Weeks went by with no sign of Zevran. No one had seen or heard from him, and it was rightfully assumed he was gone. Alistair didn't show a trace of his wound, and Shianni was recovering well from the poison. Though Shianni was kept safe in the palace, she felt as though she were still being alienated. One night, as she sat alone on a balcony, she heard footsteps behind her. "You know, this has been my favorite place to come to think."

Shianni smiled when she heard Alistair, blushing slightly despite herself. "It's quiet. You can see the stars so clearly, it's like you could touch them."

Alistair smiled. "It feels good to feel so close to the Maker."

Shianni nodded slightly, feeling warmer when he sat next to her. She sighed sadly. "There's no point in hiding it from me. I know that my uncle Cyrion is dead."

Alistair sighed. "I thought you might. I'm sorry, Shianni."

The elf closed her eyes. "I don't have any family now. They're all gone."

Alistair put an arm around Shianni, holding her close. "You knew them and loved them. They'll never die so long as you remember." He knew it was corny, but it was the best he could do.

Shianni nodded. "It's just, I didn't get to say good-bye. All I can remember is when you helped us that night. I should have gone with you. Maybe then, Natallia wouldn't have-"

Alistair shook his head. "It's a secret of the Grey Wardens, but it may help you find solace. The only way to slay an archdemon, is for a Warden to make the killing blow." He sighed, remembering that night all too well. "Your cousin insisted that she make that final blow. She was poisoned anyway, and knew she would die. Wynne healed her pain, but even she admitted later she hadn't been able to take the poison out." He closed his eyes, rubbing Shianni's arm. "Natallia didn't die in pain. She was my closest friend. We could have been more, but from the moment we met Zevran on the road she was interested. Despite the fact he tried killing us, she loved him."

Shianni looked up into Alistair's face. "You loved her, didn't you?"

Alistair nodded slightly. "I knew it wasn't right. I knew that, if I were made king, it wouldn't be right for her to be queen. I'm not sure if Grey Wardens can have children or should, but two Grey Wardens together just seemed like a bad idea. I never pursued her. I was her friend."

Shianni nodded and rested her head on Alistair's chest. "Sometimes, I remember when Duncan came to the Alienage. We were in so much trouble, especially her. But Duncan saved her. He invoked the right of conscription."

Alistair nodded, remembering his own experience. "He invoked the right with me, too. I was being trained as a templar, though I hadn't taken my vows. I hated it. Duncan came and recruited me."

Shianni smiled. "You're a lot like her." She sighed. "I remember when Aunt Nattie started training her to fight as a rogue with two blades. I was young, but I knew that they could get in trouble for even thinking of it. But in truth, I was jealous. I begged her to teach me, too, but I never could get it. She taught me to use a bow instead, though she never got a chance to teach me more than the basics."

Alistair gave Shianni a light squeeze, remembering how Natallia had run off when he'd been so insistent on knowing her first name. A cool breeze blew, making Shianni shiver slightly. Alistair rubbed her arm and laid a gentle kiss on top of her head. "Come on, let's go inside. You'll catch a chill out here." He stood up and offered a hand down to her.

Shianni looked up at him and took his hand, standing up. She looked up into his eyes, feeling her heart start beating faster. Alistair smiled at her and guided her inside.

Zevran stepped into an old, familiar brothel. He sat down at a corner table and waited for one of the whores to greet him. He smiled up at the pretty lady who came to his table. "A glass of brandy, please." He looked around as the lady left to get his drink. This place brought back memories, most of which he would prefer to forget. The whore returned with his glass and he took it. When she was still there, he waved her off. He slowly sipped the brandy, allowing himself a small smile. Old Antivan Brandy. The best. He looked around, noticing three Crows in the building. He sneered and waved the whore back over. "I'd like the bottle, please. It's been a long journey." The whore nodded and went to retrieve the bottle. Zevran again waved her off, taking the bottle and opening it. He refilled his own glass first, then added a special ingredient to the bottle of brandy. He closed it and brought it and his own glass over to the table where the Crows sat. He set the bottle down. "I'd like to buy you gentlemen a drink. Tis my way of celebrating."

"And what are you celebrating, elf?"

Zevran smiled, knowing they didn't recognize him. "Today is the birthday of my sweetest love."

The Crows looked at eachother, shrugged, and each poured a glass of the brandy. Zevran raised his glass, to which they did as well, and they all drank. The effects were nearly instant, as the Crows began to act very drunk. One of them looked up at Zevran. "When was she born?" His words slurred together.

Zevran stood there, smiling at the Crows as they began to fall face first onto the table. "Tonight."