Chapter Thirty-Seven

Soul of the Forest

Everyone watched as I made sausage and egg tacos with cheese for breakfast… probably because I was humming.

Anduin was too much of a gentleman to say anything – but Leliana was not, "So much for sleep last night."

Alistair choked on his water. I smirked, "I told Alistair that the first smart comment gets fed to the darkspawn – do you want to continue that topic?"

She laughed, "I guess not. I suppose I just wondered something…"

I glanced at Alistair who rubbed his neck and shrugged. "Fine, Leli dear – ask it." I said.

"Is he as… athletic as he looks?" Aedan started choking this time.

"Are you going to ask that about all of my mates?" I quipped.

"Are you going to answer?" she argued.

"Is Aedan?" I snarked.

She let out a peel of giggles, "I wouldn't quite know!"

"Then yes, he is. More flexible than I would have thought too."

"Maker's Breath, what is wrong with you women?" Alistair cried out.

Sten looked stoic as he said, "This is a pointless conversation."

"Is it? Did you know that taking time to cause a female to Orgasm can improve male fertility? Longer foreplay and a higher level of sexual arousal before ejaculation have been shown to increase sperm counts in some. Not only that, but if a female has an orgasm at the same time as or just before the male does, it helps increase the chance of the woman getting pregnant. Therefore, the Qun should likely try to please their women if they want increased numbers." Sten looked stunned but thoughtful.

Alistair, Anduin and Aedan looked embarrassed, but the others were all laughing. Alistair asked, "This is… an odd topic of conversation… can we change it?"

Sten was the one to speak, "There is no Taboo subject to be discussed among the Qun. Knowledge is there to be learned so long as one knows their role."

I nodded, "But you also don't know who your mothers are."

"No, but we are made aware of who it is acceptable to bed or not."

"That's good. Wouldn't want inbreeding."

"Precisely."

Aedan and Alistair were looking between Sten and I as though they were seeing peace between the Qun and Tevinter… wait until they each met Dorian and Bull…

"Did you at least enjoy yourself, Lethallan? Men usually can't go long their first time." Lyna pointed out.

I lifted a single eyebrow as Sereda snorted, "The fact that none of us got any sleep should answer your question, topsider."

"Alright – who wants to meet a Rhyming Tree?" I grinned. Hands went up.

"Where's that Acorn we got from the Hermit yesterday?"

Zev handed it to me and we walked up to the Grand Oak.

"Hmmm… what manner of beast be thee that comes before this elder tree?" I giggled at the stunned looks on all the faces when the trees deep baritone rang out.

"Can't you see me; I am a human." I smiled, wondering how it would call me out – and on what.

"Yes, I remember the Kind – so brief of life but all but blind… to the peril you cause, the lives you take – such chaos is sown in their wake. But you are no human kin; I can see the beast within your skin."

I chuckled. "A beast I am, though Human I appear – the type of beast that men revere. A fox I am, that much is true, though I would like to speak with you."

I heard Alistair snort and a few of them cough in amusement.

"Allow me a moment to welcome thee – I am the Grand Oak, though sometimes the Elder Tree."

"It Rhymes… 'tis truly a rhyming tree. One can only imagine what kind of spirit is involved here." Morrigan looked to me.

"Amazing…" Leliana beamed.

"This world is certainly… full of marvelous unexpected creations. Each day brings something we thought not possible." Wynne commented.

The white tree looked me over and seemed to sigh, "And unless thou thinkst it far too soon, might I ask of thee a boon? I will reward you with wood cut from me, so the forest will see thou as a tree."

"Why do you speak in rhymes?" Aedan asked.

"I do not know… why dost thou not? Thy words seem plain, a mundane lot. Perhaps a poets soul's in me… does that make me a poet tree?"

I could no longer hold back the giggling fit.

The tree seemed to smile at me and said, "It was but a simple jest – a jibe to entertain my guest."

Zevran asked, "And… what are you, exactly?"

"I am an elder oak and nothing more – though once I dreamed of a time before; when I roamed the world and howled with pain, not of this world but twixt and twain. Perhaps I was but a spirit then? A wondering thing, drawn to this glen? But then that spirit joined with a tree and since then a tree, is all I be."

"You are much more than just a tree." Morrigan scoffed.

"There are many just as I, but they are mad, I shall not lie. A spirit trapped within a tree, no mouth to scream or eyes to see. A cage of bark, a prison of wood – a thing of rage where nature once stood. So twisted Sylvan they become, but I am not the same as some. I accept my fated oaken home, I feel no need to rage or roam."

"Can you tell us more of this forest?" Leliana asked with gleaming eyes.

"I can only speak to what a tree may see – it may not help you, but it is enough for me."

"Why is it called the Brecillian Forest?" Wynne asked first.

"That is but a human name, one placed on this land – their claim. A claim they stole from ancient elves, whom they first killed and were killed themselves."

"Elves lived here…" Zev breathed, and I rolled my eyes. Of course elves lived here. The Elder heard the words however and spoke, "It was the Elves who planted the seeds, raised the forest and saw to its needs. But that was all so long ago, they are dead is all I know."

Leliana finally asked a question, "What happened here to make the forest like this?"

"A great war, perhaps, I cannot tell. I was not here when it befell. But many deaths here, all the same, and with the deaths, the spirits came. The spirits entered corpse and tree, and went mad as thou canst see. The forest had a spirit of its own, from back when first seeds were sown. Perhaps she died of grief that day, or perhaps she simply went away? Or perhaps the weres are to blame, for the day she left is the day they came."

"Speak your boon, friend I see, what wouldst thou ask of me?" I was having fun…

"I have but one desire; to solve a matter that is very dire. As I slept one early morn, a thief did come and steal an acorn. All I have is my being – my seed… without it I am alone indeed. I cannot go and seek it out, yet I shall die if left without."

"This acorn, Elder Oak – is this the thing of which you spoke?"

"My joy soars to new heights indeed! I am reunited with my seed! As I promised, here it be, I hope its magic pleases thee. Keep this branch of mine with thee and pass through the forest free. I wish thee well, immortal friend. Thou hast brought my sadness to an end. May sunlight find you, your days be long, they winters kinds and they roots be strong."

With those final words as we exchanged boons, the tree went into slumber.

"It called you immortal…" Alistair noted.

"I am a demigod. You know that – you also know that I'm more than 10 thousand."

We happened on Aneirin not long after that.

The elf was red-haired with light blue eyes and pale skin… but not as pale as I expected. He was fitter than most mages as well as being taller too – 5'9.

He did have Vallaslin – the markings of Sylaise done in a pretty purple-ish color. He spoke, "Friends, turn back, these woods are a danger to those who do not know the paths…"

I spoke, "Andaran Atish'an, Aneirin – I'm sure one of companions would wish to speak with you."

He looked startled but glanced around before his gaze froze on Wynne. "Wait… I remember you. Younger, more impulsive and… quite stern. Wynne?"

"I… I thought they killed you."

"Oh, they nearly did. Ran me through and left me for dead – thankfully when they assumed my death was certain, they smashed the Phylactery. The Clan found me bleeding out and nursed me back to health." He sounded amused.

Wynne hesitantly took a step forward, and a tear slipped from her eye, "I brought this on you. Oh, I was a dreadful mentor; harsh and impatient. I am so sorry for the way I treated you…"

"I put that behind me, Wynne. You should too. I just didn't fit in there with the Templars and the Chantry… my path is here, with Clan Ellwood."

I nodded, "They will need you now more than ever. You will officially be offered the position of First in the coming days – Zathrian will be giving his life to end the Werewolf Curse."

Aneirin hissed a breath, "How do you know that…? I don't remember you."

"I'm a seer and Zathrian is following me." I said flatly.

He nodded, "I will make my way back to the camp then – if what you say is true, they will need me there to help the ones inflicted to recover." I nodded and he looked back to Wynne again.

"I have much to do if I am going to make my way to the Camp. This is made from the hardened sap of a tree native to this forest – it's been sort of a lucky charm for me. I want you to have it." Rather than a necklace, he took a bracelet from his wrist and handed it to her.

She beamed at him, "May your gods smile on you, Aneirin."

We killed the Blood Mages and made our way to the 'barrier'. We did encounter Danyla close to it… she didn't believe me that the curse would be over soon and attacked after giving us the scarf.

Genn had tried – and failed – to convince the woman to hold on just a little longer.

Swiftrunner sighed when he saw me, "You had no need to talk to the tree. The forest sees you as one of us."

I snorted, "I know, but it doesn't see them," I pointed to the group.

"You made a promise, little Dalish." I nodded and started stripping, handing my clothes and weapons to Leliana as Alistair sputtered.

Genn rolled his eyes – he was used to this. I would go hunting with him and a few others on occasion.

Carver was red as he turned away and said, "Maker – Genn doesn't need to… strip…"

"Look, I like that shirt, I don't want it ripped. My werewolf-transform tears my clothes. I'm not exactly like a Gilnean." I snipped as I got down to my underwear. I shifted and scented Zathrian on the air. My fur was the color of half-dried blood and I stood just as tall as Sten and Swiftrunner in this form.

I chuffed in the Wolf language, telling Swiftrunner that I had no intention of harming them. He nodded, "So I see."

Genn coughed – he could understand and 'speak' the wolf form even in human form – like me.

I heard the woman speak, "I bid you welcome, friend. I am the Lady of the Forest."

We all turned to the ethereal voice. She was amazing – 5'5 with silky black hair that covered her breasts and grey skin. Her legs were covered in vines that ran up along her waist. Alistair looked away and I chuckled as I looked into her white eyes and chuffed again, "A pleasure, Lady."

I nodded and she pressed a hand to my head. I watched as her hand glowed. I slowly lowered myself to my knee before her. She smiled, "You should be able to speak now."

"Thank you…" I whispered. I could feel that I could now shift freely too.

She smiled, "The time has come to speak, it seems; to set our rage aside. You've fought those of us who held no mind left and I apologize on their behalf. These wolves all struggle with their nature."

"As do well all, My Lady – I know better than most just how difficult it can be. There is always that part of them that wants to give in to the beast."

She smiled sadly, "No truer words have ever been spoken. I'm sure you know that I do not command them – I only offer guidance."

I bowed my head to her, "I understand that Swiftrunner is the Alpha; just as I am."

She nodded, "Do you know everything about this curse?"

"You are the Spirit of the Forest – the one that vanished the same day the Weres appeared according to the Elder Tree."

She looked wistful, "I long to go back to that, but it is not possible. No, peace is the closest I will get, and if I can help those that I have cursed in kind in the process…"

"It was not your fault. I understand Zathrians need to avenge his family, but that was centuries ago – the ones who did it are long dead, unless these wolves have more in common with me that I suspected?"

"A bit, but that was gained over time – they only live 2 centuries, not 6, like I have seen." She sighed. I nodded, "I have seen millennia – 10 of them, in fact."

Her head snapped up, "What are you, exactly?"

"An Elf, a Dragon… a goddess."

She blinked, "That would explain the aura around you."

Zathrian came forward so I shifted back. Alistair yanked my clothes from Leli and handed them to me. Aedan asked, "I thought there was a time limit…?"

"The Lady fixed that; it seems. I can speak in that form now and even shift freely."

Zathrian looked to the Lady. "She tells me that the curse will keep up on my Clan if we only kill you."

I flinched at his choice of words and Swiftrunner snarled, "This is the Lady of the Forest – you will address her as such."

Genn also growled, though he didn't shift. The Lady looked at him curiously while I got dressed. I said, "He's the King of Werewolves back on his planet."

She tilted her head and I made a motion. Genn shifted into his tall, white-furred form. She inclined her head to him before turning back to Zathrian.

"You've taken a name? And given names to them?" Zathrian asked.

"It was they who gave me a name, Zathrian. And the names they take are their own. They follow me because I helped them see who they really are."

Zathrian gave me a pained glance and I snorted, "Do not look at me, old man. They are not who their ancestors were. I told you this already."

He reeled back at that. Swiftrunner knelt beside me, "He will not help us, will he?" he sounded both sad and upset.

"I… I am too old. All I see when I think of this is the faces of my children, my people…"

I moved forward and cupped his cheek – causing all noise to cease. "Zathrian Ellwood, your Children play in the Beyond without you – your wife beside them. Is this truly what you want? To endure a life without them for thousands of years while they await your arrival? They cannot move on, cannot move to their next life, until you return to them."

He looked stunned, "Next life?"

"All life is a cycle, Zathrian. What ends can begin again. Do you not want to be with them again; to try again in a new life?"

"You're a goddess that presides over an Afterlife, aren't you?" Carver pointed out. I smiled, "I was placed to heal the souls traumatized by life – too terrified to live again… people like Zathrians' daughter."

Longing overtook his face, "Perhaps I have… lived too long. This hatred within me is like an ancient gnarled root consuming my soul… what of you sp-Lady? You are bound to the Curse just as I am. Do you not fear your end?"

"You are my maker, Zathrian. You gave me form and consciousness where none existed – I have known pain, love, hope and fear… all the joys that life can give. Yet of all things, I desire nothing more than for this to end. I beg you to show me mercy – I was never meant for this life…"

He nodded and sighed – starting the ritual without another word. When it was over, the former wolves were all naked and I was giggling as Alistair let out an oath and looked down. There was one notable thing with each of them that didn't change – they all had gold slitted eyes and sharp teeth. I chuckled as Swiftrunner turned to me and bowed his head, "She's… gone. I can scarcely believe it."

I sighed, "Show this to Bann Teagan in Redcliff – he will outfit you and equip you with weapons so long as you pledge to fight the blight with us. You'll not need weapons should you choose to embrace the residual effects of your curse." I handed him a chain with the Banns ring on it – I had forgotten to give it back.

Genn pulled out a box, "And I bring specialized clothes that can transform with you – like us, your curse was lifted but remains. You will be able to shift freely between wolf and human – like us. You will always be welcome among my people."

"What… what do you mean?" one of the women asked. I took Swiftrunners hand and said, "Imagine your paw when you were a wolf."

He looked confused but glanced at his hand with a look of concentration – and they all looked horrified when claws appeared.

Swiftrunner closed his eyes, "This is… permanent?"

"Yes – you won't be as long lived as you were, but yes. You can shift at will rather than being bound to the call of the moon. I suggest forming a pack; it's hereditary." I sighed, "This was the best you could hope for in lifting the curse. You are human again – but you are still wolf."

"We… for the aid you've given us, we will aid you in the blight. I think… I think it would be best if our pack stayed together to re-learn what it means to be human."

"Cool – this sigil will allow you to move freely between Redcliffe… and my homelands of Azeroth. This is a special token – it needs a bit of your blood to bind to you so that you never lose it. As a werewolf, you will be allowed access to the Fel Hammer – a floating Citadel above Redcliffe for now – and you may take up rooms there if you do not with to camp in tents on the ground."

"A… floating… citadel?" Swiftrunner asked.

"Uh-huh – it's cloaked so you won't see it right away; but you won't get rained on either." I winked. "And like I said, this ring will prove to Teagan that I sent you." Swiftrunner grabbed it and put it around his neck. They all left with the clothes Genn provided.

We were all tired when we finally made it back to the Dalish Camp 6 hours later.

Anduin had carried Danyla back. We gave Arthas his wife's body before moving to Varathorn and handing him all the wood we had collected for them in our journey – poor man almost passed out in joy and was insistent on making me something. I accepted a bracelet that was carved to look like dragons at play.

Lanaya looked at me as we approached, "It's done then?"

I nodded and she sighed, "The essence of the wolf's heart has banished all traces of the cursed blood in the hunters. I felt it… when he departed. I think he was ready to go…"

"He was, Keeper Lanaya. He wished for his family in the end."

"It will be… difficult to fill his shoes. He was our keeper for 6 centuries and will be sorely missed. Well… let me say it officially then – I hereby swear to uphold the terms of the ancient contract our people formed with the Grey Wardens. Call and we shall come with great speed and purpose to strike at your foes."

"Make your way closer to Denerim when your people are recovered – the forests outside that area are better suited and that is where will need you. Creators guide you, Keeper."

Aneirin nodded his head to me from his place by the recovering hunters and I nodded back.

I had found ore in the forest, so while it was Seredas' turn to cook; I headed over to the anvil near Varathorn. I knew many people were watching me as I crafted three ring molds while the Volcanic Aurum I found melted – I hadn't expected to find that here of all places, but there had been a deposit that was half mined. One of the wolves had seen my interest and mined it before we got to the ruins.

The first ring was a signet style – I figured Cullen would like the practicality of it – with 1 lion rampant on facing a sword covered in flame. The band itself was shaped to look like scales… like on my wings. It did have one small gem; a ruby set to be the lions' eye.

The second was similar, but done in the style of the Theirin Family Signet. And the third held the Lion Head that was the Alliance sigil.

When I finished, I headed back to the group. "All done!"

"Bella… this craftsmanship would rival a master!" Zev cried. I smirked, "I know. I am a master smith, you know."

I passed one to Anduin and one to Alistair. "I take it the third one is for your other husband?" Zevran asked.

"Yes – in the future, he'll be called the Lion of Ferelden. The sword hints at his Templar abilities and the scales mark him as mine. That's why the bands on all three are scaled."

Anduin – using the excuse that he wanted my kids to be born sooner – pressed me to sleep with Alistair again. That man…

Alistair sighed as we snuggled together, "Is it so bad that I just wish I could stay as a Grey Warden to…"

I cut him off with fear in my heart, "No."

He jumped, "What… why that reaction?"

He sounded hurt. I flinched, "If you stayed a Grey Warden… gods I can't allow that; being trapped like that – I wouldn't even know if you were alive or dead at that point. It'd be you or Hawke and I couldn't safely say what the choice would be and… I can't allow that. I can't allow you to sacrifice yourself – not like that."

He looked stunned, "What…?"

"Remember how I said… Loghain would die in my place? Yeah – you were another option there. I don't even know how to describe such a thing when… it'd be 10 ish years from now. Could you imagine what it would be like to be in love and hear that the one who holds your heart is trapped somewhere and can potentially never come back? That they might be alive, but if they were they'd starve to death, because that place has no food? That someone you love… gave their life to save the world when someone else could have taken that spot?"

"Makers' breath… that is…"

"Even worse, say you stayed a Warden… when we have a kid… how would I tell them that daddy wasn't going to come home? If you're king, then a different Warden takes that mantle – one of two possibilities; Loghain or Stroud. So… please… just please… accept the crown. I can't lose you – I can't…" tears filled my eyes.

"Me, Loghain or a warden named Stroud?"

"Stroud volunteers to stay – just like you or Loghain would have in his place. Hawke would too. It's easier for me to play this game of chess if it's Loghain or the other man who would die to make sure the world lives. I love you, Alistair; I can't let you do that. And Anora is a foul bitch who will turn on us in the Landsmeet if we don't promise her the throne."

"So promise it to her and change your mind mid-meet."

I laughed, "That was the plan, actually. Sort of – I planned to have her agree to marry you – but then… that would be dependent on you saying yes and Cailan already wrote that you had to marry me and you did. Though, if you want to…"

He groaned, "I don't even want to pretend that."

"Then we don't have to. I just tell her yes and play keep-away at the last second. But you would be well-loved as king – you care about the people; not just the nobles, but the stable hands and the cooks… because you grew up among them. You love your country and your people; that will make you a wonderful king."

He smiled, "I'm glad you think so. Now – what is the thing you keep avowing saying?"

"The Warden who deals the killing blow on an Archdemon dies."

He blanched, "What?"

"There is a way around it – but we likely can't utilize it. I'll have to talk to the one in charge of that soon enough."

"I should be the one…"

"Nope – actually, I have a thought on who should do it… and I've already seen every possible outcome. It would have to be Sereda."

"Why her?"

"She doesn't plan to live past the blight after we get to Gorim – she really loves him and it will kill her inside to find out that he's married with a kid on the way. Anyway, we can talk more later, my love… get some sleep."

He tucked me into his side, holding tight as though afraid I would disappear any moment if he let go.

The next morning, the Dalish invited us to a celebration – their people had made full recoveries in the night… I had 'nothing' to do with it of course. I was gifted a dagger made of Silverite and engraved with main symbol of each Creator. I requested a wolf be added.

"But… why?" Lanaya asked, horrified.

"Fen'Harel is not who you believe him to be. He was rebellious, yes, but not harsh. He worked hard to free slaves and even refused the mantle of Evanuris or Creator."

Varathorn said, "If you give me a moment, I will give you a second dagger – one made solely for Fen'Harel – if that is truly your wish…"

I nodded, "It would be an honor for me. Fen'Harel will aid me in the future – he and Mythal both."

Gasps rang out and Lanaya said, "They will… work together?"

"Not exactly – more like they will both like and help me independent of one another."

"I thought he killed Mythal…" someone muttered.

"You may believe as you wish, but Fen was good and only labeled the Rebel for helping free slaves and such."

Lanaya looked thoughtful. "You know… I have heard of a ruin where there were statues of the wolf near statues of Mythal."

"They were friends." I nodded.

"I thought it couldn't be true. But… I believe you. I name you Mirthadra'len – honored one. You are a seer and have done nothing but good for our people. I doubt we will worship Fen'Harel, but… we will no longer use him as a curse."

Just before we left, Varathorn gave me a second dagger with a wolf in side-profile with 3 visible eyes. I smiled, "Ma Serannas, Master Varathorn."

He smiled at me and my group headed on our way.