The dusky sunlight channelled through one of the ornate windows of Denerim Palace. A heavy atmosphere hung in the halls. Alistair sat slumped in a chair in his royal quarters, one hand shading his tired, dull eyes. Sleep had eluded him lately.
Eamon's face appeared round the door which had been left slightly ajar. He knocked to get Alistair's attention and entered.
"Your Majesty, I am sorry to intrude but I must speak with you!"
"GO away Eamon!" Alistair snapped.
"Alistair" Eamon began again. "It has nearly been a year to the day since Adryenn disappeared. The whole country mourns her loss but…SHE IS GONE!"
The words tore through Alistair, like blades through flesh. He didn't want to hear it. He rose from his chair and made his way over to the balcony, overlooking the Courtyard. He leant his left forearm on the door frame, as the same hand went up again to shield his eyes, this time, from the sun.
"We shouldn't have just called off the search. Adryenn is a strong woman, she still might be out there somewhere ALIVE! If only we-"
"I hope you are right Alistair" Eamon interjected. "I wish for her safe return as much as the next man. The Warden has done more for this Country than anyone in a long time. She even saved my son and wife, but regardless of the facts Adryenn also had a sense of duty. You are KING… Alistair!...You have an obligation not only to Ferelden but to the whole of Thedas."
Alistair spat "I KNOW that!"
"If you truly do then it is time to leave the past where it lies and focus on what is in front of you. Ferelden, once again, needs a strong monarchy. It's King, a Queen…and an heir."
Alistair turned his head towards his advisor at the mention of the word. Eamon had been fully aware of Adryenn and King's passionate affair. He would have praised the match if the Taint didn't leave Grey Wardens supposedly infertile. Eamon crossed the room and put his hand on Alistair's shoulder.
"You and Adryenn decided to put aside your feelings for each other for the sake of duty. It is time you fulfil that promise my boy!"
Without another word Eamon left Alistair to his thoughts. He went out to the balcony and leaned on the cold, stone balustrade. Breathing in the evening air and watching the sun dip lower below the skyline of Denerim. He hammered a fist on to the balustrade; lifted it again and repeated. He felt defeated, powerless! He continued to look into the distance, his grip relaxed in both his hands and they fell to his sides.
"I am sorry Renn!"
Without another thought Alistair disappeared back inside.
Two years past and Adryenn's legacy slowly seeped into the background. No matter the feat she had accomplished. It seemed so easy for Ferelden to forget its hero. News of the Kirkwall Champion in the North had been on the tongues of gossips lately. But Thedas did not know what fate had in store for it whether in this age or the next. Heroes rise and fall. But scarcely do they return from the dead.
