The Royal Palace, Denerim, Month 3 - Drakonis.
"Oghren is now gone. It is just the two of us, my boy." Deedo and Alistair said their goodbyes to the last of Olett and his companions. They summoned Wynne with an urgent message for something she called a College of Magi. They had spoken for hours at a time some nights. Deedo already missed her.
Sten had left for his home in the far north called Par Vollen, to turn his report into the Arishok. His people's leader, the High Elf found out. Sending with the Qunari sweet treats for his travels. Deedo thanked him many times for being by her daughter's side. He would give the Elven lady a small smile when he departed.
Now with Oghren having left for the hamlet near Lake Calenhad. "I offered him a position in the army. He wished to visit someone first."
"That is why he left. Olett spoke of this." Deedo nodded.
Curious, Alistair inquired. Deedo chuckled softly. "Yes, she had left her journal. Been going through it most of the night. I know just as much about your travels as she has written. I hope they find her soon."
"As do I Mamil. As do I. Shall we?"
In the months that followed his coronation, Lady Deedolit had Alistair study governance. Something that was taught to all royal children when they learned to walk. Though in Alistair's case, not allowed. The Beguiler implored Regent Eamon to bring as many books on governance as possible.
"For you, my lady?" Eamon asked quizzically.
Deedolit shook her head. "It is time for his Majesty to learn what he should have. Yes? I, however, will learn while he does." Hiding her smile.
Eamon nodded with a smile of his own. He instructed someone to fetch several books for the Lady's needs.
Alistair walked up after speaking with a few people who were still sending aid. "I am to study then?"
"Yes. They denied it to you. I am to look after you. Despite my absence, I will make up for past hindrances." She placed a hand on Alistair's arm. "Young Eamon, may I seek knowledge from you?"
Surprised at her words, agreed. "If I can be of any assistance to you, yes."
Bidding the king to study while it was still early, she watched him exit before she spoke. "I know why his Majesty was left in your care. I would like to hear it from you…" Suddenly, she was at a loss for words. Her mind drifted to the letters that Maric had written. He spoke as she would never set foot in Denerim again.
Then she could not dispose of the thoughts that the black tome held. Her brow furrowed. Maric had used her, or he used Fiona. It was quite possible that Asha'bellanar gave clues to which woman would benefit her most. She held prisoner while they sent away his newly born son.
Eamon's voice brought her from her thoughts. "My Lady?"
The light returned to her face with an equally warm smile. "I had wondered, why was his Majesty sent with you? There may have been things I am unaware of due to my extended absence."
Eamon gestured for them to walk. Once they headed outside, he waved the guards away. There was no need for ears to carry gossip. "I will admit I had not treated the boy fair. Being married, I love her greatly. It caused a strain when she became pregnant with Conner." Eamon smiled solemnly. "I had kept him out of sight."
Eamon regretted his actions, which is why he stayed in the Palace now. "Loghain came when the boy was of age to learn, properly learn. That brought the idea of him going to the Chantry."
Deedo nodded. It was imaginable that Eamon, though he was the Queen's brother, held his own lands that having a child not his, from birth, would have lit rumors plenty. "What of Duncan? Had Loghain or he spoken?"
"Loghain, no, not once, to my knowledge." Eamon shook his head. "Warden Duncan, yes. I mentioned I had sent Alistair to the Chantry."
Pulling her scarf that wrapped her shoulders over her head, she needed to know if what Maric said was true. "I know I am asking you too many questions. What of his mother? Did Duncan or Maric speak of her? Maybe Loghain knew of her?"
Again, Eamon shook his head. "No, Maric had stated he fancied a girl in my home. I took no note of what the King does." They shared a mirthless chuckle. "He took the girl for a while as she showed signs. She passed away during his birth."
Everything he spoke coincided with what Maric had written. They walked along the grounds. The air was warming, a beautiful day from the contrasting winter that clung to the breeze and continued to speak for several more minutes.
Deedolit turned to Eamon, prompting him to stop. "I have another thing to mention. Do you know if they prepared Cailan to leave Anora?"
Eamon looked into the eyes of the Elven Lady, the sea-green color of her eyes nearly swallowed him. It was suffocating. A guard came hurriedly with a message.
"My Lady, Lord Xellexes and Lady Swiftleaf have arrived."
"Thank you. Eamon." Deedo bowed her head, following the guard to greet her family.
Regaining his breath, Eamon watched her back as she walked away, thinking of Isolde as he had left her to live in the Denerim Estate. He had made this the home for him and his wife, with Connor having gone to the Circle of Magi.
The Grand Receiving hall.
Alistair was with the Wizard, and Bard as Deedo arrived. "Oh, my baby!" She hurried to her daughter, wrapping her arms around her. "How was the journey? Everything in order?" Looking at her cousin.
"I need a secure place for when they arrive, within the hour." Xellexes looked around. "Where is Okhor?"
"Kirkwall with Tenkou." Holding her daughter by her shoulders. "Young lady, why are you not in Kirkwall? You were supposed to arrive there first."
"I needed to see you. I have a message for you before I head off." Ruroni looked serious. Deedo excused themselves by finding a place to speak.
Alistair left with Xellexes to inquire what was so urgent. "There will be supplies coming in, along with several people. The supplies brought will be more than enough. That is what my cousin instructed when we left here."
"Thank you." he breathed a sigh of relief. Alistair tapped his chin in thought. "I believe the place where we saw you off is ample space." Nodding, he was certain it was. They had to prepare within an hour's time. Leading the way, he and Xellexes made ready. "You look well."
"You look wiser."
"I am. Mother has been what I needed in my life. After… Everything."
"Understandable." Xellexes agreed. He knew.
The Royal Palace, Swiftleaf Apartments.
Ruroni announced to her sister in Kirkwall that she had arrived, but will be with her the minute she can. Looking at her mother smiled. When they reached the apartments, it was then Deedolit realized Ruroni was having a game with her.
"There was nothing urgent!" Deedolit reprimanded, though she had to admit it was wonderful to have a prank pulled on her.
Ruroni grinned. "Not quite, but it is. It is great news, actually." Ruroni cleared her throat as she then told of her venture back home and across Norrath. Pulling from her backpack, she laid on the bed several gifts from home.
Deedo examined each gift and smiled. "How is everyone?" Looking over the white-feathered cloak in her hands.
" Naneth sends her love. Anora is staying in Felwithe for a while. Umm, Jowan was studying with Uncle Learin. The children are being tutored until Naneth feels they can be with the other children." Rummaging more found what she needs. "The Shaman will lend her aid. Sent several bags. Called it cleaning when she gave me almost all her potions."
Ruroni also pulled for her mother a large trunk, with two full backpacks of scrolls, with two more trunks and bags of other odds and ends. " Nad also sent his love, as well as this. With words… No more children."
Deedolit laughed. She would bring a stray wolf cub if she felt it needed her love. Her father was just full of guff. He loved the children.
Ruroni reached into her bag, pulling a book out. Reaching in her bag again brought plenty of materials for each of their trades.
Deedo ran her hand across the cover of the tome. When the book was opened, it held a scroll and a crest of the Swiftleaf house.
"We should take these to his Majesty." She smiled.
Ruroni agreed. Before they left the apartments, Deedo imbued the chest that was full of the highest grade metals. Ruroni then packed the chest away for when she departed to Kirkwall.
The King's Field, outside of the castle grounds.
As they head to find where the king and Xellexes are, Deedo tells Ruroni about the situation in Kirkwall, where they would live as well as what is being expected there. She also informed her about the expedition she was informed of the night before.
"Of course, I will go. I will send Okhor here when I arrive."
"No need, I am comfortable and well."
Ruroni nodded. When they found his Majesty, they were further out than expected. They saw the two men caught up, Xellexes looked to the sky, and he waved his hands. The storm clouds pulled to the spot the man stood.
"Alistair. Here you two are." Ruroni trotted ahead, patting the king on his back. "Mother has a gift for you." She whispered.
"For me?" Alistair was pleasantly surprised.
Deedo offered the book to the young man. He thought it was weighty, braced for the heft. When it was relatively light in his hands, he opened it on her nod. A scroll and crest lay within. Handing the book to the small bard to hold, he broke the seal, untying the ribbon. Beautifully scrolled words in golden ink he could not make out. It looked official, almost delicate for his rough sword-worn hands to touch.
Deedo smiled as she approached, standing behind him to look over his shoulder. "It states. 'We welcome you, recognizing you, Alistair Theirin, son of D'edolit Meleth Coacalina Swiftleaf, into the Swiftleaf boughs of our family .'" Then she pointed to the Elvish words where the signatures of her mother and father were.
Market District, Kirkwall, Month 3 — Drakonis.
The next morning, Hawke, Bethany, and Carver met with the Swiftleaf siblings at the stall. Carver took longer than normal readying. He was up earlier than Hawke. The market was waking up, so to speak. There were few people going about, mostly the merchants opening and making ready for the sure to be a busy day.
"Good morning." Tenkou and Okhor greeted the siblings.
"Oh, he is handsome, and she is exquisite ." Bethany teased.
Ignoring her teasing. "Bethany, this is Lord and Lady Swiftleaf." Hawke announced them.
Tenkou wrinkled her nose. "It sounds so formal. I dislike it. Please call me Tenkou, and this is Okhor."
Hawke scratched his head, chuckling. Okhor called from the far side of the stall. He was looking for something. When he found it, he brought it over and placed it on an empty table.
"Lineatus, Carver, here. I have something for you." Two dark stained wooden boxes, one large square, the other a long broad box, placed side by side.
He pushed them before their respective owner. With a smile ever-present on his face, arms crossed over his chest. "Go on, open them."
"Thank you. You did not have to." Hawke said. Opening the box before him. In it a pair of daggers, inlay with gold, silver, and precious gems in the blades. Ivory handles. They were exquisite.
The box Carver opened held a broadsword, almost exactly to the pair of daggers, ornate, not function-able.
"I give you these gifts as a sign of friendship. If you will have it."
"Bethany?" Tenkou asked.
Pointing to herself came before the Druid. "I see you hold no weapon. Are you like me?"
"I do not understand?" Bethany asked as if she were confused.
Tenkou grabbed her wrist, tugging her into the stall. "We have diplomatic immunity, but we still keep our magics to a minimum. For you." Tenkou pulled a staff of sheer opulence.
"My Lady, I will have to find a suitable stone for that." Okhor said, pointing to the staff in her hands.
It was cool to the touch, beautiful ivory, longer than half her height. With silver in the marbling, a small functional gold blade at the end, while the other held a spiral cage minus the gem the tall man spoke of.
"I do not know what to say." Bethany breathed.
"Nothing. It is a gift." Tenkou smiled, placing a gentle hand on the human, admiring the staff.
They spoke with their mother, the Swiftleafs after Okhor and Tenkou had learned of the situation with Lineatus. The same woman who helped free Ferelden. They found themselves enthralled by the language of the Elven folk. Flowing dulcet tones spilled from their lips.
Hawke's heart thrummed as he listened. Was like a soothing lullaby. She absolutely enamored Carver with the joyously excited tone she was speaking to her brother.
Watching the pair, he could not believe that it was going to happen. They were finally getting from the slums of Lowtown and getting back to what was the Amell home.
Tenkou gasped. She excused herself, going around Bethany to take hold of Okhor. Bethany turned her head as she heard the young woman speak. She looked at her brothers, who wore grins. Carvers was a bit more sloppy.
Hawke mouthed. " Told you. " It was enchanting listening to them. Shortly, Tenkou took off at great speed, much like a wolf were on her heels.
Carver looked worried. "Wh- where is she going?" Looking back to where the Elven lady ran.
"Our sister and uncle have arrived. They will be here in a moment, and we can then head to speak with Bartrand." Okhor nodded. He stoked the flames of the forge while he and the others waited.
The Hawke siblings looked at each other with wondering expressions. "How is that possible? You received no message."
"I will show you when they arrive. For now, you can hand me those blades. They need to be sharpened."
The Temporary Swiftleaf home, Hightown.
Tenkou ran to greet them. They were here. Her twin was finally here. The room for them to teleport into was up almost the minute they arrived with Cullen. Tenkou skidded to a stop at the front door, almost hitting the wall. The door opened, and she was looking at herself.
"Sister!" Tenkou sniffled, hugging her elder sister tight. "How was home?"
Ruroni returned the hug. "The same as always. Naneth sends her love. I have things for you and Okhor." As the mirror twins went to take off. Xellexes called after his niece.
"I will gladly accept any greeting you have for me, young lady." He said sternly.
"Uncle, I apologize." Going to give the man a hug. "I need to get back to help new friends."
"I heard, here." Xellexes pulled a coin purse from his hip belt.
Tenkou perked up. "We have enough." Feeling the weight of the bag.
Xellexes shook his silver locks. "It is from your mother. You know how she is. Take it, and gift them."
Tenkou snorted. "We have gifted them, now we can help with funds. We will also look for Olett as well. Cullen wanted us close to the city until you arrived. Okhor can go back with you. He could not return to Ferelden."
Ruroni spoke up, saying that their mother said he can stay. Now that they have a stall, it would be beneficial to keep trade going. Tenkou nodded, stood on tiptoe to kiss her uncle on the cheek. Xellexes chuckled, with a wave of farewell, disappeared back to Denerim for the time being.
Ruroni and Tenkou closed the house and headed to the stall where the others were waiting.
Arriving at the market district, it was slowly coming alive. The twins wove through the forming crowd. Ruroni took in the sights and colors of the human city.
Okhor was busy sharpening the blades. When the twins walked up. Tenkou was smiling ear to ear. "Everyone. This is my sister Ruroni. Roary, this is Lineatus, Carver, and Bethany."
When the siblings saw the Swiftleaf girls, they looked between them. They looked exactly like the other.
"Roary! I would gladly hug you, a bit preoccupied at the moment." The sharpening wheel sparked as he ran the dagger blade along smoothly.
"No need to apologize, little brother." Ruroni walked past him to kiss the back of his head. "I have supplies for you. Mamil, Nad, Naneth, send their love. I have heard that Lili has been clearing rubble from a temple. They have yet to make it back."
Carver nearly fainted. Equally beautiful women, looking at them was enough. He could hardly speak without stumbling over his tongue.
Ruroni stepped into the stall and hid from sight behind one table. She pulled the metals and gems that she had for Okhor. The sound of wood scraped on the floor, clanking metals in stitched sacks heavy upon a table. "Brother mother imbued them. She said humans can wear them without repercussions." Seeing her brother nod. She left out.
"Shall we all go?" Tenkou asked.
"I will head back to our Uncle's, inform me of fresh developments." Bethany did not wish to be out with so many templars about.
Okhor stopped her when he finished the second dagger. "Staff, please. My sister brought the stones I spoke of. Carver, I will have the sword done when I am finished. Will see you all shortly." As he finished his words, the women from the other day were honing in. "Good morning Ladies." He greeted them with a playful tone.
"We should head to Lowtown," Hawke said. "Varric, Bartrand's brother, said to meet him in the Hanged Man."
With a nod, they turned to head to the well-known tavern. The twins chatted as Carver listened. What they spoke of, what new, a home not like where they are, yet some similarities they shared.
Hawke went to the tavern master. "Varric?" With a point of the man's chin, directed him to one barmaid.
"What can I get ya?"
"Varric?"
"Follow me." She led them to where the Dwarf sat. A private room. The man sat, checking over his unique crossbow. "Hun you have guests."
Looking up. "I see you've made it. Who are the extremely lovely ladies with you? Varric Tethras." Kissing the twins' hands in greeting.
"Ruroni and Tenkou Swiftleaf." Hawke introduced.
"Lord Okhor?"
"Our younger brother." Tenkou stated.
With an approving nod, he went to speak with Hawke and Carver alone.
"Master Tethras, we are here on behalf of the Hawke siblings." Tenkou interrupted.
Looking between both sets of siblings raised his eyebrows in question.
Hawke gave the man the situation. The identical twins set the coin bag before him. "Our mother wishes for safe passage for us. To find our sister."
Intrigued alone, searching for someone could prove useful. "Would you care to elaborate?"
Ruroni closed the door, took out her lute, and strummed. The Hawke brothers looked confused. Tenkou sat, pulling a chair closer. "Our sister is the Hero of Ferelden. We last saw her a few months ago. The Witch of the Wilds possessed her."
Rubbing his chin, he sat in thought. "You suspect she is here?"
The druid nodded.
"I will speak with my brother." Varric agreed for the brothers to accompany, provided he brought the coin. Now this turn of events has brought an additional layer to the Lord blacksmith's search for someone.
Taking the heavy purse, they followed behind. Ruroni added her voice as they left the Tavern. "If your brother refuses our company, we have other ways of following closely."
Hawke and Carver knew what the young woman spoke of. Not thinking that the other knew the art of shape-shifting. When the three men turned around, the twins were nowhere to be seen.
The soft sound of giggling floated in the space where the young women were. Then they showed themselves. No one was present when they played their little trick. Identical grins played on their lips.
"That is very handy, ladies. I will keep that in mind." As they rounded the corner, Bartrand was busy taking stock.
"Bartrand, you won't guess who has funded your expedition."
Looking up, he saw Hawke and Carver, pointing at the brothers Varric denied the men. He gestured to the Wood elves, who stood on either side of the Hawkes.
Bartrand looked skeptical.
"I am not pulling your beard. They are funding it. They are all going. So what do you say?" Handing his brother the purse.
Varric smiled. Seeing his brother speechless. "Pack your bags. We're going to the Deep Roads."