Chapter Twelve

Howling Wolf – NSFW

I was the first one awake the next morning, so I set out to make breakfast. I could see other Elves of the Clan watching me curiously.

I made a large batch of potato, steak and egg tacos with shredded cheeses on the side – so people could pick which ones they wanted. Breakfast was ready by the time everyone was out and packed up.

Alistair sat behind me on a log and wolfed his food down before moving to braid my hair. Leliana had taught him over the past two weeks and he'd picked it up fairly easily. I hummed in pleasure – I loved having my hair played with.

Leliana giggled, "Should we have him stop, Ara? You look very… content."

I chuckled, "My… Alex used to play with my hair. I love it. He once joked that he expected me to just melt one time. And the sounds I make when I get a back massage meant he wouldn't do it if there were other people or we were in a public area."

Zevran laughed, "Then he was doing it well!"

I smirked, "I think it's more that I'm easy to please. Light scratches or rubs were enough to please me. Goddess knows that the professional massage therapists I saw were too rough and really hurt me. I have delicate skin, thank you."

Alistair flushed remembering two nights ago when he gave me a massage for the first time. He was perfect – and come to find out that was something he'd been taught, not natural talent. Apparently, Mabari in noble Kennels get massages to keep them in fighting form. Zev picked up on the flush, "Oh – you have given her a massage, have you?"

Alistair absently rubbed at my shoulders. My head dropped forward and a moan slipped past my lips. Aedan yanked me away from Alistair and I pouted, "Come on – stress makes me get all tense!"

Alistair was beat red and said, "I… I didn't intend to… I'm sorry…"

Zevran laughed, "Do you use the oil she makes?"

I answered, "Damn right we do! Using oil in a massage has benefits – as I've told everyone else. If I made a scent of soap, then I made a matching perfume and massage oil. Anyway, let's be off."

Zevran spoke as he tossed an arm over my shoulder, "You know – I am quite skilled in the art of massage – just if you need it…"

Alistair pulled me away from the assassin and under his arm – as though defending me. I chuckled, "I told you Zev – the pros never get it right. I don't need to be massaged to the bones; that just hurts. Anyway, if I need a different form of massage, I can simple show Alistair by doing it to him. Did you know that he can seem to learn anything rather quickly if he's shown just once?"

Aedan and Morrigan looked skeptical as Zev asked, "Such as?"

"He took to the Pike after I showed him how to twirl it and keep a solid grip back at Redcliffe if you remember – he had no prior learning. He's learning how to cook – I need only show him a recipe once and he can master it. I have a theory, actually…" Pep squad for the win.

Alistair was flushed but asked, "What theory?"

"Alistair… when they were teaching you how to cook in the Abbey… did they ever show you – or did they give you recipes and expect you to do it?"

"How did you know?" he looked completely surprised.

"I thought so – you're a tactile and visual learner! There are seven types of learning, you see – and they can be mixed for some people. You were taught through Verbal and Solitary learning. It was never going to stick in your brain at that point. I'm mostly a tactile person too, that's how I can teach you so well."

"Would you explain that?" Morrigan looked interested all of a sudden. I shrugged, "Auditory or musical is the first type – they learn through spoken things, hear pretty much everything and like music more often than not. Leliana is the perfect example of this. Visual and spatial are people who draw things out, plan to the last detail, and observe like crazy – this may not sound like Alistair, but he knew I had a medical condition the 5th night we traveled together. I can hardly have Druffalo dairy if I don't want an upset tummy – that's why I mostly use Goat dairy."

Eyes shot to Alistair in re-appraisal. He flushed, "What's the 3rd type?"

"Verbal learners include speaking and writing – books and stories are their forte. Verbal is my number two learning style and as I've mentioned before I am a writer. That was my job at the time of my death so that I could be a stay at home mom with no worries. Number 4 would be Mathematical and Logic; pattern recognition, numbers and groupings. If you want them to learn something, make it a pattern or numerical problem. Put heavy emphasis on the numbered measurements in a cooking recipe for example."

Wynne looked surprised, "I didn't realize that was a thing – I thought I just liked numbers…"

I smiled, "Not at all – though I would have pegged you for a Verbal learner with how much you like books."

"Well, I do – but that was more that I adapted to it. There is no way to make spells into number problems…"

Morrigan scoffed, "Of course there is, you old bat. The time it takes to cast, the amount of mana used and any number of other factors can be turned into numbers."

Wynne flushed a little and I pressed on, "The 5th way is Physical or Kinetic learning. This applies to things that would be… well, physical. Most often, we can't sit still; we'll drum out little tunes on our bodies just to do something, usually outgoing and action-oriented, and… may not prioritize reading or learning. Who do we know who fits all those descriptions?" I hummed.

Alistair flushed, "To be fair – I didn't think you knew I tapped against my leg at dinner most nights…"

I winked at him as Leliana giggled, "That does make sense… you said there were 7?"

"The last two are more… offshoots. They can be any of the formerly mentioned. Number 6 is social and interpersonal. They love being around people, communicating, and can be very sensitive or empathetic. They learn better in groups of people, because they aren't alone – they have people around them. Many of the Social Types will end up as leaders," I coughed Aedans' name before continuing, "And finally, we have the opposite of the socials; Solitary and Intrapersonal. They like to be alone. They are private people, and they often become writers, researchers or technology people because there can be little to no interaction between co-workers in those fields. I set Morrigan as an example of this type of learner."

Cammen looked completely floored, "Would it be okay for me to share this information with my clan?"

"There is no reason not to – if it will help people who have trouble learning, then by all means. Trying the main five individually would be a good idea to test. People generally know when they are social or solitary, though."

Sten rumbled, "I believe I will need this written down for the Qun."

I chuckled, "I'll get a book about the Blight, one for learning, one for the purpose of female orgasms and one for how to make cookies."

He nodded, "I would like that."

I pulled out the four books and shoved them at him. He put them in the pack I had made for him a while ago – he needed a bigger one for cookies and such since he kept running out of room; and he could carry the whole group so weight wasn't an issue.

By the time we found Deygan, not even two hours had passed and Cammen had killed not one but three wolves. Returning both elves to the camp, we headed on again.

Cammen said that he would speak with Sarel, Zathrian and Lanaya about the learning thing.

We continued on and soon… we came across Swiftrunner. The wolf-man was 6'8 with reddish brown fur and green eyes.

I saw him, but he hadn't approached yet, so I called out, "Swiftrunner! Please, I mean you no harm; nor will I harm the Lady! I call to you so that we may speak… please…"

"We… we will speak, little Dalish. I know not how you know my name, or know about the Lady, but if you truly do not wish harm, we would speak," he had a blonde and a brown wolf with him.

I smiled brightly, "I greet you, Swiftrunner. I am Ara, and these are my companions. If I bring the Keeper, I know the Lady will want to see him. Together we can convince him to lift his foul curse, but I wanted to insure our safe passage to the ruin before risking anything."

The werewolves looked like they were contemplating. I heard their slight growls and chuffs so I knew they were conversing. "We will escort you through from this spot. I warn you that should you attempt to turn on us, we will defend ourselves."

I chuckled, "That is more than fair, of course – I'd do the same in your place. While my companions go to retrieve the Keeper, I will stay with you. In this, you would have a hostage. If they turn on you, you'd have me."

Alistair exclaimed in dismay but Swiftrunner nodded, "I agree to your terms."

Alistair put his arms around me from behind and refused to move when the rest began to head back. "I'm not leaving you," he said.

I sighed, "Sten – if you have to throw him over your shoulder…"

Sten nodded and grabbed Alistairs arm. Knowing he was outmatched, Alistair gave me a betrayed pout before following the others.

Swiftrunner chuffed, "He smelled like you… your mate?"

I nodded, "Yes, my mate. He's protective of all his companions, but me especially. Question… Have you noticed a fallen Ironbark tree around here? I promised I'd harvest some for the Clans craft master…"

"You are… lucky to have such a mate. And yes – there is one just over there." He pointed one claw toward the fallen silver tree by a stream. I lit up, "Do you think I can harvest it while we wait? It was an hour to get here from the clan without wildlife attacking – so we have about two hours before they return."

He nodded and led me over. I could see the other two wolves looking lost. One spoke, "You… don't treat us like beasts…"

I startled, "Why would I? You're humans with a curse – no more and no less. Did you know that I used to be human too? Where I was raised, though, there were no elves or Qunari or such. I was raised to treat people with respect. You have a bit of fur, but so did my dad."

Swiftrunner barked a laugh, "I doubt he had quite so much as us…"

"Well, you wouldn't know it if he took his shirt off – the man was quite hairy. I used to howl to the moon and pretend I was wolf, you know. Werewolves were a romantic tale – I know, that's not something you'd appreciate, but there you have it… I've never done this before…" I muttered as I sat next to the tree.

The wolf that hadn't spoken moved forward, "I was… lumberjack… do it like this…" he gruffed and showed me. I smiled at him, "Thank you – this would have taken a lot longer if I were to butcher the tree."

He chuffed in amusement, "You are… different."

"You have no idea. Seriously, I have died before."

That got us talking about that – and soon, we were all joking and I was in the middle of a knock-knock joke when the others returned.

When Alistair saw us all laughing together, he shook his head. "Only you," was all he said as Zathrian looked at me like he'd seen a ghost.

"Is everything alright, Keeper?" I asked, worried he'd try to bolt.

"I… just that you looked so much like my daughter for a moment…"

I smiled at him again and said, "Let's go speak with the Lady."

Swiftrunner and his two companions escorted us through the forest, causing other Werewolves to either retreat further into the forest or join us on our walk to the ruin. The Sylvans didn't bother us at all.

Swiftrunner continued talking with me – apparently, he'd gotten the Curse when he came looking for his sister who had come looking for her husband. The husband was the lumberjack that had helped me, but the woman didn't survive the curse. Only two or three women had survived at all, it seemed.

By the time we reached the ruin, we had 15 additional Werewolves following us. I had explained to Zathrian what needed to happen along the way. He had paled when I revealed such information, but ultimately agreed to speak to the Lady before making a choice.

The Lady was… her skin was a glowing grey-green color, her black hair hung down to her waist, barely covering her chest causing Alistair to go red and look anywhere but at her. True to the game, she did have vines and branches growing all over her, also barely concealing her female parts.

She greeted Zathrian first, before Swiftrunner introduced me. She gave me a soft smile and said, "I thank you for making this meeting possible. I have lived for many years and have desire peace above all. If not for you…"

"I'm gonna interrupt you there. The only difference with my presence is that we made it here without as much death. Aedan and Alistair would have made it here without me, and would have fetched Zathrian for you after meeting you."

"Still, each life spared is your doing," she said and I shrugged as I leaned against Alistair. His arms came around me as Zathrian and the Lady talked.

In the end, he did allow himself to die to end the curse. The men and women around us – the former werewolves – were all naked. Each of them had glowing golden eyes, and it was obvious their senses were heightened. I used magic to clothe them all in Ferelden clothes before sending them on their way – they had decided to go to Redcliff to join our War effort so I gave Swiftrunner the ring from Bann Teagan to prove we had sent them.

I had Aedan carry Zathrians' body and we searched out both Danyla and Aneirin. Danyla was… already dead. We took her body back with us. We also took care of the Blood Mages near Aneirin.

We happened on Aneirin not long after that.

The elf was red-haired with light blue eyes and pale skin… but not as pale as I expected. He was fitter than most mages as well as being taller too – 5'9.

He did have Vallaslin – the markings of Sylaise done in a pretty purple-ish color. He spoke, "Friends, turn back, these woods are a danger to those who do not know the paths…"

I spoke, "Andaran Atish'an, Aneirin – I'm sure one of companions would wish to speak with you."

He looked startled but glanced around before his gaze froze on Wynne. "Wait… I remember you; younger, more impulsive and… quite stern; Wynne?"

"I… I thought they killed you."

"Oh, they nearly did. Ran me through and left me for dead – thankfully when they assumed my death was certain, they smashed the Phylactery. The Clan found me bleeding out and nursed me back to health." He sounded amused.

Wynne hesitantly took a step forward, and a tear slipped from her eye, "I brought this on you. Oh, I was a dreadful mentor; harsh and impatient. I am so sorry for the way I treated you…"

"I put that behind me, Wynne. You should too. I just didn't fit in there with the Templars and the Chantry… my path is here, with Clan Ellwood."

I nodded, "They will need you now more than ever. You will officially be offered the position of First in the coming days – as you can see, Zathrian is dead. He gave his life to end the Werewolf Curse that plagued the forest."

He looked stunned, "You're sure I would… I mean…"

"I'm a seer and they don't have any other mages to be first. Lanaya will need the help in healing the formerly infected anyway."

He nodded, "I will make my way back to the camp then. Wynne, this is made from the hardened sap of a tree native to this forest – it's been sort of a lucky charm for me. I want you to have it." Rather than a necklace, he took a bracelet from his wrist and handed it to her.

She beamed at him, "May your gods smile on you, Aneirin."

Arriving back at the Dalish camp, I saw Arthas and bowed my head to him as he reclaimed the body of his wife. His daughter immediately came to confront me about the Werewolves, and I gave an Oscar worthy performance about how I'd hated taking those lives when some may have been innocent – it wasn't a lie, we did have to kill some of the more feral ones when they hadn't turned back. She seemed satisfied for now, but I knew she'd learn the truth soon enough.

I handed the bag of bark to Master Varathorn and he tried to get me to accept a crafted item as a reward, but I told him that he should use it for the upcoming war against the Darkspwan instead. I still got a wooden carved earing set – shaped like Hallas with silver clasps. They were also enchanted to allow for fire resistance.

Cammen had gotten his girl, and Elora had helped her Halla… it was getting dark by the time everything was done so we decided to get some more rest before setting off for Denerim in the morning.

Alistair sat behind me – he'd been strangely quiet since this afternoon when I pulled the hostage situation. I was beginning to worry, actually – he didn't feel mad; I was thankful I still had my empathetic abilities from Earth to help in that regard. In fact, they had been amplified since coming to a world with prevalent magic.

He seemed to feel conflicted – relief and horror and worry mingling in him. I was cooking at the moment and he seemed to find any and every reason to touch me; playing with my hair, just standing super close, helping me to cook and so on.

I had made white sauce noodle with chicken, bacon, corn, cheeses and pesto for dinner using a restaurant sized pot so that there was enough for the Clan too. Everyone seemed to like it.

I only had one bowl before retiring to the tent. Alistair was still out there; Grey Wardens ate more than 5x the amount anyone else did. I decided to surprise him and got completely naked but… my insecurities welled up and I decided to wait under the covers of the bedroll.

It wasn't much longer that he came into the tent.

He started pacing right off and somehow, I just knew what he was about to scold me about. Waiting alone with the werewolves rather than allowing him to stay with me.

"Why? Why would you risk your life and… and stay with them alone? They could have infected you! They could have… they… Makers' Breath, Ara – you're my wife… I could have lost you…" Though he'd started out loud and worried, his voice was quiet and rough as he ended. He was… crying?

I felt my chest tighten when I saw the tears on his cheeks. "Alistair… Sweet man – I knew they wouldn't have hurt me. I knew I was safe. I know that… you're concerned about losing me before you have to, but… sweetheart, I will come back. You need to remember that I can see the future. I love you – and I will never leave you before I have to. And I promise to come back when I can. If the world believes I'm your mistress, then what would be stopping you from coming to visit once in a while too? I will do all in my power to keep you safe and if that means you want me to visit now and again, I will."

"But what if they had infected you?" he whispered – apparently trying to calm himself.

"If they had, then I can imagine you and Aedan making Zathrian do the frog march down to the Werewolf Lair and forcing him to undo the curse. You'd probably toss him over your shoulder in a fireman carry, thinking about it now. Or Sten would duel Swiftrunner for breach of honor before turning on Zathrian to force him to undo the curse. Either way, the curse would be ended before I ever turned or died."

"… What is a Frog March?" he asked. I explained and he snorted, "My point remains, Ara – you endangered yourself today… I could have lost you. I love you – more than I could have ever imagined. When the Blight is over… I don't want to lose you even though I know I have to. I know you will find someone else, and I know you want the same from me… but I must tell you, I believe you may be the only one who will ever hold my heart, my wife. I've come to realize that I love you too much to ever risk losing you. I can handle sharing you if that what this means, but I refuse to lose you. I am yours, my wife; always."

He had gestured to the Poly tat on his arm. I was completely wordless. Even my husband on earth had never said something so sweet. Alex had been sweet in his own way, but Alistair was on a whole new level.

"Alistair – I love you too. I will always love you. Love never fades you know. It can change, but if someone loses love, then it was never love. I still love Alex – and I'll never see him again. I may find someone else – I may find more than one other person – but you will always hold a piece of my heart. You're my husband, Alistair – and that is a bond I don't take lightly. No matter what happens in the future, you and me… we will always be husband and wife, no one can take that from us."

I sat up as I spoke. His eyes darkened, "You… you're naked."

I felt my lip twitch, "I wanted to surprise you."

"Consider me surprised… may I…?" he seemed to have a dry mouth all of a sudden. I flushed, "Alistair – you never need to ask. I'm a bit of a… I like sex very much; especially with you, so unless something happens the answer will be yes."

He groaned and lowered himself to kneel next to me as he stripped off his top. I took in his physique with growing desire. He growled, "You're sure of that?"

"I'll tell you what – if there is ever a reason we can't or I don't want to, I will let you know. Back when I was with Alex, I did have problems of physical pain during sex, so I will make you the same promise I made him. If I ever don't want to, I will tell you. But the flip side is that you have to promise to respect that."

He nodded at once, "Was that ever in question? If you say no – I don't care how far gone I am – then I'd stop. I would hope you know that."

"I do – but some things… need clarification. After all, there are still some things I haven't told you… I…"

He was kissing my neck as he undid his pants, "Like what?"

My kinks flashed through my mind before I said, "That… can wait. Goddess, I want you now…"

Alistair had gotten a lot more confident in our love-making since we left Redcliff. He had been worried the first few nights after leaving the castle, because he thought someone was going to hear us. His fears were swiftly put to rest after the night with the locket and the rose – I hadn't exactly been quiet. I whimpered as his hand found my left nipple and his mouth descended to the right one.

I gasped as his hand slowly slipped from nipple to slip down my body. "Mine," he whispered and I moaned and said, "Yours," as his two fingers entered me.

I began to reach my hand down to stroke him, but his free hand stopped me. When I gave him a pouting look, he said "Tonight is for you, love. I want to please you."

I felt my back arch as his thumb circled my clit as he continued to move his fingers, "I… I appreciate… oh, Goddess… the sentiment, but I find – damn it… I like…"

I growled and tackled him. His fingers froze within me and I said, "I find pleasure in pleasuring you. It makes me feel all damn warm and fuzzy knowing I can please you – that I can make you lose yourself like you do when you – oh!" I cried out as he flipped us back over with a wicked gleam in his eyes, "You know – that's my favorite part too; when you lose control and your magic goes wild. I think I still have a bit of Frost Nip on my hip from last time."

I flushed at the mention of my hand going stone cold 4 nights ago. I tried telling him that it wasn't really frost bite – so he called it frost nip. He gave me a smirk, "Maybe this time, you can warm it up…"

He sounded mischievous, and I slightly worried what he planned to do as he kissed his way down my chest and his hand began moving again. I gasped when his teeth nipped at my very sensitive breasts. I would have to think about the sensitivity later.

Alistair began to kiss his way down my body, and though I was self-conscious about my stomach, I felt amazing. His fingers never stopped moving as his mouth found my slit. I gasped and my hips bucked at the first lick; my hands tangled into his hair as he sucked that sensitive nub into his mouth. "Alistair!"

He had been teasing and nipping and… I was already so close when he…

I was sent over the edge, moaning and bucking as he worked his mouth and fingers around my slit. He didn't slow or stop as I peaked, dragging my orgasm out and causing me to shout and curse as my hands all but ripped out his hair.

Only when my orgasm began to subside did he kiss his way back up my body, reaching my mouth in very little time – I saw the smug, lustful look in his eyes. He seemed to love getting me off. I wondered how I got so lucky – Alex had been the same way with his 'it's not fun unless we both get off' sentiment.

Alistair… he kissed me as I felt him line up with my entrance. I allowed my hands to trail along his body and all but screamed when he trust.

He growled against my lips, "You are mine." I cried out – loving how possessive he was at the moment – before flipping us so I could ride him. His back landing against the harder ground outside the bedroll made him grunt as I leaned forward and whispered, "All yours, Alistair – I am all yours."

I began moving slowly on his shaft.

He had twitched and groaned at my words. His hands came up to grasp my hips. I moaned and rested my hands on his chest as I sat back up. I loved how deep he got in this position – another reason I loved Doggy was deepness. I knew he loved it too – if his rasping breathes were any indicator.

I reached my own hands up to play with my nipples. I whimpered and felt his hands on my hips tighten, helping stabilize me as I rode him. I watched his face – apparently, he liked watching me play with my own nipples. Knowing my breasts were large enough – and that this particular move had gotten positive feedback from another former virgin lover of mine – I leaned my head down and looked him in the eye as I sucked on my own nipple.

His hips jerked, "Makers'… that is… highly intoxicating…"

I smiled softly and released my nipple as his hand came up to take over playing with it. My head fell back slightly as I could feel the building release of a second orgasm. I moaned his name and he growled mine, "Ara, you are mine…"

I whimpered and nodded before – feeling playful – I squeezed my inner walls around him. He sat up so fast my movements were brought to a halt. He had moved the hand that was on my hip to hold him up from behind. The one on my breast moved to the back of my head; tangling in my hair as he kissed me roughly.

I began moving on his lap once more. I removed my hands from my breasts and worked one up to cup his cheek, the other on his chest. He kissed his way along my jaw and down to my neck, causing the hand that was on his cheek to move to his shoulder. When his lips reached my neck I was panting in desire. I had always had a sensitive neck.

He bit into the nerve area where the shoulder and neck met. I cried out – speaking in a language that I was positive I'd never heard before. I could understand it though. My second orgasm ripped through me – far more powerful than the first.

"A-Ara… I… I love you," he roared as he reached his climax. He didn't withdrawal as he moved me back our starting position but stayed sitting up.

My hips were lifted as he knelt and continued to move within me. I was greatly surprised – sure we'd often go more than once in a night, but it had never been back-to-back… not that I would complain.

His thrusts were powerful. I knew – without any doubt – that I would be sore come morning. Truth be told, I didn't care. I needed this. I loved feeling like I could cause this man to go wild with desire; he certainly caused me to go wild.

He stopped and had me turn over – I did so without complaint. He gained speed and force as he gripped my hips. I cried out in the strange new language over and over as he did.

Then… he did something new. He raked his nails down my back. I moaned and slammed myself back against him. I begged for more, but with the new language, he didn't know what I was saying. Thankfully, he picked up on the tone and did it again.

His hand then moved around to play with my clit – Thank the Goddess for his longer arm-span, because that move usually made things awkward. I gasped when he stopped playing with my clit and helped me up in a way that had my back against his chest, his free hand pinching my nipple as he kissed my neck near where his palm held me to him. I arched my back and cried his name.

I don't think he realized that his hand was tight against my neck – I was still pretty much screaming in pleasure after all. His free hand moved down to pinch my sensitive clit. My hips bucked and he released my neck, allowing me to fall forward – on my elbows once more.

This caused him to go deeper – hitting my cervix with every powerful thrust. I loved the pleasurable pain that it brought.

I cursed and screamed his name as I climaxed again. He growled behind me as my third caused his second.

We collapsed, covered in sweat and breathing hard. I was thankful that I would be able to clean us with Magic, because no way was I going to walk around feeling grimy, nor did I have energy to bathe.

I fell asleep moments after cleaning up.