Chapter Six

Redcliffe Snuggles

We all got on the way as Zev was firing questions at me. When it was almost time to make camp he asked the most predictable question. "Uh-huh, and are you… Available?"

I laughed, "I've already told you that you aren't my type, sweetheart. I already have two men on the hook, and I only recently lost my husband," he looked intrigued.

He asked, "Two men?" I nodded and added, "And maybe one woman. Lelianna is Gorgeous after all. I'd bed her in a hot second if I thought I had even half a chance."

I knew everyone was listening, and as predicted Aedan and Alistair began coughing, and Lelianna looked at me stunned, "Is that so? Was our cuddle at the tower that good?"

"I told you, sweetie, I love everyone. Gender has no bearing on my affections," I winked.

Zev laughed. "So how am I not your type then?"

"Truthfully, I have a full dance card. I have two Templars and a Bard that I'm hoping to enjoy, and a gal can only take so much," I sighed dramatically and smirked as Alistair squeaked out "What?!"

Zev laughed again, "And what is keeping you from their beds, Bellisima?"

I gave him a funny look, "I'm sorry, but have you looked at me? I'm fat and actually rather plain looking."

"That's not true!" Alistair called out indignantly as we stopped for camp.

"Hun, it really is. Face it; even in my home world it was difficult to find someone who could look past the fact that I have all this extra weight. Most women in my world would eat very little and do as much exercise as possible to keep in shape. I tried that, but it didn't work; the women in this world all look amazing, and here I am," I shrugged. I'd resigned myself to forever being fat. More than 245 pounds… that equaled more than 18 stones as Thedas measured weight.

Zev looked me up and down, "You do not look that big; in fact, you simply look healthy."

"If I take off my shirt, it'll look worse," I snipped. Zev gave me a smirk and said, "Would you prove it?"

Wynne gave him a whack in the back of the head, but I stood up. I had already dedicated myself to being shameless so I yanked off my red V-neck top, so I was only in my black lacy see-through bra. When Alistair snapped out of his shock, he turned red and turned around, Aedan yanked off his cloak and tried to cover me, Lelianna was feeling my bra, Wynne and Zev stared in stunned silence, and Sten and Morrigan had no reactions.

"Will you put your top back on? Please?" Aedan begged with a red-face and still trying to cover me with his cloak. I snorted, "Seriously? It's just skin. If you keep this up, I'll take off my pants so everyone can see my matching small-clothes too."

He groaned and – knowing I couldn't lie – gave in and simply turned his back to me.

Leliana said, "Yours is lacy… why did I get cotton when they can look like this?"

"You don't need help being the most beautiful woman in a room. I wear the sexy ones because I need the confidence boost of wearing something sexy. Men aren't going to notice what you're wearing when you're so damn sexy already." She blinked and flushed lightly.

"Well, Cara, you were right that you look bigger without a top, but I still do not see what is wrong about it," Zev commented while leaning against a fallen log.

I shrugged and slowly slipped my top back on and said, "I'm dressed, Alistair. You can turn back now."

He did so, slowly. Taking a small peak to make sure I was telling the truth, he gave a sigh of relief.

I waved my hand in Alistairs direction while looking at Zev, "That is the normal reaction to seeing someone's fat rolls; to look away. I will grant that it's usually in disgust, but the embarrassment is also a reaction I get. Sometimes it's pity."

"If you really believe that you will never get with them, the why did you kiss Cullen and Alistair?" Lelianna asked. "At first, Cullen was an accident; He turned his head… but then I couldn't help myself when I saw his face. And Alistair was the only Templar on hand when Aedan started scolding me. I mean, sure, they are both my type, and I could love both, but… it's not very likely to happen with either one – or you, if I'm being honest with myself," I gave her a small smile.

"And why can you not be with me?" She asked, looking pouty and cute.

"You're needed somewhere that I can't follow after the blight. I'm needed in the Free Marches, not at Dorothea's side, leading an expedition for the Chantry," her eyes widened and she slowly nodded.

"And why not be with Alistair?" Aedan asked teasingly, though I knew that if anything did happen he'd be all protective. "Alistair knows why. It has to do with his father, and thus what will happen in the future. He has a birthright."

"You're not saying… no – no! I can't. I don't want that," Alistair cried out. "It's either you or her, and she will be nothing but poison; regardless of the fact that she will soon realize what her father did. Look at what she's done so soon after your brother…" I was purposely being vague so that I wouldn't be the one to tell the group who his father was.

Alistair looked at me, devastated. "Is there no other choice?"

I nodded, "It would involve Aedan marring the harpy, and I wouldn't wish that on anyone."

Aedan looked confused; in truth almost everyone did.

"And Alistair… about your mother… I need to talk to you about her. She isn't who you were told she was," I flinched when he figured out the hidden meaning in my words. "She's… Alive?" I nodded.

"When do you want to talk?" he asked his tone serious. "When do you want to? My tent is available if you wish," I kept my tone neutral.

He nodded and stood, heading for my tent. I got up and followed. No one else made any move, save Lelianna who started dinner.

I cast a spell on my tent so we wouldn't be over-heard, and sat next to Alistair on the 2 person couch.

"Your tent is bigger than it looks…" Alistair started.

He was right. While it looked like a one person camping tent – earth style – on the outside, I had the space of a studio apartment with a bedroll and a few other things… like a fan and even a water dispenser; both magic powered, a kitchen area that was stocked with snacks, and an outhouse style bathroom that I didn't need but would magically get rid of the waste if someone used it. There was also a beautiful claw-footed tub made of polished wood for when I wanted a bath.

"It's Magic. Anyway, your mother is a Mage, and a former Grey Warden; the only Warden to be 'cured' of the taint. Currently the Wardens are… studying her; trying to determine how to duplicate it. They won't keep her much longer, and it's possible for you to meet her in the future. She didn't want to give you up, neither did your father. They loved you, so much. But the Wardens would have used you for her complacency if they knew about you; worse they would have used you against the Ferelden Throne if they discovered who your father was. The only reason your father gave you to Eamon to raise was because he trusted Eamon to keep you safe until you could decide for yourself… he promised your mother that you wouldn't have such a restricted life of a royal. Your father didn't know you were sent to the Chantry until it was almost too late. I am… I'm so sorry, Alistair."

I was hugging him by that point; he needed it. I could tell that he didn't know how to feel.

"So, then, Goldanna isn't my sister?" His voice cracked and I almost sobbed as I realized I'd just crushed his hope of having a family.

"No; and that's for the best hun. She would only have wanted money from you, nothing else. I'm sorry," he nodded.

"If… if you want… you can stay with me tonight. Just for comfort. I won't tease or try anything…" I suggested. I was really worried about him being alone right now.

"I'm not sure that would be such a good idea. Aedan would kill me at the very least," Alistair attempted to joke, but his smile didn't reach his eyes. He looked slightly haunted.

"It's… I think it's enough to know they loved me; that I wasn't just abandoned, like I thought."

"Still, hun… if you need a shoulder tonight, my tent is open. Like you said, it's bigger than it looks," I said with a smile as I got up and left the tent.

I sat next to Zev and began flirting. It was a few minutes before Alistair came over to the fire to eat, sitting on the ground in front of a log. He was quite, and I was worried. I went over to him and sat on the log behind him. I began playing with his hair, and when he turned to give me a funny look, I said, "When I'm upset, this helps. If your hair were longer I'd be braiding it. I used to do that all the time for my husband. His hair was as long as mine is now, so it was fun to try all sorts of styles."

Lelianna squealed, and suddenly I was handing over a hair tie while she gave me a French braid, though that's not what she called it. An Orlesian Twist, she said.

After we had all eaten, I stood and pulled on Alistairs' arm, "Come on."

"What? Where are we going?" He asked, but still let me drag him with me.

"To bed; you and I are gonna cuddle tonight!" I gave him my best smile as he tried to give me excuses.

"Excuse me? I thought you weren't going to…" Aedan started.

"Oh hush you. After what he heard, even I wouldn't want to be alone. Clothes will stay on, and I'll even leave the flap open. Would that make you shut up about it?"

Aedan nodded, though he didn't look very happy. "I don't get a say?" Alistair asked, still trying to get out of sleeping in my tent.

"No, you don't. You need this, and I can provide it. Contact with other living people is actually one of the best ways to heal. I promise not to tease you. Fen! Come on, or you're sleeping out here!" the dog looked at Alistair skeptically, but followed us.

I wasn't going to push things with him – not after what happened last time I did. But I didn't want him being alone with his thoughts tonight. Sleeping as a warden was hard enough without thoughts like these.

Thankfully we were both already in our sleeping clothes. He wore a loose fitting stained white shirt, and grey pants that looked like they used to be black. I was wearing black shorts and a light blue spaghetti strap tank top.

I had him lay down first after I used magic to enlarge my sleeping bag. The sleeping bag felt like an actual bed, though I wasn't sure how.

"This is… really soft… and thank you again for letting me use it at the Tower," Alistair commented. His face was bright red as I got into the sleeping bag with him. I lay on his shoulder, his arms instinctively wrapped around me as I snuggled into him. I resisted the urge to say 'so are you' to his comment about soft.

"You're welcome, and I think at this point my answer to most of the weird things about or around me is 'Magic'," I giggled. He nodded with a grin, "I would say so. I'd never have imagined this. Lying in the same bed as a woman, I mean," he said.

I giggle. He made it so easy to tease him. Shame I promised him I wouldn't.

"Fine; say it. I know you want to," Alistair pouted. I shook my head, "No, I… I promised. Now go to sleep… or else," I said with a grin. He looked curious and slightly terrified, "Or else what?"

"Well, it's not teasing if you plan to follow through," I winked. I then snuggled closer and listened to his heart as I closed my eyes. I knew he was red-faced as he stammered a bit.

I felt him relax after a bit, and by the sound of his heart, he was asleep. I smiled as I drifted off to sleep too.

I woke at dawn again, as usual since coming to Thedas. I opened my eyes and almost laughed.

Alistair had pulled me into his chest after turning onto his side, one of my legs was tangled between his, and my arms were around his waist. He was muttering in his sleep, but I couldn't quite make it out.

When he pulled me closer and snuggled into my hair, I giggled, causing Alistair to jolt awake. When he realized what our position was, he tried to pull away, but I didn't let go just yet.

"I have to thank you, Alistair. I've been having trouble sleeping, but last night was the best sleep I've gotten since coming to Thedas. I kept… having nightmares; about my death," I was amazed I managed to sound calm as I explained.

"So then… this was as much for you as it was for me?" he asked, still bright red as we cuddled.

I nodded. He smiled then. "Well then my Lady, I'm most obliged," he said in an over-exaggerated voice. I chuckled and gave him a small kiss on the cheek. Of course that was the moment Aedan popped his head in to wake us up. He seemed impressed by the size of my tent.

"I suppose I should just be glad that you're both still dressed. I was gonna ask, Ara, could you cook that egg dish you did for us back before Lothering?"

"Sure. I'll even add cheese," I grinned when I felt Alistair perk up.

We sat up, and I used magic to change my clothes so that I didn't have to embarrass Alistair by kicking him out so I could change. I chose a black halter top with a low cut and low back, black jeans and shoes. I undid the braid, brushed my hair and put it up like Wynnes. The sides pulled into an elegant bun at the back, while the rest hung free.

I made his armor appear as I walked out of then, closing the flap so he could change.

I used 4 pounds of bacon, 46 eggs, and both Colby Jack and Mexican Blend cheese's.

After serving everyone – using flour tortillas – on plates (or bowls for the dogs), I sat next to Leliana as Zev immediately started trying to get details of last night. Being the new shameless me, I started to spin a tale of the best sex of my life; it was the dream I'd had that night. I added some things I had only read in books, and made sure to affect a dreamy look. The only reason I could even say all this was because I never specifically mentioned that it happened in reality.

Alistair squawked in shock and Aedan began glaring at him before I said, "Oh… wait. That was just my dream. In reality, we just cuddled and slept."

Alistair was bright red, Aedan lifted an eyebrow, Zev and Leli started laughing, and Wynne had a slight blush so I had to ask, "How was that Wynne? As good as those books you like?"

"Better, I think," she chuckled.

"So since we are almost at Redcliff… what can we expect?" Aedan asked.

I sighed. "The undead attacking the town, Arl Eamon has been poisoned, Connor is a mage who made a deal with a demon, so after taking care of the dead we'll need to go back to the tower to get mages and Lyrium to save Connor. After all that, we'll need to go find the Urn of Sacred Ashes to cure Eamon. It's a long, drawn out process – Sten, don't argue, we need his Army to beat the blight – but we will get through it," I stretched as Sten closed his mouth without actually voicing his argument.

Alistair had looked worried at first, but looked slightly better when he heard the end.

He cleared his throat, "Before we leave, can I uh… can I have a moment of your time?"

I nodded and we moved a little ways away as the others finished eating.

"You're certain that I have to become king?"

I nodded, "I'm sorry, but it's for the best. A bit of advice I should give you though… everyone is looking out for their best interest. You should probably try and be a bit more selfish."

He snorted, "Aedan told me pretty much the same thing last week, actually. He told me that I could lose what I want most if I didn't act on it."

When was that? I shrugged, "He's not wrong – some things are fleeting. If you don't grab onto them before they go, you may never get another chance."

He looked so torn. I patted him on the shoulder, "It's just food for thought – you don't have to change yourself just because Aedan said something; and especially not just because I said something. We all know I'm a terrible role model."

He chuckled, "You're the best role model, actually. Thank you – for telling me about my mother."

I smiled, "Anytime."

I walked back to the others before he could say anything else. I really just wanted to get on the road so we could get this over with. I sighed and said, "Don't expect this from now on." Before anyone could ask what, I used my magic to get everyone's tents and belongings packed and ready to go.

"Well, if I didn't believe you were from another world before, I sure do now. That kind of magic shouldn't be possible," Wynne commented drily.

I shrugged. "Most of what I do either shouldn't be possible or just isn't normal. We should reach Redcliffe by just past mid-day if we start walking now."

"Bellisima, I must ask; I notice you fiddle with those two thin rings on your left hand often, might I ask what they are for?" Zev asked.

"They're my… wedding bands. While I never formally married him, it was tradition to have one ring to symbolize engagement and another for marriage. I… suppose I should take them off now that… well, the vows usually say 'till death do us part' and I…" I reached into my pack and pulled out a necklace chain and slowly took off my two thin gold bands, one was plain and the other had only a single diamond. I put them on the chain and put the chain around my neck.

"Forgive me, Bellisima, I did not mean to bring up painful memories," Zev flinched as Aedan and Alistair shot him a glare.

"Don't be. You couldn't have known. Besides, it's been a while. I'm not so much grieving my husband; he and I had a promise to move on if something happened, and it helps me that neither of us is actually dead. I miss my baby more than anything. He's only 3, he won't understand why mommy is gone, and I worry he won't remember me at all in the future. It's heart-breaking, but… I can only hope he grows up to be a good man without me," I had a few tears streaming down my face at this point.

I hardly noticed the arm around my shoulders or the one at my waist. Alistair and Aedan had taken it upon themselves to comfort me. Lelianna was giving Zev a lecture on manners and timing.

Turns out, my prediction about just past mid-day was right. Alistair told everyone about who his father was just outside the gates; so I made an announcement… "Alistair, if you keep calling me 'My Lady' I will start calling you 'My Prince' or 'My Lord'." He paled but nodded.

Aedan spoke, "This is what you were talking about last night? Alistairs' birthright is the throne?"

I nodded happily, "Uh-huh."

We encountered Thomas at the gates to Redcliffe Village. After talking with him for a few moments, he led us to the Chantry where all the women and children, and Bann Teagan were. Redcliff looked more like the third game, but still larger than that.

Teagan was actually rather cute for a 39 year old man – brown hair that was styled with a single braid like in the first game, and his eyes were a sparkling honey brown to match. He had a square jaw and if I didn't know he was 39, I'd have guessed late 20s to early 30s.

"It's Thomas, yes? Who are these people with you? They're obviously not simple travelers…" his voice was like cotton candy for the ears – sweet and airy.

"No, my lord, they've only just arrived and I thought you might like to speak with them."

"Good man. Greetings friends; my name is Teagan – Bann of Rainesfere and brother to the Arl."

Alistair stepped up to stand beside me at the front, "I remember you, Bann Teagan. Though last time we met, I was a lot younger and covered in mud."

Morrigan looked like she was about to say something but I shook my head at her. She sighed.

"Covered in… Alistair, my boy; you're alive! This is wonderful news indeed."

I spoke this time, "He is Alive and will stay that way if I have anything to say about it – damn Loghain to the Void for what he's done to the Wardens and Cailan."

Teagan – wanting to focus more on the people who looked like they could fight – spoke more to Alistair and Aedan as the group leads. As the conversation went on, however, the two men seemed to get annoyed. Aedan said, "And this is Arvaala Anderson – a widow of a nobleman in another country. She's actually our best fighter."

Teagan shot me an apologetic look. I shrugged, "Just Ara will do."

"Yes, I hear Eamon is ill?"

"I am… unsure any longer. No one has heard from the Castle in days. No guards patrol the walls and no guards respond to our calls. The attacks started a few nights ago, though Eamon took ill just days before the battle of Ostagar. Evil… things have begun to surge from the castle each night. We've been driving them back, but any perished in the assaults."

"Calm, Teagan – we've come to help. Though I fear I must stipulate that once things are settled here and the Arl is awake we will need troops to help fight the blight." I gave him an apologetic look and he looked relieved.

"My Lady, if you can see us through this and wake the Arl I will pledge everything we can to your cause."

"Tell me who is in charge out there and where they are. I will see to the preparations for tonight."

"Mayor Murdock is just outside the Chantry and Ser Perth is up by the Windmill. Maker bless you, my lady," he said.

I heard Lelis soft giggle and a couple of my companions shuffling in amusement. I looked at Fen, "I want you to stay with Teagan. If he needs us come find us, but otherwise, protect him, okay?" he gave me an affirmative bark and sat next to the Bann. Teagan looked amused at that.

We headed out of the Chantry. I looked at the group and said, "Aedan, Leliana, and Wynne, the three of you go get the blacksmith back up and working – promise him we will find his daughter. Zev and Morrigan, I want the two of you setting traps and wards all around the village. Focus on the Lakes' edge and up on the path past the Windmill. Alistair and Sten, you're both with me."

We all began to go our separate ways.

When we got to Dwyns, I used my magic to simply turn the lock. No key or pick necessary.

The dwarf in question was 4'6 with dark brown hair, stone grey eyes and… tan skin, "Wonderful, intruders. I hope you have a good reason… for…" the man trailed off as he glanced at the Qunari with us.

I smirked and spoke up, "Qunari blades – I'll pay you for it, but Sten is a bit…"

Sten took a menacing step forward, so I placed a gentle hand on his arm. "Now, Sten, I'm sure that this man was just about to give it to us. No need to get… messy," though I was smiling and sounded like I was actually trying to calm Sten down, I saw Dwyn pale, and his thugs gulp.

"I was! Ancestor's balls, give me two seconds…" Dwyn rushed over to a small storage room to the left, returning less than a minute later with the Sword, Stens' Asala.

I gave Dwyn a smile and asked, "You'll also help defend the village, won't you?"

The Dwarf gave Sten another glance before nodding and said, "I'll head out to the square now."

When we got out of the house and Dwyn had already left too, Sten turned to me, "Are you sure you are Saarebas? I would think you are Ashkaari to find 4 lost blades in a country split with not one but two wars."

I chuckled, "Promise me to say good things about me when you get back to Par Vollen after the blight," I winked and he gave a startled cough.

"You speak as though I would do elsewise for one with true honor." Alistair looked between us in confusion.

We then went looking for Bevin.

We reached Kaitlyn's house to look for the lost child – Bevin.

I walked right up to the armoire he was hiding in and called out, "Bevin? Are you in there?"

"How do… how do you know my name?"

"I overheard your sister crying in the Chantry – she's really worried about you. She's worried you might have gotten taken by the monsters or fallen into the lake."

The boy came out of the armoire looking horrified.

"Why were you hiding here, Bevin? It's not very safe." I asked as I knelt to be level with the youth. He looked to be about 8 or 9 with black hair and green eyes.

"I… I know, but I don't want to be in the Chantry. Everybody's scared yet they tell me I shouldn't be. They tell me not to be upset that mother died… I just want to be brave – to help fight them off."

"From in a cupboard?" asked Sten. Bevin flushed and shook his head, "No… I heard you all coming and… not very brave of me is it?"

"That depends on who you ask, Bevin. I think true bravery is as simple as knowing when to turn back and find higher ground. It is the capacity to perform properly even when scared half to death. It's okay to be scared – because fear is wisdom the face of danger. It's smart to know what your capabilities are. If you don't know your enemy, how can you reasonably fight them off? You hiding in the cupboard when you heard us approaching could have saved your life had we been looters or the monsters. Living to fight another day can be just as important as standing your ground."

Alistair nodded, "I'm a Grey Warden, if that helps you to picture how okay it is to be scared witless and still do what needs to be done…"

"You… you're scared?"

He laughed, "Oh, only all the time. But Ara here… she's just so calm in the face of everything that all I have to do is think of her and I know we'll be okay."

I blushed and Sten said, "You tried to assist even knowing that you may not win – that is the heart of a Warrior. That is worthy of respect among the Qun."

Bevin glanced at the giant and his jaw dropped.

"I'll go back to the chantry then… if you think that it's best, miss."

I smiled at him, "What were you doing here, though?"

"Oh… I shouldn't say…" he looked away and I tilted my head to the side before saying, "Are you quite sure? I might be able to help."

"You have helped… well, I… Father said I could have his sword when I grew up – it was grandfathers, you see, and Grandfather was a dragon slayer. I just thought… if I was brave enough, I could use his sword and kill the bad people that took mother."

I gave him a thoughtful look and said, "How about this – I will use this sword of yours in battle against the demons and monsters that threaten us and I will even pay your sister for it. This is a good sword if it was used to combat dragons after all."

"Well… Kaitlyn did say that if we had money, everything would be alright – even now that…" Bevin dug into his pocket and handed me the key. "Make those monsters pay, miss. The Green Blade is in the chest in mothers' room upstairs."

I smiled and he ran off toward the Chantry. We retrieved the blade. Alistair said, "You're really going to use the sword in battle? I know I've been teaching you how to use a sword, but…"

"You think I should let someone else use it? I mean… it's the right size for someone of your stature – I am a bit short for it…"

He chuckled, "I can use it if you really want this blade used in the battle tonight."

I nodded eagerly, "I really do – this blade has a history. It was made by elves more than 200 years ago – hence the style being elven. When it finally passed to Bevins' grandfather, it was used for killing dragons. Using it tonight will prompt Bevin to grow up as a great adventurer – a man who fights for the good of people and defending against evil. He'll brag that the sword was once used by a noble hero to defend Redcliffe against evil monsters summoned to attack the town. If you take the throne, he'll brag that it was the king who used the blade."

Alistair looked stunned, "Just using this blade tonight will push him to be a noble warrior?"

I nodded. "He'll be a good one too – even going so far as to join a group that will help save the world."

"I'll use it then," Alistair said. Sten looked impassive but said, "It is impressive how such a simple act can shape a persons' future. What would happen if we did not use the blade?"

"He becomes a co-owner of a foundry with his sister Kaitlyn. They come to be wealthy and respected and she leaves the foundry to him when she leaves to marry Teagan. But she'll still have that future if I pay her for us using the sword – he just needs the small push to be an adventurer."

Sten nodded firmly, "This is good to know."

We then headed over to the store and I used Magic to have the Barrels of Oil follow behind us. People stopped to stare as I headed toward Aedan.

"Brother! I found oil! Can we use this to burn the dead?" I shouted with glee. Those surrounding us looked more hopeful as I called out.

"Good job, sister! Can you get that oil to Ser Perth near the path to the castle?" I nodded and headed over. After talking to the knight, he seemed much more optimistic about our chances of survival; so did the solders around him.

He gave me a bow and said, "You have my thanks, my Lady!" to which I replied, "Why does everyone call me that?"

He simply grinned as I walked away.

I made sure to pay Kaitlyn when I checked to see if Bevin made it back and then I pointed out Jetta to Aedan – he had grabbed the Lockbox in the Korcari Wilds. She cried.

We then headed out to Murdock.

"So you're the Wardens?"

I shook my head, "They are, but I'm their ring-leader for this here circus – I even have a whip to keep them in shape – it has spikes."

He looked me over, noting my bow, whip, throwing stars and odd clothing before shrugging and saying, "I heard the Wardens all died with the King."

"Yeah, we're ghosts, it seems." I smirked.

Murdock gave a snort, "If it takes a seemingly friendly ghost or two to kill a horde of undead monsters, I'll damn well take it. But you look plenty alive to me."

I winked and said, "Well alive or not, I'm here to help."

"I'm not going to turn away anyone who wants to help. My name's Murdock, mayor of what's left of this village… providing we aren't all killed and hauled off to the castle tonight."

I chuckled, "We'll be fine!"

"I'm glad for your certainty. Well, I heard from the Bann that you're to be in charge tonight. And from what I hear you've done so far, I can't be all that upset. Your men got Owen working the forge again – he was refusing to talk to me just this morning, but now his doors open and he's working. Even drunk he makes it look easy. Then Dwyn came out saying that you convinced him to fight with us – that boosted morale quite a bit. I saw you taking that oil from the store. And that lady of yours was giving herbs over to the Mother in the Chantry… I think… I think we might actually be ready for this. That isn't even mentioning the lady mage setting wards and that one setting traps!"

Leliana had taken to picking Elfroot around the village after she finished her task. "Do we need anything else, Murdock?" I asked.

"No, I don't think we do… but just to be safe, you might want to talk with Ser Perth."

We headed to the Tavern next. I made a bee-line for the pretty red-head.

She looked at me – as the obvious leader of the group – and said, "If you came for a drink, you'll have to talk to Lloyd. He's got a vice grip on the spigots. I'm just here to keep the boys from starting a mutiny."

I chuckled, "I'd actually like information, hun. What do you know about that elf over there?"

She glanced at the elf – he had blonde hair and a bow with a full quiver on his back – and sighed, "Not much, actually. He says his name's Berwick and that he's here to meet his brother, but he's a bit… creepy."

"Well, how has buissness been?"

She actually snorted, "What buissness? Without the castle soldiers, we only have the locals – and they're all in the militia with no money to spend. The few that do have money are over there, but it's not enough to justify working. Lloyd is a greasy pig – if I didn't need this job so badly…"

"Tell me, what does he do?"

"He… he gropes me and pays me next to nothing. It could be worse, I suppose – not like I have many options."

I growled, "Nothing makes harassment acceptable. I'll talk to him."

"Oh, no… that would just make things worse."

"No beautiful woman should be stuck in such a terrible situation." I pouted.

She actually giggled, "Oh… you think I'm pretty, do you?" huh. That option was usually reserved for males…

"Damn right I do. And I'd bet my last sovereign that half my people think you're good looking too."

I then looked at my group, "Show of hands; is she pretty?"

All but Sten raised their hands – even Alistair did, though he looked embarrassed.

"There you go, dear, pretty enough that I'm willing to help you leave this place." I winked. She blushed and I heard Aedan cough.

"You mean… after the fighting's over? I think I'd like that. What would… what would I need to do?"

I smiled, "Not a thing. I hate men who think that it's okay to take advantage of a beautiful woman."

"That's very kind of you… I don't know what to say." I chuckled and waved her off, "Think of it as good fortune." Alistair snorted.

I stalked over to Berwick and said, "Berwick is it?"

"How do you know my name?"

I just smirked, "I hear you're waiting for your brother?"

The elf looked confused, "My what? Oh… yes. He was supposed to meet…"

"I'm going to stop you there – you're a horrible liar."

He gave me a small glare and said, "Look, you're very pretty and all, but I was told to… erm… just leave me alone."

"Not happening. Tell me the truth or I feed you to my pet assassin."

Zev smirked, "With what the crows taught me, he will not last long."

He paled, "The C-Crows?! I mean… please don't hurt me – I'll tell you."

Zev gave a pout as I held a hand up to stop his advance. "Talk then."

"Someone – I'm not entirely sure who he was – paid me to watch the castle and send word about any changes. They never said anything about monsters and that means I haven't actually been able to make any reports. I'm stuck – same as you – I swear."

I shook my head, "You will find a way to get to the roof of the chantry – that's your post tonight. And I want your orders if you have them."

He nodded swiftly and handed me the paper before standing and walking to the door. I sighed in frustration as I handed it to Alistair whose eyes darkened, "This is Loghains hand writing – I know it from maps and battle plans at Ostagar."

I nodded and forced myself to relax as I approached the militia.

One spoke to another, "I can't believe that Lloyd won't give us free ale; a time like this and he's think of his profit?"

The second of the three men spoke, "Did you really expect any different? The bastard has always been cheaper than an Antivan whore."

Zev choked out a laugh, "That is surely cheap indeed!"

The men looked up at us in shock. I giggled as the men tried to apologize for the foul language and waved them off.

"It is kind of outrageous that he expects people who will be fighting to pay. Tell you what, men – you swear to me that it won't make you shit fighters tonight and I'll talk to him."

Snorts abounded, "You kidding, M'lady? We all spar drunk half the time anyway." The one who had yet to speak put in his 2 cents.

I smiled and nodded before heading over to Lloyd. The greasy bastard really smelled terrible and I was suddenly glad that my party only camped near water so we could stay clean.

"Hello there, friend. Can't say I've seen you around before – new to the village?"

I nodded but before I could say anything he plundered on, "Haven't met many travelers lately. All this nonsense is bad for buissness – bet you regret coming."

I took a deep breath to calm myself, "Not at all, friend."

He gave a mocking laugh, "Evil creatures, impending doom, civil war and the Arl dead in his castle – makes you thirsty doesn't it?"

"Okay, that's it – I'm done playing nice to you. Get down to the Chantry – you're fighting tonight."

"But the bann said."

I snarled and Sten took a step forward as I said, "Teagan will defer to the Grey Wardens in this matter. If you had acted decently you would get to stay in here – safe and as vile as you please otherwise."

The man looked at my companions – now all looking variously pissed off. Sten narrowed his eyes at the man – that was what sealed it. He lowered his head and walked away. Bella looked ready to laugh and cry. "Do you plan to fight tonight, m'lady?"

I nodded, "Couldn't stop me, really."

She bit her lip and suddenly kissed me on the cheek. I looked at her in shock and she said, "Thank you – for everything."

I chuckled, "Well, if the reward is a kiss from a lovely lady, I'll have to do this more often."

I heard Aedan talking to Alistair as we made our way back to the Chantry, "So… Arl Eamon raised you?"

"Did I say that? I meant that dogs raised me; Giant, slobbering dogs from the Anderfels. A whole pack of them, in fact."

I snorted and lifted an eyebrow, "Really? That must have been tough for them…"

He laughed, "Well they were flying dogs you see – and devout Andrastian to boot."

I smiled sweetly, "Do you write at least? I bet your mother is a bitch, too." Everyone laughed.

"Alright – you win; I cannot best your rapier wit. What do you want to know, Aedan?"

Aedan shot me a wink and began questioning the Templar.