Waiting on a king [alistair]

[Empress Celene I]

The sun was high as the cloaked woman exited her temporary home, keeping to the shadows. She was searching for someone and the city seemed like the place to do it. Her cloak was the color of honey, and had the hood been down it would have made her dark hair gleam. The clothing that did show was plain, nothing more than a simple dress of white and a rich chocolate brown. Normally she would have worn something grand but she wasn’t looking to be noticed as she moved through the alleys.

The market place was busy and thankfully Celene skirted it without being noticed. Some knew where she was, and many knew that she was being looked for. This however was a risk she took now and then. Things she had learned over the years had taught her how to move without being seen, and it was a skill she kept sharp. She was headed towards a certain alley, and her boots hit the ground softly with each step.

A few barrels were lined up against a wall in the dead end. With a smirk on her pale pink lips Celene sat herself a top one. She was a proper lady born and bred but every good girl had a rebellious side. Hers was mingling with others and her skill with a few weapons that weren’t proper for a lady much less a noble one. Humming a little tune to herself she waited, though it looked more like she was just resting. That was how you kept one from prying.

[Alistair Theirin]

It was midday and the sun shined bright upon the city of Denerim, Alistair had just finished some important business in the palace as he now was heading outside once again. He was looking forward to it, because he had arranged a secret meeting with a very familiar person whom he had begun to fall in love with. After having stayed up the entire night two nights ago just talking with the Empress, Alistair had made Anora and the nobles very angry. Although now as some time had passed Alistair thought it would be better if he and Celene met in secret from now on without others knowing it, such that their reputation would not be further harmed, especially Celene`s who was an Orlesian royalty, to whom reputation meant everything in her Empire. However it was no secret that she was present in Denerim, rumors had spread fast and it had made many angry, not just the people, but most of all the Grand Duke of Orlais who had demanded Ferelden to hand her over. Alistair had denied doing so and it had made everything even worse.

Sneaking out of the palace, in clothes that hid who he was; in common brown clothes and with a black cloak hiding his face, Alistair headed toward the market distract and toward an alley, where he had agreed to meet the Empress. Tomorrow was a big day, Alistair had planned to travel north with the Gray Wardens who had asked of his assistance, and if he soon was going to leave, he would love to spend some moments with Celene before he left.

As Alistair went through the crowd of people, hiding his face the best he could, he went to buy a red rose from the market stall with a reasonable amount of money, a rose which he intended to give the Empress, with a wish to show his appreciation. Getting closer to where he had agreed to meet her, he could not stop thinking about what had happened last night. He had gained a new friend, one who was a Rivaini. He had helped her from getting harmed and in return she had stopped an assassination attempt on him. In reward he had given her the pleasure to be his guest in the palace and after having visited her that morning, he had even given her a new ship, whom he planned to join as he would soon travel. Spending time with the Rivaini had made his feelings torn in two, and he had begun to question his own feelings. None the less, he now was very determined to meet the Empress, hoping she had missed him just as much he had missed her.

Arriving on the meeting place, Alistair noticed Celene was already there waiting, sitting elegantly on the barrels close to the wall. Quickly he hid the rose behind his back and as he approached with a smile on his face, he bowed gracefully before her, without anyone noticing and handed her the rose. “A rose from me to you, milady.” He said gently and moved his gaze to look at her, wanting to see her expression.

[Empress Celene I]

The sound of footsteps caused the lady to turn her gaze upwards slightly. The man coming towards her was plainly dressed, but she knew who he was within a heartbeat. Her Alistair had finally come to join her. It was a pity that they couldn’t meet in their finery but Anora had her suspicions. The woman was a shrew. Celene cared nothing for her. If she had it her way the woman would be gone and she would be free to do as she wished but sadly this was not the case. Eyes that normally looked like ice turned warm as they settled upon the King of Ferelden. His charming bow brought a smile to her pale pink lips and an even wider one as he produced the rose. “A rose from me to you, milady.”

The look of affection she gave him was sweeter than honey. Her voice was soft, a delicate whisper as she took the rose from Alistair’s hand. ”How kind of you milord, to think of me enough to gift me with such a precious flower.” There was more than she wished to say but for now she held her tongue. She didn’t want him to leave; she had enjoyed their time so much. Celene knew that it would be pointless to ask such a thing of him yet her heart was begging her to ask. She craned her neck so that she could allow her nose to savor the delicate scent coming off the rose. She had always loved roses.

Her pale blue eyes then looked upward at the king from thick lashes. ”Why does this feel like we will leave one another and know that we didn’t spend enough time together?” A slight pout formed on her lips as she reached her hand out to his. Her head tilted up slightly towards the sun, her alabaster skin gleaming from the light. It wasn’t proper for them to be meeting like this, but then again Celene hadn’t always been proper. As a child she never expected to take the throne, she had instead made friends that weren’t proper and learned a few tricks. The Empress could dance and dine with the finest in Orlais as well as fight in a dark corner of a tavern and hold her own.

She held the edge of his cloak in her free hand, pulling him closer ever so slightly. The secrecy of this meeting had her heart beating rapidly, and she wondered absently if he could possibly hear her pulse. The thought brought a faint blush to her cheeks making her look even more stunning if it were possible. Her hood fell back from her face to reveal her dark ringlets pulled back simply in something that belonged more to a merchant’s daughter than an Empress. She had planned ahead, unless one was to get a close look they wouldn’t be able to tell who she really was.

[Alistair Theirin]

Seeing the expression on Celene`s face as Alistair gave her the rose made him more than happy, he was pleased to be with her again and he had long awaited to speak with her, wanting to share the moment the best he could before he left. Looking at her blue eyes and seeing her eye lashes move, made Alistair stand in awe as beautiful she looked and behaved. When she reached her hand out to him, he gently kissed it before he himself stood straight to face her, moving close hand in hand, while she held the edge of his cloak with her free hand. Listening to her graceful words and seeing her face more clearly as her hood fell back made Alistair smile of satisfaction, she had planned ahead once again, as she always did. Even she was the Empress of Orlais, she knew very well how to blend in with the people, a trait she most likely had developed in the Empire of Orlais, though a trait Alistair loved. As his gaze ventured across Celene, with his hood still on, Celene could more than clearly see the features of his handsome face and with gentle words, he whispered kindly “I apologize my dear, but as you probably have heard…I will be leaving tomorrow, to Anderfels with the Gray Wardens to settle matters that needs to be taken care of, though I do not wish to be parted from you…”

Alistair said and his face was saddened by the thought of leaving, but knew he would return one day and that they soon again would be with each other. “It is good to see you again milady, I hope you have not awaited me too long, it was not easy getting away from the palace without being noticed.” He continued speaking, with a brighter smile on his face, before it turned nervous as he noticed a presence behind Celene`s back.

In an instant Alistair moved to act, seeing that a man was approaching the Empress with a knife in hand, Alistair swept passed and grabbed his arm before he could strike and quickly he threw the man into the wall nearby. Alistair`s hood fell down, but he did not care about it even it would reveal his identity if someone noticed. Then as he looked down upon the fallen person he had thrown, he could see he was an Orlesian bard, one whom had probably been sent by the Grand duke to kill the Empress. It was not safe anymore, not at all after Alistair had refused handing Grand Duke Gespard the Empress, most certainly it could mean war for Ferelden, but more than anything Alistair wanted to protect Celene, as he had grown fond of her over the years.

[Empress Celene I]

Her blue eyes looked upwards slightly to study his face as his lips pressed ever so softly to her hand. She cared so deeply for him, but knew that she shouldn’t. She would love nothing more than to be his, and for him to be hers. Sadly Anora stood in the way of that. Quickly she pushed those thoughts from her mind knowing that they would do her no good at this time. “I apologize my dear, but as you probably have heard…I will be leaving tomorrow, to Anderfels with the Gray Wardens to settle matters that needs to be taken care of, though I do not wish to be parted from you…” As he spoke she traced her fingers against his. She really wasn’t thrilled about all of this.

”I know you must go, but I would rather that you stayed here with me. Unfortunately I understand all too well what it means to have a kingdom of one’s own to rule, so I shall not be silly enough to beg you to stay.” Celene wondered how hard it had been for Alistair to remove himself from the castle unseen, when suddenly her question was answered. “It is good to see you again milady, I hope you have not awaited me too long, it was not easy getting away from the palace without being noticed.” Sadly she wasn’t able to answer. She saw the dark look cloud Alistair’s face and instantly she launched herself from the barrels she had so nicely been sitting on.

It was quickly over as the man was thrown into a wall and pinned to the ground. With a glance she could easily tell that this man had more than likely been sent by Grand Duke. Her blue eyes turned to ice, as she looked him over. He had been sloppy, and she reached into her skirts to pull a dagger from within the folds. Her voice was venom as it came forth through clenched teeth. ”You dare try an assassination? I know who had sent you, but I cannot promise that you will leave with your life.” Celene then turned her gaze to Alistair wondering what he had planned. All she had wanted was some time with him before he left her here. She had only wanted to chat and enjoy his affections. Unless this little situation was resolved such a notion would never come to arise.

[Alistair Theirin]

As the bard was lying on the ground wounded by the sudden throw into the wall, Alistair stood up straight to watch as the Bard slowly began to rise to his feet, hearing Empress Celene speaking with a venomous voice in the background, angry at the Grand Duke for sending assassins to get rid of her. Then as frustration and anger took hold on Alistair, he charged the Bard again and grabbed him by the clothes, pulling him up and slamming him against the wall, threatening him as he spoke biting his teeth’s together. “You should show more respect for your Empress! She has done you no harm!!!” Alistair almost shouted as he spoke, nearly drawing attention from the citizens nearby, but calmed down and continued. “I should have killed you for your attempt…, but I will not.” He said and released his grip, looking at his dear Celene once again, before speaking to the Bard. “Go, leave…and do not come back, because if you do then there will be no mercy for you…” Alistair commanded the Bard, and as afraid the Bard was he nodded in return and in a sudden move he ran for freedom, abandoning his mission to kill the Empress.

With the assassin Bard gone, Alistair turned his attention back to his beloved and he could see she was upset, not only because the Grand Duke had tried to kill her and would most likely try again, but also because the day Alistair and Celene had would be the last day to be with each other, before Alistair traveled north with the Wardens. Moving closely, Alistair took her hands in his as he looked deep into her blue eyes, smiling gently as he tried to comfort her. “Do not worry milady, I am sure the bard will never try that again.” He smiled brighter as he looked at her beautiful face, continuing to speak. "And do not be troubled, let us enjoy this day and let us spend it the best way we can in each other`s company. And should anyone try and attack you again, then I`ll be there to watch your back.” Alistair said and reassured her, but knew that protecting her while he was gone would be difficult.

Looking at her as she seemed troubled, he had to make up for what had happened and what was about to happen. Leaving her alone and defenseless would not be good for anyone, especially for their two countries, Alistair had to figure something, but as of now he only wanted to do one thing, and that was to enjoy the sunny day that brightened up the city with all its splendor. Although where would the Empress want to go, what could the city offer her, or what could Alistair offer? Standing looking at Celene, Alistair awaited her reply, wanting to hear what she wanted and what she thought.

[Empress Celene I]

It was almost strange to see her sweet Alistair take on such an angry tone. “You should show more respect for your Empress! She has done you no harm!!!” Her eyes darted towards the marketplace hoping that none would wander down this way. It would be awful for anyone to come this way and ruin her day more than it was already. “I should have killed you for your attempt…, but I will not. Go, leave…and do not come back, because if you do then there will be no mercy for you…” Her eyes watched as the bard ran a smirk of satisfaction on her face. It was nice to know that for a little while longer she was safe.

“Do not worry milady, I am sure the bard will never try that again.” His smile returned as she reached for his hand once more. With a grace only royalty possessed she stood on her toes. She took the hood of his cloak in the tips of her fingers and settled it back into place. Now she was the only one in the area who could look upon his handsome face. "And do not be troubled, let us enjoy this day and let us spend it the best way we can in each other`s company. And should anyone try and attack you again, then I`ll be there to watch your back.” Her smile was wistful as she touched his cheek softly before returning her hands to their rightful place which was twined in his. ”Dear Alistair, how can you possibly watch my back from so far away?”

She looked away for a moment before turning back to him a bittersweet smile on her lips. ”Forgive me; I shouldn’t have said such a thing. I shall be fine while you are away.” Coyly she moved herself closer to him. From the market place they would look like lovers meeting between work or shopping. They blended in well, though if one were to get close enough they would see that despite their appearances they carried themselves in a way that would forever mark them as blue bloods. ”So tell me milord, how long will you be away?” She figured that conversation would be best for now, though she wished that they had somewhere more private to go.

It would be nice to speak alone without so many prying eyes. For now they were safe here but how long would it last? How long until someone realized that it was their king roaming their streets with the very woman who was now causing so many problems for them. Alistair had refused to hand her over to the Grand Duke, thus causing Ferelden’s to have cause to hate her. Could they have expected any less from their king? Orlais was no longer safe, and until something was done about the Grand Duke, Celene couldn’t possibly go home. It was a sad fate, but she was glad to have Alistair as a companion.

[Alistair Theirin]

As Alistair looked into the eyes of his beloved, he felt happy to have her and it felt great as she tended to him and his cloak, putting it back on his head, covering him from the sight of others, but only visible to her. What she then said next was true, how would he protect her when he was not there? It would be impossible as he would be miles away from her and she would be more open for assassination attempts then. It troubled Alistair and he could see the very thought about him being gone troubled her as well, it would be painful for the both of them, but a pain that would be healed when they met again when he returned.

Seeing the expression on her face made Alistair worried and he noticed she was covering her own question by asking another, which was more proper for a lady of her to ask a king such as he, though she tried of forgive herself and Alistair did not want her to apologize, because there was nothing to apologize. It was his fault that he was leaving, it was he who in fact had come up with the idea to travel to Anderfels even the Queen and the nobles had disagreed with him at first. Although after heavy convincing, the Queen had agreed and it was settled, all because Alistair wished to leave the life he had as a King, wanting to act and be as a Gray Warden he once was, but now as he felt the consciences of his choice, that he was to leave the woman whom he loved and the woman whom loved him back, it felt wrong.

After hearing her speak, Alistair took the opportunity to slowly move his one hand and push her chin gently and carefully up so that they could look at each other, seeing her bittersweet smile as he tried to cheer her up with his own smile, moving closer before answering her questions. “I do not know how long I will be gone, but traveling to the far north is no simple journey and it may take month`s before I return…” He said calmly, looking into her blue eyes as he once again held her hands in his, intervened in each other, continuing carefully. “And there is nothing for you to forgive, my love. Your question are just and you are right…with me gone there will be no defending you from such harm, except…except those I set to protect you.” Alistair answered her previous question as he moved to touch her cheek with a delightful touch with the palm of his bare hand. “I am sure we will figure something out.” He smiled at her and then turned to look at the crowd of citizens that was running around in the streets behind them, thinking that it would be best for them to move somewhere safer, somewhere quieter, where no further harm could come to them, knowing it would be the last day together before tomorrow morning.

“Let us head out, we should find somewhere else to speak, a safer place, and I know just where to take you.” Alistair smiled and took her by the hand as he began to guide her through the streets, heading toward a place he had in mind, which would be better for them both this day. As he moved through the thick cloud of people, Alistair hid his face the best he could and as they walked he turned to take a few glance upon his Empress, happy to be with her.

[Empress Celene I]

His hand upon her face was a comfort more that most could have offered it was one filled with adoration, and one she hoped to feel again and again. Her smile grew slightly, and she snuggled in as he pulled her close. With Alistair gone life would be unbearable, but she knew that she must do it and keep herself busy and out of trouble. Sadly this more than likely meant a lot of time in the castle. Although she adored finery she loved being just another face in the market. The dagger at her side had been bought in a market in the capital or Orlais. She had been a little thing back then, barely fourteen, but she had bartered with the best of them. She had basically ripped the vendor off. It had been a good dagger ever since it had come to her hand.

“I do not know how long I will be gone, but traveling to the far north is no simple journey and it may take month`s before I return…” This was not what she had wanted to hear, but she kept her face impassive. It wouldn’t do to worry Alistair any further. She didn’t want him to go, and she rememberd the debate on his leaving. She had however wanted to argue that he should be able to go. Everyone including his Queen had told him what a foolish idea it was. Although Celene hated the idea of being parted from him, she understood all the well the desire to escape. He wanted the life of valor once more, and how could anyone be so cruel to try and deny him of it.

“And there is nothing for you to forgive, my love. Your question are just and you are right…with me gone there will be no defending you from such harm, except…except those I set to protect you.” It was almost as if she didn’t deserve him. Such a kind man to understand her worried and fears. To tell her that and apology wasn’t necessary. For his kindness she rewarded him with a warm smile and a squeeze of her hand. “I am sure we will figure something out.” She nodded her face looking happier than it had before. ”Of course we will milord; if it comes to the worst then I shall defend myself. If I want to go unnoticed then I can do just that and wait for you to find me. “

“Let us head out, we should find somewhere else to speak, a safer place, and I know just where to take you.” She nodded before pulling her hood back into place, she would be harder to recognize as Alistair walked her through the streets. Celene took him arm like a lover would, holding him closely. A thought then stuck her and she paused pulling Alistair to a stop with her. Her look was filled with uncertainty as she met his eyes, and reached into the bodice of her dress. From it she pulled out a black silk kerchief that was embroidered with roses varying in colors. There was the typical white and red, as well as blush, yellow, and even ones that were pale purple. The design of deep green vines tied them all together in the letter C.

Her cheeks flushed as she presented it to him, holding it so that Alistair may see the design in it’s entirety and see that this kerchief had been specially made for her. She had a couple others but this one had always been her favorite for some reason that she couldn’t explain. I would very much like it if you carried this with you during your travels. My heart would rest easy if you carried my favor with you” She thought of a few chevaliers that had once asked for her favor during a tournament and she had denied them all. She wasn’t going to favor someone that she didn’t care for. Celene had begun to care deeply for Alistair and she doubted that he knew that she was showing him her fidelity here. She hoped that he would see that this gesture meant the world to her.

[Alistair Theirin]

With their arms linked together, Alistair and Celene remained close to one another as they walked through the streets of Denerim, cloaked and hidden from the society that surrounded them. It was a great day and a warmth day, and Alistair was now taking her to his favorite place, a place where he often came to relax and be alone. As his gaze ventured back and forth from the road and back on Celene, he could see her beautiful smile and he could see that her cheeks began to blush. She was thinking of something and he became curious. Stopping in the middle of street facing each other, he could see she was grabbing for something in her bodice and when she showed it to him, Alistair could not resist but to smile even brighter. It was her precious kerchief, a sign of her favor and appreciation, a kerchief Alistair knew many of the Orlesians chevaliers had wanted of her in the past during the annual tournaments, but which she always had denied them. Seeing her giving it to him reassured that he meant a lot to her, and it made him feel loved and it made him love her even more. Alistair was in awe and he smiled brightly, looking at her dear kerchief with a comforted heart.

Hearing what she then said surprised him as she told him to bring the kerchief with him to Anderfels, although the gift was most welcomed and it made him feel grateful, grateful to have met her and grateful that she had come to stay in Denerim, to have fallen in love. Alistair was almost speechless and as he accepted the gift by taking it carefully out of her hand, he could smell the perfume of the Empress still lingering in the kerchief, a smell that would remind him of what would await him at home. Looking back at her beautiful blue eyes, Alistair replied almost whispering. “Oh…your kerchief? You are given me your precious kerchief. Oh I…I don’t really know what to say, the gift is most appreciated!” Alistair said happily, standing in shock as he looked at her expression, seeing how much it meant for her to give it to him “I will treasure this, it means a lot to me, thank you…my love.” And as he expressed his gratitude, he leaned close and kissed Celene`s lips in a tenderly move, standing there in the public feeling thankful and amazed by the gift she had given him, still hidden underneath the cloaks that hid their face from being recognized.

“Now I wish I had something to give you, milady...”Alistair said grateful and worried after the kiss, but kept his gaze on her as he thought about his hiding place, a place he would bring her soon, far above the walls and rooftops where they could see the view across entire Denerim and further. It would have to be his gift to her, a gift he would make most out of, even he wished he had more to offer.

[Empress Celene I]

As his smile grew wider and brighter Celene knew that Alistair had realized what she was doing. He knew the significance of her gift and she already knew that his would cherish it. Her smile blossomed as he looked over her favor with a smile upon his lips, his face full of love. “Oh…your kerchief? You are given me your precious kerchief. Oh I…I don’t really know what to say, the gift is most appreciated!” It was then her turn to flush crimson. She hadn’t expected such a lovely reaction though she was very pleased by it. “I will treasure this, it means a lot to me, thank you…my love.” He had called her his love, how in the world had she gotten so lucky? Before she could speak however Alistair’s lips were pressed to her own in a chaste but sweet kiss.

[/i]“Now I wish I had something to give you, milady...”[/i] Her brow arched in curiosity, she couldn’t possibly think of what he would give her. Of course Celene required nothing material. ”Dearest, I only ask that you return here to me safely once your journey has ended. When you come back here maybe we can figure out where we stand…” Her eyes conveyed everything she couldn’t say. Anora was the problem. Alistair couldn’t possibly truly be with Celene as long as he was with the Queen. Instead of saying such things and snuggled in closer to his side, her face turning bright once again. It wouldn’t do to dwell on such sad things.

”Tell me, wherever are we going? I can see it on that face you have something planned milord and I must confess I am quite curious.” She felt giddy, she knew that she was falling for him quicker than she would have liked. Her biggest fear now was that she would end up alone. However he was a noble and he would do as he pleased. She could only hope that she was the woman chosen, but why would he chose her when he already had his queen? Celene knew better than to think like that and instead turned a smile to her beloved.

Her steps were light as she walked at his side once again, holding him tightly to herself. He was so sweet and charming it was really a wonder as to why Anora disliked him so. She had become his wife though even an outsider from Orlais could see the animosity between the royal pair. Through long talks with the King she had grown fond of him, and more recently was beginning to love him. Anora on the other hand was not a favored person of the Empress. This of course could cause problems while Alistair was gone, but Celene knew how to dance this tune and would do it well enough.
[/blockquote]

[Alistair Theirin]

“Oh, you`ll have to wait and see…I`ll show you.” Alistair replied with a spark of charm in his eyes as he looked at his dear Celene, holding her hand tight and carefully has he went to guide her quickly through the streets of Denerim, eager to show her what he hoped would be a great surprise. As they went through the thick crowd of people, Alistair kept his face hidden, but as before he still could not stop glancing back, seeing how beautiful the Empress was, even in her disguise as a commoner. Though as they walked in fast paste hand in hand, he could not stop thinking about what she had said earlier just after their kiss. She had wanted them to figure out more about where their relationship were standing, and as Alistair had heard those words he had felt overjoyed for her to consider such a thing. As until now, the relationship between Empress Celene I of Orlais and King Alistair Theirin of Ferleden had only been a small friendly flirt, but the more and more time they had spent with each other throughout the years it has grown into something more than that, and it has grown into love.

Alistair wanted more than ever to be with her, and he felt sad for leaving Celene behind as he would tomorrow travel north to solve the conflicts of Anderfels. However he also could not wait to be with the Gray Wardens again and to stay among as he once had done, but he was sure, that when he returned and met his beloved again, then he would do anything to solve the problem of them not being allowed to be seen together. Perhaps he would annul his marriage to Anora, perhaps he would give her the crown and become a free man. Alistair was not sure how to do it, although he knew that Ferelden needed him, and if he ever was to have a chance with the Empress, at least in Orlais, then he would need to stay King, knowing that the reputation of the Orlesians were highly valued. It would not look good for anyone if the Empress of Orlais married a man who had refused to be king, only such that he could play a Gray Warden Hero.

Approaching Drakons Fort, Alistair and Celene could begin to see their destination in front of them, a huge structure; a tower which reached high above the city, known as the site where the Archdemon had been slain by the Hero of Ferelden. Seeing it was heavily guarded, Alistair decided to take a different path, toward a hidden door not far away, a door which would lead him and the Empress in unnoticed. Stepping inside, the two of them could see a long and a dark narrow hallway. It sure was perhaps not the best place to take an Empress of Orlais, but Alistair knew she would love it when they came to the destination he wanted her to see. Setting a torch on fire, Alistair took it and led Celene forward toward a staircase. Still holding her hand with his other hand carefully and gentle, the two of them began to walk upstairs.

Opening the door where the stairs lead to, the two of them came into a large hall and around they could see guards doing their duties. Sneaking passed them; Alistair managed to get Celene to another door, one which led outside. Stepping out of the door, the two of them could immediately feel the strong breeze of wind against them, as they suddenly found themselves on top of the tower. It had been a long walk, and they both were slightly exhausted, although as their gaze looked out in front of them, they could see the entire city of Denerim and far into the horizon. It was a spectacular view which made them both stand in awe and Alistair looked at Celene, hoping she loved what she saw. “Well...Here it is, the only place in Ferelden except the Circle of Magi that one can look far across the land….” Alistair spoke with a smile, wondering what she thought before continuing. “I often come here to think and to be alone.

[Empress Celene I]

“Oh, you`ll have to wait and see…I`ll show you.” His response was a quick one and it made her blush all the same. What was it he was planning to show her? The fact that he kept glancing back at her made her smile widen a little each time. It was a pleasure to have such a handsome face turn back only to look at her. He could be walking with any woman he wanted, and yet he had chosen to walk with her. She couldn’t possibly imagine anything better. Even in common clothing, she felt beautiful because of Alistair’s attentions and she wasn’t looking forward to losing something that had become so precious. She had been in Ferelden for such a long time now. Originally she had spoken to its King like nothing more than a friend. Time had changed that for her. She loved him; it was a simple as that.

Sadly such things weren’t simple. He was with Anora, and he would either need to annul the marriage, or forsake his crown. Celene knew that such an option wouldn’t be a good one. As much as Alistair wanted to roam around doing things a Warden would do he had been the best thing for these lands. Ferelden was doing nearly as well as Orlais, and if he were to leave it, nothing good would come. He needed a way to get rid on Anora entirely, but there wasn’t a way for that to happen. Sure an assassin could be called in but that was a petty way for such things to be done. Many had whispered that Celene had done just that to her uncle but there was no truth to the accusations. Celene had always loved her Uncle and had been broken hearted to lose him. She hadn’t even been in line for the throne until she saw how badly it would be if her cousin were to sit upon it as the Emperor. Celene had spoken with many, and the people of Orlais had spoken. She became Empress Celene the First, and Orlais had flourished to be far greater than ever before.

Pale blue eyes settled on the fort and she began to wonder just what it was Alistair had planned. The King led them to a hidden door and they passed through it unnoticed. It took Celene a moment before her eyes adjusted to the dark of the hallway. The torch Alistair lit caused her to squint for a moment, and then her eyes finally focused properly. She was lead up a steep flight of stairs but she kept close to Alistair, not sure where they were going. A door led them into a hall, and the pair had to quickly tip toe around the guards. Soon they passed through another door and a cool breeze brushed against Celene’s pale skin. Her breath came quickly, for it had been a long walk. Her skin was pleasantly flushed from the exercise.
Quickly she looked around, seeing that she was atop a tower. Her eyes could see where the sky kissed the land, and it was lovely. A little gasp came from her parted lips; she had never seen such a view. “Well...Here it is, the only place in Ferelden except the Circle of Magi that one can look far across the land….” She gripped his hand tighter, thinking about how perfect of a place it was for them to be alone for a while. Had he been planning this all along? “I often come here to think and to be alone.” Celene stood on tiptoe and placed a kiss upon the King cheek. ”I can’t blame you for coming here, it’s magnificent.” The Empress moved closer to Alistair, pressing her side against his. She wanted to feel as close as possible to him before he departed.

[Alistair Theirin]

Being kissed upon the cheek in gratitude by the Empress as she stood up on her tiptoes, made Alistair smile even more and he listened to the words she said as she moved closer. It felt amazing and Alistair was happy to have found such a woman as Celene, someone who really understood him and who really loved him for the one he truly was, even he was King and she was an Empress. Ever since they had begun to talk, there had been a connection between them. Anora had always blamed the Empress for being cunning and seductive, none of them liked each other and Alistair knew Anora felt threatened by Celene. And why should she not, when Alistair had begun to grow so strong feelings for an Olresian woman, an Orlesian whom many of the Fereldens hated and whom many believed had killed the previous Emperor of Orlais, only to gain a higher position herself. Looking into Celene`s eyes, Alistair felt comforted and he felt a strong tension drawing them closer, as the aura of love surrounded them.

Standing upon the rooftop of Drakon`s tower they both could see far into the distance, looking across the ocean that stretched far into the horizon, as well seeing the busy lives of the people within the city. It was a magnificent sight, but what made it special was that Alistair was there sharing the moment with his love Celene. With his gaze rather upon her, the wind caused their clothing to waver in the wind and it made Alistair hood fall of slowly, showing off his handsome face without him even caring about it. He only wanted to look upon Celene who was a very beautiful woman, and as they drew closer, he took his arm around her as he slowly reached his hand to touch her cheek, leaning in to kiss her passionately. It was a long kiss, both soft and tender and Alistair closed his eyes in the act, but once it was over a silence followed and Alistair was almost speechless. It had made a tension rise up his spine, and he knew the kiss even had its effect on Celene.

After a moment, Alistair spoke with a calm and whispering voice. “You make me feel special Celene, and I am grateful that you love being here with me. “ He said and took her hand carefully in his, kissing it as he looked with a smile upon her, as if he looked deep into her soul. She was an interesting woman and Alistair had grown strong feelings for her, and he did not care about what other people thought of them, let them look upon them if they wish he thought, as visible they now where standing close to the edge of the roof. He knew that many believed Celene to be dangerous, but he did not think so, as because why and how could such a woman be a threat when she only did him good.

Then as he looked at her, he thought of something that he wanted to show her, holding her hand he guided her over to a place most famous for the Fereldens, leading her toward a monument that had been placed upon the roof after the fall of the Archdemon. It was a monument that showed the gratitude for the Gray Wardens whom had saved Ferelden and the world from a grim future. It was a stone tablet, one which had written words of what had happened the day the Fifth Blight ended, and it reminded Alistair of his good old friend Aedan Cousland, he whom had killed the Archdemon. “I`m glad I am with you Celene, had things turned out differently during the Blight then things might not have been as it is today.” Alistair said and reminded her and Alistair of the Blight, showing her the stone tablet which had the mark of the griffon upon it and the name of the hero. In the city there also had been palced a statue, one which showed Aedan`s heroic actions as he had killed the Dragon with the sword through its belly, a monument whom many of Fereldens cheerished and loved, but whom some hated, as the statue that had replaced the one of Loghain`s.

[Empress Celene I]

The Empress felt giddy, as if her corset was tied to tightly and was cutting off her air. Of course that wasn’t the case since Celene had taken to dressing herself as of late. After having to leave her beloved Ky back in Orlais she had refused much help with her dressing. Sadly her corset was just barely tight enough to keep her form proper, but there was nothing that could be done about it. Her dear Ky was far safer back at home then she would be in Ferelden. The wind that came and blew back Alistair’s caused her skirts to rustle against her legs. Alistair’s hand caressed her face gently before he leaned in to kiss her. It was as if the world around her stopped. The kiss was full of everything unspoken, and she kissed him with all that she had. Celene needed him to feel the love she felt in this single kiss.

As the kiss drew to a close she opened her eyes to meet Alistair’s. The look she gave him was full of love and longing. She wanted more, but as a woman in her position she wasn’t able to give it. She was pure and that was something she couldn’t just give away. She loved him, but without a marriage none could have her. Though Celene hadn’t been intended for her throne she had been raised as a proper lady. Normally she would have had a marriage chosen for her. Her Uncle had passed before that was possible and she had had too much work to do in Orlais to plan anything for herself. “You make me feel special Celene, and I am grateful that you love being here with me. “ His voice sent shivers down her spine and the kiss on her hand was enough to make her blush again. ”I am glad to be here with you Alistair, you truly make me feel alive in a way I hadn’t known would be possible after leaving Orlais.”

“I`m glad I am with you Celene, had things turned out differently during the Blight then things might not have been as it is today.” Pale blue eyes looked upon the statue in wonder; it was truly a thing of beauty and death. The entire world had been changed because of the Hero of Ferelden. Celene was happy about all that had happened for it had led her to this place. ”I am glad that things turned out the way they did. Had they not, I wouldn’t be here with you.” She kissed him again, this time it was a little more chaste but still filled with adoration. She wanted to tell him her feelings and she only hoped that he would feel the same way.

”Alistair I need to tell you something…” Her voice was soft, as her eyes met his. Carefully Celene took both of Alistair’s hands in her own and placed them close to her sternum. She was sure that he could feel her heart pounding. ”Alistair Theirin, King of Ferelden, I am in love with you. I have been for a little while now, and I didn’t know how to tell you. With you leaving I needed you to know. I….” There was a million other things that she could have said but she had gotten choked up. Her eyes welled slightly with the strength of her emotion. His mission was a dangerous one, and she knew that. This was why she needed to confess her feelings to him before she left.