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Griffin's Walk	By : Anesor Category: +A through F > Dragon Age (all) > Dragon Age (all) Views: 2489 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: The Dragon Age world, plot, and their characters aren't mine but belong to Bioware. I get no money for writing this fiction.

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Denerim Chantry
Arlessa Attryne Cousland:
Weeks passed since the race, and Landsmeet showed no signs of ending, from either Anora or the Bannorn and lords.
The girl who'd tried to trap Alistair was more interested in someone at the Gwaren mansion. Truly, she started showing, and her father's outrage about the elven father could not be kept secret.
Especially once the Dark Wolf started spreading those truths from Fort Drakon to the Pearl.
Anora publicly congratulated her on providing the Arl an heir, granting the surprised father a writ to leave the Alienage.
Alistair was happy for days, although neither of us were happy that the Grand Cleric announced Eamon's betrothal.
We didn't hate Orlesians the way Loghain did, but a second wife stretched coincidence just a bit too much. He didn't have the excuse of the end of the Occupation this time.
He was here in the restored Chantry during the yearly presentation of Andraste's passion, along with the nobility and ambassadors. The balcony overlooked the open space with a good view of the sisters and brothers, as the songs surged up past us and towards the Maker.
The sister had a superb voice, as the customarily masked Hessarian repented and gave her mercy.
That was the climax and I stopped paying as much attention while the players mourned because the details often hinted at what the Grand Cleric had planned for the next year.
This year, the costumes had been changed. The Archon wore a current set of Tevinter robes, strikingly similar to the Ambassador's. His grin showed an appreciation for the change, but he seemed comfortable with the ceremony, enough I was fairly sure he followed the Black Divine.
The others up here on this balcony were paying attention as they should, though I caught Tabris scanning the crowd, too. When the play was over, Alistair went to talk with Teagan.
“Trinna, I must admit seeing you this often is a first since the Blight. Do you know why we wait here when harvest begins soon in southern holdings?” Fergus seemed truly annoyed underneath.
“What makes you think I am in the Queen's confidence?” I watched Anora speak with Grand Cleric Elspeth.
He smirked. “MacTheirin's entanglement disappeared.”
I shook my head. “I didn't expect her to get involved, we have not spoken in weeks.”
My brother only hummed, and Lizz joined us with Leola toddling along. Soon they moved to greet the Queen and Grand Cleric.
“Warden-Commander.” The Tevinter, Domitius, found his way to this better viewpoint.
“General Aemillius. I see Ambassador Bastian is speaking to the Grand Cleric and can't spar with you.” I wondered what his names meant, aside from the victory one.
His smile seemed fixed as he picked at some non-existent speck on his robes. “You know as well as I that he got a message from Val Royeaux earlier.” His eyes only flicked a little around us before he spoke again. “With rebellion brewing, Ferelden should be safe, Arlessa. What does her Majesty demand of her Landsmeet?”
I shrugged. “I'm not being secretive, but I really don't know.”
“Fereldans, so refreshing as a group.” Domitius' smile became more real. “I was wondering if I might gain an introduction at one of the mabari kennels? I saw some of the early breeding and enchantment notes and I am curious at how they might have changed since they left Tevinter.”
“Did you speak to Highever?” I would not allow him to play me off Fergus.
He looked at Fergus as he departed. “I do not know if his avoiding me is on principle or he truly distrusts my allegiance to the Maker.”
“I will check, but I make no promises about anything. I'd appreciate if you could share that lore; my mabari is a blessing and I would appreciate any insight.”
Domitius nodded and moved away. I would check with my brother as he requested, though I had a small pack at Amaranthine too.
A score of people remained here and almost all of the common folk below had left. Teagan was gone, so Alistair rejoined me and took my arm.
With a nod to Elspeth, Queen Anora, the greatest symbol of temporal authority in Ferelden, departed the Chantry.
Alistair looked as relieved as I felt.
I was beginning to think Anora was very, very serious about my providing an heir before Landsmeet ended. I didn't want to ask her directly and reveal my paranoia.
If that became general knowledge, our lives would go into the Void.
Hearing a rustle of taffeta, I was surprised when the Grand Cleric approached us. I sank into a curtsey, wondering if I'd missed some signal.
“Walk with me, Commander.” Her voice was firm and not warm.
Alistair gripped my arm briefly. He still believed in the Chantry, mostly because she had approved his conscription.
We walked in silence for a few minutes until we reached a small parlor. A young sister, who reminded me of Leliana, brought us tea.
The tea must have been spiked in the pot and I couldn't hide my surprise.
“Commander, moderation in all things. The extremes call forth demons... like to ones you faced during the Blight.” Elspeth sipped her drink. “I turn aside from temptation, not pretend it doesn't exist.”
“That I can agree with, as I often balance many responsibilities.” Even if it was early in the day, the tea was relaxing.
She put her cup down, and with a little smirk brought out a small Orlesian tabatière and offered me some.
I refused, though she partook of the snuff up both nostrils. Spiked tea was enough unknowns.
“I am troubled by the events in Kirkwall, Commander. I understood that a Grey Warden was in the Blue and Gray at that battle at the Gallows...” Her voice was very soothing.
“Yes, Void take it...”
What was I saying?
--- x ---
A/N: Challenge words are: tabatière, taffeta, and temporal. Thanks to my beta reader who has been kind enough to read this and point out stupid flubs. Any typos that remain are not intentional... Reviews or a PM to let me know what you think would be very appreciated.
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Griffin's Walk