Chapter 17

Kingdom of Denerim, Markets.

Well before the sun was high in the sky, the group of six rode on. broke camp continuing their journey uninterrupted to Denerim. The afternoon sun warmed the chilling air. Through the main gate their steeds walked through, people parting as they passed. The gate itself was still in repair, as was the wall on either side. Norrathian eyes surveyed the damage. That was buildings in much-needed repair, people in tattered clothes, mourning their losses, children filthy, rummaging or playing through the debris of the partly crumbled city.

"This is where the standoff between Human, Elf, Dwarf, and Darkspawn took place." Morrigan said as they stopped for the moment at the destroyed market gate.

Barricades long since cleared, broken down to hold up buildings, or ward off certain areas of major damage. Several of the people who were cleaning stopped to admire the group, as the group themselves observed. A few of the children awed ran up wishing to pet the horses.

Deedo chuckled, seeing the children wide-eyed and excited. Dismounting, she let a few children parade around on her mare, then she called over her shoulder, "We must help them. I am already tallying what masters to call upon when letters go home. " She said, finishing in Elvish.

Xellexes chuckled, "Yes young lady, and we shall but, we have an objective, we discussed, lest you forget the reason we are here?"

Her shoulders sagged slightly as she turned her hooded face toward her beloved cousin. Removing her hood her displeasure was written well on her features. In knowing he sighed, "Alright, a few moments, Morrigan if you differ, we need to assist." Before the Wilds Witch could answer, the tall man was off the large steed already working with the people.

Morrigan knew that look, much too well. "This is who she gets it from." She snorted with a shake of her head.

Ruroni sang a cheery tune as she gave aid. Curious, the people thanked the girl for aiding them when she had. It dawned on her that they referred to her sister, and accepted their thanks in her stead. Pleased the Bard was to know her baby sister had been a credit to the people here in this land she visited just one time. Cullen joined after the others, leaving the boy in the saddle, petting Thorn with Morrigan to watch him.

He and Lady Deedo assisted the children outside of the Chantry. Deedo pointed for him to help move debris just a ways away from them. A short while after Cullen returned, he had thought to ask if there had been anyone claiming their missing son. Finding that there were no persons who have done so, that the children there are Blight orphans.

The others came back with pleased smiles. Cullen thanked the Sisters, once again taking his place at Vy'el side. "Do you have any family here, Vy'el?" Cullen inquired as he watched the other orphaned children running around the Chantry sisters.

"None Ser. Mummy and father told me I am Dalish and that my people do not live in such cities, and we avoided them because of mummy and her magic." Whispering the last part.

Deedo turned when she heard that, and the others knew what she was thinking. "Mother…" Lili'Enyel started. "Can we continue to help them after I see my baby sister?" The Ranger excused herself, riding up to the Chantry doors and removing one of her coin purses, handing it to the sisters as they gratefully thanked the stranger for such a generous gift.

As she walked her steed back, she tilted her head. "Can we go now?"

Ruroni agreed as Deedo nodded and walked her mare over to the Chantry sisters with the children still riding on her back; handing her purse over as well to the elder woman, helping the children down she went into her bag and pulled out some treats then handed a large box to them as well, "I will return for the box when I am able, but please use its contents for you and the children's needs." She bowed her head and walked away, waving to the children.

"Yes, we may go now." The high elf marched towards the castle with a smile on her face.

Morrigan groaned, Olett is her mother's child. Shaking her raven head, she felt Xellexes chuckle as they followed behind his cousin to the castle.

Leliana spotted Cullen after he had turned back seeing Tenkou she called to her. "I thought you were still with Olett." trotting over with surprise to see her outside of the castle.

"I apologize, I am not my sister."

"I… You look exactly like Tenkou." A slight gasp in her Orlesian accent.

Ruroni tittered. "Yes, she is my younger sister. We wear our braids differently, which helps with the slip."

Lady Deedo turned her head, "You are from Orlais?"

"Yes. My mother is Ferelden who worked as a servant to a noble lady." Taking in the others, what surprised her more was Morrigan was with them. "Morrigan? Why are you…"

"My business."

"Have you heard of Olett's condition?"

Morrigan did not wish to continue on with the nosy bard. They were close enough. But on the subject of Olett, Morrigan wished to keep her thoughts to herself. "I imagine you have already composed a suitable ballad to commemorate the events of the Battle with the Archdemon, Leliana?"

The Bard watched astonished, chuckling to herself, "No I have not." Amused that Morrigan was still on the defensive. The red-headed bard leads them to the castle.

The Royal Palace.

Zevran and Oghren emerged from the kitchens. Seeing the young druid coming in with Leliana, "Tenkou, I thought." Before Zevran could finish his thought Leliana, interjected.

"Is she not lovely too?"

"Too?" The Antivan bewildered but pleasantly drinking in the equally beautiful young woman.

"Yes, this is Ruroni, Tenkou's mirror!" Leli gushed.

"I see the beautiful witch has also returned. I knew she could not get enough of my charm." Zevran smirked, Leliana swatted at his arm. "It is a pleasure to meet you, pardon my..."

"Deplorable manners!" Leliana pushed the girl off after the others, who were already long-headed to Deedolit's apartment.

Oghren hiccupped, thinking his vision skewed. "Was that? What the second pike twirler, heh musta' came for sleeping beauty." He thumbed behind him and nudged Zevran next to him.

Leliana backed away. "I am going to inform Wynne, Arl Eamon, and Alistair should be free with his audience." She hurried up to the great hall.

Zevran turned to the Dwarf. "I am going to see these new arrivals. Care to join me?" the tanned Antivan announced as he walked towards the large doors.

"Nah, I think I'll head on over to the tavern before I help Pike Twirler's men in the art of drunken bloodlust." Oghren laughed loudly as he gingerly walked back to the kitchens.

With a shrug, the assassin went to observe Olett, along with the recent visitors, especially knowing the druid has a twin.

Zevran shifted into the shadows, spying the group immediately. ' They must be wealthy. The tailoring of their cloaks suggests so. Look at the detail on those hoods.' He thought to himself as he closely watched their interactions.

Approaching the door, the High Elf woman's stomach grew numerous fluttering butterflies. Her palms sweat, her heart beating so loud she thought everyone could hear it. "My loves…" she paused. "I do not experience this feeling all too often, but I am nothing but a bundle of battered emotions." Deedo tried to contain her anxiety. "It has been so long since I have been here, I also embarrassed myself, I believe." Tears filled her eyes.

Xellexes already have a foot in the door. He dragged Lili'Enyel behind him, leading Cullen and Vy'el to follow. Immediately hugging his niece and nephew tightly.

"Mother. You did no such thing. I spoke with Ten. She explained you are right for that night. Uncle explained that he misses him too, mother, we all will miss him. Come, we have found my sister. She is here and just across this threshold." Ruroni pecked her mother's cheek and scampered off into the room.

Deedolit heard of their joyful reunion. Her heart thrummed. Clouded vision, she sighed a ragged breath. Looking up the hall, she caught Zevran's eye. He blanched. Never had someone saw through his slip into the shadows. Curious about this ability. Ignoring the child, she headed into the room finally, with warm hugs greeting her of her steadfast heirs.

Royal Palace, West Apartments, of Lady Deedolit.

An hour had passed, the bells ringing signaling the ninth hour as it echoed off the stone. The Norrathians, reunited, settled into their standard routine. Ruroni and Tenkou headed to the kitchens. Leliana showed them the way as Zevran tagged along with them. Their family needed a decent meal. Deedo sat on the bed, holding her youngest by the hand, while Okhor laid his head upon his mother's lap. Lili'Enyel sat on the fur and carpet-covered floor making sheaves of arrows at her mother's feet.

Cullen entertained Vy'el, while Xellexes joined in the amusement.

An audience with his Majesty would be soon, Deedo imagined. The twins were back, with Tenkou gushing and fawning over the small boy that was brought with them. All then piled on the bed, save for Cullen and Xellexes. She watched the children talk too and keep a loving hand on Olett. Each wishing she was awake to see her loving family.

Deedo was over the moon and would be more so if she did not feel that her eldest should be there with them. She could not feel his spirit at all. She would have to go to where he lost his life, she gathered. The High Elf would have to keep that also in mind for when she meets this King of Ferelden.

Excusing herself she went to the second floor. She checked if there was anything that they may need. She chooses to do so, feeling she needed to keep herself occupied, for if she sat too long with her children she would break. As fragile as her emotions are. Never had she felt pangs of such velocity as she had now, agitated, unable to be still for a moment since she returned to the Palace.

Olett was safe, 'Not safe, here. She is still alive.' Deedo corrected herself, "Maric is missing, or worse. No, he is alive, he has to be. But what of Cailan?" Musing to herself, she queried. The Lady made her way to the first floor of her apartment. Hearing the soft breathing of the children piled on the bed, Lili had finally joined them, and Vy'el nestled in with them. Xellexes took to the large bed bench, and Cullen sat with his head on his arms, a hand on Olett as well. All sound asleep.

The lady went to the double doors, opening them quietly, slipping out into the noonday sun. The veranda met the garden where she insisted the Queen and her plant to commemorate their friendship. Deedo noted nothing much had changed from her stay. The rooms seemed to remain untouched. The faint smell of Maric clung to the room. He may have spirited himself there from time to time. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath. The smell of ice was fast approaching.

The few hours they slept, the High Elven woman not among them, from the doors opposite the room, her figure standing in wait. She wrung her hands to warm them. Four sets of eyes watched her back, Vy'el, Cullen, Ruroni, and Xellexes.

"Lord Xellexes, should you say something to her, she must have been out there for hours." Cullen watched her back from the warmth of the room.

"I would, but she is in the mood of impatience. There is nothing I can say. Lest you have an idea, I am all ears." Xellexes patted the young Templar on the shoulder, getting up from watching his cousin's disassociation.

Occupied the others with small things to keep themselves from minding their mother. Tenkou was sewing up outfits with the help of Lili'Enyel, none saying a word as the sound of the flames from the fireplace were the most noise that filtered in the room.

There came a quiet sound nearing the door. With a gentle knock, the large wooden door groaned as it opened. Deedo turned her head to whoever entered from the hall. Everyone paused, looking to see a slip of a girl - a young lady's maid that was assigned to wait on them. Stepping into the room, she gave a brief curtsy. Deedo stared back out over the lay of the now winter garden once more. Dejection filled the eyes of the girl, lowered her head quietly, giving her apologies.

Xellexes greeted the girl and apologized for his cousin, "Hello who might you be?"

"Syrah. To serve her Ladyship." the small red-headed girl greeted softly.

"What a lovely name. Syrah, my dear girl, please forgive our Lady. Her Ladyship is despondent, she will greet you soon." He opened the door wider as Syrah brought in trays containing their meal.

Alistair stared out of his window at the veranda adjacent to and below him. Heard earlier in the day the Norrathians arrived from Leliana; he assigned them. Alistair was given a brief lesson on the room he was in. It was the second study, personal that overlooked the gardens below.

The letters he found, stowed in one of the drawers, not addressed, yet knew who it had referred to from his vantage. His memory is recalled as the Young Theirin gazed upon 'a sea of starlight waters' described in the letters.

Maric had penned his Light. Longed for her, wished to set right his ill-placed illusion with a former lover. Desired to journey through to her world. Listened in great detail to their excursions to seek a way to one day stay. His Light would be able to burn brightly here in Denerim.

He could not bring himself to face Lady Deedolit. The words he uttered that night after the Archdemon defeat, he cursed himself for uttering such loutish venom. He apologized to Okhor, and they formed a truce of sorts. The Mother of the knight was a different sort of apology altogether. No matter the father.

Alistair half-listened to what the bard was telling him. "They will not bite, Alistair!" she shouted in exasperation.

"Then please let me work up the courage to apologize. You heard what I had said. She is right there, and I feel like a… Royal bastard ." A sudden knock on his study door ceased his incoherent ramblings. "Enter."

Wynne came to greet the young man, hopeful her news would ease some of their minds. "Alistair, I have a solution to cure Deedolett. It requires going back to Haven for the Ashes."

Alistair's brow furrowed. "Are you certain that is the only way to cure her?" As he knew it would be the only way for her to wake up.

Wynne walked up to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I believe it is, as it helped your Eamon."

Alistair nodded. "List who and what you will need. I will also need you to accompany me when I speak with those that have arrived… Please?" The senior mage nodded with a smile. She left to have word sent to Brother Genitivi.

Once more, he looks out to the window preparing himself to greet the visitors, his eyes scan the garden below he sees the movement of a woman stepping in from the cold, his thoughts interrupted once more by Leliana.

"Alright they may have waited long enough, they must think me insolent to have kept them so long. Let me go make a bigger ass out of myself." Alistair called to the door and his Elven valet entered quickly.

"Majesty?"

Looking at the older Elven servant standing awaiting his order of the king, "Gareth, please inform our guests I will meet with them now, also make sure Wynne has all that she needs." Alistair heard the door behind him close; he closed his eyes briefly, saying yet another prayer to the Maker, then set to prepare for the judgment of Lady Deedolit Swiftleaf.

The Beguiler greeted the slip of a girl, smiling softly at her, "I apologize for not greeting you immediately, forgive me."

Deedo sat in front of the fireplace. The chilly air calmed her some. As the friendly heat kissed her chilled cheeks, she sighed catching the faint scent of her lovers; she sighed once more. She suddenly felt a sense of peace mingled with dread.

"Tenkou my sweet, please fetch my fur cloak." Deedo took a seat in thought of her daughter, who lay just feet behind her.

Vy'el came with the wrap instead. "My Lady?" the boy handed her the royal blue cloak with snow-white fur trim. "Are you a noble?" he asked curiously.

"Well… I." Before Deedo could answer, Tenkou snickered from the room behind them. Deedo smirked as her mind successfully diverted.

Cullen's eyes went wide. He thought she may have been, the way she carried herself, in the way the others acted around her, assumed them all of noble birth. But when Tenkou whispered to the boy, then sent him out to her, then nudged him to listen for her reaction, Cullen figured it was true.

"I would not say I am…" She sat him on her lap and pulled the cloak surrounding them both.

"They gave me a small title from my home. King Maric bequeaths one as well."

"Bee - Qu - eef?"

Deedo let out a hearty chuckle. "Close. They left me a title. That is what bequeath means." So tickled she could not stop the giggles. "I am the daughter of a merchant, though I also hold Ambassador and Representative of the Koada'dal of Felwithe, my home, that hardly makes me nobility."

"That is the reason Xellexes call you my Lady?"

"Mainly. Importantly, my Aunt birthed a silly old goat." Deedo said loud enough to gain a ride from Xellexes. Both of them laughed. Vy'el scrambled off of Deedo's lap and sat with Tenkou and Cullen.

As she reminisced about her encounters in this world, all turned to the door.

The warm air surrounded Deedo. Settled the Elf into a pleasant slumber. Her mind gives her a slurry of various emotions.

Gareth stood in the hall in greeting, "His Majesty, King Maric has given the word of his audience with you, if you will." With a bow, the older elf servant motioned for Deedo and the others to follow, leading them to the throne at the end of the great hall.

The aged man with a sweep of his arm led them into the grand hall, scurrying off to fetch the King. As they entered, Deedo smiled. It was quaint, much less extravagant than the castle of Antonius Bayle. Warm woods for the frame provided the color along the stone border along the bottom. Stone walls were eight feet high.

Three thick irons formed chandeliers in a three-tier pattern with candles that were new. They had yet not begun to leave their waxy drops.

The center of the room with a long rectangular table adorned with wooden bowls of inviting fresh fruits and loaves of bread, freshly baked, filling the air with a pleasing aroma; two large windows looking out to the courtyard along one wall–picturesque, a large cool fountain of silver waters flowing under the sunny skies. Admiring the view, they all turned to see the gentleman from earlier.

Gareth, an older Elven man who was graying around his temples, stood tall. "His Majesty, King Maric Theirin."

Deedo curtsied, followed by the twins, Vy'el who held onto Deedo's dress, bowed as Xellexes and Cullen taught him, Lili'Enyel and Okhor bowed on Cullen's left and Xellexes on the Templar's right.

Maric was beaming, his eyes bright as he entered, his gait proud. Dressed in a loose tunic and leather pants with his boots muddy from the side door where the dais remained empty, two guards at his side, with his General, Loghain.

"Please raise no formalities here." He hurried to Deedo, cupping her face. "You've returned." He gently pressed his lips to hers. Pulling away from her sweet lips, "I forbid you to leave our kingdom." He whispered against her lips.

Tears stung her eyes. "You are alive?" She used her free arm to hug him, gripping his tunic. "I am uncertain of what you mean, our kingdom?" She searched his eyes for an answer. He gave a smile instead.

"In time. What do you need, My Lady?"

"Many things I need to tell you…" Harsh her whispers, for she never thought she would lay eyes on Maric again.

Maric looked from the crook of her neck, through her starlight sea hair, amongst the others, "My, the Princesses have grown, and who is this?" Squatting down to the young boy at Deedo's side.

"Vy'el, I brought him along with his parents, murdered by Darkspawn. How… Maric, the Witch said."

Maric shook the boy's hand, smiling. Standing, he kissed Deedo again, taking her by the hand, pulling her along. He stood before Okhor, eyeing the lad kissed starlight locks.

Loghain greeted her with a smile, "You have been missing for a long while, Kal'an is here."

She nodded, confused and the others followed behind quickly. Pulling her through the castle, they stopped before the door Olett's occupied. Deedo could not shake that this is wrong. She was outside of the room she was in. Who was controlling her thoughts?

The pretty red-head girl and the older mage stood off to the side talking amongst themselves. "Look, I told you she was a Princess." Who stopped chatting as they looked at the group following the King.

The young man who paled when he saw nodded at the King approach. The few Blight companions stood in awe. None could speak at that moment. The woman before them looked like a living goddess. It took them all a moment to recover. The Elven man with a tattoo on his face, seeing that the others still could not speak, stepped forward.

"Please forgive my friends, your concern is ours." He gently graced the High Elf with a soft kiss to her knuckles.

"What is your meaning, you were in the hall when I arrived?"

"The entire kingdom knows who you are, your Majesty." He kissed her knuckles again.

Deedo took a step back. She was more confused than ever, looking at Maric, who grinned like a boy holding a secret and said nothing more. "No, I am not a Majesty. Deedolett is not a Princess, is she in danger?" Deedo placed her hand over her heart.

"You are Elven, you are so tall?" the young man by the door blurted out, as he looked to the woman over who nearly stood to meet his eye.

"Please, what has happened with my daughter?" Deedo sniped, then quickly muttered her apologies for her outburst. Maric placed his arm around her shoulders.

Xellexes stepped forwards taking her place. "Please allow us to visit with Deedolett, and questions you have we will answer."

"Xellexes!" Deedo shouted.

Maric nodded, "Yes, she is on the other side of this door."

They all stopped at the door. Deedo trembled, the high elf swallowed, taking a great breath, nodded to the King. He opened the door, allowing them to step through first.

Deedolett lay on the bed, silent and unmoving, the soft breathing and rise and fall of her chest, signs she was still alive and her once fawn-colored hair was turning white like her mother's.

"What is wrong with her? Why does she look like this?" Deedo panicked, rushing over, one question after another. She was sitting on the edge of the bed, gripping her hand.

Tears fell from her eyes. She looked at the young woman before her soundly sleeping, looking absolutely perfect. Something now terrified Deedo. Things were not right. Deedo could feel it, but it felt warm and inviting. She sat with muffled sobs as she looked at her youngest daughter.

The High elf was no cleric and if she were, she would instantly know what to do. "Maric, please, if you are alive, where are you? Why is this playing like this, I am in the room, I am sitting right there!" Pointing to the chase that was in front of the fireplace, now empty. "What is going on?"

Tenkou entered, walking to where Deedo was sitting. She looked at the girl sleeping in the bed. "This is Olett?" she asked quietly.

Deedo nodded, "You know this is her." Sniffling as she raised her head to her daughter, "Please, what is going on?" Deedo took the Wood elf's hand. Tenkou smiled softly and sat on the bed with her sister.

The bard was at her sister and mother's side. Ruroni cleared her throat and sang.

"Ruroni, you were in the room already." Cullen entered, taking a seat in the empty chair by the bed.

Deedo frowned. None of this seemed to be what was really going on. Maric gave her shoulder a squeeze sitting behind his love, Deedo instinctively patted his hand, Deedo sniffled, her voice wavering.

"I do not know what is going on. I feel you. Will you tell me, please where you are so I may lay eyes on you."

Xellexes entered with Okhor, then sat. Some of the others stood side by side and bowed their heads in prayer as they filled the room.

Maric leaned Deedo back against his broad chest, his head on hers, whispering so softly Deedo swore he far away, "My Queen, the Princes, and Princesses with any of your choosing shall forever be protected, with my love."

"What?" Deedo felt sleepy, his heartbeat strong, as it faded. In sync with the King, one steady breath at a time.

The others in the room were kneeling. She turned to face Maric. His lips met hers. Warmth spread, as the room filled with light. Deedo felt a tear trickle, and it was cool.