Sorry I took so long with this chapter, I kept re-working it. I hope it is to your liking.

Thank you


Life was a little tense in camp for about a day or so while Belyssa was still seething at not being able to exact revenge on Howe's men, Sten was not angry at how she talked to him in fact he seemed impressed. Leilana really didn't understand what it was going to take to stop the threat the darkspawn posed. Surprisingly Morrigan was in a good mood, she seemed impressed that Belyssa could make the choice based on the larger picture. Trouble was in heaven, it seemed that his valiant effort to save Duble from the townsmen in Lothering impressed her and she seems to have forgiven him for the moment.

Alistair wondered how long that would last, since from past experience of watching the Cousland women, it didn't take much to make a woman angry at a man. He recalled a time when he, Fergus and Bryce went to the palace and didn't return until many hours later and sent no word, when they finally returned they were all drunk causing both Eleanor and Oriana (who he thought were rather reserved women, until that day) to scream rather loudly at their husbands, they didn't spare Alistair either since he was unmarried both women ganged up on him to which he felt was completely uncalled for. Bel came along and seeing the trouble all of them were in and came to their rescue at least that is what the men thought, she even argued on their behalf. It was not until the next morning did they learn Bel had conspired with her mother and sister-in-law to have the kitchen staff cook the greasiest breakfast along with having the soldiers preform drills in the early morning, causing their horrible hangovers to last much longer than necessary. Alistair was smiling when Belyssa approached him with a bowl of food that Leilana had cooked that evening.

"What's so funny?" she asked as she handed him his food.

"Uh? Oh, I was remembering that time your father, brother and I came back from the palace very drunk and you tricked us." This also had Belyssa smiling as she recalled that memory as well.

"I don't remember you laughing back then." to this Alistair shrugged.

"At the time I didn't find it funny; but now thinking back we must have been quite a site. It still think it wasn't fair that I had your mother and Oriana yelling at me."

"They did always mother you. I am guessing that you were not lectured when you drank too much with the Wardens?"

"Hardly, they would just hit you harder on the practice field the next day." this caused Belyssa to laugh as she spoke.

"I guess some greasy sausages and runny eggs didn't seem so bad."

"Not all. That reminds me of the time Gregor challenged us all to a drinking contest, he claimed he would never get drunk no matter how much he drank and to prove it he said he would drink two pints of ale for every pint the rest of us drank. I was told later that Duncan had come into the common area and found all of us passed out from drinking and there was Gregor still drinking and we missed Duncan laughing at us all." Alistair's voice trailed off and the pain of losing them all returned to his eyes.

"Do you want to talk about what happened?"

"I am sorry for the way I reacted. Duncan warned me any of us could die in battle. I shouldn't have withdrawn from you when you needed me. I am sorry."

"No harm done. Don't worry about Alistair."

"When all this is over I think I want to visit where Duncan was from, he mentioned his family was from Highever."

"Maybe I will go with you."

"I would like that."

"I didn't mean bring back the pain." says Belyssa. Alistair took a few breath before answering her.

"No it is all right. Lets just enjoy dinner." to this Belyssa nodded and they headed over to where there were some logs so they could both sit down to eat. Belyssa stoppedting for a moment and looked over at her friend.

"There is something I have been meaning to tell you since you Ostagar."

"Oh?" Belyssa swallowed before continuing

"Yes, remember that moment with Cailan?" she was blushing slightly, Alistair had to control the anger he felt then when recalled what she was talking about.

"You mean when you kissed a married man?" he said evenly. Belyssa sighed and squashed her own anger, why he acting like this? She wondered.

"I told you then, I mistook him for someone else, and that is not what I want to talk about. I wanted to talk about the reason behind my joy then. You see, I had just received word that Fergus was alive. He was badly wounded but he is alive." when she was done talking she began to bite her bottom lip.

"That is great news. (this time Alistair sighed) I am sorry I was a jerk to you then and now." Belyssa just nodded. "Wait, why is it you don't look so happy about this now?"

"Well are about a a few days from me seeing Gus for the first time since he left Highever. Originally we were supposed to meet him at Lothering but the Sgt learned that Loghain had men looking for us so he left word and proceeded to the rendezvous point outside Redcliffe. He also told Gus about the events at Highever."

"Alright. That doesn't explain your lack of of enthusiasm in seeing your brother." Belyssa turned her head to gaze at the fire.

"He is going to want to know about what happened. And...and I am not ready to talk about that especially with him." Alistair could tell by the sound of her voice she was very upset just talking in general terms about the events at Highever. "I just wanted to know if you could be there for him?"

Alistair placed his hand over hers and gave it a squeeze. "I am here for you both, Bel. But, you can't avoid talking to Fergus about this."

"I know. But I will delay it for as long as I can." Alistair thought that was not good choice he didn't know Fergus as well as he knew Bel; however, they both could be pretty stubborn when they had both wanted something.

"Ok, so how is Fergus doing since Lothering?"

"The Sgt said he was healing well they found a woman in the Wilds and she has been caring for him."

"More good news. I don't know about you but I really need to clean this grime off of me." Belyssa chuckled at Alistair's words and she went about coming up with a bathing schedule for everyone in camp.

After dinner the men and the ladies took turns bathing in a stream nearby. When Belyssa arrived back at camp Sten pointed out two newcomers to their encampment. She was headed in that direction as Alistair left to take his bath. The newcomers ended up being Bodhan and his son Sandal, Bodhan decided traveling with Grey Wardens after all would not be as dangerous as he thought. Belyssa had feeling he was to frightened to travel on his own after their encounter with the darkspawn, so in exchange for a discount on his wares she allowed them to travel with them. She took the opportunity to sell some items they had picked up in Lothering and Ostagar. She did purchase some sweet treats he was selling and gave them out to everyone, it did seem to her that Sten smiled about his treat, she really couldn't tell. She noticed that Alistair had not returned from his bath as of yet, which reminded her of the gifts she had in her backpack for him so she went to gather those items and then headed back down to the stream. She spotted Alistair by a rock he was drying himself off, he had his back to her giving her a complete view of his arse to which she just stared at, he was not the first man she had seen naked; however he seemed to be the only one that caused a myriad of emotions within her. As she watched him she was trying to figure out why her body felt differently around him now. She was lost in thought staring at his arse when all of suddenly he dropped his towel and reached for his sword.

"Alright little beastie come out so we can play." Belyssa became alarmed that she too unsheathed her sword and came out into the clearing.

"Alistair what do you sense?" a startled Alistair answered her.

"I thought I sensed the darkspawn, but I am guessing it was your taint I sensed." Belyssa had forgotten his state of undress until she got closer to him and saw all of him. The heat rose to her face and she quickly turned around.

"Bel what is it? Do you hear something?"

"You're... not dressed." she sputtered. He gave a yelp when he realized she was right. Just great I am standing here like a fool naked with a sword in my hand.

"Oh Maker!" this had her giggling. "This is not funny!" he shouted indignantly. Belyssa was having a hard time stopping her giggles.

"Oh come now Alistair, even you have to admit that the site of of your undress might give the darkspawn something more to think about than everyone standing in circle holding hands. I wonder what a female darkspawn would do?" I know it gave me a few things to think about ,she thought to herself.

"I think being around Morrigan for so long has made your mean streak worse. You can turn around now." he then added. When she turned he was sitting on a rock putting on his socks and boots. While her back was turned she worked hard to think of other things since she knew he only thought of her a little sister. She then realized what Alistair had said earlier.

"Are you saying you thought I was a darkspawn?"

"Don't get mad at me. Remember we have the taint in us now, he had no idea she was spying on him.

"That does make sense. Will I be able to that as well?"

"Don't you already sense them?"

"I meant, will I be able to sense you and possibly other Warden's?"

"I don't see why not. So why did you come out here or were you really to trying to see me naked?" Belyssa could feel her cheeks burning at his question.

"I picked up some small candles in Lothering and thought we could use them in a tribute to Cailan, Duncan, Gelric and other Wardens. I thought about having everyone here and then decided against it." Alistair was stunned at Belyssa words, despite what she has gone through she can still place other peoples needs above her own.

"I think that is a wonderful idea and I would prefer it was just us." his voice was full of emotion. Belyssa nodded as she went about taking everything out of her backpack as Alistair gathered up some leaves once everything was ready they both bent down and began placing all the candles on the leaves and then placed them in the water. Alistair realized that she had carved the names of every Warden that died at Ostagar on each candle, his heart swelled with pride. As the waves began to take the candles up stream Belyssa was unsure of what to say and then finally began to recite the oath that Alistair said during her Joining.

"Join us, brothers and sisters. Join us in the shadows where we stand vigilant. Join us as we carry the duty that can not be forsworn. And should you perish, know that your sacrifice will not be forgotten. And that one day we shall join you." Alistair added

"In War Victory, In Peace Vigilance and in Death Sacrifice." he looks over to Belyssa's questioning eyes. "It...is our motto. Can you sing a song for me, I mean for them?" he asks with his voice cracking a little. Belyssa gives him a warm smile and starts to a sing song he has never heard. For some reason he decided to wrapped his arms around her and hold her close to him, Belyssa didn't seem to mind while she sang, she put her heart into the song. While she was singing Belyssa realized how wonderful it felt having Alistair's arms wrapped around her. His cheek was resting on the side of her head, at some point during the song she felt her hair dampen, he must be crying, and her heart ached for his pain. When she was finally done with the song she turned around in his arms to look up at him, she touched his cheek with her fingers to wipe his tears away. Next thing he knew she was rising up to her tip toes and pulling him down to her, she whispered in his ear.

"Let it out Alistair." was all she said and that was enough, he began to cry into the crook of her neck and his body began shaking in her arms all the while she just kept saying. "I've got you." neither one were aware of how long they were standing like that, Alistair felt when standing on her toes was becoming to much for her and began to reluctantly to pull away, he felt her moving her head as he moved his, her lips were just a breath way from his and he couldn't stop himself as his lips brushed up against hers ever so lightly then they were both startled by the sound of Duble's barking that they jumped apart.

"Is everything alright down here? You two have been gone for a very long time." says Leilana as she walks into view. At this point Alistair was walking over to where his things were and Belyssa was left standing alone. She looks over at Leilana a little dazed.

"Warden are you alright?" asks Leilana, Belyssa didn't answer at first, she looked over to Alistair who seemed very engrossed in gathering his things.

"We..were giving a tribute to King Cailan, Duncan and the other Wardens lost at Ostagar." Belyssa finally said, she was feeling confused one moment she was holding Alistair while he cried and she could sworn his kissed her but it was so light she isn't sure and then at the same time it felt as if her body was hit by a bolt of lighting, now without his arms wrapped around her she just felt cold.

"So that was you I heard singing?" Belyssa just nodded, she didn't want to talk just then but Leilana would not stop. "You have a lovely voice Warden." When Belyssa went to look for Alistair again; he was gone and her heart sank. So she picked up her backpack and began walking back to camp with Leilana. She wasn't really listening to her, until she felt a tug on her curls. By now they were back at camp and Alistair was standing in front of the fire.

"Warden?" says Leilana a little loudly.

"Yes, I am sorry Leilana. What did you just say?"

"I said what did you do to your hair?" automatically Belyssa touched her hair.

"What do you mean?"

"It looks different."

"Oh, this how it always looks, curly, for special occasions my mother purchased a spell from The Wonders of Thedas that made my hair straighten.

"Oh I see." says Leilana she then begins to tell her a tale of some Orlesian Noble Lady and song birds. When Leilana is done, Belyssa looks for Alistair again she finds him over by his tent, they had come across an abandoned house and raided it for goods for the group.

"Alistair" he turned around completely startled by her. "I am sorry, I didn't mean to surprise you."

"For a warrior you are very light footed." he said as he smiled, but he wouldn't hold eye contact with her for very long.

"I forgot to give you something else by the stream."

"Something else?" he said looking a little wary.

"Yes, here." with her heart pounding she handed him the small statuette she found. He look down examining it for a few moments.

"Thank you, I really like it." he looked down at his feet. Belyssa took a deep breath for courage for her next statement.

"About what happened at the stream-" she was cut-off by Alistair.

"It is ok, I am glad it was you." Belyssa's heart skipped a beat.

"You are?"

"Well yes could you imagine if Leilana or worse Morrigan saw me standing there holding my sword completely naked I would never live it down. It's still embarrassing, but I am glad it was a friend and not one of them." Belyssa's heart sank, she had to blink a couple of times to stem the tears filling rapidly in her eyes.

"Well I am glad you cleared that up. I have to go check on Trouble." with that she walked quickly away from him so she could finally let her tears fall. She found a spot far from camp and slumped down by a tree. As she cried she realized that she cared for Alistair far more deeply than a brother or friend she had also come to the conclusion that he only saw her as a little sister and would never have the same feelings for her, this caused her to cry harder for a time. She had her head resting on her knees crying when Trouble found her. He let out a whine and bumped her with his head. Belyssa let out a sigh as she looked up and into he hounds eyes.

"I just wish I could talk to Mama or Ria they could help me. Don't worry, I will be alright. It is all my fault."

I could bite him for you.

"Trouble Cousland you will do no such thing to Alistair! You will continue to be kind to him and help him in battle. Do you understand me?"

Yes, Mama.

"Let's get back to the others, we can play with your stick while I take first watch."

You are not going to stand watch with Alistair?

No, I think I need some time to myself. Belyssa changed watch times with Sten, so she and Trouble were subjected to Leilana's constant talking for four hours and they were quite happy when they could finally go to sleep.


The next morning felt a little strange to Alistair had expected to be sharing watch with Belyssa but when he walked out he found Sten waiting for him. So watch seemed to drag on forever since Sten is a man of few words. So far for the day Belyssa seemed to be avoiding him, at least that is how he felt about it. Right now he could see her up ahead of him listening to Leilana talking about shoes. He knew she wasn't giving Leilana her complete attention, she could barely handle those type of conversations from her mother and Oriana. All of sudden he notices a woman running up to them, so he jogs up to hear what is going on.

"Oh, thank the Maker! We need help! They attacked the wagon; please help us!" says the woman. Follow me! I'll take you to them!" she continued and runs off ahead.

"What do you think?" asks Leilana

"I don't trust it, we should be wary." answers Alistair.

"You have a point." says Belyssa not really looking at him. He did notice that she had her hair in the same style her mother used to wear it, which looked a little severe on Bel, he thought. "Morrigan stay back and have some spells ready just in case." she looked at the hounds. "You too." both hounds barked in response. So just Alistair, Leilana and Belyssa and Sten followed after the woman. As they come around the bend, they see the woman walk up to an elf as she nods her head and he made some gesture with his hand and out of no where armed people start coming out of from behind knocked down wagons and trees and the ridge just above them. Just then a tree starts to fall down directly above her head and the four of them are forced to jump out of the way of it. The elf then shouts.

"The Grey Wardens die here!" and all hell breaks loose. Belyssa was already upset so she was happy to hit something, she took on the elf directly. She notices his fighting style was similar to own except he had more grace on his feet than she did. That didn't deter her one bit as she traded blows with the elf, out of nowhere Alistair came from behind and knocked him out and then moved onto the next opponent. This angered her further, she too move on to fight someone else; since Belyssa had the hounds and Morrigan provide back up, the fight didn't take that long. When the fighting was done, she yelled at Alistair,

"Why did you hit him from behind. I was fine."

"I thought I was helping you. Next time I will leave you to it, then."

"Good!" Alistair knew she was mad at him for something, oh Maker the kiss, I knew I shouldn't have done it. "Anyone left alive?" Belyssa asked everyone else.

"This one is." answered Morrigan, she standing over the elf. "Do you want me to kill him?"

"No! I want to find out what in the Black City is going on and who he is? Let's wake him." She heads over and wakes up the elf.

"Mmm..what? I... oh." says the elf. Belyssa realizes his accent is Antivan. I wonder if he is a crow? She thinks to herself. "I rather thought I would wake up dead. Or not wake up at all, as the case may be. But I see you haven't killed me yet."

"The day is still young." answers Belyssa.

"Oh, you are an aggressive little minx, aren't you? Lovely too." says the elf. That statement annoyed Alistair so much that he changes his stance and folds his arms over his chest. "But it's questions you're planning on asking me, let me save you a little time and get right to the point. My name is Zevran. Zev to my friends. I am a member of the Antivan Crows, brought here for the sole purpose of slaying any surviving Grey Wardens. Which I have failed at, sadly."

"I guess I am having a better day than you?" says Belyssa sarcastically.

"Yes it would seem so. For me, however, it sets a rather poor precedent, doesn't it. Getting captured by a target seems a tad detrimental to one's budding assassin career."

"Too bad for you then. Though what is an Antivan Crow?" Belyssa decides she isn't going to let on she knows about the Order.

"I can tell you that. They are an order of assassins out of Antiva. Very powerful, and renowned for always getting the job done..so to speak. Someone went to great expense to hire this man." Alistair had to hold his tongue and his reaction to Bel's question he knew damn well that she knew who the Crows were because of her sister-in-law. What is she playing at?

"Quite right. I'm surprised you haven't heard much of the Crows out here. Back where I come from, we're rather infamous."

"Not for being good at what you do, I see." mocked Morrigan.

"Oh, fine. Is that what you Fereldens do? Mock your prisoners? Such cruelty."

"I am impressed you are keeping a sense of humor about your situation." says Alistair not all amused by this conversation.

"I do aim to please." said the Zevran.

"So who hired you?"

"A rather taciturn to fellow in the capital. Loghain, I think his name was. Yes, that's it. I was to kill him (indicating Alistair with a jerk of his head) and my lovely Warden was to be delivered to Arl Howe." This had Alistair moving towards Zevran.

"Why you..." Alistair's movement was stopped by Belyssa, she had grabbed his arm, she looked down at Zevran and continued to ask him questions.

"Does this mean you are loyal to Loghain?"

"I have no idea what his issues are with you. The usual, I imagine. You threaten his power, yes? Beyond that, no, I'm not loyal to him. I was contracted to preform a service."

"And that you failed at that service?"

"Well, that's between Loghain and the Crows. And between the Crows and myself."

"And between you and me?"

"That would be lovely." confused Belyssa then says.

"What would be lovely."

"To get between those lovely legs of yours." Alistair made a lunge for Zevran now, almost pulling Belyssa to the ground.

"Watch how you talk to her." he hissed angrily at Zevran.

"Oh, so you have a protector? How nice." says Zevran continuing to bait Alistair, again Alistair moved closer to him, causing Belyssa to step between them. She placed her hands on Alistair's chest to push him back.

"Stop it, he is trying to goad you." Alistair looked down at her, then did he noticed her eyes were puffy and her nose was a little red. He had begun to reach out to touch her cheek but she pulled away from him and stood directly between him and Zevran.

"As for you, no more games or I will kill you right now!"

"Deadly, feisty and beautiful, my kind of woman, perhaps I did die after all." Belyssa rolls her eyes upward while trying really hard not to smile.

"Back to business, you now have to deal with me."

"Isn't that what we're establishing right now?"

"When were you to see either one of them next."

"I wasn't. If I had succeeded, I would have returned home and the Crows would have informed your Loghain of the results..if he didn't already know. As for the Arl, I was to have you delivered to his estate in Denerim. If I had failed, I would be dead. Or I should be at least as far as the Crows are concerned. No need to see either of them again."

"You say that like you didn't expect to be beaten?"

"What can I say? I am an eternal optimist. Although the chances of succeeding at this point seems a bit slim, don't they. Ha, ha. No, I don't suppose you'd find that funny, would you."

"Why are you telling me all of this?"

"Why not? I wasn't paid for my silence. Not that I offered it for sale, precisely."

"So what is it you are offering?"

"Ah so now we come down to it. Well, here's the thing. I failed to kill you, so my life is forfeit. That's how it works. If you don't kill me, the Crows will. The thing is, I like living. And you obviously are the sort to give the Crows pause. So let me serve you, instead. "

"You are not exactly beaming with loyalty."

"I happen to be a very loyal person. Up until the point someone wants me to die for failing. That is not a fault, really, is it? I mean, unless you're the sort who would do the same thing. In which case I ...don't come very well recommended, I suppose."

"And we're supposed to believe you're not going to try to finish the job later?" asks Alistair

"To be completely honest., I was never given much of a choice regarding joining the Crows. They bought me on the slave market when I was child. I think I've paid my worth back to them, plus tenfold. The only way out, however, is to sign up with someone they can't touch. Even if I did kill you now, they might kill me just on principle for failing the first time. Honestly, I'd rather take my chances with you."

"Won't they still come after you?"

"Possibly. I happen to know their wily ways, however. I can protect myself, as well as you. Not that you seem to need much help in that area. And if not... well, it's not as if I have many alternatives to start with, is it?"

"You must think the Warden is royally stupid." says Morrigan.

"I think she is royally tough to kill. And utterly gorgeous." Belyssa hears Alistair snort from behind her, causing her heart to ache again. "Not that I think you will respond to simple flattery. But there are worse things in life than serving the whims of deadly sex goddess." Belyssa feels Alistair starting to stir again so she presses herself against him, this of course sets off a host of reactions within herself.

"So you get my protection, what do I get in return?" she heard Alistair's sharp intake of breath at her statement.

"I have many skills to offer, from fighting to stealth and picking locks. I could also warn you should the Antivan Crows attempt something more..sophisticated..now that my attempts have failed. I could also stand around and look pretty, if you prefer. Warm your bed? Fend off unwanted to suitors? No?" before Alistair could react to what Zevran said, he was stunned at Belyssa's response.

"Bed warming might be nice."

"See? I knew we would find a common interest. Or two. Or three. Really I can go all night. I'll even shine armour, you won't find a better deal I promise."

"Alright, I accept your offer." Alistair couldn't believe what just happened.

"What? You're taking the assassin with us now? Does that really seem like a good idea?" he nearly shouted. Even Morrigan had something to say.

"You must have hit your head harder than Mother thought." Belyssa ignored Morrigan's comment and addresses Alistair's.

"We need all the help we can get."

"We need horses and wagons too, I don't see you stopping for those."

"Do you want to kill him?" Alistair looked back down at Zevran and then to Belyssa again.

"Hmmm. All right, all right. I see your point. Still. If there was a sign we were desperate, I think it just knocked on the door and said hello." she couldn't help but smile at his last comment.

"A fine plan. But I would examine your food and drink far more closely from now on, were I you." adds Morrigan while Belyssa was helping Zevran to his feet.

"That's excellent advice for anyone." says Zevran as he stood up.

"Welcome, Zevran. Having an Antivan Crow join us sounds like a fine plan." says Leilana.

"Oh? You are another companion-to-be, then? I wasn't aware such loveliness existed amongst adventurers, surely."

"Or maybe not." Leilana concludes.

"I hereby pledge my oath of loyalty to you, until such a time as you choose to release me from it. I am your man, without reservation..this I swear." as he bows before Belyssa again causing Alistair to walk away mumbling to himself. For the next several hours until they reached an area to camp for the night Alistair was subjected to listening to Zevran's voice, if he was not trying to flirt with Belyssa, who was laughing and smiling at his words he also laid on the charm to both Leilana and Morrigan. By the time they decided to camp Alistair volunteered to go hunting with the hounds just to get away from him. When he returned to camp a few hours later with several rabbits already skinned and ready to be placed in the fire, he notices Zevran coming out of Belyssa's tent. Alistair was overwhelmed with anger that he stormed right over to the elf and began questioning him.

"What were you doing in there?" he demanded. Zevran blinked at first and then gave him a sly grin.

"I was changing."

"Changing? Why?"

"Well you see people usually feel the need to clean up after they spent several hours getting all hot and sweaty together. And our Warden well, lets just say she is an enthusiastic learner."

"What are you talking about?" Alistair demanded, he was getting a horrible feeling in his stomach while he asked the question. She wouldn't, not with him? This time Zevran gave him a very happy smile.

"Well, if you must ask. Then you have not had the pleasure. Lets just say that a woman of her caliber, well it was quite an experience. I could-" at this point Alistair lost his temper and punched Zevran knocking him to the ground at this point Belyssa arrived on the scene to witness it.

"ALISTAIR!" she yelled as she rushed to Zevran's side, she bent down to inspect Zevran's nose which was bleeding profusely. "Zevran go see Morrigan, she just finished making some potions and should be able to help you." she rose to deal with Alistair who had already walked away from the scene, so she chased after him she found over by the fire giving Leilana the rabbits he caught.

"We need to talk now!"

"Don't you need to baby your sweetheart?"

"Lets take a walk now!" with that Belyssa headed off in the direction of the clearing where she and Zevran practiced earlier, once she felt they would not be overheard did she turn around to confront Alistair. "What the fuck was that? Why did you hit Zevran?" Alistair was being petulant with his response and he knew it the moment he answered her.

"I felt like it."

"WHAT?"

"You heard me." Belyssa was looking at him as if he lost his mind.

"I know you, you are not one to lose your temper so quickly." she reached out to touch his hand but he pulled back from, his action hurt her deeply.

"I thought I knew you too. Apparently we were both wrong."

"What are you talking about?"

"How could you? The man tried to kill you earlier today and after some fluffy apology and a couple of winks not only do you forgive him, you also lie on your back like some common whore and spread your legs for him. Thank the Ma-" Alistair didn't finish that last sentence because Belyssa slapped him so hard across his face he actually had to take a step back from the blow to keep from falling down. As the pain of being hit radiated on the side of his face he looked down at Belyssa he noticed the tears forming in her hurt eyes and he felt like an arse.

"You are right, I don't know this Alistair. When you are ready to be the Alistair I do know, then talk to me again." she began to walk away from him, he tried to grab her arm to stop her but she whirled out of his grip. "Stay away from me!" she shouted this time and then ran away. What have I done?, he could hear that voice in his head telling him he really stepped into it. He realized in that moment that he cared a great deal for her and let his jealously get the better of him and that may have cost him his best friend. Alistair was slumped beside a tree when Duble found him she didn't say anything as she sat down beside him resting her head on his knee, he automatically began to pet her, after a while he looked down at his hound.

"I don't think she is going to forgive me for this and when I tell her who my father is it is only going to make things worse between us." Duble let out a whine.