Dragon Age Two

Part One

Chapter Forty-Six

Kirkwall – City of Chains

We didn't have to wait very long to get into Kirkwall… in fact, our ship was waved right through ahead of some that had waited days. Apparently, having the seal of Gwaren and being an heir of Highever (Thus having the crest), not to mention my status as the official heir, helped our boat get right in.

The captain had sent word ahead that he had me and my guards on board and poof – the one picking and choosing who went through when just waved our boat ahead. I was a bit upset – these people were likely running low on food when we could have lasted longer.

I reflected on the last year. My name – once Abigail Anderson née Campos – was now Arvaala Cousland; Ara for short. I was human, but now I was a Fairy – a mix of all four elemental Sylphs.

This meant that my hair was like fire – Red mostly, but with orange, yellow and even blue highlights – and my Eyes were a silver color that came from the Water Clans of Fae. My skin was still pale – I was imitating a Vampire here and that came from the Air Clans.

Each element had a skin tone exclusive to them apparently – Earth was Dark Skin; Air had Pale; Water had blue; and Fire was bronzed or sun-kissed.

Like before, I stood at 5'3 – I was short, even among the Fae of Danu; a land that now resided just east of Ferelden and hovered high enough into the air that it could be seen from Orzammar on a good day. At least my weight – like all Fairies – was normal. I was 240 ish pounds. The Sylphs were thin, but the Fairies – the genetic flukes that could control all four elements and as such became the nobility – were all a bit plump.

I had been relieved to discover that – the 7 Fairies that had come to defend the Vigil were all male and all had a little extra weight.

I was traveling with Anders/Justice. He had learned on the trip just how Justice had changed when they merged. Anders was cute in a tragic love-story kind of way. His blonde hair was tied back in a pony-tail and his green eyes look slightly haunted. He was taller than I was but unless I was surrounded by dwarves… wasn't saying much…

My guards… Magma was a Fire Sylph – when he wasn't magically disguised with Fae Glamour, he was 5'10 with actual fire as his hair, molten gold eyes and bronzed skin. He was rather good looking. When he was disguised, he had dark red hair and brown eyes to throw people off.

He was the Captain of my guard and the head of his Mate Pod – a grouping of mates among the Fae – that made up my guards in the first place.

His only male mate was Drake – an Earth Fae. This meant his hair was Grassy Green, he had eyes that were like Diamonds, and his skin was Dark like mud or tree bark. He stood at 5'9. He was actually cuter than Magma – but I wouldn't tell. When in Glamour, he was Black Haired and blue eyed.

Next was their Mate Celeste – she was an Air Sylph. Her hair was clear and moved even with no wind around, her eyes were a sun-gold and her skin was as pale as mine was. She was barely taller than me at 5'5. I was jealous of her thin stature. When in Glamour, she was blonde with blue eyes.

Then there was the last mate – Galaxia or Xia; she was a Water Sylph. Her hair was a medium blue color that flowed like waves, her eyes were seaweed green, and her skin was a light blue. She was 5'6 and she was beautiful.

My final companion for this stretch of the journey was Plume – he was an Earth-Born Fairy. He had Amethyst Hair – a rare color among the Earth Fae – and Water heritage Silver eyes. He was 5'9 and tanned like the Earth Fae.

He had – at one point – been selected to be my Secondary Mate; that wasn't going to happen, but he'd still get kids from the deal… I did know how to do IVF and I would – because I'd seen that it would work for his Pod.

Upon docking, I did see Cullen – and I was stopped at once, because he recognized Anders.

"Ara – that's a mage." He said sternly. He had Meredith with him.

I didn't say anything at first – I just handed over the notes with an apologetic look. As he read, I spoke, "I apologize – most of my companions use magic. Alistair thought I needed a whole guard and… this was the result. They'll all be living with me."

Meredith snatched the notes before Cullen could read more than Anders' note. Cullen said, "I see – I can't do anything about Anders since he's a Grey Warden… but as to your other companions…"

I shook my head, "They're Fae, Cullen – Alistair approved them too. The Princess will be going to Val Royeaux sometime after the Deep Roads Expedition that's beginning here in Kirkwall, so the Chantry is more… lenient about the Fae since we had testimony about them being unable to use blood magic and not being Mages."

"They don't look like what I've heard about the Fae, Ara," he was staring them down. I sighed, "Plume, sweet man – will you be so kind?"

He waved his hand and the Glamour on my guards was stripped away – Fairies could do that; they were stronger than Sylphs.

Gasps rang out as my guards stood there in full view and unhindered by glamour. Cullen flinched lightly – I felt bad at once. Plume also wasn't wearing Glamour – and hadn't ever worn one around me.

I shifted uncomfortably as Meredith said, "She appears to have all the proper paperwork, Knight-Captain – I will take my leave. I have other things to worry about." I was surprised she didn't argue – but then, she wasn't being influenced by the Red Lyrium Idol yet; not for at least another three years.

Cullen frowned as she stalked off – leaving the papers in my hands. I handed my guards their papers back. They each re-established their Glamour – something all Fae could do. Cullen raked a hand through his hair, "I uh…"

I shook my head, "I do get it, Cullen – after what you went through, I couldn't be surprised if you look at Mages much differently than you did. I've been through torture and pain before – you know that."

He flinched at the reminder of what he thought was a simple rape. I had mentioned it around him and Alistair in the Tower after stitching Cullen up after all. He said, "I-I… right. Well, I was already asked to escort you to the Viscounts' Keep…"

"You can pick someone else to escort us – I know you're uncomfortable around Anders at the very least and… all of us at the worst."

"No! I mean… I want to escort you…"

Plume looked confused, "Ara… is this…?"

I shot him a look, "This is Cullen Rutherford – yes, the one the Princess predicted will one day be called the Lion of Ferelden."

"I wasn't aware I met the Princess…" Cullen was flushed at my words as we began heading for the Ferry to the city proper. All ships had to come to the Gallows first until the whole 'refuges are pouring in' thing cleared up.

I smiled at him, "Who said you did? The Princess is a Clairvoyant – she gets the occasional vision and you've been in one or two."

"She's a Prophet?" he breathed. I shook my head, "Not technically – Prophets make predictions based on visions that cannot be changed. Seer is closer to the word I would use – since her visions can be changed… though she's learned a harsh lesson in saving lives."

"What harm could come from saving lives?" Cullen asked – okay, so he was completely ignoring everyone he knew had magic. That wasn't nice, but I wasn't going to force the issue just yet – he was a victim.

"Her unborn child died when she saved a life; and then my hound died when she saved another. The most innocent of lives are taken when she saves people. She didn't know about that due to her amnesia."

He looked mortified, "Oh… she lost… I wish I could give her my condolences, but that might just dredge up the memory of it."

I shrugged, "She'll know – Magma, Drake, Celeste, Galaxia and Plume all know the Princess personally." I had pointed to each person as I spoke their name. Plume grinned, "I was actually chosen as a Mate for her – but that isn't going to happen. I'm actually thankful for that because… I'm gay. All my mates are males."

I could see Cullen had a bit of a moment of Jealousy – he just wasn't sure why. I gave a small chuckle, "Plume is adorable no? Magma and the others all mated to each other too – Magma being the 'head of house' and the Captain of my guards."

We reached the docks – and I was impressed just how large the docks alone were. No wonder Alistair was able to get a 20 bedroom home in Hightown like it was nothing… it was likely a 'small home' for Hightown.

I posed the question, "Cullen – you've lived here for months now… what is the smallest house I could get in Hightown?"

"I think the smallest is 10 bedrooms with 1 dining room and no armory? Why?"

I choked, "I'm going to strangle Alistair – what does that man think I can do with 20 bedrooms? This is just… ugh."

Cullen looked both amused and confused, "Which place did he buy? I didn't think any of the places had 20 rooms – the most I heard was 18 and that belongs to the De Launcet family. They actually have a son at the Gallows – they pay well to keep him nearby."

I snorted, "The place across from the Amell Estate apparently has 20 bedrooms, 2 dining rooms, a large kitchen, and a pool, a cellar with a wine storage, an Armory, a treasury, library, study, and a garden off the master suite."

Cullen was wide eyed, "I think I heard about that place, actually – I didn't realize it was bigger than the De Launcet Estate, but I suppose it makes sense… that used to be the seat of the Marcher Nobility. When the Free Marches were still under the Imperium, the reigning Archon would use that house when he visited the area. No one was allowed to buy it before though – I think there were special rules like 'King' or 'Queen' attatched to buying it. I also hear that you'll be… in residence for a long time?"

I nodded, "Mmmh – at least 7 years. The Visions that the Princess get tell me that I need to be here – so here I am."

"I… I'm glad. At least you might get treated more like a Hero and less like a mistress here." He muttered.

I blinked before a grin spread across my face, "Do you have something against mistresses, Cullen?"

"What… no – I just think you deserve better that to be known as just a mistress. I… you're a Teyrna – of Gwaren no less – and still, all I ever hear is 'the Ferelden Mistress' did this or that. You also hold the title of Hero but no one seems to care about that. I just… I can't think of why you would accept such a position when you deserve so much more – like full marriage. Who cares that your ears are pointed – you're good enough to be a Teyrna; why not Queen?"

I giggled and passed him the letter from Alistair while saying, "You realize that Alistair is betrothed to the Princess of Danu – the Angel Princess is her official title. Her mates will all have titles like that. Alistair is the 'Dragon King' only because he took a throne before she did – otherwise he'd be a Prince in title. The Fae have a thing for naming the Courts – currently, they're in the Elemental Court; the Elemental Queen, the Earth Prince, the Water Princess, the Fire Prince, the Air Prince and the Spirit Prince. The Princess will have four mates – the Dragon King is simply one of four."

"So you're expected to share him?" Cullen asked – since I was speaking, he hadn't looked at the note yet. I shook my head in amusement and motioned, "Read the damn note, Cullen."

He opened it and started reading it aloud, "Cullen; it's been a long time since Greenfell hasn't it? Look – I love Ara and I get the feeling you do too. I know you though – you'll say that it's too soon to feel love and… if I'm right, you'll be outraged about her situation as my mistress when you care for her. This note is to tell you that I'm giving you full permission to pursue her – so long as you want her and she wants you then I have no problems with you courting her. I know of one other whom I'm also giving permission too – Ara will carry that note for when she meets him. I do love her – never doubt that. Personally, I feel lucky that she loves me too. If you have need of anything – further explanation, funds, or just anything really – contact me. Signed by The Dragon King; Alistair Theirin of Ferelden. You've got to be kidding me – he's willing to… share you with… me?"

I chuckled, "Alistair and I are a unique circumstance – I may as well be Fae since it appears I have mates too. Children between Fae and Humans will always be one or the other too – Fairy if one parent is a Fairy, Sylph if that parent is a Sylph, or human if one parent is Human. Among Fairies and Sylphs it is completely random – usually Sylphs since Fairies are a genetic fluke. Point being, Alistair will have a human heir in the future. The other point here… I do feel a connection with you and I'd like to see where it leads… if you're willing to, that is."

Cullen was a bit flushed and shook his head, "I will… need to think on this. I've never had the thought or notion of… I mean – we all know Orzammar s in the habit of having multiple spouses… and I guess now we know Danu is the same… sort of. I don't think the Chantry has ever allowed that though. Anyway, we're now entering Lowtown – this is where people live when they aren't rich or… speaking of that – I suppose I can concede on the point that he got you the best house in Hightown."

I laughed at that – and so did my guards. Plume grinned, "As if she couldn't afford it. I've been made aware of her exploits – do you know how much Orzammar paid her?"

I flushed, "Plume – no. Don't…"

Cullen looked a little devious – not something I'd ever expected to see on his face – and asked, "How much?"

"More than 6,000 Gold Coins," Magma said stoically. Drake sniggered, "She tries to brush it off, but overall she's made more than 8,000 mostly by selling soap."

"Oh… oh wow…though uh…"

"You ran out of soap, didn't you?" I asked with a cheeky grin.

"Well… almost – I have enough for maybe another week…" he rubbed the back of his neck. I pulled out more of the Lions' Den soap – After learning my bag was connected to a storage where things were 'manufactured' and occasionally distributed, I made sure to put through a note telling that no one was allowed to use Lions' Den with my permission.

I received notice that it wouldn't be a problem – my soap scents were my source of Income and as such, were set for only me to distribute. They would make more for if I needed it, but they wouldn't trade it around the population without my say so. That was nice to know – in fact, usually it was only the books or such that were distributed since 'knowledge is meant to be free'. The clothes were also set to being distributed after being made – clothes and other necessities were usually either free or traded for cheap.

Housing was also free – 4 rooms in the smallest house, going up in size for those who had children. And the only reason there were four rooms was because not every set of mates was a Pod – sometimes there were mates who were mated to someone else when that someone else wasn't part of the Pod. It was complicated – but frequent enough that basic homes were 4 bedrooms so that if it happened, you wouldn't need to move unless you had kids. But the other reason for that was that sometimes… you just wanted one-on-one cuddles. I planned to have 2 bedrooms dedicated for my guards – so that they could do that if they felt like it.

Cullen gave me a small smile as he coughed, "And if you come back to the Gallows sometime soon – Meredith wishes to deal with you about the Templars Rose soap you make. The Chantry said you have full discretion over who gets the recipe as it is your invention. I must ask – is there Lyrium in this one? I've noticed my abilities have grown quite a bit since I began using it…"

I chuckled, "Yes – it does have Lyrium in it. It doesn't have as much as Templars' Rose, so it will only give you a minor increase in power standing – basically, it's unlocking what you already have at an accelerated rate. It wouldn't even affect anyone who wasn't a mage or Templar since there isn't much in there. And I'll come by the Gallows again once I get settled in my new house. I can't believe Alistair bought the former home of the Archon – that's just… what am I going to do with all that space?"

Plume sniggered, "Well, Sapphire and her Pod don't always sleep all in one bed – so that'd be two rooms; my Pod does but you said you'd dedicate a second bedroom for us if we want a night were we just want one bed partner; and the same for Magma and these three – so that makes 6 bedrooms there. Then there is your bedroom – the Master Bedroom, of course – and your group of mates likely doesn't share one bed – so assuming you only have four mates, then that's a total of 5 bedrooms; so that they each have their own while not in your bed. This puts the total at 11 bedrooms occupied or on reserve."

"Yeah but your Pod and Sapphires' Pod will be leaving after I help you with the procedure – and Obsidian will be moving in so that's down to 8 when you and Sapphire vacate those other four rooms and he moves in." I pointed out.

Magma nodded, "She has a point – I suppose if she has children, then we could use more rooms – but I doubt there will ever be any need for the full 20 rooms to be in use; even if she converts one or two into a Soap Mixing Room or an experimentation room for her Teas. She could even turn another room into her Pottery Room – where she makes those cute cups – and another into a room for her Glass Blowing – where she makes those pots. Still we wouldn't use the whole 20 rooms."

"Not smart to make a bedroom into a Glass-Blowing room… I'd convert the Armory first. The Treasury is already getting converted into my Water Sanitation area so I can have proper plumbing and showers – sorry, but I hate using a Chamber-pot," I clapped back. Not that I needed to use a Chamber-pot. No Fae needed to use one – Sylph or Fairy. Our bodies used energy and such with complete efficiency.

That was when we entered Hightown – and it was huge. We entered by way of the Market – Cullen had wanted to give me a 'proper' tour so we didn't take the Dock shortcut to Hightown; we went the long way.

Cullen looked confused, "What does a Chamber-pot have to do with… what are showers?"

Xia gave a light giggle, "Showers are upright baths – and they can be heated. They're divine and something our Princess brought with her after the ritual. All of Danu has showers in their homes now. They use pipes to bring and heat the water from a specified area to rain down on you in special stalls – those are showers. It makes it much easier to clean your hair that way – you don't have to duck under the water or ladle it over your head with a bucket. As to the plumbing – she means Chamber-pots that don't need to be emptied by other people because they empty on their own – through other pipes. Once emptied, these 'Toilets' will lead to an area that will remove the waste from them, purify the water in the Water Sanitation place, so the water can be reused. The waste will be taken care of through yet another set of pipes."

She had a very good handle on it too – I'd already shown her and Drake what needed doing for that and they would set it up. Magma would help with the heating element – since magic was available, we wouldn't be using electricity or the normal method of heating and cooling. Celeste and Drake would also work out Magical A.C units. I was going to revolutionize Thedas and Danu with plumbing and cooling and heating… I would personally look into upgrading my new kitchen.

Cullen looked fascinated, "That does sound better than Chamber-pots and communal baths…"

"Don't knock the Communal Baths – an old empire from my homelands used to use those Bath Houses to get shit done. They'd discuss many things – from military strategy to politics. There was a reason it was considered one of the most successful empires of the past and is still talked about thousands of years later. Sure – the Roman Empire only spanned a few hundred years – 1000 give or take – and compared to other Empires was so… short – but they were amazing. I wrote a book set in that time period once – they invented amazing roads that rarely cracked even under many carriages and horses. Actually, the Roman Empire was so great that an expression came of it. 'Rome wasn't built in a Day' – time is needed for everything so don't be impatient. The greatest things come from time spent."

"… I like that – and it is fascinating information. Look – there is the Viscounts' Keep. Your new home is the fourth largest structure in all of Kirkwall; The Gallows being first, then the Keep and Chantry following in that order." Cullen said. I could see how the Keep might be larger than my new home – it was humongous.

If this had been the size of my new home, I might have worried what I was going to do with it all – maybe make a throne room in the third dining room or something. Was I Princess, soon to be Queen, or wasn't I?

Perhaps I might need a throne room anyway… if the Archons of the past didn't already have one in there somewhere – knowing the greed of the former Imperium, it was possible. According to Cullen, no one had been in that house other than upkeep for many years – if there was a Throne Room then it was likely untouched by time.

We headed into the Keep where we were ushered instantly into the Viscounts' personal office rather than his 'throne room' that was hardly ever used – only in official functions, I hear.

The Viscount tripped over himself to welcome me, thanking me for choosing to make Kirkwall my home. Anders kept trying not to laugh since he knew I hated all the formal shit. Magma and the others were all in the same sinking boat – trying and failing not to laugh.

Dumar was quite interested in Plume – who had decided to show off and was sitting in the Air like there was a floating chair there.

I smiled, "Viscount Dumar – it is an honor to meet you."

"You as well, Teyrna Cousland – I hear many things about you." He was 5'8, bald as an egg, and had green-grey eyes. His skin was somewhere between pale and tanned – not something I had thought possible. He wore black robes and a cast-iron circlet on his brow.

"All good things, I would hope," I said softly as I sat – Cullen also sat while everyone else stood. Anders was acting as my Man-Servant after all – on behalf of the Grey.

Dumar nodded, "Mostly good, yes. Your status as Teyrna of Gwaren, adopted sister of the Teyrn of Highever, Mistress to the Ferelden Throne, Hero of the Fifth Blight and savior of Redcliffe – I also hear that you are friendly with the Princess of the new lands that just… appeared east of Ferelden?"

"The only reason that land is there is because King Alistair is betrothed to the Princess. They are a mostly peaceful race, the Fae. Plume, why don't you tell us why that is?"

"I thought it was rather obvious – we've been isolated since before Arlathan was ever founded. We have tournaments and such, but it's all in good fun. We love fun. We can fight – that doesn't mean that we want to or that we will – especially since the Princess has grown to adore Ferelden and its King. No – we will simply move to provide services and such; like farming, mining, and botany and so on. We could also provide faster ways of transport, easily work together to stop volcano eruptions, help heal Ferelden after the Blight that occurred there, and even help improve crafting methods – armor work, jewel crafting, tailoring, and engineering are all in the offing too." Plume looked so relaxed in his imaginary chair.

I nodded, "Indeed – the Fae of Danu are a peaceful race and will aid and trade so long as they are welcomed. Orzammar also has an alliance with the Fae – currently only one Family lives there – Gale, his mates and his children."

"Right – but I was more curious about meeting the Princess…" Dumar said hesitantly.

Plume sniggered, "The Princess will meet you if she decides to do so – she's talented so she'll know if you want to meet and she'll make her own choice on the matter. Currently, she plans to stay hidden until she can meet with the Grand Cathedral to get their approval on her marriage to the Dragon King – as you may know him; the Ferelden King. He's the first King among the Danu Fae. Queens rule and her mates are always Princess or Prince. An old loophole – he took a throne before the Princess did, so he will be called our first King."

"You've already accepted him?" Cullen asked lightly.

"He and the Princess are already mated – all it takes is bedding your mate once and the two are linked for life. But only if they are mates; without the primary connection, there are other steps that need to be done to make the person a mate – more than just bedding them. It's a process and one that has never failed us before. In other words, the Dragon King is already her husband – but your people will not see their children as legitimate unless they marry in your Chantries. So the Princess – in love with her mate – will allow those tests to show her devotion to him and allow the Chantry to insult her in the meantime because they do not understand – the Fae keep this world in check. Our existence is the only reason life still remains on this world when it would all be demolished long ago otherwise. That is the Job of the Queen and the Princess – without them, all life would…"

I shot him a look, "Plume – that wasn't something the Viscount needed to know!"

Plume looked abashed, "I apologize – but as you know; words spoken cannot be returned."

"Yeah – and now the Chantry will believe the Fae to have inflated Egos because of this belief. It matters not if it's true; that the Fae keep the balance – this was not for you to say. Forgive my companion Viscount Dumar – he's not used to being around Humans that do not know the origin of the Veil and the worlds' loss of wide-spread Magic. Was there anything else to discuss?"

He shook his head looking like he had a headache – I had said what I did to confuse him. He wouldn't speak of these things while he thought it over and by the time he did think to talk about it to the Chantry, it would be too late; he'd be dead.

He shook his head, "Er, no…I simply wished to welcome you to Kirkwall and see about that introduction to the Princess, but as that won't happen… Knight-Captain could I trouble you to see Lady Cousland to her new estate?"

Cullen stood, "I'd be honored, Viscount Dumar."

Cullen then led me out and toward my new estate – while looking thoughtful. When we got to the place, he finally spoke, "What did Plume mean – about the Fae holding the Balance?"

I sighed – it wasn't Dumar that I needed to worry about, was it? "The First Queen of the Fairies was an Elf from before the time of Arlathan – and she was a Prophet. She saw the Fall of Arlathan and the creation of the Veil. She and those who would follow her moved to a land outside of Thedas – now called Danu; meaning Home. The Elves then mated with and mixed with the Elementals – beings that could control the elements they were connected to – that could take the form of elves. Thus the Sylphs were born. A few years later came the first Fairy – a Sylph that could control all four elements and held the look of all four forms of Sylph. The reason the Queen moved her followers there and then mated with these Elementals was completely to form the new race – Fae are connected to the Fade, Nature and the Veil all at once. The veil is artificial – it wasn't meant to exist. The sudden loss of all magic when the Veil was created would have been more devastating without the Fae – and when the Veil weakens enough to fall completely… all life would have died from the sudden influx of magic. This is why their magic is different – and why they cannot do Blood Magic at all. Nothing that alters the state of nature or the veil can affect the Fae – Blood Magic defiles nature."

He looked thoughtful, "And you don't wish this information to reach the Chantry… why?"

"They'll kidnap the Princess and kill the rest – not realizing that no Queen has ever borne a child – the selection of an Heir is from the population through a magical mark. If they simply kidnap the Princess, they may doom the world. All magic will vanish for a few years – and if or when the Veil falls or is ever breached again… the whole world will fall. This will become a world of Demons, Spirits and Darkspawn only. This is the reason Danu stayed isolated for thousands of years – only the Princess waking and finding her mate among the population of Thedas was part of a prophecy that marks the return of the Fae; that they will be needed here. So if the Chantry succeeds in killing the Fae and stealing the Princess away, they may doom Thedas."

"How sure are you of all of this?" He asked – he looked so torn and I couldn't blame him. He hated magic now – though I would be sure to knock it into him that not all magic was evil – that's why I allowed the explanation at the moment.

"Honey – I know this to be fact. The Princess has had a vision of what could happen if the Fae were all killed off. It isn't pretty – and it isn't meant to happen. Would you enable genocide – and an apocalypse – just because you don't trust people who don't look like you? Yes – they have a form of magic; but you shouldn't fear that since they can't do blood magic and they're a peaceful race. Would you look at me with that disdain and hate in your eyes if I were a Fairy?"

He jerked, "No – no… you saved me; saved the whole tower and… and you said the Fae couldn't do Blood Magic. We do have that report – it was sent out after the testimony in Ferelden."

I admit – that helped me quite a bit. I was worried he'd hate me when he discovered my magic. I smiled softly and reached up to cup his cheek, "Then I do hope that one day… you might consider seeing where this whole relationship could go. I do like you Cullen – more than a little and Alistair is right. If you didn't think it too soon, I'd go so far as to say love… so, I will say goodnight and work on getting this mansion in working order… then I will come see you at the Gallows. Hopefully, you'll have an answer for me by then. Am I right to assume that this is where you leave me?"

He was flushed – bright red – at my admission. He cleared his throat, "I-I… yes, I… I must be getting back… to the Gallows… and I will… keep your words to myself. You're right on one thing – there is no call for an Exalted March on a peaceful people… especially if their existence is keeping the world in working order. I will… think on your w… I mean on… the letter. I just… don't know – I'm sorry."

I nodded – I suppose it was too soon to hope for a kiss good-night. He headed off.

I turned and let us into the house. Once we were all in, I said, "This is… cleaner than I expected. Was this place cleaned recently?"

Magma smirked, "The Dragon King ordered it done. The place is ready for you to do all that you need to do – renovations, remodeling, and so forth. He said to tell you that the bed in the Master Suite is 'as soft as the one in the Denerim Palace'."

I chuckled – Alistairs' way of telling me he'd had his people make the bed. This would be good.

The next morning, I set Anders up at Lirenes' shop – I knew it was needed, after all.

We had all gotten to work too – I took the advice given. The Armory was a Glass-Blowers' area, the Treasury was now a Water Sanitation area, and I had converted a few bedrooms for Soap Making, a Tea storage and mixing area, a pottery room, and a room for a jewelers area – I liked making jewelry.

And yes – there was a throne room; right between the Library and the Drawing room. Only… it was called the great hall, not the throne room. Likely because the real throne was at the Viscounts' Keep and the Archon had used that when he needed to hold sessions.

I set up two rooms for Magma and Drake – since they were the two dominants in the Pod – and the girls could pick where they set up their closets – since there was only two closets in each room now that I had set up bathrooms in every room… including the newly remodeled rooms. As for the two remaining closets in each room – the remodeled rooms' closets were turned into storage.

Plume also got two rooms – after telling me about his other Dominant mate, I set up the rooms for them.

I also managed Sapphires' rooms the following day. And I had updated the Kitchen with Plumes' help – he had been fascinated by the concept and wanted to help update all of Danu with it. I allowed him to help – I got a Fridge, a microwave, a stove with six burners and an oven, and a dishwasher that I connected to the plumbing.

After that… I went through and set up a room for Alistair and one for Fenris. I chose a downstairs room near the second dining room for Cullens' room – I wasn't sure why – and converted the room next to it into an office for him. Everything was very Templar-y for him… and I found myself wondering what had possessed me to do such a thing, but it was done.

Finally – by the time all this was done – two weeks had passed by. We were all exhausted. But all of us were proud that we got things done.

I was introduced to the two Pods then – Plumes mates were Silver, Lake, Blaze, and Cloud. The names gave away their origin and all of them were Fairies.

Sapphire, on the other hand, was a group of four Sylphs and a Fairy. Emerald the Earth Sylph, Star the Air Sylph, Nova the Water Sylph, and Onyx the Fire Sylph made up Sapphires' Pod.

I told them to get settled – we'd begin the IVF next week and I'd let them know the moment we were successful.

That same day, I had a vision that had me rushing to get to the Cellar.