I never regretted much in my life. Even knowing Edward would leave me at some point, I still would have travelled with him, built a family together. After all, those choices would have led to the birth of two beautiful children.

What I did regret was killing Paedan. Yet I could not help but wonder why. Why was I able to let Edward go, but not Paedan? Was it because of all the years that had passed ever since his disappearance? Or rather because Edward left of his own whereas Paedan had died so suddenly?

Perhaps it was because of the idea of questions remaining unanswered. Edward, were he still alive, would have answers if I ever were to find him. Yet I would never know if Paedan truly loved me or not. If he had given up on turning me in for being a Grey Warden supporter. What if he wasn't responsible for the templars taking Eric away? I would never forget the mixture of surprise and shock on his face upon hearing of the news.

'No,' I told myself, 'he deserved it. He must have killed and tortured dozens of people ever since Ostagar.'

"Liona?" I heard Leliana call out to me outside of my tent. "Dinner is about to be ready. Morrigan's cooking."
I closed my eyes with a sigh. She wanted me to come out, didn't she?

By the time I was out, night had already fallen.

"There you are," she greeted me with a warm smile, "let's sit with the others."

I let her lead me to the campfire where everyone else was seated while Morrigan was cooking. All but Sten were engaged in conversations, although his expression seemed to lighten up when he saw me, acknowledging me with a nod.
When Theron called to me, I decided to sit with him.

"How are you feeling?"

I shrugged. "Better, now that I had some time to think. Thank you."

He seemed conflicted, possibly contemplating about what to say, until he finally spoke up, "you know, if it makes you feel better... our treaty obligates the mages to aid us in case of a Blight. I can take you with me to the Circle once we go there."

Tears of joy filled my eyes as hope filled my heart. "Thank you," I whispered, taking one of his hands into both of mine, squeezing it gently, "thank you so much."

"It's the least I can do," he nodded at me with a faint smile.

Silence ensued between us as we listened to Zevran and Alistair's conversation about religion.

"…But you kill people. For money," Alistair said incredulously.

"And I ask forgiveness for my sins from the Maker every chance I get. What manner of monster do you think I am?" Zevran objected.

"But you ask forgiveness and then you go right on with your killing!" Alistair argued and the elf shrugged. "The Maker has never objected. Why should you?"

I raised an eyebrow at Zevran and wondered what was more unsettling: the fact that he would make such a joke or that he actually meant what he said. Judging by his serious expression, I settled for the latter.

"I… have no idea," Alistair mumbled, admitting his defeat, his gaze drifting to the fire in thought.

"Well, there you go. Perhaps you ought to think about asking for a little forgiveness yourself, huh?"

I couldn't help but shake my head disapprovingly. 'What a twisted personality,' I thought.

"The Maker would forgive you only if you truly regretted your sins," I commented to which he smirked.

"And you, my dearest Liona. Are you religious?" Zevran asked, avoiding my remark.

"That is none of your business."

"Ah, you wound me, fair woman. Here I thought we might want to get to know each other." He grabbed his chest theatrically, bowing his head in mocked sadness.

Morrigan rolled her eyes. "Supper is ready."