Chapter Seventy-Six

Coronation Day

It was better than I had anticipated! Of course, I had to help all three men get dressed – because they were unused to the style… and yeah – I got an eyeful from each. I could hear the murmuring as people glanced at the three men – no one could see me yet since I hadn't actually entered the room.

'Do you see…?'

'I can't believe such noble men… would…'

The Orlesian contingent was most curious – if it were just Ferelden, they could brush it off as a barbarian thing – but with the Prince Heir of Starkhaven also wearing it, and the Knight-Captain of Kirkwall… that was more Free Marches than Ferelden.

"Introducing her Imperial Majesty – Queen of Danu, Empress in name, Teyrna, Hero and Queen of Ferelden, Prophetess, and revolutionary – the Angel Empress, Arvaala Theirin," the Herald announced. Honestly, these days I just rolled with whatever titles they spat out, but… Revolutionary?

I didn't let my confusion show as I entered the room with my head high and my face arranged in a pleasant smile. I could hear gasps as I made my way down the center of the massive ball room – this was the first event in my new palace; traditionally this was done in the council chambers before.

I was surprised that pretty much every national leader was here in person rather than having sent a delegate. I spotted Celene Valmont of Orlais, Archon Radonis, King Wilhelm Augustin of the Anderfels stood next to First Warden, King Natale of Antiva, Dumar with Meredith and Orsino, Duke Antoine of Wycome, Joffrey Orrick of Tantervale, Teyrn Trevelyan of Ostwick and all three of his kids, Markus Pentaghast of Nevarra was here and shooting looks at Cassandra who – of course – came with the Divine, Grand Enchanter Briaus was with Lady Seeker Nicoline, Eadrek from Orzammar, the Ariqun was also present – fucking A – with a few Ben-Hassrath.

The coronation was similar to what happened in Ferelden – difference being I didn't get married before that.

When it was done, I bee-lined for my mates; before I could say anything, however, people began coming up to me to talk – ugh.

Archon Radonis and Dorian Pavus came up first. Dorian leaned in and kissed me on each cheek, "Hello again dear."

I gave him a bright smile, "Dorian! Alistair, this is the one I told you about – he my best friend and the only decent man from Tevinter that I have ever met – Fenris is technically from Seheron after all. Dorian, this is my first husband, Alistair."

"My dear, I must ask about the fashion that your men are wearing." I knew people were listening in so I smiled and raised my voice so that they could all hear, "It's a Kilt – it's traditional mens' wear from a country back home. I think it's really hot – you aren't supposed to wear any small clothes, you know? Cullen is wearing it because I'm punishing him – but Alistair agreed on the spot and Sebastian did it because I like the style. I didn't make Fenris wear one because – honestly – nothing on him can compare to what he wore to my wedding to Alistair."

I didn't want people looking down on Fenris for not wearing what my other men wore.

Alistair hummed, "I told her I'd wear it because she said she missed the style of dress."

Cullen coughed, "You know why I am being punished, Altus – this is… embarrassing."

Sebastian shrugged, "Apparently, the main country where this was traditionally worn back in her homelands has the same accent as Starkhaven, and that was why she thought of it."

Fenris gave Dorian a cool look, "I did not wear it because it is too open."

Dorian grinned, "Well, you men do look dashing… are you following the tradition?"

I smirked, "I made sure of that."

Radonis – not liking that he was being ignored – cut in, "We brought gifts – an apology for our rather large misstep when you visited Tevinter. This bow does not need arrows – it is infused with magic. You simply draw the string back and an arrow made of pure energy will appear; this…"

I cut him off, "I can see well enough, Radonis – but I have no need for them. For now, Danu and Tevinter are on neutral terms, though it borders dislike and hostile. My people have already been thoroughly warned about visiting Tevinter. You still have a chantry here in Danu – but I will not risk giving you a full sized Ley Line when you might use it to kidnap and enslave my people. You brought in a man I specifically said not to – I warned you that I would likely kill the man if you did. I do hope Hadriana didn't stain the floors of the Spire after I had Fenris rip her heart out… that would just be horrible. You thought to threaten me while I am pregnant – you are lucky that my mates did not take that more personally and kill you on the spot. I know Fenris contemplated it – and Cullen was very close to doing it anyway. I will accept the Blood Cheese I see in this cart as a sign that we are not at war, but you can take the rest of this chest back with you."

Radonis jumped to collect the cheese from the cart and pass it to me with a pale face. I could see that most nations were watching in confusion – it wasn't widely known what happened with Tevinter, but they did know that Tevinter never groveled like this so I must have done something that scared the robes off of them.

I waved Radonis away as I passed the cheese to Alistair with a smile, "I know you love fine cheeses, my love."

Alistair instantly began breaking parts off to nibble on, "You do love to spoil us."

Dorian was sniggering as he walked off.

The next contingent to approach me was Orlais – the Divine and the Empress… together.

Beatrix leaned in and kissed me on both cheeks – and boy did that stir the pot as people began whispering. I smiled, "Bea, dear – it's lovely to see you again; are you well?"

"Better and better since that decree was so well accepted; you were right – people did join the chantry in a 'boom' after the romance was allowed."

Celene curtsied to me – and I knew that if my title were Queen and not Empress, she wouldn't have. But since we were – technically – on equal footing, she did. I curtsied back, "Empress Celene – it is an honor to meet you."

She smiled, "And you. I heard you visited Orlais, but failed to come to the palace?"

"Ah – you know how it is; I was in a rush to get back to Denerim and marry Alistair. Theirin men have such good looks and Alistair… well, he's simply so pleasing that I couldn't bear to stay away much longer."

She looked at the King and nodded, "Agreed. And it seems good fortune befell you from the rush – you were lucky to conceive so soon after wedding him."

I gave Alistair a sappy smile as he squeezed my hand, "Yeah… very lucky. We plan to name him Duncan; after the man that sent Alistair to the tower of Ishal during the Battle of Ostagar and thus saved his life."

"I too brought a gift for your coronation – several bolts of Dyed grey Kings' Willow Weave, Infused Vyrantium Samite, and Royale Sea Silk; I also brought Hardened Gurn Hide, and Volcanic Aurum. And for the final gift, a mask – the style of which is reserved for crowned royalty."

Her elven servants rushed forward with a large chest. I motioned and my brother – Ash – came to inspect it and move it to the side. I smiled, "And as a gift for you, Empress Celene, I present to you a two piece Ley Line set – hand held mirrors, so bigger than what I sometimes sell in my shops but not full sized. These can be used to speak face to face with someone long distance."

They didn't have the portal feature – that was reserved for full-size or special request. My mirrors, for example, when pulled into the smaller piece, could be used for sending small things like a slice of cake or whatever. I could even give my mates a kiss from long distance using the smaller pieces – I just couldn't visit them that way.

The empress graciously accepted the gift and I was left to greet my next guest – King Pentaghast of Nevarra. He gifted me a lovely jewelry box made from… bone… of people. I decided right then that I wouldn't be using it… ever.

King Wilhelm Augustin of the Anderfels came up to me with the First Warden – and the First Warden was looking over Alistair sharply. He said, "I was under the impression that you were a Warden, King Alistair."

I smiled, "The Ashes of Andraste can cure any illness, Lord Warden. Alistair was lucky – and it was thanks to his being cured that we conceived so easily; a fortunate turn of events since he is now king of Ferelden and Danu."

The Warden stiffened, "You know what I am talking about?"

"Danu has extensive records on all things Thedas. We know the locations of the Old God resting places, we know the names of who ended which Blight, we know how the Joining is done, and we know many other things. Just because we haven't been seen in Thedas before doesn't mean we haven't been here all along. Wardens are needed – and I have already gathered three Sylph volunteers to be made Wardens – even though they know the risks. My people will guard your secrets, Warden – we know what is at risk if we do not." I then turned to Ash, "Gather Sky, Lark, and Fern."

He nodded and walked off to get the three – Wind, Water and Earth respectively.

"Still… no warden has ever…"

"Liar." I smiled.

He stilled, "Fine; one warden – and only one – has ever been… you know. This needs to be studied – to see if it is transferable."

"It is not transferable – Alistair was lucky, and we already have a 200 year old Warden doing testing. Avernus is at Soldiers Peak – and he was cured too, by the way, though not by the Ashes. He is a blood mage that mastered the Taint. You may send him a letter, but he cannot leave Ferelden or 200 years of research goes up in smoke. And no – Danu will not be handing over our Griffons, nor will we be willing to speak about allowing conscription on our people. Volunteers are all well and good, but my people will not be forced as we are not part of that agreement the Wardens have throughout Thedas. I have a small compound here that you may use as a recruitment office and base of operations if you wish to have people stationed here. As it is, I will be visiting Wiesshaupt in about a months' time to visit Fiona. If you allow me to see here, then I will be nice and allow you one Griffon on the condition that you don't do what your predecessors so foolishly did – you know what I am talking about."

The Wardens' eye began twitching, "You have no right…"

"I have every right to keep my people out of the conscriptions and to keep the Griffons of Danu safe. I have every right to deny you entry to Danu ever again. I have every right to protect my mates from what you call testing. Divine Beatrix will say the very same and Tevinter… well, I'm sure Radonis over there will be willing to invade the Anderfels for me if I asked and it would secure an alliance – an alliance that Tevinter so ardently wants and has been denied. And if Beatrix is on my side, Celene will do no less than join me to free my mates from Wiesshaupt. And we have griffons and dragons that we can ride into battle against you. You seem to think that just because I am new to Thedas means I don't know how things work, Warden. King Wilhelm, I don't mean to imply that we would be against you in that situation. On the contrary, my people would make sure yours are safe – we do not care for harming innocent bystanders when someone makes a foolish mistake."

The king inclined his head – and I could see the flash of respect in his eyes. The first Warden said, "You really think you would win."

I made my voice Louder, "Radonis – if I asked…"

"Tevinter will stand ready – we can't afford to piss off a woman that can create portals into the heart of any city."

The whole room stilled as I smiled, "You see, Warden – I don't just think that I could win… I really could win. Danu has been completely self-sufficient for over 8,000 years – out of respect for my Dragon Mate, who respects the order, I asked my people for a few volunteers to join your cause – you don't get to threaten me until you can stand on my level. Now, I will offer one more time – will I be able to see Fiona next month, or should I stop looking for a proper Griffon for you?"

My offer was two-fold – knowing the clutch of eggs would be found in a few years, I wanted to make sure the Griffons weren't forced to interbreed.

The Warden glared, "The Divine…"

"Will stand with the Prophetess – as she stated, Warden," Beatrix said with a tolerant smile.

The Warden finally sighed, "Very well then – I will see to it that Fiona sees you next month… and I would appreciate having a Griffon."

That was when Ash returned with the three Sylphs – two men and a woman; all mated to each other – and said, "Here are your volunteers. Know this – we will allow your recruitment office, but we will not tolerate disrespect – we reserve the right to return any warden that is rude and ask that you send a replacement. Lark, Fern and Sky are a Pod – thus you may not separate them if they become Wardens. They are mated to one another – to separate them is taboo and we will call them back if you try. These three – as a special exception – have been gifted with sending stones to contact me directly – I expect reports once a week if they succeed in becoming wardens. I don't mean Warden Secrets – I couldn't care less about what goes on in your order – I mean their health and wellness. This is a first shot at cooperation between Danu and the Wardens so I highly suggest you don't fuck it up."

Lark beamed at me – he was happy to be of help to me and for the life of me I couldn't fathom why. Sky flushed – she was the one that first volunteered, causing her mates to join too. Fern said, "We follow our Empress – you are only our assignment. The Prince Rose has requested our reports – and he will have them."

The Prince Rose – that was Ash. For family, they got the 'Prince' or 'Princess' before their title – in this case 'Rose' – and their name wasn't generally used. I had a headache from the titling system in Danu, but… what could I do?

They had gifted me the Blade of Corin – the Warden that once slew Zazikel; the second Archdemon.

Next to approach was King Natale of Antiva who was… rather friendly as he lavished me with fine Antivan brandy…

Then came the Teyrn of Ostwick. I smiled, "Lord Trevelyan – it is an honor to meet you. Is this young Maxwell?"

The family looked completely thrown off. Maxwell – almost 20 at this point – smiled brightly, "You know me?"

He was 6'1 with shaggy black hair, gold-green eyes and tanned skin. He had a fucking large axe on his back. I grinned, "I see bright things for your future. You are Templar trained, but not a Templar at all. You have a good standing with the Chantry – your whole family does. You embody your family motto – Modest in Temper, Bold in Deed. You are not destined for the Templars or the Clerics."

Teyrn Trevelyan asked, "What is he destined for?"

I smiled, "Great things – but not inheriting your title if that's what you are asking. Continue as you have been for now, Max – you will know when things are meant to happen."

They moved on and the Grand Enchanter and Lady Seeker approached. I extended a hand, "Briaus, Nicoline – how nice to meet you two."

Nicoline sighed, "I purposely didn't wear the Armor. People said you were a prophet and I didn't believe it. I've watched you greet people by name all damn day – and most were too damn surprised to have known you ahead of time."

I tilted my head, "Did Cass not give you a report…? I could have sworn that she would…"

"Oh, she did – but I was weary about it being a spirit or something."

I shrugged, "Not my problem then – I didn't plan to tell anyone outside of my immediate circle – but when the gods say dance, you don't stop until they smile."

Briaus coughed, "Well… I have a question. I'm getting old and… I know I won't live too much longer…"

I answered, "Grand Enchanter Fiona – former Grey Warden that will be released to the Circle in about two years as a First Enchanter. She's the one I'm going to see in the Anderfels – she's sort of like family to me."

Finally, the Ariqun approached. I saw his eyes glance over my figure to find my blades. I pulled one out of my 'pocket' – a slit in the pocket allowed me to access my blades strapped to my thighs. He was 7'1, male, long white hair, gold eyes, white horns that looked sort of 'slicked back', black and gold armor, and gold accessories.

He inclined his head, so I put the blade back into its sheath. I extended a hand, "Ariqun."

He shook, "Aribas. I wish to know more history about Thedas."

I nodded, "We can arrange that – do you want copies of relevant books or do you wish to browse what we have here in full?"

"I would browse first and ask for copies after." He said.

I nodded, "Speak with that man over there and he will arrange it for you. You may call him Kithshok – he is the one that leads my armies and is in charge of trade or foreign relations." I pointed to Ash. He may be the diplomat to Denerim, but he was also my right hand.

He nodded and handed me a book – a copy of the Canto that was the Qun. I nodded, "I have read this before – you have my thanks."

That was the easiest interaction of the night. By now, I was pooped. I wanted to go home, bathe and sleep.

Dorian wondered back over after a while and said, "How about we give them something to really talk about?"

I beamed and held my hand out, he took it with a slight bow and led me off to the dance floor. Maybe there was some fun to be had here after all.

Ugh – never again. Two days partying was a completely bad idea. The coronation ball was followed by the celebratory feast – and that was where I debuted Jackfruit as our biggest 'discovery'. People – mostly Orlais – were fascinated by a fruit that could taste like meat. I also announced my 'vegetarian friendly' cookbook that would have step-by-step instructions on making plant based meats.

Celene approached me that day and asked, "I could not help but notice that the Elf in your… Pod… did not wear the Kilts that your other men did."

"Of course not – I wasn't nearly so mad at Fenris as to make him do something he was uncomfortable with." I smiled.

She looked surprised, "Kilts are a… punishment?"

"Only when it's something you didn't want to wear. Kilts were actually traditional garments worn by men in a place called Scotland – but Fenris… oh I could never make him do anything he didn't want to do. Cullen wore it because he wanted to make up with me after he made me cry, Alistair thought it might be fun, and Sebastian did it to show his dedication in wanting to court me. Fenris… well… I would never push the issue with him."

I could see the gears turning in the minds of everyone listening – they now thought Fenris was my favorite mate when I simply meant that I wouldn't abuse him by making him feel so uncomfortable… well, maybe this was a good thing.

At least if they thought he was my favorite, they wouldn't give him a hard time about it.

Celene hummed – I couldn't see her face through the mask, but her eyes were green and her hair was platinum… she looked a bit like Anora in that regard. Speaking of the Dowager Queen, she had gone off to Orlais with Loghain when she – again – refused to bend the knee. Even knowing she had been officially removed as Heir now that we were expecting a child, she wouldn't submit. I had tried everything to get her to see reason, but… she still insisted that she was the rightful heir to the throne and that Alistair was not. What a pity for her – now she couldn't even take the throne if Alistair died and Duncan… did too… Aedan and Fergus were set in the records as the 'spares'.

Alistair leaned in and kissed my cheek, "My love, you should sit…"

I rolled my eyes, "Alistair… I'm only three months along. And exercise is actually good for pregnant women. If I do get tired, I will sit. Right now, I want Deviled Eggs – like… I really want a whole plate of the damn things with a side of those bacon wrapped sausages."

Alistair smiled, "Then I'll get you some. What to drink?"

I thought for a minute, "Hot Chocolate – with cinnamon and whipped cream."

He chuckled, "Okay – you sit now; we wouldn't want you to spill your hot chocolate or Deviled Eggs…"

Oooh – good point; I should sit down if I didn't want to drop anything! Wait… did he just win? I think he just won…

Good for him!

Fenris chuckled while leading me to my seat, "I think the King just won."

"He did indeed – he used my wants to get his way. He's getting better at the whole 'Noble Grease' thing."

Dorian – having 'appeared' beside me – chuckled, "He is right though – pregnant noble women are supposed to be pampered and they don't usually need to lift so much as a perfectly made up eyebrow or manicured pinky. They're fed by someone and generally get a really large leaf to fan them. Maybe you should put that Templar to use – preferably in no more than a linen pair of pants."

I think my eyes glazed over at the thought of Cullen – and subsequently Alistair and Sebastian – dressed in only a pair of shorts, fanning me and feeding me grapes. The image caused a groan to escape and my eyes to slide shut, "Damn you, Dorian… do you have any idea what kind of mental image you've given me?"

"Hopefully a beautiful one, my dear – I know what I am imagining." He gave me a wicked grin. He really was too beautiful for his own good. Cassandra gave a disgusted grunt to alert us to her presence, "I fail to see why you put up with the Tevinter."

"He's sexy and sassy and trying to change the Imperium for the better?" I offered.

She narrowed her eyes, "Is that so?"

"Think of this – he's been raised from birth being told by his Magister father that Blood Magic was the 'last resort of a weak mind'… he's rare – like a pink sloth." Those were endangered, but did exist in Danu. They were so slow that they had trouble reproducing.

"And you have no plans to make him a mate, correct?" she asked.

"Honey, I'm not his type – Cullen is," I laughed out loud at her surprise. Dorian quipped, "The more brutish and manly they look, the more I like them."

I giggled, "Dorian would get with a Qunari Merc before he would ever look at my chest and think 'oh, sex, that sounds fun'."

"So who is the Qunari Merc that I will bed one day then?" Dorian asked looking both amused and… not.

"If I tell you now then where is the fun in that? Nah – you got years before you meet your Amatus."

Dorian froze, "A… Amatus? I'll call him…"

I mimicked his voice, "If you choose to leave your door unlocked like a savage, I may or may not come. Goddess, but I love that bit of banter between the two of you. Anyway, sass-master…" I trailed off as Alistair came back with two plates – one for the bacon-wrapped smokies and one for Deviled Eggs. I felt my mouth water as my eyes locked on the plate.

I didn't even notice Magma behind him carrying my cocoa. Alistair set the two plates in front of me and all conversation was forgotten as I tucked in to an egg, moaning in delight.

Alistair laughed, "If I didn't know any better…"

"Alex used to say the same – that he swore, one day I'd bite into something good or he'd start giving me a massage and I'd just melt into a puddle of pleasure. It was a running thing for him to see if he could find something good enough or surprise me with a massage in a way that would do just that. I miss…" my eyes watered – but I didn't stop eating.

Dorian looked confused, "Who is… Alex?"

"Alexander was my husband – and we had a son named Levi. When I came here, I lost them. It's coming up on 9:33 Dragon, so it's been almost 3 years since I lost them… but sometimes, I feel like it was just yesterday. I can still hear my son squealing in laughter as we tickled him while snuggling in bed or recall how I would sit at my desk and pout at Alex to make me food."

Cassandra looked sympathetic, "I cannot imagine…"

"I wouldn't wish you to – the loss is… excruciating. I didn't know why I was pining after Alistair when I had just lost my family a few days prior to talking to Alistair the first time. It hit me like a sack of bricks to the face. I thought – at first – that it was just that I had promised Alex that if either of us died the other would move on; and that Alistair had been the subject of many dreams I'd had before. Heck, Alex used to joke how he couldn't compare to my three known primary mates – and that was before I knew they were mine. Oooh – Hot Chocolate," I reached for the cup of chocolaty goodness.

"I think my neck is stiff from that conversation switch…" Fenris muttered.

I shrugged, "Mood swings. I was depressed, now I am happy."

"Then that is good," Fenris smiled softly at me.

"Hey… I want apple juice…"

Dorian sniggered, "Apple juice – like that thing they give kids while the adults drink the fermented grape stuff?"

"Yeah – it's been like… 5 years since I've had apple juice. Ash! I want apple juice, please?"

Ash laughed as he motioned to a few other people.

The Warden came meandering up to me again – I was really starting to dislike this guy… he gave me a blank look, "Your Majesty – is there a place where you and your mates might speak with me in private about… Warden things?"

"At least you're aware that you won't get to be alone with her – ever," Hawke said in a relaxed manner with a charming smirk, "Especially after all those veiled threats yesterday. Oh my, Ara – I wonder when people will learn that this world purely consists of ants to you; sure some are slightly more interesting since they're your ants, but ants all the same. No one in Thedas can hold a candle to the games you played back home – what was it you said? You come from the land of Excess – that no one would bat an eye at a woman eating three steaks each weighing 72 ounces with a side of sweat tea to wash it down? I think you also said that the best fabrics were even available to the 'poor' if you knew where to find it. Compared to a country like that, I don't think anyone here could play the game so well as you – you practically had to play it in your sleep."

I shrugged, "Imagine the sodas that we limit to two per day consumed by the gallon. Oh I was a glutton for the sodas. I almost never drank water because I had my fancy tea and my soda. The sugary pastries in my shops – the ones that are limited due to how sweet they are – were also readily available. It got to the point where it was cheaper to eat the unhealthy stuff than it was to eat properly. It was a sign of wealth to be healthy in your eating habits. Just imagine – I was one of the working class there so… what must the truly wealthy be like?"

Alistair smiled, "Maker – Thedas would already be conquered if one of them came in your place. Already you have two nations at your feet like well-tamed Mabari. One more and I think were obliged to call you a High Queen or Sovereign Empress or something – so… what do you plan to marry into next?"

"I think the plan was Starkhaven, remember? I am courting Sebastian – and unless my fourth primary mate is a royal of another country, then there is no other one that I will be ruling over. We already know it isn't Grand Duke Gaspard since he's here with Celene – and all the other national leaders are here too. Unless I am mated to one of their kids rather than them, there isn't going to be another country under my rule… and pardon me for saying so, but Thank Fuck – I can already hardly keep up with Danu and Ferelden! Keep the other crowns away from me, please."

The warden frowned – I wondered if he would ever tell me his name or if I would keep calling him 'Lord Warden' – before he said, "Well… as to a private word…?"

Alistair and Anders both stood. Alistair said, "We'll keep this party to mages and the Empress – no need to involve those that don't actually know any secrets. Sebastian, we'll leave you in charge here for the moment."

We all headed off to the study – Bear had built everything in this place. More than 40 guest rooms – all of which were in use – were all built lavishly for royalty. This study was like a miniature library too.

I sat behind my desk and made a 'lay it on me' motion.

The First Warden – flaming red hair and grey eyes – said, "What secrets… do you know… exactly?"

"Honey, what don't I know? I know about the Taint, Broodmothers, how to kill an Archdemon…"

"And how did no Wardens die this time?" the Warden interrupted.

"I think it might have been a Blood Magic ritual – all I know is that we had sex with a witch of the wilds and poof – no one died in the slaying of this Archdemon," I gave my best thoughtful expression.

Anders jerked, "Blood Magic… but I thought you couldn't…"

"I can't – and I wasn't really involved in the ritual. I just joined the fun in stimulating the two participants. Alistair and the Witch were the main two involved. Anyway, you should really be thanking me, Warden – if not for me, not all of the blood from the Archdemon would have made it to you. I only kept a cup for my own research but everything else made it to you because of me. These were things that Alistair didn't know – and he was the senior Warden in our travels until we met with Riordan; and Riordan wasn't much help in the information department. He did die getting the Archdemon to land though so… that's why I sent his remains and requested that he be entombed as a Hero. Also… this means that Alistair didn't know that broodmother creation was such a secret – since he was only 6 months joined when Ostagar happened. We really can't be blamed for spreading that around since I still had amnesia at the time – there are still some things that I just can't recall." My memories of being Sylvain would never return to me – that was how it went with violent deaths.

"Yes – it was… quite troublesome to learn that bit of information was being spread in every major place…" he sighed.

"You have my apologies – though I can't say that I am sorry about that one. Women have a right to know what they face if a Darkspawn kidnaps them so they have the courage to end it before that can happen. Certainly, I wouldn't want to be a Broodmother, but if I didn't know… I might try to escape if they kidnapped me rather than killing me."

"And you won't consider allowing conscription of Fae?"

"I can't risk that… Sylphs are also the only ones allowed to become Grey Wardens – not Fairies. This is not because of noble status, either. Our… Fairies will not be able to go through a joining because…" I sighed. I was about to out us…

Anders spoke, "Fairies won't survive it."

I shook my head, "That isn't it. See – Fairies are immune to the Taint; but that won't help you in your search for what else can cure the Blight."

Alistair sighed and said, "Love… we should prove that to him."

"I will allow it. Anders – I think it's time for my physical," that was a phrase I taught him to hint that he should cut me but not take blood.

Anders pulled out a knife and Alistair tried to stop him but… Anders managed to nick my hand before Alistair had him pressed against the wall while he growled and hit the Protective State. I spoke, "Alistair, Stand Down – look, he can't heal me if you kill him."

Alistair reluctantly let Anders go as the Warden gaped at my blood – vanishing as it dripped before Anders healed my cut.

I spoke, "So you see, Lord Warden – Sylphs can help you but Fairies are outside of your control."

We didn't speak much longer – but I knew that the Wardens would want us even more now. They would think we were useless to them though – because they would think it was impossible to get our blood… ever.