Chapter Thirty-Eight

City of Amaranthine

(Trigger Warning - Her past is brought up)

(Open Talks and 'measuring' contest agains)

We were almost there when Aedan got annoyed about something and cursed as we made camp for the night.

I gave him a look, "What crawled up your ass and died, Aedan? You've bee pissy all day."

"I have one of your songs stuck in my head – and it won't leave me alone. I've tried everything – even recalling the lyrics from other more catchy songs!"

I grinned, "The best way to get a song out of your head is actually to listen to that song again. Sometimes, I sing songs because they're stuck in my head."

Galaxia nodded, "She's right – many water Sylphs with the gift of Voice will be asked to sing specific songs; more so since the Princess sent us that 'CD Player' and several CDs."

I coughed – Alistair hadn't been able to get the hang of making the instruments play themselves, so I'd… improvised. How was I supposed to know that the Sylphs would adapt the one CD player to run on Magic rather than Batteries and poof – the Fae now have better ways of listening to music on demand! I told them to keep that invention under wraps – Thedas wasn't ready for it.

"What song is it?" I asked.

"… That one you sang before we reached Denerim the first time… 'Bite your kiss," he muttered with a flush. I sighed and started the music to sing it.

These boys just talk and talk

But somehow I can't seem to listen

I'm thinkin' bout the one who's dressed in black

Got my head missin'

I'm switching up the order

I'm on top that's my position

I eat 'em up, I spit 'em out

I got a bad condition

I got my finger on your trigger

Here's your shot, I'm comin' for you

Celeste looked amused and Magma asked, "What does the line about riding 'shotgun' mean?"

I groaned, "Surely I don't need to have the sex talk with you, Mag?"

"What does it have to do with sex?" Nathaniel asked. Anders sniggered, "I think I get it – but Nathaniel… the whole damn song was about sex."

I nodded, "Right – so… a girl going down on a guy is called giving head. A guy going down on a girl is… I actually don't know the technical term for it. But if a guy lies down on his back and has a woman kneel above his face so that he can go down on her from there… that's what the line is talking about."

Nathaniel flushed bright red and somehow I was sure he was thinking about the logistics of it. Magma nodded, "Interesting – but why is it called riding shotgun?"

"Because in a carriage, there would be a person with a specific long-range weapon called a shotgun in the front seat with the driver. This means that those two 'ride together' so if you call shotgun, you're calling the front seat. Well… you can't get much more 'front-seat' than the face, right?"

Galaxia giggled, "That is a good point!"

Aedan grumbled, "I've already had this talk with her so I'm going to go cook."

I called out, "If you burn my kitchen down, I will be pissed. I love my kitchen, Aedan."

He waved his hand, "I didn't burn down Highever as a kid – your kitchen is safe, brat."

I knew that – he was the third best cook in my previous group… fourth by the time we ended the Blight. Alistair had taken quite well to those lessons I had given him in exchange for swordplay lessons.

Alistair had surpassed Wynne and Aedan – leaving only Leliana and me as better cooks than the King from that group… at least – we don't know if Morrigan was a better or worse cook because she never cooked for the group.

"So… you talk about sex quite casually," Anders grinned.

Drake snorted, "Of course – sex is quite natural. There are very few taboo topics among the Fae."

"But she doesn't remember being Fae…" Nathaniel pointed out. I grinned, "There were so few taboo topics on earth that I could count them on my fingers… Sex wasn't taboo so much as it wasn't brought up in polite society."

"Makers' Breath," Nate grumbled. Oghren laughed, "Just wait until the pulls out that fancy soap she makes for everyone."

I grinned, "Speaking of…"

I pulled out Fairy Song and shoved it at the Sylphs who all smiled and took a bottle each. I had made 2 new scents while I was at the Palace for the month between Origins and Awakening.

The first of the two I called Royal Archer – I had made it with both Nate and Sebastian Vael in mind. It sort of smelled a bit like leather polish, sunlight and a tourney field. I tossed the bottle at Nate and he caught it easily; he read the paper I had taped to the bottle and I could see his eyes widening as he read off the list of what was I it, "This has Felandaris in it? I can understand Embrium and Elfroot for health benefits but Felandaris is so rare…"

Magma coughed and Drake grinned, "Ara sent seeds of every available plant and what conditions they grow in back in the beginning. Earth Sylphs are able to grow anything – you want drugs? We can grow drugs if you have the right permissions. You want that one deadly plant that likes to eat people… well, we can grow that too, but it was banned about 3 Queens ago."

I giggled, "In other words, I have an unlimited supply of all those 'rare' herbs. Aedan had accidentally grabbed the Herbalists knapsack when he was escaping instead of the one he meant to grab. It turned out lucky for us – I just tossed the knapsack into my special bag and suddenly I was able to pull out the fully grown herbs? I didn't know anything about the bag at the time except that it had all that I needed."

I looked to Anders next – the scent I had designed for him was called Kitten. It had Tulips, Baby's Breath, Ghouls' Beard, Amrita Vein and even some Lyrium. It smelled like kittens in a flower field. I tossed it to Anders who took a deep sniff and froze, "I… love it."

I smirked, "Yeah – I know."

Magma lifted his own bottle, "Mine smells like lava rock… but Celeste has one that smells like winter air. Galaxias' smells like ocean air and Drakes' smells like a forest – but they all say Fairy Song?"

I nodded, "I made some alterations to my own scent. You notice the different lettering in each of your bottles? Magmas' looked like fire lettering and Drakes is made of branches? Those indicate which element they smell like. The normal one – the one I use – has lettering in purple music note style. This keeps the health benefits while also appealing to the need to stay close to your home element."

Magma looked impressed, "How do you do it? You've sent us so many things – and your work is all over them so we know you made them… some things make no sense; the tiny silverware that looks suitable for children, the strange pots or such… but you make so many things."

I flushed, "The… silverware is for me. I like tiny things. And as a stay at home mother in my past life, I had a lot of time on my hands to learn how to make those things."

Anders snigged after a moment and said, "You like Tiny things, huh?"

Aedan groaned as he came back in with a tray of food for us all, "Don't even – Zevran already made that joke and it ended in everyone but our Qunari friend feeling inferior."

Oghren snorted, "I don't remember that."

"Right – Oghren wasn't with us, bro… Alistair is larger than the average human male. He matches Qunari in size down there – 9 inches."

Magma snorted, "You're sure he isn't Fae, Ara? That sounds about average to me."

Drake chuckled and nodded, "That's true – we may be descended from the Elves but it appears we beat them in a few things, hmm?"

I shrugged, "I mean… he's my mate so perhaps it was only natural that he would match the Fae? We won't know for sure if that's the case until I meet up with all my Mates. I only know Alistair for sure in that department."

Anders lifted an eyebrow, "I'm still feeling very secure Aedan…"

I rolled my eyes, "Enough of this – you're making him uncomfortable. Aedan adopted me, Anders – I'm his sister and he doesn't like to hear this. Oooh – I'm glad you recalled me teaching you how to make Pigs in a Blanket!" I reached out and grabbed three at once.

Aedan chuckled, "It's easy – wrap the sausages with the dough and bake."

I stuck my tongue out and then a thought occurred to me.

"Uh… Magma – you said no Queen had ever had a child before… did that include pregnancies?"

"Of course – it is as though the Queens just can't get pregnant; why?" he asked, munching on one of the sausages.

I sighed, "Because I have gotten pregnant. Before the whole thing with where all the guys decided to measure dicks. I lost the baby when I was slammed against a Golem because an Ogre got testy with me, but I have…"

Instantly all the guards gaped at me. Celeste looked so mournful, "You… you lost the baby?"

I nodded, "Not my finest moment – you could hear my scream when I found out for miles. And I also know I can get pregnant again later on – I actively have to take preventative measures actually… I'd get pregnant too easily otherwise."

Galaxia looked amazed, "That's… almost impossible. It's rare for a female Fae to be so… fertile."

"Well – all the other Queens… have any of them been human before?"

"A few, yes," Drake nodded as he pulled out a book and began looking through it. Magma said, "This… this is a blessing – it could usher in a new age. Historically, any time a Queen held a special trait then it would be shared among the people. Our numbers have been dwindling for centuries – fertility could be a special trait!"

Celeste said, "We should inform Queen Aspen of this at once."

I coughed, "Um – excuse me, just… I won't be expected to go and get knocked up now would I?"

"Logically, it'd be better if you did – it would secure the throne and people would throw in their favor for this new alliance with the outside world. In practice; Queen Aspen is all about free will and not forcing anyone to do anything even if it would save others."

I sighed in relief, "Good – while I do want kiddos and soon, it wouldn't be safe to have them now. In fact, it wouldn't be safe until after I go do that testing in Val Royeaux and get all of that taken care of. If I don't wait until then… theoretically, the Chantry would be within their rights – in their eyes – to take my babies as the children of a mage even if I'm not a mage at all. And then they would conveniently lose the paperwork stating where my babies would be and I'd likely never see them again. In other words – it would just be best for me to wait to have children rather than rush to reassure the Fae and end up losing my babies anyway."

Magma gave out a low dragon-like grumble, "The Fae would not allow that. Children are far too rare for us to sidle idle while this… this… chantry takes our children from us! If they tried, it would incite war – and the Chantry would lose. The Fae may not have fought a war but our people are in top form. The Elements would respond to the Sylphs before responding to a mere mage."

Galaxia looked fierce, "Do not rush yourself, Ara – preventing a war and securing the future of your children is of the utmost importance. If it happens before you are ready then it is simply meant to be. We are to be your support – do not worry."

I changed the subject, "So how were you all chosen to be my guards?"

Drake chuckled, "Traditionally, your guards are also supposed to be your mates – they would be found before you underwent the ritual. However… we couldn't find your mates in time and so…"

"We were chosen because the four of us are a bonded group – we are mated to each other with no others. It isn't all that rare, however – the reason our group was picked was because of our unique mix of talents. My flight, Drakes elemental control, Magmas' Dragon-Form and Galaxias' song make us an almost unstoppable defense force. I'm flashy and Magma gets large so we pull all the aggression and attention in any fight. Drake is the one to stay back and protect with the elements and Galaxia can stun the enemies. That's the secret of Siren Song – if something intends to harm you but hears the song then they freeze in their tracks."

I chuckled, "That's so cool – and here I have clairvoyance."

"Clairvoyance as an ability is rather rare – you're the first to have it in 300 years at least. And you seem to have a better grasp on how to use than indicated in the records. Being able to tell your fertility – but then, the last one to have it was infertile so… it might have been possible, but we can't know for sure."

I shrugged, "Alright – since we've all eaten… let's get some sleep. Amaranthine City is a bit… chaotic at the moment."

Everyone shuffled of and I wearily fell into bed.

I woke with a strangled scream and drenched in a cold sweat. Tears streamed down my face as I gasped. My door was thrust open by 8 people – the Sylphs, Aedan, Anders, Nate and Oghren.

I gave a whimper and covered myself quickly – realizing I must not have closed the door fully last night – I would have sworn I had thought… in fact, I distinctly remembered leaning back against the door before stumbling over to face plant in my bed while I stripped.

"Ara…?" Aedan approached slowly while the Sylphs checked over my room. Aedan had his hands up like he was approaching a wild wolf or something. I flinched when he reached out for me.

He pulled back a little before trying again, "Ara, sweetheart – what happened?"

"J-just nightmares," I whispered while looking away and tightening the blanket around myself.

Anders looked horrified, "Makers' Breath – about what?"

"The usual… my death, my years as a… I mean, it's just stuff that happened before I met you," I corrected looking away.

"No, what were you about to say?" Anders and Nathaniel shared a look before each of them sat on the second bed in the room.

I coughed, "Do I have to say it? Alistair already knows and… and Aedan you know some of it…"

"Please, Ara – we need to know if this is going to affect you so severely," Galaxia soothed.

"Yes. If it gives you nightmares, you have to tell someone," Anders spoke up. "It isn't healthy for you to bottle it up."

"Believe me, Anders, I know. In my home world, there are healers who dedicate themselves to the healing of the mind. For the most part, it means listening to the trauma that caused the need for someone to see them in the first place. I was forced to see several of them over my life time. The last time was because I almost killed myself…" the horror on every face – other than Oghren who just slipped me his flask – told me exactly how they would react to the nightmares content.

"What… what is it?"

"I was a sex slave. I was 5 when it started and it went until I was 20. Slavery of any kind is illegal where I lived, but that doesn't stop it from happening. I was only free for 7 years when I died. Can you imagine? Rape is actually rather common-place, unfortunately, but my… circumstances were unique. 1 in 3 women are raped; you must understand just how common it was… I had 2 sisters; younger sisters. I was the oldest; I had to… protect them. I couldn't let them… I had a choice. I never left the care of my family, but I placed myself into that position to save them."

Aedan and Nathaniel looked sick but Anders… "You've heard worse, haven't you, Anders?" he hesitated.

The Sylphs heads snapped to look at the Mage in horror.

I could tell Magma was fighting the urge to ignite something – Galaxia looked ready to become a Selkie (Pull the bastards under and let them drown). I didn't even want to interpret the looks on Drake and Celeste.

"I suppose worse depends on who you talk to. For some, the worst that they can imagine is the best that's happened to some. Life is no more than a game of luck, isn't it?" I nodded.

"There's more… what aren't you saying?"

"The same thing I didn't tell Alistair – who my… masters were. I just… the younger of the two was more terrifying than the older one. The older one got caught twice and was still allowed to come back – the younger one was… sadistic and good at not getting caught. Please can we drop this? I don't want anyone feeling worse than they already do…"

"I think I need to know; but I won't push you," Aedan said with a sigh.

"Yeah – this was why I kept pulling Alistair into my tent even before he and I mated. Snuggling helps to cut out the nightmares. Now, let's all get dressed – it's dawn and we're almost to the City."

Aedan groaned as he left my room. I hardly saw him yank Anders and Nathaniel into a whispered conversation as I shut the door to change.

We approached Colbert and for some god-awful reason he chose me to flirt with… I mean, Galaxia and Celeste were right there – stunningly beautiful (Even disguised) and looking more approachable than me with my tired expression.

I knew that all of us Fae people had pointed ears but really – why me? I snapped, "Call me honey-pie one more time and I will tell my guards to rivet you to the fucking floor."

Magma and the girls closed ranks on me while Drake crossed his arms and looked menacingly at Colbert.

He looked startled at the amount of malice shown but nodded hastily and turned to Aedan who grinned and said, "Deep Roads entrance – I'd start talking before they get testy. Magma is a bit of a hot head."

Magma grumbled, "No truer words, My Lord."

"I can't take all the credit for findin' the rift, you know? Micah here fell in first. It's quite a ways out of town, you see. We were tracking a buck in that direction… before this whole darkspawn mess. We'd been on his tail for about a week at that point. I'd wager he thought it was great fun – leading us on a merry chase as he did."

Aedan groaned, "Chasm, Colbert."

"Right; it was really something to behold – a huge cleft, as though the maker himself had cracked the earth in two, like… an egg. It looked like someone had tried to build over it, but it must have been abandoned long ago. No one in town knew about it. Well, of course we had to investigate! That was when Micah fell in – a shriek like you wouldn't believe and he was gone."

Micah finally spoke, "Earth crumbled; not stable."

"Right – and as Micah lay there yelling about his knee or his head or what have you; the darkspawn appeared. More than a brood, but less than a horde is how I can describe it. They seemed… occupied; like they had someplace really important to be – didn't notice us at all, thank the maker."

Anders scoffed, "The darkspawn were so occupied as to overlook two screaming injured men? Boggles the mind…" Celeste giggled at that.

I tried to stifle my grin, "Look, guys – we need our map marked with that location. Give me that map location, and I'll give you each a shiny gold coin – to make this faster if nothing else… and maybe some nice soap – no offence but you both stink."

Colbert handed Aedan his map and I gave over two gold coins and River Rain soap while Colbert beamed, "If ever there was reason to fall into a darkspawn pit, here it is – maker bless you."

We approached the gates next, but we were stopped by a woman. "My pardon Sers, but I was paid a whole sovereign to give this to you. I told him, I did, there was easier ways of getting a message to the commander of the Grey."

I froze and cursed, "Thank you, Ser – we'll take this."

Aedan looked confused, "What…"

"While you were playing Noble and I was playing Mistress – you met quite a few nobles. You opted to talk to the Dark Wolf or we wouldn't be getting this note, Aedan."

"Oh… I really just wanted to find out if it was really Zevran…"

"No – people think the real Dark Wolf died in a prison. But this guy is good for getting the information," I sighed.

"Then no harm – as long as he isn't taking the title maliciously then I can't get upset about it. And it is even better if he can get me the information needed."

"Well – I could get you the information… he can get us the proof we need to leverage hostages."

"What do you think?" he asked.

"If you promise to treat the hostages nicely then no death is needed so… I would go that route."

"Then we'll pay the Wolf for the proof."

We got to the gate and the one man stopped us. I handed over my pack before the man could ask, earning a relived smile from the dark skinned guard as the rest of the party began unloading their own packs.

"What are you doing man? That's the Warden-Commander and the Teyrna of Gwaren!"

"It's quite alright, Constable Aidan. This man was simply doing his job, and everyone does mean everyone after all. Besides, you could call it a show of good faith – he checks our bags and others will be more willing to let him check theirs."

"That's… thank you for being so understanding, My Lady," the Constable said, looking somewhat chastised. He was 5'9 with sandy hair and tired green eyes. If I were a betting woman, I'd say he was early 40s at least.

"I hear you have trouble with smugglers around here? We can help, if you'll let us," I nodded.

He looked so relieved and he bobbed his head, "Maker… I'd appreciate that, Lady Cousland."

"Well, here's what I can tell you about the smugglers; with trade slowed to a crawl, they've moved in to sell their 'wares' at an exorbitant price; more than 6 times true market value. If we could shut down their operation and seize their supplies, we could distribute it to the needy."

"I know where they are, Constable; leave it to me."

When the one guy finished searching our bags I glanced around, catching sight of the market and a very familiar head of black hair. "Nate… hun, I think I see your sister!" Nathaniel immediately rounded to look in the direction I was pointing, his face lighting up. "Delilah!"

The Constable, only just realizing who was among our company, did a double take; looking between Aedans rueful look to Nathaniel who grabbed my hand and dragged me off to meet his sister. I giggled as Delilah looked up in bewilderment. I knew Nate sounded like his brother, though that wasn't mentioned in the game; I had seen Thomas' death in a vision though I hadn't entirely known it was him until I met Nate.

Delilah looked like a prettier female version of Nate. Her long black hair was left loose around her shoulders, sparkling golden eyes, and flawless pale skin.

"Nathaniel? Oh thank the Maker! I had feared the worst!" she exclaimed and rushed to embrace him.

"Times must have been…" I elbowed him. "Forgive your brothers poor manners! My name is Arvaala Cousland. I hear congratulations are in order on your nuptials?"

"Oh, thank you my lady! Albert makes me so very happy… I was so glad to get away from fathers' evil… this life is so much better."

"Fathers' evil? Isn't that overstating it a bit? He got caught up in politics…"

"You… weren't here, Nathaniel. You didn't see what he did. You want the culprit who destroyed our family; it was him, without question."

"I… had no idea." I hugged Nathaniel's arm in an attempt to comfort him… I think all I managed was to catch his sisters' attention.

"Of course you did… but you always worshiped father, right from when you were a little boy. Come; let's catch up, shall we?"

"Um… I'll just… wonder the market a bit. It is my first time here…" Delilah gave me a smile and led her brother off just in time for Aedan to wonder over.

We did some shopping; Aedan went and took care of the Crown and the Lion for Kristoffs location with Anders and Oghren, while I rounded up all the poison.

I was turning the poison over to Kendrick, when I heard Nathaniel say in an exasperated voice, "No, Delilah, we are not in a relationship. You know she's King Alistairs Mistress."

I gave a delighted giggle, "Oh how cute – Alistair would kill Nate for looking at me that way, sweetie. Would you like to ask?" I winked and held up the topaz sending stone from my waist, causing Delilah to laugh.

"What? No! I mean… I'm not…" He stammered and I shot a wink at Delilah.

"When is the little one due?" I nodded to her stomach, causing her to look stunned.

"How… I'm only 4 months along…" she muttered.

"Relax, sweetie. I was a momma not long ago, I just know the signs, fairly well," both Nate and Delilah paled.

"Was…?" she whispered. I gave a sad smile but only said, "House fire. He would be 4 soon. Children can be quite the handful, but just when you're at your wit's end, they'll do something so sweet that you can't help but think it's all worth it."

To my shock, she hugged me. I had come to realize that I craved touch more since coming to Ferelden; though I had always been touchy-feely.

Magma and the others were also always in near-constant contact with me so I had to assume it was a Fae thing.

I dragged Nate off after a few more moments, heading to the tavern.

I giggled when I saw the Blight Orfans Notis Bord and tossed a golden coin into the 'Donashun Tin', much to Nathaniel's amusement.

I explained what I knew about it; people pretending to be orphans so they could get coin for drinking, and that I thought it was good that people could find a way to be somewhat happy in these times. I also told him that I had a charity set up in Denerim for real Orphans of the Blight. He gave me a speculative but overall approving look.

Our next stop was the Dark Wolf. He nodded his head, "It's a pleasure to meet you Heros of Ferelden."

I stepped in, "I want the information – who is trying to kill my brother. I'll pay you 150 Sovereigns if you can also get me proof. The real Dark Wolf also will not come after you for taking his title. No, he isn't dead – he's just… occupied."

"You have a deal, Lady Cousland. Give me 3 weeks and I will personally deliver the proof to your Vigil."

I nodded and passed over the money. He left at once.

I turned and almost ran right into a pretty elven woman – 5'5 with light brown skin, dark brown hair and lovely green eyes. My heart skipped in envy of her looks.

Anders saw the pretty woman and called out to her.

She snorted, "Of course I'm still here, Anders – I keep my promises. Here; turns out you were right. The cache is here in Amaranthine."

"You found it…?" he breathed.

"I did. What you do with that information is up to you. I, for one, am done dealing with mages."

Anders looked to us after she walked off and I smirked. "We can go take a look – I always wanted to kill Rylock."

He blanched, "What?"

"It's a damn trap – the warehouse is empty, but Rylock is there. I abhor killing, but that woman… she won't let up. She'll come after me if we don't take care of her."

Magma said, "I'll follow you to the Warehouse, Ser Anders. Lead the way."

We headed over to the Chantry, where I saw Wynne. I squealed and hugged her, "Hi, mom!"

The three remaining Sylphs started at that. Wynne chuckled, "Cheeky brat – I'm not your mother."

I gave her a pouty look, "You mean I'm adopted?"

Aedan burst into sniggers, "You walked into that one, Wynne – you know how she gets when she claims any of us."

She shot me a small smile, "I suppose you win this one. I contemplated visiting you at the Vigil, but things got… busy. The Circle had to be rebuilt for one; and I hear you've both been quite busy too…"

I shrugged, "Darkspawn needed killing – we're handling it. Mom, this is Lady Celeste of the Air, Lord Drake of the Earth, Lady Galaxia of the Water and… Lord Magma of the Flame is off helping our Mage – Anders. They're my guards."

Her eyes showed instant understanding, "Good that they found you – I heard what was said in the second Landsmeet where the Alliance was confirmed. How soon do you plan…?"

"Oh – about 9:34 Dragon… I'm somewhat waiting for the next Divine and a few other things to happen. We can't rush these things," I shrugged. She smiled, "I wish you luck on that."

Anders and Magma returned – I saw a bit of blood on Magmas' pants. I coughed and looked to Wynne, "You need me to find that botanist for you? I believe the Collage of Magi is convening in Cumberland and you have to attend. Something is stirring in the fraternities' right?"

She nodded, "The Libertarians wish to pull away entirely from the circle; and if they get enough support…"

Anders scoffed, "Pull away entirely? That's madness – I hate the Chantry oversight as much as the next mage, but they can't just decide to leave. This is a recipe for disaster!"

"Well, it could turn out to be nothing – but keep your ear to the ground anyway. And yes, if you could find Ines for me in the Wending Wood that would be a great help."

I nodded, "She's after some Northern Prickleweed – I can help her and send her on to Nevarra with no trouble at all."

Wynne smiled, "Thank you child."

I smiled happily and we all got a room for the night before heading out to the Wending Wood.