It was a cold and misty night...We tried to make our way back to the camp it was only a matter of minutes until we reach it. Finally I could make out the distant glow of a fire through the thick trees.

I turned around to see if anyone has fallen behind. The group was drenched in blood and their thoughts lingered on the memories of the battle we fought the day before. When my glance struck Alistair my heart started pounding. I couldn't tell what was going on in his head, his armor was smeared in blood yet his eyes seemed calm. When he realized my stare they lit up...for just a second. It was hard to face the camps direction and keep moving when I could still feel his eyes on my back. After fifteen minutes of silent wandering we reached the campsite. Leliana got up to welcome us but when she saw the expression on the other faces she quietly sat down again.

Sten walked off to his tent without a word. Oghren and Wynne went straight to their secret place where they hid their beverages. Alistair and me sat down at the fire and told Leliana about what happened in Demerin. We got ambushed but made our way out.

She was shocked. Muttering to herself she went into her tent.

Now it was just me and Alistair... I could feel my blood flowing like lava. He is such a secretive person, yet loving. I felt that this was the right moment to give him what I found in Redcliffe Castle. Alistair never talked much about his past, but I knew, this amulet belonged to his mother.

Before I could decide how to start the conversation he said:

"Hm, it was quite a battle wasn't it? We need to be more careful."

"Yes, it feels like the group is falling apart. We need to focus on our task and not problems with the ones we travel with."

As soon as I said that, I regrettet it. Wasn't I the one who let his feelings run loose the most?

It was now or never...

"Alistair...I want to give you something."

His eyes almost started to look cheerful, with a smirk he answered "What is it Edmund?"

With shaking fingers I took the amulet out of my pocket and put it in his hand.

When our skin touched it felt as if hundred lightning bolts went through me. My face turned red, I was ashamed.

He dropped the amulet and stared at me with a shocked look on his face.

No, this can't be, did I anger him? All I wanted was to make Alistair happy...

Suddenly his hands were on my neck, but even though the first touch was harsh the suddenly caressed me softly.

Before I could finish my thought his lips found my mouth and he kissed me with an intensity that made me forget to breathe.

After a few seconds that felt like years I shrugged back and gasped.

"Edmund, I never knew if the look on your face was longing or disgust. When you handed me my mothers amulet, I knew you feel the same about me. Earlier during the battle I could only think about protecting you. I can not take this worrying anymore."

"Alistair...I..."

"Wait Edmund, I mean what I said, you are important. More important than anything. The group is falling apart, please, come with me.

The others are good fighters, they will manage without us. Let's head of and find a place. We can rebuilt one of the small houses we passed a few days ago. No one is there and the darkspawn won't return"

WIthout giving me a chance to reply he kissed me again. By the maker, it felt as if my brain was corrupted by Lithium, I could not think yet I knew it all. I did want to spend my life somewhere with him. Without wasting precious time I simply said:

"I do."