Chapter Twenty-Nine

Heading Back

Later, in the Palace throne room, Bhelen spoke to me. "You have proven yourself and more, Paragon Silverlight. Without your aid, I would not have taken the Throne so easily or so soon."

"You will be a strong King – and Prince Alistair is already promising support to fight back the Spawn after the blight to honor your sisters' contribution in the war."

"Indeed."

"I name Rica Brosca to my house, Bhelen. Her sister was part of my unit – and any families of my people are family to me."

He looked happy as he nodded, "That's perfect, actually. Just inform the Shaper before you go back to the Surface."

We headed over to the Shaperate and spoke to the Shaper; naming Rica to my family as well as Natia posthumously. We also gave over the Legion evidence, the two rubbings of Volunteers and gave Orta the Ortan Records – Caridin was happy that I helped his former house. I did ask about the Chantry permission – but even he could tell I wasn't trying too hard, so he said no. I nodded and left without arguing further. I told Leli the Shaper did not wish to enroot a new religion while there was turmoil in Orzammar – that perhaps I the future, but not now.

We left not long after that – though several others wanted to pledge to my house… I accepted a total of 5: Rica, Natia, Zerlinda and her son, and one other – a male from the smith caste. I left Rica in charge while I was on the Surface – and when she married Bhelen, Zerlinda would take over. I also retrieved Lelis' new pet Shmooples – she loved it.

Getting back to Redcliff marked the passing of my birthday – though the others only found out because Inas called. not to mentio we'd detoured to the Tower for Dagna.

We had made it back to Redcliff, and Eamon looked like he had swallowed a whole lemon when everyone seemed to trip over themselves to make me feel welcome… his servents liked me better and everyone in our group was acting like I was a queen, not a Commander. I was showing Eamon and Isolde the 'respect' due their station, but it swiftly became obvious to us all that the Arl did not like me. Gee, I wonder why?

Our march to Denerim was quite dull… for the most part. As the one we were putting forth as king, Alistair was forced to ride a horse on our trek. He had been given a Male Amaranthine Charger– black in color with green eyes and had the arrogance of a Stallion… thankfully the horse, named Charger, had taken an instant liking to both Alistair and myself.

Teagan had insisted that I also be given a Mount since I was a noble both in my world and this one as a Dwarven Paragon, so Master Dennet found me a beautiful Albino Mare… an Imperial Warmblood he told me. The mare hadn't even allowed anyone near her other than Dennet since he got her last year, so when we were in the Stables to get me a mount and she nickered and allowed me to pet her… he'd been stunned.

Imperial Warmbloods were imposing horses, and like Mabari made life-long attachments. They usually were reserved for royalty or nobility since they were descended from the height of the Tevinter Imperium; hence the name. Arl Eamons horse master had acquired her in hopes that she might take a liking to one of the Arls Family. She was only just old enough to have a rider, and hadn't responded well to the name they'd chosen for her; Grace.

I smiled at her and cooed, "You're not a 'Grace' kind of girl, are you? No, I think the name 'Spirit' suits you best… what do you think?" she had nickered and allowed me to feed her an apple, so that was that.

Isolde had been bitter that 'Grace' had chosen me, so I handed over 10 golden coins to master Dennet in compensation. Once a Warmblood like Spirit chose someone, there was no going back.

Eamon kept making snide remarks about Alistair and I sharing a tent, and about 3 days before we reached Denerim, I snapped.

"Your Grace, while it truly is none of your business who his Majesty takes as a mistress, if it will help to ease your mind, why don't we take a vote?" my words had caused a commotion among the guards and my group. Alistair looked ready to throttle Eamon – and he wasn't the only one.

"What do you mean, my lady?" Eamon sneered. "All of you who think Eamon should mind his own business on this matter raise your hands!"

A great deal of hands rose to the air, including those who were part of the Arls group. "Okay! Now, keep your hand up if you think Alistair having a Mistress is perfectly fine,"

Even those in my group kept their hands raised. "Good – now Eamon; I believe I told you I plan to go my separate way after the Blight. Yet, for some gods-awful reason, you just can't seem to help belittling me. If you are to continue this line of action, I'm afraid I will have to challenge you or your chosen champion to a duel. Do I make myself clear? I am letting you off easy for Alistairs' sake, not yours."

"Easy? You just threatened me!"

Everyone froze – everyone other than Eamon and I. I gave him a twisted smirk, "Oh Eamon, Eamon, Eamon – did no one tell you of my past? You are threatening the Listener of the Dark Brotherhood. I am the woman the assassins come to for their contracts – the woman they listen to above all else. I am the shadows in the corner of your vision; I am the last thing people see when they've pissed off the wrong person… I am the thing that goes bump in the night. You get on the wrong side of me and you can only wish you were a contract."

He had paled at the mention of assassins. Teagan coughed, "Please, forgive my brother… we kind of need him."

I glanced at the bann as I heard Swiftrunner barking a laugh. "For you and Alistair, I will let him live – this time. But I'm serious, Teagan; keep him from insulting me further or I will duel him. As a Duchess, a Paragon or just an Elf – I don't give a damn what excuse I use, he will lose. Keep him in line."

He bowed to me, "Of course, my lady – as you say."

I turned on my heel and Alistair said, "You know any cheesy dishes?"

I chuckled, "Yeah – I'll make you one, my love."

Swiftrunner came over with Silverclaw, "An assassin, huh? That might explain a few things."

I nodded, "Yeah – it might. Like how I seem to vanish from right in front of you the minute you finish talking with me even in the daylight. Or how I seem so at home with a pet assassin in my group."

"I was more thinking the descriptive ways of torture and violence over the last week of travel, but that works too."

I flushed, "What can I say – Eamon really brings that out in me."

Silverclaw grinned, "I've learned quite a bit from your little talks, Alpha."

I smiled, "Then it wasn't a waste, Beta. Would your pack like to join us for cheesy noodles? Alistair is obsessed with Cheese so…"

Swiftrunner gave a loud bark and his pack moved over at once – the humans all watching in stunned silence.

In Denerim, most of our people were put up in barracks or the Pearl or various inns – but the Arls family and my immediate group of people were in the Arl of Redcliff's estate. Once everyone was settled, I looked at Alistair, "Care to take a walk in the Market with me? I have a faux uncle to visit."

He laughed, "I'd be honored to escort you, my Lady."

We headed over to Wades emporium. Herren recognized Alistair at once, and my voice.

"What… how do you look so different?" he asked.

"Magic. This is how I've always looked, actually. Before, I was in disguise – Loghain has quite the bounty on my capture. Here are the 100 sovereigns I promised you. And this box contains High Dragon Scales and hide – as well as Drake scales and hide – for Wade."

They thanked me and we left again. By the time we returned to the Arls estate, Anoras elven lady was there.

I was called into Eamons office – of course Alistair and Teagan were refusing to leave us alone together so they were both there too.

Eamon saw me with his brother and Alistair and ground his teeth, "Ah, commander; I trust you've made yourself comfortable."

"Oh, yes – it seems you've given me your nicest guest room."

I saw surprise in his face, though he hid it quickly – guess that room wasn't supposed to be mine… just Alistairs. Hehe.

He recovered and said, "Good. Because this is likely to be your last rest for a while. This is Erlina, she's…"

The woman cut him off. She was 5'4 with black hair in an elegant bun, blue eyes and an Orlesian accent. "I am Queen Anoras' handmaiden. She sent me here to ask for your help."

Eamon sighed, "Or perhaps the lady prefers to speak for herself."

Erlina looked a little uncomfortable – thankfully Eamon decided to conceal the news of Alistair being named heir until the Landsmeet, so Erlina – and by extension, Anora – wouldn't know. "The Queen, she is in a difficult position. She loved her husband, no? And trusted her father to protect him. When he returns with no king and only dark rumors, what is she to think? She worries, no? But when she tries to speak with him, he does not answer. He tells her 'not to trouble herself'."

Alistair spoke up, "Are you saying the Queen finally believes that Loghain killed Cailan?"

Erlina shrugged delicately, "My Queen suspects she can no longer trust her father. And Loghain, he is very subtle, no? But Rendon Howe is privy to all the secrets and… not so subtle." I heard Alistair groan softly as he caught the meaning.

Erlina continued, "So she goes to Howe. A visit from the Queen to the new Arl of Denerim is only a matter of courtesy; and she demands answers. He calls her every sort of name, 'traitor' being the kindest, and locks her in a guest room."

I gave a look, "She has her own soldiers – let them free her." Eamon shot me a dirty look.

Erlina looked startled and replied, "If the palace guards besiege Howes' estate, my lady will certainly be killed before they can reach her. I think… er life is in danger. I heard Howe say that she would be a greater Ally dead than alive. Especially if her death could be blamed on Arl Eamon."

Eamon looked slightly scared before he masked it. "Oh I doubt Loghain would kill his own daughter to frame Eamon; after all, she is the reason he betrayed Cailan. Cailan was going to put her aside, after all."

Erlina froze. Eamon sighed, "We may have no choice but to trust Anora. The queen is well-loved – and it may be only Howe who is planning her death, not Loghain. But if they succeed in pinning her death on me… well, I'm not sure that is a risk we can afford to take."

I sighed, "Very well, Erlina. We will meet you at the Arl of Denerims' estate in… lets' say 3 hours. I need to eat before we head out."

Erlina looked displeased that I was putting what she thought was selfish desires over her queens needs and Eamon looked ready to say something too. Alistair piped in, "Right – can't have you passing out. Your illness makes regular meals a priority, after all."

Both were stunned. Eamon was the one to ask, "Illness?"

"Oh… I spent time as a sex slave and was starved for years. This caused me to need meals regularly to keep my blood sugars up. If I don't eat enough, I could potentially die much sooner than a normal, healthy person would."

Teagan said, "It's why we are so consistent with getting the Duchess to eat often."

Erlina looked me over again, "Duchess?"

"Duchess of Northshire; it's a place near Stormwind, the kings' city in Azeroth. Oh, Teagan – did I tell you I finally got King Anduin to break the betrothal to me?"

"Your king did seem to want you… how did you do it?" Teagan played along.

"I told him I'd marry a farmer if he didn't – he can't force me while I'm here in Thedas."

Erlina looked sick, "You were… betrothed to your king?"

"Sadly, yes. Now I'm set to marry a Templar, have the blessing of your Divine to live outside the Circles, and was named a Paragon I Orzammar."

Erlina asked, "You are… a mage Duchess?"

"And the King is a Priest. Now, I need to eat and we will meet at the Estate in 3 hours."

She nodded and left as Eamon glared at Teagan, "You did not tell me she was a Duchess, Teagan! I thought she was joking about the Kings' betrothal thing…"

Teagan gave him a funny look, "We all bow to her and call her 'My Lady' or 'Your Grace', brother. And I met her King – he fought with us against the undead that plagued our village while you were… unavailable. She is a Duchess and formerly betrothed to her King; what's hard to understand about it?"

Eamon sighed and looked to me, "It seems I've made an ass of myself, Lady Stormlight. I thought you were acting above your station – when, in fact, you are higher in the nobility rankings than I am. I wish to apologize for this misunderstanding."

I shrugged, "I wasn't born a Duchess. When I met Teagan, I thought I was still a Marchioness – about on par with you, not a Teyrn. It wasn't until I requested aid was I informed of my title boost. As for the Betrothal, it lasted only a few weeks. I didn't want it. It was a reward for saving the life of one who was quite important – actually, I'm owed a new tattoo for that. In fact, Eamon, I spent most of my life as worse than an elf here. You acted as you did because you saw an Elf who was well cared for and noble – something you couldn't wrap your head around because it isn't possible here – and thought it was all a lie. Am I right?"

He flushed but nodded, "That you can admit your mistake is a step in the right direction, at least. We can start over – try to have a clean slate – but I don't give third chances to people."

He nodded. I turned and headed for the kitchen, telling Alistair to get the group to the dining hall for strategy planning.

When everyone was in the hall, I made sure no one else was – no Eamon, Teagan or servants. Then, I cast a barrier so no one could listen in.

Morrigan caught on first, "We are to be betrayed, then?"

"So, here is what's going to happen. I'm going to let them think I'm stupid enough to put all my eggs in one basket for them to steal. Daylen, Sereda, Lyna and Aedan – this is your mission. You 4 will be heading to the Arl of Denerims estate – without me or Alistair. You will allow Erlina to dress you as guards – though, how Sereda is going to pull this off, I have no idea. Once you are inside and find the room the queen is in, you will learn that there is a barrier on the door – you will have to go to the master bedroom, where there is a dungeon entrance. You will find Grey Warden documents in the room – be sure to retrieve them for me. Riordan is an Orlesian Warden being held there – release him and any prisoner you find – including Oswyn from the torture rack and get the ring from the tortured Templar in the dungeon when he offers it. When you kill Howe and retrieve the queen, you will be confronted by Ser Cauthrien – don't fight her. Tell her you surrender because to fight would be to perpetuate Loghains' lies. Alistair and I will come rescue you from Fort Drakon."

"Wait – Morrigan is right? We're going to be betrayed?"

"Honestly, Aedan, I don't know how Cauthrien finds out – for all I know, she was informed by guards. But if you out the Queen – telling Cauthrien that you are rescuing her – then Anora will frame you for kidnaping her and you'll have to fight. Cauthrien is a good woman and I don't want her killed. Got it?"

"Yes, Ser!" Daylen and Aedan saluted. "Now, Alistair, when Erlina and Anora arrive with Leliana – who is going with them – that's when we head out for Fort Drakon. Leli, Cauthrien should allow you to leave when the Wardens surrender – she only wants the Wardens and the rest can go. But if I'm wrong… this potion will make you invisible so you can escape."

She took it, "How long will the effects last?"

"You'll have 5 minutes if you don't get covered in flour or something while you escape. Now that you have your assignment… what are you still doing here?"

The 5 stood and left at once.

Alistair sighed, "How are we going to break them out of prison?"

I whistled and Shana and Hero came bounding over. "We are suddenly Mabari trainers' assistants. You will be lead – you're human after all – and I will be the elf who carries the bags full of Mabari armor and such."

"Your hair stands out," Zev piped in. I nodded, "That's easily disguised. I need a second mage for a full body disguise, but for my hair and tattoos, that's easy."

Sten asked, "Why are we sending our people into a trap?"

"Reverse trap, Kadan – they think they win, they let their guard down. We rescue our people and get Intel from the fort easily. Afterwards, the Guard Captain will be too embarrassed to report their escape, so Loghain will keep his guard down long enough for us to do what we need to."

"… A sound plan – you have every detail worked out."

"Not every detail – but close enough." He nodded. "Zev, go get Mabari armor – the heavier the bags the better. Take Sten if you think you can't carry it all. Wynne – I want you on stand-by. I don't know if anyone will need healing from the Queens group and I plan to head out at once when she arrives. Oghren… make me some of that Ale – the more you distill the more I pay you. Alistair, come with me; we need outfitting."

When Leli, Anora and Erlina arrived, Alistair and I were ready to go. We got to the fort a mere half hour after the others must have arrived. I pretended to struggle with the bags – I was used to heavy and could likely lift Sten – not Shale though. Both hounds flanked Alistair, looking proud and battle ready.

One of the two guards rushed forward to 'help' me. I gave a relieved sigh. The poor guard almost toppled from the weight but looked pleased that he could help the 'pretty elf'. I almost snorted. Obviously the standard of beauty was different here, but I knew I looked rather plain and I knew I was big in the gut… maybe it was my huge chest that made the guy call me pretty?

Regardless, the captain soon waved us through and I took the pack back from the guard once more, giving him a smile and a kiss on the cheek in thanks for his 'help'. He looked so pleased when he turned to his co-worker.

Alistair had looked none-to-pleased at that. When we made it into the main chamber, I pitted the two guards against each other over the sergeant and managed to recruit said sergeant to our cause rather than make her feel bad about being stationed indoors for that last 6 months. I told her she could lead our human troops during the battle and she made her way to Arl Eamons estate.

Getting to my people was easy after that. I divested myself of the two empty sacks – having put the stuff in my void storage for future use – in the Kennels and entered the dungeon on my own while Alistair distracted the Hound Master.

The guard looked at me. "You there… what are you doing here?"

"I… I was sent to… sent to assist you, Ser… I was told you'd earned a… reward," I made my tone fearful, and my demeanor was timid. The guard sneered and gave me a once over.

"Well… guess it innit so bad watching over these traitors, then, if the Captains gonna send me gifts like this," the guard said, coming closer to me. I saw disgust on my peoples' faces through the bars of their Cells.

The moment the guard reached out and touched my right breast, I had the hilt of a dagger slamming into the back of his skull. He dropped like a sack of rocks. I sniffed and unlocked Aedans cell. He came out wearing only his small-clothes and I pointed to a chest near the door. "I do believe your affects are in there."

I then proceeded to unlock the other cells. Once they were all armored back up and had their possessions back, I used my own magic to disguise them like guards.

Walking out we picked up Alistair and the hounds, the Kennel master had been knocked out and the Mabari in the room didn't even bark when they glanced at me. We left, telling the guards at the front that the Hound master didn't like the two hounds we brought but kept the equipment and Aedan said his unit was going on patrol. Easy as pie.

No deaths, no blood shed… we were in and out in less than an hour and half.

We got to Eamons' study and saw Anora talking with him. I sat at Eamons desk – he didn't say anything, though Anora shot me a confused look.

"Commander, thank the maker you've returned." Eamon said.

I shrugged as I leaned back in the chair and put my feet up on the desk, "My people are nice and safe – having a rest after their ordeal. I didn't have time for pleasantries before; you must be Queen Anora. I am Duchess Atarah Stormlight from Azeroth. Also a Paragon of Orzammar, Ward of your Divine and Princess of Dwarven Lands – at least, if you ask the Dwarves I am. I even have a shiny crown to go with it."

"When did that happen?" Eamon asked. "While I was there, they found out my Uncle Magni is the former Dwarf King in Azeroth – which supposedly makes me a Princess."

Anora dipped her head, "It's an honor to meet you – your companions are tight-lipped but very complimentary of you."

I grinned, "They weren't given permission to speak of my background. Good that they obey, yes?"

She looked taken aback, "Er… yes. We must work together to defeat my father. He's gone mad. I didn't believe it at first, but he is gripped by a paranoia so severe it prevents him from seeing sense. He saw me as a threat, yet even now I am certain he will be telling nobles you are dangerous murders that kidnapped and mind-controlled me. He may even believe it."

"No way to reason with him, then." I said, playing with my dread wolf dagger. I was the only person sitting.

"I thought there might have been. I'd held hope… but Howes' influence was strong… his death can only be a good thing. But it will not be enough. I know my father, and he is committed to his course. He will see this through, no matter what. You will need ammunition at the Landsmeet, and I can help in that regard. You have only just arrived in the city, so you may not be aware of… recent events. Denerim has been in turmoil since Ostagar. Many people are grieving or angry. Strangely, the unrest is worst in the Alienage. Few elves accompanied the army; they should have little reason to be upset. This means that Howe and my father have given them reason. I don't know what's happening there, but I am certain my father has his hands in it."

Eamon nodded, "A useful lead, Anora, but… you could have sent this information with your maid."

I held up a hand, "She feared for her safety, Eamon. And she wants more than to overturn her father – she wants an alliance."

She nodded, "Precisely. You need more than just information for the Landsmeet – you need a strong candidate for the throne. You need me."

"We will support you Anora – so long as you marry Alistair. He is of Theirin blood and past the Landsmeet I won't be sleeping with him."

She looked stunned, "That… I didn't expect that, but I can admit it would make the alliance stronger…Will he agree to it?"

"He is under my order until the Blight is over – he will do as I command. Marry him, and you get to stay queen. Do we have a deal?"

She nodded, "You have my word."

"Good – it's late and we could all use some rest. Eamon, I will be out to the Alienage tomorrow with my crew. I want you to keep an eye out for anything… out of the norm."

He nodded, "As you say, your grace."

"That is settled. I will speak with Alistair before we go to sleep tonight – by morning, you will be engaged to him. But just know – until he wears a crown, he is my lover and I don't share well with people I don't know well."

Anora flushed and nodded as I stood. "Of course, your ladyship."

I headed to the bedroom where Alistair waited, wearing only a pair of linen pants.

"So you get to pretend you're engaged to Anora from tomorrow until the Landsmeet. She'll outright refuse once you take her fathers' head."

He nodded, "I can do that, I think. So… we may only have a night or two left together… what do you want to do with it?"

I looked him over, "Why don't you try and find out?"

His eyes darkened and before I could guess his intention, my back was slammed against a wall as he kissed me. I gasped, "That… is so hot… damn…"

He growled, "You like it when I'm rougher with you."

"Oh yes… I really do. Take me to bed?"

"Before we do that… I have something for you. I don't want to forget."

I blinked as he pulled away. "Okay – what is it?"

He ran a hand through his hair as he rifled through his pack for a moment. Then he turned to me holding a little black velvet box. He handed it to me. "You said… most men get their lovers necklaces, bracelets or rings… at the time, you didn't seem to have any idea that I had Wade working on something for you. I retrieved it today. You have no idea how badly I want to ask you to marry me – but the Landsmeet wouldn't allow it, you have Cullen and… this is yours. I just… I don't know why I thought to…"

I opened the little box in my hand and gaped. The ring inside was beautiful – a pretty silver color that indicated White Steel with a purple gem shaped like a heart. The band was carved to look like scales.

"Oh, Alistair… it's beautiful…"

He was flushed, "I just thought… you deserved something beautiful. And I was going to give it to you on your birthday, but I didn't know when that was – turns out I missed it."

"You didn't miss it – I didn't tell anyone. I love it, Alistair. Honestly, I never expected you to be so perfect. A crown, a ring… it's like you're trying to marry me without a ceremony."

He rubbed his neck, "If I could, I would. I love you, Atarah; and I don't think I'll ever find someone I love even half as much."

"Gods – you are the sweetest man I've ever met! If things don't work out with Cullen, I might be tempted to come back to you even if I can't keep you."

"Well… you could be my mistress."

I chuckled, "Tempting – but I've always wanted a husband, not just an affair."

He sighed, "I know. Maybe… if we could get the Landsmeet to agree to award you a Ferelden title and lands, I might be able to convince them to let me marry you too."

"But… Cullen…"

"Right. I mean… if things don't work out with him. I plan to name Aedan my heir, by the way. No way am I letting Anora back on the throne for anything. Aedan will be my heir unless and until I have children of my own."

"I plan to cure you of the Blight after we kill the Archdemon. You deserve a family of your own."

He hugged me to him, "So do you – I just wish I could give that to you."

I bit my lip – no way could I tell him he already did; that I was… well. I still had a Blight to conquer and our child could never be his heir anyway.

"Love? What is it?" he asked.

"I'll tell you later; promise." He nodded and took me to bed.