In particular for Shineera, That Crazy Halo Girl, Kamikashi, Sati James, Merithea, and of course, NO BLAHBLAHBLAH. You asked to see the missing chapter. I hope it's ok.

This is the missing chapter you may have 'heard' me waffle about. It should sit between chapters 2 and 3, so you might want to recap on chapter 2 before you read this.

Alistair age 10. Cailan 17.

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Alistair – 9.15 of the Dragon Age – Redcliffe. Arl Eamon's study.

The blood drained from Alistair's face and his mouth opened in dismay. "You want me to leave?" He gasped, wide eyed.

Arl Eamon looked uncomfortable but Alistair didn't fail to catch the look of triumph on Isolde's face. Alistair, we…that is, no, I don't want you to leave, but it's time to think about your future. The Chantry will see to your education and the Templars will continue your arms training. You can't spend your life running wild around Redcliffe. It's time for you to fulfil your potential. "

Hot tears threatened to fall as Alistair tried to understand what the Arl was telling him. "But I want to stay here. I want to join your castle guard and be a knight. Captain Hayward says I'm skilled with a sword…."

"Alistair, you're very talented, I know that, but this isn't just about weapons training. The Chantry can provide a far better education for you than we can here. They'll be other boys your age. You'll enjoy it; it will be fun for you." Eamon's voice was gentle, pleading almost and Alistair looked frantically from him to Isolde. The Arlessa looked back at him, a satisfied little smile on her face and Alistair riled.

"This is your doing isn't it, Lady Isolde?" Alistair drew himself to his full height, his fists tight and face tense. "I apologised for the incident with the cage. I promise I'll behave. No more trouble. Just, don't make me leave….please. This is my home."

Isolde crossed her arms over her chest and glanced at her husband. "It's too late, Alistair. The decision has been made and you need to trust that your guardian knows what is best for you. It's time for you to leave Redcliffe behind."

The Arl reached out for him and Alistair knocked his hand away, his face twisted with emotion. "I don't understand, my Lord. I'm happy here. Everything was fine before you married…" He glared at the Arlessa with venom in his eyes unable to finish his sentence.

"Alistair, I'll visit, I promise you that. But Lady Isolde is right. The decision has been made. You leave tomorrow morning when Teagan leaves for Denerim. He'll escort you." Eamon stepped away from the boy awkwardly.

"Tomorrow morning?!" Alistair shouted. "Tomorrow is the harvest festival, I'm meant to be taking part in the procession! This isn't fair! Don't do this!"

The Arl shook his head sadly and spoke to him gently. "Alistair, I have to go attend to other things. I suggest you pack your things. I'll speak to you later."

Alistair slapped his hands down on the Arl's desk. "Don't bother! I think you've said enough." He frantically tore at his shirt until his hands found the amulet he always wore. He tugged until it snapped and held it up in front of the Arlessa. "Time to leave Redcliffe behind?" He demanded, and flung it at the wall. "Fine! Redcliffe and all my memories of it! I hope you're happy!" And he ran.

Eamon glanced over at Isolde, his eyes heavy with a sadness she'd never seen in him before. He shook his head at her miserably. "He's right, Isolde. I hope you're happy now." He walked purposefully away from her without waiting for a reply.

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Alistair ran fast and hard through a veil of frustrated tears until he couldn't run any longer. He dropped to his knees in a solitary spot by the icy waters of Lake Calenhad and wrapped his arms tightly around his torso, rocking back and forth. He sobbed until there were no tears left and turned a tear stained and grubby face to look towards the castle in the distance. He'd never felt so empty. This is what it is to leave your childhood behind he thought and sniffed. Standing, he brushed himself down. One less thing for the Arlessa to pick him up on. He steeled himself, locking away the hurt as best he could. "Fair enough." He said out loud, jutting his chin out in defiance. "I can do this."

Cailan – 9.15 of the Dragon Age – Denerim.

Teagan laughed at his nephew as he preened himself in front of the mirror. "Maker's breath, Cailan, you're so vain!"

Cailan turned on him, mock anger on his face. "Well, yes." He said eventually, "But it will be both my 18th birthday and my wedding day combined. I think I'm entitled to make sure I don't look too ridiculous before they make the final decisions on how to dress their puppet."

The Prince sighed, suddenly unsure of himself. "I'm glad you're here, Teagan. "I can't say I'm looking forward to this. My whole life I've been told that Anora and I will marry, but now it comes to it, I find myself envying those who can marry for love…no, no…" He added, waving aside Teagan's concerned look. "I'm fine. It's just an idle wondering. We all have our duty to do." Cailan turned back to the mirror and tugged at his finery uncomfortably. "Some of it more pleasant than others, however." He added.

Teagan frowned at him. "You and your family have many responsibilities, Cailan. I know it's not easy, but having a clear line of succession is important. People have fought wars over less."

"Well, we'll do our duty and produce as many little Theirin's as we can. " Cailan heaved a sigh.

"Yes, well…try to make sure you do. And make sure they're born on the right side of the marriage bed." Teagan added.

Cailan turned on him. "What do you mean by that?" he snapped. His eyes narrowing suspiciously.

"I mean…" and Teagan stood placing his hands on his nephew's shoulders looking him squarely in the eyes. "…that Anora doesn't deserve to hear any rumours about bastards, Cailan. Once you're married, you need to be more discreet. It's not fair on the child either. You can understand that, can't you?"

"You speak of Alistair, I presume? Father told me you took him to the Templars."

"I did. And I've never seen a child look more alone and betrayed. Make sure you're a better man than your father in these matters." Teagan wasn't often so serious, Cailan, knew, and he looked away from the sincerity in his uncle's eyes, feeling a guilt that wasn't his. The Prince nodded once, silently, and turned back to the mirror.

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Author's note:

This is finally it and I can lay this story to rest now! Another big thank you for all my lovely comments. I'd like to know what you think of this one, and if it sits ok with the rest of the story. xxx