Author's Notes: Thank you to alyssacousland and BearMage for your wonderful reviews! And to explain Alistair's eye color, either my TV is horrible or my eyes are broken, but Alistair seems to have three different eye colors. In some light they are grey, in others they area a very light brown. Heck, once I swear they looked green. While I guess that could be considered hazel, I went with grey to fit the story. Also, I know in Witch Hunt, Morrigan says the child was a male, but I'm changing that to suit my needs.

Chapter 10

River could hardly believe what she was hearing. None of it made any sense. How was it possible that she be the daughter of Morrigan and Alistair when she was nearly the same age as them? She was born and raised in the future by a woman who knew nothing of magic and Templars. She was raised by a woman who looked enough like River that the thought of being adopted or…whatever from ever being a question.

She stared out the window down at the training grounds of the keep where Grey Wardens trained and practiced their arts. Alistair and the blonde woman from her nightmare were in the same room as her, both standing on the other side of the desk, waiting for her response. River wanted to cast it aside and be done with it, but how was it she knew what the female Warden looked like? How did she know she had bright blonde hair and eyes the same color as Hawkes? How did she know she wore red plated armor? How was it possible that she saw Solona Amell before ever laying eyes on her? Magic is how. The spirit of the Archdemon, a tainted, corrupted Old God living inside her mind and body. Solona slew him.

River looked down at her hands, not sure how to respond. What did she say? What did they expect her to say? All of this was too much. First she is sent in the past to stop something catastrophic without so much as a say in the matter and now she learns she's the daughter of the king of Ferelden and part darkspawn. She combed her fingers through her mass of red hair and sighed for what seemed like the millionth time.

"Do you have any proof?" River finally asked.

Solona shook her head even though River's back was to her. She saw the reflection in the window and looked down.

"Then how do I know this is true? That this isn't some wild fabrication?" River turned around and pointed to Alistair. "You said that because you are a Grey Warden, it is improbably that you could conceive an heir. Are you saying a bit of magic allowed this Morrigan to conceive after one coupling?" She started pacing.

"It's a bit more complicated than that, River. Morrigan was using old magic, with a touch of blood magic." Solona tried to explain. "I went looking for Morrigan several years ago and I found her. She said the child was well out of our reach, just as she would be. She also said to beware of Flemeth. Morrigan, who is afraid of nothing, looked terrified. It was unlike her. I think Flemeth was up to something. I think she wanted you, River."

River shook her head. "If she wanted me why would she send me here? From what I've heard of Flemeth, she raises daughters and possesses their bodies once they are fully matured."

Solona shrugged. "I don't know, River. But I can determine your status as Alistair's daughter."

"How?"

"I would need a sample of your blood, and yours too Alistair. Oh, don't give me that look. I know blood magic is forbidden, but this isn't harmful to you or her." Solona pulled out a small boot dagger and handed it to Alistair along with a vial.

He sliced the blade across the pad of his thumb and allowed several drops of blood to fall into the vial. He wiped the blade clean and held it out for River to take. Solona placed a second vial on the desk beside it.

"You've been very quiet about this, Alistair." River pointed out.

He crossed his arms over his chest. "This is a bit much for me to take in as well. I knew I had a child running around, but they should be six, seven years old. Not a grown woman."

"Fair enough." She grabbed the dagger and sliced her finger and filled the vial. She handed both to Solona.

"I'll be back in a moment with the results." She took the vials and left River and Alistair in the room. Alone.

River went back to the window and continued to look down at the training Wardens. She wanted to go down there and join them, if only to unleash some of her frustrations. The best way to vent was to expel mass amounts of mana, but with Cullen still hanging about, she didn't want to do that.

Solona was true to her word and returned quickly. River tried to read the look in her azure eyes, but they were empty. A perfectly clear slate. Alistair rose to his feet and looked at the blonde. He groaned quietly. "It's true isn't it?" He asked.

She nodded. How Alistair was able to read that expression was beyond her. Years of friendship she supposed, or was it something more? "I'm not sure if I should congratulate you or tell you I'm sorry."

River pushed away from the window and walked past Solona and Alistair. Alistair called out to her as she opened the door. She paused to hear what he had to say, but didn't turn around. "Do you…want to talk about it?"

"No." She stepped into the hallway and shut the door behind her gently. She walked briskly down the corridors until she found a door that led out back. Instead of going to the training grounds, she found herself in a small garden filled with red roses. The smell of them permeated the air and made River take in a deep breath. She missed the smell of flowers and fresh air. Neither came frequently living in Kirkwall.

She sat on a stone bench and did her best to organize her thoughts. She stared at the pristine red roses and smiled. They were beautiful. To see something like that amongst all the darkness that seemed to follow her made her feel a little better. She reached out and allowed her fingers to brush the soft petals of the flowers.

"You look like you could use some company."

River jerked her hand away from the flower and placed it in her lap. She looked up to see Cullen standing on the edge of the garden. "I suppose."

He took that as an invitation to join her and sat on the opposite end of the bench. He reached out and touched the flowers much as she had. "I miss Ferelden. It's been almost ten years since I left to work under Meredith. I'd come back, but I don't think I could step inside the circle here without too many bad memories haunting me."

She looked over at him. "You mentioned you had things that haunted you the night you saved me."

"You actually remember that, did you? I'm surprised given the mood you were in. I thought you were going to try and gut me again." He smiled at her.

"Yeah, well, you are the only Templar I've had a conversation with. The rest unfortunately never had the chance to talk." River pointed out.

"It should worry me that you openly admit murdering Templars, but it doesn't."

"And you should tell me about those memories that still bother you. Maybe it will help sway me to believe that all mages are dangerous and be locked up." She gave him a lopsided grin.

And he did. He told her everything down to the last detail. How Uldred used demons to torture him and his fellow Templars. How he thought Solona was a demon trying to break his mind when she came to liberate the tower. River was shocked to learn the Knight-Captain had an infatuation with a mage considering his outlook. Yet again, from what she deducted he never thought mages evil and dangerous until after his ordeal. Learning this made River think better of the Templar.

"Now, why don't you tell me why you are out here alone, looking like the world just fell on your shoulders." Cullen pulled her from her thoughts.

She looked away, rubbing her hands together, not for warmth, but because of nerves. "I…I'm not sure how much I can tell you to be honest. It's sort of confidential. I feel bad because you just bared your heart to me and I can't do the same."

"I see." She could hear the contempt in his voice and she flinched. He stood up and started to walk away. She couldn't let him leave like this.

"Cullen wait." He stopped at the edge of the garden. "If I told you it has a lot to do with my nightmare last night, would you believe me?"

He turned to look at her. "You scared ten years off my life last night with the way you were screaming. If I hadn't known any better I'd say somebody was torturing you. Trust me; I know what that sounds like."

She nodded. "You're not far off, I think." She stood up and approached him, placing her hand on his wrist guard. "The moment I find out what I'm allowed to tell, you'll be the first to know."

His lips curled in a slight grin before he took her hand into his. "River Amell, I will hold you to your word." He brought her hand up and he placed a light kiss on the inside of her wrist. She found herself blushing immensely and didn't even notice him walk away.

"My. My. What a beautiful flower to have attracted the attention of a Templar."

River spun around, reaching for her new axes. She had them in her hand before she even turned around. What she saw was not what she was expecting. The man before her was a nicely tanned elf with blonde hair and two daggers of his own strapped to his back.

"Oh, and quick too. I like that in a woman." The elf grinned widely as he came closer, seemingly unfazed by River's weapons.

"Stay where you are." River demanded. "Who are you and what do you want?"

The elf stopped. "My name is Zevran Arainai." He offered her a bow and a cocky smile that told River he was used to melting the hearts of women everywhere. Well, he would meet his match in her.

"Pleasure, but I don't think you told me what you were doing out here."

"Very right you are, my sweet." He continued to smile as if he was watching something that amused him.

River gripped her axes tighter, not liking how this elf was rubbing her the wrong way quickly. He seemed to take notice and sighed heavily. "Fine, if you must. I was on my way into the Keep to plan a sneak attack on the Warden Commander in roughly fifteen minutes. If you allow me to pass unscathed, I still may have time to set up my ambush."

She could hardly believe her ears. "Are you telling me you are going to attack the head of the Wardens? You are nuts, little man."

"Little? Now, why would you go and insult me like that. I assure my dear, I am not small."

River narrowed her eyes. "Stop with the flirty thing. It's not working."

"Fine. Fine. I see you are just as smitten with that Templar as he is with you. Alas, all the pretty ones are taken." He feigned sadness, but River wasn't fooled.

"And you, Zevran Arainai are not going to get past me so you can ambush the Commander." River said defiantly.

"Let me guess, you too are a Warden?"

"You can say that." She replied simply. The elf was driving her mad. He was good though she had to admit. Usually by this point she was attacking first and asking questions later.

River heard the door behind her open and close. She heard distinct male laughter followed closely by a feminine chuckle. She turned her head slightly to see who was laughing. Sure enough Alistair and Solona were there practically bent over with the effort not to laugh.

"Oh, I suppose you think this is funny do you?" River snapped.

"Actually, it's hilarious." Alistair laughed. "Zev, is there a reason you're harassing River?"

"Ah, I see my plan has been thwarted after all. You should thank her pretty little head for being a wonderful distraction."

River watched Alistair's eyes harden ever so slightly and wondered what that was all about. "So, I take it you guys know each other?"

Solona walked past River and hugged Zevran with enthusiasm. "You've been gone far too long my friend."

"Well, hunting down the Crows is a busy job. Besides, I met an interesting group of people while traveling through the Kirkwall area." Zevran hugged her back. "I saw Isabella, a Warden mage and the fabled Champion of Kirkwall. There was another with them, but they do not credit mention. It was nobody you would know."

"Ah, Isabella. She was the woman dueler that hung out at the Pearl wasn't she? In fact I think she tried getting us into a threesome…" She looked over her shoulder at Alistair who turned a wonderful shade of red.

"Yes, that would be the one and only. Still as saucy as ever." Zevran grinned. "So, who's the new Warden?" He pointed to River.

She turned to see how Alistair and Solona reacted to the question. Solona had the same idea River did and looked to Alistair. Apparently it was up to him, as king, to make the decision.

Zevran did not miss the sudden tension in the air. "I sense a story behind this. Why don't we go somewhere a little more private to have a chat? Shall we?"

Alistair shook his head. "No need for privacy, Zevran." River's eyes widened along with Solona's. "You remember we talked about the ritual with Morrigan right?" Zev nodded. "Well, River here is the production of that."

Zevran looked between Alistair and River several times before he fell over laughing. "Oh Maker, I can see the resemblance! I thought she looked familiar, but I see so many woman, I couldn't be sure where I thought I saw her from. She is almost a splitting image of Morrigan except the eyes and hair." He shook his head. "You, my friend, never cease to amaze me. So, is she going to be the heir to the throne?"

Before Alistair could come up with an answer, River growled. "I am nobody's heir. I am my own person, and as far as everybody knows, my name is River Amell, cousin to Marian Hawke and Solona Amell. Am I clear?" She glared daggers at the elf and back at Alistair.

"Yep. Definitely her mother's daughter." Zevran commented.

Having heard a commotion in the direction he left River, Cullen decided to turn around to investigate. He stopped to listen in on the conversation before rounding the corner. His eyes widened and he could scarcely believe his ears.

River is the product of a ritual? He asked himself. Heir to the throne? How is that possible? She is much too old to be the child of the king unless she was Maric's. No that wasn't it. Morrigan was one of Solona's companions during the Blight. Maker's breath what is going on here?

His thoughts were interrupted when River shouted at the group. His eyes widened further when she announced that she was an Amell and nobody's heir. He could hear her footsteps approaching his direction, but he couldn't make himself move. She rounded the corner and she stopped in her tracks. Her lips parted and her eyes widened.

"Oh shit."

River couldn't believe her eyes when she spotted Cullen standing there within hearing range of the conversation with Zevran. And judging by his shocked expression, he heard enough. He looked her over and blinked several times before speaking.

"Is there anything else you wish to tell me, princess?" His voice was level and quiet, not at all how she expected him to sound. And she really hated being called princess. Despite the professional look plastered on his face, his eyes told her everything. He was confused and trying to figure things out.

"Cullen…" River started. "It's River, not princess."

He nodded. "As you wish."

She tossed her hands up in the air and let out an exasperated sigh. "Seriously, Cullen, it's just River. Nothing else. And stop looking at me like that it's creepy."

Cullen's posture loosened and he bit the inside of his cheek. "When you said you had confidential information, is it safe to assume that is it?" He gestured towards the garden.

River nodded. "Yes, but there is more."

"More than that?"

"Yes and I really don't want to tell you." She walked up beside him. "But, since you know that and will be the one taking me back to Kirkwall, I better tell you that before it comes out to bite me in the ass later."

She walked away and Cullen followed. She led him through the hallways pretending she knew which way she was going. In all honesty she didn't have a clue. Everything looked the same to her. Thankfully, she spotted a servant dusting a wall painting and asked her if she could direct her to the guest rooms. The woman, an elf, walked her to the other side of the keep and showed her to her room. With a nod of her head and a thank you, she sent the elf back to what she was doing before.

River opened the door and stepped inside. Her leather bag was perched on the bed still packed. She smiled sadly and turned to invite Cullen in. He stood in the doorway with a look of uncertainty on his face. River smiled.

"You can come in, Knight-Captain. I don't bite." She teased.

She noted the red tint shading the top of his ears and couldn't help but smile. "It is not proper for a man to enter a lady's sleeping quarters."

River walked over to the desk and pulled out the chair. She pointed to it. "It's only improper if you have the intention of trying to get the lady between the sheets." She was rewarded with another blush, this one creeping into his cheeks. "You can sit here, Captain, if it makes you feel better."

He nodded and stepped into the room. He sat in the chair while River sat on the edge of the bed after shutting the door. She took a moment to close her eyes and relish the feel of the softness of the mattress. She'd been sleeping on either the ground or a not very comfortable cot for maker knew how long. She'd sleep good tonight given her dreams would allow it.

Cullen cleared his throat. "What is it you wished to speak to me about?"

River noted the professionalism in his voice and tried not to laugh. His ears were still red and his usual confident behavior was gone, replaced by the behavior of a cornered rabbit. His eyes continually darted across the room, looking at the window, the now closed door and finally to the bed where his blush would deepen.

"I'm not sure how you are going to take this, and I certainly do not want you to be mad." She explained. "As strange as it sounds, I count you among my friends, of which I don't have many."

"My feelings towards you will not change because of something you tell me, River." He assured her.

She shook her head. "Do not promise me anything until you hear what I have to say." She started rubbing her hands together again. "The truth is…I'm a mage."

His eyes widened. "A mage? But that is impossible. I've seen you fight."

River looked up and met his light brown eyes. She held her hand in front of her, palm up. A small fireball formed in the air above the skin. She watched his eyes grow wide and his mouth hang open. She extinguished the flame and balled her hand into a fist. His eyes flickered to her fist and back up to her eyes, not sure how to respond to what he just saw.

"That is the true reason behind my hatred towards Templars. I've been hunted by them since I was twelve years old. None of them stopped to talk or offer me a place in one of your circles; they just went for the kill. That's why when I saw you with Thad, I assumed you were going to kill him." She sucked her lower lip between her teeth and closed her eyes. "I've killed every Templar I've seen until I came to Kirkwall. You…you showed me that not all of them are bad. You chose to let Thad live. You told me you'd keep him safe and I believed you."

"River…"

She released her lip and opened her eyes, a single tear forging a path down her cheek. "And then you saved my life. I was walking around that night because of my nightmares. I woke up alone and scared and needed to get out. I wasn't thinking properly and could have died that night and would have if you hadn't shown up. You killed those men to save me and went through the trouble of taking me to a healer when you could have left me there. You showed me a kindness I never expected from a Templar."

Cullen remained silent for a moment as he watched River try to contain her emotions. She struggled to keep the tears from falling, but failed. She hung her head in shame, allowing her curtain of red hair to fall over her shoulders and hide most of her face. He swallowed his inner Templar and moved from the chair to sit beside her on the bed. He watched her shoulders stiffen and he knew this was as hard for her as it was for him, if not more so. He reached out and placed his hand on her shoulder.

"Are you going to take me to the Gallows?" she asked in a small, helpless voice that didn't sound like her at all.

He knew he should. She was an apostate and they were not tolerated in Kirkwall. The few known apostates living in Kirkwall were all but untouchable since they were under the Champions direct protection. It was no secret that she favored them. It also made sense to Cullen now why Hawke threatened him as she did before leaving Kirkwall. She knew River was a mage.

"Hawke would see me dead before you took a single step into the Gallows." He replied. "And I, personally, enjoy living."

She jerked her head up and looked at him with wide, surprised silver eyes. "You mean…You won't turn me in? Why? Isn't that your job?"

He nodded. "It's my job to take in dangerous apostates and make sure they are safe from themselves and the public made safe from them. I have yet to see anything that deems you dangerous to anybody other than any Templar that stands in your way. So, by doing this, I am saving more lives than endangering."

He expected to shock her with his admission. He wasn't left disappointed. Her mouth hung open and her eyes were wide enough he thought they might pop out of their sockets at any moment. And then, everything changed. She squealed and launched herself into his arms, wrapping her arms around his neck and hugging him tightly. At first, he stiffened, but he found himself wrapping his arms around her small frame and hugging her back. He pressed his nose into the crown of her head, taking in her sweat, flowery scent. When he released her, she unraveled arms from around his neck.

"That would have been much better without all that armor." She pointed at his Templar armor.

"I'll keep that in mind for the next time you decide to throw yourself at me." The words left his mouth before he could edit them.

She cast him a defiant look that was full of mischief. "Next time? Who says there will be a next time, Knight-Captain?" She readjusted herself so she was sitting on his lap with her legs wrapped around his armored waist. She leaned in closer so their faces were only inches apart. His cheeks turned red and River laughed. "Maybe next time I'll add one of these." She gave him a quick kiss on his cheek and removed herself from his person and marched over to the bedroom door. "Now, if you don't mind, Cullen, I would like to turn in early."