Chapter Fifty-Six

The Unbidden Rescue


Hawke spoke first, "We checked the Foundry – we only found bones and those were turned in to Emeric – and we killed all those Flint Company guys; we just need to talk to this Prince Vael at some point to let him know. Also; when I went to the Hanged Man earlier today to… talk to Bela, her friend asked for help."

"Did you tie him up and go find some honesty?" I asked.

Hawke and Bela burst into laughter. Bela spoke, "It was tempting, kitty. I take it you know what he wanted?"

"I know… and I'm not really comfortable involving myself in that one. He's selling the Black Hand."

Silence met that declaration. Hawke said, "I should have expected. We'll go hunt it down…"

"Woodrow Warehouse at the Docks – it is heavily guarded. If you want to get extra money from him, tell Martin that you won't tell him, and then tell him you'll tell him for a price. You get four sovereigns from him that way. If you let him collect his contraband, then he can become a fence for the less than legal things you acquire as well as selling poisons and grenades. So there is an upside, but this is… your choice. I won't be involved in this one."

Hawke shrugged, "I need the money – otherwise I wouldn't do it either; and before you say it, let me stop you again. I'm already living in your house and eating your food for no cost; I won't take your money."

Alistair grinned in amusement, "You should have seen her during the Blight too – the only reason she started selling the soap she made was because Aedan sort of jumped into the role of hyping it up and negotiating prices. She honestly didn't care one wit – she would have given the stuff away for free. She didn't want to contradict Aedan – and then she only kept selling it because it sold once and she'd feel bad about giving it away to other people. It turned out great – we used the tactic against Loghain. She sold him soap and gave him useless information. Loghain essentially paid for our entire War Effort against him and thought Ara was a double agent – only sleeping with me to get information."

I lifted my chin – trying to look dignified. Isabela nodded, "I remember – I was there when she returned from the Palace. That was after she took 800 sovereigns from the Pearl."

Anders choked on his supper, "You did what?"

"That's nothing – The Blooming Rose paid me 1100 for the same thing and a bit extra of the already prepared stuff. I gave Lusine a necklace worth 700 Sovereigns as a gift for a fruitful transaction – with an ulterior motive. She's like a sign to advertise my jewelry store."

Bela blinked and said, "Kitten… I should stay around you more often. You're like a well of good fortune."

"Uh huh – I've been here for less than a month and already I've made 5,600 Sovereigns from 3 sources." I muttered.

Alistair sniggered and said, "So… the plan?"

"Oh – right; Meeran has a job for me. I know Ara won't go since Meeran is a Merc. While we were at the Gallows, a man named Solivitus asked us for help – and we need to clear that Ironbark grove anyway for the Dalish. Magistrate Vanard also asked for my help – what am I; everyone's errand boy? The Bone Pit workers need help and finally, we also found a request to rescue the Viscounts' Son; Seamus. So… it's up to you Ara."

"You need to save the man Meeran has on the job but… don't kill the mark. He was the one who sent us Aid in Ferelden during the whole trouble with the Blight. We'll head out to the Coast tomorrow to save Seamus form the Winters Merc Group and take care of the escaped criminal for the Magistrate; next we'll circle back to drop Seamus off on our way to the Ironbark grove before heading to the Bone Pit. By the time we finish all that, it should be a day or two before Alistair has to leave."

Hawke took a deep breath and said, "Meeran won't like that…"

"So lie and say the mark took off before you could do anything. The man you save won't want to tell Meeran anything at all about it if you spare Harriman."

Isabela reached over for a High-Five, "I like that plan Kitty."

Varric nodded, "I do too – Harriman even went to the Merchants' Guild to aid Ferelden; Killing him won't be a good idea."

I smiled happily, "Less bloodshed for us."

"Will that interfere?" Alistair asked. I shook my head, "Harriman was one of several dozen people that could have lived or died with no… effect. I saved Bethany already, but Carver could have gone either way with his fate depending on Hawkes choice of who to take to the Deep Roads. There are many like that actually, so… I plan to utilize that little loophole to the fullest."

Carver blinked, "Wait – who would have to go into the Deep Roads to save my life? Are you saying that is where I was supposed to die?"

I slid the conscription notices across the table for the Hawkes to look at. Carver dropped his jaw when he read his. I said, "The younger sibling who survived the escape from Lothering was to have one of three fates. The first was to join the circle before Garrett returned – either by being discovered as a mage or joining the Templars. The second fate was to die a blighted death while Garrett helplessly watched or put them out of their misery – he would cry at the loss no matter what. The third and final fate was this; the Joining can stave off the taint. If Anders was taken alongside Carver and Varric, then Anders would be able to found Warden Stroud; that's who he got the maps from in our first week here. Warden Stroud would take the sibling and head instantly for the surface; where Carver or Bethany – in this case both – will survive the Joining and climb the ranks swiftly. Instead of going in from the bottom of the order, however, I secured notices of conscription – stating that you will be given senior warden ranks and returned to me as soon as you are well enough to travel back."

Garrett cursed, "I had planned on taking Bela and Carver – and you if you were willing. I'd have caused my brothers' death."

I snapped, "Bethany and I are the only women allowed to go. No other women because I don't relish seeing them turned into Broodmothers. Bela will be staying here and getting pampered by my guards – since they are also staying here. Aveline will be running the Guards. Merrill will be doing things in the Alienage or hanging out here. Varric, Fenris, Anders, Carver, Bethany, Obsidian, you and me – that's our Expedition line up."

"What's a Broodmother?" Merrill asked innocently.

I couldn't describe it again… so I did the next worst thing and took the water from the cups and froze them into shape. "This is a former Human woman – this is what Darkspawn do to women. Hurlocks from humans; Genlocks from dwarves; ogres from Qunari; Shrieks from Elves. This is the fate of women in the Deep Roads unless they are a Fairy or a Grey Warden. You don't want to know how the women turn into this."

Alistair shuddered, "We had to kill one when we went looking for Caridin. And there was another – Hespith – who was part way through the turn. Hespith jumped off a tall ledge and killed herself once she was able – Laryn on the other hand… it made Ara cry to see it in person."

"It made several of our companions ill. I hadn't allowed women from that group to join us either. Fairies are immune to the Taint – that's why Obsidian will be acting as my 'guard' in the Deep Roads. I was originally going to leave him behind but… recent events have made it necessary for me to always have at least one 'guard' or full mate with me. It would have been fine when I was a Princess – but I'm a Queen now."

Alistair nodded, "I'm very glad you're reasonable about such things."

I rolled my eyes, "I'm not that bad, Alistair. I'm just not used to being important. I can understand the need now but before…"

He gave me one of his heart-stopping grins and lifted my hand – entwined in his – to kiss my wrist. I had learned that, that subtle little kiss was normal among people who were madly in love in Thedas – the tradition had started in Tevinter back in the height of the Imperium; it was one of the few things that spread through all countries here. If you saw someone kiss another persons' inner wrist, then it was a good bet that they were engaged or married.

Alistair doing this move… it made me flush red because he had such heat in his eyes and never once broke eye-contact. He knew I loved him, and he preferred to show rather than say. His top love language was touch; and so was mine. I liked giving gifts too – but his secondary was a tie between quality time and acts of service. He liked doing things for me…

An example was earlier – when he washed my hair for me without my asking.

Bela let out a sultry chuckle, "If you two get any hotter, I'll have to strip to cool off."

I laughed, "Honey, you'd strip regardless."

She nodded with a grin, "True."

Obsidian snorted. I looked at him, "I have a question for you."

He blinked, "My Queen?"

I shook my head and pointed with my fork, "Uh-uh – none of that. I'm still Ara. Now… you met one mate – what about others?"

He coughed and shook his head, "It is… rare, but on occation a Fairy or a Sylph will find they have only one primary mate. We'll know the minute we meet that mate if that will be the case – I knew the second I laid eyes on Hanan that she was my only. It is considered a blessing – even if it only happens once in a while – because those couples always had at least 3-4 children in their lifetime. I love Hanan; and I will only take a secondary mate if she chooses to move on from me – I only want her."

I heard Hanan give a small gasp from the doorway – I had known she was coming; that was why I asked Obsidian. Hanan stammered out, "M-Miss… t-there is a… C-Comte De Launcet at the d-door."

"Obsidian, will you lead him in?"

At once Obsidian stood – he knew Hanan was terrified of Noble Men outside of our household and as her mate, he would protect her form anything… even me, if I posed a threat.

I had no problems with him being her mate – as long as he continued to allow her to set the pace of their relationship.

It wasn't long before the Comte was striding into the dining room. Comte Guillaume de Launcet had red-blonde hair with hazel eyes and lightly tanned skin. He had an overly long mustache that reached his chit at the sides, but only stubble in place of a beard. He almost stumbled when he saw Leandra at my table.

I smiled, "Gill; to what do I owe the pleasure?" he had told me to call him Gill – and while it weirded me out, he was a buissness partner.

He smiled brilliantly, "The sale has gone through – I already placed the two buildings in your name, Lady Cousland."

I stood, "Amazing – how much do I owe you for this, Gill?"

He waved a dismissive had, "I only paid 4,200 Sovereigns for the both of them. It was a trivial amount."

That amount was almost what I had made while in Kirkwall. I smiled, "Trivial indeed – I'll fetch the amount. Alistair, this is Comte De Launcet; my buissness partner. Gill, this is King Alistair of Ferelden and betrothed to the Queen of Danu."

"I thought he was betrothed to the Princess?" Gill asked in interest.

"Ah – there was an accident. The new Queen is settling what she can so she can head to Val Royeaux to get the permission for them to marry; things have escalated faster than she anticipated."

Gill looked stunned, "I see – well, King Alistair, it is a pleasure."

I headed out of the room and pulled out a small 'treasure chest' and piled 4,200 golden coins into it. I returned to the dining room after an appropriate amount of time had passed, "Here you are, Gill."

He took the chest, "It's been a pleasure doing buissness with you dear – truly, I can hardly wait until your businesses open."

He left not long after that. I grinned, "Well, Drake – since you're the one who can do it… you get to connect my cellar to the shops basements tomorrow. Add a thick metal door on either side with good locks – just in case. After that, I want the stock I have built up moved over to that basement. I'll take care of setting up the shops next week."

Drake nodded – tomorrow was Galaxias' day to pamper Celeste anyway.


The next day, I took Magma and the crew and we began heading out to the wounded coast. We were going to save the Viscounts' Boy.

Alistair hummed as we got to the wounded coast, "You know – I always had a wonder about how they named this coast. Is there other, similarly named place? I don't know… the Injured Cliffs; Limping Hills… maybe there's a Massive Head-Trauma Bay or something?"

I sniggered while Hawke let out a full blown laugh – it was supposed to be his line… later on.

Varric chuckled, "That's kinda funny."

I said, "Alistair dear – it isn't nice to steal other peoples' lines. That was supposed to be Hawkes' line."

Alistair shrugged, "What was it you told me…? Oh, yes – first come, first served. I said it first."

"Fine – but if you call me a ball and chain in 5 years, I will personally see to it that you regret such words."

He coughed, "Yes ma'am."

Fenris was sniggering softly – Varric would have a field day with that if he saw it. But the moment Varric began to turn, Fenris schooled his features. No one else had noticed.

We trudged through the sand – and I wrinkled my nose when I noticed a few Tal-Vashoth watching us to see if we were headed their way. Hawke had already encountered the Merchant Jarvias. The Tal-Vashoths were not on our list quite yet.

We encountered the Dalish woman and I snapped at her, "Hey – you do recall our talk last time, don't you?"

She blinked, "Ara?"

I narrowed my eyes, "Sweetie, Danyla had a choice to make – she told me to reverse the cure if it was possible. I told you that. I can't stand by while innocents are killed. Now… what say you?"

She hung her head, "I… you shame me. You're right – my mother… wouldn't have approved of my quest for vengeance in her name. Go shem… just go." The former wolf nodded his thanks to me and left.

I kissed the girl on the cheek, "There is a clan up the mount – the Sabrae Clan. You can rest there before returning home."

She nodded and headed away with the three males she had with her. Isabela asked, "Why did you step in?"

"I saved that man from a Werewolf curse last year, Bel. I couldn't just… let him die."

She shrugged – but I could tell she didn't approve regardless.

We made our way toward the area where Seamus was being cornered by that bitch – we approached just in time to see a Qunari Male fall. I cried out softly – making my friends all worried.

"And the world is rid of one more Qunari; easier than I expected. Call the men back – we've got an appointment with the Viscount – isn't that right, Seamus?" the woman said.

She was 5'8 with short brown hair – it had blonde highlights – and deeply tanned skin that made her green eyes pop. She was pretty enough – but she was ugly in the ways it mattered.

Seamus Dumar was 5'9 with scruffy black hair and pale skin. I couldn't see his eyes – his back was to me. But he fell hard to his knees in the sand beside the Qunari body. And when he spoke… it sounded slightly broken, "Ashaad… you killed him… you… you… Vashedan bitch."

I heard Fenris inhale sharply – he just caught on that Seamus had been with the Qunari willingly – and that Miss Winters had just killed someone Seamus thought of as Kadan.

Alistair – with his sharp hearing – had also caught on and looked at me wide-eyed.

Ginnis – the woman – snorted in condescending amusement, "That one of their words? See, that's why you need to be dragged home. You're playing too nice with those things. I'll wager you've gone even further than that."

We approached and I threw my arms around Seamus, "There you are – I was so worried… Ashaad!" I cried out. My group caught on.

Alistair snarled at Ginnis, "You killed the Ashaad? Do you have any idea what you've done?"

She looked confused, "Who are you?"

"King Alistair – this is Ginnis Winters; she leads the Winters Mercenary Group. She killed Ashaad…" I said sadly.

Hawke spoke, "Also it sounds like Seamus does not want to go with you Miss Winters."

She rolled her eyes, "Competition? You're too late…"

Alistair shook his head looking furious – I knew it was more because I was distressed by this woman than her killing a Qunari Scout. He spoke with a growl in his voice, "We are not Competition – we will be taking Seamus with us after we lay Ashaad to rest. And if you fight us, you will be buried beside him. You see, we knew where Seamus was – the bounty was already rescinded when we told the Viscount that Seamus was meeting with friends and that we would inform him that his father was worried."

Ginnis looked pissed, "Rescinded? You had the bounty Rescinded? Are you insane? You'll pay for that!"

Wow – she didn't hear the part where he was king, did she? Did she honestly believe we were out here without the Ferelden Guards? Though, I had to admit that it was a nice touch on Alistairs' part to lie about the bounty.

Seamus and I moved off to the side when the fighting began. I soothed him, "Don't worry Seamus – Ginnis will not be taking you. Alistair isn't allowed to travel without his Guards anyway."

His bright green eyes looked sadly at me, "Did… did father truly rescind the bounty?"

"No – Alistair lied about that bit. I'm friends with a Sten and was called Basalit-An. I know what you're going through, honey – but the Qunari do not cry for the dead. If you want to convert, you will not cry."

He nodded, "I know. The body is… just a husk now."

"I will still say the Prayer for the Dead for him and bury the body – we will then return the weapon to the Arishok. He will be at peace, Seamus."

Seamus nodded, "I… thank you. You are one of the few in this city who knows and understands them. I have no sway with them, so I can't…"

Just then, the first wave was finished off including Ginnis. Seamus scoffed, "Dead and good riddance… but she said she was waiting for more people; a lot more…"

Alistair gave a feral grin, "Don't worry about that – my guards set up a perimeter upon realizing this area was bottlenecked. Strip the camp while we prepare in case they do get passed my guards."

Seamus nodded and moved to strip the camp while I moved to bury the dead – saving the Ashaad for once everything else was done.

… No, the rest of the group didn't get close to us. So I set the bow that Ashaad carried aside before speaking the prayer of the Dead – in Qunlat, "Shok ebasit hissra; Meraad astaarit, meraad itwasit, aban aqun; Maraas shokra; Anaan esaam Qun."

Seamus looked completely stunned, "You know Qunlat?"

I nodded, "I do – so does Fenris here. He spent time with the Fog Warriors and was educated on the Qun. I'm told his accent is terrible. We could teach you, if you wish?"

"I think I would like that – especially from a Basalit-an." He said shyly. I picked up the bow and slung it over my back – according to Fenris; I was the only one worthy to carry it at the moment by Qunari traditions.

I began teaching Seamus as we headed through the coast. When we got to the docks, I approached the guard at the Compound and said, "An Ashaad is dead – here is his weapon."

"Do you require coin for this?" was asked. I snorted, "Anaan esaam Qun."

He nodded – assuming me to be Viddithari – and motioned inside the gate. He passed off the weapon while I headed off with Seamus. It wasn't long before one of the horned giants came up to us – their stride was longer.

"The Arishok extends his gratitude."

I blinked and nodded, "Honor demanded it, Karasten."

He nodded – I knew his rank based on what his red paints said on his body; this would reinforce the idea that I was Viddithari.

He spoke, "What are you called?"

"Ara Cousland – Teyrna of Gwaren, Kadan to a Sten, Basalit-An, Mistress to this man; he's the King of Ferelden… take your pick, I have too many titles and not enough time to stand here and name them all."

He nodded, turned, and headed back to the compound. Fenris said, "The Arishok may call on you; he sent a Karasten to speak with you."

"They think I'm Viddithari."

Fenris nodded, "They do – you knew him on sight as a Karasten. They only tell those of the Qun what the paint means. How did you learn it?"

"Sten taught me – he viewed me as one of the Triumvirate so he taught me a lot. It was him that named me Basalit-An; he also named me Ashkaari."

Fenris looked impressed, "I suppose now I will tell you that I misjudged you in the beginning."

I chuckled, "I know, Fenris – don't worry about that. First impressions are everything and I didn't exactly make a great one – I threw my wings out and essentially… it's whatever."

"There is something I would like to speak to you of later – when we go back to the house."

Tonight was the night he would come over each week – Wednesday. I smiled – glad that he would still come over even though Alistair was here – and he'd spent the last night with us too.

Alistair clapped him on the shoulder, "Good man."

Others looked confused. Isabela asked, "What's going on?"

I supplied the information, "Fenris spends every Wednesday at my place – it's the night he comes over to hold me and keep the nightmares at bay so that I have at least one decent night sleep each week. He and I agreed to that. I was worried he wouldn't come over since Alistair is here and he spent the last few nights there too. Alistair… he knows about a few of my troubles and knows how I think so he was happy that Fenris' words made me happy."

Magma snorted. We could already the massive stairway to Hightown… why did they need to separate the people so much? I grumbled.

Alistair, Magma and Fenris all heard every word.

"What is Skyrim and what are the 7,000 steps?" Alistair asked.

"Another game I used to play; you play as the Dragonborn and kill dragons while solving a civil war and keeping the 'king' dragon from destroying all other life on Nirn. The 7,000 steps are what you'd expect – you clime 7,000 steps carved into the side of a mountain to get to the people who teach you how to master your abilities as a Dragonborn. As you can imagine, that climb would take days – especially if you were out of shape or had a bad knee or something. I was merely bitching about the fact that Kirkwall vastly separates the upper and lower classes and fucks any noble who likes to shop in Lowtown. Hightown may have better quality foods, but they don't have the things I like from Ferelden. I have to go to Lirenes' Ferelden Exports just to get that one type of seasoning that I use."

I preferred to buy when possible – learning that I was basically stealing by using my bag had made it so that I rarely used the bag to get anything from Thedas. I didn't mind taking from big box corporations on Earth – they never paid their people well and honestly, how else was I going to get comforts from my past home? I had been a little thief before turning to Wicca too – usually it was candies that I took, but… yeah.

Alistair looked interested, "You know you can ask – I'd provide it."

"But the economy here; Lirene uses those funds to help the Ferelden Refugees. Anders heals them free of charge. I go to Lirene, buy a few things, go around and buy out almost all the other shops, put together necessity boxes for the Darktown residents to take, and so on. I'm helping o… your people by buying from Lirene since I over-pay her every time."

"I'd like to meet this woman – can we do that?" Alistair asked.

I pointed out her shop and said, "Can we detour, Seamus?"

"Please – the longer it takes to get to my father, the better in my opinion."

We headed into the shop and Lirene looked up before freezing. All the other refugees in the shop quieted. Only Alistair, Seamus, Hawke and I entered since the place was sort of… small.

I smiled at Lirene, "Hi! Alistair wanted to meet you when I mentioned what you do."

Alistair approached and extended a hand, "Nice to meet you – I hear you're helping to lead the charge in aiding Fereldens?"

Lirene was 5'7 with short black hair and bright grey eyes. She was stunned, "K-King Alistair… uh… yes, I… I help where I can. You understand, I don't give priority to anyone who has already found lodging or work – I save the priority for the ones that are worse off. Lady Cousland…"

"Theirin," he said.

I face palmed, "Alistair – we aren't married in the eyes of the Chantry. Our marriage was heathen not sanctioned."

"You're still my wife in my eyes, love." He gave me a cheeky grin.

Lirene smiled, "Lady Theirin has been a wonderful help – she comes here to shop whenever possible – and even sends her elven workers here when they shop for her. Her money has aided in helping many refugees."

Seamus looked intrigued, "You two got married?"

"You've likely heard I'm from a land called America; that news is everywhere. Alistair and I have… my late husband Alex and I didn't have a ceremony until the year I lost him. But the place where we lived supported 'Common-Law' marriage; meaning just living together and saying we were married was enough for us to actually be married. Alistair and I married in a similar way – which isn't binding according to the Chantry. But he's betrothed to the Fairy Queen – since the former Queen recently passed, the Princess ascended her throne."

Alistair shrugged, "You know as well as I do that I can marry you and her in the ways of her people. Most Fae have more than one spouse anyway."

"My point is that we're only married in the most basic of terms – it won't be recognized by the religious authority here."

"It was enough in your homelands?" Seamus asked. I nodded, "It… was…"

"Then legally – in the city of Kirkwall, at the very minimum – you two are married. I'll inform my father that you are to be addressed as Lady Theirin from here on out. Kirkwall recognizes all forms of marriage that are recognized in the participants' home of origin – if it was enough in your country then the law of Kirkwall supports it. You won't be addressed as Queen since you weren't crowned in Ferelden, but your name change at least…"

My lip twitched as Alistair slapped Seamus on the shoulder, "It's good to know a man who knows the law here. Anyway, our whole reason to stop by was so that I could meet you, Miss Lirene. If you have any need of anything from me – since you are the biggest aid the Ferelden people are getting here – then send word to Ara and she will see that it gets to me directly."

I smiled at Alistair – I loved that he was so caring. The people around us – the customers from when we first came in – all looked relieved. Their king was taking a personal interest in their support and well-being.

He said, "And on that note, if any of these people wishes to go home to Ferelden, I can take a few with me and see they are set back up. I'll be here each year at the very least – if I can – so I can take 10 people at a time. I leave next week if anyone is interested."

One woman, with a newborn baby, asked, "You would… see that we're set back up?"

"The Danu people have been quite helpful in getting homes rebuilt and crops regrown. And I've taken a page from their book – one bedroom homes are free at this time so that people have a place to stay – the Landsmeet wouldn't hear of me doing the same for larger homes for larger families, but I did argue the case on small homes. The Alienages have also been completely updated in every city – starting in Denerim – so the elves have better places to stay. We're still working on these things, but with the help of the Danu, we're getting better. Lord Ash – the Queens' Brother – is leading the restoration effort. I wish I could take more people – but we'd only have room for 15 if we all squeezed in. I say 10 so that I can get small families in need first. The Queen places priority… what is it that she says, dearest?"

I sent him a smile, "It is the responsibility of those in charge to see that their people are cared for. A Queen or a King should make sure the people are seen to. What is the point of being in power if you cannot even tend to a sick child? Alistair, you embody that – you care for the people."

"I was one of them once," he shrugged, "But the Queen is right – it's our duty as rulers to see to our people."

Lirene said, "I'll talk to people and see if – or who – wants to go. It will mean a great deal that the King is offering this personally."

Alistair smiled, "Yeah – well, we need to deliver Seamus to the Viscounts' Keep. I'm staying with Ara at the Archon Manor – across from the old Amell Estate. Send word and we will collect the people here before leaving next week."

She nodded – she also looked a few years younger hearing that.

We left and Hawke filled in the group on what happened in the shop.

I also let Hawke deal with 'turning over' Seamus – who had smiled at me and reminded me that he'd tell his father about my name.

Alistair had pulled me off to a hidden alcove and kissed me while completely blocking me from anyone elses' view. He growled out, "You didn't tell me that you were helping our people… it's sort of… I find it attractive that you care; does that make any sense?"

I chuckled, "I was thinking the same thing when you made that offer to take people with you. I love you, Alistair – watching your sweet side… you think something will happen when we rest for the night? Hopefully, we can get some time in before dinner since Fenris is staying over tonight…"

His eyes darkened, "I damn well hope so too. Makers' Breath – I miss when we were always together; every night I'd fall asleep with you and every morning I would wake up you in my arms… being separated from you…"

"You get Monday nights, at least." That was his day of the week – like Wednesday was Fenris'. Cullen would hopefully come over on Thursday again… I wanted to apologize for slapping him the other day.

Alistair kissed me again – before there was a clearing of the throat behind him. I glanced around to find an amused Ser Donnic. I tilted my head before Alistair turned and blocked me from view again, "Can I help you, Ser…?"

"Alistair – this is Ser Donnic. He's a friend and a member of the Guard under Aveline Vallen. She was at Ostagar you know; now she's being named Guard Captain of Kirkwall. She lost her husband to the Blight so I don't think she'll want to go back, and she does so much good here. Anyway, Donnic isn't likely to tell us anything other than the fact that this isn't the time or place to be making out."

Donnic coughed to cover his amused laugh, "Her Ladyship is correct. And also… er… I wanted to thank you again – for the other night when you… helped to save my life."

Alistair glanced at me with a lifted eyebrow.

I sighed, "Aveline uncovered a plot – a woman had been set up by the former captain to be ambushed while she was carrying valuable information in the satchel. We thwarted it and so Jevan set up Donnic with things with the seal of the Viscount – important things. We took care of that and went right to the Seneschal – Jevan was jailed and Aveline promoted. When Hawke heard what Jevan was doing, I believe his words were 'Forget government – this man needs to be in politics.' Donnic, hon, you shouldn't have been set up in the first place."

Alistair was sniggering, "Hawke was right – politics… sometimes, I feel the need to coat myself in grease just to slip through the Ferelden Court."

I laughed, "I can see that; especially if you have deal with that rat-bastard Ceorlic."

"He was officially removed from his position last month. Bryland was the tipping vote on that one and the land was awarded to a… Elder Miriam I believe?"

I beamed, "She was doing her best to help people when we passed through Lothering after Ostagar. The one I gave the Health Poultices too – that was her. She'll be good in that position – I know she'll… anyway, sorry to have disturbed the peace, Donnic – we'll be off now."

He saluted and we met back up with the others at my estate.