Chapter Twenty
Take a Trip
That evening, I woke to my head on Cullens' chest while he stroked my hair. I sighed – I loved having my hair played with. He jumped, "Oh… I, erm… that is…"
"Don't worry – I like that sort of thing." I muttered as I snuggled closer. He relaxed and said, "You have two hard… lumps on your head; under your hair near your forehead."
"When I was a baby, I was growing silver antlers – Antlers being the sign of Druidic potential. Silver, because they were a gift from that Demi-god, Cenarius. My care-takers kept cutting them away to sell off the pieces. Turns out, Silver Antlers make for a powerful healing potion or even a… aphrodisiac. After 10 years, they just… stopped growing. When Cenarius found out, he tried to make them grow but it was too late by then. He and Malfurion were… none too pleased. My uncle may not have liked me, but to have my horns cut away for those reasons made him… he had the two perpetrators imprisoned. Had I been Inas, he would have killed them instead, but…"
I felt the horror radiating from Cullen, "You were mutilated for such a thing?"
I nodded, "I'll live – this was so long ago, after all."
"What did your father think of this?"
"Illidan Stormrage didn't have anything to think about – he was imprisoned for 10,000 years – only getting out rather recently – within the last few years, actually. We had less than a year together of him knowing I was his daughter before he took up the mantle of Jailor – meaning I will likely ever see him again. He killed the two – who were still imprisoned for what they'd done to me, since they were elves. I think one was a hunter – which is how they knew the value of my antlers to begin with. The 400 years I spent with them before, he didn't really interact with me – he didn't know I was his daughter despite my having a few of his features. My Illidari traits were a surprise to the whole group – they didn't know Illidari could sire children before then because none of them had children after becoming Illidari. I wouldn't name my father back then – citing that I was abandoned. Most of the Illidari clamored to be my family after that; most saying they would never abandon their kid or something similar. I… the Illidari won't touch people unless others initiate it. They know they look off-putting… so I make it a point to hug, kiss on the cheek, shake hands, or such with any Illidari I come into contact with – everyone deserves to feel accepted."
Cullen looked thoughtful. I sat up and stretched, "Thank you, Cullen – for the comfort, the listening and not hating me now that… now that you know I have magic."
He sighed, "When you first posed that question, I thought I might – that if you had magic of any sort, that I might hate it. After what was done to me. But then I realized – you are immune to demons, you can't be touched with blood magic… if that were the case, you'd be the safest magic wielder to associate with. In your case, Magic can only serve you – it can't rule over you."
I nodded, "Very astute of you. You know… I prefer physical weapons to magic anyway."
He chuckled, "There is that too. Besides, Dragons are unpredictable in the first place, so how are we to know what else you can do?"
"Ask and you shall receive." I sing-songed. He smirked until he noticed I was stripping to change. Then all I heard was choking and sputtering. I chuckled, "You're to be my husband, Cullen; I already had no modesty, but I figure… husbands see their wives naked all the time anyway."
"That… makers' breath, you're going to kill me."
I laughed, "Not at all! Though… I have heard that making love can be deadly if done right."
I finished pulling on the leather tank-top, crimson in color, and black leather pants. I sat back on the bed to lace up my knee high crimson boots.
He groaned, "I think I might miss your company when you leave… but I won't miss being constantly embarrassed."
"You know – I wanted to take you to bed when we first met," I smirked at him.
He was flushed, "It was far too soon to even consider…!"
"For you maybe; as a red dragon, I can tell the hearts of people I meet. I knew you were a good sort when I met you. If I hadn't known for sure that Sten wasn't going to kill us, I wouldn't have rescued him from that cage in Lothering."
"A… fair point."
We began heading out of the room as I continued to talk, "Besides – if I couldn't tell Hawke was of the good sort, I really wouldn't have jumped into bed with him so soon."
Daylen laughed from where he was following us, "So it really had nothing to do with being my Cousin?"
"That was icing on the cake – how else would I enjoy myself if I didn't embarrass my recruits from time to time. Sten is so stoic that will never happen – and Morrigan is safe for the same reason! Everyone else will get some teasing here and there."
"I noticed you flirt with all your recruits." Greagoir said as we approached. I nodded, "Keeps them on their toes. Lyna is cute and I'm an elf, so I might have a shot – if I wasn't her female commander. Same goes for Sereda, though she seems at least a little interested. Leliana is downright sexy. Alistair… well, everyone loves an innocent. Aedan is good looking too. Daylen actually isn't my type, believe it or not, but I'm still gonna flirt because it gets a rise out of Morrigan. Sten won't look at anyone romantically, but he does get confused when I flirt so it's worth it."
"Yes… Wynne asked if she could join you in your travels. She says you have a great amount of Honor and she'd love to learn from you as well."
I shrugged, "She's kind of like a mother hen, isn't she… but then, you'd know more about her than I would."
I shot him a discreet wink and he paled. "Cullen – we promised her Rations for a 4 week journey, will you see to that?"
The blonde man at my back nodded and took off.
"What do you know?" Greagoir snarled.
"You love her. You two had a son together, though neither of you know who he is or where he was taken. Wynne will eventually learn that. I know his name and that he's a published author."
He cursed, "This is part of your seer abilities?"
"Not remotely. But don't worry, Wynne still has many years left in her – I will make damn sure that she lives to see them."
He nodded curtly, "I sent a raven to the Grand Cathedral in Orlais; to inform them of the presence of a seer from another land. I also added the immunities to Demons, Blood Magic and Templar abilities. As for the magics… I kept it simple – just that you do have magic. I didn't add anything about dragons or portals or purple skinned tall elves. I also added that you asked about marriage to a Templar, and asked for advice on that. And of course the… Blood Curse you carry and what… effects it has when you drink."
I giggled, "I thank you for that, Greagoir. I'll be back in about… a month in a half, give or take. You'll love what news I bring then."
He nodded, "We will see you then, I guess."
Cullen came back over with a pack full of rations and handed them to me. I took it with a smile, "1 Year, Cullen – I will beat this blight within the year."
He flushed, "I… well, if you do… I can't say it would be a bad thing, would it?"
"Less death is always a priority of mine," I winked.
Greagoir laughed, "Thank the Maker for that!"
I then lifted my hand, "Team Dovah – move out."
"Dovah?" Cullen asked.
"It means Dragon in the language of the Dragons from Nirn." I explained.
"Perhaps I'd like lessons in that language some time," he said.
"Marry me and you get free lessons," I was so teasing him. I heard Alistair laughing and Lyna patted my arm, "Commander, everyone is gathered – plus one."
"If you mean Wynne, she's part of the team now." I nodded to the Enchanter who smiled back at me.
Cullen was still flushed from my teasing as we left.
As we sailed back across the lake, Leliana was playing with my hair – this revealed my moon-mark.
"It is… glowing," she whispered. I said, "It will always glow lightly – while I'm healing from… anything, really, it will turn green. It has other colors for other meanings."
"You say it is a blessing from a goddess?" Lyna asked. I hummed. "And these nubs are where your antlers were met to grow?" Sereda was touching my head. "Yeah. And worse is… those things have nerve endings – meaning that those assholes that cut my antlers were causing me actual pain."
Aedan spoke, "That's terrible…"
Sten was looking at me critically so I asked, "What, Sten?"
"Most women who experience a forced encounter wind up with Asala-taar. Will you be okay to lead?"
"I will be more than okay, Sten; I was quite willing in the matter with Cullen – but if you feel the need to question, you are on the verge of challenging me."
He looked startled, "You know much of the Qun for an outsider."
"If you challenge me, I will prove myself Basalit-an. Do you wish to do this now or later?"
"Later – for now, I will observe." He nodded firmly.
I noticed Alistair kept shooting me glances. "What is it, Kulaan Alistair?"
"What… what is that word?" Aedan chuckled.
"It means Prince."
Alistair said, "Oh… I was just wondering… do you have a dragon name?"
I coughed, "What makes you ask that?"
"Well – you told us the names from your past lives, but you also said you were adopted by dragons… I was just curious if they named you."
I flushed, "You caught me – I have 2 dragon names; 1 from Skyrim and 1 from the Ruby Dragon-flight. In Skyrim, I was called Strun-Sil-Thur… it translates quite literally to Storm Soul Overlord but loosely translated is more like… Lord of Storms. When I killed the World-Eater, their king of sorts, that's what they called me. In Azeroth, I was called, Zarastrasza. All female red dragon names ended in Straza, where males ended in Strasz. Among themselves the names are shortened to the parts not including the formal endings. I was essentially called Zara among them. What made you ask this?"
"Just… I remember you saying that the one dragon called you Qahnaarin. You also mentioned it was a title… I guess I just wondered."
Leliana giggled, "He is smarter than he looks, no?"
Morrigan snorted. I grinned, "Yeah, he'll make a good king, actually."
Alistair flushed and Aedan chuckled, "Question – what are we facing in Redcliff? I get the feeling none of this is going to be 'easy'."
"It wouldn't be any fun if it was easy, Cousland. I'll tell you when we get closer – for now, we have to prepare for an ambush by the Antivan Crows. I want to recruit the leader. A cute elf named Zevran…"
"Tell me you aren't recruiting him because he's 'cute', commander." Sereda was laughing her little ass off.
I chuckled, "No – he's a damn good rouge with an affinity for poisons. But him being cute gives me something to look at, at least. Eye-candy at its finest."
Alistair pouted at me, "Isn't that what I'm for?"
I smirked and crawled over to him – passing Fiona off to Leliana who cooed and nuzzled the cub – before crawling into his lap and saying, "I thought you were for so much more than eye candy… I thought you were for me to touch and keep and… other things."
He flushed, "Well… I mean… there's that…"
"And I'd love to talk shop on the poisons with the elf – he's also good for morale." I shrugged, and stayed in his lap. Silverite was playing with Fiona in Lelis' lap… it was adorable.
Morrigan sighed, "A fine idea – but I would check your food and drinks carefully from then on, were I you."
"No need for me to do so – my detox clears poisons and harmful magics. If I feel like I'm going to die, I cast it and I'll be right as rain in seconds."
She blinked, "Can you teach me that?"
Wynne was gaping, "I'd like to learn that as well."
I shrugged, "I don't see why not – so long as you both swear not to teach anyone else that one. See… it cures another thing that would have you both hunted. Grey Wardens would be a dying breed."
"It cures the Blight." Daylen said bluntly.
I nodded, "I actually did undertake the joining, but… I wasn't going to survive it. In a panic, I cast detox… and I lived."
Sten looked interested, "The joining is lethal?"
Oops. "Riiiight… sorry. That was supposed to be a secret."
We docked and started walking after I motioned to Kester who looked at me with a wide grin.
Alistair groaned, "Thankfully, that's not the biggest secret – even I don't know that one. Only the senior wardens…"
"Alistair, be a dear and explain to us what being a Warden entails."
Alistair looked horrified and I rolled my eyes.
"Look, the Ensigns need to know, there are no Qunari Wardens in the first place, Wynne is a scholar at heart, Morrigan already knows most of it thanks to her mother, and Leliana is special."
Leliana spoke up, "Special how?"
"You can never be a Warden – because you're highly resistant to the taint. I won't tell you how I know."
She was pale faced but nodded, "I… I see."
Alistair must have thought I had forgotten my request to him, because he pointedly didn't say anything. I nudged him, "Now, Constable."
He flinched, "But… they're secrets…"
"And as commander, I am ordering you to spill – or I will."
He sighed, "Yes, Commander. We carry the taint of the blight within us. Drink some of their blood in a really creepy ritual so that we can sense them… it's what gives us the dreams – we tap into their 'hive-mind' or whatever it is. We can hear them in that way. Some of the older wardens can understand them, even. According to Duncan, it's also the reason the only a grey warden can end the blight. It's… also a death sentence. We have around 30 years before we start to submit to the taint and go on what is called the calling – we go to Orzammar and fight darkspawn in the deep roads until they kill us or worse happens. We also suffer lower fertility rates, though the trade-off is we have higher stamina for fighting. You have to understand that all of this is a secret of the Order – you can't tell anyone. If word got out, we'd have a harder time recruiting and all of Thedas would be hard-pressed to end future Blights with no Wardens."
Sten was staring at me, "You knew all of that, already." Everyone turned to look at me.
"Yeah; I knew. I know more about the Wardens than anyone in this damn mess. I know why only a Warden can end the blight. I know how it happens in great detail. I know every rank, symbol, and dirty secret. Technically, since we know Alistair will defer to anyone else in most warden matters, I'd say a different ensigns' rank should be constable, not Alistairs' – and whoever does get that rank will be full on Commander of the Grey when this shit is over, since I don't plan to stick around in Ferelden – even if I become its Queen. Before Ostagar but after the joining, you were just Warden-Ensigns. In the space of a day, you all rose to Senior Wardens or Warden-Lieutenant if you go by Orlesian ranks. Did you know that Wardens frequently train with weighted bundles of canes, sparring with one another and with pells to build physical strength? Or that training within the Order is somewhat class-blind, with melee and archer fighters training mages, for example, and mages training warriors and rogues in various areas as well. Likely there is something each class can learn from the others, regardless of natural abilities, and I could even name some ways it might be helpful."
Alistair perked up, "I completely agree… so who should be the Constable?"
I snorted and the others all began laughing. "Lyna was the first to wake up, so I guess this is a case of Elves in charge."
Lyna gave me a high-five and said, "I'll agree just for that."
"What are her qualifications?" Sten asked seriously.
"Only a Warden – or in my case, and honorary one – can lead the order. She was lead hunter for her Clan despite being so young, so I have to say that she excels in tracking her prey." I stated.
Lyna spoke up, "I was also named second for the clan. Merrill was first since Keepers and their Firsts' need to be mages, but in the even that something happened to them both; I would have taken the leadership until the next Arlathvhen where we could get a new keeper."
I nodded, "And there is that – which I absolutely did not know. That's a high honor for one so young, Lethallan."
She beamed, "I had shown great promise – though…" she sighed before continuing. "I was set to bond with Tamlen before all this. He is… dead now."
I flinched and looked away. She caught on and grabbed my shoulder, "What do you know?"
"He… you understand you were both infected with the blight… that he wasn't found and given the aid you were…"
She nodded, "Duncan said he would be dead – why do you act like he isn't?"
"Oh, Lethallan – you would wish him dead… it would be the kinder option."
She paled, "Please… tell me…"
Alistair spoke, "No… no, it can't… he wasn't killed?"
I shook my head, "He was tainted by that damned Eluvian – an ancient elven mirror."
"No – Duncan said the mirror was Tevene in origin…" Lyna paled.
Morrigan spoke then, "If it was an Eluvian, then it was most certainly Elven, not Tevinter."
I sighed, "Being tainted away from the Darkspawn gave the taint a chance to grow in him. He became a ghoul. We will have to be the ones to put him out of his misery when he's in an 'ambush' set by the Darkspawn against us. He doesn't… have control of his memory right now. Only when he sees you, Lyna… he'll remember. And he won't fight back."
She sobbed, "You're right… I wish I didn't know that."
I gave her a soft hug, "It will be alright – you will be doing him a mercy then."
We walked for several hours more – finding a suitable camping spot close to dawn. I looked through the bag that Cullen had prepared and let out a soft giggle.
"What's so funny in there?" Aedan asked. "Yes, Tara, what did your future husband pack you?" Leliana teased.
"Honestly, I think I might have to keep him. Leli… he packed me chocolate."
There was silence as Morrigan, Leli and Wynne all wondered over. Morrigan commented, "Chocolate? Then you're right – you must keep him. I may not like him as he is a Templar, but any man who packs chocolate for a woman cannot be all bad."
Lyna and Sereda giggled from their own spot. The dwarf said, "Even I would keep him for that!"
I sniggered, "He didn't leave for the Templars till he was 13, you know. He grew up with two sisters. Shame I can't eat this tonight…"
"Why not?" Wynne asked.
"Because, we all need to have a talk… about the Darkspawn. No one gets to make food until this is out of the way though. I don't know that anyone who isn't a warden will wish to eat after this… Wardens need lots of food."
Everyone sat in a circle and I sat in front of Leli – she started messing with my hair again and I smiled at her before I began talking.
"The darkspawn have always existed; it was not the fault of the Tevinter Magisters… though they did fuck up on a massive scale. The chantry themselves knew it was not what they claim. They didn't attach what the Seven did to the blight until the third Blight. Regardless, the taint they carry can infect others, turning them into darkspawn as well. Black ichor flows in their bodies as blood flows in ours. Darkspawn do not need to eat as the taint sustains them, however they can eat for reasons other than dietary. Furthermore, the taint provides quick healing from wounds – also how the Wardens seem to be in great shape all the damn time. The darkspawn have good vision in the darkness but they're weaker in sunlight. As a species, the darkspawn are asexual and unable to reproduce – and that's also why Wardens have lowered fertility."
"Really? Then how…?" Alistair began but he stopped when I took a shaky breath.
"The task of reproduction is left to a specific form of ghoul; the Broodmothers. Captured female prisoners are infected with the taint and are force-fed darkspawn tissue and vomit as well as the tainted flesh of fallen kin. Those that survive this process undergo a horrific transformation and become massively swollen creatures that exist to breed more darkspawn… A single broodmother is capable of giving birth to thousands of darkspawn during their lives, and each race produces a different type of darkspawn. It's horrible to think about, but worse to witness. Humans produce Hurlocks, dwarves produce Genlocks, elves produce shrieks, and Qunari produce ogres."
I swallowed hard. I saw the horror on all the faces of those around me.
I pressed on, "Darkspawn feature similar traits to the race their broodmother once was, such as Genlocks having magical resistance. Mature darkspawn continue to disfavor each other and tend to group together with their own kind – that's why you rarely see Genlocks with Hurlocks or such in hunting bands – especially outside the blights. Darkspawn are thought to be stupid but… they really aren't. They have their own language and know how to work together for many things like Smithing and assaults. They worship the Old Gods and that kind of devotion isn't seen in things that can't think for themselves even a little bit."
"Why isn't that common knowledge? About the Broodmothers, I mean. No woman should face Darkspawn without knowing… do the Wardens just not…?" Aedan looked a bit green.
I gave him a sad look. "The Wardens know. They keep it secret for their own reasons, but I plan to put that shit on blast. I want Sten telling the Ariqun, I want Leli telling the Chantry and I want to tell the damn Shaperate while we're in Orzammar. Every woman who risks that should know to find a way to get dead quick if it looks hopeless."
"What about us?" Sereda motioned to Lyna and herself.
"You two will be fine… but when your true Calling comes, I wouldn't risk it. Take a knife and end it – better yet, find a dragon to fight."
Sten nodded, "A Dragon is a worthy way to go."
"What do you mean 'True' Calling?" Alistair asked suspiciously.
"I'll… explain at a later date."
Sten spoke again. "I will be telling the Ariqun as you say. But, Kadan… why have you willingly been throwing yourself into these fights knowing all of this? Why do you allow other women into the group?"
"Calling me Kadan so soon, Sten? To what do I owe that honor? As for the women – Lyna, Sereda and Leliana won't be affected by the Darkspawn. Morrigan is a shapeshifter like me; she can fly the fuck away from them. If Wynne gets tainted I'll detox her, but she's wonderfully resistant in her current state. Shana is also resistant due to her circumstances at Ostagar, but then… she's a Mabari – I don't think they make Broodmothers from dogs."
Shana gave a yip and licked my hand. I chuckled. Silverite was perched on my shoulder at the moment anyway.
"Kadan; that does not answer why you so willingly…"
"Sten, Pashaara. Sataareth Kadan hass-toh issala ebasit; Var-toh katashok, ebadim maraas issala toh."
Leliana was staring at me wide eyed and Aedan looked at me, "What did you just… say?"
"She told me Enough. It is my purpose to do what I must for those I consider important; they will struggle, and we will turn them into nothing. I don't know how you speak Qunlat so flawlessly, Kadan… but you are right. We all have our purpose and if that is truly yours then I will speak no more of it."
"So – why call me Kadan?"
"Is there some significance to it?" Daylen asked.
I shrugged, "It means he adopted me as family."
Sten nodded, "That is the easiest way to say it, yes. As for why… you have survived torture, you are aiding me in restoring my honor and finding my blade, and you are one who is worthy of respect."
"That would put me at Basalit-an, not Kadan. Kadan is personal."
He nodded, "That it would. You have managed to… endear yourself to me, somehow. I find I have begun to think of you as a close friend."
I smirked, "I grow on people it seems."
"Like a fungus," Alistair exclaimed happily. I laughed so hard I snorted. "Yes, dear; like a fungus."
I stood, "So… other than the Wardens and the companions… did anyone plan to eat? I'm thinking take-out."
"Take out… what?" Alistair asked.
I grinned, "Glad you asked – you get to come with me to carry it back." I grabbed Alistairs' Arm and ported to Stormwind. We landed right in the Palace – causing an uproar.
I saw the man on the throne – he was 7'4 with greyed hair and a stern face showcasing his blue eyes. He wore gold and grey armor of light-forged make and had a sword and shield, "High Exarch; nice to see you again! Turalyon, may I present my second mate, Crown Prince Alistair Theirin of Ferelden, Warden of the Grey, Dragon of Ferelden, and Veteran of Ostagar. My dear, this is Turalyon, High Exarch of the Grand Army of the Light, Lord Commander of the Alliance Forces, Regent of Stormwind and Knight of the Silver Hand."
The knights in the keep all stood down on seeing me. Alistair – drawing on years of experience in uncomfortable situations – smiled brightly, "Ah – hello there… you're taller than Anduin."
Turalyon coughed, "My Queen…"
"I haven't been Crowned," I said in a panicky voice.
He looked amused, "Might I ask why you just… appeared?"
"Thought I'd nip a bite from the Pig and Whistle – they got better food than the Gilded Rose since they serve the Dwarves and Gnomes mostly. I'm ordering enough to feed at least 11 dragon cubs, 2 griffon cubs, 2 dogs and well… me."
Genn came shooting forward to wrap me in a hug – startling Alistair since Genn was in his white-furred, 10-foot tall, blue-eyed, leather-clad and long-toothed form. I squealed a laugh, "Genn!"
Alistair instantly relaxed, "Ah… King Greymane – an honor to meet you."
Genn shimmered and came down to his human form – 7.3 feet tall, with short white hair and blue eyes. He stuck out a hand, "Prince Alistair – Anduin told me about you when I met with him just this afternoon. You're the Prince Heir of Stormwind."
"I'm what now?" Alistair paled.
"Yeah – if you don't get your throne in Ferelden that is; if you do, then Queen Atarahs' other mate… Cullen, becomes our Prince Heir. We drew up the documents a few hours ago and just got it sub…"
Alistair had face palmed and pointed to me, "You owe me."
I grinned, "I got you a Griffon – Griffons, which you thought were extinct."
"I… okay, you win that one," Alistair flushed.
Genn looked amused, "What?"
"Alistair was raised as a bastard and a Paladin of sorts. He was raised being told that his birthright didn't mean jack-diddly and he had better not expect anything. So… he doesn't actually want the throne, but he is going to take it or I will shove it up his arse. Now, I have people waiting for me back in Ferelden, so if you want to talk, then you need to walk."
Genn extended an arm to me and I took it. Alistair kept glancing at him before sighing, "So… now I know how you feel…"
"Being short is no fun, is it, Alistair?" I quipped.
"I don't know – I feel like he could wrap me in the best hugs," Alistair shot back. Genn barked a laugh, "He's just like Liam."
"I like how he doesn't get all prejudiced against what he's never seen before. You are the first werewolf – or Worgen – he's ever met other than me… and he hasn't seen me wolf out yet."
"A very good trait in a potential King. Speaking of Liam, though…"
"What about my pseudo-son?" I asked teasingly.
"He… felt something odd the other day. Anduin says this day lines up with when you left the Maw. Liam passed out and when he woke, he felt imbued with light."
"The Light is what bound Anduin and Me as mates so… it makes since that the Light could be felt through the bond. I was out for three days so I didn't feel the rush of power."
People were waving and bowing as we walked through the streets – I was unused to it, but waved back and smiled at people. Alistair had taken up a flanking guard-like position.
I also noticed that Turalyon had sent guards to escort us – the arse.
Genn chuckled, "I've never seen Liam so enthusiastic and happy. Oh – hello Alleria."
Alleria Windrunner – 7 feet tall, platinum blonde hair, blue eyes and pale skin… when she wasn't void-shrouded. In her Void-form, she was pitch-black skinned, silver-haired, and white-blue eyed. She wore green and brown with a golden and green bow strapped to her back.
Alleria looked me over with a small smile – I had been the first to welcome the Void-Elves to the Alliance – and knelt, "My Queen – it is my honor to pledge my fealty to you."
Bitch – now everyone was bowing. I flushed, "Y-You haven't met… Prince Alistair – Alistair this is Alleria Windrunner, Lady of the Void-Elves and a member of the Army of Light. Alleria, this is Prince Alistair of Ferelden and Prince-Heir – for the moment – of Stormwind. He's one of my mates."
Alleria stood and extended a hand to him, "An honor, my prince."
Alistair was flushed and said, "Tara, you are such a bitch – did you really bring me along so I could field all the attention for you?"
"Yes – and I promise to make it up to you later, but… I'm no good in the spotlight. Look – there's the Pig and Whistle! Let's get the food and get out of here. I should have gone to Dalaran instead," I muttered.
"It would have been worse if you did – Vereesa would have made announcements through the whole city of your arrival, status and such. At least here, you only have to worry about it when people see you rather than having them rush to come to you," Alleria smirked as she began walking with us.
I groaned, "Can I say something blasphemous?"
"By all means," Genn laughed.
"Damn the Light to the Void," I cursed.
Alleria burst into laughter as we entered the tavern. I looked at the innkeeper who was staring at me with awe, "I need about 22 meals wrapped up to go – I'll pay double if you can get it to me a.s.a.p."
The inn-keep bustled into action as people watched us in silence. They were gauging their new Queen. Alleria said, "22 people huh?"
"No – 11 people, a griffon, a Larion, and 2 war-hounds – but 7 of those people eat like damned void-beasts…"
Alistair flushed, "We're Grey Wardens – that stamina has to come from somewhere."
"And I do appreciate the extra battle prowess when we're fighting Darkspawn or Maleficarum… but boy do I hate when it's my time to cook."
Alleria sniggered, "You cooked more than enough for that amount when you traveled with Inas…"
"So? That doesn't mean I like to cook enough to feed all of Stormwind to feed a small hunting group. And Elune help anyone that lets Alistair here cook – you'll be eating grey and you won't know what hit you in the morning."
Alistair pouted, "In Ferelden, we do things right. We take our ingredients, throw them into the largest pot we can find, and cook them for as long as possible until everything is a uniform grey color. As soon as it looks completely bland and unappetizing, that's when I know it's done."
"Yet you do not complain when I cook," I snarked back.
"Well yeah – I cook like a Ferelden, but I eat like a Grey Warden. Honestly, you could serve me anything and I'll eat it – but you put cheese in front of me and I'll be your best friend."
"I could propose to you with cheese and you would name your firstborn after me," I quipped.
"See – this is why I love you; you come up with more ridiculous things than I do sometimes, but you're almost never wrong."
Genn chuffed a laugh, "I don't think I'll be eating in Ferelden anytime soon, if this is true…"
"It is," Alistair and I both said at once. I had eaten at a tavern near Highever – Alistair wasn't wrong that bland and unappetizing were most of their stews in a nutshell.
That was when our order came – I paid and quickly teleported us back to the group.
