Chapter 19

The Grand Dining Hall.

Deedo reassured Alistair as they strolled to the hall. The latter spoke of his sibling that Olett and he visited.

"You are certain that… that shrew a sibling of yours, a child of Maric's?"

Alistair nodded. "I was told I had a sister, my mother a serving maid, then I sent to Redcliffe after she died. Olett had her doubts as well."

"I do not see that possible. I will not refute it either. You have me now, worry not for anything else." Deedolit rubbed Alistair's back, comforting him.

It was the subtle slamming into the tall wall of a man who wrapped his arm about the King. "Brother! Have you yet apologized to my mother?"

The hearty pats on his back. A chill settled as Okhor reminded him of the one piece of information that slipped his mind. "Not yet, but I will." It will take a while for Alistair to settle to the fact his father left him but cared for the one calling him brother now.

"Good on you. Mother, here is a place for you." Okhor led his mother away to the long table.

Night had fallen as the group sat in the great hall with food enough for the whole of the castle. Deedo suggested the remaining food uneaten, delivered to the Chantry for the children, and anything else to the people who were tirelessly working.

Alistair agreed as he ate. The twins suggest they pack extra if they are able. Alistair was in awe, the command effortless between them. Questioning how they know what to do, which directions to take.

"Our mother. We have come across many in need in our world. When she came here, she helped with what little she had at her disposal." Tenkou sheepishly tucked her hair behind her ears. "I snuck out of the palace to see if I could help others too."

"Tenkou, you were supposed to watch our sister!"

"I was. It was when she was being watched by Leliana and Wynne when they sat with her. I swore them to secrecy."

Alistair now saw how Olett would do the same. A moment left to the girl crafting things for the people and their children, extending her heart to complete strangers. She is her mother's child. Alistair believed he understood the reason for his father's desire for Lady Deedolit by his side.

Deedo left earlier to bring her daughter the broth she promised. Returning a while later, bringing with her Cullen to eat, he almost refused until his stomach grumbled at the mention of food.

Making sure Cullen had eaten, and bringing snacks for Sten and the large Mabari left with Olett, they bid each other goodnight. With full bellies and drowsy lids, they settled for the night.

"Sleep well my loves," Deedolett said quietly leaving the girl's room.

Xellexes called as he ascended the stairs to the second floor. "Goodnight cousin."

"Goodnight Lady Deedo." Cullen followed behind Xellexes.

Okhor kissed his mother's cheek. "Til morning mother."

Tucking in the young Vy'el and Syrah, she made ready for bed herself. Deedolit laid in the bed next to Olett. A spell wove of her extended hand over the still sleeping girl. The soft murmurs of Elvish prayers to the Maker, and the Elven Mother Goddess, to bring the closed eyes of her daughter open.

"Whatever ailment they cannot cure. Allow me to host for I will endure. No child should heft the brunt of illness, lay its weight on my shoulders so that my heart finds stillness." With a tender kiss to her daughter's forehead, Deedo prays her prayer answered.

The first light of grey morning met with thick blankets of clouds, a sharp chill in the air, and the Norrathians having to go to the Market.

The twins scrambled in the kitchen, making sweet rolls for the children and the Thedosians. Much to the astonishment of how quickly they worked, stoking the flames of the large oven, mashing fruits to spread onto the semi-sweet cakes. Gentle winds summoned from the druid cooled them rapidly, and the bard sliced section after section, setting some to the side for the cooks to taste.

The Elves dispersed among the city, each to an area that needed immediate attention. Mostly the Market district, main city gates, and the Fort that took the brunt of the Battle. Cullen, along with Deedolit, and Tenkou, went to the Chantry for measurements of the children. Deedo dutifully noted the size of the child, indicating that the child should have a size to grow into. Tenkou gathered those who knew how to sew, buying several more bolts of fabric for the winter months into Spring. Leather for shoes. Tailors, those who could stitch, were in the Chantry measuring, cutting, stitching well before noon.

Okhor organized several of the tailors for simple boots. He himself sat stitching. The adults and families who stopped for anything to spare, the villagers were given enough to tide them over for the week. Deedolit had finished for the day meeting with Loghain, who needed to speak to her when she had a moment free. Tenkou took a walk with Okhor around the Market; they walked to an area guarded and curiosity piqued; she went to inquire what was beyond the closed gate, still in need of repair.

"The area is off-limits. Please stay back until it is accessible." The guard warned.

With a frown, she shrugged. Doing as told, they made their way back to the Castle. "Has me even more curious about what lies behind it."

"I do too. There is Roary." Ruroni greeted them both, as Lili came in shortly after. "How were your tasks, sisters?" The young druid pondered.

"All the shaves of arrows I had, I made more. Most, if not all, the bowmen had need of them replenished. As well as bolts." Lili checked her bags, making certain that she had enough supplies to make sheaves for herself. "I will go bathe, see you at dinner."

Ruroni explained how she went to the main gate, and near the Fort to help clean. She was told to steer clear of touching the blood as it could harm her. Solemnly recalled what she witnessed. "I saw the remains of what our sister succumbed to. I need to speak with her, the horror she had to face." Okhor and Tenkou eyed her, "Take us at first light." Ruroni agreed.

The outer wall, in the King's field, was a pleasant stroll under normal circumstances. Laying the castle mausoleum, Loghain led Deedolit from the congestion of Denerim to the quiet of a serene grove.

Sentinels lined their path, having slowly shed their summer armor to lay cloaks of brown leaves that crunched under their feet.

Trees, forever green, stood silently guarding. Several saplings elegantly arched, with ivy vines woven between.

Nestled in this picturesque grove is a stone structure reminiscent of her Felwithe home adorned with glass panes stained with color. They spoke no words between them.

He took her hand, opened the heavy doors. Mage light stones lit along the walls in various places, with a cool blue glow. Deedo rooted to the spot. Her heart quickened, Loghain placed his hand on the small of her back to lead her forward.

Loghain took a breath, "I visit him often." A hushed whisper even now, unbearably loud to his ears. Loghain lit a torch in the chamber's corner. Deedo did not need it. She could see clearly.

Loghain pulled the sheer veil down, exposing Kal'an for his mother to see. "He has not decayed. Had no heart to put him to the pyre. I had this fashioned, for him to remain in hopes you would return. I knew nowt else to do."

Deedo stepped further into the space, a motherly hand touching the cool, clasped hands of her deceased son. Looking him over as if he were merely sleeping.

A hand to his face, stroking his cheek with the back of her delicate fingers. Touching his raven head, feeling his velvety locks. Loghain looked on. She stood behind his head, placing her lips to his forehead, then her forehead to his. A silent prayer, whispering to him in Elvish.

Loghain joined her side, placing his arm about her shoulders. "My wife took to him. Anora, for all her talk, adored him as well."

Deedo patted Loghain's hand. "Ikal'antulien was a loving boy. I worried…" She grew silent. "Ah, has anyone else been to see him?"

"Just I."

With a nod, she cleared her throat. "Who did this to him, do they still live?"

"Rendon Howe. Olett had extracted the information from him. Or he gave it willingly." A smile plays. "She made him suffer for it. He killed many others as I blinded by Kal'an's death to see what was before me." A step for his admission to the deplorable things that fell by the wayside.

Deedolit turned to face Loghain. A warm hand to his face, her forehead to his. "He is here. You wish to see him?"

Loghain leaned into her touch, his eyes closed, a slight nod in her hands. Her fingers softly caress his brow across his eyes. "Look." She whispered.

His ice-blue eyes held warm aqua jewels once more. Gently, she turned his head. "Kal'an?" he breathed. Tentative steps to the figure of he and Deedo the elder's son, standing amongst them in full gear.

"I will bring the children, you will bring Anora, we will say our farewells. When we return home, we will bring his body for his last rest."

His hand reached for the translucent figure, his hand passing through. "An illusion of yours?" His hand dropped. It did not displease him. "Let us head back on my Lady."

They took the shroud and covered the young man once more. Loghain took the Koada'dal by the hand, leading her back to the palace.

"Thank you." They both said at the instant.

The night came once more over the city of Denerim. Everyone gathered in the dining hall laughter, plans, thoughts, and to-do's passed around. They sat with the others, enjoying the drink and food. Olett's Mabari joined, then he stopped in front of Deedolit. Barking a happy yip. "Hello, sweetling. What are you hungry?" She indulged him with a piece of thick-cut meat from a roasted pig.

"This is his dinner time, he will go back to Olett in a few." Tenkou offered. A joyous bark. The large dog trotted from the hall.

Leliana curiously noted a peculiar trait of the young druid. "Tenkou, you can speak with animals?"

"I understand them. We will say. I cannot give all of my secrets." The girl snickered. The group chuckled, continuing to speak of nothing of any importance. Relaxed the atmosphere, Deedo informed the children in Elvish what Loghain had done earlier that day.

" Are you well, mother?"

" I am. He looks as though he is peacefully sleeping, like Olett."

"Your language is beautiful." Zevran whispered. He could not stop himself. The twins were stirring something inside him. He cut his eyes to the side, as did all the elves in the dining hall at that moment.

The rabidly vicious sound of barking echoed from the Mabari pens outside. A frantic Tengu burst through the door, barking ferociously, grabbing Alistair's cuff, tugging him in the direction from where he came. Yet in the quarters of the Elder Deedo, the Younger Deedo was coming around.

Bedchamber of Deedolit.

It had been several years since Malkith gûl Roquen needed to be summoned; he went by the name of Waltgud, while he lived in the Tower on the lake named Kinloch. Placed to monitor a certain young woman. An inhabitant of Norrath plucked from the streets to become the depraved shadow of the Roquen House in the Teir'dal city, Neriak, The City of Hate.

When he came of age, they summoned him by a cloaked figure, hiding in the shadows on his way home from one of his many unwilling conquests.

Somewhere between Thedas and Norrath.

A partly darkened chamber lit from an illuminated viewing mirror cast its bright glow as it shifted, opening before a set of weary eyes. "There she is, mistress, your powerful vessel." Khol almë Sepset bowed his head in her presence.

A tired smile showed on the crone's partly covered, wrinkled, shadowed face. "At last, ripe for the taking, she escaped me during her time in Kinloch."

As a chuckle burbled from the woman's throat, building to a deranged cackle, its sounds echoed about the room, slowly dying off as soon as it began.

She could have settled within as she lay healing of her injuries secluded in her wilds hut, except her daughter was present. The old woman needed them both to fulfill a task. A poorly handed game on the unknowing.

Malkith entered the room the sound of his armor rang as he stood near the two by the enchanted mirror. "The First Enchanter's favorite, I cannot wait to sink my teeth into her."

Khol turned sharply towards the twisted knight, "Mind your words, that is still my daughter."

The crone offered key information. "She is in Denerim." Ignoring the chatter around her.

His depravity knew no master to still him, "Seems I will have to pay her a visit."

Khol looked at his mistress. Even he sickened, turned to face the mirror once more. "If she is no longer unspoiled, your plan will not yield fruit." With a bow deeper than the first.

"Shall I refer to you as Father?" Malkith chuckled. Leaving the chamber from the way he came. Khol excused himself.

Yet here he stood once more, gazing upon the ever-lovely elf of his mistress. "My pet, it has been a while." Malkith licked his lips with want. He removed his gloved hands, tracing his finger over her full lips, along her jaw, down her slender neck. Cupping and fondling her right breast. A hiss of pleasure escaped his lips.

Leaned to breathe in her scent. Wrenching the covers from her body, reaching for the hem of her bedgown, yanked the fabric high above her thighs, pressing his palm to her flesh he kneaded her silken skin. A moan, his long fingers trailing to her core. His head dipped to her neck, lingering kisses along her jaw. Smelling her sweet scent, he teased himself near her folds. "I wonder if you are as delicious as I last remember."

Wet kisses up her fragrant neck "My darling pet, I have been waiting for you for years yet I still have to wait." He groaned into her ear. Hissing, he palmed his hardening erection. Another hiss escaped his lips.

A cloud of black and purple smoke swirled in the bedchamber. " Stay away from my child, gûl Roquen!" Khol sneered in Dark Speech.

A growl replaced his desire. "Were you interrupted when you ravaged her delectable mother? I have yet to have a complete taste of this one." He half whined. His focus and attention back to the prone figure, Khol yanked the tall elf from her, for Khol's fist to meeting Malkith's face.

The Shadow Knight stumbled into the bedside table. Sounds of the tussle had not gone without notice. The Qunari in the other room rushed to the door.

"Who are you?" His deep gravel startled the mage with his back turned to him. Malkith grinned, a cloud of smoke as he stepped in. "I will be back for you." He whispered in a cloud of dark smoke.

Khol whipped around, sending a spell that racked Sten's entire body, a wave of a dismissive hand Enforced Reverence. The sound of a dog barking filtered into the room. "Tsk." Khol vanished as well.

Deedolit looked up, called after Alistair, "What is the matter? A game he plays?"

Shaking his head as Tengu tugged at him, "No, he never leaves Olett's side unless he relieves himself … Tengu stop, now!" Alistair thought for a moment. "Oh, Maker Olett!"

Deedo paled. Sprang to action with no ounce of hesitation, flying right past Alistair in a blur. Sounds of chairs scraping and clattering to the stone floor rang out as the others gave chase. Tenkou, in a thoughtful breath, turned her siblings into wolves, much to the amazement of the Thedosians, as a now formed pack ran breakneck speed through the castle on their mothers' heels.

Cullen charged after them. When Deedo arrived, the feeling in the hall was ill. Guardsmen looked pale, groaning in pain, semi-conscious, the girls helping to move the men, Ruroni shifted from wolf to Feir'dal singing sweet song of healing, tending to any unseen afflictions.

Okhor drew his blade, nodding to his mother. Deedo flung open the doors, Okhor stepped into the room checking the first room, the bedchamber saw his double missing in her place the large Qunari, "Letty? Olett?" Checking the room behind, he felt a chill coming from the second floor, terror hit, frantically shouting. "SHE IS GONE!" The young Paladin roared.

Deedolit flew into the room, a black stain under Sten who lay across the bed unconscious, blood covering the bedding. The cooling night air came trailing down to coat her skin with goose flesh. Deedo screams, reaching the ears of the Thedosian. They ran harder. The Beguilers' cry echoed in the halls and all the hearts of her family.

The others entered, some helping the elves in the hall with the guard, few seeing Sten laying on the bed, blood, and Deedo sunk on the floor, her head in her hands. The cold air permeated the staircase.

Tengu, the Mabari, ran up the stairs to the double doors flung open wide, barking and growling ferociously in his guarded stance. From the doorway to the window as Zevran and Leliana followed, going to the balcony, curtains billowing gracefully.

Leliana backpedaled into the room quickly knocking into the tall dress chest, sending trinkets clattering to the floor, tearing the long curtains off of the iron rings they attached to, "That is not Olett, that should be Olett!" She blurted out in horror.

Alistair, along with the others and the Norrathians, filtered in, some into the main rooms, others up to the second floor into the room once the hall was clear. Alistair helped the High elf to her feet, seeing the now empty spot Olett once was. Wynne entered shortly after, looking him over. "Sten, what happened?"

Xellexes shouldered his cousin, Alistair, helping the large Qunari next as he was coming around.

Deedo rushed after both assassins oon the second floor, moving the Antivan elf out of her way, Okhor in the spot mouth agape, Cullen right behind the Elder Deedo. Eight sets of eyes met with a female being with her back to them. Slowly turning after admiring herself, a glistening pair of bright yellow ochre eyes stared right back at them.

Hovering two stories above the cooling earth, Deedolett looked more dragon than like that of herself, her skin scaled in a beautiful pearl in places along her shoulders, neck, arms, wrists. Her fingers graced with thick ivory claws, two thin curled golden horns adorned her head glistening in the setting sun, her hair long, tumbled in thick waves of ombre white to the fawn color Deedolit kissed when she was a babe, she was beautiful and hideous.

The creature spoke grinning, showing its brilliant fangs. "So you finally made it, albeit late. She is mine now as I always meant her to be." The duo's voice laughed.

"Release my daughter." Behind the Koada'dal mother's eyes, her vision shifted, and it burned.

From a dark portal emerged an armored man. Cullen went white as a sheet. "My dear, can I have you now?" Looking over the group and behind them, he grinned. Feign a shocked gasp, his grin turned unsettling to Cullen. "Look, it's Cully. Her body is mine now, Cully." A nasty grin splayed on his face as his timber sent a chill so vile anyone who saw, hearing his lustful desire, their skin crawled.

Okhor leaped from the balcony in blinded fury, "UNHAND MY SISTER!"

"HEART NO!" His siblings' terrified voices pierced Deedolit's heart. Her children willingly throw themselves into danger. One perished. Her eyes glossed over the edges of her vision, bleeding between red and black.

Cullen lunged after Okhor, catching him by the back of his tunic, from where he stood with a grunt. Deedo whipped a spell, stunning both young men. Ruroni aria light is almost inaudible. A lofty song, pulling back Cullen who still held tight to Okhor. Leliana and Zevran helped to bring the young paladin onto the balcony.

The Beguiler's jaw clenched, gritting her teeth hard enough to crack them. Anger bubbled and churned. Her stomach twisted in knots, her hands tingling, aching to rip Asha'bellanar apart.

Morrigan appeared from behind Deedo to the elf's side. "That is Flemeth. She tricked me into thinking she needed my body as her host. You should be dead. We killed you!" Morrigan breathed heavily, and just as quickly yelped as an invisible hand wrapped itself around her throat, lifting her from her feet.

Deedo looked to Morrigan, and it turned her rage to unbridled fury.

Flemeth's unsympathetic gaze to her daughter. "Do you wish to join her child?" Her smile was toothy, her fangs sharp.

"Release them. Give me back my child. Now. I will not ask a third." Deedo's demeanor calmed, icy, each word spoken like a curse, as the fire warmed her throat, smoke spilled from out the sides of her mouth. Her nails grew longer, thick, and black. Deedolit's eyes shifted to the color of fire, molten and deadly. The others could do nothing but watch in horror from across the room.

Deedolett was no longer. The shared spirits of Urthemiel and Flemeth now possessed her.

Morrigan fell to the stone balcony, gasping for air as she coughed hard. Thick ebony talons digging into the stone railing, her starlight hair inking black. Deedo glared at the woman who had possession of her daughter, seeing only the eyes of the witch looking back at her.

The witch known as Asha'bellanar who told of Maric's demise, a secret promise, who still purposefully and carefully designed the child she bore, then stole gladly from her.

Deedo was beyond reason. Waves of heat-emitting, fiery trails pouring off around her warming the air. Backing the others near the heat was blinding. Beautiful unblemished skin cracked in minute rivers, replacing what would be blood with liquid flame.

The dress, once the color of fresh spring grass, now clung to her form lit with the blackest of black, sanguine reds billowing smoke in the winds. Gracefully she drifted to stand on the stone railing. Then, without warning in a growl, assailed towards the woman that is in the body of her daughter.

Their stupor ceased, Cullen and Okhor with the others tending to them shield their faces from the force of waving heat. Malkith gingerly positioned himself between the mage women.

Flemeth raised an eyebrow, feeling fear mingled with disgust rise in her chest from seeing the man before her eyes. "Oh?"

An arch of lightning shot toward the Shadow Knight as he hovered beside his niece. The distraction proved useful as Deedolit saw her opportunity. Xellexes disappeared unnoticed.

Brought to pause, brilliant gleaming fangs caught the light of the sun, "Out of my way boy." Deedo's jaw snapped with a snarl as she warned, flames burning hotter in her throat, her eyes stung with fire, her head hung low glaring at the sudden intruder.

Outstretched his hand with a toxic spell, warped around keeping the transformed elf at bay. Malkith chuckled, "No, I have waited to have this one for far too long, ask Cully." Glancing in Cullen's direction, smirking, "I would have taken her before, Khol and you rabble politely barged in, alas her darling father told me she needed to be chased before I could have my way with her."

"I warned you, did I not, you would not be around to rescue her always." The man who posed as a Templar floated back to Olett's side. He reached for his hand to touch her cheek as the form of the hybrid Olett moved slightly away from his touch. "I will enjoy you over and over and you will love every minute." Kissing her ear and neck, sliding his hand to touch her slim waist, bile churned in both mothers.

Breath hot against her ear, "You are very delicious, my Deedolit."

The inner wall of the Royal Palace.

Heavy breathing he ran on, "Almost, she has to be here, I pray I'm not too late." Through the back alleys of Denerim, running, cloaked and exhausted, he ran. Out of breath, he came to the gate of the castle and saw it moderately guarded.

Feeling the magical wail of one occupant from outside of the stone castle, he knew he was close. "Damn." He muttered under his breath. If he could just get out of sight. Slipping behind a guard as his back turned, he ducked behind the next wall, edged around to the back, he felt a pulling. Sneaking past thought he went undetected, the window above him he noticed not the figure looking out watching his current movements.

Loghain sat with Anora, telling her of the brother now lost to her. Lady Deedolit's wish for her to see him. At the window, she stood, lost in thought. Her Mother, Father in law, husband, and now, brother. She absorbed the current revealed information presented to her. It was not enough for her father to have lied to her for years. Yet he was still her father. He was not adulterous. Kal'an birthed before her.

As she stood looking out of the window, swallowing it all, someone caught her eye below her window. Briskly walking to the door, "Guard, where is the King?"

Loghain hurried from the room. He could hear urgent calls reaching the room as they stood.

A tear escaped her wicked ocher eyes, a brief shift of color. Flemeth still held control, frowning as she raised a clawed hand, grabbing the Shadow Knights in hers. With a smile, she turned to him. A sigh escaped her lips. "We dislike you, my vessel I should say, dislikes you immensely."

The elder hovered. Kohl had been here? Jet black hair whipped about like plumes of thick choking smoke on unfelt winds, liquid fire dripping from her mouth. His plans to violate her child and she knew the tear did not escape her notice. Olett was in distress, present within the witch, being just a shard.

The veranda held gazes upwards. When the elder elf transformed, Alistair ran out into the hall, shouting orders for the guards to stand down, as some had rushed into the room. Orders and clanking of metal echoed the halls, Alistair saw Loghain and Anora amongst them, signaling for them to stop where they stood. He had a feeling something was wrong, and it was going to get worse, "Protect Anora and the Princesses."

Reaching the defiler, wrenching his forearm to keep his hands off of her daughter, slipping a claw into the skin, searing, burning him as she pierced the soft flesh, digging in one ebon claw at a time disturbingly relaxed.

Agony in silent screams, Olett's claws through the hand she held, decorated her ivory talons, scales that adorned her wrist coated with his spilling blood, in an instant, before anyone could utter a word he met his end, his ashes scattering on the winter winds. Cullen was on his feet, gripping the railing, watching silently.

There was nothing he could do; no weapon in hand, nothing to think to aid. His mind went blank. He watched Ser Waltgud, the man who tried to violate Deedolett many years ago, died at the hands of the elves floating feet away from him as if the man was nothing more than a nuisance.

Loghain and Anora rushed to the window, seeing two creatures just as they killed a man wearing heavy armor. Alistair was back into the room, pushing his way back to the doors.

The energy spent weakened the shard within the Elven mage. Mother and Daughter floated looking at each other, eyes of warm and cool aquamarine staring back. Confusion crept on the younger mage's face, "You.… Who are you?" Floating back absentmindedly.

Deedo swallowed her hair, inky black melting away to the shimmering silver sea once more. "My baby." in elvish, she whispered, looking at the draconic child before her.

Tenderly, she reached her long taloned fingers for her child, gently touching her bloodied ivory clawed hand, "I am..."

Olett looked at the woman, "Lady Deedolit?" Eyebrows rising she gasped, Deedolit pulled gently on her hand to bring her closer to her, to embrace her scales and all of it mattered not. Her child, the one she searched, dreamed, and just killed for, was there in her hands.

Deedo pulled the girl closer, squeezing her with tears in her eyes as she nodded. "Yes. I am Deedolit."

Olett smiled, her teeth-baring small fangs, a sudden feeling of drowning as Flemeth struggled to regain control, "... Help me….. please, she has me… Flemeth….."

A drop of blood landed on the Koada'dal hand. "Hold her. Please do not let her go."

A voice called into her mind as the two women floated above the garden. Deedo shook her head, looked around to the sky, then to the garden below to see from which the drop came.

A dark man below a bloody outstretched hand removed his hood. He stood, exhaustion beaded sweat across his brow.

Olett shivered just as quickly pointed to Jowan, her eyes shifting back slowly to their sick yellow color once more, Olett was fighting.

Long pants taking as much air into his lungs, his long pitch hair hanging in his face, glared at the mage that was his friend. "I will need my friend back, abomination." He spat, pointing his staff in challenge.

Looking down at the man who interrupted them, the hybrid mage's once again cool aquamarine, "Jowan? Jowan!" Olett called. She screamed as she felt herself losing her hold. The battle before leaving her weak still. She tried to fight the possession, but her mind slipped back into hibernation. The witch held strong. Even a shard was stronger than the Elven mage could fight now.

Deedo felt the muscles in her daughter's body go rigged then slack.

"Deedolett!" both Elder and Jowan shouted. The other's who clamored to the balcony did not know what to do; Lili bolted the room as if a wolf was on her heels to fetch her bow pushed through the onlookers taking aim at the man below whose hand now flared with a spell of fire aimed at her mother while an ear trained on the two above her.

Ruroni assisted her twin, singing low under her breath as they checked on Morrigan, keeping her eye on the levitating mages. Okhor went to the room he slept, grabbing his shield from within, bounding down the stairs and in front of Lili.

Hovering feet from the safety of the castle and over the garden below, two women who share a name with the elder wrenched her daughter into her arms, holding her tight, to find that she was cool to the touch. Deedolett pushed back from the control of her body when her dearest friend below made himself known. She watched herself do the unthinkable.

"Not this day girl." Her voice skewed, sank, bloodstained claws into the back of the woman, who held her still in a loving embrace. Deedo had no choice but to release the girl. She roared in pain, spewing flames into the air, struggling to not let her daughter go. The pain, too great to bear, fell hard to the earth below.

"Mother!" her children shrieked. The others shouted their shock, scrambling now to leave the room. Okhor threw aside his shield and Lili, her bow running to their mother that lay on the hard ground.

Okhor went to lift her, not knowing how without making her wound worse. His mind was everywhere but there at that moment. Deedo turned in insurmountable pain to rest her torso in her eldest daughter's lap with Okhor's assistance.

Barely, she screamed in pain, once again going limp falling to her side. They saw the deep gashes left from Flemeth, were careful to not put pressure on them as her mother's blood-soaked Lili'Enyel's leathers.

Loghain was out of the hall before anyone could stop him, hurrying as he shoved guards out of the way to make his way to the gardens, Alistair followed with Wynne, he brushed past Anora who went after her father, during all the commotion shard of Flemeth summoned a portal in a muted colored cloud disappeared from sight.

"Bring me, my daughter..." Deedo cried after the vanished figure with a sob.

"Mother, Mother where else are you hurt?" Tenkou and Ruroni floated down calling, hurrying after their injured mother. Tenkou reached for her, "Let me tend to this, turn her over brother, sister." Trembling, her hands clumsily reached into her belt pouch pulling from it a blue gel, applying it to her garish wounds, dropping clean bandages as well, managed to wrap the cloth strips, tying them securely.

Suddenly Deedo grabbed the young Druid's hand, trying to sit up. The High Elf looked over to the young man, who watched them earnestly. "You... boy, are you…?"

With an affirmative nod he slumped to the ground, Deedo turned on her back, looked to see the others no longer standing on the balcony, and then hearing Loghain's voice, seeing Anora, Cullen, Alistair, and Wynne in tow, "Take him... to the Grand Hall, I…. need to question…. the boy." She arched in pain, screaming.

"No, you are going to have your wounds tended to. Maric would have my head." Loghain lifted her easily as she weighed nothing and rushed her to her room to be looked thoroughly over. He gave his word that nothing would happen to her as he aimed to keep it.

Anora turned, falling in line just as her father gathered the injured woman in his arms. "Is that true?" To Anora's surprise, the woman looked no older than the Warden.

"Yes, Lady Deedolit." He said in a rush as he spirited her into the castle.

Tenkou checked over her eldest sister. A nod from the lavender-headed girl assured her she was well shooed away, to tend to their mother. Okhor helped her to her feet, standing on unsteady legs, retrieving her bow following the others.

Cullen, Ruroni, helped Jowan up who did a minor cleaning of his wounded hand, "Pleasure to meet you Jowan, wish it were in better circumstances." The bard chuckled, hearing both men snort, helping to shoulder the man who tried to save her baby sister.

Dining hall.

They gathered most in the Grand Hall, Jowan's wound tended properly and he finished his tale of how he was saved by the Elders' daughter.

They, Okhor, Cullen, and Alistair, escorted Deedo in. As Alistair was being announced, Alistair shot a glance in Gareth's direction, promptly silencing the man. The High elf being helped in by Cullen on her right, with Okhor tenderly hovering close to her left. Deedo waved them off as she sat at the long table with the others. Alistair scurried to get a blanket for her.

Jowan sighed. "I owe her my life twice over. So much wrong I did to hide many things that came to light later when I should have told her. I - I just felt… inferior to her. I wanted to get stronger. Hid my practice from her, she is my best friend."

Jowan took a drink. "Olett saw to me once out of Redcliffe, nursed me back, I was in a bad way. Once I was stronger, she wished there was more she could do, offered me a few meals and money… We parted ways thereafter."

Taking another thoughtful drink, "Some months after I was helping a group of refugees fleeing from the fighting, we ran into a bit of trouble, Olett never hesitated to help us once more, guiding us to safety, sparing what she could. I owe her so much."

The group listened to the ones that were present during that time, nodding their agreement. Deedo closed her eyes, tired from the gel numbing her pain Tenkou had reapplied once the wound thoroughly cleaned. "How did you know she was going to be here?" That question was followed by several murmurs from the surrounding group. Smiling when she saw Anora's approach, nodding as Anora was well.

He pulled out a vial filled with blood. "With this," He looked to Cullen, "This is not her phylactery, we agreed when we were younger, to bond us as siblings I can scry for her." He held the vile high, and it showed a red so deep it remained this beautiful color. "I had always noticed it's different from mine, hers almost shines at night."

"The Elven blood has minor discernible differences, I should say. Our blood will glow faintly for a time." Xellexes pointed out while checking the bindings on his cousin's wound.

Jowan continued with a nod. "I used it to track her after the pillar of light I made my way here, and at night I would see how she fared within her dreams. I tried to intervene when it was taking over her body, but there was a dominant force I had trouble voicing to reach out my warnings. A terrifying figure. It was like it solidified her shadows. She had no form…. A name in a harsh whisper… something Asha…" Shaking his head as he could tell no more.

The Norrathians looked to each other, The Thedosians shrugged amongst themselves, Deedo knew, she always knew, "Asha'bellanar." Xellexes placed a hand on Deedo's shoulder.

Deedo could only hang her head, placing her hand over her eyes. "We have to get her back. She wants her body as a vessel. You spoke of something that cured Young Eamon of his slumber?"

"The Sacred Ashes of Andraste, the Makers Bride." Leliana said, "Sadly we have none here."

Deedo's head lifted slowly, it dawned on her what Morrigan said on the balcony, her ability to change shape, snarling she stood and turned on Morrigan, "You are a shapeshifter, how did you come to this? Who taught you?" Deedo stood glaring in accusation to the witch her daughter calls friend.

Morrigan did not draw back, "My Mother Flemeth, when I was younger, taught me."

Deedo nodded quickly then in a blur reached for her throat squeezing watching the girl's eyes widen in horror, trying desperately to remove the Beguiler's hand, "Why were you not her host, why my daughter, why!"

Deedo was giving in to her anger again, her skin cracked, fire once more where her veins should have been. The room grew hot, feeling her rage bubble over, spilling. Loghain grabbed her arm to stop her, Deedo flicked Loghain, tossing him easily aside and Anora, blanched, went to his side hurriedly.

"Mother, stop, two heartbeats, mamil! " Tenkou screamed in elvish. Vy'el screamed when he came in with the nurse, seeing Deedo move suddenly, transforming into a monster. He hit the floor in fright, covering his head, crying. Cullen rushed to the boy, gathering him in his arms, shielding him from view, screams and shouting around. He could only hold tight to the boy.

The others tried to grab at the Elven woman spells cast at her with no effect. Hitting a spell she cast, causing anything and everything to bounce or dissipate at the slightest touch.

Her eyes glowing hot, white-hot, fangs showing, her nails slowly forming thick ebon claws once again, "She was old when I met her nearly thirty-five years thirtyfold. She has changed forms since then. She was young when she took my child!" Heat and embers danced in the cool air around the two of them. Deedolit with the witch in her hand tilted her head as she burned hotter.

Seeing Morrigan gasping for air as she continued to grip her neck tightly, the rage consumed her reason. Everything was drowning out as if she were underwater. Anora helped her father to his feet. He grabbed ahold of the table. "Deedo, do not do this, think of your daughter…"

"Yes! Think of my sister!" Okhor shouted.

The flames dwindled for a briefest of moments, "My..…" then flared brighter "... Daughter!" She scorched the floor. Knocking back the others, who now shielded their eyes.

Thinking of the only other person he could, "Think of Maric!"

"Maric!" Deedo released the young witch in shock as the flames extinguished, gasping in embarrassment. "I am so sorry. I am so very sorry. The light within you, that light…. What was that light we saw?" She turned from the others speaking to herself, taking her seat nearest the fireplace she had exerted herself, she heard the others arguing around her, she ignored them. Her wounds were sore, and now bleeding, soaking her dress.

Loghain deflecting and defending, screaming back at Alistair. Tenkou rushed to Morrigan's side with healing spells deftly weaving around the Wilds Witch.

Amazement was on the face of the Thedosians. "What was that!" Alistair barked back at Loghain, who looked to the High Elf.

"My thoughts exactly. What are you thinking?" The former Teyrn hissed at Deedo. She looked at him, shaking her head.

Deedo's voice was low, barely audible. She was sniffling, wiping her eyes, between apologizing for her outburst, to her questioning, "Why is my daughter as her vessel? Why, I had her here... right here, in my hands, in my arms. My daughter became draconic... She knows me only as Lady Deedolit."

Sniffing, her tears flowing from her eyes, she collapsed further into the chair. "I had her for moments… less than that before she gone from me again." Deedo covered her mouth, tears trickling down her cheeks.

Xellexes put his hands on her shoulders as she hung her head. He felt something and looked, his hand covered in blood. He signaled Tenkou, who at her spot near Morrigan waved a hand in her Mother's direction. A green glow slowed the bleeding.

"I should have done more." Ruroni spoke softly, hanging her head, feeling ashamed. Humming ever so softly wove a spell of calm and healing, lulling everyone around the room.

Lili'Enyel and Okhor nodded firmly, "I as well. We will get her back." Putting a hand on her sister's shoulder. They checked on the trembling boy Cullen still held. Cullen had his back to the wall, his eyes closed, looking between each other they knew. With a gentle touch, all was safe again.

Okhor sat near his mother, his head in his hands. Seeing his twin, he saw she was still with us. Having fought off whatever took hold of her, yet her Draconic appearance puzzled him more. He knew he held the blood of the dragon; he knew his brothers, his father, the Theirin lineage, all held the same blood in their veins.

Alistair swallowed hard, muttering apologies to Loghain. He himself had been curt with Morrigan, to the extent of hollow frustrations from himself. Morrigan's relation to Flemeth caused that volatile reaction. Was that a side of her Maric saw? "Lady Deedolit, I will… We will all help in any way we can." Alistair spoke for himself and the others who knew Deedolett.

Everyone looked amongst themselves in agreement, Deedo wiped her tears standing drying her cheeks she reached for the young woman she assaulted, flinching herself seeing Morrigan when she drew back she sighed, reaching again she slowly cupped her cheek, "I apologize, I lost my head, it is not your fault, I should never lose my head as I did." Thumbing the young woman's cheek, checking for possible bruising.

Morrigan nodded, unsure of why she now felt utterly terrified but understood for the first time. This is what a mother would and will do for her child. As uneasy as she felt, she could do nothing but agree, nodding quickly as she backed away.

The Elder held her hands out apologetically, "I am unsure what reason Asha'bellanar had wished for you, but you honestly and truly are safe with me, you are not your Mother I should have never attacked you, you had not deserved that. Whatever Asha'be… Flemeth has planned with my child, I am certain Olett will beat it with or without our assistance."

Loghain walked up to the high elf. Deedo placed a hand gently on his arm, sniffling again, murmuring apologies for her actions. At Anora's approach, the Beguiler apologizes sincerely.

Loghain leaned into her ear, "I will need a word with you in private." Deedo looked at him, nodding.

Wynne spoke up after the chaos settled, answering the one question that was asked earlier. "I am certain that we will have to ask Brother Genitivi to make the trek to Haven for the ashes. It may take some time." As she left, penning a letter to the scholar's home.

The Beguiler nodded, tired, as she took a seat at the long table. "Thank you. Is there a teleporter to the Urn?" Deedo sighed. "My apologies. Has anyone charted the path to this place and around the area? How long will the trip take from here to there?"

Ruroni and Lili'Enyel placed a hand on either side of her while Tenkou tickled the air with magic. Deedo looked powerless, was powerless. Her need to get her daughter back was greater now.

His place at the hearth, Okhor said loud enough for just his mother to hear. "Letty is like me."

Deedo just had to think about what her son said. "What do you mean?"

"Letty has my blood, or father's blood." His eyes held tears. "She is a Theirin. Blood of the dragons."

Anora could not help but stare at the tall woman with whom her father adored, "Lady Deedolit?"

"Yes. Anora," turning to the lovely human girl.

"Forgive my impertinence, you are the same woman who visited when I was at my father's knee?"

Deedo smiled brightly through her discomfort. "I am. You are our Ikal'anthulien's sister." Deedo thought back. She was little when she last saw the girl. "At your father's knees, you say? Wondering why I look not aged and wise?" Seeing Anora nod Deedo chuckled, "I am older than your father but still young to my people."

That caused a round of looks from the Thedosians. Even Loghain was at a loss for words. "You look as when we first met. How can that be?"

With a nod of her starlight head, she took her seat once more, ignoring the question for now. She offered Anora a seat; she needed to know how Cailan fared. Something nagging in the back of her mind was distracting.