CHAPTER 22: Written in the Stars

The sprawling city of Denerim was a reflection of the night sky. But instead of the silver stars, the lights burned a vigilant orange. The memory of the dream flashed in her mind- the thousands of flaming torches in the canyon and the stamping of feet as the army marched. And above all, the glass shattering roar of the Archdemon. Kallian watched the city without really seeing. She stood on the walkway knowing that time was running out. And only time would tell if all their efforts had amounted to anything.

"It's a beautiful city, isn't it?" commented Alistair softly, coming to join her.

Not for long, said a voice in the corner of Kallian's mind.

But she nodded.

"I never wanted to live in such a populated place," continued the new king. "Too many eyes, too much gossip. It didn't sound like the ideal home for a bastard."

"We'll make it through this, Alistair."

"Was it that obvious?" asked the other Warden, chuckling. "I am afraid… I suppose. But really, I am considering staying here, you know."

Kallian smiled slightly. "That's good, because you don't really have a choice in the matter."

He sighed. "If only I'd refused the Arl. As it is… I can never say no."

"You were always a pushover."

"Nice would be a better word, thank you."

The elf chuckled.

"Anyway, I'm starting to like the sound of ruling over everyone. Telling people what to do, and such. Ooh! And maybe I can pay that witch back for how horribly she's treated me!"

"You two still fighting?" tutted Kallian. "In my opinion, you should watch that Anora more closely."

"Hmm… I don't know. Morrigan might be a more formidable foe."

The Warden crossed her arms against the chill. "Loghain might be dead but his daughter is still alive, and she's a cunning one."

"If you're thinking of suggesting marriage again…"

Kallian shook her head. "I was joking. Besides, if you married her, it would be a disaster. She would take over in an instant."

"Good to know you have confidence in me."

She grinned despite herself. "You'll do well."

A weighty silence settled over them as they gazed into the darkness. Both of them felt what was to come, and the unspoken fears that they shared. They normally joked about Alistair's kingship and bandied the word about lightly. But she knew the responsibility weighed on him heavily. The air was cold and their breaths rose up clearly even in the weak light of the torches. For a while they stared ahead, lost in their own thoughts and battling with uncertainty and anxiety. Finally, Kallian couldn't take it anymore.

"How's your cheese tasting going?"

"Eh? Oh, that…" said Alistair, laughing. "They have wonderful cheeses. Especially the blue ones! Have you tried the Stilton cheese and the Highever blue? The chefs do an amazing job…"

Kallian listened as he rambled on about the different types and what they tasted good with and so on. She made an effort to match his enthusiasm but in the end, just listened. His youthful energy helped her to temporarily forget everything that was shadowing their future.

After all, she thought. I can't always have this gloom hanging over my life.

Ever since leaving the Alienage, Kallian had sunk into a depressive state that she couldn't quite shake off. The others did their best to cheer her up, but things like that couldn't be forgotten. Her father had responded better than she expected. But Soris was another story. He'd always been there for her. They did everything together since they were young. His rejection hit her like a boulder. She just couldn't believe it.

There was a creak as the door opened behind them.

"What are you two doing out in the cold?"

Kallian's heart jumped in recognition, as it always did.

"Taking in the view, talking about cheeses… you know, normal things," said Alistair cheerfully.

"About cheeses?" asked the bard, chuckling.

She came over to lace her arm through the elf's.

"Oh, yes. Did you know there are over seven hundred different cheeses in Ferelden? There's even one you can use as a shield…"

Kallian exchanged a smirk with Leliana as Alistair started his lecture again. The three spent some time chatting and joking before the other Warden left them, with the excuse that he wanted to play with Talon. With some guilt, Kallian knew the real reason he did, but nodded anyway.

He walked away, leaving the two to enjoy their time together.

Both of them gazed out at the city. There wasn't really much to see- neither of them could make out the outlines of buildings. There was only the pitch black of night and the flickering torchlights.

Kallian pulled the bard closer to her, putting an arm around her waist. The woman leaned against her and the contact warmed Kallian down to her feet. Only her face remained exposed to the cold wind. She closed her eyes in contentment. There was something inexplicably comforting about holding Leliana this way, gazing into the night. She knew the Darkspawn were out there waiting for them, marching in endless hordes toward the city. Thoughts of the last battle haunted her dreams, as did the draconic form of the Archdemon.

But in this moment she was warded by some indecipherable peace. At the same time, a stab of hollowness mingled with the sensation. She saw her mother's hand drop from hers limply all those years ago. She couldn't shake off the odd feeling of departure.

Kallian breathed in the floral scent deeply, inscribing it in her mind.

"Leliana," she said.

"Yes, Kallian?"

"Tell me the story again. Alindra and her soldier."

The bard laughed softly. "Of course." She paused to gather her thoughts before starting. "A long time ago, there lived a fair maiden called Alindra…"

Kallian listened with her eyes closed, imagining the maiden.

"One day, Alindra was sitting by the window in her father's castle, singing and dreaming… when her lovely voice caught the attention of a young soldier. Entranced by her voice, he drew near to Alindra's window…"

The lilting voice reverberated in her mind and meandered into her heart, dulling the ache of loss and disappointment like nothing else could.

"As their eyes met, he fell in love with her and she with him. When Alindra told her father about the man she had chosen, he was furious…So earnest was her plea that the gods themselves were moved, lifting her high into the heavens, where she became a star."

Kallian half listened, nearly drifting off into sleep. Leliana felt her sag a little against her and turned around. She brushed Kallian's hair away with soft fingers.

The elf jumped, eyes opening blearily.

"Oh, sorry," she said. "Did you finish the story?"

"Yes," said the sister, laughing. "If I knew you would fall asleep, I would have just piggybacked you."

Kallian snorted. "I'm not a baby."

"Shall I sing you a lullaby?" the bard teased.

The elf narrowed her eyes at the woman. "…"

Leliana smiled and kissed her lips lightly. "No, truly. I will sing you something." A thoughtfulness settled in her eyes. "I was just thinking about the elves… what happened to your people. And I was reminded of a song sung to me, many years ago. It was… when my mother died, and this wise elven woman comforted me and told me not to fear death, or hate it. That death is just another beginning. One day we must all shed our earthly bodies to allow our spirits to fly free."

Kallian nodded.

"Then… will you sing it to me?"

"Only if you don't sleep."

The Warden laughed.

Leliana's blue eyes sparkled in the firelight like gemstones as she gazed at the elf. She opened her mouth and sang to her a heart wrenching song. It was in elvish, and Kallian could understand the meaning, the history behind each word- something outsiders would never comprehend. She had the distant feeling she had it sung to her before, but it must have been so long ago she wasn't sure.

And as the melody enveloped her, Kallian felt all the muscles in her body uncoil and relax.

In uthenera na revas… vir samahl la numin. Vir 'lath sa'vunin.

Whatever the future would hold for them, it was moments like these that made it worth living. Despite everything that happened or could happen.

"Thank you," she murmured, eyes still closed.

"You are welcome," replied Leliana, taking her hands.

Kallian opened her eyes and grinned, taking one slender hand. She pressed her lips against the smooth skin. She wished time would stop for them and prolong this moment- stretch it so far it would be forever.

I love you.

And when she lifted her eyes to the stars, she had the overwhelming urge to cement their relationship in some way- something lasting beyond the ravages of time.

She remembered the sister's words that night: "Does such a love exist? Can it exist?"

"Leliana, pick out a constellation."

The bard blinked. "A constellation?"

"It can be ours- you and me. Like Alindra and her soldier. What do you say?"

Leliana chuckled but the look in her eyes mirrored what Kallian was feeling. "Alright… let's do that." She turned to the sky, scanning it. "Hmm… what about… that one?"

Kallian followed her gaze to a cluster of stars to the south. It could be her imagination, but she thought it looked a bit like a flower. She grinned.

"Typical."

"But why suddenly…?"

"Because I want our love to never end," she answered before she could change her mind. It was probably the cheesiest thing she'd ever said to the bard, but she didn't regret it.

They stood there, leaning against the parapet and smiling at each other like fools.

Leliana's eyes softened and she leaned in to kiss the elf. Kallian deepened it, running her fingers through silky hair to hold the woman's head. Warmth seeped into her body, dispelling the chill of the night air as they held each other.

Life was full of uncertainties. She didn't know if she would make it through this war. Or any of them. Her chest constricted at the thought of losing Leliana especially. She wanted to shake her fist at the world, wanted to shout that it was unfair, that it wasn't right. Kallian hated being on the edge of uncertainty- she liked to plan and estimate the chances of success. But after all the crazy quests, she knew this was unrealistic. There was only one thing she could be sure of: love. And really... that was all that mattered.