Chapter 31
Alistair woke the following morning to the gentle nudge of the morning sun as it seeped through the open window. The warm, velvety weight that now rested on his chest quickly drew his attention as his eyes traveled down the naked form of the woman sleeping peacefully in his arms and a content sigh left his lips as he drank in the graceful beauty that lay beside him. Even while sleeping she was so lovely it took his breath away and he gently ran his fingers through her hair. He still couldn't believe it, she was his now, finally and totally his and it felt so good, so right…Mrs. Alistair Theirin…Alex Theirin…Dr. Alex Theirin…Queen Alexandria Theirin…all of them had a beautiful ring to them.
Alex stirred beside him and her arms slowly slid up to wrap themselves around his neck as she lifted her head. The moan that drifted through the air told him of her contentment and happiness, as did the radiant smile that light up her face. She quickly planted a kiss on his chest and then pulled herself up until she was eye level with him; her body lay over his while she nuzzled his neck. The soft swell of her breast pressed against his bare chest began to fuel his passion as she feathered kisses along his jaw. The feel of her body pressed to his snatched away every rational thought from his head, and all he could think about was the need to draw her nearer, all he could feel was the stir of desire that was beginning to course through him. His insatiable appetite for this woman began to blossom once again when he heard the front door slam open and Anders booming voice, "Rise and shine, Lovebirds, the time for caboodling is over. We have a trip to take."
Alistair groaned, "That man really has the worst timing and what's wrong with caboodling anyways?"
Alex giggled as she gently kissed his lips, "We can pick up where we left off when we get to Ferelden."
"Yes, but it won't be as warm and soft as it is right here," Alistair grumbled.
"Alistair, I'm surprised that you have any strength left after our workout last night," Alex muttered.
"What can I say? I have a ravenous appetite when it comes to you."
"Husband, tell me that in twenty years and you will make me the happiest woman in the world," she kissed him again and slid out of bed.
"Wife, I'll tell you that in fifty years and it will be as true then as it is now," Alistair said as he slid out of bed and pulled her into his arms. "I will love you and want you until the day I die."
She smiled up at him, leaned in and kissed him, "Same here, Alistair. I promise."
It had been decided that it would be best to perform the ritual at Brandon's house since it was secluded there. After an emotional good-by to her father, brother and Matt, Alex joined Alistair, Eva and Anders as they stood around a large basin filled to the brim with Ununseptium. Brandon, James and Matt stood off to the side as they watched the ritual performed.
All four of the would-be travelers were dressed in medieval clothes that they had purchased from one of the local film studios. They also purchased weapons from a prop shop. The tricky part had been finding someone to sharpen the weapons without raising suspicions. James had managed to find a friend of a friend that was willing to do just about anything if the price was right.
Anders handed each of them small bottle of Ununseptium. Then he pulled out the Tevinter diary and four more Ununseptium potion bottles that contained a drop of Sienna's blood. "Now, I am going to read this Tevinter incantation when I give you the signal you will drink your individual potion at the same time as I pour this potion into the basin once the potion begins to smoke you will reach into the basin," Anders instructed.
Anders began to circle the basin as he read the incantation out loud. It had been decided that Alistair would go through first since he had been in the Fade numerous times. Anders continued to recite the incantation and after several minutes Anders nodded at Alistair that it was time. Alistair drank the potion as Anders continued to recite the spell out loud and he poured the tainted potion into the basin. Moments later the basin began to smoke, Anders gave Alistair the signal, Alistair leaned over kissed his wife and then reached into the basin; as his hand touched the Ununseptium a bright light leaped out of the basin and onto his hand, the light coursed through him until it completely enveloped him and he disappeared.
"Holy shit, that's freckin' unbelievable," James exclaimed, but Brandon just stared in utter disbelief and fear flickered in his eyes.
Alex walked over to her father, kissed his cheek and whispered, "It's going to be okay, Daddy. I promise."
Alex rejoined the group at the basin as Anders repeated the process for Alex and then for Eva. Just before Eva touched the basin she wrapped her arms around Anders neck, "This whole ritual thing is very hot and I can't wait to be alone with you to show you just how sexy I think you are."
Anders grinned, "Well, then please hurry up and stick your hand in the damn basin so we can get to Ferelden because I love it when show me that."
Eva kissed him passionately and then placed her hand in the basin.
Anders stumbled out of the portal. "Well, I see they haven't improved the landing at all," Anders muttered as he tried to steady himself. He looked around and realized that both Alistair and Alex were engaged in a battle with a Rage Demon. Eva had shielded herself with the chameleon charm that Anders had taught her, that had taken her almost an entire month of non-stop practicing for her to master it. He was glad that they had spent all that time working on it.
Anders immediately cast a cone of cold spell and then hit the demon with a stonefist spell shattering it upon impact. "Well, I can't say that I missed that very much," Anders said dryly.
All three of them ran up to him, "Well, I take back what I said earlier about you having bad timing?'
"Hey, when did you say that?" Anders asked.
Alex smiled and punched Alistair playfully, "Never mind."
"What the hell was that thing?" Eva demanded.
"Rage Demon," Alistair and Anders said in unison.
"Why did it attack the moment that Eva arrived?" Alex asked.
"She is an untrained mage and demons can sense that. It's easier for them to possess an inexperienced mage. That is why I thought it was so critical for her to learn to shield herself. Did you have any problems casting the spell?" Anders asked.
Eva shook her head, "No, it was easy."
"It should be. We are in the place where we draw our power from," Anders replied.
"Let's get moving. If they know she is here it's only a matter of time before we attract more unwanted attention," Alistair said as he began to pick up his gear.
Once everyone had gathered their things they started down a hazy pathway that lead to a large purple portal. On the rock beside the portal was a large X burnt into the rock. "Thank the Maker you thought of that idea Anders," Alistair said.
"Actually, it was your brilliant wife's idea," Anders replied.
Alistair looked stunned, he turned to Alex, "You told him to do this."
Alex nodded. "Like a bread crumb trail," Eva mused.
"Yep," Alex said.
Alistair pulled her into his arms, "Even before we left Ferelden you were thinking of a way to bring me back. Why?"
"Because this is where you belong. This is where I knew you would be truly happy," Alex said.
He drew her in and kissed her feverously. "Hey enough of that, besides making me blush like a Chantry Sister, you two keep that up you will attract a Desire Demon," Anders muttered as he walked by them and through the portal, Eva, Alex and Alistair quickly followed.
They entered a deserted camp site near the shore of a large lake. Alistair recognized the camp as the one that they had met Morrigan at. Alistair kicked some of the ash in the fire pit, by the looks of the camp it had been deserted for awhile. "It looks like she finally moved on," Alistair mumbled solemnly. Alistair had never been a fan of the Mage, but she had helped him save Alex and for that he would be eternally grateful.
"She was a hell of spellcaster," Anders said.
Alistair nodded, "One of the best."
They were all silent for a moment and then without saying a word they began to move around the lake following the X's that Anders had left. Eventually they came to another portal with a large X on the tree beside it and one by one they entered the doorway.
Again Anders was the last to stumble out. He entered a clearing that looked strangely familiar. He looked around and then glanced at Alistair, "Hey, I think this is the clearing that we left from."
"It is," Alistair replied. "I can see the tip of the tower from Redcliff Castle in the horizon."
"Very interesting," Anders muttered.
"What's interesting?" Alistair nodded.
"Well, I won't know if my theory is correct until we return to Los Angeles, but it would appear that the portal will return you to the place that you entered it from unless you are entering a place that you have never been to before," Anders pondered.
"Well, that would be a lot more convenient then being dumped in the middle of a street," Alistair said.
Alistair glanced around the clearing. "I would like to avoid Redcliff. I really don't want anyone to know that we are here until we see Darrian at Vigil's Keep."
"Before we head North, couldn't we stop by the Village of Redcliff and purchase some horses? It would make traveling there so much quicker and easier," Anders said.
"We don't have any Ferelden coins," Alistair said.
"Oh contraire, when Alex mentioned the possibility of coming back here I brought coins with us," Andres said as he dug in his bag and handed Alistair a pouch filled with fifty sovereigns.
"Great! Okay, than I agree that horses would be the best mode of transportation," Alistair said.
"Well, actually the best mode of transportation would be if you could disapparate and take us there," Alex stated matter-of-factly.
"How many times do I have to tell that isn't real magic," Anders retorted.
"But the Undetectable Extension Charm is," Alex inquired.
"Bloody hell woman, the physics for an Undetectable Extension Charm are completely different and much easier to manipulate. I wouldn't even know where to begin to create a disapparating spell," Anders countered.
Alex grinned and raised an eye brow, "The physics of a spell? Well, it seems I have rubbed of on you. Now I have talking like a scientist."
"I'm a doctor not a scientist," Eva began, "but I might be able to help you create such a spell. That might actually be very interesting."
"This is all very fascinating, but for now we still need transportation. Anders and Eva, would you please go down into Village Redcliff and acquire four horses for us?" Alistair asked.
"Well, it didn't take you long to jump back into your kingly mode," Anders retorted.
"Anders, I can't do it myself someone might recognize me," Alistair said defensively.
"Alright, alright Eva and I will be back shortly," Anders replied and the two of them headed into the Village.
It took the group six days, two bandit ambushes and once having to skirt a small band of darkspawn before they arrived at the Keep's gates.
As they approached the guards at the gate Anders and Alistair pulled the hoods of their traveling cloaks up to hide their faces. Alex slid off her horse and approached the guard. "Good afternoon, Ser."
The guard looked at her warily. "Good afternoon, my Lady."
"I was wondering if Commander Darrian is in," Alex inquired.
The guard raised an eye brow, "And who is inquiring about the Commander?"
"I am an old friend of the Commander's. My name is…"
"Contessa Alexandria Seymour," Zevran said as he slipped out of the shadows.
"Zev," Alex squealed as she leapt into his arms. "It is so good to see you."
Zevran laughed as he returned the hug, "It's good to see you to, my Sweet." He continued to hold onto her and whispered, "Are your traveling companions who I think?"
Alex nodded. "Well, then let's get everyone inside as quickly as possible," Zev whispered back.
The group quickly dropped the horses off with the stable hand and headed into the Keep. Zev glance over at Eva and smiled, "Well, it would appear that you have picked up a beautiful stray in your travels, no?"
Alex grinned, "Zev, this is my best friend Eva. Eva this is the assassin I warned you about."
"Aaah, so I come with a warning label…this is good. That way you know that resisting my charms is futile," Zev purred.
"She is already spoken for," Anders grunted from behind.
Zev looked at Eva and then at Anders. "Is it true what he says, my lovely?"
Eva grinned at Zev and then winked at Anders, "I'm afraid so, but if you had traveled with them to our world I must admit it would have been a difficult choice between a handsome mage and a charming assassin."
Zevran looked aghast, "Alex, my Sweet, do you not love me?"
Alex grinned, "Of course, I do."
"You see I hear your words, but they are nothing but pretty lies falling from the lips of an angel. If you loved me than why didn't you bring back someone who would be willing succumb to my charms?"
Alex laughed, "Next time, I promise."
"Ooo, there is going to be a next time?" Zev amused.
They stopped outside the Commander's office. Zevran knocked. "Come in," a voice called out.
"My dear Warden, there is someone here to see you," Zevran said.
"Zev, I am very busy. I really don't have time for unexpected visitors," Darrian replied.
"Even if that unexpected visitor is your brother," Alistair said as he stepped into the room and removed the hood of his cloak. Alex followed in behind him.
Darrian stared dumbfounded at Alistair, then at Alex and then back at Alistair, "By the Maker, your back," Darrian exclaimed as he jumped out of his seat and embraced Alistair.
"Brother, it is so good to see you," Darrian said.
"You too," Alistair said.
Darrian looked over Alistair's shoulder at Alex and smiled. He released Alistair and embraced Alex, "It's good to see that you are alive and well, my Lady."
"It's good to see you to Darrian," Alex said.
"Actually, Darrian, let me properly introduce you. This lovely lady is Mrs. Alex Theirin," Alistair said.
Darrian pulled back and looked at the two them, "Well, this calls for a celebration. Zev would you please ask the wine steward to bring a couple bottle of our best Antivan wine and ask the cook to bring a tray of meats and cheeses."
"How is this possible? I thought it was a one way trip," Darrian said.
"We will tell you everything, but let's wait until we can discuss things in private and uninterrupted," Alistair said as he pulled his hood back up just as Nathanial Howe walked into the room. Alex turned away to faced the window so that her back was to the rogue. Alistair watched as Nathanial studied both of the cloaked figures and then looked at Eva and Alex.
"I am sorry to intrude, Commander, but this just arrived by bird messenger from the Denerim Palace," Nathanial said.
"Thank you, Nathanial. I appreciate you bringing this to me. Could you close the door on your way out and please let everyone know that I do not wish to be disturbed," Darrian commanded.
"Yes, Commander," Nathanial said as he surveyed the room one last time before he closed the door behind him.
Once the wine and food trays were brought up Alistair spent the next several hours bringing them up to date with everything that happened in Alex's world. Darrian stood up and began to pace the room. "So let me get this straight, my daughter's blood combined with Alex's research will extend the lives of the Wardens."
"Not just extend, but allow you to live a normal life span," Alex said.
"And both of you have already begun this process," Darrian asked.
"Yes, and as a matter of fact we encountered a small group of darkspawn on our way here. The taint worked like it always did. It let us know that they were close by, but I did notice that the pull of their taint isn't as strong," Anders said and Alistair nodded in agreement.
"Wow! Morriagan said Sienna was destined to do great things. I never once thought it would involve giving me back a normal life span," Darrian said.
Over their third bottle of wine, Darrian brought them up to date about what had taken place since they had left. When Darrian told them that Fergus and Leliana had married Alistair had to laugh. "Leli, always said she found him extremely attractive. I'm glad her charms won him over. They both deserve to be happy," Alistair exclaimed.
"Well, they haven't been happy as of late. The Landsmeet was divided about putting Fergus on the throne with a commoner as a wife. They are meeting again in a month to readdress the issue, but even with making Leliana a Bann it will still be a close vote," Darrian said.
"Well, it's a good thing I am back and they won't have to worry about putting it to a vote," Alistair said.
"But Alistair your dead. How are we going to explain how you came back from the grave?" Darrian questioned.
"I don't know," Alistair said nonchalantly. "But we better figure out something. I didn't come back here to vacation around Thedas."
"Damn straight," Anders said. "If we wanted to take a vacation it sure as hell wouldn't be in Ferelden...maybe Cabo or Costa Rica."
"Ooo, do these places have these beaches that you told us about with all the scantily clad women? If so I want to go there on vacation too," Zev purred.
"Alistair, it's not that easy. All of Ferelden mourned you at your memorial service…"
"Was it a nice memorial service?" Alistair interrupted.
"Yes, it was a very touching and moving service – not a dry eye in the place. But now the country thinks you're dead! What am I suppose to tell? That I made a mistake. That the darkspawn didn't kill you and that you have been on holiday in Los Angeles?" Darrian retorted sarcastically.
Alistair looked at his old friend for a moment and then asked, "Do you remember when you told me that you were going to put me on the throne?" Darrian nodded his head. "And I told that it was something that I never wanted and begged you not to do it. Do you remember what you said to me?"
Darrian slowly nodded his head. "What did you tell me, Darrian?"
"I told you that because you haven't sought power that you would be the best one most suited for it. That your humble and kind heart and fair and just mind were the qualities that Ferelden needed in its King if we wanted to heal this nation and rebuild it," Darrian said.
"And has your opinion of me changed?" Alistair asked.
"NO! If anything, after watching the lengths you would go to save the woman you love and to return to the country that needs you, I believe that now more than ever," Darrian declared.
"Well, then my Brother, will you help me reclaim my throne so that I can rule my country?" Alistair asked.
Darrian took a deep breath and sighed. "Of course and as always, we will somehow find away."