Chapter Eighteen

Lothering Situations

I rolled my eyes, "This is Leandra and Bethany Hawke, our hosts. Ladies, this is Elissa – my sister – Alistair, Kallian, Theron, Alim, Solona, Duran, Natia, and Morrigan. The hounds over here are Ghost – he's mine – Buster is Aedans' and Barkspawn is Alistairs."

"… Did you say Barkspawn? Like, with a straight face and everything?" Hawke was grinning.

"This coming from the man who named his Bitch Beast," I teased. He flushed, "That… that's fair. But I didn't know she was a bitch when I named her!"

Alistair was sniggering and I shot him a look, "Keep laughing and I won't make the cheesy noodles!"

He stopped at once and straightened his face like he was in a military inspection. Hawke gave me an amused glance, "How did that set him to rights?"

I smirked, "I'll put it like this – Alistair has a love of cheese so intense that he somehow managed to eat cheese that was meant for the King and get away with it."

Alistair flushed, "I'm more than positive that it was because you were at that conversation with me… Cailan was trying to get on your good-side."

I shrugged, "The point here stands. You have an unholy obsession with cheese. I mean – I do to and that is your fault. One of the first things I did after my Seeker Vigil was trying every bit of cheese I could get my grubby pre-pubescent hands on after a vision about you saying you had an obsession with the stuff. I mean really – there I was 10 years old and I had a vision of a man saying that he had an unholy love of cheese. I got to wondering what was so great about it and… well, here we are."

Alistair flushed at catching the blame for that.

"You should feel lucky Alistair – because that one vision led me to leaving castle Cousland with cheese from every region of Thedas just for you to try. I'm going to get dinner started – Theron, you get to help me with cutting the ham. Alistair, help Lady Hawke clean that pot – you have plenty of experience scouring pots, right?"

He laughed, "Raised in a Chantry and was never the Chantry type! I don't know how many times I fell asleep watching the candles in class – they were far more interesting than the Chant of Light, I'll say that. One time, while reciting a chant I called the maker impotent instead of omnipotent… that was a week in the kitchens, if you were wondering."

Hawke did a spit take with the water had just drunk – leading Leandra to pound on his back while he choked. That set me off laughing so hard, it went silent. Morrigan even looked amused.

Elissa was obviously already starting to have feelings – she had a slightly sappy look on her face as she laughed at him.

I looked around, "Oh, Maker… I needed that. So, there are 3 beds and a couch – two to bed, draw lots or something. I don't care – I'm bunking with Hawke just for the scandal factor – we all know nothing will be happening anyway."

Elissa and Alistair instantly started protesting while the others began deciding amongst themselves. Hawke coughed once more and said, "Ah… then I should go… pick up my room some…"

"You didn't even ask if it was okay." Theron laughed.

"Of course you can bunk with me – but I must say that I'll try and steal you from your Templar fiancée."

Solona and Alim looked at each-other before laughing. Solona said, "I wish you luck, cousin – the two of them were fated to be together so I doubt even the Maker could tear them apart."

I smiled softly as I played with the ring on my finger, "I love him."

"Well – I can't compete with love. Still, I need to clean my room."

Elissa glared at Hawke, "You do anything with her and I will castrate you."

He chuckled, "I only do consent, Lady Cousland – rape just isn't my thing."

"That's a sexy trait, right there," I said as I began making noodles. Leandra chuckled at that.

Lis kept glaring as he headed to his room.

I groaned, "Lis – enough. Hawke is a sweetheart and if I wasn't with Cullen and I wasn't completely positive he'd find love in someone else, I might have given him a chance. As it stands, I know he'll find someone else and I'm in love with Cullen."

She shot me a look, "… What's the persons' name?"

I shook my head, "There are a few possibilities. Merrill – Sabre Clans first. Um, Anders – my Anders from Kinlock – an Elf named Fenris, or a pirate queen named Isabela… actually, you'll meet Bela later on. Yes, Theron – I said Merrill; she's leaving the clan next year for… personal reasons."

Therons' mouth snapped shut. Leandra chuckled, "Garrett is a bit… equal opportunity so it could go for any of them. What about…?"

"Carver will go for Merrill if Hawke doesn't – surprising as she'll be a blood mage by then. Bethany… I'm not sure about, though I do have an idea. Marian will also be with one of the 4 options mentioned or a man who is currently a brother in the Chantry though he's also a prince of Starkhaven – I just don't know which."

Theron sputtered, "Merrill; A blood mage? Not possible!"

I shrugged, "The most docile blood mage I will ever have the pleasure of knowing – most that girl can do is making some frowny faces…"

I shrugged and finished making elbow noodles for mac & cheese. I had Kallian making garlic cheesy bread while Theron chopped the Ham.

Hawke came out of his room not long after I pulled out the bread I'd made and the noodles started to boil. I gave him an amused look, "Either your room was worse than an army camp or you were 'taking care of buissness' in there."

Lis choked a laugh as Alistair snorted and Hawke actually blushed before saying, "It was worse than an army camp… are you sure I can't convince you to marry me?"

Elissa snorted in disgust. I shot her a wink and replied, "You don't want all the trouble that would come from that. And what do you do in there that causes it to get that bad?"

"I never have a beautiful woman spending the night so I just never have the motivation to clean it."

I smirked when I saw Leandra sigh and shake her head, so I replied, "Oh I could never be with someone who can't keep a tidy room. I get claustrophobic when things get too messy, so I guess it would never work out between us anyway."

Elissa nodded, "She's serious about that at least. My room was the first one to get re-organized."

Leandra looked like she wanted to laugh when Hawke let out an oath and said, "Then I'll keep things neat from now on!"

"That would be a sight, brother," Bethany giggled. He gave her a small glare, "I can keep things clean!"

"For your sake, I would hope so – no one wants a messy lover. You know how hard it was to train Elissa? Treats just were not enough." I sighed and shook my head miserably. She shouted, "It wasn't that bad!"

"So, you've mentioned Visions a few times now… you're a seer?" Hawke asked as I began adding the cheese to the now strained noodles. I nodded, "Tragically, yes. It sucks. But I can do some good with it too! Like, saving the lives of your siblings and mother – that one is high on my priority list. Fucking Ogres – I hate ogres! No squishing the younger Hawklings – not on my watch…" I muttered as I stirred.

"Excuse me?" Hawke asked darkly.

"One of your siblings would die protecting your mother as you flee Lothering for Kirkwall. The rest of that information can wait until I see you again – so long as you're weary of Ogres since that is what will be your enemy."

Leandra looked horrified as she whispered a no. I nodded, "A big open field like area – charred and not long after you meet Aveline and Wesley Vallen… a Templar and his wife fleeing the darkspawn. Nothing can be done for him – he will be tainted by the time you meet him so be kind… he will die just after you fight the ogre and meet Flemeth – that bitch will save your lives and have a task for you if you defeat the Ogre. Take her offer, you have no better choice."

He was pale as he sat heavily in a chair, "Is there any way to make success more certain?"

"I know of three spells that might… help with that…" I muttered and Hawke nodded, "Tell me and I will do my damned best to learn it."

"One is called Wall of Ice; pretty obvious really, you raise a large wall of fucking Ice around the enemy. It would distract it and keep it away from them… there's also Fade-Step. You let invisible waves of magic carry you forward – you essentially teleport a distance but you need to see the area you want to get to. Barrier would protect them while you fight…"

"Can you teach me fade-step, Wall of Ice, and Barrier?" he begged. I snorted, "It was one of the reasons I sought you out when I got here. I really think you deserve happiness – and losing your whole family one-by-one… I can't let that happen. Lee – Lona… new assignment for you. You have your orders."

They both bowed to me, "Yes, Sensei."

"Enough of that – we're not in a Dojo, there's no need." I grumbled as I bowed back.

He hugged me to him as I motioned that dinner was ready, "I swear to you that if this works, I will find a way to repay you."

I shook my head, "Let's… call it even. I'm just teaching you some spells in exchange for our rooming while we're here…" Elissa chuckled – she knew I didn't like people owing me or me owing others. I was a firm believer in 'neither a lender nor a borrower be'.

We all got our food while I learned the sleeping arrangements – Theron and Kallian to one bed, Duran and Alim to one, Solona and Natia to the third and Morrigan on the Couch. I was rooming with Hawke. Turns out, Elissa and Alistair had spent so long protesting me from rooming with a man that they lost the chance of beds themselves – go figure.

"Alright, then – what do we need to do tomorrow while you train them?" Aedan asked, taking over the conversation.

"Tomorrow, you'll take care of the bandits and the bears for the Chantry board missions… there is a Qunari in a cage… we will be taking him with us, but don't talk to him yet, just ignore him. If I'm going to be leader, then it has to be me who talks to him… it's a Qunari thing…" Elissa nodded but Bethany gasped.

"But that Qunari…"

I gave her a sympathetic look, "Had a bout of temporary insanity. Among the Qun, a Warrior is considered soulless or a deserter without their specially crafted weapon – a blade or such made especially for them. I know where the damn sword is or where it will be, at least. He freaked out thinking he would never be able to return home, Sunshine."

She looked horrified… so did Alistair and Hawke. Elissa sighed, "They'd refuse him entry just because he lost a blade?"

"No Qunari would abandon their blade. Accidents don't happen in the Qun. Asit Tal-eb is one of their driving principles – it means the way things are meant to be or it is to be… essentially everything happens as it should."

"Okay… I guess we should all get some sleep then."

They all nodded and headed to their sleeping arrangements. I followed Hawke to his bedroom and dug in my pack for the sleeping shorts and tank-top that I had made from a bolt of cloth I'd bought in Bann Lorens' lands.

He kept his back turned while I changed and I did the same.

The next morning, I woke up early and made breakfast. Elissa had charmed her way into snuggling with our poor innocent prince last night with a dog for a pillow while the other two guarded the Aravel. It was cute – I used my manipulation of metal, electricity and such to make a camera and took a picture with full flash.

Alistair was up at once and Elissa was shouting. Everyone came rushing out of rooms – Hawke had only worn pants to bed, but everyone else had actual clothes on.

I grinned with my hip leaning against the counter while I held the old fashioned camera that was spitting out the picture.

I held it out to Hawke, "I think it turned out nicely – perfect blackmail material – don't you think?"

Hawke looked impressed, "That is amazing – can I have one?"

I chuckled, "Sure – call it a gift if Lona and Lee clear you from training within three days. But seriously, look how cute they are together!"

Everyone except Alistair crowded to look at the picture. Elissa said, "Can I keep that?"

I smirked, "Only if you get into a more compromising position for me to take a picture of. Really, humans in my last life were so… inventive. Cameras – this little beauty – were an amazing invention."

Alistair sputtered so I motioned him forward, "Come here, brother – look at the picture."

He was bright red but he did glance at it. "Oh… that's really nice – the lighting… can I borrow that?"

"Promise to give it back when you're done sketching it?" I asked. He flushed – he'd been caught, "On my honor… how did you know?"

I held up my left hand, "Cullen designed this ring to present to me for the sealing of our engagement. When I asked how he'd done it, he said he 'wasn't as good at drawing as Alistair, but good enough that the smith knew what to do'."

Alistair took my hand and looked it over, "Oh, wow – he's better than he might think. I doubt the Smith thought to engrave this."

My head snapped down, "What?"

I took the ring off and examined it. I flushed when I saw, 'my new lucky charm' engraved into one of the braids. I had made one sly comment about that coin and he remembered. I didn't realize I had a sappy look on my face until Alistair cleared his throat, "Why a ring?"

I explained the symbolism and why I wore it on that finger. I handed him the picture, "I do want that back later."

I dissolved the camera and said, "Also – tacos are ready."

"Where did you learn to make the stuff last night… and what did you call these?" Alistair asked as he bit into his taco.

I lifted an eyebrow, "The Tortillas or the taco?"

"Tortillas…" Morrigan tested the word, "They are good and work well with the eggs…"

"They work well with a few things, actually. But they're easy – flour, salt, water and oil. I'm sure I learned these in another life, though."

Elissa snorted, "I remember you taught these to Old Nan – not the other way around. You know that our family was richer than the throne thanks to you – inventing things like brushes, toothpaste, dissolvable stitches and chocolate treat with the 'peanut butter' center… you're a genius, sister – don't hide it; and all within the last two years."

Solona nodded, "She sold the Circle a recipe for dissolvable stitching thread exclusively for Kinlock Hold. Apparently, it's cleaner and more effective than the silk we were using before."

I shrugged.

… So maybe I imported a few ideas and got rich for it – but I didn't keep all the funds. I invested and gave most of it to the Couslands as a thank you for taking me in. Cailan also benefitted – he adored the hair combs and such.

Hawke snorted, "That was all you? Maker, we all thought it was just some old man or woman in the Cousland family – no one knows which member."

I shrugged, "I requested that I not be named for the time being. I wanted to settle down for love, not because some man thought of the monetary value of marrying the woman who invented those things and possibly has more to sell…"

Elissa sighed, "Like the plumbing you installed in Castle Cousland? I'm sure Howe is trying to figure out how that all works – no one can get hot shower anywhere but there."

I smirked, "His people will think that it's magic – no one would think to look for pipes in the walls because that castle is so old. Renovations are our friend!"

Alistair laughed, "I can only imagine the confusion involved in that. What is a shower?"

Kallian sighed, "Only the most heavenly thing one can experience – hot water coming from a pipe above your head on demand, not having to scrub yourself in filthy water… it's like a warm rain with more pressure – the water falling harder – and makes you want to never leave it."

Elissa grinned, "You were there one day, Kallian – I've had showers available to me for 2 years… I'm crying at the loss of it, I tell you. And not having to empty a chamber pot because it empties itself? Maker; the wonders of her never cease. Valeria would be the richest woman in the world if she taught people how to do that… plumbing, she called it. She's made more for the family than anyone ever before – we kept most of the riches in her secret lab. Howe will never get rich from killing our parents because she took all the coin that was kept in the 'treasury'… that damn treasury was a decoy."

Solona and Alim were smirking. Lona said, "The Circle Dojo has two shower rooms – one for men and one for women. Sensei – I mean, Val – installed them for us. And no one is allowed in the Dojo if they are not a student."

"How many students were there?" Kal asked.

I spoke, "Five – Lona, Lee, Cullen, Anders and Becca. That's 3 mages and two Templars. Lona – demonstrate your new control of magic for us."

She nodded and held up a hand. Light green magic danced in figures around her palm before growing larger into two full sized people and continuing their dance around us. Alim chimed in with fire figures to 'cut in' and so each had two figures dancing.

Hawke looked impressed, "How is this possible?"

"I teach a martial art that promotes mastery in ones' own body, mind and soul. It is called Tai Chi."

Lona said, "She began teaching it to me as an Anger Management course – Lee tagged along for stress relief and Anders for the physical work out – though Greagoir thought it was for discipline. Cullen began taking the classes when he arrived at Vals' insistence because Greagoir was dying to get a Templar in the classes and she wanted an excuse to see him more. Becca joined once the full range of Templar-Benefits was discovered."

"Becca…" I sighed. I put my head in my hands – elbows on the table.

"What is it, Val?" Duran asked, concerned.

Lee knew, "She feels guilt – she was the one who brought Becca to Ostagar. Worse yet, she brought Becca so that Cullen would stay behind at the Tower."

I sighed, "No – worse yet, she was taken not killed. She's going to be a broodmother and it's my fault!"

Alistair looked horrified, "What do you mean… broodmother?"

I waved my hand and Lona began explaining. The Hawkes and everyone who hadn't known looked sick. Alistair said, "But the Grey Wardens… accept women…"

"Well, now you know why women in the wardens are rare – they try not to because when that time comes, there is a high chance that the Darkspawn simply won't attack the warden female; they'll wait her out." I said.

Alistair swiftly stood and rushed to a bucket I made.

"What if we get… captured?" Solona asked somberly.

"As a Warden, you are immune to the taint for now. You have a good thirty years until you could be a broodmother. The darkspawn will just kill you – no point in keeping a 'useless' female alive."

The women at the table all relaxed – even Bethany. "And you?" Duran demanded.

"I'm highly resistant to the Taint – because I'm a Seeker. Seekers are highly resistant to the taint, Lyrium and a few other things. On top of that, my element control means I can purge the taint directly from my veins. I learned that at the Tower of Ishal – when I was tainted."

There were gasps. Alistair looked stunned, "How is that possible?"

"I used theory from the future – from a… Tevinter Altus…?" I said sheepishly.

Alistair sighed, "A decent Magister – never heard that one before."

I snapped; standing and slamming my hands on the table, "Dorian is a good man and I will fight anyone who says otherwise – including his own damn father! Magister Pavus can suck it if he thinks that being gay is a reason to try and force his mind to change with blood magic. He is mine."

Elissa looked stunned as she hesitantly reached out and placed a calming hand on my arm, "No one said otherwise, Val. I'm sure Dorian is a very good man…"

I flushed and sat back in my seat, "Sorry… I'm rather attatched to him at the moment. His life story was the source of my latest vision this morning. Gaia… how could someone do that to their own son?"

Hawke rubbed my back, "You're rather passionate about mages…"

Alim snorted, "She's the best smuggler in the Circle and supports mage rights."

I smiled, "No one suspects the Seeker."

There was a raven pecking at the window. I went and opened it – much to the surprise of the Hawkes. The raven landed on my arm and I took the note attatched to its leg, "Thank you friend," I motioned to my plate. The raven ate what was left of my taco before flying off.

I opened it and paled, "No… no!"

"What is it?" Lee said, moving to stand with me.

"The tower is already in disarray. Greagoir received my note and replied to it. Fuck Uldred – I want his head mounted on a wall, and I want it now."

I was pissed. I knew it would happen – I even knew about when – but that didn't make it easier to know that Cullen was being tortured while I sat here eating tacos!

Alim yanked me into a hug, "It's not your fault, Val. You tried to keep him out of trouble and no one could have predicted… wait, Uldred?"

I snarled, "Uldred! He took control of the tower and now he's torturing Templars and forcing mages to be abominations after he breaks them. Cullen will survive the longest because Uldred knows I'm alive. He knows I'll come for Cullen. Uldred wants me either dead or to join him. According to this, Cullen was knocked out while he was asleep because he was the strongest Templar in the tower."

"Does it say anything about Oren?" Elissa asked.

"Oren is with Greagoir – the only child he was able to save. I…" I was sucked into a vision.

I cried when I came out of it as I fell to my knees. Solona made me look at her, "What did you see?"

"Oh, Cullen, forgive me… forgive me – I didn't know…" I sobbed into Alims' chest. Hawke was there – hugging me too.

I had no idea the extent of the torture he would experience there. I looked around, "No more than 3 days – counting today – before we leave. Alistair, you lead the others to clear the bandits. After that, go to the Chantry board and collect the two new missions that will be posted – family keepsake and Bears by the river. After that, I want Solona and Leliana in the Chantry. Give the Revered Mother these five sovereigns as tithe before asking for the key to Stens' cage. Bring that to me. Be sure to clarify that you want Sten released into our care. She will ask Lelianas' opinion on this and Leli, being the sweetheart who loves giving second chances, will say that he could do some good with us. Alim, you get to teach Hawke and Bethany the three spells – I want two done by dinner time. I need to keep occupied or I will lose my mind – so I today I will be doing manual labor. I plan to clean this house from top to bottom – and nobody better try and stop me or they get to help. What are you all waiting for? Get to work!"

At once everyone scattered. Leandra muttered about doing laundry so I gave her some scented soaps before I got to cleaning.

Apparently, I was a taskmaster – no one came back to the house until it was getting dark. They had all cleaned themselves up at the river before coming back – even Morrigan looked a bit weary to come back.

I looked them all over before nodding. "Dinner is ready. Tomorrow you clear the bears and wolves. After that, we leave at first light the following day. Alistair now is the time to speak."

He groaned as we all sat at the table.

"What do you mean?" Elissa asked.

"You know I'm one of the Heirs to the throne – well…" I started.

Hawke sputtered, "You're an heir to the throne?"

I shrugged, "I convinced Cailan that he needed to name an heir and a spare in case things went wrong as Ostagar. He chose his bastard half-brother and… me. I tried to wiggle out of it, but he was going to name Duke Gaspard or something if I declined. Better I just accept and make the poor bastard take the throne."

"Who are we looking for anyway?" Theron asked.

Alistair spoke up, "We don't need to look for him…"

Elissa scoffed, "Yes we bloody do! He needs…"

"I mean, you don't need to look for me…" he sighed. Heads swiveled to look between Alistair and me. I nodded.

"Explain it to us," Elissa asked softly.

"I'm a bastard – and before you make any smart comments, I mean the fatherless kind. Arl Eamon raised me and he did that because my father was King Maric… which makes Cailan my half-brother – or it did, at any rate. It never really meant anything to me until the night before he died when I was informed that it was the reason he kept trying to protect me – he knew I was his brother. But now, it means I'm the heir to the throne. No better time to bring it up…"

Elissa groaned, "You bitch."

Everyone looked at her in shock. She pointed to me, "You knew, didn't you?"

I sighed, "I… yes. But it was after I started pushing you two together! Besides… you'd make a good queen. Also, Cailan loved cheese too! Maker, all of you should have seen it – the conversation that last night?"

Alistair flushed and coughed, "Well, most people who know mention the hair or the bunny shaped birthmark on my chest."

I snorted, "Cailan doesn't have a bunny shaped birthmark – and it's not on his chest. It's a heart on his ass."

Alistair gaped, "I didn't think you would know – you two seemed more like…"

I smirked, "He tried to seduce me once – it failed. But in all honesty, I saw it when we were on the way to Highever for the first time. He'd gone to bathe and stayed away a bit too long. I got the duty of going to look for him. Gaia, but that man had a strong obsession with his hair. Turns out he stayed gone too long washing it with some scented soap I gave him."

"Wait – so you do have a heart-shaped birthmark on your ass?" Duran asked. Alistair turned red, "Er… it's a family birthmark…"

Elissa giggled, "That sounds adorable."

He smiled a little.

Alistair changed the subject, "So about the throne…"

"I don't want to be Queen… at all."

Alistair flushed, "I don't want to be king, either. What a pair of heirs we make, right?"

"If you make me take the crown, you will regret it. I can be a very petty person – ask Alim and Lona."

The two instantly shuddered. Lona spoke up first, "Anders… he did something stupid and… well… he couldn't sit or walk right for days…"

Alim sighed, "I helped her spread wild rumors about how we found her and Cullen together – all of them her idea – and she was forced to make an example of me that day so that people thought the rumors were true. My head still hurts from the beatings I received in front of all those people."

Hawke looked intrigued, "I want to hear more about these rumors…?"

I glanced at Bethany, "There are innocent ears at this table – Alistair and Bethany."

Bethany giggled before holding up the same book that was sitting in Cullens' room. I gave her a calculating look, "Okay – but Alistair is still quite innocent. The only Virgin at this table, if I'm right…"

Nods went around and Alistair went bright red, "I… I mean…"

Elissa chuckled, "It's not a bad thing – I think it's sweet."

I smirked, "Either cover your ears or forever hold your peace."

He shot me a glare, but stood his ground. I gave him a smirk and said, "Alim, do tell…"

Alim launched into the wild rumors getting highly animated with it. Hawkes eyes were wide as I leaned back in my seat with a smirk.

"What was the real version…?" Natia asked. Everyone at the table was red – everyone other than my mages, Morrigan and me.

"I seduced Cullen that night – and had him stay the night so we would get discovered in the morning. When Greagoir knocked, I wore only a blanket and Cullen was in a robe. I said 'this is exactly what it looks like'."

Hawke snorted, "I'd believe the rumors more than the truth at that point. No one would believe you said that after getting caught in an affair."

Leandra nodded, "I quite agree – besides, the wilder the rumors, the more believable they are and the less believable the truth."

I grinned, "Why do you think I made them wild, Leandra. We nobles know a thing or two about proper scandals. One thing I learned back home – if a man says he slept with you, don't deny it. There will always be people who believe the lie because it's juicier. Instead, use it. That fool gave you power – say he can't get off unless he's wearing a bag on his head; tell people he screamed someone elses name during sex; tell people the most fucked up thing you can imagine because no one is going to believe it didn't happen."

People were gaping at me. I smiled sweetly. Hawke snorted, "If I ever need to twist a rumor, I know who to call."

I slid one of my four pieces sending stone set across the table. This one was fashioned as an earring – two of them were, and I wore the second. They were ruby in color.

He put it in his ear, "What is it?"

I chuckled, "An Elven Stone – though Tevinter and the Circle call them 'sending stones'. An elven stone is a magical artifact capable of long distance conversations. But truthfully, you'll meet a dwarf named Varric after trying to get into an expedition – he's better at stories and lies than I am."

"How does it work?" he asked with a smirk.

"You tap it three times to activate or deactivate. It's a four-piece set, and I have the other three. I'm giving you one. The other person will have to activate theirs to hear it. Honestly, three are connected to this one but not each other. Meaning, no matter what, I will get the communications, but not the others who hold these stones. I plan to give one to Cullen when I get to him. The last one… I'm not sure yet."

Alistair stood and stretched. He'd been red faced during the 'sex' talks, "Right – bed time, then. There are Bears and Wolves to kill tomorrow."

I chuckled, "That there are."