Chapter Sixty-Eight

Back in Denerim – NSFW


(Muahaha)


It was a three week ride in a Carriage from Val Royeaux to Denerim… we had three carriages – I was in one with Fenris and Hawke; Leliana and Aedan in another; Rain and Cullen shared the last. Sebastian drifted from mine to the one with Cullen. He was slightly lost about the whole 'people of faith allowed to have relations now' thing.

Fenris had me in his lap half the days and Hawke had me the others. It was two days before we would arrive when Fenris… became very bold. Sebastian wasn't in our carriage today so there were no issues with that… I was wearing a shorter black dress – it was plain and had a halter strap with no back… this gave the broody elf the exact opportunity he needed to run his hand up my thigh.

I wasn't wearing underwear – I almost never wore the blasted things. I gasped lightly – Fenris was looking out the window as he did this. Hawke glanced over and saw what Fenris was doing. Hawke chuckled and said, "Now, now, Fenris – that isn't very nice if you aren't going to help her relieve some tension after riling her up."

Fenris hummed, "Who said I wouldn't?"

A whimper left my lips as his fingers danced slightly higher up my bare thigh. I bit down on my lip as my head tipped back to rest on his shoulder.

Hawke spoke, "She looks so wound up already, too – do you think it might have been hard on her being cooped up with us these last three weeks?"

Fenris' hand moved higher again – he was so close to my core that I shuddered in anticipation. He said, "Perhaps – you are a handsome man Hawke; and she has chosen not to pursue you in that way unless Cullen fully rejects her. But I think she wants you."

"I know she wants you, at least. And three weeks without sex – she admits her slight addiction to it… it must be torture on her. Oh – no smalls, Ara?"

A cry left my lips as my dress was finally moved up high enough to reveal my lack of panties. Fenris' long fingers moved teasingly around my lower lips. I shook as I said, "I-I… don't usually… wear them."

A finger slipped into me torturously slowly. I almost fell over – but Hawke had moved to sit on our side and now had my upper half in his lap while Fenris played with me and continued to speak with Hawke.

I found it… rather erotic that these men were talking about me and not to me… I hadn't expected Fenris to be so bold. Perhaps I would have expected this of Hawke but not… oh – my back arched as Hawke moved his hand to untie the neck strap holding my dress up.

The fabric fell and pooled around my waist. Hawke hummed, "A very beautiful sight – don't you think Fenris? I suppose I should ask you if I can play with those?"

Fenris smirked, "By all means – help yourself, Hawke."

Fenris moved his thumb to play with my clit; Hawke leaned his head down to suck one of my nipple rings into his mouth. A cry tore from my lips. I didn't even notice that the carriage had stopped.

Hawke groaned, "This is quite nice – you should have a try, Fenris."

None of us heard the strangled gasp or Sebastians' voice saying, "Er… it… she… it's nothing… I am not red… I need to pray."

Fenris leaned forward and captured one of my nipples this time as his fingers worked me closer to orgasm. It wouldn't take much – I had been so wound up over the past three weeks that I had taken to sleeping to stop myself from jumping the two men in my carriage.

Hawke kissed Fenris when he pulled away and I groaned at the sight – damn, that was hot.

Fenris switched hands and brought the one he pulled from me up to his lips. He shared the taste with Hawke… and I shattered – crying out as the two men kissed and tasted me at the same time.

I was flushed as I moved to clean up and right my dress. I kissed each of them before looking out the window and groaning, "We stopped…"

"Oh – when did that happen?" Hawke looked amused.

I exited the Carriage. Cullen looked sour, Sebastian was flushed, Rain was amused, Leliana was smirking and Aedan was trying to appear uninterested. When rain glanced between me and the carriage… I knew what was going on.

I grinned, "Who had the unfortunate pleasure of catching me naked?"

Sebastian put his head in his hands and groaned. Hawke sniggered, "Sorry, Bas – didn't realize we'd be stopping so soon… not that I was the one to start it anyway."

Fenris shrugged, "I was bored."

Leliana let out a tinkling giggle, "This reminds me of when you were with Alistair in the Deep Roads."

"Not my fault the door didn't latch closed; I will not take responsibility for that. Besides – you all got to tease him after."

"It was more fun then – at least he got red and stammered; Fenris and Hawke will not." Leliana shot back.

"Catch me in the act with Cullen if that happens – he's a lot like Alistair. Anyway – are you okay Sebastian? I know you took vows… and that I'm not the most pleasing to look at. I suppose you got lucky since my dress covered my midsection…"

Hawke yanked me into a kiss, "Sweetheart – stop thinking that a little weight makes you undesirable. You're downright sexy."

Cullen frowned, "You believe…"

"Look at all the women around me, Okay? Galaxia, Celeste, Leliana, Isabela, Merrill, Bethany and just… all of them are so beautiful. I'll be honest, even Katt catches my eye because damn the way she can order a room… I don't personally care about looks but most people back home did. I'm not thin or drop-dead beautiful. I know I'm more plain and fat than anything. That's why I feel the need to apologize to anyone that sees me naked."

Leliana sighed, "She was like this during the Blight too. We tried to make her see otherwise, but…"

Rain hummed, "Has anyone in Thedas told you that they find you fat and undesirable?"

I thought for a minute before shaking my head, "No – but I haven't made moves on that many people – Leliana, Isabela, Alistair, Cullen, Hawke, and one or two others mostly. But after over a decade of being told I need to lose weight because I shouldn't be fat and ugly… well… I know what I am. It helps knowing that the weight thing is just how the Fairies are – and before, I had a medical condition that made it impossible to lose weight."

Cullen looked angry, "They told you that you were…"

I shrugged, "They weren't the only ones, Cullen. Every guy or girl I ever had a crush on – every asshole that asked me out on a dare and told me that it was a joke… every time I thought that maybe this one was different… only two men ever looked past the damn weight back on earth for me. Two men; so what am I supposed to think?"

Hawke pursed his lips, "Earth sounds stupid – I never want to go there."

Fenris hummed an agreement and I giggled, "Oh the women and men will be so depressed to hear that. Anyway – as I was saying – are you okay Bas?"

Sebastian was frowning when I glanced over to him, "I am… I was just… I mean…"

"Pretend you're back to being 22 – a new initiate in the chantry 10 years ago. Channel your younger self to say what you seem to be having trouble saying." I suggested. Leliana blinked, "He doesn't look 32…"

"I am – after 6 years of constant debauchery, my parents sent me to the Chantry so that I would not sire an heir that could threaten my brothers' rule. Ara…" he took a deep breath and I could see him struggling for a moment before a determined look came over his face, "You are exactly the type of woman I would have taken to my bed back then – not on your looks, but your personality. I loved all women – looks had no bearing on that. If I had seen what you did in the carriage back then I would already have propositioned you by now. You are lovely though – that would have been a large bonus. Your eyes are captivating, your hair is exotic, and those piercing I caught sight of… I need to pray," he cursed and walked off.

I was completely flushed. Fenris hummed, "I think I approve of him more now."

Hawke laughed, "I think so too – damn, I didn't know the Brother had that stuff in his past. He's right though, Ara – those piercings are hot."

I rolled my eyes; I was still flushed too.

Rain winked at me, "Katt might think about letting you join us… if you were serious about that."

"Ah… my mates wouldn't agree with that, Rain and… I already have a plate that is way too full. I have Alistair, Fenris, Cullen, Hawke, Sebastian and still haven't found my fourth mate. I'm also attempting to seduce my sister-in-law there, Bela tries to get me to take her back to bed and let's not even mention Morrigan."

"Bas isn't in your bed, though," Hawke pointed out.

"No – but he is somewhat courting me to fulfil the Fairy Law."

Speaking of… Sebastian came back to the camp holding a white and red rose that he presented to me. I took it hesitantly with a smile, "Thank you."

He flushed a little, "I er… I thought of you when I saw it. Bi-colored roses are rare – but the red made me think of yer hair and the white could almost go for your eyes…"

Fenris smirked, "Perhaps we should make him a bit more… permanent. Hawke hasn't gotten you flowers, after all."

"Neither have you, Fenris," I stuck out my tongue. I placed the rose into my hair feeling all warm and fuzzy – who knew that Sebastian was such a romantic when he was actively courting a woman?

I coughed, "In the language of flowers… a red and white rose means unity. White on its own would usually mean innocence, purity or sympathy while red are one of the popular ways to say 'I love you'. A Lavender rose can symbolize 'Love at first sight' and it could be said that seeing one when you first meet a person is a divine symbol that blesses the union."

"You know much about flowers?" Leliana asked. I flushed, "Before coming to Thedas, I'd never received them before… not from anyone that wasn't family. I was born on the 'day of love' so I was given red roses by my dad, mum and sisters each year. But I never received a flower from other people. And then I read in a book once that flowers all had their own special meaning when given to someone… so I looked into it. A red tulip is a declaration of love; Valerian flowers are readiness; Violets are Loyalty, devotion, faithfulness, and modesty; and Yarrow are everlasting love. Roses – due to the vast number of colors – are the most versatile in terms of the language."

Sebastian frowned, "What… never?"

"Alistair was the first to give me a flower – a red rose he picked in Lothering. He said that when he saw it, he wondered how something so beautiful could exist in a place with so much despair. He said he thought the same thing when he looked at me. I still have the rose too – here. It was the rose that bloomed on that dead bush that was a sign from the Maker for Leli to join our group too."

Leliana gaped at the rose, "That rose has quite a story then."

Rain sniggered, "I didn't realize quite how romantic the Dragon King could be."

I chuckled, "This is the same man that will give me anything I mention in casual conversation just to cheer me up. Alistair also never misses a chance to tell me I'm pretty or something. This is only the second flower I've ever received from someone not family. Thank you, Bas…"

He was slightly flushed, "Oh, er… yer welcome." I shuddered and looked away with a small smile. Leli poked me, "What's that look for."

"N-nothing of importance…"

Hawke ribbed me, "No – I need to know what has you all embarrassed!"

"Well… the accent of the people from Starkhaven was always a favorite of mine. Now, lunch is over so let's get back on the road," I ducked quickly back into the carriage and held the flower almost reverently – I was still flushed when Hawke and Fenris also climbed into the carriage.


I wore pants today – I couldn't risk being distracted as we pulled up to Denerim. I saw people following the carriages as we pulled up to the palace. There was a whole welcoming committee of Nobles and commoners and… Alistair!

Wait – when was he able to grow a beard? Goddess – I hadn't seen him in two months and he suddenly has a beard. No wonder he had insisted on the Sending Stones over the Mirrors.

As planned, I was in the last carriage of the procession with Hawke, Bas and Fenris. Leliana – as a representative of the Divine – was in the first one with Aedan – the representative of the Wardens.

Next would be the Templar representative, Cullen, and the Fae Representative, Rain. I could hear people whispering and talking about the different factions arriving with the Queen.

Finally, our carriage stopped. Sebastian stepped out first, waiting beside the door. Hawke stepped out next, standing across from Sebastian. Fenris then moved to step out before turning and holding a hand out for me. I took his hand as Rain called out, "Now presenting Her Majesty – the Angel Empress, Queen of Danu and betrothed to the Dragon King, Her Ladyship, the Teyrna of Gwaren and Hero of Ferelden – Arvaala Cousland."

Gasps and cries or shock rang out as I stepped from the carriage with a smirk. I was wearing blue jeans and a black tank-top – I added a denim vest for style… what? They hadn't gone through that fashion here yet. I let go of Fenris and rushed over to Alistair. He caught me and did the whole 'movie-twirl' thing. I kissed him, "I missed you."

"Did you? Someone got you a rose," he smirked.

I flushed, "It was Sebastian after I had a moment of insecurity."

Alistair laughed, "Then good on him."

"Two weeks and we will officially be husband and wife. The divine should be here in like a week."

Leliana spoke, "I am here to make sure things are ready to receive her Perfection."

"Yeah – Leli is here to make sure things are ready."

"Wait! Teyrna Cousland is the Fae Queen?" One of the Banns' sneered.

Alfstanna spoke up, "You mean you were too stupid to guess? She never exactly hid that she was a Fairy. I mean – it is rather obvious, isn't it? She looks like an Elf, yes – but her hair is so powerful and her eyes are such a lovely color. And if you took it into consideration, she also never hides that she was a powerful figure from a land outside Thedas. I pieced her identity together before the Landsmeet ever met about crowning our King – and when I asked His Majesty, he confirmed it."

I knew Alistair would tell Alfstanna – I had essentially approved her. Eamon shrugged, "She really doesn't hide it very well – how else would she have known what 'the Princess' or the 'Queen' wanted so swiftly each time she discussed that?"

Then I was surprised when Bann Sighard said, "I agree – I'm sure most of us have already guessed this."

I flushed – I knew I was terrible at keeping secrets but… come on.

Loghain – returned for the Wedding after being stationed in Jader – said, "Your Majesty – it is good to see you again."

"Loghain – I hope there were no hard feelings about…?"

"None – though, I would like to ask what's to be done with my daughter?" he asked.

"If she bends the knee, she can freely walk out of her Ivory Tower. Alistair and I will conceive an heir soon anyway. Honestly, it might be less trouble to just… send her elsewhere. We can't keep her in Ferelden if she's going to incite another Civil War. Maybe you can take her with you when you head back to Orlais… or… I could find a place for her in Danu? I just don't know."

Alistair put his arms around me from behind, "So… my love…?"

"The beard is very nice… you should keep it," I smiled up at him. He relaxed, "I er… I recalled you mentioning that you liked the stubble on… so I… wanted to surprise you."

"I am surprised. And I very much love it – with your hair down to your shoulders like this… you test my restraint, my dear."

He looked happy and kissed my cheek.

Rain came skipping up, "Hey, Ara – I'm gonna take Cullen for our talk, okay?"

"Okay – have a nice talk. Come on, Alistair – I'm ready to see if your people are making the dishes right."

Just like that, he turned and began pulling me along toward the kitchens.


They did – the meals were done perfectly, the dress was made without a stitch out of place using black fabric from Danu – I wasn't going to wear white.

The Divine arrived in the grandest procession, of course. No less than 20 mothers and clerics came with her. I greeted her wearing a worn pair of blue jeans, a black halter top with a deep V-neck. I completed the look with worn brown cowboy boots and matching hat. The only impractical article was the shirt.

I removed my hat and bowed to her, "Your Perfection."

"I took a trip to the new Chantry in Danu, Empress – you did it justice." She smiled from the palanquin (A chair used to carry royalty with an even number of people carrying it – in this case 6).

I smiled, "I did nothing, Your Perfection – the credit goes to the Earth Lord Bear; he has taken on the role of the head construction master in Danu since his mate passed."

"Earth Lord – that is the title of the former Earth based Prince isn't it?"

"Sort of – Bear was a member of the Elemental Court so his title was Earth Prince, where my Earth Mate would be the Wraith Prince. When I pass, Fenris will be called the Wraith Lord. In this case, Bear is the only member of the Elemental Court left."

"Well, he did wonderfully with the Chantry. I admit to visiting the two temples to see how worship might be done there. And the Palace is lovely too."

"Only the Temple of the Moon was there before Bear started. He will be pleased to hear your praise."

I led her inside and toward the suite where she would be staying.

She motioned and one of the mothers with her came forward. "This is Revered Mother Brianne."

I extended a hand, "Nice to meet you – I'm Ara."

She looked completely thrown off by my casual attitude. She shook my hand, "Nice to meet you, my lady."

"No, no – it's Ara. Those in my circle don't call me by titles unless they're teasing me." I laughed.

We took a proper tour… and when dinner was served, I was talking with Eamon when the Bann from my arrival spoke, "So, Your Majesty – as the ruler of a Woman-Dominant place… do you intend to overrule us?"

Alistair snorted and looked at me with a smirk, "Gee, my love – do you plan to whip me into shape?"

I tossed a role at him, "Don't ask silly questions; you whip me, not the other way around."

Water spewed from Hawkes' nose and Cullen and Sebastian choked.

"What are your views on being a Queen?" The Divine asked – humor sparkling in her eyes.

I hummed, "Leliana – I need your lute, my sweet. I know a song that sums it all up quite nicely."

Confusion lit the face of all the nobles invited to dine with us. Leliana handed it to me and I took a place close to the head of the table as I began to sing 'Cost of the Crown'.

The stars are very beautiful, above the palace walls,

They shine with equal splendor, still above far humbler halls.

I watch them from my window, but their bright entrancing glow,

Reminds me of the freedom I gave up so long ago.

The royal circlet of bright gold rests lightly on my brow,

I once thought only of the rights this circlet would endow.

But once I took the crown to which I had been schooled and bred,

I found it heavy on the heart, though light upon the head.

Leliana smiled, "I do love when you sing for us."

"Yeah, yeah – I like to sing… fuck…" I muttered and started to leave the room without another word.

Hawke caught me, "Nice try, Sweetheart – what's on your mind?"

I looked at him, knowing my eyes were glowing, "I'm… thinking about a song about Cullen. Let me go, Hawke or I will break your hand. The song is trying to come out."

Rain cursed, "So sing it."

"No – it's deeply personal to him; it would… reveal… too much…"

Cullen sighed, "If it's acting like this, then just do it, Ara."

I bit my lip and picked up the lute from Leliana… the song was called Lion of Ferelden by an artist named Suzanne van Pelt;

Haunted by your past

Those that came before

Nightmares rule your night

Fear they come once more

Chased by memories

Figures in the dark

Clawing through your mind

They have left their mark

Cullen stood and grabbed my hand – pulling me from the room, "That song…"

"Completely about you, Lord Lion. I… you've heard me mention how women and men back home… all of this – Thedas – was a fantasy world to me. Books and games… until I came here. I love you Cullen; you know that. Alistair was sort of the Favorite there – you were a close second. Everyone loved your growth in overcoming what happened at Kinlock and… and your Lyrium addiction when you finally kick it."

He looked torn, "You were right – it was personal. What was the name… of who wrote that?"

"Suzanne Van Pelt," I whispered.

"… It helps," he said and headed back to the dining hall. I smiled softly – glad that it helped him. I plopped myself into Fenris' lap when I came back – causing a few people to disapprove but… screw them.

Someone commented, "How many men are you sleeping with?"

"Sleeping or having sex?" I asked without missing a beat.

"Either," she sneered. This was Brylands young daughter – Habren was 5'5 with short brown hair and blue eyes. Bryland looked horrified.

I hummed, "I'm only having sex with Alistair at the moment; but I share a bed with Hawke, Fenris, Brother Vael or Knight-Captain Cullen to keep my horrible nightmares at bay. Fenris and Cullen could be counted among my mates if they accept that. Sebastian there is a temporary suitor to satisfy the laws of Danu and Hawke is courting me as a stand in for Cullen since the Knight-Captain didn't really… approve of my abilities. I shared a bed with Nathaniel Howe for a few months to hold away the nightmares. My guards sometimes take that role… see, I was a slave for over a decade so… the nightmares get bad if I'm not holding someone to remind me that I'm here and now. Oh! I also sometimes share a bed with a fearless pirate – her name is Isabela and she keeps trying to seduce me. I think that's all – am I missing anyone, love?" I looked at Alistair.

He hummed, "We did have fun with Bela – and Morrigan… but no, I think that's everyone."

"She asked who I was having sex with now – Bela and Morrigan were one time only and you were with me both times. I haven't seen Morrigan since the night before the final battle with the Archdemon. Forgive me, Your Perfection – the Fae have very few taboo topics and I have only just recalled that sex is a taboo for those in the Chantry." I flushed as I looked toward the Divine.

She chuckled, "Well, if it is your ways, then who am I to tell you not to be that way? I am too old to get embarrassed."

"My thanks for your understanding," I bowed my head.

Sebastian kept glancing at the flower I had preserved and put into my hair again – the white and red rose. Alistair cleared his throat, "So… I can't wait any longer, Ara."

I tilted my head and all the nobles froze. I gave him a teasing smirk, "Can't wait for what, my love?"

"I did something for you – as a gift for our wedding… and I wasn't going to show it to you until the day we got married, but the waiting is killing me. You know I'm terrible at keeping things in for too long. So… after dinner… can I show it to you?"

"Okay – it'll be torture not knowing now that you've mentioned it," I chuckled.

Rain spoke, "On that note – Ara, I contacted the others back in Kirkwall – they are spreading the word about who you really are. Apparently, Lord Tethras has taken it upon himself to pen letters to Rivain, Antiva, Tevinter and other places of note to get the word out there too. I have… received a request…"

I tilted my head – shifting in Fenris' lap, "What?"

"Well – I say I have, but it was more like you. You know Katt screens your mail – you received a request to meet from someone called Divine Urian Nihalias of Minrathous. He wishes to meet with you and cites that it would only be fair for you to meet both versions of the Chantry as a new element to Thedas."

I bit my lip and looked to Fenris, "What do you think, my love? You are recently from Tevinter, so I will leave this choice to you."

He hummed, "He makes a point – technically, as a new element to Thedas – you couldn't possibly know all there is to know about the Imperial Chantry if you've only spent time in areas controlled by the Andrastian Chantries. I have no desire to go there – as I am an escaped slave of Tevinter – but if your people are going to be neutral – as you wish them to be – then you must at least meet with him."

I groaned, "But I don't wannoo – that's why I was making you choose."

He snorted, "I like to think I am a little more rational when it comes to such things."

I sighed, "Have Katt draft a reply – I will meet with him so long as Magister Danarius is not there but Altus Dorian Pavus is there. If I so much as see one of Danarius' nasty grey hairs, I will hold him down so Fenris can rip the blackened heart directly from his chest… and if Dorian isn't there, then I will turn around and leave without another word. And if a single person so much as tries to take my Wraith Prince from me, I will declare war with the Imperium."

I saw several people gaping. Beatrix frowned, "You're really going to meet with the… heathens?"

"I must – Fenris is right; I wish to be neutral since my people don't strictly worship the Maker – they're more into worshiping the Goddess. On top of that, we kept strict records of everything that has happened in Thedas over the past 8 thousand years – we know the things that really happened over the years that were swept under a rug by one chantry or the other. We aren't taking sides – so we aren't airing dirty laundry. Some things, the chantries have even forgotten they covered up – we have not forgotten. We don't interfere in peoples' faith though – how you choose to worship is up to you. We shared the knowledge with the Qunari – because we know they won't twist it. I won't take sides between the Chantries, Your Perfection – because neither side is wholly right or wrong. Blasphemy though it may sound, my people are not Andrastian or Imperial; if I want to keep the peace, I must be willing to make those steps. I went to you – it is only fair that I also go to him."

"… Leliana?" the Divine asked.

Leli coughed uncomfortably, "Her Ladyship knows the final resting place of Inquisitor Ameridan and… and other things that have been erased from the records after the March on the Dales – and she can prove it."

Gasps rang out around the table. The Divine hummed, "And you aren't telling us this?"

"You are not ready – give it 8 or 9 years and someone else will discover the resting place. You must realize that some history will always be embarrassing. Lies will always be exposed sooner or later – even if it takes centuries, the truth will win out."

She sighed, "Very well."

One person huffed – he had been hoping to see the Divine hang me for those words. Since my visions weren't well known, most would assume the Divine was being mysterious.

I relaxed into Fenris – I had thought she might hang me for that and was relieved to no end that she didn't. Brianne spoke, "Your Perfection – am I to accompany her to Minrathous?"

I snorted, "I sort of assumed you would – you are my Andrastian liaison, Mother. As a member of my party, Urian cannot deny you entry or he will be denying me. If I am to be truly neutral, then I cannot favor one Divine over the other in terms of representation. Urian may assign a Father to shadow me in that case, but… so long as you two uphold your vows and don't kill one another, I will be willing to split the cookie fairly."

The Divine nodded, "That is fair, indeed – and I will accept that. do you plan to have an Imperial Chantry Built in Danu?"

I shrugged, "Fair is Fair, Most Holy. Just know – at least two of my mates are Andrastian – Fenris is leaning that way too… meaning I don't have an Imperial mate. Naturally, my favor would personally fall to Andrastian over Imperial… but as Queen, I must consider than I might end up having people from Tevinter move to Danu… namely elves – former slaves who don't know the Andrastian version for the most part. You asked for chantry in Danu – Urian would be within his right to ask the same. I told you – I try to be fair to all people living in Danu; respect is earned and I plan to earn the respect of any who call me Queen. I don't want to be a person who would sacrifice my people for simple comforts – my comforts come after my people are fed, clothed and seen to. This is why simple homes, basic clothes, and other needs are either free or traded for cheap. Luxuries are what have price tags on them – the expensive soap, the smutty books, the jewelry, and the music players all have cost because they are not needed items. I want to be seen as my title – an Angel; a guardian of the people, messenger and guide, and a being of grace and purity. My people come first, I come last."

"Purity – sure," someone scoffed. I held my head high, "I may be a former slave – I may have several mates – but I will never turn my back on those in need. I have my morals – and they remain uncorrupted. Never will I let someone under my care suffer if I can help it. I will not let injustice slide. Why do you think I am in my Elven mates' lap? I saw the nasty looks he received for 'daring' to sit at this table beside Kings, Nobles and the Divine."

Fenris chuckled, "Here I thought you simply liked sitting in our laps."

"I do – but today I had planned to sit in Alistairs' lap… but they wouldn't stop looking at you like that and it… it wasn't right. You're a Prince and they look at you like you're no more than shit that someone stepped in and tracked all over the nice carpet! I won't stand for that."

The Divine smiled softly, "You're right, of course – a neutral authority cannot pick sides even if those they surround themselves with are one faction over the other. And you are also right that being a ruler is something that means you take care of your people above yourself. Angels… where did these beings come from?"

I sighed as Alistair said, "Ara isn't from Danu – as you know; she's from another place. In that place, the main religion sort of mirrored the Chant of Light in some places. The God of that Religion…"

I interjected, "For god so loved the world; that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believed in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. God came to Mary – the soon to be wife of a shepherd – and bestowed on her a gift. The Virgin Mary gave birth to the son of god and his name was Jesus. Jesus was later crucified by man – he was born to die for us. And in doing so, our sins were washed away – that we might live in eternal peace by our makers' side in our afterlife. Angels were the messengers of God – and guardians of man; man whom God loved dearly for they were his favored creation. God said to his armies in heaven – his angels and his archangel generals – love man as you love me."

Grandpa was a damn priest and his wife was days from taking her vows as a nun when they married… so yeah… I could preach with the best of them. (A/N - somehow a true story... i'm sketchy on the details here...)

The table grew silent and the Divine looked rather blank.