A.N.: Thanks to melismo and everyone who continues to read and enjoy the story.


When Elandria walked into the glade, Torin was efficiently cleaning the fish he and Kellin had caught. He looked up at her, "So that's him, huh?"

"Yes," said Elandria. "Could you tone down the protectiveness a bit, please? He's not going to hurt Kellin."

"Kellin's not the one I'm worried about," he answered her.

Elandria rolled her eyes at him as she heard Gabe barking in the distance. "Gabriel must be bringing the guards in. Be nice and play well with others," she said.

"Yes, mamae," Torin said mockingly.

When Alistair's guards entered the clearing, Elandria was pleased to notice how professional they were. They quickly spread out, all eyes checking out the area and looking for their king. She saw them note Starfang lying on the ground.

She walked up to the man that she assumed was in charge. "Greetings," she said. "I'm Elandria. Alistair asked that you all begin setting up camp. He'll be here shortly."

"Where is the king?" Hugh asked the elf woman, not liking her familiar use of his first name. His eyes roamed over her and then past to resume his search for his lord.

"He's down the trail a bit. He's fine," she answered.

"I'll just go check and make sure," he said as his eyes were drawn back to her face. There was something familiar about this elf. He was sure he had seen her before. Wait a minute. Did she say her name was Elandria? "Are you…no, it can't be," he said.

She sighed. "Yes, I'm that Elandria," she admitted.

"But-"

"It's a long story, but I didn't die that day at Fort Drakon," she said.

His attitude was a lot more respectful as he gave her a half bow and said, "If you would excuse me, I will try and find my king now."

"No," said Elandria. "I wouldn't do that if I were you. I think he would be much happier with you if you followed his order and set up camp. I swear to you he is fine and in no danger."

Hugh gave her a long measuring look. "As you wish," he said. "I guess I can take the Hero of Ferelden's word." He went over to the other two, and they proceeded to start unloading and hobbling the horses.

Elandria walked over to the three men. "I didn't get your names," she said. Hugh hurriedly remembered his manners and introduced the other two men to her. This Hero of Ferelden thing was going to get tiresome. I have to remember to give Alistair a hard time for giving me such a mouthful of a title. "Either Warden or Elandria is fine," she said. "My companion is Torin." Torin gave a nod that encompassed all three men. "I'll leave you to your business."

Elandria went over to start digging in their supplies to see what else they had for dinner since their numbers were about to be expanded. She was still trying to come to terms with that fact that Alistair would be here for three days. Torin was over on the other side of camp when she saw his head come up suddenly. He turned to her. "They're coming," he said. She nodded, but continued with what she was doing. The three guards looked at them in confusion, not understanding what Torin was talking about.

In a few minutes, Alistair strolled into the glade carrying Kellin on his shoulders. Hugh was relieved to see his king. When he saw the child the king was carrying and noted the similarities between the two, his eyes narrowed and darted from the king to Elandria and back again. He rapidly reassessed the situation they were dealing with. He was pleased to note how relaxed and happy his lord looked, though.

"Hugh," exclaimed Alistair. "Glad you made it." His eyes moved to the camp the men were setting up. "What is that?" he asked pointing.

"It's your tent, Sire," said Hugh.

"That's not a tent. That's a sodding pavilion!" exclaimed Alistair.

"Chancellor's orders," was all Hugh said.

Alistair just sighed and shook his head.


Later that night, after Alistair had spent the whole day with Kellin laughing and playing, Torin had finally taken the young boy off to bed, but only after Alistair solemnly promised Kellin that he would still be there tomorrow. Kellin's earnest, "Good night, Father," followed by a kiss to Alistair's cheek had caused more than one set of eyes in the camp to tear up. Once the two had moved off to their tent, that left only Elandria, Alistair, and his three guards at the fire.

After a look from Alistair, Hugh said, "Reilly, you had better get some sleep. You have early morning watch. Adair, come with me please. I have something I need to discuss with you." The three men made their rapid departures.

"Well, that was smooth," commented Elandria.

"They are good men," said Alistair. "I trust them implicitly."

"I can see that," she said. They were both quiet for a bit as they sat staring into the fire. Alistair scooted over to be closer to her, but not too close. He didn't want to run her off.

"So, what are your plans as far as Kellin is concerned?" she finally asked, still not looking at him.

"What do you mean?"

Elandria wished she didn't have to ask this straight out, but obviously he was going to make her. "Are you planning on acknowledging him or did you want him raised hidden away, like you were?"

Alistair drew in his breath with a hiss as he almost physically recoiled backwards. "That was a cheap shot," he stated. "Of course I'll acknowledge him."

"Are you going to make him your heir?"

"Yes, I'll have no more children," stated Alistair. "After losing Moira, I'm not willing to take any more chances on having that happen again."

"I see," said Elandria. "What story are you going to give out about his mother? Are you willing to admit you had a relationship with an elf to everyone in Ferelden?" she asked curiously.

"Elandria, you are his mother. That's the truth and that is what people who want to know will be told. Did you think I would lie and make up some story that was more acceptable to certain people?" he asked.

She was quiet for a bit before speaking, "It's an unspoken truth that many human men are attracted to elven women. Not many, however, would freely admit it in public, and you are the king. You have more pressures placed on you than most men bear. I wasn't sure how much you would have changed in the past four years, how much strength of character you would have developed, or how driven you would be to keep the life you have. After all, you were willing to throw away what we had even before you became king because I was different than expectations. By not even being willing to discuss the situation or listen to me that day at the Arl's, you had already proven that your position as king meant more to you than I did. How was I supposed to know what you would be willing to do four years later to hang on to your title or to have your son accepted?" And like a fool, I still kept loving you, even after all this time.

Alistair felt his stomach drop at her words. She was right, though. He had cut and run on her right after the Landsmeet decision without even giving them a chance. He had been so sanctimonious, with his mind full of thoughts of doing his duty. "I was wrong. You don't know how many times I wished I had-"

She held up her hand. "Stop, Alistair. I don't want to hear it. I don't want to go back over the past with you. I went over and over it enough on my own. I finally came to a place where I could accept the fact that at one point you had loved me, but us being together long term wasn't meant to be. I just don't want to rehash it all again tonight. Let's get back to what is important now and that is Kellin's future. What are your exact plans for him? If you are going to claim him as heir, I assume he will have to live at the palace with you."

"I would love to have him at the palace with me, but what about you? What are your plans?"

"I thought if you wanted him in Denerim, I would go back to the Wardens and hope you would allow me to see him as often as I could."

"Lanie! I mean Elandria," he said trying to honor her wish. "I would never not let you see him. He obviously loves you very much."

"Thank you for that," she said. "But whatever happens, Torin stays with him. That's nonnegotiable." They had explained all about the Lenayath to Alistair earlier in the day.

"Did you ever consider all of us staying together?" he asked.

"You mean Kellin and me with you in Denerim?"

"Yes," he said.

"Even if I wanted to-" she started.

"Would you want to?" he broke in. "I mean if there was nothing to stop us, none of these things that seem to always stand between us, would you want to be with me again?"

Elandria rose to her feet and walked away from the fire with her arms wrapped around herself. Alistair stood and followed her. "It doesn't matter what I want," she said. "Because there are all those things between us and you know it. That's why you left me in the first place."

She was just as stubborn as ever and still refusing to answer his question. He tried again, "Do you remember the one promise I made to you that year we were together?" he asked.

"Yes," she said softly. "I remember."

"I've kept that promise. I've never forgotten you or stopped loving you. I've wanted you beside me every day you've been gone. Now that I know you're alive, don't you know how it is going to torment me not to have you with me?" he asked as he reached out, took hold of her, and drew her back against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her placing his hands over her stomach. "I'm in a much stronger position with the nobles now than I was four years ago," he softly said into her ear. "You, Kellin, Torin, and Gabe, come back to Denerim with me."

When she hesitated, he thought she would agree, but then she pulled away from him. "The answer you are looking for is yes, Alistair. Yes, I would want to be with you if I could, but I can't."

"Why not?" asked Alistair in frustration.

"Because of Kellin," she said. "It's one thing that we slept together years ago before you were king. It's a whole other thing when the Prince of Ferelden's mother is the king's whore, and that's exactly how he would hear his mother spoken about. You know how cruel children are. It wouldn't just be children either. I can just imagine what kind comments the 'noble people' of Ferelden would have to say about the king's elven mistress and how much respect that would garner Kellin. I can't do it, Alistair. I can't do that to him. He's going to have enough to overcome just having an elven mother. I'm sorry." She walked back to the fire and dropped back down by it again, wrapping her arms around her legs, and resting one cheek on her knees.

Alistair watched her, awed again at how much strength she carried in such a small body. He was ashamed of himself. He had never thought of the considerations she had just voiced. All he had been able to think about was getting her (and their son) back in his life and what he wanted. He had to start thinking of his son first, like Lanie did. Finally, he walked over and crouched down beside her. She lifted her head and tilted it to look at him. "If I find a way, an honorable way, a good way for Kellin, would you come back to me?" he asked.

She stared into his eyes for what seemed a very long time. Finally, she spoke. "In a heart beat," she said and smiled.

He smiled back at her. "Good," he said and then he leaned over and kissed her. It was a chaste kiss, nothing more than a pressing of his lips against hers, but she knew it was a promise as well. It was a promise that he would do right by both her and Kellin and that he would find a way to undo the hurts of the past and heal what he had broken between them. "Good night, Elandria," he said. "I have some thinking I need to do. I'll see you in the morning." He turned and headed toward his tent.

"Good night, Alistair. Sleep well," she said. "And Alistair.."

"Yes?" he paused without turning around.

"You can still call me Lanie," she said.

Alistair smiled to himself, "Night, Lanie."


As Alistair moved around his tent getting ready for bed, he knew he must have his goofy smile on his face, the one that their old companions used to tease him about, but Alistair didn't care. He just couldn't believe that this morning he had thought he would never be a father and now he had a son, and what a son! He was sure that Kellin was the smartest, bravest, cutest boy ever born. As he threw himself down on his bedroll, he thought, And Lanie's still alive as well! He had to figure it out. There had to be a way the three of them could be together. What he had told Lanie was true. He was in a much stronger position now than four years ago. He had held onto the kingship through the subsequent Landsmeets with no contenders being put in opposition to him. He had managed to get items through the council and brought into effect that were not popular with the nobles, such as the clinic for the elves, improving trade with the dwarves, and other reforms. He had personally spearheaded the drive to recover after the Blight. Surely, he could find a way that he could be with Lanie. He just had to think about it. His mind was racing with possibilities when he finally dropped off to sleep.

When Alistair woke up, he had a glimmer of an idea. He mulled over it throughout the day. It was definitely the best day he had had since becoming king. He spent it all with Lanie and Kellin, and there were times when it felt like they were a real family. He couldn't believe what a joy Kellin was and how lucky he was to be his father. The times when Lanie smiled at him he had thought for sure she would be able to hear the thud of his heart as it beat louder. He finally was able to get his hands on her under the guise of a tickle fight with her and Kellin, but that ended too soon, and she slipped away.

His guards had done their best to be unobtrusive, but of course, they followed him everywhere. When he took Kellin fishing at the pond, gave him a ride on his horse, and helped Kellin hold Starfang, they were right there. Kellin was duly impressed when Alistair drew the sword and he could see the flickering from the lightening rune running up and down the blade. Kellin had then excitedly informed him that Torin had already promised him his first dagger on his next birthday. (Little did Kellin realize it would have a blunt tip and no edge to the blade.) He went on to let Alistair know that Torin was already starting to teach him the first part of the dances. When Alistair asked him what they were, he received an unbelieving look from Kellin and was told that he should see Mamae and Torin dance together. They were the best ones in the camp. At this point, Alistair had heard quite enough about Torin and threw him an unfriendly look. Torin just lifted his eyebrow at Alistair in a "Who me?" gesture.

Alistair wasn't sure how he felt about this Torin and Kellin binding. He thought it was a good idea on one hand, as Kellin would always have protection, but somehow the idea of someone else being closer to his son than him made Alistair feel like hitting something, hitting it very, very hard. He was also most interested in exactly what the relationship was between Lanie and Torin. He had to be too young for her, didn't he? In observing them, he had noticed that they seemed to function as a well-oiled team, but he didn't really pick up any hints that they had any type of a personal relationship. When they would laugh at something that wasn't really stated or finish the other's sentence, he had to grit his teeth so as not to say something he would regret later.

Alistair had hoped to get to spend some more time with Lanie that night after Kellin went to bed, but somehow he found himself with Kellin staying in his tent that night. Of course, he had to go and get Kellin settled. By the time Kellin had fallen asleep, and he had returned to the campfire, Lanie had already gone to her tent for the night.

When Alistair took Kellin to his tent for the night, Elandria had beat a hasty retreat. She could not allow herself the luxury of spending time with Alistair alone. She wasn't certain of her control, which was a bad thing for a mage to admit about anything. These past two days had been such a delicious torment. It was more time than she had expected to be around him, and it was as tricky as dancing on a knife's edge. One slip and she would be cut to the core. She laid on top of her bedding with her eyes closed, listening. She heard him moving around the tent settling Kellin, telling him a bedtime story, giving Kellin his goodnight kiss. She heard him exit his tent some time later after Kellin had fallen asleep and return to the campfire. She laid with every muscle clenched tight, scarcely breathing, as she waited to hear what he would do next. Would he sit by the fire with his guards and Torin, would he go back to his own tent, would he come to hers? Finally, she heard his footfalls. She let out a ragged breath as she realized he had gone back to his own tent. It wasn't disappointment she was feeling she told herself. She knew Alistair well enough to realize he wouldn't have come to her with everyone still sitting around the fire. Besides, she hadn't wanted him to come here to her. Really, she hadn't, or that's what she told herself anyway.


Early the next morning, Hugh couldn't sleep. He tossed in his bedroll for a bit, but decided it was no use and proceeded to rise and dress. He exited his tent and went in search of Reilly. He found him on the outer perimeter of the glade leaning against a tree staring off into the ebony darkness beneath the trees.

"Morning, Commander," said Reilly.

"Good morning," replied Hugh. "All quiet?"

"Yes, ser," said Reilly, with a bob of his head that Hugh could barely see in the predawn light.

"I'm up now. Why don't you go find your bedroll, Reilly?" said Hugh.

"Are you sure?" asked Reilly.

"Yes, go on," replied Hugh as he made a shooing motion with his hand. "Just build up the fire before you turn in."

"Yes, ser," said Reilly as he moved off in the direction of the tents.

Hugh proceeded to do a perimeter walk as he mulled over everything that had happened the past few days. He was worried. He didn't know what his king was going to do about this situation. As the commander of Maric's Shield, he was the one responsible for the king's safety, but Hugh wasn't sure he could protect the king from himself. He was really afraid his lord was going to do something stupid, like take the elven warden back to Denerim with him. Wouldn't the nobles love that!

The boy, though, that was a different matter. If they could find some way to hide that fact that the mother was elven, he could help to strengthen the king's position. It didn't hurt that he was such an engaging lad. Hugh had found himself smiling at the child more than once the past two days. Brought to Denerim and declared prince, the people would love him because he looked so much like the king.

The woman was the one that concerned him, not that Hugh had anything against elves. He couldn't have cared less if his lord had been anybody but the king, but king he was. It disturbed him the way his lord looked at her, how the expression on his face softened as he watched her, how his eyes followed her every move, how he made any excuse to be near her. Hugh just didn't see any way this could end well. He had circled the area and was leaning against one of the trees when he heard someone stirring in the camp. He turned his head just enough to see who it was. It was her, the elven warden.

Elandria had another rough night as the desire demon pursued her ruthlessly through the Fade, refusing to take no for an answer. Once she knew dawn was near, she abandoned all attempts at sleep and decided to get up. As she exited the tent, she noticed the fire had burned down. It looked like someone had attempted to build it up, but then left the fire before making sure it caught. Taking a quick glance around and not seeing anyone, she cast a fire spell that caused a large burst of flame to erupt from the waiting wood. Hearing a small gasp from the other side of the clearing, she whirled, her eyes unerringly coming to rest on a form in the trees. No darkspawn were near, so it must be one of the guards. She moved towards the shadowy form, "Hello," she called softly, so as to not disturb the others still sleeping in camp.

"Good morning, Warden," came the hushed voice of Hugh.

"Sorry, I didn't see you there," said Elandria. Nothing like reminding people I'm one of those dangerous crazy mages. Of course, with two ties to a desire demon, how far off that mark, am I?

"Convenient way to get the fire going, much faster than flint and steel," he replied uneasily.

"I guess it is at that," she said.

Silence fell between them as they continued to stand in the early dawn. Hugh wanted to ask her what was really going on between her and the king, but he knew it wasn't his place. Hugh just wished he knew what he could do to defend his lord. Finally, he said to her while still gazing out at the dark, "Don't hurt him please. He's a good man, a good king. And-" here he hesitated a few seconds, but then plunged on. "The past few months have been hard for him. He's vulnerable right now."

Elandria thought a minute or two before answering. "I've known him a long time, and you're right, he is a good man. You obviously care for him very much. I don't want to hurt him. I'm trying very hard not to let anyone get hurt." After saying this, she turned and left Hugh to his contemplation of the trees as she went back to the warmth of the fire.


Alistair woke with a heavy heart. He had to leave today. He needed to be back in Denerim by the evening so he would have to depart in the afternoon. He didn't want to go. He wanted to stay in this simple campsite forever. He looked over at Kellin and a smile crossed his face. The fact of his existence still amazed him. He turned on his side, moving closer to Kellin, so he could watch him sleep. He began committing this moment to memory, the way Kellin's eyelashes lay closed against the skin beneath his eyes, the quiet sounds of his breathing, the stray hair drawn across his face that fluttered with every breath, his fist balled beneath his chin, his other arm outstretched, and his legs drawn up. Alistair felt an overwhelming urge to scoop the boy up and hold him against his chest, but he didn't. He didn't want to disturb Kellin's sleep. He contented himself with reaching out very lightly with one finger and drawing it down the side of Kellin's face. The boy was so deeply asleep he didn't even stir.

Alistair let his hand drop away as he considered what he was going to do. He had always wanted a family, and he had thought that he would have that with Briana and Moira. When that had been snatched from him so cruelly, he had thought the dream dead forever. Finding Lanie alive and with their son was another chance, the last chance, for him to finally have the family he always wanted. It wasn't all selfishness on his part either. If he acknowledged him and had him declared heir, Kellin would have to be raised at the palace with Alistair, and he didn't want his son to grow up with his mother only dropping by for visits. Alistair saw the real love and caring between them, and he didn't want Kellin deprived of anything, much less his mother's love and affection.

He had to talk to Lanie today. He had the basics of a plan, but he needed her cooperation. For his plan to work, he needed surprise on his side, and he didn't think she would like that. Over the past years, he had learned much in how to move through the lures and traps the nobility set for him at court as they tried to get their own personal goals accomplished. This often resulted in a greater expense to someone else than the benefit that particular noble reaped, and he had learned how to look at more than one side of an issue. He really owed that to Eamon. Whatever Eamon's shortcomings in other areas, the man knew politics. He knew where all the bodies were buried and wasn't afraid to use that for Alistair's benefit either. Alistair had really paid attention that first year or two as king when he had relied on Eamon's guidance, and he had learned a lot. He wasn't sure if the nobles realized that he was the one actually running the country these days or not (still with Eamon's help, of course), but it suited him sometimes to pull out his bumbling boy-king persona and pretend to hide behind Eamon. Alistair had the impression that Eamon found it highly amusing when he did that. His plan had a chance to work, but he would need to be the most manipulative he had ever been to get it accomplished. He hoped he was up to the job.


At lunchtime, Alistair knew he couldn't put it off much longer. Reilly and Adair already had taken down all their tents and packed everything up. It just remained to load the pack horse and saddle their mounts, and they would be ready to go. He had spent the whole morning with Kellin. For some reason, Lanie was even cooler toward him today and had kept her distance. It made him anxious that she wouldn't go along with his plan. After everyone was done eating, he turned to Lanie. "We need to talk," he told her.

"I guess we do," she agreed.

Torin looked over at them with interest. Seeing that, Alistair said loudly, "Alone."

"She'll just tell me what you talked about anyway," Torin pointed out helpfully.

"Torin," said Elandria with an eye roll. "Cut it out."

"I was just trying to save time."

Elandria stood up. "Alistair, come with me. You," she said pointing at Torin, "stay here and keep an eye on Kellin."

As Alistair followed Lanie, he turned and waved cheekily at Torin before continuing to follow her out of the glade and down that oh-so-familiar path to the pond. About halfway there, she stopped and turned to him.

"So what do you want to do as far as Kellin is concerned?" she asked, getting right to the matter at hand.

"I want you to bring him to Denerim, to the Landsmeet this year. It's next month, after harvest. I have a plan, well, the beginnings of one anyway. For it to work, though, I need the element of surprise," he answered her.

"What's the plan?"

"Um," now for the part she wouldn't like, "I can't tell you," he said.

"What do you mean you can't tell me?"

He reached out for her. She made a move as if she was going to jerk away, but then stood still and let him take her face in his hands. He looked earnestly into her eyes. "I know I don't have any right to ask you this after what has happened between us in the past, but please, Lanie, trust me," he pleaded. "I promise I won't let you down again."

As she stared into his eyes, she felt as if she fell into a pool of warm brown taffy, her thoughts becoming languid. Her breath seemed to catch in her throat as he began rubbing along her cheekbone with his thumb. She saw him bend down and knew she should move away, break the connection between them, but her arms and legs didn't seem to get the message. "Trust me," he breathed as his lips met hers. She was tired of the struggle, of fighting him and fighting herself. Her lips softened under his. With a feeling of triumph, he carefully gathered her closer. His one hand moved from her face to the back of her head to hold her lips more firmly to his. His other hand he ran down to her lower back as he pulled her against him. Her arms came up to drape themselves around his neck, seemingly of their own accord. Her lips parted, and he took her up on the invitation, teasing her tongue with his. As Alistair kissed her, it felt as if his blood was singing. Every nerve in his body was hyperaware and concentrated on her. After all this time, she was back in his arms where she belonged, and it was glorious. He never wanted to be apart from her again. He broke the kiss and started to trail urgent kisses down the side of her face, across her neck, to the junction of her collarbone. He bit her lightly and heard her moan in response.

"Alistair," she said huskily.

"Yes, my love," he answered her.

"We have to stop," she said, as she pulled his face back to hers for another passionate kiss.

"I know," he said when he finally lifted his lips from her mouth. He still held her though, and the look in her eyes made him want to lay her on the ground and cover her body with his. She pushed lightly against him so he would release her. She turned and hugged herself, still breathing heavily. He took hold of her and drew her back against him so her back was against the front of his body. He wrapped his arms around her and cradled her in his embrace. She brought her hands to cover his as he felt her relax back into him. He bent his head and turned it so he could rest his cheek on the top of her head. They stood there for what seemed a long time, neither saying anything, just content in the fact that for this moment they were together again.

Alistair still needed the answer to his question and knew that soon the others would come looking for them. He asked her again. "Will you and Kellin come to Denerim next month?"

"Yes."


The actual departing was one of the hardest things Alistair had ever done. Kellin didn't help matters. He was upset that his father was leaving, sobbing inconsolably and crying huge tears. Alistair finally had to get back off his horse to calm him. He swept the little boy up into his arms and walked with him away from the others.

"Torin," said Elandria, never taking her eyes off Alistair and Kellin. "After Alistair leaves, I want you to take Kellin and see if you can summon Neilla. I'll start breaking down camp. I had thought we would stay until tomorrow morning, but I think it might be easier for Kellin if we move on today. Do you think you will have any trouble calling her in?" Neilla was the halla that had accompanied them on their trip for Kellin to ride, and she also carried a few of their possessions. She had been Torin's special pet while he was growing up, and he had a limited mental connection with her. He was trying to teach Kellin how to communicate with her, but not very successfully as of yet. After they had arrived, they had let Neilla roam free while they were staying in one place. Alistair had insisted on giving them one of the pack horses he had brought with him. Since horses were so rare in Ferelden, only the truly wealthy could afford them. There was no way she could have afforded to purchase one. Alistair told her she would need it for the return trip next month, so they could carry more of their possessions from the Dalish camp. Elandria had gratefully taken him up on the offer. Regardless of whether she stayed in Denerim or not after the Landsmeet, their time with the clan was over, and Kellin and Torin would most probably be staying with Alistair.

"I can try. If I keep calling out to her, even if we start off, she will eventually find us," he said.

Whatever Alistair was saying to the little boy seemed to be working. His tears dried up, and he gave his father a big hug. Alistair walked back over to where Elandria was standing, holding his horse's reins. He gave Kellin one last hug and kiss and said, "I love you, Kellin. I'll always love you. Remember, you, mamae, and Torin will be coming to see me soon. Take care of mamae for me until then."

"I will, Father," said Kellin earnestly.

Alistair turned one last time to Lanie. With the audience they had, he contented himself with just touching the side of her face with his hand, "The Landsmeet?" he asked.

"The Landsmeet," she agreed.

He turned to mount his horse, but spun back and pulled her against him in a hug, not caring that the others were there, "I'll think of you every single day," he said softly for her ears only. "I love you, Lanie."

She just nodded her head against him, relishing the smell and feel of him against her. With that, he took his reins from her, drew them back over his horse's head, gathered them with his left hand, put his foot in the stirrup, and mounted. Elandria picked Kellin up and held him, still watching Alistair, with Gabe at her feet. He gave a little wave to the two of them and then turned his horse in the direction of Denerim. He continued to turn back and wave to Elandria and Kellin as long as he could see them. None of his guards said anything as they fell into position around him.

Once they were out of sight, Alistair put his horse into a trot. After a bit, he pulled him back to a walk. "Hugh, Adair, Reilly, you are the three I trust the most out of your entire unit," he said. "That's why I brought you on this trip. I'm going to need you to do something for me, something that will probably be difficult, as I'm sure other people will be curious as to where we have been and what we have been doing. I need you to not tell anyone, and that includes the chancellor, about Lanie and Kellin, or anything else about these three days for that matter. If I have to, I order you not to talk about it. If anyone presses you with questions, send them to me."

All three men promised to keep silent. Hugh was just glad they weren't accompanied by the Warden. He was a little surprised the boy hadn't come with them, but it sounded like his lord had something up his sleeve. He only hoped the king knew what he was about.

Alistair had hated to leave Lanie and Kellin behind. He just kept telling himself it would be worth it in the end. He thought about them the whole way back to Denerim.