Chapter 22
Denerim Royal Palace, Grand Dining hall.
Once they reached the palace, they all met in the dining hall. The guards carried Vaughan to a separate area to be cleaned and wounds mended for his servitude. Xellexes already in the hall set with parchments and magic quill, as well as letters jotted down notes of what he was told from Shianni earlier as he wrote to Norrath's craft masters.
Eamon walked in, bowing his head in greeting, "Your Majesty, there are farmers here again from the Bannorn. They say the grasses are nearly covered acres of blackened land. Also, Fergus Cousland wishes a word with you."
Alistair nodded, looking at Tenkou with a smile. "My dear, would you care to show my uncle what you had done for the Alienage?" Gesturing towards the door.
Tenkou's eyes went wide. She nodded gleefully, "Come Uncle." Leading the older man out with a few guards trailing behind them. As she explained what she had done before, he actually saw.
"I wish to see!" Leliana trailed off after.
Tenkou explained gladly. "I restored the area, it is beautiful." Her voice trailed off.
Alistair excused himself to meet with the surviving Cousland.
The Wizard was well into writing the sixth letter, looking up from signing. His cousin examined the contents of several of the letters written. "How are we to communicate, if we are to leave, also returning here from Norrath since this was in your plan, was it not, cousin?"
Deedo raised her eyebrows then tapped her temple with her index finger, reached into her cloak pulling from it a large black ermine lined bag, tossing her bag with a loud clunk on the wooden table, Causing Xellexes to look at her questioningly. She grabbed the bag going to the fireplace on the other side of the long table.
Cullen, Ruroni, Shianni, Okhor, and the others turned to the noise soon as the bag hit the table. Each was curious about what was happening next.
Untying the soft bag, grabbing the ash shovel placed the large gem onto the shovel and into the flames. The burning logs crackled at the addition and spit a few flames out in protest of the weight added to them, then was crackling merrily as it was before, content to warm the room.
Waiting a few moments until she heard the gem crack, scooping it out quickly she saw nearby a bucket that one servant was using to clean the floors, promptly dropped the hot gem in, the steam rushed out as soon as the scalding gem touched the cool waters and could hear cracking some more.
Sticking her hand in retrieving the gem, gently drying it on her cloak, placing it once again in the bag, tying it securely, tossed the bag into the air, stepping back as it fell to the floor, shattering. Alistair returned just as the bag landed on the stone floor.
"This is how." Deedo stated as she grabbed the bag from the floor shaking the gems shards, opening it she stuck her hand in feeling around for what she needed, pulling out a large chunk of stone tapped it on the long oak table, "We place a piece here in the palace and you take a piece with you. If we need to get back, we can come to this spot." Tapping her head in thought, "Your Majesty, how long will it take to get to Kirkwall?"
They lost Alistair in thought. He had to divide his thoughts. Hearing the love of his father thought for a moment. "Should be no longer than two weeks, permitting weather. I can send the word out, have someone take you if you do not mind waiting. I can meet you there, in time, to see if there has been a word of Olett." He knew nothing else he could say.
Lili'Enyel pulled a fife from her cape. "Do you know from where the ship has sailed?" A simple song played, the sound of a screeching hawk echoed in. Soon an impressive bird flew in from an open window, landing on Lily's extended arm.
Deedo placed a hand on his shoulder, then handed him two shards. "Pen your letter. Lily's pet shall send a message faster." Snapping up two shards, turned to the young King. "Place this one in an area where we cannot startle anyone when we arrive, please. Keep this one on your person. A moment." Taking the smaller shard back, she pulled from her cloak her jewelry box, also a small bag of clanking muffled metal.
Cullen looked on as he sat across the table, Jowan coming to sit as well. Cullen continued speaking with Ruroni quietly. Each watching as Deedo took a metal bar and whispered to it, coated with a green hue. She took the bag, dumping the pieces into the lid, fishing for shards she can use.
Slicing the metal once again, like ripened fruit, she made several pieces quickly, ten identical earrings, and six necklaces. Handing Alistair his original shard, slipped it around his neck. Going to Cullen, she held her hand out. With him looking at his person, she pointed to the chain around his neck with a smile. Slipping it off, he handed it back to its maker. Deedolit took a sliver, having placed it behind the eyes of the lion where he could not see; she whispered, as she cast her spell. Satisfied handed the charm back to him. "To keep you safe, all you have to do is speak aloud and we will hear you." With an affirmative nod, he tucked the pendant away into his tunic.
Turning to the eldest twin handing her an earring, "Ruroni, I will need you to run your hardest. Get these letters to Faydewer, Odus, and Antonica. Send word to Cabalis." She crooked her finger for her child to follow. Ruroni nodded, getting up from her seat, taking Cullen with her.
She slipped out of her cloak a rucksack, feeling around found the items she needed, pulling from it two oddly decorated potion bottles the shape of skulls, also a decorative leather bag. "These will get you to the Field of Bone. This will get you aid." Handing the girl both. "Cousin, you will accompany her, yes." Looking back over her shoulder to Xellexes.
"Always, my dear, you had this all planned out, Coy." The High elf sassed as he crossed his last 'T'. Folding the letters quickly pressed warm, waxed with a metal seal. "We are heading out now?" He glanced at Morrigan, who rested her eyes on the handsome elf. With a raised eyebrow, he nodded to the witch. Her pale cheeks blushed, turning her head in frustration. He chuckled, handing the letters to Ruroni.
Deedo sigh, "Yes, the sooner we prepare our friends, the sooner we can find our loves."
Xellexes tilted his head in accusation. Deedolit continued. "You cannot afford to linger there, a week to three here. No longer." Returning to her bag, she pulled from it another bag, clinking of glass from the sound. "Spirit of the Wolf. You know what to do with them." Turning her attention to Jowan. "You wish to assist?" A nod of his raven head solidified her plan further.
"I know her location. I wish nothing more than to help you find her." Jowan stood tall. The Elder smiled, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
Tenkou arrived with Eamon in time to see everyone standing about, Deedo eyed the girl who now stood wide-eyed in knowing, seeing the letters in her sister's hands, she was making the journey to Kirkwall without her sister, "Mother, I have never ventured far from home-"
Grabbing the young girl by her shoulders. "I believe in you, it will not be long." Kissing the girl on her forehead, she handed her a bag, tapping a gem on the druids' earring, added another earring to the elf's ear.
Tenkou swallowed hard, going to her elder sister, embracing her in a tight hug. "Sister, I will be by your side soon, then we can explore this Kirkwall." Ruroni reassured her double, giving her a tight hug, both leaving to gather their things.
Tossing a few gem pieces into a bag, handed it over to Lili'Enyel and an earring of her own, passing on an earring to Leliana, as Morrigan refused one, "Keep Morrigan and Leliana safe." Lili nodded, heading out to gather her things.
The High elf paused. Her thoughts immediately settled. Before she could continue, she murmured, quickly in elvish, and the girls were right back at her side.
They walked to the King's field, where the Knight lay silent.
Once again, the path she traversed. With her family, Deedo was before her sleeping son once more. With the others looking at admiring the pleasant grove, the Norrathian children could sense their mother's sadness. They hid it with quiet chatter as they trailed behind.
What a pleasant surprise they did not expect was Loghain to be there.
"Loghain." Deedolit gasped.
A clear of his throat, he saw the others. Anora with them. "Ah. I have come to-" with a bow of his head, he went to excuse himself.
Deedo stopped him from leaving. Her delicate hand softly placed upon his, he relaxed. Their palms touched, her shoulder nudged him softly. Taking his hand, interlacing their fingers, gave him a firm squeeze.
She ushered the others into the room, with but a soft, near inaudible Elven word. They entered one after the other. The twins pressed their lips into a tight line, nearly biting their lips, they remembered. Came before their brother with wavering smiles and dewy eyes. "Be well. Til we meet once more."
Lili came before his head, placing a soft kiss and her forehead to his, whispering her love, welcome, also her farewell. "We shall meet again, my brother." a tear escaped her eye.
Xellexes placed his forehead to the young man, who looked upon the boy as if he were sleeping soundly.
Anora was next, her words soft, of thank yous and goodbyes. As so very much like her father and brother, stilled her emotions. She stepped into the arms of her awaiting father so they may say their goodbyes to each other.
Alistair and Okhor stood side by side. Okhor knew not what to say. He could do nothing but look at his sleeping brother. He never met him, laughed, or learned, had no memory of him other than what his mother had told his sister and him. Though soft words were spoken, a sniffle escaped. "Find our sister, keep her safe."
Alistair was a different matter. He bowed his head, apologizing aloud for his terse words. Okhor clapped him on the shoulder. Deedo placed a tender hand on the boy king. Leaned in once more, kissing her beloved firstborn.
"Ikal'antúlien, may the Goddess hold you in her arms. Seek Olett, keep her safe. Will return you home soon my beloved." Weaving a spell his body shrouded, Xellexes summoned a portal. The body fit through. He was going home when the time came. Back to Norrath to be laid to rest.
The others left, leaving Loghain and Deedo to see the spot their son once rested.
"I feared you would not be here. Must you leave too?"
"Yes. Not everything is as magical as you. We have preparations." He chanced to thumb her cheek.
Deedolit chuckled. "Will we see each other again?" Her aqua eyes searched for hope from Loghain's icy blues.
"Perhaps."
Deedo threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. "Now that I have calmed, I wish for nothing more but the time we cannot get back."
Patting her back, he wished the same. "My Lady, I wish not to miss my ship." Tightening his hold on her.
"Damn the ship!"
Her outburst amused him. Feeling him chuckle, Deedo pouted in his cape. "The Princess set it for me. I must do what Her Highness wished." He admitted.
Deedo pulled back with a nod. "When I see you next, I shall spirit you to my world. Maric as well."
"You beautiful, stupid bird." He gestured for her to proceed before him with a smile. They parted ways once they reached the palace gates.
The castle gardens well away from the eyes of anyone.
Once everyone returned with their belongings in hand, they took to the castle gardens, Vy'el held tight to Cullen's hand. Jowan and Cullen, along with Leliana, Wynne and Zevran stood as the Wizard wove his hands, murmuring near-whisper in Elvish he cast his spell.
A small storm cloud grew larger overhead, winds in a singular area before them whirled leaves and branches. As a clap of thunder, a bright strike of lightning hit the center of the small cyclone, there waved magical energy, opening a portal of green.
The others looked amazed, seeing a lush forest as people walked a trail. Small butterflies fluttered past. A curious animal looked through the opening before darting off. A bird flew through the warping oval, trilling sweetly.
The Elder turned to face the young friend of her daughter. "Jowan. My decision is to have you go with them to my birth home. Stay and learn." The elder calmly stated, looking to the Blood Mage.
Jowan straitened looking around amongst the others. "I want to help find Olett."
Deedo nodded sympathetically. "I would have liked that, more than anything, but I think you need to serve with friends of mine. A Cleric couple, Handoffaith's, Learin and Neana, They live in Felwithe, Xellexes will show you the way."
She nodded, biting her lip, and pulled a letter out, handing it to him, "As for your second teacher. A Necromancer… by the name of Kari Immi, she is a cranky old gnome, but show her the letter and she will teach you."
"If it will benefit Olett. No, what I wish to say is thank you for this." Jowan bowed. Deedo stopped him. She gestured for him to stand near Xellexes.
Deedo looked around and noticed the small Elven lass that had waited on them. "Syrah? Are your parents alive?" The red-headed girl nodded her head. Deedo knelt at the girl's level. "Is this true?"
"She met the Maker when I was sent from the Alienage."
"That was what you could not tell me? Go with Xellexes and Ruroni. Vy'el is going to be with you. You two get along well, yes?"
Holding a hand out to Vy'el. "I cannot take you with me when I go in search of my Olett. I want you instead to go stay where I once grew up. Both of you learn well for me. I will be in contact with you all often." Slipping a necklace around the children's necks.
Standing, she smiled down at them as they looked at their necklaces.
Cullen stepped forward, Deedo looked at him, "What is it, my boy?"
"I just wish to say farewell to the boy."
Deedo nodded, whispered quietly, "You grew attached to him." She smiled to herself. Seeing Anora arrived with her handmaiden, both in travel dress and several guards carrying her belongings.
Deedo greeted her. "My dear, you spoke with your father?" Taking her hands in hers.
"I did. I am in your care now." The former Queen said.
"He asked that I watch you and keep you safe." The irony tamped hard within the heart of the High elf Beguiler.
Anora could see the look on her face, squeezing the hands of the enchanting woman before her, and apologized.
Deedo shook her head. "I gave my word that I would. I want you to go to our family's home. Then my former home in Qeynos to live there. Take this with you, live will. We will see each other soon." Anora hugged Deedo, much to the surprise of the others.
"See her there as well, please cousin? Xellexes has become me, with all his delivering of precious cargo." Xellexes chuckled.
"My plan was to not leave your side, cousin. Okhor, keep your mother from trouble in my stead."
"Always Uncle." His hand over his heart, he bowed his head. Going to give his sister a farewell hug.
The twins' hands joined still. Even as the elder of them stepped through. "A week to three, do not forget!" Deedo called after.
A flash and the green oval disappeared, Deedo extended her hand to the Druid and gave her a smile. "Your Majesty, I wish to review books until their return."
"As you wish. The ship is ready for departure. It is on your leave." Alistair extended his arm in escorting the others to the docks.
With her eyes closed took a deep breath. "So soon…" Deedo sighed.
The Denerim's Northern Docks.
They stood what seemed hours ago. Deedo had not moved from her spot, even with Alistair's insistence. On the pier, still, as the ship had long sailed from sight. Something else lay in the direction. It was faint, tickling, nagging. Her fingers gripped her cape tightly. Listening to the ocean lap the wooden pier beneath her feet, cold the winds blew on her cheeks. Zevran offered to go along with Cullen and Tenkou, Okhor offered to accompany, just until Ruroni returned, much to Alistair's surprise. Especially after Xellexes words to protect Lady Deedolit.
With a deep sigh, she gathered up the Ranger, for their prepared ride to Haven.
Denerim city gates were bustling still well into the evening. A trill from the Rangers' whistle summoned a great black stallion, patting the enormous horse on his muzzle. She turned to beloved mother,
"Do not look so worried." Deedolit moved strands of hair from the half elf's eyes, then cupped her cheek.
A still worried smile leaned into her mother's hand. "With you sending Heart off, uncle, neither here. I can catch up with them." Thumbs behind to the hasted caravan.
"No. Now, off with you before my mind changes. I will be here with Alistair." Reassuring the ranger that she will be safe.
With a frustrated sigh, she ran her fingers through her hair. "We shall get her back. Hope these ashes we find will be her cure."
Deedo pulled the half-elf into a tight hug. "Be safe my darling." Lili'Enyel returned her hug in kind.
The caravan the King pulled together in short notice moved out with Leliana leading the way.
Deedo watched once again as flags, the Denerim flags disappeared from sight. She stood, rubbing her arms roughly. Not to stave off the chill, more out of frustration. Deedo had watched the last of her family go to help save her child, the one she needed to look for herself. There was nothing for her to do but study, study everything she had missed from the last time she was here.
Alistair cleared his throat. Deedo turned to face him, her eyes cold. Realizing she was in thought smiled. Alistair frowned, gesturing to the awaited carriage. Across from one another, Alistair watched the Lady, her eyes scanning the city as it went by.
"What caused the delay in the signal fire?"
Alistair opened his mouth, then snapped it shut. He had thought to ask her something to break the silence. Never thinking she would bring up something so far from the idle conversation they could have had. Now, he had thought back. A surprise for them when they went into Ishal, Darkspawn burst from the floor they stood on.
"Ah. Darkspawn had delayed Olett and I with several guards. We thought the task simple enough. They flanked us, tunnels that ran deep." Alistair revealed what had taken place. He did not wish to say that they sought them, knowing where they would sense them, as Grey Wardens sense the hordes.
Several Darkspawn contingents hindered their climb to the tower, with massive ogres squatting in wait. Easier to be dealt with if they had not been the only two Wardens sent into the tower. Though when they slew the last of the foul creatures, it was too late. They succumb to their wounds, collapsing just as the torch caught the tinder.
"When I woke, a few days had passed. Olett woke after. I... Her injuries. The ogre tossed her aside, and she hit a column. I apologize if I had been quicker."
"I understand completely. Her first fight. She would be like a new babe. Whatever training she had… It was not nearly enough. You did what you could. You both have your lives, that is more than others." Holding out her hand for Alistair to take. When he did, she smiled. "If you two perished as well. You would not be here to rebuild stronger."
With a nod, Alistair understood. Deedolit patted his hand before placing hers back in her lap. "Where exactly did your brother die?"
"Cailan? Olett gathered the information from Loghain. Cailan fell on the field. Why?" puzzled now as to the sudden question about the former King.
"He is… was my God-son."
Alistair understood. Cailan even had the famed mage as his protector. Maric was certainly licentious. While he had suffered being sent away, feeling neglected. He had his first son and the secret second-born twins. Not only had he no mother, but he also had no godmother to look to, to care for him. Then a thought crept in. He remembered what it was he wished to ask, now that he has the moment. "Lady Deedolit? You called me son. Why?"
Deedo faced Alistair with a curious look as if he said something asinine. Before he could apologize, she cut him from any thought. "Because your Father asked it of me."
Alistair's eyes widened as he looked into Lady Deedolit's warm aqua eyes. His father, King Maric, asked to be looked after? Unable to believe what he heard. "He… Did?"
Deedo smiled and nodded. "How should I explain? Ah! He bequeathed you to me. I would adopt you into the Swiftleaf House. Then again, Queen Rowan left me a title that shall never pass. For everything that is, I am Queen Mother to Cailan... as well as you, my son."
Alistair felt tears stinging his eyes. Deedo tilted her head. "It may be too late for you to have a mother…" She turned to face the window once more, startled by the weight now in her lap, a tight embrace of a young king who held her for dear life.
Before she could finish, Alistair bolted from his seat, arms about her waist, "Thank you." He sniffed. Thoughts of being alone, banished. One more person in this world was with him now. He felt her arms hug him, gentle hands rub his back, and pat his head.
A light airy laugh filled the noise of the rolling carriage. "I understand now what your father said, any and all of my choosing." Deedo patted and rubbed his back, still. "What is this display for?"
Alistair composed himself, going back to his seat. "Giving me a family."