Chapter Fourteen

Denerim

The day before we got to the major city, Alistair had had enough of Zevs' many attempts to secure a place in our bed. There was some new tactic each day – he could massage Alistair, he could sleep with Alistair… the list was seemingly endless. I had to admit, I was flattered that Zev was going to all this trouble.

Alistair had begun keeping his arm around my shoulder or waist the whole day and just sticking close to me. He'd hoped that would deter the amorous Antivan – no luck. We had met Levi Dryden about two days ago – and I'd let Aedan do the talking after he'd looked to me and I'd nodded.

Now that we were camped out for the night, Alistair was done. He took a swing at Zev… the crow merely smirked and dodged before sauntering away to set up his tent.

Alistair sat heavily beside me as I thought of what to cook. "This is your doing, love – can't you make him stop?"

"Alistair, love… the only thing that will make him stop is himself. He will get bored – that's the most likely – or you will give in."

Lelianna and Aedan had gotten closer during our trip. In fact, she had told him the truth of who she really was; the whole Marjoline story. It was only a week later that we were attacked by men trying to kill her. That was yesterday.

"Why did you put the idea in his head then?" Alistair asked, obviously exasperated. "Don't give me too much credit; he would have thought of it sooner or later. Zev is a man who thinks mostly of sex. I may be the same in that aspect, but that just means I know what to expect from him," I shrugged.

Alistair sighed and kissed my cheek, "I love you."

I smiled at him, "That's good – I love you too."

Aedan cut in, "Before you two start being inappropriate; what's for dinner tonight?"

I chuckled as Alistair went red – he may have been hardened and Zev may have teased him to a point that he was adapting, but that didn't mean he wasn't still somewhat shy.

"I think I'll make pizza. It's been too long and I really have a craving for it at the moment. I'll make two that have everything on them – called supreme – 2 that are mostly meat and 2 of one of my favorite flavors – chicken and bacon on white garlic sauce with several types of cheese. Each pizza will be large and cut into 8 slices – that means everyone can have two of each… I don't like the supreme ones so Alistair and Aedan can each have an extra slice. For the pups, I will make a… doggy pizza."

Alistair looked amused at the disgust on my face, "What is a doggy pizza?"

"… Peanut butter and chicken," I scrunched my nose. The dogs both barked – like on earth, dogs here loved peanut butter.

I was using Magic to make the dough in mid-air, and more Magic to 'spin' it. I didn't feel like making 7 pizzas by hand, so I was cheating. I used Magic to make a brick pizza oven large enough to cook them all before sliding them in.

"What is… pizza?" Zevran asked looking highly curious. Alistair shot him a mild glare.

"It's a large circular dish made of yeasty dough, covered in a tomato paste or white sauce – sometimes barbecue sauce depending on the pizza. You then add toppings such as Olives, Meats, Veggies and such, before covering it with an unhealthy amount of cheese and baking it. It's good, you'll like it. The only downside is you shouldn't eat it too often. It may sound healthy having so many nutritional things, but the grease it produces makes it… well, not healthy," I explained while I watched the Pizza cook. I knew when the aroma made everyone come over that it was sure to be a hit.

I was humming as I worked causing Lelianna to ask me what song it was. I was almost embarrassed to admit that it was a song about sex. She made me sing it out loud, and that's how I was roped into teaching her Bite Your Kiss by Diamante… then I had to explain what 'riding shotgun on your lips' meant. Alistair was slightly red – but I could see the heat in his eyes – both Leli and Zev looked intrigued.

"That smells… really good," Aedan said, causing everyone else to nod. I grinned as, with my Magic, I pulled the pizzas out of the oven and turned the pizza oven into a large table where we could all sit and eat. I made plates appear at each spot and placed the designated six slices each on the plates – other than Aedan and Alistair who each got seven and mine with four.

I knew that the only ones who would clear their plates were the Wardens, Sten and I, and whatever was left would likely go to them.

After a few questioning bites, everyone dug in. I was surprised to note that Wynne and Lelianna had also cleared their plates, though Morrigan, and Zev still had a slice of chicken bacon and meat covered each left; I snagged those surprising everyone that I polished off more than any of them since I rarely ate so much.

When we all finished, I took care of the table and dishes before stretching. "That was an amazing meal, Ara. Do you think we can do that one again soon?" Alistair asked with his famous puppy eyes.

I flushed, "I… not too soon, no. It's very unhealthy. We can't afford to have health problems popping up in the middle of the Blight. Maybe when we get back to Redcliff," I replied. Alistair wasn't the only pouter when I said that.

Zev cried out, "How can we change your mind?"

"…Not happening – I love you all and refuse to kill you by clogged arteries."

I then ducked into my tent and passed out – I was so tired lately.

We spent 3 days in Denerim. We spent 3 days in Denerim. We decided to take care of Marjoline, go to Brother Genitivis house, gather the Mage Collective and Blackstone Irregular missions, and maybe gather some gossip. We did split up into two groups to be on the safe side.

Lelianna, Aedan, Ash, Morrigan and Sten went to take care of Marjoline – at my urging Lelianna would kill her, and I told her not to regret how she feels, because if she feels it then it's who she is – and then to the Tavern for the Irregulars. It was also decided that they would go grab the Chantry board missions that I had mentioned.

Zev, Alistair, Wynne, Fen and I would take care of Brother Genitivis and the Mages Collective. I also planned to make a stop to turn in the Red Jenny Box and in the Market to talk with Gorim and find out what he knew about Sereda Aeducan. Lelianna had told me that King Endrin had two sons and a daughter.

I walked around the market place – not quite sure if Brother Genitivis' house really was across from the tavern or not.

Alistair was wearing a full Helmet as someone quite… recognizable. He was also our Denerim guide since he had been here a time or two during his youth and with Duncan. He led us directly to the scholars' home.

'Weylon' was 5'8 with short black hair, brown eyes, and darker skin. Rather than go through all the Dialogue options, I decided to do something different.

"Ah… I didn't think I'd find you so easily, brother. The Disciples… you need to go. Revered Father Eirik has the… outsider in custody."

'Weylon' gave me a disbelieving look. "I don't know you." Everyone in Haven knew each other, of course. Being such a small village it was bound to be that way. And I was being sketchy and vague with my words since I couldn't outright lie.

"Of course you don't know me! Andraste found… and Kolgrim… do you really want to talk about this in front of these mercenaries, brother? You can call me Brona – like Andrastes' mother."

His eyes widened as he realized he was asking me to spill secrets in front of 'outsiders'. He let us all in and took me to the bedroom.

"From what I gathered, you're saying that Andraste found you?"

"I get visions, brother – Kolgrim would find that valuable of course. And my eyes are silver – can you really say that that's normal? I was reborn and have no memories of my former life here in Thedas; I also look different. Perhaps we knew each other?"

He thought for a minute, "It's… possible, I suppose. No outsider would have known about Father Eirik or Kolgrim or Andraste reborn… and if you were reborn, it would explain why I don't know you at the moment."

I gave a pouty look, "Yeah – I haven't been able to tell any lies since I was reborn either. I have to get creative with how I talk."

He looked fascinated, "Did Kolgrim have any theories about that?"

"I may be a new race – not exactly an elf but no longer human for sure. It helps that I have spectral wings to show that I'm… special."

"Show me," he asked in excitement. I shook out my wings and knew that he now fully believed I was from Haven; couldn't lie and that I was something special.

He cleared his throat, "In that case, Brona… I will begin making my way back to Haven. Since Genitivi is no longer a threat… do you want to travel with me?"

"I can't – I have my own mission here in Denerim for the time."

He kissed my cheek, "Then I wish you luck – you could always use this house as a base of operation."

I nodded with a smile. As I showed him out, I kissed him on the cheek to sell the story. He left without much more fuss.

Alistair frowned as he saw that, "Have I told you that I'm a jealous man? Because I am…"

I giggled and threw my arms around his shoulders, "Would you begrudge a dead man a kiss, my love?"

Alistair tilted his heard with a lifted eyebrow, "He looked very much alive to me, love."

"So the fake Waylon that just left is from the town called Haven – the place where we need to go for the Urn of Sacred Ashes. The town is being guarded by a dragon cult called The Disciples of Andraste. At one point in time they really were the Disciples – the ones who aided the guardian and Havard in taking the ashes there to protect them. Only the Guardian remained true over time and one Disciple started spouting his own prophecy that Andraste would be reborn. They believe that she has been now – as a High Dragon who now guards the Temple Ruins that hold the Urn. They believe that so long as the ashes remain, she will not gain her memories – it's a load of pig shit; it is just a High Dragon."

"Um… what's the point to this?" Zevran muttered.

"The Chantry only has Revered Mothers but Haven has a Revered Father who leads the town and he only answers to Kolgrim who leads the cult. When we get there, we will basically have to wipe out the cult and dragons living there in order to get close to the urn." I explained as I led them to the main bedroom where saw the body of the real Weylon under a sheet.

"And you let the man go? Won't he let them know about you?" Wynne asked.

I shook my head, "I told you – he's a dead man walking. He will be shot in the head by a Hurlock Archer before getting as far as the Dalish Camp. Our arrival will still be a surprise to the cult… it kills me that I had to lead the man to his death and that I can't… bury him or say last rights, but he was going to die no matter what. Either he would have attacked us or something… I looked at all possible futures before sending him on his way. I wouldn't have been able to bury him if we killed him. I can't say the last rites if I don't bury him. He remains would have been trapped in here until we send Genitivi home – just as the Real Waylon will be. I can't lay either one to rest… so I chose the best, painless option for him that didn't involve me personally killing him."

Alistair held me from behind, "This is hard on you… I shouldn't have said anything – I'm sorry…"

I shook my head, "No secrets, remember. I will have nightmares about it though – so I want a promise of Cuddles."

"Like you wouldn't be getting that already? Of course I promise you that we'll cuddle. At least he won't suffer – and I'm no longer upset about the kiss. Knowing that, I wouldn't have been upset if you'd kissed his lips rather than his cheek," Alistair kissed my head. His words caused me to giggle.

I shook my head, "No – Eww… don't you see the plate? He was eating onions. That makes the breath stink. Not to mention the Onion Garlic combo on that plate. I might throw up for the first time in my combined lives to kiss a man with that on his breath. He's lucky I kissed his cheek without getting sick!"

Zevran looked at the plate, "She is correct, of course. The scent of garlic and onions is terrible when mixed with breath. I wouldn't kiss Ara if she had such a scent after a meal…"

Alistair shook his head in amusement, "But you do get my point here. Poor man is going to die – how could we possibly begrudge a single kiss?"

"Quite easily; these lips are only for people I care for," I snipped. He beamed and kissed me, "I do like hearing that, though."

Wynne chuckled and I shot her a wink as we got what we came for and left.

Zev spoke, "It will really be a quick death?"

"For sure; he'll be dead before he even realizes he'd been shot. That Hurlock is carrying a crossbow and it will be close range. If he would have suffered, I'd have killed him here and dealt with the consequences to my soul later. Better to be merciful than cruel," I shrugged as we left the house heading past the Wonders of Thedas and finding the door that was mentioned for the Friends of Red Jenny quest. Handing over the box without a word, I was handed 3 golden coins before the door was shut.

"Um… What just happened?" Alistair asked.

"Oh that was for the Friends of Red Jenny," I replied causing Zevrans eyes to widen. "You are a Jenny, Bellisima?"

I snorted, "Not at all, dear. One of your Mercs was, and had a mission detail on him. I happened to grab the proper item from the tower while I was there so I turned it over. I like making Friends and it may help me if I ever meet the Jenny named Sera in the future." I knew my voice was loud enough to be heard by the Jenny on the other side of the door… I also knew that said Jenny had Sera with him; she was only 8 or 9 but she was already in training. That was never mentioned in the game, but I had a vision the minute the Jenny guy answered the door, even if his hood was up. Sera would recognize me in 10 years' time.

"It never ceases to Amaze me that you can see the future, Bellisima," Zev shook his head as we walked through the Market. I spotted Gorim and instantly changed course to head to him.

"Stone met, Gorim. My name is Arvaala; or Ara if you prefer. I am here to ask you what you know about Sereda Aeducan, and weather you believe she is still alive. Yes, I know she was exiled under false pretenses, I know it was Bhelen who set it all up, and I know you were Sereda's second. I need to know these things if I have any hope of possibly saving the poor sod," I said and watched as Gorims face transformed. Wonder, fear, and hope all at once.

"Honestly? I believe she is still alive, but if so she probably already joined the Legion of the Dead, so there's no saving her. She always was fascinated by them; always talked about joining them after a few more years serving the crown of Orzammar… never was interested in the Crown for herself. If you're asking who she'd pick for the crown, she'd say Harromont is too traditional for it. As much as I hate Bhelen for what he did, he is ultimately the better option for the throne." Gorim told me, as he showed me his wares. I saw a beautiful Dwarven White Steel (Tier 8 – White) longsword that he told me was enchanted for strong lightning damage, priced at 1 sovereign. I bought it for Alistair, even as he protested.

I shot him a wink and he flushed. Gorim looked amused at that.

"I thank you for your time, Gorim. I'll keep a look out for Sereda when we go to the Deep Roads, and I will be sure to support Bhelen to the Assembly," I crossed my arms over my chest and bowed from the waist at a 45 degree angle; he responded in kind.

"Before you go… since you'll be on the lookout for Sereda in the Deep anyway, would you give her this if you find her? Her father wanted her to have it," Gorim said, handing me the Shield of Aeducan. I nodded and handed it to Zevran who promptly and with great care attatched the shield to his back. "I will make sure she gets it, should she live; if not I will be sure to return it to House Aeducan. My priority will be for it to go to Sereda." My words caused him to give me a smile.

We left, going over to collect the missions for the Mages Collective, and I casually struck up a conversation with Master Ignacio while buying a Bow crafted in Orlais and made of Dragonthorn (Tier 7 – dark red) for Lelianna and a Silverite (Tier 6 – white and blue) set of daggers for Aedan. I also purchased a Silverite Staff for Wynne and a set of White Steel Daggers for Zevran. Sten wouldn't accept anything but his Asala, and Morrigan had recently gotten a better staff that was found on a Merc from Zevs attack group. I didn't need anything. Zevran had recognized Ignacio and vice versa, but they ignored each other.

Alistair bit his lip and said, "I wasn't going to… to ask this but… I mean since we're here and all… could we go visit Goldanna? I just… I thought she was my sister for so long and… even knowing what you said about her… I want to try?"

I changed course without a thought and he smiled softly at me.

Once we got inside, he called out, "Er… Hello?"

"Eh? You have linens to wash? I charge three bits on the bundle, won't find better. Don't trust what that Natalia woman says, either – she's foreign and will rob you blind."

"Oh; um… I'm not here to have… washing done. My name's Alistair. I'm… well I suppose this will sound a bit strange, actually. Are you Goldanna? If so, I suppose I'm your brother." Poor boy sounded so nervous – and he already knew somewhat how this would play out somewhat.

She gave a confused look, "My what? I am Goldanna, but how do you know my name? What kind of tomfoolery are you folks up to?"

I chuckled and shook my head, Alistair sighed and spoke again; though I could tell he was having trouble committing to the role, "Our… mother… was a serving girl at Redcliff castle a long time ago, before she died. Do you know about that? She…"

Goldanna cut him off, "I knew it! They told me you was dead! They told me the babe was dead along with mother, but I knew they was lying!"

Alistair jerked in surprise at her tone; she was pissed and bitter. "Who told you I was dead?"

"Them's at the Castle! I told them the babe was the Kings and they said he was dead. Gave me a coin to shut my mouth and sent me on my way… I knew it." She fumed.

"I'm… sorry. I didn't know that."

"For all the good that does me! You killed mother, you did; and I've had to scrape by all this…" I cut her off as I stepped forward. "Enough; I'll not have you belittling Alistair for something he didn't do. I will make you one offer – and only the one. I will give you 15 Sovereigns and you don't talk that way to him ever again. Not like you will ever see us again, so I would take the money were I you."

Alistair looked startled that I would offer so much – I planned to recoup the loss from Loghain though so really… heh.

She reeled back in shock and Alistair glanced at me. Goldanna said, "And who in the Makers' name are you? Some tart following after his riches, I suppose?"

Alistair pulled me behind him and snarled, "Her name is Arvaala Anderson and she's a Teyrna from another land – the money offered is her own not mine. I have no riches – I'm a bastard. She makes expensive things and sells them to nobles – she's rich enough to buy Highever if she really wanted to. She is also the current Commander of the Grey so I suggest you watch your tongue."

I blinked at him – was it wrong that I found the aggression rather… attractive?

The woman blanched and I nodded, "Do you accept my offer? I don't like the thought of children suffering, so this is the last time I will offer."

She nodded mutely, so I counted out 15 gold coins. When she took the gold she gave me an awkward bow, "Th… Thank you, my lady." She muttered. I nodded and we left.

Alistair stopped me outside, "Well that was… not what I was expecting. There at the start, I thought she was mad I was kept from her… I mean… this is the family I wondered about my whole life? That gold-digging shrew was supposed to be my sister? I'd feel like an idiot if I hadn't known going in that she would be like that…"

I chuckled, "Think of it this way – she could have conned you into promising to support them – you'd really have been an idiot then!"

He gave a rough laugh, "Yeah; suppose I would. Thank you… for standing by me."

"Anytime, love." I winked.

He kissed me softly and I said, "By the way… you getting all riled up to defend me… that was hot."

He flushed and I heard Zev sniggering, "What did he do, Little Rose?"

I explained as we headed toward the meet-up area for the others.

Aedan actually caught up to us in time to hear most of it. Aedan looked over the man, "She could buy Highever?"

I cleared my throat, "If I were to keep selling my soap… and your brother wasn't alive… then I could, in theory, buy Highever and the title by the end of the Blight."

Aedan laughed before he caught on, "Fergus… he will live to the end of the Blight?"

I nodded, "Oh yes – and a minimum of 10 years past that too. Especially if we recruit a specific someone after the Blight – I'll let you know."

He nodded happily, "That makes me all kinds of happy."

A child came running up to give me the letter from Ignacio. I said that we should do the missions that Ignacio would give us because he would look the other way on missions related to 'The Grey Warden' and 'Zevran' plus we'd have someone support us in the Landsmeet – and the people would end up dead anyway. That last one made them agree and go get the missions knowing I would feel guilty if we couldn't bury these people. All three were available at once, which I counted as a bonus.

We began our trek to The Pearl and I learned that Aedan had also talked to Kylon. So we were also going to clear out the Merc band that had taken residence there.

And there she was; Isabela. She looked almost exactly like from the second game; wavy brown hair – it actually reached her mid-back and was done up in a ponytail – lovely green-gold eyes, golden tan skin, signature white dress and black corset, black thigh-high boots, blue bandana and gold jewelry. Her daggers were more like mini scythes with black hilts. She was dealing with three thugs.

While Isabela was dealing with those dumb asses that decided to fuck with her, Aedans group went to take care of the Mercs while my group headed for the back room to kill Paedan, Shaevra, Tennant and Jarvy. They were easy kills with the new weapons and my Magic got rid of the mess while I moved the bodies out the window to bury them and say a prayer.

Next we approached Isabela. And look who we have here. Come to apologize for leaving me bereft of my Lord husband and then vanishing without a trace?" Isabela remarked upon seeing Zev.

"You know it was just business Isabela; business that turned out well for you, I see. You inherited the ship, I take it."

"Hmm, I suppose I never did like the greasy bastard, and the Siren treats me far better than she ever did him. Any catching up Zevran and I have to do, we couldn't be doing out here. Now Zev, Shouldn't you introduce us?"

"Bellisima, allow me to formally introduce you to Isabela, Queen of the Eastern Seas and the sharpest blade in Llomerryn. Isabela, my dear, this is Ara, Seer and a woman after my heart," Zevran exclaim dramatically, putting his arm around my shoulders. Alistair took his arm off me and pulled me into his chest, giving Zev a small glare as Isabela and I laughed merrily while the assassin pouted.

"A pleasure to meet you in person, pirate queen; I can't wait to see what the future holds," I gave her a smile as I held out my hand for her to shake. "So you're after Zevs heart, but captured the heart of this handsome man behind you huh?"

"Zev only wishes he could bed me, sweetie. I told him that if he gets Alistair – the handsome man holding onto me – to agree, then we could have group fun, but I already knew Alistair would never agree to that. He might agree if you want a threesome, but not Zev," I giggled as Alistair blushed and shook his head ruefully, muttering about how I'd really be the death of him.

Bela looked him over with a very appreciative look, "Now that is tempting, Kitten. He doesn't look like he will agree though…"

Isabela replied with a wink. "Well, you could always try inviting Lelianna, Aedan and Zev… that would be a fun combo; one I'd pay to watch."

Zev was smirking, Lelianna and Isabela looked intrigued, and Aedan stared at me startled and said with wide eyes "I thought you saw me as a brother…" "Oh, only in the sense that I wouldn't sleep with you. You are good looking, but I only like you as a friend… that said, I think I'd love to see that group pairing," I shrugged with a sly smirk.

Isabella ended up guiding the trio out so I headed over to Sangra.

"What can I do for you darling; male, female… other?" She was 5'7 with honey blonde hair, emerald green eyes and flawless skin. If I hadn't been with Alistair, I'd have certainly given her a try…

I glanced at Alistair and giggled, "Sorry – I'm with this one. But I would like to secure 6 rooms for 8 people and 2 Mabari for 3 nights. I will pay triple for your silence on the fact that the wardens are staying here and will pay another 5 Sovereigns for meals."

She looked floored and said, "You're willing to pay… 32 Sovereigns for that?"

It was 50 silvers per room per night – 6 rooms were 3 Sovereigns, tripled and then tripled again plus the 5 for meals made 32. I smiled, "Yup."

She grabbed her book and said, "Will we be expecting any… services while you're here?"

"If any of my people order such, I will pay up front for it. For now, it isn't expected."

She nodded and said, "Can I get a name for the order – or is this… anonymous?"

"Ara Anderson," I said with a small smile. "She's a Teyrna from…"

"It's called America, dearest – and I think my title sort of became moot when I… moved."

Alistair flushed, "You married a Teyrn and ruled his home – that title is permanent."

I rolled my eyes, "No one in Thedas will believe that – I have pointy ears; so just Ara will do."

Despite my words, I saw Sangra look at me with wide eyes and scribble my 'title' into the book. I gave her a wicked grin, "I do sell expensive soaps with amazing health benefits if you're interested?"

She blinked, "You and your man can step into my back room for this buissness – Margret!"

She gave the order to get 6 rooms prepared for V.I.P guests. Margret nodded and rushed off as Sangra led us to a back room and gave a signal to another person to feed my people.

Once Alistair and I were seated I began pulling out sample bottles of each of my Soap, Perfume and Oils. Sangra looked critically at them and began sniffing each one.

I stopped her before she got to Templars' Rose and said, "That one is for Templars' and Mages – exclusively. You can sniff my… Alistair uses that one as a former Templar, but direct contact for any who aren't mages or Templars needs to be limited."

Without hesitation, she got up and sniffed at Alistairs' hair – whores like me had no sense of shame. He flushed but didn't move away.

Sangra sat back down, "What are the benefits?"

I went through and gave a comprehensive list of benefits from each one. I also told her the active ingredients. She questioned me extensively on the oils and their uses.

"How much of each do you have in stock at the moment?"

I gave her a wicked smile, "The beauty of magical artefacts, dear Sangra – I have more than you can order."

"And if I want recipes?"

I chuckled, "Why not? Kinlock Hold bought the recipes for Lethal Beauty and Templars' Rose. For a place like this, I could even come up with a new scent that doubled as an aphrodisiac. It would actually be rather simple – I'd only need to modify Fairy Song and River Rain. I could make it smell like Chocolates and Strawberries."

Sangra looked intrigued "And it would double as an aphrodisiac?"

I nodded, "A mild one – no love potions in sight. I can't make one that would make an Asexual suddenly horny for no reason, but you get the gist."

She smiled, "If you can do that, I'd buy the recipe."

I moved and got to work at once; Vandal Aria, Arbor Blessing, Crystal Grace, Andrastes' Grace, and Amrita Vein went into this one – along with a few things to make it smell like chocolate and strawberries.

It took me only 20 minutes to complete and Sangra had filled out some papers while I worked.

I handed her the soap and she sniffed it before her eyes went wide, "That is… perfect. How much would this sell for per bottle?"

"250 Silvers per bottle – making it my second most expensive scent," I said.

"I'll pay five hundred Sovereigns for the recipe – I can make that back in resale of individual bottles in no time from the women that come to the Pearl. It smells delightful and I can just see people wanting more when they smell it on my people."

"600," I smiled. Alistair choked and looked wide eyed.

"525," She countered, looking happily alive.

"525 and my current tab covered."

She smiled widely, "Deal! I'll also pay for 60 bottles of the Soap, 10 perfumes and 125 bottles oil."

I did the calculations and said, "That brings your total today up to 800 Sovereigns, my dear."

Alistair looked faint but Sangra moved over to a vault behind a painting near the door as I began pulling out the order. I had written the recipe out as I worked so that was already done. I had also written out the benefits and such.

Alistair whispered to me, "That amount could buy Highever now. How does she have that on hand?"

I snorted – knowing Sangra had heard – and said, "My love, you are so innocent. Sex sells no matter where you go in the world. In fact, it's the best paying buissness – I'm sure Sangra could buy a crown and have it mean something."

Sangra chuckled as she sat back down, "I could – but where's the fun in that? The Pearl has been here for a few decades – 4, to be exact – and the price of sex just goes up the more you gain reputation. This is a sizable chunk of my savings, yes, but opportunity like this only comes once a generation or so. I know I can make the money back easily once word about the new scent of sex gets out."

"I call it Lovers' Embrace," I smirked. She nodded, "A perfect name for a scent like this. Alistair, is it? Well, dear – your woman has a gift for scent marketing. It's been a pleasure doing buissness with you sweetheart."

I smiled sweetly, "Likewise, Sangra."

We then headed out to find that the rooms were ready and I was given the Keys. I handed one to Morrigan, Wynne, Sten, and kept the other three. There were one for Alistair and me; one for Leli and Aedan; and one for Zev.