The Secret

Kallian/Allistar

The blight has been defeated; Allistar has been crowned king and has begun to rebuild his shattered kingdom. Kallian returns to her father's home to mend her broken heart, and hide away her shame. But, how long can she keep her secret from her ex-lover.

I don't own anything, it all belongs to Bioware. I'm just having some fun with their creations.

Author's Note: This little plot bunny came to me while I was playing through as a female rouge. And Yes, I'm well aware our handsome warden says it's impossible for wardens to bear children. However, this little bunny would not let me alone. So here is my story.

Ch 1: Homecoming

It was finally over; the hero of Fereldan's journey was done. Kallian Tabris left part of her soul along the way. The small elven woman shivered as she walked through the alienage that was once her home. Her once proud stature diminished; her beautiful, golden locks hung down her back limp and lifeless, her face was tearstained and streaked with dirt. Her eyes had lost the joyful light they once had. New tears formed in her eyes, threatening to fall. Not that Kallian hadn't cried enough over her lover, but it seemed she had more to shed. Scout, her faithful Mabri who had been her constant companion for almost a year, whined at her side; she patted his head, "I know boy it's pretty sad, but, we're almost home." The pain and devastation around the alienage was almost unbearable. So much had been lost, it would take much more to rebuild. It almost didn't look like home anymore, but it was still home. As Kallian approached the house, she began to worry about what to tell her family. Would her father understand? What would he say? What would Shianni say about Alistair? Would they understand what he had meant to her? Kallian bit her lip and knocked on the door. 'Breathe Kallian' she told herself. 'Just Breathe'

The door slowly opened, Cyrion Tabris almost didn't recognize his daughter in front of him. She did not resemble that bold, daring, spitfire that left with Duncan. He quickly embraced his daughter. Kallian buried her face in her father's chest and sobbed, her small frame shook with each ragged breath. It was as if all the hurt and anguish she was holding in was pouring out of her. Cyrion was at a loss of what to do for her. He led her tight, and tried to soothe her. The commotion had brought more of the household out. With a flick of his hand, Cyrion waved his niece and nephew back to their room. "Come my child." He led Kallian into the house, and pulled out a chair for her. The mabri fallowed his mistress in to the house, her traveling bag in his mouth. He sat on the floor next to her; the dog was never far from her side. Cyrion handed his daughter a cloth to wipe her face. It nearly killed him to see her in so much pain. Especially looking into her eyes, those were Adia's eyes. What ever she had to tell him, it was not good. Kallian twisted the cloth in her hands, and took a ragged breath. "Oh Father, I'm so sorry…. But I didn't know where else to go." Cyrion brushed her hair out of her eyes, "oh child, you can tell me. It' can't be as bad as that."

"Yes it can." Kallian took a deep breath before continuing. "I…I'm…"As much as she wanted, the words just wouldn't come. Kallian sighed, as she pinched the bridge of her nose. A wave of nausea threatened to overtake her. How could she tell him about the price of being a warden? Or about Alistair, and how he had shown her how beautiful love could be? They should be together now, but, the Arl had let her know in no uncertain terms there was no room for her in the new king's life. No matter what they had meant to each other. Kallian shook her mind from her despair, and pulled off her traveling cloak. She wore a simple, tattered tunic underneath. It clung to her petite frame, revealing the small, tale-tell bulge of her abdomen. "I'm p..pregnant." Cyrion felt a smile tug at his lips, a sensation of pure joy wash over him. The one thing he always dreamed of but, figured he had lost forever the day Kallian left with Duncan. "Is that all? This is a blessed event." He took her hand in his, "did you think I would not be happy to hear this?" Kallian sighed and shook her head, "No, there's more. A lot more." She studied her father's face before answering; she couldn't lie to him even if she thought it would spare him. She saw many things in those soft, gray eyes. Concern, worry, joy, sadness… This was the one man she could always count on. The one who got her through sickness, skinned knees, puppy love, and her mother's death. He deserved the truth. "It seems the maker's will that I share my mother's legacy. If I live to see my child grow up I'll be lucky." Kallian felt fresh tears form in her eyes; she hid her face in her hands. 'Will I even live to hold my child?'