Chapter 61
"All right," Aedan said as Riordan ran towards the city gates. "Loghain, you wanted a clear line to defend? This is it. This is your line, don't let a single bastard pass through." Loghain nodded. "Sten, Shale, Wynne. Stay with him. Bottleneck the gate."
He turned to Solona. "You can sense the generals Riordan talked about. Take Oghren, Leli, Zevran and Lucien." The dog whined and Aedan gave his great big head a tender pet. "Don't be like that. You're needed."
Finally, he looked at Alistair. "You, Morrigan and Faren and coming with me. This is it, folks. This is everything we've fought for. Let me take this moment to tell all of you that I'm proud to have worked with you and should we see each other again, drinks are on me."
The army had pushed its way to the gates of Denerim, though they wouldn't last much longer. Being outnumbered three to one did that. So while the party was saying their goodbyes, Alistair took Leliana by the arm and led her slightly away from the others.
She had tied her hair up for the occasion and the look suited her. Even amidst all the chaos, she looked beautiful. Like a bloodstained avenging angel of death, showering down arrows on the unworthy.
"It is strange, knowing that all our fates will be decided in a few hours," she said. "I wish I could go with you."
Alistair shook his head. "This is for the best. I know we faced Flemeth together before, but this is a real bloody dragon, and an archdemon at that."
"I know." She sighed. "I respect your decision to keep me safe. But I just wish I could be there, watching over you. That's all." She looked up at him. "Alistair, know that whatever happens, I will always treasure the time we shared. No archdemon or darkspawn will ever take that from me."
Oh, bloody hell.
He kissed her. He didn't care that the others were watching, that they were standing in a killing field. As far as he was concerned, this was allowed.
"I guess this is the last chance we'll get," he told her, forehead pressed against hers. "Before this is finished, one way or another." He cupped her face and kissed her again. "Might as well make the most of it, you know?"
Despite everything, Leliana smiled into the kiss. It made his heart skip a beat.
"I love you, Alistair," she told him.
"I love you, too." He kissed her forehead. "Always."
"Now go and win this war and come back to me."
"Yeah. You be careful in there as well."
Alistair took in a deep breath as the party separated into their groups. Leaving some behind to guard the gates, he separated from the rest as Solona took her troop to deal with the generals which would come to aid their dragon overlord.
As for them, the archedemon awaited.
A/N: The next chapter will be from Aedan's POV. Because of course it is.