Chapter Twenty-Five

Orzammar

We had escorted Mother Roselle as far as the pass to Orlais. As a Chantry Mother, she would be free to pass the border with no trouble.

Halfway to Orzammar, we were ambushed by shrieks. The minute I stepped out of my tent, I was ticked off. I looked around, taking in the sight of the fucking things that dared disturb my rest. I shifted to dragon form and my people hauled ass to get out of the firing rage. When the shrieks were dead, I went to my saber cat form and huffed my way back into my tent. Alistair looked at me amused as I made him lay down first… I slept half on his chest in my fluffy form the rest of that night.

When we finally made it to the gates of Orzammar, I was annoyed that Imrek was there.

"Imrek; Stand down! Loghain has recalled you, something about the Wardens being sighted? He trusts you more than us, so we are here to swap places with you," Aedan himself called out. I kept my face carefully blank.

Aedan, myself, Zevran, and Aedans hound, Hero, were the ones to approach. It would be more believable than if our large group of various characters showed up.

Imrek straightened instantly. Aedan hadn't actually spoken with Loghain at Ostagar, unlike in the game, so Loghain was unaware which new recruits survived – after all, he had been focused on me. I had taped my ears down and had a hood up so that I wasn't so obviously the stand-out I usually was.

Imrek said, "Then I wish you more luck here than I've had. I'll make my way back to Denerim straight away."

The Dwarven Guard watched us wearily when we didn't immediately barrage him with demands to enter the city proper; instead we waited till Imrek was gone and then I gave a small whistle and Cinder flew off to gather the rest of our party. Said guard was pale – normal for those who lived underground – with black hair and an amazingly intricate beard that reached his mid-chest. His grey eyes told that he was over-worked and needed a break from the dog we had just shooed away. I was happy to note that Dwarves didn't reach any higher than 5 foot even… and that those ones were few and far between. This meant I would be several inches taller than the tallest of Dwarves!

The small town outside Orzammar was… well, it was a town. Homes, markets, stalls, restaurants… it didn't have that Alienage feel either, it felt like a proper little town. Once we were all grouped back up, we finally approached the Guard.

"Well, outsider, I must admit… your group certainly is different from that fool who's been barking to get in the last week."

I snorted. "Just wait till he finds out the Wardens are the ones who sent him back to his master… when he's meant to be looking for us to begin with. Dumbass," I snarked.

The Dwarf roared a laugh that was so loud, the guards on the inside of the massive door peaked out to find out what was going on. When they heard, they couldn't help but chuckle too.

"Regardless, I can't let you in. King Endrin is dead, and until the Assembly can pick a new king, my hands are tied."

I gave an amicable smile, "Nonsense, Salroka – you see, I have an ancient Treaty compelling aide from the Dwarves in times of blight. As it has the official seal, only the Assembly can deal with it… you let us in, we help the fight for a new king, and we get aid… it's a win for all of us," As I spoke Aedan handed over the mentioned treaty.

The Dwarf gave me the biggest smile as he looked up at me – that felt nice, since he was only 4'6 – and said, "If you were about a foot shorter I'd think you might have been a Deshyr. You're right, of course. I have to let you in, thanks to that little paper there. You help break the deadlock, and I'll follow you into battle myself, outsider."

"Well, I am on a Dwarven council – and I'm a duchess… politics come with the territory."

He looked at me sharply, "There's only two Dwarven Councils – and we don't know how Kal-Sharok conducts their politics."

"Well, I could tell you, but I'd have to kill you – a secretive bunch and highly honest and honorable. But I'm not from there. I come from different lands all together."

The reason I said it like that? There was a Kal-Sharok dwarf spying on Orzammars main gate. I didn't know why, and I didn't care. I knew he would report about me so I added, "My name is Lady Atarah Stormlight – Current Commander of the Grey, though I am not a Warden; the link between two worlds, as I am from Azeroth, and niece to the Speaker of Azeroth – Magni Bronzebeard, the Diamond Dwarf."

The Kal-Sharok Dwarf – disguised as a merchant – got close, "Can you prove that?"

I looked over my charm bracelet – quickly finding the little diamond and saying, "Magni – Dwarven Relationships strained, can I call on you?"

"Aye, Lass. I been meaning to talk to ye." Came the almost instant reply. I focused on the open link and opened a portal.

Magni stepped through, glittering in the early morning sun. I nodded my head respectfully, "Speaker. I can get into Orzammar, one of the two main Dwarven cities, but I needed to prove I'm not a liar."

He snorted, "You'd have been Champion of Azeroth if you weren't already claimed."

"I… what? Is this because I was claimed by the… being here?"

"It seems that way. Azeroth wanted you – not Inas. Inas was only chosen because you came as part of the deal."

I sighed, "So… my people were right."

Lyna laughed, "We did say that all those blessings seemed a bit… unusual for having your brother be chosen."

I stuck out my tongue. "Anyway Magni, thank you for the information. Do you require anything from me?"

"Not at the moment, lass. Family helps each-other, aye? Oh, Anduin sends his love."

I groaned, "Still not happening. I don't want to be his queen."

Magni chuckled, "Is that really the only reason?"

"No – ask him what I said to get the betrothal broken. Talk to you later, Magni." He nodded and headed right back through the portal. He was quicker to deal with than Inas was.

The dwarf at the door was gob-smacked. I looked at the Kal-Sharok dwarf with a wink, "Proof enough?"

He nodded, respectfully and went back to his merchant stall. The guard smiled, "The name's Faren – house Havver in the Warrior Caste. Any messenger can get to me if you ask. The Warden compound in the Diamond Quarter is available and stocked for use," he gave me a slight bow as he spoke.

I thought for a moment before turning to one of his… coworkers inside the door she was 4'4 with cropped black hair and brown eyes. "Pardon me, hun, but could I trouble you to take over for Faren? You see – all my wardens are too new to the wardens to have been here before. I can half navigate most Dwarven cities, but obviously this means none of us have been here before so… I'll need a bit of help getting around."

The woman I asked thought for a moment before nodding. "Faren just have Hildred report to post over here when you get to the Diamond Quarter. You can stick with the Wardens while they're here; we wouldn't want something to happen before we can get a new king."

Faren smirked at me, "By your leave, Sigge."

"Just how did you know Sigge was in charge?" he asked once we were far enough away.

"Oh… I didn't. I just figured if someone could cover your post you'd be able to show us the way… as I said, I've never been here and the actual wardens are too new to know their asses from their faces here without a candle, a map, and a guided tour," my words were met with protests from said wardens, but laughs from everyone else.

"Not me, Commander." Sereda said bitterly. Faren gave her a cursory glance before his eyes widened. "You brought the Kinslayer?"

"She was set up, though not by Bhelen like she thought. We recently discovered it was a scout working for Harrowmont. I will help prove that later." I said and Sereda played along. I saw several people watching us.

"And how did you discover that while on the surface?" he asked.

"You do not want to know. Really, it's not a pretty tale." Lyna piped in, pretending to look sick. Aedan continued the charade, "I never thought someone could be so… ugh."

Faren shrugged, "So then… do you just keep at least one person from everywhere in Thedas so you don't get lost?"

I smirked, "If I didn't get lost, I'd never find the valuable stuff."

"Well… then Thedas seems to be doomed." Faren noted.

"Not with her here – she's the one leading us and she doesn't seem to need much in the way of help," Aedan commented. I rolled my eyes, "I only really need one of you Wardens, Morrigan and Alistair – the rest of you are tag-along strays that I kept."

Morrigan snorted, "Me? Do you really need me?"

"Bitch, please – you know damn well that I need you, and why! Don't get petty and pretty confused," I winked. She smirked, "Can I not be both?"

"Well, I mean… sure – there's no rule against it, and it seems to work for you."

Faren was sniggering and said, "You got a strange group here."

"The Dynamic works though – Sten and Shale are the intimidation, Wynne is the group mother hen, Leliana keeps Aedan in line, Zevran is our resident poison master and Lyna keeps him from getting flirty, Morrigan is the one who distracts the idiots with her beauty and Daylen is the one who distracts her, Sereda has that whole… 'I'm broody and betrayed' look down, I'm the leader and Alistair is mine. The dogs are there to bite anyone who pisses me off, and the fire bird likes to fry people who piss me off."

"Wait – the only reason we're keeping Alistair is because he's yours?" Zevran laughed.

I chuckled and looked at my mate, "What other reason would there be?"

"… I don't know – I look fetching in a dress, I make a great distraction, I save you from the evil cheese?"

I laughed, "Yeah – I don't think anyone else has noticed that I'm lactose intolerant."

Aedan froze, "Wait… you're what?"

"Mild… allergy of sorts to the main form of milk here. Did you know that if you're intolerant to one form of milk, you won't be to the others? If I want cheese or milk, it has to be made from dairy that doesn't come from a druffalo."

"But you don't avoid dairy – not really. I've seen her eat cheese plenty!" Leliana giggled.

I nodded, "Those of us with the dreaded Lactose Intolerance will usually still consume the milks and cheeses… it just gives us a case of upset stomach if it's mild enough. Other symptoms can include bloating, abdominal cramping, gas and… diarrhea. I really only get the cramping. Lactose intolerance can be systematically 'fixed' by consuming the milk products anyway in low doses… or it can make it worse. It's a coin toss, really."

Faren looked fascinated, "I've never heard of such a thing."

"It's not all that rare – due to the way the symptoms manifest, most people might not even realize the cause of their issues. Some people may think they're bloated just because of a specific meal rather than a component."

"Is there a way to know for sure?" Wynne asked. Sten may not have been saying anything, but I knew he was keeping track of the information for the Qun.

"There are two types of Lactose Intolerance – Primary and Secondary. One is… essentially you're born with it – there is a lot of science in it. The other is that you develop it due to an illness or something later in life – that way is far rarer. As for testing… with what's currently available here, I'd say just avoid dairy for like… a month or two and see if you feel better."

"How bad can the… cramping get?" Leliana asked.

"Take a knife and stick in your gut three or four time – how bad does that pain feel?" I asked dead-pan.

Sten nodded, "There have been cases of something like that in the Qun – but we could never figure it out. This is something to test."

"Same thing for Gluten – wheat products, like bread, pasta and such. It has the same method of testing."

Sten nodded, "I will take this information to the Qun."

I smiled, "Good – it's a pain in the ass being intolerant but not outright allergic to something. People don't know what to look for so it gets overlooked. It can lead to a lot of problems."

"I can imagine…" Alistair nodded.

Faren commented, "Did you want to stop by the Shaperate to share that information…?"

"Why not? I like helping people."

We were already in the Diamond Quarter by now anyway.

A woman approached us, "Faren… aren't you supposed to be on gate duty?"

"Hildred! Sigge has reassigned me to guard this Lady here. Well, her exact orders were to guard the Wardens, Ancestors forbid something happen to them before they can break the deadlock, but since it was this one here who asked, I'm just gonna stay with her."

I held my hand out, "Hi – I'm Tara Stormlight. Sigge wanted you to head over to the gate…"

Hildred clasped my upper arm and gave me a firm shake before saying, "In that case, I'd better report to Sigge. Nice meeting you, my lady… keep your guard up around Faren though; he's a charmer."

I shrugged, "For one who isn't all that attractive… I'm used to it, actually. Too many suiters."

After a stop at the Shaperate – to inform them of intolerances and Broodmothers – we headed to the council chamber and talked to the Steward and moved over to Vartag… I had already made my choice, obviously.

Vartag looked me over, "Did I hear you tell the Steward that you're the Grey Wardens?"

"Well… not me – I just lead the lot, you know? Aedan, Alistair, Lyna, Daylen and Sereda are my Wardens."

The Dwarf was 4'5 with cropped black hair and a… short beard, oddly enough. He grinned, "In that case, Welcome to Orzammar. It's always a blessing to have the Order here."

I chuckled, "You want something from us – just plead your case."

He laughed, "Fair enough. I am Vartag Gavorn, top advisor to our good prince Bhelen. I hear you seek the aid of our finest warriors."

I nodded, "That I do – I have these treaties signed in the reign of Eithnar Bemot, 16 generations ago – I know he was a Paragon and king. But then, I also know that these lovely documents compel only the king of Orzammar to aid our cause… and there is no king right now… we also know it was Harrowmont who framed my lovely Sereda here – you should tell that to Bhelen, maybe he will investigate. Sereda is a Warden now, so not like she can come back."

Vartag looked stunned, "You are actually very well informed for an Elf – and for one so new to our politics as well. You're right, about most of it. No one wishes this fight over more than Bhelen – and worse is that while it rages, Orzammar can't spare any warriors to combat what may or may not be a new blight… scratch that – looking at what we've heard about what your group has done so far, there is no 'may or may not'; this is certainly a blight. You know as well as I that if Bhelen sent his men to aid you, Harrowmont would take the throne from under him – and I'll just say that…"

I cut him off, "I've already decided to help your cause, Vartag. You're right; Harrowmont is an incapable tyrant. Thing is, I know exactly what happened that day and as a bit of a Seer, I know what would happen if Harrowmont took the throne. Here's my offer – Bhelen will get the throne, but as soon as he does, he not only gives us our troops… Seredas' name needs to be cleared. I know the full truth."

Vartag was gaping at me, "… Follow me."

I smiled victoriously at my group, most of whom looked amused, and we all headed over to the palace. Vartag left us at the entrance to the Family wing and quickly entered the Royal Chambers.

When he came back out moments later, Bhelen was following him with a disbelieving look on his face.

I giggled, "You don't even believe I'm a seer, do you, Bhelen?"

He jerked and said, "Well… no."

"How is Rica? And your son, Endrin? Would you like details on what was said the morning of your… ahem, plan enactment?"

"… I haven't told anyone what we named our son…" he muttered, pale.

I nodded, "Will you agree to my terms, Bhelen?"

"I… Sereda?"

She glanced around, seeing people watching us, "I know it wasn't you Bhelen. The words you spoke that night; you got them from Harrowmont, right? We all played into his trap, and now he's set to lead the Dwarves to extinction. We'll help you get the throne."

He nodded hesitantly, "I'll get working on your… name cleared while you take care of those notes."

I held my hand out to Vartag, "Then I need you to give me the notes."

Vartag coughed, "I… hadn't quite mentioned them."

Bhelen looked curious, "Then what are the notes – a last test."

I chuckled, "You want me to bring them to Lady Dace and Lord Helmi – to sway their support. Promissory notes for specific deals."

He nodded and motioned to Vartag who handed me the notes. I placed them in my pack and looked at Faren, "To the Warden Compound! I'm exhausted and we have a long day tomorrow!"

Faren chuckled and off we went.

The next day, we waltzed into Tapsters' tavern… well, I say 'we' but really… no one but Wynne, Leli and Alistair wanted to come inside… at all.

I spotted a male with cropped brown hair, and a… short beard. I approached him.

"What are you looking at, Stranger?"

"Are you Ordel?" I asked.

His gaze grew suspicious, "I could be. What business… wait – you're that elf who knows a Diamond Dwarf. What brings you to me?"

"Your daughter will die if you do not take her back." I said softly. He flinched, "What? You think she'd die just to keep that thing? She knows what she has to do to come home. I never wanted her gone; just the little cur. Can't she see she'll have a better life if she got rid of it?"

"Oh, I suppose you could pretend your child never existed?"

Another flinch and he cleared his throat, "I've… been trying. It isn't nearly as easy as I had thought. Look, just tell her… we never meant to hurt her. It just seemed best that…" I could see him wavering.

"Ordel, I know the pain of a lost child. A mother hurts more – after carrying and loving that child from the start… it hurts so much more. Did you know mothers bond with their babies while they are in the womb? It's how a mothers' instinct happens."

He sighed, "Oh, just tell her to come home. Her mother and I are waiting for her – child and all." I smiled, "Leliana, you heard the man. Go find Zerlinda in Dust town – take Sereda and Sten with you to ward off the desperate. Tell the woman to come to the Tavern first. Her son is sick and I can heal him."

Without another word, Leliana smiled and left. Ordel looked stunned, "How sick?"

"I was serious when I said she'd die, Ordel. Her son caught ill a few nights past – if he died, she'd give up the will to live."

"Oh…"

"While we wait, I need to talk to Denek Helmi."

Ordel pointed to a strawberry blonde haired, beardless dwarf in the corner who was watching us. I nodded to Ordel and headed over. The Deshyr had 3 men around him.

He nodded as I approached, "Lord Denek Helmi, honored Deshyr of Orzammar and terrible disappointment to my esteemed mother… who doesn't like me spending time in the taverns." I sat across from him.

"Tell her you hear all the gossip before it reaches the Diamond Quarter from here. She might back off then. Or tell her you met the Wardens and got juicy gossip from them."

He smiled, "You understand. On the surface, there is no Caste system and it works just fine; am I right, My Lady?"

"Mmmh, quite the controversial opinion for one who is supporting a Traditionalist."

He snorted, "Quite right – seems you do know a thing or two."

"I have this promissory note here – but, funny thing is… it's exactly the same as this other one that's promising the land to House Dace. Correct me if I'm wrong, but… wouldn't that start a feud?"

He glanced at the paper, but didn't move to take it, "Typical. I didn't even want the land but my family would have exiled me if I didn't take it."

I nodded seriously, "Now they'll exile you if you don't switch your vote. It's a tough place to be; between a rock and a hard place. But I'll make it worth your while. I hear Red Lion pelts are prized here and I happen to have two dwarf sized coats. I'll give you one for your trouble." I had made them when I made myself two coats out of the second pelt Gorim had given me.

Helmi looked impressed, "Red Lions… I hear they're hard to kill. They're fast for their size and hunt in groups."

"The two pelts I got were from Lions separated from the herd. I have a set of Ceremonial gear made of the first pelt for the next King. I also had two Dwarf coats made; one for you and one for Dace. See, Bhelen has higher placed Allies who can actually deliver on our promises."

He stood so I did too, handing over one of the two coats. The man looked it over with a critical eye before nodding, "This is a fine gift – the crafting on it is exquisite. Having the fur turned in like that…"

"It's reversible, actually. You can turn it either way out and still have pockets and buttons in the right places."

"Fascinating. Who designed it?"

"I designed, crafted and boxed it myself."

He put the coat on, "Everyone will know that Bhelen has such a… desirable ally."

"Good doing buissness with you, Lord Helmi." I gave him a slight bow and he returned it. "Indeed it was."

Just after I talked to Oghren, Leli returned with Zerlinda, who looked nervous. The woman was 4'4 with long black hair that was dirty and knotted. Her eyes were a steel color and her skin, when not caked I dirt, was a pale pinkish white. I headed over to her and said, "Hello, Zerlinda. I am Lady Stormlight."

"I… I hear I have you to thank for…"

Ordel said, "Time for that later, girl – she says she can heal your boy."

Without hesitation, she handed her infant son to me. I held the tiny child and cooed to him as the Tavern watched. "You're going to be a fine man one day, aren't you?"

My finger glowed softly green as I cast detox then Lifebloom. In seconds, the child opened his soft grey eyes with a babbling coo. I smiled happily and muttered, "Ahkrin – courage – grows in your heart like a flower in the sun. May it always guide you true, little one."

I handed the child back to Zerlinda, who asked, "What was that word…"

"Ahkrin – it means Courage in the language of the Dragons."

She smiled, "I hadn't found a fitting name for him yet… perhaps that will do."

I chuckled, "It's a strong name. Take care, Zerlinda."

We headed toward the Diamond Quarter next, getting stopped by a cute Dwarven girl. She was 4'5 with braided bun of straw coloring and green eyes… Dagna.

"Ah – excuse me, um… I ah… do you… have a moment?"

I stopped and looked at her while the rest of the party watched us. "How can I help you, child?"

"You… look like you're not from around here."

I grinned, "Oh, you could say that."

"Oh, wonderful! I've been trying to find someone who really knows the surface world. I don't suppose you've heard of something called the 'Circle'?"

"Wynne is a senior Enchanter for the Circle of Magi – and I, myself, am a mage acquainted with the First Enchanter. Oh and Daylen is from the Circle too."

"Then I am truly honored! I've never met an actual mage. Is it true you can manipulate the forces of nature with your mind? Like… were you born with Lyrium in your veins?"

"Yes to the first question – no to the second. I was born with antlers and a few blessings from various gods. Would you like to feel?" I noticed people watching us at this point. She nodded excitedly so I knelt and bowed my head. Her hand came up hesitantly so Alistair touched my antler nubs and said, "They're here and here, just under the hair."

Dagna, seeing that one of my companions touched so freely, placed her hand on my head and softly stroked the nubs. "Oh… wow! Are all mages born with Antlers?"

"No – only druids, like me. We are in-tuned with nature, to the point we can become nature. Cats, bears, birds, sea creatures and even trees. I'm from another land entirely not part of Thedas. The magic there differs. Mages here are born with the ability to manipulate the fade – but you already know that, don't you?"

She nodded, "I've been trying to reach someone at the Circle for years. I've sent missives with every caravan, but I never got a reply. I want to know if they'd accept me for study."

"Irving would love that – you can stay at the Warden Compound until it's time for us to go. We will make a stop at the tower on our way back to Redcliff, so it's no trouble to take you there."

"You're sure he won't mind?"

"You'll live with the tranquil while you study. In fact, I know you'll be a great Arcanist one day."

Her face lit up, "Should I pack a bag, or…"

"If you think you need anything – honestly, the circle would use all the help they can get right now."

"Oh! Should I leave now?"

"I mean, if you want; but it isn't exactly safe. You'd also have to wait at the Spoiled Princess at the docks until we got there to take you in."

"Right… I can at least wait on the surface – my father would force a marriage to keep me here."

"Look for Bodahn Feddic and his son Sandal – tell them I'll pay them back when we come out of Orzammar." She nodded and took off.

Sten looked impassive as he asked, "Why?"

"I need her in 10 years. She can only help me if she's an Arcanist, like I said."

He nodded, and said no more.

Lady Dace was 4'5 with brown hair done in an elaborate braid with blue eyes. She say us approach and lifted an eyebrow, "What do you want? Oh… your hair… your that surfacer with ties to Dwarven nobles."

I smiled, "If you can call a former King a noble, yes. Magni is a sweetheart for a man made of Diamond. But you may wish to look at these papers… Harrowmont is playing hard and fast with your family's future."

"An interesting accusation… well… this isn't exactly a surface broadsheet. Where did you get these? Never mind… it's true enough. But this deal was made on behalf of our entire house; only my father can revoke it."

"Oh, I was looking forward to a trip in the Deeps – got a signet I can use to get in there?"

She laughed, "Here's my ring. My father was looking around the Aeducan Thaig – I see Sereda is with you, so she can lead you there. Oh, speaking of… Sereda, the news was just announced an hour past. They caught the man who set you up! A scout that was with you that day. He admitted to everyone he was working with Harrowmont before he committed suicide in shame. You've been reentered to the memories and restored full honors."

Sereda looked relieved, "I'm glad. Maybe once the blight is over I can return home to help with the Darkspawn problems."

"We'll be off now, Lady Dace. I'll be leaving a few of mine at the Warden Compound if you need anything."

We headed over to the compound to refresh ourselves. I looked at the group, "Okay – our group is way too big for a quick rescue mission. I will take Alistair, Sereda, Sten, Shale and Daylen. With just the 6 of us, we should be in, out and done in less than 2 days since Aeducan Thaig is so close to Orzammar proper."

"That group is unbalanced, Lethallan. You classed us all as Warrior, Mage or Rogue and said it should always be paired to have a rounded group of each."

"Good call, Lyna, but one thing you are forgetting here. Sereda and I both have Rogue training – hell, I'm a fucking assassin; it doesn't get more Rogue than that. Sereda is our point guide here; Shale will be taking read guard. Alistair will have left flank and Sten will have right. Daylen will be centered as the most… squishy of the group. As for me, I will be flitting from one point to another to ensure things stay balanced."

"… You should still take a rogue." Leliana pointed out. I chuckled, "Okay – fine. I need to leave Lyna as my second; she'd kill me if Zev got the taint and I can't guarantee the joining or Detox – what if I get knocked out? Aedan is a close range rogue with those daggers but I have 4 close range people already so someone is bound to get hit with friendly fire. Leliana, I guess that leaves you. You're highly resistant to the taint anyway and you're an archer."

She nodded, "That brings the group to 7."

"A lucky number back on Earth. On Nirn 9 was the lucky number."

Alistair grinned, "What was your choice process on bringing all the Warriors?"

"Sereda was a given as a guide. You were a given because… well, I like sex." He flushed bright red as the others all laughed. "Sten and Shale could make paste out of any enemy we face… as for Daylen; I thought a mage would be proper."

"You are only taking Alistair for… sex?" Sereda asked amused.

"Well… mostly. The other reason is that he's good at getting the aggro off me – if something wants to take a bite of me, he jumps in so fast I get whiplash."

I had to explain Aggro – aggression – and whiplash. Aedan snorted, "Of course he'd take the 'Aggro' for you… if you die, we're all kind of fucked, aren't we? Plus, it helps he's in love with you."

I nodded, "It's a good reason for me to keep him alive – I love him too."

Alistair was grinning like a fool.

"Alright – I want my A team getting prepped to leave. You all have one hour before we go."

They all moved at once – other than Shale; she didn't need anything.