Chapter 13:
Mahvir sat in a secluded part of the Grand Cathedral. Deceit was perched on his head to read the book he was holding. For the past hour he had been turning the pages of the cursed romance for the demon while he had thought on how to go about placing the first pieces for Solas to start learning he had a daughter.
The thought of Lorien made Mahvir's heart twist. Why couldn't Solas see he had a precious daughter? See his daughter had survived and would live well into adulthood. A small tendril of jealousy wormed into Mahvir's heart. If this worked, Solas would get to know his daughter. He would watch her grow up. While Mahvir had been denied the chance to even see his daughter even once before-
Mahvir closed his eyes, shutting out the thoughts.
There was more to be jealous of as well. But he was happy in the knowledge Lorien would have a father. A matter Mahvir had once dreamed of having when he had been younger. The acceptance he had striven to achieve from Elgar'nan.
"Two months," Mahvir whispered. He would make it so Lorien would have her father in her life by the end of her third birthday. Even if it would mean warping time to make traveling go faster.
Mahvir snapped the book closed.
"Hey!" Deceit let out an angry caw. "I wasn't done reading that!"
Mahvir didn't speak and instead pulled himself to his feet. Rhian was approaching with another one of Mahvir's spies.
"My lord," Rhian said quietly with a bow of her head. She had her hood down so her woolen hair was more prominent.
"Afternoon, Rhian." Mahvir bowed his head to her before he turned his gaze on the elf. "I believe you were tasked with learning who fathered Lorien?" Mahvir asked, though he already knew the answer to question.
"It wasn't too hard," Rhian replied. "She has not been seen with another man in years, and an even an idiot couldn't deny the girl strikes a certain… resemblance to a certain someone."
The elf glanced at Rhian. He shifted. "It's not that easy, Rhian. Solas doesn't believe Lori is his." He turned his dark brown eyes to Mahvir. "I was asked to find anything I could on Lori. Solas wants to know if you spoke the truth or were lying, Lord Shartan."
"To be expected." Mahvir pulled out a few documents. "These contain the first pieces of information Solas is after. Mainly Lorien's day of birth. It is but the first step to convincing him Lorien is his."
"Very well," Rhian replied. "Anything else? Perhaps we could get Emrys to draw a picture, I hear he has skill," she said jokingly, but with a hint she would actually do it.
"No, though it is a good idea." Mahvir smiled at her. "Take those to Solas," he instructed the elf.
"It will be done, Lord Shartan." The elf bowed before he took the documents and left.
Mahvir turned to Rhian. "I have a task for you as well, Rhian."
"Whatever you need," the girl said.
"Take this to the commander." Mahvir held out a letter. "It contains information which will point Solas's next movements are heading for Ferelden," he explained.
"Ferelden?" Rhian raised a brow. "What's he doing in Ferelden?"
"There are temples there as well, sources of power and pieces of knowledge he can use. We need to head there next in order to stop his next attempt." And for them to move faster so Lorien could have a father by the time or when she turned three.
"Very well, I shall see these get to the Commander right away," Rhian said. "Will there be anything else?"
"That's all for now. You have my eternal thanks, Rhian." Mahvir bowed his head to the girl.
"No, you have mine," Rhian insisted. "I was just a Darktown urchin before you. I owe you everything, Lord Shartan."
"All our People deserve a chance at life," Mahvir stated. "You are no different, never place what you've accomplished on another. You were the one able to pull yourself up and make a life for yourself. All I did was give you a hand."
A small smile came to Rhian's lips. "You know, before you the only person who ever considered me one of the People was my mum, and even then I didn't always believe her." Rhian bowed. "I shall get going as soon as possible. Dareth shiral."
"Dareth shiral, da'len."
Rhian turned on her heel and strode off down the hall, no doubt heading towards Commander Cullen's office.
Mahvir watched her go. His heart between light and twisted. He could see another half blood, grown walking where Rhian was. Her ginger hair straight and eyes bright. But never would this image be a reality, never would she have grown to the age Rhian had or be as strong. Yet, Rhian was just as much a daughter to him as any other elvhen. For as long as he had breath in him, he would help her to live out whatever dreams she had.
"Are you going to open that book or not?" Deceit demanded.
"I'm not, you've had enough for one day."
Deceit snapped her beak. "As far as you're concerned," she huffed.
Mahvir ignored the demon and started to walk. He noticed a woman heading down a flight of steps and paused. It was odd to see a pregnant woman in the Cathedral and in the same moment he knew who she was.
"Would you like some aid, my lady?" he asked.
The woman turned around. "'scuse me?" she asked, eyebrow raised.
"Would you like some aid down the stairs, my lady?" Mahvir repeated and specified. He gave her a small smile. "Though, I am quite uncertain how much of an aid I would be."
The woman chuckled. "Yeah, no offense, but my fat ass would probably crush you," she smirked. "Though, I could use a little help. I think I might finally be becoming too fat to function, though my husband would say that passed three months ago."
Mahvir chuckled at this. "I'm certain he was very wrong on that account, my lady." Mahvir limped down the steps to her side and held out his free hand to her.
Deceit shuffled on his head.
"Thanks," she said, taking his hand. Her own was rather large for a woman and practically swallowed his. "So what's your name?" she asked as they climbed down the stairs.
They're pace was slow enough and given it was going down and not up, Mahvir didn't feel as bad of a tightness in his chest. "An interesting question and one's which answer would change depending on who you asked. You, my lady, may call me Mahvir."
"Nice to meet you, Mahv," the woman replied. "As for me I got a few names too. Sometimes I'm Captain, sometimes I'm bitch, soon I'll be mom, but you can just call me Franne," she said.
"It's a pleasure to meet your acquaintance, Lady Franne." Mahvir released her hand when they reached the bottom of the stairs. "I'm certain your," he had to force himself to not reveal the future, "child will be lucky to have you for his or her mother."
"You're too kind." Franne looked him up and down, her green eyes squinting. "Have we met before? You look kinda familiar."
"No, we have not. But I have been getting such statements a lot as of late. I believe the reason being is a relative of mine served the Inquisition nearly three years ago."
"Really, who? I was Guard-Captain of Skyhold until we had to relocate, so I know pretty much everyone who mattered."
Mahvir hesitated. "I doubt you would have spoken with him, however, from my understanding of it, he was part of the inner group of the Inquisition."
"Now, I really wanna know. Me and Frost-Tits are close and I would know about any of the people in the Circle. Inner Circle that is, not that magey one."
"I understand." He paused, wondering if he should tell her. It was hard to see this woman's reactions through the time flow. Every word uttered changed her response faster than he could track. "He left before the celebration, the night of Corypheus's defeat."
"Brother!"
Mahvir turned his head.
Deceit cawed in frustration and leapt over to his staff.
"What the-?" Franne looked down.
Climbing up the stairs, on all fours, was Lori. "Brother!" she grinned. She sat on the step just below Mahvir and hugged his ankles. "I got you," she giggled.
"Aneth ara, Lorien. Were you not spending this fine afternoon with Nimwen?" Mahvir placed his hand on the girl's head.
"Mama fell sleep. I got bored, so I go," Lori explained.
"Hold on, hold on, why did she call you 'brother'?" Franne asked.
"Aunt Franne!" Lori smiled. "He big brother! He new but mama say we keep him," she said. She nuzzled her cheek on his ankles. "Imma wolf," she giggled.
"And what a grand wolf you make." Mahvir assured her. He glanced a Franne, rather amused by Lorien's enacting of a wolf.
The ginger-haired woman looked between the two elves, looking confused. "Who the hell are you?"
"A rather complex, and long explanation, Lady Franne." Mahvir turned his gaze on Lorien. "As for you, dear Lorien, I believe your mamae would be in a state of fear and desperation if she woke to find you missing."
"Mamae?" Lori asked, her head tilted.
"It means 'mama' in our People's tongue," Mahvir explained with a soft smile. He loved the small moments like this with his sister. The few moments he would have with her.
"So hold on," Franne said. "Did Nimwen have a surprise adoption while I was gone or did she somehow have a grown ass kid incognito?"
At this Mahvir burst out laughing. "Maker, no!" he managed to say through his laughter.
Franne shook her head. "I'm gonna have to talk with her later."
"Brother, up?" Lori asked, reaching her arms upward.
"Deceit, would find where Fear got off too?" Mahvir asked the white raven.
Deceit clicked her beak in annoyance before she took off.
With her gone, Mahvir was able to set his staff against the stairs. "Would you like to ride on my shoulders, Lorien?" Mahvir knelt before her.
"Yay, yay!" Lori clapped her hands in excitement.
Careful of his sister, Mahvir lifted her off the ground and placed her on his shoulders with a small grunt. Very soon she would be too heavy for him to lift. He picked up his staff and used it to help him stand. His other hand on Lorien's leg to keep her on his shoulders.
Lori giggled and patted the top of his head with her palms. "You tall," she said.
Mahvir turned to Franne. "If you would like to speak with Nimwen, I am heading in that direction. Though, now I most certainly won't be of aid for you heading down the stairs." With Lorien on his shoulders it would be hard enough for him to make it down towards Nimwen's and Lorien's chambers.
"That's fine, I'm used to wearing full armor heavier than this guy," she replied, patting her stomach. "Plus I'm fixin' to get some answers."
Mahvir smiled at her. A part of him really liked this woman and the way the she was so unpredictable. Another was wary of her for this very same reason. "Hold on, Lorien."
"Giddy up!" the toddler cried.
"If I were a horse, I would have been a poor one indeed." Mahvir started down the stairs. His pace slow so as not to trip or dislodge Lorien. The girl was a little heavier than Fear and Deceit combined, but unlike the demons she couldn't recover if she fell. He was distinctly aware of this fact and thus made certain he was taking one step at a time, lowering his bad leg and staff first before moving his good leg down and repeating.
His chest was tight by the time he reached the bottom of the stairs. Each breath was a little labored but not to the point he needed the herb to ease it back.
"All right, sweetie, where's your mama?" Franne asked.
"She sleep on couch," Lori said.
Mahvir could feel her little hands playing with his hair. "Lead on, Lady Franne. I believe you know this place far better than I."
"All right, come along you two," the human said. She led them down the halls, at a fairly decent pace given her condition.
Lori hummed cheerfully to herself as she twisted Mahvir's hair in her little fingers. "Bade, bade," she said sing-songly.
Mahvir knew she was braiding his hair. But all of his focus was in trying to keep a decent pace and not letting Lorien fall from his shoulders. His injured hip twinged and bad leg pulsed with pain at being forced to a near normal pace. Each step made talons close all the tighter around his lungs. His breathing turned ragged.
"You all right there, Mahv?" Franne asked, looking back at him with concern.
"Just need to pause," he managed a weak smile. He stopped walking and focused on evening his breathing by taking deep breaths in and out through his nose.
"Mahvy?" Lori asked. She poked his cheek.
"Ir abelas, Lorien." He nodded to Franne. "We may continue." It wasn't much further as it was.
They made it to the entrance to Nimwen's quarters. Franne pounded on the door. "Hey, Frost-Tits, I found your kid," the redhead called out. There was only silence on the other side. "Okay, I'm breaking in," the human said as she opened the door.
"She's most likely still sleeping, Lady Franne."
"Drop the 'lady' part, will ya?" Franne asked. She stepped inside the room and gestured for Mahvir to follow.
"It might be wiser if you alone wake her," Mahvir hesitated, "Captain."
Franne rolled her eyes. "Titles, titles, titles, was is it with this place and titles?" She sighed. "Can't wait 'til me and Noodle go to Denerim." She started to go in, but when she saw Mahvir still standing there she sighed. "Really?" She grabbed his wrist. "Come on, Mahv."
Mahvir couldn't fight the woman's strong grip. He only just managed to keep Lorien and himself from falling at the speed with which he was dragged him into the room. "It isn't proper to enter a lady's room unannounced or without permission, Captain."
"Pfft proper, shmoper," Franne chuckled. "I'm giving you permission, so there you go."
"I got persimmon?" Lori asked.
"That's a fruit, Lori," Franne said.
"Lorien, it's your mamae's room. I doubt you need permission. And, to clarify, Captain, it is improper to enter a lady's room without said lady's permission."
"Whatever."
They entered the living room. The floor was covered in toys and a blanket that was spread out. On the couch was Nimwen, sprawled out with a pillow over her eyes.
Franne chuckled. "Ain't she graceful?" she whispered to Mahvir.
Mahvir covered his eyes and turned away. "Yes, yes, wake her, please."
"Maker's breath, calm your tits," she said. She crept up to the couch, weaving between the toys littering the floor. She gently shook Nimwen's shoulder. "Wake up, Nimmy," Franne whispered.
The elvhen woman grumbled, but didn't wake up.
"Hey, get up." Franne lightly patted her face.
Mahvir could see all of this through his other sight. Rather annoying, but still the truth. "Would you like down, Lorien?" he asked. He really wished he hadn't been dragged in here without Nimwen being awake. It wasn't right of him.
"I like bein' tall," Lori said.
Franne sighed and shook Nimwen harder. "Seriously, Nim, wake up-"
There was a loud smack followed by Franne crying out.
"What the?!" Nimwen flew to a sitting position, her eyes wide.
Mahvir placed his hands over Lorien's ears.
"What the hell, Nimwen?!" Franne yelled, clutching her nose where Nimwen punched her.
"What's going on-?" Nimwen looked up and she gasped, realizing what had happened. "Oh, my, Franne, I am so sorry."
"Andraste's tits, where'd you learn to punch like that?" Franne groaned.
Nimwen looked over at Mahvir, and cocked her head. "Mahvir?"
"Afternoon," he stated without turning or removing his hands from Lorien's ears. "Are you done cursing, Captain?"
Nimwen snorted. "I doubt that day will ever come," she said as she stood.
Franne shrugged. "Sorry, can't help it."
A small breath escaped Mahvir. He removed his hands from Lorien's ears. He could always recover them when next the Captain decided to curse. "We found Lorien outside and thought it best to return her."
"And what were you doing wandering off?" Nimwen asked Lori.
"You sleep, I got bored," Lori mumbled. She poked both of Mahvir's cheeks with her fingers. "I find brother and Aunt Franne."
"Oh, yeah, 'bout that," Franne cut in. "What's this about Lori getting a brother?"
Nimwen blinked. She looked between Franne and Mahvir. "Um… do you mind me telling?" she asked Mahvir.
"She will find out one way or another," he stated. Though, he didn't know the captain well, he did know she would be traveling with them. It was better if Nimwen told her now than her finding out of the blue Mahvir's relation to Solas.
"All right, well then," Nimwen chuckled sheepishly. "I guess I'll cut to the chase. Franne," - she turned to the human - "this is Mahvir, he's-he's Solas's son. Which makes me his, well, stepmother I suppose. And Lori's half-brother."
Franne's eyes were wide as dinner plates. "You...serious?" she asked quietly.
Nimwen nodded.
The ginger turned to Mahvir. "Cover her ears."
Mahvir had already done so. He had also turned to them. "If it's any consolation I am a child from very long ago in Solas's past."
"Yeah well...holy shit." Franne turned to Nimwen. "Solas had a kid?"
"Has a kid," Nimwen corrected.
"This is...wow," Franne laughed. "So you have a stepson? That's crazy, and he looks like he's as old as you!"
"Considering the fact Solas is an ancient elvhen, surely it isn't too large a leap for me to be older." Mahvir chose his words with care. He also never once called Solas "father." It wasn't as if he hated Solas or anything along those lines. For most of his life, he had thought Solas his uncle and then everything had gotten confusing for him. In the end, it had just been easier to called Solas by name. Oh, and there was the fact Solas had hated Mahvir for over twenty centuries now. "Besides, Solas has no knowledge of my existence as his son. A matter Solas is best left ignorant about."
"Huh." Franne sat down on the couch. "That's...a lot to take in." Franne looked up at Nimwen. "Nim, I hate to say it, but you have the most complicated life in Thedas."
"Don't I know it," Nimwen sighed.
"Perhaps complicated is an understatement," Mahvir stated. He removed his hand from Lorien's ears. "Do you wish to play with your toys, Lorien? Or remain being tall?"
"Down," Lori said, patting his head.
"Down, what?" Nimwen asked.
"Down, please?" Lori asked again.
"As you wish, Princess Lorien." Mahvir knelt down and lifted the girl from his shoulders. He set her down. "Have fun and no running off this time." He placed his hand on her head.
Lori toddled over to the couch and picked up a stuffed nug toy lying on the floor.
"So, what else can I do for you two?" Nimwen asked them.
"I came to return Lorien to you," Mahvir stated. "Ir abelas for entering while you were sleeping." He bowed his head to her. It was just too awkward.
"Oh, it's nothing," Nimwen assured him. "It's not like I was in my small clothes."
"Boy, that would have been awkward," Franne snickered.
"What are you still doing here, anyway?" Nimwen asked the human. "I thought you and Cullen were going to Denerim."
"We are, just not yet," Franne explained.
"I hope your journey is safe," Mahvir stated and looked at Lorien.
"This Gary," Lori said, holding up her toy nug.
"A pleasure to meet you, Gary." Mahvir bowed to the nug. He settled himself on the floor.
Lori stood up and nuzzled the nug onto his shoulder. "He give you hug."
Mahvir returned the nug's hug with a short one.
Nimwen smiled. "You make a good brother."
"He best brother," Lori grinned.
"Years of practice," Mahvir said with a smile at Nimwen. He shuddered on the inside at the thought of his brother and other siblings, and Lorien's cousins. A part of him, the part he wished didn't exist, longed to see his brother again. "Did you name all of your toys?" He changed the subject as he looked back at Lorien.
"Uh-huh," Lori nodded. "They my friends, so they all gets names."
"Careful, or she might just introduce you to them all," Nimwen warned Mahvir.
"I have nothing planned for today," Mahvir stated. "Unless you count Deceit being upset I stopped reading that terrible book."
"Who's Deceit?" Franne asked.
"One of Mahvir's ravens. He has two," Nimwen explained.
Franne furrowed her brow. "You were reading to your bird?"
"In a manner of speaking. You saw her earlier. She was the white raven on my head when I first met you." Mahvir looked at Franne.
"Ah, and why were you reading her a book you think is terrible?"
"She likes romances, I don't. It's as simple as that." Most romances were a lie. There were few happy endings in the world and even fewer relationships which didn't have problems.
"I don't really like them either. Cullen does though, not that he'd ever admit it," she chuckled with a wink.
Mahvir smiled. "Those with such happy endings are lucky. But I also don't care to read about every detail of another's relationship. My relationships just within the family are complicated and depressing enough without reading another's, happier life."
"Well aren't you a bundle of rainbows," Franne said.
"Ah, but if you want someone who is a bundle of rainbows and joy, it only comes from babies and toddlers. In the pure innocence which is youth." He bowed his head to her. "Though you will learn of this soon enough."
Franne turned to Nimwen. "Keep him," she told the elf.
Nimwen chuckled. "Don't worry, I will."
It took a lot of effort on his part not to shift. No matter what future Nimwen thought of, reality would tear it down. Even if there was a way for Mahvir to stay, it would end up with months to years of constant arguments between him and Solas. The two of them could never see eye to eye on certain matters. Mythal being one of them, half bloods being another.
Instead of speaking, Mahvir gave her a small smile.
"Well, I think I need to be going," Franne said. She pulled herself up from the couch. "Cul will be wondering where I am and we need to finish packing."
"I hope you have fun meeting his family," Nimwen told her.
"Hey, it'll be nice to be in a place where the people aren't all masked and plummed up. I swear I have no idea how he convinced me to move here," Franne sighed. She shuffled passed Mahvir. "Nice meeting you, Mahv," she said.
"And you, Captain Franne," Mahvir replied.
Just then they heard a knock on the door. "Pardon me, Inquisitor?"
"Speak of the Noodle," Franne smirked. She opened the door to reveal the blond commander. "Fancy meeting you here."
"Franne? There you are, love," Cullen smiled. He looked up at Nimwen and then grew more serious. "Sorry for the interruption, but I just got some news I felt should be brought to your attention."
"What is it?" asked Nimwen.
"We've received reports on possible leads of Solas's movements."
"Really, where?" Nimwen demanded.
"Ferelden, possibly Denerim."
"I suppose this means a small group will heading there next, will it not?" asked Mahvir as he turned his gaze to Nimwen. All his emotions were hidden behind a careful facade. "Speaking of Denerim, if I am among those to go, I would like to meet this Dagna. I sent her the letter, but am still interested in her work."
"Oh, of course, I would love to introduce you two," Nimwen said enthusiastically.
"You're going to unleash the dwarf on him? You poor thing, Mahv," Franne teased.
"I believe she and I will get along splendidly." Mahvir removed the toys Lorien had placed in his lap.
"And this is Hannah," Lori said, putting the redheaded ragdoll in Mahvir's lap. "She and Betty twins," she explained, despite the fact that the doll named Betty was blue with white hair.
"They make for a nice family," Mahvir told Lorien.
"I'll take a look at these reports," Nimwen said. "Mahvir, do you mind watching her for a bit?"
"I would love to," Mahvir assured Nimwen. He looked at Lorien. "Would you like to play a game?" He gave her a soft smile.
"Yeah!" the child grinned.
"I am at your command, Princess Lorien." Mahvir bowed at the waist to her. "What shall we play?"
"Hmm," Lori put her finger to her mouth as she thought about it. "We go get dragon!" she declared.
"I am afraid I won't be much of a dragon hunter, my princess. But I will try my utmost to make this room appear your stage for hunting such a majestic beast."
Lori giggled. "We gonna, we gonna get the...blueberry dragon!" She spread her fingers like claws and bared her teeth.
"Oh, no." Mahvir feigned fear and hid his face from her.
"Stay strong, Mahvir, the blueberry dragon can sense fear," Nimwen chuckled. "I'll see you later, da'len, you be good for Mahvir, okay?"
"Bye-bye mamae," Lori waved.
"She will be fine, Nimwen," Mahvir assured.
*~ x ~*
"And we can confirm these sources?" Nimwen asked.
"It all seems to be in order," Cullen replied. "It appears that his people have been moving East since the temple, and there are already signs of them entering Ferelden."
Nimwen stared down at the papers in her hand. 'Could it be?' she wondered. 'Might I find him again?' As excited as that made her feel, she couldn't forget what Mahvir had told her, about the proper circumstances. There was still much she had a feeling Mahvir was keeping from her, but she trusted his judgment.
"How long until we can go to Denerim?"
"Are you sure you want to go?"
Nimwen looked up at the blond. "What do you mean?"
"I know about your excursion to the temple but, don't you think it might be best to let others handle this in your stead?" Cullen asked. "You said it yourself at the Exalted Council that your adventuring days were over; yet, you don't allow yourself any reprieve. You don't have to lead the vanguard anymore, you've done so much for Thedas already."
Nimwen smiled. "I appreciate your concern Cullen, and I value your input, but my work is far from done even if I'm no longer the actual Inquisitor. I want to see this through, I have to see this through, and once it's done I'll ride off into the sunset, but only once I've reached the epilogue to this little story."
"Don't try and stop her, Cullen," said Franne. "She a woman on a mission."
"I wasn't trying to," Cullen retorted. "I just...wanted to make sure this is what you wanted. As I said before, Thedas is in your debt ten times over. I wanted you to know that nobody would blame you for handing the reins to somebody else."
"I appreciate the thought, Cullen, but this is my mission. I won't go down this path alone, but I am going to lead it."
The soft sound of wings signaled the arrival of another. The next moment there was a weight on Nimwen's shoulder. "Hello, Mortal Soft Shoulder. Care to hide me from Deceit? I've been avoiding that annoying ball of feathers since Mahvir sent her looking for me."
"Did that bird just…?" Franne pointed at Fear in shock.
"Talk?" Cullen ended.
"Ah, yes, well…" Nimwen chuckled nervously. "Um…"
Fear clicked his beak in annoyance. "Do we have to go through this with every mortal? I am a Fear demon which took the form of a raven sixty centuries ago and was bound to Mahvir's will. So, yes, I speak."
"Mahv has a demon bound to him?" asked Franne.
"Well, two if you count Deceit," Nimwen clarified.
"And you think it wise to have two demons lurking about, near Lori?" Franne questioned.
Fear let a few caws of laughter. "We are forever bound to Mahvir. He speaks and we must obey. The child is off limits to harm as is Nimwen and those mortals close to her. For our service to him we are granted eternal life, for, unless he kills himself or another does, he will last for all eternity. It seems a fair enough trade, no?"
"I...suppose."
Nimwen could see that Cullen still looked very uncomfortable. "Cullen, I assure you, if I did not trust Mahvir to keep them in line, I would not leave them to their own devices. They obey Mahvir, and he has no intention of causing me or Lori any harm."
Cullen sighed. "Very well, your Worship."
"The worst we want to do is trick the child to give us food," stated Fear. He settled further into Nimwen's shoulder, eyes lidded. "Next time Deceit says ravens are a good idea to trick an elf who wanders our way I am ignoring her."
Nimwen laughed. "Yes, that seems wise," she jested.
"It's like a parrot, but blacker, and eviler," Franne commented as she continued to look at Fear in disbelief.
"Parrot? Parrot!" Fear flapped his wings, screeching his rage until it rang in Nimwen's ears. "I am no mere bird. I am not a stupid, tropical, witless thing better used as feed for stronger animals. I am Fear!"
"Fear that's enough!" Nimwen scolded the creature. "Calm down or you won't get any cake," she warned him.
Fear snapped his beak closed and settled back on Nimwen's shoulder. His eyes wide with the horror.
"That's right, now apologize to Franne."
"Cake!" Another caw screeched. "Cake! Cake! Cake!" The next moment a weight landed on Nimwen's head. "Where's the cake? I want cake."
"And now there's two," Cullen sighed.
"There is no cake," Nimwen said. "At least there won't be until Fear apologizes to Franne for being rude."
"Apologize, oaf, or I will claw you featherless!" Deceit snapped her beak at Fear.
Fear let out a soft caw which reminded Nimwen of a snort. "You're more likely to run cawing to Mahvir."
"Ugh," Nimwen groaned. She wondered how Mahvir could have tolerated this for centuries.
"Relax, Nimwen," Franne told her. "There's no need to get your...feathers ruffled."
Fear let out a caw of laughter. "I like you, Pregnant Mortal."
"Humph, you like most mortals." Deceit settled on Nimwen's head. The next moment, two bright eyes were before Nimwen as the white raven peered down at her. "That's an apology. Cake now!"
"All right, all right, you can get your cake," Nimwen said with a shake of her head. "Will you be needing anything else, Commander?"
"N-no, I don't think so," Cullen said, looking quite perplexed at the scene before him.
"Maybe we'll get some cake for Lori and Mahvir as well," Nimwen mused as she left the room.
"Yes, bring Mahvy cake too," Deceit stated.
"You just want her to do so you can eat it," Fear snapped at her.
"Do not!" Deceit snapped her beak in annoyance.
"You both can handle one big piece of cake," she told them. "Any more and I doubt you'd be able to fly."
"We don't need to fly. Mahvy can carry us." There was a note of pride in Deceit's voice. "You're taking a slice to Mahvy then, right?"
"Don't listen to her. Mahvir hates sweets," Fear whispered in Nimwen's ear. "She just wants more for herself."
"Hmm, maybe I'll bring him some dumplings then," Nimwen decided.
There was a small sound from Deceit which sounded like disappointment.
"He loves red wines as well," Fear informed Nimwen. "Why he does, is beyond me. It has nothing to do with distain for foods, but it is what he asked for the most in past. And finished."
"I'm sure I can find some for him. This is Orlais after all." Nimwen made her way down to the kitchens. "If you two promise you won't try and eat anything until we get back to my quarters, I'll let you have as big a piece as you want."
"Promise." Fear gave her a slight nuzzle with his beak.
"No food until we're back. But-but that's torment!"
"Just think of it this way, the wait will make the cake even more worth it."
Deceit made small nose. "Fine, I will be tormented."
"It'll be all worth it in the end, Denise," Nimwen teased.
Deceit settled on Nimwen's head. "You're not so bad for a mortal. I was wrong about you," the words seemed to pulled from the demon.
"She is a soft shoulder, after all. Wake me when we get to your rooms." He tucked his beak under his wing.
Nimwen smiled. She finally won the favor of the demonic birds. As she walked down the hallway, she felt quite pleased with herself.