A Change of the Script

Chapter 8

Sten was over near the dessert table trying discreetly to sample all the desserts that were available. He also had a platter of cookies in hand and simple glared at anyone that attempted to take one until they hurried away. Falon was sat next to the Qunari, waiting patiently for the large man to give him a treat.

To her surprise she caught sight of Fenarel and Ashalle, who appeared to bein a rather animated conversation with Shianna, the Elf that had rallied the Alienage during the siege. Lyna recalled hearing that Alistair had appointed a seat on the Landsmeet to the Alienage and surmised that the representative must be Shianna. The thought of the fiery woman sitting with all the stuffy nobles of the landsmeet brought an image to Lynas head that made her want to laugh aloud.

Continuing her visual sweep of the throne room she spotted Bann Teagan conversing with a group of nobles not far from the Throne dais, and among the group stood a figure in golden armour. Not realizing, her jaw dropped slightly as she recognized the figure as Alistair. To anyone else he appeared calm and in control, though Lyna knew his tells. She could see he was uncomfortable as she could see his hand twitch once or twice, as though he wanted to raise it to rub his neck, before he clasped his hands behind him. She was amazed at the level of restraint he was showing to be honest, though she supposed he would have to be more reserved and less himself in front of these nobles. Royalty was always being watched.

"Our new King looks most dashing, does he not." Lelianas' sly voice sounded in her ear.

A rush of heat ran through her, her cheeks flushing lightly. She had been trying not to think of Alistair like that since before the battle but had found it near impossible. Seeing him in that ceremonial armour had not helped and now Leliana voicing her inner most thoughts only brought the images of what could have been closer to the surface. Needing a distraction, the young Warden excused herself from Lelianas' company and decided to go and speak with her other friends, much to the Bards amusement.

As the evening progressed Lyna felt herself relax. She had spoken to her friends, discussing their plans for the near future. She was sad to hear that many of them were leaving Ferelden but was hopeful that they would try to keep in touch, with the exception of Sten who was returning to Seheron. Many of the soldiers in attendance had approached her, as well as a few of the nobles. The whole thing had felt very surreal to the Dalish Elf who was far more used to either being ignored or looked down upon by Humans.

Just as she was debating on returning to her chambers for the night as she was feeling slightly worn out due to being still on the mend, Alistair started to give a speech. The small conversations stopped as the new King stood in front of the throne and started addressing the room. Calling her forward, she felt uncomfortable as he bestowed upon her the official title of Hero of Ferelden and offered her a boon. Unsure of what to ask for and feeling all eyes on her, she requested that the sacrifices of the Wardens not be forgotten. The young King assured her that this request would be carried out, with Arling of Amaranthine being given to the Wardens whilst Ostagar was bequeathed to the Elves, both Dalish and any city Elves that wished to settle there. Once all the pomp and ceremony had been carried out he took Lyna aside.

They stood a little awkwardly, both unsure what to say. They knew that there were many eyes upon them and that it didn't take much for nobles to start rumors.

"You umm... You look amazing." Alistair said quietly, giving her a slight smile. "Not that you don't usually, just.....Well..... You umm...." He floundered, not sure whether he had just insulted her.

"Thank you. As do you." Lyna responded. "Though I would prefer to bein my armour right now. I am not used to this type of clothing".

"Yes, though it seems you have found a way to wear your armour anyway". The King said indicating the top part of her bodice. "Not that I'm one to talk. I mean really, why did I have to wear ceremonial armour? It's too hot in this." he complained, bringing a smile to both of their faces. "I received a message from Weisshaupt."Alistair's voice turned serious. "They are sending representatives. They have heard what has happened and are asking questions. I'm not really sure what to say".

"Well, maybe don't mention about the old magic ritual that our apostate friend performed on the off chance that it would work."Lyna replied with a teasing grin. At the shocked look that spread across her friends face she elaborated. "Morrigan was waiting when I returned from training this morning. She mentioned that you were aware of it. She performed a ritual to protect us if we took the final blow. She didn't tell me the details and to be honest, I'm not sure if I want to know".

"Oh, ummm, right. Probably safer not to tell them any of that." Alistair agreed, looking somewhat relieved, the tension easing from him.

Deciding it was probably best not to discuss the ritual further incase anyone overheard, Lyna opted to change the topic. "How are you finding it? Being King I mean?" she asked curiously. She knew that he had been busy with the repairs to the city and dealing with the concerns of the nobles as well as helping organize patrols keeping an eye out for darkspawn stragglers.

Alistair's posture slumped slightly inside his armour. "I don't know which is worse, everyone bowing at me or the nobles all vying for my attention. Honestly, if I could drop half of the court in the deep roads we would all be better off. Of course, Uncle Teagan informs me that to do so would be a gross misuse of my power as King." he complained, throwing a rather mutinous look towards the afore mentioned Bann.

Smiling as she pictured that particular discussion and the sullen look that would have graced Alistair's handsome face at being told no, Lyna suggested an alternative. "I'm sure they'll behave themselves soon, or you could just ask Shale to scare them".

"I could but I'd be concerned that Shale would hear 'squash' instead of 'scare' and then I'd never hear the end of it". Rolling his eyes dramatically, both Wardens burst into laughter.

Once both had calmed down, a more comfortable atmosphere surrounded the two.

"Have you decided what you will do now?" asked Alistair.

"I met a Dwarf this morning, a Jerrik Dace, who has requested my assistance in the deep roads. Once the Wardens from Weisshaupt have been I intend to travel with him and help. After that, I am unsure".

"Do you think you will return to your Clan, or perhaps travel to Weisshaupt?"

"I may visit my Clan but....." she paused, unsure how to word what she felt. Though she still loved her Clan and missed them dearly, she did not feel that she belonged there any longer.

"Maybe another adventure awaits." Alistair said trying to lighten the mood. "I wish I could join you but, alas, my duties are now here". Pulling himself up regally he added, "Just so you know, if you need anything you only need to ask".

Over the young Kings shoulder Lyna spotted Teagan making his way over to them, a small group of nobles following.

"Thank you Alistair." she said quietly "However, I should leave you to your Uncle. Besides, I should make sure that Oghren still has his trousers on".

With a light chuckle the two Wardens separated and the young Elf made her way through the gathering towards the Dwarf who was now singing raucously with the soldiers. In a few days time she would leave Denerhim and continue on her journey as a Warden, knowing she would leave her heart behind with someone she could no longer be with. There was no denying that it would be the hardest thing she would have to endure, but endure she would. She was Lyna Mahariel, Dalish Elf and Grey Warden. Sacrifice was nothing new.