Despite the nightmare few months they had just lived through, when Sereda finished outlining all the support she would provide, Rathnal felt it had all been worth it. All of the golems would join them and they would have half of the dwarven army, a damn sight more than Trian was offering. Not only that, Branka had also agreed to share the schematics of the armour she had created. Jayden had suggested sending a copy to the blacksmiths of each Teyrn, Arling and Bannorn as soon as possible along with coin to enable them to start making the armour for those soldiers in their area and while he agreed it was a good idea, it something the King and Fergus would have to agree to given the coin would have to come from them, or more likely from the supply at Haven Jayden had brought back with him. He leaned back into the chair, they were one step closer to having an army to face the Archdemon, but they were still a long way from being ready and he dreaded facing the creature again.

xXx

Desperate to feel useful while the Wardens were meeting with the Queen and Paragons, Delilah, Leliana and Theron had taken themselves off to the market to get supplies. Delilah had hoped Jayden would accompany them, but he was also attending the meeting. They took their time, Theron seeming particularly interested in the weapons and armour, while they looked over every stall before concentrating on the extensive list Rathnal had given them. Delilah held the coin purse which had been replenished from the supply kept at the compound, but Rathnal was eager that they get a good price for everything they purchased. She frowned slightly, catching Leliana's arm. "Is that a dwarven Brother?"

Turning Leliana raised an eyebrow in surprise. "It would seem so, though I had no idea there were dwarven Brothers. It is an encouraging sign. Shall we speak to him?"

Nodding Delilah quickly told Theron where they were going, gratified when he agreed to ensure all of the supplies were delivered to the compound.

Seeing the two human women approaching Brother Burkel smiled warmly. "Maker's blessings on you sisters."

"May his Divine spirit always light your way." They chorused.

"Ah, it's a great pleasure to meet fellow believers. I'm Brother Burkel of the Redcliffe Chantry, returned to my ancestor's land to spread the Chant of Light. I'm petitioning to open a Chantry in Orzammar."

"That sounds wonderful." Leliana stated in delight.

"I'm glad you agree. However, the Shaperate controls changes in Orzammar's structure and society. I need the Shaper of Memories permission to open a prayer meeting. So far I have not been received positively."

Delilah could barely hold in her excitement. "We know someone who could speak to the Shaperate on your behalf. I am sure he would be happy to do so."

"Indeed, if this Chantry could help just one person as much as it helped me, it's worth any trouble." Leliana stated, feeling sure this would be at least one way to help the Castless.

"Any help would be wonderful. I see the Maker's hand on your shoulders, guiding you always. Please let me know as soon as you've heard anything."

"Of course, Brother Burkel." Delilah beamed happily. "I will go and speak to my … friend immediately. I am sure we will have this sorted out by the end of the day."

"Wonderful, go in the Maker's light sisters."

xXx

Humming happily to herself, Delilah hurried through the Compound, with Jayden being on friendly terms with Shaper Selac she believed he would be able to get the Brother the permission he needed without too much trouble. She hovered at the door as the meeting was drawn to a close, a satisfied expression on both Rathnal and Sereda's faces. Sereda's return to the role she was destined to have made Delilah think about fate. Would the Queen, Sereda would become, be different from the Queen she would have been had she never been exiled? She had already sacrificed love for duty and a worm of fear had buried deep within her. During their time in the Deep Roads Jayden had become openly affectionate towards her. She had wanted this of course, but still she remained afraid that her father's actions would drive a wedge in the future she hoped they were forging together. Jayden would be Teyrn one day and like Sereda, she wondered how different he would be had he not been taken from his life and forced to be someone else. The soldier he was, was ingrained deep within him now, but perhaps that would always have been so in some form given his father. She saw a strength in Sereda as she had taken up the mantle of Queen, accepting duty and willing to sacrifice everything for her people. Jayden had that same trait and it terrified her. She couldn't help but think of her father's commands that she endear herself to her betrothed. She remembered the boy he was, comparing him to the man he had become. Of all his trials and adventures one thing she knew for certain, he had been and was blessed by Holy Andraste, though she would hesitate to ever say such a thing to him, his belief was certainly not aligned with hers. Yet her self-imposed mission for the dwarven Brother would surely be as important to him as it was to her because of his experiences at Haven. She headed into the room linking Jayden's arm smiling broadly. "I have just had the most fascinating conversation with a dwarven Brother who is desperate to spread the Chant of Light here in Orzammar."

"Really? I didn't know there were any dwarven Brothers."

"Brother Burkel is truly devoted to the Maker and we must help him!" Delilah's eyes were alight with religious righteousness.

"Delilah it isn't our place to …"

"Of course it is! It is the duty of every child of the Maker to help spread the Chant of Light."

Jayden became uncomfortably aware that all present were watching him and he could feel the growing agitation of the dwarves.

"All he wants to do is to be able to set up a Chantry, but he is having no luck despite his efforts." Delilah continued surprisingly oblivious to the growing tension in the room. "He needs our help. He suggested we speak to the Shaper of Memories and I thought since you were on friendly terms with Shaper Selac you could convince him."

"I can't do that." Jayden stated firmly.

Taking her arm from his Delilah planted her hands on her hips. "And why not exactly? It is our duty to …"

"If Brother Burkel's wish is to set up a Chantry in Orzammar then that is his path, but I will not be helping him. I have no inclination to be part of forcing a religion onto anyone; particularly one that sees humans as superior to all other races."

Delilah's eyes narrowed. "All who turn to the Chant of Light are equal in the Makers eyes."

"I do not doubt that, but they are not equal in the eyes of the Chantry and that is who they have to deal with!"

"I cannot believe you of all people would not think this is important."

"Why me of all people? Just because I know the Chant of Light doesn't mean I agree with it!"

Delilah took an involuntary step back looking as though she had been slapped in the face. "Holy Andraste came to you, she healed you!"

"Holy Andraste isn't the Chant of Light, which by the way has been changed to suit those with the power to change it. Nor is She the Chantry!"

Delilah drew herself up with all the religious fervour burning within her. "Then I shall help Brother Burkel without you. Holy Andraste would be ashamed of you!" Turning on her heel she stormed out.

Letting out a rush of breath Jayden rubbed his neck in embarrassment turning to the still silent audience. "Right then, that's my life going to be made a nightmare."

Sereda met his gaze and smiled warmly. "Thank you Will; for reminding Lady Delilah that the Maker is not for everyone, even if she did not listen. There are some changes even I am not prepared to make."

"You know you are the Queen; you could have helped me."

"I thought you did rather well by yourself and it will blow over. Whatever Delilah says she adores you." She chuckled at his disbelieving look, but turned to Oghren. "Perhaps it would be wise to find out more about this Brother Burkel, discreetly of course. That he is here at all is odd given my brothers rule."

Oghren shifted his axe and nodded. "Consider it done your Majesty."

xXx

Finally, with a moment to himself after the turbulent and unexpected events of the last few days, Shaper Selac hurried through the Diamond District towards the Warden Compound. He silently prayed he did not bump into the two human women who had tried to convince him to allow Brother Burkel to set up a chantry. It was a preposterous notion and he had dismissed it as quickly and politely as he had been able. They were persistent, however and he found himself relieved they were to leave with the Wardens the following day. However, there was an unfortunate matter that needed to be dealt with before that. He reached the Wardens compound a little out of breath nodding gratefully as he was allowed in, Warden Rinna fetching the Captain at his request. He gave a hurried smile when moments later he entered the common room where he had been asked to wait. "William dear lad, glad I am you survived, but pleasantries must be observed later. The matter you asked me to attend to for you. Well King Trian caught wind of the request and the gold involved. He confiscated the gold and threw Master Gifren into a cell."

"Why?"

"He said he was conspiring with traitors."

"This is ridiculous. Well I'm sure Queen Sereda will let him out."

"Just so, I am hoping the same. I thought we should meet with her together; we have to hurry if we are to make the audience."

"Of course." A short time later they were led to the audience chamber, Sereda sitting on the throne looking slightly harassed.

"Will, Shaper Selac, what can I do for you, I was told it was urgent." She sighed deeply when Selac finished his explanation. "I will have Master Gifren and the coin released at once." She frowned as the Guard Captain leaned over to her and whispered in her ear, her fists clenched in frustration. "I have been informed that Master Gifren unfortunately lost his life in the cell, I will need to find out if he has any family. I'm sorry Will, I know how important communication is. I will have the coin returned to you immediately."

Jayden nodded running his fingers through his hair turning to Selac. "I'm sorry about Master Gilfen."

"He was a miserable sod, but he didn't deserve to end his days in a cell." Sighing softly the Shaper took his leave.

Leaving the throne when a guard brought the coin Sereda moved across the room to where Jayden was waiting. "When you said we would have to find a way to make me Queen I never imagined a way of that being possible."

"I certainly never imagined this. Once we defeat the Blight, I think we should talk about support from the surface to help you retake the Deep Roads, that will benefit us all and with a preventative and a cure, well there is no excuse not to."

"We shall see if others think as you do, but there is much to do before then."

"Speaking of much to do, there is something I would like to discuss with you in private if you have time."

Curiosity piqued Sereda nodded and led him to a small antechamber. "What is it?" She listened in surprise as he explained about the dwarven gateways, their locations in Valammar at Redcliffe, Gwaren and the Ruins of Hedrun Thaig at the Storm Coast and how he could activate them. "You are full of surprises Will, but why are you telling me this now?"

"It seems likely that Redcliffe is going to have too many refugees to handle before long and the gateways could help relocate them with reduced risk. It would also enable soldiers to head north without being seen by Howe's men."

"You think Lord Fergus intends to retake Highever before a Landsmeet?"

"I think he may need to; we need the communication crystal. I was hoping you would give your permission to enable us to use them."

Sereda slowly sat down. "And if I do not give permission?"

"Then I won't tell anyone about them, which is why I am asking you this in private and I didn't bring it up at the meeting. However, I beg you to consider the benefits. I would explain to all who travel them that you have given permission to use the gateways. The refugees will remember that. If soldiers and supplies can move through then the King and nobility will remember that. When Orzammar requests aid from Ferelden to help deal with the remaining Darkspawn and take back the Thaigs, there is more chance of getting all the support you will need."

"How long have you been thinking about this?"

"Since I learnt of their existence, but you only just became Queen."

"And when the Blight is over?"

"Well once the Thaigs are retaken they will be under dwarven protection again and you will remain in control of who uses them. I suspect your runecrafters can create a runestone to make them work and they can be used for their original purpose to aid with trade."

"I will not forget you came to me with this first rather than just using them. I will have a declaration penned giving my permission for their use during the Blight. You and I will come to other arrangements regarding your use of your own runestones after the Blight. I hope that is acceptable."

Jayden beamed. "Very your Majesty."

Smiling Sereda clasped his arm. "Then good luck and I will have the document with you before you leave. I hope we see each other again soon."

"And you Queen Sereda." Jayden bowed deeply much to Sereda's amusement and took his leave hurrying back to the Warden Compound to use to runestone to contact Rainesfere. He found Rathnal in the study activating the runestone hearing Fergus and smiling as he heard Ellowyn in the background. He nodded to Rathnal who gave the update on Sereda becoming Queen which led to a stunned silence that Jayden quickly made use of. "Unfortunately, the rune crafter here died while were in the Deep Roads, in very unfortunate circumstances. If we can somehow find Sandal he could help, failing that we need to retake Highever."

"Just like that." Fergus muttered.

"Has there been no word from Bann Alfstanna?"

"Nothing, it is … frustrating. We will discuss it further when you return. I assume you are returning now?"

Jayden bit back his impatience, determined that more communication crystals would be commissioned whatever the cost.

Rathnal leaned closer to the runestone. "I intend to leave tomorrow; we have done all we can here."

"Good. We look forward to your return to Rainesfere."

xXx

Having made sure everything was prepared for their departure the following morning, Rathnal made his way to the palace, smiling when he was shown into a private audience chamber, Sereda standing by the fire a wad of papers in her hand. It was not an official meeting, more a last conversation between friends about to part.

"So much to do." Sereda stated smiling as he entered and gesturing to a comfortable seat.

"But now you can do so much." Rathnal stated returning her smile.

"Indeed. First of course is dealing with the Blight, but then I need to find a way to save my people. Bringing the Castless and Surfacers back into our society is a dream I thought might never be realised, but it will not be an easy road and even together we are so few. There are fewer births each year and I fear there is no way to change that."

"What about mages, maybe they could help?"

"I am not sure they can help anyone right now."

"Fair enough, but Ferelden isn't the only Circle and there are many mages skilled in the healing arts. Some of them must have studied fertility and if not I'm sure they would."

"What could we offer? I am not about to put demands on the lyrium trade."

Rathnal glanced at the flames thoughtfully before smiling.

"What?" Sereda demanded.

"What about Dagna?"

"You mean the girl from the smith cast?"

"Exactly. She was desperate to go to the Circle and she talked about a knowledge share."

"I cannot just send a smith girl off to a Circle."

"Can't you?"

Sereda frowned at his smile, before an idea began to form. "However, if I was to send an Ambassador to the Circle, assign her guards to show she is valued and protected that would hold more weight. She clearly has smithing skills she is eager to share and while she is researching her own interests, she could perhaps look into specific research for us."

Rathnal smiled. "Excellent idea your Majesty."

Laughing Sereda leaned over and gently squeezed his hand. "Oh, Rath I am going to miss you." Filling two goblets with wine she hummed thoughtfully. "Her father may be an issue, but as long as the Shaperate do not throw up too many blocks, the surface will no longer be an exile and she will be an Ambassador, perhaps he will be amenable."

"You are the Queen." Rathnal gently pointed out taking a sip of the wine.

"Indeed I am. That is going to take some getting used to." She met his gaze. "You intend to leave tomorrow?"

"We need to get to Rainesfere and meet up with the others, we still have the Dalish to find, though hopefully Theron will be able to help there."

"Indeed, I believe he will be a most useful ally."

"I hope so."

"Will spoke to me about gaining surface support to retake the Thaigs after the Blight, but it got me thinking. The more people who take the preventative and the cure, surely that will affect those who can become Wardens?"

"The current thinking is no, given the Joining includes the addition of Archdemon blood. Avernus is looking into it."

Sereda nodded thoughtfully. "Good, I would be grateful if you keep me informed and once the Blight is over, we will need to look at having Wardens based here again."

"We will, but let's focus on the Archdemon first, nothing else matters because if we fail to kill it there won't be anything left."

"Rath I … I know this sounds foolish, but please do your best to keep Faren safe."

"He will be as safe as any of us Sereda, but in these times I fear that doesn't mean much."

"True enough. Very well then, I will await word from you. The army will be ready whenever you need us."

Rathnal raised an eyebrow. "Will you be joining them?"

"That would be my preference, but I imagine there will be opposition." She smiled grimly. "I suppose it depends on how many of the Deshyrs want me dead."

Shivering Rathnal put down the drink. "Then watch your back Sereda and keep people you trust near you." He stood. "Just a suggestion, but I would speak to Dagna as soon as possible, assuming she hasn't already left that is, she was very eager."

Nodding Sereda stood and clasped his arm. "Stay safe Commander."

"You too your Majesty."

xXx

Once the Wardens had departed Orzammar, Sereda summoned Dagna and her father, studying the pair; Dagna gazing at her in awe, her father beside her, stiff and uncertain. Sereda leaned forward. "It has come to my attention Dagna via the Warden Commander, that you have an interest in the Circle."

"It is something I am trying to dissuade her from." Janar stated quickly. "I've told her it's foolishness."

"Ah that is a shame. Having spent time on the surface and in the company of mages I have come to see how useful magic is, but I have no understanding of it and of course there has never been a dwarf who could actually do it. I did wonder however if by understanding the principles and practicalities of magic there may be a way to replicate the effects in our own craft." She could barely keep a neutral face as Dagna started bouncing on the balls of her feet.

"That's exactly what I want to look into your Majesty. A true exchange of information can only lead to greater knowledge and crafting advancements."

Sereda glanced to Janar. "I have need of an Ambassador to go to the Circle to see if this is possible. What say you Janar? Your daughter certainly has the interest and enthusiasm I need for this task."

Janar stared at the Queen and then his daughter. "But she will have to go to the surface." He whispered; his eyes wide with horror.

"Indeed and she will be allowed to return."

Janar stared at the Queen dumbstruck, he had heard of course of the changes she intended, but he had not believed them.

"The world is changing Janar and if our people are to survive, we must change with it. I want the mages to look at our fertility rates and see if there is any way to help us, exchanging aspects of our crafting with them would seem the logical trade and your daughter is highly skilled, you taught her well." She almost smiled as his chest visibly puffed up. "Well then Janar, what say you to Dagna becoming my Ambassador to the magical community?"

"I would prefer her to stay here your Majesty the surface is no place for us." He sighed softly as Dagna's face fell. "But I was blessed with a child, many are not so fortunate in these times and if the mages can help, well I suppose we have to find out. I … I will not object if you think it best." He gasped as Dagna hugged him tightly.

"She will be protected in her journey, I will send warriors with her to see her safely to the Circle, once the Blight is over of course. Until then Dagna I suggest you prepare yourself; as Ambassader I expect you to represent Orzammar in the appropriate way. You will spend time with Shaper Selac in preparation."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Dagna beamed happily barely able to contain her excitement, her dream was coming true in a way she had never expected.

xXx

Author Note: Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed.