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peopleofthedas2012-07-22 04:02 pm
i_paint_the_sky) wrote in peopleofthedas2012-07-22 04:02 pm
The Mistress, chapter 4/? (Rated M)
Crossposted to ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
swooping_is_bad and dragonage_fic
Title: The Mistress
Rating: M
Pairings: Starts with Cailan/Elissa, eventual Alistair/Elissa.
Summary: Elissa Cousland, the favourite of King Cailan, finds herself thrown from the political arena into something completely different as the coming Blight changes her world forever.
Read the rest of the story here
Chapter 4: The Grey Warden
The sounds of a hundred conversations filled the dining hall long into the night, mixed with bursts of laughter and all the other sounds found amongst brothers and sisters in arms. Elissa watched everything carefully from her seat at the high table. To her left were two empty spots, as Fergus had left early to continue making preparations for his departure, while Bryce had been called away to welcome the newly arrived Arl Howe. To her right, her mother was deep in conversation with Oriana, Fergus' wife. And so Elissa found herself to be the only silent person in the room.
She gazed across it until she spotted Ser Hanson, the man who had bested her in the archery competition, and she couldn't keep her eyes from narrowing slightly at him, not that he noticed. When she turned away, she discovered that Ser Gilmore was watching her, a knowing look in his eyes. She gestured from him to come forward.
"Congratulations on your victory, ser" she told him when he drew near, raising her glass towards him.
He stopped walking as he came to stand before her and smiled. "And congratulations to you as well, my lady, on your stunning second place finish."
She grimaced. "Please don't remind me. I'll be seeing that last shot in my nightmares for weeks."
Ser Gilmore shook his head slowly. "You should not be so hard on yourself," he told her. "Ser Hanson is the sharpest shooter out of all of your father's men and he still almost lost to you. Had you been training regularly, I have no doubt that you would have emerged the victor."
Elissa took a long drink of wine before answering. "Thank you, Rory," she said finally, "it means a lot that you think so."
"I'm not alone in thinking it either."
She smiled. "That may be true but you know that your opinion has always meant more to me than most."
Rory bowed his head slightly. "As always, my lady honours me with her esteem."
"Lady Elissa," a voice came from behind her. She turned around to see Percy, one of her father's stewards, coming towards her.
"Yes?"
Percy came to stand before her. "Your Lord Father wishes to see you in the main hall."
"You may tell him that I will be there shortly." She turned to Rory with a rueful grin and shrugged. "Duty calls," she told him before draining her glass. She stood up took a deep breath, the heaviness of her armour making it harder than usual, and then quickly headed off to answer the summons.
When she entered the hall, her father was already there, as was Arl Rendon Howe, one of the family's closest allies. From the tone of their voices, Elissa had no doubt that the two of them were discussing times long past and battles hard won.
"At least the smell will be the same," Bryce said with a smile. He looked up and noticed Elissa. "I'm sorry, Pup, I didn't see you there.
Arl Howe turned towards her and smiled. "Well met, Lady Elissa. As always, it is a pleasure to see you again, my dear."
Elissa nodded, also smiling. "And you, Arl Howe." She noticed his eyes drift up and down her body once and wished that she was wearing something else, something less revealing and less ... metal. It was one thing to wear armour around the men she had grown up with. It was quite another thing to be meeting with men of political power.
"My son Thomas asked after you," Howe said after a moment. "Perhaps I should bring him with me next time."
"To what end?" she asked, even though it was obvious. It had been a possibility she had expected for years, though certainly now was not the time to discuss it. Besides, if things went as planned well then ...
"Ha, to what end she says," Howe replied, shaking his head. "So glib too. She is just like her mother when she talks like that."
Father laughed as well. "See what I contend with, Howe? There is no telling my fierce girl anything these days. Maker bless her heart."
"Hmm. No doubt because you've trained her as a warrior. How ... unique." There was something about the tone of his voice at the end that made Elissa look at Arl Howe very carefully. But then her father was speaking again and she turned her attention back to him.
"At any rate, Pup, I've summoned you for a reason," Bryce told her. "While your brother and I are both away, I'm leaving you in charge of the castle."
Elissa nodded. While most would assume that her mother would be given this honour, it was something she had anticipated, after some things that had been said along the journey here. She knew it was a great opportunity to learn, as well as to be seen in a role of true responsibility and power. "I'll do my best, Father."
Bryce smiled. "Now that's what I like to hear. Only a token force is remaining here and you must keep peace in the region. You know what they say about mice when the cat is away, yes?"
"I do, Father, though I doubt there will be any problems, as the people of Highever do hold you in such a high regard."
"Be that as it may, it never hurts to be prepared. Anyway, there's also someone you must meet." Bryce turned to one of his men standing nearby. "Please, show Duncan in."
Elissa watched the man leave carefully, her interest stirred. She had never before heard Father speak of any man by that name. When the door to the hall next opened, it was the stranger from before, the dark-skinned Riviani. As he neared, she was able to get a better look at him. He was quite tall and muscular and dressed in some of the finest armour she had seen outside of the royal armoury. His hair was greying slightly at the temple but it suited him and his bearing, which was almost noble though she knew he could not be.
Duncan came to stand before them and bowed slightly. "It is an honour to be a guest in your hall, Teyrn Cousland."
Howe seemed to be just as surprised by the man's presence. "Your Lordship, you didn't mention that a Grey Warden would be present."
A Grey Warden. Well, that did begin to explain it. And yes, Elissa did recall that Cailan had mentioned a Duncan who was the Warden-Commander of Ferelden. Obviously this must be he.
"Duncan arrived just recently, unannounced," Bryce explained. "Is there a problem?"
"Oh no, of course not," Howe replied, though the heightened colour of his face suggested otherwise. "But a guest of such stature demands certain protocol. I am at a disadvantage."
Bryce did not seem to notice "We rarely have the pleasure of meeting one in person, that's true. Pup, Duncan is looking for recruits before joining us and his fellow Wardens in the South. I believe he's got his eye on Ser Gilmore, especially after he acquitted himself so well in this morning's tourney."
"Ser Gilmore is an excellent swordsman and honourable man," Elissa said to Duncan. "And while I would be very sad to see him leave Highever's service, I cannot help but recommend him."
Duncan nodded slowly and looked as though he would speak, then stopped. "If I might be so bold," he said after a moment, "I would suggest that your daughter is also an excellent candidate."
Immediately Bryce moved to stand between Duncan and his daughter, while Elissa stood completely in shock and not worried in the least about hiding it. Surely Duncan could not be serious, surely he knew about her relationship with the King and all that status entailed. Her become a Grey Warden? The idea was completely ludicrous.
Clearly her father agreed, as he said to Duncan, "Honour though that might be, this is my daughter we're talking about."
Elissa took a breath, Bryce's words snapping her out of her shock. "I've no interest in becoming a Grey Warden," she told him.
"Do you hear that, Duncan? My daughter is not interested. So unless you intend to invoke the Rite of Conscription ..." Bryce's voice trailed off as he shifted, widening his stance ever so slightly."
Duncan shook his head and held out his hands, palms up. "Have no fear. While we need as many good recruits as we can find, I've no intention of forcing the issue."
She could see her father's shoulders relax at Duncan's words. Moments later he took a step back, though he was still closer to her than he had been before. "Pup, can you ensure that Duncan's requests are seen to while I am gone?"
"Of course," Elissa replied, still trying to calm the sudden racing of her heart. She forced herself to look levelly into Duncan's eyes. "Please, sir, let me know if there is anything that you require."
"I will, my lady," Duncan replied, meeting her gaze calmly and with an air of appraisal, just like before during the tournament.
Elissa found herself turning away first, something she never did. "If that is all, Father, then I believe I shall retire for the evening."
"Of course, Pup. Goodnight and sweet dreams."
She walked over towards Bryce and kissed him on his cheek, on her favourite spot just above his beard. "Goodnight," she whispered. After nodding to both Arl Howe and Duncan, she left the hall and headed for her chambers.
She passed Fergus' rooms along the way and she pressed her ear to the door for just a moment. Inside, she could hear her brother talking to Oren and so, after lingering for another moment, she walked on, not wanting to disturb them. She would have time to speak with him in the morning, before he left. Her chest tightened slightly, thinking about his departure and her father's a few days later and said a quick prayer that they would both be safe.
When she got to her bedroom the first thing she did was change out of her armour, placing it carefully back in its cabinet. She sat down at her desk, dressed on in her shift and underclothes, and began to write a letter which she would send with Fergus, to give to the King. After all, it would do her no good for him to forget her amidst the glory of his war.
To my dearest King and Lord,
I trust that my brother will deliver this letter faithfully into your keeping. He has always been very good and dear to me and I trust him in Your Grace's keeping knowing you will watch over him as dearly as Andraste.
I must start with saying how much I have missed you during our separation. It seems impossible to realize how many days I have gone now without seeing your face or hearing your voice. I
Elissa paused, wondering just how far she should go. It was always so difficult to decide. She placed the pen down for a moment and sat there, considering each option and carefully weighing them. Finally, with a determined nod, she continued.
find myself thinking of you constantly and longing to be with you and to touch you and kiss you. But of course I know that the best way for to serve you in these times is to pray for your success, and so your name is on my lips each time I pray. I know that you shall vanquish any foes who are foolish enough to appear before you, just like the heroes of legend.
I had the chance today to meet Duncan, the Warden-Commander you have spoken so highly of. He is quite an interesting man and so I can see why you admire him so. He is here to recruit new Wardens. He even suggested that I could become one of them, can you imagine it? Of course, it would give me the chance to be at your side once more and because of that I cannot say it is entirely unappealing. Still, I fear I may not be as amenable to you if I were bearing arms.
It is growing late and I must retire to my bed, with hopes of seeing you in the Fade once more. And so until we meet again in the halls of the palace, I must bid you adieu.
As always, your most humble and loyal of servants,
E
swooping_is_bad and dragonage_ficTitle: The Mistress
Rating: M
Pairings: Starts with Cailan/Elissa, eventual Alistair/Elissa.
Summary: Elissa Cousland, the favourite of King Cailan, finds herself thrown from the political arena into something completely different as the coming Blight changes her world forever.
Read the rest of the story here
The sounds of a hundred conversations filled the dining hall long into the night, mixed with bursts of laughter and all the other sounds found amongst brothers and sisters in arms. Elissa watched everything carefully from her seat at the high table. To her left were two empty spots, as Fergus had left early to continue making preparations for his departure, while Bryce had been called away to welcome the newly arrived Arl Howe. To her right, her mother was deep in conversation with Oriana, Fergus' wife. And so Elissa found herself to be the only silent person in the room.
She gazed across it until she spotted Ser Hanson, the man who had bested her in the archery competition, and she couldn't keep her eyes from narrowing slightly at him, not that he noticed. When she turned away, she discovered that Ser Gilmore was watching her, a knowing look in his eyes. She gestured from him to come forward.
"Congratulations on your victory, ser" she told him when he drew near, raising her glass towards him.
He stopped walking as he came to stand before her and smiled. "And congratulations to you as well, my lady, on your stunning second place finish."
She grimaced. "Please don't remind me. I'll be seeing that last shot in my nightmares for weeks."
Ser Gilmore shook his head slowly. "You should not be so hard on yourself," he told her. "Ser Hanson is the sharpest shooter out of all of your father's men and he still almost lost to you. Had you been training regularly, I have no doubt that you would have emerged the victor."
Elissa took a long drink of wine before answering. "Thank you, Rory," she said finally, "it means a lot that you think so."
"I'm not alone in thinking it either."
She smiled. "That may be true but you know that your opinion has always meant more to me than most."
Rory bowed his head slightly. "As always, my lady honours me with her esteem."
"Lady Elissa," a voice came from behind her. She turned around to see Percy, one of her father's stewards, coming towards her.
"Yes?"
Percy came to stand before her. "Your Lord Father wishes to see you in the main hall."
"You may tell him that I will be there shortly." She turned to Rory with a rueful grin and shrugged. "Duty calls," she told him before draining her glass. She stood up took a deep breath, the heaviness of her armour making it harder than usual, and then quickly headed off to answer the summons.
When she entered the hall, her father was already there, as was Arl Rendon Howe, one of the family's closest allies. From the tone of their voices, Elissa had no doubt that the two of them were discussing times long past and battles hard won.
"At least the smell will be the same," Bryce said with a smile. He looked up and noticed Elissa. "I'm sorry, Pup, I didn't see you there.
Arl Howe turned towards her and smiled. "Well met, Lady Elissa. As always, it is a pleasure to see you again, my dear."
Elissa nodded, also smiling. "And you, Arl Howe." She noticed his eyes drift up and down her body once and wished that she was wearing something else, something less revealing and less ... metal. It was one thing to wear armour around the men she had grown up with. It was quite another thing to be meeting with men of political power.
"My son Thomas asked after you," Howe said after a moment. "Perhaps I should bring him with me next time."
"To what end?" she asked, even though it was obvious. It had been a possibility she had expected for years, though certainly now was not the time to discuss it. Besides, if things went as planned well then ...
"Ha, to what end she says," Howe replied, shaking his head. "So glib too. She is just like her mother when she talks like that."
Father laughed as well. "See what I contend with, Howe? There is no telling my fierce girl anything these days. Maker bless her heart."
"Hmm. No doubt because you've trained her as a warrior. How ... unique." There was something about the tone of his voice at the end that made Elissa look at Arl Howe very carefully. But then her father was speaking again and she turned her attention back to him.
"At any rate, Pup, I've summoned you for a reason," Bryce told her. "While your brother and I are both away, I'm leaving you in charge of the castle."
Elissa nodded. While most would assume that her mother would be given this honour, it was something she had anticipated, after some things that had been said along the journey here. She knew it was a great opportunity to learn, as well as to be seen in a role of true responsibility and power. "I'll do my best, Father."
Bryce smiled. "Now that's what I like to hear. Only a token force is remaining here and you must keep peace in the region. You know what they say about mice when the cat is away, yes?"
"I do, Father, though I doubt there will be any problems, as the people of Highever do hold you in such a high regard."
"Be that as it may, it never hurts to be prepared. Anyway, there's also someone you must meet." Bryce turned to one of his men standing nearby. "Please, show Duncan in."
Elissa watched the man leave carefully, her interest stirred. She had never before heard Father speak of any man by that name. When the door to the hall next opened, it was the stranger from before, the dark-skinned Riviani. As he neared, she was able to get a better look at him. He was quite tall and muscular and dressed in some of the finest armour she had seen outside of the royal armoury. His hair was greying slightly at the temple but it suited him and his bearing, which was almost noble though she knew he could not be.
Duncan came to stand before them and bowed slightly. "It is an honour to be a guest in your hall, Teyrn Cousland."
Howe seemed to be just as surprised by the man's presence. "Your Lordship, you didn't mention that a Grey Warden would be present."
A Grey Warden. Well, that did begin to explain it. And yes, Elissa did recall that Cailan had mentioned a Duncan who was the Warden-Commander of Ferelden. Obviously this must be he.
"Duncan arrived just recently, unannounced," Bryce explained. "Is there a problem?"
"Oh no, of course not," Howe replied, though the heightened colour of his face suggested otherwise. "But a guest of such stature demands certain protocol. I am at a disadvantage."
Bryce did not seem to notice "We rarely have the pleasure of meeting one in person, that's true. Pup, Duncan is looking for recruits before joining us and his fellow Wardens in the South. I believe he's got his eye on Ser Gilmore, especially after he acquitted himself so well in this morning's tourney."
"Ser Gilmore is an excellent swordsman and honourable man," Elissa said to Duncan. "And while I would be very sad to see him leave Highever's service, I cannot help but recommend him."
Duncan nodded slowly and looked as though he would speak, then stopped. "If I might be so bold," he said after a moment, "I would suggest that your daughter is also an excellent candidate."
Immediately Bryce moved to stand between Duncan and his daughter, while Elissa stood completely in shock and not worried in the least about hiding it. Surely Duncan could not be serious, surely he knew about her relationship with the King and all that status entailed. Her become a Grey Warden? The idea was completely ludicrous.
Clearly her father agreed, as he said to Duncan, "Honour though that might be, this is my daughter we're talking about."
Elissa took a breath, Bryce's words snapping her out of her shock. "I've no interest in becoming a Grey Warden," she told him.
"Do you hear that, Duncan? My daughter is not interested. So unless you intend to invoke the Rite of Conscription ..." Bryce's voice trailed off as he shifted, widening his stance ever so slightly."
Duncan shook his head and held out his hands, palms up. "Have no fear. While we need as many good recruits as we can find, I've no intention of forcing the issue."
She could see her father's shoulders relax at Duncan's words. Moments later he took a step back, though he was still closer to her than he had been before. "Pup, can you ensure that Duncan's requests are seen to while I am gone?"
"Of course," Elissa replied, still trying to calm the sudden racing of her heart. She forced herself to look levelly into Duncan's eyes. "Please, sir, let me know if there is anything that you require."
"I will, my lady," Duncan replied, meeting her gaze calmly and with an air of appraisal, just like before during the tournament.
Elissa found herself turning away first, something she never did. "If that is all, Father, then I believe I shall retire for the evening."
"Of course, Pup. Goodnight and sweet dreams."
She walked over towards Bryce and kissed him on his cheek, on her favourite spot just above his beard. "Goodnight," she whispered. After nodding to both Arl Howe and Duncan, she left the hall and headed for her chambers.
She passed Fergus' rooms along the way and she pressed her ear to the door for just a moment. Inside, she could hear her brother talking to Oren and so, after lingering for another moment, she walked on, not wanting to disturb them. She would have time to speak with him in the morning, before he left. Her chest tightened slightly, thinking about his departure and her father's a few days later and said a quick prayer that they would both be safe.
When she got to her bedroom the first thing she did was change out of her armour, placing it carefully back in its cabinet. She sat down at her desk, dressed on in her shift and underclothes, and began to write a letter which she would send with Fergus, to give to the King. After all, it would do her no good for him to forget her amidst the glory of his war.
To my dearest King and Lord,
I trust that my brother will deliver this letter faithfully into your keeping. He has always been very good and dear to me and I trust him in Your Grace's keeping knowing you will watch over him as dearly as Andraste.
I must start with saying how much I have missed you during our separation. It seems impossible to realize how many days I have gone now without seeing your face or hearing your voice. I
Elissa paused, wondering just how far she should go. It was always so difficult to decide. She placed the pen down for a moment and sat there, considering each option and carefully weighing them. Finally, with a determined nod, she continued.
find myself thinking of you constantly and longing to be with you and to touch you and kiss you. But of course I know that the best way for to serve you in these times is to pray for your success, and so your name is on my lips each time I pray. I know that you shall vanquish any foes who are foolish enough to appear before you, just like the heroes of legend.
I had the chance today to meet Duncan, the Warden-Commander you have spoken so highly of. He is quite an interesting man and so I can see why you admire him so. He is here to recruit new Wardens. He even suggested that I could become one of them, can you imagine it? Of course, it would give me the chance to be at your side once more and because of that I cannot say it is entirely unappealing. Still, I fear I may not be as amenable to you if I were bearing arms.
It is growing late and I must retire to my bed, with hopes of seeing you in the Fade once more. And so until we meet again in the halls of the palace, I must bid you adieu.
As always, your most humble and loyal of servants,
E