Summary:

Alice Cousland and Alistair have been child hood friends forever. But when feelings surface she runs away from him for fear that she'll be disowned for loving a bastard son. Ten years later her family is slaughtered and she joins the Gray Wardens in hope's of finding a new life. However when she discovers her child hood sweetheart among them she has to decide if what they have is worth fighting for, and if their love can truly last.

"Love is much like a wild rose, beautiful and calm, but willing to draw blood in its defense."

-Mark Overby

*Flashback Start*

Alice Cousland was hiding from her studies in the castle garden enjoying the soft breeze and sweet scents. She just didn't have the attention span to listen to the old man's lectures today. She closed her eyes and sighed contently, opening her eyes she saw a handsome young man leaning over her. He was about her age maybe older, sixteen or seventeen. He had dirty blond hair, blue eyes and the cutest smile she had ever seen. "My lady what are you doing out here?" he inquired helping her to her feet. Alice blushed and looked away,

"It's good to see you again Alistair, and I told you to call me Alice." she said with a pout which made him laugh.

"Goodness, your parents influence sure has not touched you, you feisty minx." he said with a grin, Alice smiled softly.

"No, I just merely want to be the ruler of my own mind. Being an Teyrn's daughter is so preposterous. What with learning how to be a lady. I want to be a warrior! And arranged marriages, bah!" Alice complained watching the hurt expression that flickered across Alistair's young face when she mentioned arranged marriage. "When do you leave for your Templar training?" She asked but saw this only made him even sadder.

"Within the next week or so." He replied with a strained smile.

"Ah...how is Arl Eamon?" she asked twirling her hair around her finger now.

"He is fine, Bryce is always pleasant when Eamon springs surprise visits on him." Alistair said running his fingers through his hair. A nervous habit she had noticed he had developed.

"My father is a good man." Alice said turning away looking up at the clouds,

"And you, are becoming a fine woman." Alistair said grabbing Alice's shoulder and turning her around handing a rose to her, "I thought of you when I saw this." he said with a shy-boy smile. Alice blushed and carefully took the rose into her hands. Her fingers gently caressing the delicate red petals.

"It's beautiful." she whispered looking into Alistair's eyes as he leaned closer,

"Just like you." he whispered back his fingers pushing a strand of her hair behind her ear, his lips getting closer and closer to her own.

"Alice!" Brother Aldous interrupted causing the two teens to jump out of their skin.

"Ye-yes teacher?" Alice asked hiding the rose behind her back.

"There you are! Get back in here and finish your studies now young lady!" he yelled at the young Cousland.

"Yes sir!" Alice said as she turned to leave Alistair grabbed her hand,

"Alice! I-I...I lo-"

"Alice now!" Brother Aldous yelled waving his fist at her.

"Alistair I have to go!" Alice cried as she pulled her hand back from his grip as she turn and ran back into the castle exterior trying to keep the tears from coming down her face. She couldn't love a bastard son, no matter how much she wished it.

*Flashback End*