Chapter Twenty-Nine

Loghain

With a whole procession of people, it took us more than the original 3 weeks to get to Denerim than it did when it was just my group walking.

About 3 days before we reached Denerim – and 2 days before I would ride ahead with Leli – I snapped at Eamon for his sneering behavior and snide comments.

My hands were on my hips as I scolded him, "Your Grace, while it is truly none of your buissness who his majesty takes as a mistress – perhaps it would ease your mind if we put this to a simple vote?"

My words had caused a commotion among the guards and my group. Alistair looked ready to throttle Eamon and Aedan looked ready to pull his sword.

I swear even Eamons' own people looked at the Arl with distaste.

"What do you mean, my lady?" Eamon sneered. "All of you who think Eamon should mind his own business on this matter raise your hands!"

A great deal of hands rose to the air, including those who were part of the Arls group. "Okay! Now, keep your hand up if you think Alistair having a Mistress is perfectly fine…"

Aedan even kept his hand up – even as he knew the double play in my words; the ones' meaning I was saying that I was okay if Alistair took another lover.

I gave a satisfied nod even as Alistair wrapped his arms around my waist and kissed my cheek from behind, ""Now that that is settled, My Lord, I do believe I promised Alistair that I would make Pizza for supper," I turned on my heel, and strode away.

I walked Alistair through how to make a pizza oven for me and then set about making the Pizza by hand. He wanted to help, but I gave him a look – I knew he'd have the castle kitchens making Pizza all the damn time if I did that. He had the grace to flush and pout.

I made a pizza buffet, so there was enough for everyone. Buffalo chicken, BBQ and onion, Supreme, Meat, Veggie; there were so many pizzas that we even had left overs. I could see that the Arl and his family all loved the Pizza… even if Eamon and Isolde wouldn't say so.

Teagan spoke as we ate, "Makers' Breath this is amazing – I do believe it's my new favorite food, My Lady."

I flushed, "Alistair said almost the same thing – but it's so unhealthy and fattening that I refuse to make it often. I really shouldn't have indulged him and made it now, but… he gets these begging eyes like a kicked puppy! How am I supposed to say no to that?"

Alistair flashed me a grin, "You aren't."

I smirked at him, "One day there will be someone who utilizes the puppy eyes better that you – and if you two are at odds, you will lose."

He blinked as his mind raced – who would it be. I spoke in fairy, "Our baby, my love."

His eyes widened and he nodded, "That would make me lose – honestly, I don't think I could go against puppy eyes from that source either."

Aedan grumbled, "Half of me wants to know what you just said – the other half thinks I'd be upset if I did."

I gave him a wink but didn't reply as I nibbled my pizza.

Conner came up to me after we finished putting the leftovers in a container. He gave me a smile, "Thank you for cooking, Lady Ara."

I smiled back at him, "You're very welcome, Connor. If you wish, I can teach you to better guard your mind against Demons – meditating can aid quite a bit in increasing your willpower so that you also increase your mental resistance and magic control."

His eyes were wide and the Templar beside him nodded, "They teach that in the Circles too. Usually in groups, of course…"

Connor nodded quickly, "I'd like that, My Lady – if you're willing…"

"It'll be different from what's taught in the circles. My meditation involves movement called Tai Chi… it shows movements like hand fighting sometimes, but it's just a slow form of movement."

I pulled out a few yoga mats – one for each Connor, the Templar, me and Alistair who had joined us.

I saw Wynne was watching us. She had been teaching the young mage since we left Redcliffe.

Tai Chi had been something I started learning in hopes of weight loss – honestly, I had tried many things only to find out I'd had a thyroid disorder and losing weight would only happen for me with surgery – and since I wasn't that fat, it wasn't recommended. Most of the weight sat in my boobs and bum with only enough in my gut to look like I'd birthed a few kids. It depressed me that I couldn't look nice naked, but with clothes on… I looked okay.

I had learned a few other things – the other 3 martial arts I knew, how to dance and even lifting weights at one point – and it had all been in vain… at the time. They all came in handy now.

The Templar was dead set on learning this meditation – if his charge could do it, then so could he, I thought… I was wrong. It turned out; Templars used meditation too – to aid in their own willpower against demons and blood magic.

Alistair picked up on it easily – part of the abilities he'd gotten from me was enhanced perception, in more than one definition. He could see, hear, or just be aware of his surrounding better through his senses; but it was also the way of regarding, understanding, or interpreting things… as in, he was better able to grasp and understand concepts. And the things he learned now would stay with him when I eventually reclaimed my abilities.

And in that night and the next, I taught them quite a bit of Tai Chi.

When it came time to separate, Leliana and I rode ahead through the night – once the others all went to sleep, we left. Alistair had been reluctant to allow me to leave without him, but thankfully didn't try to stop me… he just gave me a passionate kiss – no way was it suitable for young viewers, either.

Due to not stopping, I did give Leliana a soda for caffeine and drank one myself… we arrived at the gates at noon the next day. The Guard at the gate recognized me – he had been the one to insult me last time I went to the palace. I guess that stunt had gotten him guard duty.

"M-My Lady – you've returned. I thought you planned to travel to Tevinter?"

I looked at Leliana – 'Celeste' – who said, "We had plans in that direction, yes…"

I spoke, "We stopped in Orzammar and ran into the Wardens. I was sure the Regent would like all the information I could give him on the matter?"

The guard saluted and turned to his companion, "This is the woman that the Regent was talking about – the saleswoman. I'll take her to the palace."

The other guard seemed disinterested and waved a hand.

The guard led us through the city – Leli and I stayed on our horses and I had my ass riding side-saddle since about a mile before reaching the gates. I had changed into a damn dress – Goddess, I hated acting noble. No way was I sitting astride in a dress.

The saddle wasn't right for side-saddle, but I was making due as we clopped through the streets. Storm was my main concern for not having the proper saddle, but she assured me she was okay and I had asked her to promise she would tell me if she had troubles. She had nodded so there was that.

We got to the palace and a Groom came rushing out of a smaller stable and stumbled upon seeing my horse. He called out for someone and an older man came out and froze.

I dismounted and patted the mare, "Behave for them Storm – they will only be doing their job in caring for you after all."

The horse master stammered out, "I-is that… an Imperial Warmblood?"

"That she is – paid a good 35 sovereigns for her. Her name is Storm. My assistant here has an Anderfel Courser named Stomper. Really what was Master Dennet thinking in naming such a fine stallion Stomper? Nothing to be done for it at this point I'm afraid."

The guard stumbled, "35 sovereigns for a horse?"

The stable master, however, simply nodded, "I'd believe it. Imperial Warmbloods were bred for nobles and royalty in the height of the Tevinter Empire. If someone else was interested in such a beautiful and rare Albino, then she could have paid as much as 50 sovereigns in a bidding war. It'll be an honor to care for Storm while you're here, my lady."

I nodded, "I do not use a bit for her, so don't go looking for a piece in her mouth – and if you have some orange peels, she likes little bits of that as a treat."

The stable master nodded, "Of course my lady."

Once the horses were cared for, I was led into Loghains' study to wait for him while a servant ran to fetch him.

When Loghain came in he looked confused, "Lady Anderson – a surprise to be sure. I did have your name and description spread through Denerim in case you returned… I hear you ran into the Wardens?"

"Yes – they aided me in breaking the deadlock in Orzammar. King Endrin died and there were two equally supported contenders for the throne. I was actually named a Paragon, believe it or don't. But that they were there… I heard that they found the ashes and cured Arl Eamon."

His eyes darkened, "But the ashes have been lost for a thousand years!"

"Not lost, apparently – hidden by a cult of Dragon Worshipers who believed that Andraste had been reborn in a High Dragon. They killed the dragon and the cult to get the ashes. Eamon was well when I stopped in Redcliffe to buy a horse to come here. I hear that they plan to call a Landsmeet and put that Alistair boy forward for the throne – He's apparently King Marics' bastard child?"

"Well… he is; but damn it – they're going to call a Landsmeet?"

"I fear so, yes. Celeste dear, recount what you heard when you suck into Redcliffe Castle – she is a Bard, you see; you can never be too careful here in Thedas."

Loghain nodded and gave Leliana his full attention. She gave a dire look, "They have fulfilled the three Grey Warden treaties – Mages; though there were few left, the elves had a werewolf problem, but the Wardens managed to solve that too and recruit the clan, and for their aid in Orzammar, the new king pledged to aid the Wardens. Arl Eamon uses a cane to get about now as he was bedridden for some time, but the Arl has pledged his aid in defeating the Blight after taking care of… you."

Loghain stood and began pacing, "I do wonder why you side with me…"

I blinked, "Who said we do? Perhaps we simply side with the late kings' wife as the proper heir to the throne? Or perhaps we simply side against the wardens being on the throne? Are wardens not supposed to avoid politics, Regent Loghain?"

He opened his mouth and shut it twice before chuckling, "You make a fair point. If Eamon is calling a Landsmeet, then I will be forced to attend – he has the resources at this point to make it happen… Would you like to attend? I am inviting you as my guest."

"I may be able to do better than simply attend… I could convenience the Wardens I am on their side and stay with them when they come to Denerim. They were not far behind. That Alistair boy is rather infatuated with me – I could likely get into his bed again."

Loghain blinked, "A spy in their camp… it has merit but are you sure you're willing to do that? I would not wish to inconvenience you…"

"It would be no trouble – Alistair is good in bed and Celeste here has built a rapport with the leader, Aedan. The choice is yours of course – either I go stay at the pearl or I can worm my way into Arl Eamons' estate."

"If it is truly no trouble, then I would appreciate that. I can come up with a proper reason for inviting you to the Landsmeet in front of Eamon – because that man wouldn't bring you to the Landsmeet without an invitation."

I nodded and stood, "They should arrive by tomorrow so I will stay at the pearl tonight so that they do not see us associating before then."

Loghain nodded, "I will pay your room for the night…" he pulled out 3 royals and I almost laughed – he had obviously heard of the pearls' 'standard' rate but not how much it cost for a night without… company.

I took the coins, "Thank you, Regent. As I said, they should arrive tomorrow so I will try to meet them near the gates – that should delay them enough for you to hear about it and make a visit to the Arls' Denerim estate in time to catch us."

He nodded, "That's perfect. I thank you for your willingness to aid my daughter in keeping her throne."

I nodded and we headed out toward the Pearl.

Sangra saw me and made a beeline for me much to the shock of many of the patrons. I noted a few nobles in the place just before Sangra kissed me on each cheek, "Teyrna Anderson – a pleasure to see you again dear. You've made me the richest woman in Denerim!"

I gave a sly grin, "At least until I arrived, my dear. I doubt you got paid nearly as much as I have since I left Denerim."

She laughed, "I believe it! Come my dear, what can I do for you this time?"

"Oh, I just need a room for one night, sweetie."

"Then it's on the house! That scent you sold me is a miracle wonder! There isn't a person here who isn't using it."

Leliana giggled. A noble approached us, "Forgive me Sangra, did you call her Teyrna?"

Sangra nodded, "Her late husband was a Teyrn of a place called America. And with her buissness skills, I don't doubt that she was accepted properly."

I nodded, "My husbands' family adored me and my son was not viewed as any less for being my son."

"Oh… I was unaware you had a child…" Sangra looked confused. I sighed, "'Had' being the word of the day, yes? My son… there was a house fire where I lost both…"

The noble woman – 5'7 with blond hair and blue eyes – looked horrified, "That's terrible – though I admit, I've never heard of America. I'm Alfstanna of the Waking Sea Bannorn."

I held out my hand, "I'm Arvaala Anderson – more often known as Ara. And saying I was Teyrna was so much more believable than the truth since I have pointy ears. In all honestly, I come from a land outside Thedas and the rules there are quite different in regards to magic and race."

Alfstanna picked up on my hint and nodded, "I see – if Teyrna is more believable… well, it's a pleasure to meet you. Lady Sophie speaks highly of your River Rain soap."

I smiled and nodded, "I'm glad to hear my scents have become popular."

Leliana cut in, "Forgive me, my lady; we rode through the night and really must rest now…"

I was grateful to Leliana for saying it – I didn't want to seem rude.

Alfstanna blinked, "Oh, of course – forgive me for keeping you."

I told Sangra that Leli and I could share a room so we were led to one and left alone. I was asleep the moment my head hit the pillow.

I met them near the gate, pretending I wasn't expecting them to arrive.

"Oh! Hello again… your name was Alistair right?" I asked sweetly knowing that Loghains men were watching. Alistair and my group picked up on it. Teagan did too – but Eamon was confused.

Alistair spoke, "Ara, right? And this should be Celeste." Thank the Goddess he remembered the names we gave Loghain before.

Aedan instantly said, "Right – we saw you both in Redcliffe. It's nice to meet you again."

I gave Alistair a flirty look, "I can't say I'm not pleased to run into you…"

Alistair smiled, "I'd have to say the same; would you care to join us for a bit? We could… catch up?"

I was so glad that this man was picking up how to flirt without being obvious about it. I nodded, "That sounds wonderful. Celeste, dear – what do you think?"

She and Aedan had been making eyes at each other. She nodded, "Of course, Mistress Anderson – I'd like that very much."

Aedan pulled Leli onto his horse while Alistair pulled me easily into his. I flushed at how he placed me in his 'lap' and held his arms around me. He had allowed my legs to stay on one side as he said, "I do love seeing you in a dress."

I smiled up at him, "Loghain will actually be more suspicious if you aren't lovey toward me – I used the fact that we've been lovers to suggest I could be a spy in your camp."

Eamon had heard the words and snorted, "I must admit that it was well played – though I thought the idea was to find a way to stay in the palace…"

"That was until I saw that he didn't know where his daughter was, Arl Eamon… he may plan to blame that on you."

"In that case… you are smarter than I have given you credit for at the very least. Managing to find a way to stay with us without rousing his suspicion… could work in our favor. We could feed him false information."

"Indeed – I could send Leliana since she can lie to him and I can't. He believes she is my ladies maid and assistant named Celeste."

I curled into Alistair and smiled up at him, "And I'm sure I won't be the only spy in your house Eamon… I should sleep in Alistairs' room."

Leliana giggled and said, "It would be suspect if she did not and he did have other spies…"

Teagan snorted, "You certainly played us all, Lady Anderson."

Natia laughed, "That she did – she has a knack for it. She played Bhelen into clearing his sisters' name; then she played the Paragon Caridin into not committing suicide so that she could get Golems for the coming war and now she's played both Loghain and Eamon."

I grinned, "It would be very suspicious to all of Denerim if I weren't sleeping with Alistair after what was said at the Pearl this morning."

Alistair went bright red, "Oh, Maker – do I even want to know?"

"Sangra asked where the strapping lad I had slept with before was. She described you in great detail to Alfstanna. And with how scatterbrained Loghain is at the moment… even if he does hear that, he won't think anything of it!"

Alistair leaned forward and kissed my cheek just as we reached the Arl of Redcliffes' Denerim estate. Loghain was waiting for us – as planned. He had Ser Cauthrien (5'8 with short black hair pulled back in a ponytail with blue eyes and tanned skin) and Arl Howe (5'9 with white greasy hair cropped short, green eyes and pasty pale skin) with him.

Eamon spoke looking surprised, "Loghain… this is… an honor; that the Regent would find time to greet me personally."

Loghain spoke, "How could I not welcome a man so important as to call every lord in Ferelden away from his estates while A Blight claws at our land?"

Eamon pursed his lips and replied, "The Blight is why I'm here. With Cailan dead, Ferelden must have a king to lead it against the Darkspawn…"

Loghain glowered at Eamon, "Ferelden has a strong leader: its Queen and I lead her armies."

Aedan spoke smoothly, "If Anora rules then let her speak for herself."

Loghains' eyes snapped to look at Aedan, "Ah, the Grey Warden Recruit… I thought we might meet again. You have my Sympathies on what happened to your Order. It is unfortunate that they chose to turn against Ferelden… again."

Aedan rolled his eyes, "I don't accept sympathies from deserters and Regicides."

I flinched at how casual that was. Howe and Cauthrien both believed that was a sign of my loyalties to Loghain, though – Howe was there the first time and Cauthrien was there when I informed Loghain about Eamon coming to Denerim.

Loghain growled, "You should curb your tongue. This is my city and no safe place to speak treason; for anyone. There is talk that your illness left you feeble, Eamon. Some worry that you may no longer be fit to advise Ferelden."

Eamon crossed his arms, "Illness? Why not call your poison by its true name? Not everyone at the Landsmeet will cast aside their loyalties as easily as you and these…"

I snorted and didn't hear the last word – then again, I'd never been able to understand it while playing Origin either.

"How long you've been gone from court, Eamon… Don't you recognize Rendon Howe; Arl of Amaranthine and Teyrn of Highever?"

Rendons nasally voice cut in, "And Arl of Denerim after Uriens' unfortunate fate at Ostagar."

I butted in, "That is against Ferelden laws…"

All eyes turned to me, "What?" Rendon asked in confusion.

"You can only have two noble titles at one time and they can't cancel each other out. You can't be an Arl while being a Teyrn unless there is a precedent for it – such as you are the Teyrn and standing in as Arl as though for an Order of people such as the Grey Wardens. For example, if Aedan here were named a Teyrn and was Commander of the Grey where they were granted an Arling, he could be both but only until he stepped down from the Grey to lead his Teyrnir or the other way around. You could have two Arlings, granted they are near to each other and thus easy to manage but if they are separated by another Arling or Bannorn, it wouldn't be allowed. This law has been in effect since the time of King Calenhad and the Orlesian Occupation. You are breaking Ferelden Laws by claiming all three."

Loghain blinked, "Your basis for this?"

I pulled out a book on Ferelden Law that I had found in Arl Eamons' estate and flipped to the proper page, "Chapter 15 – subsections 12 through 13."

Loghain read the pages intently, "She's right, Rendon – it seems I erred when I granted you Highever. That one will be stripped for the moment, but you can keep Denerim and Amaranthine."

Rendons face twisted in a glare directed at me. Loghain didn't like that – I was his pet as far as he knew, "Rendon – stop. She merely pointed out the error I made in this instance. Thank you, Lady Anderson. Seeing how well versed you are in Ferelden Laws… I am personally inviting you to the Landsmeet as my guest – we may as well have foreigners attend if they are so well informed in any case. Besides that, you are a noblewoman yourself – your insight may prove valuable."

I smiled with a small curtsy, "It would be an honor, Lord Regent – though I do hope you're aware you forfeited your own Teyrnir with accepting the Regent position? That means that both Teyrnirs lie empty at the moment – this isn't a good thing and leaves a power vacuum."

Loghain blinked and looked down at the books' next subsection where it detailed that a Regent couldn't hold lands while serving as regent. I could feel the amusement from the group around me. Loghain thought for a moment, "In that case, I name you to Gwarens Teyrnir for the time being – I heard from Alfstanna that you were Teyrna of a place called America in your homelands so you should have experience and it's only temporary anyway."

I blinked, "And… there goes my good graces. Can you repeat that? I think I missed something – you're naming me to Teyrn for Gwaren?"

Alistair coughed – choked really – as I stared up at Loghain in shock. The older man laughed, "Only royals – King and Queen – can hold the tile of Teyrn while keeping their holdings as Royals… and there seems to be no law here about naming a foreign Teyrna into the position. Your presence indicates that you left your holdings already anyway?"

I nodded, "I… my husbands' family… I really… you're naming me?"

"You're well versed in Ferelden Politics and have experience as a Teyrna. Also, I heard tell of your being quite profitable with those soap scents you sell. Orzammar sent word that I received this morning of your status of Paragon… and why. Maker, they paid you 6100 Sovereigns! I know the Teyrnir will be in good hands until Anora can reclaim it."

I flushed, "So long as it's temporary, then I suppose I can hold the title in the meantime."

Loghain nodded and handed back the book before turning to Eamon, "I had hoped to talk you down from this rash course Eamon… our people are frightened, our king is dead, and our land is under siege – we must be united now if we are to endure this crisis. Your own sister – Queen Rowan – fought tirelessly to see Ferelden restored. Would you see her work destroyed? You divide our nation and weaken our efforts against the Blight with your selfish ambitions to the throne."

Aedan spoke before I could stop him, "What efforts can there be when you outlaw Grey Wardens?"

Loghain gave him an unimpressed look, "Cailan depended on the Grey Wardens…"

I shoved a parchment from Soldiers peak at Loghain; effectively shutting him up to read it. His eyes went wide as he said, "I… I see. I will then keep one Grey Warden…"

He was pale as he handed the paper to Howe who said, "I already have that covered, Loghain – we don't need such rebellious riff raff."

Alistair gave me a look that asked what was on that paper. Loghain noticed and said, "I would pay more attention to her if I were you – it seems that she is the only one among us who knows what she is doing. Teyrna… I must take my leave now…"

He turned and stormed out with Cauthrien and Howe on his heels.

The moment the door closed, Natia burst into giggles and said, "Did anyone else see Aras' face when she named Teyrn of Gwaren? Ancestors' Tits – I want to savor that!"

I stuck out my tongue as Aedan looked to Eamon, "I believe you owe Alistair 30 Sovereigns."

Eamon groaned and pulled out the coins – good man had come prepared to lose. Never make a bet you couldn't make good on.

He then looked at me, "Well… Teyrna Anderson – what would be our next move?"

I shrugged, "Now… we wait for Anora to contact us… should be by tomorrow if I'm right. Aedan has some Drake scales that he can take to Wades' Emporium for armor… take 50 Sovereigns and offer 10 for the first set of armor – when he finishes that, offer 15 for the second set… then offer 25 for the High Dragon set of armor he will then have enough experience to make."

Aedan grabbed the 50 coins I handed him with a nod. I looked at Alistair then, "I uh… I suspect you have some questions…"

"What was on that paper you gave Loghain that had him change his tune about wardens?"

"… Without help from Morrigan, then a Warden must die to kill the Archdemon and End the Blight. The Archdemon is soulless – a warden is not. The essence from the Demon will seek out the next closest tainted creature and inhabit it upon death. If that is a Warden – the one who takes the final blow – then the Blight ends… if it is a Darkspawn, the Blight continues. The Archdemon inhabiting a warden will… kill both."

Everyone looked to Morrigan who sniffed and said, "You know how to prevent it…"

I nodded, "Alistair has already agreed to take part in that – I spoke to him when we were getting mounts in Redcliffe."

Alistair stiffened and cursed, "She's the one you were talking about? Is this my punishment for being too possessive?"

I laughed, "Not at all, my love – just think… Morrigan will hate it just as much as you will."

Morrigan made a face, "It couldn't be Aedan or… weren't you going to recruit…?"

Alistair scoffed, "Ara said it had to be me so it will damn well be me… honestly, I'm going to regret this, but I want the reward she promised me more than anything so damn it… damn it."

Others were looking between the three of us like it was a three-way ping-pong match. Aedan said, "I'm going to regret this… but what are you talking about?"

Alistair shook his head, "You don't want to know – I don't want to know, Aedan. Let's just say that the reward I was promised for doing this is worth any price…"

Morrigan sighed, "Ara…"

I gave her a grin, "Can I join or will that mess it up?"

She gave me a wilting look, "I have no…"

"Come on… he would be much more… willing with me there – I can help!"

"Maker – it sounds like they're planning a threesome, but I doubt sex would save lives," Leliana giggled.

I winked at Leliana, "Say the word, babe – I'd love to have a go at you."

Alistair growled low in his throat, but it sounded more like confused and aroused that angry – not that anyone other than Morrigan and I could tell the difference at that point.

Morrigan sighed, "You may join… but do not touch me during the process, please."

"All focus on Alistair – got it," I grinned. Alistair shot me a dirty look, "You aren't nice…"

"Oh… you only wanted Morrigan in the room for that?" I lifted an eyebrow.

"I didn't say that," he replied.

Morrigan actually smirked, "I quite agree – at least with Ara there, things may end quicker."

I snorted, "You could only hope."

She blinked and gave Alistair a contemplative look before shrugging, "You know when it will need to happen, Ara – so we have time until the ritual. I will begin making the preparations."

Alistair looked at me as she left, "When?"

"The night before we battle the Archdemon – you have got plenty of time to come to terms with this, love."

He sighed, "Within the decade, you said?"

Aedan blinked, "It's going to take a decade to kill the…?"

"No, Aedan – the reward for Alistair doing this will be within the Decade. Actually, if I can swing it… I'm hoping by 9:38 Dragon."

Alistair nodded, "I can live with that."

Eamon looked confused, "What could she possibly promise that would be worth anything?"

I gave Eamon a sigh, "Do you really want an answer or are you asking because you hope to prevent it?"

"I really want an answer."

"What is Alistair, Eamon?" I asked. He thought for a moment, but it was Aedan who said, "You Bastard – you're talking about kids!"

Leliana covered her mouth, "That was a clever hint, was it not?"

Sten blinked, "Reproduction is necessary."

I missed Shale – she was still in Orzammar getting the Golems ready for battle – she would have a smart remark about this.