AN: SO I'm horrible and all Stally don't want to write this anymore. But I have muses that demand attention. Sadly mu horrible lemon and corny jokes rendered me with one review, and as it was a fast reunion, I consider they'd been together before, Solona's pregnant so her judgment's off, and their Grey Wardens after a Blight. Not much time between war and peace and War again so get while the getting's good and all that. So I was put off and refused to post any chapters but we'll give this another go round. I've not lost the main ideas and I've reread what I've wrote a hundred times. It may take a bit to get back into the swing of things. Chatper Eleven and on is all new written this year. Until Then I had it saved so yeah. Read if you wish review if you choose. But note that reviews are a fanfic's lifeblood. So even if you think one review won't matter, no reviews, well those tend to cause a writers passion to dwindle. Just a friendly heads up is all. Either way I'm back for now, we'll see if you guys want me to keep going or not. Enjoy.
Chapter Eight: In Which Anders has a Victory
The following morning Solona awoke to a soft thumping noise. She groaned as she rolled over in the soft down comforting bliss. She glared at the light that dared seep into her rooms. She waited a few moments and when sweet silence was her only answer she began to drift off to the Fade once more. However another few loud thumps were heard coming from the direction of her door. Solona growled as she made to roll over once more and bury her head in her pillow. He calculations were off and she ended up sprawled on the floor, her legs tangled deep within the sheets.
Anders shot up out of the bed and looked around a lighting spell at the ready. "Solona what is it?" He turned to find his lover and saw only an empty space. "Solona! Maker's blood someone's kidnapped her? How the hell did they even sneak up on us?"
Solona's head popped up over the edge of the bed and glared heatedly at her fellow mage. "Anders, would you kindly lower your voice. I would much rather not be deaf from your shrieking."
"Oh, then you just, fell out of the bed?" He asked cocking his head to the side. "You never did that, and the apprentice beds were so much smaller than this one."
Solona groaned. "Someone's at the door. Go get it."
Anders pouted and rubbed his eyes, yawning dramatically. "I'm far too tired, you're the commander."
"Who gave you oral sex last night because someone was whining about it?" Solona hissed back. "So you answer it."
Anders glared at his lover playfully. "Are you always this testy when you roll out of bed?"
"Anders, answer the sodding door right now!" Solona yelled. "Unless you want me presenting someone everything the Maker gave me." Solona stood after wrestling her legs out of the deadly blankets.
Anders blushed and nodded his head. "Yes, no one but I get to see that. You put some clothes on woman."
Solona grabbed her pillow and tossed it at his quickly retreating form. "No sex for you tonight."
Anders turned to his lover and stopped dead in his tracks. "What?!" Anders tried comprehending the phrase. "Did you just tell me you were not going to allow me to make love to you tonight?"
Solona smirked broadly. "Naughty mages who piss off their superiors get punished. This is the most fitting way to punish you, so no sex for you."
Anders gaped as his lover slowly dressed herself before frowning. "You forgot to empty the bath as well. You might want to consider sleeping in your study tonight dear. I told you I hate that mildew smell. It reeks." Solona whined. Her sensitivity to smells acting up once more.
Anders appeared ready to burst into tears at a moments notice. "You've never told me no and meant it before."
Solona shrugged. "If I ever did in the Circle you'd run off to another more willing girl. Now you can't do that. I think I like having this extra power over you. Better behave yourself from now own. I can deny you carnal pleasures for as long as I want."
Anders glared at the loud insistent thumps. "Nathaniel go bed a serving wench we're busy."
Nathaniel merely opened the door a broad smile spreading across his lips. "Commander Solona I think you finally discovered Anders' weakness. Now he has a reward and punishment system that may in fact work."
"I'll send an icicle up your hoity toity ass." Anders threatened as he glared at the pair.
Solona shrugged as the turned to enter her bathing chambers to change, and to empty the tub of its water. "No you won't. You'll behave and maybe you can earn back your fun."
Nathaniel sighed and turned to Anders. "Once you are both decent please come down to breakfast. Bethany is asking when the two of you are going to procure items to liven up her room."
Solona called out from the bathing chamber as she used a heating spell to dissipate the water. "Tell her we'll be down shortly and we'll be off to Amaranthine soon. I'm glad trade is still flowing in the aftermath. Fergus really is an asset."
Anders grumbled as he turned back to Nathaniel. "She just had a minor pregnancy fit didn't she?"
Nathaniel blinked and frowned at his friend. "You ask like I would know, as if I have impregnated many women across the Free Marches."
"I forgot, you are still a blushing virgin." Anders bit back spitefully.
"You forget I'm your superior, mage." Nathaniel replied just as quickly. "You would do well to remember who Solona comes to for advice."
Anders froze and turned to see his lover standing in the doorway leading to her bedroom. "You take far too long Anders. I'll see you at breakfast." Solona remarked dryly as she passed him. "Come along Nathaniel. I fear I may need to borrow your services for the day."
Anders sputtered angrily. "What the Void do you mean by that?"
Solona smirked. "If you were a good little mage I might not need him." Solona gave a heavy sigh. "Alas you keep pushing and I am forced to turn to ever reliable Nathaniel."
Anders continued to sputter as he made to follow the pair out of the room. Nathaniel's chuckle stopped him. "What is so funny you damned Commander Stealer?"
Nathaniel and Solona gave a snort. "Commander Stealer?" Solona chuckled as she leaned on Nathaniel laughing jovially.
Nathaniel made to point out just how unprepared for breakfast Anders really was, standing there in his smalls. "Anders as much as the females would enjoy seeing you so under dressed, I am sure the Commander would not be thrilled. You would not want me to steal her away from you even more would you?"
Anders was shaking as the pair left. He could hear Solona's bell like laughter as they made their way down the halls. "I cannot believe that just happened."
Changing quickly he made his way down to breakfast at record speed. He glared around the tables and found Solona sitting with Bethany, Nathaniel and Sigrun. He stormed over to the trio. Anders stood with all his height and glowered down at them. "Give her back."
Solona chuckled and shook her head. "Anders, you really do fail at connecting the dots. I need Nathaniel to lead Bethany and I around Amaranthine today. Those were the services I was speaking of."
Anders deflated instantly and plopped down. "You want him to go shopping with you?"
Solona chuckled as she placed a soft kiss on his cheek. "It was all in good fun Anders. Yes, Nathaniel is coming along with Bethany and I, as are you." Solona replied simply.
Anders glared at his lover. "I'm not going after you pulled that on me this morning."
Sigrun snorted as Bethany attempted to disguise her chuckles. Nathaniel smirked at his friend digging himself into yet another pit. "Anders, you would do well to remember what you did to our poor Commander. What she demands, you must agree to."
Anders noticed Solona's evil smirk as she ran a hand through Pounce's fur. The cat mewed in response and nuzzled into his lover's breasts happily. "Pounce? Not you too? Is everyone ganging up on me today?"
Bethany smiled softly. "Considering you impregnated my cousin I guess they are. Really is it such a terrible price to pay?"
Anders glared at his cat while he stretched in his lover's lap and proceeded to jump across the table. Pounce stood in front of Anders gave a growl, hissed at his human and swiped a paw at his nose with deadly accuracy. Anders jumped back not expecting the attack and grabbed his bleeding nose. He watched with narrowed eyes as his evil ball of fluff returned to Solona and curled in her lap once more. The little bugger even ate a slice of fish off her plate.
"Pounce, you are not sleeping in my bed tonight!" Anders declared heatedly.
Pounce gave a pathetic mew and looked up into his female human's eyes. He nuzzled into her chest and purred loudly. "Of course you can sleep on my side of the bed you little cutie. You're such a good little kitty."
The entire hall broke out into laughter. Anders blushed as it appeared all eyes were on the five. Anders groaned when Justice came forward and stood behind him. "You would do well to heed the Commander. She is carrying a child. I have memories of Aura with child that Kristoff holds with love and fear. While breeding, human females seem to be overly powerful compared to their male counterparts. Kristoff was often on the receiving end of her ire. Commander Solona is also more powerful than Aura, you should be wary mage." He stated before walking away.
With Justice's oddly sage advice, the hall burst into pockets of laughter. Anders turned to his lover and gave her a halfhearted glare. "Tell them to stop and I'll go shopping with you. I'll even carry your things."
Solona perked up immediately and coughed loudly. "Enough tormenting Anders for today Warders. Finish your meals and begin your morning training. We'll be having new recruits within two months so you all need to be in top form."
The hall silenced immediately and they had emptied fairly quickly. Bethany turned to her cousin in amazement. "You really do command respect. Not a single one even grumbled."
Solona smiled softly. "Perks of the trade my dear cousin. We should hurry as well. It's an hour ride to Amaranthine and back. I would like to return before late afternoon. I have a few missives to send out."
Sigrun nodded. "Planning on going to Highever and the Circle again?"
Solona smiled. "Yes, because after this I'm not sure when my next chance for recruitment comes. I have to talk with Irving as well. I have much to get settled before I give birth."
Sigrun nodded and smiled. "So you are going out to Amaranths today to also prepare for the eventual child in the Keep?"
Solona smiled softly. "I certainly am. Besides I might as well buy the supplies before I have Anders childproof the Vigil."
Nathaniel snickered. "Now that will be a wonderful sight indeed."
Sigrun looked around in wonder. "Where's the King?"
Anders bristled at the mention of the king and looked around hurriedly. "It's unlike him to miss a chance to stick his foot in his mouth."
Nathaniel sighed. "The King is using my study to write to Denerim to request aid in rebuilding Amaranthine. He is planning on re-compensating Solona for most of her monetary donations. It seems he is starting to think like a King and take an avid interest in one of his Arlings."
All eyes turned to Solona, who smiled innocently. "It's about time."
Bethany voiced her question. "Is the King not doing well in his role?"
Sigrun snorted. "I would barely call him a King in anything other than title. Commander Solona was more fit to actually do the ruling. Hopefully his future queen can teach him how to run a country."
Solona sighed. "In his defense he had no idea how he was going to run the country. Eamon was going to be his councilor, but he has much on his plate already with Connor in the Circle."
Nathaniel rolled his eyes. "Talk of the failures of the King is getting old. Sorry Sigrun you missed your chance. I think we should head out soon to Amaranthine. We have much to purchase today."
Anders grumbled and nodded his head begrudgingly. "The sooner we get this done the sooner I can relax."
Solona smiled softly and leaned over and kissed his nose. "I can always give you more work to do if you want to keep complaining."
"I swear to the Maker you are doing this on purpose." Anders whined.
"Anders, I would recommend stopping. If Solona is anything like my sister you can only lose." Bethany replied with a bemused tone.
Sigrun nodded. "Go do your errands. I'll watch over the Keep while you are gone. Veral is still recovering from the attack on the Keep. We were lucky Dworkin had so many traps and lyrium bombs ready. We could have taken much more damage to the Keep. Perhaps I'll see how Voldrik's repairs of the outer walls are coming along."
The three mages and the rogue made their preparations for their trip. Bethany was having difficulty getting onto the fairly large horse. Anders moved to help her, but Solona grabbed his arm. She glared at her lover pointedly and then motioned her head towards Nathaniel.
"Blast it; I've never actually ridden a horse before. I never knew it would be this difficult to even get on one." Bethany grumbled as she continued to watch the horse warily.
Nathaniel stepped forward and offered his hand to the woman. "Would you like assistance Lady Bethany?"
Solona bit back a snort and coughed. "Perhaps you should ride with her Nathaniel. Your horse is capable of pulling the cart."
Nathaniel gave a suspicious flick of his eyes to his Commander. "She still needs to learn Solona."
Solona smiled brightly noting Bethany's blush at the attention. "You can give her the basics and teach her hands on. I was a terrible mess for weeks trying to learn how to ride. It's just easier this way. You can teach her properly later."
Bethany turned to the tall, dark, and handsome rogue and blinked up at her with her large doe shaped eyes. "She's right you know. It would be much easier."
Nathaniel, unable to think of a reasonable excuse, agreed. "Alright then. I shall get up on the horse first."
Nathaniel mounted the horse with swift ease. Anders noticed it was a little showier than the usual way in which his friend did anything. Anders spied the tiny smirk that graced his lips as he held out his hand to Bethany. He turned to Solona and whispered in her ear. "You are scary manipulative."
"Always." She leaned over and pressed her lips to his softly and mounted her horse as well.
Anders mounted his own horse and caught Nathaniel attempting to assuage Bethany's fears. "I promise I will not let anything happen to you. You are safe with me. I've been riding horses all my life."
Solona tossed Bethany a knowing smile and winked at her cousin. "You are most definitely safe in Nate's extremely capable hands."
Bethany blushed and sot a glare at her cousin. "Shall we go then, you wanted to be back before midafternoon."
Anders snickered as Solona faltered for a moment. "Of course Bethany. Lead the way Nate, I am well aware how well you can guide. So reliable you are." Solona cooed as she feigned innocence.
The four rode to Amaranthine without incident. Upon reaching the damaged city Bethany gasped. Nathaniel and Solona assured her that it was well on its way to recovery. The city had not taken nearly as much damage as it could have. Nathaniel explained that Solona had left him in charge of the Vigil's defenses and had taken the two dwarves and Justice along to save Amaranthine. The Wardens had been quick to aid in the cleanup and the Darkspawn taint once the city had been eradicated of darkspawn. Buildings were already on their way to repairs. Another six months and Amaranthine would be back to its original glory.
Bethany was impressed. "You lead the battle of Vigil's Keep? I thought the War- I mean Solona did that."
Nathaniel chuckled as he began showing Bethany the sights, or what was left of them at the moment. "She said she needed someone she trusted to defend the Keep. She swore she would protect Amaranthine and my family with her life."
"Family?" Bethany questioned immediately unsure of herself.
"My sister, and her unborn child, along with my brother-in-law. I would still have so much hate had I lost them as well. Solona invited my sister to move to the Keep while we repair the city. She declined, so I make visits often to see how things are coming along." Nathaniel replied with ease.
Neither of the two noticed as Anders and Solona slipped away and left them to their own devices. Anders turned to Solona. "What are you doing? Are you truly setting up your cousin with our surly rogue?"
Solona scoffed. "From the man who says a good romp in the sack would do wonders for his demeanor."
Anders grumbled as he looked over various items, hoping to find some form of necessities for a child. "Yes, but I doubt just one night would be honorable for your cousin."
"I see you still doubt me Anders. Perhaps when our daughter is born we'll visit this conversation again and see just who was in the right?" Solona challenged as she spied a beautifully woven silk blanket.
She held it up for Anders' inspection. "It's dark purple love, don't baby girls like pink and frilly things?"
"Only if their parents force it down their throats." Solona smiled softly. "I like it."
Anders only shrugged. "It's your money Solona."
Solona smacked her mage over the head. "You're her father have some input damn it."
The merchant smiled at the Warden Commander. The King had let slip that Solona was pregnant on his first tour of the city. Rather, the King was growling like a rabid Mabari about Solona being pregnant. Word had spread quickly in the Arling; traders from Highever had brought more items geared towards children. Solona's pregnancy would not be kept under wraps for long it would seem.
Anders eyes caught on a small stuffed dragon and scoffed. He picked up the fluffy thing and turned to Solona. "Get this then. You defeated a Blight and slew the Archdemon. It's only fitting our daughter have a stuffed one to play with."
Solona smiled softly and kissed his cheek. "That is a wonderful idea Anders."
Solona and Anders continued to argue over various toys and blankets for an hour or so. Solona's head perked up. "I wonder if Nathaniel's realized we skipped out on him yet?"
Anders snickered. "He was showing off for her earlier. I doubt he's even noticed we've been gone since we stepped through the gates."
Solona chuckled. "I wish there was more of a variety."
The merchant perked up. "Word has already spread to Highever Warden Commander, perhaps you should visit soon. I've heard the Teyrn plans on throwing you a shower."
"How did anyone find out? Nathaniel mentioned Amaranthine's congratulations. I just wondered how you had all found out. I was planning on waiting to publicly announce the fact that I am with child." Solona groaned as her plans of grandeur flew out the Keep.
"The King was grumbling about it. He was probably upset you had waited so long to tell him. He probably wanted to announce it in some grand celebration." The merchant replied kindly.
"Yes well, perhaps Highever really is the place for that then. I'll be leaving for Highever for recruitment in a week. Perhaps word should spread of the announcement among the people. Highever is our neighbor. I am sure a few nights of festivities between our Arlings could be beneficial." Solona replied conspiratorially.
Anders groaned. "What about the Wardens, the staff and the guard? They can't all leave."
Solona shushed him. "We'll have our own celebration here when we return. After I sort out recruitments."
"You are too eager to flaunt your pregnancy Solona." Anders chided. "Or are you more flaunting the choice you made of whom sired your progeny? Are you declaring to Thedas that you have chosen a partner and are sticking to it perhaps?"
Solona swatted at his arm. "Perhaps I'm just telling the world your ability to tie me into a relationship by getting me pregnant."
Anders grasped his heart. "Alas, my love for you will never be returned. I am doomed forever to warm your bed and raise your children. If I should never hold your heart it would be better if I died right here in this crumbled city."
Solona used her staff to slam down on the mage's head. "Are you quite finished?"
Anders opened his mouth wider. "Oh Maker you curse me with unrequited love for this fiery wonder of a woman. I burn for her love and-" Solona's speedy cast of a paralysis glyph silenced him.
The merchant chuckled at the red face of the Warden Commander. "Would you like my aide to help carry him until he recovers?"
Solona sniffed at her lover and turned her nose up at him. "No need. I'll see him back in the Keep." She handed him an extra sovereign for the trouble. "I'll leave your horse where you left it. Return to the Keep when you can stop screaming to the Maker for no reason." She smiled and kissed his frozen cheek. "Behave love."
Solona smiled as she moved through the city carrying her burden. She quickly found Nathaniel and Bethany and noticed his hand guiding her, placed lightly at the small of her back. She coughed and hid her glee at the matching blush the pair shared.
"Solona, where's Anders?" Nathaniel questioned his mask slipping on instinctively.
"He'll be stuck in a shop for quite some time. Shall we return? I'm sure he'll join us eventually."
Bethany smiled and nodded her head. "Thank you so much cousin. I've never really had much to call my own. This was a really wonderful day. After last night, meeting everyone, I know I'll grow to like it here."
Solona smiled brightly. Her gaze flicked to Nathaniel unnoticed by her cousin. "Of that I am more than sure. We should load up that cart. Nathaniel I'm so glad you asked to come along."
Bethany tilted her head. "I thought you asked him to come."
Solona shook her head. "Nathaniel wanted to join us. He's very protective. We should not be allowed to run around where bandits could snatch us. He did not need to ask with words. His eyes are the best way to read him." Solona whispered.
Nathaniel had heard but chose to ignore his Commander's comments. She was obviously up to something. He'd rather just let her have her way. Toeing the line with Warden Commander Solona Amell ended two ways: Dead or paralyzed. Perhaps Anders was not as immune to this as I thought. He seems to be having a very bad day. Nathaniel thought as he spied the mage through the open door of a shop.
Anders was smiling in his mind. Sure he was frozen in place, and had been mocked all day. Overall the day could be called a victory. Solona had called him love, and that was enough to send the smarmy mage into a high. Small as it was, Solona would fall back in love with him again. Small victories and he had just secured the first.
Perhaps I should tell her I love her when we return, or even better when we go to the Tower, in front of Surana. That would do it. Oh the places we go, the things I will do. Watch out Solona you're falling for me again. I won't let you go to some slimy templar now. I wonder if Solona still likes to play Naughty Apprentice and Instructor? I do so love being a mage.
AN: Well remember to review. Hope you enjoyed. See you next chapter.
