"Well, they don't let just anyone be king, you know. They don't let evil forest witches be king for instance."

"There was a Ferelden king once who drooled on himself in such volume that he required a constant attendant to wipe his chin in court."

"You're making that up."

"Not at all. The kings of old would be pleased to see their bloodline has not strayed very far from its roots."

Alistair and Morrigan never got along since day one. This is Ada's retrospective on the dynamic between the love of her life and her soul sister.

Chapter 1

It really started with the three of us. The three of us plus the dog. Flemeth, the 'witch of the wilds' as I have been told, has given us her daughter for aid in this quest of great importance. I did not argue about bringing the mysterious woman with us, she did help in our speedy recovery after all. I even swore to keep her safe, something I know I can do.

Alistair was not too happy on bringing on an 'apostate'. Me being an ignorant dwarf I found no issue in magic, ever. But as Alistair was a templar in training, all these words still not quite making sense to me, it meant that he did not like people like Morrigan. And Morrigan did not like people like Alistair.

The whole way they squabbled. Alistair was like a child. Couldn't quite blame him considering he was the youngest out of us. But Morrigan somehow knew how to mildly annoy my fellow Grey Warden. Morrigan was a bitter woman, seeming to rather return to the comfort of her mother's hut than to be on this sudden journey with all odds against us.

I also couldn't blame her either. With Barkspawn now newly acquired in our hopefully increasing number of followers, it gave me an excuse to talk without singling anyone out. The other always had something to say. Not that I was ever a neutral person, I had my fair share of squabbles with people in the Carta, that Leske, my bestfriend, had to constantly pull me out of the fray before our pig-headedness came to a blow.

Things were different on the surface. Not familiar with mages or elves or templars or even these Arls and Teryns, I found myself docile and quiet. If Leske saw me right now he would laugh. I was always so boisterous and cocky, that I often got into some serious trouble with Beraht, or a smack across the face from my alcoholic mother, or a wag of a finger from my older sister.

I was more preoccupied with the task at hand, so when we arrived at Lothering, once again Morrigan teased Alistair for his depression at our current circumstance. He got huffy asking how Morrigan would react if her mother died.

"Before or after I stopped laughing?"

We spent the next several minutes actually discussing our course of action. Completing our first step in just getting to Lothering. They had different opinions (of course about how to handle this). Alistair wanted to speak to Arl Eamon. Don't know who that is. But apparently he would stem the tide of this civil war that was brought upon us.

Morrigan wanted to attack the Teryn directly. The other had comments that painted their options as bad first options. They made sense, and leaving it all to me (Which I slightly resented Alistair for that), I tried to think as a leader. The Blight should be our priority, not politics or war. If we don't do something about this now, there would be neither of those things anyway.

After voicing my concerns on such matters, they changed their perspective…

After letting me know where everything is and how long it would take to get to place to place, we all finally agreed the Circle of Magi was closest. Redcliffe, where Arl Eamon was closest, but after explaining my thoughts on building our army, it would give us more influence. They both, for once, agreed on something.

The next task was to stock up, rest up, and head Northwest to Lake Calenhad where the Circle of Magi was located.

"So, what should we do first, Ada?" Alistair asked me as we properly entered the scrounging village.

"Here?" I asked.

As I looked around, trying to figure out where to start, Morrigan interrupted with an inquisitive eyebrow, "I have a wonder, Alistair, if you will indulge me."

Alistair looked between me and the dark haired witch, seeming hesitant, "Do I even have a choice?"

She grinned wickedly as she looked to me, "Ada, of the two of you that remain is he not the Senior Grey Warden."

Oh. She went there.

When neither of us could give an answer she continued.

"I find it curious you allow Ada, a dwarf to lead, as you follow her?"

Alistair seemed somewhat embarrassed, but he responded with annoyance instead. "You find it curious do you?"

"In fact," She continued not backing down, "Ada, you are fairly new into the Grey Wardens, correct. It was only...what...a week ago that I met you and you were not a Grey Warden at that time. Is this a policy of the Grey Wardens? Or simply a personal one?"

Finally Alistair snapped back at her, "What do you want to hear? That I prefer to follow?" When no one responded, he seemed embarassed again, "Well, I do. I'm not leaving it all to her! It is up to us after all but well…"

"Do you hear this, Ada," Morrigan teased, "You hear how defensive he has become. He would rather shovel the burden to you, instead of facing it himself."

"Couldn't you crawl into a bush somewhere and die? That would be great, thanks." He finally snapped as he marched off.

"Alistair, where are you going?" I called out to him.

He stopped for a moment and searched for words. Morrigan laughed, and that seemed to fire him up more, "Ada, I think we should talk to the Chanter. We need supplies and between us we do not have enough coin. If we perform some quests on the Chanter's Board, they will pay us for our services."

I nodded, "Sounds good, Alistair."

DAO

By the time we returned to Lothering after clearing out bandits and such, it was dark. We decided to stay the night at the local tavern. And that was when we met Leliana.

She was staying in the Chantry and made us promise to wait for her just outside Lothering, spending the night packing her things and informing the "Revered Mother" (again, I do not know what any of these words mean) the situation, Morrigan and I were to share a room, while Alistair had a room to himself.

"Your mongrel is not going to occupy our chambers." Morrigan had warned right before we made the purchase.

"Barkspawn probably won't fit in our room."

"I was referring to Alistair."

The man in question narrowed his eyes, unamused. "I'll take Barkspawn."

As Alistair placed our things in me and Morrigan's room, the dark haired woman spoke up. "You could have asked the Chantry Sister if they can make room for a templar fellow like yourself, can you not?"

"No, I cannot. That's inappropriate. And besides, I'm not really a templar. I never actually joined the Order." He explained.

"But, don't you still have all their abilities?" I asked, struggling to climb on top of my bed, which were freakishly tall.

"Yes, I was trained in the Arts, but before I took my vows I was recruited into the Grey Wardens."

Morrigan laid across her own bed, still in her mischievous manner, "So I take it you did not enjoy your templar training?"

Alistair knowingly narrowed his eyes, not even bother to look at the witch.

"Tis no surprise that you have failed your religious instruction."

"I did not fail!" He defended himself, as Barkspawn hopped right into me, making me grunt in surprise at the sheer massive weight, "I was recruited into the Grey Wardens."

"And if you had not been recruited? What would have happened, instead?"

Alistair let out a sigh, helping me get Barkspawn off of me, "I would have turned into a drooling lunatic, slaughtered the grand cleric and run through the streets of Denerim in my small clothes, I guess."

Morrigan actually laughed at that, "Your self-awareness does you credit."

"Uh-uh. I thought you'd like that. Anyway, Ada, we should set out tomorrow after we meet up with Leliana. See you in the morning."

As Alistair forced Barkspawn to follow him to his room, the door shut and Morrigan pulled out one of her tomes. I couldn't read what it was, but I struck up a conversation with the woman.

DAO

When we first set camp with our new companion Leliana, and an unlikely companion a qunari prisoner. Morrigan and Leliana were having some sort of debate, as Morrigan got the fire going. The camp was finally set up after much trial and error, and it was then I noticed the way Alistair was staring at Morrigan.

Yes, staring.

It was surprising, but at the same time unsurprising. He didn't look annoyed or angry, but slightly thoughtful or rather in deep thought about something. "Alistair?" I finally asked, pulling him out of his reverie.

"What do you need?" He mechanically asked.

"Have a care where your eyes linger, Alistair?" Morrigan suddenly spoke, not even looking up from the fire. So she noticed.

Alistair blushed slightly, or maybe it was the lighting of the flames, "Um, yes, well don't worry. It's not what you think."

Now it was my turn to laugh, but Alistair followed up with what no one expected him to say; "I was just...looking at your nose."

Silence followed, and even Morrigan stared at Alistair in surprise, "Oh? ...I see...And what is it about my nose that captivates you so?"

"I was just thinking that it looks exactly like your mother's."

Alistair...you jackass.

It was definitely payback from the quips Morrigan made by Alistair's rather strange inferiority complex. Fire blazed behind her beautiful eyes, and Leliana looked between us in confusion, not understand the dynamic or the jab. Sten, did not care.

Morrigan looked like she caught herself from touching her nose, as she clenched her fist. "You...you impertinent child!"

Alistair bit back a smirk, "Hm? What?"

This made Morrigan stand up swiftly and storm far away from where we were camp, setting up her own space. Alistair seemed to relish in the victory and Leliana seemed to want to ask questions, but thought better of it and remained quiet.

DAO

Morrigan didn't speak to Alistair for weeks. For a while we assumed Morrigan was bored of making fun of Alistair. So when we finally arrived at the Circle of Magi, Morrigan suddenly confronted Alistair. "I do not look as my mother does."

It was completely out of the blue. I was still trying to get my bearings on the fact we were rowing in a boat, on just water. All of us crammed together with the skittish templar that knew Alistair, and Morrigan decides now to bring this up after weeks. Weeks.

"Have you really been thinking about that all this time?" Alistair was just as surprised as the rest of us were. Morrigan didn't respond, instead continued to have her arms cross as the templar Carroll continued to row closer to the Tower. My fellow Grey Warden seemed very pleased by how bothered she was by this. "Well, well, I never would have thought that you, Morrigan would be insecure even in the slightest."

"I said I look nothing like her." Morrigan muttered almost childishly, followed by a pout.

Alistair struck a chord, and he was relishing it. I feared for all of our fates on this boat, only relying on Leliana's comforting circles on my back as I laid pathetic off to the side, eyes shut. I could see the sky in the lake. What in sod all is this place. "I don't know. Give it a few hundred years and it'll be a spot-on match." Alistair laughed.

Morrigan stood up, and the boat rocked. I let out an indignant heave as Barkspawn barked up at Morrigan. The Templar let out a 'whoa' and stopped rowing. "I said that I look nothing like her!" Morrigan snapped.

Before any of us could get our bearings, the boat rocked again and I heard a caw. When the boat settled again I looked back and saw Morrigan was gone. The Templar flipped. "She-she is a witch! This is- she is an abomination!"

"By the Stone, man!" I screeched, seeing Morrigan flying overhead in bird form. I saw the glowing ball in the sky and felt nausea swim over me, and fell into Leliana's lap. Luckily, Leliana was quick to explain the best she could to the templar to get him to keep going.

When we reached the shore to the Tower I collapsed, kissing the cobblestone. I heard the crunch as Alistair approached me. "Ada, are you alright?"

I glared up at him, clinging onto me dog, "You-you and Morrigan need to sort out whatever it is that you two got going on! I almost died!"

"You...weren't going to die. But...still, I apologize, I had not expected that to bother her that much. She has said some hurtful things to me too."

I struggled to get my breathing back under control. Concerned for Morrigan's outburst, I had to first attend to the situation at hand.

DAO

We stayed in the Circle for a couple of weeks, where I befriended the Healer, Wynne. The grandmotherly type. As I stayed in the Circle, I remembered a conversation Morrigan and I had in Lothering.

"I have a thought…"

She told me about a Grimoire that the templars stole from her mother. With my pack in hand and speaking candidly to the First Enchanter about the events that transpired, I looked at the books absentmindedly, not able to read any of the words, but was curious at merely there existence.

I had forgotten about that conversation with Morrigan...until I found it.

Flemeth's Grimoire. A black book with a leafless tree just like Morrigan said. I can't read words, but I can read pictures. I looked back at First Enchanter Irving as he looked over the Grey Warden Treaty I presented to him, which (based on what Alistair told me it said) will obligate the mages of the Circle to come to our aid when the Blight reaches its peak.

I tucked the book into my bag, looking inconspicuous. Growing up in Dusttown, the first thing you learn is how to steal. Irving picked up his quill and signed his name, handing me the treaty with a smile behind his grey beard. I looked down at the handwriting, the intricate swirls of lettering that is supposed to bind him to our cause. "Thank you, First Enchanter."

He placed a hand on my shoulder, "I trust you, child."

Well, that was awkward.

Just outside the Study...was Alistair and Morrigan, no doubt having decided to wait to see if the First Enchanter agreed to our terms. But were now focused on their unfinished argument. "I'd rather talk about your mother, Alistair."

Why must they talk about mothers? Nothing good ever comes from talking about mothers. This is just proves how much they hated each other. "There's nothing to talk about. And besides, isn't your mother a scary witch who lives in the middle of a forest? Much more interesting."

"Hey." I tried to break it up, "I got the First Enchanter signature." I handed the treaty to Alistair to read it over, pleased.

"This appears legitimate."

Suddenly Morrigan snatched the old document out of his hand, "To you perhaps, you'd find a rock baby legitimate."

That look returned to Alistair's face, the look of someone with leverage trying to destroy. Or at least on Alistair's face that was what it conveyed, "You know, Morrigan, after that stunt you pulled in front of a templar, it might get to the Knight Commander that you are an apostate. A mage outside the tower. That's illegal you know."

"You did not read that in a book somewhere, did you? I hope the small letters did not strain you overmuch." Morrigan retorted, handing the Grey Warden treaty back to Alistair.

"Or we could not talk about mothers or anything of that nature." I snapped finally, "Does that work for you two?"

Alistair looked down slightly embarrassed, and Morrigan made a slight humph, strutting away in mild annoyance.

I didn't give Morrigan the tome until after we left the Circle Tower, not wanting anyone to know I had stole it from the First Enchanter. He had thousands of books, I highly doubt he would even notice it was gone.

DAO

At camp, not only did Wynne join us on our quest, but an elven mage named Willa Surana. She was willing to enchant runes that we found. The mystical, older mage definitely was intrigued by Alistair. "That templar lad is rather handsome." She said, eyeing my friend as he idly was playing with a Runic Coin. Something he apparently considers a good luck charm.

I didn't respond at first, or rather not directly at her implication, "He's not a templar, he's a Grey Warden."

She raised an eyebrow, "Indeed. I still smell the templar magic in him, even if he has never taken lyrium."

I was a little bothered by Willa Surana's interest in my friend, not sure why, but I quickly excused myself when I saw Alistair and Morrigan conversating. You know...to break up an incoming fight if there was one. "You don't think you might have been better off getting your training there?" Alistair had asked the dark haired witch, referring to the circle. "Instead of whatever your mother taught you?"

"You're right. My mother didn't nearly have as many abominations running about. That certainly would have improved my education." Morrigan responded sarcastically.

"Fine." Alistair responded, "I'll give you that one."

Morrigan feigned relief, "Oh thank you. You made my night."

I decided to ask a question I've been meaning to ask but was never sure if it was right to or not. I was still the ignorant one in the party, and now I was starting to understand magic and mages and templars and more...especially being...in the Fade...the thought of it made the hairs on my body stand up. "So tell me something, Morrigan. Did you live there in that forest your entire life?"

She seemed willing to answer, "I left it on occasion, but I always returned. Why? Is that so strange? Twas my home."

"You just lived with your mother?" I asked, feeling I can sort of relate to her.

Morrigan didn't answer at first, seeming...unsure. Instead she thumbed the spine of the Grimoire I had retrieved for her, staring into the fire. "Mother occasionally had... company."

...we did have more in common than I thought.

Alistair broke the silence, "What company? Do I even want to ask?"

Morrigan didn't tear her eyes away from the fire, "No. You really don't."

DAO

About a month later we finally found the Dalish elves. They were hard to find, considering they were nomads. After everything was explained to us, in the Camp after speaking with the woodmaker with Wynne, Leliana sought me out. "Ada, they are fighting again."

Did not even have to tell me who it was.

"Why do you always go on about how stupid I am? I'm not stupid, am I?" Alistair whined.

"If you need to ask the question…" Morrigan said in a sing-song voice.

"Because it hurts my manly feelings you know." Alistair jokes, feigning offense, clutching at his chest.

"Then I'll be sure to write you an apology once all of this is over." Morrigan retorted.

I merely stood there, waiting for them to either finish, or to intervene. Everyone was tired of their bickering. Over food, over possessions, over magic, over anything and everything. And it always ends with Alistair referring to how mean Morrigan was and Morrigan calling Alistair stupid or any variation of the word.

Leliana often had to try and make peace, and while Alistair often times backed off by that point, Morrigan will begin to verbally attack her, upsetting the bard. Sten always expected me to take control, I mean they were not my children, and while Alistair was much more obedient, Morrigan was not a woman you could ever control.

Wynne often took Alistair's side, the two forming a sort of mother-son bond in the past month, and this irked Morrigan more than anything. So I tried to remain neutral, since from what can assume, Morrigan liked me. Perhaps she was grateful that I had given her the tome, despite it not being a diplomatic action.

"I was educated by the Chantry. I studied history. They don't make stupid templars." Alistair continued.

"Then I must have been mistaken. I'm very impressed."

"No you're not. You're not even listening to me."

"My, you are smarter than you look after all. Your Chantry must have been very proud."

I sighed loudly enough for them to finally hear. "Are you two done already!"

Alistair's eyes lit up at my voice, "At your service!" He said suddenly at attention.

I was suddenly reminded of our conversation yesterday, but...that is for another time.

DAO

After the Dalish were saved, and I received the new Keeper, Anaya's signature, Alistair, Morrigan, Wynne, and I were going to aid some of the Dalish hunters in some gatherings. As we walked, I heard Alistair suddenly say, "I've come up with one, a question that you can't answer."

Morrigan looked at him, slightly bewildered, "Are you talking to me?"

"That's right. You think you're so smart? I've got an academic question that I bet you won't be able to answer."

"Alistair…" I groaned, after the crisis was solved, the two have carried on this argument for weeks, "just let it go!"

"I can't, Ada!" Alistair complained, "I must prove to this witch that I am far more intelligent than she claims."

"Oh, I doubt that." Morrigan responded.

"So tell me, then: what was the name of Andraste's husband?" Alistair asked.

I stared at Morrigan, confused by the question, and she narrowed her eyes and scoffed, stabbing the Oak Tree's Branch that she now wielded into the dirt. "Tis a religious question. Not an Academic one."

"You're joking, right? A five year-old could answer that question. Do you not know more than a child?"

"Or a dwarf." I reminded Alistair, gesturing to myself.

He seemed slightly taken aback, but Morrigan spoke up, "I care nothing for your religion. And this game of yours is over."

Before the information can continue, I heard a woman call out for help a ways.

DAO

I couldn't believe it was already over half of a year in the making. So much has happened, relationships have changed, people have died. Discoveries have been made. I remained quiet at Castle Redcliffe, all my companions scattered about doing Ancestors knows what. I could hear Leliana softly singing to the boy that we saved, Connor. She seemed saddened about something. Something haunting her no doubt.

Sten was with Barkspawn, showing off the sword I helped him track down and retrieve, having gained the quiet Qunari's respect.

Wynne was quietly reading in the quarters she was sharing with Leliana, preparing to go to sleep after the send off of the people who fell during the chaos. Zevran and Oghren were playing Diamondback in the Larder with some of the servants, gambling away their money (thanking the stone I didn't trust them with any larger sums). They were downing a brew by what one of the dwarves had made.

Zevran called me over for a game, but I declined, looking for someone. I spoke to Arl Eamon, and in that conversation I found a prized possession that Alistair often spoke of with longing. His mother's amulet, which he thought he lost when he was just a lad.

I spotted the two (meaning him and Morrigan of all people) by the kennels, where Barkspawn was eating lamb, and the two were actually in a sort of discussion. "I'd figure you'd be the sort who knows all about deception." Alistair said, already appearing to be on the defensive.

He noticed me enter and his hard expression (which he only used on Morrigan) softened, "I do." Morrigan continued, "And what use the deception might have had ended when King Cailan perished, did it not?"

"Maybe. I guess I was sort of hoping that would go away." Alistair said, as I hid the amulet behind my back.

"The truth does not "go away"." Morrigan exclaimed.

"I didn't say it was a good plan. Now, I believe Ada you came to see me."

"Right." I responded, "Sorry, Morrigan. It...it's a little personal. Just for a moment."

Morrigan appeared annoyed, and seemed increasingly so as Alistair and I spent more frequent time alone together. Not that anything has happened...but definitely…

We were in courtship as humans call it. Morrigan looked like she wanted to say something but instead made her leave.

DAO

I heard about it as I finally entered my quarters. Morrigan was already there, reading her tome with a sort of ferocity that I haven't even seen her produce. She shut her tome, and stared at me. "Ada."

"Uh, yeah…"

"I do wonder. Is it permissible for two Grey Wardens to fraternize? And before you feign ignorance, we have all noticed the glances and long periods of your absences."

"It's not like that." I tried to explain. "We were just talking."

"Is that why you are smiling like an idiot as we speak."

I had not realized the face I was making. I simply meant to present Alistair a present, after he had given me a present. The overwhelming emotion of being reunited with something he thought he lost...led him to catching my mouth with his mouth.

But I decided to not say all that.

"I think this relationship is...unbecoming and the pair of you look nauseating together."

Ouch, I frowned.

Morrigan quickly added, "No, not because you are a dwarf and he is a human. But because you are a confident leader, and he is a bumbling coward. He lies over his parentage, he shifts responsibility onto you. I do not understand what you see in him?"

"I…"

"The two of you are the last Grey Wardens...It seems most undisciplined, for an organization that claims it will do whatever is necessary to end the darkspawn threat. And what if a Grey Warden has forced to choose between the Warden he loved and ending the Blight? What should his choice be?"

I blinked at that, "You are referring to Alistair?"

"As I have said, you are a confident leader who knows how to make the hard calls. However Alistair still acts as if he is a child. He is selfish and believes he can always either run away from his problems or let someone else take the reigns. I know...when the time comes...you will make the right choice. But what of him…"

"Morrigan. What are you talking about?" I was completely lost at what Morrigan was getting at.

For a moment, the anger was gone. She sighed, tightening her grip on the tome I had given to her a long time ago. She looked down and I knew something was wrong. I approached her, "Morrigan…"

"I finished the Grimoire." Morrigan said. "And...there is much I need to tell you. About you, about...Alistair...about me. About Flemeth."

DAO

"And you gave the woman money?" Morrigan exclaimed.

When we returned to the Denerim Tavern where we had been staying for about a month, we (meaning Alistair and I) had to force ourselves to pull away from each other, creeping into 'lovey-dovey' territory. Morrigan had the golden mirror I bought originally for my sister, but gifted to Morrigan on the table she was sitting in.

When asked where we had been, on top of doing a little bit of scouting (which I realized was just Alistair's excuse to be alone with me) we had made a small detour to meet Alistair's older sister. Half sister.

Morrigan seemed surprised by the turn of events. "Why would you do such a thing? This woman is a parasite who will appreciate nothing you do for her, you know this!" I was surprised by the tone. It almost sounded like she cared about Alistair.

Alistair glanced over at me in slight discomfort, especially after the reaction he had when Morrigan made her proposition only a few days ago. "It's moments like this when I truly appreciate the difference between you and me."

Morrigan scoffed, "'Tis moments like this when I truly wonder at the difference between you and a toadstool."

Alistair reached for my hand, unashamed of Morrigan's sharp focus on the gesture. He began pulling me away, leaving the tavern, "Come on, let's go look for the others."

I looked back at Morrigan who merely watched us leave with mild annoyance.

DAO

"What's the deal with them anyway?" Alistair asked. "What has happened while we were imprisoned at Fort Drakon. We were not gone that long."

He was referring to the way Morrigan was speaking to the Teryn of Highever's son. Castiel Cousland. He was very handsome human, with long raven hair, a chinstrap goatee, and his bright blue eyes were brought out by his dark lashes.

He swished around in a long cloak, and was with us on our mission to Rescue Queen Anora. As Alistair and I were captured, Castiel did my plea, a promise I made almost a year ago to Flemeth, who is now dead, killed by my hand, a plea by Morrigan to keep her safe.

Funny how these things her connected. He fled the Howe Estate with her, and Alistair and I were captured. After being narrowly rescued by Zevran and Leliana, we noticed Morrigan and this Castiel have a sort of...whirlwind romance I had never seen before.

"Look at him, they are making kissy faces at each other." Alistair said in shock, "I may projectile vomit."

I was more caught up in my own thoughts, which has happened more often than not as of late. Alistair was becoming king, and Anora has told me a plan that proved to be the most diplomatic...but not the easiest. "Jealous, Alistair?" I asked, trying to be light-hearted, though I wasn't feeling it.

"Jealous? Of...no! I'm horrified. Horrified she is going to suck the life out of a good man."

"From the way they are intensely staring at each other, I think she has an idea of where she wants to suck."

Alistair gagged, "I so did not want to picture that. Thank you, my dear."

My dear…

Your desire is my command…

My love…

Words I won't be hearing anymore. Directed at me at least.

"I'm done, I cannot look anymore at this." I felt Alistair grab for my hand, taking me away from the Estate. "Come on, let's go to the marketplace before sundown, I'm sure Arl Eamon will put us on another task to earn votes by tomorrow."

As I looked back, from the second story of the Estate I saw Queen Anora staring down at me. I had to do it now.

I snatched my hand back and Alistair looked back in surprise. "Ada? What is wrong?"

I crossed my arms, staring down at the ground, then forced myself to make eye contact.

DAO

I felt it was mistake telling Morrigan of what happened between Alistair and I. The next day, as I was getting ready to go to the Alienage with Leliana, Zevran, and Shale, I heard Alistair rage on Morrigan. And Alistair never rages.

"I said shut up! I will run this sword through you, I'm not joking." He actually had his longsword drawn, and I noticed Castiel making his way over, not at all used to the history between Alistair and Morrigan.

She teased Alistair farther, "Oh, I see. Most serious then."

"Cut the shit!" I snapped at both of them. "It is what it is! There is no need to bring it up again!"

Alistair directed his glare at me this time, as Castiel protectively held Morrigan. The soon to be king sheathed his sword, as Queen Anora came to the scene, and he stormed back down the hall, not even looking at me. Anora and I locked eyes, before she followed her soon to be husband.

A jealous twinge on my heart knowing that Anora was the most untrustworthy, but she understood politics far better than any of us combined. And besides, Alistair was Anora's problem now. He was no longer a Warden. This is how I wanted this.

I hid my pain behind my usual cocky grin, "Don't worry Morrigan, we're almost done here, and then we can get back on the road before the Blight hits."

Castiel casted a downward glance in my direction, still holding Morrigan romantically. "Good. Very good." She said, although there seemed to be something she was holding back. I didn't think much on it as I made my way out of the Estate where the rest of my companions were waiting for me.

DAO

It was after the coronation. Alistair was named King of Ferelden. And he absolutely loathed me.

I agreed, on Queen Anora's promise, to make Loghain a Grey Warden. It will be effective as soon as the Archdemon is slain since we do not have the proper tools and mean to make him one as of yet. Although, I arranged for Loghain to be sent to Amaranthine, where the Grey Wardens would act immediately.

I was chewed out by Alistair. Every hateful thing he has ever wanted to say to me he took the opportunity. Of course I didn't just let him tear me down as I hurled some words back at him too. Things that I may or may not have meant.

How I found him a coward, childish, spineless, selfish. To counter being called arrogant, manipulative, commandeering, and uncaring.

I was surprised when the very next day, he was dressed ready for travel to Redcliffe...where we were going.

"I may be King now but I still have a duty to fulfill!" He claimed with a hard edge. "It would be selfish of me to not go."

So my words got to him just as his words got to me.

Morrigan chimed in, almost out of her way in doing so after parting ways to Castiel. "You are really going to be king. With a crown to fit your gigantic head and more. I am sure you are proud of yourself."

"Very." Alistair countered reflexively.

"Although it was all your father figure, your betrothed, and Ada's doing."

Silence.

"Well, they don't let just anyone be king, you know." Alistair responded as the horses arrived, "They don't let evil forest witches be king for instance."

Morrigan hummed a bit before she responded, "There was a Ferelden king once who drooled on himself in such volume that he required a constant attendant to wipe his chin in court."

"You're making that up."

"Not at all. The kings of old would be pleased to see their bloodline has not strayed very far from its roots."

Alistair stuck his nose up at her, as he always did even one year later as he climbed his stead, leading the way...as the new King of Fereldan.

I was expected to go behind him, having been appointed by Queen Anora (because of me taking her father into my ranks) as the Warden Commander of the Grey in Ferelden.

Alistair and I were Cailan and Duncan.

As I struggled to climb my horse, I felt Sten automatically pull me up before he went to help a protesting Oghren. Morrigan was watching me with an unreadable expression. "I won't let you die." She declared.

Morrigan made an oath to me, which was something I never thought she would do. "Morrigan, you're not going to like...seduce Alistair. If...if this Blight can be defeated...if I have to give my life-"

"I refuse." Morrigan argued. "As much as I loathe the man, he is no king of mine. He is angry. Childishly so if you ask me. But...deep down...the fool is still in love with you. He won't let you die."

"Well he can't die! He needs to be King. That stubborn bronto!"

Morrigan chuckled. "The eve before battle is fast approaching. The mood will shift. He will change his mind."

I believed her.

And it proved to be true.