Chapter Fourteen

Long Time, No See

Greagoir and Irving were talking at the entry to the tower when we walked in.

They looked at me with wide smiles and I noticed Cullen near the doors that had once been barred. He froze as spotted me.

"Gentlemen, how wonderful to see you both again. I need a favor." I gave them a charming smile.

Irving laughed, "Whatever you need, child – you have only to ask."

"Right… Arl Eamons son Connor… turns out he's a mage and… well, let's make a really long story short – we need mages, Lyrium and at least two Templars…"

Aedan had decided against recruiting Jowan – even after he'd spoken with Teagan.

"Why two Templars?" Greagoir asked.

"Oh… did you not want Jowan back? He's locked up in Redcliff… I just thought…"

Greagoir began barking orders, "Get me 5 mages, a ritual amount of Lyrium and 6 more Templars! Cullen – you're with us."

Greagoir looked to me, "It will take us a bit to get the preparations and the boat ready – why don't you get a room since it's already quite late?"

I nodded, "Thank you, Commander."

"Yes… we have received… a letter that we need to talk about." He was looking at me. I nodded and looked at the group, "You… go find rooms. Wynne – you remember how I taught you to make that meatloaf?" she nodded and kissed my cheek before looking at Greagoir, "This woman is a fine example of what we should all be – honorable and brave… go easy on her."

He chuckled, "Of course, Senior Enchanter – I simply wished to discuss what the Divine sent – nothing more."

I got the feeling that he didn't care about any magics I held at this point.

He motioned to Cullen and we all made our own ascent to Irvings' office.

"Okay… what are we talking about, then? Really?" I asked as I sat in a chair.

"The Divine replied to our letter – personally. As a seer, you've been afforded the protection of the Chantry. As a diplomat, you are afforded the ability to travel without declaring a home in Thedas. As for your magics – due to the fact that you are immune to demons and cannot use blood magic, any… progeny was the word she used… basically any children you bare are exempt from Chantry law regardless of magic unless they are prove to be able to be influences like demons and blood magic."

"What are you hesitating about?" I asked. Cullen looked confused – the Commander hadn't looked hesitant to him.

"Well… your marriage has been approved and in fact is encouraged to form 'diplomatic relations' and cut down on the chance of your offspring having magic." Greagoir flushed.

Cullen coughed. I grinned, "Well that's always nice. I still expect to be wooed first, love. Also, is there any paperwork for me to keep on hand that shows my exempt status?"

"The letter itself is your permit. It has the sigil of the Divine on it and is signed by her and her two hands. A Cassandra Pentaghast and… I can't read the second name, but the sigils are all there." He said handing me the letter. I placed it directly into my bag.

Cullen was still red, "I… are we… expected to wed?"

Greagoir chuckled, "It would be preferred but there wasn't an order in there – I think she assumes you two will be wed as soon as you get the permission since it was asked for."

Irving laughed, "It's amusing to say the least – you asked to wed but you aren't…"

I smirked, "Long-distance doesn't work for me. Since I need to travel for now, it can wait."

"Oh – and Cullen, I think we can tell you now. Next month you'll be leaving for Kirkwall. You've been promoted to Knight-Captain for your… performance here."

I smirked, "That works – I'll just have to meet you in Kirkwall after the blight then."

Cullen was sitting looking stunned, "Knight-Captain?"

"I know it means you skip a few ranks – but you've more than earned it." Irving stated.

I stood and stretched, "Was that all; the letter and Cullens' promotion?"

Irving nodded amused. I felt my back pop and said, "Awesome – I'm gonna get some food and go fall asleep… Cullen, want to share a room again, or should I ask Alistair? Being back here puts me on edge."

I heard someone cough behind me and looked to see Alistair. I shot him a wink and he grinned.

"I'd be happy to share with you, My Lady." Alistair said. Cullen all but growled, "She asked me – and I would be happy to."

He flushed when he finally realized how that sounded. I chuckled, "Perfect. Your bed or mine?"

Alistair looked highly amused as Cullen stammered out, "Er… the guest beds are more comfortable."

"Nice… want to join us for dinner?" Greagoir and Irving were both silently laughing at how I was manipulating the conversation.

"Oh… um… okay."

"I got Wynne cooking meatloaf – it's a dish made from beef, egg, onion, milk, breadcrumbs, brown sugar and a few other things… I always make mashed potatoes on the side. Well, I say on the side, but I serve the meat on a 'bed' of potatoes because the flavors mix well."

Greagoir stood, "Do you think there will be enough for us?"

"Oh for sure – I didn't teach Wynne how to make less than enough for a two dozen. She's smart, sure – but cooking math is so much different from real math that she's been following my recipes to a T."

Irving chuckled, "Then may we join you?"

Alistair laughed, "Why not? It might save Cullen some embarrassment, at least."

Cullen glared at Alistair and I smirked, "Off we go then. Something tells me dinner is almost ready."

Cullen was escorting me with my hand in the crook of his elbow – and everyone was watching.

I looked at Greagoir, "So – how bad have the rumors gotten about Cullen and I?"

"Well, if we listen to the gossip… you and Cullen shared a passionate moment while you were both held captive. Everyone is pretty sure you've conceived a child from that and with the rumors that Cullen is leaving Kinlock, most have deduced that you are going to live together in your homeland… where you are secretly a Duchess."

I glanced at Cullen, "How about it? Want to be a Duke?"

Alistair sniggered, "He would be though – wouldn't he? I mean, you actually are a Duchess, so…"

Greagoir face-palmed and said, "How convenient for the Rumor mill."

Cullen sighed, "We didn't share a passionate… moment… meaning there is no… child."

I lifted and eyebrow, "You sound upset. Did you want there to be a child?"

I heard a few people laughing – I guess people were listening.

Cullen flushed, "I… I didn't say… makers' breath; we haven't even begun a courtship! I was right – I did not miss being embarrassed… at all."

I pouted, "Aww – are you sure? Not even a little? Here I was telling Alistair that I couldn't run away with him because you'd be heart-broken!"

Alistair laughed, "Don't put this on me – Cullen looks stronger, he'd win a fight."

"Looks aren't everything, you know? You're a Grey Warden, act like it." I winked.

"Yes, commander…"

Cullen coughed, "If you really tried to run off with his majesty, I'm afraid I would have to duel him… for your honor if nothing else."

I rolled my eyes, "What honor? I figured everyone knew I was once an Assassin and a Thief, by now."

Greagoir blinked as we entered the mess hall, "Really?"

"Oh yeah – listening to a dead pseudo-goddess to find our killing contracts was just… so fun. I was the leader of that assassin group, actually. I was also the master of my Thieves Guild. It worked for me until I got tired of the life. I was so good they let me go, if you catch my meaning."

Cullen was pale, "Do you still… take contracts?"

"Why – looking to hire?" I gave a sly grin. He shook his head and Alistair choked laughing.

"Pity; but that life was more than 10,000 years ago. I kill people because they try to kill me, but for the most part I don't do bounties anymore. I mean, maybe if I owe a favor or it's a close friend asking. Same with the thievery… speaking of that – Alistair, here's your amulet." I pulled the chain from my pocket.

Alistair lit up, "I really thought I lost this to my own… thank you. When did you even have time to go to Eamons study to take this, though?"

I winked, "Trade secrets, my dear! Greagoir did you want your sword back or can I keep it?"

Greagoir and Cullen shot to look at my hip, where Greagoirs sword was resting as though it had been there the whole time. I gave him his sword back as several Templars looked stunned around us.

Irving laughed, "If it was so long ago… how do you keep your skills sharp?"

"Oh – I pull this little stunt all the time; taking my peoples stuff and returning it without them noticing. Even my new pet assassin hasn't noticed me doing it."

Alistair snorted, "That's rich."

"You have a pet… assassin?" Cullen asked. Cinder poked his head from my hood and cooed. He fluffed his wings and moved to my shoulder, watching Cullen.

Jaws were on the floor. "Is that bird… on fire?" Irving asked.

"This is my phoenix, Cinder. Sin, say hello."

The bird let out a melodious chirping and flew off to Wynne. Alistair sniggered, "That bird…"

"That was… a phoenix?"

"To answer the questions – yes, I have a pet assassin. A former crow named Zevran who tried to kill us but flipped when we beat him. Yes, that is a Phoenix – the kind from my lands, not here… obviously. He hatched from that egg I received from Anduin last time I was here. Yes, he is always on fire – but that fire is harmless to me and those he likes."

Alistair said, "He's only just started to allow me to pet him. He took to Leliana quite quickly though."

I whistled and the bird came back, resting on my shoulder and nuzzling me. "Sin, this is Cullen… what do you think?"

The bird looked him over critically before flying around him. Cinder landed on Cullens shoulder and looked at me with a chirp.

I nodded, "I think so too. Should I keep him?"

I heard more sniggers as Wynne and Aedan came over carrying plates of food. The bird looked between Cullen and I before firmly nodding. Cullen was flushed.

Alistair pouted, "Oh sure – you like him right off… what about me?"

The bird gave him a look and turned to me as if to say, 'what did you expect?'

After dinner, Cullen escorted me to the guest rooms and flushed as he followed me in. I changed into a tank-top and shorts while behind the privacy screen and he had managed to go from wearing full plate armor to only wearing cotton pants and a shirt.

I hummed and said, "Is that shirt necessary, though?"

He shot me a look, "Is yours?"

I was surprised and he stammered, "I… that was… sorry."

I shrugged and started to take off my top. He turned away and I grinned, "If I take mine off, will you do the same?"

"I… I mean I… I'm sorry – it was inappropriate of me… I shouldn't have said such a thing. Maker, I don't know what came over me."

"Hey – I asked the question first. It's only fair you get to ask it too… but really, I like skin contact, but I won't push it. If you say no, then it's a no."

He was silent for a minute – his back still to me – before he took his shirt off. "You… can keep yours on."

I chuckled, "As you wish."

He got into the bed and I followed. I was asleep as soon as my head was on his chest.

The next morning, I woke up to Cullen petting my hair again. I began purring softly. I felt the laughter in his chest and said, "You have no idea how good that feels, love."

He coughed once and said, "It's… a bit soon to… call me that."

"Not to me. Oh, you remember the mention of my sons?"

"Somewhat – you talked about them that night we… last time we shared a bed."

I nodded, "I finally met them in person last week… they don't hate me."

I heard the emotion thick in my voice. His hand stopped for a moment before he continued. "That's good – you were worried they wouldn't care for you, right?"

"I was – so worried that I never had the heart to approach them. Inas spoke with them. Turns out, they didn't even know about me – as their mother, that is."

"What… what would they think about… about you finding a new relationship?"

I snorted, "Their first question when someone started talking about our deal was if they would have a new step-father soon. They seemed amused by it before spiriting a tavern woman away as their own potential bride."

He chuckled, "Well – it could be worse, I suppose. They could have hated the idea."

"I think they were more pushing for it, actually… also, I think it's time to get up. I just don't want to."

There was a knock at the door and Aedans voice called out, "Can I come in, commander?"

"Sure, Cousland – we're decent."

The door opened and he said, "Always better to check. I'm pretty sure the one time Alistair went to wake Morrigan and Daylen he got an eyeful."

I flinched, "Poor man. Morrigan is lovely but I doubt she let that slide."

"Actually, it was Daylen who got to him first. Anyway, Commander Greagoir says the boat is ready. We're just waiting on you, Cullen and Alistair… also someone named Carrol."

"Carrol is that Templar that was guarding the docks."

"Oh – the poor man you threatened to shove in the lake."

Cullen snorted, "Why did you do that?"

"He wouldn't let us pass, wanted us to prove we were grey wardens… so I offered several ways to kill a Darkspawn and asked which one he wanted me to demonstrate on him."

"That… would certainly work. You do have this sense of Danger about you." Cullen mused.

"I come by that naturally… after years of war and death, how could I not. Inas says the only time I don't seem dangerous is when I'm singing or tinkering on recipes."

"… You sing, commander?" Aedan sounded like he didn't believe it for a second.

"When the mood strikes, sure. You haven't noticed I'm always humming when I cook or clean my weapons or… well you wouldn't have heard the other one…"

"Oh do tell." He smirked.

I sat up and said, "When I bathe. No finer place to sing than when one is getting clean."

Cullen was flushed and Aedan laughed, "I think Leliana said something similar the other day."

"I noticed you two are sharing a tent now. Lyna actually let Zev into her tent. Daylen and Morrigan are a thing… do you think I should push Sereda and Alistair together?"

Aedan looked confused as I moved behind the changing shade and pulled on a hooded black vest with wing slits and no sleeves.

"Er… isn't she in love with Gorim… I think that was his name."

"Well… when we get to Denerim, we'll find out he's married with a kid on the way – she's going to be heart-broken, but there's nothing we can do about that."

Cullen hissed, "That's going to hurt."

"No kidding – that's why I'm considering trying to match-make, but Alistair seems to want me for now. Though, it's not like either Sereda or I could be his Queen – and he has to be King. Sereda could, in theory, be his mistress. I won't do that – like I said, I want love and marriage… I have Cullen."

Cullen growled, "I think I may need to have words with the Prince."

I sniggered, "Relax, Cullen. He knows that even if I take him to bed, the minute I go to you; that would be it. I'd be yours and no one else would stand a chance. For now, I'm allowing him to court me only to keep Anduin from pulling tricks."

Cullen sighed, "It's getting tempting to go ahead and marry you now…"

Aedan scoffed, "Why do you think you could?"

I came out from behind the screen to see Cullen was re-armored. I grinned, "The Divine gave us her blessing on our… nuptials. In fact, she's encouraging it."

Alistair – who had just entered the room – froze when Cullen glared at him.

"Er… what did I do?"

Cullen scoffed, "I think you know, your majesty."

"Is this because I ate that one roll of Cheese? I just couldn't help…" I let out a long laugh, causing everyone to look at me.

Cinder had snuggled into the hood of my top as they spoke and I had quickly done my makeup and hair.

Cullen sighed, "You're sure you won't consider it?"

"Tell you what, Cullen – I will marry you… right now… if you find me a chunk of Volcanic Aurum and a Gemstone that you find desirable. Bonus points if you get 2 gems and a fist sized chunk of ore."

He pouted so handsomely, "If it were just the ore, we could get some from the stockroom… but gems?"

I chuckled, "I guess that answers that, hmm? Let's not keep Greagoir waiting dears."

As we reached the first floor, Alistair was the one who asked, "What would you have used those things for?"

"You'll just have to wonder…" my amulet hummed with energy so I answered it.

"Yes, Brother?"

"Your damn commission is done. Don't do this to me again. Honestly, Tara – it took a 3 weeks to get it done to your perfection. The Dwarves all developed OCD over this order, I'm going to have nightmares about the enchanting aspect… but on the bright side – Nessa is practically salivating for that special prize."

I giggled, "Shall I open a portal and collect now – or do you want to hold on to them for a bit?"

"I want them gone – out of my sight!" he practically begged. I grinned as we approached Greagoir and held up a 'one moment' gesture.

The moment the portal was open, Inas and Nessa – who, with her thin stature had begun showing just a little – came through carrying 2 boxes and an envelope.

One box was long and thin; the sword. The second box was rectangular and wide; the shield. I had to assume that the envelope held the recipe for the pain tonic.

Inas shoved the boxes at me, "Take the blasted things… ask me for the moon again and I start asking for the sun."

I grinned, "I could do it you know – bottle the sun and give it to you."

He glared, "I have zero doubts about that. You're the greatest Alchemist we've ever seen. If you told me you could make me a potion that would make me like you, I'd believe it… but no man is worth this much trouble. I was serious when I said the team of Dwarves that were working on it developed OCD and that I'm having nightmares about the enchants. It was bad, Tara – I ended up adding a few minor ones to improve it… I never do that."

I giggled, "Well, thank you very much. What did you add?"

"Balance, never dull, and bind."

Well… I wasn't expecting that. "How did you add bind without…"

"It will bind to the first person to use them."

I nodded, "Okay. Nessa, come here."

She giddily approached and I placed a finger to her head inserting the spell directly into her brain. She squealed, "It was my distinct pleasure working with you love."

I chuckled, "Don't call me that – you have Inas now. Besides, Cullen gets jealous."

Cullen caught on and flushed, "I… I mean… her and… you?"

I shot him a wink. Inas nudged me, "We worked hard, and I want to see his reaction."

I pouted but said, "Okaayy…"

I handed him the wide box first and said, "This is the shield."

He pulled it out and I heard Greagoir gasp at it. It looked like Cullens shield from inquisition but with major twists. It had Azerite 'rivers' running along the edge and it held the sigil of the Templars… for now. Once he was called Commander Rutherford by yours truly, that enchantment would vanish and it would be the Inquisition logo. The metal was also not silver – it was metallic grey, sure; but not silver. The logo was glowing red, as though made of rubies.

Inas spoke, "It's Enchanted to your womans specifications – it will absorb elemental attacks, deflect all others. It will never dent and if you lose or misplace it, it will return to you – that last one is what is called 'bind', if you were wondering."

He flushed when I was called his woman, but lifted the shield. I said, "Don't worry, it will absorb this." And I shot a fireball at him. He defended and the shield glowed gold as it absorbed the magic.

"Why absorb?" Greagoir asked. I smirked, "That brings us to the Sword of the set."

I handed Cullen the next box and he pulled out a Willow Leaf Saber style sword. The hilt was covered in Fel Hound leather and the metal matched the shield to a T. It held a river of Azerite down the center of the blade and looked menacing.

Inas spoke again, "That blasted Sword is linked to the shield – it is also bound to you, and any attack the shield absorbs the sword will use to deal damage. Also it will never dull and the balance will always adjust to you. Give it a swing."

Cullen did as instructed just as I tossed up a shield. An arc of flame shot from the path of the swing.

Vanessa smirked, "All in all, I think those are very sexy armaments. No one will ever have a set like them. Azerite is such a precious resource and those metals…" I covered her mouth, but it was too late.

Cullen looked stunned, "Just how much did this cost?"

"Nothing much…" I shook my head but Inas spoke up, "Only about 5 million gold pieces in all. For her estate that's a trifle."

Greagoir stumbled to a chair as the Templars around us all looked at Cullen in Envy. Irving chuckled, "A trifle? 5 million gold coins here could buy you the Grand Cathedral, child."

I shrugged, "Inas – now he's going to feel obliged to get me something… that wasn't nice of you."

"For something like that, he'd be better off just marrying you and calling it even." Nessa scoffed.

Aedan laughed, "He did try – he just didn't have any gems. She said she'd marry him now if he got a specific ore and 2 gems that he liked."

I flushed, "Okay – time for you two to go. Say hi to my boys for me and keep me posted on how the kiddo is doing. Bye!"

I lightly pushed the two of them through the portal and turned back. "So… back to Redcliff to save Connor and arrest Jowan… right?"

Alistair glanced at me, "Question, Commander… just how rich are you?"

"Like I said before – I think I'm richer than the throne of the Alliance, but I would really have to go look in my vault. But then – the upkeep of my estate isn't cheap, the salaries for the workers and staff, the research I keep funding is constantly paying off… I have a few exclusive recipes that sell well in my shop in Dalaran and the sister shops in Stormwind and Orgrimmar… I pay the staff there a generous salary too… the upkeep on the buildings… I don't know; too much coming in and going out to do that math right now."

Greagoir patted Cullen on the shoulder as we all headed for the boat, "And to think – you already have permission to marry her."

Cullen looked a little pale at the daunting prospect of my fortune. I shrugged, "I really do want to be courted first – little things, you know? Just… I've never received flowers; I've never been told I look 'nice' or so on. I don't even really know how courting works much."

Alistair snorted, "I don't get how that's possible, actually. You're lovely and easy to talk to."

Cullen shot him a look but I smiled, "You really think so?"

"Of course! You're charming, beautiful, and… all those other things you might hit me for not saying."

I heard Aedan coughing. Cullen bit his lip and said, "I have to agree."

I felt a bit foolish – like I had just asked for compliments and gotten them… were they sincere, I wondered. I guess I'd learn eventually, but for now it was nice to have them say it.

Cullen had left the giant sword he'd been using before at Kinlock – he now only had the weapon set I had given him. Irving spoke, "So we have a limited number of rooms on this boat. Greagoir and I have agreed to share the Captains quarters, the 4 other mages are sharing and other than Cullen, 4 of the 6 Templars have already worked out where to sleep. I guess Cullen and the other Templar will share the room at the end of the hall… your male companions can share as well."

"I guess that leaves Wynne and Tara, right?" Aedan asked. Greagoir nodded. I shrugged, "Give Wynne the single room that's supposed to be for high-ranked guests – I can sleep in one of my animal forms pretty much anywhere. I could sleep on the mast if need be. Wynne, however, is having a bit of trouble so she needs a soft bed – and I know that the only soft bed here is in that single room…"

Greagoir blinked, "Wynne, you're having trouble?"

"A bit, Greagoir. I honestly didn't think anyone had noticed." She flushed a bit.

I looked at Cullen with a flirty smile, "Could I share your bed if I promise to remain a cat?"

He flushed, "I… I have no objections."

Wynne looked amused and said, "Then I think it's time for lunch – Atarah dear, I do believe it's your turn to cook?"

I nodded, "Yeah, but I'm feeling lazy so I'm only making macaroni and cheese."

Alistair lit up, "Cheese?"

I snorted, "You know… I almost forgot your obsession with the stuff. It's so hard to remember when you're talking about it, and all."

He flushed, causing laughter from other people. I went to the kitchen and started to make elbow noodles.