BioWare owns all but what I made up. : )

So, I introduced you all to that pip Olwyna the cook of Highever castle. Glad you liked her so much! I have to confess, so do I. And she certainly knows how to handle Oghren. Gotta love that. And Night Hunter MGS, I literally came up with her on the fly. I have no idea where she came from; I just had to have her show up and give Kai hell for the slab of pig.

I hope you all enjoyed the celebrations in town. Drench a Wench, now E has to confess to being a Ren Fest junkie who wears a corset and costume and goes at least every other year, if not every year. Yes, now you know E's deep dark secret. Okay, not that dark or secret, but still. : D And as Night Hunter MGS pointed out, just what was our trouble making assassin up to? And now we get to the gift giving. Again I apologize for cutting the other chapter right before they all get to that, but E was needing to go to bed and the chapter was getting way too long. So thanks for staying on the wild and fun ride that is the Kai coaster.

Also, another shout out for the movie "The Princess Bride," as one of the Fool's gifts is an homage to it, thanks to Night Hunter MGS. Tee hee. (This was supposed to go on this chapter not the last one.) Chainsaw you clever, slick man. Like my favorite Antivan. : ) And a shout out to Harry Potter, you will, I hope, recognize my homage in the name of Shale's pet rock.

And another shout out to Night Hunter MGS, who helped my writer's block on Fool's gifts for the rest of my OC gang and what to do with the doll for Morrigan since Ali is in the Fade. His ideas were ingenious! Now I must sing: "It's Pinky and The Brain, it's Pinky and The Brain, one is a genius, the other's insane!" He's the genius, so guess which one that makes me? LOL! Thank you my friend! You pulled my bacon out of the fire with the gifts. I will admit I was sweating it folks! This is an example of why you are all so invaluable to me. So send those emails, and when and if you can, keep reviewing. It really helps me. : )

Jeanny, my sweet friend, never fear, I can never go more than a couple of chapters before we get our Ali fix. But keep asking those questions in reviews, you help keep me straight, and the story entertaining. I really do just love you all! : ) Fess Jeanny, you are a lamppost licker! : ) Psst, me too. : )

Author shout outs go to Ette Meyer here on FF aka EtterStarz on the BioWare forum and Cadsuane here on FF aka LadyDamodred on the BioWare forum. Ette Meyer's story is "Gift of the Magi." Please read and review. It deals with emotional angst of an old love from her past for the fem Cousland. And it has some nasty implications from remnants from Uldred and that whole nastiness that happened at the tower. It is very well written. Give it some well deserved love, the author would love to hear from you! And read Cadsuane's "Sundered Order," which deals with after the Blight. The Orlesian Grey are just creepy. It has intrigue. I have only been able to read the first few chapters, but I am anxious to catch up. Her Zev is fantastic and so is her Alistair. And westiex9 on the forum has "Alienage Blues," an elf detective mystery. Nuit Nuit on FF has a great Ser Cauthrien/Loghain romance called "The Summer Sword." Last but not least, lovely little short stories from vilnii on the forum "Parchment From a Tevinter Ruin." : )

So that brings me to my signature thank yous! Thank you reviewers and lurkers. I am so humbled. Once again I get emails that tell me my story is added to favs and alerts, wow, just wow! So special thanks to Luz SheChameleon for putting "Soulmates" on your favs. And for putting this tale on Story Alerts FadeSpirit, Dasque, and Ancoliannie much thanks! And thank you to Zute my latest reviewer, who read the whole thing in one sitting! YIPES! I will try continue to keep you all entertained.

And an E face palm moment; I didn't realize that I had to set the filter on "M"and hit go for me to see my story on the FF page when I uploaded the new chapters. I actually emailed the support staff at FF, who very politely told me I would have to do that to see it. Yep, I think I need the Picard and Riker double face palm, because one face palm just isn't enough! ROFL! /blushes

And I am so, so, so, sorry for this really long delay in posting an episode in our saga from my usual frantic posting. I have not been getting enough sleep (Night Hunter is going to come after me now), and work has been busy, so I haven't been able to write like I have been. I hope you will forgive me. And that goes for the authors who I am doing shout outs for too. I will try not to go this long again, unless I have a good excuse. The dog ate my computer, I came down with a case of dead, right Ladyamesindy? Those are all valid excuses. : D

Blessings!

Kai sat and watched them all wandering in, including Fiona and Wynne who placed Fi on her lap and Duncan in Zev's before finding the paper jester hats with their names on them. Argus had been allowed to come too, though he had a big white conical collar around his neck that looked like a lampshade. Wynne had explained she had put it on him as he would not stop worrying the wound. The big hound came to look Kai in the face and give her his classic "sad eyes." "Don't bother, you won't get me to take it off. Wynne told me you won't leave the wound alone. So, you will just have to keep it on. Sorry, old boy." Kai scratched him under the chin. Argus gave a resigned grunt and lay at her feet. It didn't take long for all of them to find their seats.

While waiting for them to file in, Kai gave Fi and Duncan their little stuffed Mabari that Zev had won for them. They laughed and proceeded to put them in their mouths. Kai grinned at Zev and shrugged. Kai then winked at Fergus who, in the Cousland family tradition for Satinalia, had helped Kai set this all up. Kai looked at all the people who held her heart. "I know most of you are not going to be familiar with this holiday. And may find it a little strange."

"That is an understatement, kadan." Sten sat with his lips crimped in disapproval as Leliana put his jester hat on him. "I fail to see the need to wear such a head covering. It provides no protection. And that your people are doing ridiculous things just because the weather had warmed is truly strange and serves no purpose."

"Well, at least there was cake." Kai grinned at him.

"True." His usually hard face softened slightly. Kai couldn't help but smile.

"Well, during Satinalia we give gifts. And so I have them for all of you. I have been slowly collecting them since, well, during the Blight. I had hoped to give them to you last Satinalia, but well, we were all a little busy. So here you go." Kai winked at Fergus and pulled over a heavy sack filled with presents wrapped in brightly colored cloth in the colors of Satinalia. She had the others pass them around to their soon to be new owners. Some were obvious due to their shape not being easily hidden by cloth.

"We all take turns opening so the others can enjoy your gift too." Again Kai winked at Fergus. "Morrigan, why don't we start with you?" Kai smiled innocently. And they all watched as the witch opened her gift. Her hawk colored eyes opened wide for a moment, her eyebrows shooting up her forehead.

"What is this supposed to be?" Morrigan scowled at her.

Kai leaned forwards to "look" more closely. "It looks like a book."

"I know 'tis a book, do not be an imbecile. 'Twould not be be a useful book for one such as I." The witch's voice sounded exasperated.

"I am not sure what you mean, sister." Kai batted her lashes.

"'Tis a copy of the bloody Chant of Light!" Morrigan huffed.

"Unabridged." Kai smiled at her.

"What?"

"Unabridged. I figured since you're going to marry my brother, you might want to brush up on the chant. I mean the Chantry does get particular about that sort of thing." Kai again gave Morrigan her most innocent smile. "Shale, I think you are next." Kai gestured at the golem as Shale had been smirking at the witch as she stood behind her and Sten on the long couch they sat on. Shale's big stone hands were surprisingly agile and opened the package with speed and gentleness.

The stone giant's face lit up. In her open palms sat a white pigeon cooing softly. "It is most generous to provide me with a present I can squish. I only wish I had more than one." And with that Shale closed her palms with a resounding CRACK. The golem's face was one of pure satisfaction, until she opened her hands. There sat the pigeon, cooing, none the worse for its resting place between two stone palms. It bobbed its head and looked at the golem, cooing more. Shale's face drew down into a fierce scowl before crushing the bird in one giant fist this time. She gave a satisfied "huh," and opened up her hand only to look at it in shock. There sat the pigeon bobbing its head and cooing the same as before. Before Shale could attempt to crush it again, the bird flew up and landed on one broad shoulder. Kai pointed at Sten indicating he should go next.

Sten opened his present which was obviously a sword. There was no real way to wrap a sword without it being obvious unless one put it in a heavy box. The wrappings fell away and the room was suddenly lit with a rainbow of colors from the long sharp metal. The twins were fascinated and sat staring at it with wide eyes. Especially when the butterflies appeared fluttering around the blade. "What is this supposed to be, kadan?"

Again, Kai leaned forward, keeping her face schooled as well as she could. "Why, Sten, I thought followers of the Qun did not ask silly questions. It looks like a sword to me."

"Indeed, but this cannot be a sword. It has, colored light emanating from it. And it has...butterflies. No one would create such a thing to fight with. Swords are for fighting. Therefore, this cannot be a sword." Sten's mouth crimped down in disapproval.

"Well, I was assured that it is indeed a sword. It is dragon bone in fact. Dragon bone is a quite rare and sought after material for weapons and armor." Kai opened her eyes wide in mock seriousness. "I thought you might use it as a back up, just in case." She smiled and pointed to Oghren. "You're next, my fine drunken friend."

"Don't mind if I do, Warden." Oghren was well into his cups already, this being a holiday. It took him a little fumbling, but he finally managed to get the box unwrapped and opened. "What in the sodding, nug humping universe am I supposed to do with this scented dung?"

Kai leaned forward again. "Why Oghren, you bathe with it. I thought since you and Felsi forged the moaning statue in the bathtub, that you would appreciate a little scented soap. For when you see her again." Kai smiled.

"It has lavender, and...and flowers!" Oghren's face got red. "The box has LACE on it! Andraste's knickers, Warden, are you trying to ruin my reputation?"

"I am truly sorry, my inebriated friend. I thought you would like it." Kai feigned being hurt. Oghren just grumbled and drank heavily from his mug. Kai could barely keep from bursting out laughing. It was proving very difficult. She could see, out of the corner of her eye, that Fergus was having the same problem schooling his face.

Kai pointed to Zaeed next, who gave his usual infectious grin and opened his gift. A pair of gloves, which he promptly tried to put on, only to find the right-hand glove had six fingers on it. Zaeed just grinned and saluted Kai. "I can slip a vial of poison in the empty finger. How smart of you, Scathach." And he laughed.

Naseel went next opening her package to find an apron in a garishly colored material, with a appliquéd pot of flowers picked out in it and lace around the hem, the neck and the arms. Naseel only stared at it. Gnat opened hers to find a very pink, very soft, very frilly child's dress, complete with shoes and a big bow for her hair that matched the dress. She grinned from pointed ear to pointed ear and looked at Kai. "MOMMY!" Which had everyone laughing. Everyone by this point who wasn't familiar with the holiday were catching on. Those who were native Fereldans, well they already knew.

Keiron, who wore his jester hat at a jaunty angle, grinned and opened his with relish and showed everyone an etiquette book on proper noble behavior. "I suspect, my lady, you should borrow this after I have read it, no?" Kai laughed and wrinkled her nose at him.

Fiona's "fool's" present was a book of quotes about mothers-in-law. She smiled and stuck out her tongue at Kai. Wynne smiled and "unwrapped" her present which obviously was a cane. She did her deadpan Wynne voice. "Oh, how nice, thank you." But she winked when she said it. "Does this cane smell of...of cat urine?" As soon as she said it and her hand grasped the handle, a scruffy looking tabby cat appeared and curled around Wynne's legs before becoming interested in hunting the butterflies hovering around Sten's sword. Wynne giggled like a school girl.

"His name is Fluffkins." Kai laughed at Wynne.

Leliana put her hand to her mouth and giggled before opening her present. It was a pair of the ugliest purple and green iridescent boots ever made. They looked like beetle's carapaces, and Kai had been assured that the obnoxiously colored boots were dyed from hundreds of thousands of insect husks. What a waste, Kai had thought. But they were perfect for Leli's "fool's" present. The pretty bard wrinkled up her nose, holding the boots between a forefinger and her thumb. "Oh, how lovely, thank you." Leli's pretty voice said sarcastically. "I wanted to get you interested in shoes, but if this is what you buy, I think you shouldn't be allowed to purchase footwear anymore."

Jarren, the quiet, steady, serious Scath, went next. His gift, a book of jokes. He only cocked an eyebrow at Kai and then burst out into laughter, something Kai had never heard him do.

Rajed had managed to get back to the castle from being "king" but he was due back for the nightly festivities. He opened his present to find a pirate hook. He punched Jarren in the arm to get his attention as Jarren was involved in reading his present. He showed his fellow Scath, who punched him back and laughed again. That was twice in one night too. Kai wasn't sure if Jarren's face wouldn't go numb at the unaccustomed facial expressions.

Zevran took up his present, with Duncan and even Fi leaning in trying to "help" him unwrap it. Zevran's hands hit metal, and he extricated his present from the folds of purple cloth encasing it. Kai waited to see what he would say, as his hands held a metal chastity belt. Kai had found it in Wade and Harren's shop before Harren had banished them from it permanently. "Ah, we could have so much fun with this my dear Kaidana, couldn't we? I am seeing a black leather corset for you, and..." Kai laughed and put her finger to his lips. He grinned and kissed it. He leaned in and whispered in her ear where no one else could hear. "I hope you have the key." She gave him a sly grin and flashed the key in her palm. "Ah." And he nibbled her ear causing her to blush.

Kai went next, opening the box her brother had handed her. Nestled inside on golden paper sat a leather Mabari collar with her name engraved on a metal tag on it. The note read:

I begged mother and father to get a Mabari instead. Happy Satinalia, little sister.

Love, your big brother,

Fergus

Kai hugged her brother, grinning as she kissed him. And then it was his turn. He looked at her and unwrapped the tube shaped present, which was a scroll. He popped the wooden cap ends holding the scroll rolled up and unrolled it. He gasped once and then turned bright pink, letting the scroll re roll on its own. "Oh, you are evil, little sister. Very, very evil. Mother and Father should have adopted a Mabari!" But he laughed as he said it. Morrigan snatched the scroll and burst out laughing.

"Why 'tis a most realistic likeness of how you and the elf looked when we walked in on you! Oh, well played again, my sister, well played indeed!" Morrigan's golden eyes flashed in merriment.

"I take it you drew it yourself, my dear Kai?" Zev's eyes twinkled at her as she nodded.

"You didn't think I would describe how we were to anyone else to draw did you?" She blushed but returned his grin.

Kai looked at Fergus and winked. "Well, as you have all guessed these were your foolish and fun presents. But, I had you all sit in certain places so I could give you all your real presents. They are under your seats. I hope you all like them. I gathered them, believe it or not, while we walked across Ferelden. Bodahn helped me by collecting them from the places I had stored them, Denerim and Redcliffe mostly. These are things I hope show you how much you all really mean to me." She smiled at them, grasping Zev's hand.

They all ducked under the couches and chairs they sat in to grab the parcels there. Instead of waiting this time as each unwrapped their gift, they all acted like kids at Solstice. Soon there were exclamations, oohs and ahs as they showed off their true gifts. Kai bent over and grabbed the magicked stick that she had found for Argus. She gave it to him while patting his huge head. "Happy Satinalia, boy." Argus just gave her a happy bark. "Yes, I will take you out tomorrow, and we can play." She grinned at him.

She looked around the room with a satisfied feeling warming her. Zaeed showed off the fencer's shirt to Naseel who held up the Scath symbol brooch with malachite in it for her rank as Kai's second. Gnat held up the instrument case which was really designed to hold her new ball on a chain weapon. To all who did not know, it would look as though she was carrying a harp. The case also had smaller hidden compartments for daggers, poisons and garrotes. She smiled as she looked for all the hidden pockets.

Keiron's hearty laugh rang out as he pulled out a black leather, tricorn pirate hat. He quickly swept off his jester hat and put it on, slapping Rajed on the back. "My friend, you have the hook, I have the hat. We just need a parrot and then we could go to The Pearl and impress the ladies there." Rajed laughed at Keiron's waggled eyebrows.

"It could take the insufferable, indestructible pigeon. It is flying vermin, as are parrots. That would be close enough, wouldn't it? Then, it could give it to one of the strumpets and leave it there." Shale frowned as the pigeon cooed in her ear. The golem's frown turned into a grin though when she opened her present to find a smooth rock.

"It is a pet rock, Shale. I wasn't sure how to tell if it is a boy or a girl. Bodahn assured me that only a golem can tell, and that really dwarves or golems are the best owners of pet rocks. What are you going to name it?" Kai smiled as the big stone giant stroked the rock's smooth surface tenderly.

The golem seemed to tilt her head in thought, at least as much as her head would go to the side. "Norbert." And she continued to pet it gently. Kai grinned and shook her head.

Wynne held up her necklace with a cloudy glass ball wrapped in silver. When she put it on images of Greagoir, Petra and Irving all appeared behind her. "The Amulet of Memories. Where did you find it?"

"In The Wonders of Thedas." Kai felt her heart clench. She had remembered all too well what had happened when the proprietor had insisted she try it on to test it before she bought it. Her parents, Oren and Oriana had formed in front of her. She had snatched it off lest Duncan and Cailan had shown up too. "I found Sten's present there as well." She looked over at the giant. He sat holding the leather bound book in his big hands as reverently as he held his sword Asala when she had returned it to him. "Shok ebasit hissra. Meraad astaarit, meraad itwasit, aban aqun. Maraas shokra. Anaan esaam Qun. I hope you like it, my friend."

"Careful, my love, or Sten might fall in love with you and carry you off to Seheron to be converted." Alistair's voice sounded tipsy, he was almost giggling.

"Are you drunk in the Fade?" Kai laughed at him

"Hey, it is Satinalia here too. Duncan told your father, my brother and Maric about that time he found all the Grey passed out in that drinking contest against the chap from the Anderfels. So we had to recreate it, sort of." He snorted as he tried to hold back a giggle.

"Sounds like an excuse for you all to get pissed to me." Kai told him sweetly.

"You know, that is just what your mother and Oriana said too. Oops, gotta go my love, it's my turn with a pint." He made a sloppy kissing noise in her ear and was gone while she chuckled.

Sten looked at her. "For you to have found the book of Qunari prayers in this unenlightened country is truly amazing, kadan. First Asala, and now this. I am...Atash esaam Ashkari, Kadan." Kai nodded and gave him a small smile, trying not to tear up.

"You're welcome, my friend." Kai nodded at him. It was Fiona who come over to Kai with tears in her eyes to kiss her on the cheek. Kai had given her one of Alistair's favorite figurines. It was the golem figurine that Kai had given him. She had included a note which explained what it was. She hugged her mother-in-law back.

"Well, shave my back and call me an elf! You outdid yourself, Warden!" They all looked as Oghren opened his Beard Flask.

"It is also..." Kai stopped speaking as Oghren had opened the flask and poured its contents down his throat before belching loudly, "filled. Or at least it was. I included a bottle of what you just drank to refill it with."

"Did you even taste it my friend?" Zev inquired of the Dwarf. Of course given the name of the beverage in question, Kai figured it might be better if he didn't. It was named "Dragon Piss." Kai didn't even want to wonder if it was really said substance or how one would go about obtaining it. She shook her head grinning. Leliana punched the dwarf on the arm and pulled out a beautiful lute made of honey colored wood. It was obviously Orlesian make.

Kai had found it in one of the junk shops in Denerim. The lute had beautiful climbing roses painted on it under its glassy varnish. When Kai had picked it up, its varnish had been bubbled and blackened with age. It was covered in dust, and the strings were missing. It was the little ornate signature burned into the wood on the back that had told Kai it was a treasure. It was a lute made by the famous violin, lute and cello maker Alamendine. The instruments were highly sought after and worth the entire fortunes of some countries of Thedas. She had had Fergus take the lute to the music store here at Highever Town and have it refurbished and restored to its original luster. Leliana for once was speechless. Her eyes filled with tears, and she plucked the strings reverently. She blew a kiss to Kai with one hand while stroking the lute as a lover with the other. "It is precious. Thank you, thank you so very much."

"Precious as the person who now owns it. You are welcome, my dear friend. It seems such a small thing for all you have done and continue to do for me." Kai smiled at her.

It was at this point that Kai snuck a look at Fergus. She saw her brother clenching his fist with a stony look. Kai had a momentary flutter of unease, and she wondered if her gift was too soon for Fergus to appreciate. Morrigan, sensing his disquiet, stroked his arm while watching him with her golden gaze. When he caught Kai looking at him, he smiled and shook his head, his voice husky. "I only wish I had been there to help you kill the rotten bastard." She reached across and gave his hand a shake. He opened his palm and showed Morrigan Arl Rendon Howe's ring sitting on it. "Thank you, little sister." He gave her a small smile.

"My dear Kai, I cannot say how much I appreciate your thoughtful gift. Where did you get rare Antivan brandy from?" Zev's eyes looked over the brown bottle's dusty surface.

"Well, I found it in Vimaro's things. He had a thing for brandies. But he did not open this one, I don't know why. I took it to the vintner here in Highever. He offered me the Sun and Moon for it, and I told him it was a gift and I wasn't there to sell it. I thought the poor man would fall down weeping. Apparently, it is that rare. I only hope it hasn't turned into vinegar in all of its travels." She smiled at him. He looked at it a moment more before stroking her cheek.

"I believe it is your turn, little sister." Fergus looked at her. Kai raised her eyebrow and pulled a flat box out from under the couch. She unwrapped it and pulled off the wooden lid. A parchment envelope lay on top of the contents. Her name was written in her Father's handwriting. She lifted it off to find the silver necklace set made with garnets to look like the branches of the Rowan tree. She felt her breath catch while she put a tentative finger out to touch the cold metal. "Zevran mentioned it, and I knew Father would have bought it for you. You always did have him wrapped around your little finger." Fergus winked and grinned at her. "I found it tucked away in Grandfather's study in the old desk Father used." Kai felt tears wetting her cheeks.

She opened the parchment and inside was a letter in her father's hand:

Dear Pup,

Your gave your mother enough happiness for her to have a present too. You never ask for jewelry or other more 'girly' items as you call them. Your mother practically ran me down to the jeweler; I think she was afraid you would change your mind and ask for armor or a new set of daggers. Know that your mother and I couldn't be prouder. And we consider ourselves some of the luckiest people in the world. You and your brother are a constant joy. Happy Birthday, my fierce girl.

Your doting Father and Mother

Kai held back a sob. "Oh put on the necklace, Kai!" Leliana's cheerful voice broke in. She grinned at the redhead as Zev put the necklace around her neck and fastened it with a small kiss.

Kai realized the only person who had not spoken about her present was Morrigan. She looked at the witch, who sat with her present in her lap. "Should I get you something else, sister? I know it is not the usual sparkly jewelry you love, but a Chasind was selling them in Lothering to make some coin to travel. I saw it and thought of you, since you came from the Wilds."

Morrigan smiled that slightly quirky smile she used when doing her "scary face." "Oh no, sister, 'tis most wonderful." Morrigan held up the hoop of wood with leather lacings in a spider web fashion looped in it. The lacings created an empty space in the center and in that dangled a little man shaped doll. "'Tis a Chasind Dream Net, is it not?" She smiled more widely. "'Tis used to stop unwanted dreams and bring only pleasant ones. 'Tis hedge magic, but 'tis most effective. With a few changes to the doll I believe I can give the Fool Templar a lesson he will not forget."

"Um, what do you mean? I thought Alistair had only come to you when I was in trouble." Kai stared at Morrigan. She could feel her eyes narrowing. "Alistair!"

"Uh oh!" Alistair's drunken voice slurred in her ear. "Some-body's in trou-ble," he sing-songed blurrily.

"Yes, that someone would be you!" Kai growled at him.

"Oh, right! I think I hear your father calling!" And he was gone once again.

"Oh no, once he realized he could visit me, the idiot has enjoyed coming to me in the Fade to tease me. I think the doll in the middle will do nicely as a substitute for the fool. I think a few pins before bed will remind him that only emergencies are required or wanted for his company." Morrigan grinned wider.

"Promise you will not maim him or really hurt him?" Kai frowned at Morrigan. "Morrigan!"

The witch waved a dismissive hand while turning up her nose. "Very well. 'Tis allowed for me to cause him small accidents then?" Kai nodded.

"And I think you should visit my mother and tell her what he has been doing as well, sister." Kai smirked.

"I like the way you think, my sister, I like the way you think!" Morrigan gave her a wolfish grin.

"Happy Satinalia, everyone!" She grinned at her extended family