Hey, new chapter!
Back to the present narrative, so I hope you're ready for things to get... well, let me just let you see for yourself.
Happy Reading!
~Garnet
Empress
The twins grew and days passed faster than Sara would have expected. Granted, as she got accustomed to motherhood, life was consistently dynamic. She couldn't remember the last time she had a full night's sleep and yet, she wasn't tired or over taxed yet. By the time they were half a year old, Sara had built a comfortable routine of feeding them, playing with them and watching them sleep for days. It was also around that time, however, the Sara began receiving visitors.
Josephine, as she mentioned in her letter, visited in the middle of the summer, when the twins were only half a year old. She arrived in Kirkwall with a carriage full of luggage and gifts. Josephine looked marvelously different, her wavy black hair cut shoulder length with a long braid weaved across her hairline. She was dressed with expected elegance in a sensible travel gown of deep violet and a matching damask coat.
Sara met her in the harbor with Aiden tied in a secure cloth across her chest and Amelie asleep in a wheeled bassinet. Josephine beamed as soon as she saw them and practically sprinted across the docks to pull Sara in an embrace and coo over the babies with tears in her eyes.
"They're absolutely adorable," she gushed as they rode back to the manse. "You should be very proud, Sara."
"You're too kind," Sara replied taking her hand. "Tell me, how is your family? How have things been in Antiva?"
"Exciting. Coming home after being with the Inquisition has opened many doors for myself and my family throughout Thedas. My sister Yvette ran off with her pirate again, but at least this time they returned to receive my father's blessing."
Sara chuckled softly. "Are they married now?"
"Yes. They wed a few weeks ago. The match was seen as completely scandalous in our circle, but Yvette was ecstatic and that's all that really matters." Josephine shrugged with a smile. "Now that she's married, my mother keeps dangling suitors in front of me. I needed to get out of Antiva just to dodge another marriage proposal from the sovereign prince."
Sara cringed as the carriage came to a stop in the courtyard of the manse. "He can't be that awful, can he?"
"He's very sweet and well-meaning, but he's sixty-seven, Sara. I'm not yet thirty. I think a ten year age gap is more appropriate, don't you?"
Sara laughed as she climbed out of the carriage. "Yes. Oh, that's much too old, Josie."
"I think he was on his second wife when I was in the womb," Josephine giggled, Amelie snuggled in her arms. Sara took the twins and put them down for a nap while Josephine unpacked and relaxed in her guestroom. They found each other again later in the evening for dinner, where they laughed and gossiped over wine and a meal of poached fish, steamed vegetables, a spread of different cheeses and a dessert of strawberries and sweetened cream.
"I heard a rumor about you, Josie," Sara murmured slyly. "Leliana told me that a very particular group of Wardens is under your family's patronage."
Josephine blushed. "That's just coincidental. I haven't seen Thom since the Exalted Council. Though I did receive a letter from him a few months ago. It was nothing, really. Just a friendly update."
"So." Sara tapped her fingers on her glass thoughtfully. "The dance between you two continues."
"You and Leliana make it seem so much more whimsical than it actually is," Josephine laughed, taking a sip of wine.
"Well, it makes a lovely story, doesn't it?" Sara supplied playfully.
"It does," Josephine conceded. "Speaking of Leliana, did she ever tell you about my report on the elves in Antiva?"
Sara glanced at her in confusion. While she and Leliana kept frequent correspondence, that had yet to be mentioned. "No. Is something wrong?"
"Not exactly." Josephine set down her glass and took a moment to search for words. "There was massive exodus of elves from the alienage in Antiva City. I don't think any of them are there, actually. According to some sources, they joined up with some of the Dalish in Antiva and haven't been heard from since."
"Really?" Sara cupped her face in her hand. "That's curious."
"Do you think Solas is gathering them?" Josephine asked.
"Solas was always very detached from modern elves, so putting together an elven army doesn't sound like him to me. But at the same time, I don't know the person he is now," Sara murmured. "If he is involved, it's likely unwillingly, with the elves paying homage to him as a living god and seeking him out as a kind of pilgrimage."
"Well that's... Unsettling," Josephine said glumly. They spoke of less possibly dire things before departing for bed that evening. Josephine visited for about two weeks before leaving to return to Antiva. She parted from Kirkwall in the harbor with a tight embrace and kiss farewell.
Several times after she left, Sara received a report from Leliana or Cassandra or Dorian about city elves leaving alienages to connect with their Dalish counterparts nearby. Once they were gone from the city, it was eerily quiet about their whereabouts. Kirkwall's alienage didn't change much, though Sara was weary about some of the young adults that sought to leave to make names for themselves. She hoped that they weren't seeking out whatever large group that was forming across Thedas.
The twins had just turned a year old when Sara received an unexpected visit from Dorian. She was in the middle of nursing in the early morning when before her butler could announce him, he burst into her nursery with only a glamour he could exude.
Sara's mouth dropped open in shock and she could feel her her chest swelling with emotion. He caught her eye with a brazen smile that wavered when he noticed Amelie in her arms. His eyes glazed over suddenly and he shyly stood in the threshold before saying, "I had something of a speech planned out, you know. I was going to chastise you for not writing more frequently or using the sending crystal if you were really desperate to hear my voice. I was going to rant and rave about making the immensely long journey here but I can't seem to do it."
"Because you love me?" Sara teased sweetly and his laugh was warm and familiar.
"Well, I think that goes without saying," he mumbled and sat beside her on the sofa and they hugged for longer than Sara would have expected. But she missed him dearly and before she knew it, tears were streaming down her cheeks. As they pulled apart, Sara wiped her tears away with the back of her hand and Dorian tsked. "Oh, come now, none of that." He pulled out a handkerchief and handed it to her.
"I'm sorry," she wept. "I just..."
"I know," he said squeezing her shoulder. "Trust me, the only reason I'm not blubbering is because only one of us needs to be this emotional at any time."
Sara giggled and sniffled before drying her tears and walking to one of the cribs to lay Amelie down. Dorian wandered the nursery as she soothed her and watched Aiden sleep with an affectionate glint in his eyes. "I never really cared for babies."
"Too messy?" Sara asked with a chuckle.
"Yes, dreadfully. And all that noise." Sara locked arms with him and led him to the drawing room where they got more comfortable by the hearth with glasses of light mead and fruit for them to share.
"What made you come all the way to Kirkwall?" Sara asked nibbling at a grape.
"I had business in Starkhaven and figured that Kirkwall was only a few days away. So, I left my party while they were sleeping and rode here alone. Now, don't look at me like that, Mother. I was perfectly safe." Dorian cut a piece of a peach and chewed it carelessly.
"You shouldn't travel alone, Dorian. When you go back to Minrathous, I want you to take some of my guards with you," Sara insisted, only for Dorian to roll his eyes and say, "Yes, Mother."
"How's Bull?"
Dorian sighed fondly. "He took a very secretive job in Nevarra when I told him that I was going to Starkhaven. My bet is that this job has something to do with dragons."
Sara chuckled and took a sip of mead. "You're probably right."
"What about you?" he asked inquiringly. "Are you... alone?"
"No. I have two children, a household staff and Varric to keep me company. Not to mention the people I've met while in Kirkwall," Sara replied dismissively.
"I suppose I'll have to be direct with you- What's the story behind your two little ones? Lonely nights in Kirkwall with someone unworthy of you?" He spoke with a touch of humor that fell slightly when she barely smiled.
"Yes. Is it that obvious?" She chuckled.
"It's the only story that seems plausible since this mystery man is nowhere to be found," he replied. "I'm not trying to be judgmental or anything, Sara, but that seems so unlike you."
He wasn't wrong. The lie about her children clashed with the character she'd presented to everyone she'd known in the Inquisition. Perhaps Dorian would understand. But if he didn't, what then?
"Dorian," she began slowly. "Come back to the nursery with me."
They walked back upstairs and she shut and locked the doors behind them before sitting beside him on the sofa. "What's the matter, Sara?"
"I'm going to tell you something you can never repeat. Ever. It cannot leave this room. Please." His eyes widened with concern and he took her hands firmly.
"Alright. Tell me."
Sara took a deep, calming breath, despite the fact that she was shaking. "My last night in Skyhold, the Well of Sorrows spoke to me and repeatedly told me to dream. That same night, Cole came to me and told me the same thing. I haven't heard from either voice since. As soon as I went to sleep, I was pulled into the Fade."
"Well..." Dorian cleared his breath. "That's as suspicious as it it frightening."
"It was very bizarre. As soon as I was in the Fade, I realized Solas was there."
Dorian cocked his eyebrow. "Now, did he actually say something this time or just watch longingly like before?"
"We spoke, a little." Sara felt heat rise to her cheeks. "And then..."
His eyes widened with understanding and his skin paled slightly. "Sara? What are you trying to tell me?"
"He was the only person I'd been with, Dorian," she confessed and watched his face contort in despair.
"Andraste preserve me," he whispered. "But you were in a dream."
"I know."
"He can't be that powerful, Sara. I mean, it's unheard of."
"I know, Dorian. I didn't believe it was possible either," she said. "But he isn't just some mage. He was an Evanuris or at least as powerful as them."
"This is unfathomable," Dorian whispered. He took several moments to think before saying, "If anyone knew about this, you could be in grave danger."
"I'm more concerned for them," Sara replied glancing over to the cribs. Dorian's jaw set resolutely and he took her shoulders.
"I will take this conversation to the grave, my friend. No one will ever know. If anything happens, you can rely on me to help in any way I can." Before she knew it, she was crying once more and wrapped in a strong embrace. She wasn't sure who to trust with this secret but she was glad that Dorian was still the true friend he always was.
He broke the embrace and wandered over to the cribs. He looked into them and sighed. "For such an intelligent man, he's a perfect idiot. My own father was many shades of disappointing and frustrating and awful but... I can't imagine never having him."
"I know there will be pain and confusion as they get older," Sara said. "But they'll know what I know now; the family you choose can be as irreplaceable as the family you're born into."
Dorian didn't stay in Kirkwall long, only two days before she sent three of her guards with him to Minrathous. It was mid-winter before anyone else visited. Sara was in the middle of deep, thankful sleep when the sound of her guards yelling at someone woke her. She bolted out of bed and ran downstairs where the shouting became louder.
"I'm friends with the lady, alright, jackboot?"
"How did you get in?"
"Through the back door... Heh, that was dirty."
Sara pushed past her guards at hearing the familiar voice. "Sera?"
Sera blinked up at her from the sofa in the nursery, Aiden bouncing happily on her knee. "Hey there, Mumsie. I didn't mean to scare your jackboots, it's just pretty cold out there and I knew you wouldn't mind."
"It's alright," Sara mumbled to the guards with a breath of relief. "Sera is welcome here."
Her guards left while grumbling swears under their breaths and Sara folded her arms tiredly. "You really scared us, Sera."
"Well, everything's good now, right? It's only me," Sera replied. "You know, when Widdles told me you were going to be a mumsie I thought she was trying to be funny. But look-" She tickled Aiden who burst into joyful giggles. "Not just one little elfie but two. That couldn't have felt good..."
Sara chuckled and joined her on the sofa. "I didn't know you liked babies, Sera."
"Well, what kind of prick doesn't like babies?" Sera muttered. "Vivi seems like she hates babies, right? I mean, she seems like she'd be they type of mumsie to just hand the little one to the nanny and say stupid things like 'oh, let her cry' or 'make sure she doesn't retch on me'. But I like kids. They're the littlest people that noble shits seem to forget about."
Sara was surprised by her, but after a thought, a love of children suited Sera completely. Sera had always been a free spirit and a bit immature but she had a warm heart. She was determined to stand up for people that couldn't protect themselves and the people most in need of protection were often children. Pairing that with her own difficult childhood, it was less unbelievable as Sara initially thought.
"How have you been?" Sara asked her.
"Alright, I 'spose. Been in Ferelden a lot. Most of the Jennys talk about cleaning up there. Kinda boring, innit?" She shrugged carelessly and looked down at Aiden, who was blinking drowsily. "All right, elfie, lets get you back to bed."
Sera laid him in his crib and turned to Sara with a grin. "So, have any food or anything? I'm starving." Sara chuckled gently and led her to the dining hall where Sera ate and drank her fill, then climbed the stairs to snuggle into a warm bed and by the time the sun rose, she had departed, the only reminder that she was there being crimson blankets wrapped around the twins.
For another year, life was rather humdrum. Unexpectedly in the middle of spring, Sara received a letter from Orlais that read:
My dear Comtesse Sara Lavellan, I would like to apologize for not writing you sooner to congratulate you on the new members of your family. Empress Celene and I send our sincerest regards. We have not forgotten all the efforts you made on our behalf years ago in Halamshiral. Thus, I would like to visit you to personally give you gifts on behalf of the crown. Look forward to my arrival in the early summer. I am very ecstatic to speak to you in person once more. Marquess Briala of the Dales.
Sara was mildly confused by the letter. She hadn't had any contact with Briala in years and while she was grateful for whatever gift she was bringing, she expected that there was more she wanted to discuss while she was in Kirkwall.
A month or so after Sara received the letter, she got word that Briala was only a day away, so she spent the day with her staff cleaning and preparing for her arrival. The next morning, Sara dressed in her finest gown of lavender colored samite and put the twins in their nicer clothing as well. By the time she was ready, her butler announced that Briala had arrived in the courtyard.
Briala climbed from her carriage in a lovely gown of silver brocade with short sleeves to combat the heat. A rope of emeralds was clasped around her throat and wrists she didn't wear an Orlesian mask. Sara had never seen her full face or hair, which was the color of warm cinnamon, and found her to be disarmingly lovely.
Sara offered her a polite curtsy and said, "Welcome to Kirkwall, Marquess. I am delighted to see you again." Briala shooed away the formality and embraced Sara before kissing both her cheeks.
"There's no need for etiquette," Briala urged, taking her arm and walking into the manse. "I'd like us to be friends."
Sara smiled amiably. "Of course. Please, be comfortable. Would you like anything? Tea, perhaps?"
"Wine." They sat across from each other in the drawing room while the butler served them a light, fruity white wine as well as fresh bread, olives, honeyed butter and a sharp white cheese.
"If you don't mind, Sara," Briala said after taking a few sips of wine. "Before we speak, I'd like to see the children."
"Of course," Sara allowed. She had her chambermaids bring them from the nursery. Briala held out her arms and was given Amelie to hold while Sara took Aiden for a moment. Briala stared at Amelie, almost awestruck, for several moments before kissing her cheek and handing her back to the chambermaid.
"They are lovely," Briala murmured, her eyes following the twins as they were returned to the nursery.
"Thank you," Sara replied. "I'm flattered that you've made the journey all the way here."
Briala didn't answer for a moment, lost in thought, before looking at Sara, smiling and saying, "I had wanted to speak with you personally for years now, actually, but neither you or I have had time for personal visits until now."
Sara chuckled in agreement. "You're not wrong."
"You petitioned for me in Halamshiral," Briala said. "You didn't know me or anything about me except rumors, but you petitioned for me all the same. I will never forget that."
"I only wanted to help," Sara assured her.
"I know. And you did." Briala paused to finish her glass of wine. "This information I am about to tell you is not publicly known yet. Can I assure your confidence, Sara?"
"Yes." Sara felt herself shiver with disquiet.
"Celene has named me her heiress for the throne of Orlais." Sara stifled a gasp of shock and instead covered her lips with her fingers. "I know it's incredible to hear. An elven woman will govern the Empire of Orlais." Briala's eyes shimmered with pride.
"Congratulations," Sara murmured quietly. It would not be an easy road for Briala. Few people would accept her as Empress.
"You seem nervous." Briala laughed knowingly. "I was as well, but I know that I cannot deny this opportunity and what it means for our people. But I can't do this alone, Sara." She pulled out a neat letter, stamped with the Imperial coat-of-arms. "This is an official invitation to come and take a position in the Orlesian court as an ambassador and adviser."
Sara looked over the letter blankly. It was such a generous yet dangerous offer. If Briala was liked and respected, taking the position would only be beneficial. If she was hated, however, everyone associated with her would be in precarious positions. Sara brushed her thumb over the wax seal, which was no longer the lion of the Valmont family, but a pair of daggers tangled in vines of flowers.
"Why are you asking me now?" Sara asked. "Is Celene unwell?"
"She will pass soon." The way her tone shifted filled Sara with dread.
"What have you done?" Sara shied away from her.
"Women Celene's age often fall victim to illnesses suddenly, Sara. It will be a tragedy," she said matter-of-factly which made Sara stare at her in horror.
"I thought you loved her," was all Sara could manage, her mind reeling.
"You thought I loved the woman responsible for slaughtering innocent elves in Halamshiral? The woman who would do so again, if her power was put into question? You're more naive than I thought then. When you attempted to reconcile us, I thought it was with the understanding that I would use my position at Celene's side to better the lives of our people. I would never have believed that you actually thought... Well, we were all young and senseless once." Briala pinned her with a condescending gaze.
"You..." Sara could hardly find the words to voice her disgust. "I will not claim power by stepping over the bodies of others. I refuse your invitation."
"A pity." Briala stared at her for a long moment. "I don't want to force you into this, comtesse. But you know too much to be left here with my intentions. You will come to Orlais and serve."
Sara met her gaze firmly, suddenly thrust into the Game. "I have no ties to the Orlesian Empire and thus no obligation to serve you."
"This doesn't have to be a one-sided arrangement," Briala said, softening her voice. "I know you've been looking for Fen'Harel's whereabouts. Having the support of the Orlesian army or a network of spies can help tremendously."
"And what would you gain from that?"
"Fen'Harel is dangerous and must be stopped," Briala muttered adamantly. "He has shed blood everywhere he's walked and will answer for everything he's done."
Sara inhaled deeply, collecting her thoughts. "Fen'Harel will be stopped. But I'm not willing assist a woman who's willing to kill her rival. Such actions make you no better than him."
Briala blinked, her eyes narrowing darkly. "What a shame." She stood and walked to the hearth slowly, resting her hand on the mantle. "I've been trying to goad Fen'Harel into exposing himself for years now. I hoped that with your cooperation, we would determine a way to trap him together. I figured that he would reveal himself for you." Briala's eyes met Sara's with a ruthlessness that put demons to shame. "I'm certain that he would reveal himself for the children."
No. Sara felt her heart freeze. She cannot mean...
"You're confused, Briala," Sara managed.
"Oh, I'm not." Briala's smile was laced with hatred. "I know when I'm looking in the eyes of my enemy. I knew as soon as I saw your daughter. Do you think you weren't watched at the ball? Do you think everyone didn't note your closeness with him? Do you think we didn't remember that when we learned he was Fen'Harel?"
"I don't know who you believe my children are," Sara began furiously, "but if you ever threaten their well-being again, you'll never see the Orlesian throne."
Briala's strong facade fell briefly only for her to feign confidence with a smirk. "How fierce. You're almost charming."
"It's time you left, Marquess." Sara left and signaled for her guards. "Please show Lady Briala out."
"I won't forget this," Briala snapped, though she made determined steps out of the drawing room.
"Neither will I," Sara promised.
No new Elven Phrases.
Long, yeah?
(Sorry, Sera's dialect has infused in my typing)
So, go on. You'll leave a review, right?