Chapter Seven

Aim for the Head

For the battle, I had changed into leather pants, a red 'pirate' style top with puffy short off shoulder sleeves, a black leather under-bust corset, and knee-high pirate boots. My hair had a single braid from my right temple that fed into a high pony-tail. I had a sword on my back, daggers at each thigh, arm sheaths full of throwing stars, a whip at the small of my back, and my pack attached between my right dagger and whip.

"What's the plan?" Aedan asked. Sten looked like he was using this to evaluate me; to make a final decision on where I really stood in the hierarchy.

"Aedan, Alistair, Ash, Lelianna and Morrigan, you'll go with the soldiers to the main path to guard from that force. Sten, Wynne, Fen, Zev and I will guard at the lakes for when they come from that way. Those two points are the most vulnerable, not to mention they can be used as choke-points, and we will be able to keep everyone in the chantry safe whilst simultaneously being in the right places to make sure none of those bastards survive to morning. Aim for the skull, set them on fire if possible. Aedan and Sten, you two have lead of the two groups in case something happens," I was pacing as I outlined the plan. Everyone nodded along.

Zev asked me, "Why Sten, Bellisima; why not you leading our group?" He somehow managed to look both serious and seductive.

"Isn't it obvious? Sten has experience leading soldiers in battle. Even if I can strategize, I'm no leader. I'm the one behind everything. I take orders, I don't usually give them; and before you ask Zev, yes, especially in bed." Zev gave me a lazy grin as Alistair went red again.

Sten looked like he was thinking before he nodded, "It is a good plan, Kadan. Though I believe you may actually make a good leader, I agree with your assessment of the where to put the groups and who is in each."

Aedan looked at Sten. It was the most that Sten had said in one go; at least, in front of others. Sten and I had the 'you look like a woman' talk last night and I had flippantly told him, "I am a threat to my enemies and an Ally to my friends. That's all that needs to be known." He had thought for a moment before nodding. He had told me I was worthy of being Kadan, though I'd heard him call me it once or twice, I was touched. Kadan meant 'where the heart lies' after all; meaning he considered me family.

"Wynne, make sure you keep Murdock healed. He's the most vulnerable because he likes to rush to the defense of others; even at the risk of his own life," She nodded, and we all left the tavern to get into position.

As the sun was setting I pulled out a code red soda and began drinking. "What's that, Bellisima?"

I gave a sultry grin, "Liquid sugar. It's pretty much poison; but it's quite addictive. I just needed a bit of caffeine to help me fully stay awake."

"Why would you willingly drink poison?" Zev cried as he snatched it away. I laughed at all the confused faces. "I said pretty much poison. That is to say, that it's not healthy to always drink it, but it's fine on occasion. Go ahead and try it," I gave him a daring smirk.

He still looked skeptical. "Would you try it if I let you drink from my mouth?" I teased as I tried to take the can back from him. He held it away from me and took a sip. His eyes widened and those around us looked like they were holding their breath.

"It… it tastes amazing. Where did you get it?"

"Same place I get everything else, hun. My bag," I giggled as he handed my drink back. I finished it off and tossed the empty can back in my bag.

"Honestly, Zev, this is only my second preferred 'before battle' pick-me-up…" I trailed off with a smirk as he looked curious. "And what is your most preferred method?"

I pressed right up against him, leaning in as he leaned his face down, "Making Love, of course; it really gets the blood flowing." Just before my lips touched his, I pulled back with a wink.

"You do play this game well, Bellisima," Zev smirked and shook his head.

"That, my dear, is probably because everyone plays it where I'm from; even if they don't realize." He nodded.

"You know… my husband used to say either I had the Devils' Luck, or that I had just bummed the Devils' last cigarette and he let it slide…" of course that comment meant I had to explain both Cigarettes and the Devil… Zev thought it was hilarious that I supposedly had the luck of someone who was essentially the Makers opposite. I remembered one time, Alex had pointed to my wrist where I had a four leaf clover tattoo and said 'That! I swear it gave you +1 to bumming the Devil's last Cigarette!' I had laughed at the gamer reference.

That's when the shout came, "Monsters, inbound!"

I made a quick dash forward, giving Zev a light kiss. As I ran to a monster I shouted, "For good luck," with a wink.

I heard Zev laugh as I began throwing my shurikens, separating heads from the walking dead. I was laughing as I dashed forward, sliding along the ground with daggers out, cutting off legs. As I slowed in my sliding I made a jump over a fallen corpse and came down hard on a 'live' on.

I saw Sten chopping zombies in half, from the skull on down. Wynne mostly focused on healing, and Fen would tackle and move so others could take the heads off.

Zev popped up next to me and took the head of a zombie I had taken down. I stood and winked at him before throwing a dagger just to the left of his head; it embedded in the zombie behind him. "You are good luck, Bellisima!" he shouted as he spun low to knock down another zombie.

I smirked and called out, "Well, of course! How else would I end up in such delightful company?" I kicked out behind me, hitting a fresher zombie in the gut, knocking it down.

He laughed, "Good point!"

"Ah, this reminds me of a song from my home land!" I chuckled as I used a sword and dagger to behead a formerly female zombie that had tried to get Zev from behind.

"You'll have to sing it for me later," Zev smirked. I gave him another wink as I ran off toward Murdock. Using one of the barricades as a stepping stone, I jumped into the air and came down hard on a particularly bloated zombie that was about to take Murdock's head. It exploded in a shower of guts and entrails.

I then whirled and grappled with another zombie that had thought to sneak up behind me. My fluid motions knocked it down swiftly and Sten beheaded it. I froze the feet of one zombie that got too close to Wynne before using my whip to rip the head off.

After several hours, I caught sight of one that had snuck past us. I ran full-speed and tackled the undead as it tried to get Wynne. I sat up and finished it off, then stood and looked around.

Our battle was almost over, and unless I missed my guess, the others were too.

When the last one fell, I felt the dawn coming. Aedan and the others came down the hill soon after the sun began to rise over the horizon. I made my way to the chantry door and gave the signaling knock.

When the door opened, and Bann Teagan saw everyone had survived – unfortunately this included Lloyd. This caused a cheer from those inside. I made my way to Kaitlyn, giving her back the now cleaned blade and walking away before she could try and hand any of the money back. I had already told her to keep her eyes out for Teagan in the future… I also paid Bella and got another kiss from her – on the lips this time.

"Can I take a quick nap before storm the Castle?" I yawned, causing a few laughs.

"I don't see why not," Aedan shrugged.

"Good! Now who's gonna snuggle with me?" I asked. Alistair went bright red, and Zev laughed.

"Take your pick, Bellisima! It was your plan that saw us through the night," Zev called out.

"Is that so? Alistair makes a wonderful pillow, so if I get to pick, I think I'll choose him," I gave Alistair a wink. He stammered a bit, but not as much as he used to. I grabbed his arm with a little giggle and dragged him off to the inn.

I stretched after my nap, and decided to kiss Alistair awake – he hadn't reacted badly to the kiss on the cheek.

Imagine my surprise as I was flipped onto my back and Alistair kissed me back. I gasped and my arms went around his neck. I moaned as he deepened the kiss, one of his hands resting on my hip and the other holding him up. My moan seemed to startle him.

When he pulled back, I saw the confusion on his face, "What… what just happened?"

He was still above me, so I wound my arms around his shoulders. "Are you telling me that you were still mostly asleep for that? Alistair, my dear, just what were you dreaming about?" I giggled as he blushed.

"I'm sorry… for that…" he started. I rolled my eyes and pushed him back down, straddling him. "Alistair, if I had been upset, I would have pushed you away. As it stands, all you did was make me want more," I leaned in and gave him another kiss before getting out of bed.

"W-what… I mean… but I…"

"To be fair – I started it. I was trying to wake you up. I know you… I mean after last time, I told myself I wouldn't force my attentions on you… I'm sorry."

He looked stunned, "What do you mean?"

"Well, last time I kissed you, you avoided me for weeks. I value our friendship and don't want to risk losing it. If I ever cross a line, you only need to say so."

I then made my escape before he could say anything more. I felt bad enough that I had done that to begin with – and then I had gone and teased him? What was I thinking? Why did I feel so… attatched to him? And now I was running before he could rebuke me – like a coward.

When we got downstairs and everyone saw Alistairs still red face, Zev grinned at me. "And what did you do with our handsome warden this time, Bellisima?"

I cleared my throat and grinned, "This time it was him – I'm innocent."

"I said I was sorry!" Alistair cried out, causing startled looks all around. Even Zev looked like he couldn't believe it.

"And I said you didn't need to be sorry, darling. That was one hell of a kiss, and I would just love a repeat," I winked. He pouted and I was more than glade he didn't call me out for my earlier words.

"You know, if you hadn't confirmed it Ara, I would never have believed that Alistair is a prince. He's just too innocent," Aedan commented, getting many nods in agreement.

I hugged Alistair, who was still pouting, and said, "I'm working on that." Alistair coughed and finally spoke. "You are so mean to me."

"Well, darling, like I told you the other night, it isn't teasing if you plan to follow through," I chuckled as Zev's face lit up and he cried, "What a wonderful saying! I must use that sometime." I had heard him explaining the Devils' Luck thing as we came down the stairs, and I just knew I would catch Hell for it later… Pun intended.

"Maybe I should say yes, just to spite you," Alistair muttered lowly so only I heard it.

I laughed loudly and said, "As good a reason as any, love. Spite is life's best motivator, after all."

I really would take almost any reason to be with him at the moment.

Sten looked thoughtful at that, but everyone else seemed to wondering what Alistair had said.

"Let's go clear the Castle," Alistair sulked.

Lelianna was walking next to me with a smirk, "Just what did he do?"

"I went to wake him with a peck on the lips; it turned into him over me as he kissed me like he fucking meant it. I'm very tempted to try it again to see if I can get repeat results."

Of course the whole group was listening. Aedan glared at Alistair as the latter cried out, "What?"

"Though to be fair, it seems he was still mostly asleep when he started kissing me back…" my words were met with stunned silence. Zev was the one to voice it, "You are saying that Alistair, a man so innocent it hurts, kissed you like a man in love whilst he was asleep?"

"I never said anything about love, Zev; but that's correct. Honestly, it was almost as good as the kiss with Cullen. I'm beginning to wonder if it's a Templar thing…" I said as though contemplating the possibility.

Leliana lifted an eyebrow, "Only almost?"

"Well, with Cullen… what can I say? I love the feeling of stubble," I said with a light blush.

"Oooh, so you can be embarrassed!" Leli cried out as we reached the Windmill.

"Try me, Leli… I dare you," I narrowed my eyes and smirked. My words had the desired effect of taking all attention from Alistair. Aedan looked like he was about to step between us.

"And if I said 'what could you do'?" she challenged.

Before anyone could stop me, I took Lelis face in my hands and kissed her. She had stiffened but she did kiss me back… and when I pulled away she was wide eyed.

Aedan was looking at me jealously and Zev looked like this was a fantasy come true.

"Let's see… since coming to Thedas, I have kissed Cullen, Zev, Alistair, Bella and now Leli. For someone who hasn't even been here 3 months, that's somewhat impressive," I smirked.

"When did you kiss the Assassin?" Alistair cried as Aedan looked stunned.

"Huh? Oh, I got a good luck kiss before the fighting started at the docks," I said absent mindedly as Teagan approached us.

Teagan looked at me, "Odd how quiet the castle looks from here – you would think no one was inside at all… but I shouldn't delay things further. I had a plan – enter the castle after the village was secured. There is a secret passage here in the mill – accessible only to someone with my family's signet ring. Perhaps I should have gone in sooner, but I could not leave the villagers… Makers' Breath!" he exclaimed and pointed behind us. I glanced at the woman running toward us.

Arlessa Isolde was 5'7 with lovely blond hair running in waves to her waist. She looked as though she'd been in a bit of a scuffle as her appearance was harried and tears marked her cheeks. Her eyes were a lovely shade of blue and her skin flawless. She approached alone.

"Teagan; thank the Maker you live!" her Orlesian accent wasn't as… pronounced as in the game – likely a result of living in Ferelden for almost a decade.

"Isolde; you're alive! How did you… what has happened?" Teagan asked.

"I do not have much time to explain. I slipped away from the castle as soon as I saw the battle was over. I must return quickly… and while this sounds horrid of me, I need you to come with me, Teagan." Huh… she sounded more reasonable than I would have thought.

Aedan sighed, "Careful, this could be a trap."

"What… who are these people, Teagan?"

Alistair flinched and moved to my side, "You remember me, Lady Isolde?"

"Alistair? Why are… why are you here?" she didn't sound mad… just terrified. I spoke, drawing all eyes, "Arlessa, my name is Arvaala – Ara to most people. I am currently leading the last detachment of Ferelden Grey Wardens to end the blight. We helped to save the town last night."

She froze before dipping a curtsy in my direction, "Forgive me for not greeting you. You have my thanks for your help last night."

"Think nothing of it, Arlessa. I would do the same twice over at least. For now, what can you tell us about the situation here?"

She nodded swiftly and said, "I know you need an explanation, but I… don't know what is safe to tell. There is a terrible evil within the Castle. The dead waken and hunt the living. The family crypt was completely emptied to start this. The mage responsible was caught, but still this continues. And I think Connor is going mad. We have survived but he won't flee though he's seen so much death. Please, Teagan – you are his Uncle… maybe you could make him see reason where I have failed."

She was sobbing as I patted her back. I had been so determined not to like the woman who treated Alistair like a saddle sore…

Though, Alistair looked stunned at her outburst so maybe it was a case of people changing with time.

I looked at Teagan, "Make your choice, Lord Teagan."

He looked hesitant but nodded, "The king is dead and we need my brother now more than ever – I will return to the castle with you, Isolde. Let me give my farewells and we will be on our way."

"Bless you, Teagan… thank you!" she sobbed as she moved aside to wait while he spoke softly with us.

"I get the feeling there is more going on, here, but I cannot let Isolde return alone. Perhaps I can help them or perhaps this is a trap, but this is my family and I must try. I have no illusions of being enough to fight this evil alone, however and you have proved quite formidable. Here is what I propose – I go in with Isolde and you use the secret passage. At worst I can at least distract whatever the evil is and increase your chances of getting in undetected. What say you?"

I nodded, "It's a good plan – regardless of the fact it makes you out to be bait."

He chuckled darkly and said, "It's for the best. I prefer to go in with you, but if I can be of use otherwise, then so be it. Ser Perth and his men will watch the gates – if you're able to open them, I'm sure they'll be able to help you secure the castle. Here is my ring – it will open the door to the passage in the mill. Whatever you do, Eamon is to be the priority. If you have to, just get him out of there. Isolde and I… anyone else is expendable. I can delay no longer, good luck." He walked off and I sighed.

When Teagan left with her, I started mimicking her in an exaggerated voice, causing the group to stare at me.

"What?" I snipped. "Is there a reason you don't seem to like the Arlessa?" Aedan asked amused.

"Yeah; I don't like anyone who's that style of bitch. Sending a child that they were supposed to care for to the Chantry because she didn't like him? If I didn't hate killing live people so much, I'd opt for her death," I fumed. They all looked at me stunned. I'd had a vision of her being a royal bitch to me and Alistair sometime in the near future. She hadn't changed at all – she just cared more for her son than her pride.

"So wait; am I to understand that you don't like her… because of me?" Alistair asked.

"Oh there are many reasons I hate the bitch, but that's just the main one," I replied, raking a hand through my hair – I had pulled it out of its pony tail and braid and left it loose.

Alistair looked touched, but that's when we herd Jowan shouting in fear.

After speaking with Jowan, I told my group to let him out of the cage.

"Are you sure? He admits to poisoning the Arl," Aedan asked, but Zev was already picking the lock.

"Of course; Jowan will help get any survivors to safety before joining us in the Main hall. At that point, everything will come to head, so to speak."

Jowan was nodding along with me. "I thank you for your faith in me."

"Don't thank me – prove me right."

He nodded and followed us from a distance.

When we found Valena, the smiths' daughter, we sent her back through the tunnel. I caught sight of Jowan leading her out.

When we finished making our way to the Main Hall, I was feeling a bit faint. I knew it was because I hadn't eaten since before the battle last night, and I was really regretting it.

Connor had his mother's eyes, and his hair was wheat colored brownish gold, he was already about as tall as an adult dwarf, so I knew I was right in his estimated age or 9 or 10. His voice was too high to have hit puberty yet.

When it was decided that we would be going to the circle, I used my magic to ward Connors room so that the he would be stuck there, but still able to receive meals. Knowing I didn't have much longer, I also used my magic to change into shorts and a tank top with no weapons.

Unfortunately, that pushed me over the edge and I passed out.