Chapter Two

Into the Frying Pan

As expected, I didn't wake for three days.

I entered the Chantry; I had put on black jeans, an 'off-shoulder' sleeveless black top with bleach 'rust stain' splatter mixed with a black steel boned corset paired with knee high boots and my 'backpack' that really didn't get much use. I mostly used it for my pocket-realm tent, sodas, and foods and… well; there was something I might try, later.

I entered the War room where Cass and Rod were fighting.

"Chain her! I want her prepared for travel to the capital for trail!" he snarled. I rolled my eyes and Cass said, "Disregard that; and leave us." They saluted and left the room.

"People need to stop thinking they can chain me without dinner first." Leliana snorted a laugh as Cullen coughed.

"You walk a dangerous line, seeker… and who is that?"

He was pointing to another new-comer.

"Er… I'm Maxwell… Maxwell Trevelyan… I hear you saved my life?" the man was 5'11 with soft black hair and kind green eyes. He was tanned and I heard he was actually the heir to his house – a noble warrior who used sword and shield.

"Maxwell! Perfect timing… this is Cassandra, Cass this is Max… get to know one another." I was giddy. It had been damn hard to find the potential Inquisitor that would be Cassandras perfect match in the time frame given… I was given leave to save only one of the potentials… if I'd been allowed two, I would have grabbed Ellana Lavellan for Solas… but I only had a split second to decide from the moment I was given leave, to the time I had to rush to Justinias office. I grabbed the first of the two choices that was closest to me and ran. He'd seen my wings and didn't even question it.

Leli, Cullen and Josie all caught what I was doing. "What? Do you have any idea how hard it was to figure out which of the four potentials would be Cassandras soulmate in so little time? Two of them were women so they were out, but it was Max or Kaaras Adaar and that Tal-Vashoth wasn't quite right, but it was really close! Then there was Ellana and she would have been Solas' soulmate had they met or Malika Cadash – she didn't have a soulmate among us – and the Maker only let me choose one of them! If I'd been able… Ellana was a good woman."

After my little speech, Cass and Max looked at me slack-jawed and Joesephine asked, "The Maker… spoke to you?"

"First time he's ever said something to me directly. Last time, he used the Guardian of the Ashes to tell me shit. But since one of them would have survived if I didn't exist, he let me pick one. Max was closer and Cass deserves happiness." I shrugged.

Roderick looked at me with disdain, "You expect us to believe that?"

"She is unable to lie, Chancellor…" Cass said with a red face. "Ah! I am unable to tell an Untruth… I can go to bed and call that lying. I can twist the truth to suit my needs, but if I say something directly, it has to be true. Grass is green, demons stink and Darkspawn look like zombies… those are all facts and that's the jist of it."

"You are still a suspect!" Roderick shouted.

"No. someone was behind the explosion at the Conclave; someone Most Holy did not expect."

Cassandra plunked a heavy book on the table and looked at Roderick.

"You know what this is… a writ from the Divine granting us permission to act. As of this moment, I declare the Inquisition Reborn. We will close the breach, find those responsible, and restore Order. With or without chantry approval." He snarled at stomped out.

Lelianna smiled innocently and said, "This is the Divines directive; rebuild the inquisition of old, find those who will stand against the chaos… we aren't ready. We have no leader, no numbers, and now, no Chantry support."

"But we have no choice. We must act now… with you at our side, Ara."

"Was that ever in question? I'm still trying to steal Lelianna from Aedan and I think I can only do that while I'm with her all the time." I smirked.

"Tell me you're joking?" Cullen asked, exasperated.

"Not really – I like her… Now for the important question; am I keeping my wings out 24/7 as a symbol of my chosen-ness, or am I allowed to fold them…"

Lelianna snorted. "Keep them out unless you need to disguise. As the only person in all Thedas with wings currently, it will be easier for people to believe you are who you say you are."

"Lelianna, I need Harding to scout the Hinterlands, Cullen I want you to keep an eye on passage back and forth to Kirkwall – keep it safe because I got a pretty black letter from Xenon the Antiquarian telling me I'm finally free to visit the Black Emporium whenever I get the itch to risk my neck crossing the Waking Sea. Josie, we have more numbers than you have written. Get with Magma and Celeste, my Sylph advisors and they'll get you some magic numbers. Alistair will be here next week, we can get Fereldens official backing… I may be the Queen, but he's the Theirin. Cass, get me a line on Lyrium traders – mages or Templars, we'll need the stuff by the cart full and the Chantry isn't happy with us. Send word to King Bhelen of Orzammar and he'll work with you if you mention my name and use my seal – I am one of their Gods after all. I have a Dalish clan – the Sabre Clan – coming in soon; they pledged their help to cause 3 years ago, so they're really the first of the Inquisition. And someone, for the love of the stars, get me an official report on casualties. I want a list of names, affiliations and heraldries. I want to know everything about everyone who died up there, because I plan to pen letters of condolence to their next of kin myself."

Josie was scribbling swiftly to catch each request.

"Your Worship… why are you choosing me to contact King Bhelen?" Cassandra looked nervous. I gave her a look, "Don't call me that unless we have an audience, or I will address you by family status Lady Pentaghast. As for why, Bhelen likes people who don't fuck around – tell him what you need and why; you don't need to do any sort of noble dance for him."

She blushed and nodded and I looked at Cullen who had an unpleasant look so I said, "Either you keep that pass clear or I fly across and attract more attention – I don't think you know how long I've waited for this invite." He pouted at me but nodded.

Leliana looked at me, "Why Harding?"

"Are you kidding? She's tough as nails and I trust her to find a way to survive is shit goes south before any scouting parties get there. Honestly you are so not paying her enough." Leli smirked and said, "Then I will raise her pay and send her out. I warn you, it could take up to two weeks for us to hear any word."

I rolled my eyes, "I am aware, sweetheart. Now on to the rest of our buissness. We need more power and while this could work with either the Mages or the Templars, I have already made a choice based on promises I made 10 years ago. One of the Mages is an important woman to one of my mates, and I will not abandon my word so they are the number one choice. Unfortunately, it's one or the other – if we try for both, we may not win this war. Besides, we save more lives if we go for the Mages rather than the Templars."

"That was your reasoning for siding with the Templars in Kirkwall, no?" Leliana asked. I rolled my eyes again, "You were there Leliana, and you saw just how right I was. Now, we need to spread the word that I'm a seer; that I can see the future. The Dwarves of Orzammar, two Dalish clans, the Qunari and the Sylphs will all back that up. And with the Qunari saying it and still not attacking me, we may have a chance of getting people to believe it."

"Why are we doing that? It would put you in more danger," Cullen growled.

"It also puts us in the good graces or Orlais, which we will need in Harring this year. I may be the Ward of the former Divine and Queen of two nations, but that's not enough. We need the influence, so we need to use everything we have."

He sighed and held me, "I worry about you."

I saw Cass give a small smile while Leli smirked and Josie chuckled. "Cullen, my love, I will not die. I can guarantee you the next three years will be hard, but I will live. I need to if I want what I've seen next year."

Leli was on alert and asked, "What is that you want so badly?"

"Cullens' child. I have Duncan and Livia, but I love kids, sweetie. I want my own small army of them one day." Cullen was frozen, "That soon?"

Duncan was Alistairs' son – obviously. When I confirmed that his child would be a boy, his heart was set on naming him after his faux father-figure… I didn't discourage it. Duncan was a cute little boy – blond hair, green eyes and a sweet giggle. His ears were rounded surprisingly enough – and since Maric was the only 'close relative' that didn't have naturally pointed ears; they must have come from him.

Livia was Fenris' baby. She had black hair that matched what Fenris' used to look like and my opal eyes. Her ears were certainly pointed and her skin was tanner than her brothers.

"I admit, it won't be the best timing, but I refuse to change that." I smirked.

He beamed and kissed me, "I suppose that means that I need to tone down the worrying, as you would say?"

"Nah, I like how protective you men get." Leli snorted and Josie coughed.

"Right then, I need someone to procure ram meat – enough to feed a village – by the time we leave for the Hinterlands. And since they'll be killing rams anyway, I want those pelts turned into coats or blankets to be loaded into the same wagon as the meat. Get me a dedicated alchemist that's good with health items to be assigned there as well. Everything else, I'll take care of after I arrive there… but Cullen, about a week after I leave, I want you to bring builders and enough wood and stone to build 3 watch towers. I already have a general idea of where to put them, but I need to confirm with Master Dennets' man."

Josie was as fast a writer as I was – she was able to write as fast as I could speak! And she had transcribed the whole meeting. I was impressed. "Alright, then; back to work for us all. I need to make a few rounds to talk to people before bed tonight…"

After leaving the War Room, I noticed many looks directed at me. I saw a group of Aravels approaching the gates and grinned while running forward.

"Fenarel!" I called out, waving. A couple of the clan members lit up when they saw me and waved back.

"Dirth'len, it is good to see you well," the blond elven man bowed his head before turning to a woman with brown hair and grey eyes set against her tan skin. She wore the markings of June and smiled at me, "I hear many good things about you," she said.

I held out my hand and she took it, "My name is Ara. Welcome to the Inquisition, Sabre Clan."

"I am Ashalle, Keeper for Clan Sabre as of last year. I will be honest with you, Dirth'len, had Fenarel not told me that he pledged to aid you while he was in charge, I would not have come."

"I know, Keeper. A lot of things will happen around me that otherwise would not."

She smiled at me, "I will also admit that I didn't expect a personal welcome from one of ours that seems more entwined in human culture than our own."

I shrugged, "I'm an enigma wrapped in mystery, and peppered with confusion – no one can figure me out without a lot of practice…"

"Well, I haven't succeeded yet, in any case," Cullen chuckled as his arms came around me. I glanced at him.

"Shall I tell you one of the secrets to it?"

"I would much appreciate it." He smirked at me. "Food; like nearly any man, the key to getting my attentions is food." I heard a lot of laughter as Cullen shook his head, "With how you cook, I should have guessed."

I gave a firm nod and kissed him before turning back to Ashalle, "There is a wooded area over there with a clearing not far in. you can set up over there or you can pick a spot closer to camp. If anyone gives you any trouble, tell me; I won't have anyone in my ranks bullied by those who should be standing with them. If I'm not available, find Sister Nightingale – she has red hair and a thing for wearing purple. Leli is a sweetie and my sister of sorts, she will aid you. Quartermaster Threnn can equip you with anything you need – Elfroot, weapons, or such. She won't care what you are – Elf, Qunari; makes no difference to her – and she will treat you fairly. Adan is our Alchemist, and Flissa is our Bar Maiden."

Ashalle looked stunned, "You even know the name of the Bar maiden?"

I chuckled, "I make it a point to know my people. What kind of queen would I be if I didn't? Ash, if you want to know more about Merrill – from someone who sees her as a friend – there is one person in the camp you can ask; a dwarf named Varric. Anyway, just choose a place to set your camp and let Cullen here know where you choose so we can update our central map of where everyone is for the runners and such." She smiled and nodded, "I will go ahead with that spot in the wood that you mentioned. I feel more at ease surrounded by trees."

I looked at Cullen, "You heard her – go let Josie know while I continue my rounds. And Ash, good to meet you."

She nodded and they began heading for the area that I had pointed out.

I saw Max heading for Cass and decided to listen in as she attacked the training dummy.

"You're kind of a force of nature, aren't you?" he asked.

"When I need to be."

"It's impressive," the man smiled. She lightly blushed as she looked away from him, "You flatter me."

"I hope so; at least, that's what I'm trying to do." He smirked. I held back a cough and a laugh.

"For what it's worth, I apologize for having put you in a dungeon before talking with Ara."

"Honestly, I would have done the same if a woman people were saying came from the maker himself carried you out of the fade before passing out."

"My trainers always said Cassandra, you are too brash, you must think before you act… is it so bad that I see what must be done and do it? I see no point in running around in circles like a dog chasing her tail."

"I kind of like the direct nature." He smiled and I giggled softly – they really were perfect for each-other.

Cass smiled before, "I wonder if the Maker set us both on this path for a reason. I suppose we can only wait to see where it leads."

"If not the Maker, then his chosen champion did. You heard what she said in the War Room; she had a choice of who to save and I'm highly grateful that she chose me. I'm honored to have this chance with…" oh, now he was shy?

Cass blushed too and I made a discreet escape though I caught Cullen glancing at me amused as he returned to his spot training his men.

I walked up to Varric and hugged him. He smirked, "So now that Cassandra is out of earshot, are you holding up alright, Feathers? I mean really, you keep getting into these situations. Most people would have spread quite a bit of this mess out over more than a week."

I chuckled, "You love the stories you get out of it, don't lie."

He sighed, "For days, Feathers, we've been staring at that breach watching demons and maker knows what else fall out of it. Bad for morale would be a huge understatement. I knew you'd be okay, but at the same time… it's hard to believe anyone lived through that."

"Don't worry so much Varric – you're starting to sound like Cullen. You may have written tragedies, but think of me as a Miracle – we'll get through this. Now, I have to go talk to chuckles…" I said looking toward Solas.

"Yeah, I normally don't give out the same nickname, but that one suits him more than it ever did Hawke." I nodded and walked over to the Elven god… who immediately pulled me into his hut. I chuckled and sat on the chair next to his writing desk while he sat on his bed.

"How do you know about me?"

"I'm a seer, Solas. I know everything you're planning, and I don't think you're evil for it… in fact; I support you for the most part. Just… there are ways to make the transition easier. You don't need to tear the veil down all… at… once…" I trailed off.

"What is it?"

"Forgive me, I was thinking of just how much to reveal at once. You are good at keeping your secrets, but somethings are better left unsaid and unchanged."

"Indeed. If you think of things you can tell me, I would like to know."

"… I will at least warn you to prepare for vulgar questions from an immature city elf named Sera… things like have you ever bonked a spirit in the fade?"

He sighed and rubbed his nose, "Thank you for the warning, at the very least."

"Don't look so down… the main reason I allow her to stick around is to help soldier moral. Also there will be a spirit of compassion who joins us who goes by the name of Cole."

"A spirit…? How interesting."

"He's a unique case. He was there during the events at the White Spire and needs not possess a body to be here in the waking world."

"… I cannot wait to meet this spirit." He smiled at me. "Good… umm. Well, fuck – I mean it's gonna have to happen… I'll tell you one more thing that might just make you smile."

He looked curious but amused, "Then by all means."

"If you follow me when I ask – and I will make it known when it is time – you will get to walk in the Fade – physically."

He shot ramrod straight and his eyes widened. "Truly?"

This time, I smirked, "One thing you should know about the Fae, Solas – we can never tell you something that isn't true. I can bend the truth until it breaks itself – like telling you the sky is black no matter what time of day it because of a natural layer that turns sunlit skies blue – but I can't tell you that I'm male when I'm clearly not."

"The sky…"

"The sky is blue during the day when it's actually black the whole time; it has to do with light particles and prisms. Maybe one of these days you and I will sit down and talk about all manner of impossible things, hmm? Perhaps, I could even tell you some about Mythal and what she and I have been up to or even that the Griffons yet live."

This time, he actually smiled, "I think I would like that."

"Good, then – now, I promised Varric I would sing him a song at the Tavern. You are more than welcome to come listen in – it'll be like nothing you've ever heard."

"I do have one question. I watched the battle of Ostagar – you were not there, yet you had journeyed with the Hero of Ferelden from the beginning… how is that?"

"I appeared in the Wilds on the day of the Battle – I wasn't at Ostagar. I know everything that happened, but you would never have seen me."

"… I think I may come to the Tavern with you." I stood and he followed my movements. We got to the Tavern and Varric looked stumped, "You brought Chuckles? I can never get him to join us!"

I stuck my tongue out, "He likes me better!"

Solas hid a small smile and I grinned in triumph. Solas sat at the table that held Varric and Cullen who was watching me questioningly. I leaned in and kissed him on the cheek.

Cullen chuckled and pulled me in to his lap; I flushed happily and snuggled into him for a moment before saying, "I promised Varric and Solas a song, my love."

"To the void with that – I just want to hold you." He muttered against my hair. I giggled, "But I promised! You're not gonna make me break my word are you? I'll never live that down!"

He groaned and released me, "Fine… oh, and talk to Alistair, will you? He keeps contacting Aedan who speaks to Leliana who then scolds me… I know you were asleep for the last three days, but…"

I snorted and so did Varric. I pulled out my sending stone keychain and grabbed the one connected to Alistairs'. "Thank the Maker! I've been worried…"

"Alistair, dearest – you damn well know better. Isn't this the reason you're on your way over here?"

"About that… I will be there tomorrow…"

"Want to say that again, dearest?" I asked. Solas looked somewhat amused but Varric was outright laughing.

"I um… when you didn't answer and I heard you were… well… I packed up the kids and we left at once – that was two days ago. Using carriages is so much faster than walking like we did during the blight so… right."

I sighed and my forehead met the table. Cullen exclaimed and Varric fell out of his chair he was laughing so hard.

"The only reason I'm not scolding you is because you're bringing the kids. You know that, don't you?"

"Yes, love…"

I rolled my eyes, "I'll get the house expanded tonight so that we can all share a place. Goddess, this is a mess." I muttered.

"Love…?" Alistairs' voice got small. I laughed, "Let me guess – you want pizza?"

"I mean… if you don't mind…" he stammered. Solas looked confused, "What is pizza?"

"… Cullen, you and Varric get to help me host a pizza day tomorrow. Flissa! Send word to Sister Nightingale that King Alistair will be here tomorrow and that I'm making her cook with me, Cullen, Varric and… hmm… you." I said. She looked stunned. "Right away, your worship."

"Gale! Put the word out! Tomorrow is Pizza Party day – anyone who wants to try the Heralds cooking and a dish from her home lands needs to be at the Chantry for dinner tomorrow."

Gale – a wind Sylph – nodded and was out the door in a flash. I looked at Cullen who was pouting. "Oh don't be like that – think of it this way. You get to spend the whole day with me and this pizza party will help with Morale boosting."

He considered that. "You win…"

"Don't I always?" I smirked and heard Alistair say, "In my opinion, yes… I only 'won' the one time."

I snorted, "I wanted the kiddos too, hun. And I would do anything to protect them. Swallowing my pride and allowing you to place me under guard was a minor thing."

Cullen chuckled, "I will never forget how you told me…"

Solas looked interested and said, "Do tell…"

"So I walk out of my house, only 3 days pregnant at the time – as a Seer I knew as soon as it happened – and Cullen just happened to be walking up at the time that I was leaving the house with Hawke, Fenris and Varric. I say, I'm pregnant; let's go kill blood mages. He's gobsmacked. He just stands there stunned as I begin walking and call out coming to protect the pregnant fairy or gonna stay here and worry with the king?"

Solas smiles a tiny smile. "That would make for an interesting story."

"It wasn't so funny at the time – I was quite worried about what she'd get into." Cullen smiled.

I headed over to the stage I'd built and winked at Varric. "So – for my first song, drunk on a Plane!"

I took two weeks' vacation for the honeymoon

A couple tickets all-inclusive down in Cancun

I couldn't get my money back so I'm in seat 7A

I'm getting drunk on a plane

I bet the fella on the aisle thought I was crazy

'Cause I taped your picture to the seatback right beside me

Now I've got empty mini bottles fillin' both our trays

I'm getting drunk on a plane

I saw quite a few people dancing though Cullen looked amused. I smirked at him and blew a kiss. He laughed. I noticed more people filtering in to the bar – Cassandra, Max and even my other two advisors.

My next song was Drinking Bone by Tracy Byrd.

Well it's Friday evenin' six o'clock

And all my friends are twistin' off

I'm at the house just turnin' on TV

And they all wonder why I've changed

How many times must I explain?

It's basic honky tonk anatomy

The drinkin' bone is connected to the party bone

The party bone's connected to the stayin' out all night long

And she won't think it's funny

And I'll wind up all alone

And the lonely bone's connected to the drinkin' bone

I saw Varric lift his glass as I personally played the guitar for this song – the drums base and such all played themselves. I chose Balance Beam by Blue October next.

I haven't been quite the same

So sure the story of my life would never change

In a bright eyed way

Rinsed out the soap in my eyes and wrote a song that I'm about to sing

It's about a girl that I hardly even know

It's not another love song

Just a list of things that I should know

Ever man should know that…

Cullens face was soft as he watched me. I stuck my tongue out, drawing several laughs as I made my way back over to my husband. I sat in his lap – I had issues with my weight, but none of my mates allowed me to voice those issues; every time I did, I ended up being lavished with compliments and all manner of loving… it was embarrassing, so I stopped voicing my concerns.

Leli, Josie, Max and Cass had all sat at our 'little' table. Damn table was big enough to seat 12.

Josie spoke first as I snuggled into the mantle of Cullens 'jacket/armor' thing… it was made of Red Lion fur – a lion native to the Frostbacks that weighed 600 pounds and grew to be 10 feet in length – big fuckers. Just one of those speedy hunters was enough to make 6 of the fur linings for Cullens' jacket thing.

"Herald – why was I unaware of your singing ability?"

"Varric – did you tell Cass nothing about me?" I smirked. He shrugged, "She was more interested in the fighting and Anders and such. I tried not to tell her the… unnecessary bits."

"Unnecessary? You saw what happened in the valley, Varric. Apparently my singing is a superpower that can freeze demons in their tracks!" I laughed. Cullens' arms tightened around me and Leli looked stunned, "What?"

I motioned to Cass, and she gave her report of what I was talking about. Cullen whispered in my ear, "At least I don't have to worry about demons hurting you any more…"

"And Darkspawn avoid me. I'm super spec…" I was cut off by Magma – he had come up behind me, "You said your singing… froze demons?"

I nodded, "Yeah, why?"

"Just that it's an uncommon ability in the Fairies – usually only the Water Sylphs have it… just like Wings used to be an Air Sylph trait – but something whipped out all of the ones who held the trait and it hasn't been seen in more than… the Siren Trait isn't rare just uncommon. I am beginning to wonder if you might have the other two elemental traits too. Fire Sylphs can summon fire avatars of a sort – they are made of lava and rock. The Earth trait is the ability to turn into a tree – in my opinion the Dryad trait isn't that exciting…"

"Wing, Siren, Dryad and Avatar… huh. Well – we can try the Dryad one in two days – I will be busy tomorrow. As for Avatar… I feel like I shouldn't try until I meet my fire mate – like my abilities are tied to…"

"That actually makes sense," Magma nodded. I shrugged.

Leli spoke then, "Speaking of tomorrow, I hear we will be receiving the King early as well as having a pizza party?"

"You, Cullen, Varric, Flissa and I will be busy all day tomorrow prepping the pizzas. We will begin baking them around 3 hours after mid-day."

"Why me?" Varric grumbled. "For that matter – why Curly? He's a fighter, not a cook."

"Cullen grew up on a farm with 2 sisters and a brother. He can cook almost as well as I can. As for you, you get to learn tomorrow… Lady B will love that." I chuckled. He stiffened.

"You're going to get me killed, Feathers." He said seriously.

"Solas, would you care to join us tomorrow?" I asked. He shook his head, "No, thank you. You know what I prefer to do." I nodded, "Yes, but I still thought I would ask."

Cullen gave me a soft kiss on the forehead before looking to Leli and saying, "We'll meet you at the Chantry just after Dawn breaks. Varric, you can grab Flissa on your way to the Chantry in the morning, right?"

He nodded and sighed, "Well, chuckles, we'll at least bring you a plate – if you pass up this time, you will regret it for as long as you live." Solas gave me a curious look so I smirked, "Alistair tries to have me make it every time he sees me – which is why I make a limit of making it only once every few months. It's so not healthy by any stretch of the imagination."

He sighed, "It seems you win, then – I will join you in the cooking process out of curiosity if nothing else."

I beamed, "Works for me!"

Cullen chuckled, "I love you."

I stood and grabbed Cullens' arm, "Bedtime, husband – comas' are so tiring." He didn't even flush, just stood and followed me.