Premise: Sequel to 'Don't Let Go.' Six years of living as exiles and traitors to the throne matters not to Alistair and Aliea so long as their only child, Alistea is able to survive. But living with the constant threat of danger is not the life they want. For so long they have been running, but is that really the best way to survive?

Pairing: Alistair/Cousland (warning... lime does pop up and I'm certain that there will be lemon in the future... ^w^ )

Misc: As said, this is the companion story to 'Don't Let Go,' which I had to write after falling in love with my one-shot. Takes place around three years after 'Don't Let Go,' and without giving too much away, basically Alistair and my Cousland character, Aliea, are exiles in Ferelden and traitors to the crown, spending their lives now by wandering around Thedas with the centre of their lives, Alistea, their five-year-old daughter. Where I plan to go with the story, I'm not saying, but I will say that, if you didn't read any of my plans elsewhere, I want to bring Morrigan back into the story as I do like her... to a point. And as the title is 'To Survive' and Morrigan's philosophy is 'First, survive'... well, you can imagine that Morrigan's going to have some push in the plot as it goes. Draw your conclusions from there. XP And watch a bunch of you figure everything out by the end of the chapter. Gah!

Anyhow... last thing I can think to say is again, my greatest sin in the world of fanfiction is OOC. I am terribly sorry if I do, though I have tried not to. But I will also say that remember, this is six years after the events of Dragon Age: Origins... and with how Ferelden's growing into a more treacherous land for Alistair and Aliea, I'd say that it will cause some changes of character. Maybe. I'm not sure. Still... just heads up and I hope I didn't mess up too badly.

Song Suggestions: Again, Krypteria's album In Medias Res sets the atmosphere when write in the realm of Thedas. I don't know why, the songs just always make me think of Dragon Age when I hear them. I also listened to 30 Seconds to Mars' This is War. It fits here and there, methinks. Probably because it does fit Dragon Age, even if some people want to complain about an emo rock song being used in the credits of the game. Also... I'd say that the song Little Wonders by Rob Thomas from 'Meet the Robinsons' is kinda like the theme for Alistair and Aliea's small family. It's not a definite, but I like listening to the song while writing the scenes of the two with Alistea.

Disclaimer: Once again, Dragon Age: Origins, its characters, and settings all belong to BioWare. At least Aliea belongs to me as does Alistea, Alistair's kid. BWHAHAHAHA!!!


To Survive

Chapter One

Family

"Here you are, sir. I hope it meets your satisfaction."

Giving a smile and nod, Alistair took the small and embellished dagger from the hands of the vendor and stashed it into his rucksack before continuing on through Highever. Smiling was probably the last thing anyone could imagine him doing if they knew who he was. He had no establishment to call home, living in exile and on the run. He couldn't remain in one place too long, for fear of being recognized and having his location reported to the loyalists of Queen Anora. And right now… he was within Ferelden, the last place he should be in. It was risky to be here, but… it didn't matter.

He was here for the sake of his wife…

And that was reason for the man to smile, no longer fearing of being without the love of his life and for the first time in his life… actually having a family surrounding him. It wasn't a large family, but it didn't mean the love and happiness amongst them wasn't immense. It didn't matter to any of them that life was hard; he and his wife had suffered through more than enough to know to be grateful for what they did have.

And they did have a lot to be grateful for.

Most of it… lay in the smile of a small girl with lively brown eyes and hair the color of soft sunshine.

"Ah! Papa! You're back!" the said girl cried out once Alistair stepped into the room at the tavern where he and his family were staying for the time being. She swiftly jumped up from where she sat with her mother's mabari hound to tackled her father's legs before he lifted the five-year-old into his arms.

As much of a rambunctious scoundrel the child could be, his little girl could hardly frustrate the man.

Not as each day he saw her, Alistair remembered that it was even a miracle for him to have his daughter Alistea.

"Yep. I'm back," he returned as he kissed the girl's cheek, still finding himself in awe to be able to hold this child. Three years ago, he didn't even know he was a father; had her mother not tracked him down after he left, he probably would have never known. And it wasn't just that, but… he was amazed that the girl even existed. Her parents were both Grey Wardens and it was nearly impossible for two people with the taint to even conceive a child.

He was very lucky to have his little girl.

"What'cha buy me? You did buy me something, right?" Alistea began to prod, her wide eyes shining brightly with expectation, making her father laugh with delight.

"Ali… haven't I told you not to hound your papa for gifts all the time?"another voice broke in, beckoning the father and daughter both to turn their attention onto the other human amongst them – Alistea's mother and Alistair's wife – sitting next to her mabari, Markus, as she smiled up at the two of them, a smile Alistair returned… though Alistea responded with a groan.

"But Mama! Don't I get something today? Please!"

"Oh? Why is that? Is there something special about today? I don't remember…" teased the ivory skinned woman with the same soft gold hair of their child but possessing brilliant green eyes that had always been so full of life.

"Mama! Don't joke! You know what today is!" Alistea cried out before spinning back around to face Alistair, her small hands tugging onto the collar of his shirt. "Papa… you remember what today is, don't you?"

"I do? I'm not sure… it's obviously not 'Run For Our Lives' Day… or am I calling it too soon? I hope not. I'm quite enjoying not having bandits or darkspawn on our tails today…"

"Papa! That's not funny!"

But Alistair gave a chuckle, finding it just as entertaining as his wife did – judging by the amused smile on her lips. Though he had no intentions of provoking the child further as he carefully moved to sit down by the mabari and his mistress, kissing the cheek of his girl again. "Alright… you're too smart for me. I give up…

"Happy Birthday, Ali…"

To that, the child gave a delighted squeal just as her mother leaned over to kiss the girl's cheek as well and gave her congratulations, only making Alistea giggle all the more. She then looked over to both of her parents, her brown eyes once again shimmering with expectancy. "So… presents?"

"Your one-track mind is as bad as your papa's," the woman laughed, brushing her fingers against Alistea's bangs. "I told you… wait for a bit, Darling. You'll have your gifts when you see your uncle today…"

Now a pout was on the child's face, her arms crossed as she glared at the floor. "I don't even know Uncle. How do you know I'll like him? Or that he'll like me…"

"You will like each other, don't worry. He's as foolhardy and ridiculous as your papa…"

"Thank you for trying to keep me in high regards with our daughter," Alistair scoffed rather dramatically, swinging his head over to no longer face his wife… and invoking an indignant gasp from her.

"Oh please! It's like I'm raising two children!"

To this, Markus gave a happy bark and Alistair could easily imagine how the woman's green eyes would have thrown a glare to the dog, which was quite evident in her words. "Oh be quiet. I don't need you backing these two up…"

"But Mama… why do I have to wait? Please?" Alistea begged, leaning out of her father's arms to tug at her mother's hand. "At least just one present… I do get something to play with, right?"

As his wife gave a sigh, Alistair relented to turn back to regard her, the both of them gazing at each other sadly. This was one of several things that they both regretted in regards to their child. Alistea didn't have a normal childhood in the least, constantly moving throughout Thedas with her parents, her only constant companions aside from Markus. Though her life was hardly devoid of playtime, she also did without many luxuries other children had. The child barely interacted with anyone her age, so used to being with her parents and their friends; in fact, she only got frustrated when she did attempt to speak with kids her age, but lacking the maturity that Alistea already possessed. But it didn't mean she wasn't a child. Alistea enjoyed toys as much as any other child, actually more so, given that she didn't have many. They had to travel so much that it just was unwise to own so much that they had to carry.

It did hurt Alistair as he didn't know whether or not his daughter had a better childhood than he did, a sentiment that was probably what strongly drove him to express his love for her as much as possible, to at least give her something that he never had. And he knew his wife felt terrible about their daughter's situation, particular because, if life was as it should be, Alistea would have never had to deal with this sort of issue.

After all, her mother was hardly a mere commoner.

She was Aliea Cousland, born of one of Ferelden's most powerful noble families. Her child should be living in luxury that would make almost every other child envious of the girl. She shouldn't have to fear for her life and the coming day, only know that she did and would have a future.

But Alistea didn't have that life. Instead she was the daughter of an exile and traitor to the throne, living the life of a scavenger with no certainties save that uncertainty could always be expected.

He wondered if he and Aliea could finally do away with this sort of life, able to give some certainty to their child.

"Mama… Papa… don't look like that. It scares me."

"Sorry, Darling," Aliea sighed, holding her arms out to the girl who quickly took the hint and scrambled into her mother's arms, allowing the woman to embrace the daughter she loved dearly. "Your papa and I just wish things could have been better for you. It's not right that things aren't better for you…"

"It's okay, Mama… Papa. It's okay. I don't mind things like this. I have a mama and papa that love me and each other. And we have lots of friends that help us, so I'm happy. Don't be sad," Alistea whispered, hugging her mother tightly as her solemn brown eyes gazed over to Alistair, a gravity contained within them that made the man feel so much pride for his daughter… as well as despair. She really was such a brilliant girl with such maturity that it was sometimes hard to remember that she was only a child. But she would not have had such development if she just had a simple life that every child deserved to know, blissful and devoid of the world problems before she had to transition to adulthood. Certainly she might be better prepared as she grew older, but…

Alistair just wished that his daughter could live for a time without any true worries of life.

"We could have done better for you, Sweetheart," he murmured, reaching over to draw a thumb over her round, rosy cheek. "There are things your mama and I both could have done to make things better for you…"

"But… I thought it was the queen's fault," the girl questioned, her face contorting for a moment just as his would in suspicion though it fell away as she went on. "I thought she's why we have to run… why we can't have a home…"

"She is, but…" Aliea gave a sigh as she gazed back at Alistair and he could easily see – and feel – the caution and uneasy lingering behind her emerald eyes. They had yet to explain to their daughter about how they were once Grey Wardens, their exploits during the last Blight, even the lineages the girl was descended from. Alistea had no idea that her mother had been part of a family with power and influence second only to royalty or that the last of the Theirin legacy flowed in the veins of her father – and herself. They weren't ready to explain all of this to the girl, uncertain how she would take it and what it would mean. They were going to risk letting her know of her Cousland heritage today. Anything else… they weren't willing to… yet.

But that… unfortunately meant lying… or at least not telling the whole truth…

"You remember what we told you, Ali, right?" the former noble woman murmured, turning back to her daughter. "Your papa and I, with all of our friends… we didn't agree with the queen. So… we had to leave and hide…"

"Because you were part of the first rebellions?"

With a deep breath, Aliea lied, "Yes." She then swiftly shook her head thought and forced a smile onto her lips before nuzzling her daughter's nose, causing the child to giggle. "Now… let's forget this, Darling. It's your birthday after all. You better get ready so that we can see your Uncle and you can have your surprises today…"

"Okay," Alistea piped up before quickly granting both of her parents a kiss and jumping out of her mother's arms and running over to their packs to rummage for a new change of clothes, having already been told that it would be best for her to look as nice as possible. It did make Alistair laugh to see his daughter so energetic.

"Alright… so what did you get her?" Aliea interrupted his laughter, regarding him skeptically as she scratched Markus behind his ear. "It better not be something that is going to make me start screaming…"

"Well… what would that be?" he inquired, turning away and scratching his chin as if pondering the thought. "I don't really remember you screaming much… except, well… that's not even applicable. So what would make you scream otherwise? I'd suggest a genlock head on a pike, but knowing you, that wouldn't be enough… and that's hardly something I'd want to encourage Ali to like…"

"Alistair… I'm serious. What did you get her?"

With one look at the smoldering glare in his wife's eyes, Alistair had to resist the desire to press the teasing, well aware that when she got that look in her eye, she was hardly one to be soothed over or distracted. "I think we should discuss this outside… so we don't upset Ali," he pointed out instead as he stood and held a hand out to her.

She glared at him, his hand, and back before looking back to where Alistea was… then giving a sigh, grasping her husband's hand and letting him help her up onto her feet. But before she followed him out of the room, she glanced down at Markus, commanding, "Keep an eye on her." Then she joined him outside.

"What is it? What did you get her?" she grumbled, crossing her arms as they stood in the corridor which was thankfully devoid of passersby… for now.

"First… I just want to say… it's definitely not a head on a pike. Or anything like that…"

"Alistair…"

"And I am thinking of her best interests…"

That was met with a scoff and a harsh glare. "Now I know you got her something I'm not going to like. How is it in her 'best interests' whatever it is?"

"Well… you remember a few weeks back?"

"That's very vague…"

"That time that worried us? Really worried us."

Swiftly horror settled into Aliea's now wide eyes as her mouth fell open. "Alistair… you didn't…"

"She's been asking for one…" he murmured, reaching into his bag to pull out the dagger he had bought earlier… which Aliea swiftly shoved back against his chest.

"She's five, not fifteen…"

"Two years younger than you when your father started to train you…"

"That's not the point!"

"Aliea… my dear," he whispered, striding up to her and wrapping an arm around her, holding her close despite how he felt the woman's body tremble, probably from both fear and anger. He understood what she must be thinking, but he couldn't react the same way as his wife did. "I know she's young, but… she's already living a life that only adults should be exposed to. We can't keep babying her for our sakes…"

"She's growing up too fast. I don't want her to," Aliea muttered, her forehead buried against the crook of his neck and her hands gripping tightly onto his shirt. "She's only five. I just want her to be a child, like she should be."

"And how many children her age have faced darkspawn? How many of them are running and hiding for their lives? How many of them have to face battles on a weekly, if not daily, basis?" he reminded, kissing her by the ear, understanding her desires. She wanted things to be right for their girl for once, as did he.

But right now… he was more concerned with keeping Alistea alive and well…

"But… we're leaving this soon," she whispered back, her voice beginning to break. "We're going to find somewhere where we'll be safe and…"

"Aliea, I doubt that we'll ever find a 'safe' place for the three of us," he returned, pulling away slightly and moving a hand to hold her jaw, tilting her face up towards his. "But if we're talking about being safe… listen. The last things I want to risk are your and Ali's lives. And we almost lost her back then. If something like that happened again and we aren't as lucky as we had been… I just don't want to face that prospect…"

"Ali starts fights though, Honey," she countered, her voice still soft as she reached a hand up to his and grasped onto it tightly. "I don't need her to be armed around kids her age…"

"Then only when we're traveling or teaching her. That will appease her," Alistair said, leaning down to touch his forehead to hers. "I know you don't want to lose our baby by seeing her mature far too quickly, but I'd rather that than to lose her for good…

"I'm happy to have her in our life. I don't want to lose her at all… our only child…"

She gave a sigh and touched her lips to his in a soft, lingering kiss, one that made him hum, glad to feel such a delicious, moist mouth against his. "I wish it didn't have to be so hard to have another baby… I'd also feel better to if she could have someone to play with that's far closer to her age…"

"Well… we haven't exactly had much a chance to 'try'…"

"Oh, don't even say it…"

But he smirked and pressed a deeper kiss to her lips, muttering, "So… you think we can try sometime today?"

"Alistair!" she gasped, slapping his arm, but… he could feel the smile on her lips and the eager impatience in her slender figure. She didn't at all mind finding a chance today to give into their passion. He doubted she would. After all it must have been weeks since they had been able to indulge. It had been quite easy to tell that she had been growing restless lately…

"Mama, Papa, why is it that every time you run off, you're kissing? You guys do know that I know you kiss, right?"

The interruption hardly caused embarrassment for the married couple as they broke off and looked down to Alistea. Of course they knew that their daughter was aware of some things that happened between romantic couples. They'd kiss and embrace around her, though… they always tried to keep it less… intense around the girl. And they certainly hoped the girl remained unaware of exactly how babies were made…

"Actually, Ali… your Papa and I were discussing something else," Aliea began, her hands moving to pry the dagger from Alistair's grip. She then quickly moved to stash it back in his rucksack. It was a movement that made the girl's eyes go wide and delighted, especially as her mother shooed her back into the room and knelt before her. "Five is a very important age you know. You're growing up so fast and into such a bright girl…"

"Yeah…" Alistea said slowly looking from her mother to her father and back expectantly. "I try my hardest…"

"I know you do, Sweetheart," Aliea nodded before moving one hand to take a steady hold of Alistea's head and press a kiss onto her forehead once more. "And you know… when you grow up, you get to do new things, but… you also have to learn some responsibilities… do you know what I mean?"

"Like… making sure Markus is fed and to be ready when you and Papa tell me to be?"

"Exactly. Your Papa got you something, but… I need you to promise me a few things first…"

"Okay…"

"First… no more fights with other kids, okay?"

"But they're never my fault!" Alistea cried out in outrage. "The other kids pick on me and call me ridiculous! And they make fun of me when I tell them about what Auntie Leli and you taught me about the Maker! And the boys never believe me when I say a girl can be as strong as any boy!"

"And that's when you throw the first punch," Alistair sighed, shaking his head and leaning back against the door. "Ali… what have we told you? Why is the Ferelden's queen causing problems for the nation and us?"

It was Alistea's turn to sigh as she hung her head, kicking her foot into the ground. "Don't force others to be who you want them to be. It only makes things worse…"

"So… don't you think your fighting does just that?"

Another sigh. "Yes."

"So can you promise us that you'll at least try to stop?" Aliea questioned, reaching under her daughter's chin and turning her eyes up. "I'm just asking that you try, Ali. Try to remember what your Papa and I tell you…"

"I do," she muttered despairingly. "But everyone else… they make it so hard…"

"We know, Sweetheart. It's life, but it's a lesson you have to learn," the girl's mother went on, stroking Alistea's cheek. "So please, just try your hardest from now on to not get into fights. It's better to ignore what you can…"

"But we get into fights when we travel…"

"Life and death situations are different, Ali," Alistair interjected, now moving to kneel down next to his wife. "You know your mother tries to talk things over when was have that chance. Darkspawn don't really give us any…"

"Okay… I promise," Alistea cut in with a nod. "I'll try not to fight other kids anymore."

"Good girl," Aliea smiled, granting the girl another kiss which also made the corners of the child's lips quirk upright as well. "Now… another thing is… we're going to trust you a lot with Papa's gift and we're going to have to set a few rules…"

Somehow, despite hearing that she was going to have certain restrictions set on her use of whatever present she was about to receive, Alistea just nodded and looked to both her parents expectantly. Alistair had to contain the chuckle he wanted to give at how unreal it seemed for this girl to understand circumstances so well.

"First… you're going to have to listen to your papa and I when you can use it and can't, when you can and can't have it, okay?" Aliea went on after their daughter nodded. "It's your birthday gift and it is yours, but while you're still young… it's just not a good idea to let you always have it.

"So we're only going to be able to let you have this when we're traveling or training you…"

As Aliea had spoken, Alistea's face had begun to fall, hearing the limitations that she would have to adhere to in regards to her gift. Perhaps she had been okay with a few rules, but hearing that the use of her gift would be decreed by her parents… that certainly hadn't brightened the girl's spirits.

At least until the word 'training' had been mentioned…

"Wait… training?" Alistea repeated, sudden excitement leaping into her eyes as she looked from one parent to the other. Then she was bouncing on her heels, her hands clapped together. "What is it? Huh, Papa? What did you get me?"

"First… you have to agree to your mama's terms…"

The birthday girl just gave a vigorous nod, her eyes still eagerly focused on her father. "So… what is it?"

"Well, since you're five now and growing up into such a big girl…" Alistair began with a smirk, reaching a hand into his bag to draw out the small blade once more, this time for Alistea's eyes.

The immediate reaction from the child was a squeal as her hands went to her mouth. She stared at the blade for some time, held out before her, but she did not reach for it. She did not take it. Only stared. Until her eyes shifted between her parents and she uttered, "Really? You mean I… I actually… I get to have my own blade?"

Still smirking, Alistair nodded and gazed over to his wife who smiled as well, though her eyes still held a caution within. But then she closed her eyes and sighed before she hugged Alistea, murmuring, "Your Papa thinks you're ready for one. And I know this is a big responsibility, but… you're a smart and brave little girl, Darling. So I think you're ready too. What do you say?"

"I… wow," Alistea whispered, a shaking hand reaching out for her birthday present. Her small hand wrapped around the hilt before the other grabbed it by the sheath, steadily drawing it closer to her. Alistair released the dagger and let the girl hold it out before her, watching her as she took in her present with awe. Especially as she slowly drew it from its sheath…

"Wow… pretty," she murmured, staring at the slender metal blade, adorned with delicate etching. It was a weapon that was as beautiful as it was deadly, something Alistair felt was best for any daughter of Aliea. It was a motif he believed fit his wife and thought it was only right for any daughter of hers to inherit that same trait. He wanted Alistea to follow her mother's footsteps as a warrior, though he knew Aliea would have only been glad to see their daughter be fall away from her warrior lineage if only for hopes of peace and safety in her life. She was a mother now and had already seen her daughter's life fall into risk. She didn't want that to be a constant of life for Alistea.

But… Aliea had also lived a harsh life herself and understood that sometimes… life was not what you wanted.

You just had to work with what it gave you.

They both knew this and they were both grateful that at least… they had their family and friends amidst it all.

So if giving Alistea her own means of defense and training her to use a weapon was what was needed to increase their daughter's chances of survival… then Aliea would not be foolish enough to hold onto a dream that could never be.

Alistea slipped the dagger back into its sheath, hugging it to her chest as a wide, delighted smile spread over her lips. She then looked up at her parents, granting them both her bright, big smile, her brown eyes dancing with excitement before she leapt at Alistair and Aliea both, throwing and arm around each of their necks and hugging them with all the love her small body could contain.

"Thank you, Papa… Mama. I… I know this is a lot and I won't make you regret giving this to me. I'll make you proud. I promise."

"We already are, Sweetheart," Alistair whispered in mher ear, running a hand down her back. "We already are…"


"Wow… Mama… you used to live here?"

As the small family waited in the main hall of Castle Cousland, those were the first words out of Alistea's mouth after they spent several minutes waiting for Aliea's brother, the Teyrn Fergus Cousland, to greet them. The young girl was bouncing on her heels, holding her father's hand as she looked around the room in awe.

"I… yes," Aliea murmured as she wandered around the room, taking the moment to gaze over to her daughter before turning back as she soaked in everything around her. The place might put their daughter in a state of awe, but for Aliea… it was as relieving as it was painful. Alistair wondered what did so to her exactly. He knew that the castle had once been assaulted by the late Arl Rendon Howe who then had set himself in the position that had been Aliea's father. He could remember the day they had rescued Anora when Aliea finally had the chance to bring Howe to justice, how the woman had fought with all the sorrow and pain that she had suffered since that day… and stared down at the murderer's body, her face blank and lost; she found no satisfaction in the death the man deserved.

Because there was nothing that could bring her parents back…

But what Alistair didn't know was… what did the sight of the castle itself do for her? He knew nothing of whether or not it looked at all similar to the home she had grown up in. Was it the same? Was it different? Was that where the pain originated from? Or was it the thought of her parents' death?

Or that she no longer lived in these halls?

"I can't believe my memories were true. I worried that Fergus hadn't done as well as I last remembered," he soon heard his wife give a forced laugh. "It's still the exact same as it used to be. Same colors. Same decorations… same arrangement. Just…" She gazed over the walls, the tears welling up in her before she trudged over to where her husband and daughter stood, Markus trailing after her. "Howe destroyed the pictures of my family… they're not here anymore. I guess Fergus couldn't acquire more anywhere else either. I can't show Ali her grandfather…" she murmured in a broken voice as she took hold of the amulet at her neck and gazing at the back; it was the same amulet that had been given to her by the spirit resembling her father when they had gone to search for the Urn of Andraste's Ashes. A fleeting smile appeared on her lips before tears began to fall down her cheeks. She gazed back to Alistair, her eyes bloodshot and filled with so much pain. "Alistair… it's not fair. It's not. It's as if he and Mother never existed… it's not…"

She said no more as the tears began to flow immensely and she allowed her sorrow to overtake her.

Alistair quickly took the chance to try to comfort his wife, releasing his hold on Alistea's hand and wrapping his arms around the sobbing woman, inwardly mourning for her loss as well. He felt terrible for her. To have had two loving and doting parents… then have them violently taken away from her.

He didn't know which was worse. That… or living without parental love at all…

He just wished she could take some comfort in his arms and the presence of their daughter.

"Papa… what's wrong with Mama? What does she mean about… about showing me my… 'grandfather?'"

Alistair looked down to the youngest of both the Theirin and Cousland lines, her small hand gripping at his tunic and tugging, sadness and worry engulfing her bleak eyes, trembling as she gazed to each of her parents.

"Your grandfather… your mother and uncle's father… he died before you were born, Ali," he whispered softly, tightening his embrace around Aliea as he felt her body begin to tremble greatly to hear of her father. He knew his wife loved the man dearly; she wouldn't have Markus, be so aptly trained as a warrior, or have such a kind, just, and fun-loving heart if it hadn't been for the late Teyrn Bryce Cousland. "She would have wanted you to meet him, to be able to love him as much as she does…"

"Oh…" was the simple murmur that left Alistea, helpless staring at her crying mother. She didn't see this often. Sad, worried gazes, yes, but there had only been one time Aliea had bawled so hard around their child; and that was when Alistea had been snatched away by darkspawn and had been a mere second away from death. Alistea just was so unfamiliar with this sort of situation… of course, she didn't know what to do.

"I'm sorry, Love," Aliea finally croaked, still clutching onto her lover, now resting her head on his shoulder, no longer sobbing, but lingering tears still leaked from her eyes. "It's just… it hardly looks different… and… I feel as if my father and mother are somewhere here, about to tell me it was just a nightmare, their deaths, yet…

"I know that if they didn't die… I couldn't have met you. We wouldn't have our baby…"

Alistair nodded, his arms now shaking against her form, hating these thoughts. Thoughts of wishes that certain things could be different in some way, for it to be better than it way. Yet… as the realization sunk in, the former templar had to admit, for life to be any different from what it was… it would mean that their small family would have never existed…

It was not a thought that settled well with him…

"Huh? Mama… what do you mean? How did you and Papa meet? Why did your mama and papa have to… to die so you could meet?"

A sigh escaped Aliea as her grip tightened on her husband's shirt once more. Again, the fear of the truth haunted the couple, wondering just how far Alistea's questions would go, how much information she would probe for before declaring that she wished to know the truth instead of the vague claims her parents made. She would have to be told one day, Alistair and Aliea knew they. She no longer was a child that could not hold her tongue; she knew how words could bring you a step closer to death. Just for now… they didn't want to say too much, explain too much to the girl…

Luckily… they didn't have the chance to give an answer to Alistea.

Not as Aliea's brother finally strode in.

"By the Maker… so my little sister is truly alive and well and here to see me! Andraste be praised!" the teyrn exclaimed, striding up to them as Alistair loosened his hold on his wife as she turned to face him, a sad smile on her face. "Oh, Little Sister… still crying for Mother and Father, Maker bless their souls…"

"Just for some fool ideals that I wish could have been fulfilled," the younger Cousland murmured, releasing her husband and moving to her brother, embracing him instead as one would embrace a fond friend that had been missed for so long. "It's good to see you again, Fergus…"

"And you too, Aliea," the man returned, giving a short moment to his own longing sadness for his sister's presence before he pulled away and smiled once again. "And I doubt they are fool notions in the least. Of course Mother and Father would have wanted to see your daughter! Speaking of which… where is that niece of mine?"

"Um… right here, Uncle…" Alistea spoke up, softly and timidly, a sheer contrast to the girl that Alistair knew.

"Oh? Well, I should have known, shouldn't I? That she'd be such a striking image of her mother…" the older man remarked as he came apart from his sister and knelt before the girl. "Oh, don't tremble so, little Ali. It would be such a pity for me to see you again after so long, especially on your birthday of all days, to only think that you fear me…"

"Wait… huh? Again? We've met before?" Alistea murmured, a little bolder, but drawing in closer to her father, her small hand tightly gripping onto his.

"You wouldn't remember, but you were born here as befitting any Cousland. And remained here until your mother felt she was well enough to travel and comfortable with the notion of taking you on a trek in search of…" The man stopped and turned his gaze up and over to Alistair, a sudden fire in his eyes that was no less fierce than the one that could reside in Aliea's, but it lacked the brilliance of his sister's gaze; his eyes only a pale green in comparison to the younger. "And I suppose you found him, Sister. Maric's bastard…" the man hissed as he stood up again.

"Brother, please," Aliea pleaded, resting a hand on her brother's shoulder. "I told you before not to be angry with Alistair. He would have been there, had he known he was going to be a father.

"And he's been a good father to Ali. She loves him dearly. Don't speak harshly of him near her…"

The noble man gave a sigh and crossed his arms, shaking his head before gazing back to his sister. "Sorry, Aliea. It's just a 'protective brother' complex. Especially as you've had to spend a life of running and hiding because of him…"

"Fergus… mind what you say," Alistair's wife bit out in a rather hostile tone. "He is my husband and father of my daughter. He helped me out a lot after Mother and Father died. He gave me my baby and made no attempt to shunt off his responsibilities as a father to Ali. And he certainly didn't stall in marrying me after we found each other again…"

"Again, I'm sorry, Sister. But I didn't mean it in a harsh way. It's a simple truth and more Anora's fault than Alistair's own," Fergus returned solemnly and sincerely… before he quirked his lips up in an amused smirk. "But my… you know… Father would find great delight in this moment… seeing you berate me as Mother would…"

"Fergus… don't you even…"

"I told you that you'd turn out like Mother sooner or later. She was as much a headstrong battle maiden as you are," the teyrn laughed robustly, turning a jolly smile down to Ali. "So… how similar is your daughter to you? Does she have a fighter's spirit as well?"

"Papa gave me a dagger for my birthday," Alistea declared, making both her parents freeze with shock as all three adults stared at the young child. "They're going to start training me to use it soon."

For a moment, silence drifted amongst them. Long enough that, edgily, Aliea and Alistair turned to each other, both looking rather worriedly to each other, wondering how disproving Fergus would be now…

At least until he gave a hearty laugh.

"So here it is then, huh? I last I see the girl is when she's barely a year old. Then the next time I greet my niece, she might as well have grown up into a warrior!" He turned back to his sister, still smiling widely as he met Aliea's shocked gaze. "So eager to see her taking on the world as well, Sister?"

"Please, Fergus… don't give the girl any such ideas. Alistair only bought her the gift… to be on the safe side when we travel. We just had a close call recently. We don't want them to get worse…"

"I imagine you wouldn't. And I wish I could harbor you here for longer than a mere day," the noble sighed, sadly looking over the small family before him. "I just hope the two of you can find a place to settle down, somewhere where Ali's life isn't in such danger…

"You'll be leaving Ferelden, right? Your redheaded friend said you would be leaving tomorrow…"

"Yes… and unfortunately we can't tell you where…"

"It's for the best, my dear Sister… now, if I may, I wish to speak with your husband alone…"

"A… what?!" Aliea cried out with shock, just before she grabbed her brother by the shoulder and forced him to face her. "Fergus, there's no need. He's no entity that you needn't trust…"

"As much as I believe you, Aliea… I don't, in a way. I believe that you believe he is to be trusted. That he has no improper ambitions or motivations with you. That he's an excellent husband and father, but… he is an unknown entity to me," the teyrn reminded firmly. "I don't doubt your beliefs… I simply would like to find them more… confirmed.

"After all… it's hard for a brother to believe that the man is decent when he left my sister on the eve of a severe battle and left her alone to birth and raise a child…"

"Fergus, I told you… he didn't have a choice and he didn't even know I was carrying Ali!"

"Aliea… Dear…" Alistair took the moment to interject, resting a hand on his wife's shoulder and gazing at her somberly. "It's fine. I should speak with your brother. If I don't… he won't trust me and I'm sure he's only worried about his sister and niece's own welfares…"

"Alistair… there's no point and…"

"You had some things you want to show to Ali… why don't you now? Things will be fine," he said with a nod before turning away and kneeling before his young and baffled daughter. She blinked a few time, not turning to him but keeping her eyes on her mother and uncle… until Alistair spoke her name. Then she gazed at him. "Ali… you'd like to see more of the home of your mother's childhood, wouldn't you? And she still has much to explain to you about her family. I don't think she explained to you that your grandfather was actually the teyrn, Bryce Cousland…"

"The… wait?! You're not kidding?! You mean… didn't he fight with King Maric?!"

"He did…"

"Mama! Is that true?! Really?! Oh Mama, is that really who my grandfather is?!" the little girl cried out, bounding to her mother and gripping onto Aliea's dress as the child bounced with excitement.

With a sigh, Aliea glanced over to Alistair, their firm gazes meeting before she gave in, turning to her daughter and murmuring to her in a low voice of confirmation for her girl's words. She steadily then led the girl out, the mabari hound following them, and both men watched as she did, seeing her glance over her shoulder warily just before she closed the door…

And Alistair could honestly say that after a few moments of silence… he was left surprised.

"Well… I was expected a punch to come…" he admitted, turning to regard the nobleman, his brow cocked.

"Honestly… so was I. Having one's honor spat on, whatever little of it might be left… it's never a welcome prospect," Fergus nodded before scoffing as he turned a disgusted look away. "But make no mistake that I mean you caused yourself to lose what honor you should have. I merely mean that your technical sister-in-law has done such…"

"Surprises me that you seem to be rather approving going by those words…"

"Given that my sister holds no animosity towards you despite leaving her and not being present for Ali's birth… I trust that you are a man with honor. You married my sister and aide in the care for her child. I won't hold you in contempt.

"I simply would like to speak with you, get to know you without my sister lingering around. She tends to have an overshadowing presence, if you know what I mean…"

The former templar nodded, but shifted his weight from one foot to the other, crossing his arms as he did. "She's also cautious when it comes to her family. Ali doesn't have much of a blissful childhood. The last thing Aliea wants to see is Ali lose what she does have."

"And she holds me in suspicion, I suspect?" the teyrn inquired, not exactly in disbelief. More like… realizing a worry was confirmed. It seemed so as the man shook his head. And it was certain as he spoke. "I had feared that she no longer trusted me as she once would. I suppose I should be grateful she's trusting me at all to visit me now…"

"She's uncertain," Alistair corrected. It might not be much of a difference, but there still enough of one. "If anything, she doesn't trust Anora. She worries what happens if your queen somehow finds out that we were here and interrogates you for information…"

"And she told me when I last saw her not to put my life on the line for her," Fergus nodded and began to stride out the same door Aliea had exited with their daughter. And before he gripped the doorknob, the eldest of the siblings beckoned Alistair to follow him. "I'd rather we went somewhere else to converse. The last thing I need is some unexpected visitor striding in to see me speaking with the last of the Theirin bloodline."

"I'm surprised that my family can even be within your walls," Alistair remarked, falling in step behind the nobleman. "Your guards and servants…"

"They're all swore loyalty to the Cousland family, not Anora. They won't do anything to strike against a member of the Cousland family. Aliea and Ali are blood relations and you are married to my sister… you are all persons that they have pledged their lives to. And it's already known by any aware of your existence that Aliea is a threat because she loves and aids you. All those here are people unhappy with Anora anyhow," Fergus explained as they made the short journey to the estate's library and the study connected there. He waved Alistair over to a chair in the room, which was accepted, before the teyrn sat behind the desk there. "But it matters not, so long as no one recognizes you. As much as you bear a resemblance to Maric and Cailan, I doubt anyone will truly realize the why. After all, Anora's decrees are still rather… unknown. Only those of high ranks know of her plans. She would risk too much if she allowed commoners knowledge that Maric has a surviving son."

"No one knows I exist? How? The rebellions…"

"They were ended so quickly and as your presence was not amongst them… few even believe you ever existed. And if they do… they feel certain that you are dead. Though I know Arl Eamon does not…"

"How is he? And Teagan?"

"Alive. And as worried about you as I am about Aliea." A somber look crossed the noble's face as he gazed a questioning glance Alistair's way. "I'm surprised you haven't visited them at all. They have inquired about you, hoping Aliea sent me some word of your welfare…"

"Do they know of Ali?"

Fergus mournfully shook his head as he leaned back in his chair. "The last thing I want is to fear for Aliea or Ali's existence. I let Aliea stay here during her pregnancy and Ali's first year not only because I wanted to know they were safe but because I was certain that I could keep their existence hidden for some time. And if I release such details to anyone that need not know…"

"It was risking too much," Alistair nodded with a sigh of relief. It was a bittersweet thought, to revel in the knowledge that Eamon didn't know anything of his current situation, especially of the fact that he was the father of a beautiful and brilliant little girl. He hated hiding much from Eamon, but… after how willing the man had seemed at the Landsmeet to let him be exiled, the former templar had been much like the angry boy that had been sent to the Chantry. Right now however… letting Eamon know he lived… he worried if the man might try to convince him again to take up the throne, in Ferelden's best interests. Perhaps he wouldn't, but Alistair wasn't chancing it, not while it would affect Alistea.

The last thing he wanted was risking the chance that Anora would learn of Alistea's existence.

"For what it's worth… I thank you for what you did. I know she's your sister, but you are right… she wouldn't be in this mess if it wasn't for me," he murmured, grateful and quiet. He really didn't know what he would be doing right now if Aliea had died. Especially if she had died because of him, for him…

And he didn't even want to think about Alistea never having the chance to live…

"Don't blame yourself. She's a Cousland after all. If there's anything I've noticed of our family, we're headstrong and utterly devoted to those we love," Fergus explained with a shake of his head. "And my father raised us both to be willful and strong. It wouldn't have been Aliea if she didn't set her heart on the path to devote herself to you." He paused and gave a scoff, but it was an amused one, judging by the smile on his lips. "History seems to repeat itself in a way, doesn't it? My father fought for yours and now his daughter would do the same for you…"

"I'd rather it never has to come to that…"

"I gathered as much, but… Alistair… do you mind if I call you such?"

"It's my name, isn't it? And I don't have any titles… or any that I care for."

"You should. Especially as we rarely chose our own fates. Frequently, they are thrust upon us and the more we fight them, the harder and more burdensome life becomes. After all… would you say you'd rather a life if you fought against a life as a father to Ali, a husband to my sister?

"Or is life easier because you've accepted these facts of life?"

"Aliea and I made the choices that brought us into this reality…"

"But had you any idea that when you left, she was carrying your child?"

"Your Grace… if you are trying to use my daughter to convince me to try to take back what I've renounced, it won't work," Alistair scoffed as he stood. "Yes, I accepted the duty of a husband and father, but I do not see how doing so risks Ali's life. She's my daughter and just because my blood flows in her veins, she cannot be safe within Ferelden. Even if I refused to be there for her, her life would be in danger. Perhaps more so as an extra blade is better than none.

"If I continue to hide and refuse the throne, then she stands a better chance at survival. If I sought to challenge Anora… then I am risking my child's life. I don't care to be that kind of fool…"

Silence drifted within the room as both men continued to stare at each other, their gazes harsh and firm… until the teyrn allow his lips to turn up in a smirk. "Either you've always been a stubborn man, or you've let my sister influence you greatly," her murmured with evident amusement as he got up onto his feet as well. "I'm glad my sister was right to trust so deeply in you. I thought she was being the naïve fool she and my father were when she left to find you. I didn't think you were going to actually accept the responsibility to a child you had no notion, never mind the fact that you left.

"I'm glad to be assured that you do love my sister and niece as greatly as you do.

"Now… as much as I wish you'd reconsider your birthright, I won't try to press you further. I'm sure you wish to return to Aliea and Ali, though I doubt you know your way around the castle…"

"Your help would be appreciated," Alistair nodded as he gave a bit of a helpless shrug, also relieved that this talk had come to an end, except… "Teyrn Cousland… I actually have a few questions for you myself…"

"Given that I have interrogated you, I think you're entitled to a few," the elder Cousland sibling permitted with a nod. "Oh, and call me Fergus. You're my brother-in-law. You needn't be so formal around me. I doubt you were so formal around my sister. When you first met I mean…"

"That's because she was also a Grey Warden. Or at least a recruit. But… speaking of Aliea…" Alistair began, quirking an eyebrow as he regarded Fergus suspiciously. "I have to wonder… do you wish me to be king for the simple fact that you know I would take your sister as my queen? If such would happen, that is."

"It would merely be a delightful bonus, in my mind, not a motive. All I want is to see Ferelden in just and reasonable hands… and no longer fear for the wellbeing of my sister's family. I don't know if she mentioned to you, but… I lost more than our parents.

"I had a wife and son… both who had gone to be with the Maker that night Howe attacked…"

"Yes… she did mention that," the blonde said in a morose whisper. "I don't want her to gain more pain either…"

"Yes… now is there anything else you wish to ask, or…"

"It's more a request. You made mention that I am Maric's bastard earlier. I don't take offense to what you said. It's the truth, I know," the former Warden stated, flat and even. He was desensitized to the notion in all honesty. He didn't care if anyone saw him that way. He had lived with it all his life. He was used to it. But there was another reason… "But… Ali has let to learn everything about Aliea and myself. And while her life is threatened, I'd rather there is no way people could learn from her lips that she's a Theirin…"

"I can see your caution, yes. And I do apologize for the term I called you. It was insulting and I shouldn't have, but…," Fergus returned in a voice that made Alistair able to see how this man was his wife's brother. There was soft concern in his voice, yet… there was also a firm and compelling force behind it… the same kind that had made Alistair defer the decisions to Aliea in their mission during the Blight. She was a few years younger than him, new to the Grey Wardens… but she was a woman perfect to be placed in the leader's position. It seemed that perhaps that was a Cousland trait as well; even Alistea was beginning to radiate the attribute. "You should know that while you do have Ali's best interests at heart, you do have to realize that she will have to be made aware of why her life is in danger. The true reasons.

"Before someone else is the one to inform her…"


Absence of one's presence hardly ever sat well with Aliea anymore these days.

It always meant 'if I can't see you, I risk learning that you died' to her anymore… or that death had indeed happened. Especially in these days when contact was far and few between amongst her old companions.

And it was even harder in regards to the people that had spent almost every waking moment at her side.

Wynne had been amongst the first. The old mage had been the first – by only a mere second though – to assure Aliea she wouldn't face her unexpected pregnancy alone. Nothing seemed to be more important to Wynne other than seeing that the young Grey Warden gave birth to a healthy baby and eventually raise her with all the nurture and love a mother could provide, as well as seeing that Aliea had the love and support to do so. It had been hard enough to go through the pain of motherhood without Alistair at her side; Aliea was just glad that Wynne had been there, along with so many others.

The young mother could still remember how delightful those first few months with Alistea in her arms had been… and how she would tease Wynne that apparently she was the grandmotherly type, how she was being so to the daughter of Alistair as those two had been rather fond of each other… and how she asked Wynne if she minded being seen as a grandmother to the girl. The mage didn't… but there had barely been a chance for her to be called such by Alistea.

As Aliea once told Alistair, the worry for both the lives of the young mother her child, had been a strain on everyone… and it had been worse for Wynne.

She hadn't even been able to witness Alistea's first birthday.

The pain of the mage's absence had brought everything crashing down around Aliea greatly, made it impossible for the woman to leave her daughter out of her sight for even a moment… and made the cold nights without Alistair near her all the more unbearable.

Then there was Leliana, the one of two women Aliea had come to think of as a sister. When the noblewoman had made the decision to leave her family's estate to seek out Alistair, many of her friends voiced how she couldn't run off alone, but they all knew that they couldn't all go with her. Leliana had been the only other one to accompany her, switching between keeping contact with Zevran, seeking out relevant information, and being Aliea's companion and Alistea's 'aunt.' Aliea didn't know what she would have done without the bard during that time, knowing that none of the others where ones she would have so willingly trusted Alistea's care to. And given how the woman who was both Fereldan and Orlesian was gifted in spinning a tale and in song, it only seemed right for her to be one that was part of the child's care, especially as Aliea wanted her daughter to hold the same ideas of the Maker that Leliana did, instead of the Chantry's.

But even Leliana's time with her came to an end, though not in the painful manner of Wynne's.

Leliana no longer spent so much time with the mother and daughter because Alistea had her father now; Aliea didn't need to worry about someone keeping an eye on the baby if she couldn't and again, if too many of them were together it would probably give their identities away. But Leliana was still the one that visited the family the most, yet…

Aliea just hated how she could hear nothing of her friend's welfare otherwise and always worried for her.

There were others too of course, though not with exactly the same effect except loss.

Fergus, of course, was one, being the last remaining member of her family before her time as a Grey Warden; but it wasn't impossible for her to know how well he was doing… just being away from him hurt. She missed the company of Zevran, Oghren, and Shale and was always glad when they were able to make the sparse visits… that would happen no more. And then… there was Morrigan…

She remembered how outraged with the witch she had been that last time she saw her, the night she came with a deal to the Warden, a deal Aliea had turned down. The last thing in her life she wanted was to spare Loghain. She allowed him to live so that he could die; she wasn't going to betray Alistair further. But there was also the worry that… what if Loghain had been killed as Alistair wanted and instead… the lovers were forced to make that deal so they could be together. Aliea couldn't take that thought and she doubted her husband could have either, never informing him of Morrigan's words.

But as much as she wanted to punch the witch that night… Aliea was grateful.

Morrigan didn't want to risk the noble's life, the life of her friend… sister. Aliea could hold no anger towards the woman anymore and only wished that she hadn't disappeared, or would at least return. She doubted that the woman could so easily be killed and she had to admit that the notion of introducing her – and Alistair's – daughter to Morrigan would probably be a hilarious scene to play out before her…

But the humor was lost to Aliea as she sat on the bed in her old room, in the same room she gave birth to Alistea, watching the girl play with Markus and all the old toys that had once been hers; she was glad Howe didn't destroy those at least and it granted her daughter a chance to experience a childhood she should have had. But while Alistea played about happily, all her mother could do was worryingly watch the child, worrying about her father and what life would be like if the last of the Theirin line received the treatment Anora no doubt wished upon them.

She hated mistrusting her brother, but… she knew she was giving him a painful burden by harboring them, even for just one day. If Anora found out… Aliea knew she'd lose her brother, the only person she had left of the near blissful life that had been theirs before the last days of King Cailan. And as much as she couldn't bear the thought of losing Alistair or Alistea… she couldn't lose Fergus as well, not after being blessed to still have her brother alive and well after everything…

She would rather he betray her than to see him die.

But to betray her husband and daughter, she didn't want such to happen… and knew it wouldn't

Yet still, she sat here, worrying about Alistair, hating having him out of her sight and arm's reach. Yes, he would leave her frequently to accomplish a job posting when it was his turn, just as she would leave him and Alistea when it was hers. But somehow, she trusted his skill too greatly to worry. But here… she couldn't help but worry…

She hoped it was only because she was worried about how Fergus would handle a talk with Alistair because he could be a bit of an overprotective brother and had been greatly agitated that his sister had gone through a birthing without the father at her side.

Still, whatever worries were on her mind they were pushed aside as a voice broke through her ruminations.

"Mama… Uncle called Papa 'Maric's bastard.' What does that mean? Did Papa know King Maric?"

That made Aliea jerk as she turned wide eyes onto her daughter. She was really going to have to chew her brother out for using that word around her girl. Though… there was something a bit more… imperative focus in that question that the mother didn't want to answer. She hoped she could make Alistea forget about it…

"Ali… don't repeat that word… bastard. It… it's an insulting way to… describe someone."

But still the girl probed. "Oh… what does it mean? And why'd Uncle use that word then?"

"Ask me when you're older."

"But… Mama… what does it mean? How is it an insult to Papa? Did he not like King Maric? He doesn't always seem to, but… he never says anything bad of him, like Queen Anora…"

"Ali… please," Aliea snapped, a little more harshly than she would have preferred, but panic was beginning to grip her heart. "It… it's just not an easy topic for your papa, so please… wait until you're older…"

The child gave a pout, but went on playing, albeit in a more frustrated manner, ignoring the mabari this time, leaving the dog staring at her rather sadly. But Alistea paid him no heed, not as her hands were clenched around the stuffed dolls of people and animals, slamming them into the floor and against each other at times. And there was no longer a smile on her face or a laugh on her lips… making Aliea give in with a sigh…

"Ali… don't be mad at Mama," she murmured, slipping off from the bed to sit down next to Markus while her daughter proceeded to ignore her. "Sweetheart… do you really want to know how or why people think badly of your papa, especially if none of it was his fault?"

"But… Mama… I don't understand anything that's going on," Alistea mumbled, her movements slowly stalling until she shoved the doll into her hand to the ground… as her shoulder began to tremble. "You and Auntie Leli always told me stories about Teyrn Bryce… and you never told me he was your papa. Why? Why didn't I know before and…

"Mama, what happened? If Uncle doesn't hate us, why can't we live here? This was your home before, right? Your papa helped free Ferelden so… why aren't we safe here? If Anora's a bad queen… why does it matter if you were in some rebellions? Why don't others fight her as well?

"What's going on? Why are you hiding things from me? I thought you loved me…"

"Oh, Baby… don't say it like that. You know I love you," Aliea said in a pleading voice as she pulled her daughter into her arms and held her close, running her hand over the girl's shoulder-length, soft hair as she leaned back against the bed. "I… I know your papa and I don't tell you some things, but… Baby… it's because you're still a small girl. We just… we want you to stay safe and we don't want to tell you things you might not be ready for…"

"Like what? What can't I know?" the child said in a low voice, her small hands gripping at her mother's clothing.

"Things that… Baby, you remember the nightmares you had a few weeks ago, after… after we almost lost you?"

"Yes," was all Alistea mumbled out, her shoulders shaking, the chill of the memory still evidently present.

"Some things your Papa and I know of… they might have that same sort of effect on you. Make you be afraid. And I don't want you to be fearful. You're my brave little girl. I don't like seeing you afraid…"

"Is it really that bad? But… what about your papa? Why didn't you ever tell me about your papa? How could he make me be afraid? Why couldn't I know about him?"

"You did, Sweetheart," Aliea whispered, pulling away and tilting her head to gaze sincerely into her daughter's big, brown eyes. She loved seeing those eyes. Innocent, loving, and lively… so much like her father's, yet so much more. "Auntie Leli and Mama told you all those war stories remember? We did tell you of your grandfather. You knew who your papa spoke of earlier, remember? You knew about him… you just didn't know that he was your grandfather…"

"But… I… why didn't you just tell me before? Why couldn't I know?"

To this Aliea gave a sigh as she carefully stood, Alistea still in her arms, before she returned to the bed, setting the child against the pillows before she lounged by the girl. "Baby… you know that your papa and I, we have to be careful. And we especially have to be careful with you. We don't want anything to happen to you, Darling. And… we don't want you knowing something that others might kill you for. At least if you don't know, some might see you as a harmless girl…"

"But Mama… you told me never to trust bad people. They're never always good to children…"

"I know… but… can you blame your mama for wanting to at least give you that chance of mercy… if those that might take you from your mama and papa have any room for mercy…" the nobleborn murmured, her fingers gently brushing aside the little girl's bangs before she gave the girl a kiss on the cheek. "Baby… I promise, everything there is to know about you, your mama and papa… you'll know one day. Just let yourself grow up a little bit more, okay? And don't grow up too soon…"

"Not if it means I have to help wash Markus," Alistea wrinkled her nose with disgust. "That never looks like fun."

To that, Aliea had to give a relieved laugh before nuzzling her nose against her daughter's, drawing out more giggles from the girl. "It never is. He just doesn't appreciate bubbles like you do…"

Though there was a fresh wave of giggles on the young girl's lips, they were quickly silenced as there was a knock on the door and they heard Fergus call out, "Sister? Are you and Ali in there?"

"We are," she returned as she got up from the bed, pulling Alistea into her arms before she went to open the door… and felt relieved to see Alistair's smiling face as he stood by her brother.

Although the soft and silent reprieve was quickly shoved aside as Alistea exclaimed, "Papa!" before practically leaping from her mother's arms into her father. "Oh, Papa! Mama gave me her presents! She said I get to pick three of her old dolls! Three!"

"Great… my own wife is trying to compete with me for our own child's love," Alistair groaned mockingly, making Aliea glare and cross her arms as he and Fergus stepped into the room. "Trying to outdo me with her presents…"

"Oh, please… like that can ever happen. Not while the both of you act like you were raised by dogs," Aliea grumbled, setting a skeptic glare on her husband. "Ali's always been more drawn to you since you're less keen on setting rules around her. I'm the 'boring, mean' one…"

"For the record… I didn't say that…"

"Oh, Mama… Papa… don't be silly," Alistea laughed as her arms went around Alistair's neck. "I love you both. And… Papa, your dagger is really pretty. I really like it… just as much as I like Mama's dolls."

"Would it be too soon for me to imagine that Ali has to frequently play peacemaker between the two of you?" Fergus spoke up, directing everyone's attention back to him, as he knelt by Markus, delighting the dog by scratching him behind the ear. "So… why exactly did you two marry if you're at each other's necks like dragons?"

"For no reason why you need to know," Aliea muttered as she slumped onto the bed.

"Ah… say no more," the elder sibling smirked… just as Alistair did.

"Don't you try to read anything into that," the only adult woman warned the younger man, barely noting how her brother stood or how her husband allowed Alistea's feet back onto the ground.

"Read into what?" the other former Grey Warden questioned with fake innocence as he knelt before their daughter, inquiring, "Did your mama show you around the castle at all? Your uncle was going to if she didn't… especially the armory…"

"Wah! Really?!" Alistea squealed before shaking her head. "No, Mama just showed me her toys. We've been in here the whole time." She swiftly whipped her head around, staring over at Fergus with excited eyes, again bouncing on her heels. "Uncle… really? I get to see the armory? Oh… and you have a library, right? Can I learn more about our family? Oh please!"

"You sound as bad as your mother was at your age," Fergus laughed as he strode over to Alistair and Alistea. "You have an enjoyment for history and battle, don't you? I don't see why I can't indulge your requests then… provided that your mama doesn't mind…"

"I'll regret it if I say I do. Just don't let her play with any blades," Aliea sighed before casting a glare at Alistair… who only continued to smirk that sickeningly contagious grin of his, frustrating her to no end. Frustrating because she suddenly knew what he was up to…

And because it was making her want to shove her own brother and daughter out of the room sooner.

"Oh yay! But wait… Mama… Papa… aren't you coming?" Alistea wondered, coming down from her high as she looked from her mother to her father, her face scrunching up with suspicion.

"Actually… I'm rather tired out," Alistair said, faking a yawn as he moved to sit down by his wife. "And you have so much energy… you're only making me more tired…"

The girl's face remained contorted, not at all dropping as she turned to her other parent, murmuring, "Mama?"

"Well… you know how Papa is…" Aliea began as she positioned herself behind her husband, gaining an approving hum from him as she began to massage his shoulders. "He gets cranky if I leave him to his solitude…"

Alistea's nose was quick to scrunch up with disgust as she stuck her tongue out. "I keep telling you that I know you guys kiss when I'm not around! Why did you still have to hide from me?"

"It's an adult thing, Ali. We're funny that way," Fergus cut in quickly as he gently led the girl towards the door. "Besides… do you really what your parents around, kissing and such, while we're looking at swords and armory?"

"I don't care… I just think they're being silly, acting like I don't know what they do," the little girl grumbled, but them seemed to ignore the adults around her as she turned to the mabari and called to him, "Come on, Markus. I bet Mama and Papa want to hide from you to…"

Alistair just shook his head as Aliea rolled her eyes, but said nothing else as they watched Markus run to join Alistea before they followed Fergus out of the room. But her brother was the last one out, giving a wink as he shut the door… after locking it.

"You sneaky scoundrel, you…" she hissed at Alistair as she shoved him down to the bed and hovered above him, glaring… and only growing more annoyed as he simply smiled at her. "Use my brother to get us alone…"

"I did no such though. He wants to see is niece so I mentioned that he should take her to the armory. She's got a bit of a sadistic mind and enjoys sharp things. It would keep her occupied for hours… oh wait… I might have, actually…"

"I should beat you for that…"

"Please don't. Haven't I told you enough that when you're being rough it's just not as much fun?" he continued to tease, the fool's grin still plastered on his face as he pushed himself up on an elbow. "Besides… just try to tell me you don't want to do it."

"You know… there are times… that I hate you," the former noble growled, but had to surrender to her husband words as his hand reached to cup her jaw and he leaned forward, touching her lips to his… before he swiftly spun around and forced her onto her back. She couldn't help but give a surprise, but amused laugh as they finally kissed. "By the Maker… Fergus better keep that girl occupied for awhile…"

"So do I. I'm not eager to even think of when this ends," he rumbled, his lips sensual and sultry against hers, hands roaming, his touch possessive and hot, even through the layers of clothing. It still had Aliea panting and gasping into his mouth… until his hands found her breasts and pinched her nipple, forcing her to give a pleading cry. "Definitely don't want this to end…"

"Well… would you stop the teasing and get on with it?" she hissed, her hands at his shirt, forcing it up his torso.

"Now, Love… you know that I just can't do that," he smirked against her lips, but did break away to tear the shirt from his body before he returned to her, this time sliding his lips against her neck as his hand groped her thighs, shoving her skirt out of the way. "I've missed having you like this. Can't we savor it…"

"As long as you don't drive me crazy and… dammit, Alistair!" she gasped, her hands gripping at his back as she gave a jerk… feeling his fingers already teasing the sensitive bud above her entrance. She couldn't stop herself from twitching and squirming, her blood growing hot with everything about her lover, from his lips on her shoulder to his deft fingers and his strong back to his heated breath on her skin… and even the mischievous snicker he gave. Though that made her blood rage with irritation.

"Stop driving me insane," she snarled, her grip on him shifting as she tried to angle her body. The ache in her hips and at the bottom of her spine made her restless and needful, her breathes heavy and interrupted with shrill gasps, unable the fight against the movement of his fingers. "Alistair… you're making me go crazy!"

"And you do the same to me, Dear," he murmured, his lips at her ear. He then shifted, lifting his head to allow him to gaze down at her was a dark smile and moving his free hand to gently un a finger along the corner of her mouth. But his fingers at her core did not leave nor stop, both to her delight and ire. Though… as she stared into his eyes and felt his fingers at her lips, Aliea's exasperation began to wane, her hips rocking with his movements, only wanting to gain that pleasure and relief that waited at the end.

A damaged gasp leaked from her lips as her movement began to speed and her nails dug into Alistair's back. He gave a pained grunt, but his fingers didn't stop just as his eyes did not pry away from hers. It was driving her mad, unable to break away from his intent gaze even as she began to thrash, unable to take this much torment.

Just as her body neared its breaking point, she gave an urgent cry, her hands gripping him by the back of the head and shoving his lips down to hers, their mouths meeting in something more akin to a crazed clash than a kiss. Aliea didn't care and she doubted that Alistair did, not as she realized how heavy his breathing was and how quickly his own heart was beating. It was all she needed to let go, giving a muffled scream as she did.

She felt like a wreak as she felt her body slowly wind down, her head racing, heart still beating so rapidly, and hips muscles still giving uncontrolled spasms. But… she could smile and do so delightfully, even giving light laughs as Alistair gave her tender kissing along the side of her face, his hand now drawing soft circles against her hip.

"You can stop now," she whispered, turning her face to meet his lips and relishing the lazy, lingering kiss that came. However she broke it rather quickly, smirking as the former templar jerked away with wide eyes, heaving…

As her hand had no slipped beneath his pants and held him by his length.

"See? You can stop now. Don't be so tender now. Get us naked and can knock yourself out," she said in a lusting, low snarl, confidently caressing him, enjoying having him helpless and involuntarily reactive to her touch, making him tremble with restrained pleasure.

"And you complain about me driving you insane," he growled, grabbing her by the wrist and shoving her hand out of his pants before he proceed to obey her earlier directive and rid himself of anything barring his body from hers, just as she did the same with her own clothing. She had to chuckle with delight as she met his dark, hungry glare before he stalked back to her, shoving her down to the bed and kissing her hard. "You drive me crazy every damn day… Woman. Hell… I just have to see you smile and I want you against the wall…"

"Well… it's not like you can't have me against the wall, if that's what you really want," Aliea teased then laughed as she watched her husband jerk away to stare at her with wide eyes. But the laugh died away as she gave a gasp, feeling herself wrenched from the bed before Alistair swiftly brought her against the wall, her breasts pressed against the cold stone and Alistair's chest pressed to her back, his lips already taking to suckling her neck and shoulders. And it only made her laugh all the more, her head thrown back as she did. "I take it you really wanted to, huh?"

"Hmm. You know… this is why I love you," he rumbled against her skin, his hands rough against her hips. "It might be Ali's birthday, but you sure do a great job of making me feel like I'm the one getting the special treatment."

"You're married to me. You should consider that special treatment," she murmured, reaching back to grip her lover by the hair as she twisted her head to allow her to kiss his cheekbone. "Now… make love to me before I start screaming…"


Endnote: There it is then... the first chapter and I apologize for it being so long. I wanted it shorter, but explanations and explanations and well... the fun lime scene kinda wouldn't end as quickly as I hoped. XP

So... I hope I didn't do too badly with Alistair here. I know I needa listen to his sense of humor more and try to fit it in better. Just didn't think that it would be quite the right thing to do though when getting an 'interrogation' from his brother-in-law. XP

Well... I dunno what else to say right now except that I hoped you liked it and are as eager as I am to get to see Chapter Two. To let you know... I think Fergus will have a few appearances and I'm going to have Anora pop in as well, along with the Guerrein family. Also... sorry to any lovers of the mabari party member and leaving Markus as an afterthought. He's kinda tough for me to work in, especially knowing what my plans are for the story. As for other party members, in all honesty, I don't know Zevran, Oghren, or Shale that well as I raced through my first and only completed playthrough because I had to see the Landsmeet on. So only Alistair, Morrigan, Sten, Leliana, and Wynne got any attention from me. XD

Anyhow... that's all I have to say I think. R&R ^_^