Chapter Sixteen

Circle, Circle; Dot, Dot


The next day, I was getting teased to hell and gone at breakfast. I took it all with grace – I was too happy that Alistair was willing to date me.

I did get a call from Inas too, "Sister…"

"Brother…" I made my tone equally inquisitive.

"Is there something you wish to tell me about Bastion?" he asked sweet as sugar.

I blinked and thought for a moment, "Is there something you feel I should tell you?"

"Maybe something along the lines of why people are popping up with black wings and darkened skin and attacking us?" he hummed.

"Oh – that… Nope; can't think of anything I could tell you that you won't discover for yourself. Maybe once you get sent back to Oribos, I will tell you who their ring leader is in Bastion. Did you… did you meet with…?"

"Maybe I should withhold information," he snarked. I flinched as my heart pounded, "Inas… family is off-limits; you know that… please…"

I could tell his wall crumbled at the hoarse plea, "You're right – that was… rude of me. I called them and set up a meeting for next week on Tuesday – they'll come to Oribos to meet with me and Anduin. I didn't tell them why…"

"C-can… I mean… can you bring them here instead? I'd like to… be there when they find out… who their mother is…" I was having trouble articulating my words.

Inas sighed, "Yeah – we can do that."

"And I may need a bit of help in like… 3 hours? Do you think Andy and you could…?"

"I know Andy would jump at the chance – and I'm not doing anything today anyway – Kleia is doing some investigative work. Speaking of, Kleia thanks you for instilling a confidence in her 'Soulbind'. She says that she's never seen him so comfortable in his own skin and confident in the Archon."

"Tell her that I only told him the truth – no thanks are needed. As to the thing with the Kyrian… I really can't risk upsetting things too much more. I already told the Overseers the cause of the Draught and stole Anduin away from the Jailer – we don't know what kind of consequences that might have in the long term."

"Right – I'll hop a Larion to Oribos and let you know when Anduin and I can come to you."

"Bring me a Larion Cub – I want one so badly that I would dance naked on the Violet Citadel for one."

"Too much Information – I'll see if I can procure you one but the Kyrian are rather protective of them…"

"I will tell you who the ring leader is right now if you get me a Cub. I want a Larion – I really want one… a grey one with blue eyes."

"… ShitKleia… I need a grey Larion Cub with blue eyes… is there any way to get one… like now?" I heard his voice rumble.

"Nemea is the Larion Master – she and Pelodis can be found slightly northeast of Heros' Rest. Is there a… particular reason? I warn you, if it will harm the cub…"

"No, no – Iris is a Druid; she'd never harm a scion of nature. She wants it to raise as a mount; in return, she'll tell us who is causing so many people to turn away from Kyrestia and the Purpose. In her eyes, all beasts are friends and family if they are part of her clutch – she's a Dragon, Kleia… and an Elder One."

"Oh – Nemea will be far more willing to part with a cub knowing all of that. She would simply want assurance that the Cub will be cared for is all. Come – we can take Theonara, my Larion. She also came from Nemea so it will be like returning home for her."

The connection cut – meaning he likely let go of the amulet. Aedan sighed, "Did you really withhold the information… to get a Cub?"

"No – I withheld the information to preserve the timeline… but I really want a Cub… you have no idea how adorable they are, Aedan; they're lions with feathers and wings – similar to griffons but not. They're fiercely loyal to their pride and highly deadly. Alphas will claim an area and not let anything near if they aren't bonded to a person… they're also pride-centric; social creatures with deadly claws. They like to chew on things like antlers or squeaky toys. Damn it – I've wanted a Larion for 10,000 years; I am not passing up and opportunity to get one."

My amulet rang again – as we were now beginning to walk. I answered, "Aye?"

"I am Nemea – tell me why you want a Larion." A feminine voice answered.

"They are beautiful, noble creatures. I wish to raise one from a cub to have a fierce mount and loyal friend. I've always admired the Larion – oh, they are the loveliest creatures. So much better than the… Phalynx that Pelodis tries to pass off as superior! A Larion can sense the emotions of their pride and aid in cheering them up – a mechanical thing cannot do such! Besides – a Phalynx would need direction if a projectile was inbound; a Larion needs no such thing and will instinctively dodge. I promise to make sure the cub is well cared for – meat and anima diet with toys to chew on to keep the teeth strong, the feathers need to be rolled when molting seasons hit, and the claws need a sharpening post or toy."

"… I will give you a male – one with the potential to be an Alpha, I would think. You've given me many reasons to trust you in your words – and I hope you keep this promise. Also, I will enjoy rubbing it into Pelodis' face that an Elder One chose Larion over Phalynx." I could hear the smile in her voice.

I lit up, "Would it also be okay for me to make yearly visits – just for check-ups and the like. I want to make sure he'd be in top form."

"Yes – I think that would be very agreeable. You'll be the first non-Kyrian to have a Larion so… it would be very preferable."

"Yeah; thank you so much, Nemea – tell Inas that the culprit is Devos; the Paragon of Loyalty. It shouldn't be so difficult to imagine seeing that her Hand, Lysonia, is also involved in this."

Silence before, "Grey with Blue eyes, right? I have just the one…"

I was on cloud nine as we continued our walk after hanging up the call.

Alistair sniggered, "Right – so… you're willing to fuck with the timelines to get a cub?"

"Actually, I checked before I offered – Inas doesn't have enough clout to out Devos before it's time for Devos to die. Essentially the information was useless in all ways except that he'll be highly weary of the Paragon in the coming weeks, months, year or whatever. All I did was put him on alert – since he can't actually do anything about it. I get my way and he gets info that won't help a fly," I gave a cheeky grin.

Sten snorted, "Unhelpful."

"Oh, Very – as I told the group at one point; after a few thousand years, we immortals get our jollies from being as unhelpfully helpful as possible. The night is dark, but lo – here comes the Dawn kind of bullshit."

Daylen barked a laugh, "Fucking shit – Jowan said that."

"I know he did. I gave Inas the exact information he asked for – but he didn't ask for a way to leverage it to get Devos out of the way early in the game. I'd have to personally go and accuse Devos in Elysian Hold – the seat of Kyrestia and the place where all the Paragons meet – in full Eternal Form and point a finger at her saying 'bitch traitor' and maybe set a parade of people with fireworks or something. At the moment, Kyrestia will only listen to an Eternal One – but it needs to be Inas that overturns the issues or she won't see mortals the way she needs to. So… unhelpful help it is."

Lyna shook her head, "There is one thing I don't get… what is Loghain going to say about you? I only heard things about the Wardens in Lothering – not a peep about the purple-haired diplomat…"

I hummed, "I suppose we'll find out, won't we? He's bound to address it at some point and I really don't feel like checking myself. Look – there's the docks. Sten, play mercenary and stand right behind me like you're going to kill anything that looks at me cross – but don't pull your blade unless someone attacks."

He nodded firmly as we approached the scavenger, rummaging dead Qunari bodies. I felt Sten stiffen as his eyes scanned for his weapon.

I spoke, "Those are Qunari bodies, friend…"

"Back off! I was here first!" the white haired old man growled at me. I rolled my eyes. "Look – the bodies are just shells – we only want a blade." I shrugged. I felt the silent approval radiating from Sten – it was how the Qunari thought, after all.

"Looking to buy one… what's a Qunari?"

I pointed to Sten, "That would be a Qunari, friend."

"Oh… honestly, I… don't have anything. This spot was picked clean when I got it." He sighed.

"Who sold you the spot?" I asked.

"His name was… Faryn. He was a squirrelly little bastard, he was. Said he was heading to Orzammar but that was nearly 4 weeks ago. Either he sold whatever he got from here or he's already halfway to the Frostbacks."

"What did the man look like?" Aedan asked.

"Erm… black hair I think and he was human. All I can tell you, though – my memory isn't what it used to be."

I nodded and pulled out 50 silver coins and handed them over, "Thank you, for your cooperation." The man lit up and thanked me before heading to the Spoiled Princess for a bite to eat.

I looked at Sten, "Your sword either is or will be in Redcliff by the time we get there. I know who has it, now."

His eyes widened, "Then you truly are Ashkaari. I pledge to you now that I will follow you for as long as you need me – I will trust in you as our leader."

I nodded, "That's good – because eventually you're going to think we are 'running away' when in reality it will be a strategic move. We will have the time – the Darkspawn won't be where we need them for a while yet."

He nodded contemplatively, "How will it be strategic?"

"The place we will be going to will be a place long forgotten by history – and it will play a big part in saving the world in about 10 years. Even the Qunari will send a Ben-Hassrath agent to help there."

He blinked, "Then when we get to that point, tell me so that I do not make assumptions." I nodded with a small grin, "I could get you some cookies if you like."

He stilled before nodding, "I would like that."

The rest of the group looked confused, and Alistair muttered, "I think I missed something."

Morrigan snorted, "Is that really a surprise?"

I chuckled and shook my head as we headed over to Carrol at the dock.

The brown-haired, grey-eyed young man jerked when he saw us, "You're not looking to get across to the Tower, are you? Because I have strict orders not to let anyone pass." He sounded snooty and pissy.

I narrowed my eyes and let out my dragon wings – startling my group as they didn't know I could pull just the wings. Carroll squeaked in surprise, "Ah – I uh… should have recognized you right away, mistress – you wanted to go across now then?"

My group was real quiet. I nodded, "Sounds good. Since there are two boats and 12 counting you I think 6 to a boat will do nicely."

He nodded and motioned. We all got into the boats and I heard Alistair snark, "Word of advice, Templar – don't piss off an assassin."

Carrol squawked in fright before looking at me. I chuckled, "I was so good they actually let me leave the life behind."

Leliana let out a tinkling giggle, "Assassins don't usually retire – they are killed when they think of leaving their guild."

"That's the point, dearest one." I patted her head as she sat next to me. Carrol was pale, "Again, miss… I'm real sorry; just trying to do my job."

"You didn't offend, Carroll – yes, I remember you. You were the third one to attack and be added to the pile when I showed Greagoir my wings last time I was here. You were one of the few that showed any promise in that whole group – and I told Greagoir as much."

Sten said, "These are your Dragon Wings."

I nodded, "Normally, Illidari have bat wings. My soul being that of a dragon changed that for me. We don't really know if it's my Demon Hunter heritage that allowed me to extend my wings like this or my Dragon Soul."

We reached the other side and disembarked, allowing Carrol to head back across. We entered the tower.

I heard Greagoirs' voice before I even caught sight of the man, "And I want two men stationed within sight of that door at all times. Do not open those doors without my express consent, am I clear?"

I headed up to the man, "Commander – what's the situation?"

Everyone looked at me and I saw hope flash across several Templars eyes.

"Lady Stormlight – thank the Maker! We've had to barricade the doors, abominations have taken control. If any are still alive, then it was the Maker himself who shielded them. It is far too painful to hope… but with you here – the woman with the strongest abilities I've ever seen and immunity to demons… we might hold a chance."

I nodded, "Allow us a moment to refresh our supplies and we will clear the tower… where is Cullen?"

Greagoir gave me a sympathetic look. "He… he is on the other side of the barricade. If he lives… he would be a stronger man than I to live through this. He was trying to get some of the mages to safety when this broke out."

I nodded, "Commander, I will be taking control of this situation from here. But know this; the reason we are here… we need allies against the blight. We have the ancient treaties so the mages are obliged…"

"If you can fix this mess, I will give both the mages and the Templars to your cause."

"Good – I will hold you to that, Commander." I saw disbelief on some faces but headed over to the trader, "We will need 4 quivers of arrows and a few Lyrium potions for our mage."

The man blanched but got things together. I was pulling out my coin purse when Greagoir said, "So you are aware, Lady Stormlight; if you need to take anything… well, I figure some things will have been lost or destroyed anyway."

I nodded and paid for our arrows and potions, "That's very good to know Commander. I will try to minimize your losses, but some things may not be helped."

He chuckled and patted my shoulder, "I'll repeat that it's a shame you're a Warden."

Aedan spoke, "She's our field Commander, but she didn't go through the Joining. Duncan decided against it when Cailan named her a diplomat. Her people found a way to get to her, but she chose to stay."

"And now I'm a High Queen of the Alliance as well as the Queen of the Illidari and potentially the future Queen of Ferelden. Because fuck me, that's why – I worked so damn hard to get out of that Betrothal to Anduin only to have the Light say 'nah-you're married now'. Sometimes, I hate being a dragon in human skin." I sighed.

"Wait… you're a… two-times Queen… and potentially… how did you get to be a potential Queen of Ferelden?"

"I'm dating the Heir to the Throne; it helps that Cailan tried to feed him to me in the first place when he heard I was a Queen in my own right. Then – a few days ago – I wind up married to High King Anduin… by accident! Don't ask – I'll explain later."

He nodded, looking completely overwhelmed. We headed over to the big double doors and allowed them to lock us in.

There was nothing – not a soul or demon in sight as we passed the dorm rooms. My calm, undisturbed demeanor must have helped, because no one commented on that. Instead, Alistair decided to quip, "You know, from what I remember, locking the door and throwing away the key was most definitely they Templar 'Plan B'."

Sten snorted, "This mage prison is much nicer than the ones for the Qun."

I sighed, "Hold on." Everyone stopped and I tapped my ring amulet and said, "Inas are you ready?"

"Only just – you have an excellent sense of timing little sister!" he replied.

I opened the portal to Oribos and smiled when Anduin stepped through with Inas. Anduin leaned in and gave me a kiss at once. I flushed, "Well… you've gotten bolder."

"It comes with getting married – or so I hear. Lor'themar said so many things about it when he was scolding me for breaking the betrothal only to marry you anyway that not all of it stuck."

I laughed, "Let me guess – you used the knowledge of who my sons were to get out of trouble with Father."

"… Maybe I did…" he gave me a cheeky grin.

"And you withheld the information from him until he agreed to calm down." I lifted an eyebrow.

"One better – I told him he could meet them with me if he stopped scolding me and listened to how it happened. He sat like a sulking child through the whole tale, but he did listen."

I shook my head. Alistair chose that moment to assert a claim but tossing his arm over my shoulder and saying, "Let's get a move on – you said we had to save your other mate here?"

"Cullen Stanton Rutherford of Honnleath – currently being tortured on the top floor," I frowned and began moving.

Leliana looked over Anduin, "I don't see why you were ever reluctant to marry him, Tara – he is very handsome."

"Don't tell him that – it'll go right to his head no matter how true it is," I sighed.

Alistair snorted, "Nice to see you again, Anduin…"

"Is it? I thought you might be upset about me being her mate now…" Anduin looked half-amused.

"… A bit – but she tells me it would have happened regardless so… nothing to do about it."

"Well – since you're the Prince here, we could discuss an alliance?" Anduin said.

"So long as you don't use the title – I never even wanted it!" Alistair pouted.

Anduin shot him a grin, "I know what you mean – if my father hadn't sacrificed himself so that our men could rally the troops last year against the Burning Legions' demonic army, I'd still be just a prince myself."

Aedan spoke, "Parents… always sacrifice themselves for us." Anduin shook his hand too, "Take something similar happened to you?"

"My parents' held their ground to buy me time to escape a coup."

"Oh – I didn't introduce three of these before – this is Sten of the Beresaad, an elite warrior for his race, the Qunari; this is Morrigan of the Wilds, daughter of the old hag we met Inas; and Leliana Nightingale – a bard of the Andrastian Chantry and sister of faith. The dogs are Shana and Hero – Shana is mine."

"What happened to the kid you had me make an Axe for?" Inas asked.

I shrugged, "Escorting a future champion – his older brother – to a safe place."

We entered the main room just in time to see Wynne kill a Rage Demon. I bowed to her, "Senior Enchanter Wynne; we are here to clear out the Demons and Abominations – no, the Right of Annulment has not arrived. Greagoir will only accept the Tower is secure if First Enchanter Irving says so."

Everyone in the room was eyeing Inas, so I stepped before him, "Ignore my cousins' unusual appearance; that is normal for one of his race."

Wynne was really lovely. Her hair was a natural silvery-grey and her eyes were a sparkling blue. She had that hair pulled back in a half-bun but left the other half loose.

I noticed that my group was eyeing the children for the most part. Wynne finally spoke, "I remember seeing you at Ostagar, My Lady. Why are you… here, of all places?"

I sighed, "Grey Wardens need their traditional mage allies, Wynne. And before you comment, Greagoir promised me the whole damn force if I could resolve this mess. He really doesn't want to enact the right of annulment – the woman he loves in secret is here, after all."

She froze for only a moment before inclining her head, "I've heard you were here before – that you are immune to demons and have wings."

I let said wings out with a shrug, "Look, we really don't have time to sit around and chat. We can walk and talk – I won't risk these kids getting killed because we took too long."

She nodded, "Petra, Kinnon – can you two watch after the…"

I looked at my group, "I'm not about to put King Anduin or Inas on babysitting duty so I need at least one capable volunteer to help watch the kids."

Sereda shrugged, "May as well have it be a Warden too – never know. I'll stay since Dwarves are so resistant to magic in the first place."

Anduin looked confused, "They are? Huh, Magni might be interested in this place more than I thought since the Dwarves are different."

I nodded, "Sereda, thank you for staying. The rest of you, let's move out."

"Did you say King Anduin?" Wynne asked as we headed past the barrier. I pointed to the blonde man in question, "King Anduin – from the Alliance of Azeroth – meet Senior Enchanter Wynne, a healer for the Circle of Magi and veteran of Ostagar… you really don't want to know what happened there."

She gave him a slight bow and said, "An honor to meet you, your majesty." She seemed to be in awe of the sheer size of the two men. Andy was almost as tall as Sten and Inas was taller than the Qunari.

Anduin gave her a sly grin, "I'm surprised you're not greeting the Prince of your own lands, Lady Enchanter."

She jerked in shock, "Who…?"

Inas and Anduin both pointed to Alistair as I chuckled. "Leave the poor man alone, you two – he was raised in a church, not a castle."

Alistair sputtered, "Can we… change the topic? How about we talk about the Lady Generals' marriage or… cookies?"

Sten nodded, "Cookies are a worthy topic."

I rolled my eyes reaching into my bag and handing him some cookies. He nodded to me.

Inas hummed, "I'm surprised the Prince Heir is still innocent." Shut up Inas… I wasn't that bad… was I?

Daylen laughed, "It's funny really – even in the circles most people don't make it to 17 years old as a virgin. But the Templars and the priests are raised perpetual virgins. Priests – it makes sense; they take those vows of celibacy and such. The Templars though…"

Anduin was flushed as he looked at me. I shook my head, "They only have one type of magic, Andy – Mage. Though, I learned through Daylen and Morrigan here that they can learn some of our mage and druid abilities so it makes me wonder if other magics are open to them."

"What does priest mean to you?" Wynne asked.

"Have you noticed Anduin healing and smiting his enemies with a light based power? He could, in theory, use shadows too, but that's essentially what a priest is. Mages can make portals as well as use Arcane, Frost or Fire. Druids like Inas can use Lunar, Solar or Nature as well as shapeshifting. Shamans use the elements, totems and elementals. The list goes on. The magic of Azeroth is bound to the earth – not something like your Fade. Even Dwarves there can use magic."

She looked fascinated, "Magic isn't…"

"It's not taboo like it is here, no. As you see, even the king uses magic though neither of his parents had magic at all."

Daylen spoke, "It's not hereditary?"

I shook my head, "It's innate, not hereditary. Most people would confuse the two, of course. Born with does not mean you got it from your family, however."

"Those rooms… why were they so small…" Inas was now fully aware of what I was saying.

"Those were the apprentice rooms. Mages who haven't gone through their harrowing are all kept on the first floor. We're now entering the second floor, the mages floor. After this we will see the mess hall, then the guest floor, then the Templar floor. Past that is the Harrowing Chamber where mages are tested to see if they would… be allowed to live."

"Be allowed? What about you?" Anduin asked, enraged.

I flinched, "The mages here don't think I have magic, first off – because I am immune to their Templars. Templars can use a form of smite and take the mana… but my magic isn't linked to the fade so… as for the other part… the religion here deems magic as pretty evil and mages are always at risk of demonic possession. Blood magic is seen as demonic – and that's actually true, because blood magic originated from demons."

"Wait… that sounds more like Warlocks than mages." Inas pointed out as Wynne said, "You have Magic?"

"Greagoir might believe you if you tell him, Wynne… but I'd prefer you didn't. I'm immune to demons, so it won't matter."

She nodded. I turned back to my companions and said, "Look – not our circus, not our monkeys. Well… it's my circus now, but these people have feared magic for at least a thousand years. What's the saying that they use to control mages, Daylen?"

He bit his lip and replied, "Magic exists to serve man and never to rule over him."

Anduin frowned, "You're my wife – the High Queen of the Alliance… come back to Azeroth…"

I shrugged, "This is my home now, Andy. I can't abandon it."

Inas snorted, "Fine – then tell us what happened at… are these the Mage rooms?"

Wynne nodded, "These are indeed, young man."

"… Wynnie bee… Inas is more than 15,000 years old – I'm 10 and half thousand myself."

She snorted, "He looks young; I'll call him young."

"Er… right. So that Ostagar place…" Inas was flushed.

I waved my hand, "Ensign, report."

Aedan spoke up, "Reporting, Ser. Darkspawn appeared in mass, as the signs of a New Blight appeared. We were attempting to hold them off at the head of the Korcari Wilds – thus Ostagar was chosen as our location. It was an excellent strategic position as any sizable group would be forced to go past there and it was built in the late Tevinter Imperium to shield against Chasind invasions."

Lyna continued, "From there, Ser we should have waited for more troops, but by the time we realized, it was too late. Tyren Loghain was to wait in a strategic location and flank the Darkspawn once the signal beacon – a task entrusted to our unit – was lit. King Cailan was in the vanguard and they drew the attention. When the signal went up and we lit the beacon however, Tyren Loghain quit the field."

Alistair spoke next, "My brother and all other Grey Wardens were mercilessly slaughtered. Only the works of our commander, Atarah, and the Legendary Witch of the Wilds, Flemeth, kept any Grey Wardens alive to defeat this blight. The traitor Loghain has since fled to our capital city, Denerim, to establish himself Regent for his daughter – the Queen. He has been spreading false rumors that the beacon was never lit. He has also, from what we are hearing, sealed our boarders. He has been appointing traitor to higher positions, as well."

Daylen closed the report, "As only a Grey Warden can end the Blight, Loghains' actions would have doomed all of Ferelden at the very least – the world at worst – to die. Had it not been for the benefactors who rescued us from the top of that tower, our own commander and Morrigans mother, this blight would be much worse."

Inas and Anduin were staring in horror as we moved through the tower. Owain had been just where he should have been, at least. Now we were at Irvings' office.

I walked in and rummaged in his desk. Wynne looked confused, "What are looking for, child?"

"A painted… aha! This box belongs to someone else, I plan to see it delivered… now for the other thing I need." I muttered as I walked over to a chest in the corner.

"So wait – you were betrayed at a battlefield and didn't immediately go after the bastard?" Inas sounded amused.

"I know – I'm all grown up, you should be proud… blah-blah-blah. For real though, Loghain will get what's coming. He won't die – Alistair changed his mind after learning about what's happening to all the souls… the whole… Maw thing. Aedan will avenge his own family by killing Arl Howe. Sereda will get to help her traitorous brother sit the Dwarven throne to prevent the Dwarven extinction. I'll figure out a suitable gift for Lyna and Daylen later."

Daylen snorted, "You reunited me with my family – I'm good, Commander."

I nodded, "But I slept with your cousin – doesn't seem fair."

"Wait… you slept with… is this the one you told us about – where you were testing Alistair?" Anduin asked.

I nodded, "Garrett Hawke. He was good looking and I knew he wouldn't try to marry me… here we go; Morrigan, your mothers' grimoire, as promised. But Andy… I'll need you to tell him that our betrothal was canceled and you don't mind that I slept with him or I will need to make reparations to him."

"Easy enough – I don't mind simply because I know you won't do it again and our betrothal was canceled. And we got married anyway…"

"About that – if I want a chance at all with Cullen at all, he can't know I'm married to you… so he needs to think we're still only betrothed and I'm still trying to break it. Please play along – I don't plan to lie about it for too long, but… I just want a chance that I will never get if he knows I'm married to you – even if the marriage was not… with vows or anything…"

"… I don't know…" Anduin frowned, "I…"

"Then… I mean… I think I have a way to go around that. We really aren't married by the church or anything – only though the light. Cullen – being Andrastian – will not see that as marriage…"

"It's worth a shot – I just don't want to deny that you're my wife… ever – to anyone. I tried and tried to get you to agree to me for four years – and when you finally admit that you'd love to if only I weren't king and then the Light grants it… I am too happy about finally being your husband to say I'm not."

I flushed, smiling at him, "Oh… stop being so sweet! How am I supposed to win any arguments when you pull that stuff?"

He laughed, "Tell me that you win and I'll agree."

Inas snorted, "I think I just got a cavity."

I smirked, "Tell me you aren't the same with Nessa."

"She's pregnant – that's different!" Inas pouted.

I led us back out and up the nearby steps for the third floor… where I saw skeletons. "Hold!"

Everyone froze. I looked at Inas, "You got something to take care of the Undead, cousin? Those Skeletons wont being staying dead for long."

Anduin raised his hand for a moment, "I can do that – I am a Holy Priest after all."

I smirked as he cleansed the room of the Undead.

Lyna whistled, "Not bad, Shem – not bad at all…"

I smiled at her. "Oh… what does Shem mean?" Anduin asked.

Lyna snorted, "It is the Elven slur for human…"

Anduin laughed, "Well, I am human."

"To be exact, it's the short form of Shemlen – meaning Quick Children; since elves here used to be immortal. They aren't anymore. All 4 races here live about the same life-span." I corrected.

Sten nodded, "The Qun is vastly superior, however."

I shook my head, "I admit – I've met many a people who could have benefited from the Quns… vigorous wisdom."

Sten nodded, "All would benefit from the Qun."

"Is that so? Tell me Sten – would my own role change? I am a female, but I fight. I am still an artisan too. I also am quite knowledgeable, so I could be a teacher."

"You are a great fighter and leader – you would be named Aqun-Athlok and put in the Antaam."

"But I eventually want a family one day – to do that, I would need to be a woman, not a man."

Inas snorted. Sten said, "The Children are raised by the Tamassrans – there are no families."

"Ah – but we also forget, Sten – I am a Saarebas. I would be shackled and my lips sew shut since I have magic."

He jerked, "I… did forget. But as one immune to demons, you would not have your lips sewn shut. You would only be shackled…"

"But wouldn't the Qun view that as a waste of my military talent?" I smirked.

"I… I am unsure." He said. I shrugged, "I rest my case – It would not do for me to convert. The Qun has its place, but I do not belong to it."

He nodded, "I believe you might be right in this case."

Inas noted the Guest rooms, "These are nice! What in the void is wrong with the people here?"

We were mostly quiet following that. Alistair and Anduin seemed to come to some sort of agreement – it was whispered and I heard every word… it made me smile.

When we reached the sloth demon, Inas gaped and said, "What is that?"

The sloth demon was… very gross. It was lumpy and looked like a mass of tumors; nothing more. It had one eye and a mouth but its arms and legs were grotesque. It looked like a lumpy lightbulb of sorts colored a pussy yellow and brown. I almost threw up from sight alone.

"Oh, look… visitors. I'd entertain you… but too much effort involved." His voice was smooth and deep… like honey but… it held no effect on me?

"Killing demons is enough entertainment for me, thanks," I snarked, causing Morrigan to smirk and Alistair to snort.

"But why? Are you not tired of all the violence in this world? I know I am. Wouldn't you like to just lie down and… forget about all of this? Leave it all behind?"

I heard the others talking, "Can't keep my eyes open…" said Alistair.

"This is ridiculous; you cannot expect me to lie on a floor sticky with blood…" Morrigan yawned.

"Resist… you must…" Wynnes eyes fluttered.

"We must stand… fight…" Sten looked to me, surprised I was completely unaffected. He looked relieved about it actually.

"I'll not listen to… your…" Leliana slumped. Aedan didn't even resist, he just watched me.

Daylen had fallen straight to sleep and Lyna had only glared at the demon. Inas tried to 'Detox' but it had no effect and he was actually the first asleep. Anduin was looking at me in horror as I pulled a blade and raised it to the demon.

"You Demons are useless against me, Sloth. Die!" I rushed… but felt a hard whack on the head from behind.