They reached Vigil's Keep, and at once, very surprisingly, Velanna approached the statue of Andraste. Her expression was unreadable, as if she was unable to decide whether she should hate her or respect her.

"I should hate her, but I don't," she said, looking at the statue. "I can respect a woman who fights for freedom and justice."

Ragnar raised an eyebrow. "I'm surprised to hear you say that?"

She glared down at him. "I can look past petty hatred when I have reason to. She freed the elven slaves." She looked back at the statue in slight amusement. "Funny, isn't it? Andrate fought a tyrannical empire, only to have her followers become one themselves."

Ragnar knew that the Chantry wasn't perfect, but from all tense and purposes, it was a lot better than the Imperium. "An interesting observation."

"People with power never failed to abuse it. Even those with good intentions."

Ragnar crossed his arms. "And wouldn't it be the same if the Freefolk had power?"

Velanna shook her head violently. "No, I seek justice for my people and… that is all. We would not be like—" She stopped herself as she watched Ragnar raise an eyebrow. "I… I wish to end this conversation. Let us be on our way."

He found Varel waiting in the hall.

"Commander…"

"Another wishes to undertake the Joining," he said.

Varel sighed. "I hope they fare better than Sir Mhairi. I'll clear the room.

Moments later, Velanna was standing in front of Ragnar as he handed her the goblet.

"For this moment, fourth, Velanna, you are a Grey Warden."

"Then let it be," she said as she drank from the goblet.

They stepped back, and seconds later, she collapsed. Varel examined her and could tell that she was still breathing.

He found Wartihog and wasn't completely surprised to find that he was drunk in the mess hall.

"Uh… you're gonna pay me, right?" he said, barely able to stand on his two feet. "For all that arse-whooping I do for you?"

Ragnar shook his head. "You'll get a stipend if the nobles pay their dues."

"A stipend," he snickered. "That's good." Then he looked at him blankly. "Yeah… what's a stipend?"

Ragnar rubbed his forehead and tried to resist the urge to pump Wartihog. "It's the money we pay you."

"Money! There's a word I understand," he said cheerfully. "What an arrangement! You feed me, and I get to take my frustration hours on the darkspawn." He then looked at him with a drunkard look. "Anyway, can I have a pony?"

Ragnar laughed, but then he saw that Wartihog looked quite serious or as serious as one might be well drunk. "You're serious, aren't you?"

"Nah, it's okay. I know you think I'm… I'm just—" He then looked at him. "Branka used to collect these little… little horse statues, back when… back…" He suddenly began to change a shade of green. "Whoa… everything's spinning… and you're… very shiny. Gonna go sit down… now."

He then collapsed.

Ragnar went into the library and discovered Nathaniel was looking through a series of books.

Nathaniel looked up and saw him approaching him."You know, I'm actually not the first Howe to be a Grey Warden."

Ragnar smirked. "Carrying on the family tradition, then?"

He smiled. "Following my grandfather's footsteps, more like. His name was Fadric Howe. He joined the order before it returned to Midgard, just after the war." He then closed his eyes. "Never contacted his family again, just vanished. Now that I know about the Joining, I think he died."

Ragnar closed his eyes. "Many good men and women die in the Joining."

Nathaniel nodded. "I know that now. Father always said he was a horrible man for abandoning the family to join a pointless cause. I grew up ashamed of my grandfather, but now I see it was bravery. That would take some getting used to."

"The only shame was your father's."

Nathaniel nodded. "My father often forgot 'nobility' has another meaning. You know, my grandfather had a bow passed down from his grandfather; I wonder if it's still around? At any rate, we should probably get back to it. There are darkspawn to kill, I'll bet. Somewhere."

He decided to check up on Velanna and found that she was just staring at the library but not taking a book off the shelves.

"I envy the humans for so many things, but sometimes, I envy them most for their tales." Velanna glared at the bookshelf. "Even the youngest human child knows of at least a dozen heroes of legend. These tales are taken for granted; they are so abundant. Oh, it makes me angry, sometimes. We Freefolk have lost most of our history and our legends. What we do remember, we hold dear."

Ragnar could sympathise; there were that many elven heroes in history. He was willing to bet they were but the Chantry probably distorted them to make them more human. In fact, he only heard of two Elven heroes in all of history, and they weren't mentioned much.

"We can share stories. They belong to everyone," said Ragnar.

"But does a human value the tale of Paragon Aeducan as much as he does Dane and the Werewolf? Stories connect us to our past. They shape a people in profound ways. Without them, we are lost. I just wish I could do something to restore this lost part of our soul."

"Make your own stories," Ragnar suggested.

She scoffed. "Now you are just being ridiculous."

"Hiccup may have been the one that slew the Archdemon, but he rewarded everyone who took part, even we Freefolk," Ragnar reminded her.

"How can you speak of the human King so casually?"

"Because he's my friend, we fought back-to-back side-by-side during our many adventures. It was him that gave the Freefolk plan to settle on, and he made a city elf into a bann, making her the first Elven Noble for over nearly 1000 years."

"Hey, Theron is writing his own book about our little adventures during the Blight, and he and Killer made a big enough impact on the elven people," said Ragnar.

Velanna didn't say a word and just simply left; it was clear that her distrust of humans was still strong. In fact, the only reason she joined the Grey Wardens was so that she could find her sister; he still didn't have the heart to tell her that was probably gone now.

He came across Justice as he took in his new surroundings.

"This world is nothing like I thought it would be," he said in awe. "The demons lust across the Veil, but the rest of us scoff. We pity mortals; we do not envy them."

"Perhaps you should help us, instead," Ragnar suggested.

"The spirits consider mortals beyond their reach and beyond help," he said sadly. "They do not understand. We are wrong about this world. There is beauty here… and the mortals; they are worth saving. You helped me in the Fade and have proven yourself since. It's not right to judge all mortals the same."

"So glad you approve."

Justice looked around, making sure they weren't overheard and then leaned in closer. "I wonder… may I make a request?" Ragnar nodded. "There is something in this world you call lyrium. Might you find me an object made from it?"

Ragnar stared at him. "Raw lyrium is dangerous.

"Not to a body that's already dead, surely." Ragnar had to admit that he did have a good point. "I desire only the smallest bit of pure rock. The version of lyrium that mortals dream of in the Fade… it is not the same. Here, it sings."

"I'll see what I can do," he said.

"Thank you. That is most kind."

When he return to the hall, he found it full of he thought for a moment about sneaking past, then shook his head, opened the door, and walked through the crowd.

Varel noticed him as he approached. "All rise. The Warden-Commander and liege lord of all Trader's Bay enters." He gave Ragnar an apologetic look when Ragnar moved to stand next to him. "I've held it off as long as I could, but you hold the right of high justice on your land. Certain matters of the court must be decided."

Ragnar was starting to grow tired of politics. "Anything I should know before we proceed?"

"By custom, the claimants make their case to you. I'll advise you after, and then you rule." He must have seen the irritation on Ragnar's face. "The seneschal of the Vigil can hold court, as well, if the arl commands it."

"A little warning would have been nice." Then again, looking around at the staring faces, maybe he'd made exactly the right impression.

"There is a matter with Sir Temmerly that simply couldn't wait."

"Let's begin."

"Be seated. The Warden-Commander will first hear the matter of the crown against the sheepherder Alec."

Captain Garevel stepped forward. "On behalf of the crown, I submit that Alec stole two bushels of grain bound for the garrison in Trader's Bay. When confronted by soldiers, he confessed. The punishment for theft from the crown is death by hanging."

"What say you, Alec?" Hiccup asked.

"My sheep were slaughtered by the darkspawn. My… my family was starving. I ask for mercy, Commander. Mercy."

"The poor bugger," Varel murmured. "Had he stolen from anyone besides the crown, he'd escape with a flogging."

He looked into the young man's eyes and can help but find that there was something special about him. "Join the army, and your life will be spared, your family fed."

Surprise and gratitude showed on Alec's face. "Thank you, thank you!"

He saw disapproval on the faces of the nobles, not surprising. However, he was a Grey Warden, and he knew the advantages of conscription. Additionally, the crime would never have happened if they weren't so short of manpower.

"The next matter is of a civil nature. Lady Liza Packton is the sovereign of Teyrn's Down. She—"

The dour woman stepped forward. "I prefer to speak for myself. The old Arl Johann Tradesman made certain promises to me." She held out a document. "Some of these he committed to paper. I was given the right to the incomes of the southern bridge."

Another noble shook his head angrily. One of the ones that had bent knee willingly at the ceremony. And if he recalled correctly, he'd seen the man at the Landsmeet as well. "And what part did you take in Johann's conspiracies, eh, Liza? To get such a fruitful prize." He turned to Ragnar. "I am Sir Derren, and it's my land she seeks. Taken from me because I was one of the few nobles who stood against Teyrn Drago."

Varel's voice was urgent. "Commander, Sir Derren is an ally—and Trader's Bay has precious few who support you wholeheartedly. If there's any hope of persuading more nobles to your cause, you must be fair-minded."

He had every intention of being fair. "It's legal, Derren. But I swear I'll make this up to you." He might not know how, but he'll certainly find a way.

"My father built that bridge. But… very well. I place my trust in you."

"The Commander has spoken. The matter is resolved." Varel shifted his weight. "Bring in Sir Temmerly the Ox."

Bring in front of him was a very large man in body armour, and he could understand why he was called the Ox. However, Ragnar could tell in an instant that this man was anything but honourable.

Garavel gave the man a hateful look. "Sir Temmerly stands accused of a murder most foul." He pointed at the massive man. "You and your men came upon Sir Tamra in the dead of night and did cravenly ambush her."

Temmerly gave a smug smile. "You dare too much, Captain Garavel. I am noble-born and will not submit to your accusations."

"You are accused of murder, ser! My soldiers found you fleeing while Ser Tamra's blood was still hot."

"There's a great deal of traffic on the roads." Temmerly's eyes looked down at Ragnar. "Not all of it human. And it's so dangerous at night." He smirked. "We were merely in a hurry to reach a nice, safe place."

"You mock this court with your denials."

"You have nothing, Captain. Release me, Commander—it's this common lout's word against mine."

Varel leaned in towards his ear. "You will recall Sir Tamra as the knight who warned us against a conspiracy. Sir Temmerly was a confederate of Arl Johann."

"Is there really no more evidence against him?"

"Only some blood on their clothes—a sadly common sight on the roads these days." Varel shook his head. "Besides that, nothing. The Captain looked into the matter thoroughly."

"What would happen if we executed him?"

"There'd be some outrage. There's no love for the Ox, but he's a noble. With such scant evidence… But you are within your rights to execute him."

He looked at Varel grimly. "The conspiracies real. And they claimed their first victim."

Varel nodded grimly. "I fear you're correct."

He scanned the faces of the nobles. Releasing the Ox or ordering his execution would play right into their hands.

"Temmerly, there is not enough evidence to warrant an execution," said Ragnar narrowing his eyes and Temmerly smirked and then there was Ragnar's time to smirk. "However, there is enough evidence to imprison you during a very, very long investigation

The smug look on Temmerly's vanished. "What's the meaning of this? You can't do this!"

Varel had a little trouble not laughing. "Oh, but the Commander very much can." He squared his shoulders. "This session of the arling's court is over." He glanced at Ragnar. "And Maker help me; I hope the next one is easier than this."

No sooner had the nobles left than a dwarven woman planted herself in front of him. "Where is he? I know he's here. Cough him up, Warden."

Ragnar immediately realised that this was Felsi Wartihog's wife.

She folded her arms and glared, glaring. He had a feeling if the darkspawn didn't kill Wartihog, she would. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"You're not going to pull the moss over my eyes." She started towards him, and he started backing away. Why was she looking at him like something was his fault? "Wartihog, you get your hairy ass down here—"

"Hang onto your beard, woman. Is this a conjugal visit?" Wartihog snickered. "Looking for Wartihog to grease the old wheel?"

Ragnar fell to me immeasurably uncomfortable, and he was glad that the Freefolk elves never married.

"Don't lay a finger on me! You've done a lot of stupid things on a whim, but joining the Wardens—" Ah. That's why it was his fault.

Wartihog laughed. "Didn't you say it would be… hot?"

"We were role-playing!"

"This is getting awkward," said Ragnar as he tried to move slowly away, but Felsi pinned him to the floor with a glare. Never in his life had he been praying for a darkspawn attack.

"See, you're making my boss uncomfortable," he said.

"You'd think your friends would have developed an immunity to embarrassment by now," said Felsi fiercely.

"Look, I didn't sign up on a whim, all right? You kicked me out."

"You were just looking for an excuse."

Wartihog shook his head. "You kept trying to make me into something I'm not. I can't play house like you want me to." He sighed. "I'm only good at one thing, Fels, and it's killing."

"Maybe you two should calm down," Ragnar suggested.

Wartihog shook his head. "No… no, Commander. We should've had this out before."

Felsi poked Wartihog in the chest. "You had a good thing in the army. They respected you."

Wartihog sighed. "Felsi, I finally got the ol'conker on straight, and I don't belong anywhere but here."

"Fine, Wartihog. If that's what you want. The baby and I will just have to get by without you." She turned and stalked out.

Right now, he would rather want to face a high dragon. Maybe two dragons. And another archdemon. Wartihog just stood there and grumbled. "Aren't you going after her?" Ragnar asked.

"I'd just end up being hit. She's a tiny thing but packs a surprising wallop, and in this mood, she'd go straight for my danglers." Wartihog walked back to the stairs.

When he went outside to the front gates, he found the entire phrase in an uproar. Farmers, workmen and many others were gathered around yelling at the top of their voices as the guard tried to hold them back.

"Thank the Maker you arrived," Garavel said as he approached. "Things are getting out of hand."

"You don't say," he said.

"My son is starving! Open the granaries." Voices called out from the crowd. "Bloody feed your people."

Varel sighed. "I fear this must be work of the conspiracy against you when the Wardens. If the common folk just rose up on their own, I'll eat my boot." He gave Ragnar a hopeful look. "Maybe you can say a few words? Calm them down. Make them see reason."

"Varel, you don't coddle a revolt. You put it down. Just give me the order."

"We will not be—"

"Let the commander speak."

"But we must eat! We—"

"Quiet."

He was very much not in the mood for this. It was an order he would never give. Ever. But there was no reason they needed to know that. "I kill darkspawn by the score. What are a few peasants?"

"What? What do you mean?"

"You will all die. And your families will suffer."

"Y-you're bluffing. You wouldn't do that."

Ragnar looked at Garavel and nodded. Garavel raised his hand about to give the order.

"They'll kill us," said a woman.

One by one, they began to disperse, and Ragnar sighed with relief. He was glad they saw reason; the last thing he wanted was to kill innocents.

Garavel was shaking his head. "I don't know how you did that. Men, stand down. I'll be in the keep."

Varel turned to him. "Before this… mess began, some nobles were awaiting an audience with you."

"What is it, you human say? 'It never rains, but it pours'?" Ragnar sighed.

Varel nodded. "I'll be in the keep."

They entered the hall and found Bann Esmerelle standing there in her armour with some of her soldiers. Ragnar had a bad feeling about this even before you stepped into the room.

"Bann Esmerelle, the Commander. What was this urgent matter?" Varel asked.

"I am here about the good arl," she then glared at Ragnar. "The good arl your friends killed."

Varel narrowed his eyes. "You're still loyal to Arl Johann?"

"Johann was good to us. Good to me," she glared. "And now his death will finally be avenged."

Varel saw out of the corner of his eye an elven assassin aiming a crossbow at Ragnar. Just as the assassin fired the bolt, he blocked it with his arm and roared in pain.

Ragnar quickly pulled out his sword and quickly disarmed one of the guards before cutting off the head of another. He noticed that Lady Morag and Sir Timothy would also be with Bann Esmerelle, and they charged at him.

He blocked Morag's sword and quickly kicked Timothy so hard he sent him flying into one of the wooden posts. He then quickly pulled out a dagger and stuck it into Morag's leg, causing her to drop and leaving her unprotected when he punched him in the face.

Bann Esmerelle charged towards him and rolled out of the way just as she swung her sword. He then used the momentum to slam and clean her head off her shoulders.

He went to examine the bodies of the assassins and discovered that they were Rocrosan Wolves. Clearly, they hadn't killed all the Wolves, but he hoped that would be the last of them.

Seconds later, Garavel arrived and shook his head at the mess in the hall. "First riot, now this… Blast it."

He bent down and examined Varel's wound. "Varrel's been hit. It looked glancing; he'll live."

"See that he does. He may have just saved my life."

Garavel nodded. "I'll have the herbalist attend them immediately." He then walked over towards him, and his eyes widened as he saw the face of Bann Esmerelle. "Andraste's blood, that's—that's Bann Esmerelle."

Ragnar nodded. "And thus ends the conspiracy."

"She was a fool to attack you. I'll have trusted men clear this up. We can keep this quiet for a while."

"Good, but we need to find a way to keep the suspicion off of us."

"Of course, Commander."

Once they disposed of the bodies, Ragnar went to see how Varel was doing. He were still on the mend, and his arm was heavily bandaged.

He smiled as he saw him approach. "You're not here on my account? It's just a scratch."

Ragnar could tell from his voice that it was stinging a bit. "No diving in front of arrows. That's an order," he said firmly.

Varel laughed but ended up wincing in pain. "I'm flattered by the attention, but even the herbalist admits that it looks worse than it is. I'll be barking orders for you in no time, Commander."

"Voldrik, we managed to find a deposit of granite in the Wending Woods," Ragnar informed him.

"Splendid," Voldrik smiled. "But I can't risk my men to darkspawn. You'll have to send soldiers to secure the site."

They were very shorthanded, but the protection of the Keep was of top priority. "You'll have it."

"Thank you, Commander," said Voldrik gratefully. "The Vigil will not fall, I swear it."

Ragnar then promptly made his way over to Dworkin about developing explosives.

"Oh, you're back to visit old Dworkin?" he said.

"You're in luck—I found some lyrium sand," he said, pointing out the back of the sand.

"Wonderful. We can start making more explosives," Dworkin said eagerly, a little too eagerly.

"Warden, before you let my brother blow himself to little bitsies, tell him to be careful," Voldrik yelled.

"Don't listen to Voldrik. I know what I'm about," he assured.

"And how many apprentices have you lost? Three? No, four?"

"We all know the risks. If we succeed, our names will go down in history."

Ragnar didn't fancy losing his fortress, not after they had just finished rebuilding it. "Your brother is right. You're no use to anyone dead."

"Fine, we'll be safe," he then glared at his brother. "Happy now, Voldrik?" Voldrik nodded, and Dworkin turned back to look at him and handed him a few grenades. "Thank you for your help. Please, take these. Use them to give those beasties a what-for. Ha!"

Ragnar met the others just outside the gate as they began to make their way back to the city.

"So, are we all going?" Nathaniel asked.

"We've got enough numbers to defend the keep and revenge outside," said Ragnar, and he looked at Nathaniel and Justice. "Nathaniel, you and Justice stay here. The rest of us will check out this rumour of a darkspawn hideout."

They were making their way through a forest and suddenly came across several Freefolk elves.

"Andaran atish'an, travellers," said one of them as he approached them. "Do not be startled. We only wish to be about our way."

Velanna stared at him. "Marren?"

The Freefolk named Marren stared at Velanna in surprise. "Velanna. Well, well, this is certainly a surprise." He then looked towards Anders. "You, travelling with—"

"Humans—yes," Velanna finished. "Believe me, the irony does not escape me, clanmate."

Marren narrowed his eyes. "We are no longer your clan, Velanna."

Ragnar frowned. "What is he talking about?"

"Velanna was exiled—she does not have a clan. We—"

"Stop," said Velanna. "I do not wish to speak of this." She then took a deep breath and looked at Marren. "Marren, the others who left with me… they are dead. And Seranni is gone, taken by the darkspawn."

Ragnar looked at Marren. "If she's still alive, we will find her."

"Thank you, whoever you are," said Marren, in mild surprise. "You have my gratitude." He then turned and looked at Velanna. "Ilshae warned her not to go with you, Velanna. You see what you brought on her?"

"Then tell Ilshae that she was right?" Velanna crossed her arms and annoyance. "Oh, I can see her smug—"

Marren cut across her. "Ilshae has passed on. You know nothing but hatred. The clan is better off without your poison."

Ragnar was and allowed anyone to say that one of his Wardens. "That's not true. Velanna loves her sister."

Marren blinked. "You can friends defend you? This speaks volumes, Velanna." He then turned and looked at the rest of his people. "Ah, we lingered too long. Andruil, guide your path, Velanna."

Once he was gone, Velanna turned on Ragnar angrily. "Do not make a fuss over me! Let us be on our way."

Once they reached the city, several elves approached them, but there were more interested in Velanna.

"It's a Freefolk! Nella, come see!"

"Ooh, she's very stern, isn't she?" The other elf turned towards her friend. "What's she doing here, do you think?"

And there Velanna went. "I'm right here, you slack-jawed oafs! At least have the courtesy to speak when I pass by."

"Oh… w-we're sorry, great lady. We didn't mean to offend."

"You two should have chosen your words more carefully," Ragnar advised trying to prevent more yelling from Velanna.

"Yes, we are very, very sorry."

Velanna shook her head. "Look how they cower. They're like frightened animals. The sight of them sickens me."

Ragnar rolled his eyes. "They cowered because you yelled at them."

Velanna glared down at him. "What would you have me do? Encourage the cringing ways?" She gestured back at the other elves. "Who will stand up for them, or respect them, if they allow themselves to be terrified by passersby?"

Ragnar distinctly remembered how city elves aren't themselves with shovels and rocks standing against a horde. "You're a particularly scary passerby."

She scoffed. "It makes no difference. Human, Freefolk, dwarf—no one should be able to tell them their place." She turned back to the elves. "You two. A Freefolk amulet, carved from the heart of a tree as old as this world. Remember who you are."

He saw Velanna examining a tree and walked over to collect her. "This is a beautiful tree," she said. "I did not expect to find one strong and thriving in a shemlen town."

"Nature always finds a way."

"Nature does, indeed." Her voice took on a lecturing tone. "You may not recognise, but this is a dahl'amythal—the tree of Mythal. Our keepers' staves are cut from its like." She sighed. "Our keeper, Ilshae, had such a staff cut for me for when I would take on her role."

"So you were never given your staff?"

"Clearly not, and besides, why do you care?" She waved a dismissive hand at him. "Ah, enough of this. I wish to move on."

Mervis was waiting for them. He stood when he saw them approach. "You're back! Have you any news?"

"I've dealt with your problem. The killings should stop now."

"Really? Oh, that's wonderful news!" He smiled broadly. "I hope the culprits have been brought to justice."

Ragnar didn't look at Velanna. "They have. In a sense."

"I promised a donation, didn't I? Here… take this, with the Merchants' Guild's compliments."

Velanna gave him the strangest look. It felt like her eyes were boring into the back of his skull. And yet, surprisingly, she actually seemed pleased.

He went to fulfil the final wish of the Warden he found at the Wending Wood and found that his wife had been cheating on him. It was clear that his death did upset her, but what upset him more was the fact that he decided to come to Midgard, and he decided to leave after giving her the ring.

A few questions of the refugees led him to Colbert. The man started off hostile. "Eh? What are you staring at? Looking to start something?"

"Are you the hunter who found an entrance to the Deep Roads?"

Colbert nodded. "Ah, here to investigate the chasm, are you? It's about time." He gestured at the elf standing beside him. "I can't take all the credit for finding the rift, you know. Micah here fell in first.

Micah grunted and glared.

"Tell me what happened."

"It's quite a ways out of town. We were tracking a buck off in that direction, you see… before this darkspawn mess. We'd been on his tail for about a week at that point. I'd wager he thought it was great fun, leading us on a merry chase as he did."

"Go on."

"That buck was a sly one, he was. He had big feet and a—"

Micah interrupted with a grunt and an elbow.

"Oh, the chasm! Yes, er… we saw it coming over a rise." He gestured as he spoke, sketching the shape in the air. "It was really something to behold, a huge cleft, as though the Maker himself had cracked the earth in two, like… like an egg."

"I like eggs," Micah said.

Colbert continued, "It looked like someone had tried to build over it, but it must have been abandoned a long time ago. No one in town knew about it."

"Who tried to build over it?"

"People, I suppose? Maybe even the darkspawn." He began gesturing again, nearly hitting Micah in the face as he did so. "Well, of course, we had to investigate! That was when Micah fell in. A shriek like you wouldn't believe, and he was gone."

Micah shook his head defensively. "Earth crumbled. Not stable."

"Right, and as Micah lay there yelling about his knee or his head or what have you, the darkspawn appeared."

"Looks like you survived."

"We got lucky. They seemed… occupied like they had someplace really important they had to be. Didn't notice us at all. Thank the Maker."

Anders folded his arms sceptically. "The darkspawn were so occupied as to overlook two screaming, injured men? Boggles the mind."

"I marked the chasm on my map so we could avoid it, but it sounds like you want to know where it is, so here you go." Colbert handed Ragnar the heavily stained map, then looked at him hopefully. "So… are we getting anything for our trouble?"

"Here's a sovereign."

Colbert's eyes nearly fell out of his head. "A whole sovereign? If there's ever a reason to fall into a darkspawn pit, here it is. Maker bless you."

Hiccup was making his way to bed, and Astrid had already settled in the giant king-sized bed. The bedroom itself was twice as large as the one they hand back at the Palace, and this was merely a guest room.

"What is it with the Asgardians thinking the bigger is always better?" Hiccup sighed as he slipped into bed.

"I don't know, if they spent as much effort managing their land than they do having parties, they probably would have conquered the entire continent by now," Astrid shrugged.

"I get the feeling that the Esnalians are just as bad," said Hiccup.

"Doesn't it make you glad that we're Midgardians," Astrid smiled.

"We've had tyrants before and incompetent rulers," Hiccup reminded her.

"Thankfully, you're not one of them," she said, snuggling up closer towards him. "Now how we dispense with the politics and focus on things more important."

Hiccup smiled. "Nothing is more important than you, milady."

Immediately the two of them began to kiss passionately, and a few split seconds later, Astrid was on top of him. She then quickly discarded her nightdress, presenting him her naked form.

"Your beautiful," Hiccup smiled.

"I hope you say that to me in about 50 years time," Astrid smiled.

"I don't know if I'm going to let that long," said Hiccup.

It was true that Grey Wardens had a much shorter lifespan, and while he was no longer Grey Wardens, he still had the taint inside.

"Don't ruin the moment," said Astrid.

She then moved her hands towards his hips and quickly pulled down his underclothes. Almost immediately, his dragon stood to attention, and Astrid wasted no time in mounting it. The two of them began moving their hips in time, with one another going slightly faster with every thrust.

Astrid came first, but Hiccup was still very much hard, and he quickly rolled over so that Astrid was now lying down on the bed. He began pushing into her hard, and after about a minute of this, he came as well.

Hiccup lay down next, and they looked at one another.

"Every time we make the of, it seems to be a battlefield," Astrid laughed.

"And I always do like to push my advantage," Hiccup smiled.

"Just once, I wish that I could make you surrender."

"Hey, Grey Warden stamina, nothing I can do about that."

Astrid then leaned in towards him. "Then I guess I'm going have to train a little."

He then kissed once again passionately.