A Change of the Script

Chapter 2

"See reason Alistair". Teagans voice sounded tired and frustrated , as though this debate had been going on for some time. "You are soon to be our King, the last of your line. Can't you understand...".

"Exactly!" Alistair's voice cut Teagon off mid sentence. "I understand what you're worried about but I will not stay back safe and sound whilst others go into battle". Alistair sounded frustrated but determined. This argument had been going on since before leaving Redcliffe. Arl Eamon had even tried to keep the future King there but the ex Templar refused outright.

"I didn't say to stay out of the battle." Teagan implored. "Perhaps, stay with the forces at the gate?"

"Which is just as bad as staying behind. I may be about to become King but I am a Grey Warden first. I promised I would do my duty as a Warden before I would take the throne. What kind of leader would I be if I did not uphold my word?" Alistair said passionately.

Standing outside the tent flaps,Lyna could hear the stubbornness lacing every word and could picturethe frown on her fellow wardens face and the fire in his eyes. One thing that she knew about Alistair was that if he was decided on something there was precious little that would change his mind. She could understand why Teagan and Eamon were concerned, but she knewhow good a warrior he was. She had seen it in battle and when they had trained together and, selfishly, she wanted him by her side inthis final battle. I just have to make sure he doesn't make the final strike.

"A cautious one." Teagan said, still arguing with the stubborn soon to be King.

"Cautious??!!!" Alistair's' disbelieving voice floated outto her. "I will not stand at the back and let others fight my battles for me".

Knowing that this debate could go on through the night, and that soon more than just the few near the tent would be able to hear as their voices were growing louder, Lyna decided to enter the tent. As she pulled back the canvas both men fell silent.

Teagan looked as though an ally had just entered and was about to speak, no doubt to try and get her to convince Alistair to stay behind, when Lyna decided to stop him before he began. Saluting formally in the Dalish style, both arms crossed over her chest with aslight bow, she addressed the men before her.

"I do not mean to intrude, your Majesty. We have finished scouting the vicinity of the forest to the direct east of us. There appears to be no sign of Darkspawn or any large predators. I think that they may be fully focused on Denerim. I would recommend moving on before daybreak". Lyna had noticed that as she had addressed Alistair the slight smile that had been forming on his face had fallen. The hurt that had passed over his face had been quickly hidden under a mask of formality. In the rogues opinion, Alistair was starting to become too good at hiding his emotions, though she knew that it was inevitable. He could not pretend to be a fool any longer, for she knew a keen mind was within him.

"A wise plan, thank you Warden." Teagan responded, nodding his head. "Perhaps you could convince our future King to plan as wisely".

"Teagan, I will not......" Alistair began only to be cut off.

"I do not think that Alistair should stay behind." she said, reluctant to be brought into this argument. "We will need all the Grey Wardens that we have". Seeing the look on the Bann's face she continued, passion lacing her voice. "Would you have your people follow a King who does not uphold an oath made? Alistair made an oath to the Grey Wardens long before he was even considered as King. Would you truly have him break such an oath? Would your people trust him to rule if he did?"

"I uh..... Well ummm....." Teagan seemed at a loss for what to say. Collecting himself he nodded and smiled at her. A knowing and admiring smile gracing his handsome features. "Well met, my LadyWarden. You truly have a quick mind and quite a way with words. It is such a shame that I did not meet you sooner." he said with such charm that Lyna felt the tips of her ears warm slightly. It was obvious that Alistair had not learnt how to speak to women fromTeagan.