Lyna allowed Zevran to escort her to her room and couldn't help butsmile as Falon accompanied them. She wouldn't admit it out loud but Wynnhad been right, she was thoroughly exhausted. Zevran seemed torealize it too and their pace had slowed. As they moved through thehalls the young Warden kept one hand on Falons' back as well ashaving the other linked with the ex Crow, who was updating her oneverything that had happened since the final battle.
By the time they had reached her chamber she could feel her legstremble. Though her friends had been stretching them whilst she hadbeen unconscious, which she found surreal that she hadn't wokenwhilst they had been doing so, they hadn't been supporting herweight. She could feel the ache of the underused muscles and knewshe wouldn't be upright much longer. Once they entered her roomZevran supported her as they moved to the bed, then she all butcollapsed onto it.
After making sure that she was comfortable, the Antivan went overto the fireplace and restarted the fire which had gone out in theWardens absence. Falon, who had been away from his mistress for toolong, jumped onto the bed and curled up at her feet, refusing to movewhen the Antivan tried to shoo him off. Once he noticed her eyesbegin to droop he took his leave with a promise to return later.
As she lay in the soft bed withher Mabari at her feet Lyna finally admitted to herself how exhaustedshe was. Though she thought on all that Zevran had told her, as hereyes began to droop, one question kept circling in her mind. Howdid I survive?
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When the Bann had left, Alistair stayed in the study. Teagan hadinformed him that the rebuilding of the city was progressing wellwith the help of the Dwarven smiths and builders, and that some ofthe farmlands to the west of the city had not been destroyed fully. The supplies were also supplemented by the game and herbs that theDalish Hunters were trading with the city for cloth. The HumanHunters were staying to the edge of the forests whilst the Dalishpatrolled further in. This was in part in case there were anyDarkspawn stragglers further in and also to ensure any Elven campswould not be found.
Alistair understood the mistrustthat still lingered even though they had fought together. He hopedhowever, that in time they could put that mistrust behind them asthey had all worked too hard to let past conflict tear Ferelden apartnow. Standing in front of the large window that overlooked thecourtyard, he could see Humans, Dwarves and Elves working together. Thisis what we all fought for. This is what Lyna would have died for.
The young King knew Lyna wouldhave questions, especially on how she survived. He just didn't knowwhether to tell her the truth. Or, for that matter, what was he goingto tell the Wardens that were now on their way to Denerim. Oh,yes well, I slept with the daughter of Flemeth, you know, the Witchof the Wilds, in a secret ritual so that she could concieve a childwith the taint in order to attract the soul of the old god so that itwouldn't be destroyed. That protected whichever Grey Warden takingthe final strike from dying. Shakinghis head at the sarcastic thought that ran through his head hequickly dismissed the idea of explaining it. Mostdefinitely NOT a good idea to tell them that.
Turning from the window hereluctantly sat at the huge desk. There was a rather large stack ofmissives he had to get through. Atleast it will keep me busy. He thought, even though all he wanted to do was go and check onLyna. Reluctantly, he pulled his attention towards the first missiveand began to read.
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Four days had passed since she had awoken. Lyna had spent thattime strengthening her body and catching up on everything that hadbeen happening. She was surprised but pleased to learn that thedifferent races were still working together to rebuild. She feltproud that they had managed to put their mistrust aside for themoment, even if it was still there, lingering under the surface.
Her friends had been filling her in on all that was happening andshe had even made it out into the courtyard, though they werereluctant to even allow her that far in the first three days. Fromthere she could see some of the rebuild and was amazed at how muchthey had accomplished in so little time.
As Lyna walked through the courtyard on the third day she had beensurprised to see Fenarel and Junar approaching her. Her Clan hadchosen to stay nearby and help with the rebuild, even after amessenger from King Alistair had informed them of her recovery. Though she enjoyed catching up with her friends and Clan she had notseen Alistair since the first day she had awoken. Nor had she seenMorrigan, though the Elf assumed her friend had most likely returnedto the Wilds as, regardless of all the help she had given, she wasstill an apostate and the Chantry would most likely try to hunt herdown. As for Alistair, whenever she had enquired as to hiswhereabouts she was informed that he was in a meeting or sequesteredin his study and was not to be disturbed. Knowing that he was mostlikely the only person who could answer her most pressing andconsuming question, Lyna couldn't help but feel that the new King wasavoiding her.
Making her way back to her chambers from the training ground shetook in the hustle and bustle of the castle staff. A large party wasbeing prepared for tonight in celebration of the end of the Blight. Staff were moving furniture from different rooms and even settingsome tables and chairs up in the courtyard. Rooms were being tidiedand made ready for those that would be staying, including some of thepeople of the city that had not yet been able to rebuild their homes.
Passing the kitchens, Lyna could smell a wide variety of foodsbeing prepared, from roast meats to fresh vegetables. She was fairlysure she caught a glimpse of a rather large cheese wheel being hiddenbehind a set of shelves by a young kitchen assistant. The castlestaff were as excited as everyone else about the coming party and thehead cook was pulling out all the stops.
Though Lyna found her appetite returning with each passing day shecould not find herself being swept up in the excitement of theothers. She could not help but feel out of place. This feeling hadstarted since her second day awake and had progressively increased asshe spoke to her friends, though she did not let it show. She feltmore awkward as she made her way through the halls to her chambers asshe noticed that many of those she passed would bow or curtsy to herwhilst soldiers would salute her in their own way depending on race. Some did not seem to know how to treat her and so they would watch inawed silence as she passed. Unused to such attention, the youngrogue hurried to her chamber.
Upon entering she noticed a figure stood at the fireplace. Surprised, her hands started towards the daggers at her waist untilshe recognised the raven black hair and feathered pauldron on theleft shoulder.
"Morrigan?!" she exclaimed as her hands fell away from herweapons. Hurrying across the room she enveloped the older woman in aheartfelt embrace. The young Elf had grown close to the Witch of theWilds and considered her as a sister. She had missed her dearly. "What are you doing her? I thought you'd left? Is everythingalright? You don't look hurt!" The concern was clear on Lynasface.
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Morrigan had felt terrible about leaving the Warden after thebattle and had decided to stay close. She had stayed just inside theforest, intending on leaving the moment she knew that Lyna wasalright but found that she wanted to see the young Elf again beforeshe went. The relief she felt at hearing her friend was alrightcould not compare to the feeling of seeing her on her feet. Morriganhad planned on waiting for Lyna near the practice grounds but hadfelt increasingly uncomfortable and so had decided to await her inher chambers.
Getting into the castle had been easier than she had expected. With everyone busy preparing for the party, no one seemed to notice arandom black cat making it's way through the halls. Upon enteringLynas chambers she noticed that the fire was set, ready to light andthat a pitcher of water along with a small platter of food had beenleft on the table next to the armchair, waiting for Lyna to return.
As she waited the Witch lit the fire with a flick of her hand andthought about what she was going to say, unsure if the young Elf wasaware of the ritual that had been performed. She doubted thatAlistair would have told her but was afraid of Lynas reaction if hehad. The Witch had grown close to the young Elf, even thought of heras a sister, and didn't want to hurt or upset her. She knew that,despite what the Elf wanted people to think, that Lyna still careddeeply for the now King. Morrigan didn't understand why, though hewas attractive to look at, even if she would never admit to thatthought. She still thought him a fool. Still, she accepted that herdear friend, nay, sister, loved him and knew the Elf would possiblybe devastated if she knew the details of the ritual.
Lost in thought, she almost didn't hear the door open and startedas she heard Lynas voice.
"Morrigan?!"
Suddenly the small Elf had launched herself at the Witch andenveloped her in a warm hug. Having become accustomed to Lynas opendisplays of affection with people she felt close to, she returned thehug a little stiffly. Though used to Lynas openness she was stillnot accustomed to displaying her own caring side. Throughout the huga tumble of questions poured from the smaller woman, concern andworry radiating from her. In that moment Morrigan realised that theex Templar had not told her of the ritual. Knowing that, Morrigandecided that she would not tell her friend the whole truth. It wasdone and Lyna was safe. Morrigan had saved not only her friend butthe soul of the old God. It would do no good to tell her sistereverything now.
"I thought you'd gone back to the Wilds in case the Chantry triedsomething." Lyna was saying as they moved towards the twocomfortable armchairs in front of the fire.
"I thought it best to stay outof sight, though the Chantry could not catch me even if they wishedto." Morrigan said as she sat down, her tone calm but with herusual superiority. Softening her tone, she continued. "I am gladto see that you are recovering well". A tender smile accompanyingher words. As she watched her friend, the young Elf looked towardsthe fire, a lost and confused look appearing in her eyes, but not onher face. "I understand a celebration will be held tonight yet youdo not seem excited. It isbeingheld in your honour is it not".
"It is, or at least that's what I have been told. It'sjust....." Lyna trailed off, still looking deep into the fire.
"Ah, but you are wondering why you yet live though you were toldthat you would perish if you struck the final blow to the Archdemon." Morrigan stated gently.
Lynas gaze switched from the flames to Morrigan, surprise replacingthe lost look in her eyes. "You knew?" she asked, voice no morethan as whisper.
"I did." the Witch confirmed. Seeing no reason to hide the knowledge, barring a few details, shecontinued. "Though the Wardens keep their secrets close there aresome that leak out. My Mother told me about the sacrifice thatWardens make to stop a Blight before we left. I did not say anythingbefore as I was unsure whether you would believe me. As more timepassed I came to see you as more of a sister. I did not wish for itto be true". The Witch found herself shaking slightly. It wasmore difficult to admit her feelings aloud than she had thought. Itonly got worse when she heard the emotion in Lynas voice as she askedgently.
"What did you do?"
The worry laced into the question was not for Lyna but forMorrigan. The Witch was not used to people worrying about her andwas unsure how to react. Trying to wave the worry away she took herfriends hands in her own.
"As I searched through my Mothers grimoire I found a ritual. Itwas old magic, the Wardens would not know of it. By performing theritual I would make sure that the Warden who made the final blowwould not die. I knew that if Riordan did not succeed then you wouldfind a way to make the killing blow. Therefore, I did what I feltright".
Unsure, now that she had given a rather vague explanation of whathappened, of how Lyna would react, Morrigan waited to see what wouldhappen. Even if Lyna was not happy with her choice the Witch woulddo it all again in a heartbeat.
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Finally, she had her answer. After days of wondering, of worrying,the answer had been given to her. Days of questioning whether sheshould be alive, days of feeling disconnected, she didn't know whatto think. Her friend, no, sister, had possibly risked her own lifeperforming an ancient ritual just to save her life. Lyna would havegiven her life willingly, was ready to sacrifice herself, if it meantothers would live. She hadn't thought to tell anyone about thesacrifice of the Wardens. Would they all have done something similarto Morrigan if they had known? It never crossed Lynas mind that herfriends would try to save her from it.
"Does Alistair know?" Her question surprised even herself butnow that she thought about it, it made so much sense. It wouldexplain why he was always busy whenever she wished to speak to him. Perhaps he was unsure how to tell her.
"He knows" the Witch confirmed quietly. "We do not agree onmany things but we do agree on one. Neither of us wished to let youdie. He knew that no matter how hard he tried that you would notallow him to make the final blow and agreed that the ritual should beperformed. As the others were unaware of what would happen we didnot feel the need or desire to inform anyone else. The only peoplenow aware of the ritual are the three of us.
Well,that definitely explains things. That's why Alistair has most likelybeen hiding from me. He's probably scared of how I'll react. Howshould I react? I should have died. I was ready to die! Tosave....... To save..... him. Of course he'd let her perform theritual. I would probably do the same in his place. I couldn't lethim die..... Not like that. What was this ritual? Do I even want toknow? Morrigan said it was old magic. That could involveanything....... No, I probably do NOT want to know. Best not to ask.
Feeling the pressure build up behind her eyes as a headache startedto form, Lyna carefully rubbed her temples as she blinked. It was alot for the young Elf to take in. Thinking back she vaguely recalledAlistair and Morrigan talking just before the push into the city. Could they have been talking about the ritual?
"I cannot stay, but would not leave until I was certain that youwere alright." Morrigan broke the silence that had formed betweenthe two women.
"Where will you go?" The question was asked softly but thesadness and understanding were heavy in the voice. Lyna knew herfriend could not stay as the Chantry would eventually try to hunt herdown.
"Who knows." the Witch replied lightly. "The world is fullof mysteries, many of which have yet to be found".
Both women knew that it was time for the elder of them to leavethough it saddened them both more than they were willing to admit. Standing, they made their way to the door. Before Morrigan couldopen the door Lyna wrapped her arms around her friend for what feltmight be the last time. "Thank you." she said softly to hersister. "Stay safe".
"You are welcome my friend. Look after yourself".
With that, Morrigan took her leave and after closing her door, Lynareturned to the fire. Ignoring the chair she sat on the rug in frontof the fire. Since she had awoken Lyna had felt out of place. Beingalive had felt wrong as she had been fully prepared to give her lifedefeating the Archdemon. Even though her friends had been overjoyedat her recovery she could not feel that joy. Not wanting them toworry she had pretended as though things were, though inside she hadbeen troubled. Knowing that Morrigan had performed an ancient ritualto save her life made her pause.
AmI really worth saving that she would risk such old magic? Wellobviously she and Alistair seem to think so. But it could have beenRiordan that made the final blow. Would he have survived? What if Ihadn't been able to stop Alistair from getting there before I did? It can't have been to save me specifically. Perhaps it would havesaved any Grey Warden. What do I do now?
Feelinglost and unsure Lyna folded her legs under herself and looked at thefire. It needed more wood. That was something she could do. Carefully, she tended to the fire, the simple task calming herthoughts. The smell of the wood and crackling of the wood remindedthe rogue of being with her clan and even being at camp with herfriends. Feeling more relaxed than she had in the last few days Lynadecided to carry on as a Warden. She would use the days ahead thather friends had granted her to protect others.
The small bubble of quiet that hadformed in her room was popped when there was a loud knocking on herdoor. It sounded as though someone had been knocking for a while butbecause Lyna had been so lost in thought she had not registered it. There was also sounds of merriment drifting in from the small window. Music was being played and she could hear people singing. Itsounds almost as though there's a celebration taking place.She thought, then her eyes went wide as she realised what was goingon. Theparty! How could I forget? The knocking at the door came again followed by a musical voice thatcould only belong to Leliana.
"Lyna, are you in there? You're going to be late. Do you needany help?"
Hurrying over to the door, the Warden pulled it open just enough toslip her arm through and drag a surprised Leliana into the room. "Ummm...."
"Maker! Why are you not ready? Oh, this will not do! We needto get you changed now!" The Bard said as soon as she saw the nowblushing Elf.
Knowing she really should not be late to a party held in her ownhonour, the two women set to work.