A secret kept hidden (Anora)

[Teyrn Landon]

After the grand meeting between the nobles within the royal palace, the hall was left silent and abandoned. The King had gone to take some fresh air outside and the others had returned to their own duties and stations, now only the guards stood watch, guardian the precious emptiness from thieves and assassins. In the far distance one could hear footsteps and the sound of armor clinging against each other, echoing loudly throughout the hall, breaking the silence. It was Teyrn Landon who was dressed in his golden and silver armor, who was walking to inspect the royal guards, seeing if they were all awake and alert, but in truth he was heading toward Anora`s chamber as he wanted to discuss with her about what had happened during the meeting earlier that day. He had plans in mind and he wanted Anora to be a part of them, knowing that she also hated the King as much as he did.

For years Landon had served Loghain loyally, but after his death life had changed and he had become Anora`s closest ally and advisor. In fact the two of them had developed a relationship, an affair behind the King`s back, which had continued some time without being discovered. The two of them believed in the same principals and they both hated the King, for the death of Loghain and for the death of Landon`s foster father. Although even Landon was a clever man, he had over the years grown more and greedier in the presence of the Queen. His intentions had changed, and he wanted to assist Anora to achieve her dreams, only to achieve his own. Since childhood Landon had been drawn to Anora and he had loved her, but over the years he had seen a possibility that had never before been offered him. He gained titles and land, but wanted more, he wanted to become Anora`s husband, though only so that he later could usurp the throne. He no longer cared for others, but he pretended and he used his charm to lure Anora into his own agenda.

Now wandering down the hall, Landon passed the guards who became even more awake when he passed. They were afraid of his strict rules, but they held loyalty toward him, believing him to be one of the greatest warriors within the Kingdom, though not better than the hero of Ferelden. Approaching the throne, Landon stopped to look at it. Thinking that he one day could be sitting there, it was a pleasant thought, but a long desired dream he would work his way to get.

Turning from the throne, Landon continued left and toward Anora`s chamber, making sure no one was watching where he went. The hallway to her room was long and he passed many rooms that was closed, some which belonged to the servants, the chefs, the guards or others. Arriving at the door to Anora`s personal chamber, he gently knocked on, hoping she would open and allow him to enter. He was excited, because he had all day desired to meet her and now with the King outside, there was no better opportunity.

[Queen Anora Theirin]

Anora sat in her comfortable chair in her rooms pretending to read the book in her hands as her thoughts wandered. Why she pretended was a mystery, since no one was around to see her. She had dismissed all of her attendants for the night, anticipating a visit from her lover who held her father's old position as Teyrn of Gwaren. She could not help but think that her father would approve of Landon taking his place as Teyrn. After all, the man had served Loghain faithfully for many years. He was smart and ambitious, just as Anora herself was. Not to mention charming. For some reason though, she could never feel completely safe around him. There was just something about him that made her think he could be using her to achieve his own ends. And if he was, what would he try to do to her after he had? She would have to tread carefully, and cement her relationship with him. As well as Alistair of course, when he returned from the Anderfels, it would hardly fit into her plans if she was blamed for his sudden and unfortunate death.

She was startled out of her thoughts by a knock on the door. Her head snapped up to stare at it for a moment before putting her book up and opening the door. "Teyrn Landon." She greeted him formally, just in case there was anyone hanging around in the hallway that she couldn't see. She moved to allow him inside and shut the door behind him. "Well, Alistair is going to the Anderfels with the Grey Wardens, as you have no doubt heard. An unexpected turn of events, but certainly not an unwelcome one. It gives us time to plan without him around... if nothing else." She said with a small smile. She took a seat and waited for him to say something. As much as she knew he was a devious, scheming man, she could not change the fact that she loved him. And after all, she was a devious scheming woman, they went together well. Ah the fool I am.

[Teyrn Landon]

As the door opened in front of Landon, he was met by Anora`s presence and he was glad to see her again. Though quickly he was dragged in as Anora did not want the people to grow suspicious, and once he was inside, the door was shut behind him and the two was allowed to talk freely without disturbance. After hearing her greet him by speaking Teyrn Landon, he replied simply by answering formally in return “My Queen…”And with a smile on his face he stepped further into the room, looking around before turning to face her, wondering how she had been since they had last met. Knowing how frustrated she had become earlier that day about what had happened in the main hall, concerning Alistair, the angry nobles, the Orlesian Emissary, the Elven disagreement and the Gray Wardens question for aid. Teyrn Landon had seen it all, as he had stood in the shadows of the main hall listening to what they had agreed on. Though now as he was alone with his dear beloved Queen, he listened to what she said and he was glad to hear that she agreed to what he also had been thinking.

Seeing that she went to sit down, Landon was very satisifed to finally be with her again and with a few graceful steps toward a map of Thedas that was hanging on the wall, he rubbed his chin as he thought about what to say and do, though began talking. “Hmmm…yes I have heard, and you’re right…” He said and turned to face Anora who sat on her chair looking at him, adoring him as he adored her. With a few steps he approached her and slowly he leaned closer to her face, whispering in her ear, looking deep into her eyes as felt a great passion for her. “We should plot, if not do something else…” Landon spoke teasingly and then touched Anora`s cheek carefully, moving in closer to kiss her lips tenderly.

[nora]

“My Queen…” Anora was glad that Landon had caught onto to the proper title usage just in case there were other ears nearby. Thankfully once her door was shut there would be no way for anyone to hear them unless someone started to scream. The queen knew that wasn’t about to happen so she wasn’t worried about it this very moment. Anora watched as the Teyrn looked over the map she had hanging on her wall, it looked like he was thinking hard about something. “Hmmm…yes I have heard, and you’re right…”

Anora nodded, a smug smile was plastered across her lips. Of course she was right; it wasn’t like her father had taught her nothing. Her breath stopped as Landon moved closer to her, his voice a gentle caress in her ear. “We should plot, if not do something else…” Anora giggled softly, as her cheek received a soft touch before she was kissed. Without hesitation she returned the kiss completely, her desire filling the action. He was what she really needed in a man, and she was glad to have found a way to get him now that her so called husband was gone.

”We could always do both…” Her words were breathy since they came from her kiss swollen lips after she had broken away from him. Her eyes were bright with her desire, and her need. It was good that Alistair was going to be gone for a while. ”We could do one thing, and then plot while we are comfortable.” She gave him a devilish grin, as she hiked her skirts up slightly, flashing a large bit of leg, but still remaining ladylike.

[Teyrn Landon]

"Oh I certainly agree to that." Landon said in a gentle voice as he gave her a teasing look, watching her closely as she slowly hiked up her skirt and showed a large bit of her leg in a ladylike way. She was teasing Landon, and it worked. Quickly a tension rose up his spine and with a look back into her eyes his desire grew even more, knowing that she desired him just as much he desired her. Slowly moving his hand down her body he leaned in to kiss her as he carefully touched her cheek with his other hand, and the kiss they shared was a long and passionate kiss and it warmed Landon.

After the short kiss he rested his forehead against hers, and with a cheeky smile on his face he breathed heavily of lust. Soft and gentle he touched her cheek and neck, while the other hand slowly moved up under her skirt as he stepped to stand in front of her. Abruptly Landon grabbed Anora`s legs and placed them around his waist, leaning over her as he kissed her again…fades to black.

After a few hours, Landon found himself lying beside Anora in bed. His body was sweat and he lay straight out, as if he had just had a harsh military workout. It had been a pleasant few hours and as London looked to his side, he could see Anora resting just as he. Carefully he leaned over on his side and touched her cheek with a light touch, smiling happily at her, thinking how lucky he was to have such a great woman. A woman he soon would betray. The thought of losing her made him think, did he really want that…or did he want to become the king he always had wanted to be, a man with no restrictions. It made him wonder off in deep thoughts, but then after a short moment he turned his attention back to Anora and kissed her shoulder, wondering how she was feeling.

[nora]

"Oh I certainly agree to that." Before she knew it his lips were upon hers and the passion was building. She adored him and as far as she knew he adored her. Everything they did showed their love and their passion for the other. Anora had known him for years and if she had been given a different choice she would have sought him as her husband instead of Alistair. Unfortunately for Landon Alistair had brought her the one thing she had wanted, power.

The time that had passed between them was lovely. Landon lay next to her comfortably, and had pulled a sheet up over her body. The soft fabric clung in a lovely fashion to her sweat covered body. Her golden hair curled around her face in damp ringlets. Her breathing had finally slowed and she turned her gaze towards Landon a pleased smile upon her pale lips.

”So I assume you have ideas, please tell me of them.” Her voice was still breathy from her earlier exertions but it was pleasant none the less. It was nice that they were going to be able to share some time together for a while. It was stupid of Alistair to be leaving but she was going to count it as a blessing anyway.

[Teyrn Landon]

Looking upon Anora as she laid next to him, made Landon smile of satisfaction and as he trailed his fingers in a random pattern over her body, he laid on the side and leaned his head on his other hand, whispering the plans he had thought off. “Hmm, well now that Alistair is traveling north I suggest we use this opportunity.” He said with a fixed look upon Anora as he spoke seriously, wondering what she thought about it, but continued after a short moment of silence. “I suggest we hire some assassins to have him killed on his journey. If he dies and never returns, the throne will be yours alone and none will ever know that it was you who arranged it. A simple accident on such a journey is common and may happen to anyone.”

The suggestion Landon came with was a risky plan, but if it worked Anora would be the only one left to rule Ferelden and she would have Landon all by herself, perhaps even she would want to make him King if the opportunity presented itself, which of course Landon hoped she would do. He knew that just simply suggestion such a plan to the Queen was dangerous, but he trusted her and he knew she wanted Alistair gone just as much he wanted it. The King had been a bother for far too long and he certainly did not know how to rule a Kingdom, Anora however was far better and she knew exactly how to rule a land.

“If you would like, I can arrange this. I know a certain mercenary in town that may be up for this job and I know he`ll be discreet about it, also I suggest we send a few guards along with Alistair that can help us make this possible. Should you wish this?” He continued whispering, hoping she would accept his suggestion, even though she may be a bit reluctant, knowing that it was her husband he was suggesting killing.

[nora]

Anora shivered slightly as Landon trailed his fingers against her skin making random patterns. “Hmm, well now that Alistair is traveling north I suggest we use this opportunity.” Anora waited for him to continue and quirked a brow as his face grew serious. Whatever he was thinking of was something that could see them in trouble if caught. “I suggest we hire some assassins to have him killed on his journey. If he dies and never returns, the throne will be yours alone and none will ever know that it was you who arranged it. A simple accident on such a journey is common and may happen to anyone.”

This was an interesting idea, and it was one that would need careful thought. With him gone Ferelden would be hers to do with as she wished. She could turn this country around and make it into a place her father would have been proud of. “If you would like, I can arrange this. I know a certain mercenary in town that may be up for this job and I know he`ll be discreet about it, also I suggest we send a few guards along with Alistair that can help us make this possible. Should you wish this?”

Anora kept silent for a few moments later before she nodded her head. ”This would be good, none can suspect me if he is so far away and I look the grieving wife. Send along whom you must and hire the man that you think can do it.” Her voice was void of the emotion it should have held for her husband. She didn’t love him and would be happier with him gone.
[/blokquote]

[Teyrn Landon]

Hearing Anora agree to the plans Landon suggested, made him smile of satisfaction as he nodded in return. If Anora wanted the king, her husband dead, then he would see it done. Alistair would die on his journey north and Anora would be entitled as Queen Regent, ruler of all Ferelden, whereas Teyrn Landon would be her closest advisor, perhaps even the new King if he had his way. Landon would make sure that the assassination would succeed and he knew just the man who he could ask to do such a job, but to secure that it did not go wrong he prepared himself to make back up plans.

Looking at Anora as she laid beside him, he leaned in to kiss her and then moved to sit on the edge of the bed, reaching out for his pants as he began to take them back on. If he was going to do what he had suggested it would have to be done now, as he knew the mercenary stayed in Denerim only for a short time. Taking back on his shirt he gazed back at Anora, and with a calm and low voice he replied. “I`m glad you agree my Queen, I will do this for you, for Ferelden.” He said and kissed her lips softly again as he stood up, picking up his armor as he straddled toward the door. “I will see you soon, and then I will have more information regarding the matter.” He continued and opened the door as he gazed across her, smiling teasingly before he stepped out and closed the door, hurrying back to his room before he later would go and search for some capable of handling the task he soon would order.

(Alright, I say we end the thread here, we continue with Celene and Landon.)