Chapter 20

The Great dining hall of the Royal Palace.

Anora thoughtfully smiled, "He was a good husband." Anora added. "He desperately wanted to live up to his father's name." Wiped a tear from her eye.

She and Lady Deedo had conversed for a few, the Koada'dal spoke of the boy who was her brother, for his first years by her side. Anora spoke about how Kal'an made her smile, his gentle nature, and how much he looked up to Father. How he fought proudly when he won the tourneys, many of them.

Giving her a small token after she became Queen, much to Cailan's embarrassment. "He called me nettë, kissed my hand as he nudged Cailan to the side." She had a small stone pendant. Cailan had given her a golden chain to hold it to her heart.

Deedo took Anora's hand, giving her a tender squeeze, "He called you his sister in our tongue." Thinking of her all-grown-up godson, with her boy. Closed her eyes in memory of the last time she saw them all together, innocent, unburdened children playing in gardens. "May the Goddess hold them in her loving embrace."

Okhor lingering riddled with heavy thought near the hearth, close to his mother, and Anora, his mind still on his sister, her possession. Was not just her possession that echoed in his mind, her draconic change was at the forefront. Okhor remembers being told about his father, yet when he brought up that Olett and he are twins, his mother would just smile and agree with him. Both never once announced their father's surname when speaking of them.

Had always been Okhor Theirin, never Okhor and Olett Theirin. She was not really his twin? Should they have the same surname as they share with Swiftleaf?

So frustrated he was with the lack of his mother's answers, he turned to his sister. Tenkou felt disturbed by it as well. Stumbling upon a hushed conversation one night when they were younger.

A quiet night in the Swiftleaf manse, a hushed conversation between her uncle and Mother was heating. "I was raped. For who knows how long, trapped on the Plane of Time. You tell me I was missing for four years, yet the woman I know was young once more! Why has she taken just Olett, she should have taken both of them! We have to go to Ferelden once more and find her."

Letty had to be of the Theirin bloodline. She would have looked normal and not transformed. The thoughts weighed heavily on the young paladin's mind. While gaining a brother was of positive note with this revelation, he could not find the spark that would elicit a smile.

Okhor sank to the fur-covered floor, leaning on the sitting chair his mother occupied. The warm flames crackled as he sat. He knew not what emotion he should or could extract. His grief should also hang upon the loss of his elder brother, as well as his sister.

Across the room, his head in his hands, he has a newfound brother. As Alistair sat, he looked over to Okhor. His brother, his father's other bastard Prince. Had secreted him away with his uncle in Redcliffe, then loved his lover and their child? Children as they are twins, Olett and Okhor, keeping them close? Alistair regretted his grim thoughts.

Flemeth took Olett. Alistair remembered that was what the fair Elven lady said, taken by Flemeth. How was this possible? Why would she take her? She saved them both from the Tower in Ishal. Lady Deedo also said that there was a secret promise between Maric and the Witch. Could it have involved a secret child? Would Maric be so bold? 'No, the room for Lady Deedo. He would never? Would he?'

As it all just circled back to him, hidden away in Redcliffe. His brow knitted so close his head hurt, his expression softened when he looked up. He looked over to the boy sitting in front of the fire. Disgusted, he could not entertain the thoughts any longer.

"Please, bring a current map of Ferelden." Alistair said aloud for one of the castle staff to hear. His elbows on his knees, fingers laced together, mouth covered with his chin resting on his thumbs, Okhor's expression mirroring his own just a moment ago. Getting up, he walked over to join him. Patting his shoulder, he took a seat next to him on the fur rugs. Okhor lost siblings, he, just a friend. ' I lost a sister too.' he thought, Maric's daughter, his blood sibling. Closing his eyes tight, he sighed to himself.

"Brother, tell me what is troubling your mind?"

"Letty, as much as always." Okhor admitted.

Alistair nodded, the same with him, currently. Okhor sighed, shaking his star blond locks, "I believe Mother had assumed poorly."

Confused, Alistair faced the boy next to him. Okhor held a finger to his lips in thought. Opened his mouth, then shut it once more before he thought on how to continue.

"Letty is of Theirin blood, that is how she could transform as she had."

"You mean?"

"My name, it is what my name means…"

A soft clearing of her throat, the two boys looked into the glistening jewels of Lady Deedo. "Words that spill from your lips. You have forgotten your mother sits beside you? My boy, Blood of the Dragon King, that is what Okhor's name means."

Wide-eyed, the two sat looking at the elf mother. Okhor forgot where he was, as Alistair sat dumbfounded. They watched as she stretched, escorting Anora to her father, to speak to Cullen, then leaving the hall to have her wound redressed.

A time later, a map of Ferelden had been brought, placed on the long table. The thick parchment rolled out, sprawling across a good portion of the table.

"Here, The Penitent's Crossing in the Frostback Mountains, a desolate town named Haven, we came across. Was once home to a cult who thought that Andraste was a High Dragon reborn. It is roughly a two-week travel by horse." Leliana pointed to the location on the map.

Deedolit had returned a while later, wondering several things at once as she looked over the map with the others, able to pinpoint the two she wanted most. "Morrigan, do you know where Flemeth would hide, or take herself... I know it is a silly question."

"I do not. We lived in the middle of the Kocari Wilds for as long as I can remember. I had her grimoire, finding that she had plans for possession. She had many daughters before me, none I had met. I just assumed I was her next target. I remember a time..." Morrigan withdrew.

Looking away, her previous actions may have clamped the young girl's mouth, Deedo knew she may be unwilling to say, not wanting to pressure her, let Morrigan be until she would be ready to talk.

Deedo walked over to the fireplace once more, turned. She was looking around the room. Sighed, closing her eyes, her shoulder throbbing. She needed to rest. Her mind was processing everything that took place, the edges of her vision were growing red.

"Deedolit?"

Suddenly everything cleared, looking to see Loghain's approach. "Yes, my apologies. I was allowing the thoughts to creep in." A soft chuckle escaped.

Dismissed her apologies with a subtle smile. His concern was of her, "Are you well?"

"Yes… No, I am not." Admittedly, she gently sat back as she looked at her friend solemnly.

"Talk to me." Loghain took her hand, rubbing her knuckles.

To Deedo's surprise, chuckled. All the time she knew Loghain, he was never one to initiate the conversation. Especially without first vocal displeasure.

She licked her lips, took a deep breath; She looked into the flames. "Are you wondering as well why Olett is not referred to as Theirin? Or, what it is I had become?" Her eyes glowed in the firelight. She drifted off into herself.

Loghain leaned closer, "Deedolit?" He prodded gently. He saw this look before they both had on Maric. The distant longing, or emptiness, possibly resolute determination. Was not long after such a look that the King took off to secure the lands to the north. Loghain will be damned if he loses another.

"Right. It was maybe a few months after I left here. As you know, coming and going for us exhausts our magical abilities. Xellexes I should say, which is why the last time we were able to stay here longer. The periods between as we study our crafts enables us to tap further into our power. I can enhance said power, but I cannot summon a portal to traverse freely."

Loghain closed his eyes. He knew she was avoiding his question, tugged her hand with a firm squeeze as she sniffed. "Yes, I was held against my will for years. How long I am uncertain." She told of what happened, omitting most of the sordid details as best she could.

Loghain's eyes grew hard. He knew Maric if he was here, would kill the motherless swine with his bare hands.

"Deedolit, I will always… for Maric defend your honor."

Deedo slowly turned her sad eyes to her friend, smiling softly, shook her head, "Regrettably, I must decline, if Maric... if Maric were here… This is a fight I alone will have to face. One cannot go around slaying the parent of their child." She held tight to his hand.

Loghain had a moment's pause. "You say that the twins are not of Maric's"

"Just Olett."

"Come again?" Deedolit explained slowly what she meant by that. It was no clearer to Loghain that if the elf drew it in mud. "I fail to believe that. As I know, you do not believe it either."

Hope, that was an emotion once lost in her eyes, returned.

Blinking back stubborn tears, she acknowledged his previous query. "What was it you wished to say earlier?"

Loghain directly told her what he needed and Deedo could do nothing more than snort with a soft laugh. "Not one word, Elf." Any ounce of vexation at her soothing waves of laughter left. Sobering, he nearly found it hard to express his next favor. "Another thing. I need you to look after my Anora."

"You never have to ask me. You know it to be done. I will as I should have before."

"My thanks, greatly. Is the boy yours as well?" Remembering the small child she had with her.

"No, an orphan I met on the way here, parents killed by Darkspawn."

Loghain nodded. He still had more to tell his dear friend. "I have some men still loyal to me assisting the people."

"Good, thank you. Maric would not like this. What has happened, or what has become of me. None of this at all."

"You say they took you for years. Do you recall how many?" With a shake of her head, she looked like a little girl, "If you say you are older than I, how is it you have not aged?" He wanted that answer. He knew what he looked like in the polished glass, tired. While the Lady before him has truly aged none.

"Long after your children's children…" The thought dawned, covering her mouth with her hands. "Loghain, I think I know why Olett was taken."

It was well into the night. Most would sleep, but not the Norrathians nor the Thedosians in the hall. Work needed to be done. Cullen tried many times to send the boy in his arms to the nurse, but the young boy refused to go. Deedo, despite the pain, brought him over to the fireplace. Setting him on her lap explained the fright he saw was an illusion. They made a promise that she would never harm another, assuring them both that she truly lost her head.

Deedo clung to Vy'el as he slept on her lap. Cullen listened as he sat quietly beside them. The twins eventually joined along with Olett's Mabari.

He patted the boy's back as he offered what he knew of the man who Deedo obliterated, "Are you an abomination, what you did to Ser Waltgud. I do not mean any insult, seeing you… there." He witnessed what she was turning to, the look in her eyes, hate, disgust, and fear. ' By the time they overran the tower' , a gentle hand on his stopped the thoughts.

"That was unchecked rage, with innocence stripped, brought forth a rage untamed. Better for it to fall upon my shoulders than a burden for anyone else. I knew that when I studied the ancient arts of my craft." Deedo smiled softly, stroking the little boy's back, "We will get her back."

Cullen silently agreed.

The twins stretched at their place by the fireplace, lounging on the floor, leaning against the large mabari. "These two will not leave my side now for a minute."

"I do not blame them, that was unnerving. Are you truly well?"

"I am. Girls bed, go." She looked around from her chair, about to call after Lili'Enyel to find her, Xellexes with Leliana huddled over the map with parchments, quills, and ink. A sigh.

Alistair sat with his head in his hands. Loghain entered without Anora. No doubt sent her off to bed. Okhor off to train, she remembered him saying so. Wynne was away, and Morrigan gone as well. She tried to rise from her seat, wincing in pain when she tried to lift the boy in her arms. Giving up, she sat back gently once more.

Cullen assisted her, a small chortle. At the mage's frustration took the small boy from her and held him close again, offering his hand to help the Lady stand. Alistair looked up to see Loghain in Lady Deedo's ear.

"You need rest. You will not heal if you do not sleep. Maric would agree."

Deedo's eyes narrowed. "You may be correct. Presently, you have your child, mine, possessed and missing. Unless you have an inkling or clue where she may be, do not tell me I need rest." She winced again, looking to see Loghain's icy stare.

Alistair got up quickly from his seat. "My Lady a moment, please."

Deedo shrugged a shoulder at Loghain, cheekily sticking out her tongue as she headed to Maric's youngest. "Your Majesty?"

"It is just Alistair. I believe Maric left something for you. Will you come with me?" He held his arm for her to take, already leading them away out of the Great Hall.

Jowan watched for a while as Deedo left. He had his own thoughts mulled over and over. Losing his friend, he thought he had arrived on time; he cursed himself. If he had been stronger, he could have been in Denerim faster. Jowan looked at Cullen struggling to hold on to the boy as he tried to mimic Olett when she worked with the children in Kinloch. Cullen tried to rouse the twins from their sleep.

With a heavy sigh, he mustered the courage to face his friend. Leaning down, he shook the girls gently. The twins grumbled and sat up groggy; they noticed Deedo not with them bolted up wide awake. Cullen shushed them before they panicked. "With the King, she wanted you to go to your room." The twins did as told, taking Vy'el from Cullen heading to bed for the night, followed by Olett's mabari.

The mage cleared his throat, taking a breath to settle his nerves. "I am not truly surprised to see you here. I have guessed why you are here." He chuckled slightly, clearing his throat.

With a nod, Cullen offered Jowan one of the unoccupied seats. Cullen, what he had witnessed from the maleficar during his imprisonment in the tower. Jowan's use of Blood Magic made him leery, as that was just a fraction.

With Deedolett tending to him as a friend regardless, he placed a hand on his shoulder. "You would be correct. I only hope you have done better with the power you have not to squander Ms. Surana's faith in you."

Jowan brightened. "I have been better. I have controlled it. After I helped the stragglers to safety, I put to use the lessons Olett taught me." His head hung, looking for the right words to say. "I apologize to you especially... I caught wind of what happened in the... Circle."

Cullen hung his head before raising his eyes to meet Jowan's. "I am glad you were away. With Lady Deedolit not here right now, maybe you can scry for Ms. Surana?"

"I can try, I can definitely try."

The Templar stood, extending his hand, and Jowan took it with certainty. "You can help find her Sir Levyn."

Nearing the table as they too helped with the planning. This continued well into the ring of the second bell of the morning.

The chamber is locked with magic. Deedo can hear the hum as they approach the door.

With Alistair and Deedo having reached the empty hall, only a few torches lining the walls, he pressed the stone that Anora had revealed the key. When he let Deedo step through first, soft gasps filled his ears.

"Uncertain if Maric intended for you to have this. Thought it best you have it now, with everything that has happened... I hope it brings some small comfort." A subtle nod of his head turned towards the door. "I will leave you to it."

Alistair felt a warm, gentle hand on his. "Do not leave." Deedo walked further in, looking about the room, her hand gripping her bedgown.

Reaching to touch the smooth stone statue of her likeness, the bird she would shift into. Admiring the delicately carved feathers, she came to the painting of her and Maric, touching the image of Maric. "I came back, I came to tell you, hoping that you would be here. I miss you, missed Ferelden, every day since I left your side. Dreamt about you. I felt your heart."

Deedo tucked Alistair's arm under hers. "I have your boy here. Can you see him? He is King. Where are you?" Though it was still tender as her daughter forbade her to move until she was completely healed raised her hand to touch the face of Maric's image on the canvas.

"So many things I need to tell you, show you. We found it. Also, we…" Uncertain, she should say it aloud, reassured with Alistair holding her hand. Loghain's words cemented as well. "I brought you, children, twins into this world. They are here… Where are you..." Several minutes passed as Deedolit stared in silence.

Alistair cleared his throat, seeing Deedo turn her head just slightly to let him know she heard him. "There is a lock on the side if you take the ring that was given to you. It should open."

Her gaze left the painting to the boy next to her. Pulling her necklace, he pointed to the spot the signet needed to go. Pressing the ring into the indent as it clicked, several sealed letters spilled out, scattering on the floor.

The missing tags lay under the remaining letters, seeing the metal catch the firelight picking one up, "So they were in here?" Alistair, reading what they inscribed, looked up to the High Elven woman, "Lady Deedolit?"

"Yes, Dear?"

"Look at this."

As Alistair handed over the tags, her eyebrows rose. Curious, and even more curious, as the two played a game of "match the tag to the painting." Soft laughter, as each called that they found the match.

When their laughter died down, they went over each letter. Few were detailed accounts, like a journal. His time in the Deep Roads. The wonders he saw. How he felt about unifying the Northern regions, called the Free Marches. Any and everything, as well as anything Maric did, he left for her to read. Complaints, solutions. It even mentioned Alistair in one.

It gave Deedo specific instructions not to divulge any information about his mother. Before the letter even continued. Handing Alistair the stack she read already, she continued as they sat on the stone floor.

'My Light, watch over my children as you would your own. Alistair is in Redcliffe with Eamon. I found yet lost love once more.

You should see Kal'an. I had the honor of knighting him. Loghain was just as proud. Cailan has come of age, smitten with Anora. When you return, I have a gift for you, along with the girls. To all intents and purposes, Rowan left it.

May I see your lovely face once more? Send my love to my boys. I feel that night you will have given me a son.'

A sob trickled out. Sniffing, she wiped her eyes. "Your father…. When did he disappear?"

Alistair looked up from reading, "9:25, they announced his death."

"I do not feel your father is dead."

The Grand Dining Hall.

When Jowan scried for his beloved friend, he pinpointed not one, but two signatures. One heading to Highever, the other... Across the sea. A finalized scroll of who was to go where the Norrathians were very detailed down to the number of arrows that the scouts needed. Well, after midnight, criers announced them of the time.

Alistair, with the Elder Lady, reemerged with bound letters in hand, tears dry on her cheeks. She smiled, feeling lighter than when Alistair first brought her to the room.

Lili'Enyel stayed in the Great Hall. Seeing the pleasant look on her mother's face, "Mother, you are not planning to go to bed are you?"

"Not now love, go on I will see you shortly." Lili turned towards the apartment, handing Alistair the copy of the lists that were made earlier. Deedo nodded her approval. They have taught the children well.

"Alistair, the kitchen, please."

Alistair questioned if she was well enough, leading her there the two talked along the way. "Olett threw herself in front of my blade. She then conscripted Loghain. We fought. Never before had I felt such fury. Made an ass out of myself, what I said I should have never. I… I need to, apologize. To you. Right now."

"Why, may I ask?"

"For what I said." He sighed. Deedo's head titled ever so slightly in confusion, placed a hand on his shoulder to still his fidgeting. "I cursed Loghain's actions for a dead son." It made his tongue feel like lead, the taste of venom coated his mouth, making it hard for him to swallow.

Deedo pulled him into a hug. "Loghain? So much harbored hatred. I know your feelings towards him are unkind, but you spoke ill of my son, as well as his father. He may have a reason for… I have yet to speak fully with him. When I speak to him of his crimes, other than what we heard the witch say, I will be the first to inform you."

"Was it the same as the promise Maric made?" Alistair pulled back. He had questions of his own, mostly personal. He felt they needed to be answered.

"Flemeth said that Loghain would betray Maric. One worse than the next." A thoughtful look crossed her face. "She said that Maric would not live to see the end of the Blight."

Alistair took a breath. "They sent me to the Monastery at ten. I was there for eight years. I hated every minute of that place. Just before I was to take my complete vows. Duncan saved me. He told me everything. I owe him, owe it to him, to them." He was trembling, furious, having been rejected by his sire. He never had the proper chance to grieve, he was just angry.

Though it was not just the death of Duncan, it was all the Wardens. The King, his elder brother. His terse words, now that he faced Lady Deedolit. He hated Loghain for turning away. When Flemeth spoke of the battle that day, he and she were the sole survivors. While Olett lay recovering from her injuries, he tired then to mourn. Who would he hold responsible? He vowed to slaughter Loghain the moment he had the opportunity.

'Learn to look out for yourself. That shrew is proof. My apologies if you feel you have to help.' Olett pulled a few coins from her purse. Alistair went to stop her. 'If you feel like she is your family, give her this. If you just wish to lend a hand. The latter is where I would bet my sovereign.'

Olett even then stood in his way. Olett handled the Landsmeet; Spoke with Loghain with familiarity, he apologizing to her. Olett's admiration for the man weighed more on ' He was there.' with her namesake; she spoke with Anora, their hushed conversation he was not privy to.; she commanded the nobles' attention, swaying them to follow. Accept the bloodline of Theirin as the rightful ruler. Drawing his sword, he charged at Loghain, Olett once more deflected his blade. And he was angry.

It was at that moment Deedo felt a pang of pain in her chest. Alistair's face crumpled, his whole body trembled. His hands to his face, he was hiding. She looked around as attention was being drawn. A spell averted the guards, a spell then coated them both. She whisked him away to his bedchambers.

The Royal bedchambers, Maric's Bedroom.

Deedo shooed anyone near the doors, sending them off to bed. She sat him down on the bed, taking his boots in her hands before Alistair stopped her to do so himself. He climbed under the many blankets as Deedo sat behind him pulled him back to lay his head on her lap. Deedo hummed an elven lullaby, stroked his hair, patted, rubbing his back. A mother's touch, a hand to hold. He felt at peace. He craved this when he was a boy, for him to have it now he, fully grown, almost felt silly.

Hands clung to her gown in tight fists. A teary voice seemed so small for the large man. "I'm sorry."

"N'er think you should apologize. Not to me." Deedolit stroked his cheek.

"This is not how a King should behave."

Deedo rubbed Alistair's back, sighing. "Let me tell you a story. The nights a King cried , we shall call this. I told you how I see your father in you, you recall?" Feeling him nod, she continued.

"Once there was a king, newly crowned, found himself alone in the woods, much to his dismay. He wished to hide from those who sought his crown. He stumbled upon several who aided him gratefully. Yet more than anything he wished to have someone, anyone by his side?"

"Did he find anyone?"

"Yes. He had, a few. One who loved him since birth. One who could not be by his side for long. One who loved him dearly. And one who did not see herself worthy."

With a yawn, Alistair asked. "Who did he choose?"

"All." She felt Alistair grumble. "The one who could not remain loved him pitifully. He never knew. The one who grew into love died in his arms. The other who dearly loved him wasted away. The last vanished, never to be seen." Deedo rhythmically rubbed his back, "He cried each time. So saddened by the events in his life, he went in search of the pitiful one. Nearly to her, he found the way shattered. Awaiting her return, vanished 9:25."

Deedolit did not get a response. The young man was sleeping soundly. His hands relaxed, she dozed off rubbing his back. The short time the pair slept, in peaceful quiet. Two hours had passed.

The sun once more touched the sky, trying to break through the blanket of winter clouds. Alistair is still held in the Elven lady's arms. "Thank you." He said in a whisper, carefully getting up to not disturb the Lady, tucking her in before slipping out the room.

Deedo woke up, still sore on her shoulder. Alistair gone. She tucked soundly under the warm blankets. A blush warmed her cheeks for the last time she adorned this bed. "Oh stop it girl, no time for such reminisce fancies."

With a solemn smile, she sat up. "I am not leaving, not until I find you and our daughter. Blessing of the Goddess and Maker to keep you hale until then. I will mind the children as always. Help me to find you."

When the doors opened to the kitchens showing Alistair standing amongst them, the staff stopped mid-cooking to greet his Majesty's guest.

"Good morning, Lady Deedo."

"Good morning. You are not in chambers this morning?"

With a wave, they went back to work. "I have a small reprieve. Honestly, I am still not used to this whole royalty thing. Your daughter did this to me." Alistair snuck a piece of cheese.

Deedo smiled. "It will take getting used to. Imagine being a God."

She walked ahead, taking a small space for herself, and worked with such a speed the cooks were in awe. She commanded the room with warm, gentle compassion. The staff worked swiftly, and dishes for breakfast had filled the halls with their wonderful smells.

Alistair stared at her, mouth agape. He finally shouted after some time, "You are a Goddess!"

All the kitchen staff stopped, Deedo's ears twitched, then she laughed so merrily she was in tears, "I was jesting."

The kitchen seemed brighter, Alistair could see what his father saw. She brought to his attention the number of Elven servants who seemed to cringe with the human lead cook who thought she could berate young elves out of earshot.

"Alistair, another thing."

"Yes?" he said around another piece of cheese he snuck.

"The young girl Syrah and Jowan are under my care, no harm shall come to him."

"Of Jowan, I will let Eamon know…"

Deedo shook her head, "I will let young Eamon know."

At the seventh bell, an exhausted yawn spilled, interrupting the Koada'dal as she cut sweet cakes.

The Beguiler had helped the kitchen staff with a banquet for what seemed like the whole of Denerim; she had several travel meals ready stuffed in bags she prepared for the journey to save Deedolett.

Alistair came once more to the kitchens to find the Lady still busy, "You need rest, shall we?" Alistair insisted she gets some more rest if elves of her like did. Olett got little sleep as well. Maybe where they were from a few hours was all they needed. Yet he knew Lady Deedolit had an injury that required more rest after being there for him some hours ago.

As Deedo and Alistair reached the apartment, "I ask that you can stay until after my official coronation… please?" Alistair placed a hand on his chin in thought, looking at Deedo for approval. "My official coronation is two days from today. Will you accept boons on Olett's behalf?"

"Of course, your Majesty, we would be honored. I had no plans to leave. You need me." Deedo curtsied with her head held low.

Alistair was flustered. He reached for her, helping her to stand, dismissing the formality. Shortly, a messenger approached with an urgent missive. Handing it to Alistair, the boy bowed, then excused himself.

Upon reading the wax seal, "This for Templar Cullen." Alistair excused himself as he headed to rest himself.

The others woke up an hour later to find Deedo lying in her bed. "Mother, how are you feeling?" Tenkou swept a spell over the wound.

"Well, tired. Please enjoy the day we have Alistair's coronation to attend in two days. Please take Vy'el to breakfast, then to the Chantry to deliver sweets to the children and their caretakers." She yawned once more. "Oh, Cullen my dear, this is for you." Pulling the official letter from under her pillow. Cullen looked it over with a puzzled expression as he read the contents twice over. "I am to be stationed in the Free Marches, Kirkwall. Order from the Knight–Commander. Asked for personally."

Deedo yawned, "My Dear, that is actually very fortuitous, Yourself, Jowan and the Twins can head there." She sat up on the bed, her head hanging, stretching her neck, testing her sore muscles, slowly raising her arms above her head.

"Okhor, Lili, a few of Olett's friends, Leliana and Morrigan, will head to Haven." She stretched as long as she could, stopping mid-stretch as her shoulder felt like tight leather, nearly ripping the healing wounds.

The twins looked at each other. Tenkou immediately voiced her opinion. "I wish to stay with you, with you injured!"

"Mother, you will need my sword." Okhor announced.

Tenkou was refusing to back down. "Who will heal your wounds? I refuse, Okhor and I will stay by your side."

Deedo smiled sleepily. She outstretched her arms, welcoming the young druid. Deedo sighed once the girl was in her arms. "My Love, my sweet Tenkou, I want you to find Olett. I have been to this land well before any of you were born. I believe you will find our Olett and bring her home."

Hugging her tight reached for Okhor. "I would never dream of sending you off if I knew we would never see each other again."

She kissed her children's heads. "Olett needs you, all. Your magic, your healing, is the strongest. I think you helped Olett by being here when I was at my utter helplessness." Holding their heads, she hugged them tight. "Yet you cared for her, loved her, helped her back to us. Follow me to this land so very new to you, as it is fresh to you. To find your twin, your sister. Though I would have wanted you to venture on your own on Norrath, with your sisters by your side, I have the utmost faith that you can do this."

Tenkou had tears in her eyes; Her mother's words meant so much to her. She nodded as best she could.

"You will cause it to rain, my love. No tears." As her own tears fell.

Tenkou chuckled and sniffed. "You always say that."

"It is true. Now shall we prepare for the day?"

Tenkou and Okhor climbed off the enormous bed. The others nodded in agreement, "Please allow me an hour more of rest, first." The High Elf laid her head back down. Heard chuckling and felt soft kisses from her son and daughters.

Before they exited, they cast their soothing, healing spell. Deedo was finally alone to sleep a bit more.

Loghain stood resolute. He needed to give his friend solid answers. She would look at everything he needed to say without judgment. Deedo would understand, he assumed.

The tears in her eyes when he told of her God-son, he charged with keeping him safe; he promised Maric; gave his word to not let anything happen to Ferelden. With a firm nod, he turned on his heel to explain all and answer any question he was able, honestly.

His extended family met him as they passed, heading out of the castle, the girls' mother not among them, "Morning, your mother?"

Okhor answered, "She said she wanted to rest. We are going to breakfast. Have you eaten yet my Lord uncle?"

Loghain shook his raven head. "I have given up my titles, my boy. I have had a morning meal."

They looked at each other, confused. "But you are our Lord uncle, that changes not." Lili'enyel answered.

Loghain smiled softly. "No, I have become a Grey Warden. My duty is to them. During the Landsmeet, I have given up all claims to my titles. I am once more a farmer's son."

Tenkou pouted. "Not to us. I think…. Is this what became of our sister?"

They looked solemn, their thoughts deep with their new knowledge, each debating with themself if they should share their news with their mother.

Lili took a deep breath. "Come, Vy'el needs to eat, and we need to make ready. We have to see the Fort." She bowed her head, leading the young boy to fill his belly.

Xellexes appeared behind them. "I will inform your mother. Thank you, Sir Loghain." Xellexes bowed his head, and they continued on, each mumbling goodbyes before heading to their destinations.

Loghain watched them leave. "Strange lot." He sighed and headed to the Elder's apartment.

Deedo lay on her left side, miserably uncomfortable. Her shoulder hurt. Thoughts playing over in her mind now that she was alone. She had her child, had her in her grasp; there should have been something she could have done to prevent Flemeth from escaping. She cursed herself for feeling useless. Getting injured had never crossed her mind. It will be awhile before she heals fully. Sitting up again to fluff the pillows as she lay on, her mind would not let her sleep.

A knock on her door outside of her room paused all the negative thoughts. "Enter."

"My Lady?"

"Loghain! Please do not mind my dress, come in, come in." She brightened. "What brings you to see me?"

Loghain closed the door behind him. Walking over, he averted his eyes, taking a chair to set it next to the bedside.

"To see how you are, of course, you took a nasty gash, is it better?" He raised a curious eyebrow, tilting his head, genuinely concerned for the woman before him.

Deedo sighed, smiling, "Healing, it will be awhile still, I doubt it will leave a mark."

Loghain nodded. "I also came to speak with you before we interrupted again. I need to tell you everything that I know with everything that happened."

Deedo looked at him curiously and nodded, shifting positions in the bed to be a bit more comfortable.

He started with the worst parts. "There is a part of the city we kept you from. In this area live elves."

"Yes, I see they work here in the palace."

Loghain shook his head. They kept her from this for a reason. They are not like her. He never gave it much thought, even less when he sold them to fund the pending war. Olett saved them. Still, many have been sold off. His fear of having Orlais anywhere near Ferelden put a pit in his stomach. Rendon goaded him to it, his held power waas what Loghain needed. Vaguely remembering the conversation.

"The elves that live there. I sold them. I poisoned Eamon. The family in Highever. I do not recall if you had met with them. They are no more."

The list went on. And on. And on. Deedo could do nothing but gape at the man.

"My Anora. She lived in a time of relative peace. There was no peace to be had. Rendon had her imprisoned, I had not known until Olett and she sought me out, Rendon commanded as I sat Regent."

Deedolit let out an even breath. Her ears deceived her. This man before her, father of her Elven son, "Did you…" heart hammering within her chests, trying to grasp at reason. "You, sold. You sold me, our son?"

Loghain's head hung. It sounded as if that was what he did so personally. He allowed it. The blame fell onto him as that damning action alone he hand plucked his son and mother to the Imperium. He knew, heard the disgusting tales of what the once mighty Empire wrought. As even they the powerful magisters came to collect while dropping off precious coin.

"Labeled my daughter and Alistair traitors to the crown?" Exasperated, she was as her shoulder aching when she darted her hand out. "Pray tell me exactly, which part of them beget regicide."

His hands went up in defence. "The signal to charge was never lit. They ran the tower over the Darkspawn. Olett and Alistair somehow survived,… news of their survival was to my attention when they surfaced in Lothering. I thought they perished." The chilling glare of the Koada'dal was unnerving.

"You left Cailan to die on the field. No intention to be by his side. Spare your life for his? Had I not done it for you? Maric?" Deedo was in bitter tears, her thoughts mad with his revelation.

This was what he feared. "You know I would lay my life down for him!"

"Pray, because Cailan, not of your seed planted, you allowed him to be slaughtered!" She hit the blankets on the bed before flipping them off of her legs. Deedo paced. Selling off people of her kind, letting a King fall in the heat of battle, her own son gone, families slaughtered. She wanted answers for how this was deemed acceptable.

"No!"

"Why!" Deedo was before him now. Yanking his chin to meet her eyes. "I ask you why?" In his eyes, it struck. Shaking her head, she wanted to refuse. It was the prophecies the witch spoke of. "One worse than the last." She released him, turning from him.

Deedolit closed her eyes, holding herself, dull the throbbing building to a searing pain. She needed to change forms to heal, yet could not.

Loghain watched her, her movements slight. Turning her to face him when he stood, cupped her face. "I greatly apologize to you. I ask for your forgiveness."

"You sold my people, be them my kin or not. Or was it allowed for them to be sold?" Deedo could touch on an emotion. "Loghain, how could you?" she sniffled as he dried her tears with his thumbs. "You stood for your crimes. My daughter saw you keep your head. I cannot pass further judgement. You will answer for them in time."

His forehead pressed to hers. "You hate me?"

Deedo closed her eyes tightly. "To hate you, would be to hate myself, and our son."

Loghain took her by her hands and dropped to his knees, her fingers pressed to his forehead.

"Get up." She said, Trying to pull him to his feet.

He held her hands tight. Reached for her waist, his forehead to her stomach, daring with the intimate gesture, kissed her clothed stomach lightly as he pulled her close. Deedo hugged his head, stroking his hair. "I would kill you myself if they gave me permission to cast."

Loghain snorted. She would, she would kill him if she were able. He counted on her injury, stopping her.

Deedo took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "A part of me wants to believe Maric is still alive." Deedo closed her eyes. "I feel he is." She held his head closer to her.

"I would like answers as well." Loghain stood, looking her in the eyes. "Though I cannot stay to assist you with that."

"What do you mean?"

"I need to ready for a long journey. I am no longer a Teyrn. My titles given freely. Your Ladyship, please watch over the boy." Looking up into her, loving eyes, "I will miss you."

Deedo felt this was coming, she pulled Loghain to his feet over to the chest at the foot of the bed. She gifted him a set of jewelry. When he tried to refuse, she told him about its benefits. Accepting his gift, she snapped an identical bracelet on her wrist.

"I have a request, if I may?" He had a distant look in his eye.

Deedo placed a hand over his heart. "I decided I will send her to my world to live amongst the humans where I took residence. The Swiftleaf manse is lovely, I will see that my family looks over her. Is that to your liking?"

Nodding, he smiled, "Thank you."

Casting her spell, "Be safe, may Tunare watch over you, may your Maker guide you. We will see each other again, you have my word my friend, she will be safe."

With a sound nod, Loghain took his leave.

The Elven woman sat on the bed, mentally making arrangements until she felt her face hot. Raising her head to the stone ceiling, she blinked away tears. Maric has gone, Cailan gone, Kal'an, her daughter. Now Loghain is being sent off.

She felt alone, the sudden warm present. "Rowan, I know you are here. I feel you, I thank you. You should rest." Feeling the spirit getting warmer and a faint whisper, "Not yet?" Deedo said aloud, nodding she agreed, "Right, not yet."

With two hours more passing, the others came back, making ready for the day. Deedo lay listening to them chatter and laugh. Once more the rooms grew quiet when the others left to attend to the city.

Deedo honestly was not feeling like herself, feeling the spirit next to her warmth. Another faint whisper. Deedo whispered back, "You granted the one thing that is the most impossible to speak."

The spot near her grew cold. "I know. I wish they were here and you, to change things. Will you come with me, lend me your strength?" Deedo felt arms around her. "Thank you, my friend, my sister." Deedo rose from her position, dressed, braided her long platinum white hair, took a deep breath before joining the others outside of the castle.