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.

The afternoon after their arrival back to the Keep, Sunshine and Grace were giving Merrin a break and playing with Aurora. Sunshine had some formula to feed Aurora so Merrin could get a proper rest and have a few hours of uninterrupted sleep. "So Grace, tell me how much you know about Merrin?" Grace thought for a little bit.

"Well she comes from a farm not too far from here, she's a really wonderful woman and cares deeply for Aurora."

"Yeah, but what about her baby?"

Grace sat up, "what do you mean?"

"Well she's a wet nurse, she had to have been lactating at some point, where is her baby that she was nursing?"

Grace paled, "why?" She was angry with herself, "why didn't I think about that?"

"Uh, because you came from a world where having a wet nurse was no longer necessary?"

"I still should have thought about that! Why didn't anyone else think about it?"

"Well, for the wealthy it's pretty course of fact. They don't really need to think about those things. Remember Alistair was raised in a Palace and everyone else is a Warden and a man, for the most part."

"Still," Grace protested. "We need to find out!"

"My thoughts exactly, let's find Varel and give him the 'what for'." So they bundled up Aurora with Sunshine expertly swaddling her, and went off to find Varel. Varel was surprised to see an irritated Grace and a bemused Sunshine, with baby in hand. He knew that this was not going to be a pleasant conversation.

"How may I help you Ladies, this afternoon?" He tried for polite.

"Tell us about Merrin, how you found her, her family, her baby, everything you know," Grace said. Sunshine admired her daughter's fierceness. Really, why did Grace bother using magic, she could just throw her upset around and the bad guys would quiver in fear of her tongue lashing.

Varel looked startled, "well she comes from a farm not far away...Her, well, she had a child out of wedlock, there are some unpleasant rumors about..." He decided not to mention that she had been taken advantage of when drunk. He took a deep breath, "her older sister, was still breast feeding and able to care for her little one, who is currently eight months old. A little girl I believe. Apparently her parents cast her out, and her sister and brother in law took her in. They need the coin and so she agreed she was the best choice to come. Rest assured Grace, she is well paid, and her family has enough money to keep their farm going." Varel looked pleased, like he just conveyed his greatness to the poor, little people.

"Enough?" Grace ground out. "She is separated from her child, her family's farm is struggling but they get just 'enough' to keep it going? We aren't paying her enough," Grace hissed. Varel backed up. Sunshine was gloating.

"Grace, let's take matters into our own hands, hmmm? I say we take my lovely carriage and go find her family and assess the situation, and well, we will see to their needs." Grace nodded casting a glare at Varel. The two ladies made it to the carriage, which was already waiting for them.

"You planned this?" Grace asked while looking at the carriage.

"No, it just happens to be magic, and I told the groomsman to prepare it. Come on, they'll know where to go." And so they climbed in and within minutes were at the farm. As they walked up to the door they noted that the fields look like they were not in the best of shape. Grace was dismayed.

"What is Varel's definition of 'enough'? This farm, well look, do you see that and that," she said while gesturing to various things on the farm. "That plow is broken and that field has been destroyed by some sort of plant disease. They probably don't have the time, or machinery to fix it."

"Grace, you never cease to surprise me. Let's go see what's happening on the inside of the house." They made their way to the door, the crying of children reaching their ears. Aurora stirred slightly, but Sunshine soothed her with a little Wild. They were greeted by an older looking Merrin who looked as if she'd been crying herself. They stared open mouthed at the various children looking upset, and a downcast man sitting on a chair his face in his hands. Sunshine entered the house immediately and grasped the hands of Merrin's sister.

"Dear woman, pray tell me what has your house so upset? I come as a Lady of Vigils Keep, along with Lady Grace Therin, we have come to check on the family of Merrin." Sunshine's toned changed, once again transforming her into a lady.

"We are losing our farm! Ser Harrold has raised our rents and half our crops are gone. Even with Merrin's income we can't afford the rent. He has a nephew that he wants to give the land to, but his contract with us only allows him to raise the rent. Our plow is broken, our oxen lame...we have nowhere to go." Her eyes were bright with unshed tears.

"Dear woman, may I know your name?"

"Melina, my Lady."

"Well Melina, have you been to the Keep recently?" Melina shook her head. "It's very big and lonesome, and vastly understaffed. We have a need for a farmer as our Kitchen Garden is untended. As mistress of a farm you must have many talents yourself? We are in desperate need of a Housekeeper as well. We have a house behind the Kitchen Garden that is unoccupied and will serve your family well. Please say that you'll help me restore the Keep? We are so desperate for aid."

Grace was wondering what Garden and House Sunshine was referring to, she was familiar with the Keep and never encountered either. The garden they used was set a little back from the Keep as Arl Howe's wife had taken over what had been the Kitchen Garden for some ridiculous Folly, not caring that it made extra work for the staff. Of course, she thought, Sunshine's just going to change it all. She watched in amazement as Sunshine worked her magic on the family.

"Why don't I step outside with Lady Grace and her daughter Aurora, yes the one your sister is a wet nurse for, and you can discuss whether you'd like to accept, and what your terms would be." She left them surprised and stepped outside with Grace.

Grace was about to ask her questions but noticed the faraway look in her eyes as she hummed. Grace filled a pull of the Wild, and felt herself flush a little in response. A slightly unnerving reaction, thankfully it wasn't so bad that she grabbed Sunshine and assaulted her like she wanted to do with the men. Oh, please let her lovers return soon, it was getting to be difficult for her not to grab one of the men at the Keep. Sunshine stopped humming, looked at Grace and pronounced herself done, with pride.

It was not surprising to Grace that the family agreed and came to generous terms and all piled into the carriage with their meager possessions. "We'll just leave Ser Harrold surprised when he comes to check on the farm, eh?" She sent out some Wild asking the land to go fallow for three years time. They made it back to the Keep, quickly, but not as quickly as they had on the journey there. When they arrived Sunshine had Grace show them around, to Grace's chagrin, but it all became clear when they went out back.

Sunshine found Duncan and apprised him of the situation, "I'm telling you something has to be done about the local political structure. He was asking them for fifty sovereigns for a quarter's worth of rent. It was clear that he was trying to remove them from the land. Very unfair. Come with me and we'll find Merrin and take her to her family, she must be missing her daughter. Her name is Alice, the baby that is. Apparently a local merchant's son seduced her, when she was drunk - we call that 'date rape' where I'm from - and she became pregnant. He refused to acknowledge her and her family cast her out. They disowned her sister when she took her in. They'll be a wonderful addition here. I want them to be so happy and successful that their revenge is thorough. My mother always said that the best revenge was living well. We'll make sure of that."

Duncan was pulled along the Keep, noticing that it seemed to be changing, already. He sighed as Sunshine continued her one-sided conversation. They found a refreshed looking Merrin in her adjoining room to Grace and Alistair's room. "Come," Sunshine said, "I have a surprise for you!" She grabbed Merrin's hand and led her unerringly to her family. Grace was showing them the little house, although much larger than their previous one, and holding Aurora in one arm and a little boy's hand in her free hand. Sunshine smiled at Grace's natural charm. Merrin gasped and ran over to her daughter, taking her from her sister's arms. She looked tearfully up at Sunshine.

"You know Merrin, I think that your room could easily fit another cradle, if you'd like to have Alice with you," Sunshine said.

Merrin looked at her and then at Grace, her face hopeful. Grace's heart broke at the thought that Merrin was wondering if Grace would deny her that. "Oh, Merrin, that's such a wonderful idea. I only wish I had known about sweet, Alice before. Her and Aurora are going to be friends, I'm sure. Please say you'll have her stay with you, she needs her mama."

Fuck, Sunshine thought, I'm going to fucking cry. She turned her head and brushed a few tears away. And this is why Grace is so wonderful, she loves so freely, in spite of everything. Merrin agreed, very happy to have her own daughter back her arms. Grace went of to sweeten the pot, saying, "You know, you've worked so hard, and have had little time to yourself. Why don't you take the evening off and spend the time with your family?" Without waiting for a reply Sunshine and Grace made their farewells and took Aurora and Duncan back inside.

Grace and Sunshine decided that they were too excited to wait and pulled Zen along to Denerim, making it in an hour. Sunshine insisted that Aurora would be fine with Del and Duncan and it would be good bonding time, anyway. They headed straight to the Cousland Estate and quickly entered by way of a servant's' entrance, finding Emily, straight away. Grace had to remind herself to ask Sunshine how she did that. Emily smiled happily at Sunshine and stopped the menial task of dusting the crystal to hug her. Grace noticed that she had an impressive bosom, as Lynais stated. She had, what Sunshine referred to as, a porn star body. And was much more attractive than Valenna. Of course Emily looked like she had a sweet disposition while Valenna looked like she had been feed sour, rotten lemon juice from infancy to adulthood. Emily hugged Sunshine.

"I heard that you were lost, then found, then unconscious, then revived and then gone again. I'm glad to see you in one piece and looking pregnant? Congratulations."

"Thank you, Emily. How did everyone fare here?"

"Very well, not one casualty. It's like we were completely ignored."

"Imagine that." Sunshine was about to continue when Emily stopped her.

"Sunshine? Can I inquire about a Warden named Lynais? Is he...did he fare alright?" Emily blushed slightly. Grace and Sunshine grinned, as did Zen.

"Why yes, he is mostly well."

"Mostly?"

Sunshine shrugged. "He seems a little lonesome, maybe sad. I'm not sure." Grace took a moment to appreciate that Sunshine was wicked, really wicked. "Add to that the shock of discovering that the last of his clan is this bitter woman who used to toy with Lynais and Loren -"

"Valenna," Emily said softly. They all exchanged surprised glances.

"He told you?"

"Yes. Does he love her?"

"I doubt it. He does remember you quite well. He asked us to find out how you are doing."

Emily blushed, "tell him I'm well, thank you. Let him know I think of him?" Sunshine smiled, winking overtly at Grace.

"Emily, I've come to steal you away, and any other staff that you think would like to come. Mostly though, I want you to tell him yourself."

"You mean that?" At Sunshine and Grace's nod, "I don't have much, give me a few minutes to pack." She quickly walked off, stopped after a few paces, "you did mean now, right?" Again, dual grins and nods, and Emily hurried off. They were surprised when within twenty minutes her and four others were ready to go. "We left a note for Henley. It's not like they need us much and he cut our wages, so we're through. I only brought the smart ones, and Mistress Lowell." She elbowed the cook with a grin.

Well, Grace thought, that was easy. She watched as Sunshine got them all into the carriage wondering how long the return trip would be, suddenly feeling tired. Sunshine told them matter of factly that she had magic, and her baby girl was exhausted so they were making the trip in record time. So in a little less than an hour they all arrived back at the Keep in time for dinner. Grace and Sunshine were rewarded when they walked into the dining hall, which was rather full as Duncan, bless his heart, insisted that everyone dine together that night. As they made their way to the table they were nearly knocked aside by Lynais who reached Emily.

"Are you okay? The Darkspawn didn't hurt you," he began checking her for injuries, "no more run-ins with nasty men?" Emily looked bemused, Sunshine and Grace felt gratified but oddly surprised. They thought it was going to be harder than this. They both casually glanced around and looked for Valenna, oh, and there she was. She was somehow managing to rein it in, no doubt afraid that she would look jealous if she did anything. Everyone was eating up the romance like taffy. Stuff like this should come with popcorn, Sunshine thought.

"Lynais," Emily caught his hands and brought them to her lips, "I'm fine, we were quite safe, and you made quite the impression on Henley. He stopped sending us girls out by ourselves. How are you? We only heard rumors and we were unsure of the accuracy..." She looked suddenly insecure. Sunshine was pretty certain most conversation had returned to normal but she was paying it no mind, and almost cheered when Lynais took her hand and softly kissed it.

"I am in one piece, and so is Loren. Some of my Warden Brothers did not survive." He wasn't given the opportunity to continue as she wrapped her arms around him and hugged him.

"I'm so glad you made it, I was so afraid..."

"I'm sorry I didn't come see you, I should have, that was poorly done of me."

Sunshine sighed contentedly as Emily's eyes shined, she looked at Grace who was just as caught up in the unfolding romance. "No, I have no right to expect that, Lynais. I'm just...I know my place, I mean..." Sunshine was about to protest but was beaten to it.

"No, Emily, I should apologize. I...I'm not sure how it's done, but...I treasure the time I had with you. When Sunshine said she'd look for you...I know I'm an Elf, and you're a human. I have no right to presume, but I think we would...I mean, will you," he took a deep breath, Sunshine and Grace about to fall over from their unbalanced position from leaning in, "...will you take my hand...in marriage?" He looked so uncertain, Grace and Sunshine held their breath.

"I...," Emily began, "I'm only a servant, and you're a warrior and a Warden...I have to tell you something, and you can say no, I'm not trying to obligate you..." Sunshine and Grace finally took a breath, only to hold it again. "I'm, from our last night together, I think...well, I'm pregnant." At Lynais' shocked expression she quickly continued, "I don't want you to feel...oh, Lynais, I know it's yours, you are the only man I've ever..." She buried her face in her hands and began to weep. Lynais quickly recovered and held her to him.

"Please, Emily, please marry me. Please...I want to be a Papa to our little ones." He swept his hand over her well disguised abdomen from her loose servant's gown. Feeling a thrill as he felt her roundness. "Please."

"Yes," she whispered. Grace and Sunshine did, of course, fall then; in a most uncharacteristic joint swoon. They quickly recovered and sent out a cheer, which left everyone perplexed, aside from Lynais and Emily, who had managed to keep their conversation mostly private. Lynais sent them a scolding glance, satisfied when they blushed and slunk off to the table.

He returned to Emily and whispered something, she nodded and he kissed her.

Sunshine and Grace were beside themselves in joy. Best. Day. Ever. They looked around the table and realized that Del and Loren were stifling Velanna's voice and dragging her from the room. Duncan looked at the two of them and then at Lynais and Emily and said, "what just happened?" Grace looked abashed, Sunshine just grinned.

"Oh, you know...," she said vaguely, "just two kids catching up." Duncan raised his eyebrows, Sunshine shrugged, Grace giggled. The two ladies loading up their plates with food. Grace's nausea from pregnancy seemed to have moved to 'consume everything in sight'. They tried to feign disinterest as Lynais and Emily approached Duncan.

"Commander," Lynais began, causing Duncan to look up surprised, "I would like to announce my engagement to Emily Lane. I would like your blessing for our union." Duncan looked shocked, but quickly recovered.

"Lynais, Miss Lane, I am very happy for you." He turned to the table, just as Del and Loren rejoined, "everyone, I would like us to offer up a toast to Lynais and Emily, may they have many years of wedded bliss!" A cheer went around and wine was called for. Emily looked a little dazed, Loren looked stunned, but in a happy way, Grace and Sunshine exchanged high fives.

Sunshine did turn to Grace, a little later, saying, "what the fuck was in the punch?"

Duncan learned about the pregnancy later that night as he was lying in bed with Sunshine. "Did he propose after he learned," he asked her.

"No, she thought he would change his mind once he knew and gave him a chance to back out. It was wonderful." Sunshine said. Duncan noted her starry-eyed gaze and chuckled.

"You didn't use any of your Wild stuff on them?"

"Duncan 'I no longer have a last name to give my future wife', I will have you know that I would never do such a thing." She playfully hit him with a pillow and he grabbed her and tickled her. They laughed, kissed and made love. It was a good night.

Over the next week Grace and Sunshine applied themselves to changing the Keep into a proper Knowe. It was a fascinating process for Grace to watch as Sunshine spread out her wild and claimed the keep as theirs. She intentionally included everyone she thought was key to the development of the Knowe. Allowing them to make alterations to their personal spaces.

"It will take most of them awhile to figure out that's what they are doing, but it will be great fun to see what they do. You get to learn all sorts of interesting things out about people when you allow them the freedom to shape their space. I'm sure Robin is slightly dismayed that I so rigorously claimed the Keep as my new Home Knowe, but...ah, well, he can suck it up."

She then proceeded to show Grace how to coax her own wild into her personal space with Alistair and Aurora, so that she could make it less generic, and more personalized. Grace was ecstatic to do something with her Wild and was experimenting all sorts of things. It somewhat helped ease her desire for sex, but not fully. This was getting to be a too long dry spell.

It was too Grace's great relief that her men had returned, it was also to her great chagrin that Travis' body was there with Justice, as Sunshine would say, 'riding side saddle'.