Chapter Twelve
Hinterlands
(TRIGGER WARNING: Miscarriage mentioned)
"Okay no – I am not answering that one. I'll take the penalty… which article of clothes do I strip," I asked as I flushed.
Varric had asked about last night after I'd also refused to answer about what Cullen and I discussed about Alistair. Cassandra sputtered, "What do you mean strip?"
"No alcohol to take a penalty shot means we're playing strip penalty… right? Or was there another penalty in play?" I asked.
"Nope – certainly strip… so Varric pick an article since it was your question," Maxwell grinned.
"Boots," Varric shrugged. I didn't hesitate – no way was I going to tell these people about how insecure and scared I'd been last night.
I tied the laces on my combat boots and tossed them on the litter – I'd fought bare-footed before and this world had less glass and shit in the dirt.
"Alright – fine; my next question is this: Do you think you'll enjoy sleeping with the Snowflake?" Varric asked.
I sniggered – I forgot that Varric called Alistair a 'Special Snowflake'! I cleared my throat, "Oh yeah – I think I'll enjoy it. Hey… is that the Outskirts Camp?"
Cassandra looked to where I was pointing and nodded, "We will meet with the lieutenant you had promoted there."
Lace Harding was 4'3 with red hair twisted into a top-knot and light brown eyes that complemented her pale skin. She was dusted with the pretty bronze spots most pale skinned people had in some measure. She looked stunned at the two Halla pulling a large Wagon when another Hall pulled a litter.
Cullen would be using a Druffalo to bring the supplies for watchtowers.
She spoke, "The Heralds of Andraste! I've heard the stories – everyone has. We know what the two of you did at the breach. It's an honor to meet you both. Inquisition Lieutenant Harding, at your service; I – all of us here – we'll do what we can to help."
Varric chuckled, "Harding, huh? You ever been to Kirkwalls Hightown?"
"Er… I can't say I have… why?" her voice was confused and suspicious. He shrugged, "Because then you'd be Harding in… oh, never mind."
Cassandra snorted in disgust.
I held up a hand, "Hang on – Heralds? Maxwell is the Herald… where did the 'S' come from?"
Cassandra shot me a smug look while Varric said, "Waves – Do you even realize? You came out of nowhere; no one has seen you since you were born before you got shoved out of the Fade by that glowing woman. You cracked a handful of whips to get us working on pulling remains from the temple of Sacred Ashes and you helped. You had Blake looking over remains to tell if they were Qunari, Elf, Human or Dwarf – we didn't know it was possible to tell by looking at bones. You then told Nightingale to contact a Dalish Clan to give the Elves rights and burials, Ruffles to contact Orzammar to gather the Dwarves to return to the stone and Par Vollen for the Qunari Weaponry that was found and retrieved, and then you got a Revered Mother to give Rights to the human remains and the Qunari remains. If not for you, the Inquisition would not have enough room with everyone in Haven; you also help train the troops in better fighting technique – and the Obstacle course was a stroke of genius. You also got the official support of Ferelden by getting the Hero Queen to Join the Inquisition… you also convinced the lost Champion of Kirkwall to join too…"
I narrowed my eyes, "Did I?"
"That's just what everyone is saying, Waves – if it weren't for you, the Hero and the Champion wouldn't be with the Inquisition."
"Hawke hasn't gotten to Haven yet…"
"No – but he did send a reply to you saying that he would never miss the fancy wedding you plan to have with Cullen later and that if all is forgiven and Seeker Pentaghast isn't going to kill him, then of course he'll come… remember?"
"Hmm. I'm not a Herald – I'm…"
Maxwell threw an arm over my shoulders, "Come now, Lessie – it just makes sense…"
I sighed, "Fine – whatever. Harding, it's a pleasure to finally meet you in person."
"You heard of me?" she looked surprised.
"She's the reason your hazard pay was increased and people will take you so seriously that if you say run, they'll drop everything else. Your promotion was at her request too – something about you being one of the pillars of the Inquisition in the year to come? Her Worship got a limited vision of the future while in the Fade," Maxwell grinned. I didn't say anything – that was how Leliana wanted to play things so…
Harding flushed, "I did wonder at the jump from Scout to Lieutenant without the other 4 ranks in between that; when I was notified of Hazard Pay increase, I worried a little too."
I shifted on my feet, "When we look into Crestwood in the future, you would casually remark that we should increase your hazard pay – not entirely sure why, so I guess be on your guard there. I thought I'd jump ahead of that a little and make sure you're paid well. You will be the main one scouting new locations for us when we get to those things – like the storm coast or the fallow mire or… well anywhere. We'll work you like a pack mule, so when I heard your pay and rank, I demanded Leliana up both. You're tough as nails, despite being named Lace."
She jerked, "You… I rarely tell anyone my name…"
I winked at her, "I think that it's cute, though – I hope you don't begrudge me knowing it."
She was flushed quite prettily, "W-we should get to business. The situation is pretty dire here. We came to secure horses from Redcliffes' old horse master. I actually grew up here, and people always said that Dennets' herds were the strongest and fastest this side of the Frostbacks. But with the Mage-Templar fighting getting worse, we couldn't get to him. Maker only knows if he's still alive. Mother Giselle is at the Crossroads helping refugees and the wounded. Our latest reports say that the fighting has spread to there too. Corporal Vale and our men are doing what they can to help protect the people, but they won't be able to hold out for very long."
I smiled and motioned to the wagon, "I brought food, blankets and a healer for the Crossroads – we simply need to clear the way and then I'll come back and get it for the people. I figured that a war might mean it was too dangerous to hunt, people would forget to grab blankets or coats when focusing on essential things in a rush, and people could be injured. The healer has plenty of healing herbs, potions and poultices. I also have the Commander collecting things to build watchtowers in strategic spots so we can better protect people."
Harding beamed at me, "I don't know why I was ever worried then – the stories did say that Andraste was the one to guide you both. We should all do fine with you and Lord Maxwell at the helm."
Ellana was more than content to not have any attention it seemed. Max snorted, "I'm sort of useless – it's mostly her."
"Not true – we use your connections and your mark," I smirked teasingly. He nodded seriously, "Lady Montilyet is overjoyed about that part – but it turns out that those contacts might have pledged support without me anyway; Dad sent me a letter about the whole 'finding the dead and giving them rest' thing… The De Launcet family had a son at the conclave and you found his body – it was the one with the gold and ruby amulet that marked him as… I may have packed up that amulet and sent it to the De Launcets' with a note explaining that it was found with one of the dead that you personally excavated and laid to rest. Dulci wrote back personally, Lessie – she pledged funds to the cause if you needed."
I flushed, "It was… it was just the right thing to do…"
"My point in all of this – you deserve the title, Princess," Maxwell grinned. I snorted and rolled my eyes, "Can you not call me that? I think I made a declaration in the Tavern that day; right after threatening Varric."
"But it is your title – you're the princess of Ferelden," Cassandra pointed out.
I sighed, "Do you plan to call Cullen a Prince?"
"Well… Commander flows better with his name…" Cassandra flushed.
"And to me, Admiral sounds better because I spent years being called Admiral Cousland; Can we go secure the Crossroads or are we going to debate titles more?"
We began moving – leaving the wagon in Hardings care so that we could clear the Crossroads without having a target painted on us.
Varric asked, "You know, Waves; most people I know in the military get a nickname – did you have one?"
I pursed my lips, "Yeah; but it won't make much sense to you. The name came from a graphic novel about a woman with super-strength and not much else; she had no skills at all except this strength which got her into more trouble than anything when all she wanted was to be normal. The nickname changed after a while when it became clear that I did have skills past my abnormal strength and I earned my first medal. That name was bard – because I was always singing and I had uh… 'seduced' my way out of that situation. It was their way of trying to make me feel better about the whole damn thing. It worked – a little."
"Wait – how does seducing…? Never mind – I just remembered what the Orlesian Bards are famous for," Maxwell flushed.
I laughed, "Right – if there was down time, I would play my guitar and hum a tune for the guys once in a while. I became a massive flirt – though it was never acted on – to cover the insecurity I felt from that experience."
"What was the first name?" Ellana asked.
"I'm not saying – I hated that damn book… the worst thing was that I wrote it. I never intended for it to get published either; but my orphanage nanny found it and thought she was doing me a favor. It was more of a drawn-out diary than a novel. Thankfully, it was published under a pen name so no one actually knew it was me. And if it weren't for me making Admiral, then the fact that I even had a second name would have been enough to keep me from ever meeting with the crown."
"Ouch – that's got to be tough; being taunted using your journal…"
"I'd say I learned my lesson, but the books were surprisingly popular so… I kept writing that character failing at everyday tasks like opening doors and having to find a way to make up for the damage. People liked seeing characters in novels with what was meant to be a super-power that just… hindered the characters life rather than making it better. Ah, look – Templars, Mages and Bandits up ahead – let's introduce them to my guns, yeah?"
As predicted, Cassandra and Solas did try to talk the Templars and Mages down… the Bandits actually did give up and run after seeing me one-shot three people… two of them wearing hard plate helmets – I shot through the eyes.
The bandits did not want to fuck with me it appeared and tucked their tails. When I rounded on them and shot one in the leg, they all froze. I smiled, "Map – don't play dumb. I'll even let you live – as my prisoners – if you cooperate."
One of the 4 men stammered, "We-we really don't have a map, miss… please…"
"Can one of you draw?" I asked. My new friends were in position to cut off any sort of escape.
"I-I can…" the smallest one said. I smirked, "Congratulations – you just joined the Inquisition; 3 meals a day will be provided for you; a bed will also be in the offing and you will get clean clothes and the ability to bathe. You will be paid – though for the first month you will be under supervision of the Prince of Ferelden and Commander of the Inquisition Forces; Cullen Rutherford. The rest of you have a choice; join us as allies and subordinates or join us as prisoners – you get the meals, beds, clothes and baths either way… prisoners just don't get paid. You will eventually be sent to Denerim where you will be tried for banditry on the Kings lands though…"
Cassandra looked stunned, "You're trying to convert them?"
"This one is clutching a necklace that looks like it's from a lover – he was threatened; this tiny one that can draw is that ones' brother – one roped in the other, I think. This big lout is going to refuse my offer because he thinks we won't hold our end of the bargain but by the end of the month he will change his mind when he sees these three doing so well off. Ferelden – all of Thedas – is in the midst of a civil war and with demons added to the mix, no one can find their asses without a map; these guys are 'property' of a Carta operation at the moment. I don't relish killing people for trying to survive, Seeker – I was one of them at one point if you recall."
The tiny one said, "You… were?"
"I was a prisoner of War back home. I know what it's like to eat bugs when you have nothing else… you look like you know the same."
"I… Jace, I want to join her…" he flushed and looked at his brother. The brother said, "Then we will – if you trust her, Derek… then we will."
The big lout scoffed, "Just like that?"
Jace said, "She took us down – she could have killed us or just tossed us in jail… she's offering pay, Daren. And she's right – all four of us were forced into this…"
I inclined my head, "Get with Lieutenant Harding to make me a map – the Inquisition will see to it that you are protected from repercussions. If you give us details, we can also go and 'capture' your loved ones so that they don't suffer. Ellana, Solas – see to their wounds and get their information. Maxwell, we have a Revered Mother to go speak with. Cass, you and Varric go back and get the wagon – it's worse than I thought here and these people need the food and blankets and coats we brought… and the alchemist for healing; Gods' Blood, look at this mess… these are my people now – I'll not let them suffer."
I walked off after giving the orders. I was looking for a specific man… the elven man who had a dying wife. He found me – approaching as I spotted Mother Giselle. I recognized him – he really did look exactly as in the game; black-grey hair and instantly asking, "Please can you help my wife?"
I looked at Maxwell, "Go speak to the Revered Mother – I took an oath to help everyone in need."
He nodded and headed toward the woman with chocolate skin and white robes while I followed the man back.
I had always had a feeling that I knew what this illness was – and if I could give them something to hold them over until I could get their son, then all the better. The man said, "My son makes a potion…"
I cut him off, "Is your wife exhibiting any of the following symptoms; Shortness of breath, Chest tightness or pain; Wheezing when exhaling; Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing; Coughing or wheezing attacks that are worsened when she gets ill?"
"I… how did you know? She experiences… all of that – can you help?" he looked hopeful.
"Your son is likely better for a long-term solution; I'll collect him. However, I do have something that can ease the symptoms until I can recover your son or his medicine."
Asthma – the woman had asthma; no wonder the quest was called 'Shallow Breaths'. He looked relieved and immediately began leading me to his home. He spoke as we moved, "Thank you – Maker bless you."
"No need for that – as I told the Herald of Andraste; I took an oath as a non-magic healer to aid those that I can. Tell me – when does she exhibit the symptoms most frequently; when the air is cold and dry, in specific locations, or in specific seasons; perhaps around specific animals or…?"
"It sees to be mostly random – more in the spring, sure, but… actually, that is when she goes out to garden the most…"
"She may have Allergy-induced asthma; it would be triggered by airborne substances like flower pollen or other such things. Is this her?" the woman on the bed was certainly in the midst of an Asthma attack. I pulled out an inhaler and placed the open end in her mouth.
I spoke as I helped her, "When using this, I mean – the first step is obvious. You take the cap off. Make sure nothing is in the mouthpiece before putting it in your mouth – you never know. Shake the inhaler hard 10 to 15 times before each use. Breathe out all the way – get as much air as you can out first. Hold the inhaler with the mouthpiece down. Place your lips around the mouthpiece so that you form a tight seal – like you're about to suck on a sweet stick. As you start to slowly breathe in through your mouth, press down on the inhaler one time. Keep breathing in slowly, as deeply as you can. Once that breath is in, hold it while you take the inhaler out of your mouth – count to 10 in your head so you don't lose that breath – then breathe it out slowly. Once you're done, you're going to want to rinse and gargle with water – don't swallow that; spit it out. That will help prevent side-effects. This isn't a one-time solution – if you feel the attack happening again before I can get to your son and back, do it again. You should have enough medicine here for at least a month – I'll give you an extra canister though, just in case."
I then went over cleaning instructions and how to change the canister. The woman – looking a hell of a lot better since I entered – spoke, "My lady – may we ask who you are?"
"Celeste Rutherford – Admiral of the Inquisition and Princess of Ferelden; Herald of Andraste too, I guess… though until a few days ago, my name was Cousland…"
Their eyes were comically wide as they went to bow. I waved it off, "There's no need for that – I helped because it was the right thing to do."
"Thank you, my lady – my sons name is Hyndel; he can be found at the Winter Watchtower in the southeast. It houses…"
"I know about the Cultists. We received a rather thorough report on the Hinterlands from out people before coming here. I already planned to visit them. For now, you both look like you need food and a coat or two – I had my people gather food, blankets, coats and an alchemist before we came here; they should be arriving in a few moments, if you want to follow me."
"Thank you so much, my lady…" the man had hero worship in his eyes and that made me blush like I was still a kid, "I'm just glad you came up to me – I wouldn't have known… well… I'm glad I could help."
We got out of the house in time to see the wagon coming into the small town – pulled by Halla, it made quite the stir. I held a hand out and the Halla strained to get to me. That was another thing that cemented my theory about Blake and me being one person; the Halla sensed me like they did him in part. I didn't have the effect to call them – but once they had been in contact with Blake, the Halla seemed to see me as their best friend.
I nuzzled each of the Halla – they were intelligent creatures; we didn't need saddles, bits, harnesses or anything past what was needed to hook up the litter and the wagon… that was it. They would lean down for us to get on their backs, they didn't stray when we stopped for the night, and they would bring me little things like a shiny rock they found while grazing.
Cassandra gave me a confused look, "I though you were going to speak with the Mother…"
"I was – but someone needed medical aid and I took an oath to assist those I can. It's called the Hippocratic Oath; I share my knowledge with those who follow in my path, I apply all measures for the benefit of the sick and ailing while avoiding over-treatment and therapeutic nihilism, I recall that there is art to medicine and science – warmth, sympathy and understanding may even outweigh the surgeon's knife or the chemist's drug at times – I have no shame if there is something I don't know and I will not avoid calling for aid of colleagues when the skills of another is needed, I respect the privacy of my patients; for their problems are not disclosed to me that the world may know. Most especially must I tread with care in matters of life and death. If it is given me to save a life, all thanks; but it may also be within my power to take a life – and such a responsibility must be faced with great humbleness and awareness of my own frailty. Above all – I will not play god. I am not treating a fever, cancer or illness – I am treating a living person; one whose illness may affect the person's family and economic stability. I will prevent disease whenever I can, for prevention is preferable to cure. I must remember that I remain a member of society, with special obligations to all my fellow people; no matter if they are sound in mind and body or infirm."
I hadn't realized how many people were listening – though it was now rather quiet.
Maxwell spoke, "That's a good oath to take as a healer; magic or no magic, those who can heal should help the people where they can."
Solas inclined his head, "I quite agree – you are a princess and yet you did not shy away from caring for your subjects."
I shrugged, "They needed aid – now; line up for food, blankets, coats and health poultices courtesy of the Inquisition!"
I was embarrassed that so many had their focus on me – just because I led the navy doesn't mean I liked being in any sort of spotlight.
Mother Giselle came up to us, "You are the Princess that Maxwell spoke of?"
I sighed, "What did he say about me this time?"
She smiled, "All good things, Admiral Rutherford."
I relaxed, "He has a knack for making me sound better than I am. It's nice to formally meet you, Mother."
"Formally – what do you mean by that?"
Now was the time to say what Leliana and I came up with, "There's a reason people are calling me a Herald too – not that I knew about that. I was named Inquisitor due to a very special circumstance. While we were in the Fade, a brief vision was granted to me of the future. I knew the Crossroads would need food, blankets and healers – we knew that they were a battleground. Honestly, we know a bit more than that too… things are in flux at the moment – I'm trying to prevent as much suffering as I can. Already, my husband will be here in two days to start putting up watch towers – I can't afford to let the bandits hurt more people. Over there are bandits we 'converted' – they were forced to join the group under duress so we made a counter-offer. And I'm sure you heard about our efforts in laying the dead to rest. I'm doing what I can with the information gained – but there's only so much I can do."
She tilted her head, "Really?"
"You served in Jader. After the impact of the fifth blight, you wrote to Val Royeaux asking for assistance; it wasn't forthcoming so you arranged a hunger strike. You took the chantries entire store of food to the poor and starving peasants. Val Royeaux saw it as a bullying tactic, but they gave in… sort of. Weren't their instructions that the food go first to the clerics, then the Orlesian poor and then the refugees before finally feeding elves of the alienage? I find that racist and deplorable – and I'm glad you refused the order; as you said – those furthest from the maker were in the greatest need and their souls could not be fulfilled until their bellies were. Lady Seryl of Jader aided you. Your actions saved thousands of lives at the cost of your career in the chantry – supposedly. Justinia valued you for this, however and often sent you where the poor and he sick were in large numbers. Andraste has seen you, Mother Giselle – for you followed in her path."
It was only then that I realized that focus was on me once more and I internally cursed myself – I was trained better than this, damnit. I kept my face from showing that displeasure though – these people needed the faith and it would help the inquisition greatly.
Mother Giselle smiled softly at me, "I am glad – I did believe you were sent by the Prophet – and this… it proves it. Not many knew that the chantry had barred me from advancing in the hierarchy; not that it mattered; the people needed those things."
"If someone stands behind you, protect them; if they stand beside you, respect them – and if they stand against you, show them no mercy. Even Andraste incited a War with the people in her path; and she defended all those that were under her care. You did as you thought Andraste would do – and I believe you were right in doing it. You will always be welcome in the Inquisition, Mother Giselle; because that is what we stand for – protection."
She nodded, "I will make my way to Haven."
"Ask Sister Nightingale for the Elfroot and Blood Lotus I set aside for you; people need health poultices and… well…"
She smiled and headed off.
That night, I was in my tent when I bit my lip and finally did what I'd been putting off each night – I called Alistair.
"Elissa?"
"Er… Not exactly – Lis gave me the sending stone when Cullen and I agreed that I would act as your uh… well… surrogate?"
"… Well – I didn't expect this sort of… I mean… ahem; you must be Celeste…"
"It would have been nicer to have this conversation in person, huh?" I asked.
"Very much so – wait… you agreed? Makers' Breath – I heard you and Cullen were the love story of the century. Tell me he knows that you…"
"I found it very arousing that you two were a thing – in fact, part of the deal is that he occasionally gets to join in…" I know my voice was amused.
He choked, "W-well… I mean… please tell me no one else knows?"
"I told the Inner Circle – they were pretty much all there for the main conversation and then the wedding."
"Wedding?" he asked.
"Cullen and I got married right after. The only issue he had with the whole thing was that you might get me first and well… we couldn't have that."
I swear I heard him swallow hard, "I-I… well, it's uh… good that you got married – the whole of the Landsmeet has been pushing for me to put Elissa aside and marry you every since you showed up since they learned Elissa is… infertile."
"Has Lis told you nothing? I already know all this – I was raised in a world where all of this was a damn story; I even know everything that happened with finding your father."
He groaned, "So you know the Warden secrets?"
"I won't tell if you don't – I don't know that I would survive the joining and it isn't like I'll be telling anyone about it anyway. We just arrived in the Hinterlands, by the way… I uh… had a disagreement with some bandits, mages and templars making the Crossroads into a battleground. Most of those are dead now – but the bandits were coerced so I flipped them."
"I'll make note of it and try to send relief to…"
"I already took care of that – the Inquisition is providing food, blankets and coats to the people in the crossroads. We also hired an alchemist to provide as many potions and poultices as needed. We're paying the wages on that and proving the herbs needed to make them. At the moment, we're simply trying to restore world-order – we are not trying to force our way in or anything."
"I believe you – Lis would have done the same during the Blight, so… honestly, as long as I'm apprised of all of this, I can't say I mind you helping my people… though if the Landsmeet had their way, they'd be your people too. I mean, they are – you're the Princess – but I mean… they really want you to be Queen due to your bloodline and potential ability to have kids…"
"… I know I can have kids, Alistair; there is nothing wrong with my biology there." I sighed.
"I hesitate to ask how you know – if it's too personal…" he sighed.
"I'll tell you when we meet in person if you bring me some Antivan Brandy – it isn't a good story and technically never happened since I was aged backwards. I was 58 in that other world; the event happened in my 30s but I'm only 24 now."
"That bad huh? If you like, I can bring Qunari spirits – I hear they can wipe the memory."
I laughed, "I would take you up on that – but I don't want to be pass-out-drunk when I plan to possibly get you in bed… we both know you're too much of a gentleman to take me to bed if I'm inebriated."
"You really do have a good read on me. Antivan… Brandy – there made a note of it. Good that I keep a quill y my bed. So… Maker; you realize that if you do have my child…"
"You'll be insufferably clingy? I know – but unless someone pulls some sort of asinine plan out of their ass and manages to enact it, I'm married… but Cullen doesn't mind sharing me with you."
"I hear you look almost exactly like Elissa?" he asked.
"My eyes are purple, and I have more tattoos, but yes – almost a spot-on match. I think Leli almost kissed me on habit the other day, but she played it off as a kiss on the cheek."
"Damn Leliana – first she's sleeping with my wife, then she tries to seduce my princess." Alistair quipped. I flushed at that, "You're adorable."
"Not the first time I heard that one from a Cousland woman – when Elissa learned she was going to be my first…"
"First? She slept with you before the Dark Ritual?" I asked.
"She said – and I quote – 'no man deserved having Morrigan for a first time. Leliana agreed and since I was set to marry Elissa anyway, she slept with me the night before that was needed to happen… on this topic – Morrigan… said there would be a child…"
"His name is Kieran – and if you go to the Winter Ball, you'll see Morrigan; Kieran and Morrigan will be loaned to the Inquisition too so… you can meet him. And that soul he carries will be taken from him – he'll be normal later on. He's a bright lad, though."
"And my… Leliana wrote that you know more about my mother?"
"You've actually met her – recently. I can't tell you who just yet or you won't react properly to the situation, but I swear I will tell you who she is. You have her eyes, Alistair," I smiled.
He sounded happy, "Thank you – for all of it. I'll let the Landsmeet know that you're married and have agreed to attempt to have my child knowing that you can have children as you…"
"The child was beaten from my body – just as well, I guess… it wasn't like they were conceived through love." I admitted. I'd wanted to tell Cullen first – this was what the tattoo on my chest meant.
"Makers' Breath – I'm so sorry… Antivan Brandy – I certainly owe you that."
"Yeah – I still need to tell Cullen that story too. He knows the events that led up to it – but he doesn't know that it resulted in that – or that they made sure the child didn't live when they figured out… regardless, I called to say that we have agreed and that Cullen would appreciate joining in once in a while…"
"It's a deal – though I have my own reservations about this; I would feel like I'm using you and…"
"Honey, I get it. But Elissa had many good points and you are a good man – it isn't like you plan to bed me and leave me once I get pregnant; the men back on Earth were notorious for that actually."
"I would never – if anything I'd be more likely to want you to stay by my side," I hear the sheepish tone in his voice and chuckled, "I have Cullen – but if I didn't, I'd be all over you and you'd never get rid of me. You were one of my favorites."
He gave a nervous chuckle, "I-I… well… I… ahem… thank you; I'll… inform the Landsmeet… maker – I'm going to be useless tomorrow."
I don't think I was supposed to hear the last part, but responded to it, "Me too – feel free to call me at any time; if I don't answer, I'll get back to you when I can."
He coughed, "I think I will… sleep well, Celeste."
"You too, Alistair," I smirked and ended the call – I had a feeling we would both be having naughty dreams tonight.
