"Hi everyone, I'll make this brief. I've had the idea of this story bouncing around in my head for a year now and I'm finally writing it down.

"Anyway, I really look forward to writing this story. I hope you will enjoy and continue to read it."

***DISCLAIMER*** I do not own anything associating Dragon Age, even my sweet and sexy Alistair. I do own any OCs and the plot/wording.

Enjoy.

Alexandria Van Markham was tired. The boat ride from Cumberland to Highever had taken a little over two weeks. And with the rocking and the cramped conditions, she had rarely slept. After stepping off the ship, her body had longed to pass out with exhaustion. But she denied herself rest, she had to find her father.

Asking around Highever she had found that her Father had in fact been there, one day ago. Dispirited, she had almost given up hope. She couldn't just track all over Fereldan searching for him. Thankfully, while she had been resting in a tavern, she had heard that the Grey Wardens were gathering at Ostagar. Knowing that this was her next destination, with a worn-out body and a bag full of supplies, she quickly set out.

She knew it would be a perilous journey by herself, after all Ostagar was located in the middle of the Korcari Wilds and if the tales were true then they were full of beast and Chasind. Alex was not without skill but she knew that if she were to be ambushed she would stand no chance, alone. Although, she was willing to risk it in order to see her father.

One month ago her father had written to her. She had been ecstatic, had expected to find that he was writing to tell her that he would finally be coming for his annual visit. But as she read, her excitement had been replaced with slight annoyance and despair.

In the letter he wrote that he was sorry he wouldn't be coming to see her. Fereldan was currently in a dangerous situation and that he had to stay with the wardens. He wrote that under any circumstances she wasn't to come to Fereldan. She was to stay with her mother in Nevarra and he loved her.

She couldn't believe it. She hadn't seen her father all year and now there was a strong possibility she wouldn't until the next. And what if the danger in Fereldan cost him his life? Then she would never see him again. She couldn't have it, she wouldn't have it.

It took a week of preparation, a week of convincing her mother and soon she was boarding a ship that would take her to Fereldan. She felt bad about leaving her mother and about the lie she had told her mother in order to do so, but she knew everything would work out in the end.

She was a hopeless optimistic and quite impulsive. This is why she came here in the first place. She had set her mind to coming to find her father and help him, if possible, and come the void or high water, she was going too. Even, if it meant dealing with her father's wrath, which was inevitable.

The Korcari Wilds were everything the tales had spoke of. She had run into a group of Chasind and wolves along the way to Ostagar, fortunately due to her rogue training she had been able to avoid them. The sun had already set by the time she had reached the ruins of Ostagar. In the light of the full moon she could see the dilapidated yet immaculate walls of the once grand fortress.

A gate was being guarded by two soldiers and behind it she could see many others, sitting around campfires. Alex slowly approached the guards, who halted her with raised hands.

"Hold," one said. "Who goes there?"

"Good evening gentlemen," she smiled at them. "My name is Alexandria and I am here to see my father. He is a grey warden."

"I see," the guard stared at her inquisitively. "This is hardly the place or time for you to be visiting someone don't you think?"

"I understand but I have to see him, it's very important." She said quickly.

"We very well can't send her away," the other guard spoke. "You may enter, just know that this camp is filled with soldiers and if you try anything funny, we will arrest or kill you."

"I promise to be on my best behavior," she thanked them as they opened the gate for her and walked in. One of the guards told her that the grey warden camp was located to the western part of the camp and they closed the gate behind her.

The entire encampment was filled with many soldiers both males and females. Campfires were scattered throughout. Even mages walked around with templars following close behind. Somewhere music was being played as a bard sang along and chantry mothers were offering prayer to the people who requested it.

Alex walked towards the direction of the warden camp, watching the activities of the people around. They talked, laughed and danced. She thought to herself that if it weren't for wearing the layers of armor everyone wore, it would be look more like a party instead of an army camp.

She approached another gate, only this one was wide open and unguarded. Beyond it was many multicolored tents and Alex stopped to ask a man which one was the grey wardens. He told her that the forest green tent was it and that his tent was the red one in the back if she was looking for company later. She thanked him politely and then went over to tent.

As she approached she heard the laughter and chatter of men, as well as the clinking of mugs and scrapping of utensils. She hesitated at the closed opening of the tent, fearing her father's rage and all the while longing to see him. Taking a deep breath she opened up and went inside.

xXx

Alistair couldn't believe it. All three of the recruits had died during the joining, even the Highever recruit. He had doubts about Ser Jory and Daveth but Aedan had been full of such strength and determination, Alistair had been sure the warrior would survive. He had sent prayers to the Maker that at least one would endure but it seemed the Maker wasn't answering him today.

Afterwards, he had made his way to the grey warden encampment. Inside the tent, drinks and bowls of food were being passed around and the air was filled with the voices of the many wardens as they laughed and chatted amongst each other. Alistair was sitting isolated in a corner, a mug of ale clasped between his hands, as he tried to forget the whole ordeal.

"Alistair," A man in scale armor with brown balding hair sat down beside him, "why the long face? I've never seen you look so down before, except for that one time when Chad stole your cheese."

"Hey Jasper," he replied miserably, slouching lower onto the bench.

"If you sink any lower into that mug, my friend, you'll drown." Jasper pulled the mug from his grasp and well out of his reach. "Now, you tell me what's wrong?"

"I wasn't done with that," he tried to grab at the mug but Jasper moved it even further from his reach.

"And you can get it back, when you're not about to drown yourself."

Alistair glanced up at the older man, "You know what happened, Jasper. Those recruits…" he ran a hand through his hair, "they didn't make it. All three of them, why? With my joining, only one of us died."

"This is what has gotten you upset," Jasper gestured to the other wardens. "Listen, we all have seen the joining and we all seen people perish during it. It is just a matter of being a Grey Warden; don't let this get you down."

"But Jasper, I was certain that at least one of them would make it." He looked away as he thought back to earlier that day, "Aedan was a great warrior. He had courage and the way he handled the darkspawn, he had the makings of a warden, and yet…" he laid his head on the table.

"Alistair," Jasper firmly patted his shoulder, "I understand that this upsets you but you have to learn to move on." He handed the mug back to Alistair. "Take it from me. I've been a warden longer than you and I've seen many joinings."

"Jasper," a man exclaimed from the other side of the tent, "Herbert here thinks he can best you in diamondback."

"He does," Jasper stood up, "well I'll just have to prove him wrong." The men cheered, as he made his way over to them but he turned around to address Alistair again. "It's just something that comes with the lifestyle and we have to live with it." He added as he walked away.

Alone again, Alistair sat drinking what was left of his ale. It was then that Duncan, the Warden-Commander walked in, lines of anxiety sketched on his tanned face.

Every warden bellowed as Duncan made his way into the tent, walking with an air of confidence that was warranted for a man of his stature. Each one happily greeting their commander, it was obvious that everyone here respected him.

Alistair was especially fond of the man. He owed Duncan everything. He had saved Alistair from a life he had hated and for that he practically worshipped him.

"Evening Alistair," Duncan sat at the table across from him with a bowl and mug.

"Duncan," Alistair greeted him with a nod.

"I took care of Aedan's mabari," he took a swig of ale before he continued; "the kennel master is taking care of him."

"Good, I wondered what would happen to Axel." Alistair said taking a swallow of his own.

"How are you handling this? You were quite upset earlier."

"I'm fine." He responded.

"Liar," Jasper shouted from the other table. "Commander, he's been sitting there moping all night." He returned his attention back to the cards in his hands.

"Alistair," Duncan sighed, "there is no reason for you to be upset over the situation. You knew going in that there was a chance that no one would survive the joining, we both did."

"I know that, it's just Aedan…" he said dejectedly.

"The boy had potential, I'll admit I thought he would endure," he frowned. "His brother should be informed but now is not the time."

"And Ser Jory, I keep thinking that maybe if he had gone through with the joining, he would have made it." Alistair told him.

"I'll admit, I'm disappointed, I figured at least one would survive. We could certainly have used more wardens. But that does not mean you should distract yourself by being depressed." He stared sternly at him. "The battle is tomorrow, Alistair, you must be ready."

"I will be."

"It's important that you and every grey warden are prepared. The bulk of the horde will be upon us and there is a chance that an Archdemon may show itself."

"You still think this is a blight?"

"The king doesn't think so," Duncan ate a spoonful of soup.

"And suddenly Calian is the expert on blights." He mumbled into his mug.

Duncan snickered, "Well we should be ready just in case. And that means enjoying every moment to the fullest before the battle."

"I promise," Alistair grinned, "no more sitting around staring into my glass."

"Good, I was beginning to think you were starting to regret being a warden."

"I would never regret that, Duncan. Being a warden is the best thing that's ever happened to me." Duncan nodded and continued to eat.

Alistair began to discuss the meeting Duncan was going to have with the king and Loghain later that night, he glanced up when there was a flapping sound as the door of the tent was opened and a woman stepped inside. The first thing he noticed was that she was incredibly beautiful.

She had long black hair that she wore down with short spiky bangs that hung down her forehead. Her heart-shaped face was tanned and featured high cheekbones, a well-defined nose, full pink lips and a pair of large emerald green eyes.

She wore a plain white tunic, a blood-red hooded cloak, a silver belt which had two swords sheathed on either hip that showed off her tiny waist and her long legs were encased in brown leggings and black leather boots.

She was looking around the tent; the room went silent as everyone took notice of her. It was Duncan who broke it.

"Alexandria," he exclaimed as he shot up from his seat and stared at her.

"Father," she cheered gleefully as she ran to Duncan and hugged him tightly.

He briefly returned her embrace before taking her by the shoulders and glared fumingly at her, "Alex, what are you doing here? I told you to stay in Nevarra."

"I came to see you, Father." She smiled at him.

"I made it perfectly clear that you were not to come anywhere near Fereldan, this not the time to paying a social call." He told her firmly.

Alistair watched as they talked, the words they spoke barely registering in his head. His brain running with the new information he just learned.

Duncan had a daughter? He never told him he had a daughter, let alone a family. Forget about that, she is the most gorgeous woman he'd ever seen. Maker, he found Duncan's daughter attractive. And she was from Nevarra, but Duncan said he was from Highever. Andraste's knickers, he was so confused right now.

But apparently he wasn't alone. The other wardens remained silent as they gaped curiously at their commander.

"Father, I just wanted to see you I got a bad feeling when I received your letter." She pouted. "I know what you told me but something else told me to come here, and you know me Father."

"Alex, I've told you time and time again that following your gut can be very dangerous and in this case it is extremely dangerous." Duncan crossed his arms and took an arrogant stance. "When I told you to stay in Nevarra with your mother, it was not a request it was an order. Fereldan is not the place for you right now."

"I was afraid and I wanted to know why it wasn't safe," she crossed her arms and Alistair was shocked to see how similar she looked to Duncan.

"It is grey warden business and it doesn't concern you."

"So, all these soldiers in the camp are grey wardens then?" she narrowed her eyes.

"No, but they are Fereldan which you are not," he stated.

"But my father is both a grey warden and Fereldan; therefore I have every right to know."

"Alexandria," he drawled angrily.

"Father," she answered in the same tone. Father and daughter challenged each other; Father eventually gave in with a sigh.

"Fereldan," he said, "is being overrun with darkspawn and it could very well be a blight."

"See," Alex unfolded her arms, "was that so hard. You could have just written that in the letter and maybe I would have stayed away."

"This is no game," he shouted at her sternly, "a blight is a very dangerous situation, Alex. I wanted you to be far away from it."

"Then you should have told me," she glared up at Duncan not fazed by his anger.

"I didn't think I would have too, I figured you would listen to me but it seems I was wrong." He shook his head as he smiled. "But I should have known better. You get your stubborn side from me."

"I missed you, father. I was able to get here, safely, by using the training you gave me."

"I'm glad," he embraced her. "I've missed you too and it's good to see that you were able to get here by yourself, all safe and sound."

"Are you done yelling at me, now?" she asked returning his embrace.

"For now," he smiled down at her.

"Good," she sighed, "I was worried you were going to continue on until morning and I'm quite hungry."

Duncan laughed deeply, "Well, my daughter feel free to help yourself to the food. I'm late for a meeting with the king." He released her but left an arm wrapped around her shoulders as he gestured to the others gawking at them. "Everyone, allow me to introduce my daughter, Alexandria Van Markham. I expect for you all to make her feel welcomed."

"Hello everyone," she smiled. "My father has told me many stories about the grey wardens and I look forward to getting to know each one of you."

The room erupted as each warden greeted her, except Alistair who was still stunned from the current event.

Duncan turned her around to face him. He was smiling at him as he said, "Alex, this is Alistair. He will be your guide tonight."

Her smile turned to a grin, "Alistair, a pleasure to meet you."

He was nervous. His heart was pounding, his tongue swelled in his mouth and he feared speaking. He managed to say hello as he began to blush.

Duncan snickered, "Alistair I expect you to get her something to eat and why don't you show her around the camp.

He nodded his head, "I can handle that."

"I knew you could," Duncan regarded Alex. "We will talk more, later tonight."

"Yes, father." She nodded briefly.

He nodded and made his way to the exit, calling out farewells as he went. When he left and the flap of the tent closed behind him, the sound kicked up again as the wardens began to talk amongst them again. Alex turned and sat down across from him.

"Well," she smiled at him, "that went better than I expected."

"What did?" he asked.

"When I pictured my coming here, I imagined my father would either bite my head off or suddenly grow wings and fly me back to Nevarra."

"Ha," Alistair laughed, if there was anything he respected most it was a sense of humor. "That would be quite the sight, Duncan with wings."

"Your right," she giggled, "but I like that thought better than I did of him biting my head off."

"You know," he smiled, "Duncan never told me he had a daughter."

She shrugged, "Well he never told me about any of you either."

"If you don't mind me asking," he said reluctantly, "how exactly is Duncan your father?"

She stared blankly at him then gave a lopsided smile. "Do you need me to explain where babies come from?"

"What, Maker no," he gasped and shook his head. "I meant tell me about how he and your mother met."

"Well," she drawled, "I'll tell you but I would like something to eat first."

"Ah," Alistair stood up, "yes of course, I completely forgot. I'll get that for you, right now."

"I'll be right here," she called out to him as he walked towards the food table.

He returned to the table a few moments later with a bowl and mug. She thanked him as she took them and he sat down.

"What is this," she looked appalled at the gray, thick goo.

"Its lamb and pea stew."

"This is lamb," she said holding up a chunk of meat with a spoon and letting it fall back into the bowl.

"You can't be picky in this camp," he grinned at her.

"Yeah," Alex took a tentative taste of the gunk. "It's not that bad," she ate two hefty bites before she said; "My father and mother met when he was in Nevarra. He was there on official grey warden business.

"The Van Markham families, my family, are nobles in Nevarra. The grey wardens were staying at our estate for a time. Mother tells me that she was in the garden when she saw father for the first time. She said it was love at first sight.

She laughed. "Of course father was a lot younger then, in fact he had only been a warden for almost four years."

"How old are you?" he asked.

"Nineteen."

"Wow, Duncan nineteen years ago." Alistair pictured how his commander looked back then. He envisioned a Duncan with short hair, no beard and a less worn face. "And you say she loved him."

"Love," she corrected, "mother is still in love with him. You see father, he told me that he didn't love her at first. He was too busy focusing on the grey wardens and that he wasn't interested.

"Not that he didn't find her beautiful he just knew that, with him being a grey warden, that it was best not to get 'involved' with anyone. None-the-less, mother eventually wore him down and father fell head over heels in love."

Alistair laughed, "Duncan in love? I can't even imagine."

She happily snorted. "Well he was. So, naturally they did what any people would do, when they were in love…" Alex shook her head as if to clear away an image. Alistair could guess what she was thinking about and frankly he didn't want to think about it either.

"Five months later father had to return to Fereldan. He loved mother but he refused to marry her, he said being married to a warden was not an easy lifestyle. She understood, she knew he just wanted what was best for her," she frowned. "Anyhow, it was a month after he left that mother find out she was pregnant.

"She wrote to him, he never wrote back. And nine months later, I was born. I was about six months old, when father finally came back to Nevarra." She smiled and continued, "He says he loved me from the first moment he held me in his arms.

"Father came to see periodically as I grew up, but he always came back every Satinalia. At those times, he would tell me heroic stories about the wardens and teach me how to be a proper rogue. Mother objected that at first, claiming that she wanted me to be a proper lady but father told her," she coughed and continued in a well imitated Duncan voice, "Any child of mine will be taught how to wield a sword. I refuse to have weak offspring." As she finished, she broke into high pitch laughter.

Alistair laughed along until tears came to his eyes. He took a deep breath to calm himself and wiping the tears from his eyes he said, "So, Duncan never married your mother?"

"No," she was still giggling. "But they still love each other very much."

"I bet, although I still I can't believe Duncan never spoke of you or her."

"I'm curious about that as well. But maybe he just wanted to keep his warden life and his private life separate." She shrugged nonchalantly.

"Still," he drawled. "Well if you finish eating I'll show you around the camp."

"Alright," she said enthusiastically, as she ate the rest of her meal.

Five minutes later, they left the wardens tent side by side and began to tour the encampment. As they exited the army camp, she went up to a caged man who had been arrested for deserting.

He had asked Alex to get him some food in exchange for a key he'd found. She managed to persuade the guard to give the man his meal and after giving it to the deserter, she had politely declined the key saying she did it because it was the right thing to do.

Impressed and more enthralled with her, Alistair led her to the infirmary, where a man was screaming about the darkspawn. They had both agreed that the man was obviously crazy and had left.

They walked to the dog kennels. Alex had cheered happily as they neared; stating that she absolutely loved dogs and that her mother never let her have one.

"She claimed that they were nasty, flea-ridden and had no place with a lady such as myself." Her nose scrunched up in a way Alistair found adorable. "And father even offered to get me one for my birthday but mother was dead set on me not having one."

The kennel master was having trouble with one of the mabari. Alex offered to muzzle the dog for him and had been successful. Afterwards, the kennel master had told her about a plant that he would need in order to help the poisoned dog.

Thankfully, she already had the flower in her pack. She said she had taken it from the wilds because she thought that it was pretty and that he could have it. The man had thanked her, offered to pay and she had refused saying that she didn't need money.

They went over to see the mages but were turned away by the templars, saying that the mages were in the fade and were not to be disturbed. They had apologized and continued on through the camp.

Alex stopped to talk to a mage by the name of Wynne. The old enchanter had spoken to her of the black city and the fade. She had listened intently, while he had quickly grown bored of the conversation. It was sometime later that Wynne had politely excused herself claiming that she was tried and needed to rest.

They walked away towards the Quartermasters. Somewhere along the way Alistair noticed that he was following her around as she explored the camp. Not that he minded, actually he rather enjoyed it and that being behind her meant he got to watch the enticing way her hips swayed as she walked.

At the Quartermasters, Alex had her swords sharpened. As well as bought a few crafting agents and a small dagger.

From there Alistair pointed out a ramp and explained that Duncan was up there talking to the king. She had nodded and stated that they shouldn't disturb them then and walked in the opposite direction.

They went up a ramp that was past both Loghain and King Calian's tent. Alex walked over to a place where they could see all of the wilds. From here they could see a tall structure, that Alistair had explained was the Tower of Ishal. She commented that it was very big and she wondered how long it would take to reach the top.

The moon hung full and high in the sky, its light making it so that no stars were seen in the vast cloudless sky. Below the trees blew in the light breeze that swept through the air. For a few moments they stood silent listening to the sounds of the camp around them, until Alex spoke.

"Have you ever been to Cumberland, Alistair?" she was looking away from him and down at the ground below.

"I've never left Fereldan," he answered.

"I've never left Cumberland before," she smiled over at him. "I grew up there. I think you'd like it."

"Well," he returned her smile with his own, "if I ever get the chance to see it, I'll be sure to find you, Alex. Then you can show me all of the cities many splendors."

"Oh, it would take me forever to show you all of them."

"I heard it's enormous. They say that you could fit the city of Denerim into its borders three times."

"And you would still have room to fit a small city into," She laughed.

"Ha, so I've heard," he said.

They were standing close together and Alistair could see she had a few freckles on the bridge of her nose. He was also noted that the moonlight made her skin appear paler and her eyes lighter-their bright green contrasting to the surrounding darkness. Alistair was overcome with a strong desire to kiss her. He called on his templar training, as he resisted the urge to pull her closer.

"There you two are," Duncan called out as he approached from behind them.

"Father," Alex greeted him with a grin.

"Duncan," Alistair turned towards him a small smile on his face, trying to keep the guilt of his previous thoughts from showing on his face.

"I assume your tour is finished, Alistair," He nodded to him.

"Yes, we just finished."

"Good," He smiled down at his daughter, "Alex, I imagine you've been getting along alright."

"Of course, Alistair's a wonderful tour guide," She smiled up at Alistair and winked. "In fact, I was just about to suggest that he should consider a career change."

Duncan laughed profoundly, "I think you should listen to her, Alistair."

"I'll keep my options opened," He laughed. When he stopped he calmly added, "I suppose the meeting with the king went well?"

"It did," Duncan's face instantly becoming serious at the change of subject. "We will discuss it, tomorrow." He gave a small smile to Alex, "And you young lady, I do believe we have to talk."

"Maker," she murmured, "I was preparing for this."

"Are you prepared," he asked inquisitively.

"Yes, no, maybe," she stammered out.

"Ready or not," he crossed his arms, "we have much to talk about."

"Yes, Father," she smiled at him.

"Then come," Duncan offered his arm and which Alex accepted. "Sleep well, Alistair." He told him as he led her away.

"Good night, Alistair." Alex smiled at him over her shoulder.

"Good night," he called out to their retreating forms.

When they were out of sight, Alistair turned back towards the wilds and stared at the dark horizon, his mind racing with the events of the day. The fact that Duncan had a daughter was still a shock to him, but what really did, was that she was the most attractive woman he'd ever met in his life.

He found it hard to believe that a man like Duncan could produce such a lovely woman. There was no doubt though, she was definitely his daughter. When she glared or contemplated something, she looked exactly like Duncan.

Although, he assumed her eyes came from her mother-those big, beautiful, expressive green eyes. He could get lost in those eyes. And her lips looked so soft and sweet, with that just begged to be kissed. And Maker had he wanted to kiss her. Alistair felt his face blush as he came to realize that he was, once again, fantasizing about Duncan's daughter.

With a snap, he spun back towards the camp. It was getting late and he had to get up early to help with the battle preparations. As he walked back to the army camp, he tried to avoid thinking about Alex. Turning his thoughts to the upcoming battle and the discussion Duncan wanted to have with him.

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