Dragon Age-A Life Worth Living

by ipegasus

Tara Cousland and Roland Gilmore have survived their battle with the archdemon. Now, they must learn to maneuver through the many obstacles life in general brings to those who are born nobles. Here we will see just how they will chose to build up a life in Fereldon together. Hopefully. sitting at home with a good book is clearly not on the menu for these two adventurers.

3. Chapter 3

It was mid-morning before the fog lifted and the sun came shining through their borrowed bedroom window through shuttered doors. Tara finally felt the urge to try to raise her head once more to peer over to the man sleeping still soundly next to her.

Since the room was finally starting to warm up she decided it was finally time for her to at least see what the view outside their room really was like since Roland said it was a nice outlook over the valley below them.

As she stirred from her place her partner found the urge himself to at least make an attempt to hold her back but she was determined now to see what all the fuss was about last night.

"You aren't leaving the room are you yet?" Rory asked her peeking out after her with only one eye not covered up by his pillow.

"No, not yet I believe. The sun has finally broken through in the valley it seems. I wanted to see what it looked like outside. In the daylight this time." She answered him back but seeing he was not ready to pull himself together just now.

"That's nice."

"Ah! Just feel that sunlight. So good. I see you are right. The field below us is full of late spring flowers. Being lit up by the morning sun, it really is beautiful. I think I want to eat something up here so that I can enjoy the view. Is there anything special I can get you for breakfast? Or are you already thinking about lunch?"

"Not thinking about food at the moment. Just order up some typical breakfast food. I'll be hungry soon enough. Have them bring it up here because I am not ready to let you stay downstairs just yet. It would be nice to enjoy this room a little while longer." He turned around and then brought himself into an upright position on the bed. "Come here first, before you dare to leave me here alone."

"What do you want? I have to go downstairs if you want to eat soon."

"I know but you must have my permission to do so and I won't give it to you until you kiss me good morning."

She wrapped a robe tighter around her waist before taking a seat down next to him to comply with his request. He grabbed a hold of her and then twisted her around underneath him while he kept kissing her.

Finally he let her loose and she pushed him away so that she could catch her breath. "Rory, that is a nice way to wake up in the morning. I still have to order up some breakfast."

"You can't be hungry already? It will take them at least a day to refill their buttery."

"That may be? But I didn't order any eggs or ham. Some fruit would be nice as well. And tea. Must have some tea for breakfast!"

"I cannot believe you are this hungry? At least I can say we worked up an appetite this time. Are you really going downstairs or just trying to avoid me?"

"I thought you were still sleeping so I was going to surprise you with some breakfast."

"I'm not that heavy of a sleeper. You know that. Did you like the view?"

"I did. Very much so. That is why I decided that we should eat our food up here. That and to also avoid any other people who might dare to force me into a conversation this morning. I'm too tired still to have to think of anything really witty to say. And too content with last night to have to share anything about it with any other living human being besides you."

"Maybe we can buy the place? Make it our castle and just have everyone else move away. Leave us to live in peace. What do you think about that?"

"I like it. But we should eat something first. It isn't good to make plans on an empty stomach I bet. So let me go order up some food. It won't be ready right away so they will make me have to wait for it and now I am getting hungry."

"Fine, fine. Leave me than but if you delay very long I promise I will come down to fetch you back up here. Kicking and screaming if necessary."

"We aren't even married yet and here you are ordering me around like a little child. Remember I was a very rebellious child at times when I was younger."

"I'm not worried. I know you will come back because I am here."

"You do, do you?"

"I do. Because I love you and you are only still wearing your night-clothes. You aren't getting too far away from me dressed in such a way."

"Probably not. At least not until I eat. Than I may just fly out of the window. Like a sparrow. Eager to see all that there is to see beyond the valley below us. I want to ride out and explore the land. Than, let's rent a boat, so that we see what lies up there can we?"

"If I can first convince myself to get up. Food might be exactly what I really need to get moving now."

"It is a good start. I'll be right back. Don't move. Or move too far."

"If you stay here much longer you won't be going anywhere."

"Stop threatening me. I'm going now!" Tara smiled back at him before closing the door behind her to make her way down the hall to find someone who can take her breakfast order.

"Good morning to you there! Finally ready for a little breakfast now are you two?"

"We are. Can you take our order for us? We want to eat upstairs if that is alright?"

"Fine by me. Not feeling so sociable after last night are you then?"

"Just still a little tired. We got back in rather late."

"Best that you did find better things to do outdoors last night. It just got louder and more obnoxious after the two of you went absent."

"Not quite what we were looking for out here but it must be good for business."

"It is, it is. Here, just tell me what you want and I'll see that it gets done." The older woman requested and Tara gave her a list of food they wanted to eat.

"Good enough. This doesn't sound too difficult. I'll send up someone with some hot tea for you as soon as I get back to the kitchen."

"Thank you very much. I really need to eat something to help wake me up." Tara explained before turning back toward their room to see how Roland was doing.

She returned back up the stairs, down the hall and turning the corner, that led to her borrowed room. She reaching her destination she turned the door handle opening the door to their room.

Coming into the room and than closing the door behind her she found Rory sitting in a chair set up close to the window, looking still like he was trying to wake up on this warming afternoon.

"Tara! I'm trying to make myself wake up but really I don't want to. This dream is too real to be true for me." He confessed returning his attention to the window in front of him as he said these words.

"If this is a dream I don't want to wake up either." She took a seat in a chair facing his own now. Once seated she turned around some to reach over and grab a blanket off of the nearby bed.

Rory looked over across at her and noticed her action before finally speaking up. "Are you cold?"

"A little. But this blanket will solve the problem for me right now. I'm sure it will warm up in no time." She told him trying to cover herself up with it as she spoke.

Rory watched her as she tried to move into a comfortable position while trying to keep covered. Not really achieving her goal very comfortably. "Here, come sit in my lap. I'll help you warm up." He offered to her as he moved around in his chair so that she could join him.

"You don't think you'll get uncomfortable trying to do that for me?"

"No. Actually I think it would be great. Then I don't have to raise my voice for you to hear me. Not that I have that much to say."

"If that is your wish." getting up from her own chair she now moved to sit into his lap. He reached his arms around her to pull her securely up against him. She instinctively reached for his arms to hold her close tightly so that she wouldn't fall over.

"There now. Isn't this nicer? I love holding you close to me. Now we can imagine we are lying together in the field under a warm summer sun. Flowers growing all around us. Doesn't that sound perfect to you?"

"It does. I wish it was warmer right now. The ground must still be damp from the morning dew outside."

"Probably but since this isn't real. I'm pretending that the fields are dry and the sun is shining warmly upon us."

"I like this dream of yours. I find it is even easier to imagine here in your arms. What a wonderful start to our day." Tara replied sweetly.

"And last night?"

"Yes?" She just answered as she leaned back to catch his expression when she smiled back at him.

A knock just than came upon their door to interrupt their conversation.

"It must be our tea. Stay right here and I will answer for it." She rose quickly causing him to have to grab onto the chairs armrests to keep from falling out of it. "You are wonderful but you know that already." Kissing him quickly she turned toward the waiting door to greet their server.

"This interruption was not part of my allusion." Rory stated clasping at her robe to let his fingers slide down to its' hem as she moved closer to the doorway.

"Just a temporary interruption. Like the rain?"

"I am grateful at least it isn't raining. On a hot summer"s evening however?"

"It's perfect."

"I've tea for you, m'lady. Some warm biscuits as well to tide you over until we have your food ready."

"Thank you. Will it be much longer do you think?"

"Oh, no! It should be right up in just a few moments. I just didn't want you to have to wait any further now. Already they are preparing the kitchen for the afternoon crowd."

"That does make sense. I have no pressing matters today so I didn't want to rise until the weather improved some."

"It does get chilly here out in the woods."

"There are city walls to keep out the chilly morning fog in Denerim." Roland stated.

"I believe the trees and flowers just breathe it all in at this place." Alice described for them.

"That must just be true! It creeps and sneaks around those very trees gathered in their groves however late in the evening time."

"So true! Some nights I love how the air is so crisp and clean out in the Country. Other nights, it chills me to the very bone. You've got a hound or two howling away in the moonlight. All sorts of creepy sounds going on out here. Even the crack of a dry twig will get people out here going on certain nights so it seems. Than, there is old Seymour's crossing we got over there."

"It can get that way at Highever in parts just like that. But last night it was warm and so inviting. I wanted to sleep outside because it was so pleasant."

"We have done that so many times when we were children out here. It doesn't seem reasonable to do that much now that I've grown up. That was around the time too that I heard the legend of the Old Seymour's Mine disasters."

"I'm not sure I will ever grow out of my desire to enjoy sleeping outdoors from time to time again. When the timing is right." Roland added.

"What's this you say about a mining disaster? Is there some type of problem going on out here that we should know more about?" Tara picked up on this ominous curiosity.

"Tara, we are on leave."

"I know but I'm intrigued now. Why do you look so distant when you say that name?"

"It might be because people around here know to keep their distance from that old mine. Something is not quite right about that area over there."

"Not right? Really? Did the locals make up something to keep you locked into your houses on dark, fog, swept out nights. To feed their legends?"

"Come now Rory, not all stories are purely to entertain or to scare us all with. As you should know well enough. There are some that are true."

"True in that they were created to hide anothers mischief you mean."

"That may very well be as it is, Ser Knight but it does not mean that they haven't been given to us as a fair warning to keep us away from trouble is it?"

"Whatever works I suppose. Still it is one thing to tell a tale that no longer holds true to the advantage of the bard. However to mislead the truth by trying to conceal some mischievous deeds that can be stopped once given the right combination of soldiers who would gladly put them to rest?"

"Bards are notorious for such deeds my love are they not? Too weak or ill fitted to take on such a challenge themselves they tell tales that might ignite the curiosity of some adventure seeker eventually in their midst?

"Nothing like a challenge for the fun of it I suppose? Some must make a name for themselves or make their mark in rather obscure ways I'm afraid."

"I'm afraid you are right in that notion." The two of them laughed at the imagery running through their own thoughts of such a sight to behold.

"When one can gather up such a group as that. Not all villages can gather up enough of us to take on the task and tend to the other more important things in life now do we? I mean just spending your whole life chasing around a cartel of bandits or worse! Who minds the fields, works the mills while all of that is taking place, I want to know!"

"But if it has become a difficulty for the people living here? Or a threat to the well-being of your youth? Is that not reason enough to want to discover the truth of the matter?" He asked her seriously.

"She has a point, dear. They have made attempts in the past to deal with this problem but to no solution. I have never heard of such a situation and by your own reaction I doubt neither have you?"

"No which does rouse my curiosity some since I have traveled along this path more than once myself. Why do you think that is?"

"I cannot say. It is an old tale and since we are taught as small children to stay away from the old mine I suppose to many it is more myth than legend?"

That is why I must hear the common people out at times. We do understand your troubles. Sadly it seems that if this trouble of yours is real, something must be done about it. For too long we have found plots of evil infecting our realm on our journeys abroad. More than I could even imagine so it seems?"

"She has quite an imagination at that. As you can see my love, they have given way to explain this trouble as legend. We do not even know if such evil does still exist."

"I believe it does but you can think what you like."

"And why is that so? Have you seen any evidence that it is anything more than just a tale meant to tug at your ear to keep you our some kind of trouble making instead?"

"Now, Rory, please? Let her tell explain it all first."

"What I know and I tell it is the truth. At least the making of it is true. The outcome still is not really known well. Except for the words of a couple of brothers who say it is so. For you see, the owner of this inn did send out several hunting parties that way and none but two ever returned for the reward. That does seem a bit odd to me. Doesn't it to you too, sir?"

"Depends on the value of the reward?

"True but why set out on the task if you have no desire to ever complete with it?"

"You do have a point there at least." Rory pondered.

"What do the people of your village have to say about these adventurers? Why would they not seek out the reward for themselves?"

"Why would the innkeeper here bother offering one up if he could find someone local to solve his problems for him?"

"You mentioned two brothers? Did they not return from their mission out there once?"

"Aye, they did. What they had to tell, well, all are not in agreement that they were telling a yarn or revealing the facts of their adventure out there. You know, either to cover their pride or to hide their own unfortunate turn when they were in there. No one else has come back this way to put things right, either for or against them."

"And what did they claim that was so farfetched?"

"All sorts of things that people, well, even I find it difficult to want to believe in. Creatures that looked as if their whole insides were torn open and still walking all about us? Other that might look like elves but something far more sinister and evil. Some sort of magic, sorcery that none of us have ever heard of? I mean what keeps them there? In that dark and in such a wretched spot all of this time. All of these days. Where is the attraction to living your lives well under the earth when there is real sunshine to be had? It makes little sense to me at least."

"Is this place than being guarded by villagers? How dangerous is it to the people living out here?"

"Not regularly I imagine? There isn't many reports of any real danger coming to us from that part. But folks around here find it real easy to avoid the area as well. I mean because of the tales and all."

"That makes some sense. Especially with people going missing. I will bring the matter up with my brother when I meet up with him next time."

"Good! It might be worth our own effort to explore but we have urgent business to attend to before we get ourselves caught up in the problems of others." Rory stated looking over at Tara to make sure she could see he was being serious.

"What makes you think you can do anything about what's living under the earth here? I mean, the two of you? Why would your own brother want to bother with the likes of any of us?" Alice still didn't feel confident to enough to ask them more direct questions. Getting too nosey irritates some visitors and the get real stingy with their tips.

"That doesn't matter right now. We haven't much time here and we need to get some food into my fiancée's stomach. Best to save that for another time than."

"Ah, yes, well, it must be finished by now. Forgive me to putting you two off so much like that."

"Nothing to worry about. My brother is an important man and he will hear of this trouble."

"He is also a very busy man right now and there are many concerns here in the realm. So please understand that since it is abated in the moment, he must put other more urgent concern ahead of yours."

"Of course. It's not like this hasn't been a problem now for years on end out here. Don't concern yourselves any. After this Blight here, everyone deserves a little recreation to tide them over some."

"I am happy that you understand this. Tara, it is my deepest desire that you find some calming peace for what time you have left. We have seen enough adventure to even satisfy your hunger for it at least for now. This newest adventure I'm sure will prove to be even greater yet!" He told her with a chuckle imaging what chasing around a small child is often like.

"No more chasing dragons for me is it than? I'm to chase around your little creations instead? At least, being your child, my armor won't suffer from rusting over at any point."

"Armor? For what? If it is children you are speaking of moving around in such dress? Would make some things rather awkward don't you think?

"Ha,ha, oh, I am in too wicked a mood for you this morning, Alice"

"Try to control yourself, my dear."

"She keeps baiting me, my love."

"Not knowingly. You are just too clever for your own good."

"Or to do what is good. I'm afraid that here I am up to no good but not to do harm to anyone in general. Only a few good conscious' might be bruised but nothing more."

"He is just in too good of a mood."

"For so sinful a man?"

"Are you so misled than by sin or simply opportunity?"

"The temptation is too great for this mere knight to hope to withstand."

"I know! He is one of the bravest men I have ever had the honor of ever knowing. But there are some foes even the bravest of men have no defense against. I just happen to be one of them."

"She speaks the truth. Some very wicked men have crossed paths with her. Only to find themselves an early grave. I consider myself blest to have found her good side, in a matter of speaking, instead of her bad one."

"I see? This is quite a disguise you are wearing here my lady. To bring down such men. This one especially looks as mighty as he brags about himself in being. But I have heard messages such as yours in my past."

"The rest of them did not get such special treatment I assure you."

"Even evil women need a rest now and than. Believe me, none of those men were worth any more effort. And I am only more evil to this one here. Well, other men might say the same? My brother isn't too pleased with my behavior right now either? There are only so many hours in a day. I'm particularly distracted by this one man the most. For the time being. He is enough to keep me distracted for now. Though these ghost or ghouls of yours are interesting."

"Please excuse me. I can see I am interrupting here. I am still perplexed over that comment you made but I do need to get my other work done here as well."

"So there has been no takers locally but why?"

"It's haunted they say."

"By what exactly?"

"All sorts of things, so I hear? Mostly dead ones. Folks that once worked the mines but got greedy. Words have been spread that they blew rocks out that opened up a cavern of women worshipers. Not to give credit to the story of those other men we spoke of earlier right here. Some say there are six old witches to be living down there. Other than stories, I have never seen any of these witches myself."

"It's best that you haven't. Have you heard of such occurrences in your travels abroad, Rory?"

"You hear much on the road. Most of it is purely imagination. You might try writing to Shale. She has been around these parts while under the control of that wizard of hers. She might know a thing or two about this one?"

"She just might. We can catch up, visit with Brother Genevani? He also seemed to dabble in the supernatural as well?" Tara added

"Anything to avoid the Chantry I see?" He humorously suggested

"Until things in our lives are more settled. I can use one or more fewer sermons in my life right now."

"So true. Your story or problem does seem worth more of an explanation, Alice. But at a later time. We were eating our breakfast upstairs hoping to avoid any more distractions from our current agenda.

"Which reminds me is that what happened to the two of you last night?"

"It was my wish to celebrate my good fortune in a quiet setting. The temptation was very overwhelming for me."

"But I see you two are up here in your room. I saw no one sneaking inside early this morning when I arrived here. It was rather foggy outdoors I do recall as well."

"It was and I remembered it gets that way out here regularly. Though it was a great temptation to stay outside. With wet clothing, I didn't want my lady to end up feeling ill later on. And we did have this nice room waiting up here for us so why waste it, right?"

"It is for the best. Until the atmosphere calmed down some back here at least. As I said also, it is not something we do hardly as locals at all now that we are older. But you said you were wet? Than you went boating or did you actually go swimming."

"Swimming. It was such a glorious night wasn't it?"

"Not that I was able to see much of it last night that is."

"No but you live out here and you must not have to work here every night of the week do you?" Tara brought up.

"I do not but during a busy week I might not see any time off for myself. It is how things are around this place."

"When we are scouting we see little time off as well. The work must be done."

"It does . We were joking that we should buy this inn and make it our own castle."

"Could you do such a thing? Is it for sale? I haven't heard the news. Though one doesn't do they often before some drastic changes take place."

"At the moment, it probably wouldn't be possible for us to do that just yet."

"And I have heard no news that it is even up for sale, so don't worry yourself any. We just thought it was peaceful out here compared to many of the places we have been to lately."

"Dressed as you two were when you came in it makes sense than that you both must have fought during the Blight there. Just hard to believe you did any of that, mistress."

"I surprised a lot of people it seems. I actually need to wear armor most of the places I found myself traveling to during the Blight. Sadly, I might find the need to wear it even in times of peace. So, best that I look respectable, as well as, well, more like something I don't mind putting myself into now and than."

"Oh, uhm ….right of course. But he isn't mean to you now is he? People around here don't take to that sort of behavior when we can help it."

"Don't worry yourself. She was only thinking about her own protection. From our future children and maybe in defense against her amorous husband who longs for many children in his coming future. It was merely in jest I assure you."

"I might have to ponder your question some, Alice, but overall, I do love him dearly, so my hand is in Andraste's great care. The rest of me, Maker help us all."

"I am no brute, woman. She is just being dramatic here. Go, feed us now or I just might turn into something ugly just to prove my words have no merit in them." Rory looked at her and than to his mate who was trying not to laugh at the words he had just spoken to them both.

"Please do before he embarrass' himself any further and I must ask that you leave merely to save his pride alone." Tara moves to take a seat and ready their tea for them. Than reaches to pick up a hot biscuit that she had been eyeing while they continued to reply to maids questions.

The maid leaves shaking her head in confusion. Once out of the way some she couldn't resist the urge to ask the house guard to keep an eye out for the two in the master bedroom, least any trouble become suspicious between the two of them.

"Now, Alice, they seem like they are sort of honeymooners, you know, like they care less for the rest of the world except for themselves. Albert told me they came back here a bit tipsy. The man was sort of clumsy thereabouts but he did have his misses he was carrying or trying to carry with him when he did make it past this way. Just having a bit of fun, you know? Maybe he was having a bit of fun with you as well, right? Nothing unusual about that sort of thing with people that he noticed around here during his watch.

"No he was not, "playing" with me! Don't go saying things like that either. They just talk too much. But they weren't afraid of Seymour's ghosts. Even acted like they would do something about it all. But they were too busy to bother with us. Her brother is important but still too important to care about our problems right now. They aren't married. In spite of their rather overwhelming behavior around here. Or not yet anyways."

"That isn't so surprising around here for a couple traveling on the road so much. Not common at all among important people but than again? It takes all types doesn't it now? So you think she is just someone he picked up along the way here? None of us here recognized her. Though she does sort of look like someone we've seen a picture of a time or two but really I doubt it is anything but a resemblance. What would bring any sort of real Lady to being out this sort of way?"

"I just don't know about them two. The master was saying some things and than she too, it all sounded sort of suspicious that's all."

"You worry too much. Whatever it is the two of them are not acting like he is holding the girl prisoner or something of that nature. Important you say though? Did she tell you how important he was? Albert said the armor those two were showing off, pretty impressive stuff. Do you think we got ourselves a Bann? He said they spoke Fereldon, none of that foreign stuff."

"They do or at least she speaks some Orlesian. She was speaking with those soldiers that came through here last night. They knew him or them. Something to do with Highever than I also heard mention but it was busy last night."

"Highever, you say. Brother who is important. They have some money. Our best room. Where are they heading off to, did they tell you?"

"Me, not so much directly. Ever hear of a place called Hunter Fell?"

"I've heard of it. Never been to the place. Are they from there then?"

"The man, is taking the woman out there. I think she is from that other place."

"You don't say? Well, I'll be asking around a bit. Highever just went through some major housekeeping of it's own you know. The Arl out there took down the old teryn, his wife, even an heir word has it. We were thinking all was lost but then the brother came out of hiding and stood up for the throne and all. But he does have a sister there. No one quite sure where she has gotten herself to these days after the Blight and all."

"I myself haven't the foggiest. Oh! I need to fetch up their breakfast before it's noontime! Excuse me, Albert!"

"Best you do that now, Alice." He chuckled first but than went back to his wondering if their guest really was so special after all.

Back at the master room the young couple were still caught up in their own made up fantasy.

"Rory, stop that! This is my biscuit. Go find your own, now!" Tara playfully turned around swishing her gown and robe along with her as she did.

"I would, if this wasn't the last one. During a blight or famine, I understand an expectant father must make sacrifices for the sake of his child's mother but all of that is basically ended now isn't it? Or must I fight, just to get you to share?"

"What are you talking about? Really, you must learn to sleep more, really you must! I just looked over there and there was one more, ….oh, dear! Do you think we have rats here?"

"Really big ones, I'd say."

"Did I …?"

"Under normal circumstances I might think the same but then, standing back and looking at you? The situation does appear to be less suspicious, my dear."

"Really?" She than moved his arms from around her so that she could walk closer to the window for a better look out of it. This is going to be harder for us than I ever imagined it to be." a certain sadness came upon her in the moment.

Ser Gilmore remained quiet as he stepped forward until he stood firmly behind his loved one. Than once more he took her back into his arms to comfort her in her distress.

"My love, I know this is going to be hard for you. For us. I'm not letting you go through this by yourself. Breakfast will be here soon enough and you have to eat. Even if you must trick me out eating more from time to time. I am hardly going to starve. Just be grateful we both aren't tainted. It seems right now that is a good idea. For me to wait as it were."

"If you really are hoping for all of these other children that will be a necessity."

"I was rather teasing about all of that. Just caught up in the moment that's all there is to that."

"Is there? I might not mind another child after this one."

"That's good to hear right now. It didn't look like you were very happy with the changes this one child was bringing into your life right now."

"It is just a lot has changed. So much is changing for us now. It would have been rather nice if we could have done more of it gradually, that's all."

"I seem to recall a time when you wanted it all to change a lot faster. It seemed you couldn't grow up fast enough to suit you. Or anyone else for that matter." He kissed the side of her head remembering how she use to be.

"I hardly know that girl. Was she afraid of anything back than?"

"Only her mother I seem to recall. But that didn't stop her from trying to take over the world. Even if it was a might bit smaller in those days than it is today."

"You don't say? Now really I do hope to buy this place. Already I am madly in love with it."

"So soon? It has only been one night now."

"It has but already I love it out here. Just knowing it meant enough to bring you back here to share it with me. I mean, what a treat!"

"I do like it here. There are more than a few things to remind me of Highever. As well as my own first home. We've traveled to so many places. Vastly different in so many ways. It is difficult to just say, "this is it", this is where we were meant to be."

"I understand. And now I am tied more to places not even really of my choosing."

"There must be something nice about Amaranthine? I haven't stayed there for more than a few days on the road but it isn't the worst of places to be."

"I'll judge it for myself. At least we now have this place to share." Suddenly she loosened his grip around her to turn to face him rather seriously.

"What is it …?"

"I just want you to promise me not to tell anyone else of this place."

"Of this village? This inn? I mean, what is to be so secretive of it to be?"

"All of it if need be."

"And what about that quest you seemed so interested in? Is that to be kept to ourselves as well?"

"I already forgot about that. We'll see." Then reaching up to put her arms around him to hold his attention in the moment. "I just have to keep somewhere in Fereldon just for the two of us. I foresee so many burdens being put upon us later, that we will need a place, a place only you and I know of, to hide when it gets to be too much. If everyone knows about it then where are we to hide? I never seemed to have anywhere to just be by myself growing up. Everywhere, everything belonged to someone else. Now, even my own things, who knows what has become of them. Things that I held dear to me, might be lost in time forever."

"That may be. Not everything was meant to stay with us forever though. You understand this don't you?"

"That sound ominous. How can we raise attachments with that sort of attitude?"

"It's just we grow out of things. Like our clothes or our toys. Our need for our parents, nannies, the like. Not that we don't miss them or sometimes wish they were still out there when we think we need them. Just that there are so many things in life we really don't have control over."

"But our responsibility for these things, doesn't seem to change does it? Even if we have grown bored with them. Still there they are, waiting, impatiently I might add, for our obedient service."

"True enough. It will be that way with our child, no doubt. Until it doesn't want or need us any longer. I feel for Hunter Fell what you feel now for the Grey Wardens. We do have to answer to these people but it is only a small part of all of Fereldon. True in my case, Hunter Fell still rests on my father's shoulders and not my own but for how long? I haven't been able to decide what I am to do about that even? With all that you have to do, would it be better to pass on that burden to someone else?"

"That is something you really should discuss with your father Rory. Please don't let my responsibilities influence your choices. It would have been different maybe, had my brother not survived the Blight or Civil War but he has. I'll have this child but we already spoke of the proper arrangements to be made in it's regard. My burden will grow lighter once my brother has a better grip on Highever. He has the greater responsibility and Alistair, even more. So whatever fits for you, we will follow as true."

"That we will. Where is our food? Are you certain we weren't suppose to slaughter our own pigs for breakfast?"

"You know this place better than I do. Here now, it must be coming even as we speak." She spoke up and it was right. Their breakfast arrived and they each took separate seats this time to enjoy their meal.

"This is very good. I cannot believe we didn't starve in the waiting for it. though"

"Only because you ate all of the biscuits."

"All but one. And I shared the last one with you. Unwillingly but I did share it!"

"I might be making more of this meal because of that. Still, the view is wonderful. I have to put up a sort of terrace at Hunter Fell."

"They are very popular in Orlais, so I have been told."

"Ah, so we should invite Leliana to visit so that we do it right! I wonder what she is up to now?"

"Some sort of Chantry work no doubt. Something about there being another exhibition going out there to make it a holy place, something in that order."

"It already is though isn't it?"

"Technically, it is. But not too many people feel welcome that far out."

"They weren't welcome that is, you must mean. We hardly were given a warm reception when we were out there."

"Not at all! So cold but than so is Orzammar, above ground. No wonder the Dwarves were forced underground. Above it is not tolerable."

"People do adapt but I appreciate the seasons we have in the rest of Fereldon. Nothing beats the Bannorn in the Fall. Even the falling leaves can be forgiven because of their bright array of colors."

"Yes, I can see the attraction."

"What? Oh, you mean this fascination you have with orange or is it just red hair?"

"No, mostly just with you. But fires burn the same hues and they give us such warmth. The sun shining in the afternoon skies. Even in the mid-mornings. Not so much when it is blaring down upon us and makes it difficult to see anything before you. I don't fancy it much at that hour of the day. But it only drives me to seek out the shade of a weeping willow or the cooling waters, running rampant in a cool, crisp river. Beautiful spring flowers, than roses, of all different hues, spilling such lovely scents into a whimsical breeze. One even forgives the buzzing of bees at that time of the year."

"As long as they know their place and keep their distance. I never envied the ones whose chore it was to gather up honey. But I do admit, that honey is sweet."

"It is. And so we forgive the bees their sting. Such odd things do come to us from nature."

"Nothing quite as odd as you that is."

"No, I doubt it. But than I like being special, don't you? Nothing so very odd about me, when you think on it? What do you find so odd about me? I am at a loss for it."

"So many things! Just your being a female is odd to start out with."

"How is that so odd?"

"You just are more like a boy. You rather be playing in the woods, the river, chasing sheep around, riding a horse than knitting sweaters, darning socks, or singing lullabies."

"Some of that, I mean who would rather be doing any of that on a beautiful day out? I might rather be riding out into an open field or catching up with the wind sailing fast across the beachhead. Who wouldn't be? But I do not mind some knitting. I keep up with my darning but really that is maids work. I don't mind singing to babies. I just haven't had any of my own so who are you to judge me? Oriana smothered my nephew. Sure that I was to give him the pox or something foul. I never had such a thing. And wanting to be more than a doormat is something for a child to aspire to, not like the plague. Though she swore to me that was how I was sure to catch it. All of my running here or there."

"She really was a home body. That poor boy. We all looked forward to his getting older and putting him into training. If only so the poor boy could take in a full breath. That wasn't covered up in some sort of stinky perfume or smelly flowers."

"I didn't notice you were so threatened by such things, Rory?"

"Me? Oh, it really depends. Some I like very much. Others? Are so potent surely they must be toxic."

"If only I knew this before."

"Why, so you had one more weapon to use against me? I thought that would be a more obvious one."

"No, because you never complained about perfume around me."

"Must be because I liked what you used. So much so I would slip your letters under my pillow slip at night."

"You did, didn't you? That was sweet of you to do."

"It was also necessary. I had to hide them from my so called allies who would have loved to steal them away from me if they could. I'm afraid some are worse for wear because I didn't dare leave the best of them behind. Even when we traveled."

"Were the other solders so bold? Or that restless?"

"Anything any of us could use as fodder to raise someone's temper was fair game. I was not above such tactics if there was a cause to do so."

"Well, I didn't sign my letters. I didn't dare but I was concerned someone would still find me out. I made Cece and Louisa work very hard to copy my print, it was for all of our own good, lest anything more intimidating was discovered and we were brought up for questioning. We could all claim that our penmanship was so close, we could not say it was mine or hers in the moment."

"That must have made your mother upset at times."

"And our tutor! If one of us failed to write our name on a paper for him, we had such sport pretending we hadn't a clue whose it was and neither did he! Why, we would even copy each other work just to throw him off."

"You three really did not have enough work to keep all of you out of mischief."

"And you didn't scheme like us? I don't believe it."

"We had our games as well. Not quite as elaborate. We had to train and I practiced with Swindon a lot on our own. We made it our job to make sure we mastered new techniques quickly. Even came up with a few moves on our own. It is never much help to put all of your ideas into practice when they are most appreciated. If it doesn't work, your enemy now has the advantage."

"I see your point. I am happy that you don't mind reading and writing. I wouldn't have had enough time to train on my own if I always had you bothering me for attention."

"I could say the same thing if you never allowed me time to do either of those things. I feel I benefited as well, in my training with Alistair. I had no idea Templar's were so disciplined."

"Other than avoiding women that is."

"That was never going to happen for me. If Alistair didn't share any of it with me, it would still just be whatever I could pick up in the field. Understanding the philosophy behind it, furthers your understanding of the science involved. Especially since Templar's border true magic in their more advanced methods."

"I hope it helped you get past your uneasiness around Mages."

"I'm not so sure about that? Even you look out for them to kill them right off. So I am not the only one who finds them harder to tolerate."

"You didn't like Wynne much either. I noticed."

"Her mother hen ways weren't very welcome in my camp. She was helpful but I found Valaria had more of a sense of humor."

"Really? She wasn't very talkative. You just didn't like Wynne trying to tell you what to do."

"No, I didn't. Nor did I need her to teach me right from wrong either."

"See how you are? It must be very different growing up without a mother."

"I had a mother. Just not for as long as most of you. If Wynne was my own mother, than maybe I can accept her chiding me. Since she wasn't. She really had no reason to. That's just my point."

"Of course. She only meant well. Seeing you didn't have your mother very long she must have sensed you might need a little guidance."

"I did not. And I had a nanny. It wasn't like I was raised by wolves. Nor did I find the need to pretend so otherwise."

"That poor woman ….it really was for the best that they sent you to us than. I still find that I have to remind you to behave from time to time."

"Coming from you that is amusing."

"We both have our moments I guess?"

"And the more familiar we become with each other the less we find ourselves so encumbered by those pesky boundaries aren't we?"

"Sometimes I do try to behave or get you to behave better but what really is the use of it?"

"I weigh the situations to see if I might be successful on my pursuits. No one really wants to be interrupted in such moments. I do not woo you just to get attention or recognition from other people."

"That is comforting to know at least."

"Of course I do find you become more playful when you think we are doing something that takes more of a challenge to get through."

"Am I? I just know that it is almost impossible to resist your advances when you behave that way. Since for so long it was always so forbidden for us to be together. When you take me in your arms I just suddenly feel like I am starving for affection. It really must be some sort of ailment I am suffering from that must have a cure?"

"I am your cure. By now I thought you discovered this is true?"

"Maybe so? It is just so, so, difficult to find myself so easily swayed in the moment sometimes."

"You don't really mind so much do you? Do you think I have forgotten how many times I felt I had to hesitate because of the price we both would have to pay if we got caught? I could readily pay for my part if I didn't know what it would mean for you. We both suffered too much already for our love of each other. I knew at times I must have seemed so impatient in the moment. But later, once I came to my sense better I knew, especially when I was writing a letter for you, that nothing that I had accomplished just magically came to me. I had to work hard for it. And of course in my training, we are reminded, repeatedly to rush things would make us sloppy. And to not do our work well cost people their lives."

"And privileges came so easy to Fergus. It must have been frustrating at times for you."

"He was older than I am though. And though women were easily attracted to him and showered him with attention which he openly accepted. When he had to accept that he must marry and whom he must marry was so limited to him? There was a heaviness he could not hide from me at least. He was outgoing by nature and really loved life. I could see he humbled himself to accept Oriana and tried with a willing heart. She just failed to really capture it from him."

"Fergus was not so eager to grow up except when hit came to limiting his challenges in life. We both are like this. But marriage I could see was on such a more personal level of being. I did feel something was missing between the two of them. It even put some doubts in my thoughts of what might happen to us? Sometimes, I could tell your thoughts were far from me and wondered if the two of us would ever last?"

"I'm sorry for any of that. I was honestly afraid. Of many different things. Of holding you back from a better life. Personally bringing you unhappiness. Having to force you to have to lie and pretend all of the time. Sometimes, I just want to hold you so tight. As if I could absorb your heart into mine. How could I protect you from the greatest harm of all or myself for that matter from a broken heart? Fergus never really was in love with anyone before he married. He just loved everyone or hated them passionately. I'm sure he knew he was missing something but if intimacy got to be too much for him, he merely found a reason to pull us all out on the road where he knew merrier times were there to be had. And when we were parted I tried to that as well. It seemed to work for him? In the moment you know it is easy to make merry if you have the right sort of people around you. They just want to laugh and sing and it is hard to resist that sort of merriment if you have been hurt for too long a period of time. Drink enough and it is much easier to loose your grip on reality I noticed."

"That may as well be. I had too much to let loose than for I suppose but I know by than, finding myself free for the first time in my life, I did long for someone to care about."

"I do know, Tara, that it was fortune and it was fate that I survived and found you when I did. Now that I have you. I promise to do my best to not make you ever regret this life you have chosen to live out with me." He reached over to kiss her to assure of his promise. "I can only hope my love is enough. In case our child might drive you to reconsider such a choice."

"I will thank the taint at least, if it limits some the number of offspring we can produce. I think I will like having children around. I am not sure how much they will enjoy being around me."

"Ha, ha, we will see. But we had a lot of fun as children. Even if a good portion of it leads us into such mischief. I'm confident we will make the best of things. And if we do spend much of our time at Hunter Fell, we will have my father there to tell us every misstep we might be having in the meantime."

"He will have his hands full just with the two of us! Let us see how long we will be welcome out there."

"We will see than. I admit. I was merely a boy when I left there. We have kept in touch with letters so I can't be so much of a mystery to him."

"And was he your confessor as well, dear Ser?"

"Maker no! I mean sometimes I would admit why I might have fallen behind in my writing but I was not going to share everything I did with him. He is my father after all."

"I didn't think so. I'm sure my showing up out there will be a surprise he isn't expecting."

"I don't really know about that one. He does know, if he got any of the letters I tried to get to him that we were working or rather fighting together in the Blight. I thought about confessing my feelings for you and our relationship with him. Than, I would tell myself what if any of my letters got intercepted? It could bring harm to him or put us into even more danger. I didn't want to make him a target when I knew there was nothing I could do to protect him from any real harm."

"You are a good son, Rory. We will see though how he will take your more naughty antics soon enough."

"Soon enough as you say! At least we still have Amaranthine left to us if he kicks us out of his home."

"Yes, finally I can see an advantage to this promotion of sorts. Even though I didn't ask for it."

"But tell me, are you grateful not to have to keep playing the fair princess, now under her brother's wing?"

"It depends on my situation. When you are being annoying it does come in handy. Or anyone else for that matter. But you may be right. Now that I am older and much more independent, it would probably be hard for the two of us to maneuver around the other. I think the hardest part would have been in what role you would have to play and where your loyalties would have to lie."

"I'm afraid you are right. Of course I would always choose you over your brother but he would make that difficult for me if I did. I rather not be set between the two of you if it is possible. I'm sure he can see and might even become jealous, unconsciously of course, of your rising popularity with the people. This coming child will only lift you even further up in the eyes of the common people."

"They do so love babies don't they? But a mother who must also be ready to draw up her sword? They are as fickle as any other when it comes to hero worship. How I hope Alistair makes a wise choice when it comes to choosing a queen."

"So say we all."

"So tell me now, did you really not like Wynne so much? It would seem rash for me to not invite her to our wedding after all of this time."

"It might have just been something about her age? But I think it had more to do with her subjects for conversation."

"Ah, the old sage just doesn't inspire you as much as a pretty young woman does than?"

"Ha, ha, so you say. At least Valaria feels less likely to dwell too much in the "great beyond". What do I care about any of that? To me, my mother is gone and resting well. I don't want to have to think of her living in some kind of dream world. Or worse find myself ever caught up in one, thinking I'm alive when really …. I don't even know what you are in the fade?"

"Well, it …"

"Really, Tara, it isn't necessary. Let me enjoy being a part of the living at the moment. Unless this is all just part of the fade? If it keeps you from harm and I get to hold you and love you whenever the thought crosses my mind, than I am happy in my own ignorance."

"Than I will let you be. Here. Pass me your napkins. I mean to wrap up what we have left to bring out with us on our journey. In case we get hungry later but do not want to rush back just for food."

"There you go. You are becoming such a pack rat, Tara. Is this some mothering instinct?"

"I think it is more inspired by our leaner times on the road. Best not to let good food go to waste now either. I can just imagine how much food was wasted when I was child growing up."

"It never really went to waste. To the pigs, the chickens. Depending on what it was but that isn't wasteful."

"That's true. Beowulf earned his share of scraps off of the dinner table. I miss my mabari. We should have brought him with us."

"No, and for good reason that I already mentioned to you. He will be well treated at the palace. Might even enjoy some company while he is there."

"Company! I am his company. He is my pet."

"Not the same type of company I was thinking of."

"That might be true. He is a grown mabari. I did want to breed him of course but it seemed wiser to wait until I was better settled to me at least."

"And you already had this discussion with him than?"

"Nothing too elaborate. If he was a female I would be more concerned in the matter. Though really I felt no desire to treat him any different than I would any other? I think I want to know if he had pups out there?"

"It isn't quite the same you know?"

"So you say but again if he was female I would have to take care of them. And how do you know that he wouldn't be concerned for their well being or want to protect his own young pups?"

"He'd first have to know he had any out there. Even mabari's aren't so …well let's talk of something else shall we?"

"Yes, I can hardly discuss this topic responsibly with a non-mabari owner that is. Still haven't you any mabari in Hunter Fell? You act like he is some sort of oddity or beast."

"We have some. Not many. Just not a great need for such big dogs out in the Bannorn. They do tend to hunt animals. Difficult to teach them not to eat the chickens. Rodents. Calves and such. But even I had one, once. Remember? I was but a lad when my father brought Hunter home to me."

"Yes, now I remember. He was shot, out hunting or something like that right?"

"Right. Well, he got loose from me and in a valiant but untimely attempt to run off poachers, he ran into a neighbor of ours that just happened to stray a little out of place and frightened the boy upon his approach to meet up with him."

"That is a problem with mabari's. They are very territorial. But Beowulf is warming up to you now. I admit it took some time and my father was very strict with his training."

"He did seem to have an inbred hatred for all of the castle guards I seem to remember."

"Knowing my father? He specifically used clothe to secretly train my mabari to despise soldiers. He was rather sneaky like that you know."

"I knew your father very well. All too well when your dog went for me, several times, I recall."

"I'm truly sorry for all of that. I wasn't a very nice child all of the time either. But it is difficult to trust any boy when you think about it? You are all so full of mischief."

"Because girls are always so innocent."

"Good that you got that part right at least."

"Right. And thus, Beowulf is enjoying himself and I am free to enjoy my free time for once without having to always watch my back or watch out for him."

"Give it time. He'll learn. He's a smart dog."

"Too smart for his own good. I'll just find another one and let the two of them give chase to each other. Instead of just me."

"That would be such fun to watch! I'm sure he would enjoy the company."

"No doubt. If I could just train him to keep other people away when I need to be alone with you? That would be quite an accomplishment. Come now. Let me help you dress up some because I'm sure by now the fields are dry enough to not leave you swimming in dew water."

"Even if it is, I want to ride out remember? But it is good when my horse doesn't slip on any rocks or wet stone surfaces when we are riding outside."

"Right, I remember your saying you wanted to ride. And you mentioned boating as well. But taking into consideration how the sun does reflect so much on the water, I rather we do that in the early evening if at all. I've a better chance not to come back all burnt by the sun if I take that precaution."

"I understand. Just here, if you could, get this tie for me but remember not too tight. Do you mind very much if I wear my britches underneath my dress?"

"Why bother? I'm not letting you go out there to start a fight."

"No, of course not. It's just, if it gets hot enough and we ride out a ways, than I can take off this uncomfortable dress and not be, well, not dressed enough."

"I see. You really are bothered by this whole dress idea aren't you?"

"Not if I am not out riding. They just aren't cut wide enough for me to be able to get on and off of a horse with any sort of ease. Riding side saddle is dangerous to my health. You understand?"

"Wouldn't know? Though I have heard it might be dangerous for women who might be or are expecting to ride in such a fashion?"

"So some do say but since we have been together I question that more now myself? Right now at least I am at a greater risk of falling off of my horse if I cannot hold myself onto it more securely than if I cannot. One abrupt stop and plop I go! In an instant I could break my spine trying to avoid landing on top of my stomach."

"Haven't tried that move just yet and no, I'll take your word on that."

"It is just a long way to fall for my built. I rather not risk it. A saddle horn will chaff my leg as well. It's very uncomfortable."

"That thought does seem troubling. If we are far enough out you know I'm not offended by your wearing breeches. They come off easy enough for me? But they can trip you up some dear, just remember that."

"Speaking from experience I imagine."

"Rightly so. Maybe a tunic or a shawl would be in order? For modesty's sake? We just never know who we will come up upon and though there must be at least one man whose hide I haven't kicked all about in my days. While we take this time off, I rather not have that distraction. The whole threatening to harm you, those vulgar remarks, they can't seem to resist adding to their taunts to make me see and turn red with anger. I can do without that for today at least."

"The shawl I have with me is too heavy for a nice day. Just toss me one of your tunics if you insist. I'll pull my dress back on if necessary but at least with your tunic, I won't perspire too much riding out and our baby won't feel like I'm trying to smother it to death either. If it grows very heated however don't expect me to do so unless it is entirely necessary."

"If you get too sassy, I'll just have to insist you ride with me."

"In that instance the tunic might indeed become a necessity. We have no pressing business for today or somewhere we have to be. I might like that sort of ride out with you. But we will have to find a safe place to put my own horse before any of that can happen."

"It's been some time before we have done that hasn't it?"

"That it has. Remember when I would beg you to take me out to ride into the Wilds?"

"I remember. I remember how eager I was to grow tall enough to handle a full sized horse well enough to safely ask you to ride with me. I can't even remember when I wasn't allowed onto a pony? Or how excited I was to finally own my own horse. I actually had my own full sized horse before I was big enough to ride Chase. My father told me it was important that I know how to take good care of a horse before I might grow big enough to ride him. Unfortunately he grew faster than I did but by the time I was ten, I still rode him out for short distances even though my boots couldn't reach the stir-ups really well. I just rode him bareback like the elves taught me to do it."

"So your first horse was named, Chase?"

"He's hopefully still around my home. I called him that sure and would love to call out. "catch me if you can!" For it was my intention that all of the other horses were going to have to give chase behind him once I could ride him right."

"I was thinking because you must have had to chase him around a lot."

"I did enough of that too in my day. He grew to be a big horse and having to ride him bareback at first wasn't easy getting on to. I was just so determined to ride him and of course who doesn't want to ride out as fast as you can when you are a young boy?"

"Some are afraid of horses but I wasn't. Too much. Some aren't easy to tame. Once I grew tall enough to ride most horses they stopped intimidating me much at all. My father would get so mad at me for trying to sneak out to ride someone elses horse. Finally he gave me my own but still I needed help to get up onto her. I just wasn't growing tall enough, fast enough to please me? But papa felt sorry for me and always picked me up and rode me out past the gate or when I met up with him when he was returning back from a long trip away from home."

"It was rather cute. Not that you would give up pleading with him if he dared to ride past you. When he dared to you just charmed one of us to pick you up and that taught him not look out for his little girl when he came back home."

"I know! He was so mad at me and than he would glare at all of you for daring to do such a thing. He knew I was too small to ride by myself. He tried to convince me it could be dangerous if I didn't pay attention and hold on tight. I did tumble once or twice but he caught me, barely, but I was young and had to learn from experience why it was necessary to do so. That's all."

"I was the same way as a child. My father's horse was so big. I remember his looking down at me and asking me how did I intend on getting up to where he sat? So I remember suddenly looking all around and I found a barrel close by, which was not easy at my size than to climb up on top of. He was so amused by my resourcefulness that he said he couldn't resist any longer and had to practically bend over sideways before I could reach his arm to hold on while he hauled me up to his saddle. He told me I was so happy to ride up there he never could find it in his heart to turn me down whenever I prompted him to let me ride out with him in the fields. Later he finally told me he was so relieved when I could finally mount a horse myself because it just wasn't easy to bend down that far to pull up a child. He was concerned about my getting distracted and letting go of his arm too soon before he had me well into the saddle. Not to mention that would really hurt if it happened."

"I have seen children afraid of horses but for the two of us? Unimaginable. We were both fortunate to have parents who also loved to ride. Maybe tonight we can try it together? When we won't stand out so much and we won't have to be too concerned about your getting sunburned in the afternoon. I don't feel Ares will complain too much."

"That image is starting to sound better and better. If he does I doubt I will notice it? I'll see what we can do later on. We just cannot stay out too late tonight. As much as I have been enjoying myself out here, we must leave in the morning."

"We must but why?"

"You need to go shopping of course. As you say, you've nothing with you that fits well enough. We will need the appropriate clothes to wear at the funeral. I have nothing at home that would fit me right now for that purpose. It will just be easier to find some clothes ready to wear in Denerim than in Hunter Fell."

"That must be right. I wish we had more time. I can only imagine or really rather not what I must have to settle for wearing without having a proper tailor to put together a good dress to wear. So many people too will show up eager to judge me also on my appearance."

"I'm afraid your mother must have you really self-conscious about that doesn't she?"

"I'm afraid so. You too though have always seemed concerned about the impression you make on others with your appearance."

"That's true and for the same reason. Because my father was very strict about our appearance. What he didn't instill in me and my caretakers, the Teryn did. It was just part of our discipline."

"I don't mind so much taking good care of my things. But even I know if a soldier comes in from a battle without appearing all scuffed up and a little weary, he is hardly worth admiring for his service."

"That is true in most instances. But those of us who did have a young woman they meant to impress, did try to clean ourselves up some before returning home from the fields. I was just thinking if you come home too tidy it might mean you didn't really have a good time?"

"It could also mean I had a terrible spill upon my return back from one. So I can see I might have judged some men too hastily? For I too, if I remembered would at least try to pull myself back together the best that I could hoping no one would scold me relentlessly when they caught sight of me otherwise. I do want to make a good first impression on your father."

"That worries me less than knowing you must be so uncomfortable in your own clothing. Especially seeing how you will be stuck wearing a dress most of our time there. But the same will be true in Highever."

"My brother can care less what I am wearing around the castle."

"That may be so but you will have to address the people at times. You will be stuck in whatever black dress you can bear for our first return to Highever. Not to mention, you are in dire need of an blacksmith who can find you some looser chainmail for the time being. You will have to address the people of Amaranthine at least once before you are ready to give birth. Once we are married. I hope that will be right after your parents funeral. I will need you and our child will need you to settle down to the role at hand."

"Because a woman great with child in armor, must simply look ridiculous. How the Red Queen must have suffered as a woman."

"I would enjoy reading her diaries when we get the chance to. I doubt she was far into the field when she was great with child. And her soldiers I'm sure were her constant protectors. Now don't get me thinking along that way right now. I've already got enough going on. Come along, let us go ready our horses."

So they did and took their horses out past the hills that sheltered the hidden waterfall around and to another valley that reached out well into a vast forest beyond that."

"Well, look here! I wonder what people lie beyond those trees? Look for markings. Be they human or elf?"

"Let me get down and take a closer look here. I believe, if we head to the south, the name and writing looks too fancy to be human, so it must be of elfish origin to me?"

"So, who do you fancy the most? Humans or elves today?" Roland looked back at her to await her response to his question.

"Oh Elves definitely! I bet they might even have some attire that is comfortable enough to wear in my present state of being. Follow along with me and I might even find you some nice boots to wear at Court."

"Great! I can't wait to try them on. I just hope these wood elves don't mind a little company."

"What's that?"

"I just said I hope we will be welcomed."

"Why not? Living so close to a human settlement they should be happy for some new company. I imagine life for you is centered around adventure and challenges, is it not?"

"One might think so, I guess, looking back at my past few years at least. I don't mind a few days at least to enjoy all of my ill gotten gain. I do enjoy your company a little more than once in a while it seems."

"I am merely a distraction to you. I can never imagine you living happily working away weeding grasses or mowing down fields. Even steering cattle must drive a young man to utter madness after a year or two at that task I would imagine."

"For many, it is a way of life. A safer way of life. When one actually comes home to his wife and children. Meets up with his fellow farmers at that local tavern to discuss the seasons business and negotiate business trades. Even riding into market is an event for the people of the Bannorn."

"All quite amusing. But it still hardly describes the life I know you to have been living through the years."

"No, not all. But, I can do some of that. For a while. That is until we must travel elsewhere. And what say you? Can you ever be a farmer's wife?"

"Hard to say since I have never personally known any well enough to see how they really live? You will serve as a manager rather than an actual farmer won't you? It matters not really. For even if we make a home in Hunter Fell, my Grey Warden duties will save me from any chance of real boredom setting in."

"That is true. My father, so he writes, took up painting? You might like that?"

"More than fishing? Difficult to say? If the fish are biting it is rather dramatic and I like that. I don't even mind getting wet from it."

"No, not you. You seem a natural for the sport. Safer at least then your being out hunting game. But you don't mind that at times either."

"Much like hunting orcs or darkspawn, isn't it? Well, I use to fear bears but not any longer."

"I still rather you not hunt anything that big without me. Actually, don't go hunting anything without me if you please. I know Beowulf is very efficient but if you run into other hunters, it is better to have me by your side."

"I'm not so anxious to hunt, unless the need arrives, you've no need to make up worries for yourself. The babe will keep me busy enough for a time. I have so many things I need to make and have made for it. Already it feels like I am too far behind."

"We will catch up. With all of our friends, I have nothing to doubt. Neither do you. Are you so sure you want to deal with elves this afternoon? They can be very, well …."

"Temperamental? Inhospitable? Outright hostile at times? We are familiar with their ways are we not?"

"That we are. Than again, how could they be hostile to you. Everyone has heard about you if they do not recognize you by sight."

"Which is why I brought my bow and arrows along for the ride. Once they see my bow, they will feel less threatened by my hand. You? Well, I will explain so let me speak first with them please?"

"I see because just the site of me sends elves trembling in their boots. I understand."

"For good reasons but most are not so unreasonable, my love. If they start to trouble you of course we can leave whenever you like."

"We have elves on the borders of our land, Tara. These shouldn't be so foreign to us that we cannot at least communicate and maybe relieve them of some of their well made goods."

"I like that attitude. It will get you far soldier."

"So I found out. Had I known earlier …. now listen to me talk? I always knew what was ahead of me with our lives once we finally were together."

"As we were always meant to be. The Maker made it so. How else can you explain two people falling in love under so much strife? Than be separated only to find our love is stronger still. Now, already we are with child! Nothing short of a miracle. This babe, is going to be very special indeed."

"Already I know our child is special because who I may say is its' mother."

"How you do boost! Than I can do so also since its' father is such a handsome, brave man, who already bards sing fascinating tales of his glories. It seems that legends do hold true since you did your part in slaying more than a few of the fierce dragons that were set upon us during our travels."

"That is one legend I was grateful to have come true. Though with all honesty, we all had our hand in making that happen. Where does this fighters blood come from that must run through your veins as well, dear Princess?"

"Some place similar it must be, correct? But we Couslands are not known to back down from any honorable fight either. So there you have it!"

"I cannot even say it found the wrong vessel since your brother also fights with so much vigor? So what you say must be so? But than what man who is a real man doesn't crave a passionate women to claim as his own once he is ready to settle down some?"

"None I hope! Especially since I doubt you will stay settled down for very long."

"Why not? I'm sure there is more than enough work to keep me busy for some time to come out there."

"Maybe for you but my world will not let me rest for too long. It will be all I can do to allow myself to settle down to at least give birth and give our child some time to grow with it's own mother."

"You plan on staying with our babe, at least in the beginning?"

"I do and even past that. It will travel along with me. I'll need a nurse but other than that I couldn't bare to be without my own child. It is even my dearest of hopes to draw its' father along with me, if he can be so tempted away from his plow that is." She smiled back at him as she passed his horse along the trail.

"As if you could leave me behind. For a plow no less? What kind of man do you take me for?"

"The very best at whatever you choose to do. That is who I shall marry with"

"Than you picked the very finest of them, milady!"

"I never doubted any of that. No, not at all."

Just then they came up upon a rather elaborate yet unnatural growth of trees that formed a unique archway. This was obviously grown into such a pattern so they knew to expect elfin guards to come up to them at any moment.

"Halt! Go no further without identifying yourselves and your purpose to pass along any further. Travelers!"

"Fear not! It was our wish to visit with your clan. We are quite familiar with elves, from more than a few elvish cultures in our travels."

"So you say. What have you there lady? Its' pattern looks familiar."

"This? Oh, I would hope so since it is elvish design. The very finest that I am told. I needed it to be though considering the monsters I encounter in a fight."

"So I see you are a braggart who covets elvish goods at least. What of you there? What do you know of any elves?"

"I am quite friendly with the clan who dwells in the forest beyond Hunter Fell. As well as all of those who dwell in the great Brescilian Forest. It is their reputation that brings us this far out this afternoon."

"So, now we have a man who misses elves? Do we miss you as much? Doubtful. And what than brings the two of you together than? A chance meeting on the road or are you too another who fights for the right to tell tales and brag too much about them?"

"Lady Tara is my fiancée and I am Ser Roland Gilmore. Both of us of Highever. We also represent the Grey Wardens of Fereldon but we are on vacation from all of that right now. I am of that sort you imagine but than I do have more than a few tales to be told. I'd love to share them all with you for entertainment purposes of course. While my lady might shop through your wares. It must get boring, living out here in the wild, with no darkspawn kicking at your heels or even the rare werewolf to steal at your prey. So we thought to bring you some stories to win your favor and maybe a fair price for your goods? If you are in the mood to bargain for such items?"

"So, you know the tales of the werewolves of the Brescilian Forests than? Not many do who have actually lived to tell that tale at least."

"Know them? Why we have fought those creatures and many other things in the ruins out there. Really, the house cleaning out there leaves something to be desired."

"Yes, our brothers and sisters did have a time of it didn't they? We ourselves don't let things get so out of hand but all tribes have their, "problems" so to speak."

"And does yours happen to live underground? In the mountains not far from your home here?"

"Maybe. What do you know of the Drows?"

"Drows you say? Well, not much but I suspected as much when I first heard the tale from those working at the inn."

"They are a very private sort of elves. Not very friendly or welcome of foreigners we have found out. But their culture is very old. Very old indeed."

"It seems they have no other choice but to live where there is only filtered sunlight. The heat of the sun is dangerous to their skin but you must understand some of that don't you soldier"

"Ser Gilmore, at your service. I suffer from a similar difficulty. We do have a salve of sorts that at least helps me when I need it the most for protection."

"Good to hear. We also sell such remedies. So now we have answered your inquiries. What more do you want from us? We do not mix with outsiders as much as we can help it."

"We are not here to contaminate the minds of your people. But we would like to trade some if you have something to offer us? My mate, here, is the Heroine of Fereldon. The new Arlessa of Amaranthine. It is her business to become acquainted with any and all who seek to live in peace within the perimeters of our landscapes."

"The Heroine of Fereldon? Who rumor has it fought with the elves? Why didn't you say so at first? We would not have questioned you so much if you did."

"And if I arrived here with my banners flying high, suited up in my heavy armor you would feel less of a need to know who I was and what was my purpose for being here?"

"Well, at least it wouldn't be so much of a surprise for us to see you here. So why then are you traveling so concealed like this? Isn't that dangerous?"

"Life and the living of it is dangerous. Finding a little time when the two of us can enjoy just being alone together, isn't as easy. But what we said was true. I need to do some shopping and I happen to favor elvish goods. So do you welcome our company or not?"

"Come along and follow me. We have what you seek, hopefully. The children would enjoy a story if that is something you have to share."

"I can spin a yarn or discuss matters of importance with your elders, if you wish while my soon to be bride investigates your items for purchase."

"That will do. For now. I'm sorry to say dear lady, just by your appearance really, it was wrong of me to question your need of fine clothing."

"I apologize for presenting myself so disheveled like this. We just wanted to have some fun out riding. And I haven't been home in many months. Most of that time I was suited up in armor. It was unreasonable for me to wear anything else unfortunately."

"I understand. Kaila will do her best to help you with what you need. Let me introduce you, Ser Gilmore to our elder, Eth'ric. He will be happy to make your acquaintance. And discuss your concerns with the Drow."

"I'm looking forward to it then."

"You are, are you now, my dearest?"

"For the meantime. Only to give you some time to find the things you are seeking. Not really looking for a reason to settle in here for too long a period of time."

"That is good news. Maybe I will find something interesting you might like to read as well." She reached up to kiss him for reassurance before heading over to where they kept their goods for trade.

"Good afternoon dear lady. Is there something you are in great need of that we can show you this fine springtime day?"

"Yes, I am in desperate need of clothing. Something that is not too binding at the waist for I know in time I will grow to fit into such garments."

"Look here Kaila, why do my elfin ears tell me she has good reason to seek out such garments for herself?"

"I bet she would be interested in what Elosia has here in her trunk as well. Just give me a moment here."

"This is going to be hard to choose from. I'll take this brown tone dress and maybe this blue one? What have you over there? I cannot see those things very well."

"Here now, look at these clothes for newborns. Even the baby things are well made with the greatest of care given to this fine embroidery stitching."

"So it is. I must have this, and this is simply adorable. I'm afraid I haven't so much coin to purchase all of these beautiful things that you have with you out here."

"We will have to be grateful than for what you can purchase from us today."

"Thank you for understanding my current predicament. So, I must have these two gowns and let's see, these two baby things are too lovely for even words to describe."

"Please, Kaila, this at least she must have for her child. She is after all the Heroine of Fereldon."

"Is that so? It is right for every elf babe must have a gown such as this one. And here, this cherry blossom gown. You must own this. For every babe must be fed by it's mother, that is not as much the way of noble women but if I give it to you, you will do this too?"

"I promise. It is so pretty. Even my fiancé might find it attractive on me."

"That is the point of it. To make feeding less of a burden. This gives you more time with your husband. I'm sure in your position they expect many children for you to bear. That too can't be too far off am I right?"

"Yes, you are right. We will see however how many offspring I will even have the time to produce. Sadly, now I am thinking I will be addressing some dignitaries or signing away some important documents even as such moments arise. What a thought to have in ones head! Will I be fighting off my enemies as I am well with child? How ridiculous that appears to be in my own imagination."

"Well we two here will hope that man you say will be your husband is fit enough to keep such enemies away."

"At least long enough for this poor women to safely give birth! Though the way of humans is very strange to many of we elves? What elf would prey upon another who is with child or is a sworn leader among us here?"

"None would even suggest such a matter. I much rather concentrate on her having a fruitful union and happy babies if you please."

"Very well. But these matters do need to be addressed from time to time you must understand." Kaila explained trying to sound so serious.

"I do but as she has already mentioned, such thoughts do prey upon her mind already. We needn't add to her burdens in the moment. Expecting women must live in a state of tranquility. There must be harmony in one's life to produce a viable offspring."

"Nobles of my kind have given birth under very trying circumstances in the past. I conceived this one in a time of war. We cannot always expect such peace all of the time."

"Especially among humans. Children conceived and born into times of strife tend to be such distraught people. You must find some tranquility or all will not go well for either of you."

"Such a waste. To bring babe's into dire situations. You should put more thought into your actions before taking on such an important task."

"This was not expected to be so soon put upon us. It could have gone as you suggest, so wrong. But we made it out of our love for each other. I believe a babe's parents' intentions are the most important ones of all. This is a welcome child by two loving parents. We will do everything in our power to keep our child safe, as well as well loved by those who mean to care for it. This child means so much to us. We have both been through so much just to get to this point. You are right though in thinking the ways of humans are strange. I cannot answer for many of them. Even though I know what motivates their actions. I could hardly approve of their unrealistic ambitions and how hard many of us are forced to fight to prevent them from achieving such nefarious goals. You see, my parents were murdered because of such foul ambitions. Sadly we could not even address my parents burial until after the Blight. Once all of that is settled than we will wed. It will take place well before I am to give birth.

May I see those books you have over there. On the table besides us." Tara tried to point to the books she was curious to find out more about. "My future husband enjoys stories that tell the history of your people. Not so much for their imaginative nature as for their historical value. You understand right?"

"Why wouldn't I? You do not believe we elves are so simple minded I hope. Here now, let me just find something for you. This one and I would suggest this one also. These should serve as such a find. This one here especially is a favorite of the elders and it will help you remember elvish hospitality as well. This other book, tells a more ancient tale. One that it would be best to handle with care. It speaks of a rare race of elves that the world has all but forgotten and for good reason. They want it to stay that way."

"He will read this with your wishes in mind. I of course will also since I have been warned there will be a time when I will want to read more and travel around less."

"So it has been witnessed even here in Taliafel. If this is all that you will have from us today, let us finish with our transactions please."

"Wait, I promised my partner a pair of fine elfin boots. Something tall but very malleable. We do tend to travel a lot but he has to be able to move quickly. Than, of course, he is a broad sort of man isn't he? I do hope you can find something that will fit him well enough. Boots are very important to a man but you must know this is true. I want him to have something elegant to wear for formal occasions."

"This will take some looking but we have put boots on many of the men of Fereldon. Those who of course understand responsible shoe making and expect a boot to be a work of artistry for the foot."

"As well as useful to wear. We use a special type of oil to make our leathers more pliable. Easier on the feet but sturdy enough to withstand the hard ground."

"What about swamps? Do they stand up well to water?"

"Some water, yes, of course but swamp waters? Who would be venturing out to such territories in search of fine boots to wear?"

"We have encountered every type of area or obstacle that I can think of to date. I will take that as not so much. He has other boots and we should keep these nice for special events. Though I want him to wear them now to make sure they are comfortable to wear. In what is often, uncomfortable situations."

"Good that you do. I would think our leather would hold up under such conditions but it could greatly affect the dyes and leave you with a dirty, smelly sort of boot." Eloisa said distastefully as she imagined a dirty, rotten, stinking, pair of boots covered in slimy, dead plants and other sorts of debris tangled around a fine set of elfin boots!

"I understand this. Having traveled long enough with an elf from Antiva. He was extremely fond of his boots and gloves especially. My fiancé must work hard and he has boots suited well enough for that. My work however asks for him to dress as a gentleman often enough. I want Fereldon's to see these boots and wish they were theirs. Not enough though to want to take his life for them however!"

"That I cannot guarantee. Good that he at least looks like he can defend himself in a fight. With these boots, at least he will be lighter on his feet. And though our work is fit for kings, we have also put shoes on other nobles."

"Some not so noble as well, I'd say."

"Well, that may be in town. This is how we pay for our own needs. I will sell these to you at a fair price, if you promise me, a better Fereldon for elves living here in general."

"I am in a position to know that already you have my proof that the King and I take your concerns very seriously. We rid Denerim of Trevinter slavers. Freed many elves and I personally refused to set free the former mayor's son, who purposely misused elves to his own end."

"Than these are yours. I am at a loss for what to charge one who has already done so much for our cause?"

"Here is what I can offer to you for all of these items. I must save some coin for our traveling expenses but I had expected to pay a fair price for what I needed the most."

"Excuse me kind lady. Where did you come upon such a fine bow? It must be of elvish design but it's pattern is unfamiliar to me?"

"I'm not surprised. Please, one moment. Here this should cover my purchases here. I wish I could buy more but this trip out was not so well financed. Our venture into these parts of Fereldon was only a fancy whim of ours to spend some quiet time together. I feel so fortunate to come upon your clan at a most opportune time in my life! I was just in so desperate need of more comfortable clothing. I also was very interested in making this purchase for my future husband's gift. He has not had so many fine things to wear as I have in my life so far. I appreciate very much your willingness to help me make it possible for him to have something this fine. We do a lot of traveling and it will help me reach this more tranquil state of mind knowing he has these boots to wear."

"Why are you so particular of these things? Just because some Antivan elf did brag too much?"

"He was the sort to do so I'm afraid. But mostly out of his fondness for craftsmanship that deserves to be praised. Really my father and then my own brother has a pair such as these. They spoke well of them for wear and I always admired how stylish they looked. Many others thought so too I can report to you honestly."

"Good craftsmanship in a shoe is difficult to find. It is fortunate than that some in your family could tell the difference."

"It was a fortunate discovery. I only wish I had thought to bring more coin with me on this trip. Neither of us travels with too much coin for various reasons. When we left Denerim it was in such a rush I hadn't the opportunity to stop and replenish my funds as well. So many of our transactions are simply billed to us and than settled by my accountant. I hadn't really thought about the topic but I must confer with my fiance on our merging out two accounts. Enough so my accountant can aid him, as he does my own funds."

"A very odd arrangement but nobility do tend to behave in many odd behaviors."

"When you have a good amount of money to be managed and properties that require others to collect upon these funds, it is a beneficial arrangement for us. Or I would be spending all of my day running all about collecting coins. That might sound like a useful use of one's time but there are so many important issues to be dealt with in a days time. None of us would choose to take on this task as well over the many business transactions we must broker in a year's time that is."

"So busy aren't we? I can say that now that we have met you, you are welcome to relieve yourself of any coin that burdens you to hold onto. We strive very seriously to create goods that are worthy of our ancestors teachings. Nothing you will find here is not worthy of being labeled fine elvish goods."

"That is my observation here as well. It is my pleasure to do business with you. This country out here is very fine so hopefully, we will find the time to come through this way again. And if you find a need to travel to Amaranthine. See if I am present and you will be my guests. I am not familiar with the overall business dealings in the city yet. It will be a new assignment for me. If I can find a vendor interested in selling your work or you decide you might want to expand your business dealings to Amaranthine? I will take such consideration seriously out of respect for your good service."

"Really? I haven't the faintest clue as to where that might even be? But if ever I get the opportunity I will, I promise! Perhaps, we will be interested in starting a business out in your city?"

"If it interests you do so, I am one of the persons you should ask for then. You may know me as Lady Cousland. Newly appointed Arlessa of Amaranthine and High Commander of the Grey in Fereldon. Mention my name and you will be given ample consideration for your application to do so."

"This coin will suffice."

"Good to hear. Now son, what is it that you just have to know?"

"Son? I am hardly a mere boy. Just, can I see your bow?"

"Very well. Wait. Now be careful. It isn't a toy."

"I can see that well enough. I happen to have some skill at making bows so you see? My interest is not merely of a passing admiration."

"Please forgive my mistake than. I was informed the design is very old craftsmanship. I like the way it feels in my grip and I can assure you, I can easily hit my targets because though it looks heavy it is well balanced for a woman to use who needs to be very accurate at times."

"I can see it is light, but with weight better centered to help keep it steady for the kill. Very nice."

"I think so. By the way, I came by it during my travels through the Brescilian Forest. This particular design however is of a much ancient craftsmanship. If ever you have the opportunity to travel, it is a fine and quite accomplished group of elves I can speak highly of."

"Thank you kind lady. If I could just trace this pattern would you mind?"

"Are not such things considered a signature for elves? You must have your own as well."

"We do. I will keep it for more of a historical reference if that is your desire? Than it is best that I just take this design structure more to heart than to replicate it in whole. Would that suit you better than?"

"Besides, there is merit in trying to preserve ancient craftsmanship. I must keep this in mind as well. I will leave it than up to your own elders discretion on the matter. Out of respect please for the ones whose work I make good use of. I am pleased that you understand. Here I have something even more precious to me and it too is a very old elfin design with me. Just wait a moment here."

"Lady please!" The young elf was suddenly taken off guard when the lady suddenly lifted her skirt to retrieve her dagger. "It is not necessary for you to do this with your mate so close by me is it?"

"Do what? Oh, ha, ha, ha, if such a move gains his attention I am the least of the two of us to complain. Here, I have a jeweled dagger. Look at this metal work."

"Amazing! Where did you come across such a dagger as this?"

"My mother gave it to me on my fourteenth birthday. It is from her own personal estate and she was herself of a noble house before her marriage to my beloved father. It has never left it's holder except when needed."

"This has to be very old indeed by this cut. I do hope it isn't so needed for a woman but I can understand why you feel it is so necessary to keep it with you."

"This one rarely gets much use except as a deterrent. I have other such daggers and swords that do most of my work for me. On light trips this and my bow serve me well enough."

"It is good to know you are not always putting your life into so much danger. Thank you for sharing these designs with me. I am sure to make even better items with this added knowledge next time."

"I hope it helped. Now I really must join my partner."

"Don't let me keep you apart from your loved one any longer than please. If you are so armed I am not so eager to raise a challenge with him."

"That is sound logic. He's quite a man even without any weapons in a challenge. I should know!"

"You two fight? I mean seriously between the two of you?"

"Sometimes but so far we still haven't seriously harmed one another. I'm more afraid of his actions and words, than how hard he can hit me if he ever makes that sort of contact. But worry not! We love each other and we only train to improve our fighting skills. Not to harm one another."

"How do you fight such a man? I suppose there are elves who could challenge him in a serious duel but you?"

"It's best that I not make too much contact with his good arm. Both of them are quite dangerous I assure you. To fight such a foe you must be very quick and agile. This is not anything new though to an elf I would presume?"

"It would have to be very quick and very precise, my lady. I doubt, if he ever had any of us at a disadvantage, we would live to crow about it."

"I would not want to make an enemy of him I assure you. Yet, don't think of him as unkind or brutish. He is none of that. It is difficult to make an enemy out of him. Even moreso than myself I'm afraid."

"You do not seem so harsh to me?"

"I have no reason to be either."

"That is good news to carry along with me. I am Ciran and you may always think of me as your elvish friend and ally if need be."

"I am Lady Cousland but soon to be known as Lady Gilmore in time. Though I will never fully shed the Cousland name so whatever name you use eventually someone will lead you to me."

"You must be very noble than in the human realm if your own family names transcends that of your own husbands? Strange are the ways though of humans to many of us. Our family names, though important are rarely used except on very formal occasions."

"It could be because so many names among our kind grow so common? It has to be difficult when one finds themselves in a crowded room."

"That might be a problem I see? But not so much for me today! I bid thee ado and will not separate you from your intended mate any further."

"Than you are a fine gentleman, Ciran, and I too bid you ado!"

She tried to follow Roland's conversation while putting her bow back into it's rightful place before walking up and than taking a seat next to him. He was sitting on a log bench while telling them a story about how the elves helped to end the Blight. He looked over to her direction and noticed her just than lifting up her skirt with her dagger in hand. Once it was up high enough, he took the dagger from her other hand and neatly returned it to it's sheath band against her outside thigh with merely a glance in that direction. Returning quickly his gaze back to his mesmerized crowd. He was easily aware of its' location and it took little effort on his part to perform the action.

Tara was a little surprised by his gesture to begin with. A moment later though so she did release her dagger to his care to see what was his interest in her prized possession. Once he had merely returned it to its rightful place. She in turn gently placed her hand over his to cause his fingers to linger longer against her thigh. They did all of this without a word and without his losing a beat as he continued with his story. At least in that moment he did well enough with the two motions simultaneously.

"Excuse me, please for just one more moment. Hello my love. Nothing I should be more concerned about I hope since you were putting that toy of yours away is there?"

"No, I was simply showing off the design to one of their craftsman here at camp."

"That at least than is a relief. Did you find what you wanted?"

"I did and some things you might find interesting as well."

"I'm almost done with my tale and I don't want to leave these nice elves in suspense, so excuse me while I finish up here if you wouldn't mind?"

"No, not at all. I didn't mean to distract you. We can wander around some when you are done."

"No, not at all. I can do two things at once still. Or was that even three?" Smiling now he knew the better of her intentions, "I'm looking forward to it all." He said sneaking in a kiss before returning to his tale.

Only a couple moments later, a middle-age women came up behind her to tap her on the shoulder to pull her away from the storytelling. So Tara complied to hear what the woman had to say to her.

"Hello, I am Mai-lai. I noticed your purchases and spoke with the girls. I thought you might want to dress-up some. I love to help you look nice for our banquet this evening. You will join us won't you? I can't imagine what the human tribe might produce otherwise for you this evening that can rival our own.

I was also told you are bound to be married soon. We have a fertility rite that might bring you some good fortune to your future family."

"Uhm …well, we have already put that to the test. He already completed that mission successfully."

"So, the baby things were more than wishful thinking on your part."

"That is true. Blame it on the Blight. We just got a little ahead of ourselves. You can imagine what our challenges must have been like. I was afraid I might not make it through the end of it."

"Amazing isn't it? How you must have found those moments still to be together. At least you brought something a little extra back with you. I bet a little more than the two of you were expecting."

"More than a little bit it seems. It would be nice to put on something more comfortable."

"Yes, and something with your hair …come along with me to my home. I will help you change in there. Don't you travel with a maid at least?"

"Not the sort of accessory most can afford to travel along with fighting in a fast moving Blight. Nor do women seek out such employment to enter into. It was too great of a risk. Sadly my own personal maid must have lost her own life when my home was invaded. I could never ask her to take the same risks on the road that I did. Rory, my fiancé helps me the best that he can on the road."

"Human women. Servants jobs are to serve. A good servant would not questions the circumstances of her station. Than again, you humans do not usually make good masters either. So who am I to questions such going on during treacherous times."

"Though at times my own ladies must have wished for other duties to attend to I was not so selfish with my own. Perhaps you are right that they too would have followed along with me into the unknown. I could not see how any of my trusted servants could have endured what we had to go through and still live."

"You are alive here, are you not? Why would they not be also? You would not so easily sacrifice another in your own place would you?"

"No of course not! But I am not sure you realize what we had to face. I am very good with both blades and a bow. But when we are so overwhelmed as we often were? How could I expect any other to survive when I myself was overwhelmed and barely made it through alive with my own training? I could not nor would I expect any other woman to take my place unless she was fully capable of doing at least what I can accomplish in a heated battle. It is too much to ask of anyone who has any honor left to their families name."

"I know elves who fight very well. Even the women in our tribe at least are trained in the ways of war. I have encountered women who do our sex much shame it's true. I care not to think much upon such women myself. Still, it is true I was not an active part of the Blight except for what little we encountered out here from the darkspawn. We are fortunate in that respect. At least I can respect you more for trying to be thoughtful of those you must depend on for your self-respect at the very least.

Let me fix up your hair. As a gift for your future wedding. Since you two will not probably be in these parts for your special day."

"No I cannot unfortunately. What little I have seen of this place seems pleasant enough. It would be very romantic to be wed in a forest. Surrounded by so many beautiful plants and trees growing naturally in our midst. Please don't trouble yourself too much. We must be back on the road in the morning."

"And why not do as you wish? Is it not your nuptials to do as you will? Why all of this denial?"

"I mentioned my position enough I hope? Many would be offended if we ignored them or behaved too unconventional. In my world, even a wedding must be viewed as an opportunity to ground your position in life."

"So it is to show off than?"

"Only to prove my love is genuine for my partner's sake. But, because my position holds so much authority and demands so much of our people to trust in my good will? You see they have to be able to depend on my loyalty to their causes. Sometimes too, it is my role to give them a reason to celebrate when so many unhappy events might cloud those thoughts in their minds."

"Some of that is understandable. Still to deny yourself what truly makes you feel happy? It must do little to build the confidence that you say you are seeking?"

"I understand your dilemma. There is more to this than even that. My fiancé is not so, well, welcome to most as my suitor. Because I have defied so many of the standards that all nobles are raised to accept unquestionably, I am somewhat in their debt. Or rather seeking their mercy and begging for their acceptance of my rather unorthodox choice for a husband."

"At least that makes a little more sense in the matter. He appears to be sort of charming. Almost attractive, well, a little more than that if he didn't look so, so, …"

"So much less like your common elves you mean? No, none of that but by our standards? For a man to achieve both strength and wisdom? These are very admirable qualities among my people. Considering the list of those who would rather see me dead or clearly out of their path to power and wealth? I know how fortunate I am to win his love and admiration. He might questions at times his own worth but to me? I rather not have to live my life without his love and devotion in it."

"I suppose we all have our weakness' now and again. At least you say he is obedient and useful. So what really brings two such traveler out here when there must be such a celebration to be had and favors to be won in the capital of Fereldon?"

"I have had enough of all of that celebrating. I am only obedient up to a point. Or answer to the will of others who clearly are a step above my own. It was my fondest wish to merely spend some time with my beloved. You understand don't you? We are just stopping here to rest some along our journey. We just happened upon this place and I was in desperate need of some comfortable fitting clothing. I really do appreciate elfin craftwork as well. It was our desire to get away before my name and face become too well known to most of the people around here."

"This is a good place to come to escape some of that. But of course the young people get so curious about outsiders. I heard your partner, he is the father to be that you speak of right?"

"Yes, of course"

"Just being careful. You should defy all of those other people and come here to be married. Marriage is a very sacred event here between elves."

"Such a kind offer. We take them seriously as well. Even though I can see how you might question our behavior from time to time."

"You must mean most of the time? Marriage is encouraged but it is not for all elves."

"Yes, that has been my experience with elves. We are not so much different than you are. It isn't that we are avoiding matrimony."

"I see. This is a difficult time in your life. But life goes on doesn't it? Now see? Is not this dress even more beautiful than you imagined it to be?"

"Is this all that I'm suppose to be wearing with this than?"

"What else do you need?"

"Let's just say the people I walk amongst …, it doesn't really matter at this point as long as Roland is here with me. Always."

"Good now just let me fix this hair of yours some and you will be presentable for our evening meal. It is good that you came at this time. Many a young men are out with the hunt. Some will probably journey a day or two ride out so they won't be eating here with us tonight."

"We will be sorry to have missed them."

"As they will be to miss you. But you are now so settled. We prefer our people to stay together. It keeps us strong but you will be quite a distraction for them tonight."

"But not too much I hope? Really, I am quite settled on my engagement."

"Are you so sure? He looks like such a …well…isn't he much of a brute?"

"You judge a man merely by his size?"

"It is not natural for elves to be this way. Some say men bred with beasts to get so large."

"And you believe these tales?"

"I look at a man like that and I question such things."

"He is a very strong man but in our world, he has to be. His parentage is humankind. If you but compare him to say, a bear, or the Qunari than he is not so large or intimidating. He is very intelligent and he is very civilized. He doesn't live in a cave or under the ground either."

"At least that is refreshing to hear. He appears to be clean at least. And you, Arlessa is it, must be of special breeding? I can tell just by your hair."

"Really? Interesting. It has been some time well, at the palace …anyways. Why would that be of any interest to you?"

"I too am a princess. If you are the Arlessa of Amaranthine than you must be familiar with the new teryn, what is his name again?"

"My brother, ….ah! Yes, his name is Fergus. When did you figure me out?"

"Though we live in the forest we are not completely secluded from the outside world. As a matter of fact, we are more keen to it as a means of survival. You also mentioned your title earlier in our conversation."

"So I did? It was more put upon me than something I actually aspired to do but I am able, so let it be done."

'It follows that you must be the Teryn's sister. So of course you are valuable to people like us."

"Hopefully in a good way. My companion is not just for show. We both did fight in the Blight and we did defeat it."

"Not to worry Princess. I knew by your coin alone that you must be someone important. And that this, must be the royal heir than. What an honor to proclaim that we gave him sustenance when he was but in the womb."

"That is quite an imagination you have. True, our child has a special heritage above many others. But the hope that this is the future king? Is more myth than legend. The King will have a child much more important than the one I am carrying here."

"One never knows the future do they?"

"You called it a "he" can you tell these things?"

"In humans? Not really so much."

"No matter. We are content to be surprised. Already, no matter what it turns out to be, the child is strong. I put it though almost all any unborn can hope to endure and still it lives inside of me."

"Interesting. But by looking at that creature you call a man? Maybe not so much."

"Do not judge him so harshly. It would concern me how an elf could endure the onslaught we were up against and win?"

"You survived. And you are not even an elf, correct?"

"No, I am human."

"Maybe, just a little bit. Kaila noticed you use an elvish bow. Ciran tells me you bragged of using it well. Along with an elfin dagger that is very rare and of your accuracy with it."

"I did not brag. I just explained their attributes in battle for me."

"Be that as it is. It's a pity you are so sure of yourself. Perhaps I am judging your companion too harshly. It is just the men or men things that I have encountered of such size tend to be very brutish and of little knowledge or understanding of anything except that of the basest of creatures here in the forest."

"He is nothing like that I assure you. It matters not a man's size or weight by human terms. It is their temperament and intelligence, well, it is how they choose to live out their lives that matters more distinctly. There must be elves as well whose ambitions are not say, so refined, are there not?"

"There might be some, who find learning and discipline, harder to come by but we keep a tight hold on those. Keep them in their places. We must too live so cloistered here in such an environment in safety."

"Our species is so spread out. And diverse. It's a wonder we became so."

"Elves are no different in that respect. I heard your partner speak something of the Drow. You are not thinking of disturbing them are you?"

'Disturbing? That isn't quite what I had in mind. Why are they killing humans?"

"Humans kill elves do they not? If you were so disturbed by foreigners would you not do the same?"

"So these, Drows, make their home under the earth?"

"So too do Dwarves, what of it?"

"But you do not? Did all elves come from the ground?"

"Some say the earth is now inside out? Some say it was a curse? A spell that went terribly wrong. These elves became too fair that they could no longer dwell freely under the sun. Others say the sun got brighter and so they found a better place to live. Elves do not crave cold climates so it appears their options were limited? We all understand how bothersome other creatures from other strange cultures grow over time. Under the ground, they find life less hostile perhaps to be around? There are many mysteries only the Drow's can answer for themselves."

"Have you met with any of them?"

"Me? Don't be silly! What is the point?"

"Curiosity would compel me to get to know my people better."

"You, perhaps? No, I have enough to do right here. The elves that you speak of are not very friendly but who can blame them? This breach in the earth, isn't probably of their doing. So they are defending their territory no doubt. I wouldn't venture there without an army besides me. Not of such brutes though. They might get the wrong impression of your being there. As I mentioned, they are not so welcome to strangers such as we are."

"I have so much to accomplish before I've even the incentive to wander under the ground once more. Though Orzammar was an amazing city to behold."

"So, you have already been under the ground is it?"

"We have. Further down than I ever imagined it to be. And we found Golems. As a matter of fact, one has become my friend."

"Such things are fairy stories. But fairies, are real. Golems, I have my doubts..."

"That you may but they are real. Shale use to be a dwarf but she allowed herself to be cast into a stone giant and now she is or will be returning to Orzammar soon."

"Such things you speak of? I am not sure whether to believe you but than you are a princess. Not even a child so I would hope you have the discipline to not lie to people who you expect to follow your leadership."

"I would never! It is better to say there is no benefit in using deception between the two of us. Here. Let this be enough for now. I have been too long from my fiancé. Please, do not refer to him as, "that brute". It is impolite in our society. Just as I will not say, "that elf over there" as if they were some thing rather than another of your people."

"Very well. And if we had names?"

"Please just call me Lady Tara. This is not a formal affair but I see that I should retain some of my authority to further a positive relationship between both human and elven kind. My mate is called Ser Roland. Or Lady Cousland and Ser Gilmore will suffice if you must prefer the use such formalities."

"Lady Tara? Simple Roland? Not a lord? Suit's the man of course."

"I …well…as a child he was robust but never really, as you might be suggesting."

"I can't imagine him otherwise."

"Please just be kind with your words. We shan't be a bother to you for very long."

"No matter. You are our guests tonight. You are welcome here and now at least you are more presentable. It is not difficult to imagine you as a princess or even something much grander than that now that I have improved upon your appearance. I've word that the King of Fereldon is without a mate. A woman such as you? Must even turn his head some when you are in his presence. What is this man here to you? To your station after all?"

"He is everything to me if you must know. I know the King. Of course I do but we are merely friends. As I would like it to be. My intended is a Squire but he is so much more than that to me. He inspires me in so many ways. He should be more and in time, I expect that to be so. It matters not because soon he will be my husband. He seeks no more honor at this time than just that."

"Pity than. He obviously has you so convinced otherwise. We are all in wonderment over who will be the queen. It matters much to us at least."

"Out here? In the woods? How can such a choice matter so much to people who live outside of our laws?"

"Not as much as we would like to think. If we dare wander anywhere or nature help us, one of yours, usually several of yours, comes here to seek out trouble, we must deal with the laws of your people. Even though this is our land to govern over."

"Now I understand. Let us just hope for a good queen. King Theirin will not be too overly swayed by just any offer of marriage."

"So you say but I do not detect much confidence in your voice."

"Really, in matters of the realm, I am but a player not the master of the game. Let us go now. I can attest to you that now I am so thirsty and food is not out of the question as well."

"As you wish. All should be ready, if not soon enough."

They left the wooden house to join with the others who were working about on their various chores and crafts.

"There you are! What have you done to yourself?"

"This is a lot more comfortable I have to admit. Isn't the colors divine?"

"Come here." He pulled her close to hold her and than whisper into her ear. "Elfin women are not very modest are they? I could hardly let you walk around this way without being heavily armed. I mean how do these men concentrate on their work?"

"They must be use to seeing women this way? I stood out more", she explained, "dressed otherwise our hosts put it? We humans are so uncivilized and so much less refined in our natures."

"That may as well be but we do have manners. We bathe, whenever possible. We do cut up our food rather than just shove it all into our mouths. This gown though really is too much. Or too little? I can't decide?"

"Calm down. It isn't that much of a show. It does feel so nice to not be so weighed down by my clothing. The fabric is soft and comfortable. Having a skirt cut and sewn into loose panels would allow me to ride my horse without the bother of a tight, woven skirt. It is hard to find anything cut right for a rider. I use to have a couple of dresses fashioned in such a way but they were not acceptable to wear simply around the castle. Too "manish" my friends or mother would say. Dresser would start at me as if I was mad to want to wear such a fashion. It also, unfortunately added to the weight of my dress. Which makes mounting my horse more of a dramatic gesture than merely a common act all riders take for granted. It is just easier to walk around in this dress and our child I'm sure appreciates something more comfortable to move around in. I can at least finally take in a full breath!"

"Right. I'll try to keep that in mind. Imagine everyone in the kingdom, wandering around dressed like this? How would any of the guards, or the women ever hope to accomplish their work? Or our women avoid being further molested?"

"I've never noticed how we usually dress much of a deterrent in that respect. This is not for such things. I would hardly go to Court dressed this way. Nor would I walk the streets. Well, with a shawl, it might be possible? These ribbons here, wrapped around my waist, they do seem to offer me some support for the baby. Sort of like bundling in a way isn't it?"

"Hardly much of an obstacle with skirts cut like that. Your arms are barely covered as well as your back. I can't say except under more intimate circumstances have I seen so much of you bare.

True, in your training tunic it wasn't too hard to notice you didn't wear a corset under that clothing. Which it seemed you didn't realize once you removed your armored vest, left little to the imagination."

"And you men wander around freely without a shirt or tunic at all but still you must make an example out of me? How I dress on any given day."

"That is something to ponder I'll grant you. All women tend to be somewhat distracting. Definitely some draw more attention to themselves than others do."

"And which of these groups do I fall under than? There are times I might have wanted some attention from you but really after a good hour or two of practice, we all are anxious to shed our armor and find some cool water to bathe ourselves in are we not?"

"I know I am. I realize now I am put into a whole different realm of reasoning. I do want you to feel attractive and comfortable in your own clothing. As your guard and suitor, I also want to believe you are well protected from danger. Or attracting trouble just by your appearance. That added to your being with my child? I didn't even think about how much of my attention is centered clearly on you and your well-being lately."

"I noticed it. A lot! But I tell myself it is just your desire to keep me safe and all for yourself. It may be that you spend a good portion of your time regarding me through-out your days. I know some of that is purely out of self-interest. Your desire to have me the way that you want me. It doesn't annoy me too much. I want to look nice and please you, for that too pleases me. I want your attention just as much and yes, I am willing to dress or do things that I know you like to keep as much of your attention on me as I can."

"Wicked, wicked, scheming. At least I did accomplish meeting some of the important elves roaming around here. As well as learn more about these mysterious Drows, they call them.

You do appear to those who must know you almost as well as I have to be with child. Not that your being so fertile and carrying my own child makes you less of a distraction for me. Nor do the people here know directly of this sort of thing. It is still barely noticeable to anyone who might just be looking at you. If their attention gets that far with me so close at hand."

"You don't think that the way you have been hovering over me won't give them a clue as to my present condition? Or how eager I am to be by your side isn't an indication that I favor you in some intimate way?"

"For your own personal protection I would probably be there first to your side, well, maybe that thought might cross their minds at some point that you belong to me? When I shove them out of your way I hope I won't have to be so blunt."

"Already you have been labeled a brute of sorts. If only for that reason they choose not to bother with the two of us, I will be content with that. I have mentioned our being engaged already too many times to count. "

"You haven't been encouraging these elves have you? That would be very naughty of you to do, don't you think?"

"I just informed you that the word will spread quickly that we are engaged to be married. As for your actually being a brute? To avoid any harassment? Maybe, but no, I have been as quick as the lightning strikes at us from the sky to inform them of your majesty and greatness. Beyond your physical appearance. I can't ignore that much. Neither can they."

"The children at least were polite. I just prefer not to start a fight while we are here trying to relax. I'm not sure how I am suppose to keep that in mind if other men are obviously staring at you."

"I think it is your own thoughts that are influencing your judgment. Are all of the women so distracting to you here?"

"It is difficult not to notice women in general. Right now I am preoccupied with you and a need to stress why you shouldn't be wandering too much on your own."

"I have to be able to walk about in this don't I? I am flattered though that you are better distracted by me rather than any of the other lovely ladies wandering around here. I doubt all elvish women are so repelled by such a man as you? At least I could ride a horse better in this dress."

"No padding for your legs. Cuts and scraps from branches seem inevitable. Better be a fast horse at that!"

"Best than I be careful when I am out riding in such a dress."

"It is advisable my lady, at best. So are we ready now to leave this place or do you want to explore around a bit?"

"I do want to go further back to see how wonderful this place really is. We have been invited to be guests for their evening meal. They already know who I am."

"Elves are so nosy. Not much different from people. Though enough of them understand when to just leave people alone."

"Not enough I'm afraid."

"So, this is why they have you so dressed up like this? To exult you or admire you? Have they already petitioned you for a marriage?"

"How did you know that?"

"All I have to do is look at you. Though we are engaged that is not the same as being married. Did you mention our child at least?"

"How can I not? They did offer to marry us off. But I had to explain about my parents and all. They also mentioned a fertility rite but I told them we needed none of that either."

"No, I think I have that part covered at least. So they were disappointed than once they found out all of the news?"

"I'm afraid so but my position makes me an honorable guest none the less. At least we do not have to be so concerned over what I already spent out here. Come along with me. I still haven't given you, those boots that I promised to you just yet."

"These are comfortable, Tara. I don't really need …"

"New boots? You have put a lot of wear into these ones. To wear boots that are elvish made is an honor for them. They are very careful with their craftsmanship."

"I'm sure that they are. One must be able to keep his feet firmly on the ground when seducing an elfin princess I suppose?"

"This dress is really bothering you isn't it? It is just a dress. It is less binding but it is hot out here. Really, rather humid I'd say. The colors in this fabric remind me so much of the flowers we saw this morning out in the meadow, don't you remember?"

"The blue, reminds me more of the sky as it darkens in the early evening. Or water found in a river flowing through land such as this. Ocean waters seem much more grayer to me. Or green, when there is so much algae clouding within it."

"I was just thinking of those little blue flowers we saw earlier. I was considering the brown dress but I wanted to feel cool and carefree in the moment so I put on the blue dress instead. Don't you like it?"

"There are good things to say about it and you're wearing it. Most of it is best to keep to myself for now. We are expected for dinner as you say."

"Don't be so silly, Roland. I would be out of place dressed as I was before. Not to mention very uncomfortable."

'I don't know, something about the ears, make you stand out just slightly."

"Why are you being so difficult? Don't you like this place out here?"

"I'd like it better if people didn't make me feel so different."

"To them you are so different. Only because you are so strong and even I have some difficulty wrapping my arms fully around you. I'm sure the men are just jealous and the women, I rather not talk so much about right now. Mai-lai did go on some about the Drow though. I thought you might be more interested in those people."

"Yes, the Drow. They don't seem to know too much or these elves won't tell what they really do know about them with me. And with you, did you have any luck as to why they might be killing humans off like that?"

"Self-preservation it seems. A total lack of communication between the two. They have lived under the ground for many generation. Much like the dwarves but for a different reason. The sun is too bright and it became too harmful for them to live otherwise. This crease of sorts is some sort of odd natural occurrence, something like that any ways. And they feel the need to hide themselves from the outside world. Even if that means making sure no one survives to tell more about their existence."

"I see but have these elves been able to communicate between them than?"

"Not well I'm afraid. They are even resistant to others who might be of their own kind. It really is a shame. I'm not quite decided on what we should do about it other than discourage the innkeeper from sending people down there to their deaths."

"It is a difficulty we will have to address but in time. I agree, for the time being, we must convince the inn owner that it is best to board off any entrances to the mine until we have more time to address this problem. With a small army no doubt."

"That is my feelings as well. Now come along! I want to see you wearing these boots."

"Lead the way and I promise I will follow." He told her as he admired her from behind. Too much of her dress tempted his imagination and he knew he just had to keep himself otherwise distracted out of respect for his guests hospitality.

So he moved forward to keep pace with Tara until they came up to the quaint house she so graciously was dressed up inside. She knocked on the door but there was no one there so they went inside so that she could give him her gifts.

"Here they are. Come now. They must be more comfortable than the boots you are now wearing about."

"That may be true but these are comfortable enough. Rather worn I suppose? I have to get these ones, off of me first."

"Here now! Let me help you some there …"

"Tara, really, I've done this many times before this. I don't want you to get dirty in this dress of yours."

"In the woods? That is a lot to wish for, Rory. If I kneel behind you and push this boot forward! Ugh …!"

"I knew that would happen. Tara, it is dangerous to try to push boots off when you don't have enough weight to keep you in place."

"I'm not complaining. Just push out your heel. Dirt washes off you know."

"That I do. Just pass along those boots I must don now." He reached forward and she passed along a rather ornate designed pair of leather boots.

"Are you sure these aren't made for you?"

"A mite large for my feet. I know elvish boots tend to run a little narrow but the leather will give way once you break them in some."

"Yes, I'm familiar with that." He said struggling to get one of the boots onto his foot. It was a trial but he soon had them on and was walking about. Wondering if he really liked them much if not in the wearing of them.

"Really, Tara, you like them?" he asked her looking up from them into her eyes to judge her response.

"I do but if you would just allow me to unbutton your coat here."

"Do you think we have enough time for this? It has crossed my mind, more than once, this afternoon."

"I wasn't thinking that far ahead, my love. Only that on a day like today. In a place such as this. Wearing your tunic, your breeches, socks and boots, is enough. Granted if we really were alone by ourselves I would insist on much less."

"And why not now?"

"Because we have to make an appearance at this banquet. Than we can wander around some in this forgotten land."

"Than you are only teasing me and putting off my prize.

"Is this not worth a little waiting for?"

"It is reason to celebrate and yes, to savor, to love." He said caressing his hand against her face lovingly.

"Don't you ever think that my thoughts do not echo that of your own, my love. Now, I would steal this tunic of yours away from you. Wear it as my own, except that I would have to take down any woman that, too, like myself, couldn't fight the urge, to touch you and feel your strong chest beneath my fingers." She demonstrated affectionately for him.

"I see, the two of you cannot be left alone for any length of time. It's no wonder you got her into the state she now is in." Mai-lai spoke up after she abruptly entered into her home to return from her rounds.

"You dress her up, like a queen, someone sure to haunt many men in their dreams tonight and think I've too strong of a will to resist this temptation?" Rory replied running his hand passively along her long hair that was beribboned with long braids and loose curls cascading down her back.

"I know men better than that. Forgive me though if I find the test to be a personal amusement of mine."

"And you think human males are less of a challenge than elfin ones are?"

"It has been my experience over all. Than you must bind up your women so tightly how do you expect them to even take in a breath? That doesn't seem much of a worry among most human males I've experienced."

"And though I admit, your work is well done, dear lady, and that the thoughts of using your people's hunger as a convenient distraction from my own longings here did come across my mind. It was to relieve my love from her distress. We quietly and reasonably decided to follow our good upbringing to put off any of our own needs for the time being."

"So you say? I find that difficult to believe of a man."

"He is a very special man. I'm telling you the truth. For he is both thoughtful and kind. Not that he isn't as exciting to be with as you might imagine him to be. Still he is all mine and I am in a position of power to make such rules. If others might think otherwise due to my situation."

"She is a feisty one isn't she? Granted we elves have our own ways of getting what we want. Peace is what we work for most of all. How do you like your new boots there, Ser Roland?"

"They are a little tight but otherwise they seem sturdy enough."

"Leather gives with good wear."

"So I have learned. Now, before I really do change my mind let us see what the elves have to eat this evening, shall we, my love?"

"Right beside you."

They followed out after their hostess as she led them to the community table where they shared a good meal and than were drawn to listen as musicians played and lured them into the dance.

"Look here, Ser Gilmore, your lady does fit in as if she were or of elvish beginnings. Are you so sure of her heritage?"

"I grew up with her parents. I'd sooner place her with the fairies than with the elves but we do have many stories of her relatives."

"Ah, yes, she does so flitter about. The wee little wench of yours. Careful you tether her up well enough."

"Why, do you mean to snatch her up, than if I don't?"

"Why not? She is as pretty as a spring flower. To keep such a bloom, ever by my side? Would not be so heavy a burden than."

"No, I think not. Try if you may but not if it is your hand you wish to keep upon your arm. In this moment, I am still trying to judge the value of the eyes you gaze so freely upon my beloved with."

"Forgive me. It was only the truth."

"Yes, I know. So I was moved to speak my thoughts so clearly. Please excuse me miss. I need to move forward." Roland left his dancing partner to gather up his beloved closer to him.

"I am so happy to find you once more!" She said joyfully as she moved gaily to the music.

"I believe I found you. I am often reminded that I must keep my little bird close, lest she flitter from my hands."

"This bird only flitters because of the joy she feels whenever she is reminded that you are her only love. This bird only flies because she has the wings to do so. To help her keep up with you." Tara tugged on his tunic to bring him down to kiss her tenderly. She grabbed a hold of his head into her hands to make him linger with her a little while more.

"Come my love. We've danced enough here and I am longing to see more of this place, aren't you?" Tara spoke up again hoping to get his full attention.

"Not nearly as much as you have been all day. I remember you spoke of going out boating. Isn't that what you suggested to me earlier?"

"It was. I did want to earlier but I find lingering here, with you, more exciting don't you agree?"

"Hum ….I will go anywhere to be with you. These elves though? Not so much."

"They are lovely people to look upon. It is when they look upon you that I find them to be less so."

"You told them who I am. It wasn't quite my plan to do so."

"I just wanted you to feel welcome here."

"And I do. So are you. Come, let me help bring you closer into my world so that you will be happy with me than. Do not believe I am the only one who is admired here. It is difficult for anyone to not see what a fine man I have for my own. I have such plans for you as well tonight, so do not tarry any longer and delay us any further." She told him as she started to prance forward along a stone stairway framed in bright green moss with trees of many shades of green, their leaves dancing merrily in a whispery breeze. Petals flying all about and the trickling of river water flowing close besides their pathway down stone hewn steps to a pond with floating flowers growing upon its' clear, clean, watery surface.

"Look! Is this not a beautiful flower here?"

"It is so very lovely, Rory."

"I think so." He reached down to puck it by its' stem and than made her giggle, as he struggled to add it to one of her many braids.

"Do you think it is going to stay in there than?"

"It will if I say it will. Just stop moving so I can weave it into this braid. It won't stay there otherwise."

"I'm trying but you're breathing so close against me is tickling me. Are you finished yet?"

"Stop being so impatient. My first idea failed me miserably. A wreath of flowers might work even better but not until we've a meadow worthy enough to lie down upon."

"There must be many out here that fit that description. I only wish now we left sooner in the morning but I didn't imagine a place so much like this beyond the meadows."

"Like what exactly? There, that should stay. Until you force it out with all of your bouncing about. Feeding has only made matters worse."

"Worse? In what way is that?"

"You've more fuel now to move about. It is easier when I don't have to set out any traps or nets to hold you close."

"How silly you are when it is only your two arms and your kisses that are needed to keep me in one place."

"Than why am I chasing you about right now?"

"Oh, well, look at this river! I need to take off my boots here. My stockings. No wonder elves wear so little clothing. Come along, you must do so too! The water is low enough that we can travel downwards in the water, instead on these stone steps." She quickly discards those things and then splashes into the river a bit dramatically for someone her age but it never crossed her mind to act otherwise because she was so enchanted by these surroundings.

"I have no other choice do I?"

"No, so catch up or I might get lost out here. Though I do love to run and for a very good reason, I sadly cannot truly fly. It is a sore shortcoming of mine but what am I to do about it? Until I can learn how it is really done, I am left to run through the water instead, and ouch! Oh! Well, maybe I should relegate myself to just prancing along. Some stones tend to be sharp, though the majority of them are still smooth."

"Some might even be slippery with moss. Best to pace yourself a little ….bit …there …before you ….fall down!"

"Oh, you! Ha, ha, now we are both soaked through and through. Not much sun left to help us dry off in either."

"No, but that was fun, wasn't it? Now I do want to swim. I'm afraid since you left your other clothes behind, you must swim in this."

"Do I have to?" She pouted and just than they both turned to see three elf children giggling at them from a nearby cliff, overhanging in the valley below."

"That all depends on how much you really think we should be exposing these young children to this evening."

"I didn't even notice them up there did you?"

"No but this is their home. I'm sure they know it better than we do. I think I might have to put off swimming for another time. Still, we haven't found that valley patch we were out searching for just yet?" He than looked above and right on cue one of the children laughed and than pointed the direction he was thinking of.

"Thank you! We didn't want to get too lost out here."

"Can we come along too? We know this whole valley by heart."

"Is there any way I can convince you otherwise to do so?"

"No, not really. We don't allow humans to wander through here very often."

"Nor do I think humans dare the barrage of questions little elf children must have who are not allowed to wander away from their homes very often."

"We wouldn't dare!" A young elf girl stated.

"I'd be afraid of them making a slave out of us."

"Our parents would punish us for days on weeks if we did. Besides, why would we want to? My pa, he took me out once on a trip and everything out there, save the valley is simply a ruin. You humans do not take good care of your places. No wonder we keep you to your borders."

"There are different reasons for that. Vegetation does not grow in all places well. My father's land is very nice."

"Do elves live out there?"

"Is it very far away?"

"Actually elves do live not far from my home but it is far from here. Almost two days ride. Depending on the riders of course."

"I bet you can get there in a days time."

"Why, little Ilene, could ride him there all by herself!" With that the three children rolled over laughing and even Tara found it too hard to resist.

"He is such a man isn't he? I'm tempted myself at times." She looked over to catch him blushing at her sly remark.

"You're too big! Besides horses have four legs and humans only have two!"

"Fair enough before my lady finds herself into more mischief than she can handle. Where is this meadow now?"

"Just follow me!"

"No follow me, mine is the best one."

"You have your own meadows here?"

"Of course we do! Don't you?"

"Let's roll for it than, shall we?"

"Good enough! We can roll Ilene for it!"

"No! You're not rolling me anywhere!"

"I was just teasing you girl. She is so gullible."

"Just go ahead, roll your dice or I will leave you all behind me."

"Here we go!"

"And?" Roland looked to see the results.

"All right, you win, Rilan. Something must be wrong with these dice?"

"Never you mind them, come along, you human people. Follow me!"

So they followed along trying not to trip over random tree branches, both under their feet and over their heads! Finally they saw a meadow of fine green grass with flowers framing around it and mighty trees hovering to heights unknown over head.

"Just look at this place, Rory! Can you even guess how tall these trees are? How old must they be even? It's beautiful."

"I know that is why it is my meadow. It's the finest of them all. Except for Dale's. His is the grandest of them all."

"Than why didn't you show us that one instead?" Rory asked her suspiciously.

"Because you aren't an elf, that's why. Only elves get to go out there."

"You'd just pollute it."

"Pee in the water. You know that sort of thing."

"I see, well than best that you follow the rules."

"No other choice if you don't want to be shoveling after the horses and cows."

"I get to do that anyways but there are worse jobs than even that."

"What is worse than that?"

"Watching over babies. They poop and spit up all over you. Never stop crying and you cannot make them stop. I don't even know why they do it?"

"They just do. Mother told me you were the worst of them all, Tailan!"

"Must have all I could stand from just myself than. Who could blame me?"

"My baby is sure to be sweet. It will coo and laugh whenever I make funny faces at it. I won't be too rough so it won't spit up on me all of the time." Tara told the children who scoffed at her fable.

"And why do you think your baby is going to be so special?"

"I just know these things. It's father is a likable man who does laugh a lot but otherwise he isn't loud or boisterous. Oh, who am I trying to fool here? At least he isn't too bossy. All of the time. Or maybe I just have a good cure for that at least."

"Humphf! If he's the father than you are going to have a howler I'm sure! Who would want a bossy husband? I can tell myself what to do. Not that parents keep forgetting this is true enough." Rilan replied as she hopped about the meadow clearing.

"All parents think they are the boss of you."

"Because they are, aren't they?" Ilene added in.

"Only for your own good. Until you know enough about taking care of yourself and don't need their protection so much." Speaking up now, Roland tried to bring some sense into the conversation with these children.

"I'm old enough to know what to do."

"Is that so? Than why must your parents tell you when to eat and sleep? Tell me that?"

"Because they make the rules. We have enough food growing wild out here to feed me plenty."

"An apple pie grows upon a tree than? I must see this tree for I have traveled all over Fereldon and beyond. I have yet to see such a wonder as that." Roland asked him seriously.

"No silly, you make them, in an oven. Don't you have ovens where you are from." Ilene corrected him as if he was daft.

"We do but his point being, we depend on other people to do the things that we cannot. And many good foods taste even better when they are prepared by those who cook them all together. There is all sorts of work that needs to be done. By working together, we share our gifts with each other."

"Have you really been, "beyond Fereldon"?"

"Are there really dragons out there?" Rilan wondered out loud.

"There are dragons on the outskirts of Fereldon. Or were. I think we have slain those who have crossed over our borders at least?"

"Dragons in Fereldon. Can you even imagine it, Rilan? I bet you didn't know my uncle. He was in the great battle to end the Blight. Did you, now?"

"I might have met him but things were so hectic? Many people were out there I never had the pleasure to meet with. I'm afraid our visit here is but brief. When next you visit with him, please tell him how much his help was appreciated. He is a very brave elf."

"That he is and he taught me everything he knows. So if you want any lessons, I'm the elf to see!"

"We'll keep that in mind, Tailan. When we have more time for a lesson." She smiled over at Rory to catch his smile.

"I was hoping that we might find some time alone, dearest?"

"That is my fondest wish as well, but they are just children. Soon they must return to their homes at least?"

"Hopefully."

"Best get use to it. There is no turning back now. Not as easy to get yourself eaten up by a darkspawn these days."

"I know where to find them if need be."

"Than I must now hope that your own child will not drive you away from me."

"It won't. Some things a good man will never walk away from."

"Is it now duty that keeps you by my side?"

"Don't be silly."

"I'm silly now?"

"Come, sit! Now lie down next to me."

"He's so bossy!" Tara told the children who just stared down at him menacingly while she did as he asked of her to do.

"I told you so!"

"Why do you let this big ogre tell you what to do?"

"I wanted to lay down and rest. I'm pretty bossy myself and he does what I ask him to do. Most of the time so it is only fair that I listen to him sometimes, isn't it?"

"Don't you listen to your parents?" He asked them just than.

"Because we have to."

"What other choice do we have?"

"We could run away I guess? Join the bandits or even the Crows!"

"Some advantages to being a Crow, true. But you are neither Antivan born or born into, well, dire circumstances."

"Right. Better to be independent. Work for your own pay isn't it?"

"I like having a partner. It isn't so much that I talk to myself as much as I get bored just having my own thoughts to keep me company."

"Well ….maybe when I grow up?"

"Do as you please, Tailan! I'm sure the orcs or the humans will hunt you down for sport eventually."

"Oooh, I hope not! That is mean to say, Rilan. His father and uncle would put them down before that would happen I'm sure."

"Don't worry Ilene. I was just teasing. Why would I want to leave here? Except maybe to go out hunting?"

"This grove does have its' charms I admit. But I am happy where ever I am as long as I have Rory with me. I like his company quite a bit." Tara confessed looking at her lover lying next to her in the moment.

He suddenly turned over holding himself well above her head to look her right in her pretty eyes. "I love you. I love our baby! I am at your side because I cannot bear to live another day without you in it."

"Is he getting married?"

"Ew, he's kissing her. Stop that!" The littlest one started to hit Rory on his back but he barely noticed it.

"You stop hitting him, Ilene, I'd kiss her too!"

"You would, Tailan. But he's sure to beat you blind if you tried to."

"Stop fighting you two! There! Now you don't have to kiss me because I kissed you first. I am marrying this man and we are going to have babies. But he won't be upset if I kiss a little boy."

"Unless you kissed him like this!" Roland leaned down to kiss her once more.

"There! Now you've done it! They are getting married and having babies! They are never going to stop kissing now!"

"Tailan! Ilene! Rilan! Come along now!"

"Just in time! Run along! Mind your mother now!"

"She's not my mother."

"Still she knows your name so best you run along now."

"Might as well. He doesn't want to talk anymore anyways!"

"Even humans kiss too much!"

They both laughed and Rory took her into his embrace to roll her on top of him so as not to crush her any.

"She's right you know."

"About what?"

"All I want to do now is kiss you."

"I was thinking about that other thing actually."

"What other thing is that?"

"Come now lie back. You play the horse and I'll be your master."

"Oh, wow, there are a lot of trees around this meadow. Do you think it is enough?"

"We won't have to lose too much here, do we? I mean if anyone would dare to interrupt us at least."

"I'd kill them on site. I've already put this off for longer than I like."

"So what Mai'lai said about human males is all true?"

"What do you think?"

"I think you show too much restraint. Depending on what I am wearing sometimes."

"I don't really need that much incentive. I do judge your appearance as a sort of temperature to gauge your feelings at times. Clothes determine how much planning I need to muster up to seduce you with."

"But Fereldon apparel, must make that more of a chore than it would be for mere elves."

"I see it can be deceiving as well. Since the tides change quickly. I try to act whenever the moment becomes available to me."

"And the clothes really are only; to determine how long one must wait to reach ones goal."

"Overall, that is true. It is better when we have more time but I can hardly turn you away whenever you have a need of me."

"One reason why I have no other recourse but to marry with you. How can I not love a man who loves me this much?"

"You'd be a fool to turn me away. I do agree."

"How easy it is to love you. I hope we aren't bothering anyone with our being here? But now I must love you even more."

"If you hope to make it back to our room before the dawn. iI is for the best."

"I do. I do, but not until after this." She wrapped her arms tighter around his neck as she returned his kisses.

Later in the evening Tara found herself nuzzled up against her betrothed as she gazed up comfortably into what was a never ending galaxy of endless stars. The cooling breeze felt so good as it brought about the fresh aroma of wild herbs and fragrant flora all around them.

"Uhm …uh, Tara, are you awake?"

"I am. Have been for a little while now."

"You should have woken me up! It must be getting very late."

"I am always at peace when I know you are sleeping soundly. I haven't any other children to care for so it seems I must be practicing with you."

"I hope I am not that much of a burden. It isn't that difficult to quiet me down is it?"

"That is truly debatable. Sometimes it is a lot of work to make you happy."

"Well, I …"

"I'm not complaining. It is just rare when you are asleep and I am still awake. Only in the morning usually but once I stir some you will wake up as well."

"I think that is just a reflex of mine now. My mind thinks that something might be wrong or you might be in trouble if you are moving suddenly. Honestly it is just a reflex."

"Pity my parents didn't realize that I am much safer with you in my bed than even standing watch over of my doorway."

"You mean you just enjoy it much better that way."

"That too! I was just so mesmerized by how peaceful it is out here. Everything can't be more perfect if I could imagine it to be."

"A mattress might be a little more comfortable? Here, I thought I felt something underneath me, there!"

"What was it?"

"Just some twig but it was leaving an imprint upon my side here. I didn't feel it until I laid more on my back. You make a nice pillow."

"I know."

"I wasn't smothering you was I?"

"No, I'm use to it by now. I like to rest my own head against the top of yours. Whatever it takes to keep you close to me."

"Just move me aside if it gets too uncomfortable for you."

"I know."

"Good! Now I really must get up and stretch myself out. Come along. We really need to get back to our room. We have to go to Denerim in the morning remember?"

"I rather not."

"Not go to Denerim? Is that wise?"

"No, get up I mean. We have to buy more clothes. As much as I would simply love to live out here and dress in so little, I do not want to ignore my parents final farewell." She brought up, than reaching over to recover Rory's discarded shirt that was still damp from their earlier soaking in the river.

"Ah, I see you found my tunic. How wet is it now?"

"Still, damp. I am so tempted to just toss it away. So that I can admire how handsome you are without it."

"We'll be back to our room soon enough, my dear. When it is really hot out I don't need any incentive to do just that. We both know it isn't presentable for me run around like that all day. Not only because you seem to enjoy dressing me up at times."

"And undressing you."

"It might be a good distraction for you once our babe arrives since I will have a lot of work to do in the Bannorn. I hate to be so busy but we both know you too will find yourself being pulled in different direction once things get rolling along in Amaranthine."

"Please don't remind me. Promise me that you will always remember to bring me back to focus on what really is important to me in my life?"

"And my child won't do that enough for you?"

"Do you mean you've already tired of my company? I try too hard to make you happy it seems?"

"And you think work is enough to make me want to forget about you? Perish the thought! How many years was it? I tried so hard to put you aside from my thoughts but always, I do mean, always, my thoughts and memories brought me back to only you."

"You kept yourself busy enough without me."

"I had to keep myself very busy trying to distract myself you mean. And you know, I rather fight the darkspawn for the Grey Wardens than imagine a lifetime without you by my side. If I couldn't have you in this lifetime. I could only hope for something better in the next one or whatever will be."

"Fate has solved our problems for us. Or did, didn't it? I just want you to know, to believe, though I am bound by my work. By my duty to the Crown. I will work hard so that I can always come back to you. Though you did tell me that you will not so overburden yourself in the Bannorn that you can not accompany me with my work in Amaranthine."

"We will work it all out. I meant that."

"And I will keep you to it. Even if I must burn the entire Bannorn to the ground to make it so! So don't tempt me too much. Here, bend down so I can put this tunic back onto you though it pains me much to have to do so."

"You are too spoiled. I can do nothing but add to your bad behavior it seems? Please though. I promise I will behave myself so you won't have to ruin my home. I can't even believe you just said that? It does amuse you though that you did just that!"

"So, don't tempt me to! I wouldn't do it to harm anyone living there. I just couldn't bear having to go too long not seeing you. That is your own fault. So don't try to blame me. You wanted me and now that you have me you must be kind. If only because I can be a very wicked woman if driven to such a point."

"I already know that is true. This spell I am under is almost too much to bear!"

"Which one? I seem to have lost track of them all?"

"Them all? I mean the one that makes it so impossible to live without you!" Lifting her up into his arms he kissed her as he playfully turned her around in a circle.

"Ha, ha now who is playing the parent? Have you ever stopped trying to tell me what to do or when or how to do this or that?"

"Not that I can recall in the moment? Our poor children are bound to find us a terrible bore."

"Maybe too distracted, by each other? Though I am not worried at all. I know every day that I get to look into our child's loving, if sometimes very messy face, I will be reminded just that much more about how much I love you."

"Best that you keep remembering that part of it rather than the worst of it. If we are to hope for any other ones following that one it is."

"Hopefully it won't be too miserable. But I expect the worst of it. So, I won't be surprised. I rather be disappointed instead."

"Not too disappointed."

"No. I never think of that. I didn't really even during the worst of the Blight. How could I? If I faltered, none of us would ever have a future. Even if I fail you this time. There will always be hope that in the future I may do better at this the next time."

"I only am concerned with the safety of you both to the best of my abilities. I know what you say is true. There never is anything more we can be sure of. In each other. That is where all of my hope lies. I've put off joining the Grey Wardens as you requested."

"It is a heavy burden I am laying upon you. Are you upset about that?"

"No, I understand your point. At least for right now. If you are willing to try at this than I will play my part in it. I rather too that our child not be an only child if at all possible. I only wish we had some guarantee that all will go well for you. That is all."

"And you know how stubborn and strong that I am. And my mother and her mother before her made it through their own trials. Do not worry so much! Not when it is such a beautiful night. In such a beautiful place that I got to spend it all with the man that I truly love. How I often wished for nights such as these. I am very happy that it all turned out as lovely as I wanted it to be."

"So am I! Next time if we ever venture out this far again, I suggest a tent however."

"Why? We had the a blanket of stars a dark and dreamy sky above to cover ourselves with did we not?"

"True but even with all of these trees and bushes, we are not really alone on this meadow. It appears our hosts have been kind enough to allow this time alone together but I still feel we are intruding on someone else's space."

"That may be true. Look here? It might take a few days for the poor grass here to recover from such abuse." Tara exclaimed as she suddenly started to brush her hands through the grass to try to comb it back out as it was before they laid about it.

"What are you doing? It will be fine. If not they can send the bill to me and I promise I will pay it."

"I just didn't realize how matted it had become. You are right though. It will recover. And we had permission from its' owner to be here. So I don't feel that we intruded as much as you say that we did."

"I'm not sure Rilan had any idea what we were really up to out here."

"Let's hope not anyways. They knew enough to be so curious and to delay our mischief didn't they?"

"That is probably right. Come along now. It is getting cooler and once we are out of this umbrella forest fortress out here that fog is sure to bring a chill along with it. So don't get so wet that you will freeze on our way back."

"Go ahead and ruin my fun than. Part of being foolish is having fun."

"True. I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to spoil things out here. I stayed here and actually chose this path because I knew you would like it. We have had too many days to be sad and worried haven't we? More to come as we face what must still be done before we can really be at rest."

"I know. That is why I refused to allow your uneasiness around the elves to set our mood. Dinner was good and I know you liked it when we were dancing together. And even the children were not so annoying as you pretended them to be. I love spoiling you. Even though I heard enough complaining about how spoiled I am. I was never taught that it should be otherwise? I am hard enough on myself. I have you around to help take care of me, so that I can take better care of you. Since it makes us both happy to do so, I hope that it stays this way for quite some time."

"So do I. I am only wishing we brought only one horse so you wouldn't get too cold on the ride back. That's all."

"We aren't too far out. I'll survive. Just promise me a nice bottle of wine and a warm bed to sleep upon. That is incentive enough to get me to where I am going."

"Than that I can promise you. I must admit, when I was younger, I never wanted to ever go to bed. Now that I have you. I actually look forward to finally being able to go there."

"To hide away from everyone else it seems!"

"That too!" Agreeing with her he bent down to kiss her forehead to show his appreciation for her understanding.

"I see you finally found your way back out of the meadows. We were not sure we would see you before the dawn."

"I hope you aren't disappointed? I have to get her back to our room since sadly we have other duties to attend to in the morning."

"How disappointing. Though on your next visit here you should stay longer and make better accommodation."

"Oh, but we were so pleased with how well everything is situated out here. I could find no better space than the one that was made available to us."

"So it would seem. A few of the elves here found that to be somewhat entertaining but we elders prefer you not to be too comfortable without prior, well, these things do happen. Even between elves it seems."

"I hope so! I hope we didn't disturb anyone too much with our visit here. We are very grateful for your hospitality. We just need to gather up our things because the ride back promises to be a chilly one."

"I would expect it to be so. As I also expect, if you have any reason to bother the Drow, you will not do so without first speaking to our elders. It is a serious matter to undertake and should never be pursued lightly. I hope you will share this with those other humans you care to associate with."

"It is our intension to do just that. I agree that humans have meddled enough in this matter. We will take your advice to heart and respect your wishes."

"I hope so. We live in a delicate balance here TaIiafell. Many humans resent our way of living and would prefer to take control of everything on land as well as underneath. They are not the only species trying to survive here and it is not their right to destroy everything that they simply refuse to understand. Stirring up the Drow, will only bring more conflict between us both.

We elves aided you in your fight against the Blight. We ask only to live our lives peacefully and without your overbearing ways to hinder us from trying to thrive as you obviously have done for yourselves."

"I am sorry for the troubles you have had to bear in the past on our account. We struggle, as you must yourself, with those who are so short sighted. I do not and cannot promise that all humans will behave as they should. We often come to disagreements over what is right and wrong for humans even to want to do. I promise that your words at least will be heard. Just as it is my hope that you will not shun representation of your people when so called upon to do so. I can only do so much to conquer fear and jealousy. I must rely on those of you who are clear thinkers to aid me in dispelling the myths and lies other have concocted to put our people at odds with your own. I respect that you choose to live apart from us. Please hear my plea to take it also as a serious request to put an end to these difference between us."

"That is more than even we expect from humans. We do not call for humans to be as elves just as humans do not wish to be as elves. I do however see your point. We will see shall we? What the future will bring. Now, as you say, it is time to leave us and we wish you well. Would that all humans, for the most part, thought as you two do. For now we will have to settle for what we know to be true about your species of people."

"I understand. Thank you again for your kindness and hospitality. It was a gift I only wish I could return to you in kind."

"We were welcome to have you. May you both always find the clearer path to lead you out of trouble and whatever further darkens your roads before you. We wish you peace and prosperity for your future happiness. We are pleased if we could add anything to that in your life's journey as well."

"More than you can ever imagine."

"It would have been nice to see to that wedding of yours also."

"I would have enjoyed it immensely. Just the thought of it already brought me so much joy. Thank you again for all that you have done for us already. It was enough. I promise you."

Roland than guided her toward the barn where their horses were stabled and found them waiting to be mounted for their ride back to the Inn.