't coming was chosen to be king. Anora was stripped of all power and titles decided on Antiva. Alistair finally spoke; silently hoping Morrigan's ritual worked, but just in case said that Anora would return and retain her title as well as the crown. In the meantime, the Arl would remain regent until the battle was over. The statement shocked everyone, and made Eamon angrier. He said they have a Blight to contend with and told the templars, his group, and Eamon's knights to await further instruction. Riordan stepped up saying that Alistair and his army should head to Redcliffe immediately, as he sensed that darkspawn would be there. He would remain behind with the troops there and aid Emily as he would rather fight alongside her than him at the moment. Alistair noticed Zevran accompanying Anora out of the room, and finally realized Leliana was in the room. He moved closer to Teagan and the bard as he saw Teagan hand back the Cousland signet ring and talking further about keeping watch and updating him about Emily, then something about the Free Marches. Leliana didn't even acknowledge Alistair as she made her way out with Riordan.
The new king made his way over to Teegan asking what that was about. Teegan replied he wanted to make sure Emily was safe, happy, and provided for. He owed it to Bryce, Eleanor, and Fergus that what years she has left she deserves to be happy. Especially, now since she can add Eamon as an enemy. They noticed Eamon stomping his foot which meant they were to be on their way. The whole way back to Redcliffe, Eamon complained about Anora, and then started on Emily. Alistair had enough it was one thing to condemn Anora, but he drew the line at attacking Em. He also let it be known he will rule, but with no queen as due to their actions, his perfect queen and love of his life was no longer in his life..Teegan smiled as Alistair continued that in addition, there will be no attempts on Emily's life wherever she ends up. She will not be berated in his presence or out. If his terms were not respected; Eamon would go back to Redcliffe, and Teegan would become his advisor. No one noticed trailing behind a lone male riding a horse behind them with the shield of Highever.