Chapter Fifteen
In-Between
We took care of Ostagar, bringing Eadrek with us at his insistence… I think he had taken to being my personal protector… or an adopted sister of sorts. We also brought Natia to get her joining done – Avernus had taught Wynne how to make the joining potion, and there had been Archdemon blood at the Peak so all we needed was fresh Darkspawn blood. I had used Magic to fix the Kings Armor and placed the pieces into a void-bag. The bag was no bigger than a pocket watch with a string that attached it to Alistairs Key-ring/figurine.
At my insistence, we actually 'killed' Flemeth, though she shot me a wink before the fight when I had bowed my head to her so she was positive that I knew she'd survive.
So now we had the documents for the Landsmeet, a third Warden and Marics Blade; Flemeths Grimoire was in Morrigans hands, and she was a bit more relaxed.
We had made it back to Redcliff, and Eamon looked like he had swallowed a whole lemon when everyone seemed to trip over themselves to make me feel welcome… his servents liked me better and everyone in our group was acting like I was the Warden not Aedan. I was showing Eamon and Isolde the 'respect' due their station, but it swiftly became obvious to us all that the Arl did not like me.
Our march to Denerim was quite dull… for the most part. As the one we were putting forth as king, Alistair was forced to ride a horse on our trek. He had been given a Male Amaranthine Charger– black in color with green eyes and had the arrogance of a Stallion… thankfully the horse, named Charger, had taken an instant liking to both Alistair and myself.
Teagan had insisted that I also be given a Mount since I was of 'Noble lineage', so Master Dennet found me a beautiful Albino Mare… an Imperial Warmblood he told me. The mare hadn't even allowed anyone near her other than Dennet since he got her last year, so when we were in the Stables to get me a mount and she nickered and allowed me to pet her… he'd been stunned.
Imperial Warmbloods were imposing horses, and like Mabari made life-long attachments. They usually were reserved for royalty or nobility since they were descended from the height of the Tevinter Imperium; hence the name. Arl Eamons horse master had acquired her in hopes that she might take a liking to one of the Arls Family. She was only just old enough to have a rider, and hadn't responded well to the name they'd chosen for her; Grace.
It had startled me when I felt her. This beautiful horse had a massive dislike for Isolde, whom they had been trying to get her to accept, and when I had gotten close to her she had begun attempting to get free to come to me.
I wasn't sure why I had whispered the one word that came to mind when I saw her, but it had calmed her… 'Storm'. Storm and Charger got along famously, and I admit to finding it ironic that we had black and white steeds that only seemed to like us and the horse master.
Isolde had been bitter that 'Grace' had chosen me, so I handed over 10 golden coins to master Dennet in compensation. Once a Warmblood like Storm chose someone, there was no going back.
Eamon kept making snide remarks about Alistair and I sharing a tent, and about 3 days before we reached Denerim, I snapped.
"Your Grace, while it truly is none of your business who his Majesty takes as a mistress, if it will help to ease your mind, why don't we take a vote?" my words had caused a commotion among the guards and my group. Alistair looked ready to throttle Eamon and Aedan looked ready to pull his sword.
"What do you mean, my lady?" Eamon sneered. "All of you who think Eamon should mind his own business on this matter raise your hands!"
A great deal of hands rose to the air, including those who were part of the Arls group. "Okay! Now, keep your hand up if you think Alistair having a Mistress is perfectly fine,"
Even those in my group kept their hands raised, knowing the double meaning in my words meaning I was saying that I was okay if Alistair took another lover.
"Now that that is settled, My Lord, I do believe I promised Alistair that I would make Pizza for supper," I turned on my heel, and strode away.
I made a pizza buffet, so there was enough for everyone. Buffalo chicken, BBQ and onion, Supreme, Meat, Veggie; there were so many pizzas that we even had left overs. I could see that the Arl and his family all loved the Pizza… even if Eamon and Isolde wouldn't say so, Teagan had raved about it and Connor had gone out of his way to thank me. I had showed him how to guard his mind better against Demons while we traveled, teaching him meditation techniques and the Templar that the Circle had sent with us even joined in with his teaching much to the shock of many. Wynne had made a point to make him her apprentice while we traveled to Denerim and I knew that it would greatly improve his life in the Circle when others heard he learned from Wynne for a while.
As expected, Denerim was much better this second time around, since we had helped the guard and such last time. I sought out Gorim to let him know that Sereda was safe enough with the Legion and had been officially re-added to the memories. He was glad to know and told me he'd give my group a discount on anything we bought. He wouldn't be dissuaded.
Aedan had taken the Drake and Dragon hide/scales to Wade for new Armor for him, Lelianna, and Alistair – I had flat out refused, saying I liked my earth clothes way too much.
Storm and Charger were stabled in the Denerim stables, and I have never seen a man so in awed as that horse master was to see an Albino Imperial Warmblood, he was practically trying to pay me for the 'privilege' of taking care of my girl. I had told him that as long as she was well taken care of I would be happy enough to leave her in his care… he swore Storm would be the best cared for horse in his stable.
We had finished the Chantry board missions – other than the one for the Sexton that was in the Alienage – so we turned those ones in and gave the documents from the Temple of Sacred Ashes to the sister in charge of acquisitions… she really tried to pay but not even Zev grabbed the bag when offered though I could see he wanted to.
We sought out Ignacio in the Tavern to report the fulfilment of the contracts and to get the 'kidnapped kid' mission. By the time all the Armor was ready at Wades, Anoras serving maid was at Eamons Denerim estate… said estate was as small as advertised for the most part. There were enough rooms that – minus the one reserved for Anora and Eamons – there was enough for two to a room.
Ash with Aedan and Lelianna, Fen with Alistair and I, Sten and Zev in a two bed, Wynne and Morrigan in a two bed, Shale took to the entry room so anyone who came by could see her, Oghren took to sleeping wherever he fell over and I had spread the word to the servants to just step around him… said servants were happy enough not to have to move the stinky heavy dwarf even if he had been assigned to bunk with Eadrek. Natia had the room between Aedans and mine, and I snarled at anyone who suggested she bunk with someone.
We had agreed to 'rescue' Anora. Aedan, Zev, Leli and Wynne left for that with everything I told them. I did tell Aedan to surrender to Ser Cauthrien and that I personally would come to get him from Fort Drakon with Ash, Fen, and Alistair.
As expected, Anora came back with Zev, Leli and Wynne; all of whom were pissed to hell and gone at the Dowager Queen.
Alistair and I had been having a debate with the Arl of Redcliff as to who Alistair should marry. I had Alistair convince him he would try to make it work with Anora. I knew that the minute Alistair beheaded Loghain in the Landsmeet Anora would refuse to wed him and had told Alistair this which is the only reason he agreed to go along with the farce… Aedan had already told me that Alistair would be allowed to give Loghain the final blow at my request.
I told Anora we would support her in the Landsmeet if she married Alistair and that yes I was Alistairs Mistress and no I would not be stepping aside for her. She didn't like me much but agreed to the terms.
I took Alistair and the two Mabari and we headed to the Fort. Alistair acted as the Mabari trainer like in the game, with me as his Elven servant to carry the bags and such. I'd told Fen and Ash to heed Alistair here or we'd have to fight people who were just following orders… and indeed, Ash looked sad but Fen just nodded.
Both hounds flanked Alistair, looking proud and battle ready as I pretended to struggle while carrying two large packs. They were empty but I had used magic to make them look full.
One of the two guards rushed forward to 'help' me so I used my magic to fill one of the packs with Mabari armor and kadis paints. The poor guard almost toppled from the weight but looked pleased that he could help the 'pretty elf'. I almost snorted. Obviously the standard of beauty was different here, but I knew I looked rather plain and I knew I was big in the gut… maybe it was my huge chest that made the guy call me pretty?
Regardless, the captain soon waved us through and I took the pack back from the guard once more, giving him a smile and a kiss on the cheek in thanks for his 'help'. He looked so pleased when he turned to his co-worker.
When we made it into the main chamber, I pitted the two guards against each other over the sergeant and managed to recruit said sergeant to our cause rather than make her feel bad about being stationed indoors for that last 6 months. I told her she could lead our human troops during the battle and she made her way to Arl Eamons estate.
Getting to Aedan was easy after that. I divested myself of the two empty sacks in the Kennels and entered the dungeon on my own while Alistair distracted the Hound Master.
The guard looked at me. "You there… what are you doing here?"
"I… I was sent to… sent to assist you, Ser… I was told you'd earned a… reward," I made my tone fearful, and my demeanor was timid. The guard sneered and gave me a once over.
"Well… guess it innit so bad watching over this traitor, then, if the Captains gonna send me gifts like this," the guard said, coming closer to me. I saw Aedans disgust through the bars of his Cell.
The moment the guard reached out and touched my right breast, I had the hilt of a dagger slamming into the back of his skull. He dropped like a sack of rocks. I sniffed and unlocked Aedans cell. He came out wearing only his small-clothes and I pointed to a chest near the door. "I do believe your affects are in there."
Aedan raised a single eyebrow before walking over to the chest. Once he was armored I made it look like he was wearing the guards' armor, helm and all.
Walking out we picked up Alistair and the hounds, the Kennel master had been knocked out and the Mabari in the room didn't even bark when they glanced at me. We left, telling the guards at the front that the Hound master didn't like the two hounds we brought but kept the equipment and Aedan said he was told to escort us out.
No deaths, no blood shed… we were in and out in less than an hour and half.
Getting back to Arl Eamons estate, I had filled in Aedan on everything that had happened. Anora agreeing to 'marry' Alistair had gone over about as well as I'd thought. Aedan had scolded me until he was informed of the full plan… then he laughed and told Alistair 'good luck'.
Anora had confined herself in her room, the servants refused to treat her like a queen either. I seemed to endear myself to the 'little people' everywhere I went, and having heard what she'd done to Aedan – who always called me his sister – had made it so she had enraged them.
She was more treated like a reluctant guest, much to her embarrassment. Eamon had tried to 'fix' it but nothing he said seemed to work.
That night, I showed the cooks how to make pesto chicken pasta with white sauce – I had to show them how to make the sauce and pesto from scratch, but the noodles were already something they could make.
I sang at dinner; Cynics and Critics by Icon for Hire
We're not cynics, we just don't believe a word you say
We're not critics, we just hate it all anyway
If you're happy and you know it clap your hands like this
Cause the rest of us are wondering what on earth we missed
If you're happy and you know it stomp your feet real loud
The rest of us could use some cheering up right now
I had Leli singing the chorus with me from the start, and I was laughing when I saw Anoras face scrunch in disgust.
The next day, my birthday, 14th Guardian 31 Dragon, Alistair had recruited Wynne and Lelianna to help make me a cake. When it came time for gifts I was stunned to even get anything; as I said, I had always been forgotten.
Aedan had given me a Ring with the Highever crest that was slipped onto my right ring finger, Leli gave me a Bow and Arrow charm for my new charm bracelet, Morrigan had given me earrings that looked like wings made of silver, Wynne gave me a book – yes, one of those books – Zev gave me a dagger made of White Steel telling me he'd gotten it from a contact back in Denerim, Oghren even gave me a flask full of his own 'home-brew'… and then there was Alistair.
He had given me a charm like Leli had, but the one he gave me was a heart made of Volcanic Aurum (meaning it was gold in color) with a small diamond embedded on it, that had a date etched into it: 28 Justinian, 9:30 Dragon… it was our wedding date. I had thrown myself into his arms so fast I had essentially tackled him. He told me that he'd had it made when Wade made the dragon Charm Bracelet and he'd held onto it for my birthday. I showed him my appreciation several ways that night.
It was the next morning when she gave us the information about the Alienage, and Zev was furious when I told our group exactly what was happening.