Chapter Twenty-Two

Ash and Dust

(A/N: Would you look at that? MORE SMUT)

We made a fast stop in Redcliff to grab Mother Roselle – and I told her that some things I would do, she wasn't going to like… but she needed to play along for the moment.

When we finally made it to Haven, I was impressed. It was so large – larger than Redcliff Village, even. I was flying just above the group – I had convinced them it was a good idea, though I actually wasn't sure myself.

The guard at the gate was staring at me slack-jawed.

I landed at the front of the group and fluttered my wings – but I kept them out. I gave the guard a light smile and he coughed, "What are… who are you?"

"You may call me Ebris." I responded softly.

"Ebris… like… no way…" he muttered before looking at me again, "There is nothing for you here."

"Oh? Do you not keep my mother on that mountain, friend? Reborn though she may be, I would still be her daughter." I remarked with a sly grin – I wasn't outright saying anything; let them draw conclusions from my words. I heard Alistair cough and felt Aedans amusement – I hadn't told them what I would be doing.

It helped, I think, that I was not carrying my own bag. But the guard still glared at me and said, "Prove it."

"I could turn into a dragon – as you've seen with my wings…"

My group instantly began backing away – none of them had seen my Dragon form, and somehow only just managed to get far enough away. The guard nodded, "Yeah, sure – you turn into a dragon, and I'll take you to see… our leader."

I shifted – the process taking less than a second. My gleaming crimson scales looked to be dripping with fresh blood as the sun caught them. I noticed many people staring at me from the village. I looked down at the guard who said, "This way, My Lady. And of course, your companions are welcomed."

I shifted back just as I caught sight of a woman running to the chantry… I decided to keep my wings out.

Alistair put his arm around me and whispered, "Why aren't we just… killing them? You said we would have to?"

I gave a playful smile, making people thing I was flirting with Alistair, "Because I want them all gathered in one place first – don't you see that all the villagers are following us after my display? Elune says that your maker doesn't approve of these fanatics worshiping a Dragon."

I pulled him in to a quick kiss and he gave me a smile. Roselle looked a bit upset – I knew she didn't approve of my relationship with Alistair when I was 'promised' to Cullen. Not to mention, she didn't like me calling myself Andrastes' daughter.

I knew my action was realized by our… watchers. We got to the Chantry just in time to hear, "We are blessed beyond measure. We are chosen by the Holy and Beloved to be Her guardians. This sacred duty is given to us alone; rejoice my brethren, and prepare your hearts to receive her." Father Eirik looked up and saw us approaching – surprise registered on his face when he saw my wings and that one of his own was leading us.

I was impressed by the fact that the Chantry was large enough to hold everyone from the Village – tough it looked as though all the kids had been told to stay home – I was sure at least one adult was with them.

Eirik spoke again, "I had heard we had a Visitor heading this way. I trust you've been welcomed?"

I gave a serene look, "Your people have been most accommodating, Father."

"I hear your name is Ebris?"

I chuckled, "All this fuss over little ol' me? I'm flattered." Then, in a move so quick that it couldn't have been tracked by the human eye, I cast sunfire – making sure to shield my people.

Only father Eirik was left alive; and only because I intended to question him.

"What is the meaning of this?" he shouted. I smiled coldly, "The maker does not approve of your worship of a false Andraste, Eirik. The Prophetess rests at the Makers' side – and there she will stay. If anyone was to be reborn, it would have been her followers or her daughters – not the ones who didn't deserve it, but the ones who were deemed worthy of the honor. Are you people so stupid as to believe he would send the woman he loved back here?"

Mother Roselle nodded, "That is the stance of the Chantry as well."

Eirik paled, "Who… who are you?"

I lifted an eyebrow as I folded my wings away, "I am a woman from a different world – one who is blessed by a goddess. I suggest you use your breath to pray for forgiveness, Eirik. Tell me, is there anyone watching the Children?"

He flinched – I knew what he was thinking – and sighed as he said, "It was Edward and Richards' turn to…"

"Good – I will not leave children defenseless with no way to survive." The man looked relieved and closed his eyes as I drew my Dread Wolf dagger from my belt and killed him.

I took the strange 'amulet' from around the dead mans' neck and we headed over to the wall. Sten commented, "An interesting strategy, Kadan – infiltrate to round them up and kill them all at once. You used their own beliefs against them."

"Yeah – people will believe almost anything if it aligns with what they already believe."

Sten nodded, "That is something the Qun has learned as well. Though we do not use infiltration much because it is seen as lesser or cowardly. I have never seen it used in such a way however."

Roselle looked a little green at that.

That's when I found the switch to open the wall – I twisted the torch holder 90 degrees to the right and the wall slid open. We approached Genitivi.

The scholar was on the floor, his leg bent at an odd angle. Genitivi was only about 5'9 with balding grey hair, pale skin that looked almost transparent and heterochromia – one eye was brown and the other was green. He spoke in a tired voice, "Who… are you? Have they sent… you to… finish me off?"

He groaned in pain before looking at me closely, "You're… not one of… them… thank the… Maker."

He was panting and it seemed like each word was an effort to say. He was covered in blood and his face was clammy. I didn't even comment just motioned to Wynne to help me set the leg. Genitivi was watching me – and only me. I gave him a glance once he was patched up.

"You're Brother Genitivi, right?"

"Yes – thank you for the aid."

"Thank the maker!" Roselle cried; Genitivi looked amused at that, but said nothing to her for the moment.

I nodded, "Sorry to be the one to tell you this – Weylon is dead. A Haven resident killed him and took his place so he could send anyone looking for you to their death."

Genitivi looked sad, "Weylon was a good lad – I'll see to it he's honored as such. But I don't have time to rest now – the urn is just up the mountain."

"Good – Arl Eamon was poisoned so we need a pinch to cure him."

He snorted, "Politics; never did anyone any good. The Arl is a noble soul – the ashes would surely cure him."

I held up the 'amulet' and asked, "Do you know how to work this key? If not, I'll leave you here to rest while we go up the mountain ourselves."

He nodded, "I… do know how. It's ancient Tevinter mechanics." I nodded and motioned to Sten, "Sten, can you carry him or do I need to?"

"I will do it."

I was glad I already knew how to get to the temple – both from the third game, and my visions.

"Here we are – thank you, Sten, I can hold myself up against the walls here. Give me the medallion and I will shape it." Genitivi said. Sten put him down and I handed over the amulet.

We entered the temple with no more fuss.

I was amazed to find that, unlike in the game, the Temple was in perfect condition… so far. The Temple looked new, and had a warm feeling that could only be described as coming home. There were many carvings on the walls, and more than just the four passages shown in the game. There was no snow or broken scaffoldings or… it looked like a genuine Temple – and I was sure the Disciples had been doing the upkeep on the Temple since the start.

As we walked – having left Genitivi by the entrance to study the paintings on the walls – I admired the temple. Without realizing what I was doing, I took a side hall. The Library! I froze for a moment before allowing my instincts to guide me – I wasn't even sure why I had come this way.

I searched around, finding the 'Ancient Encrypted Scrolls' knowing exactly what they were – I handed them to Leli for safe-keeping. "But what are they?"

"I plan to give them to the Linguist working at the Denerim Chantry. It's part of a forgotten verse in the Chant of Light."

Roselle gaped, "I'd rather send them to the Cathedral…"

"Only if you are taking them yourself. The mother in Denerim can actually translate them, so it just makes sense to give them to her."

"Oh… that's true, I suppose."

Leli placed them reverently in a box before placing them in her bag. We continued on – I had Shale smash the door to the room that held the Key for the main chamber; the noise attracting the attention of the cultists. They were… easily dispatched.

"I thought you didn't believe in the maker?" Morrigan asked. Everyone was listening. I sighed, "I don't worship the maker – but I know he exists. So do the Elven Creators – but I don't worship them either. To be frank… I've met so many gods and goddesses that I have a hard time adhering to just one religion. I take each one with a grain of salt these days."

Around the time we had cleared our way to the caverns that had been added on to the Temple as living space for the Cultists and younger dragons; I was ready to call it a night. We made camp in a room just off the side of the one that led into the caverns.

Shale had finally given out her nicknames… mostly. Morrigan the Swamp Witch, Wynne was the Elder Mage, Zevran was the Painted Elf, Leli was the Sister, Sten was the Qunari, the Mabari were both 'Dog' – Shana was Dog 1 and Hero was Dog 2. Daylen was Male Witch, Lyna was the Painted Warden, Alistair was Whiney One, Aedan was given the call sign of Brother – since he was with the Sister – and Sereda was called the Dwarf. She didn't seem to have one for me or Roselle.

Speaking of Shale, she was the first to speak, "I heard the Beast knows how Golems are made? I wish to know."

I blinked. "Oh… I'm sorry, Shale – you really won't believe me if I tell you… not until we meet Caridin I the Deeps, anyway. I can tell you, but…"

"… I still wish to know, will it tell me?" I smiled and pulled out the pet rock I had made for her and said, "Of course, Shale. This is for you, though – its name is Onyx…" I was flushed and really hoping she didn't take offence to the pet 'rock'. It was actually made of a large chunk of Onyx I had found in the Brecillian Forest. I had carved a spot to put two rubies for eyes before painting a white mouth on it.

I noticed the looks everyone was giving me. Shale reached out and took it, bringing it closer to her face to examine it – though it was as big as her hand. "Oooh shiny. I like shiny things."

"I… wasn't sure what to get you – I like giving people gifts and… well…"

"I will accept this. Now, my question…"

"Fine; but don't interrupt until the end. Golems were crafted from either stone or metal by Paragon Caridin on the Anvil of the Void that now resides in Bownammar – a place now known as the City of the Dead – it used to be the Headquarters for the Legion of the Dead; the city has been reclaimed and lost many times. And the Legion still bury their dead there if one falls close enough to the city. Actually, Caridin built Bownammar as well – before he built the Anvil, even. Golems… the first Golem was created in about 225 Ancient – more than 1000 years ago – they were made to combat the Darkspawn that threatened the world during the first blight." I saw the faces around me filled with interest – it wouldn't last.

"But you must understand – only a true god can create new life from nothing… he had to use Dwarven volunteers. The process involves dressing the volunteer in armor the size of the golem, then pouring molten Lyrium through the eye holes, mouth hole, and joints of the armor. Before it cools, the armor is hammered and shaped to perfection – it sounds quite painful, actually. Then magic was used to animate the golems in a process similar to animating a corpse or some such. Enchanted control rods are used to turn the golems into perfectly obedient soldiers, at the cost of their free will. However if a golem lacks a control rod it retains its free will and perhaps its former personality returns as well." Disbelief now colored several faces. Taking away a persons' free will was slavery.

"There was no lack for willing participants in the beginning – the golems were winning – but the wretch of King back then – King Valtor – started forcing criminals, castles and political enemies to the forge. Caridin refused to create any more golems after only six years of continuous production. In response to Caridins… disobedience, King Valtor ordered for Caridin to be turned into a golem – to be as compliant as the rest of them. But Caridins apprentices didn't know how to properly create a control rod, so Caridin kept his own mind and free will and fled with his loyalists and the Anvil into the Deep Roads – to Bownammar, as I said. He hasn't been seen or heard from since."

"What it said is… quite elaborate." Shale commented.

I shrugged, "You asked."

Leliana giggled, "Tara, you do have a flare for telling stories – even if they are true. The way you told us of your past, the Broodmothers, and now the Golems. You would be a wonderful minstrel or even a bard with your skill."

I rolled my eyes, "What are you buttering me up for?"

"Buttering you up? What does that mean?"

"To flatter someone excessive with the purpose of asking a favor." I smirked. She flushed, "I have been found out, it seems… I was hoping you would sing for us again."

"Since it's not my turn to cook, fine."

Shale shifted, "You say we will meet this Caridin?"

"He was your former commander and you stood beside him in his attempts to hide the Anvil."

"Wait! So Shale is over 1000 years old?!" Aedan exclaimed. I glared at him, "No, she's obviously 30." Alistair snorted at the sarcasm that dripped from my voice. Even Shale harrumphed at Aedans words – I'd already said that no new golems had been created in that amount of time…

As we sat around the fire, I pulled out my magic speaker and shoved mana into it. The song I chose was We Live – Superchick.

There's a cross on the side of the road

Where a mother lost a son

How could she know that the morning he left

Would be their last time she'd trade with him for a little more time

So she could say she loved him one last time

And hold him tight

But with life we never know

When we're coming up to the end of the road

So what do we do then?

With tragedy around the bend?

The next day, we fought our way through winding tunnels and cavernous rooms – we collected the Drake Scales, killed every cultist we could find and finally made our way to Kolgrim.

"Stop! You will go no further!" the man shouted. He was 6'1 with dark, chocolate colored skin, black hair that was slightly curly, and grey-brown eyes… why was a villain so good looking? Not. Fair.

I snorted and moved my way to the front of the group, wings out and bow ready.

"The righteous do not fear death, hmm? You have defiled the Temple of Andraste, Kolgrim, and you dare to worship a false Andraste? I may only be here for the Ashes, but you make a mockery of what you claim to worship!" I snarled. He paled as my wings flared – the scales and hide drawing plenty of attention. I drew my bow taunt, "Tell me why I shouldn't kill you where you stand?"

"F… false…?"

"Are you simple? Shall I show you what a real dragon looks like? 3 seconds, before I kill you on principle!"

"A real… dragon?" he flinched. "If… I will take your words to – ack!" I loosed the arrow as soon as the three seconds were up. Roselle looked ill – but she knew there would be death on this path.

Aedan looked at me amused, "Why are you so angry? You don't worship…"

"Heretics that kill indiscriminately and decide to keep what they think is a religious miracle a secret… make me mad."

Alistair hugged me while nodding. I sighed, "Let's go kill the Dragon, yeah? I just need to grab the summoners' horn…" I knelt and grabbed what looked like a carved dragon horn from Kolgrims body.

Getting outside I had us all place our packs and loose things on the ground near the temple door. I glanced at them all and said, "Here's how this will work – I'm going to call the Dragon. Just as we engage the bitch, I am going to shift. I am spoiling for a fight right now. Wynne, Daylen – if it looks like I need healing, go for it. My blessing only activates outside of combat so… yeah. And Sten, I'm not going to keep you from the fight, just watch out for me."

He nodded with a small smirk o his lips – creepy, since he was so impassive all the time.

I received nods and affirmative grunts. We walked to the center of the path and I blew the horn before quickly taking Dragon form. The moment the Dragon landed, I attacked.

I was unfortunately caught off guard by a shout behind me and the dragon sank her teeth into my shoulder. I roared in pain and clamped my muzzle onto her forearm. I was furious that this bitch dared to draw blood… I didn't even think on the consequences that her blood would have on me as I ripped a chunk of her flesh out.

It was over soon enough – and the others got to watch what happened when a Dovahkiin was around a fresh kill… I gasped as I felt her knowledge settle into my brain.

"What… was that?" Alistair asked.

"That was the power of the Dragonborn. I just absorbed her soul – and with it, her knowledge. The language of the Dovah here was once similar to what was on Nirn, it seems… but they've devolved since then. This one… she knew little – rather sheltered. But I did get one thing from it… this girls blood is potent. Alistair, I need you to drink a vial."

"I beg your pardon?" he flushed.

"Oh come on – you already know you have Dragon bloodlines, this will help you boost that. Believe me, you need it. All you need is a small amount. Sten, I know you want to take some – I will get us both a few flasks full and spell them for freshness as soon as Alistair does what I asked."

The giant crossed his arms and looked at the former Templar. Roselle was gaping at me – still processing the soul absorption.

"That was cruel – you are using Sten to achieve your goal, Bella…" Zev looked amused.

"Did you know I was the number one torturer when I was an assassin, Zev? Oh, I could make a mute sing tunes in tongues they never knew… keep taunting me and you'll get to see it firsthand."

He paled and nodded, "And… were you merciful with your kills?"

"Mostly. Sometimes, we got a contract for people like Loghain or worse… if they were evil to such a degree that I found it necessary, I'd find slow ways to kill them. My favorite was having someone swallow glass or… well, if it was a man who molested children, I'd have a lot more fun with it."

Leliana nodded, "Child molesters do not deserve a swift death."

Morrigan even agreed, and so did Sten.

Once Alistair had drank the vial of blood, I got to work draining 4 flasks worth of blood and setting a fresh spell on the sealed containers. My 2 flasks went in my void storage and handed Sten his. He nodded to me, "You have my thanks, Ataashi."

"Make camp – and someone break down that carcass. I promised my fake uncle Dragon hide and scales… besides, Dragon meat makes good stew."

Sten got to work on the Dragon as the others all made camp. I sat with my head in my hands.

"Something wrong, love?"

I glanced at Alistair, "Not really – just… the Dragons here are such simple creatures at a glance, but so complex inside. I'm still processing her knowledge. The little ones we killed and the drakes… they were all her brood, but she was forced to have them. She didn't feel safe among the Cultists – she was sort of… shackled. But she had her brood here so she couldn't leave. They were bleeding her often for the power that Dragon Blood grants. Her death was a kindness."

He looked stunned, "I never realized…"

"No one would – no one who isn't a Dragon. I need a drink or sex to get my mind off this."

Lyna snorted, "We have no alcohol, Commander."

I glanced at Alistair with a smirk, "Looks like you get the job of helping me clear my mind."

He flushed, "I… well… it wouldn't be such a difficult job…"

I laughed, "Good to hear, my love."

Of course, I was the one to cook the Dragon meat stew… and after, I dragged Alistair to our tent.

"Makers' Breath… you know, I love you." He said as he held me to his chest. I hummed, "I love you too."

"No… I mean… when this is all over, I think I'll have trouble letting you go."

"I know what you mean, hun… but I'd have to be your mistress and that's just… not something I can do. Not to mention, there's Cullen."

He kissed along my jaw, "I know… and it will kill me to let you go when that time comes…"

I gasped as he nipped at my neck, "Oh… I won't want to leave you either, Alistair – but it must be done."

He growled, "Then we make the most of it."

I whimpered as his hands came around me – one at the waist and one in my hair. His lips descended on mine and I groaned against him. It wasn't long before we were naked on the bedroll.

I whimpered against his lips and said, "I… oh damn… I want… to do… something."

He gave me a mischievous look and asked, "What would that be, love?"

I felt my back arch as two of his fingers slid into me and his thumb took a spot rubbing my clit. "How do… you feel… about… sex magic?" I gave a smirk at his gasp. "What is sex magic?"

I cried out when his nail grazed my clit and my hand gripped his arm. "Something unique… to partnering with… a mage, of course. Would you… let me… try it?"

His eyes were hooded as he watched my reactions to his… playing. He nodded, "Okay – I'm curious enough, at least."

He removed his fingers from within me and I caught his hand before he could bring it to his own mouth. I gave him a look as I sucked the fingers into my own mouth. He groaned, "You have no idea how sexy that is…"

I laughed softly, "Why do you think I do it, vhenan?" I gently gave him a push as his eyes widened. I didn't bother to explain the endearment.

I straddled him and leaned in so my face was close to his neck. I used frost with my breath and blew lightly against his neck. His breath caught before he let out another groan, "What… what do you plan to…?"

I sat up and positioned myself so that he was lined up with my entrance, "Do you want me, my love?" I asked as I raked my nails across his chest. I sent light jolts of electricity though my fingers. He was panting as he said, "More than anything. Makers' Breath, you're going to kill me."

My eyes were twinkling with humor as I lowered myself onto his length. My head tipped back and I whimpered in pleasure, "Alistair…"

His hands moved to my hips, his nails lightly digging in to my flesh. He moved one of those hands to play with me once more. My rhythm faltered and he took advantage of that to turn us over. My eyes met his as he began moving within me while still playing with my clit. I whimpered again, sending more magic through my hands to heat and chill while they roamed his body.

He was panting and I knew – this time, neither of us would last very long. We tortured each other relentlessly and I felt my peak draw so close; but just before I crested that wave, he removed his hand with a look of evil satisfaction. I groaned, "Please, Vhenan… please… I'm so close – I need… fuck…" I was pleading – and I knew it was what he wanted.

"Tell me, my love – tell me what it is you want." That was new – I never expected dirty talk from the more innocent man.

"I… I need it… harder… faster…" my nails dug into his ass in an attempt to push him into doing just that. He nipped at my neck and said, "As My Lady wishes…" before his thrusting became fevered – the hand that had once played with me was now slid beneath my arm to hold onto my shoulder – pulling me to him with each thrust. I reached my unrestrained hand up to grab a pillow to bite into.

He was panting as his rhythm faltered when I screamed into the pillow. My inner walls clenching around him, causing his own release. When he collapsed beside me, he tucked me into his chest. "That was… intense." He muttered.

I giggled, "Yeah… I especially like the part where you decided to talk dirty with me – or at least… take charge."

He flushed, "I… I noticed you enjoyed when I was more… demanding…"

"Oh, I love it, Alistair. Now, get some sleep – we'll be leaving in the morning." He smiled softly at me and kissed my head as we drifted off to sleep.