Chapter Thirty-Six

Awakening

Mhairi had come all the way to Denerim to collect Aedan and me. She was 5'7, short black hair, green-grey eyes, and a soft voice. I remembered that she was from Dragons Peak. Her silver armor had two red painted dragons on either breast and her shield held the Dragons Peak Crest.

I actually had a letter from Sighard – I had asked for a report about her and the one I got was practically glowing with how much praise was in it. I wanted to save her – but according to the letter, she wanted to give her life to the Wardens in return for what happened in Dragons' Peak during the Blight. The most I could do for her would be to make sure her family was cared for.

Apparently, during the Blight when we had passed through Dragons' Peak on our way to Denerim after recruiting the Dalish, Aedan had saved Mhairis' little sister from a wolf attack. We hadn't done much in the Peak so I hadn't even known until I got that report… I told Alistair to make damn sure Mhairis' family was cared for – send them to my Teyrnir or something.

I smiled, "Mhairi – it's an honor to meet you. You've surely heard of my brother; Lord Aedan Cousland; Commander of the Grey, Seneschal of Gwaren, and Hero of Ferelden. I'm Arvaala Cousland – Teyrn of Gwaren, Chancellor of Ferelden, and Mistress to the King… oh, and I guess I'm also a Hero of Ferelden…"

"An honor to meet you, Lord Commander, Teyrna," I snorted as Aedan laughed.

"No titles. I'm Ara, that's Ser Doofus," I grinned as Mhairi laughed and Aedan looked affronted.

I suppose it was worth mention our looks – if only to remind myself that I was certainly in Thedas when only 9 months prior I was on Earth.

I stood at 5'3 – as I had in both lives. I still weighed nearly 250 pounds – something I struggled with, but it wasn't my fault that I'd had so many medical conditions that my Hyperthyroid had gone almost unnoticed! Not sure why I was still fat though – all the Transmigration books I'd read said I was supposed to be skinny and pretty… boy did I feel lied to!

Of that weight, most of it rested in my larger than natural boobs (Way too big for my tastes; ugh) and my rear end… thankfully, my mate seemed to not mind. My hair reached to my waist and was red enough to be seen from space like a bonfire (No – really; my hair was red, orange, yellow and even blue in places. It was fire), my eyes were pale silver that glowed in the sunlight, and my skin was vampire pale.

At 21, Aedan had black hair that went down to his shoulders when not pulled back, grey eyes that were reminiscent of a brewing storm and 6 feet of height that made me jealous. He was handsome enough, I supposed – but he was also my brother now.

Mhairi had been sworn to secrecy on my Pocket Realm tent – apparently all Fairies had a set space of Pocket Realm. The more powerful you were, the bigger your realm could get. Sylphs didn't have Pocket Realms as single elementals, but Fairies did. It always took the form of something you were comfortable with and Fairies could even break off parts of the realm to gift to others. As the Fairy Princess, my realm could get big enough to house the population of Halamshiral with no one sharing a room – and that made me wonder just how big my new race was.

My pocket Realm – as stated – looked like a tent; on the outside, it looked like a single person tent from Earth, but on the inside, it was an ever-changing palace. Since I was no longer traveling with the Origin Crew, I had changed the rooms. There was one for each Awakening person now. My room had stayed the same – it looked fit for royalty. Golds, reds and black accents decorated the room. In the center was a four-poster bed in a sunken dais. There were two Armoires – one on either side of the room facing each other for now – eventually, there might be more for my eventual other mates. Mine had elegant golden scrip with my name on it – Alistairs' had blocky font. There was also a fully stocked Alter to the Goddess in one corner – for my prayers and rituals.

Aedans' room also hadn't changed. It was still his room from Highever with ravens and Andrastian décor all over for Leliana. She wasn't with us at the moment, but it would be a comfort to see her things still there.

Anders had a pretty Alchemical Room – I refused to make it look anything like the circle tower since that was a bad memory for him. It was filled with herbs and books and had a cat bed and litter box and such for Ser Pounce-A-Lot (I was so going to call that cat P.A.L).

Justices' room looked like what I imagined a spirit of Justice would like. There were all sorts of Thedasian Law books – Ferelden, Orlais, and the Free Marches and so on.

Velanna had a room that looked like it was the interior of an Aravel and filled with all sorts of Dalish things – including a small table full of statues of the Creators.

Oghrens Tavern room stayed right where it was. Sigrun had a 'traditional Dwarven room' complete with stone bed.

Nathaniels' room had been tricky. I knew he'd liked the Grand Tourney he'd participated in, so I'd had Alistair show me pictures of what that entailed – Nathaniels' room looked like a damn fair ground to me, but I hoped he liked it…

Mhairi would be staying in a normal looking 'guest room' I had made. As before, each door had a sigil to denote who the room belonged to. Aedans' was the raven surrounded by the Cousland Laurels, Oghrens' was a Tankard, mine was a pair of wings with a sword pointed down in the middle and a crown resting on top; for Justice, I had used the Scales of Justice, for Anders, there was a silhouette of a cat, for Sigrun was a spyglass, for Velanna was the Dalish 'mask' from Inquisition (The Dalish 1 banners), and for Nathaniel was a Bow with two arrows crossed behind it.

It took us a week of travel to get from Denerim to Vigils' Keep – the days south of Amaranthine City… it would have been faster if I had brought my horse, Storm, but Mhairi didn't have a horse and had made noises about not being able to afford one – and with that report, I knew she wouldn't have accepted a horse for a gift.

So we walked. Of course, the Vigil was overrun by the time we arrived. Aedan gave me a look for not warning him, but I gave him a cheeky grin as we fought.

I shoved a box of bandages and health poultices into the medic guys' arms and he looked so darn relieved… he nodded and turned to get to work.

Anders… sweet, innocent Anders, was the only survivor of his group. He was 5'8, with his blond shoulder-length hair tied back, a gold earring, brown eyes and a strong jaw covered in tan-gold stubble. He was cute, but I knew at once that he wasn't one of my primary mates.

Mates – another thing Fae had. Each Sylph or Fairy had 4 primary mates – soulmates. We would always know the moment we met them. The only one I had at the moment was Alistair – at least… he was the only one I had full on mated with. Cullen Rutherford also held that connection, so I knew he was also one of my mates – and he was someone Alistair didn't get jealous over which was also a good indicator.

As Princess, I would also have to take a secondary mate – a mate without that soul connection – because the third Queen, Rain, had been a vain woman who wanted more than she was given. But because the law was more than 6000 years old, I would need something the whole race could benefit from if I wanted to get rid of the law or just not adhere to it… Alistair was reading through the book of Fae that my Guard-Captain had gifted to me trying to find something – anything – that the race as a whole could utilize so that I wouldn't have to take an 'extra' mate.

Back to the present! Anders was frying a Hurlock when we got to him, and I giggled as he waved his hands like in the game while turning toward us.

"Er… I didn't do it? Oh, don't get me wrong, I'm not beaten up about them dying, to be perfectly honest. Biff there made the funniest gurgle when he went down."

"Not too fond of them, I take it?" Aedan asked, amused. Mhairi looked disturbed.

"Oh, I know. Most people enjoy being kicked in the head to be woken up each morning. Me? I'm just so picky." I giggled again and Anders gave me a wink.

"You may call me Anders. I'm a Mage, and sadly a wanted Apostate."

"An Apostate… at Vigils Keep?" Mhairi asked looking stunned. She no longer looked at Anders in disgust however, after his mention of being kicked.

"You weren't here when we arrived. I'm quite sure I would have remembered a lovely woman such as yourself," he gave be a mock bow as he flirted, "We were just stopping by on our way back to the tower, actually. Just a short rest, they said… now they're dead; Shame."

"Templars who abuse their charges are no good men… so long as you didn't kill them then there should be no problems."

He smiled at me, Well, tell you what, I'll help you and we can discuss what comes later…once all the bastards are put down, yes?"

"We'd love you to join us, Anders. Oh, I think I saw a cat around here… if we find it, do you think you could make sure it's okay?" I smirked as Aedan realized what I was doing.

He glanced around eagerly, "A cat? Of course! Oh I do hope the cat will be okay."

"Well, Darkspawn tend to go for people, not animals, so I'm sure the fur ball is safe from that… I just worry that it had its tail stepped on or something." He seemed to relax and off we went.

"Mhairi… if my intel is correct," Aedan snorted at my words, "Then Oghren should be around here somewhere… did you happen to meet a surly red-haired dwarf who always seems to be drunk?"

"Him… yes, he was here when I left. I don't like him much though."

"Then we should find him soon. He survived the blight, no way is this gonna kill him," I sighed.

True to form, we found him after saving 5 survivors, sending them out the front to be treated by the officer we had out there.

4'8 with a beard longer than my forearm, Oghren had red hair, pale skin, and green eyes. The dwarf was always drunk, but he was good in a fight… which is where we found him.

He saw us and blinked for a moment. "Aha! There you are. When these darkspawn showed up I thought, 'just you wait until the new commander gets here and you'll all be spitting teeth out your arses!' Followed the screaming and sure enough, here ya are. Good on you," I snorted. He grinned widely, "Doubting your eyes, heh? I get like that after the fifth bottle or so. Came here thinking I might try my hand at becoming a bona fide Grey Warden."

"I can't believe the wardens didn't kick him out," Mhairi muttered.

"Heh, hey; If it isn't the recruit with the great rack," Oghren said leaning against the bannister.

"Yes. A prize for the Wardens, I'm sure." Mhairi shot back.

"I know, I know too good to be true, right? Hey… who's the mage; Boyfriend? Should I leave you two alone?" Oghren asked though he directed it at me, not Mhairi.

"Woooow, a dwarf that smells like a brewery; you never see those anywhere," Anders snarked causing me to chuckle when Oghren replied, "Heh, a Mage comedian, thought those usually dies young."

I giggled, "Oh, Oghren… the mage is my new brother!"

Oghren winked at me, "So teasing him is okay then!"

Aedan snorted yet again so I put on a concerned face, "Brother, dear, if you keep doing that, you'll end up with a sore throat."

"Then stop being funny."

"Let's get the keep cleared." Mhairi stated.

"Yes, let's go introduce some Darkspawn arses to my foot. Only polite thing to do," Oghren grinned as I laughed.

The keep was… easier to clear than in the game, and it wasn't hard at all in the game. Dwarkin with his explosives had cleared the courtyard after we met Anders, and there were more survivors than in game too.

After saving the seneschal and getting back to check on Survivors we heard someone yell, "The King approaches!"

Aedan looked at me and we all headed to the front gate.

I made a motion and everyone went to their knee – bowing to the King. I didn't – by royal decree; I wasn't allowed to bow to Alistair. No one knew it was because I was his wife and a foreign Princess – they thought it was because I was his mistress.

"Looks like I missed the party. Too bad, I rather miss the whole darkspawn killing thing."

"King Alistair," Mhairi breathed.

Alistair was 6'1, sunny blond hair, golden-slitted dragon eyes, and tanned skin from our adventures during the blight. He had gold armor fit for his station; but I knew that under that armor was a man who rippled with muscles – his scars weren't too bad either.

With him was Natia Brosca – Warden Constable of Ferelden. The Dwarven woman – a member of my own house – was 4'5 with bright red hair and light blue eyes to compliment her pale skin.

"I'd wanted to come and give the Wardens a formal welcome. I certainly wasn't expecting this," he caught my smirk before adding, "What's the situation?"

I hugged him, catching many guards, Anders, Mhairi, and the Templar with him off guard… especially when he hugged me back.

I knew many people thought I was his mistress out of a power hungry movement, but I loved my husband and I knew he loved me.

"What Darkspawn remained… have fled, Your Majesty. The Grey Wardens who had arrived from Orlais appear to be either dead or missing." Seneschal Varel replied. I took a moment to look at him. Varel was early 50s at latest, but looked like my grandfather had before… my Grandfather had been Military, a trainer even. Varel was 5'10, white hair that was kept neat, grey eyes that spoke of wisdom and hardship, and darkened skin from days in the sun.

"Missing? As in, taken by the darkspawn? Do they even do that?" Alistair asked. I could hear the nerves in his voice so I reached up and grabbed his face, pulling him to look at me.

"Look at me, love. These 'spawn may be different, but we will take care of it."

Alistairs' voice was soft as he looked me over and said, "And how about you, my love? You weren't badly hurt, I see."

I snorted, "After what you did to the Archdemon, who would dare hurt me? No, I wasn't so much as looked at – besides, my sword scares all darkspawn."

He grinned. "I fell in love with an Indestructible Goddess. I am such a lucky man. You have quite the task ahead of you. Really, I'd love to stay and help, but I'm needed in the Bannorn. You're on your own for the moment." He looked sad that he couldn't stay.

"Hey, what am I; chopped nug liver?" Oghren groused.

"From the smell, that's not a bad guess," Anders smirked, causing Alistair, Aedan and I to laugh. I saw Fen was at Alistair's side so I leaned down and gave him a scratch. I knew Ash was still in Denerim… Fen had gotten her pregnant so there was a litter of Pups on the way.

"Your Majesty, beware! This man is a dangerous criminal," Templar Rylock said. She was nearly as tall as Alistair with black hair done in buns, brown eyes, and… she looked older than the game implied. Early 60s if my guess was right.

"Oh, the dwarf is a bit of an ass, but I wouldn't go that far…" I sniggered.

"She means me," Anders sighed, and I stepped between him and Rylock.

"I'm sorry, Templar, but this man is being conscripted into the Grey Wardens. If you want him you'll have to fight your way out," I glared at her.

"That's… that's right. In front of these witnesses I hereby invoke the Rite of Conscription on the Mage Anders," Aedan said, catching on instantly.

"What? Never," Rylock cried.

"I believe the Grey Wardens still retain the Rite of Conscription, no? I will allow it," Alistair said coldly, picking up on my severe dislike of Rylock.

"But…" she looked furious before just gritting her teeth and saying, "If your majesty thinks it is best…"

Anders smiled at me, "Me; a Grey Warden? I guess that will work!"

"Well… if you have everything under control, I will need to take my leave. I hate having you do this love… it would be so much more interesting if you stayed at court," Alistair grinned at me.

"I'm sure the Bannorn could wait just one more night? Stay. I may need your help calming Aedan tonight when he learns who else I wish him to conscript," I worried at my lip.

"Hmm… well it is pretty late. Secure the area, we'll leave at dawn!" he commanded. Aedan looked at me with darkened eyes.

Alistairs' guards spread out without a second thought to secure the area, gather the bodies of the dead and burn the Darkspawn.

Ever since the Battle of Denerim, everyone in Ferelden had taken to wearing a Religion Amulet – and idea I had started so that I knew what rites to give to the fallen after the battle. I had been leading the charge after all; it had been my duty to see that each of those people were taken care of into the afterlife.

I had also been pressed to publish a book detailing my own religion when so many people kept asking me for details on my own religion. The Chantry was not happy at the surge of people leaving them for my religion, but since I wasn't actively trying to recruit people to it, they were okay simply 'banning' my book… for now. I had added into the book that the Mother Goddess and Father God had many faces and that it was possible that they could be Andraste and the Maker – that was the only reason the Chantry didn't denounce me specifically. "What's going on? Why would Alistair need to help calm me?"

"Let's all go see… the prisoner that gave your men a hard time before we arrived." I flinched. Varel said, "Shouldn't we commence with the Joining now?"

I shook my head, "There will be one more – because even as angry as the Commander will be… he'll heed my words and conscript the man who would otherwise die."

They all followed me.

I spoke before even starting down the stairs, "Nathaniel Howe – Welcome home."

Aedan began to lunge forward but Alistair caught him.

"Ara has never led you astray, Aedan. Think for a minute. If she wants him recruited, then there is a good reason."

"Rendon killed my parents!" Aedan shouted.

"Nathaniel is not to blame. The sins of the father are not the sins of the son! He's been in the Free Marches for about 8 years, Aedan. Until he can talk with his sister, he doesn't know the extent of his father's treachery! He thinks you killed his father in cold blood, like you know his father did to Bryce!"

Nathaniel was 6' even, cropped black hair, green eyes…he was 30, I knew that much. He looked stunned at my words. "I… I'm positive I don't know you."

"You may not know me, Nathaniel, but I know you. My name is Arvaala Cousland."

His eyes widened, "The adopted Lady who became Teyrna of Gwaren. If my father really did as you say, why do you stand up for me?"

I smiled at him. "Maybe I just think you're cute. But really, you are not your father. I know that Delilah will set you straight when we meet with her in the Amaranthine Market. You deserve a chance to clear your family name. I don't like that with nobility the sins of one become the sins of the family."

Alistair had snarled when I called him cute. Nate stepped back in shock. Aedan smirked, "Hmm – now who wants to kill him?"

Alistair was still growling as he asked, "Are you planning to take him as…"

I shook my head, "No dear – he belongs to a friend of mine. I don't poach."

He brightened and calmed instantly, "Oh… good then…"

I was giggling at his reaction. Nathaniel coughed, "If I am… recruited, I can only promise to reserve judgment until I meet with my sister. I can promise no more."

Alistair let go of Aedan who said, "Fine… fine. If he can be civil, then so can I. I'll give him a chance. But step out of line, I'll run you through myself."

"Well, off you all go for the joining. Alistair and I are going to make the most of our night together," I smirked as Aedan made a sound of disgust and stomped off.

I watched as Oghren, Anders, Mhairi and Nathaniel followed after him before turning to Alistair and pulling out a small vial of my blood.

"What is that?" Alistair asked warily.

"We are going to cure your taint. The First Wardens envoy has already come and collected the blood of Urthemiel, and you are a King so they can't just take you if they find out… but there will be a false calling in a few years, and I don't want you feeling the effects. I will inject this direct to your blood stream… please, my love? I promised you kids and if you're tainted then it's less likely the longer you're tainted… I… I want us to have babies…" Fuck yes I was dangling a carrot to him.

He groaned and removed one of his gauntlets, holding out his arm. I gave him a big smile and gave him the dose of blood. I didn't tell him that I had cleansed and used the cup of Archdemon blood I had saved because my instincts screamed I would need it. He already had dragon blood in his veins so that wouldn't matter… much.

The Dragon blood had given me a few things. My wings felt stronger, elemental magics came easier, and I could sense my surroundings… I was stronger, faster, and had more stamina.

As the Archdemon was an old god, that meant it also increased my Magic resistance and abilities… and I could hear snippets of thoughts from those around me.

Alistair hissed a breath as the blood of the Archdemon roared through him – further enhancing the Great Dragon blood already there. I knew that he would also gain more magic resistance and complete immunity to fire with the cocktail of dragon bloods. Urthemiel had been a fire dragon – as had the Great Dragon Calenhad drank from. Doing it this way also meant that he would essentially stay a Grey Warden without the taint.

Alistair would still be able to sense Darkspawn, he would still have the Warden stamina, appetite, and strength (again, enhanced by the dragon blood), but he would also gain a physical resistance. A vision had shown me that he would grow light, skin colored scales around his chest to protect his heart – having held my abilities and having so much to enhance his dragon blood was changing him.

I felt bad about it, but if it would protect my mate then damn it I would do it. Besides, he was simply becoming more like his own ancestor – Calenhad had scales around his heart to protect him too.

I explained this as the Blood coursed through his veins. He snorted, "So long as you don't mind that I will have those scales then I won't be too upset."

He wouldn't be too upset? I pouted, "I'm sorry… I suppose I should have laid this all out before…"

He shook his head and pulled me into his chest, "Hey – I didn't mean it like that. I just… I don't even blame you for any of it – the powers or the blood… I was already a dragon before I was born, right? Maybe I just miss my old eye color or something – and none of that is your fault. You told me that everything happens for a reason – right after our baby was taken from us, remember? If embracing my heritage as a Dragon was meant to happen, then it would have found a way. So what if it didn't happen in that story you knew? Maybe this world isn't like what you were supposed to know – not entirely. So, what I meant was that… I hope you won't be upset by a few scales?"

I smiled, "Do my wings bother you?"

He snorted, "On the contrary, I like when you use your wings as a blanket – softest feathers I've ever felt – my bed at the palace can't compare. They're cute too – them being bigger than you are is adorable."

I pulled him down for a kiss, "Honestly, if the scales had bothered me we wouldn't be here, right? I love you, Alistair – I would love you o matter if you were ugly, deformed or stupid – the scales are just a bit of permanent armor in my opinion."

He laughed, "If you listen to Morrigan, I am ugly, deformed and stupid."

I shook my head, "Perish the thought! You are one of the most handsome men I have ever met – and I've met Cullen Rutherford!"

He shook his head, "Are you saying Cullen is better looking than I am?"

"Not at all – you two had fan clubs that were about even in numbers back on earth. You two were the most popular romance options. I can't tell you who the favorite for the second game was because you'll get jealous even if I only did that romance one time."

He frowned with a pout, "Please?"

"… I hate when you use the puppy eyes – I can never say no to it. Anders, okay? He was one of the favorites because people liked the charming blonde men. He's not my type and I won't pursue him."

Alistair looked thoughtful, "Are… are you sure? You have two of the favorites already – by your own admission. I'm not quite sure how I made the list, but…"

I gave him a look, "Really? One – the other options were Leliana, Morrigan or Zevran in the first game. Two – you are sweet, smooth and romantic… you gave me a rose – in the language of flowers, a red rose signifies enduring passion – it's sweet. You are very good looking – seriously, Alex would have slept with you if you gave him even half a chance."

He flushed, "I… I'm not…"

"I know, Alistair – you're so straight, you can't put your own greaves on because you'd have to bend," I giggled – sarcasm was a Fairies best friend.

He laughed too, "Yeah – that. Besides, I love you…"

"Right – well, Anders isn't one of my mates and I plan to keep it that way. You and Cullen are very much alike, you know – awkward, charming, handsome and very sweet with one hell of a Dark side. You're my Dragon Knight – my king and husband; how could I ever not love you? And we have permission from the Landsmeet to marry when I go public – speaking of…"

He looked curious as he played with my hair, "Hmm?"

"I think Alfstanna knows who I am – she approached me before she left for her home… she pointed out my hair coloring, my lack of jealousy and the fact that I came from a different land. She may not know I'm the Princess, but she knows I'm a Fairy regardless. She told me she wouldn't tell anyone yet because she knew the Chantry would experiment on me instead of waiting for the Princess to go public… you should really get her something nice, yeah?"

He nodded, "I will – I'll make sure her Bannorn is first to receive aid and she'll get a nice trade deal with Gwaren."

I smiled; I had told him to do whatever with Gwaren while Aedan and I took care of Amaranthine. Alistair – impressing even himself – was running both the Kingdom as a whole and Gwaren for the next few months; and he was doing it well.

I took his arm and led him into the keep just in time for Mhairi to fall. I closed my eyes and whispered a prayer. Alistair rubbed at my back, "You can't save everyone, love…"

Aedan gave me a pained look from his spot next to Varel.

We continued down the hall to the Master Suite – Aedan insisted that I get the 'Commanders' room' and honestly, I tried to make him take it since he was the commander, but no – he was stubborn and told me that I was a higher rank than him in our Teyrnir so if I didn't take the room, it would stay empty.

I cried for Mhairi when we got there. Alistair kissed me softly just as a knock came at the door.

Alistair answered it, "What?"

I bit my lip – poor Natia looked amused when she figured out why Alistair was growly.

Natia said, "Sorry to interrupt but we have Fairies at the gate."

I stood in a flash, "Pardon?"

"Well – I suppose I should say Sylphs but there are four people just dripping in elements at the front gate refusing to come in without an invitation. They're asking for 'Ara Cousland' so…"

I sighed and began moving – Alistair and Natia on my heels. I could see many people gathered around the gate and pushed my way through. Alistairs' guards made a path the minute they saw us.

The first person my eyes landed on was obviously Magma – a Fire Sylph and my captain of the Guard.

He was 5'10 with shoulder length with hair that seemed to drip flames as it hung to his shoulders – it was colored like mine with reds, yellows and oranges but it was actively on fire. His eyes were a molten gold – as though gold melted down and swirling in his sockets. His skin was sun-kissed bronze. I hopped off the Balcony and headed toward them.

To Magmas' right was another man – he was 5'9 with green hair that looked as though it would feel like grass and leaves. His skin was dark – like tree bark – and his eyes were a beautiful diamond clear.

To Magmas' left was a woman; she was 5'5 with flowing clear hair that reached her mid-back; and I do mean clear. It was practically made of air, though it was faintly colored white. Her eyes were golden and glowed like gold in sunlight and her skin was fair and flawless.

And finally, behind them all was another woman. She was 5'6 with blue hair that moved and flowed like a small lake and hung to her waist. Her eyes were seaweed green and her skin was so light blue it was almost a normal pale color.

The four of them each wore a single silver ring on the middle finger of their right hand. On the silver band was a design of four elements. Fire melded to water, water faded to air, air turned to earth and earth roared to fire.

I straightened and said, "I heard you were asking for me? I take it you're envoys of the Fairy Princess?"

Catching on, the water woman nodded, "We are, my Lady – we've come to speak with you on her behalf."

I nodded, "This is one of the Princesses mates – King Alistair Theirin of Ferelden."

The Sylphs all bowed to him in unison, "Your Majesty…"

Alistair waved a hand, "Come – we can talk inside."

Aedan followed with us. We all headed to my room.

Once we were in the room, Magma said, "Princess… Stars, we're glad we found you."

I chuckled when I noticed Nathaniel, Anders, Natia and Oghren also invited themselves to this party. I let out my wings – easier than a lengthy explanation – and sat next to Alistair on my new bed.

The Air woman looked amazed, "Ah – Wings are one of the rarer Air traits! What else did you get?"

"Well, I've only met one other mate – though I haven't mated with him yet. He was my air mate – Alistair was water when we met though he seems closer to fire now…"

"If he was Water when you met then water is what he represents for you," the water woman nodded.

I shrugged, "My water trait is clairvoyance – I can see the future and the past."

I saw Aedan filling in the others as I spoke.

Alistair cut in, "Not to be rude – but can I get names? We all know Magma is the Captain of the Guard and I recall meeting Galaxia in the trials, but…"

I stilled, "Oh… oh, this is Galaxia? It is nice to meet you."

She bowed her head, "The honor is mine, Princess…"

"Uh-uh – call me Ara… all of you – that is an order."

The air woman giggled, "I'm Celeste!"

The Earthen man – who seemed so calm he was practically still – spoke softly, "I'm Drake."

Alistair sighed, "So… You found us – now what?"