Elissa was asleep two days before she woke up. Alistair at her side every second of each day. Except of course when he was sent to fetch fresh water for his Warden companion. She received new bandages daily by the young witch Morrigan. Alistair carried buckets of fresh water both for meals and baths. He collected and chopped wood, as was needed or instructed by Flemeth.
Alistair smiled with relief when Elissa finally opened her eyes. Cradling her face he was overcome with relief and joy.
"Thank the Maker. I was so worried," he said pressing his forehead to hers.
"I'm hungry," she replied seeming still exhausted.
"Of course you are," he smiled.
Alistair helped her eat, sometimes feeding her. Unnecessary, but Elissa seemed overly tired and Alistair was feeling quite guilty for it all. The years they lost, the loss of her parents and above all gilt for the taint in her blood. Alistair was as gentle as she'd known him to be. Too gentle with her in fact.
The young Wardens remained in the wilds a month. Alistair continued daily chores as payment for their stay. Pilling up an abundance of wood. The Young Man kept the old witches water barrels full. Flemeth wouldn't complain, who would help her when they were gone. The work kept him strong and distracted.
Alistair helped Elissa when she was well enough to move, stretching out her limbs. He was ever focus in helping her. Meanwhile Elissas' thoughts ran wild. She often thought about her family. She wondered about Alistair, and the way his hands sled up her sides when he helped with her stretches. The young Nobel sighed heavily knowing they could never be more than what they were. Grey Wardens.
Alistair knew it, and he kept his behavior in check. Elissa sensed the distance between them. Now the only thing she had left was vengeance. It made her feel bitter and stirred a rage she never knew was possible.
Time with her old friend made things worse. Alistair was her first love, The emotions she buried began rising as Alistair spent time caring for her, Elissa believed he did love her. But the memory of his rejection reminded her of the reality of their relationship.
Alistairs' own hopes stolen from him by the words whispered to him of what he was not allowed. She was a noble and he was a bastard. It didn't matter that he was the bastard of a king it only enforced the reason that he above all was allowed nothing. So he settled for their friendship. He knew better than to want and so he didn't.
The junior Warden proved to be a patient man..He soothed and encouraged his companion in her frustrations when they finally put swords back in her hands,
"I wasn't fast enough. I wasn't good enough."
"The tower was over run, no one would be fast enough. Not in the face of that horde. You're being to hard on yourself. Come on, arm at the ready, we'll go again?"
How sore and miserable she had been during her recovery. Usually Alistair teased her into a smile. But this day she was in no mood.
"I know you can do better than that. I've fought you before or did you forget? Again," he ordered more sternly.
"How could I forget? I have not forgotten that day."
Weapon raised she swung hard against his shield. Alistair took the hit with a grunt, eyes raised above his shield. He looked at her curiously. The old witched watched the spectacle with her daughter.
"Interesting," she commented.
Morrigan rolled her eyes, she watched suched behaviors from the shadows. The old witch laughed at her daughter's reaction. Morrigan was not one to beat around the bush, stating things simply and plainly. Despite how cruel they seemed
"I wish you never came back," Elissa huffed her arms tired from the assault against Alistairs' shield..
The young Warden unprepared fell back more than a few steps. Alistair spotted the onlookers, ignoring them he spoke up in spite of himself.
"I should have never been there. I know that. It was not my right nor my place to ever stand in the presence of such Noble blood. I know that, Damn it, I know it! I should have never allowed you to make me forget it."
Tossing his shield to the ground he stormed off. The young bastard prince picked up Flemeths axe and made his way deep into the wilds. Elissa watched him disappear, she threw a blade in frustratiion then she too stormed off.
"That was entertaining," Flemeth laughed, "oh to be young!"
Morrigan roll her eyes again, a sound of disgust heard by her mother as she walked away.
Alistair had returned many hours later, the sun gone. He dragged a heavy load of wood behind him. He went straight to work placing them in their pile. Flemeth watched him for a moment before she approached,
"The two of you should be getting ready. The time is approaching when you should be on your way. From the display this afternoon she's recovered. Not tonight nor tomorrow. Allow yourselves a week more. Oh and Alistair, I have prepared you a tent, I don't think your Warden will want your company tonight."
Looking at the cottage, he sighed heavily and agreed. The romantic in Flemeth had a tough time keeping quiet,
"Young Alistair I'm curious, what happened between you and the Lady?"
"Nothing happened. I am not permitted to have anything happen," he said with a bit of agitation he stopped short.
"You have a familiar face, one familiar and well known."
Alistair glanced up for a moment.
"Could you be? There were rumours but I've never been able to confirm them. Following more important information then gossip you see," she says illusively. Flemeth thought of her youth, and the love she ran towards and the life she left for it.
"Don't ever tell a woman like her who she is meant to be with. She has a mind of her own she will choose for herself. It could be you, but if you push her she will find another and believe me you will hate yourself."
"Are you a love witch?" He asked sarcastically.
"I am not just a witch boy. Do you think I made Morrigan on my own?" She laughed in a way that made those around her believe she knew something more than she was telling.
"Thank you for the tent." He sighed.
"Finally some kindness from you. I suppose one can only give what they have," Flemeth said and she laughed again.
The week went by quickly, Alistair kept his distance from Elissa. After his conversation with Flemeth he didn't know how.to approach her. His grumpy mood kept him busy and Flemeth would have enough supplies for the next three months.
Morrigan joined the duo on their journey. Guiding the couple through the forest to Lothering. Alistair finally broke his silence. The young Warden had many things on his mind. Chief among them how to break the tension between himself and his childhood friend.
xXx
"Here is the key to your freedom, Qunari,"
"I don't think this was a good idea Lisa. What if he kills us in our sleep?"
"I'm sure he would warn us before doing any such thing."
"She is right," the Qunari said with.a stoic expression.
"We need your blade Sten. The Darkspawn are coming. We leave immediately. As were the terms for your freedom."
"They have been sightings of Elves close by, to the east," Leliana informed the Wardens.
"Seen by whom, exactly?" Alistair questioned.
"Me," the Chantry sister smiled.
"Rebels in the church, Surprised anyone?" Morrigan felt the need to comment.
"We are not confound to the temple."
"That's far from those you have sworn to protect."
"Enough," Elissa commanded and the Qunari at her side hummed his approval.
"Dress, Sten, and we shall be off."
Alistair watched his Warden companion and oldest friend,
"How are you?" He asked when they were alone.
They traded few words since entering the small town. Mostly during battle and occasionally concerning a job they picked up on the work board. "We haven't cared for your shoulder in sometime."
"I'm fine, Morrigan has been helping with that" Elissa informed, and she rolled her stiffening shoulder.
"Oh," he said removing his hands from her shoulder and arm. Alistair sighed heavily at that and looked at the approaching Qunari, "He's a large target,".
Alistair turned his attention to the Chantry sister who was already on her way out of Lothering along with the young witch Morrigan. Who had seemed to have inherited her mother's shapeshifting abilities.
"Can we trust them?"
"Never trust a beautiful woman,"
"Are you saying I can't trust you?" Alistair said rather slyly. A smile on his face and he lifted a thin brow raised.
"We're I as lovely as they, no."
Alistair laughed, his gaze falling on the Qunari
"Hard to miss," Alistair commented somberly.
"I shall endeavor not to trust you then," the young Warden smiled flirtatiously and walked away, leaving her with the Qunari.
Sten was two feet taller than Alistair and four times as powerful.
"Here is your blade," Elissa said handing Sten his weapon.The blade at least as tall as she was. Elissa was small for a human.
The Qunari looked at the small woman for a moment before accepting it. Alistair, non too pleased that she would trust the Qunai enough to give him a weapon.
"My blade is yours to command. Until I find what I have been sent to find."
"I have already told you the answer," Elissa replied. Standing fearlessly before this murderer.
"I must see it for myself,"
"Fine, shall we?".
xXx
Arriving at the camp of the Elves, the Wardens were charged to travel further into the forest..There was something in the trees, something hunting them. The beasts were too powerful.
The company encountered wolves who were revealed to have once been elves. The Forrest was so full of magic the trees themselves came alive. All manner of spirits lived in this terrible and wonderful place.
The Wardens sought out the spirit of the forest. She held the elves guilty for crimes committed against her. Thus they were cursed. Elissa was able to reason with the spirit, even to showing mercy to the one she held responsible.
"You knew this all along?" Elissa accused when the Elven elder revealed himself.
The old mage desired to kill the spirit. Believing she would kill them all fofor what they had done., The Spirit released the elves from their cursed form. Some of the Elves remained to served the spirit. Others choose to return to their clan and their families. The old mage came to an agreement with the spirit and was allowed to return to his clan. With the promist to never again abuse his magic.
Morrigan sigh in annoyance.
"Utter waste."
"I'm sorry, caring for people is a waste?"
"They have done it to themselves, and it will happen again."
Alistair a former Templar and Morrigan an apostate.natural enemies, the two rarely agreed on anything.
Setting up for camp, Alistair sighed fumbling with his bed roll.. Elissa approached him,
"Do you plan on fighting with the girl often? She is ignorant to the niceties of society."
"And that's an excuse?"
"Yes," she smiled, "it also means she will not tolerate the nonsense of those she'll met. None of us are children and yet many behave as if we are. There is a better way of life but most are selfish."
"You agree with her about the Elves?"
"Not entirely, there were innocent people involved. They should not suffer for the actions of the one. I can only hope their elder truly realized his mistake and uses this second chance wisely."
"Is that what you believe, truly? Because if I recall correctly you seek to end the life of a house of women and children. Do they not deserved to be spared Lisa?"
Elissa felt her heart harden in that moment. She fell quiet in that moment and could not respond.
"That is not who you are."
"Perhaps not, but my heart is broken far beyond repair." she said coldly, her gaze averted, she would not look at him.
"Is this why we travel to Denerim? When we should be going to redcliffe to seek out the help of the Arl?"
Alistair watched his childhood friend for a long moment before he spoke. He could feel the breaking of his own heart at her quiet decision.
"I will not.leave your side," he answered in a quiet voice.
Elissa remained silent, a frown pulled down the corners of her mouth. And try as she might she failed to hold back tears.
The next morning they traveled eest to Redcliffe. Alistair smiled to himself, he could still reach her, help her. But the closer they drew to Redcliffe the more he felt his stomach turn.
"Things did not end on a well between the Arl and I. I was angry when he sent me a to the monastery. And I hated her, sometimes I think I still do. I may just be angry at world. My father above all."
After a short silence he apologized to Elissa.
"I'm sorry I broke our friendship. It's all I could do to protect myself from being hurt. Little did I know it did me more harm than good.Though perhaps that remains to be seen. And I'm sorry that took so long to say."
Elissa nodded in response to his words. She would not say everything would be okay, because it wouldn't. They signed up to die. They had no time to repair the damage done to them. No time to mend their friendship.
"Why did you turn from Denerim?" Alistair asked as he wiped tears from his eyes.
" I don't have it in me to slaughter children. And because I will not allow you to soil your hands my prince. Or should I say my King?" Elissa took hold of his hand carefully and rested it over her heart.
Alistair looked to the castle in the distance, They would arrive there the following afternoon. Caressing Elissa cheek, he sighed.
"I am with you Alistair."
A few months younger then him and always so bold. She would defend him as she had always done. She would fight for him.
Holding her hand, Alistair smiled, "Thank you."
xXx
Securing the village of Redcliffe the Warden's fought throughout the night. The company were bruised and wounded. And when morning came all went quiet.
"But there is no time to rest, now we move for the Castle, makers breathe," Tegan exclaimed, "Lady Isole!"
"You're alive," she said with relief, "good, I need you. You must return to the Castle Tegan," the Orlesian woman begged.
With teary eyes she saw a familiar face. Alistair waved unenthused.
"Hello, Lady Isole."
"Of all the, you?" she said with distain.
And Alistair chuckled disappointed that she would still regard in in such a manner.
"Please Isole," Tegan said cutting the orlesian woman off.
"We're here because the Wardens' need the Arls help. But it seems you too need our help. However, if you wish to deal with this on your own be my guest, but I would speak with the Arl. As Teyrna, I demand it," Eliisa said to the Orlesian woman.
"There isn't much I can say, Please Tegan there is an evil within the castle walls. Connor needs you!" She said with tears in her eyes.
"What do you know," Elissa asked full of suspicion.
"There was a mage, he unleashed something, and now my Connor. We have him jailed but still his wickedness goes on."
"And where is the Arl in all this?" Alistair asked stepping forward worry on his face.
"My husband is, being kept alive. Eamon has fallen ill the mage was poisoning him. He says Teyrn Loghain sent him."
"What are you hiding," Morrigan smiled knowingly, "She isnt telling us everything."
"That is a bold accusation."
"Indeed," the witch smiled.
"I have been gone to long already," Isole says dismissively, "please. Whatever it is holds my son hostage. I beg you return with me Tegan but we must be quick.
oOo
Using Tegans' signet ring the company made their way through a secret passage to the castle. A pathway known only to blood relatives of the Noble house. The hour was early yet the dead rose and roamed the castle grounds
Eventually they reached the lower levels of the castle and there found the accused Maage the Arlessa spoke of,
"I was hired to train Connor, and I used that opportunity to poison the Arl as instructed by Teyrn Loghain.. As a blood mage I have been in exiled but Loghain said he would fix it and now I'm here. Tortured and left to rot not for the things I have done but for the things the Lady thinks I have done. The dead began to rise long after I had been placed down here."
"You said you were hired for Connor?" Alistair asked.
"The boy shows the ability to wield magic, his mother sought an apostate to secretly teach him. She would be shame if it were discovered her son was a mage."
"Connor could not inherit his father's title," Alistair said and chuckled helplessly
"That would explain her reaction to seeing you here now."
"It would indeed. She probably thinks if I know about Connor I'll take all that should be his."
"You would have a greater seat. She will regret her treatment towards you."
"It doesn't matter. I'm still a bastard. Let's keep moving."
"What about me? Please let me out I can be of some use. I want to help.Whatever is happening in the Castle could have been brought on by the boy. He doesn't fully know what he's doing. His training was very minimal."
"No," Alistair said flatly.
"We could use another mage," Morrigan argued.
"Maleficar," he said pointing to the imprisoned mage. Then his pointed finger swept over to Morrigan,and he spat "Witch."
"You point that finger elsewhere,"
"Else what?" Asked the former Templar. As much of an interest as he carried for magic and though he would admit to being a terrible Templar. Alistair carried their teachings within him still. It was all he knew
"Alistair," Elissa called softly.
"What really," he replied sounding offended.
"We need every advantage, we don't know what's ahead."
"You really want two of them at our backs?"
"You needn't worry, dear Alistair," Morrigan says in her sultry voice, "there are bigger things needing to be done then turning you into a toad and running."
The young Warden pouted and grunted unhappily and the witch laughed.
"Tis no wonder you are not fit to lead."
"That's enough," Leliana spoke up, realizing Elissa was in an uncomfortable position.
"Morrigan perhaps we should scout ahead. I think your spider form should do the trick."
"Yes," she hissed, "so that I may devour the Warden Templar more easily," she scratched the air with pointed finger nails at Alistair and laughed as she walked away.
"And you," Elissa said to the Mage, "shall remain with us. You will fix this."
""I can't just go running into battle,"
"You don't have many option."
"I'll wait here."
"Fine," Elissa huffed walking away.
"What really," Alistair complained.
"We've wasted enough time here," she said firmly and stormed off.
o0o
"Lisa!" Alistair cried when the large beast tumbled and fell.
Alistair had never seen a dragon,. Save the archdemon which plagues continually. This one was just as scary, Alistair supposed it would prepare him for what was to come.
Sten joined Alistair in freeing Elissa from beneath the heavy leather wing. The company had been sent to find the mages and then to seek out the fabled Ashes of Andraste. It was their only hope to raise the Arl from his slumber.
Elissa rolled out and sighed when she was free from the weight of the beasts wing.
"Are you hurt?" Alistair asked fretting over her.
"No," she smiled and looked at the creature beside her. "Do you think we'll have time to skin it, I hear dragon armor is the rarest and strongest?"
Alistair chuckled and looked at the beast.
The companions walked to the temple they would stop for the night. It had taken them days to crawl through the deep roads. Restless nights spent keeping watch. It would be another such night for them in this forgotten Temple. Camp had been set up at the entrance of the Temple if there was danger it would be past those back doors.
A fire burned. Wynne, a mage who joined their party after the circle tower was saved - stood off away from the group with the Warden. She had been privately attending the wounds of those injuried in the fight against the dragon. Alistairs' eyes flicked to and from where the older Mage was treating Elissa. Sten noticed the younger mans interest. As he walked towards Alistair, he took a seat beside him,and said,
"Why have you yet to bend her over?"
That surely pulled Alistair from quiet contemplation.
"What, what?!" Alistair replied, sitting up straighter and looking over at the Qunari, with incredulity on his face.
"You have not mated with the Warden."
It was not a conversation Alistair wanted to have with a Qunari. Not this one at least, he heard the conversations between Sten and the witch Morrigan and at times had to hold his eyes tightly shut for fear of them falling out of his head. Or him in a failed attempt to block them out.
"You want her," Sten stated flatly.
"It's not so easy,"
"We are on a quest that will bring you and her certain death, and you will allow fear to stand in your way?"
"There are things, things happened."
"She will not fight you. Why are you being difficult?"
"I… um what?"
"You humans are such curious creatures. Foolish beings. Do it Alistair. I am going to the witch. Dragons got my blood flowing."
Alistairs' expression was one of shock. He unintentionally followed the Qunari with his eyes and watched him do to Morrigan as he had advised Alistair to do to Elissa. He stared longer than intended.
"But he keeps so quiet," he murmured.
"Enjoying the show?" Elissa asked taking the seat formerly occupied by Sten. She lied back on her side and stared at his back.
Alistair looked at her with his mouth agapped, "Did you know that they were…?" He made a gesture with his hand
"We all did."
"Do they always… where everyone can see?"
Elissa laughed, "I think Morrigan secretly likes it that way. The thrill of being caught, it seems all but you are willing to pretend it's not happening."
"I just…do you really think she likes it this way?"
"Why, do you desire her?"
"What?!" He nearly squealed, "how can you say that?"
"You just… and she's beautiful."
"I just what, She's a witch!"
"You're always watching," she smirked.
"She's a witch,"he repeated.
"So? Imagine what she'd do for you. How fantastic and extraordinary such a life might be?"
"Yes being treated like an animal by a brutish man is very lovely. Oh and right we're everyone can see how romantic."
"So you're a romantic? I vividly recall you with a girl's hands up your shirt in a Monastery hall, where you might be caught. I imagine had I not interrupted, things might have gone farther. Right there, in the open. Thrilling!"
To that Alistair was silenced. That was the hardest day for him.
"I was never with her… in that way. She was not a nice girl, but she reminded me of my place. What I was allowed. And who I was allowed. As it turns out that would be someone as unwanted and broken as me. You don't know what that feels like. I didn't ask to be born and honestly sometimes I think it better if I were left to die in an alley as I have been told some do. As I have been told should have been done to me."
"How the Arl could marry such a woman makes him just as guilty. And how you find respect for her -."
Alistairs' gaze remained in the small fire before them. He heard a shuffling beside him, Elissa rose from her lounging position beside him, kneeling before him, she took his hands in hers,
"Alistair, your blood makes way for so many possibilities. Whatever you want is yours for the taking. They were afraid to let you believe you had a right to power. But now you must rise up and stand above them. Time has made way for you. Show them Alistair, show them that you are more than what they think. Rule them."
"I don't want to rule anything or anyone. I'm not made for it."
"You were born for it, Ali," she smiled and sat back on her heel.
He pulled a hand from hers to caress her cheek and he looked at her helplessly. She was beautiful to him, "you've always been to kind and thought to highly of me."
"I think correctly of you," she insisted.
His long slender thump caressed her lips, perfectly full and pink and pursed. Elissa responded by pressing a kiss against the pad of his digit. She could not help herself but she felt a sting in her chest when she did. She had always loved him, but she was unsure of the kind of love he had for her. Elissa grabbed the hand that caressed her cheek and sighed heavily. Uncontrollable tears ran down her cheeks, pain of a wound not yet healed.
"Please don't cry," he said quietly to her and he cradled her head pressing his forehead against hers, his honey colored eyes danced over her pink face.
"I love you Ali," she sobbed.
"I know," he smiled.
"You don't," she wiped away the tears. Gaze averted she didn't want to be seen with crying, what would Sten say? The Qunari could hardly understand how she was a woman and a warrior. What troubles would he have with a crying warrior?
"Of course I know, you're my best friend," he said smiling.
"Is that all?" She asked with a small shrug of her shoulders. Though she didn't really want to hear his answer.
Alistair had always pushed back the thought that their friendship could lead to anything. From a small boy he was always surprised when she showed up with her father the Teyrn. Every year twice a year. And each time he thought surely it was the last time.
The Arlessa had guided his thoughts into this doubt. Telling him the Nobel child will realize her worth and stop showing up. Isole said she was preparing him for the eventuality. But Elissa didn't stop showing up, however, that didn't stop the thought from forming. And the day of the tournament another voice reinforced this belief.
Seeing her speak to other nobles Alistair believed the time of the friendship was over. They we're older now, Elissa would attend to her duty. Marry an Noblemen and forget all about him. So he pushed her away before he could see it come to pass.
"You're gonna have to tell me what your on about," he smiled softly, brow knitted in confusion. Alistair felt silly and insecure. Alistair tremble and he sat back, his hand slipping from hers..
But she too carried insecurities. Smiling, her gaze shifted to Morrigan and Sten, then dropped immediately,
"Perhaps I am just worked up from our fight with the dragon."
Alistair laughed, "seems Sten was not the only one effected by the excitment."
"Forgive me, I should not have… its not fair to you,"
Alistair remained silent but he maintained his smile.
"I'm going to see about that dragon skin."
"Want company?"
"No," she said flatly.
Alistair watched her disappear behind the door leaving the Temple.
"Well that was disappointing," Leliana said walking over slowly.
"What?" Alistair smiled playfully.
"We'll I won't lie I was watching. Wynne doesn't think it's a good idea but I am an old romantic. She was kneeling right in front of you. I really thought you were going to kiss her."
"Why would I kiss my best friend?"
"I've kissed many friends. They are the only ones you should kiss. A friend like her. I would have kissed her." She said encouragingly.
"You would, Eh?" Alistair said with a smirk on his lips and slender brow raised. Legs resting outstretched they swung side to side, he lend forward looking up at the mysterious Orlesian woman.
Leliana raise her own thin brown, "I thought you liked her?" She said seeming further disappointed.
"Why is everyone, save Wynne - so interested?"
"We all see you with her, we all see what it seems you do not. Or perhaps you are ignoring it."
"Perhaps the problem is that it's only one of us that feels this way," Now.Alistair stood from his seat. Annoyance obvious in his expression and stance.
He stood two feet taller an intimidating figure. But Leliana wasn't afraid of this big softy. .
"Alistair, you are indeed a fool."
Their journey through the Temple seemed longer than the two days they spent inside. Leliana took charge of distracting Elissa, Wynne remained at Alistairs' side. Which he was grateful for. She was the only one who did not berate him about his lacking advancements towards Elissa.
"Is it because you know it would never worked" he asked suddenly.
"What's that?" The older woman replied in that soft sweet motherly voice.
"Lisa and I? You don't approve because you know."
"Elaborate on what it is I know," she asked looking at him directly.
Alistair averted his eyes when he answered, "She's a Noble, I'm a bastard. I have nothing to offer."
"It seems neither of you has anything of value to offer. And I mean that in terms of property or titles. But such things only matter to those who have not offered their lives for the greater good.You are Wardens, your lives are not your own."
"And if we weren't Wardens, what would your advice be then?" His eyes remained averted.
"Do you love her?"
"I do."
"And she loves you."
"I don't know," he frowned.
"That wasn't a question Alistair."
"Oh?" Alistair looked over at the older woman who had been teaching him to sew.
"Really?" His thin brow lifted and he smiled.
"Hasn't she told you?"
"I… yes. But-"
"But you're a Warden," she reminded leaving no room for further musing.
"Yes," he said and went back to fixing the whole in his socks.
The old woman's heart melted and she frowned. How much sacrifice did the living have to make in this life? She had lived a wild life as a young Mage but when her first child was taken away, she broke. The woman beside the King's bastard wasn't always so submissive to duty.
She would advise Alistair caution for fear of this gentle lads own spirits. He was so fragile that much was obvious. Beyond, the playfulness of his character and the strength of his sword arm he was bruised and beaten A man of his own thought and beliefs, too insecure to trust that his opinion matters. To insecure to lead.
Wynne saw it, a fact clear to all. So she would lead him from caution to caution. A careful future. Though she couldn't lie to herself. She smiled when she saw them together and cried simultaneously. How unfair it had all been.
Alistair watched when Sten swept Morrigan off her feet and took her someplace out of sight. Alistair laughed. Though hidden the couple was very clearly heard. Alistairs' gaze met with Elissa and they shared a laugh.
"Why are you waiting for him?" Leliana asked, "make the first move."
"I… I'm not."
"Aren't you? You love him, he clearly cares for.you."
"I've already been rejected once," Elissa said lips unintentionally frowning. She could feel that familiar sting in her heart.
"He is a fool indeed," Leliana said glaring over her shoulder. Alistair caught sight of that glare and raised a thin brow.
xXx
The companions left Orzammar with the promise of returning and the promise of new dragon armor fitted for each companion. When they stopped to camp, each settle into groups of two. Alistair accompanied by Wynne. Sten and Morrigan and Leliana with Elissa.
"We are nearing Redcliffe, the place you met for the first time. From what you told me.you father, a most noble man was setting you up," Leliana said flatteringly.
Elissa chuckled. She stretched her back against the bark of the tree they were sitting in.
"If you don't make your move, do you mind if I go for it?" She said trying to provoke the Warden.
"Be my guest,"
The rogues pouty mouth fell open. Elissa chuckled again and Leliana grumbled.
"Alistair will be forced to take the throne he will need an heir. From what I am told Wardens often struggle to produce children. And one of us will die killing the Archdemon. You both have spent time in the Chantry what better bride could he have. The sooner you start together the better."
"Where are these thoughts coming from?"
"Wynne has made things clear," Elissa said.
"Is that really what you want?" Leliana asked disappointed.
"I am a Warden, there is only one thing to want and that is to stop the blight. In anycase, Alistair will do what is right, he always does."
"Ugh… that old woman she's getting in the way of my ship!"
"Your what?"
"Never mind you wouldn't understand."
"Will you do it?"
I have my own plans you know," Leliana complained.
"I need you to do this for me."
Cornered, Leliana looked down at Alistair, why should she be responsible?
"He's not to bad I promise. But he needs a strong hand to guide him. To encourage him and remind him that he is capable. I am set to die, Leliana. I have made up my mind. But as a Teyrna my duty is also to the crown. To protect it. Please you're the only one I can trust."
Leliana shook her head, "No. But I will find one for you. If I can't not then I will serve your King and the Maker."
The two women spent the remaining hours in silence. Soon the sky was light and the companions continued their journey to Redcliffe. They reached the castle by mid day. A pinch of the blessed Ashe used and the Arl was stirred from his slumber. The Ashes we're then given to Leliana for.safe keeping.
"It is your duty Alistair, there is no one else. Anora can't be left on the throne, after what her father has done."
"A wife must be given promptly. Our Warden blood will make producing an heir more difficult. I have charged Leliana Nightingale with the duties of a wife. She has agreed."
"Is she Noble? I think you…"
"I will die at the feet of the Archdemon. Leliana is a Chantry sister. I have already devised their story. The King must have what is pure having been raised in a Monastery. A Chantry sister will due."
"You're making me seem a tyrant. Hunting after innocent girls."
"You were raised in the chantry, it will be said that you in your own pure devotion were given a wife one who was also kept pure. She will only marry you if she cannot find you one suitable in scheduled time."
"This is a bad idea."
"No she right. It could hide the rumours of you being a bastard and lead people to believe you were simply given to the Chantry as a sign of your fathers devotion to the church."
"I need some air," as Alistair turned to leave he glared at the woman siding with his 'sort of' uncle.'
Elissa had seem to have gone cold and distant and that hurt him more than it angered him.
"Teyrna Cousland,"
"Warden," she corrected. "My house is no more and my life has been surrendered.
"I am sorry to hear that, your father… he was a great man." After a short paused the Arl dropped the formalities.
"Elissa, please talk to him. You're the only one he's ever trusted."
With a heavy sigh she answered, "I don't think Alistair trusts me as you believe. In fact I'm sure he is feeling betrayed at this very moment."
"Please try. I will prepare for the landsmeet and set my house in order. As well as deal with my wife."
"Arl Eamon, how.is it you find love in such a woman? She has mistreated to your King."
"Alistair?"
"Yes."
"He never said anything."
"I have heard her with my own ears. I pray she is of more value to you than just a pretty face."
"Yes Teyrna, it seems there's much to discuss between she and I." And with that he took off.
Elissa sighed again before going to find Alistair. She knew where he would be. In the courtyard by the pig pens and the dog cages. Right out front where he always went when he hid. A place where he knew he would be out of reach from the Arlessa and her harsh words. Such a woman would not be found near swine.
"You don't need to hide from her.you know?" Elissa said standing some paces behind him.
Alistair watch the pigs eat, they were finally quiet. He turned to look at her. The setting sun brighten her strawberry blonde hair a deeper red and her face seemed to glow in the orange light. Alistair frowned and said,
"I just needed a moment."
"It's not fair, I know. But this country needs you," she said stepping closer.
"Everything is decided," he lamented, "it always has been."
"I did my best for.you."
"You always do," and he looked away.
Elissa walked over to stand beside him. Alistair returned his gaze to her. Brushing the back of his finger across her cheek, removing a loose string of hair that was being blown about by the wind.
"Everything is decided," he said again absently.
It was sudden; warm palms flat on her back holding her close. Nose brushing against hers and his lips glided across her mouth Breathe heavy. Elissas' small arms wrapped around Alistairs' broad shoulders. Elissa stood on pointed toes, the sound of her racing heart pounded in her ears. Their kiss was long and slow. Sweet and loving and quickly became lustful.
Alistair reached for her thighs and lifted the small woman. Elissa wrapped her legs around his narrow waist. Giggling she asked,
"Where are you taking.me?"
"To another hiding place."
"We're not going to get stuck again are we?
"No promises," he smiled and he carried her to the very back of the horses stables. The Arl keep only one horse in this particular shelter. The other eleven stalls empty. Kneeling on a hay-bed Alistair placed her down on her back under him.
"We don't have to hide down here," she said to him caressing his cheek.
"I'm not hiding. This is what I am Lisa. A stable boy who is very much in love with a noble girl."
Elissa knew what he was doing. It's what he had always done. Try to let her in and see his world. But she was stubborn in trying to make him fit into hers. He wanted to be accepted not recognize. He wanted to be loved inspite of his blood.
"You love me?" She smiled.
"I do," and he asked her. "Could you love a stable boy?"
"Who could say no to your dimples and most humorous charm?" She sighed happily..
"Make Love.to me.Alistair."
Alistairs' eyes roamed her face and body a strong hand moved from her waist down her side taking hold of her knee, his mouth a hairs' breadth away from hers.
"I am afraid I am engaged to another," he smiled at her and he began to back away.
Elissa took hold of his retreating arm, "are you angry about that?"
"I wish it would be you that I was marrying even without the crown. Especially without the crown," he frowned, "I would die in your place. It shouldn't be you," he said burying his face in her neck.
"But it has to be and you know it," she said quietly against his ear. An arm around his shoulder, opposite hand cradling his strong neck.
Alistair looked at her with sad eyes, he looked at her over, knowing every detail about of her face. He didn't want the moment to end.
Alistair had been gentle yet eager. Elissas' response to him encouraged his every move. He held her close and they remained in the stable in the last stall. The night was cool but they keep each other warm.
Alistair smiled as he slept, feeling for perhaps the second time in his life accepted. And once more it was by the same person. His childhood friend, the love of his life.
Elissa however did not rest so easily. Pleases as she was to be in Alistairs' arms. She couldn't help but think about the things to come. She thought of their ride to Denerim, of the demise of the Rendon house. Elyse thought of the work yet to be done and the return to Orzammar and the deep roads.
Alistair shifted behind her burying his cold nose in the fluff of her curly hair.
"Your still awake he mumbled, did I not tire you out?" He smiled.
Shifting to look down at her when she didn't answer. "What's wrong?"
"Everything."
Her words forced him to pull away but she stopped him from retreating.
"I am afraid of what's ahead."
"I will stand with you against Howes' men -"
"No, you cannot. But that is not what frightens me. For he and they are just men."
With understanding Alistair stared at her through the dim light of the moon. With a kiss to her forehead ,he tucked her against his side once more.