Chapter 16 : Blood and Lust

"Connor, slow the wind. I think we're going to need to stop," Alistair said as a cannonball splashed in the water off the port bow.

Connor stopped chanting and the wind died down. Alistair walked up to the prow of the ship where Sten was standing and gripped the railing as the sailing vessel slowed.

"We have made good time, kadan. In this light they should be able to clearly see that this ship is of Q'unari build," Sten said.

"They shoot at their own ships?" Alistair asked nervously.

"It is a warning. They wish to board before we come into dock. This is how it is done in Seheron," Sten said.

"Right," Alistair said as Connor joined them near the front of the boat. "Very civil of them."

"Yes," Sten said.

It took several minutes for the Q'unari to prepare to inspect them. Two of the massive ships ponderously maneuvered to sandwich the party's small craft between them. A huge hook on a thick chain descended from each of the boats, stopping just after they splashed into the water on either side of the ship. Sten took this all in stride, calmly moving to the prow of the ship. He unfastened a large hooked pole from the railing. He used it to lean out and grab one of the massive hooks the ships had dropped. He dragged the thing, which looked a little like an anchor, into the boat. He then maneuvered it expertly into a large metal eyelet at the tip of the boat's prow. There was another eyelet mirroring the first on the other side of the prow. After he'd finished with the first, Sten fished the other hook out and set it in place as well. As soon as he'd finished, the warships reeled the hooks in a bit, pulling the chains taught. Sten's ship was now securely halted between the battleships. A connecting bridge was lowered from the ship on the port side.

Sten approached the gangplank as one of the Q'unari from the battleship descended.

"I am Sten of the Beresaad. I come here with the King of Ferelden to speak to the Arishok," Sten said.

"Sten of the Beresaad?" the huge Q'unari captain at the top of the bridge said looking down at Sten. He rubbed his chin. "I heard you were Tal'Vashoth, that you were of the Qun no more."

"I am Q'unari. I am of the Qun. I have been studying the humans for the past fourteen years. Their ways are not like ours, but there are things we could teach each other," Sten said.

The Q'unari captain looked down and Sten and crossed his arms.

"I heard the king was dead," the captain said.

"A simple trick. There is a traitor in Ferelden. The Grand Cleric of the Chantry. It is she who attempts to start this war. It is she who has misled our people. This the way of the humans," Sten said.

"Yes," the Q'unari captain said, "but why have you come here? Why does the King not stop his people? Does he seek vengeance for his queen's life?"

"The queen is alive. We wish to retrieve her and deliver a message to the Arishok. Ferelden does not want this war, the Chantry does. The Queen is required to prove the treachery of the Chantry," Sten said.

"I saw the Queen's body myself. She does not live."

"You saw a burnt human body. Nothing more. The queen lives. She is here on Seheron. Will you let us pass?" Sten asked.

"No. I have orders. No one is to pass. You must leave Sten of the Beresaad," The Q'unari captain turned to go.

"I have heard news of the Q'unari. The news is not pleasant. Our people are fractured. Our homelands threatened. But I had not heard we had become cowards. A fleet of ships is afraid of twenty humans? This is not the Beresaad I am part of," Sten said turning.

Alistair's eyes widened as the huge Q'unari captain launched himself down the bridge at Sten. Sten was ready, and as the captain reached for him Sten flipped the huge warrior over his head and had his hands on the captain's neck.

"And you have become foolish as well. What has happened to the people of the Qun? Why does no one challenge any of these commanders who have clearly lost their minds? Cowards, all of you. You are not worth my time," Sten said and released the captain. He stood and turned away from the captain while all the Q'unari soldiers on the ships looked on shocked.

"We cannot challenge the Arishok! He is our leader!" The captain said in a raspy voice as he rubbed his neck.

"No," said Sten. "You can. You must. It is our duty to challenge the weak. If the Q'unari allow the weak to lead, then we all fall. If you cannot see this, then you are not Qun."

The captain stood and started up the bridge back to his ship. He stopped at the top and motioned to his men. The hooks in the ship were released and the bridge was pulled back.

"Then go Sten of the Beresaad. Challenge the Arishok as is your right. I will not stop you. I do not wish to see the Chantry triumph. I am of the Qun. But I cannot say the same for those on the shore. They fight even now. Some for the Arishok, some for the Kithshok." the captain said.

Sten did not look back, instead he gestured for Connor to get the ship moving again. Alistair watched as the two battleships they were between slid by. The docks were a little ways off.

"So that's it? You just choke one of them and we can go?" Alistair asked.

"It is our way. I am a commander. He challenged my authority. He did not win," Sten said.

"If you are a commander, and higher in authority than him, then why is his ship so big and yours so... little?" Alistair said looking back at the massive ships.

"You misunderstand, kadan. This is my ship. That is a Q'unari ship," Sten said smiling.

"Ah," Alistair said grinning.

They watched as the shore grew closer. Alistair became alarmed at what he was seeing.

"Those Q'unari, they don't look as friendly as the ones on the boat. They are aiming cannons towards us," Alistair said uneasily.

"Yes," Sten said frowning.

Just then Alistair saw a fair-haired, tall young man come running towards the Q'unari's cannons. There was a huge Mabari war hound running alongside the man. The man held two blades and cut down two of the nearest Q'unari simultaneously while the hound savaged another. Then Alistair saw Gildre flanking another Q'unari, stabbing him with his longsword. Alistair looked back at the young man wielding the daggers.

"That man...," Alistair said moving to get a better view.

The Q'unari on the docks greatly outnumbered the three tenacious fighters. Alistair shouted back at Connor.

"Can we dock any quicker?"

"Not unless you want to crash the boat!" Connor shouted back.

Alistair began running back and forth as he watched Glidre and the young rogue fighter lose ground. His heart rose to his throat as he watched a Q'unari sword narrowly miss the throat of the dagger wielding rogue.

"Come on, come on, come on," Alistair said standing on the railing and pulling his sword. Connor joined him and raised his mage's staff, casting a shower of ice needles down on the Q'unari at the docks.

Alistair felt himself being lifted. "Go!" shouted Sten, and then Alistair flew through the air ten feet to land on the docks. He stumbled a moment but used his momentum to carry him into the fray.

Alistair ran full speed pulling his shield and bashing into a cluster of Q'unari blocking his path. He plowed his sword into the Q'unari nearest the rogue fighter and pressed his back to hers. Lyssa spoke to him without turning.

"Glad you could make it. I'm sorry I couldn't wait, but this party had already started when I got here," she shouted as she stabbed a Q'unari warrior in the face.

Alistair laughed happily as he felt the warmth of her body through his mail, "You didn't have to do all this for me. Some confetti, some streamers. I didn't really need a twenty cannon salute you know."

Lyssa laughed and lunged toward another fighter.

"You know, you could have just said you wanted to get out more. I know you didn't like those gowns and all, but this... is a little extreme, don't you think?" Alistair teased as he blocked a mace with his shield.

"You try wearing a gown for fourteen years, then tell me how extreme this is," Lyssa said pushing her blade into another Q'unari. She looked up to see Grey Wardens surrounding them, and Sten swinging his huge sword into a group of three Q'unari.

"And now the party can truly begin," Lyssa said smiling.

Q'unari continued to flood out onto the docks for several minutes, but eventually the last Q'unari was cut down. Alistair turned to look at Lyssa, who turned to face him at the same time. He reached out and touched her hair smiling.

"This is... different," he said grinning foolishly.

Lyssa laughed and grabbed him by the breastplate, pulling him to her. She kissed him hard, wrapping her arms around him. Alistair pulled her as close to him as he could without hurting her. He put one of his hands on the back of her head and pressed his cheek against hers.

"Yes, I think I need a very long holiday," Lyssa whispered as she touched his face. "I hate this armor. I can't even touch you. Stupid ginormous metal stuff."

Alistair laughed, "I can remedy that if you like. I don't know that the spectators would appreciate it though."

Lyssa breathed deeply then pulled away, "No, I don't suppose they would. And there is something we must do, and quickly. I don't know how much time we have left. Or if there is any time at all. But we have to try. I made a promise."

"Alright then. The armor will have to stay on. Blast it all," Alistair said smiling at Lyssa.

Lyssa shook her head and turned Alistair around to face Gildre, who had been watching them with a grin on his face. "Go thank your steward. He helped to save my life you know."

Lyssa gave Alistair a gentle push in Gildre's direction. Gildre straightened and offered his arm. Alistair grabbed it and pulled him into a bear hug.

"Ow! This armor is really awful," Gildre said as the metal bit into his skin.

"Oh, not you too now! I might take it off for Lyssa, but you'll just have to keep pretending my friend. As much as I love you, there's only room in my bed for one person," Alistair said laughing.

Gildre blushed and pulled away from the embrace. He looked down at the ground trying not to look at Alistair's face. Alistair reached out and raised Gildre's chin.

"Thank you Gildre. For saving her, and for living through it yourself. You are simply irreplaceable to me," Alistair said kindly.

"Anytime," Gildre said.

Alistair turned to look for Lyssa and didn't see her.

"Now where did she get off to?" he asked.

"She probably went to get our pack. Come on, I'll fill you in on what's been going on here," Gildre said heading toward Sten and Connor.

Lyssa stepped into the wood where she had seen the Mabari run off. She stood quietly and waited. Morrigan stepped out from behind a tree and smiled at her.

"Here we are again. I'm afraid I must go now. While you have been kind enough not to ask questions I will not answer, I doubt he will give me the same courtesy," Morrigan said.

Lyssa smiled, "Thank you Morrigan, for everything. We would never have made it without you."

"Before I go, I have a bit of advice. Do not go back to Denerim without some proof of what the Grand Cleric has done. She set this trap, and I am sure she has a contingency in place, should it not be sprung. You will need more than your word. I think you know where to get proof. Good luck to you and farewell.... for now," Morrigan said.

Then she turned. In a flourish of black, Morrigan was gone, and a crow flew into the sky. Lyssa watched after her for a moment before heading back to the group of Grey Wardens waiting at the docks.

**

The formidable group of Grey Wardens marched through town mostly uncontested. There were a few attacks, but nothing major. The gates to the huge castle were barred. Lyssa shouted up as loud as she could manage.

"The King and Queen of Ferelden are here to offer their support to the Kithshok. We wish to parlay with the Arishok. We will not attack. We will only defend ourselves."

Alistair stared at the gate for a moment before speaking, "What if nobody is left in there. What if they are all dead?"

As if in answer, the gate slowly opened.

"If they are all dead, then this should be familiar territory for us," Lyssa said out of the side of her mouth.

"Oooh, I kind of hope so. Dust of the undead," Alistair said, waggling his eyebrows.

Lyssa elbowed Alistair in the side, "Come on court jester. Let's see what we're in for."

The group cautiously walked past the gates. Several Q'unari guards were strewn about the ground, dead. When they reached the castle, a solemn looking Q'unari opened the huge door for them. Lyssa stepped inside to the large throne room that filled most of the first floor of the castle. Kithshok sat on the steps leading up to the throne. The Arishok was draped over his knees.

Lyssa slowly approached the throne and knelt down beside Kithshok. She reached out and touched his hand softly. Kithshok looked up at her and nodded.

"He lost," Kithshok said simply.

Sten walked up and knelt before Kithshok. He bowed his head and spoke.

"I bow to you, Arishok of the Q'unari. I am Sten of the Beresaad. I ask you leave to continue my mission. I wish to escort the King and Queen safely home, and exact justice for the crimes of the Grand Cleric against our people."

Kithshok looked from Sten to Lyssa then back again. He looked down at his father. He lifted the body and laid it to rest on the stairs. He stood and looked down at Sten.

"Complete your mission," Kithshok said.

Sten rose and stepped back. Kithshok looked at the Grey Wardens filling his throne room and then glanced out the still open door looking at the harbor beyond. He looked down at Lyssa and furrowed his brow.

"And the Ferelden fleet?" Kithshok asked.

"We will stop it. It is my understanding that your own fleet awaits your orders, Arishok," Lyssa said.

"Thank you... kadan," Kithshok said.

"Should your people ever wish to establish diplomatic relations, we would welcome you to our lands," Alistair said.

Kithshok turned his gaze to Alistair. He stepped down and took Alistair's arm.

"You are an honorable ruler. I am ashamed in the part I played in this treachery," Kithshok said.

Alistair smiled and put his other hand on top of Kithshok's. "I should have been more vigilant. I think we have both learned a good lesson. We will be stronger for it."

Kithshok smiled unexpectedly. "Yes. You speak truly."

He released Alistair's hand and nodded at the group. Lyssa and Alistair turned and led everyone out into the city of Seheron. Gildre looked out at the city.

"You know, I think I'm going to miss this place," Gildre said smiling.

"Ha! You just wanted to see what would happen if I wandered in to that waitress," Lyssa said laughing.

"Yes actually, that would have been delightful. I would have liked to see her goose you again," Gildre said laughing.

Sten, Connor and Alistair all looked at Lyssa and Gildre in shock.

"What did you all do here? Is there something I should... know about? Or, some things?"Alistair asked gesturing to Lyssa's hair and clothes.

Lyssa laughed and hugged Gildre to her, winking at Alistair, "Now... wouldn't you like to know."

**

Alistair tossed Lyssa down on the bed in the boat's captain's quarters. He tossed his gauntlets on the floor. They began to roll back and forth with the movement of the ship.

"Now... I think I deserve a few answers," Alistair said trying to keep his balance while removing his boots. "Connor tells me, that your libido increases when you feel your life is in danger. And I see you there, dressed like a man, with your hair all cut like that, and I have to wonder."

Lyssa giggled and lie back on the bed watching Alistair take off his armor. Her eyes dilated to take him all in.

"You aren't going to tell me? Do I have to torture you to get it out of you, because I know your weak spots," Alistair said unclasping his mail from his chest and letting it drop to the floor.

Lyssa smiled and crooked her finger at him as she got up on her knees, swaying to keep her balance on the rocking boat.

Alistair pulled off his tunic and his loincloth and sauntered up to Lyssa slowly. She could see that he was already excited and ready for her. Alistair stood just close enough to touch. Lyssa reached out and let her hands trail across his chest and abdomen. She teased the small amount of curly hair just below his bellybutton in her fingers, but she did not lower her hand any further. Instead she pulled away and bit her lip, never letting her eyes leave his.

Alistair took another few steps forward, and wrapped his arms around Lyssa and kissed her. Lyssa reached around and grabbed Alistair by his buttocks and pulled him to her. Alistair reached up and started unbuttoning Lyssa's tunic. He pulled it off and looked down at her wrapped chest.

"I was wondering how you pulled that off," Alistair said tugging at the thick canvas, "I bet Gildre thought you were pretty cute in this get up." Alistair teased, after he gave up on loosening the cloth and watched Lyssa unwrap it instead.

"He might have. But I happen to know he thinks you're cuter," Lyssa teased back.

Alistair laughed nervously, "Don't tell me you talked about how cute I am like a couple of old girlfriends."

Lyssa pulled the last of the canvas away and let it drop to the ground. Alistair leaned forward and touched her breasts softly and kissed her. Lyssa reached down and lowered her trousers, stepping off the bed to let the trousers fall to the floor. Alistair lifted her up and laid her back onto the bed. He lowered himself over her. He let his hands travel down the length of her body while he kissed her.

"So," he said, leaning his elbow on the bed and his head on his hand. He walked the fingers of his other hand down Lyssa's stomach toward the soft golden curls below. "Tell me, how much did you miss me?"

Lyssa laughed and reached down, caressing Alistair softly. His eyes closed and his lips parted a little from the pleasure. He smiled and leaned down, nuzzling Lyssa's neck. He put his hand down lower and touched Lyssa expertly, drawing a gasp from her lips. Alistair kissed Lyssa's breast, then her ribs, working his way lower until he reached his intended destination. Lyssa clawed at the blankets as Alistair teased out her pleasure with his tongue.

After a while Alistair made his way back up Lyssa's body, kissing softly as he went. He lifted Lyssa by the waist as he maneuvered them to the middle of the bed. He lowered himself into her. He took his time, rising and falling with the motion of the boat. Lyssa felt the sweat from his chest drop onto her stomach and roll down to be trapped between them. Alistair rose and fell slowly as Lyssa felt the pleasure mounting within her.

Unable to wait for the climax any longer, Lyssa flipped Alistair onto his back and sat on top of him. She stared down into his eyes as she rocked faster, positioning herself to gain the maximum amount of pleasure.

Alistair's hands reached up towards Lyssa's body and he arched his back groaning. Lyssa picked up the rhythm and pushed his hands up and outward on the bed as she lowered herself over him, entwining her fingers with his. The amulet Lyssa wore around her neck slid across Alistair's chest, the cool metal passing over his nipple and hardening it.

Alistair could hold back no longer and as he released he squeezed Lyssa's hands and buried his face in a pillow moaning out in ecstasy. Lyssa collapsed on Alistair's chest breathing heavily. Alistair wrapped his arms around her smiling as he held her warm body against his.

"Missed me that much, eh?" he asked softly

Lyssa laughed a little and kissed Alistair, "Uh uh, you don't get off that easily. I'm not done missing you yet."