Part Ten

The Road to Lake Calenhad

Soris had the wagon mostly packed when they emerged from the fortress. Rosalyn handed him some cheese and bread when he had finished. "Thanks, cousin."

Leliana and Levi were sitting on the steps, close together, whispering and laughing to each other. "Did you really?" asked Levi, "And here I thought that all bards did was sing and tell stories; seems like I need to pay attention more."

"Don't worry, you paid attention very well," Leliana replied seductively, making Levi blush as she planted a kiss on his cheek. "Very well." He smiled and kissed her softly.

"Good morning everybody!" boomed Alistair as he came up on them from behind and startled them. He smiled his wicked smile again and asked, "Sleep well Leliana?"

She blushed, "Yes, Alistair, very well." She whispered to him, "I'll get you for that."

"I look forward to it," he whispered back, laughing at her and winking.

Leliana smiled back, whispering, "And you?"

"Never better."

"Good. We can travel fast today, then. Hmmm?"

Alistair narrowed his eyes as she watched him stifle a yawn, "Sure."

She cocked her head, "I thought so." She rejoined Levi, who was blissfully unaware of the double entendre conversation, much to her relief.

Rosalyn came up to his side, "You are so mean this morning, you know."

"Just feeling very good, love. Aren't you?" he asked.

"Yes, but I'm not going to advertise it. They have enough to talk about without talking about us."

"It just means they care," he said, putting his hand into his pocket and stroking the soft cotton of her missing smallclothes. "Nice to be cared for, isn't it?"

Rosalyn's brow was furrowed with confusion as she regarded him, "Yes, it is. But I wonder sometimes…" She didn't finish as she looked up to see Jowan and Avernus descending the steps to them. "Good morning, Jowan, Avernus."

Avernus squinted in the bright morning sun, "Uhhhh…yes, good morning…uhhhh. Rosalyn." His hand went up to his eyes to shade the sun. "It has been some time since I was out."

Jowan looked down at her and smiled, "Sleep well?"

"When I did," she replied mischievously. "You?"

"Not really. Seems one of the effects of blood magic spells that prolong life is the inability to sleep. Avernus kept me up all night with his research. It's all so amazing and a bit frightening."

"So you won't be trying any of that now?" asked Alistair.

"No ser! Only for saving others and then only if there's no choice."

Alistair nodded, "Speaking of that, I owe you something. I want you to have this." He handed Jowan a dagger from his belt. "It belonged to Duncan, my mentor in the order. Please."

"But I can't take this! I mean…Duncan was your friend. I didn't even know him except from what Roz has told me."

"No. It's yours. It should go to a Grey Warden and you will get more use out of it than I will. Keep it sharpened and oiled for me."

"I will, Alistair. Thank you." He held out his hand and Alistair took it in both of his and shook it.

"I'm still against the blood magic, just so you know. But keep trying to prove me wrong."

Jowan smiled, "I will. Maker keep you Alistair. Good luck to you." He pulled Rosalyn into an embrace and whispered, "Take care of him…and yourself."

"Maker keep you Jowan. Be careful and come to us when you can," she replied. To Avernus she said, "Maker keep you Avernus and thank you."

"He won't, but I thank you for the sentiment all the same. Have a good journey, my dear. Jowan?" the old mage waved his hand to the big doors.

Leliana kissed Jowan goodbye and Soris and Levi shook his hands. Sadly, he turned and joined Avernus and walked into the fortress.

"That is a huge place. Could take some time before it was restored, but it would make a great place to store trade goods. Perhaps I'll set up here with my brother. He's a fine smith and needs a big place to work in," commented Levi.

"I think that would be a great idea!" exclaimed Leliana. "That way someone could keep an eye on things for the Wardens."

"Would that be all right Wardens? In return, I'll provide supplies, weapons, and armor for the Grey Wardens at cost."

Alistair looked down at Rosalyn, who nodded. "It's a deal, Levi. Get your family and set up here. I'll make sure the Wardens know."

"Wonderful! Mikhael will be so pleased I finally found a place. He's a fine smith and I'm sure he will be happy to serve you also. In the meantime, Let's get started, we've got a ways to go," Levi said. He skipped down the stairs to the waiting wagon and climbed up to the seat. He held his hand out for Leliana, who grabbed it, climbed up to sit beside him, linking her arm in his.

Rosalyn gave one last look at the fortress then looked at Alistair, "I'm ready." He held out his hand and they headed to the waiting wagon.

The Road to Orzammar

Fortunately the road was quiet all the way to Lake Calenhad. Levi was good to his word and took them straight there, then bid them goodbye as he headed back to Denerim to meet his brother. As a going away present, Alistair presented Levi with his bow, "Thank you Alistair. I'll take good care of it. So long and good luck Wardens. Maker keep you!"

"Good journey, Levi. Thanks for all your help," Rosalyn told him, hugging him goodbye. Leliana walked with Levi for a few hundred yards then they stopped and had their goodbyes. She walked back slowly, tears in her eyes and disappeared until supper, when Alistair went to find her. She walked back with him, her arm in his, still sad but ready to work. Rosalyn smiled at the both of them as she dished up the stew.

Later, Wynne excused herself and headed into the woods, presumably to take care of her personal needs. When she didn't come right back, Rosalyn became worried and went to look for her. About twenty yards into the woods, she began to hear strange noises coming from a clearing ahead of her. Rosalyn nocked an arrow and drew, slowly creeping up on the noise. She reached the edge of the clearing, and couldn't believe what she saw ahead of her.

Wynne was backed up against a tree, her dress hiked up around her hips. Sten was holding her up as he drove into her, both moaning from the exertion and excitement of the moment. Rosalyn slowly backed up into the bushes and sat down, afraid to retreat as they might hear her and be alarmed. Wynne suddenly cried out her release as Sten pumped, finally spilling himself into her. They whispered to each other and helped each other with their clothing and armor then started back to camp going separate ways. When she felt they were gone, Rosalyn stood and returned to the camp a different way, making it appear she had just gone into the woods to relieve herself.

The next day, after the day's journey and work was done, Leliana, Wynne, Morrigan and Rosalyn went down to a small stream to clean up and do some laundry. Leliana was all smiles as Rosalyn had told her about what she had seen the night before. "So…Wynne, tell us about Sten. How did that start?"

Wynne was taken aback at first until she realized they only wanted to know, not berate her. "Well…he's Qunari."

"And?" asked Leliana. "Tell us more."

"The Qunari are a little different when it comes to the idea of sex."

"They can't be that different than other men," commented Morrigan.

The older mage was noticeably confused as to how to explain it all. "They aren't in that aspect. They need release just as human and elven men. It's just that they don't form attachments like we do. They usually allow the female to choose them. If she likes their look, then she'll ask them if they would like to mate. If they say yes and the Tamassran agrees with the choice, then they set a time and take care of it."

Rosalyn brow furrowed, "Sounds horribly businesslike."

"It is, I guess. He approached me in Redcliffe and asked if I was interested. He said that even though I was a mage, a saarebas, he called me; I was an acceptable woman of experience and talent. Then he asked me if I would like to mate with him. He explained that occasionally a Qunari man would have 'needs' so to speak. He wanted me to take care of those needs."

"So you did," said a curious Morrigan, as she rinsed out Zevran's' shirt.

"Uhhhh….yes, I did."

Leliana was intrigued, asking sheepishly, "How was he?"

Wynne's face became a little dreamy as she thought about him, "Marvelous. He knows things." To which they all laughed, except Morrigan, who managed a slight smile. To Leliana, Wynne asked, "And what about Levi the trader? How was he?"

Leliana blushed as she thought of Levi, "He was sweet and kind and I enjoyed my time with him. His wife died a few years ago and he hadn't had anyone since. He was quite good…and desperate." They all laughed again. To Rosalyn she asked, "And how is Alistair? Don't pretend we don't know."

Rosalyn turned red as she thought about what to say. In the Alienage, it was common for others to know about liaisons between unmarried lovers, but it was seldom discussed unless scandal was involved. "Well…he knows things too. Now he knows more." They burst into laughter at her statement, except Morrigan, who looked stunned and disappointed, taking off into the trees.

As they sat there laughing and working, Alistair came down to the creek carrying his shirts and breeks. "Lyn, do you mind? I'll sharpen your weapons."

She smiled and took the clothing from him, "Okay. But not so hard this time, they aren't broadswords, they're daggers." She took the bundle from him as the other women giggled.

"What's so funny?" he asked.

Leliana, Wynne and Rosalyn looked at each other and burst out in giggles, causing him to run his hand through his hair. "Nothing, love. We're fine here." She turned him around and headed him in the direction of camp.

He turned with her hand, "Okay…if you say so." He started walking back to camp as they started laughing. "Women," he said and they laughed harder.

Rosalyn looked up and noticed that Morrigan was missing. She didn't take much notice of it as Morrigan often took off by herself without warning. This time seemed different but she couldn't put a hand on why. Shaking the feeling off, she stood up, "Help me here. I'll never get them clean by myself. The man is a mess." They all laughed at her words, chatting away while washing. When they had finished, they wrung the clothes out and gathered them to hang up near the fire. Rosalyn was last to leave the creek, looking back to see if they had left anything. As she walked back to camp, she missed the pair of glowing yellow eyes in the trees, watching her as she walked.

On their way back to camp, Wynne stopped Rosalyn and asked to speak to her alone. "I have a…request to make while we are at Orzammar, if I may."

"Of course, Wynne, if I can. What is it?" she answered.

"Sten told me about the unfortunate business with the family from Lothering. He is torn up about it, I know. He told me how it happened."

"What happened?"

"When he awoke after the farmers rescued him, asking about his sword, they said they hadn't found it. When he questioned them further, he became furious that they did not have it or know where it was. They had cared for the bodies of his companions but had found no swords or armor on them. It had been stripped by passing thieves no doubt. When they could tell him no more, his grief and loss was too great and he lashed out, killing the family and their animals."

"Maker!"

"Indeed. For the Qunari warriors, their swords are not just weapons, they are a part of them. Without them, they are without…honor, is the closest I could describe but it is deeper than that. He told me it happened not far from here, so while we waited for you, he and I journeyed to the area and looked for it. We found a man there who was plundering what little was left. He told us that he found out about the place from a man named Faryn, a trader headed to Orzammar. While we are there, can we look for this man and ask him? I feel I…owe to him to find out. He has been quite kind."

Rosalyn smiled, "Of course we can. We'll see what we can do. I owe it to Sten and you too."

"Thank you dear, you are so kind to me and him. Alistair is a very lucky man and I shall be sure to tell him so," she said. She hugged Rosalyn and kissed her cheek. "I am glad you are happy with him. We are all happy for you too."

"Thank you, Wynne. Me too," she said, giggling with her. They walked on back to camp where Alistair and Sten were waiting, sitting by the fire with their swords and Zevran, talking of battle and glory. The women smiled at each other and joined them, sitting by their men. When the talk was done, Leliana sang them to sleep with a song or two.

Rosalyn laid her head on Alistair's shoulder as she listened, her hand in his. He turned to her and kissed the top of her head, "Tired?"

"Not too much, why?" she answered.

"I was wondering if you would like to take a walk with me," he asked.

"Sure, let's go," she answered. As soon as Leliana had finished, they clapped and praised her and left the circle, hand in hand. Alistair led her past their tent where he ducked in and pulled out two towels.

"What are those for?" she asked, curious.

Alistair chuckled, "You mean you don't know?"

"Don't know what?"

"Well, when something gets wet, you can use these to dry it off," he replied, laughing as she hit him on the arm. "Ow! I bruise easily, you know."

"I'm tempted to find out just how easily. Where are we going?"

He pulled back a branch as they walked through the trees. "A special place I found earlier while scouting with Zevran. We were talking about the Brecilian Forest and what happened in the ruins."

"And….?

"He was like me in that he was concerned that you were so afraid of water. We decided to help you with it, although I nixed the idea of him helping personally. He found a place where the water is deep enough to swim but not too deep to be terrifying. So…I wanted to know if you would consider letting me teach you to swim."

"Teach me to swim!"

"Come on Lyn, it's not so bad. I've watched you and since then you have allowed yourself to get closer to water. You even sit on the bank and dangle your feet where before you refused to even go get water. Leliana said the other day you actually waded into a stream to get a runaway shirt."

"In three inches of water and a hard sandy bottom; if I'd stopped to think about it, I wouldn't have done it," she told him. "Why is this so important to you?"

He stopped for a minute and looked down at her, his look and demeanor serious. "We are Wardens Lyn. We have to be prepared for every possible contingency. That might mean swimming on occasion. Consider it part of your Warden training."

Rosalyn thought for a moment. She reached out with her feelings and could tell how much it meant that she be able to. He wasn't lying about that. She turned to look back towards camp and remembered the time in the ruins. She had nearly jeopardized the mission because of her irrational fear. It had shaken her and she couldn't let that fear rule her. Softly she said, "Yes. You are right. Teach me."

She turned around and he was smiling, proud that she had conquered the fear. "You won't be sorry, love. I promise it will be fun too. We will take it a step at a time." He held out his hand, "The first step is saying yes. Number two is going to the water. Ready?" He held out his hand for her to take it.

"Okay," she said and put her hand in his. "Well," she thought, "I'm always ready for a new adventure." Alistair laughed as he reached out with his senses and sensed her feelings.

"It will be fun, I promise," he said and led her on.

The spot was about two hundred yards from camp, in a place where several logs had fallen into the stream and made a small pond that looked to be about four to five feet deep in places. There was a full moon out so the water was lit up with light and they could see each other and the water well.

"Here we are. Pretty, isn't it? Zevran knows how to find a spot," Alistair said. "The water isn't cold either. It seems to be fed partially by a warm spring."

"It's lovely, Alistair," Rosalyn said as she stopped about twenty feet from the edge and looked at the scene. "Ummm…what next?"

His voice was a little husky, betraying his feelings. "Step three, take off your clothes."

Rosalyn's eyebrows raised a little, "How much clothes?"

He laughed, "As much as you want, but I intend to take them all off. Boys do that, you know."

"No, I don't know. Girls don't swim that much, I guess." She took off her boots and socks, breeches and shirt and stood in her smallclothes. "This okay?"

He finished taking off his clothes and stood in front of her with nothing on. "I don't think so, but I'll let you decide. We are here to do a job. Fun can come later." She nodded and took his hand as he offered it.

"Step four, go to the water." He led her to the water until she got to the edge and stopped. "Now, sit down here and put your feet in the water. Just like before."

Rosalyn sat down next to him and slowly put her feet in the water. Instead of coldness against her feet, it was warm and comforting. "It's not that bad."

"I'm glad you like it. Ready for the next step? You've done it before." He slid into the water and she saw it came up to his waist. He held out his hands for hers. "Come love, you can do this."

Rosalyn's eyes grew wide as she contemplated the next step. "I…I don't know."

"It's just like before. I won't be diving under or anything. I'll hold you the whole time." Slowly she held out her hands and he came forward and put his arms around her waist as she slid into his arms. He wrapped her legs around his waist as he held her close and kissed her tenderly. She relaxed a little and sighed into his mouth. "Now that's better. Just where I wanted you." He chuckled softly at her as she tightened her hold on him. She could feel how hard he was already.

"I thought this was supposed to be a lesson?" she asked, looking down between them.

"Well, it is, but there are some variables I am unable to control, you see."

"I see very well, and feel. You are a sneaky one, Alistair Theirin. Are you sure you aren't a thief or rogue?"

"Stop calling me that. And the only thing I ever stole was your heart." He laughed and pulled her closer, kissing her nose, "Ready for the next step?" She nodded. "This is the hard one. Now you need to turn over on your back and lay across my arms as they are outstretched. You'll be floating but I will have my hands under you all the time."

"Lay on my back! I'll sink!" she cried and started to struggle.

"You'll drown if you get away from me and I'm not letting you. I love you too much and there's no one to replace you. Now do what I say, girl!"

Rosalyn stopped struggling and reached out with her Warden sense. He was telling the truth, she could tell. Slowly she unhooked her legs from around his waist and let them float freely. Alistair brought his arms under her knees and around her waist, holding her. "Now," he said, "stretch out your legs. That's it. Now slowly lay your head back into the water so just your hair is wet." She lay back slowly until her hair was in the water, closing her eyes. "Relax, love. Think of something that makes you feel comfortable and safe."

The water felt wonderful against her skin and so did his arms and other parts. She thought of sleeping next to him in the big bed at the Keep, warm and safe and happy. Her body began to go limp and she felt his arms come up and catch her as she floated away. "Not too relaxed, love. You must always be aware of your surroundings." Rosalyn nodded and lay back, this time keeping her mind on the work at hand. Soon she found herself floating in the water, not feeling Alistair's arms or hands on her.

"Can I tell you a secret, love? You've been floating by yourself for five minutes now. How does it feel?"

"It feels good. Not too scary and comfortable. What 's the next step?"

He laughed, "Ready for another one? Okay, next you lay on your stomach. You can float like that but you will have to put your face in the water for a bit. Not to drown, but hold your breath. Ready?" She nodded and turned over. "Take a deep breath and put your head in the water. Keep your eyes closed for now. Hold it as long as you can then come up. Go slow." Rosalyn nodded and took a deep breath, closing her eyes and putting her head in the water quickly. In three seconds, she was up and coughing, nearly crying. Alistair held her close as she caught her breath. "Okay?" he asked, concerned.

"Sorry, you said slowly. I'm not listening again."

"You are doing fine. I am so proud of you, love. Try again." She turned in his arms and took a deep breath and held it, slowly lowering her head into the water. Alistair counted to ten and she popped up, coughing but not choking.

"I did it!" she exclaimed, out of breath. "Can I do it again?"

He laughed hard, "Of course. Let's try for a count of thirty. Go when you are ready."

Rosalyn took a deep breath and put her face into the water and held her breath for the full count. When she was through, her head came up and she took a deep breath and smiled. "I did it again!" He brought her up and kissed her as she sighed into his mouth. "What's next?" she asked.

"You take those smallclothes off, please," he said. His hands came around her and she felt her breast bands loosen and slide off.

She reached up to grab them to keep them from floating away but Alistair had them off and threw them up on the bank, followed by her smalls. "Another step, I presume?" she asked as her arms came around his neck and she rubbed against him.

Alistair moaned as he felt the contact with her skin. "The lesson is ended. Time to pay the teacher." His mouth came down on hers in a possessive kiss, parting her lips for his tongue. They tasted each other for minutes, until he lowered her down onto him, gasping as she took him in.

Rosalyn moaned as he entered her, hard and wet. She let her hands hang loose and leaned back in the water as he pushed into her. Her legs hooked around his hips as he held her and started to thrust. For a time they were floating joined only in one place. Alistair's hand came down and his thumb grazed her sex, circling the bud. Rosalyn moaned and squeezed him and the waves broke as she came, calling his name and the Maker's. He followed her, stroking into her twice more and spilling into her before pulling her close to him and cradling her as she returned from her peak.

"I've wanted to do that since I first saw you. I kept thinking you'd look great wet. Maker, it was more than great!" he said, kissing her neck and stroking her hair. "When all this is over, and the Archdemon is dead and there's someone on the throne, I'll take you someplace warm and we'll swim and love all day and night for a week."

"I knew there was an ulterior motive to all this," she said. "But I love it. And I promise I'll work hard and learn well. What's the next step?"

"We go to bed and make love again, sleep until dawn, walk all day and start over. I'll find another swimming hole, I promise." He waded to the bank, still holding her in his arms.

"Alistair?"

"Hmmm?"

"Even if you weren't my lover, I'd still love you. I thought you should know that."

"I prefer it this way."

"Me too."

Orzammar

Traveling through the mountains was long and difficult as spring had not yet reached the Frostbacks and they were forced to detour to lower elevation passes on several occasions, doubling their trip time. Rosalyn and Alistair were eager to finish the journey so they could get down to the business of fighting the war and the Archdemon, but welcomed the delays as it meant more time for them to be together. She not only learned to swim but took to it like a fish, much to Alistair's chagrin as he was enjoying the time he spent teaching her. He liked the vulnerable side of her and saw it infrequently. Rosalyn secretly reveled in her new-found strength but was conscious of the fact that Alistair was enjoying their lessons so much. She made a habit of pretending to forget how once in a while just to set up another lesson. He played along very well.

After three weeks of arduous travel, the group found themselves walking the main road to the gates of Orzammar, capital of the dwarven kingdom. They marveled at the huge statues, arches and walls that lined the road, most were cut from the living rock itself and were so smooth and lifelike that they appeared to be living creatures. Rosalyn took a step back from a particular statue of a long dead and forgotten paragon of the dwarves, her hand on her dagger, feeling as if the man was glowering at her, ready to strike her down for the slightest insult. Alistair chuckled at her and took her hand, squeezing her fingers, but he was affected the same as she. "I hate this place already," he said to her. Rosalyn nodded as she felt the Darkspawn presence that lurked behind the stone. It felt as strong as it did at Ostagar.

A bridge across a small stream that rolled down from the mountain above lay in front of them and Zevran noticed a group of heavily armed men congregating near it. He quickly caught up to the Wardens and voiced his concern, "I do not like the look of this, my dear Wardens. It smells of ambush to me. Those men are too heavily armed and too alert to be just 'standing around.'"

"What should we do?" Rosalyn asked both he and Alistair.

"I will approach them first with…Sten, Morrigan and Leliana. We will gauge their readiness." Zevran motioned for the others to join him and together they walked to the bridge as if there was nothing wrong. They got about ten feet from the group before they were attacked.

"Wardens! Get them!" yelled the leader. The small party attacked the group and was soon joined by Alistair, Rosalyn and Wynne. It took only a few minutes until the attackers lay dead or wounded. Zevran and Sten spent time questioning one survivor as to their intent and who had hired them.

"Loghain," answered Zevran when Rosalyn asked who had hired the men. "He has hired every mercenary company he could find to come and fight for him. The price on your heads has doubled since we last checked. Too bad, it is a good price." He laughed as the Wardens blanched. "Do not worry, my friends. It will never be enough for me."

As they drew closer they could see the small town of traders that had cropped up around the gates, most hawking their wares to any who passed by to look. There were small shacks behind each stall, filled with women and children, many in rags and thin. Most of the traders were dwarven but there were a few humans and elves.

"The casteless," explained Bodahn. "They have been cast out of the kingdom or have chosen to pursue a permanent life outside of the city. Only selected traders and the nobility leave the city and are able to return."

"So all these people stay here and live this way by choice?" Rosalyn asked the merchant. "It's not as if there is no choice for them, is it?" She was clearly upset with the situation.

"Forgive me, my dear," Bodahn said, "They are casteless, yes, but they choose to live here where they are free to choose what and who they wish to be, instead of living with a system that dictates based on who their parents were. Some are criminals who have been banished for their misdeeds, but most live here simply to be free. It is a situation I know you would understand."

Indeed she did understand. While most elves lived in the Alienages, they were able to live most anywhere they wished, if they were willing to live poorly and in servitude. She prized her freedom higher than anything with the exception of her love for Alistair. It wasn't something she would ever give up easily. "You are right, Bodahn. I do." He smiled up at her and reached out to pat her hand as her father would have done. Rosalyn felt a pang of homesickness for an instant as she thought of Cyrion and his entrapment in his home. She brushed it aside quickly as she turned to her work, knowing Cyrion would not want her to mourn him so. "Let's check out the gates. Perhaps we can get some information from the guards there."

Alistair and Rosalyn approached the huge gate doors and heard sounds of yelling coming from them. A human man in armor with the markings of Loghain's coat of arms was berating the dwarven guard who appeared to be in charge. "This land is held in trust for the sovereign kings of the Dwarven kingdoms. None shall enter at this time," the dwarf told the man.

The human wasn't impressed with the answer or the dwarf's tone, "King Loghain demands the allegiance of the deshyrs or lords or whatever you call them! I will be allowed entry!"

Alistair turned to Rosalyn and said sarcastically, "King Loghain! My, aren't we pretentious today!" She shook her head in disgust, agreeing with his assessment.

"I don't care if you are the king's wiper! No one will enter until this business with our throne is settled. Get out of my way!" said the dwarf as he turned back to the gates, his men closing in behind him, hands on their weapons. Loghain's representative turned on his heel and walked away with his men, mumbling to himself.

"Excuse me, ser, what is going on here? Why can't anyone enter the city?" asked Alistair in his kindest tone.

The dwarf turned around and saw a new group of humans, expecting the same results as before, "Orzammar has no king since Endrin returned to the stone. After a dozen votes, the city is in chaos and civil war is beckoning. What do you want?"

Rosalyn stepped forward, "We are Grey Wardens and seek leave to enter the city. We have a treaty obliging the Assembly to hear our pleas and assist us." She handed the scroll to the dwarf and he read it quickly.

"That is the royal seal and does seem to be genuine. Very well, Wardens, you and your party may pass through but I don't know what help you will find there with all that has happened."

"You are letting in these…Wardens! They are traitors to the crown! I demand you hand them over as war criminals," screamed Loghain's emissary, who had been listening.

Sten stepped forward and stretched to his full height as he looked down upon the man, "Run to your king, boy. The dwarves will not hear him today."

The emissary's eyes grew wide as he backed away from the Qunari, "Loghain will hear of this," he warned.

"I certainly hope so. Do tell him we are coming for him," said Rosalyn sweetly. Alistair drew his sword and the emissary turned and nearly ran down the hill, his men following. He looked down at Rosalyn and smiled, whispering, "You can be so evil sometimes. I love it!" She laughed.

The dwarven guards laughed to see the humans withdraw so quickly. "Atrast vala Wardens! Enter the city and thank you for the entertainment!" exclaimed the dwarven commander. "Open the gates!" The huge gates swung open slowly to allow their entrance and the group entered the underground lair of the dwarves.

The Dwarven Assembly

The huge gates opened to reveal a city in chaos and without a king. As the companions walked along the commons way they saw no less than four fights or small battles between factions supporting one candidate or another. Clearly the person to rule Orzammar would have to be strong.

But the star of their eyes was the city itself. Carved from the living rock of the mountain and below, it was a masterpiece of engineering. "I see why the dwarves command such a high price for their building skills. This is magnificent!" exclaimed Alistair as he looked up at the vaulted ceilings and arches. The heat was nearly unbearable as the river of nearby lava was unbelievably hot, forcing all the companions to loosen their collars and gulp water to stay cool.

Alistair spoke with a guard who directed them to the Assembly building in the Diamond Quarter and suggested they go to the Shaperate if they wished to find out more about dwarven culture. They found it soon enough, as they simply had to follow the hollering; as it got louder, they found what they sought. Alistair suggested that he and Rosalyn go in alone as it was the Wardens that were seeking the audience. The rest would remain outside. Wynne and Leliana volunteered to seek shelter and supplies as their water supply was dwindling quickly in the heat. Once squared away, they entered the Assembly building to ask for an audience.

The guards at the main doors pointed them in the direction of the Assembly steward who was standing outside a set of large doors arguing with a man who appeared to be a noble of some house. They waited patiently and he soon turned to them, "Stone-forsaken fools and dusters…I'm sorry. This is the Assembly of the Clans. Only deshyrs and the occasional guests of state are allowed in."

"We are Grey Wardens who seek an audience with the Assembly," Rosalyn announced.

"Forgive me Wardens, but exhaustion has gotten the best of me. I had forgotten about the message from the courtyard. Welcome to Orzammar. I hope you can forgive our unrest. The loss of our king has hit us hard."

"Of course, friend," said Alistair. "We are familiar with the feeling ourselves."

The steward nodded, "So I have heard and you have the condolences of our people, Warden, as well as the deepest respect for your role. Unfortunately you will not receive a proper hearing until we have a king on our throne. You would have to be royalty yourself to get in there now."

"A blight is coming, Steward. Is there nothing you can do to help us?" asked Rosalyn.

"A troubling thing indeed but it will still seem distant compared to the empty throne. The Assembly is blind to all else."

"So the city does not care that the world is about to end?" she replied angrily.

He shook his head at her sadly, "This is their world, and it ended when Endrin died."

Rosalyn made to say something else, but Alistair stepped up, "Is there any way to break the stalemate?" he asked.

"I must admit, Warden. I am at a loss myself. It lies with Prince Bhelen and Lord Harrowmont and they are slow to trust anyone in the uncertain times. I only wish there was more I could do for you."

"Thank you Steward. You have been very helpful. Good day to you, ser," Alistair lowered his head in respect and took Rosalyn's arm as he walked to an alcove where some chairs had been set. "What are you trying to do?" he asked her.

"I was trying to get information. What were you doing dancing about with words?" she answered, her anger still evident.

"I'm trying to get answers too, but you don't get them at the point of a sword here, Lyn. These are politicians, not smugglers. They won't respond to force, but they will respond to words; the 'right' words."

"And you are saying that I don't have the 'right' words?"

He looked up at the ceiling, so close above his head and sighed. "Right now, yes, I'm saying you don't have the right words. We have to tread lightly here, love, no matter that we think they are fools. We must never let them know we think that. I am sorry."

Rosalyn sat down on the small chair. She was still angry but knew when she was out of her league. "What do we do now? We need to get in there."

Alistair ran his hand through his hair, thinking quickly. He turned and looked over at the steward as he argued with yet another nobleman. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a small pouch along with some other things. A patch of white caught Rosalyn's eye.

"What have you got there?" She reached over and pulled the white cotton from his hands and he groaned slightly, "These are mine! Do you mean to tell me you had my smallclothes all the time? My best pair!"

"Uhhhh…yes? I…kept them. I wanted a keepsake so I took them. Sorry."

"You kept them?"

"They reminded me of you and that night at the Keep. It was the best night of my life and I wanted to remember it always. I guess it's silly," he explained.

Rosalyn looked at him with a look of complete surprise. She had never seen him like this before. "I guess I never will know what to think around you."

He smiled down at her, "I did tell you not to, didn't I?"

"You did. Keep them but you are buying me some new ones. Pink ones, please." His eyebrows rose and his eyes grew big as he thought of her in pink smallclothes. She handed them back to him with a knowing smile and he stuffed them back in his pocket. "What's in the pouch?"

"It's our key to the Assembly Hall, but I don't think either of us is going to like it," he answered.

"Why not?"

"Because I will have to be someone I don't want to be to do it." He opened the pouch and took out a large ring and put it on his right hand. Rosalyn took his hand and looked at the ring.

"You aren't seriously considering this," she warned.

"I am what I am, love. Time to own up to it; I can deny it later." He squeezed her hand and walked back to the steward at the main doors. "Ser, I have come to request entrance into the Assembly for the purpose of asking for troops to fight the coming Blight."

"And I told you before, Warden. I cannot grant you entrance at this time," he said.

"Tell them Prince Alistair Theirin of Ferelden requests the audience." He held out his hand, the royal seal gleaming brightly on his finger.

"Prince…of course, your highness. Please forgive my ignorance of your identity. If you will follow me." He led them to the doors and opened them, allowing them entrance. They had their way in.

"Your mind has gone to dust if you think we would pass such a writ, half our houses would go broke without the surface trade!" yelled one deshyr.

"The proposal is only effective until we have a king to ensure we are respected by the surfacers," explained another deshyr.

"Leaving you conveniently positioned to take over all contracts. I'll see your head on a pike first!" shrieked another.

The steward escorted them to the place of observation, and then took his place on the floor, holding up his hands to regain the peace. "Deshyrs, lords and ladies of the Assembly; I've already doubled the guard to prevent violence. Must I summon more?"

A fourth deshyr stepped forward to address the Assembly, "Steward Bandelor, Bhelan's sympathizers are tying our hands with trivialities! They may as well open us to the sky!"

"I suggest we put the matter to a vote," offered a female noble.

The fourth deshyr was incensed, "And I suggest you have a taste of my family's mace…"

"Enough!" yelled the steward. "The Assemble is in recess until the members can regain control of their emotions!" He turned and walked to the exit doors, nodding at the guards stationed there as he passed. The guards came down to the floor and drew their weapons, discouraging any more outbursts.

Rosalyn looked up at Alistair, "Now what?"

"I have no idea. It's clear this isn't the way to go. Any suggestions?" he asked.

She thought a bit, then looked over to the men she now knew were Lord Harrowmont and Prince Bhelen. Both men were deep in conversation with men that she could tell were their right hands, no doubt in charge of their personal affairs. Her mind worked fast and she formed a plan. "In the Alienage, when you can't get the rat to come to you, you go to his nest. Who are those men they are talking to?"

Alistair looked down at her and smiled an evil smile, "I get so excited when you talk like that. Let's go find out." She followed him out of the hall to the steward, who told them the man with Prince Bhelen was Vartag Gavorn, his right hand. Harrowmont's man was Dulin Forender, a close friend and ally. Both men were indispensable to their masters and access to the candidates would have to be granted by them.

"Would you be so kind as to tell them that the Grey Wardens desire an audience with their masters?" Rosalyn asked him sweetly. "And where can we find lodging for ourselves and our companions?"

The steward motioned an assistant to him. "I will deliver the messages myself, my lady." To Alistair he said, "Accommodations have already been arranged for you and your companions, your highness. My assistant will escort you." Alistair thanked the man again and they followed the assistant out and down the row of fancy homes to a small house near the gate. A young dwarven servant showed them their rooms and made sure they were lacking nothing.

Alistair sat on the bed and pulled Rosalyn down with him, his arms coming around her as he kissed her. "Mmmm…I do like the accommodations. This is a huge bed. Want to test it?"

"Yes, I do. But there is work to do and….," She pulled away from him, wincing, her eyes full of stress and fear. "Alistair, I don't like it here. It feels…cramped; like the walls are pressing in on me." She sat up and put her head in her hands, crying, "I can hear them singing. It's…deafening!"

He sat up and pulled her back into his arms, stroking her hair and kissing her tenderly. "I know. I feel it too; a thousand voices in my head all trying to be heard at once. Do you remember the Templar meditation techniques I showed you? Try them, they work for me."

Rosalyn nodded and bent to remove her boots. She pulled her legs up and crossed them, placing her hands in her lap. Closing her eyes, she began to breathe deeply and slowly, concentrating on centering herself, imagining she was floating in a warm pool of water. Gradually her body became aware of only the sound of the water lapping against the bank and the soft waves as they flicked over her body as she floated. The brush of a soft current slowly rolled down her spine and she sighed as the feeling began to center in her lower extremities. The soft flicks of the water tickled her thighs and her breath began to catch in anticipation of the next wave. Awareness set in and she opened her eyes and looked down to find Alistair's hands massaging her intimately. "Alistair, you are taking advantage of me," she purred, relaxed and content, the Darkspawn at bay.

"So I am. Any complaints?" he asked.

"No. Just checking. Do continue."

"Your desire is my command."

It was dark in the cave.

She found herself standing on a pedestal, surrounded by flames, burning her skin and her hair. She looked down to see Alistair, chained and bound, Darkspawn creatures surrounding him. He called her name and begged for her help. She stepped out of the fire and came to him, touching his face as he pleaded with her to save him. The touch of her fingers burned his skin and she smiled as he cried out in pain. Rosalyn continued to touch him and run her hands over his body until he burst into flames, screaming her name in agony. She began to laugh, enjoying the feeling and power that she had over him. It was ecstasy; overwhelming, addictive and infinitely desirable.

Rosalyn awoke with a jerk and opened her eyes, looking over at Alistair, peacefully snoring next to her. Sweat covered her body and she remembered why, thankful it was a dream. Easing herself out of bed, she walked to the small inset window in the room and looked out at the city, hugging herself. The rivers of lava flowed smoothly and hot, providing not only heat but light for the inhabitants. There was no way to tell what time it was as there was no sun to steer by. The dwarven inhabitants scurried about their work, oblivious of what time of day it truly was. She shivered, not from cold but from emotion, her body wound tight as a coiled spring.

Two arms came around her as she stared out the window, strong arms and sure. They pulled her back against warm skin, holding her close. She leaned her head back and sighed, relaxing some of the tension. "Want to tell me about it?" Alistair asked.

She shook her head. "The same ones we always have; torture, fire and pain. They seem stronger now and more upsetting."

"Mine too. The closer the Archdemon gets, the worse they seem to be. They are more disturbing each time." He turned her in his arms and pulled her close, burying his face in her hair. "I'm starting to understand it."

Rosalyn wrapped her arms around his waist and held him, "It's just a dream, love. It's not like when we went back to Ostagar. We won't hurt each other no matter how much they try to get us to."

"I know but it doesn't mean it doesn't affect me." She pulled back and took his right hand in hers, running her fingers over the back and down to his fingertips, massaging his fingers one by one. He sighed and closed his eyes, "That feels…so good. Where did you learn that?"

"It's a little something of Zevran's." Alistair's eyes popped open and he looked down at her, his temper flaring. She laughed as she watched the jealousy pass over him, settling in his eyes and becoming an icy blue. "Relax. I learned it from Leliana. I do like that look though. Forgot all about what we were talking about, didn't you?"

"And you say I'm evil."

Rosalyn smiled again and looked down at his hand, the huge seal of the royal house shining on it. "So where did this come from?"

"It's mine. My father sent it to me on my sixteenth nameday when I was in the monastery. It was the same day that Eamon told me who I was. I refused to wear it since it never meant anything to me. The only reason I carry it is because it was Maric's and he was my father."

"So it means nothing else?" she asked warily.

"It's a reminder of the man who fathered me, that's all. I still don't want to be king."

"So it's like this is for me." She held up her left hand and showed him Nelaros' ring, shining on her hand. "It was supposed to be my wedding ring. Nelaros made it himself from silver and gold scraps in his father's shop. It reminds me of why I'm here with you and not standing on the gallows or rotting in some prison."

He looked down at the ring then pulled her back into his embrace. "It's beautiful, like you. Someday, when we are at the Maker's side, I will find him and thank him for all he did for you. It is because of him I found you."

"He'd like that and you."

A knock at the door disturbed their reverie. Alistair slipped on his breeches as Rosalyn jumped back into the bed and covered up. He opened the door to reveal the servant in charge of their comfort.

"Begging your pardon, your highness. You have received urgent messages from the houses of Lord Harrowmont and Prince Bhelen." He handed the missives to Alistair and bowed. "They desire immediate replies and the messengers are waiting."

"Thank you. Would you wait outside while I pen them?" Alistair replied. The servant nodded and withdrew, shutting the door behind him. "Which one do you want?" he asked holding them up to her. Their importance had just become greater.