Chapter Eighty-Six

Mark of the Assassin

6 months – that became the new normal for 6 months. I'd see little Duncan 4 days a week at dinner, they'd stay over most nights too – mostly in Alistairs' room if it wasn't Alistairs' night with me.

Today, we were on our way to Château Hain for the Mark of the Assassin quests. Actually, we were almost there. We were simply in our tent on the road.

Cullen – as had become normal – had been designated to come with me. Last month, Divine Justinia V was crowned to the Sunburst Throne; with surprisingly very little debate. I had been asked to attend that ceremony – and I had.

We had brought Aveline, Tallis, Isabela, Sebastian, Cullen, Hawke, Fenris and Varric. No – Carver and Bethany were not here… though they should be.

Stroud had yet to return my Hawklings – and I was getting annoyed by that.

As we approached the entrance to Château Hain, Cahir stopped us… the chasind was 5'11 with dark skin, pretty brown eyes, no hair and face markings.

"Ah! Lady Feather-Fall, Lord Hawke; and arriving together, no less! What will people think?"

Wow – he got my name right, but didn't bother using any of my proper titles. I gave him an amused smirk, "It's Queen or Empress… I'll even accept 'Majesty' or 'Highness' – but calling me 'Lady' is an insult. I know you were aiming for that, but you also didn't want me to know you were insulting me. You also haven't greeted Cullen, Fenris or Sebastian as Princes."

He frowned but caught himself, "Ah – I didn't mean to insult, Your Majesty; I simply forgot."

Uh-huh – how does a man forget about the only female royal with pointed ears in Thedas? I hummed, "I'll allow it… this time."

"Ah indeed. I see you've quite the group between the two of you… the hunt is already underway if you wish to join in."

I gave another smile and took Hawkes arm, "We'd love to. I have never seen a Wyvern up close before. I do hope we'll be able to at least catch a glimpse."

the Duke gave me a secretive smile and motioned to the hunting grounds. We were off.

Tallis was actually the same height as me: 5'3. He hair color also matched mine: bright red; but where mine reached my ass, hers was only down to her shoulder blades before being tied up into a pony-tail. Her eyes were also blue where mine were silver.

We found the Herbs swiftly enough: Drake-vein actually grew near the entry to the hunting ground, and Andraste's Mantle was by the Dragonlings… we didn't get the Winterberry until almost to the hounds.

"Do dragons and Wyverns even mix? I don't think so," Tallis smirked as she sauntered over to a corpse. I pulled out a void bag and used magic to get the dragonling corpse into it.

We found the blood next. I pulled out a vial and used more magic to 'scoop' some up.

Cullen spoke, "Maker – I didn't think you'd actually drag me on the hunt."

I smiled brightly at him, "You wanted to stay and rub shoulders with the nobles, then?"

"Not a chance… I wanted to… inspect the food."

"It's not even pulled out until after the hunt," Tallis commented.

"Oh – shame," Cullen shook his head.

Next up: Ghast nests… 3 of them. They reeked to high heaven, but died easily… if you didn't let them pile up.

Then we heard the mating call, and I giggled as Hawke asked, "Cam we mimic that?"

"No! Oh… the sound. Right yes, I can do that…" she was almost as red as her hair.

I cracked up laughing and looked at Fenris, "Can we mimic that?"

He smirked, "It is Wednesday…" Cullen snorted.

As we passed into the western area, we saw the first pile of Wyvern shit.

I snorted at Tallis' remarks and picked the Winterberry that grew next to the lake.

I rushed off the moment I heard a dog bark. We had left Soldier and Revas with Bodahn and Sandal, so I knew these were the hounds from the game.

The uninjured one, Sylvain, kept whimpering and nudging me as I applied the salve to Nicodamus. "Who's a cute puppy? I suppose we can't keep him, can we? His owner is probably waiting back at camp," Tallis cooed. I chuckled and we followed the hounds back toward the pond… where the owner was calling for them.

"I am in your debt, Madam! Please, accept this with my thanks," the owner of the dogs gushed and handed me the bow off his back. It was a mix of Orlais and Dalish craft colored white and beautifully carved.

I bowed my head and the moment he was gone, I handed it to Tallis. She gave me a questioning look. "I have a better one made of Ancient Heartwood by a master smith with a flair for the eccentric…" I shrugged and she strapped it to her back.

"Oh, look! A Wyvern kill. Some kind of Halla… or something…" She trailed off. I gathered up the kill remains and we left.

"Ugh… that dung looks fresh," Tallis commented.

Hawke gave a long-suffering sigh and knelt beside it, going elbow deep as he said, "Ugh… looking for clues…"

"Hawke stepped in the poopy!" Fenris smirked.

"Hawke… not the wisest thing you've ever done…" Aveline sighed.

"Oooh, Nug bones! I wonder if a Nug call would help attract a Wyvern!" Tallis cried happily.

"You… know a nug call?" Hawke asked as held out his arms for me to clean them off.

"You go elbow deep in Wyvern shit and I'm the weird one?" Fenris snorted at that.

We followed the 'trail' and soon it was… too quiet.

"Well… evidence suggests the Wyverns just love this place to pieces… if we're going to find one, this would be the place."

We approached the spot I pointed out as the prime location and I placed the corpses and blood. "You're up Tallis… I want an Alpha Wyvern." She squealed and began the nug call… followed by the mating call.

The Wyvern that answered the call was huge… Golem sized times two with beautiful purple scales and golden markings. I held out a hand and the beast came slowly forward. "What in the…" Tallis asked as the Wyvern bowed its head and pressed against my palm.

"He's sick… the taking of your life is a mercy, my friend. I will make it swift…" I motioned to Fenris who drew his large sword and killed the Wyvern in one smooth stroke.

Tallis lifted an eyebrow, "Okay… want to… explain?"

"I carry the blood of an Old Gold in my veins, along with the blood of a High Dragon. Being immune to the taint enabled the first, and an unfortunate fight that trapped me beneath a fresh killed High Dragon enabled the second… it was that or drown in the blood; on top of that – Fairy Queen. Fairies have an innate ability to calm wildlife – the Queens can tame anything."

That's when…

"Well, if it isn't the Ferelden Turnip and the Dog lord! They say you are Mistress to a king… and you seem to be sleeping with your entourage as well. I suggest you run along with your servants while you can. This Wyvern was mine to kill… not yours. I paid good coin to be the one who wins this contest! It was my turn!"

I snorted, "You realize that I'm a Queen on my own power – not because I'm married to Alistair."

"Oh… I didn't realize the Duke was offering charity to his more… useless guests. My mistake…" Hawke was smirking as he kept his pose relaxed.

Yeah – I knew this Arlange guy wouldn't listen to me. If I got pissy enough… and I wasn't even without a guard; I had contacted Gale because of his ability to remain… unnoticed by melding with the wind. I could feel him around me at all times. But I told him to only come out when I said key words.

"I will not accept such talk from a backwater mongrel!"

"You do realize, I hope, that these two eat nasty little thugs like you for breakfast?" Tallis snarked.

"Only… when we're out of pancakes," Hawke gave a small growl and I gave a disgusted huff. "Eww; do you know where that thing has been? I wouldn't eat it if it were the only thing on my plate!"

I heard Cullen cough a laugh – he and Sebastian had gotten more respect from the people we passed than me or Fenris had. It was to be expected in a place like this.

"More insolence! From Knife-Ears this time. I can take no more of this; kill them all: we can say that the Wyvern was too much for them!"

Unlike in the game, we didn't get much of a fight. I was actually sitting on the dumbass when Duke Prosper came strolling up. "Now, what is going on?"

"This… she-bitch tried to steal my… rightful kill!"

I shifted and he grunted. "You are awfully chatty for someone being used as a chair, Arlange!"

Fenris smirked – oh, he loved my catty side.

"Now, is that anyway to speak of the Empress of Danu and Queen of Ferelden, Baron? Even Tevinter fears her – there must be a reason, no?" the Duke was half fishing for information.

"This is your fault for inviting a stinking turnip! Your mother would be ashamed!"

"Says the man whose mother has slept with half of Val Chevin… my apologies, Your Majesty; Arlange has always been a cheat. What would you have me do with him?"

I reached down and pinched his ear. "Keep his blood in his veins; it would only taint the creatures around it." I stood, bringing Arlange with me.

"Ha! By her grace, Arlange, you have your life… it would behoove you to leave now."

Tallis gave me a smile.

"You have my congratulations on finding the Wyvern; it looks to be a fine one indeed. There will be a celebration in my Courtyard; attend when you are ready."

"Thank you for letting the Baron live…" Tallis said softly.

"I know you've a merciful heart for a Viddithari." I winked as I whispered to her. Her jaw dropped.

"What did you say to her, Feathers?"

"Tallis, would you like a kiss?" I smirked at her. I had phrased the question like I had asked it once before.

Cullen flushed, Sebastian glowed red, and Fenris looked amused. Fenris seemed to be the only one to guess that it was a cover. But it was good to know that all three were open to allowing me some fun with another woman – they just got jealous about men more than anything.

"Erm… not for now… maybe later." Tallis muttered – but she was looking at me like she would consider it.

We got back to the Courtyard. Bela was having the time of her life while Varric was making friends, Fenris stuck to my side, Tallis stuck with Hawke and Aveline kept… watch. Not sure what she was looking for. Sebastian was mingling with the nobles – and Cullen was inspecting the food. Gale was basically over my shoulder.

I found Leliana… she looked like she had in the Sacred Ashes trailer now… her layered red hair loose around her pale face and clear blue eyes. The change in her was astounding… I was beginning to believe the Fan Theory that she was a Lyrium Construct… but I felt no Lyrium from her.

I hugged her, "Leliana! How is my brother?"

"You could ask him yourself, dearest." She had leaned in and gave me kisses on each cheek. I saw Tallis approach with her face shocked.

"I could – but you're his wife so he'll tell you things he wouldn't tell me." I pointed out.

"That is true. It is good to see you." She smiled.

I chuckled and whispered, "We are both here for the same reason. My group just has better access."

"Then I wish you luck, dear."

She walked off to mingle and Tallis pulled me aside, "How do you know her?"

"I traveled with the Hero of Ferelden during the Blight… with Leliana; also, she's married to my brother, Aedan – the Hero. Since I am Aedans sister now, I'm sure you can piece more of the tale together. If not… ask Varric – or read his version of the Blight. Mine are all what could have been had I not been here and if the Hero was a different person."

She nodded. "Now how do you know about me… and why are you helping me if you do?"

"Not important. Suffice to say, I'm the only one in my group who pieced it together, miss 'wearing the symbol of Par Vollen on my armor'… I'm Basalit-an as well as Kadan to a Sten, Tallis," she glanced down and went bright red. "I… probably should have changed, I'll admit that… I just thought the symbol was so worn that no one would see it…"

I smirked, "Maybe for people who don't have friends among the Qun."

She nodded. "Thank you for not outing me… yet."

"I won't say anything unless something big happens and your plan goes south. I know what your mission is. Salit must be stopped."

"Thank you…"

We met back up with the whole group.

"I've had a look around. There is one door that leads into the castle that isn't under heavy guard…"

"So what's the problem? Underwater, enchanted with ancient Tevinter runes, or covered in spiders?" I asked with a smirk… Anders wasn't here to make the remark, so it was free game.

She lifted he arms in exasperation. "I can't get it open; believe me I tried… bent a nice set of lock-picks in that stupid door! One of the Dukes guardsmen must have the key; they wouldn't just lock themselves out of the Castle… I hope."

Cullen sighed, "It would explain why the party is in the Garden."

"He likely has someone breaking a window as we speak," Hawke added.

"I… could make that work actually. But in the meantime, let's find who has the key…"

"I'll help!" I volunteered… I loved this part. "Everyone else… look for another way in; you'll need it." They nodded and Hawke, Tallis and I strolled around.

"Ah! At last… everyone; our mighty Empress of Danu and Lord Hawke of Kirkwall have the Honor of first kill this day! To hunt a Wyvern on its own hunting grounds is to tempt fate: a terrible risk; but the prize… I present to each of you these belts crafted from the skin of your kill. Wear them well and accept the accolades you are due." I smiled and put it on over my deep lavender single shoulder gown. It was the same width as a waist cincher so it actually worked perfectly for me.

Hawke was wearing a deep blue formal Orlesian suit but put on the belt anyway. The Wyvern caged behind him roared.

"Your Grace… you did not tell me you had a pet Wyvern… is that not dangerous?"

"Oh do not mind Leopold… my pet is always so temperamental before his dinner."

"I don't suppose Leopold knows how to fetch or play dead?" Hawke lifted his brow.

"Alas, he seems to think it is our duty to amuse him…" That said, we went off to search for the key…

Tallis and I approached the Guard near a door.

"Pardon me, Ser, but could we have a moment of your time?" Tallis asked.

"Anything for the Duke's honored guest, milady," The guard nodded to me.

"My lady's associate, Lord Hawke, has just encountered a Ferelden Bann wearing the exact same outfit as him! The nerve! He must change at once, Ser!" Tallis cried as I affected a nervous look. "It would be considered quite the embarrassment for such a… affront to continue if one of my party…" if there were one, that'd be true.

"I can see that this is a matter of utmost import, but I'm afraid… I do not have the power to help you," the Guard looked board… he obviously dealt with this complaint before…

That's when I bumped into Teagan. I squealed, catching the attention of those around us. The Bann of Rainesfere was quite handsome. Teagan had wonderful brown hair that had grown out since I last saw him… it reached his shoulders now and made him look more handsome. His eyes were blue pearls against his tan skin. He was 43 years old, (born in 8:91 Blessed)

"Teagan! It's so good to see you again!"

"You as well, My Queen! I admit, I did not think to see you here! How have you been?"

"Teagan?" Isolde called out, and then spotted me.

"My Queen… how wonderful to see you again." Her voice was dry as a bone as she spoke.

"Arlessa Isolde. Teagan, have you… by chance run into Kaitlyn in Denerim?"

"I… how did you know?" Isolde was pouting.

"I told her to keep an eye out for you. You know my… particular skill. You two would make such a wondrous marriage."

He beamed, "As it happens, I offered for her hand just two months past." I smiled. "Also, I'm the new Arl of Redcliffe; Eamon is Alistairs Seneschal now, as you know, so Isolde isn't actually an Arlessa anymore…"

I knew – I just wanted to rub it in Isoldes' face that her status wasn't that high anymore. As a Seneschals wife, she was no more important than Isabela was – status wise anyway. However… I couldn't be too catty at the moment, "Oh - Good for you, Teagan! I'm happy for you, truly. And Congratulations, Isolde."

She blinked, "On what?"

"Why… oh – you don't know yet?" I glanced down. Confusion lit her face for all of 30 seconds before she gasped and her hand went to her belly, "Truly?"

I smiled, "I wish I could stay and chat longer but…"

"No, no… I completely get it. Thank you for speaking with us." Teagan was smiling.

Isolde was too – surprisingly – as she put the wine in her hand down at once, saying, "Teagan – I need a different drink."

I walked off and Hawke smirked. "Friend of yours?"

"Arl Teagan of Redcliffe," I smiled.

"I thought the Arl was Eamon…?"

"Teagan took over when Eamon became Alistairs Seneschal," I shrugged.

This next time we found a guard, it was Hawke and Tallis while I watched.

"Erm… beg pardon, but I think my friend has had a bit too much wine. I think she needs to sit down before she gets sick on a Duchess." Hawke was supporting Tallis as she swayed and giggled, making kissy faces and babbling, "Ooh! I can hear the ocean in my head… tide goes… in… and tide goes – burp – out…"

"Well that's… never a good sign…" Hawke faked alarm as he picked her up bridal style.

"Very well, Messer, I will see what I can do… just keep her a few feet away."

They walked off and I giggled; that was far more amusing than the game implied.

I stood 'talking' with Hawke when Tallis came out saying, "He didn't have it. He 'forgot' he gave it to one of the servants. What kind of guard forgets that he's locked himself out of a castle?" she fumed. When Hawke glanced at me, I shrugged with a smirk, "Not a smart one."

We went off in search of the proper servant.

"Can I interest you in some Antivan Olives? I have smoked ham from the Anderfels; they say it tastes of despair…" the young elven woman.

"Oooh, Olives!" I took a small handful as Tallis asked, "Wait, does it really? How can ham taste like despair; and who would eat it if it did?"

"It is what the importer said," she shrugged. "They all talk like that; 'the wine is like oak and springtime', or 'the cheese tastes of sorrow'."

Hawke snorted, "Who needs more despair in their diet? What good is that?"

The woman gave us a trace of a smile. "I've heard that artists are fond of it."

"I don't suppose we could have a peak at the kitchens? I'd love to see this hopeless dish in all its glory." Tallis was flirting hard, but the young lady didn't seem to mind… in fact she was flirting back.

"Well… I shouldn't leave my post…"

"I'll hold onto the tray for you… though I may eat all the Olives…" she looked startled as I took the tray from her hands and Tallis dragged her off.

I did try a nibble of the ham… and I don't know how but it really did taste of despair; I saw Hawke give me an amused face as I wrinkled my nose.

When the woman returned, there were no more olives… green olives were a weakness of mine; a leftover craving from when I was pregnant more than 8 years ago… my baby would be 7 soon… damn the Ham!

I suppose it was just a good thing that popcorn chicken, deviled eggs and my other more recent cravings weren't popular snack foods yet. Not many people wanted to try the Deviled eggs yet because I hadn't come out to say they were my favorite. People liked to emulate me lately – due to my high status.

If I said I liked blue, the new favorite color for everything would be blue.

"So who has the key now?" I asked. "Lord Cyril, the Dukes' son," Tallis sighed.

We approached and Lord Cyril noticed me at once.

"Excellent! Join us, Empress Feather-Fall. We were just discussing your heroic achievements in Ferelden," Cyril was 5'8 with short black hair and grey-gold eyes. It was unfortunate about his father; Cyril was rather good looking. I gave an indulgent smile as Bann Perrin looked rather excited.

"You must tell us the tale of your battle with the Archdemon! Teyrn Cousland was quite complementary during a gathering…"

Cyril glared at his companion and motioned for the man to get lost. "You have never been to Chateau Haine, Yes? Please, accept this caprice; it is an old custom to make a wish in the fountain." I thanked him as I accepted the coin from his hand. I suddenly knew that it would be me that conned this man out of a key. Shit – I'd have to keep my mates from killing this man.

"Where are your knickers this time, Perrin?" a woman shouted. "Shut up, you painted shrew!" he shouted back.

"What… entertaining manners our guests have; don't you agree, My Lady?" I giggled. "Why don't we have this discussion where there aren't so many ears around, My Lord?"

I saw in his face as he reddened slightly that he thought this would lead to… fun.

He escorted me to a side room, Hawke and Tallis waiting guard: I caught sight of Duke Prosper watching me incredulously. "I… admit, My Lady, I would very much like to get to know you better."

I smiled, "So why don't you, Lord Cyril?"

Gale – figuring something was off about how I was acting – left the room; not that Cyril noticed.

"My Father would never allow… and you are King Alistair's wife, are you not?"

"I have 5 husbands, Lord Cyril – and a 6th I've yet to meet. It wouldn't be a stretch for me to take one more. Then I'd have one for every day of the week." I said in a breathy voice as I leaned forward and ran my hand along Cyril's chest, leaving it to rest lightly at his hip… near the key. He caught his breath, and leaned forward: I'll be honest; I mostly liked Thedas more than Earth because I was actually considered good-looking even if I was pudgy.

He leaned in, "Are you… certain? I would not like to get on any of your husbands' bad sides…"

"Mmmh, I'm positive… if you'd like to ask them yourself… I do have 3 of my husbands here with me…" I stealthily nabbed the key – years of taking my mom's key for dad's surprises or vice versa paying off well. My mother liked pretty keys and when we kept moving, she'd always end up with plain ones… I was the stealthy one who would nab and replace her key for the surprise.

"I… think it may be… best to wait until… I could…" he was having difficulty getting his words out so I moved away and he blushed. "If that's your wish, Lord Cyril…"

"Please, just call me Cyril," he cleared his throat. I made sure the key was clipped to my charm bracelet; men never paid attention to a womans Jewelry, after all.

I forced a blush and dipped into a curtsy, "Then you must call me Ara… it is only fair, Cyril." He beamed at me and offered me his arm, which I took, and escorted me from the room.

When we left the room he turned and gave me a bow, and I dipped into another curtsy. "I… pray we meet again, Ara."

"I find myself hoping the same, Cyril," I smiled as he took one of my gloved hands and placed a kiss.

When he was out of sight, Hawke looked at me, "I thought you couldn't lie?"

Tallis snapped her head to look at me in horror. "I can't. I did tell you I could bend the truth until people make assumptions though… but there is something about that man: I think I like him. He could be a good friend."

"You're unable to lie? How in the name of… how can you do this kind of thing so well, then?"

I smiled. "Did you know the sky is actually black, Tallis? Science from my home land has proven the existence of a naturally occurring layer encircling the globe, making the sky appear blue during the Day; yet if I just said the sky is black, you would not believe me. I can tell you my name is Abigail, because before coming to Thedas that was my name, though it is Ara now. I can twist facts to suit my needs, but I cannot out right tell you something that is untrue."

As we entered the 'castle', a guard looked at us and sputtered, "What in ze name of…!"

"There is no need for you to die today, friend… just move one; you never saw us," Tallis coaxed, but I saw her hand quiver as she reached for her dagger.

His hand came up and he began to shout… the word barely formed in his throat when a small red dagger landed in his throat and he fell forward, gurgling.

I placed a sympathetic hand on Tallis' shoulder. "Of course he didn't walk away… that would be a bad trait in a guard…"

Hawke saw my sympathy and tried to lighten the mood, "It's not like his family can say 'we thought he only had to bake cookies'…"

"True; but there are other paths and they don't all lead to the same destination."

"It's alright, Tallis. We can try to do this as quietly as possible: toss rocks for distract, hit them in the head from behind if need a key… hide in shadows," I patted her arm.

"I'm glad you said that; I'd love to go the quiet route."

"Yes; I don't particularly relish the thought of more than two dozen guards chasing me around the Chateau… next thing you'd know I was in my Knickers with Soldier nipping at my rear flank…" I snorted as Tallis grinned.

"There is a way to make this easier, but it requires your oath that you won't tell your superiors about it…"

"Anything if it involves needless slaughter, and gets us what we're after," Tallis agreed.

"Swear it."

She went to one knee and gave me her honor-bound oath that anything I did past this point would not end up in her report… in Qunlat. "That language sounds… familiar…" Hawke looked like he was trying to place it. I hadn't spoken it in 3 years for this very reason.

I shrugged, "Maybe you heard it in passing?"

"No… I think that was the language you spoke to the Arishok…"

Tallis looked startled. "You speak Qunlat?"

"More than a little. I was a Stens Kadan, after all. Not many that are not Qunari or Tal-Vashoth speak it so it actually makes for wonderful code."

"How does Tallis know it?"

"Not important right now, Hawke. I'm putting a magic shield over us; make no unnecessary noise and stay close to me. No one will see us; no matter how close we get."

We walked, slowly, and made our way deeper into the Chateau.

Yes, I did stop in the Kitchen to make sure Leopold would have an unhappy tummy tomorrow when he was fed his breakfast – that's when our escape would happen after all.

Hawke didn't question it and Tallis left it alone after I shrugged.

When the Cage came down on us, Hawke sighed, "It's never as easy as it seems… is it?"

I shook my head with a slight grin.

"I swear I didn't know; there must be some sort of switch…" Tallis defended. Hawke lifted his eyebrow at me, causing Tallis to look at me. I noticed the slightly raised tiles that Hawke obviously hadn't and stepped onto one, pulling Tallis onto the other… the side gates lifted. As I explained the Mechanics and walked us through the process, Tallis watched me in disbelief.

When the statues were toppled onto the 'final buttons' and we unlocked the two chests I was surprised to note that the chests actually weren't decoys… one had Fog Warrior amulet for Fenris, a mage amulet for Anders, and a sword with the Du Lac crest on the hilt for Aveline, and a Chevalier's Insignia for Carver… I put those into a void bag and checked the other one: it had a pirate Earing made of solid ruby for Isabela, a forged copy of Hard in Hightown II that I decided to take to Varric for him to destroy, a pretty painting I would give to Bethany, and some sort of Recipe scroll for Sebastian – when we recruited him.

It was nice to know that these things weren't made up in the game – just the 'quest rewards'. Unfortunately, as in the game, there was nothing Merrill would like… I'd give her a ring carved from heartwood.

We entered the main room and I saw Tallis piece together that something was wrong.

"Something wrong?" Hawke asked, giving me a side eye, I gave a very small nod and he looked annoyed as Tallis looked around and said, "I… don't know…" then as Duke prosper approached behind us she said, "Yes."

"Do not fret, my dear!" Hawke and Tallis pulled out weapons but I pointedly did not. Hawke pretended not to notice but I saw him move in front of me.

"I see the party has moved indoors?" Hawke gave a relaxed smile as Tallis moved to over me from the side.

"It's not over yet," Tallis' voice was fierce, but Prosper gave a smirk, "But it is over. I knew who you were the moment you arrived, assassin."

"Assassin? I thought you were just here to steal a Jewel…" Hawke began but I snorted.

"You may not have noticed Hawke, but our friend here is a Viddithari. She doesn't hide it very well; the logo on her armor, the speaking of Qunlat…"

"Well… Everyone's got to have a job, don't they? If Ara knew and still followed along, that's good enough for me."

"My, she chose you well, Lady Empress, Lord Hawke."

"Look, I came to stop the Heart from doing something we will all regret. She didn't know until after the Wyvern hunt and as you noticed he didn't know at all. Leave them out of this."

"And waste all the effort I spent luring you here before the Hearts arrival? Don't be foolish."

"Asay hassatra maas," Tallis spat, and Prosper laughed and replied, "Maas avastrasa kulun… take them away; but don't harm the Empress. She will make a nice ransom."

I rolled my eyes as we were escorted to the Dungeon. Having noticed I pulled no weapons; the guards didn't even bother to search me like they did Hawke and Tallis.

We were sitting in the dungeon a few hours later when the talks began.

"I have a question, Hawke… when Ara told you what I am; you said you didn't care… was that true?"

"Well, I would have said the duke couldn't compare to the awesomeness of the two lovely women by my side, but that might have seemed petty of me… like a sore loser since I was caught and all."

I giggled as my head was pillowed in Tallis' lap… much to her amusement.

"I am sorry; this didn't exactly work out like I planned…"

"What was your plan exactly?"

"The one I expected to find is named Salit; a member of the Ben-Hassrath… the Heart of the Many. I was told he's here to sell secrets to the Orlesians, and I came to stop him. I… suppose I was misinformed."

"Is Salit your Besrathari?" I asked, knowing the answer. She looked startled.

"Yes. That means he was the one who recruited me into the Ben-Hassrath: he was my tutor. He saw my potential, convinced me I could make a difference."

"But… you said he was selling secrets." Hawke looked to me with alarm.

"He is… or at least, he intends to; one last act of defiance. I can't let him do that; not when he'll hurt so many in the process."

"Like the Farmers, artisans and crafters? I know the Warriors are always prepared for battle…" I clarified when I saw Hawke was about to put his foot in his mouth.

She nodded, "Exactly: people who have never hurt anyone; those whose only crimes are living. Those people don't deserve what he would do to them. It isn't just my duty to stop Salit; it's my moral obligation!"

"I know what you're wondering Hawke, but Ben-Hassrath means 'Heart of the Many'; it isn't just some Jewel that Tallis lied about. The Ben-Hassrath are the… enforcers of the Qunari… they can be spies, or… well suffice to say, they keep those who follow the Qun in line. They are the real story that Tamassrans – teachers – tell the little ones to scare them into submission. As the Qun don't make idle threats, it works."

Tallis was petting my hair at this point and she smiled at me, "I suppose I can start alling you Aribas now. In essence, we are the soul of the Qun. We keep the spirit alive and protect it both from within and from outside forces. Not every Qunari agrees, after all; nor do they know what is best for all. We remind them of our common goal."

"You make them seem almost… peaceful." Hawke said and I giggled as Tallis gave a wry smile.

"It's not meant to always end in violence; there are other paths… they do not need to lead to the same destination."

"So did you actually involve us only because we had an Invitation?"

"You were the only ones on the list who weren't personal friends of the Duke… and Aribas has been renowned through the Qun as one with Honor; she can be trusted. And as Fereldens, you have no reason to love Orlais…"

I smiled and sat up, moving over to lie in Hawkes lap… he started petting me like Tallis had… jackpot!

"And when this was all over?" Hawke asked as they both heard me begin purring like a damn cat.

"I thank you and we go our separate ways?" Tallis gave a cheeky grin.

"So I just fell off the Ferelden turnip cart, is that it?"

"Truth? Neither of you are what I was expecting. A Ferelden noble and someone who's only part of rumors… perhaps if I'd done my homework, I'd have known more about you… given you both the respect you're due."

"Well, I suppose the good news is; with all this extra time I can learn to knit."

"Could you make me a sweater?"

"No."

She sighed as I giggled again. "First order of business is getting out of here before his Grace decides we taste good in a soup… or whatever he has planned. Any Ideas?"

"The others will be along, I'm sure," Hawke said, looking down at me. I yawned and closed my eyes, still purring.