Edit: For anyone that is curious to see my first fanart for Dragon Age... the gallery link is in my profile.

A/N: A few things... if you read Chapter Three before its edit, I cut out the mentioning of how many suitors there had been for Aliea as this chapter got to be too long to have the explanation. So I changed the dialog to simply reflect Aliea's unwillingness to be courted by by nobles and desire to have a chance to live her parents former lives as warriors. Basically, it was some joke or so that Aliea had with Fergus and Ser Gilmore, as i imagine them to have been a close bunch.

Also... in my story, Aliea and Alistair had sex BEFORE Redcliffe. As much as I get why people prefer waiting until he makes the proposition, story wise, it's more intriguing when my character made it. It also leaves me with more dialog AFTER the sex happens and the fact that Aliea slept with Alistair before him telling her that he's Maric's bastard son... oh, it's just more interesting for me. Totally takes on a different air, in my mind, when Aliea accuses Alistair for not trusting her.

Okay so I think explanations are done... it's time to let you read and just to note... if you look up M stories for the lemon... I decided to be nice to you with this chapter ^_^ I hope you like (been awhile since I wrote a decent one...)


Chapter Four

Disclosure

"Mama… where's Auntie Leli? Why is a stranger in our home?"

"I'd like to know that myself," Alistair muttered coolly as Aliea still found herself speechless, unable to believe that after six years of no sight or sound of Morrigan, here the witch stood in her dining room. If Leliana was here, Aliea was certain that she would have seen the woman with Morrigan or would have heard her at least. But no… so she felt that the bard was not amongst them.

So that left her in complete bafflement.

"What are you doing here, Morrigan?" Aliea finally asked, facing the witch who did not seem to acknowledge Alistair's words. "How did you get in? And how did you know we live here?"

"Do you imagine that one of the empress's advisors would not have the resources to accomplish the tasks of a menial thief?" Morrigan responded, appearing rather affronted by the former Warden's remark. She even took on a hostile stance as she crossed her arms, seeming no different from the woman Aliea had known in the years before, although… her clothes were no longer so ragged. But even the fine clothes the witch wore were no less revealing than her old garments. "Or to find the location of those she seeks?"

"Wait… you… you aren't seriously trying to tell us that you're an advisor to Empress Celene?!" Alistair exclaimed, the apparent disbelief obvious in his eyes as he glanced back at his wife.

"Is that not what I just said?" the cold woman bit out, an icy glare directed at the former templar before her own look of disbelief was turned onto Aliea. "Honestly… how is it possible that you are still with this fool? I had hoped that when he left you that you would have gained some sense and learned to find a better man to share your bed with…"

"Morrigan! Don't speak like that in front of our daughter!" Aliea screeched, horrified as a hand went to Alistea's ear, holding the girl's head against her shoulder to cover her child's other ear.

Though Aliea was certain the witch heard and saw the dismay in her voice and being, the black-haired woman ignored it as she gave the three of them an observing glance. "So this is your child? I imagine it would also be too much to hope that the child had a man other than Alistair for a father. Such a sickeningly trite and pathetic occurrence…"

"Morrigan… you heard what Aliea said. Now do you have a point in being here or are you just getting some kick out of doing this in front of my child?" Alistair snapped back, his voice trembling with anger and restraint.

"As much as I do… that is hardly the reason I am here," Morrigan said, sneering at Alistair before striding up to Aliea. "I'm here partly from simple curiosity. I am aware that Leliana had returned to Orlais some time ago to seek out Majorlaine. And this time… the bard's mentor did not walk away from the conflict.

"It left a certain amount of pandemonium. Nothing drastic or unusual, but Leliana does have a certain notoriety within the right circles even after clearing her name. Thus… is it so hard for me to be curious to hear of her appearance?

"And not only that, but to hear that a family with Fereldan accents accompanied her… would that not add to one's curiosity? Especially for myself when I heard that the adults matched your descriptions and that there was a child." The witch gave a moment of pause as she gazed at Alistea's face, the child actually cowering in fear as she clutched at her mother. "I had to see for myself, to discover the truth and… I truly can't believe what I see…

"The child of two Grey Wardens…"

"Huh? My parents aren't Grey Wardens," Alistea immediately spoke up, her head poking up a bit to stare at Morrigan with incredulity, before she looked back to her parents, both of whom stared at their visitor with silent horror. "Mama. Papa… that woman's wrong, right? Mama? Papa? What's wrong?"

Slowly, Aliea pried her gaze away from Morrigan and looked down to Alistea, murmuring, "Baby, why don't you go play with your toys for a bit. Mama and Papa are going to have to talk to the woman…"

"Huh? But I don't wanna go to my room! And you didn't answer my question!" the girl shouted back, a sudden fire leaping into her eyes as she glared at her mother. "Are you and Papa Grey Wardens or not?! Who's lying here?!"

"Alistea… do you want to get into more trouble today?" Alistair warned their daughter, not facing her, but keeping a severe stare on Morrigan. "Now do as your mama says…"

"It's not fair," the girl grumbled before shoving her way out of her mother's arms, giving out last shout before she ran for the stairs. "It's not fair, Mama! Why do you always wait to tell me the truth?!"

A clenching ball grew in the pit of her stomach, twisted her innards and making her legs grow weak and unsteady as she watched her daughter run, shouting at her with disdain and anger. It made Aliea feel utterly sick, lost as the worry of incompetence flooded her soul along with the fear that the attempts to keep Alistea safe were unraveling and instead she was going to lose her girl. Not by death but something just as dreadful: hate. The child she bore, her only child, perhaps the only one she could have with Alistair… to be lost from her, yet still alive. She couldn't stand the thought…

Aliea didn't know if her body began to tremble or if the loss in her heart was apparent in her eyes, if anything physical had been a signal to her husband as she felt him gather her into his arms, pressing a kiss to her temple and murmuring, "She's a smart girl. She'll understand when we talk to her."

She wanted to believe the assurance, but as she looked to Alistair, Aliea remembered how she had lost him for a time and… Alistea was more Alistair's daughter than she was her mother's. She was a tough girl, but her heart was sensitive, like Alistair's. Betrayal by the ones she loved was hardly tolerated.

"And what if she won't let us talk to her?" she voiced her fear, drawing in close to Alistair's sturdy hold, her head against his shoulder and hand gripping his. "She's mad at me for not telling her about Father, about her being a Cousland… she's going to be furious to find out that we never told her that we're Grey Wardens. What if she thinks that we never intended to tell her? And with all the lies we told her…"

"And how did you ever think that the lies would aid you?" Morrigan interrupted the parents, drawing their attention back to her as she strolled through the dining room, examining the sparse decorations. "Even my mother made no such lie to speak to me. She told me what she did, what was believed of her, expected… of her and I both…

"Given that the legends stated nothing, no one expected her to inhabit the body of a daughter to continue her immortality, thus 'twas no lie did she give me. No misinformation. Simply no word at all…"

"As if your mother was anyone to be an example," Alistair growled at the witch, his glare following the woman's movements. "Besides… as if that helped her cause. You still found out and reacted probably the same as you would have if she lied…"

"But the fact is she didn't and had every reason to," Morrigan returned, spinning back around to face them, a hard gaze drifting over the two before settling on Alistair. "This I can expect of you. Who was the fool to lie to this woman you took an interest in and kept it up even after you bedded her?! Not telling her you're Maric's son until you felt you had no choice…"

"Morrigan… keep it down," Aliea hissed, part angry and part fearful, her eyes darting to the hallway connected to the stairs, worried that Alistea might try to hide by the walls to listen to the adults despite what she had been told. "Ali still doesn't know that she's a Theirin!"

"What?! Of all the… that girl would have an army out for her if her existence was made known to Anora and you won't even tell her why?!" Morrigan gave a sharp scoff before clenching her eyes tight in a look of disgust. "You two… I've always known you were both fools. To have slept together, stayed together, raise this child as you have… and even come to this place. Aliea," the witch bit out, her eyes coming open as she snapped a venomous gaze onto the younger woman, "don't tell me you didn't think that Val Royaeux had its own dangers for your daughter. With how frequently you spoke with that foolish idiot bard…"

"I'm aware, Morrigan, and I'm going to tell you for the last time to watch your mouth," Aliea snarled, her own gaze going hard. "I might have tolerated your tongue years ago, but I have no patience with it now. I don't need to hear you insult the people that I love. I don't care about Alistair's past mistakes. We're all entitled to them…

"And at least Leliana has been around to help me out with Ali and keeping her safe. As have almost everyone else… unlike you…

"So stop playing the judge…"

At first, Morrigan gave a few, startled blinks before a pleased smile spread across her lips as she took a seat. "My my… a rather vicious attitude you've gained, Aliea. I thought only Howe had earned such response…"

"I've been dealing with worrying day in and day out about my daughter's welfare. I can get a bit bitter nowadays," she admitted with a harsh sigh. She gave her head a shake and turned her eyes back to Morrigan, raising an eyebrow. "You know… I find it part surprising yet also… probable that you seem to believe this is some sort of… accomplishment for you…"

"From our adventures together, 'tis little can earn your wrath it seems, even in part. Thus 'tis fairly amusing that it seems that I have done just that, but no… I was not aiming for such nor do I hold some pride in doing so. And 'tis far from a reason to be here," the witch shook her head before settling a grave stare on the she-warrior. "As I mentioned before, Val Royaeux has its share of dangers.

"The nobles here are far more… cutthroat than the ones of Ferelden… and you wish to bring your child here?"

"Alistea's existence is threatened in Ferelden because Anora knows who Alistair is. And if she ever found out about Alistea, I know she'll quickly surmise who the father is," Aliea reasoned, her arm going around her husband's waist, hugging him resolutely even as he kept a secure hold around her shoulders. "I know that there is no place in Thedas that is truly safe for my girl, but at least in most places… the people don't know about Alistair's lineage…"

"If these people have ever seen the likeness of either Maric or Cailan, there will be some measure of suspicion should they see your… husband's face," the black-haired woman warned, the last part of her sentence forced out and the disgust in recognizing Alistair's marital status was evident. But she did not focus on it nor did she allow a pause long enough to give either of the couple a chance to speak. "But regardless… perhaps Alistair isn't a known entity… but you, Aliea, are.

"You're a familiar face amongst the nobles here after the trips you accompanied your father on. The Cousland name is also known given how willing your father was to hold diplomatic relations with the Orlesians unlike most other Fereldans. Perhaps they know not of your traitorous state in Ferelden, but if you allow your presence to be made known to the Orlesians, you will gain fame here… 'twill spread to Ferelden. So what then once Anora has heard?

"And not only that, but the nobles play a dangerous game here and your name will be one to attract these players.

"Your father is in as much favor with the empress as he was with the Theirin kings. All of the Orlesian court knows this and when they see that you are amongst them… you will be a threat in their climb to favor, fame, and power, Aliea. You and all of your family will be targets…"

"So you came here to scare me? To again try to offer some way out?" Aliea snarled lowly. Despite understanding the good intentions behind Morrigan's offer that night so many years ago, she did not want to be reminded of such. Not as she stood in the arms of her lover and recalled that fear of how that night could have played out had Alistair remained. She did not believe that the offer could be of such nature, even remotely, but she still did not care for the reminder. "We're not leaving Val Royaeux, Morrigan. Whatever dangers we face here will be more bearable than what we'll have to face if we leave…"

"And I had no intentions to suggest you do so," the advisor interrupted curtly, her glare growing jaded. "No, I can see how perhaps 'tis nowhere else for you to go. If you took up your duties as Grey Wardens, perhaps you might not have to concern yourselves with Anora's plans, but… I doubt either of you would care for that prospect given your child…"

Neither Aliea nor Alistair gave a verbal comment, except the choked back cough that escaped the man. While Aliea knew her husband had no desire to return to an order that Loghain had once – even if only briefly – been part of, they were also both aware that active duty as Wardens was an option they wanted to avoid. They would not be allowed to raise Alistea in such circumstances and while they knew there were people they could entrust her care to, neither parent wished to contemplate such. She was their daughter and had been part of their lives for too long now.

They could not lose her. In any way.

"I understand that here might be a perfect place to hide as Anora seems to have taken up her father's paranoia towards Orlais, thus 'tis a place she could imagine no Fereldan native born to flee to. At first. But you and Alistair are hardly the 'average Fereldan.' Eventually she will surmise that you have fled here and when she does, do you really think 'tis best to have only Leliana and the two of you fight whatever agents she sends for you?"

"So what are you suggesting we do instead?" Alistair voiced apprehensively, looking from Morrigan to his wife and back again. "You're not trying to say that you're going to offer some means of aid 'out of the goodness of your heart,' are you?"

"No and certainly not for you," the woman snapped back with an agitated glare. "You're simply lucky that you're in the good favor of our once fearless leader. As well as…" Her voice fell as did her gaze before a sigh left her and she shook her head. "I've no desire to see Aliea in a depressive state ever again… which I might add," she began to growl, snapping another glower onto the man, "'twas entirely your fault. I swear if you ever…"

"Morrigan, forget it," Aliea spoke up, pressing a hand to her husband's chest and moving forward to stand between the two members of their former party. "I wronged Alistair as much as he might have wronged me. Besides, I prefer not to dig up a past that means nothing anyhow. Things happened for a reason and all that matters now is that I am with Alistair and our daughter and we stay alive.

"So… what's on your mind?"

"As I said, do you think 'tis best to have only your, Alistair, and Leliana's abilities as your assets should a fight break out? And I'm not only talking about a conflict of Anora's working, but the nobles here as well. Don't tell me that you suspected that Leliana would be all you would need?"

As much as Aliea wanted to rebuke Morrigan for the obvious incredulity in her voice, she pushed it to the side. Arguing with the witch never got her anywhere. Might as well stay on topic rather than diverge. "And your suggestion? To use your position as the empress's advisor someway?"

"'Tis a perfect opportunity, don't you think?" Morrigan replied with a smirk. "I say use this chance. You came to Orlais, I can speak to Empress Celene on your behalf, and I'm certain that a woman who practically saved a nation single-handedly… who could refuse the opportunity to have her on their side?"

"And what is it you want me to do?"

"Be an advisor yourself and bring your family to reside with you within the royal palace as I do. 'Tis possible. Your words and deeds earned you the loyalty of those that fought in the final battle against the Archdemon. Even if Loghain's sacrifice does overwhelm your own reputation, the fact that it was your goals that saved Ferelden rather than Loghain's is known. And your aptitude for diplomacy is well known here after all.

"She will want you on her side…"

"So you want me to make it known that the youngest known, living Cousland is in Orlais and send Anora an open challenge to 'come and get me' that way?" Aliea cocked an eyebrow as she voiced her skepticism.

"It would be foolish for her to send even agents into the royal palace, don't you think? It could start another war, one I doubt Ferelden is near able to handle…"

"So Aliea serves the empress, earning us the chance to live on her estate as well as gain her protection…" Alistair murmured, but still sounding as doubtful as the other warrior did.

"My my… I'm amazed you grasped the situation so quickly. But yes, 'tis exactly what I'm suggesting," Morrigan confirmed, her tone growing serious as she turned to Aliea before anyone had a chance to respond to her mocking. "And it can be done. I know the woman has a soft spot for your family, especially you and your father. She will gladly take you into her care, given the death of your father. And she knows your talents. Of course she would know only a fool would refuse the chance!

"I hope you realize such yourself…"

With a sigh, Aliea turned to regard her husband, who also turned to her as she heaved a heavy breath. Gazing into his warm brown eyes, she saw the solemn realization that mirrored her own. The thought of how she had just moments ago gained the aid of a family friend… to now be faced with the choice of turning her back on the man. He could sense her reluctance to make that decision and she could see how he sympathized with her.

It came as no surprise to her as she watched Alistair turn back to the witch, speaking for her. "Morrigan… Aliea just spoke with Marquis Eudon about a job and he agreed to it…"

"And you don't want to offend the man," Morrigan interrupted with a groan as she rolled her eyes. "Truly, Aliea… must you always try to appease everyone around you? I always thought 'twas something ridiculous that you gained such favor from everyone in our group, especially that old biddy…"

"Morrigan, don't speak ill of Wynne," Aliea whispered, her hand going back for her husband's, squeezing tightly. "The old woman's passed on years ago. At least respect her memory… for our sakes."

"Fine, fine," the woman groaned, standing and moving towards the couple. "I'll give you three days then. Think about whether or not you'll take me up on this offer. At least this time you have some time to decide and you can't say 'tis anything as… drastic as the last offer.

"And just to… perhaps make this easier for you… your Marquis Eudon will take no offense if you refuse his offer to seek out the Empress's aid instead. I know this marquis and how carefree the man can be, as well as how… 'sociable' he is towards Celene. He'll be more supportive than anything; I am certain."

"I suppose you're right," Aliea nodded, but threw a cautious glance up to Alistair before she turned about to her old friend. "I'll think about it, I promise. And I'll give you my answer in three days.

"But right now, we do have a daughter to speak with. I doubt she's at all happy with us…"

"I can imagine so," Morrigan nodded. "Three days then. I hope you'll make the right choice."

"So do I," Aliea sighed, separating from her husband as she watched the other woman make her way to the door. "Morrigan… thanks for wanting to help…"

To that, the witch turned a gave a rather warming smile. "Aliea… as we all do, I have a debt to you which I doubt I can ever pay in full. You fought a difficult battle for me, to give me what time I need to prepare myself for the time my mother comes to seek my body for her own. And as much as you deprived me of something that I could have had a use for… I know now that I had almost made your own life much more unbearable and difficult than it already is.

"At least perhaps this offer won't be so problematic compared to the last…"

All Aliea could do was nod for a moment, not knowing what to say or what she could say.

"Now, you said you have a daughter to tend to. I should leave now…"

But before Morrigan had even moved to turn, the woman found herself unable to leave. Not as Aliea swiftly embraced the woman, now finding a chance to be glad to see her friend, her 'sister,' after so long…

"Thank you, Morrigan. Thank you for coming to see me. I missed you so much…"


There were times that as much as Alistair loved his wife with all his heart, she could drive him crazy as well. And not the good crazy that usually caused an enjoyable heated experience or resulted from such. No, the 'are you insane, what were you thinking?!' kind of crazy. Like when Aliea agreed to spare Zevran's life by letting him join their party. Or releasing that blood mage in Redcliffe. Even when she agreed to confronting and killing Flemeth.

And that was exactly how he felt as he watched her embrace Morrigan before the woman left. He still felt that way even moments after the witch left while Aliea stared at him with uncertainty.

"Are you going to say something or just stare at me like I grew a second head?"

"Maybe continue the latter," Alistair muttered, still reeling in shock. "Tell me that was actually some sort of weird, tormenting dream that just played out before my eyes and the evil bitch hadn't actually been in our house at all…"

"Sorry, but… it was very much real," the noble born said as she strode back to him and fingered his collar. "Well… it looks like we unexpectedly found where one of our friends went…"

"Your friend. She's not my friend," he grumbled back, prying her hand from his collar, only to hold and massage it instead as a certain nervousness began to creep throughout his being. "And don't give me that look. That's her own fault. She's the anti-social bitch that immediately had it in for me since we first met…"

"So did you because she's an apostate and you were trained as a templar," she countered before swiftly pressing a finger to his lips before he could argue the point. "I'm not berating you. Just… correcting. You both were at odds from the start.

"I wish you'd move past your templar training. I hate that you always have it in for apostates…"

"And I still don't see why you are so 'accepting' of them," he gave a groan and stared at her with jaded eyes, unable to believe that they were actual arguing this point. "Most of the ones we met were maleficar. And you consider Morrigan as a friend? I never understood that. Why did we put our lives on the line and kill her mother for her…"

"Alistair… you can't say that she didn't contribute her own share in our mission," she interrupted through gritted teeth, her green eyes beginning to smolder as she stared up at him. "She lent her help…"

"And argued with almost every one of your choices," he reminded unconvinced, moving her hand from his mouth before her cupped her jaw and continued softly. "I know, I know… I'm arguing with you now. But, Love… why? Why are you still so open-minded about apostates? I really don't understand…"

"Because I can't blame Isolde for what she attempted to do for Conner," she whispered, the glare falling away as the hand he still held pried out of his grasp and she pushed forward, wrapping an arm around his waist and reaching a hand up to his neck. "He was her only child and all because magic was in his blood, she risked losing him.

"And I can't possibly imagine that either of us would be willing to give our baby up…"

"We won't have to. Ali's not a mage. She won't be," he muttered in her ear, but felt his own grasp on her grow tight. He didn't want to believe that such could be possible. And it couldn't be… could it? Just because she was a brilliant girl, smarter and more perceptive than most, that couldn't possible mean his daughter was capable of using magic. There was nothing else 'extraordinary' about the girl that he could think of to denote any such thoughts.

He didn't quite understand why Aliea was so worried about the notion.

"She's has no magic tendencies," Alistair murmured, his fingers gently caressing her cheek, willing her to relax against him. "There's nothing to worry about, Dear…"

"I wish I could believe that," was the muttered response he heard and once more, before he could press the subject, she spoke too quickly to let him. "But we do have to worry about her, especially because Morrigan is right. Her safety is far from guaranteed here. If Anora finds out or if I become the target of some jealous noble… I just don't like the thought that no matter what, it seems like we risk losing our baby.

"I don't want to lose our baby…"

"And the fact that she's mad at us is only worsening things," he sighed, slowly pulling away, but not letting go. Instead he kept his hand at her jaw and beckoned her gaze back up to his, seeing that indeed his words were true. "I have a feeling it's better to try to talk to her now rather than wait. I'm certain she's calmed down enough by now…"

"At least we didn't hear her throwing a tantrum upstairs," Aliea nodded, her hand moving from his neck and grasping his at her face. "But… what are we going to tell her? She's going to want to know whether or not we were Grey Wardens…"

"We were going to have to tell her sooner or later," he interrupted, leaning down to silence her with a kiss, one she seemed glad to receive. And he had to admit, he was glad to have shared it with her. Since Morrigan showed up, he honestly had been feeling his being tense and agitated. Finding some comfort in his wife, even while short lived, was more than welcoming. "And if we tell her that we aren't or avoid the truth, she'll pick up on it. You know she will. And that'll make it worse for when we do eventually tell her…"

"You don't think she'll hate us, do you?" the blond woman question with a trembling voice, her hand gripping at his. "Because we left the Grey Wardens or because we never told her.

"It was bad enough when she found out about being a Cousland. I just… and what about her being a Theirin? I'm not ready to tell her that. I don't need her thinking that she's going to relive Maric's legacy in some way and…"

"Shh. Forget what Morrigan said," he whispered, again kissing her lips, trying to calm and assure her. It was something he was very much used to since their first days together. As much as she had been 'the fearless leader,' that was hardly true. She had her doubts and fears, one of them even being the worry of what would be thought of her by voicing her insecurities to the others around her. Except to him. She only confided in him her uncertainties about the choices she made in their journeys. What they went through at Ostagar, how they both felt they owed Duncan a favor, and how they were the last of the Grey Wardens… it had created a rather strong bond of camaraderie that Aliea would come to him when something vexed her as they went on with their mission.

He was glad for it, grateful, knowing that it was that trust that had led them to become the lovers they were.

"Ali won't like it if we continue to hide things from her, true, but… you and I both know that it is too risky to tell her yet. And you just gave one reason why," he continued, again holding her close as he let his hand tenderly run through her hair. "But at least… hopefully letting her know about our past as Wardens… that shouldn't be such a cause for worry.

"And like I said earlier, she's a smart girl. Eventually, I think she'll understand."

"I hope you're right," Aliea sighed, pulling away from her husband, but not without grasping hold of his hand by her waist and lightly tugging him along after her as she made up her mind to face their daughter.

And sure enough, Alistea was in her room, arms crossed as she sulked on the floor, her back to the far wall while she violently smashed and kicked at the old, torn stuffed dog at her feet. That was an obvious sign of Alistea's frustration whenever it mounted, usually when one of their visiting companions would leave and the girl knew better than to throw a raging fit. That was all the old toy was used for anymore it seemed, except on the odd nights when the child would hug the toy as she slept much like she had when she had been a mere toddler.

And like one of these fits, Alistair and Aliea didn't have to call out to gain her attention. The moment they stepped into the room, they had it as she gave up on the toy and kicked it across the room and turned a glare onto her parents.

"I hate being alone," she grumbled softly, her voice mixed with both anger and misery. "And you just wanted to make me be alone because you didn't want to tell me something again. Why? Why do you keep hiding things from me?"

With a wary gaze toward her husband, Aliea slowly made her way to their daughter, kneeling before the girl. "Baby… didn't you and Mama have this talk before? Don't you remember what I said?" she spoke softly as her fingers slid along the girl's cheek.

"You said I couldn't know so that the bad people might think I'm not important. But I thought we don't have to worry about the bad people here," Alistea returned, staring up at her mother with confusion… that melted away with despondency. "We're not safe yet, are we?"

"We don't know yet, Baby," the mother spoke instead, neither affirming or denying her child's worry, as she gathered the girl into her arms and carried her to the bed, where she sat and where Alistair joined them. "We're going to have to always be careful even if there doesn't seem to be any danger anymore…"

"So… that means you're always going to hide things from me?" the little girl questioned, gripping tightly onto her mother and keeping her head low, avoiding her father's gaze.

"Ali… what did I promise you? I promised you'll know everything there is you need to know one day," Aliea murmured, kissing the forehead of their daughter before shifting her own questioning gaze to Alistair. "Just… I wanted you to grow up a little bit more…"

"So you're not going to answer my question are you?"

"If it's what we think it is… I don't think your mama and I have the option not to," Alistair put in, reaching over to brush Alistea's hair behind her ear, to no longer hide her face from him. And the small motion was enough to urge the child to cautiously glance up at her father with her round, sad brown eyes.

Taking her father's hint, Alistea asked her question. Sure enough, it was the one Aliea and Alistair expected.

"So… you and Mama are going to tell me now whether or not you're Grey Wardens?"

With a sigh, Aliea turned her full attention onto her husband, silently telling him she still didn't want to explain this to the girl… but also that she knew they didn't have the choice anymore, just as he had said. She just embraced the girl a little tighter as she waited for Alistair to give the confirmation their child waited for.

"We were," he nodded, watching his daughter, pausing as he waited for her reaction. There wasn't one. Simply the bottomless curiosity that always lingered in her eyes as a child still so new to the world and seeking to understand everything around her. "But we're not anymore. At least… we're not part of the order…"

"Why?"

"Part because we lost faith in the Wardens," Aliea whispered, alluding to – but not explaining – how Alistair could not handle regarding Loghain as a 'brother' and why Aliea herself had grown disgusted in being associated with an order that used 'any means necessary,' as she was amongst one of the most devote Andrastians he had met in his life.

He knew she gave a vague answer because they were both reluctant to explain everything that surrounded Loghain's recruitment into the Grey Wardens. How the child's father had left before the final battle, how he had left her mother who then carried and raised their child alone – as Alistea no longer remembered that Alistair had not been present in the first few years of her life. And how Aliea had been the one to make the final decision to accept Loghain, knowing full well that her lover could not stand the man, but still made the choice out of desperation. Perhaps one day they would have to explain that entire situation to their daughter, but for now… Alistair could see why his wife tried not to lessen themselves in the girl's eyes.

"And Ali… you know that for the Wardens… their duty is stopping the Blight and fighting darkspawn," Aliea continued, one hand falling from the embrace and gripping tightly onto Alistair's hand as their child turned her gaze up to her now. "They are supposed to cut ties with family and anything else that might cause conflicts with that duty…

"Do you… do you understand what I'm trying to say?"

Alistea remained silent for a moment, staring up at her mother, her eyes blinking softly every so often. Then she gave a slow, sad nod, answering with a voice that barely broke the stillness around them. "That… if you stayed as Grey Wardens… I wouldn't have my mama and papa…"

"That's how it would be, Baby," Aliea confirmed sadly with a nod. "And… that's part of why we never told you. We didn't want you getting scared about something like that…"

Again, silence was the only immediate response from their child. Though Alistair had a chance to take in the slight horror on her face, there had hardly been any time for him to react. At least before she did. Swiftly, she leapt from her mother's lap and threw an arm around each parents' neck, huddling in close as her body gave slight trembles and the soft sobs started to come.

"Shh… Ali… it's okay," he whispered in her ear, his free hand going around the girl, just as Aliea also returned to embracing the child with one arm. "We're here. You don't have to worry about us not being here. We'd never leave you, Sweetheart…"

She nodded, but still continued to give hiccupped sobs against Alistair's shoulder. However her sobs were weak and fading away as her parents continued to hold her, each one placing a kiss by her temples, trying to console their girl. Unfortunately, she didn't stop crying, despite how soft her sobs were. It seemed as though the more her parents tried to calm her, it only served to sustain the tears.

"Ali… Baby, please… don't make Mama and Papa feel worse than they already do," Alistair whispered in the girl's ear, his grip at her back tightening with concern.

"I'm sorry," Alistea finally choked out, but refused to move from where she was. "I love you, Papa… Mama. I do. A lot. I don't like thinking that… that…"

"We know, Baby," Aliea hushed, gently moving to take the girl in her arms. Alistair helped her and Alistea surrendered to her parents' actions, allowing her mother to eventually stand, cradling the child lovingly. "Your papa and mama don't like thinking about how different life could be either, my darling. And we don't want to make you worry…"

"I'm sorry, Mama," the child choked out again, her little arms wrapped tightly around her mother's neck. "I didn't know… that… that was will you didn't tell me…"

"We were going to tell you eventually… when you were older, when you might not take it so hard," Alistair whispered as he stood and moved to stand by the next of his family and kiss the crown of his daughter's head.

"I'm sorry…"

"You don't have to be, Baby…"

"But I do!" Alistea exclaimed, jerking upright to stare at her father with her puffy, red eyes before turning to face her mother. "I keep making bad things happen today. I hurt Papa. Yelled at both of you and made you tell me why we almost couldn't be a family. Now none of us feel happy and I ruined your day, Mama. We were supposed to be happy because you got a job and we were going to go out to eat…"

"We still can, if you really want to, Ali," Aliea returned, a small smile breaking onto her lips, reaching a hand up to stroke aside the light gold, tousled hair that clung to the child's face. "It's still early afternoon. We have plenty of time before supper…"

"So we can still go out tonight?"

"Absolutely." The former noble's smile widened as she set the girl down on the floor and sat down beside her before grinning up at her husband. "Now… enough serious talk. I think we should have some playtime while we wait for Leliana to come home. Don't you agree, Husband?"

And with a sigh, Alistair relented to joining his wife and child, well aware that he'd be put through several bouts of torture before he hopefully was able to share a passionate bout in bed with Aliea.

Hopefully


"If all I have to hear next time is how you three prefer Orlesian cuisine to my cooking… I refuse to pay or go out to eat again," Alistair grumbled the moment he and his wife were able to retire to their bedroom, after a long and arduous trial of putting Alistea to bed. Even with Leliana's suggestion to stay with her this night – who had return just in time to leave with the family for the night out – the child was ardent that her parents remain in her bedroom until she fell asleep, still so used to spending the nights with her parents. In fact, last week, they had done nothing to try to allay that tendency of hers; even with her own room, Alistair and Aliea had yet to attempt to get the child situated to spending her nights alone, still letting their child sleep with them at night.

Except tonight… thank the Maker.

"Oh, Honey… don't you start blaming me for Leliana's remark. And you can't hold it against Ali either," his wife chided, but gently, just as she rested next to him, resting her head on his shoulder and one hand on the centre his chest. "She's only five, remember? She's not aware of discretion after all and she'll repeat what she hears…"

He gave a hum as he laid a hand on hers and turned his head to face her, cocking an eyebrow even as he enjoyed the amused smirk on her lips. "You are such a cruel wife. Excusing your taunting when you're supposed to be assuring my manly feelings and stroking my ego…"

"Oh… I'll be doing that… and much, much more," she teased playfully and sensually, her hand slipping out from beneath his and trailing down his abdomen just before she swung herself upright and sat atop his thighs, her knees straddling his hips. An impish smirk splayed across her lips, her hands making their way further and further downward…

Before Alistair swiftly sat up, taking her hands in his grasp as he slammed his mouth against hers in a raging kiss.

His wife gave a short burst of a delighted laugh before surrendering to the kiss, squirming as he still grasped her wrists. As much as he knew he'd enjoy letting her 'tend' to him, catching her off guard was always much more amusing. Especially when she gave that sweet, melodious laugh of hers. It not only reminded him of the playfulness that had been present when they were younger, but seemed to perfectly embody how beautiful and delighting it was to make love to this woman.

By the Maker she was so addicting…

Using one hand to press both of hers against his abs, Alistair's other hand took a fierce hold of the she-warrior's head, his lips moving against hers with fervent delirium. The fervor only continued intensified as Aliea responded just as eagerly, still struggling to pry her hands from his grasp. But there was no frustration or impatience with her struggles as she still continued to laugh between rough kisses. She shoved forward, shifting her legs to wrap them around his waist and setting her crotch above his groin, beginning to grind against his hardened member. Another laugh escaped her, mingled with a groan from him before he realized that his grip had loosened enough for her to pry one hand out, almost lashing out to slide beneath the hem of his pants.

She might have caught him off guard for a moment, but she hardly gained the advantage.

Not as against she was quickly stopped as his hands immediately began to shove her blouse upwards, before twisting the clothing to tangle her arms behind her head as he shoved her back onto the bed.

"You seem rather over eager," he grinned down at her, loving that laughing smile on her lips before he had to grant her another kiss, though this one subdued compared to the ones they shared earlier. "Been that excited since you got those roses?"

"I told you… I know exactly what goes through your mind when roses are involved. It's the exact same with me," Aliea replied, squirming again, trying to regain possession of her hands, though this time… he had no desire to allow such. It just was not as much fun for either of them to be too lenient with the other. He especially enjoyed the way her legs fidgeted beneath his groin. "Now stop driving me mad with this stalling…"

"Ah. So you are impatient…" Alistair continued to grin before he freed one hand and used it to quickly shove her bra from her breasts, allowing him to take in her delicious bosom… before he leaned down to take one of her pink nipples into his mouth, urging out a staggered cry as well as invoking his lover's body to give a wild buck.

She continued to thrash against him, allowing her yearning moans to continuously pour from her mouth, her being unable to restrain them. And each move she made… it only made Alistair grow more and more eager to draw a reaction from her. How she'd arch her back as his hand massaged her soft mound. The satisfied moan she gave as he suckled her perk peak or caressed it with his. The harsh gasp and slight buck she made as he gave a nip. How her chest heaved with shallow breathing as she underwent her husband's tending.

But the tremor of her body… as much as it excited him, the former templar could also note how Aliea's impatience was building to extreme degrees…

"Alistair… please…" she began to plead breathlessly, her arms struggling all the more beneath his hold as her body swayed and trembled. "I don't need this insane torture…"

"Well, it's just not fair to let you off easy," he murmured in a low, hungry voice even as his lips release her now slick nipple and his hand at her breast slid away to instead brace against the bed as he angled himself upwards. He smiled as he gazed down at his wife, her breaths still shallow as her yearning green eyes stared up at him, pleading and begging with him for a release.

It almost made him feel guilty in drawing this out for so long. Almost…

"After all… remember I did tell you a couple weeks ago that you drive me crazy everyday," he reminded as he leaned back down to her, this time his mouth resting by her ear, breathing heavily and making her moan longingly… before she gave another grasp and let a single sob slip from her mouth as he settled himself between her warm, yielding thighs and began to rock steadily against her. "And then it got worse as the day drew on and…"

"And you think I didn't have to restrain myself at all today?!" she interrupted him suddenly as she shifted her leg, pressing her knee to his stomach and shoving him to the side. And she shoved her body towards him, twisting and spinning Alistair onto his back as she now sat on top…

Leaving both of them smirking.

"Now look who's on top," she grinned triumphantly, tossing aside her shirt and bra, leaving her beautiful breasts on display above him, a sight that was very delightful. "And I don't think it's right that I'm the only one half-naked either…"

"You don't have to ask twice," the eager man returned, taking her implication and shedding his shirt as well… before pulling her down and rolling to put her beneath him again. "And what was that about being on top?"

"Over confidence is a weakness, Love," Aliea simply returned through her smile as her arms went around his shoulders and she pushed herself up to enclose his mouth with hers. He gladly accepted the kiss, responding with boundless passion as his hands roamed her soft body, burning to the touch just as his blood felt as it pumped it way through his veins. The sensation certainly wasn't allayed by how their legs entwined, their hips rocking and swaying against each other, driving them mad as they desired to feel the heat and moistness of each other's sex, unfortunately still barred from each other.

Although Aliea was quick to act on that frustration, moving one hand to slip beneath her lover's pants and wrap her fingers around his hard, leaking length, driving a winded groan from his throat.

"So impatient…" he groaned feverishly, giving soft thrusts into her hand even as her hand rolled and caressed him confidently.

"I said stop stalling," she mumble between heated kisses, her other hand digging her fingernails into his back. "Please… I need you… I need you inside me…"

He wanted to admit that he needed inside her as well, to surrender just as she was. But part of him refused to let me. It was nothing about ego or pride. Simply the side of him that wanted to hear and feel that she needed him as much as he needed her. As well as the part that enjoyed the teasing they put each other through…

"Say my name," was all he whispered, breaking away from the kiss to rest his lips by her ear once more, against breathing hot and heavy in her ear, shuddering in her grasp.

"Alistair, I need you… please… Alistair…" she complied, the absolute need saturating her voice as she continued to stroke him, but no longer so confidently. Not as her hand trembled as her body went without the satisfaction it needed.

"Again… please, Aliea…" he murmured, kissed the edge of her jaw, just by her ear. His arm wrapped around her shoulders, holding her securely but gently as the desire to tease began to fade and instead all he wanted was to love this woman, speaking the name of the only being he wished to find himself intertwined with like this. "Again…"

"Alistair, please…" she groaned, her hand clenching slightly. "Please, Alistair… please, oh please…"

And he couldn't take it anymore, gently, but urgently prying his wife's hand from his member before he pulled away, just enough to remove his pants. Aliea followed suit before shocking him as she leapt at him once they were completely naked, shoving him to rest against the pillows as she climbed on top once more. But she made no declaration, exerted no real force. Instead her hands simply went to hold his head by the ears, her fingers softly tangling into his hair as she touched her lips to his, conflicted as she kissed him with tender adoration and fiery passion, gasping and sobbing as her body trembled with the same needy ache that engulfed Alistair. His lips moved just as haphazardly against hers, gasping and shuddering as his hands also took hold of head, pressing her silky, soft sunshine hair to her ears.

Then they both have a jagged gasp and jolted as they let their slick sex finally come in contact.

They shuddered helplessly as they shifted, releasing each other as they positioned themselves, unable to wait anymore. Aliea got up on all fours as her lover pushed himself up onto one hand and rested another on her hip, both of them readying to physically join once more. Their gazes focused on their nether regions, their breaths quickening as they grew in anticipation for Alistair to enter his love. She carefully took hold of his length, causing him to feel a tremor course up his spine, but nothing else as he gently guided her downward while she positioned him to enter her.

It was with mingled groans of both relief and pain that Aliea settled herself against her husband, his length buried within her hot, wet cavern to the hilt. Her breathing so heavy and needy that each breath was a high-pitched moan, she began the slow effort to sway against her husband's hips, gasping with each motion and only growing louder as Alistair lay back down, gripping onto her hips and strengthening her movements as well as giving restrained thrusts into her. Her hands gripped onto his and her knees and heels pressed hard against his torso and thighs, her gaze shifting from his eyes to their joined sex and back, her sobbing as he moaned, both of them subjecting themselves to injuring pleasure.

It was growing hotter and a haze was falling over Alistair, making it hard for him to hear how Aliea's name stumbled out past his lips. But his eyes remained focused and completely aware of his wife's image and motion above him. How her emerald green eyes stared down at him with the same vulnerability and desire that overwhelmed him. How she shuddered and tensed, giving violent jerks as his thrusts grew rougher within her. The way her delightful mouth lay open as the moans and sobs poured through. The tears that fell and merged with the sweaty sheen on her beautiful ivory skin. Her unkempt blond hair sticking to her face and neck. The supple rise and fall of her round, full-formed breasts.

He reached a hand up, resting his thumb against her lower lip, enthralled by the 'goddess' before him, loving and cherishing her and that he was here with her. He then sharply drew in a breath as he felt and watched as his thumb disappeared into that sweet mouth of Aliea's, her tongue swirling around the digit while she gently suckled as her head tilted to the side, her eyes closed as if finding herself part of a dream she wanted to be lost in. The sight made him pry his thumb from her mouth, an action she relented, but gave pleading moans after. His hand slid over her moist, hot skin, his thumb caressing her tear-stained cheek. And quickly, he found her hand over his again, gripping hard again as her cries grew shriller and shorter.

Her hand by her hip fell away and rested against his abs, her fist clenched tight and shoved hard against him. Her eyes were tightly shut and her head bowing over as her movements began to quicken. Alistair felt his heart pound faster, the heated blood rush through him to a point near violent. Crazed need began to overtake him, his body clenching and unclenching as his taunt legs trembled behind his wife, his feet pressed hard against the mattress, willing to find some sort of foothold before the madness consumed him.

"Alistair… I… I…" She didn't finish whatever she aimed to say, instead leaning forward as she continued to tremble. He barely thought and only reacted, shifting his hand still at her cheek to grasp the back of her head before he lurched forward and their mouths came together in a clumsy clash just before his other hand also moved to rest along her jaw. He felt himself jerk violently against her, urging a cry from the woman before her hands went for his shoulders, gripping hard as she began to grind vigorously against him.

"Alistair… by the Maker… I need you. I need you, Alistair!" she began to plea before her words grew frantic. "Alistair! I love you! I need you!"

Her movements grew more and more sporadic. That and hearing her cry… Alistair reacted instinctively, spinning and forcing Aliea down to the bed. His hands still held her where they had before, his thumb pried at her lower lip as he deepened the kiss, delving into her hot mouth possessively. His hips thrust brutally against his love, making her jerk and buck, crying out with wounding, her nails digging deeper and deeper into his skin, only making his motions pick up a faster, harder pace.

The kiss was forgotten, madness consuming them both as instead they only took to breathing in each other… until Alistair's head fell forward and his hands released Aliea and instead gripped and the mattress beneath them, anchoring himself down as his thrusts grew more violent. She was crying hard now, begging for the release, his name falling from her lips over and over like a desperate chant to grant her wish.

"I'm sorry, Aliea," he whispered in her ear, his voice rough and raspy, broken up with grunts and groans. "I only want to love you, Aliea. I love you…"

"I know…" was all she whispered before shrill, climbing cries escaped her, her arms wrapping tightly around his neck and her face pressed into against his neck just as her hips bucked its hardest against him, her body exploding as their efforts towards pleasure reached its pinnacle.

And feeling her core convulse around his length, it took a few last hard thrusts before he was right there with her.

He fell onto his side when strength left his arms, still joined to his wife and he stayed so as she wrapped his arms around her slender figure, his lips pressed several tender kisses over her face as they both attempted to catch their breaths and calm their still racing bodies, fighting off the last of the spasms.

"Kiss me," he heard Aliea's quiet voice request and he was in no mind to refuse, angling to press a lazy kiss to her lips that she gave a hum to before the broke away from the kiss again.

"So… how was that for you?" she then questioned, her voice still breathless as she continued to heave.

"Utter ecstasy… as always," he smiled, moving a hand to brush aside the hair in her face. The loving smile on her lips only made me grow more delighted to have this woman in his arms. "I love you…"

"Try telling me before the sex. I know you're going to keep murmuring how you love me," she teased, her words phrased as thought to mock him, but he heard nothing of the kind. Not as the smile remained on those delicious, dark rose lips of hers. Not as she reached up to run her fingers through his hair and over his cheek and chin. "But… you know I love you too…"

"It's something I'm thankful and grateful for every day," he admitted, a hand slipping to caress her still sweat dampened back and waist. "You and Ali…"

"I know." She continued to smile up at him… before a frown touched her lips in a mere moment.

"Aliea? What's wrong, Love?" he asked, trying to fight off the sudden coldness that threatened to ruin this moment with his wife. He didn't want anything ruining it. He wanted to remain in bliss with this woman tonight. They had this chance. He didn't want it to flee them.

"Nothing really," she shook her and falling silent. But as her gaze fell away for a moment and returned, the sullenness left her as she met his incredulous stare and a vigorous air came about her. Clearly marked as she slapped him on the shoulder. "Alistair! It really is nothing."

"Nothing? I just had sex with my wife and she starts moping about… that's not nothing," he returned, his brows still cocked.

"Oh Alistair," she groaned before leaning in and planting a soft kiss on his lips. "It is nothing. I'm just… I was just thinking about Ali and us and what I should do."

"About what?" he inquired, finding himself still confused… until he gave a groan, realizing what she was thinking. "Did you have to allude to her now? Please! I was feeling great with you. I don't need to start to feel sick now…"

The delightful laugh of his wife touched his ears and almost made him feel better. But even the quick kiss she gave him did nothing to drive aside the sour taste in his mouth at the thought of the damn witch that had to show her face today.

"You know… you look so cute when you're bothered by Morrigan…"

"Ugh! Don't say her name!" he groaned again, bringing his forehead against hers, moving a hand to rest by her chin, drawing light circles with his thumb. "Why do you have to think about her now of all times? I thought we're supposed to be focused on each other, getting some sleep between our lovemaking sessions…"

"Oh, that's what you're expecting," Aliea scoffed, but smiled. And the glimmer in her eyes and excited edge of her voice told him enough. She looked forward to that notion.

Too bad she didn't focus on it.

"But seriously, Alistair, I just… what do you think about her offer? Do you think I should trust her?"

"I wouldn't trust her, but, hell… at least she seems to like you. She'd drop me in the Deep Trenches first chance she got, I know it," he grumbled, his face contorted with disgust. But he let his face grow sober before he continued, with solemnity, knowing that this issue was hardly a laughing matter. "Well, what do you think about it? If you did take up the offer… you're worried about the marquis, aren't you?"

"I know what Morrigan said and I believe her," she nodded, huddling in against his chest, her arms hugging his torso tightly. "The marquis will be fine with it. He'd be like a father… urging one to take the more promising route, despite turning his back on his friends and family. But…

"I hate that thought. I feel like I'd be telling him he's meaningless to me and just that…"

"Aliea… I doubt you'd have to worry about offending him," Alistair cut in, his hand at her shoulders drawing soft circles there as well. "Like you said, he seems to be the sort of person to encourage you to take the higher step. I'd think he'd only be offended if you didn't come for a visit though, here and there…"

"You're probably right," she sighed then pressed her lips to his collarbone in a tender kiss. "So then… what about you?"

"Me?"

"Yea… what do you think I should do?"

He wanted to let out a laugh, finding humor that here was a woman who made choices to affect Ferelden's fate, discussing them only afterwards with him was now asking before when it regard only the fate of three people. He didn't laugh however as it would have been cruel and callous. He understood exactly how Aliea felt and felt the same way. They were fit to be Grey Wardens anymore, not since their daughter took precedence in their lives.

And given that not only was Alistea his daughter too, but that the child's fate could perhaps be decided with this single decision… he knew how his wife wanted to be certain that whatever choice she made was the right one.

Especially after their prior lives almost cost them their child.

"Morrigan's right," he sighed, hating to admit that truth as he released his wife and sat up, only to draw the covers over their clammy, naked bodies before reclining at her side once more. "Even if you become popular, if we stay at the palace like she suggested… Anora would be a fool to send anyone after us. She couldn't handle a war against Orlais like Morrigan said. And it would be something for you to serve as a royal advisor… it'd probably excite Ali as well…"

"I'm sure she'd be just as delighted to know that she rightfully should be a princess," Aliea scoffed as her supple legs tangled around his while she nestled in comfortably next to him, probably ready to fall asleep. Though Alistair was feeling spent he hoped that if his eyes fell shut soon it would only be for a short nap. "But… Alistair… I don't want to think that Ali will end up spoiled then…"

"She won't. Don't worry about it," he assured, kissing her forehead. "I hate agreeing with Morrigan, but like I said… she's right. Talk to the marquis if you have to, but… I doubt there's any real reason to not follow Morrigan's advice…

"Now can we stop talking about that woman? I'm in bed with my wife. I prefer to focus on her…"

"Oh, that does sound lovely," Aliea gave a low growl, the smirk evident in her voice and actions as a hand took his and leisurely guided him down to cup her, pressing his fingers against her slick nub. "As long as you mean focusing on 'attending' to her…"

"Your wish is my command," he returned with his own smirk, exhilaration leaping back into his heart, eager to please her and hear her delirious moans and cries once again, and willing his own body to speed up its recovery so he could join her fully once more.


Endnote: So I hope the last section was... entertaining for you. ^_^ 'Don't Let Go's' scene wasn't long enough and the first chapter of this story was only some lime... so hopefully this was the treat it was supposed to be, what you deserve for the long wait you had to go through.

Anyhow... last note... just to say... the old party members will show up soon and Leliana will get more screentime soon.

I think that's all I have to say. So hope for Chapter Five to get done and up soon... and that my gaming and the Dragon Age novels won't get in the way too much (Yes... I have yet to read the Dragon Age novels yet. GAH!!!)

R&R