A/N: There's a reference to "Duty" at the beginning of the Denerim section, but I'm making the whacky assumption everyone has read it by now. Otherwise, this doesn't make a whole lot sense….

Duty's Journey – Chapter 29

Progress

Orzammar – two weeks later

No progress. Two weeks and no progress. Elinora had never been so frustrated in her life.

She'd tried to make good use of the time. She'd taken her Wardens on excursions into the Deep Roads, done some training. Most importantly, she'd added to their ranks. Alcina and Maphisa and both survived the Joining and were going on raids with enthusiasm. Elinora was deeply proud of them and more than a little jealous. The two were inseparable and fought in tandem. It must be nice to have someone always watch your back.

Of course, she had thirteen Wardens at hers, and they had done their job well. Last night, someone attempted to kill her.

The assassin was a casteless Duster with ten sovereigns in his pocket, a more obvious killer for hire there never was. He wasn't very good either. Unfortunately, he was very dead. Finn had taken great offense at someone trying to hurt his mistress.

Time spent in Orzammar proper was spent in Tapsters, strolling the Commons or at the Provings, all of which were excellent sources of gossip. Two new pieces of information had reached Elinora's ears. She wished they hadn't. She didn't want to get anymore embroiled in dwarven politics that necessary.

The first crept out of Dust Town. A new carta had replaced Jarvia's, which was unsurprising. What was surprising was that rumors linked it to Bhelen. Whispers had coin and favors flowing both ways between palace and slum, nothing confirmable.

The second rumble was that of rebellion. The whisper of a new coup was on every lip, never attached to the same house twice. If Elinora read that right, it meant that everyone was unhappy, but there was no unifying figure to lead them. It would never succeed, not unless there was united front, one that she wanted her and her Wardens far away from.

Elinora was tempted to give up this little venture, her Crag away from the Crag, but she had some time to kill. She did not want to be anywhere near Denerim until Anora had her baby. She could be patient, even if it killed her. Which it just might.

Denerim

"… and right there is where I paralyzed Alistair so he wouldn't get himself heroically killed." Wynne smile smugly as she pointed from the cart. "Elinora's idea, of course."

"Of course." Aldo grinned. El would do that; simple, practical and kept someone she cared about from getting hurt. This last two weeks journey with Wynne had been most enlightening. Not only did he learn more of his commander-sister's exploits, but also he learned a quite a bit about the king who loved her. Aldo was looking forward to getting a look at the man himself.

And the queen, no princess consort, who would get in Elinora's way. Wynne had joined them in order to tend to the pregnant Anora, or so she said. Aldo didn't care if her motivations were more; she'd provided the cart, which meant less walking. She and Aldo had many discussions about Jurgen's journals and the events of a century and a half ago. Wynne had endless questions that he couldn't answer. Once he could, he would sent a missive to Weisshaupt and ask Rainer to get on sending copies.

Once in the Great Hall of the palace, Aldo could sense Alistair, still a Grey Warden, one floor up and about fifty feet north. Aldo had always been good at that trick.

And then Alistair was moving towards them.

The dozen Wardens straightened their backs and prepared to salute. When the Alistair entered, they did as a unit, which made the young king blink. He scanned the group hopefully, then his face fell once he realized the Warden he wanted was not with them. Alistair recovered and returned their salute.

"Welcome brothers! And almost-grandma, too! Its like a family reunion, we should have a picnic or something." Alistair went to Wynne and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

Aldo looked to Wynne with raised eyebrows. "I really thought your were joking. I owe you a sovereign."

"And you are?" asked Alistair.

"Warden Aldo, mage." Aldo saluted again.

Alistair reached out a hand with a surprised look, "So you're Aldo. Elinora's mentioned you, thought I should be jealous a few times." Aldo took his offered hand a felt a very firm grip. "Where is she?"

"Orzammar." Aldo gritted his teeth and returned Alistair's grip. "Dwarven politics are slowing down her plans. She sent us ahead to get started on Amaranthine."

"Good. It's a mess and I am impatient to have someone take it in hand, even if it's only someone she trusts and not the Commander herself." Alistair released Aldo's hand, satisfied.

Wynne rolled her eyes at the display of manly dominance. "Where's Anora?"

Alistair turned his attention to her, obviously displeased with the change of subject "Tranquility House, either throwing up all over the place or getting ready for the party."

"Just like with Maricen." Wynne nodded.

"Party?" asked Aldo.

"Maricen's first birthday. We're planning a nice little gathering at Tranquility House so Anora doesn't have to travel." Alistair scowled. "Everyone will be there."

"I will go there tomorrow, see to Anora. But for now, I am exhausted. This old lady doesn't travel as well as she used to."

Alistair grinned boyishly at her. "You'll out live us all. Spunky old ladies always do."