Cassandra held her breath and waited.

A blanket of silence fell over the room.

Aiden didn't stir. He was completely still.

"No. No. No." Frantic, she placed a hand over his heart.

Nothing.

"Dorian." Panic clawed at her, twisting her stomach in knots. Time stopped. There was no breath in his body. Even the magic, the very thing binding him to the fade, was dimming. Just as the ring was growing colder. This couldn't be! The Maker wouldn't take him away. Not now. Not when there was so much left to be done. To be said. Not enough time. It hadn't been enough time. "Do something! Please!"

The mage looked at her utterly helpless. "I'm sorry, I can't."

As the first tear fell, there was a movement. A sudden heave of his chest under her hand as Aiden took in a gasping breath.

"Aiden?" Frantic, she took his face in her hands, forcing his glowing gaze to hers. Blue orbs stared back at her. "Blessed Andraste, Trevelyan. You… You …" Cassandra trailed off, unable to speak the words.

The corner of his scarred mouth lifted. "Not worrying yourself over me, are you Seeker?"

Something between a sob and laugh caught in her throat. "Always." Cassandra buried her face in his neck, her lips settling over his thudding pulse.

Aiden snaked an arm around her waist, drawing her tightly against him. He felt her shutter, but she didn't let her tears fall. Always so strong. His resilient and mighty Seeker. "I could hear you." HE struggled to even his breathing. "I tried to respond. I shouted and screamed. I was trapped. There was just nothing. I couldn't escape. I couldn't…"

"It's okay. You're okay," Cassandra corrected. "Your back and that's all that matters."

"Alistair," He whispered. "He was there."

"And now I'm here," The male Warden stated glancing quickly at Kieran. "Thanks to the both of you."

Aiden drew away. "How?"

"A good question," Dorian broke in. "One maybe Solas can answer after I take a look at you."

"I'm fine."

"Trevelyan." Cassandra glared down at her husband.

Aiden knew he couldn't argue.

"Good." She rushed to stand, suddenly took overwhelmed with emotions to remain in the room. Air. She needed a quiet moment and air. Lots of it. "I'm going to get Solas."

Reading the Seeker, Dorian held Aiden down to let her slip from the room.

Cassandra ran blinding through the keep until her legs gave out. A sob tore free as she fell to her hands and knees. Alone in her isolated corner of Skyhold, Cassandra let go of ever bottle up emotion. The fear. The paralyzing fear coursed through her veins. She'd been wrong. She wasn't strong enough to do this. Strong enough to stand by and watch the mark consume the man she loved. The Maker asked too much of her this time. No amount of faith could see her through the pain that awaited her.

"Cassandra."

Cassandra hardly hear the Spymaster's voice over her own cries. "I can'… I can't…"

Leliana knelt down. "Let it out," She encouraged gently touching a hand to Cassandra's trembling shoulder.

"I've always believed in the Maker's plan for me." Cassandra rested her head against her arm. "I always believed in his will, that he knew what was best for me. But I cannot see his wisdom in guiding me down this path. To fall in love with a man, to give that man my heart and soul, only to have it all ripped away at any moment."

"I thought Dorian said he awoke."

"He almost didn't. For a moment… There wasn't any life." And that moment felt like an eternity. "I can't do it, Leliana. I can't stand by and watch him die. If this is love. I do not want it."

"So, what are you going to do?" Leliana sternly demanded. "Walk away? Abandon the life you've built."

"It would be easier."

"And when have you ever taken the easy route, Cassandra?"

That drew a huff from the Seeker.

Leliana eased Cassandra back until she sat on her heels. "I can't imagine what you're going through. Or what you will in the end. I do know that most people in Thedas only dream of what you have with Aiden. A love that runs deeper than the purest magic. They would sell their souls to experience it for just a moment."

Cassandra swiped at her damp cheek. "A moment isn't enough. It will never be enough."

A sad smile cross Leliana's face. "As with most things. I can't begin to know why the Maker has guided you here, but you've trusted him thus far. Don't lose your faith now. Aiden's fat is seal. So you spend every moment of every day the Maker gives you loving him. Spend it saying goodbye. Death doesn't give many that chance."

"You're right."

"As always."

Laughing, Cassandra used her sleeve to mop up her tears.

Leliana helped her friend to her feet, searching the woman's face and asked a single question. "Know the ending, would you go back and rewrite the story?"

"Even if I never knew him. Never knew his love, I still would have mourned him and what could have been." Logically, her words held little truth. How could a person miss something they never known? Emotionally, Cassandra would have known something, deep in her heart, was missing. She'd walk along the Maker's path half a person and looking hopelessly for the thing that made her whole. "I… I… Please don't tell this to Varric, but I think I was born to love him. To help heal his soul."

"And you've done that and more. You brought such joy and happiness. You've healed the wounds of his past. You showed him a life away from the darkness and in the light."

"I should get back. Dorian can only distract him for so long."

Riley was waiting for Cassandra in the hall outside of the infirmary. Her gaze went to the Seeker's blotchy face. "I must say, it's good to see you're human under all that armor and cold exterior."

"Thanks." Cassandra's brows furrowed. "I think."

"He's asking for you." Riley smiled. "Very loudly and demanding to put it mildly. Your mage is ready to drug the man if you don't get in there."

"I'm surprised Alistair let you out of his sight."

"Only to keep the Inquisitor's stubborn ass in bed. C'mon before they both do something stupid, like come find us."

"Heard that." Both male voices carried from the room down the hall.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o

Aiden stepped out of his quarters and nearly straight into Allison. His hands shot out to steady her before she toppled over. "Sorry." He glanced down at the tray of food she carried. "What's this?"

"Afternoon meal," Allison informed. "You've slept half the day away."

"I did?"

Merthin, close to his side, answered the question with a small huff.

"We've been doing a rotation to make sure the mark was stable. Solas thinks it will be sometime before you gain full strength."

He did feel like he'd been mauled by a dragon or two and his stomach longed for sustenance. "I can eat. Will you join me down stairs?"

"Of course."

Aiden motioned for Merthin to follow. "Have you seen Cassandra?" The question caused his sister to frown. He resisted to do the same. Something was wrong between them. Since awaking, they hardly spoke of what transpired. Cassandra had been very careful to avoid any mention of the fade or the mark. He wasn't even sure that she slept as there was no trace of her the few times he awoke after leaving the infirmary.

"I believe she is training her young students. Or off to seek treatment for her leg. I saw her in a skirt today," Allison softly informed. "I think that you might want to see her out once you've eaten and seen Dorian."

In the kitchen, Alistair and Riley sat at the small table, their heads bent in a deep discussion. Aiden nearly turned around not wanting to interrupt the moment.

"Inquisitor," Alistair waved him over. "It's good to see you awake."

"You could almost past for human. Er-." Riley grinned. "I mean as a half elf can be. Have you talked to your Seeker today?"

"I plan on it." As it seems that everyone was worried about it. Aiden knew that Cassandra's absence was intentional and what trouble her was something she wanted to keep to herself. He hated when she did that.

"Good." Gathering their empty dishes, Riley stood to give the two Trevelyan's room. "We must take our leave. I hope later tonight we can talk about what the plans for tomorrow are."

The Inquisitor raised a brow. "Are you planning on joining us to the Arbor Wilds?"

"I figured you could use two extra blades." Riley stated.

"Well, we'll welcome them."

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

"Are you-."

"Alistair, my love," Riley cut him off, smoothing the wrinkles from his tunic. The man wouldn't stop fidgeting and it was driving her mad. "If you ask me if 'I'm sure' one more time, I'm tossing you off the battlement.

Alistair let out a slow breath.

She cupped his face in her calloused hands. "He's your don. I would never stop you from seeing him."

He played with the stuff Mabari he managed to find from one of Skyhold's vendors. A moment of sadness past between them as their thoughts drifted towards Riley's faithful hound that passed in the final battle to end the blight. "I don't know what to say. What to do."

"Why don't you start by introducing yourself," Riley suggested. "Spend what little time you can with him."

"Right." He sipped his head, brushing his lips over hers. "You're an amazing woman, you know that."

"So I'm told." It took a great deal of course to give her lover a gentle push towards the gardens. Kieran sat on the bench, carelessly swinging his feet back and forth, waiting. He looked so much like Alistair it hurt Riley to look at him. But, she didn't pull away when Alistair took her hand and pulled her along. He needed the support and, by the Maker, she would give it to him. Even if it killed a part of her to do so.

Kieran looked up when the pair approached. "Hello."

"Hi," Alistair squeaked.

"My name is Kieran." The young boy smiled. "And you're Riley and Alistair. Mother has told me stories. I'm pleased to meet you."

Charmed by the boy, Alistair's shoulder relaxed as he sat next to him. "I'm very glad to meet you, Kieran."

Quietly, Riley stepped back, giving them the room and privacy to talk. She wanted to give Alistair this uninterrupted moment in time to be with his son. As soon as the Elder one was defeated, Morrigan would move onto the next place that fancied her attention. Taking Kieran with and out of Alistair's life once again. There would be pain and anger. Riley would have to nurse Alistair through it like she did when Morrigan walked off into the unknown carrying his unborn child. Making her resent the witch for hurting the man she loved.

"I didn't think I've ever seen Kieran smile so much." Morrigan stepped up next to the female Warden. "He always asked so many questions about who his father was."

Riley crossed her arms across her chest. "What did you tell him?"

"This his father was a courageous man who was a skilled warrior and a bit of a fumbling idiot."

Despite herself, Riley snorted. "I believe you called him worse things in our travels." She grew serious as she watched Alistair give Kieran the stuffed toy. They boy's face lit up like the morning sun. "What did you say when Kieran asked why his father wasn't around?"

"The truth." The answer surprised the rogue. "He's bright for his age. A young boy with an old soul is what he truly is. I've never once spoke ill of either you or Alistair."

Riley adverted her gaze. The scene before her was too painful to watch. Oh how she longed for her womb to be full and her belly swollen with Alistair's child. Their child. Maybe, just maybe, now she found the object she spent years searching for, it wouldn't be only a hopeful dream. "I'm surprise you told him anything. You said-."

"I know what I said," Morrigan curtly cut off Riley. "Things changed and motherhood grew one more than I thought it would. I made the choice early on never to lie to my son."

"When this is all over, will you let Alistair stay in contact?" The question fell from her lips before she could pull it back in.

"I cannot promise such a thing." The witch held up a hand. "Only because we do not know what will transpire between now and then. I may appear cold and calculating, but I won't deny either of them of a relationship."

Riley opened her mouth to speak only to close it. Kieran made his way towards them grinning from ear to ear.

"Mother, look." The boy held up the stuffed Mabari. "He said you all traveled with one. That he was a fierce war hound, like Merthin."

"That he was." Morrigan agree. Her gaze flickered to Alistair then back to her son. They look so much alike standing and carrying themselves in the same manner. "'Tis time for evening meal. Perhaps Riley and Alistair will join us."

The male Warden smiled. "I would like that, but perhaps we can make it morning meal. I'm afraid there is one thing I must do tonight that I've put off far too long."

Knowingly, Morrigan nodded her head.

"Come." Alistair tugged on Riley's hand, leading her through the gardens. "I'm terrified if I stop touching you, you're going to disappear."

She stopped and wait until he turned to look at her. Riley touched a hand to his lightly bearded cheek. "Banish the fear from your mind, my love. I'm never leaving you again. Now that I've found a way to reverse the taint, we have more time to make up for our time apart."

Sighing, he lowered his brow to hers. "Whatever time we have before us, I want to spend as husband and wife." He heard her stifled gasp and smiled. "I should have asked long before now, but will you be my wife."

"Of course." Riley threw herself into his arms. A sob of joy caught in her throat. "Of course, I will, you idiot."

Laughing, Alistair twirled them in dizzy circles. His heart, once overflowing with fear and dread in her absence, was no bursting with happiness. With love. From this moment on, the would never be parted. Not even in death. "Good." They stumbled to remain upright as he drew away. He cradled the side of her face, kissing her until his lungs screamed for air. "Leliana has helped set up everything. Even found you a dress. We can-."

"No dress. No more waiting." Riley pressed her lips to his. A smile broke out. "Right now."

"But-."

"I don't care about fancy clothes or flowers or any of it. I don't want to wait a moment longer to become your wife."

"Maker, I love you."

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o

With his ever faithful shadow, Aiden walked across the battlements in the fading sun light towards Cassandra. The Seeker was leaning against the parapet overlooking the beauty of the mountain scape surrounding Skyhold. He made a signal for Merthin to stop and the hound complied, standing guard as his master approached Cassandra.

"I've been looking for you all day," Aiden stated. He looked in all of her usual spots only to find that he just missed her. "The celebration is about to start."

Sighing, Cassandra closed her eyes struggling to keep her voice steady as he spoke. She wanted to be inside the chantry celebrating with the rest of the keep. Alistair and Riley deserve all of the happiness in the world. But she couldn't do. She couldn't go in there, smiling and acting like she didn't nearly lose the man she loved.

"I can't." Tears filled her dark eyes, her fingers tracing over the ragged scar running across his bearded cheek. "I can't handle you being gone."

Emotions caught in his throat. "Cassandra."

"Don't you get it, Aiden?" The question hung in the air for a moment. "I thought I lost you. I thought that the mark wouldn't release you."

"But I'm here," Aiden argued. He took her hand, pressing a kiss to the center of her palm. "I'm right here."

Her heart ached, tears sliding freely down her cheek. How could she express the terror of waking every day to finding him gone? That in a single moment, the Maker could take him away, leaving her with nothing but memories. "For how long?"

Her words stopped him.

"I wish I didn't feel so much." Cassandra softly confessed.

His voice quivered, "What are you saying?" He feared the answered more than death itself. "Cassandra?"

"I don't think I'm going to survive this." She pressed her brow to his cheek, breathing in his scent. Letting it fill and comfort her.

"You will." He crushed her against him. "You're the strongest person in Thedas. You will get through this. You will… Because you promised." The last word came out a whisper as tears washed over him. "You promised you wouldn't let this destroy you. That you would move on and find happiness."

She shook her head, protesting against his words. "I lied. I don't want to move on. I can't, don't you get that?" She tilted her head back, transfixed in his glowing gaze. "You are my home. How can I move on from that?"

"I-I don't know." Aiden swallowed the sob rising in his throat. "I never wanted to hurt you, Cassandra. I never wanted to put you through this. If I could stop, I would walk away. But I can't… I need you. I need your love, your support, your guidance to get me through this."

Chocking on her own tears, Cassandra pulled his lips to hers. His mouth moved, desperate to taste her. To touch her. To burn his memory into her very soul. Rising on her toes, hands fisting in his hair, she pressed against him, their tongue devouring each other. Tomorrow they set of for the Abor Wilds. Tomorrow could be their last moments together. Tomorrow held such uncertainty.

"I love you," He chanted, lifting her onto the parapet, his lips crashing against hers. Over and over. "I love you, Cassandra. I will always love you."

She placed her hand over his glowing one. "And I you."

Aiden bent his head to brush a kiss over the knotted metal on her finger. "For better or worse."

"Forever." The words were lost against his lips as his mouth found hers. Her hands roamed, pulling, tugging, caressing. She didn't care where they were or who could see them. All that matter was being with him. It wasn't long before her skirt was hitch around her waist and he was buried into her quivering heat. Her nails tug in the back of his neck as her gaze locked with his. "And Always."

"Always."

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

As quietly as they could, Cassandra and Aiden slipped into the back of the small chantry. Dorian's lips twitched, taking in their flushed face and scattered appearance. Not wanting to interrupt the minister, Dorian leaned in close. "Nice of you to join us. Might want to smooth down your hair there, Inquisitor."

Aiden brushed his hand feverously through his dark locks to make it look halfway presentable. "Not another word, mage."

True to her word, Riley stood before those that gathered and her soon to be husband clad in a dark fitted tunic, leather jerkins, and a pair of boots that had seen a lot of combat. The fancy dress. The candles. The flowers. None of it mattered. All that matter was the man before her looking at her as if she was the only thing in the world. Riley was grateful that Leliana was able to find someone to officiate that wasn't Andrastian. Over the years, they both of them had drawn away from the faith after all the horrors they'd seen. This ceremony's roots were past in an ancient time where vows were more meaningful. Everlasting.

A woman, dressed in robes bearing a Warden crest, lifted a golden goblet between the two Wardens. "Riley Cousland and Alistair Theirin, on this your wedding day, we celebrate the Ancient spirit of the anam cara. Anam cara is translated from the ancient language as "soul friend." By entering in a partnership with your anam cara, you are joined in an ancient and eternal way with this person whom you most cherish. In everyone's life there is a great need for an anam cara and so I ask you to toast one another by repeating the following." She moved the cup forward until both parties clasped it between their battle scarred hands.

Eyes shining, Alistair took his lover's hands in his. He listened to every word the minister spoke, not wanting to fumble and ruin this perfect moment. A lopsided grin crossed his face. "Today I recognize you, my anam cara and ask that you become part of me, in sacred kinship. With you, I will share my innermost self, my mind and my heart." He felt her grip tightened and watched the tears gather in the eyes he loved so much. "With you, I have lost all fear and found my greatest courage. I have learned to love and let myself be loved. With you, I have found a rhythm of grace and gracefulness. With you my anam care, I am understood, I am home."

Home. The word echoed in Riley's head. She thought that night so many years ago when she lost her family that she had lost her home, never to find one again. Then she found the warden, found Alistair, and found a home and so much more. She echoed the phrase, word for word, each one filled with the love overflowing in her heart.

The minster moved the cup forward until the couple's battle harden hands broke apart and clasped on each side of the goblet. "Now, drink to the love you have shared in the past."

Riley drank first. The wine was sweet, but there was a slightly bitter taste of the extra component she added to the cup. As they became husband and wife, they came to the mutual decision to leave the taint behind. Their lives as Wardens weren't over. It was just no longer a death sentence. Or at least that was the hope. Smiling, Riley offered the cup to Alistair. "Last chance."

Laughing, Alistair lifted the goblet to his lips and took a healthy sip. Through the sweetness he could taste the tang of what he could only compare to the taint he drank on the day he became a Warden. Beaming, he brought the cup back down between them. "You should know by now that you're not getting rid of me."

"Drink to your love in the present, on this your wedding day."

Alistair drank first this time and Riley followed.

"And drink to your love in the future and forever more"

Riley drank deeply from the cup with the hope that the 'cure' she spent so many years looking for would give them the time they so desperately deserved.

Alistair repeated the gesture, his hope for the 'cure' to give them the life of a child they longed for.

"Those that came long ago believed that the way you view your future actually shapes it. I now ask everyone here in the room to take a moment to visualize a future for Riley and Alistair. As a group let us think of the happiness in store for these two. Let us put their joyous future out to the world." The minster smiled at the couple. "With this, you are now man and wife."

Surrounded by the cheers of the room, Alistair swooped forward, capturing her lips in a searing kiss. Snaking an arm around her waist, he dipped her added to the delight of the room. He could feel her laughing vibrating against his mouth.

"Save it for the bedroom!" Someone called out.

Riley hooked her arms around his neck as Alistair righted them back on their feet. She brushed her knuckles along his cheek. "I love you, Alistair Theirin."

"And I love you, Riley Theirin."

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o00o

The great hall was filled with music, conversation, and laughter as the residents of Skyhold came together to celebrate the union of the two Wardens. Cassandra watched from the corner of the dancefloor as Aiden twirled Annabeth around in dizzy circles until the little girl nearly fell over from laughter. Her hand drifted to her flat stomach on its own accord. Her body still hummed from their frantic love making. Maybe this time the seed planted in her womb. Maybe would grow inside her. Maybe-.

"No dancing tonight?" Cullen's voice caused the Seeker to jolt.

Her hand quickly dropped away. "Simply waiting my turn is all." She glanced over at the Commander. "I saw you dancing with Allison."

"If you could call it dancing," Cullen snorted. "I lost count how many times I stepped on her feet."

A smile tugged at Cassandra's lips. "She didn't seem to mind."

Blushing, Cullen awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm sure you were seeing things, Seeker."

"Oh, I don't think so, Commander."

"She is Aiden's sister."

"And?" Cassandra found pleasure in watching her friend squirm. "She's a beautiful woman and you're a handsome guy."

He gave her a sideways glance. "Handsome?"

Not so gently, Cassandra slugged his shoulder. Of course, he made a show feigning pain as he stumbled under the force. "Suck it up, Rutherford." Together, they watched Allison approach the Inquisitor for a dance. "Are you not interested in her because she's Aiden's sister or because you think you don't deserve happiness?"

He stroked the raised skin at the edge of the hairline. One of many scars that held horrible memories of darkness. "Perhaps if the timing was different I might act on this interest," He softly confessed, cheeks burning hotter. It seemed a little odd to be holding such a conversation with a woman he still secretly yearned for. "We set off for tomorrow and my focus should be on commanding our troops."

Cassandra didn't get a chance to say more as her husband came sweeping in to give her a smacking kiss. She could taste the ale on his tongue. "Enjoying yourself?"

"Enjoying the moment," Aiden corrected.

"Inquisitor!" Riley called out a moment before she threw her arms around the man. "Now I can say that I'm truly sorry for trying to kill you."

The Archer jerked, grasping Riley by the arms to forcibly yank her away. "Don't you dare touch me." He all but threw her into the wall. "Who the hell are you?"

"Easy there, Inquisitor." Riley looked to the two Inquisition members hoping for some type of explanation.

Cassandra wedged herself between the pair, keeping Riley behind her. She held up a hand to keep Aiden from advancing. "Aiden, look at me." His glowing eyes were blown wide with fear. With uncertainty of his surroundings. His mind wasn't here in Skyhold, but somewhere deep in the darkness of his past. "Trevelyan, please look at me."

His gaze flickered to hers.

Slowly, she moved her hand to touch his bearded cheek, feeling him stiffen at first before he started to relax. "That's it," She coaxed him closer until her brow touched his chin. "You're okay."

"I'm-I'm sorry." Aiden looked around the room, thankfully the occupants were too concerned with the celebration to notice them. "Riley, I'm sorry. I didn't-I mean… I need to-."

"Go," Cassandra assured. "I'll be there in a moment."

Riley rubbed the ache in her arm left from the Inquisitor's iron grip. "What was that?"

"The mark," Cullen softly answered, watching Aiden take off across the hall to his chambers. "It is consuming him."

O0o0o0o0o00o0o0o0o0o

Cassandra shut the door of their chambers at her back. The Inquisitor sat in the middle of the room surrounded by his journals. He was feverously trying to soak up every drawing on the pages. "Aiden." Crossing the room, she signaled for Merthin to stay at his post before kneeling down next to him. "My love, what are you doing."

"Can't remember," He muttered flipping through the journal. "I can't remember."

"Remember what?" She tried to stop him only from to recoil from her touch. "Talk to me."

The journal shook in his hands. "I can't remember our wedding. I can't-I can't…" Completely lost, Aiden looked at her. "I'm sorry, Cassandra. I can't remember."

"It's okay." This time, he let Cassandra take the book from him and place it aside. She brought his left hand up, brushing her lips across the ring on his finger. "You designed our rings and Cullen found a smithy to make them for us. Dorian put an enchantment on it so when we're apart we can feel each other."

Aiden touched the band on her finger.

"They all worked together to give us that special moment. The moment I walked into the Chantry the world stopped. You were so breath taking in your suit, bathed in candle light. Dorian made you get a haircut." A smile played in her voice. "And he got mad when you ran your hand through your hair, destroying the work he put into styling it. I remember thanking the Maker for giving me an incredible man to know and love."

His brows drew together as began to play with the ends of her hair. "You wore a dress." He forced himself to focus on the memory trying to break free. "Blue. And there was a flower. Right?"

"Right."

"I remember wanting to drag you from the chantry to find some place to ravish you."

A teary laugh escaped her. "As you told me in the tavern."

"There is more." Aiden let out a frustrated sigh. "It's right there on the service, but I can't grasp onto it."

"That's why you have me." Shifting closer, she cupped the side of his face. "To help you remember."

"Tell me more. Tell me everything about that night."

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

"Allison?" Aiden approached the stables the following morning. The courtyard was bustling with activity as the troops and other members of the Inquisition readied themselves to move out. He dropped his pack. "What are you doing?"

Allison finished fastening her supplies to the saddle of her horse. "I think you can guess."

"You're not coming with."

"I beg to differ."

"We're going into battle."

"I know that." Allison faced her brother. "I also know that you will need healers. I have a fair share of knowledge in the subject and can do more good out there then I could if I stayed behind."

Aiden forced a hand through his hair. "I'm not sure I like this idea."

"Good thing I'm older and don't have to listen to you."

"I am the Inquisitor," He reminded. "I can even throw you in the stocks to keep you here."

She glared up at him. "Try it and see what happens."

Behind him, Aiden swore he could hear Merthin chuckle.

He cursed. It seemed the Maker surrounded him with the most stubborn women in Thedas. "Fine. But, you listen to what I say once we leave Skyhold."

"Good luck with that, Inquisitor."

Aiden turned at the sound of Alistair's voice to find both Warden carrying their gear towards the stables.

Slipping an arm around his wife's shoulder, the warrior grinned. "I've learned it's just best to give into stubborn women." His remarked earned him a not so gentle elbow to the gut. "See what I mean?"

"How are you feeling, Trevelyan?" Riley asked, hand twitching at her side, ready to draw her weapon if necessary.

Ashamed, Aiden rubbed the back of his neck. "Better. I hope my sudden departure didn't dampen the mood."

"No," Riley assured. "We'll saddle our horses and head out with the scouting party."

"Wait, before you go." Aiden stopped the two Wardens as he dug into a pouch on his hip. "I have a wedding present for you."

Alistair took the touch, pouring its contents into his open palm. He starred down at the deep blue metal bands in surprise. The metal was smooth, holding a simple etching on the inside. He squinted, bringing them closer to make out the words.

Anam cara.

"I also had Dorian put an enchantment on it," Aiden explained, playing the knotted metal on his finger and finding it warm to the touch. "That way, even when parted, you two will know if the other is alive. It's a small comfort when you're on the battle field."

"Thank you, Aiden." Alistair happily plucked up one of them and slid it onto his wife's left ring finger. He smiled. "Perfect fit."