I was out in the kennels again. I saw Alfred jumping up and down with the handlers. Anora can deal with the nobles by herself. I needed a rest. Alfred came up to me, barking and wagging his butt. I laughed and scratched him behind his ear, his back leg thumping in pleasure.

"Um your majesty?" A guard came up and saluted me. I nodded. "T-There is someone at the gates for you! They, uh, are accompanied by, um, the Archmage Wynne, your majesty!" I raised my eyebrow.

"What do you say boy? Want to go see why Wynne is visiting me?" I asked. Alfred jumped around and barked. Then he launched himself over the gate and wagged his butt. I patted him on the head and his tongue came lagging out. We walked the long way around to avoid the throne room. I went over to the gates and heard raised voices.

"I'm sorry sir but I can't-"

"To the sodding void with that! We need his help so you better get him or so help me I'll-!"

"Talen will you calm down? You are only making things worse."

"I agree with the Elder mage, Fire mage. The flapping of it's tongue is starting to aggravate me."

"Um please keep your…thing calm."

"What did you say to me!?"

I turned and looked at the gate. The same guard that stopped Nia has stopped Talen, Wynne, and Shale at the gates. Talen looked furious. Wynne was exasperated and Shale looked like it wanted to crush the guard's head. Alfred barked and ran toward them.

"Hey Eren, I think you need to sack this guy! He didn't recognize me!" Talen shouted as I walked to the group.

"Talen he was merely doing his job at keeping the peace." Wynne said sternly.

"Ser Riley was it?" I said.

"Er yes your majesty?" He said. I pointed at Talen.

"He's one of the Defenders of Denerim, Talen Surana." I said. The man's face blanched. Talen smirked while Wynne sighed and shook her head.

"You two have yet to grow I see." Wynne said. Alfred barked.

"Keep away mongrel or I will squish you. Do not even attempt to raise your leg." Shale growled. Alfred whined. I laughed.

"It is good to see you all. Is there something I can help you with?" I asked.

"Shale has recovered a few of her memories in our travels. A thaig that she remembered may have more information." Wynne explained.

"The elder mage's recounted the tale of the Anvil of the Void. It seems this item was instrumental in my past." Shale nodded.

"So? What are you waiting for? Get your armor. We'll be leaving." Talen said, crossing his arms.

"He is the King. You do not order the King, Talen." Wynne shook her head.

"Ok. Please get your armor, we're going to go." Talen said. I laughed and slapped his shoulder.

"Of course Talen. Please, come in. You can wait while I get ready."

"Are you sure about this Eren? It will take some time to get there and more to even search for the Thaig." Wynne said as I led them into the throne room.

"It will be a welcome reprieve." I chuckled. I saw Anora and nodded at her before leading them into the guest rooms. I walked over to where the children were. They were both sleeping. I smiled and patted their heads. I walked over to my bedroom and opened to where the armor stands were.

I had a brief memory of Nia's scowling face when my mother first assigned her to me. How I constantly shoved work on her. How I made her shined all the armors in the armor room back in Highever.

It was an odd feeling, setting out without her at my back. I can almost hear her berating me for leaving Anora alone with the children.

'Don't you realize how hard it is to raise children by yourself? Especially two of them!?' She would shout at me. I would ruffle her hair and tell her not to worry about it.

That relationship has ended though. We had both gone our separate ways. She bought a mansion in Kirkwall and tells me of her adventures helping those in need, going to out to stop bandits and slavers, finding new friends.

Nia has moved on and so have I.

The Eren Cousland that lived in Highever died with his family in the massacre.

I am King.

I put on my armor that I commissioned from Herren and Wade. It was sturdy and form fitting, perfect for my shield and sword. It doesn't matter if it's three years or ten years from now. I will carry my family's sword and shield wherever I go.

I got out and went back into the guest rooms. Talen gave me a smirk. Wynne nodded and Shale sighed.

"Must they have these dramatic silences? It boggles the mind how Grey Wardens act." Shale sighed.

"Leave the boys be Shale." Wynne chuckled.

"What are we waiting for!? Let's go!" Talen laughed. I shook my head.

"Lead the way Talen."

Sorry I haven't been updating lately. I didn't have many back up chapters for this but its almost ending anyway so thank you everyone that has stuck by this story!

Shout out to Shattered Soul 2021 for following/favoriting!

Thank you Chimera Spyke, WardenMahariel, and Dforce76 for reviewing! Please Review!