Chapter Twenty-Seven

Ostagar

We didn't dare to stop in Redcliffe on our way to Ostagar – we all knew Eamon would realize that all the treaties were fulfilled and would demand we march toward Denerim together. If that happened, then he'd also insist on sending his people with us to Ostagar.

How would we kill Flemeth with his spies on us? And the spies might even destroy those letters in Cailans' chest! My reasons were not refuted by anyone so we went ahead to Ostagar without stopping.

Aedan had pressed me for more details however so I finally sat everyone down the night before we reached our destination.

"Okay… what do you all want to know?" I sighed.

Aedan spoke first, "I know you see possible futures but… I mean, how did you even know I was supposed to be the leader when I've been having you lead since the start?"

I sighed, "When I get visions, yes – they are possible futures. But that isn't… how I knew about it. Actually most of the main things I know about the Blight are from something… else…"

"Tell us, please," Leliana encouraged. I stood and paced for a moment before saying, "You all know I came from Earth… well, earth knows about Thedas… technically…"

"How do they know about us? Why have they never come here if they…?" Morrigan began. I held up a hand, "So… Dragon Age is the name of a game I used to play. To me, and to others, you were all characters in that game. This story had many factors – you could save the elves and kill the werewolves, kill the elves and recruit the wolves or broker peace… like we did. You could but Harrowmont on the throne, you could save Branka and gain golems to fight in the Battle – because Caridin would have thrown himself into the Lava if I didn't step in when I did. You could have killed Connor or let Jowan do his blood ritual on Isolde to save him. You could have sided with the Templars ad lost the Mages…"

"Makers' Breath… how does anyone make those choices? Even in a game…" Alistair asked.

I sighed, "Because everything always worked out in the end. The Hero of Ferelden always ended the Blight, lives were always saved. Harrowmont isolated and would doom the Dwarves to extinction in the future – and he wouldn't have had enough support to get anything done. If you killed the Elves and sided with the wolves, they would join for the final battle rather than the elves. If you killed Connor, Isolde and Eamon would eventually have a new child – a girl and another mage. If you sided with the Templars you would have had to kill Connor or Isolde. Loghain can live or die – Anora will either be queen or a captive to the throne until she swears fealty to Alistair. But the main point is that… you don't always know how the things will turn out in the future until you make those choices. Without me here… you would have killed the Lady of the Forest – and the Elves would have eventually contracted the curse again. You would have sided with Harrowmont as the more honorable man – and the dwarves would have gone extinct in Orzammar. And the games didn't end at the conclusion of the Blight."

Sten spoke, "Where did they end?"

"When I died, there were three games and several books. The first game took place through the Blight – following the Hero of Ferelden in these choices. The Hero could have been one of seven people. Aedan Cousland – as a warrior or rogue – was just one choice. The Dalish named Mahariel could be a warrior or rogue too. The city elf named Tabris – again warrior or rogue – was another option. For Dwarves, you had Sereda Aeducan or Natia Brosca. For mages you had the elven Surana or the human Amell from Kinlock."

Wynne flinched, "That's why you asked about those two mages…"

Natia was stunned, "I could have been the Hero of Ferelden?"

I nodded, "If Duncan had gone to Orzammar instead of Highever, yes. As you can see, each choice went on with their lives while one was taken to Ostagar for the Joining. Mahariel died of Blight Sickness, Tabris died when their wedding was crashed by Vaughn Kendalls, Sereda joined the Legion of the Dead, Natia was locked in the Carta prison, Amell was made Tranquil and Surana was killed. In the game, if you played as any of those, Aedans' fate was never mentioned – it was implied he died in the coup, but then… until the end of the game it's also implied Fergus died at Ostagar so it was pretty ambiguous."

Aedan growled, "What about Howe?"

"There was no future in which he lived through the Blight. His lands are stripped by the ruling King or Queen and given to the Ferelden Wardens at the end of the Blight."

Aedan nodded, "Then I don't give a damn about the futures where I didn't live – I'm here now."

"And the second of the three games?" Leliana cut in.

"The tale of the Champion of Kirkwall – Garrett Hawke – through the years leading up to… a very bad event. 7 years of information condensed into three 'acts'. The Deep Roads Expedition and two other major events that shape the future – including the reason I have to kill the Arishok in single combat."

Another voice added, "And… the third?" Zevran seemed hesitant.

"It was called Dragon Age: Inquisition…" I sighed. Leliana gasped, "That is where I will be Spymaster and Cullen will be the Commander, right?"

I nodded, "That's right."

"What of the books?" Wynne asked.

"The first was called the Stolen Throne where Maric took back his throne. The second was about Maric Theirin and his trip with Fiona and Duncan in the Deep Roads – how Maric met the love of his life and had a child with her and… and all about an evil that Aedan and I will be neutralizing after the Blight. Duncan and the others thought that this being was dead – or they would have gone after him. Then there was a book… another off shoot was called Lelianas' Song… it told all about how Marjolaine betrayed you… from your point of view. Tug and… I'm so sorry sweetie…"

Leliana flinched delicately, "I see."

"Next in order was Origins – the first game. Since that's where we are, I shouldn't reveal anything else lest it change too much. There are things I plan to change – but some things need to stay the same; especially while I can't see the consequences through visions."

"That is fair," Morrigan nodded. I shot her a wink, "His name will be Kieran."

She blinked before nodding, "I'm glad to know that it will happen – it is the reason I'm here, after all."

Others asked about that, but Morrigan kept her silence, so I did too.

"So… what else was in these games that have you all blushing and embarrassed?" Aedan prodded.

I flushed, I hadn't realized I was blushing, "W-well… of course the Hero, the Champion and the Inquisitor are all people… romance was only natural…"

Alistair growled, "Who?"

"Well, in Origins, I always romanced you, My Love; My handsome Dragon Knight. I could have romanced Zevran, Morrigan or Leliana depending if I was using a female or male player character but… I liked you the best."

He gave a firm nod, "Good… and when you played as the Champion?"

"Fenris…" I muttered. "I could have romanced a specific Dalish Elf woman, a pirate named Isabela, a mage named Anders, or a prince named Sebastian if I didn't always go for Fenris…"

"Anders will be in Kirkwall?" Wynne asked in confusion. I nodded, "He'll be a Grey Warden so…"

She sighed, "Go figure."

"Isabela was a romance option – not just a lustful encounter?" Zevran asked. I nodded, "After three years she admits that she can't stop thinking of their night together and…"

"You've done the romance?" Alistair growled.

I nodded, "I've experienced all the options at least once – but I always came back to you in Origins, Fenris in the second one and Cullen in Inquisition. Funny enough, his romance was the only one in any of the games where it showed them getting married. It's implied if I played as a female version of Aedan – usually named Elissa – and romanced you to take the throne, but there was no actual wedding. I think there's a wedding if I were to marry the Red Jenny named Sera – she's straight up only into girls and actually crazier than I am. I like the Warriors…"

Alistair growled a little as he pulled me into his lap and nuzzled my neck.

Aedan looked confused, "His response is to… sniff her?"

I cleared my throat, "It's an animal thing – he's making sure I don't have the scent of other males on me. Alistairs' Dragon Blood is being amped up by the Fairy powers – and according to Magma, that may be a permanent thing. He'll never shape-shift, but he'll basically be a dragon in human form moving forward. It'll be more fun flirting with other people to make him all possessive – I like when he gets possessive. Alistair is also more aggressive now – I'm sure you've noticed that."

"We noticed when we wanted to wake you up the other day and he snapped at me," Aedan said blandly.

I gave Alistair a look, "Why?"

"It wasn't even dawn yet – you always wake up at dawn so there was no point in waking you yet…"

He discreetly nipped at my shoulder and I stiffened before saying, "Well – we can continue asking questions tomorrow… I am suddenly ready for bed. Like… right now."

Leliana gave me an amused look while Zevran looked with a smirk. Morrigan was disgusted and Wynne looked confused what caused that change – no one had seen Alistair nip at me.

"Where is the fire, Little Rose? We only just got dinner ready…" Zevran commented. He wanted to play that game, hmm?

I shot him a look, "The fire is down below – see, Alistair is teasing me something awful and I've decided to take him up on…"

Aedan shouted, "I don't need to hear this, sister – just take him and go. Ugh."

Alistair scooped me into his arms and – not caring about appearances at the moment – nodded and carried me off to the bed room. I let out a squeal before the door even closed when he growled, "You are mine, Arvaala Theirin – because you are my wife, and damnit I like you having my name."

"You know… I do find it very hot when you get all possessive and stake a claim… maybe you should mark me tonight?"

"Mark you how?" he asked as he laid me on the bed.

"Hickeys – I was thinking you could put one where everyone will see it in the morning… and repeat the process when we get close to Redcliffe?"

Desire darkened his eyes, "Show Eamon that you're mine and I am not giving you up, hmm? I like it – let the old goat see it."

"I was also thinking of Isolde – the brat hates me and I want to give her a reason to slip up around a foreign Princess. Oh she won't know yet – but when my people find me, I plan to go public about my heritage. My being your 'Mistress' as a Queen or Princess of another race… that would mean a powerful alliance since my people aren't mages and not even connected to the Fade for our abilities."

He leaned forward and began suckling on my neck after he whispered, "When that happens… I can call you 'my queen' in public and no one will even bat an eye. Makers' Breath – I've been needing you more and more lately…"

I moaned, "M-Me too… Alistair… I love you…"

He growled against my neck, "I love you too – my wife… my princess… I am completely yours…"

I whimpered as he reached around me for the tie downs I had installed on the bed… it was going to be a very fun night.

The next morning saw us to Ostagar.

Reaching Ostagar was easy – finding the way in through the new reinforcements… not so much. We actually did end up coming in at the point where the infirmary so I nabbed the key to the mages' chest.

I got back to the group just in time to hear Alistair put his foot in his mouth, "Something about being back here makes me feel old, Wynne."

"And what exactly are you implying, Alistair?" she asked, sounding stern but looking amused.

"What? Noting! I just thought…"

"You just thought I might be an expert at feeling old and could share some sage advice?" I was giggling softly as Alistair shot me a pleading look.

"I… I just meant I was a different person then. I believed him, you know? That it would be… a glorious battle; that we'd win."

"I did too. We were all a little younger the last time we were here."

"Well, not you – you've always been old."

Wynne looked half amused, half annoyed, "With lip like that, son, you'll be lucky if you live to be half my age." I giggled despite myself.

Alistair shot me a pout so I said, "Hey – I can't help you when you tell a woman something like that. No one likes to hear that they're old, but women get touchy about two things – age and weight."

He blinked, "You're touchy about your age?"

"Well… not me. I was 27 when I died; this body is almost 51… I mean… Fae stop ageing at 22, so technically, I'll be 22 until I die. I have no reason to be touchy about my weight… does it bother you that my body is 3 decades older than you? That I'm almost 8 years older myself?"

"Why would it bother me?" he asked, looking bewildered. Natia called out, "That was the right answer, Salroka – that was the perfect answer."

I nodded, "Women have hidden dialogue options – find them and you win a prize," I quipped.

Leliana giggled – I didn't need to explain since they had that D-n-D game in this world. Alistair, however, narrowed in on my words, "What sort of prize?"

"Well, I suppose that depends on how close we are to the person – between you and me; you win a very special night. If it were Aedan, I'd make him a nice dinner."

Aedan groaned, "It is bad enough I have to see that on your neck – please don't talk about sex around me…"

I chuckled, "Poor Aedan… Leli are you not giving him any? Is that why he's so touchy?"

Aedan sputtered and Alistair actually sniggered while Leliana said, "Almost every night – so I think it is more to do with him adopting you."

I tsk-ed and Alistair coughed as we gathered the greaves.

Wynne was the one to ask, "What's wrong, Alistair?"

"I don't know. It just feels wrong to find this here, pawed over by darkspawn and thick with their rot. It was his. And if this is here… where's the rest?"

"I know, I feel it too; but he is not the first king to ever fall in battle or even the first to fall to the darkspawn." She soothed. They were both watching me as I bit my lip and glanced around. Something felt… off.

"Yes but this wound cuts deeper – he was my brother."

"And it will bleed longer. But we must keep moving. No doubt the darkspawn are eager to give us plenty more reasons to mourn."

I held up a hand and whole party stopped. We were ambushed from behind.

It was a large party – 15 with a Hurlock Alpha and the Vanguard that held Cailans Shield.

I looted the Mages chest and collected the Key to the Royal Arms Chest. I gave Wynne the Staff within.

I was rummaging through the Arms chest – damn thing was deep enough to fit me in it – when I heard Alistair hiss a breath as I held out his fathers' sword.

I pulled out the papers while Alistair put the sword with its scabbard on his hip, holding the Warden sword like he no longer knew what to do with it. I rolled my eyes and put it in my bag – there was no rule about giving hints to my people and the logo on the hilt of that sword was quite distinctive. I then read out the letters from the Arms Chest.

My voice took on a professional quality as I read, "To his Majesty, King Cailan of Ferelden: My Warden-Commander assures me that we face A Blight. This thing threatens us both, and we must work together to fight it, lest it devour all. Our two nations have not had a happy history, but that is all it is-history. It is the future that is at stake now. Let us put aside our fathers' disagreements so that we may secure the future for both our countries. My Chevaliers stand ready and will accompany the Grey Wardens of Orlais to Ferelden. At your word the might of Orlais will march to reinforce the Ferelden forces. Sincerely, Empress Celene I. Well… damn," I sighed. I'd half-hoped it wasn't true.

"So it's true! He had convinced the forces of Orlais to ally against the darkspawn." Alistair sighed.

Wynne nodded, "Empress Celene was merely awaiting his response."

"A response that never came and now never will, thanks to Loghain's treachery."

"Never is a long time, Alistair. Give it time and let cooler heads prevail. There will be peace between us yet."

I read off the next of the three letters, "Your Majesty, my men will arrive as soon as possible to bolster your forces. Maker willing, this Blight will be ended before it has begun. Cailan, I beseech you, as your uncle, not to join the Grey Wardens on the Field. You cannot afford to take this risk. Ferelden cannot afford it. Let me remind you again that you do not have an heir. Your death-and it pains me even to think of it-would plunge Ferelden into chaos. And yes, perhaps when this is over you will allow me to bring up the subject of your heir. While a son from both the Theirin and Mac Tir lines would unite Ferelden like no other, we must accept that perhaps this can never be. The queen approaches her thirtieth year and her ability to give you a child lessens with each passing month. I submit to you again that it might be time to put Anora aside. We parted harshly the last time I spoke of this, but it has been a full year since then and nothing has changed. Please, nephew, consider my words, and Andraste's grace be with you. It's not signed, but we all know who that one is from, don't we?" I sighed.

"Was Anora really… barren?" Wynne asked.

"No. In fact, she could yet have a child if Alistair married her – but we all know that isn't going to happen. No it was far more likely that Cailan was the one with… issues." I shrugged.

"You're right – that's not going to happen. From what you've said, she's truly her fathers' daughter; she has no place as Queen." Alistair scrunched his nose.

"You did tell Eamon that you would bring back proof he was considering Celene… what proof though?" Aedan asked.

I shrugged and read the very last page, "Cailan, the visit to Ferelden will be postponed indefinitely, due to the darkspawn problem. You understand, of course? The darkspawn have odd timing, don't they? Let us deal with them first. Once that is done, we can further discuss a permanent alliance between Orlais and Ferelden; Celene. If Loghain saw this… it's too informal – Cailan may have planned to marry her after putting aside Anora. Loghain views Orlais the same way the Qunari view Tevinter. It could have pushed him over the edge."

I handed the letters to Alistair who looked them over, "Well, it looks like my brother had the same thoughts about his wife as I do."

Aedan groaned, "Is it sad that I held hope you were wrong about the proof? If the Landsmeet saw this… Cailan would have been rioted out before he could ever marry the woman – the Wars and the Orlesian Occupation weren't that long ago – many still remember it and speak of it."

I shrugged, "I know what you mean."

Eadrek spoke up, "So… why did Natia need this Darkspawn blood?"

"… Wynne knows what to do with it – she was one of the Mages who prepared the Joining at Ostagar."

Wynne made a face but nodded, "We shall do that when we make camp, yes?"

"No – the blood needs to be fresh – so we do it now."

Alistair shook his head, "We can just collect blood from the last Darkspawn we kill – it isn't safe to do the Joining when we're surrounded as we are by so many."

I blinked, "Ah… you have a point. Alright, leave that vial… oh, there's Duncans' tent. He had the other main thing in his tent. Alistair, you know what to look for – go get it, please?"

Alistair looked pained but nodded before ducking into the tent that once stood for Duncan of the Grey. When he came out, it was with a small vial of blackened blood – Archdemon Blood.

Aedan gave a curious look as I took the vial and placed it in the 'keep it with me' pocket of my bag.

Just then I felt my bag rustle with a new 'delivery'. I pulled out a sheathed sword and a note before I fell on my ass laughing.

Alistair swiped the note and read it aloud, "Princess, that sword you sent was of dreadful make… please accept this new one made from the finest materials as a gift from the Queen. It was meant to be given to you once we found you but if the sword you sent was the best you had… we all feel you may need this now. As to the sigil on the Sword, I've never seen anything like it so I now realize you are not in our homelands – a surprise to be sure, but we will be moving our search to the next lands over. Your Honor Warrior; Magma… What does he mean it was dreadful! I mean… I know it wasn't the best and it's seen quite a bit of use, but… it was better than your basic soldiers' sword!"

Aedan took the new sword from me and un-sheathed it. It seemed to hum with ethereal energy. It was made from a black material so the sword looked very deadly… I poked at it and hummed my appreciation, "This is damn good making for a sword. Alistair, what do these runes say?"

He pouted but looked at the runes inscribed on the sword, "This one means Unbreakable, this one says damage of elements, and this one says… oh… you know, I think they may be right about the sword being dreadful if your new one can use the elements against your foes and make undead 'feared'… if that means what I think it means…"

"Undead will feel dread when battling this sword – be it one or be it a horde," I muttered.

Leliana giggled, "Did you intend to rhyme?"

"Not exactly – just a thing I do sometimes. I used to write poetry for a class in my schooling – and it didn't always rhyme but I did develop a love for poetry. Also, in those Fairy stories from home, Fairies often spoke in rhymes or riddles – you could never get a straight answer from them because they couldn't lie but loved to make one-sided deals."

"… That would be so annoying…" Eadrek said. I laughed, "Yeah – I actually went through a period of about 4 years where I acted like a Pixie – the most mischievous of the Fae depending on your outlook. I spoke in riddles and rhymes and made deals that benefited me… come to think of it, that may have actually helped me to prepare for dealing with Nobility."

"And negotiating prices for your Soap – I recall Sangras' offer was 500, but you ended up with 525 and our rooms and meals paid while we stayed there," Alistair remarked with amusement.

"And then she bought individual bottles of the Soap, Perfume and Oil on top of that." I nodded.

"… I feel like there's more to that…" Aedan muttered.

"Yeah – the tower, Orzammar and the Pearl… one of them said that the recipe would be exclusive from then on. Greagoir actively mentioned that I might get buissness from the Divine for my Templar soap, even… so I have no qualms about selling the recipe to other people…" I gave a wide grin.

Zevran laughed, "It is their own fault if they did not ask for exclusive rights – and they would have paid more if that was what they wished in the first place anyway."

Leliana nodded, "That is true – it is standard buissness procedure to ask for exclusive rights if that is something you want. Them not asking means they expect you to sell to other people."

We started across the bridge and when we got to the center…

We saw Cailans body then. Alistair paled and a tear rolled from his face. I threw my arms around him and he held me tightly.

Alistair was breathing heavily – and it wasn't all grief. He was furious – angry that the Darkspawn would defile his brothers' corpse like this. I pressed my new sword into his hands, "We will be fighting a necromantic Genlock Emissary… use my new sword and take revenge for your brother."

His eyes darkened and he nodded, "That I will – thank you."

Speak of the Devil… the Necromancer surrounded us with several skeletons. The sword in Alistairs hand must have been far more powerful than I realized, however – because none of the undead were willing to take even one step toward us when the sword was unsheathed.

Leliana and the mages wasted no time in taking down the skeletons from a distance. Sten looked at the sword, "That is a good weapon, Kadan…"

I nodded, wide-eyed, "So it appears… I wonder if I could get Magma to make me some throwing stars with that effect… because I suddenly want some…"

Zevran chuckled and said, "Was it not you who said to be shameless in buissness? Ask, and if he says no, negotiate."

"I do not believe he would say no – she is the princess."

I nodded at Lelianas' words and started to jot out a note as we walked. When it was done, I tied it to a box with shurikens in it before placing it in my bag.

A reply was given just as we entered the Tower of Ishal. I read it out, "Ask and you shall receive – Lady Iris Stormheart will take over as our go between once I leave the homelands to search you out. You can reach me through her and I can reach you the same. If you have need of anything Princess, you need only ask and we will do our best to accommodate; Magma."

Alistair chuckled, "Well, that's nice of him to inform you that there will be a go-between."

I chuckled, "Very."

We reached the hole where Alistair groaned, "Ugh – down the hole and into the deep. I don't even want to imagine where this leads." I coughed a laugh and he gave me a weary smirk.

We managed to not only collect Duncans Sword and Dagger… but his body too. I insisted we bring it with us for what we were about to do.

When we got back to Cailan, it was again Alistair who spoke. "Ugh – they left him here to rot! We need to… do something."

"He is of Royal Blood – he deserves a pyre. So does Duncan, a good commander." Aedan said softly. I had Sten pull Cailan down from the thing he had been stuck to.

Once we got to a suitable area, I explained to Alistair how to use magic to build a Pyre before going to help Wynne and Natia with the Joining. The Joining was ready before the Pyre, so Aedan – as the junior member of the order – spoke the words before we made her drink.

Since everyone already knew what the Joining entailed at this point, she was joined in front of the whole group. She did survive, of course – I figured she would with being a potential Hero of Ferelden in Aedans' place.

I spoke as each man was placed on a pyre, "These men were brave – warriors who believed in what was right and good in the world. Both gave their lives for a better future. King Cailan is survived by his brother, Alistair – and though Duncan had no living family, he lives on in his recruits and all who met him."

Alistair, tears in his eyes, also delivered a small eulogy for both men, before looking to me. I nodded and set the Pyre on fire using my elemental ability.

When we got to Flemeths' hut a few hours later, it was starting to get dark. I sighed, "Morrigan… stay here. Everyone else, with me – we have a dragon to kill."

The others all blinked though Sten looked excited. Flemeth gave me a grin, "So, lovely Morrigan has… You feel different boy."

She was looking at Alistair. I spoke, "Currently, he holds my power – that has amplified the Dragon Blood in his veins by quite a lot. Look, Flemeth… you and I both know that this is just a formality. I do believe Hawke told you my message, after all."

She smiled, "Do not think that means I will make it easy for you little one."

I beamed, "Oh I wouldn't have it any other way."

She shifted in a blink and we all attacked. I had been given my new sword back, but… I rarely used swords. Instead, I used a bow. Alistair would heal as we fought – it still made me pout that he could heal with my powers and I couldn't. They were my powers… so why couldn't I heal?

Once she was dead I called out for Morrigan to come over and she did. She looked impressed at the body before taking the key and going to retrieve the Grimoire herself.

After that, we made camp nearby.

I made canned soup – because I was too exhausted to cook a real meal. It was so draining being without my magic, though I wouldn't complain… not where Alistair could hear me anyway. He always felt so guilty about it even though it was my fault.

I had been the one to drop the ball on this – I put the stupid cuff on without thought… I was stupid. And though everyone else agreed with me that it was my fault, Alistair still felt guilty that he was using my powers and draining me.

It was my own energy he used when he used the magics – and he never used as much as I did, but it was more draining because it wasn't me. I hadn't told him that – he wouldn't use the powers at all if he knew and we really needed some of those powers… like the healing that would come in handy during the fight with the Archdemon Urthemiel.

I knew he could feel my exhaustion and guilt, and he always tried to make me feel better – and sometimes it worked. Usually when he would just hold me and let me snuggle into him with no expectations of making love. Those were the best nights…

I loved him – and I loved that he never once pushed me. Even before gaining my empathy, he seemed to know when I was or wasn't in the mood… spoiler, I was usually in the mood.

But I couldn't deny that the nights where we just laid there talking or snuggling seemed to be somehow more… intimate than the nights we made love – and judging from the fact that he would snuggle me so much especially after sex… he felt the same way. I was more than glad for that – relationships weren't just sex after all.

That night was one of the ones where we just snuggled. He held me possessively – like I was a treasure he wouldn't let anyone take from him; a Dragon guarding his horde of gold. When I giggled and told him that, he just smiled, "Well… you are the most beautiful treasure. What kind of dragon would I be if I didn't guard you?"

I fell asleep feeling more beautiful than I had in years.