She watches silently as he bites his lip in concentration. He stares intently at the candle wick. He flicks his wrist too quickly. This pattern goes on a few times before her slows his movements causing the wick to spring to life, the flame dances and Solona claps her hand. "Well done, Connor."

Connor grins at her. He blushes lightly and looks at the flame again. "Sol?"

"Yes, Connor?" She looks at her finger, flicks it gently and watches the small flame dance on the tip. She moves her hand gracefully as the flame hops from finger to finger. She holds her hand out to him palm up with the flame resting calmly at its center.

"Show off." Connor chuckles. Solona closes her hand, the flame is extinguished. "Why am I not in the Circle?"

Isolde? "I truly don't know. First Enchanter Irving initially thought it would be best to keep you here with your father until he awoke. That was months ago and you're still here."

She takes his hand in hers holding his palm upwards and grins at him. He frowns briefly. "Do you think Mother is trying to hide me again?" Yes. "It went rather poorly last time." Such a clever boy.

"Creation… is… my… focus." She taps his palm quickly changing the subject. A burst of green light erupts creating a small wisp which circles over his hand.

"But…" Connor watches mesmerized by the wisp. "You can still create fire."

"Mhmm… all mages are taught basic abilities such as fire, lightening, ice… you're not limited to one focus either. You'll just find that you'll excel within one more so than another."

"So what others are there?" Connor hasn't taken his eyes off the wisp.

"Entropy and Spirit…" She grins watching him. "I like entropy. Entropy is about control. When there is a battle going on around me and things are getting out of hand, I can cast paralysis. They stop moving and it gives me a chance to heal a few folks." She shrugs. "It makes saving lives easier."

He looks at her over the wisp. "Couldn't that be used in other ways?"

A very clever boy… "Naturally, yet that is how I prefer to use it." She pokes the wisp and it evaporates.

"Sol?" His voice drifts from the doorway.

Solona sighs and squeezes Connor's hand gently. "Duty calls."

Connor nods quietly. "Thank you for visiting with me." He grins shyly. "I appreciate it."

She beams at him. "I enjoy our visits it's a nice break from all the boring blight talk."

Alistair clears his throat. She winks at Connor before she steps from the room. They walk to the meeting room. Alistair pauses at the entrances, his hand on the knob and he looks at her. "Ready?"

She shrugs delicately. "No. Not that we have any choice." She gives him a brave smile feeling anything but brave. "Let's go."

Alistair pushes the door open allowing her to enter first. Her hands are folded before her. Her robe swishes softly around her ankles. She watches her feet move her automatically towards the front of the room where Eamon is waiting for them. She hears his voice as he speaks with Eamon. Her heart races in her chest. Alistair gives her elbow a squeeze as he steps around her. He clears his throat announcing their arrival. Once their voices die down, he addresses them. "Our forces are gathered. Our treaties have been presented and met by each faction. All will heed the call of the Grey Wardens. What is it that is so dire you would have us here impeding our search for the archdemon?"

She struggles to keep her face neutral as they step closer. She fights the urge to turn and run. She smiles politely allowing her eyes to linger perhaps too long on Teagan. Mercy he's so handsome. Their eyes meet for a brief moment before she drops her gaze to stare at the carpet.

"Ah, so good of you to come. I was worried we had missed you in Orzammar." He smiles earnestly yet the smile slips quickly. "There are some urgent matters we need to address, the least of which is what to do with the mage, Jowan."

Solona's head snaps up at this news. "Jowan lives?"

Eamon nods. "As the injured party, I find it difficult to be partial to his punishment." He waves a hand to a guard by the side door.

The guard knocks twice. The door opens and Jowan is escorted in. His eyes flit around the room nervously and stop on Solona's face. Forgetting anyone else in the room his eyes plead with her for forgiveness.

Eamon watches him shrewdly. "You seem to know this man?"

Solona nods quietly. "He was like a brother to me at one time."

"I see." Eamon addresses Jowan. "What do you have to say for yourself?"

Jowan takes a deep steadying breath. "I ask for nothing, Ser. I only wish to say that I'm sorry…" He gives Solona a small smile, "for everything."

Solona lowers her eyes. Eamon's words breaking through her thoughts. "Solona, what do you think I should do with this man?"

Solona wraps her arms around her body and closes her eyes tightly. "He is truly sorry for his part, Ser. Though he wont ask, I ask on his behalf that you show him mercy." She looks at Eamon with pleading eyes. "Sending him to the tower and back to First Enchanter Irving would give him a chance to redeem himself and help the Circle heal. Jowan is not a bad person, just misguided."

Eamon nods. "I will grant you this boon. You have saved the ones I love. For you I am willing to show him mercy." He nods to the guard.

Jowan hesitates and reaches out his hand to Solona. "Thank you and farewell… my friend."

Solona squeezes his hand gently. "Maker be with you, brother."

Jowan breaks away from the guard to give her a quick hug. His eyes widen briefly. His voice is a choked whisper. "Sol?"

"Not a word." Solona presses her cheek against his pleading with him.

He steps away and gives her a silent nod before following the guard out. Once the door is closed Eamon addresses them again speaking of the Landsmeet. Options are weighed on how to proceed and much to the surprise of Alistair; the decision to put him on the throne is made.

Morrigan drops her body on to the sofa with a huff. "If one more servant asks me if I want something more presentable to wear…"

Solona giggles. Morrigan stares at her in disbelief. Leliana tilts her head. "Oh I don't know. I think something blue would be nice. With pretty shoes… oh, the blue ones we found in the shop the last time we came to Denirim." Solona laughs.

Morrigan bristles. "Blue? Pretty shoes? Are you daft?"

Leliana waves a dismissive hand. "Not at all, the shoes are blue with ribbon. Your dress could still be short and stylish. Oh and with lace. It would be lovely."

Solona laughs uncontrollably and so thoroughly she has tears streaming holding her belly. "Oh Morrigan, I am truly sorry."

"I would say you aren't but keep that up and you will be." Morrigan smirks. "It is good to hear you laugh again."

Solona wipes her tears and takes a steadying breath. "It has been far too long."

Someone clears their throat in the door way. "Sol?" All heads turn his way. "If I may have a moment of your time?" So much for laughter.

Solona looks at both Morrigan and Leliana. Morrigan pats her knee and nods. "Come Leliana. Show me these wretched shoes."

Leliana pauses and shoots a meaningful glance at Teagan. She leans over kissing Solona's cheek. "We won't be long."

Solona smiles up at her companions. "Thank you."

Teagan enters waiting quietly as the girls leave them alone. "I was rather hoping-" Yes!

"No." Solona shakes her head making her decision very clear. "That's not a good idea."

Teagan sighs heavily and nods. "No, I… I don't suppose it is." He sits on the small table in front of her and stares at his hand. "I debated on that letter for a time. I didn't know which would be harder; reading it in a letter or coming back to Redcliffe and finding out that way."

"Teagan?" He lifts his gaze, their eyes lock. Solona struggles. Her stomach is in knots. "Are you happy?" Please say no.

"Yes." No! He sighs wistfully. "Maker help me, I am."

She nods and forces a smile. "I won't lie and say it didn't hurt to read your words. I am not angry with you, Teagan." Being angry would be easier. "I want you to be happy. If she makes you happy then it is the Maker's will."

He moves to sit beside her on the couch. He takes her hand in his. "What about you?"

What about me? She leans her head on his shoulder. "I get to know you're happy. That's enough." It will have to be.

He sighs and puts his arm around her. "You truly are an amazing woman." Ha!

"No…" She chuckles. "I'm a very selfish person. I just happen to love you. That means letting you go to love another…"

"Sol…" He lifts her chin and looks in to her eyes. His lips brush against hers in a soft kiss. "I still love you."

Then tell me you were wrong. Tell me you still want to be with me. She cups his face, her thumb caressing his cheek. "Then live."

She feels horrific. Her head aches, she feels woozy and her vision is blurred. She groans. "Oh good, you're awake." Alistair? Solona tries to sit up and gasps. The shooting pain in her head has her wincing and whimpering. "No, don't move too quickly." He helps her sit wrapping the scratchy sheet around her.

There is a noise, constant and hallow. She feels as if it comes from the center of her being. "Do you hear that?"

"Yes it's that blasted prisoner over there. If I say anything about his noise, he bangs louder as if that helps the situation." Alistair glares across the way. "How are you feeling?" He brushes the hair from her forehead. "That mage got a shot off at you before I could stop him." He sighs. "I tried cleansing yet it wasn't enough."

"I've been better." Her eyes narrow. Mage? Prison? Oh, Maker! "Where are we?" Solona looks around wearily. She pulls the sheet around her.

"Fort Drakon, it is a guard post and prison. Apparently it is now also a dungeon for someone's sick idea of torture." Alistair hesitates. His tone softens. "Why didn't you tell me, Sol?" He rubs her back gently.

Solona stiffens. "There is nothing to tell." She meets his gaze evenly. Stubborn. She can't hold Alistair's gaze.

"Right… okay." He leans back against the wall. Damn. Solona cringes at the hurt look on his face.

"You'd think they'd have the decency to at least give us something to wear… some rags or robes." She bites her lip trying not to stare at him in his small clothes.

Alistair chuckles. "It isn't as if I haven't seen you in less clothing than you are in now."

"Alistair!" Solona blushes deeply and nudges him playfully with her shoulder. "Still, I've never seen… this much of you."

Alistair leans his head back against the wall and shrugs. "I will simply have to suffer under your gaze." She squeaks and turns her head. Alistair laughs. "Fair is fair I suppose."

"Oh I don't know you've got on more than I did up on that mountain." She chuckles and shakes her head. "Honestly, the indignities we've suffered all in the name of ending the blight." She leans against Alistair. "Do you think anyone would believe us if we told them what we've gone through."

Alistair shrugs a shoulder. "I doubt it. Sometimes I wonder if I believe it."

"So what now?" She looks around the cell. "Do we wait until Loghain comes to execute us or do we break out of here?"

Alistair raises an eyebrow. "Do you know how to pick locks?"

Solona laughs. "Don't be absurd. I'm a mage. I know how to incapacitate a man while you grab his key."

"Ah, paralysis… what if it doesn't work?" Alistair stands suddenly and strides towards the cell door straining to see where their jailor is. Oh! Her eyes widen taking in his form. Broad strong shoulders, muscular back, slender waist and… Stop this. Stop staring. Stop!

"Then you beat him until he falls at our feet?" Solona tears her eyes away and stares pointedly at her hands. These impure thoughts are what got you in this trouble. "Do you have a better idea?"

Alistair grins at her. "Not a one. Just be sure to watch your aim."

Solona's eyes flash at him. She scoffs. "One time, a stone fist misses its target… one time!"

Alistair laughs. "I still have the bruises!"

Mercy. Solona's eyes rake his body. "Yes, I see you do."

Alistair chuckles nervously. "Hey now… no time for that."

"Oh, Alistair." She drops her gaze.

Alistair sits once more beside her. He takes her hand in his. "Sol…" He lifts her chin and stares in to her eyes. "Does he know?"

"Would it change anything if he did? Would the blight go away? Would the archdemon die? Would he love me instead of…" She swallows her pain. "It changes nothing. My duty is to the Grey Wardens; all two of us." She tries to smile.

Alistiar pulls her in to his embrace. "I wish I could take your pain away. I've come to rely on your strength. It is time that you rely on mine. I will look after you the best I can. I promise."

Solona snorts. "Don't make a promise you can't keep, your Highness."

"Hey… I'm not king yet. Besides, who better to look after you?" He pulls back and wipes her tears using the scratchy sheet. "We'll figure this out." Alistair gazes in to her eyes. She looks up at him with such hurt, fear and hope. He swallows and lowers his lips to hers gently brushing a soft kiss. Oh, this is so wrong. He leans his forehead against hers. "I'm… I'm sorry."

I'm not. She shivers and closes her eyes. Her tongue nervously flits across her lips. "Me, too." She cups his face gently. "I'm afraid that if we…" She winces. "I'd simply be using you to forget my pain."

He smirks. "I would almost agree to that." Mercy.

"I'd hurt you." His lips are on hers once more. She can feel how nervous he is. Maker's breath. What am I doing? "Alistair…" She moans softly. His kiss deepens hesitantly.

Solona fights for control. His touch is more confident than she expects. She shivers with delight. He murmurs in her neck laying her back gently. Slowly he tugs the sheet away and looks upon her. His fingers slide across her swelling belly. She shivers at his touch. His look is so intense when their eyes meet again. He smiles gently. "I'll take care of you both."

The Landsmeet was a political bashing of sides, those that stood with the wardens and those that stood behind Loghain. Eamon was concerned and rightfully so. In the end, all their efforts were rewarded as the majority agreed to support the Grey Wardens and crown Alistair their new king. Solona steals a glance at him as they talk strategy. She was never more proud of any king than she is of Alistair.

The outlandish accusations thrown at the Grey Wardens by that lout of a pretentious general made her skin crawl. Then for him to single her out as using Alistair to further her agenda was more than her temper could handle. Loghain refused to see reason, he refused to back down and when the challenge was brought it was Alistair who stepped in. It was Alistair that dueled with Loghain, it was Alistiar that defended the Grey Wardens, Ferelden and her and it was Alistair that put the dog down ending his tyranny and attempted coup.

Riordin's voice brings her back to the present. "I will take the killing blow to the archdemon. If I should fall, the duty will fall to one of you." Riordin looks from one Grey Warden to the other.

Solona shudders and nods vaguely that she understands. This must be why so few women are willing to be Grey Wardens. Her hands instinctively wrap around her. Alistair sees her movement and nods. "If you should fall, I will do it."

"You can't… you are our King-" Solona's protest is cut off by the piercing look Alistair gives her.

"I have made a promise. One I intend to keep. I am a Grey Warden… not just the future king." His look softens and he gives her a smirk. "Besides, what a way to go. Hmmm? Protecting the lives of my people. No one could fault me for that."

"You two should get some rest. We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow." Riordin dismisses them.

Solona nods numbly and feels her feet walking to the door towards her own chamber and yet she has no idea how she is managing this feat. She leans against the wall. Her stomach is in knots. "Sol?"

She looks up confused. "Huh, oh… sorry. Yes, Morrigan?" She smiles weakly feeling most of her power simply drained from her.

"A moment of your time? Please… it's quite important." Morrigan walks ahead of her in to her chambers. Solona's brow furrows. The last time something was important to Morrigan she had to face a dragon. She shivers.

Her eyes are closed tightly, tears streaming unchecked down her cheeks. She grips the bed post as sobs tear through her. The confused look on his face as she spoke to him about Morrigan's proposition is something she never wants to relive again. The doubt, the disgust, the resignation and slump of his shoulders when he agreed to the ritual will haunt her forever. His parting words still ring in her ears. "It wasn't so long ago I thought my first time would be with you."

Solona fought to control her emotions. She's been crying far too much lately. She really is a selfish woman. To subject her dear friend to a magic ritual involving impregnating a woman he despises is unthinkable yet she did it. How will he ever forgive her for asking him to do such a thing? To use his own words against him was beyond any decency, it was the ultimate betrayal. How much is she willing to lose? Her body belongs to the wardens. Her heart belongs to Teagan. She thought she had given everything she could. All that she had left was her friends, her morals and now… now she's even sacrificed those. There truly is nothing left.

Solona feels exhausted. Her tears have dried some time ago. The room is cast in looming shadow as the fire fights to stay alive. Her chest hurts from crying, her eyes are sore and swollen. She sniffles, rubs her weary eyes and sighs while lying on her side staring at the embers still licking at the wood. A hand slips along her waist coming to rest on her belly. She stiffens. "Mmm, did I wake you?" His groggy voice is so welcoming to her she whimpers.

"Alistair?" Her voice is hoarse. She's afraid to move, afraid she's dreaming.

"Afraid so." His hand is protectively holding her to him. She melts in his embrace.

"I thought you hated me." Fresh tears threaten to fall. She swallows hard fighting them back.

He rests his chin on her shoulder. "No, although I suppose I should be quite angry with you." He chuckles. "That Morrigan…" She cringes and he pulls her closer. "Hey, I know why you asked me to do this. I didn't at first. I'm still rather stunned over the whole ordeal but I do understand."

She leans back against him. "I had no right to ask you. It was so selfish of me."

"You know…" Solona looks over her shoulder at him. His face so close she can feel his breath against her skin. "I shouldn't have been a gentleman. I had the opportunity back in that cell…"

She gasps. "Alistair!"

He chuckles and brushes his lips against hers. "Get some sleep. We have a war tomorrow."