Carefully Alistair turned the pages of the book Teagan had given him. His finger traced over the picture of a dragon, a smile tugging at his lips.

"Fool boy dreaming of dragons." Isolde snapped pausing by the room.

Alistair glanced up wondering for the thousandth time why she was always so angry with him. She was the closest thing he had to a mother and he was desperate for the slightest affection from her. "Isolde would you like to read with me?"

Isolde stared into warm hazel eyes searching for any sign of Eamon's features. She never saw any, but it did nothing to soothe her heart. "You will address me as Lady Isolde boy and no, I would not like to read with you. You have no place in this house and were it up to me you would not live in it. You are a bastard; do you know what that means?"

Alistair shook his head alarmed by her tone, his eyes never leaving her.

Isolde knelt beside him, her eyes cold. "It means you were born out of wedlock. It means your mother was a whore!"

Alistair wasn't sure what that meant; but by the tone he knew it was bad, his lip trembled slightly.

Isolde shook her head. "Stay away from me boy, I wish nothing to do with any bastard child!"

Alistair watched her leave, clutching his book and curling up on his bed.

Teagan found him a little later, eyes bloodshot and cheeks red and swollen from tears. "Alistair are you hurt?"

Alistair clung to him. "I don't want to be a bastard." He sobbed.

"Where did you hear that word?" Teagan gasped.

"L … Lady Iso … Isolde." He gasped between hiccupping sobs.

Teagan gently wiped away his tears, thinking Isolde was certainly no lady of any kind. He spent time soothing the distraught boy before reading him a story and tucking him into bed. He pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead. "Never let anyone make you feel less of yourself Alistair." He sighed at the lack of understanding in the boy's eyes and gently kissed his forehead. "You are a good boy Alistair, always remember that."

xXx

Alistair was sleeping soundly and so knew nothing of the argument. He didn't hear Isolde's tantrum, nor did he hear the brothers raised voices. He didn't hear the slammed doors, or become aware of the silence that fell.

Eamon leaned against the fireplace his head in his hands, glancing to Teagan who was slumped in the chair at the desk.

"Let me take him Eamon. Let me take Alistair to Rainesfere where Isolde will not see him. Maker tell her Alistair is mine for all I care."

"His father entrusted him to my keeping."

"Her cruelty increases by the year Eamon. Alistair is only seven for Makers sake and she treats him as though he is dirt from her shoe. If his father knew …" Teagan gave a hiss of pain as Eamon gripped his tunic dragging him from the chair and pinning him to the wall.

"You will in no way jeopardize my relationship with Isolde!"

Teagan ripped himself from his brother glaring fiercely. "Touch me again Eamon and I will not be restrained."

Eamon slumped into the seat his hands shaking. "Maker Teagan I … I'm sorry. This whole situation has me on edge."

"All the more reason to let me take Alistair away from here."

"No! If Alistair remains here then hopefully his father will feel grateful enough at some point to allow Isolde and myself to marry."

Teagan looked to him in disgust. "You know I actually thought you cared about Alistair, but you just see him as a bargaining chip."

"No Teagan; I am fond of the boy, but I love Isolde. I will do whatever it takes to be with her. Sacrifice anything, or anyone. If you want Alistair to live with you then help me persuade King Maric to let us marry. Once that is done the boy can go elsewhere with my blessing."

Teagan shook his head. "This is madness brother."

"You say that because you have never known love!" Eamon spat.

Teagan clenched his fists. "You think you have the monopoly on love?" His cheeks flushed with rage. "At least the woman you love, loves you in return!"

Eamon glanced to him startled. "Teagan I …"

"I will not discuss this … not with you. You and Isolde will treat Alistair with the utmost care and respect, or by the Maker you will know just how far I will go!"

Eamon watched his brother leave the room feeling his heart ache. He closed his eyes, he loved Teagan but the love he bore Isolde eclipsed anything he had ever experienced. He wearily climbed the stairs and looked in on Alistair; the boy peaceful as he slept, clutching the knight Eamon had given him for his second name-day. He silently entered the room and sat on the edge of the bed. "One day you will meet someone and understand the terrible things you will do for love."

xXx

Teagan returned alone to Rainesfere two days later, unable to persuade his brother to allow him to take Alistair with him. He had told Alistair to be brave; that all would be well and he would visit again soon, but his words sounded hollow. He had no control over what would happen in his absence. He loved the boy dearly and was desperate to help him.

Less than an hour after Teagan's departure Alistair found himself in new living quarters in the stables managing to salvage only a few belongings, including the books and wooden horse from Teagan and the knight from Eamon.

Ibrem the Stable Master had accepted Alistair as his stable boy without a word, gently taking the boys hand as Eamon told him to be good. Ibrem knew Alistair was afraid and trying not to show it, he was a kind man with three sons of his own and he helped Alistair to settle his things in the loft before outlining his duties.

Alistair listened carefully trying not to cry. He was not to go into the stalls on his own, or pick up any of the sharp equipment. He was to clean the outside of the stalls and keep the saddles in good condition. When he had proven himself capable, cleaning out the stalls and feeding the horses would be added to his duties.

Alistair crept up the ladder as night approached and settled into his makeshift bed of hay and a horse blanket. He clutched the knight, trembling at the strange sounds of the stable at night and cried himself to sleep.

xXx

Ibem settled next to the fire after tucking his children into bed. He stared absently into the flames.

"You look troubled husband."

Ibrem glanced to Merin and sighed. "Alistair has been put in the stables. It's the work of Isolde if you ask me."

"Maker it's the middle of winter, the poor soul! Not to mention a stable boy is dangerous work for young uns."

"Aye, but I will keep an eye on him. Got him settled in the loft so he should be safe enough."

"He's sleeping there too?"

"Turfed right out of the castle. Bastard or not I thought better of the Arl."

"It's that Orlesian bitch. She's twisting his mind. I hope the King has sense to never let them marry."

"It's a bad business to be sure. Never even gave him a blanket, got him curled up with a horse blanket."

Merin scowled and moved to the cupboard retrieving a blanket she had not long finished making. "Winter will be here soon, the boy will freeze in the stable. Bloody scandalous when nobility won't even provide a blanket for a child."

Ibrem shuddered. "Maybe they hope the cold will remove their little problem."

Merin hissed fiercely packing some old clothes from her boys they had outgrown, but still had some wear in them. "Give these to the mite, at the very least he can have extra layers for bed at night."

Ibrem pulled her onto his knee. "You are a good and decent woman Merin."

"Aye, shame it couldn't be said of the nobility. I'm surprised Bann Teagan has allowed it mind you."

"He doesn't know. The Arl waited until his brother had left before he brought Alistair to the stables. According to Mara, she overheard an argument between them three nights ago when she was going downstairs after lighting the fires. Mark my words when the Bann discovers this there will be more arguing."

"They ought to turf that woman out not that boy. Maker it's a sin is what it is."

"Come on love; I have an early start tomorrow and I'm tired, besides I don't want anyone seeing me taking things to the boy, we can't afford any trouble."

Merin tsked softly. "It's a sin." She muttered as she joined her husband on their makeshift bed by the fire."

xXx

Alistair yawned loudly and rubbed his eyes wondering what was sticking in his back. He sat up brushing hay off himself and remembered he lived in the stables now. He crept to the edge of the loft and glanced at the horses, their noises not seeming scary at all now it was daylight. He glanced up as Ibrem entered, returning his smile.

"Did you sleep well?"

Alistair flushed slightly. "It was a bit scary at first."

Ibrem nodded. "Once you know the horses you won't find them so scary. Now Alistair lad; I have something from my wife, but it's a secret."

Alistair nodded and scrambled down, staring at the small bundle of clothes and the blanket.

"Should help keep you warm this winter; can't have you under a horse blanket eh."

Alistair gently ran his thumb over the hand knitted blanket and gave Ibrem one of his most heart stopping smiles. "It's beautiful, is it really for me?"

Ibrem had seen the lad briefly and heard the other servants talk fondly of him, yet he had still expected some level of arrogance. He had almost wondered if the offerings would have been given back to him, but Alistair was clutching them as though they were the most precious of gifts. "Yes lad they are for you; now put them up in the loft and I'll show you where you can get washed, there's a room right aside this one."

Alistair eagerly followed not hesitating to use the bucket of water or rough soap to rinse himself off and change into what he proudly said were his working clothes.

Ibrem clasped his shoulder. "You're going to do just fine Alistair." He chuckled softly. Maker you'll break hearts with a smile like that!

xXx

Two months on Alistair was confident in his duties. He raced up the pathway towards the castle; feet crunching in what most people were hoping was the last of the snow, slipping around to the kitchen entrance. He knocked on the door three times and waited, grinning as Catherine answered and ushered him inside.

"Makers breath it's freezing out there, get by the fire boy."

Alistair did as he was told placing his bucket by the fire and holding out his hands to the warmth.

Catherine winked to Meghran who poured some broth into a cup and handed it to Alistair. As always his face lit up with the kind gesture.

"Thank you Meghran, did you make it?"

"I did." She bent to his ear. "I added more carrots just for you."

Alistair grinned. "Thanks." He settled on a stool at the fire and drank the broth.

Catherine placed a package into the bottom of the bucket and then filled it with the leftover greens and carrot ends to be fed to the horses. "Now mind you be careful with this Alistair."

"Yes ma'am."

Meghran couldn't help smiling as Alistair finished his broth and taking his stool, stood on it to reach the sink so he could clean it. "Always a gentleman Ali, you'll make a fine husband one day."

Alistair beamed. "Only if you say yes."

Meghran laughed loudly. "Makers breath Ali, what a mouth!"

"Aye get in line boy, Meghran's taken."

Alistair squealed as Peter pulled him from the stool tickling him. "Mercy!" He squeaked.

Peter ruffled his hair. "You best make yourself scarce Ali, I saw Lady Isolde on her way here."

Alistair paled and grabbed the bucket; banging his elbow in his haste to get out, letting out a pained yelp. "I'm fine." He muttered as he pulled the bucket out of the door.

Peter shook his head. "Poor kid, that woman has put the fear of the Maker in him."

"Aye, likes to think she runs the place." Catherine muttered.

Alistair hurried down to the stables making sure he wasn't seen, scuffling his footprints as he went. He put the greens into the feeders and grinned at the packet beneath, clasping it to his chest and hurrying up to the loft. He put the apple; bread and cheese in the box Ibrem had given him to be eaten later, his eyes widening at the broken pastry. It was rare to receive such a treat and he took one half taking his time devouring each morsel with a contented smile. The other half he wrapped back up to give to Ibrem. He lay back in the hay and sighed contentedly.

He was no longer afraid of the noises in the night. He was used to the smell and barely noticed it. Ibrem's wife had made him a straw mattress by tightly packing straw into a folded sheet and sewing it and with the blanket and the extra clothes he was warm and cosy at night. Catherine always added something to his allotted food and the cup of broth each day helped to warm him during the icy spell. He worked hard and learned quickly and at night he would read his books until there was no more light. Ibrem did not allow lanterns to be lit unless he was present; too afraid that Alistair would have an accident, but as winter drew on the light grew less and so Alistair was left more and more with his thoughts.

More often than not he would think about what Isolde had said to him, that he was a bastard and what that seemed to mean. Thankfully he rarely saw Isolde now, but the Arl came down to the stables each week to make sure he was well and he was doing his duties and keeping out of trouble. He often gave Alistair an apple and tousled his hair. Alistair had noticed Ibrem shaking his head when he did that and at first thought he was doing something wrong. It had taken a week for Alistair to speak to Ibrem about it. Ibrem said little other than the Arl was giving mixed messages and it wasn't fair. Alistair didn't really understand what he meant, he was just happy for any contact with the Arl.

Alistair thought of Teagan every night and would hug the carved horse before placing it beside his bed, praying to the Maker he would return soon.

xXx

Teagan was glad to see the gates of Redcliffe, urging on his horse and taking her straight to the stables himself. It had been over four months since his last visit, two months of severe weather and trouble in the farm holds had kept him from returning sooner. He raised an eyebrow to see Alistair cleaning out a stall under Ibrem's watchful eye.

Ibrem saw the Bann and bowed. Maker now there'll be trouble. "My Lord, let me take her."

"Thank you Ibrem." He grinned as Alistair carefully closed the stall; propped his rake against the door and ran at him, Teagan pulling him into his arms. "Maker Alistair you've grown so much in only a few short months!"

"Ibrem said it's from standing in all the horse muck." He grinned.

"Indeed. Which brings me to ask what are you doing in here, not bothering Ibrem I hope."

Alistair shook his head. "I work here." He stated proudly.

"You work here?"

"Yes I'm Ibrem's stable boy."

Teagan kept his anger in check only because Alistair looked so proud of himself. "I see. Ibrem how is the lad fairing?"

"He does a grand job my Lord. He's a quick learner and works safely."

Alistair grinned happily. "Do you want to see my room?"

"Of course." He was startled when Alistair led him to the ladder. He glanced to Ibrem who was keeping his head down and followed him up. Teagan stared at the small mattress, blanket and his few belongings tucked in a corner. "Do you always sleep here Alistair?"

"Yes."

Teagan was heartbroken, but returned Alistair's smile. "Well I shall let you continue with your duties while I see my brother and then I shall come back down if Ibrem will allow me to steal you for an hour or two."

"Of course my Lord."

xXx

Mara froze where she was kneeling tending to the fire in the main hall. From here she could hear voices being raised in the study. Quickly finishing what she was doing she moved into the room next to the study leaving the door open.

"You have him sleeping in the stables!" Teagan roared.

"The boy has all he needs." Eamon muttered.

Teagan slammed his fist against the desk. "He sleeps in the stables! I cannot believe his father has allowed this!"

Eamon scowled. "If his father does not care for the boy himself he cannot complain about how I chose to care for him. He wanted him to have a life away from court; well he will need a trade to survive."

Teagan gave a gasped breath astonished that Maric would allow this. "Makers breath I cannot believe you just said that! I am sure at the very least his father would wish Alistair to become a knight, not have him clean out horse muck!"

"Then he should bring him up!"

Teagan glared. "Eamon you have no right to treat Alistair this way!"

"I have every right! Teagan I do not wish to quarrel with you. Alistair is happy in the stables and the tension between himself and Isolde has lifted somewhat. Everyone is happier."

Teagan shook his head. "Eamon this is not right!"

"Right or not it is how it is. Alistair will learn a trade."

Teagan worried at his lip. "And what of schooling?"

"Makers sake Teagan that is unnecessary he will learn all he needs from Ibrem."

Leaning forward Teagan glared his voice dangerously low. "You will have him schooled Eamon."

"And if I do not?"

"Then I will inform his father that Isolde has been corresponding with Orlais."

"With her family!" Eamon blustered.

"I wonder how Teyrn Loghain would react to that."

Eamon snarled. "You would be unwise to go against me brother."

"You love Isolde, I love Alistair and if you will not let him live with me I will make damned sure he is educated and has all he needs. I will do whatever it takes to ensure Alistair has the life he deserves. If he is happy in the stables I will accept it; for now, but he must be educated. We both know that is something his father would insist upon."

"You have no say in this."

"Let me make myself plain brother. I will not hesitate to sacrifice Isolde if I must, do not make me."

Eamon slumped back into his chair. "Brother!"

"Do not test me Eamon, in this I will not falter!"

xXx

Isolde slipped into the study moments after Teagan had left. "How dare he talk to you in that manner!"

"Not another word on this Isolde, you will show my brother nothing but courtesy while he is here."

"What?! But … he … the way he spoke to you!"

"I am aware of what he said and how he said it Isolde, but tell me this. If we are to persuade Maric to let us wed; what would it say if even my brother did not support us?"

Isolde opened her mouth and as quickly shut it.

"We must be careful Isolde, alienating my brother will not aid us."

"As you wish my love."

Eamon smiled. "Soon love and then all of this will be forgotten."

Isolde held her tongue; she would not forget any of it.

xXx

Author Note: Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed.