"You want to know more? What more could I possibly tell you? I've told you how I gathered the armies, how I fell in love with Alistair, the King of Ferelden, how I..."

The mage put up his hand and glared at her, "Tell me about this Landsmeet. Tell me why you would put... Alistair... on the throne."

Felyca's brow wrinkled, "You really don't like him, do you?"

The mage snarled, "No. Perhaps my mother is already rubbing off on me?" he stepped closer to her, looking deep into her eyes, "Or perhaps there is a reason why I've been watching you so closely."

Felyca gulped.

I was in Alistair's room at the Arl's estate, the fire burning on the hearth and a sheet wrapped tightly around myself. I'd been in here since my return from Fort Drakon three days ago, Alistair having insisted upon it. Said something about wanting to be near me as much as he could.

Stupid bitch, couldn't Anora understand that by announcing she was there would have helped our position against Loghain? Who could have asked for a better ally than his most trusted general.

Apparently Anora.

She'd come to see me as I'd healed, speaking down to me as though I was a fool for not seeing that her disguise had been there for a purpose and failing to understand my reasons for announcing her presence. And that was supposed to make me want to support her in the Landsmeet? It blew my mind that this woman had been loved by any people, what with how she treated her subjects.

I hate pragmatists.

I took a deep breath and sighed, bringing my knees beneath my chin and turned my head to look at him. He truly was magnificent, wearing only his leather breeches and with his hair mussed. He hadn't shaven since this morning and I could just make out the shadow of a beard on his face. He was half reclined against the small couch, one leg bent so as to rest his arm against it and his head bent back to stare at the ceiling. We'd made love an hour ago but I couldn't bring myself to finish and I knew why.

The Landsmeet.

It was all either of us could think about, and now it was upon us. We'd done everything we could to prepare for it, gathered all the support we could, but even then we might still lose and be forced to live out the remainder of our days in Fort Drakon. I watched him for a moment more, then swallowed hard. It had come down to this, it was time to ask, "Darling," he lifted his head, watching me, "where do you see this going... us?"

He took a slow deep breath, then stared into the fire, letting his hand begin to caress my back. "I don't know. Arl Eamon wants to make me king at the Landsmeet. I never ever wanted that, not even in my wildest dreams, but I won't refuse it if it's in the best interests of the nation either." I turned my head back to the fire, but he shifted and put a finger beneath my chin, making me look into those captivating eyes of his, "You know that I love you, right?" I nodded, not knowing where he was taking this, "I love you, but I have no idea what being king will mean for us. I'll have to think about that."

I bit my lip. The possibilities in front of me were growing slimmer and slimmer by the hour. I could let Anora be queen, she'd been a capable ruler, Eamon had even said so. But my gut was telling me not to, not after her outright betrayal of me to her father's men. More than likely she would think just like her father, that she was the only one who could save Ferelden. Not that there was anything wrong with that, but when thinking like that leads to thousands of deaths? Including the death of a king? No, I knew what my decision was, even before Anora had asked me to place her on the throne. Alistair would be king, and I would have to live with the consequences. Even if it meant losing him. I turned away from him, not wanting him to see the tears that were threatening to spill down my cheeks, "Maybe... Maybe there isn't a future for us."

He must have heard the tears in my voice because he scooted closer to me and wrapped his arms around me, resting his chin against my shoulder, "The taint makes it difficult for one Grey Warden to have a child. For two of them? With each other? Next to impossible." My breath hitched and I tried to cover it with a cough, but he wasn't buying. He pulled me close into his chest, hugging me, "But maybe the future doesn't have to involve children, or marriage.. or anything. I care about you so much I... but maybe you're right. Maybe we don't have a future."

I was angry. Ten seconds ago I had been sad about this whole thing and now I was angry. I couldn't believe what I was hearing, "I'm not going to just give up Alistair!" I pushed away from him enough to look into his face, "I refuse to give you up easily."

He smiled, "Neither do I. Being with you would be worth it. You're the first woman I've ever spent the night with, and if I can have my way, you'll be the last." I was surprised, that sounded remarkably like a proposal. But before I could speak, he spoke again, "Let's just see where this leads. There still is the Blight to contend with. After that..." he shrugged and I leaned in to kiss him. He smiled as I pulled back, then gave me a serious look. "While I've got you talking, I wanted to mention something."

I raised an eyebrow, "What is it?" He brought a finger up to play with my hair, "I passed Anora on my way here tonight, and I'm assuming that someone told her I plan to steal her throne. She has a nasty glare, by the way." I giggled, and shifted to sit sideways on his lap. He adjusted a bit and I pulled the sheet around so that my bare skin was next to his, "She wants to be queen, I get it. I don't trust her anymore than her father, but I get it."

I laid my head on his shoulder, my right hand playing on his chest, "She wants my support in the Landsmeet."

He looked at me, "Oh? Smart. I wouldn't be surprised if that's why she arranged to be here to begin with."

I giggled, "Sure seems that way, doesn't it? But I know someone who's far more likely to get my vote."

He smirked and looked at me, his eyes boring into my soul, "Really?" He grinned, "Well then. I guess I have something in my favor at least." I turned on his lap, wrapping my legs around his waist.

"How can she possibly hate you so much?" He looked over my shoulder, kissing it before he spoke, "I don't think it's me so much as what I represent. I'm here to replace her dead husband aren't I? What would you be feeling?"

It hit me hard, "I suppose I can understand that. But the way she talks about him, it's as though she never really felt anything for him."

He nodded, "So what do you think? When the Landsmeet comes, you might even have a say."

I looked at him, surprised, "Why would they listen to me?"

He shook his head and kissed me softly, "I think they'll listen to a Grey Warden. Especially one who happens to be a Cousland." I tried to move away from him, but his hands caught my waist, "Not so fast. I do believe I have an unfinished job to take care of." his voice dropped, and his eyes darkened.

I could hear Arl Eamon trying to rally the people to our cause as we entered the palace, "My lords and ladies of the Landsmeet. Teyrn Loghain would have us give up our freedoms, our traditions, out of fear! He placed us on this path, yet we should place our destiny in his hands? Must we sacrifice everything good about our nation, to save it?" The crowd cheered, and some clapped as I made my way through them to the center of the hall.

But as the cheers died down, one man was still clapping, albeit rather unenthusiastically, "A fine performance, Eamon. But no one here is taken in by it." He made wide motions with his hands, "you would attempt to put a puppet on the throne and every soul here knows it. The better question is, 'Who will pull the strings?'" His eyes fell on me as he looked around, and he smiled widely, "Ah! And here we have the puppeteer!" He walked towards me, his stance supposedly threatening. It might have worked too, but I am a Cousland. I wasn't going to be threatened by him. "Tell us Warden! How will the Orlesians take our nation from us? Will they deign to send their troops, or simply issue their commands through this would be prince?" His soldiers came towards me, stopping just short of my group: probably because they were scared of the towering qunari I'd brought with me. "What did they offer you? What is the price of Ferelden honor now?"

I looked at him, stunned that he would think... "The Blight is the threat here! Not Orlais!"

A voice called out from above me, "There are enough refugees in my bannorn now to make that abundantly clear!" Another voice shouted, "The south has fallen Loghain. Will you let darkspawn take the whole country for your fear of Orlais?"

Loghain bristled, "The Blight is indeed real, Wulff. But do we need Grey Wardens to fight it? They claim that they alone can end the Blight, yet they failed spectacularly against the Darkspawn at Ostagar, and they ask to bring with them four legions of chevaliers! And once we open our borders to the chevaliers, can we really expect them to return from whence they came?"

I growled at him, "We failed at Ostagar? You left Cailan and the rest of the Wardens to die! You fled that battlefield like a coward"

An older man on my left snickered, "Oh please go on! The Landsmeet longs to hear a proper tactical analysis of Ostagar from a woman!" I heard my friends shifting behind me, but I ignored them.

Another man near Eamon spoke, "Some of us are wondering, Loghain, as to what really happened at Ostagar." I simply watched Loghain for some semblance of remorse for what he had done. I found none.

"You goaded him into making that charge! He believed the tales, Warden! He thought that your handful of men would turn the tide for him, strategy and consequences be hanged! What would you have me do? Cailan's was not the only life in my hands. Should I have sacrificed an entire army, for his mistake?" He glared at me, "Do not imagine you can shame me with Cailan's death. He was Maric's son. My king. No one regrets his loss more than I do."

I raised my head slightly, looking carefully into his face. No. It wasn't there. There was simply nothing I could even think was regret in his face. "As much as you regret allowing Rendon Howe to torture innocents?"

A man to my left, and slightly behind me, shouted out, "The Warden speaks truly! My son was taken under cover of night. The things done to him... some are even beyond a healers skill."

Loghain braced his legs, "Howe was responsible for himself. He will answer to the Maker for any wrongs committed in this life, as must we all." then a look came over him, a triumphant gleam in his eyes as he said, "But you know that! You were the one who murdered him! Whatever he may have done should have been brought before the seneschal! There is no justice in butchering a man in his home."

I took a slow breath, looking around me at the different lords and ladies waiting for my response. "My lords, ladies, and representatives of Ferelden. I will not hide what I have done. Yes, I killed Rendon Howe." I let the crowd process this for a moment then said fiercely, "But I did nothing more than what he did to my family. Exactly one year ago today Arl Rendon Howe attacked Highever, slaughtering my family, my friends. I barely escaped with my life." I swallowed. There were murmurs flying around now, but I held up my hands for quiet, "Yes, I killed Rendon Howe. But blood rights granted me as a daughter of Ferelden allowed me to do so." I swallowed, turning back to look at Loghain, "You wish to talk about loyalty? Then let us talk about loyalty, your own loyalty to the people you've been trying to kill." I stepped back from him, removing a letter from my pocket, "I have here, a letter." I held it high, letting them all see it, "the contents are a confession by a blood mage, confirmed by the Chantry, on how Loghain removed him from the guardianship of the Templars, then sent him on a suicide mission to poison Arl Eamon."

Loghain snarled, "I assure you Warden, if I were to send someone, it would have been my own soldiers. I would not trust to the discretion of an apostate."

Bann Alfstanna snorted behind me, "Indeed? My brother tells a very different tale, he says you snatched a blood mage from the Chantry's justice. Coincidence?"

An elderly woman opposite her spoke up, apparently the Grand Cleric, "Do not think the Chantry will overlook this, Teyrn Loghain. Interference with a Templar's sacred duty is an offense against the Maker."

"Whatever I have done, I will answer for. Later. At the moment however, I wish to know what this Warden has done with my daughter." My brow wrinkled, "What are you talking about? I rescued her from Howe's estate. The bastard had her locked up!" He snarled at me, "You took my daughter, our queen, by force! Killing her guards in the process! What arts have you employed to keep her? Does she even still live?"

My eyelids dropped dangerously, it was what I did in preparation for a fight, "Unlike you, I am no regicide."

His nostrils widened and he opened his mouth to speak, when Anora's voice rang over the hall, "I believe I can speak for myself." She moved to the head of the hall, keeping her eyes on me as she spoke, "Lords and ladies of Ferelden, hear me. This Warden has slandered and defamed Ferelden's greatest hero in a bid to put an imposter on Maric's throne." I was stunned, what had I gotten myself into.

The lying little bitch! I knew it! Felyca, I knew she was working with Loghain.

"Oh an she turned on us, what a shock. And she seemed like such a nice despot." Alistair folded his arms and looked at me pointedly, eyebrows raised. Now what were we going to do?

I got my mouth working again and turned back to Anora, "But... but... I was told that he tried to kill you!"

She raised an eyebrow at me, putting her hands on her hips, "Did he? Are you certain of that? I know my father, he would never do less than his utmost for the sake of Ferelden. But I needed to know your mind, Warden." she shook her head, "You could have proven yourself an ally of Ferelden. It is unfortunate for all of us, that you did not."

Loghain took over, "Who here can say that Anora is not fit to rule this land? And who can say that this Alistair is? We know nothing of him save that he may have royal blood. For five years, Anora has been queen and proven herself worthy of the Theirin name. She can lead our people through this crisis and I can lead her armies." He snarled at me, "My lords and ladies, our land has been threatened before! It's been invaded, and lost and won times beyond counting. We Fereldans have proven that we will never truly be conquered so long as we are united. We must not let ourselves be divided now. Stand with me, and we shall defeat even the Blight itself." Cheers erupted at his speech.

I glanced back at Alistair, who nodded to me. It was now or never; once the cheers died down a bit, I stepped forward, turning to look at each of them as I spoke. "I may be a Grey Warden, but I have a name other than that. That name is Felyca Cousland." The crowds hushed, some in shock that I would be who I was, and others too stunned to speak in outrage. "My brother was a well respected man in these halls. Many of you knew him, claimed to be his friend, while your wives were entertained by his wife Oriana and my mother in Highever castle. Many of you fought by my fathers side against the Orlesians and freed our country. Loghain is not the only hero in this room, my lords." I glared at Loghain, "One man cannot topple an enemy alone, he needs the support of those who believe in him, who are willing to stand beside him, even when things are at their worst. Who can say that when faced with another situation such as Ostagar, Loghain will not leave you, your sons, your daughters to their deaths while he flees with his life? Of those here who knew my father, my brother, would they allow this injustice to stand?" That was all I could do. My arguments had been made and the evidence laid out. We could only hope that the people of Ferelden would make the right choice.

"South Reach stands with the Grey Warden."

"Waking Seas stands with the Grey Warden."

"Dragons Peak supports the Warden."

"The Western Hills throw their lot in with the Wardens, Maker help us."

"The Cousland helped me in a family matter, personally. I stand with her."

"I stand with the Warden! The Blight is coming, we need the Grey Wardens!"

I looked at Loghain, trying hard to not look smug, "You've lost, Loghain. Step down gracefully."

His chest rose, indignant and he shouted, "Traitors! Which of you stood against the Orlesian emperor when his troops flattened your fields and raped your wives?" He spun to face Eamon, "You fought with us once Eamon! You cared about this land once, before you got too old and fat and contented to even see what you risk. None of you deserve a say in what happens here! None of you have spilled blood for this land the way I have!" He stalked over to me, his fingers curling around the material at my throat and he spat at me, "How dare you judge me."

I heard my companions shift again, but I raised my hand, stopping them. I brought up both my hands and forced myself from his grasp, my eyes never leaving his. "You wish a fight, Loghain? Then you shall have one. But not this way. Let it be an honorable duel, between two champions."

He smiled grimly, "I suppose we both knew it would come to this. 'A man is made by the quality of his enemies.' Maric told me that once, but I wonder if it's a compliment more to you or me?" He shook his head, "Enough! Let the Landsmeet declare the terms of the duel." As the rules were laid out, I looked myself over then back at those who had followed me. Alistair was glaring at Loghain, I knew he wanted a chance at the traitor. Sten just looked back at me, his gaze unwavering, while Wynne watched the crowds. "Will you face me yourself, or have you a champion?" Loghain asked, fiddling with his armor.

I turned back to Alistair, and took a slow breath, "Alistair will be my champion." His eyes connected with mine, and he nodded grimly.

I could hear Loghain behind me, "Then let us test the mettle of our would-be king." I glanced over my shoulder at him as he barked, "Prepare yourself!"

As we stepped away from the center of the room, Alistair gripped my arm, "Thank you."

I looked at him, "Just don't kill him, Alistair. Not yet." I glanced back at Loghain who stood waiting for Alistair, "Show him how badly he's underestimated the Grey Wardens." He was about to move away when I grabbed his gauntlet, my hand shaking slightly, "Alistair... I love you." He looked at me, letting his eyes say so much more than what he could verbalize, then he walked to Loghain.

The combatants circled each other, neither wishing to expose his back to the other as they did. They went once round the chamber before Loghain drew his sword and charged. Alistair was ready for him, and took a knee, bringing up his shield to block as he drew a smaller sword at his waist, and swung at Loghain's knees, The general jumped to avoid it, and that gave Alistair the chance he needed to stand again and bash the man in the face with his shield. Loghain stumbled backwards, bringing a hand up to check his bleeding nose. He chuckled, then raised his own shield to block the incoming sword. As the metal clanged against his arm, he risked a glance at the sword that Alistair was wielding and his eyes widened, "No! You wouldn't!"

Alistair took a step back, his stance guarded, "I wouldn't do what?"

Loghain shook his head, "You couldn't!" He swung around, bringing his sword across Alistair's shoulders. The younger man took the hit, letting the weapon roll down his back as he tucked and rolled away from the man, "I went back! I searched for that! How can you have found it!"

Alistair risked a glance at Felyca, standing at the edge of the duel ring and smirked, "We had the inside track." Loghain howled at that and took a running leap at Alistair, their bodies crashing together, the plate mail they wore ringing loudly as it smacked against the others, then the stone of the floor.

"That's Maric's sword. It's never been used against me. How dare you!" Loghain shouted, raising his arm. He didn't have time to finish his move as Alistair brought his feet hard against his middle, knocking the air out of him. Loghain stumbled backwards, allowing Alistair time to get to his feet and stalk towards him, weapon raised.

Loghain put up his hands in defeat, "So, there is some of Maric in you after all. Good."

Felyca watched Alistair remove his helm, then grip his sword tightly, "Wait!" she hurried forward, placing herself between the two fighters, "No. Alistair... don't kill him."

Alistair's eyes bulged, "I didn't just hear you say that. Not after everything he's done! Kill him already!"

She looked to her left, where the queen stood and whispered, "No one, not even a backstabbing..." She searched for the appropriate word, then gave up and shook her head, "No one deserves to see their father die." He set his jaw and closed his eyes, knowing she was right.

The crowd parted behind them and Riordan stepped forward, "Wait. There may be another option."

Felyca moved to stand beside Alistair and folded her arms, "What do you mean?"

"The teyrn is a warrior and general of renown. Let him be of use, let him go through the Joining."

Felyca blinked, and gave Riordan a strange look, "You want to put him through the Joining? In all of Thedas, WHY!"

Riordan sighed, "There are three of us in all of Ferelden. And there are... compelling reasons to have as many Wardens on hand as possible to deal with the Archdemon."

Anora stepped closer to Felyca, appealing to another daughter, "The Joining itself is often fatal, is it not? If he survives, you gain a general. If not, you have your revenge. Doesn't that satisfy you?"

Alistair huffed, "Absolutely not! Riordan, this man abandoned our brothers and then blamed us for the deed. He hunted us down like animals, he tortured you! How can we just forget that!" Felyca bit her lip, hands on her hips and looked at Loghain. Her eyes glazed slightly as she thought about all the dead at Ostagar, of how he had sent assassins after them, how his own daughter had been used to bait them into a trap, how he had shown no true remorse for what he'd done.

I hate pragmatists. "No, Loghain deserves to die for his crimes."

"You can't do this! My father may have been wrong but he is still a hero to the people."

Felyca was shaking her head, "A hero? A hero who used his own legend against the people he saved? What he has done is no better than the Orlesians, as I understand it. He left your husband to his death, Anora. A death that could have been avoided, if he had but remained loyal. How long do you think it would have been before he even turned on you?"

Loghain nodded, resigned to his fate, "Anora. Hush, it's over."

The queen was angry, "Stop treating me like a child! This is serious!"

Loghain shook his head, his eyes falling on Felyca, "Daughters never grow up, Anora. They remain six years old with pigtails and skinned knees, forever."

"Father..." she started. She turned to Felyca, her eyes begging for help. There was none to be found. Felyca looked at Alistair, the sword in his hand ready to taste blood. "Just make it quick Warden. I can face the Maker, knowing Ferelden is in our hands."

She shook her head, "It isn't with me, Loghain. It's with Maric's son, Alistair." The guard came forward, and Alistair followed closely as they took Loghain outside for his much needed execution.

"So it is decided. Alistair will take his father's throne."

Alistair blanched, "Wait, what? When did that get decided? No one's decided that, have they?"

Anora sneered, "He refuses the throne and everyone here has heard him. I think it's clear then, he abdicates in favor of me."

Eamon shook his head, "I hardly think you're the appropriate person to mediate this, Anora. Warden, will you help us?"

It was my turn to feel sick, "Why me?" I whispered, not really speaking to anyone.

Because you're the outsider. I shook my head and looked around, not recognizing the voice. You are the daughter of Bryce Cousland, one of my trusted soldiers and a good friend. I know you can make the right choice. I slowly walked through the crowd around me, trying to make room for me to pace, and then I stopped.

Maric?

The voice chuckled, Who else? Look behind you. As I turned, I caught a glimpse of a shimmering white figure at the throne, and realized that it was indeed Maric. My son, Alistair, deserves this throne. I never expected Loghain to do what he did. But then again, he never really trusted anything or anyone other than himself. Anora is the same way and if you let her retake this throne, you'll never stop running. She is a capable leader, true enough, but she is her father's daughter. He sighed and smiled sadly, She's already betrayed you once, would you really risk that again?

I smiled, then spoke, "I'm ready to choose."

Eamon announced it, "As the arbiter of this dispute,what is your decision? Who will lead Ferelden?"

I folded my arms and stood next to Anora, watching her carefully. "Alistair shall rule," Anora opened her mouth to protest, but I put up a hand to stop her. My eyes moved to Alistair, my look changing into one of trepidation, "And I shall rule beside him."

Smart. Maric said, his tone almost laughing, Perhaps if I had acknowledged him as my son, you might have been his betrothed anyway. Your father would be proud of you. I glanced at the throne and watched as his image disappeared into the dusty sunlight filtering through the windows.

Anora was enraged, "If you think I will swear that oath, Eamon, you know nothing of me."

I looked at Alistair, "You'll have to do something with her."

He nodded, "I suppose that's true." He thought for a moment, then declared, "Put her in the tower for now. If I fall against the Blight, then she can have her throne. If not... then we'll see."

Anora was surprised, "You would give me a chance for the throne after all this?"

Alistair's jaw clenched, "I said if I fall, Anora. If I fall, the throne falls to you. I won't kill you while there's still a chance that may happen." I had moved to his side then and put a hand on his arm. He glanced at me then turned back to Anora, "Somebody has to take this Blight seriously."

Anora was shocked, "That is... uncharacteristically wise of you." He smirked, "Yes well, don't let it get around. I have a reputation." I nodded, smiling. "Very well then. Guards, take her away."

Maker but it feels good to hear that.

"Your Highness, would you address the Landsmeet?" Eamon's voice cut into our small moment.

Alistair had been looking at me, quizzically. Eamon cleared his throat, "Oh that would be me. Right, um... I never knew him, but from all I've heard about my father, what defined him was his commitment to protecting this land." He paused, unsure of where to go next.

I stood next to him, my hand at the small of his back, "Just get to the Blight." I whispered.

"I was getting there!" he hissed, grinning at me, "Anyway, the Blight. Yes." He let his feet spread just a bit further, his shoulders straighten and his head raise a little. "I may be Maric's son, but I am also a Grey Warden. I took an oath: I swore I would stand and fight the Darkspawn, no matter the cost to myself. I can't break that oath just to wear the crown. I have to go with my fellow Warden to face the Blight. When the Blight is over, I'll come back and take up my duties, whatever they are, as king. Until then, however, I shall like to have Arl Eamon as my regent." Eamon accepted grandly, and Alistair continued, "And my fellow Grey Warden will, I hope, take Loghain's place as the leader of my armies." He turned to me then, looking every inch the king he was about to become, "Shall we finish this thing together?"

I gathered fistfulls of my skirt in my hands and dipped into a low curtsy, "I can do no less," I raised my eyes to him, registering the surprise on his face, "My king."

He swallowed, then turned back to the assembled nobles, "Everyone, get ready to march! It's going to take all of Ferelden's strength to survive this Blight."

I had come out to the gardens of the arl's estate to be alone, knowing I wouldn't be for long. I never could be alone, not really. The sun was beginning to set and it was casting a soft amber hue across everything. I loved it, it was a shelter from the chaos of the outside world. I was sitting on a bench near one of the fountains when I heard him come near. He never had really learned how to move quietly, but I didn't mind. He sat next to me, having changed into a simple tunic and breeches.

"So... strange story." he started, not looking at me. "Tell me if you've heard this one. This fellow gets made king, and then gets engaged, all on the same night!"

I bit my lip, nervous, "You... you aren't angry at me are you?" We hadn't spoken since the Landsmeet four days ago, simply because weren't given the time. I was busy with Teagan, working out some strategies for facing the horde while Eamon had claimed Alistair's attention with some minor technicalities about being a monarch. One of which, I was sure, was the...producing... of an heir. I watched him for a long moment, worrying my lower lip with my teeth, waiting for him to speak. I was nobility, I was used to the idea of having to have a child, but Alistair...

He finally turned to me, his face a mask, "I'm actually okay with becoming king. I've had some time to come to terms with it, there might even be some good I can do. I suppose what I'm more curious about is... the engagement." I stopped breathing, "I mean, I like the idea... but are you sure?"

I giggled, relieved, "Is that all? For a moment there I thought you were going to reject me!" He smiled, "Alistair, I love you, more than I ever thought I could love anyone! Of course I want to marry you."

I slid closer to him, and he wrapped an arm around my shoulders, kissing my hair, "Oh good. I guess that saves me the trouble of asking." he wiped his brow and kicked at the ground.

I laughed, "I thought you already had."

"They'll expect an heir you know. With the taint in our blood... it might not be possible." he looked at me carefully, as though he was scared of hurting me.

I smiled widely and leaned in close to his ear, letting my lips just ghost against his skin, "Well, it won't be for a lack of trying."

He chuckled, "That's a very good point." he raised an eyebrow at me, "I suppose it's a good thing we got started when we did, hm?"

I smiled at him and stood slowly, letting my gown shift around my hips as I surveyed the area, "You know. The Arl has left for Redcliffe, we should probably follow." he said. I nodded my agreement, then turned to him, reaching up to undo my hair. I felt it tumble around my shoulders as I leaned forward, "You know... it's a four day trek from here to Redcliffe. This might be our last chance for a bed in a while." His hands cupped my cheeks and he pulled me in for a kiss.

"Sometimes, I really like the way you think."