Chapter Three
Guards and Kings
(SMUT IN HERE)
"I'm sorry! I thought I closed my door all the way! It's just memories turned into night terrors… you should all go back to bed."
I had woken everyone with my screams… again. Bela was naked with only her daggers, and the others all wore only sleep garments and had weapons… except Fenris, who had either fallen asleep in his armor or hadn't slept at all yet.
Bela, Merrill, Beth and Carver all headed to their rooms, but Fenris and Hawke stayed.
"You were shouting about a master?" Fenris asked, guarded. I paled; words were new. I had never talked in my sleep before… had I?
"I was… well… I was like you in some ways. I was a slave; a body slave." I gave them the same speech I had given Anders, Nate and Aedan. I even told them how cuddling somehow quieted the dreams, but that it was only a few people who could completely get rid of them.
"Now, go back to bed, both of you. I'll be fine; I always am."
"How? How was your family none the wiser?" Fenris was growling and glowing. I flinched, realizing that he picked up on what the others never did.
"Please… don't ask. You'll be angrier if I tell you. I just… they can't hurt me anymore. I was free for 7 years before I died… I'm safe from them now…"
Hawke didn't move as Fenris sat on the edge of my bed. "Tell us. Please."
"My two older brothers." I looked away as Fenris let out a string of curses. "One of them was caught several times, but I was always too scared to come forward about the other one."
"If one was caught several times, how was he allowed back near you?" Hawke asked as Fenris growled.
I shrugged. "Now can we all go back to bed?"
Fenris and Hawke looked at each other; no one had seemed to realize I was naked beneath my blanket, but then… I was still over-weight so I doubt it mattered much.
"I will stay." Fenris' tone left no room for argument, and Hawke left after a nod. "But Fenris… your markings hurt when you touch people!" I scooted away from him as he removed the top half of his armor and his foot wraps. "Then do your magic; make them not hurt."
"Are… are you sure? You hate Magic…" I had stopped scooting away when I reached the edge of the bed.
"You've done nothing to hurt me, and have been honest to fault. You warned me of Merrill and Anders, and even refused to heal me at that Ambush site when Hawke was yelling for you too because I said no. Strange as it may seem, I think I'm beginning to trust you."
I nodded and slowly reached out to place a hand on his shoulder; I sent my magic in streams, envisioning it pillowing his tattoos. He grunted in surprise, but didn't tell me to stop. We both glowed green and blue – him blue, me green.
When I was done, I released him and waited for him to speak.
"That was… it felt warm, but not overtly so. Is your Magic always like that?"
"Alistair says my healings feel like home, and Senior Enchanter Wynne said my magic feels like a benevolent Fade spirit mixed with a spirit healers magic…but that's just my healing magic; buff magic like rejuvenation have their own feels," I shrugged as I hesitantly snuggled into him. He had stiffened but wrapped one arm around me. I was asleep before he could figure out how to answer. I don't think either of us remembered I was naked…
We got back to the Keep in Kirkwall just in time for Avaline to be coming out of Captain Jevans office looking pissed off and muttering, "Threaten my friends? Not letting that one go, captain." I snorted and caught her attention just as the man in question went to slam his door… before he caught sight of me and stopped.
Jevan was shorter than Avaline at 5'7 with smoky brown-grey hair that was bald at the top and blue eyes… I could feel his evil from half a room away.
"You're… Lady Cousland, right?" Aveline snapped a look to me in shock. I shrugged.
"Sister to two Teyrns and Chancellor of Ferelden… Mistress to the King! Honor to…"
I cut him off. "You'll have to forgive me, Ser, I just came to take Aveline for Lunch… we took out some Bandits yesterday, up the Mount… and I figured she earned a reward for a job well done." I made sure my voice was sweeter than sugar as the Captains jaw hit the floor and he looked between me and Avaline.
"Right… uh… I need to… get back to work." He closed the door.
"We're going to lunch?" Avaline asked in disbelief. "I never said when. I figure we see whose patrol that was, before hitting this nice place in Hightown that offered me a table for today."
We all walked over to the post listing. Avaline was looking it over when a woman came up. She was 5'5 with short strawberry blond hair and soft chocolate eyes with skin like cream… I was jealous of her thin waist. I found myself reaching for my bag and pulling out a chocolate bar for this woman.
"Avaline! I owe you big for clearing out that ambush the other night; saved me a mess of trouble," her voice was so… lulling. How could Jevan ever set up a beauty like this? You would think, as a corrupt man, he'd have tried to bed her, not have her killed!
"Brennan, that route was yours?" Avaline looked horrified. Without much more thought I handed the chocolate over to Brennan… "Uh… I was… I shouldn't eat this sweet stuff so often, and was reminded of it by your eyes… why don't you take it… for your potential troubles." The woman shot me a bright smile and I knew I was blushing when Hawke gave me an amused look.
"Thank you, Miss. And yes, it was mine… single patrol. I'd have been dead for sure."
"A lone guard isn't much of a Patrol," Hawke observed.
"Shouldn't need to be; that route was dead for weeks. First noise out of it was your big fight. Captain reassigned me after he heard what you did, and I passed the satchel to Donnic for his patrol tonight."
I saw Avaline pale as Brennan munched on the chocolate I gave her. "The… satchel?" Hawke asked, sounding suspicious.
"Pay and Order assignments. Captain has us run deliveries to the outposts during light duty. It's usually just an updated copy of the roster; satchel was heavy for that night though. Anyway, thanks Avaline, you're a good one. And you Ma'am for the sweet," she gave us a slight bow before walking away.
"The satchel gets heavy same day we discover an ambush?" Avaline was looking over the roster again.
"I bet there's a perfectly reasonable lie that explains why your captain arranged this," Hawke smirked and I snorted.
"I'd be willing to hear it, but not while another guard may be walking into a trap. Brennan said Donnic… a good man. Ah! Here's his route. Nights walk in low town. Let's go make sure his quiet patrol stays that way!" I smiled at her.
We did all go to lunch… Avaline, Hawke, Fenris, the twins, Merrill, Isabela and Varric all following me like a litter of puppies to the restaurant. We were seated instantly when the host saw my Chancellor broach. I heard a few Nobles in line bitching until the man addressed me using my title.
After we ate, we took Merrill back to the Alienage. "Elgar'nan! Is this… is this really where the Elves live?" Fenris snorted but I spoke. "Yes, hun… it is. Could be worse, could be better."
"Not the prettiest part of Kirkwall, but it doesn't have a view of the giant chains; take what you can get." Varric shrugged.
"I didn't think it would be so… so… I've never seen so many people in one place before. It seems so lonely." I noticed many people looking our way; specifically at me – the seemingly Elven woman in nice clothes with long hair.
"Well… you know us, and you have a standing invitation to visit my place. Who knows; maybe you'll make other friends soon enough," I shrugged and could feel Fenris' gaze on my face.
"Thank you. Thank you for everything; all your help. Will you come visit me? I mean, not now, of course! But maybe later? I could use a friend…"
Hawke nodded and I gave a small smile. She took he leave of the group to go find housing, but I saw Varric hand her that ball of twine and chuckled.
That night, we were walking through Lowtown; Aveline, Hawke, Varric, Fenris and myself. We ran into 3 groups of Sharps Highwaymen and wiped them all out in a relatively easy set of battles. I had already taken care of the fake Guardsmen in Hightown on my first week, catching the Notice of the Jenny's… and the one sent to tell me such was none other than the one who had been in Denerim for the box. He recognized me at once and just shrugged before handing over some coin for the deed.
"This is not a quiet patrol! He should have had another guard with him," Aveline grumbled.
"We will find him, Avaline. Keep heart," she gave me a smile; she had been informed of my inability to lie and already knew of my visions of the future. They all knew I needed to leave some things as they were, but didn't know why… just took it in stride.
I pointed to the proper alleyway and the Warriors were off like a shot while Hawke and I set barriers and Varric began shooting. Only 6 men? They died in less than 2 minutes.
The second wave, coming from behind us fared worse. They had stepped into a trap I'd laid, dying instantly.
"Who… Ave… Aveline? Maker, you're a beautiful sight." I smirked when Hawke and Varric both looked at me… then I nodded causing grins.
"Guardsmen?" She asked with a small smile. "I mean… I was on patrol; they came out of nowhere. I took a few down, but there were too many at once. The captain said this route was supposed to be quiet."
Hawke knelt by a small bag on the ground.
"That's… um, not to alarm anyone, but that's the seal of the viscount. Office details, city accounts," I said.
"Valuable to a guild of thieves," Hawke commented, almost off-handedly.
"A sacrificial delivery with one of our own? Captain Jevan will answer for this." Aveline was pissed.
"Selling out his own? Forget guard captain, this man needs to be in government!" Hawke snarked and I snorted.
"Oh not now, Hawke," Aveline groaned. "Oh that is exactly the kind of humor Alistair will adore," I giggled and Donnic looked at me sharply before taking a knee, "Lady Chancellor!"
"Up. I don't play well with titles. Call me Ara, and we'll get along swimmingly." Aveline gave me a small smile at that. "Avaline, Donnic, we will meet you at the Viscounts keep first thing in the morning. Why don't you two finish this patrol together to keep any more incidents at bay?" Hawke suggested and they nodded. "Excellent idea Hawke."
When we got to the Keep the next morning, Jevan was already being hauled away. "How dare you?! I am Guard Captain! I won't be treated like this! Ferelden Bitch! This was none of your affair! I'll see you hanged; quartered! This will not stand." I walked up to him and stuffed a large piece of bread in his mouth. "You looked like you could use it," I shrugged as he glared and Hawke sniggered.
I turned and saw Seneschal Bran Cavin standing near the Guard Captains desk. He was 5'6 with short but fluffy red hair and brown eyes. He had stubble on the front edge of his squared jaw but nowhere else. Somehow that suited him. If I didn't know he had someone he was… seeing, I'd likely have tried him out.
He gave me a small bow before looking to Aveline. "We found a number of debts to… suspect peoples. Such poor character. But you, Aveline Vallen, have proven you're loyalty and ability."
"The guards deserve better than him, messere."
"Indeed. The viscount would have you put your care of the men into direct practice. You will assume the captains spot."
"What?" Her eyes shot to me and I bowed my head with a smirk. "You earned it… Guard Captain."
Bran gave me an amused look. "In due time, of course. There will be training, approvals… Months, at least. But who better to rebuild respect than the woman who exposed this… embarrassment? Resolve any outstanding buissness, Guardswoman; you will be very busy."
Bran grinned at her and then to me before walking from the room.
That's how it went for the next week. Hawke had cleared out Lowtown and the Docks of the… miscreants living there. And also took care of the 'Birthright' quest to get the will in his family estate. Anders had been busy in his clinic with having spread the word he would be going on the expedition; everyone wanted to get their needs met before he left.
Today, I visited the Gallows… well, I visited Cullen. He had been walking the main courtyard when I visited, and I had teased the hell out of him. He turned bright red when I mentioned his kiss, but gently refused another one. I pouted, but all I got was a hug. He had gone back to being shy. Maybe it was because I was wearing a backless halter dress with a deep red waist cincher belt? My hair was pulled back at the sides and clipped in the back but otherwise left loose and parted from the left.
That was the day that things got interesting. Alistair arrived. And found me at the Gallows flirting with Cullen. Quite a few Templars looked between the two men as though they were about to lose their Knight-Captain… until Alistair slapped Cullen on the shoulder and said, "Good to see you again, man."
Alistair was only an inch shorter than Cullens 6'2 so unless you knew what to look for… you couldn't tell. Like Cullen, Alistair had blond hair, but his was liable to blind you with its brightness. His eyes were emerald green, and damn was he fit. He was wearing his Dragon Bone armor and the Ivory white color of it looked damn good on him. It was made by Wade before the Landsmeet and was his 'Battle' Armor… he also had his brothers gold armor for Ceremonial things back home in Denerim.
"Your Majesty…" Alistair cut him off. "No. first off, I'm on vacation; second, Ara likes you, so no titles from you." I could hear the Jaws dropping around me. That's when I caught sight of a guard with him. "Is that…" Alistair motioned the man forward, and the guard handed me the leash to the large wriggling dog… I took the leash off the pup.
I squealed and pulled the dog into my arms. Revas sniffed at me before licking my face.
I had learned that Hawke did have a Mabari of his own; named Soldier.
"Cullen, look! This is Revas. His father was my loyal hound Fen." Cullen reached out and gave the hound a scratch on the head. Like Fen, Revas was Black in Color but had honey gold 'socks' that showed his mother's coloring, along with green eyes.
The hound sniffed at Cullen before just sitting down and allowing him to pet him.
I jumped up and kissed Alistair, who caught me and kissed me back. "You, Ser, are too sweet. You need to make some mistakes or I will begin to think you're just too perfect."
Alistair grinned down at me. "I believe I was promised pizza… can we do that?"
I chuckled. "Cullen, would you like to join us for supper?" Cullen hesitated but eventually shook his head.
"So how long are you here for?" I asked.
"2 weeks, surprisingly. I took a boat from Highever at your brothers' insistence, so that cut the journey by 2 days in either direction. I brought what you asked for, by the way."
I smiled as we boarded the Ferry to Kirkwall proper. People stared and pointed as we walked through the town. We were in Lowtown when I dragged him into the Hanged Man.
"Varric Tethras!" I shouted, causing Alistair to jump and his guards to grip their swords. Everyone turned to us and I saw people's eyes bug. Varric poked his head down the stairs and almost tipped over.
"Feathers… you could have warned me." He motioned us back and I dragged Alistair along. Alistair whispered my new nickname and I nodded, "Yeah they know about…" I gestured behind me to indicate my wings.
I looked to Varric and giggled. "He surprised me at the gallows while I was flirting with Cullen."
That's when I noticed the table was pretty full. Our whole party was here.
"Everyone, I'd like you to meet King Alistair Theirin… and he hates titles like I do so just call him Alistair. Love, starting at the Dwarf and going Left around the tale, this is, Varric, Hawke, Bethany, Carver, Fenris, Aveline, Merrill and, of course, you remember Anders and Isabela."
He shook hands with almost everyone… just not Isabela. Instead he just blushed when she said, "Oooh, is this my second chance to have a piece of you both?"
I laughed and said, "I'm game… Alistair, what about you? It could be… interesting"
"Interesting, she says; like it was a good book or maybe a delightful pastry. Well, I'll say it; I am a weak, weak man. I guess I'll just have to play along."
I saw his guards look at each other in jealousy. Isabela squealed. "And… if we move this party to our place, there will be pizza…"
Like a shot everyone was standing. Aveline looked confused since she was the only one who hadn't tried it before. The patrons of the hanged man seemed in awe at our little parade through the pub.
"And then Ara here tells the displaced Princess Sereda of Orzammar, 'Fuck me, no one told me you were fucking gorgeous,' before attempting to tell her about the Aeducan Shield… and failing. She had to get Zev, the Assassin, to take over because, and I quote, 'you're better around pretty women,' before asking me if she can have one… referring to the princess." Alistair was continuing our tale from the Deep Roads for Varric and I was bright red.
"She flirted back if you recall. Said she found it hard to believe you would be willing to share me. If she wasn't with Kardol, I'd maybe have had a chance…"
The whole table was laughing, even Aveline. "What was that song you sang that night? The one about…"
"It's called 'Wasn't Me'… and it was likely Zev and Belas theme song, now that I think about it…" that opened up ribbing to get me to sing it.
"Fine, but don't be too surprised… I was raised in a culture of Perverts…"
Honey came in and she caught me red-handed
Creeping with the girl next door
Picture this we were both butt naked
Banging on the bathroom floor
How could I forget that I had
Given her an extra key
All this time she was standing there
She never took her eyes off me
Aveline looked embarrassed, and Bethany and Carver were bright red, but the others got a kick out of it. "Sing another one, love? I've missed your voice…"
"Alistair Theirin, stop saying things like that… I still haven't caught up with your sweetness and at this rate, I never will." Merrill cooed at that but I sang another song anyway.
I chose 'Broken' by Lovelytheband
I like that you're broken
Broken like me
Maybe that makes me a fool
I like that you're lonely
Lonely like me
I could be lonely with you
Alistair snorted at the end. "I think you found the song that perfectly describes all three of the men you love." I smirked, "That's why I sang it."
The guards were all in the second dining room – the one closer to the front door – enjoying their own pizza buffet.
I leaned into Alistair as Revas barked at me and I reached over and handed him another slice of the 'doggie' pizza – it was chicken and peanut butter. Gross but Revas and Soldier seemed to adore it. We had stopped at Gamlen's on the way here to pick up the Hound and offer Leandra to stay here until the mess with the Amell estate was cleared up… she was packing tonight, and would be over in the morning.
The last few hours of the night involved finishing up the tale of Origins – though Varric was calling it Heros of Ferelden in honor of Aedan and I – before I began awakening… though I only got as far as the clearing of the Vigil before I said… "Alright, it's been a great night and we can do it again tomorrow… now go home; I want to take advantage of my husband."
"But kitty!"
"Tomorrow, Bel… I want a night alone with him first. I haven't had sex since before the Battle at the Vigil." She flinched and gave me a sympathetic look. Everyone filed out.
"Take advantage of me?" Alistair teased as we got to the bedroom.
I didn't answer. I closed the door to the bedroom and yanked him into me. Alistair groaned and held me to him as his lips descended on my own. My hands deftly unhooked his armor – almost a year of experience was good for that – and he helped me.
His Armor thunked to the floor and he was soon in only his smalls; even his arming clothes were off. My clothes were much easier to deal with anyway; no small clothes, only the dress and belt. I had taken off my black ankle boots upon returning home.
I whimpered when he pulled away. "Makers Breath, I've missed you…"
He dropped to his knees before I could kiss him again. My back fell softly against the door at my back as his left hand gripped my waist and his right moved gently over my most sensitive area. His breath was hot against me as he groaned.
"I've missed your taste…" he breathed as his tongue darted out and gave a quick flick against my clit. I whimpered.
"Alistair… Goddess, if you're going to do that, I want to taste you too." He slid a finger into me with a chuckle. "You do that, and I can tell you now that I won't last… I need this to last," he growled.
"And I need you. I think I may resort to more… drastic measure… if you keep this up…" I panted.
He groaned and stood, catching my thighs on his way up to lift me between him and the door. I yelped in shock.
I threw my arms around him as he carried me to the bed. Alistairs lowered me slowly and kissed his way along my jaw, down my neck; spending time nibbling there as his hands roamed my body before moving his way to my chest. He sucked my right nipple into his mouth before his right hand moved down to my womans area.
I felt him slip two fingers into me, his thumb rubbing circles on my clit while he kissed his way from one nipple to the other, softly nibbling it. I gasped as my back arched in pleasure. I heard his name escape my lips.
I was panting and gasping as he moved back up to my throat, biting down hard and electing a cry of delight from me. I heard the Fae language slip from my lips as I begged him to take me. He chuckled and moved his fingers harder and faster into me, knowing I was getting close to peak.
"Alistair…" I felt my hips jerk as the nails of one hand embedded in his shoulder and the other fisted into the sheets of the bed. I cried out as ecstasy washed over me. I was still mid-peak when I felt him enter me.
I whimpered against his shoulder as he slowly slid in. "Ara… Makers Breath, I've missed you."
I allowed my hips to meet his thrusts as one of his hands rested on my waist… he groaned as I squeezed him with my internal muscles and hissed out, "Minx!"
I smiled at him and lifted one hand to tangle in his hair as the other roamed his back and side, lightly scrapping and electing small gasps and moans. His hips jerked hard and I begged for more; he obliged. Each thrust rubbing my clit and bringing me closer to a second wave of pleasure.
I brought my legs up to wrap around him and heard his growl. "I am yours, my Queen; my wife!" I whimpered again, "And I am yours, husband. Goddess!" I shouted as I fell over the edge into a second orgasm. His thrusting sped up and he bit into my neck while my nails clawed his back and shoulder.
"Makers Breath… I am a lucky man, indeed… were we serious about Isabela?" I burst into laughter. "Oh, yes, love. She's been trying very hard to seduce me this last month… give or take. And you agreed in the tavern so you know she'll keep on it." I was giving him a wicked grin as I snuggled into his chest. He groaned. "Well, thank you for allowing tonight to be just us, in that case." I hummed and used magic to cover us with the blanket and clean us up.
The next morning, we were awoken by a knocking on the door.
"Your Majesty, My Lady… there is a… Ser Hawke and associates at the door…" I removed the silencing spell and called out, "See them to the Dining Hall, if you please. We will be down shortly."
"Yes, My Lady." Alistair stretched as he sat up and I grinned. "Love… you have more battle wounds than the first time we were together. Would you like me too…" he cut me off with a kiss before saying, "Don't you dare… do you have any casual clothes for me?"
I nodded and gestured to the armoire on his side of the bed. There were currently 3 in the room; Mine, Alistairs, and one for Fenris if he stayed the night. Alistairs and mine were on either side of the bed while Fenris' was beside the door – across from the bed.
I chose black jeans, a crimson off shoulder 'pirate' top with a black and red 'under-bust' corset, thigh high flat-heeled pirate boots, and fingerless gloves.
I turned and my jaw hit the floor. Alistair was also in black jeans and had chosen a brown button-down shirt and 'work' boots with a dark brown leather belt. "Love… if we didn't have company, I'd take you back to bed."
He nervously ran a hand through his hair, "You like it?"
"Love it. Let me just… do my hair and we'll head on down."
I brushed through my hair, 'sneaking' glances at my handsome husband – much to his amusement – before putting all but a single lock of hair into a high ponytail; leaving that lock to frame the right side of my face.
"Bela, dear, doesn't Alistair look ravishing?" I asked when we got down stairs. The Kings guard looked horrified that he wasn't wearing armor. "Oh, yes…"
"My Liege, where is your armor?" the head guard asked. This man stood 5'10 with neat brown hair and grey eyes. He had a neat beard on his strong jaw and his skin was a deep tan.
"Decorating the bedroom floor, Ser…"
"Garrick, My Lady. Your Majesty, I strongly suggest…"
"Ser Garrick, I will make you a deal; I like deals… if we plan to leave Hightown, I will personally see to it the King equips his Armor. In return, you relax. This house is warded against unwanted intruders, and Hawke here cleared out all the mercenary gangs in the city over the last two weeks."
Garrick did seem to relax at that. "Now… what's on the agenda for today?"
"Well, we have to make a stop at the Gallows; a woman named Macha says that her brother Keran joined the Templars last month and has now just… vanished. She's… heard some terrible rumors."
I let out a curse. "Fuck! Alistair, go get your armor on if you're coming with us. This will involve a trip outside the city and another to dark town. Damnit!" without arguing, Alistair walked up the stairs, returning 20 minutes later, fully armed. We left his guard behind.
We got to the Gallows and one of the recruits gave me and Alistair a bow. "My Lady, the Knight Captain isn't here, today."
"I know recruit Hugh. We're here to talk about Keran." Hugh was 5'8 with sandy brown hair, green eyes and pale skin… in fact he looked a lot like the two recruits next to him, Ruvena and Paxley; the only difference was Ruvena was 5'5 with blue eyes and Paxley was 5'7 with lighter hair and a mustache.
"We cannot speak to you about that, Serah." Ruvena said in a low tone, looking more… distressed than she had in the game.
"Oh to the Void with that! Keran and the others… they're missing, Rue." Hugh snapped.
"But our orders…" Paxley whined. The man's voice was… horrid.
"It's not like the Knights are doing anything to find them; I think it's time for outside help. Besides, Captain Cullen trusts this woman, and she has the King with her!"
"You can trust us, we're only trying to keep Keran safe," Hawke stated from beside me. I bowed my head to Hawke and took a step back, showing that he was in charge of this group.
"I… I hear that Knight Commander Meredith has some new initiation you have to go through; if you're not strong enough or fervent enough in your belief, you don't make it out alive." Alistair gave a distressed sound low in his throat and looked to me. I shook my head slightly and he relaxed even as Carver said, "Sounds brutal… and effective."
"Oh you honestly believe that?" Ruvena asked in disbelief.
"Recruits keep going missing." Hugh stated. "Wilmod came back." She shrugged.
"What?" Hugh and Paxley asked in shock. "He did. I saw him this morning."
"Can you tell us anything else?" Hawke asked.
"Wilmod… told me he was going outside Kirkwall. 'Clear his head', he said." Ruvena hesitated.
"Why didn't you tell us this?" Hugh asked accusingly. "Knight Captain Cullen ordered it; right before he chased after Wilmod. That wasn't too long ago; if you hurry, you may catch them on the road."
"Foolish man!" I shouted and took off, Alistair was hot on my heels and Hawke gave apologies to the recruits before rushing to catch up.
"What do we know?" Alistair asked as we all piled into a boat and I decided to use discreet magic to speed up the boat. "I swear; it's a miracle that man survives to the year 40 Dragon with the way he does this! Wilmod is… there are blood mages in Dark Town that are using their magics to rip away the defenses in the recruits to have Demons possess them. It takes upwards of 5 blood mages to fuck with one recruit, so it's difficult. I haven't gotten an exact location, so I can't go after them directly… yet. But Wilmod is possessed and Cullen is going to get himself killed if we don't hurry."
Fenris growled, "Fenhedis! You see why…"
"Yes, Fenris, but I know what Merrill is up too, and honestly she's harmless. She just wants to fix an ancient Elvhen artifact. That's all. There!"
We landed on the Wounded Coast and I rushed forward when I caught sight of Cullen rounding a corner.
"Andraste be my witness, Wilmod; I will have the truth from you… now!" Cullen shouted and I froze. Everyone behind me halted. Wilmod was much shorter than Cullen – only 5'6 with tussled black hair and brown eyes. Unlike in the game, his skin was the color of milk chocolate.
Wilmod caught sight of us and whimpered. "Mercy, Ser, mercy!"
"Were it that easy…" Cullen growled. "Don't hit me!" Cullen kneed the demon masquerading as a recruit in the gut and I flinched.
As Wilmod fell to the ground with an exaggerated grunt, Cullen drew Vigilance from the deep red Dragon Hide sheath it came with. "I will know where you're going; and I will know now."
"Cullen, my love… back away from the recruit… slowly, if you please."
"This is Templar buissness, Ara," Cullen shot me a look, seeing Alistair with me.
I motioned to Alistair who pulled Cullen away from Wilmod just as the demon began laughing, "You have struck me for the last time, you pathetic human; to me!"
At his shout, Wilmods face dissolved into that of a rage demon while 4 greater shades emerged around him. I began fighting as Alistair used a smite that was focused to the area of Demons. It was strong enough to stun them and gave the rest of us a chance to simply… take heads and no names. There was one injury…
When it was over, Cullen spoke, looking shaken up, "I knew… I knew he was involved in something sinister; but this… is it even possible?"
"Was that… possession?" Hawke asked disgusted.
"Normally, we only worry about Mages falling victim to possession. I have heard of Blood Mages, or demons in solid form, who could summon others into an unwilling host… but I had not thought one of our own would be susceptible."
Hawke sighed and pinched his nose. "With what I've seen in Kirkwall… nothing surprises me anymore." He was giving me a look from behind his hand and I stuck my tongue out while Cullen wasn't looking.
"I'm Knight Captain Cullen… I thank you for your assistance. And you, Ara, your majesty."
"Now, Cullen, what did I say about the title? Not only am I on vacation, you're one of Aras chosen. Even if things don't work out between you two, you're still pretty much a brother to me." Alistair shrugged.
"Er… right. I've been conducting an investigation on some of our recruits who've gone missing; Wilmod was the first to return. I had hoped to confront him quietly; out of sight."
Hawke snorted and responded, "Maybe next time you should try loudly and in public."
"I… meant to scare him into confession… he had to believe my threats were real. He'd only been back a short time when he set off again – it set off some warning bells."
"Were actually looking for Keran, Cullen… do you know where…" I asked.
"No, he disappeared too. They were last seen together at the Blooming Rose, but I had no luck interrogating the, uh… young ladies there… I doubt they know anything of Magic or demons, anyway."
"Well, I'd be willing to search there." Hawke smirked. Bela giggled as I told Alistair exactly what the Blooming Rose was… much to his chagrin.
"The Order would truly be in your debt if you helped us with this. No one at the brothel will speak to me for fear I would shut them down for… servicing our recruits. If you learn what manner of creature did this to Wilmod, please come tell me at the Gallows. I will ensure you are rewarded." Cullen began to turn away but I threw myself into his arms.
"Don't… please don't do something so foolish again? It pains me to think what could have happened had we not gotten here in time." There was a tear or two slipping from my eyes as Cullen held me.
"It's not something I can promise… but I will try; for you," he responded before leaving for the Gallows.
"Ara… is that blood?" I flinched as I realized Hawke was pointing to the back of my shoulder. "Er… yes?"
"It's… disappearing as it drips…"
"It does that. Can I have a health potion? I'm mediocre at healing myself…"
Alistair was there, wrapping my arm with a bandage in moments as Fenris handed me a potion.
I took Hawke, Alistair, Varric and Isabela to the Rose… I sent everyone else on their way.
We approached Viveka who recognized me and Alistair straight away. Her eyes widened, but Hawke spoke first. "Do you know Wilmod? Keran? They're Templar recruits who went missing. They were last seen here."
"We don't disclose our patrons… information."
"Viveka, honey… they're missing. One is already dead. If we don't act quick enough… we may not find anyone alive." I affected a sad look.
"Well… no need to get all dramatic on me." She moved to look at her registry on the counter beside her. "Hmmm… Here we go. Looks like Wilmod came in here a lot; are you sure he was a Templar? Didn't seem to have the time… ah; the both of them last saw 'Idunna the Exotic Wonder from the East.'" Here voice was dead pan as she said the name. Something told me she didn't like Idunna…
"Anything else you can tell us? We're also looking for Jethann…"
"Honey, I could write volumes on the things I know. As for Jethann, it's his off day but he's in his room. Now, unless you want to know Wilmods favorite position, I think you have what you need."
"That we do; thank you sweetie!" I called out as I dragged Alistair with me to Jethanns room and Hawke took Varric and Bela over to Idunnas room.
The Elf was kind of cute; 5'4 with red hair down to his shoulders and cobalt blue eyes. He turned as we entered. Seeing us, his eyes widened. "Well, today is my off day, but I'll make an exception for the two of you… what can I say; why work if you're not working… hard?"
I giggled as Alistair cleared his throat. "As… nice as that sounds, we're not here for that… right?" he asked me, nervous.
"Nope. I have some questions about Ninette, honey. Have you seen her lately?"
"Well… not for several weeks; which is a shame… I adore her company. I hear she finally left her worthless husband; good for her. I just wish she'd said good-bye." "Any… ideas where she might be?" Alistair asked.
"Hmmm… not personally, but there was someone else looking for her. He was a Templar; Emeric, I believe. He wouldn't sleep with me either. Though… I can't see why a Templar would be interested in someone who wasn't a mage…"
"Someone else Ninette spent… time with, perhaps?" Alistair asked me.
"She did always love a man in uniform," Jethann responded, looking the King over. I giggled as Alistair stepped closer to me.
"You could ask him yourself; said he had a lead in Dark Town, could see if he's still there. And, uh… if you do find Ninette, tell her to drop by and see me sometime?" he asked. I smiled and handed over a Sovereign and said, "Thank you for your time, sweetie."
We exited the room just in time to bump into Hawke leaving Idunnas room. "Couldn't have warned us that she was a blood mage?" Hawke snarked and I gave a feigned look of shock, "Oops. Sorry… so did you kill her or…?"
"She's dead. I've sent a runner for the Templars to remove her remains. Seeing as I had two witnesses to the fact that she tried to have me kill myself…" I sniggered at his expression.
