The King`s Problem (Alistair, Anna and Isabela)

[Alistair Theirin]

Umbralis / Firstfall, day 14.
Standing at the front of the ship, leaning over the railing while scouting the horizon, King Alistair could for the very first time see the land which so often had been mentioned by the Grey Wardens, the great Kingdom known as Anderfels, where the rumoured Waisshaupt fortress were said to be located. It was from here that the First Warden played her role, commanding fellow comrades around and observing the world from Darkspawn threats. It was fascinating, Alistair thought to himself as he wondered about all the tales he had heard about the land.

With the sails being tucked together and the oars put in motion, the ship began to sail up the river in hope of reaching the capital Hossberg, passing the two cities named Tallo and Kassel. The river was thankfully wide and the water was silent, but the strong wind made it difficult as winter had arrived. On both sides of the banks, Alistair noticed a few areas were snow covered the barren ground, but the few people he spotted fishing by the river didn`t seem to care at all about the state of their country. Their lives seemed rather normal, despite the circumstances that had happened lately, although he could avoid, but to notice the serious looks they gave him as the ship passed by. Was it because they was scaring their fish, or was it because they were not welcome?

It gave Alistair goosebumps not knowing what awaited them ahead, but a promise was a promise and he intended to keep it. The reason why the Ferelden King had chosen to come to Anderfels at all was because a few Warden Ambassadors had requested his presence, in hope that he could come and settle their matters with the new King, who supposedly had blamed the Wardens for the death of his own father. The rumours was by the wardens of course said to be false and Alistair believed them, considering that he himself was a warden, yet his true intentions for leaving was not just for their sake, but also so that he could avoid the politics for a while.

Luckily Isabela had been present in Denerim that summer, and since she offered her ship as a ride, Alistair could not refuse. Together with her and her crew, Alistair, the Wardens and a few guards had headed on a travel north that took months to complete, facing many dangerous that involved; storms, pirates, Qunari and Tevinter ships as well other things. It had been two years since Alistair and Isabela had ventured on the sea together, but doing such again was nice for a change and in her presence he felt freer than he ever could at home. Some would perhaps say he had grown a slight attraction to the women, even though in Ferelden his wife Queen Anora waited, as well Empress Celene whom had managed to seduce him.

[Isabela]

After months of travel, albeit it could have been less if they hadn't come across those Tevinters, and the Qunari… those guys just never let up. You’d think they would have gotten over the whole book thing by now but noooo. Regardless, they had made it. It wouldn't be long until they reached the shores of Anderfels.

Isabela handed the helm over to her first mate and decided to join Alistair at the front of the ship, her silent footing never let on to her approach. It wasn’t like she was trying to be sneaky. She just was. Call it a talent or a gift, either way it saved her neck on more than one occasion.

Isabela arched up one brow as she followed Alistair’s gaze, who seemed mesmerized at the sight of Anderfels in the distance. “Why are you having puppy eyes?” Isabela glanced over at the King of Ferelden. A sly grin formed at her pun. Dog lord… puppy… whatever, it was funny.

Time had a way of changing a person, whether they like it or not. When she first met Alistair years ago during the Blight she never imagined that the awkward Warden would one day rule a nation. He could barely look at her then, though that had definitely changed over the years. When Alistair displayed his confidence, it was easy to see the King in him. But deep down he was still the same Alistair she had come to know.

“Anderfels is not exactly the most attractive and welcoming place yet you look rather happy about it. Plus its cold.” The chilled breeze caused her give a slight shiver. It would be common sense for her to clothe herself more appropriately but it would just ruin her stylish look. “Pirates aren’t made for cold weather luv. How about next time you pick somewhere that is actually enjoyable. Hmmm?” Isabela smirked.