I was astonished at how many hits were generated by Chapter 27. It looks like some people even read it more than once! I am truly touched that people like my story so much they think it warrants a second look! Or…(narrows eyes) were you just reading the smutty part again? You should be ashamed of yourselves! Lol! :D

Hello to HanKhar!

Your reviews make my day, thank you so much!

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

Nate was still trying to calm Cori down when he saw the King approach. Alistair's face was blood red and he looked unsure of himself. Nate took a step forward, bristling. Cori put her hand on his chest and shook her head at him.

Alistair stood for a moment, trying to gather himself. "Commander, I would like to speak to you in private."

Cori's anger had been replaced by guilt over what she'd said to him. She spoke calmly. "If it involves the Grey Wardens, then you may speak freely in front of these two men. If not, then I think it best nothing else is said. We shall be leaving as soon as we are packed."

Alistair looked at the floor. "But you're not well enough yet – either of you."

"We're well enough to ride. If I can impose on you to lend us some horses, they will be returned to you as soon as possible. I think it best that we depart."

Alistair sighed. "Alright. Go to the stables and ask the Horsemaster to find you some suitable mounts. You don't need to return them."

Cori turned to Nate and Thibault. "Would you two take care of that please? I need to speak to the King for a moment." She didn't want to leave on bad terms again.

Nate looked at her doubtfully, then shot Alistair an icy look before he and Thibault headed off to the stables.

"Alistair…I didn't mean what I said just now. I was angry. It was a horrible thing to say. I'm sorry."

Alistair nodded and looked up at the sky. After a long moment, he spoke. "I hope he makes you happy, Cori. But I want you to know that I will always love you, and we still have 28 years or so left. A lot can happen in that time. That's all I wanted to say. I hope you have a safe journey home." He turned and walked away.

Cori took a deep breath and folded her arms. She looked across to the stables. Nate was watching her. She walked over.

Thibault tactfully excused himself as Cori and Nate went for a walk.

Cori held his hand as they walked. "I think I owe you an explanation, Nate."

Nate looked calm outwardly, but she could feel the tension in him. "Look, Cori. I know that you and the King used to be together, as a couple. I know it must be awkward for you to see him. I just want to know what he said to upset you, that's all."

Cori tutted and sighed. "Alright. When we ended the relationship, we agreed to be friends. But apparently Alistair still has feelings for me. He worked out that you and I are together and was jealous. We had an argument and I said something really nasty to him. I've just apologised for what I said."

"What did you say?"

"I'm not proud of this, alright? I made a derogatory remark about his…sexual prowess."

Nate winced. Cori continued. "I know. That's about the worst thing a woman can say to a man, right? It just came out. He just makes me so angry sometimes. I do have a nasty side, Nate. I'm not perfect. I guess you'll find that out."

Nate put his arm around her shoulder. "You're too hard on yourself. We all have a dark side to our natures. You should accept it and move on. It doesn't do to dwell on these things."

Nate stopped and faced her. "Cori…do you still have feelings for him? If so, I need to know now, before things become…serious between us."

Cori held his hands and looked him in the eyes. "I won't lie to you, Nate. I'll always care for him. We went through a lot together and, in spite of everything that's happened, he's one of my best friends. But no, I'm not in love with him anymore."

She leaned into him and took his face in her hands. She was about to take a huge risk. "I'm in love with you, Nate."

His expression softened. "Really?"

She nodded. "I know, we only met a short time ago, and we hardly know each other. But…" she faltered, unable to find the words.

Nate wrapped his arms around her waist, an awkward smile on his lips. "I know we don't know each other very well, Cori. But I don't need to know any more about you than I already do to know I'm in love with you."

Cori beamed and giggled shyly. They embraced, then walked off hand in hand to find Thibault.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

Vigil's Keep had received word from Captain Aiden that Cori and Nate were safe in Denerim. Anders had been like a coiled spring ever since, and looked out onto the road at every opportunity. He was out in the courtyard one morning when he heard one of the guards at the gate announce that there were travellers on the road.

He went and stood at the gate. He could see two specks in the distance, what appeared to be riders on horses. He walked forward and cast a Flame Blast into the air. He watched. From one of the tiny horses in the distance rose a bolt of lightning.

He turned and ran back onto the Keep, laughing as he went.

Cori, Nate and Thibault were met by a welcoming committee as they approached the gate. All of the Wardens were there, applauding as they dismounted. Anders was first on the scene, helping Cori off the horse and hugging her as though his life depended on it. He hugged Nate, too, and was genuinely glad he was safe.

Even Oghren didn't push Cori away as she hugged him. He shook Nate's hand, with several slaps on the arm for good measure. Varel stayed back, smiling, with his arms folded. There's something on his mind, Cori thought.

He spoke as Cori approached. "It is good to see you both safely returned to us, Commander." He sighed. "I know I should be telling you both to rest, but…there's a problem."

Cori put her hands on her hips. "Of course there's a problem, Varel. I'm awake, aren't I?"

Varel burst out laughing. Cori hugged him warmly. "Varel, Nate and I are alive, thanks largely to this man here," she pointed to Thibault. "I feel that I can handle just about anything."

"Alright, Commander," said Varel, raising his eyebrows. "But you're not going to like this. The nobles of Amaranthine are here at Vigil's Keep, demanding to see you. I told them that you were in Denerim and likely would not be back for a few days, but they've taken it upon themselves to wait for you. They said they had written to you several times without reply."

Cori was indignant. "I haven't replied to them because we've had more important things to do here than coddle a load of spoilt nobles!" Nathaniel laughed at this. He knew most of them well. Cori was spot on.

She paced up and down. "And they just take it upon themselves to stay here and wait for me, then expect me to drop everything? They can forget it! Let them bloody wait!"

Varel failed to hide his smile. "They are in the main hall, Commander. They know you're back. It may be difficult to avoid them."

"Avoid them? I intend to do just that. Nate, Thibault and I are going to wash up, change and eat, then all of us are going to catch up. Tell you what, give us…half an hour?" she looked at the other two. They nodded. "Then bring some food up to my room. We can all eat and talk there. Then I'll deal with them."

"Very good, Commander," Varel bowed. "I shall inform them that you will be available at lunchtime."

Cori nodded. "Good. And if they give you any lip, let me know."

Varel laughed to himself and headed towards the kitchen.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

Washed, changed, and full of food, the Wardens and Thibault caught up in Cori's room. Nathaniel fell quiet when the talk came to what had transpired at Castle Cousland. Cori held his hand as she and Thibault did most of the talking. She didn't tell them what had happened at the Palace.

Varel spoke up. "There is another matter, Commander. I have been testing some of the Keep's soldiers as to their suitability for the Wardens. One young man stood out above the others. I have approached him and he is keen to undertake the joining."

"Have you told him…" asked Cori, referring to the potential lethality of the ritual. She had discussed this with Varel and he happened to agree that potential recruits should be warned.

"I have, Commander. I told him to take some time to consider. He returned to me and said he still meant to be a Warden."

"Excellent," replied Cori. "We also have another recruit. Thibault and I had a long talk at the Palace. He too wishes to undertake the joining. He has more than proved himself worthy of being a Warden."

"Very good. Then I suggest that the joining is undertaken after dealing with the nobles," said Varel.

"No, we'll do it now. I'm the Warden-Commander first and foremost. There is nothing more important than recruiting Wardens. And I mean to let these nobles know right from the start that they will not intimidate me."

"Caution, Commander. Some of these people are very powerful, and cunning. You should tread carefully," warned Varel.

Nathaniel nodded. "He's right. I'm not saying you should submit to them. But you should be as cunning as they are. Placate them, then go with your own heart when their backs are turned. Then, when they protest, placate them again, and give them just a little to keep them off your back. What you must not do is humiliate them or make them feel powerless. Appearances are everything to nobles. I should know."

Cori blew her cheeks out. "I think I'll be coming to you for advice about this quite often, Nate."

He smiled. "My advice is free. Remember what I said. Placate them."

"You mean lie?"

Nathaniel smiled. "That's such an ugly word. You will only be doing what every other Arl or Arlessa does to keep order. They will expect it, in fact."

Cori nodded. "Alright, then. Thibault, Varel and I are going to prepare for the joining. Do you need some time?"

"Non, Mademoiselle. My affairs are in order. I am ready."

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

Cori went to find Nate after the joining. She looked dejected.

"How did it go?" He asked.

"We lost Simon. Thibault survived, though. He's in his room with Oghren."

Nate put his arms around her. "I'm sorry. I can't imagine how hard it must be for you to do this over and over again. I remember how terrified you were at my joining."

She sighed. "It's alright. I didn't know Simon. Although that doesn't make it easy. He was so young and enthusiastic. I'll have to let his family know. What a waste."

They stood there for a moment, arms wrapped around each other. Cori pulled back. "I suppose I've got to deal with these…nobles now. Look, you don't have to attend if you don't want to. I wouldn't want you to feel awkward or anything. Oghren has ducked out. Anders is only going to check out the women."

Nathaniel smiled slyly. "On the contrary, I can't wait to see some of their faces when they set eyes on me. I'm glad Anders will be there, though. It'll give me someone normal to talk to while you're mingling."

"Mingling? Nobody mentioned that! I had planned to sit in a corner with a bottle of wine and scowl at everyone!"

Nate looked at her with pity. "I'm afraid not."

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

Cori walked into the main hall, with Nate and Anders following behind. All eyes turned to her as she entered.

"Lords and Ladies, I present the Warden-Commander of Ferelden and Arlessa of Amaranthine," Varel announced.

The nobles applauded as she walked up to Varel. Her nose twitched.

One by one, they approached Cori and swore fealty to her and to her heirs. Cori felt like she was in another world.

Then, she had to mingle. She scowled at Anders and Nate, who had positioned themselves in a strategic position at the drinks table. They were watching her with amusement. She went round to each of the nobles in turn and listened to their troubles. They all wanted something from her and offered nothing in return except fealty. She did as Nathaniel advised and lied – placated them.

Needing a stiff drink, she managed to break free and approached Anders and Nate.

Anders chuckled. "It's good to be Arlessa, right? The bowing, the social climbers who'd do anything to get ahead." Then he lowered his voice. "If you see any stray damsels in distress, send them my way."

Cori folded her arms. "I'm a damsel in distress! One of them has just called me My Liege, for Andraste's sake! I need to be rescued!"

Nate and Anders fell about laughing. They'd been hitting the drinks pretty hard.

"Well, I'm glad you two find it funny! I've had about as much mingling as I can take!"

She had an idea. "Nate? How do you fancy causing a scandal amongst the nobles?"

Intrigued, he leaned closer. "Alright. Where do you want me? On the food table, or next to the fire?"

She giggled. "Don't tempt me! No, perhaps something more subtle would be in order." She took his arm. "Shall we?"

"Lead on, My Lady."

"This way, My Lord." They grinned at each other.

The nobles watched disdainfully as Cori and Rendon Howe's son walked arm-in-arm without a care in the world, whispering to one another and giggling. Some of them retreated into corners and whispered.

Cori and Nate approached Varel, who was doing his best not to laugh.

"I think the ceremony has gone on long enough, Varel."

He nodded. "As you wish, Commander. Clear the hall! The Commander has business to attend to!"

The nobles exited, most of them muttering. Some turned back and bowed to Cori. She curtly bowed back. When the last of them were gone, she put her head in her hands. Then she began to laugh. "Right. Who's serving the drinks?"

The doors to the main hall opened. In walked the soldier from Amaranthine that had stayed at Highever. He bowed as he approached.

"Faolan!" Cori exclaimed. "You're back! Nate, this is one of the men I told you about who came to Highever with me."

Nate shook his hand. "Thank you, indeed, Ser. I would not be standing here now were it not for you and the others."

"You're quite welcome, Warden Howe, but it was the Commander and Thibault you have most to thank. I am relieved to know you're all safe."

"How are things at Highever, Faolan?" asked Cori.

"The soldiers have been taken in for questioning by Sergeant Kylon of Denerim. It appears that most of them thought the Teryn had gone insane, and were only obeying his orders out of fear. Castle Cousland has been locked up and placed under guard while the King decides what is to be done with the Terynir."

Cori nodded. "Very well. Thank you for bringing this news to us, and for everything you've done. Please, stay and rest. We have plenty of food and drink, as you can see."

Faolan bowed. "That is most kind, Commander. But first…I need to speak to you in private."

"Oh?"

"There is…a problem."

What now? She thought.

Faolan took Cori outside. Justice was standing next to his horse.

"Oh. I see," muttered Cori.

Cori hadn't been at Highever to apply her frost enchantment on Justice. Kristoff's body was in an advanced state of decomposition.

Justice walked towards her, leaving a trail behind him. "My lady," he said, not standing too near. She could smell him from 10 feet away. "I am in need of assistance."

Cori thought for a moment. "Faolan, would you send Anders out for me please? He's the tall mage with the ponytail. Then get yourself some food. I have an idea."