DA2

Chapter Forty

Kirkwall – the City of Chains

Roselle was at the docks to meet us – she had left the same day Alistair left the vigil so that she could get the house in order since she knew I wouldn't be far behind her.

When people realized Lady Stormlight was coming to Kirkwall, there was apparently a big commotion. No one associated Roselle with me – no one seemed to know she was my Chantry Liaison. Regardless, somehow they found out which day I'd be docking and swarmed the area. I mean… it wasn't a secret – people had known I was going to move to Kirkwall for months; since the blight ended. But they had found out what boat I was on… I would have to find out how since I had boarded in disguise and used a fake name.

I caught sight of Cullen, Meredith, Hawke, Bethany, Carver, Varric and Roselle – Templars in one area, Hawkes in another and Roselle near the gates. I looked at Anders and handed him an invisibility potion before whispering our new address in his ear and telling him to go there as fast as he could.

I flew off the boat just after dropping my disguise. People pointed and gasped.

I landed in front of Cullen with a sly grin.

He smiled awkwardly back so I teased him, "Missed me, dearest?"

He coughed, "Maker… ahem – Lady Stormlight, this is Knight-Commander Meredith; leader of the Kirkwall Gallows."

I noticed the Hawkes and Roselle approaching us. I dipped my head respectfully to the commander and said, "I suppose it's nice to meet you, Commander. Now, Cullen – I do believe you've lost our little bet?"

He flushed and I heard chuckles from people around us. Meredith spoke, "You're the one who gave him that weapon set?"

I sighed, "Let me guess – my reputation precedes me and somehow you thought I'd be taller or thinner?"

She glared, "Something like that."

"Yeah – it disappointed me too when I turned out 9 inches shorter than the other female elves. My existence is an insult on blah-blah-blah… seriously; I've heard all that before. Now, back to the matter at hand – Cullen lost a bet to me and I intend to collect. It was witnessed by at least 60 other people too."

Cullen coughed and I beamed at him as I folded away my wings – I knew the Hawkes and Roselle were waiting for me to acknowledge them, but I wanted things set first.

Cullen looked a bit torn, "But aren't you… with King Alistair?"

I shook my head, "No, we officially broke things off when I left for Vigils' Keep. I mean, I'll admit that I visit him often for the sake of our son, but…"

"Of course, there's… you have… shouldn't you be marrying him?" Cullen looked away. I sighed – I should have seen this coming. I gave him a pained look, "Cullen… you don't need to find excuses to say no since I don't plan to force anything. I am more than aware that my looks aren't ideal and… well, after what happened at Kinlock Hold, I can't blame you for hating me just because I have these magics."

He looked horrified, "That isn't… I mean it's not…"

I took a deep breath, "Don't worry about it… I don't hold you to anything."

He was quiet for a minute before trying to hand me the sword and shield back. I took a step away, "No – they're bound to you now; yours for life. I don't use Sword and Shield anyway. Think of them as birthday gifts instead… your birthday was last week right? August 8th…"

He stiffened, "How did you know?"

"Mia told me when I, uh… passed through Honnleath…" I flushed.

Roselle snorted and said, "If by 'passed through' you mean saved the remaining villagers from the darkspawn over-running it…"

Cullen paled, "Are they okay?"

Meredith looked confused – truthfully everyone did. I nodded, "More than okay, Cullen. I swear to you, they are just fine. I gave them a bit of coin to get to South Reach and sent them on their way… though I did tell Mia about our bet as the reason I was asking to their well-being and the whole damn reason I was in Honnleath to begin with when I heard it was over-run. I left with that Golem that decorated the town center, too."

He groaned, "Makers' Breath… she knows…"

"Yeah – she also knows where you are. I didn't realize you hadn't really written to them since… sorry. I wouldn't have said anything if I'd known."

He yanked me into a hug, "Don't ever apologize for it – you saved my family."

I admit – hugging a man in plate armor was a tad uncomfortable, but I wasn't going to say shit… he was hugging me!

Roselle chuckled, "And she was going to play it off."

Cullen bit his lip as he pulled away, "Things are… really over between you and King Alistair?"

I snorted, "If I'd wanted a throne, I could have had one without Alistair… in fact, if you recall, me not wanting a throne was what led me to ask for permission to marry you when you so generously offered your hand."

He flushed, rubbing at the back of his neck, "Makers' Breath… you make it sound so much different than it was."

"A man offering to marry a woman to keep her out of a betrothal she didn't want after she had experienced a terrible ordeal with him… almost sounds romantic." I teased.

He sighed, "Well, we could… try things and… see how they go…"

I shrugged, "Don't say that if you only feel indebted to me for Honnleath – it's not why I did it. Though… I will warn you – Mia said she'd write to you and that she approved of me…"

He snorted and I heard Hawke cough a laugh. Meredith finally injected, "You are a mage – as a Templar, he can't be with you!"

People around us chattered about how – who did Meredith think she was to stop the makers' chosen? I gave her an amused look and handed her my letter. She read it with darkening eyes, "This… you have permission from the divine to marry him?"

"Only if he wants that – granted, she'd be happy with me forming any ties in Thedas, right Roselle?"

Roselle laughed, "You didn't see the letter she sent me after you gave birth, Tara – she honestly is so confused right now. You asked for Cullens' hand in marriage – she granted that. But then she gets news that you had a child with the new King of Ferelden! Then she hears you didn't marry said king and that the new heir to Ferelden is a… well, literally no one will call him that because he's your son, but let's face it – Duncan is bastard born and legitimate."

I grinned, "It's a time-honored tradition! Alistair and I are both Bastard Born too, you know. My father didn't know about me as his daughter until after he spent 10,000 years imprisoned in a block of crystal."

I then coughed, "Goddess, I'm so rude. Cullen, Commander, this is Revered Mother Roselle with the Grand Cathedral in Orlais. Rose is my official chantry Liaison. Rose, you've met Cullen. This is Knight-Commander Meredith, Garrett Hawke, Bethany Hawke, Carver Hawke and Varric Tethras."

"You know me?" Varric asked amused.

"Mostly word of mouth and the occation vision of your excellence, but yes."

He laughed and we all snapped our heads up when we heard a Caw!

I extended my arm, but Cinder landed on Cullens' shoulder with a purr. I sighed, "Traitorous bird. For a noble and majestic phoenix you act more like a tamed cat."

Cullen laughed and gave the bird sitting on his shoulder a few strokes, ignoring the flames. Only Rose was unaffected. Meredith sputtered, "What is that?"

"He's a Phoenix; an Avatar of Fire and Flame. This one in particular is bound to me but you wouldn't know that with how affectionate he gets around Cullen and Alistair. I swear he belongs more to them than to me. Duncan too, but that's because Duncan is my son. Cinder here is the reason Cullen is immune to fire damage."

Meredith looked stunned, "Immune to…"

"Oh… no one knew? Sorry, Cullen…" I flushed, "I just seem to make all sorts of mistakes around you…"

He shook his head, "Don't worry about it – she was going to find out eventually."

"Still… that was for you to tell, not me. So anyway… I suppose I should… go. I'm sorry I put you on the spot about that bet – it was unworthy of me…"

He stopped petting the bird on his shoulder – the same one who had taken to rubbing against him – and took my hand in his. He bowed forward and kissed the back of my hand, "My lady… it would do me… great honor… if you would allow for me… to court you."

I flushed, "If you really want that, I don't plan to say no."

He smiled softly as he pulled back, "I would like that.

I beamed at him and said, "Then I accept. Oh, here's that recipe for the pain numbing tonic – it's surprisingly simple with the things here in Thedas yet more potent too. Elfroot, Embrium, blood lotus a hint of deep mushroom and one or two other things and there you have it. Rather than the three hour effect of my original recipe, this one lasts for 4 and has the side-benefit of stimulating the body's natural healing as well as making a nice bubble bath with detoxing benefits that help sore muscles."

He took the paper from me with an amused look, "How did you figure out the Bubble Bath part – and what is 'bubble' bath?"

"Bubble bath is self-explanatory – it's a liquid that puts bubbles in your bath… and how do you think I figured it out? I put some in my bath water for shits-and-giggles. I am very thorough in my research. Duncan likes playing in bubbles so I actually had to give Alistairs' people an otherwise useless bubble bath recipe. I'd forgotten what it was like to have a baby."

He flinched, "I thought you didn't raise Asthan and Alstus?"

I shook my head, "I didn't – I had two other sons before them, actually. In my… my first… ahem… yeah… Jacob and Tyler were their names. I've had 5 children – all boys."

Rose caught my attention, "Oh, um… not to interrupt but I feel I should tell you that you've been receiving gifts since before you officially had a house here. People have known you planned to move here since the Blight ended, so the Viscount had been keeping things for you… I retrieved them and inventoried them before putting them away."

Meredith cut in, "We've had to check those things over for magic – you have quite the reputation, it seems."

I sighed, "And to think, I've only been in Thedas for a little over a year…"

She glared, "Indeed – I have to get back to the Gallows. Knight-Captain, don't take too much longer here."

When she was gone, I giggled, "Have I actually been receiving things?"

"Of course, Tara; The Divine set you a copy of the Chant of Light in a book that was bound in Dragon Hide; the Archon of Tevinter sent you a ceremonial dagger, the king of Nevarra sent you a lovely painting, The First Warden sent thanks for the pet dragon in the form of a lovely tea set – a joint gift from the king of the Anderfels, I understand – the Antivans sent you a statue of a Dragon that is painted red, the Prince of Starkhaven sent you a dining ware set with the crest of Gwaren painted onto it, Empress Celene Valmont I sent you a lovely ball gown with a matching mask, Rivain sent a ship in a bottle, Orzammar sent you a Red Lion pelt blanket, and though it was not considered official – that was the couriers words – a Sten in Par Vollen sent you a Qunari forged Dragon-bone dagger with a letter stating that it is you be your… 'Asala' was the word, I think."

I nodded, "Such thoughtful gifts – thank you for receiving them all for me, Mother Roselle. You know they're only doing it because of how public my debut was. They mostly hate me and I damn well know it. I mean… I'm an elf."

She beamed, "It was no trouble – there are more, of course; those mentioned were just the Diplomatic gifts."

I chuckled, "Let me guess – Greagoir, Alistair, a Dalish Clan, and such?"

She nodded. Hawke spoke, finally, "So… you're no longer available?"

Cullen pulled me closer to him, much to Hawkes' amusement. I smirked, "Sorry Hawke – all you'll ever get from me in that department was our three days together back in Lothering. I'm sure you can dream of me, but I am taken."

Hawke gave me a pout before laughing, "That's alright – I'm sure I could never live up to such a handsome man as Cullen anyway."

I shrugged delicately, "It's far too soon for me to know, isn't it?"

Hawke looked as though he didn't believe a word I said "Is it? Hmm…"

Cullen was red, "Can we speak of something else?"

I looked at the Dwarf – Varric. 4'6 with blond hair and green eyes – he was pale and really wore a shirt to show of the chest hair. I felt the interest on my face before saying, "So… Varric fucking Tethras… fancy meeting you here."

Cullen looked confused, "You actually know him?"

"Of course; pretty much the same way I knew you, my love. Well… not the same way…"

Cullen went bright red and looked away. "I'm sensing a story there." Varric grinned.

I giggled and Cullen shook his head quickly, "No – no story at all!"

Rose looked confused, "Is it the reason you asked for…?"

I shook my head, "I asked permission to marry Cullen because at the time I wanted out of a betrothal to a King. When I met our beloved Knight-Captain, I was naked as a lamb."

Hawke snorted, "I'm sure it was no hardship on his part."

I smirked, "You never know…"

Cullen was stammering, "It… it wasn't my fault! I just… brought you the bag and you… you opened the door! I expected… it was supposed to be Greagoir!"

I chuckled, "I was faster at getting to the door. I forgot I was naked. Interrogation while naked… that was fun. Anyway, love… I should get going…"

He nodded. Cinder got my attention so I rolled my eyes, "Is that letter for me or him?"

Cinder rubbed against Cullen some more so I tsked and said, "Fine then… Cullen, be sure to give him a treat before sending him off again. The bird works for treats."

Cullen smirked at me and nodded. I left with the Hawkes following me.

"So is Cullen the only reason you're in Kirkwall?" Hawke asked.

"No – I'm here to join your crew, actually. Cullen is a side benefit." I grinned.

Hawke smiled, "In that case, welcome aboard Your Worship."

I snorted, "Call me that again and I'll have you worshiping the chamber pot, Hawke. Call me Alpha, Tara, General… but no political titles unless I'm playing host, judge or noble."

Bethany hugged me, "We missed you, Tara!"

Carver grunted, "Thank you for telling them… that I was still alive…"

"Of course, Carver – and I missed you too, Sunshine."

Varric jerked, "Wait – you're the one who called her that?"

"I knew it was your nickname for her – and that Carver is Junior. Aveline was Red only once before she just became Aveline."

Hawke then explained about my visions when I gave permission. He looked stunned.

As we approached the elaborate home across from the Amell estate, I pulled out 4 of the Pack Shackles. I handed one to each of them and said, "This marks you as a member of my pack, where I am the Alpha, Alistair and Cullen are joint betas' for now… Commander Lyna is my delta, or third in command. These mean that whoever wears one is a friend and unless you make an official challenge you do not get to attack."

"How will we know…?"

I grinned at Hawkes words – he and Bethy had put them on without a hint of hesitation which caused Carver to do so as well. Varric was a little hesitant, but he put his on. "They warm and buzz for a moment when you get close to someone who has one. If you put them close together like this…"

I put my bracelet close to Hawkes' and the two lit up with a soft green glow. "And they don't come off – think of them more as shackles. You all belong to me now – and all that means is that I see you all as family and I will do all I can to protect, defend, and support all of you. I will help you fight your battles. Also, it means you have powerful friends you've never met. You all know King Alistair and sister Leliana who will one day be Left Hand of the Divine. There is also a Sten in Par Vollen, Commander Lyna, Sereda Aeducan, a witch who is the daughter of Flemeth, that bitches husband Daylen Amell – your cousin – a warrior named Oghren, a spirit healer named Anders, an archer named Nathaniel Howe, Senior Enchanter Wynne, a crow named Zevran, Wade and Herren from Wades' Emporium in Denerim and in the future that list will grow."

Varric whistled, "You got some powerful friends there, Scales."

I pointed to his bracelet, "Mi Familia Es tu Familia – my family is your family. That's exactly how this works, Varric. My spirit healer friend is the one you'll eventually go looking for. Those bands will make him easier to talk to. Also, any of you are welcome to crash at my place – that means Leandra if you've already found that will…"

Hawke snorted, "Not yet… do I want to know?"

I nodded, "Oh, you want to know – in fact, I think I'll come with you to Darktown to get into the Cellars of the Amell estate to clear out the slavers – I have a hard-on for killing slavers, you see… since I was a slave myself once."

Varric cursed and Hawke gaped. Bethy gasped and Carver looked sick. Roselle just patted my shoulder, "Remember, you have the blessing of the Divine in all you do – kill the slavers if you oppose slavery, take over the Gallows if you dislike Meredith that much or just relax until you feel you're needed."

I smirked, "You just like me because you got to see the urn of Sacred Ashes before it vanished."

She grinned back, "Maybe a little."

I chuckled, "We have a roommate inside – Could you get him settled in the wine cellar? Show him that… trap door in there. But the room I specified for the Cellar is his."

She nodded, "I'll get him settled right away, Tara."

I looked at Hawke, "Are we going on a killing spree tonight or tomorrow? I need to set my calendar since I'm sure the viscount will wish to meet with me when I have a moment."

"Tonight then – we need to go see Aveline in the Keep tomorrow anyway… she might have a job for us."

I smirked, "She does – you get to play guard for a day."

He laughed, "I guess I'll take it depending on the situation."

"Ambush on a very beautiful female guard is set up soon – and I do mean beautiful – so that's something to prevent."

He nodded, "Let's get a move on then – to Darktown."

I disguised my hair and ears so that I looked like a normal elf, surprising Hawke but I said, "If I don't disguise they'll give up too easily – I want them to suffer."

Carver chuckled, "You were a lot more… docile back at Ostagar." We were heading into Lowtown now.

"You mean because I fake tripped into your arms so I had an excuse to acquaint with you? You have no idea, Carver. Some funky shit went down on that tower. But I've been leading people into battle for more than 10 millennia – I was never docile."

He flushed, "That was faked?"

Varric laughed, "I think I like you scales…"

"I have all the best stories – I tell you Varric, one time in Azeroth, I jumped off the floating city in front of witnesses just to make a point that my wings were functional. I was known for engaging in witty banter with the people I battled just to distract them so that I could… well, I was not a nice person." I was grinning.

Hawke looked interested, "Not nice, how?"

"You know I have control over the elements, right? Well, I would use an ice spike in a particular location to… defile my enemies. It made for a wonderful distraction mid-battle since the only thing you can't protect in battle is your ass."

Varric roared in laughter but even Hawke looked uncomfortable. I chuckled, "Like I said, not nice."

Hawke coughed, "So… how did things go after you passed Lothering?"

I giggled, "Get me a drink and I'll tell you all about it…"

Just then, my charm bracelet chimed, "Hey, Mom – we're getting married next month."

I froze causing the whole group to stop as I pursed my lips and replied, "And you're only telling me now, Asthan? Really – how am I supposed to get a decent gift for you three in only a month?"

"Three?" Varric muttered.

I sighed, "You know what? Fine – I can do it… but if you do this kind of last minute notice on my again, I will take you over my knee like I couldn't do when you were kids. I mean it – if I hear Bella is pregnant only when she's ready to give birth, you will regret it."

There was complete silence before… "By the way, Bella is 9 weeks pregnant…"

I nodded firmly, "Good – it's about time I got grandchildren and that helps me figure out what to get you. Give bella and Alstus my love, okay?"

"Yes, mom." He sounded properly chastised. The call cut off.

Hawke asked, "Wait – you have adult kids who are about to be parents themselves who are getting married – which we heard at the gallows that you had more kids… but from what I understood, it's two kids marrying one woman?"

"Asthan and Alstus are twins – they share everything. They're 4,000 years old and apparently getting married next week. I'd say I raised them better than that, but I didn't get to raise them at all. I should be happy they turned into fine young men and that I got to meet Bella before they spirited her away from here. She used to be a Bar maid in Redcliff Village."

"But… they're marrying the same woman?" Carver asked.

I sighed, "That's on them – they both love her, so I can't see the harm. She loves them both too and they make each other very happy. Honestly if Alistair has his way, I'll be similar to bella."

Varric snorted, "How?"

"He wants to share me with Cullen. I love them both but… they deserve so much better, you know? I'm broken and not really… Alistair deserves a human noble woman who can be queen – even if they've all said no until I marry someone else… Cullen knows I have magic, but outside of me, he hates and distrusts every mage right now. I can't blame him either. I was there when those blood mages… tortured us. I shared in it even, and without that there would be no proof that I am immune to demons. He witnessed that himself. Pride demon tearing me apart, Despair freezing me over, Sloth not being able to put me to sleep, and Desire only being able to tell them what I wanted but not being able to do anything."

"Maker…" Carver whispered.

I nodded, "My point is, that without that immunity, he'd hate me too. Alistair… I know he loves me, but he deserves so much better. Cullen will mellow out in a few years, but he deserves better too. I can't even really pick… I just wanted a chance to be with each of them at least for a while…"

We entered Darktown now. Hawke gripped my shoulder, "You think you don't deserve to be happy? But isn't one of them bringing up the sharing thing? If they didn't want that…"

I thought for a moment… I mean, that was true… but so far only Alistair wanted that between them. What if Cullen didn't want that?

"One of them, yes – but the other… both men are supposed to be highly jealous of their partner, too… but Alistair brought up… he was going to lose me and he knew it. I knew he loved me, but I only asked him those questions because he was supposed to push me away! I didn't even realize I was doing it, but I slept with Lyna to make him mad… and he just found it hot."

Varric looked amused, "Wait – you slept with another woman expecting a man to find that… upsetting?"

"Well… yeah. I mean, I know he was with me when I slept with a pirate queen – she asked if she could either keep me or share Alistair, even – but it's not like I had permission to bed Lyna."

Hawke laughed, "You took him to bed with a pirate? Maker – Alistair seemed so innocent, too…"

I nodded, "He was, Hawke – I was his first."

"No way! No… actually, with what I experienced, it's not so surprising that you could convince him to have a threesome…"

Complete silence before Varric said, "Oh, I need to know!"

"No!" Carver cried. I winked at Varric, "Buy me a drink and I'll tell all. Hawke won't mind, I'm sure."

Hawke shrugged, "I still need to thank you for that – it was a wonderful experience."

I smirked, "My sister-in-law who used to be my lover was told of that unique feature you used… I've never seen an assassin blush before, Hawke. I mean – other than me, of course."

Varric coughed, "Damn Hawke – I need to know what you got for a story I'm working on…"

I grinned when Hawke shrugged, "Nothing that she didn't teach me."

"Makers' Breath, can we please change the subject?" Carver asked.

"Is that the Cellar?" I pointed. Carver looked grateful and nodded, "That would be it!"

I held up a hand, "Wait here for just a second – I'm going to scout the first area."

Hawke gave me an amused look – likely that it was his crew and I just gave an order – but he nodded and they waited.

I pulled on the shadows to vanish from sight, stunning them as I moved into the cellar.

I made a head count of the whole damn cellar just by traversing through the shadows. When I got back, I said, "So… 26 slavers – 5 of which have magic, 7 have bows, 9 have swords, and 5 have daggers."

I then gave them a lay-out of how many were in each room and the set-up of the Cellar.

Hawke said, "So… Joining my crew, huh?"

I flushed, "… You do realize, of course, that you can contradict me whenever – I just… I'm so used to being the one in charge. Spending so long being a General and then the last year of being in charge during the blight…"

Varric grinned, "As if our illustrious leader would dare to contradict the Makers' Chosen…"

I snorted, "Let's be honest – with each other, if no one else, dear Varric – if the Chantry had their way, I'd be swept under a rug and kept secret. No one wants an elven chosen one if they aren't an elf. The Dwarves like me because I'm a damn Paragon – thanks to Caridin, because… well, fuck me, right? – The elves marked me as one of their own with these lovely marks. The Qunari may not like me but the fact that a Sten named me Kadan means they will at least be cautious about me. I'm sure I've had spies on me since I flew off that boat. They'll respect me due to the fact that I'm a dragon, too. But the humans? Ferelden would see me as Queen, sure – but everywhere else would see me burn… not that fire can touch me, but you get my point."

Hawke smirked, "No really – just make a good show of letting me lead around other people, and I'll follow you in private… I like being in charge but you are the one woman I'll follow through a horde of Darkspawn. It's only thanks to you that Bethany is alive and we knew Carver would return. I admit, I miss Marian, but without you I'd have lost yet another sibling."

I hugged him, "If I could have saved Marian… but I didn't even know she was there at Ostagar until I was at the top of that tower and I saw her save Carver… I'm so sorry, Hawke."

Carver blanched, "She what?"

I gave him a look, "Your back was turned, so you didn't see the Hurlock archer aiming at you. Marian only had time to get in front of you – it hit her in the head. There was no coming back from that. You only turned to see her fall…"

He looked gutted, "I… I didn't know…"

I shook my head, "She wouldn't want you blaming yourself. Buck up – kill some slavers to take out some grief."

We all entered the cellars. As we sleuthed through the house killing Slavers, I made it a point to teach Hawke more magic. I was explaining how to shapeshift. Bethany looked intrigued. I was mostly curious what a human druid would be like…

We were almost done when my charm bracelet went off again – King Anduin this time.

"Have you arrived in… Kirkwall, was it?"

I flushed, "Er… maybe?"

He snorted, "Then you should be able to accept your guards now."

Hawke and Varric shot me amused looks. I sighed, "But Andy… I'm sort of clearing out a Slaver base with friends at the moment…" but daaaaad!

"You're… That's more of a reason to take the guards, Tara! … Inas says 'Open a damn portal or he'll call Jaina'…"

I groaned, "Call Jaina then – maybe I'll be done by the time he gets here. This is my damn crusade, Andy…" a portal opened and my 6 guards, Anduin, Inas and Jaina stepped through. I pouted.

"You had her on Stand-by… that's not fair."

Hawke was gaping.

The Lightforged Draenei Paladin woman steeped up first, "I am Altatra, my lady."

She was 6' tall with blue-white skin, white hair and yellow-green eyes. Her hooves were not shoed, and her horns unpierced… she was really pretty. She wore heavy armor and carried a large hammer.

The next to step up was a Vulpera male – Altatras' partner. He was 3'6 with black and brown fur, golden brown eyes, and several ear piercings. He said, "I am Andan – the second in the first Guard grouping." He had two daggers, a bag of 'tricks' and a bow on his back – a rogue.

I was glaring at Anduin, who was finding this hilarious, when the last few slavers burst in. Seeing such a large and well-armed group, they thought to back away… they died quickly.

I sighed, "Next?"

A man standing at 3'5 with pale skin stepped up. What skin there was – his arms, legs and half of his face had silver metal replacing it. His hair was black though. He didn't have actual eyes – the sockets on his metal frame held a blue glow instead. "I am Dibink Bizzblast, at your service, Lady Stormlight." This mechagnome was a hunter if the special whistle and gun told me anything.

The female troll who was to be his partner stood at 6'3 with light green skin, pink hair, glowing green eyes and many gold decorations – ears, lip, neck, wrists. She said simply her name, "Ka'yu." She had an amulet of Gonk – the Great Hunter and Loa of Shapes. She was a Druid!

Of the remaining two, was a 'human' man – more like he was a Worgen and just didn't feel threatened at the moment. He was 5'11 with brown hair, green eyes and tanned skin and was watching me critically before he grinned, "Ivan Knottley – from Gilneas. Not sure if you remember me…"

I chuckled, "I remember hauling your skinny little ass from a burning building, Ivan. I was the one to get you on the Ship when the rest of the night-elves came to the aid of Gilneas."

He nodded, "I volunteered for this." I also remembered he was a Mage – they would station a mage with me…

I shrugged helplessly as Hawke snorted.

Finally, the Blood elf woman stepped forward. She was 5'11, like her partner, with translucent pale skin, red hair, and gold eyes. Her makeup was flawless; her braided hair had not one strand out of place… I felt quite ugly next to her. Her crystal clear voice said, "Taliwe Redfall, here at the request of the Lord Regent, princess." Tal-eh-way… how pretty… and she was a Warrior judging from her armor and sword.

I groaned, "I am so not a princess, Taliwe – just because Lor'themar calls me his daughter does not put me in line for the regency."

She smirked at me, "I admit to testing you, my lady – I was uncertain of your character."

I was relieved, "Thank Elune for that – I have turned down two thrones so far… I don't need to add a third to that list."

Anduin coughed, "You turned down Alistair?"

I shrugged, "For the moment. He and I have a deal going… I just… I don't know. Anyway – you, King Anduin Wrynn are an ass of the highest order; having Jaina on stand-by as though she doesn't have things to do. I mean, how dare you? First of all, I wanted one day here on my own to get settled. Do you know how hard it was to get that house in order? I had to send my Religious Liaison to get things set up ahead of me! Not to mention, I had to have her set up two barracks – one for the girls, one for the guys – and I haven't even gotten a look at the place yet. I decided to come kill slavers first! I swear Andy, if I had married you, I never would've had a moment to relax!"

Anduin flushed and Hawke laughed, "He asked you to marry him?"

I snorted, "I was betrothed to him – remember how I ended up asking for permission to marry Cullen and all…"

"This is the guy? Maker…" Bethany flushed. I grinned, "He is handsome, huh?"

Anduin flushed too while Inas snorted, "Vanessa says hi…"

I felt the maniacal laugh bubbling in my throat, "Inas… this is Hawke."

"The guy with the magic dick?" he blurted out. Carver and Bethany just… headed for a different room as Hawke started laughing and Varric sighed, "I can't put this stuff in a book – it's too unbelievable. Will you tell me now, scales?"

"Like Inas said – a magic dick. 100% literal, Varric." I then explained while the guards looked intrigued, Anduin looked embarrassed and Inas looked disgusted.

After which, I called Bethany and Carver back in. I was smirking, "Guys, this is my douche of a cousin, Inas Stormrage. He's married to that assassin I was telling you about. Their daughter was even named after me. This is King Anduin – my former betrothed. This is Lord-Admiral Jaina Proudmore, leader of Kul Tiras and one damn fine mage; a role model of mine."

She smiled at me as I turned to them and said, "This is Garrett Hawke, a former lover of mine – his brother carver and sister Bethany. This fine man here is Varric Tethras – a rogue, storyteller, compulsive liar, and occasionally – to some people – an unwelcome tag-along. As you can see, Inas, he is the beardless dwarf I told you about. All the hair he has is on his chest."

Jaina laughed, "We can see that."

I winked at her, "Now off you lot – I have some things to do, people to see… a date with my new bed…"

Inas pouted but him, Jaina and Anduin all left… the other 6 stayed.

Ka'yu was watching me… she suddenly asked, "And what Loa do you bargain with?"

I giggled, "Same as you – Gonk; though Bwonsamdi would just love to have me as a disciple. I do some business with Jani too – she likes shiny things and gives me 'useless' things in return. I once got an ancient tome in return for a diamond. The tome was worth more, but not shiny at all, so it was 'useless' to her."

Ka'yu smirked and nodded, "Then we be sisters in the eyes of our Loa."

We found the will moments later. I told Hawke that Leandra was welcome to stay with me before heading to my own home with my parade of guards, much to the awe, amusement or sheer horror of the people of Kirkwall.