Chapter Twenty-Six

Paragon Ara

Alistair's birthday had happened about the time we got close to Orzammar. I made him a chocolate cake with buttercream frosting. He'd also gotten stuffed chicken… it had ham and cheese in it and it was breaded; corn and loaded mashed potatoes for sides.

For a gift, I'd given him a figurine… of Duncan and a topaz sending stone set for just us. Pretty sure the figurine was his favorite seeing as I had made it a 'key chain' and he had clipped it to his belt, not taking it off even once and he even added his new sending stone to it while I added mine to my Rose Keyring.

I explained how to enchant the figurine against the elements so that it would last longer – and he was able to do it with no trouble after the third attempt.

By the time we made it back to the City, we had picked up 47 Golems: 41 Metal, 6 Stone; all 10 feet tall or taller.

We marched through the city like a parade of Iron Infantry and humanoids. I had my wings on display – because why the fuck not? Most if not all of the Dwarves here already knew about them from when I'd saved Natia – and they had been solid then too.

I made a simple hand signal and the Golems all halted – Caridin had told them to head me so they did. I took only Caridin, Alistair and Aedan into the Assembly chamber with me.

The Steward was calling out, "Lords of the Assembly, I call for Order! This argument is getting us nowhere…"

Bhelen spotted us and shouted, "Then why the delaying tactic? I call for a vote right now! My father has two children to assume the Aeducan throne and Sereda was betrayed by that traitor! For all I know she's dead. She can't take the throne in that case."

Harrowmont snarled at Bhelen, "Your father made me swear on his deathbed…"

"May I cut in, my lords?" I asked sweetly – I was wearing my new crown. All heads turned to us. The steward looked relieved, "Lady Ara; praise the ancestors. Of course you may."

"Might I present to you, Paragon Caridin Ortan, Master of the Void and friend of mine. Branka was dead, but imagine the luck."

Caridin stepped forward, "I have been away too long it seems. I hear that my race is on the verge of extinction – and this woman has convinced me that I can be of use here. I have forged a crown for the next king."

The steward took the crown in awe as people whispered. Harrowmont panicked and said, "How could a golem be our Paragon?"

Caridin gave a very brief explanation of how Golems were made. "Enough! This crown is certainly of Paragon make and bears the seal of house Ortan. Tell us, Master Paragon – who do you choose?"

Caridin motioned to me, "I will allow her to decide – I hear she is up to be voted for as the first non-Dwarven paragon? I vote in favor of this and allow her to choose who will be our new king."

Gasps rang out and I hid my shock – for a golem, he was certainly a bastard. Pulling a stunt like that… I said, "Bhelen will lead the Dwarves to Glory – Harrowmont has proven he will lead them to extinction and treasonous doings. I chose the throne to go to Bhelen Aeducan."

The steward handed Bhelen the Crown and Harrowmont was executed.

The Steward said, "I call for a vote – do we honor this topsider as a Paragon?"

Shaper Czibor said, "If it helps the vote, the Shaperate has this woman to thank for the new inventions of Penicillin – a medicine that will kill bacterial illness – compasses to always guide us and healing soap recipes. The Shaperate has paid this woman 1600 Sovereigns at this point in time."

Caridin grumbled out, "This woman has convinced me to return to Orzammar and craft control rods for inactive golems left in the abandoned Thaigs – we have returned with 47 of my brethren ready to battle the Blight."

Oghren called out, "She also took the time to gather any and all records from lost Thaigs that we passed through – these include Aeducan, Caridins' Cross, Ortan, Cadash and Bownammar."

Bhelen said, "She is the reason our deadlock here was ended and she has the blessing of the ancestors through her win in the Provings that were in memorial of my late father. Not only that – she saved my fiancés sister from the Carta and took down Jarvia."

I was flushed – why the heck were talking me up? Just let the vote go on – I didn't need to be called a Paragon!

"House Dace votes in favor," I heard Lady Dace call out.

"House Helmi in favor."

"House Aeducan in favor," Bhelen said firmly.

"House Bemot in favor."

"House Caridin in favor," the Golem grumbled. He was the only remaining one from his house at this point and as a Paragon, he'd surely get a vote.

"House Forender is against," I heard on male voice call out. I saw a few people shoot looks in that direction.

"House Ivo stands in favor."

"House Vollney stands against."

As the vote continued only 2 of the remaining 33 houses voted against… this meant I was to be put into the memories as a paragon; lovely.

Once the meeting was over I cornered Czibor and escorted him to the Shaperate while pulling out tomes. His eyes got wide and I could see the other head Shapers looking at us in stunned silence.

When that was done I said, "Oh – and these are the records from House Ortan – I believe there is a woman named Orta here? She is the last scion of the house and as such should be reinstated. Also, this rubbing was take form Caridins personal wall of volunteers. And this here is proof of the Legion of the Deads' status of being a noble house too."

Czibor looked ready to pass out as several Shaper assistants came running to retrieve books and tomes from us that came from the lost Thaigs.

The one Female head shaper cleared her throat, "Can we pay you for this, paragon?"

I shook my head, "There's no need – it made me quite sad to think that there was lost history just collecting dust in those old Thaigs… and I knew Orta was looking for proof of her familial status so I went ahead and collected that too. I discovered the Legions' status almost by accident – House Ferald's last member voluntarily joined the Legion of the Dead. Due to his great personal sacrifice, as well as his noble descent, the Legion can be considered to be the heir of House Ferald. Isn't that fascinating?"

The woman smiled, "Please – allow us to pay you. You brought back more knowledge and history than any expedition in the past two centuries combined. Not to mention, you also brought back the Golems!"

I shrugged, "If you want to, I won't stop you, I guess. I already have more than I know what to do with."

Alistair – who had followed us – sniggered, "When I take the throne, I'll dedicate a room in the treasury just for your money and treasures."

I rolled my eyes but smiled, "Sounds good."

Later, in the Palace throne room, Bhelen spoke to me. "You have proven yourself and more, Paragon Ara. Without your aid, I would not have taken the Throne so easily or so soon."

"You will be a strong King – and Prince Alistair is already promising support to fight back the Spawn after the blight to honor your sisters' contribution in the war."

"Indeed."

"I name Rica Brosca to my house, Bhelen. Her sister approached me while I was leaving the Shaperate earlier – as one pledged to me, I name both Rica and Natia to my house… as well as Eadrek Nevvins' sister Althild. I already spoke to the shaper about it and it has been recorded in the memories."

He looked happy as he nodded, "That's perfect – thank you."

"I had quite a few people pledge to me actually – so I also took Eadrek Nevvin. After the Blight, he will return to run my house in my stead. His sister will run the house while we are both on the surface."

Bhelen presented Aedan with his brothers' mace, and assigned Eadrek to be our Emissary for Orzammar under my personal command. We then headed back to the Compound to find that Althild had given birth last week!

I began pulling out so many baby things I flooded the house. I had purchased the old Harrowmont estates with what the Shaperate had given me while I was there earlier (Since Harrowmont was no longer a house) so that my new house had somewhere to live.

Althild had named the little girl after me as soon as she'd seen the little one after birth. I was so damn touched. More baby gifts followed that announcement. I was allowed to hold the baby and I cried.

Alistair was watching with that look in his eye – the one that said he wanted a baby too. I couldn't help but agree that it was something I wanted more and more.

I had the whole nursery set up in no time – though without magic it was a bit more difficult. I was able to move some things around – like wood – but had to hammer them together myself to build the crib.

I had stocked up clothes, stuffed animals, blankets, and even a changing table!

Althild tried to tell me that it was too much. I blinked, "But… this is what Fairy Godmothers do… we spoil our godbabies!"

"What… what is a godmother?" Eadrek asked.

"A godmother is… So if anything happens to Althild, I will step in and take care of the baby. I am essentially this kid's back-up mother or auntie. But this also means that I get to shower the kiddo with gifts and baubles!"

Althild looked touched, "You would care for my child… if something happened?"

I nodded, "Of course! I mean… that is… if you allow that. I realize I'm sort of forcing myself into the position…"

Althild smiled, "I'd be honored to have you be little Vaalas' Godmother."

I beamed and Alistair said, "Does that make me a Godfather?"

I nodded, "As my mate, yes – if something happens you're this little girls' back-up parent with me."

"So she'd be a Princess!" Leliana pointed out.

"A princess who wouldn't take the throne, but in essence, yes," Zevran nodded.

Alistair held me from behind while I cooed to the little girl in my arms. She was so tiny – and I mean, she was a dwarf so that was obvious. But she was so small she could fit comfortable in one arm.

I looked up at my mate and saw the sappy smile on his face. I think he was imagining what it would be like when we had our own kids one day.

Althild was smiling and I could see Eadrek smirking at me. Alistair whispered, "She's so tiny…"

"Well, love… she is a dwarf. When we have a child then the baby will be about double this size. And I know human-elf pairings make humans with pretty elven features, but that book and what Magma said… we'd have a 50-50 chance of human or fairy – no real in-between…" I was giving him a sly look.

Aedan narrowed his eyes, "What's that look for – why does a 50-50 chance make you look so… devious?"

I gave a full on grin, "The nobles would never accept a fairy as the heir – so if have a fairy child, we'd just have to keep trying until we got a human!"

Alistair sniggered, "That's very true. I mean, it is good to know that our children will either be Fae or Human but honestly… is it wrong I'm hoping for more Fae?"

I gave a little giggle as Aedan grumbled. I said, "Only because you want a whole brood of kids, yes? Honestly, I want my own brood – at least 5 children…"

"Are we counting little Vaala here?" Alistair smiled. I snorted, "Of course we are – I've already adopted her into my house, recall? As far as the Shaper is concerned, Althild and Vaala are my family."

Althild laughed, "And we're glad to be such. Thank you for trusting me with the house while you and Eadrek are gone."

I waved a hand, "Think nothing of it, sweetie – you'll do fine."

I helped Alistair to hold Vaala – he looked so worried that he was going to drop her that I made him sit down first before adjusting her in his arms. She cooed as she looked up into his eyes.

He looked at her full of wonder, "She's… so cute…"

I heard Leliana coo, "He is so adorable!"

Aedan grumbled, "He's getting ideas." Morrigan snorted, "A dangerous thing, to be sure."

I stuck my tongue out at them before sitting next to Alistair, "So… a girl?"

"Maker, no; she'd get all your beauty and I'd have to beat the noblemen off with my scepter and a large stick. Just having your hair would secure that. It would be better to have a boy that looks like me – no worries of him growing up too fast at that point."

I laughed as Morrigan made a scathing comment about him knowing he wasn't so smart.

I gave Alistair a grin, "If we have a boy that looks like you, all the noblewomen will swoon. Really, you're very handsome. Leliana – isn't he handsome?"

"Oh, quite – the women in Orlais would certainly inquire about his birth origins if he showed up at a ball."

"Poor Cullen…" a small grin was on my face. Zevran asked, "Why? Does something happen to that Templar at an Orlesian Ball?"

"The group that he will be part of will be at a ball – with him as Commander. one man gets bold enough to cop a feel on Cullen and the group will be receiving inquiries to Cullens' birth origins for months following that. Leliana will be the spymaster and upon hearing that from the Ambassador will have all inquiries directed to her. Cullens' biggest complaint would be that he is not bait."

Leliana gave a wicked grin, "Oh, I cannot wait to do this… but don't you plan to pursue Cullen?"

"I would have multiple mates – why can't my mates take another or two? I feel no Jealousy, Leliana – in fact, I'm hoping for another crack at Isabela in the future and really hoping Alistair will join me. I really want to see that…"

Alistair was flushed, "You… you do?"

"I think it would be very… I want to, yes."

He shook his head with a small look of amused confusion. "I really don't get that – I go crazy at the thought of you with a man other than Cullen… and that elf you told me about. I don't plan to mess with that man if he holds your affections. I like my heart being in your hands… not his."

"I'm sorry, what?" Aedan blinked.

"The Elf he is speaking of is named Fenris… Fenris is covered in Lyrium tattoos that pain him. He can use these tattoos to reach his hand into someones' chest and rip their still beating hearts out. It's terrible but…" I shrugged.

Zevran tried to keep a straight face… but he started laughing, "You do have a thing for the warriors, don't you Little Rose?"

I nodded, "Oh, I do. Alistair is my Dragon Knight, Fenris is a Death Knight and Cullen is more of an Honor Knight – he does everything according to his code of honor."

"So… Dragon, Death and Honor – those are your mates?" Leliana asked.

I shrugged, "How should I know? I haven't even met Fenris yet and though I like Cullen, there is no guarantee that he'll like me. I mean… what if he doesn't like that I'm with Alistair? What if he doesn't like how I look?"

Alistair shook his head, "Then he's a damned fool – if he is one of the four primary mates, I will just have to duel him for you."

"Wait… did you learn more about your race in the Deep Roads?" Leliana asked.

I nodded, "Fairies are the nobility of the Sylph race. Fairies are a genetic fluke – Sylphs that are attuned to and can control all the elements rather than just one of the four basic elements like a regular Sylph. Sylphs were born from Elves and Elementals given elven form – hence the abilities being heavily element based. Fairies generally have four primary mates – mates that have a soul connection like with Alistair and me. Sylphs usually have 2 or 3 primary mates. A secondary mate is a mate that the connection is put in place by both parties but wasn't there to begin with – like if I successfully stole Leliana from Aedan and she agreed to marry me and run off into the sunset."

Aedan glared at me and pulled Leliana into him. Several of us laughed but Alistair was holding me possessively now that he had passed Vaala back to her mother.

"What else did you learn?"

"That this body did belong to someone else – a Fire-born fairy named Sylvain. She was born with the mark of the Vessel – a mark that appears on a Fairy that is suitable for transmigration. If Sylvain had refused to be the Vessel, the mark would have moved to a different Fairy until someone had accepted. In other words Sylvain knew someone else would take over her body – and she agreed to it. The Vessel is what they call the Heir to the throne – so yes, I'm a Princess in my own right and not just because I married Alistair. Unfortunately, when the heir wakes, the current Queen only has up to 5 years left – Fairies live to be 300-400 years old and the Current Queen is only 204…"

"How do you know about the Current Queen? Didn't you find answers in the Deep Roads?" Zevran asked.

Alistair spoke, "No – apparently, anything she places into that bag of hers goes to a Warehouse or some sort in the Fae homelands where her people will take care of the items for her – washing clothes, figuring out how to make anything there like her soaps so that she can get them, and so on. The people who care for her things are well-paid – that was one thing Ara made sure of. But they can also send things to her – she has four honor warriors. The leader of her guard is named Magma – yes, I found it funny too," Alistair smiled as several of my companions laughed.

I glared, "He's a fire sylph – it only makes sense that he has a fire name! My hair color actually comes from Sylvain being born to a Fire family. Anyway, Magma sent me a book on Fairy history and keeps me up to date on current events. I have four guards – one from each basic element. Magma is my Fire Guard. The Queen is working as hard as she can to get things in order before she dies – no one knows when in that 5 year period, so for all we know she could die tomorrow."

Alistair nodded, "Right – and she can't tell her guard where she is. Apparently, to prove their worth, they have to find her themselves – though they do have a link to her emotions. If she feels fear, they will feel her and be able to narrow in on where she is. If she feels fight-or-flight terror, they'll be able to find her at once. Her safety is more important that a test since she's the Princess. If they don't find her by the time the Queen dies, then they will also be able to take her orders and relay them to the people. All thanks to this bag of hers."

"What happens if they don't find her?" Morrigan asked in a curious tone – she was more curious about my new race than any of the others.

I snorted, "They were picked based on their qualifications to protect – I plan to wave the time limit since the Princess was never in a separate land before. I'm the first to wake in Thedas rather than the home land – which I privately call Fairy because of those stories from my home. The Homelands are past the Qunari Homelands… meaning if they don't find me in Fairy, they're going to look there next. They'll expect to be replaced for not finding me in a certain time – but the circumstances are… not what they're used to."

Sten shook his head, "They are incompetent if they cannot find you on their own."

I rolled my eyes, "Sten… I found your blade in a country at war, yes? They cannot see the future – it is a rare ability among Vessels that only appears after the ritual. Meaning the power was within Sylvain, but only I could use it. Would you have been able to find your blade on your own during the Blight and Civil War?"

He blinked, "No."

"And… Fairy is relatively peaceful, but the Kossith lands are not. Magma and my other guards have to search a large but peaceful land before moving on to a large and war-ravaged land. Coming here – where magic is hated and our abilities will be seen as magic when they are mostly not – will be a last resort. Thanks to you, the Qun will not see our abilities as the same as what mages possess, but humans and elves will. Orzammar knows more about me than the others so my people will actually be welcomed here. Can you imagine Fire and Earth Sylphs working together to keep the lava at bay or making new lava paths; Water Sylphs aiding in keeping water around. I already spoke to the Shaperate about it – my people will be welcomed so long as they mind themselves."

"What made you sick while we were in the deep roads? Did Magma ever figure it out?" Aedan asked.

I sighed, "Our abilities are part of us more than anything – he found some mention of these blasted braces… the Fairies who lost their powers experience symptoms of illness. He was fascinated to learn I can't throw up – but then, I've been like that since I was human. So these braces are making me sick. It isn't just being underground – and I have been so diligent on my birth control that I should be fine."

Alistair flinched, "I… I am sorry about…"

"Sweetheart… it's more my fault that yours – I willingly put the damn thing on, not you."

Sten nodded, "She has a point."

Alistair rubbed his face, "Still…"

I curled into him – I had taken to acting like a cat with him; he liked petting my head and I kind of enjoyed it too. Leliana sniggered at that, "How adorable…"

I stuck my tongue out at her, "I'm a Princess – if I want to be affectionate with my mate then I'm going to be affectionate with my mate. Fuck anyone who tells me I can't – and Eamon especially."

Alistair roared in laughter, "Makers' Breath – I would pay to see you tell him that."

I grinned, "I take payment from you in the form of snuggles, cuddles, hugs and kisses."

"Sold," he shot back and kissed my temple.

I yawned and started to doze against him – without my abilities, I got tired so much easier.

Alistair stood with me in his arms, "I see that it's bed time. We'll all head out toward Ostagar and Flemeths hut tomorrow. Get some sleep – all of you."

Aedan blinked, "You know – when we started this journey, I thought I would have to take the secondary lead position. You may have been the senior Warden, but you were so… innocent and not very… willing to lead."

Alistair snorted, "That's what happens when you marry a Princess – you have to step up and learn to lead. Besides, according to Ara, you were supposed to lead our group. You were supposed to be the one that lead us to victory against Urthemiel, you were the one meant to gather our allies and you were meant to be the one to pick who would eventually take the throne. Knowing I'm going to be king… I had to learn to lead, Aedan – and she taught me. But you being the one who was meant to lead is the reason she sent you all to Aeducan Thaig without us – since you're going to be Teyrn and all, you need to get some leading experience too."

"I'm what?" Aedan blinked.

I spoke with a yawn, "You get Gwaren after the Blight – Fergus keeps Highever. Both Teyrnirs' belong to the Couslands past 9:31 Dragon. You're the Hero of Ferelden, Aedan; Commander of the Grey and the Kings' best friend."

Leliana laughed, "Talk about a power imbalance – Cousland and Theirin are the top two names in Ferelden after this year?"

I snuggled into my mate and muttered, "Alistair is right – bed time…" my eyes fluttered closed and I heard no more.