Childhood Friends and what not

by super ginger

The Story of Theresa Cousland as she faces the obsticles of fallen family and friends and the responsiblity of the blight. First fan-fic, sorry if it sucks.

11. Chantry Law

Dosclaimer: Bioware owns all names and likeness in this story.

Weary travelers on thier way to the Dalish. We get to see a new side of Sten. Enjoy.

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It's been three days since the group left Redcliff. Theresa hasn't been getting much sleep between her nightmares of the Archdemon and Tegan, she often wakes up in the middle of the night gasping for air. Alistair started to sit by her in her sleep again. He did it when she was just recruited without her knowing it. If she would tremble, he would squeeze her hand and tell her that she wasn't alone. When the group got bigger, he thought that it might inappropriate for him be to holding her hand all through the night. But he honestly wanted more. He wanted to take her into his tent every night and hold her in his arms like he did at Lake Calahand. He wanted to wake up to her rested face and kiss her forehead and tell her how beautiful she was every morning. He wanted to hold her all through the night and whisper in her ear how rare she is. He wanted to fight her demons for her in her sleep so that she could forever be pure and heartfelt. He wanted so many things for her, but they were all things that he could never give her.

They stopped for a rest for the night and everyone was happy to get it. Theresa has been in and out of it since they left. At times, she would talk nonstop and others she never so much as recognized that someone was talking to her. She taught Alistair to properly use a map. To find a stick and notch it with distance passed per hour. To use that stick and come up with the best route that is time efficient. She showed him how to get better uses out of the compass. If he used the magnifying glass that came attached, he could better see the tick marks on the plate. She showed him how to use the two to come up with a plan. Instead of using a basic direction, to take detailed measurements and find the path that best suits the party. She was letting him lead. He still got them lost from time to time, but it wasn't as bad as it was before. Theresa didn't mind. It gave her a chance to relax and spend some time in her head. Only after she was there, she decided that she didn't want to be there anymore. But Alistair was trying, she gave him that. He was a quick learner once she figured out his method of learning. Make everything equivalent to food. Sadly, he understood how to read a map and basic strategy if you compared it to how much food they had left on the kart and in their packs. At times when she saw that he was struggling at leading, she would give him a strategy book for basic squad movements and take charge. Of course when she did, she would look behind her and see him doing one of three things, watching her, looking around and enjoying the scenery, or tripping over tree roots when his nose was in the book. All three made her smile.

But they were resting now, Alistair wanted to let everyone take a break from the treatments of the forest. Only Zevron, Morrigan, and Ali seemed to get by with little to no difficulty while everyone else was tripping over their own feet. He watched as Theresa pulled out the map and began to create a new route. She was sitting against her pack, eating a piece of stale bread. Alistair smiled at her. She was adorable when she was concentrating. He walked over to her and pulled the map from her hands. She looked up at him, bread crumbs all over her face. "What did you do that for?"

He folded up the map and put it in his gauntlet. "Come on, I want to show you something." He held out his hand for her to take. She did and he helped her to her feet. They were walking away from the group, hand in hand. Alistair led the way through the jungle that was the forest and stopped. Theresa ran into his back. "What's up?"

Alistair looked behind him and caught her eyes. He motioned for what was ahead of him. Theresa looked around him and beamed at the bush that was in front of them. "You remembered."

"How could I forget?"

Theresa was standing in front of strawberry patch. Theresa went around him and picked one. They were growing wild out here and they were huge. She bit halfway into one and threw her head back. Savoring the flavor and texture of the tartly fruit. She looked up to see Alistair having a goofy grin on his face, holding his helm at his hip. She finished eating the one that she had and picked another for Alistair. She held it out to him between her thumb and forefinger for him take but instead he lifted her hand to his mouth as he ate the whole berry. His eyes never left hers as his lips wrapped around the berry and her fingers. Theresa was shocked that he would do something so bold and her face showed it. She felt the heat rise on her cheeks and her heart began to race. She felt his tongue sweep across the pads of her finger tips as he took the berry from her. His lips were dry but his tongue was wet. The combination of the two made Theresa shiver and her heart stop. He slowly dropped her hand as he chewed and looked away, embarrassed about what he just did without thinking. He cleared his throat and lifted his helm with the skull cap down. "I thought we could pick some and share with the group. What do you think?"

Theresa couldn't think. She pushed the helm out of her way and stepped closer to Alistair, she grabbed a hold of the collar of this templar armor and pulled him down to her. She kissed him without regret or fear. Alistair dropped his helm and held her by the waist as he kissed her lips that tasted of strawberries. She suckled on his bottom lip and he smiled at her. He lifted her off her feet and held her so that he was looking up to her. She was moving her hands through his hair, she wanted to touch every part of him that she could. She grazed his ear with her fingers and Alistair almost fell to his knees with desire. Alistair gently pulled away from her, smiling as he took in shaky breaths. His stomach was still flipping and his heart was racing for this beautiful woman in his arms. He closed his eyes, and kissed her forehead. Replacing his lips with his forehead as he gently set her down. He opened his eyes and found that Theresa's were filled with desire and seduction.

He saw himself taking her mouth again with savage desire and reaching down to her rear to lift her against him. He walked forward and pressed her against a tree as he suckled her neck and stripped her of her armor. Her hands would run up and down his chest and torso as he ravished her whole body. He saw himself pulling her away and laying her on the ground. She would whisper in his ear, her hot breath sending a shiver down his spine. She wrapped her legs around his waist as he kissed her lips, allowing his tongue to taste hers as their tongues duel for control. He gently nudges at her center core until she called his name. He could feel her tightness as he gently presses himself into her. She cries out in pleasure of his actions instead of in pain from Tegan.

Alistair shook his head to rid the thoughts. He stood and cleared his throat. "We probably shouldn't rush things."

Theresa blushed and looked down. She covered her face with her hands. "Sorry, I wasn't thinking. I just let it happen."

His hands were still on her waist. He lifted his hand to cup her chin to look at him. She was a shade of red that he hasn't seen before. "It's okay, I wasn't thinking either." He smiled at her, slightly tilting his head.

Theresa nervously scratched her head and bent over to pick up his templar helm. She passed it back to him. "Shall we?" Alistair nodded. They picked berries in silence. Alistair noticed that Theresa would pick three berries, eat one, then pick three more. He wanted her happy and this is the closest he's going to get, so he let her do as she pleased without tormenting her. Both remembering the taste and feel of the others lips. Both of them were blushing, though they dare not steal looks from the other.

The helm was full and Alistair offered her his hand to return to camp. Theresa took it and followed him out of the bushes.

"By the maker, are those strawberries?" Liliana chimed out.

Theresa turned to look at her. Her eyes were full of wonder. "Yep. Want one?"

"Do I?" Liliana all but ran over to them and picked up four berries and followed them back to everyone else.

"Look what Alistair found guys." Theresa announced. Everyone but Sten and Ali came to see. In a matter of moments, most of the berries were gone. Theresa looked around for Sten. He was sitting with Ali, overlooking the cliff that they stopped on. Theresa took the helm away from everyone who was giving her evil glairs. "Don't be pigs." She said as she turned to leave. Alistair laughed to himself as she left. She ate half the bush and she's telling people not to be pigs. He shook his head in shame as he pulled out the map that he took from her earlier. His fingers were stained with strawberry juice. He licked his thumb and found that it tasted like her. He felt his heart beat a little faster at the memory of what they sheared at the strawberry bush.

Theresa walked up to Sten, his back was hunched over and his arm was moving. Ali laid quietly beside him. She didn't raise her head when Theresa walked up. "Hi Sten."

Sten was startled. He didn't hear her walking up. He was too focused on what he was doing and dropped the charcoal that was in his hand over the cliff. He watched it as it fell to the earth. He sighed annoyed and looked at the leader who had defeated him in Haven. "Yes Warden."

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to scare you."

Sten scoffed. "I was not frightened."

Theresa noticed that he had a journal in his hands. It looked like lines from a distance. Sten placed a loose piece of thin vallume on the page and slammed the book shut. "What were you doing?"

Sten stood. His height reminded her of just how small humans really are in this world. His eyes showed annoyance. Theresa looked down at Alistair's helm. "I'll trade you some strawberries for information."

Sten would never admit it, but grew a fondness for sweets during his time here in Ferleden. One of which was strawberry short cake. He wondered if it was with the same juicy berries that he had in Denerim. "What information?"

"I want to see what you were doing." Sten thought about it for a moment. He decided that she would never know and continue to believe that he was just a warrior. He turned to leave. "I promise I won't tell anyone." Sten slowed his stride. Finally he stopped. She did have a knack for keeping her word, as much as a nuisance as it is. Maby it would be okay. He turned to her and stopped in front of her. He held his hand out, palm up. "Berries."

Theresa smiled. She held the helm close to her chest. "Book." Sten sighed loudly and gave it to her. She gave him the helm. Theresa took his spot near the cliff. Sten sat across from her. The berries were better than he remembered.

Theresa opened to the first page and her breath was caught in her throat. "Sten, this is amazing." He didn't respond. It was a charcoal portrait of a woman. She had dark skin and light colored eyes. Her hair was white and put in a ponytail draped over her shoulder. The details that Sten put into it was amazing. The shadowing was meticulous. She could make out the life in her eyes. She looked qunair but the smile that she had was contagious. Her dress was blowing in the wind. "Who is she?"

"Serath"

"Who is she?"

"I just told you."

"I mean to you."

Sten met her gaze. "She is my akarasheth."

Theresa looked back at the portrait. He put so much love into making her face. "Is she your mate?"

"Yes."

Theresa wanted to touch it. "She's very beautiful."

"I know."

Theresa looked back to Sten. "Is she nice?"

"No." He looked at the page she was on. His eyes softened only slightly. "She is perfect."

Theresa smiled at the warrior. She turned the next page and found the same amount of love on the faces. It was two boys. They had war pain on their cheeks and looked ready for battle. A great sword hung behind them with a small cloth hanging on the pommel. They had Stens eyes. "Your kids?"

"Yes." He said eating another berry.

Theresa got up and sat down next to Sten. She looked at the pages. "You have a beautiful family Sten."

"Thank you."

Theresa turned the next page. It was a full page detail. It was in Lothering. A woman heavy with child, her face was detailed, her hair was blowing in the wind and a small lock was in front of her face. The shadowing was showed that it was near sunset. She was reaching her hands through bars, her hands full of wild flowers. Another hand was taking the flowers. They were larger and darker than the woman's. The background was amazing. He caught the hill with its lonely tower, and the kings highway running off the side. "Who is she?"

Sten was silent for a moment. Theresa looked up to meet his gaze. "She is the sister of the farmer that I killed. She forgave me of my actions and gave me flowers."

"She did?" Theresa's eyes were filling up with tears. Sten nodded and went back to eating his third berry. He wanted to savor the flavors. She looked at the woman. She was so kind and it would take a lot of courage to forgive a man that killed her brother. This woman was stronger than Theresa ever hoped to be.

Theresa turned to the next page. It was her. She was slouching with her back resting against a tree. She was eating an apple in one hand and reading the map in the other. One of the daily occurrences that often happen. Back when her hair was long, she had hair covering part of her face, the shadow of the tree covered more of it. She was in her old armor. The same armor that Theresa met Sten in. Her weapons then were feeble compared to now. And then she saw what made Sten draw this. Her pack was behind her and on the ground, and Ali had her head in it, looking for goodies. Theresa smiled at the picture, looking at Ali. She didn't feel the glair and continued to sleep. Theresa gave up and turned the page.

It was Alistair and Morrigan standing next to a fire at camp. He looked smug and was wearing his wicked grin while Morrigan had her hands in the air showing defeat. "What I find most amusing about those two," Sten said "Is that the witch often calls the human an idiot. However, he usually wins the arguments." Theresa thought about it for a moment, and Sten was right. Theresa turned to look behind her. Alistair and Morrigan were at it again. She waited a moment and Alistair crossed his arms and smiled to Morrigan how stormed off into the woods. Theresa couldn't help but laugh.

"You're absolutely right. I never even noticed that." Theresa turned the page.

It was her and Alistair. They were both barring their teeth and looked ferocious as they were about to attack an ogre. Sten put great detail into the dearkspawn because it was the center of attention. The shadows of the muscles, teeth, horns. Everything that used to scare Theresa was there. Apparently, Sten also used to be scared of them too. She saw the dark shadows that were in the background. It was all dark and the only light it seemed was her and Alistair. Sten is a brave man for showing me this. Theresa tuned the page.

It was Liliana. She was dressed to kill. Literally. She had her arrow notched and aimed like she was going to shoot it off the page. She looked so life like. The major details like actually putting strength and dexterity in her eyes. He even added the minor like a few sweeps of hair in her face, even a small crow's feet. The light off the arrow and the depth perception made Theresa want to be Liliana's best friend. She turned the page.

It was Liliana again. She was in the Redcliff chantry, playing with the children. So much was different about this page. The last page was dark, but this one was filled with shades of colors. Lili looked happy and so did the children. Theresa turned the page.

It was a simple picture of Morrigan. She looked emotionless but Sten put extra care on her eyes. "It's her eyes." Sten said.

Theresa looked at him. "What about them?"

"They are emotionless, shine in the dark, and a peculiar color that is only found on beasts."

Theresa nodded in agreement. Then again, purple is a weird color for us. "I think it's because she is a shape shifter. What do you think?" Stren grunted and watched her as she went through his drawings.

She turned the page and found herself again. She was sitting behind the Arls desk. Her hands were on her head. She looked distraught. Her hair was falling around her face and her bun was almost useless. He put detail on the books that were behind her. Sten was an amazing artist. She turned the page.

It was Connor. Even in the form of a small boy, his eyes were full of malicious intent. There was a dark aura around the boy. It scared her to look at it. Sten had caught the full emotions that she was feeling at the time. Theresa couldn't look at it anymore, she turned the page.

It was a handkerchief with cookies on it. Chocolate chip. With little crumbs on the fabric and blades of grass. It made her smile.

The next page had a picture of the most delicious cake she had ever seen. Strawberry short cake. The icing looked delicious. There was a small saucer with a slice of it on it. Small bits of strawberries were cut up and baked with the cake. "You like baked goods don't you Sten." His lack of response lead her to a yes.

The next was Ali. She looked determined to get a job done. He put extra detail in her fur and eyes. She was covered in war paint of a kind that she hasn't seen before. "Did you add that? The paint I mean."

"Yes. For the Qunari, that particular symbol is for strength and courage. Your dog is the bravest beast I have met on our travels." Theresa smiled at his words. Ali perked up a little at the sound of her name.

The nest page was Zevron sharpening his daggers. He was very interested what he was doing. Sten caught his full facial expression as he worked. His eyes were focused on the job, his lips were slightly parted. Sten even had his sharpening and cleaning kit set out before him. She had seen Zevron do this many times, but never like this. He had the blade pointed out, checking for defaults. The shadows made it look like he was working by fire light.

The next page was her and Alistair again. When they were in the Haven cavern after she did the spell. Sten had a view of both the faces. They both looked at peace but their bodies were in pain. Theresa held onto his head and armor while his arms were strewn across the floor. The picture was light, she could sense his emotions when he drew it. Sadness filled her with hope of a better life.

The next page showed her and Morrigan after she drank the blood. Morrigan laid across Theresa with her head resting on her shoulder and supported my Theresa legs. Theresa looked annoyingly upset while Morrian was teetering on death. Above her was the Urn of Sacrate Ashes. Even as majestic was it was, Sten focused on team work and friendship.

Next was a picture of her as she emerged from the neck of the dragon. She was covered in it's blood and carried one blade ready and the other relaxed at her side. Sten included the dragons head in the drawing for emphases. The way she looked made her look she was the only one who killed it. She could see the snow covered mountains in the distance. Theresa wondered if this is how Sten saw her, a glory hog.

"You looked like you could take on the world with that stance."

"I just wanted my sword back."

"And that is what makes you a warrior." Theresa looked up at Sten. His eyes were emotionless. She smiled at him. "Thank you." She returned her attention back to the book.

The nest page was Zevron again. He was sitting on a tree limb, looking up at the sky. His facial mask was off. He looked like he was in regret. His hair was expecility detailed. The moon hung low in sky and the light of it bounced off his face and ears. The picture was dark but the moon made out his form. One leg was off the limb while his arm rested on the other leg. His tattoo was drawn the deepest color. He looked so real and so beautiful. She turned the page.

There was a man on the floor. He was covered in something dark. His face didn't exist anymore. He was a heap on the floor. "Alistair's work." Sten gruffed.

"What?"

"That is the man that attacked you a few days ago. Alistair told me to guard him. You did not forget already did you?"

Theresa was shocked. She heard Zevron say something about this, but she had no idea he could do so much damage. He did protect her. A smile appeared on her face. "I'd be lying if I said Alistair went too far." Sten did not respond. She turn the page and found what he was working on before she interrupted him. Their faces weren't done yet but could tell who it was and what they were doing. It was her and Alistair at the strawberry patch when he ate one from her fingers. She turned back to the first page of Serath. She was so happy. "Thank you Sten for showing this to me. You have singe handily captured our story in this one journal." She felt the tears rising in her eyes again. "You have shown me that even in this world of death and suffering, there is still good to be had. Reasons that we should always press on for. For laughter, forgiveness, love, strength, friendship, teamwork, and above all else, honor." She looked at Serath. "We as a living creatures fight for many reasons, but love and honor should always be protected." She closed the journal gently and passed it back to Sten. "Thank you Sten." He nodded as she got up to leave. She picked up Alistair's helm and looked at Sten again. "Can I meet them?"

"Who?" He asked without looking at her. He fingered the edges of his book.

"You're family. I'd like to meet them." He didn't respond. She nodded and left him with his thoughts. She walked across camp and found Alistair. He was sitting on a log with the map in front of his face. She dropped his helm in front of his feet. He looked up from the map and gave her a questionable look. "Yess?" She dropped to her knees and hugged him. Alistair was confused. He smiled and set the map down beside him and held her close to him. She slowly pulled away with tears in her eyes but she was smiling. His brow was furrowing. He removed his right gauntlet and wiped her tears away with his thumb. She grabbed his hand and turned it. She kissed every knuckle on his hand. She kissed every cut that was sustained when he beat Tegan. She placed his hand on his knee and looked him in his eyes. He was still confused about why she is acting like this all of a sudden. She lifted herself with the help of his knees and leaned in and kissed his cheek. Alistair could feel his body heat rising as his heart increased.

She leaned further in and whispered in his ear "Thank you."

Alistair turned his head to look in the eyes. He was studying her, trying to figure out what she was getting at. What did Sten say? "It's...what I'm here for?"

Theresa smiled as she walked over to her pack and laid down against it. A smile was still on her face.

Alistair watched her as she laid down. What did I do that warranted a thank you? Strawberry patch maby but I already got my thanks for that. He felt the blush creep up his neck. He picked up the map and hid his face with it. More than a fare share of thanks. He realized that he was remembering the kiss and the taste of her lips. He was also remembering the out of body experience that he had. I need a cold bath. He looked up and saw Wynne walking towards him, with a grin on her face that looked wicked. She sat down on the log next to him. "Why are you smiling like that, you look suspiciously like the cat that swallowed the pigeon."

"Canary."

"What?"

"I look like the cat that swallowed the Canary."

"I once had a very large cat, but that's not my point. The point is why are you smirking?"

Wynne laughed. "You were watching her…with great interest I might add. In fact, I believe you were…enraptured."

"She's our leader I look to her for guidance."

"Oh, I see. So what guidance did you find in those swaying hips, hmm?"

Alistair began to panic. "No no no. I wasn't looking at her, you know..hind quarters."

"Certainly."

"I gazed…glanced in that direction, maby." He started to turn a deep red. "But I wasn't staring. Or really even seeing anything."

Wynne crossed her arms over her chest. "Of course."

Alistair sucked on his teeth. "I hate you. You're a bad person."

Wynne waited until Alistair had stopped blushing before she began again. "She has told me that she finds peace in your company." She looked at him. He had a dumb look on his face. "Protect her well Alistair. You may be the only thing that is keeping her clinging to life." And with that she left him alone.

He waited until Wynne was not looking at him anymore to steal a glance at Theresa. She was asleep and Ali was resting her head on Theresa's stomach. She was so adorable when she slept. Her deep breaths kept him sane a few nights ago. Her lips were always parted. Almost ready for him at any moment.

It happened again. He saw himself walking over to her, laying down next to her, gently kissing her awake. Her eyes would flutter open. Those deep blue eyes that he would often get transfixed in. She would pull him closer to her, and deepen their kisses. He could slide his hand up her armor and grasp one of her breasts. She would loudly inhale at his touch as he would gently massage the weight of it.

He shook his head. He closed his eyes and slowly counted. All he could see was her eyes, looking at him through lowered lids, begging for more. He gave up and opened his eyes only to see Zevron.

"Judging from the tracks, we should be in a Dalish camp by tomorrow."

"What time tomorrow?"

"Well, that depends. If they stopped, tomorrow mid day. They kept moving, Tomorrow night."

"How far away are they?"

"I'm afraid that I don't have that kind of information."

Alistair nodded. Zevron sat down on the log looked ahead. "I am curious about something."

Alistair smirked. "Well, you see Zevron, when a mommy and a daddy love each other very much…"

"I believe that I know that story better than you. However, I like the one better with the two daddies."

Alistair sucked on his teeth, embarrassed at the blatant statement. "What did you want?"

"Why did you ask me to look after Theresa?"

The question stopped Alistair. As it did turn out, he didn't even know. "I seem to have forgotten."

They were quite for a moment. "She wants you Alistair, why don't you simply take her?"

"She's not mine to take."

Zevron looked at him and smirked. "Is that an open invitation?"

Alistair watched the elf out of the corner of his eye and deeply frowned. "Another comment like that and I will ram you through with my sword. That is no empty threat Antivian."

Zevron pulled out one dagger and twirled it in his hand, a smug look upon his face. "I shake in my boots."

Alistair removed his shield and held it out in front of him, his eyes never leaving Zevron. "As you should."

Zevron smirked. He striked Alistair's shield to get him to stand up and was rewarded with the flat side of Alistair's blade to his face. Zevron battle rolled away from the human and retook his stance. A few feet out of the swords way. Alistair kept his shield up and blocked the elfs attacks. Zevron hit the shield three times and waited for Alistair to drop it to see his attacker. The moment it was dropped, Zevron got behind him only to see Alistair turn the sword behind him. Zevron parried and aimed for the neck, Alistair threw his shield behind him to block all flanks. Alistair turned to see him only to find that he was gone. "This ends now!" Theresa shouted. She was shrouded. Alistair took a step forward and felt pain in his neck. Theresa reveled herself and told Zevron to do the same. She was standing behind him with her dagger poised at his throat while her other hand held her long sword that was positioned at Alistair's neck. "Some one want to explain to me what the fuck is going on here?" Both of the men stared each other down. Zevron looked coy while Alistair looked serious. "Well?" They were both silent. Theresa dropped her blades and Spartan kicked Zevron into Alistair, who forcefully pushed him away. "I grow tired of you two bitching and moaning at every turn. Either get over this retarded jealously that you two seem to have for some ridiculous reason, or continue to beat the hell out of each other, which is it?" Neither one said or did anything. "Fine if you want to act like children, then be my guest. Alistair, if you win, you can take on Morrigan next. Sound fair?"

"It hurts my feelings that Alistair won't let me warm his bed for him." Zevron said coyly. "And for that, he must pay."

Theresa put her face in her palm. She took a deep breath and looked at Zevron. "You will not hinder my ability to do perform my duties, understood?"

His eyes grew angry but his smirk never left his face. "Yes, warden." And turned on his heel and left.

Theresa turned to look at Alistair. He was sheathing his sword and put away his shield. "Seriously, what was that about?"

He met her gaze, anger still radiated around him. "What do you think?"

"Something trivial."

Anger quickly subsided from Alistair. He walked towards her "You're not trivial."

Theresa felt her heart race. He was protecting her honor. She didn't let any emotions show on her face. "Did it ever occur to you that you might be more useful to me alive?"

Alistair reached out to her and smirked. "Useful like a pair of shoes, like a hoe in the garden, like an extra sword, or perhaps like a companion on a cold night?"

"Like a pair of shoes." she said flatly.

"Ow. Would you like your dagger back or simply leave it in my chest, in case you need it later?"

Theresa smiled at him. "Yea, I need it back."

Alistair leaned toward her and pretended to give back a blade in her hand. His hand lingered longer than it should have. Theresa could feel the heat from his hand even though her armor. She could feel the electricity radiate through her body as her heart increased speed again. She found herself getting lost in his eyes again. The dark amber eyes lulled away any pain that she had and replaced it with peace and hope. She resisted putting her hand his face and feeling his beard on her hand. Instead, she rested her hand on his forearm.

She saw hersefl hip tossing him to the ground and while he would catch his breath, she would mount him. She could kiss him deeply and passionatly. She could nip at his ear, suck on his neck, until he forced her to kiss him. She could slowly remove her armor as he watched. She could watch his eyes fill up with lust as she removed her shoulder and chest plate. She could guide him in kneading her breasts. She would ache for his touch only to have him suckle on her nipple.

She heard a wood bending and turned to look. The cliff behind the camp held three people. Hidden by the trees. Zevron was looking right at them, his hands on his head. He had a smirk on his face as he watched one jump from the cliff to land gracefully on their feet. She stood and held her clinched fist in the air for her men not to fire. The woman stepped closer to Zevron.

She stayed a distance away from him. She eyed him suspiciously. Zevron did the same for her. She wore small armor that showed most of her skin but was practical for movement. She was smaller than the humans he had to travel with. Much more petite than Theresa. She had a facial tattoo that looked like a knurling tree, curling in upon its self. Her hair was the same color as his, though shorter and pulled tightly in a tail. Her ears, she was elven as well.

"I do not recognize your family's symbol." Her voice was stern and demanding.

Zevron touched the side of his face and smiled. "I suppose you wouldn't."

She kept an eye on him and watched his companions. The elf carried himself with confidence and ego. The party contained four females, two other males, and a dog. "What are you doing in the forest?"

"Looking for the Dalish." His smirk was still on his face as he read hers.

She raised a questionable eyebrow. "Are you not?"

"From what I was told, I am half, actually."

She continued to look Zevron over. "Dalish is a way of life, not a blood line. Who is in charge here?"

"What would you do if I said I was?" She unsheathed her curved blade and held it to his throat, only to have him catch her wrist and have his own dagger at her throat. "Call off your men."

"What is an elf with six shems doing in the forest? You are either leading them for poaching purposes for you are simply a slave to whoever is in charge. Which is it?"

"How did you find us?" Zevron was trying to avoid the conversation.

"Clashing steel is often a sign that shems are around." She tried to pivot her body weight only to have him knee her in the side and hold her up in front of him. She stood between him and the arrows of her men.

"That's enough Zevron." Theresa called behind him. He let the elf woman go, but kept his dagger out. Theresa walked up to the woman. "Hold it right there outsider."

Yep defiantly Dalish, Theresa thought. The woman lifted her hand above her head, palm up.

"You have two archers with bows notched, I have two mages and two archers as well. I don't want to fight you, but if you force us to, you will never know who we are or why we are here."

"Why would I care?"

"You and your mens lives or you're deaths, which will it be hunter?"

The woman looked over Theresa. She did not look like she wanted a battle but her party said otherwise. The men had their blades drawn while two of the women had out staffs. She did not lie about the mages. The elf woman sheathed her blade and turned her back to Theresa. She motioned for her men to come down from the cliff. They landed on their feet and slowly walked toward Theresa and Zevron. Their bows were ready to fire. The woman turned around again. "The Dalish have camped here. I suggest that you go somewhere else and quickly."

"Actually, I've been looking for the Dalish." Theresa turned and motioned for her group put away their weapons. Few gave questioning looks but eventually did as she said.

The woman watched with silver eyes as the group stood down. "I find that hard to believe. What business could we Dalish possibly have with a group like yours?" She rested her hands on her hips waiting for response.

Theresa watched the archers behind the woman. "I am a Grey Warden. I need to speak to your leader."

Shock overtook the elf woman. "A Grey Warden, how do I know that you are telling the truth?"

Theresa smiled sheepishly. "You're just going to have to believe me."

"I do not."

"I have documents that only a Grey Warden would have. You can feel free to look it over if you must."

The woman eyed her suspiciously. "I will take you to our Keeper, maby he can make out the truths as to why you are here."

Theresa smiled at her. "Thank you."

The woman scoffed. She waved her men over to her. They both also had facial tattoos, all three were different. "Are you their leader?"

"I am." Theresa said.

"Put them in a line. I will take you to the camp."

Theresa nodded and gave out the instructions. Put on packs and get in line. She looked over and saw that Zevron and Alistair were bickering again. She rubbed the bridge of her nose.

"The elf would have won if you did not interfere, shem." The elfish woman said flatly.

Theresa looked at her and smiled. "I don't doubt that. Zev moves with grace and guile and the fact that he can shroud only increases his chances of winning. Had I not interfered, I would be down another Warden."

"That shem is a Warden as well?"

"Yes." She watched as the group gathered around her. "Excuse me." She turned to get her pack only to find that Ali had it in her mouth. Theresa took it from her with a smile that slowly faded when she realized that it was covered in slobber. Ali barked happily and Theresa petted her. Theresa turned back to the woman. "Shall we?"

"I will take lead and my men will follow behind yours." Theresa nodded they set out for the camp.

Zevron snuck his way up to the woman, his hands on the back of his head. "So, how far away is it?"

The woman looked at him but stayed silent. He smirked and watched her as she walked. Very petite indeed.

"She seems nice." Liliana whispered to Theresa.

"She does. She is protective for her men. Very honorable."

Liliana laughed quietly to herself. "You have a thing for soldiers don't you."

Theresa nodded with a smile.

They continued down the trail with the woman first, Zevron, Wynne, Theresa, Liliana, Morrigan, Alistair, Ali, Sten and the two archers taking up the rear. They had a run in with three bears. The woman and her men stayed behind to shoot it while Zevron, Theresa, Alistair, Ali, and Sten ran ahead to kill the beasts. They were stabbing and slashing at the bears until the only sound they heard was their own heavy breathing. Theresa sheathed her sword and made rounds to ensure everyone was fine. She came up to the elfish men and one had a gash on his arm. "Wynne." Theresa called and prepared the health poultice. "Let me see your arm." He was hesitant. He looked over to the elfish woman to see it would be alright. She shook her head. "It is nothing shem."

"No its not, you're bleeding. Let me help."

"Leave him alone." The woman said. She pulled out some elf root and placed it in her mouth as she looked at his arm. She pulled out some spare bandages and spit on his arm. She laid the elf root that was in her mouth over the wound and sealed it with the bandages. She mumbled something that Theresa didn't understand and stood up. She helped him to his feet.

"Wynne is a healer. She can fix it."

"I don't need your shem magic to 'fix' my hunters."

"If they are wounded, why not heal them?"

"I just did." She left Theresa and retook her place as leader. Theresa looked back at the hunter. "Are you alright?"

He held his bow tightly in his hand and reaching for an arrow. His eyes never leaving her face. Theresa lifted her hands in defeat. "Fine." She turned around and got inline. She was standing between Alistair and Sten now. "Don't let them get to you." Alistair whispered. Theresa nodded and looked down the rest of the time they were moving.

---

Warewolves now? Really? Why is it every time I try to do something progressive, these people always have to sucker me back down. This is so annoying. They just got done talking to the Keeper and had gotten their orders to go, kill Witherfang, and then the Dalish will be willing to help them end the blight. So much fun. Theresa rubbed her head as she looked at her group. Zevron was trying to be glib with Mithra, but everyone else looked uncomfortable. Even the Dalish did. She sighed and walked over to her party. "Okay, here's whats going to happen. We go into the forest, kill this wolf, and get back onto the road. I want to get this done as quickly as possible, so only a few of us will go. Morrigan, Zevron, get your stuff ready, we'll be leaving in little while."

"What?" Why am I not surprised that Alistair is complaining. "You're going in the forest with those two."

"Yes."

He looked shocked, disappointed, and depressed all in one moment. She put her hand on his shoulder. "Look, they know how to get around in the forest. Morrigan was raised there and Zev seemed to do just fine on the way here. Ali will be coming with me, so its not like I'm trying to kill myself."

Alistair pulled her hand off of him and sighed. "Fine." And walked away from her.

"It 'twould appear that you have hurt his feelings." Morrigan said. "Do it again please."

"Yes, please." Zevron chirped in.

Theresa rolled her eyes. "Get ready you two." She followed after him down towards the river. He had his hands on his hips and was looking down. Kicking rocks into the water. Theresa stopped just behind him. "You wanna talk about it?"

"No. What's there to talk about?"

"I don't know, that temper tantrum that you just had?" He stayed quite. "What's on your mind Alistair?"

She walked up beside him. His arms were crossed over his chest as he looked over the water. "It's just…I…" He sighed. "This will be the first time that we're apart. I won't be there to protect you."

"It will be alright."

"No it won't. Remember what happened last time I didn't?"

Theresa felt her stomach drop. "I'm sure that won't happen again."

Alistair sighed again. "There's no changing your mind is there?"

Theresa laughed. "No."

He reached under his armor and handed he something in a handkerchief. "Here."

She took it and opened it up. "Is this the last bit of your cheese?"

"Yess."

Theresa smiled and placed it under her armor, next to the rose that he gave her. She looked around her and saw that no one was looking. She took his hand and led him to a thick patch of brush. "Kneel."

"What for?" Alistair was wearing his evil smile.

"Just do it." He dropped to his knees, looking up into Theresa's eyes. His hands made their way to her hips then her waist and back down to her belt buckle. She took his hands and shook her head. She leaned down and kissed his lips. Gently at first then progressively deeper. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her down to him. She nudged away from him and kissed his neck. He let out a hiss of pleasure against her lips. She loosened his shoulder plates and sucked on his neck. He felt her heat through his armor, she could feel his breath on her ear, he wanted her to remove his armor, she wanted more time. Theresa leaned back and realized that she was sitting in his lap, straddling him. She bit her bottom lip as she regained her breath. She met his eyes. Dark amber. Clouded with desire. Theresa leaned in and kissed him again. She gently pulled away and rested her head on his. "I will not be gone for very long." She touched his neck and poked where she sucked. "I will be back before this heals." She placed her hand in his hair and began to stroke his head. She smiled as she leaned back to look at his face. He had a huge smile on his face. He reached out to touch her neck. He leaned in and sucked on her neck until she whispered his name. He pulled back and looked into her eyes "You better, you've got it on your neck too." Theresa reached up to touch it. She closed her eyes and shook her head.

Alistair just laughed and kissed her forehead. He put his hands under her arms and lifted her like a child with little ease. He rested her on her feet. "Come, I'm sure that they are looking for us." Theresa nodded as they made their way back to the camp.

---

Alistair was pacing by his companions. Theresa told them to make themselves useful in the camp but none of the elves would have them. They wouldn't even allow Wynne to numb the pain of the cursed hunters. All they could do was sit and wait for Theresa to return. It's already been half a day since they left, but to Alistair, it felt like centuries. He hated waiting. He hated the fact that she was in the forest with the two people that he couldn't stand in the whole party. He had fun tormenting Morrigan but her manners were a bit lacking to say the least. So as it stood, he was pacing while everyone else was passing the time. Sten just sat crossed legged with his arms crossed looking down. Alistair could have sworn that he was sleeping but Sten would eventually look around himself occasionally before dropping his head again. Liliana was playing her lute, trying to come up with a new song or remembering an old one. Wynne did what she did best, read. It seemed to pass the time for her, but Alistair's pacing drew distracting for her.

Finally a dalish said what they were all thinking. "Shem, if you keep pacing like that, you will wear a hole in the earth." She said as she passed by. Alistair gave it a rest and sat down next to Wynne on her log. She didn't pay him any mind but him sitting would be better than him pacing. He reached into his pack and pulled out his sharping stone. He sharpened his sword for as long as he cold without turning it into a dagger. He asked for Lilianas daggers and she gave them to him. Figuring that if he will suffer, may as well be useful about it. He sharpened her daggers for as long as possible before returning them to her. He asked Sten for his blade only to be huffed off. He put the stone away and stared at the place that Theresa vanished into the woods. He would unconsciously put his hand to his neck, remembering her promise to him. She'll be back before it's healed. He chanted to himself. He was fidgeting where he sat. Wynne gave up trying to ignore him and decided that comfort might be the best solution, even if it is temporary. "Alistair dear,"

"Yes Wynne." He didn't even look at her.

"I'd like to remind you that you are tied to her. If she should feel pain then you will know how she is. Are you in pain?"

"No."

"Then she is fine."

Alistair sighed in agreement. She was right. If she was in pain then he would know. But that still didn't ease the storm that was in his heart. She was out there, most importantly, without him. He started to fidget again.
Wynne sighed. "Alistair, why don't you clean your armor, it might take your mind off of things." He nodded and proceeded to take his armor off. When he took the chest plate off the females were staring at him. He felt embarrassed at the idea that they might laugh at him but Wynne was right. He needed a distraction. He pulled out a rag and cleaner for his armor and cleaned it meticulously.

"They seem to like you." Liliana said to him.

"Who." He was holding his armor to his face, trying to see if he missed something.

"The women, you might be the reason that they leave the camp." She giggled.

He was putting his tired muscles into the buff. "What are you talking about?"

"Look up and you'll see."

He did for a moment. The women had their hands covering their mouths but he could see that they were smiling and laughing. Every time that he would make eye contact, they would look away. Even the men wouldn't make contact but their expressions were more of anger than of smiles. "Their laughing at me, Lili." And went back to cleaning his armor.

She laughed again. "No silly. They find you attractive. They also find that you trying to take your mind off of Theresa to be romantic."

"That's great for them, Lili but why do I care?"

"Just thought you'd like to know. Hey, where did you get that bruise from? I don't think that I have seen a weapon leave that kind of mark before."

Alistair felt heat running up his cheeks. He covered his neck without thinking. He heard her laugh and dropped his hand and looked at her. "You well know what kind of weapons leave that mark."

Liliana put on her innocent, sister face. "No, I don't. Please, tell me. Was it an arrow? A dagger perhaps?"

Alistair looked at her, she was so faking the innocent thing. Her eyes proved it. He sat down his armor on the ground. "So there I was, minding my own business when out of nowhere this punk kid comes along."

"Really now?"

"Yea, and he was all like 'give me all your coins' and I said 'no' and he said 'I said now' and I said 'no' and he punched me in the throat. Can you believe that?"

"No."

"Well he did. So I picked him by the collar and took him back to his mum."

"Very…interesting. However, I heard that it happened another way."

Alistair grinned. "What did you hear?"

"We were in the forest and Theresa pushed a tree branch back for her to pass and let go of it only to have it hit you."

"That's sadly closer to the truth."

"I would imagine." She said with a smirk on her face.

Alistair huffed and picked up his armor again to work on it. However, it was as clean as it was going to get. He sighed at the thought that there would be nothing left to distract him of his thoughts. He put his armor back on and sat down again. It was dark now. When did it get dark. He looked up and saw Andrastas arrow. If his memory served him correctly, it was the arrow that ended the war and the maker turned it into a consolation so that other warriors may look to it for guidance. He looked ahead and saw a couple of elves walking toward them. Two females. Neither of them were wearing armor but they were holding trays and cups. They stopped short of the party.

"The keeper has asked us to feed you during your stay here."

"Thank you kindly." Liliana said. She stood to take the trays from the women. They passed them to her and Liliana made sure that everyone got a bowl of the food as well the tea. She gave the trays back and thanked them again. The women turned and quickly left. Alistair couldn't eat. He did what he could but for the most part, he just looked into the bowl and wondered how Theresa was doing. How she was holding up being alone. He never wanted to be without her again. He wanted to have her at his side at all times after this. He had no idea how much it hurt for her to be out of his sight. He touched the bruise again. He hated this. Alistair finished his bowl and cup and gave it back to Liliana to give back. He laid against his pack and forced sleep upon himself. However, it never came. All he wanted was to sleep yet he kept remembering the feeling he had when he slept with Theresa in his arms at Calahand. It felt so right then. She was a perfect size. His arms fell into her curves in all the relaxing places. Her warm skin kept him warm during that cold night, even if his back was to the fire. He scent of her hair and skin lulled him to sleep. He felt at peace. In fact, it was the best night of sleep he had gotten in a long time. Of course it could have also been to his extreme exhaustion the day before. He always wanted her to sleep with him in his tent since that night. Her warmth and face when he woke up the next morning would be perfect. Falling asleep with her in his arms would be magnificent. But he couldn't ask her to do something like that. She was a lady, and as often as he told himself, he was a gentleman.

He remembered the way she looked when she woke up, her hair was a mess, sleep was still in her eyes even if they did show little anger. Even in the morning, she was beautiful. Finally, sleep overtook him and he went into the fade, and saw Theresa standing there with a rose in her hair and roses at her feet.

---

It's been two days since Theresa left and Alistair has been doing nothing but getting haggled by Wynne about healing the scratches that appeared on his body. He knew that she was not taking good care of herself. He wouldn't be healed until she was, Wynnes delayed information, so all the more reason to wait on her a little longer.

He heard Theresa's laughter in the distance. He watched the gate, praying that it was really her and not some game that his head was playing. She did appear then, worse for wear. She was covered in blood and dirt. Her pack was full and she was laughing at what Zevron was saying. Alistair shot up and ran over to her. "Hey you." Theresa said, only to be swooped up in his arms and hugged tightly. He never wanted to let her go again. "Alistair, I missed you to, but you're hurting me." He instantly let her go and looked her over.

"How are you?"

"Good." She turned to Zevron and Morrigan. "Remember our promise. You two get some sleep."

They both nodded and the three of them walked over to the rest of the party. "What happened?" Alistair wanted to ask a million questions but she stopped him.

She raised her hand in protest. "First, I must speak with the new Keeper okay. I'll see you in a minute. Hold tight."

She started to walk around him but he caught up to her. "I'll come with you."

"I don't think that is a good idea."

"Why not?"

She turned around quickly and almost ran into him. She looked distraught. She was looking around her at to see if anyone was paying attention to her. "Just, please, stay here." She turned around and walked to Lanaya.

"Andran Atish'an Warden."

"Andran Atish'an Lanaya." Theresa heard Alistair walking up behind her. He was not going anywhere.

"It is done. The beasts blood is leaving our hunters. Thank you Warden. I felt it when Zatherian left us. I have great shoes to fill."

Theresa scratched her head. "Lanaya, do you have somewhere that we can talk?"

Lanaya gave a questioning look. "Of course." She offered her hand to her hut. Theresa followed her in but motioned for Alistair to remain outside. He gave a completive look that made Theresa give in. He followed her in and sat down.

"Lanaya, do you know of the connection between Zatherian and the curse?"

"Yes, he told me once before."

Theresa was surprised. "Oh, well then. Umm…that makes it easier. Listen, he wanted the temporary solution but I made him end the curse…by force. I know that me saying that will not look good for me or Zatherian, so I was wondering what you were going to tell the Dalish so that I may agree."

Layana thought for a moment. "Did he die with honor?"

"With the upmost."

"Then we will tell them that he died protecting the Dalish. That his final actions will reflect how we will fight during the blight."

"Of course Keeper."

Layana looked at Theresa. " We will have a celebration in honor of our dead and of the ending of the curse. Will you stay?"

Theresa smiled. "Of course we will."

Lanaya smiled and escorted them out. But she reached for Theresa arm. "If you will stay, will you wear the ceremonial garbs of the hero?"

"I would love to keeper." Theresa went back into the hut and followed Lanaya.

Alistair once again felt shot down by Theresa and went back to the party with his head lowered.

Lanaya went to her chest in the corner and pulled out a dress. Not again. She gave it Theresa to wear. "If you will excuse me, I will start the preparations for tonight."

"Do I need to put this on right now?"

"No, just keep it somewhere where you can find it later."

Theresa looked over it. It was a dark green and had long billowing…everything. There was a gold trim on the collar and the sleeves. It seemed like it was a part of the wind. "Do you have any other ceremonial garbs for heros?"

"Yes, we also have one for a male."

"May my elfish companion wear that one?"

Lanaya smiled. "That would be perfect."

Theresa smiled and placed the dress back in the chest. "Tell me when you are ready and I will wear this garb with honor." Theresa turned and left the hut.

Theresa made her way around the camp. She found Deygan and gave him his wife's final words and ran into Varathorn. "I found your iron bark."

A smile grew across his face. "Thank you Warden. What would like me to make for you?"

Theresa held up her hand. "Whatever you desire. Because it will be for your hunters."

"I can't do that. I will make you a breast plate."

"No you won't. Your hunters need it more than I will. Please, make it for them."

He sighed. "As you wish."

Theresa smiled. "Thank you." She turned to leave and found her party and threw her bag down beside Alistair. She walked over the Morrigan and Zevron and whispered in their ears "He died a hero." And left them. She made her way back to Alistair and sat down next to him. He was looking depressed and she took his hand. He pulled it away from her like he had just touched fire. She decided to rest her head on his shoulder. They were silent for a moment. Wynne wanted to check her wounds and Liliana wanted to ask questions about what she saw and did but Theresa just wanted to rest. She gave into Wynne and heard Alistair give a sigh of relief. Damnit I keep forgetting the spell. "Are you alright Alistair."

"Me, never better." He had a smile but his sarcasm showed right though.

Theresa removed all her armor and laid against her pack. She closed her eyes and heard Alistair move. She grabbed the back of his armor and pulled back. He fell beside her and looked at her. Her eyes were lazily opened looking into his eyes. She gave a small smile. "I missed you."

"I missed you too."

Her smile grew wider and she took his hand. She closed her eyes and felt him hold her hand tightly as she drifted into the fade.

---

"Theresa, wake up." It was Alistair.

"You better have a good reason for waking me up."

"The Keeper wants to see you."

Theresa nodded and stood up to greet Layana. "Yes, keeper?"

"Are you ready?"

Theresa gave her a question look. "Oh, right. Let me get Zevron and we can get started."

Layana gave her a smile and walked back to her hut while Theresa went to Zevron. He had his eyes closed but he wasn't asleep. Only once had she seen asleep, strange that he naps and never sleeps. Theresa kicked his foot to rouse him and he lazily opened his eyes. "Ahh, warden, is there…something… that I can do for you?"

"Get up and take off your armor."

He gave her seductive smirk. "Why, is it on fire? Would you like to help put it out? I hear that rolling on the ground is an effective option, no?"

Theresa rolled her eyes and waited until he did as she asked. They stared at each other for a moment waiting for the other to move. Alistair finally broke their contest. "What's going on?"

"Layana wants us to wear the hero clothes of this clan. If Zevron would ever get up, we could get going." He finally stood and removed his armor wearing a simple thong and sleeveless tunic. Theresa dropped her head in embarrassment. She looked up again and felt the blush returning. She looked down again. "Let's go." Zevron followed her to the hut where Layana was waiting.

"Why do you blush so Warden? Is there something on my face?" Alistair heard Zevron say as he chased after her. Alistair wanted to follow the elf only to be held back by Wynne. He looked down at her, she shook her head and Alistair retook his seat on the log next to her, fidgeting again.

Theresa and Zevron made it to the hut and knocked on the door. Layana opened the door and let them in. The dress was on her bed as well as a crown of flowers. His garb was a tunic that was same in color. Layana smiled as she left the two of them got dressed. Theresa picked up the dress. It was bigger than the last time she looked at it. She started to take off her tunic until she realized who was in the room with her. She turned to him. He was leaning against the chest with his arms crossed, a smirk, and his head slightly tiled, waiting for the show to start. She motioned for him to turn around but he didn't move. If that's how he is going to act, I'm going to have to do this the hard way. She turned around and left her tunic on as she draped the dress on her. She removed the tunic when her torso was covered. She put her arms into the sleeves and marveled at how low the hem went. The sleeves were huge and went down to her knees. She pulled the dress up as far as she could on her shoulders and realized that it was meant to be strapless and hang off the shoulders. She lifted the bell up and realized that the dress was slit up near her hip on both sides. Defiantly need to be brave to wear this. She took off her breeches and placed them in the corner. She picked up the crown and turned around to see Zevron wearing a robe. It buttoned up the front and had the same sleeves that she had. His had a golden hem around the buttons, sleeves, and floor hem. Green always brought out his eyes. "You look good." The moment she said that, she realized that she shouldn't have. His eyes were ravishing her. Her thighs were visible; she was toned from carrying a pack and always walking everywhere. Her shoulders were small and petite. There were a few scars on her but nothing disgustingly visible. "As to you, my dear Theresa." She rolled her eyes and picked up the flower crown and left the hut. Layana was waiting for them outside.

"You look wonderful warden."

Theresa smiled but she felt like a fool. "Thank you keeper."

Layana smiled at her. "Please, call me Layana." She held out her hand for the crown. Theresa gave it to her and she placed it on Theresa'a head. Zevron followed her out and saw Layana holding her breath. Theresa turned and saw that Zevron was wearing the same smirk as before. He walked up to Layana and whispered something in her ear and kept walking. She blushed and looked to Theresa. "You are a lucky woman for having such an elf in your party."

Theresa watched Zevron walk away, placing his crown of wood upon his brow. She saw Alistair, he wasn't wearing his armor but his jaw was on the ground. Wynne smacked him on the back of his head, but it didn't faze him. Theresa smiled. "It's not the elf that I'm lucky to have."

Layana turned to look to see what she was smiling at. "He was worried about you since you left."

"I don't doubt that."

"Come," Layana distracted Theresa, "We should start the ceremony."

They started to walk toward the center fire. "What do you need me to do?"

Layana smiled. "Just stand there and look pretty."

Theresa laughed. "That's easy enough." She motioned for Zevron, Morrigan, and Ali to follow her. Layana positioned her in front of the clan and took a step forward. "This human has come from far away to seek our help only to help us three fold. Because of this woman and her party," She motioned to Theresa, Morrigan, and Zevron, "We will no longer have to fear the forest. We will be able to do what is necessary for our survival. However, that fearlessness did come at a cost. We lost many great hunters during the conflict with the werewolves. We lost our keeper. This Warden has informed me that he fought until his dying breath for this clan. I will hold true to his faith and honor and serve you in the same manner that Zatherin did." The clan was happy to hear this and cheered to her speech. An elf came by and gave Theresa, Morrigan, and Zevron a mug. Layana lifted her mug, "To our fallen, they are now with the gods. To our clan, may we be fortified with the honor of this forest. May the trees grow tall and may the old ways never die. Nalshe'katal. " Layana took a drink as well as everyone else.

Layana turned to Theresa, "You are free to roam our camp. Wear the garb until everyone is asleep."

Theresa bowed. "Thank you." They left the light and tried to get back to their party only to be stopped by everyone along the way.

Alistair wanted to hold her but he let her be diplomatic. He turned away and went back to his log, watching her move in that dress. In everything she wore, it was impossible to hide the fact that she was beautiful. Even her armor didn't quite cover it up completely. He found himself staring at her. Watching the way she would talk to the elves, laugh with them, telling them stories. She was smiling more often now.

"Would you like something to drink sir?" Alistair turned to look. It was Cammen. He nodded and took the mug from him. Cammen sat down next to him. "So why won't she marry you?"

Alistair was stunned. "No no no, its not like that."

Cammen sighed. "Let me guess, I won't understand because I'm outsider?"

Alistair laughed at the irony. He went back to watching her. She was helping a woman pass out the meat for the meal. She always wants to help where she can even if it is small. "How did you know that you wanted to marry Gheyna?"

Cammen looked at his own betrothed. "When I realized that the thought of being without her even for a single day ripped my own beating heart out of me, I knew that I couldn't live without her." He looked back at Alistair. "It's more than just wanting to be with them, it's about wanting to protect and provide for them. Waking up to them every day, seeing our children grow strong, and dying next to them, and knowing that I lived my life full of love and passion. I could only see that with her by my side." Cammen smiled at Alistair. He nodded his head and took a drink. Alistair spit out as quickly as he could and heard Cammen laughing at him.

Alistair coughed and took deep breaths. "What is this?"

"Vadicka. The water of life."

Alistair coughed again. "Its…uhh…potent."

Cammen laughed. "It's an acquired taste." He stood and patted Alistair on the shoulder. "If you love her, you are a lucky man. People often spend their lives looking for it. She has shown us that all shems…umm I mean humans aren't all bad. Take care."

Alastair lifted his hand and waved to Cammen as he left him. Protect and provide? Always. He heard beating drums and a flute and looked to the music. Theresa was in a line with the other women of the camp, trying to learn their dances. She looked lost in comparison but quickly caught on. It would appear that most of their dancing was with their feet. Theresa quickly caught on and her partner was willing to help a lot. He was an older man and would gently instruct her every time she made a mistake. Alistair smiled at her. She caught his eyes and smiled widely. He held up his mug and she blushed away. She did catch on quickly and he wasn't paying attention. The dance also required a lot of hip moments against the partner. Alistair quickly looked around for Zevron, knowing full well he would jump in at any opportune moment. Alistair sighed as he saw Zevron was with the elf that escorted them to the camp. He looked back to Theresa, she was having fun but her partner was having a bit more. She grinded her hips into his and spun away from him. They were frontal now and he was holding her hand, guiding her. She would step forward and he would lean back, only then to have him step forward and have her lean back. That man was getting to close for comfort. She was pulling away from him but he pulled her back to him and she would curl up onto her arms and her backside was to his front. She would move her hips against his to the left, right, left, and gradually getting lower to the ground. She would pop up again and pulled away from him. Alistair couldn't take it anymore. He stood up and started to walk towards her. Halfway there, the music stopped and everyone clapped at her attempt. She smiled and bowed to the audience and then motioned for her partner to take a bow. The group clapped again and Theresa turned around, she saw Alistair leaning against a tree, one hand on his hip, the other holding a mug. Theresa walked over to him and took the mug and drank. She spit it out quickly and started coughing. Alistair was laughing at her. She looked up had her tongue hanging out of her mouth. "What was that?"

"Vadicka. Water of life if I'm not mistaken."

"How can you drink that?"

Alistair smiled at her, "Well, compared to your cooking, I'd say easily."

Theresa shot him a cold look and punched him in the arm. "You're mean."

Alistair tucked some of her hair behind her ear; she flinched and pulled her head away from his hand. He immediately withdrew his hand. He watched as her face went from happy to depressed. She turned away from him and walked toward her pack. She sat down on the log that he was just on. Alistair sat beside her. He rested his weight on his knees.

"I still remember it like it just happened."

"You want to talk about it?" Alistair whispered.

"I should, but I can't bring myself to." They were quite for a moment. Theresa watched everyone else in the camp was having a fun, gay time. Ali was playing with the kids, Morrigan and Liliana were having a drinking game, Wynne was talking to an older man, Sten was drawing, Zevron was nowhere in sight. And here she was, bringing down Alistair with her problems. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done or said anything. You should go and enjoy yourself."

Alistair looked at her with disbelief in his eyes. "I enjoy being near you."

She looked at him. He was…adorable. Perfect. Loving. Theresa smiled at him and took his hand. "Do you really want me to talk about it?" Alistair nodded. She took a deep breath. "It's getting harder to sleep at night. All I can see is his face and the fact that he disarmed me. I can hear him whispering what he said to me that night when I sleep. I'm scared of everything. When we were in the forest, I would flinch at the sound of the wind. I just feel like I was unable to control the situation. I just felt so powerless that night."

Alistair encircled her in his arms. She had one hand against his chest and one on his thigh. He placed one hand against the back of her head and the other on her back. He held her gently to his chest, loving and relishing the smell of her hair, even though he could never tell her. Alistair kissed her forehead.

He whispered to her hair, "You are a strong person. You prove that every day. If it makes you feel any better," Alistair pulled away to see her face, "You're my hero."

Theresa met his gaze. He was wearing a smirk and she laughed at him. "I'm your hero?"

He nodded and rested his forehead against hers. "Who else would go to the circle and gather mages for a family that they despise, almost get eaten by a dragon, and make all the tough decisions that you make? A hero is someone that people look up to. And as long as I have you in my arms, I know that that goal is reachable. I want to follow you until the ends of the earth."

Theresa smiled. "Its' weird, in your arms, I feel like I could travel to the ends of the earth."

"I'll have to make a note of that then." Alistair leaned in and gently kissed her. Theresa could feel his heart under her hand race. She inhaled and smelled him, nutmeg and that awful drink, she wondered how she ever lived without him. She kissed him back with barely more force than he had. She removed her hand form his thigh and ran her fingers though his hair. It was soft to the touch. His chin beard tickled her cheek but refrained from smiling. He held her more tightly to him and cupped the side of her face, rubbing her cheek with his thumb. Alistair gently pulled away from her, taking a few shaggy breaths before he opened his eyes. When he did, she looked beautiful. Her lips were slightly parted and she was looking as at him though lowed lashed. Those blue eyes, he got lost again just looking at them. He smiled and looked away trying to steady himself. He kissed her forehead and rested his head against hers. She nestled her head on his shoulder and held his hand as they watched the festivities.

"You look beautiful tonight." Alistair whispered still not sure if he can control his voice. Theresa looked up to see his eyes, the fire danced across them and made them gold. She wasn't saying anything but a small smile was on her face. "What I meant was that you look great in that dress. Not to say that the dress does it all, because you're beautiful no matter what you do. Not to say that you could ever look ugly…uh what I meant was…" he sighed. "Can I try that again?" Theresa shook her head. She had a larger smile on her face as she watched Alistair blush and panic. He sighed again. "You look great."

"Thank you Alistair. Coming from you it means a lot."

Alistair was wearing his flirtatious evil smirk. "Why? Because you value my opinion?"

Theresa opened her mouth to say something then closed it. "You do know that you're chiseled from stone right?" He looked confused. He has no idea how handsome he is? How is that possible? Theresa smiled and gave him a hug. "You're adorable."

"Adorable? You should stop praising me before I turn beet red my dear." Alistair said flatly.

"You know what I mean, it's cute."

He raised an eyebrow. "Cute, adorable, it's amazing that you didn't have to beat men off you with a stick back in Highever with complements like cute and adorable. Just what every man wants to hear, I'm cute and adorable like a little puppy or baby kitten."

Theresa rolled her eyes. "Are you done?"

"No I've got one more…no, no I don't." he smiled at her.

"What I meant was its outstanding that you don't know how…"

"Handsome?"

"I was going to say sexy but I guess that works to. How handsome you are. I mean, honestly, have you ever seen a mirror. And your awkwardness, it adds to your charm. I enjoy it."

Alistair gave his little boy, crooked smile followed by blushing. "Thank you."

Theresa gave his quick kiss and stood up. "Come on, lets go enjoy the party." She took his hand and dragged him to the other elves.

---

Theresa woke to something on her chest, probably Ali again. She raised her chest to get her off but she wouldn't budge. She tried to push her off but she wouldn't move. "Ali, get off." She shouldn't have said anything, her head was pounding. I'll never drink again. She lifted her hands to cover her head. Maker, her head hurt. She squeezed her eyes shut hoping to avoid the pain. Ali roused in lifted her head.

"Maker…"

"I know right." Theresa said. She quickly opened her eyes and saw Alistair looking at her with panic in his face. They stared at each other, trying to remember the night before. He looked down only to look up. He closed his eyes and was mumbling something. Theresa looked down and realized that they were both naked. She closed her eyes and covered her face with her hands. She took a few deep breaths and tried to reason with herself. Alistair was obviously drunk last night as well or he wouldn't have been surprised this morning. It's not that big of a deal, he's seen me naked before…he's seen me naked before, why am I embarrassed? She removed her hands and looked at him. He was still mumbling something. Chant of Light maby? "Alistair." He didn't respond. "Alistairr?" nothing. She rolled her eyes and cupped his face. "Alistair, look at me." He squeezed his eyes tighter and bit his bottom lip. Honey than with vinegar. She stroked his face with the back of her hand and waited until his curiosity arose to give him twenty question. She let her other hand make its way to the back of his neck and stroke there. Finally his eyes opened up to see her. Theresa softened her eyes to show no punishment, even added a small smile for comfort. She was playing with his chin hair, she smiled a little more. Theresa looked into his eyes. Confusion, chaos, and still beauty lingered there. "Do you remember last night?" She asked in her sweetest voice.

He gently shook his head. "I should go." He tried to leave but Theresa held tight to his neck.

"Why?"

"Because this is not proper actions of a gentleman." He wasn't looking at her again.

"Apparently, neither was last night."

"True however, umm we should umm stop this as uh quickly as uhh possible." He cleared his throat.

Theresa flicked him in the head. "Oww, what did you do that for?"

She waited, no pain. She smiled at him. She put her arms on his shoulders. "Alistair, my boy, I'm sorry to say, but you're still a virgin."

He looked confused. "Wahoo?" he looked down and up again. Her bosom was right in his face and he was having trouble looking past them.

Theresa looked down and saw that her nipples were red and close to bleeding. Theresa had an evil idea and poked her nipple. She heard Alistair give an inhale hiss at the pain. He looked down to see her only to look up again. "There are times when I want to hate you."

Theresa smirked at him. "I don't doubt that." She took his face and brought it to hers. She kissed gently and kindly. "Lets try this again. Morning Alistair."

"Morning." His smile got a little bigger.

"How did you sleep?"

"Good. You?"

Theresa opened her mouth to say the polite thing and realized that she did sleep ridiculously well. No nightmares or Tegan or the archdemon. She hasn't slept that good since a few night before Highever was taken over. and that that night at Calanhad. She smiled at Alistair. "This may sound forward but, will you sleep with me every night?" Alistair opened his mouth to say something but seemed to have forgotten what it was. Theresa smirked. "My my Alistair, you seem to be speechless." He loudly snapped his jaw shut. "The reason I ask is because every night that I fall asleep in your arms, I wake up…awake…does that make sense? Like, fully awake." Alistair was still in shock. "I'll tell you what, you can think about it today, alright." All he could do was blink and breathe. Theresa hung her head in shame and poked her nipple again.

He inhaled and made Theresa's stomach do a flip. "Stop that."

She smiled at him and kissed him again. She held him close to her. He rested his head on her chest again. She placed her hand on the side of his head and played with his hair with her thumb. He slowly relaxed. She looked around her and noticed that they were in her tent. When did I put up my tent? She let the thought go as she rubbed his back. He was larger than her. His shoulders were wider and his back was more defined by muscles. His skin was soft to the touch minus the occasional scar. She traced all the ones she found with a light finger. She looked down and saw his shoulder had an x scar. Both light but still pink.

He sat up and turned around. He was looking for something but Theresa couldn't take her eyes off of his back. The scars she thought were small were actually large, like a whip had gone across his back. Five lashes in the least. She sat up and gently touched one. He flinched and looked at her. She was scared and sad. She withdrew her hand and fisted it. She opened her mouth to say something but nothing came out. He looked away. His face looked troubled. He bit his bottom lip. "It's not…it's not a…good story. In fact, it's one that I've always wanted to forget."

"What happened?" she whispered.

He was silent and still for a moment. He reached over and put on his tunic. Theresa just realized that he was still wearing his breeches. He leaned over and helped her pull the dress back up to cover herself that was pooling around her waist. "When I was in training, there were certain weekends that we were allowed to leave the chantry. Usually for holidays and such." He swallowed loudly. "Me and few of the guys went to the tavern. Hoping that we looked old enough to drink. As it would turn out, the bar keep didn't even check ages. Anyways, there was this girl there who seemed to like me." He paused for a minute. "She kept bating me her eyelashes, blowing kisses toward me, and the other guys saw this. Nothing happened between her and I, I swear it." Theresa already saw where this was going. "I guess some of the guys thought that things went further than it actually did. Well, next thing I know, the Reverared Mother called me into her office. She said that my actions were not in keeping with a templar in training or as a gentleman. My punishment for doing so was five lashes in front all of the other templars. I was to be the example." He was still for long moment. "I honestly couldn't feel the last two. The pain was so excoriating, that after the first three, I was out cold. The next thing that I remember is waking up in the infirmary with an old mage who was given orders to heal me but slowly so that I may feel it and have the scars." Theresa scooted closer to him and hugged him from behind. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and cried for him into his back. He held her hand as she tried to comfort him. "It was a long time ago."

"It doesn't matter. They shouldn't treat their templars like that."

"They have their reasons."

"Total submission? Why are you defending them? You never wanted to be one. You were forced into that life."

He sighed and held her hand tightly. "We have to be strong for the magi. We can't let our emotions get to us."

"How could you say that? I've seen you be merciful, kind, loving, and gentle as well as strong, deadly, and powerful. What emotions are they afraid of?"

He was quite for a moment. "Remember when we were at the circle and we came across the templar's?" She nodded into his back. "There were over taken by desire demons. The older, more experienced ones had more discipline than the younger ones..."

"I know what discipline can do. I also know what it can create. I used to train soldiers into killing machines, but what they did to you…it's unthinkable."

"It's also chantry law."

"Damn the chantry."

Alistair turned to face her. He cupped her face and gently pulled her chin to look at him. Her eyes were red from her tears. He wiped them away with his thumb. He kissed her gently on her nose. "In order to make the world full of sunshine and rainbows, you have to kill some butterflies and flowers. If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be the man I am today. So please, stop crying." Theresa shook her head and looked at him. He has a smile and a raised eyebrow. Theresa looked down and sniffed. "That's my girl." Alistair kissed the top of her head. He wrapped his arms around her waist. She felt safe in his arms. "Thank you for caring so much about me."

Theresa leaned up and kissed Alistair. His lips still tasted of the vadicka they had last night. She looked deeply into his eyes. "I love you Alistair."

He was in shock again. He smiled and kissed Theresa deeply and passionately. He slid his tongue past her lips and tasted the real Theresa. He felt his heart racing as his passion was fueled. Her tongue was dueling his for control. Theresa had her hand on his back, while the other was holding him close to her. Alistair couldn't help his hands. They were exploring her body. She was so small in his hands, her waist was delicate, her ribs were fragile, her hips were wide and sturdy. He deliberately skipped past her bosom and went to her neck, thin and long like a swan. This woman in his arms was beautiful and she loved him. She loved him. His whole life, he was told never to give in, never fall for some dame. But here she was, kissing him with the same amount of desire and love that he felt for her. He was truly a lucky man. Theresa broke away first with ragged breaths. She moved on top of him, straddling his hips, wanting to be closer to him. As much as he wanted to continue, Maker did he want to, he couldn't let the situation get out of control. He held her shoulder back and looked at her. Her eyes were glazed over with lust and her lips were swollen from kissing. "We should get going."

Theresa eyes cleared. She wore an evil grin. "No."

"No?" She grabbed his hands and pushed him to the floor. He hit his head against the ground. "Oww, that hurts you know?"

"We aren't going anywhere until you say it."

Alistair smirked. "And what will happen if I don't?" Theresa didn't respond but just shot him a fox look. Maker, she is beautiful. He sighed and rolled his eyes. "I love you."

She tightened her grip, "Like you mean it."

Alistair rolled her off of him and landed on top of her. He freed his hands and touched her face with the back of his hand. Those blue orbs, so dark and yet, full of life. "I love you, Theresa Cousland. More than you will ever know and more than I can show." Theresa smiled and blushed. They stayed like that for a minute, gazing into the others eyes, wondering if there was a way to show their love. "We should get going before this canoodle leads to something heaver." Theresa nodded and they both exited the tent.