Chapter 2-Confronting Alistair

"Lothering," she answered with astonishment. "Why in all of Thedas would he go to Lothering? I didn't think there was anything left to the village."

"After the Archdemon was defeated, the survivors from Lothering returned to the village to rebuild," Eamon answered. "It seems Alistair followed them."

"It appears, Tesero," Zevran began, "that your love has blended in as a surviving refugee. He spends most his time and coin in the tavern. When he rests, it is outside in his
tent...alone."

Aubrie had to smile. Zevran knew exactly what her next question was going to be.

"So now that you know where Alistair is, will you agree to help find my son," Eamon asked hopefully.

"Eamon, I would love to, but..." she began.

"Don't worry about the twins, I will gladly care for them while your gone," Leiliana interrupted.

"Lili, have you been standing there the whole time?" Aubrie asked.

"Yes, now get Alistair and find Connor," she ordered.

"Wynne and I will be traveling with you, Tesero, so you will not be alone." Zevran assured her.

"I guess the decision has already been made for me." Aubrie was outnumbered 4-1. "Alright, I'll help you Eamon."

"Thank the Maker," He replied with a sigh of relief.

A few hours later, after she had packed and said her goodbyes, Aubrie, Wynne, and Zevran made their way to Lothering. They had a long journey ahead of them so they opted to take
some horses to speed up the journey.

Aubrie, however, was in no hurry to see Alistair. Although she still loved him, and prayed to the Maker everyday that Zevran would find him, she did not know what she would say
to him. She feared is reaction, as well. Did he still despise her? Would he tell her she was wasting her time and that he never wanted to see her again? Or would he have
forgiven her? Would he tell her he missed her and that he loved her, that he would never let her go again.

Though she wished the latter to be true, she did not believe it was, since he never came back to her.

Aubrie's stomach was still in knots when they arrived in Lothering. It was as Eamon had said. The village had been rebuilt and it seemed to be growing in size. There were more
houses than before. Aubrie smiled as she watched the people going on about their lives as if the Blight had never really happened. It did her heart good, knowing she was part of
the reason they could. However, her frown returned when she remembered she was here to find Alistair. She did not think he would welcome her with open arms.

She couldn't have been more right. After Zevran informed her that he usually spent his time in the at tavern this time of night, she asked him and Wynne to stay behind so she
could talk to Alistair alone first. When she walked into the tavern she spotted him right away. He was sitting at the bar telling one of his half-witted jokes to a redheaded
barmaid. The barmaid then giggled and playfully slapped Alistair on the shoulder. The wench was flirting with him, and he was flirting right back! Of course this did not sit
well with Aubrie, but she was cunning. She walked up behind Alistair, wrapped her arms around is waist and whispered in his ear, "Hello Love."

He turned around and looked at her. "What are you doing here?"

Although he did not look happy to see her, Aubrie continued her little charade. Bringing her arms around his neck, she made a little pout face and said, "Well the children are
in bed and you promised me some good lovin' tonight."

The barmaid looked from Alistair to Aubrie then back to Alistair. "Alistair, you never told me you were married."

"Yes well it's news to me too," he answered, but the barmaid just scoffed and walked away, leaving Alistair alone with Aubrie. He pulled her arms out from around his neck. "What
are you doing here Aubrie? Did you think you could come to me and all would be forgiven? That I would take you back after what you did? I meant what I said Aubrie. It's over. I
don't want to see you again."

"Alistair I'm not here for me." she answered calmly, though calm was not what she felt. She had expected Alistair to say those words, yet they still hurt. But she would not
allow him to see her cry, not this time. "Eamon sent me. Connor's missing and he wants us to find him."

"Look, I'm sorry about Connor, but Eamon has his own knights," he replied. "Tell him to send some of them to search for Connor. I'm not going anywhere with you."

"Eamon doesn't trust anyone else. Alistair I'm not asking you to do this for me," Aubrie's voice cracked. His words were like a knife to her heart, but then she regained her
composure. "I'm asking you to do this for Eamon, the man who helped raise you."

Alistair thought about what she said for a moment, then he said, "If I do this, you have to promise me one thing. Promise me, that you will not try to ask for my forgiveness,
that you understand things are truly over between us. After we find Connor, I will come back here to Lothering and you will return to whatever life you have in Highever." he saw
her look away. "Promise me Aubrie," he said bringing her attention back to him.

Aubrie could feel the tears threatening to fall from her eyes, but she looked at Alistair and said "You have my word."

Alistair let out a sigh and said. "Then let's go get Connor."