Hi everyone!

Just a quick note at the start here, I haven't abandoned my other DA:O fic, Shattered Soul. I'm just having a major block with it. What has happened, however, is a little plot bunny has grabbed on which I am hoping will re-inspire and kick start me again.

So…this is an idea which has been floating around for a little while and won't let go. After replaying DA:O yet again I couldn't help but think "I wonder what the relationship between Alistair and Cailan could have been", especially as we never saw them interact in-game. So, this is my little AU take on that idea.

So, there are a couple of things you'll all need to know.

1: Alistair's royal parentage has been recognised in this universe, but not until his later years. As such, he is not a Grey Warden (and as with my other fic, Shattered Soul, he is 25, with Cailan at 30).

2: My own nation of Nileesa does feature in this fic (Anyone who has read anything of Shattered Soulwill recognise pieces), but with one crucial difference. It was victorious in the Battle of Merlinne, so Arria stayed in Nileesa and didn't join the Grey Wardens.

3: The Blight does not happen in 9:30 Dragon (so does not feature in this fic)

I don't expect this to be very long (ten to fifteen chapters I reckon), but I hope to make it a worthwhile read.

Disclaimer: I do not own DA:O or any of its characters. I do however own all of my own characters and my own little nation of Nileesa.

And on that note…I hope you all enjoy!

Chapter 1: Brothers Against The World

From up above in his study, King Cailan watched Denerim's citizens going about their daily lives. He envied them, he envied how simple their lives were. Sure, being the King had its perks, but on days like today it truly did not feel like it. He had nobles to bicker with, trade negotiations to get headaches reading over…and generals to get criticised by. Loghain had just spent ten minutes ranting to him about his form when sparring and how the King was slacking, an accusation Cailan had not taken to lightly. After giving him a not so subtle indication of his feelings on the matter Cailan had stormed away and taken refuge in his chambers, while giving his chamberlain express orders not to allow anyone in. Not Loghain, not Anora, not anyone. He just wanted to stare…and wish.

The clicking of the door to his bedchamber had Cailan snarling and he swiftly slammed shut the door to his study, ensuring that whoever the imbecile chamberlain had allowed to slip past would get the hint they were entirely unwanted. When he heard the footsteps outside cease he hoped that would be the end of it; until a knock came at the door. He growled in his throat but froze when the pattern changed to one known by only one other. It can't be…

Cailan raced to the wooden impediment and threw it open, his jaw about falling open at seeing who was on the other side. "Alistair! How in the Maker's name are you back so fast?" he greeted with a hug, overjoyed to see his younger brother returned.

Alistair smiled before he pulled back, raising an eyebrow. "Well I know you are utterly hopeless without me around, as proven by you slamming out the world." Cailan shook his head and huffed, leading Alistair to laugh. "Nah, the Bannorn was being an even bigger pain in the ass than usual and most of them were just locked in petty squabbles, so I left Eamon to deal with it. He's more savvy than either of us when it comes to smoothing over feathers, neither of us really have the patience."

Cailan sniggered. "I can just see you rolling your eyes at all of them. I can remember our father being exactly the same in private." The brothers shared a smile, glad to be re-united. Considering their awkward start, the half-brothers had grown incredibly close in the five years since their bond being recognised.

Upon Maric's unexpected death his will was read to the Landsmeet by Arl Eamon, and the implications behind it had sent shockwaves throughout Ferelden. With the King's sudden death and Cailan not yet married, he had instructed in his will for his secret second son to be found: and recognised as Cailan's heir. Though Loghain had vehemently opposed such an action, both Eamon and Bann Teagan had declared not only their knowledge of Maric's illegitimate son, but also they knew where he was. It had taken a couple of months of negotiating with the Chantry to have Alistair released from their clutches, but it was eventually managed. Alistair's arrival had dramatically changed the dynamics in Ferelden and had become a major sore spot between Cailan, Loghain and Anora. The older man had felt the newly recognised Prince's station had undermined Anora's barely-begun status as Queen, she and Cailan having only been married a month before Alistair came to Denerim. Eamon had been the one to finally calm his ire, assuring Loghain that Alistair was insurance alone. The last thing Maric would have wanted was for the Theirin bloodline to die out, and if the worst should happen to Cailan, Alistair was the last.

Things had not started well for the two brothers. While Alistair was relieved to be free of the Chantry, the resentment he'd been met with by almost everyone in Denerim had him wondering whether he has simply traded one viper's pit for another, even nastier one. Cailan had resented his arrival, feeling that Maric had lacked faith in continuing their bloodline. Whether that was ever his intention was up for debate, but for the first month things had been decidedly frosty between Cailan and Alistair. The King made every effort to ignore his half-brother while Alistair just did his best to keep out of the way, while being instructed by Arl Eamon of what his new role entailed. It wasn't until Duncan returned to Ferelden after a meeting of the Grey Wardens that things truly began to change.

Cailan had overheard a conversation between the Warden Commander and the Prince – the older man having made a point of looking out for the younger Theirin since they journeyed from the monastery to Denerim together – and for the first time realised just who Alistair was. He'd heard tales and bits of information from the Chantry, but he'd never truly made the effort to get to know him. Alistair had mentioned to Duncan what a curse his blood was and how he didn't know whether being in Denerim was any better than the crippling loneliness he'd experienced in the Chantry. It was only then that Cailan saw that Alistair hadn't wanted this change: it had been thrust upon him as much as anyone else. He had no aspirations to the throne, no want to truly learn about governance and wished he could have vanished back into obscurity. Hearing his thoughts out loud had given Cailan a new perspective, and he had then made his presence known. Alistair had been shocked to see him, but Duncan saw the change in the King's eyes.

"Alistair…I feel that maybe we have both gone about this the wrong way - with regard to our situation and our connection. Would you care for a fresh start?"

That offering had changed everything, and the pair had realised they actually shared a lot beyond their physical similarities. Not the least of which was their mischievous streaks; Cailan thoroughly enjoyed it when Alistair had deemed he needed a break from reality. They had steadily become friends, and eventually each other's confidants. When Cailan needed someone to talk to, be it about the nonsense of politicking and grandstanding by the nobles or the odd spat with Anora, Alistair was there. And when someone made noises about Alistair's parentage or tried to corner him into doing something against his own will, Cailan made sure it was swiftly dealt with. Sure they got on each other's nerves often enough and fought viciously on occasion when they didn't agree, but when it came down to it they always had each other's backs.

"So, anything interesting happen while I was off losing my will to live? Or have you just been shutting the world out every day?" asked Alistair with a raised eyebrow, hinting at the slamming of the door.

Cailan snapped out of remembering and focused in on what his brother was saying. He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, a habit he'd picked up from Alistair over the years and laughed. "Well, no. I've been in here since Loghain decided my form and commitment were poor. After that I wasn't really in the mood to indulge in anyone's company."

Alistair chuckled. "I wonder why. I don't envy you for having Loghain as a father-in-law."

The King's eyes lit up. "Speaking of father-in-laws…your almost one is here right now."

The younger brother looked at Cailan in surprise. "Bryce is here? Since when?"

"I invited him, I've asked his advice on a couple of matters. He'll be here for the next couple of weeks I imagine." Cailan's smile brightened slightly. "Why don't we go see him? I imagine he'll be glad to see you."

"I'm surprised you didn't go speak to him after your spat with Loghain. You normally find any excuse for an opportunity to throw a couple of jibes about me towards Bryce."

Cailan laughed as he headed towards the door of his study. "True, but it's not half as much fun when you're not around to hear them." The King got an elbow to his ribs as Alistair caught up with him. "Ouch, that hurt!"

"That was the idea, genius. How did I end up with you as a brother again?"

"You can blame our father for that. If he hadn't decided that I couldn't be trusted with Ferelden's future on my own, well…I wonder where the pair of us would be right now."

Alistair smiled. "Yes, one can only wonder."

The pair wandered down to the Landsmeet chamber, knowing that was the best chance to find Teryn Cousland and greeted several people they saw on the way. When Cailan winked at a few of the female servants on the way Alistair rolled his eyes but said nothing, knowing his brother was in a complex situation. It had been five years since Cailan and Anora had been married and they were yet to produce an heir, something which was steadily growing into a greater problem. Through various conversations he had with each of them over the years he knew it wasn't a lack of trying, but he could see the frustration growing on each of their sides. Tension was growing and though there hadn't been a confrontation about it yet, he knew it was coming.

As they entered the chamber it didn't take long to find their target, but he had very unexpected company. Both brothers smiled as they approached and it was Teryn Cousland who noticed them first, greeting them with a smile. "Your Majesty, I did not expect to see you." His attention spun to Alistair and his smile grew. "Your Highness, I was under the impression you were still in the Bannorn."

"Well, I can only stand the boredom of politics for so long, as you well know Bryce," replied Cailan sarcastically. "Sadly it seems my brother has the same tendency and has left the negotiating to Eamon."

Alistair raised an eyebrow. "Let's see how long you last listening to endless squabbles about whose land a damned tree sits on and who can cut it down or not. I was losing the will to live!" That gathered laughs from the Teryn and King and a wry smile from their fourth, who Alistair spun to welcome. "Duncan, it is good to see you again. It has been a long time."

Duncan inclined his head towards the brothers. "Indeed it has, Your Highness. Sadly Grey Warden business never ends and the trip to Weisshaupt was a long one this time." Cailan's eyes flickered at the mention of the Grey Warden citadel though only the Warden Commander noticed it. "I imagine a great deal has changed in the months since I set out, Teryn Cousland was updating me on some events of note," finished Duncan, casting a pointed look at Alistair.

Cailan coughed, drawing all attention to him. "Well, as you are here, Duncan, may I speak with you? I'm sure you have lots to inform me of and I will be happy to enlighten you on many other events." The Warden Commander nodded and the two men wandered to a distant corner of the hall, making sure to be far from any prying ears. "I'm glad to see you have returned, Duncan, I was beginning to wonder at the length of your absence."

"Apologies, Your Majesty, but when you sent me word about the potential alliance, I went on a small diversion on my return trip."

The King nodded knowingly. "So you did go to Nileesa. I was wondering on whether you might. What can you tell me?"

"Sadly, not much. I managed to gain entrance to the country due to my status as a Warden but I was greeted with much apprehension. The Nileesans have now become a very cautious people after the attack which so nearly wiped them out, but they are also highly suspicious. They fear another attack may come at any time, from any other."

"I'm sad to hear that. King Elloin had not mentioned that part, but I can see why." Cailan paused and sighed. "Do you think this is a good idea, Duncan? I mean, we really don't know that much about these people because they have been so secretive but it seems they are open to an alliance with us, though I do fear their motivation."

Duncan smiled reassuringly. "Fear not, Cailan. The Nileesans are a very noble race and they have no aspirations of conquest. They simply wish for allies to alleviate that very perception, and to stop all the other countries fearing their secrecy. The few of them that I found willing to speak openly with me were interesting people."

"Oh? Anyone of note?"

"A couple, as a matter of fact they were recommended to me as choices for potential Wardens. They both refused me, but that is unsurprising given their duties in Nileesa, especially with the country at such as crossroads almost a year after the attack which almost destroyed them. If you do decide to pursue the alliance, I would recommend asking for them to join the delegates for negotiations: they will give a good showcase as to the two sides of Nileesan viewpoints."

Cailan nodded thoughtfully. "If you give me their names I shall be sure to ask for them. Now, how much did Bryce tell you about events here?"

"Teryn Cousland has updated me on much surrounding the unrest in the Bannorn, as well as the change of circumstances to the Prince."

"Really? How much did he tell you of that?"

"We had only just started discussing it when you arrived, Your Grace."

The King's smile flickered. "I shall tell you the rest then. It is an...interesting story."

Alistair watched Cailan and Duncan move away with a look of suspicion, knowing that was unlike his brother. As far as he was aware, there was nothing that Duncan had told anything either of them which the other did not know, but maybe he was wrong. He felt a hand grasp his forearm lightly and spun back to the other man standing next to him. "Since we have an opportunity, may I speak with you privately, Your Highness?" asked the Teryn, a gentle smile on his face.

The Prince smiled back and nodded. "Of course." The two men wandered out of the hall and took shelter in a small study only a few corridors away, making sure they would not be overheard.

Once they were away from everyone else they relaxed and smiled brightly at each other. "It is good to see you, Your Highness. I feared I would miss you for the duration of my stay."

Alistair shook his head. "You should know better than almost anyone how much I love the petty squabbles of the Bannorn. I can see why Cailan hands that mostly off to me, I imagine he and Anora have much bigger things they can put their minds to use to than have it ooze out their ears listening to that lot." That earned a hearty laugh. "And we're alone, Bryce. Can you please drop the formality?"

The other man chuckled. "Old habits die hard. But yes, I apologise Alistair, I know how both you and your brother despise it."

"Despise might be the wrong word, but for those who we consider close friends as well as being trusted allies, it does irk us. How is everyone back in Highever?"

"Highever is doing well, and they all wonder when you shall next visit. Fergus is currently away with Oriana and Oren in Antiva, and I expect they shall return next month. Eleanor is as much the social butterfly as ever and I imagine I will find her away when I return, I swear she would die of boredom were she to sit still." He sighed as he finished and Alistair's eyes widened.

"What about Elissa? Is she all right?"

Bryce hear the concerned edge to the Prince's voice and smiled ruefully. "She is physically well. However…she is emotionally fragile."

"What has happened?"

"She and Ser Gilmore have ended their romance, and he has left Highever for the time being. I do not know if he will return, but he knows there will always be a place for him with us."

Alistair closed his eyes and exhaled deeply. "When did this happen?"

"Only two weeks ago, she asked me not to tell you as she wanted to herself, but I feel you should know. I don't know if she will have written you a letter or will want to tell you in person, but I am concerned, as I am sure you will be." The Prince moved to sit on the edge of the desk and sighed. Of course it had to be when he was out in the Bannorn that something like this would happen, when Elissa wouldn't have known how to reach him. I'll have to write her a letter tonight, let her know that I'm back. I hope she's coping all right. Bryce looked at Alistair fondly. "It is some comfort to see that you continue to be concerned for my daughter, despite everything."

"Did you really expect anything else?"

"No, but I do not think anyone would have thought ill of you for finding a sense of satisfaction. After all, he is the reason you and Elissa ended your relationship."

He wasn't the only reason, though he was one. "I just want her happy, Bryce. That's all I've ever wanted for her."

"I am well aware. But I imagine you are feeling quite torn over the news." Alistair nodded slightly before standing and staring out a window. Bryce studied him for a few seconds before coming to stand next to the Prince. Silence sat between them for a minute before Bryce spoke again, a knowing look in his eye. "You've never stopped caring for her, have you?"

Alistair hesitated for a second before answering. "No, I haven't, but the choice was made eight months ago. Elissa felt overwhelmed at the thought of a future with me, and I didn't want to pressure her. She's only 19, Bryce, there's nearly six years between us. Elissa was only 17 when we first became involved. We are very much at different stages of life and I can appreciate that she felt like she had a lack of freedom: I can empathise with that more than anyone after how I ended up here. She needed time to decide what she wanted to do."

Bryce smiled and placed a hand on his shoulder. "She'll be glad to know you are there for her. I shall write to her today and I imagine you will be doing the same."

Barely back an hour and already there was bad news. The Denerim circus never changes. Why was I so eager to be back here again?

Cailan returned to his study an hour later, refreshed after his discussions with Duncan. The Warden Commander was always good conversation and the King relied on him as an ally, as well as a good friend. The smile on his face dampened slightly when he arrived and found he was not alone, however. He'd barely made it in the door when he was confronted by an irritated Loghain and a tense Anora. "What is the meaning of this?" he asked, incensed at the blatant invasion.

Loghain spun to him and stared coldly. "I apologise for the nature of this meeting, Your Majesty, but this is something that needs to be addressed immediately." Anora inhaled deeply behind him and tried to remain as impassive as possible when Cailan looked back at her but he could tell she was tremendously uncomfortable. Whatever this was, she didn't agree with Loghain's idea of confronting it.

Cailan beckoned the pair of them further into his chambers and shut the door. Anora took up station next to the window and stared outside while Loghain crossed his arms in front of the desk. "Fine. Now were alone, which I imagine is what you were aiming for. So spit it out, or are you just going to continue your rant from earlier?"

Loghain's eyebrow twitched in annoyance. "I am not a petulant child, Cailan, though I will treat you like one if you continue in this manner. This is serious."

"Then get on with it, I do have other meetings today."

"With who? Teryn Cousland and the Warden Commander per chance?"

Cailan's look darkened. "What is that meant to imply?"

"I know you have them here on a special arrangement, an arrangement my daughter is unaware of. Now given she deals with the majority of the politics around Ferelden save for the group you and your bastard brother have created…" The King fought the urge to deck Loghain, knowing the man had a natural hatred towards his brother because of how he had come into the royal circles. It wasn't Alistair's fault for his parentage but it seemed Loghain was determined to look upon him as Maric's greatest mistake; and it continued to create tension even five years later. "…imagine my surprise when I find out that Bryce and the Warden are here at your personal request. You and the Prince both vanish with them for discussions and talk starts." Loghain closed in on Cailan and got right in his face. "What are you up to?"

Cailan stepped back and glared at the older man. "That is none of your business, Loghain. If it is something that concerns you, you will find out. I'm not keeping secrets, despite what you are determined to believe. Yes, Bryce is here at my request; Duncan was unexpected. And of course Alistair would talk with Bryce, the two of them continue to be good friends despite Alistair and Elissa no longer being involved. If you are here just to confront me about meaningless rumours and bother with the petty shit stirring of the court then you can end it right there. And if you don't have anything of note to pass on, I suggest you make yourself scarce."

Loghain's look turned cold and he looked back at Anora who continued to stare out of the window, pointedly taking herself out of the equation. "You are playing a dangerous game, Cailan. Rumours are spreading that you are speaking with Orlais."

"And if I was?"

"We finally chased those bastards out only thirty-five years ago, I'm not so willing to open our borders to them as you apparently are."

"This is all meaningless speculation, Loghain. I'm not engaging with the Orlesians on anything more than a basic level." Neither man noticed Anora glance over briefly before staring out again. "Now, if you are quite done, I have other business to be addressed, as I am sure do you."

Loghain narrowed his eyes at the King. "We will continue this later."

"No, we will not. Take your leave, General." The older man took the hint and left, but not without slamming the door behind him. Both Cailan and Anora jumped at the crash and the King sighed deeply. Anora finally broke away from the window and came to stand before him, her look guarded. "What was all that about?" asked Cailan, exasperated.

"I don't know, honestly. He came and asked about why Teryn Cousland and the Warden Commander were here. When I said I didn't know he demanded I accompany him here. That was around twenty minutes ago," she answered tiredly.

"But Bryce only arrived yesterday and I didn't even know Duncan was here until I entered the Landsmeet chamber earlier. It's not like him to react so strongly."

"I agree, something else must be on his mind. Even as his daughter I cannot always discern what is consuming his thoughts. Although, now that we are on the topic, why is Bryce here?"

Cailan sighed again. "Not you too, Anora."

"Curiosity only, Cailan. Highever was one of Alistair's stops at the end of his tour of the Bannorn: it would have timed so that the two would have missed each other had Alistair finished his journey."

"Well, is it so hard to believe that could have been my intention?"

Anora's eyebrow rose. "You intended for them not to cross paths? Given their association I find that hard to believe."

The King exhaled deeply and came to stand before Anora, rubbing his hand down her arm. "I am not intentionally hiding things Anora, but I have asked for Bryce's help in arranging something for me: something I don't want to get you involved with until I know it could be happening. Right now it is just a faint possibility and I see no point in dragging everyone else into the equation without a solid reason. Please, Anora. Give me a week or two and then I will tell you all."

She looked at him searchingly but could detect no lie. With a sigh she relented. "All right, I'll give you until Bryce leaves. Is that suitable?"

"It is, thank you."

Anora nodded her acquiescence and began to depart. She turned back to Cailan as she reached the door, however. "Cailan, may I ask you one thing?"

He spun back to her with a charming smile. "Only one, Anora?"

The Queen shook her head. "Hilarious, Cailan. Is this something political, or selfish?"

"Both, as strange as that may sound."

That earned a confused look from Anora. "Truly? That was the last thing I expected you to say."

"It's true, Anora. You'll hopefully find out in a couple of weeks what I am up to. I shall see you this evening." Her eyes relayed surprise but she acknowledged him with a nod before departing.

As soon as she was gone Cailan sat behind his desk and put his head in his hands. This had better all be worth it.

Sunset arrived, casting a red glow across the evening sky as Denerim slowed down for the day. The sounds of the market began to die, people were growing more scarce and silence slowly began to take hold. This was exactly what the Prince was after, a calm atmosphere to slow his racing thoughts and escape the chaos of the court life. Some habits from his days first as a stable boy, and later a Templar trainee had never died and even now he found comfort in his favourite spot: laying across the top of the stables, staring as the stars began to appear overhead.

His meeting with Bryce had been on his mind throughout the rest of the day, even as he conversed with nobles and servants who were all surprised to see him back so soon. The news that Elissa's relationship had fallen apart had hit him hard and he wished he had either gone to deal with the Bannorn earlier or later. His departure date from Denerim had fallen right as it had happened and he wished that he could have been there for her. Alistair sat up again and looked at the vellum and quill resting next to him, sighing yet again as he thought on what to write her. He'd already scrunched up several attempts over the past half an hour and had at least got most of the way this time before he became stumped.

Eventually he just settled on writing something simple, knowing he needed to know more. He didn't want to assume something and it turned out to be the furthest thing from the truth. While he wasn't entirely happy, he finally stared at the finished letter to make sure he hadn't come across as a complete idiot; it wouldn't have been the first time.

Lissa,

I hope you are well. I'm sorry to have not written in so long but Denerim has been its usual hectic self, I've barely had a minute to myself in weeks. The Bannorn was…a damned waste of time. You know what it's like. I almost wish I'd stuck it through to the end but spending another two weeks with Eamon's caravan before reaching you would have been tortuous. As much as I complain about the court life, I'd take it any day over those mindless squabbles.

Your father told me about…you and Rod. I wish it hadn't worked out like this, but I'm here for you Lissa. If you need someone to talk to I'm here: this doesn't change that fact. I'm still willing to listen no matter what.

I'm back in Denerim now. Send me a letter whenever you need to talk. I'm here.

Take care of yourself.

Alistair.

It wasn't his greatest work, but it was good enough. He didn't know how to phrase it any better given the complexity of their situation.

A clattering of wood next to him signified he wasn't alone any longer and he rolled the vellum before placing it back down, making sure it wasn't going to roll away before lying down and staring back up at the darkening sky. He sat like that for a couple of minutes before letting out a big sigh. Why does life have to be so complicated?

"My thoughts exactly." The Prince looked over to the company which appeared next to him and smiled slightly as he saw Cailan lie down only a foot away; he looked just as tired as he felt. "You been here long?"

"About an hour, I couldn't stand being in there any longer," replied Alistair wearily.

"And you cut short your journey through the Bannorn because…?" asked Cailan with a mild hint of sarcasm.

"Because as much as I hate it, I at least can escape here: I've found a few hiding spots over the past five years."

Cailan looked at him in surprise. "I can think of four, you have more?"

Alistair turned to wink at him. "That would be telling."

"Bastard."

"That I am, I've been reminded of that often enough." The pair of them chuckled and turned their gaze to the sky, sitting watching the dying light for a few minutes before Alistair gave a great sigh: as much as Cailan might have been here for the company, he was also here because he couldn't help being nosey. He could tell something was on Alistair's mind. "Do you know?"

"Know what?"

"Bryce didn't mention anything?"

"He only arrived yesterday, I've not spoken to him in any great detail yet. Should he have?"

Alistair paused for a second before he spoke. "Elissa's relationship is over."

Cailan looked at him in concern. "What happened?"

"Bryce didn't say, I'm writing a letter to her." He gestured to the rolled vellum. "Feel free to stick your nose in, I'd appreciate it if you told me I was writing nonsense."

The older brother found the aforementioned letter and unfurled it, reading it carefully. "It's…good. All things considered."

"'All things considered?'"

"Come on Alistair, you can't tell me you aren't feeling the slightest satisfaction. He was the reason you and Elissa broke off your relationship."

Alistair looked at him darkly. "Says who? I never said that to you."

"It didn't take much effort to work it out; you don't just throw away two years like that without someone else being involved."

"And who says Elissa didn't want time to find out who she was? Maker's ass Cailan, Elissa ended up with me as soon as she wasn't a child anymore! Was it a crime for her to want to the freedom to find out who she is? She was Bryce and Eleanor's little girl and Fergus' baby sister. Next thing she knew all the talk was about her becoming my wife!"

"You were the one who fell for her."

"I'm not the one who pushed us together. You did that."

"Well I'm sorry for wanting you to have a girl you care about rather than an arranged marriage like me! Would you rather it that way?"

"That's not what I'm getting at, Cailan."

"Then what, Alistair?"

"I'm just saying it's not as simple as that! Yes he was a factor but…I'm not getting into this with you. That's between me and Elissa."

"Alistair-"

"No, Cailan. Just drop it!" The Prince glared at him before turning his gaze back to the stars.

Cailan sat and stared at him for a few seconds before taking a long breath. That couldn't have gone any worse if he'd tried. "Are you all right?"

Alistair toyed with not answering but eventually relented. "I don't know."

"What are you going to do now? I know you've never stopped caring about her."

"Nothing. I'm going to find out what happened before I even think about anything."

"Do you want to try again with her?"

"Like I said, I'm not thinking about that right now. I just want to make sure she's all right first."

Cailan smiled at his brother, glad to see the hostility of court life had not removed the caring side of Alistair's personality. He didn't see it often but Elissa was an exception: even after their relationship had ended the younger Theirin had always done his utmost to make sure she was happy. He wasn't convinced he would do the same had it been him in that position. "Well, Loghain decided to have another go at me. As you can imagine, that was joyous."

Alistair looked at Cailan in confusion. "What about this time?"

"About why Bryce is here, along with Duncan. The worst thing is I didn't even know Duncan was going to be here! But then he decided to let me know that rumours are circulating about me speaking with Orlais, I bet you can guess how that went down."

"But you are speaking with them." Cailan glared at his younger brother. "Come on, Cailan. They aren't stupid; someone will surely know by now that you regularly share letters with the Empress."

"Will you keep it down? No-one else but you knows about that."

"I'm not an idiot, I know to keep that to myself. Give me a little more credit than that. You can't keep this quiet forever though."

"Let me worry about that. I thought you wanted to keep yourself out of the politics?"

"I can only stay on the fringes so much, even though I may want otherwise. Sadly my identity alone means I get dragged into everything." The two of them sat in brief silence again. "Why is Bryce here?"

"Even you are asking me that now."

"Can you blame me?"

Cailan paused. "No, I can't. I don't want to say anything yet, not until I know if something is going to be happening."

Alistair looked at him suspiciously. "What are you up to?"

The King winked at him. "When I know, you'll know."

"That doesn't make me feel any better."

"It wasn't meant to, but I hope to tell you all about it soon. You're not the only one in the dark, if that helps."

"Greaaaat."

Cailan laughed and the pair turned back to the sky, watching the clouds in the sky for a few minutes before the older brother spoke again. "It's good to have you back: it's never the same when you aren't here."

Alistair looked over to him and smiled. "Maker knows how you coped before I came along."

"Well, I wasn't King then. Things were a bit simpler when our father was around."

"You think being Prince was simple? You'd better not ever die and leave me to become King then!"

"I don't plan on dying anytime soon, in case you were wondering."

"Then I'd leave Anora to deal with the viper pit that is the nobles: never know when one of them might decide to swipe your neck open out of spite. Especially the likes of Howe, I wouldn't trust him as far as I can throw him."

"Apparently he's not as heavy as he looks, I imagine you could throw him pretty far."

"Huh, I'd better weigh him down with some rocks before I attempt to toss him then."

Cailan snickered and smiled at Alistair, holding a hand out for him. "Welcome back."

Alistair smiled at his brother before clasping his hand. "Thanks." The two of them turned their attention back to the sky, making the most of the silence. "Same fun tomorrow."

"Oh yeah, it never ends. Meet you back here tomorrow night?"

"Count on it, I'll need the peace and quiet."

"We both will."

The pair watched the stars overhead with matching smiles, glad for the company. This, the end of the day where they could just sit in peace with each other, was what made each day worthwhile. Little did they know how much their lives were about to change.

So I hope this caught people's attention. Please let me know what you thought of it, I'm probably going to be going a bit OCC with a few people (Loghain, Anora etc. as I find them quite difficult to write) and would love some advice.

Hoping to hear from some of you soon!

Negative Angel