Chapter Forty-Four

Battle for the Vigil

Alistair had left my hound when he departed later that day. He had placed the 'Ley Line' in the permanent pocket of his new pack… and he loved the Flame Cheese – as well as everything else on the sampler tray.

I had begun writing out 'The Book of Shadows' – I had told my guards I would, so I damn well would. I got about half way through writing it when I was summoned to the throne room. That was day three since Alistair left.

"Commander, commander!" a young elven woman came running into the hall and tripped. She was 5'4 with short brown hair, blue eyes and tanned skin.

Aedan – who had caught the girl before she could hit the floor – asked, "What is it, miss?"

"A darkspawn army is within sight of Amaranthine."

Before anyone could say much else, I spoke up, "Aedan – take Sigrun, Velanna, Oghren and Nathaniel with you. At all costs protect the city. Natia, Anders, my guards and I will stay to protect the Keep. No matter what, that city must be saved. We have men and a fort that would hold up to a 10 year siege."

Aedan looked worried, "Will you still be here when I get back?"

"Most likely not, but you have a sending stone connected to one I have anyway. We can always talk and I'll be sure to visit you for at least one month each year – I already promised Alistair the same and visiting… the other place for a month means that my summers will be booked."

Aedan sighed, "Then I hope the seas are kind, sister – once all this is over, I plan to step down in favor of Natia so I can go handle Gwaren for you."

"Gwaren will be yours, Aedan – just… give me the 3 year time period so I can hand it over. Alistair not taking it back was a dick move on his part…"

"He couldn't – you read the laws. And honestly, you deserve the title more than I do anyway," Aedan grinned.

"Honey – I don't need the title. I'm the Ferelden Mistress and so much more. Now shoo – go save Amaranthine while you can. The Fae are coming to save Vigils' Keep since we know it will be attacked and… I'm here."

Magma nodded – having come to this meeting without his glamour – and spoke up, "I have already contacted the Queen. She bemoans that Danu will not be in range for another 3 days so she may not send her personal guard – but she has a small force on their way that will show up soon. Most that she is sending are Fairies since they can take control of all four elements and not just one."

Drake – also in his normal guise – said, "The Princess will be protected at all costs – but past that… they will attempt to save who they can."

Varel – who had yet to catch on to who I was – asked, "Is the Princess in the area? Is that why her guards are here?"

I gave a long-suffering sigh and said, "She is – her name will not be spoken as the Princess to protect her identity until she can go to Val Royeaux and allow the testing that the Chantry wishes to do next year; give or take a few months. Anyway, all you need to know is that the Princess will be fighting with us to protect the Vigil."

I wasn't actually sure how no one had pieced me as the Princess – my hair looking like Magmas' without the fire had surely been a give-away… right? I hadn't hidden it at all – and neither had my guards.

Varel smiled, "It will be a relief to know that, Lady Cousland."

I nodded and looked to the Captain, "Garevel – get the men ready. I have reason to believe that the attack will come about the time Aedan reaches Amaranthine – so we have 3 days. Get Dworkin onto the battlements – that would be his new bedroom until this crap is over with. I want archers and Ballista's ready for action. Anyone who is of the Warrior variety is to be prepared for assault. Gates need to be lowered behind the Commander – as of this moment… we are at war."

Aedan rounded up the small group he was taking and left soon after that.

I went back to writing my book. My guards made preparations and within a day 7 Fairies appeared – all male; unsurprising since males outnumbered females 6 to 1 among the Fae, though… maybe it was a little surprising since Females were Fairies more often than men.

I was there to welcome them – and they were promptly pulled into a meeting in my room.

The first was named Gale – he had been born to a clan of Wind Sylphs. His hair denoted that – he had white blonde hair, red eyes to show fire, darkened skin of the Earth Fae, and blue-green nails that showed his Water side. He stood at 5'8.

He spoke first, "Greetings Angel Princess; I am Gale."

"Oh – I get the title this early?" I asked – more curious than annoyed.

He grinned, "I heard you were the one to pick it too."

"Not exactly – when I told Alistair that he'd be the Dragon King, and that Fenris might be the Wraith Prince… he joked about it meaning a court full of creature names… and I sarcastically asked if that would make me the Angel Queen since my wings reminded me of tales of Angels and since Xia and Les were spying on us…"

Another of the Fairies sniggered – he was shorter; 5'6 with Golden wind like hair, Green earthy eyes, blueish watery skin, and red nails – why hadn't I realized that nails could also reflect the elements? Neither my guards nor I had that feature…

"I am Obsidian – from the fire clans." He spoke when he noticed I winked at him.

"Honey, your name doesn't match the rest of you," I said with a grin. He and three others laughed. He replied, "I'm not really surprised – Mom wanted everyone to be confused."

The others all introduced themselves.

Rain was 5'10 with Blue hair from Water, Green eyes from Earth, Pale Skin from Wind and black nails with red 'cracking' running through it – would you look at that? The nails were not only plain colors. He was from the Water Clans of course.

Next came another Fire Clan Fairy – Ash was 5'9 and had watery blue-grey hair, Golden fiery eyes, pale windy skin, and his nails were normal. So maybe only some Fae got the nail thing? I voiced the Question, "Is the nail color…?"

Bear – an Earth-born Fairy with Green hair, Black coal eyes for fire, and tanned skin covering his 5'8 frame – answered, "It seems to be random – some who have identifying features from all four elements gain the four abilities too, but not all. Ash has four abilities but only three identifiers so… we don't really know."

Plume – another Earth-born – was 5'9 with amethyst purple hair (a rare color among the Earth Fae), Silver eyes (Water trait), Tanned skin (Fire), and sky-blue nails. He grinned at me, "It's an honor – and my nails are painted this way."

I giggled at the clarification. Honestly, Plume had been flirting with me the whole time. It only just occurred to me that none of the Fairies were 'thin' – they were all a bit on the plumper side. Was that normal? I would ask later.

The final Fairy was Wind-Born. Cosmo had Pink hair – like during a sunset – to denote his Air lineage. His Earthen trait was his dark skin and he had seaweed green eyes for his water trait – no Fire trait in sight. He was the tallest at 6'.

"So what is the plan for the Battle?" Cosmo asked – he was somewhat surly and kept shooting glares at Plume…

"Before that – Cosmo, do you have a problem with Plume?" I asked. My guards all flinched.

Plume did too, "Princess, it is nothing we can't handle…"

"Nope – I'm going to stick my nose in this because it might affect the fight. And all of you can call me Ara since everyone else does too. So what is the big deal here?"

Plume sighed, "I was selected to be your Secondary Mate should you be unable to find a way to circumvent the law before you ascend the throne. Cosmo was the other choice and lost the tournament that decided it."

I blinked, "And this is all a moot point since I have a way to circumvent the law and my currently only mate is quite relieved to hear it. The Dragon King is quite possessive of me, but I'll tell you what – you get him to agree, and I'll certainly take you as a second mate. But I will warn you that I don't see that happening… ever."

Plume actually looked relieved, "Then I am glad to hear it – My mates are all male; I have no idea how to treat a woman."

Cosmo lifted an eyebrow, "Then why didn't you throw the tourney?"

Plume chuckled, "You know as well as I do that we weren't told what that tourney was for!"

I activated the Ley Line – that was what the full mirror was called because it could be used as a portal – and it took only 5 minutes for Alistair to get to his room and activate his.

He stepped through, "My… love?"

He finally noticed all the men in my room. I grinned, "These are the Fairies that were sent to help protect the Vigil. This one is Gale, that's Obsidian, and Rain, Ash, Bear, Plume and Cosmo. Plume was chosen as my Secondary Mate if I didn't circumvent the law – since I was having trouble choosing; the Queen held a tourney. Cosmo was the other to make it to the finals, but Plume won. He is relieved that I can circumvent the law since he only has male mates."

Alistair looked like he had a sudden headache as I summed it all up. He growled softly, "Do you want Plume?"

"I don't know – I like his hair and his eyes are nice to look at," I said with a teasing grin. Plume choked as Alistair let out a little snarl.

The King said, "You tease."

"You know me so well, my love. Look – as I told them – I can circumvent the Law with those Ovulation and Fertility tests; but as my only mate at the moment, this is also your choice. Poor Plume wouldn't know what he was doing with me anyway, but I thought to get your opinion on the matter."

He shook his head, relaxing, "I prefer that you only take primary mates – you still don't know how to take secondary mates anyway and I'd like to keep it that way. I am a highly jealous man when it comes to people without that… connection. You saw what I almost did to Zevran…"

"Hey – making you jealous is good for me… you usually just take me to bed and satisfy me as much as possible to make it so that I don't consider other people. I love when you do that."

He actually flushed for the first time in quite a while. Plume sniggered, "If it helps, Dragon King, I much prefer my mates – though the connection gained when taking a secondary mate makes it so that you see that mate as no different than your Primary Mates, I fear I would be quite a disappointment to Her Ladyship…"

"And why do you think that?" Alistair asked – that he was even considering this…

"I hear that she is submissive – that's easy enough to tell from her behavior with you – and I am the same… to submissive people in a bed… don't usually work well."

I giggled – Cosmo was a dominant unless I missed my guess. He said so, "Another reason I would have made the better choice here. I have one female mate already – at least I know what I would be doing."

Alistair shot him a look, "You – I don't like you. You talk as though it wouldn't be Aras' choice in who to take. She may have brought me in to confer with, but the choice is ultimately hers – this is about who she would be taking to bed; not us."

I covered my mouth – he was quite blunt at the moment. I was amused; it was adorable to see this side of Alistair.

Alistair – likely having decided only based on the two options placed before him – looked to me and continued to speak, "I will approve of Plume – but not Cosmo. Heck; I'll approve of any of the others – at least they haven't said anything derogatory in the time I've been here – but please not him."

My guards all sniggered, and Plume looked shocked – he didn't expect Alistair to agree at all.

I grinned, "I told you – I won't be entertaining the thought of Secondary Mates; this was all just an elaborate excuse to bring you here for a hug."

He pulled me into him happily and said, "Then I'm glad – as I said, I'd prefer you didn't take a secondary mate."

I almost purred into his chest. Cosmo actually looked abashed at his scolding, "I apologize, My Lady – I didn't intend to sound… I only wished for you to be truly taken care of…"

I shook my head, "Don't worry about it – there was never going to be a Secondary Mate for me. I love Alistair – and though I've only hardly met Cullen, I love him too. I don't know that I could take a mate I don't know very well – and even if I did know you better…"

"You really don't remember us then?" Bear asked sadly.

I blinked, "I'm told I was murdered – I burned alive, Bear."

"I'm your brother," Ash said mildly.

I was stunned, "What? I thought Fairies were a genetic fluke…"

"Unless one parent is a Fairy and the other is a Human. Our Mom was a Fairy – she died 20 years ago; killing herself when the last of her Human mates died. We have separate fathers, but our mother was a Fire Fairy. It is… highly ironic that you died in Fire, being a Fire-Born Fairy."

"H… How old are you?" I asked softly. He smiled softly, "Same age as you – 51. We're twins."

Alistair blinked, "Wait – Love, you said you had a twin that was born several months after you… is this like that?"

I shook my head, "My sister had the same father. I get the feeling Ash here shared a womb with me. It is possible to have separate fathers while having the same mother as twins – it happened a few times back on Earth."

Ash beamed and Bear said, "We were all friends growing up – that's why we were sent to aid you in this battle. As to the Father thing – it's quite common for twins, triplets or even Quadruplets to have separate fathers. It's the way of things among the Fae – otherwise, with birthrates being so low, many males wouldn't get even one child that was genetically theirs."

Ash nodded, "I have three sons and a daughter – my female mate is a Fairy too and had one child for each mate. Luna is genetically my daughter – but I love my sons just as much."

I felt my heart seize, "I have family?"

"Of course – my mates and I look over Brook City which is next to Moon-Breach. We were given that one when I came of age – as the eldest of my group of mates – when you were put under as the Vessel."

"When does a Fairy or Sylph come of age?" Alistair asked.

"30 years old is the age of majority – any less than that, and they are seen as minors; children. They can get jobs at 20, but 30 is the age of adulthood. That is the year Sylvain was put under the spell in the Moon Temple to prepare for being the Vessel of the Heir. I knew that when next I saw her, we would no longer be twins in the same sense… I just thought she would still retain her memories. No one deserves to die so violently – and it is rare that a Vessel comes to us in that circumstance."

I sighed – I may as well tell him what I had known when I died. Even Alex hadn't known – unless he was told when the autopsy was complete since it was in my medical record… if there was an autopsy since I was so… charred.

"I uh… I would have died within a half-year anyway. I had Cancer – Osteosarcoma was a type of bone cancer that was usually found in young adults or adolescents. It forms – usually – in the bones of the arms or legs mostly – the long bones of the body. We weren't sure how I got it, but by the time it was discovered it was too late to treat it. I only had 5 months to live when that fire hit. Mine had spread – it was no longer in just my bones so it was… there were treatments for if it had been caught sooner – and maybe they could have extended my time a little, but I was going to die. There was no way around that. I was getting my affairs in order – I took out a large life insurance policy so that my family wouldn't suffer financially, I got things ready and wrote down everything they needed – thankfully saving it in a place that wouldn't have been affected by the fire. I can't think why someone set that fire targeting someone – and I hope I wasn't the target, or my family may be in danger – but I would have died anyway. And looking at the timeline, I would have shown up near the end of the Blight anyway if that had been where I was supposed to go. With Alistair and Cullen being my Primary mates…"

Rain interrupted me, "Actually – you would have shown up when you did, no matter when you died in your world. Time isn't really an issue when it comes to the Vessels – they are taken from various times to show up when they are needed. This Queen came from the past in a world where one Queen came from the future. It is all dependent on when a Queen is destined to be needed for their destiny. You came at this point in our time when – for all we know – your people may still be in their infancy if the world you came from exists in the timeline as us at all."

"I'm inclined to think my Earth was in a separate Multi-verse and that Thedas didn't exist in it – if it did, why was it a story that I played over-and-over again? I know the general timeline already because of this."

"Ah – that's the second Queen with the gift of Visions that knows things from the Area they were awoken in. Queen Seela knew her own future as our Queen because Danu had been a story in her world. She rarely tried to change things like loss of life though – because usually, an innocent will take the place of one saved."

I stiffened at Obsidians' words, an innocent? Something tingled in my mind – but it was just out of reach. Why did that information seem important?

"Well – no innocent has suffered for Aras' interference – that I am aware of," Alistair said. I shrugged when all eyes turned to me.

Ash nodded, "It's something to keep an eye on if you plan to save other lives."

Had I killed innocent lives for my interference? I mean… there were many choices in the games that didn't make a bit of difference… Carver or Bethany could live or die depending on those choices and it hardly changed the story at all. But then – only one could live and with Garrett being a Mage; that would have been Carver. Did an innocent die for my saving Bethany?

Plume said, "It's late now – I think we should all go to bed and convene to talk battle plans in the morning."

I nodded and the others all left – Magma and the others leading my guards to their own rooms. Alistair kissed me, "I think I might be able to spend the night if you wake me at Dawn so I can get back before I'm missed…"

I smiled at him, "I can do that."

We just snuggled – and it was the best thing ever.

The next day, after everything else was done, I had Anders and Natia in the meeting with my Fairies and Sylph Guards.

Ash jumped right to buissness, "So what's the battle plan?"

"We'll likely be attacked tomorrow – that gives Aedan time to reach Amaranthine City so the Mother will think the Vigil completely defenseless. What gifts do you all have?"

Gale spoke first, "I can meld into the wind, and summon storms with water."

Obsidian said, "I can call the fire of the Sun, have the gift of Water Song like your guard, and I can fly on wings the same as a Ladybug."

Rain smiled, "I can heal with water; I can also turn into a tree and summon lava from beneath the earth."

Bear nodded and spoke next, "I can Shape-shift into any land animal, fly on bat wings, turn into a being of fire, and I can grow a tail and gills to move through water."

Ash spoke next, "I can feel the sun with fire – telling you the exact time it will rise; Sylvain could do this and I'm told you keep the ability; I can communicate with land animals, and I can talk with aquatic animals… I'm kind of useless in battle with two of those abilities, but I will fight my best." He could likely call animals to battle if he said it that way.

Plume said, "I can summon ores – just metals – to me, and I can turn into a Dragon." It was interesting that he had no Earthen Ability since he was Earth-born. But I guess that had no bearing on children born anyway – didn't matter if his mom or dad was Earth Sylph when he was a Fairy.

Cosmo shrugged, "I can boil blood – a rare ability that mixes water and fire; it counts as both. I can summon wolves and bears, and I can call tornados."

Cosmo terrified me – just a bit. The way he said he could boil blood in that tone of indifference as he glanced at Plume worried me.

I didn't voice my concern at the moment – visions told me he would never use the ability on allies. I nodded, "Okay – I want each of you spread out through the battle. Cosmo, you'll be at the east wall with Gale. Bear and Plume – you two will be at the Front Gate. Obsidian and Rain will be guarding the Keep and all the civilians. Ash will be with me at all times. Maggie, Xia, Les and Drake will be in the keep. I'll also have Anders with me – he's a healer. Natia will be with the East Wall people."

"You'd leave the West wall untended?" Gale asked.

I sighed, "The West Wall and the North are bordered by a large lake. Only the East Wall and the Front Gate will be bombarded by enemies. Yes, the lake is man-made, but it is deep and that will throw off enemies."

"That's fair," Ash smirked – he was just glad I had a plan.

"Good – We know Sylphs are susceptible to the Taint and thanks to a vision this morning, I know Fairies are not. Since our enemy is Darkspawn – tainted creatures – my Sylphs will stay safe in the keep. I'll talk to you all about Darkspawn more at a later date – but I don't want to risk the more susceptible people. Just know – if they get tainted, then a Fairy can undo it by donating just a small vial of blood if you're blood is compatible. My blood can be donated to anyone with my current blood type – meaning Ash can do the same since blood time is a family thing."

I'd already checked through a vision – it was our mother that had O Negative and though it was rare, Ash and I were twins; his blood was also O Neg.

"Can you check our blood types?" Cosmo looked interested in this information.

I nodded, "I can – I can even pull out a blood typing kit that can be replicated for the race…"

Ash grinned, "That would also circumvent an old law if you wished – we've always had to guess at that kind of thing."

I flinched, "And blood rejection isn't pretty…"

"No it isn't," Bear shook his head, looking haunted. I tilted my head, "What happened?"

"Too much blood given to one of my fathers in the wrong type, I guess – he died when his body attacked itself."

I was horrified – death from such a thing… I hadn't heard of that before, but that didn't mean it couldn't happen – especially with a race I hadn't encountered before.

"R-right… I'll get blood typing kits into my storage with a note for Lady Iris at once. Anyway – get a good rest; I don't know how early or late the attack will come tomorrow."

I was right though – day three brought the attack. It was noon when word came.

"Commander, we're under attack!" yeah… in Aedans absence I was apparently next in command though I wasn't a Warden… I tried foisting them onto Natia, but unless I vanished it was impossible.

"We've been drilling for this for the past 3 days, recruit! We are more than ready."

Voldrik saluted me, "The walls are acceptable, Lady Commander. No surprise Ogre attacks will get though!"

"Master Wade has worked Day and Night, Ser. Your men are fully equipped." Herren looked so proud.

Dworkin was giddy as he said, "Darkspawn by the Scores and a handful of stone is all that separates us. Feels like home! I've got a catapult rigged with Explosives I have left; just holler if you want a whole mess of beasties to meet their Maker!"

Sergeant Maverlies saluted me, her black hair cropped quite short and green eyes more than determined, "I'm not a half-bad shot with a bow. I'll make my way to the tower, Ser. If you want me to harass any particular Darkspawn, just point them out." I smirked at her and gave her a cross bow and void bag of bolts. "You won't run out of bolts, Sergeant." She grabbed the items and hurried out.

I then looked around to the others, "Positions! I want as few casualties on our side as possible. If the number is less than 10 dead, I will personally have alcohol on hand for a full day that anyone can partake from! Get moving."

People rushed to get into position.

As I came out of the Keep, I saw flaming Catapulted stone flying overhead. Thinking quickly, I raised my hand and shielded the keep from attacks from above. I would not allow them to kill us from afar.

To my surprise, Gale, Ash and Bear added their support to mine – I wouldn't have been able to hold it on my own no matter how powerful I was… not through a whole battle.

"Front gate is down!" I heard the sergeant shout from above and watched as three Armored Ogres rushed forward… have I ever mentioned I really hate Ogres?

A squad of 23 Hurlocks and Genlocks followed; as well as the rush of 'Children' and 4 Emissaries.

Ash and I joined Bear and Plume at the gates. I groaned, "Dworkin! You see an Ogre and I want it in itty bitty pieces! Sergeant Maverlies, I want you to focus on the ugly grubs! Fen; give em hell, boy."

My hound barked and headed off. I heard a chorus of 'yes, ma'am!' before booooom went the Ogre group. Then a second boom when the first didn't kill them.

I watched fascinated as Children fell with shrieks. Sergeant Maverlies was hitting every single one in the eye sockets to guarantee a kill.

Anders channeled a healing aura and focused on anyone who was hit. Natia was giving hell with her sword and shield and I caught sight of Garevel swinging his blade in swift but precise motions.

Bear had shapeshifted into a Great Bear and was clawing the Hurlocks with glee while Plume had turned into a Drake sized fire-dragon… and yes he was breathing fire and overwhelming the enemies.

I pulled the same stunts I did in Redcliff all those months ago. I was jumping and bending in ways that shouldn't have been possible with my weight, but thanks to magic and experience, were easily executed.

I was throwing my little star blades (and yes, I taught Wade how to make them when he showed interest), with great accuracy; each star perfectly embedded in the neck of its target. I could see interest in Fairy faces too – Ash showed the greatest interest in them.

"Commander, the East Wall!" I heard Garevel shout.

I spun on my heel and shot forward with Anders next to me as I called out, "Natia, you and Fen keep this area clear!"

She saluted before looking around and finding an enemy.

31 Children, 2 Hurlocks and 8 Genlocks greeted us. Anders was flinging Ice spells before we were fully in View of the gate there.

I noted Cosmo and Gale – Cosmo was using his ability to boil Blood as well as having a wolf and a bear on either side defending him. Gale, on the other hand, was mostly using miniature storms and swords.

I smirked and used magic to paralyze anything that got near me with malicious intent; no one even questioned it in the heat of battle and especially since we had the Fairies here.

I longed to stretch my wings, but knew that if I did I wouldn't be able to go to Kirkwall after this – not before going to Val Royeaux at any rate.

The Children, as expected, were more damn trouble than anything. I had to behead one that had tackled Garevel before it could rip his throat out.

Just as we killed the last Childer… the Shrieks appeared in force. 46 of the bastards, each looking like ones from Inquisition; twisted elves.

I was knocked into by one of our men and it distracted me just long enough to earn a dagger to my right shoulder.

"Fuck me with a pole-arm!" I shouted before spinning and kicking out to knock the fucker over.

I healed myself as I straddled the fallen Hurlock decapitating him with one swift motion of my sword.

Apparently, that was the last enemy at the East Wall, because people were standing around giving me a look.

Gale was sniggering, "Is the Pole-Arm thing an Order?"

I growled. "If anyone mentions that again, I will fuck them with a pole-arm up the arse… sideways!"

Anders coughed a laugh, but Garevel nodded and said, "The Children are dead, but I fear the Front Gates may need us once more."

Ash looked at me, "You have interesting phrases."

"Blame my former husband – the one I lost when I came here. He had a lot of fun phrases that he mixed and matched."

I stood and headed to the Front Gate once more – where Bear and Plume were – while the others following me.

I threw a shield on Varel the second I saw him.

"Hold together men. Andraste's Blood, hold; for the Wardens, for Amaranthine!"

Varel turned away from the gate for one moment, and that was all it took for an Ogre to side swipe him. He was unconscious, but he'd live.

3 more Ogres joined the first to make it an even 4 along with more spawn.

I admit to being impressed when, as Dworkin blew up the newer 3, Garevel used his blade to climb the first one before embedding the sword deep into its neck.

It was Ash who got the last hit on the first Ogre though – using his bow and a barbed arrow directly in the eye… it was a through-and-through.

When the fighting was over, I approached Varel as he awoke.

"Is it… over? Did we win?"

"Yeah… you missed the best fight, man. Good thing that Ogre just knocked you out though… could have been messy." I winked at him and I saw in his eyes that he knew it was my doing.

"Thought I was a dead man for sure, my lady."

"Call me that one more time, Varel, and I can arrange that."

The men around us burst into laughter. I had Garevel and Natia take Varel back to the keep just before the final wave arrived – Rain would heal him. 1 Armored Ogre and 58 other Spawn.

I didn't see it… I should have seen it… Fen rushed the Ogre when I was focused on a Shriek. I felt the Ogre pick him up and… I screamed.

A wave of magic burst from me as I felt my hounds life extinguish; it washed over the field, freezing the enemies solid and rejuvenating my allies. It was too late for Fen, unfortunately.

I fell to my knees, causing the frozen enemies to shatter. It hit me then… they were right – a life for a life. Varel had been destined to die here, but I had saved him. My loyal hound had paid the price. That's also when I realized… my baby had paid for Bethanys' life.

I wouldn't change that even if I could however. My child would have had a terrible life if born then, so saving Bethany Hawke was more than worth it.

I clutched Fens' fur and sobbed. I felt Anders at my back, rubbing soothingly as I cried. He didn't say anything, and I was glad for it. This death hit hard.

Ash knelt beside me, "Was this… did you save someone?"

I whimpered as I nodded, "Varel was supposed to die… oh Goddess – my baby paid for Bethanys' life, Ash."

He hissed a breath, "A baby… you've already been pregnant?"

"I was early in the pregnancy – I didn't realize… but that wasn't the time to have kids with Alistair anyway. If I had just looked then I would have realized that was when Bethany had escaped death for sure and settled into her new life."

Ash spoke roughly – I could hear the sorrow, "A child…"

I heard Garevel speak at that moment, "We've… won. We lost 7, My Lady, including… I'm so sorry."

Then another voice came, "Captain! Lady Commander, I've news!"

"Sergeant, if you tell me you know where the Darkspawn came from it doesn't matter. I have a Sending Stone linked to Aedan… he's already after them."

I'd seen it in a vision that Aedan had finished the Amaranthine assault moments before we finished ours and had already headed out.

"Send a runner to the City to update them on our survival… I'm going to go set up a keg of liquor for our survivors."

They saluted as I dragged myself to the keep with Anders help.

"In a few days – two or three – you and I are leaving."

Ash heard and spoke, "Ara… about the babe…"

"What about it, Ash?" I knew my voice was wary.

He said, "How long ago was that?"

"… Almost 8 months ago at this point. Why?"

"That was when I felt a deep sorrow – I knew something had happened with my twin, I just… didn't know what."

"I screamed my sorrow to the heavens and wrapped my Mate in my wings for a while. That night, I sobbed into his chest. It was too early for us to have known the gender – likely a boy with the trend in Fae births."

"You know… I'm sure your guards have told you that no Queen or Princess has ever had children…" Gale spoke softly beside me.

I nodded as I worked to set up the Ale Kegs. "So they've said – at the time, I didn't think I could get pregnant because I'd had that ability removed in my last life. My tattoos and a few other things remained the same – so why not an optional surgery?"

"No Queen has had children before – period. Not even in their former lives." Bear commented.

"I had a son – his name was Levi and he'd be four now if time moved linear."

Rain – and the rest of the Fae – had come over. He said, "It is good to hear that you're able to have children. It is a thing that gives the race Hope. It is distressing to hear how you learned of it though."

I nodded, "This is done… I need to… get some sleep. I'm worn out and…"

"Say no more," Ash said.

"We can speak more tomorrow…"

I headed to my room without another word.