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The Last of the Couslands	By : MistressofMagic Category: +A through F > Dragon Age (all) > Dragon Age (all) Views: 4401 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Bioware and EA own everything associated with the Dragon Age universe. I am making no money off of this fan fiction.

Chapter List
- 56
- 57
- 58
Chapter 56
Satinalia Interrupted
The days leading up to the Satinalia celebration passed by slowly, which Bridget was somewhat thankful for. The days gave her time to rest, which she needed desperately. She was able to rest…physically; mentally however, was another story. She thought over many things, the Blight being the number one focus of her thoughts…but Alistair was also slipping into them as well. Although Bridget still had not spoken to him yet…their eyes seemed to be making contact more often. Bridget closed her eyes and sighed. She tried to stretch her back muscles as best as she could in her current attire, but only ended up feeling more uncomfortable. Bridget sat at the desk in her room in a corset, shift, and stockings.
She was in the middle of preparing for the Satinalia Feast and dance later on that evening, but wasn't quite ready to put on her dress yet. Bridget looked over her shoulder and eyed the clothing in question. The dress itself was very fine. It was ivory in color with golden threads sewn in to resemble vines and leaves. Bridget stood and walked over to the window nearby and rested her elbows on the sill. She furrowed her brow and stared out at the vast forests in the distance. Despite the relaxing and joyful nature of the castle, Bridget was not at ease. Something didn't feel right in the air…and she wondered if she was the only one who felt uneasy. Perhaps the others simply ignored the feeling, wanting to push it out of their thoughts so they could enjoy one last celebration with their friends and family. Bridget shook her head. She just couldn't do that. She frowned as she moved away from the window and back to the edge of her bed. She sat atop the fur covers and looked into her lap. There was another reason why she was not very joyful today…and it had nothing to do with recent events. Bridget wrapped her hand around her wrist where her ribbon was tied and drew her brows together.
This was the first Satinalia without her family…
Bridget closed her eyes and swallowed, trying to push back her tears. No matter how hard she tried not to think of them though…she just couldn't help it. She kept imagining what Oren's face would have looked like when he opened up the present she had intended to give him: his very own sword. Of course, Oriana would have objected, Bridget was sure, but just seeing the look on her nephew's face would've been worth angering her sister-in-law. Bridget smiled as she pictured her father and mother sitting by the fire, of Zeus playing with the discarded gift paper, and found herself tearing up. She quickly blinked and pushed her thoughts away as she stood and walked over and picked up the dress that she was to wear. She slipped it on without a fuss and was able to button it all of the way. Bridget returned to her desk then and looked at her reflection in the mirror in front of her. She eyed the kohl pencil and berry paste nearby and decided that she should at least wear some of the stuff. Bridget picked up the kohl and commenced into lining her eyes. Once that process was finished, she dipped the nearby feather brush into the pink tinted powder and applied it to her cheeks. Finally, Bridget dipped her finger into the pink berry paste and spread it about her plump lips. She then looked back into her mirror and tilted her head to the side.
"Hmm…I guess this stuff really does help bring out my eyes."
As if they needed any help standing out. Bridget ran the brush through her long tresses and then placed the holly head piece on her head. It rested just above her ears and really made her attire. At long last Bridget stood; ready to join the others downstairs. Bridget walked over to her bedroom door and opened it, stepped through, and closed it behind her. She eyed Zeus sitting a bit down the hall, gnawing on a large bone she had given him. Bridget smiled and turned to walk down the hallway. Zevran stepped out of his room wearing some finer threads and turned to trail his eyes over his companion.
"Well now…you look absolutely ravishing, my dear." He whispered.
Bridget raised her eyebrows.
"You don't look half bad yourself, Zevran."
Zevran chuckled.
"Now if only I can stand being in these clothes throughout the night. I don't understand how these nobles wear these getups. I'm itching to get out of mine already. Perhaps you could help me do that, later?"
Bridget rolled her eyes.
"That's what you have Leliana for, Zev." She stated.
Zevran chuckled again and nodded.
"Indeed, although I still couldn't pass up the chance to ask you. Regardless, would you like me to escort you into the main hall where everyone is gathered?"
Bridget shook her head.
"No need, Zevran. I'll just walk in by myself."
Zevran turned on his heel.
"Very well, then. See you with the others!"
Bridget watched him walk off down the hall. She took a deep breath and followed after him, stopping at the top of the stairs. Bridget sighed and began to descend the steps. Her heart was pounding in her ears. She knew she couldn't avoid talking to Alistair any longer…and intended to speak to him sooner rather than later. She stopped at the foot of the stairs as a guard looked over his shoulder. He gaped at her for a moment before clearing his throat and announcing her arrival.
"Lady Bridget Cousland." He stated above the noise.
Immediately all eyes in the room darted towards her. Just as soon as their eyes landed on her, whispers began to fill the air. No doubt the details of the Landsmeet had spread all over Fereldan by now…
Bridget swept her eyes over the crowd and saw Alistair in the distance. A few of the noblemen's daughters surrounded him, and Bridget frowned. They were practically throwing themselves at him…what was worse was Alistair looked as if he were enjoying it. He was smiling and laughing, but then he turned his gaze and their eyes locked…and Alistair's jaw dropped. Bridget quickly tore her eyes away from him and nodded to some of the nobles nearby before walking towards the refreshment table and grabbing a goblet of wine. She downed it's contents immediately. Maker…it was going to be a long night.
xXx
When Alistair's eyes landed on Bridget, his very breath escaped him. Her golden hair gleamed, reflecting the glow of the candles it seemed. She looked absolutely beautiful…almost resembling the very vision of Andraste herself. Her gown was ivory and held intricate designs of twining vines and leaves sewn in throughout the gown with a golden thread. The dress complimented her figure very well. Her curves were certainly showed off to every man in the room, and every man had certainly noticed.
"Women had better hold onto their husbands tonight." He heard a nearby servant whisper to her friend who giggled and nodded in reply. Alistair's eyes widened when their eyes caught, but just as quickly as they had locked, Bridget broke the contact and disappeared in the sea of people. Alistair made to move towards her, but was stopped again when another annoying girl stood in front of him. Maker, Alistair didn't know why all these women had such a sudden interest in him, they were honing in on him as if he were the only man in the room! He tried scanning the crowd with his eyes again, but it was to no avail. Alistair sighed, realizing that the only way he would escape this horde of giggling girls was if he conversed with them and tried to look like he was enjoying himself.
The hours began to slip by slowly, and Bridget was getting infuriated by the second. Why did Alistair look like he was enjoying the company of those other women so much? She had tried to take her mind off of him by dancing with Zevran and Teagan even…but her eyes kept going back to Alistair. Bridget sighed and rolled her eyes. Apparently Alistair had already forgotten about her since he seemed to be enjoying himself with the other noblemen's eligible daughters. If it was so easy for him, why was it so hard for her? Why couldn't she stop thinking about him…stop loving him? Bridget cast her eyes back over towards Alistair once again and gripped her wine goblet so tight; her knuckles grew white from the strain. Bann Wulff's daughter reached up and planted a kiss on Alistair's cheek before whispering something in his ear that made his face glow red. Bridget pursed her lips together and cut her eyes into thin slits.
"Careful with that goblet, Bridget. Grip it any tighter and you will break it, I am quite sure." Zevran said.
Hearing his voice snapped Bridget out of her thoughts and she turned to him. Zevran smiled at her and eased the goblet from her hands and set it on the edge of a nearby table.
"I see you have noticed the…attention Alistair has been receiving no doubt…" he whispered.
Bridget swallowed and nodded.
"It wouldn't hurt as much if he didn't look like he was enjoying it!" she hissed.
Zevran put an arm around her and gave her shoulders a squeeze.
"There, there my dear, don't trouble yourself with Alistair. Why don't you step out on the balcony and get some fresh air, eh? You look as if you need some." He suggested.
Bridget looked at him and nodded. She glanced once more over at Alistair and his band of giggling admirers before storming off across the room heading towards the balcony. Zevran grinned sneakily.
"Now to find someone to comfort Bridget in her time of need…"
Zevran immediately looked around the room for Teagan. He found the Bann sitting apart from everyone else, looking as if he would rather be anywhere else than here. Zevran expertly traversed through the crowd until he came to the table Teagan occupied and sat down next to him.
"Wonderful celebration this is, wouldn't you agree, my friend?" he asked casually.
Teagan drew his brows together and looked at the elf. Zevran noticed he too had been watching Alistair.
"For some, yes. But there are others who would rather be anywhere but here, I am sure." He replied quietly.
Zevran nodded understandingly.
"You must be speaking about our lovely Warden, yes?" he asked.
Teagan nodded.
"Indeed I am. She seems preoccupied…and now I see why that is." He said as he motioned towards Alistair and his little group.
Zevran raised his eyebrows.
"True…though to me she appeared to be having a wonderful time, especially when you were dancing with her." He stated.
Teagan blinked as he stared at the elf quizzically.
"What do you mean?" he asked slowly.
Zevran chuckled and patted Teagan on his shoulder.
"Ah my troubled friend, I have been around and know when a woman is enjoying herself or not. Trust me when I say that Bridget was indeed having a splendid time when you were in her presence. It seems that whenever you are around she smiles and acts like her old self for a change." He explained.
Teagan opened his mouth to ask Zevran something, but Zevran cut him off.
"In fact, I witnessed our poor Bridget storm out onto the balcony only moments ago…perhaps you should see if she is alright?"
Teagan shook his head.
"I…but you know her so much better than I…surely it would be better if,"
Zevran shook his head.
"I'm afraid I cannot offer what Bridget needs at the moment…" he stated.
When Teagan remained quiet, Zevran sighed.
"If anything, perhaps you could persuade her to rejoin the party? She looks so…so radiant tonight. It would be a shame for her to look so beautiful and no one to see her. You do agree that she is…beautiful this evening…don't you?"
Teagan cleared his throat and looked into his lap.
"Of course I do…I would have to be blind to say otherwise."
Zevran grinned.
"Wonderful, I will see you later, then." He stated as he stood and disappeared back off into the crowd.
Teagan stood and walked as quickly as he could towards the balcony without anyone noticing. Alistair, however, noticed and was finally able to get away from the young ladies and followed Teagan discreetly. Alistair came to a halt as Teagan stepped out onto the balcony, but noticed that he had left the door slightly ajar. Alistair hid himself in one of the long curtains and looked through the door's opening to find Teagan approach Bridget. Because of the noise in the hall, he had to strain his ears to listen. Alistair sucked in a breath as he blocked out the noise in the hall and listened closely to Teagan's and Bridget's voices.
xXx
Bridget gripped the stone wall of the balcony until her fingers could no longer withstand the strain. She let out a heavy sigh as she stared out at the forest again. After seeing Alistair's little display back in the hall, Bridget wasn't sure if she wanted to speak to him again. Everything he did seemed to be just another dig at her, at their failed relationship. Bridget wanted to scream, scream until she couldn't scream anymore. She wanted to hit something, throw something, anything than to stand there and pretend like nothing happened. Bridget sighed and shook her head. It wasn't worth it…it just wasn't worth it, and quite frankly, she didn't have the energy to deal with it anymore. She just didn't understand despite everything, her stomach still fluttered at the very sight of Alistair.
"My lady…are you well?"
Bridget turned to see Teagan walking towards her. She gave him a small smile.
"You always seem to know whenever I'm upset." She stated.
Teagan smiled and stood next to her.
"Call it a talent I guess…or perhaps rather, an instinct."
Bridget quirked her brow at him, so Teagan continued.
"Whenever my sister, Rowan was angry or upset, she always seemed to find herself outdoors, and that's where I always knew to look for her. She said to me once that the wind was a comfort to her…and just feeling it blow past her was enough to ease her mind."
Bridget nodded.
"I feel that way as well. Fresh air used to be able to solve all my problems, or at least help me think through my problems…but it seems I am inconsolable tonight." She replied quietly.
Alistair furrowed his brow as he watched from his hiding place. Teagan moved closer to her.
"If you will allow me…I can try to comfort you. As you said before, I am a good listener."
Bridget looked at him and then sighed and turned her gaze back to the forest in the distance.
"I have no doubt you saw Alistair with his group of admirers…" she said coldly.
Teagan nodded. Bridget swallowed.
"It infuriates me that he has seemed to forget me already, that all it took was some young girl to bat her eyelashes at him and he'd be enraptured by her…ugh...it…it just hurts to know that he has forgotten me so quickly." she explained.
Alistair hung his head. In truth he didn't enjoy those girls throwing themselves at him for an instant…he just thought if he looked like he was enjoying himself, he could get away faster…but in the process all he had done was upset Bridget even more. He stiffened as he noticed Teagan place his hand on top of Bridget's.
"My lady, if Alistair were to forget someone as remarkable as you within only a week or two, then I do not believe he ever loved you as much as he said he did. If I were in his shoes I…I would never have let you go." He replied softly.
Alistair narrowed his eyes and watched Bridget's reaction. She stared at Teagan for a moment before she shook her head.
"You're just saying that to make me feel better." She stated.
Bridget turned her head but Teagan gently raised his hand and held her chin in it. He slowly turned her head back to face him.
"No, I'm not. I mean what I say, my lady. I would never let you go…if I were lucky enough to have you." He whispered.
Alistair's eyes darted from Bridget to Teagan as the nerves in his stomach continued to tie themselves into intricate knots. The two stared at each other for a long moment before Teagan whispered,
"May…May I kiss you…my lady?"
It was all Alistair could do to hold himself back from barging in on them and dragging Bridget away. He felt as if he sat atop pins and needles….Alistair watched helplessly as Teagan closed his eyes and leaned forward…their lips were just inches apart when suddenly, Bridget turned her head and he caught the side of her cheek. Alistair watched, baffled as Bridget sighed and Teagan pulled away slowly.
"I am sorry…Teagan…but I…I can't." she whispered softly.
Teagan drew his brows together.
"Have I offended you, my lady?"
Bridget shook her head.
"No…it's not you. It…I still love Alistair." She confessed slowly.
Alistair's eyes widened. He swallowed as he continued to listen to their conversation.
Teagan furrowed his brow.
"But…he hurt you so terribly, embarrassed you in front of all those nobles…how can you still care for a man that caused you so much pain?"
Bridget pinched the bridge of her nose and took a deep breath.
"I don't know…I honestly don't know. Yes he hurt me, yes he broke my heart but…I can't stop it. I can't stop loving him. I can hate what he did to me as much as I want, but no matter how hard I try to forget him…he will always be in my thoughts…and in my heart." She whispered.
Teagan didn't say anything…couldn't say anything. He just stared at her as if she were mad. Bridget felt her lip tremble and she briskly turned on her heel and walked back towards the door. She stepped back into the festivities and hurried up the stairs, back to the second floor. Unbeknownst to her, Alistair followed. He made it up the stairs in enough time to see the hem of Bridget's dress disappear behind the door to the library. He quickly hurried towards the door and opened it just enough so he could slip in. The room was dimly lit; the only light was coming from the fireplace which Bridget was standing in front of. She crossed her arms and shook her head. At the sound of hearing the door close, she turned quickly and her eyes landed on Alistair.
"Can't you just leave me alone?" she asked softly.
Alistair walked over towards her and stood next to her, but kept a small space between them, for now at least. They were quiet for a long while before Bridget asked,
"How much did you hear?"
Alistair looked at her, amazed. He thought he was hidden perfectly well in the confines of that curtain. When he didn't say anything, Bridget looked up at him.
"I saw your feet when I came back into the main hall."
Alistair cleared his throat as he mentally cursed himself.
"And here I thought curtains could be a new disguise…"
Noting that she didn't laugh at his joke, Alistair answered her question.
"I…I heard everything and saw everything…"
Bridget rolled her eyes and turned her back to him.
"Why don't you just leave and get back to your adoring fans…I'm sure they are quite melancholy that you are not with them anymore…"
Alistair shook his head.
"I wasn't enjoying myself with those girls in the least…besides now you're trying to change the subject. Do you…do you really still love me?"
It took a while before Bridget said anything. While Alistair waited for her reply, he let his gaze travel down her figure. He missed seeing her hair glow against the fire. Alistair took a deep breath and relished the smell of her scent filling his nostrils. Maker…he had missed her.
"Yes."
Alistair snapped back to reality at the sound of her voice. Although she still had not turned to look at him, he noticed that her shoulders were not as stiff as they were a moment ago.
"Although I am a fool for still feeling this way…I do still love you, Alistair."
Alistair walked up behind her and slowly wrapped his arms around her waist. He buried his face in the crook of her neck and whispered,
"I still love you; I never stopped, not for a moment."
Bridget pulled herself out of his grasp and shook her head.
"No. Don't touch me…it's only going to make things more difficult in the end."
Alistair looked at her.
"What do you mean? Since you still love be doesn't that mean…don't you want to be my mistress?" he asked.
It took everything Bridget had to not slap him again when he said that. She swallowed and tried to keep her temper in check. After a moment of cooling down she asked,
"Do you even realize what you ask me when you suggest that?"
Alistair remained quiet as he racked his brain for the answer. Bridget sighed.
"Alistair…by asking me to be your mistress, you are asking me to be the other woman. Think of how your future wife would feel about that. Knowing that her own husband does not even love her, knowing that his heart lies with another…"
Alistair shook his head.
"No, she would be the other woman, not you, never you." He stated.
Bridget closed her eyes.
"That's not how it works, Alistair. I could not bear to bring so much sorrow to that poor woman, knowing that I am the cause of her pain would tear me apart. I cannot bring myself to do that. Nor can I bring more shame to the Cousland name than I already have."
Alistair furrowed his brow, so Bridget continued.
"When I was younger and my relations with Gilmore became known…what do you think the other noblewomen called me? I became nothing but the 'Cousland Whore'. My father…although he did not outwardly express it…I could see the disappointment in his eyes. Becoming the mistress of the king would only bring further shame to my name and my family's legacy. I brought shame to my family once…I will not do it again."
Alistair looked at Bridget for a long moment, and she looked right back at him.
"So…what does that mean…for us?" he asked.
Bridget swallowed down the lump in her throat and blinked.
"It means that from now on…we are strictly business…and if we both manage to survive the Blight well…we will part as friends or unlikely acquaintances."
Alistair was quiet for a long moment as he stared at his love. Bridget mimicked his actions and swept her own eyes over him as well. Alistair looked different in noble clothing…and looked as if he were trying to adjust to everything still. She gazed into his eyes and noted how the fire warmed his honey colored orbs. Before she realized it, Alistair had enveloped her in a tight hug. Although she stiffened at first, Bridget found herself giving in to his embrace. Alistair held her tight as he stroked her hair, feeling the smooth tresses slipping through his fingers comforted him in a way.
"I'm so sorry…" he whispered as he fell to his knees, pulling Bridget to hers as well.
Bridget hugged him back tightly and blinked as a few tears fell from her eyes.
"I know." She replied softly
Alistair pulled back ever so slightly after holding her for quite some time and stared into her eyes. He couldn't help himself. The way she was looking at him…made him want her even more. Alistair claimed her mouth in a slow kiss and closed his eyes. He missed the feel of her lips pressed against his, moving with his. Before the kiss got too deep, Bridget pulled back and shook her head.
"No…don't, Alistair. Things will only be difficult later…" she whispered.
Alistair sighed and nodded.
"You're right…" he replied.
Despite this knowledge, however, neither of them made to move apart from each other. Alistair slowly ran his thumb against Bridget's cheek. Bridget closed her eyes and sighed.
"To hell with it all." She whispered before kissing him deeply.
Alistair closed his eyes and wrapped his arms tighter around Bridget. Maker he missed having her in his arms. His hand tangled itself in her hair as he fell back against the rug covering the stone floor. The moment his tongue slid across her lip, Bridget immediately opened her mouth and let his tongue find hers. Maker, Alistair couldn't remember the last time they had performed the 'Orlesian kiss', and took a moment to just loose himself to his senses. They rolled and Alistair found himself atop Bridget. He kissed her fiercely, hungrily, knowing that he may not get the chance to again. Alistair broke the kiss and took a deep breath. He stared down at Bridget, and his heart swelled at the sparkle in her eyes. He returned to her, at her neck this time, placing kisses down her throat. He let his tongue taste her skin covering her collar bone, and smiled when he realized her fingers were in his hair. He continued to splay kisses about her upper chest, kissing the tops of her breasts that were pushed up right under his nose thanks to her corset. Alistair didn't have time to react when she hooked her leg between his knees and flipped them once more. He winced when Bridget rubbed up against his arousal. Noticing, and feeling it, Bridget raised her eyebrows.
"Missed me, did you?" she asked with a laugh.
Alistair chuckled and rolled his eyes.
"Must you even ask?"
Bridget gave him a saucy smile before she ran her fingers down his chest. Once at his breeches, she pulled the fabric of his shirt up and out of it's tucked in state. Once Bridget could slip her hands under the fabric, she did so and danced her fingers across Alistair's chest, tracing over the contours of his muscles there. She returned to his lips while her hands were busy and kissed him deeply. Alistair didn't think it was really fair of her to be able to touch his bare skin, so he snuck his hands under her dress and ran them up her stocking covered legs. He was beginning to think that she was wearing full stockings before he reached her thighs and he felt her bare, heated skin beneath his hands. He quirked a brow and smirked when Bridget broke the kiss.
"Thigh high stockings? How very scandalous of you." He chuckled.
Bridget threw her head back and laughed.
"Please, they were cheaper than the full stockings. There's nothing scandalous about trying to save a few coins." She stated.
"Right…"
Bridget lowered herself to Alistair again and claimed his mouth in another heated kiss. While she did that, Alistair continued to run his hands up further and grinned against her lips as he gripped her bottom. Bridget smiled against his lips before leaving them to trail her kisses down his jaw and neck…
xXx
Zevran glanced at the clock in the main hall before deciding to check on Bridget and Teagan. Once again, he maneuvered through the crowd deftly before coming up to the door leading to the balcony. He slightly opened it, only to find himself dismayed. Teagan stood alone on the balcony, looking out at the distant forest. Zevran furrowed his brow as he stepped outside and joined him. Teagan didn't remove his gaze from the forest. Zevran sighed.
"Might I ask what happened?"
Teagan looked down before turning to face Zevran.
"I tried to comfort her…nearly kissed her even before…well…"
Zevran furrowed his brow. Teagan cleared his throat and said,
"She confessed that despite everything…she still loves Alistair."
Zevran hung his head and sighed.
"I had not anticipated this…I am sorry, Teagan."
Teagan's reply was lost to Zevran as he pondered over things. Now that he realized it…he hadn't noticed Alistair in the main hall for quite some time now…perhaps….
Zevran's thoughts came to an abrupt halt as his ears twitched, picking up on something far away in the distance.
"Did you hear something?" he asked.
Teagan looked at him.
"No, not apart from the celebrations in the hall, I haven't heard," he paused as he took a breath. Teagan looked straight at Zevran.
"Do you smell smoke?"
Both of them turned in the direction of the village and gasped, many of it's buildings were caught up in flames! Teagan and Zevran ran back into the main hall just as some guards barged in from the main entrance.
"It's Darkspawn! They've attacked the village! They,"
The young guard's sentence was lost as he fell forward, and arrow protruding from the back of his skull. About twenty Darkspawn stood at the entrance to the main hall, a Hurlock and Genlock Alpha at the head of the pack. They raised their weapons and released a strangled, horrid battle cry before charging in. Zevran looked to Teagan.
"I'll find Bridget and Alistair, try and get everyone to safety!"
Zevran tore up the stairs and skidded into the hallway. He threw open the doors to both of their rooms, but couldn't find either of them. Zevran did however grab their weapons and a few pieces of armor before running out and down the hall. He turned the corner and collided into Bridget and Alistair. Zevran looked over them for just a second and noted their flushed faces with a smile.
"Zevran what's happened, we heard screams." Bridget said frantically.
Zevran shook his head getting back to the problem at hand.
"It's the Darkspawn, they've invaded the village and twenty or so are in the main hall now! I've brought your weapons and what armor I could carry. You have to hurry!"
Zevran turned to fetch his own daggers before he glanced at Alistair and whispered,
"You may want to lace up your breeches, my friend."
Alistair blushed furiously and Zevran chuckled to himself as he ran down the hall.
Bridget threw on her gauntlets and laced up her boots. She cut her dress to her knees with her sword so she could move around more easily before picking up her shield and hurrying down the hallway. Alistair followed after her. By the time they made it to the main hall, a few men had already fallen. Bridget wasted no time coming to everyone's aid. Although she was mostly exposed, she didn't care. What mattered most were the lives of the nobles in the room. Morrigan stood nearby, a fire ball at the ready in her hands. She almost cast it before Leliana grabbed her arm.
"You can't do that here! You might hit one of the nobles!" she exclaimed.
Morrigan rolled her eyes and the fireball evaporated before she conjured one of ice.
"Fine, I will use ice then. They have a better chance of surviving if they happen to cross paths with it."
Bridget knocked a Genlock back with her shield before he could devour Arl Wulff's leg and swung her sword to the Hurlock that was coming towards her. Oghren rushed to her aid as another Genlock hurried towards her. Bridget thanked him, then ducked as an arrow whizzed past her. Bridget scanned the room and her heart nearly stopped at the sight she saw in the distance. The Hurlock Alpha had cornered Eamon, Isolde, and their son in a corner. Bridget gripped her sword and ran towards them. She vaulted over some of the dead bodies before landing on the dining table and ran across it before jumping off. Eamon wrapped his arms around Isolde and Connor before saying a silent prayer to the Maker. He squeezed his eyes shut just as the Alpha raised his large, blood stained axe. Then the sound of metal crunching metal sounded through his ears. He looked up to see that Bridget had jumped onto the back of the Alpha. She quickly wrapped her legs around the Darkspawn and pulled him backwards. She landed hard against the stone, but she ignored the pain as she gripped her sword and thrust it into the Alpha's chest. Bridget pulled her blade out, splattering the tainted blood across the walls and floor. She stood slowly and turned. She looked down at Eamon and held out her hand to him. He took it, shocked still from the events that had just occurred.
"Are you injured?" Bridget asked as she pulled him to his feet.
Eamon shook his head. Bridget nodded. She turned to see that the other Darkspawn had already been taken care of, and that all the eyes in the room were on her.
"Come on, we've got to check on the village!" she shouted before running out of the hall and out the main entrance.
Alistair immediately followed, as did the rest of her friends. Teagan ran up to Eamon and handed him his sword before following the rest of the guards as well. Eamon turned to Isolde.
"See if everyone here is alright, I'll be back shortly." He said in a quiet voice.
Bridget ran into the village as fast as her legs would take her. Thankfully, there were only a handful of Darkspawn actually in the village itself along with an ogre. Knowing that it was the main threat, Bridget engaged the large beast head on. She had to be extra careful since she was only partly protected, so she dodged the ogre's attacks gracefully, managing to just be out of the reach of his sharp claws. Once he was defeated, it was over. Bridget took a deep breath as she turned to see Morrigan and Wynne manipulating the water in the nearby lake to douse the flames on the houses and shops. Thankfully, since the celebrations were taking part in the main square of the village, most of everyone was able to get to the Chantry safely. The villagers emerged, startled and scared. Wynne and Morrigan took to healing those that were injured while some of the other guards went back to the castle. Bridget swept her eyes over those who were injured and remembered a few faces. Murdock the mayor was among those who had been hurt, so was Owen the blacksmith. She took a deep breath and turned. Bridget walked over to Alistair, Teagan, Riordan, and Eamon.
"Eamon, I need three messenger Hawkes immediately. I need to let the others know that we cannot wait until First Day. We need to set out for Denerim as quickly as we can. Since there are so many wounded, we will remain here for the night so Wynne and Morrigan can help them. But tomorrow, we march. Where can I find the messenger Hawkes?"
Eamon cleared his throat before replying,
"The castle keep, I have a man stationed there, he can help you."
Bridget nodded.
"I warned them in my letters to be on their toes and expect another message from me. As soon as the bird arrives, they will be ready to march." She stated.
With that, Bridget hurried back up the hill and towards the castle. Alistair followed after her. Eamon stared after them a moment before turning his gaze on the smoking buildings of his village. He then looked out at his villagers. Most of them were huddled with their families, a few of the young children were crying, and the Chantry sisters sang out a prayer to the Maker for one villager who had not survived.
Teagan sighed.
"To think…if Bridget had not gotten to you when she did…those Chantry sisters would be praying for you right now…"
He squeezed his brother's shoulder before turning and heading back towards the castle. Eamon swallowed and looked at his feet. If it weren't for Bridget…he, Isolde, and Connor would be dead…more victims to the Blight. Eamon turned and slowly made his way back to the castle as well. Bridget saved his life, his family's lives, and his village…
By the time Eamon made it back to the castle, most of everyone had turned in for the night. With the knowledge that they would be marching back to Denerim once again in the morning, no one wanted to waste any chance of sleep. If they left early in the morning…they had a chance of reaching Denerim before the horde did. There they could fortify the walls and prepare for battle…
Eamon was at the top of the staircase and about to turn down the hall, but stopped when he heard voices. He peered over the side of the wall to see Alistair standing outside of Bridget's room.
"I…I thought maybe we could…finish what we started, earlier." He said softly.
Bridget shook her head.
"No, we can't, Alistair. We both gave into temptation before…we cannot allow ourselves to do that again. You need all the energy you can get for tomorrow's march, and so do I."
Alistair looked down at his feet and nodded.
"You're right…goodnight, Bridget."
Bridget looked up at him and gave him a light kiss on his cheek.
"Goodnight, Alistair."
Eamon watched as Bridget closed the door. Alistair sighed and placed his hands over his eyes.
"Why did I ever listen to him?" he asked softly before walking off down the hall and to his own room. Eamon rounded the corner then and headed towards his room. Sometime later, when everyone else was sleeping, Eamon remained awake, pensive and staring into his fire place in his office. The door creaked open and Isolde stepped inside, gently closing it behind her. She walked up to the side of Eamon's chair and placed her hand on his shoulder.
"What is wrong, my husband?" she asked softly.
Eamon's furrowed brow deepened as he ran his hand down his beard.
"I…I think I may have made a mistake." He whispered.
Isolde raised her eyebrows.
"About what?"
Eamon was quiet for a moment before he replied,
"Letting Alistair rule on his own…"
Isolde thought over her response for a moment before she knelt beside Eamon's chair and took his hands in hers.
"My dear…you have always known that I...that I am not one of Alistair's admirers. He is not fit to rule a country by himself…he needs a strong woman by his side…and you know as well as I that his future bride was not among those giggling girls throwing themselves at his feet today."
A long silence stretched between them before Eamon confessed,
"I realize that now."
Isolde smiled. Eamon sighed.
"I must find some way to apologize for my serious offense…however; I think I will wait to tell them, after the Blight. After all, no one is guaranteed to survive. If all of us make it out in the end, however…I will admit my mistake and let them know that they are free to marry each other. After all Bridget has done for me, for us…for Redcliffe…how could I deny her happiness?"
Isolde nodded.
"It is the right thing to do, my husband. I know I certainly feel better about Alistair becoming king now that he will have such a strong woman beside him."
Eamon stood.
"Let us pray to the Maker that we all make it out alive, then." He stated.
Unfortunately…Eamon did not know why Grey Wardens were needed to end the Blight…why a Grey Warden had to kill the Arch Demon. Bridget and Alistair did not know this either…but they would find out soon.
Very soon.
A/N: Oh my lovelies, I couldn't bear leaving you with that cliff hanger from the last chapter, so I worked five hours straight on this baby. I hope you are all happy with this chapter! Now I have final exams coming up in a few weeks so I'm going to have to crack down on my studying. I'm not sure when I'll have the next chapter up, but I'll see what I can do! Anyways, thank you again for reading, reviewing, and adding this story to your favorites/alerts! I'll try and have the next chapter up as soon as I can!
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The Last of the Couslands