Note: So here we are, at last. It was a long journey, wasn't it? Warning for adult themes at the end!

The scent of wood-smoke and elfroot hung heavy, enough to irritate Elissa's nose. She sneezed, and the rush of air snapped her into wakefulness. Soft pillows cushioned her head, although they did little to ease the ache behind her temples. Grimacing, her eyes flickered open. Unshed tears misted her vision, and she made to wipe them away. A host of blankets fought back, and her chest went tight. She couldn't breathe.

In panic she wrestled with the layers, almost tearing them apart, and finally threw them aside. Snatching back her breath, she managed to sit, dangling her legs over the side of the cot. A cold sweat pooled at her brow, and she held her chest, her heart flustered. Those memories from her accident still haunted, even now. She couldn't face being stuck in bed. But she wasn't back in Viren's home, too paralysed to move. She was…

Where was she?

Rubbing her shoulder, Elissa glanced around. She was in an unfamiliar room, facing a well-stoked hearth. The walls were made of an unusual stone, and a wooden staircase towered through the middle. A grotty window revealed that night had fallen once more, and Elissa held the back of her neck. She must have been asleep for a while.

As her eyes adjusted to the dimness, she caught another patient in the cot beside her. Lahara's auburn locks were instantly recognisable, and relief swelled through Elissa. The Herald was sleeping, propped upright with a strange mask covering her mouth and nose. The latter glowed with lyrium, and sparkled in time with her breathing, which was much calmer. Bethany was also curled up against her shoulder, lost to her dreams. Elissa's gaze softened.

Thank the Maker, you're okay.

Swallowing, she scanned the remaining cots. They were all empty, although one seemed to have been used recently. The blankets were crumpled, and patches of old blood soiled the sheets. Elissa's stomach knotted.

Leliana.

The worst filled her thoughts, and she held her head in her hands. The trembling wouldn't stop, and she wanted to be sick. No, Leliana wouldn't…she couldn't…

She would not believe it unless she'd seen with her own eyes that…

A low-pitched murmur broke the quiet. It was oddly soothing, and Elissa found herself listening. Her heartbeat was deafening, threatening to drown it out, but then words came, soaring higher and exposing its true melody.

Someone was singing.

Elissa let her hands drop, a smile spreading across her lips. The song washed over her, melting the icy grip around her chest, and she strained to catch every note. As faint as it was, she would know that voice anywhere. And it was the most beautiful thing she had ever heard.

Curiosity overcame her, and she made to stand. At once the pins and needles returned, numbing her legs, and she fell back to the cot. The frame squeaked, and Elissa sighed, pressing a hand to her back. Slowly, now.

Licking her lips, she gripped the cot again and stretched her legs. Gradually the blood began flowing again, taking the tingling with it, and she was able to rise.

With the feeling back, Elissa took her overcoat from her bedside and forced herself to walk. Now it was her blistered feet's turn to protest, so she stepped lightly. The floor was freezing against her bare soles, but she was too drawn to the hypnotic chant to care. It seemed to be coming from the floor above.

The staircase creaked and groaned, and she eventually made it to the landing. Crates were stacked against the walls, and a chilly breeze came from a doorway on her left. Now she was close enough to recognise the song; Leliana had performed it after they had rescued the mages during the Blight. And as she wandered through into the night air, she found the bard indeed singing.

Leliana sat on the lone bench, her hands in her lap. Her eyes were closed, engrossed in the notes that escaped her lips. Clean dressings covered her injured calf, and a pair of makeshift crutches rested against the balcony railing. Only a lace shirt and scarf protected her from the wind, but she didn't seem to mind.

Elissa paused at the threshold, the bard's voice mesmerizing. Just as she had been entranced all those years ago, so she was enraptured now.

I don't ever want to forget this time.

At last, the song drew to a close. Leliana let her final note linger, until she ran out of breath. She bowed her head, her palms clasped in prayer. It wasn't long however before she was shivering, but she made no motion to leave.

Sighing, Elissa strode forward. She pulled off her overcoat, then draped it around the bard's shoulders. Leliana tensed, snapping her head around. Her grey-blue eyes softened, and she gave a grateful smile, snuggling into the warmth. Elissa climbed over to sit beside her, pulling her into her chest.

"You shouldn't be out in the cold," she said.

Leliana let out a breath, pressing closer.

"I just wanted to see the stars," she answered. "I…truly thought I might never see them again." She leant into Elissa's embrace, her eyes closing. "It is thanks to you I have this moment. I owe you everything."

An ache prickled in Elissa's chest, and she looked away.

"What do you owe me?" Her voice was bitter. "All the angered words I spat at you; a wound that almost cost your life, that would have never have happened if…"

Leliana pressed her finger against Elissa's lips.

"You dare say that, after all you've done?" Her grey-blue eyes narrowed. "You achieved the impossible, Elissa. No-one could have walked such a distance in one night, let alone carrying the two of us as well. If not for you, Lara and I would be dead." She held Elissa's cheek, bringing their brows together. "You saved me, as I never could that day." A shaky breath escaped her. "I…I always fail you when you need me…"

Elissa clasped her palm over the bard's.

"No," she said. "You are stronger than I could ever be, Leliana. You always kept me going when the darkness became too much, and you still do, even when faced with your own." She raked her fingers through the bard's hair, so soft and silken. "You say you owe me everything, when my debt to you will forever be greater."

Leliana found herself smiling. She leant closer, her voice dropping to a whisper.

"Then I must start collecting payment, no?"

She closed the distance between their lips. Elissa shut her eyes, giving in to her feather-light touch. One she could have lost forever. Her arms locked around the bard, and she pushed back against her, deepening their kiss. All she knew was Leliana's warmth, her cinnamon scent, her beautiful sweet taste, and she wanted nothing else.

Eventually though the cold seeped deeper, and Elissa's back started to ache. She pulled away, shivering. She had to get them back inside.

Carefully, she tucked her arms around Leliana. The bard clung to Elissa's neck, drawing herself against her chest. Then Elissa stood up, Leliana's weight so comfortable and familiar. The movement jarred, and Leliana hissed, tensing her injured leg.

"It's alright," Elissa soothed. "I've got you."

And I'm never letting go.

She retreated from the balcony, the pains in her feet nothing anymore. She made to return down the stairs, but Leliana shook her head. Instead she took Elissa's cheek, stealing another kiss. Her breath was heated, her lips soft, and Elissa held her tighter, savouring every moment of her rich, meady taste. Too soon, the bard withdrew. Her grey-blue eyes burned with longing, stirring a hunger Elissa never thought she would feel after so long.

"I want to make you mine again," Leliana whispered, twirling her fingers in Elissa's hair. Her tone sent tingles down Elissa's spine. She wanted it, too.

"I…We need to find somewhere," Elissa murmured.

Leliana nodded. She curled against Elissa's neck, but did not let up on her touches. Her fingertips roamed, loosening Elissa's collar, and it was all Elissa could do to focus as she looked around the landing. There didn't seem to be any other rooms, but the stairs continued upwards. The upper floors were bound to have remained untouched.

Moonlight spilled through the inlets in the wall, guiding Elissa's path as she climbed. Finally they reached the uppermost floor; more an attic, really. It had a curved ceiling, and was stacked with more crates and boxes. A narrow alcove was tucked in the corner. Beneath it stretched a couch, guarded by a slanted window. The hearth beside it was black with ash, but there was plenty of abandoned firewood in front of it.

"It's all we need," Leliana purred, grazing her lips down Elissa's bare neck.

"Just…wait…" Oh, Maker… "…wait a…a second." Elissa could barely get the words out, wanting to lose herself to the bard's ministrations right there and then. She'd all but forgotten the maddening cravings that Leliana's touch provoked. But she would not risk her falling ill again with the cold.

Awkwardly Elissa pulled Leliana's borrowed overcoat off, throwing it over the couch. Then she lay Leliana down, brushing their lips together once more, before she reluctantly withdrew. Leliana tugged off her scarf, revealing the deep neckline of her shirt. Heart racing, Elissa forced her gaze away and turned to the hearth. She scraped out the burnt ash, then replaced it with fresh wood. It wasn't long until the flames caught, and Elissa leapt back to the alcove.

Leliana locked her into another kiss, grasping Elissa's flushed cheeks. Elissa was more than eager to return the favour, pulling the bard against her, kindling the heat that rose between her hips. Every touch, every stolen breath burned through the chains that had shackled her for so long. Her tainted nightmares and fearful heart had always suffocated her desire, yet now it was finally let loose, and she revelled in her newfound freedom.

Eventually Leliana broke contact, catching her breath. Elissa did likewise, relishing the bard's scent as Leliana started to unbutton the rest of her shirt. Leliana took her time, drinking in the sight of her lover's exposed skin. A view she had not enjoyed for so many years.

"Every scar tells a story," she murmured, pulling the shirt free. Elissa remained still, her breaths quickening as Leliana ran her fingers across her Warden pendant. The bard traced it slowly, pausing where it met the rune below the hollow of Elissa's throat. She planted a delicate kiss there, before she continued, mapping each and every blemish across Elissa's chest. A pulse of pleasure ran through Elissa, and she closed her eyes. "I want to discover yours all over again."

"They're only yours to know," Elissa whispered.

As Leliana made her way back up, Elissa pressed her lips to the corner of the bard's mouth. A soft gasp escaped Leliana, and she raked her palms across Elissa's sides. The bard's right hand brushed the biggest scar, and Elissa tensed slightly. The area was still sensitive, and not just for the injury it once bore. Leliana let her thumb linger there, taking in the myriad of healed wounds.

"It's a miracle you survived," she said, her breath warm against Elissa's lips. "You have endured so much, Elissa." She took Elissa's fingers, bringing them to her cheek. "Yet you still know such tenderness, too."

Elissa circled her arm around the bard, comforted by the heat of her skin against her own.

"You're hardly a stranger to such things," she said. "After all, you taught me."

Leliana smiled, resting in the crook of Elissa's neck. For a moment they remained in stillness, until Elissa kissed the bard's brow. A quiet rumble left Leliana's throat, and she renewed her exploration.

"Do you remember," she asked, sliding her hand to Elissa's belt, "our first time?"

Elissa found herself smiling back. How long it had been since then, and yet she could recall that night in Denerim so vividly. A memory that no longer cut into her, but instead rested close to her heart. When she had realised how to truly love again without fear.

"You were very gentle," Elissa murmured. "And patient."

"And you knew more than you thought." Leliana loosened the leather around Elissa's waist, but paused before fully releasing it. "You never shied from me, from…what you saw." She swallowed, hesitant. "You were the first to...after what they did..."

Elissa brought her free hand up, caressing the bard's cheek.

"You were beautiful then," she declared, "and you're even more so now." She ran her hand through Leliana's locks, a sudden lump rising in her throat. "You've weathered so much pain, Leliana. And so much of it came from me. I'm sorry."

Leliana shook her head.

"I gave just as much back." The bard's gaze fell. "For all it hurt…you spoke the truth in Haven. Your death became an excuse, a means to justify all the terrible things I did. It was the first step down a path I never wanted to take, and I could not stop myself." Her eyes glistened. "And it made me hurt you as I never should have."

Elissa tilted the bard's chin up.

"I won't leave you to face that again," she said, bringing their lips together. "Whatever comes, I will always be by your side, Leliana."

At last the tears escaped, and Leliana pressed her forehead against Elissa's.

"Maker, I've dreamt of this forever." She took Elissa's hand once more, holding it against her chest. "I missed you like no other, cried myself to sleep for countless nights, blamed myself for losing such a blessed gift. Every part of me ached for you…" Her breathing hitched. "Now I…I can barely believe…after all we went through..."

Elissa hushed her, kissing away her tears.

"It's okay," she murmured. "You're here with me, and that's all that matters."

The bard caught her breath sharply as Elissa started to work downwards, unravelling the lace cords that were the last barrier keeping them apart. At last they were freed, and Elissa's hands forgot their manners, wandering everywhere, caressing, teasing, wanting. Leliana whimpered, making to writhe out of her shirt completely, but Elissa held her back.

"Don't want you catching cold again," she chided.

"Elissa…"

Their lips became one again, silencing Leliana's protests. Her touches grew more fevered, as Elissa slid her fingers under the bard's shirt, tracing the old scars on her back. Leliana ran her own down Elissa's belly, memorizing every ridge of toned muscle, before slipping her hand between her legs.

Elissa's strokes faltered, a wave of heat washing over her, and she bit her lip.

"If you're worried I'll be cold," Leliana whispered in her ear, "then I had better make sure you can keep me warm."

Elissa mewled in answer, the pressure between her thighs taking her breath away. It had been so, so long, and she hadn't realised how starved she'd been for such attention. Leliana teased and taunted, her movements deft and skilled, and Elissa fought to keep control, wanting the moment to be both endless and ended.

"You've missed this," Leliana remarked, taking another kiss from Elissa's breathless lips.

"Like...nothing else..." Elissa gasped. The heat spread further, making her tremble. Maker, how had she forgotten this...

"Then let me give back."

Elissa's eyes closed, her senses consumed. She anchored her arms around the bard, moving rhythmically with her. Still it wasn't enough, so she tilted her hips back. Leliana flashed a devilish grin, pushing harder, and Elissa couldn't hold back her moan. All she could focus on was the building momentum, the burning spark that was being fanned into an inferno, threatening to raze her entire being.

Finally the blaze found release, and Elissa cried out, riding the wave that burst within. It spread right into her back and legs, deep and intense, but all too soon it was over. Sweat rolled down her back, and her breaths were sharp and ragged. For a long moment she didn't move, until Leliana brushed her lips against her collarbone, easing back into her embrace.

Slowly, Elissa regained herself. She ran her hand down Leliana's neck, and the bard shivered.

"I've made you wait long enough." She moved, so her mouth was against Leliana's throat. Leliana grunted in approval, arching her neck back and providing more room. Elissa made a slow trail with her tongue, following the contour of the bard's breastbone downward. When she reached her navel, she lightly pushed her, so Leliana was lying on her back. Still Elissa continued lower, giving every furrow of Leliana's belly the attention it deserved, pausing only to pull down her leggings.

Leliana flinched, catching her bandaged leg. At once Elissa stopped, but the bard pushed her back against her.

"No, don't," Leliana pleaded. "It's nothing, I can..."

Whatever else she had to say melted into a moan, as Elissa picked up from where she had left off. Leliana dug her fingers into the overcoat beneath, anticipation welling up inside her. Elissa deliberately delayed, seeking to taunt and torment as the bard had done for her. Leliana whined, desperate for the touch she'd been craving for all these years.

"Elissa…please…I need…"

Finally Elissa moved in for a taste, and Leliana bit back a cry. Her whole body tensed, and Elissa kept a steady pace, holding onto the bard's hips. It was all Leliana could do to keep together, to cling to the moment before everything would unravel.

"Oh, Maker…" The bard bit her lip, completely oblivious to everything else. Elissa's breath was hot, every pulse of her tongue striking perfectly, and she started to quicken her movement. Leliana groaned something in Orlesian, tensing her thighs. Elissa slid her hands lower, keeping the bard in place. Leliana tried to resist, to hold on that little bit longer, but it was too late. The bard called out Elissa's name, her stomach muscles tight and rippling. She bucked her hips, drawing the moment out as much as she could, and then the fires died, leaving her breathless and limp.

Gently, Elissa retraced her path upwards, before finishing with a final kiss. Leliana returned it keenly, affirming she was not dreaming.

"Je t'aime," the bard whispered, nestling herself in Elissa's arms.

Elissa smiled; that was one Orlesian phrase she knew.

"I love you, too," she answered, fumbling to draw the overcoat around them. Leliana laced their hands together, resting against Elissa's chest, and let out a contented purr. Her eyes closed, and Elissa stroked her hair. Soon the bard's breaths turned deep and even, and Elissa kissed her lover's forehead. "And I'll be yours forever more."

TO BE CONTINUED…

Part 3- Conquest

Her memories restored at last, Elissa 'Yara' Cousland joins forces with Amber Hawke and Lahara Trevelyan. Each holds a piece of the Shards of Andraste; the key to saving the souls of Thedas. But the land is dying, and time runs short. The Old Ones have gathered their respective forces, each determined to see their own version of the world's rebirth. As final judgement approaches, the three must decide Thedas's ultimate fate, even if it goes against the wishes of the Maker himself.