Chapter Fifty-Two

Guards and Kings – NSFW

That was just how things went over that following two weeks – the gangs were cleared out over that time. It had taken a while for one to pop up that was stupid enough to carry the map to the warehouse. I had been hoping it would be the one night or maybe two like in the game – it wasn't meant to be.

Fenris came over and spent one night each of those weeks just holding me in my sleep – and he would sleep too while I curled into him. Neither of us cared that we slept naked. It was a bit of torture though – having him so close to me… naked…

I shook my head climbing out of the ferry – to find Cullen. The last two weeks he would show up on Thursday with flowers and Friday he'd have chocolates when he knocked. I think my guards all thought it was the most adorable thing ever.

The first night, we had just gone out to Dinner – my treat though he argued that he should pay… I won when I said it was my idea to go there. I think he learned his lesson.

The following three times I saw him, we stayed in and had fun. I taught him pottery – and he actually picked up on it faster than I had. He was good with his hands and completely in control of the clay…

He made me a cute vase shaped like a water droplet and painted with the four elemental colors.

He insisted on watching me make soap another time – so he was there when I created Griffon Stand finally. I was using four of the six empty storage rooms in the cellar for all my stock for when I opened the shop. The rooms were large – one held boxes full of soap, one had boxes of fine china; pottery, ceramic and other, one held glass dishes, and the final room held big boxes full of smaller boxes that each contained a set amount of blended tea. Each of the Tea Blends was also based on people.

I had one for Alistair – Dragon. One blend was for Fenris – Wraith. I mean, if you took time to think about the names for anything I made then you would know what my inspiration was. Just like with the soap – Alistair was a former Templar who liked roses; when I made that scent, he was the only Templar I personally knew. Back then, I was trying to be more discreet with the naming though – hence River Rain and Smokescreen becoming names.

I saw him then – Cullen was training recruits today. I heard him too, "A sword won't always save you from the mages when you must hunt them – in fact, unless you can close to them, it won't do you a bit of good. That's what the shield is for. When approaching an apostate or a Maleficar you'll want that shield raised – but keep the bottom of it pointed in while the top is slanted out. This will direct the spells down – to the ground beneath you – and keep you safer as you attempt to get close to them. I know all of you were taught with Great-Swords as well as regular – usually, the bigger swords won't be used unless you're confident that you can take an enemy by surprise. The reason they taught you that was to hone your strength more than anything."

I leaned against a pillar behind him – I knew his recruits had spotted me, but they knew better than to interrupt the Knight-Captain when he was instructing. He'd make a good commander – especially since he worked with the recruits and didn't coddle them; but he wasn't too hard on them either.

His voice continued with his back to me, "You're all strong – now we need to get you used to the defensive movements. We watch – and guard – just in case something happens. It doesn't matter if it's a failed Harrowing or an uprising – you must be fully prepared to do your jobs if the worst happens."

I wanted to flinch or even sigh – he was right. And I could only be glad that he wasn't pushing his own new-found prejudice on the recruits. He was teaching them properly though he felt that all mages were evil at the moment. He'd seen some of the worst – but still taught fairly.

He moved to pace the line – when he saw me in his peripheral. I was wearing a backless halter dress with a deep red waist cincher belt. My hair was pulled back at the sides and clipped in the back but otherwise left loose and parted from the left.

I stepped closer, "Do you need a sparring partner, Captain? Alistair taught me a few things. I might be useless when fighting with a shield, but that doesn't mean I can't give you a challenge…"

"I know – actually, it may help to have you as my partner… for sparring, I mean… since these may go against opponents who don't use a sword or shield. Though in that outfit…"

I held up a few throwing stars and tossed them at a pillar, "These could be used to mimic spells since they're small." He – and others around us – gaped as the stars embedded in the pillar. "Might I ask what those are?"

"Shurikens – throwing stars. Generally, they are no longer used as more than darts in a game. They used to be weapons that elite warrior used to use with regularity. Shuriken translates from that language to mean 'Hidden Hand Blade'. Actually – the ones who generally used them were called Samurai. They were also used by ones called Ashigaru. Those were infantry employed by the Samurai class of the country. Shuriken were supplementary weapons to the sword or various other weapons in a samurai's arsenal. Essentially, the weapon had tactical value but wasn't their main weapons. I learned the use of them for fun – but they're handy. I also know the Bow, the Crossbow and a few other things – like hand to hand combat that can take down a Qunari in a one-on-one battle."

Cullen shook his head with a slight smirk, "You used these in clearing out…"

"Yeah – they were my weapon of choice during the Blight. I used them in Redcliffe, Orzammar, recruiting the Dalish, stopping an assassin and even the Battle of Denerim. They're good for long-range damage and pair well with a Kunai blade. The Kunai – this," I held up the leaf-shaped blade with a handle that a ring on the pommel for attaching a rope, "Was used to gouge holes in walls so one could climb it. It can also be a weapon, of course – but how else is a spy going to get to the top of a building?"

Cullen looked curious, "And this Kunai… were both weapons used by the same groups?"

"No – Ninjas used the Kunai. Ninjas were spies and assassins; Samurai were warriors. Many ninja weapons were adapted from farming tools… As a weapon, the kunai is larger and heavier than a shuriken and with the grip could also be used in hand-to-hand combat more readily than a shuriken. But its main purpose back then was for climbing with weaponry taking a secondary roll to the Katana – a long, thin blade."

He headed over and carefully pulled the two four-point stars from the pillar. These were purple and largely ornamental. The centers were gold and the purple blades were curved and sharp enough to cut a finger off.

I smiled, "Those are mostly decorative anyway – real shurikens are more deadly. See how the blades are chipped now? These ones weren't meant to be used. The metal used is too fragile from the coloring of it. And calling them stars is actually sort of funny since they can have anywhere from 2-9 or more points and have many designs. I favor 4 and 6 point shurikens."

I pulled out a proper set of four point shurikens – made of a black metal and sharp dual-edged blades. He took one and looked it over.

His recruits all shifted – having been forgotten for the moment. I winked at them and a few smiled back.

Cullen said, "Alright – let's spar… if you're sure they won't damage my new shield? I seem to like it quite a bit."

"That shield is made of Starmetal, Cullen – not much will pierce that. If it were your old shield, these are sharp enough thanks to the Fae. Normal Shurikens will only pierce weak metal and other softer materials like wood or stone."

And that was how Alistair found us – me doing my level best to make my throwing stars act like spells while Cullen shouted instruction to his recruits.

I pretended to ignore Alistairs' presence – as though I didn't know he was there – and when I finished tossing metal at Cullen I teased, "Maybe next time I'll throw my clothes instead of my fancy blades, Cullen."

He went bright red – and a few Templars looked between him and the King behind me as though they were about to lose their Knight-Captain… until Alistair slapped Cullen on the shoulder and said, "Good to see you again, man."

Alistair was only an inch shorter than Cullens 6'2 so unless you knew what to look for… you couldn't tell. Like Cullen, Alistair had blond hair, but his was liable to blind you with its brightness. His eyes were golden these days due to his Dragon heritage having been forced to the forefront when he held my powers and then again when he had my dragon infused blood.

He was wearing Black and Green Fairy armor. The mostly dark green top held golden lacing in the back – though he was broad enough to not really need that aspect. It held leaf-like 'spikes' just past the hips. The pants were black with golden trimmings. The dark green boots laced up to his knees and it was paired with a black cloak that clasped to his shoulders with golden leaf-shaped claps. This was his Earth-Armor. He also had one for the other elements now too – and the brown armor that I had given him back at the Vigil.

Cullen froze, "Your Majesty…"

Alistair cut him off. "No. First off, I'm on vacation; second, Ara likes you, so no titles from you. Didn't she give you that note?"

"S-she… did, yes…" I sniggered and looked around as jaws dropped around us. I noticed that Obsidian had come with Alistair. Obsidian – golden hair that shone like the sun, Green eyes, and light blue skin. He had those natural red nails – though he'd added black décor to it. I nodded to him and he nodded back with a small smirk.

Then, I saw the puppy – the black fur and the honey colored socks. I whispered in awe as the hound strained to get to me, "Is that…?"

Alistair motioned the man forward, and the guard handed me the leash to the large wriggling dog… I took the leash off the pup.

I squealed and pulled the dog into my arms. Revas sniffed at me before licking my face.

"Cullen, look! This is Revas. His father was my loyal hound Fen." Cullen reached out and gave the hound a scratch on the head – Cullen liked dogs… a lot.

The hound sniffed at Cullen before just sitting down and allowing him to pet him.

I jumped up and kissed Alistair, who caught me and kissed me back. "You, Ser, are too sweet. You need to make some mistakes or I will begin to think you're just too perfect."

Alistair grinned down at me. "I believe I was promised pizza… can we do that?"

I chuckled. "Cullen, would you like to join us for supper?" he hesitated, "I'd like too – but unfortunately my duties here will cause me to say no."

I knew then that the disappearances had started. And since Cullen was only off Thursdays and Fridays… he was spending every waking moment on that.

We headed toward the Ferry – Alistairs' boat was actually at the Docks; he, Landon, Obsidian and the guard with Revas had taken the Ferry over when he'd heard I was here from the Ferry Master.

I knew Alistair was coming thanks to his telling me – I had told the Ferry Master to tell the King where I was when he docked; and paid him 2 gold coins to do so.

"So how long are you here for?" I asked.

He smiled at me, "I'm here for a full two weeks. I took a boat from Highever at your brothers' insistence, so that cut the journey by 2 days in either direction. I brought what you asked for, by the way."

I smiled as we boarded the Ferry to Kirkwall proper. People stared and pointed as we walked through the town. We were in Lowtown when I dragged him into the Hanged Man.

I winked at him and raised my voice, "Varric Tethras!"

Alistair jumped only a little at the sound, but his guards all gripped their swords. Everyone turned to us and I saw people's eyes bug. Varric poked his head down the stairs and almost tipped over.

"Feathers… you could have warned me." He motioned us back and I dragged Alistair along. Alistair whispered my new nickname and I nodded, "Yeah they know about…" I gestured behind me to indicate my wings.

Obsidian sniggered.

I looked to Varric and giggled. "He surprised me at the gallows while I was flirting with Cullen."

That's when I noticed the table was pretty full. Our whole party was here.

"Everyone, I'd like you to meet King Alistair Theirin… and he hates titles like I do so just call him Alistair. Love, starting at the Dwarf and going Left around the tale, this is, Varric, Hawke, Bethany, Carver, Fenris, Aveline, Merrill and, of course, you remember Anders and Isabela."

He shook hands with almost everyone… just not Isabela. Instead he just blushed when she said, "Oooh, is this my second chance to have a piece of you both?"

I laughed and said, "I'm game… Alistair, what about you? It could be… interesting"

Even Obsidian looked startled – it wasn't normal to have 'fun' outside your mates and the fact that she said 'second chance' told him she wasn't a mate at all.

"Interesting, she says; like it was a good book or maybe a delightful pastry. Well, I'll say it; I am a weak, weak man. I guess I'll just have to play along."

I think he was joking – but he said it! Muahaha – this would be fun.

I saw his guards look at each other in jealousy. Isabela squealed. "And… if we move this party to our place, there will be pizza…"

Like a shot everyone was standing. Obsidian was lost – as the only one here who hadn't had Pizza before.

The patrons of the hanged man seemed in awe at our little parade through the pub.

At home, Alistair was introduced to my 6 servants and I threatened all the human men – none would accost Hanan or I would see them castrated. Alistair followed that up with a threat of his own – he'd jail or kill depending on the offence.

Why did he do that? Simple – I told him I had adopted the girl when I found out she had no living family left. Hanan was pretty much our daughter now – though she would never take the throne, it meant that she would be treated a lot better.

She didn't want to move into the manor proper – she liked living with the others.

I'd learned that 17 was the age of majority in Thedas – so Hanan was still under aged. It infuriated me to know that someone had touched her, but she still wasn't ready to talk about that – and I refused to push it with my own past.

I had spoken to her – telling her my own past and following it with, "When you're ready to talk, I'll be here."

She had hugged me.

I made another Buffet – all the pizza I made on Sundermount was remade now. From the dinner ones to the dessert ones, all of them were laid out for people to pick and choose. Alistair loved the six cheese pizza but also ate some of the others too.

"And then Ara here tells the displaced Princess Sereda of Orzammar, 'Fuck me, no one told me you were fucking gorgeous,' before attempting to tell her about the Aeducan Shield… and failing. She had to get Zev, the Assassin, to take over because, and I quote, 'you're better around pretty women,' before asking me if she can have one… referring to the princess." Alistair was continuing our tale from the Deep Roads for Varric and I was bright red.

"She flirted back if you recall. Said she found it hard to believe you would be willing to share me. If she wasn't with Kardol, I'd maybe have had a chance…"

The whole table was laughing, even Aveline. "What was that song you sang that night? The one about…"

"It's called 'Wasn't Me'… and it was likely Zev and Belas theme song, now that I think about it…" that opened up ribbing to get me to sing it.

"Fine, but don't be too surprised… I was raised in a culture of Perverts…"

Honey came in and she caught me red-handed

Creeping with the girl next door

Picture this we were both butt naked

Banging on the bathroom floor

How could I forget that I had

Given her an extra key

All this time she was standing there

She never took her eyes off me

Aveline looked embarrassed, and Bethany and Carver were bright red, but the others got a kick out of it. "Sing another one, love? I've missed your voice…"

I swatted at his shoulder – but Celeste said, "Please?"

I chose 'Broken' by Lovelytheband

I like that you're broken

Broken like me

Maybe that makes me a fool

I like that you're lonely

Lonely like me

I could be lonely with you

Alistair snorted at the end. "I think you found the song that perfectly describes all three of the men you love." I smirked, "That's why I sang it."

The guards were all in the second dining room – the one closer to the front door – enjoying their own pizza buffet.

I leaned into Alistair as Revas barked at me and I reached over and handed him another slice of the 'doggie' pizza – it was chicken and peanut butter. Gross but Revas and Soldier seemed to adore it.

The last few hours of the night involved finishing up the tale of Origins – though Varric was calling it Heros of Ferelden in honor of Aedan and I – before I began awakening… though I only got as far as the clearing of the Vigil before I said… "Alright, it's been a great night and we can do it again tomorrow… now go home; I want to take advantage of my husband."

Isabela pouted, "But Kitty!"

"Later Bel – we have him for two weeks but I haven't gotten laid in a while… I need a night alone for now."

In truth, I hadn't had Alistair over since my last night at the Vigil – so this was his first time seeing the manor. I had been so busy getting things done – and he had been preparing for his official trip here – that we just… hadn't been able to.

Everyone filed out.

"Take advantage of me?" Alistair teased as we got to the bedroom.

I didn't answer. I closed the door to the bedroom and yanked him into me. Alistair groaned and held me to him as his lips descended on my own. My hands deftly unhooked his armor – almost a year of experience was good for that – and he helped me.

His Armor thunked to the floor and he was soon in only his smalls; even his arming clothes were off. My clothes were much easier to deal with anyway; no small clothes, only the dress and belt. I had taken off my black ankle boots upon returning home.

I whimpered when he pulled away. "Makers Breath, I've missed you…"

He dropped to his knees before I could kiss him again. My back fell softly against the door at my back as his left hand gripped my waist and his right moved gently over my most sensitive area. His breath was hot against me as he groaned.

"I've missed your taste…" he breathed as his tongue darted out and gave a quick flick against my clit. I whimpered.

"Alistair… Goddess, if you're going to do that, I want to taste you too." He slid a finger into me with a chuckle. "You do that, and I can tell you now that I won't last… I need this to last," he growled.

"And I need you. I think I may resort to more… drastic measure… if you keep this up…" I panted.

I had a few things up my sleeve that I could do if he wanted to tease like this…

He groaned and stood, catching my thighs on his way up to lift me between him and the door. I yelped in shock.

I threw my arms around him as he carried me to the bed. Alistairs lowered me slowly and kissed his way along my jaw, down my neck; spending time nibbling there as his hands roamed my body before moving his way to my chest. He sucked my right nipple into his mouth before his right hand moved down to the sensitive area.

I felt him slip two fingers into me, his thumb rubbing circles on my clit while he kissed his way from one nipple to the other, softly nibbling it. I gasped as my back arched in pleasure. I heard his name escape my lips.

I was panting and gasping as he moved back up to my throat, biting down hard and electing a cry of delight from me. I heard the Fae language slip from my lips as I begged him to take me. He chuckled and moved his fingers harder and faster into me, knowing I was getting close to peak.

"Alistair…" I felt my hips jerk as the nails of one hand embedded in his shoulder and the other fisted into the sheets of the bed. I cried out as ecstasy washed over me. I was still mid-peak when I felt him enter me… roughly.

He moved to hold both my hands above me in one of his – I groaned when he did. I whimpered against his shoulder as he slowly slid in. "Ara… Makers Breath, I've missed you."

I allowed my hips to meet his thrusts – it was almost all I could do as he held me down – and I knew I could stop that if I wanted to – but I loved it… I needed to get some leather cuffs.

He groaned as I squeezed him with my internal muscles and hissed out, "Minx!"

He released me so he could play with my nipples again. I smiled at him and lifted one hand to tangle in his hair as the other roamed his back and side, lightly scrapping and electing small gasps and moans. His hips jerked hard and I begged for more; he obliged. Each thrust rubbing my clit and bringing me closer to a second wave of pleasure.

I brought my legs up to wrap around him. He growled, "I love when you do that – it makes it so I can go deeper…"

I whimpered, "I love it too… oh Alistair…"

He groaned, "I'm yours… my Queen… my wife… I'm only yours…"

I cried out, "Goddess!"

I fell over the edge into a second orgasm. His thrusting sped up and he bit into my neck while my nails clawed his back and shoulder.

When he collapsed beside me, he held me tightly. "Makers Breath… I am a lucky man, indeed… were we serious about Isabela?"

I burst into laughter. "Oh, yes, love. She's been trying very hard to seduce me this last month… give or take. And you agreed in the tavern so you know she'll keep on it." I was giving him a wicked grin as I snuggled into his chest.

He groaned. "Well, thank you for allowing tonight to be just us, in that case." I hummed and used magic to cover us with the blanket and clean us up.

I hummed and used magic to cover us with the blanket and clean us up.

The next morning, we were awoken by a knocking on the door.

"Your Majesty, My Lady… there is a… Ser Varric and associates at the door," Harel called out. I removed the silencing spell so I could answer.

"See them to the main Dining Hall, if you please. We will be down shortly."

I was glad there was an unused barracks too – that's where Alistairs' men had spent the night. Again, I didn't know about it. Harel found it when cleaning. It was behind a 'secret' door through the main hall/throne room.

He only found it last week – so it was clean and furnished, but not updated yet.

"Yes, My Lady." Harel called again and I heard him leaving.

Alistair stretched as he sat up and I grinned. "Love… you have more battle wounds than the first time we were together. Would you like me too…" he cut me off with a kiss before saying, "Don't you dare… do you have any casual clothes for me?"

"Honey – you have a whole room dedicated to just you next door – it adjoins this one; so does Fenris' but on the other side. But yes – that closet there is half yours and all casual – your stuff is on the left; Cullens is on the right. Fenris doesn't know, but I have a few things in my closet for him. Your other room is set for a King and Warrior; you should look it over at some point… I think you'll like it."

He chuckled, "That's nice – but I prefer being with you."

"Who said the room had a bed? I mean it does – in the corner – but mostly it's like a miniature Dragon Palace with a throne and training area."

He chuckled, "Dragon themed for the Dragon King, hmm?"

"I thought you might like that…" I muttered defensively.

He laughed, "I'm not mocking it – I think I do like it. It's fitting."

He disappeared into the closet to grab clothes before ducking into the bathroom for his morning stuff… I followed him into the shower knowing we had company. We didn't do more than get clean.

After, I walked naked to my closet and decided what to wear. I chose black jeans, a crimson off shoulder 'pirate' top with a black and red 'under-bust' corset, thigh high flat-heeled pirate boots, and fingerless gloves.

I exited the closet and my jaw hit the floor. Alistair was also in black jeans and had chosen a brown button-down shirt and 'work' boots with a dark brown leather belt. "Love… if we didn't have company, I'd take you back to bed."

He nervously ran a hand through his hair, "You like it?"

"Love it. Let me just… do my hair and we'll head on down."

I brushed through my hair, 'sneaking' glances at my handsome husband – much to his amusement – before putting all but a single lock of hair into a high ponytail; leaving that lock to frame the right side of my face.

"Bela, dear, doesn't Alistair look ravishing?" I asked when we got down stairs. The Kings guard looked horrified that he wasn't wearing armor. "Oh, yes…"

"My Liege, where is your armor?" the head guard asked. This man stood 5'10 with neat brown hair and grey eyes. He had a neat beard on his strong jaw and his skin was a deep tan.

"Decorating the bedroom floor, Ser…"

"Garrick, My Lady. Your Majesty, I strongly suggest…"

I chuckled and cut in, "Garrick dear, no one is going to get passed the guards you have crawling around the house, my guards, and Hawkes' crew of people. No one is even so stupid as to try at the moment – there are too many people awake here. But I will make you a deal - if we plan to leave Hightown, I will personally see to it the King equips his Armor. In return, you relax. This house is warded against unwanted intruders, and Hawke here cleared out all the mercenary gangs in the city over the last two weeks."

Garrick did seem to relax at that. "Now… what's on the agenda for today?"

"Well, we have to make a stop at the Gallows; a woman named Macha says that her brother Keran joined the Templars last month and has now just… vanished. She's… heard some terrible rumors."

I sighed pitifully, "Alistair…"

He turned and headed for the room, "Already on it my love."

"Be quick – the Lion is in danger and if he dies…"

He moved quicker at once.

It took him less than 20 minutes to return in his red and brown 'Fire' armor – where the leaves were on the other; this one had little flames or lightly curled 'flame' like décor on the hem of the shirt.

We got to the Gallows and one of the recruits gave me and Alistair a bow. "My Lady, the Knight Captain isn't here, today."

"I know recruit Hugh. We're here to talk about Keran." Hugh was 5'8 with sandy brown hair, green eyes and pale skin… in fact he looked a lot like the two recruits next to him, Ruvena and Paxley; the only difference was Ruvena was 5'5 with blue eyes and Paxley was 5'7 with lighter hair and a mustache.

"We cannot speak to you about that, Serah." Ruvena said in a low tone, looking more… distressed than she had in the game.

Hue shook his head, "Oh to the Void with that! Keran and the others… they're missing, Rue."

"But our orders…" Paxley whined. The man's voice was… horrid.

"It's not like the Knights are doing anything to find them; I think it's time for outside help. Besides, Captain Cullen trusts this woman, and she has the King with her!"

"You can trust us, we're only trying to keep Keran safe," Hawke stated from beside me. I bowed my head to Hawke and took a step back, showing that he was in charge of this group.

"I… I hear that Knight Commander Meredith has some new initiation you have to go through; if you're not strong enough or fervent enough in your belief, you don't make it out alive." Alistair gave a distressed sound low in his throat and looked to me. I shook my head slightly and he relaxed even as Carver said, "Sounds brutal… and effective."

"Oh you honestly believe that?" Ruvena asked in disbelief.

"Recruits keep going missing." Hugh stated. "Wilmod came back." She shrugged.

"What?" Hugh and Paxley asked in shock. "He did. I saw him this morning."

"Can you tell us anything else?" Hawke asked.

"Wilmod… told me he was going outside Kirkwall. 'Clear his head', he said." Ruvena hesitated.

"Why didn't you tell us this?" Hugh asked accusingly. "Knight Captain Cullen ordered it; right before he chased after Wilmod. That wasn't too long ago; if you hurry, you may catch them on the road."

A sound left my throat, "Foolish man!" I shouted and took off, Alistair was hot on my heels and Hawke gave apologies to the recruits before rushing to catch up.

"What do we know?" Alistair asked as we all piled into a boat and I decided to use discreet magic to speed up the boat. "I swear; it's a miracle that man survives to the year 40 Dragon with the way he does this! Wilmod is… there are blood mages in Dark Town that are using their magics to rip away the defenses in the recruits to have Demons possess them. It takes upwards of 5 blood mages to fuck with one recruit, so it's difficult. I haven't gotten an exact location, so I can't go after them directly… yet. But Wilmod is possessed and Cullen is going to get himself killed if we don't hurry."

Fenris growled, "Fenhedis! You see why…"

"Yes, Fenris, but I know what Merrill is up too, and honestly she's harmless. She just wants to fix an ancient Elvhen artifact. That's all. There!"

We landed on the Wounded Coast and I rushed forward when I caught sight of Cullen rounding a corner.

"Andraste be my witness, Wilmod; I will have the truth from you… now!" Cullen shouted and I froze. Everyone behind me halted. Wilmod was much shorter than Cullen – only 5'6 with tussled black hair and brown eyes. Unlike in the game, his skin was the color of milk chocolate.

Wilmod caught sight of us and whimpered. "Mercy, Ser, mercy!"

"Were it that easy…" Cullen growled. "Don't hit me!" Cullen kneed the demon masquerading as a recruit in the gut and I flinched.

As Wilmod fell to the ground with an exaggerated grunt, Cullen drew Vigilance from the deep red Dragon Hide sheath it came with. "I will know where you're going; and I will know now."

"Cullen, my love… back away from the recruit… slowly, if you please."

"This is Templar buissness, Ara," Cullen shot me a look, seeing Alistair with me.

I motioned to Alistair who pulled Cullen away from Wilmod just as the demon began laughing, "You have struck me for the last time, you pathetic human; to me!"

At his shout, Wilmods face dissolved into that of a rage demon while 4 greater shades emerged around him. I began fighting as Alistair used smite that was focused to the area of Demons. It was strong enough to stun them and gave the rest of us a chance to simply… take heads and no names. There was one injury…

When it was over, Cullen spoke, looking shaken up, "I knew… I knew he was involved in something sinister; but this… is it even possible?"

"Was that… possession?" Hawke asked disgusted. He knew the answer – but Cullen needed to know we had nothing to do with this.

"Normally, we only worry about Mages falling victim to possession. I have heard of Blood Mages, or demons in solid form, who could summon others into an unwilling host… but I had not thought one of our own would be susceptible."

Hawke sighed and pinched his nose. "With what I've seen in Kirkwall… nothing surprises me anymore." He was giving me a look from behind his hand and I stuck my tongue out while Cullen wasn't looking.

"I'm Knight Captain Cullen… I thank you for your assistance. And you, Ara, your majesty."

"Now, Cullen, what did I say about the title? Not only am I on vacation, you're one of Aras mates. Even if things… don't work out between you two, you're still pretty much a brother to me." Alistair shrugged.

"Er… right. I've been conducting an investigation on some of our recruits who've gone missing; Wilmod was the first to return. I had hoped to confront him quietly; out of sight."

Hawke snorted and responded, "Maybe next time you should try loudly and in public."

"I… meant to scare him into confession… he had to believe my threats were real. He'd only been back a short time when he set off again – it set off some warning bells."

"Were actually looking for Keran, Cullen… do you know where…" I asked.

"No, he disappeared too. They were last seen together at the Blooming Rose, but I had no luck interrogating the, uh… young ladies there… I doubt they know anything of Magic or demons, anyway."

"Well, I'd be willing to search there." Hawke smirked. Bela giggled as I told Alistair exactly what the Blooming Rose was… much to his chagrin.

"The Order would truly be in your debt if you helped us with this. No one at the brothel will speak to me for fear I would shut them down for… servicing our recruits. If you learn what manner of creature did this to Wilmod, please come tell me at the Gallows. I will ensure you are rewarded." Cullen began to turn away but I threw myself into his arms.

"Don't… please don't do something so foolish again? It pains me to think what could have happened had we not gotten here in time… if you ever need, I'll come with you – please," There was a tear or two slipping from my eyes as Cullen held me.

"It's not something I can promise… but I will try; for you – and if I were going to do something foolish why would I dare to bring you with me? You could get hurt," he gave me a cheeky grin and a kiss on the cheek before he left.

"Ara… is that blood?" I flinched as I realized Hawke was pointing to the back of my shoulder.

I cleared my throat, "Er… yes?"

"It's… disappearing as it drips…"

"It does that. Can I have a health potion? I was never gifted with healing…" Alistair – had he been Fae – would have had the gift of healing, and Dragon Shifting; as we had discovered during the Blight. If he had more than the two, we'd never know – the braces used to give him control of my powers were destroyed. And we only knew the Dragon Shifting because he was a Dragon – he hadn't shifted at all during the Blight.

Those cuffs were far too dangerous and too much trouble. They gifted the non-Fairy wearer the abilities of Fairies. And not the ability that the Fairy they drew from held – oh, no… they got whatever abilities they would have if they had been born Fairies. We learned more about those cuffs since they were destroyed – none of it good.

Alistair began wrapping my arm as Fenris handed me a potion.