The Heroine of Ferelden

Ch: 2

After fastening the last piece of her armor, Elra grabbed her mace from its resting place against the wall, feeling the familiar weight settle comfortably in her hand. The weapon was a symbol of her strength and resolve, a reflection of the warrior she had become. She stepped outside into the morning light, the fresh air filling her lungs as she made her way to the front yard.

There, waiting for her with a grin that could only belong to a dwarf, was Oghren. His rugged frame was draped in armor that had seen its share of battles, and his eyes sparkled with the kind of mischief only a seasoned warrior could muster. Ever since the defeat of the Archdemon, Elra had made him her royal guard, a choice that had proven both practical and enjoyable.

“Good morning, Oghren!” she called out, a smile breaking across her face. “As per the rules of the duel, I’ve chosen the place. Now it’s your turn to choose your weapon.”

Oghren chuckled, a deep, hearty sound that echoed in the morning air. “Let’s fight with mace! I like the weight of it in my hands.”

With a nod, Elra stepped into position, and Oghren mirrored her stance, both warriors ready for a friendly duel. They clashed in a series of exchanges, each blow met with laughter and banter, the sound of their weapons ringing out in the peaceful morning. Elra relished the thrill of the fight, her movements fluid and confident, as she and Oghren traded blows, pushing each other’s skills to the limit.

The duel was a joyful reminder of their camaraderie, a moment of levity amid the weight of their responsibilities. However, their enjoyment was abruptly cut short when a maid rushed into the yard, breathless and flustered.

“My lady! Leliana is here and waiting for you in the guest room. The messenger from Queen Anora has also arrived.”

Elra sighed, the duties of leadership calling her back to reality. “Next time, Oghren,” she said, lowering her mace and offering a smile. “We’ll finish this duel later.”

“Count on it, lass! I won’t let you forget,” Oghren replied, chuckling as he sheathed his weapon.

With a final nod to her friend, Elra turned and made her way back inside, the weight of her responsibilities settling back on her shoulders as she prepared to face the challenges ahead.

Meeting Leliana:
Elra entered the guest room, the air thick with an air of intrigue. The sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow on Leliana, who sat casually on a plush chair, her posture graceful and her expression mischievous.

“Ah, my queen,” Leliana said with a sly smile, her voice smooth as silk. “I was just spying on our subjects. So many interesting whispers… and, of course, I did so with beauty and charm.”

Elra raised an eyebrow, cutting off Leliana’s playful remark. “And a blade, I suspect, along with that charm.”

Leliana winked, unbothered by the interruption. “Always prepared, my dear. But it seems our people are quite curious about you.”

“Curious?” Elra leaned against the edge of her desk, crossing her arms. “Or suspicious?”

“Perhaps a bit of both,” Leliana replied, tilting her head. “But let’s not dwell on them. Have you seen Alistair? I’ve lost track of him lately.”

Elra sighed, her expression darkening. “He might be off in some war, knowing him. He’s always drawn to danger.”

Leliana nodded, a hint of concern flickering in her eyes. “Is there anything you think you could do to mend things with him?”

Elra’s anger flared up. “Alistair left the group, Leliana! It’s not as simple as mending things.”

“True,” Leliana replied softly, a knowing look on her face. “But you must consider that he might have feelings for you.”

Elra hesitated, the weight of that suggestion hanging between them. “Yes, I might have feelings for him too, but our relationship has always been platonic. I trusted him; he listened to me—until he didn’t.”

“You want loyalty from those under your command,” Leliana said gently, trying to probe deeper.

“Exactly!” Elra snapped. “I asked him to perform the ritual with Morrigan and cohabit with her. It could have saved my life, but he refused. I thought about giving him the birthright as a king and marrying him to Anora, but he turned that down too.”

Leliana watched her intently, sensing Elra’s frustration. “You know I’m not one to stir the pot, but you seem quite stern about this.”

“I have to be,” Elra replied, her voice steady but strained. “He needs to see the bigger picture, to rise above himself. This isn’t just about us; it’s about the future of Ferelden.”

Leliana leaned forward, her tone serious. “And what if that future requires compromise? Sometimes, even the strongest leaders must show vulnerability.”

Elra sighed, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly as she considered Leliana’s words. “Perhaps. But right now, I need to focus on what lies ahead, not the complications of my feelings.”

“Just remember,” Leliana said, her smile returning, “even the queen deserves a little happiness.”

Elra smiled back, but the weight of her duties loomed large. “Let’s hope I can find it in the chaos.”

(Their conversation continued.)