What Duty Dictates - Part 6
Posting this fic here as it does have an f!Tabris. :) Will be crossposted to SiB (little bit of Alistair) and other places.
Title: What Duty Dictates - Part 6
Rating: T
Word Count: 2300+
Characters: Kallian Tabris, Elissa Cousland, Bryce Cousland, Alistair, Duncan, Nelaros, Ser Gilmore
Ships: Nelaros/Kallian, Elissa/???
Summary: AU. WIP. The Blight never happens. Kallian Tabris is married to Nelaros in Highever and is lady-in-waiting to Elissa Cousland. Elissa has five months to find a husband before her parents choose one for her. Kallian stopped an assassin from taking Teyrn Cousland's life, and Warden-Commander Duncan has a proposition for her . . .
Parts 1 - 5 on FanFiction.net
"You . . . I . . . who me?" Kallian's surprise was as evident in voice as it was on her face.
Duncan chuckled, amused at her reaction, "Yes, dear girl, you."
"But . . ," she glanced around at everyone, fidgeting again. "I'm no great warrior. I don't even own a sword."
"Being a Grey Warden isn't just about being a great warrior," Duncan explained. "There are many other skills we look for in potential recruits. You thought and reacted quickly in a volatile situation. Without hesitation you placed yourself in front of that assassin and held your own with what you had in hand. I daresay I know few people who would have the courage to face an Antivan Crow, let alone do so with just a serving tray and a kitchen knife."
"Well . . . that's-"
The Warden continued, "And you just demonstrated the ability to think as the enemy might have. Possibilities and probabilities. That sort of intelligence can be far more valuable than even the sharpest of swords. You possess a good deal of the qualities we look for in the Wardens, which is why I extend this invitation to you."
Kallian stood there with her mouth working and no sound coming out. Elissa didn't blame her obvious shock, but she couldn't have been prouder for her.
"I . . . well . . ," she looked nervously between them all. "I'm honored. Really honored. But . . . I can't accept it."
"Oh? Is there a specific reason why you can't?" Duncan didn't look offended and sounded half baffled and half curious.
"It's . . . well . . . " Kallian looked at Elissa. "I can't quite go anywhere."
It was Bryce that spoke up, "You certainly are not beholden to our service, Kallian. Should you choose to become a Grey Warden I can guarantee you that no one here will think ill of you for leaving. And I am fairly certain my daughter can take care of herself without you."
Elissa wrinkled her nose at him, "What do you mean 'fairly certain'?" He chuckled at her as she gave a small smile at the jibe, then she looked at Kallian. "He's right, though. I might miss having my tea done just right and my riding leathers ready to go in the morning, but I think I'll manage well enough without you."
"Oh no, milady, your Grace," she shook her head slightly. "That has nothing to do with it."
"Is it your husband then?" Elissa offered. "You don't wish to leave him?"
"In . . . a round about way, yes?" she looked back and forth between them all once more looking quite worried. Her cheeks were flushing quite red. "I'm . . . you see it . . . "
She looked right at Duncan and stepped forward to him, then motioned at him to lean down. The Warden dipped down so she could cup her hand about his ear and whisper something. He looked at her suddenly with his eyebrows raised and the elf nodded emphatically.
"Well," he started and stood up straight as a slow smile spread, "that does change matters by quite a bit. May I offer an open invitation in case you happen to change your mind later?"
"Of course, though I might still end up turning it down eventually," Kallian smiled a little sheepishly. "It all depends."
"I understand," Duncan nodded.
"Pardon me for saying so, but I don't," it was Alistair that said it. He looked about as confused as Elissa felt. "Under what circumstance would it not be alright for someone to be recruited?"
Duncan didn't say anything and only looked at Kallian expectantly. She took the cue and looked at Alistair, still blushing.
"It would be under the circumstance that if he recruited me," she reached down and patted her own belly a couple of times, "he'd be recruiting the two of us."
Now it was Alistair's eyebrows that went up, "Oh!"
Elissa gasped aloud and came over to take Kallian by the shoulders, "You're with child?"
Kallian gave that sheepish smile at her again and nodded, "Yes, milady."
"Maker, bless it!" she gathered the woman up in a hug. "Why didn't you say anything before?"
Kallian laughed a bit, "Tradition says you're supposed to wait till at least the second month to say anything. Just to be sure, you know? I haven't even told my husband yet."
Elissa gave another slight start and took Kallian by the shoulders again, "Was that why you were still worried about the poison even after you took the antidote?"
"It would, milady," Kallian nodded, sobering, and then lightly touched the bandages on her arm. "I'll admit I'm still worried, but I'm not feeling any further effects. I think we'll be alright."
"Well I'm not."
Elissa turned to see her father standing there with his arms crossed and something of a glower on his face.
"So not only did you put your own life in danger, you put at risk the life of your unborn child?" he looked directly at Kallian. "What were you thinking?"
Blinking her eyes a few times, Kallian glanced at Elissa in worry, but Elissa couldn't offer Kallian anything in the way of help or advise. There was one other time that Elissa recalled her father having that particular look and it had to do with Elissa throwing herself under her father after his horse was spooked. The horse had tossed her father off and she used her own body to prevent him from crashing into the cobblestones. She thunked her own skull off the stones, but the injury wasn't severe. Elissa thought it a fair exchange for having her father not crack his own skull or break his neck on the fall. Father had thought otherwise and gave her the same look and tone of voice he was giving Kallian now.
"Your Grace, I . . .," Kallian suddenly looked like the unsure servant again. "The life of I and my child do not eq-..."
"Finish that sentence and I will see fit that you are locked in a room for the rest of your days so you never put yourself or your child at risk again," his eyebrows furrowed further. "Do I make myself perfectly clear?"
Kallian stood up straighter, "Y . . . yes, your Grace."
He glowered for a few seconds more and then eased, offering a smile again, "Now I have no choice but to see to it that your child is cared for by seeing to it that you and your family are cared for as well."
She opened her mouth, apparently to protest, but then snapped it shut. After a few seconds she winced a smile, "I would assume that it would be pointless to protest."
He nodded and Elissa patted her on the shoulder with a laugh, "Very pointless."
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Elissa held the scraps of what was left of Kallian's sleeve in hand as she walked through the halls of Cousland Castle. Armor on and heading to Ser Gilmore with Dog at her side, she was to join with him to go on patrol. Why she decided to hold onto it was even a mystery to herself. A reminder, perhaps, of what they had all almost lost this night or maybe as a token to gird her determination in protecting both home and family.
"But why can't we assist with finding who tried to assassinate Teyrn Cousland?" a voice said from just around the corner.
Elissa stopped, realizing it was the voice of Alistair.
"Alistair, you have to understand," it was Duncan this time and Elissa decided to stop and just listen for a moment. "Wardens do not get themselves politically involved for many reasons. One of them is to not appear as if we favor one side to another. No matter who rules the land, our only alliance is to be against the darkspawn. If we were to assist the Couslands in finding the culprit it would appear as if we have taken a side and may end up in the line of fire. Perhaps even exiled from Ferelden all together if the nobility sees enough reason to."
"But I wasn't the only one who stood up to try and prevent that assassin at dinner," Alistair countered. "You got to your feet as well. Even handed Kallian a weapon to fend the assassin off. Isn't that taking a side?"
"How would it have appeared if we simply stood by and did nothing? Had Teyrn Cousland died to an assassin's blade with two Grey Wardens in the room, it could easily have appeared that we were the ones to assist in the killing by doing nothing at all. It could even be assumed that we helped set it up," Duncan sighed a bit. "It is a fine balance we Wardens have to tread. We can not embroil ourselves into the troubles of the nobility, but it doesn't excuse us from being completely heartless. It's best to keep our distance, Alistair, and do what we came here to do. Find recruits."
As she heard Alistair sigh and begrudgingly agree, Elissa felt quite deflated. Keeping one distant from politics meant very much keeping out of marrying range. The last thing she would want is her pithy little fantasy of having him as a suitor be the reason for assassins to start aiming for the Grey Wardens. Disheartened, she walked back the other way to go the long way around through the great hall. It was there that she stopped at the doorway at a sudden shout.
"Kal!"
Looking over she saw her lady-in-waiting get up from a bench and go running into the arms of a familiar elf. It was Nelaros, Caldean's son. She had met him on occasion at his father's smithy. A smile crested her lips as he gathered her up into a tremendous hug. It was apparent he was horribly worried and now greatly relieved to see her. Elissa pulled herself back around the corner of the doorway, peering around the frame. It seemed she was on eavesdropping duty tonight.
"Thank the Maker!" he said, still holding her tightly. "When the runner came to get me all he said that there was an assassination attempt on the Teyrn, an elf was dead, and I was to come to the castle as soon as possible. I thought the worst!"
Elissa put a hand on her forehead. That certainly was probably the most horrid way to tell the message to him. She was going to have to find which messenger it was and give him a talking to later.
"I'm alright, Nel," Kallian replied. "I'm fine. We're fine."
Nelaros took her by the shoulders to look her over, stopping when he saw the bandages, "What happened?"
"Well, there's something I need to tell you first," she took him by the hand and brought him over to a bench.
It brought them out of earshot and Elissa strained to try and listen, but it was then that a voice from behind her spoke up, "Milady, there you are."
Snapping a look over she saw Ser Gilmore approaching, she "shushed" and motioned him to approach quietly. Eyebrows raised he did exactly that. She pointed with a finger within and Gilmore peered just enough to look into the hall.
"That's her husband," she whispered.
"I see," he whispered back. "Has he been told yet of her condition?"
Elissa wasn't surprised one bit that it only took a scant few hours for the word of Kallian's pregnancy to fly through the castle with horrid ease, "I don't think s-"
A sudden whoop and laugh came from within the hall. Looking in again, Nelaros had picked Kallian up by the waist, spinning her around in the air once, laughing in joy.
Elissa found herself smiling wide, "Correction. He knows."
Title: What Duty Dictates - Part 6
Rating: T
Word Count: 2300+
Characters: Kallian Tabris, Elissa Cousland, Bryce Cousland, Alistair, Duncan, Nelaros, Ser Gilmore
Ships: Nelaros/Kallian, Elissa/???
Summary: AU. WIP. The Blight never happens. Kallian Tabris is married to Nelaros in Highever and is lady-in-waiting to Elissa Cousland. Elissa has five months to find a husband before her parents choose one for her. Kallian stopped an assassin from taking Teyrn Cousland's life, and Warden-Commander Duncan has a proposition for her . . .
Parts 1 - 5 on FanFiction.net
"You . . . I . . . who me?" Kallian's surprise was as evident in voice as it was on her face.
Duncan chuckled, amused at her reaction, "Yes, dear girl, you."
"But . . ," she glanced around at everyone, fidgeting again. "I'm no great warrior. I don't even own a sword."
"Being a Grey Warden isn't just about being a great warrior," Duncan explained. "There are many other skills we look for in potential recruits. You thought and reacted quickly in a volatile situation. Without hesitation you placed yourself in front of that assassin and held your own with what you had in hand. I daresay I know few people who would have the courage to face an Antivan Crow, let alone do so with just a serving tray and a kitchen knife."
"Well . . . that's-"
The Warden continued, "And you just demonstrated the ability to think as the enemy might have. Possibilities and probabilities. That sort of intelligence can be far more valuable than even the sharpest of swords. You possess a good deal of the qualities we look for in the Wardens, which is why I extend this invitation to you."
Kallian stood there with her mouth working and no sound coming out. Elissa didn't blame her obvious shock, but she couldn't have been prouder for her.
"I . . . well . . ," she looked nervously between them all. "I'm honored. Really honored. But . . . I can't accept it."
"Oh? Is there a specific reason why you can't?" Duncan didn't look offended and sounded half baffled and half curious.
"It's . . . well . . . " Kallian looked at Elissa. "I can't quite go anywhere."
It was Bryce that spoke up, "You certainly are not beholden to our service, Kallian. Should you choose to become a Grey Warden I can guarantee you that no one here will think ill of you for leaving. And I am fairly certain my daughter can take care of herself without you."
Elissa wrinkled her nose at him, "What do you mean 'fairly certain'?" He chuckled at her as she gave a small smile at the jibe, then she looked at Kallian. "He's right, though. I might miss having my tea done just right and my riding leathers ready to go in the morning, but I think I'll manage well enough without you."
"Oh no, milady, your Grace," she shook her head slightly. "That has nothing to do with it."
"Is it your husband then?" Elissa offered. "You don't wish to leave him?"
"In . . . a round about way, yes?" she looked back and forth between them all once more looking quite worried. Her cheeks were flushing quite red. "I'm . . . you see it . . . "
She looked right at Duncan and stepped forward to him, then motioned at him to lean down. The Warden dipped down so she could cup her hand about his ear and whisper something. He looked at her suddenly with his eyebrows raised and the elf nodded emphatically.
"Well," he started and stood up straight as a slow smile spread, "that does change matters by quite a bit. May I offer an open invitation in case you happen to change your mind later?"
"Of course, though I might still end up turning it down eventually," Kallian smiled a little sheepishly. "It all depends."
"I understand," Duncan nodded.
"Pardon me for saying so, but I don't," it was Alistair that said it. He looked about as confused as Elissa felt. "Under what circumstance would it not be alright for someone to be recruited?"
Duncan didn't say anything and only looked at Kallian expectantly. She took the cue and looked at Alistair, still blushing.
"It would be under the circumstance that if he recruited me," she reached down and patted her own belly a couple of times, "he'd be recruiting the two of us."
Now it was Alistair's eyebrows that went up, "Oh!"
Elissa gasped aloud and came over to take Kallian by the shoulders, "You're with child?"
Kallian gave that sheepish smile at her again and nodded, "Yes, milady."
"Maker, bless it!" she gathered the woman up in a hug. "Why didn't you say anything before?"
Kallian laughed a bit, "Tradition says you're supposed to wait till at least the second month to say anything. Just to be sure, you know? I haven't even told my husband yet."
Elissa gave another slight start and took Kallian by the shoulders again, "Was that why you were still worried about the poison even after you took the antidote?"
"It would, milady," Kallian nodded, sobering, and then lightly touched the bandages on her arm. "I'll admit I'm still worried, but I'm not feeling any further effects. I think we'll be alright."
"Well I'm not."
Elissa turned to see her father standing there with his arms crossed and something of a glower on his face.
"So not only did you put your own life in danger, you put at risk the life of your unborn child?" he looked directly at Kallian. "What were you thinking?"
Blinking her eyes a few times, Kallian glanced at Elissa in worry, but Elissa couldn't offer Kallian anything in the way of help or advise. There was one other time that Elissa recalled her father having that particular look and it had to do with Elissa throwing herself under her father after his horse was spooked. The horse had tossed her father off and she used her own body to prevent him from crashing into the cobblestones. She thunked her own skull off the stones, but the injury wasn't severe. Elissa thought it a fair exchange for having her father not crack his own skull or break his neck on the fall. Father had thought otherwise and gave her the same look and tone of voice he was giving Kallian now.
"Your Grace, I . . .," Kallian suddenly looked like the unsure servant again. "The life of I and my child do not eq-..."
"Finish that sentence and I will see fit that you are locked in a room for the rest of your days so you never put yourself or your child at risk again," his eyebrows furrowed further. "Do I make myself perfectly clear?"
Kallian stood up straighter, "Y . . . yes, your Grace."
He glowered for a few seconds more and then eased, offering a smile again, "Now I have no choice but to see to it that your child is cared for by seeing to it that you and your family are cared for as well."
She opened her mouth, apparently to protest, but then snapped it shut. After a few seconds she winced a smile, "I would assume that it would be pointless to protest."
He nodded and Elissa patted her on the shoulder with a laugh, "Very pointless."
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Elissa held the scraps of what was left of Kallian's sleeve in hand as she walked through the halls of Cousland Castle. Armor on and heading to Ser Gilmore with Dog at her side, she was to join with him to go on patrol. Why she decided to hold onto it was even a mystery to herself. A reminder, perhaps, of what they had all almost lost this night or maybe as a token to gird her determination in protecting both home and family.
"But why can't we assist with finding who tried to assassinate Teyrn Cousland?" a voice said from just around the corner.
Elissa stopped, realizing it was the voice of Alistair.
"Alistair, you have to understand," it was Duncan this time and Elissa decided to stop and just listen for a moment. "Wardens do not get themselves politically involved for many reasons. One of them is to not appear as if we favor one side to another. No matter who rules the land, our only alliance is to be against the darkspawn. If we were to assist the Couslands in finding the culprit it would appear as if we have taken a side and may end up in the line of fire. Perhaps even exiled from Ferelden all together if the nobility sees enough reason to."
"But I wasn't the only one who stood up to try and prevent that assassin at dinner," Alistair countered. "You got to your feet as well. Even handed Kallian a weapon to fend the assassin off. Isn't that taking a side?"
"How would it have appeared if we simply stood by and did nothing? Had Teyrn Cousland died to an assassin's blade with two Grey Wardens in the room, it could easily have appeared that we were the ones to assist in the killing by doing nothing at all. It could even be assumed that we helped set it up," Duncan sighed a bit. "It is a fine balance we Wardens have to tread. We can not embroil ourselves into the troubles of the nobility, but it doesn't excuse us from being completely heartless. It's best to keep our distance, Alistair, and do what we came here to do. Find recruits."
As she heard Alistair sigh and begrudgingly agree, Elissa felt quite deflated. Keeping one distant from politics meant very much keeping out of marrying range. The last thing she would want is her pithy little fantasy of having him as a suitor be the reason for assassins to start aiming for the Grey Wardens. Disheartened, she walked back the other way to go the long way around through the great hall. It was there that she stopped at the doorway at a sudden shout.
"Kal!"
Looking over she saw her lady-in-waiting get up from a bench and go running into the arms of a familiar elf. It was Nelaros, Caldean's son. She had met him on occasion at his father's smithy. A smile crested her lips as he gathered her up into a tremendous hug. It was apparent he was horribly worried and now greatly relieved to see her. Elissa pulled herself back around the corner of the doorway, peering around the frame. It seemed she was on eavesdropping duty tonight.
"Thank the Maker!" he said, still holding her tightly. "When the runner came to get me all he said that there was an assassination attempt on the Teyrn, an elf was dead, and I was to come to the castle as soon as possible. I thought the worst!"
Elissa put a hand on her forehead. That certainly was probably the most horrid way to tell the message to him. She was going to have to find which messenger it was and give him a talking to later.
"I'm alright, Nel," Kallian replied. "I'm fine. We're fine."
Nelaros took her by the shoulders to look her over, stopping when he saw the bandages, "What happened?"
"Well, there's something I need to tell you first," she took him by the hand and brought him over to a bench.
It brought them out of earshot and Elissa strained to try and listen, but it was then that a voice from behind her spoke up, "Milady, there you are."
Snapping a look over she saw Ser Gilmore approaching, she "shushed" and motioned him to approach quietly. Eyebrows raised he did exactly that. She pointed with a finger within and Gilmore peered just enough to look into the hall.
"That's her husband," she whispered.
"I see," he whispered back. "Has he been told yet of her condition?"
Elissa wasn't surprised one bit that it only took a scant few hours for the word of Kallian's pregnancy to fly through the castle with horrid ease, "I don't think s-"
A sudden whoop and laugh came from within the hall. Looking in again, Nelaros had picked Kallian up by the waist, spinning her around in the air once, laughing in joy.
Elissa found herself smiling wide, "Correction. He knows."