Chapter Thirteen
The Cure
After finding the old man with the Acorn – we killed him – we also found Danyla and I did for her what I'd done for Deygan. She looked completely surprised as she stood on her own, elven legs once more.
"I'm… cured?" she asked.
"Not really." I said carelessly, "You're actually a werewolf now – you can change at will to the form of an actual wolf. If you want the real cure, you'd have to follow us, but you'll make one hell of a hunter the way you are now."
"… I… can you do this for the others too?" she asked softly. I snorted, "That's where we're going now. Though I only plan to do this for those who don't want the full cure."
"How did you do this?" she asked.
"I'm a Genie! I grant wishes; and my mate wished we could help the werewolves so… we are." I smiled at her.
She did follow us – not because she wanted to be cured, but because she wanted the others to be helped too.
Swiftrunner met us at the ruin entrance, "The Lady will see you – but be warned. You fight us… Danyla?"
"Swiftrunner," she nodded, "The Princess tells me that Elves and Humans will form different wolf packs – but apparently, it's… possible. She saved me."
Swiftrunner – in his human form, of course – led us down into the ruin. Many wolves watched us – calculating. We came to a large, round room where a woman stood among wolf-men.
She had to be a dryad. She was amazing – 5'5 with silky black hair that covered her breasts and grey skin. Her legs were covered in vines that ran up along her waist. Alistair looked away and I approved of that.
"I bid you welcome – I am the lady of the forest. Swiftrunner has shown us what you've done for him." She said kindly.
"I know you desire an end, Lady – you'll still get it. But first I want to see if any here wish to be as Swiftrunner is. King Cailan here has graciously agreed to set aside land for the pack if they aid us in the Blight."
Cailan – who had no idea what I was saying – said, "Yup – I was thinking a nice spot in Gwaren. The pack will be considered their own Bann. The Alpha will have a say in the Landsmeet to ensure fair treatment."
The Lady looked relieved, "You have a way to end this curse?"
"The originator. Zathrian was convinced by my brother to give it up. So, show of hand – who wants to be as Swiftrunner is?" I asked.
2 out of 3 wolves raised hands. I worked my magic in turning them. They went from beast to wolf. And I could see they were feeling the effects of the enhanced healing already.
Then, I summoned Zathrian and said, "I've done my part, keeper. It is your turn."
He took a deep breath, "Then I will end the curse."
The surprise that flashed across the faces was a bit insulting – did they really think I was lying when I said my brother had convinced Zathrian? Whatever.
The ritual began and I snuggled into Alistairs' arms as we observed. I could feel the magic around us as Zathrian worked.
When it was over, Swiftrunner said, "Thank you – for being willing to aid us."
I shrugged, "Your pack will have land once the Blight is over – as Cailan said. It will take some time, however – and I would ask for your aid against the Blight. I will not push. If you chose to join us, it would be welcome."
"…We will aid you. We will stay here in the ruin for about a month while we adjust to our new abilities. Then, we make our way to… where?"
"Well, we're going to the tower first, but then we will head to Redcliffe and that will be our main base of operations. Unfortunately, by the time we get there, Redcliffe will have some troubles with the undead. If you make it there first, would you…?"
"We will see the villagers protected. Though, I must ask – I keep hearing a voice in my head…?"
"That is the wolf within you. The wolf is sentient as you are – you are two beings in one, shifting body. The wolf embodies your baser, more primal self." I smiled, "Trust your wolf-half."
He nodded, "As you say."
"And if you manage to keep the dead at bay, do not let Teagan enter the castle until we get there." I said.
Swiftrunner nodded slowly, "Of course."
"Good. Thank you. We will be on our way back to the camp now. It was good meeting you, Swiftrunner."
"And you… Lady." He bowed his head. I blinked – I was their new lady, huh?
And to show just that, he took my hand and pressed it to his cheek. I nodded my head, "Till we meet again, Alpha."
And then we left the ruin.
Alistair was fidgeting. I gave him a curious look, "Ants in your pants?"
"Wh-what?"
"Something has you anxious…" I muttered.
"O-oh… I was just wondering what that… display… was about. Where he took your hand…"
"Animals seek approval through touch; I am akin to a queen or goddess in their eyes – they naturally seek my approval since the wolves they bear now came from me. Their new abilities, including the ability to find soulmates, is all from my powers. It won't be surprising if – in the future – they worship me as such an entity. That's what the Wolves of Elysion do. The point is – the wolf spirits in their head see me as the true Alpha, though I am not part of the pack, so they have the natural inclination to 'please' me. Swiftrunner took my hand to show that he was subservient to me."
"Oh," he seemed to relax, "That's not so bad…"
I gave him a blinding grin, "Were you… jealous?"
"… Maybe." He was red and refused to look at me.
I moved to grab his hand, "Well… I think I like it."
He gave me a bewildered look, "Really?"
"You're showing that you're possessive of me – it's a show of acceptance. I like knowing that you actually do want to be with me; you don't get territorial over things you don't care about…" I smiled.
He tugged on my hand and pulled me under his arm, "Well, of course I want to be with you. You're my wife."
I shot Aedan a dirty look when he 'gagged'.
Leliana swatted at his arm.
Morrigan sighed, "You two are going to make me sick."
Alistairs' face lit up, "Even better!"
I laughed at that, "You two really don't like each other, do you?"
"Maker – she's a complete and utter bitch; aside from that… no, I don't like her." Alistair hummed.
"So you like that she's a complete and utter bitch?" I asked innocently.
"… Only because it gets the job done." He didn't go back on what he said – instead owning it. I had expected him to backtrack.
Morrigan snorted, "He is far too whiny and… no – I don't like him either."
I hummed, "Then I suppose it's good that Morrigan and Aedan are the ones sleeping together – I don't share."
Alistair gave me a horrified look, "I would never…"
"You would, actually. In that alternate future? She wouldn't have been on that rooftop fighting that Archdemon with you if you hadn't." I shrugged – unconcerned since things were different.
It was quiet. Aedan asked, "Why?"
"You want a kid, right? Like, that's something you wouldn't mind happening?" I asked.
"Don't change the subject…" he started but Morrigan chimed in, "She isn't."
"… I fail to see how this topic ties in, but… I suppose the answer would be yes… if Morrigan was… willing to…"
"Since our esteemed leader has hinted to it several times and even seems to approve, I suppose there is no harm in telling it now. The Warden who deals the killing blow on the Archdemon will always die – this is a warden secret that is very well kept. However, there is a way to prevent that. A ritual done on the night before battle; I and a warden recently tainted – within 5 years – would lie together and produce a child. It is an old ritual – from before the Circle of Magi was even created. The child will bear the taint and when the archdemon is slain, its essence will seek the child like a beacon. At such an early stage, the child can absorb that essence and not perish. The archdemon will be destroyed still with no warden dying in the process."
I chimed in, "His name will be Kieran. He's just the most adorable boy and the politest too. I looked him up. Nothing bad comes of this ritual – not a single bad thing. Just… a beautiful little boy that is so smart and has impeccable manners. Raised by both his parents…"
Morrigan looked at me sharply, "Both?"
"Well, of course you'll be taking Aedan with you when you leave. He'd catch up within 2 years anyway so you may as well. You can't escape him and you and he will be in love by then anyway."
"Ugh," Alistair grimaced, "Just the thought of Morrigan in love makes me feel icky."
She sneered but was quiet as she considered my words. Aedan quipped, "If you think I'm just going to let you leave with my son, you're mistaken."
"If Avalon says it is so, then it is. You will be welcome to come with me… I do wonder how you intend to make me 'fall' for you."
"He's charming," I shrugged, "He's had to be as a noble. Don't fight it. He's yours."
She stiffened, "Mine?"
"… I've always been able to see the red threads that bind soul mates. I couldn't see my own; it'd be an 'unfair advantage' in finding my mate. Aedan is your soul-mate. You two are already sharing a bed, so I see no harm in telling you. But I won't tell people who haven't started to develop feelings – and this is a power that I've kept hidden. For good reason. It would see me labeled as the 'Cupid'. Cupids are overwhelmed with people who want to save themselves for their mates and so they'll come to Cupid and ask. Once given general identifiers, they'll return with people to see if they're the one. So many people… there's only one cupid at a time. Not all cupids will reveal themselves."
"I can see why…" Aedan nodded.
"I'd never have any free time!" I sighed.
"… Are there other pairings in this group?" Leliana asked carefully.
"Uh-huh. Plenty of them." I summoned a chocolate bar and began munching on it.
Arthur called, "Sister…"
"Hmm?" I asked – his tone was playful, so I wasn't worried.
"Howe has learned of our relation; he is trying to feign concern for your wellbeing and get me to tell him where you are. I have told him that you are wooing your husband. He was quite enraged to learn you were married."
"…Dare I ask why?" I was exasperated.
"He has a terrible little son named Thomas – he is Howe 2.0 and Howe wanted to find a way to force you to marry him. If it had been Nathaniel – the good one that will one day save Fergus Cousland – I might have toyed with him and said it was possible."
"No Howe is good," Aedan spat.
"I quite disagree," Art hummed – his voice always had that dark oozing quality that made one think of a demon king, "As stated, Nathaniel Howe will one day save your brothers' life. I do not believe you should write off one of the two good children. Howes' daughter Delilah ran off to marry a Merchant in Amaranthine, to give you an idea. But Nathaniel did not know how his father truly was – he has been in the Free Marches for 7 years – 8 by the time he hunts you down."
"… Hunts me down?" Aedan said.
"Not Aedan – Aedan will be going with Morrigan right after the battle. Nate will hunt down whichever of my pets becomes the Warden-Commander." I said dismissively.
"Pets?" Alim barked a laugh, "You view us as pets?"
"… You're all so adorable; like puppies." I quipped.
"Have you chosen who will be it?" Art asked, "I can begin preparations to have them named."
"I was thinking Solona – she's our second group lead and it tickles me to put a mage in charge. I would say Alim… a mage elf would cause so much controversy that it makes me giddy to think of it. What I really want to do is find a Tal-Vashoth Mage and put them in charge. Can you imagine the horrified nobles having to bow and scrape to one of 'those filthy Oxmen'? now that tickles me."
"… Congratulations on your promotion, Alim!" Solona exclaimed happily, "You're now the Warden-Constable of Ferelden until we end the Blight – then you're the Commander!"
Alistair groaned, "Good luck handling that, Cailan." Arthur quietly hung up after hearing what he needed.
"You'll be right there with me, brother," Cailan quipped back, "Speaking of – you want to explain how the hero naming is going to go? With so many Wardens…"
"Alim and Solona ask for the circle to have more freedom and be self-regulating. Grant it – it's fine even after what happened there. Sereda will request aid in battling the darkspawn – which you should do because it will increase good relations with the dwarves especially when Thaigs are reclaimed. Aedan will ask that the Howes be made to pay for what Rendon did – strip the lands and title and give it to the Wardens… that's important and I'll explain later. Darrien will want elves to be treated better; make the Alienage into a Bann and name him the Bann of it. Lyna wants the Dalish to have land. Grant it; give them land in the Hinterlands north of the Korcari wilds, including Ostagar. Faren, I'm not sure on – he could have requested the same as Sereda since his sister is going to be queen. Possibly someone will request that the sacrifices of the Wardens should not be forgotten again – erect a statue of Duncan in the middle of the Market District. And if someone – any of them – asks for land and riches… grant the Teyrnir of Gwaren or the Arling of Denerim. In fact – I demand the Arling as your sister-in-law to grant Alistair and Cullen a bit more legitimacy as my mates. Urien died at Ostagar and Darrien killed Vaughn. Howe holds Denerim and Amaranthine now. If I hadn't intervened, he'd also have Highever."
"… Any of them?" Cailan grinned, "Alright – which of you wants Gwaren?"
"… Seriously?" Alim asked, "You'll follow that?"
"Oh, yes – it'll piss off the nobles if I grant it to a non-human; and better, a mage. Just like the Wardens." Cailan nodded.
"… Hold on that – we will have one more join us soon and I'll see them joined. Remember I gave rings to the Hawkes? Carver or Bethany will join us – name them the Teyrnir." I pointed out.
"I hope it's Bethany – the mage," Cailan grinned.
"It's very likely to be." I nodded, "But she'd ask for something for her family. All the Hawkes are Family-People."
"A title and the Gwaren Lumber operations could greatly help her family." Cailan pointed out.
"True," I grinned.
We got back to the Dalish camp amidst our laughing. The whole camp surrounded us – and Arthas and their daughter ran to Danyla.
I saw the moment Danyla inhaled their scent – Arthas was her soulmate and she was a Werewolf.
I spoke, "Danyla is the same as Deygan now. It was her choice – she was in pain and begging for death when we found her."
"Arthas… we can find soulmates." She looked awed, "And… you're mine."
Arthas had tensed in the beginning but relaxed after that and said, "Of course I am – did you expect any different?"
"Their new race is hereditary – their children will always be wolves like them. And it is communicable, but it's less of a chance than it was before. Only 1 in 5 will turn after being bitten and only if bitten on a full moon. They're stronger, faster, have keener senses, and heal faster than 'normal' people. There is a difference between bitten and born werewolves, though… I feel I should mention this now. Bitten wolves will not have the wolf-voice in their head, but their instincts will be more primal to make up for it."
Lanaya spoke, "But the curse is lifted?"
"Oh, yes – Zathrian gave his life to end it for those that did not wish to remain as wolves. Deygan was the only one who did have a choice as he was unconscious – Zathrian chose for him." I said.
She nodded solemnly, "I felt it when he… departed. I think he was ready to go…"
"He was, Keeper Lanaya. He wished for his family in the end."
"It will be… difficult to fill his shoes. He was our keeper for so long and will be sorely missed. Well… let me say it officially then – I hereby swear to uphold the terms of the ancient contract our people formed with the Grey Wardens. Call and we shall come with great speed and purpose to strike at your foes."
I nodded, "The final battle will be in Denerims' streets when that time comes. Make your way to the forests outside the city, but don't make yourselves known to the Shems there until after the Landsmeet. You may be visited by my brother from time to time; Arthur will make sure you have what you need, be it herbs, coin, or anything else. I'm personally growing all forms of herbs and they grow fast for me, so don't hesitate to ask for what you need. He can get to me easily enough to collect those things."
"Your brother… he is an interesting sort." Lanaya flushed and I could see many others flushing too. Lyna barked a laugh, "It's part of what he is – a Dhampir. Their kind oozes charm like rain from a cloud."
I smothered my smile, "He's a lover, what can I say? Poor guy is starved for love and attention."
"Well, still… he's no elf," Lanaya muttered as though I had been trying to set her up with him.
I shrugged; my brother would make his own affairs – mostly.
Alistair was really sweet as he refused to let me go at dinner – which we had been invited to dine with the clan tonight, so we were eating something they had made – when my cell-phone went off.
I rarely used my cell – if it was ringing, that meant that someone in my family had already tried calling my landline.
I answered when I saw that it was Ember.
Ember was my sister through Vanya, my Dragonkin mother. I answered, "Ello?"
Embers' voice came through in a panic, "I need somewhere to stay."
"You know that you're always welcome at mine… what happened?"
"I… I'll explain tonight when I see you. Please don't tell Dad or mom." With my birth mother being the only one of my dads' mates still living, I knew she meant her.
"…Okay. But I warn you – I have a lot of guests."
"Thanks, sis." She hung up and I kind of stared at my phone in confusion; wondering what was going on and why she sounded panicked. She was newly mated to the first of her 6 mates. She should be enjoying the mated bliss.
Alistair – who was close enough to have heard every word – asked, "Was that… Sia?"
"No – Ember. Sia is the youngest and looks every bit the elf her mother is with some of my dads' traits. Ember is my second sister; as in, she was born second only to me. Ember is the daughter of Vanya – my dads' late Dragonkin mate. Her hair is a shade of fire – blue at the roots, purple in the middle and green at the tips… but it waves and moves and cackles like fire. Her eyes are white-blue flames – and she has dads grey skin… I wonder what could cause her to run away from her first mate. The two of them just mated."
It was quiet.
When we got into the house, Ember rushed into my arms. I hugged her, "Ember…?"
"…Why are the fates so cruel?" she cried, "H-He… he waited until we were mated a-and… he thought I wouldn't be able to leave him. He's abusive, Angel. He hit me."
I pulled back and saw her face was swollen. I was pissed, "You need to tell dad."
"… I… I can't." she shook her head, "I'm scared, Ang… My mate is… I could start a war by getting him killed. He's a king."
"There are laws in place, Ember. You're protected… if he comes here, Maria will slaughter him. Oh, Maria is the Harpy that looks after the Griffin Roost."
Ember relaxed at once – Harpies could smell an abuser 3 miles off… and they didn't like them. A Harpy was, after all, the lasting spirit of an abused woman that killed their abuser. You only became a Harpy if you killed the abuser out of vengeance on someone elses behalf and you had the blood of the Nemesis, the ancient Greek goddess, in your family tree.
Nemesis was the goddess of retribution, and she had wings as well. She was described as 'Nemesis, winged balancer of life, dark-faced goddess, daughter of Justice'. She was also beautiful, so it was no surprise that she had many descendants through the millions of years.
Even I had Nemesis blood on my dads' side, though it was very faint. Like, 12-15 generations since anyone even claimed it, faint.
Point was this – actively having a Harpy in my home, Embers' douche of a mate would either not dare to come here or he would die a slow and miserable death at the hands of the Harpy if he did.
"Oh – you must not have heard," Leliana placed a comforting hand around Embers' shoulders, "My Lady has taken her adult name and married one of her mates. She is now Avalon Angel Theirin."
I knew what she was doing – trying to calm Ember by taking her mind off of the situation.
It worked. Ember snapped her head up to look at me, "You met your mate?"
"One of two – I uh… misinterpreted the dream. And my mates have a shared bond so I know who the other is. Ember, this is my husband – Alistair Theirin, Prince of Ferelden. This is his brother Cailan; the King. Alistair, this is my sister Ember Hydra."
Ember looked like she couldn't take her eyes from Cailan. I looked between them as shrugged, "Cailan… I think you might be one of hers."
Cailan looked really nervous, and Ember flushed, "I…"
I spoke, "He'd literally fall on his own sword before hurting you. He's also very defensive of his family since he spent the last 5 years not knowing he had a brother and thus thought he was all alone in the world. He was forced into a marriage, but he's already taking steps to have that annulled since she's infertile and can't continue his family line. Good news – no kids from a past relationship. But you have to behave around Arthur since he's Cailans' secretary."
Ember was the only one in my main family (excluding Arthur) that knew of my cupid powers. So when I said I think, she knew what I was saying. Arthur knew too.
Arthur spoke – he must have been in the shower when we arrived, "Ah, My Lady – an honor to see you again."
She stilled – she'd never interacted with Art. Not once. Arthur continued, "My King. We have a problem. Your wife won't leave me alone. I've told her 12 times now that I am gay and that a relationship with me will not get her an alliance. Any ideas?"
"I would say to remind her that I didn't die that long ago. But that may make things worse. She may push harder after remembering she has a sympathy card in her hand." Cailan frowned. "I apologize – she's always been ambitious."
Ember looked with narrowed eyes, "Wife."
"Anora won't be Queen past the year. Cailan will take back his throne and she'll be deposed for being infertile and committing Treason by trying to usurp the King. Since Arthur was hired by me and answers to Cailan, it will look like the Queen knew her husband was still alive." I grinned, "She'll either die or be banished."
"You planned that?" Sten asked.
"Oh, fuck yeah; that bitch would betray us twice depending on certain things. If we don't promise her the crown, she claims we kidnapped her to the Landsmeet. If we tell Cauthrien that we're rescuing Anora from Howe, she claims… can you guess?" I asked in annoyance.
"That we're kidnapping her?" Alistair asked drily.
"Bingo," Arthur smirked, "Kidnapping the Queen is treason. And she won't know we have the King and his named Prince. She thinks she can get away with it. Worse – if you get taken into custody for kidnapping her from Howe, she thinks you can still work for her and give her the crown and if you don't swear to give it to her, she betrays you in the Landsmeet. Like, she actively gets you arrested and betrays you and she believes that you will still give her the crown because she's the 'rightful ruler' with Cailan dead. She keeps belittling Alistair; saying he's 'as much of a fool as his brother' and 'they are good-looking – the Theirin men – but apparently it is rare that they have any talent outside the bedroom'. I came very close to breaking my promise to not hit a woman today… if you couldn't tell."
He had mimicked her accent flawlessly. I sighed, "Can I…?"
Cailan said, "Not yet. She's still technically my wife and Queen until I return to my throne."
Ember growled – a full dragons' growl – and her chest glowed with the fire she could breathe. Cailan was a smart man – he said, "Maker – to think, she and I haven't even shared a bed in over a year."
Ember glanced at me. I shrugged, "You won't like it."
"Tell me anyway," she snapped.
"I slept with him. I thought he might be. He and my mate are brothers and look quite similar. At the time, I didn't know who my second mate was. I'm sure you know how that went since I already knew one mate by then." I explained.
She frowned deeply. "You're right… I don't like it. But I can't fault you for it either. I can work with Prince Arthur… but you swear…?"
"Cailan won't hurt you, Emmie. But you should know… mom checked him when she checked everyone else here… he can't have children."
She shrugged, "I don't care about that. You're my sister by blood and by law if I mate with Cailan. I can just spoil your kids. And I'm supposed to have 4 other mates anyway. And you know the rules. Any child of a Jinni is the child of all the Jinni's mates. Cailan won't share blood with them, but they'll still be his kids."
Cailan had a complicated look – he looked happy and confused at the same time. He sighed, "I'll need to tell Queen Sapphire Sand that I have a mate."
Ember looked intrigued, "You're in talks with Sapphire Sand?"
"Arthur introduced us. I was looking for a political marriage and since I couldn't have kids…"
I knew right then. One dormant red line on Ember perked up… and to top it off, she wasn't jealous about it. I spoke flippantly, "It'd be best to conduct that in person with your mate by your side. Who knows what might happen?"
Arthur must have also guessed – he pointed it out, "Wait… Ember, you aren't jealous that Cailan was in talks with the beautiful Vampire High Queen? Not even a little?"
Realization dawned on her face, "She might be my vampire mate?"
"Uh-huh. If so, that's 3 down and 3 to go. It's worth a look." I yawned, "And… I'm exhausted. You can stay with Cailan in his room since he's yours."
She looked hesitant, "Would that… be… okay?"
Cailan snorted, "As though I'm about to turn away my soulmate? I'm not my brother."
She looked confused and glanced at me and Alistair – I was in Alistairs' arms – and lifted an eyebrow.
I shifted awkwardly before Art revealed all… including his marrying us. She giggled as I healed the wound on her face.
I lifted a hand, "Night!"
