"Complete fools are made leaders of kingdoms all the time, and you're not a complete fool."

When the bard, Leliana decided to come along on the quest to unite the nations together against the Blight, Ada couldn't help but develop a bit of a soft spot for the Chantry Sister. Alistair also appeared to fancy her a bit.

Chapter 2

As we finally left behind the village of Lothering, the first stop in our journey, we made our way across the Imperial Highway. Morrigan was taking point this time, Barkspawn barking happily as he pranced beside her, much to the witch's annoyance. Our newest member, Sten (who we sort of made off with) was still in his rags, and we have yet to find a proper sword for him to wield. Although, he still seemed just as dangerous as the villagers claimed by ripping the attackers heads off.

We were definitely not welcomed back...if there even is a Lothering when we return. Behind me was Alistair, almost staring at the frowning bard. I can tell my Grey Warden partner was beginning to fancy her. I couldn't blame him, she was beautiful. She almost reminded me of my older sister Rica. Especially with her red hair, though it was chopped boyishly short, the only adornment was a carefully woven braid on the side of her head.

"So what do you think will happen to all those people we left behind in Lothering?" Alistair was thinking the same thing, as the small village was becoming farther and farther out of view.

Leliana hadn't answered right away, but she said confidently, "Some of them will find their way to Denerim. Many will die. As the Maker wills."

I spoke up, "You didn't have to go if you didn't want to Leliana. It's not too late to turn back. But I will tell you you are doing more good coming with us than staying behind."

"I know. If the Blight isn't stopped, everyone will die. This is the greater good we're serving, all of us, right here."

Alistair didn't appeared convinced and further pressed the issue, "So it's all right to let some people die for the greater good? I... I'm not so sure about that. I felt bad leaving all those people there, all panicked and helpless."

"You're doing what you must, Alistair. There will be worse to come yet... you will need to steel yourself, you know this." Leliana told Alistair, and I couldn't help but continue to be in awe of her. I was known for more direct words, but she good at getting her point across firmly, but still ever so sweetly.

"I've never been very good at that. The steeling myself part. I find it better sometimes to just be a little weak. I'm all right with that, really." Alistair admitted.

"I don't believe you. And either way, it's not as if any of us has a choice."

DAO

"So... let me get this straight. You were a cloistered sister?" Alistair asked curiously as we ate our dinner at camp the first night.

"You must have been a brother before you became a templar, no?" Leliana asked. None of us told her he was a templar, but I figured she could tell by his fighting style. I was not that intune with recognizing people's roles based on the way they swing their sword, at least not on the surface.

"You said you never actually became a templar, right, Alistair?" I asked, trying to make sure I got my facts right.

"Right." He responded after he swallowed his food, "I was recruited into the Grey Wardens before I could take my vows."

"Do you ever regret leaving the Chantry?" Leliana asked earnestly.

"No, never. Do you?"

She smiled solemnly into the fire, setting down her bowl of food, "Yes. You may not believe it, but I found peace there. The kind of peace I've never known."

A silence followed as she contemplated her choices, and I was beginning to feel the guilt that my fellow Grey Warden was experiencing earlier. Alistair seemed to notice her sadness and attempted to cheer her up, "It used to get so quiet at the monastery that I would start screaming until one of the brothers came running. I would tell them that I was just checking. You never know, right?"

I was laughing at the thought of a little human boy suddenly screaming at the top of his lungs all of a sudden, and a frantic member of the Monastery come rushing in, startled. Leliana had a curious smile but shook her head, her eyebrows furrowed still in confusion, "I... no, I never did anything like that. I enjoyed the quiet."

Alistair shrugged, getting up, "Suit yourself. The look on their face was always priceless." He laughed to himself as he gathered up the empty bowls to tidy up the campfire. "Did you enjoy the soup, Leliana?" He asked eagerly, taking mine and Sten's bowls.

She forced a smile, and I couldn't help but grin at her face. She nodded with a strained hum, and it was much too obvious she was just trying to be nice. When Alistair looked at me I shook my head. "You know me, I was lucky to get a nug's shin but...what exactly was it? I don't think I've ever had that."

Alistair seemed more than pleased to share his dish, "That's a traditional Fereldan lamb and pea stew."

Leliana appeared very stunned, her eyes blinking before she said a surprised "Oh! So... it was lamb then? It had a certain... texture I don't normally associate with lamb."

"Lamb?" I asked, "That's...what we had in Ostagar?" I tried to recall, but...as Leliana said I never recognized the soft chewiness of this lamb. "We don't have lamb in Orzammar...or this pea...I guess that's what the squishy little green things were."

Leliana still tried to be nice, "It was still very...edible. It is only that I am used to eating simply. That's all. In the cloister, we mainly ate whole grains, made into biscuits or bread, and vegetables from the garden, cooked lightly. No heavy stews."

Alistair didn't falter from his confidence in his cooking abilities. "Ah, so the last lamb you had was probably cooked Orlesian style, Leliana. Food shouldn't be frilly and pretentious like that. Now here in Ferelden, we do things right. We take our ingredients, throw them into the largest pot we can find, and cook them for as long as possible until everything is a uniform grey color. As soon as it looks completely bland and unappetizing, that's when I know it's done."

"No way." I laughed, and based on Alistair's growing grin I knew he was having us both on, "I knew that sounded like a load of nugshit, salroka!"

"We should start eating in more Ferelden Inns." He said.

DAO

"Do you ever wonder why the mages built their tower at Lake Calenhad? Do they have an aversion to practicality or something?" Alistair asked absentmindedly. After a month of traveling we had finally arrived at Lake Calenhad. We would have gotten here sooner, but Alistair had gotten us lost.

Of course that caused a whole uproar between Morrigan and him. But here we were, standing on the shoreline. "We have to...sail across that?" I asked, only familiar with the term 'sailing' from a storybook Rica read aloud once.

Leliana hummed a little tune to herself before she said, "This reminds me of a song I heard when I lived in Orlais. About the mages.

'Enchanteur, c'est l'heure,

de faire renaître enfin

notre cercle, tous les mages se donnent la main,

tous ensemble.

Enchanteur sachez,

que le temps s'est figé.

Le courroux du dragon ne sera jamais apaisé.'"

Leliana's voice was light, and the strange Orlesian language laced around the words beautifully. I knew I was staring in awe. Leliana stopped after the second verse and looked down at her hands shyly. "I...used to sings songs such as these during my time as a traveling minstrel in Orlais." She admitted.

Alistair crossed his arms with a curious raise of his eyebrow, "You were an Orlesian bard." he said aloud, "You know...I heard rumors about these Orlesian bards."

"Who hasn't? They're quite famous, after all." Leliana said with her usual smile and a giggle.

I rose my hand, "What about the Orlesian bards. Remember, new girl here." I reminded everyone.

A strange expression came over Leliana's face, like she would rather not divulge the theories, but Alistair continued, unaware. "The stories I heard were a little... racier." He admitted, not looking at Leliana, "It had to do with how a bard assassinated her target. How they were... lulled into complacency."

Leliana sucked her teeth and smiled at Alistair, flicking his nose playfully with a hand on her hip, "If those stories were true, who would ever agree to entertain a bard in their court?"

"Oh, I don't know, there's a certain allure to danger, isn't there? And besides, you couldn't all be assassins, could you? I'd take my chances. If the stories were true, that is."

Leliana's face took a bit of a serious turn, and then she said, "We had rules about that sort of thing. Strict rules."

"Such as? You're not going to tell me, are you?"

Another pause, "Let's just say I had plenty of reasons to join the Chantry, shall we? And leave it at that."

I reassured Leliana, "Even if you were, say, one of those assassins, it would make sense your battle prowess. I've seen many great rogues in the carta, the criminal ring I worked for, but they can't hold a blade or an arrow to you, Leliana."

Leliana stared down at me carefully, before that smile returned, "I was simply a traveling minstel. That line of work is dangerous. I had to learn to take care of myself. So…" She looked up into the sky, my dwarven instincts kicking in for fear of her before she looked back into my eyes, "I may have met these Orlesian spies, and...they offered to teach me some of these skills so I can continue traveling."

"So you're not a spy?" Alistair asked point blank.

Leliana sighed, "Bards, especially in Orlais have their own particular skill. Some preferred not to be seen at all, to cloak themselves in shadow and darkness. I realized that it is not such a bad thing to be seen, as long as you do not stand out and are quickly forgotten. I specialized in blending in, not drawing attention and looking like I had every right to be there. It is invisibility, but of another kind."

I nodded, it was all making sense now. Well...sort of.

"Ah, yes, but I heard you often seduced your targets. They'd remember you." Alistair pointed out.

"Not if they died…" Leliana said suddenly.

Oh.

Alistair's face matched how I felt, and Leliana's eyes were far away, "Dying while in the company of a lovely seductress... tell me that isn't a good death."

The conversation was cut short by Morrigan clearing her throat loudly as she waited by the dock, "Are we leaving yet, or shall we continue to chatter about until the darkspawn are upon us?"

DAO

The Deep Roads, the underground tunnels that once belonged to the dwarven empire. It was what connected the thaigs together, a whole world underground. We were on the search for the great Paragon Branka, her husband, Oghren joining us for this quest.

I was not in a pleasant mood, haven't been all day. I felt dirty, like a traitor. Leske...was killed, by my hand.

He said it better, I had it good. I left, leaving him behind in Dust Town. He didn't have much choice but serve Jarvia...serve her...sleep with her.

I didn't really want to talk much after that.

It was bad enough that I killed by childhood friend, but this Prince Bhelen that my sister now has a child with! My nephew was an Aeducan. Little Endrin. He looked more like his mother than his father.

Rica was the only one to welcome me back to Orzammar with open arms, not that I expected anybody else to. The city that never loved me. Mother was still the same even though she lived in the Palace now. I was so embarrassed my friends saw her degrade me.

They saw everything. It made me prickly, I felt weak. So when I saw them whispering amongst each other before we headed down to the Deep Roads, in Caridian's Cross we set up camp. More whisperings, more looks. Mixtures of worry, maybe some looked annoyed for some reason.

At this point the only one I could really talk to was Oghren. Morrigan was straightening herself out, Zevran as well...neither of which seemed comfortable being underground for this long. As I was setting up the tents, talking to Oghren...I saw Alistair, Leliana, and Wynne in a sort of circle. It was beginning to grind my gears.

I marched toward them, Wynne noticing me first. Leliana's eyes downcasted, and Alistair looked stunned. "What are you three talking about all secret like?" I asked, trying to keep my tone plucky as usual, but I knew my face didn't match.

Alistair looked between the two other women, like he was panicking, and I felt my patience thinning. "Ada? Could we talk for a moment?" He asked.

My heart sank.

As I was pulled to the side by who I thought was a friend, and continuing to deny my obvious romantic feelings blossoming for this human (it was like Leske all over again), he finally blurted; "I think making Prince Bhelen king is a mistake."

I just stared, dumb-founded. "What?"

"I know, this is your city. And we have no right. But...Ada...this feels wrong. The things Prince Bhelen has made you do. It could have been prevented. I mean, he is having nobles turn on each other and-"

"I had to kill Leske because he was going to kill me first." I told Alistair. "That is how it is down here. Kill or be killed. Protect your own best interests."

"I know...I know...your sister and your nephew-"

"Will be sent back to Dust Town. With no one to protect them! Hell, Bhelen might kill them anyway. Don't you see Alistair it is dangerous living here. You have to look after yourself."

"But if you talk to Harrowment-"

"Harrowment's values are as old as these tombs. It will be far worse in the long run to make this old geezer king."

"I just...at least consider the possibilities. Please, Ada. I don't want to make you angry." Alistair pleaded. When I didn't say anything he walked away, with Leliana.

I never felt so alone as I did on that day.

Two days into the trek, we defeated the Broodmother, now we just had to find that damn Anvil. With us, was the only salvation but also a huge warning on what Orzammar really is like.

Duran Aeducan. He has survived down here in the Deep Roads for over nine months. His hair and beard all overgrown and dead. He explained his tale, how his little brother, Bhelen, killed his older brother Endrin, and has Duran exiled.

If we could present Duran to Harrowment, it would shift the political view. I remember hearing Duran's name often. He was loved by the people of Orzammar, as much as Endrin. But I still couldn't shake the feeling that denying Bhelen the crown would not only endanger my sister and nephew…

Rica would never forgive me.

I still didn't speak to my comrades. Even if they tried to start a conversation, I refused to carry it.

I couldn't sleep that night either. The Archdemon was way too close. I could hear the thing speaking in my head. Damn everything!

I got up from the tent I shared with Morrigan, and got up for some fresh air. Well...for a dwarf like me this was fresh air.

Going for a walk to try and distract myself from the Archdemon's call, I rounded a corner and heard voices talking.

Alistair and Leliana.

I remained silent, wanting to hear the conversation. The two have become pretty cozy since I arrived in Orzammar. It could be the fact I was pushing everybody away, but I also knew that seeing the dust I came from may have turned them off from me. They still listened to my orders, but they looked like they pitied me.

I hated it.

"How bad is it?" Leliana had asked Alistair, resting a hand on his shoulder. Taking a peek I saw he was hunched over rubbing his forhead.

I emphasized.

"It's hard to think straight." He admitted. "I am surprised Ada was able to sleep through it."

"Perhaps her headaches are not as intense. But still, she is going through a lot."

"That is what I mean." Alistair whispered.

A long silence followed before Alistair spoke again, "Leliana...you're female right?"

What a weird question. But a part of me did not like where this was going.

Leliana giggled, "I am? That's news. When did that happen?"

"I just wanted some advice. What should I do if... if I think a woman is special and-"

"Here's a good tip: you shouldn't question her about her female-ness."

The conversation was starting to feel too personal, and my brain was screaming at me to leave before I regretted it. I could hear the two laughing and giggling again, "All right, yes. Good point."

"Why do you ask? Are you afraid things will not proceed naturally?"

"Why would they? Especially when I do things like ask women if they're female."

"It adds to your charm, Alistair. You are a little awkward. It is endearing."

"So I should be awkward? Didn't you just say not to do things like that?"

"Alistair, just be yourself."

My heart sank deeper, and as I made my turn to leave I heard Alistair say; "I think she hates me."

"She's hurting, Alistair." Leliana explained, "You saw the house she lived...with her mother and sister…"

They were...talking about me…

"And you heard the way her mother spoke to her. After all Ada has accomplished. And...the betrayal. She has had to make some tough choices, but when they have to do with your family, your home…"

"I just want to do something for her. I feel helpless. I...really care for her you know. More than I thought I would. I just...want her to be alright. Be herself. I want to leave Orzammar as soon as possible."

"Agreed. I do love your friendship." Leliana said to Alistair, holding his arm and resting her head on his shoulder, "You should tell her how you feel. I think it would make her happy. You can start there."

I was intrigued by what exactly Leliana meant by that. It seemed too good to be true, that Alistair felt the same as I. But I suddenly felt like bronto dung. They were trying to be there for me and I pushed them all away.

So the following morning, I made my decision. "Harrowment will be king." I said, which surprised my party members with my sudden change of heart. "I am sorry it took this long for me to come to a decision. And...I also want to apologize for the way I have been acting."

Zevran was the first to pull me into a hug, explaining how all is forgiven, considering I spared his life. And the rest followed suit.

Alistair and I locked eyes, and I saw a look I have only seen others make at people like Rica. My heart fluttered.

DAO

"They are doing it again?" Alistair asked in disbelief with our assassin and one of our Dalish followerers, Dere Mahariel, disappeared at Camp.

Everything has changed since Redcliffe. For instance, Alistair was now known as the heir to the throne, none of us had expected this secret of Alistair's. And as my fellow Grey Warden clutched his mother's amulet that hung around his neck, I felt a chill run up my spine at the memory of our first kiss.

But as Morrigan walked by, heading to her tent, her eyes locking onto mine, I was also reminded of all the darkness that one damn tome had held. More changes to come, neither outcome ideal for anybody.

A part of me resented Morrigan for it, but I reminded myself it was not her fault. Morrigan appeared just as baffled as I was when informed. "Ada!" Alistair waved a hand in front my face, and Leliana giggled.

"Sorry, what was it, Alistair?" I asked.

"Zevran and Dere." Leliana giggled like a little girl, "They are...ahem, working out some tension. Perhaps with a little massage and-"

"I don't want details, thank you." Alistair muttered, "I mean, it is all well and good. It's just...it always seems everywhere we go, Zevran is...in some sort of dalliance with somebody. What does anyone see in this elf?"

Leliana looked ready to respond, "Oh, he's handsome enough for some. Why do you ask?"

I added, "He's got nice hair."

"And his clothes...his shoes!"

Alistair was beginning to look a little bothered by this conversation, "Doesn't he seem to be a bit too much? The hair, the clothing…"

Leliana appeared to be genuinely curious at the question, "I don't understand. A bit too much what? Do you have a problem with him?"

"Beyond the fact that he's an assassin who's tried to kill us more than once. No... no, not really."

"Where I come from men like Zevran are quite popular."

"Huh. Really? I see." Alistair then brought his attention to me, "And what of you, my dear. Would you go for that sort of thing. Be honest now."

I shook my head with a laugh, "Zevran's not exactly my type. Too pretty. I like a man with a little grizzle to them."

Leliana giggled at my obvious fluff of my man's ego, and Alistair rolled his eyes, "Okay. Thank you for that though, you are sweet." He kissed me on the cheek just as Dere arrived.

All three of us grinned at the Dalish elf who appeared embarassed, his long dark hair still damp, "Enjoy your bath, Mahariel?" I asked him, leaning into Alistair's shoulder.

"Yes." Was Dere's answer, he set down his knapsack, "I have also taken liberty in collecting some herbs and weeds. If either of your mages are in need of ingredients."

"I believe Wynne could some of your herbs, Dere. But she is resting right now. Could you hold onto them until morning?" Leliana asked.

"Of course." Dere responded, "Where is our next stop?" He asked.

"Denerim." I told the Dalish elf, just as Zevran strutted in, oozing joy. Dere stiffened. And of course, no surprise, the assassin's hair was just as damp.

"Ah, Denerim, that is home to the Pearl. I heard about this brothel and hope to investigate."

"'Investigate'?" I laughed, and Alistair and Leliana were watching Dere's expression carefully, as he struggled to appear neutral.

"I shall see if Willa would like use of any of these herbs." He explained plainly, making his getaway.

Zevran shamelessly watched Dere walk away and Leliana giggled, "So shameless, Zev."

He chuckled, leaving us to return to our conversation. Leliana brought up Alistair's heritage, and the man sighed, "Leliana, could we talk about something else?"

"There are many great tales of lost kings who return to their lands to reign in glory…" Leliana explained.

"I am not lost. Nor, for that matter, a king. And there is nothing glorious about me." Alistair argued.

I smacked his thigh, "Don't speak like that, Alistair, Your father was a king. Now Orzammar and Ferelden are not that different. This will make your the rightful heir to the throne. That will show the Teryn."

Alistair pulled away in mild annoyance, "I am the son of a star-struck maid and an indiscreet man who just happened to be king. Look, I can't be king. Some days I have trouble figuring out which boot goes on which foot."

Leliana also sighed, seeming to expect the self-deprecation. "Complete fools are made leaders of kingdoms all the time, and you're not a complete fool."

"Thank you, Leliana." I told her as Alistair lost in his argument.

"And don't worry about the boots. Kings don't need to dress themselves. that's what advisors are for, isn't it?"

Alistair scoffed as he got up, "And star-struck maids, apparently." He muttered.

DAO

The next day after getting rescued from Fort Drakon, I was informed (not even by Morrigan) but Zevran that Morrigan and the Teryn of Highever's youngest son had apparently been caught in the act.

It followed me questioning the dark haired witch about it, and for once...she had nothing to say. It spread like wildfire amongst our inner circle.

For some reason this bothered Alistair the most. Considering it odd after he vehemently denied doing the ritual for the sake of our survival, and after meeting another Orlesian Warden, Riordan was confident that this older warden, who was approaching his days of the Calling anyway, was ready to give his life to save all of Fereldan.

I would have argued Alistair about this, but we already fought about the ritual, and about him becoming king, and after our traumatizing incident at Fort Drakon, we were back to holding hands and cuddling.

But literally everything coming out of Alistair's mouth was about Morrigan and Castiel who...they themselves, have become inseparable. At breakfast, Alistair, Leliana, and I were eating the spread (me taking every advantage I have to eat good food) when Alistair brought it up again. "Does he know?"

"Does who know?" I asked, taking my pieces of cheese for my toast. I asked the question despite knowing the answer.

"Cousland, you think he knows she is a witch of the wilds. I mean just looking at her she screams it."

Leliana huffed, just as exhausted of the topic as I was, "Have you nothing better to do than to spread idle gossip? And besides…" She looked up pointedly as Castiel entered the room with Queen Anora, the two in a pleasant conversation. "You're not being very discreet." Leliana whispered as she buttered her bread.

I looked back as Castiel laughed at something Anora said, nodding, "He's not paying attention," I whispered back.

All three of us (too obviously) were looking back at Castiel, before Leliana spoke up in a hushed whisper, "You don't... think that he's serious about it, do you? The woman is a vile fiend."

Alistair scoffed, feigning shock, "Well, look here, now who's an idle gossip? Me-ow!"

I choked on my freshly squeezed orange juice, sure I was gaining the attention of the Queen and the teryn's son. Leliana turned red in the face as Castiel and her locked eyes. "Good morning, Leliana." Castiel greeted, and with the swish of his cloak he made his leave.

It clicked. Even for Alistair, and Leliana stared down shyly at the table, "You know him." Alistair accused.

"I don't want to talk about." Leliana huffed.

"Ooh...scandalous!"

"Ahem-" Queen Anora made her presence known, "Warden Brosca...I would very much like to speak to you...in private."

DAO

It was weird going back out after the Landsmeet. He wasn't just Alistair anymore...but 'King Alistair Theirin of Ferelden."

The camp was completely different. We were no longer just a merry band of witches, bards, and assassins finding solace after a day's journey. We had a whole army with us. Navigating through camp which was easily a hundred times bigger became less personal.

The party member I often found myself pulling to was Leliana. Alistair and I were still on non-speaking terms. After I sent off Loghain to Orlais to become a Warden...with Riordan. Alistair's ticket to either of our survivals.

I didn't feel it was right to make another sacrifice for our sake. Even if he was older.

I was determined to make the killing blow, though Morrigan made it clear she did not wish this fate for me. But there were no choices.

Leliana redirected her pain, after Marjolaine...after Castiel...towards a city elf by the name of Kallian Tabris. My encounter with this elf was...poor...she chewed me out real good when we broke her out of her cell after a year of imprisonment.

Still wearing a blood stained wedding dress. So I was surprised when I saw this woman giggling with Leliana away from the camp. In the short week we were on the field, heading to Redcliffe...Leliana appeared very happy. "Does this not violate your vows?" I asked.

"No." Leliana answered bluntly as we geared up in our armor.

I smiled, happy for my friend, she having spent a whole year watching as Alistair and I fall in love...even as Morrigan apparently stole her love away. Dere and Zevran also appeared to be more serious than just intense and passionate sex.

Leliana was in love. "I'm happy for you, salroka. I see the way you gaze at each other."

"Is it too much?" Leliana asked nervously, "I don't want it to feel like I am pressuring her. She has...been through alot. I promised Kallie I would be gentle."

"Aw, Kallie. Aw sweet! Really! I think you make each other really happy."

Leliana tucked her now growing, unkempt hair behind her ear. "I just...I don't know what is going to happen...the Blight is almost here. I feel...I feel there is so much to live for now. Not even just Kallie, you too...You...are a dear friend."

I noticed tears in the bard's eyes, as I choked back my own emotion. I heard a raspy young voice behind me, as Kallian appeared planting a kiss on Leliana's cheek, "There are you, Leli. I was wondering where you were?" She mildy glared at me, probably making sure I wasn't a sort of rival for Leliana's affections.

I smiled at Kallian, raising my hands up, "I'll leave you love birds alone." I said, leaving the pair.

Now I found myself lost again. I tried searching for at least Sten or Wynne, searching through the throngs of human soldiers. This was worse than Ostagar. It was then I bumped into Alistair-

King Alistair.

He didn't look so angry as he did the day we left, in fact he looked more tired. "Ada." He greeted me curtly.

"Your Highness." I almost sneered.

He bit his lip, looking away. I sighed, I couldn't stay mad at him. "How are things?"

"Good. Good." Alistair said, looking down at what he was carrying. "I am reading a book."

"That's...a big book."

"Yes...with very small print and no pictures."

I laughed a bit at that, and Alistair offered a melancholic smile. "There are too many people here. I can't find any of my friends." I complain.

"Yes, well...don't worry. It is only until we defeat this Blight."

I nodded, "Leliana and Kallian Tabris are becoming quite an item."

"...oh...the...angry elf that almost slit my throat when we freed her out of her...cell?"

"Wearing the blood-stained wedding dress. The very one."

He nodded, "Good for Leliana."

Awkward silence.

"I am going to go look for my dog." I said, "I will see you around."

Alistair didn't say anything, as I made my way around him, getting lost in the crowd.