A/N: Just to say... FINALLY!!! Ugh, this chapter has been a headache for me, particularly because I couldn't remember what exactly I wanted to accomplish with the first section. I don't know if I did, but... at least it's something I do like.

Oh, and just to say, since I just recently finished my second playthrough of the game and was a little more thorough, There are things I didn't know about when I started this fic (or 'Don't Let Go' for that matter), but I want integrated in the story. Just to let you know in case things seem rather weird. This mostly applies to companions and their stories since in my first time through I only completed Wynne, Alistair, Morrigan, and Sten's quests. I'll let you know exactly what's going on with each character when the time comes (except Wynne... poor Wynne... I do wish I didn't have her die...).

Song Suggestions: Again, Krypteria's album In Medias Res would be a choice for atmosphere. In the 2nd section I was also listening to Breaking Benjamin's latest album Dear Agony as well, particularly for I Will Not Bow. That... and I just grabbed the DA:O soundtrack. XD So of course... been listening to that too.

Well... here you go now then. As much as this was a bit of a pain to write, there are points in this story I found... amusing at least. Hope you will at least and that something might intrigue you as much as it did me. ^_^


Chapter Two

Fear

"Take care of yourself, Sister. You've stayed alive this long… so don't die on me – or on Alistair and Ali – anytime soon."

Aliea gave a sigh as her mind drifted back to those parting words of her brother… and how their lives had changed so much. She remembered how she made no mention to him to take care of himself before he left for Ostagar. She mentioned how she'd miss him, how she wished to go with him… but her own worry that anything would happen to him, no. In fact, she and her brother both berated their mother for doubting his own skill. The two of them always had a sense of invulnerability about them… until their lives changed.

Now… despite surviving the events that others hadn't, the siblings had realized how fragile their lives really were.

Especially the life of her baby girl.

She brushed her fingers over the bangs of Alistea, sitting by the child as she slept. They had spent several days at sea now. There had practically been no reason to visit her birthplace, except for the sentimental ones. Simply that Aliea didn't know if she'd ever have a chance to even contact her brother. Zevran and Leliana would bring short and vague messages from one sibling to the other in the years since she left the family estate. But now… Aliea had enough of running to and fro in an attempt to keep her family's location from being revealed to Anora and those loyal to her. It wasn't helping, not in the least. It was putting Alistea's life in just as much danger and gave the child no stability.

This needed to end.

"Aliea… Alistair… why don't the two of you step outside for a bit? Maybe the fresh air will do you some good," Leliana's soft voice sounded, calling to her the attention of the mentioned couple, the former noble's husband, off sitting in a corner of the cabin, picking at the pages of a book he barely seemed to notice. "I'll watch after Ali. She'll be fine.

"And don't argue with me," she went on to say when Alistair and Aliea both made to ignore the redhead as she stroked the restless and twitchy nug in her lap. "You two are getting too morose for my tastes right now."

With a groan, Alistair closed the book on his lap and tossed it over to his pack before standing and nudging his head towards the door. Aliea released another sigh as she leaned down to kiss the forehead of her daughter as the child took an afternoon nap, mostly due to sheer boredom. She then stood to follow Alistair out and up to the deck of the ship, wrapping a shawl around her shoulder before exiting the cabin. She gave another sigh at the feel of the sea spray against her face once she reached the deck, a sigh that had been accompanied by the former templar's as well.

"I guess Leliana was right. We've gotten rather… depressive," she said languidly, her one arm wrapped around his and their fingers entwined as they made their way to a less crowded area at the side of the ship. "By the Maker… I'll be glad when we're on land again. Traveling by ship is rather boring when compared to land. All those hordes of darkspawn and bandits that just couldn't get enough of our company…" she attempted to joke, wanting to hear her lover laugh and see him smile.

It worked and she swiftly was rewarded with such

"Please… you're making me want to jump into the sea and swim back," he returned in a voice that sounded just as forced as hers, but… also relieved as he untangled his arms from hers and instead wrapped it around her waist, pulling her in. "Think they'd throw a welcoming party for me? Glad that I decided to come back to play our game 'Who Dies First' again? I suppose it won't be much different than the ones they already gave us, huh? Celebrating with blood splatters and gift giving by looting…"

"Don't forget all the lights and explosions their emissaries treat us with as well," she was able to laugh lightly as she felt Alistair's lips at her temple. It was better to be out in the sea air rather than to remain in that stuffy cabin. Though the minor relief she felt was just that… minor. Even considering the relative safety of their journey, Aliea would prefer to feel ground beneath her feet and no longer having to breath in 'fresh' air that was salt stained.

She had never been one for ships, ever since the travels she had gone on with her father…

"Do you regret leaving Ferelden at all?" she murmured, resting her head on her husband's shoulder as the thought of her father reminded her of everything of her life before. Before she had been called a traitor… "I mean… despite everything, can we really say we're anything other than Fereldans?"

"Given that the three of us were raised by dogs? Oh, don't try to say you're an exception," he added with a chuckle as Aliea gave a scoff. "You love that mabari of yours more than I'll ever understand and… sorry," he sighed, his hold tightening around her waist. "I shouldn't have said anything. Not while you have to leave him behind…"

"It's okay. At least Markus is with Fergus," she responded as she bit her lip, hardly enjoying the thought that after all this time… she no longer had her faithful hound by her side. "It… it's not like bringing him along would have been a good idea. It's like a huge sign saying 'Ferelden nobility.' I doubt we need that issue…"

"It might have helped though. They'll complain of our plain accent, how we smell of wet dog. At least if we had Markus we could say that at least we're 'special'… or at least sic the hound on them."

"And we wonder why Ali starts fights," she groaned then muttered. "Also… I don't smell like wet dog…"

"I didn't say you did. But you know how it goes with foreigners…"

"Perhaps, but… so what do you think I smell like? If it's not wet dog…"

"You really want the answer?"

She pulled away and glared up at him to see that damnable smirk of his… which only infuriated her all the more. "You know I never ask unless I want to know. I'm not some scared little girl that can't handle the truth."

"I doubt you ever were, considering that fearless child of ours," he pointed out, the smile evident in his voice as he drew a thumb over her cheek. "So… you really want the answer?"

"Stop stalling and just say it…"

But the smirk lasted a moment longer before he leaned in and breathed hotly against her ear… "Vanilla and cream… and sex…"

"Alistair!" she shrieked indignantly, slapping his shoulder impulsively which only seemed to succeed in drawing a robust chuckle from him. "Oh, you… would you stop thinking about that! Andraste's ashes! It's only been a few days and we don't have anywhere right now…"

"So… are you saying that if we did…"

"No!" she snapped quickly and spinning away, hoping that her husband didn't see the blush in her cheeks as she realized now she wanted to shove him off in a dark corner somewhere. She shook her head, frustrated that it took only one single mentioning… and she was already growing impatient. And when could that impatience be sated? They had to wait for morning before they'd disembark. There was certainly no way she'd let her and Alistair hide themselves in some dark crook like a pair of illicit lovers. Especially not if there was the risk of Alistea hearing of such… conduct of her own parents.

Maker's blood, Aliea didn't even want to think of the inevitable day the girl found out about sex…

And needing to forget about all the thoughts now filling her head…

"Alistair, Love… seriously, are you… really that disturbed by where we're heading to?" she questioned as her fingers gently traced over his at her hip. "Do you… feel more a traitor than ever because of it?"

"I… I don't know, to be honest," he whispered as he slowly drew her closer, shifting to hold her in both arms and tucking her head under his chin. "I know we've been… everywhere, you could say. So, part of me is unfazed, yet…

"Still… it's just hard to think on where we're actually going? And to live? It's just… strange…"

"I know, but… Leliana does think that we could disappear there," she murmured back, her arms around his waist, holding him as she cherished the warmth and strength she found in his arms. "And… I actually enjoyed the place when I went. I know it might sound a little… traitorous to say that, but…"

"We are traitors, remember? All over again. Although… I guess if you think about it, we've been traitors since Ostagar," her husband muttered as he held her close, a hand at her neck, his fingers teasing her skin tenderly. "Sad though that you of all people are considered a traitor. After everything you did for Ferelden, to save it from the Blight. You could have left the nation to its fate…"

"I only stayed on because of you, Love," she whispered, her grip tightening on his shirt as she shifted to breathe against his lips. "You might think you did little, but… if you hadn't been there, refusing to leave, I couldn't have gone through with the task. I suppose if another senior Warden lived, maybe. But I would have just been a shadow then.

"But I wasn't one, because you were there. You urged me on that we had to do our task and… I know I fell in love with you since I saw your smile and heard your laugh. And I never wanted to see the world be devoid of them.

"I never wanted to lose them…"

She took advantage of the pause that followed, allowing herself to press a kiss to his lips, reaching up to grasp the back of his head as she moved her lips against his, both possessively and eagerly. She wasn't at all surprised, but no less delighted as his hand at her neck took a steady hold and his mouth moved just as fervently against hers, his wet and warm tongue sweeping over her lips. She felt herself moan with yearning and shove herself against his body, suddenly forgetting that they were out in the open. The chilly sea air hardly seemed to register in her mind as she only felt the heated blood of her body and the delicious warmth of Alistair's. All sound around them seemed nonexistent; silence enveloping them, making it difficult for Aliea to repress her moans, unable to recall why she should…

"By the Maker! If the two of you have such eager desires, could you at least find a room for yourself?"

The complaint broke through the trance Aliea had been in, making her break her lips from Alistair's and whip around to face the disgruntled man, though he had already walked off, leaving her with her husband's amused laugh.

"And you slapped me for mentioning sex," he said, still laughing as he took hold of her chin and turned her gaze back to his before he gave her a light kiss on the lips then pulled away. "See? You're just as restless as I am. I don't think that that day at your family estate made things better. More like it just… fanned the flames…"

"Yeah? And you tend to have a one-track mind," she muttered jadedly just as she ground her hips against his, admitting to herself that she enjoyed the way his eyes widened and the startled grasp that fled his lips. She gave a chuckle as she let her arms rest in a lazy circle around his neck, smirking up at the man, glad that neither one of them had experienced a diminish in the passion that had awakened in them six years ago.

Of course… that longing did come with a bit of disappointment. Particularly because they had a daughter.

"You're hardly one to talk," he groaned, his breaths slightly heavy and shallow. "Told you… you just have to smile and my mind goes crazy. And then you'll kiss me or provoke me… do me a favor, Dear. Try not to torment me so much until we've got a room of our own…"

"We'll have to wait until Ali's settled in her own room as well," she pointed out before giving a sigh and resting her head against his shoulder. "She's not going to like that, you know… having to spend her nights alone. She's so used to sharing a room with us or a tent. I don't see how she'll enjoy being alone…"

"Not right away, but… she'll get use to it eventually. Want it as well. We just have to give her some time," he murmured, kissing the crown of her head before giving another chuckle. "Well… at least there she's still a child. Oh… don't let that get you any ideas of trying to let her keep that particular tendency…"

"And lose the chance of sharing some hot, steamy nights with you? I think not!" she laughed lightly then gave him a quick peak on the cheek. "I'm sure there are other traits that she can pick up. I hope she'll start to gain other habits… ones that don't leave me worried and wishing…

"Alistair, are we doing the right thing with our baby? Tell me we are…"

"Your guess is as good as mine, my love," he sighed, giving her a comforting squeeze and another affectionate kiss. "But… I don't see how this choice is a wrong one. You're a good mother, Aliea…"

"But I almost got our baby killed, Alistair! Of course I've done things wrong! We should have tried to settle down earlier and that would have never happened!" she cried out, breaking from his arms and stepping away. She turned a fuming glare onto him, but she let it fall as she sighed and turned away, leaning against the side of the ship and looking down at the rhythmic beating of the waves against its hull. "I just… I can't stand this. I thought I was done with all this worry on whether or not we were doing things right for Ali. Then that attack and… I don't even remember what happened. Just I remember seeing that shriek rush past and… I didn't even realize it grabbed Ali until… until…"

A fist went to her eyes as Aliea felt her body tremble and break, her eyes clenched shut as the tears broke free at that memory of the terrified screams of her daughter, the numb fear that flowed through the former Warden's veins, realization dawning on her too late. If Markus hadn't been there, hadn't tried to drag the darkspawn from Alistea… and if Alistair hadn't reacted as quick as he had, hadn't retrieved Ali when he did…

She couldn't stand to think of what might have been. It was bad enough that she had been too numb to react.

She had almost let her child die that day and the nightmares that had haunted her were worse than her daughter's.

She wasn't waiting for something worse to happen.

Alistea needed a stable, safe life. It was time she had it.

As Aliea continued to let the tears fall, she felt a strong warmth encircle her and she did nothing to refuse her husband's embrace, letting her grief-stricken body relax as best it could in his arms. She could, to a point, knowing that this was all he could give him. He couldn't say anything. He knew that they had almost lost everything that day. Alistea was their life, their only child – probably ever – and they almost let her slip away. They both faced guilt and incompetence that day and still did… and she was glad Alistair didn't try to say anything contrary. He couldn't, she knew that.

Risking their daughter's life wasn't an option. They couldn't continue to do so.

But in the midst of the sullen mood that had fallen onto them, a sudden gaggle of noises caught the couple's ears, making them both turn towards the commotion on deck and give an exasperated groan.

Before them, racing around deck was Alistea, not seeming at all languid from her earlier nap. Instead, with the boundless energy the girl possessed, now she was chasing Leliana's nug, Schmooples, yelling at it to run even as she giggled uncontrollable, easily dodging and zipping around other passengers, evading her pursuer. Aliea couldn't help but feel pity for her friend, watching the bard attempt to catch the small child… and fail. Yet, she couldn't help but give an amused laugh, joined in with Alistair, both of them finding in unbelievable that here was a woman that had ensnarled adults with no difficulty… but couldn't handle the job of babysitting one child.

Of course… to be fair, Alistea probably was as troublesome as five children – or more…

"Oh! Schmooples! There they are!" the girl cried out, jerking to a stop once she must have caught the sound of her parents' laughter, which burst – though it shouldn't have – as Leliana seemed to think that she could catch Alistea now that she halted. But Alistea swiftly dashed over to her parents, eluding the bard once more and instead leaping into the arms of her mother. "Mama… Papa… so why'd you run off? It wasn't… you were kissing again, weren't you?" she accused, the girl letting her face contort with annoyance.

"We'd be lying if we said we weren't," Alistair chuckled, leaning down to kiss his daughter's cheek. "But that's not why we're out here. Your auntie Leliana thought it'd be best if we got some fresh air…"

"Salty air isn't fresh," the girl muttered, scrunching her nose up with disgust. "I want back on land. This is the longest boat ride I've been on and it's boring! Are we there yet?"

"In the morning," Aliea sighed, but smiled, unable to be completely exasperated by Alistea's impatience. Instead, she found it a touch endearing. And seeing some immaturity in her girl was rather relieving. "Don't worry. It won't be much longer…"

"But it's boring here. I like Schmooples and all but…" Again, Alistaea's face cringed with aggravation as she glared at the nug now safely in the arms of its owner. "Schmooples isn't Markus. Markus is more fun." A soft sigh escaped the girl's lips as she turned her gaze back up to her mother, her brow now creased with despondency. "Mama… I miss Markus. Why couldn't he come? He's not such a bad dog, is he?"

"No, Sweetheart," Alistair spoke up, beckoning the girl's attention to him as he softly caressed her cheek. "But… your mama doesn't think he'd enjoy where we're going. It's not exactly a place as… rough as the others places we've been. Markus would stand out and he'd let others know that we're Fereldans…"

"And that wouldn't help hiding," Alistea sighed as she rested her head on Aliea's shoulder, but kept her sad, brown eyes on her father's. "Papa… I don't like hiding. It's like… when boys are chasing someone and they call him a coward because he won't face them. I don't like thinking I'm a coward… or that you and Mama are. I mean… I've seen you fight! You're not cowards! So why do we have to hide?"

"Oh, little Ali…" Leliana spoke up before either could even open their mouths. "Your mama and papa aren't cowards. Don't ever think that they are. Don't listen to anyone that would say such. If they did, they don't realize just how much your parents love you and how precious you are to them.

"They don't want to lose you, to see you hurt.

"They don't care about being called cowards, not while they have a little girl to protect."

The 'little girl' gave a morose nod, her grip on her mother's shoulder growing taunt as she mumble, "I wish I wasn't still a 'little girl.' I can't seem to do any good being little…"

"Ali, hush," Aliea murmured in her daughter's ear, holding the girl close. "Don't say that. Remember what Mama told you at Uncle Fergus's? I don't want you growing up to fast. And you're no trouble, Darling. Auntie Leli is right… you're precious to your Papa and I. Don't think otherwise. And don't worry.

"All that matter to us is that you stay safe and that you can grow up as a little girl should…"

For a moment, it was silent. Then Alistea pulled away from her mother, leaning back so that she could look her in the eye… allowing Aliea to almost laugh at the sight of her daughter's disgruntled face. "You're not trying to tell me that I can't learn to use the dagger Papa got me, are you?"

"As much as I know I'm the 'mean, boring' one… I'm not that mean," Aliea said, cynically cocking an eyebrow as she regarded her girl. "I already made enough rules on your birthday present. It wouldn't be fair to you to make more."

"And don't worry, Ali," Alistair spoke up, the mischief in his voice making his wife face him and she had to glare at the smirk plastered on his face. "If your mama ever changes her mind… we'll figure something out. After it's not fair that she gets to wield two swords if you can't have one. And I am the one that got you the dagger. She doesn't exactly have a say…"

"Alistair… by the Maker, I swear…" Aliea began to mutter, but was cut short quite quickly.

"But Mama… Papa does have a point," Alistea murmured, staring at her mother with an earnest and innocent gaze. "It was Papa's present and you told me that you were a little girl too when your papa taught you. So why would it be bad for me to learn?"

"You know… I hate it when you side with your papa so often."

"That's because he's the silly one," her daughter beamed and laughed as Alistair sardonically muttered, "Thanks." She gave another burst of childish giggles, accompanied by Aliea and Leliana both, much to the chagrin of the sole male amongst them. But the light laughter died away shortly and Alistea wrapped her arms around her mother's neck, giving her a kiss on the check as she added in an amused voice, "But you're being silly now too, Mama. You both know I'll always love you. So stop being so silly…

"And… I'm hungry," the child swiftly changed the subject, jerking away and upright before wrestling out of the adult's arms to return to the deck. "Can we go get supper now? And if it has to be soup again… I want cheese. Mama, do you think you can try to get one those mean men to give me some cheese?"

"That sounds like an excellent idea," Alistair piped up, wrapped his arm around his wife's waist while that foolish grin of his spread across his lips. "Don't you agree, my dear? Persuading a bit of cheese for garnish for your darling daughter and handsome husband?"

"Don't try to push your luck, Husband. Or I'll remind you just why Duncan recruited me and you'll lose all of that 'special treatment' of yours," she warned under her breath, her arm also snaking around his waist and her fingers slipping beneath the waistband of his pants… before she gave him a hard pinch on his hips. It would be a lie to say she didn't relish the surprised yelp that resulted from the act.

"Ow… but… just a bit of cheese, please?" he pouted, the innocent act making their daughter giggle again as she tried to get Leliana to let her hold Schmooples again. "And you're so much better in speaking than I am. You are quite talented in the use of your mouth after all…"

"Alistair!" Aliea hissed, slapping a hand against his chest. "Don't make innuendos around Ali…"

"Mama. Papa," the mentioned girl grumbled loudly, hugging the large nug that was practically her size. "Can you just kiss and make up and not hide to do that so that we can go eat and stop fighting." She paused and gave a heavy sigh as she turned and began to trudge off to the lower deck, muttering, "And Mama says I'm a kid. They're the kids. Schmooples… adults are strange people, don't you think? Well… better get to back in the room. Can't bring you to dinner. Others might think you are dinner and that would be bad."

"Just imagine what it will be like when she learns that you two don't hide just to kiss," Leliana whispered to the couple under her breath, the three of them following the child. "I'm sure she'll think you're all the stranger…"

"Please, Leliana… that's the last thing I need to think on," Aliea sighed, her and her husband's arms still wrapped around each other. "I'd like to think she'll remain blissfully ignorant about that notion for a long time from now.

"So could we just hurry after the girl before she runs off again. I don't need to have to chase and search her in the crowded mess hall."


At first glance and to common knowledge… Ferelden seemed to be no different than it had been roughly a decade ago. At first glance…

There was no censure amongst the commoners in regards to their queen. Hardly a soul amongst the citizens seemed aware of the faults of Teyrn Loghain Mac Tir, which seemed to be no more than an afterthought in the minds of those that did know. After all, the man had died when the Archdemon had been slain; he was – and would always be – a hero. And his daughter reigned. It mattered not to the common people that a woman who had no Theirin blood and bore none to continue the line was their queen; she was the daughter of a hero and if someone was to rule now that Calenhad's line had ended, she was seen as the perfect choice.

At least in the minds of those that hardly knew what had conspired in the event directly preceding the fall of the Archdemon.

But for those that knew, the men and women of nobility that had been present at the Landsmeet and had laid eyes on the last of the Theirin line, none of them believed the claim that Anora had made that the man had been nothing more than an imposter; they knew that there was no doubt that Alistair was Maric's son. A few of the lesser and foolhardy nobles had even spurred some people into rebellion, but they failed and they only succeeded in cementing the common belief that Cailan had been the last.

However… as much as Anora was satisfied to see the rebellions work more in her favor than against her, to see that the majority of Ferelden was devoted to her, dealing with the forced fidelity of the nobles that had stood with Aliea and Alistair was no less than frustrating and maddening. She knew that they only did nothing to usurp her for who was there to lead after her? Eamon would do no such thing as the man was indeed wise and aware that making such an attempt would truly only hurt him. Vaughan, the current arl of Denerim, was probably the most ambitious of those that had supported the Warden, yet… he wasn't fool enough to attempt his own coup.

The rest of her opposition hardly had any real standing to overthrow her… except for one.

The very brother of woman that Anora detested.

She didn't trust the current teyrn of Highever in the least. He spoke in no way against her; not as Eamon or Teagan would, the former, subtle in his words and the latter, hostile in his tone. But… it was the void in Fergus's words that insulted Anora more than any other noble. He spoke in such a factual, detached tone that there were several times the widow wanted to slap the man. But she could do nothing against him. Not while he held the favor of the people.

He was believed to be the only surviving child of Bryce Cousland, for many had forgotten his sister in the years following her disappearance. An amazing fact given that it had been a rather common opinion that Aliea should have succeeded her father, her cunning mind and enchanting charisma having swayed many nobles into seeing the woman's brilliance as her skill in arms earned her the respect of soldiers. Not to mention, she had accompanied her father more frequently to court and on diplomatic trips than Fergus had. Several had believed that Aliea was the more competent of the Cousland children.

Though now… it was a forgotten thought as Fergus no longer seemed the boy he had been in the years prior to his parents' deaths. He had restored Highever to something near its former glory, easily taking up the firm and just lead of his father. And many held sympathies towards the man for the loss of his entire family and rejoiced that he lived. Now that the Theirin line was believed to be spent, it seemed that others worried for the loss of the Cousland line as well.

Because the man seemed to have so much going for him, Anora knew that to have Fergus against her would help nothing, especially in the public eye. She attempted her hardest to win him on her side, hoping that his absence during the whole mess that happened during this last Blight might make it easier to gain his support. She knew declaring his sister as a traitor would work not do so however, even if she kept the declaration amongst only the upper echelons of nobility. But had she any other choice as Aliea began to rebuke her, declaring that Alistair truly should have been king? She relayed that to the man, reminding him that his sister had doomed herself in that move, but all she had received was an empty agreement. It did not sit well with the woman at all.

And thus, she kept the man nearby, closer to her than any other noble. Especially as she had heard the whispered words of her subjects, what many thought would be an ideal arrangement both for Ferelden and in their own idealized thoughts… and what she knew to be true. Not only for her own reign or to give her own heirs a stronger foothold for the throne, but more importantly…

She could see how marriage with the 'last' of the Cousland line could work against the siblings…

So, it went without saying, that Fergus's company could be just as frustrating as it was satisfying.

Especially in the latest news that had reached her ears.

"Tell me, is it true? Someone matching your sister's description was seen in a port of your teyrnir. Was it her?"

Infuriatingly, the man just looked at her with bemused and innocent surprise, the both of them partaking an afternoon tea in the privacy of her chambers. Though it would have seemed that she simply wanted a private, friendly chat with the man, Anora knew that the charade would fool her servants better than this man. He always seemed to know when she used a ruse with him…

"It's probably just random dock gossip," he shrugged, a casual and eased air about him, as if this news had little effect on him. "People say many things to amuse themselves. It's foolish to believe everything bored men say."

"It's foolish to ignore anything that has potential threat as well," she bit back, her blue eyes glaring at the man who still seemed utterly nonchalant about the issue.

"Ah, you are right… if my sister indeed has set foot in Ferelden," he seemed to agree, but there was a hint of mockery in the man's tone that Anora did not like one bit. Her grip on the handle of her teacup tightened. "I imagine you fear that she's returned to Ferelden then? With Alistair in tow?"

"And what's to say that she hasn't already been in these lands?" she returned, biting back her snarl. "I said nothing of her coming or going. How do I not know she's received some aide from you and is now leaving now that whatever plans she has are in motion?"

"True, but I merely assumed that you spoke of this suspicion now because you believe that she's in Ferelden and wish to stop whatever plans she might have before they can begin," he went on to say. "If you thought that she had some sort of plan in effect with my aide… why set up a charade and not just arrest me? It would save us both the trouble…

"And I also don't see why there would be cause to worry if she has left. If there's anything within her as the sister I knew… she fights her own fights. So if you fear assassins and the like… I see no reason…"

"Yes… she fights her own battles… but allowed my father to die when they faced the Archdemon. I have a hard time seeing what was honorable of your sister when she was quite satisfied to disparage the hero of Ferelden as she did. And to my own face, Fergus!" she exclaimed, this time unable to hold back the snarl, finding herself focusing on the insult she had felt after her father's death and hearing that woman hiss out that he deserved that death and how she had wanted it that way. "You still wish to acknowledge such a selfish and uncouth woman as your sister?"

"Can you deny the truth, Anora?" the teyrn questioned, his eyes holding a careful glare, as if he was questioning her on several different matters. All of which… she knew exactly where his thoughts lay, though his words did not reflect that. "Whether or not I agree with her, whether or not I detest her… it cannot change the fact that she is, by blood, my sister. It's like trying to deny that the blood in my veins is not my own.

"The truth is not always easy to face."

"No… no, it isn't," she had to admit with a sigh, staring down at her tea, gently swirling the liquid inside her cup. Of course, the truth wasn't easy and in all honesty… who better to know than the two of them. Both were widowed and by people they had not expected would murder the love of their lives; his father's old 'friend' had killed almost all of his family and it had been her very father that allowed her husband to fall. And as Fergus's family was all but gone, so was hers.

And the similarities in their lives were probably what infuriated her so much about him, because the last thing she wanted was to be drawn to this man and to allow herself any chance to continue seeing the man without the interest of using him.

She did not need to find herself actually falling for the brother of her father's 'murderer.'

Especially as she knew she could not trust him…

"But to return to the prior topic… I imagine that what you've asked me here for was to try to drain me of any information of my sister, once again," he gave a groan before Anora could speak her mind, replacing the cup on the table and lowering his head, his now empty hand reaching for his forehead, massaging the ceases of his furrowed brow. "How often have you asked me these questions for the last two years? The answer will always be the same as it has been. I know nothing of her plans. It matters not if she contacts me or not. If my sister feels her life is threatened, she will not be fool enough to reveal such information to persons she can't trust… and that includes me, as I'm certain she'd be aware that there is the possibility that you'd try to use me…

"And we both know that is precisely why you bother to summon me."

"Teyrn Cousland… if you are trying to guilt me as your sister had tried with my father… yes, I am using you as I intend to use any piece or source of information as I can. Especially while so many others have the sort of loyalty you have… empty," she accused with an angry snarl, also setting her cup down as she held a fierce glare on him… only worsening her agitation, as he stared back at her with no reaction. Just the same bleak stare she was always subjected to. "I will do what it takes to survive, just as anyone would. Can you disagree? You, Eamon, your sister and all her companions… can you dare say that they are any different from me in that regard?"

"It is those with the same goal that fight the hardest against each other," he muttered, his pale green eyes still void, but now tired. "Then I'll say it now and hope you listen this time…

"I know nothing of Aliea's plans and if she is anything like the sister I grew up with, she has no plans against you.

"Now… if that's all you want from me…"

He stood and turned his back to her, clearly with intent to make his way to the door and would have… if Anora hadn't stood up as well and reached for his hand.

"You know that there are reasons other than your sister that urge me to invite you to my chambers…"

He halted before slowly turning back around to face her. His cautious and apprehensive gaze settled on her, knowing exactly what she spoke of. But he did not look at her this way because he was unwilling. She knew he was willing the moment he walked in that door… and as he took the chance to shove her to her bed.

But he was uncomfortable with this act, as she was, yet… neither of them could resist.

If they could, she would have never invited him into her chambers before and he would have never entered.

The damn talks she had with this man had opened that door because she let her guard down, believing him not to be a man she could consider in the least. But as she attempted to gain his trust, voicing her regrets for his mother's death… Anora had made a mistake opening that wound. It had been one of the few times his emotionless façade fell and her hate of him fell as well. At least the hate that had been simple and without conflict.

Instead now… whatever flooded her heart was mixed with complications.

She knew the loyalty of his heart rested not with her, but his sister, no matter the words he would speak to her. She knew she could not trust this man, just as he did not trust her. She would kill him if it came down to it and he would do the same. They were both taunting their fates as they gave into their need for companionship and finding it in the wrong person. But they didn't bother to fight the desire.

They had enough to fight. They both needed something to submit to, to be weak for once… something of an escape from their struggles, even those they had with each other… even if it only made things worse later…

But she shoved the thoughts from her mind as the submitted to their lust, feverishly disposing of the clothing barring them from each other. She then gave an approving chuckle as she felt Fergus's warm, rough hands grope about, preferring this feral thirst he had for body to his indifference in conversation. She especially enjoyed the brutal way he handled her; it was not a form of cruelty, just fierce passion.

And the way he ravaged her, fierce and violent… it expressed their frustration perfectly.

That was all this act was between them, a chance to act on all these frustrations with no restraint.

In time, the deed was done and now their bodies were spent, making neither one of them even attempt to move from the bed. Anora had no desire to, not as she found her body still insatiable. And why should it be otherwise when the man with her held and caressed her, his lips at her shoulder and a hand resting against her inner thigh, as if… he wished to tend to her like a man who wanted to fully please the love of his life? Not for a second did the queen fool herself into thinking that this man loved her or that he even wondered if he did. But she knew that he did want a woman to love, just as she wanted a man she loved as much as she had loved Cailan… or to love one more so.

And given how Fergus comprehended the notion of post-coital cuddling better her late husband had… it was hard for her to not want such with this man.

But that was not to be. She'd accept that. She'd use him as he would use her and expect nothing else.

"You are a cruel woman, Anora. You know that, don't you?" he muttered in a hoarse rumble by her ear, making her jerk as he interrupted her thoughts. "I'm sick of these games… this charade. Not as the rumors are beginning to surface…"

"And what? Do you fear that your sister will hear and feel betrayed?" she snapped back, her heated blood only growing fiercely irritated as he continued to please her body, a move in conflict with how his words angered her. "Your loyalty either belongs to me or that traitor. And I shouldn't have to say what happens if you choose the latter…"

"My loyalty lies with Ferelden, as should yours," the teyrn replied vaguely, groaning as he slid away and sat up. There would be nothing else to gain from him carnally and it didn't matter. That wasn't what was important to her anyhow.

What was important was what he was hiding…

"And you think that your sister has Ferelden's best interests at heart. Better than I do…" the queen snarled, watching as the man gathered and pulled on his clothes.

"You wished to see King Calenhad's line decimated completely. To see the brother of your husband dead…"

"He was not the brother of Cailan. They might have had the same father, but Maric did not acknowledge Alistair. And neither will I," she stated with disdain, angry at Fergus's statement that she should accept the bastard as a brother… and that his sister was had been in the right, not Anora. "So you think I was a fool in wishing so and your sister better by pleading to keep the bastard alive? You saw what happened soon after the archdemon fell. Rebellions! And those will continue so long as Alistair lives! So long as others believe he does…"

"The common folk believe him to be nothing more than a rumor," he returned bleakly, his pants on now as he wrestled on his boots. "The danger is past…"

"Hardly. People like you and Eamon know that there was no lie in the rumor that Maric had a bastard and also know that chances are, Alistair yet lives. And I know that sister of yours went after him. She found him, didn't she? She's back with him… and you know it. What is she planning?!"

"I told you, I… don't… know…" he growled, focusing a glare on her. "But if there is anything the woman is planning it's just to live. Forget her. She's had enough of death in her life. She wishes no more…"

"And she told you this? How long ago?"

"I saw it in her eyes at your coronation."

She would have believed those vague and empty words if the man hadn't faced her. But Fergus made a mistake. His eyes were on hers and she could see the emotions he betrayed within his pale green eyes. Emotions so strong he could not keep them utterly hidden from everyone…

There was fear within those orbs. Fear of discovery…

"She was in Highever, wasn't she? She came to see you, whether she left or returned…"

He said nothing and instead turned away, returning to his prior task. To anyone else, he might seem impassive to the conjecture, but not to her. It was subtle, but she had been around this man for two years now; it was easy for her to catch the stiffness and urgency that had encased him.

Finally! She was able to use this man as she needed.

"But… she left, didn't she?" Anora went on, sitting up and moving towards him, grasping him by the wrist as she breathed against his neck, making him shudder as she spoke, "You said she wants to live and if you are right in that… remaining in Ferelden would not be a choice to make."

"Are you finally going to believe that she has nothing planned against you?"

"No… not if her reason to live is to give herself the time that is needed …" She paused, letting the words sink into the man's thoughts, watching him and seeing… his body stiffened slightly more. The teyrn was growing frightened and now that he was nearly fully dressed, he was about to run for the door. But she tightened her grip on him, not wanting him to run now, not when she almost had what she needed to know.

"She's bidding her time… isn't she? She has an ace of sorts… doesn't she?"

"I have no idea what you mean…"

"She wasn't alone, was she? She had two others with her, in the least. That… redheaded bard friend of hers and… a man. A man who I imagine was Alistair, by the description…"

"I wouldn't know…"

"And there was another with her… a child…"

Suddenly, his body grew taunt and straight, freezing for a moment as he pulled on his boots. It lasted hardly a second even, but again, the time she had spent with his man had made it possible for her to perceive the icy change in his demeanor. And all of this… it was more than enough to make her smile, even as a realization settled upon her. One that threatened every single one of her ambitions.

And Fergus picked up on it, standing and pulling away from her. "It was probably some beggar child, asking for coin. My sister is a Grey Warden after all. I thought that it's supposed to be nearly impossible for them to have children."

"Nearly. Then there must be a chance, wouldn't you say? And if it is her child… wouldn't that give you much reason to hide this truth from me?" she questioned as she reached for his arm and jerked him back down to the bed, pinning him down as she held a fiery glare on him. "And reason for you to remain a Theirin loyalist.

"Because that's your niece, isn't she? Your niece is both Cousland and Theirin… the child of Alistair.

"Otherwise… no one would need to hide this child so…"

"It doesn't matter… none of this does," the teyrn snarled as he swiftly shoved her aside and against stood from the bed, his eyes no longer those empty, pale green orbs Anora had been accustomed to for so long. Now they were blazing with the same fire she recalled Aliea had, that day when the Warden defied her before the woman disappeared. She recalled that fierce fire that rested within the gaze of those of the Cousland bloodline, how it agitated their enemies… and feeling that same notion having faced such by both siblings.

"My sister never cared for the nobility and their affairs, for the trivialities that consume their lives," he continued, his voice filled with insult and anger. "All she ever wanted was to live a life that was her own. And how many times has she been denied that?

"Leave her alone. Your throne matters not to her. If it did, she would have been part of the rebellions, yet you never found her amongst those numbers. Because she is no threat."

"And why should I believe what you say? Why should I think there might be any truth to your words?" she retorted, standing from the bed as well and jerking him around once more to face her. "All you care for is that sister of yours. You would find no guilt to lie to me to do so…"

"If I lie, that's treason…" he murmured carefully.

"Yes… but I imagine you know just as I do that to act against you would only make things worse for my reign. And even if you wished to do so, you'd know I wouldn't risk that chance," Anora returned, her voice quiet, but still fierce. "And just to let you know… I did note that you did not say outright that your niece is not Theirin nor explicitly deny her existence…"

With a groan, the man threw his head back then heaved a sigh before he lowered his gaze back to hers, his eyes hard and frustrated as they glared "You know… there are times I respect and admire you for your brains… and days that I hate you for it."

"Don't worry. It's a fairly mutual feeling and as I said, I won't act against you."

"But I'm not my sister."

"And no matter what you say… she is a threat, especially if she has found Alistair and had his child."

"Then it's a good thing that I have no idea where she is," he smirked and shrugged her off, making his way for the door. "Farewell, Your Majesty… and may the Maker always keep at least that one important fact far from your grasp."


"Ah! Schmooples! Look!" Alistea cried out with delight as she hugged the nug to her before spinning around to face Leliana as they all watched the ship dock. "Auntie Leli, you were right! Val Royaeux is beautiful!"

"Oh, but just wait until we venture further into the city," the bard smiled as she knelt down by the elated child. "I'll have to give you a tour, won't I? It just won't be right for you to come to Val Royaeux and not experience just how magnificent it is."

"Does that mean I'll get to see the Grand Cathedral?! Oh please Auntie! I really, really want to go there…"

"Don't worry, Ali. We'll all be going," Aliea said, smiling down at her girl, enjoyed the uncontained excitement and glad that at least Alistea had no qualms with the location where they would hopefully settle down.

Though she did wonder about someone else…

"So… change your mind at all?" she whispered to her husband, noting how speechless the man had been since the city had been within sighting. It had worried her to see him so. "Regretting this now?"

"No, not… exactly," he breathed, staring at the sight before him, his eyes shifting restlessly. "I just… I never really imagine that… well, I know we're not in Ferelden anymore. I'm rather surprised I've never even seen a place like this before…"

"Well… there is no place like Val Royaeux," Aliea smiled and hugged Alistair, remembering just how amazed she had been when she had first laid eyes on this city. "And it's not like we've even been to many large cities of late. We've been a bit of a hobo family, you know…"

"Ha ha… so that's what a teyrn's daughter has been reduced to?"

"And don't forget… you are a king's son," she whispered in his ear as she slid a tongue along his ear, urging out a chuckle from herself as he gave a shiver and swiftly gripped her hand as her fingers teased the length of his neck. "You know… I do find it rather thrilling about this whole notion. Once a noble, running off with an illegitimate prince and his child… trying to keep you all to myself…"

"Glad to know that you're not growing bored of me," he murmured, turning around to neck her just below the jaw. "And that you don't regret being with me…"

"We've already covered this, Love," Aliea sighed then failed at repressing a laugh as he gave another shudder. "Alistair! How am I supposed to hold a serious conversation with you when you keep reacting like this?!"

"And how do you expect me to act otherwise when you're teasing me on purpose?" he groaned in a hoarse voice that made her wish to moan and shiver.

But whatever else was to come of their teasing or conversation, it was halted as Aliea felt something tugging at her pants, turning to look down and Alistair doing the same, as he took note of her movement. It hardly came as a surprise to see Alistea's excited, brown eyes staring up at her parents.

"Mama. Papa. Come on! You can kiss later! The ship's docked! Can we go now? Can we?"

Aliea just smiled and gave a sigh of relief. No… there was nothing to worry about, to have decided to travel to Val Royaeux, to live here despite what had transpired between Orlais and Ferelden. Did it matter anyhow? As Alistair said the day before, they never truly had been without being known as traitors after all.

And at least in Orlais, hopefully this was the last place anyone might think them to go. There was a chance they could disappear here, give Alistea a life she deserved… and never worry of the problems that faced them in Ferelden.

But as they disembarked, Aliea had a cold, dreaded feeling in the back of her mind that the problems had barely began…


Endnote: Bwha-Ha! So... anyone thought of throwing Fergus and Anora together? I didn't, but what plans I did have did set things up for it and well... let's just say I'm intrigued to see where this goes. Also... if any of you were hoping for some smut, as much as I was willing to write some between Fergus and Anora, I was too frustrated with the time this chapter was taking to even write it decently. That and I didn't feel it was necessary for the story. What needed to be shown was already stated and honestly... as much as this thought intrigues me, I'm not exactly as ecstatic about them as I am about a romance with Alistair. XD Maybe another day...

I've no idea if there's anything else to say, though I know I had a ton of thoughts I wanted to mention, but oh well... Only thing I can think of is... I hope you enjoyed this chapter and that the wait was worth it. I also hope you're looking forward to the next chapter, as am I... given who I'm gonna have pop up. ^_^

Edit: Just remembered one thought... I know that if you play as Cousland, all the options you seem to have make it sound like you never got out much. To me... I think that's just plain stupid, especially if you talk with Dairren and ask him what he's heard of the family. He remarks that everyone thinks that the younger, your character, are more likely to succeed the teyrn. And just because you can fight pretty well in training? I think that's ridiculous. And given that Bryce seemed quite taken with his kids, I'd think that he'd at least let one travel with him if he or she desired so. And since Aliea is my character and traveling as been part of my blood, I'm saying Aliea had been all over Thedas with her father, at least as she got older. And given she ends up friggin' persuasive... I'll say that she learned those skills from her father and meetings she attended and blah blah blah. Just to me, it would be stupid to put such faith in a kid that's still wet behind the ears you know. Or something like that. Ugh... it's late... I'm done rambling here...

R&R