Chapter 11
Disclaimer: Back again, as you've noticed the events in DA2 and my story are out of sequence. I researched and Eleanor's last before she married was Mac Eanraig. I don't own DA just my characters
True to his word, Teegan and Eamon were en route to Denerim at first light. Eamon rode in a carriage, while Teegan chose to ride with Redcliffe soldiers on horseback. He didn't know how Alistair would react to Eamon's confession; he hoped Fergus was at Highever still, as he knew he wouldn't take it well. They had just left a reconstructing Lothering, when Teegan noticed the familiar shields of Highever led by Fergus .The two men greeted one another choosing to go to Denerim together. The younger Guerrin noticed Fergus not acknowledging Eamon's presence on the trip. He feared once Eamon admitted his mistakes, things were going to get colder between the three men with him as a mediator. He regretted his part in not stopping Eamon's plan that sent the young Cousland to leave. Little did he know that a crow was within twelve hours of its destination. The message once read and real identity of the expectant mother figured out would cause tensions that wouldn't be repairable.
It was approaching nightfall in Denerim, but Alistair couldn't sleep like most nights as she would haunt his dreams. He longed for the nights, when she slept beside him in their tent. He was a fool to listen to Eamon. Bann Alfstanna, as much as told him during their meeting today. It seemed Teegan and Fergus had an agreement, when neither was there she was to be. He recalled their meeting earlier that started out political, but turned to his mistake of letting Emily leave. She told him about Bryce and Eleanor's attempts at matching Emily. She beat some at contests which made them back off, when Draco was large enough he would scare them out of Highever many missing the rear of their pants if he was able to catch them running She was stubborn like her grandfather and refused every noble match offered from Ferelden and Antiva. She seemed to love anything and everything about Antiva, including speaking the language. Elle used to send her during the summers hoping that some Antivan noble would catch her eye, but all Emily would come back is with was new poison methods and new daggers.
"In case you haven't noticed Alistair, most nobles don't marry out of love; it's more for political alliances. ''They don't share the same room or even estate. Elle and Bryce were exceptional as they truly loved each other and their children especially Emily wanted it. "She continued."You broke down her walls, and she allowed her heart to heal and love again. "Even Draco accepted you, which is rare for a mabari.""Isolde changed Eamon, as he used to be more like Teegan; status seemed very important to her and being the King's advisor would do that, wouldn't it". It would also mean leaving Redcliffe, which even prior to the Blight, Isolde wasn't very popular. Alistair nodded in agreement."I know what happened at Redcliffe through Teegan, and Isolde's self-importance set in motion many events, my brother's imprisonment included and I'm unsure if he'll fully recover. Alfstanna seemed to stop for a moment thinking of Irminric.
She regained her composure to finish speaking, "You know Eamon tried to convince many that Emily killed Isolde, and Isolde didn't sacrifice herself."Many nobles, me included were going to put forth both of you together as your what Ferelden needs, a monarchy who loves each other and who can rule jointly as one in the absence of the other for all Fereldens not just noble or human."I remember hearing Teegan talking to the redheaded rogue at the Landsmeet, saying that the two of you always talked over things before deciding, except when there was no other viable option at the time like at the Circle."I have spoken much today, and I believe Teegan shall be here soon, so I'll take my leave."Just one thing when you see her again, be the Alistair I see and I imagine she saw, not the one Eamon wants you to be. They said their goodbyes, and Alistair was left to process all that Alfstanna just said especially that Eamon lied about Isolde's death.
Author's Note: Two chapters in one week, and possibly a third. I always like Alfstanna, even if she was briefly in the game. My female characters are based on her; headstrong, loyal, butting heads with most of the males at Landsmeets since she is one of the few females in charge of land. Alistair bonded with her as she reminds him of an older version of Em, and she's very direct in telling him what he needs to hear instead of what others want him to hear.