Chapter Twenty

Return to Redcliffe – NSFW

The night before we returned to Redcliffe, I had made up my mind. I was going to seduce my husband. I had lost our child two weeks ago, yes – but… I hadn't known and… Thedas was a fast-paced world too.

Knowing I was 'healed', a form of birth control would be needed for anytime I slept with Alistair from this point going forward… until the day he and I could have children.

I figured I could just use Plan B or the… herbal tea that women in Thedas use to prevent pregnancies. I had talked with Morrigan about those teas – I had also talked to Wynne. Apparently, you drink the tea either the night of or the morning after to almost completely nullify the chance of pregnancy. Like, damn… Thedas was boss at birth control.

The tea was most effective if you drank it before having sex. It had a 98% success rate then – only dropping 3% if you took the tea after. In other words… spontaneous sex had a higher chance of pregnancy in Thedas.

Since I didn't have periods anymore, I could track my ovulation anymore… so I would need to drink the tea every time I had fun, because I had of way of knowing when I would be most fertile or least fertile.

I was planning while I cooked – I was making spinach soup. I used actual spinach for the recipe rather than Kale. Screw kale – the leafy green tasted like depression and vomit. Besides, this kitchen was far too nice to be used on rabbit food.

Leliana asked, "It's been a few days… will you sing us again?"

I frowned, "Not tonight… but if you take over the soup, I will play a song on the Violin. It never had lyrics to begin with, so…"

She nodded excitedly so I pulled out a violin that was sleek and stylish – mostly an outline with strings. Leliana looked fascinated by it, but it was what I had played when I was in collage – peddling for tips in public so that I had spending money for extra books.

I also had a few other instruments for the background of the song. I played Lindsey Stirlings' 'The Arena' – and yes I danced while I played. Lindsey was a role model for me as a Violinist. I adored her music and style of playing.

When the song ended, Alistair was the one to clap the loudest – but Leliana was the one to exclaim, "That was amazing! I've never seen someone dance while they played an instrument – no bard or minstrel that I know of at any rate."

"That's probably because it throws off the rhythm of someone playing most times. It takes a lot of practice to do something like that. The woman I was mimicking was… famous for her use of dance while playing the Violin. It was her song I just played too – so I wanted to dance in tribute."

"Can you do another? It was so beautiful… please? I will… um… oh – I will teach you the lute!"

I had wanted to play the lute… "Alright – you got me. This one is called Roundtable Rival – same artist."

As I played, and I danced, I added my wings to the mix – somehow balancing myself better with them. I could see Wynne watching with something akin to parental pride – and that made me happy.

I added magic to the mix as the song progressed – mostly just filling the air with sparkles. When I finished, I went to sit beside Alistair – and he pulled me into his lap while Leliana served the soup. I smiled up at him.

Morrigan said, "Why did you learn to do that?"

"Half my ambition was the hope of losing weight through enjoyable exercise. That failed. The other half of it was that Lindsey Stirling – the original artist – was sort of someone I looked up to as a violinist. I even learned to dance while playing the guitar. She did pair up with other artists at other points so some of the songs do have lyrics. During those songs, I don't usually dance so that I can sing – I am multi-talented, but I just can't sing wile I dance and play the violin because it takes too much air… though I can manage it on occation when I want better tips."

Aedan broke in, "Tips?"

"I used to play in market squares while I was in my schooling so that I could earn coin for my book obsession. Playing for tips. I'd put a hat or my instrument case on the ground for people to toss coin into while I played. I may not be the prettiest, but I am talented."

I moved out of Alistairs' lap to sit at his feet while I ate; I also pulled out Lemon Pepper – my favorite seasoning for this soup. Alistair looked intrigued as I added it so I let him try a bite of mine. He liked it – there were very few foods Alistair didn't like, I had learned. A good trait for a Warden.

Sten said, "This was profitable?"

"The more talented you were, the more tips you made. In the right area, playing the right songs… I could bring in the equivalent of 30 to 50 silvers a day. In American money, that was 50-100 dollars – to put that in perspective, my husband was making 500 a week by the time I died. That equals to about… 250 or 300 Silvers in my estimation."

"And… that wasn't considered rich?" Zevran looked in disbelief. I shook my head, "No – not with the expense of diapers, food, washing items and so on. The cost of living meant that we pretty much broke even on his paychecks. My books were what allowed us to buy luxury items. We lived in an expensive area – and with the way things had been, we couldn't afford to move to a less expensive area unless my books became famous and sold really well. My hobbies brought in a little money – the soap, candles, tea blends and such – but since it was mostly friends, I just sold them the stuff 'at cost'. Meaning, I only charged them what it cost to buy the materials."

"You were a good friend," Aedan commented.

"I'm empathetic – I feel the emotions of people around me and that means I try to make them feel better. If making them a few baubles will do that, then I'm gonna make some baubles."

"Did you ever make baubles for yourself?" Alistair asked. I flushed bright red, "I… maybe…"

Leliana gleefully asked, "What did you make?"

"I may have an obsession with tiny things – I collected them and used them. I'd use tasting cutlery on normal food, tea cups for regular drinks, tasting plates for food… I'd even go so far as to make the tiny dishes if I couldn't buy them. I think it started out as me trying to ration what I ate so I could lose weight but… then I just sort of… fell in love with tiny things. I wasn't the only one! Most people were obsessed with miniature things. Usually it was artwork – like little boxes with their own tiny world in them. Or people making food no bigger than your thumbnail on a kitchen set no bigger than your palm – it was even edible food. According to some experts, people like minis because it gives the 'illusion of control'. Other people see it as an economic thing – using smaller items cuts down on costs. Some people even lie in tiny houses – they just get creative with item placement…"

Alistair smiled, "You're obsessed with tiny things?"

"… You haven't noticed that all the silverware I use is smaller than anyone elses? I also use a tea cup no matter what I'm drinking."

"I thought it was just because of the adorable designs on them," he chuckled. I shrugged, "That's part of it – but I like tiny things."

Zevran made the joke, "So is our Templar tiny too?"

Alistair glared but I said, "No – he'd perfectly proportional. Actually, come to think of it, he's larger than any lover I've ever had. Larger than Alex by two inches and a bit thicker too…"

Alistair was red now – he hadn't actually expected me to answer. Zevran said, "Is that so? And how… large was your previous husband?"

"7 inches in length," I hummed around a mouthful of soup.

The whole living room seemed to quiet. Aedan said, "So… Alistair is… I didn't need to know this but damn."

"I… is it bad?" Alistair muttered.

Leliana giggled, "The average is said to be 7 or 8 for human men, Alistair."

Zevran nodded, "Elves have an average of 6-7 inches. I hear Dwarves are 5-6."

I glanced at Sten, "What's the average in the Qun?"

He thought for a minute, "I am unaware of the average – I can only speak to my own size. I match the warrior."

I nodded, "Are you average height in the Qun?"

"I have been told I am 4 inches shorter than average height but that I was properly sized in all areas."

"So the average for Qunari is likely 9-10 inches if you are 'properly sized'."

Alistair was looking rather proud at the moment – not that most could tell past all the red. I finished my food and moved to put my bowl in the dishwasher; Alistair had finished too so I'd taken his bowl as well.

Sten shrugged, "That is likely."

I looked at Zevran, "Turnabout is fair play, Crow – tell us yours."

He blinked but gave me a sultry look, "7 and a half."

Alistair grumbled, "Why even ask?"

"Because it makes you jealous," I said sweetly. Zevran sniggered at that and Alistair stood, "Come on – let's go to bed."

Once we were in our room, he said, "Why do you want to make me jealous?"

"Because… I… I need you," I whispered. He froze, "Are… are you sure?"

"Yes – I had this whole damn seduction planned. I told you I'm mildly addicted to sex. Yes I suffered a miscarriage, but before then I hadn't known I was with child. Yes, it hurt that I… lost our child, and it will hurt for a while, but I know that things work as they should. If it wasn't meant to be just yet, then it wasn't going to happen. Fate will always find its way. If I hadn't been body-checked by that ogre, perhaps I would have had a still birth. Or worse yet, the child could have lived and died only months later… there is nothing wrong with trusting that the Gods have plans for us all, and at this point, it's been several weeks."

He pulled me into him, and cupped my cheek as he leaned in. His lips softly brushed mine before he slowly kissed me harder. My hand came up to his chest. "I love you, Ara. I only wanted to be sure you were ready."

Before I could realize what was happening, I was backed up against the bed. He and I made swift work of our clothes. I turned us so that his back faced the bed.

He growled low in his throat as my free hand gripped his length and the hand on his chest pushed him back. He allowed it, his head landing on our pillows as I leaned forward and kissed him.

He let out a groan when I gave his member a gentle squeeze, my mouth moving from his lips to his jaw. I nipped softly at his neck before lavishing his chest with kisses and licks. "Ara…" his voice was rough and ragged by the time I reached his belly. His hand worked its way into my loose hair. I felt his hand clench, pulling my hair, when I allowed my tongue to dart out and lick the tip of his cock.

He hissed a breath. I made sure that my movements were torturously slow as I put my mouth around the tip, my right hand gently massaging his balls and my left on his thigh to keep me steady. I managed to get all the way to the base of his length before his hand clenched in my hair again.

I worked my tongue along his shaft while moving my head up and down, my eyes staring into his. When his head fell back and his hips jerked, I sped up just a little. "Ara… please, my love," he begged. I knew what he wanted, but purposely 'misunderstood'.

I allowed my teeth to very softly graze against him as I began moving faster. The resulting sound that came from his throat had me burning in desire.

His hand yanked at my hard – if he hadn't had a grip on so much of it that might have hurt. Instead, it felt good – I liked it.

I moaned as he kissed me, letting go of my hair and flipping me so I was on my back.

"No fair… I only just got started," I panted with a pout.

"Maybe I want a turn?" he gave me a wicked smirk before giving me the same slow, torturous treatment I had giving him. I whimpered when I felt his forefinger slowly enter me as his breath was hot against my slit. So evil… he never let me go for long on him.

"Alistair…" I moaned when his tongue started softly lapping at my clit.

I gasped when I felt his tongue slide in alongside his finger. "Oh Goddess…"

He got only slightly faster when my hands tangled in his hair… before he sucked my clit into his mouth. Fuck!

I felt him nip at it, causing my hips to thrust toward him.

"Alistair! Please, oh please… I need you," I was gasping and I couldn't stop my hips from thrusting as I pulled on his hair. Rather than acknowledge my pleas, he continued to slide his finger in and out of me while slowly kissing his way up my body.

He stopped at my chest, nipping each of my nipples before continuing his slow path to my neck. I was gasping by the time he bit into my neck.

"Alistair!" I shouted as my orgasm washed over me, causing my body to spasm uncontrollably.

I was still mid peak when he slowly positioned himself above me, one leg between mine, the other not between.

I cried out as he thrust roughly into me, the position meaning he hit a sweet spot with each thrust. It prolonged my orgasm – causing aftershocks that felt like fresh orgasms with their intensity.

"Alistair… yes," I panted, my nails digging into his back. I raised my head up and bit into his neck, causing him to growl. I felt a thrill of desire shoot through me knowing I caused that sound to rip from his chest.

"Ara… Makers Breath, Love… I've missed this, missed you. I love you," he groaned by my ear as his thrusts increased in speed.

I whimpered, lifting the leg not trapped beneath him to curl around his waist.

He angled his hips, causing him to go deeper while moving against my clit. I knew I was crying out, knew I was screaming even, but I felt slightly disconnected. I would have sworn I was having an out of body experience were it not for the fact that I could feel my second orgasm approach.

I knew he was getting close as his thrusts became harder, more uncoordinated… I felt my nails latch firmly into his shoulders as tears slipped from my eyes at the intensity of my feelings.

I was so close, I could feel it, but something kept me from going over the edge. I heard myself beg, but it was in that odd language that I never really identified.

Alistair roared as he spilled himself in me, causing me to finally have mine. I was crying out his name – more than glad that I'd been drinking tea at dinner. When he collapsed next to me, I snuggled deeper into his arms.

"I love you, Alistair. I'd say 'Marry me', but you already have."

"Eventually nothing will stop us from having a Chantry wedding… if you want."

I smiled hearing the satisfaction in his voice, "One could hope. Aedan might have been a little pacified at least. And Fergus if he even cares that they're adopting me…"

"He will. Honestly, he may even treat you as more of a daughter than a sister from what I learned of him back at Ostagar."

I yawned and cuddled closer, my head on his chest and his arms around me. It would be a good night.

The next day brought us to Redcliffe… Isolde looked like she was sucking lemons, Teagan looked amused at my relationship with Alistair and hours later when Eamon was walking around… well I never did like the man after I found out he hid Goldannas surviving Children after the Blight knowing that Alistair thought they were his family.

Arl Eamon was only 5'8, his hair was silver and hug just past his ears from his time being bed-ridden, his eyes were blue like Connors and I would swear this man was older than my grandfather… maybe it was just that he'd been ill, but he had to use a walking staff to get around.

"My Lady, how wonderful to see you again," Teagan had come up to kiss my hand.

"And you, Lord Teagan," I curtsied.

Eamon had been thrown for a loop with how Teagan – and even Isolde at this point – addressed me. Isolde had no choice after Aedan confirmed having met my husband and saying he was a Teyrn. She had held out until then.

Eamon questioned me, "Teyrna Anderson?"

I nodded, "The title was similar enough."

"… And you sell soap?"

"I even suckered 124 Sovereigns from Loghain."

Teagan barked a laugh, "You made him pay for your war efforts?"

"Yes; after I made a sizable sale to the Pearl, I pretended to be a snooty noble and sold 40 sovereigns worth of soap and perfume to him, Anora and Howe. Then I got another 80 from him for giving him useless information on the Wardens. I had told him that they were looking for the Urn and how they were quite focused on it – this put him in the mindset that the Wardens wouldn't be an issue at the moment. I told him that without the Urn, Arl Eamon would never wake up; so he also believes that Eamon isn't an issue at the moment. And he also thinks that the Circle was almost completely decimated because I said that the Wardens should have shown up sooner if they wanted mage allies."

Aedan sniggered, "Loghain believes we are so far behind him at this point that he won't bother us until word of the Landsmeet gets out."

Eamon zeroed in on that, "Landsmeet?"

I nodded, "That's your plan, isn't it? Put Alistair forward as heir to the throne?"

"… How did you know?" Eamons' eye narrowed.

"It's the only logical solution to this mess. Alistair told us who his father was when we came to save Redcliffe. Bastard or not, he's still a better choice than a traitors' daughter."

Surprise lit Eamons' face, "That… is true. As for Loghain… There is no telling what he will do once he learns of my recovery."

Everyone looked at me so I sighed, "Loghain will instantly spread a rumor that Arl Eamons' illness left him unfit."

Teagan spoke, "How do you know this for certain?"

"I'm… I can… see the future; unfortunately. I ask that you not tell anyone about it as I would prefer to stay as anonymous as possible in the coming decade."

"Then answer me this – why did Loghain abandon Cailan?" Eamon asked – face a mask of harsh curiosity.

"He learned Cailan was going to put aside Anora – at your insistence – and was talking with Orlais. Honestly, I think he would have done much worse if he'd known that the woman he was considering taking as his new wife was Empress Celine and that the two were rather… friendly in their communications."

Alistair hissed a breath but said nothing. Eamons' eyes widened, "You jest! He wouldn't… not with Celine!"

I snorted, "I can get you proof before the Landsmeet that it was the Empress of Orlais he was in talks with and that they were very friendly."

"But then… if he didn't know who… Loghain wasn't one for shows of power before…" Eamon muttered.

Teagan stepped in again, "I was there when he announced he was taking control of the throne, Eamon. He is mad with ambition, I tell you."

Eamon took a deep breath, "Mad indeed – mad enough to kill Cailan, attempt to kill me and destroy our lands. Whatever happened to him, Loghain must be stopped. What's more, we can scarce afford to fight this war to its bitter end."

I gave a nod, "That is true – hence the need for the Landsmeet and putting forward Alistair as the rightful heir."

"And what about you? Surely you know Elves are not as welcomed here as they seemed to be in your homeland – you wouldn't be allowed the crown when he ascends," Eamon stated bluntly.

Teagan hissed, "Manners, brother!"

"It's okay, Teagan. I don't intend to ask for the crown, Arl Eamon. I will be satisfied as his mistress. I've already told him that he should marry a woman who can take the throne at his side."

Both brothers looked stunned. Eamon looked at Alistair, "She did?"

He nodded, "She has pushed me in that direction, yes. She is also the one that taught me courtly procedures, how to properly tell a noble to stick it and make them smile about it, and even some of my own family history. Before Ara… I never wanted the throne. But as it stands now, I think I could do some good with it. I think I might be ready to try."

I injected, "And Anora can be kept around as his heir for the time being until he has a legitimate heir of his own. I mean… if she doesn't swear fealty, she might need to be locked up but otherwise, I don't see any harm in letting her live."

"Why not have Alistair marry Anora – it would stabilize the throne…" Eamon was watching me to see if that would make me jealous.

"I considered that, actually. That plan was ultimately thrown out after two separate visions of her betraying us. She is her fathers' daughter; if we don't do things just right we lose a lot of support from her lies in the Landsmeet. I don't intend to let her keep the throne unless she marries Alistair and I don't think she'll agree after her father is killed for his crimes. But you know what – if she marries Alistair then sure, she can stay queen. But you need to remember that he would have to agree too."

"I admit… you look fiercely protective of him so I thought you may get jealous… my asking was more of a test of your dedication to the throne. Most noble women wouldn't want to be mistresses. I am impressed with your candor and practicality."

Alistair snorted, "If I could marry her then I would – but the Landsmeet wouldn't accept her as my queen without a Divine Intervention. We all know that. We also know that it isn't likely for the Divine to step in. Do you know how hard I worked just to get her to agree to stay with me past the Landsmeet? As it is, she still believes it would be better for her to live in another city so as not to stir trouble. She also wouldn't agree to let me buy her a home until I told her I wanted to do something for her. If she were only with me for the throne, Eamon, she wouldn't have made those choices."

Surprise colored Teagan and Isoldes' faces at the confession. I flushed but kept my chin up, "My living in Kirkwall is mostly for other reasons, but it is true that there would be fewer issues than if I lived in Denerim. We all know Alistair would never let me live outside the palace if I lived in Denerim – and the nobles just wouldn't like that at all. Most kings don't flaunt their mistress. Maric surely didn't. This arrangement will mean we see each other less often, yes – but it will also allow for him to foster feelings with potential Queen Candidates. Everything I do… I do for a brighter future."

Eamon nodded, "That… is good to know."

Alistair said, "I think that this meeting could be adjourned now – I know the main purpose was to tell me you planned to put me forward ad interrogate Ara about her background. If you have further questions, ask Aedan – he pretty much adopted her. But it's late so…"

Teagan nodded, "Yes – sleep would do us all some good. Thank you again for seeking out the Urn."

I nodded and Alistair led me off.

The next day held a banquet to celebrate Eamons recovery. Using Magic, I dressed us all. Lelianna wore a sparkling purple ball gown with a sweetheart neckline and silver belt. Aedan was wearing a White suit with Purple shirt and grey tie, the flower on his lapel was a purple tulip.

I wore a black halter-style dress that stopped at my knees and left my back bare, and had a deep crimson waist cincher belt. I added thigh-high black boots that had red ribbon décor, makeup, and put my hair up in a ponytail and made it corkscrew curly while leaving one strand out. Alistair matched me with a black suit and red tie with Rose on his lapel.

Wynne was put into a light blue sundress and her hair was done in her usual style, I matched her with Zev who wore a light blue suit, white shirt and ocean blue tie.

Fen wore a black and white doggy tux; Ash wore a white doggy dress.

Sten was now in Shiny silver armor – he refused to wear monkey suits – and Shale had spirit crystals.

Morrigan wore her signature Deep Purple as a halter dress that dipped to the navel and faded to black at the bottom. Her shoulders had feathered pieces that also decorated down to her hips. She didn't say anything and I took that to mean she liked it.

I had set up instruments and had them set up to play themselves – though I did recruit half the group to pretend to play them since I knew the magic was unique enough that Eamon would turn my ass in.

"What song will you grace us with My Lady?" Teagan asked.

"Oh you'll see, my Lord. I wouldn't want to ruin the surprise that I've set up over the last week." I gave him a brilliant smile.

I had also created a platform in the main hall for us to perform on. While I didn't like Eamon, I needed to make a good impression… so no matter how much I wanted to do 'Devil went down to Georgia' that wasn't gonna happen.

I decided to do Hallelujah – I also sang Santana's Smooth with Aedan, and had Aedan sing My Way by Frank Sinatra on his own.

Everyone seemed to like the songs well enough. I had already known Smooth would be a crowd pleaser – I had sang it the night we… cleared the peak.

"Well, My Lady, you do know some interesting songs. I've never heard anything like them," Teagan commented as Alistair helped me into my seat for dinner.

I smiled, knowing that Eamon and Isolde were trying very hard to appear civil though neither liked me.

"Thank you, My Lord. I do hope you enjoyed them."

The rest of the night passed with snide remarks from Isolde and Eamon, but Eamon was much better at hiding it. I was a little upset that Eamon was like this after knowing how practical I had been about everything. Plus it sort of hurt that the man Alistair had thought of as a father didn't like me in particular.

By the time we all called it a night – we were leaving for Orzammar in the morning – even Alistair had his patience wearing thin. I hadn't wanted to but… his puppy eyes made me tell him exactly why I didn't like Eamon. Alistair had felt betrayed by Eamon learning that the Arl would hide Goldannas kids in an Orlesian orphanage. Damn those puppy eyes.