The Heroine of Ferelden

Ch: 7

In the dimly lit room, the flicker of torches cast long shadows on the stone walls as Elra, Oghren, Loghain, and Leliana gathered around a modest table, deep in discussion. The map of Ferelden lay before them, marked with symbols representing enemy forces, loyalists, and contested territories. Elra traced her fingers over the parchment as they reviewed their strategy, their voices low and focused.

“Lord Eamon’s forces are gathering near Redcliffe,” Loghain said, his tone measured. “We need to cut off his supply lines before he strengthens his position.”

Leliana chimed in, “The apostate mage will be his real weapon. We must account for any magical interference.”

Oghren grunted. “Let me at him, and I’ll show him what real strength looks like. Magic or no magic.”

Elra gave a small smile, appreciating Oghren's enthusiasm. “We need to be smart about this. Brute force alone won’t win the day. We’ll need to outmaneuver them. Strike where they least expect it.”

The discussion carried on, each of them contributing insights, until their plans were settled. With their strategy laid out, they agreed to take a brief rest before the coming day. The tension of impending conflict lingered, but for now, the room fell quiet.

Elra stepped onto the balcony, seeking a moment of peace beneath the moonlight. The night was quiet, yet her mind raced with thoughts of the coming conflict.

Loghain approached silently, breaking the stillness. “Thank you, Elra,” he said, his voice sincere. “For standing by Anora. She’s strong, but your support has been invaluable.”

Elra turned, offering a calm reply. “Anora is a capable ruler. My loyalty is to Ferelden, and she’s the leader it needs.”

Loghain studied her briefly, then nodded. “You’re more than just a warrior. You’re shaping this kingdom’s future.”

Elra looked back at the moon, her voice steady. “We do what we must for Ferelden.”

Loghain quietly left, leaving Elra to her thoughts, ready for the battles to come.

After the meeting concluded and a working plan was created, everyone retired to their rooms. Elra clapped her hands, and her maids entered, changing her from the royal gown into a simple, single garment. Before tucking her in the garment she was sponged which took lots of hands and sponges. It was quite an arduous task to clean that body with ample bosom and other parts.

After she climbed into bed, her thoughts wandered back to Zevran.

His charm and free-spirited nature had managed to slip past her tough exterior. Unlike many, he wasn’t desperate for affection, and that confidence drew her in. She remembered their first night together—how he passionately made love to her. He was cherishing her body with kisses and strong touches. He told her to slowly leave her survival goals and embraced her dominating and ruthless nature. At that time, she felt surprised at how just months earlier, she was about to end up with someone else entirely. Instead of Zevran she would have been in the bed with her groom and making love to him.

Her last memory of Zevran, though, was far less tender. They had a heated argument due to their conflicting, emotions running high, and in a fit of anger, she had threatened to pull her sword on him and he left angrily. She told him never to show his face again. Yet, as she lay in bed, she couldn’t shake the lingering feelings he had left behind. A mix of passion and rage swirled in her thoughts before sleep finally took her.