Chapter Seventeen

Fall of a God

23 floors; that's how many floors Fort Drakon actually had. I mean, it makes more sense than 3 from the game, seeing as it's the tallest building in Denerim.

I was getting tired by the time we hit floor 20, but I knew we couldn't slow our pace. When we reached the last floor, just before the doors to the roof, I yanked a six-pack of mountain dew from my bag, handing one to each person.

"Don't bitch, just drink. We need the caffeine and energy, and this will help." Aedan shut his mouth as everyone began drinking. I smirked at the chorus of burps as I downed 2 of the damn things.

Aedan gave me a look, but I rushed forward to continue the fight.

The roof was covered in Darkspawn; I merely nodded Wynne, Leliana and Aedan to Trebuchets while Alistair, Ash and I charged to the Archdemon. I saw our forces spill onto the roof behind us.

I was really glad we had Golems, because they attracted the Darkspawn like moths to flame, giving other forces a chance to kill them without risking too much.

I couldn't do what I had to the High Dragon at the Temple, because I wasn't about to expose my wings to potential long-term foes. Instead, I used my throwing stars, kunai blades, and daggers to slice the dragons' flanks and rip its 'good' wing. I rolled to the left as I saw his leg rear up and his tail come rushing to me.

I wasn't quite fast enough and got hit in my right leg with the spiky part of Urthemiels tail. "Fuck! Look, you overgrown lizard! I plan to plant this shiny piece in your fucking eye!" I shouted as I got up pulling out a rainbow dagger.

As expected, my shouting caught the Demons attention. I gave a maniacal laugh as I rushed forward fast enough to climb Urthemiels leg. I pulled a second dagger to match the first and used them to scale the dragon. I knew I couldn't have the killing blow, but stabbing the eyes wouldn't kill it…

In hindsight, blinding the large angry dragon was… maybe not my best plan. I was thrown off, landing on top of Alistair and heard my left arm snap beneath me. I snarled, and shot back up, though I heard Alistair yelling to me, asking if I was okay.

I ripped the hem off my shirt, making a sling as I ran once more to the dragon I had pissed off.

"Oi! Over here lizard! Can't catch me!" I shouted. It became obvious to everyone that my main goal was to distract the fucking thing so that a Warden could get a kill shot.

I noticed Aedan pull out his family sword and rush Urthemiel. The dragon had lowered its head to try and bite at me.

I kept shouting as Aedan ran, lifting his weapon to make the kill shot. Alistair was trying to move me away, but I stood firm.

When the dragons jaw was no more than an inch from my face, it froze… then roared in pain.

It raised back but was completely decapitated. I worked my magic quick, knowing it was important to preserve as much of the dragons blood as possible.

Wynne had come over to tend to my wounds so the bottles levitating their way over to the dragon were… easily explained. I placed spells to keep the blood fresh as I had at the Temple.

I was… startled at just how much Wynne healing me freaking hurt, but I blocked it out to focus on dragon blood. Where a human body had a gallon and half of blood, apparently an old god dragon had 9 gallons of blood. I saved only a cup into my bag… and I wasn't quite sure why.

"Why… why is there a bunch of large flasks of blood?" I heard Greagoir ask.

I whirled around. "The Grey Wardens need it, Knight-Commander. I can guarantee that the First Warden will be sending someone to pick up these jars. Can I have someone help me move it to the Castle?" I asked looking at the 18 half-gallon jars of red-black blood.

Greagoir let out a loud whistle and several Templars cam marching over.

"Want to tell me what the Wardens do with the blood?" Greagoir asked me as the blood was carted off.

"I… don't exactly know how they do what they do with it… but I could be assassinated for revealing what it's for. Please don't ask again," I knew my face showed just how tired I was.

The Knight-commander looked alarmed, "They keep it that secret?"

"Only the higher officials really know what it's for. I know, because I have some… unusual circumstances. If the First Warden finds out that I know… I would be conscripted. And when something happens, they will lock me away. Just… let's drop the conversation?"

Greagoir nodded as Alistair placed his arm around my waist to help me down the fort. I saw Aedan motion Shale over, and talk to her for a moment… before I passed out.

"Good Morning, my love," I heard, and groaned. "Come on, love, we have a celebration to attend! Fergus has been found, Aedans been named Hero of Ferelden… you have a title too, love."

I shot up, "What the hell title do I have?" Alistair grinned.

"Don't look at me. Aedan convinced the Landsmeet to grant you the title after your 'heroic act' of distracting an Archdemon after blinding it! Aedan may have killed it, but he has everyone convinced it would have never happened without you," Alistair was wearing his brothers Ceremonial Armor which had been taken from the void-bag. It… suited him. It was gold, like the kings armor from Ostagar, but it was fancier. He looked like a decorated War Hero.

"Love?" he asked with a smirk, making me realize I was staring.

"Ahem… that does not answer the question, Alistair. What. Title?"

I was only just realizing we were in the Kings Suite, back in the palace. This was going to be so much fun.

"Chancellor of Ferelden."

"Fuck! So I'm essentially your regent or seneschal? How did the assembly allow this, Alistair? I look like an Elf! And it was supposed to be Aedan… until about 34 or 37 Dragon then it was supposed to be Eamon…" I was rambling, I knew that, but I was freaked out.

That's when something else hit me. I was in the Kings Suite… I was in the royal bedchamber… this means literally everyone would know that the new 'Lady Cousland' was Alistairs Mistress because servants talk.

"Alistair, how did I end up in your bedroom?"

"What? Oh, Shale carried you to the palace, but I brought you here. Aedan said that there was really no point keeping the fact that you and I are together a secret since it would get out within the month anyway. Besides, I… found I was unable to sleep after yesterday's battle while you were hurt. I wanted you where I could keep an eye on you. As for the whole 'Chancellor' thing, blame Aedan. Apparently, he's been talking with everyone who is part of the Landsmeet and pushing them to name you instead of him. He kept telling them how you heroically stood in front of the Archdemon and kept it from eating me while he took its head. I suppose it helped that you were already adopted by a Teyrns family. Regardless, it's just a title."

"… Bullshit. The Chancellor of Ferelden has their own crest, Alistair; a Mabari on top of a hand. A Chancellor is typically considered to be the second-most-powerful position in the kingdom alongside the Regent. I'm gonna kill my brother… no, wait; I'll just maim him since he's still needed," I muttered the last part darkly. I was actually planning it when Alistair spoiled my fun.

"No you won't. You love him too much, and you know it." He kissed me as he sat on the side of the bed.

"Fine! Let me get dressed and we can go to this damn party."

He chuckled as I got up. Using magic, I created a golden off-shoulder ball gown that flared at my hips. The skirt was poofy and was made of dozens of layers of sheer gold fabric; the hem had 2 inch embroidered decorations that looked like lions in the style of the Theirin family crest. The bodice of the gown was also embroidered in dazzling swirling designs that ended at the waist. The back was lace-up. I kept my Amethyst dragon jewelry along with my charm bracelet – someone had added a purple dragon charm. My hair was pulled back at the sides and clipped in the back, though I kept one strand free on the right side of my face. My makeup was golds and browns and I allowed all my tattoos to show and had my nails painted in gold too. My shoes – though you couldn't see them – were brown wedges.

Alistair sucked in a breath. "Makers breath. If we didn't have somewhere to be right now…"

I chuckled and held out my arm. "Shall we?"

Alistair groaned but placed my hand in the crook of his elbow. We drew many looks on our way, and I saw several pointed gestures toward my dress.

"Announcing His Majesty King Alistair Theirin, escorting Lady Arvaala Cousland, Chancellor of Ferelden!"

Many people glanced our way and I heard whispers of my dress, my name, and my relation to the king and the Couslands.

"So… you're my new sister?" I heard a deep voice to my right and turned.

Fergus was… hot. I didn't actually expect to find him attractive. He was 6'1 same as Alistair, causing my height envy to flare up. Fergus had midnight colored hair that was cut short, storm grey eyes that were haunted but still playful, and skin that was tanned enough to show his jaunts in the sun.

"Fergus, I take it? A pleasure to finally meet you, I'm Ara." I stretched out my hand for him to shake, but when he grabbed it he pulled me close.

"I hear I have you to thank for my brothers' life. From what he tells me, you've been vital in the fight against the blight. Welcome to the family, Chancellor."

I gave an undignified snort. "If you've been talking to any of our friends then you know I hate titles, my lord."

"Make you deal? Call me Fergus, and I'll drop the title," he smirked playfully.

"Deal!" I laughed. Fergus turned to Alistair and gave a bow, "Your Majesty."

I giggled as Alistair made a face and told Fergus in a whispered voice, "You know she and I are married. I know Aedan told you… drop the title unless we're in a formal setting. This is not formal."

"Understood, Sir," I covered my mouth to keep from laughing loudly as Alistair stuck his tongue out at me and Fergus gave me a wink.

"You know, I think we'll get along just fine, brother," I said as he offered his hand for a dance.

"I warn you, I don't know any Ferelden Dances. Now if you want the Two-Step or the Tango…"

"I'm afraid I've never heard of those. Just follow my lead," Fergus grinned.

I giggled as we made our way around the floor, though I only hardly managed not to step on his toes – I think my having ballroom dance experience helped.

"So, I've been told you are… unique." Fergus asked with a soft smile.

"If you mean my wings, I'll be glad to show them to you in a more secluded spot. If you mean my… sight, then all I can say here is that it's good enough to know many things. One day, you will be attacked by bandits, but the person you least expect will save you. I plan to see that person lives over his encounter with your brother…"

"Who would… don't tell me… a Howe?"

"Nathaniel. He's been in the Marches for the last decade, he won't believe his father was guilty until he gets a chance to talk to his sister," I shrugged. Fergus sighed. "Well, Aedan said that you're always right, so I will… keep an open mind. That's all I can say for now."

"Yes… our dear brother will kill me if I tell him that before the encounter," I chuckled as Fergus nodded.

"Did they suffer?" Fergus asked suddenly as he twirled me.

"No, Fergus. They died together and swiftly. Oren was asleep and your wife thought it was a nightly check. The two who killed them were swift and didn't like killing defenseless women and children. If it brings you comfort, your brother killed them moments later when they broke into his room."

Fergus nodded. "It… sad to say it does comfort me, knowing they're dead."

The song ended and I gave a curtsy as Fergus bowed.

"Come to the Kings Suite tonight if you wish to see the wings I told you of." He flashed me a grin and a nod before leaving me at the edge of the dancefloor, heading to his brother who was talking with Lelianna.

"Kadan. I plan to return to my people. Our quest here is done, and thus so is my mission for my people. It must be said; you found my sword and gave me a chance to restore my honor. I doubt the Warden would have recruited me without your help… I owe you a debt."

I chuckled. "You helped us too Sten. It's been an honor."

"It has. That one of the bas… a foreigner… would become Kadan to me, unthinkable; yet here we are. Perhaps I shall see you again one day. Until then, may you always find the path you seek."

"Sten… you have a right to know; to prepare. In about 6 years, the current Arishok will be killed in single-combat duel and you will be elected the new Arishok, it's not something you can prevent since… I will be among the group he attacks. If you must, count that as debt paid. Fight well, my friend," I winked at the moment of disbelief on his face before he nodded. "My non-interference in this battle… I will begin to prepare then, you have my thanks." With that he walked off.

I made the rounds talking with everyone. Apparently I had been out-cold for 3 days, so I missed the coronation and the Landsmeet that named titles, hence why the party was now instead of then.

When I got back to Alistair, he was talking to Aedan who had been named Teyrn of Gwaren, much to my amusement.

"So… the only two Teyrns in Ferelden are both called Lord Cousland. How amusing," I giggled.

Alistair barked a laugh and so did a few of the nobles around us.

"Don't forget, little sister, that I'm also apparently Arl of Amaranthine… any way I can stick that on someone else?"

"Not for at least 6 months. Standard of operations and all," I winked. "Damn… who can I foist it on after that?"

I pointed to a pretty female dwarf, "Natia Brosca, future Commander of the Grey in Ferelden."

Natia looked at me wide-eyed. "But Aedan is…"

"In a few months, Aedan will need to leave Amaranthine to take care of Gwaren, dear. With Alistair being King, that leaves you as the Senior Ferelden Officer. Don't let the Orlesian's take over, Mmmh-kay?" she was stunned but nodded.

"Alistair, my love, I'd… could we… dance?" I was nervous since I knew that he would be embarrassed but I was unsure what his answer would be.

He blushed but held his hand out, "My Lady?"

I knew I was giving him the biggest smile as I took his hand. "So you like to dance?" he asked.

"Well, it's something that's familiar, and it's proven back on earth that holding someone close like this can promote… happiness. I won't go into the science behind it, but hugs are the same way."

"In that case, I'm glad we're dancing. Truth be told, I never really liked it, and couldn't figure out why Eamon deemed it necessary for me to learn before I was shipped off to the monastery…"

"Probably your father."

"Yes, well, at least I advanced in those lessons quickly enough during my Templar training. I was always red and embarrassed about it."

"And now you are holding your wife, dancing at a fancy party," I said giving him a sly grin and keeping my voice low.

He gave me a grin, "I never would have imagined this when we first met. You know I was fascinated by you from the start?"

I laughed, "Is that why you were so disappointed when I said I fell from the fade? You actually wanted to know more about me?" he blushed and nodded. "Exactly. I wasn't sure you caught that… can I kiss you?"

I was startled by the sudden change in topic. "You need never ask, my love. I don't care what anyone else thinks, even if they think I'm simply your mistress."

He flashed me a smile before leaning forward and kissing me, stopping our dance. I heard the whispers break out, but I simply put my arms around his neck, kissing him back.

When he pulled away, he leaned his head against mine. "I'm going to miss you while you're in Kirkwall… or Amaranthine."

I chuckled. "When we met, I knew you'd be king. I just didn't see us being together since I had pointed ears and some extra weight…"

"The only thing that could have stopped us being together was us… not ears, weight, or even a kingdom. I must say, I'm glad you pushed me on our journey. I never would have had the courage to pursue you knowing I was to be King."

We had reached the edge of the dancefloor, and I could tell the party was winding down. "I'm more than glad. Just imagine the day we can tell everyone that you have a Queen. Eamon will have a fit when he learns where and how we got married," I smirked as Alistair laughed again.

Alistair and Aedan gave a 'closing' speech and then it was time for bed. At least I had a month before we headed to Amaranthine for 'Awakening'

AUTHORS NOTE:This marks the end or Origin. Up next - Awakening!