Chapter Eight

Unfinished Buissness

We got to the big double doors, the other mages and Sereda following us now. "Greagoir, we have Irving and Uldred lies dead! Open these doors before my cousin knocks them over."

The doors opened slowly, the Templars on the other side all looking battle ready. Jaws dropped as they saw the green bear under me. I slid off him and said, "Greagoir, meet King Anduin – my king and… ugh, betrothed – from Azeroth. This hunk of bear is my cousin, Inas. Inas, be polite and shift back."

He did so. Gasps resounded as he took his antlered elven form.

"He's… purple…" Greagoir said, not lowering his weapon.

"Well what did you expect him to be? He's a Night-Elf – he's not going to be pink."

Inas snorted, "He seems more upset by my coloring than my antlers – that's a good sign, I think."

"Speaking of the antlers…" Irving pointed out.

"They are a sign of his great druidic potential. Just means he's more in tune with nature than a less powerful druid. They… had a mage named Jaina portal them here."

Anduin gave me a sharp look at my lie. But nodded, "Speaking of, the Lord-Admiral sends you gift, Lady… Stormlight."

I looked at him, "You had the whole time we were in the tower to give that to me, and you wait till now?"

He flushed and said, "Yes well… it's more of a betrothal gift…" he said.

I sighed, "Give it back to her then – since I plan to not marry you and all, it would be rude to accept."

Greagoir sounded like he wanted to both laugh and cry. "My Lady – you have done us a great service today… as promised, I pledge both the Mages and the Templars to aid you against the Blight."

I nodded to him, "It was the right thing to do – but Cullen needs a promotion. Two damn weeks of demonic torture and blood mages doing… ugh. He's stronger than many his age would be."

"I will… consider your words." He said carefully.

I shrugged. Cullen spoke up, "And what about you, Lady Stormlight? You proved your immunity to demons. Knight-Commander, she was tortured by four different demons, none could use their magics on her. The blood mages had to resort to physical instruments to harm her!"

Greagoir froze, "You were tortured?"

"I was the only one of my group that the sloth demon couldn't put to sleep – so yes, I was tortured. Pride demon gouged out my back, desire and despair… point is, the only reason I look so healthy is because of that blessing I told you about, Commander."

"I will send word to the Divine about this… maker willing; you will see a commendation at the very least."

I shrugged, "I don't need it – really. I'm the Commander of the Grey for now; even if I'm not a Warden in truth, this needed to be done. We needed the allies. That's all there is to it."

Anduin pulled out a box, "This is the gift I spoke of, Atarah…"

"Why are you so hung up on marrying my ungrateful ass, Andy?"

He chuckled, "You were harmed under my watch… I…"

I cut him off as I looked at Cullen, "Did I call it or what?"

He gave me a pained smile, "That you did, My Lady."

"Greagoir… I know what I want – if you must give me something."

"Name it, and it will be yours."

"Cullen offered for my hand – I want to accept, but he says we'd need permission."

Cullen looked stunned, "You're accepting? But you said…"

"We will be married in name only for now, I can't… after… I can't do more than that for a while."

He nodded, "I can understand that."

Anduin looked so sad. I sighed, "It's really not about you, Anduin – I just really can't be queen of a people who neglected and hated me for so damn long. Call me selfish, but I can't do it."

"If I swear to break the contract… will you at least not marry Cullen unless you fall in love with him?"

I nodded, "If you break that contract and don't allow one to be set for me again, I promise to only marry for love."

He handed me the box in his hand and said, "I agree to your terms. But this is from Jaina who said, and I quote her on this, that this thing was bound to you so no matter what it must be yours."

Confused I opened the box and gasped, "She got me a phoenix egg?"

"There's a bracelet in there too – it's connected to the ley energy of Azeroth so you can contact more than just your brother. Magni, Jaina, Malfurion, Lor'themar, Thrall… all the leaders of Azeroth have one… including Inas and now you."

I glanced in the box and saw a gold 'charm' bracelet. Just looking at the charms, I could tell who was who – Jaina was a ship anchor, Anduin was a lion head and so on. I nodded, "Thank her for me… and thank you for breaking the contract."

He sighed, "Don't thank me… if it were really up to me, you would be sitting on the throne beside me."

I snorted and rubbed the anchor charm, "Jaina? I mean… Lord-Admiral…?"

She sounded amused when she answered, "I see Anduin finally gave you the gift, Lady Silverlight."

"Er… I go by Atarah Stormlight now – a mix of my parent's last names, you know? We need a portal. King Anduin and Inas need to go home…"

"But what about…"

"Please don't ask – I've had a long day that included torture by demons."

She was quite for a moment before saying, "Okay."

A portal appeared before us and she stepped through. "Lady… Stormlight, you said? I feel I must apologize for how I've acted toward you in the past."

I shook my head, "Did you know that you've always been something of an idol for me? Don't worry about it, Jaina. Tell your brother I said hi, though."

She smiled, "Derek or Tandred?"

"Tandred of course – Derek avoids me."

"He's heard of what happened when the forsaken held you captive all those years ago – he feels seeing him as one would be… detrimental to you."

I shook my head, "Tell him he's a dunderhead then. I knew him when he was a child – he was a sweetheart. Dying wasn't going to change that."

Greagoir choked, "Dying?"

I glanced at him, "Forsaken are also called the Undead, Commander."

Cullen threw up. Inas jumped to heal him but Cullen waved him off, "Nothing just… you said the Forsaken… had you… Lady Stormlight."

I nodded, "If you get sick thinking about that, remember who lived it."

Greagoir caught on, "Maker be merciful…"

"Death does not change a person. Experiences do. Lillian Voss is a good example of that." I pointed out.

Anduin laughed, "You know we tried to make peace with Sylvanas a long time ago – so that the forsaken could move freely and reunite with their loved ones."

I nodded, "Yeah – but evil will always do evil. People can change, but it takes a lot of time. Sylvanas may have been good once, but the Banshee Bitch has gone off the deep end. Alright you lot – shoo. I need a long nap and a large meal."

Anduin nodded and moved for the portal. Jaina was behind him but Inas gave me a hug before he left. The portal closed.

"How is that possible?" Irving muttered. I snorted before dissolving into semi-hysterical giggles.

Alistair said, "I think she's lost it."

"No it's just… literally everyone has asked that damn question of me – some people more than once!"

Cullen rubbed at the back of his neck, "I uh… she's right."

Leliana said, "I will cook dinner for us… Sereda, Lyna why don't you two come help me."

The three women were off without another word. Aedan said, "Daylen, Alistair, we should go straighten some of the guest rooms so we have a place to rest tonight."

This left Morrigan, Sten and I… and Shana. Hero had gone with Aedan.

Greagoir asked, "So… do you still wish to marry Cullen?"

I shook my head, "Maybe in a few years – but not now. You heard me promise I'd go for a love match."

He nodded, "In that case… was there anything else you wanted?"

"No, Commander… I'm going to take Cullen and stitch him up though. No magic, just a needle and dissolving thread."

Cullen relaxed at my words of no magic. "Dissolving?" Irving asked.

"Yeah – why?"

"Could we get the recipe for that thread?" Greagoir added.

I sighed, "Sure – but in that case, I want provisions for our trip to Redcliff."

Irving nodded, "We can do that, easily."

"I'll write it out for you later."

Greagoir inclined his head. I dragged Cullen behind me into the apprentice dorms. I saw most of them giving us strange looks as I lightly pushed him onto one of the bunks by the door that wasn't… covered in gore. I rummaged around in my void pack until I came up with a needle, stitches, antiseptic wipes, and pain numbing liquid medicine.

I handed him the vial of cool blue liquid – mint flavored, another 'invention' of yours truly using what I had available in Azeroth. "Drink this – it will numb the pain while I work."

He blinked, "Really?"

"Honestly you won't feel any pain for the next 3 hours – if I can't finish stitching you up by then, I'll give you another dose – but a person shouldn't have more than 2 doses in a 24 hour period. Most you will feel is me poking you and sitting on your waist – sorry, no chairs in sight."

He debated for a second before tipping back the contents of the vial and lying on his chest. I heard the whispers around us, "He's letting her sew him up…"

"Did you hear? She's immune to demons and blood magic – she also got a small Templar training session from Greagoir almost two months ago."

"I heard she had Dragon wings – red, like blood."

"That's nothing – they say she and Cullen are getting married!"

I was trying really hard not to laugh – Cullen was flushed down his chest and to the tips of his ears. "Er… Atarah…" he muttered.

"Yes, love?" I teased. He groaned, "This isn't funny!"

I chuckled, "Well, gossip will happen everywhere – at least they're accurate for now. Just wait; eventually it will be that I'm pregnant with your secret love baby and you and I are running off to my home-lands where I'm a famous duchess or something."

He snorted while I moved to a different gouge on his back, "I highly doubt that."

"You've never been the center of gossip, have you? Not real gossip, anyway. I once heard a rumor about myself – I found myself quite curious how I had landed in such a… dramatic situation – it never actually happened."

I heard someone sniggering behind me. A quick glance revealed it to be that the men had all returned – so I guess they cleaned a few rooms. I spotted Leliana and the girls too – each holding trays of food while more people piled in to the apprentice dorms with more trays.

"Don't do anything half assed, do you, girls?" I smirked.

Leliana giggled, "Don't mind us, dearest – what was the rumor?"

"Supposedly, I seduced my way into the Horde capital city just so I could attend a party being hosted by a notable Orc male. The rumor goes that I was then captured and had to seduce my way out. I tell you, just on rumors alone, I'm such a whore."

Cullen grumbled beneath me, "But I don't think that would be true."

"That's my point, sweetheart; Rumors get more dramatic the longer they go. Leliana could probably tell you a few she's heard that turned out to be over-exaggerated."

"Oh yes – I was a bard for the Imperial Court of Orlais after all." She gave me a seductive wink. I stuck my tongue out as the others in the group gaped at her.

Lyna chuckled, "I knew there was more to you than a simple chantry sister!"

I lifted and looked at Cullen, "Flip over – I need to get your chest."

He flushed when he realized how I was positioned atop him. He tried looking anywhere but at me. Aedan laughed, "You're traumatizing the poor man."

"Haven't you heard the rumors, Ensign? Apparently we're engaged." I laughed.

An apprentice spoke up, "Wait, you're not marrying him?"

I shook my head, "Not anymore… well, it's complicated. I was going to marry him to get out of my betrothal to my king – but the King gracefully decided that rather than put me in such a position, he'd rather I find love."

"Do you really have wings, my lady?" a kid asked.

I nodded and allowed them to unfurl while I continued to stitch. I smirked, "You know, Cullen… if I hadn't been… captured… I'd be making all sorts of attempts at you."

I felt a twitch beneath me and froze before nervously laughing it off after a moment – I had brought that on myself, and I was actually flattered at his… response. Leliana said, "He is quite handsome."

"Give it like… 10 years and the nobles of Orlais will be inquiring about his birth origins."

She nodded seriously, "Yes, I could see that."

Cullen growled out, "I have no desire for that."

I laughed as I got off him, "No noble women in your future hmm? Does that mean you won't consider a courtship between us?"

Alistair laughed, "I knew it – I knew you were a noble!"

"As a member of Queen Alexstraszas' court, yes. King Varian, Anduins' father, also named me what would be equivalent to an Arl here in Ferelden. I have a vast estate with a few farms and vineyards. I grow my own foods and medicinal herbs. I've taken to having Inas live there to maintain it since he refused his own lands."

I shrugged. Daylen laughed, "You're way too good for my cousin, Commander!"

I smirked, "What about you?"

Morrigan shot me a look, "Oh by all means, Daylen; just be sure to…"

I shook my head, "I may be one hell of a flirt Morrigan, but I don't poach. He's all yours and I need time to… collect myself, anyway."

Cullen stood up and held me too him, "Thank you – for not pushing on the magic healing, for helping to stitch me up… for rescuing us all."

I folded away my wings and said, "A red Dragon protects life… but all dragons will protect their nest. If you have need of me, Cullen, send a Raven and I will respond. What we went through and the fact that we almost got married… well; you won't get rid of me easily."

He chuckled, "What you were saying… about what if you…"

"If I… oh, if I had magic?" I clarified. He nodded flushed, though our voices were lowered so no one could hear. I could also tell he realized I did have magic – he must have been going through our previous conversation in his head while I'd stitched him up.

"What about it? Did you change your mind and decide you might hate me after all?" I gave a soft smirk.

"No – especially not now. You just stitched me up rather than use magic, if you have it. You didn't push me on the blessing, you didn't chastise me when I said what I did about mages – rather, you understood. Told me that what I was feeling… was valid. For someone with magic to say that…"

"Well, after an ordeal like that, I can't be surprised. Millennia ago, when I suffered those two centuries… I avoided all men – even my cousin. I surrounded myself with only women. I viewed all men as… vile, abhorrent creatures. It took me more than a decade to even allow any male to get close to me."

He stepped back, "Then I apologize if I…"

"Don't. I got past it then, I'll be fine now. It really helps to know that the one who did it this time is dead – and it also helps that I wasn't awake for it. Besides – the one who… he didn't… ahem, he didn't finish it seems."

"No, I knew that much. But how does that help?"

"No chance of a child. Yes, I want kids one day; kids that I can raise and hold and love… but now isn't the time. Granted, the chance would have been very slim to begin with, but still."

He nodded, "Maker… I didn't even think of that. You know, I think I'd like a family one day. But I agree, now isn't the time for a child. You're leading the Wardens against the blight, and most blights take a long time to defeat."

We all sat down. I gave him a sly look, "I'll make you a bet, Cullen."

The whole group heard me and stopped what they were doing to listen. I began writing out the stitch design as Cullen gulped, "I'd have to hear it first…"

"If I beat back this blight with my forces within… let's say two years… you'll court me."

He flushed, "How is that any sort of prize?"

"I've decided I like you very much." I shrugged.

"And if you don't succeed?" he challenged.

"If it takes longer than two years, I'll get you a sword and shield that absorb and deflect all magics."

He blinked, "I think I'm getting the better prize…"

I laughed, "You're worth more than a set of armaments that I could make myself."

Leliana giggled, "You can forge weapons?"

"Weapons, armor – I can't mine or skin a kill, but I can work the leathers and ore. I can sew, cook, garden and do inscription work just fine. Don't ask me to enchant things though – I'm lousy at that."

"Then how would you get the armaments?" Aedan asked.

"I said I could make them – never said I would be the one to enchant. Inas could do that for me. He's an Enchanter and a Skinner. He can mine well enough and do engineering too. He can do what I cannot; it works out."

"Okay… okay, I accept your terms." He smiled at me.

"Uh-huh – and if I get this done in one year, I want to hear you sing for me."

He flushed, "I… well… makers' breath, you have odd ideas for a bet."

I giggled, "If it takes me only one year… I'll even throw in incentive for you to accept. If it takes one year, my rewards are that you court me and I get to hear you sing – your rewards will be the armaments and I will give the recipe for my pain numbing tonic to you for you to sell or give away at your discretion."

He looked stunned, "I really am getting the better end of this…"

I grinned, "That's what you think – I wouldn't make a deal that didn't benefit me, dear."

Sten nodded, "No one would."

Leliana was giggling madly, "Just how does this benefit you more than him?"

"Oh no – I would say the prizes are of equal value. Think on it, Leli. I'd be getting a very handsome man with a very sexy voice. He'd be mine for at least a while. It would be sort of like trading his company in exchange for those prizes."

"Then there would be no need for conditions like beating the Blight in a certain amount of time," Lyna pointed out.

"Gives me a deadline and a bigger reason to push all you whelps harder." I gave a sadistic grin.

Sereda laughed and Daylen snorted. Aedan said, "Like you don't already? You have us walking all night, camping in the day – when night is longer, due to this being Ferelden – not to mention, we all get an hour of training in after we make camp – regardless of if we had to fight a group of bandits or darkspawn that day. The only ones who avoid cooking duty are Alistair, Morrigan and Sten, but that just means they get wash up duty instead. You also have us stopping and skinning those two types of trees – the ones Lynas' people like – so that we have leverage for the Dalish. I swear if we found red lions, you'd have us take one or two down for stronger leverage with the Dwarves!"

I nodded, "You're not wrong. We travel at night so that we don't get sun-burnt. I get extra crispy in the sun, besides it means we move further, faster. Alistair would kill us with his cooking by accident, Morrigan would do it on purpose and Sten doesn't know raw beef from mud. I think I'd like some red lion fur, actually… make a nice set of coats from it. As for the training, you need to stay sharp. Sten understands."

The giant in question nodded, "In the Antaam we practice four hours a day if there is what you call, 'down time'. If we are in active pursuit of something, we still manage an hour."

"Knowing our weaknesses is a strength we need." I said.

"How does that make any sense?" Alistair asked.

"If you were afraid of heights, would you fight on a cliff with your back to the edge or away from it so you could see where your line was? If you knew your opponent was afraid of heights, what would you do? Building a fight around your weaknesses can make you stronger – or at least seem stronger to your enemy."

Sten looked impressed, "That is wise for a Bas."

I looked back to Cullen, "Do you accept my terms?"

He flushed – likely hoping I had forgotten the bet. "I… I accept."

I noticed Greagoir listening in to us and shot him a wink. "Greagoir! I have your stitch plans here!"

"I admit – you are more and more formidable the longer I know you, Lady Stormlight."

I bowed my head, "You heard the details of the bet, didn't you?"

"That I did; and I tell you, if you beat this blight within the year, I will contact the Divine on your behalf."

I groaned, "If Cullen hadn't already taken my bet, I'd now have a reason to draw it out. You're cruel, Commander."

He looked startled, "How so?"

"I'm rather used to being… invisible to the general public – and I prefer it that way."

Cullen laughed, "Then I really am getting the better deal!"

I rolled my eyes, "Not a word, Prince Alistair!"

The man in question snapped his mouth shut and lowered his hand, "I wish you wouldn't call me that."

"Prince?" Greagoir asked. I waved my hand, causing Lyna to explain the circumstances.

Morrigan looked amused, "They really are well trained to your commands."

"I run a tight ship, Lady of the Wilds; as you are well aware."

She smiled, "how often will you call me that?"

"Unless you wish to take your fathers' name, that will be your title."

She rolled her eyes, "Lady of the Wilds it is."

"Ensigns, allies – it is now time to be off to bed…" I trailed off looking at Cullen as I bit my lip. I shook my head, "Um… Leliana, I have a request."

The whole group froze – I was asking, not ordering.

"What is it Atarah?"

"Um… could I share a bed with you – just to sleep…? I am… I would ask Cullen since he's already seen me vulnerable, but I doubt it'd be appropriate."

"Oh… I'm afraid I already agreed to bunk with Lyna…"

"I'm rooming with Daylen," Morrigan said at once.

Sereda flushed, "I've been told I kick – a lot."

Aedan said, "You can share with me…"

I flinched, "Unfortunately, I cannot… see, right now there are a limited number of males I trust with my life. While I do trust you a lot, it's not to the point of baring my vulnerabilities to you. The list is very short, actually. Garrett Hawke, Cullen, Alistair, Inas and Sten."

"How did Hawke make the list? I get Cullen and I can kind of see Alistair, but how did Daylens cousin make the list?" Aedan looked highly amused – not at all offended.

"Uh… I probably shouldn't go into details." I muttered. Lyna grinned widely and asked, "What – does the Shem have a magic dick?"

Everyone else looked uncomfortable but I shot her an amused look, "Something like that – but it's not the reason he's on the list."

Daylen groaned, "I did not need to know that."

"Neither did I," was added by several people – including Greagoir.

"Inas made the list when he was the one to rescue me from the forsaken in the first place. Sten looks at me as a leader – not a mate. This is especially true because I'm an elf, not a Kossith, therefor I cannot be allowed to reproduce with him since he is of the Qun. Alistair is so innocent and honorable I expect to see a halo at any given moment. Cullen helped me through what happened upstairs…"

"Wait – Alistair is what?" Aedan asked amused.

"Honorable…?" I covered. Alistair was beat red, "Why are you all looking at me like that – it's expected! I was raised in the chantry. And she's said it before…"

I crawled over to sit in front of him, "It's cute and sweet, damnit."

"Cute?" Alistair coughed, "Well… hearing that from a beautiful woman does make me feel luckier, I'll say that." Leliana nodded, "I agree – it is quite adorable."

I said, "What woman doesn't want to be the first for such a handsome and charming man?"

Lyna said, "I don't do Shems but… I admit, that makes it tempting."

Alistair was so flushed I could feel the heat from behind me as he stammered.

"Okay, okay – how did my cousin make that short list of yours?" Daylen interceded. I heard Alistair thank him.

"I had a vision. Did I tell you all that I'm a seer? I would trust Hawke to lead me right through the Dead Trenches safely."

Jaws dropped. "You're a seer?" Greagoir asked.

"Yeah – well… it's a dragon spell more like. I call to the future to tell me its secrets and it does." I shrugged.

"It's magic? But you're not…"

"I am a Dragon, Greagoir. I'm not some human or elf – I'm a Dragon in humanoid form. The 'spell' is called clairvoyance. It's quick, and it's simple."

"Can it be taught?" Daylen asked. "In… theory. But I won't do it. It's beyond the abilities of most. Did you know that the Thu'um – the Voice used to speak in the tongue of Dragons – is teachable? I could teach you all how to rip someone apart with a mere shout, or teach you a Dragon 'whisper' that would reveal the auras of those around you for a time. Meaning you could reliably count the enemies in the rooms ahead of you. But Clairvoyance… it's a powerful thing, and only the most elite students could even dream of holding that ability. It took me 40 years to learn."

"But you have magic?" Greagoirs' voice had turned steely. I stood up, "Greagoir did you already forget you used smite on me?"

"I'm beginning to think that meant nothing."

"Fine – yes, I hold magic as you would know it. But I am not bound to the fade; I am not what you consider a mage. Your smite does not work because I am a Dragon – I'm reasonably sure it would work on my cousin. Doubtful on King Anduin though since he can smite too… I can make portals, call nature, change shape and breathe fire. Is that what you wish to hear?"

Cullen had paled, "You… are both a mage and a Druid? From what I understood it was supposed to be one or the other."

"That's why they call me a freak. That and my Dovah magics – my Dragon soul. I was never meant to exist. You know what I am, Cullen – how I am here."

Greagoir spoke, "I… I am angry that you with-held this information. But as you are immune to Demons, can't use blood magic and are considered a diplomat… I can't do anything about it."

I nodded firmly. Cullen spoke, "I… stand by what I said before."

I relaxed, "Thank Elune."

"Um… what?" Alistair asked. I shook my head, "Look, Greagoir – contact your divine, do what you need to do… but unless you use blood magic like Uldred did you can't confine me. Actually, I could have escaped, but the tower… wouldn't have survived the attempt."

Lyna snorted, "I'd like to see you prove that!"

I shrugged, "Sure – it's first light right now, so let's go outside and I'll prove it."

Greagoir, Cullen, my group and Irving followed me. The rest of the Templars corralled the Mages to keep them all from following me too.

As soon as we were outside I said, "Okay, so we have a few options here. I can become Ethereal, call a dragon from the soul cairn, summon the spirit of a Dragonborn from ages past, breathe fire or frost, slow time, make it sound like my shout is coming from way the fuck over in the middle of the ocean, or I can summon a phantom of myself. There are of course more shouts, but those are the easiest to demonstrate."

Sten spoke first, "I say summon the dragon."

I chuckled, "You would want to see an immortal Ataashi."

"Immortal?" Alistair asked. "Durnehviir had his soul tied to the soul cairn – which is where tapped souls are thrown. It's not a pretty place, I had to go there to save a friends' mother. Durnehviir keeps the souls in line until they can be… used. I only dealt with animal souls – never humanoid. But you'd be amazed at the amount of humanoids that were in that forsaken realm."

"Souls… that sounds like blood magic." Greagoir glared. I shook my head, "Best I can explain it is… I would hold a special crystal – if something was killed, then unless it was a black soul gem, it would suck it right up – only black soul gems could hold humanoid souls… and only humanoid souls. Animal souls were how I had my weapons enchanted back in life number two. It made me very ill to see all those non-animal souls in the cairn…"

"How did the gem work?" Irving asked.

"Oh… They were naturally occurring magic stones. They could only hold one soul – ever. Once that soul was exhausted, the gem was… damaged. Other than Azura's Star – that was a 'divine' artifact, so it never broke. Anyway, the gems would suck in the souls regardless, so… it had nothing to do with personal magics." That last part was a fib, obviously.

"Then… do something safe." Greagoir said. "I only named safe ones. Really, Greagoir, if Durnehviir was unsafe I wouldn't have mentioned him! I've bested him in combat; he named me Qahnaarin – Vanquisher. This means he views me as worthy of following and befriending."

Irving injected, "Do the phantom one then."

I nodded curtly and summoned my energy into a shout, "Fiik – Lo – Sah!" at once a specter of me with no color appeared beside me. It sat there, watching and not moving.

"That's… kind of creepy. And loud." Alistair muttered.

"It is the language of the Dragons. A fight between dragons is just… a very deadly debate."

"How would you have gotten out?" Cullen asked.

"I would have used one called unrelenting force – thus, when it came from me as a shout, it would have toppled the top two floors of the tower. I almost did it, regardless. If Cullen hadn't been there… I would have, consequences be damned."

Greagoir was pale, "This is… teachable?"

"Yes, anyone with sufficient will can learn it. Mortals are only able to learn and use the Thu'um through a long process of meditation and the practice of the words – but as Dragonborn, I was able to learn it by reading the words and killing dragons for their knowledge. It's complicated."

"I can imagine." Greagoir said drily. I shrugged, "I will allow you to ask 3 questions, and then I must insist that my part gets rest so that we can be on our way to Redcliff this evening."

"Fine – you said Cullen knew why you are a 'freak'?" Greagoir asked.

"Reincarnation cycles, I confided in Cullen while we were… upstairs."

Irving spoke next, "Would you be willing to teach any of your magics to us?"

I gave him an amused look and motioned to Daylen. He chose to use Bound Bow as the demonstration. "If Daylen feels generous, he can teach you what I teach him – but honestly, it's a 50-50 chance."

Irving nodded so Greagoir asked the last Question, "Are you a danger to Thedas?"

"Only the enemies who would see the world fall. I kind of like it here, I'm not going to do anything stupid. In fact…"

I summoned my void storage and dug around while muttering, "Where is it…? Aha – here it is. This little gadget will allow you to contact me day or night. It charges in the sun though, so let it get sunlight whenever possible."

I handed him a crystal and hooked one in my ear – they were styled as earrings after all.

He groaned, "My ear is not…"

I rolled my eyes, "The metal bits don't matter – turn it into a ring or something if you want. Just rub it while saying my name and it will connect for us to talk."

He nodded and slipped the small crystal into his pocket – he'd likely never use it. I wasn't going to tell him that they were another of my own inventions while I lived in Azeroth.

Cullen said he'd help me sleep tonight, since Alistair was the other one who offered… for some reason, that made Cullen swoop into action. Sten had simply said no, when asked. We all headed to bed.