Chapter Forty-Three

Final Preparations

(Welcome to Wicca)

We were all dead tired when we returned to the Vigil.

I gave Wade the materials for the Golem Shell Armor and the Iron or for Herren. I went around for days making sure everything was prepared for the final assault. Wade finished all his commissions and I placed the items into my special bag.

Alistair had finished in the Bannorn and got to the Vigil the day after we did; that was a nice surprise.

I threw my arms around him as we met up at the Gate. He caught me easily and did that movie twirl thing.

His guards and Landon – the advisor that he kept with him – all looked amused at my display of affection; no one said a word about it though.

"I missed you," I muttered against his neck.

"And I missed you – more than I could say in mere words." He nuzzled my neck – he didn't care one wit about our audience and if I was completely honest… I didn't care either.

When he finally pulled away I groaned, "Why? I want to keep holding you."

He chuckled, "I want to give you the gift I brought you."

I pouted more – causing my guards to start sniggering. I said, "But I like holding you…"

His arms came around me again, "I do like it too… certainly a favorite of mine is to just hold you… but I went to a bit of trouble to get you these gifts – so I want to give them to you."

I snuggled into his chest, "You can give them to me later – I missed you."

Landon coughed and began giving orders to Alistairs' guards to secure the Vigil while the King did his thing.

Alistair chuckled, "Come now – if I give you the gifts now then I can hold you longer later."

I grumbled, "Fine…"

"Well, I told you I'd buy a house in Hightown for you to stay at while you're in Kirkwall. I brought you the Key and address. I just received it two days ago. It's across from the Amell estate and has a cellar that leads into that spot in Darktown you told me about for the clinic."

I flushed, "You actually bought me a house?"

"I told you that I would," he gave me that sexy smirk of his.

Galaxia sniggered, "Does it have enough room for us?"

"Even if you wanted separate rooms – it's a Hightown mansion, not just a house." Landon said – he was aware that my guards were all married to each other so he must have been talking with Alistair.

I waved it off, "I still can't believe you bought me a house. I admit – I thought you were joking when you said it."

His grin widened, "It's very nice to know that… you can still be surprised."

I pulled him down so I could kiss his cheek, "I love you, Alistair."

He beamed and replied, "I love you too. Is it so wrong that I'm glad I get to keep you to myself for just a bit longer?"

"You're too good for me… and no, it isn't wrong at all," I said with a small smile.

He looked scandalized, "Nonsense – too good for you, dear woman? Perish the thought! Unfortunately, I can only spend the one night. The Nobles in Denerim are calling for a celebratory ball or some such thing… not sure what for, but I'll let you know."

That was when he pulled out a key and a slip of paper and handed them to me. The key was made of brass with little swirly decorations on it. I could tell right off that with the amount of 'teeth' and the décor… this key belonged to one of the best locking mechanisms in Thedas. The slip of paper had an address on it listed in Kirkwall – my new address for the next 7 years… give or take a few months.

Alistair spoke as I read the address – and he led me off toward my room, "That is the Key to our new home. I also have these – this one is a letter to your Knight-Captain telling him that I don't mind him courting you. This letter is the same – but for that Fenris fellow since we've established he's one of your mates too. And this final letter is to 'excuse' your magic while it isn't known that you're a Fae rather than a mage. It is signed by Irving and Greagoir for while you're 'down low' as you say. As you can see, it has the seal of the Templar Knight-Commander of Kinlock Hold – as well as the First Enchanter and the King of Ferelden. The Knight-Commander was not pleased to learn you had magic, but Irving stood up for you and told him about Redcliffe. I also used my discretion and told him who you are. He was a lot more relaxed after learning that – since Irving and Avernus' testimonies have spread through all of Thedas at this point. Avernus said that you will never be able to do Blood Magic because it isn't your blood that holds your abilities but rather your very soul… that's in the 'permit', by the way. It was the only way Irving would sign it since he feared someone would try to say they saw you do it when you can't. I admit, when he said that I had the Scribe add it without another thought. I don't want to lose you; ever."

He then pulled out a small box. I gave him a quizzical look, "What's that?"

We turned down the hall toward the master suite, "You told me once that you'd be 'kidnapping' a Warden and that you planned to have 2 others conscripted – this is official stationary for you to get Aedan to write out that conscription notice and a leave of post while he's still Warden Commander of Ferelden. I took it from the Denerim Warden Cache you showed us while we were there… I just completely forgot that I had it."

I took the box with a smile, "Thank you. Now, I have a few gifts for you as well."

We entered the room so I set down the box and key and letters on the side-table before turning to him and pulling out the gifts. The first of which was a tall mirror laid in silver.

"This first thing is the Viewing Stone I told you about; it looks like a regular mirror – but all you have to do is say the name of one who holds a linked one while you touch it and it will activate to be a face-to-face device. This area here comes off of it to act as a portable piece. The reason for the rest is to act as a portal between linked mirrors – but that only works if both pieces are connected on both ends. So you have to have your portable piece connected to the rest – as would I if I wished to pop over for a visit without traveling."

He looked gobsmacked, "This is… better than I had hoped for. You're telling me that I can use this to visit you at any time?"

"Not… any time; sometimes you will have to travel – if only to keep up appearances. You know that people will all want something like this if they know about it – and the Fae won't be able to keep up with the demand. Danu is large and the stone used to make these does replenish in the magic rich soil, but the people…"

"That's fair – just the idea that I can spend a night in your bed once in a while when I normally wouldn't be able to is… perfect, my love. I think I got the better gift here…"

I grinned and leaned the mirror against the wall before pulling out his second gift – a bag like mine that I had asked Magma to procure and link to my 'storage'. It was a golden bag in his case.

I handed it to him, "This is connected to my storage – the place where I pull all those herbs, soap, sodas, and generally anything I need from. You won't be able to pull out Pizza or anything – but cheeses are in the realm of possibility. We can also send each other things through the bags or the portals depending which move is easier at the given time. My people put Fae cheeses in the storage – including a sampler plate for each of us that include Smoked Flame Cheese – made from Forest Dragon Milk or something…"

Alistair sputtered, "Dragon Cheese… exists? Oh Makers' Breath… you shouldn't have told me that – now I want to try it."

"It's in there already – and they'll keep it stocked with things for us. Did you know that when I'm Queen, your title would be King – but only you because you have Ferelden?"

"What about your other Mates?" he asked looking confused.

"That depends on their current titles. Fenris – having no other title – would be considered Prince Consort, I think. Cullen – eventually having the title of Commander of the forces under my command – would likely be the Prince General. And if my fourth mate has no title of his or her own, then he or she would get a similar title to Fenris unless they had some outstanding feature or trait. For example – if I had a mate that was Qunari or Dwarven when the others weren't then he'd be called the Prince Honor or something along those lines."

Alistair sat on the bed – still holding the new bag – and asked, "Why is Prince the highest title if one mate isn't already a ruling noble?"

"Because Fairies have a Queen – and they want to make sure that the chosen Queen holds the majority of the power. Besides, having a five or six people with the title of Queen or King can get a bit confusing – which is why my mates will have separate Prince or Princess titles. You'll be the first King of Danu in its long history – and only because of the fact that your Title was already King before I ascended the throne as Queen. If you hadn't ascended before me, then you'd end up as the Prince Royal to denote your ruler-ship of another land. You would have been known as the Prince Royal from the start for having Royal Bloodlines in a land where that means something – even as a bastard or if Cailan lived or Anora stayed on the throne, you'd have been called the Price Royal: but since you are King while I'm still a Princess Heir and not the Queen then you get to keep the King title. It's… complicated – very complicated – to keep it all straight as to what title would be for whom. All I know at this point is that you will be the King, and Cullen will most likely be Prince General. I suspect that Fenris will be the Prince-Consort rather than something to do with his glowing markings – heaven forbid he be called the Prince Wraith or some other equally odd title – but as of this moment… he's the only elven mate that I have since we don't know who my fourth mate is at all. If I have a second elven mate – one with no title – then things would get complicated. As it stands, you'll be the only one with your formal title when I ascend until I have all four primary mates accounted for. They do it that way so that a title more fitting isn't given to a mate who got there first."

"But since I'm a King and Kings only get the title by being kings before you take the throne… I'll already have my formal title?"

I nodded, "Exactly. Until I have all four mates, then Cullen and Fenris will simply be called 'prince' and their name. Currently – according to my guards – we have the Royals titled after Elements. That tends to happen every third Royal Generation since the ones previously holding the titles would certainly be dead by then. So we have Air Prince, Water Princess, Fire Prince, Earth Prince and the Queens' secondary mate was given the title of Spirit Prince. As for the Queen – her Royal Title is Elemental Queen; again, this is a title used once every third Royal Generation to match the Element Court titles. If it had been my generation to take those titles, then your title would be 'The Water King' since you are the mate that embodies Water for me. Instead, your title – in full – will be 'The Dragon King' due to your Dragon traits. I don't know for sure what my title will be but I am almost positive that Cullen will be 'The Prince General' due to his commanding of my armies. I told you once – you're my Dragon Knight."

"You also said that Cullen was Honor and Fenris was Death in the same aspect – so would Fenris have the title of 'The Death Prince'?"

"No – that would be an ill omen and ill advised. By the time I will likely meet my final primary mate, Fenris will have a sort of title – 'The Blue Wraith'. That was why I mentioned that he could be called 'The Prince Wraith' or something." I sighed and rubbed my temple as I sat.

"If things continued on that path then your whole court could be named for creatures. Think about it – a Dragon King and a Wraith Prince might mean you, Cullen and your fourth mate all get named for creatures in the same fashion. As would any secondary mate if you do take one."

"Nope – I will not be entertaining thoughts of secondary mates now that I know what I need to gift the race to circumvent that law," I said firmly. Alistairs' grin at my words melted me – it was beautiful; even with the sharp point to his canine teeth now.

"Back to the topic, my love – what would Cullen be if he were named for a creature? Would he be a Griffon or some form of horse?" Alistair asked.

I snorted, "Cullen is a Lion. He'll even be called the 'Lion of Ferelden' while the Inquisition is… fuck – the Lion Prince. If he doesn't get named the 'Prince General' then he'd certainly be 'The Lion Prince' – especially if you're right and creatures make up all of the titles. Dragon, Wraith and Lion are just the ones I know now – what would I be; The Angel Queen?"

"What is an Angel?" Alistair asked with an amused look – I knew my Guards were listening at the moment too – I could see Galaxias' magic in the water pitcher on the side table; the brat.

"An Angel is what I think of every time I see my wings. They are the wings of an Angel – a being of pure innocence and benevolent celestial intermediaries between God and Humanity. Other roles include protectors and guides for humans, and servants of God. At least… this is all according to the main religion from back on Earth; but Angels appeared in several religions as messengers and guardians."

"That… actually that sounds perfect for you. You are certainly a being of innocence since you don't like killing, you actively work to make things better and easier for those around you, and you work to lay everyone to rest – weather you killed them or not. You're a priestess for a goddess of a religion that is gaining legitimacy in all of Thedas – many in Ferelden alone are incorporating Wicca into their Andrastian Faith due to the belief you added that mentioned the Goddess and the God could be the Maker and Andraste. You protect everyone that you can – but especially those you care for – and as a Seer, you have been guiding us this whole time too. The Angel Queen sounds perfect for you."

I snorted, "Well – since Galaxia is eavesdropping, I think the whole of Danu will have voted on my title before I ever ascend – and possibly, having heard this whole topic, Cullen and Fenris may also have their titles before I ascend."

The water pitcher on the side table warbled and stilled – Galaxia being startled that she was caught. Alistair sniggered, "That sounds perfect – we'll make history as the first court to gain their titles before all five are gathered together. When did you discover they were listening?"

"I only realized when I glanced at the pitcher when you asked what an Angel was. I realized they'd been listening the whole time when I recalled seeing the slight glow when we entered the room but had brushed it off subconsciously as light reflection. I didn't realize the brat could spy through Water – though I should have known… from Fairy Tales and all."

He chuckled, "It really is kind of nice to know that you can still be surprised and gotten the drop on. Are they still listening?"

"Not in the same way – the glow vanished. If they're still listening, then it isn't through the pitcher. And the fireplace isn't lit so Magma isn't listening since there isn't any fire in the room. Possibly Drake or Lez through their elements… they'd certainly stop listening if we started having sex though."

I felt the air shimmer and smirked as Alistair caught on, "That was Celeste wasn't it?"

"Oh yeah – and she stopped listening the moment sex was mentioned. It may not be taboo to talk about sex, but watching and listening without the consent of others isn't allowed."

"That is very good to know – that they won't listen or watch without… permission. Are we going to… make love?"

"That depends – are we done talking about other things?" I gave him a sly grin. His eyes darkened and he leaned in to kiss me. Just before his lips met mine, he said, "I can't recall what we were speaking of anymore."

"Then yes – I believe we are going to make love. And after, I might make Pizza for you… if you please me."

He chuckled darkly, "When have I ever turned down that challenge?"

"You haven't – I'm counting on it remaining true," I smirked before I was suddenly on my back – Alistair holding himself over me with a darkened look in his eye.

It was a good thing that I had sound-proofed the room. He had me screaming his name more than once before I needed to get dinner ready.

The next morning, I woke curled in Alistairs' arms – with four Fairies looking at us from the bedside.

I couldn't help the giggle – which woke Alistair. He growled and held me tighter when he noticed our audience. He said, "What are you doing in here?"

Magma grinned, "We have news, Dragon King."

I laughed, "I suppose that means the court has been decided?"

"Yes – but that isn't our news. The Court of Beings is what your rule is already being called. The Queen approved the titles you said last night – Dragon King for King Alistair, Angel Queen for when you ascend, Wraith Prince for Lord Fenris as his title will be the Blue Wraith, and the Lion Prince for Lord Cullen whom will be called the Lion of Ferelden. These titles will not go into effect until after they are mated to you, of course and you ascend the Throne. The Dragon King has gained his title presently due to his having the Throne of Ferelden already – as you may have guessed." Celeste gave me a blinding smile – she really was beautiful.

Drake sat on Alistairs' side of the bed without an ounce of embarrassment. He said, "Our news is that Danu will appear in sight of Fereldens' eastern border within the week. A permanently open Portal Mirror – also called a Ley Line or Ley Path – will be placed at one end of Danu and the other end will be placed outside of Denerim. It will be guarded at all times – as the Queen does not wish for more criminal factions to get a foot hold in Danu. All visitors will need permission of either the Dragon King or other Royalty from Danu – the Elemental Court or the Court of Beings – to visit or relocate."

Galaxia chimed in, "Should it be relocation then a basic four bedroom home will be provided – fully furnished. We… uh… we don't have anything less than four bedroom homes and due to the decline in birth rates over the past many years quite a few homes lie empty. Several homes in every city have begun to be repurposed into 'hotel' like things – Inns for visiting people and they will be labeled as such. Each City is 'ruled' by a Fairy given a noble title – Barons, Duchesses or such. The city of Fire is ruled by the 'Fire Duchess' though she wasn't even born to flames. All cities are named after something found in the elements – other than the Capitol City, of course."

Alistair and I sat up – I had no care that the blanket fell to my waist since my guards held no… expectations in that direction. Alistair was also more relaxed about it since finding out they were all mated to each other. Alistair asked, "What is the Capitol called?"

"Translated from the language we evolved after splitting from the Elves, the capitol is called Moon-Breach. There seems to be a word that doesn't quite translate in the middle of that though. Calling it Moon-Breach will be acceptable due to that. Of course, the cities have undergone adding signage in your Common Tongue – Ice, Fire, River, and all other towns will be labeled as such. We can't expect new comers to know the towns' name based on location and décor around the town. Just because Icicles hang from everything, shouldn't mean the town is named Ice should it?" Drake looked amused.

I sniggered, "Not at all – Goddess knows that most Humans would never figure that out. The Elves might – but not the Dwarves. Moon-Breach is a pretty name too."

Alistair smiled at me and pulled me into his lap – covering my lap with the blanket a little better, "It really is – it makes me wonder what the capitol is decorated like if the towns are made to look like what they are named for."

"The Capitol is made to look like story book elven temples to the Moon according to a few formerly human Queens' from ancient earth. You see, Fae used to worship a Goddess – much like our current Princess does now. We currently 'worship' the earth and all that the planet has to offer, but with the return of a Religion that worships a Goddess through our Princess, many see it as a sign to 'return to our roots'. Especially since she sent that book – the Grimoire – because it depicts many things we used to worship as described in ancient texts. The fact that this religion is so similar to what we previously worshiped is being taken as a sign the Goddess exists – and many have incorporated worship for this goddess in their worship of the planet itself."

I blinked at Magmas' words before a flush dominated my cheeks, "You must be joking! I'm Wiccan mostly because I found the religion peaceful and it aligned with my beliefs – and I am a bad Wiccan to boot!"

Drake spoke up, "Regardless – the religion is so similar to the old texts and even the holidays described line up. We do celebrate Yule in the midwinter, Imbolc to start spring, Ostara – the Spring Solstice – is also celebrated, Beltane on the first day of summer, Litha for Midsummer, and even the three Harvest Holidays – Lammas, Mabon the Autumn Equinox, and Samhain. All eight were accurately described in your book. Our celebrations are slightly more open and festive than described – but they are similar enough. The Priestesses who still kept the religion alive all this time have theorized that perhaps our religion landed on your world by accident or by the will of the Goddess – or even that the Goddess truly does have many faces on many worlds. With the full return of the Religion – which is being called Wicca in honor of you bringing it back – the Fae are seeing the return of stronger magics. Couple that with news of your ability to have children… Danu is beginning to florish with hope for the first time in centuries."

"But… surely I'm not the first to bring Wicca to Thedas. Surely there was a Pagan or two among the other past Queens…" I muttered – it hadn't been my intention to bring the religion to Thedas at all – let alone 'return' it to the Fae.

Galaxia giggled, "One – and she failed to bring that spark of interest to the people. She didn't actively try either; same as you. As you say – she called herself Pagan not Wiccan… is there a distinction?"

"Not much of one – Wicca is simply a big bubbling pot of many versions of Paganism. Wicca sort of adopted all forms of Paganism and made it newer – also called Neo-Paganism. Some forms of Paganism in the past involved animal sacrifice – Wicca generally does not. I mean, beliefs all vary between all forms of Pagan – there are just… a lot of core principles and rules that are common to most, if not all, forms. Some pagans believe in many gods, and some believe in only the Goddess… and still some believe that the universe is God or the Goddess depending on their religious beliefs. Most do believe that the Universe is… interconnected; in other words 'divinity is inseparable from nature and the deity is immanent in nature' – the Gods show themselves in everything. Fae have always been worshiping the Goddess in this respect – because all forms of Paganism place great emphasis on the divinity of nature as a primary source of divine will. As living beings, our 'membership' of the natural world binds us in Kinship to all life and to the very planet on which we live. The animistic aspects of Pagan theology assert that all things have a soul – if it lives then it is worthy, so to speak, of life and care. Even Mountains and Rivers are held within this belief. Demons and other apparitions are said to be… manifestations in the form I worship – and that's why I feel no guilt in 'killing' them; they'll come back in the forms they were meant to take."

"Just to see if I understand this – you can kill demons because you believe they will come back?" Alistair asked.

"Demons were spirits – their nature twisted. Spirits will always return – and so long as living nature will corrupt spirits, then demons will also return."

Drake smirked, "And you believe that even the mountains and rivers have souls?"

"Of course they do – nature is Divine. The entire world around us was made as we see it. Sure; I know the scientific reasons why mountains came to be – I logically know how rain falls and the sky is blue and the winds blow… but how did life grow to exist in the first place? Back on earth, there is only one planet out of 9 that have life in that particular orbit – what made Earth so special that it could hold and nurture humans, plants, animals and water?"

I pressed on after taking a breath, "And honestly, many Wiccans and Pagans also generally believe that each Religion has an interpretation on Divinity and that – as such – Pagan or Wicca can't be exclusive as a religion; it is a way of life more than a religion. Do we do Rituals and hold Festivals? Yes – we do on occation. Both can include many things; such as drumming, visualization, chanting, singing, dancing, and meditation. Damn – the Druids of North America made the rituals fun and joyful rather than having them all be serious. As for that Alter over there – I generally leave bread, cake, flowers, fruit, milk, beer, or wine in offering to the Goddess and the God. I sometimes light candles and say a few prayers. The room smells nice because I usually burn incense while I pray. I told you that Wicca is a bubbling pot of Pagans – this means worshipers of the Goddess; Heathens, meaning Germanic Neo-pagans or Nordic Worshipers due to the way they worshiped and their specific beliefs; Druidry as the second-largest pagan path due to their specific worship of nature; eco-Pagans often feel a duty to protect the Earth through activism such as rainforest protection, organic farming, and animal rights. And that's just brushing the surface of Wicca."

Magma nodded, "Your book said as much – though not in quite as much detail. Perhaps you should write and publish a follow up that is centered in full education of Wicca rather than merely a simply explanation for people who are curious."

"Sure – I'll call it 'The Book of Shadows' since that's what many Witches called their spell books. Just like Grimoire is something similar to that – it makes a sort of sense to me."

Alistair chuckled, "That's fair – and it isn't likely for the Chantry to ban that one either since it would be seen as the official religion of the Fae; they'd want to know those things. If they do Ban it… it wouldn't be for several years while they study this religion to learn more of the Fae."

"And that's just it – Wicca isn't exactly a religion but it is at the same time. Wicca is more of a guide in how to live that anything – it just happens to include a Goddess as the primary figure. It depicts how to live wholly with nature and be in harmony with your coven. And honestly… everything I described is more the beliefs of my coven – not the Wiccan community as a whole. Some will identify as Wiccan and see it as a full religion rather than a way of life; some will go Vegan because they see it as wrong to eat any living things… but I just said that even Mountains and Rivers have souls – that means that plants do too. Life is a Circle – rabbits eat grass, wolves eat rabbits and pigs will eat anything… fun fact – a couple of pigs can eat one whole person in under a day and hardly leave even the bones behind. There are even people-eating fish. I personally see no wrong in eating animals based on these little facts alone."

Alistairs' tummy rumbled and he gave me a grin, "And I think that it is on that note that we leave the rest of this conversation for another time – it's most certainly time to eat."

We got out of bed and got dressed. Alistair had to leave in a few hours anyway so this topic wasn't really beneficial much – but as a High Priestess… if people wanted to learn then it was my job to teach them and guide them on the path.

Then again – I could always guide them later. Food came first since keeping ourselves alive was an important task.

But when we got to the dining room, I was dismayed to find that Anders and Justice had already merged. I pulled him aside while Celeste cooked breakfast.

"You couldn't have waited until after the major battle coming up?"

Anders shook his head, "No – Justice wanted to give Kristoffs' body back to his wife and… the body was rotting around him anyway. He wouldn't have been able to lift his sword soon at that rate of decomposition. Kristoff had already been dead for days when Justice took over the body – there were bits beginning to… fall off and Justice worried that if he continued to inhabit the body that Kristoff may not be buried properly."

I groaned, "I can't fault that… Aura would be unable to stomach her husbands' rotting body still moving around."

"Actually, knowing of your… views, Justice was more surprised that you were able to allow it at all." Anders looked curious.

"All life is a circle. One of my writer friends put that in her books… she phrased it a little differently – she said 'We have to believe there is love although love is lost; that there is hope although hope is lost; and that there is faith although faith is lost. We have to believe that what we lose, we will find again.' In fact, it was a running theme through her many books – she had 13 series and within those series there were a total of more than 60 books. I read them all many times and found comfort in them. Kristoff was gone – Justice was able to use his body to avenge him; that was his mission at first. I knew this merger would come and that Kristoff would eventually be laid to rest – but Justice needed a body at the time." I sighed and rubbed my temples – I could use one of the healers from those books now. Connie knew how to write amazing stories.

"So you were alright with it because it was his mission?"

I nodded, "That's exactly right – it was meant to happen, so it would happen. Wiccans do believe that if something is meant to be then it will be… I just don't sit around waiting for things to happen, you know?"

He smiled gently, "Then I'm glad you understand… are you still 'kidnapping' us?"

"I have Aedan writing up the notice of you being assigned to me – I should receive it later today. I also have him writing up a letter of Conscription for two people – twins." I muttered as we headed back to the table.

Anders looked startled, "You plan to conscript two people?"

"They'll die if I don't – or worse. The Kirkwall Gallows aren't the best place in the coming decade and one of those conscripts is a Mage. She would die in the Gallows when all damnation breaks out… I saved her life once already – it isn't much trouble to save it again."

My guards looked worried for some reason as they glanced at each other. Magma said, "Were there any… ill effects from saving this woman?"

"Not that I know of at the moment… why?"

Celeste kicked him and said, "We will wait and see – there have been rumors of the last Seer meddling and causing bad things to happen… we will tell you more if it appears to be the same with you. There is no cause if nothing comes of it."

I was suspicious – what bad could have possibly come from saving lives? Well, I suppose we would find out – I planned to save Seneschal Varel during the siege of the Vigil.