"Wynne!" Alistair yelled.

Wynne rushed over to Marissa's seemingly lifeless body and put

her hand on Marissa's heart.

"She's still alive." Wynne said.

Alistair turned to look at Thomas Howe who still had not

recovered from the shock of seeing Marissa fall. He grabbed Howe by the neck and repeatedly slammed his head against the floor until Fergus pulled him off.

"Don't do it man." Fergus begged. "Let me deal with him."

Alistair stood up and raced down the stairs, where he dropped

to his knees by Marissa.

"It was the blood magic that made her do that." Wynne said

"But what about the ward she had?" He asked.

Wynne reached into her pocket and found the ward.

"We will not know how much help it was until she wakes up."

"When will that be?" Alistair asked

"I don't know Alistair. We need to get her out of here."

"Marissa." Alistair put his hand on her heart. "You need to come

back to me."

"Let's take her to the wagon." Leliana said.

"Look for blankets." Wynne said. "It's safe to pick her up."

Paul and Teagan came running as Alistair picked up Marissa.

"Get one of the wagons close to the entrance." Alistair

commanded. "And after you clear up the area, burn it! Burn it all

down!"

Fergus came down the stairs and wiped the blood off his face.

"He's dead." He said. "How is my sister?"

"She's alive." Leliana grabbed his hand.

Alistair held Marissa tightly as he left the entrance with Fergus

following closely behind.

Marissa looked at Duncan. While he looked exactly as she had

last saw him; his expression seemed a bit more at peace than what she

remembered. She recoiled in horror slightly when remembering the

version of him she encountered when trapped in the fade by the

sloth demon.

"You needn't be afraid. I am not the demon you encountered

in the fade." He laughed. "It was a rather poor copy I must say, otherwise

it would have known what I said to you in the larder that night we

fled Highever. You remember don't you?"

"You said I was always your first choice."

"You were my first choice since the moment I saw you in the

woods when you were a young girl grieving for your aunt and I made

the decision to keep an eye on you."

"You knew that far back?"

"Let me ask you this." Duncan said. "Why did you

refuse all your mother's attempts at matching you to a suitor?"

"They didn't interest me." Marissa said. "I wanted more

out of life.'

"You were never very conventional and you dreamed

a lot when you were growing up didn't you?" Duncan asked.

"Yes, that is definitely true. I used to day dream a lot."

"You are also one of few noblewomen I have encountered

that never had any Ladies in waiting. Why was that?"

"I did not want to be served."

"And that is just another reason I knew you were the

one."

"Duncan there are so many things I want to say to you."

Marissa cried.

"I know." He smiled. "But I must tell you something

first. You need to know at Ostagar during the battle; the last thing

I saw was the beacon lit and I knew at that moment hope was not

lost and that I was right in placing my faith in you and Alistair."

"But Loghain retreated." Marissa said.

"That may be so but the beacon was lit and I knew

that if you could accomplish that task that the two of you would

be able to succeed at anything."

"Did you know what would happen?" Marissa asked

"Is that why you never you took the treaties?"

"Didn't I tell you that the sometimes the best laid

plans can go awry?"

"I knew if something happened, the treaties would

be in safe hands." He continued.

"So I guess it safe to assume you also know about…"

"Yes I know about you and Alistair." He smiled.

Alistair paced outside the room where Marissa was being

attended to by Wynne and two of the Queen's top physicians. Marissa

remained unconscious throughout the trip back to Denerim. Alistair

could not believe the crowd of well wishers that surrounded them as

he carried her to the compound. The crowd got so huge that Teagan had

his troops move them away to give them room.

Fergus was sitting on the bench and staring at the ground.

Leliana sat next to him and took his hand in hers.

Wynne came out of the room and shut the door.

Fergus squeezed Leliana's hand as he stood up while as Alistair

rushed to Wynne.

"How is she?" Fergus asked.

"She's still unconscious." Wynne told them.

"When will she wake up?" Alistair asked.

"Marissa sustained a concussion from the fall Alistair."

Wynne said. "The doctors also think they may have drained some of her blood."

"Was she…" Leliana paused; as she was scared to hear the

answer.

"Thank the Maker she was not." Wynne interrupted. "But its

obvious she was beaten a few times from the abrasions we found. She put

up a good fight before the blood magic became too much for her."

"But when is she going to wake up Wynne?"

"I honestly don't know Alistair." Wynne said. "I'm not

going to lie. It's very difficult for a person to recover after being

affected by blood magic. The concussion and blood loss have not helped

either."

"So what are you saying Wynne?" Fergus asked

"I'm saying we wait and see."

"And pray." Leliana added.

"Can we see her?"

"Yes but just for a few moments for now."

Fergus and Leliana hurried in the room as Alistair stood

there.

"Are you coming Alistair?" Wynne asked, holding her

hand out to him.

He took her hand and they went in the room. The

physicians were standing by her bed and told Wynne they would

return tomorrow.

Alistair looked down at Marissa. He had never seen

her look so frail and it was all he could do to keep his emotions in.

He reached down and kissed her cheek and brushed

the hair out of her face.

"Please don't leave me." He whispered.

"I'm sorry." He said. "I need to go."

They watched him rush out of the room and heard his

door slam.

"I had my first suspicions about you and Alistair when you

returned from the Wilds." Duncan said. "You were cleaning up before

we were going to proceed with The Joining and I saw him watching

you."

"I had no idea he was looking at me."

"My suspicions grew during your Joining, when you had passed

out. He prayed to the Maker for you to survive and then would pray again

for forgiveness for forgetting about Daveth and Jory. "

"I can see him doing that." Marissa laughed

"You helped him grieve for me." Duncan said.

Marissa remembered the first night they camped. She had talked

to Alistair earlier in the day about Duncan and it seemed to help him but

the sounds of sniffling coming from his tent made her sit up. She

understood that grief for the memories of those last moments in the larder

would still haunt her. Alistair's face was covered by his hands when she

came in his tent. He got startled when she touched his shoulder. She held

out her arms and gently told him it was alright and at the moment he pulled

her close and buried his face against her right side and wept and she cried

with him.

"Most would consider it weakness for a man to wear his heart

on his sleeve but not you. You never judged him for that and accepted it

as being part of who he is."

"Its one of the reasons I fell in love with him."

"And the night you let Loghain survive and you stood there

as Alistair's wrath cut to the very core of your soul."

"I made that decision based on what I thought you would have

done."

"And you made the right choice." Duncan told her. "I would

have let Loghain live. It appears that despite our brief time together,

I taught you well."

"But what does that say for Alistair?"

"Alistair was on a different path during the same journey. Do

you think he would have stayed in Ferelden if he truly felt he was right?"

"And you obviously had enough forgiveness in your heart

to allow him back in the Gray Wardens."

A huge mirror suddenly appeared before them.

"Alistair's journey has led him back to the path you're on."

Duncan said. "You need to see this."

Marissa looked into the mirror and covered her mouth in

shock. She was watching the events of her capture by Thomas Howe and

how the blood mage known as Minerva tried to control her by feeding her

mind horrific images of the last moments of her mother's life as well as

many other scenes of terror. She also watched as Alistair led a group of

her friends and a unit of troops to her rescue. He tore through

abominations and possessed refugees to get to her. Alistair also killed

Minerva. Marissa shuddered in horror when she watched the very broken

version of herself deliberately fall down the stairs and the look of horror

on Alistair's face as he watched.

"He saved me." Marissa said.

"And in the process, he found himself."

"Am I dead?" Marissa asked. "Was he too late?"

"Your body needs to heal. That is why you're here."

"Can I ask you something then?" She asked.

"It's why I'm here. I know… you have been troubled

for a long time about the destiny you chose."

"I read in your journal you were planning to invite me

to join the Gray Wardens the next day despite what you said to my father."

"And what if the circumstances had been different and

I did ask you? Would you have been willing to leave everything

behind and go with me to Ostagar?"

"Yes." She cried. "The moment you told my

father that you thought I would be an excellent candidate was when

I wanted to become a Gray Warden. And I know I would have hurt

my parents deeply but I would have never been truly happy living

by their expectations. I wanted to be able to choose my own path."

Marissa suddenly touched her right cheek.

"It just felt as if I was kissed." She said

"You were kissed." Duncan pointed to the mirror.

Marissa watched the moving images of Alistair

kissing her sleeping face.

Marissa looked at Duncan.

"He loves you to the very depths of his soul."

"The same way you loved my Aunt?" Marissa asked

"Your aunt had my heart the moment I first laid eyes

on her."

"You were afraid she would die if she had done

the Joining and that's why you let her go."

"The possibility of losing her was just too painful

but in the long run I did lose her, to a fate far worse."

"So you wanted to give me the chance you never gave

my aunt. How did you know I would even survive The Joining?"

"I just knew Marissa. I had the same feeling for Alistair

as well."

Marissa looked at the mirror and saw Alistair was sitting

by her bed and holding her hand.

Giselle opened the door and quietly walked in the room and saw

Alistair had fallen asleep in his chair.

"Alistair," She said gently.

He opened his eyes and looked up at her. "What is it?"

"I… don't know how to ask you this, but we need every person

we can get to head to the Imperial Highway near were Lothering once

stood. There's been reports of about 20-30 darkspawn there."

Alistair turned to look at Marissa. It had been nearly a week and she

was still unconscious. His hope was starting to fade.

"Fergus and Wynne will be with her." Giselle said.

Fergus walked in as Alistair stood up. "I'll be right there."

Alistair watched Fergus sit in the chair.

"You know I never took pleasure in killing until I killed him." Fergus said. "When you went to Marissa, I dragged him to this other room that

turned out to be this unholy shrine to her. Her portrait was in the middle of the

room and there was this circle of flowers around it. And he told me he hoped she

died so they would be united in spirit and that was the moment I unleashed my

sword and I kept plunging it in his chest over and over."

Alistair reached over and touched Fergus's shoulder. "She's not

going to die."

"I've lost so much Alistair. I don't want to lose my sister."

Fergus looked up at Alistair. "I can see how much you love her."

"Fergus." Alistair said. "I will not be complete until she comes back."

Fergus took Marissa's hand as Alistair fought back his tears before

leaving the room.

"It feels so peaceful here Duncan." Marissa said. "There's a part of

me that wants to stay."

"You can't stay Marissa." Duncan said firmly. "You still have

a lot of work ahead of you."

"I know." She sighed. "This talk we're having; I have a better

understanding of who I am now. I just don't want to forget."

"You won't forget." He promised her.

"Duncan."

Marissa turned to see her aunt smiling in the distance.

"It's time for you to go back." Duncan told her as he got up.

"Goodbye Duncan." She squeezed his hand. "And thank you."

Marissa watched him walk over to her aunt and take her hand and

they slowly faded before her eyes as the mists from the fade suddenly became

turbulent as she was pulled out.

Fergus was half asleep in the chair by Marissa when he felt her

squeeze his hand. He looked down at her as she opened her eyes.

"Oh thank The Maker." He exclaimed.

Wynne rushed in when hearing Fergus and saw Marissa was

coming too.

"Fergus?" Marissa asked.

"You know who I am?" He asked happily.

"Do you know who I am?" Wynne asked?

Marissa turned to look at Wynne. "Of course I do Wynne. Why

wouldn't I?"

Wynne let out a sigh of relief for it appeared Marissa was

not suffering any long term affects from the blood magic.

"What do you last remember?"

The image of Thomas Howe flashed in her mind, making

her shiver.

"Howe." Marissa remembered. "He had mages….trying to

break my mind. "

"It's alright." Fergus told her. "He will never hurt you again."

"How do you feel?" Wynne asked.

"I still feel weak." Marissa said. "How long have I been this

way?"

"Nine days." Fergus said.

"Where is Alistair?" Marissa asked. "I need to see him."

"Don't worry." Wynne said. "He'll be back. There was big

darkspawn raid near Lothering that had to be dealt with."

"He's going to be so relieved to see that you're alright."

Fergus told her.

"I'm so hungry." Marissa said.

"Fergus, will you get her a bowl of that chicken stew?" Wynne

asked. "I think its mild enough for her system."

"I'll be right back."

Marissa struggled to sit up in bed as Wynne arranged her pillows.

"Wynne I was in the Fade." Marissa told her. "Duncan was with

me and he showed me how Alistair led all of you to rescue me. I saw

everything."

"He really took charge Marissa." Wynne said.

"Duncan also helped me gain a lot of clarity about who I am."

"You know Marissa." Wynne said. "The Maker must really

be smiling down upon you because it's rare to have these experiences in the

Fade."

"It was such a relief to see him and get some questions answered."

Marissa said. "And he's at peace too."

If its one man who deserves peace it's most definitely Duncan." Wynne said.

"Oh how I wish Alistair was here." Marissa sighed.

"We just received word." Fergus said as he walked in.

"They should be back tomorrow." He set the bowl of stew down and

handed her a fork.

The aroma instantly brought back memories of her life

in Highever.

"This is Nan's recipe!" Marissa exclaimed. Her hand shaking,

she dug into the bowl.

Alistair was riding in the back of the group when they were

approached by two horsemen. He watched as one of them handed Paul

a folded piece of parchment. An image of Marissa came in his mind and

he realized the way he could feel her was changed.

He saw Paul look at Giselle then glance at him and in an instant, sped off on his horse.

"Alistair wait!" Paul yelled. "It's not what you think. She's

awake."

"Oh well;" Giselle smiled. "At least it will make their reunion

sweeter."

Marissa was sitting in the main hall talking with Bann Teagan and

Arl Eamon. Despite Wynne's protests, she had her brother carry her down the

stairs right after her bath to greet some well wishers. She heard the crowd

outside wanting to see her but she was not ready too go out in the balcony.

Alistair would be back today and that was her sole focus. Marissa never

thought she could feel nervous and excited at the same time but she did. Leliana

told her to speak from her heart and that was what she was going to do.

Alistair left his horse at the stable and raced for the compound.

The crowd had grown bigger as he pushed through them to get inside. Alistair

had nearly knocked Jowan over as he ran up the stairs and tripped in the

doorway when he saw her room was empty.

"She's in the main hall."

He turned to see a smiling Fergus standing before him.

"She's….alive?"

"Yes and she's been waiting for you."

"Alive." Alistair said.

He hugged Fergus and ran down the stairs.

Alistair saw Teagan and Eamon leave the entrance to the hall. He

barely acknowledged them as he opened the door and went inside.

"Marissa." He whispered.

She was looking down at the floor and had not seen him

come in but the sound of the door closing released her from the daze she

was in. Marissa looked up and their eyes finally met.

"Alistair." She stood up

He ran to her and swept her in his arms as she was about to

fall due to being weak.

Alistair shivered when he felt her arms around him.

"I thought I lost you." He caressed her cheek.

"You saved me Alistair." She cried. "I know what you

did to free me from Howe."

"I had help."

"That may be so but it was you who led them."

"I would not have been able to bear it had I lost you Marissa."

Alistair said between his tears. "I love you so much. I'm not complete without

you."

"I love you Alistair. I never stopped even after you left."

"I was a complete fool for doing that to you." He lamented.

"It took me awhile but I understand why you did what you did. And I swear

I plan to make it up to you everyday for the rest of our lives."

"Alistair; all I want is to be with you and when the time comes

I want to take that last walk with you in the Deep Roads. Its time to look forward to our future no matter what happens"

"Maker's breath!" Alistair exclaimed. "I don't deserve

somebody like you."

"Enough talk. Kiss me."

And their lips met for the first time in what seemed like an

eternity, making Alistair feel whole again.

"Excuse me."

They turned to see Queen Anora standing with two of her guards.

"You're Majesty." They both bowed to her.

"Its good to see you are on the mend." Anora said.

"Thank you you're Majesty."

"And Alistair;" Anora looked at him. "I was told

of your heroic deeds when rescuing Marissa and I do think your actions

are worthy of a boon."

"Thank you Queen Anora." He said. "Now that the lodge

has burned to the ground, it is only right that the land be used to build an orphanage and proper school for the orphans of Ferelden so they may have a

chance at a better life."

"That is an excellent idea." Anora managed a smile. "I will

discuss this at the meeting tomorrow."

"Marissa." Anora looked at her. "You were right about

something you said to me. People can be redeemed. Now will you two

please make an appearance on the balcony. The people want to see their heroes."

They watched her leave the room.

"Heroes?" Alistair asked

"You are the hero who saved the hero of Ferelden." Marissa

smiled. "Of course they would want to see you."

"Do we have to?" Alistair asked

"It will just be for a few minutes." Marissa said between

kissing his neck. "Besides, you are going to have carry me. I don't think I'm

strong enough to walk that far."

"Your wish is my command." He said as he gently lifted

her, relishing the feelings of her arms around him

as he slowly headed out the room and towards the balcony.

Marissa woke up and felt two arms around her.

"Alistair?" She asked.

"Who did you think it was going to be?" He asked sleepily. "Your

secret lover?"

"I don't even remember falling asleep."

"You fainted after dinner. I put you to bed."

"But what will people say about you sharing my bed?" She asked.

"They know we love each other, who cares what they think. And

I promised Wynne we would just… sleep."

"Oh." Marissa said dreamily. "That's good."

"I'll move the rest of my things in here tomorrow." Alistair said.

"But I have to say, I can't wait until you're strong enough for other…

things. Remember when you told me you wanted to spend a whole week

in bed? I intend to hold you to that promise."

"You remember that?" She exclaimed

"How could I forget the love of my life telling me she wants nothing

but to lay with me for a whole week?"

Mustering her strength, she managed to roll on top of Alistair and

looked at him.

She raised her arms and slowly removed her nightgown and threw

it on the floor.

"I think I am strong enough for some… things." Marissa said as she

caressed his chest with her ends. "Just be gentle with me."

Alistair pulled her close and they kissed hungrily.

EPILOGUE

Alistair and Marissa married one month later in Highever in

front of their loved ones. They assumed leadership of the Gray Wardens

when Paul and Giselle returned to Orlais. With hard work and determination,

the Gray Wardens grew and flourished under their leadership and when their

Calling came; they walked hand in hand and faced it together. Centuries later

tales of their great deeds and enduring love were still shared.

Writer's Note: Just want to say thanks for reading and be on the lookout for my next story.