18 - Straightening Out Amaranthine

Loghain was glad to be able to leave the northern parts of Ferelden next week. He feared heads would soon roll if he was forced to stay around much longer … although the angry folk were justified.

He was surprised that Bann Esmerelle wasn't among those he'd like to behead. Lord Eddelbrek explained it. Esmerelle was nothing if not a politician and had her wager on Nathaniel soon becoming Arl. If Rendon did half of what she'd heard, she knew that the Howe heirs would not take kindly to nobles who might tell them they deserved their foul treatment. Even Delilah had calmed down and apologized when she realized that her father would not be able to come back from the Void and punish her for not backing his every move.

Rendon's pyre and service were quick, as such services went. The attendees were mostly there as obligation dictated. Thomas and Delilah decided to cast the ashes into the Amaranthine Ocean since Rendon loved to travel it so much. There was brief talk of a memorial, but it died out. Loghain was uncertain if Thomas and Delilah would bring it up again. Likely there will be a remembrance of some kind at the Vigil … maybe a remembrance stone in the wall somewhere … but Loghain was uncertain of that, as well.

In a lapse to sentimentality, Loghain wondered if he'd ever do things so heinous that he would be forgotten by Anora.

Apparently, Rendon Howe ran up debts to the merchants and kept pushing the farm-holders for unreasonable tribute. Bryce was a model of patience. Loghain stuck to the edges while Bryce, Elle, Thomas and Delilah set up and held court at one of Esmerelle's guest homes to try to work things out. Midnight kept everything orderly.

Loghain did have sympathy for one of the merchants: Albert's father. Not that Albert was going to be executed, it turned out. But, the boy would never be able to return to Ferelden. As far as anyone knew, "someone" broke the lad out and snuck him to the docks. He was gone before anyone was the wiser. The harbormaster sort of recalled Albert leaving on a ship, but the ship left without listing its destination. The harbormaster was one of those commoners who was owed a great deal by Howe. The public had no idea what had happened. Few really cared.

Now that he was dead, Rendon seemed to have few, if any, friends. The matter was a hot topic for gossip for a half-day and then quickly forgotten. Esmerelle sent out a few obligatory searches for Albert to no avail. Loghain felt it was justice enough to be exiled.

Loghain was about to take a walkabout, when a page knocked at his door. "Message from Denerim, Your Lordship."

"Thank you, lad," Loghain said as he tossed the boy a coin. The runners here were independent and a coin here and there made for fast deliveries.

"Thank you, Teyrn Loghain!" the boy said as he bowed and left.

Loghain opened the messenger bird parchment: Loghain, Nathaniel is here in Denerim, safe and sound. We just heard about what happened to Nathaniel's father. Good riddance, in my opinion. We await your return. Oh, yeah. My contact in Tevinter got back to me. "Titus' sought-after elf artifact was delivered to him completely destroyed, a pile of sawdust, or bone dust, not sure. Some hungry insects ate most of it. He won't need Great Dragon blood anymore." ~Varric

Loghain was beginning to like that dwarf.

After putting on his sword and shield, Loghain made his way from his room at the Crown and Lion to the house a block away with a line of people outside. Of course, they all frowned at the noble who cut in line. He walked up to the table and handed Thomas the note. "Keep that last part about Tevinter a secret," Loghain whispered to Thomas, Bryce, Elle and Delilah.

Thomas read it and grinned, passed it to Delilah who said, "Thank the Maker he's all right!" She looked up and passed the note to Elle, who smiled and gave it to her father. "Nathaniel has been rescued. He's in Denerim," Elle said to the crowd.

Of course, the grumpy man at the head of the line had to complain. "That's just great. Now, we're gonna have to do this all over again with the new Arl?!"

Bryce laughed as he handed the note back to Loghain. "No, Masar, I'm sure if Nathaniel is confirmed, he'll find all these negotiations agreeable to the Arling." He smiled and winked. "Unless, of course, the agreed upon terms aren't met."

There was even a bit of chuckling at that. Loghain didn't find it exactly humorous, but then, he was more taciturn than the average Fereldan. Anora had told Loghain that on many occasions.

Bryce sat back. "Why don't you return to Denerim, Loghain? We've got this under control."

"I would like to wait on Duncan," Loghain said. "As soon as they've proclaimed the Vigil and the area around it searched and investigated, I'll head back to Denerim with them."

The messenger who had delivered Loghain's note walked up to Elle and handed her one. She also gave him a coin. Profitable day for the lad, Loghain thought to himself.

It must have been brief because Elethea laughed and looked at Bryce. "It was from Nathaniel. He said that he'd like me to wait for him at the Vigil. Not to even think about going to Denerim." She folded the note. "I imagine he's nervous enough. Therefore, I would like to go along to the Vigil if that's alright." Midnight moofed and Elle skritched him behind the ear.

"I would like to go to the Vigil and get a few things, set some changes in motion there … so I can also go to Denerim," Delilah said. "If that's okay, Teyrn Cousland? Thomas?"

After Bryce and Thomas nodded agreement, Loghain said, "All right, plan change. Why don't we head to the Vigil now, Delilah and Elethea … and Midnight? I can see about prying Duncan out of the Vigil and head back."

"Of course you can head to the Vigil, my girl," Bryce said. "I'll gather some things for you to take with you."

Delilah looked at Thomas. "Are you sure it's all right with you if I leave, Thomas? Is there anything you'd like me to get?"

Thomas looked thoughtful for a moment and then sighed. "I have no problem with you going to Denerim, Delilah. And, I don't think I need anything. Tell Nathaniel that I will be unable to go to the Landsmeet. I need to stay here. We have no idea if anything is left at the Denerim Amaranthine manor house. I have a feeling Nathaniel will leave you in charge of cleaning it up. Take care on the roads." He grinned at Elle. "It sounds like Nate is anxious for some normalcy, Elle."

"Maker help me give him some peace," she replied quietly.

Loghain motioned for Elle and Delilah to precede him. With an hour or so delay, they were on the road to Vigil's Keep.

Once on the road with a squad of Maric's Shield, Delilah rode up next to Loghain and Elle in the lead. The soldiers were spread around and out of earshot. "Do you think Albert will be all right?"

Elle glanced to Loghain with a grin. "He'll be just fine, Delilah."

Loghain smiled. "Brent saw to it that he had all he needed, madam."

!¡!¡

Mari and Anton spent several days organizing what had been done and prioritizing what needed to be done next. The quality of his hand-drawn maps was incredible … even by Earth's standards.

As he slipped the last completed map into a drawer with it's corresponding documentation, he stood and stretched his back. "Okay, I think we have a good plan. Now, how's that Grey Warden manual going?"

Mari sighed. "I've started an outline … more like a list of possible topics. I was thinking that was a good way for me to start. Once I've gathered enough individual topics, I'll work with you and Duncan and others to put it in some sort of logical order." She gave him a sad smile. "If I don't survive the Joining, at least you'll have a start."

"Darenis has improved his neutralizing potion to target only some of the poison part of darkspawn blood without neutralizing it entirely," Anton said. "You still need the protection the Joining provides from the taint."

"He told me about it yesterday," Mari said. "It sounds promising." She rolled her eyes. "Solas was there. He felt it was as good as it was going to get … and tried yet again to talk me out of it."

"He seems protective of you … maybe because of your ancestors?" Anton asked.

"That's what I was thinking. He was impressed with them from his time there centuries ago," she said. "It still amazes me that a flesh and blood body can last that long."

"You said that you only had humans on your old world," Anton said. "Elves and dwarves are different races completely."

"Real different races, not just different skin color and cultures," Mari said under her breath.

Before Anton could say anything else, a slight knock preceded Matis stepping into the doorway. "Pardon my interruption, but Arl Urien Kendells and his son Lord Vaughan are downstairs and wish to speak with you and Prince Alistair, Mari. I've taken the liberty of sending a page to Highever House with the request."

"Now that Gorim is cleared for walking around, Alistair was going to take Gorim on a tour of Denerim this morning with Varric, Dugan and Makis," Mari said. "He said he'd come by here at some point. But, nonetheless, I've been curious if Lord Vaughan is feeling more like himself … like the very short glimpse we caught at the Gnawed Noble."

With that, Mari straightened her sweater and hair and went to the front door. "Your Lordship, Lord Vaughan, to what do I owe this honor?" she asked with a sincere smile and a small curtsey.

Vaughan smiled … more like a half-smile that wasn't a sneer. "See, Father? I told you she was stunning and cultured."

Urien chuckled. "You did, but we are not here to flatter her, Vaughan."

"Right," Vaughan said. "I am here to apologize to you for my actions."

"I'm so glad you're feeling more yourself, Lord Vaughan. And, apology accepted." Mari chuckled. "And, here I thought you visited to become a Grey Warden."

"Maker, no!" Urien said quickly and loudly. He cleared his throat. "Now, 'tis I who must apologize for that outburst. I should have seen that you were joking."

Mari solemnly responded, "Mostly joking, Your Lordship. The Grey Wardens are an ancient order charged with the vigilance and destruction of the darkspawn wherever we find them. We have recently found quite a few in Vigil's Keep. It does not bode well. And, so, men and women of quality … such as Lord Vaughan or yourself … would always be welcome in our ranks."

"Now, you sound like Duncan," Urien said. "I suppose he is going to send you out to do recruiting? That would be a smart move."

"Well, that remains to be seen, Your Lordship," Mari said and then turned to Vaughan. "I was also curious if your companions are feeling better."

Vaughan's eyes flashed angrily. "I care not how they feel. They hired that blood mage to control me."

Responding to Mari's sincere look of horror, Urien said, "Yes, King Maric has thrown both of the scoundrels into Fort Drakon and is seriously considering exile for them and their families. I say it cannot happen soon enough."

"Whereas, I think they should be drawn and quartered," Vaughan said quietly.

"I can see how you might want that, Lord Vaughan," Alistair said as he entered the front doors. "Good day, Your Lordship," he added to Urien. "To tell you the truth, Vaughan, I'm uncertain how I would respond. Your actions to bring it to the attention of King Maric is the wiser move, I believe."

Vaughan spun toward Alistair and actually bowed a bit, "As I have said to Warden Marisia, Prince Alistair, I apologize for my actions in the Gnawed Noble and I sincerely thank you both for taking the matter directly to the Templars."

"No apology is needed, Vaughan," Alistair said quietly. "I'm just glad I could help. King Maric just added accomplice to murder to Jonaley's and Braden's charges due to the death of Ser Frieden. I believe that may have taken exile off the table. Even their fathers are backing away from their support."

"Yes, the Chantry is our next stop, Your Highness," Urien said. "We hope to discuss how we can honor Ser Frieden with the Grand Cleric, who has, sadly, had her own trouble with magic. I do believe she is still here, awaiting the new Grand Cleric Arasis."

Mari opened her mouth, but noticed Alistair do a very slight shake of his head. Now, how did he know I was going to correct Urien about lumping all mages together, she thought to herself.

"The King has bid me to explain my actions to the Alienage and apologize to the elves, Your Highness," Vaughan said. "If you have the time, I would be grateful if you could come with me to add your testimony."

"I can do that, Lord Vaughan," Alistair said. "I'll be here for a short time. Just send word when you're ready to go the Alienage."

After farewells were made and the Kendells were on their way to the Chantry, Mari asked her thought question out loud. "How did you guess I was going to correct Urien Kendells that he left 'blood' out when he said magic? Have I become that predictable?"

Alistair took Mari's right hand and brushed his lips across the back of it. "Yes." Then, he stepped back and smiled, holding his hands up in submission. "I swear that I shall try not to make that a frequent thing. but you did ask me if I would follow you around and whisper the proper way of things."

At Mari's raised eyebrow, he motioned for them to go back into the office she shared with Anton, who had stepped away for the moment. Alistair took a deep breath and sighed it out. "While I am glad to hear that Vaughan Kendells is all right, I have a hard time believing that all the things he and his toadies did were from blood magic. Don't get me wrong, I hope this does end his depravity." He looked directly at her. "There's a reason he wants me to go with him to the Alienage. He's accused of rape and assault there. He's afraid they'll want more than an apology, with good reason."

"Wow," was all Mari could get out for a few moments. Then, she blew out her breath and crossed her arms. "Maybe he could help out by building something for them or repairing something? Anyway, I hear where you're coming from. I'll have to take care what I say around him, then." She smiled at him. "Thank you for stopping me. You still have my permission to do so whenever you feel it's needed." She glanced out the door. "Did you leave the dwarves at the tavern or something?"

"No, actually, Varric went with us, as did Gorim who is more than pleased to be able to walk without pain anymore. Dugan and Makis know their way around pretty well," Alistair smiled. "I think I was just getting in their way."

"How's Nathaniel?" Mari asked.

Alistair took a deep breath. "He's all right. Anora's working with him on his presentation to the Landsmeet in a month or so. As you recall when we visited it that morning, the Amaranthine estate here was empty. We have since found out that Rendon sold everything to pay for his plans to attack Highever. Matis, here, knew of some good clean up folks, so they're in the process of scrubbing out the taint of Rendon."

"Shit," Mari said quietly. "I mean it, too. Someone like that is good for a story of fiction to throw in some curves, but he could have been a real problem if we do have a Blight coming. Good riddance." She blushed. "I guess Karma is going to get me for that one."

"Karma?" Alistair asked.

"It's a force of balance in a religious philosophy on my old world. They also believed in reincarnation … I think. I wasn't well-versed on the many religions on my world. Anyway, you do bad in this life, karma will likely determine your fate for your next life and you may wish you'd done better." Mari shrugged. "That's a very simplistic description. Sometimes karma balances things out during your lifetime. Things are good for a while and then you get hit with a bad time or two."

"Rendon's built up a lot of bad karma here, then," Alistair said.

"He'll probably be reincarnated as a toad," Mari giggled.

Alistair laughed and then stopped suddenly to reach into a pocket. "Oh! Before I forget, Princess Anora asked me to deliver this to you whenever I saw you next."

Mari reached for it with a grin on her face. "New job? Messenger page for the Princess?"

He snapped to attention. "Yes, ma'am! And, I do it well!" He winked. "She gave me that several days ago and I just remembered .…"

"Several days ago?!" Mari huffed as she opened it. "She probably thinks …"

"She thought you must have been busy …" Anora said from the doorway. She was wearing a casual dress and her hair was down. She was gorgeous that way. Mari wondered if she should say … when Anora continued with a frown toward Alistair, "Or, Alistair just forgot to give it to you."

"You're going to make me conference with that crazy draconologist now, aren't you?" Alistair asked.

"Well, that hadn't occurred to me, but that sounds like a reasonable punishment," Anora replied with a half-smile.

The two continued on while Mari read the note: Mari … May I call you Mari? At your convenience, I'd like to speak with you. Nothing urgent or tragic … just talk. ~Anora. She looked up at a lull in their conversation.

"I have the time now, Your Highness," Mari said. "This office is ripe for interruptions. I can ask Matis for his suggestion … or we can go to my quarters. They're small and one of us will have to sit on the bed, but it's private." She smiled. "Please, call me Mari, Your Highness. All my friends do."

That last comment seemed to affect Anora somehow. Mari wondered if she'd said something wrong. A quick glance to Alistair gave her no indication that she had stuck her foot in her mouth.

"Your quarters sound perfect, Mari," Anora replied.

"I'll go speak with Anton and Andi and wait for the Kendalls," Alistair said with a questioning look. So, he has no idea what this is about either, Mari thought to herself.

Mari and Anora made a swing past the kitchen to grab a snack and a drink. Andi had just made a delicious fruit punch. Then, they headed up to Mari's room after indicating to Matis that no one should interrupt them.

Once inside, Mari closed and locked the door and opened the curtains. "I think the day is nice enough outside so some natural light won't make it too cold in here," Mari said as she stoked the fire in the small stove in the corner. It was rather cozy in minutes as Mari sat on the bed and Anora sat on the chair at the desk. "Okay, how may I serve, Your Highness?"

"Anora," Anora said. "When we are in private, please call me Anora." She smiled. "All my friends do."

Mari cocked her head and smiled back. "Anora it is, then."

Anora took a deep breath and stood to look out the window. "You can see the garden houses from here." She turned back. "For a window overlooking an alleyway, it's not a terrible view."

"No, it's not," Mari agreed. "Anora, are you asking to be a friend? Asking for me to be your friend?"

She turned back to Mari. "I am. There are so few I can trust in this city. My father is away more than he's here lately. Cailan is busy with learning how to be a king. Alistair has become a trusted brother-in-law." She sat back in the chair. "Because of Alistair, I believe that Maric has become much more tolerable."

"You want a girl friend," Mari said and then smiled broadly. "So do I, actually. Andi is great to bounce ideas off of but she's busy being head cook and mother to two terrific girls … which are too young to be … confidants. Or, am I way off?"

"No, you're not off at all. Alistair told me that you were perceptive. I know you're not always here and that I'm also occupied a great deal of the time. I just want … someone I can confide in from time to time … talk things through … that sort of thing." Anora looked down into her lap. "Has Alistair told you about my Orlesian maid who turned out to be a spy of Celene's?"

"He mentioned a disturbance at the Palace that involved her, but said that it was not his story to tell," Mari said with a shrug. "I thought I'd find out about it if I needed to know."

"That sounds like him … and you," Anora said. "Well … first, I would like to start by hearing about you … from you. I have heard Father's version and Alistair's version. They don't quite match up."

Mari almost groaned at having to tell the tale again, but Anora was being so earnest. So, she began, "Well, it began on a pretty good day on my world …"

After Mari was finished, Anora just said, "Astonishing." She came over to sit next to Mari. "Are you all right?"

Mari thought that she might need to tune her story since everyone usually asked that question. "For the most part I'm adjusting, Anora. I've met so many wonderful people here. People like your father and Duncan and Anton and Andwn and Alistair … and now you. It makes me wonder if this is exactly where I'm meant to be," Mari said and then giggled. "Your father reminds me of my father. They have the exact same sense of humor … that no one takes as humor, at all." She pulled out the ever-present necklace. "My father's people on my world had been essentially wiped out over the centuries. He may have been the last one."

"Unfortunately, that does happen here as well," Anora said. "There have been many Alamarri tribes that have been destroyed to the last man, woman and child over the millennia." She went back to the chair. "I suppose you'd like to know about me?"

"I would," Mari said.

"My life … so far … has been on target and as predictable as the cooks' menus at the Palace," Anora started. After they both laughed, she continued, "I was born in Gwaren, a city on the southern coast of Ferelden. It's colder there than it is here most of the time, but the docks are incredibly busy and rarely icy. There are tides and warm currents that flow past the city. That's one of the things I'd like researched."

"There might be an underwater volcano somewhere south," Mari suggested. "Earth had many island groups created by volcanic activity."

Anora smiled. "That doesn't sound like something you have to keep quiet about. I'll mention that to Professor Racenio. He may want to speak with you about it sometime. Anyway, back to my history. Gwaren was given to Father after the end of the rebellion." She paused a moment. "He really didn't want it and was a terrible Teyrn until a cabinet-maker in the town confronted him to either become the Teyrn or lose it all. He was so impressed by her forthright manner that he put her in charge of refurbishing the castle and she did a magnificent job. He married her a few years later and I was born a few years after that. Her name was Celia. Even though I believe that they were truly in love, Father still had to spend most of his time in Denerim. Mother convinced him to take me to court when I was old enough. She died a few years ago. I was betrothed to Cailan at an early age. Cailan and I had always been friends, but only recently, we have turned from friendship to love. I hear that's what happens to the lucky couples in arranged marriages." She smiled. "Alistair has had a mitigating affect on his half-brother, too." Then, the smile faded. "I know I'm nowhere near the storyteller you are, but those are the high points. I'm sure other information will come out from time to time."

"It always does, Anora," Mari said. "And, I did have a much different life before I began my story today. Those things will also come out at some point."

"We come to the disruption Alistair spoke of," Anora said. "Erlina was a trusted servant. She was Orlesian and the bane of my father's existence, but she was just what I needed, I naively thought. Father and Maric detest Orlais … with good reason … but there is much we can learn from them. Ways of governing we could adapt and incorporate, but I must always be careful … nevermind. I was about to go off topic again. The night Alistair arrived in Denerim with Fergus and Elle, Erlina set out Maric's favorite wine and left, we thought. We were in the family quarters that have silence and eavesdropping runes all over. Anyway, no one else really liked Maric's wine. It was much too sweet. Suddenly, one of our new runes alerted us to someone eavesdropping on our conversation. It was Erlina. Alistair and Cailan caught her and dragged her back to the room we were in. Because of Alistair's training in guardsmanship, he perceived that she wanted Maric to drink the wine. He stopped Maric from taking that first sip and used a testing method to prove the wine was poisoned. She was ushered away to Fort Drakon. Father and I found other suspicious things in her room. When we returned, Varric and his friend Isabela were there. They had come up against such things. The wine was poisoned with Noble Killer poison, used quite a bit by the dwarves, I'm told. She also had …" Anora got up and paced. "She had also used an herbal mixture in my tea to prevent conception."

Mari just shook her head and sighed. "That's horrible, Anora. Are you all right?"

She threw up her hands and went to sit by Mari again. "I think so. She was quickly executed. Empress Celene denied any relationship with Erlina. Then, Cailan sent to the Circle Tower for a mage healer. Senior Enchanter Wynne was already here. She said she could find no abnormalities from the herbs." Her eyes started to moisten. "But, after a month of trying, I … well, I know I am not pregnant yet."

Mari reached over and held Anora's hand. "I met Wynne when we stopped by the Circle Tower. I believe her credentials are unquestionable." She smiled as she squeezed Anora's hand. "All those indications mean is that it may take more than one month to become pregnant or it may take time for your body to flush out the herbs."

"Wynne told me that I should stop obsessing about it all and just enjoy my time with my husband," Anora said. "Along with the things you just said."

"All good advice." Mari released Anora's hand. "My parents had two friends who were deeply in love. They kept trying for months and nothing. My mother was a medical professional called a psychiatrist or someone who dealt with the mind, feelings, emotion and the like. Anyway, Mother's advice to them also was to try their best to stop stressing over it. In fact, to forget about it being a goal. Try it for two months." Mari chuckled. "She got pregnant a couple of weeks later. They have four children now." Her happy countenance turned sad. "I hope they all escaped the bomb."

"Mari," Anora said, choosing to only squeeze Mari's hand in response to the sad statement. "It is not in my nature to forget about a goal so important … to me, to Cailan, to the kingdom."

"Go away for a while," Mari suggested with shrug. "Find someplace romantic for a few days and forget about everything here. Go fishing. Take some of those silence and eavesdropping runes with you."

"Fishing?" Anora sat back against the footboard. "I haven't been fishing for years. There is a cabin along the beach in Gwaren. But, I have so much …"

"Important to you, to Cailan, to the kingdom is what you said, Anora," Mari said. "It doesn't need to be fishing, just something, somewhere both you and Cailan can relax. Delegate things that need doing to someone here. Go with Cailan. Spend time together. It'll happen." Then, she laughed. "I think I may have just made Alistair's life busier."

"No, I have others in mind, actually," Anora said. "I have a feeling he'll have other responsibilities … like becoming a Grey Warden."

Mari sighed. "Maybe. Duncan doesn't want to push the issue with conscription just yet, but with what happened in Vigil's Keep and the increased presence in the Korcari Wilds, we will need to up our recruitment efforts."

"You know, Father may be a good companion for that," Anora said. "He knows every nook and cranny in Ferelden and most of the landholders. I'd suggest Maric go along as well, but I don't think Father will let him."

Then, Anora smiled at Mari. "I would like for you to speak to a few of our natural studies educators sometime. I wonder if the Wardens would give you a few hours to do that."

"I can ask Anton,"Mari replied. "However, I want to be careful what I share. I don't want to mess up Thedas with information that may or may not work here … that may prove to be dangerous here." She shrugged. "Not that I'm educated in science or natural studies myself. For example, I may have bits of information like underwater volcanoes, but none of the specifics … the whys and hows."

"Perhaps you can spur some thought, Mari, without specific details. For example, Wynne says that your one mention of controlling elemental attack magic has the Circle Tower in a frenzy to figure out how to do that … and how to use it," Anora said. "The Chantry used to take a dim view of changing the power of spells, but Greagoir seems to be open to the idea and even Grand Cleric Elemena is supportive."

Mari smiled. "Actually, I was hoping to take some leave to attend some classes when the university gets up and running."

"I'm sure that can be arranged …" Anora began, but was interrupted by a knock at the door followed by someone turning the doorknob.

Both Anora and Mari frowned, but Mari went to the door, unlocked it and prepared to give the person a lecture on what "no interruptions" meant. However, when she opened it, she was surprised. "Loghain!"

"Sorry to interrupt," he said, "but I need Anora to return with me to the Palace to hear the report from me and Duncan."

Anora stood. "Well, at least we had a fair amount of privacy, Mari." She took Mari's hands. "Barring any extenuating circumstances that my father and Duncan bring with them, I shall be taking your advice. I'll let you know."

Mari squeezed her hand. "Good, now go before he starts to bite."

That made Loghain laugh at Anora's surprised look. "I'll fill you in on the way, Anora. Again, forgive the interruption, Mari."

"Forgiven and forgotten," Mari said.

Anora gave Mari a half-smile. "I was just surprised you knew about his biting habit."

"Alistair spilled the beans, actually. Anyway, I'm just glad you are all back safely," Mari said to Loghain. "Until next time." She followed them downstairs to find Alistair pacing by the door. "I assume you're on your way to the Palace?" she asked Alistair.

"Yeah," Alistair replied and turned to Loghain. "Give me a few minutes and I'll be right there, Loghain. Riordan has already gone over there."

Loghain nodded and left with Anora. Mari lifted her eyebrows to Alistair, the question of "What do you want?" left unsaid.

"You're serious about becoming a Grey Warden?" he asked.

She had a feeling that was the question. "Yes, you know all the reasons. Nothing's really changed. Darenis has been working on the neutralizing formula and feels it's safe for me." She smiled and took his hands in hers. "I will be fine … or I won't … but I'll be doing something I feel strongly that I should do."

He gently put his hand on the side of her face. "Just so you know, if you die, I won't become a Grey Warden. So, make sure you survive it or the Grey Wardens will suffer from the loss of my tremendous self."

"I'll try my best to survive, then," Mari said. "Can't have the Wardens do without you in its ranks."

Then … he kissed her. She had wondered, if the time came, would she pull back.

She didn't.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and reciprocated. It was brief and light … and wonderful. When he pulled back, she whispered, "I swear to the Maker that I will try to survive, Alistair."

He kissed her cheek. "You'd better." Then, he smiled, turned and stepped out of the door. After a few moments, she heard snickering. She turned quickly to see Anton and Andi standing on either side of a column to the Warden's open area. Both with broad smiles.

Anton just laughed. "Just be glad it wasn't Margia or Analeese."

Giggling from the next column down belied that statement. Analeese stepped out and came up to Mari for a hug. "He's very nice and very handsome and you are very lucky. And, of course, you'll survive the Joining. Andwn will see to it."

Mari hugged her back and said, "So, this is what it's like to have siblings." She pulled out of the hug. "I think I like it."

"Good, because we will never change," Margia added as she came down the stairs. She hugged Mari as well. "Sister."

"Now, come and get some dinner," Andi said as she put her arm around Mari's shoulder. "I've got a big stew going for the Amaranthine group when they get back from the Palace and there's enough for you if you get to it before they return."

Just as they got three steps, the main door knocker sounded and Matis appeared out of nowhere … as usual … to open it. The visitors looked tired and were loaded with backpacks and weapons and crates and a lot of other stuff.

Before the one in front could say anything, Anton shouted, "Del?!" After a short chuckle, he added, "Forgive me, First Warden."

Anton introduced the man around and ended with Mari, "And, this is Marisia Park, a Warden recruit. We'll likely have a Joining tomorrow."

First Warden Delrisi Kankut greeted Mari with a broad smile. Charisma personified. He had a slight resemblance to her old friend Phil … tall and handsome with wavy dark blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. "Welcome to the Grey Wardens, Recruit. I hope I bring good luck to your Joining." He even sounded like Phil with his slight German accent. Just as Orlesian sounded French, those from The Anderfels sounded German.

Del turned to the five people with him and introduced them. They were Wardens from all over: Haska from Rivain, Arctavi from Tevinter, Marienna from Orlais, Tarron from Nevarra, Warlon from The Anderfels … but they were stationed in Weisshaupt. The Orlesian was a woman. She wondered if she could make herself scarce and not make any kind of impression on the First Warden, lest he station her someplace else.

Matis excused himself to see to their accommodations while Anton ushered the First Warden to the Palace to meet with Duncan and the others.

Mari went to the kitchen for dinner and great conversation. After a while, Andi was the first to notice the tears threatening to fall out of Mari's eyes. "What's wrong, Mari?" she asked.

"I'm just so … so grateful to have such a wonderful family here," Mari said with sniff. "All this would have been so much more traumatic … or even impossible … without all of you."

Analeese handed Mari a handkerchief. When Mari thanked her, she noticed that Analeese also had teary eyes. However, Margia put a quick stop to all the sentimental stuff with, "I knew you were a softy like Ana. I just knew it. Now, I've got two women to toughen up."

The rest of the meal was filled with funny family stories … until all the Wardens came back from the Palace. Andi made room for everyone in the dining room.

Andwn came in. "I have missed Andi's cooking soooooo much," he said as he grabbed a bowl and filled it with her savory stew, grabbed a hunk of bread and sat next to Mari to spread freshly churned butter on his bread. "Alistair told us you're sure about the Joining."

"I am," Mari said.

Duncan took a long drink of ale. "Alistair also told us that if you do not survive, he won't become a Warden."

"That's not the way of the Wardens, Duncan," Del said. He sat across from Mari. "If you don't survive, Mari … and not all recruits do as you've been privy to knowing … we lose two very fine Wardens. I think you should remain a very fine Warden companion." Pragmatic like Phil, too.

"I will survive, First Warden," Mari said quietly. "I survived the destruction of my world. I will survive this test, as well." She looked directly at him. "I have way too much to live for. I will make a difference here."

Del pursed his lips and tapped his finger on the table. Mari noticed the charm that Riordan had mentioned before. "I could say, 'No.' I am inclined to take the heat for doing so." He looked at her. "Tell me the story of this destroyed world. Change my mind." He held up a finger. "But, first, allow me to tell you a few things we have just shared with King Maric."

He got up and filled his ale. "Not to worry, Mistress Andi, I shall not be ignoring that wonderfully aromatic stew for long." He sat back down after taking a couple of drinks from his mug. "Where to begin? The beginning. The First Blight took Thedas by surprise."

"So have all of the rest," Anton said under his breath.

"Before Duncan's preparedness, if we are in a Blight now, this was true," Del admitted. "We Wardens have not been the best in our vigilance over the centuries; however, that first Blight lasted a long, long time and looked to be the end of the world. Now, bear in mind that there was no Chantry back then. So, the Chantry's reason is as valid … or incorrect … as any of the other guesses as to the origin of the darkspawn." He motioned to Haska. "As Haska has just discovered in some old texts, the darkspawn were only genlocks during the beginning of that first Blight, which makes one wonder if they came only from the dwarves. It would make sense, the dwarven kingdoms were beset first. The hurlocks, shrieks and ogres came later after the humans, elves and kossith were attacked."

"Kossith?" Mari asked.

Haska answered. "As typical, there are many theories about the development of the Qunari race. One tale is that a group of Kossith traveled in southern Ferelden and developed a small clan there, but it is a tale and the Qunari of today deny it. No trace has ever been found of a settlement there, but it was a long, long time ago."

After Haska took a long drink of wine and nodded back to Del, the First Warden continued, "There were no Grey Wardens in the beginning, either … until … in desperation, the men and women of that time tried many things, but the damned Archdemon just kept coming back. Magic had a good suggestion … a darkspawn blood magic of a sort. Darkspawn blood flowed through all of the creatures. It was the one thing that bound them all. It carried 'the song', as they call it. The hurlock alphas and emissaries have always been able to speak broken common. More of them have recently started talking, not eloquent speech, but thoughts were communicated aloud … a longer story for another time. Orders from the Archdemon were carried in their song. There was great rejoicing after that first death of the Archdemon. While the fighters went off to celebrate, the essence of the Archdemon was reborn. The First Blight happened over and over."

Del took another long drink and his eyes unfocused a bit. Phil would do the same when he gave his lengthy lectures on the fragility of politics and power. "It finally dawned upon the dwindling forces arrayed against the darkspawn how all this happened. Those first Grey Wardens discovered, that at the Archdemon's death, the dragon's Old God essence was carried to the nearest darkspawn, combined with darkspawn essence and the Archdemon was reborn. They guessed that to stop this never-ending cycle, they needed to be able to intercept this essence into one of them. But, they could not become darkspawn and, thus, lose themselves to the darkspawn horde. They needed resistance to the taint, while taking in enough of the taint to tap into this conduit. The Joining formula was tried and refined. Finally, the Archdemon was defeated and did not return … at the sacrifice of the Grey Warden who killed it and, thereby, was the closest of the blood at the death. The official reason is the belief that darkspawn have no souls and, therefore, do not die when the essence enters their being. The Grey Wardens have souls. So, when the essence of the Old God comes upon the soul of the Grey Warden, both are destroyed." He shrugged. "No one really knows. The damn thing can be killed in this way. That was all that mattered."

He sat back in his chair. "Now, I am about to tell you something that not many know because Duncan tells me you can all be trusted … and I've never really felt it should be kept secret. We have too many secrets." He chuckled. "Loghain agreed with that quite strongly. He was also annoyed that Maric had already learned about this during his time in the Deep Roads and never said anything. Duncan's first Warden Commander Genevieve used this fact as a vital reason to try to find her brother who had already come under sway of the Architect — a darkspawn emissary aberration. Anyway, somehow, somewhere, the Grey Wardens discovered the locations of other Archdemons that were slumbering dragons … be that by evil Tevinter Magisters or angry elves or some other reason. They found the seven locations, one was empty. Someone had already put them into large chambers. No idea who did that. Dwarves? Elves? Doubtful humans did. They did not find out an order to awakening, if there was one. We've fought and killed four. Three remain. The Wardens of old found the remaining dragons, but hesitated to kill the dragons, afraid they might fail and another Blight would begin. The Wardens put up very strong wards in the chambers to keep out any darkspawn that would try to awaken their master." Del paused for a moment for all that to sink in before continuing, "Urthemiel is buried below the Korcari Wilds. With Duncan's reports of increased darkspawn activity … and the Korcari on the list … I'm afraid we are going to see a Blight here in Ferelden."

Mari quietly said, "So, the Joining is really a vaccine against the taint." When she noticed everyone looking at her and Andwn mouthed the word, Vaccine? … she explained, "Sorry, it's a word on my world that describes something that can give a bit of protection against a disease. Sometimes contagious diseases on my world could wipe out an entire civilization. Fortunately, there were other groups of civilized humans around in other areas, so humanity was able to continue." She cleared her throat and looked at Del. "May I make one request?" She smiled at him. "You can think about it while I tell my tale."

He raised his right eyebrow … just like Phil would do … and gave her a half-smile. "And, that would be?"

"I remain in Ferelden under Duncan's command," Mari said while looking directly into his eyes. "I know this country more than any other in Thedas. I know many influential people here. Either by fate or coincidence, I've met quite a few people from tavern wenches, innkeepers, Revered Mothers, Templars to the Royal Family. If you can try to give me that, I will agree to abide by your decision on my Joining."

He smiled. "Your story first."

She took several drinks of ale and then stood. "Since you told us many details about the beginning of the Grey Wardens, I'll start my story from the real beginning. My story actually begins long ago. My father was a descendant of a tribe of humans on my world," she began as she pulled out her necklace. "This was passed down in my family." Since Del already knew so much about her, she decided to tell him everything. He had been honest about the horror as well as the honor of being a Grey Warden. He deserved the truth. "Centuries ago, the tribe was visited by an elf from Thedas. His name is Solas. He's currently helping the Wardens now as apparently the ancient elves live forever. He also has one of these necklaces, so I believe what he told me. He didn't stay on my world, which was called Earth. He didn't belong there and didn't wish to taint them in any way. He had traveled there through a mirror … what we called a wormhole, or star gate, on my world. The elves call them Eluvians. My father's ancestors asked Solas to move the Eluvian so that others wouldn't find it and go through it and be lost in a waystation of sorts called the Crossroads. So, he put the Eluvian at the bottom of a lake, where it was hidden, lost and forgotten … until the day my world ended. It had been a good day that day …" The telling went on a bit longer than before as he asked a number of good questions, as did the others who hadn't heard the entire version before. She ended with, "And, now here I stand before the First Warden of the Grey Wardens, only wishing to do anything I can to save my new home."

Del had finished eating. He filled his mug again and sat back down. Everyone could have heard a small pin hit the floor because it had become so quiet. Finally, Del got up and paced a few steps. "I see why you have been having doubts about her Joining, Duncan." He turned to Mari. "However, the Wardens will be stronger with you among us, protected by the Joining … vaccine. We will have your Joining in the morning, Marisia Park. Get some sleep." He turned to Duncan. "This is my decision, Duncan. You can be sad if she does not survive, but you will not be responsible. Now, I'm going to bed as well."

He followed Mari out. Before she went down the hallway to her quarters, he stopped her. "I cannot promise that you will never be needed elsewhere, Mari. But, barring unforeseen circumstances, I can tell you that you will be stationed here throughout the Fifth Blight."

"Thank you, First Warden," Mari said. "I suspect we shall all be very different by the end."

"That is the Maker's Truth," he said with a nod as he turned down the other direction to what Mari guessed were his quarters. "Try to rest well, Recruit."

As Mari finally went to bed, she thought to herself, I should have had more wine. A lot more wine.

!¡!¡

AN: Thanks, Kanta48, for your kind review! So, the stage is set! The title of the next chapter is, A Herald of the Blight is Joined. Mari drinks from the Joining Chalice. You'll have to read the chapter to see if she survives. ;) Plans are discussed for a trip to Highever and Orzammar, with stops at Vigil's Keep and Soldier's Peak. Have a terrific week everyone!