Chapter Eleven

Outside Redcliff

It wasn't until the two days before we were due to arrive at Redcliff that I remembered Jainas gift – the phoenix egg. We had walked a little longer than normal over the past few days so that we could make camp closer to noon rather than first light. Our fight in Redcliff would be at night, but we would need time to prepare, after all.

I pulled out the beautiful black egg with crimson spark designs. "How long until that egg hatches?" Alistair asked when he noticed it in my hand.

"Now," I said as I nicked my thumb and pressed the bleeding digit to the shell of the egg. At once, it burst into blue flames as I held it. To me, the flames were cool to the touch… anyone else would get burned, as Aedan found out.

The little chick that popped out was rather ugly, but I knew that in just two days' time, this little bird – no bigger than my palm – would be slightly bigger than the size of my head and just as loyal as Shana. He – I checked – was covered in pale blue fluff. This particular phoenix was a special breed – when fully grown it would be a pale blue to dark purple fade in color. His talons were grey and his beak was purple.

"Oh… it's adorable." Leliana breathed. I chuckled, "He will be in two days' time. He will also be constantly covered in dark blue flames and highly protective of me. I think I'll name him… Cinder – sin for short."

Alistair snorted, "Brilliant – no one will think twice about us being law-abiding citizens."

I gave him a smirk, "But are we really? I mean… before Ostagar fell, had you ever killed a humanoid creature? You know, an elf, human or dwarf…"

He shook his head, "No, why?"

"Murder is 'wrong', right? Well, we've killed several since leaving the wilds behind. Granted – most were doing their level best to kill us, but not all of them would have continued on. The one blood mage in the tower surrendered if you recall."

He flinched, "But… she was a blood mage…"

"Uh-huh, and Zev is an assassin, but we let him live." I said as I fed Sin some jerky. The bird purred.

"That… that… is different. Blood magic is condemned by the chantry."

"And murder isn't?" I heard Aedan ask in amusement.

"Well…"

"Face it Alistair; we are all hypocrites and sinners. I was an assassin at one point, Leli is a bard, Aedan harbors killing thoughts, Sten killed that family in Lothering… even you want Loghain dead."

He sighed, "I… suppose you're right. I just figured that… since we're on the side of good…"

"A word of wisdom for you – everyone thinks they are doing the right thing. Even those who are truly evil believe in some twisted way that what they are doing is right. Loghain thought that he was keeping Orlais from 'enslaving' Ferelden again… not sure how he thought they would be enslaving you by helping end the blight, but that's how he rationalized Cailans' death. Howe… well, I think he's telling himself he was stopping a traitor, but I'm pretty sure he knew better… at least he could have kept the innocents alive! People look out for their own best interests more than 90% of the time, sweetie."

He flinched, "I guess I can't argue with that."

It was quiet then – no one could find fault in what I'd said, though I had instantly wished I could take it back when I saw Aedan and Alistair were both upset. I hadn't intended to say something harsh…

When we made camp, Alistair sat beside me as I watched Daylen and Sereda sparring – Mage vs. Warrior.

"I've been thinking…" he started. I flinched, "What about?"

"What you said – about us all looking out for ourselves more often than not… I'm beginning to think you were right. I've been letting everyone else make my choices for me. If I'm going to be king, I need to take a stand and think about myself as well as my people for a change… or I'm never going to be happy."

I gave him a weak smile, "Don't let me influence you – I'm not exactly the best role model."

"No – what you said made sense. Loghain put himself to regent as soon as my brother died, Howe took the Teyrnir of Highever before Aedans' family was cold, even Anduin only broke the betrothal for a chance to woo you – don't deny it."

I snapped my mouth shut with a small grin, "Confidence is an attractive trait."

He flushed, "You are always flirting with me."

"You're handsome, innocent and gaining confidence – you also have charisma and charm… how could I resist?"

"Well… I… I think it's time I look after myself – or did I misunderstand your whole speech back there on the road?"

"You didn't misunderstand, dear – but you don't need make changes to yourself based off something I said in absent minded ranting."

"I know I don't have to, but… I think I want to. Maker, I should have done it a long time ago. And I guess I just… came over here to thank you. Traveling with you, getting to know you… it's been one of very few bright spots out of everything that's happened."

I flushed, "That sounds awfully romantic, Alistair."

He flushed too, "I… I'm sorry if it made you uncomfortable."

I chuckled, "Well – I can't say turnabout isn't fair play. I've been flirting with all of you non-stop, it's only fair someone flirts back once in a while. Besides – I think I promised you a night in my bed when we were at Ostagar."

I heard Zevran coughing, "You… that long ago and he is still innocent?"

I grinned, "Haven't you heard, Zev? Playing hard-to-get can be rather… attractive to some people. Predators like me enjoy the chase."

Alistair was bright red, "If I recall, you simply said it could happen if I 'played my cards right'… there was no promise of… that."

Aedan laughed, "Knowing her now – that's as good as a promise, and you know it Alistair!"

Leliana giggled, "She never actually says things she doesn't mean. I bet if I took a real interest, she would allow me to have some fun with her."

"Oh yes – Lyna, Sereda, Leliana – I'm surrounded with beauty and not getting any of it… there was a saying about that kind of thing in my first life. 'Water, water everywhere – but not a drop to drink'. It used to be part of a poem by a mariner, about 300 years before I was born. Trapped on an island with no drinking water and such."

"Will you tell it – I love tales."

I sniggered at Leliana, "You'd love the Tortollans. They trade in stories and knowledge more often than not. They'll accept coin and interesting bobbles, but they prefer tales. I was something of a favorite among them – tales of different worlds, magics they've never seen, knowledge beyond what they had though they are so long lived. They loved my stories…"

"I thought you said only 3 people cared for you…" Lyna asked softly.

"The Tortollans were completely neutral – they didn't care about whom I was or where I was from. They liked me so long as I had a tale or tid-bit to share. They didn't hate me – but I was still an outsider among them since I don't have a shell, you know?"

Thankfully, I had brought Wynne and Zev up to speed on Azeroth not long ago, so no one was thrown off by the shell comment.

"That poem?" Leliana prompted. I rolled my eyes, "It's called 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner'… and it has like… 7 parts. I'll tell it to you another time because I have to be drunk on good stuff to get into rhymes… that or it has to benefit me. Like, if a talking tree started talking in rhyme, you can bet I'll do it too – cause why not?"

"That's actually a fair trade off…" Daylen laughed.

Wynne looked amused, "Know any talking trees?"

"… let's see, there was the Eldergleam tree, but it was more… feelings than words – and the spriggans didn't talk just attacked. Vydhar used to be a Vrykul but was turned into a tree by a highmountain Tauren – upon request, actually. He wanted his wisdom to be eternal. Treants could walk around but they don't talk – same with the Ancients; though the ancients are capable of speech as a few of them do talk, mostly they hold their silence. But none of them have rhymed before, I'll admit."

Silence was what met my statement as I looked at the now almost half-grown phoenix on my shoulder.

"Alright you lot – to bed!"

We made it to Redcliff just in time for Sin to burst into his blue flames. I looked up at him as he flew at me and settled on my shoulder before chirping. I chuckled, "You're very handsome like this."

Leliana said, "I quite agree – a handsome bird."

The phoenix preened and gave a deep coo. I heard Alistair snort, "I think he's going to get a large ego at that rate."

The bird cocked his head and looked at me. I laughed, "What's so wrong about that on a bird? I mean… he can breathe fire, fly, his tears can cure any poison, his feathers – given freely – can grant fire immunity for life in humanoids, and he looks so handsome covered in flames like that."

Zevran spoke, "Honestly if I could do half of that, I'd be just as cocky as the bird could get."

"I quite agree…" Morrigan joined us on the ground.

"Besides – his flames will never hurt me, but if you get on his good side he won't hurt you either. Mostly his flames are a protective measure."

Leliana held up an arm – like an eagle handler and Sin rushed over and landed lightly on her arm, making sure his talons were gentle. She held up some jerky for him and he purred as he took it from her before moving to sit on her shoulder.

"Well… looks like he adores our beauteous bard," Zev commented. That's when we caught sight of Thomas.

Alistair spoke before we could reach the man, "I… think I should warn everyone that I'm known here – seeing as Arl Eamon raised me and all…"

I glanced at him, "Are you sure he raised you?" I was grinning so he laughed, "Not at all – it was a pack of dogs; flying dogs from the Anderfels."

"Must have been hard for them – and it would explain the smell too." I heard sniggers at my comment.

"Ah… they were devout Andrastian, you see – not so difficult. And it wasn't until I was 8 that I learned that you didn't have to lick yourself clean; old habits die hard." He snarked.

Morrigan looked like she could certainly believe it. I grinned, "Do you write, dear – I bet your mother was a bitch too."

More laughter followed and he laughed too, "Alright, alright – you win; I cannot best your wit… but yes, Arl Eamon raised me. At least, until I was about 10 when he married Arlessa Isolde and she heard the rumors that I was his son, so off I was packed to the nearest monastery. It was just as well – she'd made sure the castle was no home to me by that point. She really hated me."

"You know, Alistair… there happens to be a special amulet in the Arls desk that once belonged to… you."

He blinked at my words and looked stunned, "But… it broke. I distinctly remember throwing it at a wall… it shattered."

I shrugged, "He had it repaired. I'm pretty sure he had it with him a few times he went to visit you – but you kept turning him away, right?"

"I… yes, you're right… do you think it's possible to retrieve it?"

I snorted, "Why else would I mention it? Your mother would want you to have it again, so damn what anyone else thinks – you'll have it back."

"I was so stubborn… I hated it at the monastery and I blamed Eamon… eventually he just stopped coming."

"You were young," I patted his shoulder. He chuckled, "And raised by dogs. Or I may as well have been, the way I acted. But maybe all young bastards act like that, I don't know. I do know that the Arl is a good man and well loved by the people. He, as you already know, was Cailans Uncle, so he has personal motivation to see Loghain pay for what he did."

I chuckled, "We're here – but you know… being a prince… many women do find that kind of thing thrilling."

He flushed lightly, "Oh… do you?"

"Why wouldn't I?"

"Then I guess I found the one damn decent thing about my birthright." He smiled. The others all gaped – even Morrigan. Lyna said, "Oh, Creators – he just flirted!"

Alistair flushed brightly and I gave a pointed look, "It's not the first time he flirted with me, Lyna – just the first time you heard."

Aedan said, "Wait – are you talking about the whole – 'there have never been many women in the…"

I cut him off, "No – I was thinking of in the Wilds when I said I was the only man in the group and Alistair shot back with how he was relying on me to protect him. Then at the tower, when he offered to snuggle with me – that wasn't just him being sweet, believe it or not. And I think you missed our talk at the fire two days ago, if you really think this is his first flirt."

Alistair coughed, "Well… I didn't realize you were keeping track…"

"I'm not – I have perfect memory. I can recall those things on demand."

"That does explain how you can remember exact conversations from months ago…"

"Oh that's nothing – I could tell you verbatim what my nannies were saying as they cut away my antlers." I shrugged. Sten looked impressed, "That was more than 10,000 years ago, you said – a good memory indeed."

I nodded firmly. We finally got to Thomas, who said, "I thought I saw travelers coming down the road – though I scarcely believed it… have you come to help us?"

Since I hadn't told anyone what the situation was yet – no one had reminded me – Lyna, as my second, asked, "We're on buissness to see the Arl…"

I shot her a look and she stepped back. Thomas responded, "The Arl? Then… you don't know? Has nobody out there heard?"

I sighed; guess I would have to keep up the ploy here now that Lyna had stepped in it, "Are you talking about the Arl being sick?"

"He could be dead for all we know. Nobody has heard from the Castle in days. We're under attack. Monsters come out of the castle every night and attack until Dawn. Everyone's been fighting and… dying."

Morrigan snorted, "Apparently, everyone seems to agree that a blight is the perfect time to start killing each other – marvelous, really."

I snorted as Thomas continued talking, "We've no army to defend us, no Arl and no King to send help. So many are dead; and those left are terrified they're next."

Alistair shot me a confused look, "Hold on, what's this evil that's attacking?"

"I… I don't actually know – no one does. I should take you to Bann Teagan. He's all that's holding us together. He'll want to see you."

"Lead on, then. Sten, Morrigan… not a word." They nodded displeased, but we began walking. Alistair walked next to me and with a lowered voice, "Just what is going on here, Tara?"

I smiled at his use of my nickname and said, "I'll tell you everything about Redcliff after we talk to Bann Teagan, dear. Just know – Eamon and Connor and Isolde… they're okay." He nodded, "I'll hold you to that, commander."

I nodded and Sin laded on my shoulder again. Thomas jerked in shock, "What is that?"

"This is Cinder – he's a Phoenix from my homeland of Azeroth."

"You're… not from Thedas?"

"No, I'm not – I'm a diplomat affiliated with the Grey Wardens."

He looked so hopeful, "Then… are you all grey Wardens?"

"Mostly – we have 4 non-wardens," Aedan said as he counted Sten, Morrigan, Wynne and Zevran… he counted me as a Warden.

"This is wonderful news!" Thomas said as we got to the Chantry.

Teagan was actually rather cute for a 39 year old man – brown hair that was styled with a single braid like in the first game, and his eyes were a sparkling honey brown to match. He had a square jaw and if I didn't know he was 39, I'd have guessed late 20s to early 30s.

"It's Thomas, yes? Who are these people with you? They're obviously not simple travelers…" his voice was like cotton candy for the ears – sweet and airy.

"No, my lord, they've only just arrived and I thought you might like to speak with them – they're Grey Wardens."

Teagan smiled, "Good man. Greetings friends, my name is Teagan – Bann of Rainesfere and brother to the Arl." He then sent Thomas on his way.

Alistair stepped up to stand beside me at the front, "I remember you, Bann Teagan. Though last time we met, I was a lot younger and covered in mud."

Morrigan looked like she was about to say something but I shook my head at her. She sighed.

"Covered in… Alistair, my boy; you're alive! This is wonderful news indeed."

I stepped up, "Greetings to you, Bann Teagan – I am Marchioness Atarah Stormlight from Azeroth."

I heard Aedan laugh, "I thought you said you were an Arl!"

"No – I said my position was similar to an Arl. My title is Marchioness as well as General. One step below Duchess, which is the step below the royals… duchess would put me on par with a Tyren."

Teagan nodded, "That's the system they use in Orlais – is that where you're from?"

"Azeroth a different land not part of Thedas and is… not so simple as Orlais is, Teagan."

"Simple… well, that makes things interesting, doesn't it. What about the bird?"

"A Phoenix… Bann Teagan – can we get on with this? If I am to save your village…?"

He nodded, "Yes, right; forgive me. We can talk of formalities later. A pleasure to make your…"

I held up a hand and rubbed at my amulet saying, "Inas – I'm dealing with a village under siege – can you spare any help?"

Teagan looked confused before Inas said, "What kind of siege?"

"Undead creatures," Teagan supplied. I repeated it and Inas sighed, "Again? I suppose I can come – how long will you need me?"

"Oh, just one night. These things only attack at night and the civilians have almost been decimated."

"That bad… I'm not going to bring Nessa, but how about… I could get Jaina and Anduin to help… oh; there are two others who want to come with. I'm talking with them now, so…"

"Oh? Who are they…?"

"Your sons!" he stated happily. I stiffened and said, "Are… are they sure they…?"

Teagan looked me over and I could see that he was doing mental math. "They say that they didn't know you were their mother and with how things came to light, they'd love to meet you."

"In that case, any help would be appreciated – but Inas, if they get hurt, I'm taking it out of your hide."

"I'll call Jaina and Anduin – we'll be there soon."

I let the connection drop. Alistair said, "So – I know Jaina is a mage and Anduin is your king… what about your sons?"

Teagan coughed, "You just called your king to battle?"

"He likes me." I said with a deadpan look. Aedan laughed, "He wants to marry you!"

I shrugged, "Not happening. Anyway, I hear Eamon is ill?"

"I am… unsure any longer. No one has heard from the Castle in days. No guards patrol the walls and no guards respond to our calls. The attacks started a few nights ago, though Eamon took ill just days before the battle of Ostagar. Evil… things have begun to surge from the castle each night. We've been driving them back, but any perished in the assaults… how are they getting here?"

"Calm, Teagan – we've come to help. Though I fear I must stipulate that once things are settled here and the Arl is awake we will need troops to help fight the blight. And when they do get here you'll see." I gave him an apologetic look and he looked relieved.

"My Lady, if you can see us through this and wake the Arl I will pledge everything we can to your cause."

"Tell me who is in charge out there and where they are. I will see to the preparations for tonight."

"Mayor Murdock is just outside the Chantry and Ser Perth is up by the Windmill. Maker bless you, my lady."

I snorted, "At least one demi-god and a goddess have, at least."

He blinked, "Truly?"

That's when a portal opened beside me. People cried out around us. Jaina was the first one through, followed by Anduin then Inas and two male Blood elves with bright red hair, greed eyes and standing at 6'2 each. One wore crimson tattooing on his arms while the other held violet markings.

"Bann Teagan, this is Lord-Admiral Jaina Proudmore, His Majesty King Anduin Wrynn, my Cousin and Champion of Azeroth Inas Stormrage, and my sons Asthan and Alstus Roserest."

Asthan was the Alchemist of the two and also the one who bore red markings. Alstus was the beast-master with violet markings. Both were hunters, but Alstus preferred to whip up concoctions rather than go hunting.

"How is…?"

Aedan coughed and said, "I wouldn't ask that question – she receives it enough to make it annoying."

I chuckled and said, "Jaina, thank you for Cinder."

She glanced at the bird on my shoulder and said, "Think nothing of it – it was the least I could do."

Alstus looked at Cinder and said, "He's a fine breed. Pureblooded and you can tell from his coloring that he's highly powerful."

"Now for the other introductions… this is Prince Alistair – King Cailans' named Heir. That's Aedan Cousland, Lyna Mahariel is my second, Sereda Aeducan the exiled princess, and Daylen Amell is a mage. Those 5 are Wardens. The giant one there is Sten of the Beresaad, that's Morrigan of the Wilds, Wynne is a Senior Enchanter and Zeveran is my new pet assassin. Shana is my hound, hero is Aedans. Am I missing… oh, and this is Bann Teagan. He is equivalent to a Baron. We need to defeat the threat here to save his brother – Arl Eamon who is equivalent to a Marquess."

Anduin smirked at me, "You know you were re-titled?"

"What… oh don't fucking tell me you made me a Duchess!" I snipped.

Teagan looked amused, "Your king allows you to speak like that…?"

Anduin grinned, "She's saved my life a few times and as she likes to tell me, she's older and wiser – she can get away with a lot more than that, Lord Teagan."

Jaina stifled a grin, "Your re-titling was put to a vote – most of the leaders of Azeroth felt that Duchess was too… mundane for your achievements but couldn't think of what else we could do. Lor'themar wanted to name you heir to his regency but Inas pointed out you belonged here now. Thrall said the elements confirmed that. So yes, you're a Duchess."

I sighed, "Those rumors at the Tower might just be mostly right after all."

Daylen laughed, "At least there won't actually be a secret love child."

My sons looked amused, "Oh, will we have a new step-father soon?"

"Not very likely – but anything is possible, I guess. Cullen agreed to my bet after all."

"What bet?" Anduin asked, looking confused.

"If I beat the big-bad-threat in a year, he agreed to court me and sing for me."

"What does he get if you lose?" Inas asked.

"That sword and shield I have you making me."

"Oh – so the moon." Inas grumbled.

Jaina coughed, "I'm confused – why do you say it like that?"

"The specs she laid out – Azerite was a must in both, the enchantments alone are worth nearly 100k in gold each. The ores need to be from the shadowlands, the leathers are almost impossible to come-by on accident – fel-hound hide… the inlaid jewels she wants could fund a small country here. The designs will make fancy seem like a paupers statement and if she didn't promise Ness that one damn thing she wanted so bad, I would have passed up on the commission."

Teagan look pale, "100k in… gold?"

"Yeah – I know it's a little expensive, but…" I shrugged.

"A little… a little expensive? That much could make you a duchess here!" Alistair cried out. I shrugged, "I'm over 10 thousand years old and had no friends growing up – what was I going to spend my money on? Other than food or lessons or equipment, my money was saved. I think I'm richer than the throne of the Alliance, but I'd have to check."

"So how did you think you might need to owe Anduin?" Leliana asked.

I shrugged, "Andy gets all the good shit first."

Anduin coughed, "I… wow, you're shrewd."

I nodded, "Did Inas even tell you my offer for the materials if he needed to get them from you?"

Inas shook his head frantically, "No! Vanessa thought it best I not offer that!"

Jaina laughed, "Oh, this I have to hear!"

I smirked as Morrigan said, "She offered a night in her bed – I believe her exact words were that she was not above 'whoring herself out' for what she wants while she is unattached."

Teagan looked ready to faint as I laughed. My sons looked a bit uncomfortable but they were laughing too.

Anduin shot Inas a glare, "I am so disappointed in you – I sold you those items when I could have… what kind of friend are you?"

"Nessa thought you might get addicted – her words not mine."

Aedan was laughing so damn hard he looked like he was deprived of oxygen. Lyna spoke up, "If she's that good, I might have to take her up on that offer. I don't do women, but I may have to make an exception…"

Alistair spoke, "Too late!"

Anduin and Inas shot him looks of surprise. Inas said, "No way – no way has she gotten you in her bed. It's… it's too soon for that. She…"

I giggled, "No, but he's kind of courting me for now – hence why it's also too late for Anduin to take that offer."

Anduin pouted.

Jaina jumped in, "Okay, we're here – we need a report of the situation."

I nodded to Teagan, "This is where we go get the town fortified. Stay here – boost morale of the civilians as much as possible."

He nodded and bowed his head, "Thank you for your assistance, Lady Stormlight."