Chapter 9

Author's Note: I don't own Dragon Age; EA/Bioware do. This chapter is more Eamon-centric, as his health is not changing, which calls for mostly bed rest leading to reflection.

Autumn was slowly fading into winter. Ferelden was in the process of healing and rebuilding. Teegan and Fergus were splitting time between their respected bannorns and Denerim. Alistair seemed to push himself into work, as when he wasn't working his thoughts would turn to the love his life. He couldn't wait for the first thaw as he and Teegan were sailing to Kirkwall to convince Fereldens to return, especially a certain brown haired green eyed female from Highever. He was thankful for his sort of uncle as he had made it clear to every noble in Thedas including one in Redcliffe that they were destined for a lone monarch if he couldn't convince Emily to return with them .He thumbed over the golden encased rose, and looked over papers. Alistair knew that he had to be himself when he saw her, and not King Alistair. He eagerly awaited Teegan's return from Redcliffe, as the next missive from Kirkwall was due in two days. He hoped that it would explain what the unforeseen situations were, and prayed to the Maker that she was okay and she would forgive him as he couldn't imagine his life without her in it. He almost felt the Maker was punishing Eamon as the healers said that he was slowly dying and if he lived past the winter that was a miracle in itself. He was suffering his own punishment as his nights were filled with dreams and occasionally nightmares of Emily. He dreamed of seeing her the first time, kissing her, being each others' first .Then some dreams turned into nightmares as he remembered the look on her face that night at Eamon's estate when he allowed Eamon to come between them. He threw a dagger angrily at the door as Fergus walked in.

Back in Redcliffe, Eamon was confined to his bed again; He had relinquished most of his duties to his brother since falling ill again. He hoped when he did that that Teegan would seek his guidance on ruling Redcliffe as well assisting Alistair, but that was not the case. He only stopped to see how was doing, then would either head to the village or travel to Denerim. From castle gossip, it was well known throughout Redcliffe that Eamon was the reason for Emily's departure from Ferelden. Even his most loyal knights Sers Donall and Perth seemed to acknowledge him at times. He also knew that Teegan much loved in the arlship than he ever was. He was shocked to learn that Teegan was not only overseeing repairs of the village, but also helping physically with the construction. Fergus Cousland was apparently doing the same in Highever, which wasn't too much of a surprise given how his parents raised him and his sister. Connor was adjusting well at the Circle; most had forgiven him placing the blame on Isolde as if she had been honest about their son's abilities the events at Redcliffe would've never happened. His mind went to that night when Emily confronted the three men; looking back he was wrong to interfere in Alistair and her relationship. She was much loved by all of Ferelden, she was a natural leader, and most importantly she was versed not only in the politics of Ferelden, Antiva, and Orlais also. There were rumors that Bryce was grooming her to become Teryna over her brother, as she had all the qualities and skills for it. He allowed his anger over Isolde's death to cloud his judgement; he realized that in pushing them apart he potentially doomed Ferelden, as Alistair was intent on ruling alone, which meant no heir. Eamon in one selfish decision had set forth that in another thirty years Ferelden could be in another civil war for the crown. Teegan who was covered in dirt and wearing a tunic and tan pants walked in telling him that he would be leaving for Denerim in the morning. As he was about to leave Eamon spoke saying that, "He wanted to punish Emily for Isolde's death that's why he pushed for her and Alistair to breakup, and was intent on having her go to Amaranthine. Howe's supporters would not be happy that she was there, especially as their arlessa, she would be tormented by them as much as the darkspawn." Eamon said she took his happiness, so he planned on making her life as miserable. Teegan couldn't believe what he was hearing; he spoke with anger in his voice."You not only took her from Alistair, but Fergus as well. She isn't even aware he's alive. You don't see the pain in their eyes, they want her here, and the people of Ferelden want her here."You had no right to involve yourself in their relationship, they loved each other; she didn't deserve how you treated her, do you realize that Fergus considers you on the same level as Howe when it comes to his sister, you took her happiness away". Teegan continued, "She considered killing Connor, but when she looked at him, she saw her nephew at Connor's age. She couldn't bring herself to do it, and even though she was taught blood magic was sinful. She asked Isolde several times if she was willing to sacrifice herself, and every time Isolde said yes. Emily knew she would meet Alistair's wrath, but when she looked at Isolde she saw her mother, as her mother sacrificed herself so she could escape. Emily never left Isolde's side and cried when she took her last breath. She sent the others back to camp, but Alistair and Wynne came back saw Isolde and started spewing the most hateful things at her. Emily took it all. I had them escorted out, as she didn't deserve it."She didn't ask for her family to be murdered leaving the only life she had known, to lead because Alistair wouldn't. She was forced to make difficult decisions in a matter of seconds, and she certainly didn't deserve her life and happiness to be ripped from her once again by you."

Eamon looked shocked as he never saw Teegan this angry at him or anyone for that matter. Eamon spoke saying, you're right and I'm sorry and I know I don't have much time left, so would you mind if I accompany you to Denerim as I need to apologize to Alistair and Fergus for my actions." He agreed, but reminded him that the two men may not be so open to forgive him. Teegan said they need to be on the road by first light tomorrow, as he and Alistair needed to finalize reconstruction plans as they would be heading for the Free Marches as soon as the first thaw occurs.