Author's Note: I'm posting the next group of chapters (11 - 14) quickly as I am trying to ensure that if a reader jointly reads my story along with SnowHelm's 'Revelations' that is a smooth progress. Please, read, enjoy and review! A special thanks for everyone who is following this story.
As they were getting ready to head to Vigil's Keep there turned out to be several conversations that just couldn't hold. First Robin had presented Duncan and Sunshine with a caravan disguised as a carriage along with twelve of Sunshine's Wild Horses to pull it. Sunshine was delighted to be reunited with her equine Fairy friends, and they were amused to be disguised as plain horses. Everyone, but Sunshine and Robin, gaped at the interior which came along with a mini-fridge, electric kettle and all sorts of food in clever little cupboards. There was comfortable seating for all and a couple of beds for resting. The piece that had Grace and Sunshine over the moon was the included bathroom, with toilet paper. They agreed that it would be a great convenience for travel. The only difficulty was that Sunshine had to be aboard for the horses to pull it, and without the horses it wouldn't move. When questioned about this, Sunshine shrugged and said it had to do with her connection to the horses.
Robin, Grace and Sunshine:
"I need to tell you that I'll be out of town for quite some time. Oberon is creating a Calling Stone which he will give you for your wedding." Robin said to Sunshine, he then turned to Grace, "I'm having Fey artisans travel to the Keep, they should be there now. They will be constructing a Home for Duncan and Sunshine to the side of the Keep. It will have all of the conveniences that Sunshine loves, a few more modern than you would know Grace. I would like to extend my offer to you, as a wedding gift and new parent gift, and well, a Grandfather gift and Oberon's descendent gift. I'm trying to get all gift rolled up into one. What I'm saying is that they could modify your living space to include a true bathroom, with toilet paper, shower and all. Would you like that?"
"Please," Grace said. Robin nodded and Grace hugged him tightly. Sunshine looked on with a smile.
Fergus and Sunshine:
Fergus finally got Sunshine to himself and was about to finally ask her about the Chantry when he was once again stalled by her. "So you and Ophelia? She's quite the catch, you know." She watched as Fergus blushed. "Ooh, and you blush! Good sign, I say. She is blush worthy, that's for certain. And I'll let you in on a little secret, I got her to blush about you too. Good job, Fergus."
Fergus caught himself beginning to grin and slapped his face, "Sunshine you have to stop interrupting me! We really need to talk."
Sunshine felt confused, she had been interrupting him? She decided to hold herself quiet until Fergus worked out what he needed to say. Fergus realized that she was waiting for him and gave a relieved sigh.
"About the Chantry. Did you have a hand in that?"
Sunshine blinked, really? She thought that had been obvious from breakfast the other day. "Uh, yes?"
"Do you care to tell me about it?"
"No."
"Sunshine!"
"Really Fergus, I'm not going to. What's the point? It's clear you know what happened to Grace, so I'll be clear, it needed to be done. Why? There can't possibly be fallout on you."
Fergus groaned. "How did you manage to get them to overdose on a highly illegal aphrodisiac?"
"Oooh, yay! It worked, nice. I didn't get them to overdose, I got them to rape Lucia to death, and the magic caused them to die from it as well. I'm glad that emptying the bottles seemed to work in throwing people off."
Fergus flat fuck fainted at that. He came to and the first sight that greeted him was a very concerned looking Sunshine. "Fergus, are you okay?"
"Sunshine, never tell me anything like that again."
"Okay, don't pry next time. I'm fairly open, if I don't share its probably for a good reason."
Fergus wasn't sure he'd ever be able to look at her in the same way and was still feeling off. Sunshine reached around and hugged him from behind. "Fergus, a lot has happened in your world, yours specifically. I...I have to do something about the bad guys. I know all this is hard. Let Ophelia help you understand. I'm too old and cranky to find the right words that you need to hear. And no, she'll know how to explain but she wouldn't have done what I did. She's crafty, she would have used politics and pressure in some magical way of hers. Don't think that we're all as blunt as I am."
Fergus held onto her, feeling her warmth again. The feeling of a sister came back. He was still wary but knew she loved all of them, she always showed them when they needed it. She was a very odd woman.
Robin and Sunshine:
"Da, I love you," Sunshine said while hugging Robin. It always felt so wonderful in his arms, she was glad that he was going to stay and help out. She was going to be out of commission for a few years with babies. And she had a feeling Grace was going to pull her all about the globe.
"I love you too, my Sunny Girl. Do you want me to bring you back anything from Orlais?"
"A mother," Sunshine teased. They both laughed. "Here, I have some books you should take with you." Sunshine handed him the two books of records that didn't contain all the rape/murders, he knew the contents of that and Sunshine didn't like the idea of it being out of her sight.
"Very resourceful, my dear."
"Well I figure when all this hoo-haw with Darkspawn is finished I'll open up a detective agency until the wars begin."
"Oh, nothing like having the Huntress confirm it."
"I know. I knew as soon as I came that the Blight was just the tip of the iceberg. Nothing for it but to prepare as best as we can."
"You're growing my first grandchildren inside of you, make sure you take no risks."
"Ok, I'll do my best." She noticed his glower. "You know I can't promise that."
Robin shook his head and kissed her on the forehead.
Robin and Duncan:
"Duncan, please make sure she takes no risks."
The Carriage ride:
Much to Grace's relief they were finally able to leave Denerim. It was going to only take a little over twelve hours to get to Vigil's keep using this method of transportation. Grace thought it was probably heaven and let herself doze off while listening to the voices of her travel companions.
"So Zen," Del began, "you're off to a good start. Your first night in bed with another person and you land two, one of each. Aha! Can't keep the blush or smile off your face." Zen turned to look at Grace and noticed that she seemed to be resting. He decided that some payback was safe.
"Me? What about you? Two women and four men? With you as the main course?" Duncan finally realized what they were talking about and looked dismayed, Sunshine just laughed.
"Ah, and a fine time it was."
"Del, you have to settle down," Zen said, serious. "I worry about how casual you are about your lovers." Del shrugged in reply.
"Zen, Del will be fine, I promise," Sunshine reassured. Del grinned at the support.
"Duncan," Del asked. "Can you do it again?"
Duncan looked at her, confused, "do what?"
"Propose to Sunshine again so we can have another party."
"Enough," Duncan said, "I am your father, both of you. There is to be no more discussion of your intimate affairs in my presence unless you want to be spanked!" Zen looked surprised, Del and Sunshine howled with laughter, doubled over with tears streaming down their face. Duncan reached down, hoisted Sunshine up and playfully swatted her, "stop encouraging her."
"Duncan she's an adult," Sunshine said while cuddling up next to him on the seat. "Don't worry, she's not about to have orgies all over the place and your paternal skills will not be taken into question. Del and Zen, you'll kill your father if you keep talking like this in front of him. So just pantomime the teasing instead." Everyone laughed, except Grace, who had actually fallen asleep.
Arrival:
Sunshine was hopping on her seat in excitement at reaching the Keep. She was glad to have a home with Duncan, one of their own. Not a shared room donated by Fergus, but a real place. She flew out of the Caravan, right after Grace, making everyone laugh. They were less thrilled with the reception that awaited them with Valenna and Sunshine quickly showed Zen and Del to their rooms in her home with Duncan, telling them to wander around before a late dinner would be served. She grabbed Seneschal Varel, made herself known and then proceeded to ask him to have the staff prepare a feast. Varel looked bewildered but did as he was bade.
Sunshine made it back to Grace as they were discussing options. When Grace offered to change Valenna's taint, Sunshine blanched, mainly because she knew little, as did Grace, on how it would affect her child. She quickly vetoed it and wish she had Wild Magic instead of just Wild Power. She can't believe she asked for guns and fighting skills related to hunting and not Magic. She was such a moron. She watched in horror as Grace wrestled with some ugly Arcane thing left by the Architect. And groaned at her pregnancy. Robin and Duncan would kill her if she hunted him down. She was proud of Grace's resourcefulness, glad that she wasn't so Arcane that she couldn't find dynamic solutions to problems.
And then she decided that she loved Lynais and Loren or else she would have ripped off Valenna's head for her attitude with everyone. Lynais had bizarre taste in women, but Sunshine supposed that some men liked the abuse hurled at them by their lovers. To each his own, but that bitch better mind her p's and q's.
Sunshine was relieved when the three of them were able to keep their mind off of the crazy and she got to see Aurora for the first time. Even better was seeing Grace so natural as a mother. She thought she was going to explode however when she saw Duncan transform before her and Grace into a grandfather. She gave her granddaughter one final kiss on her cute chub cheeks and the three went down for a late dinner.
Del was really enjoying Vigil's Keep. Her and Zen freely roamed about the Keep, after some drama that she hadn't witnessed between Grace and some crazy Dalish woman. Zen had been curious about her but Del thought, from Sunshine's description of events, that she sounded like a sanctimonious bitch. She was happy that Sunshine had a room with a private entrance for her in their little attached home that Robin had made for them. It made her feel more comfortable to know that she had Sunshine close by. She would probably never verbally admit that. She was amused that Sunshine was going to have twins, it seemed slightly apropos given that she went out of her way to officially adopt the two of them. She smiled as she remembered the look of dismay on Duncan's face when Sunshine not only insisted that Del and Zen were to be adopted but that Duncan must list himself as their adoptive father.
Del headed to the Dining Hall for dinner and smiled as she was one of the last to arrive. Sunshine motioned to the spot she must have saved for her between her and another Elf. She shrugged, she doubted that was intentional, it looked more like Sunshine had shooed off people instead of placing them around her. "Del!" She heard Sunshine's sweet, enthusiastic call. Sunshine seemed to have a voice for every occasion. This occasion seemed to call for her warm, motherly drawl. "Come, meet everyone you missed earlier."
Del hopped into her seat, surprising some of the occupants. She shrugged to herself, she had eaten with a King so she doubted it was because she had abhorrent manners. "There's too many people spread out to have a real good meetin' so I'll just introduce you to the ones that are handy. Across from Duncan is my good friend, Danforth, and the one-eyed cat is Gavarth. Next to him is Sigrun. The rapscallion next to you is Loren, next to him his brother Lynais. Hmmm, lot of twins up in here. Everyone, this is my daughter Del, that I've told you so much about. Her brother, Zen, is sitting with Grace, on the other side of Duncan near Nathaniel."
Del noticed that Sunshine obviously omitted the Dalish woman, who was sitting across from Lynais, scowling. And that must be Valenna, Del thought. This is why I love Sunshine, she just snubbed that woman, making her displeasure of her clear. As Del began helping herself to the dishes on the table she heard Valenna muttering, probably a bunch of snide comments, she imagined. The majority of the group was asking Del to regale them with the story of Sunshine's fist fight with the Ogre, which caused no end of amusement from everyone but Duncan who hated to be reminded of that particular fight. Even if it was a humorous story. There was some strange tension going on with the other Elves at the table but Del chalked it up to them being Dalish. Loren tried to engage in their conversation with light quips but continued to cast worried glances at his brother and Valenna.
Loren was asking her questions about the Alienage, given that she had no context of Loren at the time she didn't realize how strange it was that his questions were polite with no innuendo. It was nice to meet a Dalish Elf that wasn't condescending about the City Elves and she was feeling easy with their conversation. It wasn't until Del was talking about Sunshine being titled with the 'Hero of the Alienage' that the trouble began.
"Oh, of course, you City Elves so disgustingly dependent on shems that you can't even find your own hero. You lot are so pathetic, simpering to the humans, calling them mother and father. Ingratiating yourself for their pleasure. You are a disgrace, just like Lynais and Lor-"
She never got the rest of it out as Del leapt over and punched her, knocking plates and glasses on startled diners. When Valenna fell on the ground Del kicked her hard several times before she could react. "Look bitch, I don't know what your problem is but you just picked on the wrong City Elf. I lay meek for no one, and that includes Dalish Elves who pretend they're noble when they're really just sanctimonious. Yeah, you guys are so great. Couldn't even be bothered with helping out the Alienage during the Darkspawn invasion, but get all butt hurt as soon as you see one of us stand tall. Well, screw you! You worthless, non-contributing zero. You so much as look at any of us cross-eyed and I'll fucking rip your head off and shit down your neck!" With one final kick to Valenna's head she turned, took her seat and resumed eating, like nothing ever happened.
Loren and Lynais stared at her open-mouthed, Sunshine and Grace looked proud, Zen embarrassed, and everyone else dismayed. Valenna just moaned, in pain, and stumbled out of the room.
"By the Ancestors, Duncan! You like a spitfire!" Gavarth pronounced. Everyone was silent for a moment until Duncan broke down in laughter.
"Yes, I can't get enough of them. For a moment I thought I was being punished, but then I realized that I was blessed with women who loved me and could handle themselves." Grace, Sunshine and Del exchanged pleased glances and everyone but Lynais relaxed.
Lynais was feeling bad for bringing Valenna to the Keep. He felt ready to cry, but somehow held it in. He did note that Loren looked smitten with Del, and that cheered him a little bit. He wondered if Del would find his Dalish twin acceptable, he didn't think she had a great impression of her Dalish cousins, which then saddened him again. He looked up as someone wrapped her arms around him, and saw Sunshine smiling at him. "Walk with me," she asked.
He complied. And she had him show her every inch of the Keep, asking him questions about the events since the Final Battle, from his perspective. He didn't even realize that his mind was completely off Valenna when they reached the top the Keep. She turned him in her arms so that he was facing her. She looked into his eyes, smiled, kissed him on the cheek and wrapped her arms around him. She said, with softness, "tell me."
And he did. He wept openly in her arms no longer able to calm the torrent of emotions. He was filled with self-loathing. Sunshine realized that there was so much pain in him. And guilt. "Lynais, sweetheart. We all love you. Oh, no, don't protest. If Grace was here she would be on the other side of me reassuring you. Loren would probably just be encouraging you to do something foolish and silly and the list goes on. Listen, if we didn't love you we wouldn't have fed her. I'm not going to touch on her interaction with Del, but know that your happiness is important to us. If there is something within our ability to give you to bring you any amount of joy we'll do it. Don't let the fact that there is some current animosity set you back and allow you to feel worthless. We couldn't be here without you. This universe would be lessened without you. We need you, we would not know how to replace you. Valenna just doesn't understand what it means to truly be without anything. She just thinks she does. Trust me. It'll all work out." Sunshine took a moment to discover that she was really angry and if Lynais wasn't pouring love into her right then she probably would go and kill Valenna for what she did to the two brothers.
Lynais allowed him to be held and reassured. It made him feel better, especially knowing that he was an indirect cause of insults being hurled toward Sunshine. "I'm sorry she insulted you."
He was surprised by Sunshine's laugh. "First, love, don't be sorry for something you didn't do. Second, it takes a lot more than a sour Elf to ruin my day." They went back down into the Keep shortly after that and parted ways near the library where Duncan was waiting for her. She gave him one last hug and kiss and told him to go to bed.
Duncan smiled as Sunshine came into the room. "Ready to go to our new home," he asked.
"Please."
The two of them explored their home, every twist and turn. It was lovely, and it was mind twisting for Duncan. There were all sorts of things that Sunshine just called 'cool tech' and looked like she was in rapture for their presence. He smiled as they pulled themselves into their room and snuggled up to sleep.
Back in the Dining Hall:
Del was still feeling a slight buzz from the adrenaline. She was just happy that Sunshine had told her that she loved her before she went after Lynais. She looked about the table and realized that it was only the dwarves, herself and Loren that remained.
"Well, now that's it's just the four of us," Gavarth began, "I think we celebrate having Sunshine alive, having a new set of Elven twins with us, and our own fortitude. What say you?"
They all cheered to that and the four of them proceeded to get pretty tossed. Sigrun was showing off her ability to balance a mug of ale on her head and walk along the table, without dropping it. Loren was regaling them all, with Gavarth adding details, of Sunshine and Grace singing and dancing, drunk in almost no clothes, the night before Grace's wedding. Del laughed when Gavarth recounted Sunshine scolding Loren.
"Haha, damn bird! She told Loren that he should be appreciating the view and not complaining, or at least pretend to appreciate the view."
Del's head turned to Loren, "really, you didn't appreciate the view?"
"Del, I like living. I'm young, I haven't done everything I want to. 'Appreciating the view' of those two particular women would just lead to a slow death, by humiliation in the sparring ring, at Duncan's hand."
"Aha! So what you're saying is that you did 'appreciate the view' and are 'sad you couldn't have openly watched' and that you 'can't admit it openly'. It's okay," she patted Loren's hand and then pinched his cheek as he blushed at her touch, "there is no Duncan here."
Loren stared into her eyes, momentarily entranced, before he caught himself, "no, I'm not telling." He then pushed her back gently with a finger to her forehead, she giggled and allowed herself to be shoved back a little.
Gavarth would have been amused by the little exchange but a certain dwarf was distracting him by unlacing the top of her tunic and fanning herself. He was a little sad that he only had one eye with which to 'appreciate the view'. The conversation rejoined amongst the four of them, and more alcohol was consumed. At some point Sigrun offered to teach Del her trick of balancing a mug of ale, while walking the length of the table. Being that neither woman was sober enough to pull it off it was inevitable that they should fail, especially since they decided to up the ante by holding hands along the walk.
"Okay, Del, here hold your head like this. No, your chin needs to be a bit more forward, nice. Okay, hand us the mugs. Now let's put them up...good, when it feels right, let go and take my hand." The ladies proceeded to head down the table, they had gotten a few steps when Del wavered a bit and Sigrun tried to help her but over compensated and they both fell, mugs crashing on them, soaking them with ale. Some splash made it to the men, but it was mostly on the girls. Their shirts and hair were slicked down, the men didn't notice the hair so much. Loren reached out to a laughing Del and was helping her to her feet when she lost her balance again and collapsed herself on him and sent them to the floor. Everyone was laughing.
"Hmm, sorry Loren, I think I'm getting you wet with my wet." Loren looked startled, he was a man, his first thought had been...she then nonchalantly sat up and was now straddling him as she examined her top and the damage to him. Loren held his breath, she was killing him. She began tugging on her shirt, and he finally gave in and really noticed that she wasn't wearing anything beneath it. "Maybe I should take it off?" And she begun to, Loren grabbed her hands.
"Del," his voice hoarse, "let me get you back to your room, and you can change and go to bed." Del unconsciously bounced on him, still straddling his pelvis, he moaned.
"Okay, come on!" She waved bye to Sigrun and Gavarth who barely noticed. She pulled him along a path that led outside. Loren had no idea where they were headed. She stopped him outside her door, "here we are." She looked up at him, smiled, and then grabbed him to her and kissed him. Loren was surprised, but happily kissed her back. They both moaned as they broke apart. "Nice! Ooh, and I got you wet with me again," Loren chuckled, but quickly stopped as Del took her shirt off. She was fast, as soon as hers was off she was grabbing his to get it off. He half heartedly protested, trying to remember why he shouldn't be doing this with her, but couldn't quite remember, he was about to recall Duncan when Del boldly stated: "I want to taste me on you, but I'll have to settle for ale." He forgot everything but her as her mouth began licking his chest, tasting him and ale. It was erotic.
"Del, open your door." He began moving his hands on her body, skimming her breasts, as she fumbled with the door. When she finally got it open he surprised her by picking her up and carrying her to the bed. "I want you to taste yourself on me, ale isn't enough," he growled. The two pounced on each other and by the end of the night had tasted each other in various ways, they fell asleep happily in each others arms.
The following morning Grace went to look at all the changes Robin had made to the Keep and stood outside of a door, she wasn't a hundred percent certain whose door it was but the two discarded shirts were giving her a big clue. She carefully picked them up, surely they hadn't...that was too fast, wasn't it? Grace carefully opened the door and was greeted by a very naked Loren draped over an equally naked Del. Grace gaped, and then laughed. The two were so passed out they didn't even stir. She carefully locked the interior door, knowing that this was one sight her father shouldn't see. And then carefully left Del's ale soaked shirt on a chair and found some parchment and ink. She proceeded to write, 'missing something, Loren?' and then chuckled to herself as she carefully locked the exterior door on her way out. She managed to make it to Loren's room, unseen, and left the shirt posed on his bed.
Duncan noticed the absence at breakfast of Gavarth, Sigrun, Loren and Del. "I believe they were having celebratory drinks as I was heading off to bed, they are all probably still abed," Nathaniel said. Lynais had a slightly pained expression on his face as he knew that Loren was not in his own bed, and had a sneaking suspicion he knew whose bed he was in. He just hoped Duncan didn't find out. Grace just smiled to herself. Valenna decided to join them at breakfast, which surprised everyone. But was subdued as she selected some of the food. Lynais was relieved that he was more worried about Loren than her, it was somewhat liberating. Sigrun made it down first, looking no worse for wear.
"Have fun last night," Grace inquired, trying to maintain some innocence in her tone. Sigrun smiled at her.
"Sure did, you should have been there we had much fun." Sigrun smiled wickedly. "I heard all about your frolic with Sunshine before your wedding. I wish I had been there too. Sunshine do you have anything like what you wore that would suit me? I want men to pretend that they can't enjoy looking at my charms." Duncan groaned.
"Absolutely Sigrun, I think red would suit you, I'll see what I can do." Sunshine smiled as she replied, she had fond memories of that incident.
Sigrun cast a wicked glance to Danforth, "and might I add, good on you! You and Gavarth tag teaming the housekeeper, like you did. I'm sure if I had been there I could have been substituted for her. I'd have to climb you, but that might be fun!" Everyone but Danforth laughed, Danforth choked.
"Where is he now?" Someone asked.
"Gavarth? I left him snoring in bed." She paused before looking at Lynais and winked, "and you, so naughty. Having your wicked way with twohuman girls at the same time. Oh, you thought no one knew." She laughed. Lynais blushed, but not in shame, only in embarrassment. Valenna forgotten for the moment.
"Yes, well Loren shared three with Liam, so I'm not too much of a glutton." Valenna looked ready to explode. Grace and Sunshine were thrilled.
"What," Danforth asked. "You had two to yourself! Loren and Liam only got one and a half, how's the fair."
"Well, it's Loren, he probably enjoyed Liam too." Valenna began to look ill at this point. "Come to think of it, did the Butler join them at some point too?"
"How would you know?" Danforth asked.
Lynais shrugged, "one of my lovely maids told me about it as she gave me a farewell embrace."
"Which one was it?"
"The cute girl with black hair and a bosom to rival Sunshine's" Lynais was enjoying himself. He realized that Grace, Sunshine and Del had freed him.
"Why does everyone notice her bosom?" Duncan complained.
"It's hard to miss, lover," Sunshine said, patting Duncan on the arm affectionately. "You know Lynais, we're going to need more staff here, and the Cousland estate doesn't need that large of an operating staff anymore. I'll make the inquiry. I'd hate for your sweet little lady to be worried about her handsome Elf. In fact, I'll send a letter right after breakfast. That Butler owes me."
"Why?"
"Well, I gave him recipes for polishing silver and one for removing blood stains, he was most happy." Everyone stared open mouthed at her. "I see none of you have ever had to run a huge estate before, it is not easy."
"You have?"
"Sure. And thankfully there are many changes that need to be made here, so I'll have something to keep myself busy."
Seneschal Varel heard this, "I have it well in hand, Sunshine." He was a little upset that she was coming in and stirring things up.
"I'm sure you have this place efficient for a group of warriors, but it needs a woman's touch. I want you to know that I'll be running the estate part of the Keep." Duncan looked surprised and pleased. Grace realized that it would probably be much better run with Sunshine at the helm. Varel looked cranky, but realized that she was indeed going to be some sort of head once she married Duncan and wisely gave in, for the moment.
Valenna finally found her tongue, and hissed, loudly, "two humans at once! And you seek to sully yourself once more with one of them."
Lynais pretended to think about this. "Yes, you see Valenna, the black haired one, whose name is Emily, has all these great bouncy bits and she's very sweet, and nice. I'm glad that she cared for me, genuinely. She knows my name too. Sunshine, please find out, at the least, how she fared. She really is nice."
"Oh, Emily! She really is sweet. I've always thought she was really bright and could do much better than be a servant. It's such a shame about the class system here. I'll send for her right away and see if we can't find something she is better suited to in life."
"You know her name too," Danforth asked. Sunshine nodded.
"I know all of their names." At everyone's look, "well what else was I going to do with all that free time? Act like they don't exist, lame."
Zen was really confused by all the strange emphasis on races that everyone kept tossing in. He finally innocently piped in, "what's wrong with an Elf sleeping with a Human? Or a Dwarf, for that matter? What does it matter?"
Valenna gasped. "You too? You lay with her too?"
Zen blinked, confused, "Emily? No, I've never met her. Plus it sounds like she's spoken for, Lynais is pretty tough looking, for a Dalish, not gonna mess with him." Sunshine and Grace were having a hard time containing themselves, mainly because it was so innocent on Zen's part.
"I mean the redheaded shem!" Zen turned to Lynais at that.
"The other woman was a redhead that night?"
"No, she was brunette."
Zen turned to Valenna, "No, I have never slept with a redhead, and I think you must be confused, as he clearly slept with a black haired woman and a brunette. Although we have yet to sit down and compare notes, my list is short enough to barely qualify."
"You moron! Her!" She shouted and pointed at Grace. Grace almost choked giving a startled glance to Lynais and Zen. Where the hell had she got that idea! She didn't dare look at her father though she could feel his eyes on her. She was really going to have to just knock that bitch out. Lynais felt murderous, and was about to defend Grace when Zen beat him to it.
Zen was angry now, a rare thing indeed. "Are you implying that Lynais and I had intimate relations with Grace?" At Valenna's stiff nod, he scowled. "Del didn't hit you hard enough last night. Don't you ever insinuate that Grace is less than a Lady! You malcontent bag of bones." That was the best he could come up with, Del had trained him too well to never refer to a woman as anything close to 'whore'. Grace blushed slightly, thinking about her three lovers. But at least her father had stopped glowering at her. Lynais was happy, as it was a better retort than he would have come up, 'malcontent bag of bones', indeed. He was thinking that he did prefer how Emily fit into his arms.
"Valenna," Sunshine began sweetly, "I am sure you are not trying to pry into my daughter's love life. I know you're upset because you clearly haven't gotten laid, maybe ever. May I suggest you put more meat on your bones and sweeten your disposition to help aid you in that endeavor. I think we'd all be happier if you had a good shag. Lynais is spoken for, apparently, by Emily. I don't think Loren or Zen like you very much, and Zevran will hate you. So I'll keep my eye out for a dimwitted male Elf, who may be paid to do the deed." Valenna scowled, but there was something about Sunshine's tone that actually had her wary.
"Oh, might I add something? You know how there is some Dalish lore implying that the 'Creators' were Fairies? Ah, I see you do. Good. Then it will please you to know that I am, in fact, a Fairy. So stop pissing me off." She took a moment to push her Wild Power at Valenna, causing her to understand the truth of her words. She then turned back to her breakfast like nothing ever happened.
It took Lynais a moment to catch up, he smiled, and wondered if, indeed, he was spoken for. It was a nice thought, being wanted by someone who wasn't playing you. It sent a wave of conflict through him as he thought of his past feelings for Valenna. He'd have to work it out if Emily did come and was interested in him. Something to think about. He also caught up to what Sunshine was saying about being a Fairy. He smiled, he knew he felt connected to her. He knew she would take care of them, more than a friend would be able to.
Meanwhile...
Gavarth snorted a few times and sat up blearily. He noticed that he was in Sigrun's room, completely naked as the day his mama bore him. He smiled remembering his night with Sigrun. She was incredible. He was a very lucky man. He took a moment to wonder about Del and Loren. His brain finally catching up. He groaned. The Keep was still standing so maybe there was a chance that Duncan hadn't found out what had most likely happened. He double timed it as he ran to his room, quickly getting himself presentable before heading off to Loren's room. He stared at the posed tunic on the bed. He was confused by it, but decided that he didn't have time to fully engage in mental inquiry on that particular oddity. He grabbed some fresh clothes and went out to find Loren.
And as for Loren and Del...
Del was the first to waken. She stretched in bed feeling very happy. Loren was a talented lover, and was able to please her throughout the night. She turned and looked at him. She smiled as she realized that she actually found him attractive. He wasn't like other Dalish she had met. He was sweet, naughty, playful and very, very bad. She was secretly pleased that he stayed in bed with her. She knew he was still drunk when she tried to get him to his own room lest her father, she loved saying that, found the two of them and he claimed that he would not leave her arms unless she, not her father, forced her to. She had been so thrilled when he said that. All of her previous lovers she had wanted booted out of bed, and she mostly stuck to their beds, or no beds at all, so she could sneak out. She realized she must have actually wanted Loren to stay. She'd have to think about what that meant, later. She began to touch him, arousing him easily and she straddled him as he was waking up.
Loren felt himself becoming aroused and felt a tight, wet heat surround his cock. His eyes began to open and he was greeted with the beautiful sight of Del riding him. He got even harder and began to thrust into her. She was delicious. He had loved every minute of last night and knew he would never regret it. He was not going to worry Duncan, right now. Nor was he going to think on the possibility of this being his only time with Del. Right now was all that mattered. Knowing this might be ephemeral he leaned up, grabbed her down to him and kissed her fully. He switched their position so that he could go deeper and find her clit with his hand, bringing her to a loud, moaning orgasm, pulling his name from her lips. He felt himself go to his own orgasm as she contracted around him, he whispered her name while planting kisses on her mouth and face.
They lay next to each other for a few minutes, gently touching each other. Their movements surprising both of them in the tenderness of their touches. Del finally sighed, sounding like a grump, "I guess we should get out of bed, although if you can figure out a way to stay here all day without anyone finding out, please tell."
Loren smiled, "I wish I knew, but I think sooner or later the Keep is going to miss your vibrancy and seek you out."
"Me? They probably won't know what to do if you're not there causing trouble, it would be too peaceful for them."
"I'll have you know Del that I only cause trouble on the second day of the week!"
"Isn't that today?" They both laughed. Del got out of bed, dragging Loren with her and went into the bathroom. The two took a quick shower together, thank you Robin, and began getting dressed.
"Del, do you know where my shirt went?" Del looked about her room noticing her shirt from the night before on a chair, she went and picked up the note. She began laughing so hard she was shaking. Loren quickly grabbed the note and blanched. He knew it wasn't any of the men, as he knew most of their handwriting. That pretty much left the ladies. He could eliminate Sigrun, he was certain, and that left Grace and Sunshine. He groaned.
"What am I to do?"
"You could wear one of mine, it might be a little tight, but..."
"Oh, sure, Duncan wouldn't think anything of that."
"It's not like my father knows every aspect of my wardrobe, well then again he was there when I bought most of my clothes."
"You really think of him as your father?"
Del narrowed her eyes, "yeah, is that gonna be a problem?"
Loren smiled, "no, I love Duncan. I would follow him into a Darkspawn ridden hole, knowing that it meant death, without a second thought. He saved my brother and myself. I just think it's wonderful that you actually feel that way towards him."
"Yeah, he's pretty special. And I can feel all the love he has for Sunshine. You know it's strange, when she officially adopted us it was like...I don't know I'm getting mushy, nevermind."
"I think I like that side of you too, Del." She harrumphed a little at this but looked pleased.
"Just don't tell anyone, I have a reputation for tough I want to keep."
Loren felt very pleased, until he realized he still didn't know how he was going to sneak around shirtless. Thankfully a loud pounding at the exterior door, which Del answered without thinking, revealed Gavarth with fresh clothes for him. All he said to the shirtless Elf was, "I like you kid, don't want to see you die yet."
On agreement Del and Gavarth went first to ensure everyone stayed in the dining hall to give Loren time to make their arrivals look separate. Del and Gavarth entered the dining hall and were pleased to see breakfast was still in full force, thank whomever, Del thought, for both Warden and Pregnant Lady appetites. Not really knowing what the somewhat casual silence was about, having just missed the fiasco, they found different spots and plunked down to eat.
"Well, well, well. Sigrun you neglected to mention that Gavarth and you had sweet Del with you last night," Grace said wickedly. Not missing a beat, Sigrun looked up at the two of them and said:
"Yeah, and no good morning kiss from either of them. That's the last time I get talked into doing the 'Dust Town Nug Hump' with those two again." Valenna's face turned a very odd shade of red. Gavarth laughed, grabbed Sigrun and kissed her fully, turned to Del and motioned for her to 'go, get done as well'. Del smiled, stood up, and kissed Sigrun, briefly, on the nose. Everyone laughed, well aside from the obvious malcontent bag of bones.
Conversation was pretty general until Loren strolled in. He was really hoping for nonchalance but was feeling so nervous that he almost jumped when he heard Grace's voice. "Loren, that is a lovely outfit. I would never have thought to pair those two colors together, pale orange and light blue. The tunic is especially nice, I wonder where you got it?"
Loren fumbled into a seat, maybe everyone would think he was still drunk. "Erm, yes, thank you Grace? It was handy." Lynais looked surprised, his brother, even drunk, would never willingly put on those two items of clothes...'Oh, Creators', he thought, 'he actually...' Lynais looked over at Loren who was trying to look nonexistent and then at Del who was preening. He cast a quick glance at Duncan, who looked like he was pretty sure something was going on but was trying to not believe it. Lynais hoped Duncan would continue with his doubt of the outcome of the previous night's drinking.
Sunshine could tell from the energy humming what had, more or less, gone down the night before. She smiled broadly at Del then turned to wink at Loren. Loren flushed, a little flummoxed at the canniness of Sunshine and her ability to figure things out. Having sympathy for her daughter and Loren she brought up Emily again, she really wanted to haunt Valenna with her.
"So Loren, do you know about Emily?" And with that Loren felt his natural order of things return, he loved Sunshine for her distractions, although he did wonder how this topic came up. Once glance at Valenna had him smiling broadly.
"Why, yes, I do. Did you know that she actually approached me and asked me if I thought she would have any chance with my brother? I was a little crushed that all her thoughts were on him, and she spared none for me. Although, I think I like her the more for that, in retrospect." He cast a hate filled glance at Valenna. He turned to Lynais, "I do actually think she likes you." He turned back to everyone. "You know what happened? She was in the market purchasing items for the Cook, Mistress Lowell, when a couple of young men decided that she would be perfect to toy with. And do you know who intervened? Lynais. And then he helped her carry her purchases back to the Estate. She was very impressed that a Warden would bother with a lowly servant, and that he treated her not only respectfully, but as if she had a brain. Add to it my brother's good looks, well...really, who could blame her. Why?"
Sunshine preened under Valenna's scowl, Lynais blushed, pleased with Loren's assessment. "Well your brother seems to have fond feelings towards her, and I like her myself. I thought maybe I should invite her to come live with us and become a part of my Knowe."
"Really? Wait, what's a 'Knowe'?"
"It will be my piece of Fairy. I'm going to change the Keep to my Knowe," Sunshine announced proudly. Duncan looked up surprised, as did everyone else. Sunshine was intentionally oblivious to the ripple that went throughout the diners. It did add to her mischief meter, 'take that, Da', she thought.
"Were you going to ask me about it first," Duncan grumped.
"I am, right now. You can veto it if you like, it just means that I'll have to leave periodically for spells of time. No choice there, it's a part of being a Fairy. It would be easier if I made this my Knowe, that way I wouldn't have to leave. Even if I'm away traveling about Thedas with you, it would connect me to the land here."
"Does that mean that it becomes like Fairy and time will be different and...," Grace said, voice trailing off.
"Nah, come on, it's me. The Disreputable Urban Cowgirl! I couldn't fathom all that nonsense. Plus that's not how it is in our Home Knowe, that you went to the other night. That's only in Earths that have a Fey presence that was corrupted by their own arrogance. It's probably what led to the myths from your Earth." Sunshine had an innate ability to fuck with people using the truth.
"Wait, what do you mean? My Earth?"
"Who was your Prime Minister when you left?"
"David Cameron."
"Yeah, it was my friend Felicia Danforth, who was sitting there when I left."
"Wait, Felicia Danforth? I had a music teacher named 'Felicia Danforth', she's the one who helped me when I ran away from home."
"Huh, imagine that. Chain smoker who had a love of Ravel?" At Grace's nod, "well color me purple and give me some giant people to eat! We went to Grad school together. She was getting her Phd in Music and I was working on my Statistics doctorate. She was a lot of fun. You know she got fed up with the current political nonsense and became very popular with the people. Even started her own party and moved her way up to Prime Minister. Man, she would sit there in session smoking up a storm and glaring at all the ridiculous men."
"How'd she get involved in politics?"
"Well her lover, Rambir Singh, a talented pianist, was killed in a hate crime. She vowed to change the social and political landscape in Britain after that. She was a very determined woman."
"I know him too! He was so kind and sweet. His family opposed their relationship, if I remember correctly."
"Yeah, it was her family in my Earth. It was really ugly. She got her revenge though. She just shook that whole country down and publicly denounced her family. They ended up black balled all the way to Canada, and even then they had to go to Manitoba to avoid censure."
Everyone was listening to the strange conversation with fascination. Aside from Danforth, who looked rather bewildered. If he had been a girl, his mam once told him, she was going to name him Felicia. Maybe he should try smoking Sunshine's cigarettes and playing an instrument.
Sunshine quickly turned the conversation back to the previous one without a pause, "So loverman, what do you think about the Knowe?"
"Uhh," Duncan began, startled by the change, he narrowed his eyes. "This will be something we discuss, in private." His tone rather fierce, Maker knew he loved Sunshine but she could be so exasperating!
"Okay." Was all she said, causing Duncan to blink. Standing up and holding out her hand to Duncan, "No time like the present, let's go to our room for a bit." Duncan took her hand, scowled first at Valenna and then at Loren, for entirely different reasons. He stopped, turned back and said:
"Valenna, you are on dangerous ground. Do not let an insult cross your lips regarding anyone, but I may, myself, turn murderous if I hear you say one more thing about Grace, or any of my family or Wardens. Grace is a Lady, always, and even if she did have relations with Lynais that would be none of your concern nor make her any less of a Lady." He looked at Grace with love, but pleading as well. Pleading that said, 'I'd rather not know if it does occur'. Sunshine kissed him on the cheek with pride and they left the room, leaving a glowing Grace behind.
As they walked to their quarters, Duncan complained, "this is not going to end well, I can tell that Valenna is going to be trouble."
"We should probably just kill her," came Sunshine's earnest reply.
"Sunshine, we can't just kill everyone who insults Grace."
"We can't? Damn."
Duncan chuckled and pulled her to him as they entered their bedroom, he pulled her to him and began distracting her from murderous thoughts. She began to forget herself in his embrace when he stopped abruptly, looked at her and led them to a couple of chairs. "Two can play the distraction game, love. So tell me about the this Knowe you already have planned."
"Like I said, I would have to return to Fairy. Probably once every couple of months, and I can't say for certain how long I'd be gone. If, however, you allowed me to transform this into my Knowe, and it would be yours too, I wouldn't have to leave. I'd prefer to stay with you."
"That's it?"
"Pretty much."
"Can you be a little more forthcoming? Please?"
"Okay." Sunshine thought for a bit. "You probably don't understand what I mean, huh? So if I transform this into a Knowe it would create a connection with my Home Knowe. The Keep would change. There would be good things about that as no Arcane or Blood Magic could enter its walls. And the longer we build it the further out it would go. Which would be nice, it would take a number of years for it to spread through the land of the Keep. But the Keep proper would be a quick transformation."
"Why?"
"The building has claimed the land that it's on, but anything outside its walls I would have to convince to join. It may take awhile without me just shoving a bunch of Wild into it. A path with unknown results, so I prefer slow and steady."
"Will I have any say in this?"
"Duncan, you are my light, of course you will, it will be your Knowe as well." She kissed him then.