There was only one word sufficient enough to describe Alistair's current state and that was bliss. He had been in Rainesfere a little over a month and wondered if he had ever been so happy. He had spent the first few weeks in a state of nervous anxiety; fearing that the Bann would change his mind and he would be sent away. However to his relief Teagan genuinely wanted him to stay. He had his own room again with a proper bed; a bookshelf, desk and chair and two chests for his belongings.

The Bann's estate was large and surrounded by woodland, the land lush and fertile. Teagan had proudly introduced him to those who ran the household, including Schenshal Devon and the housekeeper Mistress Warren. Both were of good humour and Alistair had felt comfortable with them immediately. On a tour of the grounds he had also met Thomas who was responsible for the maintenance of the gardens and Garath the Stable Master.

During the first few weeks Alistair and Teagan had saddled the horses and travelled the length and breadth of Rainesfere, meeting many of the people who worked the land and called it home. Alistair found Teagan to be patient, calm and enthusiastic about Rainesfere and its welfare. He accompanied Teagan to various meetings with farmers; merchants, smiths and the Chantry learning that Teagan although gentle in nature had a hard authoritative edge when required.

Alistair settled into his duties quickly. He learned how to clean armour and how to maintain weapons under the watchful eye of Captain Peterson. For his part Peterson enjoyed having Alistair around. The boy was enthusiastic; listened well, learnt quickly and despite being shy he was starting to come out of his shell and kept him entertained with his humour.

In the evenings Alistair spent his time with Teagan who encouraged his interests and provided quill, ink and parchment to allow him to write to Jayden. He had described Rainesfere and his duties and couldn't help but express how happy he was. Alistair desperately hoped Jayden would not forget him now he was home and would still want to be friends.

Two weeks into his arrival Alistair joined the other children at the Chantry to continue his education, astonished when he quickly made friends. Because he was the Bann's page and few in Rainesfere knew him, there was no looks and mutterings of bastard. He was accepted and it was the most wonderful feeling in the world.

xXx

Alistair sighed contentedly feeling full as he pushed away his plate smiling at Teagan. He glanced down and rubbed the back of the cat that had seemed to adopt him. It was grey with green eyes and was always sneaking about the kitchens; of course sneaking wasn't much of an option anymore. The cat had eaten more than its fair share and resembled a barrel rather than the sleek rat catcher it had once been. Alistair tickled the cat's ears and fed it another piece of cheese, grinning at the cats rumbling purr.

"Makers sake Alistair!" Teagan grumbled. "No wonder the cat is the size of a barn if you keep feeding it cheese."

Alistair flushed and glanced to the cat. "No more cheese for you then."

The cat rolled its head in Teagan's general direction and let out a low growling hiss.

Teagan raised an eyebrow. "Maker Alistair you have created a monster!"

Alistair grinned as Ratcatcher wound around his leg. "You're not a monster are you Ratcatcher." He chuckled at the loud purr.

Teagan shook his head, a smile twitching the corners of his mouth. "Well regardless of monstrous cats, I have a letter for you."

Alistair looked up startled. "You do."

"It has the seal of Gwaren." He laughed as Alistair clutched the parchment to his chest.

"Jayden wrote back!"

"I would imagine so. Let's move over to the fire and you can read it."

Alistair settled on the rug and carefully broke the seal, a slow smile spreading across his face as he read about Jayden's adventures with Rath, Lyra and Zef. He glanced up to Teagan grinning broadly. "Jayden wants me to meet his friends, I thought maybe when he said that he was just being nice, but he really meant it. He's told them about me and they all say hello."

Teagan chuckled. "They are a mischievous bunch, I'm sure you will get on well." He jumped as Ratcatcher somehow managed to leap on his knee, green eyes fixing him with a piercing gaze. "Um … Alistair … would you mind …"

Alistair grinned and jumped to his feet picking the cat up from Teagan's knee and placing him on on his own knee as he settled back down by the fire.

Ratcatcher settled down; lying along the length of Alistair's legs, his head resting on his knee watching Teagan with a lazy gaze.

xXx

Alistair was crossing the small stream heading back to the estate from the Chantry when he spied two children he had never seen playing further upstream. They were clearly related and the boy appeared to be teasing the girl, but both were laughing. He hesitated wondering if he should say hello. Alistair worried at his lip and was about to move on when the boy and girl moved down the bank towards him.

The boy gave a toothy grin. "Hi."

Alistair smiled shyly. "Hi."

The girl moved ahead of the boy. "I'm Bethany and this is my brother Carver. What's your name?"

"I'm Alistair."

Bethany tilted her head slightly. "I think Ali suits you better, want to play?"

Alistair gave a wide smile. "Yes."

Carver grinned. "Come on then Ali; we were just fishing, we have the best spot." He leaned in conspiratorially. "Just so you know don't call her Beth, she hates it."

Alistair chuckled and nodded following the twins to their fishing spot. Time passed quickly as they chatted and laughed, catching no fish despite their efforts. "Don't you come to the Chantry school?"

Bethany shook her head. "Mom and dad teach us."

"Oh."

Carver noticed Alistair's disappointed expression. "But we play here all the time if you ever want to come and see us."

Bethany linked Alistair's arm. "Say you will."

Alistair flushed and smiled. "I'd like that." He sighed. "I better go, but maybe I can come back tomorrow." His flush deepened as Bethany kissed his cheek.

"We'll be right here." She stated firmly.

Alistair grinned and headed home, a skip in his step. He was alarmed when Bann Teagan was pacing at the gate when he returned.

"Makers breath Alistair where have you been?"

"I … I was just playing by the stream with Carver and Bethany."

Teagan knelt down and gently clasped his arms. "Alistair I am happy that you have friends and I am happy for you to play with them, but let me know if you are coming home later than usual."

Alistair flushed. "I'm sorry I didn't think." He lowered his head, pulling at his fingers in agitation.

Teagan gently cupped his jaw, tilting his head until their gaze met. "I was worried Alistair that is all." He was startled by the tears in Alistair's eyes. "Alistair I am not angry."

"I'm sorry." Alistair whimpered sniffing painfully. "Please don't send me away."

"Alistair this is your home, I am not going to send you anywhere."

"Promise?"

"I promise. I was just worried in case you were hurt that is all." He laughed as Alistair flung his arms around his neck and hugged him tightly.

"Everything is so much better here." Alistair whispered.

"I am glad. Now how about you get cleaned up and we can have something to eat and then you can show me what you have been doing today and tell me about these friends of yours."

Alistair gave a huge smile and hugged Teagan again before he ran up to his room to get changed.

Teagan shook his head and rubbed his forehead, the weight of his brother's actions resting heavily on his heart.

xXx

Jayden grasped his father's hand as they settled at the breakfast table. "Can we visit Rainesfere soon?"

"We should give Alistair time to settle Jayden."

"You said that last month! Please dad! It's always better if you can see friends and writing just isn't the same! Please! Please! Please!"

Loghain rolled his eyes. "Maker where do you get your stubbornness from?"

Aelfraud, Celia and Anora glanced to each other struggling to hide their smiles.

Jayden looked to his father, his eyes twinkling. "From you of course!"

"Of course. Very well I have business that way in a few weeks, you can accompany me."

Jayden grinned excitedly. "Awesome!" Hugging his father he kissed his cheek. "You're the best dad in the whole of Thedas!"

Chuckling Loghain ruffled his hair. "That's good to know."

xXx

Alistair took off his boots and dipped his toes in the cool stream water, laughing as Carver dived in splashing him. He glanced up and smiled as Bethany sat next to him clasping his hand.

"I wish we could always stay here." Bethany whispered.

Alistair looked to her alarmed. "Are you leaving?"

"No; at least not yet, but we don't live in the same place very long." She sighed and squeezed his hand gazing at him. "I hope we stay here forever."

Alistair gently put his arm around her shoulder smiling as Bethany snuggled against him. "Me too." He murmured.

Carver burst to the surface splashing them both before swimming towards the other bank, laughing as Alistair and Bethany jumped into the water to chase him. All three froze as they reached the far bank to find Garrett waiting for them his hands on his hips.

Garrett could barely keep the stern face; so he didn't bother jumping into the water and catching Carver, splashing water into his face.

Bethany squealed in delight at the opportunity to splash both of her brothers pulling Alistair with her.

The sun was beginning to dip when they finally stopped playing and Garrett escorted Alistair back to the edge of the estate ruffling his hair and shouting goodbye as he ran for home.

Alistair waved when Garrett glanced back, grinning as he returned the wave. Life just didn't get much better than this.

xXx

Alistair was overjoyed when Jayden visited with his father two weeks later, showing his friend to the stables while Loghain spoke to Teagan.

Jayden reached up to stroke each horses velvety nose memorising their names. "Do you like it here? You sound like you do in your letter."

"I love it." Alistair sighed. "No-one calls me bastard here and I have friends, I actually have friends."

Jayden grinned. "What's it like being a page?"

"I'm learning lots and Captain Peterson is teaching me about armour and weapons."

Jayden's eyes lit up. "Are you learning to fight?"

Alistair nodded. "When all my duties are finished the Captain teaches me something new each day and Bann Teagan even practices with me."

"Awesome. I've done some sparring with Nate and Cailan and Fergus and dad promises I can start to learn properly soon. Maybe we could spar too."

Alistair grinned. "That would be great."

Jayden glanced to the huge grey cat as it waddled passed rubbing against Alistair's leg. "Maker that's the biggest cat I've ever seen. What's his name?"

Alistair grinned. "This is Ratcatcher, Mistress Warren named him."

Jayden eyed the cat curiously. "Does Rainesfere have a lot of rats?"

"No." Alistair chuckled. "But it has a lot of cheese."

"He's that fat because of cheese?"

Alistair winced. "I gave him a lot; but he's on a strict no cheese diet, Bann Teagan's orders. He's definitely losing weight."

Ratcatcher whined pitifully.

Jayden winced. "Maybe I should cut down on how much cheese I eat." The boys looked to each other and burst out laughing.

Rat Catcher stalked off, thoroughly disgusted that none of his favourite snack was forthcoming.

xXx

Teagan worried at his lip. "King Maric is going to visit with Cailan?"

Loghain gently squeezed his shoulder. "There is no need for concern Teagan. Maric has grown tired of the deception. He wants to speak with Alistair. He wants Cailan to meet his brother."

Swallowing painfully Teagan let out a low breath. "Will Alistair be leaving with him?"

"No, he will remain with you." He smiled at Teagan's look of relief. "You are very fond of him, that much is obvious. He looks happy and healthy."

"He has friends here and he is doing well in his studies and his duties. I was going to take him on a hunt next week, but perhaps we could go tomorrow if you and Jayden would like to accompany us."

Loghain smiled. "I'm sure Jayden would be thrilled, he has done some hunting with his grandfather so it would be good to see what he has learned."

Teagan grinned. "Aelfraud was quite the huntsman in his day I am told."

Loghain grinned. "Don't let his age fool you, he still is. Sharper eyes than mine, even now. He's been good for Jayden and Jayden for him." They both glanced up smiles twitching their lips as they heard the boys return to the house laughing.

xXx

Alistair watched Jayden in awe; his friend moved soundlessly through the woods, while he on the other hand seemed to step on every twig on the ground. There were times when he could barely see him, even when he was close to him. He knelt down at Jayden's gesture, the younger boy motioning in the direction of the clearing where several partridge were strutting in the midday sun.

Jayden glanced back to his father and gestured to the birds. They turned back startled as the birds squawked in alarm, one carried off by a resourceful fox. Jayden glanced to Alistair. "What about rabbit?"

An hour later Teagan was showing Alistair how to skin and prepare the rabbits for eating, while Jayden and Loghain set up their small camp. They were close to a stream for easy access to water and sheltered by the trees in case of bad weather, but the sun had shone beautifully all day and despite evening closing in, it was still warm. Their personal guards were far enough away not to intrude, but close enough to be called if required.

Jayden yelped as the tent collapsed on him hearing Alistair's muffled laughter and his father and Teagan's amused snorts. "Hey not funny!" He shouted, trying not to giggle himself as he struggled to get out of the canvas.

Loghain retrieved his son helping him to erect the tent before they settled by the fire.

Alistair was proudly in charge of their meal that night stirring the rabbit stew.

Jayden's stomach rumbled loudly. "Come on Alistair it's been cooking for ages!"

"Well I want to make sure it's cooked properly!" Alistair protested, poking the stew.

Jayden glanced down at the pot. "Um ... why is it kind of grey looking?"

"Isn't that the way it should look?"

"When did you eat rabbit stew that looked like that?"

"Well it's the taste that counts." Alistair ladled out the stew into the bowls and passed them around.

Teagan took a mouthful of the stew and froze. Vile didn't quite cover it. He gave it the effort of a few more chews before discretely removing the mouthful. He glanced to Loghain who was trying to be just as discreet.

Jayden looked at Alistair who was wolfing down the bowl and tried another mouthful gagging slightly.

Teagan raised an eyebrow. "Alistair are you enjoying that?"

Alistair gave him an almost cheeky grin. "It's awful."

Teagan burst out laughing. "Then why are you eating it dear boy?"

"Um … well its food and I'm hungry and it's better than nothing."

Jayden pulled bread; cheese, dried meat and fruit from his pack, portioning it out for the four of them. "Stop eating that it's awful, tomorrow we will catch some more and I'll show you how grandpa cooks it."

Loghain and Teagan glanced to each other hiding their smiles as Alistair readily agreed.

After they had finished eating and cleared up Jayden lay back on the grass gazing up at the stars. He smiled as Alistair flopped down next to him. "So tell me about your new friends."

Alistair grinned and turned onto his stomach twirling a blade of grass between his fingers. My bestest friends in Rainesferene are Carver and Bethany. They are a little younger than me, probably the same age as you and they are loads of fun. They have an older brother Garrett. I play with him sometimes too, but mostly I play with Carver and Bethany. They have a house in the woods. We fish and really just muck around."

Jayden grinned. "They sound like fun."

"They are." Alistair inched closer to Jayden. "I'm glad you still wanted to be friends."

"Of course I still wanted to be friends." Jayden gave him a cheeky grin. "But you really have to learn to cook, that stew was awful."

Alistair flushed slightly. "Will you really teach me your grandpa's recipe?"

"Of course! You'll love it; it has some yummy herbs in it."

Alistair grinned and glanced up at the stars. "I saw a falling star and wished on it and my life changed." He spoke softly. "I didn't think wishes like that really came true."

Jayden grinned. "I wished on a star for you too."

Alistair turned to him startled. "You did?"

Jayden nodded, his eyes locked on the stars above them.

Alistair tugged at his lower lip with his teeth. "What … what did you wish?"

"I wished for you to have a family, a home and lots of friends."

"Why would you wish that for me?"

Jayden gave him a puzzled look. "Because you're my friend."

Alistair tugged at the grass. "But you got hurt for my wish to come true."

Jayden pondered his words and then shrugged. "Totally worth it."

xXx

The following days hunt went as well as the first, and true to his word Jayden showed Alistair how to make rabbit stew the way his grandfather made it. Everyone had a second helping and Alistair finished what was left in the bottom of the pot, a contented smile on his face.

"That was much better." Alistair sighed, patting his stomach for emphasis.

Jayden chuckled and stacked the bowls yawning loudly. "It was yum, you made it almost as good as grandpa."

Alistair flushed at the praise.

With a smile Teagan stretched out his legs pressing his back to a tree. "We'll make a cook of you yet Alistair."

Loghain smiled warmly at the boys. "You make quite the team. At least if you are together I know you would survive."

Jayden grinned. "We should go camping every year! What do you think Alistair?"

Alistair gave a shy smile. "I'd really like that."

Jayden settled next to his father. "Tell us a story dad." He leaned close to his ear. "A scary one."

Loghain chuckled. "Very well."

The boys settled down as Loghain began his story, the firelight casting shadows around the camp as darkness settled around them.

Alistair felt warmth fill his heart and silently thanked Andraste for his change of fortune, prepared to do whatever she asked of him in return.

xXx

Author Note: Thank you to everyone reading, following, favouriting and reviewing. I hope you enjoyed.