Chapter Twenty-Three

Prince Bhelen

The next morning, I woke at dawn – like always – and was waking Alistair when there was a knock at the door. I answered it.

Eadrek was smiling, "A runner came by – the Shaper will see you when you're ready."

Alistair pouted as I closed the door to get dressed, "Shame that – I was hoping we could have more fun…"

I smirked, "Like last night? That was fun…"

He chuckled, "I suppose I should get dressed too then…"

We got to the Shaperate an hour later.

Czibor and three others sat in the office. The older man was smiling kindly at me, "I admit, the choice was going against purchasing from you… your win in the Provings swayed the vote."

I blinked, "Oh… I was sure you'd have already voted by the time we entered the Provings."

The only female Shaper in the room nodded, "We had, actually. A revote was called after your win. As I'm sure you were told, Champions of the Provings are considered to have the Ancestors' blessing. The fact that the Proving was completely valid – no magic on your part – swayed the vote to be unanimous in favor of buying your designs and recipes."

Alistair – in the absence of my 'manager' – spoke up, "Which ones?"

Czibor spoke first, "3 of the oil, perfume, and soap recipes – Brewmaster, War Torn and River Rain – the Penicillin, the Compass and 4 of these tea blends. We decided against the generator, lighting and cooling units – for the time being. In the future, we may reconsider; but at this time, we believe that it isn't wise."

One of the two other males said, "Having said that, we've come to a pricing agreement based on the prices you listed as per unit on each. For all of it, we're willing to pay 1600 Sovereigns."

Alistair spoke, "It's all worth more than that…"

I shook my head, "Actually, River Rain being the cheapest, the tea blends listed here being the more mundane ones, and my thoughts on medical issues, this is a generous price, Alistair. I will accept it."

The female looked surprised, "I admit to being startled – most people try to up the price; like your husband here."

"Honestly, I've already made enough to set me for life. This more than doubles the amount I've already made – putting my total earnings at 2800 if I round down. And all but this sale was nothing more than soap recipes or bottle units."

The woman smiled brightly, "You have a gift then."

I shrugged, "Would you believe that making soap, oil, tea and perfume started out as no more than a hobby? As to the Penicillin, that could have been discovered by letting bread mold and noticing that the mold killed bacteria – that's how it was discovered in my homelands. The compass was discovered by leaves, bits of metal and water."

I was pulling out the books and recipes they requested as I spoke. Czibor chuckled, "How did you learn so much?"

"As I've said – I had a love of reading and lived in a land with more advanced knowledge. I was just barely too tall to be considered a Dwarf there too. Now I look like an elf," I smiled.

The male who had kept his silence looked coolly at me, "You think this is funny?"

"No… have I offended? I didn't mean to; I apologize." I flushed and quieted down.

Czibor glared at the man, "Ignore him – he hates the thought of accepting knowledge from topsiders, but respects tradition too much to overlook the Ancestors' blessings. He doesn't seem to understand that knowledge can come from everywhere."

I flushed, "I guess I should keep my knowledge of the Titans' to myself then…"

They all froze, "What…? The titans are a myth." The woman said softly.

I shook my head, "N-no… they aren't. I know the location of at least one living titan. It's been asleep since -1170; during the rule of King Orseck Garal. The titans are said to have sculpted the world, and the earthquakes may be their method of reshaping Thedas. The titans consider dwarves their 'children'. Eventually something caused the titans to fall. The rest of the information, I will keep to myself for now."

Alistair looked a little pale, "Well… knowing you can't tell a lie is sort of freaking me out right now."

I shrugged as the chest of golden coin was handed to me. The woman said, "We need to discuss this… thank you, Lady Ara."

We headed out and ran into Vartag who smiled, "I guess I'm just in time. Bhelen has been hearing about you since yesterday – entering the Provings in his name was a nice touch. He wants to meet you."

I held up one finger and knelt down to begin pouring the gold coins into the front pocket of my bag – the one that had never ending space but things didn't vanish into. Vartag watched with stunned curiosity.

"Where did you get…?"

Alistair snorted as I asked, "The bag or the money?" I gave a smile as I handed the now empty chest to a passing Shaperate employee. He said, "Both?"

"The bag was a gift of some kind – I had it when I awoke with no memories of this world. I know only what I learned in my past life or through visions. The coin was from the Shaperate – I sold them a few recipes and inventions."

"A-ah… that the Shaperate bought those ideas… were you a dwarf, you'd be up for paragon nomination."

I shrugged, "I'm a dwarf in spirit," I said in jest.

He laughed, "Maybe so. Come on – let's go see Bhelen."

We were led to the Palace – and I had to admit to being slightly impressed with the building. I didn't show it, but I was impressed.

Alistair, on the other hand, was gaping at everything. He was showing his inexperience with nice things. I heard one person whispering about how it showed that I was a noble by the way I disregarded all the nice things.

Bhelen was 4'6 with dark blonde hair, grey-blue eyes and a very elaborate beard. I sat across from him without waiting for him to say anything. Alistair followed my lead before making himself sit up straight and put my lessons to use.

Bhelen sat too and said, "I understand you're the Heir to the Ferelden throne?"

Alistair nodded, "I am. I'm King Marics' bastard; but still a better choice than that traitor, Loghain."

Bhelen chuckled, "I feel much the same about Harrowmont."

I cleared my throat, "About that. You can drop the act. We know you killed your brother and framed your sister. We don't care about that at the moment. Harrowmont will lead the Dwarves into an extinction Cycle – I can't allow that. In my eyes, you are the only choice for the throne. You'll make good choices with the casteless; you'll ask Alistair for aid against the Darkspawn in the future – and with that you will reclaim Bownammar. You will marry Rica Brosca who is about to birth you a son. So no – we don't care that you killed Trian and framed Sereda."

Bhelen was looking at me slack-jawed. We were alone in the room – just me, Alistair, Vartag and Bhelen.

Bhelen said, "Say I did do that… I've heard you're a bleeding heart – so why brush it aside?"

"I'm not a bleeding heart – I don't champion every soft hearted cause. I avoid killing because of the religion I follow. Harrowmont may be honorable but he'd be a shit king – one with not enough support to get anything done and what he does do will cause riots, deaths and lower birth rates. If Harrowmont were the only option, I'd go drag Sereda back by the damn ear if I had to. You, on the other hand, actively make things better for your people – all your people and not just the nobility. The greatest men are no better or worse than the lowest. You consider your poor population, and I like that. On that note I have a way to help you set up Harrowmont to take a greater fall."

Alistair blinked, "Were you always this ruthless?"

I flushed, "Just because I like rainbows and kittens doesn't mean I can't deal in treachery. I've read enough books to know how to set up an enemy and make it look real. I also know more than 20 ways to kill someone and leave no evidence – but that's a separate topic."

"I'm so glad you worship the Goddess and not the Maker. We'd be burning enemies by the pit full…" he muttered.

I frowned, "I'd like to think that my religion doesn't define me; that I'd still be a good person even if I wasn't religious at all."

Alistair – realizing what he'd said – scrambled, "Oh – I just… let me take my foot out of my mouth real quick. I meant that I like you being all sweet and caring – and that I love you?"

I chuckled as Bhelen coughed, "Let's hear this idea of yours."

"From what I know, you had two scouts falsely testify against Sereda that day – Frandlin Ivo and one other. Is that one other alive or dead?"

"Dead… Sereda killed him for his lies."

"That's perfect, actually – use him. Say that new evidence has come to light and 'search his home'. 'Find' evidence that Harrowmont paid the man to lie and that the man threatened Ivo to lie too. Have Ivo come out and say that's what happened – why would he ever turn on such a generous person otherwise?"

"… Sereda did gift Frandlin Ivo the Proving Helm that day…" Vartag muttered.

"But then I'd need to reinstate Sereda into the memories."

"Yes – but she will never be a problem to your rule. If she isn't dead, she'd be a Legionary or we plan to recruit her for the Wardens. There is zero reason why she can't be reinstated and it will make it look like you've been looking into this the whole time. People will see you as a family man and more… magnanimous."

Vartag said, "That's not a bad idea, Bhelen. Some people who knew Sereda keep claiming she'd never have done it and Frandlin always looks so guilty when he's talked to about 'the kinslayer'."

Bhelen stroked his beard, "Alright – it's a good plan and it sets up Harrowmont. But it's been months. Where would we plant the evidence?"

"In his old house behind a 'loose panel' would be the best idea," I shrugged.

Bhelen nodded, "Vartag, see it done; personally. As you know, the less people that know is better."

He nodded, "Of course, Bhelen."

The prince then looked at me, "What other ideas do you have?"

"When the Assembly officially crowns you as king, you should suggest a casteless militia be formed at once. The Assembly will love it, actually – less of them will need to fight and die when you give aid to the Wardens – they won't even think of the implications for after the Blight and that's all it will take to get the casteless a foothold in society and further advance them later."

Alistair gave me a look, "That's a good plan – mind if I use that for the Alienage elves? As things currently stand, they aren't allowed to have weapons…"

"Please do. The Landsmeet will act the same way as the Assembly does. And then it would take another Landsmeet to repeal the choice, so I would insert each Alienage having a Bann – so that Elves can have representation. There was a saying in my lands – no taxation without representation. You can take things from people who have no voice to fight back with. Giving each Alienage a Bann – and it will have to be an Elf – will give them that voice and eventually… people will see elves as more than just cheap labor."

Bhelen sat back, "If I understand this right – you two are married?"

We looked at him. Alistair nodded, "Technically, yes. At least, our souls are sort of linked through these." We explained the tattoos.

Bhelen said, "Would the… Landsmeet accept you as their Queen?"

I snorted, "Fuck no. We don't even plan to tell them unless we can get a special writ from the Divine or something."

He shook his head, "Hmm; Surfacers. With all that you'd done – and the backing of the Shaperate – I may be able to put you forward as our first non-Dwarven Paragon. It's never been done before, but Vartag tells me the Shaper paid you a lot of coin?"

"1600 for various things," I shrugged as though it wasn't a large amount. Bhelen choked on air, "Ancestors' Tits, 1600?"

I nodded, "It doubled what I already had."

"… I'm almost positive the assembly will name you a Paragon for getting that much from the shaper. Surfaces don't know just how rich Orzammar is – we trade in gems, Lyrium and fine crafts after all – but the Shaper almost never authorizes such a large transaction. The last time that I can think of hearing about was Gwaren making the salt trades hundreds of years ago."

I blinked, "Is it really so… impressive? I mean… I didn't think it was. There are people back home that make my earnings look like coppers…"

Alistair snorted, "Welcome to Thedas, Love – you're richer than most Arls at the moment. If you keep this up, you'll be richer than a Teyrn. I already told you that you could buy Highever – and that's true especially now. We may not need the Divine if you keep this up – you'll be so independently rich that people will just give me to you and tie a bow around us."

Bhelen snorted, "If it helps, you have my support; not that it means anything at the moment. It won't until I get the throne. You have some good ideas – and I'll get things ready in implementing them. Vartag will get the 'proof' of Harrowmonts' treachery by evening. In the meantime, if there's anything you need, don't hesitate to ask."

"When a woman named Bianca Davri comes up for Paragon status… vote in favor of her. Dace, Bemot, and Meino will also vote in favor. Helmi, Harrowmont and Hirol are all undecided – as you would be. And if she ever asks for a divorce from that nug-humping Bogdan Vasca I suggest you allow it. Bianca is from a kalnas. Smithing Caste Surfacers belonging to the Merchants Guild. Keep her on your radar sometime after 9:35 Dragon – she'll go places in this world."

Alistairs' brow furrowed, "Davri… Davri… I know that name! She invented the Davri Seed Drill, right?"

I nodded, "Very good Alistair – and she will have several inventions on a large scale soon enough. In about the year 9:40, she will be up for consideration as a Paragon – 4 houses undecided, 3 houses for it but it would be controversial because she's a surfacer."

Bhelen snorted, "We know of Bianca. And it won't be so controversial if you win paragon status during the Assembly that crowns me. When Bianca gets nominated, I will vote in favor alongside Dace, Bemot and Meino. And with Harrowmont out of the picture by that time, it will be four to two in favor from the major houses. The other houses will fall in sway and she will certainly get the vote. Can I ask why?"

"That woman is married to an arse of a man while in love with a merchant from an exiled house. She's amazing and… I admire Lady Davri quite a bit."

"If you gain Paragon status, you'd also receive a vote on any Paragon Elections." Bhelen pointed out.

I nodded, "I know, but I am not going to pin my hope on something that may or may not happen. Bianca should be a Paragon – and if swaying one more house to vote in favor makes it possible, then damn it I'll trade favors for it."

"Consider us even – in exchange for the Casteless idea."

I nodded, "Good enough for me. Once my people return from the Aeducan Thaig we can talk more."

He stood – receiving my words as the cue for me to leave – and extended his hand, "It has been a pleasure. I thank you for also telling me that I'll be having a son."

I smiled and took his hand, "Oh… no problem. I'll talk with you later, prince Bhelen."

We headed back to the Compound – after all, we had taken care of everything yesterday. I even found that hand mirror for Morrigan in the market on the way back from the Provings.

Alistair dragged me to the office that the Warden Commander would use when in Orzammar and said, "About the Elf problem… making the Alienages each have an Elven Bann is a good start but there are still other problems…"

I nodded, "That's true. Once the Elves have representation, you need to instill that elves nee to receive basic teachings like the humans get. Soon after that, you need to find a way to get them fair pay with their employers – paid as though they don't have pointy ears. Some elves are better than the humans doing those jobs but are paid like slouches – it isn't right. The chantry isn't helping, sadly – they teach the humans that Elves are second-class citizens and that's just not right. If anything, humans are the ones poaching from the Elves – this was their home long before it belonged to the Humans. Arlathan really did exist, after all. Humans didn't even enter the picture until several thousand years later. Even the Surface Dwarves are treated better than Elves – and some of them are exiles. I mean, I've seen Sten looked at with respect and people look down on Zev and on me for having pointy ears! Sten is Qunari – you'd think the humans would be more wary of the giants who like to subjugate humans than of a people so looked down on mistreated that they can't fight back. They aren't even given proper housing or food!"

Alistair nodded, "Right – I thought that my second act after appointing Banns would be to see that their housing and food situations were looked into. I know for a fact that the Denerim Alienage is little more than sticks. I just need a reason to pitch to the Landsmeet to get them to help me fix it up…"

"It reflects poorly on Denerim and Ferelden in general when visiting people see the Alienage. Even Orlais has nicer Alienages and they laugh about how backward Ferelden has become since they left Orlais' care. Some Orlesians come just to see if it's true. So having your Elven population living under sticks and blocks makes you a laughing stock."

"… And having you say it like that, I know you aren't just coming up with a reason – you would have told me to 'say it that way' or something."

"You're catching on. Yes, Ferelden is a laughing stock for the Alienages alone – Orlais makes the Alienages look nice because they like nice things and a poorly kept alienage is an eyesore. The interiors of the houses may not be so nice, but the outside is beautiful. It is a pretty trap for any Elf who moves there."

Alistair frowned, "The Landsmeet would certainly hate the idea of Orlais laughing at us… I'll pitch that idea and if it doesn't work, I'll try to think of something…"

"As to feeding them better… if they're paid like humans, they can feed themselves. I would have them given rations until things get up to standard though. You can pitch that as Blight Relief effort for all citizens – and attempt to get everyone better post-blight and then conveniently forget to mention that it includes elves until confronted and say that they're citizens too."

Alistair laughed, "Oh the nobles will scramble to cover their asses on that. Now we just need to hammer out the pay situation…"

"Hmm… tell them you will institute a law through royal decree that states nobles get the same pay as elves and see how fast they jump to treat Elves fairly. Use that as a last resort, actually – it could cause a mutiny. Oh! Tell them that better pay means better work effort from the elves! They'll get better service for treating their workers more fairly and have a 'trial' period. Then just never end the trial and it becomes full time!"

He looked excited, "That could work!"

"Now – you'll also need people to track Elven abuses. People who would make sure the elves are treated properly during all this. And we need to set up a public education system… even the nobles would buy into this…" I began explaining how earths' education system was – I the better areas – and he nodded along.

He suddenly chuckled, "Ferelden is so lucky to have a future Queen like you – and they won't even know it!"

I snorted, "I can't be queen if I never wear a crown, you dolt."

He kissed me, "You will… one day."

I frowned, "I just remembered… there is a Ferelden law that strictly prohibits humans defending elves…"

He blinked, "I didn't realize… that will need to be the first thing to go then. You know that all this Orlais talk will infuriate Loghain?"

"He won't be alive to hear it, love – you plan to kill him, remember?"

"Oh – so we're bringing this up after I take his head?"

"Uh-huh; Loghain will be preaching to the Landsmeet before we can even arrive so we we'll need to take care of that first."

"I… should we let him live, Ara? What is your opinion on that? I think… I think I'm a bit too close to that."

"Kill him – normally, I would preach for his life, but considering the conditions I put on things… and… he could do good and even redeem himself by serving as an honorable warden for 10 years before dying, but if he lives, Anora will be willing to marry you and…"

"I plan to refuse marrying her no matter what. I don't want her, Ara – I love you. I don't want anyone other than you. I'll take Loghains' head gladly for his previous crimes and if that means that Anora refuses to marry me then all the better! I just wanted your input."

"Like I said, if it weren't for Anora, I'd let Loghain live and be a warden. He does do good deeds as a Warden and even volunteers for the fate I spoke of not wanting to put you through."

"Damn – I really don't want to think he's redeemable after what he did at Ostagar. It makes killing him harder somehow."

"He would die a hero if he didn't die a traitor. The Warden who stays behind to buy the Herald of Andraste time to escape – the Warden who saves me since the Guardian said that is who I'll be…"

"What?" Alistair looked frozen in shock, "That is what the Guardian was saying to you? You're going to be the Herald of Andraste?"

"Oops – I wasn't supposed to reveal that so soon… but yes; all of Thedas will know me as the Herald of Andraste and either you, Loghain, Hawke or Stroud will have to give their lives to save me and the group I take with me to… that place. If you're king, then it won't be you. If Loghain is dead, then it won't be him. That leaves Hawke or Stroud… and I don't know Stroud so I could… I would feel a lot less guilty leaving him behind to die or not… the thing is, I don't know if the person left behind will die. For all I know, they could live and even find their way back one day. Alistair… I can't let it be you and that is why I'm forcing you to take the throne. That is the true reason – Anora is a vile woman and a poisonous bitch but she is a decent Queen. She could do it – which is why marrying you is one of her options… but the truth is that I love you too much to lose you to something like that. If you were there, Hawke would stay behind… and I'd feel so damn bad because Hawke is my friend. From what I know, Hawke was supposed to lose a sibling fleeing Ostagar. A year later, he'd lose the other sibling to the Blight; 3 years past that, a necromantic blood mage would kill his mother. Losing him in the… place would wipe out the Hawke family. I've saved one and plan to save the rest, but…"

"Makers' Breath – I never realized just how much this weighed on you, Ara. You have the weight of all of Thedas to contend with. I'll take the throne – you won't lose me. And I'd rather let Loghain live and save your life than kill him here and now for vengeance. Let the bastard repent and earn his life back by saving you in the future."

I blinked, "You'd let him live; just like that?"

"You don't seem to realize just how much I love you, Arvaala Anderson – I would drag Loghain through the Fade if it meant he'd save your life one day. So yes – I'll let him live and I'll fight at his side against that Archdemon but don't expect me to be civil to him."

I kissed him deeply, "I love you too, Alistair Theirin. I'm glad I chased you – and even happier that you gave in."

He chuckled, "I'm glad too… think we have some time before lunch?"

"That depends what you have in mind," I said with a smirk – I knew exactly what he was thinking.

"Well… our bedroom is down the hall…"

"Or there is a perfectly suitable and sturdy desk right here. I've had a fantasy about doing it on a desk ever since a scene with Cullen I saw…"

His eyes darkened, "Now I have to do it first, of course – I can't have my wife wanting for anything…"

I shuddered at the husky promise in his voice as he backed me to the desk – thankfully, it was already cleared off.

"Mmmh – well, I want you… now…"

He growled and made good on his words.