Chapter Thirty-Nine

Judgement Day

(Trigger Warning - Her Past... again and this chapter also explores Kinks again. Some things may not be suitable for young viewers - skip to the first break in the chapter to avoid it but it WILL likely be mentioned later - not sure yet.)

(A/N - Learned that you can completely close out the app and re-open if future chapters don't 'appear' at once)

I was just barely able to muffle the screams as I woke from the nightmares – this was going to get really old, really fast. Celeste and Galaxia shot awake from their bed rolls (They had insisted on coming to sleep in my room tonight).

Galaxia came over, "Ara… if you need, we can switch off snuggling with you at night."

I coughed, "That's sweet but… I wouldn't want to take you from your mates, Xia."

Celeste snorted, "Why do you think we're in here to begin with? Magma all but shoved us in here."

I laughed shakily, "Question – what happens if either of you get pregnant? Wouldn't that be a conflict here?"

"Not at all – that's why the Protective state exists. It's a state of being where we push past all of our natural boundaries to protect our loved ones. Though I've never heard of a female going into the state, it should be possible…"

"Oh, it is – I've done it," I sighed at Celestes' words as Galaxia rubbed at my back. They both froze.

Galaxia said, "You have?"

"We were clearing Soldiers' Peak – it was filled with Demons and Ghouls. I was grouped with Alistair and our Assassin friend Zevran. A ghoul hit Alistair with its blade – I wasn't aware the blade was dulled after 200 years of it being hit against the floor. I just… I saw red and then I saw nothing for the following two hours as I killed everything in that keep and apparently even cleaned the Keep. I know I could enter it again – I think I could do it on demand if I tried, but… I don't want to try unless something is wrong since I seem to black out."

Celeste looked awed, "Amazing… do you have any theories as to why you were able to? No one knows why the females don't…"

"I've always been highly protective – you know that I died saving my son and urging my husband to leave the house with him… but there was a little more to the story – I had run into the house. I was taking the dog out when the fire started and… when I saw the flames, I ran in to ensure both of them made it out. And when I was trapped in there, I refused to scream so that the last thing my son heard from me would be 'I love you' instead of my screams. I burned alive without screaming. It was easier than one might think since I was in near-constant pain for years."

Galaxia hummed, "Perhaps… I mean, it is possible…"

I shrugged and stood to get dressed. "It's the only thing I can think of as to why I can access it and on demand. But anyway, I can feel the dawn approaching so let's get dressed and wake everyone."

"You can… feel the Dawn? How marvelous – that was something Sylvain could do before. Previous talents don't always transfer over." Galaxia clapped excitedly. I chuckled, "Good to know – I was a late sleeper before. I hated mornings with a passion. I get rather… possessive of my sleep when I am able to sleep without nightmares."

"That's fair," Celeste nodded and tossed her hair up in a ponytail before moving to braid her mates' hair.

I smiled at them gently – they were adorable together.

We left the room and I saw the others already gathered at a table. We made our way over. Magma gave the girls a questioning look – and the girls both shook their heads sadly.

I snorted, "I said snuggling helps – not having someone in the room. And I'm not about to snuggle up to someone elses' mate, Captain."

Drake smirked, "I told you she wouldn't Mag. I love you – I do – but you have got to learn to listen."

Aedan let out a bark of laugher, "Time to do it my way. Ara – either you share a room with me, Nathaniel or Anders. I'm your brother and those two aren't mated so there shouldn't be too big of an issue. Alistair won't mind so long as it's only for your health and there's no… funny buissness going on."

I sighed, "Which of them gets first try?" I knew I wouldn't get out of it – Aedan was far more stubborn than I was.

Aedan smirked, "Nathaniel does."

I nodded, "Damn… I'm gonna miss sleeping naked."

Nate choked and his drink ended up all over the table. Anders began laughing, "You can feel free to keep to that with me, love."

I rolled my eyes – why was he flirting with me? I knew he didn't like me that way. Aedan glared at him sharply.

I shrugged, "Sorry – I don't do mages."

Anders pouted, "But why not?"

"Because I like men who can lift me – it's hot and that means I need a warrior. You have stick-figure arms and those might break if you tried to lift me against the wall. Besides – you're too nice."

"King Alistair seemed nice too," Anders looked amused.

I gave a smug grin, "He was. Now he has no problems tying me up, choking me or giving me a nice swat on the ass once in a while. And again – it's hot when he slams me against a wall."

Aedan groaned as ate just set his glass down and shook his head – he was red. Anders blinked, "No damn way – the man acts a bit… innocent when he isn't being Jealous."

I grinned, "He was," I repeated. Magma sniggered, "The bond of the Fae at work. His jealousy will propel him to either please you as he is or do what it takes to please you."

"He can do either, actually – I don't need the kinks… but it helps sometimes."

Drake chuckled darkly while staring at the girls who were both flushed. Magma said, "BDSM – yeah; we have it too."

I laughed, "Delightful!"

"What is BDSM?" Aedan asked; his curiosity overpowering his disgust. I grinned, "Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and Submission, Sadochism and Masochism. Anything kinky – gags, tie-downs, hitting, hair pulling, knife play, choking, and so on and so forth. Personally, I'm a submissive – I take orders in the bedroom and Alistair is most certainly a Dominant. Don't be fooled by his pretty face and lack of willingness to lead a country – that man can give orders just fine."

Aedan flushed, "That last part was way more than I ever needed to know about your love life…"

"That's just scratching the surface too – some Fae enjoy Primal Play quite a bit. We have whole shops dedicated to the BDSM stuff." Galaxia smiled.

Nates' curiosity won out this time, "Primal play?"

I was thankful that Celeste had put up a wind barrier – no one was listening in to us – as Drake explained, "Primal play is… it focuses on raw feelings and actions that are evoked by natural impulses and urges. Hunting, chasing, wrestling, pulling hair back, biting, and even growling – nails, teeth… it is… you must trust your part without holds for it to work. It can even involve some things many people would very much frown upon in a place like Ferelden."

Red-faced, Aedan asked, "What could be more frowned upon that you wouldn't dare to say?"

I spoke softly – just a whisper laced with ashamed horror, "R-rape-play. It can involve the play of…"

"That makes a bit of sense – hunter chases the prey and once captured…" Anders nodded. But it was Nate who had picked up on my tone, "Does he know?"

I shook my head, looking down and trying not to cry, "How can I tell him? He knows my past – and because of my past I… I know it's sick and…"

Magma snorted, "It isn't sick – especially for one in your position. You were held that way for 15 years – it is only natural that you were conditioned to eventually like it. And it isn't like you're the only one in this entire world who enjoys such things."

"He's right – I enjoy it too. Drake makes a better Hunter than Magma though," Celeste smiled sweetly. I nodded, "That may be; but my previous husband – the one I died saving – struggled with it and his personality aligned closely with Alistair. I can't tell him – it bore too heavily on Alex… I can live without it. I can't do that to Alistair – he'd hate it."

"Well, you shouldn't keep it from him – I thought there were no secrets between you two," Aedan frowned. I shrugged, "He knows I have one kink I haven't told him about yet – that I'm just not ready to tell him. I feel… sick for liking it – I really do. The world I come from is more conservative. Even among the BDSM community, that kind of thing is… frowned upon. And in a former victim… well, victim-shaming was a big thing and it would only make people say that I must have wanted for that stuff to happen. How could I ever want crap like that? They were…" I snapped my mouth shut.

"Makers' Breath," Nate looked sick, "You knew them – you knew your captors before they were your captors…"

I shrugged, "Perhaps I did."

"I knew Earth was fucked up but this… how can anyone blame the victims?" Oghren grunted. I jumped – he had been so quiet during the whole conversation that I'd forgotten his presence. I coughed in light embarrassment, "Don't know – they always have though. It used to be, it's not rape if she's his wife; when that finally was fixed, men still tried to suppress women and men were told they should feel lucky that they got laid. There were kids being raped and being told they deserved it – child marriages were a thing in some countries."

"You were a kid," Anders whispered.

I shrugged, "I'm not anymore. I'm just an adult with a lot of mental issues… let's get going – it's a long way to the Wending wood and we need to stop in at the Vigil first for a few… judgements."

We made it back to the Vigil and I sighed – I could already feel Varel approaching us.

When he saw us, he lit up, "My Lord – there have been several… arrests since you were last here."

"Makers' Breath – it's been a week, Seneschal. 3 days there, a day at an inn and 3 days back – one week… how many arrests?"

"A few – it would be prudent to get it over with now…"

I chuckled, "Come on, brother – I'll stand next to your throne and give you advice!"

"… Nathaniel, go get more arrows for your bow. Anders that cat needs a bath – he's starting to stink. Oghren… go drink something and swing your weapon at those Shleets."

I gave a small giggle and the three companions saluted and headed off. Galaxia looked confused, "Shleets? Is this something we should be on lookout for?"

I broke down in full laughter as Aedan sniggered, "No – some asshole told Oghren about a made up foe called Shleets – they apparently look like regular pants until you get close to them and then they attack. I didn't have the heart to tell him they weren't real and that someone was having him on. If someone leaves their pants' laying around the great hall, then that's on them that they get an axe in em."

Magma sniggered, "Oh – priceless. What asshole told him that?"

I sniggered, "It sounds like something Alistair would do, but I know it was one of the servants trying to scare the Drunk Dwarf into not leaving his pants just anywhere."

Drake sputtered, "His Majesty would do such a thing?"

"What can I say? Alistair loves a good laugh and fine cheeses. He also has a minor obsession with his hair."

Drake chuckled, "Cheese… why didn't you say so? Our Cheesemakers make this very nice smoked cheese from dragon milk."

"Dragons produce milk?" Aedan asked as we headed into the hall. Magma snorted, "Only female forest Dragons in the north of Danu – speaking of, the Queen approved the name due to its significance in our language. The home of the Fae is now officially named Danu."

"… I sort of want to try this Dragon Cheese now…"

"They call it Smoked Flame Cheese. I'll get some of all the cheese varieties added to your storage house and retrieve a sampler for both you and the King. It will be ready for the next time we see him." Galaxia said softly.

I snorted, "Oh, Alistair will love that. You'll become his second favorite person ever."

Aedan coughed, "On the subject of mates – what happens to the mates when the one dies? I mean – especially in the Princesses case where her mate is human…"

"Human mates gain the Longevity of the Fae – King Alistair will live to be about 300 to 350 years old since the Princess is already 50."

I nodded, "As stated before – Fairies live to be 300 to 400 years old." Seneschal Varel choked, "I think I am missing something…"

"My guards – the Princess has Fae guards… and my guards are also Fae; they are merely disguised. You recall that my guards are paid for by the Princess?"

Varel looked wide eyed, "No wonder their armor is like the stuff the Knights of Redcliffe wear!"

I nodded, "Any questions about the Fae can be answered by my guards if the information isn't classified as secret. The longevity thing is something that the Landsmeet and noble houses do not know at this point in time. Alistair only plans to rule until his first human child is old enough and ready to take the throne, after all. The human children of Fae only get a slight extension to their lifespan from what I hear."

Magma nodded, "Only a 200 to 250 year lifespan. Queens actually have a life expectancy of five hundred years but most don't make it to that age for some reason or another."

Drake said, "Not that it matters if they do or don't – each Queen has a destiny to fulfil and when it is done, things are more relaxed."

"But… assassinations…" Aedan frowned. "No queen has ever died of assassination, Lord Commander. It is always illness, accident or age," Galaxia said coolly.

I snorted, "Alright – enough… it's time for court."

The throne was a stained Whitewood chair with two bears – the sigil of Amaranthine – carved into the top. There were people knelt before me, before Varel called out, "All rise! The Warden-Commander and liege-lord of all Amaranthine, is ready to host court."

I nodded my head and stood beside the throne with a clipboard while Aedan said, "Bring up the first case, Seneschal."

"Our first case is the Matter of the Crown against the Sheep-herder Alec on behalf of the Crown."

The Guard-captain stepped up, "I submit that Alec stole two bushels of grain bound for the garrison in Amaranthine. When confronted by soldiers, he confessed. The punishment for…"

Aedan looked at him darkly, "I was raised a noble son of Highever, Captain – I know the penalty for treason. Alec, do you have anything to say in your defense?"

"My sheep were slaughtered by the Darkspawn, your Worship – my family was starving. I ask for mercy."

I couldn't allow it; I spoke aloud, "A starving family is a justifiable thing, Alec… Join the army and not only will your life be spared, your family will be fed. Your oldest son can take control of your farm in your stead. I will personally see to it that he receives a score of sheep to replace what was lost… if His Grace is agreeable, I mean?"

I shot Aedan an apologetic look. He chuckled, "I am agreeable – During the Blight we saw many starving families and what they had to do to survive. I am not without a heart. What say you, Alec?"

The man fell to his knees with awe and relief in his eyes, "Thank you, your Grace and my Lady – it is more than I could have ever hoped for… thank you." He wept.

I looked to the Guard-Captain, "Captain; see that he is outfitted if you please."

The captain nodded firmly and motioned. Someone came forward to untie Alec and lead him away.

The captain spoke again, "Next is a serious matter; Danella, a soldier of the Vigil, abandoned her post and was caught three leagues away. She is charged with desertion. Even if it were not a time of war, the penalty…"

Aedan sighed and held up a hand, "I was part of Ostagar, and again I was raised as a son of Highever – I know the penalties for these allegations, Captain. You do not need to say it for every matter and in fact, it bores me when you do. I care more for the situations and the people than just the crime – every rule has exceptions and I am inclined to hear the details before making an appropriate choice in these matters. My father preached mercy where it was applicable and Lady Cousland has a merciful heart too – and it was her I followed for the past year. Do I make myself clear, Captain?"

"Y-yes, My Lord – perfectly," the Captain swallowed at the hard tone and I could hear a few sniggers through the crowd. The words had sounded harsh, but they had made Aedans' position clear – he stood for what was right not what the rules said was right.

Aedan then turned to the girl, "And you, Danella – what is your defense for your abandoning your post?"

She looked hopeful, since we let Alec off easily for the sake of his family, as she said, "I asked the old captain several times to release me from my oath – the Darkspawn are too near my family's farm. They need me, Your Grace. I am no coward."

I stopped the captain from speaking before leaning down to Aedans ear, "She could bring her family to the Vigil. Make this a show – if she works hard, her family won't even have to work for their keep because people here pull their weight and get fed and housed. Danella is an accomplished scout – the best the Vigil has, actually. When this whole mess is over her family can return and she with them since her service will be up anyway. On the flip side, she won't do this again and people will think that her family is being held hostage for her cooperation so others don't desert their posts too."

He looked serious as I straightened out and considered the option. "That might work… Danella, we will have your family brought here. As you are aware, those who pull their weight are well cared for under my regime – and you are our most accomplished scout – your family would not need to do anything while they remain… in residence. Once this mess is over and your service is up, you and your family may of course return to your family farm. I will contract someone to look after the farm I the meantime." His voice was hard – I knew it needed to be if people were going to think this was more of a hostage situation than a mercy.

Drake stepped up, "My Lord – I have a brother nearby. As a man of the earth, the Farm would not suffer under his care while this is going on. And with his wife and two others, things would go very smoothly. The Princess of the Fae cares for her people and you are considered one of hers."

Gasps rang out through the hall – people knew there was to be an alliance with a new race pending the Princess getting chantry approval. This could be controversial – Drake had stepped forward without his glamor so no one would realize…

Aedan nodded, "It would be appreciated – of course you may speak with Ara about necessary arrangements since Ara is the Princesses favorite here."

More muttering as I smirked – it was well played of the two men. Drake bowed, "I will contact my brother at once, my lord."

"My judgement has been made in this matter – next case," Aedan said dismissively.

Danella smiled gloriously at him, "Thank you, Your Grace! You'll not regret this so long as I live."

Varel spoke now, "The next matter is of a civil nature. Lady Liza Packton is the Sovereign of…"

Aedan chuckled, "Lady Liza… what troubles have you 'encountered' this time?"

The woman came forward with a charming smile, "The old Arl, Rendon Howe, made certain promises to me. Some of these he committed to paper. I was given the right to the incomes from the southern bridge."

A man stepped forward, "And what part did you take in Howes conspiracies, eh Liza, to get such a fruitful prize? I am Ser Derren and it is my land she seeks; taken from me because I was one of the few nobles who stood against Tyren Loghain."

I coughed lightly and Aedan looked amused, "You have a way to solve this, Lady Cousland? Then by all means – for I'm not quite sure what to do about this one myself."

"I know just how to solve this. As the papers are legally binding, Lady Liza may keep the bridge – however the Land is unclaimed so Ser Derren may be awarded that land. Seeing as the land itself is now his, Lady Liza will now need to pay a tithe of at least 15-20% off all proceeds and revenue from the tolls of that bridge for having a structure operating for wealth on his land. If you do not wish to pay the tithe, you must then either give the bridge back to him or stop charging fares for the crossing. And as the Bridge is yours, you are responsible for its upkeep. Should it need repairs or even a new coat of paint that falls to you unless you denounce your claims to the bridge – and Derren may not actively attempt to do damage to the bridge… you may also not bribe, coerce or ask others to do so for you. I also name that Lady Liza cannot just tear the bridge down for this dispute. If she does, she must pay to have it restored – the bridge is a crucial piece of architecture and is used even by the King on occation. This way, Lady Liza can keep the bridge and its… revenue and Ser Derren does not suffer for its loss as he is no longer responsible for it but does get some of the profit. I will pen a note to Teyrn Fergus of this development. The land does fall in his Teyrnir, though it was previously unclaimed, so he should be made aware of this dealing."

Aedan barked a laugh, "It truly is the perfect solution, Teyrna Cousland. Both parties gain from this solution of yours and though there are losses, they are more manageable. Is this acceptable, Ser Derren, Lady Packton?"

Lady Liza looked furious and Ser Derren looked stunned but somewhat pleased. He bowed, "Thank you, Your Grace and My Lady."

Lady Liza bit out her own thanks but I could see the scheming in her eyes – she hated me. I knew she had already been part of the plans against us and had warned Natia that the Wolf would bring proof and that she was to round up hostages when it did.

Varel spoke again, "This session of the Arlings court is over." People began filing out, though some came to me after to pledge their own service to the Wardens. I directed them to Lyna.

I noted that Nathaniel was waiting to speak with me, so I motioned him over.

"You were kind to them." he said.

"Why wouldn't I be? I saw that you have a copy of The Grimoire, so I know you know my philosophy," I smiled. The Grimoire was what I had named the book I'd had published just days after the Blight ended and I woke up. It was the book that detailed Wicca and my own religion since there had been so many converts.

I hadn't received any profits yet – I wouldn't until the courier arrived next month from my Publisher. I already knew that many, many people had or would buy copies – if only out of curiosity of the Ferelden Mistress if nothing else.

He flushed, "I… got it from Magma when we were leaving Amaranthine. I do like how you ambiguously say that the Goddess and her mate may actually be the Maker and Andraste with more emphasis on Andraste than the Maker."

"The Goddess is said to has many faces – it is entirely possible that your Andraste could have been an incarnation of the Goddess and that the Maker could be one name that the Father God goes by. Besides, if I didn't add that, the Chantry would have banned it entirely."

He laughed, "A fair point – they don't want any upstart religions. I don't think they realize that many people may incorporate this religion into the Chant eventually and soon you'll have Wiccan Andrastians."

"Wicca isn't just a religion – it is a way of life. It is possible to be Wiccan and of a different Religion."

"Indeed – I find that it… resonates with me greatly. I don't think I could completely follow the religion of Wicca but it is… fascinating."

Nate looked up at the portrait of his mother and back to me, "She may have like you."

I smiled, "Considering your father hater her, I will take that as a compliment."

He chuckled, "That it was."

I headed off and looked for Aedan – we'd have to clear the dungeon tomorrow…

We did clear the damn deep roads thing – and all of us were covered in gore… well – I had my guards stay back because I knew Sylphs were susceptible to the Taint while Fairies were not. They had been stunned at the knowledge.

I demanded a shower when we killed the ancient horror thing in the crypt and Galaxia provided with enthusiasm.

My guards – my sweet, wonderful guards – liked doing things for me for some reason. Magma found out I liked hot rock therapy two nights ago when I mentioned it in passing and suddenly, he had a set up in my room last night before bed. Drake found out I liked tea and went hunting for the proper herbs around the Vigil. Celeste liked to cook for me – seriously, I only cooked when I wanted to these days.

It was adorable really. Then they found out I talked to Alistair each night before bed – thank you little Topaz sending stones – and thought it was so adorable. Turned out, Fae had something similar to a Sending stone.

Earth Sylphs with Drakes particular ability to 'call' the elements could summon clear stones called Fairy Stones. The Fairy Stones were rather common in Danu – that wasn't the special part. The special thing was that Water Sylphs with the gift of 'Clear Waters' could turn those stones into Looking Glasses – like facetime on stones. Galaxia procured a five set for me – 5 linked stones. One was for me and one was for each of my mates. My mates could contact each other directly with these – but seeing Alistair and knowing Cullen would be the same way, I was sure the only reason my mates might contact each other would be to check up on me.

When I asked how she got me a set, she told me that her mother had the gift and loved to dote on her since Galaxia was an only child. Apparently all my guards were only children – and that was more of a testament to the decline of birth rates than anything since two of them had two mothers…

I frowned at that – that wasn't a good thing. This was typically 3-5 (3-4 for Sylphs and 5 for Fairies) parents having one child? That decline was worse than the Dwarves – it was no wonder that my 'fertility' as a 'Queen' was a damn good sign that would have the Fae bending over backwards to make this alliance work – I was the hope they had lost (Said Drake in his infinite wisdom),

I was also told that several Fae had already arrived in Orzammar and had been welcomed as esteemed guests and put up on my estate as members of my house… well, I was their Princess so…

When we left for the Wending Wood the next morning, I was tired – I had stayed up worrying about my new race.