Chapter Nineteen

To Denerim

I hadn't really believed we'd run into Beyha Joam – the man pedaling fake documents – so easily… nor did I think we'd find a small caravan of refugees fleeing darkspawn. Oh, and we found my bounty note. Apparently, Loghain wanted me alive and was offering a 'staggering' 100 sovereigns for it.

I gripped my amulet, "Hey bro? I need a big favor."

"How big this time?" he sounded worried and resigned.

"I need to be disguised. You see… I've got a bounty on my head that would give people here wet dreams."

"Oh, is that all? Had me worried it was another weapon set. Let me get Rachel and we'll port on over." Rachel was a mage friend of ours from the Kirin Tor.

When they got to us, we were 2 hours outside Denerim. Rachel was 5'6 with long brown hair, pretty green eyes and a dark complexion. I loved her milk-chocolate skin more than anything.

Rachel gave me a hug, "Hey, honey – whatcha need?"

"… Make me look like her sister?" I pointed to Morrigan. Rachel motioned the witch forward.

Morrigan glanced at me in interest but came forward. Rachel put a hand on each of our heads. I felt my hair shortening to my mid back and felt the tingling sensation of getting thinner. This would wear off in no more than a month if left alone, sadly.

"Alright, honey – you now look human with black hair and gold-brown eyes… you also got a nice tan. You know how this works, right?"

"I'll be me again in a month if I leave it alone – or I can remove it at any time. Thanks' Rach. And thank you Inas for asking her."

He grinned, "Nessa sends her love."

"She's about 4 and half to five months along by now, right?"

"Something around there… we learned the sex if you want to know."

"Surprise me." I winked. He laughed, "Can do. See you later, sis."

And off they went. Alistair was pouting, "I like you better as you were."

I heard Leli giggling, "Aww that was cute."

"Well, I like my hair better the other way… and I miss my tattoos already. But look, I'm thin!"

Sten snorted, "You do not truly care."

"Actually, I do – but honestly this is a visual disguise not an altering one. I can still feel my gut and people would still run into it. I'm still the same; I just look different to the eye."

Alistair seemed to perk up at that, but Lyna just had to test it. She poked my ear, "Ooh! I can still feel the tips!"

I chuckled, "At least you didn't try to feel my gut – I swear, some people would do that."

We made camp since it was light out now.

Daylen spoke up, "Er… right, then… what's the plan for Denerim tomorrow?"

"Just getting into the City is going to prove challenging. They're watching the gates for anyone who matches the descriptions provided for the five wardens and myself. So, since they're looking for a group, we're going to split up. No more than 3 or 4 to a group. Alistair, Aedan and I will be one group. Daylen, Morrigan and Sereda you're group 2. Wynne, Leliana, Lyna and Zev, you're group 3. Sten… pick a group – you'll stand out regardless, so you're playing mercenary."

"I will follow you, Kadan."

I nodded firmly. "Once we're all inside, our meeting spot is the Pearl. My group will handle things in the market for the most part. Sereda… Gorim is here if you wish to seek him out, but be warned – things have changed with him. He's selling wares in the market most days. Leliana, you will see out Marjoline here. You're group should be able to handle her as 2 rouges and a healer, but take this. It's a beacon. If you set it down on the ground, I'll know and teleport to you."

Sereda looked worried as she asked, "What… what changed commander?"

I shook my head, "There is no easy way to say it, Sereda… and honestly, you'd deny it if I told you. Alright, we will meet at the pearl at midnight and get some extra sleep. We need to do our things in the daylight here in Denerim, so that's what we're going to do."

Everyone ambled off to their tents. Alistair held me in our tent and said, "I really do like you better as you normally are."

I smiled, "I'm glad. Get some sleep love – we meet Goldanna tomorrow."

"Why? She's not actually…"

"To keep up appearances. No one can know that you know who your real mother is – not now, at least. If you go to Goldanna, she's going to make it known when you take the throne. Meaning Eamon won't have a reason to try and block you from the throne. Just… trust me, okay?"

He nodded and kissed my forehead, "Of course I trust you."

The next evening, we entered Denerim in batches – Sten, Aedan, Alistair, Shana and I were in the first group. The guards did look at Aedan and Alistair in suspicion, until I spoke up to them.

I put on an Antivan accent, "Excuse me – where would I find the market? I hired these as escorts but none of them know anything about Denerim, it seems! I shouldn't be surprised, I suppose. A brute, a stable-hand and squire… doesn't exactly scream knowledge, does it?"

The guard relaxed and gave me a flirty smile, "No, I suppose it doesn't. Might I ask your buissness in Denerim, sweetheart? It's a bit of a terrible time for overseas travel."

I forced a blush and said, "My… you are a bold one. I am visiting an uncle of mine – I was only recently made aware of him, so I doubt he knows of me. But we nobles can't allow any such shame as working in a smithy to continue. Herren was his name."

"Ah – I know him! He works for the most famous smith in Denerim – Wade; from Wade's Emporium. Now that you mention it, I do see a bit of resemblance. I didn't realize he was Antivan."

"He is not. Not born there anyway. So… could you point me in the right direction?"

"I'll do you one better – I'll escort you myself. My shift here is over; Ted there is my replacement."

I smiled, "Oh that would be just wonderful."

I knew my companions were on edge. "So, how did an Antivan get a Mabari?" the guard asked.

"Oh, it's not mine. The squire there… what was your name again, boy?"

Aedan coughed, "Thomas, m'lady." He had roughened his voice and spoke like a lowborn – good man.

"Yes… Thomas is Bann Teagans squire. Apparently the bann had a soft spot and allowed it?"

"I've heard the bann is a bit too good to his people. How'd you get the other two?"

"The brute… what did you call yourself?"

"Sten."

"That's it – such odd names they take, no? Sten was caged in a small town – I figured what better bodyguard than that, right? And the stable-hand… well, every good noble woman has at least one good-looking man to fetch for her."

Alistair did look properly in love, so it was the perfect fit.

The guard looked amused, "I never did catch your name…"

"Reyna – from a branch of the Montilyet that was based in Seleny. Have you ever been, Ser?"

"Landon, my lady. And no, I can't say I have…"

"Oh, Seleny is such a lovely city. We are famed for our graceful bridges and structures. You should go sometime."

"I think I might. Anyway, here we are – this whole area is the market, but this building here is Wade's Emporium. It was lovely to meet you, Lady Montilyet."

I flushed as he kissed my hand. The minute he was out of sight, I pulled them into Wades – because I knew the man was still watching.

"Hi… I'm looking for Herren?"

The brown-haired brown-eyed man at the counter looked stunned, "That's new – usually people are looking for Wade…"

"I might give him materials, but I can make my own armors. Herren… I need your help."

Wade had heard us, "Just what armors could you make that are better than mine?"

I blinked at him and pulled a dagger from my pack, handing it to him before also pulling out a cuirass.

Wade was looking them over and I looked back to Herren.

"Look – I can set your shop up for life. Drake scales, dragon scales, star metals, and even gold. All I need you to do, Herren, is pretend that you're my long lost uncle who was separated from the Montilyet family out of Seleny, Antiva. I'm willing to give you 100 gold coins now if you swear it."

Wade cried out, "Please say yes, Herren! Look at the craftsmanship, it's perfect. I've never seen such metal before, either."

"But… I'm not a Montilyet!"

"I can fix that. In about 10 years, I really will have ties to the family so… if anyone asks, a distant niece named Reyna came to try and convince you to leave this shop, and you refused. That's all there is to it, I promise."

"I… you have the money…?"

I pulled out a pouch and handed it to him. He looked in it with wide eyes. "I suppose I could… call you my niece for now."

I smiled and handed Wade a box from my void storage, "This is full of drake scales and hides. I think there's some left over star metal in there too."

Wade was giddy, "Ooh, you do know how to spoil your family! Herren, you never told me you had such a lovely niece!"

I chuckled, "Keep up the lie until I come to see you in a few months, I'll give you another 100 gold Herren."

He nodded, "That's really all you need from me?"

"That's really all. After the blight ends, you can crow from dawn to dusk that it was a lie and I won't care – just… while Loghain and his men are being ass-hats, I needed a cover."

I saw Herren smothering a grin, "Okay – that's more than fair. You have a deal."

I relaxed, "Thank you so much."

He nodded and we left. I made sure my face was a bit sour as we headed to the pearl – after talking to Kylon and getting the mission to clear out the thugs there.

Sten looked at me, "Why the deception?"

"Well, Sten – I don't think I could win against the whole country trying to capture me. Not all roads lead to death, right? Think of me as Ben-Hassrath rather than Antaam."

"Infiltration for the purpose of protecting the people… understood."

Aedan chuckled, "So… do we have to keep up the fake names?"

"You are the only one with a fake at the moment… but for now, yes."

We got to the pearl, so I looked at the leader of the mercs. "You are trespassing. Naughty boys – you know our mutual friend won't be pleased about this…"

"You… you're one of Howes' men! We didn't know miss, I swear. We'll be on our way."

That was quick. Alistair looked at me amused, "How long are you going to keep up the accent?"

"Until we leave, darling."

The rest of our group came filing in so I talked to the owner, "I need 6 rooms, dear – for three days. I'll pay it all up front."

The woman looked me over with a sly smile, "Any services required?"

"Oh, not the kind your thinking, sweetheart. Meals for breakfast and dinner."

"For getting rid of those brutes, I'll give you a bit of a discount. For 6 rooms and meals, 36 total meals… 10 sovereigns."

"My but that is a deal. Here you are, dove."

"Can I get your name?" she was flirting hard.

"Reyna from Antiva. And if you hear anything about Wardens, I'd love to know – I'll pay extra for any information."

She got serious, "There are some me in the far back room… I don't approve of what they're doing but they have a powerful backer. Last door on the right; they are luring any Warden sympathizers to them with a flyer in the market and killing them."

I nodded and passed her two gold coins, "Thanks for the tip… how much would I need to pay you for disposing of their corpses when I kill them?"

She smiled, "Only what you just did. That will take care of cleaning the room."

"I'll make it as neat as possible, love." I winked at her. She smiled and nodded, "Here's your keys – first 3 rooms on either side down that hall there."

I shot her a grin and we all found a table, "Alright, rooming arrangements. Daylen, you're with Morrigan room one on the right; Aedan is rooming with Leli in room two on the right; Zev and Lyna have room 3 on the right. For the left, Alistair and I will take room one; Wynne and Sereda in room two and Sten gets room 3."

I spotted the pirate I the corner fighting 4 men and smiled. "Zev, dear – introduce me to your friend over there."

He glanced and lit up. "Of course, Bella."

Lyna looked confused as we all headed over after Isabela was done handing the men their asses and we had eaten.

She looked almost exactly like from the second game; wavy brown hair – it actually reached her mid-back and was done up in a ponytail – lovely green-gold eyes, golden tan skin, signature white dress and black corset, black thigh-high boots, blue bandana and gold jewelry. Her daggers were more like mini scythes with black hilts. She was dealing with three thugs.

"And look who we have here. Come to apologize for leaving me bereft of my Lord husband and then vanishing without a trace?" Isabela remarked upon seeing Zev.

"You know it was just business Isabela; business that turned out well for you, I see. You inherited the ship, I take it."

"Hmm, I suppose I never did like the greasy bastard, and the Siren treats me far better than she ever did him. Any catching up Zevran and I have to do, we couldn't be doing out here. Now Zev, Shouldn't you introduce us?"

"Bellisima, allow me to formally introduce you to Isabela, Queen of the Eastern Seas and the sharpest blade in Llomerryn. Isabela, this is Lady Atarah Stormlight – leader of the Wardens in Ferelden, and a woman I have pledged to protect during the blight. And the other lovely women are Lyna – my lover – Sereda, Wynne, Morrigan, and Leliana. The men are Alistair, Aedan, Daylen and Sten."

A pleasure to meet you in person, pirate queen; I can't wait to see what the future holds," I gave her a smile as I held out my hand for her to shake. She looked amused.

"Are you attached to any of these men, kitten? You look just my type," she purred.

I smirked, "Who isn't your type, dearest?" she burst into laughter, "True enough! But that doesn't answer the question."

"Alistair is mine for now. But I could be persuaded to share."

Alistair flushed and replied, "You really want to… are you… I mean…"

I grinned at him and turned, "Why not, my love? It could be… interesting."

He groaned and I knew the whole party was watching us as he said, "Interesting, she says – like it was a good book or maybe a delightful pastry. Well… Makers' Breath – I'll say it! I am a weak, weak man; guess I'll just… have to play along." Jaws hit the floor – I was beaming and Isabela looked amused as she said, "And what about you, Zev? For old times' sake?"

"Ah… no. You will have your hands full as it is with these two – perhaps another time, if we can convince Lyna?"

"I will hold you to that, Zevran. Come, then – my ship is down by the docks and I'm sure you'll find my cabin quite… comfortable."

I looked at the rest of the group with a smirk, "Play nice… I'll be back in a few hours."

When we got back, I was… practically goo. "That was intense, lover…" I muttered to her as we entered the Pearl. She grinned, "That it was."

Alistair looked a bit embarrassed and stuck beside me, his arm around my shoulders as we re-entered the Pearl. I spotted our group and we headed over. Bela had been mostly thoughtful on our trip back… she was right though – her cabin was very comfortable.

Just as we got to the table where everyone was convened, she turned to me and kissed my cheek before saying, "My dear… you wouldn't consider… leaving Alistair with me, would you? Perhaps letting me borrow him for a few weeks every summer? I'm sure we could work out a deal…"

Zevs eyebrows shot to his hairline and Leli looked stumped. I giggled, "That's up to him, isn't it?" the whole group was looking at Alistair as though in a new light.

Alistair coughed as he flushed, "Not that the idea of being… borrowed isn't terribly fascinating… but let's not forget the Darkspawn. There may not be a week every summer or any summer."

Isabela let out a laugh, "Darkspawn! Is that the only thing men think about these days? What about the good old obsessions – breasts, firm buttocks or wet frocks?" I let out my own laugh. Bela smirked as she looked at me, "What about you, sweet thing? Could I borrow you?"

"You'd have to get in line, I'm afraid. For now I have Alistair – but I'm promised to a Templar in Kirkwall soon."

"Mmmh… I can see that. Still, if you ever decide to have some more fun, I'm sure you can find me around."

The next morning, we all headed out in our groups. I headed to Genitivis' first.

I knocked. 'Weylon' answered.

'Weylon' was 5'8 with short black hair, brown eyes, and darker skin. Rather than go through all the Dialogue options, I decided to do something different.

"Hi – I'm looking for… oh! It's you!" I smiled brilliantly. I had made the others stay behind, though I felt them watching me.

"Do I… do I know you?"

"I'm from… Haven." I lowered my voice. He ushered me inside at once. "I don't recognize you." I shook my head, "I know – I was found by Andraste… they named me Ebris after Andrastes' daughter because when they found me she was nurturing me as though I was a dragonling."

The man gasped, "You're a chosen one?" I shrugged, "That's what Kolgrim tells me."

"Then it is an honor to meet you, Sister Ebris." He beamed. I doubt it crossed his mind that I was lying – how else would I know about Haven, dragon Andraste or Kolgrim?

"Speaking of Kolgrim… he sent me here for you. It's time to come home – Genitivi is no longer an issue and we received reports of the death of the one who sent him. Will you go?"

"What about you sister?" he asked, looking worried. Man this guy was gullible.

"I was sent for recon. I'm to infiltrate the Chantry and leak rumors that the Urn is actually in Orlais – that way people will stop looking for us in Ferelden."

Understanding lit his face, "That's actually… very clever. I don't know why no one has thought of that before."

"Well, brother – it is time for you to be on your way. I will stay in this place while I do my work so that I may send away any… strays. What is the story you've been using?"

"If someone pushes for information, I send them to the Spoiled Princess on the lake Calenhad Docks. They are told to ask the Innkeeper about him – he is being watched so anyone who asks will be killed. It's stemmed the tide so far."

I was really glad for the vision I'd had last night. This imposter would never reach as far as Lothering before he was killed by a Hurlock Emissary. A few minutes after the man was gone, there was a knock on the door. I opened it with a smirk seeing Alistair and Aedan giving me amused looks. "What did you tell him to get him to leave peacefully, love?"

"Those in Haven worship a High Dragon that they believe is Andraste reborn. I sprinkled a bunch of bullshit to get him to guess I was a Chosen One… and off he went."

"… You're joking?" Alistair asked. I giggled and shook my head. "Told him I was adopted by that dragon they worship." I grinned cheekily as we looked around for the map and journal in the one bedroom of the house. "Ah-ha! Look here, if we take the kings road to this point… but this map only shows how to get there by way of the road outside Honnleath in the Hinterlands. Actually, this is a good thing. I have a few stops to make so we can use the North Road on our way around."

"What stops, Bella?" Zev asked.

"I promised Levi that we'd meet him at soldiers' peak – that's actually along the north road – and in Sulcher's Pass we'll find a merchant with a Golem Control rod that I need for when we go through Honnleath. The extra stops will add 2 months on our journey but Arl Eamon will be fine. That Demon completely stabilized his condition – as was the deal with Connor. Since the demon is dead, she can't go back on the deal. He could live 20 more years in that Coma with the proper upkeep." I was explaining for Alistair, of course. He seemed a bit more relaxed after my words.

"So to get this straight; we're going to go clear an old Warden base, find a man with a control rod and go through your Templars' hometown – adding two months to our plans – because it's more convenient?" Alistair asked amused.

"No… we're going to do it in that order because I had a vision that shows why we need the Golem in Honnleath and we'll need Soldiers Peak because it will be a base for Dryden Traders who will pay the Wardens a stipend for its use. Not to mention… Honnleath is soon to be besieged by Darkspawn and… I need to save Cullens' family – my family."

"Cullens'… then we have to; our course." Alistair said looking slightly troubled over it.

"Don't worry so much – I have it all timed out and planned perfectly."

Alistair flushed and nodded. I thought of something, "Speaking of… after we take care of Orzammar, we will be escorting someone to the Tower… she's important to the future, so I want to make damn sure she arrives."

Alistair chuckled, "Then we shall. Shall we go to the Market, love?"

I nodded and out we left the house heading past the Wonders of Thedas and finding the door that was mentioned for the Friends of Red Jenny quest. Handing over the box without a word, I was handed 3 golden coins before the door was shut. "Um… What just happened?" Alistair asked.

"Hmm? Oh that was for the Friends of Red Jenny," I replied. Aedan looked stunned, "You're a Jenny?"

"Not at all but I love helping the people… I guess, even if they never actually invite me, I could be called one… somewhat. But this quest was actually in that letter I pulled from one of Zevs' mercs during that ambush. I happened to grab the proper item from the tower while I was there so I turned it over. I like making Friends and it may help me if I ever meet the Jenny named Sera in the future." I knew my voice was loud enough to be heard by the Jenny on the other side of the door… I also knew that said Jenny had Sera with him; she was only 8 or 9 but she was already in training. That was never mentioned in the game, but I had a vision the minute the Jenny guy answered the door, even if his hood was up. Sera would recognize me in 10 years' time.

We headed to the market square next.

I caught sight of Seredas' group talking to Gorim and approached. She was already crying. I put my arm around her and glanced at Gorim, "You have the shield of Aeducan for her?"

He nodded mutely and handed it to me. I nodded, "Thanks, Gorim."

I looked at Aedan who ushered her off.

I looked at Gorim, "She'll need some time…"

He nodded. "Yeah… I do still love her, but…"

"So… I'm going to tell you a Grey Warden secret… and I want you to make it… not a secret anymore, m-kay?" he nodded and I told him about Broodmothers – not in too much detail, just that each one used to be a living woman and what they looked like.

"That's… and you're willingly going into the Deep Roads? Knowing that?"

"I don't actually have a choice – despite my bravado about it, I will be needed there."

After that he looked thoughtful before digging around in a chest behind him. He pulled out… Red Lion Pelts. I gasped in awe. I knew the Red Lions of Thedas – one of the famed predators of the Frostbacks – were usually longer than ten feet and typically weigh well over 600 pounds. He had two or the pelts held out to me. I took them gently and looked them over – just one of these would make me a set of armor or three jackets.

"These two… I came across their bodies just after I was exiled. I had just been crippled by Bhelens men after being thrown out of Orzammar – I had hardly managed to escape, actually – they were still warm and I was able to skin them and bring the pelts with me… as I'm sure you know, Red Lion pelts are highly prized in Orzammar. Either you can make something with these to show high status or you could trade them on Orzammar for prestige – honestly I was wondering what to do with them; perhaps this is fate."

I saw the looks from my companions and I bit my lip, "Will you let me pay you for them, Gorim?" I asked. "No – just take them. You're trying to save the world and no one has wanted to buy them anyway."

"Thank you Gorim; Atrast nal tunsha – may you always find your way in the dark." He jerked in surprise, "I've never heard that variant before…"

"I know," I winked and we walked off with the pelts in my pack.

We went over to collect the missions for the Mages Collective, and I casually struck up a conversation with Master Ignacio. I bit my lip and dragged Alistair to Goldannas' house.

He sighed, "Will she… will she like me?"

I smiled, "I like you – does that count?"

He laughed and we headed into the house. He called out, "Er… Hello?"

"Eh? You have linens to wash? I charge three bits on the bundle, won't find better. Don't trust what that Natalia woman says, either – she's foreign and will rob you blind."

"Oh! Um… I'm not here to have… washing done. My name's Alistair. I'm… well I suppose this will sound a bit strange, actually. Are you Goldanna? If so, I suppose I'm your brother." Poor boy sounded so nervous – and he already knew somewhat how this would play out since I evaded the 'will she like me' question.

"My what? I am Goldanna, but how do you know my name? What kind of tomfoolery are you folks up to?"

I chuckled and shook my head, Alistair sighed and spoke again; though I could tell he was having trouble committing to the role, "Our… mother… was a serving girl at Redcliff castle a long time ago, before she died. Do you know about that? She…"

Goldanna cut him off, "I knew it! They told me you was dead! They told me the babe was dead along with mother, but I knew they was lying!"

Alistair jerked in surprise at her tone; she was pissed and bitter. "Who told you I was dead?"

"Them's at the Castle! I told them the babe was the Kings and they said he was dead. Gave me a coin to shut my mouth and sent me on my way… I knew it." She fumed.

"I'm… sorry. I didn't know that."

"For all the good that does me! You killed mother, you did; and I've had to scrape by all this…" I cut her off as I stepped forward. "Enough; I'll not have you belittling Alistair for something he didn't do. I will make you one offer – and only the one. I will give you 15 Sovereigns and you don't talk that way to him ever again. Not like you will ever see us again, so I would take the money were I you."

She reeled back in shock and Alistair glanced at me. Goldanna said, "And who in the Makers' name are you? Some tart following after his riches, I suppose?"

Alistair pulled me behind him and snarled, "Lady Stormlight is no Tart; she's a duchess and current commander of the Grey!"

The woman blanched and I nodded, "Do you accept my offer? I don't like the thought of children suffering, so this is the last time I will offer."

She nodded mutely, so I counted out 15 gold coins. When she took the gold she gave me an awkward bow, "Th… thank you, my lady." She muttered. I nodded and we left.

Alistair stopped me outside, "Well that was… not what I was expecting. There at the start, I thought she was mad I was kept from her… I mean… this is the family I wondered about my whole life? That gold-digging shrew was supposed to be my sister? I'd feel like an idiot if I hadn't known going in that she would be like that…"

I chuckled, "Think of it this way – she could have conned you into promising to support them – you'd really have been an idiot then!"

He gave a rough laugh, "Yeah; suppose I would. Thank you… for standing by me."

"Anytime, love." I winked.