Moving Along

by RainLily13

The life as Hero of Ferelden was hard. The life as Warden-Commander was even harder. Thankfully she had her best friend & a flirty, witty mage to help her along the way, as well as a couple of new friends & old. Set Awakening. Anders/F!Cousland

1. Prologue

I'm horrible, that much is obvious./ I have like 17 other fics that are in dire need of updating and here I go posting yet another fic. But I can't help it if I came into a new obsession/addiction!

This has been bugging me for ages. I've been wanting to do a Anders/FemWarden fic for the longest time. Thing is that I haven't the slightest idea if I want to just do a run through of Awakening, or deviate from the ending and continue on with everything in a sequel. I guess we'll see huh?

I'm going AU here for...err a lot of things maybe hahah. You'll see what I mean later on ^^ I'm also more used to writing FF bout anime/manga, rather than games. So this is a new experience for me.

Well, read, review, and enjoy! XDD

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Summary: the life as Hero of Ferelden was hard. The life as Warden-Commander was even harder. Thankfully she had her best friend & a flirty, witty mage to help her along the way, as well as a couple of new friends & old. Set Awakening.

Pairing(s): Anders/F!Cousland (I might have others in, i dunno yet)

Genre: Humor/Romance/Action/Drama/Angst/Adventure/Others

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Disclaimer: I own nothing, that honor goes to bioware. The only thing I lay claim to is the idea that spurs this fic ^^

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-Moving Along-

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-Prologue-

"So he left, huh?"

Kai looked up at Alistair, the smile she'd been wearing for the past five minutes from reminiscing still plastered across her face. "Yea..." she murmured softly.

Alistair leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, raising an eyebrow at Kai from across the table. He shook his head at her. "You know, I never did know what you saw in him..." he muttered.

Kai only rolled her eyes. "On the road, you get kind of lonely, right?" She didn't go any further - there was nowhere to go, nothing else to say.

After a couple passionate kisses and heated farewells, Zevran took leave to Antiva, once and for all taking the fight to the Crows.

"I am...tired of waiting. They will come - sooner or later, and I rather it be sooner, before I become too comfortable and find mi Bella with her throat slit one morning..."

Kai wouldn't lie, she'd miss him. And Zevran said so himself that he'd miss her too.

But it was time for them to go their separate ways. While Kai was meant to live on with the Wardens and the duties it entailed, Zevran was suited for his old life of assassinations and taking to the shadows, lashing out with poisons. It was who they were, and they both knew it.

No promises of meeting again were made, those were left to chance - only murmurs of having good times and thank you's were said.

It was the way they wanted it, the way they preferred it to be. For all they desired was comfort and release, nothing more...

Alistair snorted. "You didn't see me hooking up with an assassin." he threw an exasperated look at her. "And let me point out, an assassin who was hired to kill us." he said to emphasis his point.

Kai scoffed, waving him off. "It's not as if I jumped him or something right after he tried to kill us. You know, at least I waited until I could trust him...somewhat..." she trailed off, somewhat sheepishly.

Another snort. "Yeeees, a little over a month is enough to build up the kind of trust that he won't stab you in the back. Or slip some poison in your food for that matter. Astonishing, really."

Kai's lips twitched, and she fought down a laugh. "Well, he was right about one thing. You have to take pleasure where and while you can." And she gave him a lurid wink, before laughing at the strange face of red hot embarrassment he made.

Waving a hand airily at him, she went on. "It wasn't as I was in the best position for a committed relationship, anyways." Now the smirk presented itself. "Besides, you're not nearly daring enough to jump in bed with an assassin, 'Mr. Have you ever licked a lamppost in winter'." she drawled out teasingly, grinning.

The man had the decency to blush. "Heyyyy," he drawled out in a whine, smiling back. "You're lucky you didn't make me king; I'm pretty sure teasing royalty isn't allowed. I could've had thrown you in jail for that. Maybe even hanged you." he threatened playfully.

Kai snickered. "You'd be better off straight off hanging me. I'd just break out of jail," she retorted, her smirk now a prideful one.

Alistair let out a boastful laugh, remembering that time in Fort Drakon where they were only in their smallclothes as Kai beckoned to the guard as she complained about how lonely she was, and wanted some 'company'.

What an evil, evil temptress she was. "You have a point."

Kai grinned. "You know, I hope you're happy I didn't make you king. By now, I'm sure Eamon would be at your throat for a possible Queen."

Alistair snorted. "Maker, don't joke about that. I'm only imagining it now, and it has me shuddering at the thought at finding a suitable-"

"Baby incubator?" Kai piped up, grinning wickedly.

Alistair blanched, cocking a dry eyebrow at her. "Very eloquent Kai. The thought of it just sounds so wrong. To marry out of politics instead of love? It's so horrible - they're people for Andraste's sake, not things to barter."

Kai shook her head and shrugged - she was born from nobility, used to playing those games. She didn't like it and she was lucky enough her parents gave her the leeway they did, but they still taught her the tricks of the trade.

"Such is the world of nobility. That's why I didn't put the crown on you - it would destroy the man you are. That heart of gold of yours would be tainted by the underhanded tricks of politics." she drawled teasingly, before shrugging as her expression turned a bit more serious. "And you said it yourself; with the Gray Wardens is the only place in which you felt at home as. Who am I to take that away?" she told him, looking away.

Rendon Howe took away everything that was home to her, and look what happened to him.

A sword, owned by the very family he sought out to stomp out, ran through that nasty little heart of his, that's what...and though Alistair would never go that far with her of course, she'd rather not put him through the pain and have him despise her for it...

Alistair could only stare at her, eyes wide in awe. Then he shook his head, moving to stand up and approach her.

Hearing the movement, Kai looked up and her eyes went wide and curious, "What-?"

Alistair grabbed her and pulled her up, embracing her firmly. "Maker's breath Kai, you are unbelievable. Every time I think you couldn't surprise me more, you go and do just that."

When he pulled away, he leaned forward and gave a friendly peck on the cheek.

Kai blinked in response and raised an eyebrow. "What was that for? Feeling frisky?" she said playfully.

Alistair only chuckled, used to her teasing. "I never did properly thank you for everything, did I?" He shook his head, continuing. "Well, there you go. Thank you Kai. In all my life, rarely anyone thinks about what I might want. You saved me from a life I've never wanted, and not to mention saved me from getting executed by Anora." His smile turned sheepish at that.

Kai shook her head, scoffing. "I gave that bitch her crown, the least she could do was that and she knew better than to say no to me..."

A laugh burst out of Alistair and he gave her his biggest grin yet. "I agree with you there. My head is too pretty to be strung on the noose or hacked off."

Kai's snort didn't stop him from continuing. "I've never told you this, but you're my best friend, and the little sister I never had. Who needs Goldanna when I have you by my side, ready to tease and chide me whenever I do something stupid?" he said cheekily.

Kai grinned, "I feel the same way Alistair. Couldn't have done any of this without you. I'd probably be dead halfway through the Tower of Ishal."

She was still out of it when they were stomping through that tower, not to mention that ogre was one huge, mean bitch to kill. It was only because Alistair had enough sense to both taunt their enemies to him and shield her that she made it out alive.

Alistair gave her a foolish grin. "Well, I hope you mean that I'm like a brother to you then. I don't exactly have the right bits to be a sister or anything. Sorry, but my hair isn't long enough so that we can have sleepovers and take turns braiding."

Kai's eyes began watering slightly. She laughed, bringing a hand to wipe at her eyes. "Andraste's ass Alistair, now you made me cry you big oaf."

His grin only widened, "I do my best."

"Ridiculous..." she muttered under her breath.

Alistair snickered at her before something on the table caught his eye, and his eyes flickered when he realized what it was. "So," he started casually, waiting until Kai looked up at him. He continued, leaning against the side of the table and crossing his arms when she did. "Are you gonna do it?"

Kai blinked. "Do what?"

His lips twitched, but he held strong to the 'serious face' he was trying to go for. Wordlessly, he pointed to the letter.

Kai followed his gesture, and let out a groan when she realized what he was referring to. Ungracefully, she plopped back into her chair, ignoring the snort that followed. "Should I?" she asked, peering up at him.

Alistair just shrugged. "Why not? You said it yourself we would rebuild after the Blight anyways."

Kai pouted. "Yeah, but I thought maybe you'd be the one to take charge since you're the senior Warden around. Why the First Warden picked me to do this is beyond me. "

Alistair let out an incredulous laugh, staring at her with bright amusement. "What would make you think that? You're the one who defeated the Blight - the 'Hero of Ferelden' I might add. I've told you before, when I lead people die and I lose my pants." He told her with as much seriousness he could muster and a nod.

"No, you just don't want all the responsibility and hard work that comes with leading," she paused, her lips twisting with distaste. "Or the paperwork..." And Kai twitched at the ridiculous name. "I hate that name. Don't ever say it again, it's horrible." she muttered in distaste.

Alistair only got a wicked gleam in his eye. "But, that's what everyone is calling you, dear lady. You're their savior. Soon enough, people will be naming babies after you and making little dolls for children in your honor." Alistair had to bite his lip to hold down his laughter at the thought. "Hah, soon enough you'll have your own statue in the middle of Denerim, dedicated just for you."

It made Kai shiver in horror. "Dear Maker, strike me now..." she mumbled, looking pale, which only furthered Alistair's snickering. She sent a scathing glare at him. "You know what, if I do get the statue, your own will be there next to me, I'll make sure of it."

Seeing Alistair's face twist in blatant horror gave her a little satisfaction and she continued. "That stupid arch-demon was a joint effort, I wasn't even the one who decked out the final blow, Loghain was. I don't know why they're singling me out..." she muttered dejectedly.

His eyes narrowed at the name of the 'traitor' - Loghain may have become his 'brother', but he'd sooner join up with the darkspawn than call him that. "Well, besides the fact that a statue of the man who practically killed the late King wouldn't be too welcomed," he rolled his eyes at Kai's exasperated groan.

"You are the one who took charge and united all of Ferelden. And lead the armies in Denerim. Thank you for that, I might add. If it was me, I'd be getting the special treatment, not you." he piped up.

Her glared became heated. "I hate you..." she muttered.

Alistair shook his head, snickering. "Nope, you love me and you know it. I'm too damn lovable to hate, don't you know? Only a choice of people could resist my charms, and they were all complete and utter bitches."

Kai snickered. "Isolde, Anora...Morrigon?"

Alistair made a face at the first two and gagged at the last for effect. "Just to name a few." he muttered wryly. He raised his eyebrows at her. "So, now that we're done avoiding the question, care to answer?"

Kai cursed under her breath, before sighing. "It's not like I have a choice. Saying no to the First Warden of all people would be like a slap to the face."

Alistair nodded sagely. "Especially since this would be considered an honor. Besides, sitting and lounging around this palace will only make you fat. Can't have that, can we?"

Kai narrowed her eyes, swatting his hand away when he poked her stomach. She let out a scoff. "Leading people to their deaths? Some honor that is..."

Kai sighed again, waving off Alistair's sympathetic look. "Someone has to do it, I know. Better me than someone from Orlais, Maker knows how well that will go with Ferelden...besides, you're right. Sitting around here has me itching to scout out some stray Darkspawn."

Alistair clapped his hands and grinned. "Well that settles it. Off to Amaranthine we go then!" he exclaimed with excitement. She wasn't the only one bored with all the pomp and circumstances that came with ending the Blight.

Kai's head shot up, her eyes wide with a pleasant mixture of shock and relief. "Wait, 'we'?" she blurted out, gaping at him. She couldn't help the huge smile forming on her face.

Alistair rolled his eyes at the woman, shaking his head at her in mock disappointment. "What? You think after all we've been through I'll let you go off on your own now? Trouble follows you around like that Mabari of yours. Someone has to save your arse from getting killed by some random Darkspawn, and think how horrifyingly embarrassing it would be for the Hero of Ferelden, who gathered the armies and united Ferelden against the Blight, who fought the archdemon, who-"

"I get the point." Kai said flatly, the shock wearing off only to be replaced by faint irritation.

Alistair paused to grin at her, before continuing with flourish. "-to be done in by a mere darkspawn grunt? People would be so disappointed, they would cry, riot even." he let out an admonishing 'tsk'.

Kai shrugged. "At least I'd be dead. I wouldn't be here to care." She rolled her eyes at his aghast look. "Kidding." And she looked up at him seriously. "So you really mean it?" she asked, voice lined with anxiety.

Alistair nodded readily. "Of course! Can't let you have all the excitement anyways. And when you're bored to tears when there's no darkspawn to kill, your faithful second-in-command will be by your side to crack a joke at your beckon."

It had her rolling her eyes. "Idiot..." she muttered, but with a smile.

Alistair eyed her with a familiar twinkle in his gaze. "Ah, but I'm your idiot."

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Words- 2,397

Lol, as you can see, very AU. Not only did I let Loghain live and had Alistair stay despite that, he gets to tag along with my F!Cousland to Amaranthine ^^ I'll try to stay canon for the most part but sometimes my mind and inspiration gets away with me.

I waited ages to finally save up and get Awakening, and when I finally got it, it pulled me in like no other. I either giggled or got so into it, you had to knock me out and tear the controller out of my bare hands to stop me from playing.

It was that freaking good.

Only sad part was that it was toooo damn short! 'pouts'

And not to mention, no romance options! I mean, hellooooo, I woulda totally go for a romance between Anders and Nate... Valanna, and Sigrun are also perfect opportunities for a romance if so desired. But are they available? Noooo.

Gah, anyways I hope you enjoyed it. I wasn't sure about posting this, and there's a chance I just might revise it completely. Tell me your thoughts!

Till next time! XD

RainLily^^