Chapter Thirty-One

To Kill a God

We were all back at Eamons estate in Redcliff – including my Azerothian… friends and family who had escorted us to learn more on what had been going on. Anduin was being a bit over-protective and Alistair was almost worse. Malfurion – it was weird to have Uncle Mal worry over me. Lor'themar and Magni were watching it all with a grin.

I grinned and sat next to Alistair who instantly tucked me under his arm with a smug grin, "I told you the Landsmeet would accept you."

"Fine; you win that one – savor it, it won't happen often." I chuckled. Anduin barked a laugh, "She told my father the same thing when the nobles in Stormwind allowed her the title of Marchioness."

I stuck my tongue out, "You were like… 6; how do you remember that?"

He smirked at me, "Same way you remember everything."

I sighed, "To be fair – I should have figured that out. Eidetic memory isn't exactly rare in Azeroth."

"You're certain you won't marry me?" Alistair asked. I rolled my eyes, "Didn't we have this talk last night?"

He pouted, "I suppose. Are you also certain you won't… go to Azeroth while we finish this fight?"

Anduin jerked, "You plan to fight? While you're…"

I sighed, "Thanks for that, Love – I was just thinking how I needed to debate this with Andy and my family."

He flushed. Malfurion sighed, "We've never been able to sway you from a course you've chosen – so let us aid you. You've saved all of us time and time again; the least we can do is come to your aid at least once."

"Alistair, you decide. I don't give a shit if Elune herself decides to join the battle. As long as I'm at the fight with Urthemiel, I'm happy. Oh, and anyone who can be called a Warden or Morrigan – meeting in my room a 1900 hours – 7pm."

Alistair nodded to Anduin, "Help would be… greatly appreciated, King Anduin."

"Oh drop the title – you're one too."

"Er… right."

A few hours later, after sending the people from Azeroth back home for a bit, I gathered Alistair, Lyna, Sereda, Daylen and Aedan in my room where Morrigan was already waiting. She smirked, "I assume this is about the ritual?"

"First things first; only a Warden can kill the Archdemon because of the taint within them. An Archdemon has no real soul and a Warden does – the essence of the beast will pass through the taint itself to the nearest tainted creature. If it is a Darkspawn that is closest, the beast will be born anew. The Grey Warden, however, has a soul. The essence would be destroyed – and the Warden along with them."

"You're saying one of us has to die?" Aedan exclaimed. I sighed, "Normally, yes. And if Morrigan could explain this next part, that'd be nice."

"It does not need to be. I have a ritual – performed on the eve of battle in the dark of night."

Daylen spoke up, "What sort?"

"It is old magic; from a time before the Circle of Magi was created. Some might call it blood magic, but that is but a name."

Lyna hesitated but said, "Tell us more."

Morrigan sat on my bed beside me, "I would need to lay with someone who was only tainted within the past 5 years. It would result in a child; the child would bare the taint and when the Archdemon is slain, its essence would then seek the child out like a beacon. At such an early stage, the child could absorb that essence and live. The Archdemon would still be destroyed with no grey warden dying in the process."

Aedan asked, "Would the child be darkspawn?"

"Not at all – it would become something different. A child borne with the soul of an Old God. After, you would have to allow me to walk away. And you do not follow. Ever. The child would be mine to raise and…"

"I'll cut in here. You will take the father of your son with you, Morrigan – Daylen deserves that much. Kieran deserves that much."

All heads snapped to me, "You already know the childs' name and gender?" Alistair asked in exasperation. I hummed, "Daylens son. And honestly, would this work if you were already pregnant?"

She nodded hesitantly, "So long as I were within 5 months and the ritual is with the father, yes."

"You're 3 months along." I nodded. She looked relieved and glanced at Daylen who looked happily stunned.

"Daylen, do you want to do the ritual or is someone gonna die?" Lyna asked.

"Oh – um… the ritual, yes." He said happily.

Alistair was holding me after everyone left my room. "I… You know I always wanted a family. But I swore to myself that I'd never father a bastard; never subject a child to what I was put through…"

I chuckled, "Our son will never be treated any differently than a normal child. He will live in a castle with his father – his mother visiting for several weeks a year if not every few months. He will be loved. You and I will love him enough and damn what anyone else thinks."

He smiled, "You'll really… leave him with me?"

"I promised you I would if the Landsmeet would accept him. It will kill me to leave another child, but at least I'll be involved with Duncans life – unlike with Asthan and Alstus."

He kissed me, "Of course, my love. I wouldn't have it any other way."

The Battle of Denerim; a battle that would have songs written about it. The gates had of course been breached by the time we arrived, but the Darkspawn there were weak and easily dispatched.

Riordan told me who he suggested taking with me – the Wardens; all and only. Since that would put the group to 6 people, I could see where he was coming from.

I snorted, catching everyone's attention. Sten nodded to me and Riordan looked questioning.

"What is your plan then?" Riordan asked.

"Of course; Morrigan, Daylen, Alistair, myself, Inas, King Anduin and… Sereda will make our way to Fort Drakon. Riordan, find a way to bring that fucker down. In War, Victory, In Peace, Vigilance, In Death, Sacrifice. Do what you must, Lieutenant. Sten, you will lead the troops here at the gate, Oghren you will be second in command. Both of you have experience leading troops into battle, use it! If need be, split yourselves into two groups… Sten, I entrust Shana with you and if you do split the groups I want Wynne and Aedan in your group. Oghren can have Lyna, Leli and Zev since they can all move through a group and hardly be seen and still take down enough fuckers to make a difference."

Riordan understood exactly what I meant and nodded, "In Death, Sacrifice. I'll do what I can." He turned and headed off.

"Anduin, our group needs to clear the Market District then the Alienage before moving to Fort Drakon. We need to kill the two generals or they will attack us when we get to the Archdemon. I want the Humans and Elves to head out to the Market, Dwarves and Mages to the Alienage. Golems split up Shale! I want half with Market and Half with Alienage. As soon as your areas are cleared, I want patrols set for roamers before sending a good chunk of troops to the Fort. If anyone gets tainted and makes it to the end, I want them to be 'quarantined' in a safe place until we can perform a joining! You are all here today to fight the Blight, and Maker willing we will end this! Do I make myself clear?" I had raised my voice, noticing that anyone who could was listening to my instructions.

"Ser, yes Ser!" I heard echoed through the ranks. "That's what I like to hear! You have your assignments, head out!"

Our group started out and Alistair was smirking at me. "What?" I asked.

"Nothing – you'd make a good Queen, is all."

Anduin nodded with a cheeky grin.

I sighed, "I know. I managed to corral a Bastard King, a displaced Noble, a Golem, a Qunari, an Enchanter, a regular Circle Mage, an Apostate, an Assassin, a Dalish Hunter, an Exiled Princess, a Bard, a Dwarven General, a Castles, and TWO Mabari war hounds as the front runners to end the fifth blight… under the command of an Outcast Elven Seer."

The group reflected on that… "Fair enough." Was all Alistair said.

The Market District was as bad as I feared; 10 fucking Ogres.

"I thought you said a general!" Anduin shouted as we fought our way to the main event.

"I never once said it would be easy to get to said general, Anduin. What did you assume it was ONLY a general?"

The silence from him said it all. I managed to take down one Ogre before dancing away from the grabby hands of another. I caught a glimpse of Shale killing the damn Ogre that wanted to make mincemeat out of me.

This General was a Hurlock Sword and Shield type, and was stronger than I thought possible; flinging Inas back with his shield…

I pulled out 3 Daggers and took aim, waiting for just the right moment before flinging them at the ugly bastard. One pierced the Hurlocks left eye, another digging into its neck, and the third in its shield arm. I wasn't sure how those first two didn't outright kill it, but Sereda was swift enough with her Sword as soon as the Hurlock dropped its shield.

The Alienage was worse, if you can believe it… this General wasn't like the Emissary in game. No, it was an Ogre Emissary. I let out a string of southern U.S curses from earth, earning an amused glance from Inas, a snort from Alistair, and the attention of said Ogre.

"You wanna dance, Goliath? Let's dance!" I shouted. Anduin threw a shield on me, recognizing this move of mine, while Inas – in cat form – moved with me.

I took off my slip on flat shoe and charged the Ogre like it had done me wrong. I knew I looked fucking crazy… even the Darkspawn around us stopped to stare as I ran half bare-foot headlong at an Ogre Emissary.

It gave enough of a distraction, that most of the Darkspawn were killed by Dwarves who had not once moved their attentions away from their fights. This also meant that no one was expecting me to veer left at the last moment so the Ogre got a chest full of arrows.

I cleaned off my foot before putting the shoe back on. This was, in fact, pretty much how any fight we came across on our way to the fort. I will admit to crying as I watched Riordan plummet from the sky just as we reached the fort entrance, causing Alistair and Aedan each to wince and Aedan said, "In death…"

"Sacrifice; let's go kill this bitch," I growled, feeling my back skin ripple as I suppressed the urge to fly right to the roof. No one would have liked that in my current condition. I knew the Archdemon had sensed me – it had sent several higher leveled (powered) enemies against us.

23 floors; that's how many floors Fort Drakon actually had. I mean, it makes more sense than 3 from the game, seeing as it's the tallest building in Denerim.

I was getting tired by the time we hit floor 20, but I knew we couldn't slow our pace. When we reached the last floor, just before the doors to the roof, I yanked two six-packs of soda from my bag, handing one to each person. I hadn't been able to live without my caffeine fix from my first life, so making Soda in the next two was just common sense. It was easier in Azeroth since the Goblins were able to do it too… granted, technically, I did it first due to timelines.

"Don't bitch, just drink. We need the caffeine and energy, and this will help." Inas shut his mouth as everyone began drinking. I smirked at the chorus of burps as I downed one myself – caffeine was okay in moderation while pregnant – just not all the time.

When we got to the roof, I stopped them before we went out. "I want Anduin, Morrigan, Daylen and I to man the trebuchets up there. Inas, Alistair and Sereda get to play 'look at me' with the Dragon."

Anduin snorted but nodded.

The roof was covered in Darkspawn. I saw our forces spill onto the roof behind us.

I was really glad we had Golems, because they attracted the Darkspawn like moths to flame, giving other forces a chance to kill them without risking too much.

The Dragon, however, didn't want to play – it wanted me. I spoke in Dovah, calling it a coward for ignoring the Wardens – who were the bigger threat to its life – to come after me.

I shifted to Dragon form, stunning our allies as I spat fire at darkspawn while Jaina – who had ported in at Anduins command – held an arcane shield for our allies to huddle in while I roasted. The smell made me feel ill, but I held it in.

It worked as a distraction too – Urthemiel coming after me, roaring his displeasure and anger. I roared back as Anduin kept casting a shield on me. I shot fire, ice and even used Marked for Death against the Archdemon – but I didn't dare use teeth knowing it could harm my child even if I detoxed at once.

Inas too kept using minor heals on me though I took no damage.

Suddenly, the moon blocked the sun – causing Alistair, and Sereda to haul ass to get away from the Dragon. Projectiles of moon beams slammed into the enemy dragon as a lovely voice rang out – loud enough for all of Denerim to hear, "You cannot harm her!"

Elune had joined the battle… people of Thedas would think it was Andraste and the Maker… well, fuck.

Inas, Jaina and Anduin stared at me wide-eyed. I shifted back, and called out, "It must… be… a Warden!" the moonfire stopped moments before the Archdemon died. Alistair charged forward to take the killing blow.

Inas grabbed my arm, "Elune never speaks, sister – not to mortals and not like that. What is going on?"

"You know why, Inas – I already told you. And if you tell anyone, I will beat you black and blue." He paled as he realized I hadn't blown smoke out my ass back at the temple. He nodded and bowed his head, "As you say…"

"Jaina, I need a way to save all of the blood from this beast – quick before it does what any dead dragon does around me."

She nodded and cast a spell – jars of Ice and tubes of the same began extracting the blood as Alistair took the killing blow.

I cast a spell myself, so that the ice wouldn't melt and the blood would be kept 'fresh'. Where a human body had a gallon and half of blood, apparently an old god dragon had 9 gallons of blood. I saved only a cup into my bag… and I wasn't quite sure why I thought it would work, but I had an idea.

"Why… why is there a bunch of large flasks of blood?" I heard Greagoir ask.

I whirled around. "The Grey Wardens need it, Knight-Commander. I can guarantee that the First Warden will be sending someone to pick up these jars. Can I have someone help me move it to the Castle?" I asked looking at the 18 half-gallon jars of red-black blood.

Greagoir let out a loud whistle and several Templars cam marching over.

"Want to tell me what the Wardens do with the blood?" Greagoir asked me as the blood was carted off.

"I… don't exactly know how they do what they do with it… but I could be assassinated for revealing what it's for. Please don't ask again," I knew my face showed just how tired I was.

The Knight-commander looked alarmed, "They keep it that secret?"

"Only the higher officials really know what it's for. If the First Warden finds out that I know… I would be conscripted. And when something happens, they will lock me away. Just… let's drop the conversation?"

Greagoir nodded as Alistair placed his arm around my waist to help me down the fort. I smiled at him, "So, my king – how does it feel to be a Hero?"

"Me? No, I think that's you. Everyone is going to be talking about this as a sign from the Maker and Andraste that you're a chosen one or something. So much for the Chantry keeping it quite, hmm?"

Greagoir coughed, "You really are…?"

Irving looked stunned too. Every leader we had recruited had been in the final battle – Greagoir, Irving, Lanaya, Kardol, Caridin, Swiftrunner, Eamon, Roselle… all of them. I flushed, "Maybe… anyway. What's next, love?"

Alistair laughed, "Now? Now I get to wear a fancy crown and raise our son while I pine for you."

I shot him a cheeky grin, "Hey, I'll still be around! Like you said, he's our son."

Inas spoke, "Have you picked a name, yet?"

"Duncan." Alistair and I said together. "Like that commander I met back after N'Zoth?"

I nodded, "He was like a father to Alistair – killed when Loghain betrayed us at Ostagar. The Shield Alistair carries was his once, too. Same with the earring."

"I need a haircut…" Alistair sighed after reaching up to touch said earring and finding his hair now reached his shoulders.

I pouted, "Do you have to? I kind of like it longer…"

He laughed, "It's not exactly a kingly image for me to grow it any longer than this, love."

I shrugged, "If it's your look, then it's a kings' look, isn't it?"

"Where is Daylen… and Morrigan for that matter?" Sereda asked.

"Never to be seen again… for a few years at least." I had started dramatic and laughed at the end.

Back at the palace the following day, we were all at the coronation ceremony.

Alistair stood before the throne wearing a fancy new crown and outfit. I smiled at him as he began his speech – I was standing off to the side, after all.

"My friends, we are gathered to celebrate those responsible for our victory. Of those who stood against the Darkspawn siege of Denerim, there is one in particular who deserves a commendation. The one who led the charge against the Archdemon with blessings from the Maker – an inspiration to all she saved that day. Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present to you the newest Hero of Ferelden, the former Commander of the Grey and hero of the blight – Atarah Stormlight, a Duchess, a Paragon, and even a Princess though that title pales in comparison to the rest."

I came up to him and gave an awkward curtsey. He smiled, "My love – I mean… my friend; it is hard to imagine how you could have aided Ferelden more. I think it only appropriate that I return the favor. Is there any boon that you might request of me as King? If it is within my power, I will grant it."

"I want only what my people have asked, my king."

"Yes – Aedan asked that Howes family pay: and I hereby strip Howe of the titles and the Arling – I grant Amaranthine to the Wardens. Daylen asked that the Circle be allowed to self-govern, I will grant that. Lyna asked for land for the Dalish – and I will do my best to find somewhere suitable within the year. And Sereda asked that the Dwarves receive assistance against the Darkspawn problem they face even when there is no blight – and I will honor that. But I meant you personally, my lady – surely there is something you want?"

I heard murmurs through the room – people saying I should ask for something, people saying that the makers chosen deserved it, and others still calling me so humble for thinking of others first as a chosen should. Truth was, I couldn't think of anything I wanted.

"Not at present, Your Majesty. As long as my people are happy, I am happy. Though… my Arling is in the territory of the Teyrnir of Gwaren… and I believe you plan to award the Teyrnir to Aedan?"

"Actually, I was going to switch it – give you the Teyrnir and Aedan the Arling… why?"

"Oh – well, I wished the abandon town on the Edge of the forest to be granted to the former Wolf pack led by Swiftrunner."

"It's your Teyrnir, my Lady – do as you will." He grinned. I nodded, "Thank you, your majesty."

Once all the pomp and ceremony was over with, I made rounds… coming to Sten first. "Kadan. I plan to return to my people. Our quest here is done, and thus so is my mission for my people. It must be said; you found my sword and gave me a chance to restore my honor. I doubt the Warden would have recruited me without your help… I owe you a debt."

I chuckled. "You helped us too Sten. It's been an honor."

"It has. That one of the bas… a foreigner… would become Kadan to me, unthinkable; yet here we are. Perhaps I shall see you again one day. Until then, may you always find the path you seek."

"Sten… you have a right to know; to prepare. In about 4 years, the current Arishok will be killed in single-combat duel and you will be elected the new Arishok, it's not something you can prevent since… I will be among the group he attacks. If you must, count that as debt paid. Fight well, my friend," I winked at the moment of disbelief on his face before he nodded. "My non-interference in this battle… I will begin to prepare then, you have my thanks." With that he walked off.

Alistair spoke to me next, "So we made it – I'm impressed, aren't you? I mean… eve with you, the odds of getting to the Archdemon and killing him within a year… but of course you made it. I knew you would. Oh, goodie – Arl Eamon is giving me that look that means King Stuff is calling me. It can never seem to wait. I'll let you get to your adoring public. They all want to see the Hero of Ferelden and… who am I to keep them waiting?" he smirked.

I giggled, "I'll see you tonight – the sooner you slip away the better." His eyes darkened and he nodded. "Maker, I'll be useless now."

Eamon was next on my list – after he told Alistair what needed to be done. Eamon smiled at me, "I can scarcely believe you managed to end the Civil War and the blight. On behalf of all of Ferelden, let me offer you my thanks. It truly cannot be said enough."

"I'm a Hero – it's what we do." I smirked. He laughed, "So it appears! I hear you plan to leave Ferelden all together for a time?"

"I plan to leave Aedan in charge of my Teyrnir until I return. Funny, I thought it would be his to begin with. Thankfully, he doesn't seem to mind."

Eamon chuckled, "Indeed. It's too bad you aren't remaining here; the Hero of Ferelden would have influence – add to that you are mother to the Heir unless Alistair marries and has a legitimate child… it's a shame, but I understand."

"Try to get him to marry, will you? I love him, but he… he deserves so much more than an absent wife who loves two men. And I made him a promise that if things don't work out with Cullen and he remains unattached, I'll return to him. I get the feeling things with Cullen could work out – but he deserves better too. Do you understand?"

Eamon looked floored, "You… you really love them both? And yet… you wish them both to be with others?"

"Who really needs a woman that can't be 100% devoted to them, Eamon? That I love them both is exactly the reason they both need to move on."

"The nobility has already spoken of this – they won't want him marrying for a few years since they want you as queen; and I have to say that despite my initial worries and prejudices that I agree with them. And as he will have an heir already, there's no real reason to press the issue."

"Oh… they… they really… wow. I never thought…" I was speechless. Eamon gave me a smile, "I will try – but my point is that I can't promise anything. Oh, what do you want done about Goldannas' kids? I hear three of the five survived the battle."

"Oh… ask Alistair, I guess. He knows the truth, though. Also, if he doesn't give a definitive answer, see to it they are taken care of. My Teyrnir will foot that bill if need be." He nodded looking stunned, "If Alistair knows, why did he… go see Goldanna?"

"A test and… he's all about family. Goldanna made sure she made her thoughts on the matter well known to him, however." He seemed at peace with that and I moved on again.

I came up o Aedan talking with Fergus, and said, "Aedan, my boy – you don't mid running my Teyrnir, right? I'll be gone so often… and I mean, you can always talk to me…" I gave him a pouty face. He laughed, "Sure, commander. Oh, Tara; this is Fergus – our brother."

"Our?" the man asked in amusement. Fergus was 6' with shaggy cropped black hair, grey eyes and lightly tanned skin. "Yeah – and family of my pack is family of mine. Good to finally meet you Teyrn Cousland."

"And you, Teyrn Stormlight."

"Ugh – I'll drop titles if you do." I groaned. He laughed, "I'll make that deal."

I wondered over to Shale who told me about going to travel with Wynne, then Leliana who was going to lead the expedition to Haven for the Chantry, Wynne was going to travel with Shale after she did a few things, Zev pointed out a few Crows in the party who kept watching me wearily – he'd heard that I was off-limits for contracts due to the 'Maker' stepping in at the final battle. Good to know. Oghren was going over the Ale – he had given me 5 casks of his home brew which I sent with Inas for Brewfest this coming year. As for Lyna, she was the new Commander of the Grey and had given me the ring from her Keeper when I told her I would eventually meet with her clan. Sereda was going back to Orzammar with the murmuring that they were considering making her a Paragon.

With my rounds complete, I decided it was time to greet the public dragging Sin and Shana with me before calling out my Hearthsteed as my procession mount – let everyone get a good look at the unique mount since I was already outed as different.