Chapter Two

Cats and Grounds-keepers

(TRIGGER WARNING: SLAVERY AND VIOLENCE)

The next morning, I got up early and began cooking after seeing Alistair off. I sent him with an assortment of cheeses and Fen… he loved the cheese selection. I had to shoo everyone out of the kitchen; that wasn't easy. I didn't want anyone who was in the attack last night working, they needed to heal. I made a large batch of potato, sausage, bacon and eggs with cheese and tortillas; enough for everyone.

I then went and found the cat in the courtyard, asking Samuel (the groundskeeper) if he'd seen it. Thankfully, he had, and pointed me in the right direction.

I pulled a small dish and a jar of milk from my bag, luring the kitten to me. He was an orange tabby with the cutest green eyes and dark stripes.

I got to the dining hall just in time for breakfast to be served.

"Anders! I found him; I found the cat!" the man stood swiftly and made his way over to me, causing the guards that Alistair left behind to stiffen before I waved them off.

"Ohhh, look at the cute little kitty! You know, there was a mouser in the tower named Mr. Wiggums. Only company I had when the Templars would lock me up. Miss that beast a lot sometimes… but I can't keep a cat, we fight Darkspawn for a living."

I grinned, "He can stay at the Keep if you're that worried for him…"

"I suppose… well, I'll keep him just for a little while; until I find somewhere safer. Is that okay with you kitty?" the cat meowed and softly purred. "I'll call you… Ser pounce-a-lot! You can stay in my pack. Just for a little while, yes?" he took the cat from my arms, cooing to him and checking him over.

"And… where did you find the cat?" Aedan asked with a smirk. "In the garden with the groundskeeper Samuel."

Nathaniel shot up and rushed out the door. I followed him, much to the annoyance of my guards.

"Samuel? Grounds Keeper Samuel? I'm… overjoyed you stayed on! Please, do you know how my brother died? And my… sister? I was in the Free Marches…"

"Your brother died in the war, but Lady Delilah… you didn't know? She's not dead, son. She married a shop keep in Amaranthine. Don't know which one… poor girl."

"Nathaniel… I told you where Delilah was…" I said. "I know what you said, but… I assumed she was dead, My Lady… with everyone else… I only went along with your plan for that hope. I thought…" his voice cracked and I put my arms around him. Aedan looked stunned as I hugged a man who he thought was his enemy.

"I promise, Nate, you'll see her again. We have to go to Amaranthine soon anyway. And call me anything other than 'Ara' again and I will slap you upside the head, hear me?" I grinned as I felt him laugh.

"Must you flirt with everyone?" Aedan griped. As we moved off to a secluded area with just me, Anders, Nate, and Aedan.

"Yes… well everyone I'd gladly take to my bed. You know I was 27 before I met you? Being magically teleported to Thedas has given me youth." I wrinkled my nose.

"Really?" Aedan asked as Anders and Nate asked for details.

"I'm not an Elf; I'm… something else. Best I can figure I'm a pixie. I have magics that are strange to this land; I can see the future and feel emotions… I have wings and can't tell a lie," I continued to explain in a whisper as we made our way back to the keep.

Once we entered I dragged all three men with me to my room.

"Why are we… here?" Nate asked and I knew he'd been about to say 'in my fathers room'.

"Easiest way to prove what I say is real." I let out my wings after closing the door. Anders looked stunned but Nate was staring at me like I was an enigma.

"So… you aren't much younger than I am?" Nate asked, causing Anders to shout, "That's what you focus on?"

I giggled. "Not much younger at all. In theory I'm 28 now; but my body is still 22 though I celebrated a birthday no long ago…"

I answered questions for a few hours before there was a knock at the door.

"Commander! Dispatch has arrived for you, and Sergeant Maverlies has urgent news for you," I heard from the other side of the door and opened it.

"Thank you private, I'll take the missives. Dismissed," the blond woman saluted me and left.

"What's the saying? 'No rest for the wicked'?" Anders laughed as he held his cat, Nate smirked and Aedan had an eyebrow raised.


I had managed to convince Aedan to clear the cellars, talk to wade, and fund Voldrik Glavonak for the rebuild of the walls… though I managed to convince Aedan to give 90 for a 'buffer' amount. I tried to talk Mhairi out of taking the Joining, but she was adamant; even knowing she would most likely die. I had offered her many things – position of her choice, gold… I knew none of it would sway her choice, but I had to try.

I promised Dworkin that we would locate some Lyrium sand for him much to Aedans amused alarm. And then we left for Amaranthine, leaving Natia in charge of the Keep itself.

We were… waylaid by spiders and I will happily admit to laughing maniacally as I set the fucking things on fire…

The night before we reached the city, Aedan gave a shout of frustration.

"This is your fault sister! I have one of your songs stuck in my head!"

I laughed as the other Oghren snorted and Anders and Nate looked startled.

"Which one, dear brother?"

"That… first one you sang for us. Bite your kiss… or something like that"

I giggled at that and began singing it. Nate looked scandalized, but Oghren and Anders looked interested.

These boys just talk and talk

But somehow I can't seem to listen

I'm thinkin' 'bout the one who's dressed in black

Got my head missin'

I'm switching up the order

I'm on top that's my position

I eat 'em up, I spit 'em out

I got a bad condition

Anders was mouthing along by the time I hit the second chorus, but when I hit the hook lines, Nate dropped his jaw. I once more had to explain 'riding shotgun on your lips'.

"And… just where does one learn these songs?" Nate asked looking somewhat subdued.

"By being raised in a culture full of sex addicts. It was a favorite pastime of my homeland for most. Sure there were people who had no interest in sex at all, but for the most part my world ran on sex and coin."

"Will you sing another?" Anders asked with a coy grin.

I gave him a large grin and began 'Fuck away the pain' by Divide the Day.

You think your life is done he took it all with him

So you drink enough for it to wash away the sin

Such a shitty thing he did, the way he said goodbye

You can take it out on me if you like

Anders was laughing as Aedan threw a piece of bread at me.

"What would Alistair think? You are practically inviting these guys…" Aedan shook his head.

"Alistair knows, brother; and we both have links to him if we want to tell him. I wasn't exactly subtle about it when we were all at the keep. Maybe nothing will come of it, but you know what this means," I gestured to my Poly tatt on my upper arm. "Besides, bro, you sound like a little kid about to tattle to the parents…"

Anders snorted at that. I thought for a minute, "If you want something a little more family friendly, though…" I began Waiting for Superman by Daughtry.

When we finally called it a night, we all entered my tent. It may have looked like a little one-person lean-to from the outside, but I had set it up so that it had 4 rooms on the inside. Right now, Nate and Oghren were sharing, and Aedan was rooming with Anders. As the only female, I had my own room. Eventually it would be re-arranged so that it would be Oghren with Nate, Anders and Justice, Velanna and Sigrun, and Aedan and I. And since Aedan was my brother, there would be no problems. There was also a bathroom, kitchen and sitting area with enough seating for all 8 of us once we were all rounded up.


It was not quite dawn when I shot up with a strangled scream. Moments later, Aedan with his daggers, Nathaniel with his bow, and Anders with his staff burst into the room.

"I'm… so sorry. I forgot to put up the silencing charm… sorry…" I was panting and tears rolled from my eyes. I held the blanket up to cover me, since I slept naked.

Each of the three men wore only a pair of sleeping pants, and the two with longer hair had it sticking in all directions.

"What happened?" Aedan asked as they all lowered their weapons. Nathaniel turned red as he was the first to notice my shoulders my shoulders were bare.

"Just… nightmares. I've been getting them since coming to Thedas. They only seem to subside when I'm… snuggling with someone. It's why I kept pulling Alistair along to my tent before he and I ever actually… well, it doesn't really matter. I'm sorry to have woken you all."

"What kind of nightmares?" Aedan sounded like he wanted to hug me, but finally realized how awkward that would be.

"The usual… my death, my years as a… I mean, it's just stuff that happened before I met you," I corrected looking away.

"No, what were you about to say?" Anders and Nathaniel shared a look before each of them sat on the second bed in the room.

"Do I have to say it? You'll tell Alistair, and all of you will feel really awkward around me from now on… especially because this information will clash with my personality. You won't understand. No one ever does," I sighed, using magic to make a robe appear so I could let go of the blanket.

"Yes. If it gives you nightmares, you have to tell someone," Anders spoke up. "It isn't healthy for you to bottle it up."

"Believe me, Anders, I know. In my home world, there are healers who dedicate themselves to the healing of the mind. For the most part, it means listening to the trauma that caused the need for someone to see them in the first place. I was forced to see several of them over my life time. The last time was because I almost killed myself…" the horror on the mens faces told me exactly how they would react to the nightmares content.

"What… what is it?"

"I was a sex slave. I was 5 when it started and it went until I was 20. Slavery of any kind is illegal where I lived, but that doesn't stop it from happening. I was only free for 7 years when I died. Can you imagine? Rape is actually rather common-place, unfortunately, but my… circumstances were unique. 1 in 3 women are raped, 1 in about 33 men are raped… now just imagine, I had 2 younger sisters. I was the oldest; I had to… protect them. I couldn't let them… I had a choice. I never left the care of my family, but I placed myself into that position to save them."

I was right, of course. Aedan and Nathaniel looked sick but Anders… "You've heard worse, haven't you, Anders?" he hesitated.

"I suppose worse depends on who you talk to. For some, the worst that they can imagine is the best that's happened to some. Life is no more than a game of luck, isn't it?" I nodded.

"Now… I promise to keep my silencing charm up, but its dawn now. Time to get a move on."

Aedan groaned as he left my room. I hardly saw him yank Anders and Nathaniel into a whispered conversation as I shut the door to change.


I glared at Colbert as he tried to 'seduce' me. "Call me honey-pie one more time, and I'll rivet you to the damn floor." He looked startled at the amount of malice in my voice, but moved his attention to Aedan. We had gotten to Amaranthine around mid-day, and I knew my temper was short from lack of sleep since Alistair had left the Vigil.

Aedan paid him a Sovereign and we headed to the gates, where I handed over my pack before the man could ask, earning a relived smile from the dark skinned guard.

"What are you doing man? That's the Warden-Commander and the Lady Chancellor!"

"But… you said everyone."

"It's quite alright, Constable Aidan. This man was simply doing his job, and everyone does mean everyone after all," I smiled, and could practically feel the approval ratings going up around me.

"That's… thank you for being so understanding, My Lady," the Constable said, looking somewhat chastised. He was 5'9 with sandy hair and tired green eyes. If I were a betting woman, I'd say he was early 40s at least.

"I hear you have trouble with smugglers around here? We can help, if you'll let us," Aedan said from beside me. "I would greatly appreciate that, my Lord."

I glanced around, catching sight of the market and a very familiar head of black hair. "Nate… hun, I think I see your sister!" Nathaniel immediately rounded to look in the direction I was pointing, his face lighting up. "Delilah!"

The Constable, only just realizing who was among our company, did a double take; looking between Aedans rueful look to Nathaniel who grabbed my hand and dragged me off to meet his sister. I giggled as Delilah looked up in bewilderment. I knew Nate sounded like his brother, though that wasn't mentioned in the game; I had seen Thomas' death in a vision though I hadn't entirely known it was him until I met Nate.

Delilah looked like a prettier female version of Nate. Her long black hair was left loose around her shoulders, sparkling golden eyes, and flawless pale skin.

"Nathaniel? Oh thank the Maker! I had feared the worst!" she exclaimed and rushed to embrace him.

"Times must have been…" I elbowed him. "Forgive your brothers poor manners! My name is Arvaala Cousland. I hear congratulations are in order on your nuptials?"

"Oh, thank you my lady! Albert makes me so very happy… I was so glad to get away from fathers evil… this life is so much better."

"Fathers evil? Isn't that overstating it a bit? He got caught up in politics…"

"You… weren't here, Nathaniel. You didn't see what he did. You want the culprit who destroyed our family; it was him, without question."

"I… had no idea." I hugged Nathaniel's arm in an attempt to comfort him… I think all I managed was to catch his sisters attention.

"Of course you did… but you always worshiped father, right from when you were a little boy. Come, let's catch up, shall we?"

"Um… I'll just… wonder the market a bit. It is my first time here…" Delilah gave me a smile and led her brother off just in time for Aedan to wonder over.

We did some shopping; Aedan went and took care of the Crown and the Lion for Kristoffs location with Anders and Oghren, while I rounded up all the poison.

I was turning the poison over to Kendrick, when I heard Nathaniel say in an exasperated voice, "No, Delilah, we are not in a relationship. You know she's King Alistairs Mistress."

I giggled behind him and he turned swiftly. "Oh, Nate, if you want me, Alistair has already given me his blessing… would you like to ask?" I winked and held up the topaz sending stone from my waist, causing Delilah to laugh.

"What? No! I mean… I'm not…" He stammered and I shot a wink at Delilah.

"When is the little one due?" I nodded to her stomach, causing her to look stunned.

"How… I'm only 4 months along…" she muttered.

"Relax, sweetie. I was a momma not long ago, I just know the signs, fairly well," both Nate and Delilah paled.

"Was…?" she whispered. I gave a sad smile but only said, "House fire. He would be 4 soon. Children can be quite the handful, but just when you're at your wit's end, they'll do something so sweet that you can't help but think it's all worth it."

To my shock, she hugged me. I had come to realize that I craved touch more since coming to Ferelden; though I had always been touchy-feely.

I dragged Nate off after a few more moments, heading to the tavern.

I giggled when I saw the Blight Orfans Notis Bord and tossed a golden coin into the 'Donashun Tin', much to Nathaniels amusement.

I explained what I knew about it; people pretending to be orphans so they could get coin for drinking, and that I thought it was good that people could find a way to be somewhat happy in these times. I also told him that I had a charity set up in Denerim for real Orphans of the Blight. He gave me a speculative but overall approving look.

Wynne was by the Chantry and I got a big hug and Anders got a stern talking to about 'running away' while I stuck my tongue out from behind her.

As we left Amaranthine later that night, getting back to our Campsite from the night before, I was exhausted. After setting up our 'tent' (see 'magic housing'), I decided to make chicken nuggets and mac-n-cheese for dinner. It was quick, easy, and filling…

I didn't bother eating, I was too tired. I headed to the bathroom for a shower, calling out to Aedan what I was doing. The only one who hadn't cared for the shower was Oghren, of course; everyone else adored it. It was tall enough for a Qunari with its waterfall shower-head system. The pressure was killer too. I had Rose scented hair product for myself – my favorite. I also used a lavender scented body-wash. I had found it hilarious that Anders was starting to smell like me, so I knew exactly who else was using it – not that it was only the smell that clued me in. Anders had the shiniest hair of any of the men. Nate and Aedan both used the 5 in 1 Dove for Men stuff I had placed in there.

When I got out of the shower, I heard Nate ribbing Anders for smelling like a woman.

"You're just jealous you didn't think of it when you noticed all the women hanging around me." Anders sniffed. I laughed.

"You know, my Husband had longer hair than I did, so he had to use the same stuff I did or his hair would be a nightmare to brush. I loved running my hands through his hair, braiding it and playing with it… I kinda miss it." Anders smirked as Nathaniel and Aedan looked contemplative.

"It wouldn't work for Nate, his hair it too short, but I could put some other scented 'women's' hair product in the bathroom if you want, Aedan. You won't smell all 'girly' and you'll have better hair. Win-win." I shrugged as I toweled my hair and sat on one of the chairs.

"Sure?" he said. I reached into my bag and pulled out a Moroccan Infusion with Argon Oil set. "Just keep using the white bottle as body wash, and use this bottle first, rinse, then use the bottle with the 'upside-down' label second. Guarantee you'll have better hair by morning."

Aedan shyly grabbed the bottles before heading off to the shower. I caught sight of him sniffing the contents of the bottles and looking satisfied before he closed the door behind him.

Oghren had already stumbled off to bed and I closed my eyes with my head tilted back. I heard movement before I felt fingers running through my still-wet hair. "Would you like for me to braid it for you?" I heard Nathaniels voice. "I didn't know you could. I'd expect that kind of thing from Anders… not you," I sighed softly and leaned into the soft scratches of my scalp.

"Had a friend in my unit, back in the Marches; she had trouble getting her hair braided to keep it out of the way. Anna was distressed that she might have to cut her hair, so I learned. Trial and error, but after 5 years of practice, I think I have it down," I could hear the smirk in his voice.

"Well… if you're offering, I won't say no. Goddess, I love having my hair played with," I heard surprised grunts from both men at my words.

"I heard you were there when they found the Ashes…" Anders sounded confused.

"Yeah… Don't tell Aedan but I'm also the one who convinced the Guardian to take the Ashes away. If they had stayed, all sorts of bad things would have happened…" I yawned.

"Okay; but why worship a Goddess if you've seen the Makers work with your own eyes?" Nathaniel asked as his fingers moved swiftly to braid my hair. I set a hair tie on my shoulder for when he got to that point.

"Hmm? Faith is not faith if you see proof of something outside your beliefs and change your ways. I know the Maker exists, but that does not mean I stopped worship of my Lady. I'm strange like that. I truly believe that all beliefs exist in some way or another. All legends got their start in truth somewhere in the past. My personal belief is that belief itself is what causes such things. If people want to worship the Flying Spaghetti Monster, then I say more power to them."

"Flying Spaghetti Monster?" Anders sounded amused. "A… it's a religion from my home world."

I felt Nathaniel tie off my braid and I sighed, standing up. "I'm going to try and get some sleep."

"Wait. Um… Commanders orders… you aren't to sleep alone," Nathaniel was beet red as Anders said that with a smirk. "Is that so? Well, who has first duty then?" I was more amused than annoyed. I needed sleep, and if this was Aedans way of making sure I got it, I wasn't going to complain.

"Nathaniel does," Aedan said from behind me, causing me to laugh. "I suppose I can wear smalls and a shirt to bed, if that will make you more comfortable?"

"Please." Nathaniel and Aedan said at once. I ended up having a grey shorts, grey tank-top, and my big snuggly Polyester blend blanket.

"I don't think any of us have thanked you for the… tent? Traveling home? Regardless, thank you. The beds are comfortable, and it really feels like a home." Nathaniel was wearing his cotton sleep pants. I had made sure there were fully stocked armoires in each room for everyone to make sure they were comfortable. If anyone looked into an armoire that had someone else's name on it, they'd notice that. Aedan hadn't bothered to snoop, but I knew Nate had. He'd gone into the girls room two nights ago and had just now confronted me about the 'extra names'.

I told him only that they would join our group… he guessed that Velanna would be a Dalish elf and Sigrun would be a Dwarf based on the clothes I had stocked there. I confirmed the theory and snuggled into his chest.

"You're warm," I muttered. I heard him chuckle awkwardly as he hesitantly put his arms around me. I was asleep in moments.