Sorry I took so long getting this chapter up, I had a bit of writers block for a while, and I was also trying to catch up on a few other chapters for other stories. But I finally got over my writers block so hopefully things will continue to go smoothly.

csorciere: You know my interpretation of Zevran too well. :)

AeroSpyder: It'll be fine, you'll see.

starry-eyed-vixen: Well, thank you! I hope you enjoy this story as well.

rrin: Yes, there is more! Much more.

Pollyanna24: Hope I haven't kept you waiting too long. I've been typing as fast as I can without a spacebar!

Isala Uthenera: Cliffhangers seem to be my thing doesn't it? Hehehe, and you'll get your answer very soon.

imurhuckleberry: Thanks!

Guest: Thank you! I'm glad you like it.

gurlygurl1116: Here's more! And thanks!

CHAPTER TWO

Alistair was on his way back home, flipping the letter he held around in his hands. It was from Olyvia's family, the one she had been waiting a month for so he knew she would be extremely happy to get it. It would make him feel good seeing the look on her face when he handed it over. He believed that was his lot in life now, to make Olyvia smile. It made him happy seeing her happy, so being able to do that every day, he knew he would have a good, happy life with her.

Before heading inside the house once he reached it, he slipped the letter into his work bag so he could surprise her with it later. Opening the door, he opened his mouth to announce he had returned, when he froze, seeing Zevran sitting in the living room, sharpening one of his daggers. And no Olyvia in sight.

"Hello Alistair," Zevran said coolly.

Alistair was surprised to see Zevran, but he took it as a bad sign that he had found them and that Olyvia wasn't to be seen. There was no telling who was with him, and knowing he was an assassin, who he might be working for. Dropping his bag, he lunged towards the nearest chair, and pulled his sword from where it was hidden between it and the wall, drawing it from the scabbard.

"Is this how you greet a friend?" Zevran asked.

"You and I were never really friends," Alistair growled, "So why are you here? How did you find us anyway?"

"You know, Olyvia asked the same questions," Zevran replied nonchalantly.

Alistair's heart shot up into his throat, thinking Zevran had done the unthinkable, and killed his wife. His pregnant wife.

"Y-you…you didn't," Alistair seethed.

"Didn't what?"

With an angry roar, Alistair lunged at Zevran, thrusting out with the sword, and the elf had to move quick to avoid the blade. He narrowly dodged it, the blade embedding into the back of the chair.

"Whoa! Okay, calm down Alistair! You just need to listen for a moment!"

"Where is Olyvia then?" Alistair shouted.

"What is going on?" he heard Olyvia ask, who then came around the corner from the kitchen, a plate of cookies in her hands.

Pushing Zevran aside, Alistair moved himself between her and the elf, "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine Alistair," Olyvia said, placing the cookies down on the little table in front of the couch, "You can relax."

Reaching over, she took the sword from his hand, and sheathed it before resting it against the wall. Alistair didn't relax though, and continued to watch Zevran carefully. He sat back down, and Olyvia offered him a few cookies, which the elf was more than happy to oblige.

"He gets cookies?" Alistair asked incredulously.

"He's a guest Alistair."

"He's an assassin!"

Olyvia frowned at him, and Alistair added a little more quietly, "Are they poisoned?"

Zevran stopped mid-bite, looking over to Olyvia to see what her reply would be. Reaching over, she grabbed one and took a bite, causing Alistair to make a choking sound as if he were worried she'd hurt herself somehow, especially if they were poisoned.

"No, they're not," Olyvia replied, "So if you'll just wash up, come back, sit down and relax, we can talk."

Grumbling under his breath, Alistair reluctantly headed to the washroom, glaring at Zevran the whole way. Though the elf may have helped him before, he still didn't quite trust him. There was something that still bothered Alistair about him.

Washing as quickly as he could, he returned only to freeze to a stop, choking on his heart as it rammed back up into his throat, seeing Zevran sitting next to Olyvia, her holding his hand to her lower belly. Rushing over, Alistair shoved Zevran aside and sat next to his wife.

"Jealous much?" Zevran asked.

"Alistair, I was just letting him feel the baby kick," Olyvia said.

"He was touching you," Alistair growled.

Olyvia sighed while Zevran just laughed.

"It is alright Olyvia," Zevran said, "I can understand his defensiveness. And congratulations, by the way."

"Thanks…," Alistair muttered, "So why are you here?"

"Aedan hired me to kill you," Zevran replied bluntly.

Alistair went to go for his sword again, but Olyvia stopped him by grabbing him by his arm.

"If I were really here to kill you though, you wouldn't have found your sword where you hid it," Zevran said, "I would have found it and moved it so I had the advantage of having my weapon, while you did not. Also, Olyvia would be dead already."

"I'm thinking you still might try though," Alistair growled.

"Alistair, whether you believe it or not, I am your friend," Zevran said, "I helped you rescue Olyvia when she was kidnapped, and I did it without a price, because I consider you both my friends. I am not here to kill you. I'm here to warn you. Aedan is turning Ferelden upside down trying to find you. He's bent on vengeance, mainly Olyvia here, for crippling him."

"He's crippled?" Olyvia asked.

"His sword arm," Zevran said, "Which I was surprised you knew how to damage him so severely. Morrigan healed him, but knowing her…well, she didn't put much care into treating it properly so he has great difficulty wielding his sword."

"Good," Olyvia said, "I'm glad I managed to do what I intended."

"Then how did he kill the Archdemon?" Alistair asked.

"It wasn't easy," Zevran said, "From what I heard from Oghren, Aedan made Wynne constantly heal him during the battle, so his arm wouldn't be completely useless."

"That would have drained her completely of energy!" Alistair exclaimed.

"It did," Zevran said, "She nearly died. Sten had to carry her down from the Tower."

"Poor Wynne," Olyvia said quietly.

"Tower?" Alistair asked.

"Oh, right, they went to the top of Fort Drakon to draw the Archdemon's attention," Zevran explained, "Of course, this is secondhand knowledge from Oghren. I found him in Denerim to ask him how the battle went. He's apparently taken to living topside rather well."

"How is everyone else?" Olyvia asked, "Leliana? Morrigan?"

"Well, Morrigan is gone," Zevran said, "Heard she just disappeared after the battle. Leliana, she's fine, she's working with the Chantry now. She says hi, by the way, Olyvia. She misses you."

"Glad to hear she's doing well," Olyvia said, "And how about Haybren?"

"I uh…," Zevran became nervous.

Olyvia's eyes widened in horror, "What did Aedan do?"

"More like what he's not doing," Zevran replied, "I don't think he realizes he has a Mabari Hound anymore."

"That's horrible!" Olyvia exclaimed, "The poor dog. He deserves someone who will love him and treat him like the noble beast he is."

"Yes, well, unfortunately for him, being a Mabari Hound, he has already imprinted on someone," Zevran said, "He'll follow Aedan until either one of them are dead. At any rate, my visit, I—."

"How did you find us anyway?" Alistair interrupted.

Zevran sighed, "As I told Olyvia, I was trained to do this sort of thing. You did, however, make it more difficult for me to find you. I didn't think you two were possible of that."

"Thanks," Olyvia said blandly.

"The reason I was able to find you though was because of the letter you sent to your family," Zevran said, "I had been watching them, waiting for a time to speak with them, when they received your first letter. They made it very obvious who it was from. So I followed their return letter here, and with a bit of reconnaissance, found where you lived. Since you have no reason to fear being found and killed by me, or me returning to Aedan to tell him where you are, you should be well off."

"So you're not going to tell Aedan where we are? Even though he hired you?" Alistair asked.

"He betrayed all of us," Zevran said, "And I don't take kindly to traitors. So your secret is safe with me."

"I thought all you cared about was how much you were being paid," Alistair growled.

"Not in this case," Zevran said, "Though I may not have been able to earn your trust completely, you both have earned mine, and I will not betray that trust."

Alistair said nothing, instead just watching the elf for a few minutes, before his glare softened, "I believe you."

"What's this? Do my ears deceive me?" Zevran asked sarcastically, "Did Alistair just say he believed me?"

"Doesn't mean I trust you," Alistair growled.

"I thought the two went hand in hand," Zevran rebutted.

Alistair went back to glaring at the elf. With a small smile, Olyvia placed her hand over Alistair's, giving it a consoling squeeze. Despite the front of dislike for the elf Alistair usually had up, Olyvia knew the two were friends, and at least had gotten along. It was the two of them after all, along with Wynne, who had saved her from the men Eamon hired to kill her.

"Anyway, thank you for helping us Zevran," Olyvia said to change the subject, "We really appreciate it. We just want to forget about Aedan and live our lives."

"It is no trouble," Zevran said.

"I have a question though," Alistair began, "Why is it exactly that Aedan is after us? I mean, we assumed he'd be after us to finish off the job he started at the Landsmeet, but if we're gone…why bother still looking for us? Hiring an assassin to kill us?"

"He, as well as Anora, believe that as long as you're alive, Fereldens will attempt to overthrow their reign and put you back on the throne," Zevran replied, "That you will return to take what you claim to be rightfully yours."

Alistair scoffed, and had he been eating or drinking something, he would have choked on it, "I thought I made it perfectly clear I don't want the throne."

"That's only the little reason for this though," Zevran said, "As I said before, he is rather pissed off at Olyvia for crippling him. He's bent on vengeance, that's his main reason for all of this."

"Vengeance seems to be the only thing his mind is ever on," Olyvia muttered, "First with Howe, now us."

"Lucky us," Alistair grimaced.

Grabbing a few more cookies, Zevran stood, "Well, I best get back to tracking those sneaky fugitives. Don't want them getting too far ahead of me."

Olyvia smiled, "Thank you Zev. Perhaps…we'll see you again?"

Zevran shook his head, "I don't want to lead anyone else Aedan may hire to you so if you do see me again, it will be to warn you Aedan is not far behind me, help you get out of here."

"Then I don't want to see you ever again," Alistair said.

"The feeling is mutual," Zevran retorted, "So fare you well, my friends."

Turning on his heel, he strode over to the door and left without another word. Alistair turned to Olyvia.

"You made him cookies?" he asked in disbelief.

Olyvia rolled her eyes, "I was making myself cookies when he happened to show up on our doorstep."

"You never make me cookies," Alistair complained.

"That is not true and you know it," Olyvia rebutted, "So stop grousing."

Alistair huffed loudly, "You let him touch you."

"Don't tell me you really are jealous," Olyvia said incredulously, "I was just letting him feel the baby kick. Besides, I think it softened him up a little, gave him even more reason to keep our location secret from Aedan."

Alistair muttered angrily under his breath before snatching a cookie and shoving the whole thing in his mouth.

"So what was that Zevran said about following a return letter from my parents back here?" Olyvia asked.

Reaching into his pack, Alistair pulled out the envelope he had placed inside, his heart swelling seeing Olyvia's face light up as she snatched it from his hand and ripped it open. She read it aloud so he could hear what the letter said, which was just an update on how everyone was doing, life going on as normal. They did mention however that a new Teyrn had been appointed over the city and seeing who it was, Olyvia wasn't sure whether that was a good or bad thing. Good because Fergus Cousland was a good man, she knew that, but bad because he was Aedan's brother, and there was no telling how at home Aedan would make himself.

Finishing the letter, Olyvia got up to write a reply. She paused outside her bedroom doorway.

"I think I should go ahead and tell my family I'm pregnant," Olyvia said to Alistair.

Alistair nodded, "If it's what you want, then do so."

"I'll word it so it sounds like it only recently happened," Olyvia said, "Not two months prior to our wedding."

"Good plan."

Giving her husband a smile, Olyvia slipped into the bedroom. Alistair got up from his seat and picked up his sword from where it rested against the wall, placing it back in its hiding spot. He hoped to receive no more surprise visitors. Ever.

As night fell, Olyvia headed to bed early due to feeling exhausted while Alistair stayed up a little longer, cleaning up a little and reading a chapter in a book before he too headed to bed. He smiled down at his wife's sleeping form, before slipping under the covers next to her, snaking his arms around her to place his hands on her belly. He smiled wider feeling the slightest kick against his hand.

"Hey," Olyvia whispered quietly.

"Hi," Alistair replied, "I thought you were asleep."

"Not quite," Olyvia said, "Almost though."

Brushing aside her hair, he gave her a kiss on the back of her neck before snuggling up against her, rubbing his hands over her swollen belly.

"You know…we haven't discussed baby names," Olyvia said tiredly.

"No we haven't," Alistair agreed, "Why are you bringing this up now? And at night of all times, I know how much you like your sleep. You're half-awake again, aren't you? You always bring up random things when you're half asleep."

"No…well…maybe," Olyvia replied, "But I am curious to know if you have any suggestions for names."

Alistair thought for a moment before replying, "Well, if we have a boy…what do you think of… Duncan?"

Olyvia rolled over so she could look at Alistair, and he saw a look of distaste on her face, "Not really…sorry. I could live with that being a middle name, but not first."

"That's okay, I can live with that too," Alistair said, "I'm fine with whatever you choose as long as it's not Aedan."

"What about something close to that?" Olyvia asked, because I am rather fond of the name Jadyn."

"No, sorry."

"I figured as much, which is fine," Olyvia said, "So…hmm…what would be a good strong name?"

"Alistair," her husband replied, and Olyvia playfully smacked him on his shoulder.

"You're silly."

"You wanted a strong name, I gave you one."

"How about…Caleb? I like Caleb."

"We'll keep it as an option," Alistair said, "Any others?"

Olyvia pursed her lips together in thought, "Well…since you suggested a name of someone important to you…what do you think of Kenneth?"

"It's…okay I guess," Alistair said, "So who is this Kenneth that is apparently important to you? Do I need to hunt him down and kill him?"

Olyvia shook her head, "No. That's my grandfather's name. He passed away before my family and I ended up in Ferelden."

"Oh…sorry, I didn't mean to sound mean about—."

"It's okay," Olyvia assured him, "You didn't know. So you think Kenneth is just okay?"

"Eh…yeah, just a little," Alistair said, "It just sounds…I don't know…soft."

Olyvia chuckled, "You want a tough sounding name for your son?"

Alistair nodded, "Make bullies think twice about beating him up."

Olyvia rolled her eyes, "You're silly."

The two were silent for a few moments, before Alistair blurted out, "Kennic."

Olyvia looked up at her husband curiously, "What?"

"Kennic, that sounds like a good, strong name for a boy," Alistair said, "And is close to Kenneth."

"Hmm…I like it," Olyvia said, "Now how about for a girl?"

Alistair groaned, "Do we really have to do this now? I'm tired. You can pick the girl's name."

"Gertrude?"

"Maker no! Do you want our daughter to hate us?"

"Then pitch in at least a little."

"Okay, fine, anything but Gertrude and others equally as distasteful."

Olyvia chuckled, "I'd never name a daughter of mine Gertrude. I like Illyana, but is that a Ferelden-ish name?"

"Ferelden-ish?" Alistair asked amusedly.

"Oh shut up, I'm half asleep," Olyvia muttered.

Chuckling, Alistair kissed his wife on her forehead, "I think Illyana is a beautiful name. I like it. Very Ferelden-ish."

"You're never going to let me live that down are you?"
"No," Alistair grinned.

Olyvia grumbled under her breath, "Then just let me go to sleep. I'm tired."

"I thought we were discussing baby names."

"To be continued," Olyvia said, rolling over and scooting backwards so her back was up against Alistair's chest, "Tomorrow morning, or another day. Right now…sleep."

Alistair was fine with that, wrapped his arms around his wife once more, letting himself drift off to sleep.

The following morning, Alistair took Olyvia's letter to be mailed to Ferelden before heading to work. She had finished writing it last night, and handed it to him as he said his goodbye to her in the morning. Since the blacksmith's shop was near where shipping was handled, it took Alistair hardly any extra time to drop it off. Even if it did, he would have done it since keeping in contact with her family was so important to Olyvia. He knew how much it hurt to be so far away from them, not being able to see them, or even knowing if she ever would.

After a full days' work, Alistair drug himself back home, looking forward to a hot meal and relaxing on the couch, holding his wife in his arms. It wasn't like he was exhausted, since his Grey Warden stamina prevented that, even with him being nearly "cured" from it, he was just tired of being in the sweltering smithy all day, away from his wife, and getting himself burned more often than not. Today he was heading home with a rather nasty one on the back of his hand where a glob of heated metal landed on it.

Entering the house, he expected Olyvia to be working in the kitchen, making the finishing touches to whatever meal she was making, but instead, he found her sitting at the kitchen table, looking bored out of her skull, scratching a piece of charcoal against a piece of paper.

"Everything alright dearest?" Alistair asked as he sat down next to her.

"Yeah," she said with a long sigh.

Alistair raised an eyebrow, "That doesn't sound like everything's alright. What's wrong dearest? Is there something bothering you? Is it something I did?"

"It's nothing you did," Olyvia assured him with a small smile, "It's just…it gets so boring here, all alone with hardly anything to do. I clean the house, I've read all our books, I don't want to draw all day because that gets boring after a while. I need another hobby."

Alistair rubbed her back consolingly, "Well…what else are you interested in?"

"Have I told you how musically talented I am?"

"No, I don't believe you've mentioned that," Alistair said, "You play an instrument?"

"Piano mostly," Olyvia said, "Oh what I wouldn't give to be able to play, or even hear music again. That's what I miss the most from back home. The music. But enough of my grousing, I'm sure you'd like dinner now. After you clean up of course."

Pulling back his hand, he looked at it, then to Olyvia's back, sighing in relief to see nothing had come off on her dress. Before she could get to her feet, Alistair took her by the hand, signaling he wanted her to stay.

"I'm not in any rush to eat," Alistair said, "You are upset, and I want to comfort you."

Olyvia smiled lovingly at her husband, "You're too sweet. And I'm not too upset, just bored. Thank you for your concern."

"Your happiness is always my concern," Alistair said, giving her a quick peck on the lips, "Now what were you drawing?"

"Oh, just the Archdemon eating Aedan," Olyvia said, turning the paper so Alistair could see.

He chuckled seeing the picture, since it was comically drawn, the Archdemon looking actually sort of cute while a caricature of Aedan was in its mouth, with x's for eyes and his tongue hanging out.

"I like it," Alistair said.

"Thought you would."

"I didn't know you could draw this well either," Alistair said.

Olyvia just shrugged, "Eh, I'm just okay in the art department. Music is more my thing."

"Then I'm really curious to hear just how well you are with music," Alistair said, "You must be a virtuoso or something."

Olyvia laughed, "Hardly, but I doubt we'll ever have the chance for you to find out."

Alistair shrugged, "Maybe…you never know."

She shrugged as well, before she then noticed Alistair's burnt hand, "Oh my gosh! What happened! Are you alright?"

"I was burned at work again," Alistair replied, "Though this is the nastiest one yet. I'm fine though, it hardly hurts."

"Here, you go clean up, I'll get something to put on that," Olyvia said, getting to her feet and coaxing Alistair up as well.

Doing as his wife told, Alistair went to the washroom and got himself cleaned up, the burn on his hand starting to hurt more with him cleaning it. Olyvia was outside the room waiting for him once he finished, and she sat him back down on the table to care for the wound. He flinched as she applied some poultice to the wound, making it burn like mad for a few seconds before it died down and a cooling sensation spread across his hand. Taking some bandages, she carefully wrapped them around his hand, and once she had tied off the ends, brought his fingers to her lips and gave them a kiss.

"Thank you," Alistair said, an endearing smile on his face.

"You're welcome," Olyvia replied, "Now I shall go bring dinner to the table."

"Wait, one more thing," Alistair said, pulling her closer and giving her a long kiss, "There, now you may go."

Olyvia chuckled as she pushed herself to her feet and headed to the kitchen where the food was. Her husband was silly, but that was one of the main reasons she loved him.

Alistair wasn't sure how he'd do it, but he knew he was going to, no matter how long it took him to find, or even make one. His wife was suffering from boredom, and he wanted to put a smile back on her face along with giving her something to do while he was at work. He was determined to purchase a piano, but he wasn't sure how he'd get it into the house without Olyvia knowing so he could surprise her with it. Of course, he'd worry about that later. Currently, he was trying to find someone who sold instruments, or made them. So far on his day off, he wasn't having any luck. Since he was in town anyway on errands since Olyvia wasn't up to doing them or accompanying him, he took the chance to look around for said piano. Not finding anything to help him out with that, he went to a book merchant and bought a few novels for Olyvia to read while he continued his search for a piano.

Arriving back at the house, he found his wife still napping on the couch, looking like she had hardly moved from the position she was in when he left.

"Dearest?" Alistair said quietly as he knelt down in front of her, lightly caressing her face, in case she was asleep, he wouldn't wake her since waking the dead was easier than waking her when asleep.

She shifted upon feeling his fingers on her face, blinking her eyes open, "You were gone longer than I expected."

"Well, that's because I got you something," Alistair said, placing the books next to her on the cushion, "Something new for you to read while I'm not here to entertain you with my humor and wit."

Olyvia smiled, picking up the book on top of the pile of six, "Thank you love. That was very sweet and thoughtful of you."

Alistair smiled back, pleased to see the smile on her face. Anything was worth getting one of those smiles. Reaching out with his hand, he placed it on Olyvia's belly.

"So how is the little one doing?"

"They're having a heyday kicking me in the bladder," Olyvia replied, "They need to move again so they're not doing that anymore."

Chuckling, Alistair scooted closer and pressed his lips against her belly, "You're going to make your mother miserable kid. Try to tone it down a little."

Looking up at Olyvia, he found her smiling again, looking at him endearingly.

"What?"

"Oh, you said mother," Olyvia said, "And it made me smile, thinking I'm so close to being one."

"I say you're one already."

"I guess so," she agreed.

Getting back onto his feet, he leaned in and gave his wife a kiss on those oh so tempting lips of hers. Sliding her hands behind his neck, Olyvia then ran her fingers into Alistair's hair, pulling him closer as the kiss deepened. He moaned into the kiss, it having been some time since they had been this intimate. He ran his hand along her thigh, almost massaging her muscles he was pressing down into them with his fingers so hard, his arousal quickly growing. He mentally kicked himself for the thoughts he was having, for his wants, because he wasn't sure if that was…okay, while Olyvia was pregnant.

"This isn't fair," Alistair groaned as he abruptly pulled away.

"What's not fair?" Olyvia asked, and looking down at her, Alistair could see her eyes were dark with desire.

"I can't have you the way I want you right now, because you're pregnant," Alistair explained.

Olyvia's eyes trailed down to the bulge in his pants, then back up to his hazel eyes, "I want you too Alistair, but I do have to admit…I'm not sure if it's okay either. I don't think sex would harm the baby, but…I guess better safe than sorry."

Alistair sighed heavily as he nodded in agreement. The next four months would be absolute torture. He was about to go when Olyvia grabbed him by the face with one hand, pulling his mouth down to hers and kissed him passionately while her other hand slid down across his stomach and under the waistline of his pants, her fingers brushing the weeping head of his arousal. A deep, guttural moan rumbled from Alistair's chest as he bucked his hips up against her hand. As of right now, he was rather desperate for any pleasure.

Just as Olyvia's hand encircled his erection, she ripped her hand away and pushed Alistair back as she jumped to her feet.

"Just kicked me again!" Olyvia said to explain her sudden exit to her husband, who looked like he had just been kicked himself, "Sorry I got to go!"

Alistair let out a mournful sigh that was mixed with some frustration as well. This was going to be a long four months indeed.

Alistair still felt slighted for what happened earlier that afternoon as he trudged off to bed to join his wife. After she had finished her business, she came back still in a willing mood, but Alistair just resigned himself to the torture he would have to endure, and declined the offer, even though he knew he would hurt later. And boy was he hurting now as he made his way to the bedroom.

As usual, Olyvia had gone to bed earlier, so she was already curled up on the bed when he got there, appearing to be asleep. As he slid under the covers after tossing his tunic onto his dresser, he found she was wide awake as she rolled over, wrapping her arms around his waist as she snuggled up as best she could against him. Alistair was quick to note she was naked.

"Did you forget something dearest?" Alistair asked as all the blood ran south once again that day. This was not helping him.

"No," Olyvia replied before kissing him.

Despite how wonderful her kisses were, and how amazing the warmth of her body felt against his, Alistair pulled away from the kiss, scooting himself a short distance away.

"Olyvia, I don't want to chance hurting the baby," Alistair said.

"I know, and I don't expect sex," Olyvia said, as she reached out to her husband, trailing her hand down the expanse of his chest and slipping a few fingers under the waistband to his breeches, tugged him an inch closer. The proximity of her fingers caused a rush of blood to leave his head as it shot down southward to power his second brain, leaving him a little lightheaded.

"I just want to please my husband," Olyvia finished.

"You don't have to merely because I want it."

"But I want to," Olyvia said, as she tugged down on his breeches, "Because giving you pleasure, gives me pleasure."

Alistair wasn't exactly sure what to say, if he should say anything, but it turned out he didn't need to as Olyvia ventured further down his body with her hand. He gasped as he bucked his hips against her hand, his whole body just aching for her touch, for that wondrous release he could get. As long as Olyvia wasn't doing this out of pity, he wasn't going to argue and let himself get lost in the euphoria caused by his wife's touch.

Victory was sweet indeed. After spending a few more days in town, Alistair finally found someone who could make a piano and deliver it to the house, with the help of a friend of his who also happened to be a neighbor. It would take a few weeks, but that also gave Alistair plenty of time to figure out how to get Olyvia out of the house when she already hated going out and about being five months pregnant.

When the day came for it to be delivered, Alistair hurried home after work, got himself cleaned up really quick, and tried convincing Olyvia to go out for a walk.

"A walk? Really?" Olyvia asked.

"Yes?" Alistair replied uncertainly, "It's a beautiful evening, I thought…it might be nice to just take a short stroll."

Olyvia strummed her fingers on her belly as she thought over it. Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad to get some fresh air. It'd been a while since she spent much time outside anyway. Though it did seem awfully suspicious to her that Alistair seemed in a rush to get her to go with him.

"Okay," she agreed.

Alistair smiled as he helped her to her feet, and since it was still warm out, they didn't need to bother with grabbing anything to keep themselves warm and headed outside. They headed up the street and turned down another leading towards the outskirts of town.

"You said a short stroll, didn't you?" Olyvia asked.

"We aren't going far, don't worry," Alistair replied, "We're not going to head all the way out of the town."

"Good, because I'm not sure how my feet would be able to handle it."

Alistair squeezed his wife's hand encouragingly, sending a silent message that it'd be just fine and he was right there for her if needed. They walked at a slow pace so Olyvia was comfortable, while she followed Alistair's lead because it seemed to her he was attempting to take her somewhere specific rather than just a random route.

They left the cramped housing district, entering a more spacious, nature area where the houses were few and far between, with small rolling hills and flower filled meadows surrounded by the great trees of the forest. It looked absolutely beautiful, with the grass a vibrant green and the flowers painting the meadow with its array of colors. Springtime in Antiva certainly was beautiful.

"Okay, I think this was worth it," Olyvia said, turning to smile up at Alistair.

Alistair smiled back, "I thought you would appreciate this."

Walking up a small incline, the couple sat down to let Olyvia rest her feet, and to just soak up the last rays of the sun as it made its way closer to the mountains. Leaning against her husband, Olyvia rested her head on his shoulder to make herself comfortable. It was moments like this that she really enjoyed the most. Just simply being together, enjoying each other's company.

"Are you happy here?" Olyvia asked out of the blue after they had sat there for nearly five minutes in silence.

Alistair turned his head to look down at her, "Of course I am, I'm with you. Why do you ask? Are you unhappy here?"

"No, not at all," Olyvia replied, "And I meant here as in Antiva."

"My answer is still the same," Alistair said, "We could be in the swamps where Morrigan lived and I would be perfectly happy."

Olyvia laughed, "I may not be as happy. It was cold down there."

"So you're happy here?"

Olyvia nodded, "I thought I answered that already, but yes, I am. I like it here. It's very peaceful. And warm."

Alistair chuckled. He knew Olyvia hated the cold, but he didn't know warmth seemed to be such a priority.

"It'll be a great place to raise a family," Olyvia continued, "Everyone has been very helpful and friendly. Our child will have a good life here."

Alistair agreed wholeheartedly with that, and placed his hand on her belly, hoping to feel the baby kick again. It was being still at the moment though, so he unfortunately received no prodding at his hand.

As the sun kissed the mountaintops, the couple decided to head back home, Alistair deeming it enough time for his plan seeing as how they had been gone for half an hour or so. Upon reaching the house, Alistair went ahead of his wife to open the door, and peeking inside, found that the piano was just where he had specified it to go. With Olyvia right behind him, he quickly darted behind her and covered her eyes.

"What now?" Olyvia asked laughingly, "What more surprises do you have for me?"

"Just step inside and you'll see," Alistair replied, keeping close to her as she slowly made her way inside.

Once inside, Alistair turned her towards the piano and had her walk closer before stopping. Asking if she was ready, she replied that she was, so he let his hands drop down to his sides. Olyvia paused for a moment, her eyes going wide in surprise seeing the upright piano in her living room. Once over her surprise, she walked over to it and ran her hand across the smooth yellow birch wood.

"Did you do this?" she asked, turning her head to look at Alistair.

"Uh well, I didn't make it, but I had someone make it and bring it here…to surprise you," Alistair said, "I remember you saying how bored you got, and how much you enjoyed music so I…wanted to get one for you."

Walking back to her husband, a huge smile on her face, Olyvia threw her arms around his neck and planted a kiss on his lips.

"I love you," she said, "You're the best."

"I wouldn't say that," Alistair said laughingly.

"But you are," Olyvia said, "How did I get so lucky?"

"You stole Aedan's coin purse, which quite a bit of what we had left from that went to this."

"You thought of it though, so thank you," Olyvia said, giving him another kiss.

"So…are you going to play to show me just how good you are?" Alistair asked.

Her lips curling up into a smirk, Olyvia walked back towards the piano, "I guess I could."

Olyvia spent the rest of the evening on the piano before finally dragging herself to bed, with the biggest smile Alistair had ever seen on her face. And that was what made this worthwhile, just to see that.

A few days later more news from Ferelden had arrived in their town, of which Olyvia and Alistair weren't all that surprised about. Another civil war was brewing, the start of which coming from Highever, but the details were just wild conjecture and rumors. Some said the King had gone to Highever specifically to attack the Teyrn because he had been having an affair with the Queen, others said the Teyrn started it, trying to control the king because he was his older brother and believed he was more superior than he and the king wouldn't stand for that. All in all, Olyvia and Alistair could tell that it was Aedan's temper that was the main cause.

"I'm really not surprised this has happened," Olyvia said once Alistair finished telling her all that he heard while they had dinner, "Aedan has always acted irrationally, not caring for the consequences."

"Poor Highever though, he made a mess of it as he left," Alistair said, "Speaking of Highever though…guess what else I got."

Olyvia perked up as he pulled out two envelopes from his pack, and with a squeal, snatched them from his hands. Alistair went back to his meal as Olyvia ripped open the first letter that was from her parents, since the other said it was just from her sister Dianna. Olyvia was silent as she read over it, still eating a few bites of food herself, until a few minutes later she let out an infuriated scream, making Alistair jump.

"That bastard!"