A Change of the Script

Chapter 2

"I only speak as I believe." she replied. "But if you don't mind I would like to rest. I have only just returned and would like something to eat before Oghren or Sten eat it all". Bowing once more Lyna left the tent before either man could say more. As much as she had resolved to speak with Alistair, now was not the time.

Approaching her friends, the Warden saw that Sten had move to sit with Oghren and was sharpening his sword, Asala. Wynne and Leliana were sat with Morrigan sorting potions and poultices whilst Zevran was sat eating the broth that had been made, Falon sat watching, his own bowl empty. Lyna saw the Golem, Shale, standing just a little away from the group, a group of Dwarves standing nervously nearby,curiosity evident in their eyes.

Smiling warmly, she decided to join Zevran as she felt her stomach tighten with hunger. On her approach the Antivan held a bowl of the stew out to her, having been keeping it aside for her.

"Ma seranas." she said, accepting the bowl and settling herself next to Falon. "I'm glad someone saved me something".

"Ah, my dear Warden, I would not allow you to go hungry. Though the way the Dwarf eats, anyone is lucky to eat." the assassin laughed. Hearing a grumbled response from said Dwarf with what sounded like 'blasted, pointy eared' the assassin laughed that much harder. After a few moments the laughter calmed down. "How is our dear King?" he asked after retrieving his composure.

"Arguing once again with Teagan. He still refuses to stay out of the battle and the Bann is still trying to convince him." Lyna sighed. "I do not think this argument will be won by the Bann". A small grin forming on her face at the scene that she had just witnessed.

"Most certainly not." Zevran agreed. "Alistair is rather stubborn when he wishes to be. I would not be surprised if they were still arguing whilst we wade into battle." he laughed.

Lyna couldn't help the mental picture that came to her of such ascene and started laughing too.

O-o-o-o-o-o-o

Alistair finally managed to get away from Teagan. Since Redcliffe, Eamon and Teagan had been trying to convince him not to join the battle. Every time either had gotten him alone it started. He was glad that Eamon had stayed at Redcliffe. He knew that they were trying to protect the royal blood line but this was ridiculous. Hehad been glad when Lyna had interrupted with her report from her unscheduled scouting trip. Since the meeting with Riordan, Alistair had noticed Lyna was avoiding him. In truth he had been conflicted himself. He wanted to speak with her but was unsure whether to tell her about Morrigan and the ritual. Maybe it was for the best if he did not as there was no guarantee that it would work. Morrigan herself had admitted that she wasn't even completely sure. It was old magic but that was no guarantee.

As he left the war tent Alistair looked around the assembled troops. Some were resting in their tents whilst others kept watch. He felt the need to pinch himself as he surveyed the gathered forces. It had only been a year since Ostagar,since being branded as traitors, and now here they were, all of Ferelden, or as much as possible, ready to take on the blight and end it, him being the next King and Lyna.... Well, she had been the one to amass this force through reason and talking, only using violence when absolutely necessary. Lyna would stop this blight through sheer force of will if she could. He thought, catching sight of her sitting with Zevran. He remembered when they had first met the assassin. Though he had argued against bringing him with them Lyna had insisted the Antivan could be useful. He hadn't liked the charm and sexuality that had oozed from the Crow, especially when it was aimed at the Dalish Warden. Jealousy would continuously reared it's ugly head event hough he was too afraid to make a real move himself. It had taken alittle while before he could finally give her the rose he had found in Lothering and admit his feelings to her. Needles to say he was surprised to find she returned them. And now I have to let her go. He thought sadly.

He had had this debate with Eamon when Alistair had been put inline for the throne. The older man had seen how the two young Wardens looked at each other. Alistair had known that if he was made King then he couldn't stay with Lyna. Eamon had suggested making her his mistress, apparently most royals did so including Marric. Alistair refused this idea immediately as he felt this would demean her and everything she had worked so hard for. He would never treat her like that and had made sure that Eamon knew.

Shaking himself back to the present he saw that Lyna was making her way to her tent. Probably to freshen up and get some rest. He thought as he headed towards his own tent. He had not had anytime to himself since they left Redcliffe. Tired and knowing they would have to break camp before sunrise, Alistair decided it would be best to just get some sleep. Nodding to the guards that Teagan had insisted on posting outside his tent, as a precaution, he entered. Though he had said he would be fine in the tent he had used all year, Eamon and Teagan had refused. As a result he was now in a tent that was large enough to stand in and would have slept at least four people. There was a full cot and even a table and chair. The table was already covered in documents which Alistair had piled to oneside. As he passed the table he was surprised to see a slip of parchment in the middle of the tidy side. Curious, he picked it up and unfolded it. In a rather neat script it simply said:

Meet me in the forest.

Lyna.

Gently he placed the note into his pack and glanced at the cot. No rest tonight. He thought wistfully, though he didn't mind overly. This might be thelast time for him to speak to Lyna in private for some time. Shifting slightly in his armour he headed back out of the tent to the forest.

O-o-o-o-o-o-o

After finishing her stew Lyna had quickly excused herself from Zevran company and went to her tent. She had yet to see Alistair leave the war tent which meant she still had time. Pulling out parchment, ink and quill she quickly penned a note to Alistair and as the ink dried she cleaned herself up with a damp cloth. After pulling her long honey brown hair back into one long braid she grabbed the note and using her stealth abilities she made her way to the royal tent. Unnoticed, she ducked under the canvas and placed the note on the table where he was sure to see it. Quickly she left the same way that she had entered and returned to her companions, settling herself once again next to Zevran and Falon. After a short while she spotted Alistair leave the war tent. Deciding to wait a moment she laughed and joked with Zevran. It helped to relax her and she could almost forget the upcoming battle. Finally she decided to return to her tent, even if not for long. With a brief nod she left Zevran sharpening his daggers and made her way to her tent, missing the slight knowing look in the Antivans eyes. Making sure that everything except the tent was packed and ready to go she reached into a small pocket at the side of her pack and pulled out a small object from within, placing it on the palm of her hand. It was a small figure of a Halla that had been carved from Ironbark and was attached to a leather cord so that it could be worn around the neck. It had been a gift from Ashalla on the day she had received her Valaslin. She had treasured it and kept it close to her. Now she felt that she wanted someone else to have it. Exiting the tent Lyna saw that Zevran was still seeing to his daggers. Quickly she went to his tent and slipped inside. Gently she placed the Halla onto his bedroll where he would see it. Though they had been raised in different worlds she had grown to see him as a brother and bestfriend. She had grown close to all her companions but had felt a kinship with the Elven assassin.

   Quietly she slipped back out of the tent and glanced around. Everything seemed as before and she prided herself on not being caught by Zevran. They had a running tally on who could sneak by the other the most. Preparing herself for the meeting with Alistair the Warden took a deep calming breath and headed into the forest to wait.